February 11th, 2012
Santa Monica, California
"Left. Right. Left. Right. Right kick. Back elbow. Good shit man. Take five."
Seth takes a breather from training as Cole takes off his gloves. It was mid day and they needed to kill time before heading to Prime Time later.
"So you guys are really trying to capture a drug kingpin?"
"Well I don't know if I'll be going after him personally, but yeah, that's the plan right now."
"Can you imagine the buzz your name would have if you caught him?"
"Pfft. As if my job would let us take any credit for that. We just get the job done and keep our mouths shut."
Shelly and Charlotte come inside the house with grocery bags.
"Hey boys. What you up to?"
"Nothing much. You guys bring anything good?" Asked Seth.
"Just some food and wine. I'm cooking dinner for when you guys get back."
"You're not coming with us to Prime Time?"
"Do you see my face? I'm not going to a nightclub looking like this. Plus I got a cracked cheekbone. I can't afford to get in another fight right now."
"So I'm going in solo?"
"You'll have Cole watching your back. Plus you proved to me last night that you have great skill. Any major problems, I'm a phone call away. I trust you to get this done."
Even with Charlotte's endorsement, Seth was a little uneasy. Cole saunters over, peeking in the bags.
"Can you cook?"
"Can I cook? I took three years learning under an Italian chef while taking care of a baby. I can turn Spaghettios into a miracle."
"Ooo, we got a badass over here."
"So I sent the description on the guy that called Tico to headquarters. Apparently its his uncle. Freddy Martin is his name. He'll be there tonight. Also this party is gonna have DJ Miz performing."
"Who is DJ Miz?" Asked Charlotte.
Everyone looks at her with shocked faces.
"Who is DJ Miz!" They say in unison.
Charlotte throws up her hands, clearly not knowing who he was.
"Adam, tell this woman about DJ Miz."
"He's only the hottest EDM DJ in the west coast. Setting parties on fire with his signature blend of 80's pop into modern music. Dude has collabed with some of the hottest in music today. Did you hear his track that he dropped with Bayley last month?"
"I'm 37 years old. Fuck I look like listening to Bayley?"
"Anyway, its held the number one spot on the music charts since it dropped and it has no signs of falling anytime soon."
"Sounds like fun for you guys. I'll be here enjoying my Dolly Parton."
Seth mocks a vomit noise upon someone mentioning country music. The boys get ready in some nice dress clothes. As they hit the door, Shelly decides to hang back with Charlotte at the last minute.
"What! You're gonna miss DJ Miz?" Said Cole.
They all look over at Charlotte who was on the back patio. Lighting the grill, unable to hear them.
"Well, I don't want to leave Charlotte alone. I'm sure I can see DJ Miz another time."
"Alright babe, we'll be back soon. Give me some love."
Shelly gives Cole a kiss while Seth snickers behind them. It was always hilarious to see Shelly tower over his buddy. Seth thanks her for hanging back as the boys head out. Shelly joins Charlotte on the patio.
"What you still doing here?"
"Eh, a little tired. Not in the mood for much partying right now."
"What about DJ Miz?"
"He'll come around another day. Plus I've been enjoying our girls time."
"Cool. Well pour us some wine and I'll get this food going."
Over at Prime Time, Cole and Seth walk inside. An easy task thanks to Shelly's connections. The party is going strong with cotton candy colored lights above. A crowded dance floor with DJ Miz on stage in the middle of everything. Cole goes his own way while Seth goes searching for Tico. While squeezing through the crowd, he's passed by a waitress with two huge bottles of champagne on a platter. He keeps eyes on her as she heads up some stairs and into an office. Seems like where Tico would be. He goes back for Cole, who's chatting at the bar with a couple of women.
"Yo bro, I think I know where Tico is. I'll be right back."
"Hey ladies, this is my boy I was telling you about. SETH FREAKIN ROLLINS!"
"Dude, what are you doing?"
"These hot chicks are looking to party and you are the number one guy for it."
"I'm here for work man."
Cole puts his arm around Seth's shoulders and leans in.
"You wanna draw out Tico, we gotta bring him to us. You need to bring out the savage. We need Seth FREAKIN ROLLINS!"
He understood where Cole was coming from, but he was trying to be professional for the sake of his job and Charlotte's approval. However, this seemed like a decent way to get to Tico. Seth smiles before rolling up his sleeves.
"Let's party!"
The bartender serves up some whiskey shots. Seth and his group knock down two rounds back to back. After ordering two sparkler bottles, he and Cole hop on the bar. They pop the bottles and toast before downing both in one go as everyone cheers them on. They high and low five as Cole points to the sky.
"ADAM COLE BAY BAY!"
"ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!" Chants the crowd.
The bartender hands Cole two more shots, one in each hand. Seth takes a stance and gets the crowd ready. Cole downs both shots and crouches down.
"1...2...3...ADAM COLE BAY BAY!" Yells everyone.
DJ Miz get on the mic, admiring the two guys going wild.
"Whoa, we got some beasts in the building. Why don't you boys come on up and introduce yourselves."
Seth and Cole hop on stage. Tico and Freddy look on from the office window.
"Wassup. My name's Seth Rollins. I'm a badass martial artist and I love California!"
"How about you my friend?"
"I'm Adam Cole, Bay Bay. I'm a Cali native and love it here every day. And I can't believe I'm on stage with DJ Miz! YEAAHHH! Can we get a photo?"
"Sure."
All three crowd together as Cole snaps the picture.
"Aw man, Shelly's gonna love this."
"Can I request a song?" Asked Seth.
DJ Miz sets up the next track and everyone clears the floor. Seth unbuttons his shirt and jumps off stage. 'I Fink U Freeky' starts playing as Seth starts tapping his feet. Once the beat drops, Seth drops to hit b-boy moves. Stunning everyone with his flips and handstands. Seth comes off of his third handstand into a 180 back flip. Posing as everyone crowds around him while the music blares. Seth and Cole cool down at a table afterwards, when they're approached by Freddy. Seth was drunk, but not enough to let his guard down.
"You guys really know how to party. Nice moves out there too buddy."
"Thanks man."
"My nephew runs this joint. Maybe you've heard of him. Hot Pepper ring any bells?"
"Yeah, I follow that dude on Instagram." Cole replied.
"Well he wants to invite you up to his private suite. Come on."
They follow Freddy to the suite where Seth got his first good look at Tico. A shorter guy with a small red mohawk. Dressed up in a silk purple suit. He was flanked by personal security, armed with guns. The suite was decked out with his entourage hanging around. A couple of them doing lines of Goldust.
"Aye, the party boys! Nice of you to join me."
"Who's your tailor, the Joker?" Said Cole.
"The Joker wishes he had a suit this nice. Take a seat gentlemen."
They take seats on a leather couch. Seth sitting next to beautiful Hispanic woman.
"So you boys are from Cali?" Asked Tico, sipping his drink.
"I am. Seth is from one of those hick states. Isn't it like Alabama or some shit? Seth?"
Seth was zoned out. Partly due to the liquor, but more due to the current situation. He got where he wanted, but what was the plan now. Cole snaps his fingers in his friends face, bringing him back to reality.
"Uh, I'm from Nebraska."
A knock hits the door. One security guard opens it to find a couple in waiting. He lets them in, closing the door behind him. Freddy comes over with a small baggie of Goldust. He sells it to the couple and they're escorted back out.
"Would you boys like a taste?" Asked Tico.
"Nah I'm good." Said Cole.
"Same here." Added Seth.
"Suit yourselves."
Tico does a small line as the Hispanic woman starts rubbing Seth's leg. He turned towards her, admiring her white low cut dress.
"How you doing baby? I'm Daisy."
"Couldn't think of a nicer flower. I'm sure you already know my name."
"I do. Can I get to know a bit more about you, away from everyone else?"
Seth gives a smooth nod. Daisy takes his hand to lead him to the private bathroom.
"Have fun buddy." Said Tico.
Daisy backs down Seth and he falls into a seated position on the toilet. Daisy hikes up her dress and takes a seat on his lap. They start kissing as Seth's Netwatch goes off. Charlotte. Daisy keeps kissing his neck as he takes the call.
"How's everything going over there?"
"Good, uh, good."
"Don't mean to distract you. Just letting you know the food was done. Me and Shelly might go out for a bit. Tell Adam to answer his phone too. Be careful."
"Thanks. Catch ya later."
He hangs up, letting out a small sigh. He softly pushes off Daisy and fixes his clothes.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No its just, I got priorities. Maybe another time."
Seth exits the bathroom, coming back into an empty suite.
*crack*
Seth takes a blow to the back of his head. He hits the ground, noticing Cole knocked out across the floor. Daisy walks out and Tico tells her to get lost. She scurries away while Seth struggles to his knees. Tico crouches next to him, holding Seth's badge.
"How nice of you to drop this on my couch, Mr. WWE Officer."
Freddy comes over with another blow with from a bat, knocking Seth out.
"Take them out through the back, no need to disrupt the festivities."
Freddy helps security drag Seth and Cole down the back stairs. They're loaded into a car trunk. Freddy takes a couple guards with him as they drive off.
After what feels like an eternity, Seth starts to regain consciousness. The back of his head was tremendously sore and his vision was still a little blurry. He shakes his arms to find himself hanging from the ceiling by a zip tie, linked to a chain. He struggles for a bit to get free, but to no avail. His Netwatch was also gone. A damp smell coming from the floor showed they were in some kind of basement.
"Seth you up?"
Seth's hears Cole's voice. Spinning around to find Cole hanging a few feet across in a similar position. Cole was bleeding from the mouth.
"Oh shit, Adam. What the fuck did they do to you?"
"They stuck glass in mouth and punched me a few times."
"Oh my god man. I'm so fucking sorry. I should never have taken you with."
"Look, they're gonna kill us both. Just know I don't blame you."
"Don't talk like that! I'm gonna get us out here. I promise."
Seth keeps kicking as Freddy walks down the steps with his backup.
"Finally awake. Now we can get started."
Freddy pulls out a large case from a metal cabinet in the corner. Opening it up away from Seth's view.
"Tell me Mr. Rollins. This company you work for, who makes these watches? They are very nice, but I don't know how to work it. What's the Wi-Fi password?"
Seth only snorted in response.
"Fine, don't answer. Perhaps a more, light hearted question. You like movies?"
Seth throws a kick which Freddy dodges. A guard comes over, burying a fist in Seth's gut. Seth vomits a little, spending the rest of his energy.
"I like movies." Freddy continued. "One of my favorite movies, is Scarface. Tony Montana. I love that guy. But he almost didn't make it to the end. He was almost carved up like a turkey in that bathroom. Until Manny came to his rescue. Unfortunately Mr. Rollins, you and your friend don't have that same luxury."
Freddy pulls out a small chainsaw. Seth's eyes grow wide as its started up. The gritty sound striking fear in his heart. Freddy looks between Cole and Seth. Cole nearly passed out at this point. Seeing Seth is more focused, he starts walking towards Cole.
"NO!NO! COME AT ME YOU SON OF A BITCH! COME GET ME!" Seth screams.
A guard grips up Seth by the neck, cutting him off. Freddy slaps Cole on the face a few times to wake him up. Now fully passed out. Freddy shrugs his shoulder and stares at Seth.
"So, you want a wing or a thigh?" Joked Freddy.
The basement door swings open. The guard lets go of Seth to aim his gun, but no one is there. He looks over at Freddy who gives a motion to check it out. The guard slowly makes his way up the steps. When he reaches the top, four shots send him tumbling back down the steps. A flashbang flies in, making Seth shut his eyes. It blows, blinding Freddy and the other guard. Charlotte, in full gear, comes sliding down the handrail, killing the other guard with an MP5 before sticking her landing.
Freddy blindly starts swinging around the chainsaw. Seth musters up enough energy to swing back and give a hard kick to Freddy's shoulder, causing him to drop it. Charlotte runs up, giving Freddy a jumping headbutt, knocking him out. She lifts up her mask to make sure everyone was down. She then shoots the chains holding up her friends as policemen make their way down.
Cole and Seth are sent to the hospital with Charlotte. They receive immediate medical attention, as Seth suffered a nasty gash on the back of his head. He gets a few staples before he's left to rest. Shelly could be heard bawling tears in the other room. Seth stares out the window as someone knocks on the door. He turns around to see Charlotte.
"Can I come in?"
He says nothing, just looking back out the window. Charlotte takes a seat next to him. Seth's expression didn't change. She folded her hands and looked out the window.
"When Adam didn't call, Shelly got worried. His phone was dead, then you didn't answer. So I called in to base to use the Netwatch tracker to find you."
"This was my first solo mission." He murmured.
Charlotte looks at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Every other job I was on, I had people watching my back. I had you watching my back. I had one simple task, and I fuck it up by dropping my badge. It almost cost my friend his life."
"I don't know what went wrong, I'm just glad that we made it in time. On the plus side, Tico's uncle gave him up. Sang like bird. So let just bask inn the silence of victory. "
The next morning, Cole and Seth are released. Everyone heads back home to pack their things. Seth telling Charlotte everything that happened last night, angering her, but only so much was his fault. Seth puts the last few bags in Cole's trunk. Shelly and Cole come outside with Charlotte behind them.
"Call me soon. Stop by sometime too. I can't wait to meet your son. Au revoir (goodbye)."
"Au revoir."
Charlotte hugs them both before they meet Seth on the curb.
"Sorry about last night. It won't happen again."
"Miff okay. I fud uf let you do yur job. At weast we had fum. Sum shet out ov a movie." Cole said through his mouth full of cotton.
"A movie we wont be watching again. Get in the car." Shelly commanded. "Later, Seth."
Seth put on a smile, still hurting on the inside. He hugs them too before they hop in their car and take off.
"So what now?" Asked Charlotte.
"Now I go back to headquarters and take a verbal ass beating from my boss. Also, any heat you happen to get, I'll take it. You don't deserve it."
"Honestly I shouldn't of let you go alone. But I'm ecstatic to see you take responsibility. What I AM responsible for is the shit load of paperwork waiting for me. And I miss my baby!"
"Real quick. Thanks again for saving my ass last night."
"You're welcome. A hundreds times over. You can stop now."
"I know, I know. I really thought that was it for us. What a fucked up way to go out."
"All you can do is learn. But if you want to pay me back for saving your life, hook me up with a cute friend. At least so my sister can leave me alone."
"I'll keep that in mind. You ready to bounce?"
"Yup, lets roll doofus."