Disappointment

[The Jersey Devil Diva]

Act 1: After the Show

“You must never be satisfied with losing. You must get angry, terribly angry, about losing. But the mark of the good loser is that he takes his anger out on himself and not his victorious opponents or on his teammates.”
Richard M. Nixon

The scene opens on Madison Square Gardens after Rush Hour had ended. The crowds had started to leave, except for the brave few that waited for their favorite superstars in the back to get a glimpse of them, and pose for a picture or to even get an autograph. The stage crews were starting to take everything apart and getting ready for the next city. The ring had already been taken down, and left in pieces. The lights that had filled the arena with different colors were now off, and the speakers that had echoed off the rafters were now silent. The smoke from the pyros that had settled over the floor had faded, leaving a film over the floor, and ring posts. The stage area, and the large tron were still together but wouldn't be for long. The stage crews moved quickly, with shouts of what needed to be done, and where things had to be moved to for the trucks. The seats were now empty, except for one lone figure that watched the stage crew move around like busy ants. We see Joanne sitting alone, with her head hung. She had let the World Title slip through her hands, after having it for two weeks. She was hurt, angry, and disappointed by what had happened. She put a hand to her side, and lifted her shirt seeing that the stitches hadn't come lose, which was the only good part of the whole night. She leans back in the seat, and closes her eyes.

Joanne: *Voice Over* What happened? I mean I had him... I had the match won, but he turned it around on me. The title was in my grasp, and I couldn't even hold onto it. I know he's out there celebratin' with what is rightfully mine. Did I let everythin' else get in my way? Is that why I lost?

Joanne opens her eyes, and looks down at the stage crews moving about once more.

Joanne: *Voice Over* Was it because of my injury, or was it because Manabu managed to get the upper hand on me this week? I'm better than this, and I could have kept that title with no problem! I know I could have. Am I gettin' too old to play the game?

Voice: I knew I would find you up here.

Joanne turns her head and there stood Reno. He smiles softly, and sits down beside her.

Joanne: How did you know I'd be up here?

Reno: Well when you lose there are only two places that anyone will find you... The nearest shooting range, but I know nothing is open this late around here... or you come out into the stands and reflect on what happened.

Joanne: You know me better than I know myself at times.

Reno: I have to... I'm your man after all.

Joanne smiles softly, and kisses him. Reno was right, he was her man.

Joanne: I know. I still can't figure out what happened. I mean I thought I had it, and had Manabu beat this time around.

Reno: Joanne, you just got out of the hospital last Thursday and the stitches are still fresh. That more than likely had a lot to do with it.

Joanne: More than likely. It's just a really big kick to the head you know. I had it for what? Two weeks? I've held titles longer than that, and put up one of hell of a fight to get what I wanted.

Reno: You're not going to give up are you? I mean it's just a minor set back. You are the best out of all the people here, and you'll get it back before too long again. You've climbed the ladder time and time again to get where you are and where you've been.

Joanne looks at him and smiles. He always knew how to make her feel better. She gets to her feet flinching slightly at the pain in her side.

Reno: Are you ok? The stitches didn't pull out did they?

Joanne: I'm fine. Just a little bit of pain from the match that's all. Why don't you go and get Rude and Scarpaci, and we'll head back across the bridge tonight?

Reno: Sounds good. Will you be all right by yourself?

Joanne: I'll be fine. I'll meet you in a couple of minutes.

Reno nods, and kisses her before he walks off leaving Joanne alone once again. She starts to head to the backstage area as her cell phone begins to ring. She answers it, as she continues on.

Joanne: Hello?

Voice on the other end: It's done.

Joanne: Is he still alive?

Voice on the other end: No. He died begging for your forgiveness though.

Joanne: Like that would have happened. What did he tell you?

Voice on the other end: He told me a very interesting story, that you might want to hear.

Joanne: I hope you recorded it.

Voice on the other end: Oh I did. I couldn't help but not record it.

Joanne: Why?

Voice on the other end: Because it's the last person you would ever think of helping Giovanni.

Joanne: Really? Listen we'll be back at the house in a few hours, so I'll call when we get in.

Voice on the other end: Don't worry I'll be there with what I have and a gift.

The other end soon goes quiet, and Joanne sighs. She knew what his gifts could be, but hopefully he meant a gift for Giovanni. Joanne's mind starts to go over everything that had happened, and started to try to figure out who could be working with Giovanni against her as she made her way through the long halls, as the scene fades to black.

Act 2: Home At Last

The scene opens on a very rainy and stormy evening. The night was cloudy, and the rain poured. Lightening flashed, and the thunder rolled, across the sky. The storm had blown in quickly and without warning. The whole area was without power, and everything was in complete darkness. A few candles glistened in a few windows of the houses that lined the streets, all except the Canelli estate. It was in utter darkness, and that wasn't good. anything could happen in the dark, and that was one thing Joanne feared. The limo soon pulls up to the front steps of the house, and Joanne steps out into the rain only to have an umbrella be placed over her but one of the guards. she smiles slightly, and heads for the front door with the guys following behind. Joanne opens the front door, and heads toward the kitchen where the candles and flashlights were kept. Her high heeled shoes echo off the wooden floor as she walks alone into the kitchen, feeling as if she was being watched. She turns around, but nothing was there. She could feel goosebumps forming on her arm, and the hair on the back of her neck was standing on end. There was only a few people that could make that happen to her, but one of them had disappeared once again. Joanne finally comes across the drawer that held the flashlights and turns one on. She sweeps it around the kitchen and sighs with relief seeing there was nothing.

Reno: Did you find the flashlights?

Joanne: Yeah. There's a couple in there at least. I can't figure out where the other ones went.

Reno: I think we used them the last time we had to dig a hole in the woods.

Joanne: That's right. They're probably in the garage.

Reno: Probably. We're going to play cards, do you want in?

Joanne: Nah... You guys go ahead. I have a few thin's to do in the office.

Reno nods and grabs one of the flashlights before walking out of the kitchen leaving Joanne alone once again. The feeling of being watched was there once again, but nothing was there or nothing she could see at least. Joanne heads back out into the hallway, and toward her office with high heeled shoes clicking on the hard wood floor once again. She reaches her office door, and it was open a crack. She pulls out one of her eagles, and enters the room slowly making sure no one was in there. She could still feel eyes on her from somewhere, but then again it could be all in her head.

Joanne: Is someone there?

Voice: About time you got back. How long does it take you to get across that bridge?

Joanne turns around and there behind the door, stood a man with long black hair, and glowing red eyes. He steps out of the shadows, and smiles as Joanne lowers the gun.

Joanne: Damn it Sothren, I could have killed you.

He laughs, and shakes his head, as Joanne lights the fireplace in her office, giving light back to at least one room in the house.

Soth: Please, you know I would have just come back.

Joanne: True. Now where is this recording you have?

Soth: What's it worth to you?

Joanne looks at him, and sighs. He always tried to pull stuff like this,and Joanne always won. She knew his weakness, and it wasn't hard to exploit.

Joanne: How would you to be buried up to your neck in cement only to have fire ants devour your head?

Soth: Ha! I've heard that threat before.

Joanne walks to her desk, and sits down in the new chair that had replaced the old one, and leans forward.

Joanne: Fine. How about I bury you up to somethin' else and let the fire ants eat away at it instead?

Sothren's eyes get wide, as Joanne just smirks.

Soth: You wouldn't?

Joanne: Try me...

Joanne stares at him with her nerves unmoving. Sothren knew she could pull strings and make sure he paid for messing with her in one way or another. He sighs, and walks to the desk, handing her a small tape player.

Soth: You win this round. If my brother was here...

Joanne: If your brother was here I wouldn't need to threaten you.

Sothren rolls his eyes as he leans against the desk. Joanne sighs looking at the tape recorder, knowing that the truth was on the tape, and once she heard it, there was no going back. She had to know who was out to get her.

Soth: If you need me again, you know where to find me.

Joanne looks up, but he was already gone. She hadn't seen him leave, but then again, no one in that group ever left the room in a normal way, why was she surprised? She sighs, and digs out a pair of ear studs and plugs them into the tape player. Joanne presses play, and hears the cries, and screams of pain from the one that had betrayed her. That's when she heard it. The name of the one that wanted her dead, and she couldn't believe it. Why would he be the one? She started to think about it, and the answer soon came to her. He had been passed over and would never have a chance at getting the family. Joanne takes the ear buds out, and sets the tape player in the drawer. It had to be a mistake... It had to be. She turns to the window and looks out into the blackened yard, watching the lightening flash in the sky.

Joanne: *Voice Over* After everythin' I have done for him, this is how he treats me? I've let him stay here when I could have kicked him to the curb when I took over. How dare he?! He was passed over because that's the way he wanted it. Dad trusted me more and wanted to see the family not fall to pieces. I wonder how long he's been planin' this. I have to be careful right now. If he knows that I'm on to him, he might try and kill me before the guys get to me.

The sound of her cell phone breaks the silence and makes her jump. She walks back to the desk, and grabs the phone answering it, as she sits down in the high backed black leather chair.

Joanne: Hello? This is her. Thank you sir, but I'm fine. I know, and I hate myself for losin' the title tonight. I'm sure of that, and the next time I get a chance I'll keep it longer. Is there somethin' else? A match? Really? Against who? Rick Mad? I guess so. No my stitches are fine, and I'll be willin' to step into the ring this week against him. Of course sir. I'll be there.

With that Joanne hangs up, and turns her chair to face the window. The wind had picked up, causing the large tree branches to bend low in the wind that moved about them.

Joanne: *Voice Over* It's funny, you think after losin' a championship I would be depressed, and would never want to step into a ring again wouldn't ya? Wrong. This is just a minor set back, and nothin' that can't be taken away again. Manabu I want to say that you are an asshole, but congrats. You gave me a challenge and there isn't that many people that can do that left in the business. But I'll be gunnin' for you again one day. As for my opponent Mr. Mad I just hope you know what you're gettin' into when you step into that ring against me on Thursday night. You might have beaten Mia Lang tonight, but she's nothin' compared to me. You see I don't play games, I take everythin' in stride, and know what to do when I step into the ring against amateurs like you. Tell me how long have you been in the business? How many titles have you held? I've been in this business a long time, and have been put through hell and back and held every title at least once. I'm one of the best and plan on stayin' that way.
Joanne smirks, as a flash of lightening cracks once again, casting her shadow onto the floor beside her. The other Dons never thought she could handle the pressures of running the family like they could, but she had proved them wrong. The Canelli family had become one of the most powerful families on the east coast and had their hands in everything from legit business practices to the vice that spread through the city. She looks down at her ring and smiles knowing if someone wanted her dead, they would have to work for it.

Joanne: *Voice Over* Rick how long do you think you can stand against me on Thursday night? This match isn't just a match, it's goin' to be the number one contender spot for the Rush Hour Championship. This match isn't even about you, but you got thrown to the wolves and I won't stop until I get my hands on Jake Eaton. So that is why you are goin' to lose, while I go on, and do what has to be done. Rick you are nothin' compared to me, and just because you won your first match doesn't mean you are worthy enough to get your hands on a number one contenders spot after I just held the title we all want.

Joanne gets up from where she sits and heads out of the office, with the flashlight glowing brightly. It cast it's light over the pictures that hung on the walls as she made her way toward the living room where she knew she would find the guys. Her high heeled shoes clicked on the floor as she walked over the hardwood floor towards the sound of the billiard balls being hit. A soft light glowed from the living room, casting shadows onto the floor before her. She stood in the doorway of the living room, and sighed. She knew the truth, and she still couldn't believe it, but she couldn't let it get to her now. Her match was coming up, and she wasn't going to lose.

Joanne: *Voice Over* Thursday night you will see who the best truly is. You see when I step into the ring, you have two choices, you can step down and not show up, or you can take the beatin' that you know is goin' to come to you. The number one contenders spot will be mine, no matter what you try to do to stop me. I don't play fair, and I will do everythin' and anythin' to gain that win over you. When all is said and done, I will be walking away with the win and the number one contenders spot while you are lyin' in the middle of the ring, wonderin' what went wrong. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, or hurt someone enough to cause pain and sufferin' to get what I want.

Joanne turns from the living room, and heads upstairs toward her room, with her mind reeling with thoughts about her match, and what she had heard on the tape that Sothren had given her. Her life, and a chance to take down Jake Eaton now hung in the balance. She would worry about Rick Mad, and then take care of everything else in time. Joanne had to wait until he made the next move, and then she would do what needed to be done. She reaches the top of the stairs and looks down at the statue that held the golden globe. The words "The World is Yours" was still for the moment, and dull, but Joanne knew it was there, and it was true... The World was hers, and always would be. She soon disappears into her room, as the scene fades to black.

Act 3: After Training

The scene opens on Joanne's personal gym. It was filled with machines, and weights lined the walls. A large mirror shimmered in the afternoon sun, as we catch a glimpse of Joanne standing in the middle of a ring. She leaned against the ropes, looking down at Reno and Rude. Sweat was beading off of her forehead, and her body shimmered. She had just finished training in the ring with Rude after a good half hour of exchanging blows. She knew she was ready for her match on Thursday, and she would have the win no matter what she had to do.

Rude: Damn girl, where in the hell did you learn those moves?

Joanne: From you.

Reno: It's been a long time if you can't remember what you taught her.

Rude: Shut up man. I did notice one thing boss. You seem distracted. What's wrong?

Joanne: Sothren showed up last night... He recorded his session with the one that betrayed me... It wasn't pleasant.

Reno: I didn't see him.

Joanne: I didn't either until I pulled my gun. But in the recordin' the guy gave the name of who is tryin' to off me...

Rude: Do you want us to take care of them?

Joanne: Not yet. It could be someone tryin' to cover their own asses, or they were grabbin' at straws, or he didn't know. But right now I have to focus on my match against Rick Mad this week.

Reno: Are you serious? His name is Rick Mad? Wow... That was as bad as Ian Surname.

Joanne sighs as she slips out of the ring, and sits on the edge of the ring.

Joanne: Not quite as bad. He won his debut match, but Thursday night he won't be so lucky.

Rude: He was the one that beat Mia wasn't he?

Joanne: Yeah, that was a surprise even to me. He's got one match under him, but this time he'll be the one on that mat. I need this win to get my hands on Jake Eaton. I have unfinished business with him. If I have to go through Rick Mad to get there, then I'll have to do just that.

Reno: That's my girl. You kick his ass, and we'll be there to help if you need us.

Joanne: I know. If he gets out of the ring, rough him up, and toss him back in so I can finish him, and move on with what I need to. I just hope he's ready to face me. If not, he's not goin' to live.

The guys just smile, as Joanne looks around noticing someone was missing. Scarpaci wasn't with them and it made her uneasy.

Joanne: Where's my brother?

Reno: He said he had to do something today.

Rude: Yeah. He said he would be back in a couple of hours.

Joanne sighs, and hops down from the edge of the mat, and heads for the door.

Reno: Are you ok?

Joanne: Yeah, I'm just goin' to go and jump in the shower. I have a meetin' in a couple of hours.

Rude: Right. We're heading out anyway, but we'll be back. Do you need anything?

Joanne: No I'm fine. Just try to be back before my meetin' starts.

Reno: We will.

Joanne heads out the door, and heads toward her room. Her mind was reeling with what she had heard and hoped what she had heard on the tape was wrong. She couldn't have anyone around her that she didn't trust. She sighs, and races up the stairs, as the scene fades to black.