Antonio Cesaro unconsciously tugged at the sleeves of his tuxedo jacket even though his tuxedo was impeccably designed and fit him perfectly. The unconscious motion wasn't lost on the man at this side.

"Relax. Everything's under control."

Cesaro glanced at his head of security. While Sheamus presented the picture of the gregarious laughing Irishman to the world, he knew Sheamus had a ruthless streak in him that he loved to indulge. He silently nodded as the front doors opened and a stream of well-dressed people began to enter.

The Davenport Diamond Casino was open for business.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Roman rolled his eyes at the wolf whistle from Samoa Joe.

"Lookin' good, boss," Joe laughed.

Moxley leaned against the kitchen island and smirked in agreement.

"This is a black tie event," Roman reminded them. "I doubt I'd get through the front door wearing jeans and a t-shirt."

"It's a casino. You're a big shot who can drop a bundle at the tables. They'd let you in even if you were wearing a speedo," Joe pointed out.

Moxley burst out laughing as Roman slightly flushed.

"Wow, Roman in a speedo. I could get used to seeing that."

All three men looked up as Naomi walked into the kitchen, dressed in a bright yellow evening gown that hugged her curves.

"Hey, enough of that!" Jimmy Uso was right behind his wife and glared at Roman.

"I'm not the bad guy here," Roman protested. "Everybody ready?"

Naomi nodded. "I saw Aleister and Jericho heading to the garage. We're riding with Jey and Cia."

Roman nodded. "Jericho & Aleister are with me." He motioned Naomi and Jimmy towards the back door. "Not sure when we'll be back," he said over his shoulder to Mox and Joe. "No wild parties."

Mox mournfully shook his head. "Guess I better cancel the strippers and that keg."

Roman laughed as he shut the door behind him. His brother's sense of humor was coming back.

Joe chuckled as he got to his feet. "I'll be in the library."

Mox watched as Joe walked down the hallway then glanced around the kitchen. He knew Roman could've gotten him a tailored tuxedo in time to accompany the others to the casino. But it was going to be crowded there. He didn't want to be around crowds. But he didn't want to be…here either. He wanted to be outside…going somewhere…doing anything.

Before he realized it, he'd followed Joe into the library. "Know where to get a good hot dog?" he abruptly asked.

Joe turned from the bookcase, then smiled. As he replaced a thick book on the bookshelf, he nodded. "Actually, I do."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mox stared at Joe for a few second. "Lin Sane's Sports Center?" He winced as a crowd of teenagers ran past them towards the mini-golf course.

Joe grinned. "Best hot dogs in town. Jimmy and Jey would disagree, but what do they know?" He led the way inside. "They opened up about four years ago. Couple of mini-golf courses. Batting cages. Skee-ball. Video games. And some old fashioned pinball games. Pizza & wings are decent. But the hot dogs? Primo." Joe kissed his fingers in appreciation.

Mox shook his head, wincing at the noise from the various games. Then he saw a short elderly woman approach Joe with outstretched arms.

"Lin, you look younger every time I see you," Joe greeted the woman with a gentle hug.

"Bah…you should have your eyes tested," the woman laughed.

"Lin Sane, owner of this fine establishment, this is my friend, Jon Moxley," Joe introduced.

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Sane. Joe tells me this is the best place to get a good hot dog." Jon shook the older woman's hand.

"Tell him how you make them," Joe encouraged with a grin.

"Steam weiners. Steam buns. Thick meat sauce. Mustard."

Mox grinned. "There's no other way to make 'em. I'll take two." He glanced at the menu board. "And a root beer."

"I'll take two as well with a Sprite," Joe nodded. "Oh, I don't suppose you've added cole slaw to the menu? For my hot dogs?"

Lin Sane was probably 4'10" standing straight and tall. But, to Mox, it looked like she shot up to a good six foot tall when she glared at Joe. "You put cole slaw on my hot dogs, and I put you over my knee." She made the words 'cole slaw' sound like 'dog shit'.

Mox managed to keep from laughing at the mental image formed in his head by her words.

Joe put a hand over his heart. "One day, I will bring you my homemade cole slaw, and you'll weep at how good it tastes."

"Agh…go sit outside where it's quieter." She patted Joe's arm as she walked away.

"You sure it's smart to tick off the woman who's fixing your food?" Mox chuckled as he followed Joe outside to some picnic tables.

"I'll convince her yet," Joe snickered. He led the way to a picnic table where they had a clear view of the entrance to the Sports Center. They waited in comfortable silence until Lin brought their food.

Mox immediately stood and took the tray from her and set it on the table between himself and Joe.

"I…would like to speak with you," the small woman asked in a formal tone of voice.

Joe stood and helped her sit at the table. He glanced at Mox who quietly began distributing the food and drinks before sitting back down.

"A man came in today. Just after we opened," Lin explained. "He said my husband had agreed to sell him our business. I know this is a lie."

Mox and Joe exchanged a silent look.

"He insisted it was true, but he could not contact my husband." Lin looked at Mox. "He…has not been well."

Mox nodded and took a bite of his hot dog.

"He said I must sign it because my husband agreed." Lin took a deep breath then stared into Joe's eyes. "Then he asked if I was an American."

"Did this man have a name?" Joe quietly asked.

Lin reached into her apron pocked and gave him a business card.

Joe looked at it then glanced at Mox. "Mike Mizanin." He saw Mox's blue eyes narrow, then put the card into his pocket. "He tries to do this to a lot of people. He's not an honest man."

"He lied about my husband!" Lin angrily muttered. "And I am an American! I passed the citizenship test. I have papers! My son was born here. He…"

Joe patted her arm when she choked off her words. "If he returns, call me. I'll come right over and speak with him myself," he promised as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a card. "This is the name of the attorney I know. He's helped Mox here as well." He grinned at Mox. "I grabbed a couple cards while waiting for you this morning."

"This attorney…I don't know him." Lin stared at the card.

Mox held out his hand, reaching for the business card. "May I?" When she handed it to him, he took a business card out of his pocket along with a pen. He flipped Lin's card over and wrote something on the back. Then he handed her card back to her.

"When you call, ask for Alexa Bliss," he explained. "That's her direct number. But if she can't answer, it'll probably be answered by voice mail or the receptionist. Tell them you're a friend of mine, and I referred you to her. She'll help you."

"Either Ms. Bliss or Mr. Regal will help you," Joe promised.

Jon started to put the card and pen back into his jacket pocket, when Lin grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Thank you. Thank you."

Mox nodded and glanced away.

"If Mizanin comes back, call me," Joe reminded her. "I may, however, be able to have a conversation very soon with him about this matter." He stood as she got to her feet. "Have you told Kairi about this?"

"No, I didn't want to worry her," Lin explained.

"I understand. But you should tell her. In case, this man contacts her," Joe advised.

Lin hesitated then nodded. "I will speak with her tonight."

Joe reached for his wallet, but Lin stopped him. "You do not pay. You and your friends are my guests."

Joe took her hand and kissed it.

"Mrs. Sane?" Mox waited until the woman turned to him. "Thank you." He slowly grinned. "This is a great hot dog."

Lin laughed and walked away.

"Remind me to put money in the tip jar on the way out," Joe said as he sat back down.

Mox nodded and continued eating. "What's the story on Mrs. Sane?"

Joe sighed. "About a year after opening this place, her husband started developing dementia. Subtle at first. Everybody put it down to forgetfulness and age. He's maybe a dozen years older than Lin." He ate quietly for a few minutes. "He's in a facility now. Roman's on the board and facilitated getting him in. From what I understand, his memory span runs about five minutes long." He glanced back at the Sports Center. "She goes every morning to see him."

"Damn." Mox drank half the bottle of root beer. "No other family?"

"One son. Joined the army and got killed in Afghanistan. Sniper fire." Joe rolled the bottle of Sprite between his hands. "His marriage was on the rocks before he got shipped out. When he died, his wife took their daughter and moved away. They barely saw her. She turned 18 about the time they opened this place. Came back and lived with them. Works here part-time and goes to college part-time. Majoring in business and finance."

"So why is Miz interested in this place?" Mox mused.

Joe shrugged. "Why is he interested in Rollins' bookstore? I'll let Roman know about this."

"Let me know when you plan on having that conversation with Miz," Mox said as he bit into his second hot dog.

"Sure you want to get involved?" Joe casually asked.

Mox silently nodded. "Miz was a pain in my ass back in high school."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Roman Reigns, meet Antonio Cesaro…Owner and manager of the Diamond Casino. Mr. Cesaro, Roman is one of our most successful business developers." Mayor Paul Heyman beamed as he provided the introductions.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Cesaro genially shook Roman's hand.

"And you," Roman replied with a smiled. "Congratulations on the grand opening." He looked around. "Looks like it's a big success."

"And quite a weight off my shoulders," Cesaro chuckled. "No matter how many times you go over plans and checklists, a little voice in the back of your head tells you that you've forgotten something important."

Roman nodded with a smile. "Well, congratulations again."

Cesaro nodded and turned to be introduced to someone else.

Roman sipped the champagne in his glass and started to walk away.

"Roman? Roman Reigns?"

Roman controlled the expression on his face and turned around. He started at the tall blue-eyed woman who'd walked up behind him. Then he smiled as though in sudden recognition. "Stephanie? Stephanie McMahon!"

'It's Stephanie Helmsley now, but yes!" Stephanie wrapped her arms around Roman who returned a one-armed hug. "How have you been?"

"Good. Good," Roman nodded. "I didn't realize you were living here."

"Actually, I spend most of my time in New York," Stephanie admitted. "But we know Antonio, so…" She turned and beckoned to someone.

Roman turned his head and saw a tall muscular man approaching.

"Roman, this is my husband, Hunter Helmsley. Hunter, this is an old schoolmate of mine. Roman Reigns," Stephanie introduced.

'Schoolmate? Really…'

"Nice to meet you," Hunter grinned. "Stephanie doesn't talk much about her school days."

Roman shrugged. "As I recall, we were all pretty anxious to be done with school and just do something."

Hunter nodded. "I remember that. Took me a couple of years to figure out I needed to go back to school. Stephanie here, went right into college."

"So did Roman," Stephanie smiled, linking an arm through Roman's. "Football scholarship, right?"

Roman nodded, casually moving a slight distance from Stephanie.

Across the room, Naomi nudged her sister-in-law. "You see that?" she hissed.

Cia followed Naomi gaze then frowned. "What the hell does she think she's doing? Who is that witch, anyway?"

Naomi set her glass down on the bar. Unlike Cia, she was involved in the briefings about the Authority. "Stephanie Helmsley." She saw Stephanie try to slide closer to Roman. "Oh hell no."

Cia sighed and followed. Sometimes Naomi didn't understand the meaning of the word 'subtle'. So she got ahead of her sister-in-law and squeezed in between Roman and Stephanie, wrapping her arms around his. "Roomann," she mock whined.

Naomi grinned and slid her arms around his other arm. "You've been neglecting us."

"Ladies, I do apologize," Roman seductively smiled at both of them. Then he glanced at Stephanie and Hunter. "Perhaps we can catch up on old times later."

Hunter grinned and nodded. "Don't let us keep you."

Roman turned with both women on an arm and walked towards the bar. "Now, ladies. How can I make this up to you?"

Hunter watched him walk away then chuckled at his wife. "Apparently they didn't like how you were hanging onto Roman."

Stephanie's blue eyes narrowed. "They were both wearing wedding rings."

"Well, unless Roman's gone in for polygamy, then they work for him or are married to some of his men," Roman mused. "Either way, they're keeping a close eye on him."

Stephanie coldly smiled. "That can't last forever."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"What the hell was that all about?" Naomi hissed.

Roman shrugged and motioned for the bartender. "Three glasses of champagne, please." He set his half empty glass on the bar. When the bartender had returned from their drinks, he led the two women to a quieter place near the roulette table. "I guess Helmsley doesn't have a problem using his wife to get close to me."

"Yeah, she looked real uneasy about that," Cia snorted.

"Trying to get some nostalgia going for your high school days?" Naomi shrewdly asked.

Roman nodded, seeing Cia's confusion. "Stephanie's father and mine were…competitors. We knew of each other but didn't really run in the same circles."

Naomi eyed the woman standing with her husband, talking with Mayor Heyman. "I'd say she'd be happy to run in circles with you now."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After eating, Joe and Mox had hung around the Sports Center, challenging each other in the batting cages and playing pinball. As the left the Center, both men had put a twenty-dollar bill in the tip jar. All in all, it was one of the best nights Mox had enjoyed in a long time. There was no way Miz was going to get his grubby paws on this place.

Mox slid behind the wheel of the black SUV and started the engine. "I know it's kinda late, but you in a hurry to get back?"

Joe shook his head. "Someplace you wanna go?"

Mox shrugged. "Just…wanna drive around."

Joe clicked his seatbelt and settled back in his seat.

Mox clicked his seatbelt and began driving. Even though Joe's eyes were closed, Mox realized he was watching his surrounding from the slit in his eyes. He wondered if Joe realized they drove past the now-abandoned apartment building that had been Mox's childhood home. The elementary school where none of the teachers had ever reported the bruises on his arms and legs. The convenience store where he'd shoplifted small cans of food to keep from starving.

He silently drove in a large loop that found them passing an abandoned building. As they waited for the red stoplight to turn green, Mox studied the building. It was here that he'd worked for Ben Dawson, learning a woodworking trade. Making hand-crafted furniture. Solid. Durable. But with a uniqueness that came from being created by hand. Dawson had used some machinery to cut large pieces of wood into smaller ones. But everything after that was done by hand.

'But you've got a ton of cash sitting in the bank. With more to come. You can do whatever you want.'

When the light turned green, Mox slowly drove away. Two blocks later, at another red stoplight, he glanced to his left and saw three men standing in front of a darkened business. Rollins' Bookstore. "Joe."

Joe's eyes immediately opened wide, and he followed Mox's gaze. "Mizanin," he growled. He glanced at the dark windows of the apartments above the bookstore. "Doesn't look like anybody's there." They saw Miz enter the bookstore, and the other two men lounge against the side of the Mercedes parked against the curb.

The light turned green and Mox drove through the intersection. He opened the driver's door and slid out. "Drive around and get behind them. I'll give you ten seconds then I'll head towards them."

Joe nodded, and got out to go around the SUV. He got in and quietly closed the driver's door. He quickly drove to the alleyway and turned left.

Mox silently counted to ten, then pulled his jacket collar up around his neck. Shoulders slumped forward, he turned the corner. He lowered his head and walked towards the two men. He saw the SUV turn the far corner and start towards them. He carefully paced his steps until Joe got to the car and stopped.

Startled, the two men turned to face the SUV. "Samoa Joe!" one man muttered.

Mox slammed into the long-haired man who'd identified Joe. The man fell face-first into the side of the car. As he slid to his knees, Mox pummeled his kidneys with short powerful jabs.

Joe grabbed the other man and threw him down onto the sidewalk. The short-haired man held his hands up in a silent plea, but Joe planted his boot into the man's ribcage. He reached down and pulled the man's automatic pistol from his shoulder holster. He looked over to see Mox removing a pistol from his victim's back holster.

"Well, well, well…Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel," Joe gloated. "Just the men I want to see."

Axel spit blood onto the sidewalk. "What the hell? We haven't done anything to you."

"Oh, but your boss has. Hassled a friend of mine." Joe reached down and yanked Axel to his feet. "A very good friend of mine. I take that personally."

"It wasn't us!" Dallas protested in a high pitched voice.

"You're with Mizanin everywhere he goes," Joe grunted. "Maybe even with that pretty wife of his. So you take the fall as well."

Mox reached in and grabbed the keys from the ignition. Then he kicked Dallas in the kidneys again…just because the man's voice irritated him. "Put 'em in the trunk."

Joe caught the keys and unlocked the truck.

"What are you gonna do with us?" Dallas squealed as Mox hauled him to his feet.

Joe laughed. "You'll find out." He slammed Axel's gun across the back of Axel's head. Catching the unconscious man, he opened the trunk and heaved him inside.

"No…" Dallas turned, trying to escape only to run into a left hook from Mox that knocked him unconscious.

Mox threw Dallas in on top of Axel, and Joe slammed the trunk lid shut.

"Drive it around to the alley behind the bookstore," Mox said. "I'll send Miz out to you then drive the SUV around to pick you up."

Joe nodded. He got into the SUV and parked it at the curb. As he got out, he left the keys in the ignition. Getting behind the wheel of Miz's Mercedes, he adjusted the seat and grinned to himself. Mox was pretty handy to have around.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Seth looked up when he heard someone walking around the bookstore. He'd been sitting in his great-uncle's office studying the various construction plans and schedules in preparation for a meeting with Damien Sandow and the contractors next week.

He cautiously got up and walked to the half-open office door.

"Hello, Seth."

Seth jumped in shock as someone stepped out of the shadows. "Miz," he breathed. Swallowing, he caught his breath. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

Miz smiled. "I guess you forgot to lock the door."

"No, it was locked," Seth shook his head.

"As to why I'm here…" Miz reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out several folded sheets of paper. "We have business to conclude."

"Miz, I told you. Everything has to go through Probate," Seth protested.

"True. But since your great-uncle and I had an agreement, you can sign the papers so the sale can be completed immediately upon completion of the Probate," Miz explained. "I've made some changes, though. I want the deli as well. I've adjusted your compensation accordingly."

"Miz, I can't sell to you," Seth protested.

Miz sighed. "Seth, don't make me call in my…associates. I'd much rather do this in a civilized fashion."

"My great-uncle's will said that if I don't want the businesses, I have to give first refusal to Roman Reigns," Seth quickly explained.

Miz' blue eyes grew cold. "You're lying."

"No, I'm not lying!" Seth shouted.

Miz stared at Seth for a few moments, then shrugged. "He was an old man. In poor health. It affected his judgement."

"There was nothing wrong with his judgement," Seth snarled. "He threw you out of here."

Miz sighed. "Somebody's been telling tales," he said in a sing-song tone of voice. "I guess I'll have to call my associates in to help you understand what you're going to do."

"I don't think they'll be coming."

Seth's dark eyes widened as another man appeared from the shadows.

Miz spun around then gasped in surprised shock. "Moxley," he hissed.

"Hello, Miz. Fancy running into you." Moxley coldly smiled and took another step forward.

Miz stumbled backwards, nearly knocking Seth over.

Seth quickly ducked into the doorway of the bookstore office and watched in silence as Moxley kept backing Miz up.

"Surprised? Pretty sure everybody's heard that I'm out. Guess nobody told you I was sticking around." Moxley's voice was mocking as Miz's back touched the back door. Moxley reached out and jerked the papers out of Miz's hand. He ripped them in half then ripped them in half again before throwing them over his shoulder. "Don't come back here, Miz. EVER." He reached out and grabbed Miz by the lapels of his jacket and slammed him into the corner. "Outside." He held Miz against the wall with one hand and unlocked the back door with the other.

"I'm parked out front," Miz whimpered.

"No, you're not."

Seth stepped into the hallway in time to see the back door get shoved open and Miz thrown into the alley.

Moxley glanced over his shoulder at Seth in silent warning not to come any closer.

Miz stumbled against the side of his Mercedes so hard his knees buckled. He thought he was going to fall to the pavement, but someone grabbed him.

"Hello, Miz."

Miz looked up into the eyes of Samoa Joe.

"Let's talk." Joe whirled around and threw Miz across the alley. Then he picked Miz up and slammed him against the brick wall of the bookstore. "You and your boys hassled a good friend of mine. Lin Sane. She owns Sane Sports Center. Remember her?"

"Not rea…"

Joe used his strength to slam Miz against the wall again. "Don't lie to me!" he roared. "Remember her?"

"YES!" Miz yelled.

"Good, now you need to remember this. Mrs. Sane, her business, her family, her friends are all under the protection of the Bloodline and under my specific protection. Come anywhere near any of them, and I'll pay you a visit. Your last visit." He lowered his voice to a hiss and put his mouth close to Miz' ears. "And if that happens, I'll be very very angry, Miz. You know what happens when I get very very angry, don't you?"

Miz quickly nodded.

"Good." Joe stepped back. "Leave."

"Where are Axel and Dallas?" Miz asked as he sidled past Joe to his Mercedes.

"In the trunk."

Miz' eyes flickered to the trunk as he edged around the car to the driver's door. "Alive?" he squeaked.

"Open the trunk and find out," Joe advised.

Miz quickly got into the car and drove away.

Joe glanced at Moxley and motioned towards the other end of the alley with his head.

Moxley silently nodded and closed the back door. After relocking it, he turned and walked back down the hallway. As he stepped over the pieces of paper that he'd torn, he quietly said, "Burn those papers."

Seth glanced at the papers then hesitantly followed Moxley back down the hallway.

"Oh, and get better locks. And a good alarm system," Moxley advised. "Miz may not come back but there could be others."

"I don't know what's going on," Seth quietly admitted.

Mox stopped at the front door. "Your great uncle had bullet-proof shatterproof windows put into these buildings for a reason." He opened the door but stopped when Seth spoke again.

"Moxley?"

Moxley half-turned his head and rolled his shoulders. "It'd be best if you forgot that name."

"I think I remember you. From high school."

Moxley turned to look up and down the street. "Probably best if you forgot that, too." He closed the door behind him, briefly smiling when he heard the locks being engaged. He got into the SUV and drove away to pick up Joe.

Seconds later, Joe slid into the passenger seat of the SUV. As he clicked his seatbelt, he smiled. "That was fun."

Mox briefly grinned. "What about their guns?"

Joe patted his jacket pocket. "In my pocket so drive carefully so we don't get stopped. I'll put them in a bleach bath when we get back." He looked out the side window. "Roman's decided all the family members are to get out of town for a while. They're flying to Florida tomorrow out of O'Hare. One of the guys will stop on the way back at an auto junkyard. Weapons will be dismantled and buried in the junkyard. Nobody will ever find them."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Somewhat in shock, Seth picked up the torn pieces of paper lying on the hallway floor. "Burn papers. Better locks. Good alarm system."

He kept repeating those words wondering just what the hell his great-uncle had gotten him into.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Stephanie cheered again as she won another hand of 21.

Hunter leaned down and kissed her cheek. Then he felt his cellphone buzz. He stepped away and pulled it from his pocket. He absently frowned to see a message from Randy Orton.

'Need to meet tomorrow. Miz screwed up.'