04-22-2023, 03:16 PM
+++ 27th March 2023 – New York +++
Adam Allocco had done a major job on Owen’s leg, of that there was very little doubt. Since Retribution, Owen had experienced some real tenderness, and he was eager to know if there was an underlying issue. With Breakdown upcoming, and the shit storm that Kim had put together, even at his best health it was by no means a foregone conclusion that he would leave that event with ANY title, never mind the World Championship. But carrying an injury, those odds lengthened even further. And right now, he had no intentions of letting go without a fight, but if there was a problem, then there was potentially a chance that the fight was going to be taken from him. Although Owen had moved to Los Angeles, and then to Miami after, he still went to the same Doctor, a man who trusted. He also knew that if it was bad news, Drew, or Doctor Hutch that most people knew him by, would tell him the truth. He had also been Orlando’s doctor for a large part of his career, which Owen also found reassuring.
Drew: So how have you been Owen, been a while since I saw you?
Owen: Very busy… how long is it? Three or four years?
Drew: Four, I think. I think the last time was when I referred you to a psychiatrist.
Owen: Yeah, you’re probably right.
Drew: How did that all go?
Owen: It worked out again… I’m still here anyways.
Drew: That’s an accomplishment in itself.
Owen laughs, rolling his eyes.
Owen: You don’t know the half of it mate. It’s been an ‘experience’ that’s for sure.
Drew: All we can do is learn from those experiences Owen, no one can ask any more of you than that. And Kloe, how is she doing these days?
Owen: Good, in fact she’s coming to work part time for me.
Drew: For you? Oh… you still got that clothing company then?
Owen: No… you ever heard of ‘Next Level’?
Drew: Is that the wrestling school that employs the homeless and gives them shelter?
Owen: That’s the one yeah… I own that.
Drew: You do?
Owen: Yeah, and don’t seem so surprised bro.
Drew: I’m sorry, I don’t mean to patronize, but you’re a bit young to be running a place like that.
Owen: In that case I’m not going to tell you me and my fiancée are having a baby together
Drew: Jesus Christ… I can remember when you weren’t any taller than this.
He holds out his hand, holding it about three feet from the floor.
Owen: Well, I’m not that much bigger now. But time flies that’s for sure. Seems like a lifetime ago Dad passed away, but at the same time seems like five minutes ago. Does that make sense?
Drew: It does. I’m sure from what you’ve told me he would have bee proud of you. I’m certain in fact.
Owen: I hope so Doc. Shame he can’t tell me himself though.
Drew: I don’t think it would have mattered what you did Owen, he was always talking about you. It was quite boring actually.
Owen: Thanks
They both laugh at the Doctors attempt at humor, but for Owen it was even more reassuring, considering Orlando wasn’t his biological Father. He certainly didn’t want to be like that particular individual that’s for sure.
Drew: So, when is the big day?
Owen: The wedding?
Drew: Yes, you did say fiancée, didn’t you?
Owen: I did. And it was supposed to be June this year, but with the recent ‘addition’ making its announcement, we have cancelled till next year. Jen doesn’t want to look like a blimp in her dress, her words not mine by the way.
Drew: Not a comment you’d be likely to get away with.
Owen: No, especially as she was a World Champion wrestler herself.
Drew: Well, I hope that whenever you decide to rebook, it all goes according to plan.
Owen: I’m sure it will.
Drew puts on his glasses, clasping his hands and leaning forwards.
Drew: So anyway, I guess we’d best crack on, you’re not my only patient. What can I do for you?
Owen: Couple of weeks back I was in a match…
Drew: You’re telling me that this is a sports injury. Don’t you guys have physiotherapists for this kind of thing.
Owen: Bro, I’ve been coming to you for years… I trust your opinion more than anyone else’s.
Drew: Flattery will get you everywhere.
Owen knew he was joking, and that was partially the reason why he liked coming here. Drew wasn’t stuffy like most doctors, and anyway if it was bad news, he knew the SCW physios would potentially put him on the shelf, and he wasn’t ready for that. Just yet.
Drew: OK then, what’s going on?
Owen: One of my opponents really targeted the leg, put it through some real punishment, and ever since then, occasionally, I get a twinge behind my knee. Nothing too major, but I know it’s there.
Drew: And do you have to be putting weight on it, or can it happen anytime?
Owen: Mostly when I’m walking… but if I’m sat and bend it, it can happen then too.
Drew: Alright, let’s take a look then.
Drew gets up from behind the desk, as Owen lifts up the leg of his joggers. Drew feels around the joint, and straightens, and then bends the leg looking for any reaction from Owen.
Owen: Told you, it’s intermittent.
Drew: Well, as you can tell it is obviously bruised, and there is a certain amount of swelling as well. Think it might be worth taking a scan and making sure that there is nothing else going on not immediately apparent.
Owen: Like?
Drew: You know there are a multitude of things that could be going on. I’m not one to guess. But, going on what you have told me, I think the best course of action would be to rest and not put too much strain on the joint. So yeah, scan… and maybe a couple of weeks without having to compete and you should be right as rain.
Owen scratches the top of his head, giving the obvious impression that wasn’t something he was particularly pleased with.
Drew: That sounds like something you didn’t want to hear.
Owen: It’s not great timing that’s all.
Drew: I know you well enough to understand that you’ll probably ignore anything I say, but I have to warn you. You could be risking further damage if you don’t lay up for a while. I can only give you my professional opinion Owen, that’s what you came to me before, but whoever did that to you knew what they were doing. They were trying to take you out of action.
Owen laughs, that not being anything new to him. Adam’s obsession with him had reached almost peak levels in the run in to Retribution, Owen finding out about Alistaire had only made the situation worse. It stood to reason that even if Adam couldn’t beat him, he was going to make damn sure that any chance he had of keeping hold of the World Championship for a significant amount of time was shortened. And with this clusterfuck of a match coming up on Breakdown, he had seemingly achieved that.
Owen: Look Doc, I’ve not told many people this, but soon, very soon in fact, I’m going to stop competing. Long story short, I want to be there for my kid, and I can’t do that if I am travelling around the world, constantly chasing titles. I just need the knee to hold out long enough for me to be able to end this on my terms, and I can’t do that if I sit out this next event and end up being stripped of my title anyway. If I lose, then I’m going to go down fighting.
Drew: I’m not going to pretend I agree, but I understand how competitive you are.
Owen: Put it this way… is there a chance that everything could be OK, and I could see out the next month… two at a max?
Drew: There is always a chance.
Owen: And if the knee did go, we are not talking permanent, never walk again kind of damage, right? It could be fixed.
Drew: Without knowing the injury, no Doctor or Physio in the world would promise that, but most knee injuries can be resolved whether by surgery or rehabilitation, yes.
Owen: So, if I want to go down in a blaze of glory, rather than a whimper, it’s an option.
Drew: Who knows Owen? Only you know if the risk is worth it. As I said before, I can only give you my professional opinion.
Owen knew the clever thing to do. He knew that right now, in this moment, he should vacate the World Championship belt, and walk away, quite literally.
+++ 5th April 2023 – Los Angeles +++
Breakdown had come and gone, and as expected had been a royal shit show. There was no doubt that Kim had ‘shaken things up’, and she had also claimed back the Underground title which was he only intention. But Owen had lost the World Championship by the narrowest of margins… one fall. And although he had the United States title now, something he had never held, it was more certainly bittersweet. Owen needed to clear his head, and as far as he was concerned, that meant chatting with his Uncle, who knew exactly what it was like to have been beaten by a situation, rather than a lack of ability. After some initial small talk, of course the conversation landed at events from one of the most chaotic Breakdown’s in living history.
Shaun: So, how you feeling… must sting a little to lose the World Championship like that?
Owen: Honestly Shaun, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I have the US title now, and a rematch in the offing. Knowing SCW like I do, I’m fairly certain that they are going to do title for title, which I know Josh wanted.
Shaun: But you didn’t?
Owen shrugs his shoulders
Owen: Yeah, I did… I mean, I do. Facing and beating Josh would be real validation of who I am and what I’ve done. Don’t tell him I said this, but he is without question going to go down as one of the greatest who ever lived.
Shaun: But?
Owen lowers his head for a moment. It was true, his head was all over the place right now, and he wasn’t sure exactly where he went from here.
Owen: I’m giving all of this up Shaun. I guess, it’s all about dealing with the possibility that I could end my wrestling career with perhaps one of the most crushing defeats of my life. If it goes title for title as I expect and I lose and end up with nothing, just like before, I’ll be walking away not happy with the way everything ended. So… I guess what I am saying is would it be better to just walk away now.
Shaun listens intently as he always did, and fully understood the emotions that Owen was going through. Even now, Shaun still had moments, little pangs of guilt for the way his own career ended, and the way he walked away from his job as SCW General Manager. He knew exactly what to say though.
Shaun: And it ending like this is better… knowing that the reality is Josh Hudson didn’t beat you for the world championship? He just got more falls within a time span.
Owen: That’s the million-dollar question Shaun, I don’t know.
Shaun: Oh, I think you do.
It seemed like Shaun had something important to say, and Owen leans in closer, ready to take in what he hoped would be sage advice. Shaun had very rarely steered him wrong in the past, and Owen was now mature enough to understand that people weren’t interfering, they were helping.
Shaun: Owen, you are just like I was, just like your Dad was. For us, it is all about the spirit of competition, and proving yourself as the very best in the business. Josh Hudson has been a pain in your side for months now, and now he has taken the World Championship from you, without proving that he is the better wrestler. If you walked away now, you would always have that nagging doubt. You’d ask yourself constantly, did he really deserve to take that World title from you, and it would eat away at you, until it consumed you. At least if you step up, you take that match at the PPV, and you do what you do, you will do everything that you could. And if it wasn’t good enough, at least you would know.
Owen: Yeah, and be hearing about it from Josh forever more.
Shaun: And so, what?
Owen: What do you mean?
Shaun: So, what if he flapped his gums and told the world that he was the better competitor and more worthy of the world championship. What does it matter if it turns out that was the truth? You’re twenty-three years old and have achieved more than most people your age, why can’t that be enough? Look, in years to come, people are going to talk about these past eighteen months, and the struggles you and Josh had, just like they talk about me and Syren, and your Dad and Desolation. And believe me, Josh knows that.
Owen: He does?
Shaun nods his head emphatically.
Shaun: Damn right he does Owen. Every word might be disparaging towards you, but I promise you that Josh Hudson respects you. If he didn’t Owen, he wouldn’t be so obsessed with facing you on more time. You don’t see him saying that to anyone else, do you?
Owen: I guess not.
Shaun: He knows how good you are Owen, and he knows that this finale, if it is a finale, would be a spectacular end, no matter what happens next. That’s special, and not everyone gets to experience it. You walk away from that, not knowing, and I promise you that you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. Win, you have that validation. Lose, and there is no shame losing to someone who will one day take their place in the Hall of Fame as one of the best technical wrestlers that ever existed. And it’s not just about validation for you, it’s about validation for Josh as well. He needs to know he is better than you.
Owen: Doesn’t he think he’s kicked my ass enough?
Shaun: That was then Owen. That was before you become World Champion. This isn’t about him believing you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and given chances he wasn’t. This is all about him proving that categorically he was always better than you. And honestly, I think you owe it to him.
Owen: Owe him, how do you figure that out?
Shaun laughs, recalling what he had said and how it sounded.
Shaun: Yeah, that came out wrong. He owes you too… it was obvious on Breakdown.
Owen: You’re going to have to provide some clarity here.
Shaun: Throughout that match you were constantly watching the other. Both of you wanting to get one up on the other. I’m going to be honest with you now Owen… when this is all over, the two of you will be at some wrestling convention somewhere and you’ll remember these as good times. Because the two of you have pushed each other to levels that neither thought they were capable of. You’re both of the top of your game not in spite of each other, but because of each other. And that’s special… whether you both want to admit it or not.
Owen: I never really thought about it like that.
Shaun: One more shot Owen, and believe me, win or lose you’ll be able to walk away with your head held high. Don’t do this, and you’ll always be wondering why… and you’ll never be happy in your ‘retirement’. No matter what you do next.
Owen: Well, when you say it like that…
Shaun: Give it you all Owen, prove you are better and then if you still feel the need, vacate the championship and walk away as the best in the world.
Finally, it all made sense. Although Owen had this injury niggle, he knew he had one big match left in him, and if that match proved once and for all he was at the very least Josh’s equal, that it was something that needed to be done. He was going to give it quite literally everything he had, and if it wasn’t enough… then so be it.
+++ 9th of April 2023 – New York +++
Owen was back in New York to tie up the final loose ends at the Shelter before he handed it over fully to Finch. Owen could have been nervous by the situation, but in actuality he was quite calm. Ever since Finch had ripped him off quite cruelly, led by Finn in a ruse that had ultimately failed, Finch had been every bit the loyal friend, and also a shrewd individual when it came to running the school. He had proven himself to Owen, and deserved the opportunity to really make something of himself, and to take school to even greater levels than it already was. This was good for Owen, he knew that his time in New York was over, and he needed to concentrate now on his new life in Miami. And he found himself in a really good mood as he sat at the computer and gave Finch access to files that previously he wouldn’t have been aware of. Even the knock at the door doesn’t fill him with any dread of what might be on the other side of it. Though, Finch’s face, and the two police officers stood behind him does make his heart drop a little, especially as he has already read the look on their faces, and this doesn’t seem like it’s going to be good news.
Finch: Owen… they would like a word with you.
Officer One: I’m Officer Brennon, and this is my colleague, Officer Taylor. We will only take up a few moments of your time Mr. Cruze.
Owen: Sure, come in… would you like a coffee?
Officer Brennon: No, that’s fine thank you.
Finch: Ok, I’ll leave you to it.
Finch pulls a face as he leaves, closing the door behind him. The two officers take a seat when offered by Owen who doesn’t stand.
Owen: So, what can I do for you?
Officer Brennon: I’m afraid to say we bring with us some bad news.
Owen: This is about Morris isn’t it?
Brennon nods, turning to his colleague who takes up the story.
Officer Taylor: As you know Mr. Cruze…
Owen: Please, call me Owen.
Officer Taylor: As you know Owen, Eric Morris was taken in for custody, based on the information that you gave us. Good work there by the way.
Owen shrugs, it had been a fortunate accident, but they didn’t need to know that.
Officer Taylor: Anyway, long story short, Morris was facing a very long sentence…
Owen: Was?
Officer Taylor: … Eric had some very high-ranking officials on his payroll, and information that was very useful in our investigations against them, including the Chief.
Owen: And let me guess… the State believe that information is more important than Eric Morris having killed a person?
Owen could see that he was right and was doing his best not to get angry.
Owen: So, what then? Are you telling me that he has walked away scot free?
Officer Brennon: No, thankfully that isn’t the case. But, he did negotiate a plea deal, and will now serve a lesser sentence than he would have got. You’ve nothing to worry about Owen, he’s going to be behind bars for a long time.
Owen: I guess that’s something. Still sucks though.
Officer Taylor: Unfortunately, that’s how it works. Yes, he won’t spend the rest of his life in prison, and one day will be a free man. But, because of that, we have blown apart corruption going all the way to the very top. I get you are angry, but we have to look at the bigger picture. I know that’s not what you wanted to here, but we thought it best you know.
Owen: Yeah, thank you. I appreciate that.
Officer Taylor gets to his feet, Brennon doing the same.
Officer Taylor: OK, so if you don’t have any questions, we’ll get out your hair. Sorry again Owen.
Owen: It’s fine… at least he’s not terrorizing the streets.
Officer Brennon: Exactly. Thank you for your time.
The officers leave the office, and Owen reaches into the desk drawer, pulling out a bottle of Jack Daniels and pouring himself a generous measure. He doesn’t hang around, and downs the whiskey in one. It wasn’t the result he had wanted, but at least one way or another it was over and he could move on.
+++ 12th of April 2023 – New York +++
The news hadn’t been the best for Owen, but with Morris behind bars, he did still at least feel confident in Kloe and Finch taking over, and Owen not dropping them in the middle of a storm. This was officially the last day that he would have anything to do with the running of New York, and he felt relaxed in doing so, so much so Finch had believed there was something a little more, a ‘but’ that was incoming.
Finch: This still all seems a little weird to me bro, are you sure there isn’t more to this that you are not telling us.
Owen chuckles, he knew Finch had been a little on edge throughout the conversation, a lot less at ease with everything as Kloe had seemed.
Owen: What do you mean?
Finch: I mean just handing everything over. I’m glad that you trust me bro, it means everything that you’ve put me in total charge… and I promise I won’t let you down.
Owen: I know you won’t.
Finch: But it just doesn’t seem like you, handing over control of something that means so much to you.
Owen: I get that, but it doesn’t mean everything to me. Not in the same way Jen and the Baby do. And anyway, it’s not like I’m handing it over for you to run it into the ground. I’ll expect results, and if I don’t get them, we shall be having words.
Owen says it with a grin, although Finch knew he was only half joking.
Owen: So basically, that’s it Mom… Finch pretty much had control of everything else anyway so he can bring you up to speed with all of that. Just get a feel for the place, get your feet under the table and anything you need, give Finch a shout. Most of all I believe in the two of you, you’ve both got this. Do good things.
Finch: We will… so how’s Miami coming along?
Owen: Sale is complete and begin work on the place next week. Thankfully the set-up means there isn’t anything like the work we had to do here, it’s almost all in place anyway. Gonna get Pixie to do some of the marketing and social media to hopefully whip up some interest and hopefully open in two to three months. That’s the pan anyway. That will then give me a few months before the baby is born to get a Manager in place there, and then I’ll just sit back and watch the profits come in.
Laughing, he punches Finch on the arm.
Owen: Lots of profits OK Finch, this kid isn’t going to want for anything.
Finch: You got it bro.
Owen: So yeah, that’s it, back to work and make me some money.
Finch gets to his feet, but Kloe stays seated, catching Owen’s glance.
Kloe: Can I just have a quick word, Owen?
Owen: I know, you have a few misgivings working for Finch, but he’s not that bad honestly.
Finch: Hey…
Kloe: No, it’s not that I promise Finch.
Finch: No bother, I’m used to this asshole winding me up. I remember when he was shy and it was on the other foot so I guess I’ve learned to take it. I’ll leave you two to it.
Owen: Cheers bro
Finch leaves the office, leaving Owen and his Mom alone.
Owen: So, what’s up?
Kloe: It might be nothing, it’s just what Finch said. I’ve noticed it too.
Owen: What?
Kloe: You seem… uncertain about this whole thing. Like you’re not sure you are doing the right thing.
Owen: No, I am. Honestly Mom, this is the right thing to do, I know it is.
Kloe: So, what is it then? There is something, call it Mother’s intuition.
Owen: There’s just been quite a lot going on of late, I just want to be certain that you two are going to be ok.
Kloe: What does that mean?
It only seemed fair that Kloe knew what was going on, and what Owen had been through the last few months.
Owen: Look, if I tell you this, you can’t tell Finch ok? He’s got enough on his plate without dealing with that.
Kloe: OK.
Owen: There was a guy targeting this place, trying to buy me out, well trying to force me to sell actually. It’s been dealt with, I saw to that. But this guy knew a lot of people in New York and I don’t want to put you both in danger.
Kloe: Dealt with?
Owen: He’s in prison, and will be for a long time.
Kloe: I see. I don’t think I want to know how you made that happen.
Owen: Mom, I’d understand if you didn’t want to do this. But I’ve seen the things he is capable of, and it would be wrong if I didn’t warn you. You’ll have Jacob, and Jason, but this guy… he is something else. I don’t think he would do anything, not now. But I can’t rule it out.
Kloe: And that’s what’s been stressing you out?
Owen: Yeah.
Kloe: And here I was believing you were scared of becoming a Father.
Owen shakes his head emphatically.
Owen: No, not in the slightest. In fact, I’m doing all of this because I want to be a good Dad. I just don’t want to put you in danger simply because I want a quiet life. So yeah, if you want to change your mind, that’s cool.
Kloe: Do you even know me Owen?
Owen seems more than a little surprised with the question.
Owen: What do you mean?
Kloe: I was married to your Father for over a decade, do you really believe that I’ve never dealt with a little bit of danger?
Owen: I know, but
Kloe: No, seriously. I’m not going to let some wannabe gangster scare me when he’s locked up in jail. And if he does come looking, then he will get more than he has bargained for. You’re not the only tough nut in this family young man. So don’t worry.
Owen: Are you sure?
Kloe: Very. Go back to Miami and build a life for your family, that’s what’s important. And hey, if I do a good job here, maybe I can take the manager’s job at the new place.
Owen: You’d want that?
Kloe: I don’t know… we’ll have to wait and see won’t we? But, either way please don’t worry. You’ve got more than enough to deal with without worrying about me. Like you said, I’ve got this. And you know what Owen, so have you. Now, I’ll get back to work.
Kloe stands and kisses Owen on the forehead, before heading to the door and opening it.
Owen: Mom?
Kloe turns to face her son, nodding as she does.
Kloe: Yeah?
Owen: I love you.
Kloe: Love you too Owen.
And with that she leaves, the office door closing behind her. Owen feeling a little better with things, but still with that little bit of trepidation sat in the middle of his stomach, causing that familiar feeling of anxiety. He gets to his feet, taking one final look around the office and the picture of his Father on the desk. He picks up the picture, deciding then and there that it was coming with him to Miami. With a smile, he closes the door behind him, as the scene fades.
+++ 18th of April 2023 – Miami +++
Being back in Miami had allowed him to refocus and focus all his energies away from New York. That didn’t mean that he had forgotten about it, but with his Mom’s words ringing in his ears he had tried not to worry. Instead, with Jen in Miami they had spent some well-earned time together, knowing that soon all focus would be on the title for title match at what in Owen’s mind could turn out to be his last SCW PPV ever. He had of course kept up his training, planning to outlast Josh Hudson in a way he had never been able to before. But that didn’t mean that he hadn’t enjoyed his conversations with Jen about their future together, and where they saw their lives in five years’ time, even ten. Only two years ago, Owen would have struggle to believe he even had a future, never mind one as satisfying as that which he could now envision. One where he had everything he had ever needed. Right now, sat on the veranda overlooking the beach, this was exactly where he wanted to be, Jennifer looking as radiant as ever and really embracing her pregnancy, even the morning sickness which at times had been crippling for her. Owen sits, just looking at her as she reads, until he is interrupted by the house phone ringing. He instinctively looks at his mobile, with has no missed calls, and then head into the house and brings the handset out onto the veranda, He places it on the table, and presses the speaker button.
Owen: Hello…
Finch: Owen, its Finch.
Straight away, Owen senses a troubling tone in his voice, telling him that something was wrong.
Owen: Hey man, what’s up?
Finch: Are you sat down?
Jennifer puts her book down, also understanding Finch’s tone.
Owen: It’s not Mom is it?
Finch: No, it’s nothing like that, but are you sat down?
Owen: Yeah, what’s wrong Finch?
Finch: The school, it was broken into last night and it’s been ransacked. Serious Owen, whoever this was did a real number on the place. It’s going to cost a bomb to fix and we are going to have to close for a while.
Owen is silent, his mind already whirring with the possibilities.
Finch: Owen?
Owen: No one was hurt right?
Finch: No, doesn’t look like that was the intention. They didn’t break into the office, or steal the cash from the safe. It just looked like they want to cause as much damage as they possibly could. It would have been worse, but a couple of the residents disturbed them and they did one.
Owen: OK, well, figure out how much it is going to cost to put it right, and get an estimate on a revamped security system.
Finch: No problem, you reckon this was vandals?
Owen: Maybe. Or could be one of Morris’s goons looking to cause trouble. Might even be Kandis and Tommy for all we know. Not bothered about that right now anyway. Let’s just get it all sorted and get the place back open. Might be worth thinking about employing a guard or something. Just for the foreseeable.
Finch: I’ll look into it.
Owen: Ok, well thanks for letting me know Finch.
Finch: Err, that’s not all the news, I have for you.
Owen: You mean there’s more?
His mobile phone pings, Owen picking it up.
Finch: I’ve just sent you a link to a website.
Owen clicks on the link, and immediately his eyes widen as he focusses on the headline.
“NEW YORK BUSINESSMAN MURDERED IN PRISON CELL.”
Owen then goes on to read the article that explains in vivid detail how Eric Morris was stabbed over seventeen times in his prison cell, and had died before the prison guards had got to him
Finch: Mad, isn’t it?
Owen: Seems someone didn’t like him in there.
Finch: By the sound of it, there wasn’t many who liked him out here.
Owen: He would have had his fair share of enemies that’s for sure.
Owen slides the phone over to Jennifer who reads as Owen continues to speak with Finch.
Owen: OK, well unless you have some other ‘good’ news to share?
Finch: No reckon that’s it.
Owen: I’ll leave you to it then… don’t worry about the cost bro, just keep the place safe ok?
Finch: Got it, talk to you later Owen.
Owen: Cool
The line goes dead, Owen looking up at Jennifer who is reading the article in some shock.
Jennifer: I mean, I guess it means he is out of your life now.
Owen: Yeah, couldn’t guessed this would happen. Someone like that in prison. I just thought he’d buy his way out of trouble like he always did.
Jennifer: You ok?
Owen: Yeah, it’s just Mom and Finch being there, it worries me.
Jennifer: So what you thinking?
Owen: Maybe I should just call it quits. Close the place down because it’s been more trouble than it is…
Jennifer: Worth? You don’t mean that surely. The people you help wouldn’t see it like that.
Owen: I know, but this is my Mom, I can’t lose her.
Jennifer: I get that, but there is nothing to suggest that this isn’t anything but some idiots, high on meth or something worse. Look, I’ll support you with whatever you decide to do, you know that don’t you?
Owen: Of course.
Jennifer: All I’m saying is have a bit more faith in them. They wouldn’t be there unless they wanted to be, would they?
Owen: I guess not
Owen’s phone goes off again, Jennifer eyes widening at the text message which she reads, and then passes the phone back to Owen biting her bottom lip. Owen reads it, a deep sigh escaping as he focusses on just three words from an unknown number.
“THIS ISN’T OVER!!!”
Scene fades.
Adam Allocco had done a major job on Owen’s leg, of that there was very little doubt. Since Retribution, Owen had experienced some real tenderness, and he was eager to know if there was an underlying issue. With Breakdown upcoming, and the shit storm that Kim had put together, even at his best health it was by no means a foregone conclusion that he would leave that event with ANY title, never mind the World Championship. But carrying an injury, those odds lengthened even further. And right now, he had no intentions of letting go without a fight, but if there was a problem, then there was potentially a chance that the fight was going to be taken from him. Although Owen had moved to Los Angeles, and then to Miami after, he still went to the same Doctor, a man who trusted. He also knew that if it was bad news, Drew, or Doctor Hutch that most people knew him by, would tell him the truth. He had also been Orlando’s doctor for a large part of his career, which Owen also found reassuring.
Drew: So how have you been Owen, been a while since I saw you?
Owen: Very busy… how long is it? Three or four years?
Drew: Four, I think. I think the last time was when I referred you to a psychiatrist.
Owen: Yeah, you’re probably right.
Drew: How did that all go?
Owen: It worked out again… I’m still here anyways.
Drew: That’s an accomplishment in itself.
Owen laughs, rolling his eyes.
Owen: You don’t know the half of it mate. It’s been an ‘experience’ that’s for sure.
Drew: All we can do is learn from those experiences Owen, no one can ask any more of you than that. And Kloe, how is she doing these days?
Owen: Good, in fact she’s coming to work part time for me.
Drew: For you? Oh… you still got that clothing company then?
Owen: No… you ever heard of ‘Next Level’?
Drew: Is that the wrestling school that employs the homeless and gives them shelter?
Owen: That’s the one yeah… I own that.
Drew: You do?
Owen: Yeah, and don’t seem so surprised bro.
Drew: I’m sorry, I don’t mean to patronize, but you’re a bit young to be running a place like that.
Owen: In that case I’m not going to tell you me and my fiancée are having a baby together
Drew: Jesus Christ… I can remember when you weren’t any taller than this.
He holds out his hand, holding it about three feet from the floor.
Owen: Well, I’m not that much bigger now. But time flies that’s for sure. Seems like a lifetime ago Dad passed away, but at the same time seems like five minutes ago. Does that make sense?
Drew: It does. I’m sure from what you’ve told me he would have bee proud of you. I’m certain in fact.
Owen: I hope so Doc. Shame he can’t tell me himself though.
Drew: I don’t think it would have mattered what you did Owen, he was always talking about you. It was quite boring actually.
Owen: Thanks
They both laugh at the Doctors attempt at humor, but for Owen it was even more reassuring, considering Orlando wasn’t his biological Father. He certainly didn’t want to be like that particular individual that’s for sure.
Drew: So, when is the big day?
Owen: The wedding?
Drew: Yes, you did say fiancée, didn’t you?
Owen: I did. And it was supposed to be June this year, but with the recent ‘addition’ making its announcement, we have cancelled till next year. Jen doesn’t want to look like a blimp in her dress, her words not mine by the way.
Drew: Not a comment you’d be likely to get away with.
Owen: No, especially as she was a World Champion wrestler herself.
Drew: Well, I hope that whenever you decide to rebook, it all goes according to plan.
Owen: I’m sure it will.
Drew puts on his glasses, clasping his hands and leaning forwards.
Drew: So anyway, I guess we’d best crack on, you’re not my only patient. What can I do for you?
Owen: Couple of weeks back I was in a match…
Drew: You’re telling me that this is a sports injury. Don’t you guys have physiotherapists for this kind of thing.
Owen: Bro, I’ve been coming to you for years… I trust your opinion more than anyone else’s.
Drew: Flattery will get you everywhere.
Owen knew he was joking, and that was partially the reason why he liked coming here. Drew wasn’t stuffy like most doctors, and anyway if it was bad news, he knew the SCW physios would potentially put him on the shelf, and he wasn’t ready for that. Just yet.
Drew: OK then, what’s going on?
Owen: One of my opponents really targeted the leg, put it through some real punishment, and ever since then, occasionally, I get a twinge behind my knee. Nothing too major, but I know it’s there.
Drew: And do you have to be putting weight on it, or can it happen anytime?
Owen: Mostly when I’m walking… but if I’m sat and bend it, it can happen then too.
Drew: Alright, let’s take a look then.
Drew gets up from behind the desk, as Owen lifts up the leg of his joggers. Drew feels around the joint, and straightens, and then bends the leg looking for any reaction from Owen.
Owen: Told you, it’s intermittent.
Drew: Well, as you can tell it is obviously bruised, and there is a certain amount of swelling as well. Think it might be worth taking a scan and making sure that there is nothing else going on not immediately apparent.
Owen: Like?
Drew: You know there are a multitude of things that could be going on. I’m not one to guess. But, going on what you have told me, I think the best course of action would be to rest and not put too much strain on the joint. So yeah, scan… and maybe a couple of weeks without having to compete and you should be right as rain.
Owen scratches the top of his head, giving the obvious impression that wasn’t something he was particularly pleased with.
Drew: That sounds like something you didn’t want to hear.
Owen: It’s not great timing that’s all.
Drew: I know you well enough to understand that you’ll probably ignore anything I say, but I have to warn you. You could be risking further damage if you don’t lay up for a while. I can only give you my professional opinion Owen, that’s what you came to me before, but whoever did that to you knew what they were doing. They were trying to take you out of action.
Owen laughs, that not being anything new to him. Adam’s obsession with him had reached almost peak levels in the run in to Retribution, Owen finding out about Alistaire had only made the situation worse. It stood to reason that even if Adam couldn’t beat him, he was going to make damn sure that any chance he had of keeping hold of the World Championship for a significant amount of time was shortened. And with this clusterfuck of a match coming up on Breakdown, he had seemingly achieved that.
Owen: Look Doc, I’ve not told many people this, but soon, very soon in fact, I’m going to stop competing. Long story short, I want to be there for my kid, and I can’t do that if I am travelling around the world, constantly chasing titles. I just need the knee to hold out long enough for me to be able to end this on my terms, and I can’t do that if I sit out this next event and end up being stripped of my title anyway. If I lose, then I’m going to go down fighting.
Drew: I’m not going to pretend I agree, but I understand how competitive you are.
Owen: Put it this way… is there a chance that everything could be OK, and I could see out the next month… two at a max?
Drew: There is always a chance.
Owen: And if the knee did go, we are not talking permanent, never walk again kind of damage, right? It could be fixed.
Drew: Without knowing the injury, no Doctor or Physio in the world would promise that, but most knee injuries can be resolved whether by surgery or rehabilitation, yes.
Owen: So, if I want to go down in a blaze of glory, rather than a whimper, it’s an option.
Drew: Who knows Owen? Only you know if the risk is worth it. As I said before, I can only give you my professional opinion.
Owen knew the clever thing to do. He knew that right now, in this moment, he should vacate the World Championship belt, and walk away, quite literally.
+++ 5th April 2023 – Los Angeles +++
Breakdown had come and gone, and as expected had been a royal shit show. There was no doubt that Kim had ‘shaken things up’, and she had also claimed back the Underground title which was he only intention. But Owen had lost the World Championship by the narrowest of margins… one fall. And although he had the United States title now, something he had never held, it was more certainly bittersweet. Owen needed to clear his head, and as far as he was concerned, that meant chatting with his Uncle, who knew exactly what it was like to have been beaten by a situation, rather than a lack of ability. After some initial small talk, of course the conversation landed at events from one of the most chaotic Breakdown’s in living history.
Shaun: So, how you feeling… must sting a little to lose the World Championship like that?
Owen: Honestly Shaun, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I have the US title now, and a rematch in the offing. Knowing SCW like I do, I’m fairly certain that they are going to do title for title, which I know Josh wanted.
Shaun: But you didn’t?
Owen shrugs his shoulders
Owen: Yeah, I did… I mean, I do. Facing and beating Josh would be real validation of who I am and what I’ve done. Don’t tell him I said this, but he is without question going to go down as one of the greatest who ever lived.
Shaun: But?
Owen lowers his head for a moment. It was true, his head was all over the place right now, and he wasn’t sure exactly where he went from here.
Owen: I’m giving all of this up Shaun. I guess, it’s all about dealing with the possibility that I could end my wrestling career with perhaps one of the most crushing defeats of my life. If it goes title for title as I expect and I lose and end up with nothing, just like before, I’ll be walking away not happy with the way everything ended. So… I guess what I am saying is would it be better to just walk away now.
Shaun listens intently as he always did, and fully understood the emotions that Owen was going through. Even now, Shaun still had moments, little pangs of guilt for the way his own career ended, and the way he walked away from his job as SCW General Manager. He knew exactly what to say though.
Shaun: And it ending like this is better… knowing that the reality is Josh Hudson didn’t beat you for the world championship? He just got more falls within a time span.
Owen: That’s the million-dollar question Shaun, I don’t know.
Shaun: Oh, I think you do.
It seemed like Shaun had something important to say, and Owen leans in closer, ready to take in what he hoped would be sage advice. Shaun had very rarely steered him wrong in the past, and Owen was now mature enough to understand that people weren’t interfering, they were helping.
Shaun: Owen, you are just like I was, just like your Dad was. For us, it is all about the spirit of competition, and proving yourself as the very best in the business. Josh Hudson has been a pain in your side for months now, and now he has taken the World Championship from you, without proving that he is the better wrestler. If you walked away now, you would always have that nagging doubt. You’d ask yourself constantly, did he really deserve to take that World title from you, and it would eat away at you, until it consumed you. At least if you step up, you take that match at the PPV, and you do what you do, you will do everything that you could. And if it wasn’t good enough, at least you would know.
Owen: Yeah, and be hearing about it from Josh forever more.
Shaun: And so, what?
Owen: What do you mean?
Shaun: So, what if he flapped his gums and told the world that he was the better competitor and more worthy of the world championship. What does it matter if it turns out that was the truth? You’re twenty-three years old and have achieved more than most people your age, why can’t that be enough? Look, in years to come, people are going to talk about these past eighteen months, and the struggles you and Josh had, just like they talk about me and Syren, and your Dad and Desolation. And believe me, Josh knows that.
Owen: He does?
Shaun nods his head emphatically.
Shaun: Damn right he does Owen. Every word might be disparaging towards you, but I promise you that Josh Hudson respects you. If he didn’t Owen, he wouldn’t be so obsessed with facing you on more time. You don’t see him saying that to anyone else, do you?
Owen: I guess not.
Shaun: He knows how good you are Owen, and he knows that this finale, if it is a finale, would be a spectacular end, no matter what happens next. That’s special, and not everyone gets to experience it. You walk away from that, not knowing, and I promise you that you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. Win, you have that validation. Lose, and there is no shame losing to someone who will one day take their place in the Hall of Fame as one of the best technical wrestlers that ever existed. And it’s not just about validation for you, it’s about validation for Josh as well. He needs to know he is better than you.
Owen: Doesn’t he think he’s kicked my ass enough?
Shaun: That was then Owen. That was before you become World Champion. This isn’t about him believing you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and given chances he wasn’t. This is all about him proving that categorically he was always better than you. And honestly, I think you owe it to him.
Owen: Owe him, how do you figure that out?
Shaun laughs, recalling what he had said and how it sounded.
Shaun: Yeah, that came out wrong. He owes you too… it was obvious on Breakdown.
Owen: You’re going to have to provide some clarity here.
Shaun: Throughout that match you were constantly watching the other. Both of you wanting to get one up on the other. I’m going to be honest with you now Owen… when this is all over, the two of you will be at some wrestling convention somewhere and you’ll remember these as good times. Because the two of you have pushed each other to levels that neither thought they were capable of. You’re both of the top of your game not in spite of each other, but because of each other. And that’s special… whether you both want to admit it or not.
Owen: I never really thought about it like that.
Shaun: One more shot Owen, and believe me, win or lose you’ll be able to walk away with your head held high. Don’t do this, and you’ll always be wondering why… and you’ll never be happy in your ‘retirement’. No matter what you do next.
Owen: Well, when you say it like that…
Shaun: Give it you all Owen, prove you are better and then if you still feel the need, vacate the championship and walk away as the best in the world.
Finally, it all made sense. Although Owen had this injury niggle, he knew he had one big match left in him, and if that match proved once and for all he was at the very least Josh’s equal, that it was something that needed to be done. He was going to give it quite literally everything he had, and if it wasn’t enough… then so be it.
+++ 9th of April 2023 – New York +++
Owen was back in New York to tie up the final loose ends at the Shelter before he handed it over fully to Finch. Owen could have been nervous by the situation, but in actuality he was quite calm. Ever since Finch had ripped him off quite cruelly, led by Finn in a ruse that had ultimately failed, Finch had been every bit the loyal friend, and also a shrewd individual when it came to running the school. He had proven himself to Owen, and deserved the opportunity to really make something of himself, and to take school to even greater levels than it already was. This was good for Owen, he knew that his time in New York was over, and he needed to concentrate now on his new life in Miami. And he found himself in a really good mood as he sat at the computer and gave Finch access to files that previously he wouldn’t have been aware of. Even the knock at the door doesn’t fill him with any dread of what might be on the other side of it. Though, Finch’s face, and the two police officers stood behind him does make his heart drop a little, especially as he has already read the look on their faces, and this doesn’t seem like it’s going to be good news.
Finch: Owen… they would like a word with you.
Officer One: I’m Officer Brennon, and this is my colleague, Officer Taylor. We will only take up a few moments of your time Mr. Cruze.
Owen: Sure, come in… would you like a coffee?
Officer Brennon: No, that’s fine thank you.
Finch: Ok, I’ll leave you to it.
Finch pulls a face as he leaves, closing the door behind him. The two officers take a seat when offered by Owen who doesn’t stand.
Owen: So, what can I do for you?
Officer Brennon: I’m afraid to say we bring with us some bad news.
Owen: This is about Morris isn’t it?
Brennon nods, turning to his colleague who takes up the story.
Officer Taylor: As you know Mr. Cruze…
Owen: Please, call me Owen.
Officer Taylor: As you know Owen, Eric Morris was taken in for custody, based on the information that you gave us. Good work there by the way.
Owen shrugs, it had been a fortunate accident, but they didn’t need to know that.
Officer Taylor: Anyway, long story short, Morris was facing a very long sentence…
Owen: Was?
Officer Taylor: … Eric had some very high-ranking officials on his payroll, and information that was very useful in our investigations against them, including the Chief.
Owen: And let me guess… the State believe that information is more important than Eric Morris having killed a person?
Owen could see that he was right and was doing his best not to get angry.
Owen: So, what then? Are you telling me that he has walked away scot free?
Officer Brennon: No, thankfully that isn’t the case. But, he did negotiate a plea deal, and will now serve a lesser sentence than he would have got. You’ve nothing to worry about Owen, he’s going to be behind bars for a long time.
Owen: I guess that’s something. Still sucks though.
Officer Taylor: Unfortunately, that’s how it works. Yes, he won’t spend the rest of his life in prison, and one day will be a free man. But, because of that, we have blown apart corruption going all the way to the very top. I get you are angry, but we have to look at the bigger picture. I know that’s not what you wanted to here, but we thought it best you know.
Owen: Yeah, thank you. I appreciate that.
Officer Taylor gets to his feet, Brennon doing the same.
Officer Taylor: OK, so if you don’t have any questions, we’ll get out your hair. Sorry again Owen.
Owen: It’s fine… at least he’s not terrorizing the streets.
Officer Brennon: Exactly. Thank you for your time.
The officers leave the office, and Owen reaches into the desk drawer, pulling out a bottle of Jack Daniels and pouring himself a generous measure. He doesn’t hang around, and downs the whiskey in one. It wasn’t the result he had wanted, but at least one way or another it was over and he could move on.
+++ 12th of April 2023 – New York +++
The news hadn’t been the best for Owen, but with Morris behind bars, he did still at least feel confident in Kloe and Finch taking over, and Owen not dropping them in the middle of a storm. This was officially the last day that he would have anything to do with the running of New York, and he felt relaxed in doing so, so much so Finch had believed there was something a little more, a ‘but’ that was incoming.
Finch: This still all seems a little weird to me bro, are you sure there isn’t more to this that you are not telling us.
Owen chuckles, he knew Finch had been a little on edge throughout the conversation, a lot less at ease with everything as Kloe had seemed.
Owen: What do you mean?
Finch: I mean just handing everything over. I’m glad that you trust me bro, it means everything that you’ve put me in total charge… and I promise I won’t let you down.
Owen: I know you won’t.
Finch: But it just doesn’t seem like you, handing over control of something that means so much to you.
Owen: I get that, but it doesn’t mean everything to me. Not in the same way Jen and the Baby do. And anyway, it’s not like I’m handing it over for you to run it into the ground. I’ll expect results, and if I don’t get them, we shall be having words.
Owen says it with a grin, although Finch knew he was only half joking.
Owen: So basically, that’s it Mom… Finch pretty much had control of everything else anyway so he can bring you up to speed with all of that. Just get a feel for the place, get your feet under the table and anything you need, give Finch a shout. Most of all I believe in the two of you, you’ve both got this. Do good things.
Finch: We will… so how’s Miami coming along?
Owen: Sale is complete and begin work on the place next week. Thankfully the set-up means there isn’t anything like the work we had to do here, it’s almost all in place anyway. Gonna get Pixie to do some of the marketing and social media to hopefully whip up some interest and hopefully open in two to three months. That’s the pan anyway. That will then give me a few months before the baby is born to get a Manager in place there, and then I’ll just sit back and watch the profits come in.
Laughing, he punches Finch on the arm.
Owen: Lots of profits OK Finch, this kid isn’t going to want for anything.
Finch: You got it bro.
Owen: So yeah, that’s it, back to work and make me some money.
Finch gets to his feet, but Kloe stays seated, catching Owen’s glance.
Kloe: Can I just have a quick word, Owen?
Owen: I know, you have a few misgivings working for Finch, but he’s not that bad honestly.
Finch: Hey…
Kloe: No, it’s not that I promise Finch.
Finch: No bother, I’m used to this asshole winding me up. I remember when he was shy and it was on the other foot so I guess I’ve learned to take it. I’ll leave you two to it.
Owen: Cheers bro
Finch leaves the office, leaving Owen and his Mom alone.
Owen: So, what’s up?
Kloe: It might be nothing, it’s just what Finch said. I’ve noticed it too.
Owen: What?
Kloe: You seem… uncertain about this whole thing. Like you’re not sure you are doing the right thing.
Owen: No, I am. Honestly Mom, this is the right thing to do, I know it is.
Kloe: So, what is it then? There is something, call it Mother’s intuition.
Owen: There’s just been quite a lot going on of late, I just want to be certain that you two are going to be ok.
Kloe: What does that mean?
It only seemed fair that Kloe knew what was going on, and what Owen had been through the last few months.
Owen: Look, if I tell you this, you can’t tell Finch ok? He’s got enough on his plate without dealing with that.
Kloe: OK.
Owen: There was a guy targeting this place, trying to buy me out, well trying to force me to sell actually. It’s been dealt with, I saw to that. But this guy knew a lot of people in New York and I don’t want to put you both in danger.
Kloe: Dealt with?
Owen: He’s in prison, and will be for a long time.
Kloe: I see. I don’t think I want to know how you made that happen.
Owen: Mom, I’d understand if you didn’t want to do this. But I’ve seen the things he is capable of, and it would be wrong if I didn’t warn you. You’ll have Jacob, and Jason, but this guy… he is something else. I don’t think he would do anything, not now. But I can’t rule it out.
Kloe: And that’s what’s been stressing you out?
Owen: Yeah.
Kloe: And here I was believing you were scared of becoming a Father.
Owen shakes his head emphatically.
Owen: No, not in the slightest. In fact, I’m doing all of this because I want to be a good Dad. I just don’t want to put you in danger simply because I want a quiet life. So yeah, if you want to change your mind, that’s cool.
Kloe: Do you even know me Owen?
Owen seems more than a little surprised with the question.
Owen: What do you mean?
Kloe: I was married to your Father for over a decade, do you really believe that I’ve never dealt with a little bit of danger?
Owen: I know, but
Kloe: No, seriously. I’m not going to let some wannabe gangster scare me when he’s locked up in jail. And if he does come looking, then he will get more than he has bargained for. You’re not the only tough nut in this family young man. So don’t worry.
Owen: Are you sure?
Kloe: Very. Go back to Miami and build a life for your family, that’s what’s important. And hey, if I do a good job here, maybe I can take the manager’s job at the new place.
Owen: You’d want that?
Kloe: I don’t know… we’ll have to wait and see won’t we? But, either way please don’t worry. You’ve got more than enough to deal with without worrying about me. Like you said, I’ve got this. And you know what Owen, so have you. Now, I’ll get back to work.
Kloe stands and kisses Owen on the forehead, before heading to the door and opening it.
Owen: Mom?
Kloe turns to face her son, nodding as she does.
Kloe: Yeah?
Owen: I love you.
Kloe: Love you too Owen.
And with that she leaves, the office door closing behind her. Owen feeling a little better with things, but still with that little bit of trepidation sat in the middle of his stomach, causing that familiar feeling of anxiety. He gets to his feet, taking one final look around the office and the picture of his Father on the desk. He picks up the picture, deciding then and there that it was coming with him to Miami. With a smile, he closes the door behind him, as the scene fades.
+++ 18th of April 2023 – Miami +++
Being back in Miami had allowed him to refocus and focus all his energies away from New York. That didn’t mean that he had forgotten about it, but with his Mom’s words ringing in his ears he had tried not to worry. Instead, with Jen in Miami they had spent some well-earned time together, knowing that soon all focus would be on the title for title match at what in Owen’s mind could turn out to be his last SCW PPV ever. He had of course kept up his training, planning to outlast Josh Hudson in a way he had never been able to before. But that didn’t mean that he hadn’t enjoyed his conversations with Jen about their future together, and where they saw their lives in five years’ time, even ten. Only two years ago, Owen would have struggle to believe he even had a future, never mind one as satisfying as that which he could now envision. One where he had everything he had ever needed. Right now, sat on the veranda overlooking the beach, this was exactly where he wanted to be, Jennifer looking as radiant as ever and really embracing her pregnancy, even the morning sickness which at times had been crippling for her. Owen sits, just looking at her as she reads, until he is interrupted by the house phone ringing. He instinctively looks at his mobile, with has no missed calls, and then head into the house and brings the handset out onto the veranda, He places it on the table, and presses the speaker button.
Owen: Hello…
Finch: Owen, its Finch.
Straight away, Owen senses a troubling tone in his voice, telling him that something was wrong.
Owen: Hey man, what’s up?
Finch: Are you sat down?
Jennifer puts her book down, also understanding Finch’s tone.
Owen: It’s not Mom is it?
Finch: No, it’s nothing like that, but are you sat down?
Owen: Yeah, what’s wrong Finch?
Finch: The school, it was broken into last night and it’s been ransacked. Serious Owen, whoever this was did a real number on the place. It’s going to cost a bomb to fix and we are going to have to close for a while.
Owen is silent, his mind already whirring with the possibilities.
Finch: Owen?
Owen: No one was hurt right?
Finch: No, doesn’t look like that was the intention. They didn’t break into the office, or steal the cash from the safe. It just looked like they want to cause as much damage as they possibly could. It would have been worse, but a couple of the residents disturbed them and they did one.
Owen: OK, well, figure out how much it is going to cost to put it right, and get an estimate on a revamped security system.
Finch: No problem, you reckon this was vandals?
Owen: Maybe. Or could be one of Morris’s goons looking to cause trouble. Might even be Kandis and Tommy for all we know. Not bothered about that right now anyway. Let’s just get it all sorted and get the place back open. Might be worth thinking about employing a guard or something. Just for the foreseeable.
Finch: I’ll look into it.
Owen: Ok, well thanks for letting me know Finch.
Finch: Err, that’s not all the news, I have for you.
Owen: You mean there’s more?
His mobile phone pings, Owen picking it up.
Finch: I’ve just sent you a link to a website.
Owen clicks on the link, and immediately his eyes widen as he focusses on the headline.
“NEW YORK BUSINESSMAN MURDERED IN PRISON CELL.”
Owen then goes on to read the article that explains in vivid detail how Eric Morris was stabbed over seventeen times in his prison cell, and had died before the prison guards had got to him
Finch: Mad, isn’t it?
Owen: Seems someone didn’t like him in there.
Finch: By the sound of it, there wasn’t many who liked him out here.
Owen: He would have had his fair share of enemies that’s for sure.
Owen slides the phone over to Jennifer who reads as Owen continues to speak with Finch.
Owen: OK, well unless you have some other ‘good’ news to share?
Finch: No reckon that’s it.
Owen: I’ll leave you to it then… don’t worry about the cost bro, just keep the place safe ok?
Finch: Got it, talk to you later Owen.
Owen: Cool
The line goes dead, Owen looking up at Jennifer who is reading the article in some shock.
Jennifer: I mean, I guess it means he is out of your life now.
Owen: Yeah, couldn’t guessed this would happen. Someone like that in prison. I just thought he’d buy his way out of trouble like he always did.
Jennifer: You ok?
Owen: Yeah, it’s just Mom and Finch being there, it worries me.
Jennifer: So what you thinking?
Owen: Maybe I should just call it quits. Close the place down because it’s been more trouble than it is…
Jennifer: Worth? You don’t mean that surely. The people you help wouldn’t see it like that.
Owen: I know, but this is my Mom, I can’t lose her.
Jennifer: I get that, but there is nothing to suggest that this isn’t anything but some idiots, high on meth or something worse. Look, I’ll support you with whatever you decide to do, you know that don’t you?
Owen: Of course.
Jennifer: All I’m saying is have a bit more faith in them. They wouldn’t be there unless they wanted to be, would they?
Owen: I guess not
Owen’s phone goes off again, Jennifer eyes widening at the text message which she reads, and then passes the phone back to Owen biting her bottom lip. Owen reads it, a deep sigh escaping as he focusses on just three words from an unknown number.
“THIS ISN’T OVER!!!”
Scene fades.
![[Image: 270041540-258425806375597-7033161467703002046-n.png]](https://i.ibb.co/8sQWMPt/270041540-258425806375597-7033161467703002046-n.png)