A Diamond Rumble Saga - Part Three
Apr 16, 2020 12:22:19 GMT -5
Mongo the Destroyer and mosler like this
Post by Jack Diamond on Apr 16, 2020 12:22:19 GMT -5
July 24th 2018
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The door flings open to the men's room in the hospital as Jack Diamond bursts in. He is sweating, out of breath, and panicked as he stumbles over to the sink and turns on the cold water. He runs his hands under the water and splashes them on his face, soaking his suit and tie in the process. He runs his face and looks up, almost deranged, almost confused. He begins talking to himself
Jack Diamond: What the hell am I thinking? You weren't really going to do that were you? ANSWER ME!
Jack is clearly unhinged. The stress he is under is magnified by his Night of Champions match that is coming up. All of it though has led to this. Moments ago, dumbfounded, he stared at Randy Angel as he poured a beer out in the room where Michael Storm lays, comatose. Jack was holding a pillow in his hand, he told the nurse he was trying to give Storm an extra pillow but one can never be to sure. Jack splashes water in his face again and this time as he looks up into the mirror he just begins to laugh. Hysterically.
Jack Diamond: STOP IT! You were going to kill him?! What the fuck has he done to you? You lost to him in a match? BOO FUCKING HOO! THAT'S THE BIZ! What the hell were you thinking?
More laughter. Sadistic laughter. A fire burns in Diamonds eyes as he looks into his reflection. The curled lips slowly fade to worry. The eyes soften.
Jack Diamond: Get a grip, Jack! This isn't you. What would you have done if Randy had not walked into that room? Were you really going to just piss everything away? Your wrestling career? The Lounge? Snap out of it!
Jack splashes more water on his face and slowly raises it towards the mirror. He is smiling. Guttural laughter escapes him.
Jack Diamond: You're damned right I was going to put that miserable fool out of his misery. WHAT? He suffered justice by stepping in the ring with me in that condition. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? He thinks he can steal my titles from me and live to tell about it? JACK! First I'll take back what is rightfully mine then I'll make sure I'm there to watch Storm take his last fucking breath. STOP IT.
Smash. Jack punches the glass mirror and begins laughing, the face in the mirror distorted by the broken glass. As it cranks around beneath him, Jack slides down in a seated position against the walls, his bloody fist in the air, a look of shock on his face. He watches a trickle of blood roll down his knocks and drop to the ground with a splash...
April 10th 2020
Diamond Lounge II
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jack bolts upright from his sleep, sweating and breathless, clearly startled awake. He picks up his phone to check the time and tosses it on the bed beside him as he turns to get out of bed. Jack heads into the kitchen and starts brewing some coffee. He opens a cabinet and pulls out a medicine bottle, opening and taking one of the pills out. He pops it in his mouth as he walks to the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water. He takes a sip to swallow his medicine and sets the bottle on the counter as he stretches and makes his way back to the bedroom. Jack picks up his phone and swipes through the contacts, placing a call.
Jack Diamond: T, it's Jack. Meet me out front, we are going to meet your friend today. I heard he just got in town last night. Things are coming together nicely. See you in fifteen.
Jack walks into the bathroom to begin getting ready. At the sink he washes his hands and then splashes water on his face. He slowly raises his head to the mirror, almost as if he is unsure of what waits for him. As he looks into the reflection, a calmness shows in his body and he smiles. Jack finishes up with brushing his teeth and shaving before going to get dressed. Jack opens the closet and reaches inside the pocket of the jacket he had on the other night and pulls out a piece of paper. Jack fixes his tie and pulls another jacket from his closet, finishing his outfit. He picks up his money clip and the piece of paper, placing those in the inside pocket and walks back to the kitchen. He pours himself a cup of coffee, grabs his phone off of the counter and heads towards his elevator. As the elevator doors close the camera pans towards Jack's counter where the medicine bottle sits and it zooms in where we see Jack's name and the brand name Zyprexa.
The scene picks up outside of Diamond Lounge II. Jack exits the lobby to the almost empty sidewalk, looking across the street towards XHF Headquarters where Mongo has erected a billboard promoting the upcoming Rumble event. Front and center on the sign is current champion Zoran surrounded by Michael Storm, Anthony Caffrey, Rat Bastard, High Finance and LGBTKO. No Jack. He just smiles and shakes his head.
Tug Stephens: Morning, Jack.
Jack snaps to and looks at his SUV parked by the curb. Outside the passenger side door stands Tug Stephens. We met Tug in Huntsville, Alabama when Jack approached him after a short track race about a job driving for him. Tug looks a lot different then when we first met him. No cigarette hanging from his mouth, instead of a wife beater and torn jeans, he is decked out in a designer suit. His hair is slicked back and his beard is trimmed. Jack smiles.
Jack Diamond: I see you took my advice to clean up a bit, looking sharp man.
Tug proudly straightens his jacket.
Tug Stephens: Shit man, never in a million years would I've thought I'd be wearing somethin' this nice. This expensive. It feels odd.
Jack Diamond: I'm sure that first paycheck didn't feel odd did it?
Tug Stephens: Man you ain't kiddin' Never seen that many zeroes in my bank account that wasn't followed by overdraft fees. I really appreciate it.
Jack Diamond: Well, it's good to have a driver I can trust.. and I CAN trust you, right Tug?
Tug Stephens: Ah hell yeah Jack, I've got you man.
Jack Diamond: Good to hear. I can trust this other guy too?
Tug Stephens: Willie? Yeah man, he has been one of my best friends since we were scamming people on the playground in middle school. He's very loyal and smart too! He graduated and went off to college and everything.
Jack Diamond: Good, good. Let's go meet him.
Tug opens the door for Jack and before he gets in he takes one more look at the billboard and scoffs. Tug notices, closes the door once Jack is in and walks around to the driver side. As he starts the vehicle up he notices Jack is looking back in the side mirror at the billboard as he pulls away from the curb.
Tug Stephens: Why didn't they put you in the sign? You'd think they'd wanna highlight one of their two time champs. Bullshit.
Jack Diamond: You'd think so. No, it was to be expected. The guys in that sign, they are what Mongo wants. First of all you've got to have the champion on there, I get that. But the others? I mean people like Storm, Caffrey, LGBTKO, High Finance... guys I have a ton of history with. A big slap to my face if you ask me. All of those guys are out there whoring themselves for XHF and that's what Mongo likes. It's all about the money. Can't blame him there but what I do blame him for is the air time he is giving these tools. They get online and on TV non stop, whining about this, bragging about that, its promotional vomit if you ask me. It's by design too. Mongo handpicked all of these guys I'm sure because he knows it would get under my skin.
Tug Stephens: Dirty move there man.
Jack Diamond: I'd expect nothing less. I've been very vocal about my feelings concerning Mongo and if he didn't point a huge billboard towards my casino with people I've had problems with, I'd be shocked.
Tug Stephens: But what about Rat? Why put him on there? He seemed cool when we drank with him in Florida.
Jack Diamond: Rat's cool. It seems surprising on the surface that Mongo would plaster him up there but it's a calculated move too. First, Rat is another two time winner of the X*Crown, and if he isn't going to promote me he still needs to promote the legacy of the championship. Deep down Mongo doesn't want either of us to walk out of this match, especially with the titles. Just having Rat up there tells me he is worried. And hell, he should be. Rat has made a lot of noise lately and could very well win the belts for a third time. Mongo will then have a revolution on his hands that is almost as bad as what I have planned for him.
Tug Stephens: Damn right. And yeah Rat is pretty cool and all but don't sell yourself short, you've got this. I'm sure you will win those belts in this match. I even seen one video where Death Trap mentioned you as a sleeper pick. It seems like your reputation pro.. umm it seems like people are starting to take notice.
Jack Diamond: I'm not going to lie, it's nice hearing those things. Like I've said though, me joining this rumble has nothing to do with whether or not I win. Will I give it my all? Of course. Jack Diamond doesn't step in any ring, especially on a big stage, and not make an impact. It's just not my main priority. You know what this is about. It's about making a statement to Mongo. I seen DTs video as well. Another class act there, and one guy I'm looking forward to mixing it up with. DT is right though, my goal... my mission..is simply one big fuck you to Mongo and that is what makes me dangerous in this match. While those other people are lining up to plaster themselves all over the web yearning for a chance at winning the X*Crown, I'm just not worried about it. I'm more concerned with the overall message. And what is that message?
Tug Stephens: Fuck Mongo?
Jack Diamond: Fuck Mongo, indeed. It's a bit of a shame too that it came to this. This rumble, even with the virus going around could have been something real special. It could have lined Mongo's pockets exponentially had he not gotten in my way. Before he did what he did, back when he had me on his side a bit, I was a promotional king for him. One of his highest rated promotions of all time was when I came out dressed like a ring master before the Four Ring Circus match a couple years ago. It made us both a lot of money on my way to my second reign. Even when things got a little tense, Mongo seen the value I could bring him. We partnered with him to make Diamonds Are Forever a reality. It was one of the most talked about network events. When I walked away after that though, that stream of money dried a bit for Mongo. Mongo, much like myself, hates having his money messed with no matter how significant or insignificant it is. So what did he do? He messed with my money out of spite. He knew the strings to pull to get Caffrey to goad Maverick into putting up the Diamond lounge. He knew the strings to pull to purchase that from Caffrey. He knew that collectively that would pull strings to draw me back into the ring. He may be crooked. He may be a prick, but he is also smart and resourceful.
Tug Stephens: Then why give him what he wants but fighting again?
Jack Diamond: It is a small concession to the main goal. The big picture. I know that being back in the ring makes Mongo a lot of money. I know that if I win the rumble it will make him loads and loads of cash. The big picture though. That's what it's about. As much as it helps Mongo, what I take from him in the process is much more satisfying. It's already begun. He's nervous, hence the billboard. Rightfully so. When it all comes to fruition, I'll reclaim what is rightfully mine.
The car pulls up to an old warehouse. Tug comes around and opens the door for Jack. Jack gets out and looks around. Satisfied with what he sees, the two of them walk towards the door. As they enter they see a car parked in the middle of the abandoned building. A man exits the car and comes in front of the headlights. He is wearing a grey hoodie, cargo shorts and sneakers. Jack eyes the man, he had built up a different image in his mind but this is a friend of Tug, why would it have been any different.
Tug Stephens: Willie! Good to see you bro!
The two friends do some weird handshake as Jack stays back and looks on.
Tug Stephens: This is my new employer, Mr. Diamond.
Willie Singleton: Damn Tug, you look... different.
Tug Stephens: It's all Jack. He has made me a very well paid man. He can do the same for you. I've told him about all your skills.
The man walks up and extends a hand to Jack. Jack pauses and then shakes his hand.
Jack Diamond: Yes, I've heard a bit about you and I could use your expertise on a few things.
Willie Singleton: I'm sure Tug has told you about my history. The things I do... they are not exactly in the up and up. That's why it was important for you to meet me here instead if me coming to you. Never know who is watching.
Jack Diamond: Well, lucky for you I'm not really a fan of the "up and up" anyways. As for your work, you will be heavily compensated.
Willie Singleton: It's not cheap.
Jack Diamond: Look at what I've done for your friend. Do you think I'm worried about cheap?
Willie Singleton: I see that. Well, if Tug vouches for you then I know I can trust you. Let's do this.
Jack Diamond: Perfect.
Jack reaches in his pocket and pulls out the piece of paper. He opens it up, smiling as he reads it. Jack hands the paper over to Willie.
Jack Diamond: The first thing I need you to do, familiarize yourself with this. This ties the whole thing together and it has to be perfect.
Willie looks over the paper and nods.
Willie Singleton: That should be no problem at all. Then what?
Jack Diamond: Then the fun begins. I need you to head to Ohio. I've got a few more people to pull in, trust worthy guys already on my security staff, my attorney and then we will put it all together.
Willie Singleton: Attorney?
Jack Diamond: Again, very important to everything and don't worry, he is loyal as well. His practices aren't exactly, how did you put it, on the "up and up" either. I think the team will work well together.
Willie Singleton: No problem, I trust ya. So Ohio?
Jack Diamond: Yes, head to Bethesda. I will give you the address. There is a spot there that is secluded, no one will know you are there. I'll take care of all the expenses. Tug, you go with him and make sure he gets what he needs and I will meet you guys there.
Willie Singleton: Sounds good.
Tug Stephens: Yeah, no problem Jack. We will get things set up there and see you there.
Tug tosses Jack the keys to the Range Rover and the three of them say their goodbyes.
Jack Diamond: See you guys soon. Stay low and watch yourselves.
Tug Stephens: You too man...
Jack leaves the warehouse and heads back to his vehicle. As he gets in and adjusts the seat, he flips down the visor mirror and stares into it.
Jack Diamond: Yes, it's all coming together nicely. Now I would be remiss if I didn't mention the words spoken by one, Michael Storm. I wasn't going to get involved with petty back and forth but just like I warned Anthony Caffrey, its important to me that Storm hears me loud and clear.
Jack is speaking to no one in particular but the look in his eyes is a bit familiar. A bit cold.
Jack Diamond: Mikey... you had a lot to say. Ever since you came out of that damn coma you've had a lot to say but the one thing you did is refrained from mentioning me. Good job. Call it repressed memories, call it fear, whatever. You are apparently over that now. You should have kept that bottled up. You see, I had every intention to let bygones be bygones, never mention what happened that July evening but you got in front of the camera and ran your mouth. So between your words and that billboard, congratulations... I see you. I know you're there. You want to warn me to stay away from you in the rumble? Who is that warning actually for Mikey? You think I'm the devil? You think I live in sin? You're right. I DO know exactly who I am. I'm everything you claim. I manipulate. I twist things around to benefit me. I am an egotistical dick head and you know what... I'm damn proud of it. It's made me succeed higher in this life than your little demanded mind can comprehend. Fire your warning shots all you want but like I've said...the last time we met, I made a mistake. One that I live with every day. My question for you is simply this... when I right that wrong, will you be able to live with it?
Jack let's that question hang in the air. His eyes are burning in the mirror. Then they soften, he smiles...
Jack Diamond: Next stop, Canton...
Jack pulls away in laughter. That damn laughter. We've heard it before, sadistic. The scene comes to an end.
