A Crime of passion.....

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Passion (from the Latin verb pat? meaning to suffer) is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling, enthusiasm, or desire for anything. 

The term is also often applied to a lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity or love – to a feeling of unusual excitement, enthusiasm or compelling emotion, a positive affinity or love, towards a subject. It is particularly used in the context of romance or sexual desire though it generally implies a deeper or more encompassing emotion than that implied by the term lust.

He felt like he was on top of the world and it was only just beginning. For some twist of fate things were actually beginning to turn favorable. When Denise said yes to his proposal it made him happier than he had ever been in his life. He looked in the mirror as he threw on his leather jacket. It was the same old familiar face and yet so much inside of him has changed. No longer did he regret waking up each morning knowing so many loved ones never will again. Instead he looked forward to every tomorrow and cherished the memory of those who passed on. No longer did he feel like the world had turned it's back on him. He enjoyed life for what it was and did everything in his power to succeed at whatever he did. Now was the time to step forward and show the world the true monster that lies within. His passion to be the best will lead him to his destiny. He knew the challenge would be a tough one and he knew it would take everything he had and then that little extra. It was time to man up and show everyone that not only was he a Tag Team Specialist. He was one hell of a tough customer on his own. 

The cab pulled up to the curb beside him and splashed him with water from the puddle. The driver rolled down the passenger side window and yelled out.

Cab Driver

Hey bud, Did you call for a cab?

He thought for a minute. The guy was rude for splashing him the way he did. He would take a ride and see if the guy had any good traits to save his miserable life. He climbed in and asked the driver to take him to the La Mansion Del Rio along the river. He watched the driver and listened as he carried on about how terrible his life was and how he came out here to be with a woman he met on the computer and had a relationship that lasted all of three days before he found out she had two other guys staying in different motels. He moved out that day and had been driving a cab to survive. Night Rider knew it was all just a ploy to get a big tip from the saps who felt sorry for him. He decided it would be more painful for him to go on living and enjoy his suffering than to kill him and give the sucker a break.

The cab driver pulled into the drive and up to the door. Night Rider handed him a fifty and watched as he counted out his change. After he handed it to him the cab driver stood there expectantly.

Night Rider

You want a tip? Your stupid ass should have known better than to move clear across the country to hook up with some piece of ass you met online. You made your bed, Sleep in it you dumb fuck.

The cab driver jumped into the cab ans sped away, Just barely missing splashing Night Rider with water again. A short distance down the road his left front tire blew out and sent him into a spin. He slammed into the telephone pole and was killed instantly as his head was crushed by the impact. He didn't even feel the huge explosion that happened next. Night Rider looked on and smiled. The guy really shouldn't have splashed him. 

He walked into the hotel and headed straight to the bar. He could really use a drink. Besides, He really needed to think about his match. James Fatel and Cormack MacNeill were both tough customers and would give him a battle. What a perfect place for a battle of this magnitude. Three superstars fighting it out in the middle of the ring to see who will be the one to survive. Right here at the home of the Alamo. Where one of the greatest battles of all time happened. He couldn't think of a better place for him to make his statement as a singles competitor and prove he was capable of beating the best. It was all in the drive and the passion that burned inside of him. The part of him that refused to give up and drove him to succeed.

He walked up to the bartender and ordered a Jack and Coke. A guy sitting at the bar turned to him with an angry look on his face. Night Rider just shook his head and smiled.

Tough Guy

Listen here, Partner. I was speaking with the lady when you interrupted us. You could say excuse me.

Night Rider

I could pick your sorry ass up off of that barstool and throw you around the room too but I won't. Now shut the fuck up and leave me alone.

The bartender handed him his drink and smiled when he handed her a C-Note and told her to keep them coming. He checked his cell phone. Still no word from Diablo. He was beginning to worry about his brother. He just hadn't been the same since his time with the shadows. It was as if he were transformed into a darker and more sinister version of himself. He would go off to do one thing and get sidetracked doing something else. Something was going on in that head of his. He sat down in a seat at the other end of the bar and the bartender quickly walked down to where he was at with a huge smile on her face.

Bartender

Thank you so much for putting him in his place. The guy has been coming in here and starting trouble every weekend. Sometimes he keeps it to a minimum and just glares at someone Trying to intimidate them. He likes picking on the littlest guy in the bar and scaring the crap out of them. Anyway, Thank you.

Night Rider didn't have time to respond as she turned and walked back behind the bar. She looked like a woman who had been the brunt of the guys wrath before. He stood up and walked up to the bar next to him. The bartender walked over to him and the guy next to him turned and faced him. He began to speak when Night Rider grabbed him by the shirt and picked him up.

Night Rider

You better think about the next few words that come out of your mouth. Do you really want to say that? Now here's what I want you to do. You see this woman here? You treat her with respect and NEVER put your hands on her. You got that? One more thing, Watch who in the hell you pick on because I may just send a little guy in here who will kick your ass around the block and back again. 

Night Rider tossed the guy back into his stool and walked back to his table. He knew the guy would forget it the minute he was out of sight. He moved to a table in the back and watched while he thought again about his match. He had watched Fatel in his match against Tek and knew that he was someone you would be stupid to take lightly. Tek underestimated him and wasn't prepared for the assault. Better preparation would have won him that match. Night Rider wouldn't make the same mistake. The same with MacNeill. The guy lost a tough battle against The Lone Wolf. Chase just proved to be the better man that night. It wasn't a statement as to who was better. Cormack came to fight and gave it everything he had. It just wasn't good enough. Just like it wouldn't be good enough against him. Passion was going to win this match. That burning desire deep inside that would lead him to victory.

He was glad that they were both top notch competitors and were able to withstand a lot of punishment. A lot of blood was going to be shed and some people were going to get hurt. He had a statement to make and wanted to make sure everyone understood loud and clear. A new day was at hand, A day of shadows that no one will ever forget. This was only the beginning. Soon others would follow and their numbers will continue to grow. No one was going to stop them. Who was there to do it? Surely not Fatel and MacNeill. Surely not Brent Alpine against Denise. It was going to be a good night, A magical night that will steal the ratings and send them to the top of the charts again. 

Diablo

Everything has been set up and ready to go. laser Quest has been well compensated for their time. We need to be on the look out though. It seems that Seymore Buttkowski and Harry Buttkowski have been taking over a lot of the vice business around. They are also looking to dabble in other areas and have been pressuring the place here to take it over. 

Night Rider

I've had a run in with one of them before. Another guy that thinks he's a real bad ass. I should take him out once and for all. Both of them as a matter of fact. Talk about a waste of oxygen. they better not try and ruin this evening. I want Denise to have a night of recreation and fun. Loosen her up a little before her match and help her focus better when the time comes. She's amazing, You know that brother? Listen, I want you to be my best man.

Diablo

She is definitely a good woman and someone who really loves you. Your lucky to have someone like her by your side. Hang on to her and don't screw this one up. It's time I told you something. You see, I'm not really here. You were having such a hard time dealing with my death that my ghost had to come and comfort you. I was really killed in the shootout in Chicago. My spirit will continue to be around for as long as you want. No one else can see me. I would love to be your best man but not everyone will be able to see me. I know, I'll throw a sheet over me and cut holes in it for eyes. paint a tux on it and everything.

Night Rider

I know, I guess I have all along. It's just nice having you back again. But, How did you set everything up? What time slot did you get?

Diablo

It was easy, KITT programmed me and projected me wherever needed. The time is fro Seven til Nine. What time is Denise coming?

Night Rider

Her plane lands at five so that should give us plenty of time. How did, I mean?

Diablo

KITT channeled enough energy to bring me through the portal. He almost blew his circuits doing it. Nah dude, Just kidding. I had you going there for a minute didn't I? 

Night Rider

Same old Diablo, Always a joker. I should have known better. Man you got me on that one. So the Buttkowski Brothers are the heavy hitters around here huh? Maybe I should pay them a visit later and have a nice little chat. Get in a little workout for my match. I know those two punks are nothing compared to fatel and MacNeill but it will be a lot of fun teaching them a lesson or two. 

Diablo

Shit dude, Wish I could join you but I have to get back to the shop. I have a rare Corvette coming in to be restored. I need to get it out of sight before our fun tonight. Besides, Hank Brown was looking for you earlier. Something about wanting to do an interview with you for Slam.

Night Rider

The guy is always wanting to do a damn interview. I get tired of them sometimes. What, I'm supposed to tell him how my opponents suck and I will win because blah blah blah. It's always the same old shit with him. I just don't get what the big deal is. The three of us will step into that ring to beat the hell out of each other and whoever does it the best will win the match. Plain and simple. I just happen to think that person will be me. Just like I'm sure my opponents think the same way. They wouldn't be in this business if they didn't. I don't need to do an interview to get that fact across.

Diablo

Some people use their interviews to try and intimidate their opponents and get inside their heads.

Night Rider

Yeah, But that's been done to death and is really getting old. I've got better things to do with my time than that. Hey listen, We need to wrap this up so I can get back. See you at Laser Quest about seven. I'm just heading down the street a couple blocks so KITT will be outside waiting for you. 

Night Rider

Awesome, See you then bro.

He finished his drink and had the bartender bring him one more. The tough guy from earlier was trying to hit on some blond who wanted nothing to do with him. Night Rider laughed as she threw a drink in the guys face and then sprayed him with pepper spray when he tried getting tough. The guy curled up on the floor and pissed his pants before crying like a little baby. Karma sure can be a bitch.

He went up to his room to shower and change clothes real quick before heading to the airport to meet Denise's plane. As he walked out the front door KITT was right there waiting for him. He climbed in and made it to the airport just in time to catch Denise walking out the front. He could tell by the smile on her face that she was as happy to see him as he was to see her. He took her out to the fanciest restaurant in town for a nice meal and a few drinks before heading to Ingram Park for the Laser Quest. That was when KITT noticed the vehicle following them. 

KITT

We have a tail behind us. Should I lose them?

Night Rider

No, Just keep an eye on them and get ready to act if they try anything. Let's see just what they want.

KITT maintained his speed and after a short distance the vehicle began to fall further back and eventually disappeared behind them. Night Rider still didn't feel right about it. Something was up and he knew it wouldn't be good.

He invited some of the others from the fed to join them and some had already shown up. They were all putting on their equipment and getting ready for action. They went inside to the battle ground like children playing a game of hide and seek. They took up their positions and the hunt was on. They stalked each other like a big cat stalking it's prey. That was when the lights went out. He and Denise went off together and waited for a few moments before backtracking and hunting down the rest. 

That was when they heard the sound of shots being fired from outside. Three men burst through the door in the distance and for a moment their silhouettes were seen by the light coming in from the other side. Denise saw them also. They removed their equipment quietly as Night Rider grabbed his Magnum out of the shoulder holster he was wearing. He pulled out a pair of infra-red glasses for himself and handed one to Denise. They could just barely make out the three men as they moved throughout the area. He cringed as one of the workers came through the door and quickly took a bullet to the head for his troubles.

Denise tapped him on the shoulder and motioned around one direction before pointing to herself and motioning the other direction. They split and cut around where the men were last seen. Denise caught a movement from the corner of her eye and turned to fire. She hit her target and moved quickly from that spot. One down and two to go. Night Rider, Coming around the other side caught one of them by surprise and twisted his neck before he could make a sound. That left one more. They heard a scream and saw a friend of one of the other wrestlers hit the ground. The shot lit up the area where he was at long enough for Night Rider to make his way over that way. he tumbled and rolled over with his weapon ready to fire just in time to see Diablo sneak up behind the guy and slice his throat in one smooth motion. Denise made her way over and opened the door to let some light in.

Diablo

None of them are the Buttkowski Brothers but I can bet they worked for them. Looks like they're serious about taking over the business. 

Night Rider

So much for a nice relaxing night of fun, Sorry Denise. 

Denise D'Evil

Are you kidding? I had a blast. I think we should go after these Buttkowski Brothers and teach them not to try and ruin our evening. Why let them get away with this shit?

Night Rider

I couldn't agree more. Only, We have to do it the smart way. Locate where they are hiding out at and scout the place. Take them out when they are at their weakest moment. They won't even see it coming.

They all nodded in agreement as they walked out the front door. Much to their dismay Hank Brown was right there waiting for them with his cameraman sidekick right there with his nose up his ass. Hank ran up and thrust the microphone in his face. Diablo ran behind and grabbed him in a headlock. Diablo was about to snap his neck when Night Rider had him release him.

Night Rider

You see what happens when you run up on someone like that? Your lucky he didn't kill you already. Now tell me, Is an interview really all that important?

Hank Brown

Look, I have a job to do just the same as you do. I'm just trying to do it. Just a few words about your upcoming triple threat match, That's all. You know your opponents are going to do one against you.

Night Rider

So just because they are going to do one I have to do one. I suppose if they were to jump off a damn cliff you would expect me to jump off right behind them?

Hank Brown

Come on, You know this is different.

Night Rider

Fine, Let's do this then and get it over with. Denise and I are going to go out and paint the town.

Hank Brown

Coming up tomorrow night you will face what some people are calling a match that you can not win. You will be facing James Fatel and Cormack MacNeill. How do you feel about that?

Night Rider

A lot of people swore Denise and I would never beat the Dream team also and look how wrong they were. I don't pay any attention to what others think I can and can't do in that ring because I am the only one who knows for sure. I'm going to go out there and do what I do. I think it will be enough to walk out with a victory and as far as I'm concerned that's the only opinion that matters to me. Except of course, My fiance Denise. She has faith in me also and I don't intend to let her down.

Hank Brown

Your opponents have been pretty silent so far this week.

Night Rider

So what, I would have been too if you hadn't interrupted our evening. I'm sure they will have something to say before it's all said and done. Not that it matters one bit. Nothing they say can affect me. Like I said before, I go out there and do what I do best and if they think they are good enough to stop me then that's their problem. At least it will be when I show them the errors in their thinking. Fatel and MacNeill are going down and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Now, If you will excuse us we have some partying to do and your not invited. See you around Hank.

KITT pulled up alongside where they were at and the doors opened. The two of them climbed inside and headed out for a night on the town. Hank Brown just looked on bewildered as the car drove out of sight.