Masked Heart

Chapter Two

"This is a sound proposition, Vince. Lucha libre is an art form to some and bringing something like that into the mix is sure to draw good money, particularly with our South American fans. I've seen this kid working the indies who is probably the best I've ever seen and he might be interested if we offered him a contract." JR's voice was soft and calm, but Rain's stomach was in knots. Vince looked from her to JR and sighed.

"So what's the name of this kid?"

"Rey Misterio. He's a traditional luchadore, wears a mask and everything, but he has a real strong personality. The show I attended he was topping the bill and the crowd went wild for him," JR said. Vince's gaze shifted to Rain.

"So how are you envisaging we write this if we do it?" he asked. Rain nervously pulled out her iPad and brought up her proposed story line.

"I think we need at least ten luchadores to form a proper division which people will invest in. There could be some cross overs with the main roster maybe to create interest in the luchadores. If we can get Rey on board I think we could shoot him to the moon; he's one of the most talented luchadores I've ever seen. I think a tournament to introduce them all would be a good start with the title belt as the grand prize and maybe we could include some of the high flying wrestlers from the main roster?"

Vince considered this and then looked back at JR.

"Can you show me footage of this Rey Misterio?"

"I can," said Rain, bringing up a video on her iPad. She had come prepared. Vince took it from her and watched the young luchadore come out to a huge ovation from the crowd. He watched the match almost impassively, wanting to keep a poker face, but JR glanced at Rain and gave her a small smile when Vince gave an involuntary cheer at a spot in the match.

"Alright, we'll do it," said Vince, handing the iPad back to Rain and finally smiling at them both. "Set up some try outs. Twelve month contracts for anyone we hire and if it goes well the chance of something longer term. This will be an experiment to start with and then we'll see what happens."

Rain and JR got up and once the office door was closed, Rain did a happy dance much to JR's amusement.

"I can't believe he's happy to give it a go," she whispered and JR laughed.

"You haven't let us down yet Rain. I think he's willing to take a gamble on you."

"I just hope it pays off," she said, suddenly sounding nervous. JR patted her on the shoulder resssuringly.

"You haven't put anything in front of us yet that hasn't worked out. Now I'll start looking into some possible candidates and then we'll be able to work out storylines. Hard to do that without the talent in front of you. First I'll get onto Rey. I think we need a figurehead and can see him being it."

"Great. Thanks JR. I don't think I'd have had the nerve to start this without your help."

"Well I wasn't sure he'd go for it, with luchadores traditionally being smaller but he seems quite excited. Now I want you to take a few days off to rest up. Once we have try outs planned it'll be busy again and I am fully aware of the hours you've been putting in." Rain went to argue but JR shook his head, a slight scowl forming on his face so she stopped. He was without doubt one of the kindest men she'd ever met but he was pretty scary if he got cross, sort of reminded her of a stern father figure. She dropped a kiss on his cheek, thanked him and then headed to the locker room area to look for Bret.

"Hey girl!" Rain looked up with a grin to see Lita heading her way, carrying her newly won women's championship belt. She had a huge smile on her face and stopped to give Rain a hug.