Climaxing Denouement

Monday, January 13, 2003 - backstage, Jack Lynch Theater

The storm had passed.

Robert Lancaster embraced his wife tightly, tears now rolling down his face.  Various techies and MSWA officials looked on, some snickering, some smiling happily.  He sobbed gently, his eyes tightly closed, the MSWA Smokey Mountain Heritage Championship hanging tightly in his hand, draped over Stephanie's back.

Her tears, which were fresh on her face, were caused by an overload of emotions: Wright's touching proposal and Jennifer's acceptance, but primarily pride - pride in her husband, who she knew worked so hard since arriving in Memphis.  How many a night did she listen to him while they lay in bed, expressing his concerns for acceptance, or pining for home in Wessex.  The price to pay however was pale in comparison to the pay-off.

Lancaster's mind was a swirl as well, as he released his embrace and stared at his wife, a huge, speechless smile of pure joy on her face, paralleled on his.  The only words he could express at that moment were "I love you."  Without hesitation she returned those words to her husband, kissing him softly, her hands caressing his cheeks.

Their moment was interrupted - but quite welcomed - by Chris Wright and Jennifer, both of who had tears on their faces as well.  Happiness truly abounded at that moment.

Stephanie and Jennifer rushed to each other, both crying even more so now.  The Duke and Wright, unsure of what to do, stood for a moment, before they shook each other's hands, firmly, and warmly.  Truly a bond was forged that night, and those several nights ago in the ring in Wessex.

The girls let go, leaving the men to hug the other's woman.  Stephanie was first to speak, still sniffling.

"Congratulations Jen...I'm so happy for you."

"Likewise Chris...I may have won the match, but you won something much more valuable."

Chris smiled widely at the two, and then said, "We put on a hell of a match Robert, and for tonight you came out on top.  But next time the results might be differently.  As for having won something much  more valuable, you are so very right."

"I'm so happy Steph.  Oh look at me, crying like a little girl." Jen said as she laughed and cried, trying to wipe the tears off her face.

Stephanie took her hand, still fighting back her emotions.  "No no, Jen, you're gorgeous.  I just hope Edward will have a playmate in the next few years!"

The girls giggled together, squeezing their hands tighter.  Lancaster and Wright just laughed quietly, smiling at each other.  Robert put a hand on Chris' shoulder.

"Well my friend, I believe we have some celebrating to do.  What do you think of Erling Jensen's again...and I assure you, the bill will truly be on me tonight."

Chris smiled happily at the two girls, and then felt Robert place a hand on his shoulder.

"I think I would enjoy that a lot.  But I wonder what they're going to do about next week since your the champion - yet I guess that's something for anothher time.  I think we need to celebrate two important things tonight.  Your win, and Jen and my engagement."

"I'll drink to that.  I'll see you and Jen outside the Theater in about half an hour, if that's okay."

"I think half an hour should be fine, I know I need to shower and get changed and Jen probably wants to fix her make-up, and do the girlie thing."

"But of course, it'd be ungodly if they weren't allowed time for their 'girlie thing.'  I'll see you then."

Again, the two men shook hands, and the ladies embraced, as they then headed for their respective locker rooms.

Monday, January 13, 2003 - backstage, Jack Lynch Theater

Lancaster and his wife settled down in their locker room, where they had but one desire.  The Duke slipped out of his clothes, tossing the title to the side, and Stephanie out of hers, as they headed right for the shower.  Intertwined in a mad embrace, their lips fumbled to find the other's, hands groping across every inch of sensitive flesh.  Robert twinged at certain moments, the pain from his last match still apparent throughout his leg.  After about fifteen minutes or so, Stephanie left the shower, allowing her husband to actually clean up.  He exited the shower soon after, rejuvenated, and dressed into his favourite combination of khakis and a polo shirt.

Stephanie smiled brightly at the man she loved. "Ready to meet Chris and Jen?"

Robert fastened the last button on his polo shirt..

"Almost. Give me five minutes, I'll be back."  He leaned down and kissed his wife firmly on the forehead, as he exited the locker room and searched around the halls of the Jack Lynch Theater, before coming across the room he was looking for.  He stood, composed, however unsure of what to say.  No matter.  He knocked rhythmically.

"Go away," a voice inside called.

"No chance in hell," responded Robert.  He heard footsteps immediately, and the door swung open.

"Jeff old boy."  The Duke and his long time friend hurled their hands together for a firm handshake, eventually pulling together for a friendly embrace.  The two men smiled, having not seen each other face to face for weeks.

"Bob, come on in."  Lancaster despised the name 'Bob,' but allowed his oldest friend in wrestling the sole privilege of using that horrendous derivative of his name.  The Duke walked in and sat opposite his comrade.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your win tonight, see how the hell you are...as of late."  Robert smiled sympathetically, knowing the turmoil Kushner had seen lately with his now-estranged wife.

Jeff laughed to himself.  "I doubt you need to ask Bob.  But if it means anything, I've been doing okay.  Concentrating on business, seeing how the family is back in Toronto.  Just trying to keep busy."

"That's the best thing you can do I suppose," noted Lancaster.  "Besides, it's certainly paid off tonight.  You've honed your skills close to perfection.  Just do me a favour, promise we won't repeat our American Title feud...I'd like to hold onto this belt for at least a few weeks."

Kushner smirked, recalling their unpleasantries almost two years to that day, the climax of which was reached when Robert "Goodlife" cheated to win his American Title in the NAWA.

"Don't you worry Bob, I've got my eyes focused on that moron who hangs around with his two gigolos, Jonny Five.  Pretty soon, I do believe that you and I will both be sporting some gold...but my focus shall remain unwaivered until that moment, and until I reach the epitome of this sport once again."  Kushner's stern expression suddenly metamorphosed into a smile of confidence.  Lancaster knew that the smile on Kushner's face was unlike any other, and that he was a changed man.  Victory certainly was his destiny.

The Duke checked his watch quickly, and had to head out.  He stood up and said farewell to his friend.  On the way out,  Lancaster turned his head towards Kushner's direction.

"Oh Jeff...if you need anything ever...just call."

"And if you need any back up in the ring at all..."  Lancaster grinned, and closed the door.

Monday, January 13, 2003 - Erling Jensen's

The four found themselves back in the place of their first meeting, Erling Jensen's exclusive restaurant.  They were escorted to their table, all wearing very fine clothes, at the same table, with the same waiter.

James, the waiter, approached the table, and on seeing the four, frowned slightly.  Wright and Lancaster grinned at each other, before turning their attention to James.

"Good evening sir, sir...madam, madam.  I am James, and I shall be your waiter once more tonight, for what I hope will be a non-event filled evening."

The men restrained their laughter with all their might.  Wright responded to James' concerns.

"Well as for being non-eventful, I'm pretty sure it will be James.  All of us have had more than our fair share of eventfulness for the evening.  But then you never can tell with professional wrestlers." Chris said, the amusement apparent in his voice.

James was still weary.  "Very good sir...your menus.  I shall return in a moment."

Lancaster stopped him as James finished handing them their menus.  "Oh before you go...a bottle of Dom Perignon please, and four glasses. Right away please," as Robert snapped his fingers sarcastically.

James knew he was in for a long night.  "Right away...sir."  He turned around, his lips pursed together.  The men could no longer hold back their laughter, as they let go loudly.

"Did you see his face.  If he rolled his eyes any further, he would have had to pick them up off the floor.  So what's it feel like to be holding your first championship in the MSWA?"  Chris asked, his interest genuine and his smile not forced.

Lancaster smiled fondly at his new found friend.  "Pure magic...but not as pure nor magical as what you did this evening.  I can speak from experience that nothing can ever top the moment when Stephanie accepted my proposal...only when she spoke the words 'I do' was that moment surpassed."

The champagne arrived, silver ice bucket and all, with four glasses.  The glasses were handed out, and then filled with the priceless champagne.  As they were about to drink, Robert stood up.

"If I may, I would like to say a few things.  In my short time here in Memphis, I never thought I would find a comrade in arms, or a comrade outside the ring.  Mr. Wright, you have earned my respect and my admiration tonight, as a competitor, and a friend.  I know I speak for Stephanie when I wish you, and your gorgeous bride to be, all of God's blessings for a happy marriage...now, and always.  To you and Jennifer, Mr. Wright."  Lancaster raised his glass high.

Chris raised his glass as the Duke toasted him and Jennifer, and then nodded his head with a smile.

Standing he said, "And to you Mr. Lancaster.  A man who has helped me to figure out my life.  Both you and Stephanie have shown me there is more to this business than winning and losing.  There's respect, friendship and life outside of the squared circle.  For that you will always have my eternal gratitude."

With that, the four clinked their glasses together and then sipped from them, as Chris and Robert sat down again.

"Let's see what we have on the menu this week."

Robert smirked.  "I know what'll be on the menu for the both of us tonight."  He leaned over and whispered, "p*ssy," into Wright's ear.

The joke caught Chris off guard, and he choked on his champagne for a moment before he got it down the right hole, laughing with Robert, as the two girls looked on trying to figure out what just passed between the two men.

"That's on my menu every night, and twice on weekends." Chris said somewhat breathlessly as he worked on getting his air back after choking on the liquid.

Lancaster's response was cut off by the vibration of his phone.  Stephanie "tsk'ed."

"Robert, I thought you turned it off."

"I thought I did too," insisted the Duke.  "Pardon me, this will be one second."

Lancaster answered the phone.  "Lancaster.  Yes...well...I see...thank you...thanks."  He hung up the phone and slipped it back into his blazer inside pocket.

"Who was that," asked Stephanie.

"Just a call to let me know of next week's match...it seems Mr. Wright that your re-match will have to wait.  I've got Daniels to deal with in a non-title bout."

"Daniels?  You mean the guy who won the cage match tonight?  Should be an interesting match to say the least.  You'll have to take advantage of the fact that he was in one hell of a grueling match, and his body is probably still gonna be hurting next week."

Lancaster nodded.  "Yes, but mine might be too for all I know...at least my leg."  Lancaster rubbed his leg and glanced at Wright, who merely shrugged, rubbing his neck in response, reminding the Duke of the Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams he slapped on him.

Stephanie looked at Jen, and then at Robert. "Robert...think we could leave business outside for one evening?  I know Jen and I want to talk about the wedding...and all the shopping involved!"  The girls gleamed at each other.  The men knew what awaited their cheque books.

Twisting his head, Chris heard the crack from his neck and smiled as some slight pressure was relieved.

"Just gotta ice your knee a lot and don't work it too hard this week."

Looking at Robert when Stephanie mentioned shopping, he audibly groaned and rubbed his face with both hands.

"I completely forgot the shopping thing.  We'll never be able to afford the wedding because Jen's going to spend all our money shopping."

Jennifer lightly slapped Chris's shoulder and giggled as she said, "Oh quiet down you, or I won't let you see any lingerie I buy."

"On second thought, shopping can be a good thing."

Robert raised an eyebrow, and slowly nodded, agreeing entirely with Wright's statement.  The rest of the night was spent in leisurely conversation, with another bottle of champagne being consumed, and stories exchanged.  They parted ways after dessert, and Robert and his wife headed back to their Memphis condominium.

The Duke opened the door and threw his keys on a near by table, exhausted.  It was past midnight, almost nearing 1 am.  The Duke and Duchess entered their bedroom, and greeted the nanny who was minding Edward.  They exchanged a few words, and the Duke and Duchess thanked her.  Stephanie took Edward in her arms, and kissed him, before placing him back in his crib.  Robert in the mean time fell face first in a clump onto the mattress.

Stephanie reached into the Duke's gym bag and pulled out the title.  She grinned, and jumped onto Robert, who let out a cry of pain.  Steph giggled, obviously in a jubilant mood, holding the belt in her hand.

"Come on Robert...the night's young...and you always did like gold on me...particularly when I have nothing else on."

The Duke rolled over and looked up at his wife.  "Oh you know I do...but for some reason I don't quite feel like it.  Knowing Stratford was the holder of that belt just twenty-four hours ago...somewhat takes the joy out of it.  And now, knowing I have to face Daniels...for whatever reason...just takes me out of the mood."

Steph's expression mellowed, as she got off the Duke and leaned with one arm on the bed, placing the belt down on the Duke's chest.

"I suppose you're right hun...but I mean nobody can be totally surprised that he contracted that ailment...considering his lifestyle, he was asking for it almost.  But still, God help him.  We should do something nice for him."

"I was thinking we donate some money on his behalf."

Steph nodded her head in agreement.  Robert picked up the phone and called up his financial advisor, J.E. Pierce, in Toronto.  After speaking, they agreed to donate $50 000.

Having finished that, the Duke turned to look at his wife, who was feeding Edward quietly in their rocking chair.  "Well my love...to bed."

Stephanie joined him in about twenty minutes, and the Duke lay there, exhausted, yet, unable to sleep.  The moonlight penetrated their condominium ever so slightly, casting a white glow on the championship that lay opposite their bed.  How far I've come, he thought, considering it was the two year anniversary of winning the American Title.  That night was still as vivid as the one he just experienced.

Lancaster tossed and turned further as his wife slept soundly.  Suddenly, Edward's crying stirred them both completely awake.  Unable to sleep anyway, Robert whispered that he would take care of him.  The Duke shuffled out of his sheets and walked over to his baby's crib, taking Edward in his arms, and exiting the bedroom.  After some considerable effort, and about thirty minutes of walking around the condominium, Edward settled down, Robert returning him to his crib, to sleep...hopefully.

Lancaster knew that he himself could not enjoy that luxury, his leg and body in general still aching.  His age, although only thirty-two, was beginning to show somewhat.  His mind was fixated on Stratford, but also Daniels.

Robert proceeded to his den, sitting in front of his solid mahogany desk.  A drink was needed.  While pouring his J&B scotch, he decided to log onto the official MSWA website, to see if it could shed some light.  What he read surprised him a great deal:

Why indeed.  Lancaster frowned as he read the line over and over, repeatedly.  Robert knew his "friend" had recently had a change of ways, a change of heart, nearly exterminating Scott Easton in the process.  What the hell perverted his spirit.  Answers were needed, but he didn't have any of his own, and he knew that going to Daniels himself would most likely end in a meaningless Daniels diatribe laced with overdramatic words and zeal that would embarrass Hitler for its arrogance and egoism.

Where to turn.  To the phone.  And one man.  The denouement from capturing the title unexpectedly was soon to end, the climax, sure to return sooner than he thought.

"Jeremy..."