A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.
This is the second story in my Paid trilogy. There are some points from The Price to be Paid, connecting these stories.( you may want to read that one first, if you haven't already) This one takes place after she completes her degrees and they move back to Trenton. This is going to stray a bit from my norm, although I will make sure there is a bit of humor in it to off set the "darker" material.
Lynda
Paying the Price
prologue
They're back, I heard it through all the gossip going around town. Stephanie Plum had finally returned. I would bet money on her leaving him. She doesn't have the staying power, not like I do.
I don't understand why she gets everything in life that I have always wanted. Sometimes life isn't fair and I need to rectify that quickly. I will have everything I want. I will have her life, nothing will stop me.
I don't get no sleep, I don't get no peace. The rage the fills my entire body, keeps me trembling. I want her life, I want it real bad.
I want her long brown hair, I want her magic touch. I have dyed my blonde hair brown, and let my own curls down...
SPOV
I couldn't put my finger on it, but something was bothering me about coming back to Trenton. Ranger noticed that I was tense. He pulled me closer to his side and kissed my head.
I know that it's not because of my mother, she is and most likely always be in a mental health facility. She is still completely delusional. She seems to have decided that she is queen and her floor is still the Burg. I know that Daddy has completely distanced himself from her, their divorce was finalized.
"Babe, we're home," Ranger told me. Pulling out of my thoughts.
I looked up and saw Rangeman Trenton towering in front of us. I let myself relax as the feeling of home took hold. I felt a smile tug at my face.
"It's good to be home. Let's go get some rest and we'll catch up with everyone tomorrow. It's been a long day."
He nodded at me and grabbed a few of our bags. We made our way up to seven without being stopped. That was an amazing feat in itself. No matter what I did, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
I crawled into our bed, but couldn't sleep. I had a million thoughts running in my head. I need to be well rested for my interview with the local FBI field office. My background check had come back clean and they were looking for someone with my education. I also have a meeting with the Trenton Police department to be part of a new state wide initiative. I know that I'll have to make a choice between the two.
I'm still concerned about his nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. I felt like I was missing something very important. It was creepy, like spiders crawling all over my skin. I couldn't hold back the shudder, Carlos pulled me closer to him. I fall into a fitful sleep, nightmares of my past haunting me the rest of the night.
I wake to the smell of coffee and breakfast being made. As I stretched out, Carlos brought in a tray with breakfast for me. I was surprised, but he has been doing little things to make my transition back to Trenton easier on me.
I can't keep the smile from my face, as the man I love kisses me gently.
"Good morning, Babe."
"Good morning to you. What's the occasion?"
"I just wanted to make sure you have a good start to your day. You had a rough night and I wanted to make it better."
"Thank you," I whispered against his lips.
All to soon it was time to head out. I was taking Lester as my backup today. I couldn't get rid of the bad feeling, so I asked for it. I think I may have broken Batman with my request, but he quickly agreed. He had learned over the years not to dismiss my instincts. The entire way to the field office it felt as though we were being followed. Lester assured me that we weren't.
My interview was drawn out and even though they made an offer, I don't think it is the right fit for me. I did tell them that I would consider it an get back to them by the end of the week.
Next up was the Trenton Police Department. As we entered the station the creep factor went off the charts. It calmed down when Morelli walked up to us and pulled me into a bear hug.
"Steph, it's great to see you again! How are things going?"
"Going good. I'm actually here for a meeting with Juniak and Chief Meyers. Ranger and I are home to stay, and they have something they want to discuss with me."
"I'll let you get going then. We'll have to catch up over lunch one day. Let me know when."
I nodded and waved as we made our way to the conference room. I already knew that I was going to accept their offer. I had a feeling, deep in my gut, that this is what I was called to do. I did tell them that I would have an answer for them by Friday. I wanted to go over my options with Carlos before I committed to anything.
When we pulled into the Rangeman garage I caught a glimpse of something from the corner of my eye. I grabbed Lester and ran to the stairs. Something told me not to even wait for the elevator.
A/N if you have read my one shot, Girl Crush, you'll start to notice where it comes into play. I will be incorporating it into this story. It may be a bit between updates, but I promise I will finish this one and the third story.
I love Little Big Towns version of it, but Halestorm is my favorite. I had the opportunity to watch Lzzy and her brother preform and the local dives in my hometown. They weren't even old enough to drive, but they have grown even better. So, yes we're going to YouTube again, Look up Halestorm Girl Crush. Such a soulful voice.
Updates will be slightly slow in coming. I have spent 32 days total in the hospital this year alone. I recently had a TIA (Mini stroke), and have limited use of my left hand. This has not been Beta'd, but I wanted you to have something. Love you all!
Lynda