I was in the office with Connie and Lula when Ranger (My mentor) walked in.

My name is Stephanie Plum. Connie and Lula are two of my close friends, Ranger is another. He is my mentor and part time tormentor. Every now and then he drags me out of my apartment at ungodly hours of the 'morning' as he calls it, to go for a run. I hate running, hence tormentor.

He's also my best friend and one of the men I love.

The other is Joseph Morelli. Although I love both of them, I'm starting to realize (More with every fight) that I am not really in love with Joe. He wants me to be a 'Burg house wife with 2.5 kids and a white picket fence. He doesn't like my job or my friends. He can rant about my job and my luck, but I get a bit touchy when he starts bashing my friends.

It has only been a month since the Scrog incident. I have night sweats thinking about that night. Panic attacks of sorts, I tend to go to the office and busy my mind with FTA's. Ranger is freshly out of his cast and his bruises are healing. He works full days but with a partner. Always.

He came in and dropped his reciept off giving Connie and Lula a nod and saying "Babe." To me. And he's gone. Wow. That was quick. The check will go to Rangeman soon enough.

"Got any skips for me Connie?"

"One, Mooner." Mooner is another friend and the reason I get rent in most months. He's a druggy so he forgets his court date and comes back with me no problem. Easy. I took the sheet saying I'm allowed to apprehend him and wave good-bye. I don't need Lula's help today.

Ranger was leaning against his Porsche. Another one. He pushed off the car and led me into the ally. He had me pinned to the wall with ease. His phone rang. He sighed and answered. "Yo." Pause. Without warning he tensed and starting saying a string of curses that Sally would be proud of. I can't remember a time when he has swore, he doesn't usually. Huh? I started sliding away but he latched onto my arm and pressed me closer to the wall. He hung up and looked at me. His eyes worried.

"Whats wrong Ranger?"

"Steph." He let out a breath.

"What Ranger?!"

"It's Scrog."

Black dots danced in front of my eyes and I had the sudden urge too run screaming and crying. Scrog. He's in jail. Can't get out of Maximum security. Not possible. The dots danced more and grew, either they were getting bloated or I was going to pass out. Neither.

"He's in jail." I stated. He didn't say anything. "Ranger?" Nothing. "He's in jail right?!" I said getting slightly hysterical.

"He is unaccounted for."

"Oh god." I stood there for a minute not making any move to leave yet. "Julie?"

"Taken care of. She's got more security than Rangeman." I sighed in relief.

I thought for a minute. "I have to go." I started to leave. He had other ideas and pushed me back against the wall.

"You okay babe?"

"Yeah. Fine." He stared at me a moment. He knew I was lying.

"Do you have your gun?" I nodded. "Loaded?" I nodded again then walked to my mini resisting the urge to run.

R&R dudes! ;)

Peanut16