I recently got my hands on a copy of Takedown Twenty, but a lot of the reviews I read weren't very kind to the book.

I firmly believe that Ranger is Steph's guy and this little idea popped into mind. This will be a mini story to shine light on how good S&R work together. This is an S&R established relationship.

Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.

The ringing of a phone jolted me awake. I was greeted with darkness when I opened my eyes. The ringing continued, making me groan as I reached for the phone on the bedside table. "Hello?" I growled, feeling the beginnings of a headache product of sleep interruption.

"Sorry, I totally forgot about the time difference." A female voice I recognized said cringed in apology.

"Gabby, what's the matter?" Gabriela Perry and I were very close during our time in college. After graduation we went our separate ways, with her moving to the West Coast and I, well, had a 15 minute marriage. We've kept in contact sporadically over the years.

"Steph, I..." There was a short pause where I could imagine her taking a deep breath. "I need your help."

I got out of bed to turn on the light. "What's going on?" I checked the time on the bedside clock, wondering what could be so important to merit a call at three in the morning.

"I don't think it's safe to discuss it over the phone." She said she needed my help, that it had to be in person.

"You want me to fly out to LA right now?" I reached for my cell phone and sent a quick text.

"The sooner the better." Gabby sounded very anxious and worried.

Something told me this was really serious so as soon as I hung up, I fished out of my closet an old large duffle bag and started packing some essentials. I swapped my Pjs for jeans, T-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt. After a quick stop to take care of business in the bathroom, I moved to the living room. I'd just sat on the couch to stuff my feet into my sneakers when I heard the locks tumble. Ranger was headed my way when I raised my head.

"Babe." Ranger stopped in front of the coffee table, across from me.

Babe can mean almost anything and this time it was meant to inquire about the situation. I filled him in quickly as I stood from the couch. "I'm not sure what the situation is, but she sounded very serious. Scared even."

Ranger reached for my hand as he stepped around the coffee table, tugging me closer. "I'll drive you to the airport." He kissed the top of my head as he squeezed me a little bit tighter. "Ready?"

I nodded against his chest. "Thanks." I took the envelope he handed me, thinking it was the flight printout. I gasped when I realized it also had some cash. "Ranger?"

"You'll need it." It was all the explanation he gave as he bent to pick up my duffle bag.

I know he won't take it back now, so I stuffed the envelope inside my shoulder bag. I'm pretty sure what I have in my checking account will hold me over, so I'll just keep the cash and give it back to him once I return.

The drive to Newark was spent in comfortable silence. I was lost in thought until Ranger slowed the car to a stop, making me realize we'd reached our destination.

"I'll call you once I know what's going on." I promised.

He cupped my nape, leaning closer so we could be face to face. "Keep me in the loop." His lips brushed against mine when he spoke, sending an electrifying rush through my body.

"I will." I pressed my lips against his, kissing him fully. We've transitioned from the mentor/student relationship to a more thorough involvement. Defining what we have isn't easy since our relationship has never been something conventional, but it works.

As I angled out of the Turbo I gave him one last kiss, promising to keep in constant contact.

S&R

I called Gabby before boarding to let her know what time my flight would be there. She looked relieved when she finally saw me.

"Stephanie!" She practically launched herself at me.

"Gabby." I returned the hug with one arm. Gabriela is five nothing and thin, but her green eyes, pale skin and reddish hair always made her stand out in a crowd. And she's as sweet as they come.

"Come on." Gabby urged me to follow her, saying she would fill me in over breakfast.

"I need coffee." Because of the time difference, it felt like it was later than it actually was.

Gabby drove around unfamiliar streets until we arrived at a small diner type place.

"I know this probably seems very sudden." Gabby started once we placed our food orders. "I just didn't know who to call." She said she needed someone she could trust.

That made me sit up straighter.

Gabby leaned forward, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. "My husband is missing."

Oh boy. My long time on again off again ex-boyfriend Morelli used to say that I'm a magnet for trouble. "Did you report it to the police?" I had the sinking feeling that things were about to get complicated.

Gabby shook her head. "We..." Her eyes widen, fixed on a point over my shoulder.

I felt a shift in the room's atmosphere as a tingle ran up my spine. My heart rate sped up just a tiny bit. Could it really be? I didn't have to turn around to know he was here, because the scent of Bvlgary wafted closer.

"Babe." Ranger's hand tapped my shoulder.

With a smile I scooted over so he could slip into the booth next to me and we shared a not so chaste kiss on the lips. "What are you doing here?" I'd be lying if I said his presence didn't make me instantly feel better.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance."

Our food arrived and the waiter asked Ranger if he wanted to see the menu. Meanwhile, Gabby shot me a questioning look.

"Gabby this is Carlos Manoso. Ranger this is Gabriela Perry." I made introductions as soon as the waiter left.

"He's Ranger?" Gabby gasped. "You weren't kidding."

It was Ranger's turn to stare at me expectantly. I patted his thigh under the table to let him know I would fill him in on what that meant later. "He's trustworthy."

Gabby nodded before telling Ranger what she'd previously shared with me.

"Why haven't you contacted the local authorities?" Ranger inquired as he took a sip of my coffee. He made a face when be realized it had sugar and gave it back to me.

"Because they're not going to help." Furiously, Gabby wiped away tears threatening to spill. "One of them took my husband."