TITLE: Togetherness
AUTHOR: dasame
DISCLAIMER: just borrowing, not making any money,
entertaining I hope.
Ranger sighed. It was early morning, not even 6:00 a.m. yet, he knew that Stephanie
would still be sleeping and he did not want to wake her yet.
"Boss, are you going to call Bombshell to help with the takedown?" Tank grinned.
He knew that Steph was not a morning person and could be hard to deal with this
early. He also knew that there was something going on between the two of them.
He had noticed that Steph was avoiding Ranger, and Ranger wasn't pushing.
"Boss, our information is that the target will be in Vingee's for Breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
then he's planning on disappearing." Lester added.
"Bombshell is perfect for this. She can go in and get him out. Save a lot of innocents
from getting hurt." Bobby added.
Ranger said, "I'll go to her place and explain the plan. I'll meet you there." Then
Ranger rose and left the room.
Getting on the elevator, he was thinking about when he had first meet Stephanie
Plum three years ago. At first he didn't think she would last a day. And when he
found out that her first FTA was Morelli, he had laughed, something he didn't
do often.
When she called him about being hand cuffed to the shower rod, he thought she
was just after him, throwing herself at him like so many other women. But then
he had seen how embarrassed she had been.
He had still been leery, so he observed her for a while. Then after a takedown
he had casually asked her to dinner. He was surprised when she said no. She
was having dinner at her parent's house. They were expecting her. That had
really surprised him, he had never had a woman say no to him before.
The door's opened and he beeped to turn off the security on his truck. Twenty
minutes later he was in the parking lot of Stephanie's apartment. He had planned
on asking her to dinner tonight.
He'd had a special bracelet made for Steph. It was three years since they met
for the first time.
And unknown to Stephanie it had a tracker built into it. She was hell on trackers.
He'd arranged to have the jeweler there so he could remove the clasp. He was
hoping that this would keep her from losing it, and him from losing her.
He would just tell her it was expensive and this way she wouldn't lose it during
a takedown. Every time that he had given her a tracker, she destroyed it. It was
never her fault, and usually she never even knew about the tracker.
A few minutes later he was in her apartment, watching her sleep Wow she was
beautiful, totally relaxed.
He wanted to pick her up, hold her, and protect her from all the crazies and
psychos. For some reason they were drawn to her just as he was. He had never
before been drawn to a woman this way, sure he liked women, but had never
felt the need for one beyond the bedroom. Maybe they were drawn to her for
the same reason that he was, her fire, determination, and pure energy. Her
innocence in a corrupt world, she still believed in good. Right and wrong. She
was a light in the darkness. Stubborn as a dog with a bone. And curious as
the day was long. The questions she could come up with. And her intuition or
her spidey sense as she called it were just about perfect. I had been well
trained, and there were times when I knew that if she had my training she
would be ten times as good as I was.
He sat down gently on the bed reaching over and played with some of her curls.
Wow, were they wild. And he loved them, loved the way they felt when she was
on top of him, loved the way they curled around his finger.
Rumor going around the burg was that she was getting ready to leave the burg
for a while. He didn't want her to leave, but at least with the tracker he would
know where she was and be able to keep an eye on her from a distance.
Running a finger down her cheek, he said.
"Babe. Babe I need to talk to you." She was so tired she thought she heard
Ranger talking to her.
But she was sure it was a dream. Ranger hadn't broken into her apartment in ages.
"Ranger, later okay? I love you, but I'm really tired." Steph muttered as she rolled over.
Ranger couldn't believe what he had just heard. Steph loved him? His heart soared.
Gently shaking her, he said. "Babe wake up and I'll take you to breakfast."
His words reached her even in her sleep. She started opening her eyes. "Ranger?"
"Yea Babe"
"What time is it?!"
"6:30"
"A.M."
"Yea, Babe, its 6:30 a.m., now wake up. I need to talk to you. I'll start coffee,
while you're getting dressed." She grumbled. She really hated early mornings.
"Ranger I don't want to run this morning. How about tomorrow?"
"O.K. Babe, if you get up, I won't make you run this morning. We can do that
tomorrow," Ranger grinned. He left the room to start the coffee.
Stephanie got up, and sat on the side of the bed. What had she agreed to?
She already had her tickets, and planned to leave this afternoon. She wasn't sure
when she would be returning to Trenton. She figured she would be gone at least
a year. She would just have to leave Ranger a letter, just like she planned.
There was no way she was doing this face to face.
After the Slayers, and then Con, she and her dad had sat down and had a heart
to heart talk. He had some friends from when he was in the army who would help
her with the skills that they both agreed she would need.
She had told everybody that she wasn't pregnant, blaming her weight gain on
donuts. She admitted to her dad that she was very sure that she was pregnant.
Probably about 14 weeks that was how long it had been since she and Ranger
had their night together. They hadn't used any protection.
With Morelli she had always used condoms, something they had both agreed to.
She not only didn't want to get pregnant but there had always been a trust issue
between them. She was never sure that he wasn't boinking Terry or some other
convenient blonde. It always seemed to be a blonde. That night with Ranger really
had been amazing.
He had ruined her for other men, until the next morning when he had told her that
he didn't do relationships. It would have been nice if he had told her that going in,
at least she would have been prepared. Maybe she wouldn't have opened up her
heart to such heartbreak. She had really been hurt when he had sent her back to
Morelli. But she had accepted it.
Then she had spent time at his apartment during the Slayer incident and he had
made moves on her. Only to once again send her back to Morelli's when it was
over with. That had really hurt. But the last straw had been when he sent her
back to Morelli again after Con.
Returning to the scene. After she had crashed in Con, he wrapped her in his arms.
She had loved being wrapped in his arms.
She had gone back to her apartment. She knew then that there was no hope for
her and Joe, heaven help her, she loved Ranger. The problem was he did not appear
to love her, at least not in a way she could accept and live with.
It had only been a week after she returned to her apartment that she and Morelli
separated for good. He told her there were to many people in her bed and she
needed to make some decisions. He would be waiting as long as she didn't take
too long.
She had been avoiding Ranger. After being sent back to Joe three times she was
no longer sure she could trust him. Oh she trusted him with her life just not with
her heart. He seemed to be sending her messages that he wanted her. It was
confusing. There were those wonderful stolen kisses, but then he kept sending
her back to Morelli.
Now she wondered what he wanted. She took a shower and got dressed, jeans,
and a white stretch top, just a little make-up. At least she had remembered to
put her already packed luggage in her closet last night. Her dad would be here at
2 p.m to take her to the airport. He had also arranged the packing up of her
apartment this afternoon. Mary Lou would be taking Rex.
Only Steph and her Dad knew that she was leaving Trenton this afternoon. And
that she would likely be gone for at least the next year, she still hadn't decided
on returning. She had written letters that would be delivered once she was on
her way.
It was arranged she would start her training, have her baby in Switzerland, then
finish her training before she returned home. If she decided to return home, she
still had not decided if she would return. She could always start over somewhere
else, and it might be easier. Her Dad had already arranged a nanny for her to help
with the baby while she finished training.
When she was done, she would figure out what she wanted to do. Her Dad was
hoping that she would return to Trenton. He pointed out that no one would know
about the baby unless she wanted them to. That information was just between the
two of them, not even Mary Lou or her mother knew she was pregnant.
As she walked into the kitchen, she saw Ranger sitting at her table. Wow. It struck
her again how truly breathtakingly handsome he was. She was also sure that she
was in love with him, or maybe it was only the baby making her feel like this. She
sighed and tried to put a blank face on, it wouldn't do to give anything away this
late in the game.
"Okay Ranger what is so important that you felt the need to wake me up at
6:30 a.m.?" She sounded slightly pissed.
He looked at her, "Babe, I need help with a takedown." He stopped her as she
was about to interrupt him. "This takedown came up suddenly, we've been after
the guy for a while, the bond is about to expire. But he's been hiding. We just
found out where he's going to be having his breakfast this morning, then he's
splitting town. If we don't get him now, we won't get another chance. This guy is
dangerous Babe. If we have to just go in there and grab him a lot of innocent
people are going to get hurt. If you help us, we have better odds of nobody
getting dead."
"Ranger today is bad for me. I already have plans." Like not getting dead, and
oh yea there was that little thing about leaving Trenton. She looked at Ranger.
He gave her an almost smile. "Fine, tell me about the job. Maybe I can do it if it
doesn't take too long."
"Babe, the guy will be having breakfast. You need to wear something nice, business
casual. Think E.E. Martin on casual Friday...You'll have a wire on and a panic
button. Talk to him, get him outside, then we'll take him down. Oh and you'll
be wearing a vest, we'll get him before he can react. We'll keep you safe, Babe."
"Ranger, I just don't get a good feeling about this." I didn't get a good feeling
about a lot of things since I had admitted to myself that I was pregnant. It was
one thing to do something and get myself injured, it was a whole other thing
knowing I was responsible for another life. "I really do have plans for today
already. I'm meeting Mary Lou for breakfast. So see, I can't help you. Sorry."
What he didn't need to know was that breakfast was so that she could give Rex
to Mary Lou to watch while she was gone. And to say good bye. They had
talked for hours on the phone, but Mary Lou had insisted if she was going away
she wanted to see her in person at least one last time. They had been friends for
too long for Stephanie to refuse her.
"Babe, I really need you for this one. How about you do this, and I pay for you
and Mary Lou to have breakfast at The Bookmark after the takedown." The
Bookmark was only the priciest restaurant in town. It took months to get
reservations. She looked at him in shock.
He gave her a brief nod. "I'll have one of my men pick up Mary Lou. She'll be
waiting for you when you're done. You both have a nice breakfast and one
of my guys will drop you both back home afterwards. In addition the job
pays $3000.00."
Wow, $3000, and breakfast at the most exclusive restaurant in Trenton, he
really wanted her to do this job. She thought for a moment. She really could
use the money. Her Dad had told her not to worry, but she was going to be
gone for a year.
She sighed. "Fine, but let me guess, we need to leave now."
He smiled at her. "Yea, Babe you need to change now. We have to leave in fifteen."
As she headed into the bedroom to change, Ranger added. "Babe, there is
something else, we'll talk in the truck on the way." And he gave her his two
hundred-watt smile.
Fifteen minutes later, they were in the truck on their way. Stephanie waited for
Ranger to start talking, after all he had said he had something else to talk about.
Ranger looked at her, she looked nervous, maybe worried about something.
He was sure it wasn't the job, but he just couldn't read what it was.
"Babe, I was hoping that you would have dinner with me tonight." He watched
her for a reaction. She blushed. "Babe, it's our anniversary. We met three years
ago today. I wanted to celebrate." Then he smiled at her.
Suddenly she felt bad for leaving this wonderful man. "Ranger, could you pull
over, I don't feel so well."
He pulled to the curb, just in time, as she opened her door and was sick. He
held her hair back, and when she finished he held her until she stopped shaking.
"Babe, that's not quite the reaction I was looking for."
"I'm sorry Ranger. I don't know what happened. I just suddenly didn't feel well.
I'm okay now. What were you saying?"
"Babe, dinner tonight, somewhere nice, music, dancing."
"I'm really sorry Ranger but I already have dinner plans for tonight, if you'd asked
me earlier." She really hated missing dinner with Ranger, but by dinner she would
probably be in London or somewhere else in Europe. No way she could make
dinner. She thought for a minute. "We meet for the first time for lunch, could we
make it lunch instead of dinner, an early lunch."
He frowned, then thought about it and decided to take what he could get. He
sighed, only Stephanie Plum would turn down a chance for dinner with him, any
other woman would have changed her plans. Of course that was one of the things
that he loved about her, she treated him like he was just any other guy, she had
never thrown herself at him. Even though they had been close often enough that
he knew she was attracted to him.
"Okay, lunch it is. What time should I pick you up?"
"How about 11a.m. I need to be back by 1:30p.m. I have an appointment this
afternoon and I can't be late." If she was, the plane would leave without her, and
that just wouldn't do. She had made up her mind she was leaving. She liked the
idea that the last person she would see in Trenton besides her Dad would be Ranger.
She looked down and saw a file, Ranger nodded. "You read, I'll explain."
As she read, he explained everything that would happen with the takedown. It
sounded like he had everything covered. She really didn't want to do this, but
she trusted Ranger. And she was sure that if he knew about this pregnancy she'd
be locked up in a safe house somewhere. Probably cuffed to one of his guys to
make sure she didn't escape.
They had arrived at the restaurant. Ranger wired her, then handed her the panic
button. "Remember anything goes wrong you push the button, we get you out.
If it's a choice between your safety and getting this guy, I want you safe."
The takedown went smoothly. True to his word twenty minutes later she and
Mary Lou were enjoying a fabulous breakfast. Because of the change in plans
her Dad would be delivering Rex to Mary Lou in the morning. After breakfast
Ranger's man materialized and drove them home, dropping Mary Lou at her
home and then Steph at her apartment.
Steph looked at her watch, she just had time to pick up some donuts and stop
by the office before she would need to head home to get ready for her lunch
date with Ranger. She climbed into big blue. She wasn't going to miss this car.
And headed for the office, stopping on the way for donuts. Lula relieved her
of the donuts and placed the box on Connie's desk.
"Vinnie in?" I asked, they both looked at me like I had lost my mind.
They knew I hated talking to him and something was up if I needed to talk to
him. "I need to tell him I'm taking a few days off." She continued before they
could interrupt." My Dad and I are going away for a few days, out of town
on a little vacation."
She hoped that would take care of the 'burg' gossip. At least until the letters that
she had written were delivered.
"Girl where you going, and you sure you're going with your Dad and not one
of those fine men that are always chasing you?" Lula asked.
"Yea." Connie asked. "We all tried to get you to take some time off before
and you refused. What's going on?"
"Dad rented a place over in Point Pleasant for a couple of days. It's quiet
there. We used to do this all the time when I was younger, before I married
Dickie. We talked after Con, and decided it was time to revive the tradition.
Besides I need a vacation, and I like being alone with my Dad."
"You a Daddy's girl?" Lula asked.
"Yeah, Dad always understood my need to fly. Valerie's like Mom."
Vinnie came in interrupting the conversation.
"Vinnie, Steph's going away for a few days."
He looked at her. "That right."
She nodded. He glared at her, walked into his office closing and locked the
door behind himself.
"Well, have a good time and relax, you need it. And don't worry about Vinnie
we'll take care of him." Connie said.
"Yea, girlfriend you should have done something like this sooner."Lula added.
When she turned to leave she ran into a brick wall. Okay it wasn't a wall it was
Ranger's chest it just felt like a wall. A delicious, sexy Latin brick wall, that
smelled of Bvlgari and Ranger, yum. He stepped aside so she could leave.
And whispered in her ear.
"I'll see you later, Babe." She almost melted into a puddle.
"Ladies, what's going on with Steph?"
"Ranger we figured she would have already told you. She's going out of town
with her Dad for a few days." Connie answered.
He gave her an almost nod. "Any files?" Connie handed him his files.
At the door he stopped. "I'll have one of my guys cover Steph's files until she
gets back. But I want the checks made out to her, not Rangeman."
"Okay, I'll call you if anything comes in. Does Steph know your planning on
doing her skips?" Without meaning to she added. "Hope your men can
handle them." Connie blushed.
He just looked at her and smiled. "Later Connie."
Connie and Lula watched as he drove away.
"Do you think we should call and tell Steph about this, or just let her blow up
later?" Connie asked.
"Girlfriend she needs the rest, let her find out later. Besides she's always
needing the money, Batman is just trying to be a friend."
"Yea, but you know Steph. She's proud, and she's going to explode
when she finds out."
"Well, by that time she'll be good and rested." Lula said."Plus, Batman
can take care of himself."
Thank you for reading. Let me know what you think.
TITLE: Togetherness Part 2
AUTHOR: dasame
DISCLAIMER: just borrowing, not making and money.
I hope entertaining
Steph checked the time as she entered her apartment. Shit, she had only forty-five
minutes until Ranger would be here for their lunch date and she was exhausted.
Being pregnant was tiring. She had been napping more then normal lately and for her
that was something, since napping was one of the things she did really well.
She sat on the couch and closed her eyes. Within minutes she was asleep. That's
how Ranger found her when he arrived for their date. She looked so tired he felt
guilty for waking her up again, but he was really looking forward to their date. He
sat down next to her and pulled her onto his lap before kissing her. She opened
her eyes and looked into his chocolate brown ones.
"Mmm, I could get used to getting woken up this way." She licked her lips, savoring
the taste of Ranger.
His eyes got dreamy. "Hungry, Babe? You're looking at me like I'm lunch."
She climbed off his lap, went into the bedroom and changed for lunch. She stopped
in the bathroom, freshened up and rejoined Ranger in the living room. He helped her
on with her jacket, and locked up her apartment. They took the elevator down.
Steph was too tired to use the stairs. Ranger opened the door for her. He had driven
the Porsche. She settled into the soft leather seats and sighed. Ranger leaned over and
brushed his lips across hers. She leaned into the kiss, then her arms went around his neck.
A few minutes later, breathless, he pulled back.
She was really going to miss Ranger, and felt extremely sad. They both sat in silence,
as Ranger drove to the restaurant. It was a comfortable silence, a silence share by two
people who were happy just to be with each other and didn't need words. Steph fell
asleep again on the way, and Ranger was glad that she would be getting a few days of
rest, she really needed it he didn't like to think of her going after skips when she was this tired.
They arrived at the restaurant, and he leaned over and kissed her to wake her up.
All he had been doing today was waking her up. She woke up and smiled at him,
he got out and walked around opening her door. He took her hand in his and they
walked into the restaurant hand in hand, fingers intertwined.
It was a really nice place, and of course they had a table in the back. Ranger had his
back to the wall. The waiter immediately handed them their menus.
"Babe, if its okay with you, I would like to let the chef decide what we'll have for lunch.
He's an old friend and an excellent cook, would that be okay with you?"
"That would be perfect Ranger."
Ranger talked to the waiter in Spanish, and when he finished he turned to Steph.
He took her hand in his.
"Babe, you mean a lot to me." She smiled. "I really wanted this anniversary to be special."
He was nervous, Steph could tell, but couldn't figure out why. They'd had lunch and
dinner together before. And she knew he didn't want a relationship, he had made it
clear at Mama Macaroni's funeral that right now he wasn't family material, and
wouldn't be anytime soon. And she wouldn't do the friends with benefits thing with him.
"Stephanie I had something special made for you. I hope you'll like it and accept it. I want
you to look at it and always know how special you are to me."
Ranger reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box. He handed it to her.
She looked into his eyes, and what she saw there confused her. She saw more
emotion then she had ever seen before in Ranger. Ranger had told her that he
didn't do relationships, he loved her, but his love didn't come with a ring. She
opened the box, inside was the most beautiful bracelet she had ever seen.
"Ranger, it's beautiful. Thank you, but I don't have anything for you."
"Babe. Here let me put it on, do you like it?"
"Yes Ranger, I love it. I'll wear it always."
"Babe, if its all right with you the jeweler who made it is here. I would like him to
remove the clasp, that way it won't get pulled off and lost during a takedown."
"That would be fine Ranger, I never want to lose it."
Ranger smiled. An older gentleman came to the table.
"Ms. Plum, I am most glad that you like my creation. It is always a pleasure to
create for such a beautiful lady."
Then he set to work removing the clasp, making the bracelet a never-ending circle,
with no beginning and no end.
"Steph, would you like to dance?"
"I would love to." This was going down as the best lunch she had ever had.
This was a side of Ranger that she would like to get to know better. Too bad she was
leaving this afternoon. They danced for a while then Ranger sighed.
"If you have an appointment, I'd better be getting you home."
He drove her home and walked her to her apartment, opening it and checking it.
"Babe, call me when you get back from your vacation with your Dad. I would like
to take you out to dinner. Maybe we can go into New York for a weekend, see a
play, dinner, and dancing. The whole works."
"That sounds great Ranger, I'm going to miss you."
And as she said it, she really knew that it was true. She started to tear up and cry,
she tried to hold it back. Ranger pulled her into an embrace, and kissed her, lightly
at first, she deepened the kiss and he took it forward into a very passionate kiss.
They couldn't get enough of each other. Then they heard the knock at the door, and
reluctantly pulled apart. Steph walked to the door and opened it, she was still slightly
breathless. It was her dad. Ranger stepped forward extending his hand.
"Mr. Plum."
"It's Ranger, right?" Ranger nodded.
"I hope you and Steph have a relaxing time in Point Pleasant sir." Ranger moved to leave.
"Ranger, would you mind if I had a private word with Stephanie before you leave?"
"Of course sir."
"Ranger, you can call me Frank."
He steered Steph into the bedroom. Ranger was puzzled, why did Frank want him
to stick around while they talked? Why was he here? Steph had said that she had
an appointment this afternoon. Was he going with her to this appointment? And
what kind of appointment could Steph have where her father would go with her?
His curiosity was growing. Steph hadn't said anything about the appointment over
lunch. Did it have something to do with them going away together? The questions
in his mind just kept growing. Why had Steph cried? They had been apart before.
He had been in Boston just last week for three days. It didn't make sense. He started
getting a bad feeling about her going away. Something was wrong and he didn't know
what it was yet. But he was determined to find out, as soon as he got back to the office.
"Stephanie, you can still change your mind. You don't have to leave. You can tell Ranger.
If he's half the man I think he is he'll take care of you and the baby."
"Daddy, I don't want to be taken care of. I want to take care of myself. And I don't want
Ranger to feel that he has to have a relationship with me because I'm pregnant. I want
Ranger to want a relationship with me because he loves me and can't live without me in his
life. Because that's how I feel."
"Stephanie Michelle, that man loves you. Maybe he is afraid to tell you, or he doesn't
even realize it himself yet. But when he finds out he's going to be hurt and angry."
"Daddy I need to do this. We talked about this. It's the right thing. It won't be
easy, but the right thing to do isn't always easy. You told me that, remember."
"Yes, Baby I remember that, this means you're not going to tell Ranger, and
you're going away, and I'm going to really miss you."
"I love you Daddy."
"Baby, have you considered that with you gone, he might find someone else and
move on with his life?"
"I've thought of that, I don't like the idea, but if it happens then we weren't meant
to be. And I'll be stronger. I'll just have to handle it. I hope that he'll miss me, that
he realizes he loves me and decides he wants a relationship with me. Based on
mutual love, not obligation."
"I hope it works out for you, for your sake and his. I've seen you together. You
belong together."
Her Dad pulled her into a hug and kissed her head.
"We better get back out there. He's going to be wondering what's going on."
"Yeah, and then you need to drive me to the airport. I want this training, then
when fate, or Murphy, or whoever the jokester is in charge of the grand design
throws psychos, crazies and nutcases my way I'll be prepared to handle it."
"You know I know I don't say it often enough, but Stephanie Michelle Plum,
I'm really proud that you're my daughter."
Steph started crying. "Thanks Dad." She looked at him and smiled thru the
tears. "Tell Ranger I'll be out in just a minute. I'm going to fix my face. I
don't want him to see me like this."
"Ranger, I wanted to talk to you for a minute before Steph comes out."
"Yes, Frank?"
"I was wondering if you could come by the house tomorrow. Crime is rising. There
was a break in two streets over a month ago. I was hoping you could let us know
some things we could do to make the house safer. Nothing really fancy, you know."
"Of course, what time would be good?"
"How about if you come for lunch, Ellen could use the company. And Grandma
Mazur has a Senior lunch tomorrow."
"Tell Ellen I'll be there."
"Thank you Ranger."
Steph walked into the room. "Babe, walk me out to my car?"
"Okay."
They walked out and he kissed her good bye before he pulled out of the lot. She
turned around and her Dad was watching her.
"It's still not too late."
"Are the bags already in the car.?" Her dad nodded. "You going to give Ranger the
letters, when he comes to the house tomorrow?"
He nodded again, and opened the door for her. This was just as hard for him as
it was for her. His baby was leaving, he would see her again, but she might never
live so close again. He sighed, he had always encouraged her to fly and he knew
that this day would come. He had just regretted that it got here at all. But she was
never meant to be a 'burg' housewife, it wasn't her destiny. No, his baby was
meant to fly. And she would.
He drove her to the airport and watched as she boarded the flight. Next time he
saw her she would be a mother, and in her words 'a true badass'. He watched
the plane taxi out then take off. A tear ran down his cheek. Be safe baby, and
come back to me. He drove home in silence. No one would know she was gone
until he handed out the letters tomorrow. They were locked in his safe right now.
Ellen would be hurt and shocked when she read hers. But she would get over it
with some ironing. Grandma Mazur would be proud that she had decided to fly.
He wasn't so sure about the others. There was one for Ranger, he had no idea
what she had or hadn't told him. One made out to the men of Rangeman, Tank,
Bobby, and Lester. He knew that they had helped her and tried to keep her safe,
so in his book they were good men. One to Vinnie, he was pretty sure that one
was telling Vinnie that she wouldn't be back. But knowing Steph it could say anything.
There was one to Connie and Lula. He shook his head. His daughter had some
unusual friends, but she was loyal. Then there one that really had him wondering, he
would love to be there when it was delivered, was the letter to Joe Morelli. He knew
that he and Steph had broken up a while ago, the man was always trying to control
her, and she was to independent to let any man do that. Dickie had put an end to any
man controlling her, they either accepted her as is on her terms or she moved on. He
knew that there was tension between Joe and Ranger. He had even offered to
deliver that letter. Steph had assured him that it would be fine if Ranger delivered it.
Yes, there will be more. Let me know what you think love it, hate it.
And yes I will listen to what you think should happen next. But
I can't gaurantee anything. Thanks for reading.
TITLE: Togetherness Part 3
AUTHOR: dasame/Tiina
DISCLAIMER: just borrowing, not making and money.
I hope entertaining.
Thanks for the help Tiina.
Ranger knocked on the door of the Plum residence. Something was off. He looked
up and down the street, everything looked okay and he saw no threats. The sun was
out, the birds were singing, he could hear a lawnmower in the distance. Everything
seemed to be perfectly fine. So why was the hair of the back of his neck, bothering
him? Why did he have a feeling in his gut that something was very wrong?
He was mildly surprised when it was Mr. Plum who opened the door and invited him
in. He already knew that he and Steph had not stayed at the house in Point Pleasant
last night. When he returned to his office from Steph's apartment yesterday he had
done some research. Frank Plum had rented a house for the next three days in Point
Pleasant. But his men had called to let him know that it was Valerie and Albert
Kloughn, and daughters who had arrived at the house. Stephanie and her father had
never shown.
As Ranger entered the living room, he saw Ellen Plum sitting on the couch crying. She
had what looked like a letter in her hand.
Mom,
By the time you read this letter, I'll be out of the country. I'm doing
what's right for me, and finally getting the training I need to be good
at my job. I know this isn't what you want for me, but it's what I want
for myself. I hope you can understand that, and forgive me for it. I wasn't
cut out to live the life you would have chosen for me. Be happy for me
Mom, that I'm finally taking charge of my own life. I'm not sure how
long I'll be away, but I'm estimating about a year. I love you.
-Stephanie
Frank motioned him to sit on the couch, he sat in the chair. "Ranger, Stephanie asked
me to give you some letters to deliver. Would you do that?"
Ranger nodded his head. He was confused, and he wasn't used to being confused.
Frank Plum handed him a stack of letters. He recognized Stephanie's hand writing.
He looked from the stack of letters in his hand to Frank and Ellen Plum. Whatever
was in the letter was the reason that Ellen Plum was crying. He looked thru the
letters. One was addressed to him. He looked at Frank Plum.
"Ranger, Stephanie wrote those letters and they explain everything. If you would
like to stay for lunch you're more than welcome. But I will understand if you prefer
to leave and read your letter in private before delivering the others."
Ranger rose off the couch, shook hands and headed out the door. He would wait
until he was in his office before he read the letter. He wondered where Steph was,
she obviously was not off with her father. He would check the tracker in her
bracelet when he got to the office.
He parked and took the elevator up to his office on the fifth floor. Then he called
Tank. A few things he wanted taken care of before he opened Steph's letter.
"Yeah boss, you need something?" Ranger handed him the stack of letters, minus
the one for him.
"Tank, have one of the guys deliver these. They are to be handed directly to the
person they're addressed to, and there's one there for you, Bobby, and Lester."
"Ranger what are these? This is Steph's handwriting."
"I don't know yet. I also want you to check the tracker in Steph's new bracelet.
Find out where she is. Call me when you know."
Tank left the office. First stop, check on Bombshell's whereabouts then he would
call Bobby and Lester so they could open the letter together. As he entered the
Comm room, Hal was leaving, going down to the garage. He handed him the
letters and repeated Ranger's instructions.
Alone in his office Ranger opened his letter and read it. Then he read it again.
Ranger,
I'm writing a lot of letters today, but yours is the hardest.
I've left town, and I don't expect to be back for nearly a
year. I wanted to thank you for everything you've done
for me, everything you've given me. It's time I learned to
take care of myself now. Soon, you'll probably figure out
that I'm keeping a secret from you. When you find out,
you're going to be justifiably upset. Please know now
that I never intended to keep it from you for long. I just...
I guess I just need some time to wrap my own head around
it. I hope you understand, just as you always have.
Love,
Babe
Tank sat at one of the computers and started typing. He checked the info. It didn't
make sense. He needed to read this letter. He called Ranger, he wasn't answering
his phone it went to voice mail, Tank left the info. Then he called Bobby and Lester.
Five minutes later they were all in a conference room. Tank showed them the letter,
told them what he knew so far. What Ranger had told him when he handed him the
letter and what info he had received from the tracker. They opened the letter and
read it, they also reread it as they passed it around.
Tank, Lester, and Bobby:
Hey guys, I guess you're all a little confused right about
now, huh? I've left town, and I won't be back for a year.
I wanted to thank you all for all the help you've given me,
and most especially for treating me like an equal from the
start. You can't know how much that has meant to me. And
I know I don't have to tell you this, but look out for the boss,
okay?
-Bombshell
Thank you, more to come! Promise
TITLE: TOGETHERNESS Part 4
AUTHOR: dasame/Tiina
DISCLAIMER: just borrowing, not making and money.
I hope entertaining.
Thanks, Tiina.
Stephanie had arrived at London's Heathrow Airport a couple hours ago. She only
brought a carry on bag so she didn't need to go to luggage collection. She headed
directly to customs. She had passed through without problems. An American traveling
abroad. Now she was waiting for her contact. Her dad had told her that A.J. would
recognize her, that she would have to be patient.
He saw her, recognized her from the pictures in the paper clipping that Frank had sent
him over the years. Frank's little girl had grown into a beautiful woman. He hoped she
also had what Frank seemed to think she had. Looks weren't going to help here in the
training she was about to undergo. If she made it through, she would be only the second
woman to complete their training. He noticed her energy, even as tired as she was which
was evident she was having trouble staying still.
He decided it was time. He had a change of clothes for her. Everything she brought
with her was being sent back to Frank on the next plane. He knew enough of Ranger
Manoso's reputation that he was confident that Stephanie had trackers on her. And
in his business being tracked could be deadly. Frank was an old and dear friend he
wouldn't put his daughter in danger. At least not until she was properly trained, then
if she was as good as Frank said he planned on offering her a job. Maybe he could
convince her to stay, she wasn't bad to look at, he could get used to having a pretty
woman around. He had already warned the other guys that she was off limits.
"Ms. Stephanie."
Stephanie looked at the man who had approached her. He was six-two, hundred and
eighty pounds, salt and pepper hair. Looked to be in his forties, he was handsome, and
he was smiling.
"Miss, are you ready for this?" If she said no, he already had a ticket ready for her.
She looked into his eyes and never wavered, never flinched.
"Yes, A.J. I'm ready for this."
"Okay, first things first. I need you to go into the ladies' loo and change into these.
Remove everything, including jewelry, and put it in the suitcase. It will be returned
to Frank. Any questions?"
She held out her wrist. "Ranger gave this to me just before I left. I can't take it off,
he had the clasp removed."
A.J. took her wrist and looked at the bracelet. Manoso was good, he would bet the
bracelet had a tracker built in. He pulled out his phone and about a minute later another
man was at their side. He looked at the bracelet.
"It won't be a problem, just take me a minute to remove."
A.J. nodded. "Okay, Stephanie go change."
Stephanie changed into the provided clothes, a black stretch shirt, plain black pants
that didn't even have pockets. There was even a plain black bra and panties provided.
You guessed it black socks and shoes. She looked in the mirror, she looked pale and
tired. Oh well, they hadn't provided any make up, and she was tired. She hadn't been
able to sleep on the flight. And Ranger had woken her early. She just hoped that soon
she would get a chance to sleep. She would need some before she could start training.
When she exited the bathroom A.J. and the other man had their heads together talking.
They stopped and looked at her as soon as they noticed her. The other man took her
wrist, and within minutes the bracelet was off. Steph felt bad, she loved the bracelet and
the man who had given it to her. But she had known the terms and conditions of her
training before she agreed and one of them was that she was allowed nothing from home.
Her dad had explained that later A.J. would give her some photos. And he would arrange
for her to send and receive letters. But she shouldn't count on them because the precautions
he took meant the months would pass before they would reach her and the same was true
in reverse.
"Okay, Stephanie lets get you to your first stop."
He took head hand and led her through the airport. They stopped on a platform where he
explained that they would be taking the tube into London proper. It would give her some
time to see London. Once they arrived in London the would go to a station and take a high
speed train to the location where they would be spending the night. Once they left London
she wouldn't know their location until later when she went to Switzerland to have the baby.
She was sure that she would have enjoyed the trip into London much more if she hadn't been
so tired. The passing country side was beautiful and green. As they got closer to London the
train filled until she felt like she was in a sardine can. Finally A.J. pulled her out, warning her
to "mind the gap." The platform was as crowded as the train had been and she wondered for
a minute how he could tell where he was going. He pulled her along until they reached another
platform and got on another crowded train. They then walked to the train station. The train took
them into the country side. She was seriously fighting to stay awake. She vaguely recalled A.J.
waking her to walk from the train to a car. She remembered nothing until she awoke in a strange
bed the next morning.
Ranger entered the conference room where his men were. He could see them passing around
their letter. He was curious as to the contents, but he wouldn't ask. It was private, just as he
didn't plan on sharing with them what had been in his letter. Well, not unless he had to. He had
to talk to Tank about the information he had provided him from the tracker. It didn't make any sense.
Tank, Bobby, and Lester stopped talking as soon as Ranger entered the room. They had been
trying to understand exactly what the tracker information and the letter from Stephanie meant.
They had all become close with the lady with the wild curly brown hair. They didn't quite
understand it but she made them want to keep her safe. She was like a sister to them and they
didn't like it that she might be hurting, and they liked it less that it was possible that one of their
own was causing her some pain. Be it physical or mental. For big bad ex-army men they had a
soft spot for Stephanie Plum. She treated them like friends. She was never afraid of them. And
she was always afraid that she would get them hurt, they really found that fact amusing. Most
people treated them like they were street thugs, and were afraid of them. And they definitely
weren't afraid that they might hurt them. Yes, Stephanie Plum was a light in their world, which
was usually pretty dark.
"Tank, I don't understand this information."
"Boss, I put in Bombshell's tracker number. That's what came back."
"But according to this she took a flight to London, stayed approximately four hours and then
flew back and is currently in the Plum home."
"Ranger as of, " He looked at his watch. " exactly fifteen minutes ago, the tracker is working
and transmitting from the Plum house."
Lester decided to talk. "We know from the letter we received that Ms.Plum is not in the
house. But just in case, I have placed a man on the house. He hasn't observed anything
useful yet, except Mrs. Mazur sneaking out the back of the house. I told him not to bother
following her. I don't think she has any information."
"Okay, let's gather some information. It is what we do. Let's find Stephanie Plum. Lester,
talk to her friends. Don't forget the more unusual ones like Dougie, Sally Sweet, and Randy
Briggs. Bobby you and Tank will access her computer records. Lets find out if she's done
anything different lately. There must be something and Tank I want to see her medical records.
Maybe they'll tell us something. I'll call Frank Plum. We'll meet back here in four hours."
"Ranger, before we do this, we need to know something."
"What is it Tank?"
"Man, we've been friends forever. But we all really like Stephanie and we don't
want to see her hurt."
"What are you trying to say, Tank?"
"Steph's had a hard time lately. We thought you might finally make your move after
Morelli was out of the picture. But he's been out for a while. We've noticed you
with her. What are your intentions if we find her?"
"Tank my personal life is none of your business."
"Buddy it is when you use company resources to find Stephanie."
Tank could see the veins on Rangers neck swelling, he was clenching and unclenching
his fist, he was getting angry. But they weren't going to help him hurt Steph. Not even
if it was not intentional. If Ranger wasn't ready to step up, Steph deserved a chance for
happiness and if that was someplace else then he would just have to accept it. Ranger
looked at his men, they were ready to take a stand against him if it meant that Steph
would be hurt. He was proud of them. He knew how they felt. He loved Steph. He
didn't want to lose her. But above all else he did not want to hurt her.
"When we find her, I plan on telling her that I want try a relationship. Okay?"
"Not good enough Ranger, do you love the lady? And are you going to tell her no more
pressure and confusing her?"
"Tank."
"Ranger."
"Yes, I plan on making Steph mine, if she'll have me. I love her."
"About fucking time man." Bobby hit him on the back.
Lester hugged him. "Don't disappoint us Ranger."
Cal looked at the letters in his hand. Hmm, Vinnie, he hated anytime he had to deal
with the weasel. He had pinched his ass last time he had to go to the office to pick
up files for Ranger. Shit and he had to hand him the letter. Well he could give the
one to Connie and Lula at the same time. Yea, he would go to the office first. He
called Tank and let him know he would be checking for files. That would just leave
him the letter for the cop, Joe Morelli. Guess he could wait til tonight when he would
be at home. The other choice was hoping he ran into him during the day or going to the
station. He parked in front of the bailbonds office. He could see Connie and Lula inside.
Here goes nothing. He took a deep breath and stepped out of his truck, stopping to click
on the locks and security system. He walked into the office.
"Ladies, he in?"
"Vinnie, one of Ranger's men here for you." Connie yelled.
The weasel walked out. He smiled when he saw Cal. And gestured for him to come into
his office. No way I don't get paid enough to go in there. Cal shook his head. He held
out the letter.
"I was told to give you this." He handed over the letter. Then he turned to Connie.
"Any files Ms. Connie." He blushed.
"Not yet, I'll call Rangeman if anything comes in."
"Thank you, Ms. Connie, oh, this here letter is for you and Ms. Lula."
He handed it over and ran from the office, leaving before anyone could ask him questions.
He didn't know any answers. He was pretty sure he wanted to keep it that way. He knew the
letters were from Stephanie, he recognized her handwriting. He had also heard enough to know
that she was currently missing.
Vinnie,
Consider this my resignation. Thanks for giving me the job. Don't worry
cous, your secrets are safe with me.
-Stephanie
Connie and Lula,
Hey ladies, surprised? Soon the rumors about me will start, but it's all a
crock. The truth is, I've left town and don't expect to be back for a year.
But I didn't want to leave without at least saying goodbye. Thanks for
all your help and support. Anton Ward did do one nice thing. He helped
me see what true friends you are to me. I couldn't have asked for better.
I won't be in touch while I'm gone, but I expect to get caught up on the l
atest as soon as I'm back in town.
-Steph
He headed to the Trenton Police Station. Better deliver the last letter. He went in and asked for
Detective Morelli. He was directed to his office. He knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Cal opened the door and walked in. Morelli was sitting behind a desk. From the expression
on his face he hated paperwork as much as the Boss.
Joe looked at the man who had just entered his office. He recognized him as one of Ranger's
goons. "What does he want now?"
"I was told to deliver a letter." He handed Morelli the letter then turned to leave. He did not want
to stick around. He didn't like cops, and he didn't like police stations.
Joe looked at the envelope, he recognized Steph's handwriting.
He opened the letter and started reading.
Joe
This is a little awkward to write, but I had to do it. Soon you'll be hearing
rumors about me leaving town. It's true, and I expect to be gone about a
year. Didn't want you to be the last to know. I finally decided it was time
to get my act together and get some training. Get serious about my job.
I know, no one is more surprised than I am. It's time to start acting like an
adult and being responsible for myself. We've been through a lot together,
and you'll always be a dear friend. I'm sorry we couldn't be more to each
other, but we had a helluva run, didn't we? Be good to yourself, Joe. And
take good care of my dog! See you when I get back.
-Cupcake
More to come. Do you like it? Thanks.
TITLE: Togetherness Part 5
AUTHOR: dasame/Tiina
DISCLAIMER: just borrowing, not making and money.
I hope entertaining.
Thanks Tiina.
Stephanie sat up and stretched. Then she looked down, okay where were her clothes?
All she had on was her bra and panties. She pulled the bedcovers close as she looked
around the room. The room was small, white walls, only the small bed she was in and a
trunk at the end of the bed. She saw a small pile of folded clothes sitting on the trunk.
Must be what she was supposed to wear today.
For a minute she thought about just snuggling down in the bed a little longer. But
the sheets weren't close to the fabulous sheets Ranger had on his bed. Now that
she was awake, they were a bit on the scratchy side. Oh well, time to start the
day. She crawled down the bed and reached for the pile of clothes. Today she
would be wearing, let's see. White stretch top, white pull on shorts. And of
course, white bra and panties. She looked around for shoes. Near the door
rested a pair of white running shoes. Steph hoped she wouldn't have to run
today, she was still a little tired.
Dressed, it was time to do some exploring. Steph opened the door and looked
into the hallway. Okay, she needed to find the bathroom and the kitchen. In that
order. She saw closed doors in both directions. To the left she saw stairs leading
down, that it where the kitchen probably was. Now she needed to locate a bathroom.
She jumped as someone behind her cleared his throat. Steph turned slowly.
Okay, not what she expected. All Ranger's men were big, ex-army. And
they looked like badasses. This man she might be able to take, he was
maybe five feet tall. She doubted that he weighed more than a hundred
pounds. He looked to be of oriental descent. And he was staring at her
the way she was at him. Apparently satisfied, he spoke.
"Ms. Stephanie."
"Uh, Hi." Not exactly sure who he was. But she didn't think he was a
bad guy. She didn't get that kind of feeling from him.
"I should introduce myself, " He extended his hand. "Caesar, may I help you? "
She accepted his hand. "Caesar, I could really use a bathroom."
He looked at her for a minute. "Ha, you mean loo, this way pretty lady." He
pointed to a door down the hall from the room she had just left.
"Thank you." She headed for the door.
"Miss, when you're done, come downstairs. Breakfast is ready. And I know
A.J. wants to talk to you."
She nodded, and continued on into the loo. It was small, a shower stood in
one corner, but there was no tub. After taking care of business, she looked
at the shower. She didn't know when she would get the chance again. But
A.J. and breakfast were waiting downstairs. She stripped as she decided
on a quick shower.
Ten minutes later, feeling much better for the shower, she headed downstairs.
Her hair was still damp, she was pulling her fingers through it as she walked. She
would need to talk to A.J. She needed some hair care products. There hadn't
even been a dryer, or brush in the bathroom, and no way could she get a comb
through her curls. She didn't even have a hair tie.
Once downstairs she heard talking coming from one direction. Must be where
the kitchen was. She followed the sound and came to a large room. The dining
room, around a large table sat six men. They all looked up at her as she entered
the room. A.J. stood and motioned for Steph to come and sit next to him.
"Men, this is Ms. Plum." He motioned toward the men. "Ms. Plum, I think you
already met Caesar, he will be teaching you computers. Ken, will teach you
electronics. Sam will teach you the finer arts of B&E, as well as the philosophy
of law enforcement. Toad will teach you martial arts and knives. Sikes will teach
you the fine art of takedown tactics and work with you on your weapons skills.
All of us will help you with fitness. We will eat first, then we need to talk."
Each man in turn either hugged her or shook her hand. She sat and A.J. pushed
a button. A woman entered with a cart full of food. Her stomach rumbled. The
men looked at her. She shrugged. Hey she couldn't control it.
She was hungry, as she hadn't eaten on the plane. Which meant that the last time
she ate was with Ranger. She was sad for a minute. No, she was doing the right
thing getting the training she would need to keep herself safe.
Joe Morelli was sitting at his desk staring at the letter he had just finished reading.
There was a knock at the door, it opened before he could respond.
"Joe, there's a lady in holding asking for you. And the guys down there wish you'd
hurry." said Big Dog. He had a smile on his face. Something was up. From the letter
he knew it wasn't Steph, so who could it be?
"Okay, Big Dog I'm going to bite. Who is it? "
"Edna Mazur, and you'd better hurry." Joe shook his head. Shit, he and Steph
were over, why did she want him? What did she do? He shook his head. No
telling, considering who it was.
"What was she brought in for? "
Big Dog looked down, then he looked at Joe and smiled. "She broke into Dr.
Crabshaw's office with Ira Zimmerman. Seems Ira borrowed her granddaughter's
keys." Joe shook his head. What was she up to at Steph's doctor's office?
He rose from his chair as he folded the letter and put it in his pocket. "Okay, I'll
go take care of her."
Big Dog smiled and headed off down the hall, laughing like a hyena.
Joe talked to the desk sergeant, who released Edna Mazur to Joe. No charges
had been filed, she just needed a ride home. Joe walked her out to his truck and
helped her in. Then he walked around and got in. He looked at her.
"Young man, are you the reason my granddaughter is gone?" Grandma Mazur
asked, scowling.
"Grandma Mazur, all I know is what she said in her letter. She left to get training."
Grandma looked at him, looking for something."When was the last time you had
Stephanie in your bed? And don't you lie to me young man!"
Joe turned red. He looked at her. His sex life was none of her business. But he
also knew she wasn't going to back down. Shit. "It's been a while. But . . . "
"Young man, did you put a bun in Stephanie's oven?"
Joe just stared at her. What the hell was she talking about? "NO, I'm careful. We
always . . . "
"Just drive me home." He walked her to the door. What the hell was this bun in
the oven nonsense. Steph would have told him if she was pregnant. Wouldn't she?
She couldn't be. They were always so careful. Even when he tried to talk her into
marrying him, they had both always been sure to use a condom. She had never
shown any desire to have kids, it was something they had fought over. Crazy
old woman, he thought as he drove off.
Grandma waited until he was out of sight, then she grabbed the keys to big blue.
She planned on talking to the bounty hunter with the nice package. Before she took
off, she took one more look at her letter from Stephanie.
Grandma,
I'm finally doing what I should have a long time ago. I'm leaving
town to get some training. I'll be back in a year or so, and I expect
to be a real badass by then. Your letter is the easiest to write, because
you're the only one who isn't going to second-guess my decision. Well,
you and Daddy. Take care of Mom, and if you can, see if you can get
her to see why I need to do this. I'd rather she was still speaking to me
when I come back.
Love,
Steph
PS: Don't let anyone slow you down, you inspire me.
Ranger entered the conference room where the rest of the guys were already seated.
"Okay, let's get started." He looked at Tank. Something was up, the big man was
glaring at him.
"Ranger, before we start, is there anything you might need to tell us, uh, about
you and Steph?"
Ranger shook his head. His personal life was just that, personal. There wasn't
much Tank and the guys didn't know as they lived and worked pretty closely.
"I have Bombshell's medical records. Before we start, everything we say in this
room stays in this room. These records are private and when Bombshell comes
back she can tell what's in them if she wants. Agreed?" Tank looked around
the table. They all nodded.
Tank pushed the file to Ranger so he could read it. He looked through the file.
He stopped, looked up and frowned. He looked at Tank. Tank nodded. Bobby
and Lester watched the exchange.
"What's going on, is something wrong with Stephanie?" Lester asked, concerned.
They all liked Steph, he hoped she was all right.
Bobby looked at them. "What's up, Bombshell's not sick, is she?"
Tank and Ranger looked at each other. Now they knew why she had left the 'burg'.
Tank spoke first. "Bombshell is pregnant."
Bobby asked. "Morelli?" Clearly planning on hurting the cop.
"File says she's fourteen weeks." Ranger said. "She and Morelli weren't together then."
Lester, Bobby and Tank looked at him. "Something you want to tell us?" asked Tank.
It was clear they didn't like the idea that Ranger had played with Bombshell. They
all knew she wasn't the one night stand type of girl and Ranger hadn't had a
relationship since his divorce.
Ranger looked down. He didn't want to tell them but he knew he had to. "We had
one night, after I helped her bring in Dechooch. Her and Morelli were off."
Tank looked at him. "Man, tell me you used a condom." Ranger shook his head.
"She's been with Morelli forever. I though she was on the pill or something."
I was Bobby's turn to glare at him. "You didn't bother asking the lady. You just
took her to bed and used her. This is Steph, how could you?" He said, clearly
disgusted with Ranger.
"Boss, she can't remember her gun, she blows up cars, why do you think she
would remember to take a pill?" Lester asked.
"File says that she has had various problems with birth control. Her form of birth
control is listed as condoms." Tank said, never taking his eyes off Ranger.
Ranger finally met the eyes of his friends and teammates. "Okay, okay. It was
irresponsible. I didn't think about whether or not she was on the pill. I didn't
give the matter any thought at all."
"That's not like you, man."
"I know, Tank. I just . . . "
"Got caught up in the moment? You, the master of control?"
"Give it a rest, Les."
Just then, the intercom buzzed. Ranger pushed the button.
"I said we weren't to be interrupted Hal."
"Ranger, there's a lady demanding to see you, sir." He sounded scared.
"Who is the lady, Hal? " This should be good.
"It's, she says her name is Edna Mazur, uh, should I bring her up?"
He could tell from the tone of his voice that he hoped someone else would get that
job. The men were all afraid of Grandma Mazur. She had fast hands.
"Yes, Hal bring her up." He turned the intercom off and wondered what she wanted.
Ranger greeted Hal and Edna Mazur at the elevator. Hal looked very relieved to see
him. He would have to look at the tapes later. He led Mrs. Mazur to the conference
room and closed the door.
She looked around at Tank, Bobby, and Lester. "Maybe you boys should come
back later." She turned to look at Ranger. "I need to talk to your Boss alone."
Bobby, Lester, and Tank scrambled out of the room, leaving a stunned Ranger behind.
Grandma Mazur walked up to Ranger and poked him in the chest.
"You may have a nice package. But that gives you no right to hurt my granddaughter."
"Mrs. Mazur, I . . . "
"Save it sonny, you put a bun in my granddaughter's oven. Now, what you going
to do about it?!"
She didn't give him a chance to answer, although he was stunned. How did she
know, he just found out and he was sure Steph hadn't shared the information with
her before she left town.
"My granddaughter's gone. My daughter won't stop crying. You need to do something."
"Mrs. Mazur," He sighed. He wasn't exactly sure what to say. Shit, he'd only known
himself for five minutes. He needed time to breathe, time to figure this all out.
"Stephanie did not tell me she was pregnant. Do you have reason to believe that
she is?" Turn the tables, find out what she knows, and admit nothing.
"Young man, I was at Stephanie's doctor's office today. I saw her medical file."
Ranger simply nodded for her to go on. "After I was arrested,"
"You were arrested at the doctor's?"
"Well yes, Ira Zimmerman and I broke in. We had to. They wouldn't just show
me her file you know."
He motioned for her to continue. Steph was not the only entertaining one in her
family. He would have loved to see the officers down at the station dealing with
Edna Mazur. The lady was a handful.
"Well, I asked for the cop, Joe Morelli, he's improved since he was a kid. Never
thought there would be a good Morelli, but he's not bad. Got good buns too, and
his package isn't too bad."
"Mrs Mazur, why did you break into Stephanie's doctors office."
"Well, to look at her records, of course!"
He shook his head. "And you talked to Joe Morelli?"
"Yes I did. Asked him if he put the bun in Stephanie's oven." She shook her head
and glared at Ranger.
"He said, no, they use condoms. So I figure it had to be you. "
He was speechless. He rose and paced for a minute, then turned and look at her.
"What made you think that there might be something in her medical file?"
"I don't buy that going away to get trained. She could do that here. You and your guys
could train her. I know Stephanie, there had to be another reason she went away. Now
that we got that cleared up, you still haven't answered my question. And what are you
going to do? I want my granddaughter home."
"Mrs.Mazur, I don't know where Stephanie is, and I can't force her to come back
if she doesn't want to. But if she's pregnant with my child I do plan on taking care
of her and the baby."
"I just wanted to make sure you planned to do right by my granddaughter, she's
special you know." And she smiled at him for the first time since she entered the room.
"Yes Ma'am, I know she's special." And he grinned. Then he escorted her to the
elevator and back down before returning to the conference room. He called Tank,
Bobby, and Lester back in.
More to come.