The Week Before Climax Control #285
Asking For A Favor
O’Malley wasn’t good at asking favors. He never had been, and he did his best to avoid ever having to ask someone for help with anything, even if he suffered more for it. But now wasn’t the time to listen to his pride and try and waste time in trying to figure things out all on his own. Not when the longer he did, the longer his son suffered the same as he did, if not more. He would do anything to get Owen back in his life, and the longer Misty’s parents kept him from O’Malley, the more he realized the lengths he would need to go in order to get Owen back.
So what exactly does that entail at this moment in time? Well, the answer is quite simple really if you think about it. There is simply no way of this being settled outside of a courtroom, and that meant that O’Malley needed a lawyer or lawyers to represent him in his fight to get custody of his son. And not just any lawyer. He needed nothing less than the absolute best. Perhaps the most ruthless. And that is where the favor comes in, doesn’t it?
O’Malley couldn’t just go searching through the phone books or google for names of any old law firms in the Las Vegas area. How could he trust what he would find? No, he needed the help of someone who had experience with legal matters in the past, and knew the lawyers were not only trustworthy, but successful for their clients. So...just who is O’Malley turning to for help?
Darcy: He lives...here??
He and Darcy stand outside the front entrance of the large(that is putting it lightly!) mansion in Las Vegas. They just stare at the modern mansion that Synn and Despayre had called home for many years now and were, simply, speechless.
O’Malley: This is the address Gabriel gave me. I knew the man had a big house, but...Christ!
They don’t move. They’re too awe-struck at the sight of Synn’s home to take a step closer to the door. They aren’t even aware that Synn himself is staring at them from one of the windows in the front entertainment room. Eventually, it is Darcy who takes the first step. But O’Malley grabs her hand.
O’Malley: Wait...maybe we shouldn’t do this. I mean...why would he help us anyway?
Darcy: We have to try. You said yourself we need the absolute best lawyers we can find. Come on.
And she leads him up to the door. O’Malley hesitates in ringing the doorbell, so Darcy takes it upon herself to do it. They can hear feet pounding against the floor as someone is running towards the door. Moments later, the door swings open and Despayre stares at them.
Despayre: Well Gee! You don’t look like the usual Avon Lady that comes here!
Darcy lets out a giggle, but O’Malley looks confused as he stares at Despayre, then glances to Darcy.
O’Malley: I...don’t even know what that means. We’re, uh...Here to see Synn. Yer Dad?
Despayre takes a small notebook and purple crayon out of his pocket.
Despayre: Add eyeliner…
He quickly puts his notebook away and then looks back to O’Malley and Darcy.
Despayre: I know my Dad’s name! Sheesh!
Despayre takes in a deep breath and turns just as Synn is approaching them. Synn has no time to stop Despayre before he shouts as loud as he can.
Despayre: DAD!!!!!!!!
Right in Synn’s ear. O’Malley and Darcy almost jump back, but Synn just stands there, practically unphased at having his ear drum almost blown out.
Synn: Thank you, Joshua.
Despayre smiles and gives his father a thumbs up before he zooms off past Synn, back into the front living room. Synn then turns his attention to O’Malley and Darcy.
Synn: O’Malley. Darcy. To what do I owe the pleasure?
O’Malley scratches the back of his head nervously, unsure of how to answer that question. Darcy elbows him lightly in his side, and she smiles as she looks at Synn.
O’Malley: Oh! I, uh...I mean, we...We need to ask a favor. I normally hate doin’ this, but…
Synn: I am well aware of why you’re here, O’Malley. I was seeing if you’d actually cop to it right away, but apparently not.
O’Malley and Darcy glance at one another then look back to him again.
Darcy: You already know?
Synn nods.
Synn: You didn’t think Gabriel would just give you my address without speaking to me first, did you? Why don’t you both come inside and have a seat and we can have a better discussion?
Synn steps aside and invites the pair inside. O’Malley isn’t hesitant, but Darcy is not. She offers Synn a grateful smile and O’Malley follows behind her. Once they are inside, and Synn closes the door, they just...stare. Much as they did with the outside of the mansion, they’re left in awe of the inside of Synn’s home. He cracks a smile as he watches them look around.
Synn: Perhaps you’d like to join me in the living room? Or, are you just going to stare the entire time?
O’Malley: This place is...it’s like our house multiplied by ten. And just ye and Despayre live here?
They follow behind Synn as he leads them into the living room, which is the size of their entire house. Synn chuckles.
Synn: Well, technically, yes. And Theresa of course. But our extended family visits often. Or they did before all of this social distancing requirements. Now. You wanted to talk?
Despayre is seated on one of the sofas, his eyes glued to the television as he snacks and watches his favorite cartoons. Synn takes a seat in a large la-z-boy style chair, and Darcy and O’Malley take a seat as well. Darcy is not far away from Despayre, and she seems rather intrigued by him and his childlike nature. O’Malley focuses on Synn.
O’Malley: I want ye to know, this wasn’t me idea. I don’t like askin’ anyone fer help, but Gabriel knows what a tough situation we’re in right now. I didn’t want or think this fight fer me son would end up goin’ the legal route, but—
Synn: Pardon my interruption here, but what made you think it wouldn’t? You left Owen abruptly almost three years ago now. Did you honestly think they would just hand him back over that easily?
O’Malley sighs. Synn had a point, but it was difficult in admitting as much. Especially when he was trying his hardest to prove he truly regretted leaving Owen like he had.
O’Malley: I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But, I had hoped they would kinda understand where I was comin’ from. We were all grievin’ after losin’ Misty so suddenly. But she was me wife. She was Owen’s mother. I don’t deal well with loss, and I went off the deep end.
Synn: You don’t need to explain yourself to me, O’Malley. While I wouldn’t have done the same under the circumstances, I understand your decision to do anything to protect your son. And that was what you felt you were doing, right? This isn’t all some lie to make yourself look better, or to get sympathy?
O’Malley shakes his head vehemently. He knew that people would think that, Misty’s family included. But they didn’t know the full story. And he had to tell Synn the full story. Meanwhile, Darcy was remaining awfully quiet, and little did O’Malley know that she was making a new friend.
O’Malley: Of course not. And I get why people would think that. I came back from Ireland with a new wife, and a new attitude. But this had nothin’ to do with Darcy. The fact is, after I lost Misty...after I left Owen with her family the way I did...I wanted to die. I had no intention of comin’ back to the states. I thought Owen was better off without me. She literally saved me from goin’ over the edge. And Misty’s family is doin’ this because of her. But again, there’s more to the story than they understand. The fact is, I need trustworthy lawyers that can help us prove that Darcy cares about Owen just as much as I do.
Synn takes in a deep breath. He looks in Darcy and Despayre’s direction as he leans forward, and nods.
Synn: I want you to know something, O’Malley. I’m going to agree to help you, because I can tell Darcy is not as terrible as people think she is.
O’Malley arches an eyebrow curiously about to ask how he knows, but Synn simply points a finger towards Darcy and Despayre. She’s now seated directly next to him as he watches his cartoons and shares his candy with her.
Synn: Far be it from me to find any fault in her if Joshua is willing to share his candy with her.
O’Malley chuckles and nods in response. Darcy looks up to him for a moment before turning her attention back to Despayre, and O’Malley turns back to Synn.
O’Malley: She’s come a long way recently. That’s what I need to show people. I need to prove that as much as I’m ready to get me son back and be a father to him, she’s ready to step up and be a mother to him.
Synn: It’s not going to be easy. Especially not after some of the things she said about Misty. Her family has ever right to feel the way they do. But, you also deserve to have your voice heard, which as I understand is not what has been happening.
O’Malley shakes his head.
O’Malley: Not at all. And the restrainin’ orders they slapped on us don’t help matters any, either. It’s a bunch of bullsh—
Synn suddenly clears his throat before O’Malley can finish the inevitable curse word he was about to. That, of course, would have elicited a “swear jar” moment from Despayre, but Synn had prevented it none-the-less.
Synn: Well, they can’t file nor be granted a restraining order without just cause. They had to have felt threatened in some way.
O’Malley folds his arms, shaking his head.
O’Malley: We never once threatened them. I just wanted to talk things out, that was all. They refused. And I have no idea how they were granted the dang thing, but they were. They must have pretty good lawyer themselves.
Synn: But not the best, because that is where I come in. I’ll have my attorneys on retainer look everything over and give them your contact information. I’ve already agreed to help you, but I just have one final question.
O’Malley nods.
O’Malley: Absolutely.
Synn: Are you ready to be a real father to your son? Truly ready? Because when it comes to matters such as this, I will not be made to look a fool, O’Malley.
O’Malley: I understand. Really, I do. And I promise ye, I’m ready to get me son back. I wouldn’t be fightin’ like this if I weren’t.
Synn nods slowly.
Synn: Good. I’ll contact my attorneys tomorrow and set everything in motion. As for you...Well, as I understand it, you have a match against Kristopher Ryans to prepare for?
O’Malley laughs, letting out a bit of a snort in the process.
O’Malley: Oh I’ve been prepared fer that, trust me. I ain’t worried about Kris Ryans. But thanks fer the concern.
Synn: Not that it needs to be said, as I’m sure Gabriel has warned you, but don’t take that man lightly. Try to focus on that first and then we’ll be in touch about the legal situation.
O’Malley nods before he stands up. He looks over to Darcy and she quietly says something to Despayre before she stands up as well and then walks over to O’Malley.
Darcy: Everything sorted? Did you agree to help us?
She looks directly at Synn, and he nods.
Synn: I have. Not to worry, Darcy. Owen will be with the both of you soon enough.
Darcy smiles brightly and hugs O’Malley.
O’Malley: I certainly hope so. I just want me son back.
Darcy: Well, if everything has been sorted, we won’t take up anymore of your time. Thank you again for agreeing to help us.
Synn: My pleasure. I’ll show you two out.
Darcy: Bye, Despy! Thanks for sharing your candy with me!
Despayre looks up and over to Darcy.
Despayre: Don’t thank me! Angel said it was ok!
Darcy simply smiles as O’Malley scratches his head. Synn shows them out soon after, and the two head on their way.
Monday November 9th
Getting A Head Start
In two weeks time, the biggest event of the year in SCW would be taking place. High Stakes X. The show where not only would the Hall of Fame would see new inductees, br feuds would be coming to an end. But in one instance, a feud may very well be starting. And that is involving none other than Brother David Shepherd and O’Malley.
Less than twenty-four hours ago, O’Malley was supposed to face off against Kris Ryans in their ongoing war. But due to circumstances still unclear, that match did not take place. The night should have been relatively laid back for O’Malley but instead, he was involved in a scuffle of sorts with Brother David, ultimately leading to Christian Underwood booking their High Stakes match.
He has plenty of time to prepare for that match, and against Darcy’s urging to take a day or two to rest and recover from the brick shot to the head, O’Malley has chosen to get a head start on preparing for this match. He simply could not allow himself to lose this one. He had to do everything in his power to bring Brother David down a few notches. And in order to do so, he had to hit the gym bright and early. Lingering headache be damned.
He was the first one there. Well, as far as the students went. Gabriel of course was there when he quietly made his way to the locker rooms to get changed to his training gear. There was no one to spar with at the moment so he’s take advantage of using one of the punching bags at his disposal. It was only when O’Malley started hitting the bag when Gabriel realized he was even there. He popped his head out of the office and saw who it was before making his way over to him.
Gabriel: What are you doing here? We didn’t schedule any training time for you until later in the week. Or did that brick shot to the head cause amnesia?
O’Malley stops for a moment and turns his attention to Gabriel. He shakes his head as he holds the bag.
O’Malley: No, I didn’t forget. I didn’t want to wait. That piece of shite might have gotten a good shot in last night, but I’m gonna give him ten times worse at High Stakes.
Gabriel folds his arms, not appreciating O’Malley’s eageness in this case.
Gabriel: Normally I’d have no problem, but in this case, I gotta suggest you just go back home for a day or two. You may not have a concussion, but even training can make that worse. I know you know that.
O’Malley: I know, Gabriel, but…
Gabriel: No buts. You’re not going to risk a more serious injury just because you’re overly eager. I’m surprised Darcy didn’t try to talk you out of this.
O’Malley scratches his head and looks away, a tell tale sign of a lie.
Gabriel: And that’s because she doesn’t know, does she?
O’Malley: Well, I’m sure she does now. She was still asleep when I left. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Haven’t gotten much sleep in recent weeks if I’m honest. Between the shite with Kris Ryans not being settled yet, to Brother David startin’ shite...and waitin’ fer this legal stuff to move forward...I need a distraction, Gabriel.
Gabriel slowly nods and O’Malley punches the bag in frustration.
Gabriel: Ok first off, don’t worry about Kris Ryans right now. That match was postponed so no need to worry about it when you’ve got a different opponent coming up. Second, you’ll get your chance against Brother David, but if you want to stand a chance at beating him, you’ve gotta be healthy or he’ll exploit it. And third...Anything new from Synn on that front?
O’Malley shakes his head, and that seems to be the one thing weighing heaviest on his mind.
O’Malley: Not yet. Last he told me, his attorney was looking at all of the information and would get back to him. I’m trying not to be impatient here, but it’s gonna suck not havin’ Owen home fer Christmas.
Gabriel: That’s a little over a month away, mate. A lot can happen in a month. I’m sure Synn will be reaching out soon. Just focus on what you can control right now. And that is making sure you don’t give Brother David an advantage going into this match. Go home. Get some rest. Just get outta here.
O’Malley sighs. He knows he won’t be able to argue with Gabriel so he steps back from the punching bag. Gabriel is about to turn and walk away, but O’Malley isn’t quite ready to end their conversation and head home.
O’Malley: Hey can I ask ye somethin’?
Gabriel: I believe you technically just did, but sure.
O’Malley: Do ye think I should have stayed in SCU? Do ye think I’m strong enough to handle it all and still be a good father to Owen once I get him back?
Gabriel takes in a deep breath them exhales as he stares at O’Malley. O’Malley’s face is riddled with doubt but he knows that Gabriel will be one hundred percent honest with him.
Gabriel: It’s not about what I think, O’Malley. It’s about what you think, and whether or not you feel like you could handle it. Do I believe you accomplished everything you had to accomplish in SCU? No, but you made a decision for your family, and I’m not going to fault you for that.
O’Malley: I just can’t help but keep goin’ through these moments where I second guess me decision. I’ve made so many mistakes already in me life. I need to do the right things from now on, ye know?
Gabriel nods.
Gabriel: Then you made the right decision. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone, mate. Not when it affects your family.
O’Malley: Thanks. I appreciate it.
Gabriel: Anytime. Now get outta here.
O’Malley nods and chuckles, needing no further warning. He heads towards the locker rooms again to get his training back together. When he checks his phone, expecting to see a missed call from Darcy, he’s surprised to see there was one from Synn instead, just minutes before. He wastes no time in calling Synn back, eager for an update on the lawyer situation. After a couple of rings, Synn answers.
Synn: O’Malley...I hope my call wasn’t too early.
O’Malley: Not at all. I was going to get a trainin’ session in but Gabriel kicked me out. Do you have an update?
Synn: I do. But perhaps you and Darcy would like to discuss this in person?
O’Malley: I don’t want to wait. What’s the word.
Synn draws in a deep breath before continuing.
Synn: She’s confident that the restraining order won’t be held up, and she has agreed to take on your case. She’d like to set a meeting to discuss things further. I have full confidence in her, but she did warn that the attorney Misty’s family has hired isn’t to be underestimated by any means.
O’Malley: If ye have confidence in her, then so do I. I really appreciate yer help with this, Synn.
Synn: Before you go, O’Malley, I want you to be forewarned about this attorney that they have hired. I’m going to do digging of my own into this Alistair Adams, but I hear he is a bit of a snake.
O’Malley’s eyes go wide as soon as Synn mentions the attorney by name. He goes silent for a long while, which worries Synn briefly.
Synn: O’Malley? Are you still on the line?
O’Malley: Uhhh...yeah, I’m here. Did...did ye say Alistair Adams?
Synn: That’s correct. Have you heard of him?
O’Malley narrows his eyes and his nostrils flare.
O’Malley: I know all about him. Thanks fer the update, Synn, but there’s something I gotta take care of. I’ll be in touch.
Synn: What aren’t you telling me? If this could hurt your case—
O’Malley: I’ll explain later.
O’Malley abruptly ends the call, being slightly disrespectful to the man who has done so much to help him. He shoves his phone into his pocket and quickly zips his training duffel bag closed.
O’Malley: Feckin’ son of a bitch…
He slings the strap of the duffel bag over his shoulder and quickly high tails it out of the locker room and the gym, and then to his car.
He was fuming. Hearing the name Alistair Adams had set something off in O’Malley and after looking up the address info for the law firm, he sped off and away from the GO Gym on a mission. His knuckles were white and he prayed that what he was about to do wouldn’t backfire on him. Then again, he didn’t seem to care. He had nothing holding him back from driving to the law firm, potentially risking the custody case for Owen.
The approximate thirty minute drive to the law firm took O’Malley half that time as he sped through the streets, somehow avoiding any police vehicles in the area and getting pulled over. He pulled into the parking garage and parked his car, wasting no time in killing the engine and hopping out of the vehicle. As he followed the signs leading him where he needed to go, he went over in his mind what he was going to say. Or what he wanted to say, because the moment he came face to face Alistair, that might very well all change.
A couple of minutes after parking his car, he’s finally storming his way into the lobby of the law firm building. A young receptionist is seated behind the desk, and she looks up ready to greet O’Malley. But one look at the angry scowl on her face almost terrifies her.
Receptionist: H-hello, sir. Can I help you with something?
She tries to avoid showing an ounce of fear, but he slams his palms on the top of the desk and stares at her.
O’Malley: Alistair Adams. Tell me the gobshite is here, and where I can find him.
Receptionist: Oh, uh, Mr. Adams of course is here. Do you have an appointment? If not—
O’Malley: No, I don’t have a feckin’ appointment! This will be quick, so just tell me where to find him!
O’Malley begins raising his voice and making a scene, causing people in other offices to see what is going on. The receptionist is now growing more fearful as she tries to calm O’Malley down.
Receptionist: Sir, I can see you are visibly upset about something, but please keep your voice down. Mr. Adams requires appointments, so if you’d like to see him, I can—
O’Malley: I’ll tell ye what ye can do, lass. Ye can either tell me where to find Mr. Adams, or ye can pick up the phone and call his office and tell him there’s someone here to see him. Cause I ain’t leavin’ until I speak to him. And don’t tell him me name, either.
She blinks for a moment, and after a few moments, reaches for the phone receiver. She wasn’t about to give O’Malley the location of Alistair’s office. After two rings, Alistair obviously picks up on the other end.
Receptionist: Pardon the interruption, Mr. Adams, but there is a gentleman here insisting to speak with you. He won’t give his name but he is adamant that you come out here to speak with him...I don’t feel that would be wise, sir...Yes, alright. I will let him know.
She puts the phone down and looks back to a furious O’Malley.
Receptionist: He’ll be out in just a moment. But he can only speak briefly, as he has a busy schedule today.
O’Malley: Yeah, I’m sure he does. Thank ye, lass.
O’Malley stands where he is, waiting for what seems like hours for Alistair to make his way to the lobby. In reality, it’s only a couple of minutes at most, when O’Malley heard the clicking of Alistair’s expensive shoes against the lobby’s ceramic floor.
Alistair: How can I help you Mister…
He is clearly attempting to make his british accent sound as friendly as possible, but when O’Malley turns and he gets a good look at his face, his expression soon turns into a slight grin.
Alistair: Oh...Well, isn’t this a delightful surprise. To what do I owe the—
He doesn’t have a chance to finish that sentence as O’Malley finishes closing the distance between them and BAM! nails Alistair with a fist! The receptionist is horrified as she jumps up from her seat and witnesses to the attack turn and look in horror. Alistair nearly loses his footing, but somehow doesn’t as he holds his jaw from the shot.
O’Malley: Ye traitorous son of a bitch! Yer helpin’ them keep me son away from me?!
The receptionist is about to call the police, but Alistair quickly stands up and looks over to her. The corner of his mouth is now bleeding and he holds his other hand up to her.
Alistair: No need to call the authorities, Abigail.
Receptionist: But, sir, he just attacked you!
O’Malley: And fer damn good reason! Lousy piece of shite!
Alistair: It’s fine, Abigail! He’s my brother! There is no need to get the police involved.
Brother?! O’Malley’s nostril’s flare as he glares at Alistair and Abigail sinks down back into her seat against her better judgement. Alistair takes a handkerchief out of his pocket and wipes the blood from his mouth.
O’Malley: Half brother, arsehole.
Alistair: Well gee, Shane, it’s lovely to see you again, too. How many years has it been?
O’Malley snarls.
O’Malley: Don’t call me by me first name! It hasn’t been long enough, fella. And it sure as shite isn’t lovely to see ye. Especially not after the information I found out earlier.
Alistair: Yes, I gathered that much. Perhaps we should have a private discussion before someone goes against my wishes and calls the police over your erratic behavior, brother.
O’Malley: Let them! Because that punch was worth it after I learned that ye were hired to help keep me son from me! I know we ain’t on the best of terms, but Christ, ye really hate me that much?!
Alistair lets out a sigh, and straightens his suit jacket, which is now ruined thanks to the droplets of blood on it.
Alistair: I’m afraid I’m not entirely sure of what you’re talking about, brother.
O’Malley: Owen! Me son! His grandparents hired ye to help them keep him from me!
Alistair’s eyes widen and a light goes off in his mind.
Alistair: Owen Waters is your son? I had no idea.
O’Malley: Waters?! Are they claimin’ his last name is Waters?!
Alistair: I’m not allowed to discuss—
O’Malley: Yer a snake, Alistair. A traitorous, backstabbing arsehole and I won’t let ye succeed in keepin’ me son from me. Don’t act like you didn’t—
Alistair frowns quickly and grabs O’Malley by his arm. He drags him away to a secluded part of the lobby to hopefully calm him down, though O’Malley doesn’t seem interested.
Alistair: I assure you, brother, I hadn’t had a chance to go over the case completely yet. I was assigned this case and I had absolutely no knowledge that the child involved was your son, let alone my nephew!
O’Malley: Ye expect me to believe that load of gobshite?!
Alistair chuckles and responds with a quick shrug.
Alistair: No, I suppose not. But your actions moments ago definitely do not help you any.
O’Malley looks as though he is preparing to hit him again, but he holds himself back. Though he is not any less furious than he was before.
O’Malley: Yeah I’m sure ye’ll use anything ye can think of to use against me. If there is one thing I’m thankful fer it’s that we haven’t spoken in years so ye can’t even say shite about me character.
Alistair: And whose fault is that, Shane?
O’Malley: I told ye, don’t call me by me first name! And it doesn’t matter whose fault it is. I don’t give a shite anyway. After this, yer lucky to be standin’, fella. Yer no brother of mine.
Alistair draws in a deep breath and lets out a sigh. He squeezes the bridge of his nose and looks over to Abigail, insisting with a wave that he is fine.
Alistair: I’d love nothing more than to discuss this mess with you further, brother, but the simple fact is that I can’t. I have meetings to attend shortly, and the conflict of interest this puts me in has to be—
O’Malley: Oh there’s no conflict of interest, Alistair. Yer wiped clean of any familial connection, so represent them if ye must. Just know that with as underhanded as ye might be, I’ll make sure to fight just as dirty if I need to. I’m not the Shane ye knew before, fella.
Alistair: So it would seem.
O’Malley lets out an annoyed yet equally amused chuckle.
O’Malley: Go to hell, Alistair. I’m sure there’s an extra enticing torture chamber for ye down there…
Alistair chuckles as O’Malley shoves his way past Alistair, storming his way out of the office building. Some witnesses still stair but Alistair walks over to the front desk, once again insisting he is fine. He watches as O’Malley disappears out of site and then turns to Abigail.
Alistair: Abigail, please call Mr. and Mrs. Waters as soon as possible and patch them through to my office…
Forgive Me Father, For I Have Sinned
The time has come. The hour is near. Repentance shall be delivered. Blood shall, perhaps, be spilled in the journey to repentance. God’s shepherd shall feel the wrath of the actions he set in motion, and ultimately, he will fail at the challenge he is going up against. Though Brother David Shepherd no doubt believes he will be successful in his attempt to strike O’Malley down, that...simply will not happen.
In just two days, the son of the man who defeated O’Malley for the SCU Underground Championship gets what he wants. He gets a shot to make O’Malley pay for his sin all while trying to look better in the eyes of his father, and the Father in the highest. He believes he is doing God’s will, but is he? Or is he just doing his own will and attempting to inject himself into the spotlight where his own father refuses to let him step into?
Regardless of the answer to that question, there is one simple fact O’Malley can not deny. One thing he unfortunately agrees on with Brother David and the rest of the Shepherd cult- oops, sorry. Flock. And that would be the fact that O’Malley has, in fact, sinned. Several times.
But who hasn’t? We are all human. We all make mistakes, no matter what anyone says. But it is how we make up for those mistakes that truly matters. And if Brother David has anything to say or do about it, he plans to make O’Malley pay for those sins. Too bad O’Malley has other plans.
Which brings us to this very moment. Inside the Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas, it is the one place that O’Malley felt drawn to this week in preparation for his upcoming battle against Brother David. Something was pulling him here, and it didn’t take him long to figure out what he needed to do. As he walks inside the cathedral, he dips his hand into the holy water and makes the sign of the cross before heading towards his ultimate destination.
The confessional booth.
Yes, that is right. Today, O’Malley is going to confession. Today, he hopes to be absolved, or at least on the road to being absolved, of his sins. Because Brother David just doesn’t know what the he...ck, he was saying at the last Climax Control.
O’Malley opens the door to the confessional booth, closing it quietly behind him. He hears the window door sliding open, as he makes another sign of the cross and begins speaking.
O’Malley: Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. Today marks me first confession.
Priest: It is never too late in the eyes of the Lord, my son. What sins have brought you here today?
O’Malley lets out an awkward laugh. He scratches the back of his head as the priest waits patiently for him to gather his thoughts and answer.
O’Malley: I ain’t quite sure we’d have the time to go through them all today, but I suppose what really brought me here is me upcoming match against a self proclaimed warrior of God.
Priest: Match?
O’Malley: Oh. Yeah. Ye see, I’m a professional wrestler, and on Sunday I’m goin’ up against a fella by the name of Brother David Shepherd. Real holier than thou piece o’ work. Not sure if ye got a direct line to the big fella in the sky, but I guess I should apologize now fer what I’m gonna do to his henchman.
The priest is silent for a moment as he considers his response.
Priest: What has brought you to this battle, my son? You seem rather determined to inflict pain and suffering on a man claiming to do the Lord’s work.
O’Malley laughs again.
O’Malley: I didn’t want this, Father I had a bit of battle with David’s real father, Father Gerald, but the kid didn’t seem content in lettin’ it end there. He believes I haven’t paid fer my sins and wants to make me pay at his hand.
Priest: And what do you believe?
O’Malley: What do ye mean?
Priest: Have you paid for your sins? And what sins is he referring to?
O’Malley takes in a deep breath. Where would he possibly begin? He knew what Brother David was focusing on, but he also knew that there were things that even David didn’t know about his past.
O’Malley: He’s using the mistake I made with me own son against me. He’s tryna compare me to his own father but claiming I’m worse. I abandoned me son when he needed me the most, but I’m fightin’ like mad to make up fer it now. Doesn’t that count fer somethin’?
Priest: You didn’t answer my first question, my son. Do you believe you have paid for your sins?
O’Malley: Is it really about what I believe, Father? And what price is enough to pay fer everythin’ I’ve done. I’ve literally been pulled from the edge of a cliff by the love of me life, and I’m tryna make everythin’ up to me son. Isn’t askin’ fer forgiveness enough? What gives Brother David the right to say anything. Shouldn’t forgiveness be encouraged?
The priest can be heard chuckling but then letting out another sigh. O’Malley quickly realizes that asked one too many questions, but he knew this would be...complicated.
Priest: The Lord will forgive any man who asks for forgiveness and truly desires it, my son. This Brother David person sounds as if he is well intentioned, but you are allowing yourself to react in a way that could perhaps do more harm than good on your path to forgiveness.
O’Malley: He ain’t well intentioned, Father. He had a brick hidden in a bible and thumped me over the head with it. He and his family are no messengers of God. They’re cowards. Hypocrites. And in David’s case, a sad desperate fella beggin’ fer Daddy’s attention and approval. What he’s gonna get is—
Priest: If I may interrupt...Why exactly not try to find a healthier option to express your frustrations? If you want forgiveness, violence is never the answer. Do not do something you might regret, my son.
O’Malley shakes his head. He leans back against the wall of the confessional booth and folds his arms.
O’Malley: This is part of me job, Father. It’s what we do. But I’ll be damned if this fella didn’t raise up some seriously scary feelin’s inside me. He made this personal, and the only way I know how to make him pay is in the ring. I came here today fer forgiveness but now that I think about it, I don’t think it’s possible.
Priest: What kind of scary feelings? It may be part of your job, but it is a path you have chosen. If you want to be right with the Lord, you can always choose another path.
O’Malley: That ain’t an option. He already accused me of runnin’ from SCU after I lost to his father. I ain’t about to run from SCW just because he’s come around and wantin’ a fight. There’s a good way of goin’ about things, and then there is the wrong way. The Shepherd way.
Priest: So what do you plan to do?
O’Malley thinks for a moment. He was having a hard time coming up with the answer to that question, but he had to think of something. He had to find a way to defeat Brother David that wouldn’t damn his soul for eternity.
O’Malley: I dunno, Father. I want to make him pay fer what he did. He damn near gave me a concussion two weeks ago. I can’t just let that slide. But as much as I want to make him pay...I want to help him.
Priest: Help him? How?
O’Malley: All he wants is for his father to accept him. To love him. This ain’t about following the Lord or doin’ his work. It’s about Father Gerald. It’s about his Daddy issues, and the fact that deep down...he thinks me son is headed fer the same horrible feelin’ as he has. That his father doesn’t want him. But I’m fightin’ to get me son back. I love me son, and nothin’ will ever change that. Father Gerald is a self righteous, self-centered egomaniac that at this point, will never love his son.
Priest: And you feel that he is taking it out on you?
O’Malley nods and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
O’Malley: Of course he is. He’s too afraid to make take his frustrations out on Father Gerald, so he’s deflectin’ it on someone who reminds him of him. Me. But he’s also tryna use it as a way to have his father truly see him. But it won’t work. He needs to see the truth. He needs his eyes opened. I can show him the light!
Priest: And if it doesn’t work?
O’Malley: At least I can say I tried. I was so hell bent on makin’ him suffer fer the things he said, I didn’t stop to think about how the fella could be really feelin’ deep down. I’ve seen him fight fer his father’s attention, only for Gerald to treat him like garbage in the process. I may not be in SCU anymore, but I can use this match to get David away from there. I wouldn’t have a problem with him if he wasn’t so brainwashed.
The priest goes silent for a moment. Nothing about this confession has been what one would consider normal, or even ordinary, but the priest surely understands that every case is different. The sound of his bible closing is heard a moment later.
Priest: I can not speak to which that I do not know first hand, but far be it from me to sway you from the goal of truly helping a troubled soul. Perhaps that may be your truth path to forgiveness, and will set you right in the Lord’s eyes.
O’Malley: Well...it’s at least a start. I can’t promise goin’ about it the right way, but I’ve gotta try. And no matter how hard David tries to strike me down...I ain’t gonna give up. Because it ain’t just the Lord that I gotta do right by. It’s me son. Everythin’ I do now, I’m doin’ fer him. I’m not gonna let people think that’s a lost cause. I won’t let me son get to be in his twenties or thirties and doin’ what David is doin’. There’s still hope.
Priest: And there could still be hope for Brother David’s father as well. As I said, it is never too late in the eyes of the Lord.
O’Malley: Maybe not, but that journey for Gerald and David could take a lot longer than mine with me son. Thanks for the chat, Father.
O’Malley places his palms on his knees, preparing to leave.
Priest: I am always available to those seeking forgiveness. Go in peace, my son. Say as many Hail Mary’s tonight as you need.
O’Malley chuckles.
O’Malley: I’m not sure about the Hail Mary’s, but there may the Lord’s name might be shouted a few times. The wife wants a baby, and well...we’ve been practicing. Sorry, Father…
The sound of the bible hitting the floor follows as O’Malley grins and exits the confessional. As soon as be steps out, he’s met by a scary looking nun. He backs away with a meek expression on his face as she eyes him like a hawk.
O’Malley: Sorry, sister…
He looks past her, makes one final sign of the cross and turns to rush out of the church as the scene fades away.