He stood there patiently trying to keep his cool. If there was one thing he hated it was waiting. He wanted $h!t done and he wanted it done now. Finally the valet brought his car around. This one certainly wouldn't get a tip and he would be sure and tell him so. The valet opened the drivers door and stood up smiling at Hank Lane as he reached for the ticket in his hands. Hank Lane drew his hand back and looked the poor guy in the face.


Hank 'Thunder' Lane
What the hell took you so long you little piece of $h!t? I didn't give permission for you to take a damn joy ride in it. You want a tip? Be quicker the next time. Now get the hell out of my face before I really get pi$$ed.


The valet took off while he walked around the car to make sure there was no damage. It was his baby, His 1969 Dodge Charger Candy Apple Red and looking like a beast sitting up on 22'S. The Hemi powered 426 had enough balls to put plenty so called 'hot rods' to shame. He remembered the day he picked up the body and frame from the junk yard. It took him ten years but he finally had it in mint condition. Right down to the AM Radio with the 8-Track.


He fired her up and headed down Las Vegas Boulevard past the Grand and the Fremont street experience where the tourists burned through their money like boy scouts burning through firewood on a cold evening. All of them marks for one scam or another. Besides, If the gambling don't get you the street people will. The homeless desperate forgotten ones who lurk in the shadows.


He turned off past the airport and headed towards Henderson. After locating the address on the message he had received he shut the car off and got out. He walked into the office and shook his head as he saw the others waiting in the reception area. He walked up to the secretary and began to speak.


Hank Lane
Listen sweetheart, I have an appointment and I don't have time to wait. The name is Hank Lane.


Secretary
Oh yes, Mr. Lane. He is expecting you so go on in. These people are here for the group session after your meeting.


He walked through the door and sat down in the chair he was motioned towards. He waited........damn, He waited.............


Finally the fat fuck was off the phone and held his hand out towards him.


Dr. Corzone
Glad you could make it on such short notice. Sorry, That was the big man there. He would like to start shooting on Monday. That way the spread can go out with the next issue. He wanted me to make sure you could be at the Grand Plaza at Two pm Monday?


Hank Lane
Who the hell are you and what business is it of yours?


Dr. Corzone
This is just one of my businesses. I let these sorry saps cry their eyes out for an hour about how bad their lives are. Then I take their damn money and send them on their way. My real 'business' lies elsewhere. Let's just say that I am someone of interest. Now can you be there or what?


Hank Lane
I just like to know who the hell I am dealing with. Yeah, I can be there then. If nothing else I'll fly in that morning.


Dr. Corzone
I will let him know then. On your way out can you tell my secretary to start sending in the clowns.


Hank laughed and walked out the door. He turned towards the secretary and shouted as loud as he could so those waiting could hear him.


Hank Lane
The good doctor said to start sending in the clowns.


The secretary gasped as the people waiting stood up and walked out the door. He turned towards the secretary and smiled.


Hank Lane
Was it something I said?


He turned and walked out the door as she stood there with her mouth open. Whatever, The guy was an @$$ anyway. The only thing he cared about was getting this shoot done and pocketing the money. He loved money, Almost as much as he loved himself. Money made the world go round and he made the women go round. Both necessities!


He pulled out of the complex and headed back towards LVB. It was a good night to hit the casinos and watch all of the gamblers dreams go up in smoke. They were always good for a few laughs. He had barely walked into the Plaza when he could already feel the eyes upon him. It was the same wherever he went, Women looking to check him out and Jealous husbands wanting to kick his ass. If only they could, Instead they look on like cowards knowing that if he really wanted their women he could have them. He had more important things on his mind. First off, He needed a drink so he walked up to the bar and sat down in one of the empty chairs.


The place looked a lot better since they refurbished and updated it. The wooden chairs with the soft tan cushions matched the tan granite bar with the same dark wood underneath. The black tables throughout the bar had the same soft chairs. The place was pretty busy as the night life began picking up. Couples scattered here and there having a drink while they decide which casino to lose their money in.


Bartender
What can I get for you sir?


Hank 'Thunder' Lane
I'll have a Jack and Coke. Make sure it's the top shelf stuff and not the crap you serve the marks. Please.


Bartender
Not a problem sir. I haven't seen you around these parts before so I naturally took you for a tourist. You'll get the good stuff.


He turned and walked away as Hank noticed a couple arguing over by the jukebox. The lady was a small petite blond who was holding her hands over her face and sobbing as the man she was with kept yelling at her. Or perhaps she just had her hand up to cover the slobber flying out of his mouth as he went on and on.


Bartender
Here you go sir, Sorry about those two. They go at it all the time. I don't see why she stays with him the way he treats her. Shit, Now he's gone too far.


The bartender jumped over the bar and ran over to where the couple was at. Before he knew it the bartender had the guy against the jukebox beating his head on it and yelling at him all at the same time.


Bartender
You son of a bitch if you ever put your hands on her again I will break your fucking arm. Now get the hell out of my bar and don't ever come back.


The man ran out of the bar as the bartender consoled the woman. After a few moments she was sitting at the other end of the bar. The bartender brought Hank the bottle of Jack and sat it down in front of him.


Bartender
Just in case you get thirsty before I can get back down here.


He turned and walked away before Hank had the chance to thank him. He finished his drink and filled the glass. After downing that one he filled it again and pulled out his cell phone. After listening to his messages he dialed a number and waited for an answer.


Hank 'Thunder' Lane
Yeah, I just got your message, What's up?


Richard Cranium
I just thought I would let you know that the Final Warfare card for this year has been posted on the company's website. You have an X-Treme rules match against Zak Misery.


Hank Lane
Who? Zack Taylor, The kid from Disney?


Richard Cranium
No, Zak Misery.


Hank Lane
I heard you right the first time dick head. I was just messing with you. I know who the guy is. He's the so called Demonic Rebel. Shit, The guys nothing but just another goth freak with makeup on. The only reason the guy is a gay is because he was too ugly for any woman to be interested in him. He isn't nearly the fine specimen that I am.


Richard Cranium
Listen, Where are you right now? Maybe you can do a promo to post on the site and tell him what you think about him.


Hank 'Thunder' Lane
I'm in Vegas right now having a drink at the Grand Plaza. I have a photo shoot on Tuesday.


Richard Cranium
Listen, I can fly in tomorrow morning if you would like to do it then?


Hank Lane
Tomorrow morning would be cool. Just ask for me at the front desk here and they will ring me.


Hank hung up his phone and turned around when he heard someone coming up behind him.


Female Voice
I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering if I could have your autograph. I'm a big wrestling fan and have been following the XWF for quite a while. You used to be...


Hank Lane
Sshhh........That part of me is gone. This, Is much better.


Female
I agree, I do like this side of you better.


Hank Lane
Who do I make this out to?


Female
Sandi


Hank Lane
Nice to meet you Sandi, Here you go.


He handed her back the pen and paper she had given him and turned back to his drink as she walked away smiling. A couple minutes later he felt someone walking up behind him. He turned around to see some goth looking dude approaching him.


Spike
Listen dude, I hear you have been flirting with my girl. I don't know who you think you are but.


That was as far as he got before Hank stood up and grabbed the guy around the throat. The guy already had one strike against him for wearing a Zak Misery T-Shirt. He held him in the air in front of him and glared into his eyes.


Hank 'Thunder' Lane
I don't know who the hell you think you are coming up to me like that. How about if I beat the shit out of you right here. Maybe I can give you a few scars to make you look cool. You ready to bleed bitch?



Spike
Please, I'm sorry. I just got jealous when I saw she had the paper with someones name on it saying with love.


Hank threw him across the room and smiled as he crashed through one of the tables. Then he laughed as a guy sitting there picked Spike up and threw him out the door. He turned back around to have another drink of Jack when he noticed a woman had walked up and sat down beside him.


Angel Fyre
My, You sure know how to take care of yourself. My name's Angel. What's yours?


Hank Lane
Hi Angel, How original. My name's Hank Lane.


Angel Fyre
My folks were real original. My last name is Fyre. With a y.


Hank Lane
Well, Angel Fyre. It's a pleasure to meet you. can I get you a drink?


Angel Fyre
No thanks. I just got this one. How about we find a table in the back where we can talk? I have a proposition for you.


Hank Lane
hey listen Angel. I'm not looking to pay for any companionship this evening so if that's your angle it won't work.


Angel Fyre
Oh hell, That did come out funny didn't it? I meant a business proposition.


Hank 'Thunder' Lane
Now I'm intrigued. Let's head back here.


They stood up and moved towards a table in the back away from the rest of the crowd. Hank held the chair out so she could sit down and then pushed it in for her before sitting down himself. he poured himself a drink from the bottle of jack he brought with him while he checked her out. She had fiery red hair and the softest blue eyes. She wore a yellow low cut blouse that accentuated her ample breasts. She had on a pair of dark blue jeans that looked like they were sprayed on her.


Angel Fyre
Now that your done checking me out can we talk business?


Hank Lane
Guilty as charged, What's on your mind?


Angel Fyre
I have a Masters from UCLA in business management with a minor in sports entertainment. I also have a black belt in Tae Kwan Do. I have been following the XWF for a while now waiting for the right person to show up. I want to be your manager. I can handle the business side for you and you can concentrate on your business in the ring. Besides, You have to admit we would look good together walking down the ramp.


Hank Lane
Okay, If you know the XWF so well then what's the scoop on Zak Misery?


Angel Fyre
The guy can be tough but tends to make mistakes. He's kind of sidetracked now with a little spat he has been having with Micah. He's definitely out of his league against you. You should be able to overcome whatever he throws at you with your agility and power. He may be quick but he can't run forever.


Hank Lane
Very impressive. Okay, I'll tell you what. We will try this out on a trial basis and see how it goes. How did you know I would be here?


Angel Fyre
Hell, I've been tailing you for a couple days now. I wanted to make sure you had what it takes and wasn't some kind of weirdo. Another thing about this dude Zak, The dude actually believes he is a vampire. So watch out because he may bite you. Oh yeah, And he's gay.


Hank Lane
I could give two shits about the dudes sexual preference as long as he doesn't bring it my way. I don't play that way. I'll definitely keep my eyes on him. Maybe I should get a shot just in case. I wouldn't want to catch anything and I know that his blood will definitely be flowing. You know how I like to bust people open. I like to make sure they remember getting their ass kicked by me! Listen, I will be doing an interview tomorrow for my match. I want you to be there with me.


Angel Fyre
I would love to. It sounds like fun. What time?


Hank Lane
Tomorrow morning, Probably about ten or so.


Angel Fyre
Sounds awesome, Let's have a drink on that.


The two toasted and downed their drinks as they chatted and shared a few laughs.




To be continued.............