Redemption

[Tommy Knox]

///Redemption\\\
Chapter XXX

"Just trust me when I say that my allegiance lies with the MC."
- Tommy Knox -

Friday 8:02 AM [July 5th, 2013]
Long Beach, California

The scent of blood fills the air on this beautiful morning on the west coast. A few blocks from the Nomad clubhouse, a horrific automobile accident has taken place at one of the busiest intersections in town. Four cars and a motorcycle are piled up in the center of the intersection in which police and medical personnel have blocked off from public use.

A local news crew is set up just outside of the taped off scene reporting the incident. The whole area is crowded with individuals all lurking around to see what has happened. A news reporter stands in front of the new van with a microphone held to her mouth as the camera rolls live. In the background of cameras view, the Nomads huddle in a group as they watch the scene with a vested interest. Everyone but Knox seems to be here for this accident.

"I'm Michelle Hopkins and I'm reporting live from channel seven news. Earlier this morning a tragic automobile pileup has taken place just outside of the courthouse. At least four have minor injuries, two are in critical condition and one fatality has been confirmed. No names have been released yet to the public but it appears the man driving the motorcycle has been pulled from the wreckage and pronounced as dead on arrival. This is a terrible accident for the fine citizens of Long Beach. Traffic is shut down on main street as detours have been setup to route traffic around the wreckage. No major details have been released yet but you can hear them first, right here at channel seven when they are announced."

The cameras stop rolling as the news crew stands by, looking over the accident and scavenging for details like vultures. The MC stand across the intersection keeping a close eye on as it appears to have affected them deeply.

Saturday 4:37 PM [July 20th, 2013]
Long Beach, California

The loud rumble of Harley Davidson's travel through the air as if thunder on a stormy night. The sky is clear for miles, not a cloud to be seen, nothing but blue overlooking the city by the beach. Making their way towards town, the MC rides in uniform on the deserted streets just on the outskirts. Wallace leads the pack with four other members and Knox tailing behind.

Pulling up to an intersection, the rider second in line drives up beside Wallace. The two talk back and forth for a moment before the mysterious four turn to the right and roll in the opposite direction. Knox pulls up a little bit, closing the distance between him and Wallace. The two then drive through the intersection and continue for about a mile before pulling off to an abandoned business park on the ride about a quarter of a mile off the main road.

As the two pull up to a building in the middle of a cluster, Wallace parks his motorcycle. Knox follows suit and parks beside him as the two sit there by themselves without a single soul in sight. The two remove their helmets, climb off of their iron horses, walk to the entrance and stop in their tracks as they turn to each other. Silence fills the air briefly before Wallace intervenes and clears his throat.

"So, this is it." Wallace says.

Knox looks around the business park before turning his attention back to Wallace. "It's quiet."

"Yea, it is." Wallace replies.

"This is where you want to set up shop?" Knox asks.

"It's perfect. We've been meeting with the realty company which so happens to be owned by a certain someone who owes the club a few favors. All the paperwork is legit for a dummy corporation to provide a cover. All of these surrounding buildings will be leased out to legit, non-club businesses. Underneath here is where we move your operation." Wallace says with confidence.

Knox loos at him, confused, and questions Wallace's last words. "Underneath?"

"Surprise..." Wallace pushes the doors open and takes a step inside. "Check it out."

Knox follows him as the two walk a few feet inside before stopping in the last bit on sunshine reaching inside the depths. "What do you mean, underneath?"

"There are two sixty-five square foot storage areas underneath this building. All of the surrounding buildings also have slightly smaller storage areas underneath. By the time we get construction crews in here and legit business up and running, underneath will be a fortress that only we have access to and it will run underneath the entire property. It's time to expand production on your end." Wallace says as he pulls out a cigar and places it between his lips.

Knox thinks to himself before replying as he continues to look around. "So... how are you goin' to keep this hidden area under wraps after crews get in here and build it?"

"Easy, the same exact way we got the gun factory up and running for over eight years now. We know the right people and pad the right pockets. After expenses, we still bring bank to the table. With this, I expect to bring even more because it will be triple the size of your operation you have now. You keep your other legit operation running but this is side action for the club, out of Uncle Sam's sight." Wallace says as he pulls his lighter out and sparks up the cigar.

"I'm assumin' the business in this buildin' will be owned and operated by us? What are your plans?" Knox asks.

"Simple... heavy truck and automotive. We're expanding our automotive repair business and setting up shop for tractor trailers and heavy diesel vehicles. We already operate a motorcycle and passenger automotive repair shop across town. We have key relationships with local businesses to earn fleet opportunities. This makes perfect sense and won't draw any red flags from law enforcement. " Wallace says as he takes a puff from his cigar.

"How do we get product out of here without eyes all over us?" Knox asks.

"It's easy, big trucks are going to roll in and out of here everyday for repairs." Wallace answers.

Knox thinks to himself as a smile comes across his face. "How long before we're up and runnin'?"

Wallace nods his head as he answers. "By the time all the legal paperwork is ready and construction finished, we should be ready to move in within four months. After that, we just set up the inside operation, turn this place into a garage and find businesses for these other buildings. After that, only a select few will have access below. It's a great opportunity."

Knox thinks to himself again as silence fills the air. He then pulls out a cigarette and places it in his mouth and pulls out his lighter. He strikes his thumb and lights the tip as he takes a slow pull. He then slowly exhales and looks Wallace in the eyes. "I'm in but what's the club goin' to think about a prospect playin' a key factor in this? This is different from me bringin' my operation to you guys."

Wallace laughs is off as he throws his arm around Knox's neck. "After tonight, you won't be a prospect."

"Really?" Knox asks.

"Yea, you earned it. We were supposed to patch you in a few weeks ago but then Jared went down. We're at church tonight at nine and voting you in. There's no doubt in my mind that this vote won't pass." Wallace says.

"What does that mean for me and APW?" Knox asks.

Wallace stands in silence for a moment. "Nothing. You just continue to do what you've been doing. Fly back and forth between shows and handle business here like you have been. If you don't ride then you don't vote."

Knox thinks to himself as those words sink in. "That's simple enough. I don't want to walk away from APW now so it just concerned me as to how this would play out. I'll be here like always between shows. On the road, I'll reach out to more contacts and push our product. Thanks, Wallace."

"I know you will, brother. Speaking of APW, how are things going in the ring?" Wallace asks.

"Not too bad, right now I have all of my energy and focus on one man. Evan Envi is a dead man walkin' and he doesn't even know it yet." Knox says.

"I haven't really been keeping up with your wrestling since Jared was killed. I'm assuming that he's the guy that you called out when you put Gooch on the shelf." Wallace says as he takes another puff from his cigar.

"Yea, that's him. He was the main guy in The League. First Gooch went down, now Havok. I'm doin' everything in my power to bring his entire world crashin' down on his head. That Overdrive championship will be mine. It's not that I care about the title, I care more about strippin' it from his waist and robbin' him of everything he's worked for." Knox says.

"What can we do to help?" Wallace asks.

Knox takes a drag from his cigarette before answering. "Nothing, bro. You guys or anyone from the MC isn't even allowed in the buildin'. I just have to rely on myself and The Black Hand."

"I'm still waiting to meet this so called group of yours in APW." Wallace says.

Knox grins for a moment before replying. "We're not really a group, bro. I ride with the Nomads until the day I die. If anything, the Black Hand is more of a movement. Some people would call us a group, I can see why, I don't look at it that way. We have risen from the ashes of the fallen to rebel against the corruption of some management and wrestlers alike. We all have a common purpose and look out for one another in the ring."

"I would consider that to be a group." Wallace says as he takes a slow pull from his cigar.

"I guess you can look at it that way. Just trust me when I say that my allegiance lies with the MC." Knox says.

"I know, brother. You had to get some people in your corner to watch out for you since APW has banned us from attending any shows." Wallace says as he walks towards the open door of the building.

Knox follows behind as he takes a slow drag from his cigarette. "Exactly, that's why we have joined forces. Hell, there may even be a few more others joinin' this movement as we sweep APW. Right now though, my focus is on Evan Envi and those little punks in NewGen Risin'."

"NewGen Rising?" Wallace questions.

"Yea, New Gen Risin'. It's just a few rookies to the business tryin' to make a name for themselves while watchin' over one another. I get why they have joined forces, strength in numbers. I get that. I just don't understand why they decided to bring this beef to us, the Black Hand. Jace Savage seems to lead the pack and I put him in his place when he first arrived in APW. I'll admit, he's gotten a little better since then but that still doesn't change my opinion of bein' that much better than he is." Knox pauses for a moment and takes another drag from his cigarette as Wallace nods, learning this new information.

"I remember you talking about him a while back. Isn't he the one who first arrived and laid out an open challenge to anyone on the roster?" Wallace asks.

"That's him, Jace fuckin' Savage. I made him my bitch that night even with Jake Titan jumpin' in my business and tryin' to set me on fire. I didn't even know who Jace was then. Now that I do and have this beef with him, I'm goin' to come at him even harder. Once I'm finished with Envi, Jace Savage can have my full attention. I just hope he has the slightest idea of what he's in store for because I'm goin' to rip his whole life apart." Knox says as he takes one final drag from his cigarette and tosses the butt aside.

Wallace takes a puff from his cigar and says. "Didn't he also come after your old lady, Niobe."

"Yea, he did. Now it's time for him to be a man and step to a man, not a woman." Knox says.

"Where has she been at? I haven't seen her around the clubhouse with you lately." Wallace asks.

"I don't know man, we hardly even see each other now unless we're on the road travelin' with APW. I don't know what's goin' on there, man. I mean, I love her and she knows that but it seems that a distance has come between us as of late." Knox says with a sad look in his eyes.

"What are you going to do about that?" Wallace says.

"I honestly don't know. I'm just goin' to give her the space she seems to want. I called her last week when she took a trip up north and she didn't seem to like that. I don't know what's goin' on with her when I'm not around. It might not even be anything at all. I trust her, at least I try to." Knox says with a crack in his voice.

Silence consumes the air for a moment before Wallace questions Knox. "What all does she know about us, our business?"

"Nothin', she just thinks we're mechanics and Harley enthusiasts. She only knows about the weed shop and that's legit and legal by the state of California. I haven't shared any club business with her." Knox was as he steps out of the building and paces back and forth.

"If you do decide to let her in on club affairs, you have to be honest with her. You either tell her everything or nothing at all. There's no meeting in the middle because it will never work. I know how you feel about her, I can see it in your eyes every time you see her and hear it in your voice every time you speak to her. You need to let her know how important she is to you." Wallace says.

"I know, but every time we are together on the road it always goes straight to the bed. We haven't really sat down and talked in a long time. I'll be honest with you bro, I fuckin' miss her." Knox says as he clears his throat.

Wallace thinks on what Knox just said for a moment before changing the subject. "Enough with this soap opera shit, lets get to the clubhouse. We need to get you ready for your match coming up. Who are the unfortunate assholes this week?"

Knox chuckles for a slight moment as he walks towards his motorcycle. "Brian Hollywood and Jace Savage, NewGen Risin'."

"Well, it looks like you get to kick their asses and settle this beef sooner than you thought." Wallace says.

"We'll see, I have a feelin' that this beef will last quite a while." Knox says as he climbs on his motorcycle.

The two get on their bikes and put their helmets on. At the same time, they crank the engines and send a roar through the business park. Wallace takes lead and pulls out as Knox follows. The two leave the business park and cruise down the street as the sun beats down on them from above.

AMERICAN HIGHLIFE
July 21st, 2013 [•REC]

"Well, it looks like another "faction" has popped up on the scene like a zit on the face of a teenager. NewGen Risin' wanted the Black Hand's attention, well you have it! I've single handedly dismantled The League. Buckson Gooch is sittin' at home with his arm in a cast and the weight of Tommy Knox beatin' him into the ground restin' on his soul. Last week we all saw Nathaniel Havok get taken out in a terrible accident backstage before the show even started. I hope you didn't think it was someone else who made that tragic accident go down. Those strings were pulled by yours truly and I'm only gettin' started."

Envi can't hide forever, he has to face me eventually. Him losin' that title to me is inevitable. Now I have to sit back and watch as six others climb in the ring with him and fight for an opportunity that isn't even theirs to begin with. I was brought to Overdrive to put Envi out of APW and end his championship reign once and for all. I will do whatever it is in my power to make sure that he retains that championship and comes out on top. I'm his destiny, I'm the one who was put in his path, the obstacle that he won't overcome. Anyone who stands in my way will meet the fate that Gooch and Havok both have and that's a promise!"

"I have faith that Envi can fend off his challengers at Overdrive. Until then, I have to deal with NewGen Risin' in a tag match with my brother in arms, Chris Madison. Jace, you've been a pain in my ass ever since you walked into APW and had your ass handed to you by yours truly. Gettin' beat by me wasn't enough. You had to focus all your hate and rage for me on Niobe, my old lady who is more talented in that ring than you'll ever be. You're a pathetic excuse for a man and it's time to step to a real challenge. It's time to step to someone not smaller than you and built like a woman. It's time for you to meet the American Highlife once again and feel the wrath of the Black Hand as it chokes the life out of you and whatever NewGen Risin' stands for."

"I honestly think you've bumped your head a little too hard, Jace. If you seriously think that you amateurs can compete with the experience Madison and I have then you're dumber than you look. We've known each other in this business since 2006. You've know Hollywood for what, a few weeks now? The trust just isn't there that you need to be successful. I will put my life in Madison's hands without a shadow of a doubt. Trust is what gets you places when you're taggin' in the ring. We have it here, it's been earned. You two on the other hand, you may think there's trust but neither of you have been in this game long enough to know what the hell I'm talkin' about. I guess we'll just have to take you two newbies to school Thursday night!"

"You kids act like you want a war. I don't think you're ready to go to war with us. I don't think you're prepared to go to ward with us. Honestly, I just don't think you have what it takes to survive in a war with us. When the Black Hand was first risen we made it clear that we will destroy any other group in APW who opposes us. You can scratch one off of that list because The League is no more. That statement still holds true to this day whether it be existing or newly formed "factions". Mark my words, you guys will fall just as quickly as you announced the alliance of each member in NewGen Risin'. Our attention has now been directed at you and we will not stop until we destroy everything you guys believe in. We will not stop until we have broken each and every one of you. We will not stop until you guys have been dismantled like The League. They were easy, but I intend you punks to be even easier as they were better wrestlers than any of you could have ever imagined becomin' in your short and soon to be dead careers."

"The war has begun, the lines in the sand have been drawn. At first Jace, you earned a little bit of respect after that beatin' I threw you when you first came to APW. Now, you're just a joke in my eyes and a punchin' bag to warm up to for my battle against Evan Envi. You've tried takin' me out with a baton and failed miserably. Niobe and I made your life a livin' hell. Now you think you have the slightest chance with a few more rookies in your corner. pfft... No one is worried about the inexperienced skills you guys bring to the ring. I can guarantee you that Madison and I aren't losin' any sleep over climbin' into the ring with you two. Thursday night is goin' to be a battle won for the Black Hand in a long and gruesome war that you guys have asked for. It will be my pleasure to crush your circle jerk of friends."

"Lets not forget about Brian Hollywood. There's a little bad blood when it comes to this guy and the Black Hand. Hollywood, you were a steppin' stone in the Black Hand's creation, a necessary piece in the puzzle of the birth of a new era in APW history. After Madison attacked Jace earlier on Meltdown that night, he shocked the world when he revealed himself as the third member by layin' you out. We made an example out of you that night as we shocked the world with our alignment and painted the picture that the Black Hand is a force to be reckoned with. You should be ashamed of yourself. You didn't even put up a fight. You just laid down like a coward as we sent our message for the world to see. After that, there's no chance that you will ever earn a single ounce of respect from me or anyone with a backbone."

"The other week you seemed to speak your mind and make it clear that you wanted to get your hands on me. Well, here's your chance. Thursday night is your chance to show me that you are for real and not just a fuckin' poser in this business for the fame. I'm in this game because I'm good at what I do. I'm good at beatin' my opponent and outsmartin' them in that ring. This sport just isn't about what your physically capable of in that ring. You have to be a master at mind games and know how to mind fuck your opponent. I'm a master of the art and you'll realize that first hand when you fall to my feet as I beat you both physically and mentally. No matter how you look at it, what aspect you take into consideration, I'm just that much better than you and I'm goin' to prove it Thursday night in that ring."

"I'm still young myself, not as young as you guys but still young nonetheless. My time is far from over. You just need to step aside and wait your turn. Your chance will come eventually but today just isn't the day. It's time for you rookies to realize that I'm here on Overdrive to make an impact. Madison is here on Overdrive to shock the world. Niobe is here on Overdrive to bring an entirely new evil to your nightmares. We've put in the time and earned this opportunity to stand above all others and take what we want. We've earned the opportunity to fight for what we believe is ours. You guys have done nothin' but annoy myself and the Black Hand ever since you've announced yourself as a "faction". You want a "faction" war, go somewhere else and find one. The Black Hand isn't a "faction", we're a movement. The Black Hand is the new era in APW and light at the end of the tunnel. NewGen Risin' is nothin' but a cheap imitation followin' in the shadows of other "factions" that come and go in this business. That isn't us. We're here to liberate the people from the injustices and corruption of APW. We have a purpose, a meanin' to our existence in APW. What's your purpose?"