Murderously Yours
by Shelly

Chapter 1


"Bout time you made it here," Adam Copeland grumbled at his wife.

"Honey, how many times do I have to tell you that you can’t rush perfection," Cindy replied sweetly. "Besides it’s was Maddie’s fault anyway."

She motioned toward her blonde haired, blue eyed friend who was happily chatting away on her phone. The blonde sensed eyes on her back and turned to see Adam and Cindy staring at her. She told the person on the phone to hold on and held it to her chest.

"What?"

"Nothing," Adam replied with a smile. "You look…good."

He took in her hot pink cropped top and skin tight jeans that looked almost painted on. He wondered how she was able to breathe let alone walk in them. Her calf high boots with stiletto heels were so high he wondered how she was teetering around on them without toppling over.

"It’s for a pre-tape scene," she replied noticing he was eyeing her outfit. She then smirked as he continued to stare. "Cinder, your husband’s ogling me."

Adam made a loud sound like a cross between a grunt and a wheeze and spun around to face his wife. "I…I was..I was just…"

Cindy giggled and shook her head at him before turning her attention back to her friend. "Could have been worse," Cindy snickered. "You could have been stuck wearing the school girl uniform."

The whole time her husband awkwardly sputtered, not making any sense at all.

"True," Madison chuckled. "Poor Maria, but she does have the legs for it."

"I was not ogling her," Adam finally managed to spit out.

Madison laughed as did Cindy and the two women shook their heads.

"This is not fair," Adam whined. "You guys always double team me!"

"You wish," Madison chuckled ending her call.

"I do NOT wish," Adam growled. "Cut that out!"

"What’s all the hubbub," Christian called as he approached the three. He smiled knowing that Cindy and Madison were tormenting his long time friend as usual.

"Thank GOD," Adam sighed. "Now we’re even. Go on, do you your worst, Christian!"

"Worst at what," Christian asked arching a brow. "I came to see the fireworks." He began to laugh when Adam cursed under his breath.

"You think you know someone," he muttered, crossing his arms across his chest.

Christian chuckled at his friend as he eyed Madison up and down, letting out a low whistle. "Looking good, Mad."

"Shut up," Madison said rolling her eyes as she shoved him playfully.

"And of course you’re looking delicious as well, Cinder," he said winking at her. He peeked at Adam out of the corner of his eye and saw his friend was fuming.

"Eyes to yourself, Cage," he growled, slinging an arm possessively around Cindy’s shoulders.

As they continued to joke around Vickie Guerrero watched. She didn’t like Madison at all, which was why she had made her low woman on the totem pole when it came to the Divas title. She despised Cindy altogether.

Her eyes narrowed to slits when she saw Adam sling his arm protectively around his wife’s shoulders. A small growl escaped her lips when he kissed her temple tenderly.

"How dare he," she growled through clenched teeth.

"How dare who," Chavo asked joining his aunt. He turned his gaze toward the four and sighed. "Aunt Vickie, you do realize that he’s not really your husband, right?"

"But he’s out there where the fans can see," she growled, whirling around and fixing him with a wicked glare. Chavo gulped and took a step back. "He’ll ruin everything and then we’ll have to start over from scratch! No, he’s not going to ruin my show."

Before Chavo could say a word she had stalked off. "Lord give me strength," he muttered to himself with a shake of the head.

"EXCUSE ME," Vickie screeched.

Adam cringed, as did Cindy and Christian. Madison let out a small curse under her breath and glared at the General Manager heading their way. Vickie’s cheeks were red with anger and her eyes were practically spitting fire.

"Good Lord, here comes the antichrist," Madison muttered. Christian hid a small smile.

"Madison I believe you have pre-tapes to do," Vickie said coming to a stop just a few feet from Adam and Cindy.

"I still have some time before…"

"Go now and go over your lines," Vickie barked.

Madison wanted desperately to give the woman a piece of her mind, but held her tongue. She was already jobbing to Eve and Maria. She didn’t want to find out what else Vickie would do to her to bury her.

"On my way, boss," she said through gritted teeth. The word boss was spoken with such venom that Adam, Cindy and Christian were surprised Vickie ignored it.

Madison stalked off and Christian soon followed, trying to calm her down before the scenes she had to film.

Vickie turned her glare on Cindy. "If you’re planning on photographing the show I suggest you get out there and set up."

Cindy blew out a puff of air, moving her raven locks out of her face. "Right," she sighed. "I’ll see you after the show." She stood on tiptoes to kiss Adam.

"Hurry along now," Vickie barked, interrupting the kiss.

Cindy grabbed her equipment and hurried inside leaving Adam and Vickie alone.

"That was rude," he said, crossing his arms across his chest. "You know that Cindy and I barely get to spend much time together when we have shows."

"Edge, you and I need to go over some things for the show tonight," Vickie said sweetly, walking to his side and hooking her arm through his. "I didn’t want the others to interrupt us."

"All you had to do was ask for some time," he replied, removing her arm. "And my name is Adam not Edge. Edge is the guy I play in the ring."

"Yeah, sure," Vickie replied, her voice syrupy sweet. "We need some alone time." She giggled at her words as she once again hooked her arm through his.

Adam sighed, raking a hand through his blonde locks. It was going to be a LONG night. He could just tell.

&&&&&&

"The nerve of that woman," Madison was grumbling as she stalked toward the women’s locker room to drop off her bag.

"Maddie, wait up," Christian called as he jogged down the hall to catch up with her. He fell into step beside her. "Don’t let Vickie get to you."

"I trust that woman about as far as I can throw her," Madison fumed. "She’s in charge of my damn career!"

"I know," he sighed. Being part of ECW meant that he was subject to her whims as well.

"Have you ever seen how she looks at Adam," Madison asked

"Like he’s an all you can eat buffet," Christian nodded.

Both of them shuddered at the thought.

They spotted Cindy heading their way and quickly dropped the subject. She struggled with her cases as she hurried down the hall.

"Need a hand," Christian offered.

She nodded smiling up at him. "Thanks." She handed him the heaviest case and directed him to drop it off at ringside.

"I’ll see you ladies later," he called.

Cindy waved to him as he left before turning her attention to her friend. "Ignore Vickie," she said, looping her arm through Madison’s and leading the way to the locker room. "You concentrate on what you have to do and then your match later tonight. How often do you get to face the champ?"

"Never," Madison frowned. "It’s a non-title match and I have to job."

Cindy just smiled. "I know you. You’ll wow the crowd and make Shane and Stephanie take notice. If they demand you get a title shot there’s no way Vickie can say no."

Madison smiled and gave her friend a hug. "Thanks for the pep talk, Cinder. You should go set up before the show starts." With that she headed into the locker room and Cindy headed on her way to ringside to get ready for the show.

&&&&&&

"What exactly did you want to go over," Adam asked taking a seat in Vickie’s office.

She sat down uncomfortably close, leaning into him. "The scene where you tell me how much I mean to you," she replied, her voice light and breathy.

Adam quirked a brow at her. "Aaaalllll right," he said slowly.

"Then you can kiss me," she giggled.

He groaned. "Let’s save that for the show, huh?"

Vickie’s smile fell a little, but she quickly recovered. "Whatever you say." She pinched his cheek. "You’re so cute when you’re being bashful." She giggled and stood to fetch the script.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into," he murmured.

Chapter 2

The show went by quickly. Madison did well in her match. She was quite satisfied with how things had turned out and even managed to mesh well with Maryse in the ring. She had just walked through the curtain where she found Adam pacing and mumbling to himself. Christian was trying talk him down.

"Adam? What’s going on," Madison asked mopping her brow with a towel.

"I’m going to kill that woman yet," Adam muttered, his hands making a motion like wringing someone’s neck.

"What happened," Madison asked Christian. When Adam didn’t answer she turned her questioning gaze to Christian.

He sighed loudly and shrugged. "Most I could get out of him was that Vickie did something during their segment in her office that wasn’t in the script."

"Why can’t I just divorce the damn bitch already," Adam moaned, raking his hands through his hair. "I don’t need the damn title. I’ll drop it to anyone if it means getting away from that woman!"

"Adam, calm down," Madison said. "What did she do?"

Adam began to explain the segment where he told Vickie how much she meant to him. "And then there was the kiss," he said shuddering at the memory. "Her hands slid down my back and…"

"And," both Madison and Christian asked.

"And she grabbed my damn ass," Adam sighed. Madison and Christian looked away and tried not to laugh. "She’s fucking molesting me and you think it’s funny?!"

"Yo, Adam, our match," Cena called from down the hall. "Someone light a fire under his lazy ass."

"I’m coming, Cena," Adam bellowed. He turned back to his friends. "Not a word to Cindy. Understood?"

"Got it," Madison replied mock saluting.

"Hey there, sweet cheeks," Big Show chuckled as he was passing the group. He had been in the office out of camera shot watching and waiting for his segment to come up and had seen what Vickie had done.

"Everyone’s a fucking comedian," Adam grumbled as he headed toward the ring for his match.

"Was it something I said," Big Show asked.

"Don’t take it personally, Paul," Madison said watching Adam go. "You know what kind of mood Vickie puts him in."

Big Show nodded solemnly. "He needs to grow a sense of humor," he sighed. "I’d never get through this damn storyline without one."

"What he really needs is some time off away from the devil woman," Christian finally chimed in. "He needs some alone time with his wife."

Big Show again nodded. "So, when you gonna ask this little vixen out," he asked Christian, hooking a thumb at Madison. He winked at her when she giggled at Christian’s dumbfounded face.

"Paul, you know I’m saving myself for you," Madison giggled, batting her eyelashes at the large man before her.

Big Show chuckled, shaking his head. "Dude, blink," he said waving a hand in front of Christian’s face. "I was just yankin’ your chain, man. Relax." He clapped the smaller man on the back, snapping him out of his daze.

"Damn it, Show," he growled, wincing. "You don’t know your own strength, ya brute!"

"Well, as much as I’d love to stick around for the rest of this conversation," Madison chuckled. "I need a shower. See you guys later."

She headed off leaving the men watching her. Christian turned to Big Show, who still had his eyes on Madison. He slapped the larger man across the stomach, pulling his attention away from the young Diva.

"Eyes to yourself, ya big oaf," Christian grumbled. Big Show just chuckled and shook his head.

&&&&&&

"Hey, Cinder," Madison called meeting up with her raven haired friend as she packed up her cameras and gear.

Cindy smiled at her friend. "You were great tonight," she beamed. "Got some great shots for dot com." She held up the final camera she was about to pack. "Have you seen Adam? He seemed tense when he came out for his match."

"Not since earlier," Madison replied hopping up on the barricade and watching the crew break down the ring. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s hiding from Vickie."

Cindy shook her head. "That woman is insane. That’s all I have to say about that."

"I agree, but she’s still our boss. So, a few of us are going out to a couple of clubs to blow off steam. You and Adam in, ya think?"

"I think I just want a hot bath and to curl up in my hubby’s arms."

"Ready to go, Mad," Christian called. "The others are waiting."

Madison peeked behind him and could see Jeff Hardy playing with Brie Bella’s hair, braiding it while they chatted with Carlito and Primo. Ron Killings, Matt Hardy and Brian Kendrick were chatting with Nikki Bella, Natalya and Maryse.

"Coming," she called hopping down to her feet. "Have fun with the hubby." She gave Cindy a quick hug before jogging to catch up with Christian and the others.

Cindy finished packing up her things and headed to the back to meet up with Adam. Not finding him anywhere she went to the car to load her bags into it. She checked her watch and sighed loudly. It was late and she just wanted to go back to the hotel.

"Where the hell is he?"

&&&&&&

Adam had just finished his shower, working out the kinks in his tired muscles, and had quickly dressed. He wanted nothing more than to get out of the arena, find his wife and go back to the hotel to relax.

He checked himself over in the mirror one last time before grabbing his bag and heading toward the door. Just as he was about to grip the doorknob it turned and Vickie walked in. He groaned inwardly.

"Oh good. You’re still here," she said smiling wide.

"Actually, I was just…" He was silenced by her finger on his lips as she backed him up against the wall, pressing her body against him.

"Shhhh. Don’t speak, baby," she whispered. "Let your actions speak for you."

Adam grabbed her hands and moved her away from him. "Let my actions speak? Good then listen real hard, Vickie." He shoved her away harder than he intended to and she stumbled a little.

"I’m married." He pointed to the band of gold on his left hand. "I love my wife. I have ZERO interest in you."

"But the way you kissed me…"

"Acting! It’s called acting, Vickie," he growled. "You make my skin crawl! Every moment I spend with you makes me want to vomit! Do you understand that? Unless we have to be together on camera just leave me the fuck alone!" With that off his chest he stormed out the door, leaving Vickie staring after him in tears.

As he made his way to the parking lot he soon regretted how harsh his words had come out. She had annoyed him though. He stopped halfway to the parking lot and debated going back to apologize.

"She’d probably think I really am in love with her if I did that," he muttered, shaking his head.

No. It was best if he left things as they were. Vickie needed to know that her flirting and total disregard for his marital status made him uncomfortable.

"There you are," he smiled seeing Cindy sitting on the hood of the car waiting for him.

"What took you so long?"

"Lost track of time," he lied. "Come on, baby. Let’s head back to the hotel and relax." He wrapped his arm around her as she slid off the car and helped her inside.

&&&&&&

Vickie stood stunned when Adam left, tears slipping silently down her cheeks, before she exited the locker room and walked slowly down the hall. It wasn’t until Chavo found her that she even realized she had wandered back to her office.

"Aunt Vickie? Are you all right?"

She looked up at him, realizing that there were tears staining her face. "Fine," she sniffled, wiping away the tears.

"Vickie, what happened," he asked coming around the desk to squat in front of her.

"It’s nothing. Just thinking of something that made me sad," she lied. He seemed to believe her and she breathed a small sigh of relief. "You should go, Chavito. It’s late."

"If you need anything you call me," he said giving her hand a little squeeze.

When he left her eyes trailed up to the wall where pictures of her and Adam were. His arms were wrapped around her and he stared down at her lovingly. Standing she snatched a picture off the wall and smashed it over her knee.

"It was NOT acting," she screeched. "I’ll make you see that Edge." Her nostrils flared as her breath came in ragged drags. "You will love me."

Chapter 3

The next morning Adam woke to the sound of the shower going. He groaned, feeling the cold empty bed beside him. Rolling onto his back he let out a content sigh. He had spent a glorious evening with his wife and looked forward to spending much of the day with her in the same fashion.

As he lay there reminiscing about the previous night’s activities the text message alert on his cell phone sounded. He sat up, scooping up the phone and checking the message. He figured it would be from Christian letting him know the antics he had missed at the club outing.

"What’d you do last night, buddy," he muttered as he checked the message.

Do you know where your pretty little wife is?

Adam’s brow furrowed at the single line of text. "What the hell does that mean?"

He checked the number and didn’t recognize it. Even more confused than before he quickly replied.

Who is this?

The shower was still going as he waited for a response. It was just minutes later that the text alert sounded again.

Keep an eye on your wife. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to her.

"What the hell?" He was becoming more and more frustrated. Quickly he dialed Christian’s cell.

"Mmlo," the groggy voice came on the line after a few rings.

"What the hell are you playing at," Adam demanded.

"Dude, first off, stop yelling," Christian yawned. "I got in a four and I have a hang over to end all hang overs." He could hear the bed shift as Christian sat up. "Now, what’s your problem?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Adam huffed. "What’s with these fucking text messages?"

"Adam, I’ve been sleeping."

"Well, if it wasn’t you then who sent them?"

"Can’t help you, buddy." He suppressed another yawn. "What’d they say?"

Adam heard the shower stop and the sounds of Cindy stepping out to dry herself off. "Cindy just got out of the shower. I don’t want to upset her. I’ll meet you at your room in about ten minutes." With that he ended the call and set the phone down.

When Cindy exited the bathroom, a fluffy white towel wrapped around her body, she found Adam pulling on some jeans and grabbing a shirt.

"Where’s the fire," she asked.

"I have to see Christian about something," he said pulling on his shoes and slipping his phone into his pocket. He kissed her forehead. "I’ll be back in a little while."

Before she could say anything in rebuttal he was gone. She frowned at the empty room. "What could be so important," she wondered out loud.

&&&&&&

Adam hurried down the hall to Christian’s room. He knocked and waited impatiently for his friend to answer.

"Come on," he muttered, drumming his fingers against his thigh.

When Christian finally opened the door he was shirtless and bleary eyed. "Dude, you have some serious issues," he mumbled stepping aside to let his friend in. "So, let’s see this freakin’ message."

He held out his hand and Adam pulled up the messages and placed the phone into Christian’s hand.

"Holy shit," he exclaimed seeing the messages. "Whoever is sending these messages is…"

"Threatening Cindy," Adam nodded.

"Did you reply?"

"Yes, that’s why I got the second message. Whoever this is won’t say who they are." He raked a hand through his shoulder length blonde locks.

"Did you ask anyone else besides me," Christian asked. When Adam didn’t reply he rolled his eyes. "You thought I would do something sick like this?"

Adam groaned, knowing he had insulted his best friend. "Look, I didn’t know who sent the damn thing. I just…I didn’t know what to think…and…you’re always pulling ribs on guys."

"But this is some fucked up shit," Christian growled, tossing the phone at him.

Adam caught it with ease and pocketed it. "Who would you suggest I ask? Know anyone particularly fucked up?"

"Have you tried Glen," Christian demanded, suggesting the man behind the Kane character.

"Why would he do a thing like this?"

"I don’t know. Try Show. He likes to fuck around like that. You know, he takes the humor too far sometimes."

"Yeah," Adam sighed. "I’m really sorry, man."

"No harm no foul," Christian replied. "Go ask Show."

"You don’t think that…Maddie would…"

"Are you kidding? Mad adores Cinder. She wouldn’t joke like that. It’s probably just Show."

"All right. Sorry I woke you," Adam sighed as he headed out of Christian’s room.

He ran into Madison on his way down the hall.

"Hey there good lookin’," she chirped and then saw his expression. "What’s wrong?"

"Did you by any chance send me a couple of text messages this morning?"

Madison furrowed her brow up at him. "No. Why?"

"No reason," he lied. "You headed to see Cindy?" She nodded, eyeing him suspiciously. "Good. Let her know I had to talk to Paul and I’ll be a little while."

"Sure," Madison replied. "Are you sure you’re all right? You seem a little…strange today."

"Just worried about ‘Mania," he lied. "Go on and keep Cindy company. She gets lonely without me."

Madison smiled and gave a little chuckle. "All right, but I’m not making out with her. You’d get too jealous," she tossed over her shoulder.

He watched her go before heading to Big Show’s room. He knocked on the door, bracing himself. He knew that if the giant of a man had been sleeping he would be in for a tongue lashing or worse.

When the large man opened the door he smiled down at him. "Adam, what brings you by my room so early in the morning?"

"I didn’t wake you?" Big Show shook his head no. "Oh good. Listen, I got these strange text messages this morning and I was wondering if you sent them."

"Nope. Haven’t even picked up my phone yet today."

"So, it’s not you pulling a rib?"

Big Show’s eyebrows knitted together. "What the hell did these text messages say?"

Adam produced his phone and showed the messages to him. Big Show took the phone and looked at them.

"Man, I would never do some shit like this. I mean…I pull ribs, but…this is…this is crazy shit. I’d never threaten Cindy like that."

"Great. Then some random yahoo out there is making idle threats," Adam sighed taking back his phone.

"Maybe you should bring that to the cops," Big Show suggested. "See if they could trace the number."

"Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Sorry I bothered you."

"No bother at all," the large man replied. "Adam, don’t take any chances with this. Have the police look into it." With that he shut his door leaving Adam in the hall alone.

"Have the police look into it," Adam mumbled as he headed back down to his room. "Yeah, over some crank? I don’t think so." He shoved his phone into his pocket and continued down the hall.

Chapter 4

Madison couldn’t shake the feeling that something had been bothering her friend Adam when she spoke to him. With a sigh she rounded the corner on the way to see Cindy. She found Christian heading her way.

"You’re up early," she smirked knowing he had more than his share of alcohol the night before.

"Kinda didn’t have a choice," he replied. "Listen, I’m glad I ran into you. I need to speak to you." He took her gently by the elbow and led her into the stairwell.

"What’s going on?"

"Have you spoken to Adam this morning," he asked. She could see that something was bothering him.

"Yeah. He was acting strange. What’s going on?"

"He got a couple of disturbing text messages," Christian replied. "He didn’t say anything to you about it?"

"He asked if I sent anything to him, but he didn’t say why he asked," Madison replied. "What’s going on? What did the messages say?"

"They threatened Cindy."

Madison cursed under her breath. "And he didn’t think that information would be important to me," she grumbled.

"Mad, it’s more like he didn’t want to upset you or Cindy."

"Did he go talk to the damn bitch that sent them," she demanded, her blue eyes blazing with anger.

"We don’t know who sent them," Christian replied. Madison scoffed. "Look, it could just be a some crank for all we know."

"I get it," Madison replied bitterly. "He’s afraid to lose his job. Well, I’m not." She spun on her heel and headed up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

"Mad, don’t. Come on. This is all some sick joke. Don’t go making trouble," Christian begged as he followed her.

She made it to the next floor and stalked through the hall toward Vickie Guerrero’s suite. Christian was hot on her heels, but he couldn’t prevent her from pounding on Vickie’s door.

"Let her be out at a meeting," he repeated in a muttered prayer.

He groaned when the door swung open and Vickie peeked out into the hall. She glanced at Christian and then turned her gaze on Madison. A sneer curled her lips when she looked at the young Diva.

"What do you want," she demanded, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Did you think you could get away with it," Madison demanded, her hands on her hips.

"What are you talking about," Vickie demanded. She turned her gaze to Christian. "What’s she talking about?"

"I know it’s you sending Adam threatening messages," Madison replied. "You’re threatening Cindy."

Vickie chuckled. "Why would I threaten Cindy?"

"Don’t act innocent," Madison growled. Her hands dropped from her hips and balled into fists. "Anyone with eyes can see how you lust after Adam. You’re disgusting!"

"Mad, why don’t we go now," Christian said, stepping forward and placing a hand on Madison’s shoulder. "We’ve bothered Vickie enough."

Vickie smiled up at him. "Christian, why don’t you go. I need to have a word privately with dear Madison."

Christian glanced from Madison to Vickie and back to Madison again. With a sigh he nodded. "I’ll wait for you in the stairwell, Mad." With that he headed off down the hall.

Vickie watched as he disappeared through the door to the stairs before reaching out and grabbing Madison’s wrist,yanking her inside the suite.

"Let go of me, you psycho," Madison exclaimed, wrenching her wrist free.

"Get one thing straight, Madison," Vickie said through clenched teeth. The pretense of nicety was now gone since they were behind closed doors. "I don’t like you and you don’t like me. That’s fine. We don’t have to be friends."

"Good because I’d rather shoot myself than be your friend," Madison grumbled, rubbing her now sore wrist.

Vickie growled, grabbing Madison by the shoulders and pinning her up against the wall. "You know, I got a phone call from Stephanie McMahon today. Seems she was impressed with your match against Maryse. She wants you to get a nice title push."

Madison’s expression went from one of disgust and frustration to surprise. This didn’t go unnoticed by Vickie. Her sneer changed to a cocky grin.

"I would hate to have to explain to Stephanie that you’re not ready for such a responsibility," she said sweetly.

"That’s a lie and you know it," Madison growled, struggling to get free from the woman before her. She managed to pull away briefly, but Vickie pinned her back against the wall.

"It’s hard for me to see how mature you are, Madison, when you go around accusing your boss of such despicable things."

Madison stopped struggling when she realized what Vickie was getting at.

"Good girl. Now, if I hear one more word from you about me and Edge you’ll be jobbing to Maria and Eve for the rest of your career. Better yet, I’ll send you down to FCW. Are we clear?"

"Crystal," Madison replied, her blue eyes cold as ice.

Vickie finally released Madison. "You may go now," she said waving her off.

Madison fought back the urge to slap Vickie and yanked the door open. Once she was out in the hall she muttered a string of expletives under her breath as she headed toward the stairwell.

Christian stood, seeing her come through the door. By the look on her face he could tell she was pissed.

"I don’t suppose you want to talk about it," he asked as he followed her down the steps.

"What did the messages say," she asked ignoring his question.

"Um…I don’t remember the exact wording. It was something like keep an eye on your pretty little wife."

"It’s her," Madison said. "I know it is. Has Adam tried to trace the number?"

"I don’t know," he replied. "He went to talk to Show about it."

"Paul wouldn’t do that," Madison said shaking her head.

Christian grabbed Madison’s wrist before she could reach for the door to the hallway once they got to their floor. "Look, Adam doesn’t want Cindy to know about this. So you have to keep your mouth shut. Understand?"

Madison bit her bottom lip. "She’s my best friend."

"I know, but you can’t say a word to her about this."

"Fine," she sighed. "I hate keeping secrets."

"It’s to protect her," Christian replied.

"I just have a bad feeling about all of this," Madison said. "I don’t want either one of them to wind up hurt."

"Neither do I. Look, with any luck this will be some bad joke and everything will blow over."

Madison nodded and opened the door to their floor. They headed toward Cindy and Adam’s room in silence. Madison knocked and they waited to be let in.

"Remember, not a word," Christian reminded her.

She made a gesture like locking her lips and tossing away the key as the door was opened.

"Hey guys," Cindy beamed at them. Her sky blue eyes twinkled as she looked back over her shoulder and called, "Honey, Christian and Maddie are here." She stepped aside to allow them to enter the room.

"Hey guys," Adam said looking up from the TV. He spotted the look on Madison’s face moments before she tried to make her face neutral. Swinging his legs off the bed he stood and motioned toward Madison to follow him. Cindy was happily chattering

"Babe, I need to speak to Maddie for a minute," he called as he led Madison out into the hall.

"If you’re trying to keep things from Cindy then you shouldn’t do things to make her suspicious," Madison said once the door had closed.

"I thought you were coming here to hang out with Cindy," Adam said, ignoring her comment.

"Had a change of plans," Madison replied, rolling her eyes. "Look, Christian filled me in on the text messages."

Adam groaned, raking a hand through his hair. He opened his mouth to speak, but Madison waved him off.

"I won’t say anything to Cindy," she said to appease him. "But I think it’s really shitty to keep this from her. She’s been threatened, Adam. Whether it’s a joke or not is irrelevant."

"She’s under enough stress with work," Adam sighed. "She has deadlines for projects coming up on top of trying to make time for us. Forgive me for trying to save my wife some extra grief."

"Have you contacted the police about the messages?"

"No. I’m not going to get the police involved for some crank," he replied.

"What if it isn’t?"

"It is," he said, his tone letting her know that the conversation was over.

Just then Cindy poked her head out into the hall. "What’s the big secret out here?"

"Nothing, honey," Adam said, forcing a smile. "Just didn’t want Christian to overhear."

Cindy smiled and nodded. "Christian wants to call for room service. So, get your behinds in here already." She turned her attention to Madison. "You should totally go for it with Christian."

Madison forced a smile and nodded. "Let’s get inside so his highness can get some food."

Chapter 5

Later that night Cindy was in the parking lot packing the trunk. She and Adam would be driving to the next town with Madison and Christian. She smiled as she grabbed the bag with her cameras in it and arranged it into the jigsaw puzzle of the trunk. She had a feeling it would just be a matter of time before Madison and Christian got together and this trip might help kick that into action. She examined her handiwork and smiled triumphantly. She had managed to fit everything into the trunk.

"Adam so owes me twenty bucks," she chuckled to herself. It was then that she heard footsteps behind her. "Come to pay up?" She slammed the trunk closed as she spoke, not turning to face the person.

The person didn’t reply. As Cindy was turning around she felt something hit the side of her face. With a grunt she fell forward over the trunk. She could feel a small trickle of blood making its way down her forehead.

The world started to blur as whoever had side swiped her held her up against the car. Her knees were feeling like rubber as her temples throbbed. The hands holding her to the car were the only things keeping her upright.

"Please," she groaned, struggling against her attacker. "I don’t have any money on me."

The attacker never spoke a word. Cindy yelped as her hair was tugged, yanking her head up. The light in the parking lot nearly blinded her moments before the attacker brought her forehead down hard on the trunk.

Her eyes swam in blurs of gray and black before the world went completely dark. She slid down the car, landing with a thud on the pavement. Footsteps running away echoed in her ears a moment before everything was silenced.

"You better not be a drooler," Madison chuckled as she walked with Christian toward the car. Adam was checking his room to make sure nothing had been left behind. "I don’t want to wake up between cities to find your nasty saliva all over my shoulder."

Christian smirked, about to rattle off a witty comeback, when he saw Madison’s smile fall. She dropped the bag she had been carrying and broke into a sprint heading toward the car. There was a form lying on the ground at the back.

"Cindy," she called seeing her friend on the ground. She looked back at Christian, who was confused about what was happening. "Call 911!" She turned her attention back to her fallen friend, gently rolling Cindy onto her back.

"An ambulance is on the way," Christian said, joining Madison. "I should call Adam." He hit speed dial. "What the hell happened here," he questions Madison before Adam’s line connected.

"Cindy, can you hear me, honey? Come on, sweetie, you have to wake up now," she said. She examined her friend’s face.

A mottling of red and purple now marred her creamy complexion. Swelling had started to form around her right eye and a small trickle of blood came from a gash in her hairline. There was no other sign of an assault on her.

"Adam’s on his way down," Christian said closing his phone and pocketing it. He spotted the ambulance coming. "I’ll go flag them down."

Adam made it just as the EMTs slipped a collar on Cindy and rolled her onto the backboard. He saw her bruised and battered face and went to her side.

"Honey? Cindy, can you hear me?"

Cindy groaned and her eyes opened a crack. "Adam? What happened?"

"I don’t know, baby." He took her hand as she was loaded into the ambulance. "We’re going to the hospital to get you checked out."

"We’ll follow," Christian called before the ambulance door was closed and they pulled away from the scene.

Christian and Madison stood watching the ambulance drive away. Neither one knew what to say at that moment. A crowd had begun to form. Big Show pushed his way to the front followed closely by Chavo Guerrero.

"What happened," Show asked.

"Cindy was attacked," Madison replied.

"Attacked," Chavo said surprised.

Madison turned a scathing glare on him. "Don’t you DARE act innocent! Your psychotic aunt did this to Cindy."

"Mad, you can’t prove that," Christian said placing a hand on her shoulder, trying in vain to reign her in. He knew she was fuming about what had happened to her friend.

She pulled away, stalking over to Chavo. "Did you do her dirty work?" She punctuated each word with a poke to the chest that would no doubt leave bruises.

"Maddie, calm down," Show said edging closer to Chavo in case she started taking swings at him.

"No! I want to know that damn truth," Madison growled, her eyes like icy daggers as she stared at a stunned Chavo. "Was it you?"

"No," Chavo finally found his voice. "Madison, I might be a lot of things, but a woman beater is not one of them."

"Maddie, sweetheart, what makes you think Chavo or Vickie had anything to do with this," Show asked.

Madison looked up at him, Vickie’s words echoing in her mind. She shook her head. "Nevermind. I’m sorry Chavo," she sighed. "I’m just upset about Cindy."

"No problem," Chavo replied, staring at her curiously. She had been so full of fire just moments before. He couldn’t help wondering what brought on the change of heart.

"Come on, Christian. Let’s get to the hospital," she said, taking his hand and leading the way to the car.

"Why’d you back down," he asked as he slid behind the wheel. When Madison didn’t reply he looked at her. "Mad?"

"Just let it go," she sighed. "I want to see if Cindy is all right. Can you just drive?"

He did as she said, driving in silence for a while. It wasn’t until the hospital came into view that he glanced at her. "Mad, I’ve known you for a while now. I know you don’t back down when you think you’re right. What was up with that whole Chavo situation."

"What part of drop it don’t you get?"

He pulled into a space in the hospital lot, cutting the engine. He turned in his seat to look at her, reaching out to stop her from exiting the car.

"Madison," he said addressing her by her full first name instead of a nickname. "What’s going on?"

She slumped in the seat, rubbing her temples. "When Vickie asked to speak to me earlier she threatened me," she said softly. "She said that Stephanie wants me to get a title push, but if I keep accusing her of being after Adam she’d bury me."

"But you believe she’s behind this attack?"

"Of course she is," Madison fumed, the fire coming back into her eyes. "If Cindy’s out of the way she thinks she can make time with Adam."

Christian smiled, happy she was back to normal. "Well, she’s got another thing coming because I know Adam better than most people around here. He’s over the moon for Cindy and nothing’s going to change that."

"Tell me something I don’t know," Madison rolled her eyes at him. "Now can we go see how our friend is doing?" He nodded.

When they got inside they found Adam pacing in the emergency room waiting area. He spotted them coming and stopped. Madison gave him a tight hug.

"How is she," she asked.

"They’ve taken her for some tests to see if she’s got a concussion. She was awake when we got here, but a little fuzzy about what happened," Adam replied.

"They’ll probably want to keep her overnight," Christian said. Adam nodded. "Hey, if she was awake and talking then it’s a good sign, man."

The three took seats in the waiting room. They were tense, but relieved that Cindy was being taken care of. It wasn’t long before the emergency room doors open and Vickie rushed inside.

"Son of a bitch," Madison muttered and jumped to her feet. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Adam and Christian stood there watching the stare down between the two women. You could feel the tension coming off both women in great waves. It was a moment before Vickie smiled and gave a little chuckle.

"Madison, dear," she said sweetly. "Why wouldn’t I be here? Edge obviously needs to be consoled." She walked over to Adam, taking his hand. "I heard about what happened to Cindy. Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?"

"I think you’ve done enough," Madison growled.

"Maddie, please," Adam sighed. He pulled his hand free from Vickie’s grasp. "I could use some time off to take care of Cindy," he said to her.

She smiled and nodded. "As much as you need."

"You know we’ve got everything under control here, Vickie," Christian said sensing that Madison’s outbursts would get more violent if the woman stayed.

"Of course," Vickie said swiveling her gaze to him. "Edge has time off…not you two. I better see you in the next town on time or it’s your jobs." She stared pointedly at Madison a moment before stalking out of the emergency room.

Adam and Christian could see Madison’s hands curl into fists. Her body shook with rage and her blue eyes darkened to an almost midnight blue. Adam reached out a hand and gave her shoulder a light squeeze, bringing her gaze up to meet his.

"Go on with Christian. I’ll give you guys a call if anything changes," he said softly. "Cindy will be fine, Maddie."

Madison’s shoulders slumped and the anger seemed to seep out of her. Without a word she nodded, giving Adam a hug before heading out of the emergency room.

"I’ll talk to you soon," Christian said giving Adam a pat on the back before following Madison out.

Chapter 6

Vickie made it to her car and slammed the door as she slid behind the wheel. She was fuming. Cindy was going to be all right. She pulled her cell out of her bag and quickly dialed.

"I thought I told you to take that bitch out," she growled when the line connected.

"We did what you asked, Vickie. Jesus."

"Zack, be a dear and put the phone on speaker," Vickie said sweetly, though her nostrils were flaring and her brown eyes were almost black with anger. "I want the other moron to hear what I have to say."

She heard the sound of Ryder pressing buttons to turn the phone on speaker and then the sound of setting the phone down.

"Hola, Vickie," Hawkins called into the phone.

"SHUT UP! I paid you to do a job. You failed…miserably." Before either man could reply she continued. "If you expect to get paid I expect you to do the job right!"

She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Now, listen closely. I do not want to have to repeat myself. Here is what is going to happen." She went into detail laying out her plan for Ryder and Hawkins. "Am I understood?"

"Yeah," Ryder replied.

"We read ya loud and clear Vickie," Hawkins chimed in.

"Good. Then get it done!" With that she hung up, tossing the phone on the seat next to her.

"Morons! I’m surrounded by fucking morons," Vickie growled, slamming her fist into the steering wheel.

She spotted Madison headed out of the emergency room closely followed by Christian. When she saw the blonde Canadian pull her into a hug a smile spread across Vickie’s face.

"So sweet. Young love," she smiled. "Would be a terrible thing if something were to keep them apart." She giggled to herself as she started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

&&&&&&

"Mad, wait up," Christian called as he hurried to catch up to her.

She stopped and turned to face him. He could see the tears shining in her eyes. He knew that between Vickie’s threat and worrying about Cindy her nerves were wearing thin.

"I just want to get to the next town so I can crawl under the covers for a couple of hours," she said tiredly.

Christian reached out, pulling her into his arms. She didn’t fight him, burying her face in his chest. He could feel warm tears soaking his shirt and held her tighter.

"Everything will be all right, Mad. You’ll see."

She sniffled and looked up at him with a tear streaked face. "What if it isn’t?"

"Then we’ll face it together," he replied, wiping some stray tears away with the pad of his thumb. "Come on. Let’s get on the road."

She nodded, taking his hand and allowing him to lead the way to the car.

&&&&&&

"Honey," Adam said taking a seat at Cindy’s bedside. Her face was still swollen and the bruising had turned from shades of red to blues and purples. "There are some police officers here. They need to speak to you about your attack."

"Okay," she said sitting up in bed. He fixed her pillows behind her and adjusted the bed to a comfortable setting before going out into the hall and inviting the officers in.

"Mrs. Copeland, I’m Detective James. I won’t take up too much of your time. I know you need your rest. Can you remember anything at all from your attack?"

Cindy’s brow knitted as she tried her best to focus on what had happened to land her in the hospital.

"I was packing the trunk for our trip to the next town," Cindy said. "I had just gotten the last bag in and closed the trunk when I heard footsteps behind me. I thought it was my husband."

"Did you happen to see who it was," James asked.

Cindy sighed shaking her head. She groaned wishing she hadn’t. The mild concussion was not helping matters.

"No, he was behind me."

"But you’re sure your attacker was male?"

"Definitely," Cindy said. "He was behind me and…" Her brow furrowed, remembering a detail she hadn’t before.

"And," James asked.

"I was attacked first from the side," she replied pointing to gash in her hairline on the left side of her head. "Then I was held down while my head was smashed into the trunk."

"Then we’re looking for two men not just one," James replied taking notes in his notepad. He could see the fatigue on Cindy’s face and closed his pad. "Thank you, Mrs. Copeland. If you remember anything else please give me a call." He handed a card to Adam and exited the room.

"Baby, are you sure that’s how it went down," Adam asked.

Cindy settled back on the pillows and closed her eyes. "Definitely sure," she yawned.

"All right. You get some rest," he said kissing her forehead. "You’ll be released in the morning."

"Mmm. Maybe we can go check out the show tomorrow night," she sighed. "It’ll be good to relax and watch the show and not have to work."

"If that’s what you want," Adam smiled, brushing some raven locks from her face. "Get some rest now."

She was asleep before his sentence finished.

&&&&&&

The next morning as Cindy was signing papers for her release and getting ready Adam went to the pay phone and called Christian.

"Hey, shouldn’t you be taking care of your wife," Christian said. "Everything’s all right with Cinder, right?"

"Fine. She’s signing herself out now," Adam replied. "Listen, I need you to talk to Show. Cindy wants to come see the show tonight and I don’t want a repeat performance of last night."

"Will do," Christian replied. "Mad and I were going to lunch with the big guy this afternoon. Are you sure driving all this way is good for her?"

"She wants to come," Adam replied. "You try talking her out of it."

Christian chuckled, knowing that when Cindy set her mind to something she didn’t back down. "All right, buddy. See you guys tonight. Mad will be ecstatic."

Adam hung up and headed back to pick up his bride and pack her into the car. It was going to be a long ride, but he was sure they’d make it in time to see most of the show.

&&&&&&

Madison and Christian were chatting as the show started. Neither had spoken to Adam or Cindy since early that morning. Adam had asked them not to call because he wanted Cindy to rest and they had respected that decision.

"Well, if it isn’t the lovebirds," Vickie said as she approached the two with a wide smile on her face.

Madison groaned, not in the mood to deal with the Smackdown GM at that moment. She turned to face her boss and plastered on a smile.

"What can we do for you, Vickie," she asked as sweetly as she could manage.

"Christian has a match at the top of the show," Vickie smiled.

"Great," Christian sighed. "I should go loosen up then. Who’s my opponent?"

Vickie’s smile widened. "The Great Khali." With that she walked away giggling to herself.

Christian stood stunned.

"That bitch," Madison growled and went to punch the wall. She found her fist connecting with the fleshy mid-section of Big Show.

He barely noticed the blow. "What’d Vickie do now?"

"She put me in a match with Khali," Christian sighed. "Mad, don’t worry I’ll be fine." He said the words more to reassure himself.

"Sure you will," Madison sighed. "And then Khali will tear you limb from limb."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Christian chuckled.

"This is serious!" She raked a hand through her blonde locks as she began to pace like a caged animal. "Don't you see what Vickie is doing?"

"Mad," Christian said grasping her shoulders and making her look at him. "Try not to worry. Cindy will be here soon and we don’t want to upset her. All right?"

"Besides Khali is good people," Show added.

She sighed and hung her head, knowing both men were right.

"Come on, Maddie. Let’s go to my locker room to watch the show," Big Show offered.

Madison allowed him to lead her away, casting one glance back at Christian’s retreating form as he headed toward his own locker room.

Chapter 7

"Is it just me or is this crowd especially loud back here," Cindy asked as she listened to the roar from the show.

"It’s the concussion," Adam said ushering her along the halls.

They made it to Big Show’s locker room and knocked. The door opened and Show appeared looking worried.

"What’s going on," Adam asked.

"It’s Christian," the big man replied, blocking the doorway so that they couldn’t see. "Vickie made him face Khali tonight."

Adam shoved the large man out of the way. Cindy followed him into the room. They found Madison administering ice packs to Christian’s face and shoulder.

"What the hell happened," Adam demanded.

"Nothing I can’t handle, buddy," Christian replied giving a thumbs up from the couch where he sat.

"That oaf nearly killed you," Madison said slapping his arm. Christian winced. "Sorry!"

"I’ll be fine, Mad. Just as soon as I can feel my toes again."

"Khali did this? That’s not like him. He’s usually more aware of things in the ring," Adam frowned.

"We think Vickie gave him a talking to…or she gave Ranjin a talking to," Big Show sighed.

"We need to get you to the hospital," Madison said helping Christian up to his feet.

"I’m afraid you’re not going anywhere, Madison," Vickie said from the doorway. No one had closed the door when Adam arrived. "You, my dear, have a match." She glanced at her watch. "And it’s coming up next. I suggest you run along now."

Adam took Christian’s weight as Madison reluctantly handed him off.

"I’ll have someone come and get him," Vickie said with a sigh.

"No, Vickie, it’s all right. Adam can take him. He’s not on the card," Cindy said. She turned her attention to her husband and saw the hesitation on his face. "Go on. Paul is here with me."

"Good, then that’s settled," Vickie smiled. Things were falling into place for her. "Madison, go get ready for your match. You’re up next." She turned to leave.

"Who am I facing," Madison asked.

Vickie turned back to her with a wide smile. "It’s a surprise. Now go." With that she practically ran back to her office.

"Go on," Christian groaned. "I’ll be all right."

"If you’re still at the hospital when I’m done here I’ll come sit with you," Madison said before heading out to the ring.

"Come on, buddy," Adam said helping Christian to walk.

Big Show looked at Cindy. "Cinder, how about we watch Madison’s match?"

The two took seats and Show turned on the monitor. Madison was already in the ring awaiting her opponent. As she paced Umaga’s them began to play. Madison gawked up the ramp as the large Samoan stalked out.

Big Show and Cindy exchanged worried glances. Vickie was most definitely out of her mind and out of control.

"Someone has to help her," Cindy exclaimed.

"I’m on it," Big Show nodded, getting up and rushing out of the locker room.

Cindy stood, pacing back and forth as she watched the monitor. Madison was trying to avoid any contact with her large foe. She had succeeded for a while, but soon Umaga changed his tack and managed to blindside her.

Cindy cringed as her friend landed neck first on the top rope. This stunned her and she landed with a thud on the mat.

"Come on, Paul. Where are you?" Cindy began to wring her fingers as she continued to pace.

She was so focused on her friend’s peril that she did not hear Ryder and Hawkins sneak into the room. Ryder looked at Hawkins and the two men nodded at each other. Hawkins produced a small bottle of chloroform and a rag, dousing it with the liquid.

Ryder kept a look out at the door as Hawkins crept up behind Cindy. She saw the blonde’s reflection in the monitor too late and tried in vain to avoid contact. He grabbed her, lifting her off the ground easily. Her legs and arms flailed, trying to break his hold on her.

Cindy took a deep breath and opened her mouth to scream. That was when Hawkins shoved the rag over her face. Within moments Cindy went limp in his arms.

"That was harder than it had to be," Ryder said.

Hawkins glanced at the monitor and could see Big Show checking on Madison in the ring.

"Come on," he said. With Adam and Christian gone and Big Show in the ring they’d have a few moments to spare in getting Cindy safely out of the building without being spotted.

"Oh, almost forgot," Ryder said pulling an envelope out of his pocket. He tossed it down onto a chair and helped Hawkins carry Cindy out.

&&&&&&

"You’ll be all right, Maddie," Show said as he carried her to the medic station.

Though he had come as quickly as he could Madison took some abuse from Umaga. He was most concerned about the bruise that was slowly forming across her neck. Madison was having a hard time holding onto consciousness. Pain radiated from her back and her throat throbbed, making it hard to swallow.

Show gently laid her down on the examining table and stood in the doorway as Madison was looked over. Seeing that there wasn’t anything more that he could do he went to check on Cindy.

Something wasn’t right when he got to his locker room. There were a couple of chairs knocked over from a struggle. He then spotted the envelope.

He stalked over and picked it up, seeing Adam’s name written on it. A sudden fear gripped him and he rummaged through his bag for his cell phone. He quickly dialed Adam’s number.

&&&&&&

Adam was just helping Christian into the passenger seat when his phone rang. He made sure his friend was safely inside the car before answering.

"Adam, Cindy’s gone."

"What the hell does that mean," Adam demanded. "What do you mean Cindy’s gone?"

"Adam, Vickie put Maddie in a match with Umaga," Show explained. Adam could hear the distress in his large friend’s voice. "I left her…I shouldn’t have left her alone. Adam I’m so sorry."

"Paul, what happened? Calm down and tell me what happened."

"I went to take care of Maddie. Cindy was alone in the locker room. After I dropped off Maddie at the medic station I came back to check on Cindy and she was gone. There’s just a note with your name on it."

"Shit," Adam grunted, raking a hand through his hair. "All right. Don’t touch anything else. I’m on the way back and I’ll call the police on my way."

"I’m so sorry, Adam."

"It’s not your fault, Paul. Don’t beat yourself up."

With that he ended the call and slid behind the wheel. Christian could see the worry written all over his friend’s face.

"What’s wrong?"

"Cindy’s gone missing. Do me a favor, call the police and ask them to meet us at the arena."

He handed Christian his phone and he started the car and pulled out of the hospital lot.

&&&&&&

"Did you do as you were told," Vickie asked Ryder and Hawkins, meeting them in the arena parking lot.

"The package is in your car, boss lady," Ryder smiled.

"Did anyone see you?"

"Not a soul," Hawkins replied proudly.

"Good," Vickie practically purred. She produced two thick envelopes from her purse and handed one to each man. "You’ve done well. I’ll keep in touch."

Ryder and Hawkins smiled proudly, peeking into the envelopes at the mass of bills inside.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Vickie," Ryder smiled.

"Say one word to anyone about this and it’s your jobs," she growled as she stalked off toward her car.

"What a bitch," Hawkins grunted. Ryder nodded. "What do you say? Drinks…on me?" Ryder chuckled, waving his envelope at his friend. The two men walked off laughing.

Chavo stepped out of the shadows, a frown on his face. He had suspected something was up when Vickie locked herself in her office and then practically bolted from the building several minutes later.

He had followed her and hid in the shadows when he spotted her talking to Ryder and Hawkins. Something was very wrong with the exchange. What package and what services was she paying the men for?

Chapter 8

By the time Adam and Christian returned to the arena the police were waiting for them. They were talking to Madison, who had come to finally, and Big Show.

Christian made his way over to Madison. Worry was swimming in her eyes when she looked up at him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a little squeeze. The bruise across her neck was now an angry purple and red. It made talking difficult, but that was the least of her worries at the moment.

"Mr. Copeland," the officer questioning Big Show greeted. "I’m Detective Wallace. I’ve just been talking to Mr. Wight. He gave us as much detail as he could about the circumstances surrounding your wife’s disappearance."

"Paul told me there was note," Adam said.

Wallace nodded and held up the envelope. "We waited for you to arrive to open it," Wallace said.

He handed it over to Adam, who tentatively opened the envelope. He pulled out the single sheet of thick red paper. The scent of roses wafted up from the paper.

"Please read it out loud, sir," Wallace requested.

Adam cleared his throat. "Roses are red. Violets are blue. I’ve got your wife. Soon I’ll have you." Adam frowned. "It’s signed Murderously Yours."

Wallace took the note back and handed it off to a CSI for the paper to be analyzed and dusted for fingerprints.

"Mr. Copeland, do you have any idea who would want to harm your wife?"

Adam hung his head, sighing. Christian, Show and Madison all exchanged glances wondering if they should be the ones to voice their suspicions.

"Her name is Vickie Guerrero," Adam finally said. "I’m currently in a storyline with her where we’re married. Vickie…she’d become…I guess attached to me. She was very flirty. A few days ago she took things a little too far and I…" He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You what?"

"I told her off. I wasn’t very nice about it. I didn’t let her down easy. I was very cruel," he said. "The next day I got these text messages. I thought they were just someone pulling a rib, but none of my co-workers would take credit for it."

He pulled out his cell phone and brought up the messages. Wallace took the phone, motioning over one of the CSIs on the scene.

"I want this number traced," he said handing off the phone.

"What do we do now," Adam asked.

"Now…we wait and see if the kidnapper makes any demands," Wallace replied.

"What’s going on," Chavo asked wandering into the area. "What’s with all the cops?"

"As if you don’t know," Madison croaked.

Chavo looked to Adam for clarification.

"Cindy’s gone. We think…"

"Vickie," Chavo gasped. "She wouldn’t…but now it makes sense."

"What makes sense," Adam asked. When Chavo only stared at him the blonde grabbed him and pinned him up against the wall. "If you know something about where my wife is I suggest you start talking Chavo!"

"I saw Vickie handing over money to Ryder and Hawkins," Chavo exclaimed. "They said something about a package. I didn’t know what they were talking about. I swear!"

"Mr. Copeland," Wallace said placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder. "Let him go. He’s telling the truth."

Adam glared down at Chavo, his blue gray eyes boring holes into him before he released his grip on him.

"Sir, you know the woman in question how?"

"I’m her nephew. She’s my late uncle’s widow."

"I see. You mentioned a Ryder and Hawkins."

"Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins," Adam chimed in. "I thought they were my friends, but I guess I was wrong." He punched the wall. "If they harmed a hair on Cindy’s head I’ll kill the both of them!"

"Mr. Copeland, you might not want to mention that in front of the police." Wallace turned his attention toward Chavo. "Do you know where we can find this Ryder and Hawkins?"

"Probably the closest hole in the wall," Chavo replied. "They were going to celebrate their windfall."

Wallace motioned over a uniformed cop and gave him orders to seek out Ryder and Hawkins. Big Show gave them a description of the two men.

"Now, where can I find this Vickie Guerrero," Wallace asked.

"She’s gone," Chavo said. "I saw her jump into her car and speed out of here."

"She’s probably grabbed her shit from the hotel and is halfway to God knows where by now," Adam sighed, raking a hand through his hair.

Chavo brightened. "She has a ranch on the outskirts of El Paso."

"Would she really bring Cindy there," Big Show asked.

Chavo nodded. "The kids are with her mother while she’s on the road. The place is deserted. She hasn’t wanted to go there since Eddie…If she’d take Cindy anywhere it would be there."

"All right. I’ll be in touch," Wallace said to Adam and turned to his officers barking orders as he left the group.

"Adam, I’m really sorry," Chavo said. "I should have seen this coming. Vickie’s been…she’s not been well."

"It’s not your fault, Chavo," Adam sighed. "We all should have seen it coming, especially me."

"Bro, you couldn’t have known that she’d do something like this," Christian said.

Adam just sighed and walked off sadly. He didn’t want to be around his friends and he certainly wasn’t going to sit around with his thumb up his ass while the cops did nothing. He headed out to the parking lot. He knew where the ranch was and he was going to find his wife if it was the last thing he ever did.

&&&&&&

Vickie sped along the back roads. She was almost home. A smile curled her lips when she thought of the fun that she was about to have.

A groan from the backseat brought her out of her reverie. She glanced into the rearview mirror and smiled wider.

"Morning, princess," she chirped.

Cindy groaned, sitting up. She realized that she was in a car. When Vickie greeted her she groaned louder. Of all the places to be stuck in a car with Vickie was not where she wanted to be.

She racked her brains to remember what had led to her being in Vickie’s car. It came back to her like a tidal wave. Ryder and Hawkins in the locker room. The chloroform.

Cindy’s head throbbed from the chloroform and he attempted to put a hand to her head only to find her wrists bound together. She looked down at her feet and saw her legs were bound at the ankles.

"What are you going to do with me," Cindy asked softly.

Vickie giggled maniacally. "Oh, I don’t know," she replied glancing into the mirror. "Anything I damn well please."

"Adam won’t let you get away with this," Cindy said, fighting back the tears. She was terrified by the look in the woman’s eyes, but refused to allow herself to appear weak.

"Adam won’t have a say in this," Vickie giggled, turning off the road she had been on. They were close to the ranch now. Just a few more miles and she’d have Cindy all to herself. "Once you’re out of the way Adam and I can be together like it should be."

"You’re insane," Cindy gasped, realizing that it was possible she wouldn’t make it out of this ordeal alive. She rested her head back, closing her eyes tightly and praying with all her might that Adam found her before it was too late.

&&&&&&

"Come on, Mad," Christian said after Adam had walked away. "Let’s go see if we can bum a ride off Adam back to the hotel."

They said goodbye to Big Show and headed toward the parking lot. They leaned on each other for support as they made their way out of the building. Madison stopped in her tracks when they got out into the cool night air.

"What’s wrong," Christian asked tiredly.

"He’s gone."

"What?" He gazed around the lot. "What the hell is he thinking?"

"He’s gone after Vickie, hasn’t he," Madison asked.

"I think he has," Christian sighed and groaned. "And he doesn’t have a phone."

"We need to tell Wallace."

Christian frowned. He knew that Madison was right about contacting the detective. He just didn’t like not knowing what was going on with his friend. He followed Madison back inside, pulling out his phone to contact Wallace and give him the heads up.

Chapter 9

Vickie pulled into the ranch and parked. "We’re home," she said turning in her seat to look at Cindy. "Now be a good girl and I won’t have to kill you slowly. No need to prolong your agony."

Cindy heard her rustling around in what she assumed was her purse before the door opened and Vickie got out. Cindy opened her eyes when the door to the backseat opened and Vickie towered over her.

"Let’s get those legs untied, hmm," Vickie said smiling. She produced a knife. Cindy looked at her confused and she chuckled. "Well, it’s not like I’m going to carry you inside."

"You expect me to walk into my own death," Cindy asked incredulously.

Vickie chuckled and held up the knife. It glistened in the moonlight. "Don’t do anything stupid or you’ll regret it."

Cindy’s heart was pounding in her chest, threatening to burst through. She watched Vickie lean in to cut the rope binding her ankles and waited until she felt the rope go slack. Without a second thought Cindy brought her foot up and connected with Vickie’s face.

She could hear a crunch as bone gave way and Vickie screeching in shock and pain. As she stood doubled over, clutching her broken nose Cindy shoved her with one foot. Vickie toppled backward with another screech, arms flailing as she fell to the earth.

Cindy scrambled out of the car and took off as quickly as she could. She tried desperately to loosen the rope binding her wrists. She used her teeth, never looking back to see if Vickie had recovered. The rope loosened and Cindy slipped her hands free, dropping the rope as she pushed herself forward faster.

"CINDY! YOU BITCH," Vickie screeched. She had finally gotten back to her feet and was lumbering toward Cindy. "YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT!"

Cindy could see the road ahead as she pushed on. Her legs ached and her lungs threatened to burst in her chest, but the alternative was not appealing in the least. She broke through some bushes at the side of the road, tripping and stumbling onto the asphalt.

She could hear Vickie screeching as she gave chase. Ignoring the woman she squinted, just making out a set of headlights coming her way. Cindy started to run again, only to cry out in pain as she nearly tumbled to the ground.

In stumbling out onto the road she had twisted her ankle and it hurt something terrible to bear weight on. Biting her bottom lip and trying to ignore the pain Cindy hobbled toward the headlights.

&&&&&&

Adam sped along the road. He was close, having taken the back roads and broken every speeding record known to man. He had to get to his wife before Vickie could harm her. He could see the ranch in the distance and pressed the gas pedal harder. There was no time to lose.

As he rounded the last curve he did not see the figure hobbling toward him. It wasn’t until he heard the sound of yelling that he slammed on the brakes. The headlights illuminated a woman standing in the road, her shoulders slumped in relief as she fought to gain control of her breathing.

"Cindy," he said squinting at the figure. When she lifted her head, raven hair falling from her face, his heart leaped into his throat. "CINDY!"

"ADAM," she cried as he quickly got out of the car. "She’s insane," she sobbed as he rushed to her. She hobbled toward him, arms out.

He was within a fingertip of grabbing her hand when a gunshot rent the otherwise silent night. Cindy’s sky blue eyes went wide as her body lurched forward.

"CINDY," Adam exclaimed, rushing to her side. "Baby! Talk to me!"

"I’m all right," Cindy groaned. The bullet had only grazed her arm. She groaned, placing a hand over the gash, blood oozed between her fingers. "It’s just a graze."

"Come on," Adam said, slipping an arm around her waist as he looped her good arm around his neck.

"Where’s Vickie," she asked.

As soon as the words escaped her lips another gunshot pierced the night. This time Vickie had shot it into the air.

"Step away from her, Edge," Vickie growled.

Adam turned his gaze on his on screen wife with a sneer. "You need help, Vickie," he said trying to stay calm. The gun twinkling in the moonlight made his blood run cold. One wrong move and he or Cindy could be gone.

"I’m doing this for us, Edge," Vickie cried. "Cindy is in the way of our love!"

"You sick bitch," Cindy grunted.

Vickie pointed the gun at her head. "I will shoot you where you stand," she growled through clenched teeth.

"Vickie," Adam said dragging her attention away from his wife. He knew that by now Madison and Christian had probably contacted Wallace and help would be on the way. He hoped and prayed that they would come in enough time.

"I’m the one you want. Leave Cindy out of this," he said.

"Adam, what are you doing?"

"Don’t you see, Cindy," he asked, looking at her. With his eyes he pleaded with her to play along. "I’ve been living a lie." He released his grip on his wife, hating himself for doing this. "It’s Vickie that I really want."

Tears filled Cindy’s eyes as he slipped away from her. "You can’t do this, Adam," she hoped Vickie fell for the act.

"Do you mean it, Edge," Vickie asked, beaming at him. The gun was slowly lowered to her side.

"Absolutely," he nodded. "I tried to fight it for so long, but I can’t anymore." He choked back the bile rising in the back of his throat as he spoke. "I want you and only you."

"You don’t know how happy this makes me." Vickie glanced at Cindy and her smile fell. "But she’ll never allow us to be happy." The hand with the gun slowly rose.

Adam saw the gun and that it was pointed right at Cindy’s chest. "Vickie, you win! You don’t have to do this!"

Vickie turned her gaze to Adam a sad smile on her face. "That right there lets me know you’ve been lying to me, Edge," she said calmly. "The only way for us to be happy is for Cindy to die."

She prepared to fire. Adam stepped in front of Cindy, blocking the intended target.

"Vickie, can’t we talk about this," he pleaded. "You don’t have to do this!"

"Move out of the way, Edge," Vickie growled. "I will shoot you if I have to."

"Then you’ll have to shoot me," he replied defiantly. "I will not step aside and watch you murder my wife."

Without any further words Vickie pulled the trigger. The bullet seemed to move in slow motion as Adam watched it heading toward him.

"Cindy, duck," he called. She dropped to the ground. Adam moved, but too late and the bullet pierced his left shoulder. He grunted as it tore through his flesh and dropped to his knees.

"You see what you’ve made me do," Vickie whined. "I didn’t want to hurt you, baby. Really I didn’t, but you refuse to see reason."

"That’s funny coming from a complete fucking whack job," Adam groaned getting to his feet.

Cindy was still on the ground, but when she saw the blood pouring from her husband’s shoulder she quickly stood. He waved her off, cradling his bad arm against his chest.

"You’ll see in time that I did this for us," Vickie said bringing the gun up once again.

Adam saw this, his eyes wide. "CINDY RUN!"

Cindy didn’t waste any time, her body reacting and acting on pure adrenaline. She took off away from Vickie.

Adam willed his legs to move running right for Vickie. Ducking his head when he was within just paces of her, he speared her to the ground. The gun went off on impact and in the distance Adam heard Cindy cry out in pain and then there was silence.

"CINDY? Cindy, talk to me, baby," Adam called. Silence was the only response.

"She’s dead," Vickie giggled.

Adam turned his wide eyed gaze on her where he held her pinned to the ground. Rage boiled through his veins as she continued to giggle. He found the gun on the ground beside her and grabbed it, holding it against Vickie’s forehead.

"Stop your fucking laughing or I’ll blow your fucking brains out, bitch," he growled.

He could vaguely hear the sound of sirens in the distance.

"I did this for us," Vickie whimpered.

Adam pressed the barrel into her flesh. "STOP SAYING THAT!"

"DROP YOUR WEAPON!"

Adam looked up to see Wallace and several officers, their weapons drawn, creeping toward them.

"She’ll never stop," Adam said, tears clouding his eyes now. The realization that Cindy was hurt and possibly lying dead several feet away hit him like a ton of bricks.

"She’s not worth it, Mr. Copeland," Wallace called. "Drop the weapon and let her face the consequences of her actions."

Adam choked back a sob, dropping the gun. He rolled away from Vickie, getting unsteadily to his feet. It was then that he spotted Cindy’s body and started to walk toward her, unable to will his legs to move him fast enough.

Vickie rolled onto her knees and picked up the gun. "If I can’t have you no one can," she screamed, pointing the gun at his back.

"DROP YOU WEAPON," Wallace called. The uniformed officers at his side got in position. "I SAID DROP YOUR WEAPON!"

Vickie didn’t even acknowledge their presence. Her eyes were on Adam and only Adam. Wallace saw her finger twitch in an attempt to pull the trigger and he fired his weapon. The officers with him did the same.

Vickie’s eyes grew wide as several bullets penetrated her flesh. Adam spun around in time to see the bullets meet their target. She choked up blood, dropping to her knees, the gun still in her hand.

"I did this for you," Vickie choked out locking eyes with him. Bringing the gun up to her head and she pulled the trigger.

Adam winced and turned away, his stomach lurching as brain matter littered the ground. The ordeal was finally over, but the finality of it all overwhelmed him. He’d lost so much in that one night and for what?

Chapter 10

Turning his attention away from the grizzly scene of Vickie’s corpse Adam looked to where the EMTs were checking on Cindy. Tears clouded his eyes as he stood there. Vickie had taken so much from him that night. He buried his face in his hands as the grief took over.

"WE GOT A PULSE," one EMT called.

Adam’s head snapped up at these words. He ground the tears away and stared in disbelief as they stabilized his wife enough to be moved. He didn’t realize he had been walking toward them until an EMT called to him.

"Sir, you need that shoulder checked out."

"My wife. She’s alive," he asked ignoring the petite woman.

"The bullet hit her in the back. We’re not sure the extent of the damage," she nodded. "She’s lost a lot of blood."

"I want to ride with her," he said attempting to climb into the back of the ambulance after Cindy was loaded in.

"Let me check your shoulder," the EMT said placing a hand on his wrist to stop him. "You can ride with my partner and I. We’ll take you to the same hospital."

Mutely Adam nodded his gaze on his wife’s prone form.

"They need space to move to take care of her during the ride," the EMT said ushering him over to her ambulance.

&&&&&&

"Did he say how Cindy is doing," Madison asked as she and Christian pulled into a parking space in front of the hospital.

"Mad, I know as much as you do," Christian sighed. She’d been grilling him the entire ride to the hospital. "All I know is Vickie is dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound and Cindy’s in surgery. Adam was shot too, but it was a through and through with minimal damage."

Madison nodded, throwing open the door. She practically ran inside, worried about her friend. Christian was close behind, worried about his friend’s mental state at the moment.

"Adam," Madison called as they exited the elevator on the surgical floor.

He was pacing in the waiting area, hearing her voice he stopped and faced her. She could see the dried tears on his face. His shirt was blood soaked and stiff and she could see the white of the bandage peeking through the bullet hole in the material.

"How is she," she asked as she threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.

He groaned, but welcomed the hug and returned it. He greeted Christian with a nod. "There’s no news," he sighed. "She’s been in surgery for a while now. I just wish someone would tell me something. I hate not knowing."

"Where was she hit," Christian asked as they all took seats.

Madison had finally released Adam, but held onto his hand still. It was to comfort herself as well as her friend. She’d almost lost both of her best friends that night. There could still be a possibility that Cindy would be lost for all they knew.

"In the back," Adam replied. "Doctor said it lodged in her spine. She wasn’t sure at the time about the extent of the damage to her spinal cord."

Madison sniffled, squeezing his hand. Christian wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"I don’t care if she’s going to be paralyzed for the rest of her life," Adam said. "I just want to know that my wife is alive."

"Cinder’s a fighter," Christian reassured him.

It wasn’t long before Big Show and Chavo showed up. Big Show wanted to be there for his friend, knowing how hard Adam would be taking everything.

Chavo was there for the same reason, though he felt completely numb. Despite all her faults Vickie had been his family and now she was gone. He just couldn’t wrap his head around it.

Madison saw Chavo sitting a few seats away from the rest of them and excused herself from her friends. Slowly she walked over to him. He looked up at her, his brown eyes full of confusion and sorrow.

"I accused you of being a part of this," she said softly. "I was wrong…very wrong and I’m sorry."

He nodded. "You were concerned about your friend. You were forgiven a long time ago Maddie."

"I’m sorry for your loss," she murmured. Despite her dislike of Vickie the woman had still been part of Chavo’s family and he had loved her.

He nodded, his face breaking as the tears slipped down his cheeks. Madison took a seat next to him and slipped an arm around his shoulders. He leaned into her, quietly sobbing.

After what seemed like an eternity the surgeon finally came to speak to Adam. He spotted her heading his way and stood, meeting her halfway.

"We managed to stabilize your wife," the surgeon said before Adam could speak. "I wish I had better news, but your wife’s spinal cord was completely severed by the bullet."

"But she’s alive," Adam asked. She nodded. "And she’ll recover from the injury?"

"As well as anyone with this type of spinal injury can," she replied. "Your wife will never walk again, Mr. Copeland."

"As long as she’s alive and will recover I don’t care," Adam replied. "I want to see her."

"The nurse will let you know when she’s been moved to a room," the surgeon replied. She excused herself then to speak to the nurse.

Adam headed back to his friends. They all looked at him expectantly.

"Cindy made it through surgery," he said. "She’ll never walk again, but she should be fine otherwise." He took a seat between Big Show and Christian. "You guys should go get some rest. I doubt Cindy will be up for visitors right away."

"We want to stay with you," Madison protested.

"You need your rest," Adam said smiling. "Cindy will still be here when you come back. I promise."

Madison frowned, not wanting to leave, but allowed Christian to pull her up to her feet. Chavo had left as soon as he heard the news that Cindy would be all right.

"You let us know if we can do anything for you," Madison said hugging Adam tightly again.

"What you can do for me is get some sleep, Maddie. Cindy will give me hell if you show up on no sleep," he chuckled.

After his friends had left the nurse informed Adam that Cindy had been moved to a room. He headed to the elevator and rode up one floor. Scanning the hall he found her room and quietly slipped inside.

There were tubes and wires coming from her sleeping form. The steady sound of a heart monitor made his heart dance. He never thought he’d be so happy to see his wife lying in a hospital bed, but considering the alternative that could have happened he wasn’t going to question the logic.

He pulled a chair over and sat down, taking her hand.

Cindy felt the hand and smiled. She’d been semi-conscious for a while, but had not heard anyone come into her room. Feeling the cool metal of her husband’s wedding band she gave his hand a little squeeze.

"Baby? You awake," he asked softly.

"Yes," she replied and then frowned. "I can’t feel my legs."

Adam sighed, not wanting to tackle that topic at that moment. "You were shot, baby. Do you remember?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Yes."

"The bullet severed your spinal cord, Cindy," he said not wanting to sugar coat the news.

She sighed softly. "This is going to take some getting used to."

Adam chuckled, relieved. "Most people would be crying finding out they were paralyzed."

Cindy shrugged. "I’m alive," she replied smiling, knowing he would see it the same way. "What happened to Vickie?"

"She…shot herself," Adam replied.

"Then she’s out of our lives." Her words were cold, holding no sympathy for the woman that nearly killed her.

Adam nodded, pressing his lips to the back of her hand.

&&&&&&

"Now you listen to the doctor and do what you’re told," Madison said giving Cindy a hug.

She and Christian had visited with her much of the next afternoon, but they had to get back on the road. They were due at a house show and had to catch a flight in an hour.

"And don’t go giving Adam any trouble," Christian chuckled giving her a hug when Madison was done.

"I won’t," Cindy smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Before Christian could pull away she pulled him close. "Why don’t you finally ask Maddie out. Life’s too short."

Christian chuckled and nodded. He wrapped an arm around Madison’s shoulders leading her out of the room and toward the elevator bank. He knew they’d never leave if he didn’t.

"So, what’d Cindy say to you just before we left her room," Madison asked, resting her head on his shoulder as they rode down.

"She told me to ask you out," Christian admitted.

"Hmm." As the elevator doors dinged open Madison pulled away from him, turning back to face him. "Pick me up at my room after the show tonight. Kay?"

Christian was stunned by her words at first before a wide smile spread across his face. "It’s a date."