TITLE: The Call (#3 in The Road Back Series)

AUTHOR: Kelly Rowe

DISCLAIMER: The WWF and all characters belong to the almighty Vince McMahon and the WWFE.

RATING: PG-13 (swearing).

SUMMARY: Stephanie works on her plan.

TIMELINE: Raw and Smackdown - week of 22nd April 2002.

SPOILERS: Survivor Series 2001 - Smackdown 4/25.

DISTRIBUTION: You want you can have it; just tell me where you put it.

I sit there in front of my TV and watch Raw, just to see what Hogan is up to. I could've gone, bought a ticket and sat in the audience, but Backlash has left me emotionally drained. To be there and not really *be there* almost killed me. So I watch my small TV, since Hunter took the big screen that asshole. I almost gagged when Hogan offered Hunter that damn rematch and I knew that somewhere nearby my daddy was doing the exact same thing.

If I was Hogan I'd tell Hunter to go fuck himself, that he wasn't getting another shot at the title, but I guess Hogan just doesn't have the killer instinct of a McMahon and that's why he'll fail. On the other hand if he was smart enough to hire a McMahon, namely me, to be his business manager he'd be the most successful superstar ever. After all I was the secret to Hunter's massive popularity and success in the WWF, without me he'd still be another bit player. I wish I'd left that bastard a bit player and married Andrew instead, I shouldn't have let my hormones control my love life.

I walk over to the window and stare outside at my nice expensive neighbourhood and want to cry. It won't be long before the divorce is final and this house will be all mine, but those damn jackasses I have for neighbours are already drawing up a petition to get me out. They all liked Hunter and don't want his slut of an ex-wife around to pollute their precious neighbourhood. Well fuck them, I will do what I want and there's nothing any of those *people* can do about it. Besides I am not a slut, I didn't cheat on Hunter, kissing Kurt *one* time is not cheating. I head of to bed, knowing tomorrow I'll call Hogan. I don't know if I'll offer him my services, I'm not sure he's ready for me just yet, but soon I'll cash in my ticket and use him to get me back where I belong.

I wake up really early, but cannot afford to call just now. If I call Hogan too early he'll think I'm desperate or after something, it's better to wait until later. Time seems to drag and the most boring mundane acts, such as brushing my teeth, seem to be getting quicker, I guess clock watching really does make the time drag. Finally it gets to almost twelve and I feel it's safe enough to risk a call. I dial his number and wait for him to answer.

"Hello."

"Mr. Hogan. It's Stephanie McMahon," I say trying to sound professional and not like a nervous, giggly teenager.

He's quiet for a moment before continuing cautiously, "Yes."

"I just wanted to call and congratulate you once again on your win at Backlash," I tell him. "Also for offering Hunter a rematch. That was very sportsman like of you."

I can't believe I just said that, I hate that he offered the rat a rematch. Hunter deserves nothing but pain and suffering, like syphilis or something, but then he'd probably just tell the world he got it from me.

"I thought you two were divorcing?" Hogan asked confused over my sudden show of charity towards Hunter.

"We are, but it doesn't mean I don't care."

I do care. I care if he doesn't get hurt or lose something precious to the bastard. It's a real pity that Lucy survived being run over, losing that damn dog would've killed him.

Hogan obviously couldn't believe that a McMahon could feel compassion for another human. "Really?"

"I know I don't act like it and I did do some horrible things to him and vice versa, but I still care," I protested.

"Okay. I have to go now," Hogan says quickly and I can tell he's still suspicious of me.

"Goodbye Mr. Hogan," I say hanging up.

So he's not ready yet, he will be soon. But the phone call wasn't a total loss, I did come off looking like a new breed of McMahon and not a carbon copy of daddy, which I really am. I go on with my day with a spring in my step, knowing I am on my way back.

A few days later I watch my daddy and Taker destroy Hunter's chance for a rematch and I go around with a big smile on my face for hours. Even though I am high on my Hunter-got-hurt happy, I also know this is a prime opportunity to impress my soon to be client, Hogan. If I can show him I am compassionate to Hunter's suffering and inform him of a few of Jericho's tricks, maybe he'll start believing I'm not so bad. Well I'm not so bad, it's everyone else who is stupid enough to listen to morons that lie about me. I'm sure Hogan will make up his own opinion of me and if not then I'll just make it up for him, I'll be so sweet and nice people will think I'm my bitch of a mother.

I wait until Saturday afternoon this time to ring him. It almost killed me to do so, but I managed it. Who says that I have no self control? I knew everyone must be suspicious of me now, after I called the hospital to check on Hunter's condition and even sent the bastard flowers and a get well card. Hunter would be really confused, but Hogan might think that I actually do care about Hunter and that I am a nice person. Hopefully anyway.

"Hello."

"Hi, it's Stephanie. I wanted to know how Hunter was," I lied.

"Why don't you call him?" Hogan asked me, still suspicious.

"I would, but he won't take my calls. I'm not after anything, I just want to know how he's doing."

I am such a good liar. Anyone listening in would think Hunter was the love of my life and I was truly worried and not happy about his minor injuries.

Hogan relented, "He's fine."

"Thanks."

"No problem," Hogan mumbled.

"Good luck in your title match against Jericho. Just watch out for him, he tends to take advantage of any mistake or opportunity that comes his way."

I tell Hogan something that anyone with eyes can tell, what I don't tell him is my daddy wants Jericho to have the title. On the other hand Hogan should come out okay, since Hunter will inevitably try to screw Jericho.

"Thanks. Bye," Hogan says hanging up.

I hang up my end and I can't help but feel that I am closer than ever to my triumphant return and to getting Hogan to believe all the shit that I tell him. I go on about my day smiling, waiting for my next opportunity, which I'm sure is not far away.

The End