Post by Ezra Gideon on Apr 10, 2024 20:30:44 GMT -5
OOC: As always, I love the story we've woven, "Cholo" Giovanni Santana you are among the best ever in this game.
The Final Nail
[The Orphan Tears Bar and Grill]
The evening sun bathes my face as the light breeze kicks up just enough to move my hair. I smile at the camera in that knowing way. I stand up from the straight backed wooden chair I had been sitting in and I lean up against the support column in an easy going way. I tip my black stetson to the cameras.
Mac Bane: by now everyone has seen what I’ve been put up against. ‘Tween my old friends stacking the deck in Cholo’s favor to his becoming involved in my match against Goth.
My smile broadens as I think about that event and the follow up show. Where he would face C.J. Phoenix.
Mac Bane: Then came the match, you and C.J. Now that was good television don’t you think?
I smirk as I recall him getting rolled up from behind by Phoenix.
Mac Bane: So easy. So simple. Especially when you’re dealing with the simple minded. I know many of you are tired of hearing me say it, but it’s important that you realize that Cholo doesn’t stand a chance against me at Wrestle Wars.
I look down at the ground briefly, when I look back up the smirk is gone, no trace of a smile.
Mac Bane: My plan, my design has destroyed your hero. I’ve been living in his head rent free for months and everyone knows it. Well, everyone but Cholo.
I pause there for a moment to allow what I’ve said to sink in properly.
Mac Bane: Cholo will never admit to being mentally and physically defeated. In every sense of the word. I’ve dominated him physically in the ring. What I’ve done to him from a psychological aspect may be worse. It was on full display at the last Brawl. He wanted me to get in the ring with him and took his eyes off the prize. Phoenix in the meantime took advantage of the distraction and the rest as they say is history.
I smile again, remembering his shock and dismay at having lost an important match.
Mac Bane: I’ll continue to outsmart you at every turn, and you can deny it all you want but it’s as obvious as neon. At Wrestle Wars, me and you go one on one. No one can interfere and no one can save you.
I shake my head in disgust, having to share the ring with clowns just pisses me off.
Mac Bane: The entire world will get to witness me drive the final nail in the coffin of Cholo. He’s already got one foot in the grave, so I think I’ll just go ahead and help him along on his journey.
Night had fallen in El Paso, Texas. The warm southerly breeze kissed my face like a lover as I opened the door of Deputy Eric McInnis’ squad car and I smiled. His car had been loaded with the first of many shipments that would take place over the next few months. I had worked with the city council and the sheriff’s office to disguise this as a ride along program. My people on the inside had told me that everyone was very happy that I volunteered my time for this. They were using it as part of an outreach program, and I was using it as further corruption of local law enforcement. Once again I had led the way for local business leaders, all while fulfilling my own agenda. About ninety percent of business owners were doing the same thing I was tonight. They were riding along with local law enforcement, and I was quite proud at how easily this came to be. I know the chief wasn’t stupid and the back of my brain screamed, “Trap”, so to speak.
Mac: I think we’re canceling this run tonight, Eric.
He looked at me with a bit of a shocked look on his face.
Mac: I think your chief maybe knows what I’m up to, so tonight will be a regular ride along, like they asked.
I sent a quick message to John Bean, letting him know of my suspicions and he responded simply with, “Roger that”.
Eric: What makes you think something is up?
I smiled.
Mac: Let’s call it a hunch or gut feeling if you will.
We headed out into the night and I had him pull in behind the bar. My men quickly worked to unload the cargo and they slapped the trunk a couple of times to let us know the job was done. We headed back out and we got called to a disturbance downtown, gang violence was on the uptick in El Paso in the last few months so this was not a surprise to either of us at all. We came into the scene quietly, no lights or sirens as we witnessed an ongoing fire fight erupting between two groups of men. Eric radioed in a call for backup, by his count there were a dozen men altogether. We were told to not engage until backup arrived and so we held our position while the fighting continued. It didn’t take long before the riot squads showed up, fully outfitted and launching tear gas in both directions. I grimaced at the sight, remembering all too well what that chemical feels like.
Eric: You’ve been gassed before?
Mac: Yeah, standard for boot camp, you get put into a chamber and they gas your entire company, so you know what that shit feels like.
He arched an eyebrow at me and I realized he had never served in the military. I smiled knowingly.
Mac: yep, it kinda sucks.
We watched as they restrained and detained the men involved, much to their credit, local law enforcement had used rubber bullets. Not a single perpetrator was killed by the El Paso cops. They began the identification process.
Eric: 7 MS13 and 6 Bandidos, how are they getting into….
He let the sentence trail off, he and I both knew the answer to that question before he even finished it. The Bandido’s were a biker gang that once had a greater presence in Texas, they are what I would refer to as domestic terrorists. MS13 however was another story all together, they were international these days, working for and with the cartels. A message came in from John, we used the chaos to move that equipment while y’all were busy. I grunted in response to the message from Bean.
Eric: Was that….
I held my finger up to my lips and shook my head to not continue his question as the chief approached the car. Eric and I stepped out of the squad car and met him in front of it.
Chief Anderson: Why is it, that when something bad happens in my town you always seem to be around Mr. Bane?
I shrugged my shoulders in indifference.
Mac: Happy coincidence?
He frowned at me and my sense of humor, which I can freely admit leaves a lot to be desired at times.
Chief Anderson: I don’t believe in coincidence Mr. Bane.
I held out my hands for them to slap the cuffs on me.
Mac: If you’re gonna make an accusation, feel free to arrest me. Otherwise, you should apologize and know that your accusation has consequences.
A moment passed between us, he suspected something but he wouldn’t say. He simply turned around and walked away. I looked at Eric and nodded. We got back into his squad car.
Mac: Ride along is over, take me back to my office.
Fade.
The Next Morning
I looked up from my desk as I heard the heavy footfalls approaching the door, a light tap on it soon followed as the door opened. I was expecting John, his crew had been sweeping my property for surveillance devices to make sure that no one was listening uninvited. In his left hand was a small bag and in the other was a beer.
Mac: Well?
John Bean: 32 total, including 2 from the deputies car.
I thought about the situation some and left John in silence for a moment.The idea must have hit us at the same time.
Mac: It’s time for El Paso to have a new police chief.
John smiled at me with that crooked grin that he uses.
John Bean: great minds…
There was a light tapping on the door before it opened. My son, Jimmy came walking in with our deputy Eric McInnis. Jimmy shot me a wink to let me know that the deed was done. I nodded and John stood up to go outside. The plan was moving forward all according to design.
Eric McInnis: What’s going on Mac?
I pointed at the bag of listening devices on the desk.
Mac: It seems your chief authorized those in my place of business.
He looked down at the bag and frowned.
Eric McInnis: He’d have to show due cause, and to a judge as well, unless….
Eric’s radio began to go off with chatter from city hall. I looked over at Jimmy and he couldn’t help but smile, ever so slightly but it was Jimmy and he got great amusement out of fucking people over.
Mac: We suspect that some of your peers were doing this on orders from the chief. That’s not the important part, isn’t today a work anniversary for you? 10 years is a long time to dedicate to a profession.
He smiled broadly at the mention of it.
Eric McInnis: Yeah, it’s been quite the ride honestly. I’ve done everything from walking a beat to administration to what I’m doing now.
I smiled knowingly as John came back into the room. He stood behind Eric and counted down from three to one and Eric’s phone began to go off. He took the call…
Eric McInnis: This is Deputy McInnis…..yes sir, yes sir I’ll be right down.
The call ended and Eric had this wild eyed look on his face.
Mac: Everything okay?
Eric McInnis: Yes sir, that was the mayor, the city council is holding an emergency meeting and told me my presence was required.
I smiled at the young man and nodded.
Mac: Then you should get to it, Eric. Did they say what it was about?
He shook his head, indicating they had not.
John Bean: What was all that chatter on your radio about?
Eric almost jumped since he didn’t know that John was behind him. He recovered quickly and recalled what he had heard.
Eric McInnis: There was an arrest being made at city hall, which caused quite the commotion from what was said but they never give names over the air like that. Look, I’m sorry, this is supposed to be a day off for me, but I’ve got to get down there and see what’s going on.
We all nodded and didn’t say anything until after he had left the room.
Mac: He’ll make a fine Chief of Police.
John Bean: Gotta love burner phones and anonymous tips.
Jimmy: And kids with mad skills.
Fade.
I had been one step ahead of everyone in this town from day one. Now it was time to rub a little salt in the wound. I sat and waited until they brought the former Chief Anderson to the station and picked up the phone off the receiver and waited patiently. He glared at me through the glass, he started to get up but the officer attending him put his hands on his shoulders so he couldn’t simply leave. I motioned for him to pick up the phone on his side of the glass. He finally did and held it up to his ear.
Mac: I hope everyone is being kind to you here, Anderson. I’d hate to think that someone who had been so upstanding in his community was being mistreated.
His nostrils flared and I could see the still healing bruises on the side of his face.
Anderson: You had better pray that I never get out of jail, Bane.
Mac: I can practically guarantee that you won’t. Four felony counts is a lot to overcome, big fella.
Anderson: Did you just come here to try and humiliate me further than what has already been done? Even if I am proven innocent and I will be proven innocent, my career is over and my life is ruined.
I smirked at his comments, which caused his face to burn a bright red with anger.
Mac: Well, you’re half right.
He stared at me incredulously.
Mac: From what I understand they have an overwhelming amount of evidence against you. At this point, I’d say that only divine intervention can save you from a very long time behind bars. The real reason I came to see you is so you know exactly who is responsible for your dilemma. All you had to do is leave me and my family alone. Let me run my business and stay out of my affairs.
He shook his head in disbelief, but the anger was gone now and the color drained from his face.
Mac: That’s right, we found so many bugs in my business that only a law enforcement type would have the balls to try that shit.
He leaned back, knowing he had been caught and who was responsible for the consequences he was facing.
Mac: I don’t know why you had my place wiretapped and under surveillance by your local P.D. but in the end it doesn’t matter.
Anderson: I suspected you were up to something. You just have that air about you, like you think you’re better than everyone else. That kind of arrogance…I’ll never understand.
I smiled at the older man.
Mac: It’s called succeeding at life, Chief. At least that confirms a couple of things for me.
Anderson: Such as?
Mac: First and foremost, you acted on impulse, not a very good trait for a public servant. Number two is you’re even more stupid than I thought. There was never anything illicit going on in my place.
The corrections officer behind him signaled to me that time was up.
Mac: Time flies when you’re having fun.
I hung up my end and watched as he stared down at the table top, then reluctantly hung up the phone and stood up. The corrections officer led him away as I smiled. My plan was drawing to a close and everything was going so smoothly. My destruction of Cholo was undeniable, the only thing left was to finish that job at Wrestle Wars. The thought brought me great pleasure, it was almost euphoric if I were to be honest about it.
Fade.
[AT&T Stadium - Private Suite]
The sun shone down through the open roof, the joke was that it was there because God loved watching the cowboys play too. Like the rest of the fanbase, he was disappointed. As a minority owner, I was disgusted. I stood in my suite, dressed to the nines, having just come out of a meeting. The slate gray three piece suit fit me well, the black stetson that sat on my head, slightly cocked back was one of my favorites. I stood there with my hands on my hips staring out onto the field as the camera’s rolled to capture this moment. I slowly allow my hands to go back down to my sides.
Mac: Someone must believe that the third time's a charm.
I sighed heavily, and slowly turned around to face the camera.
Mac: It’s all superstition and hyperbole to be blunt about it. The last two times we faced each other, I’ve had your number, Cholo. We both know that. People like to make excuses when they lose.
I take my stetson off and set it down on the tabletop in front of me.
Mac: Your claim is that I would never have beaten you without help.
I place my hands on the tabletop and lean toward the camera. I give the audience a thoroughly disgusted look.
Mac: The truth of the matter is that you simply couldn’t get it done. I embarrassed you in front of your hometown crowd. You’re a laughing stock in El Paso, Texas. I doubt anyone remembers your name at this point.
I push myself back up to my full height and a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.
Mac: I’ve outmaneuvered you at every turn and it just pisses you off to your breaking point. Which we all saw not so long ago, isn’t that right?
I allow the smile to come forth and it broadens quickly.
Mac: We are now in a place of attrition, that word may be too big for you so I’ll spell it out. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple for your little brain. We don’t like each other, and we’re going to finish the war and settle the score. We are going to beat on each other until one or the other decides enough is enough.
Still smiling, I continue.
Mac: Three stages of hell, and all you have to do is beat me in two of them. The first stage is a submissions match. You seem to think this is your specialty and maybe it is. Against anyone else. Against me? No, you have no advantage in that. You couldn’t apply that full nelson without the help of your friends. You have to rely on the my being in a seated or kneeling position in order to apply it. All due to the size difference, my being six foot, six inches tall has a lot of advantages, compared to your five foot eleven inch frame.
I spread my hands out to the side as if it should be obvious.
Mac: It’s not rocket science, kid, you’ll have to figure out another way. Then there’s stage two of the three stages of hell match.
I smirk as I allow my hands to come back to my side.
Mac: Welcome to Hell is the perfect name for this type of match. There’s only one man who ever beat me in this match and his name is not Cholo. “Godly” Ken Davison is his name, my semi-retired brother from another mother. You’re not in his league, not even close. So we go from tap out to knock out for this one.
I point towards the corner, where a table is leaned up against the wall. The table is wrapped in barbed wire. I walk over to it and roughly run my thumb across it, a thin line appears on my skin and blood begins to seep out.
Mac: This ain’t that shaved down shit that a lot of promotions have gone to. This is the real deal, barbed wire that came directly from my ranch. To win, first you have to of beaten your opponent into a nearly incapacitated condition. Then you by whatever means you want to, have to set that bad boy on fire. To complete the stipulation, all you have to do is put your opponent through the table while it’s on fire.
I smirk at the camera as I remember putting one of the Malvados through a burning table recently.
Mac: Sounds easy don’t it?
I take a kleenex tissue from the dispenser on my desk and hold it between my thumb and index finger to stop the blood flow.
Mac: If this should go to a third fall, everything is out the window. You agreeing to a Texas Death Match with me is the dumbest thing I’ve seen you do, and that’s saying something.
I drop the tissue in the waste basket beside my desk, and come around to where my chair is. Instead of sitting in the chair, I sit on the edge of the desk.
Mac: Courage under fire, it’s not an easy thing to accomplish. I’ve seen dozens of men fold under the pressure like a cheap wal-mart lawn chair. I’ve seen tough men, curl up in the fetal position and cry.
Putting on a more sympathetic air, I soften my features, giving the camera a more friendly smile.
Mac: Not you though, no it’s one of the few things I respect about you, Cholo. You’re a tough man, you’re resilient, and you never give up. My respect is not easy to earn but you have. Some will think this is a backhanded compliment, but I can assure you it is not.
I stand back up and go to where my hat is and pick it back up. I put it back on my head and turned to face the cameras again.
Mac: Feud enders like this are not for the weak of heart. If you don’t have a strong stomach, you probably shouldn’t watch what is about to go down. Matches like this take a certain level of sadistic assholery to come up with and participate in. What will come from this match is simple. It takes away any doubt, and I do mean any doubt.
My gaze hardens again, showing no emotion at all.
Mac: No doubt about who the man in WGWF really is. I’ve always been the man, regardless of what anyone else believes, I know that in my heart and soul. I’ve proven it time after time. I have exactly one pinfall loss in this company, and that’s not going to change at Wrestle Wars. This isn’t where the cowboy rides away, Cholo. This is where the outlaw finishes what he started. You started this trip as a proud warrior, but this all ends with you looking like nothing more than a broken toy. A toy I’ve used for my own amusement. Your story was a great one, there won’t be any fairytale ending for you. No, like all the so called heroes that have come before, you’ll end up being little more than the tragic shakespearean hero. The man who gave his life for what he believed in, only too late did he realize it’s all been in vain.
With a tip of my hat towards the camera, I turn and grab the handle. Pulling the handle down, I pause there for a moment.
Mac: All by my plan, this was always the end game Cholo. My design, it was always a certainty that we would come to this moment. All is not lost though Cholo. You can rest easy knowing you never stood a chance. The final nail in your coffin was always inevitable, and never in question.
The Final Nail
The Foreword
[The Orphan Tears Bar and Grill]
The evening sun bathes my face as the light breeze kicks up just enough to move my hair. I smile at the camera in that knowing way. I stand up from the straight backed wooden chair I had been sitting in and I lean up against the support column in an easy going way. I tip my black stetson to the cameras.
Mac Bane: by now everyone has seen what I’ve been put up against. ‘Tween my old friends stacking the deck in Cholo’s favor to his becoming involved in my match against Goth.
My smile broadens as I think about that event and the follow up show. Where he would face C.J. Phoenix.
Mac Bane: Then came the match, you and C.J. Now that was good television don’t you think?
I smirk as I recall him getting rolled up from behind by Phoenix.
Mac Bane: So easy. So simple. Especially when you’re dealing with the simple minded. I know many of you are tired of hearing me say it, but it’s important that you realize that Cholo doesn’t stand a chance against me at Wrestle Wars.
I look down at the ground briefly, when I look back up the smirk is gone, no trace of a smile.
Mac Bane: My plan, my design has destroyed your hero. I’ve been living in his head rent free for months and everyone knows it. Well, everyone but Cholo.
I pause there for a moment to allow what I’ve said to sink in properly.
Mac Bane: Cholo will never admit to being mentally and physically defeated. In every sense of the word. I’ve dominated him physically in the ring. What I’ve done to him from a psychological aspect may be worse. It was on full display at the last Brawl. He wanted me to get in the ring with him and took his eyes off the prize. Phoenix in the meantime took advantage of the distraction and the rest as they say is history.
I smile again, remembering his shock and dismay at having lost an important match.
Mac Bane: I’ll continue to outsmart you at every turn, and you can deny it all you want but it’s as obvious as neon. At Wrestle Wars, me and you go one on one. No one can interfere and no one can save you.
I shake my head in disgust, having to share the ring with clowns just pisses me off.
Mac Bane: The entire world will get to witness me drive the final nail in the coffin of Cholo. He’s already got one foot in the grave, so I think I’ll just go ahead and help him along on his journey.
The Mule
Night had fallen in El Paso, Texas. The warm southerly breeze kissed my face like a lover as I opened the door of Deputy Eric McInnis’ squad car and I smiled. His car had been loaded with the first of many shipments that would take place over the next few months. I had worked with the city council and the sheriff’s office to disguise this as a ride along program. My people on the inside had told me that everyone was very happy that I volunteered my time for this. They were using it as part of an outreach program, and I was using it as further corruption of local law enforcement. Once again I had led the way for local business leaders, all while fulfilling my own agenda. About ninety percent of business owners were doing the same thing I was tonight. They were riding along with local law enforcement, and I was quite proud at how easily this came to be. I know the chief wasn’t stupid and the back of my brain screamed, “Trap”, so to speak.
Mac: I think we’re canceling this run tonight, Eric.
He looked at me with a bit of a shocked look on his face.
Mac: I think your chief maybe knows what I’m up to, so tonight will be a regular ride along, like they asked.
I sent a quick message to John Bean, letting him know of my suspicions and he responded simply with, “Roger that”.
Eric: What makes you think something is up?
I smiled.
Mac: Let’s call it a hunch or gut feeling if you will.
We headed out into the night and I had him pull in behind the bar. My men quickly worked to unload the cargo and they slapped the trunk a couple of times to let us know the job was done. We headed back out and we got called to a disturbance downtown, gang violence was on the uptick in El Paso in the last few months so this was not a surprise to either of us at all. We came into the scene quietly, no lights or sirens as we witnessed an ongoing fire fight erupting between two groups of men. Eric radioed in a call for backup, by his count there were a dozen men altogether. We were told to not engage until backup arrived and so we held our position while the fighting continued. It didn’t take long before the riot squads showed up, fully outfitted and launching tear gas in both directions. I grimaced at the sight, remembering all too well what that chemical feels like.
Eric: You’ve been gassed before?
Mac: Yeah, standard for boot camp, you get put into a chamber and they gas your entire company, so you know what that shit feels like.
He arched an eyebrow at me and I realized he had never served in the military. I smiled knowingly.
Mac: yep, it kinda sucks.
We watched as they restrained and detained the men involved, much to their credit, local law enforcement had used rubber bullets. Not a single perpetrator was killed by the El Paso cops. They began the identification process.
Eric: 7 MS13 and 6 Bandidos, how are they getting into….
He let the sentence trail off, he and I both knew the answer to that question before he even finished it. The Bandido’s were a biker gang that once had a greater presence in Texas, they are what I would refer to as domestic terrorists. MS13 however was another story all together, they were international these days, working for and with the cartels. A message came in from John, we used the chaos to move that equipment while y’all were busy. I grunted in response to the message from Bean.
Eric: Was that….
I held my finger up to my lips and shook my head to not continue his question as the chief approached the car. Eric and I stepped out of the squad car and met him in front of it.
Chief Anderson: Why is it, that when something bad happens in my town you always seem to be around Mr. Bane?
I shrugged my shoulders in indifference.
Mac: Happy coincidence?
He frowned at me and my sense of humor, which I can freely admit leaves a lot to be desired at times.
Chief Anderson: I don’t believe in coincidence Mr. Bane.
I held out my hands for them to slap the cuffs on me.
Mac: If you’re gonna make an accusation, feel free to arrest me. Otherwise, you should apologize and know that your accusation has consequences.
A moment passed between us, he suspected something but he wouldn’t say. He simply turned around and walked away. I looked at Eric and nodded. We got back into his squad car.
Mac: Ride along is over, take me back to my office.
Fade.
The Setup
The Next Morning
I looked up from my desk as I heard the heavy footfalls approaching the door, a light tap on it soon followed as the door opened. I was expecting John, his crew had been sweeping my property for surveillance devices to make sure that no one was listening uninvited. In his left hand was a small bag and in the other was a beer.
Mac: Well?
John Bean: 32 total, including 2 from the deputies car.
I thought about the situation some and left John in silence for a moment.The idea must have hit us at the same time.
Mac: It’s time for El Paso to have a new police chief.
John smiled at me with that crooked grin that he uses.
John Bean: great minds…
There was a light tapping on the door before it opened. My son, Jimmy came walking in with our deputy Eric McInnis. Jimmy shot me a wink to let me know that the deed was done. I nodded and John stood up to go outside. The plan was moving forward all according to design.
Eric McInnis: What’s going on Mac?
I pointed at the bag of listening devices on the desk.
Mac: It seems your chief authorized those in my place of business.
He looked down at the bag and frowned.
Eric McInnis: He’d have to show due cause, and to a judge as well, unless….
Eric’s radio began to go off with chatter from city hall. I looked over at Jimmy and he couldn’t help but smile, ever so slightly but it was Jimmy and he got great amusement out of fucking people over.
Mac: We suspect that some of your peers were doing this on orders from the chief. That’s not the important part, isn’t today a work anniversary for you? 10 years is a long time to dedicate to a profession.
He smiled broadly at the mention of it.
Eric McInnis: Yeah, it’s been quite the ride honestly. I’ve done everything from walking a beat to administration to what I’m doing now.
I smiled knowingly as John came back into the room. He stood behind Eric and counted down from three to one and Eric’s phone began to go off. He took the call…
Eric McInnis: This is Deputy McInnis…..yes sir, yes sir I’ll be right down.
The call ended and Eric had this wild eyed look on his face.
Mac: Everything okay?
Eric McInnis: Yes sir, that was the mayor, the city council is holding an emergency meeting and told me my presence was required.
I smiled at the young man and nodded.
Mac: Then you should get to it, Eric. Did they say what it was about?
He shook his head, indicating they had not.
John Bean: What was all that chatter on your radio about?
Eric almost jumped since he didn’t know that John was behind him. He recovered quickly and recalled what he had heard.
Eric McInnis: There was an arrest being made at city hall, which caused quite the commotion from what was said but they never give names over the air like that. Look, I’m sorry, this is supposed to be a day off for me, but I’ve got to get down there and see what’s going on.
We all nodded and didn’t say anything until after he had left the room.
Mac: He’ll make a fine Chief of Police.
John Bean: Gotta love burner phones and anonymous tips.
Jimmy: And kids with mad skills.
Fade.
Visiting Hours
I had been one step ahead of everyone in this town from day one. Now it was time to rub a little salt in the wound. I sat and waited until they brought the former Chief Anderson to the station and picked up the phone off the receiver and waited patiently. He glared at me through the glass, he started to get up but the officer attending him put his hands on his shoulders so he couldn’t simply leave. I motioned for him to pick up the phone on his side of the glass. He finally did and held it up to his ear.
Mac: I hope everyone is being kind to you here, Anderson. I’d hate to think that someone who had been so upstanding in his community was being mistreated.
His nostrils flared and I could see the still healing bruises on the side of his face.
Anderson: You had better pray that I never get out of jail, Bane.
Mac: I can practically guarantee that you won’t. Four felony counts is a lot to overcome, big fella.
Anderson: Did you just come here to try and humiliate me further than what has already been done? Even if I am proven innocent and I will be proven innocent, my career is over and my life is ruined.
I smirked at his comments, which caused his face to burn a bright red with anger.
Mac: Well, you’re half right.
He stared at me incredulously.
Mac: From what I understand they have an overwhelming amount of evidence against you. At this point, I’d say that only divine intervention can save you from a very long time behind bars. The real reason I came to see you is so you know exactly who is responsible for your dilemma. All you had to do is leave me and my family alone. Let me run my business and stay out of my affairs.
He shook his head in disbelief, but the anger was gone now and the color drained from his face.
Mac: That’s right, we found so many bugs in my business that only a law enforcement type would have the balls to try that shit.
He leaned back, knowing he had been caught and who was responsible for the consequences he was facing.
Mac: I don’t know why you had my place wiretapped and under surveillance by your local P.D. but in the end it doesn’t matter.
Anderson: I suspected you were up to something. You just have that air about you, like you think you’re better than everyone else. That kind of arrogance…I’ll never understand.
I smiled at the older man.
Mac: It’s called succeeding at life, Chief. At least that confirms a couple of things for me.
Anderson: Such as?
Mac: First and foremost, you acted on impulse, not a very good trait for a public servant. Number two is you’re even more stupid than I thought. There was never anything illicit going on in my place.
The corrections officer behind him signaled to me that time was up.
Mac: Time flies when you’re having fun.
I hung up my end and watched as he stared down at the table top, then reluctantly hung up the phone and stood up. The corrections officer led him away as I smiled. My plan was drawing to a close and everything was going so smoothly. My destruction of Cholo was undeniable, the only thing left was to finish that job at Wrestle Wars. The thought brought me great pleasure, it was almost euphoric if I were to be honest about it.
Fade.
The Final Nail
[AT&T Stadium - Private Suite]
The sun shone down through the open roof, the joke was that it was there because God loved watching the cowboys play too. Like the rest of the fanbase, he was disappointed. As a minority owner, I was disgusted. I stood in my suite, dressed to the nines, having just come out of a meeting. The slate gray three piece suit fit me well, the black stetson that sat on my head, slightly cocked back was one of my favorites. I stood there with my hands on my hips staring out onto the field as the camera’s rolled to capture this moment. I slowly allow my hands to go back down to my sides.
Mac: Someone must believe that the third time's a charm.
I sighed heavily, and slowly turned around to face the camera.
Mac: It’s all superstition and hyperbole to be blunt about it. The last two times we faced each other, I’ve had your number, Cholo. We both know that. People like to make excuses when they lose.
I take my stetson off and set it down on the tabletop in front of me.
Mac: Your claim is that I would never have beaten you without help.
I place my hands on the tabletop and lean toward the camera. I give the audience a thoroughly disgusted look.
Mac: The truth of the matter is that you simply couldn’t get it done. I embarrassed you in front of your hometown crowd. You’re a laughing stock in El Paso, Texas. I doubt anyone remembers your name at this point.
I push myself back up to my full height and a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.
Mac: I’ve outmaneuvered you at every turn and it just pisses you off to your breaking point. Which we all saw not so long ago, isn’t that right?
I allow the smile to come forth and it broadens quickly.
Mac: We are now in a place of attrition, that word may be too big for you so I’ll spell it out. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple for your little brain. We don’t like each other, and we’re going to finish the war and settle the score. We are going to beat on each other until one or the other decides enough is enough.
Still smiling, I continue.
Mac: Three stages of hell, and all you have to do is beat me in two of them. The first stage is a submissions match. You seem to think this is your specialty and maybe it is. Against anyone else. Against me? No, you have no advantage in that. You couldn’t apply that full nelson without the help of your friends. You have to rely on the my being in a seated or kneeling position in order to apply it. All due to the size difference, my being six foot, six inches tall has a lot of advantages, compared to your five foot eleven inch frame.
I spread my hands out to the side as if it should be obvious.
Mac: It’s not rocket science, kid, you’ll have to figure out another way. Then there’s stage two of the three stages of hell match.
I smirk as I allow my hands to come back to my side.
Mac: Welcome to Hell is the perfect name for this type of match. There’s only one man who ever beat me in this match and his name is not Cholo. “Godly” Ken Davison is his name, my semi-retired brother from another mother. You’re not in his league, not even close. So we go from tap out to knock out for this one.
I point towards the corner, where a table is leaned up against the wall. The table is wrapped in barbed wire. I walk over to it and roughly run my thumb across it, a thin line appears on my skin and blood begins to seep out.
Mac: This ain’t that shaved down shit that a lot of promotions have gone to. This is the real deal, barbed wire that came directly from my ranch. To win, first you have to of beaten your opponent into a nearly incapacitated condition. Then you by whatever means you want to, have to set that bad boy on fire. To complete the stipulation, all you have to do is put your opponent through the table while it’s on fire.
I smirk at the camera as I remember putting one of the Malvados through a burning table recently.
Mac: Sounds easy don’t it?
I take a kleenex tissue from the dispenser on my desk and hold it between my thumb and index finger to stop the blood flow.
Mac: If this should go to a third fall, everything is out the window. You agreeing to a Texas Death Match with me is the dumbest thing I’ve seen you do, and that’s saying something.
I drop the tissue in the waste basket beside my desk, and come around to where my chair is. Instead of sitting in the chair, I sit on the edge of the desk.
Mac: Courage under fire, it’s not an easy thing to accomplish. I’ve seen dozens of men fold under the pressure like a cheap wal-mart lawn chair. I’ve seen tough men, curl up in the fetal position and cry.
Putting on a more sympathetic air, I soften my features, giving the camera a more friendly smile.
Mac: Not you though, no it’s one of the few things I respect about you, Cholo. You’re a tough man, you’re resilient, and you never give up. My respect is not easy to earn but you have. Some will think this is a backhanded compliment, but I can assure you it is not.
I stand back up and go to where my hat is and pick it back up. I put it back on my head and turned to face the cameras again.
Mac: Feud enders like this are not for the weak of heart. If you don’t have a strong stomach, you probably shouldn’t watch what is about to go down. Matches like this take a certain level of sadistic assholery to come up with and participate in. What will come from this match is simple. It takes away any doubt, and I do mean any doubt.
My gaze hardens again, showing no emotion at all.
Mac: No doubt about who the man in WGWF really is. I’ve always been the man, regardless of what anyone else believes, I know that in my heart and soul. I’ve proven it time after time. I have exactly one pinfall loss in this company, and that’s not going to change at Wrestle Wars. This isn’t where the cowboy rides away, Cholo. This is where the outlaw finishes what he started. You started this trip as a proud warrior, but this all ends with you looking like nothing more than a broken toy. A toy I’ve used for my own amusement. Your story was a great one, there won’t be any fairytale ending for you. No, like all the so called heroes that have come before, you’ll end up being little more than the tragic shakespearean hero. The man who gave his life for what he believed in, only too late did he realize it’s all been in vain.
With a tip of my hat towards the camera, I turn and grab the handle. Pulling the handle down, I pause there for a moment.
Mac: All by my plan, this was always the end game Cholo. My design, it was always a certainty that we would come to this moment. All is not lost though Cholo. You can rest easy knowing you never stood a chance. The final nail in your coffin was always inevitable, and never in question.