Breakdown 5-18-23-2
May 1
Santa Barbara
Valentine home
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Lunch with Coral was good. I didn't tell her about Cole and the video. She'd have lost her shit and probably told Gail and that's the last thing I need, is to stress out a dying woman. I did however, tell Coral that I texted Drake. She knew all about him and was happy to hear that.
I got home right behind Tommy, his one class at Ante Up for the day was done.. I waited for him on the couch, phone in hand. I had to tell him about this video bullshit before Cole somehow found a way to contact Tommy himself. I asked Tommy to sit next to me, then handed him my phone, telling him what he was about to read.
A minute or so later, Tommy glared, just staring at the words in my DM's. He did not play the ten second clip. I hadn't expected him to. Finally, he looked up at me, trying to suppress the glare.
“You don't want to pay him off?”
“No, I don't. I think he's bluffing. Don't these people usually just release it without warning people?”
“Not if they're trying to make money.”
“Okay, so who's to say if I pay him off, he doesn't keep asking for more to not release it? Or he just sells it anyway to make more money. What could we do, call the police? 'My blackmailer didn't keep his end of the deal'? Come on.”
Tommy pressed his lips together, thinking. “I've got no argument for that.”
“See? And also... if it does get out? I don't care. Fuck, maybe I could make money off it somehow.”
That got me a raised eyebrow. “You don't care if the world sees you having sex? With someone that isn't me? Not that I'd want to film anything, but you see my point, right? It wasn't that long ago when the dirtsheets were trying to create a story about you and I splitting up out of nothing. This wouldn't make our relationship look very good.”
“How? The truth is still the same. Because of that shit, everyone knows what we've agreed to. What difference does it make if there's evidence on video?”
“There's a big difference between knowing something and seeing it action.”
I couldn't argue that. There was also the fact that Tommy had no idea what was actually on that video. He didn't know everything Cole and I did. Let's just say that if it was filmed on purpose for the porn industry, it would fit under several different kink categories, and go for a high price. What, you thought I knew nothing about porn? Where do you think I learned some of my best tricks? Anyway, I could kinda see Tommy's point.
“So... you think I should pay him?”
Tommy looked at my phone again, then shook his head as he handed it back to me.
“No, I don't. The fact is, you're right. We don't know that he'll bury it if you do. He could demand that amount per month to sit on it. What I really want... is meet up with this motherfucker to kick his ass.”
“I could record and sell that.” I chuckled a little. Tommy shook his head with a smirk.
“Yeah maybe. He probably wouldn't show though. In seriousness... obviously I don't like this at all. Pay or don't pay, either choice is a risk. Bottom line though, it's not me in that video. It's your decision.”
I nodded, but something about this felt off. “You're taking this a lot better than I expected.”
“I'm gonna be completely honest with you, I'm surprised this hasn't happened before now. To either of us.”
“I never really thought about it. Maybe I should have. this is partially my fault for being careless.” I shook my head. Tommy sighed.
“Normally I would tell you not to blame yourself, but in this case I think you're right." I couldn't even be mad at him for saying it. It's true. “But, that doesn't matter, the thing is done. What we need to do now, is try to find out if this guy is bluffing.” It wasn't lost on me that he said 'we' and not 'you.'
“How do we do that?”
Tommy gave me a small smirk, then reached into the drawer of the side table. I understood immediately - Tommy pulled out his burner phone. The one he uses when communicating with dirt sheet reporters, so that they don't have his real number. “I'll call my contact at PW News, see if he's heard anything.” Tommy flipped open the simple flip burner phone, and hit call. There are only about five number stored in it. He then pressed a button, and I heard the ringing. He'd put the phone on speaker. The ring tone stopped midway with a click.
“My man! How's it hanging?”
“Loose and free, brosef.” The voice on the speaker laughed. “How's things at PW News, Ron?”
“Busy as always. Well, a little busier than usual. It's almost summer, lots of big shows coming up and news about them.”
“Sounds like job security to me.”
“Indeed it is. So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your bass tones? Got an 'anonymous tip' for me?”
“Actually, no. This time I'm hoping you have some information for me.”
“There's a change. Not sure how much I can help you, bro. You know I can't burn sources.”
“Nothing like that. Kandis heard a rumor while traveling that some jackoff claims he has a video of her and him in bed.” I heard Ron whistle, then it turned into an “Oooohhh.” “I know, right? Rumor is, he's called around different sites like yours trying to sell the thing. So, I was wondering if you'd heard anything about that.”
“Not at all, Tommy. And if I had, I'd have called you with a heads up. That's some serious shit right there.”
“You're telling me. So, nothing at all? You're sure? No rumor, no calls, no questions from another site who may have been contacted?”
“I'm sure. Not even a whisper. I'll poke around a bit for you though.”
“I appreciate you looking into it.”
“Not a problem. Gotta keep my sources happy. And for the record, off the record... if you get me. If some douchebag ever called here trying to sell me a sex video of anyone... I'd refuse it. We're not Ringside Dirt over here, that's not my niche.”
“I know, that's why you're one of the few saved in my sheets phone.”
“Maybe one day I'll be promoted to primary phone.”
“Don't get your hopes up, brosef.”
Ron laughed heartily, as if he knew better. “I gotta keep trying, bro.”
“Of course you do.”
“Listen, I gotta go, I have an interview scheduled soon. I'll dig around though and let you know if I find anything out.”
“Thanks man, I owe you one.”
“Never say that to a dirt sheet editor.”
Tommy laughed. “I'll take my chances.” We heard Ron laughing right before the line clicked off.
“It sounds like Cole is bluffing. PW News is one of the biggest sites around.”
Tommy flipped the phone closed, but left it out on the table rather than in the drawer. He'd need to hear it if and when Ron called back.“They are. But that doesn't mean this guy would have called them specifically. You heard Ron, they don't really deal in that sensationalist shit. But, he's friends with reporters who do. If this guy is for real, he'll find out.”
“Alright. So we just wait.”
“That's all we can do, I'm afraid.”
“I already told him no, what if he doesn't wait until Friday?”
“I'm guessing he's hoping waiting days will make you think about it, and stress, and eventually give in. He'll wait. I wouldn't be surprised if the videos existence leaks though, especially if he actually is calling around.”
I sighed, hard. “Yeah, you're right. Well, I'm sure you can find inventive ways to keep my mind off of it.” I gave him a smirk. Tommy leaned over and kissed me. I kissed back for a few seconds, then broke away. “And you'll have time to think about it while I'm gone... I have to get back for my afternoon class.”
“Dammit!” There was a smirk under the cussing though.
As I drove back to Ante Up, all I could think about was hoping I was right and Cole was bluffing. I said I didn't care if the video got out, and I don't... for myself. But I have a foster family – Debbie, Ray, Nate and his wife and their kids. I have my mother Gail, and sister Coral. Not to mention my cousin Sydney, who had gone back to Florida to take care of her dad, my Uncle Corey, who's been in bad health. They'd all care. I knew though that if Cole was for real, there was nothing I could do to stop him. I refuse to pay.
ON CAMERA
Sin City.... your favorite sinner has arrived!
Kandis smirks into the camera, then turns her phone around, showing that she's on the sidewalk on the famous Strip. She spins the phone back around, and we see she is still smirking. There's movement, then the frame stabilizes as Kandis has apparently stopped. The brick behind her suggests she's leaning against a wall.
I just got to Vegas, checked into my hotel, and decided to have a look around. It's still the same as the last time I was here... full of any vice you could possibly want to get your hands on. Gambling. Sex. Drugs. Alcohol.
Kandis smirks.
Whatever your kink is, you can find it here. Y'all know mine, but I'm not here for sex. Not this week. Oh no... the only fucking I plan on doing while I'm inside Vegas, is the fucking up of Adam Allocco's plans to fight for the SCW World Championship at Taking Hold of the Flame.
We all know what Adam's vice is, too. Sure, he's been sober since coming back to SCW, but this place.... it can really get into your head. I hope Adam has the same willpower that I do, to ignore the temptation to give into those desires. We have a match to fight, and I want him to be clearheaded and at his best, so that when I beat him.... there won't be any fucking excuses!
Now Adam. Let me make this easy on us both, okay? You have a sordid past. You've made mistakes. Everyone knows them. Me, I had a shit childhood. I've done some pretty seedy things in my time in SCW. I'm not here to go down memory lane and compare trauma, okay? I'm sure you don't care whatsoever about who I happen to be fucking that isn't my husband, just like I don't give one fuck about your kid or what you did to him. So let's not try to make this about our past, okay?
I'd rather focus on the present, and near future. Tomorrow night. You and me in that ring. If you ask me we should be the main event, not Selena and Ace... but it doesn't really matter. I'm going to make it the match that everyone remembers, regardless of placement.
Do you realize how long I've been waiting for this, Adam? How long I've been screaming from the top of my lungs that I deserve this? A chance, a real chance at becoming the World Champion. The chance that was taken away from me over a year ago! By a freak accident, not even in an official match, but while training. I sat at home for months! Recovering from surgery, getting my strength back up, going through physical therapy, recovering from a setback caused by a car accident. It seemed like the whole world was trying to hold me down. But finally, finally... I was cleared to return. I came back, I won the End of the Year battle royal... I had thousands of write in votes for the End of the Year title shot...
Over and over again, I kept getting screwed! Let's not forget Kim's crazy match and how I was fucked out of the World Championship that night!
Kandis pauses to take a breath, calming herself down.
But that's over with. I've already gotten my pound of flesh from those who fucked me over that night. Now, the title is vacant. Thanks Owen! And I've finally been given the chance to get what should have been mine a year ago. I wasn't handed a shot, like everyone and their fucktoy bitched that I didn't deserve. Nah, this is a tournament and I have to earn it. I put away Asher Hayes. He thought he had my number after Body, Heart, and Soul but all he had that night was lightning. A one-time flash of strength that would never be repeated in the same way.
So here we are, Adam. You and me. And on the other side? The tournament finals, and the World Championship. The person across the ring from tomorrow night's winner will be either Ace Marshall, or.... Selena Frost.
Kandis glares, and shakes her head.
Fucking Selena Frost. The woman I was supposed to face last year, for the World Championship, before I was injured. Let's be real for a moment, okay? There's no doubt in my mind that Selena is going to the finals. She's always had Ace's number and I don't see tomorrow night being any different. Ace can bring it, don't get me wrong. But Selena? When the World Championship is involved? She becomes something else. An.... icy she-devil that some would swear has some kind of supernatural strength and endurance. There's always a chance I'm wrong, this is wrestling and anything can happen on any night. But if I was a betting woman... and seeing as how we're in Las Vegas, I'm gonna make that wager... Selena Frost will be going to the finals.
So Adam... let me ask you this? Do you think there is any fucking way I am going to let anyone stop me from getting to the finals, where there is a damn good chance I will face the woman I was supposed to face over a year ago?
I don't fucking think so!
Kandis stops and looks around, checking if her yelling got anyone's attention. Apparently not. Turning back to her phone, the glare is still there.
Go ahead and run down your list of accomplishments, Adam. Tell me who you've beat, the titles you've held, the demons you've put down. I don't care. None of it matters! When we step through the ropes, all of our history... wins and losses, successes and failures, mistakes and glories... they all cease to exist. The ring becomes a bubble, where nothing and no one else matters but that match, and that opponent. The game plan created for that one specific night, the motivation in our minds at that moment, the thing we are fighting for, our deepest desire.
You can claim you want this win more than anyone else if you want to, but I don't believe you and I don't think anyone else does either. No one knows how to go after and claim their desires better than I do, and no one wants to get to that World Championship match more than I do! You're fighting to get something back you once had, Adam. You already know what it's like to hold this company's top prize.
You've experienced that climax.
I'm fighting for that particular climax I've desired, yearned for, for over a year. I've been on the edge of it ever since I returned. It's my time to climax, Adam. I'm done with teetering on the edge. I am going over... in every meaning of that phrase. You're just the foreplay, doll. And I never quit before I finish.
Kandis licks her lips.
Don't believe me? Let's fuck around. You'll find out.
Kandis smirks as the video fades.
May 18
Las Vegas
Breakdown day
-------------------
That Friday deadline came and went. Cole DM'd me that morning, asking me again. I refused again. He said “Fine. I'm getting paid one way or another.” And then he blocked me. That was nearly two weeks ago, and nothing had happened yet.. Well, nothing substantial. Ron had called Tommy back, reporting that no one he spoke to had heard anything. I wondered if maybe the other reporters lied to Ron because they didn't want to reveal what they had, but Tommy said no. All of those guys might act like they can't stand each other online and over social media, but behind the scenes they actually look out for each other more than general fans would ever believe. They would have admitted it. So Cole had either lied... or he hadn't called anyone yet.
I went back and forth in my head if I should tell Drake about it. I ended up deciding against it. He has a very short temper and there would be no way he could do anything about it, so it would have been pointless to piss him off.
The morning of Breakdown in Las Vegas, we found out. All of a sudden, nearly every dirt sheet had an article up with the same general idea: “Man claims to have sex video with SCW's Kandis! Does it really exist?” So it wasn't a bluff after all. I got one last DM. Cole had unblocked me, and asked me one more time...
{“Still sure you're not coughing up the 200K?”}
My reply?
{“Go fuck yourself.”}
{“Alright... it's your career. Or, the end of it.”}
Then he blocked me again. I kept checking online until I had to leave for the arena but nothing happened. I had a semi-finals match against Adam Allocco at Breakdown. If I won, I would be in the finals at Taking Hold of the Flame, for the World Championship. It was pretty clear to me what Cole and/or whatever dirtsheet he sold my ass to, was going to do.
Wait until right before or during Breakdown to release it, when it would impact both me and SCW the most – especially if I won – then watch the internet burn down.
As I got to my locker room, I got a text from Drake. Had he seen the rumors?
{“Forget the internet. Good luck. I'm watching.”}
Yes, he had. Drake lives in Las Vegas. I wondered if he was in the building as I started to get ready.