A/N: This was originally only going to to be a one shot, but it ended up getting longer and longer, and actually has the potential to be a possible Lester story, but we'll see. Oh, and I am trying to work on the aftermath of Rangeman High; thank you all so much for reading and reviewing. If you recognize it, I don't own it. Not making money.
It was Friday afternoon and Stephanie was pulling into the Rangeman garage to run searches on the two new skips she got from Connie earlier. When she arrived on the fifth floor, everyone greeted her in their usual way with the particular nickname they personally used. She said hello to everyone and headed back to the cubical she always used. She was just waiting for the last search to finish, when Ranger called her into his office.
"You wanted to see me?" Ranger looked up and grinned.
"Yes I did. Come over here and have a seat." He patted his lap. Steph smiled and scurried over. He swept her up in his arms, situated her on his lap, and gave her a very serious kiss. They had started seeing each other a couple of months ago. They hadn't 'officially' announced it, but anyone with a brain, and a desire to live; knew that they belonged to each other...completely.
"Well wow! I missed you too!" Steph's eyes sparkled as she spoke and Ranger grinned. "So what did you want to see me about?"
"We got a line on one of our larger dollar skips. Clay Peterson is going to be at Club Detonation tonight. Are you up for a distraction?" She looked thoughtful, so he decided to sweeten the deal. "We do security there, so the guys and I thought that maybe we could turn it into a night out. You know, some drinks, dancing, and what ever else might come 'up'." He licked the shell of her ear and thrust his hips up as he said the last part.
Steph moaned. "You are so not playing fair."Ranger chuckled.
"I am an opportunist, Babe." She rolled her eyes.
"Fine, but we are staying out and having fun!" She poked him in the chest to get her point across. Ranger smiled and nodded. "So, what kind of slutty do I need to be?"
"Don't over do the slutty. Go with very sexy, with a hint of slutty. This guy is well dressed, well versed, and is a decent looking guy. He has higher standards than the majority of the other scum-bags you lead out. However, don't be fooled by his appearance. He IS violent. He's wanted for assault, several counts of rape, kidnapping, and attempted murder. You are not to be alone with him under ANY circumstances. There's going to be an extra two teams with us tonight. Hawk is going to be on door, Tank and I will be out front as well, Zip and Zero will be at the back door. Inside, Hal will be at the bar, Woody and Ram will be acting as bouncers on top of the usual three contract workers that are actual bouncers. Finally, Lester, Bobby, Binkie, and Cal will be moving around on the inside. I finally have you, Babe, I'm not taking any chances."
Steph smiled and her hand on his face. "I love you." Ranger smiled.
"I love you too Babe. I'll be at your apartment at 9:45 tonight." He kissed her again, and she left to prepare for the night.
Everyone, except Ranger and Stephanie, arrived at the club at 10p.m. Hawk was already at the door and let them right in. They were already mic'd up and wired for sound. They spread out to give the club a once over before they took up their assigned positions. Most of them were in position when they heard Lester exclaim.
"Holy Shit!" Everyone immediately tensed and responded, wanting to know what was going on.
"Sorry guys. I just saw the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on." Tank almost rolled his eyes.
"Goddamnit Santos! Keep your dick in your pants, your tongue in your mouth, and FOCUS! We have a job to do first."
Everyone snickered. Cal clapped Les on the shoulder and motioned to the pool tables, where they were to be positioned. Cal had also noticed who Les had been staring at.
"Damn! She is hot Santos." Lester glared at Cal.
"Don't even think about it man. I saw her first!" Cal just laughed.
Hawk's voice echoed in their earpieces. "Target is entering the building."
Everyone watched Clay Peterson walk in and take a seat at the middle of the bar, so he could scope the place out. They all knew what he had done, and just wanted Steph to get in, so her thing, and get out without incident.
Clay's eyes never left the dance floor, as he downed two shots. Cal noticed his eyes spark and a grin spread across his face. Just as Cal was searching for whatever made his expression change, he saw her. He saw the woman that Santos had been drooling over, walking towards the bar, and Peterson was looking right at her. Cal elbowed Lester and nodded once in that direction. Lester's eyes widened. Peterson was talking to the woman. They were able to pick up some of the conversation when Hal was in front of them.
"Hey there shortcake. My name's Mark. I like the way you moved out there. Care to dance?" He was looking her up and down, and Les woman turned and looked at him appraisingly.
"Possibly, as long as you don't refer to me as any kind of snack cake, snack food, or any food for that matter; again. I was actually going to play some pool right now." He grinned at her.
"So then what should I call you, feisty?" She looked thoughtful just for a moment, and grinned slyly.
"That'll do for now." She picked up her drink, winked at Hal, and headed towards the pool tables.
All of the guys watched as Peterson followed, hot on her heals. She was just his type. She was petite, beautiful, sexy as hell, feisty, and had a body for sin. He had already lied to her about his name, and all of the guys on the inside noticed the predatory gleam in his eyes. He had just found a new victim. No one was certain what to do. This had never happened before. None of their skips had ever latched onto a civilian before Steph could work her distraction magic on them.
Tank had heard everything from outside and needed to know what was going on. "Santos, report!"
Lester stepped back into the corner. "I think we may have a problem. Peterson seems to be smitten with this woman; and the look in his eyes, is that of a predator that's found his next victim. We need to call Ranger."
Tank raked his hand over his bald head. "Do it. Let him know every possible detail."
Cal nodded to Lester and he went to the back door to make the call. He knew Ranger wouldn't be happy, but it couldn't be helped.
"Yo." Lester got Ranger's standard greeting.
"Hey cuz. We may have a problem."
"We're already on our way. What kind of problem? Did Peterson not show?" Les took a deep breath.
"No, he's here." Les ran his hand through his hair.
"Explain."
"He got here a little earlier than usual, and well, he started scoping the place out...and well..." Ranger was getting impatient.
"Spit it out Santos. We're almost at the club." Lester squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"He's already zeroed in on a civilian here. He basically has his next victim. Peterson and the girl are currently playing pool next to Cal and I. We heard part of their conversation when they were at the bar and Hal was standing in front of them. He lied to her about his name. She was actually very creative about not giving him her name. But she's just his type, and he looks at her like a predator looks at prey." Les heard Stephanie gasp.
"Oh my God Lester! That poor woman has no idea what kind of monster he is. You have to protect her!"
"Don't worry Beautiful, I've been keeping an on her...I mean them, we all have been. But, and this in no way is meant to belittle your skills Steph, I don't see him walking out with anyone but this woman." Les heard Ranger curse softly.
"Is there any way to make contact with her?" Lester thought for a moment.
"I think I might be able to casually say something to her. What did you have in mind?"
"Steph is already wired. I'll get wired up when we get there. Let the woman know that Steph will come up to her acting like a friend of hers that has arrived late. Let her know it's imperative that she go to the ladies room with Steph. I'm giving her an extra com unit; then we can discuss the situation further when she's away from him."
"Alright Bossman." They both disconnected.
Lester went back in and made his way back to the pool tables. He saw Peterson looking for a shot and the woman standing off to the side. He thought this could be his chance. While Peterson was focused on his shot, Les sidled up behind the woman and spoke.
"Don't turn around. A woman with curly brown hair, named Stephanie, is going to come up and act like she is late meeting up with you. When she wants to go to the ladies room, go with her; it's urgent. Please go with her." The woman covertly nodded her compliance.
Ten minutes later, Steph came bounding up to the mystery woman. She was only about 5'2" (without her heals), she had brilliant green eyes, and her long dark tresses were piled sexily on top of her head, with some red highlights showing. She was definitely beautiful. Steph pulled her into a hug, and surprisingly, the woman returned the sentiment.
"I'm so sorry I'm late girl." The woman winked at Steph.
"It's all good. I was just shooting some pool with Mark here." She motioned to Peterson. Steph held out her hand.
"Hi Mark, I'm Lizzy. Thanks for keeping her company." Peterson shook her hand, while continuing to stare at the other woman.
"It was no trouble at all. I plan on keeping her company for a while." Steph noticed the intense gaze he was giving the woman.
"Would you excuse us to the ladies room for a few minutes?" The grin Peterson had, looked playful, but there was something almost evil behind it.
"Don't make me come looking for you, Feisty."
She smiled, nodded, turned around and rolled her eyes. The two women didn't speak until they reached the ladies room. When they were sure it was empty, Steph spoke.
"Hi. My real name is Stephanie, but you can call me Steph. What's your name?"
"Natasha, but I go by either Tasha or Tash. So how psycho is that guy out there, and what's his real name?" Steph was stunned, as was everyone else. Ranger was impressed and told Steph to go ahead and wire Tasha up. Steph quickly explained the com unit and how it worked. Steph told her to go ahead and say hi to the guys. "Uh...hi everyone." She was shocked at the number of voices that answered. She looked up when Steph giggled.
"Hi Tasha. This is Ranger. The man out there is actually Clay Peterson. My team and I are here to take him into custody because he failed to appear in court." Tash interrupted.
"Oh. So he's FTA, and you guys are BEA's or bounty hunters. I'm assuming that Steph was supposed to get his attention and get him out the door to your guys?" Most of the guys were speechless. Except, of course, for Santos.
"Got it in one, gorgeous. Damn, sexy and smart!"
"Santos!" Ranger bellowed. "Sorry Tasha. Yes, that is all correct."
"Sorry I screwed up your plans guys." She looked down, biting her lip. She looked like she was making a decision. Steph spoke up.
"It's not your fault. What are you thinking about?" Tasha looked up and Steph saw determination in her eyes.
"Then I'll do it. I'll lead him out. The sooner he's gone, the sooner I can get back to my night. I was wanting to get away from him anyway." The voice of Ranger broke the silence that followed.
"My men are stationed at the front and back doors, and I have some on the inside roaming around. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"What's he wanted for?" Ranger took a deep breath.
"He's wanted for assault, several counts of rape, kidnapping," he paused, "and attempted murder." Tash took a breath and narrowed her eyes.
"Fuck yeah. I'm in. I'll get the prick out." She looked at her watch, then at Steph. "We gotta go back out before he freaks." Steph nodded and Ranger spoke again.
"We're all here with you and we'll be able to hear everything, talk to you, and see you. We won't let anything happen to you." All of the guys reiterated that sentiment in unison with 'HOOAH'. Tash rolled her eyes.
"Ex-military. I'll be fine. I can take care of myself."