Highflyer, Locket and Merlin raced each other as they carried their riders across an open green area of Hyde Park. The area was there for horses to have a place to run. Chris, Adam and Shane laughed and pulled their horses to a walk. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, two weeks before the wedding.
"You two cheated! Locket would have won. You both cut me off!" Adam tried to look angry but he was too happy.
Both Chris and Shane laughed. "Sorry, love. You get caught up in sibling rivalry. One day little brother, you might win, but I doubt it." Chris gave Shane a cheeky wink, but the look was full of love for his little brother.
Shane laughed. "One day, I will leave you in the dust. You are getting old. I am getting hungry, time for morning tea." Shane's tummy rumbled to prove his point.
"We'd better go back. Can't have poppa saying I am abusing you my not feeding you." Chris turned Highflyer toward home. Adam and Shane turned their mounts and followed.
When the three riders got back to the mews, Maxwell, and Riddle came out to take Locket, Merlin and Highflyer. Jason was no where to be seen.
"Jason is inside. I don't know what, but something has happened." Maxwell looked worried, a stranger had ridden into the mews with a message for Mark. Jason had taken the stranger in to the servant's hall.
"Thank you, Maxwell. Come on Chris, Shane, let's go find out." Adam was worried. What could have happened, especially on a Saturday?
Chris knew exactly what had happened, but let on like he knew nothing. He followed after Adam, who looked scared. Chris hoped it wouldn't fall back on him later.
"Ma! Ma! What happened?" Adam asked as they entered the servant's hall. Judy sat at the table and rubbed Paige's back. The young girl had tears on her cheeks.
Judy smiled. "Go up to the morning room. You will find out." She nodded toward the stairs.
When the three entered the morning room, Mark spoke to Vince and Eric. "...so, Orton will stay here while Rhodes goes back to Lady Mayfield's. It was at her request as Rhodes is better prepared. She will send Rhodes back as soon as Morrison returns in six to eight weeks. Lady Mayfield said she will make sure Orton is paid. She also wanted you to know, Orton is a fine man, hard worker and one of her best former orphans." Mark finished the story he and Randal Orton had previously worked out.
Eric spoke first. "The poor Morrison boy, goes on holiday and breaks his leg. I hope he will be alright. Well, we certainly will miss Rhodes, but Prudence needs him. I take it he took Orton up to show him where to stay?"
Mark nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. Orton will have just enough time to learn our ways before the wedding. Don't worry, everything will be in hand."
Adam let out a sigh. "Poor John, but I thought someone had died." He collapsed into one of the leather reading chairs.
Chris stood behind the chair and rested his hands on Adam's shoulders. "If Orton is one of Pru's, he will fit right in. I do feel bad for Morrison. I well remember a broken leg is not fun."
Vince frowned. "I don't like sudden changes like this. Calaway, do you trust this Orton fellow?"
Mark looked Duke Vincent McMahon directly in the eye. "Yes, Your Grace. I do trust him. I also trust Lady Mayfield."
"Absolutely, father. Pru would never send someone untrustworthy." Chris added to Mark's words.
Adam nodded. "I don't know this Orton person, but I do know Lady Prudence. With the wedding, mother and Mark are going to need all the help they can get." He looked from Vince to Eric.
"Adam is absolutely right. Besides, with all the chaos, he won't have time to do anything but work." Eric put a period on the discussion.
Before more could be said, Jason opened the morning room door. "Cody is here."
Eric smiled. "Bring him in, Reso."
Cody entered the morning room. "Your Grace's. I am sorry, but I must go. I was the Under Butler to Morrison. It would take Orton too long to learn the ways of the children. I have given Orton my room. He will be a very good replacement for me."
Eric smiled at Cody. "Not a replacement, Rhodes. A temporary fill in. You will be back with us in six to eight weeks. You are family, Cody. You go take care of those dear children and Lady Mayfield. We will see you at the wedding. Be a good boy."
"Thank you, Your Grace. I will miss all of you. I look forward to coming back. Thank you for your understanding. I'd better go. Orton seems to be a good man. I will be at the wedding." Cody gave a nod and a smile.
Adam stood and went to Cody. "You've been a fine replacement for me. I couldn't be prouder. Come back soon." He gave Cody a hug, then sat back down in the chair he'd vacated.
Vince looked at Cody. "Go, with our blessings. As Adam said, hurry home to us."
"Thank you, Your Grace. I will." Cody gave a deep bow and hurried out, before the tears fell.
Mark spoke. "I will go see Cody off. Then I will bring Orton in for a more formal introduction." He gave a nod and left to go downstairs.
When Mark got downstairs, he found Cody holding a crying Paige in the kitchen. He left them to their privacy and went into the other room. He sat at the table with Judy, Becky, Beth and Jason. Randal Orton was still unpacking in Cody's room.
"I will be back, Paige. I promise. I will be at the wedding. I can come see you on my days off. Adam will bring me a letter if you write. I promise, I will be back. You be brave for me. Be nice to Randy, this is not his fault." Cody spoke softly to the pretty scullery maid.
Paige sniffed. "I will be. I know they need you. Hurry back to us. I am making a new dress for the wedding. I will miss you. I will be nice to Randy, but my heart belongs to you." She held onto the lapels of Cody's suit coat. The tears no longer fell, but her eyes shone with sadness.
"As my heart belongs to you. I can't wait to see your new dress. You will be the most beautiful girl at the wedding. Now, I'd better go, Lady Prudence needs me. May I kiss you?" Cody spoke softly as he held Paige close.
"Yes, you may." Paige whispered with a flush to her cheeks.
Cody leaned in and gave Paige a soft kiss on the lips. When they broke apart, Paige went to the scullery, to wash the tea things. Cody picked up his carpet bag and went in to say goodbye to the others.
"We will miss you, Cody. Don't worry, we will look after Paige." Beth hugged Cody.
Becky too hugged him. "Hurry back to us."
Judy hugged him next. "You've become like a third son to me. We will be waiting for you. We love you. And before you ask, I will make sure Paige is alright." She kissed Cody's cheek.
"Come, Jason and I will walk you out." Mark spoke with a bit of gruff emotion in his voice.
Cody smiled. "Good ole Baldy, our best horse. Thank you, Maxwell." He took the reigns of the horse Randy had borrowed from the orphanage stable.
"I'll miss listening to the games with you. Adam would rather read. We look forward to you coming home to us." Jason gave Cody a brotherly hug.
Cody laughed. "I will miss it too. See you at the wedding." He smiled as Jason and Maxwell went into the stables. It was nearing time to milk the cow and feed the stock.
"Be good. Remember, you can do it. Call if you have a question. We will miss you, son. We will look after Paige." Mark gave Cody a firm pat on the shoulder. He tied Cody's bag to the saddle.
Cody mounted the bay gelding. The horse had a wide white blaze, hence the name Baldy. "Thank you, Mark. I will miss you. See you at the wedding." He gave Baldy a gently kick. At a swift trot, Cody headed toward the orphanage.
Mark gave a sigh and headed back inside. He hoped it worked. But so far, so good. Orton would have a furious first day, the Hart's were coming for dinner.
Stephanie, Roman and Seth had joined Vince, Eric, Chris, Adam and Shane in the morning room. Dean had taken Kenny for a walk in the park. They would be back in time for supper. Barrett was still up in his room.
Mark entered the morning room, Randal Orton with him. Randy was dressed in a black suit, just like a real Footman would wear.
"Your Graces, Lords and Lady, let me formally introduce you to Randal Orton. Mister Orton, Their Graces, Duke Vincent and Duke Eric McMahon. Lady Stephanie, Lords Roman and Seth. Lord Christopher and his fiance, Mister Adam Copeland, and Master Shane McMahon. Lord Dean will be here later with his fiance, Lord Kenny Hart." Mark indicated to each member of the family as he introduced them to Randy.
Randy gave a bow. He said nothing. Until he was directly spoken to, he knew to remain silent. Randy did smile, the family had accepted the planned story without question. He only wished Barrett was there. Randy supposed the man was upstairs in his room.
Eric McMahon looked at Randal. "Welcome to the family, Orton. I am sure you will fit right in. As you know, you will also Valet to Lords Roman and Seth. Roman, Seth anything you want to say?" He looked over at the couple. Eric wanted them to feel comfortable, after all his grandchildren were involved.
Seth, who sat in the other leather chair spoke. "Do you like children, Mister Orton?" He was friendly, but direct.
Randy smiled. "Very much, Your Lordship. I am uncle to many, so to speak. Mister Rhodes told me about Mistress Beatrice and Master Reginald. Mister Rhodes also explained that Mistress Beatrice is sensitive to stinging insects."
Seth smiled. "Yes, she is. I am sure you will fit right in. Welcome to you." He was satisfied. Seth was good at sensing people; Randal Orton was a good man.
"Yes, welcome to you. I am sorry to say, I can not tie a tie to save my soul." Roman laughed.
Adam laughed. "That is very true. I can show you how he likes it done. I can also answer any questions you might have if Mark is busy. Don't worry, I am sure you will fit right in."
Randy smiled at Adam. "I will do that. While I do know my general duties, it helps to know there is someone who can give me the finer details. May I offer my congratulations to you and Lord Christopher on your upcoming wedding. I will do whatever I can to be of help and service." Randy gave Adam a nod and a smile.
Shane cocked his head. "How do you know so much about us?" He was always wary of strangers.
Randal chuckled a bit. "Lady Mayfield told me quite a lot, and Cody spoke non-stop. He answered honestly.
Shane grinned. "I should have guessed. I meant no offense." He looked a bit sheepish and felt a bit foolish.
"I shall add my welcome, Mister Orton. If Calaway has confidence in you, so do I." Stephanie added.
"I do, Lady Stephanie. Now Orton, let's go downstairs. We have a dinner party to prepare for." Mark spoke with confidence to the family. He led Randy out of the morning room.
Mark opened the door that led down to the servants hall. Before they went down the stairs, Randy stopped Mark and spoke in a soft whisper. "I take it Barrett was in his room?" He arched his brow at Mark.
Mark nodded. "Yes, I believe I heard him in the bath. Sometimes he joins the family, sometimes not. He will be at the dinner tonight, to keep Master Shane company. You did very well in the morning room. I think this will work out. Come, time to meet my wife and the girls. Oh and if Paige, the scullery maid, acts a bit… standoffish… well, she and Cody are… courting a bit. She was very upset that he had to leave." He too whispered.
Randy nodded. "Understood about Paige and Barrett. Better not have me serve him just yet. I would like to observe him."
Mark nodded in agreement. "He usually sits on Beth's end of the table. I will make sure of it again this evening. Alright, lets go down."
Randy gave Mark a smile and followed the Butler down the stairs.
In the morning room, Adam, Chris and Shane played cards. Seth and Roman had gone up to their babies. Stephanie read a book and Dukes Vince and Eric had cigars and brandy on the balcony. It was a peaceful, late Saturday afternoon.
"So poppa, what did you think of Orton?" Chris asked as he waited for Shane to play a card.
Eric and Vince had come back inside and sat on the sofa. "He seems like a stoic young man. He won't be pushed around. I trust Prudence. But, I will miss Cody. He is such a cheerful soul." Eric spoke as he picked up the newspaper to read.
"I will miss Cody too, but Randy seems like a nice man, a bit serious perhaps. I also feel bad for Morrison." Adam played his next card.
Chris guffawed. "Yes, a broken leg is no fun. Roman and Dean had to help me with everything.
"That was when I was the pantry boy and not allowed upstairs. I remember Mark saying how miserable you were. I wished I could have helped keep you entertained, but I couldn't." Adam too recalled when Chris had broken his leg. The horse he had before Highflyer had to be destroyed because of a broken leg as well. It had been a very bad accident.
"Mark did a good job keeping me entertained. He did a magic trick with matches and a match box." Chris smiled at the memory as he played a card.
Adam laughed. "I know that trick. The matchstick bridge!" He waited for Shane to play.
Stephanie looked up from her book. "Adam, show me, please? I've never seen the trick. I love magic shows." She closed her book, sat up and arched her brow in hope.
Adam flushed a bit. "Alright. Chris, I need a box of matches, please." Adam knelt down on the floor. He would do the trick on the coffee table in front of the couch.
Chris retrieved a box of matches from Eric's desk. Both he and Shane also knelt down to watch. Stephanie, Eric and Vice sat up to watch as well.
Adam took four matches out of the box. He sat the match box on it's end. "Now, the bridge posts." He stuck a match at each end of the box.
Adam then balanced on match on top of the two. "That's the bridge. A boat is coming, so the bridge needs to be raised. Now watch."
The blond struck the fourth match to life on the side of his shoe. He lit the head of the match that made the bridge." As the match burned, it curled and raised up into the air. Adam blew out the last match.
"Well, that was it." Adam stood and brushed his knees. He jumped when the five others clapped loudly.
"That was amazing, Adam. To balance the matches must be the hard part." Stephanie spoke like a little girl in total awe.
"Can you teach me, Adam? I want to show Mister Barrett!" Shane spoke with amazement.
Adam chuckled. "I would be happy to, but your sister is right. Balancing the bridge on the posts is very hard. It took me a long time to be able to do it. Don't get frustrated. Come, let's go to the desk, it will be easier." He took the box of matches to the small desk he used. Shane followed.
Chris shook his head with a grin. He went to put the playing cards away. The game was forgotten in favor of the magic trick. He didn't mind, Chris was happy Shane and Adam got along so well.
The door to the morning room opened. Seth and Roman entered, along with Dean and Kenny.
"The babies asleep?" Eric asked as Seth sat down in a chair. Roman sat on the floor and rested his chin on Seth's leg.
Seth smiled. "Yes. Bea fell asleep while Nanny changed her, so precious. I still think back to that horrible day we could have lost her."
Roman caressed Seth's cheek. "But we didn't. We also got them through their first colds. I think we are good parents." He smiled at his handsome spouse. Seth worried too much at times.
Dean and Kenny greeted everyone, then joined Eric and Stephanie on the sofa. Vince had gone to watch Shane learn the magic trick.
The front door bell rang almost instantly. Mark was heard greeting the Hart's. The morning room door opened. "Their Graces Hart and Lady Natalya." Mark announced as the three entered. Chaos erupted as greetings, hugs and kisses were exchanged.
Mark returned a few minutes later. He had Randy with him. They served drinks. Adam watched Randy for a minute. He smiled, the man knew what he was doing and did it very well.
"Adam! Look!" Shane called out with excitement. He'd managed to balance the three matches.
"Well done. Now, try to light it without knocking it off balance." Adam gave Shane a wink.
Shane struck the fourth match into life. Just as he went to light the match, it fell off. "Oh…" Shane groaned. He thought he'd had it.
Adam gave Shane a pat on the shoulder. "You almost had it. You'll get it, just keep trying. I am going to Chris now."
Shane grinned. "I will. Go, I am fine." He had already started to try again.
Dean greeted Adam with a warm hug. "Chris was telling me about Rhodes and the new man. I see you've got Shane busy with a magic trick."
Adam smiled. "Yes, He will get it, eventually. Yes, I think you will like Orton. I watched him serve drinks. He knows what he is doing. Did you and Kenny have a nice walk?"
"Yes, we did, thank you. Getting excited about the wedding?" Kenny asked as he joined Dean.
Adam nodded. "Yes, I am. I have butterflies, which will turn into bats by next week. But one thing, when it comes time for your wedding in April, I will be an expert advisor. I've learned more about planning and arranging from poppa Eric than I thought possible. That man is a real wonder when he gets going. I thought Mark was good." Adam spoke with a bit of awe. Eric truly had things dealing with the wedding well in hand.
Kenny laughed. "you should see my poor poppa. Uncle Eric has to bail him out of messes all the time. It will be good to have you here to help. As I say, poppa is a fantastic man, he just has problems being organized." He gave Adam a wink.
Wade Barrett entered the morning room. He went over to where Shane sat at the desk. Shane explained what he was doing. Wade grinned and watched Shane try the trick.
Chris, Roman and Dean stood by the fireplace and talked. Adam, Seth and Kenny sat and talked about the wedding. Stephanie and Natalya talked about dressmaking. Vince, Eric, Bret and Shawn were out on the balcony.
Thirty minutes later, Mark entered the drawing room. "Supper is served, Your Graces."
"Thank you, Calaway. Alright my dears. Let's have supper." Eric spoke as the Master of the house.
Mark stood at the door and waited for everyone to leave for the dining room with nods as they passed. When Shane and Wade passed, Mark closed the door and followed the family to the dining room.
Eric had explained to Shawn about Rhodes and Orton. Shawn felt bad for Morrison, but knew Cody would do well for Lady Mayfield.
As promised, Mark had Becky serve on Barrett's side of the table. Mark also watched Randy as he served… the man was perfect.
Wade leaned over to Shane. "Who is that? Where is Rhodes?" It had taken him half the dinner to even notice Randy Orton.
As Shane explained, Beth served the salad course, to freshen their palates for the second half of the dinner.
Wade looked at Orton as Shane spoke. The new footman gracefully served his section of the table. He got a strange niggle up his spine as he watched Orton. Wade didn't know why. Maybe it was his natural wariness of strangers. Or, could Sasha have somehow planted Orton to spy on him. With the organization Sasha led… anything was possible. It made Wade even more determined to find out what McMahon was saying to the Germans. His life depended on it.
Orton could feel Barrett's eyes on him as Shane explained why he was there. Randy didn't let it bother him. He kept serving without a single mistake. A part of him was full of pride that he was good enough to serve in a Ducal household….especially since he wasn't even a "real" servant.
While the family ate, Mark, Beth and Randy stood behind the screen. Randy lowered and raised the dumbwaiter for Becky.
In a barely there whisper, Mark spoke. "You're doing a fine job, Mister Orton. I have no remaining doubts." He spoke honestly. He was truly impressed with Randy's skill as a footman.
Beth nodded in agreement. "You are doing a wonderful job, Randy."
Randy smiled. "Thank you, both of you. But please, do not hesitate to correct any mistakes. Every family is different in how they like things done."
Mark nodded. "I will, be assured of that. But you are fine for now. I should have told you, both the McMahon's and Hart's are progressive. Even when they host formal dinner parties, they aren't stuffy.
"Yes, Cody told me that. I think it's good. The times progress, so should the people. Especially those with titles and influence." Randy spoke his thoughts openly. He was also impressed that such a high ranking family accepted a marriage to a servant.
Mark chuckled. "You and I agree on many things. Now, let's clear and serve, my lovely wife's dessert." He nodded to the two layer cake, Beth had placed on the crystal cake plate.
An hour later, Mark and Randy served drinks in the crowded morning room. Three different card games were being played by the McMahon's and Hart's.
Vince, Bret, Eric and Shawn played Bridge. Stephanie, Natalya, Kenny and Dean played Hearts. Shane, Wade, Chris and Adam played Rummy. Roman and Seth had gone up to the nursery.
Randy freshened the glasses of whiskey. Only Chris and Wade drank at their table, and even then, Chris didn't drink much.
"More, your Lordship?" Randy asked Chris first.
Chris shook his head. "No thank you, Orton. One is my limit. Barrett, more for you?" Chris offered as the "host" of the card game.
Wade nodded. "Just half a shot, please." He spoke, but didn't look at Orton. He still had a feeling Orton was there, through Sasha Banks.
Randy poured the small amount of amber liquid into Barrett's glass. "Mister Copeland, Master Shane? Do either of you require anything?" Orton asked like a proper footman.
Before Adam could answer, Becky entered the room. She carried a silver tray with a small tea pot and two cups with a nod from Mark, she went to Adam's table.
"With compliments from your mother." Beth set the small tray down on Adam's left. She nodded with a smile and left.
Adam laughed. "Thank you, Beth. Thank ma, too." He poured two cups of fresh, hot chocolate. He kept one and gave the other to a very happy Shane.
"Oh, this is so good. I am glad to be back home. We never got treats like this at Eaton. Thank your mother for me… or better yet, I will go see her tomorrow." Shane took a long sip of the delicious hot cocoa.
Adam chuckled. "She would like that. Ma always loved it when you and she would make patty pans together." He too took a sip.
Chris gave a pout. "She didn't give me hot cocoa." He gave an over dramatic sigh.
Adam laughed again. "Here, you silly boy. Have some of mine. Why couldn't you have hot cocoa at Eaton?" He was curious.
Wade spoke up. "Because to make hot cocoa for that many boys, just before bed time is too difficult. Boarding school is very different to living at home." He drank his last drop of whiskey, and played a card.
Chris gave a dry laugh. "You are right about that, Barrett. Boarding school is supposed to toughen you up. Sort the chaff from the wheat so to speak. I hated it, but, I got through it. At least when I was at Eaton, we didn't have to worry about the professors trying to indoctrinate us into… other things." Chris turned serious and arched his brow at Wade.
Barrett looked at Chris "I agree with you. Again, I was just as duped as my students. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. This is why I resigned. I didn't deserve to be Head Master. I don't know what else I can do or say." He gave a shrug. Of course it was all an act, but his Lordship didn't need to know that.
Adam gave Chris a bit of a nudge under the table. Chris sighed. "I'm sorry, Barrett. Yes, are past all that now. I just… well… almost lost a perfect treasure… but I didn't. Let's forget it. Your play, Shane." Chris ended with a small smile to Wade.
Adam caressed Chris' thigh under the tape and gave him a smile of appreciation. Chris returned the smile. He knew all was well between them.
Orton had heard every word exchanged at Lord Christopher's table. He knew about some of the situation, but needed to find out more. From his investigations, he knew Barrett was the leader of the "movement" at Eaton. Orton also knew, Barrett had to be an excellent liar to fool Duke McMahon. Wade Barrett was a dangerous man...a very dangerous man indeed.
Randy and Mark left the morning room. As Mark closed the door, Randy spoke, his lips almost touching Mark's ear. "We need to talk and Lord Christopher should be there." He stepped away from the Butler.
"I will bring Lord Christopher to your your room after everyone is settled. I will tell my wife Christopher needs to talk about… the wedding trip. Don't worry, it will be safe." Mark responded in a barely there whisper.
With a nod from Randy, the Butler and Footman went downstairs. They both wanted some of the delicious hot cocoa.
At eleven o'clock, Mark and Chris were in Randy Orton's room, that was once Adam's. Mark sat on one side of the bed, Chris on the other. Orton sat in the chair at the foot of the bed.
Randy got right to the point. "I'm sorry to be nosy your Lordship, but I heard your conversation with Barrett. I need to know what happened. I need all the information I can get. Please understand why I am asking." He looked at Chris in the dim light of the single lamp, with the wick turned low.
Chris smiled at Orton. "I do understand. It started when Shane came home for summer break from Eaton…" He fully explained what had happened between himself, Adam and Shane. Chris spoke quickly but left nothing out.
"...So the Old Dames agreed. I had a bad throw from my horse. Um… I was hurt, but Adam was led to think it was worse than it was…anyway, Shane told his news. That agreement from the Old Dames and my injury… well, Adam put my ring back on and the wedding is in two weeks…" Chris paused then continued to speak.
"Orton, I've never trusted Barrett. One other thing…" Chris explained about smelling Lady Banks' perfume on Barrett… or so he thought.
"...I could be wrong, I mean ladies can wear the same brands of perfume. If I can remember anything else, I will tell you." Chris finally finished.
"That was a very brave thing for Master Shane to do…" Randy spoke, then let out a light laugh. "Naughty trick on Adam, but, I might have done the same. I can understand,. Adam is a treasure. Thank you for being so open with me, Your Lordship."
Mark spoke up. "Is there anything we need to know. I am responsible for the safety of not only this house, but the people who live upstairs and down." He was friendly, but his expression was stern.
Orton looked at Mark. "I think you know already, Barrett is not trustworthy. I can say, Shane is in no danger, nor is anyone else. Barrett is after something, he won't do anything that would threaten his position here…" Randy was halted by Mark.
"He wants to get to the letters Adam works on for Duke Vincent. Lord Chris told me to make sure, when Adam is out, to lock the letters in the safe…" Mark was halted by Chris.
"I have an idea. What if a false letter was left for Barrett to find?" Chris spoke in a thought filled tone, his face crinkled in thought.
Both Mark and Randy looked at Chris. "You know that might not be a bad idea. There is a problem though. How? Adam would have to be in on it." Orton rubbed his chin as he spoke.
Mark sighed. "That's… not a good idea. I love Adam as my son. However, the boy wears his emotions on his sleeve. He would never intentionally do anything to hurt someone...but"
Chris nodded in agreement. "If he knew why you were really here… he would protect Shane. Know what I mean? Maybe I could get Dean involved. Let's think about it." He too knew Adam wouldn't be able to hide his feelings if he thought Shane was in danger from Barrett.
"I agree. My reason for being here has to be kept secret. Thank you both for this meeting. If we need to meet again, I will let Mister Calaway know." Randy stood and put the chair under the desk.
"Sounds good. By the way, you are an excellent footman." Chris shook Randy's hand.
Mark grinned. "Whatever you need. By the way, downstairs by five-thirty. Cody's… well now your turn to help Paige build the morning fires." He gave Orton a wink.
Randy chuckled. "Lucky me. Don't worry, I will do my work, and willingly. Goodnight." He closed the door behind Chris and Mark.
In the room under Orton's, Wade Barrett lay awake in his bed. He'd heard two sets of footsteps enter, then leave. Who had Orton been talking to, and why?