Trinity Burning, 6.1

Trinity Burning 

 

6.1

Chicago, Illinois

January 25th, 2020

James sat quietly in the cab. He had just arrived in Chicago for the Day of Infamy pay per view. He had a match scheduled against one of his main rivals from the past year, Giovanni Aries. But his mind wasn’t on the match. No, it was elsewhere.

It was back in his childhood home. A home that was falling apart, much like the people, who once occupied the space, did on a damn near daily basis. Much like the sole survivor of the drug fueled holocaust James and his family had endured.

He saw the home, and how it was breaking down in chunks. How the yard looked like shit. How there was nothing close to life in the surrounding area.  He tried to focus on good things from the past, but he couldn’t. As it was with his match, his mind wanted to focus on something else.

It wanted to focus on the conversation with his mother, a face he hadn’t seen in person in many, many years. And the words she expressed made him regret ever going in the first place.

He found her face down on the floor, before rushing in. He was afraid. Scared shitless would have been more like it. He nearly called 911, but she came to. They locked eyes, and James felt a slight bit of hope, until she uttered the words: “Hey Abel.”

And then, James thought as he ran his hands over his face as he let out a sigh, it was all downhill from there.

He pressed his forehead against the window, watching the Windy City pass him by as the memory began to form in his mind.

“Hey Abel.” She said.

James shook his head, questioning why she would say that. Why she would know about Abel. “No, Mom. It’s me. It’s James.”

He heard Abel’s voice come from behind him. “We need to leave now, James.”

He ignored him, keeping his eyes on his mother. “Do you not recognize me?”

She grinned, despite her eyes rolling in the back of her head. “Of course, I do honey. You’re my son. Why wouldn’t I recognize you?”

She started to move, and James slowly rose to his feet as he helped his mother to hers. They stood there for a few moments. She dusted herself off before he spoke. She wore a tattered San Francisco 49ers shirt, black jogging pants, and white socks that would have been white except for the dirt they had picked up from the floor, which like the rest of the house, was unkempt. “You say you recognize me, but you didn’t call me by my name.”

He watched as she looked around, before she reached over and grabbed a pack of cigarettes off the coffee table in front of the couch that appeared ripped to shreds. She lit one up. He spoke again. “Mom…”

She took a puff, exhaling as she shook her head. “What is it?” She said, before looking off at nothing,

“Did you hear what I said?” He remembered asking, the frustration within only growing.

“Yes, but as you can tell…I’m not myself right now.” She said, motioning toward her appearance. Her tattered shirt matched her tattered image. Her face was dried and crusty. He could tell she had not showered in days. Maybe even weeks. The rotten stench came from her.

He recalled shaking his head. “You’ve not been yourself for years.” James paused, looking away from the city, taking a deep breath as he leaned forward his seat. The cab driver asked if he was okay. He just gave a simple nod, as the memory continued to filter out.

“What do you want me to say?” His mother asked, before taking another drag.

“I want to know why you called me Abel.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t call you that.” But he could tell she knew that he knew she was lying.

“Yes, you did.”

He heard Abel speak once again. “James, stop this. Let’s go.”

His mother shook her head.

“Yes, you did Mom. I heard you say it.”

She shook her head once again. He found himself getting frustrated. “Yes, you did! Don’t lie to me! You called me Abel. Now, why did you say that name?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said, before adding, “James.” He wasn’t convinced. It sounded forced.

“Yes, you do.”

Abel chimed in once again. “James, I am telling you. We need to leave. Let’s not do this. Now isn’t the best time.”

He closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh, as he remembered how badly he wanted to tell Abel to shut the fuck up, and to stay out of it. He didn’t, however. He kept his focus on his mother. “Just tell me, Mom. It shouldn’t be that difficult.”

She shook her head, as her foot started to tap. She looked away, taking another drag. “You should already know. I shouldn’t have to tell you.”

“Tell me what?” He recalled asking, as confusion began to mix with his frustration, creating the perfect cocktail for disaster.

“James, please don’t do this.” She said, as he watched as she put out on cigarette, before lighting up another. He remembered how her hands trembled. Her hands always did that, especially when his father got her to start using. Or when he was pissed and would beat her. “I really can’t do this right now.”

He remembered shaking his head, refusing to give up. “No, I want to know why you called me another name. I want to know why you said Abel.” He said, with much more fire and vigor than before. The frustration was reaching its tipping point.

James remembered how Abel told him that he didn’t need to go down this road. That he needed to leave well enough alone. Those words lingered in his head as he climbed out of the cab, before entering the hotel and checking in. The memory continued as he got into the elevator before being taken to his room.

“You’re going to make me do this, aren’t you?” His mother cried out. He wanted to feel bad but then he remembered what McIntosh had told him during his stay in Trinity. How his mother sold him out to get herself a fucking fix.

“Yes, I am. I want some answers, and I want them right fucking now!” He shouted at his mother for the first time in what felt like a decade.

He stopped the memory but only temporarily. He felt close to losing his shit, as he remembered his mother’s response. He stepped into his room, closing the door and let out a sigh, feeling somewhat safe as he slid down to his ass, the memory returning.

She ran a hand over her face, before looking at him. He could see the tears building in her eyes, red from a high he had ruined. “Abel was your brother, James. He was your fucking brother. God!” She shouted, as the tears began to fall.

“Wait…what do you mean?” He asked, trying to make sense of her words. Words that he didn’t believe. Part of him refused. Part of wanted to but couldn’t. “My brother’s name is Logan. And that is the only brother I have ever had.”

She shook her head, slowly dropping to her knees. “No…James…no…God, why did you come here?”

He dropped before her, trying to get her to look him in the eyes. “My brother’s name is Logan. And that is the only brother I have ever had. Right?” She shook her head, not looking at him. “Right?”

Abel spoke again. “James, leave it be. Leave her be. You’ve done enough.”

The memory faded as he found himself in the hotel kitchen, raiding the liquor cabinet he had requested. He poured himself a drink. As he lifted the glass, he noticed his hands were trembling. Like hers. He downed the drink, before pouring himself another. His hands continued to tremble, and he continued to drink, wanting the memory to stop.

For a little while at least.

He hadn’t been able to sleep well since the day his mother confessed, since she told him the ugly truth. A truth he didn’t know about.

At least, he thought he didn’t know.

His phone went off. Braelynn was calling. He hit ignore, before sending a text telling her he was napping. That he’d call her later. James knew, however, that sleep wouldn’t come until he drank away the memory. He saw his mother’s face. Her tears exposed themselves to him, as he heard the sadness in her voice. It rang in his ears, so he poured another drink.

Then another.

____________________________________

Days Prior

New York City, New York

When Bram Theron woke up, he had an idea. It was more of a plan, really. Things were still coming together. Nothing was exactly concrete. He had breakfast with his wife, before getting a shower. Once he was out of the shower, he shaved and patted his face dry, before taking a few moments to look at the bags under his eyes, due to the lack of sleep he had endured thanks to the case he was chasing.

Amelia Jenkins.

He put on his favorite dress shirt, before slipping on the tie his wife had gotten him for Christmas. It had a cluster of crosses littering it. She had told him it was for good luck, to make sure he was always protected. He slipped on his gun, before grabbing his badge.

The case over Amelia had not gone his way, at all. He remembered the disappointment on James’ face when he told him about her re-emergence, about how she denied everything he had said. For some reason, however, Bram couldn’t ignore James’ confession. He felt more truth to it than anything else.

That was enough to get him out of the house on that morning. He traveled across the city, and before he knew it, he was where things seemed to have began for Amelia and James.

He knew he was going to get chewed out for it, but he was in the office of Dr. David McIntosh. He had his reasons. James Evans and Amelia Jenkins were two of the biggest.

“So, what can I help you with today?” McIntosh asked, once they were seated and comfortable. McIntosh wasn’t what Bram had expected. He was bald, a scratchy beard, and kind demeanor. Like he truly cared. Bram couldn’t help, however, to think there was a lie behind those eyes staring at him.

He cleared his throat, trying to focus himself. “I’m here out of…let’s say…curiosity.” He stated, with a grin, before showing his badge. “I’m a detective. I get paid to be curious, but to find the facts as well.

The doctor grinned as well, as he nodded. “I see. Well, then. Tell me what it is that you’re curious about, and maybe we can go over some facts, too.”

Bram nodded himself, before continuing. “I see there is no need to beat around the bush.” He grinned, with McIntosh matching the expression. “I’m here because I’m curious about you.” The detective said, pointing at the doctor, as both of their grins faded rather quickly.

“And why would you be curious about me?” McIntosh asked, looking somewhat bewildered.

Bram exhaled. “Well, you see. A few months ago, a girl went missing. I was assigned the case. I did a little bit of digging and found out she came to you for mental health treatment. And not only did she come to your office…” he said, pausing for him to gather his thoughts, trying to keep his frustration with the entire case buried deep down. “She went to a facility known as the Trinity Institute. I did some more research, and I learned that you ran that place.”

It was McIntosh’s time to nod. “All you’re saying is true. I work with many people here in my office, and if their level of care is more strenuous, I offer them the opportunity to stay in my facility. The Trinity Institute, as you mentioned, has helped many patients find their own state of peace, as well as betterment of their minds.”

“Ah yes.” The detective flashed another grin. “That is all well and good. I have some issues with all that you’re saying, however. You see, this missing person had told a few people that Trinity was anything but a place of peace. That she received nothing close to the betterment of her mind. That her stay at Trinity was nothing less than a nightmare.” He paused once again, locking eyes with McIntosh. He tried to get a read on him, wondering if he was making the doctor nervous.

But the doctor remained calm, only adding to Bram’s frustration. “Well, as I am sure you know in your own life, or your own line of work, you cannot please everyone.”

“No, you cannot. You must take the good with the bad. But,” He sighed once again. “It seems I’m running into more bad than anything else.”

“That is unfortunate.”

“I’m glad you see it that way, doc.” Bram continued. “You see, just a few weeks ago, after months of looking for this girl, this young woman…she just shows up at the station…POOF!” He said, mimicking an explosion with his hands. “Like magic, she appears.”

“Was she in good health?” McIntosh asked. Bram nodded, telling himself the doctor did very well in displaying such concern.

“She was, which I found to be damn near miraculous.”

“Well, of course.”

Bram frowned. “And then, we spoke. Everything started to really fall apart. This image she had built of you, built of Trinity…nothing added up with what her story conveyed from the past. It was no longer a nightmare. It was Heaven on Earth. A true paradise.”

McIntosh chuckled. “Well, that’s good for me I’d say. And even you,” He said motioning toward the detective. “Makes your job easier.”

“I wish.”

“And why is that?”

Bram shrugged. “As I said, everything started to fall apart. Things didn’t add up. So,” He sighed. “I decided to come see for myself. To look either the master of nightmares, or the conveyor of paradise, in the eyes and decide for myself.”

“And what is your verdict?”

“I guess we will find out.”

A long pause fell between them then. That was when Bram noticed the doctor becoming slightly uncomfortable. He’d twitch in his seat, as he began to flip through his agenda before looking at Bram and giving a slight smirk. “Perhaps we will, but if you don’t mind…I have an appointment with a client coming up soon. I need to make sure I am fully prepared for that. I like my clients to know they have my full attention.”

McIntosh rose to his feet, as did Bram. They shook hands as Bram replied. “That’s what I like any potential suspects to know when it comes to me.”

“I beg your pardon…”

Bram shook his head. “No need. You have a good one, doc. Thank you for your time. I’m sure we will see one another again.” The detective said with a wink, before heading out of the office as he was welcomed by the outside world.

Which was where he ran into Amelia.

“And how did that go?” His superior, Daniel Haskins, asked.

“Something is not right. This whole situation feels fucked from Jump Street, if I’m being honest.” Bram said, as he paced around in his office. “He seems like a nice guy, and she swears up and down this McIntosh guy is legit, yet she says other shit that just leaves too much up in the air. It raises too many questions that deserve answers.”

“Okay, first off…” Haskins said as he sat nestled in Bram’s chair, his eyebrows furrowing. “You need to take a deep breath and calm down.”

“Now, you sound like my wife.”

The gruff Haskins shrugged. “Someone, besides her, needs to take care of you and tell you what you need to hear.”

“And what happens once I calm down?”

“Well, what is it that you’re asking me for here, Detective Theron?”

Bram sighed, remembering the conversation with James, remembering the file he had read on Amelia, and how things did not add up. “I want to keep the case open.”

“Well, you don’t really have anything. The girl came to us. She was fine. She denied anything bad happened while with this McIntosh fella, or during her stay at Trinity. She didn’t deny what Chris Lawrence did, or that he lied to her, so we have that.”

“And yet Chris Lawrence is nowhere to be found.” Bram added.

“But we’re not looking at him, or for him, are we?” Haskins fired back.

Bram sighed as he looked down. “I think there’s something much bigger going on here. Something she isn’t telling us. Something that I’m not seeing.”

His superior rose to his feet and patted him on the right shoulder. “Look, I know how you like to create these paranoid conspiracies in your head. You don’t need to do that. You’re a damn good detective. It seems to me that you’re getting too wrapped up in this thing, and you’re trying to make it something it isn’t.”

They locked eyes. “No, I’m not. It’s definitely not. There is more going on.”

“Then give me something, Bram. Give me a reason, some evidence, anything and I will work with you to keep this going.”

“That’s all I ask.”

“Then start digging, because your window of opportunity is very tiny.”

Bram sat down in his chair, bringing his hands to his face. He cursed anyone and everyone involved with the case, before telling himself it wasn’t going to help him. The only thing that would help was for him to get started. That was the thing, however. He didn’t know where to start.

____________________________________

Chicago, Illinois

January 26th, 2020

Abel walked through the gray, hands in his pockets, and his head down. He bit down on his bottom lip and shook his head from side to side. James was practicing self-abuse because of the ugly truth. A truth that he didn’t even know, as James’ mind had forced it deep down and away, buried deep within the pockets of his brain. It was a truth that seemed to have set James off, and in turn, only infuriated Abel more than he should have already been.

He was preparing to face Giovanni Aries. He was ready to end the war that had started nearly a year prior. Abel not only wanted to eliminate Aries for what he had done to James, but for the games and attacks he had committed against him as well. Their first battle didn’t end well for his opponent, and Abel intended to make sure their war that was scheduled to take place later on in the night, ended far worse for Aries. Not only was Abel pissed off about all that had led up to their match, he was pissed off his newly won SCW World Championship wasn’t on the line.

He had been going off script, or not doing things the James way, when he had addressed not only Aries, but Syren, as well as Kimberly Williams. He made his grievances known in regard to Sasha Drachewych, and her rule about him not being able to defend the title. He knew James would not make any sort of subliminal threat to the owner of the company, as he had respect for the woman’s father. Abel, however, was highly aggravated and felt her call was bullshit. It had made him say things that wouldn’t have been James approved.

But that wasn’t the only thing on his mind. It was that ugly truth. Like James, he was learning more of his history, peeling back the layers to reveal the muscles and fibers underneath it all. He was a real-life person at one time. He was only a child when that real life had come to an end. He became nothing more than a memory. And like the holder of that memory, he grew just as James did. And like most things in James’ head, Abel knew everything became twisted and turned into a narrative where neither of them knew what was real and what wasn’t.

That was the reason he, nor James, interacted with any of the fans as they walked through the airport after they landed in Chicago. The fans were cheering for James, wanting his autograph, but they said nothing. Their eyes remained forward, as they walked with purpose. Abel knew James still hadn’t worked out things in his head, that he hadn’t been able to cope with the knowledge his mother had extended to him. And it left Abel where he was.

In the gray.

He wanted out in order to give James time in the quiet, time to himself. Abel wanted to fight Aries, to take out all the frustration he and James had built up inside. But all he could do was walk, the gray surrounding him, as he waited for the perfect opportunity to resume control of the driver’s seat.

“You need to get your head in the game.” He heard, causing Abel to stop in his tracks. He heard the sound of a match being lit. He turned to find Charles Evans striking a match before lighting his trademark cigarette. “James is spending too much time whining about a lot of shit he shouldn’t be. You need to be in charge. We are in the middle of a war.”

Abel shook his head. “I think he has every single reason to be pissed off and upset, right now. I wouldn’t call it whining. That’s a slap in the face, just like what his mother told him.”

Charles took a puff. He shook his head as he exhaled, smoke floating like tiny clouds around him. “I told you that you needed to stop him, Abel. And you didn’t.”

“Its not like I didn’t try.” He fired back, stepping closer to Charles. “Your son can be a stubborn son of a bitch at times.”

“He gets it honest, doesn’t he?” Charles commented, with a Cheshire cat-like grin. “I’d say that would be my fault.” He took another drag. “Either way, he didn’t need to go see that bitch. She may have ruined everything.”

“Everything as in what?”

Charles blew smoke in his direction. “Everything as in this war. But then again, you’re not doing so hot yourself.”

His statement irked Abel. He stepped closer, locking eyes with James’ father. “And what the hell does that mean, exactly?”

“Exactly what I said.” Charles said, clearly not intimidated.

“Well, feel fucking free to enlighten me, so you’re the end-all, be-all.” Abel said, motioning toward the ground, letting Charles know he had the floor.

“You’re spending too much time griping about that Sasha cunt. No one gives a fuck about her. You’ve been ready to tear Sienna and Syren’s heads off their fucking shoulders. You’ve been ready to maim Aries, and yet you want to talk about Sasha and how she won’t let you defend the title. Give me a fucking break.”

“The title is very important to not only me, but to James.”

“The title has nothing to do with James. You may have let him get the win, but you’ve done all the fucking work, Abel. Embrace that knowledge for a moment.” Abel went to speak but stopped himself. Charles continued. “You need to be focused on destroying those in your way, to prove why you deserve to be champion. Not bitching about Sasha.”

“I’m tired of fuckers like Sienna and Syren talking about Sasha coddling James…or me…” He said, shaking his head. “It’s so far from the fucking truth. I want it known that I want to defend the belt. I want it known that they are wrong.”

Charles chuckled. “That is what you fail to realize. The people…the fans…they know the truth. They know those two fucks are more full of shit than a goddamn clogged toilet. They are fucking delusional. They believe in their own hype. Its pitiful if you ask me.”

“I think I’m doing okay, despite what you claim.”

Charles shook his head, blowing smoke once again. “You’re just as stubborn as James. I guarantee you that this direction you’re trying to take, this narrative you’re trying to push will make you look stupid before you know what to do. And when that happens, you’ll more than likely struggle to fix it. I suggest a change in your course of action.”

“Its hard to think of anything other than just addressing, and wanting to hurt, those who have pissed me off.” Abel replied, breaking away from Charles’ gaze. “With the truth being exposed to James and I…there’s no telling what sort of mindset either of us are in.”

Charles rolled his eyes. “Whatever mindset you are in…that is what I’m concerned about. James can deal with his shit. Right now, you need to get into the driver’s seat. You need to be ready to fight. Like I said, you need to get your head in the game.”

Abel went to speak but found himself unable to do so once again. Charles walked by him. Abel took a few deep breaths, before turning and following him, knowing that he was right.

– – – – – – – – –

James stood in his locker room. He heard the thunderous roar of the crowd, shaking the United Center. He knew thousands of wrestling fans were enjoying what they felt to be the greatest pro wrestling in the world. He wasn’t, however. His mind was elsewhere, back in the same place it had been since he left his mother’s, wishing he could have burned the house, and all the memories that came along with it, to the ground.

And yet, the memory remained.

He recalled as he dropped before her, trying to get her to look him in the eyes. “My brother’s name is Logan. And that is the only brother I have ever had. Right?” She shook her head, not looking at him. “Right?”

He heard Abel’s voice again. “James, leave it be. Leave her be. You’ve done enough.”

James finally replied to Abel. “Shut the hell up! This is between me and her! This has nothing to do with you, right now.”

Abel rolled his eyes and he remembered the rising urge to put him through a wall, only realizing it would be him putting himself through one. “How can you stand there and say that? We are in this together. It is you and me, James. You and me!” He shouted, while pointing a finger in the space between them.

“No! This is between me and her! You’re just a voice in my head! Nothing more!” James remembered shouting in his head, trying and failing to ignore the feeling that slowly rose up his spine. The feeling that told him that Abel was much more.

“James…” Abel said, shaking his head, looking down and away.

James looked at him sideways. “Is there something you know that I don’t?” Abel said nothing. “Answer me, Abel! You knew about her and the connection with McIntosh. And what did you do? You hid it from me! I had to find out during our illustrious stay in Trinity.” James said, with a chuckle as he shook his head in disgust. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised if you keep things from me.”

“Don’t you dare blame me!” Abel shouted as he glared. “I had nothing to do with you not knowing about your mother and that son of bitch. Just as I had nothing to do with you not knowing the truth about me. Hell…” He said, throwing his hands up in the air and shaking his head. “I didn’t know it, either.”

“Of course, I shouldn’t blame you. You’re the outcome of so many of my problems.” She…” James hissed, as he pointed at his mother. “Is one of two roots that caused those problems. They are the reason you’re here.” He stated, pointing to the side of his head, as he continued. “I’m so sick of this. Just leave me, Abel. Let me handle why I’m here.”

Abel sighed, before replying, his words seemed filled with defeat. “James, all I can say is that you’ve been through a never-ending flow of bullshit in your life. And you’re right…” He paused, letting out a deep breath. “Your parents are the root of it. As far as the truth coming to light, it is due to your mind. You’ve experienced so much that you’ve buried a lot of it.”

“I guess secrets and ghosts of the past don’t stay buried.” James said, letting out a deep sigh of his own, before returning his attention back to his mother. She had brought her legs to her chest, another lit cigarette hanging from between her lips, the same near death look on her face, her eyes filled with sorrow that would more than likely end. “Mom…” He said, calmly. “Please, tell me the truth.”

She took a drag from her cigarette, wiping tears and snot from her face, as she exhaled heavily. Their eyes did not meet, but she spoke, quietly. “I never wanted things to turn out the way that they did, James. I don’t know if you believe me, or if you could ever buy into a goddamn thing that I have to say. She took a quick glance at him, but he looked away. James felt ashamed, but also felt she deserved a lot worse than a pinch of disrespect.

“I always wanted us to be this big happy family. That was what I had always wanted. Even when I was a kid.” She continued, sniffling as she took another drag. “Your grandfather used to tell me to stop dreaming about boys and having a family.” She laughed. A memory of his grandfather caused James to grin, though he tried to hide it. “But I couldn’t help it. I always told him of my plans. How I wanted to marry this rich, sweet, handsome man…” James couldn’t help but scoff at that idea, knowing who she did marry. His mother took another drag, shaking her head. “I wanted a bunch of kids, too. And I got a bunch of kids out of the deal.”

“But…” James began. “You didn’t get the rich, sweet, handsome man. Nor did you get the big happy family, did you?” He said, letting his bitterness shine brightly.

“We were happy once.”

“We were?”

She sighed, taking another drag. She shook her head. “Yes, we were. At least, until the accident.”

“What accident?” He asked, feeling his blood slowly returning to boil.

His mother, the once beautiful Pamela Evans, put out her cigarette before running hands over her face, tears being ripped from her eyes, as some fell to the floor while the rest were gliding through the rat’s nest of hair she had. “The accident…” Her voice was already beginning to break. “The accident was the day that everything changed.”

“What happened?” He asked, hating part of himself for doing so. But James told himself, he had to know.

“You and your brother, Abel went out for the day with your father. He had gotten onto you two pretty good the night before. He wanted to take you both out in order to make it up to you guys. And then…” Her voice broke, just as the rest of her did. She stood up and James watched as she walked out of the living room, going through the kitchen, and disappearing out of sight.

He took a few moments to collect himself, to contemplate his next move. He wanted to know the entire story. She said he had a brother named Abel. Was this another secret, another member of the dead, that he buried so deep. If so, James asked himself, why would he want to bury him?  To hide his memory from himself.

He recalled finally climbing to his feet, slowly entering the kitchen. He wanted to enter the room to find his mother cooking a meal for them, before they’d sit down and talk about anything. About everything. But he quickly realized that idea was a gathering of memories. The kitchen, James saw, was falling apart like everything else.

He journeyed further, going through the place he once called home, a place filled with memories as well as broken dreams. The walls were cracked and crumbled in certain spots. The house had a second living room, or den. The carpet was stained and molded. That was where James found his mother. She was standing next to a bookshelf that had collected dust and mold, like the pictures she stared at, in a photo album he knew all too well. It was where she kept all the photos of her children. And if what she had said was true, then James’ curiosity grew with each step as he edged closer to her.

She sniffled, as her crying had not ceased. Her eyes were damp, her cheeks stained. The mess she had appeared to be when he first found her, had grown to ten times worse. He stood next to her however, despite the smell. He reminded himself that he had to know.

“There you two are…” She said, pointing to a picture of two small boys. James knew one was him. The other, looked exactly like him.

He felt tears building up, but he forced them back. “That…that’s Abel.”

She nodded. “Yes, that’s him. He was the outgoing one of you two. You were quiet and laid back, compared to him. You two always had fun together, however.”

He sighed heavily, as he continued to fight in order to maintain his composure. He didn’t want her to see him cry. “We did?” He asked, a grin forming on his face. James wondered if it masked his sadness, as well as the anger he felt. He was beginning to question whether he should have been mad at her or not.

“You two were…” She inhaled, as her words seemed to tug at her heart strings, just as they did his. She continued, as she exhaled. “You two were inseparable.”

He closed his eyes, wishing he could remember, cursing himself because he couldn’t. “This accident…what happened?”

He heard her sigh. “You boys went out with your father. You all spent the day together. You went to the park. Got lunch. Shot some hoops at the high school. And then…” She cleared her throat. He felt she was trying to keep it together, much like he was. “And then, your father went to a friend’s house. It was the first time he started mixing drugs. He mixed the wrong batch, with the wrong amount, and took you guys driving with him. I don’t think you guys got very far down the road before…” She stopped. She began to sob again, causing James to open his eyes. She took another deep breath, wiping away tears, before she fanned herself for a moment.

James wanted her to continue, but he stepped back giving her some space. He recalled, feeling that he could have given her that, at least.

The memory faded as a knock came at his locker room door. He was told he had five minutes to get ready.

He would let Abel dominate, but when Aries managed to gain control, James told himself that he’d take the driver’s seat away from Abel, because he wanted to feel every ounce of pain. He felt he needed to.

____________________________________

Chicago, Illinois

January 26th, 2020

Earlier

Ivy stepped off the plane. The bright lights of the Windy City welcomed her, and she felt like it had so much more potential than New York. She wasn’t sure if it was because she had grown bored of the Big Apple, or if it was too rotten to its core to be saved. She smiled as she made her way through the airport. She had never flown first class, but McIntosh ensured she did. She felt like a superstar as she made her way through the gate and check points, receiving gawking looks from men and women alike, none of which Amelia would have given the time of day.

Ivy, on the other hand, may have just to have a little fun.

Once she reached the outside, she was greeted by a limo driver, holding a sign that read: “Ivy Jenkins.” She smirked at the doctor’s cleverness. She knew she had to give him that, at least. She climbed into the limo, before sitting quietly as she watched the city fold and unfold before her, the city coming alive, opening itself up to her, exposing even more potential. She had plans, Ivy reminded herself, as she continued to gaze out of the window. She also reminded herself that her plans had to be put on hold for the time being. She was in the city for McIntosh.

For a man named James Evans to be more exact.

“There is a note for you, Ms. Jenkins.” She heard the driver state through an intercom. “It should be next to the bucket.”

She saw a bucket. It had ice as well as a bottle of champagne. Noticing an envelope placed next to the bucket, she snatched, tearing it open. It was a letter from McIntosh, telling her to enjoy the bottle once she completed her task that night. She also found a credit card, which he said to use in order to treat herself. To be Ivy, and not Amelia. The last little bit stated she had a room key which she found tucked away, folded up in the bottom of the letter. The key was to a room at the…

“Welcome to the Ritz Carlton, ma’am.” The driver said, speaking through the intercom once again, as the limo to a sudden halt. She stared out of the window, the work of art reached up into the heavens, leaving her slightly awestruck, like Amelia would have been, because everything in the world was bigger to her.

Ivy admired it. She wanted it.

“What do you know about this place?” She asked, as she slowly rose out of the limo once the driver opened her door.

“Art, architecture and industrial innovation right at the core of Chicago’s story, told beautifully through the experience at The Ritz-Carlton.” The driver grinned, seemingly shy around her, looking away as he continued. “Set within the Water Tower Place near Lake Michigan, the hotel offers attentive service alongside distinct amenities: a culinary tour of neighborhoods in the exclusive Club Lounge, an expanded fitness center overlooking the skyline and luxury accommodations that offer a taste of Chicago living.” He said, extending his arm, pointing toward the hotel.

“That’s quite the sales pitch.” She said, giving him a slight smirk.

He nodded. “I’ve heard commercials for it since I was a kid. Sort of practiced it.”

She nodded. “Well, take me to my room please.”

His shyness fled from his face, as she showed him that she didn’t truly care about his existence. She enjoyed having that kind of power. It was something she wanted to experiment with further, but only when the time was right.

She was shown her room, only for the driver to stand there. “Yes?” She asked.

“The man who organized this trip said there would be a tip.” He said, giving an uneasy grin.

She smirked, before slowly walking toward him. She kissed him on the cheek, before they locked eyes. “Get the fuck out of my room.”

He stepped back, looking at her, slightly frightened, as if he didn’t have the slightest clue how to deal with a woman like that, or a woman period.

Once he was gone, Ivy kicked off her shoes and slipped out of her clothes, before taking a nap, her dreams filled with the power she craved. Once she awoke, she took McIntosh’s advice and treated herself, getting a fiery red dress, and an overly expensive winter coat. She didn’t know what sort of clothes wrestling fans won, but she was going to look the fucking best.

All eyes were on her when she took her seat at the United Center. She felt the eyes on her. She could practically taste their saliva, as the men drooled over her. She knew by looking at the world with Amelia, that men wanted what they couldn’t have. They tried to prey on weak little Amelia, only to crawl away, begging for mercy when Ivy showed her teeth.

She told herself she’d show much more than her teeth if need be.

The phone McIntosh gave to her rang. It was him. “Yes?”

“Did you arrive safely?”

“I did.”

“Do you remember what you are to do?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Have you treated yourself?”

“You’ll see when you get the bill.” She said, with a sneer.

“Did you give the driver a good tip?”

“The best that I could afford.”

“Call me with updates.”

She ended the call, just as the show began. She was intrigued by the physiques men such as Asher Hayes carried, though she knew she’d grow tired of his arrogance, much like she would with someone like Gavin Taylor. She knew she’d make them eat their balls before too long.

Ivy found herself falling in love with names and faces of female competitors named Jordan Majors, as well as Peyton Rice. Not to mention Bree Lancaster, and Sienna Swann. Those last two oozed not only charisma, but a thirst for recognition as well as power. Sienna didn’t have a match, but she was like a force to be reckoned with. Ivy loved that, just as loved how Bree walked away looking like a winner, despite losing to the other woman she crippled.

And then came James Evans.

He faced someone named Giovanni Aries. A name and a face that seemed vaguely familiar to Ivy, but she wasn’t sure why.

She watched as James would become extremely aggressive throughout his fight, only to take a step back. It was like watching two different people. It made her think of a conversation with McIntosh a few days prior.

“Tell me more about James.” She demanded, as they stood in his office, once again.

“I said to get to him first, and then I would tell you.”

She remembered shaking her head. “No. I want to know about him. Hell, it could help me get an in with him.” She stated, not loosening up on the doctor. “You want me to get close to him for whatever you have running through your own head. He’s not going to trust me if I don’t know more about him. If there’s nothing for us to connect on, other than being at Trinity. And I have to say, being at a mental hospital isn’t something most people want to talk about. I’m sure they try to fucking forget it ever happened. I know Amelia did, even if she couldn’t.”

McIntosh lowered his gaze, letting out a sigh, before giving her a nod as their eyes met. “Fine. Alright. You make a fair point.” She watched as he removed his glasses, keeping his eyes on hers. “James is very much like you. Well, Amelia.” He said with a gentle shrug. “He’s not timid or anything like that. But he has another side to him. Just as Amelia has you, James has someone living in his head as well.”

The memory faded as she watched James drive Aries’ head into the concrete. She questioned the action, wondering if it was actually James who did that, or the other person occupying the same head space. She continued to watch, as James or his better half, repeated the same action. The match ended soon after, and James was victorious.

She watched as he was attacked from behind by yet another blonde that failed to really do jack shit earlier in the evening. Her name was Syren. She seemed to actually care enough to hurt James, while she seemed to be going through the motions earlier. Her attack, Ivy thought, wasn’t like Bree’s. Syren’s attack reeked of desperation.

The crowd began to disperse once Syren left and James was helped to his feet. Ivy watched as he made his way to the back, listening to the thunderous ovation the crowd gave him, like he was the Second Coming of Christ. James, too, had some sort of power, which made her want to meet him, as well as the voice within, that much more.

____________________________________

Chicago, Illinois

January 26th, 2020

Backstage

Abel closed the door to James’ locker room. He let out a sigh, trying to enjoy the quiet, after the chaos he had experienced.

“How did that feel?”

Charles wasn’t going to let him enjoy the quiet, Abel told himself as he turned away from the door, peeling his forehead from it, as they locked eyes. “How did what feel?”

Charles rolled his eyes. “What do you mean? You know exactly what I’m talking about. Kicking Aries’ ass! Spiking his head off the concrete like a goddamn football! That’s what I’m talking about.”

Abel sighed, and shook his head. “I wouldn’t know. I remember pieces of the match and kicking his ass did feel good. But the end, I can’t really comment on what it was like.”

Charles stared at him, appearing slightly confused. “And why might that be?”

“Why do you think?” Abel asked, before brushing by him and taking a seat against the lockers. He began to undo the laces of his wrestling shoes.

“James took the driver’s seat?”

He nodded. “That is my thinking on the situation. What I can’t figure out is why?”

“Exactly!” Charles bellowed. “He said you could handle this side of things. It is just like him to try and interfere with shit before we can really get going.” He said, shaking his head. “This is exactly why I’d rather deal with you than him.”

Abel removed a boot, tossing it to the side. He was frustrated. He wanted to get all the shots in on Aries. He did for the most part, but there were a few moments, where he found himself standing in the ring, surrounded by grey. He’d find Aries going for a punch or some sort of attack when things would return to normal.

“Any idea what sort of game that little shit is playing?” Charles asked, snapping Abel back to his present reality.

He shook his head. “I don’t believe he’s playing a game. And if he is, I wouldn’t have a clue as to what or why. The only thing I can figure is that it deals with going to his mother’s.”

Charles shook his head, huffing and puffing furiously. “This is exactly why I told you to stop him from going.”

“And I told you I tried.”

“Not hard enough.”

Abel stood up, stepping closer to Charles. “And as I said, he has every right to be upset. I’m not backing down from that. Besides, what’s done is done. We can only move forward from here. Tell me what I can do to change the situation for the better.”

Charles shrugged. “Well, I think we have two options.”

“And what are those?”

Charles continued, as he slowly walked back and forth in front of Abel. “We can either get James on the same page, or we do all we can to assume full control of the driver’s seat. It’s that simple.”

Abel shook his head. “I’m not taking anything from him.”

“Why not? He’s taken from you, has he not?”

“He’s had his reasons.”

Charles rolled his eyes once more. “Then get him on our side.”

– – – – – – – – –

James recalled how Aries attacked him. He wanted to be punished. Beaten upon. He wanted to feel pain. He wanted that pain to mask the pain he felt. He hoped that Aries would hit him hard enough for him to forget the memory that seemed to be tattooed to his brain.

“I don’t think you guys got very far down the road before…” He remembered his mother saying, before taking a pause to try and collect herself. She fanned her face with her hand, but it didn’t stop the tears from falling. It didn’t really seem to do much of anything in terms of relief.

“Mom…I know this is hard…” James recalled stating, part of him wondering why he was showing some sort of care and concern toward her. He felt that maybe he did care, while he also wanted to know the full truth, and nothing but. “Please…go on. I need to hear this.”

“You really don’t remember?” She asked, not looking at him, her eyes on the pictures.

“No. I don’t. I wish I did, but I don’t. I can’t.” He remembered stating; his response filled with venom. He didn’t know if it was directed towards her, or himself. He knew he had every reason to hate her, just as he felt he needed to beat himself up for forgetting.

“I wish I had that luxury.” She stated.

“How could you call this a luxury? Not being able to remember that you had a brother?” The venom intensified. “Having a mind like mine, where you’d rather bury the majority of your life because you had shit parents?” He recalled the memory flooding his mind to the point that he took the driver’s seat back from Abel, finding Aries on his shoulders, before he blasted his opponent with the Middle Finger to the Establishment.

Her response only threw him into a further rage. He no longer wanted to be punished. He wanted to punish everyone else. “You didn’t have shit parents. You have no idea what losing your brother…the brother that you can’t fucking remember…did to your father and I?”

“Oh, so losing Abel is the reason you guys got onto drugs?” He cried out. “Give me a goddamn break. Don’t use him as an excuse.”

“What’s your excuse for not remembering? Are you using the fact that your father and I were so devastated, that we didn’t know how else to cope, as an excuse? That is exactly what it sounds like James!”

He remembered wanting to hurt her, for making such a statement. He didn’t, however. James turned away, storming out of the house, telling himself his parents were to blame. His mother was the only one around, and she didn’t want to take any accountability. He hoped she cried her eyes out and tore out her hair after he left. He wanted her to hurt. He wanted her to continue being miserable.

He visualized hurting her, before driving Aries’ headfirst into the concrete. Once he saw his rival wasn’t moving, James stepped away, telling himself it was best, knowing he would do more harm than good.

– – – – – – – – –

“I guess I should say congratulations on the win.” Abel heard James state. He looked up to see him standing across from him, leaning against the wall.

“You should probably tell yourself that.” Abel said, looking back down. “You’re the one that knocked him out, rendering him unable to continue. That was all you. Had nothing to do with me.”

“I sense some resentment coming off you.” Abel looked up, and they locked eyes. James continued. “Yeah, I can tell just by looking at you that I’m correct. Want to tell me any differently?”

“I’ve no reason to lie. I am pissed. Wrestling was supposed to be mine. And you took that from me.”

“What do you want me to say, Abel? That I’m sorry?” James asked, pushing himself from the wall with the back of his heel. “Because I’m not. I was pissed off. I felt I had the right to vent, or cope somehow. Wrestling has typically helped me in that regard. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You could have communicated with me that was what you wanted.” Abel replied. “It would have been as simple as that.” He shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh. “I don’t understand why that is so hard for you. But then again, I told you not to go see your mother. You didn’t listen to me. Shows you don’t have a whole lot of respect for me.”

“And what about you?” James fired back. “You knew I had brother named Abel. You knew that I created you in my head as a way to have him around. That I couldn’t let go. And yet, you didn’t tell me. You tried to get me to leave her house, without telling me why. I don’t think I’d call that a lack of respect. I’d call that being a coward. That is exactly what you are.”

Abel rose to his feet, standing nose to nose with James. “I’m not a coward. I did what I was born to do, James. I was born to protect. That was what I tried to do. Protect you from the truth, because I knew it would send you into a tailspin, which it has.”

“Oh!” James nodded and chuckled, before he began to walk a circle around Abel. “You think its put me into a tailspin?” Abel nodded. “And what makes you think that?”

“You tried to cripple Aries.”

James scoffed. “Like you weren’t going to try and do the same.” Abel looked down. “That’s what I thought. So, don’t stand there and try to judge me.”

“I’m not judging you.”

“Clearly.”

“I just want to know what you’re thinking. We can be on the same page about things. The desire to hurt Aries should be evidence to prove that.”

James sighed. “I’m not going to apologize for what I did. I did what I did…for me. I wasn’t thinking about you. I wanted my mother to suffer, but I couldn’t bring myself to inflict any sort of pain upon her. I had Aries, so I went that route. What happens to him in the end, is of no concern to me.” Abel said nothing. “Do you think I went too far?”

“Why do you think I said it has sent you into a tailspin?”

“That’s rich coming from you.” James said, shaking his head, before grabbing the gym bag and his keys. He stepped outside of the locker room, as Abel followed. “I guess its safe to say that we truly can’t see eye to eye, no matter how many times we tell one another we can.”

Abel sighed, shaking his head, not saying anything as Charles’ words replayed for him. He didn’t want to go that route but wasn’t sure if James was going to be able to recover.  “Why don’t you let me take over for a little bit? Take some time for yourself.”

James looked at him, looking slightly offended at such a gesture. “Let you take over? Why? So, you can be ‘human’ again? Take time for myself? Why would I need that?”

“You’re clearly struggling with all this, James. There’s no shame in doing so. I’m only presenting it as an option. I’m trying to show you that we can work together and still co-exist.”

“You’re just in denial. It’s not possible, Abel. Those are just the facts.” James said as they continued down a hallway, headed towards a post-show all access event.

“Anything is possible, James. As long as you let me in.”

James shook his head, growing quiet. He felt, deep down, Abel was right but didn’t want to admit to anything at the time. He didn’t even want to do the event but being World Champion meant that he had to. He just wanted to go back to his hotel and lie next to his wife. If anyone could ease his pain, he knew it would be her.

“James…James Evans…”

He heard his name being called out. He didn’t know the voice. He slowly turned to find a young woman looking at him. “Yes?” He asked. James felt she looked familiar, but wasn’t quite able to pin it down as to why.

“You’re James?”

“Yes.”

He continued to rack his brain, trying to place her but couldn’t. It wasn’t until he heard Abel speak, that things slowly began to come together. “That’s her.”

“Her…who?” James asked.

“Amelia.”