Jim Black is standing backstage, waiting outside of a locker room, but not just any locker room, the OCW World Heavyweight Champion Rust Cohle’s, hopefully to get a word as he has been very quiet since a new number one contender has been named.
He steps out the room with a big smile on his face.
Rust: Jim ! Glad to see you on your feet, missed you. Hey I’ll make sure nothing like what happened to you is ever going to repeat itself. They better learn some freaking respect around here.
JB: I appreciate that, Champ.
JB: I actually had a couple questions surrounding the World title situation and what you had to say to Sheldon Tremblay last week.. What is up with the few words ? Seems like you are almost radio silent, which is not typical of you..
Rust: Because I am not impressed. Don’t get me wrong, he earned his opportunity by beating 4 other men to get his shot.. But I see weaknesses that he believes might be his strength, which will lead him to his downfall..
Rust: And that weakness.. is Kassidy Hayes.
Rust: I know Kass all too well, I know Kasstianity all too well, and if it's the last effort to try to put me down, it is a poor effort. Sheldon let his mind poisoned, all this talent ruined between the dirty hands of someone who once was my mentor too. And being Kass' puppet will get you nowhere.
Rust: Sheldon has all the talent in the world, he just puts it in the wrong place. He doesn’t see it now, but he will. I will open his eyes like I always do. Kass thought H2O was going to stop me from destroying his cult. I ended Harvey like I always do. I helped my sister snap out of it too. Kass was and still is in shambles.
Rust: Sheldon, if you want to be somebody, be somebody on your own. You don’t need to be the third wheel of Kasstianity, nor did you need to be the third wheel of Sanctum.
Rust: Jim, I am not trying to be disrespectful, but like I told you, someone has to make the law around here, and as OCW Champion, I’ll gladly take that spot. It is all about respect, and Kasstianity is the total opposite.
Rust: Next week, I’ll be in the ring, by myself. So if you want to step up and prove to me that you are not who I think you are, be my guest, I’ll be waiting for you in the ring, let’s see if your Papa lets you make that walk alone.
Rust: I’ll be waiting.
Rust: Thank you , Jim, and please be safe.
SOLOMON CAINE
vs.
INNESS QUARTZ
Backstage, Kareem Franklin pushes open a locker room door and sits down against the back wall. He takes a swig of a water bottle in his hand then throws it across the room.
Kareem: That’s bs, man! Someone better send me Scotty’s cardio workout, bro never ran out of damn gas.
’The New Deal’ Antonio Everrett walks into shot and leans against the doorframe.
Antonio: Unlucky, bruv. Thankfully, it’s not all about winning. You’ve got one more chance to put it right, though. And it’s all good practice regardless, eh?
Kareem looks up at Antonio, who has a slight grin on his face.
Kareem: Yeah I guess… What you smilin’ about, dawg?
Antonio: Oh, so you haven’t heard?
Kareem: About what?
Antonio: Claudio.
Kareem: What happened to Claudio?
Antonio pulls his phone out and shows Kareem a new bulletin containing the news of Claudio’s release.
Antonio: Looks like the problem took care of itself.
Kareem slightly frowns and rubs his chin.
Kareem: No, no, no. This isn’t right.
Antonio: What do you mean?
Kareem: Claudio vs Everrett II is the match everybody has been looking forward to. A marquee match at the show of shows! We can’t bail on that now. I’ve got interviews for you lined up with all the major news broadcasters, and all they wanna talk about is YOUR match.
Antonio: Hmm.. I guess you’re right.
Kareem: Plus…
Kareem’s frown turns into a smirk.
Kareem: If you want to negotiate terms for a title match, we’re in the strongest position possible, baby! OCW ain’t gonna want one of their biggest stars off the show, and this is the only way Claudio could fight for his job!
Antonio nods his head and smiles.
Antonio: And that’s why you’re the brains of the operation…
Kareem: Exactly right, my brother! I’m sure there’ll be a couple technicalities to figure out with Claudio’s release, so I’ll sort the contract and we’ll get it signed and sealed. Now, all you’ve got to do is get yourself down to the beach spa next week. And best believe we’re splitting that pot 70:30 MINIMUM.
Antonio: Good work, Franklin. Claudio wanted his match and he’ll get one, but it’s gonna be on our terms.
The deffining silence surrounding KC Barrett as he makes his way through the backstage area, his head hanging down refusing to make eye contact with anyone as he continues on his path.
Heading directly for the parking garage the sound of a phone ring stops him in his track. Reaching into his pocket as he pulls out the same phone from a week ago with the same burn mark from his cigarette.
KC takes a deep breath before looking down at the phone and seeing the name “Catriona” flashing across the screen. His finger hovering over the answer button as it begins to shake before he pushes the phone away back into his pocket.
Picking up the pace now as he continues his exit from the building stopping as his phone chirps again from a new message.
Catriona: “Are you ok? I know it’s not easy…. I was here for you then and still am now..”
KC just nods as he reads the message, only responding his a thumbs up before stepping out into the parking lot. Looking up from his phone as he stops in the doorway. His eyes locked on a figure waiting by his car…
KC Barrett: Just know me too well huh?
Catriona: Answer me then I will stay out of your way.
Catriona: Is this real? All those years I spent with you helping you find your way was it all for him or your father…
KC just shakes his head as he hugs her.
KC Barrett: It doesn’t matter now, it’s gonna be all for me and those who need me now. And I thank you for always being there for me.
KC steps around Catriona and he opens the passenger door.
KC Barrett: Want to go for a ride for old-time sakes?
Catriona nods as she takes her seat in the car.
KC Barrett: Things are changing for the better I promise Cat.
KC shuts the door for her as a smirk grows across his face as he walks around the car. Taking his seat in the driver's seat as the camera fades to black.
Camp Liberty, TX. A small town propped up just southeast of South Point, TX. Created just 2 years ago by the Sect of Emancipation, It has everything you could ask for in a small town. Grocery stores, barbershops, gyms, laundromats, you name it.
In this town, people are free to do as they please, and act how they like. Most people pitch in with upkeep and expenses, seeing as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have. It’s a place where most have found true happiness.
On the northern end of the town, we find a sizable house with a chocolate brown Mercedes GLA 250, a neon green Aston Martin Vantage V12, a Mercedes-AMG BT Black Series, and a black Ford GT parked in the large driveway. This is the home of the mayor, and Sect of Emancipation’s leader, “The Prophet” Elliot Parker, his wife and kids, and his sister-in-law, Camille. All seems well until a Chevy Silverado pulls up a few doors down from the Parker house and out walks Derek Smith.
He peeks around into windows, trying his best not to be seen, he sees Elliot meditating on his living rooms, while nearby Alyssa Marceaux is seen cleaning her firearms after a long day at the range.
Derek: At least I know now if I get caught, it’s a 90% chance i’m losing my life.
Moving on from that, He sees Loretta, their eldest daughter, sparring with one of Alyssa’s bodyguards, Marjatta, in the family gym.
Loretta: Dude, you need to learn to chill on those takedowns. You got like 60 pounds on me.
Marjatta: I can’t. No one else will. I’m preparing you for fights just like I did for the Queen.
Derek: Oh yea, these the crazy white people. What the hell did i get myself into?
Looking at another window, we find the one he’s been looking for, Camille. He gives her window two light taps to get her attention.
Derek: Beautiful place y’all got up here. Love the aesthetic.
Seeing Derek at the window, Camille runs over to it.
Camille: Holy… What are you doing here?
Derek: Had to talk to you about a few things.
Camille: You heard what Elliot said. You aren't supposed to be here, you know!
Derek: You really think I care what Elliot has to say?
Camille: Yeah, figures, seeing as you’re here. Aly would call that some real “testicular fortitude”.
Derek: You do know he’s lying out of his ass right? Elliot has always been one to lie to get his way.
Camille: Trust me, I know he’s wrong. But what am I supposed to do? They helped me with everything after Dad died. I can’t just say no.
Derek: speaking of “them”. When were you gonna tell me YOU WERE RELATED TO THEM!?
Camille: You know, I knew I was gonna have to cross this bridge at some point in time. But simply put, you know how my sister can be. My dad was the same way, and his mom too. My brothers are like that and they’re both locked up for some heinous things. But I’m telling you now, I’m not. I never was. And I don’t need my family’s reputation preceding me everywhere I go. So yeah, sorry for deceiving you.
Derek: I don’t know if a sorry gon get me out the situation i’m in with your “brother”.
Camille: Okay but… Oh no.
???: You know he ain’t supposed to be here, auntie.
Derek turns around to see a man standing behind him, 5’10, piercing green eyes, caramel skin and dreadlocks, dressed in a police uniform.
Derek: What the fu-
Policeman: Relax, Derek. I know why you’re here. I been here the whole time.
Camille: Just let him go, please.
Policeman: Calm down. Let me talk. Firstly let me introduce myself. My name is E.J. Parker. The E.J. stands for Elliot Jr., in case you ain’t caught on yet. I was made sheriff of this town by my father, your good buddy Elliot. And here at Camp Liberty, only the Prophet’s laws apply.
E.J.: Now, There’s an arrest warrant out for you, my guy. By law I gotta take you in. However, we base things off of autonomy here as well. And I got my own policy. If you ain’t Parker, everybody gets one.
Derek: What do you mean I only get one?
E.J.: It means, I’m giving you a chance to escape. I followed you this whole time you were here. I know you seen my momma’s guns. She don’t miss. Leave now, and you were never here, big fella.
Derek: You know what you're right. It’s about time for me to leave anyway, I got what I came here for.
Derek turns to Camille right before working back to his truck.
Derek: Make sure your sister is ready for Turmoil. I don’t need any bs from her part. Oh and tell Elliot, his appearance isn’t welcomed, but I would LOVE if he made one.
Derek walks back to his truck and pulls off headed back to the airport.
E.J.: I think a “Thanks, nephew.” is in order. Also, Don’t tell Momma about this. Last thing I need is her ending up like Uncle Henri.
Camille: Note taken. And E.J.? Thank you. I can’t leave that bridge burnt. Now make sure he gets out of town safe.
