Margaret and I had some thoughts on a little ditty that takes place as an alternative ending to Hard Eight.

Chapter One

Ranger had sent Hector over to install a sensor in my doorjamb so that my door could be opened remotely with a small keypad. This was a safety feature Ranger insisted upon to keep 'rabbits' and dead men out.

Hector with the gang slogan on his neck and teardrop tattoo under his eye scared the shit out of me…almost as much as seeing Ranger again after our unbelievable night of debauchery last night.

I knew I couldn't keep away from Ranger forever. There was too much of a connection there, so when Ranger called to say he'd be over in five minutes to show me how to work the fob, I freaked.

I knew we had to talk. I'm not the kind of girl who just jumps into bed with men and walks away.

Hector was making some final adjustments to my door when Ranger arrived. Ranger walked in and over to me. It was now or never. I grabbed him by the shirt before he could get away again.

"I can't do this, this is my life not a television show. This isn't going to work," I said with a sigh.

"I know Babe. You need to repair your relationship with Morelli. I can't be what you need."

"God damn it Ranger. How the hell do you know what I need? You have no idea what I want or need in my life, and you certainly didn't bother to ask me. Making assumptions that I want to repair my relationship with Morelli is just wrong," I said emphatically, the look of distaste probably evident on my face.

I noticed Hector enjoying the show. His English was better than everyone gave him credit for and he knew what was going on. He took out his iPhone and started recording video. I think the effect I was having on the big bad Rangeman was too priceless for the moment go unrecorded.

I was getting more and more wound up and continued my rant, not letting go of Ranger's shirt. "Yes you're my best friend but I want more. I want you in my life. Can't you see it? Can't you see that I'm in love with you Ranger? I don't need a ring or a white picket fence as symbols of a relationship that we already have. I just want you. My relationship with Morelli is over and you know why? Because I told him that I love you."

Ranger looked stunned for a moment, but suddenly he swept me up in his arms and crushed his mouth to mine. "Babe."

Mrs. Bestler must have heard my rants when the elevator opened on two because when I turned around she was standing next to Hector with her iPhone aimed at us as well. I felt like we were putting on a sideshow, but I didn't care. Ranger was freely kissing me after I made my little speech. He hadn't said anything yet, but he was kissing me. And God can he kiss.

When we broke from the kiss Ranger started to speak, "If you won't go back with Morelli, will you stay with me until we find out what's going on and get Abruzzi off your back?"

Would I? Of course I would, but I needed to know there was going to be more to this than just me staying with him and screwing around while some bad guys were on the loose. Anyway, there'd always be bad guys on the loose.

"Do you want to take me to the Batcave?"

"I want to take you to my apartment at Rangeman. I can keep you safe there. "

"So that's not the Batcave?"

"Babe."

"And after we get Abruzzi off my back, what happens then?"

"Well maybe you could just stay."

"Are you saying you want me in your life?"

"Babe, I don't know what I'm saying because I've never been in this predicament before. My life has never lent itself to relationships, but I don't want to lose you. I thought sending you back to Morelli would keep you safe and I'd still be able to see you. Perhaps kiss you. Perhaps there would be something else. I'm very attracted to you. Dios, this is different for me."

Hector and Mrs. Bestler were still recording. Mr. Markowitz had joined the party and was talking on his cell phone. I heard him say "Edna" and knew my grandmother was now privy to everything that was going on. Since his hearing isn't the best his phone was on speaker, as loud as it would go and I heard my grandmother talking.

"Get the video, I want to post it on my Facebook page."

God, what was I getting myself into? Mrs. Bestler, Mr. Markowitz and my grandmother would be spreading this news all around the 'Burg and Hector all around Rangeman. What's a girl to do?

When nothing popped into my head in answer to that question, there was only one thing left to do. I was still in Ranger's arms, so I leaned in and kissed him again.