A few weeks later. . .

Dixie sat at her desk in the TNA Entertainment offices. Before her were two stacks of papers. Thankfully the larger of the two was work that had already been completed.

Sitting across from her, also looking over his own paperwork, was Hulk. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, letting out a yawn.

"I think my eyes are going." he stated as he leaned back in his chair and blinked several times, "All the words are blurring together."

"Price you pay for running a company." Dixie grinned over at him. She read the last of her sheet and nodded, "This is a really good idea. Sponsoring a NASCAR car could bring in a lot more viewers. Good job."

She signed it and handed it back to him, watching as Hogan slipped the paper into the folder beside him.

"It makes sense." he told her, straightening his own paperwork, "NASCAR fans and wrestling fans usually go hand-in-hand. Plus it did wonders for us back during the WCW days."

Dixie sat her pen down and flexed her fingers. Her eyes may have been holding up but her hand had a serious case of writer's cramp.

"I think the rest of this looks good." Hulk stated as he scanned his papers one more time before sticking them into his folder, "I'll let the crew know about the changes to this week's show as soon as I can."

"Sounds great." Dixie told him with a smile, meaning it.

The past few weeks had shown her what a big help Hulk was. His ideas for boosting the ratings were well thought out and creative. And he had even given her a heads up on some possible new talent. He really was a good replacement for Sting.

Sting. . .At the thought of the other man Dixie found herself frowning slightly. While Hogan had become invaluable to her, she still missed Sting. He brought a liveliness, an energy, to the company that was unmatched. His passion for the business was contagious. He always made work. . .well, not seem like work. It was always fun and exciting.

Plus she really missed getting the chance to talk to him regularly. Whether it was about the ins and outs of the business or just kicking back and sharing horror stories about the latest stunts their children had pulled. She found it was so easy just to talk to him. Their conversations were always so in-depth and could last for literally hours.

Dixie blinked, coming out of her thoughts as she realized Hulk was staring at her.

"I'm sorry." she smiled sheepishly as she had been caught not paying attention, "Could you repeat that?"

Hulk leaned forward, his expression serious, "I just wanted to thank you again. And, again, apologize for what I did to you. Not many people would give me a second chance here at Impact. But you did. And I'm grateful for it."

"To be honest you should be thanking Sting." Dixie admitted, "I had my reservations at first. It was really him that got me to throw caution to the wind, if you will, and ask you to come back."

"I do." Hogan nodded, "The Stinger wouldn't give up on me. He sacrificed himself to finally get me to see reason. And I'm grateful to him for it."

Dixie smiled softly at that, "That's just the kind of man he is."

She grew thoughtful, inquiring, "I've always wondered why he's never gone to the WWE. It's admittedly a larger company. And I'm sure he would be making a lot more there than here. Truth be told, it makes sense business wise."

"He has been interested." Hogan told her, "You don't work in this business and not at least consider going up north."

"So why didn't he?" Dixie wanted to know.

"When it all comes down to it," Hulk informed her, "Sting is all about loyalty. That's very important to him. And he's very loyal to this company. And you."

Dixie didn't know why, but she found herself unable to keep from smiling at Hogan's words. She had to admit, they did make her feel better. Even safe, for some strange reason.

She shook the thoughts away, getting back to the business at hand, "All right. Now onto the road dates for the last week of May. . ."

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Sting breathed in and out deeply. He felt his muscles strain, but he kept his focus steady as he finished the last of his reps. He slid the barbell back into place easily and slowly rose to a sitting position. Leaning over he grabbed a bottle of water from off the floor and took a long, healthy drink of it.

It felt good. Being back in Texas, working out. All of it. It felt really good.

The best part was that he had gotten to spend some much desired quality time with his kids. That was the most important part for him. He had missed them terribly and getting to catch up with them had been a blessing to him.

He had even gotten to met his ex-wife's new boyfriend. It had been awkward, of course, but he genuinely liked Murphy. Besides the kids liked him and he made his ex-wife happy so that was all that mattered.

He may have thought differently a few years ago, but he had finally moved on from his divorce. He and his ex were in a good place and, most of all, his kids were happy.

Sting finished gulping down his water and recapped the bottle. He sat it back on the floor before once again laying down. Taking another deep breath he lifted the barbell and began another set of reps.

As he worked out his thoughts began to travel down a dark path.

To Roode and Dixie.

He felt his anger once again begin to fester deep in his gut as he pictured that spineless coward grab Dixie and drag her into the ring. He could still see the piece of garbage towering over the cowering woman in the corner of the ring. And when he thought of how Roode had dragged Dixie around by her hair. . .

Fueled by the rage he felt, Sting continued to raise and lower the bar in quick succession. His breathing grew harsh and his muscles began to burn but he continued, his fury blocking everything out and feeding his actions.

He was leery about being away from the Impact Zone for so long, but he knew Hogan had everything well in hand. He only hoped that Dixie stayed away for her own safety. At least for a little while. Or until he could get back.

And Roode, too, if he knew what was good for him.

Sting finished the last of his reps and dropped the barbell back onto the stand. It was only then that he realized his muscles were shaking ever so slightly from the effort. He let out a sigh and let his arms drop. Closing his eyes he took a few cleansing breathes and allowed his rage to subside. It was only when he felt calmer did he finally open his eyes and sit up.

He leaned over and grabbed his bottle. But when he went to take a drink he realized that there was only about a swallow of water left.

Sting let out a grunt as he surged to his feet and walked over to the mini fridge standing in the corner of the room. Kneeling down he opened the door and removed another bottle. He walked over to were his towel was laying and wiped himself off as he took a long swig from the bottle.

He placed both bottle and towel on a nearby bench and started to head for the dumbbells when his cell phone rang out from across the room.

"Hello?" he asked as he answered it.

"Sting?" Dixie's cheerful voice filled his ear, instantly bringing a grin to his lips.

"Dixie." Sting greeted her, both surprised and happy, "Hey, it's great to hear from you."

"You, too." Dixie told him and he could almost hear the smile in her voice.

Sting took a seat on a bench and rubbed the back of his neck, immediately concerned, "Are you all right? Is everything going okay?"

"No, I'm fine." she assured him, "I just wanted to check in on you. See how you're doing. So how are you doing? Are you taking it easy?"

Sting looked around his exercise room and felt himself hedge. He cleared his throat and replied casually, "Yeah. Yeah, I'm taking it easy."

Dixie's laughter filtered out from the phone as she teased, "So are you in the middle of a heavy workout or did you just finish up?"

Sting laughed as well, knowing that he had been caught, "I'm in the middle of it. But it's nothing too strenuous. And I'm taking a break right now."

"Well I'm glad to hear that." Dixie still sounded pleasant, but he could hear the hint of concern in her voice, "I just don't want you to push yourself too hard."

"I won't." Sting promised her, "So how are things going there?"

"Quite well, surprisingly. Hulk has been such a help to me. He's come up with so many great ideas."

Sting grinned into the phone, "I told you he would. Look, I know it's going to take some time but you can trust him."

"Well I trust you and that's good enough for me."

Sting paused, a little lost for words. The truth was, he was really touched by that. And more than a little confused by why he felt so affected. It wasn't the first time she had told him she trusted him. So why, now, did those words seem to mean so much to him?

"The wrestlers really miss you." Dixie went on, seemingly unnoticing his lack of a response.

She laughed, "Well maybe not all of the wrestlers."

Sting chuckled, "Aw, does that mean the heels aren't heading up my welcome back party?"

"Definitely not." Dixie stated with a giggle.

"Darn," Sting joked, feinting sadness, "That breaks my heart."

"Oh I'm sure you're broken up over it." Dixie agreed, getting into the act.

"So what's been happening at the asylum?" Sting asked.

"Well," Dixie thought a moment before continuing, "AJ's been asked to be the spokesman a motorcycle apparel company. He's done a couple of commercials for them and is even featured on their website. In return he's been wearing their gloves on air, while he wrestles. I think it's going to be good for both them and us.

"Eric Young and ODB are getting ready for their upcoming wedding. And get this." Dixie added with wonder, "They want to get married in a steel cage."

"A steel cage?" Sting repeated with a laugh, "I'd ask if you were joking but knowing those two I believe you."

"It's unusual." Dixie agreed, "But they're happy and in love. And completely certifiable. So I just told them to go ahead if that's what they wanted."

"Good call." Sting told her.

"Oh and today they're filming James Storm's music video." Dixie added, "Serge and the crew headed to Leaper's Fort early this morning to set up the shoot."

"Yeah?" Sting was interested in that, "That's great. I can't wait to see the video when it's done. I just wish I could be there to watch them."

"James would have liked that." Dixie told him, before laughing, "I think Serge is more excited about it than James, to be honest."

"Well, it is his song."

"I know." Dixie went on and Sting could hear the delight in her voice, "And I am so proud of him. He's doing wonders with the music department. There is even talk of more wrestlers' themes being turned into music videos. It's amazing."

"Yeah, well Serge is a talented guy." Sting murmured almost absently.

He couldn't help but think back on his last appearance at Impact. How he saw Serge and Madison Rayne. How cozy and almost. . .too friendly the pair had looked together.

But he kept those thoughts to himself. For all he knew Serge and Madison really were just friends.

"So how are the kids?" he instead asked her.

"Tamara is. . .well, Tamara." Dixie sighed, "You know teenagers. I just wish this difficult phase of hers would hurry up and pass."

"It will." Sting assured her, "Give it time."

"Thanks." Dixie brightened a little as she added, "Davy keeps pestering me about when you're returning. He really misses you."

"He's a great kid." Sting told her.

"Well the feeling is mutual." Dixie chuckled, "You're his hero. He said, and I quote, 'When's Sting going to come back and kick Bobby Roode's butt?'"

"Tell him as soon as I can." his voice darkened a little as he added, "He can count on me kicking Roode's butt."

He heard her pause and he knew she had to be uncomfortable. But he couldn't help the anger he felt, would continue to feel, until he finally got his revenge on Roode.

"So how are your kids doing?" Dixie asked at last, trying to bring the conversation back to a pleasant level.

"They're doing good." she knew just what to say to bring his mood back up, "Me and the boys spent a few nights out camping. We went hiking, fishing. It was great."

"And Gracie?"

"Gracie has discovered her love of shopping." Sting groaned, but only did so halfheartedly, "She's also discovered that she can get her dear, old, guilt ridden dad to buy her whatever her little heart desires so long as she bats her pretty little eyes up at him."

"Uh oh." Dixie giggled, "You're in trouble now."

"Tell me about it." Sting chuckled, "But it's worth it."

"Yeah." Dixie agreed, adding hesitantly, "And how is Sue?"

"Sue is good." Sting answered, "I met her new boyfriend. Murphy."

"How did that go?"

"Good." Sting assured her, "He's a good guy. And the kids like him so that's all that matters to me."

"Good." there was a short pause, followed by, "How is the concussion?"

He heard the worry in her voice and he couldn't help but smile at her concern.

"Fine. The doctors have cleared me to train, so that's a step in the right direction."

"I'm glad you're feeling better." Dixie put in for emphasis, "But please try to take it easy. I know you won't, but could you at least pretend to."

"I promise."

There was a small pause, but it wasn't one of awkwardness. It was funny, but they could always have a lull in conversation and it was never uncomfortable.

"How are you doing?" he questioned.

"I'm fine." her heard her answer, but he couldn't help but hear the slight twinge of something indescribable in her voice.

"You sure?" he asked her gently and heard Dixie laugh in response.

"Do I sound that unsure?" she tried to joke, but he knew she was half serious.

"You don't. I was just wondering, is all."

"I'm all right." Dixie said with some confidence, "I'm a fighter, remember."

"I know you are." Sting rose to his feet and began to pace the room. He felt tension bubbling up within him and he couldn't keep it out of his words as he all but demanded, "Has Roode shown his sorry face around there?"

"He hasn't." Dixie was quick to tell him, "He is set to make an appearance at the Impact Zone this Thursday, though."

"I think it would be best if you didn't go." Sting advised, "Just to be on the safe side."

"I think it'll be okay." Dixie declared.

"You don't know that for certain." Sting interjected, "Look, I just don't want anything to happen to you, okay."

"I'm touched by your concern," he could hear her irritation as she pressed, "But I'm not going to let anyone bully me and keep me out of my own darned building."

"Dixie, I get it. I do." he sighed, his own annoyance coming to the forefront, "But you need to put your pride aside and think for a moment."

"This isn't about pride." Dixie argued.

"Isn't it?" Sting's voice started to rise, as did his temper, "Are you going to tell me you're going to the Impact Zone, knowing that Bobby Roode is going to be there, is just about you overseeing the show and has nothing to do with trying to show everyone you're not scared?"

Silence answered him and he knew she knew she had been found out.

"I can't let anyone think I'm afraid." she said quietly, but with conviction.

"There's nothing wrong with being afraid." he told her, also softly, "You would be stupid not to be after what he did to you."

"You're not afraid." she accused.

"I can handle myself." as soon as the words were out of his mouth he instantly regretted them.

"And I can't?" Sting could practically feel the chill through the phone.

"Come on, Dixie, you know what I mean."

"Yeah. Sure." Dixie muttered, "You don't think I can take care of myself."

"That's not what I said." Sting ground out, his grip on his cell phone tightening, "But if we're going to be completely honest then no. I don't think you can handle yourself. Not against Roode."

"I have protection."

"Oh yeah." Sting chuckled darkly, "You mean those two bodyguards that shadow you? Do you really think they'll stop Roode?"

Another pause, then, "My mind is made up. This isn't open for a debate. I'm going to be there Thursday night."

Sting took the phone away from his ear and glared at it. For a moment he actually considered throwing it across the room.

Fighting to control his temper, he brought it back and growled, "You need to get a few things into that stubborn head of yours."

"Like what?" Dixie challenged.

"Like the fact that Roode isn't going to let a little thing like a couple of bodyguards get in his way if he wants to get his hands on you again." Sting replied harshly, "So get over your wounded pride, do the smart thing, and stay home. Let Hulk handle Roode."

"And what does that say about me?" Dixie disputed, "What does that say about me to the wrestlers? They're going to think their boss is a pushover. That she'll give up as soon as things get a little rough."

"You know they won't think that."

"I'm sorry but I can't take that chance. I'm going to be there Thursday night."

"At least wait until I'm healed up so I can be there to look out for you." Sting tried to persuade her.

"Like I said, I have things under control." Dixie muttered, "You don't need to feel like you have to babysit me."

"I'm not-" he had to lower the phone and mentally count to ten. Sometimes that woman was too stubborn for her own good. . .

"This matter is closed." he could hear Dixie call out, "I should let you get back to your workout. Goodbye."

Sting hung up his cell phone, raking his hand through his hair. He wanted to throw something. Honest to goodness throw something. Or kick something. Or someone.

He understood her need to stand her ground. He hated to admit it, but it was one of the things he respected most about her. But sometimes that pride of hers got her into trouble and he feared this would be one of those times. Bobby Roode was not going to back down.

Just the idea of Roode putting his hands on her again was enough to set Sting's blood boiling. Eyes narrowed and lips pursed, he returned to the weight bench and took a seat. He breathed heavily as he once again lifted the bar and began to raise and lower it with short, quick motions.

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Dixie all but slammed the phone down on the receiver. The nerve of that man, thinking she needed a babysitter. She rose to her feet and angrily began to pace her office. She could take care of herself, thank-you-very-much. And she certainly didn't need the Icon or the Insane Icon or whoever he was that week to play big bad protector to her.

It wasn't as though she were going to go in there unprepared. She had security. Roode would be crazy to try anything. And he was a lot of things, but crazy definitely wasn't one of them. Nor was he stupid. He had to know he was walking a very fine line. There was no way he would try something again without fear of repercussion.

Dixie wandered over to her window and looked out over the courtyard. Absently her hand went to the necklace around her neck and she began to fiddle with it.

Mainly she was mad that he didn't believe she could take care of herself. Did he have such little confidence in her?

She bit her lip, closed her eyes and sighed softly. Of course the real question was, was there any reason for him to think that she could take care for herself? Almost from the beginning he had been the one to step up and help get her out of trouble. With Bischoff and Hulk. With Bobby Roode.

Ugh, maybe he's right, she thought with a shake of her head, Why shouldn't he feel like he has to protect me? He's been doing it for the better part of the last year.

Well those days were over, she decided with a definite shake of her head.

It wasn't that she was ungrateful for what he had done for her. In fact she appreciated it more than she could ever tell him. But it was time she started to take back control of her own life. It was time she once again started to take care of herself.

She was Dixie Carter, after all. She was the woman who had jumped into the male dominated world of professional wrestling with both feet, even after everyone had told her it was foolish for her to do so. Why, a woman can't run a wrestling organization! Preposterous!

And, sure, she had been scared. But she had done it. She had faced whatever had come her way head on.

Her eyes opened and this time they were full of determination. Moment of self-doubt over. It was time she once again found her backbone and started doing what she thought needed to be done.

Dixie returned to her desk and she was about to sit down when she caught sight of her itinerary. Serge and James were working on James' music video. If she hurried she could catch the last half of filming.

There was nothing on her desk that couldn't wait till later. And besides, it would be fun to see the real ins and outs of a music video shoot. Plus she really wanted to congratulate her husband and James on their success in person.

Decision made, she grabbed her car keys and left the office.

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She found herself in Leaper's Fort a few hours later. As she maneuvered through the outskirts of the town it wasn't long until she spotted the bar where they were filming the video.

Dixie pulled in behind a few work trucks and climbed out of her BMW. As she made her way into the bar she passed a few of the crew, men and women who also worked on Impact. They greeted her warmly, Dixie nodding and waving as she made her way inside.

Her eyes began to adjust as she entered the darkened room. She could see extras milling about, mingling with the crew as they set up the next shot.

She spotted James in the middle of the room, sitting on a table and laughing with a few guys.

Dixie felt a smile come to her lips as she made her way over to him.

"Does the lines for autographs start here?" she joked as she approached the wrestler.

James looked over at her and grinned, instantly climbing off the table, "You're a long way from Nashville, boss."

The pair shared a hug before Dixie pulled back and looked around in wonder, "This looks amazing! Congratulations, James."

"Not bad for small town, redneck boy from Tennessee, huh?' James joked as he adjusted his ball cap.

Dixie turned back to him and beamed, "This is going to lead to big things for you. I just know it."

"Yeah, well, getting to hang around with Montgomery Gentry ain't a bad way to spend the day." James grinned at her, "Sure beats a beer bottle to the head, that's for damned sure."

Dixie's smile faded, "You'll get your revenge for that, though."

"You got that right." James nodded and raised his beer bottle to her.

"So do you know where Serge is?" Dixie questioned as she scanned the room.

"He's around here somewhere." James assured her, also searching the room, "Last I saw he was on the other side of the room, talking to the director."

Dixie turned around, hoping to spot her husband.

Instead she found Madison Rayne.

Her eyes widened first with disbelief before narrowing with growing irritation. She couldn't believe it. What was she doing there?

A sneer found it's way to her lips as she watched the other woman sashay around Montgomery Gentry in her incredibly short jean skirt and all too revealing midriff top. The way she was flirting with the men, it was pretty obvious what Madison was doing.

"Why is she here?" Dixie found herself asking nobody in particular.

James heard the chill in her voice and followed her gaze. He instantly grew uncomfortable. Uh oh.

Before he could say anything, though, Dixie began to march across the room.

The wrestler cringed, dreading what was to come. The second Madison had shown up that afternoon he had told Serge it was a bad idea. But Serge had just said that it would be great publicly for both the company and the Knockouts. James had told him, dead serious, that that was all it had better be. Serge was a good friend of his, but he liked Dixie, as well. And he also considered her a friend. He had made it clear that if Serge was going to do any catting around with Madison, then he better make damned sure he wasn't tied to another woman first.

Serge had told him very adamantly that there was absolutely nothing going on between him and Madison.

Now James wasn't a naïve guy. He knew what could happen in this business. But he also didn't believe on going off of gossip. Only what he saw with his own eyes. And his eyes hadn't seen much coming from them except for some talking and a little flirty. Make that a lot of flirting, but it was mainly coming from Madison's end.

Still, he knew the second he saw her that there would be trouble. And it looked like trouble had come in the form of a very angry, redheaded spitfire he called "Boss".

He grabbed his beer off of the table and took a long swig of it. Half of him was worried, but another, more ornery half, was curious to see the show.

Dixie started to make a beeline for Madison but when she was halfway across the room she spotted Serge. She promptly turned on her heels and went for him instead.

Serge finished talking with a cameraman and looked up, spotting Dixie. A smile instantly came to his lips and before she could speak he reached out and gave her a hug.

"Hey, Dix." he greeted her warmly, "What a nice surprise."

Dixie blinked, completely caught off guard by his affectionate welcome.

She slowly pulled back, trying to collect her thoughts. How could she bridge this without coming off like the jealous wife?

At that moment Madison's annoying giggle erupted over the bar, causing all of those around her to look over. Dixie and Serge included.

It looked like the perfect opening had presented itself.

Dixie noticed Serge cringe, whether from the sound or the fact that she knew Madison was there, she didn't know which.

"I have to admit," Dixie began diplomatically, "I'm kind of surprised to see Madison here."

Serge glanced back at the Knockout for a second before turning back to his wife. Was it Dixie's imagination or did he look just a little bit. . .caught.

"Yeah, well. . ." Serge shrugged and grinned boyishly, "I thought this would be a good way to generate more publicity for the Knockouts."

"Why didn't you mention it before?" Dixie questioned as she regarded him closely.

"I don't know." Serge was starting to look a little annoyed, "I just came up with it this morning while I was driving down here. Why?"

"I was just wondering." Dixie told him, her own irritation starting to show, "Though I wish you would have talked to me about it first before agreeing to let her be in the video."

"I didn't realize I had to clear my ideas for my video shoot through you." Serge muttered, sarcasm dripping from his words.

"And I didn't realize it was your video shoot." Dixie snipped, matching him sarcasm for sarcasm, "Here I thought the video was for James Storm."

Serge turned away from a second and let out a sigh, raking his hands through his hair. When he turned back to her Dixie could see that he was trying to calm himself down.

After a few moments he went on with a shrug, "I don't see what the problem is. What does it matter if she's in the video or not?"

"Well it is James' video." Dixie replied discreetly, "If he has no problem with her being in it, than neither do I. But I really think this video should focus solely on him."

Serge started to speak, whether to agree or argue, Dixie didn't know which. But he didn't get the chance to say anything because Madison used that opportunity to come flaunting up to them.

"Dixie!" the Knockout squealed in such a high pitched tone that the redhead had to keep from wincing and holding her ears, "How great to see you! Isn't this amazing!"

"Yes, yes it is." Dixie agreed, trying to sound polite but not quite sure if she pulled it off.

And not exactly caring if she didn't.

"Madison," Serge interjected, reaching out to touch the Knockout's arm. He seemed to think better of it and quickly let go as he went on, "Madison, Dixie and I were talking and she doesn't think it's a good idea for you to be in the video. So I'm sorry, but you have to go."

"But whyyyyyy?" Madison began to whine, "Serge, you said I was going to be the co-star! What about all of my close-ups?"

Dixie grit her teeth to keep from yelling. She had to mentally count to ten before she felt comfortable speaking.

"Madison," she called out over the other woman's moaning, "I understand your disappointment. And I apologize for that. But the truth is this video is for James Storm. To help promote him. The focus really should be on him."

Madison looked over at her with a child-like pout. It reminded Dixie of the faces Davy used to make when he tried to get his way. Of course he had stopped doing that by the time he had turned five. Obviously Madison had never learned to stop.

"I'm sorry you had to come all this way and waste your day." Dixie went on before the other woman began to whine again, "And you will, of course, be compensated for your time. Thank you for coming out to support James and I'll see you Thursday at the show."

Madison opened her mouth but thought better of it and quickly closed it. She sent Serge a look that Dixie couldn't quite read before turning on her heels and storming off.

"You handled that well." Serge replied evenly.

Dixie glared at him, "Well there wouldn't have been anything to handle if you hadn't invited her to be in the video in the first place."

"You know. . ." Serge's voice trailed off and he turned away from a moment.

When he turned back to her he muttered, "I've got to get back to the video. Thanks for coming down, Dix."

And with that he walked away.

Dixie watched after him with a frown, equal parts hurt and anger welling up inside her. She couldn't believe he had asked Madison Rayne of all people to be in the video.

She wanted to believe he had truly done it to promote the Knockouts, but if that were the case then why was she the only Knockout there?

Dixie made her way out of the bar and came to a stop beside her car. She tried to unlock the door, but her hands were shaking so badly that she couldn't get the key into the lock. Angrily she turned around and leaned back against the door, crossing her arms.

She could still picture all the times she had caught her husband and Madison together. All the smiles and laughter. All the little touches.

Were they just friends or was there something more going on between them? She hated to admit it, but she wasn't sure anymore.

What she was sure about was that her coming down to surprise him was the worst idea she had ever had.