*Call Intercepted: (Date) 07-12-06 (Time) 825*

Hello?

*A groggy but familiar male voice asks...*

Kyle, is that you?

*A voice, female in tone, softly asks*

*There's a slight pause on his end and then he finally response...*

November: Yeah... who's this?

*A slight hesitation, followed by...*

Erika D'laney: It's Erika. Is this a bad time? Because if it is, I can...

November: No, no... you're fine...

*He interrupts.*

November: I just... this pain medication they have me on it's got me kind of... uh how'd you get my number?

*A barely audible sigh of relief is picked up.*

Erika D'laney: Well, I'm not really proud of how I obtained your number, but let's just say, the nurse at the hospital was under the impression I was your sister. I hope you aren't upset that I'm calling you.

*A small snort of laughter from his end.*

November: No I'm not upset... just uh... well I'm surprised. This is kind of unexpected. I thought we'd made our peace of sorts and you know that was that. So um... why are you calling?

*She pauses a moment to collect her thoughts before proceeding.*

Erika D'laney: Well, I just wanted to check up on you to see how the healing process was going. But if you are still on pain meds, I would imagine I have my answer already.

*A serious tone can be picked up on in her voice.*

Erika D'laney: Now be honest with me Kyle. Physically, how are you?

*There's a pause of silence and then when he finally does speak his tone is defensive.*

November: Well it's only been a week, but I'll be fine. I mean I've taken worse beatings then that. You... you should be more concerned about your boyfriends hands. I mean I'll heal just fine... I'll be back in that ring if that's what you meant? I'm not done I have a promise to keep.

*Her tone doesn't change as she snaps back.*

Erika D'laney: Look, I know you are a big boy and can take care of yourself. But this time maybe you should listen to the voice of reason instead of your ego.

*She takes a deep breath.*

Erika D'laney: I'm sorry, I didn't meant to snap. Listen. Bryce listened to me when I offered my advice and he is now getting treatment for his hands. Although the prognosis isn't looking as good as we hoped, he is in capable hands right now and I think this is the smartest thing for him right now. And while you might not fully believe my intentions, my intentions are good. So please, give me at least a little credit. I'm not doing this for my Noble Peace prize, I can assure you.

*He clears his throat... stalling for time.*

November: So Bryce told you to call me?

Erika D'laney: Actually, this is of my own doing. He is still resting in the other room. Would it have made a difference if he had told me to call you?

*There's a laugh in his voice as he responds...*

November: You're fucking with me right? You're both fucking with me is that it? The caring and sensitive girlfriend, just out of the blue, makes the call to find out how the mark is "really doing" so that Bryce knows exactly what he's got to deal with when he gets back in the ring? Is that it Erika? You know... I was a fucking idiot for believing there was any kind sincerity in your visit at the hospital. I mean I was actually worried about you. When it turns out you and Bryce are a perfect match.

*He swears loudly...*

November: Yeah you got me. You fucking got me. Well you know what you let Bryce know that this was all real funny, but next time I see him... his girlfriend isn't going to be able to save him. You tell him that for me Erika. Can you do that for me buddy?

*A growl from her end of the line. There is no other way to describe the sound that was just made.*

Erika D'laney: Excuse me? You need to take your defense mechanism offline for a few minutes and listen to me. All I'm offering you is my time and my advice. Whether you choose to accept it or not is not my call. I'm not doing this for Bryce's benefit or my own. I'm doing it because it is the right thing to do.

*Yet another pause.*

Erika D'laney: But obviously I'm wasting my time with someone who doesn't seem to want help or to show that he can be a decent human being. And the only thing I'm going to tell Bryce is that I love him. So you can keep this personal vendetta crap to yourself.

*She moves the phone away from her mouth, but a barely audible "I knew I shouldn't have called" could still be picked up.*

November: That's just it Erika... why did you call? Why do you care? Did you call that Reign guy after Bryce beat and humiliated him on national television?

*He sighs...*

November: I don't know what's going on here, but I've already been betrayed and hurt enough in my life, and now I just want to put some pieces back together...

*He pauses again, the rattling of a pill jar, swallowing...*

November: If you're being sincere then thank you... really thank you, but if you're just playing some sick game then how about you try being the decent human being and stop?

*A deep exhale, followed by a long pause.*

Erika D'laney: Why would I not be sincere? I could have just left you alone and never spoke word to you again. Heck, I could have attacked your while you lay prone in your bed in that hospital. But I took the initiative to check on you. I don't wish to inflict pain on anyone, unless they deserve it of course. And I didn't know the whole story well enough to think one way or the other when I used a chair to take a shot at you a few weeks back.

*A hard swallow.*

Erika D'laney: I know now. And I know deep down you are not a bad person. Maybe a little misguided, but nothing of the uncaring sort you are made out to be. And that Kyle, that says something. That something is enough for me to want to see this through and see you, as well as my fiancé, get the attention you need.

November: Erika... I appreciate your concern, and I want to believe that this is all real, because I...

*He changes his mind...*

November: ...but you should probably not call again. If Bryce finds out that you're talking to me...

*He lets the statement trail off...*

Erika D'laney: He'll what? Never want to see me again? Hardly. I'm a big girl, contrary to popular belief Kyle. I can make my own decisions. And I've decided to care. And until such time as caring becomes outlawed, I'm going to do it. So with that being said, are you going to allow me to help you?

*Only her breathing can be heard...*

*He lets out a deep breath...*

November: Yeah... yeah okay "sis" you can help.

Erika D'laney: Don't mock me Kyle or I'll sick the big bad fiancé on you.

*She chuckles to herself.*

Erika D'laney: Now I want you to take this gentleman's phone number and name down. Give him a call and set up an appointment. He should be able to get you in right away. His name is Dr. Aaron Echols. His office is located in downtown Los Angeles and his number is...

*Her voice seems to trail off. Unsure if there was a bad connection or not, but it seems to pick right back up.*

November: Yeah... okay I got it, I'll make the call, but I'm telling you I'll be fine. This really isn't necessary.

Erika D'laney: And I'd believe you if I didn't hear that same talk out of a certain somebody we both know. Now don't make the call because of me...make the call because of you. Alright?

*He sighs...*

November: Alright, and I'll call. I need to lay down now though... spinning room and all that. Thanks though. I'll see you around?

*It was a question not a statement.*

Erika D'laney: I'd be surprised if you didn't. Take care of yourself Kyle.

November: You too Erika.

*End Transmission*