FXR | “When You’re a Threat...”
Jun 7, 2021 22:53:40 GMT -5
somethingwicked, Vhodka Marie, and 3 more like this
Post by FXR Dane Preston on Jun 7, 2021 22:53:40 GMT -5
“WHEN YOU’RE A THREAT...”
“YOU BECOME A TARGET…”
After some mind-blowingly, passionate love-making with my ladies, I drove them to the private airport and sent them home. I still had things to do before I headed home and I promised them that I’d come home briefly once I finished up. I had a lengthy phone call with Bishop, we discussed what info that he and his team had gathered from the surveillance tags we’d hit both Montuori residences with. The usual braggadocio behavior, Paul’s daughter was being an absolute terror to him, serves him right. Joe on the other hand, slept with a picture of my family with his head pasted over mine. That man is so damned delusional about what he is getting out of this whole team-up with my wife.
I’m sitting at a table at The BLVD, having a late lunch when I notice that I’ve got a match this week with Tommy Kain. I’ve been so FoCuSed on recon and tactical assessments of the Montuoris that I have completely forgotten about work. As I skim further, I do a little background reading on Tommy and I just can’t help but feel for the guy. He busts his ass to get ahead in the business, but he’s been overshadowed by men and women who have absolutely mastered this game, of which I am one. Slipping an Airpod in my ear, I open the camera on my phone and hit record.
“As many know, I was discovered by Damon HavoK Riggs years ago. A man, who despite his overbearing personality and shrewd business acumen, was one of the most sought after wrestlers in the industry. No matter where he went, whether he was with The Pack or solo, he was an immediate threat to the so-called “Top Guys” in every promotion he signed with. Along with Riggs, I was trained by VooDoo, and she made damn sure to teach me one very important lesson above all else, and that is WHEN YOU’RE A THREAT, YOU BECOME THE TARGET. Along with some reputable names like Murphy Doyle Maher, Le’Andra Fury, Allison Riggs-PRESTON, and more recently Asher Jules and Noelle Rivers, I represent the next generation of The Pack and the Riggs Dynasty. With the weight of that responsibility comes a massive target painted on each of our backs. My beef with Brandon Moore stems from issues that occurred when we were training to break into the business, so I earned that target. But the issues with FoCuS, namely Joe and Paul Montuori and Cameron Vincent, stem from where I came up and who trained me. That target was transferred from Damon to me and Allison.”
“The long and short of it is that I inherited most of the targets on my back. And no matter what any of these guys say to make themselves sound or appear superior to me, remember how much time and energy they have put into trying to silence me and keep me down. Remember that Joe Montuori is chasing my wife’s tail, to piss off the Old Man and goad him out of retirement, as much as piss me off. I could go on at some length about FoCuS, but they’re not important right now. Make no bones about it, I took Tommy Kain out on Showcase and I had a damned good reason for it. He was in the right place at the wrong time, and I have a fucking axe to grind. Through Kain, I had Paul Montuori running scared. Just roll back the tapes from Showcase when I took Paulie’s breath away. The look of fear on that man’s face as he came face to face with me, while trying to backpedal after all the shit he’s talked, after he and Brandon Moore put me back on the shelf…”
“JOB DONE.”
“I sent a small message to the Montuoris and Moore. I had some inkling that my attacking Tommy Kain would wind up seeing the two of us inside the ring with one another. And that’s perfectly fine by me. It seems that the powers that be want to see me run down each and every person associated with FoCuS, before I get to my ultimate goal of destroying Joe Montuori and eventually getting to Brandon Moore. I’ll run the gauntlet, I’m totally okay with that. Just don’t blame me for the destruction left in my wake. The blood will ultimately be on the hands of those pulling the strings behind the scenes.”
“I know you’re watching this intently Tommy, I want you to heed my words. You are making friends with the wrong people. I promise you that if you don’t walk away soon, you will fall like the rest of them. What happened to you was not a happy little accident either. I’m on a fucking mission. The last few years I have been on a tear through promotions. Then comes OPW, and I get hurt again and again and again. Michelle was just the start. It’s time for me to rise back to the main event, where I was when I first walked into this motherfucking place. Before the implosion of NEW, I was on top of the fucking world. Johnny Stylez and Morbid Wolf were my personal punching bags. Then along came the OTHER Styles and the rest was history. But my time in OPW has been that of Xavier Wolf’s shadow, Damon Riggs’ son in law and successor to the dynasty alongside Allison.”
“While some of those things will remain the same, some of them have and will change. I have nothing but love for X. That dude and I went through some life or death shit and we came out the other side with respect for one another that I NEVER saw coming. But I am not his shadow, I only rode with him in his time with Syndicate to watch his back, because I didn’t trust anyone aligned with Johnny Stylez’ corrupt ass. Just like I don’t trust FoCuS or anyone trying to dickride them. That means you Tommy Boy. See, I know you and Johnny Stylez have a history. Behind the scenes dude spoke very highly of you. All the more reason for me to put your sorry ass down next.”
“This match will see me send yet another message to OPW, namely Paul Montuori who happens to be the next victim on my hitlist. But don’t get shit twisted Tommy boy. I know full well not to look to the next fight before I’m done with the current one. Now, in case you don’t know who I am, I am Dane fucking Preston. I spent five years behind bars in San Quentin and had to fight for survival every godsdamned day. So stepping between the ropes with the likes of you will be a walk in the park. I mean, hell, you phone in your fucking matches nowadays anyway. I’ll just be doing the world a favor by putting your ass in a pine box and sending you off into the sunset.”
“So, before you start talking shit and underestimate me, just know that I hear it all the time. You’re nothing special. You’re nobody. You’re a joke. I’m not as big as some dudes in this business. And I’ve had my share of being tossed around a ring. But what I lack in size, I damn sure make up for in technique, conditioning, speed and the fact that when I hit you, you’re going to know good and godsdamned well that you got hit. See, in this business, David vs Goliath is essentially the story of my career. I’ll step up to a group of guys without a fucking care in the world, or an ounce of fear. I might lose that battle, but at the end of the day I will win the fucking war. And if I’m being honest here, let’s face it Tommy…”
“YOU’RE NO GOLIATH…”
“...I wouldn’t even call you David either…”
“I’m fully aware of the fact that you’re the Co-Southern Champion with Little Meatball Paul Montuori. But what does that really say about either you or Paul? It's a godsdamned singles Championship you both hold together. That’s like one of you holding the other’s dick and claiming it belongs to you, when it can only belong to one of you. What this means is that the company was too lazy to vacate the Championship or keep it around the true Champion’s waist, sorry Vhodka, they did you dirty girl. So, what I’m trying to say is that right now the OPW Southern Championship being held by two dudes who really didn’t win it, is the embodiment of a participation trophy. So you and Paul can run around and throw your celebrations all you want to, because at the end of the day, NO ONE TAKES PAPER CHAMPIONS SERIOUSLY.”
“As I stated in the beginning, when you’re a threat, you become the target. And in case you haven’t realized it yet, I’m THE ONE GUY that FoCuS has their sights set on. Do the math there Tommy. Why would so many people talk down to me, pretending that I was beneath them, when the biggest, baddest, meanest group of shitheads in the business all have their eyes on me, salivating any opportunity to catch me unawares. Think long and hard about that Tommy. Consider the fact that when we step into the ring on Showcase, I’m not stuck facing you, it’s YOU THAT’S STUCK FACING ME. And I’m going to tell you here and now, I’m in a really fucking foul mood. My marriage is being threatened by Joe Montuori, my wife is acting out of character all the time, my girlfriend is scrambling around making sure my wife doesn’t lose her fucking mind. Meanwhile, I’m out doing some recon, looking for a chink in the armor of The Montuoris, and missing my kids like mad. You, Tommy, YOU are going to be on the receiving end of all that frustration rolled up into a ball that will be shot out of a cannon, full speed into your face. I wouldn’t wish the beating that you’re about to catch on anyone I love. Trust me when I say this, you are going to be laid up for a good, long while after I’m done with you. I’ll see you soon.”
The server brings my check over, smiling sweetly before she heads off to another table. I look back at the camera.
“Hey, Meatball. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you. I have something really special planned for you this week. I’ll be seeing you real soon too...”
With that, I end the recording and shoot it over to OPW’s production team for them to get it on the air. I slap down enough money to leave a generous tip, I don’t need to boast about the amount I paid though, because I’m a better person than that.
The Compound | June 5th, 3:00PM
It feels good to be home. While I’m only here for a day or two, I need to get some time in with the Riggs boys and Wyatt. And I missed my munchkins terribly, so I need to go get some love from them. Having a private airstrip on the Compound made travel so easy for us. Within minutes after touching down, I had both my little ones in my arms. And in the same amount of time, I had the Old Man breathing down my neck.
DAMON
“So, you took Soulless out for a joyride…”
DANE
“I did.”
DAMON
“How’d she run?”
DANE
“You’d know if you drove her or the Hoonicorn. I mean, at least Vin, Kal, X, Jason, Shane and Murph fucking DRIVE the rods I build them. You just like flashy shit to stare at…”
JENNA
“Honey, stop pestering Dane and let him have some time with his kids, I have a feeling he’s not staying long.”
DANE
“Thanks Mom.” I turned my head to Damon. “She’s right, you know. I’m dealing with FoCuS, because you couldn’t. And Joe Montuori is threatening my fucking marriage. Thanks for that.”
DAMON
“Yeah, about that. Make Joe choke on that necklace please.”
DANE
“I’d really recommend you take your wife’s advice and let me have some time with my kids. Unless you want to take this back to the Hangar, what are we up to now, round five?”
Damon’s nostrils started to flare, top lip wanting to snarl. I could tell he was wound up and looking for any excuse.
DANE
“Not in front of MY kids, Old Man. Just walk away.”
I scooped up my little ones and took them out to the Compound’s park, which has a gorgeous view of the lake. The very same lake that Allison drove her Chevelle into. The very same Chevelle I built her for a wedding present. We’ve been through rougher shit than some slimy ass pro wrestler parading around like a wannabe mob boss. She’s actually seen me manhandle her father on more than one occasion. Something neither Montuori has done throughout the entirety of their careers. My mind should be on my kids right now, and instead I’m seething inside.
While watching Luke and Leyla play on the playground equipment and lost in my own head, I didn’t hear the approaching footsteps. Before I knew what was happening, I had Allison and Bella sitting down at each side. Allison took my hand in hers, Bella laid her head on my shoulder. This. Moments like this. No amount of money can buy them. No amount of sleazy salesman tactics can or will steal them either. These are my girls, those are my kids, this is my world. And I will die before anyone comes between any of us.
Shoving that thought aside, I took a deep breath and soaked it all in. The sounds of the twins glee as they play with each other, the feeling of unconditional love from the women next to me. I need only think of moments like this to remind me how fortunate I am to live the life I live. And then, shit gets serious.
ALLISON
“Jordan called. She gave me some numbers to call for some specialists in New York, to help with the IED and CPTSD.”
DANE
“Babe, can we not do this right now, let’s just enjoy this.”
ALLISON
“I know you’re hesitant to see another doctor, but something has to change. We want you better, we want our Dane back…”
BELLA
“Mmhmm, I second that. The bed isn’t the same without you…”
ALLISON
“That too, but that’s not the point. Damn it, Bellz, be serious for a minute…”
BELLA
“But he said he wanted to just enjoy the moment. Us. The kids. Let the man have a moment of peace. Can’t you see he’s fighting a war right now?”
DANE
“Thanks Bellz.” I turned my head to Allison, “You're not keeping that necklace are you?”
I glanced over at Allison who looked like she was going to object, instead she leaned in and kissed me before laying her head on my other shoulder. With that we simply watched in silence as the kids played.
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