CHAPTER THREE
“Oh my gosh, we were so worried about you!” Shadow said upon seeing her friend enter the boiler room, looking none the worse for wear.
Kane stood up, walking over to Fallon and took in her new look quietly.
“Sorcha.” Fallon said apologetically.
“Shadow told me about the new rule.” He said gravely.
Fallon shot Shadow a dirty look, having never planned on telling Kane about that. “Screw the Dead Man, we’re still hanging with you aren’t we?” She asked with a smile.
Kane appraised her thoughtfully.
***
Fallon groaned when a loud knock on her door woke her up from a semi-deep sleep. “This has better be good!” She threatened, tossing back her blankets and reaching for her robe. After slipping it on she padded towards the door, undoing the locks and opening it. “What the hell are you doing here?”
It was Sorcha. “May I come in?”
“Sorcha, it’s three in the morning, whatever you want can wait until later.” Fallon went to close the door but Sorcha blocked it.
“It’s urgent.”
Sighing loudly, Fallon opened the door wider and allowed Sorcha to pass. She slammed it shut and turned to glare, crossing her arms over her chest. “So what’s so damn urgent that you couldn’t wait until a decent time to bother me?”
Sorcha studied Fallon for a minute, taking in the blue silk robe, gray sweatpants and white tank top as well as the two long braids Fallon’s black hair had been plaited in. “The Undertaker has asked that you wear this tomorrow evening when you meet him for dinner.” She reached into her cape and pulled out a thin black box.
“Dinner? What dinner?” Fallon demanded.
“The time is inside the box, he’ll send a car for you.”
“That’s what you’re bugging me about? A freaking date?”
Sorcha shook her head, setting the box down on a table. “You are so naive Fallon.” She whispered, heading for the door. “Good night.”
Fallon looked at the box incredulously for a brief second before going back to bed. She lay there for awhile, unable to fall asleep. Finally she smacked her face, got up and stalked back to the table, snatching up the box.
Fallon took the lid off it and stared. Inside was a silver chain so fine that she was reluctant to touch incase she broke it. Carefully, Fallon picked it up, studying the pendant that was attached, beginning to groan. It was an Undertaker symbol with a rose entwined around it.
She replaced the necklace in the box, picking up the small note that she hadn’t noticed at first. “Dinner, eight, be ready.” She read aloud, frowning. She tossed her arms up in the air, returning to bed. “Great,” She muttered, flicking off the light. “I have a boyfriend.”
***
Fallon was waiting outside of the hotel when a limousine arrived. She knew instantly who it was and got inside when the driver opened the door for her. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness, finally spotting the Undertaker setting across from her. “So what is this all about?” She asked, adjusting herself so she wouldn’t rip her pale blue silk dress.
“Business.”
“Business?” Fallon snorted. “We could have just talked at work about business.”
“We could have.” The Undertaker agreed slowly. “But this is something I would rather no one overheard.”
Fallon got the impression there was more to it than that but kept her mouth shut. Instead she stared out the tinted window, watching people and buildings go by. She blinked back her surprise when they pulled up in front of an obviously expensive restaurant. She then winced as bright lights assaulted her when the driver opened the door.
Undertaker got out first, leaning down to extend his hand to her.
She hesitantly took it, staring openly at him in wonder, having never seen him dressed like this. He wore black slacks, black dress shoes and a black silk shirt with his long hair tied back. He almost passed as normal. Almost.
He was silent as he escorted her inside, speaking softly with the maitre’d and then following him to a private table on an outside balcony.
After seating Fallon and ordering a wine, he stared off into the skylights, only coming out of his reverie when the waiter returned with their beverage. He ordered his meal, waited patiently on Fallon to do the same then as soon as the waiter had left, looked at her.
Fallon took a small sip from her glass, feeling nervous as he sized her up, apparently deciding if he should proceed.
“Last night,” He began in his deep baritone. “You proved something to me Fallon, you proved that no matter your disdain, you are quite loyal. A trait I rather admire.”
Fallon bit the inside of her cheek, yearning to point out that he himself was seldom loyal.
He smiled sardonically, as if guessing what she was thinking but continued. “There is a plot in the WWF. A plot that if succeeds would end the reign of the McMahon-Helmsley Faction.”
Fallon took this in thoughtfully. “What does this have to do with me?”
“Well my dear, you and Shadow have deeply immersed yourselves in a feud with the Faction. If not for my protection, you are aware that you both would be out of commission.”
Fallon nodded.
“Therefore, it seems only logical that you are aware of what is happening,” He paused to let the waiter serve them and leave before continuing. “Shane McMahon is back. He has aligned with the Ministry to bring down Stephanie and her crew. Our list of allies is short. Shane doesn’t wish it to be known that he is back and most are wary of the Ministry of Darkness.”
Fallon was beginning to get the idea of where this was going. She remained silent.
“So, after giving it some thought, Shane has asked that you recruit others for us.”
“Why couldn’t he have asked me that himself?”
“Incase we are being watched. He doesn’t believe it prudent to allow himself to be seen in the company of the Faction’s enemies.” The Undertaker eyed her for a moment. “You of course would become a full, ordained member of my Ministry, that would allow you constant protection.”
“What about Shadow?”
“We have no interest in Shadow. She is just that, your shadow. You brought her out of her shell and without you she will merely slip back to where she was. She is expendable.”
“You mean she’s weak.”
He nodded.
“Well, this has all been very enlightening but,” Fallon pushed away from the table. “I decline.”
“Fallon, you know this means I can no longer offer you the protection of my Ministry.” He cautioned as she walked away.
Fallon ignored him.
~Meddle not in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.~
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