Prologue
I am sat quietly within the hustle and bustle all around me. I would say someone looking at me would think I was contemplating, and I suppose I was. There's nothing more soul baring than remembering things that have happened to you, how you spoke with someone, listened to another and I suppose reacted to a situation. Sudden noises had me looking up, I wasn't sitting with my back to the wall, but my viewpoint gave me a panorama of all that was happening around me. I focused beyond the small area I was in, to the movement of people beyond, so many people, all of them intent on where they were going, a single purpose in mind. Some were walking, others almost at a run, moving in all directions, yet seldom coming into contact with anyone else. There were colours from coats and scarfs, with every mode of fashion I had ever seen. Old people, with faces that could tell you a lifetime of stories, unseeing eyes, shuffling with their sticks and walkers. Young mothers with toddlers running to keep up, being held so tightly by their little hands. And the young business men and women, striding with a confidence of power, in their suits and shiny new shoes, heads held high and shoulders back, giving out an aura that had others moving out of their way. A rumble reverberated through the floor signaling the arrival of another train, then as if by magic a surge of people were leaving the hallway on their way home or back to work on the train that had just arrived. I returned my thoughts to the task at hand, and my mind to the thoughts I needed to organize. My life had changed in so many ways, I could never have envisaged, never have dreamed of how different my life had become and I would never return to the way I had once lived before. But that was not what I needed to think about, I had to concentrate, but I was having an internal fight with myself, do I or don't I? Am I important enough? Will anyone be interested? Will I upset or alienate others? Or will someone say "well done"? Someone had told me I needed to make the decision for me, for how I would feel. So here I go again a decision that I needed to make, that would allow me to move forward with a clear conscience, proud of who I was and where I had come from, perhaps also for those who were no longer here to make that decision themselves.
Chapter 1
For a morning in April I felt on top of the world. My name is Stephanie Plum and the reason for this euphoric feeling? Well I had just deposited cheques into my account from apprehending three skips. That meant my rent was paid up, not only for April but for May as well, and I could now replenish my cupboards with groceries. The gas tank in my beat up Nissan Pathfinder was full, and courtesy of my favorite Merry Men, had all parts working efficiently. I was now on my way to fulfill the second job I did as a researcher at Rangeman. I exited my car in the garage and waved at the camera, even though I was never sure who was monitoring, it was now a custom I always performed. From the elevator on five I headed for my cubbie ready to see what searches had come to me by email. The control room was working with a buzz with movement from desk to desk, Hal stopped by to place a coffee on my desk, bless him he must have seen me coming up.
"Morning Steph, looking perky this morning. Here's a coffee just how you like it"
"Thanks Hal, you know you're one of my favorite people?"
That had him blushing, as he turned and walked away to go back to his desk. As I looked around I realized that there was no sign of any of the core team and I had no awareness that Ranger was in the building. Now here's the thing about Ranger, to anyone looking at him he is the vision of hotness, most women walk into walls at the sight of him. At 6 foot he has the body of Adonis, with long dark hair often tied back in a ponytail and the skin tone of mocha latte. His eyes can change from chocolate brown to black, depending on his mood, and he has the movements of a sleek black panther. I, however, know a little bit more than most women. I can now detect changes in his mood from the expressions of his face and what the inclination of a word might mean. He is really my best friend, my occasional lover and someone I trust with my life. But I can't relinquish my heart to him, so for the moment I relish the friendship he shares with me.
Only three searches requested for today, all potential new clients with no signs indicating they are not who they say they are, so leaving the print outs in my out box I shout a goodbye to anyone listening and make my way back to my car. A stop at the grocery, manic moments with the trolley, which seemed determined to steer its self and I was parking my car. All right, I still ended up parked at the back of the lot by the skip, but I was pleasantly surprised when Dillon opened my door and offered to help me unload my shopping bags.
"Hey Dillon, everything OK?"
"Yeah Steph, I saw you parking and needed to let you know I have a parcel for you, delivered by DHL, thought it was safer with me than left outside your door"
"That sounds exciting, not sure who'd be sending me anything though"
"I'll help you up with these bags then go get it for you"
I thanked Dillon and set about unpacking my groceries, I had actually splurged out and bought some healthier micro meals, don't worry I had still stocked up on my favorite tasty cakes and ice cream. As I placed them in the fridge I noticed the remnants of carrots in the bottom tray and looked over to the counter above. Sadness swept over me as I remembered my favorite and most loyal little man. I'd woken up one day last week and couldn't get a response from him, he'd died in his sleep in his favorite place, his soup can. The clean and dismantled habitat still sat on the worktop.
Dillon knocked on the door and handed me a parcel, plain brown paper, no return address about a six inches square in size. My name and address had been printed onto the label. OK, do I open it or not? You might think this is a stupid question, but with the number of stalkers I've had, I really didn't know what to do. Obviously it had been sat at Dillon's and nothing had happened, and to be honest my curiosity was getting the better of me. So scissors and knife in hand I set the box on the middle of the table and stood over it, ready to attack. The knife I was holding hit the floor when the ringing of my phone shocked me. The Batman theme sang out into the silence of the apartment.
"Yo"
I had now somehow adopted the phone manners of Rangeman.
"Babe, you available for a job day after tomorrow?"
"Yeah, what are the details?"
"High level skip that we feel would be easier to capture through a distraction"
"OK, where and what time?"
"It's from a bar attached to the Estonia hotel, so probably best to go a little up market with the clothes. The guy is charged with kidnapping and rape so not a nice piece of work. I'll pick you up at 9 day after tomorrow, I'll leave a file at Rangeman for you to pick up"
Then he was gone, can't he ever say goodbye?
That conversation filed away, I returned to my package. I carefully cut away the outer brown paper to uncover an envelope with "Stephanie, open first" written on it, weird? I picked up the envelope and moved to sit down on the couch to read the contents in comfort. The envelope contained several pages of good quality paper with handwriting covering them. So I settled down to read it.
"My dearest Stephanie
May I first introduce myself to you. My name is Beatrice Lang and I am a 79-year-old woman, who is coming to the end of her life, sooner than I envisaged. I need to put my affairs in order and I have unfinished business that I will not be able to complete myself. My reason for contacting you is because of your determination and valor. You see I have followed your exploits over the years because I feel a connection to you through Edna, your Grandmother. Edna and I were truly best friends when we were children, even though it was only for a short time, and spent many happy hours together. We disconnected when my family moved away and alas it was only a few years ago that I even thought about her. Having no family of my own I felt a kinship to you, the granddaughter of my best friend."
Wow Grandma had never mentioned anyone called Beatrice; I wonder where they were living at the time? I tuned to the next page to continue.
" My parents were Hungarian and I was born there at a time preceding the oncoming conflicts involved with the Second World War. I was six years old when I came to America to start a new life. I have lived a healthy and fulfilling life and had been preparing for my eventual death when I came across the existence of some documents, my family had smuggled out from their homeland. As this knowledge had been kept with a firm of solicitors, a gentleman became aware of them and now I need to put right some wrongs. I cannot do it, but you can help. Peoples lives may depend on it"
I got up and fetched a beer from the fridge and finished reading the letter. I really didn't know what to think, do I believe who she is? That the information she has is of such great importance? And most importantly that people are in danger? This lady wanted me to almost follow a treasure trail starting in Washington. She had put in place an elaborate trail for me to follow, enabling pieces of information to be found that, as a whole would be vitally important. Hell it was 007 on epic proportions, even down to a lot of cash, false identity and papers that would enable me to travel incognito. I needed a plan of action. First I needed to keep this box and letter somewhere safe, and then there was a subtle conversation I needed to have with Grandma. Deciding that nowhere was really safe inside my apartment, well not if there was a fire, I opened the door of the cleaning cupboard situated opposite the lift. Dillon used this as an emergency supply cupboard, mostly to clean up after any disasters with my apartment, you know cleaning blood stains up, getting rid of graffiti and putting out fires, so I put my box inside a shoe box and placed it at the back of a shelf in the corner. That done I decided to go early to my parents to mooch dinner. As I pulled up to the house at 5.30 no one was stood on the doorstep, strange there was always someone who seemed to know I was coming, so I parked and walked through to the kitchen where my mother was busy preparing dinner.
"Stephanie I didn't expect you, why are you here so early, nothing wrong is there?"
"No mum, just had some time to spare so thought I'd catch up, is Grandma here?"
"Yes, she's arguing with your father in the front room over a TV program she wants to watch"
I wondered into the lounge to find my Grandmother sat looking daggers at my father, and him ignoring her, fixated on a ball game.
"Hi folks"
"Hello Pumpkin"
That was as much as I was going to get from him.
"Baby Granddaughter, it's nice to see you, how's it going?"
"Good Grandma, I'm gonna take advantage of the sunshine and sit on the front doorstep, fancy a gossip?"
That was the magic word for my Grandmother; she got up picking up her mug of coffee and followed me out to sit on the step.
"So what shakes?"
"Nothing much Grandma had a really quiet week"
"Yeah same here, not a lot of gossip going around, everyone seems too happy. Fiona Hopeful is getting married; remember her, she was a year below you at school. Seems the wedding dress will need to be a few sizes bigger on the waist, if you know what I mean?"
"I remember her, not really a friend or anything"
OK now to move this conversation to where I wanted it to go.
"I mean Mary Lou and I were the bestest of friends, we did everything together. Did you have a best friend like that when you were little?"
"Well I suppose there were a few, most of them dead now, but there was one special friend for a short time, but I don't know what happened to her"
"Oh, who was that, maybe I know of her?"
"Nah, she was called Beatty. We got on well because we were both Hungarian; she was such a pretty girl and so much fun. In fact I think somewhere along the way we may have been related, you know cousins or something"
"So what happened to her?"
"Don't know, the family just up and left real quiet, without anyone really knowing"
"So did you have a friend like I have Mary Lou?"
"Well yes, Gladys and I stayed together right through to when she died, though she passed away before your Grandfather did. I could always talk to her about anything and she was real good with secrets"
"Yeah, it doesn't matter how often I see Lou I can always pick right up with her"
My Grandmother shifted on the step and seemed to be peering down the street.
"Steph you see that car parked down there, is it one of your bounty hunter friends?"
I looked over and down the road and as Grandma had said there was a dark grey SUV with fully tinted windows, so no way to see who was inside.
"Stephanie, Mum, dinners on the table"
I was saved from answering by my mothers summons to sit at the table.
Conversation around the table was pleasant and we talked about goings on in the Burg. My mother never once mentioned my job or expressed concern over my single status, now that was just weird.
After my meal I left with a bag full of boxes of lasagna and chocolate cake, they'd probably be better in the freezer, well the lasagne would, as I had enough meals that I'd bought this afternoon. The cake though I could always eat anytime. I drove slowly back to my apartment keeping an eye in the rear view mirror and was relieved that the grey car didn't appear. Back home I locked up making sure the windows in the bedroom were closed then dressed in my PJs, I sat on the bed and with a pen and paper made a list of what I needed to do if I were to follow Beatrice's plea for help.
Buy clothes and accessories for disguise
Figure out transport to get to Washington
Rope Mary Lou in for a diversion
Get help from Sally
Write letters to people
By the time my eyes were about to drop I had the bus schedule from Trenton to Washington, I couldn't plan any further because until I picked up my next set of clues from the left luggage locker at the bus station in Washington, I didn't know where I was going to next. I had a list of things to buy from the mall so I sent Mary Lou a text asking if she fancied doing some shopping in the morning. I guess I'd made up my mind to help Beatrice.
The next morning I was up, dressed and parked outside of Mary Lou's by 9am. An absolute record for me but for some reason I was feeling a buzz about this mission of mine. Whilst in the car I steeled myself for what I was going to be asking of Mary Lou.
"Lou, you know how we are best friends and I would do anything for you?"
She turned and looked at me with a grin on her face.
"What you want Steph?"
"Well I have to leave town for a few days"
"So how does that involve me?"
"I need to do it on the low down"
"What, so no one knows you're going?"
"Yeah and no one will know where I'm going"
"Steph are you in trouble, is someone after you?"
"No nothing like that. An old friend has asked a favor and I don't want people poking their noses in"
"So who do mean?"
"Well I don't want my family to know"
"What about Joe?"
"Definitely not Joe"
Joe Morelli, what can I say. He was hot and hunkie with the best ass in Trenton. Joe and I had a history, and not really a good one. You see he fondled me when I was six years old in his fathers' garage, and then he talked my pants off me when I was sixteen on the floor of the Tasty Pastry. The more I think of our relationship the more it feels very unhealthy. He wants me to marry him, give up working and stay at home as a mum, cooking and cleaning. The thing is I think I love him, but not enough. Joe and I were at a sort of impasse, we hadn't had an argument, but we hadn't exactly spoken to each other either and I was really feeling OK about that.
"So you and Joe?"
"Nothing happening, good or bad, he texts me and I reply. He's busy and so am I"
"OK, what about Ranger?"
"No, I don't want him to get involved with this"
"So how 's that gonna work?"
"That's where you come in"
I described the disguise I wanted and that we were going to the mall to buy the things I would need to make it work, and my plans for asking Sally Sweep to help, come on he is the master of costumes and has a real flair for hair. When we got to the mall I could only find parking half way across the car park, we got out of the car then Mary Lou looped her arm through mine and we headed for the entrance. To be sure no one suspected me of buying such a weird combination of accessories, I gave Mary Lou some of the cash that had been in the box from Beatrice, and after making a choice asked her to make the purchases. After two hours we were sat in the food court, bags at our feet, making good on the plethora of fried goods from Taco Bell.
"Hell Steph that's the most fun I've had for ages"
"It was wasn't it, wait till we get to put it all together"
"So how we doing that?"
"Well, tomorrow I have a distraction to do for Rangeman so Wednesday night I want to put my plan into action, that OK with you?"
"So where do I fit in?"
"You are going to dress up in some baggy clothes and put the wig on. Then Sally will pick you up from your house and come over to my apartment. He'll work his magic and I'll leave with him, dressed so I look like the person he arrived with, and then you can leave and get Lenny to pick you up at the front door"
"Shit, you have got it all worked out, haven't you?"
"Sure have, and if I post the letters in the afternoon they'll reach the people I need them to get to by the following morning, oh and I'm sending one to you so it looks as though you have no idea what's gone on"
"Will you keep in touch so I know you're OK?"
"I'll try, but I'm not sure how yet"
By now we'd reached the outskirts to the Burg and I had to do a double take, there sat two cars behind me, was that grey SUV. I hadn't noticed it at the mall so who and how were they following me? By the time I dropped Mary Lou off I was a jumble of nerves so decided to hit the bonds office before it shut. I parked out front and could see Connie sat at her desk.
"Hey Connie, any files for me?"
"Hey white girl was expecting you this morning, where you bin?"
"Oh hi Lula, I was catching up with Mary Lou"
"Steph there's only one file, low bond, so shouldn't be hard to bring in"
"Thanks Connie, so do you two fancy a drink out tonight?"
"I'm in, ain't got nothing doing"
"Connie?"
"Yeah I'm in, I'm hearing good things about that new bar "Sunrise" you fancy there?"
"Sounds good to me, Lula you game?"
"Sure am"
Connie was going to get another friend to come with us, which was a good idea because she didn't tend to drink alcohol and would be the designated driver for all of us. I picked up my file and headed back home. Two hours to get ready was enough time even for me. When back at my apartment building I drove around the block to enter the car park from a different route, not sure why I did that, but realized when my spidey senses started going off that it was because that dam grey car was there. I took note of the plates and stalked into the building. Once inside I picked up my phone and hit speed dial 1.
"Yo"
"Yeah you as well"
"Sounding a bit miffed, what's up?"
I could almost hear his smile in that, but I wasn't feeling magnanimous with my response.
"Have you got someone shadowing me?"
"No, give me the details"
Now he went serious, so I gave him a description of the car, plate details and where I'd seen it.
"Err Ranger, I'm out with the girls tonight, Connie's friend is driving us all, so I'll let you know if anything happens"
"Babe you think he's stalking you?"
"Don't get that kind of feeling"
"I'm available if you need me, be safe"
OK I felt a little easier that Ranger was now aware, but uneasy because I didn't know who was following me. I decided to eat first before getting ready, so chose a ready meal, and then showered and washed my hair. With anti frizz gel in, I finger combed it and decided to let it dry naturally while I dressed and put my makeup on. Now that I was going out, I wasn't looking forward to it, so went for a more natural look, and not a pick up look. Hipster jeans and halter-top completed the outfit along with ankle boots and a short leather jacket. As I reached the lobby a car holding Connie and Lula came to a stop for me to get in the back seat, was that good planning or what? The bar was about a fifteen-minute drive and from the looks of the car park it seemed pretty empty, unless everyone else got taxis to go out? Lula was dressed to literally kill, and that was her attitude when she realized the lack of other patrons inside. We found a table and after ordering a pitcher of margarita settled into a steady conversation. An hour later the place livened up and we joined other women on the dance floor. Not too many lone men about, but to be honest I wasn't bothered by that. Lula, or maybe I should say her short bright pink skirt and matching top, attracted a tall blond guy and she spent the evening dancing with him. By 1am we'd danced ourselves out, I was hot, sweaty and tired so gave no argument to going home. Lula stayed on with her new man, though he never came up to talk with us at all. I was dropped off first and as I was about to close the car door when Connie motioned to me.
"Steph I brought this with me, only came in after you left this afternoon, Eula needs bringing in again. Call me when you have her at the station"
Even though I wasn't looking forward to going out I'd had a good time and was suitably relaxed. With a buzz in my head, I fell into bed and fell straight to sleep.
It wasn't my head or the taste at the top of my mouth that woke me, it was a smell, and once my brain connected, I followed my nose out of the bedroom into the kitchen. I'm not sure what I appreciated the most, the smell of McDonalds fries with a coke, or the sight of Ranger leaning with his back against my kitchen counter.
"You are a life savior"
"Good to know I'm appreciated"
"How did you know I would need the cure?"
"Sorry Babe, but I had a shadow on you last night, I got worried if you were at a bar you might not be at your best"
"S'okay"
All right he did a double take at that, because I don't like it when I have a shadow, but to be honest I hadn't noticed who it was, and I didn't see the grey car. Was I even capable by the end of the night?
"One for the books then. I brought you that file to look through"
By now I had eaten my fries and was feeling a little more compos mentis and was leaning over the sink washing the grease of my hands, when I felt Ranger behind me. He leaned into me with his front to my back and wrapped his arms around my waist. With his face next to my cheek he kissed the lobe of my ear and moved down to the junction of my neck and shoulder. I shivered involuntarily and closed my eyes. God that felt good, too good.
"You going to be OK Babe?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Just concerned"
He moved away from me, leaving me feeling bereft of his touch. I turned and moved to the side to pick up my coke, I needed a distraction before I allowed anything else to happen. I think he noticed my maneuver because he stepped away and moved toward the door.
"Later Babe"
Then he was gone. My heart returned to normal and my breathing slowed, I didn't know how I was going to continue with having him in such close proximity. Now that I was awake, I dressed in jeans and T-shirt with a loose cotton blouse over, checked my bag for cuffs, pepper spray and picking up my keys and the files from Connie went out to collect some skips. Collecting Eula from the bus station fell right into line with my plans. I approached the ticket office and bought an open ticket for Washington, using cash, then went to buy a sandwich and coffee to persuade Eula to come with me. I found an empty luggage locker and after putting her things in gave her the key. One down, one to go. The police station was quiet and I'd phoned Connie on my way there to meet us, so was chatting with Carl as I waited.
"Hey Steph, long time no see. How are things going?"
"Hi Carl, going good. Getting my skips in and I haven't had any problems recently"
"Pleased to see, Steph, 'cos Morelli is whining because you're doing a good job"
"Can't seem to win with him, Oh Connie's here, see you later"
I gave Connie my receipt and headed out of the door straight to my car; once the engine was turning over I drove round the corner and to the rear parking area of a McDonalds. No I didn't want anything to eat, but I needed a bit of quiet time to look at the next file, and to be honest I didn't want to bump into Morelli. I opened the file, but didn't look at it, what was Morelli up to? Did he think if I got into scrapes with my skips I would give up, like he wanted me to? Well that was not gonna happen. My next skip was only nineteen, he worked at a local leisure center and had been arrested for being drunk in a public area, and stupid enough to be abusive to the arresting police officer. I phoned up the leisure center to discover he finished his shift in forty minutes, so starting the car I drove to park outside the center. I waited outside the employees exit and out came Darren Fips. He was short and thin wearing a red tracksuit, he didn't even look nineteen, hell, was he even shaving? As he stepped out, I feigned bumping into him and went down on one knee, at least he had some manners because he turned toward me and apologized.
"Oh sorry, didn't see you there"
"Darren Fips?"
"Err yes"
"My name is Stephanie Plum and I work for Plum Bail Bonds, you missed your court date so I need for you to accompany me so we can reschedule it"
As I said this I stepped forward and snapped a cuff onto his right wrist, the left cuff was fastened to my left wrist. He tried to pull away but bless him; he just didn't have the weight to even jolt me.
"I'm sorry I forgot"
"No problem, come on we'll go get it sorted out"
Thirty minutes later and I was back at the office handing over another receipt and a box containing pizza.
"No Lula this morning?"
"She phoned in, too tired to come in"
Connie laughed as she raised her fingers to hyphenate "too tired" We finished off our pizza and I got up ready to leave.
"Oh well good luck to her, I'm off, I have a distraction tonight so need to go get ready"
Outside the sun was bright and I stopped to get my sunglasses out, I looked in the office window to look at my reflection, and I caught sight of a grey SUV pulling out of a parking space opposite. I started up my car and quickly pulled out, going in the opposite direction, and heading for home. The skip for tonight was not a nice man, according to both his file and his photo; I was going to struggle to play up to this one as a potential pick up. Maybe a different line was needed. I showered, waxed, buffed and moisturized before part drying my hair and putting heated rollers in. My makeup was going to be very feminine with soft curls around my face. I ate a meal before getting dressed. I wore a light blue dress with a cross over top and three quarter sleeves. There was some cleavage but not slutty. The dress hugged my hips and came to just above my knees. There was a slit at the front to enable walking. White low heeled, pointed toe shoes, a white clutch bag and a white linen jacket completed the outfit. As I loaded up my bag I heard the locks on the door tumble and felt Rangers energy as he entered the apartment.
"I'm ready"
He was stood by the door looking at me with a quizzical look on his face, in his black cargos, black T-shirt and dressed as a badass. God I was getting turned on just looking at him, I responded to his look.
"I know what I'm doing"
"All right"
"That's it?"
"Yes, I trust your judgment"
"Oh"
He approached me and pulled out a small box from his cargo pocket; opening it to reveal the wire I would need to wear. I took it from his hand, turned round and taped it to the underside of my right breast inside my bra. When I turned back Ranger had his blank face firmly in place. I could only whisper.
"I'm sorry but, if I, you…"
I couldn't say what I felt, I couldn't let him know. Ranger must have used some sort of ESP because he just walked up to me and with his arms around me, held me.
"It's OK Babe"
As we approached the hotel Ranger stopped his Porsche a block away for me to get out, this way no one would associate me as being with company.
"Go get 'em tiger"
I switched on the wire and started to walk on the pavement then crossed the entrance of the hotel car park. Ranger wanted me to bring the skip out of the side entrance into there. As I looked into the car park I saw it parked in the corner.
"Shit, shit, shit. Grey SUV parked in the corner of the car park"
There was a flash from a cars headlight to acknowledge a Rangeman had heard me and understood, as least I hoped that was the message for me.
The bar was dimly lit, with people sat at tables or stood against the bar. I walked up to the bar and slid up onto a bar seat, then crossing my legs I gave attention to a non-existent mark on my shoe. As I sat back up, my eyes roamed the room. I spied Bobby at a table reading a newspaper, Hal at the other end of the bar and Manny sat at a window seat by the entrance. My skip, oh did I say his name was Tobias Salvatore, was also sat on a bar stool two empty seats over; he was not a very nice looking man. His pale skin was pot marked, his eyes were sunken and had a washed out grey look and his lips were narrow. He was in deep conversation with the barmaid, who also didn't seem to like him. When she saw me she excused herself to come over to serve me, I smiled at Tobias, as if wishing to acknowledge that I had disturbed his conversation, and ordered a cosmopolitan with lots of ice, that way I could pretend to sip my drink through the ice. A minute later and Tobias was sat in the seat next to me.
"Nice hotel, you staying here?"
"Oh no I've been here for a meeting so thought I'd get a drink before heading out"
"So what's your name, I'm Sal"
"Nice to meet you Sal, I'm Micelle"
"Maybe we could have lunch here and then we could finish with a night cap?"
"Not sure on that, I've been stuck in this building for a business meeting nearly all afternoon"
"What line of work are you in?"
I used the good old faithful turn on.
"I'm a lingerie designer and seller"
"Really, that sounds very interesting, so how about that meal?"
He was edging off the seat, leaning across with one hand on the back of my bar stool, I was beginning to feel a little trapped. Not what I wanted, I needed him out of the place not to get stuck in here with him.
"I know a much better place for a romantic meal"
"Oh, that sounds promising"
His hand then moved from the bar stool and he started to play with my hair at the back of my neck, I suppressed the shudder that moved through me. At that very moment Morelli walked into the bar, fortunately he was heading toward a table at the far side and didn't see me. I turned to the bar to take a sip of my drink, dislodging the creeps' hand from my neck in the process, and whispered into the wire.
"Morelli just walked in!"
"You OK sweetheart?"
"Sorry. Tell you what, my car's in the car park, and this place is getting a bit busy, why don't we split?"
I desperately needed to get out of here before Morelli blew my cover. Just as I got down from my stool Morelli looked up and locked onto me. I literally grabbed Sal by the hand and pulled him toward the side door. Bless Bobby, because he stood up and went face to face with Morelli, stopping him from moving forward. Sal didn't seem to notice, he had a grin on his face as though it was his birthday. I stepped out into the cooler evening air and made to continue walking to a car. The sweet sound of Tanks voice came from behind me.
"Tobias Salvatore you are in violation of your bond agreement and we are here to assist you back into the system"
I turned and continued to back away with a look of shock on my face, I needed to look as though I wasn't involved in the take down, I didn't want any skips to come back at me. As Tobias Salvatore was turned around with cuffs on, I felt Ranger come behind me and turn me into his arms. I don't know why but I felt edgy, I was shaking slightly and my eyes were darting around. Ranger seemed aware that I was agitated and led me to his Porsche to help me inside. As he closed the door I saw Morelli come barging out of the side exit door and walk up to Ranger. Sorry, but my curiosity got the better of me, I cracked the door open in order to listen in on their conversation.
"What the hell are doing Manoso?"
"Carrying out an apprehension, Morelli"
"Why is Steph in the middle of it?"
"Because she works for Rangeman"
"Are you mad, she's likely to get someone hurt or hurt herself?"
"No Morelli, this is a planned take down with plenty of backup, and it was posted with the Chief as always, you are the one who is endangering people"
Interesting I wonder if Morelli knew and came into this bar on purpose? Ranger spoke with Tank and Lester then came over to the car. He reclosed my door then folded himself into the drivers' side and motored out of the car park with Morelli looking on. I was quiet on the way back, looking out of the side window, when we pulled to a stop I jerked with the shock; I went to open the door but was stopped by Ranger holding onto my arm. He pointed to my breast and I acknowledged by turning the wire off and then removing it and handing it to Ranger. He then got out of the car and before I realized it he had opened my door and was helping me out. Once he'd cleared my flat he walked me up to the couch and sat me down. Squatting in front of me he raised my chin to look into my eyes.
"Babe what's wrong?"
"Not sure"
"You did an amazing job tonight, proud of you"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"Did Morelli go there on purpose?"
"I don't know, do you think he did?"
Again I shrugged my shoulders.
"Babe, are you two back together?"
"Not really, we haven't spoken for a while, which is fine by me"
"Babe I had Santos have a little talk to the man in the grey SUV"
That had my attention.
"And?"
"His credentials check him out as a journalist, he said he wanted to get an inside story about the "Bombshell Bounty Hunter" so thought if he followed you he'd get a scoop. Santos gave him a nice little talking to, so you shouldn't see him again"
"Please don't tell me Lester threatened to make him disappear?"
Ranger smiled.
"That what you want?"
"NO"
"Then no, Santos explained to Mr. Grossman how he was endangering you and others and that our solicitor was ready to press charges of stalking against him"
"So he'll leave me alone?"
"Yes, does that make you feel better?"
I nodded my head.
"Good, now go get changed while I run you a bath"
I heard the water running in the bathroom and stripped off my clothes pulling on a dressing gown, by the time I walked in, the bath was full and the air was filled with the fragrance of vanilla. Ranger pulled my gown down over my shoulders and I climbed into the bath; I sank into the hot water until only my face was above the bubbles. Ranger knelt by the tub and gently moved a curl from my face to behind my ear, and then holding me by the side of my head bent down and kissed my forehead.
"You don't need to stay, I'll be fine"
"I'll stay as long as I feel you need me"
In the warmth of the bath my body relaxed and I felt myself drifting. Ranger was gently moving a sponge over my arms and legs. There was absolutely nothing erotic about his actions, it was caring and soothing. As the water began to cool he lifted me out and wrapped a towel around my body, and one around my hair, then placed my robe on top, tying the belt on my waist. He sat me on the edge of the bed, then sat behind me with his legs either side of me and dried and combed my hair, then pulled it back. By the time I laid down on the bed I was asleep.
Sunshine through the curtain drew me awake, at first I couldn't remember how I'd got here, a quick look under the covers showed that I had one of Rangers T-shirts on and some sleep shorts. A note on the pillow in Rangers script made me blush at the intimate way he had cared for me.
"Babe, I hoped you slept well and feel more settled, call if you need anything. I'll catch up with you. R"
When I went into the bathroom the bath had been cleaned, the towels were drying, I could still smell the scent of vanilla in the air. On looking in the mirror I expected a rats nest for hair but was surprised to find my hair braided from my forehead and back into the nape of my neck. I must have been very still while sleeping because it looked almost perfect. What was it with Ranger last night, he didn't try to kiss me, he just made sure I was okay by caring for me. That made tears swell into my eyes, I had to stop reading too much into what he did for me, he was one of my best friends and I couldn't do anything stupid to spoil that, like showing how much I cared for him, no loved him. It was mid morning by the time I ventured out and took the opportunity to call in at the office to get my cheques for the latest skips, bearing the gift of doughnuts of course.
"White girl you's look real pretty with your hair done like that'
"Thanks Lula, How's it going with your new man?"
"Ain't seen him, he said he was busy working last night so I'm a waiting"
"Sounds good then, Connie, here are the receipts from yesterday, anything new?"
"No you're all up to date, Vinnie is in the city with Lucille so all's quiet here"
I spent time eating doughnuts and drinking coffee and generally nattering. Tank came in with a receipt, probably from last night.
"Morning ladies, Connie, receipt for Salvatore, mail it to Rangeman please. Anything for us?"
"No Tank, all quiet"
"OK, I'll call later in the week"
With that he was gone. I left soon after feigning laundry and cleaning as my main items on the agenda and was back home by 2pm. I now needed to prepare for tonight.
I spent over an hour writing out the letters for my parents, Joe, Connie, Mary Lou and Ranger. Placing them in envelopes I addressed them, then popped over to the corner shop, bought stamps and posted them. That job done I returned and packed a rucksack with some clothes. I retrieved the box from the cleaning cupboard and moved the cash, id, a key and my tickets into a zipped pocket inside. There was also my gun, yes I'd loaded it, and shoulder holster with spare clips, and these I shoved into the bottom below any clothes. Next a shower and with my dressing gown on, I ate a meal and sat watching TV. At 6.30 Sally and Mary Lou arrived, giggling and laughing as they came through the door.
"She's been frigging great, wearing the wig n all"
"Lou, you look really different, maybe a new image?"
"Don't think so, Lenny nearly had a fit when he saw it, he likes my hair long"
She removed the baggy cargos and hoodie to reveal jeans and T-shirt, then started to empty her rucksack.
"You ready girl? You are going to looking frigging magic, even your own mother won't recognize you"
Sally spent nearly two hours on my hair; he braided it so that it was tight to my scalp.
"Don't mess with these, just wash your hair with them in, but put this gel on to stop it from drying and knotting"
My makeup was simple; as I didn't know how much time I would have to re apply it and to be honest the picture showed only kohl and mascara, I could cope with that. Next the wig, a black bob, with a straight fringe, the front longer than at the back, that now fit snugly over the braids. The photo in the id showed body piercing, yuck, in my nose, on my eyebrows and up the lobes of my ears. The rings we'd bought looked really effective, and they seemed to stay in place well, using a spring to stay on. Fake tattoos went on my arms, at the top of my back and one between my breasts. Finally clothing, I was going for gothic so had bought a long black calf length skirt, flat cat boots and a black strappy top. The last pieces of the puzzle were the brown contacts. Sally turned me toward the mirror. Holy shit!
"Girl you look like a hot and totally badass Goth"
"Thanks Sally, Lou does it look like the photo on the id?"
"Christ Steph it's amazing, no one would recognize you"
"You got to strut girl, to go with the clothes, get the frigging attitude and you've got it kicked"
It was now 9.30pm, and it was time to go. Wearing a short black leather jacket, I picked up my rucksack and took a last look around the apartment; any wrappers from the makeover were now in Mary Lou's bag, ready to be dropped into a skip on her way home. My bag was on the bed with my phone and any trackers in there. Cuffs and pepper spray were stowed with the gun in my rucksack. Once I was sure everything was tidy and evidence free I locked the door and put the keys in the shoebox in the cleaning cupboard, including my Rangeman key fob. I had put on the baggy cargos and hoodie that Mary Lou had worn when she came in, it was dark outside so hopefully anyone would think I was the same person going out with Sally. I got into the car that Sally was driving and we headed into town. Mary Lou was to walk out of the front lobby door and be picked up by Lenny, acting as though she lived there. Phase one was over, now onto phase two, and pray I got away with it.
Chapter 2
I awoke at 5 and dressed for the gym and a morning workout. My time had been non-stop meetings this week and I was hoping for time to catch up with reports, some paperwork and even try to check in on Steph. I pushed myself on each aspect of my routine and then to really burn off excess energy sparred with some of the new guys on the mats. I wasn't overly pleased with a couple of them and needed to confer with the core team on that. My morning had run pretty much to schedule and I had an hour before a core group meeting. Why did I have to jinx it? Because the shit was about to hit.
The telephone went showing it was Manny in reception.
"Ranger I have two FBI agents who say it's important that they see you, I've checked and their ids are good"
"Have them escorted up to my office"
Two men were brought in, escorted by Manny, he still liked to intimidate the likes of FBI agents, and judging by their faces he'd succeeded.
"Gentlemen?"
"Mr. Manoso, I'm Agent Langley, FBI and this is Agent Mosely, FBI, we have some important information to share with you and are hoping that you can support our efforts"
Yeah right, they had bits of information and wanted us to do their dirty work.
"Take a seat"
Langley had a confidence about him and as an older agent he seemed more at ease. He was perhaps in his late forties, with sandy coloured hair cut short, but showing splashes of grey. His suit was cheap but fit him well and he was well presented. The other was a different breed, I wasn't sure about him and my instinct was to not trust him. He was tall, blond, with blue/grey eyes and with a skin tone that showed he had been in the sun. He was perhaps mid thirties and had an expensive, impeccable suit. It seemed Langley was going to be the spokes person.
"We have been led to understand, from confidential informants and evidence from certain activities in and around Trenton, that we have a radical group establishing themselves here in town"
"Go on"
Mosely took up the challenge.
"Well, we would expect you to use your influence and contacts and help to verify this, then provide us with information on what they are up to"
I raised an eyebrow at his arrogant speech.
"Why would I do that?"
Yeah that threw them, I continued.
"As a company we do take on contracts from the FBI, you come back with a contract that we may deem acceptable and I'll talk with you again, gentlemen, I'm busy so the ball is in your court"
I stood up and opened the door and nodded to Manny to escort them off the premises. I was not impressed and showed my annoyance as I walked into Tanks office for the core group meeting; Santos and Bobby were already there.
"Ranger, what got you in a mood?"
"Dam FBI agents, demanding we provide services with no contract"
"Anything we already know about, Primo?"
"No, some new radical group in the area?"
I looked at Tank for some answer.
"Nah, not come into our radar. So why else did you call this meeting?"
"Bobby what do you think of the new recruits we have?"
"All right, a couple have potential a third I think is just lazy, Santos how are they working with you?"
"Same two are possibles, they have the intelligence and stamina, but at the moment they aren't controlled enough for our line of work. Maybe with some one on one and shadowing they'd learn the ropes. One I'm not sure about, might be better with the security side, where there isn't the same need for being as physical, but I think we need to do a review with them and give them some targets to achieve before their probation period ends"
"So what you're saying is Collins is lazy, Hickman and Sandor are possibles, all need more training?
Tank crossed his arms and sat back in his chair.
"Sounds about right, how do we move this forward?"
At that moment Manny knocked on the door and entered, he obviously wasn't happy to interrupt us but as we'd turned our phones off to have some privacy, it couldn't be helped.
"I'm sorry Ranger but I've got Morelli down in reception, shouting and demanding to see you, he won't leave and threatened us with a search warrant"
I got up from my chair and walked to the door.
"Tank come up with a plan for those three, Manny put Morelli in conference room 1 with full audio and video, oh and make sure he signs in and relinquishes his weapon."
I turned my phone back on, no missed calls or texts, and slowly walked down the stairs to the conference room behind reception. Morelli was already in the room pacing and almost growling with anger. I stood at the doorway waiting for him to become aware of his surroundings. He suddenly turned toward me and strode to within a foot of me, he was radiating with anger.
"Where the hell is she?"
"Who?"
"Who the fuck do you think I mean?"
"Morelli you're going to have to come up with more information"
"Steph, where have you sent her?"
Now I was totally confused.
"I haven't seen her since the night you nearly interrupted our takedown"
"Well you must have, why would she say she's working out of town if it wasn't for you?"
"Morelli I still don't know anything, when did you last speak with her?"
"I haven't, I got this letter this morning"
He threw a letter on the table then sat down. I sat and picked up the letter to read, I looked at Morelli to ensure he meant for me to read it, he nodded his head.
"Dear Joe
Although I've not really seen you for a while I thought it best to let you know I'll be out of town for a few days working on a job. No need to worry I'm fine.
Stephanie"
Short and sweet and from the context of this letter she didn't see herself as being with Morelli, interesting.
"I have no idea about this, I'm as much in the dark as you"
"Shit, I'll need to go see her parents"
"Morelli if you do that, be very sure you don't present this as anything other than she's left town"
"That a threat Manoso?"
"No just a caution, don't blow this out of proportion"
He flung the door open and came to a stop in front of Manny, Manny was having a good morning and nodded at me indicating he'd escort Morelli out. I returned to five and going into the monitoring area asked Binkie to call up Stephs trackers, they were all sat in her apartment, with her car in the parking lot. I returned to Tanks office where he was alone working.
"What's Morelli griping at?"
"Steph has sent a letter to Morelli telling him she's out of town on a job. Send Santos to check out Stephs flat will you, then give Connie a phone"
"Ah shit you think she went willingly?"
"Don't know. Lets get some info first"
I returned to my office sitting down with my head resting on the back of the chair. She'd been out of sorts after the distraction, but I thought I'd left her settled and relaxed? I opened my eyes and looked down. There sat on my desk rested an envelope, Stephanie's writing, I leaned forward to pick it up, I didn't have a good feeling about this.
"Dear Ranger
Than you for taking care of me the other evening, for some reason I felt really off, but you knew exactly what I needed.
I am going out of town for a few days, a bit of a quest to help a friend. I suppose I could quote you for once, not business, but in the wind, definitely no coup envisaged, but travelling incognito. I will be careful and if I need your help I will try to get a message to you.
Love Steph"
Babe what are you getting yourself into? Nothing has ever been straight forward with her, Steph's open and trusting nature makes her vulnerable, but I suppose her strength and determination makes her formidable. I sat up and sent a text to Morelli
"I have same letter"
I wasn't going to show him the letter Steph had sent to me, I wanted to savior the different and more affectionate way that she had written it, because dam it, I would have been jealous had his letter shown more affection. The door opened and Santos and Tank both came in, both with serious expressions. I gave the letter to Tank and looked at Santos.
"Absolutely clean, no evidence of a break in or damage. Her trackers, cards and phone were in her bag on the bed and I found her keys in a cupboard next door. I spoke with the neighbors and Dillon, they haven't seen anything"
Tank handed the letter to Santos.
"I spoke with Connie and Mary Lou, they've received similar letters, also one sent to her parents, obviously Morelli and now you. She covered her bases. No cash withdrawals, trackers and phone left behind. Ranger she knows how this can be done, I don't think we'll find her unless she wants to be found"
"Primo, I don't think she'll be gone long and maybe it's what she says, she's helping out a friend?"
"Yeah but I remember the last few times she's gone off to help someone out"
They both nodded at me, we didn't need to mention the name Abruzzi that resulted from her trying to help a neighbor find her granddaughter or the trouble when her uncle disappeared. Trouble just seemed to find her.
"Tank ask around and see if there's anything that would say how she left town"
"Yeah, on it boss"