Chapter 1. Reality Hits.
The beach was deserted at this hour of the morning, except for a few hungry seagulls squabbling at the water's edge. Digging my toes into the cool sand, I watched the sun rise with the promise of a beautiful clear day. It was a rarity for me to be up at this hour, but it was fitting somehow, seeing in the dawn on what was going to be a new chapter of my life. I knew the last two days of tranquillity were about to come to an end, I couldn't remain here at Point Pleasant forever. It was time to return to Trenton.
I delayed my return until after breakfast, buying myself a little more time to clear my head and decide on a plan. Yes, a plan. No more flying by the seat of my pants. I had to take control of this situation, or at least try. My decisions were going to impact on many people, and their reactions would in turn have an impact on me. Of that I was certain.
By late morning I was pulling into the Rangeman garage. I tried not to overthink things, hell, I tried not to think at all, as I made my way up to the fifth floor. A few of the guys waved hello as I made my way through to the offices. Tank was at his desk, concentrating on the paperwork in front of him, when I knocked on the door frame. I always found Tank a little intimidating, so I was apprehensive to be approaching him the second time within a week. His expressionless face did nothing to ease my anxiety as he waved me in to take a seat.
I decided to get straight to the point. Tank was not a man to waste time on pleasantries and idle chit chat.
"I was wondering if you had heard anything yet?" I didn't need to explain further. I had seen Tank only 4 days ago and asked the same question. Ranger had been in the wind for some weeks, and though I would never admit it to Tank or the Merry Men, I desperately wanted to talk to him. I needed his support, his help, his advice … again.
Tank eyed me thoughtfully for a moment. "No Steph. He's alive, that's all I know."
I nodded dumbly, not knowing what to say. I'd received the same answer last time I asked. No one knew where he was, how long he would be gone for, or what he was doing. Standard operating procedure. Tank seemed to take pity on me and made an awkward attempt to offer some support.
"Is there something you need? Something we can help with?" He seemed uncomfortable, probably terrified that I might burst into tears, which was a very real possibility.
I avoided eye contact as I shook my head in the negative and swallowed hard before trying to speak. "Thanks. I'm fine, I just … was hoping to talk to him." I stood and grabbed my pocket book from the floor, making my way to the door before my emotions got the better of me.
"Steph, … he's good at what he does. Don't forget that." I didn't turn to face Tank. I simply nodded in agreement, and left without another word. There was nothing more to say. We all knew that as good as Ranger was, there was always the possibility that he would never return.
I decided a quick detour via the Tasty Pastry was in order before I could face my parents. There was no easy way to have this conversation with them, so some fortification with sugar seemed warranted. I just hoped that they would listen to me, and prayed that they would support my decision. But I knew it would still be a shock to them.
TBC.