08-06-2026, 04:48 AM
INNER THOUGHTS – OFF CAMERA
If there is one question that Alistaire Allocco should be asking himself, it is ‘why are we here?’ By that, I don’t mean something deep and meaningful, like the point of life or anything like that. What I mean is why are Alistaire and I facing off at Rise to Greatness? I mean, let’s face it, this is the biggest wrestling event on this and any calendar. The eyes of the World will be watching as some of the greatest talent in our industry compete. We have all the titles on the line, titles that both Alistaire and I are worthy of, and we could be writing our names into those belts’ history. But there is nothing like that on the line, in fact two months ago this would have been called a pointless feud. So why do we find ourselves going at it on the grandest of stages? It’s a simple question, and there is a simple answer. We are here because of one word… a word that defines not just Alistaire but the entire Allocco family. That word is relevance. The Allocco family crave the attention… and are jealous of the attention the Cruze family has wherever they go. You can look through as much history as you like, the Allocco’s only exist because of the Cruze’s. Whether it was Orlando, Owen, or me… our names have always been intertwined. Alistaire can deny that all he wants, it doesn’t discount it as truth. And thus, the circle continues.
Alistaire went for me, for relevancy, because he knew I could give it him.
Allocco’s allege that we have achieved nothing without a helping hand, and yet our legacy is assured at the top table of the greatest families to shape this business. The Allocco’s, however talented, are known for underhand tactics and bullshittery. When Owen beat Alistaire, it was claimed that the two families had a respect, Owen and Alistaire were different. Funny how all that is forgotten… just when the Allocco’s were about to suffer that exact fate. Bekah had a point, people do line up to shit on the family name, it’s been happening all season thus far. Perhaps it is time for people to not just ‘know’ but remember our name. And that’s why unlike other matches without titles on the line, this match matters. That is why winning this match means everything to me. It’s not to once again put an Allocco in their place, we stopped needing that nigh on a decade ago. This match matters because it is the line in the sand. This match matters, because winning it will be proof positive that where the Cruze family is concerned, our story, MY story is far from over. Whatever the match, for a title or not, winning at Rise to Greatness matters. And what better way to end my season, that by proving once again that the ‘Greatest Wrestling Family in the World’ are nothing more than a fraudulent attempt at legitimacy. And that all the wrestling ability in the world doesn’t mean shit when you come up against heart, courage and someone who believes in what they do. You can be great, but when you face a Cruze it still may not be enough.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Chris Clay was obviously feeling quite smug with himself. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing more satisfying than finding someone that obviously didn’t want to be found. Drew Bryant had gone to great lengths to cover his tracks and stay under the radar, but within the space of a few days, Chris had gotten photographic evidence of exactly where he was. Of course, he was happy that he would get paid, but that was only secondary to doing something that was believed to be impossible. He’d gotten many photographs, not just of Drew, but also of this elusive Kai that the police didn’t believe existed. Now, they would have enough to go on and bring the two of them to justice. As it happened, Shaun didn’t know of any of this, but Chris was sure he’d be ok with it all, once Drew was safely behind bars at least… and of course the fact he would be over twenty million dollars richer. Now, sat in the precinct waiting for Chief Wilson, Chris was already spending his reward, and smiling to himself, knowing that once again he had bailed the Cruze family out of trouble. Getting in with them had been the best decision of his career, and although some would say he had benefited from their troubles, he knew the Cruze family regarded him as a friend.)
“Mr. Clay, the Chief will see you now.”
Chris: Thank you
(Chris picks up the manilla folder and clutches it as tightly as if it was the reward money itself and ends in the direction of what he knew was the chief’s office. He knocks on the door, waiting to be invited in, stepping through and then closing the door behind him once he is.)
Chief Wilson: Ah Chris, please take a seat
(Chris does as asked, placing the folder on the desk in front of him.)
Chief Wilson: And can I assume that your return means that you have located Mr. Bryant?
Chris: I did better than that.
(The chief looks at him inquisitively, as Chris opens the folder and takes out the photographs. He then gets one that clearly shows Drew’s face, turning it around and sliding it across the desk.)
Chris: That’s him, right?
Chief Wilson: It certainly is… I guess congratulations are in order.
Chris: Honestly, he wasn’t as clever as he thought he was. After all, if you had just come into an obscene amount of money, a holiday island with plenty of sun is going to be one of the first on the agenda. Especially for someone with an ego like Bryant.
Chief Wilson: So where is this?
Chris: Predictably it’s the Maldives, and the woman with him is apparently someone called Caroline Lawton… comes from money, so has no doubt latched onto Bryant now that he’s suddenly flush.
Chief Wilson: This is excellent… I’ll contact our colleagues and get him brought in straight away.
Chris: That’s not all Chief…
(He sorts through the photos again, finding the one he is looking for and once again sliding it across the desk.)
Chief Wilson: What am I looking at?
Chris: Well, I can’t be certain, and I haven’t been able to confirm…
Chief Wilson: Go on
Chris: But I think that is the mysterious ‘Kai’ that Shaun was talking about, and if he is right, the brains behind the whole operation to fleece Shaun of his money. I reckon if you move quickly, you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone and hopefully get Shaun his money back.
Chief Wilson: And get the two of them in jail
Chris: Well, yeah.
(The Chief looks at all the evidence in front of him, and although he was annoyed that his own officers hadn’t been able to piece it together, he was at the same time happy that it was all close to being resolved. He reaches inside a drawer, and pulls out an envelope, passing it to Chris.)
Chief Wilson: It’s all there and worth every dime. But please, until we have them, don’t say anything to Shaun, ok? I don’t want him worrying about anything until we are certain?
Chris. Absolutely… glad to be of service.
(The chief nods, Chris getting to his feet to leave.)
Chief Wilson: One more thing…
Chris: Sure, what’s up?
Chief Wilson: My guys spent hours on this, trying to find Bryant and yet you managed to do it in a few days. I could really do with a detective like you in the force so how do you feel about taking a job?
Chris: A detective?
Chief Wilson: Yeah, why not?
(Chris laughs and then shakes his head.)
Chris: Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll pass.
Chief Wilson: But why… imagine all the resources at your disposal, and a solid wage, pension, the works.
Chris: No disrespect Chief, but all the resources in the world, and you guys still didn’t find him before I did. And let’s just say, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere close to him if I’d have had to play by the same rules you do.
(The chief suspected that Chris’ methods weren’t necessarily legal but chose to ignore that fact.)
Chris: Plus, you know what’s in this envelope… I will probably earn more than you do in a year, so thanks, but no thanks. I think I’d stick with what I do.
Chief Wilson: Fair enough
Chris: But if you do ever need me, and are willing to pay the big bucks, you know where I am.
(The chief nods, Chris smiling as he leaves the office. In an adjacent office, the camera finds an officer, just in the process of removing his headset, wearing a smug grin of his own. He picks up his cellphone and dials a number, waiting a few moments until someone answers, lowering his voice as he speaks.)
Officer: Kai, you’ve gotta get Drew out of there… Wilson is onto you. He’s just been speaking with Chris Clay.
(We hear a muffled response, and then the line goes dead the camera then going back to Wilson’s office, panning underneath the desk… and the bug that had allowed the officer to hear everything.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(It had been a tough time for Shaun, and Owen knew it. When Orlando had died, Shaun had stepped up to the plate, helping Kloe to bring him up. Owen had known that during that time, Shaun had never left his side, even when Owen was in danger of falling into the abyss. As such, Owen had wondered how he could help his uncle, whilst at the same time, no wanting to make his help seem like charity. As such, Owen believed he had come up with the perfect solution. A means to him Shaun get back on his feet. It wasn’t solely all for Shaun, Owen did have something to gain from it… he only hoped that Shaun saw it in the same way. As Owen was in Los Angeles anyway with his wife Jennifer and his son Ethan, it was the perfect opportunity for him to meet up with Shaun. So, with Jennifer and Ethan having gone on a shopping trip, Owen had met Shaun at a beachside café, Shaun already suspicious as to Owen’s intentions as their drinks arrived.)
Shaun: Thanks Owen… been a while since I’ve been here.
Owen: Busy?
Shaun: Nah, just not able to afford it. I try to save all the money I have for when I have Dorothea so it’s not an endless amount of beach days and not a lot else. Oh, how the mighty have fallen huh?
Owen: I’m sorry this happened to you.
(Shaun shrugs.)
Shaun: It’s my own fault Owen, and I don’t need your sympathy. My situation is all on me and I don’t have anyone else but myself to blame. I just feel so guilty that I dragged you into it as well, I sometimes forget that you lost money as well.
Owen: I wouldn’t have given it to you if I needed it back Shaun. And don’t worry about paying it back either, I knew the risks.
Shaun: That’s good of you.
Owen: I know it’s a shitty situation for you right now… but I want to help you. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Shaun: If I want to keep my family safe it does.
(Shaun had misunderstood, thinking that Owen was referring to the fact Shaun had dropped the case and thus given up the money without a fight.)
Owen: No… I get that. I can’t say I’d do anything different if it was Jennifer or Ethan being threatened. What I mean is you don’t have to worry about money. I can help you.
Shaun: I’m not accepting charity Owen… I’m not that far gone yet, and something will come up.
Owen: And I’m not offering charity Shaun… I’m offering a solution.
Shaun: What do you mean?
(Owen pauses but then looks over Shaun’s shoulder.)
Owen: Can you see that building over there? The one with the blue Porsche parked outside?
(Shaun turns and scans the area before nodding his head.)
Shaun: Yeah, I see it
Owen: That building is the reason Jen and I are out here, and the reason I wanted to meet up with you today.
(Shaun scowls, not understanding.)
Shaun: I don’t understand.
Owen: When I opened Next Level Miami, it was always with the intention of building a franchise in as many states as possible, before then I ventured across the pond and into Europe. Adam has got New York purring now; I’ve got Miami covered… my next location was always going to be Los Angeles.
Shaun: What’s that got to do with me?
Owen: This morning I bought that building… it is the perfect beachfront location for Next Level Los Angeles. And I want YOU to run it for me. Think about it for a minute… you’d have a job, you wouldn’t have to leave LA, and you’d be with Dorothea all the time. And bonus… there is a separate building which could house the shelter piece, the upstairs of the main building is already kitting out as an apartment. No more staying in hotels Shaun, and you would be just five minutes away from your little girl.
(Immediately Shaun’s defenses are up as he takes it in the way Owen feared… as charity.)
Shaun: I don’t need…
(Owen cuts him off.)
Owen: Charity… I know you don’t Shaun, but this isn’t charity. Same as with Adam, I want to have someone running the place I can trust, and right now it’s not like you are doing anything else, is it? It’s the perfect solution for me, and the perfect opportunity for you to get back on your feet, without having to leave your family behind.
(Shaun sips his drink and sighs.)
Owen: Come on, what do you have to lose?
(Shaun finds a wry smile, though nothing was humorous about this.)
Shaun: Me? I’ve got nothing to lose Owen because let’s face it, I’ve almost lost everything. Fucked up my career, fucked up my marriage, and almost fucked up the relationship with my daughter which is pretty much all I have left. Face facts, I’ve messed up everything, and now you want me to look after people that are down on their luck and have nothing else but shelter, as well as help from the future generation of wrestler’s career? I’m sorry Owen, but I can’t do that to them. Next Level has built itself one heck of a reputation… I’m sure as hell not going to come in and ruin that for you.
Owen: You’re being too narrow-minded
(The statement surprises Shaun in his delivery.)
Shaun: Am I? Enlighten me then.
Owen: When I started Miami, do you know the first thing I taught the students?
(Shaun shrugs.)
Owen: I educated them on the things I got wrong, so that they didn’t make the same mistakes. The guys that came off the streets, I let them know that no matter how far you fall, if you have a support network, there is always someone who can bring you back. Think back to when that asshole was fucking with my mind, the things you did to ensure I didn’t crumble. You brought me back from the brink where other friends turned their back on me. Can’t you see Shaun, you have all the attributes to succeed in a job like this… that is why I want you on board… not for some bullshit charity.
(Owen pauses, sensing he was getting through to his uncle.)
Owen: Look, life has dealt you a crappy hand this past year, but the way I see it, others can benefit from your experiences, making sure they don’t fall into the same traps. Remember how pissed off you were when you couldn’t sort out SCW’s problems… these are problems you will have some control over. I’m not handing this to you on a platter; I’m doing this because you’ll be good at it. How many times did I get pissed off at your constant advice… these will be people that need it. And I’ll say it again… you stay in Los Angeles, and once again you’ll be able to do the things you want with Dorothea. You’re not just giving these people a life… you’re claiming back your own.
(Owen talked a good game and made a lot of sense. Perhaps this could once again give him a purpose.)
Owen: What do you say Shaun? Don’t let your stubbornness stop you from taking a huge opportunity to be Shaun Cruze again and make a legitimate impact.
(Shaun ponders on it, Owen never taking his eyes off him.)
Owen: Shaun?
(Shaun smirks.)
Shaun: I guess you’d best show me what I’ll be working with.
(Shaun downs his drink and stands, looking off in the direction of the building. Perhaps this was indeed the start of a new chapter.)
Owen: That is the right choice
(The two of them walk down the beach, Shaun never taking his eyes off the building. Was this his chance? The chance of a new life? He hoped so.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Drew Bryant swims in the pool of his apartment, enjoying the trappings of a life that he had always felt like he deserved. He was so at ease with life right now, he felt indestructible, and like nothing could possibly go wrong. Kai’s share of the money had now been deposited into Kai’s account, the rest was split over several banks so it was nigh on impossible to trace and the apartment, was literally somewhere he could see himself spending the rest of his life with Caroline… her father happy that he now had the funds to keep her in the manner she was used to. As he swims underwater, blissfully unaware of everything, he sees a figure standing on the edge of the pool and rises to the surface. There, he sees Kai, who didn’t seem to be matching Drew’s mood. Drew walks up the ladder out the water, and grabs a towel, Kai walking over to join him.)
Drew: Kai, good to see you… I thought you would be on the way back to Los Angeles now with your money safely in your account. I’m assuming nothing is missing there because I assure you it was arranged.
Kai: No, the money was there… and I was at the airport when I got a call
Drew: Oh?
Kai: Yeah, Dex at the precinct got in touch. It’s not good news I’m afraid.
(Drew rubs his hair with the towel, listening intently and ever so slightly worried.)
Drew: I’m sure it’s nothing that can’t be sorted.
Kai: Wilson has photographs… you and me, here on the island. I’d say by now Wilson will have made a few calls and the cops will be on their way.
Drew: WHAT!!! How?
Kai: Chris Clay…
Drew: The private investigator? That means…
Kai: No… it wasn’t Cruze’s doing, apparently, he doesn’t know anything about this. Wilson went behind his back according to Dex.
Drew: Even so, I warned him what would happen
Kai: I think we have more pressing problems, like getting you out of here. What you do with Cruze, that can wait. I’m not letting you get caught and you drag this whole thing down with you. Don’t forget, this is bigger than both of us.
(Drew hadn’t forgotten… there was far more to this than anyone would ever understand. Not getting caught was what was important right now.)
Kai: The helicopter is ready; we can have you and Caroline off the island in under five minutes. I’ll have someone make sure nothing leads back to you back at the apartment then I’ll join you. We must disappear… then we can consider what we do with Cruze. OK?
Drew: OK, but we make that fucker pay… clear?
Kai: Absolutely
(Drew leaves the poolside area to prepare to leave, as Kai takes his phone out his jacket and dials a number.)
Kai: Torch the place, I want nothing left when the cops arrive you hear me. Nothing.
(With a sigh he brings up another number, the name of the person only referred to as ‘Boss’. Again, he waits until the line connects.)
Kai: It’s sorted… the plan is back on track
(He hangs up abruptly, acutely aware that someone could be listening, while deciding that he would deal with Chris Clay himself. And then… Drew Bryant would be next.)
If there is one question that Alistaire Allocco should be asking himself, it is ‘why are we here?’ By that, I don’t mean something deep and meaningful, like the point of life or anything like that. What I mean is why are Alistaire and I facing off at Rise to Greatness? I mean, let’s face it, this is the biggest wrestling event on this and any calendar. The eyes of the World will be watching as some of the greatest talent in our industry compete. We have all the titles on the line, titles that both Alistaire and I are worthy of, and we could be writing our names into those belts’ history. But there is nothing like that on the line, in fact two months ago this would have been called a pointless feud. So why do we find ourselves going at it on the grandest of stages? It’s a simple question, and there is a simple answer. We are here because of one word… a word that defines not just Alistaire but the entire Allocco family. That word is relevance. The Allocco family crave the attention… and are jealous of the attention the Cruze family has wherever they go. You can look through as much history as you like, the Allocco’s only exist because of the Cruze’s. Whether it was Orlando, Owen, or me… our names have always been intertwined. Alistaire can deny that all he wants, it doesn’t discount it as truth. And thus, the circle continues.
Alistaire went for me, for relevancy, because he knew I could give it him.
Allocco’s allege that we have achieved nothing without a helping hand, and yet our legacy is assured at the top table of the greatest families to shape this business. The Allocco’s, however talented, are known for underhand tactics and bullshittery. When Owen beat Alistaire, it was claimed that the two families had a respect, Owen and Alistaire were different. Funny how all that is forgotten… just when the Allocco’s were about to suffer that exact fate. Bekah had a point, people do line up to shit on the family name, it’s been happening all season thus far. Perhaps it is time for people to not just ‘know’ but remember our name. And that’s why unlike other matches without titles on the line, this match matters. That is why winning this match means everything to me. It’s not to once again put an Allocco in their place, we stopped needing that nigh on a decade ago. This match matters because it is the line in the sand. This match matters, because winning it will be proof positive that where the Cruze family is concerned, our story, MY story is far from over. Whatever the match, for a title or not, winning at Rise to Greatness matters. And what better way to end my season, that by proving once again that the ‘Greatest Wrestling Family in the World’ are nothing more than a fraudulent attempt at legitimacy. And that all the wrestling ability in the world doesn’t mean shit when you come up against heart, courage and someone who believes in what they do. You can be great, but when you face a Cruze it still may not be enough.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Chris Clay was obviously feeling quite smug with himself. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing more satisfying than finding someone that obviously didn’t want to be found. Drew Bryant had gone to great lengths to cover his tracks and stay under the radar, but within the space of a few days, Chris had gotten photographic evidence of exactly where he was. Of course, he was happy that he would get paid, but that was only secondary to doing something that was believed to be impossible. He’d gotten many photographs, not just of Drew, but also of this elusive Kai that the police didn’t believe existed. Now, they would have enough to go on and bring the two of them to justice. As it happened, Shaun didn’t know of any of this, but Chris was sure he’d be ok with it all, once Drew was safely behind bars at least… and of course the fact he would be over twenty million dollars richer. Now, sat in the precinct waiting for Chief Wilson, Chris was already spending his reward, and smiling to himself, knowing that once again he had bailed the Cruze family out of trouble. Getting in with them had been the best decision of his career, and although some would say he had benefited from their troubles, he knew the Cruze family regarded him as a friend.)
“Mr. Clay, the Chief will see you now.”
Chris: Thank you
(Chris picks up the manilla folder and clutches it as tightly as if it was the reward money itself and ends in the direction of what he knew was the chief’s office. He knocks on the door, waiting to be invited in, stepping through and then closing the door behind him once he is.)
Chief Wilson: Ah Chris, please take a seat
(Chris does as asked, placing the folder on the desk in front of him.)
Chief Wilson: And can I assume that your return means that you have located Mr. Bryant?
Chris: I did better than that.
(The chief looks at him inquisitively, as Chris opens the folder and takes out the photographs. He then gets one that clearly shows Drew’s face, turning it around and sliding it across the desk.)
Chris: That’s him, right?
Chief Wilson: It certainly is… I guess congratulations are in order.
Chris: Honestly, he wasn’t as clever as he thought he was. After all, if you had just come into an obscene amount of money, a holiday island with plenty of sun is going to be one of the first on the agenda. Especially for someone with an ego like Bryant.
Chief Wilson: So where is this?
Chris: Predictably it’s the Maldives, and the woman with him is apparently someone called Caroline Lawton… comes from money, so has no doubt latched onto Bryant now that he’s suddenly flush.
Chief Wilson: This is excellent… I’ll contact our colleagues and get him brought in straight away.
Chris: That’s not all Chief…
(He sorts through the photos again, finding the one he is looking for and once again sliding it across the desk.)
Chief Wilson: What am I looking at?
Chris: Well, I can’t be certain, and I haven’t been able to confirm…
Chief Wilson: Go on
Chris: But I think that is the mysterious ‘Kai’ that Shaun was talking about, and if he is right, the brains behind the whole operation to fleece Shaun of his money. I reckon if you move quickly, you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone and hopefully get Shaun his money back.
Chief Wilson: And get the two of them in jail
Chris: Well, yeah.
(The Chief looks at all the evidence in front of him, and although he was annoyed that his own officers hadn’t been able to piece it together, he was at the same time happy that it was all close to being resolved. He reaches inside a drawer, and pulls out an envelope, passing it to Chris.)
Chief Wilson: It’s all there and worth every dime. But please, until we have them, don’t say anything to Shaun, ok? I don’t want him worrying about anything until we are certain?
Chris. Absolutely… glad to be of service.
(The chief nods, Chris getting to his feet to leave.)
Chief Wilson: One more thing…
Chris: Sure, what’s up?
Chief Wilson: My guys spent hours on this, trying to find Bryant and yet you managed to do it in a few days. I could really do with a detective like you in the force so how do you feel about taking a job?
Chris: A detective?
Chief Wilson: Yeah, why not?
(Chris laughs and then shakes his head.)
Chris: Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll pass.
Chief Wilson: But why… imagine all the resources at your disposal, and a solid wage, pension, the works.
Chris: No disrespect Chief, but all the resources in the world, and you guys still didn’t find him before I did. And let’s just say, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere close to him if I’d have had to play by the same rules you do.
(The chief suspected that Chris’ methods weren’t necessarily legal but chose to ignore that fact.)
Chris: Plus, you know what’s in this envelope… I will probably earn more than you do in a year, so thanks, but no thanks. I think I’d stick with what I do.
Chief Wilson: Fair enough
Chris: But if you do ever need me, and are willing to pay the big bucks, you know where I am.
(The chief nods, Chris smiling as he leaves the office. In an adjacent office, the camera finds an officer, just in the process of removing his headset, wearing a smug grin of his own. He picks up his cellphone and dials a number, waiting a few moments until someone answers, lowering his voice as he speaks.)
Officer: Kai, you’ve gotta get Drew out of there… Wilson is onto you. He’s just been speaking with Chris Clay.
(We hear a muffled response, and then the line goes dead the camera then going back to Wilson’s office, panning underneath the desk… and the bug that had allowed the officer to hear everything.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(It had been a tough time for Shaun, and Owen knew it. When Orlando had died, Shaun had stepped up to the plate, helping Kloe to bring him up. Owen had known that during that time, Shaun had never left his side, even when Owen was in danger of falling into the abyss. As such, Owen had wondered how he could help his uncle, whilst at the same time, no wanting to make his help seem like charity. As such, Owen believed he had come up with the perfect solution. A means to him Shaun get back on his feet. It wasn’t solely all for Shaun, Owen did have something to gain from it… he only hoped that Shaun saw it in the same way. As Owen was in Los Angeles anyway with his wife Jennifer and his son Ethan, it was the perfect opportunity for him to meet up with Shaun. So, with Jennifer and Ethan having gone on a shopping trip, Owen had met Shaun at a beachside café, Shaun already suspicious as to Owen’s intentions as their drinks arrived.)
Shaun: Thanks Owen… been a while since I’ve been here.
Owen: Busy?
Shaun: Nah, just not able to afford it. I try to save all the money I have for when I have Dorothea so it’s not an endless amount of beach days and not a lot else. Oh, how the mighty have fallen huh?
Owen: I’m sorry this happened to you.
(Shaun shrugs.)
Shaun: It’s my own fault Owen, and I don’t need your sympathy. My situation is all on me and I don’t have anyone else but myself to blame. I just feel so guilty that I dragged you into it as well, I sometimes forget that you lost money as well.
Owen: I wouldn’t have given it to you if I needed it back Shaun. And don’t worry about paying it back either, I knew the risks.
Shaun: That’s good of you.
Owen: I know it’s a shitty situation for you right now… but I want to help you. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Shaun: If I want to keep my family safe it does.
(Shaun had misunderstood, thinking that Owen was referring to the fact Shaun had dropped the case and thus given up the money without a fight.)
Owen: No… I get that. I can’t say I’d do anything different if it was Jennifer or Ethan being threatened. What I mean is you don’t have to worry about money. I can help you.
Shaun: I’m not accepting charity Owen… I’m not that far gone yet, and something will come up.
Owen: And I’m not offering charity Shaun… I’m offering a solution.
Shaun: What do you mean?
(Owen pauses but then looks over Shaun’s shoulder.)
Owen: Can you see that building over there? The one with the blue Porsche parked outside?
(Shaun turns and scans the area before nodding his head.)
Shaun: Yeah, I see it
Owen: That building is the reason Jen and I are out here, and the reason I wanted to meet up with you today.
(Shaun scowls, not understanding.)
Shaun: I don’t understand.
Owen: When I opened Next Level Miami, it was always with the intention of building a franchise in as many states as possible, before then I ventured across the pond and into Europe. Adam has got New York purring now; I’ve got Miami covered… my next location was always going to be Los Angeles.
Shaun: What’s that got to do with me?
Owen: This morning I bought that building… it is the perfect beachfront location for Next Level Los Angeles. And I want YOU to run it for me. Think about it for a minute… you’d have a job, you wouldn’t have to leave LA, and you’d be with Dorothea all the time. And bonus… there is a separate building which could house the shelter piece, the upstairs of the main building is already kitting out as an apartment. No more staying in hotels Shaun, and you would be just five minutes away from your little girl.
(Immediately Shaun’s defenses are up as he takes it in the way Owen feared… as charity.)
Shaun: I don’t need…
(Owen cuts him off.)
Owen: Charity… I know you don’t Shaun, but this isn’t charity. Same as with Adam, I want to have someone running the place I can trust, and right now it’s not like you are doing anything else, is it? It’s the perfect solution for me, and the perfect opportunity for you to get back on your feet, without having to leave your family behind.
(Shaun sips his drink and sighs.)
Owen: Come on, what do you have to lose?
(Shaun finds a wry smile, though nothing was humorous about this.)
Shaun: Me? I’ve got nothing to lose Owen because let’s face it, I’ve almost lost everything. Fucked up my career, fucked up my marriage, and almost fucked up the relationship with my daughter which is pretty much all I have left. Face facts, I’ve messed up everything, and now you want me to look after people that are down on their luck and have nothing else but shelter, as well as help from the future generation of wrestler’s career? I’m sorry Owen, but I can’t do that to them. Next Level has built itself one heck of a reputation… I’m sure as hell not going to come in and ruin that for you.
Owen: You’re being too narrow-minded
(The statement surprises Shaun in his delivery.)
Shaun: Am I? Enlighten me then.
Owen: When I started Miami, do you know the first thing I taught the students?
(Shaun shrugs.)
Owen: I educated them on the things I got wrong, so that they didn’t make the same mistakes. The guys that came off the streets, I let them know that no matter how far you fall, if you have a support network, there is always someone who can bring you back. Think back to when that asshole was fucking with my mind, the things you did to ensure I didn’t crumble. You brought me back from the brink where other friends turned their back on me. Can’t you see Shaun, you have all the attributes to succeed in a job like this… that is why I want you on board… not for some bullshit charity.
(Owen pauses, sensing he was getting through to his uncle.)
Owen: Look, life has dealt you a crappy hand this past year, but the way I see it, others can benefit from your experiences, making sure they don’t fall into the same traps. Remember how pissed off you were when you couldn’t sort out SCW’s problems… these are problems you will have some control over. I’m not handing this to you on a platter; I’m doing this because you’ll be good at it. How many times did I get pissed off at your constant advice… these will be people that need it. And I’ll say it again… you stay in Los Angeles, and once again you’ll be able to do the things you want with Dorothea. You’re not just giving these people a life… you’re claiming back your own.
(Owen talked a good game and made a lot of sense. Perhaps this could once again give him a purpose.)
Owen: What do you say Shaun? Don’t let your stubbornness stop you from taking a huge opportunity to be Shaun Cruze again and make a legitimate impact.
(Shaun ponders on it, Owen never taking his eyes off him.)
Owen: Shaun?
(Shaun smirks.)
Shaun: I guess you’d best show me what I’ll be working with.
(Shaun downs his drink and stands, looking off in the direction of the building. Perhaps this was indeed the start of a new chapter.)
Owen: That is the right choice
(The two of them walk down the beach, Shaun never taking his eyes off the building. Was this his chance? The chance of a new life? He hoped so.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Drew Bryant swims in the pool of his apartment, enjoying the trappings of a life that he had always felt like he deserved. He was so at ease with life right now, he felt indestructible, and like nothing could possibly go wrong. Kai’s share of the money had now been deposited into Kai’s account, the rest was split over several banks so it was nigh on impossible to trace and the apartment, was literally somewhere he could see himself spending the rest of his life with Caroline… her father happy that he now had the funds to keep her in the manner she was used to. As he swims underwater, blissfully unaware of everything, he sees a figure standing on the edge of the pool and rises to the surface. There, he sees Kai, who didn’t seem to be matching Drew’s mood. Drew walks up the ladder out the water, and grabs a towel, Kai walking over to join him.)
Drew: Kai, good to see you… I thought you would be on the way back to Los Angeles now with your money safely in your account. I’m assuming nothing is missing there because I assure you it was arranged.
Kai: No, the money was there… and I was at the airport when I got a call
Drew: Oh?
Kai: Yeah, Dex at the precinct got in touch. It’s not good news I’m afraid.
(Drew rubs his hair with the towel, listening intently and ever so slightly worried.)
Drew: I’m sure it’s nothing that can’t be sorted.
Kai: Wilson has photographs… you and me, here on the island. I’d say by now Wilson will have made a few calls and the cops will be on their way.
Drew: WHAT!!! How?
Kai: Chris Clay…
Drew: The private investigator? That means…
Kai: No… it wasn’t Cruze’s doing, apparently, he doesn’t know anything about this. Wilson went behind his back according to Dex.
Drew: Even so, I warned him what would happen
Kai: I think we have more pressing problems, like getting you out of here. What you do with Cruze, that can wait. I’m not letting you get caught and you drag this whole thing down with you. Don’t forget, this is bigger than both of us.
(Drew hadn’t forgotten… there was far more to this than anyone would ever understand. Not getting caught was what was important right now.)
Kai: The helicopter is ready; we can have you and Caroline off the island in under five minutes. I’ll have someone make sure nothing leads back to you back at the apartment then I’ll join you. We must disappear… then we can consider what we do with Cruze. OK?
Drew: OK, but we make that fucker pay… clear?
Kai: Absolutely
(Drew leaves the poolside area to prepare to leave, as Kai takes his phone out his jacket and dials a number.)
Kai: Torch the place, I want nothing left when the cops arrive you hear me. Nothing.
(With a sigh he brings up another number, the name of the person only referred to as ‘Boss’. Again, he waits until the line connects.)
Kai: It’s sorted… the plan is back on track
(He hangs up abruptly, acutely aware that someone could be listening, while deciding that he would deal with Chris Clay himself. And then… Drew Bryant would be next.)
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