The Cruiserweight

by L. Anne Carrington

  As the match stipulated, Brett had to “leave” Dragonfly, but not before Patrick attacked Sonic, lowblowed him, and topped off the post-match attack with a piledriver.

  “Thank you, Kerrigan!” chants vibrated the building as fans expressed their appreciation. Brett felt sorry to leave Dragonfly, but the time to move forward with his career had arrived.

  “How about grabbing a few beers?” Brett asked after they dressed in street clothes. “No better night to celebrate, even if I did lose.”

  “If you’re buying, I’m drinking,” Patrick answered.

  “Nice to know you being a mooch will never change. Come on, Chico, let’s break out of here.”

  CHAPTER 55

  “You’ve gotten so big,” Phoebe said, patting Karen’s stomach. “How do you feel?”

  “Outside having to pee every thirty seconds, everything’s fine.” Karen glanced in a mirror. “Do I look that huge? I didn’t think I showed much.”

  “You’re gorgeous. Before you know it, the baby will here.”

  “Thank God. I feel like I’m carrying around a bowling ball. No more kids. At forty-eight, I’m too old for this kind of song and dance.”

  “Any idea what you’re having?”

  “Dr. Sheppard does, but I didn’t want him to tell me. I both like the element of surprise and to keep Brett guessing.”

  “Is the baby…?”

  “Healthy,” Karen answered, nodding. “Very healthy. One of the benefits of clean living.”

  “Did you talk to Brett?”

  “About two weeks ago, in fact. He wants me to move to Orlando with him after the baby‘s born.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Uh huh. I was shocked at first, but then I began to like the idea. Sure, it’s going to be an adjustment, since I’ve lived here all of my life, but I think it will be nice to live in a place where I won’t have to worry about digging my way out of the house every year between December and March.”

  “Just hurricane season,” Phoebe replied, “not to mention snakes and crocodiles in your front yard. Nice place to raise a child.”

  “If a hurricane should happen, there’s plenty of advance warnings by the weather service. As for critters on lawns, Brett‘s in an apartment building, so it‘s not like yard work will be a concern.”

  “You’ve really thought it over, haven’t you?”

  “Yes, and once I get postnatal care settled and cleared to travel, I’m making the move.”

  “Just send pictures and invite me and Eddie down once in awhile.”

  “I will, especially during the winter.”

  “Yeah, if this coming winter is anything like last year. I don’t think I could go through another nightmare of twenty-four inches of snow falling overnight.”

  “Who could?”

  “By the way,” Phoebe handed Karen an envelope, “this is from Mr. Sullivan.”

  Karen opened it and pulled out a gift card. “What’s this?”

  Phoebe shrugged. “He said go get some baby stuff or something.”

  “Hundred dollars doesn’t go far these days, especially for babies.”

  “He doesn’t exactly have experience with expectant mothers.”

  “True, and it’s the thought that counts.”

  “Are you going to tell him about relocating to Orlando?” Phoebe asked.

  “Won’t have a choice once Brett gets a bigger place and the baby’s room ready, and then I have to give my manager thirty days’ notice that I’m moving once I’m cleared by Dr. Sheppard. Right now, I’m taking things day by day, starting with waiting for the day when I give birth, which feels like it’s taking forever to come.”

  *****

  “Stephanie,” Brett said during a meeting with Orlando Wrestling president Stephanie Cross, “I know there’s a lot of talent on your roster, but I’m feeling kind of frustrated. Not only did I lose the last two pay-per-view shots for the Florida Championship, but I haven’t been on television in over a month. I haven’t even done a lousy house show in two weeks. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid, and I have a kid on the way. Now, I’ve all but cut down on my indy wrestling appearances so I could put most of my concentration here, yet I’m not getting much screen time. What’s happening?”

  “I’ll admit the writing team didn’t have anything for you lately, Brett,” she replied. “But after reading a lot of feedback from fans, I’ve come up with a new idea to highlight the Florida Championship race, and yes, you’re going to play a main role.”

  “Lose again, right?”

  “Outcome hasn’t been decided, but if it comes down to me getting the final say, the answer is no.” She smiled. “You’ve been one of our more loyal and dedicated wrestlers since you’ve signed with Orlando Wrestling, which was one reason I gave you a long-term deal. As of today, I’m also adding a clause to that deal that you’ll be paid, whether you’re used on the air or not.”

  Brett was taken aback by the news. “Really?”

  “I have a family of my own, Brett. I know what being a new parent is like.”

  “This is great! So this new Florida Championship story line, is there going to be another feud, or am I continuing the one with Donnie Fellowes?”

  “You’ll do a program with Donnie and a couple of others.”

  “Sounds great! More guys, the better.”

  “That’s one thing I always liked about you, always open to new ideas.”

  “It’s also nice to have a boss who listens to both the wrestlers and fans. Thanks, Stephanie. I’m glad you took the time to meet with me today.”

  “Door’s open any time. By the way, you’re on the schedule for this week’s television taping. Don’t forget to pick up your script out front.”

  CHAPTER 56

  Posted by Stephanie Cross on Twitter: “Look for some new Florida Championship action coming up in the next several weeks. Brett Kerrigan fans, keep watching!”

  Karen was pleased to read the news. Wow, and to think I was ready to give up on Orlando Wrestling. Brett’s had no TV time for about a month or more.

  Her phone rang, and checking the Caller ID, she smiled and shook her head. “Wonder what Eddie wants?” she asked before pushing the Talk button on her phone.

  “Hey, K! Guess what?”

  “You were offered a six-figure deal with ESPN.”

  “In my dreams. No, I got a tip from one of my sources down in Florida about Kerrigan.”

  “This should be a barrel of laughs. Do entertain me.”

  “Okay, here’s the story. Supposedly, there’s a shake up within the Florida Championship division. Going to crown a new champ within the next month or so, and buzz is going around that Kerrigan could be up for it.”

  “News sites speculated that for months.”

  “Those wannabe journalists write bullshit all of the time just to get hits on their websites. I got this straight from my backstage source at Orlando Wrestling.”

  “Who, the janitor?”

  “You’re a smarty pants. Pregnancy hormones in full throttle?”

  “Just skeptical, that’s all.”

  “Rest assured my source is not the janitor. He’s on the writing team.”

  “Can’t they get in trouble for revealing future story lines?”

  “Have to be busted first, and my source is careful. You’re the only one who knows what’s happening so far, and I‘m pushing it by telling you. I haven’t even said anything to Pheebs.”

  “Just be careful leaking things like that, Eddie. Much as I appreciate the heads up, you don’t know who else is listening.”

  “So noted. I might be over later to check on you and the bun in your oven. Need anything?”

  “The biggest chocolate milkshake you can find.”

  “Jesus, you women and your chocolate.”

  “Blame this on the baby,” Karen said, laughing.

  “Has to be a girl if you’re craving chocolate that bad. Okay, little mother, got to go; Sullivan came out of his office, a
nd he’s headed my way with the world-famous ‘rod stuck up his ass’ look. I’ll talk to you later.”

  CHAPTER 57

  Backstage during a television taping the following Monday night, longtime ring legend Martin Franks was holding his ankle as Tim Doss complained first, they lost three other guys, and now they've lost Martin. “What the fuck are we supposed to do, Marty?” Doss asked. “We’re short on help.”

  Brett couldn’t help overhearing, and he came into the dressing room to offer his services. “Guys, I know I’m not the ideal person, I’m not one of the New Legend Extremes, but this isn’t just for the group, it’s for everyone, because Marty’s out.”

  “Not a good idea to get involved, Kerrigan,” Doss replied.

  “But I love what you've created and I want to create with you.”

  “What part of ‘hell no’ don’t you understand?”

  Franks spoke up. “Hey, I’m the only man in this room who’s going to name my replacement. Kerrigan, you’re fucking nuts. That alone makes you perfect for the New Legend Extremes. Get your ass out there and me proud, bro.”

  “Okay, you’re in,” Doss said to Brett, “but you have no idea what you’re about to get into.”

  *****

  “What did you do, call Orlando Wrestling and give them hell?” Eddie asked. “Brett wasn’t on TV in over a month, now that’s two scenes he’s had tonight.”

  “I sent an email once asking if he’s with the company,” Karen replied. “I meant it as a joke, though.”

  “Somebody got the hint. How’s the milkshake?”

  “Fabulous. The little one kicked in approval.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay? Your ankles look like footballs.”

  “Normal side effect of pregnancy, Eddie. Otherwise, I’m fine.”

  “Oh, speaking of kids, I wanted you to be the first to know Pheebs and I are looking into adoption.”

  “But the two of you aren’t…hold on, do you mean…”

  Eddie nodded. “I proposed at dinner last night, and Pheebs accepted.”

  “That’s great news! Did you set a date?”

  “We’re working on one. You and Brett are invited to the wedding.”

  “Well, I can’t speak for him, but I’ll come for sure.”

  “By then, your baby will be here.” He gently rubbed her stomach.

  “Enough, Eddie. My belly’s not Aladdin’s lamp.”

  “What? You’re cute with your little pouch.”

  “I wouldn’t call this a ‘little pouch’, to say the least,” Karen replied with a laugh. “I already had one before I was pregnant.”

  “You’re radiant, and you’ll make a great mom.”

  “Yeah, using a walker by the time this child graduates from college.”

  “Nah, you and Brett are going to kick ass.”

  “Getting back to you and Phoebe considering adoption…have you looked into any agencies?”

  “We’ve made a list of options, including private adoptions, in case the regular agencies give us bullshit for some reason. You know at least one will find some excuse not to give us a kid. Hell, we’re not asking for a baby. An older child will do great.”

  “Eddie, how sweet. There’s lots of older kids who need homes.”

  He nodded. “Pheebs and I would take the whole lot if we had our way.”

  “I know you would.”

  “Did you ever consider…”

  “Not for a moment. This one’s mine and Brett’s. Use your wedding night and make your own.”

  *****

  The next match was an elimination bout with Dazzle, The Drunk Rednecks, and Park Perry, who faced Tim Doss, Brett Kerrigan, Ahab, and Mad Bull.

  Doss tagged in Brett, who nailed Dazzle with a series of dropkicks, and ended with a two count. Brett then attempted a crossbody out of the corner, but Dazzle dropped him on his knee and tagged in First Redneck.

  First Redneck worked over Brett, ramming in a series of knees into Brett's gut and rounded off the attack with a back suplex for a two count. Dazzle tagged back in and got a salto for another two, and then they exchanged rollups before Brett caught Dazzle with a leg lariat for the three count, eliminating Dazzle.

  Park Perry came into the ring and the battle was on with Brett. Not intimidated by Perry, Brett got in a Thesz Press and choked Perry, and then hit a running dropkick to the referee, sending flying out of the ring.

  Oh, hell…was that supposed to happen? Better improvise on this one, Brett.

  Pasting a huge grin on his face, Brett stood by for a moment as a brawl erupted and spilled out to ringside before Martin Franks made an appearance near the ramp‘s entrance. As a result of dropkicking the referee, Brett was eliminated from the match via disqualification.

  “This is bullshit!” he yelled, stomping up the ramp.

  “You did great, man,” Franks reassured Brett, patting his shoulder.

  *****

  Back in the locker room after their match ended, the usual heckling took place, Dazzle pointing at Brett’s Speedo. “Hey, short ribs, thinking about your baby mama again? Quite a tent you have there.”

  Brett laughed and blew mock kisses Dazzle’s way. “No, baby, I was thinking about getting you alone for a one-on-one oil match, but damn, your wife’s here. Sucks for me.”

  “You ain’t my type anyway, bro.”

  “Aww, Dazzy, I thought you loved me. Was I just a piece of ass after all?”

  “Damn, and people say I’m a freak,” Ahab said, closing a bag.

  Doss shook his head. “What kind of weirdoes did I end up working with when I signed with this company?”

  “Tim, with all the years you’ve been wrestling, one would think you’ve seen it all,” Perry replied.

  “I would think so too, Park, but apparently not. I have to wonder if Kerrigan’s been hanging out with Sanchez-Garcia and his ilk too long.”

  “Just so you know, I haven’t attempted to rape Patrick for a whole month,” Brett replied in a joking manner.

  “That has to be a world record,” First Redneck said.

  “He needs to start behaving if he’s going to be a daddy,” Second Redneck called across the room. “Right, Brett?”

  “If you say so, big man.”

  Second Redneck let out a loud belch, which vibrated the locker room’s walls.

  “Richie,” Doss said, “if you’re hiding a beer stash, at least share with the rest of the class.”

  “Then I won’t have any left to entertain the women in my room tonight. Forget that shit.”

  “It’s cool,” Parks said. “We can all go where everyone usually hangs out, and Marty Franks should treat.”

  “Now there’s something I can’t pass up,” Brett answered. “Let’s blow this dump and go start a tab!”

  CHAPTER 58

  “Brett Kerrigan’s now a member of Orlando Wrestling’s New Legend Extremes,” a news report said the following morning. “First believed he was slated to replace no-show Iron, insiders state plans were made to add Kerrigan to NLE’s group the entire time.“

  “It’s also being said that Kerrigan will take over part of the role planned for Martin Franks. There’s a strong possibility Franks will save most of his energy for something big at the next pay-per-view.”

  Brett was excited about his current status, and dove into the current script after breakfast, pleased with what he read. When Stephanie promised she’d give me something big, she wasn’t kidding!

  Jack jumped into his lap, the cat’s tail brushing across Brett’s face. He pawed at the papers his master studied.

  Brett put him on the floor. “Not now, buddy. Looking at your ass isn’t in the script, and I just fed you an hour ago.”

  Jack fussed a moment, then went into another room in search of another adventure.

  “Figures. He wants to play when I’m busy, but when I’m ready to play, he isn’t interested. Goofy animal.”

  Brett resumed reading and laughed out loud at what he was scheduled to
do the following week. “Oh, this will be fun,” he said. “Nothing like winning a match over a six-foot-six monster via a flying kick. I never had these kinds of opportunities with my last job!”

  *****

  Karen worked on her laptop while she waited to be called to see Dr. Sheppard. She scanned news sites and found reports on Brett becoming part of the Extreme Legends stable, pleased that he managed to fit somewhere on the Orlando Wrestling roster.

  Have to give their creative department credit for thinking of something decent for him, outside of jobbing to midgets and sixty-year-old commentators. Finally, someone’s taking him seriously!

  She resumed working on her latest article, and hoped the doctor wasn’t running behind. When Eddie had dropped her off at the office earlier, Karen told him to return at approximately three-thirty.

  “Ms. Montgomery?” a nurse asked.

  Karen looked up. “Yes?”

  “Let’s take your vitals.”

  She followed the nurse back to an exam area. Oh, good. I’ll be out in plenty of time to meet Eddie in front of the building.

  *****

  “Good, I caught you,” Creative Department head Chris Bridges said.

  “Hey, Chris,” Brett replied. “What’s up?”

  “A few changes in this week’s taping script.”

  “Oh, shit.”

  “No, no, you’ll love this. Ms. Cross informed us that since there’s been a few suspensions, the Florida Championship’s vacant. You still have a match with Matt Creed, but it’s changed to a championship one.”

  “Chris, what the hell? Matt isn’t even in our division’s weight class.”

  “Hey, the boss’ idea, not ours. She gets a wild hair, nobody’s questioning it. You’re up to get the strap anyway.”