Post by Hannah Reed on May 11, 2013 8:45:20 GMT -6
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The sound of high heels strutting along concrete echoes through a multi-story car park as Isabella strides along a rank or cars, hurriedly making her way to her own vehicle as she walks along confidently. AS she grows closer and closer to her car the sound of a second set of footsteps, progressively increasing in haste roar loudly in the distance, getting closer and closer until suddenly a male figure suddenly appears from behind one row of cars, causing Isabella to almost drop her handbag as she clutches her chest in shock.
Where are you rushing off to?
Jesus, you startled me…
Not used to the boot being on another foot, huh?
No, I just don’t like being stalked by strange men in a car park, it’s a little gang rapey.
Something tells me you enjoy the attention really.
Bernard eyes her short black dress up and down as Isabella sighs.
What do you want, Bernard?
Ouch, what’s with the formal attitude, I thought we were friends?
Isabella smiles nervously.
We are but I have places to be…
Bernard shifts in front of Isabella who stops in her tracks.
Why so eager to get away?
I’m trying to do my job, or do you not want me to squeeze a few more shares out of the old men you’d rather not associate with?
So you’re just going about your daily business then?
In a manner of speaking, I’d prefer my days to be a little bit lower in the pervert percentage…
And that’s the truth?
Yes, why would I lie?
I don’t believe you. A little birdy tells me that you’ve been consorting with the enemy.
The enemy? That’s a little melodramatic isn’t it? It was only a few drinks…
So you admit it? You seem to forget who your paymaster is.
Oh believe me I haven’t forgotten…
You have a funny way of showing you gratitude than by spending so much time with the man who is in direct competition with my father.
I wasn’t aware that I owed you or your father an explanation as to my whereabouts every second of the day or that I required clearance to spend time with an old colleague.
You don’t. Unless your colleague was Roberto Verona.
Lighten up, Bernard…
Suddenly Bernard slams a fist into the side of the car, taking Isabella completely by surprise.
You owe my father your allegiance. He has no intention of sharing 50% of the spoils with Verona, he has gone to great lengths to secure a controlling majority and you’re little reunion is scuppering those plans.
Ok, ok, I get the message, sheesh...
Good girl. I wouldn’t want there to be any tension between us.
Bernard runs a hand through Isabella’s hair as she shudders uncomfortably, pulling away.
Simon will get what he wants, you can count on that.
You wouldn’t want to find out what might happen if he doesn’t.
I can imagine…
A disturbing grin suddenly creeps across Bernard’s lips.
I don’t think you can.
Look just trust me, I have the shares he needs to be in charge, now if you don’t mind I really ought to be getting somewhere, that is if you want my help in procuring what you need.
Bernard lifts his hand from the car and hold both his arms in the air.
I’ll be keeping my eye on you.
I don’t doubt it…
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The sound of high heels strutting along concrete echoes through a multi-story car park as Isabella strides along a rank or cars, hurriedly making her way to her own vehicle as she walks along confidently. AS she grows closer and closer to her car the sound of a second set of footsteps, progressively increasing in haste roar loudly in the distance, getting closer and closer until suddenly a male figure suddenly appears from behind one row of cars, causing Isabella to almost drop her handbag as she clutches her chest in shock.
Where are you rushing off to?
Jesus, you startled me…
Not used to the boot being on another foot, huh?
No, I just don’t like being stalked by strange men in a car park, it’s a little gang rapey.
Something tells me you enjoy the attention really.
Bernard eyes her short black dress up and down as Isabella sighs.
What do you want, Bernard?
Ouch, what’s with the formal attitude, I thought we were friends?
Isabella smiles nervously.
We are but I have places to be…
Bernard shifts in front of Isabella who stops in her tracks.
Why so eager to get away?
I’m trying to do my job, or do you not want me to squeeze a few more shares out of the old men you’d rather not associate with?
So you’re just going about your daily business then?
In a manner of speaking, I’d prefer my days to be a little bit lower in the pervert percentage…
And that’s the truth?
Yes, why would I lie?
I don’t believe you. A little birdy tells me that you’ve been consorting with the enemy.
The enemy? That’s a little melodramatic isn’t it? It was only a few drinks…
So you admit it? You seem to forget who your paymaster is.
Oh believe me I haven’t forgotten…
You have a funny way of showing you gratitude than by spending so much time with the man who is in direct competition with my father.
I wasn’t aware that I owed you or your father an explanation as to my whereabouts every second of the day or that I required clearance to spend time with an old colleague.
You don’t. Unless your colleague was Roberto Verona.
Lighten up, Bernard…
Suddenly Bernard slams a fist into the side of the car, taking Isabella completely by surprise.
You owe my father your allegiance. He has no intention of sharing 50% of the spoils with Verona, he has gone to great lengths to secure a controlling majority and you’re little reunion is scuppering those plans.
Ok, ok, I get the message, sheesh...
Good girl. I wouldn’t want there to be any tension between us.
Bernard runs a hand through Isabella’s hair as she shudders uncomfortably, pulling away.
Simon will get what he wants, you can count on that.
You wouldn’t want to find out what might happen if he doesn’t.
I can imagine…
A disturbing grin suddenly creeps across Bernard’s lips.
I don’t think you can.
Look just trust me, I have the shares he needs to be in charge, now if you don’t mind I really ought to be getting somewhere, that is if you want my help in procuring what you need.
Bernard lifts his hand from the car and hold both his arms in the air.
I’ll be keeping my eye on you.
I don’t doubt it…
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What can I say?
This week represents the moment I come full circle.
This journey started with you Adam, all those months ago, and how fitting it is that I will close out my Collision career against the man who was the final stepping stone to the position I will find myself in at A Night to Remember in a week’s time.
I suppose it is difficult to place into words how I feel about this weekend. Ever since I shook your wife’s hand my fate has be inexplicably linked to the fortunes of your family. I’ve stood side by side with you and Kelly and put everything I have into making this company great.
I’ve provided opportunities to men who would never have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication, some may say too many put flushing away talent after one failure is never the way to nurture a company. I have worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone who has deserved it have received their fair share of exposure, I’ve stood back in the shadows and let others shine instead of strangling the limelight for my own machinations.
I’ve done all of this, Adam, because I have learned from you.
Some may suggest that we have failed, considering the fact that in 7 days’ time New Championship Wrestling will cease to exist. It is an overly simplistic conclusion, however, because this company will live on, albeit with a set of new drapes.
I have never bought into the idea that we failed, if anything I have done everything and more that you asked of me.
Way back in October you told me to rise to the challenge and prove to the world how good I am. I have taken that ball and run with it further than anybody, myself included, expected me to. 203 days since I beat Andrew Jacobsen I will fight Alex Jones in the concluding chapter in the history of this illustrious company, defending my belt for a sixth time.
I took everything you said to heart and I did everything to drive myself to the heights I deserved to occupy. Perhaps some may find this unpalatable and shudder at the thought of my residing halfway up your colon, but the fact is I am always humble and honest with my appraisals.
Whilst the rank and file of money-grabbing veterans line up, practically falling over one another to degrade my achievements because theirs pale in comparison I can stand proudly and know deep down inside that I have given my all for this company, every single week I have put my heart and soul into my matches whilst others interest waned because the spotlight had shifted away from them.
Where others have wallowed in mediocrity and trotted out half-arsed tirades I have poured my heart into every word.
I have bled for this company because I believed in everything you sold me back in October, I have broken my body to make this place a success and I don’t regret a damn thing I’ve done since I tore this belt from Andrew Jacobsen’s grasp.
There isn’t anybody who could make me ever believe that the past seven months have been worthless.
NCW may be closing its doors whilst you and Kelly play happy families but the legacy that we have all built will never be forgotten just because a few bitter old men want to play the blame game. Everything has been more than worth it, every victory, every agonising failure, every broken bone…all of it has been worthwhile in leaving a lasting memory that nobody who was touched by this company will ever forget.
This week I get to thank you for everything you’ve done for my career in the most unorthodox manner imaginable.
I’m going to beat you to within an inch of your life and show you how far I have come since the conclusion of the Road to the Gold. I will prove to you how much I have learnt from your example and how I have gone one step further than you ever could. I will show everybody that I deserve to close out this company as the NCW World Champion.
It is the most fitting tribute I can provide.
You and I are more alike than we’d ever care to admit, we will do anything to win, to succeed…
To thrive.
A week ago I busted one of my closest friends wide open to win an effectively meaningless match because I demand the best of myself week in week out, what other can pass off as acceptable failure, collateral damage, I see as a slight on my legacy.
Losing to Gib because of that parasite Alex Jones ate away at me for days in the aftermath because unlike so many I care about my career. I don’t accept mediocrity, I could have sat on my ass after Ricky beat me and cried like a little bitch whilst everybody else succeeded, but I dusted myself down eventually and won the Road to the Gold.
This week I will go all out to beat you, even at the detriment of myself for my “big match” next week because I push myself to define what it means to be the best.
I haven’t hidden behind rubber matches, I’ve not lined myself up against the widest collection of jobbers this company can provide. I’ve battled against the very best in the business because I don’t avoid challenges.
This week I will do it again.
Roberto Verona vs Adam Knite, one last time.
I know exactly what I am getting myself in for and I am going to relish every single second of it. Give me your absolute best, because no quarter will be given nor requested. I want to leave everybody with an everlasting memory that cannot be extinguished.
A tribute fitting of Collision.
You were my platform to immortality, now this week you’ll be my stepping stone to becoming the only ever undefeated NCW World Champion.
Another cornerstone in my illustrious history.
Just remember, this is what you demanded of me and I have repaid you in spades. You were a catalyst to my greatest success once already and this weekend, I plan for you to resume that role before I beat Alex Jones to a pulp.
Who knows, with the momentum I seal from your demise perhaps he may even have a Knite to blame for his failures again after all.
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Roberto sits alone at a bar, lost in his wine glass as he sits pondering recent events, a tinge of guilt lingering at the back of his head as he mulls over everything he has done in his battle to gain the shares he requires for a significant state in NCW’s successor company. Suddenly a familiar face sits beside him on a stool, though Verona doesn’t acknowledge his arrival immediately. His companion raises a hand, signalling for a drink which the barman duly obliges before slipping a few dollar bills across the bar. Roberto suddenly looks up and turns to face his company.
What can I do for you Jake?
I don’t suppose it would too much to ask for you to kick Adam’s teeth down his throat would it?
Roberto smiles.
I am not sure that would constitute a smooth transition in the take-over process.
It was worth a try.
How’s Kathy holding up after the surprise Zelda pulled?
I managed to spin it positively.
Ah, the old Conway silver tongue.
Something like that.
So, what are your plans for the final week as an employee of NCW?
Beat Kanyon to a pulp on Sunday and then do the same to Adam again a week later. I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
There’s worse ways to spend a weekend, I suppose.
What about you?
Focus on shattering Alex’s dreams to favour my own. If I get some spare time I may be lucky enough to actually have half an hour to myself, although that may prove to be a little too ambitious.
This IWF business is taking its toll then I take it?
In more ways than you can possible imagine.
Let me guess, the brunette is the most taxing element.
Roberto raises his eyebrow in surprise.
How did you know?
I never miss a pretty woman, my heart may be taken but my eyes can still appreciate other suitors.
I should have guessed. She’s never been the easiest woman to deal with.
You already knew her?
Sure, we worked together a few years ago, long before you ever knew me.
And what does Hannah think about you hanging around with old colleagues?
Hannah doesn’t know, it’s best she doesn’t.
Jake shakes his head.
Speaking from experience, it is never a good idea to hide things from women. They always find out, trust me.
Perhaps I am just delaying the inevitable heartache, she’s hardly going to be pleased about me spending time with another woman behind her back.
If it’s just business what have you got to worry about…it is just business, right?
Of course, I got burnt by that candle and learnt my lesson a long time ago.
Then why not just tell Hannah, surely she’d appreciate the honesty?
She’ll want to know why I didn’t come to her, underneath all that veneer the heart of an idealistic lawyer still beats strongly, she wouldn’t approve of the less then clean methods I’ve gone about acquiring shares. Isabella is less concerned by red tape, she’s quite happy to play in the shadows.
Do you think Hannah would be jealous?
Uncontrollably. Perhaps justifiably…
Roberto drops his head.
How so?
I’d rather keep that to myself.
That doesn’t bode well. Have you done something you shouldn’t have? Or someone?
In a manner of speaking.
Then I wouldn’t want to be you.
Really? You’d pass up the opportunity to be…what was it, a “ruggedly handsome Italian gentleman”?
The days I needed to whisper Italian in a ladies ear are long gone, I found my happiness. If you want my advice, don’t forsake your own in pursuit of a company, no matter how important it is to you. If this woman is going to cause issues in your relationship, get out now before you’re in too deep.
Verona lets out a deep, guttural sigh.
That’s’ the problem, Jake, I’m already in too deep…
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Roberto sits alone at a bar, lost in his wine glass as he sits pondering recent events, a tinge of guilt lingering at the back of his head as he mulls over everything he has done in his battle to gain the shares he requires for a significant state in NCW’s successor company. Suddenly a familiar face sits beside him on a stool, though Verona doesn’t acknowledge his arrival immediately. His companion raises a hand, signalling for a drink which the barman duly obliges before slipping a few dollar bills across the bar. Roberto suddenly looks up and turns to face his company.
What can I do for you Jake?
I don’t suppose it would too much to ask for you to kick Adam’s teeth down his throat would it?
Roberto smiles.
I am not sure that would constitute a smooth transition in the take-over process.
It was worth a try.
How’s Kathy holding up after the surprise Zelda pulled?
I managed to spin it positively.
Ah, the old Conway silver tongue.
Something like that.
So, what are your plans for the final week as an employee of NCW?
Beat Kanyon to a pulp on Sunday and then do the same to Adam again a week later. I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
There’s worse ways to spend a weekend, I suppose.
What about you?
Focus on shattering Alex’s dreams to favour my own. If I get some spare time I may be lucky enough to actually have half an hour to myself, although that may prove to be a little too ambitious.
This IWF business is taking its toll then I take it?
In more ways than you can possible imagine.
Let me guess, the brunette is the most taxing element.
Roberto raises his eyebrow in surprise.
How did you know?
I never miss a pretty woman, my heart may be taken but my eyes can still appreciate other suitors.
I should have guessed. She’s never been the easiest woman to deal with.
You already knew her?
Sure, we worked together a few years ago, long before you ever knew me.
And what does Hannah think about you hanging around with old colleagues?
Hannah doesn’t know, it’s best she doesn’t.
Jake shakes his head.
Speaking from experience, it is never a good idea to hide things from women. They always find out, trust me.
Perhaps I am just delaying the inevitable heartache, she’s hardly going to be pleased about me spending time with another woman behind her back.
If it’s just business what have you got to worry about…it is just business, right?
Of course, I got burnt by that candle and learnt my lesson a long time ago.
Then why not just tell Hannah, surely she’d appreciate the honesty?
She’ll want to know why I didn’t come to her, underneath all that veneer the heart of an idealistic lawyer still beats strongly, she wouldn’t approve of the less then clean methods I’ve gone about acquiring shares. Isabella is less concerned by red tape, she’s quite happy to play in the shadows.
Do you think Hannah would be jealous?
Uncontrollably. Perhaps justifiably…
Roberto drops his head.
How so?
I’d rather keep that to myself.
That doesn’t bode well. Have you done something you shouldn’t have? Or someone?
In a manner of speaking.
Then I wouldn’t want to be you.
Really? You’d pass up the opportunity to be…what was it, a “ruggedly handsome Italian gentleman”?
The days I needed to whisper Italian in a ladies ear are long gone, I found my happiness. If you want my advice, don’t forsake your own in pursuit of a company, no matter how important it is to you. If this woman is going to cause issues in your relationship, get out now before you’re in too deep.
Verona lets out a deep, guttural sigh.
That’s’ the problem, Jake, I’m already in too deep…
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