Las Vegas, NV.
A Few Weeks Ago
His name was Joe Don Booth, he was released from prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence at Montford Unit Prison in Lubbock, Texas for killing a man at the Hurricane Creek Saloon. He didn’t think that sentence would end, not allowed to leave town, he would check with his parole officer, instead he was able to be released without having to serve his twenty-two years, long as he continued his good behavior. Joe Don had no one, the only two possessions he cared about was his guitar and the picture of the woman he loved once, Rachel Tatum Lee. Charlie, the truck driver picked him up off highway 50 in Texas, offered him a ride far as Nevada, Las Vegas was his last stop before heading north up to the Rockies and Colorado.
They were at a Truck Stop, right off the Strip. Charlie had unloaded his cargo, picked up the new one and stopped at the AM/PM. He bought Joe Don an In N’ Out Burger, fries and a soda….
Charlie: “This is where I’m gonna have ta let ya go, partner. Gotta big delivery set fer Colorado and I gotta be there in a few days, can’t waste anymore time. Enjoy the burger and listen, if ya hang around here long enough one of them boys or gals are always truckin’ ta California, most of em’ head out to Riverside, Los Angeles, The Inland Empire and San Bernardino. I’m sure ya can hitch a ride with one of em’ get ya closer ta where yer goin’.”
Joe Don: “Charlie, brother, I can’t thank ya enough for what ya done for me. Bought me a meal, took in a stranger for a ride and gave me hope that I can reunite with my Rachel soon.”
Charlie: “Son, I hope she is damn worth it cause yer travelin’ a long way ta get there.”
Joe Don: “She is Charlie, the love of my life. She gave me hope when I had none, if I had a bad day in prison, all I did was look up at her picture and that bad day was all gone, brother. Fifteen years and she don’t look like she done aged at all.”
Charlie: “Good luck son, I hope everythin’ works out fer ya.”
Joe Don stands up and shakes Charlie’s hand….
Joe Don: “Charlie, one day I’m gonna pay ya back. Our roads and paths will cross again, I really truly believe that.”
Charlie: “Alright, well until that day comes, ya be safe, and good luck.”
Joe Don: “Thank you… and God Bless.”
Charlie tips his cowboy hat and hop on his truck, he then drives off leaving Joe Don Booth sitting down, eating a burger and fries, it was probably the best meal he has had in a very long time. Reaching into his pocket, he takes out the picture of Rachel Tatum Lee, looking down at it. Wondering and waiting when he will finally be reunited with the love of his life…..
TO BE CONTINUED
THE LONG ROAD BACK
CHAPTER V
It was a long road back in the SCW for Rachel Tatum Lee, the matches that were given to her was Sasha’s way of getting rid of the ring rust. Ask anyone that was in the ring with Taters and they would tell you that she hadn’t missed a step and that was on full display at Taking Hold of the Flame. Rachel though had made her intentions felt, she wanted one thing only and that was the United States Championship for many reasons. Rachel was always typecast as a wrestler, she was never taken as a serious “wrestling” threat when the Cowgirl was in the Underground Division but after years of proving them wrong in the IWC and the UWA, it was time that she brought that back with her now in the SCW. Rachel had a tough hill to climb though, it seemed like Sasha was putting everything in front of her and instead of this being now tune ups until she was ready, now it was, win and you get the United States title shot, lose and you have to wait….
Rachel was tired of waiting.
While on the road, the cowgirl found herself traveling back and forth to Texas. The last trip, her father had asked her to take over the Lee Packing plant when it reopens in 2020. That wasn’t a bad job, for Rachel it was one that she had thought about for many years. It was in many ways a dream job for the Violent Kind, but now that she was back in the SCW after a three-year hiatus, she didn’t think picking up and leaving was in her best interests. She would think about it though. It was time for her to head back to California, it was a week before the PPV, and Thanksgiving was right around the corner.
Lee Home
Laredo, TX.
A Few Weeks Ago
After hearing the news that Joe Don Booth had been let out of prison, Rachel didn’t think much of it. She wasn’t expecting him to travel all the way from Texas to California, besides, he had no knowledge where she lived. Rachel was still in the Meat Packing Plant, her father and she were taking the tour, she had on jeans, cowgirl boots and a flannel tope, her long hair hung down, nails colored peach with a light blue accent nail. Her dad was in jeans, boots and a button up shirt. Her hands in the pockets….
Howard: “Rachel, I know ya got a lot on yer plate already, all yer old man is askin’ ya to do is think about it. I didn’t think I was ever going to get the funds to open the packing plant again, I wish that I had done it sooner, maybe saved us all a bunch of heartache.”
Rachel: “Daddy, I gotta ask a question.”
Howard: “Sure.”
Rachel: “Can ya trust Mary? She isn’t exactly a woman that screams butterflies and rainbows if ya know what I mean? I know that this relationship kinda just happened and ya two ended up with Damien, but I don’t know, maybe it felt rushed.”
Howard: “Mary told me about your history with her, Rachel. She told me everything that had happened back in 2013. That was over six years ago.”
Rachel: “She’s always had it fer me, daddy. I beat the hell out of her unconscious in her own home and left her lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of her own blood. Things were different back then, I was being influenced by outside forces, but Mary has always had this killer instinct, she’s dangerous. She put a knife to my throat in retaliation and I honestly thought that she was gonna cut me that day. I don’t know what the fuck I am thinkin’, I know she makes ya happy.”
Howard nods, placing his arm around his oldest daughter….
Howard: “She does. Thing is Rachel, Mary is a very strange creature, I see the real her, not the monster that everyone else does. She picks and chooses what persona ta show, that is what Mary is about but honestly, she loves you and Daisy, she admires the both of ya so much and I think that anything she says is fer yer own benefit, listen ta her. Seriously, she ain’t gonna steer ya wrong.”
Rachel: “Does she want me ta come here and work?”
Howard: “No. That was my idea, she feels you have too much ta offer right now in wrasslin’. Bill felt the same way. I miss that old sumbitch.”
Rachel: “Me too. I wanna make the right decisions fer my life and it seems like no one thinks I am makin’ them. I feel like nothin’ I do is right which is drivin’ me crazy. Daddy I wanna wrassle, I gotta win the World Title even if it is fer a day. Fer an hour, whatever, the fact remains I wanna get ta the very top, but I fall ta my own vices, I piss everyone off, I can’t seem ta do shit the way it is. I actually liked havin’ a simple life just punchin’ the clock and goin’ home but there is this desire that ain’t goin’ away. I have this burnin’ feelin’ and I need ta do this daddy, I gotta or I may go mad again.”
Howard: “Rachel, ya ain’t crazy, ya just had some really bad influences in yer life. Ya had a few failures, a few little let downs but that don’t mean ya don’t pick yerself back up, dust it off and keep goin’ now. Yer a Lee, that puts ya up above the rest and makes ya a fighter. I want ya ta follow yer dreams and aspirations, ya go out there and make the best of it, Rachel, that si all a father could want fer his daughter. If this is the chance ya have been waitin’ on, then ya gotta take it. What I have fer ya here, will be here, it ain’t going anywhere. I want ya ta have options is all, long as ya have that then I think that we are good.”
She nods, then hugs her father, knowing that Rachel has his support is all she could ask for especially after what she had done to him and the family in the past. Rachel has a whole new world to explore, the only problem now is the vices which prevent her from taking that next step. Maybe they will work for her in the end, maybe they won; but one thing is for sure, she will fight and continue to fight both in and out of the ring….
Howard: “Listen, about Joe Don Booth….”
Rachel: “Honestly daddy, I ain’t worried about Joe Don. He is paroled so he can’t leave the State of Texas, just make sure ya call the police if he ends up here.”
Howard: “I’m not too worried about him showin’ up here. I’m more worried about ya and Daisy. I know Mary has supper cookin’, she is actually a really good cook.”
Rachel: ”Yeah. I kinda notice that. So much for being a badass, I guess, right?”
Howard: “Rachel, that woman is a badass no matter what, just don’t say anything about her meatloaf, she will knock ya out with the fryin’ pan.”
The two start to chuckle as they head back to the house. Walking through the small forest, they get to the open prairie, the house is only a few minutes away. As Rachel and Howard are walking, someone starts to walk toward them, Rachel can’t make out who it is until the purple hair comes into view…
Howard: “Daisy?”
Rachel: “It is Daisy!”
The two start to walk a little faster until they finally reach her in the middle, she hugs her father and then Rachel. Daisy wore a tight purple body suit and matching open toed heels, her nails polished pink and long purple hair in a high ponytail….
Rachel: “I didn’t know ya were comin’!”
Daisy: “Mary called me, said ya were here so I came. Wanted to spend some time with my sister and dad, little brother as well. I figured why not, good as time as any, ya know and besides, I really wanted ta see ya, haven’t been home in a while either.”
Howard: “How’s New York?”
Daisy: “It’s nice, a bit busy and all but ya get used to it.”
Howard: “Well come on, let’s see what Mary is makin’ fer supper.”
Daisy: “We’ll be right up daddy, I wanna catch up with Rachel first.”
Howard: “Alright, don’t be long now.”
Daisy: “We won’t promise. It won’t take that long.”
Howard hugged both of his daughters, happy to see them there and the family together. As he headed back to the house, Daisy turned to Rachel who knew why she was there. Rachel had already listened to the same old song and dance before; she knew how bad her little sister wanted her to move to New York and it wouldn’t affect her life in the SCW for sure. It was just that Rachel has a routine, she was happy doing what she was. The Cowgirl stood there and tilted her head, she had a bit of a smirk on her face….
Daisy: “What?”
Rachel: “Go ahead, tell me what I already know yer goin’ ta say.
Daisy: “How do ya know that I am going to ask ya? What ya think I came all the way ta Texas so that I can look ya right in the face and say, Hey Rach, move ta New York?”
Rachel: “Well, yeah.”
Daisy: “Okay, maybe but what I am doing is looking out for ya Rachel. I want my sister close ta me, I want to be able to go out and do things with ya. I hate the fact ya live on the other fucking coast, with no family.”
Rachel: “I have friends there, Daisy, I am content with livin’ there. I love the place, I like my routine, I still work a few shifts at the restaurant when I get bored, I am fine, besides New York has too many memories fer me, it was the whole reason I moved outta there, sugar. I needed to get away, I needed a new start.”
Daisy: “Rachel, he has moved on and ya need to do the same. If that means tackling those memories then maybe it is good therapy to move out there, you know? I don’t know what else I can say. I don’t; think running away is the answer.”
Rachel: “Then ya move to California.”
Rachel started heading back to the house as Daisy stood there thinking for a moment about that statement. She was trying to see Rachel’s point and maybe it was a bad idea to ask her to move out to New York, it had taken the cowgirl an entire year to get over her failed marriage and she made no bones about the pain she felt which was affecting her at home. She was drinking more, getting drunk all the time, almost costing her the job at the restaurant. She was sleeping around with random men that came home with her from bars, ninety percent of time she doesn’t even remember their names. Daisy starts to turn and follow her sister….
Daisy: “Stop walking away, I need to talk to you.”
Rachel: “What else is there ta talk about Daisy? I ain’t movin’ back ta New York, that decision is final sugar.”
Daisy: “Ya can’t keep runnin’ away.”
Rachel: “I’m not. I made a life decision and decided that is what is best fer me, Daisy. I don’t want those memories, I rather not put myself in a situation where every fuckin; day I think about him because we shared an Ice cream cone at Serendipity or met fer the first time at Central Park or fucked under….”
Daisy: “Stop…. TMI. Look, I get it but Rachel, come on sugar, Dawn told me she came to see ya, I didn’t ask her too, she came on her own accord because she wanted ta talk some sense into ya too. Rachel. I love ya more than anything, I hated that for years all we did was fight each other, I was the reason ya left the SCW in the first place, I have ta live with that. All they remembered was ya laying out cold in the middle of the ring when your partner left which I took care of.”
Rachel stops walking, slowly looking over her right shoulder at Daisy and sighs, she then steps closer to her sister….
Rachel: “First off, ya didn’t run me outta SCW, SCW ran me outta SCW. Did I hit a low point, sure. Did I walk out embarrassed and humiliated after that Thunder Dome match and especially after Rachel Foxx left me, ya damn right. The problem is ya got the revenge, I didn’t. I have ta go ta GCW ta beat her as now, I ain’t doin’ that, the ship sailed, she ain’t even a fuckin’ bleep on the radar so far as I am concerned I have a focus, a purpose and I intend ta do it.”
Daisy: “For the wrong reasons.”
Rachel: “What did ya say?”
Daisy: “Come on Rachel, ya don’t want the United States Championship, ya want to beat the hell out of Bree Lancaster because ya think she fucked Josh. Whether they did or didn’t don’t matter, girl. Yer marriage was over, ya left that son of a bitch, but that is the wrong motivation. Ya need to beat her ass because ya want that gold around her waist, if ya are dead set on revenge you’re going to be gravely disappointed. Look what happened last time? New Eden? Auclair? Listen to me Rachel, ya need to be ready fer this and right now it seems like your heart is in the right place, your head is not.”
Rachel: “Ya really think that I wanna beat Bree’s ass because I have a suspicion she slept with Josh? Sugar, I have no proof and chances are I will probably never know the truth, I can’t base everythin’ on a hunch. Do yaw anna know why I went after Bree? Because I simply don’t like her. She has somethin’ I want and if I get it, that is the one-way ticket ta the World Championship. I wish ya would give me the benefit of the doubt.”
As Rachel turns to walk away, she closes her eyes for a brief moment, she did partly lie to her sister, there is animosity there, deep down feelings that she thinks something went on but could never prove. It could be a wild goose chase, at this point it doesn’t even matter anymore, she has to get past Scarlet Grey if she is to have a hope in hell to getting a title shot and if she fails, then she will be waiting in line forever. Rachel continues to walk, not turning around but daisy starts to follow….
Rachel: “I don’t wanna talk anymore, Daisy.”
Daisy: “Rachel tell me one more thing?”
Rachel: “What is that?”
Daisy: “How many men have ya slept with in the last few months.”
She stops, slowly turning around, glaring at her purple haired sister…
Rachel: “What the fuck is that about?”
Daisy: “Do ya remember their names?”
Rachel: “Daisy, I swear ta God, of ya say one more disrespectful thing, I am gonna beat the purple outta yer ass.”
Daisy: “Try it, because iof that means I can get through to ya, then it was well worth it! You’re a drunk, Rachel, a functioning drunk that can get up in the morning and still function because of years abusing that liver which is probably harder than a concrete block! I am not going to stand by and watch my sister, self-destruct! This is the chance of a lifetime! The opportunity ya have been waiting for!”
Rachel: “Ya talked ta Brittany.”
Daisy: “I…. no…..”
Rachel: “She told ya what happened that night I went ta jail drunk after a bar fight, didn’t she? How her and Regan left me on the side of the road on the beach and I had ta walk my happy, drunk as home barefoot and hell I just had gotten a pedicure. That’s why yer here, isn’t it?”
Daisy: “No… Yes, that is why I am here. Dawn talked to Brittany and they are concerned. Dawn talked to Regan; she is concerned. Dawn talked to me and I found out you were here and was on the first plane to Laredo. What the hell is your problem, Rachel? Why don’t ya go get some help! They are right, ya know, tis is an opportunity of a lifetime, hell if I could go back, I would but I was suspended indefinitely! Rachel, Jesus Christ sugar I want this probably more than ya. I want to see my sister finally reach that pinnacle of success in a company which branded ya nothing but some garbage wrestler in a dead division! Ya can do this Rachel but ya have to treat your vices, that includes getting over Josh, stop drinking and sleeping with random men. Please come home, live with Dawn and I, we have plenty of room in the condo. I don’t want to see you lose it.”
Rachel shakes her head and turns to walk off….
Rachel: “Ya wanna help me, then come ta California. If not, stay outta of my business, Daisy.”
As she walks away Daisy sighs, closing her baby brown eyes and looking away for a moment thinking about what had just transpired. She wants her sister to be okay, she looks up to Rachel and with her part in what happened in the SCW, Daisy wants atonement for her sins. The only way she can do that is to help her sister, anyway she can.
An Hour Later
Daisy stands outside looking out into the land, the Lee Meat Packing Company seen not far. She has a glass of wine in hand, it is her third, trying to be convincing to her sister to stop drinking and Daisy has found herself doing the exact same thing. She could see Rachel with Damien in the back yard while he is on the swing, the three-year-old screams and laughs as Rachel pushes him back and forth. Mary walks up to Daisy, wearing a long black summer dress and thong sandals, her long hair hanging down and nails a glossy coating. Her tattooed arm reaches across and pours more wine into Daisy’s glass….
Daisy: “I’m already tipsy.”
Mary: “Good, hopefully this will get you drunk, so you can smile while you’re here and actually look like you’re enjoying yourself. I know what you’re thinking, its Rachel.”
Daisy: “Is this when ya give me a pep….”
Mary: “Cut the shit with he “Ya” stuff. Talk proper English, you are one of the most intelligent and passionate women I ever had the pleasure of knowing and call my daughter. Rachel is the spitting image of Howard and I can accept that; she will never speak in the proper tongue but you? Different story.”
Daisy: “I’m getting drunk, if not I would tell you to kiss my ass.”
Mary: “And maybe I would but see? No “Ya”, it was “You”. Daisy, you know what has to be done.”
She slowly nods, lowering her head, it was a decision that she didn’t want to come to, but she now knows and understands what needs to happen. Mary sips her glass of wine too, rubbing her stepdaughter’s back gently…..
Daisy: “This is her show, her time to shine. I had mine, I almost made it until II screwed things up and made fun of a man who died, they were looking for any excuse to suspend or fire me, after that the contract ran out and here I am. I don’t think they will ever let me walk into those doors of the SCW again.”
Mary: “Wrong. You have a chip to play that no one else has. See, Daisy we both know that while Sasha is very high on Rachel, she is not used to her temperament which will get your sister in trouble. See, there were others that in many ways through their actions blanketed what Rachel did with her attitude, there are some now like Syren, Sienna and Bree to name a few, we can take Regan out of the equation, she doesn’t count anymore. The Hellcat is all grown up. My issues lie within her patience. We are starting to see cracks and that is going to make her lose focus and enemies with the wrong people. There is a tact to this, Rachel is no fool, she gets it that Sasha practically threw her a lifeline. Look what they are doing now?”
Daisy: “I know…. Every opponent she beats, they get in line before her. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Wouldn’t be surprised of that Scarlet Grey, cunt was given a shot at Bree after Rachel murders her at Clarity.”
Mary: “That is why you are going to make sure that things go as planned for your sister. I am asking you to put everything of yours on the backburner and help her.”
It was a tall task to ask for on Daisy’s part. She was far from done in the wrestling business and had a lot to offer, she wanted her own redemption story one day, but right now it was about her older sister and she owed her for what had happened, Daisy derailed Rachel, she went off to UWA and finished up in IWC while The Red Rayne became the longest reigning Adrenaline champion of all time and won the Shot of Adrenaline tournament going undefeated. Her eyes slowly glanced over at Mary, sipping her wine. She slowly nodded….
Daisy: “I owe her that much and more.”
She looked down at Rachel laughing and pushing Damien high up on the swing. Mary sighed and leaned in kissing Daisy on the cheek…..
Daisy: “What was that for?”
Mary: “My way of saying thank you. Sooner or later your sister is going to move back here and take over your father’s Meat Packing Plant. I want her to move here with a World Title under her belt. No regrets, no remorse. I saw what it did to my sister, Vanilla Skyy. For eight years it festered in her insides that she could never be a World champion. It almost destroyed her, and I don’t want to see that in Rachel, because I know it’s already starting. Help your sister, I couldn’t help mine and to this day that is the one regret I will forever hold. You’re smart, you know what needs to be done.”
Daisy: “And what if it’s not the most popular decision?”
Mary: “Then so be it. Just do me one favor?”
Daisy: “What is that?”
Mary: “Keep your promise to the kid, Owen. We are not a family of liars.”
Mary turns around and walks inside. Daisy drinks the rest of her wine ibn one gulp and turns around, again looking down at her sister. Daisy now knows what needs to happen, the question now is, will it and by any means necessary?
Only time will tell.
Santa Monica, CA.
1 Week Later
The beautiful cowgirl walked around the house in daisy dukes and a Dallas Cowboy’s tank top, barefoot with her nails polished a blood red and long hair in a ponytail, trying to pack for Clarity. She had been invited for Thanksgiving dinner back at her parents and the Helms home, she elected to stay by herself and order Chinese take out instead and enjoy a nice quiet night with some movies. Outside of the SCW, Rachel didn’t really do much socializing lately, after the incident with Regan and Brittany and then again, the talk with Daisy, she was starting to realize they were right. She was still drinking, just not doing it in a social gathering. After her little spat with Scarlet Grey on Breakdown, Rachel was more determined than ever to not only beat her ass, but also win that title match at the End of the Year Bash. As Rachel was packing up though, grabbing her ring gear, the back-sliding door was open letting the cool beach breeze in, Brittany Lohan walked in wearing jeans, ankle boots and a long sleeve halter top, her nails polished black. Rachel walked out and was a bit surprised she was there….
Rachel: “Britt? I didn’t expect ta see ya here, what’s up?”
Brittany: “You didn’t return my calls or text messages; I was worried and wanted to make sure you are alright.”
Rachel: “Yeah, I’m fine. Just decided to lay low yesterday, not really feel like I am in any position ta be at someone’s house fer Thanksgivin’ ya know? Sorry if I worried ya, sugar that wasn’t my intent, I figured ya had plans with family and friends.”
Brittany looked around, on top of the counter there was an empty bottle of Jack Daniels and liter of Coca Cola. She sighed and glances over at Rachel who looked away….
Rachel: “Look, I didn’t drink a whole fifth of Jack, alright? I finished the bottle last night, yes but I was by myself, no dudes were here, no one was. I wanted ta spend some time alone and….”
Brittany: “What part of I love you do you not get? What part of I care for you more than myself do you not understand? What part of you’re my best friend and I would take a bullet for your stupid ass do you not comprehend!? Do you see what you’re doing to yourself?”
Rachel: “I remember last night, I did not get drunk, okay? I had a few drinks, then laid on the couch and watched a few movies on Netflix, that is what I did, I Netflix and Chill without the fuckin’. I have been layin’ low ever since that shit between the three of us went down. Ya two are my besties, I don’t wanna fuck up anythin’, so I decided ta stay home.”
Brittany: “You didn’t want to fuck up anything? How about avoiding us and not allowing us to be a part of your life is not fucking anything up. WE are your friends, Rachel. We are your sisters in arms, what happens to you happens to us. If you do not talk to us and inform on what is going on, then how am I or Regan supposed to help you? Also, why is the pad lock on the front door? You never use that?”
Rachel: “I guess I forgot; I don’t know. Stupid me….”
Rachel wasn’t expecting anyone and the back deck you need a key to get in through the gate which Brittany has hence why she keeps the sliding glass door open for the ocean breeze. Rachel walks over and unlocks it, forcing a smile before going back to pack….
Rachel: “Look, I just got my nails done, they are still dryin’ and I am tryin’ ta pack up fast as I can. I have a flight this afternoon ta Philly, wanna get there early, settle in and treat myself ta a Cheese steak.”
Brittany: “What’s going on, Rachel. What are you not telling me.”
Rachel: “Nothing Brittany, okay?”
Brittany: “How long have we known each other?”
Rachel: “Too long.”
Brittany: “No seriously?”
Rachel: “Seven years. A little over that, yeah. Why?”
Brittany: “Because in those seven years I know when you are lying to me and that is right now. You are laying low? You have the padlock on, you have practically barricaded yourself from everyone that loves you, why?”
Rachel looks away annoyed, rolling her eyes and sighing. She knows that Brittany will continue to pry until she gets an answer. Rachel was hoping she could get her things done and shower up, get to the airport and travel. She sits at the edge of the sofa armchair; her baby brown eyes look up at Brittany….
Rachel: “His name is Joe Don Booth. He spent the last fifteen years in a maximum Texas Penitentiary, called Montford Unit, one of the worst in the state of Texas. He killed someone at bar one night when we were hanging out. He claimed it was self-defense, it wasn’t. The dude was hittin’ on me, so he rammed his nose cavity inta his brain.”
Brittany: “What are you saying?”
Rachel: “He’s out. I told my daddy not to worry because he wasn’t coming here. He is on parole and can’t leave the state of Texas.”
Brittany: “You don’t believe that.”
Rachel: “No, I don’t. I know he’s coming.”
Brittany: “To hurt you?”
Rachel: “No, he would never hurt me. I am not worried about him every hurtin’ me. I worry about him hurtin’ everyone around me that I love and cherish….. like ya, Brittany.”
Brittany was finally starting to understand what was going on. She walked up to Rachel and caressed her shoulders. Rachel rested her head on Britt’s chest as she was embraced by her friend….
Brittany: “You know that I will never let anyone hurt you. I also am pretty good at defending myself so I’m not too worried. Look. This whole hermit thing isn’t you, Rachel. There is a reason you moved out here and why you decided to live close to us. I hope the time away at your parent helped but you have to get ready for this weekend, it is the chance you’ve been waiting for and the last thing I want you to do is blow it.”
Rachel: “I’m not gonna blow it, yer right, it is what I have been waitin’ fer a long time. She thinsk she knows evertyhin’ she doesn’t. I just…. I can’t control myself Britt and unfortunately when I get drunk, it’s the only time I don’t feel enraged, it’s the only time I don’t have these thoughts in my head of hurtin’ people and bad. I also see him, I think of all the good times we had, I think of my past marriages, I can’t get over them, I know I am better than this, but I can’t. I’m a fuckin’ idiot. I am always angry and all I have thought about is breakin’ Scarlet Grey’s neck. Just grabbing it and slowly twistin’ until I hear it pop. I don’t know, Britt….”
Brittany: “Maybe you need to talk to someone?”
Rachel: “No, I ain’t talkin’ ta no shrinks. I won’t do it. They are just as fucked up in the head as those they try ta cure. I need ta figure this out on my own.”
Brittany: “That’s the thing, Rachel, you are not alone. You have people here who are willing to go the distance with you, okay? Besides, what fun is it going through shit alone anyway? We beat the piss out of one another, least we could do is stand together now and fight, right?”
Rachel nods, she stands up, the much shorter Rachel hugs Brittany, they embrace for almost a minute before letting go. Rachel smiles and nods….
Rachel: “Right. I love ya Britt, always have and I always will no matter what.”
Brittany: “I know, I the same.”
Rachel: “I need ya ta help me do somethin’ right quick.”
Brittany: “Anything for you cowgirl.”
Rachel: “Can you grab that garbage can.”
Brittany nods, grabbing the trash can and bringing it over, Rachel walks to the counter and throws away the empty bottle and liter. She then walks over to the other side of the counter where the rest of the liquor is. She starts to throw the bottles in the trash much to Brittany’s surprise….
Brittany: “What are you doing?”
Rachel: “I am getting; rid of everythin’. Yer right Britt, at some point I gotta do somethin’ about it. If that means this, then so be it. I’ll probably regret this in a day or two but if I am gonna be on the right track, I gotta start somewhere. This is the best I can think of right now, and ya know what, I’m alright with it.”
Brittany smiles, Rachel continues to throw away the bottles, it was hard to do but if she was going to get back on the right direction, then this was the only way. Rachel had a huge match ahead of her and even though in her own personal life and battles with demons, Rachel was focused to do whatever she could to get that United States title match. It was more than just a title for her, it was a chance to get her hands-on Bree. For now, though, the Cowgirl was content doing what was best for her…..
Even if it meant so much sacrifice.
Later That Night
Philadelphia, PA.
Rachel had arrived like an hour before, she settled in and was at the lobby bar looking through places to visit in Philly. She had a cheese steak and Sparkling water in front of her, ready to eat. Wearing jeans, cowgirl boots and a white halter top, her long hair hanging down, she looked tired. Other SCW stars were arriving, all staying at the came hotel. She sipped her water, text her dad to let her know she was in Philly and safe. It was a long trip on the road, she always hung out with Regan but after their little blow up, it seemed that there was less of it. She hated that, apologized to Regan many times and was hoping they could get over it. Hopefully they would, time heals all wounds even if she fucked up royally and admitted to it. Before she takes a huge bite of the Philly a hand grabs her shoulder, she quickly turns around to see her little sister, Daisy…
Her eyes widen….
Rachel: “Daisy? What the fuck are ya doin’ here, sugar?”
Daisy: “Well, hello to you too.”
Rachel: “I mean, I’m glad ta see ya, but why are ya here? Dawn got somethin’ goin’ on?”
Daisy: “No, my sister does though.”
Rachel: “Daisy, ya didn’t need to come here…. Ya know?”
Daisy sits next to Rachel; she points at what Rachel is having and asks for the same thing. The bartender nods….
Daisy: “I did because you see, I was selfish in 2015. I ran you out of SCW, I was the reason you came back and left. I derailed your career….”
Rachel: “No, I still was able ta win a World Title in UWA.”
Daisy: “We both know that isn’t the same.”
Rachel: “What are ya tryin’ ta tell me right now?”
Daisy: “That I want to be on this journey with you, Rachel. With my sister. See, though this is about YOU now, not the Red Rayne, not Daisy Lee, about Rachel Tatum Lee and I want to be in your corner, I want to experience this climb with you. I have so much to offer still in that ring and I am willing to wait until you get what you came for.”
Rachel’s eyes start to tear up as Daisy smiles and hugs her…..
Daisy: “All the way sis.”
Rachel: “All the way…..sis.”
This was a moment and a conversation that Rachel never thought she would ever have. Her sister in the corner, there to watch her back, to ride along in the journey and for the first time in a long time….
Rachel didn’t feel alone.
SCENE FADES
Las Vegas, NV.
A Few Weeks Ago
Joe Don stared at the picture through his dark lens sunglasses, never taking his eyes off the beauty of the Cowgirl, Rachel Tatum Lee. He didn’t know what to expect when he saw her, all he wanted was to talk, get a chance to explain himself. They stopped talking years ago, the letters stopped though he still had a stack of them from years ago. Joe Don Booth though lived his life through hope, the man did his time and now he wanted a ride to California to see her.
He sat looking for truckers he could get a ride with, if worse came to worse, Joe Don would start walking toward California in the hot desert, at this point he didn’t care anymore. The few people he had asked were going somewhere else, he had no luck until a woman walked by, a little older but seemed like she knew her stuff….
Woman: “You are either lost or need a ride somewhere.”
Joe Don: “Yes ma’am, a lil’ of both. I need ta get ta Santa Monica, California. I will be honest, I just got outta prison, I wanna start my new life and the only way I know how with people I know, and they are there. A good man in Texas brought me as far as Vegas. I would stay here a few days and gamble, eat the good food and enjoy the night life but unfortunately I’m broke.”
Woman: “Well, I ain’t got any money to give.”
Joe Don: “No ma’am, I ain’t askin’ fer money. I just need a ride.”
Woman: “What did you go to prison for…. “
Joe Don: “Joe Don Booth, my name is that. Most people call me Joe Don or Joe.”
Woman: “Well Joe Don, what did you go to prison for and don’t lie to me.”
Joe Don nods, appreciative of this woman’s bluntness. He answers without any hesitation….
Joe Don: “I killed a man. It was in self-defense but because I was a former Army Ranger, they thought I was a threat ta society. I was sentenced ta 22 years in a Texas State Penitentiary. I was paroled after fifteen fer good behavior. I’m not a danger ma’am, I am just lookin’ for a ride to California.”
The Woman nods and extends her hand….
Woman: “Names Peggy. I’m headed to California; I figure I could be there in about 5-6 hours depending on how many weight stations are open and inspections. I’m not going to Santa Monica; I can take you far as Los Angeles, my drop off for this cargo is in Downtown. So, you’ll have to find your way thee, it’s only about twenty, maybe thirty minutes by car, half a day’s walk on foot.”
Joe Don: “I would be forever indebted to ya, Peggy.”
Peggy: “Yeah, alright then. My rig is the pink one that says Vixen on it. Go on, load your stuff and don’t try anything funny, I gotta gun.”
She shakes his head….
Joe Don: “No ma’am. I am no danger to ya.”
Peggy: “Good, go on now, eat your lunch quickly and get on board, I’m on a timeline.”
Joe Don nods as Peggy walks into the Truck Stop, he sands up, grabs his things and heads to the rig, looking back at the picture of Rachel….
Joe Don: “I’m comin’ home Taters, I’m comin’ home.”
TO BE CONTINUED
THE SCARLET LETTER
The Scene Opens….
The Eastern State Penitentiary, also known as ESP, is a former American prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue between Corinthian Avenue and North 22nd Street in the Fairmount section of the city and was operational from 1829 until 1971. The penitentiary refined the revolutionary system of Separate System first pioneered at the Walnut Street Jail which emphasized principles of reform rather than punishment. Notorious criminals such as Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton were held inside its innovative wagon wheel design. James Bruno (Big Joe) and several male relatives were incarcerated here between 1936 and 1948 for the alleged murders in the Kelayres Massacre of 1934, before they were paroled. At its completion, the building was the largest and most expensive public structure ever erected in the United States, and quickly became a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide. The prison is currently a U.S. National Historic Landmark which is open to the public as a museum for tours seven days a week, twelve months a year, 10 am to 5 pm.
Here is where we find the woman known as “The Violent Kind”, the resident Cowgirl of the SCW, Rachel Tatum Lee who had recently come back from a three year absence here in the company at Taking Hold of the Flame where she almost won being he last to be eliminated and lasting for over 70 minutes. For Rachel though it became about the journey she was in for the United States Championship held by Bree Lancaster. Rachel was a woman on a mission, she was humbled in life outside the ring, finding herself struggling and trying to make ends meet when the love of her life, Josh Hudson, he last husband and she divorced, Rachel found herself leaving professional wrestling and never looking back. Since then Lee has had to fight her way back to contention, defeat some stars that made a splash or always in contention. From Max Kane to Katie Steward to Jake Starr and now Scarlet Grey, Rachel has had to prove time and time again that she was ready for any challenge, the problem was every opponent she defeated or fought was immediately granted the title match Rachel desired and that alone began to get on Rachel’s last never.
Rachel Tatum Lee is a woman on a mission.
The cowgirl was starting to get antsy, and there was very little patience left for the gorgeous girl from Texas who has made her living beating people up and Scarlet Grey was no exception. Wearing black jeans, black cowgirl boots, a leather halter top and matching jacket, her nails polished a blood red and long brunette hair up in a half ponytail, the gorgeous Rachel was ready for a fight. As she stood down at cellblock c, where some of the most famous criminals were, her baby brown eyes looked over as the camera began to record…
REC:
Rachel takes a moment to look around before fixating herself into the camera, the sexy, made up cowgirl speaks knowing what is on the line….
“The ESP, one of the most notorious prisons in all of American history. Al Capone was here, many of the greatest mobsters and criminal called this home. I had ta come and take a look myself because ya see, my life relates ta this place. Fer three years I as in my prison, the solitary confinement I felt was a feelin’ I don’t wish upon anyone. When ya look back at yer career and it is time ta call it quits, ya can’t have any regrets because if ya do, yer never gonna die happy. I locked myself up in my own brain, unceremoniously taken out at RTG and then never ta be seen again in an SCW ring. The hauntin’ images of the Red Rayne tearin’ into my chest with a sledgehammer to the heart, the shock to the system I felt getting punched in the face by Matt Auclair with a chain wrapped around his fist just before my lights went out and woke up in the back of the trainers room not knowin’ where the fuck I was. The blood I spilled with Syren which I see never changed her, instead she had gotten progressively worse, but in all that one thing everyone seems ta have forgotten, Rachel Tatum Lee was always wrasslin’, I wasn’t sittin’ on my fat ass, I was a World Champion in the UWA, breaking barriers and provin’ ta everyone that I was just as good a wrassler as the best in any promotion. I came here ta fight, I came here ta win and fer many years I did that, beatin’ the best at the time like Shilo Valiant, Rachel Foxx and Syren herself. I made the Underground Division worth watchin’ again, former World champions were steppin’ in there ta challenge me and I ruled it with an iron hammer and noose.
Those days are over.
I came back for somethin’ else and I don’t think I need ta spell it out fer ya. I came ta be a World Champion in the SCW. I almost had that chance in one match last June, coming in second right behind that kid Alistaire Alloccco. See, there is where my problems lie and Scarlet Grey, before I get ta ya sugar, I want ya ta pay close attention ta what I am about ta say. When I look at Owen Cruze and Alistaire Allocco in the main event, it makes me SICK to my stomach. Now, before ya all start raisin cane and think I’m bein’ a total bitch, nah that ain’t it. There is absolutely NO disrespect fer those two young tikes. It makes me sick because I should have been there LONG before them. I can’t blame anyone but myself, I chose not ta fight back and stay, I lowered my head in shame and walked away and that is somethin’ I promised myself I would NEVER do again. They get their time in the sun and I have to crawl and scratch and fight my way back ta respectability which is why Scarlet Grey, ya don’t have a hope in hell ta beat me sugar for my resolve is more powerful than anything; ya can muster in that whorish body of yers and let me say, ya need ta stop with the seduction shit, men don’t usually fall fer horse faces.
When I see the state of the SCW right now, when I look at the marquee and it says KATIE STEWARD vs. BREE LANCASTER fer the United States Championship it makes my blood boil. I beat the mascara and latex off Katie, I dropped her on that wig and noggin, just like I did Max Kane, Jake Starr and I went ta Hades and back with Brittany Lohan at RTG XVI ta show each and every single one of ya that 70 minutes plus and runner up ta Takin’ Hold of the Flame was NO FLUKE! I was given a chance to make some rights out of wrongs, I have been on this path for so long that I sometimes forget just how far it has taken me.
Do ya feel that way Scarlet Grey?
Or are ya the type of gal that thinks because ya hurt one bitch, that makes ya a tough girl? Stop fer a moment and educate yerself, see how many people I have put down and how much I have cost this company in hospital bills and then ya can talk.”
Rachel bites down on her jaw, she is clearly not in the best of moods as she walks down the prison. She comes over to one of the cell blocks and stands by on the bars. It has been a long road and eight months ago, she was out of the wrestling business and working as a waitress. Things have changed since then, but Rachel still has her demons, she still has her memories that she must push forward, the Violent Kind knows what type of match she is stepping into and how she will handle Scarlet Grey. She looks back at the camera and speaks…
“I get it Scarlet, yer one tough cookie now cause ya took out Datura. Well that’s great I am happy that ya feel entitled now and are looking to push forward with yer singles career. All that time while I was gone, ya could have put yer face on the map. The SCW gave ya that platform and I’m not sayin’ that the Red Empire were pushovers, oh no, ya had some pretty big wins here and there, but did ya ever tap ta yer potential? Or were ya too busy tryin’ ta get the attention and into the pants of Chris Cannon and Aaron Blackbourne. Ya know damn well that ya had a chance in February ta change the narrative ta fit what ya desired. The Trios Contract, was there fer the takin’ and instead ya rather dress up like Kelcey Wallace and act like her ta get Chris’s attention and ferget the match is even happenin’ right? Why Scarlet? Just like why would ya go after another woman’s man instead of concentrating on yer own career?
Because ya see, up until now, it looked like ya didn’t give a shot about anythin’ but playin’ games with other people instead of capitalizin’ on the opportunities that were given ta ya and making a real ripple in the singles ranks even still as a tag team wrassler. All that bitchin’, whinin’ and complainin’ ta Sasha about a chance only gave her the excuse ta prolong the inevitable, my hands wrapped around Bree Lancaster’s throat. There is always that one moment where ya feel is that break out where now ya can look at the boss and demand a chance ta be a United States Champion, hell Bree would love that because she knows I will tear her into shreds which in a way that is a bit insultin’ ta ya sugar, so use it as a motivator. Scarlet, how long have ya been in SCW now? A Couple of years? All that time wasted and I couldn’t get in here because I was sent packin’ and while this company gave ya exactly what I wanted fer years and ya basically wasted on chasin married men and dressin’ up like retired wrasslers just fer some shock value, what ya did instead is piss everyone off ta the point they came lookin’ fer that fishnet covered ass. I don’t think ya realize my motivation, ta ya it’s like, look what I did, I hurt Datura, Regan couldn’t! No, Regan beat her ass on the grandest stage of them all and I am pretty sure she would beat yours too if given the chance, unfortunately for her there won’t be much left of it after I am done. Scarlet, I know yer tough, I have seen what ya can do in the ring, I also see the immaturity, I think honestly, this is all to garner attention and if that means upsettin’ me, takin’ me out contention and then ya steppin’ in for a title shot that ya never really fuckin’ earned ta begin with?
Then I pray fer ya, sugar.
I’m not tryin’ ta be an egotist, I ain’t full of arrogance, sure I maybe a blast from the past and I should probably stand ta the side and allow all these young wrasslers like yerself, tabbed ta be the future ta come out and play, given the spotlight, seein’ what ya do with the ball when it is tossed and given ta ya, right? I could by that if I knew that ya were serious about climbin’ that mountain and being the best. Instead they are givin’ ya the chance ta ruin mine. I should be facin’ Bree Lancaster at Clarity, I shouldn’t have to constantly stand back and watch those defeated ta get the chance take their turn while I continue ta stand in the back of the line.
No, I have already had enough setbacks, NO MORE.”
Rachel takes a deep breath; she looks down for a moment before entering the cell and sitting inside. Leaning in, her hands cupped, thinking what would happen if this opportunity was a screw up, what if she flounders and someone like Scarlet beats her. There as no way that was going to happen, she was too focused and intense, this was the last steps before finally getting what she wanted but Rachel was angry, she didn’t think anyone deserved the chance over her especially Scarlet, the Violent Kind though doesn’t look past anyone, the last time she did, she received a knuckle sandwich with a chain on it…..
“Scarlet, have ya ever felt like a prisoner in yer own skin, career, home? Did ya ever feel like all was lost and ya may never get the opportunity ta ever fix it, or that evasive second chance? I left the business because I felt like I wasn’t good enough fer it anymore. I failed in a lotta things. My family, marriage, SCW career. Sure, I beat some of the greatest superstars ta ever grace this company and have nothin’ ta show for it. I had ta leave and find success elsewhere. Our little back and forth on Breakdown, I said ya picked the wrong time ta step up, then after I left, ya said I picked the wrong time ta return. I want ya ta know that I think if ya concentrate on yer singles career and ferget the games, stop tryin’ ta get laid or ruin relationships and focus more on the ring, yer gonna be a big-time player here.
But ya see, I didn’t pick the wrong time ta return.
I picked the right time ta kick yer ass and head inta the End of the Year Show ta face off against Bree. I can’t take anymore steps back, I can’t fail, if I do all this hard work is gone, down the drain and I will never be able ta get back what I lost. I look at my fans, those wrasslers I call friends who went ta bat fer me only ta bring me back in the SCW, I can’t spit it back int heir faces. I never knew just how hard it would be ta step back in the SCW and see how it’s changed. The Sienna Swann’s, Chris Cannon’s, Owen Cruze’s, Selena Frost’s, Bree Lancaster’s, Infamous have either planted their flags or withstood the test of time. Scarlet do ya think that yer name will be synonymous with those I mentioned? Am I to be the biggest win of your career after ya injured a part time wrassler who is more concerned with growing branches in her hair and posting poetry on Twitter? I ain’t a part time wrassler, I am the toughest bitch yer ever gonna get in the ring with. I bled Syren almost ta death, I took a hammer ta a referee skull that suspended me from this company, the day I came back, I froze the entire Taking Hold of the Flame Battle Royal in 2014 because they didn’t know what the fuck ta do. That was the power and influence I had but now?
I am simply a relic from another time tryin’ ta find her place on this roster and ya are a nice way ta show them that not only will I wrassle, I will bring forth a violence that even ya can’t withstand. Scarlet Grey, I want ya ta climb the ladder, I want ya ta one day hold singles gold, I want ya ta prove me wrong that who ya are and what ya represent are two totally different people because I’m gonna tell ya that who I am inside and out….
Is the same person.
I don’t care about a person’s well-being if yer standin’ in my way for somethin’ I want, I will hurt ya ta the extent of my abilities, that is one trait that has never changed with Rachel Tatum Lee. Ya get the chance ta show Sasha that she made the right decision and if yer gonna get rewarded? Then ya have ta get past me and vice versa. I’m not a fan of this bullshit but I will play along and when this is over, there will be NO DOUBT who the NUMBER ONE contender is to the United States Championship…
ME.”
Her baby brown eyes narrow, brushing her hair back some and slowly standing up, she walks out of the cell and leans against the bars. Rachel is confident due to her resolve, she is also nervous, this could all go downhill. She will not underestimate Scarlet Grey, instead she will treat her like she was facing Bree Lancaster, Sienna Swann, Syren, any of the top stars in the SCW. Rachel looks back up at the camera and speaks….
“Bree Lancaster, I know yer gonna be watchin’, with yer fingers crossed, hopin’ and prayin’ that Scarlet takes me out and I’m gone from the picture because unlike everyone else, I have had ta earn my shot against ya while the rest get a free pass. I ain’t feelin’ very charitable and while both ya and Scarlet may have some sort of “understandin’” and this wish she wins so ya two can have this fantastic match fer we all know the last thing ya want is ta get dirty with some blood on them expensive wrestling gear?
Then I am here ta tell ya that wishes from The Violent Kind don’t come true.
Scarlet, I hope ya walk the walk, cause ya sure can talk the talk and make me a liar. Come with everythin’ ya got sugar, how the SCW yer ready fer primetime and while ya do, I’m gonna do what I have always done since day one….
Win.
More than ever, there are no reruns, no do-overs, this is it for me and I will be damned if I let some Jezebel, painted up clown like ya after so many greats have failed be the one ta do me in?
Then ya don’t know Rachel Tatum Lee…..
…. For I will write, “Here Lies Scarlet and her Letter “L””….
On yer oBITCHuary. “
Rachel stares at the camera, with a scowl on her face. His is it, the last obstacle before Bree Lancaster, nothing will stop the Violent Kind….
Nothing.
FADE TO BLACK
/REC
Wild Bill: “Daisy…. Rachel…. Good ta see ya gals.”
Daisy: “I know Rachel wants ta talk ta ya and catch up, I’ll leave ya two alone.”
Sheriff Austin: “I went up ta the house, Mary told me ya two were here at the plant. I see things are comin’ along, the town is excited.”
Rachel: “Sam….?”
Dustin: “What the hell are you doing here?”
Tonnica: “Hey girl!”
Dawn: “Hi Rachel.”
Regan: “Hey… I was wondering if you were going to show up.”
Goddard: “Long time ya been here Lil’ Rose. Yer cousin, Sherriff Austin told us ya were goin’ to be in town.”
Sundown: “Not this time John.”
Sasha: “Rachel….”
Daisy: “This isn’t like ya sis.”
Taylor: “For some reason I was expecting to see you Rachel, I just didn’t think it would be here per say. Once I went with Owen to the arena to watch the matches, I sure knew I’d see you in some capacity.”
Owen: “What were you telling Rachel about Daisy!?”
Josh: “You seem tense. How did it go today and what’s the bruise on your fine ass?”
Gregor: “I’ve only been here a few years, you know what they say, the movies always disappoint.”
Silas: “Ya know that this is the biggest match of yer career.”
Tala: “You haven’t returned my calls or texts.”
Josh: “Hey beautiful.”
rittany: “I bet, those heels do not look comfortable.”
Rachel Tatum Lee 