A month had passed since the disappearance of Sandy! Taker had hired a Private Detective to try and find her. But he couldn‘t come up with anything. Everything lead to a dead end. He hit a cold trail. Taker thanked him and decided she didn’t want to be found.

He was just leaving his dressing room to do a run through for the night’s show when he saw Tad walking up all happy. He had another assistant. An she looked to be mid age. Taker leaned against his door with arms crossed over his chest, staring at him.

Tad was too busy explaining things to the new assistant, he never saw Taker staring him down. The woman did, her eyes became glued to the angry giant looking at them. She didn’t know if she run or faint. That’s when Tad knew something was wrong, when she wasn’t paying him any attention, but looked as if she was going to bolt at anytime. He followed her eyes to what was freaking her so. Taker!

“You don’t waste much time replacing people, do you?” Taker scowled. The Lady sorta made a step backwards when his voice was more menacing than his stare.

“Well, it has been a month now. No call or anything form her. It’s as if she dropped off the face of the earth.” Tad said nervously, which didn’t help the woman feel any safer. Taker looked pass Tad to the woman.

“Ma’am! Just watch your back with this one. He’s not to be trusted.” Taker told her and walked pass them both, as they back up giving him the room he commanded.

“Umm! Who was that?” She asked, still watching him as he made his way towards the arena.

“Some jerk that thinks he run things around him. Don’t listen to him, Carol. He ran off my other assistant, Sandra!” Tad was telling her, as he made sure Taker wasn’t within hearing range.

“Really? How did he do that, intimidated her?” She asked, as they continued on there way.

“No he fell for her, but she didn’t returned the feelings. He stalked her until I feel she ran away without notice.” He lied. Carol looked at him curious.

“Oh yeah? Hmm!” She thought to herself. What woman would run from something like that? Even though he seemed scary at first glance, afterwards, she could see herself getting it on with him.

“Don’t go getting any ideas. You’re too old for him. He likes them young!” He informed her, opening the door to his designated office. She stared blankly. A girl can dream, she thought.

Taker was heading back to his room, when he saw Carol leaving Tad’s office. She was looking at some papers and didn’t see him standing there. until she hit the wall, nearly falling on her rump.

“I meant what I said earlier. Be careful! he’s not to be trusted.” Taker repeated what he had told her earlier. She back away and stared at him.

“I don’t know what to believe. This is just too much drama. I’m too old for this. You tell me to watch for him. He tells me you ran his other assistant away!” She said. Taker stiffen, she caught it and felt she had made him angry. She moved back, prepared to run.

“But he told me it was okay. You wouldn’t really bother me since I was an older woman. He said you like them real young.” She quickly interjected, not knowing how to defuse the situation.

“How old are you, if I may ask!” He looked her up and down. She was thick but had the right curves, not to mention a looker at that. He could see himself doing her. She caught his gaze and blushed.

“I’m 36 yrs old!” She replied looking around, not wanting him to see what she was feeling in her eyes. Taker wiped the sweat from his face with the towel hanging about his neck and smiled.

“That’s a good age. I’m 41. And it really doesn’t matter about the age thing. He doesn’t know everything about me. I like them seasoned some times. Would you like to go out to eat?” He asked. She was stunned.

“Sir! As flattered as I am you would like to go out and everything. I don’t think it would be a good idea, seeing as my boss and you don’t get along.” She could have kicked herself for what was coming out of her mouth. Taker nodded.

“Okay! What is your name by the way?” He asked, as an after thought. She smiled.

“Carol!” She answered. He didn’t seem so menacing as he had at first. Guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.

“Carol? Nice name. I’ll respect your decision. But don’t think I’ll be giving up on that dinner proposal. Maybe later.” He said. She just smiled and walked away.

He watched as she walked away. He liked the way her hips rolled. He leaned against the wall, imagining her in the bed and those hips doing their thing.

“I’m warning you Taker! Stay away from my assistant! I won‘t lose another one because of you.” Tad getting some Balls!

Taker was snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at the weasel in front of him. He didn’t say one word to the little man. He just came off the wall and mad dogged him. Tad back away quickly, not wanting to be in striking distance.

“You don’t scare me! I’m going to Vince! I bet he makes you mind your business!” Tad said over his shoulders as he rushed away, heading for Vince’s office.

“Prick!” Taker said, shaking his head. More determined to keep an eye on Carol. He still had a feeling Tad had something to do with Sandy’s disappearance. And now that he knows of his interest in Carol, he’ll definitely try to make life miserable for her.

Chapter Two

“Damn! He always gets his way. Vince never takes my side when it comes to his precious Superstars! They can do whatever the damn well please!” Tad slammed the door to his office shut. he was furious. The meeting with Vince about Taker messing with his assistants didn’t go as planned. He slumped down in his recliner and began to rub his temples. He was getting a Big Show size headache.

That’s when he saw the small envelope lying on his desk. He looked at it for second, then picked it up. At first he thought it was some type of invitation, but didn’t know anyone who was getting married or anything special. He looked around the room as if searching for someone, opening the envelope. He pulled out the note and began to read.

‘You think you are home free. But you are not! You will pay for what you did!’

He stared long and hard at the words, then throw it down like an hot potato. He jumped out of his chair and ran to the door, staring down the corridors. Someone had to have come into this room while he was gone. Taker!

He took off to his dressing room and bam loudly on it. Taker was just getting out of the shower when he her the noise at his door. He wrapped the towel around his waist and preceded to answer it and knocked the hell out of whoever it was just for the disrespect.

“What the Hell!” Taker swung the door opened and stared down at Tad.

“Listen to me Taker! You maybe this big ass bad ass around here, fine. You maybe able to break me in two. But your little scare tactics to pin something on me ain’t gonna work. I didn’t do anything with Sandy! I don’t know where in the hell she is. So you might as well leave me alone about it.” Before Taker to could respond he ran away and left the arena.

Taker stood there dumbfounded. He had know idea what he was talking about. At that same moment Carol walked up from the opposite direction. She had witness everything. And she was definitely liking what Taker was wearing.

“What’s gong on?” She asked looking Taker up and down. His head snapped in the direction of the voice. He looked in the dark brown eyes, giving him the once over. He raised one arm up and rested it on the doorway and stared down at her.

“Your boss is off his rocker. As we all know. I haven’t a clue what he is talking about.” Taker told her and smiled at her.

“Oh, okay! She looked away embarrassed she had got caught admiring the goods.

“Come in while I get ready for the nights match. You can watch it from the monitor over there.” He said, going back into his dressing room. She paused in the doorway, indecisive.

“Well! Either come in or not. But closed the door either way!” He said to her, as he went over to his ring attire. She took a giant step in and closed the door behind her. He looked at her pleased she had decided to stay and whipped off his towel without warning. She fell back into the door covering her face with her hands. Oh my gosh! She thought, getting a few of the full package. Taker let out a low laugh.

Tad came to a screeching halt in front of the hotel he had an room. The note kept coming before his mind. What if it is Taker? What difference does it make? He doesn’t know anything or he would have gone to the Police by now.

He got out of his car and set the alarm. He slowly walked into the lobby and headed for the elevators. When the Desk clerk spotted him walking through. He pulled something out Tad’s box and ran to catch him before he got on the elevator.

“Mr. Anderson! I have a note left here for you!” He called to him as the door began to open. Tad turned and looked at him hurrying towards him. He handed it to him and it was like the first note he received.

“Who left this for me?” He asked him. The Clerk shook his head.

“Sorry don’t know. It was lying on the counter when I came out form the back.” He told him and walked back to the desk to attend to some customers.

Tad watched him move away, then looked at the note as if it was going to explode any moment. He looked around the lobby for anyone who looked suspicious. It was empty except for the people at the desk. He slowly backed into the elevators and watched the doors sealed the lobby form his sight.

He held the envelope until he made it into his hotel room. He tossed in on the bed, staring at it, as he paced back and forth. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to open it or not. He stood motionless for a while, still not sure if he wanted to read anything else. Then his curiosity got the best of him. He snatched it off the bed and tore the envelope apart, revealing the note. He read:

‘Soon everyone will know what you did. Murderer!’

He stared at it and went ballistic. He began to ripped it to shreds. Ran in the bathroom and tossed it down the commode, flushing every single piece. He watched and made sure there was nothing left floating in the water.

Someone was playing games. And if they think they’re going to get the best of him, then they have another thing coming. The only person who gave a damn about Sandy’s disappearance would be Taker! Yeah, he would do something sadistic as this.

He took a deep breath and moved towards the sink, leaning over it. He had to get back to the arena or Vince will have his hide. He turned on the cold water and threw some water on his face. Then he reached for a towel and patted his face dry. That’s when he saw the message scribbled in lipstick on his mirror.

‘I’m going to make you pay for what you did to me! I’ll see you burn for that!’

He dropped the towel and stumbled back into the other room, nearly falling on the floor. He grabbed his keys and opening the door, ran down the hallway like a man possess.

He nearly knock an elderly man down who was making his way to the elevators. He didn’t wait for them, taking tow steps at a time down the stairwell. He reached his car and peeled out of the parking lot, speeding in front of cars and summoning up honks.

“You can open your eyes now.” Taker half laughed, as he emerged from behind the barrier, fully clothed in his ring attire. Carol’s eyes had been pinned to the monitor, half paying any attention to it.

“Well, that was interesting. To say the least.” She said, trying to regain her composure from the private strip courtesy of Taker. He looked at her and smiled over her modesty..

“You’re a breath of fresh air. Not many women like you around. Do you know how many of my women fans and maybe some men too?” She laughed at his arrogance.

“I’m sure you have many women fans, who look at you without creaming their panties!” She sat on the couch, arms crossed, with one leg dangling over the other. With a look of defiance. He smiled even more. A challenge. He walked over to her.

“I’m sure there are, but I haven’t met one yet!” He said, towering over her. She stared up at him, smiling. Her initial fear of him had faded. Now that she got to know him. He wasn’t the man seen on WWE TV week in and week out. A BadAss, terrorizing everyone. He was a real person with real feeling. A nice guy.

“You have now!” She retorted. He stared at her for a moment, eyebrows raised and a half smile.

“Really?” He stepped back looking her over. She stood to her feet and crossed her arms once again over her chest.

“Really!” She answered. Then turned and started for the door. Suddenly she felt a huge hand grab her arm and before she knew, she was twirled around facing him. His eyes, dark with passion told her what was going to occur next.

Before she could protest, he had pulled her into him. Bent her head back, with the pressure of his lips on her won. He kissed her long and deep. Her arms flailing at her side, began to slow down, until they became motionless. Froze in midair.

Taker release her lips, breathing hard and stared deep into her eyes. She took a hard gulp and stared back at him. Her chest rising and falling with each breath she tried to catch. Their hearts were racing, as they became lost in each other. Only to be snapped back into reality. A knock at the door and voice from the other side, let Taker know it was time for his match.

“You going to be here when I get back?” Taker asked. Boy this that sound familiar.

“Yes!” Is all she could say, walking away after he released her reluctantly from his hold. Taker looked over to her and nodded, smiling. Then he opened the door and with one glance back towards her, left for the arena.

Carol watched as he closed the door behind him and disappeared from her site. Then something came over her. She should have wish him good luck in his match or something. What do they say for good luck? Showbiz is ‘Break a leg’ She doubted if that would be the right thing to say, since it was a greater possibility.

She took a seat on the couch in front of the monitor to see Taker’s match. She hadn’t been much of a wrestling fan, but the job offer paid good money, so she took it, needing a change in her life at this point of time.

Just as she got comfortable, there came a knock at the door. She looked towards the door, thinking it could be Taker, then thought. Why would he knock? Besides she was looking at him making his way don the ramp, to the ring. She stared at the door, not sure what she should do. Then began to search the room, as if someone else were there to answer it. She left the couch, seeing as she was the only person there who could answer it. She went over and opened it. It was Tad! And he seemed a little irate. No, not a little! A lot!

Chapter Four

Tad had saw Taker leave his room, he was looking back in it as if he was talking ot someone. Since he had saw the interaction between the two earlier and he couldn’t find her. He felt it had to be Carol in his dressing room. He could feel the hairs on his back stand up. he had warned her. He stood back, waiting for Taker’ music entrance to start before he went to get her form the room.

Once he heard it and the roar of the crowd, he knew Taker would be busy. He stalked over to the room and hit the door with his fist. He waited impatiently for her to answer. She did! He could see the glow on her face. Something had happened in that room that he had to defuse. And defuse it he would. No matter what he had to do.

“What are you doing here?” Tad screamed at her barging into the dressing room. Almost running her over. She swiftly backed out of his way.

“I don’t think you should be in here.” She told him. He turned on her without mercy.

“Oh! Is that how it is, Ms. Garrison? I shouldn’t be here! What are you now, his maid? You shouldn’t be here! I told you, no I warned you how he is. And you chose not to listen like my last assistant.” Tad started in on her. She couldn’t believe this was the same guy who was so nice to her earlier.

“Tad! What is wrong with you?” She asked concerned. His eyes flared.

“Nothing is wrong with me. But if you value your job, you’ll leave this room and head down to my office like yesterday!” He threaten.

“But.......” She started.

“But nothing. GO!” He yelled. She grew very afraid and ran for the door, opening it and running through it as quickly as she could. He was close behind her.

She got to his office and began to cry. He walked in and closed the door behind him. Then staring at her, he made his way around his desk and took a seat. He leaned over the desk, clasping his hands together and eyes fixed on her sobbing in front of him.

“Okay Carol! I may had been a little harsh back there, but I have my reasons. I like you. I like you a lot. I don’t want you to be hurt like so many other women before you. He’s a love them and leave them kind of guy.” He started. Carol’s sobbing had begun to subside. Her ears in tune with what he was saying.

“And besides! Look at you. You’re not even his type. He prefers them tall, slender and young. Which neither are you! And pretty would help!” He finished, in a very condescending kind of way. By this time, Carol had stopped crying and was staring up at him over her handkerchief. The little jerk, she thought. She saw him for what he was. Now she knew. What came next surprised him. She straighten up in her chair, eyes still glistening but anger added to them.

“With all due respect, Tad! If YOU value me working for you. You will never speak to me like that again. Are we clear?” She said sternly, staring at him. He sat back in his chair and realized the tables had been turned on him just that quick.

“Yeah!” He didn’t know what else to say.

“Now! As far as my private life goes, you don’t get a say in that. Whatever is going on between you and Taker, keep me out of it. Now I told him I would be there when he got back and that is what I’m going to do. Or should I go to your boss, Mr. McMahon? And inform him how you just threaten me with my job, if I didn‘t stay away from Taker!” Her eyes narrowed into two dark slits. Tad could see that she was passed piss. Maybe the last part of what he said was a little too much, he thought.

“No! That won’t be necessary!” He said, looking away, not wanting Vince to know he was using job security to keep his assistants in line.

She rose to her feet, giving him one last glare. Then she turned and walked out of the door, slamming it as she left. Tad sat for a few moments, allowing what just happened marinate in his mind. Then realizing it, he brought his fist down on his desk, with such force, he felt a sharp pain shoot up his arm.

He jumped to his feet in agony and began to rub his hand and arm. He thought he better go find the doctor, as he headed for the door. That’s when he saw a note. Someone had pushed it under the door. He approached it with great caution.

He kneel down and stared at it as if it was some bug. Slowly he reached for it, expecting something to happen. Finally, he picked it up and stood to his feet. He examine it thoroughly. It wasn’t like the others.

He opened the door and stepped out, looking each way to see if he notice anyone different. No one except the usually staff that hangout in the back. He went back inside his office and closed the door behind him.

He walked over to his desk and laid the note down. He took in a deep breath and exhaled. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what was inside. The pain in his arm was growing sharper. He elected to get it checked out and open the letter later. Whatever it had to say could wait. The pain was killing him. He left the office, in search of the doctor.

Carol rushed back to Taker’s room. She didn’t want him to know she had left. She didn’t want to explain how right he was about Tad. And how wrong Tad was about him. She didn’t want him to know how deeply she hurt from what Tad had said to her.

‘Look at you. You’re not even his type. He prefers them tall, slender and young. Which neither you are! And pretty would help.’ Those words stung like a bee.

All she wanted was to be there when he came back and have him take her in his arms like he had done earlier. To have his lips locked on her own, kissing the hell out of her. Making the pain go away. Knowing for a moment in time, Taker preferred a short, thick and older woman’s body next to his.

She was brought out of her thoughts as the door slowly opened. She froze, thinking Tad had decided to gather some balls and take this to a higher level. She sighed with relief when Taker leisurely walked into the room. He paused at the door closing it behind him. He had a queer expression on his face.

She gazed deeply in his eyes, her pain coming through. He wanted to ease it. He saw the tear stains on her cheek and the glitter in her eyes. She turned from his eyes, seeing he was probing deep into her mind. She want to reveal too much of herself at once. At least not that inner self. She walked over to the couch and took a seat. He went over to a bench and sat down, unlacing his boot. The tension was heavy and silence unnerving.

“Did you enjoy my match?” He asked, not looking up and continued to unlace his boot. She looked over to where he was busy trying to get his boot off. She rose to her feet and kneeled down in front of him and began to pull on his boot. He stared at her strangely.

“No, I’m sorry! I didn’t se it!” She was honest. Finally, the boot came off. Taker continued to stare at her.

“Why? What happened?” He asked. She looked up at him and ran through something to tell him without lying to him. She didn’t want anymore confrontation between Tad and him. Especially on her account.

“I had an urgent meeting with Tad. We had some things that needed to be straighten out.” She was honest, yet not too revealing. She reached over and began to unlace his other boot.

He could hear something was bothering her in her voice. He gently grabbed her by her arms and pulled her up to his face. She only stood just about a head over him, even while he sat. She looked into his green orbs. They spoke something to her. Without thought, she responded.

She pressed her body into him, grabbing a chunk of his hair and bent his head back. She aggressively covered his lips with her mouth, kissing him deeply. She felt his arms surrounding and bringing their bodies so into each other, you didn’t know where he ended and she began.

Her tongue slither around his own and over the moist soft tissue in his mouth, tasting him. He moaned in her mouth, sending a wave of current through her body. He kiss deepen, as her tongue explored his mouth further, coming to the entrance of the throat and slid around it. He groaned hard and long. Not able to with stand it any more, he pulled her into his lap and pulled away.

“I need to shower! Then we can go to that dinner I invited you to and maybe we can finish this at my hotel room!” He gazed into her eyes. He had a lot of respect for her. And whatever happens, happens. She could see he wanted her. But this was too fast. She left his arms and walked away to think. She turned ot him.

“This is so overwhelming. My first day here has been so exhausting. I thing I’m going to go home and take a nice hot bubble bath. I need ot clear my head. Then if you’re still feeling the same tomorrow, I’ll take you up on that dinner date!” She said, feeling the strain of the day. He could tell.

“That sounds fair enough. Get some rest and I’ll see tomorrow.” He walked over to her and hooked her chin, raising her face up to look into her dark brown eyes.

“Yes, thank you for being understanding.” She sighed with relief. He was showing her a different man Tad painted. Se stepped back and went over to the door. She opened it and glanced back at him, then shut the door between them.

Taker stood there for a moment thinking. This seemed so familiar. Just a different state and person. A dread came over him. What if tomorrow never comes for them, like Sandy? He shrugged it off and sat down to finish unlacing his boot.

Carol was heading out the arena, when she saw Tad coming out of the doctor’s office. His arm was wrapped in an in a sling. She hide so he wouldn’t see her. She had enough of him for one day. She was thinking about asking Vince if he could reassign her to someone else. Tad was a nut. Once he had passed her, she made her way back to Taker’s room. That dinner and night in his hotel room was sounding better.

Chapter Six

Tad made his way down the backstage, oblivious of his surroundings. If he had been paying any attention he would have saw Carol running down the hall and heading back to Taker’s dressing room. But he was too engross in his pain and that note waiting back in his office. He wondered what he had to say.

He walked up to his office door, pausing for a few seconds. His curiosity was overwhelming. He turned the knob and opened it. He stared at the small square lying innocently on his desk. He gave a huge sigh and entered. He took his time making his way around the desk and sitting. He sat the bottle of painkillers given to him by the Corporate Doctor.

He gingerly picked up the note and clumsily opened it with one hand. He pulled out the contents, closing his eyes and unfolded it. He squinted his eyes, half afraid to open them. He had good reasons as his eyes shot open to what it said in huge red lettering.

‘Tonight it all begins! Your payment for the life you took!’

Tad leaped to his feet and fell backwards into the wall, nearly tripping over the chair. He scaled the wall, his body pressed against it in horror. He searched the room for a weapon. What if someone cornered him in there? He decided to make haste and get out of there.

He grabbed his belongings and hurried from the enclosure. This was getting to be freaky. He was looking at everyone as he passed them as the person who could be stalking him.

He made it to his car and searching the backseat to make sure no one was hiding in it. Hey! He’s seen those movies, where the person is driving down some lonely highway and all of a sudden someone sits up in the backseat. Making their appearance in the rearview window. Too late! They get got!

“Oh no! Not me!” He said to himself as he fumbled with the keys with one hand and holding on to his things. Finally he got the door open and tossed them in the backseat. He jumped in and closed the door behind him with one motion. He locked the doors feeling secured. He leaned his head back and took a well needed breath, closing his eyes. He nearly dozed off, fatigued form the days events. He opened his eyes and leaned over, putting the key in and turning on the car. That’s when he got the shock of his life. He froze up!

Sandy stood directly in front of his car. Ghostly-like. She was pale in appearance, darken circles around her eyes. Dressed in a long white sheer nightgown, flowing behind her. She said nothing, just stood there.

“Oh my God!” He whispered to himself. He closed his eyes, feeling as if his heart was going to jump right out of his chest. He shrunk down in his seat, praying this was just an figment of his imagination. He opened his eyes. She was gone! Without another thought. He pulled himself up in his seat, shifted gears and sped out of the parking lot like a madman. Which could be debatable.

Carol slowly opened the door to Taker’s dressing room, making sure Tad was out of sight. She leaned on the door, resting her forehead on her arm, back to the room. It had been a crazy first day.

“We’re going to have to stop meeting like this!” The low deep southern voice caressed her ears. She straighten up and smiled, staring at the door for a few seconds. Then she turned to face him and explained she had decided to take him up on his offer.

“Oh my goodness!” She fell into the door, covering her eye for the second time in one day. Blessed with an encore of the full exposure. Taker style!

Tad had phoned ahead and asked the desk clerk to have his things brought down out of his room. He didn’t want to get caught in there alone. Whoever it was sending him the notes, knew his room number and would probably be waiting there for him.

He poured into the parking lot, coming up to the entrance of the hotel. He jumped out of his car and darted into the hotel and desk. He asked the attendant if he would load his things in his car and tipped him big. He paid for his hotel room and waited impatiently for the desk clerk to complete up the paperwork.

Finally finished checking out, he rushed out of the hotel pass the incoming attendant, who braced himself against the door as Tad shoved pass him. He watched as he got into his car and sped through the parking lot and out onto the streets, causing some cars to swerve to the side to keep from getting hit.

“What’s with him?” The attendant asked, walking up to the desk clerk.

“I have no idea. May have something to do with the note he received earlier today. Since then he has been acting strange. Which reminds me! I forgot to give him this one.” He said pulling another note out of his box.

“Ain’t he with the WWE?” The attendant asked.

“Yeah he is! Some of them haven’t checked out yet. I’ll give it to one of them when I see them. And just to make sure I don’t forget, I’ll put it in one of their boxes so as not to forget.” The desk clerk turned around and looked to see which of the WWE staff remained checked in. He came to one and place the note there. Taker’s.

Chapter Seven

Taker and Carol walked into a small cafe and waited for a waitress to come seat them. One walked over to them and hardly could take her eyes from Taker. He smiled and draped his arm around Carol’s shoulder, letting her know he wasn’t available. Carol smiled, as the waitress threw her a glare and turned, leading them to their table.

“I hope she doesn’t have them to do anything to my food!” Carol joked as Taker held her chair while she sat down. He walked over to the other chair across form her.

“Naw! They know me here. She always tries to flirt with me when I come in. I know trouble when I see it. And that one is definitely that.” Taker looked pass Carol and into the kitchen area, give a nod with his head to one of the worker sin back.

“Okay, if you say so!” She wasn’t convinced and felt a little something when he told her this woman had been after him for some time. Taker so her concerned, reaching over and placing his hand over hers. She stared into his eyes.

“I want to tell you how proud I am of you.” He told her. She got this confused look on her face.

“For what?” She fished. Taker straighten up in his chair, keeping his hand on hers.

“For sticking up for yourself with Tad!” He said. She tilted her head to the side, staring long and hard at him.

“How did..........?” She began. Taker held his other hand up. She stopped.

“I’m sorry for ease dropping on your conversation. But I was on my way to beat the hell out of Tad! My match didn’t take that long. I was coming through the curtains when one of the staff came up to me and told me what happened. I got to his office door and heard you put him in his place. I figured you didn’t need my help. So I left.” He explained.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” She was curious.

“I felt you would and wasn’t going to say anything, but didn’t want anything between us.” He told her. Carol stared at him blankly. She didn’t know what to say.

At that time the waitress came up and set their plates before them. She set Carol’s first and ignored her. Then she went over to Taker and nearly hit him in the face with her boobs as she set his down. Taker had to move back to avoid them.

“Joy, meet my girlfriend Carol! She’s a real Lady!” Taker said to her, sitting back in his seat. Joy looked over to Carol then back to Taker, he raised his eyebrow. She turned and stomped away.

“Your popularity just went down a notch!” She told him, examining her food for any telltale signs of tampering. Taker looked over to her and laughed, taking a hearty chunk of food.

Tad sped down the open road, heading for the next town. He couldn’t help to look back in the backseat and through the rearview window. The scary movies kept haunting his mind. He really needed to get a hotel room and get some sleep. Maybe he’ll check in the next one he sees, before he became a statistic.

“Tad!” A voice came from out of nowhere. He cocked his head to the side, not sure he had heard anything.

“Tad! I’m coming for you!” The voice ringed within the car. He thought it was coming from the back seat. He snapped his head around thinking he was going to see someone. But instead it was empty. He quickly turned his head back and eyes on the road. Then out of thin air she came. Sandy stood in the mist of the road.

“Tad! I’m coming for you! You will pay! YOU WILL PAY!” The voice got louder as the figure in the road came closer.

“Arrrrrrggggh!” He screamed, losing control of the car and driving with the one good arm. Ran off the road and crashing.

Insanity: Unsoundness or mind, mental illness, altering periods of madness and lucidity, commonly stressing wildness of thoughts and behavior.

Tad sat in the back seat of the cab, staring out the window. Mind long ago departed, along with any reasoning. Bruised ribs, one broken leg and arm broken. Yet, his mind failed to relay the pain shooting through his body. They were numbed to his receptors. All he knew was his job security was at stake.

Where would he go? This had been the only decent paying job he had ever held. He had been with the WWE, when it was the WWF. What would he do? This was his life. This was his reason for living. Flash your WWE identification and people scrambled to please you. It gave him prestige. It gave him power!

‘So what he had a little accident.’ He thought. A huge smirk etched across his face. It wouldn’t effect his job one bit. A little broken bones, here or there never stopped anyone.

Hey, a little pain killer and everything would be just fine. The Wrestling Superstars do it all the time. What makes them so better than him? Vince McMahon has always put them above him, no matter how hard he worked to gain his respect. He winds up kicking him in his ass.

“Take some time off and heal, he says! Yeah, I know why!” He whispers to himself. The driver looked through the rearview window, at the crazy looking man. Vince has someone else in mind for his job. Some upstart assistant. Taker’s new lady in his life. That’s why they want him out the way. Well, she won’t be taking anything away from him.

“I wouldn’t put it pass them to have set this whole spook thing up and caused the accident. Just so his whore can take my job. No she couldn’t be his assistant like he wanted Sandy to be. She has to be better and take my job!” He rambled in a low voice.

“Sir are you alright? Maybe I should take you back to the hospital. You don’t look so good.” The driver looked through the mirror, rethinking his greed. He could see this man shouldn’t be leaving the hospital when he saw him wheel up to him. But the ID over-ruled his better judgment.

“I’m fine! Just mind your business and take me where I told you!” The driver could see he had grown crazier looking. His whole demure was freaking him out.

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to continued this fare. The man said he was associated with the WWE, but from his looks he didn’t know. He looked like some one out a sanitarium.

He wanted to call in, but didn’t want to upset this man. So he calculated the arena wasn’t that far away. Once there he would drop him off and pay for the damn ride himself. S small price to pay for his life.

Gratefully the arena came into view. He advanced on it quickly, not sparing the speed limits. Then pulled into a parking lot, directed by Tad. They were stopped by a security guard in a small booth. Tad flashed his badge. The man gave them the go ahead signal.

They went down into a underground garage. Something he was too please with.

“Pull up to that entrance.” He said. The driver did as was told, coming to a stop. Then got out, took the wheelchair form the trunk of the car and opened the door for Tad. Then proceeded to assist him into the wheelchair for him.

“Wait here! I’ll be right back with your money.” He yelled over his shoulder to the cabbie, as he wheeled himself towards the entrance way. No sooner than he was out of sight, the man jumped in his cab and peeled out of there. Thanking everything sacred he would live another day.

Tad had been at this arena a million times. Knew every nook and cranny. He made his way into the elevator, straight up to the top floor. Undetected. He rolled out and found a secret spot he had found years ago. This is where he would come to sulk. He would wait until the show was over. Then he would make his move.

“Oh yes!” He said, listening to the fans, as they cheered their favorite wrestlers on. No, he would rather be dead than give all of this up. This was his exist. Without it he was nothing.

He had already made his mind up. Two people had cause him to lose everything. Those two will pay. First Carol! Then Taker! He begin to laugh to himself. First low, then it grew louder and louder, only drowned out by the crowd below.

Taker pulled up to the address. He looked at the two story house. Very elegant. He opened the door and exited his rental, staring around the neighborhood. Very uppity. He couldn’t believe Sandy came form this environment. She was so down to earth. And Carol just the same. He walked up to the door and pushed the doorbell. He could here is ringing inside. A maid opened the door. Why didn’t he know?

“Yes?” She asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

“I’m here to see a Mrs. Garrison!” He answered, checking out how she was staring at him.

“Who is it?” A voice came from within. The maid looked at him, then turned her head towards the person. She went to say something, then back away from the door, as an elderly woman stepped in her place.

“What can I do for you?” She said, looking him up an down, nose like she just got a whiff of something. Taker shifted from one foot to the other, getting pretty annoyed. He would make this short and sweet.

“I’m here concerning Cassandra and Caroline Garrison. I may not be able to help Sandy! But if you care about your other daughter. I may be able to help Carol!” He then stood rooted, with hand on hips! The woman stared back at him bewildered.

Chapter Fifteen

“Taker, where are you?” Carol snapped the cell phone closed the hundredth time for the day. She had been calling him all day. Even though he hadn’t had a booked match, she had hoped to see him. At least that was the plan the last time she saw him.

~~“Caroline was an only child until the age of ten. I became pregnant. Caroline was more than a big sister to Cassandra. She became her mother. I didn’t want to have much to do with another child. With my social life and all.” She said, sipping her brew. Taker stared at her, saying nothing. But listening loud and clear.

“My husband loved his daughters very much. He was so glad to see Caroline finally having a sibling. But as usual, his job kept him away from home. He died ten years ago. Caroline blamed me and moved out. But felt the need to show up almost everyday to make sure Cassandra was well taken care of. Then finally, she just took Cassandra home with her. Neither of them had much to do with me until Cassandra’s death.” Mrs. Garrison grew very quiet, as she stared into her glass.

Taker shifted in his seat. No matter how much she tried to deny it. Her daughter’s death wasn’t something easy to deal with.

She walked around her office wondering where he could be. She called his hotel room first, getting nothing. That’s when she decided to try his cell phone, with equal response. It had been a long grueling day. She knew it was hard trying to implement everything given to her do backstage.

But this being her full day actually in charge made it the more overwhelming. She didn‘t know the wrestlers could be so rude, if things didn‘t get done right then and there. They could have at least been a little sympathetic and patient with her, seeing this was her first time doing this solo.

~~“Caroline told me about how Cassandra worked for the wrestling industry and had this obnoxious boss, who wanted her. She also told me there had been this wrestler she had a thing for, but he didn’t know it. She wouldn’t give the name.” She took another sip. Taker knew it was him, but didn‘t say anything. He felt that would defeat the purpose.

“Are you sure you don‘t want anything?” She sat her empty glass down and called for the maid.

“No Ma’am. I just want to understand something. What is Carol up to?” He asked. The maid came in and she gave her an order, then turned back to Taker. Mrs. Garrison watched the maid pour more liquid into her glass. Taker knew then, this was something she did often, to drown out the pain.

“Oh, Taker! Where are you and why couldn’t you be here?” All she wanted was to get home, take a nice long hot bubble bath and slip between the sheets, feeling his hot skin next to hers. She sighed, then looked at her watch.

“Just another hour and it will all be over.” Tad smiled to himself, watching the last match performed. He wheeled over to a phone. He picked it up and dialed a number. The voice on the other end touched his ear. He listened closely!

‘The party you are trying to reach is unavailable. You can either leave a voice or text message after the beep. Press one for voice and two for text.’ He pressed two for text.

‘Please began your message after the beep.’ He listen for the beep.

“Taker, Caroline! I’m going to be late getting off. Please wait for me at the hotel. I’ll make it worth your while. Love you.’ He sent the message. Now for the other, which will be easier.

He dialed the number and listened as the phone clicked. The voice flowed from the other side. His body instantly stiffened, hearing it!

“Hello!” Carol said from the other side.

“Hey, baby!” He said, a good impression!

“Taker! Where are you? I’ve been trying to call you all day!” She said, relieved he was alright.

“I’m sorry, didn’t have my cell phone with me. Look, I’m on my way there. Can you wait there for me?” He said.

“Sure. And hurry. This has been a crazy day.” She said, leaning back in her chair, glad to finally hear his voice. Tad smiled. She had no idea how crazy her day is going to be.

“I’m closer than you think.” He said and hung up. Carol listen as the phone hung up abruptly. She pulled the receiver from her ear and staring at it for a few moments, slowly set in its cradle. She was confused. Taker seemed so different. Very off.

~~“The day we got the news of Cassandra’s death. Caroline went ballistic, she had to be sedated. And when the evidence came back how Cassandra was found in the burned arena, she knew the boss had something to do with it. That’s when she went through the same agency that got Cassandra the job. At first they didn’t have anything, but then the man sent the agency a memo, stating he was seeking another assistant. They contacted Caroline. She then made her plans.” Mrs. Garrison, took a sip and savored it. Taker leaned in towards her.

“What plans?” He asked. She took another sip, feeling the effects finally coursing through her body. The painful memory was slowly dulling. She looked over to Taker and stared into his green eyes.

“She was going to drive him to confess he was the one who had tied and gagged Cassandra, causing her death. Caroline is a very brilliant woman. With knowledge of special effects, she would make him think he was being haunted by Cassandra.” Taker stared dumbfounded. Carol had to have been the one who sent the notes.

“You love her don’t you?” She asked, waiting for his response. He straighten up and shifted once again in his seat, then looked down at the ground. After a few moments of thought, he stared up to her.

“Very much. That’s why I am here. I want to know how can I save her.” He told her. She searched his eyes and heard his voice, satisfied.

“There is something else you need to know.” She said to him. He gave her his undivided attention.

Tad stared at the phone for some time. His plan coming together. He listen to the cheers of the fans ringing though the arena as the last match came to an end. The two wrestlers in the match then a post match entertainment. That would go on for several more minutes. Then the fans would began to pile out. He had the routine down.

He began to move the arm about with the cast. He felt little pain. He looked around for something to steady himself. he found a nice long stick, strong enough to support his weight. He had time to kill, so he practiced walking on it. Just like it was a cane.

He was startled from what he was doing when he heard the doorknob moving. He rushed over to his chair and backed it up against the wall behind the door. He lifted the thick stick in the air, bracing himself. The door opened and a beam of light cut through the dark, followed by a security guard making his rounds. Just as he entered, Tad brought the stick down over his head.

He fell forward, face first with a thump. He attempted to turn over and grab for his gun at the same time. But it was in vain. Tad had rolled forward to fast, coming down on him over and over with the stick, until he laid motionless on the floor. Blood protruded from his nose, ears and mouth. His skull crushed.

Tad sat there watching him, eyes blanked without emotions. Then a plan formed in his head. He decided fate was in his had. And was assisting him in his quest. He rolled towards the man, getting out of his chair and kneeling next to his fallen victim. Began to unbutton his shirt, then his pants. This would make a good cover. He could move about undetected.

~~“The thing with special effects is, it only works so far. There is a twist to all of this. The child birth! There were more than one” She took a sip from her glass, raising it up to eye level and stared long and hard at it. Then her eyes slowly came to rest on Taker.

She smiled. The look on Taker’s face was priceless. She took the last sip from her glass, set it down and rose from her seat, leaving Taker to ponder the information she had given.

“Cassandra wasn’t the only baby born that day. She has an identical twin sister. Alexandra.” Taker sat in his seat, staring out the window of the plane. His mine replaying all the information Mrs. Garrison had given him. The last more shocking.

Alexandra was given away at birth. Caroline found her and she came to live with both her sisters. They grew very close over the last ten years. Carol and Alexis decided to go after Tad.

Taker had realized he didn’t have his cell phone on him when he tired to call Carol at the arena. He pulled the phone from the back of the seat in front of him and dialed. He got the messages, Carol had sent him.

The last one given him an uneasy feeling. Something wasn’t right about the message, but he would do as asked. He would go straight to his hotel room and wait for her. She did say she would make it worth his while.

Alexandra walked down the hall leading to the room she had haunted the night before. She waited until the sun had set and barely any staff on duty. Slowly she approached the room and was surprised to see so much activity going in and out of it.

She walked over to a spot, she could get some feedback on what was going on and yet not be noticed. A policemen was asking a nurse some questions. She could barely make out what was being said. She saw pass them into the room. Two orderlies were lifting someone up on a gurney and throwing a sheet over them, only their head exposed.

They secured the person, then rushed them out and down the hallway, through the emergency room double doors. It was a woman. Her head was wrapped, some blood staining the gauze. Alexandra saw a nurse at the nurse’s station. She was staring at the woman who was being taken away, very upset. She inched her way towards the nurse’s station to see if she could find out what was going on.

“Hello! I’m here to visit a friend of mine and completely forgot their room number. Could you possibly give that number to me?” She asked the nurse. The was staring down the hall where her coworker had just been carried to ER to get examined. She turned to Alexandra, realizing she was talking to her.

“I’m sorry. What were you saying?“ She asked, barely containing herself.

“Are you alright? She gently touched the nurse’s arm. The nurse tried to hold back the tears that wanted to flow, nodding her head.

“I’ll be okay. Now what is it you needed?” She looked up to her, eyes glistening. Alexandra looked over to the room, then back to the nurse.

“The person who was just taking away. A close friend?” She looked back to the room. The nurse was losing control, as a few tears finally flowed down her cheek. She wiped them away with the back of her hand.

“Yes. We worked together for five years now. It was horrible. I told them that man needed to be in the psyche ward. I’m sorry, now what is it you needed?” She fought to regain her professionalism. At that time, one of the policemen came over to her. Alexandra moved off to the side, far enough to be within hearing range.

“You were the one who found the victim. Is that right?” He asked. The nurse nodded.

“Yes, Sir!” She responded.

“How was it you happened to be in the room?” He asked, writing down on a note pad.

“We were making our rounds as we usually do. I needed some help with one of my patients, so I went in the room to get her to assist me. That’s when I found her lying there on the floor, so lifeless.” She told him. Replaying the scene out loud took its toll. She broke and began to cry, running away into a back room. The Officer followed her.

Alexandra eased her way closer to hear two policemen going over their notes.

“Okay, what you got?” One asked the other, looking over his notes. Alexandra could see in the room. Tad was nowhere to be found.

‘He must have attacked the nurse and they hauled his ass off to the psyche ward after the fact.’ She thought to herself leaning against the wall, trying to act nonchalant as the two policemen talked.

“The suspect is a white male, six feet. Cast on left leg and right arm. Works for the World Wrestling Entertainment. Wanted for assault, with intent to kill.” He told the other.

“He’s also wanted for kidnapping, resulting in the death of the victim.” Det. Oakley said, approaching the two and flashing his badge.

“Something is wrong here.” She said to herself, dialing Carol’s cell phone. Carol heard the phone buzzing, but she was on the other line with something very important. Whoever it s would have to just leave a message.

“Okay! I’ll be up in one moment.” She said and hung up the phone. One of the security had told her there was something she needed to see before Vince McMahon got wind of it. She rushed form her office towards the elevator. The door parted and she stepped in. Then she pushed the button for the floor he had told her the incident had occurred.

She watched the doors open up to the floor, she had been told to come. It was dark and deserted. She wouldn’t have come if she didn’t know that a security officer was already there waiting for her. She stepped off the elevator and slowly made her way down the hallway, in search of the room. Finally finding it, turned the knob and opened it.

“Hello!” She called out, entering the room. She paused at the door, looking around.

“Hello Caroline!” The voice rang through the room. Carol’s head snapped in the direction in had come.

“YOU!” She yelled in disbelief.

Chapter Seventeen

Taker walked through the terminal, towering over everyone. He made his way out onto the street, seeing a taxi sitting and waiting for a fare. He came up to the driver, telling him where to take him. The man opened the door, closing it as the enormous man settled in the back seat. He quickly ran around to the front drivers side, getting in drove away from the airport.

Taker kept getting this annoying feeling he was missing something. He kept replayed the events of the day. But one thing kept creeping up in his mind. The last message he received from Carol. Something was wrong, but he couldn’t figure out what. Then it dawned on him.

“She used her full name, Caroline. Up until then, she has always referred to herself as Carol. No one knew her full name, except for the obvious people. So why would she all of a sudden use her full name?” He thought.

“Did you hear about that crazy patient who nearly killed a nurse at the local hospital?” The driver started, trying to make small talk.

“Huh?” Taker said, still sorting out that message.

“I picked that guy up at the hospital myself. The police question me after I called the incident in.“ He continued, driving down the road. Taker gave him a I could careless look. He had his own problems to worry about than some runaway psyche case.

“Yeah! I took him to the arena. He said he was with the WWE! I don’t know! I was glad to let him off and get the hell out of there! I paid the stupid fare myself. It was worth it! I still have my life.” He said. Taker perked up hearing WWE.

“What was that you said?” He asked, very interested in what the cab driver had to say.

“I said, this patient nearly killed a nurse at the local hospital. I personally took him to the arena. He said he was with the WWE! A real nut case if you ask me.” He repeated exerts.

Taker thought about this for a moment, then he told the driver to take him to the arena. He smelt a set up. Carol was the target. And the perpetrator?

“Tad!” She said, shocked to see him out of the hospital.

“Yes, it’s me. How do you like my outfit?” He toyed with her. She stared at him speechless.

“What? No, Hi Boss. You look great Boss. Nice to see you aren’t DEAD, boss?” He rambled, slowly hobbling towards her. Carol went to make a step to run.

“Hey!” He said, holding the gun up. A small scream escaped her mouth.

“We’re going to take a little trip up on the roof.” He told her. She half covered her face in horror, her body shaking with fear.

“Oh poor baby. Are you scared yet? Well you should be!” He said and gestured with the gun for her to lead the way out of the room.

Carol turned, going out the door, noticing that he was struggling to walk and hold the gun steady at the same time. She saw her opening and with quick thinking, slammed the door into him and made a dash for it. The gun went off, shattering the window. Carol let out a loud scream.

The crew was still in the arena breaking down the ring and loading up the equipment when the taxi pulled up to the arena. Taker flashed his badge and was allowed entrance to the underground garage. The taxi drove down to the same area he had dropped Tad off earlier. But this time he wasn’t as afraid.

Taker handed the fare to the taxi and jumped out of the car. He took off running at high speed in search of Carol. He went directly to her office. He saw her cell phone lying on the desk. Without haste he left out, running down the corridors.

He ran into one of the staffers and asked if he had seen her. They told him not in a while and went on doing what he had been doing. Taker stood in the midst of the hall, frantic. One hand on his hip and the other resting on his forehead.

“Damn! Where are you Carol? And are you alright?” He whispered to himself. Then down the hall, he thought he saw movement. He made a couple of steps in that direction. There is was again. A young woman walking down the hall, she turned her head to look back at him. He recognized her.

“Sandy?” He called. She turned and began to walk away.