They walked through the night, reaching Mother Lil’s, to spend the day just before dawn. Her bodyguard, David Flair greeted them at the back gate. He lead the group towards the old Gothic mansion, surprised to see Chris Benoit, Mother Angel’s bodyguard waiting for them on the back steps.

He lead them inside and into the den, where Mother Jayne was checking everyone for injuries. She finished wrapping the bandage around Tajiri’s ankle and instructed. "Rest is the only thing that will help it. Got it?"

Tajiri bowed and smiled as he backed out the room, nearly crashing into Jeff. Mother Jayne watched as Jeff tenderly placed Lita on the couch. He stood back as she knelt next to couch and looked her over. "Jeff, the rest of the Mother’s are waiting for you in Lil’s study. They want to talk to you as soon as possible, so why don’t you go see them while I look over Lita?"

"But I –" Jeff started to protest, but Mother Jayne raised an eyebrow at Rob Van Dam, her bodyguard instantly reacting to the silent request. "She’ll be fine Jeff, Lita’s a tough cookie. And Mother Jayne works best without an audience."

Mildly annoyed, Jeff let RVD lead him to Mother Lil’s study. Chris Benoit and Chuck Palumbo, bodyguards to Mothers Angel and KayT respectively guarded the door. Jeff couldn’t help thinking about how melodramatic the Mothers Club could be at times and how the whole set up seemed like something out of a bad Mafia movie.

"So what’s the story?" Jeff asked, after the greetings had finished. Mother Angel sighed. "From what we can tell, you guys were ambushed. I spoke to Mick and he believes that however Trish got her hands on the information, the maps of the building were leaked deliberately. This means that Trish may come under suspicions by the RTC."

"Does she know this?" Jeff wasn’t especially find of Trish Stratus, but he had no problems with her either. She was one of their few people working in the offices of the RTC and they needed her. Mother Angel nodded. "Mick spoke to her about it. She doesn’t seem too concerned."

"There’s something else." Mother Lil spoke hesitantly. None of the Mothers wanted to break the news to Jeff and several lost rounds of ‘Rock, Paper Scissors’ had meant that it fell to Mother Lil. "It’s also a strong possibility that someone within the ranks of the NCC is working for the RTC."

Jeff didn’t react, other then a clenching of his fists and when he spoke his voice was steady. "Who?"

"We have no idea."

He nodded. Jeff felt he had enough to worry about without adding this to the pile. "How many are injured and how bad are they?"

"You’ll have to discuss that with Mother Jayne when she finishes up." Mother KayT said. "Who was she treating when you arrived?"

"Uh, Tajiri." Jeff had to think about it for a second. Mother Angel nodded. "That leaves Raven."

"So who’s missing?"

"X-Pac, Test and Shane McMahon. Jackie said they tried to grab Molly, but Raven went a little nuts." Mother Angel reported. Jeff nodded. "Has anyone told Stephanie?"

"Chris Jericho’s heading over there tonight. He leaves as soon as it gets dark."

"Alone?"

"He insisted." Mother Scattia smirked. "I think he wants some ‘quality time’ with Stephanie."

"Can you arm him Lil?" Jeff asked, turning to the petite brunette. She grinned wickedly. "Is Stasiak a pain in the ass?"

~~~~

"Helmsley!" shouted RVD from the back steps. "There’s someone here to see you!"

Hunter headed back towards the house. Mother Lil’s was far enough away from other people for him to feel safe walking around outside during the day. Most of the others were inside, asleep or resting as their body clocks were used to and Hunter was enjoying the morning sunlight.

"Who is it?" He asked, reaching the back porch. RVD shrugged. "Haven’t seen them. I heard Mother Lil swore like a sailor when she found out who was here though. They’re all in the kitchen."

Hunter raised an eyebrow and made his way into the kitchen, the only room that wasn’t filled with sleeping bodies. The Outlaws were on the bench, Billy with his head in Jesse’s lap. Chyna and Shawn were sitting curled up together on the floor. An familiar woman stood in the corner, dressed in all black. She turned around and Hunter’s jaw dropped. "Tori?"

"Morning Hunter." She grinned, pulling her balaclava off. "Long time no see."

"Yeah, it has been." He replied. "What’s in the bag?"

Theatrically, Tori removed the hessian bag from the head of Crash Holly. Hunter felt his blood run cold and vaguely register Chyna’s cursing. Crash Holly was the messenger boy for Paul Heyman, the mercenary. Heyman had been known to use Brock Lenser, his hired muscle to kidnap and bring in those on the run from the RTC and hand them over – for a price of course. He also helped out the NCC on occasion, by getting his hands on supplies and weaponry that Mothers Scatts and Lil couldn’t get hold of. He would then sell the equipment to the NCC… at an obscene profit. If Crash Holly was here, then it could only mean one thing.

"I heard what happened last night on the radio." Tori continued. "Decided to come over and see how everyone was and ran into the runt on the way."

"What does he want?"

"Heyman has X-Pac." Crash replied smugly. "Meet him at the old barn on the edge of Frank’s farm at midnight tonight to negotiate what’s going to happen to your friend."

"Tell him we’ll be there." Snapped Shawn. "Now get out of her."

"Can I hurt him?" Tori asked gleefully, pulling a knife out of her belt. Billy and Jesse exchanged smirks, but Hunter shook his head. "Next time Tori."

"Damn." She sighed, tucking the knife away. Crash looked around. "Can I go?"

"Get out." Mother Lil walked into the room. "You too Tori."

Tori smirked. "Good to see you too Lil."

"Are you going?" Mother Lil spoke to Hunter, ignoring Tori. He nodded. "There’s no way we wouldn’t. Any chance of raiding this extensive weapons collections we’ve heard about?"