Chapter 31
Brooks
Hannah sits next to me backstage. Several of my colleagues stop by to congratulate us on our marriage. It’s strange how right it feels being back here, with them. I haven’t wrestled full time in years, but these people have welcomed me back with open arms.
Hannah rubs her thumb over the tattoo on my hand. The one that matches the one on the underside of her chin.
“How are you doing?” she asks in a low tone.
“Good. Nervous,” I admit.
“About the match or about the meeting?”
“Fuck the meeting. I’m nervous about the match.”
She smiles. “You’ve got this, Kitten. I’ll be out there cheering you on from the front row.”
I link my fingers through hers. “That makes it one-hundred times better.” I glance around, making sure no one is listening to us. “You remember the plan?”
“I do.”
“Swear to me that you’ll follow it.”
“I swear.”
I exhale. “Thank you. Now, give your husband a kiss.”
She pretends to think for a moment. “I suppose I can do that.”
Leaning over, she brushes her lips against mine.
“I love you, Hannah Henderson.”
“Not as much as I love you, Brooks Henderson.”
Hannah is led away to go to her seat.
I warm up with Larry, who is my opponent tonight.
“Just like old times, Brooks.”
“That it is, Larry.”
We shake hands before making our way to the go-position area backstage. We both do lunges and squats as we wait for the match to be called. Larry makes his way through the curtain first, and the crowd cheers for him.
When I first started wrestling, I wanted to be a face, or the good guy. Going out there and hearing the crowd cheer for you is electrifying. But, alas, it wasn’t in my cards because I’m a natural heel. One of the newer wrestlers slaps me on the back as I make my way to the curtain. The arena goes silent as they wait to see who Larry’s mystery opponent is.
OWF does its best to keep matches like this secret, and my return might be the best kept secret in a long time.
The lights dim and the screens on both sides of the stage flicker with static. When it’s pitch black, I walk out onto the stage, turning my back to the crowd. Suddenly, the lights turn on and my entrance music starts. Slowly, I spin to face the crowd. They’re torn between cheering and booing for me.
It’s the best fucking feeling in the world.
My pace is slow as I walk to the ring. I soak up the energy from the crowd as I climb up the metal stairs to the ring and climb through the ropes. Larry and I stare each other down as we wait for the bell to ring, signaling the start of the match.
Larry grins at me. “Let’s give them a hell of a show, Brooks.”
“Deal.”
The bell rings and the match starts.
Fuck, I’ve missed this.
We go back and forth, giving the audience our best. Larry throws down his signature moves, but it’s my finishing move that ends the match, letting the world know that Brooks the Body McGruff is back.
I stand on the second turnbuckle, looking over the crowd. They chant my name, but what has me grinning is seeing my angel in the front row, just like the first time I saw her, six years ago. I knew then that she was going to be mine, and here she is, here as my wife.
She mouths ‘I love you’. I mouth it back, making her cheeks turn bright pink.
Hopping down, I climb out of the ring and make my way to her, pulling her into a sweaty hug over the barricade. She laughs, looking up at me.
“Brooks, you were amazing.”
“It felt pretty fucking great, Angel.”
“Does this mean you’re back?”
“I’m back, baby.” My tone turns serious. “But now I need you to go back to the hotel. I won’t be long.”
She nods, pulling away from me. Letting her go guts me. Every fiber in my body screams to pull her back into my embrace, to keep her safe, but I can’t. Not when there are foes who are watching. And I know they’re watching. Ace is sitting a few rows back, behind Hannah, and dips his head.
Time for show number two to begin.
I make my way backstage, where I’m congratulated by several people. After showering and changing into a suit, I exit the locker room to find a member of the Brotherhood sent by Jones.
“Elite Member Henderson. This is a pleasure, sir.”
“Remind me of your name again.”
Even though I’m the Face of the Brotherhood, I don’t know every member, especially the newer ones. I have learned one thing over the years. Never judge a man by the Brother who takes him under his wing. Just because this man is close to Jones doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy. But…if he is…he’ll be dead by the end of the night.
He touches his chest. “Brother Reigns. I’m a huge fan, sir. I’d love to pick your brain about how you got into wrestling.”
I pat his shoulder. “I’d like that, too. We can chat later.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He leads me to an elevator where Ace waits.
“Elite Member Moretti! This is a surprise!” Brother Reigns’ eyes widen to a comical size. “Oh, no! Was I supposed to bring you up, too?”
He’s clearly distraught.
Ace meets my gaze, his lips twitching. I have to cover a laugh with a cough. Fucking hell. This new generation of recruits just might be the change the Brotherhood needs.
Ace says, “You weren’t, Brother…”
“Reigns.”
“Reigns? Are you D’s cousin?”
“I am!”
Ace smile. “He’s a good guy. Now, let’s get up there. We don’t want to keep Elite Member Jones waiting.”
Reigns nods, pressing the button on the elevator. A moment later the doors open, and we all step into the lift. Soft music plays overhead as we go to the top level of the arena, where the owner’s suite is. I have to give Jones credit. Having the meeting in a public place was smart. It’ll make it more…difficult to hide any bloodshed that may occur. Too bad Ace and I don’t care about a little bloodshed.
Okay, a lot of bloodshed.
The elevator dings as we reach the top floor. Reigns motions for us to step out. Ahead, I spot a familiar face that has me slowing my pace.
“What is it?” Ace asks in a low tone.
“Jeremiah Sullivan. Hannah’s stepfather.”
What in the fuck is that monster doing here?
Jones steps out of the suite, smiling. “Henderson. Our investors are so glad to see you.” He gestures to Sullivan. “You already know Jeremiah.”
I turn my attention to Sullivan. “You’re here as an investor?”
His jaw works, as if the thought of answering me pisses him off. Good. I hope it does. Because the sight of him fucking pisses me off.
He finally says, “Yes, I’m here to invest. After all, you’re my son-in-law.”
I snort before I can stop myself. “Never call me that again. As for investing, I thought I heard something on the news recently about your…financial issues.”
His face turns bright red, but he remains silent.
I turn to Jones, smiling. “Let’s get this party started.”
Jones pauses.
“Is something wrong, Jones?”
“Not at all, Henderson. Just surprised at your…change of heart. I had heard through the grapevine that you didn’t want to take this meeting. That you said I was trying to overtake the Brotherhood by pulling a coup on Blanc.” He scoffs. “As if I’d try a coup so soon after Smith’s failed attempt.”
Jesus. Does this man hear the words coming out of his own mouth?
“I admit I was hesitant to take this meeting, but only because it meant getting back into the ring.” I smile. “Getting older is a real bitch, which I know we can all relate to.”
As the Face of the Brotherhood, I’ve dealt with a variety of people and personalities. I’ve learned that the best defense is staying as close to the truth as possible without showing my hand.
Jones nods. “I can understand that. Santos did your last surgery, did he not?”
“He did.”
“Never been a fan of that one.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Everyone loves Santos. And I mean everyone.
Jones continues, “I don’t trust a man who will choose his wife over the Brotherhood.”
He smirks at me and Ace, making my skin crawl. I wish there was some way I could know for sure that Hannah was safe, but I won’t know shit until this meeting is done and over with.
Ace says, “Shall we go in there? I’m curious to see who wants to invest in the Brotherhood.”
“Of course. After you, gentlemen.”
I don’t like showing my back to anyone, but I have no choice. So I walk into the suite like I own it. Several men that I don’t know sit in leather chairs. But I’m shocked when I see another familiar face in the midst.
“Elite Member Zhāng. This is a surprise. I did not know our second in command would be in attendance tonight.”
Ace meets my gaze, his eyebrow cocked. This wasn’t in the plan. Either Blanc is playing us, or he has no idea that Zhāng was going to be here. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for us.
Zhāng says, “I’ve always been a fan of the OWF. When I told Jones I was looking to invest, he was the one who suggested this meeting. How could I refuse when the Face of the Brotherhood came out of retirement for this?”
I laugh, stopping at the wet bar where I pour myself a drink. It takes everything in my power to act casual right now as I try to figure out what in the fuck is going on.
I say, “Well, I came out of wrestling retirement. As we all know, I’ll never step down as the Face of the Brotherhood.”
Zhāng tips his glass toward me. “Indeed.”
I turn to Jones. “Jones, I’d like to meet our potential investors.”
“Of course.”
Ace catches my gaze, dipping his head to the side. I nod my understanding as we split ways. Glass in hand, I follow Jones to the first group of men. They appear to be actual investors, which is not what I expected. Blanc made it sound like these men were in cahoots with Jones. But what if Blanc didn’t know everything? I glance at Zhāng, who’s talking to the man at his side. What if it was Zhāng all along who was trying to overthrow Blanc?
Throwing my arm around Jones’ shoulder, I pull him aside.
“So all these men want to invest in the Brotherhood, and you found them?” I shake my head. “You after my job, Jones?”
“Oh, I didn’t find all these men. Zhāng did. I only set up the meeting because our second in command is too busy.”
The way he looks at Zhāng is the same way that I look at Hannah. Holy fuck. Are Jones and Zhāng seeing each other? And is Zhāng using Jones to do his dirty work?
“How long have the two of you been together?” I ask, bringing my glass to my lips.
Jones’ eyes widen. “What?”
“You and Zhāng.”
His pudgy cheeks turn pink. “It’s not like that.”
“It rarely is.” I wink. “Your secret is safe with me. Now, let’s get these men to empty their pockets.”
An hour later, I’m convinced that Jones was a cover for Zhāng, even if he did not know of the part he played in the plan.
The room has cleared out except for Zhāng, Sullivan, Ace, and me. I move to Ace’s side, who’s at the bar.
In a low tone, I speak in Italian. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“I am,” he answers back in his native tongue. “It seems Blanc was fooled, just as we were.”
“Well, we know what we have to do.”
“That we do.”
Zhāng joins us and says in English, “So, I see the two of you have figured out my plan. I must admit I’m shocked that it took you so long, Violent God.”
Ace’s gaze narrows. “To realize that you’re betraying your best friend and the Brotherhood?”
Zhāng nods. “Yes.”
He’s just sealed his fate by admitting the truth.
I face him and say, “There will be no special meeting called for this, Zhāng. We’re going to end this right here, right now.”
“Are you? Tell me, Henderson, have you heard from your wife lately? What is it you call her? Your angel?”
He says the word full of mockery, making my blood boil.
“Sullivan, why don’t you show your son-in-law what’s on your phone.”
Sullivan lifts his phone, holding it so I can see the screen. My sweet angel stares back at me, a gag in her mouth and tears in her eyes. Her fucking mother is behind her, a gun in hand.
“I want to talk to her,” I say, my throat tight with emotion.
Zhāng says, “Let her speak to him.”
Hannah’s mother yanks the gag from her mouth and says, “Make it quick.”
“Angel, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. She was waiting for me at the hotel. I’m sorry, Brooks.”
“No. No, Angel. I’m sorry.”
Panic wells deep inside of me.
What in the fuck am I supposed to do?
Zhāng says, “Well, now that you’ve spoken to her, it’s time for you to hear what I have to say. Clearly, I’m going to overtake Blanc and gain control of the Brotherhood. There will be those who wish to fight us, but we’ll be able to ease their fears, especially once Grant Carter joins us.”
“Grant?”
Zhāng nods. “He’s next in line to become an Elite Member. As the Head of the Brotherhood, I will continue that tradition, of course.”
Ace asks, “So you’re going to kill Blanc?”
“Oh, no. Not me. You and Henderson are going to kill him.” He points to the phone. “We have your wife, and in a few moments, we will have Mrs. Moretti, too.”
Ace lunges forward. “If you touch a hair on her head?—”
“Careful, Moretti. Don’t say anything that can’t be taken back. Now, do we have an understanding?”
The walls feel like they’re closing in on me. How can this be happening? I’ve finally found my angel, and now this bastard is threatening her. I’m not a fool, either. If I agree to help him, she may still die.
No, this ends now.
I’m about to reply when Hannah’s mother screams. There’s a loud pop and then her mother falls down. A man in all black steps into the frame, putting his hand on Hannah’s shoulder. She trembles as more tears stream down her face. A black hood and a black mask cover his face, making it impossible to tell who it is. But I know who he is. It’s the fucker who killed DeLeon and Smith. The same fucker who threatened Hannah when he sent me a letter. Gabriel. And now he’s there with her.
“Good evening, gentlemen. Did you think you could start the party without me?”
Zhāng moves closer to the camera. “You’re the man who killed DeLeon.”
“And Smith. And several others.” There’s a deep chuckle. “I imagine I’ll be adding more to the list before too long.”
“How dare you threaten Henderson’s wife like that!”
Gabriel chuckles. “Did I threaten her? I don’t recall saying that.”
“You dare taunt us?”
“I dare nothing, Zhāng. I am here to make sure that Mrs. Henderson is safe. She is an innocent and carries other innocent lives in her belly. The same goes for Mrs. Moretti.”
Shock jerks through me. He knows Hannah is pregnant with twins! How?
He continues, “Rest assured. The men you sent to Vegas were stopped before they left the airport, and Mrs. Moretti is safe, unaware of the danger she was in.”
Ace exhales. “Thank fucking god.”
“No need to thank god, Moretti.” There’s a pause. “Thank me.”
“Thank you,” he says calmly, with no hint of malice in his tone. How he’s so calm is beyond me.
Gabriel dips his head. “My pleasure.” To Hannah, he says, “Mrs. Henderson, you are free to go. You’ll find a familiar face in the hallway who will take you to safety.”
Hannah meets my gaze in the camera, and I nod. I have no choice but to trust this man. If he hurts Hannah, then I will end him in the most painful way possible.
She scurries away, and I hear a door close. Gabriel takes her vacated seat, crossing one leg over the other.
“Now, gentlemen, I believe we have a few things to discuss.”
Zhāng says, “We have nothing to discuss. I’ve alerted my men, who will be there shortly to apprehend you. Your reign of terror ends today, you bastard.”
Gabriel scoffs. “I thought you were supposed to be smart.”
Zhāng glares and spouts off a reply. But I’ve stopped listening. Because he’s so focused on Gabriel right now that he’s stopped focusing on us. Ace glances my way and I hold up two fingers. He nods his understanding and reaches into his pocket, pulling out his pistol. I have nothing on me other than a knife, but it’ll have to do. When it’s in my hand, I flip open the blade and send it flying across the room, where it lands right in the center of Sullivan’s chest. He lets out a loud groan, falling to the ground.
Zhāng spins. “Wha?—”
“It seems you made a miscalculation, Zhāng. One that’s going to cost you your life,” Gabriel taunts from the camera.
Ace lifts his gun, pulling the trigger.
And, fuck, if it’s not the most satisfying sound in the world.