Dark Angel

Disclaimer: The names of the wrestlers belong to them all other characters belong to me. I own the copyright.

The night sky was dark and still as Matt Hardy stepped out of his car. He looked up at the house, which belonged to his mentor Ray Hart. He leaned on the bonnet wanting to stay there a while and remember where he came from. It was six years since the first day he came here and everything in his life had changed. He was no longer a kid with a dream he was a man living it but he knew there would soon be a price to pay. He could see a light on in the kitchen he knew it wasn’t Ray he smiled to himself as he walked up to the front door for the last time. Turning the handle he stepped inside, the house was warmer now than the first time he walked through that door. He remembered how the walls were a clinical white, the floor a cold always-muddy wood and there was never any flowers sitting on the table as there was today.

He walked through to the kitchen and stood resting against the doorframe as his girlfriend Claire stood chopping up lettuce for the salad she was making; as she finished chopping she caught her finger with the tip of the knife, “Ouch!” Matt stepped forward and took her hand “Come here” she smiled at him as he ran her finger under the cold tap and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Always there to take care of me aren’t you” he kissed her neck softly “And always will be”. He turned off the tap and studied the pinprick cut before kissing her finger and placing her arms round his neck and his round her waist, he leaned in gently and they kissed. He held her closely wanting to feel the warmth of her skin next to his wanting to explore her all over again just like the first time. They parted softly, Claire stroked his cheek “You okay?” she studied his eyes she knew there was something bothering him, “I’m good. Honest.” She smiled and accepted his answer she knew whatever it was he would tell her when he was ready, “Okay. You want to get the drinks while I finish this?” he smiled as she returned to the lettuce “You might want to rinse that I mean I know I like dressing but that’s” he was cut off by a flying towel hitting him in the chest. Claire took the bowl of salad to the table and fetched a plate of chicken from the fridge. Matt poured the drinks and joined her.

As they ate Claire studied him, “You ready for tomorrow?” he looked up and sighed, “Yeah, I’m mean I’m nervous about it. I hate that I have to leave you”

“Hey come on, you have to do this. Anyway you know I’ll be going to Texas in a few days. You’re not leaving me; no matter where you are you’ll never leave me. We’ve handled worse than this.”
“I know. I just wish I could take you with me.”
“One day when you are an established wrestler” she stood and walked round to him sitting on his knee “and I am a recognised photographer we’ll be on the road together and this will all be just a memory.” Matt smiled but he knew inside the distance between them was going to be more than the reality of a few miles. He kissed her gently and then let her lead him into the front room. They lay on the cushion covered floor and listened to music, “What are you thinking?” she asked as she snuggled up close to him and placed her head on his chest. “I was thinking how hard it’s gonna be not seeing you” he felt her squeeze him knowing she wasn’t looking forward to the separation that was imminent. “You might not be able to see me in the flesh everyday but we can talk and e-mail and who knows if all goes well with the magazine I might be able to come and see you in the dark matches” Matt kissed her head and sighed. Claire turned and looked up at him “Matt, don’t even think about not going” he raised his eyebrows “I wasn’t. Okay maybe a little.” She rested her chin on his chest, “Wouldn’t you like it if I stayed?”

“Of course I would. I wish neither of us ever had to go anywhere I wish we could just stay here like this forever. But we cant. You’ve worked to long and hard for this and I wont be the reason you don’t go” Matt closed his eyes “Eight hours.” Claire swallowed hard, he ran his fingers in to her light brown hair, “You’ll always wait for me wont you?” he looked worried Claire kissed his hand and smiled “Always”

“No matter what”

“There is nothing in this world that would ever stop me being with you” Matt turned slightly pulling her into him in a strong and tender embrace, “I love you” he whispered against her lips. She looked deep in to his eyes and whispered the same back. They kissed and enjoyed holding each other.

It was still dark when Matt opened his eyes; Claire was in his arms her bare skin warm against his. He kissed her shoulder tenderly before pulling the duvet up to blot out the cold breeze coming from the open window. The sheer curtain rose and feel silently with the breeze. Matt looked at it before closing his eyes and snuggling into Claire breathing in the smell of her hair and body. Committing everything to memory. The time on the clock betrayed him, it moved too fast. He felt her stir in his arms; she turned to face him. He looked into her eyes as she opened them; she touched his face and kissed his forehead and cheek before kissing him softly her lips tenderly brushing his. He moved the hair from her face and held her tightly for a long while. “I’ll come back to you” she looked at him her face serious “You better” Matt nodded “I’d come back from heaven or hell for you” she felt a lump in her throat “You’ll be the only one I ever love.” She whispered to him, he held her tightly, “You’re my soul, you complete me forever”

The night still owned the sky as the couple stepped on to the porch. Matt turned to face his girl and put his head against hers, “This will be the hardest thing I ever have to do” she closed her eyes “It’s only temporary. Isn’t it?” he took her face in his hands “You and me are forever everything else is temporary.” He pulled her close and hugged her with every fibre of his being. As they parted he saw the tears in her eyes and knew there were tears in his. “I’ll be back for you. You believe me don’t you?”

“With all my heart and soul” he kissed her gently before stepping away slowly. She watched as he walked to his car, he paused at the door and looked back at her. He knew what she was feeling whatever ‘love’ was the words weren’t enough; nothing on earth could describe what was between them. He climbed into the car and started the engine. Claire watched silently crying as he pulled out of the driveway.

Matt stopped the car in the clearing; he looked up through the gap in the tree canopy and could see the waning moon. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The air was still the breeze barely moved the branches. The car was lost in the silence and dark. The sun began to fight the moon in the daily ritual as it’s rays began to banish the darkness, the car in the grove exploded shattering the silence as pieces fell through the trees like rain and flames rose high scorching the leaves.

6 Months later

Ray Hart was sitting in his small office at the back of the school he owns. Across from him sat Steve Marshall a well-built suit with a sly grin and conceited eyes. Ray could taste the disdain in his mouth as he listened to Steve talk to him in his condescending tone. “You know I could break you” Ray said stopping Steve in his tracks. Steve studied the old man and chuckled, “Come on old man you know this is a good deal. Your boys know it too. Greg knows it and so does Troy you think the others won’t come to their senses. You’re finished in this town. Why don’t you just face it”
“You’re a twisted backstabbing sonofabitch and I will never sell this place to you so you can just fuck off out of it before I really do break you!” Ray stood, even in his fifties he was an imposing figure, six feet of pure muscle that time was losing the fight with. He could still beat the crap out of any wrestler and they all knew it. He didn’t need to raise a finger all he had to do was look at you and you knew you were finished. Steve was getting that look and that feeling right now and he hated it. “You’re making a big mistake” Ray’s expression didn’t change. Steve stood and glared back at the old man having little effect “I’ll burn you!” Ray smiled “That before or after I kick your ass?” Steve turned huffed and walked out of the office. Paul stood in the doorway watching him go. He turned and looked at Ray, “Not a happy guy” Ray snorted “I’m not in the business of making shits like him happy. I prefer to break their necks and have done”. Paul smiled and stepped into the office closing the door behind him. “He still on the same kick?” Ray sighed and nodded “Why don’t you do something about him Ray. I mean you know he’s responsible for the break-ins and vandalism.” Ray sat on his desk and studied on the pictures on the wall, all the kids he trained to be men; he’d mentored them all and watched them all rise. Champions stared back at him, then one face stood out, a champion that would have been the best champion he ever trained. Matt’s face stared back at him. He sighed; Paul looked at the picture. “This new kid, you sure about him” Ray walked over to the wall “He could be another Matt”

“You’ve never said that about anyone, even me!”

“He has the same drive he just needs to learn control.” Paul nodded and sat on the edge of the desk “And Raven?” Ray laughed, “that what he’s calling himself?”

“Yeah the guy really does have a problem. I saw him at a indie show last night he nearly took this kids head off and that Steve cheered him all the way” Ray shook his head “He’s one sick bastard”

“So what do we do about him?”
“Nothing, we get on with things” Paul sighed and nodded, he left Ray standing looking at Matt’s picture. Paul walked over to the ring and looked at Adam who was training with Rod one of the ‘greener’ wrestlers. “How’s it going?” Paul asked as he climbed on to the apron. Adam nodded and let Rod out of the hold he had him in, “Take a break yeah Rod. Good how’s the boss?”
“Not sure. I mean he actually let that jerk in here!”

“You think he might actually sell out?”
“I don’t know” Paul rested his arms on the top ring rope and looked at the floor of the ring “I know he’s hurt that Raven and Manic turned their backs on him. I think he’s wondering if there’s a point anymore.” Adam shook his head, “If Matt were here” Paul stood up straight “But he’s not”

“Maybe we should give Claire a call” Paul nodded

“I’ll think about it.

San Antonio Texas, Claire was sitting on the metal steps of the SAWA wrestling show. She was loading a new film in to her camera. She looked up and smiled at the commentator Sean Waltham. “Hey, I’m almost ready for ya” Sean nodded and sat on the steps next to her, “Thought I might have seen you at the party last night?” Claire shook her head as she closed the camera door, “Nah I was too tired.” Sean nodded “You weren’t avoiding Pete then” Claire looked at him “Why would I avoid Pete?” she tapped his leg and jumped off the steps, he followed her lead and stepped up in to the ring. “Just that since he hit on you”

“Lean on the ropes” Sean obeyed “He’s not a bad guy. But you won’t even think about it will you,” Claire snapped a couple of shots before motioning him to change his position. She lowered the camera and looked at him “Why do you even start this conversation when you know the answers. Now we gonna get down to this properly or what?” Sean smiled “How about some lunch when we finish here?” Claire smiled and nodded “Yeah if you take that damn stupid hat off.” He removed his cowboy hat and smiled sarcastically.

Paul was sitting at the lunch counter of a local sandwich bar tucking into a baked potato when two of Stevie’s wrestlers walked in. Shane and Billy are both around six feet with toned bodies. Billy carries a scar down his left arm from a wire and razors match Stevie arranged. They look at Paul as they approach the counter. “Well if it ain’t the pussy cat” Billy comments snidely. Paul affords him a sideways glance “Piss off shit head” he retorts, “How’s daddy Ray doin Paul I hear he’s been awfully white lately. I mean isn’t it just awful the kids of today when they can run around destroying property like that!” Shane laughs as Paul stands toe to toe with Billy. “I ever see you in the ring I’ll rip your heart out and stuff down your throat!” he walks away from the two men Billy laughs and mocks him shaking his hands “I’m so scared!” he begins laughing as Shane takes a seat.

Claire was in the restaurant with Sean picking at her lunch. They chatted about the arena and the matches for the night, what photos she should take. Her mobile phone began to ring she dug into her bag and pulled it out, “Excuse me for a minute okay” Sean nods as she left the table and walked to a quiet corner, “Hello” she stands playing with a paper coaster.
Paul looks up from the phone in the corner of the gym, Adam is standing beside him arms folded. “Hey Claire it’s Paul.” Claire is surprised to hear his voice “Hi, how you doing? Everything okay?” she waits for his answer after a long pause he turns and rests against the wall, “Not exactly.” Claire looks over to the table where Sean is sitting “What’s wrong Paul?” He looks at Adam who motions for him to continue, “It’s about your dad” Claire pushes her long brown hair back as she listens to Paul briefly detail the problem. “I’ll be home by morning.” She clicks off her phone and looks over at the table. Paul hangs up the handset and looks at Adam, “She’ll be here tomorrow” Adam nods. “Good”

Claire was in her bedroom packing her bag, she picks up a notebook out of which a picture falls, she takes it off the bed clothes and looks at it. It is of Matt standing in the gazebo in the grove – their special place. She sits down on the bed and looks at the picture tears form in her eyes as she remembers how they used to be. The grove was special to them because it was the first place they made love. It was early evening they had been to a movie and were walking through the grove when it began to rain. Matt wasn’t impressed but Claire loved it, he watched her walk in the rain “You’re crazy” he told her as she insisted the keep on walking. They made it to the gazebo and as the rain got heavier they stood inside, soaked to the skin laughing. That was when it happened he thought she was cold so he stepped up close to her and rubbed her arms gently. She looked into his eyes and touched his face gently; they moved slowly into each other and kissed. She remembered how gentle his touch was as his hands moved down her arms to her waist and how he kept her close. She kissed his neck as he let his hands slip under her top. She shivered with excitement as she undid the buttons of his shirt exposing his toned and tanned chest. He lifted her head and kissed his way down her neck to her breasts. She moaned softly as his fingers played over her skin. She kissed his shoulder and let her hands slip down his body she knew he was excited as she unclipped his belt and explored his chest with her tongue. He lifted her on to the rail and slipped into her softly thrusting as she kissed his body and pulled him closer.

Sitting on the bed Claire opened her eyes tears rolling down her cheeks. She slipped the picture into her notebook once again and wiped her eyes. She zipped up her black sports bag; looking at the room one last time she picked up her black leather jacket and pulled it on. Picking up her bag and her purse she left the room. Outside the hotel she met Sean by his car, “You got everything?” she placed her bag in the trunk, “Yeah I think so.” Sean nodded and held the door open for her, he then climbed into the car himself as they pulled away he checks his watch, “What time is your flight?”

“Eight. Thanks for dropping me off.” She smiles at him he nods pulling out on to the interstate “Hey no problem. Look you do what you have to okay; the job will still be here for you.” He looked at her and winked “Thanks Sean.”

“No problem. You call me when you get there.” She nods “Course”

“And if you need anything. “ they pull in to the airport car park “Thanks.” He nods and takes her hand squeezing it.

Ray is locking up the school as he climbs into his car two well-built men hover in a near by alleyway. They make their way across the road as the car drives out of sight. Raven looks at Manic and smiles slyly “You ready to play?” Manic lifts up two tins of red paint. “Let’s go to town bro.” They both laugh as they walk across to the school. Raven looks at the door and kicks it Manic laughs as they walk inside and begin splashing the walls with paint. Raven smashes the office door window and unhooks the lock. He steps inside and looks at the wall of pictures an evil look crosses his eyes as he pulls the picture from the wall and smashes them. In the training room Manic is dousing the ring floor with red paint and knocking over all the equipment. Raven looks at the picture of Matt and then at the desk, he sees a pair of scissors and a cruel gurgling laugh emanates from his throat. Manic walks into the office and looks at Raven’s handy-work. He smiles and applauds as Raven puts one arm over his should “I feel much better now.”

Claire looks up at her home after paying the taxi driver she begins walking up the driveway to the front door. There is a light in the kitchen she steps up on to the porch and looks to the spot where she said her last goodbye to Matt. A heavy feeling fills her heart. It seemed like yesterday but her body felt so cold his touch had neglected her for so long. She closed her eyes as she stepped into the house. Leaving her bag at the base of the stairs she walked towards the kitchen where she can hear her fathers voice. She stands in the doorway patiently waiting while her father finishes talking to Adam, “I think you could be ready for it. We’ll take a look at some of his tapes so you can get a feel for his style I also want you to do some training with Paul.” Ray stops talking noticing Adam’s attention is now focused on the doorway. Ray turns and smiles as he sees his daughter standing before him, “Hi dad” she walks over and receives a tight and loving hug. “Good to see you baby” she smiles at him as they part and then kisses his cheek. “Hey do I get one of those?” she smiles at Adam and hugs him too, “How was San Antonio?”

“Good. Sean sends his love and to say that Kerri Thomas is doing brilliantly.” Ray smiles and makes a fist with one hand “Knew that kid would do it.” He looks at his daughter studying her “You okay?” she smiles her best reassuring smile “I’m good honest.” Ray nods’ knowing that isn’t the total truth. “You hungry?” Ray walks over to the fridge, “Starving” Claire replies as she sits next to Adam at the counter. “Adam you want to stay for food?” Adam nods and laughs “I never turn down a free meal” he looks at Claire and winks “Maybe you should ring Paul he’d be stoked to see you.” Claire nods “Yeah you mind dad?” her father looks out from the fridge “No tell him to bring some bread with him” Claire smiles as she picks up the phone.

Paul arrived twenty minutes later he knocked on the door holding a brown bag of groceries. Claire opened the door and smiled, “Hey bro” forgetting the bag he grabbed her with his free arm and lifted her off her feet, “Woah Paul!”

He lowered her back to the ground and kissed her forehead, “Missed you kid” Paul looked at her she was still the same ‘kid’ he drove with to the airport six months ago but he knew outwardly appearances were deceptive. “Missed you too. Dad and Adam are in the kitchen, they’re waiting” Paul nodded it wasn’t the time to talk. He followed her through and placed his offerings on the bench. Ray looked up as Paul took off his coat and hung it on the back of his chair. He reached for the bag and started unloading the groceries. “I got you some of those breadsticks you used to like” Paul commented to Claire as she placed the dish of salad on the table, “Thank you,” she said smiling. He sat at the table and Ray brought over his famous pasta dish, a basic concoction of anything and everything you could find in the fridge.

Raven walked into Steve’s office and smiled “Knock knock” Steve looked out from behind the blonde who was sitting in his lap. “Well?” he asked as the blonde stood up and adjusted her belt-sized skirt. “Done, as promised” Steve smiled and handed an envelope to Raven “For the heart ache it must have caused you doing that to such a good friend” the sarcasm in his tone clearly audible before he chuckled to himself. “Poor Ray, it’s just one thing after another” Raven leered at the blonde and stuck out his tongue wiggling it provocatively the blonde was not impressed picked up her fake fur and walked out. Steve smiled “Not long now” Raven turned picking sweets from the bowl on the desk. “I don’t understand why you want those guys” Steve raised an eyebrow his forehead furrowed menacingly “I need some fodder for you all to practice on” Raven nodded “Give me Adam, I’d love to make him bleed!” Steve sat back in his chair looking satisfied “Oh you will”

Paul stepped out on to the porch where Claire was looking out at the night sky. “Hey” she smiled at him “They still talking shop?” Paul nodded “You want to take a walk?” she took the arm he offered and they walked down the steps and headed through the garden. “So what’s going on?” she looked up studying Paul’s concerned face “There’s a new wrestling school set up in town.” Claire waited “The thing is the guy who runs it has it in for your dad. He’s been wagging war on us trying to drive us out” Claire allowed herself a little smile “He doesn’t know dad does he” Paul shook his head “I know. Your dad he’s invincible.”

“Your worried” Paul nodded “The school has been trashed twice in two weeks, everyday there’s something to go in and clean up. It’s starting to ware your dad down.” Claire swallowed, her dad was in his late fifties, he’d been running the school for twenty years and he’d wrestled for another ten on top of that. She looked at Paul “He won’t retire” Paul nodded “I know. I just I just think he needs a little moral boost”
“How come?” Paul stopped and turned to face her “You remember Greg and Troy? “ Claire nodded two young guys her father had brought in a month before she was due to leave. Matt never liked Greg she didn’t know why she just trusted Matt’s intuition. Her dad however said they both had potential if they could control their anger. “Well they got themselves in to some trouble your dad bailed them out and they repaid him by fucking off to the other side.” Claire sighed “How much?” Paul shoved his hands in his pockets “Two grand” Claire closed her eyes. “It’s not the money that hurt.” Claire nodded “I know.”

“I just thought you should be here” Claire hugged him “Thanks for calling me.”

She held on tight for a minute Paul seemed to know that she needed some comfort. They parted and he left his arm round her shoulder as they walked in silence back to the house.

Paul and Adam soon left. Ray looked at his daughter as she sat on the couch; “You look beat kid” she smiled “I’m okay.” He stands and stretches “You haven’t told me why you came home?” she smiled “I wanted to see my old man.” He nods as she stands; he welcomes her hug “I’m glad you’re here”

“Is everything okay?” he looks at her and tries to smile “Almost everything. I’m gonna turn in. You staying up?” Claire shrugs “For a little while.” He nods, “Sleep tight.” He kisses her forehead “And don’t worry” she smiles as he leaves the room. She takes their coffee mugs into the kitchen and rinses them, everything in the house reminded her of Matt, she turned looking at the fridge. She remembered him standing there as she reached in for a bottle of water. He was laughing at her so she dipped her fingers in a bowl of cream and wiped it on his nose, “Oh you wanna play huh” she was laughing hard as she backed away and he came out of the fridge with a bottle of soda. He shook it and chased her round the kitchen cornering her and spraying her with the cold sweet liquid. She smiled at him, they were both laughing, she took his face in her hand and gently wiped away the cream, he repaid the favour by licking the soda from her neck. Claire closed her eyes and looked back at the fridge she sighed and walked out of the kitchen turning off the light.

She opened her bedroom door and stepped inside. Adam had placed her bag on the bed. She walked over and opened it; her attention was diverted when she looked at the covers and all that she could think of was Matt lying next to her. She closed her eyes as she her hairbrush slipped from her hands it rolled under the bed. She crouched down and reached for the brush, running her hand over the wood floor she felt something else. She sat back leaning against the bed looking at the black shirt. She felt tears in her eyes as she remembered that was what Matt had been wearing the night he left. She closed her eyes and cried quietly.

It was just after dawn when Claire stepped out of the screen door holding a mug of hot coffee as she walked over to the porch swing. She was still in her pyjamas as she curled up on the seat and looked out over the misty ground. The sun had not yet warmed the ground, the dewy water hung in the air and its presence could still be smelled and felt. She looked at the driveway where Matt used to park his car and then at the trees they often ran round playfully in the lazy sunshine. She could still hear him laughing and calling to her. She shivered and breathed in the cold air, which burned her throat and stung her heart as she swallowed the all to frequent feeling. Sipping her coffee it brought her little comfort or relief. The door opened and her dad stepped outside he sat on the arm of the swing and tenderly touched her head. She laid it on his knee. “I know,” he said “He’d be proud of you” she sat up and looked at his face “I know I am” she smiled “I missed you dad” he nodded “I know. Come here” he motioned to her she put down her cup and moved so he could sit on the seat with her. He held her close and kissed her head as he stroked her hair. “It’s hard to keep going sometimes but you have to because each morning is a new challenge and you have to accept that challenge and give it all you’ve got no matter how hard.” Claire closed her eyes “You’ve got a lot of fight in you. You get that from me you know.” Claire felt herself laugh slightly “You’re temper you get from your mother” this time she did laugh. “Did you love her?” her dad kissed her “Yes I did very much. She meant the world to me.” Claire sighed, “She loved you too” her dad squeezed her “I know. There was only one person I loved more than your mother” Claire looked up “You” she smiled and kissed him. He squeezed her again “Come on your extended family will be waiting for the doors to open” Claire smiled stood wiped her eyes, kissed her dad’s forehead and went to the door she paused “I love you dad” he looked at her and winked as she went inside.

Paul and Adam were walking across the street to the school when Adam noticed something not right. “Oh Shit!” he exclaimed as they both started running across the road. The front of the school was covered in paint and the door was hanging off its hinges. They both stepped inside carefully “I don’t fucking believe this!” Paul looked at the paint-splattered walls the broken equipment and damaged ring. Adam shoved a hand through his long blonde hair and shook his head “I’ll kill’em!” Some of the others arrived and looked at the state of their facility. Claire and Ray arrived a few minutes later. Ray turned ashen and then red when he walked inside. Claire was pale “What the!” Ray looked at the men who looked back at him, he growled and turned to his office, Claire followed him inside. He began thumping his fists against his legs as he looked at his prized pictures and awards that were smashed on the floor. He then looked at the wall and turned blood red, “Bastard!” he exclaimed as he stormed out of the door smashing what was left of it against the wall. “Dad!” Claire turned watching him leave she looked at Adam “I got it!” he said grabbing Jason on his way out. Claire turned and looked at the picture of Matt on the wall held in place by the scissors through the glass and chest of the picture. She sighed and rested back against the desk upset by the image. Paul ushered the others away as he stepped into the office. He sat beside her and looked at the picture, “Claire” she stood and walked over to the wall taking the scissors from the picture and taking it back to the desk with her. Paul looked at her as she fingered the broken glass; “I’m sorry,” Paul, said not sure what he could do to comfort her. She looked up at him and smiled “We better start cleaning this place up” Paul nodded and walked out of the office. Claire looked back at the picture she picked up the waste bin and emptied out the broken glass, before hanging it back in its place.
Adam and Jason caught up with Ray as he stormed in to Miss Mable’s coffeehouse where Steve was lazily reading the paper and sipping at his coffee. He looked up and smiled “Ray” he was cut off by Ray diving across the table and throwing a well-aimed punch to his jaw. The force of the blow knocked Steve clean out of his chair, bottom overhead landing unceremoniously on the floor. Ray glared at him as Adam and Jason stood back trying not to laugh, “Stay the hell away from my school!” Ray turned and looked at Jason and Adam who parted to let him through. Looking back at Steve they laugh as he tried to get to his feet but slips on the spilt coffee.

Ray stormed back into the school and began throwing broken equipment, wood and tins of empty paint around. All the wrestlers standing by know never to approach Ray when his blood is up; they begin to shrink back against the walls. Claire walks out of the office and looks at her dad who slams an empty paint tin against the side of the ring which such force as to cause a deafening clash and crushing the tin to half it’s size. He stops breathing deeply and looking at his daughter “You done?” she asks quietly, he nods and drops the tin, “Sorry boys” he looks round the room as everyone stares at him. Claire walks over to him “Feel better?” he snorts “If I could rip that smug son of a bitch’s head off I’d be right as rain” Claire almost laughs at her dad’s red face. He turns and rests against the ring watching as his boys begin picking up the rubbish. “These boys work so hard” Claire nods “You’re a good teacher, you inspire them.” Ray nods “That a reminder?”

“Think of everything you sacrificed to build this place. Just look at all your success stories. There are so many guys out there who owe their careers to you. You’ve trained nine different champs dad and you have so many guys here just waiting for their shot.” Ray watches as the boys he’s helped to shape continue to clear up in surprisingly good spirits. He watches as Adam plays the fool as usual making the others laugh. “I guess it was worth it” he looks at his daughter “I hope you feel the same.” Claire hugs her dad “You made the right choices”.

Claire was in her car driving around town, she needed some space so did her dad; he was still hot at this Steve guy. She looked at the trees marking the edge of town. She stopped the car and looked at them, she wasn’t sure could go any further not tonight. She turned off the engine and looked at the barely lit road. She slid down in her seat and thought, things in town were still the same, but everything felt so different. She’d never known the town without Matt to share it with. She knew the first minute she stepped into the school and saw him in the ring learning moves with her dad and Chris that he was something special. She remembered the way he looked at her his eyes were so deep. She was actually embarrassed the when she looked at him. That initial feeling of embarrassment soon gave way after they were introduced. They became good friends and she felt more comfortable with him than with anyone else. She remembered how strange it felt their first date, she’d known him for six months and considered him her best friend. To suddenly be worried about how she dressed and what she’d say seemed so stupid but she was and the daft thing was so was he. She remembered how they went to the movies together something they’d done loads of times before and suddenly they were tense and rigid in their seats. They then moved on to Madame B’s restaurant and sat in a private booth their conversation was strained and they were both strangely uncomfortable. Matt dropped her off at the front door and she remembered how cold their goodnight was. She went inside and sat on her bed mentally kicking herself for the disaster. It was about an hour later when she heard a tapping on her window, she opened it and looked out, she could see a figure on the porch. She went to the front door and stepped outside. Matt was pacing slightly, he stopped rocking on his heels, “There was something I forgot to do,” he said as he stepped forward put his hands on her waist and kissed her gently on the lips. She remembered how warm it felt she responded and he lifted her off her feet holding her tightly. They parted and began laughing.

Claire sighed, as turned to look out of the window and jumped seeing a face pressed up against the glass. She slammed her arm over the lock on her door central locking all the doors as the face pulled back and laughed maniacally. The figure then jumped on to the bonnet of her car and sat cross-legged. Her heart was beating fast inside her chest she was sure it was ready to explode. She grabbed her bag, which lay on the passenger seat and mashed the phone book retrieving the first number, ‘Jo’ she pressed send. Sitting staring at the distorted face through her windscreen as he sat there ratty hair covering his face as he whistled. It seemed an age before Jo answered, “Jo, shit I need help!” the man was still staring at her now mimicking her he held his fingers to his ears imitating a phone. “Claire?” Jo sounded sleepy “Where are you? What’s wrong?” Claire swallowed; “I’m on Madison in the lay-by there’s a sick ass hole sitting on the bonnet of my car!” her voice was calm but deliberate. Jo was moving “I’m on my way, lock the doors and hang in okay” Claire lowered the phone, as did the man outside. She breathed slowly trying to make sense of the figure that was now smiling at her. She closed her eyes and swallowed hard calming herself she opened her eyes and looked at the man whom was still mimicking her. She suddenly hit on an idea and slowly moved her had through her hair pushing it back, the man did the same and the face stuck, Raven. He was one of the weirdest wrestlers her dad brought to the school, she had very little to do with him he was there for three months. She remembered Matt didn’t like him and she staid away from him there were some wrestlers, well most wrestlers she was comfortable with but this guy was definitely weird. Car headlights flashed through her window she refused to blink as they came to a stop, Raven blew her a kiss and jumped off the car running before he even hit the ground. She unlocked her door and stepped out to meet Jo.

Jo was a tall woman in her late twenties, she was muscular with long black hair and she wore and old semi-faded fleece and blue jeans. Claire smiled at her and hugged her “Thanks” she said when they parted, “What was that?” Jo asked looking into the woods, “You remember Raven?” Jo looked at her eyes wide “Yeah well I think that was a welcome home.” Jo sighed “Okay how about you follow me home for a coffee?” Claire nodded and climbed back into her car. The drive was a slow one; Claire turned up the radio as some dated soft-rock song played. Her window rolled down so the cold breeze could play with her hair. Jo’s car was in front she followed her along the quiet streets out to a house on Maple it was a small bungalow she shard with two wrestling buddies. Claire pulled up behind Jo on the dirt driveway and followed her inside. Claire walked into the lounge and dropped on to the couch as Jo went to the kitchen and returned with two mugs off coffee. She sat on the couch next to Claire; “You okay?” Claire nodded and forced a smile “That was very surreal.” Jo nodded and waited Claire knew what she was thinking it was a minute or two before Jo dared ask, “Why were you there?” Claire wondered how Jo would react to what she was about to say, “I couldn’t go any further” Jo was puzzled “What do you mean?” Claire looked at her “I wasn’t ready to drive by the grove.”

“Oh” was all Jo said Claire rolled her eyes “I know okay it’d dumb” Jo shrugged “No I mean it’s not dumb.” Claire looked at her sideways Jo laughed, “Okay maybe I do think it’s a bit,”

“Dumb” Claire filled in. “You miss him that’s understandable” Jo was always trying to be understanding “I know how much he meant to you,” Claire could feel the ‘but’ coming “But” and there it was she smiled to herself “it’s time you moved on.” Claire knew that line so well, but no one else seemed to be able to understand what Claire felt. “I don’t want to move on Jo. I know you lot think I’m crazy, but that’s how I feel.” Jo nodded as she sipped her coffee, “I just think you have to start living again,” Jo said bluntly as she placed her mug on the table. “I never stopped living, I went to Texas didn’t I” Jo shrugged “Yeah” Claire was well prepared for this argument “And I’ve been doing well there.” Jo looked ready to pounce “But you came back” Claire chuckled “My family’s here Jo. Anyway Paul called and told me there was some trouble.” Jo reclined on the couch and looked at her “Okay. I give in you’re perfectly fine. You just have visits from Psycho’s who like getting their butts warmed by your engine,” Claire laughed as she sat back still nursing her mug “What happened to him Jo? I mean I know he wasn’t too altogether to begin with but he seems” Jo cocked an eye “Like a raving maniac?” Claire nodded “Basically.” Jo smiled “All I know is that when that new ponce came to town Raven, oh we cant call him Greg anymore, meet up with him and what do you know at the show about six weeks ago he turned on Jason gave him a bloody nose, concussion and sprained wrist." That of course was before he spat in your dad’s face and told him what he thought. It was unrepeatable if you know what I mean.” Claire pushed her free hand through her hair “Dad didn’t take it too well” Jo shook her head “No wonder Paul was worried.” Jo looked at Claire “Are you worried?” Claire shrugged “Maybe.” She stood and placed the cup on the table “I should go.” Jo stood “Meet me for lunch?” Claire smiled and nodded as they walked to the door. “And don’t go parking in any more lay-bys” Claire smiled hugged Jo said goodnight and left.

It was early morning, the light slowly filtered in to the lounge. Claire who was lying on the couch slowly opened her eyes at the sound of mugs rattling. She pushed back the cover she was under and walked into the kitchen where her dad was making breakfast. She checked the clock it was a quarter to seven, “You got plans dad?” she asked as she rested on the bench rubbing her eyes waiting for the light to stop hurting. Her dad placed a mug in front of her “Got a meeting.” Claire smiled turning away from the window “Sounds posh” he smiled and followed her to the table where she sat and warmed her hands on the mug of tea. Ray studied her “Three nights and your still sleeping on the couch" Claire smiled “Guess I can’t say I was watching late night TV.” Ray shook his head and looked at her soberly “Tell me and I wont ask again are you okay?” she looked up at him and nodded honestly “I’m okay I promise.” He placed his hand over hers “One day it’ll all make sense” he promised. Claire stood kissed his cheek “See you later” she said as she walked to the door “Not if I see you first” her dad echoed as she stepped into the passage and headed up stairs for a shower.

Raven walked into Steve’s office and sat on a chair his feet on the dark wood desk. Steve walked in carrying his paper and a mug of coffee; he looked at Raven who smiled menacingly. “Bit early for you isn’t it?” he commented sarcastically as he sat in his plush leather chair, “Thought you’d like to know, a little angel is back in town” Steve studied him “I have no interest in your riddles this morning. Ray Hart is meeting with the bank, I think it’s only a matter of time.” Raven nodded “As you wish” he chorused as he strolled out of the door, “I’ll just have my fun.”

Ray sat in the waiting room at the bank, twiddling his thumbs. He watched the clock as the seconds ticked by he hated wasting time here. The door opened and Michael Rose looked out “Ray come on in” was his warm greeting. They shook hands as Ray stepped into the office. Ray sat and waited, Michael looked at him “I guess you heard about the school” Ray commented looking at Michael who looked a little grey “I did hear something about another incident” Ray chuckled “Someone broke in and tried their hands at redecorating yeah.” Michael tried to smile but it failed miserably, Ray was less than impressed “The bottom line is?” he pushed “Well” Michael began “Your insurance is going to sky rocket again if this continues and your losing money at the events.” Ray knew all this why did he insist on coming in here to be told what he already knew. “I hear Steve Marshall has made you an offer” Michael prodded, Ray’s eyes clouded “He has” he growled “If you ask me, you might want to consider it” Ray stood “I didn’t ask you!” he spat. “Ray, your top star has been out for a month people are tired of the same old formula Marshall’s organisation gives them something new, you have to compete or you’ll die” Ray thumped his fists on the desk “Marshall serves up blood and spectacle not professional wrestling. He’ll end more careers in one year than you’ll catch fish!” he knocked Michael’s prize picture of himself holding a large fish over. “Ray I’m your advisor” Ray shook his head “Then don’t give me crap! I am not and never will sell to Steve Marshall understand!” Ray was turning red slowly Michael nodded as he swallowed hard. “Now you do your job and I’ll do mine and we never discuss this again!” Ray demanded before walking out almost dragging the door off its hinges with his slam.

Claire looked around the school; Adam and Jason were dancing with mops as four others brushed water out of the front door. Claire stepped over them and plodded through the inch deep water to Paul who was sitting on the ring apron. She sat beside him “Another practical joke”

“Ha ha” she knocked his shoulder and he placed his arm round her “I wish your dad would just let us kill them” Claire smiled “Yeah well maybe he wants you to have a lesson in patience.” Paul looked at her with a cynical gaze. Before shaking his head as Adam danced passed him. Claire laughed at the spectacle. “Where is your dad?” Paul enquired “At the bank” Claire replied checking the ring, which was still dry. “Paul is there something I should know?” Paul shook his head “If you find out you want to let me in on it?” Claire jumped off the apron and was immediately caught by Jason who discarded his mop in favour of a female partner. Claire laughed as he spun her around in the water. They stopped dead when Ray walked in and surveyed the scene. Jason lowered Claire to the floor and everyone prepared for the fireworks Ray just looked straight past them all and walked into his office. “Wow he was calm,” Jason said relieved Claire walked away from him and in to the office, Ray sat at his desk tapping his pen on the paper in front of him. “Dad” she said softly, Ray continued to tap “Dad” she repeated he finally looked up but instead of looking at her he stared at the picture of Matt. “He was gonna be the best.” Claire hung her head “He was better than anyone I ever saw, even me” Ray laughed “He told me once he wanted a title shot more than he wanted to live. Guess he got that wrong” Claire looked at Ray who was pale. “Dad you’re scaring me,” she said, as he finally looked at her “I have some stuff to take care of I’ll see you tonight okay?” he stood and walked towards her he kissed her forehead and walked to the door where he paused, turned and walked back to her. He hugged her tightly and kissed her again “I love you. Always remember you were the most important thing in my life,” he whispered to her Claire looked at him as he pulled away “Dad” she said, he paused and winked “I know.” He walked out of the door and Claire felt a cold chill. She followed him out of the office and watched as he left through the front door. Paul walked over to her and studied her face, she was pale and looked worried “Every thing okay?” he placed a friendly hand on her shoulder, “I don’t know.” She said quietly as she secretly wished away this bad feeling that was growing inside her. She turned and walked away from Paul still shivering. She walked out of the back of the school and looked up at the sky it was starting to cloud over she knew that something bad was going to happen.

Ray had been gone for hours he’d done all he had to do. Tied up all his lose ends and now he was ready, it was time. He just had one last stop he pulled up at the grove, there was nothing much left now, scorched ground and woody remains. Ray crouched down and picked up a handful of dirt. He let it trickle through his finger before he looked to the sky “I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’m hoping this isn’t one of them. I got a bad feeling about this just give me strength one more time.” Ray stood and walked back to his car slowly. As he drove away a dark figure stepped into the moonlight and crouched down repeating Ray’s dirt ritual.

Steve was waiting outside the school, which was in darkness tonight it was all going to end and that gave him chills. Raven and Manic stood with three others ready to begin the dismantling of the school and all it stood for. Raven led a sick cheer as they ploughed through the glass windows and began demolishing the school.

Claire was standing in the lounge pacing as Paul talked on the phone and Adam stood in the corner flipping his keys. She looked up at the window and walked towards it, she looked out in to the darkness and felt a cold shiver. Her eyes roamed the garden and driveway before resting on a figure standing in the middle of the driveway, she looked harder her heart beating fast as she stared at the man. She knew those black clothes she knew the height and build of the man and she knew as soon as she stepped outside he’d be gone. She also knew something was very wrong.

Ray climbed out of his car and walked towards the school. Steve was still sitting in his car chatting on his mobile phone. He was laughing as the girl he talked to was suggesting an interesting way they could spend their evening. His eyes followed Ray as he stormed through the glass window and into the school, “Shit. I’ll call you back honey” he said hanging up the phone.

Claire turned away from the window and grabbed Adam’s hand “Something’s wrong” she declared as she pulled him to the door “Where are we going?” Adam asked pulling back enough to grab his jacket and signal to Paul who hung up the phone and came after them. Claire was already outside staring at the figure a short distance away from her. She felt her heart rising into her throat as she walked down the steps. There was a bang behind her she turned to see Paul slamming the door when she turned back the figure was gone. She closed her eyes “Please be okay” she whispered under her breath. Adam came up behind her she looked at him “Something is really wrong” she said Adam nodded and hurried to the car.

Raven wondered as he flew through the air how much pain he would be in within the next two seconds. He hit and found that it really did hurt as he crashed on to the pavement and slid against the door of Steve’s car. Soon after Manic joined him and they sat together rubbing their heads. Then they saw Ray standing in the window fuming, he cut an intimidating figure Raven thought he hated that and he was definitely going to enjoy this. He crouched and then pushed himself forward taking Ray down into the mass of shattered glass. They rolled over and over as they struggled with each other, each one vying for the best punch. Steve pushed his door a sharp encouragement for Manic to rejoin the fight. As Manic ploughed in arms swinging Steve climbed out of his car and looked around all the others he had brought with him had ran as soon as Ray appeared. Steve shook his head he would have to berate them later. His train of thought was interrupted as Raven came again flying out of the window landing at Steve’s feet. Steve shook his head looked around the dark street before walking to his trunk and pulling out a tyre iron. Ray followed as Manic crawled out of the window he continued to reign blows on the young mans body. Steve rolled up his sleeves as raised the iron bringing it down as hard as he could on Ray’s back. Ray pitched forward and lost his breath. Manic crawled out from beneath him and began heckling and laughing as Steve continued blow after blow as Ray staggered fell and crawled away from the school.

Raven stood and watched as Ray crawled into the street, hoping and aiming for his own car and escape. Raven laughed shrugged and jumped into the driver’s seat of Steve’s car. Manic was still laughing uncontrollably and occasionally adding his own kick to the continuous iron blows. Blood was welling up in the fresh wound that was made worse with every blow. Ray was breathing heavily as his movements slowed Steve paused for a second catching his own breath “You should have just sold!” he declared in a righteous tone. Ray felt no pain anymore his blood was boiling as he began pulling himself to his feet in defiance. That was the sign Raven was waiting for he revved the engine and slammed the car in to drive flooring the accelerator the car burst forward. Steve and Manic jumped out of the way of the speeding car. Ray stared down Raven as the car ploughed into him. As he rolled over the bonnet he felt the bones in his body breaking and the air being sucked from his chest. He hit the ground with a reverberating thud, which he felt ten times over. Manic and Steve stared in disbelief Raven revved the engine and slammed the car into reverse driving the car over Ray’s legs watching his act in the side mirror. Ray felt his legs crush but he had no breath to cry and no will to give them that satisfaction. He could feel his legs going numb now. As the car drove round him, Steve and Manic jumped in. Lights flickered as a police car could be heard in the distance. Ray listened hearing two doors slam and the car speed away.

Claire looked at Adam who was concentrating harder than ever on the road. The drove into town and headed towards the school. As they got closer Claire felt herself getting colder. Her heart began to sink as they saw the flashing lights outside the school. Claire opened the door as soon as Adam slowed, she began running she could hear Paul calling to her as she raced to the ambulance and saw her father being lifted on to a stretcher. “No!” she cried as she rushed to him, the police unable to hold her back. She didn’t hear their calls as she reached the stretcher and grabbed her dads hand, “Hold on dad!” she said kissing his hand. He looked at her and blinked. Claire felt tears starting to well up in her eyes as she accompanied her dad into the ambulance. Paul stood at the door for once in his life he was unsure of what he should do “We’ll meet you there” he called to Claire as the paramedics closed the doors. He raced back to the car as the ambulance pulled out. Adam was dumbstruck, Paul slammed the door “Shit!” he exclaimed as Adam started the car and followed the ambulance.

Claire was standing outside the room as the doctor and nurses fussed over her father. She hated not being in there with him most of all she hated being alone. She checked through the window, all she could see was pipes and machines being hooked up to him. She turned and rested against the wall tears in her eyes. She felt them roll down her face and then she felt something else, someone else. There was a ding as the elevator opened; Adam and Paul headed towards her with the rest of the wrestlers form the school following close behind. “How is he?” Paul asked his tone low “They won’t tell me anything right now” Claire replied, she looked into his face “It’s not good.” She didn’t need a doctor to tell her that. Adam stepped forward and hugged her tightly as Paul nervously ran his hands though his hair and stared at the wall. The others all stood back looking at each other totally deflated, finally he turned and looked at Jo who swallowed hard echoing his concern.

Minutes passed before the door opened, the doctor looked at Claire “How is he?” she asked her voice slowly breaking “I’m afraid your father has suffered a lot of internal injuries.” Claire wiped her eyes “How long?” she asked the doctor looked grave “Can we see him?” Paul asked the doctor nodded. Claire looked at them all “Two minutes” she said and walked into the room alone. Paul looked at Adam and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Claire walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. She took her dad’s hand in hers and smiled at him “Dad” she whispered he opened his eyes and lifted his other hand to her face, “I’m sorry” she said he shook his head slowly and then pulled the mask away from his face “Not you.” He looked at her at her cloudy blue eyes and then there was something else. Someone else, there was the figure standing behind her and he smiled “I love you” he said “I love you back” she replied there was a knock at the door and the others began to enter, “Everyone’s here dad” she said not hiding her tears as the room filled. Ray smiled “We’re all here with you pops” Paul said looking at his mentor his bottom lip shaking. Ray’s eyes passed over everyone and then rested on his daughter and the figure now standing behind her, Ray nodded at the man dressed in black “Take care of them” he said Claire and the figure both nodded. “I will” she said, Ray looked at the figure “Be sure and take care of my baby” he said, everyone in the room nodded and replied. But Ray just stared at the man in black who nodded. Ray closed his eyes “Dad” Claire said quietly. Ray’s eyes flickered and his hand tightened in hers She felt tears streaming down as she felt him slip away. “Sleep tight” she whispered as she laid her head on his chest and cried. The room was filled with a deafening silence as each wrestler said a last goodbye and shed a tear over their mentor and father figure.

*****

Claire was sitting numb to the core on the couch of her home. Adam was slouched in the chair white with shock and gnawing on his fingernails. Paul was standing against the wall not looking at anything. There was a noise in the kitchen as Jo prepared tea for the group. Jason sat at the table making phone calls and Justin stood by the window staring into the night. Jo knocked his arm and handed him a mug of tea; Justin nodded and took it “Thanks” Jo smiled as she took the tray into the other room. She placed the tray on the table and took a mug to Paul “How is she?” she asked Paul shrugged “Cant tell” he said turning to look at Claire who hadn’t moved for two hours. Jo walked over to her and sat on the couch next to her. “Claire” she said softly “I want you to drink this.” She instructed softly handing her a second mug from the tray. Claire looked at her and took the mug, which she held in her hands and continued to stare. Jo gently moved Claire’s hair and sighed “Please” she begged. Claire slowly took a sip from the mug. Paul put his head back against the window frame and swallowed hard. Outside the dark figure rested against the porch rail, the man was around six-foot tall with broad shoulders and a toned body. He had long black hair tied back he wore sunglasses in the darkness and had a large black coat with a collar which covered the lower half of his face. He watched the scene inside the house, Claire moved slowly off the couch and headed outside. Jo stood to follow but Paul shook his head “Let her go” he said as he walked towards the couch, “Let her be for a few minutes” Jo nodded and sat back down “Jason is working his way through the phone book. I thought you might want to tell Chris and Sean” Paul nodded and sipped at his tea.

Outside Claire let the cool breeze play with her hair. She was still nursing the mug of tea Jo had given her. She rested against the rail and closed her eyes. As she sat there trying to work out what was happening in her head she felt a gentle hand touch her face. She opened her eyes and no one was there. She looked around and saw Jason walking passed the door. She turned back to the darkness. Again she closed her eyes and again she felt a gentle hand and then a gentle kiss to her forehead. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the darkness that was all around her. “Matt?” she whispered her voice was lost in the darkness. She soon forgot the thought when she heard a cough behind her. Justin stood in the doorway, “You okay missy?” he asked in his thick Texan accent Claire shrugged “I don’t know” she replied Justin nodded “Neither do I” he said. “I was thinking I would go check on the school.” Claire nodded “Thanks” Justin stepped forward “I’ll see you in the morning?” Claire nodded “Good. If you need anything” he started Claire nodded and smiled “I know who to call” she finished for him. “Yeah you do” he hugged her tightly and then left the porch. Claire sighed once she was alone “I need you Matt,” she whispered in to the wind before standing and going inside. The figure looked up from his position on the rail and watched her close the door.

Steve was pacing in his office his glass of brandy swirling and spilling as he moved. “Shit” he growled, turned and paced again. Raven was sitting legs crossed on the desk sticking pins through a small plastic action figure. He was smiling to himself as Manic bound the cuts to his hands. “Shit” Steve commented again finally coming to a stop, he stared at Raven and pulled the doll from his hand and slammed it on to the desk. He looked up at Raven and began smiling “Excellent work” Raven nodded “Couldn’t have done it better myself” Steve began laughing Raven joined in and soon all three were cackling and celebrating. Steve poured them all drinks and they toasted Ray’s death. “Did you hear the crunch” Manic laughed “It was so, so, awesome!” he declared. Raven laughed “I liked the way his eyes popped out of his head when I hit him, Smack!” he illustrated slapping his fist into his hands. “There is nothing like the rush of victory!” Steve looked at his co-murderers and smiled “Let’s go celebrate!” They left the office and headed into town.

Claire sat on the porch chair looking at the sunrise in the distance she felt the breeze chill her cheeks. She blinked and continued her silent observation. Paul stood inside staring out of the window at her, Jo placed a hand on his shoulder, “She’s in shock” she handed him his jumper; he looked at her “Go talk to her” Jo encouraged. Paul nodded and pulled on the jumped before stepping outside. The wood was cold as he padded barefoot over to the chair. He crouched in front of her and waited for a moment before touching her hand and bringing her out of her cloudy thoughts. “Hey” he said softly she blinked “We’re gonna have to make some arrangements today.” She looked at him confused and then she remembered what he was talking about, it made her feel sick and cold inside. “I’m sorry” she whispered Paul looked at her his brow knitted “What for?” he asked “Letting you all down, I haven’t been much use have I?” she said slowly choking on her tears remembering the feeling when she felt her father slip away. Paul stood and slipped on to the chair next to her holding her tightly “You haven’t let anyone down.” He rested his head on hers as he felt her cry softly “It’s okay we understand. We’ve just gotta get through this together.” Jo stood in the doorway wiping away her own tears as she watched Paul comforting Claire, she couldn’t remember the last time they both looked so small and lost.

Justin was still at the school, he’d worked through the night once the police left, boarding up the windows and sweeping up the glass. He hadn’t even touched the mess inside, when the car pulled up, Claire climbed out followed by Jo and Paul. Adam turned off the engine and stared at the street in front of him before Jason clicked his fingers and brought him out of his thoughts. “Sorry man, it’s just, he was there and” Adam shivered Jason nodded “It’s not good,” he said as he climbed out of the car himself. Claire looked at the school and then at the street, she closed her eyes and walked through the door all the time hoping it was just a dream, but the darkness inside told her different and it nagged at her body living off her energy. She looked around and saw the mess and mayhem that had been caused. It twisted the knife that was already imbedded deep out of sight inside. She stepped deeper into the school, Paul looked at Justin, “I talked to the cops.” Justin said watching as Claire walked into the office “It doesn’t look good they say there are no witnesses no nothing.” Paul nodded “I think we all know who did this” Jo squeezed his arm “You’ll have to prove it,” she said in a low tone. Paul just looked at her in a way that chilled her. He’d already held the trial in his head and Steve was definitely guilty. Paul was now ready to dole out the death penalty.

Claire looked at the picture on the office wall, there was no quick repair this time, Matt’s face was painted out and “You Suck” was graffeited across the wall. Claire sighed and turned to the desk where a picture of herself, Ray and her mother always stood. It was gone; she scoured the floor and papers until she found it in the bin the frame mangled and mutilated out of shape and the glass shattered. She pulled out the picture and sat on the floor looking at

it. She closed her eyes and swallowed her pain again, standing she walked out of the office and looked at the group who were picking up pieces of glass and garbage which had been thrown around. “Close it up” she said Justin and Paul stared at her “For today” she ended “There are other things we have to do” Everyone nodded and filed out of the doors. Claire closed them and locked them tight “For today” she repeated as if a silent prayer.

She looked at the spot where her father had been found and saw Adam crouching, laying a bunch of flowers on the spot. She ignored the others who were chatting to each other in a low tone; none of them noticing Adam disappear to the nearby shop. Claire walked over to him slowly, he looked up at her “Just didn’t seem right you know.” She nodded “It’s like it’s a dream” Adam agreed she stepped forward and hugged him “We’re gonna miss him but we still have you to remind us every day” he whispered. Claire pulled away knowing that the next couple of weeks would be the hardest of her life.

It was late afternoon Tommy Dreamer was sitting on the bonnet of his car staring out at the lake he sighed and studied his hand, which was bandaged from the glass breaking and general crashing about excursion of the previous night. He had heard bout Ray and knew Steve had something to do with it, but what was it to do with him. He closed his eyes and reclined on the windscreen thinking how nice it would be to have an early night. A sharp pain in his windpipe roughly interrupted his thoughts. He felt himself being lifted off the car he opened his eyes and struggled but there was nothing there. His eyes were wide as he clawed at the air needing to breathe. Finally he hit the ground. He coughed and spluttered as his chest heaved heavily greedily sucking in air. Standing he scanned the area but there was no one there, he was spooked as he opened the car door and then there was something cold all around him. He turned slowly and came face to face with the dark figure. He swallowed hard “Hey man I don’t know who you are” the figure had no face, not one that Tommy could see, his hands were shaking now as this figure just stood unmoving excuding ice. Tommy tried to slip into the driver’s seat ‘Get away’ playing over and over in his head. The figure didn’t move, Tommy breathed heavily as he sat in the seat and slowly reached out for the door handle. Suddenly his arm swung back he yelled out in pain and fear as the door slammed shut on his forearm. It opened again and he fell out at the feet of the dark figure “Who the hell are you?” he cried holding his arm. The figure just walked away Tommy cowered in the doorway breathing heavily sighing with relief when he saw the figure disappear out of sight. The adrenaline rushed through his body relaxing him. He closed his eyes and began breathing normally, his arm hurt like hell but the danger was gone. Or so he thought, as he opened his eyes again there was an almighty pop and every window in his car shattered showering him with tiny glass silvers cutting into his face and body with ease.

Claire sat in the kitchen alone for the first time that day, she was tired and cold and she knew nothing would warm or rest her anytime soon. She’d been looking at the picture of her family for over an hour now and for the first time she realised she was all-alone now. That hit her hard it almost knocked her off the chair, her body was cold and bruised as if she’d just been hit by a ten-ton truck. She remembered how cold she felt when her mom died; she was lonely in a different way then. Her dad was in America and she was in England with her mom when it happened. It was so sudden she wasn’t sure if she remembered right, her mom got sick a virus and it took it’s toll she went down hill fast the medication she received caused an allergic reaction and she was gone in the space of two weeks. Claire blinked, her dad never did get over it, he always felt guilty he let his work keep him away from his family but Claire knew different. Her mom was happy they spent four months every year in America and her dad would come to England every two months. It was an arrangement that worked until her dad couldn't get home in time. Claire was 16 when it happened, she remembered staying in England until she was 18 and then she moved home. She shook her head and woke up, at least now they’d be together and happy, she knew they’d be happy. She stood and rejoined the group in the other room, the funeral director looked at her and then at Paul. “Miss Hart, I’m so sorry for your loss” she smiled weakly “Thank you,” she said as she sat next to Jo and Jason. Jason slipped his hand into hers as the funeral director brought out his catalogue of coffins. Claire flinched and closed her eyes. Jason held her hand tight and the next half-hour passed in a blur. She detached herself as best she could from the situation and let her memories take her to happier times.

Steve walked into the emergency room and asked a nurse for directions. He walked down the corridor and found Tommy in a cubicle his hand now in a chalk, which extended to his elbow, his face held together with paper stitches, as was his chest. “What happened to you?” Steve asked looking one of his prize stars over, Tommy shook his head, “Spit it out” Steve encouraged Tommy shook his head again, a nurse steppe inside the curtain “I’m afraid Mr Dream has swallowed some of the glass. It has cut the inside of his throat and he won’t be able to talk for a few weeks.” Steve stared and shook his head in disbelief. The nurse helped Tommy dress and Steve helped him to the car, “You’ll be okay in a few days, just take it easy.” Tommy studied Steve who was still on a high after his ‘victory’. Tommy climbed out of the car at his front door and looked at Steve who handed him an envelope “For your silence” Steve said his eyes steel demanding loyalty. Tommy took the envelope and walked away from the car.

Claire looked out of the window of her bedroom, she still hadn’t slept a night in her own bed, and right now no one questioned anything she did. She looked at the shirt, which was folded lying beneath her pillows and cushions. She walked over and touched it “I wish I had you here” she said. There was a knock at the door Jo opened it and stepped inside, “They’re ready,” she said solemnly. Claire nodded, She was dressed all in black, and held sunglasses in her hands, make up couldn’t hide the redness of her eyes. She nodded and headed to the door, she stopped looking at Jo who hugged her and then ran her fingers through her hair pushing it into place, “There. You’ll be fine” Claire nodded and stepped on to the landing, Jo followed her downstairs where most of the school was waiting. Adam and Jason were waiting for her Adam offered his arm, she took it and Jason slipped his hand into hers Claire smiled weakly grateful of the comfort. Paul studied the trio as they walked to the door; Jo took his arm he smiled at her the kind of smile people share at funerals.

At the church everyone was gathered outside awaiting the coffin. Claire saw them all as the car slowly stopped all eyes were on them. She didn’t feel ready for this; she was too young to be saying goodbye to her dad. The car door opened and Adam slipped out first, Jason squeezed her arm “You ready?” she looked at him and took a deep breath “No” she replied softly, “Me neither” he whispered back before kissing her hand. She slipped out and looked at Adam he was trembling as he looked at the coffin, she slipped her hand in to his and squeezed it, he looked at her and she smiled as reassuringly as she could. Jason slipped out of the car and looked around, Chris stepped forward, he looked at Claire and tried to smile. He looked strange, pale, his hair pulled back tightly and his face clean-shaven. Claire stepped forward and hugged him. She buried her head in his shoulder “I’m so sorry” he whispered to her. They parted and she nodded squeezing his hand. Paul looked at her; “They’re ready for us.” Claire nodded, Adam went grey “Hey,” she said Adam looked at her she stepped up and hugged him, “Thank you.” He looked down at her and nodded. Jo stepped up to Claire as Chris, Paul, Adam and Jason walked over to the coffin. Scott and Brian joined them; they slowly lifted the coffin on to their shoulders. Claire felt a chill she looked to the church gardens and saw the dark figure standing there. She closed her eyes and wished that Matt were there with her. Jo squeezed her arm as the procession began to move. Claire glanced back to the gardens, the figure was gone, there was a cool breeze that ruffled her hair and she felt something taking her hand she closed her eyes and held on tight to the feeling as she entered the church.

Steve climbed out of his car and looked at the school, he whistled to himself and went to the door. He tried to push it open but there was no give. He sighed and smiled “Tomorrow” he said to himself “Your mine tomorrow.” He turned back to the car climbed in blasting his music. As he pulled away the dark figure stood in the middle of the road watching.

The garden of the house was filled with people quietly talking. Claire was sitting on the porch rail looking out at the scene. Chris stepped up and handed her a glass “Here drink this” Claire looked at the brown liquid and then at Chris he shrugged “Supposed to make you feel better” he offered, Claire took a sip and pulled a face handing back the drink. Chris smiled “Maybe not then”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you.” Claire offered, “I understand” He looked at her “Paul said you were out of it” Claire nodded “He’s been great everyone has.” Chris downed the drink “But?” Claire looked at him “I’m just afraid, I mean they’re gonna be relying on me and I don’t know what to do.” Chris nodded “About the school?”

“About everything.” She unclipped her hair and pushed her hands through it, “What am I gonna do Chris?” Chris rested on the rail next to her “Take each day as it comes. Look I have some time off so I’m gonna hang around.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.” Chris shook his head “Your not asking I’m doing so don’t start.” Claire held up her hands she knew it was pointless to argue with Chris when he had his mind set on something. She looked out at the garden and saw Adam wondering. “I’ll be back okay.” Chris nodded as Claire headed off to catch Adam.

Sean stepped on to the porch with Paul and shook hands with Chris. “How is she?” Chris rocked his hand “So, so. I’m gonna hang around a while see if I can help.” Paul nodded, “There’s a lot to do. The school is so messed up.” Sean nodded “Jason was telling me there’s been some trouble.” Paul nodded “Yeah and it’s getting worse.” Sean and Chris studied Paul there was something in his tone. “What do you mean?” Sean asked, “Let’s just say Ray’s death is a little to convenient for some.” Sean and Chris were enthralled.

Claire put a hand on Adam’s shoulder he turned his eyes were red from crying. He wiped them and looked at Claire, “You did good” she said softly, she took his arm and led him to the back steps where they sat together. Claire rubbed his shoulders as he sat still crying unable to stop. “You remember when I came here?” he asked his voice breaking slightly Claire smiled remembering “Yeah, you’d run away and the first thing dad did was shove you in the car and take you home.” Adam laughed, “He told me I was a wise Ass” he wiped his eyes, “Your dad was always there for me. You’re both my family.” Claire held on to Adam “And always will be.” Adam squeezed her leg, “Yeah cuts both ways. I’m gonna miss him is all and I guess it hit home this morning.” Claire nodded “Kinda knocks ten shades out of you don’t it.” Adam nodded “I didn’t want to let him down you know.” Claire kissed the side of his head “You didn’t. You’ve never let him down.” Adam looked at her and hugged her. They parted as music began drifting out of the house. Her dad’s favourite CD. Claire smiled as Adam stood, “You coming back?” she smiled “Just gimme a minute.” Adam nodded and left her alone. She sat listening to the music and looking at the garden, she turned her head feeling the strain of the day starting to hit, in the distance she saw a figure. She stood and looked harder; she bit her lip as she saw him walk away.

Claire was asleep on the couch Adam checked on her before joining Chris and Jo in the kitchen. “She’s sound” he commented as he took a seat and Chris poured him a mug of tea. “I’ll take here up in a minute.” Chris commented “Poor thing I don’t think she’s slept since it happened.” Chris nodded “Paul told me something earlier. He said that it might not have been an accident.” Jo stared at her mug and Adam nodded “He’s right.”

“Adam!”

“Come on Jo we all know there is one person out there who wanted Ray dead!” Jo motioned him to be quiet and stood close the door, “Keep your voice down!” she demanded. “Sorry. But it’s true. We all know it.”

“Your telling me some guy had Ray killed?” Adam nodded “I’d say it’s a fair bet.” Chris flushed red Jo looked at him and rolled her eyes “You cant prove it so don’t even think about it!” Chris looked at her still flushed “The only person who’ll get hurt if you do is Claire!” she stated strongly, Chris flushed white and relaxed “Okay but” Jo shook her head “Right now there are no buts there is nothing any of us can do. So how about we put our energies in to helping Claire not chasing a vengeance theory.” Chris and Adam nodded; Jo knew they were still ticking the story over in their heads. She sighed and picked up her coat from the bench, “Just don’t do anything stupid okay?” Chris and Adam nodded, “I’ll see you in the morning.” She walked out of the backdoor and headed home. Chris crouched by the couch and looked at Claire she looked peaceful and calm. He kissed her forehead and lifted her into his arms. Adam turned off the light as Chris carried her upstairs. Chris carried her into her room and laid her on the bed, she’d already changed out of her black suit, Chris lifted the covers over her and smiled, “Sleep safe” he whispered as he walked to the door closing it behind him.

As the wind blew gently through the open window of her room Claire shivered, She opened her eyes and looked at the window, she knew she wasn’t alone. “I miss you,” she said quietly shivering. She felt the covers move and warmth grew around her. She closed her eyes and smiled as the safe feeling enveloped her. As she slept she began dreaming. It was late one night; they had been watching horror movies and had fallen asleep. The TV buzzed as Claire opened her eyes, she kissed Matt and he opened his eyes slowly. She took his hand and pulled him up; turning off the TV she led him upstairs. In her room he kicked off his shoes, pulled off his jeans and shirt and climbed into her bed, she pulled off her trousers and top and slipped under the covers beside him. As they lay there together he pulled her close and let his fingers explore her skin. Teasing her and soothing her with every move. She clung to him and melted into his arms. He kissed her shoulder and they drifted off to sleep. The dream made Claire smile and then she saw her dad, lying on the stretcher she shivered and felt her body go cold, the lights flashed and she was back lying in Matt’s arms, he looked down at her “I’m still here.” The warmth returned and Claire felt safe once again.

Jo looked at Paul as he sat on their porch the next morning, she sat next to him and snuggled up to him. “You cant stop thinking about it can you” Paul kissed her head “I keep wondering what I could’ve done to stop it.” Jo lifted her head and looked at him “You cant think like that and you know it.” Paul nodded “I know but I wish I could’ve done something.” Jo nodded “We all do.” Paul sighed and hugged Jo tightly.

Raven sat on the roof of his car looking up at Claire’s bedroom window a sick smile on his face. It was close to dawn he stretched and lay on the bonnet looking up at the sky. There was a noise and he looked up at the window, the light white curtain was on the outside being lifted by the breeze, thinking it strange he shook his head; he heard something, a whisper. “I know” he looked around, there was no one and still the wind whispered “I know” Raven stood on the bonnet and looked around “You know shit!” he yelled then suddenly he was pushed back off the bonnet of the car to the dirt by a gust of wind which yelled “I know!” back. Raven was spooked he jumped in the car and drove away. Claire opened her eyes and looked to the window, she was almost sure she saw a figure sitting there but as she blinked it was gone,

Steve strode in to the school leading with him his business advisor. He detailed his plans for the school; he ignored the wrestlers that were cleaning up the shattered glass, paint and broken equipment. Jason looked up and stared before tapping Paul on the shoulder, Paul stood and watched as Steve walked towards the office. “Asshole” Paul commented as he climbed out of the ring and followed Steve to the office. Claire was in the office trying to put her fathers files and papers back in to some kind of order. She looked up as Steve entered. “Now in here I think I’ll knock that wall out and extend slightly. I’ll put the filing cabinets over there and the desk.” He stopped and smiled at Claire “Hello” he said in his most professional voice. “Steve Marshall” he offered his hand Claire stared at him, “And you are?” Claire turned and went back to her task. “The boys will be here in ten minutes to empty the place, I just want everything dumped.” Claire slammed a filing cabinet door and turned to face Steve who was signing a paper his business advisor handed him, “Can you take that to the bank. Thanks” the advisor left, slithering past Paul who stood in the door waiting. Steve looked at the desk and saw a pile of framed photos He picked them up and was about to dump them in the bin “I wouldn’t!” Claire warned, Steve looked at her and flashed his widest smile. “I can’t have junk cluttering up the place” Paul began laughing, “This should be good.” He said as he walked over and took the pictures from Steve and put them back on the desk. “You never answered my question” Steve took the papers out of Claire’s hand. She glared at him and snatched the papers back; Steve was starting to get annoyed this girl was too indignant. He glared as she walked over to the door where Chris walked in holding a tray of take out coffees. Claire took one and smiled at him “Thanks.” Chris nodded “Whose the suit?” Claire turned and looked at Paul “The shit head who made dad’s life hell I think,” Paul nodded “Damn right.” Steve felt out of place and out numbered. “Dad” he echoed a sick feeling started to emanate from his stomach. Claire walked out and was faced with a troop of men entering her school ready to rip its heart out. She felt her blood begin to boil who the hell did this slime think he was coming in to her fathers place thinking he could take over and rub out her fathers existence the day after his funeral’. She was seething Chris and Paul were visibly annoyed. Chris was turning red and Paul looked like he was chewing a wasp. Steve was now resting against the doorframe he looked liked a cement truck had hit him. Claire turned and glared at him “Get the hell out of my school!” she demanded and her eyes cold and spitting ice at Steve. “You’re Ray Hart’s daughter.” Claire nodded “And you are an inconsiderate asshole!” Chris spat turning to face Steve his fists clenched. Claire knew what Chris was planning, so she stepped in between the men, after all Chris was still injured. “Who the hell do you think you are coming in here like this acting like you own the place!” Steve stood up straight ready to stare down this upstart. “Well what do you expect” he began Claire stepped forward and poured her hot coffee down the front of his trousers. Steve felt it stinging he moaned, “Look you sleazy no mark, you are never to set foot in here again you get me!” she spat and walked in to the office slamming the door. Chris and Paul looked at each other then at Steve; they both nodded and grabbed him, lifting him off his feet and frog marching him to the door. The others had already escorted out his men, Chris turned and looked at the office, he walked over to the door and opened it. Claire was slamming about inside. Chris waited until she saw him she was breathing heavily and her usually pale colouring was flushed, “Can you believe that guy!” Chris nodded “He’s a piece of work alright.” Claire sunk into the chair “Shit Chris what am I doing” Chris walked over and took her hands in his “I don’t think I can handle this.” Chris pulled her in and hugged her tightly.

Steve stormed into his office and began bagging on his desk and throwing things at the wall “Shit!” he hurled a glass paperweight at the wall it shattered into a million pieces, “Damn her!” He walked over to his desk and sat down, he reached into his desk draw and pulled out his phone book. Raven stepped into the office checking over his shoulder. Steve put down the book and looked at him. “Why didn’t you tell me he had a daughter!” he yelled, Raven looked up “Huh?” Steve threw a gold letter opener at him Raven just stared as it embedded in the wall an inch from his face. “Hart! His daughter!” Raven looked at him and shrugged “You were busy with some tart.” He replied Steve relaxed in his chair. “Get the boys together and make another outing tonight.” Raven nodded, and held out his hand. Steve pulled out his walled and handed over three hundred dollars. “You know the drill.” He ordered. Raven nodded and left the office.

It was early evening when the young kid stepped off the bus. He was in his early twenties, six feet tall with long blonde hair and green eyes. He picked up his bag from the luggage compartment and began walking towards the main street. Claire smiled at Justin and Ron who were still working on the ring, “You guys can call it a night you know” she commented, Justin smiled “Might as well finish this up. You get off we’ll lock up.” She nodded “Thanks.” She smiled as she left and headed towards her car. Chris was with Paul checking out a venue in the next town. Claire was glad of the space. She climbed into her car and started the engine. Reaching the top of the street she waited for the blonde man to walk across the crossing before she headed home. He walked down the street and stopped outside the school. He looked at the window and saw the two men inside; he knocked on the door and entered. “Hi” he said as he approached the ring Ron turned “Can I help you?” he studied the out of towner “I’m looking for Ray Hart” the young man said, Ron and Justin looked at each other, “Where you from kid?” Justin asked resting on the top rope. “Three towns away” Justin nodded “Then I suggest you get the first bus back.” The boy looked confused “He said I should come here.” Ron turned “Look kid, maybe you should come back tomorrow talk to the boss” Justin shook his head “They’ll just tell him to go home.” Ron shrugged “Better them than us. They’ll be in at eleven kid.” The boy nodded “Thanks” he left the school and headed to the nearby hotel.

Raven and Manic stopped the car and looked at the school, Justin and Ron were still inside setting up. Manic looked at the two men in the back seat, “Time to introduce you guys to a street fight” he offered a brick, Joe and Rick looked at each other and took the brick.

Ron looked at Justin who was hanging a picture back on the wall. It showed the school in all it’s glory, the best wrestlers and the best teacher beaming reminiscent of an old school portrait. Ron offered Justin and drink and they toasted their mentor. As they downed their beer the glass behind them shattered ruining the moment. They both turned and glared at the two men idiotically waving at them. Throwing the bottles aside they headed out of the window and caught the two men on the street. Justin and Ron were no strangers to bar room brawls. Justin picked up Rick as he tried to throw a punch and threw him into the school it was time for this boy to get a lesson. Ron followed suit grabbing Joe by the balls and leading him inside. Raven looked at Manic “Fancy a beer?” Manic nodded and they drove off leaving Rick and Joe to the mercy of two very pissed off former linebackers.

Claire looked around the room, everyone looked sombre and uncomfortable. The lawyer Martin James was opening the will. It felt surreal as if she wasn’t really there she could see everyone and here everything but she just felt like her body was somewhere else. James began reading her fathers words they were lost in the air, as she sat thinking how young and lost a lot of the wrestlers looked. She felt Paul squeeze her hand and she guessed she should really pay attention, she looked at him and nodded he took it as a sign that she was okay. “To my daughter I leave our home, I know it means as much to her as it did to me. It will always be here home and it will always be waiting when she is ready to come home.” Claire felt a sense of peace knowing she always had a part of her dad to come home to. James continued “My wrestling school I also leave to my daughter with this letter. I know you will do the right thing.” Claire looked at the solicitor who handed her a letter from his briefcase. She fingered the white envelope and felt a lump in her throat. James continued, “To my boys, I leave each and every one of you something to remember me by” at this point envelopes were handed out to each of the wrestlers gathered in the office.

After a few minutes the office emptied Claire looked at James “Thanks for your help.” He nodded “You should get the life assurance cheque within a couple of weeks.” Claire nodded “What about the school?” the solicitor shook his head “Your dad didn’t renew the policy. After the first two incidents the premium was raised” Claire closed her eyes, “There were too many incidents.” Claire nodded and thanked James, she shook his hand and he left. Paul walked into the office and looked at her “You’ve gone pale” he commented Claire weakly smiled, “Dad had no insurance on the school.”

“Oh” Paul settled on to the desk. Claire was looking at the pictures on the wall. “I can’t pay the wages.” Paul hung his head “I figured” she turned, “Raven really did screw him” Paul nodded. “What do you want to do?” Claire shrugged “I don’t know what I can do. I can just about afford the venue you and Chris checked out but I can’t afford to pay the guys to fight.” Paul nodded, “And if they don’t fight we don’t get the box,” she rubbed her neck “And so it goes on.” Paul finished “I’ve even been black balled at the bank. The manager told me this morning there was no way they would give me a loan, it’s too much of a risk. Can you believe that?” Paul twisted his fist into the palm of his other hand, “I think someone is deliberately trying to make this hard.” Claire looked at him “Maybe I should just sell” Paul’s eyes flashed Claire shook her head “I don’t know what else to do Paul.” He thumped the desk “Don’t make any rash decisions.” There conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Yeah” Paul shouted his gaze still locked with Claire’s. The young man entered and looked at the two, they broke their gaze and looked at him, he felt nervous “Hi” he coughed trying to regain his voice “I’m looking for Ray Hart.” The woman looked at him, he thought she was pretty, she seemed upset when he mentioned Ray’s name “He asked me to come by, said he had a place for me.” The man stood Jeff could tell this guy was on top of his game, he was well built, every muscle chiselled into shape. “You came here to learn how to wrestle?”
“Paul” Paul turned and looked at Claire “Yeah” the kid was young Claire studied him momentarily “Look kid,” she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, these words never got any easier to say “Ray’s dead.” The kid looked deflated. “Where’d you come from kid?” the kid looked at Paul “A couple hours away. I err I was moving here to train.” Paul looked at Claire she shook her head “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do. Look I can make a few calls see if there’s another school.” Paul looked at the kid “He could stay” Claire was confused “What?”
“He could stay.”

“Paul, the kid needs a trainer and we don’t have one.”

“I’ll do it.” Paul offered “You?” Claire was surprised “You cant” Paul looked at her “Hear me out okay” Claire put up her hands, the kid studied Paul and her, nice couple he thought, confused. “Kid go out there and holler for Chris.” The kid nodded and stepped out of the office “ he shouted for Chris who walked up to the door. “What?” he asked looking the kid up and down, he was young and green you could smell it. “Me and Chris can train him, cant we?” Paul looked at Chris who nodded “Sure”

“For how long? Chris goes back in a couple days; you’ve got to get ready yourself for the live events so you can get back into the SSWA. Neither of you could give the kid the full attention he would need. I’m sorry but we can’t. I’m really sorry.” The kid nodding accepting her answer “Your dad thought he was another Matt” Claire stared at Paul his face was stern and truthful, the kid was shocked at how flushed she became all of a sudden. “If he’s what Ray thought we’d be training a champion.” Claire looked at the kid, “I can’t do it Paul. If dad thought that much of him he deserves better than what we can offer right now.” She looked at the kid “I’m sorry”

“Hey no problem. I’m sorry about Mr Hart.” He turned to leave the office Paul was still staring at Claire she looked at him and shook her head the kid stopped and turned “I’m gonna be in town for a little while until I get something else sorted. Would it be okay if I used your equipment, I’d pay.” Paul was still staring at Claire she looked at him then at Chris who looked just as determined “Sure.” The kid nodded “Thanks” Paul smiled this bought him time to work on Claire. “Hey” the kid looked at Chris “What’s your name?” He smiled “Jeff” Chris nodded “Nice to meet you Jeff, I’m Chris, this is Paul and that’s Claire.” Jeff nodded “Nice to meet you and thanks.” He turned and left the office.

Jeff entered the school the next morning, the glaziers were just fitting yet another pain of glass. There were already five or six guys working out, he recognised one or two from some of the indie tours that had visited his hometown. And there in the ring was Paul training with a tall blonde practicing holds and adapting his style, another blonde stood on the outside offering advice. Paul looked up after putting Jason on his stomach and in a leg lock, “Hey kid!” he shouted, Jeff smiled “Hey, still okay to use the gear?” Paul let Jason out of the hold and slid out from under the bottom rope he picked up a towel and walked over, “Sure it is. Come I’ll show you round.” Jeff followed him into the locker room. “I wasn’t sure whether your girlfriend would still be ok with hanging around” Paul looked at him confused his face suddenly brightening “Oh you mean Claire, she’s not my girl. She’s fine with it, anyway she isn’t in yet.” Jeff nodded as Paul showed him the showers and then through to the main room “Weights are there, tread mills and well you can see what you need. The ring you already saw.” Jeff smiled “I get the picture.” Paul nodded and smiled as he grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler “I bet you do. Well what are you waiting for?”
“Oh yeah” Jeff walked back to the locker room to change.

Claire walked out of the bank and looked at the town, she sighed as she slipped her bankbook into her bag. She began walking towards the school when she bumped into Stacy who smiled her usual sunny smile “Hey darlin, how are you?” Claire smiled she couldn’t help but Stacy’s brand of permanent happiness was infectious. “Okay.” Stacy nodded the usual ‘I understand’ way Claire had seen a lot of lately “Got time for a coffee?” Stacy asked brightly “Why not.” Claire said and let Stacy take her by the arm and walk her to Mables she needed cheering up and Stacy was just the person. They went inside and took a booth, a waitress came and took their order then they got down to business. “So,” Stacy started “How are you doing really?” Claire smiled “Well, it looks like I’m gonna have to sell the school, I have an event I cant pay the guys to do and a repair bill as long as your arm I cant really afford. Apart from that” Stacy shook her head “Are things that bad?” Claire nodded “I don’t know what I’m gonna to Stace. I can’t ask the guys to work for free and I have no way to pay them. The school isn’t covered by insurance so I’ll have to use dad’s life assurance money to clear the repair bills and pay for the event.” Stacy shook her head “I’m sorry but you can’t give up on it.” Claire shrugged “There might not be a choice.” The coffees arrived and the girls kept on chatting. Soon the topic changed to Claire’s love life or lack of “So there was no one in Texas?” Stacy looked surprised “I wasn’t looking for anyone Stacy.” Stacy shook her head, “Why not?” Claire just looked at her “Come on Claire I know you loved Matt but you cant change the way things are.” Claire shook her head “It’s not that simple. I made a promise to Matt and I’m not gonna break it.”

“You can’t be serious.” Claire sipped her coffee and looked at Stacy, a look which said ‘you bet your ass I’m serious.’ Stacy thought she was mad, “It’s been six months.” Claire shrugged “I don’t care how long it’s been nothing has changed. Now can we change the subject?” Stacy nodded solemnly.

Jeff was lifting weights and watching as the two blondes were now in the ring practicing their own moves. The door opened and Claire walked in, one of the blondes stopped concentrating and jumped out of the ring leaving his partner standing. Adam strode up to Claire, “Can I talk to you?” Claire nodded “Course you can. Something wrong?” Adam shook his head as he took a deep breath and followed her into the office. “Okay what is it?” Adam looked at the wall and straightened his picture “I was talking to Paul” he began “He said the money situation is tight.” Claire nodded “I wont lie to you it’s not good.” She sat on the edge of the desk and looked at him “I’m gonna wrestle at the event next week for free” Claire looked at him puzzled “Are you serious?” she asked. Adam was always a headliner for their circuit she would be guaranteed a good sale with him fighting. “Yeah, man I need a place to train and I like the way we do things here. I don’t want to lose that, so if that means wrestling for free for a while, that’s what I’ll do.” Claire slipped off the desk and hugged him. His skin was warm and clammy, “Thank you.” She kissed him and smiled “Can you just pay me like that?” he asked Claire smiled. She looked out of the window at Jeff who was still weight training. She wished there was something she could do, if her dad compared him to Matt that meant he was excellent in the ring. She looked at the young man and couldn’t help but feel she knew him. “What you thinking?” Adam asked turning “I promised to make some calls for that kid.” Adam studied Jeff “Who is he?” She turned and walked over to the desk, “A guy dad offered a place to.” Adam turned “Aren’t we taking him on?” Claire shook her head “No.” she was rummaging in the desk for her father’s phone book Adam was staring out of the window looking at Jeff who was now in the ring with Chris learning moves “Then why is Chris showing him how to do a sharpshooter?” Claire looked up “Oh man!” she walked out of the office and over to the ring where Chris had Jeff locked in a sharpshooter. “And when you want to put more pressure just lean back. Hi Claire” he let go of Jeff’s legs Jeff rolled and stood and smiled at Claire. “We were just messing around.” Claire shook her head and looked at Jeff he was obviously eager to learn and Claire didn’t have the heart to kick him out. “Fine just take it easy he’s not insured.” Chris nodded.

Harvey Runnels was bench-pressing in the gym, Raven looked at him as he walked to the door, “See you later Harv.” He commented as he left the building. As he approached his car a strong breeze blew into his face, it seemed to whisper, “You’ll pay.” Raven looked around and then continued on to his car scratching and rubbing at his ears. The gym door banged opened and then closed again. Harvey looked up, “Raven? That you?” There was silence, he lay back down and continued with his repetitions. There was a second noise “Raven I swear I’ll kick your ass if you’re messing around on me!” there was no reply. He pushed the weight bar up on last time and opened his eyes to look deep in to the dark brown pools of a dark figure. “What the!” the figure grabbed the bar and pushed it down on to his chest. Harvey was trying to fight but the man was stronger “I know what you did!” he spat Harvey began wheezing “I, I don’t know, what are you talking about!” The weight was lifted off his chest, he sat up and looked around the figure had gone. He stood and cautiously made his way to the locker room. He stepped inside the door and felt some one kick him from behind he fell on to his face, before he could move he was dragged into the showers, which were turned on. “Tell the truth!” someone shouted, “I am!” he yelled standing; he was thrown hard against the white tiled wall. “Again!” the voice yelled Harvey felt the blood running from his nose “I didn’t do it!” he was thrown into another wall harder this time, he feel to his knees. His head was yanked back and he felt ice breath against his cheek “You shouldn’t lie!” As his head met the wall Harvey blacked out.

Claire was sitting in the school office looking through the paper work, the repair bills were still mounting and she had no way to pay them. Not even the work she’d done for Sean could cover a third of the debts. She wrote one final cheque and sat back in her chair, her bank account was now empty. She wasn’t sure she had any choice anymore; within two weeks she was going to lose everything. She didn’t think it could get any worse, when another brick came through the school window. She jumped in her seat hearing the shattering glass. Rushing out of the office she caught a glimpse of another object flying through the destroyed window. It smashed a few feet in front of her and sent up a flare of flames. Claire could smell the petrol as she turned her back and shielded her eyes. She moved fast grabbing a fire extinguisher from the office wall. The flames hadn’t reached far by the time she dowsed them with water. The floor was scorched and the place stank of petrol and smoke. She could still hear laughter outside. Her head span and tears pricked her eyes. She threw down the extinguisher and began to cry; she felt her body ache, as she was unable to stop.

Adam and Jason were sitting in Mabels when a rather shaky Harvey came in. His nose was bandaged and his eyes were turning black. His nose was red and he had a cut on his forehead held together by paper stitches. Adam looked at him and spat the mouth full of juice he’d just taken back into his glass, Jason stared at him “What are you doing?” Adam motioned with his eyes to Harvey Jason looked and swallowed hard. “You have a fight with your new boss!” Adam sniggered Harvey glared at him and ordered a beer. Jason laughed “Oh poor baby!” Jason mocked. Adam slapped Jason on the back “Maybe it’s his new look!” Jason agreed laughing “On his way to the ring beat up and blue!” Harvey sat stewing as he took the abuse. Finally he snapped and jumped up “I was attacked okay!” he yelled to which Adam and Jason responded by rolling on the floor with laughter. “Who did it? Your girlfriend?” Jason asked as he wheezed with laughter. Harvey slumped into his seat “He wasn’t human!” he muttered which only set Jason off laughing again. “If he wasn’t human how do you it was a he?” Adam asked still chuckling. “I just do okay! He appeared out of nowhere dressed all in black, you couldn’t see his face!” Adam and Jason both stopped and looked at Harvey who was now grey, “Man I think he’s serious” Jason said soberly then he looked at Adam and they both began laughing hysterically.

Claire closed up the door and handed the handy man a cheque. He nodded and thanked her before picking up his toolbox and returning to his car. Claire looked at the boarded up school and sighed she had managed to hold back her tears for an hour now. She walked to her car and was about to climb in when she heard someone tutting behind her. She turned and looked at Steve’s smug face. “Terrible shame!” he commented, “You here to gloat or you got something to say?” she hit back “I have something for you” he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket “Just sign that when you’ve had enough.” He winked and walked away smiling broadly. Claire looked at the paper; it was a bill of sale. She was about to rip it up when something stopped her. She gave up the urge and climbed in to the car, she didn’t fell ready to go home. She didn’t know where she was going she just started driving before she knew it she pulled into the grove. She stopped the car and climbed out, the breeze was cool and the trees seemed to be talking to each other in a soft whisper. She looked around and wondered how it could look so different just six months later. She rested against her car and remembered when she got the call. It took her less than five minutes to get there but it felt like five years. The fire engines were still there soaking the car, which was now just a mass of burnt and charred metal and plastic. The smell always staid with her, and so did the image. She closed her eyes and let the tears fall again. She wiped her eyes walked towards the spot where the car was found she knew exactly where it was. She stood there silently for a moment, “I need you Matt, I really need you.” She wiped her eyes “I know what everyone wants but I don’t think I can give them it. There’s no money and no trainer. That jerk wants me to sell to him and I don’t think I have a choice. I’m gonna need a miracle to get me out of this mess.” She wiped her eyes and walked back to the car “I’m scared Matt, I’m scared I’m gonna lose everything even you.” She said softly as she opened the car door a soft warm gust of wind played with her hair. She turned and thought she saw a figure where she had been standing. She blinked and stared but the figure was gone.

Claire looked up at Paul who was reading the contract his face was growing red. Claire was waiting for the steam to start poring from his ears and the fire from his mouth. “You cant be considering this!” he finally growled” Claire shrugged “I don’t know if I have a choice. I got this this morning.” She hands him a letter from the bank. Stating that the school’s credit is in the red and since the business is running at a loss unless payments are made the bank will foreclose and sell the business off. “Either way he wins I’m not business minded enough to fight him.” Paul ripped up the letter “Your not selling!”

Claire stood and looked out to the ring, she knew he was right she would never sell to Steve or anyone there was too much within the walls of the school that she would do anything to protect. She just had to work something out and soon before the choice was taken out of her hands. She looked at Jeff who was watching Adam and Brian working on a DDT. “That kid’s still hanging around” Paul nodded “Yeah he’s good I see why your dad wanted him here.” Claire turned and looked at him “I know but what can I do?” Paul shrugged, “He doesn’t seem to want to go.” Claire sighed, “He doesn’t have a choice and neither do we.” She opened the door and walked out to the ring. Jeff was now in the ring with Adam and Brian who were helping him perfect his hold. She waited until the boys had finished executing a DDT before she waved them over. “Brian can I talk to Jeff for a second.” Brian nodded “Sure. Good session kid.” He slapped Jeff on the back as he climbed out of the ring. Jeff rested on the top rope and looked at Claire “Something up?” he asked brightly. Claire looked at him, he was young, hell he was her age but he looked younger, naive almost most when it came to this business. Maybe right now she was just too jaded but there was one thing she knew for definite she was about to stick a pin in his bubble and she wasn’t looking forward to watching him deflate. “You seem to be making friends.” Jeff nodded “Yeah these guys are really great.” He smiled Claire felt a knife twisting in her and she was about to pull it out and stick it in to Jeff. “You know you can’t stay.” There it was his face dropped his eyes lowered and his shoulders sagged, “I kinda hoped you’d change your mind.” The disappointment rang out in his voice. “You’ve got a really bright future but right now” the noise of the men in the school disappeared into an eerie silence. Claire felt something chill her, she looked at Jeff whose eyes were on something at the front of the school his mouth was open is disbelief, Claire looked at Paul who had a similar stunned fish look on his face. Finally Claire turned and saw what all the fuss was about.

‘Enigma’, Claire looked at the man tall and well built his muscles visible under his black T-shirt and long leather coat. His hair fell to his jaw in lose thick curls. He wore dark glasses and his skin was an eerily pale white. He cut an imposing figure. He walked through the men who just stood and stared or moved out of his way. Drawing level with Claire he looked at her through his dark glasses, every eye in the school was focused on them right now. There were no words spoken as Enigma jumped on to the ring apron. Jeff jumped back and watched as Enigma joined him in the ring. Jeff felt his heart start beating in his throat as Enigma removed his coat and stalked him round the ring. Jeff felt his mouth go dry, what was he supposed to do, he saw Claire and Paul climbing on to the ring apron, ‘Cavalry’ he thought as the man in black grabbed at him and managed to toe drop him as he moved. Jeff bounced off the canvas and quickly flipped on to his back. “Roll out!” Paul shouted. Jeff became aware that the others were now around the ring, “He’s just a kid!” he heard Jason shout. Jeff backed up into the corner and sat, he felt trapped and closed his eyes to wait for the beating to start, but it didn’t Jeff opened one eye and saw the man in black holding out a hand to him. Jeff accepted the assistance and once on his feet he stared, the man in black turned and looked at Claire who was standing watching. “Go clean up Jeff” she instructed, Jeff nodded still in a form of shock and climbed out of the ring to be met by Paul who checked his face slapped it gently and woke him up “You did good kid.” Jeff wondered what was good about falling flat on his face as he walked to the locker room. “You lot go on,” Claire said still staring at Enigma who was returning the stare. Claire finally broke away and climbed off the apron and walked into the office leaving the door open. Enigma climbed out of the ring and followed leaving Adam, Jason and Paul leaning against the ring gob-smacked.

Enigma closed the door and looked at Claire, she was a lot older now, she must have been seventeen the last time he saw her. But she was still Ray’s daughter her blue eyes were like his determined and unmistakable. Claire wasn’t sure how to handle this, Enigma as he was now known was just that an enigma. He finally made the first move and removed his dark glasses so she could see his ice-cold blue eyes, the eyes of a dead man. “I’m sorry” he said his voice sounded strange, almost metallic, Claire had a hard time remembering if it had always been that cold. “Thanks” she replied, even though his tone and body showed no emotion she knew his words were filled with it. He turned and looked at the pictures on the wall, his eyes skimmed everyone resting on the picture of Matt finally. “Why are you here?” she asked he finally turned away from the picture “Doing and old friend a favour. That kid, your dad thought he had something?” Claire nodded folding her arms “Said he had what it takes to be a champ.” Enigma looked out of the door, Jeff was standing saying goodbye to Paul and Adam, “You better stop him leaving.” Claire followed his gaze “I’m the one who told him to go. I can’t train him, no one here has the experience.” Enigma opened the door. Jeff turned and looked at the big man, he didn’t look anymore human without his glasses, Jeff shivered as he watched Enigma extend his arm and signal to him with his hand to come in. Jeff slowly entered the room and looked at Claire, he was definitely intimidated to say the least. Enigma closed the door, Jeff looked at Claire as Enigma walked round him sizing him up. "I’ll do it.” Jeff and Claire both looked at Enigma, “Your gonna train him?” Claire questioned Jeff felt his chin hit the floor. Enigma nodded “Wow” Jeff finally managed to get out. Claire was as stunned as Jeff was “Your serious?” Enigma looked at her “Okay your serious.” She answered herself, Jeff was still stunned “Wow” he repeated. Claire smiled at the young starstruck man. “I guess you get to stay,” she said to Jeff not concealing the smile on her face. He smiled back and began laughing “I get to train here!” she nodded as he dived forward and hugged her. He backed off still bouncing and as Claire regained her composure. Jeff turned and looked at Enigma something telling him a hug was not appropriate “Thank you” Jeff said still bouncing “I really appreciate this.” Enigma just stared. Jeff stepped back “Okay, I’m gonna go, “ he looked at Claire who nodded then at Enigma who seemed to be looking straight through him. Jeff walked out of the office closing the door as he went, unable to conceal his glee he jumped and celebrated soon telling Adam, Paul and Jason in a garbled tone. Claire smiled at Enigma who was still stony faced. Enigma turned and walked out of the office, as he left Adam walked in and stared at Claire “What just happened?” Claire shrugged “I got a miracle.” She replied still looking and feeling shell-shocked.

That night the wrestlers had decided to welcome Jeff officially, which in their terms meant a party in Mables. Claire entered the pub with Jason after closing up the school, Jason had just been telling her about Harvey and the man he said attacked him. She was considering if this was the same man that she had seen over the past few days her thoughts had to be pushed aside as Jeff rushed over and offered her a drink she smiled “Just an OJ thanks.” She replied Jeff nodded and bounded back to the bar. Paul walked over to her as Jason went to see the others who were over-running the back portion of the bar. “Quite a day” he commented Claire looked at him and nodded, “Did you call him?” Claire asked Paul shook his head “You mean you didn’t?” Claire shook her head, “I thought Jason must have when he phoned everyone else.”

“But he didn’t.” Claire shook her head “No one knew where to find him.” Paul shrugged “Maybe it was Sean or the grapevine.” Claire shrugged “I know it wasn’t Sean I talked to him yesterday.” The pub door opened and Chris walked in, Claire smiled at him “What did the doc say?” she asked immediately Chris smiled “I can start training again properly” Claire smiled “Good.” She hugged him “You’re in a good mood!” Chris commented, “We got a new trainer” Paul filled in Chris looked puzzled “Yeah?”

“Enigma” Paul finished, Chris’s eyes widened as his mouth fell open, Claire closed it for him “I take it that means it wasn’t you.” Chris shook his head in an answer to her question. Paul looked confused “Then who was it?” All three looked at each other deliberating as Jeff bounced back over handing Claire her drink. “Congratulations kid, welcome to the family.” Chris smiled and offered Jeff his hand. Jeff took it and thanked him.

The night played out as the men drank, sang and danced. Claire spent the evening sitting watching them all kick back, she was glad of the chance of some light relief but she knew it wasn’t over. There might be a solution to one problem but there were still others mounting for her to deal with. The most pressing was a meeting with the police tomorrow about her father’s death. Her concern must have showed on her face as Chris walked over and pulled her to her feet. Embracing her he swayed her to the music as if in dance, his comforting was well received as Claire hugged him back. Looking over his shoulder she saw the door, which stood open. She concentrated on the doorway bringing the figure into focus, the man in black stood there looking at her. There was a lot of noise from behind her and Chris let her go, as the group fell silent. The figure nodded at her and turned walking away into the darkness. Claire turned and looked at the group, Paul was standing on the chair, “A toast!” he shouted, Claire smiled as Justin handed her a drink and Ron stood beside her his heavy hand on her shoulder. “To Ray” Paul began “The true champion, forever in our hearts and in everything we do! We will never forget what he did for us and we will never let him down!” everyone verbally agreed “To Ray” Paul finished and everyone echoed his words. As they drank to their mentor a clapping sound emanated from the doorway, they all turned to see Steve flanked by Raven and Manic with other members of his ‘team’ behind him. Paul jumped from the stool and stepped forward. Steve was still clapping as Jo put a hand on Paul’s arm holding him back, “Doesn’t it just bring a tear to your eye.” Steve mocked, Ron and Justin were both growling and the others were tensing up to strike. “You should keep those dogs on a leash” Steve continued grinning broadly as he stepped aside “Or some of them might stray!” he began laughing everyone stared at Chris and Dean, who had jumped ship. Claire couldn’t believe it, Dean seemed sheepish when her eyes settled on him but Chris seemed intent. “You bastards!” Paul spat, “What the hell are you doing?” Adam shouted.
“If you had any sense you’d do the same!” Chris offered in a dry tone. Steve smiled at Claire “I told you you wouldn’t win!” Steve gloated. Jeff watched and felt his blood begin to boil everyone’s blood was up and he wanted a part of this, but as he moved Jason and Scott pushed him back “Not yet kid” they instructed. “You both totally suck! You reek of uncoolness!” Adam ranted; Claire just shook her head and turned away “Leave it.” She said to all of her boys they all obeyed her and stepped back “There’s a time and place and this isn’t it.” She calmed as even Paul withdrew.

Steve continued to laugh as his men moved into the bar. Chris looked at her and rubbed her shoulder “Ah who needs them anyway.” He tried to sound upbeat, Claire looked at him and nodded “Go get a drink” she instructed as she moved to the booth and sat down, soon to be joined by Jo. “You okay?” Jo asked Claire smiled “Yeah I have to be.” Jo hugged her “I was talking to Paul, I want to be at the event and I don’t want paying either.” Claire smiled “Thanks.” Claire said Jo nodded “Anytime.” Claire looked at the door and sighed, “You still expect him to come back don’t you?” Jo asked in a low tone Claire looked at her, “I know he will one day.” Claire answered, “I hope your right.” Jo offered offering her friend a shoulder to cry on.

Jeff looked at Claire from the bar, he felt bad for her and wished there was something he could do. Paul stood next to him, “She’s okay kid.” Jeff looked at him Paul too was staring at Claire “She’s got a lot on her plate right now.” Jeff nodded “There anything I can do?” Paul smiled “Win the lottery.” He offered. Jeff smiled “I’ll buy a ticket.” They both laughed.

Claire left the pub after a while saying goodbye to Jo at the door, Chris climbed into the car with her. “You’ve been quiet tonight.” He said as she started the engine. “You still thinking about who called him?” Claire nodded “Why don’t you just ask him.” Chris offered Claire smiled “Maybe I will. What the!” she was looking in her rear-view as she drove along the quiet road. The car behind was swerving all over the road, accelerating and backing off at intervals. Chris turned in his seat “What are they trying to do!” Claire kept her eyes on the road and her mirror, when the car pulled up close to hers she caught sight of the driver “Manic!” she exclaimed. As the car swerved out from behind her and drew level. The men in the car jeering and yelling at them. “Hold on” Claire said as she accelerated fast flooring the car, Manic complied and floored his car. Claire bided her time as the sped up the road, one more second, she slammed on her brake and turned the wheel making her way on to a side road as Manic shot on ahead. Chris looked at her as the car drove along at a more sedate pace. “Cool!” he said rapping his hands on the dash.

Dean and Chris stood with Steve outside the school Steve looked from one to the other, “You know what I want.” He said turning and walking smack into Enigma, who grabbed him by the throat Dean and Chris stood looking at Enigma his eyes were on them burning into them as Steve struggled. Dean stepped back but Chris held his ground staring down Enigma. “Come on man leave it!” Dean pleaded Chris shook his head a cold wind blew around them. Steve was still struggling and slowly turning blue as Enigma’s grip tightened round his throat. Enigma looked at the figure now standing behind Chris and nodded Chris was confused, as Enigma seemed to toss Steve aside like he weighed nothing. Dean was looking Pale as he too saw the man in black standing motionless behind Chris. “Chris I think you should move!” Dean instructed his voice low. Chris began to move slowly towards Dean who encouraged him to back off leaving Enigma and the man in black alone on the street. Enigma nodded at the man in black who returned the gesture. Before the noise of the club door opening interrupted the silence and both men disappeared.

Claire opened the front door and stepped inside, she rubbed her neck, “I think I’m gonna have a soak in the tub.” Chris nodded as she walked upstairs. In her room she looked at the shirt lying on her bed, it was her favourite she always loved the way Matt looked in it. She smiled and fingered the material she turned and walked into the bathroom turning on the faucet and letting the water run over her hands. She added her bubble bath and went back into her bedroom where she began to change. Wrapped in a towel she went to her stereo and turned it on, there was already a tape in the machine so she just pressed play and walked out of the room. She stood lighting candles by the bath when she heard the song begin, it took her back to a cold winters night after an event. Matt was feeling stiff his shoulder was aching so she had run him a hot bubble bath. She smiled at the memory and placed the candle on the side of the bath. Turning off the taps she dropped her towel and slipped into the hot steamy tub. She lay back in the water and closed her eyes listening to the music and letting her mind drift back to that night. A soft draught swirled the steam in the room, as Claire got lost in the music. She remembered leading him up to the bathroom and lighting candles as he stripped. She felt his fingers playing with her hair as she lit the last candle and put it in place his hands reached over her shoulders and ran down her body. She turned and looked deep into his brown eyes his fingers undid the zip on her trousers her top was next, his fingers making her skin tingle. Soon they were in the hot water together, they kissed and his hands moved down her body feeling her every curve she felt herself becoming aroused as his hands explored her. The music played on and the draught seemed to gain strength as Claire again felt those feelings, she could feel his hands and his lips against her neck. The feelings became more intense as Claire remembered how they made love. She opened her eyes breathing heavily she felt a sudden coolness in the room as if something pulled away from her. She reached for the towel and stared and the small pools of water on the floor.

Chris was sitting watching TV and laughing at the comedians when Claire came down, her hair still damp and her skin still rosy from the water. Chris smiled at her as she took the space next to him on the couch. He looked at her “What?” he asked she shook her head, “You didn’t come upstairs did you?” Chris turned down the TV and looked at her “No why?” Claire pushed back her hair “I could have sworn there was someone in the bathroom.” Chris studied her “Someone was in the bathroom while you were in the tub?”

“Felt like it.” Chris stood up “Where are you going?” she asked Chris turned “To check upstairs”

“It’s okay Chris there isn’t anyone there.”
“But you said” his point was interrupted by a knock at the door. Claire smiled as he went to answer it. Paul and Jo walked in holding bags of takeaway and Paul carried a videotape. “We come baring gifts,” Jo said. Claire smiled as Chris went into the kitchen with Jo. Paul walked into the room and settled on to the couch next to her “You okay kid?” he asked “She’s seeing things” Chris said as he carried a pile of plates into the room, “Huh?” Paul looked intrigued as he took a plate from Chris; Jo kneeled on the floor and looked at Claire “Seeing things?” Claire rolled her eyes “I never said I saw anything I said it felt like there was someone there.” Jo shivered “Spooky” Paul began spooning out rice from one of the takeaway boxes “When was this?” He asked spooning rice on to her plate “Get this she was in the tub!” Chris exclaimed “Smart ghost then!” Paul laughed. Claire and Jo both rolled their eyes as the boys laughed.

Sean was dancing in the pub while others from Steve’s group cheered him on and bought him drinks. Steve soon left the scene as the men got rowdy, after a while those that remained by midnight where extremely drunk and some lay in booths unconscious. Sean stood slowly his legs felt remarkably soft like they were made of string. He laughed at the thought as he headed to the door. The air outside hit him hard and winded him, he stumbled off the step and took three steps then stumbled again, it was an effort to lift his feet as he shuffled across the road and began walking home. He was still laughing and singing to himself as he walked along, suddenly he felt someone fall instep with him, he stopped and looked around seeing nothing he thought his imagination played tricks on him. He stopped singing and concentrated on walking and then he saw it, black boots, attached to black legs and a black coat going up to a broad black chest “Oh shit!” he said as he looked into the dark face, his own face turning white. He stumbled backwards as the figure seemed to sense his fear. Sean turned full and tried to run but he found his feet moving and his body not moving. Then the ground came into sharp focus as he hit. He rolled over and tried to stagger to his feet his orientation and coordination was shot, he tried to throw a punch and felt it fly into nothing but thin air. Then a hand clamped on to his wrist and his arm-twisted and his body was propelled forward into a tree. Sean crumpled and fell to the ground his face blood and his arm twisted into an awkward position.

Claire stretched the movie had just finished. She looked at Chris who was sound asleep on the chair, she smirked “I didn’t think it was that bad” Jo laughed in agreement. Paul moved rubbing his eyes “We should go.” Jo nodded, “We’ll pick you up at ten?” Claire nodded “Thanks” Claire walked them to the door Jo kissed her cheek and Paul hugged her. “Thanks for supper.” Paul winked as they walked out of the front door. Claire watched them till the got into Paul’s car. She looked out into the darkness and shivered. Stepping back inside she closed the door. After tidying the dishes away she threw a comforter over Chris and went up to bed. She slipped under the covers and shivered again. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. She was just drifting off to sleep when she stirred there was scent of familiar aftershave on her covers. She slowly opened her eyes she wasn’t able to focus or hold them open long, she wasn’t even sure she could trust what she saw, but her brain registered two deep warm brown eyes looking at her.

The hours passed and Matt savoured every moment refusing to close his eyes. Leaving her the way he had done every dawn since she came home hurt, he just wanted to shut all the doors and stay with her there safe forever. She was as warm as he remembered, her skin soft and sensual. He wished he could stay and he knew if she woke up and saw him she wouldn’t let him go and his will wouldn’t be strong enough to argue. He gently touched her hair and kissed her forehead. “I love you.” He whispered, he looked at the clock and felt the time slip away from him. It would be dawn soon; he moved slowly and made his way to the window. “Don’t go” Claire whispered he stopped and turned, he could tell she wasn’t awake he walked back to her and kissed her lips gently “Soon” he whispered. He stepped on to the window ledge and took one last look at her. He disappeared out of the window leaving a small key on the ledge.

Claire opened her eyes and stirred she was almost convinced she’d dreamed it when she turned over burying her head in the pillow she breathed deep and slowly lifted her head smiling she recognised the aftershave. She pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed, walking to the window she looked out at the morning sky, the trees were starting to shed their leaves. Fall was here she sighed and closed the window slightly, looking at the ledge she saw the key she took it and flipped it over in her hand. She clasped it tightly and held it to her heart. Chris rapped gently on the door she looked at him and smiled weakly as he came inside. “You okay?” he asked she nodded “I’m gonna make some breakfast you up to it?” she nodded again he smiled and left the room. She looked at the key and sighed.

Steve walked out of the police station with a smile on his face, his smiled soon faded as Dean walked up to him looking grim “They found Sean” he said “He’s in the hospital.” Steve rolled his eyes this was getting silly, three of his best men were out of action and no one could give him an answer as to why. “I think we’ve gone to far” Dean said in a low tone Steve snapped his head round and stared at Dean “You shut your mouth!” he scolded “We haven’t gone far enough! The day this stops is the day that school is mine no matter what it takes!” he promised as he climbed into his car and drove away. Dean hugged his arms to his chest regretting his choice.

Jeff looked at Enigma and swallowed hard. He was covered in sweat and was breathing heavily and yet Enigma was yet to even register a heartbeat. “Again” Enigma instructed and the two locked up Enigma twisting Jeff into a full nelson and holding him fast as Jeff tried every way he could think of to escape. He finally dropped out of the hold when Enigma loosened his grip. Jeff looked up and saw what had distracted his teacher. Claire walked into the school looking pale and angry. She stormed into her office. Paul, Chris and Jo followed looking just as upset. Jeff looked at the office he heard a couple of things hit the floor. Adam dumped his towel and walked over to the office opening the door he went inside.

Paul looked at Justin and Ron and shook his head. Everyone was waiting, Jo finally spoke “They said it was a hit and run with no suspects.” She continued to explain what had happened with the police while Jeff stared at the office all was quiet inside. Adam looked at Claire she was resting her arms on the desk waiting for the urge to hit someone to pass. Adam stepped forward and rubbed her arms. “They didn’t even care!” she said her voice filled with hate and anger Adam tightened his arms round her chest and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Nothing we can do they said!” she let the tears roll as Adam held on tightly; she began to cry, her body shaking slightly. Claire couldn’t believe what was happening. “What do I do now?” she asked her eyes were hot and her throat didn’t work properly. “You fight.” Adam held on until she straightened, she turned and looked at him, he gently wiped her eyes. “You gotta fight,” He repeated looking into her eyes, he was determined she wasn’t going to give up.

Jeff looked at the door and waited it opened slowly and Claire stepped out with Adam, everyone looked upset except Enigma, he looked the same as always. The whole room was silent, they all looked like they’d been hit by a truck. Claire looked around the room, Paul was resting against the wall Chris was crouched staring at the floor and Justin was bashing his fists against the wall. “What do we do?” Scott asked Claire shook her head “There’s nothing we can do.” She felt her eyes filling she didn’t want to break down but she wasn’t in control of her feelings. Jeff was waiting for someone to move and the last person he expected moved. Enigma climbed out of the ring and walked over to Claire. He took her in his arms and hugged her tightly letting her cry into his chest.

She looked up at Enigma and he nodded, Jeff wondered what silent message past between the two of them. Enigma stepped away and walked into the locker room. Adam took his place, and soon every wrestler was hugging Claire and pledging to fight on for Ray.

It was late afternoon. Jeff was finishing his run when he saw Jo sitting on bench fastening her trainers. He jogged over and sat down. “Hi” he said, she smiled “Jeff isn’t it” he nodded “Enigma got you running laps?” he smiled “Nah I haven’t seen him since this morning.” Jo nodded Jeff looked at her she smiled “You up for another circuit?” He nodded and they began jogging together. “I was wondering if I could ask you something?” Jo nodded “Enigma, what do you make of him?” Jo smiled “Feeling a bit intimidated are you” Jeff nodded “I wouldn’t worry. Enigma is one of the good guys I know he doesn’t act like it but he is.”

“How well do you know him?”

“Not as well as Claire.” She replied, “She’s the only person who can tell you his story. You should ask her about it.” Jeff shrugged “I’d feel a bit, well you know, I mean she’s got a lot on her mind.” Jo nodded “Yeah she has but talk to her about it, she’ll understand.” Jeff nodded and considered the advice.

Claire had been sitting in the office for most of the afternoon; Jason walked in and placed a mug of coffee in front of her. She smiled “Thanks” he sat on the edge of the desk “You okay?” Claire picked up the mug she nodded feeling like she had made a fool of herself “The guys still here?” Jason nodded as he perched on the desk “Some of them.”

“I messed up.” Jason shook his head “When?”

“I should have been strong I should have had the answers for you guys.” Jason held up his hand to stop her “We understand. We know what’s going on Paul told us and everyone agrees none of us want wages.” Claire shook her head “I appreciate it but I can’t let you guys do this.” Jason smiled “You don’t have a choice we do. We want this place to stay, it’s ours and we’ll do anything we can to make sure it survives so just let us do this anyway who can argue with a contract?” he pulled a sheet of paper out of his back pocket and handed it to Claire. She read it, ‘We the undersigned request of the school owner Claire Hart that our wages from this day forward be placed in the company account until further notice’ it was signed by every wrestler. Claire stood and walked round to him hugging him tightly. Jason smiled “Feel better?” she nodded. He winked “Good.” He walked out of the office. Claire sat on her desk and laid the paper down. The key she had found on her window ledge was sitting on the desk it caught her eye, she couldn’t remember taking it out of her purse. She picked up the key and looked at it, she felt her body tense as she contemplated opening the locker. She tried to convince herself Matt would have emptied the locker before he was due to leave. Finally curiosity and a feeling that there was something Matt wanted her to see won out.

The locker room was empty as she stepped inside. She slowly walked over to the locker and stood turning the key over and over in her hand. She felt tears as she pulled herself together “Come on” she said to herself. She slipped the key into the lock and twisted it. As she opened the door she was met with images of her and Matt. The inside of the door was covered in pictures she took each one in. Her eyes stopped on one of her alone it was taken before they were together she was sitting on the porch during a bar-b-q she remembered how she had only known Matt around two weeks when he took it. The next picture was of them together in Mables she was sitting on the bar and he was standing in front of her. She remembered how they had been playing pool with Jo and Paul and the girls had teamed up against them. They boys lost and Matt was paying up, he lifted her on to the bar they kissed just after the picture was taken. Every picture she looked at carried a good memory. She wiped her eyes and turned her attention to the stuff in the locker. Hanging up was one of his old training shirts, she lifted it out, it still smelled of him. Underneath it was a box in which he kept some tape, spare laces for his boots, band-aids and painkillers. On the top shelf she found two magazines with articles on him, there was also a shoebox of cut out articles Claire lifted down the box and sat on the bench looking at the clippings. She put the box aside and saw something else on the top shelf, a small red box. She stood up and reached for it. Jeff stood in the doorway he didn’t want to interrupt. He watched as she reached for a small box. She opened it slowly and gasped as she saw the white gold wishbone ring with a single small diamond. She swallowed hard he couldn’t believe what she was seeing; she wiped her eyes and gently lifted the ring out of the box. A small piece of paper peeked through the sponge, which Claire removed. She unfolded the paper and read “I feel you without seeing you. I love you Claire no matter where I am. Matt.” She cried openly looking at the ring and his words, she knew he loved her and she felt the same but the past six months had taken their tool. She needed to hear the words from him and now she was in a way. She slipped the ring on to the middle finger of her left hand. A small breeze ruffled her hair she turned and saw Jeff hovering in the doorway.

Jeff felt bad that he seemed to be intruding on such a private moment but he had his reasons for wanting to know this girl. The strange thing was she didn’t look angry or offended she actually looked happy, if you can describe someone who had been crying as happy. “I’m sorry” he offered, she smiled “It’s okay.” She said quietly Jeff felt strange, shoving his hands in his pockets he rocked on his heels like a teenager, “I’ll get out of your way.” He turned and almost ran out of the room, “You can come in.” Claire said. Jeff turned and looked at her she was smiling at him, he nodded and stepped inside. He waited she almost laugh “I don’t bite” she said and he walked over to the bench. He looked at the locker and swallowed hard. “I never saw anyone use this one.” Claire nodded “You wouldn’t. It’s Matt’s locker.” Jeff looked at the picture; “His picture is in the office” Claire stood and began taking his pictures from the door. “He’s one of the best.” Claire almost whispered Jeff watched as she took each picture and placed it in the shoebox of cuttings. She looked at Jeff as she took out the T-shirt and box from the base of the locker. “Here” she said handing him the box, “You’ll probably be able to use this stuff” Jeff took the box and looked at her “Wont he mind?” Claire shook her head “I doubt it. You better stow your things in there.” Jeff stood and looked at the locker “I’ll give it up when he comes back.” Claire turned and nodded “Yeah I bet you would.” She walked out of the locker room carrying the shoebox. Jeff put the box on the bottom and closed the locker door. He smiled to himself she didn’t know what she’d done for him.

Steve stood at the arena looking at Rodgers he was already angry at being turned down for his event but the fact Rodgers couldn’t be bought was more irritating than anything else. “I’ll pay whatever you want just give me the place for the night!” Rodgers shook his head “I told you this place is booked!” Steve pulled out his wallet “You could do very well from this” Rodgers picked up his phone “Send in security.” Steve glared turning red “I told you Ray Hart always did right by me and his daughter is no different. So take your money and piss off out of it!” A burly security guard but a heavy hand on Steve’s shoulder. “You’ll be sorry!” Steve spat as he was escorted out. He looked at Manic who was sitting on the car bonnet, “Didn’t go to well then?” Manic asked cheerily Steve glared at him “We do it the hard way.” Manic grinned broadly “Oh goody!” They climbed into the car and pulled out of the car park. “How did the hit and run go?” Manic moved his head from side to side in a ‘so-so’ motion “She out smarted us.” He said Steve opened his window and undid the top button of his shirt “Don’t worry I think Raven has something up his sleeve.” Steve rubbed his head “He better this girl is starting to piss me off!”

Claire was sitting on the porch looking through Matt’s old clippings she looked up and was not surprised by Enigma’s unannounced presence. “Hi” she offered, Enigma stood motionless “How do you do it?” she asked looking at his face. He moved and sat next to her she smiled knowing there was something different in his demeanour. “That’s what I came to talk to you about. I don’t want you to end up like me.” Claire put the clippings aside “There’s nothing wrong with how you are.” She asserted Enigma shook his head “There is but it’s the way I am. You don’t have to be this way.” He picked up a picture of Matt “You still love him” she nodded “Yeah cant help but.” Steve nodded “He loves you too and he’ll always love you. Don’t lose heart and don’t stop fighting. I promise you it’ll be worth it.” She looked at him as he handed her the picture. She looked at it, Matt was sitting on the porch with her they were hugging and smiling. She looked up “What do you mean” she stopped he was already gone. “I hate it when you do that.”

Jo walked into the coffee shop and looked around. Stacy was sitting at a table alone she waved Jo over. Jo ordered and joined her; “Hey” Stacy greeted her warmly. “How is everything?” Jo shrugged “You know how it is. I went with Claire to police station this morning.” Stacy looked concerned “What did they say?” Jo chuckled “Basically who ever killed Ray is gonna get away with it. They’re not even bothering to look anymore.” Stacy sat her mouth open she couldn’t believe the news “Your kidding!” she replied Jo shook her head “If you could have seen Claire. She was destroyed. That’s the second time they’ve done this to her. “ Stacy pushed her mug round and round with her fingers “If they could just give the girl some answers for once. I mean it’s not asking much is it.” Stacy sat back in the booth; “I think the only good thing if you can call it that is Enigma’s back.” Stacy again sat open-mouthed “Wow, he’s back?” Jo nodded “Larger than life and just as cold” Stacy breathed out heavily “He sure took his character way too seriously.” Jo nodded “Yeah well he’s training the new kid which hopefully will help out and we can get back to business. Did you manage to talk to Jim and Michael?” Stacy nodded and smiled “I used my charms and they’ll both do it.” Jo clapped her hands together “Good. So far everything the show makes goes to paying off the debts. With any luck we should be okay.” Stacy smiled “We can always come up with some fund raisers Jo smiled “Could you?” Stacy nodded “I could. But you have to talk Claire into them.” Jo rapped the table “No problem.” The two women toasted their coffee mugs.

Jeff knocked on the front door of the house and waited. He looked in the side window and saw nothing then he heard a car on the stones, he turned and smiled as Claire stopped and climbed out, he walked over to help her with the groceries. He took two bags “Thanks.” She said as she lifted the last bag and closed the trunk. Jeff followed her into the house. “You want a coffee or something?” she asked Jeff placed the bags on the counter “Yeah please. Claire filled the coffee pot and put it on the stove. She began unpacking the bags “So what brings you out here?” Jeff shrugged “I don’t know.” Claire threw a bag of chips at him “Cupboard to your left.” He turned and placed the chips where she had directed “Now you want to tell me or you just wanna make small talk for a while?” Jeff laughed “Can you read me that well?” she smiled “Maybe. There something you want to ask?” Jeff nodded “Yeah but you can tell me where to get off if it’s” she shook her head “Just ask.” She picked two mugs off the drainer and poured the coffee she handed a mug to Jeff and led him back out to the porch. “It’s about Enigma.” Claire sat on the chair “You want to know where he came from?” Jeff nodded “Yeah I mean why is he here?” Claire smiled “I would’ve thought that was obvious” Jeff rested on the rail. “I know he must be a good trainer or you wouldn’t have let me stay. By the way why did you let me stay?” Claire rubbed the cup between her hands warming them “Because my dad thought you were good and that coming from my dad means you really impressed him.” Jeff smiled “Your dad was a nice guy.” She nodded “Yeah.”
“I still don’t get it though you were prepared to send me somewhere else.” Claire nodded “What would you prefer being taught by guys who are still learning or by a guy who has the time to break everything down and adapt to your abilities?” Jeff nodded “When you put it like that. So Enigma?” Claire slipped her coffee “He’s the next best thing. He was the first person my dad ever trained, before the school before this place. It was a one to one basis and it lasted for years. Up until last week I guess. So you see you’re probably the first of the second generation of Ray Hart wrestlers.” Jeff smiled and hopped up onto the rail. “Sounds like you’ve known him along time?” Claire nodded “The next question is on the tip of your tongue.” She sipped her coffee as he tried to wrack his brain for a way to phrase it “Has he always been” words escaped him, well plenty floated in his head but none were really flattering. Claire laughed she didn’t know why but she felt like she’d known Jeff a long time. She could talk to him and feel comfortable with him; it felt like she’d met him before “Do you remember a long time ago there was a wrestler by the name of the Natural Steve Borden?” Jeff thought back, he remembered the guy, tall with bright blonde hair and tanned skin. “Yeah I remember, he was a real artist the things he could do off a top rope.” Claire agreed, “Yeah well maybe he’ll show you how one day.” Jeff looked at her like she was crazy “You mean” he could tell by her face she was serious, “Wow” was all he could think to say, “But didn’t he disappear or retire.” Claire shook her head “No. Not too many people really know what happened I guess it’s no never mind if I tell you.” She sat back in the chair Jeff was waiting his excitement at a juicy story unhideable. “About eight years ago he was on the road he meet up with his wife in Tulsa. They had family nearby and since he had a couple days off they were gonna take his son Luke there for a visit. Steve was driving and this guy came out of nowhere and ploughed into the passenger side of the car. Knocked them clean off the road, Steve was found with minor injuries, but Ally and Luke were killed instantly. The other car had been abandoned about four miles away. They never caught the other driver.” Jeff hung his head Claire moved from her seat and stood next to him. “Steve was a wreck. You see Ally and Luke were his life. He told me once when he saw Ally for the first time he knew that moment that she was the only woman he would ever love. When they had Luke it was the most amazing thing, I can’t explain it I guess if you ever have kids you’ll know.” Jeff looked at her as she lifted herself on to the rail “With them both gone it was like his life was over. Steve Borden died in that car crash too. He went away for a while and when he came back, he was the way he is now, colder if you can imagine it. He knew when he lost Ally he was never gonna fall in love or be with anyone else.” She looked at Jeff “Have you ever been in love?” Jeff shrugged “Maybe I mean I’ve said I love you. But I’m not really sure. Have you?” Claire nodded “Yeah, I still am.” Jeff sighed, “Must be nice. My brother he’s in love says this girl would be worth coming back from heaven for.” Claire looked at him those words hit her like a lightening bolt. Jeff looked at her face she was pale “Are you okay?” Claire nodded “Yeah, you just reminded me of someone. Enigma became a reclusive character, some people thought it was just a character but it’s the way Steve is now. My dad always thought it had something to do with the near death experience he had, like he was spared in the crash because there’s still something for him to do and when he does it he’ll be able to go back to Ally.” Jeff smiled “That’s a nice thought.” Claire sighed, “I hope it’s true. So does that answer your question?” Jeff nodded “For now. I’ll come up with some more for you later.” Claire laughed.

Paul was sitting on his porch looking at the trees as they moved in the wind. Enigma was sitting on the rail Paul looked up “I hate it when you do that!” he commented Enigma just shrugged “You should take more notice.” Paul reclined in the chair “I was thinking.” Enigma looked out at the gardens “You want revenge.” He points out, Paul nods “Of course I do. I know they had him killed everyone does.” Enigma turns and studies Paul “Legally you can’t prove a thing.” Paul sits forward and presses his hands together, looking up out of the corner of his eyes “I wasn’t talking about legal means.” Enigma nods “Then you know what you have to do.” Paul sighs “Yeah you gonna help me?” Enigma looks out at the gardens and observes the man in black, “I wont be the only one.” Paul looks up and follows Enigmas gaze seeing nothing. He looks back at Enigma who stands and walks down the steps. Paul watches him leave somewhat reassure that if something should happen someone is watching his back. He stood himself and jogged over to his car, there were some things he still had to do. He drove over to Mabels and meet with Adam, Jason, Scott and Brian. He slipped into the booth and looked at all of them, Scott was his usual happy self he had a big grin on his face. Adam and Jason were both relaxed slouching against the red mock leather of the seats. Brian was chugging down a glass of juice and checking out the waitress over Scott’s shoulder. Paul placed his hands on the table and coughed all attention centred on him “We have a problem and I’m gonna need you guys to help me sort it. Brian and Scott nodded Jason and Adam sat forward their interest had been peaked.

Chris looked at Claire as she walked down the steps. She looked good, dressed in a patterned blue dress that clung to her body. He smiled, “You ready to go?” she smiled back and nodded he smiled and took her hand leading her out of the house. She felt tired as they walked to his car, she was definitely not in the mood to be set up by Stacy on yet another ‘getting you back into the swing of things’ date as was always the case when Stacy invited her to a dinner party. Claire didn’t want to ‘get back into the swing of things’ she didn’t feel like she should have to. As far as she was concerned she was still very much in a relationship even if everyone else thought he was dead. She looked around the gardens and sighed wishing the night was over and she could go to bed. At least in her dreams she could be with Matt. Chris looked at her as she slipped into the seat next to him. “If you want me to get you out of there tonight just slip me the nod.” Claire smiled and nodded “Thanks.”
Jo looked at Stacy who was setting the table, “I don’t think she’s gonna appreciate this” Jo pointed out as Stacy fiddled with the napkins, “Of course she will. How long is it since she had a proper date?” Jo shrugged, “She’ll thank me for it I promise!” Stacy cheerily sang as she returned to the kitchen, Jo messed with one of the napkins “I doubt it.”

Claire took a deep breath “Please no blind date.” She whispered, “Come on the sooner we go in the sooner we can leave.” Claire smiled and hugged Chris before walking up to the front door. Stacy opened the door beaming, she looked her usual self. Dressed in a tight red skirt and matching top her blonde hair bounced in its shiny ringlets. Claire smiled and acted as politely and happily as she could manage. Stacy led both her and Chris into the lounge where Paul and Jo were standing talking, Mark, Mick and their partners were sitting on the couch. ‘So far so good’ Claire thought and then she saw him, he might as well have had a flashing light on his head. He was young, around her age with short dark hair and flashing blue eyes. Claire looked at Stacy who was rubbing her hands together; Chris just hung his head and bit his lip. Paul looked at Jo “So should we hide the cutlery?” Jo thumped his arm, “I did warn her.” Jo shook her head and thought she better rescue Claire while Claire was still relatively calm. She walked over to Claire and took her arm. They walked to a quiet corner “I’m really sorry.” Jo began “I did warn her against it. But you know Stacy.” Claire nodded “Only too well.” Jo nodded and gently put a friendly hand on Claire’s shoulder “She’s only doing what she thinks is right.” Claire looked unimpressed “Just make the best of it.” Jo offered as Paul joined them, “You want me to have a word?” he asked ‘big brother’ Paul was moving into action Claire smiled and shook her head, “I’ll make the best.” She mimicked Jo whose mouth twitched with laughter.

Dinner was slow Claire checked her watch every five minutes hoping twenty had passed. All through the evening Stacy made small talk for her with the ‘appropriate’ person as Stacy always called them. So far Claire knew his name was Shane and he was in his late twenties. He ran his own business and worked out at Stacy’s gym. He liked jazz music and he was originally from Connecticut. Claire looked at Chris who was sitting next to Shane; he kept making faces as Shane talked business. Paul was sitting next to her and he kept making low voiced comments so Stacy couldn’t hear. Shane kept smiling at her and Claire kept politely looking away, “Where does she get these guys?” Paul asked Claire looked at him and almost laughed. He was right; no guy Stacy ever introduced her to had anything in common with her. They were all businessmen or professional something-or-others. But each one was supposedly perfect for her. Claire smiled to herself, she already had the perfect partner no one else ever came close. She looked at Shane and made her usual observation, handsome, money, materialistic and not her style. Admittedly he had lost even before he met Stacy, and she used the incredibly boring line ‘I have a friend I’d love you to meet’. Claire sighed putting her napkin on the table, Paul was beginning to have fun at Shane’s expense. Chris was slightly amused as Paul posed wrestling questions and Shane looked blankly and tried to apply his business knowledge. Stacy was annoyed the boys were making fun of Shane and dismissed them all as politely as possible from the table. “Nice one.” Claire whispered to Paul as they left the room, “The guy thinks squash is vicious! What an idiot. Where does she pick them up?" Claire smiled as she settled on to the couch with Paul and Jo an hour to go she thought, coffee when Stacy finishes apologising to Shane and then she was gone. Shane walked into the room and smiled at her he took a position by the fireplace and continued to smile and wink at her. Claire relaxed back on the couch and saw Stacy leading Chris by the ear into the kitchen. Chris was struggling and Stacy was ranting at him in a whisper.

Claire stood and walked to the doors leading on to the deck. She stepped outside and looked at the night sky breathing in the cool night air, which dampened the fire inside her. She was enjoying the peace when the deck board creaked. She turned and looked at Shane, he smiled “It’s a beautiful night.” He commented Claire smiled and turned back to the gardens. He joined her resting on the rail. “Stacy told me you were a quiet one.” Claire raised an eyebrow “I like it that you’re shy.” Claire raised both eyebrows. “I was thinking we could go have a drink just you and me.” Claire turned and looked him in the eye, “I’m sorry” she began “But you’ve got the wrong idea about me.” She stepped back towards the house, “Stacy told me you might be a bit cagey.” He commented “Did she now.” Claire was starting to get angry “But I don’t mind” he was reaching out to take her hand, she pulled back. “I understand you’ve recently got out of a long relationship and I want you to know, I’m willing to take things slow.” Claire’s eyes were flashing hot; she stormed back into the house. Paul looked up “Uhoh.” Shane came after her grabbing her hand, “I know this must be hard for you but I can make you feel loved again!” he declared Claire pulled her arm back with so much force he thought he should have friction burns. Paul and Jo looked on Paul adding ‘ohh’ and ‘ahh’ sound effects. “Don’t you ever touch me!” she spat, Stacy stared as she walked into the room carrying a tray of coffee cups. “Claire?” she asked Claire turned and looked at Stacy breathing hard “What did you tell him!” she demanded Chris turned and walked out of the door he’d just walked in. “I told him the truth” Stacy replied quietly, “I told him Matt’s dead.” She explained Claire turned; Jo lowered her head and covered her mouth. Paul swallowed, Claire was bristling with anger, every hair on her body stood to attention “Matt isn’t dead!” Claire spat her voice low and filled with anger. Shane looked at Stacy who put down the tray and looked on “Claire” she said in a soothing tone Claire was not in the mood to be patronised. “Don’t!” she ordered Stacy stepped back. “If he’s not dead where is he?” Stacy continued, Claire was still glaring at her. “I’m sorry” Stacy said “But it’s true and I want you to admit it. I think it’s for your own good.” Claire was ready to explode “Do me a favour and don’t think! Don’t you ever do this to me again! I don’t want him I don’t want any of the other six guys you’ve tried to set me up with! I don’t want anyone but Matt!” Stacy grabbed her by the arms “Listen to me” she said “I love you you’re one of my best friends. But I have to do this. Matt is dead!” Claire shook her head and pulled away “Prove it!” Claire demanded Stacy swallowed hard. Claire looked around the room, “Now leave me alone!” she shouted as she stormed out of the house slamming the door.

Shane looked at Stacy who looked at Jo and Paul. Paul rubbed his mouth with his hand and sighed. Stacy searched Jo’s face for support and found none, “She has to get over it.” Stacy’s eyes begged Jo to agree. Jo shook her head. Shane looked to Stacy for an answer “You told me he was dead?” Chris stepped into the room, “No one knows that for sure.” Stacy straightened and looked at Shane “Matt was in his car when it exploded.” She stated Shane looked at each one of them “Then what was that?” Paul stood “They never found his body.” He explained, “The car was burned so badly even if there had been a body you wouldn’t be able to tell.” Shane rested on the back of the couch. “I was only trying to help.” Stacy offered Jo shook her head “There’s a time and place and this wasn’t it. Don’t you think she’s had a hard enough couple of weeks without you trying to palm her off on some guy cos you think she should be dating.” Stacy dropped her head slightly “I just want to help.” Jo shrugged as she walked to the door “Sometimes you help by just listening not by judging.” She hugged Stacy before walking out of the front door followed by Paul and Chris.

Claire drove to the grove and stopped the car. She put her head against the wheel and cried. She wouldn’t believe it, she couldn’t. Matt had made a promise to always be there and she knew he would never break a promise. There was something going on and she just had to wait, even if it took her whole life, she knew she’d wait for him. Why didn’t people understand she just wanted to be left alone. She climbed out of the car and looked around she was alone and she felt it. “You promised me!” she said, “You promised me!” she shouted. Covering her face with her hands she continued to cry not seeing the man in black watching her. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes “I promised you too. I swear I wont break it so don’t break yours!” she said calmly into the air before climbing into the car and driving out of the trees. The figure watched her go and nodded “I don’t intend to” he whispered.

Chris sat in the booth staring at Paul “Your nuts!” he concluded. Paul nodded as he sipped his coffee “I know. So?” Chris shrugged “Sounds like we have some work to do.” Paul smiled everyone he needed had agreed to his plan. Soon he thought, soon everything would be as it should be. He smiled “When?” Chris asked “As soon as we can.” Paul replied “How about you do it tonight.” Paul sat back “Why so soon?” Chris sat forward “Claire’s taken off for the day on her own said she’d be back tomorrow.” Paul nodded. “Good. Today would work then. Get the others to the school and we’ll go over what we have to do. There are some arrangements I’ll have to sure up.” Chris nodded “An hour!” Paul agreed and Chris left him to make his phone calls. One to a friend of his who ran a garage and the second to Marilyn who made the costumes for most of the wrestlers. Paul smiled to himself Steve wasn’t going to know what hit him. Paul jogged out of the dinner an hour later and over to the school where a gang of ten was waiting for him. Jeff looked on from the back where he was weight training with Enigma. “What’s going on?” he puffed Enigma shook his head “Concentrate.” He answered Jeff continued to press the dumb-bell. Enigma watched him and kept an ear to what the boys were plotting. It sounded simple as Paul explained – a hit and run. Just like Steve had done to them but Paul had more cunning intentions than just trashing their training room. Enigma wished them well and thought about keeping and eye on them, he decided he would be there just to make sure it all went to plan.

Claire was letting the wind blow through her hair as she drove through North Carolina. She needed someone who understood and she knew just where to go. Driving up the dirt driveway she saw Gill walking with Jodi his Labrador. She climbed out of the car and waved to him. Gill smiled as they approached each other. “Well darling it’s good to see you.” He greeted her with a hug, “How are you?” Claire enquired he nodded “Good” he winked. “You been driving all morning?” Claire nodded “Better get you something to eat then.” He said leading the way to the house. Claire looked at the two storey stone and wood building she remembered it well form her former visits. She remembered the first time she came. Matt had to hold her hand all the way up to the door she was so nervous about meeting his dad. She walked into the house and remembered the smell of pine needles and spice. Matt held her hand so tightly and whispered in her ear “He’s gonna love you.” He was right, Gill did love her mainly because she made Matt happy but partly because she made the effort to get on with him. Gill had a lot in common with her dad and she admired him. “So how you doing?” he asked filling the coffee pot, she sighed looking out of the window. “Not good.” Gill nodded “I was real sorry to hear about your dad.” Claire smiled “Thanks for the card” he winked “Least I could do, you have plenty people to take care of you?” Claire smiled “Yeah I do. I’m lucky I guess.” Gill folded his arms and looked at her “But you don’t feel it do you?” Claire sat at the table and petted Jodi. “Not right now. A friend of mine set me up for a blind date last night.” Gill sat in the chair next to her, “She thinks I should be dating and running around like Matt never existed.”

“I’m sure she was doing what she thought was best.” Claire nodded “The thing is I’m not sure what’s best anymore. I just know no one will ever mean as much to me as he does.” Gill walked over to the coffee pot. “What happened?” She shrugged “Stacy had a dinner party she invited some suit she thought was perfect for me.” Gill laughed as he handed her a mug of coffee “A suit?” Claire pulled face “I know okay but she told him I was available. After dinner he made a pass at me and I blew it.” She sipped her coffee “I had a go at Stacy because she said Matt was dead.” Gill sat back in his chair, “Ah” was all he said Claire smiled “You think I’m nuts?” Gill shook his head “I think you love my son.” Claire nodded tears in her eyes “I think about him all the time, I even thought,” she stopped and sighed “You thought what?” She fiddled nervously with her cup “I thought he came back.” Gill studied her “What do you mean came back?” Claire put her face in her hands while she tried to think of a way of phrasing her thoughts with out sounding like a total nut case. “It’s probably just wishful thinking but lately it’s been like” she shook her head “I don’t know. Do you ever feel like Matt, okay I’m a complete freak” Gill shook his head and took her hand “Matt loves you, where ever he is he loves you and I’m sure that he wants to be with you right now. I figure my son would do whatever it takes to be with you.” Claire leaned forward and hugged Gill “Thank you.”

Chris looked at Paul “Are we sure about this?” Paul nodded not taking his eyes off the road as they drove towards Steve’s training school. His face was intent as he ran his plan over and over to make sure he had covered everything. It was almost time to put his imagination to good use and turn his plan in to reality. “Get read,” he ordered, Chris nodded and climbed into the back and opened the sports bag on the back seat. “You do realise how utterly uncool I’ll look!” he commented as he began to change. Paul smiled to himself and laughed, he checked his rear-view mirror to make sure the other car was still with him. It was almost sunset as they pulled up across the street from the school. Paul signalled to the second car, which pulled into a side street and waited. Paul slouched in his seat as Chris lay across the backseat singing to himself. Paul almost laughed as he figured out the song it was the theme tune to the ‘Dam busters’ with Chris adding extra sound effects.

In the second car, Scott, Justin, Adam and Jason were waiting patiently; Adam and Jason began playing scissor, paper, stone to pass the time. Scott checked the bag at his feet, it had spray paint, bleach, tools and assorted goodies. Scott began grinning as he looked at Justin “We’re gonna party tonight!” Justin smiled as he bit on a cigar and settled back in his seat.

Paul watched the front door intently, some familiar faces came and went Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit, they had no sense of loyalty. Paul despised them they had turned their back on Ray and their friends for money. Paul growled Chris lifted his head and looked out of the window “Down boy” he commented, he reclined again and began twiddling his fingers.

Adam looked at Justin who was fiddling with a small metal contraption “What’s that?” Justin looked at him and evil grin on his face “Let’s just say it’ll give them a hot surprise!” Adam sat back and looked at Jason as if to say ‘I don’t get it’ Jason shrugged.

Paul checked his watch, almost time “Hand me the bag” Chris handed him the sports bag and Paul pulled out a facemask. Ten minutes later the last of the wrestlers left the school and headed into Frank’s Bar ‘n’ Grill. Chris stepped out of the car, his blonde hair masked by a black wig of long greasy curled hair. He wore dark glasses over a skin facemask, which was the image of Manic. He was wearing tattered jeans and Rule Breaker t-shirt. He looked at Paul who cut an imposing figure dressed in black jeans and a red shirt; he wore a full-face mask and carried a sports bag. They headed towards the school, waving to Eddie and Perry who sat in the window; they waved back and turned to their friends thinking nothing of the two men walking into the school. Inside was deserted; Paul walked to the back and opened the fire door, Justin, Adam, Scott and Jason creped in with their bags of goodies. They looked at Paul; Adam almost laughed “Cool likeness!” Adam commented as he headed over to the dumb bells. Paul locked the door from the inside and went to work. Justin was in the showers fiddling with his metal contraption and the shower taps. Chris stepped out of the fire door and ran to the car, Jason followed, they both ducked into the boot grabbing two large canisters. They hurried back inside. Chris opened a cupboard door and smiled “Bingo”.
Paul looked at Adam who seemed to be enjoying himself as he set to work on the weights, exercise bikes and treadmills. Paul walked into Steve’s office and looked around this was too tempting. He checked the files and shredded all insurance documents and then he sat at the computer and fiddled with the pay roll. As he was about to leave he saw a jar of candy sweets a mischievous grin spread across his face. He pulled a bottle from his back pocket and mixed the extra strength laxatives in with the candy sweets.

He walked back out, everyone was packing up. Hit them hard and fast was what he’d said and they were living up to his request. Jason, Adam, Scott and Justin disappeared out the back door as Chris and Paul left through the front again waving to Dean and Eddie who were crossing the street and heading to the training room. Paul climbed into the car and started the engine Chris looked at him as they drove calmly away. As soon as the building was out of sight Paul slammed on the brakes and they both ripped off their masks and started laughing. They’d pulled it off and Steve would have no idea how.

“What I wouldn’t give to see his face!” Paul declared his eyes were dancing as he imagined the scene of chaos inside. He could never have imagined just how chaotic it would be.

Claire stood in the doorway of Matt’s room taking in the scene. It was just as he left it all those months ago. The walls were two shades of blue light on the top dark on the bottom. The walls held posters of his idols; his desk had magazines neatly piled up on the left, a writing pad and pen in the centre and his old laptop on the left. His bed was in the centre of the wall with a chest on the side closest to the door, his alarm clock and lamp shaded the wood framed picture Claire didn’t have to see it to know it was of them. The bed was still made with a dark blue duvet and the last rays on the sun played on the covers. Ray put a hand on her shoulder “You sure you don’t want me to make up the other room?” she shook her head “If it’s okay I want to stay in here” Gill nodded “Yeah I come in here to feel close to him too.” He kissed her cheek “Goodnight darlin” he said she squeezed the hand on her shoulder “Night.” She stepped into the room and closed the door, she sighed pulling back tears she didn’t want to shed, she looked at the wardrobe, on the door hung on old shirt, Claire almost laughed at the thought. She remembered they’d been out with friends of Matt’s it was the early hours of the morning as they walked back to the house, as they neared home it began to rain. Claire remembered how they rushed into the room. Matt handed her a towel and said he’d make them a late night snack. Claire was drying her hair as she sat on the bed; her trousers made a squishing sound and a cold feeling seeped into her skin. She stood up quickly she hadn’t realised she was that wet, she looked around the room and on the door of the closet a shirt hung, a white t-shirt with a large gothic cross. Matt was standing in the kitchen chopping up some fruit he suddenly felt something, someone watching him, he turned and was positive his jaw extended and hit the floor like some cartoon character. He just stood staring at her as she stood in the doorway wearing his shirt. She smiled at him “I hope you don’t mind” he shook his head to stop himself from stuttering he wasn’t able to formulate the word no. Claire almost laughed at him he looked so funny standing there wide eyed and his mouth hanging open. She walked over to him and gently closed his mouth, he swallowed and looked down at her, she could feel his heart beat finally he regained the ability to talk “Looks better on you” now she did laugh. To him it was one of the most erotic moments of his life; she stood there before him in his shirt and very little else. He gently touched her face and then leaned in and kissed her. She responded to his kiss letting his tongue slip into her mouth, she shivered as he teased her tongue and tickled the bridge of her mouth. His hands were on her waist and hers on his chest, feeling his heart thumping it’s way out of his chest. He pulled back from the kiss and looked at her she felt his arms tighten around her waist as he lifted her off her feet and carried her to his room. Once inside the doorway he lowered her to the floor, he removed his own t-shirt, Claire couldn’t wait for his kiss, his arms wrapped around her and she welcomed him wanting to touch him, feel him and be part of him. His hands moved down her body and pulled his shirt from her body he kissed her neck and moved his way down her body, she pulled him back level with her and as they kissed they feel back on to the bed. His fingers lightly traced every curve of her body followed by his tongue. She shivered as he kissed her neck. Claire slipped under the bed covers wearing the t-shirt she closed her eyes and remembered the feelings she had when she was with him.

Steve walked into the training school Eddie and Dean were just coming out of the changing rooms. They greeted him as he walked into his office. He took off his suit jacket and hung it on the chair. He sat down and reached into the jar of candy sweets and began eating them as he read the mail. Eddie lay back on the weights bench and prepared to lift. Chris walked in having just completed his run; he was followed by Manic after greeting Eddie and Dean they headed to the showers. Eddie began lifting and Dean began running on the treadmill. Eddie felt something strange as he pressed the weight. On his second lift the bar seemed to twist, Eddie struggled to hold it steady but the bar was too unstable it cracked in half and his arms couldn’t cope as the weights fell to the ground the impact jarring his wrists. He cried out Dean looked up he was just getting up to speed on the treadmill when the bars he held on to pitched forward and the plastic matt came away under his feet. He hit the floor with a sickening crack as his jaw bounced off the metal casing. Steve rushed out of his office hearing the commotion, he stared at his two men both lying nursing their wounds. Suddenly there was a blood-curdling yell from the showers. Steve ran over as Dean struggled to pick himself up, spitting out two teeth and a mouth full of blood. Chris batted the flames spurting out from the showerheads with his towel just as he thought he had it under control the next shower would explode and a stream of flames would lick at his skin. Manic was still screaming as he smacked at his head with a towel. Steve stopped and stared at the scene, suddenly the sprinklers thumped into action, Chris breathed out and then felt something sting his eyes. He cursed and staggered back smacking into the wall, “Everyone out!” Steve screamed as he too felt the sting of the chilli-laced water. Manic, Steve, Dean and Chris scurried out of the training school.

Inside Eddie was pulling at his leg, which was trapped between the metal bars of the bench. The water had stopped and the lights were starting to fizzle. He pulled at his ankle “Come on!” he grimaced then he saw it a figure standing a few feet away he looked up and swallowed hard. “Guys! Guys!” he yelled but no one answered, he looked again at the figure but as he blinked it was gone. He breathed a small sigh of relief as he continued to pull at his leg. “Come on!” he spat he felt two heavy hands on his neck, he gagged as his body was yanked upwards his knee cracked as it was pulled from the socket and his ankle shattered as it was wrenched out of it’s restraints. Eddie was able to cry as his body flew across the gym and hit the floor sliding across the tiles of the showers. He tried to stand using the wall to help him “Who are you you bastard!” he yelled trying to see though the smoke and steam. Suddenly his assailant became all to clear and he saw his piercing dark eyes inches from his own Eddie screamed as he was grabbed and thrown against another wall. He felt his wrist snap as he landed on it awkwardly. He began to crawl away from his assailant and towards the front door using his good arm and leg to propel himself forward. He could hear laughing and then he knew someone was standing astride him. He swallowed and turned himself over; he began to panic as he saw half of the dumbbell fall towards his knee, he cried out and then passed out from the pain.

Outside Enigma looked on as Chris and Manic stood in the street wearing nothing but two very singed towels, Manic's hair was still smouldering. Steve was starting to clutch his stomach as the cramps kicked in. Dean was the only one going back inside, it had taken them minutes to realise Eddie wasn’t there. Enigma waited. Dean opened the door and warily stepped inside, his jaw hurt like hell, he winced as he kicked a dumbbell on the floor. The lights flickered Dean turned slowly and swallowed hard almost choking on the blood that was filling up his mouth. Eddie was pinned to the door his head hanging forward and his limbs looked unnatural like he was a puppet. Dean spat out more blood and staggered outside.

Claire turned over and opened her eyes she glanced at the clock, it was two-thirty am she sat up in bed and pushed back her hair. She looked around the room and smiled to herself for once she didn’t feel anxious or cold. In this room surrounded by the things that made Matt the man he was she felt complete. She rested back against the wall remembering how she felt in her own room. The chill that was always there the feeling that something was missing and then on those nights when she was neither asleep nor awake there was something there to fill the void something that she loved and felt loved her. She looked at the picture on the bedside table she reached over and picked it up. She smiled they were sitting together on the front porch, he had his arms round her shoulders and he was grinning inanely. She was smiling too; in a way she hadn’t smiled for a long time it came straight from the heart and needed no encouragement. She fingered the picture and then kissed it gently before placing it back on the table. She snuggled down under the covers and smiled she drifted back to a lazy winter afternoon. She was lying on the bed with him, her head on his chest she looked up at him he was lost in thought, “Where are you?” she asked he looked at her and smiled pulling her on top of him “I was just thinking about the future.” Claire played with his hair and massaged his temples as he told her his plans. He was so passionate about wrestling and then his tone changed as he detailed his future with her, he told her of the house he’d design for them and the children they would have. How when he had accomplished all he could in the ring he’d work backstage and he’d train others to be as much of a success as he would be. “So you’re planning to marry me then?” she laughed looking into his eyes “I’m gonna be with you forever.” She knew he was serious, his brown eyes were deep and intense, she stopped and studied him “I believe you” she replied he began smiling at her and tickling her, she laughed and struggled until he stopped and just lay holding her “Tell me about this house?” she asked and he describing it in minute detail.

Paul, Chris and their co-conspirators were standing at the bar in Mabels with their friends laughing and joking, “Can you imagine the look on his face!” Chris was red in the face as he laughed and imitated how Steve would look when the laxatives kicked in. Paul thumped him as Steve entered the bar Chris took one look at Steve and burst out laughing. Steve was moving rather slowly as his bottom was feeling rather sore and delicate. He moved to a bar stool and tried to sit but thought better of it. He stood signally to the waitress; she walked over to him and took his order, “Water just plain water with ice.” He turned and glared at Paul whose shoulders were shaking as he laughed. “You think this is funny!” Steve was turning red and the veins in his neck looked as though they didn’t need much encouragement to pop. Paul placed his drink on the bar and met Steve’s angry eyes “I find you highly amusing!” he commented. Steve shook with rage and stood toe to toe with Paul “I think you should watch your mouth you jumped up little shit!” Steve spat, Paul wiped his eyes and smiled “What are you gonna do spit your dummy out?” Steve thumped his fist on the bar and grabbed his glass of water he was ready to launch it into Paul’s face “I wouldn’t!” a voice behind him growled in a deep low tone, Steve turned and looked into the flaming eyes of Ron who stood muscles rippling under his black t-shirt. “I would love a reason to rip your patronising egotistical head off!” Steve was shaking with pent up rage “You have no idea what I could do to you!” Steve squeaked his voice failing him. Everyone laughed, “I tell you what smart boy I’ll show you what I can do!” Ron grabbed Steve by the arm and lifted him kicking and screaming over his shoulder. Chris opened the door with bow and laughed as Ron dumped Steve on to the wet sidewalk. Steve looked up at the car driving down the street, it came straight towards him Steve closed his eyes and heard the brakes screech. He opened one eye then the other and stared into the grill of a four-by four. He swallowed and grabbed it pulling himself to his feet. He saw Raven sitting behind the wheel “Are you trying to kill me!” he yelled as he worked his way to the passenger door and climbed in. “I stopped didn’t I” Raven replied as he punched the accelerator and reversed up the street. He spun the car round and almost hit two parked cars before speeding up the street; Steve panicked and struggled with his seat belt. He felt himself turn green and hope he wouldn’t throw up. Then he thought what difference would it make there was nothing left inside him since he’d spent the past three hours in the bathroom. As they hit the open road he whacked Raven on the arm “I like my life!” he bellowed. Raven glanced at him and “oh really” look in his eyes. “Okay maybe right now it sucks to be me but hey you were supposed to be sorting that bitch out!” Raven smiled “I am”

“Looks like it!” Steve was ragging his face was red and his fists clenched his nails biting into the palms of his hands. “She is ruining my life!” Raven turned up the radio and Steve spat his hate filled speech which he had obviously planned, he would have had to it must have taken him the better part of the day to come up with as many foul terms to describe as he did. Raven was tuning most of them out but a few cut into the song that was screeching out of the radio, bitch, whore, tart, slut another bitch and then the cliqued finish “Who the hell does she think she is?” The song ended and Steve’s almost squeaking voice was still going “And you! I thought you were supposed to be getting rid of her!” Raven punched the brake they pitched forward as the car stopped. “I will.” Steve locked eyes with him he could tell Raven was up to something his usually dull eyes had a sick sparkle. “Your home.” Raven pointed out Steve looked out of the window and realised he was sitting outside his house. He climbed out of the car “I want that school!” he demanded Raven smiled “You’ll get it.” Steve slammed the door, “I better or you’ll never fight again!” He muttered as Raven sped off into the darkness.

Matt stood on the porch and looked at the chair swing, he recalled how one night Claire had waited up for him there. He’d been on the road for four days and was in a bad mood but seeing her there waiting for him swept his anger away. He remembered how peaceful she looked as she sat curled up, her head resting on the arm of the chair, she was wrapped up in a large fleece which sported the school name, her brown hair had been highlighted with red an smelled of coconut. He remembered crouching by the chair and just touching her face as lightly as he could, she didn’t even stir. He knew then something his heart realised a long time before his head, this was the girl he wanted for the rest of his life no matter what happened she would have his heart and no one would ever stop him loving her. He knew in time his love for her would change and it had, it had grown stronger everyday and now being without her for so long had only mad him love her more. He hated knowing the pain she was going through thinking of him everyday and not being able to see him, then he smiled knowing that she didn’t need to see him she could always feel him. As he crouched watching her ignoring the numbness in his shoulder and knees, she spoke before she opened her eyes, “I missed you,” she whispered. Matt lifted his head and smiled, his smile faded as he heard the car engine. Raven pulled into the driveway and stopped, Matt felt anger and bile rise inside him an animalistic instinct making him growl. Raven climbed out of the car and looked around, the house was in darkness “No one home” he said into the breeze, he walked towards the porch Matt felt himself tense his top lip began to snarl. As Raven mounted the bottom step, Matt glared. Raven stopped staring at the empty porch positive he just saw two red eyes of fire; he swallowed and took another step. A cold chill ran down his spine, he checked over his shoulder and then turned back and this time he was positive. Two red eyes were standing nose to nose with him burning into his soul. He had to blink and look away they brilliance was so intent. He stepped back and then it hit him a blast of bitterly cold air sent him rocketing backwards. “Murderer!” the wind spat in his face as he hit the ground the base of his spine shuddering on impact and juddering it’s way up into his brain. He shook off the pain an staggered to his feet, “Who are you!” he yelled a low growl was audible “What are you!” the two glowing eyes seemed to approach him and then in the coldest tone ever heard on earth the trees, the house, the ground, moon and stars spoke to him “Death!” was the reply that seemed to make every hair stand on end and that strange sensation of guilt and fear roll inside Raven’s head. He took two shallow breaths and then clenching his sweaty fists he bellowed “Come and get me then!” The leaves an grit from the ground swirled around him and then the area calmed “I scare death!” he claimed in a triumphant voice and returned to his car smiling to himself as a bold and powerful feeling enveloped him. Matt watched hatred in his eyes as Raven climbed into his four by four cheering himself on and basking in his perceived moment of triumph. Matt looked at the hand on his shoulder Enigma removed it and stood silently next to him. “He’s already dead.” Enigma said solemnly his eyes focused on the disappearing car, he blinked and looked at the empty porch “Touché.”

Jeff stood in the ring with Jason practicing a wrist lock, both men looked up as Raven stepped into the school, Chris, Jesse and Ron all stopped and stood open mouthed staring at the fool standing before them. “He does know we want to rip his head off right?” Jason asked Jeff shrugged as they both slipped through the ropes and dropped to the floor. Chris was pacing round Raven who had a sick grin on his face, which seemed to unnaturally twist it “He’s lost his mind!” Chris concluded as the door opened and Paul walked in. Paul flushed red immediately as Raven looked at him over his shoulder with a sly snigger on his face. Paul saw red and was about to pounce on him when Ron and Chris seized him Chris whispered firmly “Witnesses.” Paul looked at him and then out of the large clear glass window where two police officers were standing across the street and a man was walking by. “What do you want?” Jason was as close to Raven as he wanted to get, just looking at the scruffy denim jacket, hacked up jeans and black t-shirt that smelled of smoke, sweat and beer, made him retch. “Message for your boss. Tell her I’m coming for her.” Neither Chris nor Ron were fast enough to stop Jason who swung a fast and deadly blow to Raven’s jaw. The connection echoed through the room, Paul snorted as Chris slapped his forehead. Ron checked over his shoulder everyone outside was oblivious, Jason shook his hand, it stung but the adrenaline rush was amazing, he felt light headed and giddy. Raven rubbed his aching jaw and looked at Jason his eyes dancing as he licked the trail of blood from his top lip, “Tasty” he commented. Jeff studied him, he was definitely strange, and he wondered how many chair shots to the head Raven had taken. “Tell her I’ll see her soon!” he stated before turning and walking out the door. Chris and Ron looked at Jason while Paul clapped.

As the sun set lighting up the sky with streaks of crimson red Claire pulled up outside her home, she looked at it through tired eyes, after fighting the comfort of her seat she climbed out of the car and stretched. Grabbing her bag from the boot she headed inside. The house seemed warm, as she walked upstairs to her room where she dumped her bag and sat on the bed, she rubbed her shoulders and then lay back her eyes closed. Matt was sitting on the window ledge watching her, waiting for her to fall asleep, at least then he could be close to her. He sighed she was fighting sleep as she sat up and pushed her hands through her hair, she stood slowly and walked over to the window, Matt was motionless as she stood opposite him looking out at the darkening sky, she looked at the ring on her finger and twisted it from side to side. Matt was finding it hard to be this close and not being able to touch her. The only way he had survived the past few weeks was sneaking in to her room and being with her when she was asleep. He felt so cold and lost sometimes but when he saw her he knew why things were this way and that one-day it would be different. Finally unable to wait any longer Matt caressed the air above her hand it was the closest he dared get while she was awake but even that he knew could be near enough. Claire shivered an electric sensation passing through her body. Matt tested the power of his tender caress and touched the air around her face she closed her eyes and seemed to feel him she smiled lifting her own hand and placing it lightly over his. Matt felt warmth emanating from her and flowing into him, he felt himself moving forward, wanting to be with her. A knock on the door woke them both; Matt watched her step away from him he closed his eyes and balled the hand he used to almost touch her into a fist. Claire opened the door and smiled at Chris “Hey kiddo” he greeted her “How was the drive?” she smiled “Not too bad.”

“You clear your head?” she nodded “A little. How were things here?” Chris smirked “Good real good.” Claire knew there was something he was dying to tell her but he was holding out “What are you smiling about?” Chris shook his head “You look beat get some sleep and I’ll fill you in on everything tomorrow.” Claire nodded she wasn’t in the mood for protracted stories she really just wanted to curl up and sleep. Sleeping was good, she felt like a Neanderthal with that thought. But it was true, her life was so complicated and messed up right now, when she went to sleep she could just let it all go and Matt was always there in her dreams. She kissed Chris on the cheek and said goodnight. As she closed the door and turned back into her room she looked at the window. Was it always in her dreams? She shook her head and walked over to her bed, she couldn’t be bothered to change properly so she kicked off her shoes, pulled off her trousers and top, She slid under the covers in her underwear and closed her eyes. Matt couldn’t take his eyes off her; even in a hurry her strip was seductive. He moved slowly over to the bed and gazed down at her, he touched her cheek, she was already asleep. He lifted the covers and slipped in behind her. The heat of her body warming his heart as he held her close and breathed her in.

Jeff looked at Enigma who was beating the hell out of a punch bag. Jeff was glad Enigma wasn’t mad at him. Then again Jeff wasn’t sure Enigma was mad at anything. Enigma stopped and looked at him, Jeff smiled and threw him a bottle of water. Enigma caught it and opened it, “Can I ask you something?” Jeff was burning with questions there was so much he had to know. Enigma nodded “You can ask.” Jeff took a breath “Claire said she’s known you a long time.” Enigma looked at him his face it’s usual blank self “That’s not a question.” Jeff swallowed he had to be careful how he phrased this, “I was just, she seems like a nice girl I was just wondering what her story was.” Jeff waited expecting Enigma to walk out or tell him it wasn’t any of his business. Enigma walked towards him Jeff closed one eye half expecting a slap but Enigma just sat next to him, “She’s a very special person” Jeff nodded “What was she like before her dad?” Enigma nodded “You like her?” Jeff nodded “I don’t really know her.” Enigma picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder “My advice, get to know her, it’s better to figure someone out for yourself than to go off others people’s impressions.” Jeff nodded and slipped off the apron turning to grab his bag “I guess your right” he turned back, Enigma was gone. “Man you gotta teach me how to do that.”

Matt opened his eyes the room was dark; Claire was sleeping soundly next to him, he kissed her cheek. Slowly lifting his head he knew something was waiting outside. He moved purposefully to the window and stared out at Raven who was sitting on the roof of his car staring up at the window while periodically slurping from a bottle of beer. He had a drunken but still evil smirk on his face. Matt took a deep breath and closed his eyes, as Raven lifted the bottle to his lips it shattered, the liquid seemed to freeze in mid air. Raven stared at the brown liquid hovering in front of him, his eyes widening as it formed into a shape. Raven twisted his head trying to make out the shape, then it became amazingly cleat the face spoke to him “Murderer!” it yelled and then it darted forward Raven jerked in horror as the liquid smashed into his face. It stung, his eyes burned and the usually tasty brew soured on his lips. He wiped the back of his arm across his face and stared up at the window. “You don’t scare me!” he yelled suddenly his car jerked and began reversing up the driveway, Raven tried to cling to the roof but as the car spun out of control he slipped away from it and crashed into the base of a tree. He pulled himself up and rubbed off the dirt, his back hurt like hell and he was breathing hard. He staggered to the car and opened the door. Matt smiled to himself and turned as Claire stirred. He sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at her, “I’m sorry I can’t tell you to your face, I love you more and more each day. Don’t give up on me.” He kissed her gently on the lips and whispered against her soft skin “Love me forever and I’ll come back for you.”

Claire looked round the school everyone was waiting looking to her for all the answers. She knew she had some but they were minor considerations and not the answer to the bigger question. A question she wished she could look to someone else to answer. She glanced at Chris who still had a smirk on his face, he had told her a little of what had gone on while she was away. She was sure he hadn’t told her the whole story and of course there was Paul who looked like the cat who got the cream or the budgerigar. She smiled at the thought of Paul spitting out soft fluffy feathers. “Okay guys!” Chris began “Two days from now we have our house show.” Jeff looked around all the face in the room, everyone was scarily serious and focused, his eyes rested on Claire who was looking at everyone just as he was. Chris continued for a little while, Jeff tuned out the words as he studied Claire, she still had a lot a of sadness behind her eyes but she seemed to have a new energy. Her eyes had a fresh brightness and she seemed slightly more relaxed. “Okay here we got, the rostra for the event” Jeff’s ears pricked up, he listened as Claire read through the list of matches and gave a brief description of the storyline for each one. Jeff waited, she read out all the names but those on the injured list and his. The main event was Paul taking on Enigma in a leather strap match, Chris was making a special appearance in a match with Scott and Jason and Adam were teaming up against Justin and Ron. There were tag team matches and two dark matches, and still Jeff was waiting. He looked around nervously watching as the others were told their fate and he was left chewing hard on a piece of gum, which lost its flavour long ago. Jeff was still waiting but Claire had stopped talking, he looked around the room the others were all whispering and talking between themselves. Chris spoke up again his address was lost in the fog, which filled Jeff’s head. He wanted a match a real match he knew he was ready. Claire had gone into the office; everyone else was starting their morning routines. Jeff breathed steadily why wasn’t he involved in the event? Why was he being neglected? He stepped towards the office he wanted answers to his questions that was when he looked at Jason who was resting against the ring. “Don’t look so down kid.” Jeff pushed his hand through his hair and sighed “Come on I’ll spot you, you can get rid of some of that frustration you got running through you.” Jason put a hand on his shoulder and steered him away from the office. Jeff was quiet as Jason watched him lift the weights, “You looked pissed.” Jason stated counting the reps Jeff performed Jeff gave him an ‘oh really’ expression, Jason laughed. Jeff stared at him he had forgotten about the repetitions he was performing, “Man don’t get so bent out of shape!” Jason was still chuckling. “Easy for you to say you got a match!” Jeff dropped the weight, Jason jumped back not wanting his feet to be crushed.

Claire looked at Paul who was sitting opposite her jotting down notes often scratching his head with the top of his pen. He looked up at her, “You got something?” she shrugged, “I don’t know. How about you?” he nodded and handed her his notes, “Pretty much what we talked about.” Claire nodded as she read over them, “Jo still okay to interfere for Chris?” Paul nodded “Yep, I talked to Stacy and she’ll accompany Scott out.” Claire nodded “So we’re almost there.”

Jason knocked Jeff’s shoulder in a friendly gesture “Don’t look so down. You’ll be at the event” Jeff looked at him he was far from convinced he yanked at the tape on his wrists “She doesn’t rate me!” he stated Jason shook his head “If that were true you wouldn’t be here. Claire and Paul know what they’re doing, just talk to them see what they got in mind.” Jeff sighed “If I was gonna get a match she would have told me when she told you lot.” Jason looked up and double taked as Enigma was now standing in front of them, Jeff received a swift and targeted swipe to the top of his head “OW!” he cried out looking up. Enigma’s black eyes were as cold and as emotionless as ever. “What was that for!” Jeff protested rubbing his head “Knocking the sense back in to you!” Enigma pointed out as he walked into the locker room. Jeff ran after him almost slipping over on the wood floor. He stepped into the locker room looking at Enigma who placed his long black coat in his locker. “Get in the ring!” Enigma demanded not even turning to look at Jeff who was still rubbing his head. “Huh?” Jeff looked surprised “You want a match I’ll give you at match! Now get in that damn ring!” Enigma’s tone was still low as always but the direct tone and those cold eyes, which settled on him as Enigma turned, intimidated Jeff. Jeff backed out of the locker room and Enigma followed him Jeff looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights, his eyes were wide as Enigma backed him into the ring. The others in the gym stopped and watched as Enigma stalked Jeff round the ring and then locked up with him. Chris closed him eyes tight as Jeff hit the mat with a thud. Chris opened on eye and watched as Enigma pulled Jeff to his feet and set him up for a power slam.

Claire looked up at Paul they could hear the slamming and crashing and then the cheering and heckles and sympathy sounds. “What’s going on?” Paul shrugged they both stood and walked out of the office just in time to see Jeff flying through the air and slamming in to the Matt, they both flinched. “Ouch!” Paul said shaking off the impact. Jeff lay on the mat breathing steadily. Enigma stood over him Jeff opened one eye and looked up into those deep dark pools and felt himself being pulled to his feet. Everyone was watching the ring, Claire moved to the apron “Enigma!” Jeff was catapulted towards the turnbuckles, instinct kicked in and he scaled them somersaulting off the top buckle and landing on his feet. He heard the cheer and felt the smack of a clothesline he rolled to the corner and pulled himself up Enigma ran at him, he dived out of the way and let Enigma stun himself with the turnbuckles. “This is going to far!” Claire looked at Paul who was shaking his head “Just wait.” Claire looked back to the ring, Jeff was lying breathing hard, she stood at the apron and studied him, Enigma was on his feet, she looked up at him “Don’t” she pleaded, she knew what was coming, Jeff pulled himself up on the ropes and felt Enigma grabbing him he tried to fight his way out of the corner and then saw his chance. Claire watched stunned as Jeff performed the Twist of Fate, Matt’s signature move he then slid back into the corner and waited for Enigma to shake it off before mounting the turnbuckles and somersaulting off hitting Enigma in the middle of the ring as he regained his feet. Claire backed away from the ring, Jeff and Enigma both lay in the middle of the ring breathing heavily, Enigma slowly regained his feet checked on Jeff and then stood, the room was silenced as Jeff pulled himself up on to the second rope, he watched his vision slightly blurred as Claire rushed out of the school.

Claire’s head was spinning, there were so many things rushing through her mind as she jumped into her car and headed home. She had to know she had to prove herself right or wrong. Her heart beat in her throat so hard she could hardly swallow. The car tyres screeched on the road as she drove, she couldn’t believe what she had just seen, she couldn’t think straight. Dust rose as the car screeched to a halt outside her home. She ran inside and up stairs to her father’s room. She knew exactly where to look, the top shelf of the wardrobe held a green storage box. Inside where all the clippings and paperwork on all the wrestlers he had scouted, Paul’s, Adam’s and Matt’s she pulled it out and looked at it, she left it on the bed and continued to search until she found the folder. Her heart began to slow, she read the first few notes, “Kentucky federation” she dumped the folder and was about to shove the box back when she saw a smaller sheet of paper, she recognised the handwriting as she pulled it out. She sank on to the bed and read the letter Matt had sent to her father two weeks before the car exploded. She held her head in her hands she knew.

Jeff swallowed hard as he walked up to the front door, his hands were clammy and he could feel his stomach flipping, he lifted his hand ready to knock and then hesitated. Finally he gathered himself together and rapped on the wood, it seemed to take an age for the door to open. She looked at him and nodded “Hey” he wasn’t sure whether her greeting was friendly or just civil. “I think I need to tell you a couple of things.” She nodded and let him step inside. He followed her into the front room where the table was covered in cuttings and pictures. He looked at them and then at her he rubbed his hands on the back of his green and black trousers “You know.” She handed him the letter, he read it and then sat down. “You mad at me?” she shook her head “No, I’m not mad. Confused maybe.” He nodded “You want to take a walk?” she followed him out of the house and they headed through the gardens and in to the woods. “I don’t know where to start” he began, she offered no criticism or encouragement she just waited for him to tell his tale. “About six months ago I got a letter. There was a place for me with a small federation and the chance I could be picked up by a scout. So I got on the plane and came home.” He stopped and propped himself up against a tree, “I got my place and was wrestling regularly when your dad saw me he said I reminded him of someone. He told me about the letter he got.” Claire began walking again through the trees Jeff followed rather sheepishly “When I came here I didn’t know about any of the trouble.” Claire stopped and looked at him “I should’ve seen it” Jeff shrugged “You had enough on your plate. Everything I’ve done has been honest I just, I didn’t want to be in his shadow, or to be a painful reminder.” Claire stopped and looked at Jeff, his blue green eyes were sorrowful; he looked like a child awaiting a punishment. “He used to talk about you all the time. How good you were and how much he missed you.” Jeff smiled “It was his idea you know, for me to go to Japan, he helped pay for it. “ Claire knew she studied Jeff there was a definite resemblance she still couldn’t believe she’d missed it. After all she had seen photos but Jeff had changed physically, he was more muscular and his hair was longer. Jeff glanced sideways, “What?” her blue eyes seemed deep and the wind was playing with her hair, she shrugged “I was thinking I never guessed, there were things you said and did that were familiar but.” She almost laughed, “I was even at your place and Gill never said anything.” Jeff nodded “Chris said you were going to see him, so I called he said he wouldn’t say anything.” Claire shook her head “Why Jeff? Why go to all this trouble?” Jeff stopped she turned to face him “Because Matt asked me to”.

Manic walked into the office and looked at Steve who was sitting at his desk. “You called?” he sat in the chair opposite Steve and waited. Steve had a sly smirk on his face as he reclined in the chair, “I have a job for you” Manic sat up alert and intrigued. Steve handed him an envelope Manic opened it and smiled at the content, fresh crisp fifty-dollar bills. This was a language he understood and respected. “What you go in mind?” he asked Steve smiled knowing Manic’s loyalty was bought and paid for. He sat back in the chair and they began talking.

Jo was cooking up a storm in the kitchen, it was tradition, there had to be a big get together before the event, everyone would be able to relax and discuss the event at the same time. She looked up from the boiling pan of sauce as Claire walked inside. She smiled at her friend “Hey” she said as she added more tomatoes to the sauce. Claire rested on the bench and pinched a piece of carrot from the chopping board. “You okay?” Jo asked as she turned Claire half smiled “Yeah I’m fine,” Jo stopped what she was doing and rested her hands on the bench “You look weird” Claire raised both eyebrows “Thanks” Jo laughed “Not in a bad way!” Jo protested “It’s just is something bugging you?” Claire shook her head “Not anymore” Jo was intrigued “You want to tell me?” Claire shook her head “Nah, it’s okay, I just had something I needed to think about” Jo began chopping the vegetables “And you have it figured?” Claire shook her head “Nope, but the strange thing is that doesn’t bother me right now.” She pinched another piece of carrot; “Hey” Jo protested Claire laughed, as they play fought with the vegetables. Paul stuck his head round the doorway and was hit with a missile carrot on the chin. “Ouch!” Claire and Jo stopped; they looked at him and burst out laughing as he rubbed his chin. “What the hell are you to doing?” Jo and Claire continued to laugh.

Enigma was pressing weights in the school; he lowered the bar as the door opened. “Did you make your peace?” Jeff closed the door “Yeah I did” yet again Enigma was one step ahead of him. Enigma put down the weight and looked at him, “Good” Jeff rested against the wall “How long have you known?” Enigma wiped his arms with a white towel “How long is a piece of string?” Jeff shook his head “You always gotta be cryptic don’t you.” Jeff cracked a smile he figured Enigma might be smiling on the inside, then again, he could never tell what Enigma was feeling or thinking. “Who asked you to train me?” Enigma looked at Jeff “Life” he replied before walking into the locker room. Jeff shook his head “Life?” now he was extremely confused.

He walked into the locker room ready to question his mentor some more the square room was empty. Jeff pushed his hand back through his hair and shook his head. He changed into his own training outfit and went to warm up.

Paul looked at Claire across the table, as they both pinched from Jo’s chopping board. “You scared the hell out of Jeff this morning.” He stated reaching for another piece of apple that Jo was chopping she retaliated by threatening him with the knife “Now just you watch it!” she growled playfully. Claire looked at Paul “Did I?” Paul nodded “Who won?” Paul smiled “They called it a draw. Kid only wanted to prove a point.”

“And he’ll get his chance.” Paul studied her; he knew her mind was working over time coming up with something for Jeff to do at the event. “What are you plotting?” he enquired suspiciously, Claire smiled “You’ll see.” Paul gave her a look she knew well, he was waiting for the punch to come out of know where and knock him out of his socks. Claire smiled and laughed, “Trust me” Paul looked worried. He always got worried when Claire said trust me, people thought he was devious in the ring and some would say the stunt he pulled on Steve was sly but he had nothing on Claire when she got started. He shivered and hoped it didn’t involve him.

Raven was sitting on the rail of the gazebo in the middle of the woods; he was burning patterns in to the soft wood and inhaling the smoke. He hummed to himself and then started head banging to the music in his head. He was biding his time waiting for the phone call from Manic to say it was ‘go time’. He was looking forward to having some fun. Manic was waiting across the road from the school, watching as Jeff pounded away on the treadmill, his body glistening with sweat, “Shit just quit it!” he spat into the air. He shoved his hands in to his pockets and paced. After another thirty minutes of cursing and spitting, Manic decided he was too cold and this kid was definitely in for the long haul so he walked into the bar and ordered a drink.

Claire stepped on to the porch and looked at Jo, “Thanks” Jo smiled “Your welcome” she held open her arms and gave Claire a huge hug. “Jo, I’ll break!” Jo released her and Claire breathed out, Jo was very strong and Claire knew she could take on any man at the school and win. Jo smiled “Sorry” Claire laughed “Keep an eye on him for me” Jo nodded “Take care and I’ll see you tomorrow?” Claire nodded and walked down the steps. She climbed into the car and started the engine and stopped, there was something she had to do. She set off an idea in her head she had to follow through, she pulled the car up across the street from the school and ran over, Jeff was on his way out, he smiled at her “Hey, you going in?” Claire nodded “Yeah some paper work I have to do.” Jeff held the door open for her to go inside “Okay, you need me to hang around?” Claire shook her head “Nah, It’s okay you get going.” Jeff pulled his bag on to his shoulder “Okay, night” he headed out of the door, Claire turned to walk to the office stopped turned and opened the door. “Jeff” she called down the street, he stopped and turned “Come see me at the house in the morning.” Jeff nodded “Okay” he shouted back before waving and heading off. Claire stepped back inside and closed the door she flipped the lock and headed to the office turning off the main light as she went, leaving the gym slightly illuminated by the recess lighting. She went into the office and sat down at the desk, she looked up at the picture on the wall and smiled, Matt had sent Jeff to them for a reason she might not know what it was but she trusted Matt implicitly and she would make sure Jeff was what Matt wanted him to be. She pulled out a pad and pen and began scribbling.

Manic stood outside, “Finally” he thought as he mashed the number on the screen of his phone. “It’s a go,” he laughed in to the handset. He hung up and waited. It didn’t take long for Raven to join him; they looked like something out of a gangster movie as the approached the front of the school. Raven looked at Manic then at the door, “After you” Manic grinned “My pleasure.” Claire was absorbed in her writing when she heard the thunderous noise. “Oh shit!” she jumped out of the seat and ran to the door. In the front of the school Raven and Manic had already begun trashing the inside of the gym. Manic was hitting out at the treadmill with a metal bar he picked up form the weights bench. Raven was daubing paint on the walls, Claire stood outside the office glaring at the two men “Hey!” she yelled Manic and Raven both stopped and snapped their heads round, they began smiling like two wolves ready to attack. Claire could feel their eyes burning into her but she was too angry to feel intimidated or scared. “Get the hell out of my school!” she yelled Raven laughed as he began advancing on her, she refused to back out of his way instead she just glared into his cold eyes. “Aw sweet baby has come out to play” he squawked in a deranged tone, Claire pushed him back away from her he staggered and laughed like a hyena “I said get out!” she spat. Raven stopped laughing as he grabbed her throat and began backing her up against the ring apron “Don’t you dare yell at me you bitch” he spat finally slamming her back into the edge of the ring. “Now play nice,” he whispered against her cheek “I have a message for you” he whispered his stubble scratching against her face. She tried to struggle but his grip continued to tighten on her throat cutting off the air supply. In the haze of him pushing up against her she realised Manic had stopped laughing and crashing. Her attention was snapped back to Raven “I know,” he whispered as he licked the side of her face, she did the only thing she could think of. As he licked her neck her tongue scratching and irritating her skin, she slowly raised her hand and then as fast as she could dug her nails in to his skin and pulled downwards. He yelped at first and then laughed as he lifted his head touched the side of his face and licked the blood from his fingers. He tutted at her and then they both heard something.

Raven kept his grip tight on her throat as she clawed at his hand, he turned his head and looked for Manic but the school was empty. He turned back to Claire and pushed her backwards until her back was arched and she was almost lying on the ring apron. As she started kicking at his legs he could still here this noise like a cat scratching at the door. His head snapped round “What the f” he stopped his eyes rising to the ceiling where Manic was pinned having what seemed like a fit from the way his body jerked. Raven watched momentarily, as the blood seemed to run out of Manic’s body until suddenly he stopped jerking and fell to the ground with a thud. Raven put his head on one side as Manic jerked again and then lay still he was a bloody pulp. Raven turned back to Claire but the face in front of him was not hers. Her stared at the menacing face that glared at him. The dark eyes burning into him, he jumped back Claire feel to her knees and sucked in the air as fast and as deep as she could. Raven stared at her as she looked up at him, it was her face looking at him he stormed over and dragged her struggling to her feet, “Shame on you!” he snapped her head to face him and again the dark eyes glared at him he threw her back against the ring. Claire felt the stinging pain in her head as it snapped back against the edge of the apron. She crumpled to the floor and lay motionless, blackouts felt strange. Her eyes clouded and she felt strangely warm.

Raven spun around Manic was bleeding all over the wood floor as he crawled slowly towards the door, “Where are you!” Raven yelled the air laughed at him. He was breathing heavily now and every nerve was on end as he waited the laugher grew louder as he hit out at the air. He didn’t like being mocked and everything in the room sneered at him making his blood boil and the veins on his neck stand out from the skin. “Come on!” he yelled and then it began. He felt the wind pick up spinning and swirling around him, it talked to him mimicked him and laughed at him it called him names and then began the repetition that annoyed him the most “murderer” he hit out against the air and the air hit back. Claire opened her eyes slowly; she could see Manic pawing at doorframe trying to push himself out into the street. Then she focused on Raven who was fighting with nothing, she tried to make sense of it, but her mind was still pretty cloudy and her head ached. She focused harder willing herself to wake up needing to know what was happening. Raven stopped fighting and glared at her he ran at her she was pulling herself into a sitting position he was inches away from her when he abruptly stopped and seemed to be thrust backwards. She slouched back down unsure if her mind was playing tricks on her. Raven hit the floor and slid a few feet he crouched into to an attack position and again dived at Claire this time he was lifted off the ground. Claire fought the darkness and convinced herself what she saw was true, a figure, a familiar figure, tall broad and muscular. She watched stunned as Raven flew through the air hitting the window and crashing through it. The glass seemed to give and then float in the air, as Raven hit the ground the glass was sucked back into the frame without a scratch or crack. Claire shook her head and stared the window was in place. She looked at the door, Manic had crawled outside and was lying in the foetal position on the pavement while the glass and wood seemed to collect itself together and rewind back into place. Raven shook his head and pulled himself slowly to his feet, as Manic pulled himself up with the aid of the car, he looked into the windscreen and his face contorted ready to scream but before the vocal cords could quiver the windscreen shattered into his face slicing him to pieces. He fell backwards hitting his head on the concrete. Raven crawled his way over to his friend and studied the wounds. “Bastard!” he yelled to night sky.

Claire pulled herself up and turned studying the scene outside, Raven turned and glared through the window, he reached into the car and grabbed a steering lock. Claire took a deep breath as he threw it at the window, she waited for the shattering but somehow she wasn’t surprised when it bounced off the glass and headed straight back at Raven who ducked. It hit the roof of the car and dented it. Manic was coughing up blood in an attempt to warn Raven about the man in black crouched on the roof of the car but Raven was too busy yelling at Claire through the glass. She too saw the man in black and she knew what her mind had been telling her since the day she saw the car wreck. She watched as he jumped off the car and grabbed Raven from behind in a sleeper hold. She wondered if Matt leaned to one side would it all be over with the snap of Raven’s neck bone, but she knew deep inside it wouldn’t. Raven soon melted into a comatose state, he hit the ground with a thud. Claire rested back against the ring and closed her eyes when she opened them he was gone. Claire wiped the tears from her eyes and ran to the office, still holding her head wishing the stinging pain to go away so she could think. She reached across the desk and grabbed her keys, as she turned ready to run she looked into Enigma’s dark eyes and white face.

The doors of Mabels opened Dean stumbled out he looked across the street and his eyes opened wide, “Oh shit!” he scrambled across the road and pulling his mobile out of his pocket and letting it promptly slip out of his hands like a bar of soap. “Damn it!” he cursed as it shattered on ground. He knelled down and checked on Manic, “It’s gonna be okay I’ll get help!” Inside the school Claire and Enigma could hear the commotion. Enigma closed the office door and walked over to her, he checked the back of her head “You’ll live” he said in usually cold tone. Claire rested against the desk, he rested beside her, he lifted her hair back and studied her face as a tear fell from her eyes, “He sent you here didn’t he” she said quietly, “Yes” Claire looked up at him her eyes slightly red and her bottom lip still quivering “How do I find him?” Enigma looked at her his eyes deep as if the galaxies sparkled there “You cant.” She swallowed her throat hurt and her eyes stung as she wiped them Enigma put a protective arm around her “He still has a way to go” she was puzzled “A way to go? I don’t understand” Enigma looked at her “Maybe you never will.”

Dean lifted Manic off the ground and manhandled him to the car where Steve was revving the engine “Get them inside!” he yelled as Dean pushed Manic on to the backseat. “Come on!” Steve yelled he had a bad feeling sitting out there especially with Manic bleeding over his upholstery. Dean dragged Raven to the car, he was slowly waking up acting like a drunk who feel over in the street he tried to stand by himself but his feet wouldn’t support him Dean managed to get him to the car door and shove him part way in. Suddenly Raven jumped up when he saw the school door open he cursed as Claire stepped out of the school accompanied by Enigma “I’ll get you!” he yelled as Claire climbed into her car “Shut it!” Dean spat in his face as he forced Raven into the car cracking his head off the door jam. Dean turned glancing once at Enigma shivering and then diving into the passenger seat as Steve gunned the car away from the school.

Jeff lifted his fist to knock on the front door. As he was about to rap on the cold white painted wood the door gave he toppled slightly Chris chuckled as Jeff managed to right himself and regain some composure. “She’s in the kitchen” Jeff nodded and stepped into the house, laughing at himself as Chris walked down to his car. Jeff closed the door and headed to the kitchen, Claire was boiling the kettle when he tapped on the counter top she turned and smiled “Good morning” she offered him a mug of coffee and he accepted. He sat at the table looking at the cuttings Claire had been going over, “I passed by the school this morning” he began Claire carried the cups over and sat opposite him “Oh” she said nonchalantly “Yeah seems there was some trouble there last night.” Claire looked at him her blue eyes were sparkling as she tried to remain oblivious to what he was saying, “Yeah apparently Manic was found in a right state outside the front door.” Claire shrugged “He had to have over a hundred stitches” Claire sipped her coffee “What happened?” Jeff asked Claire shook her head “I don’t know.” Jeff sighed.

Steve stormed into this office slamming the door in Raven’s face, Raven opened it and watched slightly amused as Steve hurled the sweet jar into the wall and it shattered sending multicoloured sweets mixed with glass everywhere. “That damn bitch!” he yelled looking for something else to throw. “What the hell happened!” he demanded Raven shrugged “She had help” Steve turned to face him, his face crimson red, his eyes bulging and the veins in his neck popping out of his skin “She had help!” he bellowed Raven nodded “And you couldn’t handle it! Two of you against some cheap whore and a two bit wrestler!” Raven looked at him out of the corner of his eye “Not that kind of help” he picked up a letter opener and began running his fingers along the sharp edges “I don’t care what kind of help it was you should have dealt with it!” Raven smiled “Tell me how you deal with a ghost!” Steve stopped and stared “What?” Steve began laughing Raven studied him, he knew Steve was afraid it could be true but all the same Raven didn’t like being laughed at. He slammed the point of the letter opener into the desk Steve swallowed and looked at him as he headed to the door “Who?” he asked quietly, Raven looked over his shoulder “Who do you think” he walked out of the door as Steve shook and rested back against the desk for support.

Claire looked around the venue, the ring was being set up in the middle of the wood floor, the chairs were being unfolded and bolted together. Jeff was bouncing around in the isle muttering “Wow” and “Awesome” to himself as men worked round him. Claire smiled he was like a kid at Christmas she looked up to the rafters and saw what she needed to see, Paul walked over to her and looked up, “What’s so fascinating?” she smiled “You’ll see” he looked at her sideways and knew she was plotting something stunning. He smiled “I’ve got a surprise for you.” He said his voice rising with excitement, he took her hand “Come on” he pulled her into the backstage area of the venue, were trucks of equipment were being unloaded. Paul pulled her eagerly towards a changing room; Claire was totally bemused by Paul’s enthusiasm as he stood her in front of the door. Covering her eyes he with one hand he twisted the doorknob with the other and slowly led her into the room. He lifted his hand away from her eyes and she blinked, looking ahead she beamed at Sean who was sitting on the edge of a desk with Jerry and JR “Your commentators” Paul announced Claire turned and hugged him “You’re amazing” she whispered to him before hugging and greeting the others. The rest of the day passed in a blur of excitement, stress and movement. Claire finally got to sit down forty-five minutes before the first match. She flopped into a chair in Jo’s room as Jo changed into her costume, a tight red leather two-piece. Jo sat beside her as she pulled on her black boots “How you doing?” Claire smiled “Okay, I mean I’m tired and there’s still so much to do but at least it stops me form thinking.” Jo put a friendly arm round her shoulder “You want to tell me what’s on your mind?” Claire shrugged “It’s just me Jo, I jut want to stop running for a while.” Jo shook her head “You stop? Never!” Claire laughed Jo was right she’d get bored far to easily “Look I know this hasn’t been a great year for you, but hey you’re getting there. Have you seen out there the place is packed, the door took a hell of a lot more than we expected.” Claire nodded “But is it enough?” Jo smiled “If it’s not me and Stacy have organised some things that might help.” Claire hugged her friend “Thank you.” She whispered Jo looked at her “Now don’t you dare cry on me do you know how long it took me to get this mascara just right.” Claire laughed. “Now maybe you should go check on Jeff he looked a little nervous to me.” Claire nodded she stood and walked out of the changing room. Jo was right the place was almost full she could see people filling up the seats through the black curtain. She continued walking passing by a number of her wrestlers checking on them as she went. She stopped by Jason and Adam who were stretching and chatting about their matches they grinned at her, “Everything okay?” she asked Adam nodded “Couldn’t be better.” She studied his face, his eyes were dancing and she could see him prickling with adrenaline and anticipation, they were both rocking on their heels waiting for their turn anxious to get out there. Their bodies glistened with oil, Jason was rubbing his hands together, she put hers over his “Be safe” she said soberly he looked into her blue eyes and winked “Always” she looked at Adam and said the same, he leaned forward and hugged her “You got it babe” he smiled his broadest smile looking like the ever cheeky character he played.

Jeff was climbing the walls in the dressing room, Enigma sat calmly on the bench watching him as he paced and jumped around. The door opened and Claire stepped inside, she looked at Jeff the at Enigma who stood in one fluid motion, “Get the kid to sit down,” he said as he walked to the door “Use a rope if you have to.” He walked out of the door. Claire smiled and walked over to Jeff putting a friendly hand on his arm she led him to the bench and got him to sit down. Still he fidgeted rocking backwards and forwards “Hey” she said getting his attention he looked at her his eyes wide eager to be on his way out to the ring “How do you feel?” her voice was calm and soothing, she put a gentle hand on his bare shoulder to stop him from rocking. “My gut is all knotted, my hands are sweaty, my chest is tight and I’ve got cramp in my hands” he looked at her with a youthful intensity and there in the depths of his green eyes was a little kid scared and looking for someone to sooth his worries. Claire took his hands in hers and began massaging them “You’re gonna be fine” she soothed “You can do this, just imagine the reaction you’ll get from the crowd when they see you.” He looked at her “But what if I mess up?”
”You wont” Jeff shook his head “But if I do?” she stopped rubbing his hands and touched his face “You’re gonna do it and you’re gonna do it better than anyone else ever could!” he looked deep into her eyes “You have that much faith in me?” she smiled “More” He stood up and turned to face her “I’ll make sure it goes to plan.” She nodded “I know” he walked to the door and walked out of the locker room, she smiled to herself

Adam and Jason breathed heavily as they got back stage, Ron and Justin were waiting for them “Good match” Ron said as he shook hands with Jason and hugged him, Justin slapped Adam on the back. Claire stood by the curtain watching, Sean JR and Jerry were stirring up the crowd ready for the next match, and all was going to plan. She looked at Scott who was standing next to her waiting for his cue she smiled, the music started and Scott was ready “Be safe” she mouthed as he stepped past her, he winked as he chewed on his gum and danced his way out into the isle. Stacy smiled at Claire as she passed and Claire whispered her ritual saying to Stacy. Stacy quickly squeezed her hand and was out of the curtain to a deafening cheer from the crowd. Claire looked back and saw Jeff talking to one of the others, Brian was on the injured list but was still working as part of the crew, he had the hardest task of the night, Claire thought she prayed silently that it would go off without a hitch.

The crowd was on their feet as Chris’ music began; Chris was always the entertainer Claire thought as he approached the ring shouting at Scott. He stopped three quarters of the way down the isle and called for a microphone. He began his trademark wide up of his opponent and the crowd loved it. Steve slouched in his chair, he couldn’t believe after all his hard work people still cheered for this plan kind of match, what did it offer them, no blood, no broken bones, no extreme moves, this was old style at it’s worse and he loathed it.

Claire walked away from the curtain leaving the backstage in Brian’s capable hands. As she walked to Paul’s room she heard the cheers as Jo ran to ring side. She smiled and knocked on the door. Inside Paul was pulling on his knee pads, he looked at her and smiled “Looking good out there?” she nodded “One of the best.” She walked over and helped him tape his wrists “You ready for this? “ Paul nodded “I’ll do my bit you just worry about the kid.” She smiled “He’s okay.” Paul nodded “You’re dad was a good judge of talent” Claire smiled and felt a slight tugging at her heat. She looked at him as she finished wrapping his wrist “Be safe tonight” he nodded “Come here” He hugged her tightly “You don’t have to worry, I think Ray is with us all tonight” Claire smiled and nodded “You bet he is”

The audience were on their feet as the lights went out and they were plunged into total darkness, the match had been a high octane so far and the crowd was loving it, now it seemed like Paul may have the upper hand and as he went to lock Enigma into the figure four the lights went down. Claire waited holding her breath as a spot light came up, the audience were on their feet yelling at the man in black as he flew into the ring. Claire smiled Jeff even managed to keep the black cowboy hat on. The lights came up as both Paul and Enigma stared at the man now sitting on the ring ropes ready to pounce at them both. Then another shout began this time it came from Sean who obviously saw something Claire didn’t “Who the hell!” he yelled which Claire knew was more a warning to them than the audience. Everything moved so fast, she pushed past the curtain staring at the ring as Raven and Chris jumped over the barriers Paul and Enigma were on them as soon as they ducked under the ropes. Jeff spun around and flew over the top rope landing on Dean as he climbed over the barrier. Chaos erupted, as Steve’s wrestlers seemed to come out of the woodwork. Claire signalled for help as Sean and Jerry got involved beating up on two guys who tipped over their table. From the back her own men came running ready to fight in an all out brawl. As Jason and Adam ran to the ring two men dived out of the crowd knocking them down. Fists and bodies flew as the crowd erupted. Claire couldn’t believe it, Jo was beside her and they made their way to the ring, Jo knew something was wrong as soon as she stepped on to the apron Paul was losing blood from every blow he took. Enigma had been stomped into the ring and Jeff was rammed into the post. Jo climbed into the ring and began laying into Manic pulling him off Paul by the hair, she realised why there was so much blood, he had thin razor blades embedded into a leather strap wrapped round his hand. Claire knew she had to do something she dived under the ring and grabbed she could feel someone pulling her out by the ankles, she reached out her fingers touching the cold metal, “Come on” she willed herself to push forward and then she grabbed it. Letting herself be pulled out she brought the metal pipe with her. Twisting as her torso emerged from the apron she swung out and caught the guy on the ankles he yelped and let go, she jumped to her feet and hit him ferociously across the back. Without watching him fall she climbed on to the edge of the ring and hit out at one of the men holding Enigma.

Chris was fighting in the isle as he rammed the man he was struggling with into the barrier he managed to see Claire in the ring using the pipe to pull the assailants off Enigma she spun round on hearing Jo yelp with pain and brought the metal pipe down hard on Manic’s wrist, she heard it snap he cowered away from her and rolled out of the ring. Jo fell to the canvas her neck bleeding from the razor blade attack. Enigma seemed to be holding his own now as Jeff was propped up against the steps he ducked as Chris ran at him, as Chris shook off the impact Claire threw the pole to Jeff who was ready for Chris. Claire turned as she felt her arm being grabbed Chris was running toward the ring now Steve had her by the throat and the glinting in his eyes chilled her bones. The lights went out and the audience screamed as the ring burst into flames. Chris fell back off the steps shielding his eyes. No one could see anything from outside the ring, Jeff and Chris both staggered away from the heat of the flames. Paul lay on the steps bleeding profusely from his wounds and Jo was on her knees clutching her throat. Everyone seemed to stop staring at the walls of fire. Panic hit the audience and they ran for the doors.

Claire could hear a muted version of the panic, the flames which roared around her filtered out a lot of the sound. She was being held in a wristlock by Steve and she could feel him beginning to panic “It’s one of her tricks!” he yelled wanting to believe his own words. Finally he thought he had convinced himself when the floor of the ring seemed to become fluid rippling under their feet. Steve seemed to stagger as Enigma pulled himself up to his feet. Claire felt Steve shake as they all watched the man in black rose through the quivering floor. Steve stared “It can’t be!” he stammered backing away from the figure, Claire felt her neck stretching as he tried to drag her backwards with him. He seemed to stop sharply as though he came up against a brick wall. The man in black extended his arm and motioned at Steve, he held Claire fast not wanting to believe what he was looking at. Again the man in black-motioned Steve was looking into those dark eyes and he was afraid. The man in black stepped forward, Steve’s eyes widened and he snapped his head round and was faced with the cold eyes of Enigma. He turned back and Claire was no longer in his arms, instead the man in black was holding him by the throat, he struggled but found himself being lifted off his feet the air was cool as he found himself flying through the air, suddenly his body was wracked with pain from the searing heat of the flames. He crashed into the railings and felt the skin on his back tear. His body was still smarting from the impact when he felt himself being hoisted up and manhandled out of the arena. Chris and Adam stood staring at the flames they had no idea what to do, then as suddenly as the flames rose they died down. Claire and Enigma were both standing in the centre of the ring unscathed.

Steve yelled out in pain as nurse bathed the cuts on his back. “What the hell happened!” he spat at Raven who was standing by the window turned and looked at him “You got screwed” he said in a bitter tone. Steve bit his lip as the nurse bandaged his wounds as she taped it off and helped him on with his shirt he stared at Raven. Raven slammed the car door shut and looked at Steve who was still wincing in pain “How the hell did it happen?” he asked Raven shrugged “I told you” Steve shook his head “I don’t believe in ghosts” Raven laughed “Then what threw you through the flames!” Steve was furious he simmered with pent up anger “I don’t care what it is I just want you to sort it!” Raven smiled “Oh I will but it will cost you!”

Claire checked on Jeff who was sound asleep his hand bandaged lying on top of the cover. She closed the door of the spare room and walked up to Paul who was resting against the wall “Is he okay?” he asked quietly she nodded “Yeah. How are you?” she looked at the stitches on his forehead and cheek, his bandaged arm and the padding peaking out from under his t-shirt “I’ll live” he commented. He followed her down stairs where everyone else was gathered in the sitting room. Sean looked grave, Claire knew the money they were relying on was practically gone, the damage to the venue would have to come out of their profits, which meant they would make less than they originally hoped. Claire tried to smile and cheer everyone up but they all knew. Adam rested his head against the back of the chair “Bastard!” he cursed his head snapped up when he heard Jason laughing, “What’s so funny?”

“Didn’t you see that guy fly through the air!” Adam had to admit that was funny he smiled at the thought and the image of Steve landing in the barrier. Claire smiled too; she turned and looked at Enigma who was standing on the porch. She walked out and stood beside him, “They all think it was you.” He looked at her his face as blank as ever “Don’t worry I wont ask” he watched as she rested her hands on the rail and looked out into the darkness “Even though I think you know what’s going on.” She looked at him he stood motionless his arms folded across his chest, she stepped forward and kissed his cheek, for the first time his expression changed, he looked at her with confused eyes which soon returned to their normal clear crystal bleakness. She smiled slightly as she walked back inside. Enigma turned and looked out into the darkness he sighed and stood alone for a long time not feeling the cold wind, which wiped around his body. He looked to the sky and studied the stars, thinking and wishing he were back home with his wife and child, his body wouldn’t feel so cold then. He was glad Claire was not as cold as him it was better for her to be able to show emotion. There were a lot of things he was glad she could do and one of them would not be ruined anytime soon. He made a pledge in the darkness not uttering a word but carving the vow in the stone that stood in place of his heart. Jason sat by the window and glanced out, he saw Enigma standing like a statue rooted to the spot, a sudden breeze whipped up sending the leaves spiralling round the porch when they settled Enigma was gone, Jason blinked, checked outside and then shook his head. “Man!” he checked his cup and scowled at the dregs of the tea.

Claire lay silently in her bed, she shivered and pulled the covers up around her, she closed her eyes and drifted back to the ring. The fire was burning hard around her but she could not feel it. She could see the floor quivering, rising and falling like the waves of a calm ocean, she felt him before she saw him rising out of the blackness. He was an impressive size, six feet tall with broad shoulders and muscular arms and legs, his chest well defined under the black t-shirt and coat he wore, he lifted his hand and looked at her his dark eyes burned as brightly as the fire did. Her eyes began to burn and she could taste the fire, it was sour and bitter. She opened her eyes the burning sensation came from the sting of Raven’s hand, which was clamped firmly across her mouth. She could smell and taste the concoction of alcohol, petrol and sweat. She tried to scream as she thrashed on the bed, he pushed her head down into the pillows and climbed on top on her kneeling on her arms he seemed to enjoy her struggled and even allowed himself a little laugh. His amusement at her struggle angered her so much she bit hard ignoring the burning taste and foul sensation, it burnt her tongue and filled her mouth with a revolting taste. He jerked his hand back and she managed a choked yell.

Jeff shoot up in bed, the sound rang in his ears he climbed out of bed; he favoured his wrist as he twisted the door handle. He stumbled his way to the room two doors on from the one he was in. He pushed it and it swung open, the bed was a mess the covers all roughed up and then he saw it, a shadow on the ledge, he rushed over and stared out into the night, he could just make out the two figures struggling in the darkness “Claire!” he yelled he heard a muffled yelp and then the car door slammed. “No!” he yelled as he bolted for the door. As he stumbled to the stairs he began shouting and yelling to those downstairs that hadn’t heard the scream. Adam stuck his head out of the door and watched stunned as Jeff stumbled and fell down the first few steps. He seemed to lose his footing in his haste and stumbled over his own feet. He tried to pull himself up but his legs buckled and he plunged head over heels down the stairs “Jeff!” Adam cried drawing more attention to the commotion in the hallway. Jason, Paul and the others came to the door “What the?” Paul asked as Adam bent over Jeff who was pushing himself up on one hand he pointed at the door unable to catch a breath to speak. Paul rushed to the door and wrenched it open in time to see the dust flying up as the car disappeared “Raven!”

Claire struggled with Raven as he slammed the car into gear, she hit out at him and scratched at him he backhanded her. She paused a moment as her cheek stung and her eyes watered, her vision was blurred for a second and then she started kicking at the door shattering the glass he grabbed at her hair and yanked her back as she tried to dive through the window “Behave!” he demanded holding her in the car by her hair as he drove “Get of me!” she yelled her voice filled with hate and venom, he cackled she was convinced he was truly mad as she continued to scratch at him.
Paul and Adam were first to the car the others weren’t far behind them. Jeff tried to follow them but Jo grabbed his arm “No Jeff” Jeff pulled his arm away he stared at Jo; the others were in the car kicking up dust before Jeff could draw a second breath. “Get Enigma” Jo told him “Go on!” she slapped her car keys into his hand “Go!”

Raven stepped on the brake and the car lurched to a stop. He dragged her across the seat and out of his door lifting her clean away from the car he dropped her. The ground was cold, it stunned her she pushed herself up and looked at Raven who crouched in front of her he was smiling. “Come on then!” he said through his chuckles “I thought you were a fighter!” his voice had a mocking tone now, “You have no idea” her voice was cold and intimidating, Raven felt a chill he smiled as she pulled herself up finally she realised where she was. Her eyes were wide as she looked at the grove “Gotcha” Raven grinned showing his teeth. “This supposed to scare me?” He shrugged there was an evil glint in his eye “No but this might!” He pulled a chain from his pocket Claire was backing away from him.

Paul was gunning the car along the roads “Where!” he demanded “Where!” Adam looked around. Neither one had a clue where to look as they drove the streets.
Jeff pulled the car up at the school he hoped more than knew Enigma would be there. He ran inside “Enigma!” he yelled his lungs almost bursting “Enigma!” he turned and came up hard against Enigma’s solid frame “Raven took her!” Finally Jeff saw emotion in Enigma’s eyes “The grove” he said. Jeff followed him out to the car.

Claire pulled at the leather collar which was interwoven with chain links around her neck, she was on all fours, Raven had taken a pot shot at her with a piece of wood. His aim was good and it struck her in the back, she feel and he was on her immediately. He pulled at the collar “Come on walk!” Claire pulled back but the links dug into her throat and her breath came in short gasps but she still resisted. Raven was starting to grow tired of her obstinance. He walked over to her allowing the chain to go limp, Claire sucked in as much air as she could. Raven grabbed a handful of her long hair and dragged her to her feet as she struggled and cursed him. His hand flew fast and struck her jaw line, the smack echoed and the pain erupted bringing involuntary tears to her eyes. “I have a surprise for you” he whispered in her ears as he dragged her back to the charcoal soil, “You get to die in the same place he did!” he laughed at his own pun as he threw her to the ground, the blackened soil welling over her hands. As he dropped to a sitting position laughing himself into a fit, Claire could feel something beginning to build, the earth was warming under her fingers. She snapped her head round to look at Raven who had stopped laughing and was now standing looking around him “He’s coming” he sang.

Enigma gunned the car Jeff felt sick, he’s left his stomach outside the school and it hadn’t caught up yet. He swallowed hard as he prayed for his own life. The car spun off the road and roared past Paul and Adam who spun their own car and took off in pursuit of them. Raven sat on the bonnet of his car talking on his cell phone as Claire pulled at the chain he had tied to the cattle grill of his car. “Yeah she’s here, come on down the fun is about to begin.” Claire raised her eyes as she saw the lights coming through the trees, Raven was beaming “Here they come!” Claire swallowed as the cars spun and braked screeching and kicking up dust. Raven undid the chain and threw it at her, “Make yourself presentable!” he growled as Claire writhed the chain off her neck. She threw it to the ground and stared as it disappeared into the soil. She rubbed her neck as a growing unease filled her body. She watched as Paul and Jason ran at Raven knocking him flying into the soil, he began laughing manically as Adam ran over to Claire and checked on her “You okay?” she nodded as he helped her to her feet, “You bastard! You’re dead!” Paul screamed at Raven who was still laughing “No you are” he replied, Claire and Adam looked around as they were circled by all of Steve’s men each one armed with a pipe, bat or chain. Claire swallowed, her wrestlers and friends backed up coming together in the centre of the circle. “Come on then!” Adam yelled ready to fight. Claire looked at Enigma and at Jeff they could all feel the trembling beneath their feet. It seemed to radiate from a point in the centre of them. As everyone geared themselves up, yelling and growling Claire backed into the middle of her group of friends. Steve climbed on to the roof of Raven’s car and watched gleefully as his men ached to start beating the living hell out of them and why not he thought, he looked at Raven and nodded. Raven looked at the men on either side of him “Go!” he yelled. Claire spun round her men were outnumbered and out armed; this was going to be a blood bath. Paul turned and looked at Enigma who nodded to him and took up a fighting stance next to him. Paul smiled he had been looking forward to a good fight, especially one where he got his hands on Steve or Raven. Claire was still studying the ground; it was turning a strange blue green colour. The charged at each other and began hitting, with each hit of a chain or bar welts swelled up on the arms, chests, backs and legs of Claire’s friends. She winced at their pain as she herself avoided stray hits, then she felt it, a low rumbling which grew and grew until it exploded in the ears of every man some staggered at the shook of the sound others just stared at air pockets that erupted sending up clouds of steamy blue green gas. It burned those that got too close. Steve was nervous, he’d seen many things in the past few months but this topped everything, even worse it was ruining his plans. “Don’t just stand there!” he barked orders to his men, hitting them and ordering them in to the fray. Some responded hitting out at their opponents others seemed mesmerised by the smoke, which was now circling above their heads. Claire backed away from the group as they continued to brawl rolling round on the ground and pushing and pulling each other through the trees. She watched as more smoke pockets erupted this time they were red, she turned staring at the gazebo in the distance, it seemed to be on fire, smoke rolled down the wood steps and flowed over the rails. She stared as it grew and grew filling the hexagonal structure as thought it was made of glass. A cold hand clasped her arm and dragged her back; she struggled watching, as the smoke inside grew more intense. She felt herself being slammed into a car her head was pulled back and a paper slammed down in front of her. Steve offered her a pen “Sign it” he spat, she struggled with him scratching at the hand that held her “Go to hell!” she screamed. “You’re dad wouldn’t sign and look what I did to him!” Claire stopped and stared into his eyes she had always known he was responsible but she never thought she’d hear him admit it. A smile of satisfaction crossed his face as he spun her round and forced her to look at the scene. Her men her friends, were losing, they were bloody and beaten, still injured from the event and now they were being beaten wildly. “Sign it and this stops!” he whispered against her skin, she watched as Paul was hit repeatedly over the back with a chain bringing welts to the surface of his tanned skin. “No!” she spat as she struggled, more blows rained down on Paul. Adam was thrown into a tree and Claire knew his ribs were cracked as Manic hit him with a baseball bat. Even Jeff was on the ground being strangled by Chris with a heavy link chain. “You want them dead?” He slammed her head into the car “Sign it!”

Jeff twisted and jerked his body trying to work his way out of the nose. As he twisted he saw the gazebo full of the blue tinged smoke, he pulled forward quickly catapulting Chris over his head Jeff turned and yelled a warning to his friends as the blue smoke erupted behind him. He hit the ground as it rolled like a river of hot lava over his head. Those who hadn’t heeded the warning were scalded by the intense smoke Steve stared in disbelief he held Claire fast in front of him the smoke seemed to veer away from them and disperse slowly through the trees chasing those that ran from it. Everyone but Claire was watching the smoke river intently; Claire was focused on something she couldn’t quite believe.

He strode out of the smoke his coat drifting around him like a second skin his eyes were shaded by dark glasses and his fists were clenched. Claire watched as his steps echoed through the ground. Those who were left watched stunned or ran scared at the sight of the man in black. Raven looked up laughing as he laid his fists into Jason’s head, his smile faded as he saw him. He swallowed and let go of Jason’s bloody head. Jason feel back and rolled his eyes looking at the figure he felt he was dreaming, that the blood in his eyes distorted his vision. He slowly rolled himself over and watched stunned as Matt kept on coming. Steve was shaking with rage “Get him!” he yelled to those who remained on his side, they ran at him but were batted away like irritating bugs. Claire watched in awe as he grabbed Dean by throat, looked at him his head slightly cocked to one side before he threw him away like a stuffed toy. Dean hit a tree and crumpled at the bottom. Steve watched dumbstruck as he kept on walking determinedly towards him. Raven skulked away into the woods Enigma saw him go and deftly followed like a cat stalking his prey.

Claire watched as the man in black fought with everyone that challenged him, snapping out of her days she looked to her own men they were all bloody and injured she knew what ever happened she didn’t want them hurt anymore, “Paul! Chris!” she yelled “Get the others out of here!” Paul snapped his head round and was about to question her “Do it!” she demanded he nodded slightly and hurried all the men the uninjured helping those that were into the trees and to the cars. The only ones left were Jeff, Paul, Adam, Jason and Chris. Claire wanted them to leave too but the looks on their faces told her they wouldn’t even though Jason was badly bloodied and Adam was nursing broken ribs and probably a fractured arm. She watched as they battled on against the remainder of Steve’s die-hard followers. Claire saw something then that she had never seen before, as the man in black approached them he was whacked in the side with a metal pole he flinched, no one else saw the involuntary response it was so quick but Claire knew something was changing and she wasn’t sure whether it was for better or worse.

Matt knew his time was running out, blows that he would not have felt two weeks ago were now starting to sting. But his will was stronger than anything else and he had his target in his sights. He continued on his path. Steve shook with fear as the man gained on him, he hoped using Claire as a shield would offer some defence he looked around in need of help from the one man he thought could deal with this, but Raven was gone. Steve was shaking Claire could feel it, “Sign it now” his voice was breaking it was as if he thought Matt would disappear if she put pen to paper “Sign” his tone pleaded with her she shook her head “No”. Steve had enough he had to run, to get as far away from this thing as he could, “Damn you!” he cursed her as he threw her down and ran to the door of the car which wouldn’t open as he struggled with the handle. “Come on” he cursed under his breath looking up watching Matt draw ever nearer Claire heard it before anyone else, this small creak she stared at the ground around her littered with weapons, Jason, Chris and Paul were now fighting back and gaining the upper hand, she wondered why she wasn’t surprised as the weapons were slowly swallowed by the black earth, she looked at the car she leaned against and felt it shudder as it too began to sink. She crawled away from it, and saw a hand enter her vision; she looked up into the deep pools of Matt’s eyes and took it. He pulled her to her feet, he needed not say a word to her she knew what he needed from her and now was not the time to ask him all the questions that rumbled round in her head. She let go of his hand and slowly stepped back away from the scene. She felt warm wet hands on her arms she turned and looked up into Adam’s eyes, his hands were soaked in blood. “Is, I mean, I” he was certainly lost for words Claire just nodded as he encouraged her to back away.

A car screeched to a halt in the trees, Jo and Stacy ran into the middle of the fight, Stacy ran to help Jeff who was cradling his injured wrist while Jo kicked the guy who was on Paul in the kidneys. He staggered aside slightly and looked up in time to see her fist entering his line of sight. She struck him hard on the nose breaking it instantly. Paul looked at her and smiled “Hey baby” he pushed the man off his legs and thumped him across the chest before standing. Stacy turned looking round the site, her eyes stopped staring at the figure in black. “Oh shit!”

“Murderer” whispered every tree Steve shook his head “I, I, I didn’t” the car door swung open whacking him in the chest sending him sprawling to the floor. “Slaughterer” they whispered again he shook his head defending himself to the woods and ground “I didn’t” he began crying like a child grovelling at Matt’s feet, “Please” he begged as he looked up into those dark pools of vengeance he felt the hand clasping his throat as he was pulled up level with those burning eyes. He struggled kicking his feet and hitting nothing but air. “Guilty” Matt thundered in a tone of pure hatred his eyes flamed red Steve cried out in pain as his own eyes began to bleed. Matt dropped him to the ground on hearing a muffled scream he turned and saw Raven clutching a struggling Claire by the waist he held a small silver blade to her throat, Matt glared. Adam lay on the ground bleeding from the head. Matt growled inside, while Raven laughed “Got you now haven’t I” Matt watched him intently as he backed away Paul looked on seething wanting to rip Raven’s throat out but holding off for fear of Raven’s hand being quicker than his own. Jo held on to his arm tightly as his muscles clenched and tightened, Stacy held Jeff back “Wait” she pleaded watching as Matt glared at Raven “Let him” she pleaded still not quite believing who was standing in front of her.

The trees began whispering a new “Murderer! Killer!” Raven looked at Steve who was curled up in the foetal position his eyes still bleeding. Matt looked down at him Steve was muttering under his breath begging and pleading for his life. He grovelled apologising for his part and blaming the murder on Raven, Matt looked at Raven and seemed to smile, unnerving him slightly. Steve cried and whimpered as his body was lifted from the ground and every bone broken in order starting from the feet and ending in the quietening blow to the neck. The body soared through the cold night air to dead to feel the sting of the bark, which bit into it as it crashed through the branches. Raven looked at the body and shrugged “He always was out of his league” he kicked at the corpse as he passed it dragging Claire with him. Matt followed as Raven backed up into the gazebo. Enigma was already there unseen in the shadows it was almost time it was almost over.

Raven was on the top step, “Now why don’t you just go back to hell and I’ll send your bitch to join you.” Matt could feel the anger rising, Chris staggered pulling himself to his feet battered and bleeding now, he turned and a wicked smiled crossed his face. Raven looked at Matt his eyes inquisitive “How does it feel to be dead?” his tone was slightly mocking as he scratched his stubbly cheek against Claire’s smooth tear stained skin “I killed him you know” Claire’s face creased in pain her heat felt as though it couldn’t keep going, it hurt her deep inside. “I made his car go boom!” he chuckled Claire stopped listening and started staring at Matt, she knew this stance so well, he was like a coiled spring getting tighter and tighter. She could hear Raven still mocking them he continued on his rant, laughing at how it was so easy and Matt never saw it coming but Claire knew different Matt knew exactly what was coming she figured he’d known for a long time and he’d planned it all. She could feel the knife at her throat, digging in deeper as he laughed it started to nick her throat, she could feel the warmth of her own blood it was then she realised how cold the night had turned. She studied Matt’s face something was different, every time she’d seen him like this his eyes had been as black as night, now they were his own chocolate warm pools, she let her eyes drift down his body, blood dripped on to the deck from the tips of his fingers, whatever he was now he was bleeding badly. She looked at his face searching it for a message, his eyes flickered as he saw Chris climbing on to the rail behind Enigma, “You like him deep fried crispy!” Claire swallowed hard and pushed her head back full force slamming Raven’s jaw shut, his arm was lose enough for her to push and fall out of his grasp allowing Matt to move in like the wind and grab him. At the same time Matt seemed to send a bolt of pure energy out of his arm straight in to Chris’s chest. Chris felt like he was being electrocuted, he dropped the spike he was holding as he flew backwards as the wave of sound energy hit him. It screamed at him shattering his eardrums and making them bleed. The flight was short, his body slid easily over the branch of the tree puncturing his heart. He jerked once stunned before his head lolled forward and his muscles unclenched. Jeff and Paul stared at him as the blood ran out of him down the tree and into the black soil, Stacy turned away shocked, her stomach lurched.

Matt was breathing heavy he was losing energy quickly he hoped his rage could see him through; all he had left was pure adrenaline. He afforded himself a quick glace at Claire who was picking herself up blood running down her neck. Raven could feel the warmth radiating through his body, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling he felt his insides being cooked as his blood boiled. “How does death feel?” Raven struggled kicking and screaming. He wasn’t sure how he did it but he was able to thumb Matt in the eyes and gain release. He fell to the deck and reached for the spike. Claire saw it coming she screamed as Raven pulled himself up and lunged at Matt the spike aimed straight at his heart. Enigma saw it too and moved with all the energy he had, the spike pierced his skin below his heart and skimmed through his ribs penetrating the skin on the other side and sliding into Matt. “No!” Claire screamed running forward Raven smiled sure he had beaten death, his smile faded as he felt the force of the dull end of the pole breaking through his ribs shattering them and scratching the base of his heart. He staggered back blood welling up in his mouth as he stared at Enigma whose hands clutched the bar Enigma smiled. Matt fell to the ground Claire half caught him and cradled his head on her knee “Please don’t go” she begged.

“Claire!” Jeff yelled as Raven staggered forward blood welling in his mouth, his sick twisted smile firmly in place. She glared at him as his smile faded he looked at his feet as they started to burn. Claire closed her eyes and turned away as the fire consumed his skin, evaporated his blood, his eyes popped as he managed a choked cry before he was just a skeleton that erupted into dust. His ashes were blasted into the trees by the icy cold gust of wind. Enigma sighed as he fell.

Claire opened her eyes and looked down at Matt and Enigma “Please” she whispered “Don’t go!” she placed a hand on Enigma’s chest and watched as both men’s bodies glowed a strange blue white colour. Enigma opened his eyes and looked at her “Steve” she whispered tears running down her face “We’re never far away.” He whispered back his grip on her hand loosening “No” Jeff ran up the steps and fell to his knees beside Enigma “Get help!” he yelled to the others who looked frozen. “I don’t need help” Enigma whispered “I done what was needed, I want to go home” he looked at Claire his eyes showing deep emotion “You know” she nodded she did know, home was where his heart was with his family whatever chains had kept him here were broken, “They’re calling you home, they need you now” he closed his eyes as the blue light seemed to rise from his body and dive into the wood of the deck radiating around the three that remained.

Matt lay still, his skin cold, his eyes closed Claire placed her hand on his chest and waited. Jeff stared at her and slowly moved staggering slightly away from the deck wiping his eyes. He shook his head at Paul, who still seemed frozen. Claire looked down at Matt she refused to believe he was slipping away “Don’t you dare break your promise!” she demanded in a low but forceful tone. Paul and Jo turned away from the gazebo Stacy helped Jason and Adam to their feet but Chris stopped and turned back he thumped Paul on the back and both he and Jo turned. They all stood open mouthed as the gazebo pulsed blue and what looked like lightening entwined itself round the poles. Claire was intently staring into Matt’s face wishing his eyes would open she never noticed the lights or felt the floor heat up. The three men staggered back as the gazebo erupted with blue and white flames.

Claire was standing resting against the rail of the porch watching the burnt red leaves fall from the trees; she smiled as Matt wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. “Thank you,” he whispered “For what?” she replied “Loving me” she turned in his arms and kissed him as they parted she looked into his brown eyes and smiled. “No more disappearing at sunrise” he smiled “Never” she nodded “Promise” he replied with a kiss. It had been two weeks since the fight, Paul and the others were all healing well. Jeff was back in training a week early after getting Justin to hacksaw his cast off his wrist. Chris had returned to his promotion and won his second title. The school was back on track and even made a profit after Jo and Stacy’s fundraisers. Matt was still on the injured list but he was enjoying taking it easy and tutoring his brother and on those cold dark nights he snuggled up next to Claire and held on tight knowing that his fight was over. He only saw the Angel of death once more and that was the night he was rewarded with life and he kept his promise.