Everyone at the breakfast table stared in silence at the plaque and picture Mox was proudly displaying.
"First place Honorable Mention," Roman grinned. "Not bad for a couple of rookies."
"Tell me about it," Mox snickered. "We didn't figure on winning anything."
The picture showed their Lego structure of a large roller coaster complete with one loop and one double loop plus several banks and twists. One car sat at the bottom of the double loop while another was approaching the station. The coaster structure itself was made of red, white, and blue legos while the structure was green and brown. One of the cars was yellow, and the other purple.
Standing behind the table was Mox and Balor holding the plaque between them. Balor was widely smiling while Mox's expression was one of surprise.
"Balor says there's a larger competition next spring in St. Louis," Mox said. "The structures can be four feet square and three feet high. That gives us more space to work with. And it can have moving parts so we're thinking of adding a Ferris Wheel…maybe a double one."
"Ambitious," Jericho pointed out.
Mox shrugged. "We've got time to plan for it."
"Shouldn't be a problem." Jimmy grinned at Jericho. "Mox rebuilt that 'cycle and it runs like a dream. A few moving parts on a roller coaster and Ferris wheel should be a walk in the park. Wanna make a bet on it?"
"No," Jericho firmly replied. "I'm not betting with your or your brother again, remember?"
Mox glanced at his watch and gulped down the rest of his coffee. "Gotta run. Got an appointment." He gathered up the plaque and picture. "Gonna show the guys at the shop. See ya later."
"I don't think Mox realizes it's going to take more than two people for what he's thinking of doing," Black calmly mentioned as Mox disappeared down the hallway towards the back door.
Jericho smirked. He'd casually find out if Marko would be interested.
"Buddy Matthews is arriving at 10 this morning," Roman said as he stood. "Dave Batista is arriving at 2pm this afternoon. Wheeler Yuta will be here at 3:30pm. Anyone who wants to discuss this can meet me in my office."
Roman wasn't surprised when Jericho, Black, and McIntyre followed him to his office. McIntyre closed the door behind them as Roman sat down and motioned the others to sit.
Roman studied the three men then smiled. "Since Black has vouched for Matthews and no one appears to have a problem with Yuta, I presume this is about Batista. So, who wants to start?"
"Batista and I started out about the same time in New York," Jericho began. "I was a little more established, and we didn't run into each other all that much. He took on a John Gotti mob boss persona. Dressed in flashy high-quality clothes, ate in the best restaurants, ran his crews with an iron fist…literally. There were grumblings that he didn't split the profits fairly with his crews." Jericho met Roman's eyes. "Nobody grumbled more than once. Eventually, he was attracting too much attention from the cops and got transferred to New Orleans."
"Which is where I knew him," Black continued. "Priest had just taken over, and Batista challenged him more than once. His…flashy style went against Priest's orders to blend in and not attract unwarranted attention. He had a couple of run-ins with Authority members which also went against Priest's orders. Fortunately, Priest had a great deal of support and Batista didn't. Priest discussed it with Dwayne. Both men felt Batista's…style would fit in with Miami's South Beach area."
"And it did," McIntyre admitted. "Upscale and flashy. He blended in with the South Beach night life where that sort of personal doesn't attract unwanted attention. While he and the Authority crossed paths, there weren't any major problems since the Authority didn't have much of a claim on Miami."
"But?" Roman prodded.
"Batista has a problem with women in positions of authority," McIntyre replied. "The crews in the South Beach high-end shopping areas were run by women. Batista tried to muscle his way in, claiming the women weren't running the crews efficiently. Dwayne personally checked and found no problems with how those crews were being run. He told Batista to take care of his own business." McIntyre paused, then added. "Batista then challenged Dwayne."
"And lived?" Jericho exclaimed.
McIntyre shrugged. "It was…settled…and to Dwayne's satisfaction."
Black actually smirked.
"But Batista kept trying to expand his base," McIntyre continued. "I was in charge of the marina areas where a lot of the expensive yachts were located. He took an…interest in the operations there even if he didn't know one end of a boat from the other. But he never went over the line Dwayne had drawn." He straightened his shoulders. "The two of us had…difficulties."
Roman rubbed his chin as he reviewed what had been said. "Your concerns?"
"He's going to attract the cops' attention," Jericho immediately answered. "His John Gotti/South Beach persona is gonna stand out here like a sore thumb."
"He will challenge your authority as soon as he feels he has what, to him, is a legitimate reason," Black pointed out. "He's arrogant and ambitious. That could play into Helmsley's hand." He paused then continued, "He challenged Dwayne on Dwayne's own turf. He will challenge you if for no other reason than he thinks he can do a better job than you can."
"He has to have a clearly defined role and boundaries," McIntyre advised. "And he'll push against both of them until he gets the response from you that he wants. He has no respect for anyone but himself."
Roman was silent for several moments. "This goes no further," he ordered. "Dwayne is sending Batista here to get him out of Miami while he checks on…some rumors and complaints." He coldly smiled. "He feels people will talk more freely with Batista half a country away. Even with Naomi's reassignment, she's going to get reports from her crew as to how Batista handles things." He stared at McIntyre. "Batista will report to you. Compare his reports with Naomi's."
"How long will he be here?" Black bluntly asked.
Roman coldly smiled again. "Dwayne is, shall we say, highly motivated with his investigation. I don't think it will be for very long."
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Regal smiled at the two people who sat on the other side of the desk. "Your respective Powers of Attorney are completed." He pushed some paperwork across the desk to Mox and Alexa. "Please review it and make any changes. If there are none, I'll get witnesses to sign as witnesses to your signatures."
Regal was amused that Alexa began carefully reviewing the paperwork while Mox spent all of 30 seconds looking at the paperwork before putting it back on Regal's desk. Regal wondered if Alexa knew that, while she would hold Medical and Legal Power of Attorney, Mox had designated Financial Power of Attorney to Roman Reigns.
When Alexa nodded in satisfaction, Regal picked up his phone and spoke quietly. A few minutes later, two people entered the office to witness Mox and Alexa signing the Powers of Attorney. Regal held up a hand when they turned to leave. "Alexa, your Will is prepared. Do you want to take some time to review it or sign it now?"
Alexa glanced at her watch. "I've got Court in a little over an hour. I'd rather take it with me and read it when I can really concentrate on it."
Regal nodded towards the two witnesses that they could leave. As the door closed behind them, he slid the Will into a large envelope and slid it across the desk to Alexa. "One more item," he spoke. "As your attorney, I feel it is only ethical that I bring up another issue." He saw Mox's blue eyes narrow and inwardly sighed. "Both of you have sizeable estates and, in Mr. Moxley's case, property and a business. We've legally taken care of the Foundation in case of your death, Mr. Moxley; but I'm suggesting both of you sign a prenuptial agreement."
"Okay, I think I know what that is," Mox hesitantly spoke.
A small frown creased Alexa's forehead.
"The basic prenuptial agreement would state that anything either of you two own, money, property, and such, that were acquired before your marriage would remain your legal assets in case of a divorce. Anything acquired during the marriage would be split according to the law," Regal calmly replied. "There are other stipulations that could be added, of course. But that's the simple one."
Mox was already shaking his head. "I'll sign one if Alexa wants it. If she thinks it'll keep things from getting sticky with her family and all. But I'm not interested. Besides, isn't that all settled in my Will?"
Regal gently smiled. "Your Will only comes into force with your death. Divorce isn't death." He paused then added, "Although with some of the divorces I've seen, death might be preferable."
Despite himself, Mox snickered.
Alexa firmly shook her head. "No prenup."
Regal nodded. "I thought that would be your answer. But I felt it should be mentioned." Privately, he thought it was a mistake. Most marriages started out with the best of intentions. Statistically, most marriages crashed and burned leaving lovers as bitter enemies.
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Roman looked up when Jericho knocked on his open door. He glanced at his watch then nodded. Jericho turned and motioned someone forward. "Roman Reigns. Buddy Matthews."
Roman stood and held out his hand. Matthews momentarily hesitated then held out his hand to be shook. "Please sit down. Can I get you anything to drink? Or a snack?" As he sat down, he saw Jericho closing the office door behind him.
"No, thank you," Matthews quietly replied. He sat in the chair with his hands lightly folded in his lap.
"You come highly recommended by both Damian Priest and Aleister Black." Roman smiled as he leaned back in his chair. "I was impressed by those recommendations."
Unsure of how to reply, Matthews settled for a slight smile and nod of his head.
"The MDM is a charitable foundation with the mission statement of helping get kids off the streets and out of the hands of predators." Roman leaned forward and passed a file across the desk to Matthews. "Inside that folder is a brochure that the public sees. Also included are details the public doesn't know about regarding the security of the building where the Foundation is located. Get to know the security details and procedures as well as the personnel. Naomi is in charge; and, on paper, you report to her as Head of Security. In reality, while she's in charge, the two of you need to work together. At some point in time, one or more of the predators are going to come looking for these kids." Roman met Matthews' eyes. "You are a protector. Protect these kids."
"I fa…"
Roman held up his hand. "You were going to say 'I failed'. But you ran up against circumstances beyond your control. Circumstances you never thought would occur. While I appreciate your willingness to step up and take responsibility, what happened with Miss Scarlett was out of your control. I much more value someone stepping up to take responsibility, even if it wasn't your fault, than I do someone who gives me fifteen thousand excuses as to why it happened at all."
Matthews was silent for a few moments, then firmly nodded his head. "Thank you."
Roman nodded. "Jericho will take you to your lodging here on this property. Feel free to redecorate as you wish. We have breakfast at 7am and dinner at 7pm together here as much as possible. Depending on the schedule you set up at the Foundation, that may not be possible for you or Naomi or both of you." He thought for a moment. "Any questions?"
"Just one. Is the Foundation Bloodline business?"
"No," Roman firmly replied. "But it's under the Bloodline protection. We do no recruiting from these kids. Our purpose is to give them a safe place to heal and make good decisions about their future. We're providing access to education and training in various trades. The goal is to give them back their sense of self-worth and self-confidence while healing so they aren't vulnerable to the predators." Roman smiled to himself as he saw Matthews' silently thinking about what he'd said. "Anything else?"
"No, sir. At least, not yet."
Roman smiled in silent approval and picked up his desk phone to call Jericho. "Jericho will take you to your home. We'll see you at dinner. 7pm."
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"Good morning. May I help you?"
"Good morning. Could I see Alexa Bliss?"
The receptionist in Regal's office glanced at one of her computer screens. "I'm sorry. Ms. Bliss is in Court for most of today. Did you have an appointment, Mr. ?"
"Axel Tischer," the man introduced himself. "And, no, I didn't have an appointment. However, she was highly recommended by a business associate of mine. Could you tell me when she would be available for…perhaps thirty minutes?"
The receptionist again looked at her calendar. "I'm afraid she's completely booked for the next couple of weeks. Oh, please excuse me," she added as her phone rang.
"Of course. I'll just stand over here to give you some privacy." Tischer casually walked to stare at a painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that was protected by a glass covering. In the glass, he clearly saw the receptionist's computer screen. His eyes widened for a moment, then he moved on to study another painting.
"Thank you, Mr. Tischer."
Tischer turned around with a smile. "It was no problem. You said Ms. Bliss is booked the next couple of weeks?"
The receptionist nodded. "Three to be exact. Would you like an appointment then?"
Tischer pulled out his phone and pretended to access a calendar then shook his head. "I'm committed on the west coast at that point." He pocketed the phone and shrugged. "It's not an urgent matter. My schedule can change sometimes on a daily basis. I'll try to free up some time and call back." Smiling, he left the law office.
A quick trip to the Courthouse and slipping a fifty-dollar bill to a clerk got him the information that he needed.
His final destination was the airport. A sob story about a dying grandmother to the clerk at the United Airlines desk got him onto an earlier flight with plenty of time to stop at a coffee bar. Sitting down to await his flight, he pulled out his phone and sent an email. Then he dialed a number.
"Yes?"
"Alexander Wolfe," Tischer replied, using his real name. "I didn't get an appointment with her, but I got something better. Check your email."
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Jericho knocked on Roman's open office door. Before either he or Roman could speak, a tall broad-shouldered man walked past Jericho and into Roman's office. "Dave Batista," he announced, holding out his hand. 'I don't get told to wait.'
Roman caught the pissed-off expression on Jericho's face and silently nodded to him. He stood and briefly shook Batista's hand. "Roman Reigns. Sit down."
Batista sat down and looked around the office as though deciding how he would change things.
As Roman sat down behind his desk, he remembered what Dwayne had told him. 'Batista can make you go from laid-back to pissed off in less than five seconds. Watch your temper.'
Roman studied the man's expensive suit and flashy gold jewelry. And the tinted sunglasses Batista was wearing irritated him. "You're going to find Davenport very different from South Beach," he began. "We blend in. Not stand out. So, I hope you have more casual clothes in your wardrobe."
Batista waved an almost dismissal hand. "No problem."
"Good," Roman nodded. "You'll be replacing Naomi who is taking on different responsibilities." He caught the flash of dismissal that crossed Batista's face as he slid a folder across the desk. "You'll find information on your crews and their assignments as well as Naomi's most recent reports. The two of you will go out together the next two days so the crews will understand about the changes."
'And there will be changes,' Batista silently promised himself. 'These guys have had it easy with a woman in charge.'
Roman leaned back in his chair. "I understand you had some…difficulties with Drew McIntyre while you were both in Miami."
Batista cautiously nodded. "More of a difference of opinion."
Roman shrugged. "It happens," he admitted. "However, you will be reporting to Mr. McIntyre. If you have any…differences of opinion, you bring them to me immediately. Mr. McIntyre knows he is to do the same. Any such…differences of opinion will be settled to my satisfaction."
Batista managed not to smirk as he nodded. "Understood."
"Good. Everyone meets for breakfast at 7am and dinner at 7pm. You'll meet everyone then. I'll have Jericho take you to your lodging on the property. Feel free to redecorate it as you wish. Do you have any questions?"
"Is attendance at breakfast and dinner…mandatory?"
Roman smiled. "It is."
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Mox grunted as he pulled his phone from his pocket. He saw Roman's name on the display and quickly answered. "Hey, Roman. Something up?"
"I need a favor," Roman answered. "Can you be here for dinner tonight? The new people will be here, and I need your opinion on one of them."
"My opinion?" Mox frowned. "I don't know any of them, do I?"
"That's the point," Roman chuckled. "I've already had some opinions on one of them. I'd like an outsider's opinion…from a neutral standpoint."
"I'll be home between 6 and 6:30," Mox promised.
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Roman was surprised a few hours later when Black knocked on his open office door.
"Wheeler Yuta is here." Black barely smiled. "Jericho and Marko are deep into some programming."
Roman grinned and nodded.
Black motioned with his hand and a young man stepped into view. "Roman Reigns," Black said with a hand motion towards Roman.
Roman stood and held out his hand. "Welcome, Mr. Yuta. Please sit down." Then he looked at Black. "Please tell Marko that he's expected to join us for dinner." He thought he saw a twinkle in Black's blue eyes but told himself it had to be just his imagination.
Black nodded and closed the office door behind him. Then he quietly walked back to the office where Jericho and Marko were both intently watching lines of coding scroll down the computer screen. Almost at the same time, both men pointed to a spot on the screen as Jericho paused the scrolling.
"There it is," Jericho triumphantly grinned.
"Marko."
Startled, Marko raised his head to look at Black with trepidation. "Yes, sir?" he almost squeaked.
"Mr. Reigns has invited you to join us for dinner tonight," Black calmly spoke. "7pm."
"Me?" This time Marko did squeak. He glanced at Jericho who was looking at Black. "I'm…not dressed for that."
Jericho turned his attention to Marko and patted his arm. "It's okay. Dinner is pretty informal."
Marko was aware Black was staring at him. "Yes, sir. I'll be there."
Black waited a few seconds, then silently nodded. "Of course, you will."
Marko ducked his head and began typing on his keyboard.
Jericho made sure he had Black's attention then mouthed 'Stop scaring him'.
Black nodded in acknowledgement only because he saw the twinkle in Jericho's eyes.
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Roman sat down behind his desk and leaned back in his chair. "Mr. Gallagher recommends you highly. He said you settled disputes within each crew and between the crews so matters were running more smoothly."
Yuta half-nodded. "In my opinion, it was a matter of personalities. They needed to clearly understand their roles and responsibilities and that they were not in competition with each other but working for the benefit of the Bloodline. Mr. Gallagher had just taken over in Pittsburgh and had to put out several fires. Some of the crews just got out of hand."
"But not for long?" Roman smiled.
"No. Not for long."
Roman handed Yuta a folder. "This is information about the crews Zelina has been running. She had a little trouble with one of the crew leaders named T-Bar." He grinned at Yuta's expression. "He prefers his street name." He liked that Yuta managed not to roll his eyes, but he caught the disapproving look on the other man's face. "It was settled very quickly as Zelina is married to Aleister Black."
Yuta snickered. "I imagine it did. Is this T-Bar a problem?"
Roman remembered one of Gallagher's comments. 'He looks like a kid and can be a little shit sometimes. But I've seen him eliminate someone faster than anyone I've ever seen.'
"T-Bar thinks he's ready to be more than a leader of a crew," Roman explained. "One day, he might be. But he's not ready for that now. He's impulsive and lacks the ability to take a long-range view of the results of his actions." When Yuta nodded, he added, "Zelina will accompany you the next two days to transition you in. A word of caution. Zelina is pregnant which is why she requested to be taken off the street."
Yuta solemnly nodded. "I'll watch out for her."
Roman nodded in approval. "Any questions?"
Yuta held up the folder. "I might after reading this and meeting with the crews."
"We meet for breakfast at 7am and dinner at 7pm every day unless there's a good reason for being absent," Roman added. "Since Jericho is deep into some IT issue, I'll have Black escort you to your lodging on the property. Feel free to redecorate as you wish."
Yuta stood and flashed a grin. "I'm sure Mr. Black will want to discuss my ability to protect Zelina."
Roman matched his grin. "I'm sure he will."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jericho and Black caught Roman just as he was shutting down his computer. "How much of a problem would it be for me and Marko to cut out early from dinner?" Jericho asked. "We've got a few things left to finish today, and I need to take Marko back to his place in the city." He saw Roman's frown and quickly added. "No problem if we can't."
"Marko having car problems?" Roman asked.
"Marko doesn't have a car," Jericho sighed. "Nor a driver's license. Nor a credit card or bank account. He deals in cash."
"You've been bringing him back and forth?"
Jericho nodded. "Right after I found out he's hiking the two miles from here to the bus stop to get back to his place."
"He's riding the bus late at night?" Roman rubbed his face.
"Not anymore," Jericho assured him.
"With no driver's license, what does he use for identification?" Black asked.
"Social Security Card. A copy of his apartment lease…a month by month agreement, by the way. Oh, and a library card." Jericho's voice was half amused and half disgusted.
For once, Black allowed his usual mask to slip. "How has this child managed to survive this long?"
Both Jericho and Roman knew the term 'child' wasn't meant in a derogatory way. In fact, Black sounded more surprised than anything else.
Jericho shrugged. "Hackers develop a finely tuned sense of self-preservation. Given Marko's childhood of abuse where he got a beating just for breathing, he's pretty good at sensing danger." He gave Black a pointed look. "Which is why he's scared of you."
"He's been paid through the usual routing for our consultants?" Roman asked.
Jericho nodded. Anyone who worked for the Bloodline on an occasional or case-by-case basis, was paid in cash and routed through several private accounts.
Roman made a decision that he'd been thinking about for a while. "I've been thinking of bringing him on permanently. Any objections?"
Jericho shook his head.
"None," Black calmly answered. He almost smiled at the expression on Jericho's face. "He's proven to be more than competent and exhibited a loyalty to the Bloodline. Working with us, he has safety and protection. He's not likely to give that up."
Roman nodded. "From now on, he's officially on the payroll. Jericho, tomorrow get him set up with a bank account at our bank and get the paperwork done so his salary will go directly into the bank. Get him a credit card to use until he gets a bank ATM card. Get the paperwork done so he's covered with the Feds for Social Security and all that." He saw Jericho's smirking nod and figured a lot of what he'd just ordered had already been done. "As you have time, teach him to drive. And does he have a cell phone?"
"He has one of the burners that I gave him to use in case of an emergency," Jericho answered.
"Get him set up with something more permanent," Roman ordered. "And get him settled in one of the properties here." He thought for a minute then added, "Away from Batista." He slowly stood. "Bring Marko in, please."
Jericho grinned and quickly exited the room.
Roman smiled at Black. "You gonna keep scaring him?"
Black shrugged. "He needs to…get beyond his past."
Roman silently nodded. They both heard Jericho and Marko approaching and silently waited.
Black wasn't sure, but he thought Jericho had a hand on Marko's back to urge him into the office.
"Mr. Reigns," Marko quietly greeted. He saw Black and edged closer to Jericho. "Mr. Black," he said in an even quieter voice.
"Marko, I understand you've been working for us on a contingency basis," Roman began.
"Umm…yes, sir." Marko nervously shifted his weight from one leg to the other.
"That's stopped," Roman firmly announced. "As of now, you are working full-time for the Bloodline and will be paid as such."
"Me?" Marko squeaked.
Black looked like he was going to roll his eyes.
"Yes," Roman nodded with a smile. "Your work has been exemplary which has led to this decision. All paychecks are electronically deposited into our bank. Jericho will go with you tomorrow to get that set up. After that, the two of you can stop by where you're living and get your belongings. You'll now live in one of the houses on this property."
"I…will? A…house? I mean, yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Marko managed a nervous smile.
"This also means you will be with us for breakfast at 7am and dinner at 7pm," Roman added. "Jericho can fill you in on that."
Marko's head bobbed up and down several times.
"C'mon, let's get to the dining room," Jericho chuckled.
Marko turned around and wound up facing Black.
"Congratulations," Black calmly said.
Marko's mouth dropped open. He felt Jericho nudging him. "Thank you, Mr. Black. I…I appreciate that." As soon as the sentence was ended, he edged out the door, followed by a smirking Jericho.
Black glanced at Roman. "There are things he doesn't need to know."
Roman nodded. "He's strictly IT. And Jericho knows to keep an eye on him."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Black walked into the dining room and took his place next to Zelina. Everyone had stared at Marko until Jericho introduced him and put him between his chair and Naomi's. Within a minute, Naomi had Marko calmed down and actually smiling a bit.
Roman waited in the hallway until the three newest members of the Bloodline appeared. He'd typed a text and was waiting on their appearance to send it. When all three joined him, he pressed 'send'.
'All here. Wait two minutes then join us.'
"Gentlemen," Roman greeted as he put his cell phone in his pocket.
All conversation stopped when they entered the dining room. "Before we start dinner, I want to introduce our new members. First, sitting between Jericho and Naomi is Marko. He'll be working on IT concerns with Jericho."
Nervous at being the center of attention, Marko weakly smiled then relaxed when Naomi gently patted his hand.
'Little runt gets special treatment?' Batista coldly stared at the young man.
Marko saw the stare and stiffened.
Jericho leaned over and whispered, "What's the problem?"
Marko gulped and turned to look at his mentor. "He…the big one…my father…" he whispered.
Jericho nodded. "Reminds you of him?" When Marko nodded, he added, "Ignore him. You're with us." He grinned as Marko forced himself to relax.
"Wheeler Yuta who will be taking over Zelina's crews."
Zelina stood and walked to shake Yuta's hand. "Welcome."
"Thank you," Yuta politely replied.
"Come on and sit by me," Zelina invited. "We can talk."
Yuta followed her to sit next to her. He saw Black staring at him and calmly nodded a silent greeting. The two men stared at each other for a few moments.
"Buddy Matthews who will be head of security at the Foundation. Naomi?"
Naomi stood and walked to shake Matthews' hand. "Good to meet you. You can join us." As she passed the twins, she smacked both of them on the back of their heads. "Move down one space."
"But, babe, you know…" Jimmy stopped when Naomi gave him a slow warning look. He elbowed his brother and hissed, "Move down, Jey."
'If I was married to that bitch, she'd seriously pay for doing that to me. But then, I'd never marry a woman who didn't know her place. Knees and back.' Batista didn't realize he'd let his expression slip a little.
But McIntyre saw it.
"Dave Batista who will be running Naomi's crews."
Before Naomi could speak, Batista pulled out the chair at the dining room table to the immediate right of Roman's chair at the head of the table. 'This is where I sit. Right hand of the leader of the Bloodline.' Batista thought.
"Hey, that's…" Jey began.
"Sorry I'm a little late." Mox quickly walked past both Roman and Batista and sat down in his usual chair on Roman's right.
Both McIntyre and the twins managed to keep from smirking.
"No, problem," Roman assured him. "I was just making introductions. This is my brother, Jon Moxley."
'Brother? If he has a drop of Samoan blood, I'm the Pope!' Keeping his temper in check, he walked to the other end of the table and sat between Jericho and Yuta. 'Damned if I'll be sitting at the end of the table! Reigns is going to know better!'
Roman sat down. "Everybody dig in."
Dinner was more subdued with only business being discussed. At one point, Roman saw Jimmy bristling at something, then Jey quietly calming him down.
As soon as the meal was over, Batista got to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, I have some unpacking still to do as well as some reading."
Roman casually nodded. "See you at breakfast at 7. After breakfast, you can head out with Naomi."
Batista curtly nodded and left. A few minutes later, both Yuta and Matthews excused themselves and also left. Then Jericho looked at Marko. "Go ahead to the office. I'll meet you there in a few."
Marko almost gratefully nodded and quickly walked out of the dining room.
Mox leaned towards Roman with a playful smirk. "Skittish, isn't he?"
"With reason," Jericho sourly answered. "He said Batista reminded him of his father."
"The one who abused him?" Black coldly asked. When Jericho silently nodded, Mox added, "Been there. Live through it. Count me in if anybody hassles the kid."
Roman sighed. "I presume from all these, no one has a problem with Marko?" After a chorus of 'no', he smiled. "Good. Now, Zelina, what about Wheeler Yuta?"
"He asked some very good questions about the crews and their responsibilities," Zelina smiled. "And about his responsibilities and authority. I think he'll be good here."
"Black, you and Yuta had a little bit of a stare down. Any problems?"
Black shook his head with a shrug. "Just an exchange of professional courtesies."
"Oh, God, there's another one," Jey muttered. Then he yelped when Naomi leaned over to smack him on the side of his head.
A brief smile crossed Black's face.
"Buddy Matthews?"
"A few questions about the Foundation," Naomi reported. "Mostly questions about the security systems in place." She looked at Jericho. "I told him you and Marko were working on upgrades, but they wouldn't be in place for a week or so." When Jericho nodded, she turned back to Roman. "He's going with me and Batista to see the crews then Matthews and I will head on over to the Foundation to get ready for the opening at 2pm."
Roman noted that the twins looked satisfied at Matthews accompanying Naomi and Batista.
"Dave Batista?"
Silence.
"Okay, I'll start," Mox bluntly said. "He's a dick."
The twins snorted with laughter.
"I mean it," Mox seriously added.
Roman nodded. "Okay. Why?"
Mox started holding up fingers. "First, he was about to sit here. Like he was entitled to this seat. He wasn't happy when I took it. Second, he was studying a lot of people here. Who he didn't stare at was Yuta, Jericho, McIntyre or Black." He pointed a finger at Roman. "The look he gave you was calculating. He wants your job. Three, when, not if, he makes a run for you, it'll be after he eliminates, in one way or another, Black, Jericho, Yuta and McIntyre."
"Not you?" Roman teased.
"I'm getting to that," Mox promised. "The look he gave me was just like the looks I used to get from Brock Lesnar…deciding which bone to break first. But he doesn't see me as a threat like he does the others. I'm just someone to get out of the way if necessary. Fourth, I don't know why he doesn't see Matthews, Jimmy, and Jey as threats. But he doesn't. Fifth and finally, he's dismissive of both Zelina and Naomi. Not only does he not see them as threats, he sees them as 'mere women good for only one thing' and figures he can bully them without a problem."
"Not likely," Black coldly spoke.
Mox stared him in his eyes. "You'll be eliminated by then." He turned his attention to Roman. "He's another Samoa Joe."
Roman let those words echo in everyone's mind, then spoke. "Any comments?"
"Only that I'm embarrassed to not have seen all that," Jericho grumbled.
"You weren't meant to see it," Mox pointed out.
"Glad Matthews is going with you tomorrow," Jimmy said to Naomi who reached out to hold his hand.
Roman stared at Mox. "Anything else?"
"I'm your ace in the hole. He'd never see me coming because I'm under his radar." Mox stared into Roman's dark eyes, then stood and tossed his napkin onto his plate. "I'll go so you guys can talk. I'll be in the library."
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"And that's all for today's news." Charly Caruso smiled into the camera. "However, tonight we have a special Barret Report. Wade?"
"Thank you, Charly." Barrett smiled into the camera. "I've enjoyed my time in Davenport, but it's time to move on. I've been assigned to Baltimore and look forward to reporting on both local and national events. However, Davenport's been my home for several years. And I can't just leave it behind. The Barrett Report is going to be a podcast for my reporting in both Baltimore, and I'll continue to comment on events in Davenport. One does not completely leave a beloved home behind."