'Seth. By now you've met with my attorney, Damien Sandow, who has explained the contents of my Last Will and Testament. He's an excellent attorney with an honorable reputation. His only flaw is that he thinks he's smarter than anyone else. Keep that flaw in mind when receiving any advice from him. By now, you should have learned to think for yourself. Make sure you do so even with my attorney.

I suppose you're wondering about the amount of my estate. As you know, I was a frugal man as was my father. Neither of us allowed our hearts to rule our heads when it came to business and finance. Unfortunately, your father (my nephew) was the opposite. Although a brilliant attorney himself, he allowed himself to believe in the foolishness that took him to Los Angeles to work as a public defender. Worse, he dragged your mother, whose only fault was that she made poor choices at times, and then allowed you to be raised in such an unhealthy environment. All it got them was a couple of mentions in the newspaper as the latest victims of senseless violence.'

Seth Rollins gripped the pieces of paper in his hand so tightly that he tore a hole in them. He'd always known his great uncle had never approved that his nephew worked basically for free and that his clients weren't 'respectable' as John Rollins defined it.

Seth took a deep breath to settle down and stared out the window of his hotel room. Although mid-afternoon, clouds had begun to obscure the sun leaving some of the neighboring buildings half in shadows. He glanced again at the words he'd read, now confused by what was written and how John Rollins had opened part of his bookstore to the neighborhood kids to give them a place to study and improve their chances in life.

'Fortunately, you chose a career in education. While not well paying, it's a respectable choice and a worthy one. Stupid people rarely succeed. When they do, it's most likely because other were even more stupid or they're being used by smart people who prefer to stay in the shadows. When you see a stupid person succeed, look to find the smart person in the shadows. It could very well be a woman. My father gave me that piece of advice, and I pass it on to you. Don't forget it.

The stocks and bonds are yours. Mr. Sandow has a financial adviser on his staff. I've been more than satisfied with the advice I've been given. But do your own homework so you don't lose everything. The bank accounts, except those established for the businesses are yours as well. Don't go hog wild and spend foolishly. Take care of that money, and it will take care of you. Even if you are an established author.

Yes, I know about the books you've written even though you only told me about your first mystery novel. Mr. Colby Lopez, the mystery writer. I'm also familiar with Mr. Tyler Black who wrote the spy thriller. I've no idea why you didn't continue with those books. I'm also familiar with Mr. R. S. Gixx whose current efforts are those fantasy books although I've not read them. I have no interest in wizards, dragons, and the like. I suppose I didn't gush enough over your efforts as Colby Lopez for you to tell me about your other literary works. But it wasn't hard for me to find out although I appreciate your decision not to write under your legal name.'

"Good Grief." Seth began to laugh. The main reason he'd kept his most of his writing efforts from his great-uncle was that he didn't want to hear the inevitable critiques and criticisms. He'd known exactly what John Rollins would have said about the fantasy novels. He was surprised the old man hadn't harped more on them in his letter.

'As to the bookstore, the café, and the study hall – I bequeath them to you. If you intend to stay and run those businesses, it would continue the family tradition. Your grandfather and I opened that bookstore many years ago. It would be nice to keep it in the family. However, if you wish not to be involved in those businesses, my Will states you are to give first refusal to buy to Roman Reigns. I assure you he won't refuse and will make you more than a good offer. You might remember Roman. You and he were in high school together, and Roman studied in the bookstore a bit. Roman's father, Sika Reigns, and I had some business dealings together. I found him to be an honest man as long as it was in his interest to be an honest man. From what I've seen, Roman learned well from his father but appears to have developed a few more ethics.

So, the choice is in your hands. You can stay and run the businesses or sell them to Roman Reigns. I suppose you could keep the businesses and hire someone to run them. That would be stupid and leave yourself open to being swindled. I certainly hope you're not that stupid. Your letters throughout the years have come from different places so I assume you have no fixed address. Perhaps it's time you settled down. You're not getting any younger.

You have a place here. You always did.

I'm proud of you. I love you.

John Rollins'

Seth threw the papers away from him and threw himself onto his bed.

'I love you.'

"Dammit, Uncle John!" Seth yelled. "Why couldn't you say that to me when you were alive?" He wiped his hand over his face. "Why couldn't I say that to you?" he whispered.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Penthouse Suites at the Diamond Star Hotel covered the entire 14th and 15th floors. The staff knew that only the Owner, Antonio Cesaro, could make reservations for those Suites. Even the manager, John Layfield, was prohibited from reserving them without Cesaro's approval. Cesaro would also handle the housekeeping for the Suites. Layfield had worked with the real owner of the Hotel on other projects and knew better than to ask questions.

The real owner was Hunter Helmsley who now, in fact, was ensconced in the Penthouse Suite on the 15th floor with his entourage. He'd come from New York to personally oversee the grand openings of the Hotel and the adjoining Davenport Diamond Casino even if it was from a comfortable distance. And to check on other matters.

"It looks like the Hotel's opening went off perfectly," Hunter smiled as he sipped from his glass of champagne. "Congratulations, Mr. Layfield."

"Thank you, sir." Layfield also took a drink of champagne and kept a straight face. He would've preferred a cold beer; but when the boss gives you champagne, you drink champagne. "Have you had a chance to look at the proposal for expansion?"

"I have," Hunter nodded, sitting his glass on the nearby end table. "Just opening and planning an expansion? That's rather ambitious, isn't it?"

"Perhaps," Layfield admitted. "However, property values are going to go up pretty quickly in this neighborhood. I think we should take advantage before anyone else does. Mr. Cesaro agrees."

"So do I." Hunter knew the only other person who might be interested would be Roman Reigns. Once it was known he was involved in both the hotel and casino, Reigns would get involved. In fact, he'd be surprised if Roman didn't already know. Sika Reigns hadn't raised a stupid son.

"Keep the Star as the hotel of choice for the high rollers or those who fancy themselves to be high rollers. Build a hotel close by for tourists and conferences attendees who might enjoy a little casual gambling." Hunter nodded in approval. "I like the idea of limousine shuttles for the high rollers and traditional vans for the others." He stood and held out his hand to Layfield.

The other man set down his glass and shook Hunter's hand. "Thank you, sir."

"I'll have Mizanin look into the properties," Hunter decided. "I'll take your proposal back to New York and run the numbers. Not that you haven't done a thorough job of that," he chuckled. "But just to make everything legal with the Board of Directors."

Both men knew the Board of Directors would do whatever Hunter told them to do.

"You should have an answer within two weeks," Hunter promised. "Again, congratulations." He walked Layfield to the door and opened it. He saw Antonio getting off the elevator. "Mr. Cesaro, I was just congratulating Mr. Layfield on the opening of the hotel and his proposal for expansion."

Antonio smiled at both men. "I thought the proposal had great merit." He exchanged a friendly nod with Layfield then joined Hunter in the Suite.

"How are things coming with the Grand Opening of the casino?" Hunter asked as he poured Cesaro a glass of champagne.

"Everything is ready for this Saturday." Cesaro nodded his thanks as he took the glass. When Hunter waved him towards a chair, he sat down. Sipping the champagne, he nodded in approval. "All the necessary paperwork has been approved and filed. All inspections have been completed and approved. All background checks completed, supplies delivered, and inventory control accomplished. We have our first three concerts confirmed for the Regent Room. Tickets will go on sale in two weeks. Security did their final checks yesterday, and we'll have a full run through tomorrow including the restaurant and snack bars."

"Excellent," Hunter nodded. "I have high expectations for this casino."

"You won't be disappointed," Cesaro assured him.

"Anything you need to run past me? Anything you need?" Hunter asked.

"Not at this time," Cesaro answered. "Oh, I saw Mizanin downstairs. He seemed a little put out that security allowed me to come up ahead of him."

Hunter smiled. "I'll deal with Mizanin." He stood and Cesaro also stood. He finished the champagne and walked with Hunter to the door. "Tell him to come up."

Hunter took the opportunity to finish his champagne and put the bottles and glasses away. He'd offer Mizanin a drink if he brought good news with him. If not, he could get a drink at the bar downstairs and pay for it himself. When there was a knock on the door, Hunter saw a man appear from the adjoining room.

"Enter." When Mizanin entered, he smiled. "Come in, Mr. Mizanan." He saw the other man disappear back into the adjoining room, Mizanin never having seen him. "Sit down. I'm interested in hearing your progress."

"Progress is good," Miz assured him with a smile. He settled into the chair and leaned forward. "I made contact with Seth Rollins after the funeral. I explained that John Rollins and I had come to an agreement to purchase the property but that he'd unfortunately died before we got the lawyers involved. I told him I understood everything had to be probated, and he agreed to call me once that was done."

"Sounds favorable," Hunter acknowledged. "How long will that take?"

"Depends on the Will and how much work the executor has to do with inventorying and evaluating the assets," Miz explained. "However, I have a contact in Damien Sandow's office. Sandow is John Rollins attorney and drew up the Will. Sandow is the executor of the estate and a great deal of that work has already been done. That would cut the time in Probate to between four and six weeks. However, I also have a contact in the Probate Court who will expedite the process to two to three weeks."

Hunter grinned. "Very good, Mr. Mizanin. That's very good news."

"I'll have that bookstore bought and paid for within the month," Miz predicted.

Hunter's face grew angry. "Bookstore!" he exploded. "What the hell do I want with a damned bookstore? I never said that! I gave you the address for that café!"

"But…you said the business and the bookstore's the only working busin…"

"Are you so stupid that you didn't even check the address you were given?" Hunter roared.

Miz gulped. "My apologies, Mr. Helmsley. I'll correct that mistake immediately."

"You'd better," Hunter seethed. "Now get out!" He glared as Miz hurriedly left the Suite. "Of all the stupid boneheaded mistakes…" He glanced up as he was joined by the man in the adjoining room. "Keep an eye on him. I want to know if he screws up again."

Randy Orton solemnly nodded.