Note: Somehow this idea came to mind, but like we've been reading in the books, Ranger isn't crazy about sweets. I thought she would keep trying until he does.
Halloween is coming up soon, Stephanie Plum told herself as she walked into the kitchen. She'd come home from work not too long ago. Today was one of those days when her car blown down. She'll have to talk with Ranger tomorrow and see if he wouldn't mind letting her borrow one of his cars. Since Halloween is getting close, Stephanie hadn't bought any candy for her trick – or – treaters or put up decorations.
An idea popped into Stephanie's head. Her idea: why not invite Ranger for the evening on Halloween? He could be a big help to her by letting the kids help themselves for the candy. Ranger doesn't care much for Halloween or sweets, but she could try talking to him in eating sugar. He'd never been a fan of junk food, but it wouldn't hurt to try this one on him again. Who knows – he might like it, Stephanie told herself.
Instead of waiting until tomorrow morning to ask him about cars couldn't wait any longer. She dialed his house right away. He was home, just like she thought he would be. He picked up on the third ring.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Ranger. Mind if I ask you something?"
"What?"
"Of course I did. Mind if I ask you something?"
"What? Can it wait until tomorrow?"
"Yes, but I think now is the best time."
"I'll stay a little bit longer, then."
"I'd like to ask if you would like to spend the evening here on Halloween with me?"
"Why would I want to do that? You should know by now I'm not into that sort of thing."
"Come on. It's just for one night. You can help me with passing the candy around to the kids who pay me a visit. How does that sound?"
"Let me think about it. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't. Just let me know before Halloween, okay?"
"I'll let you know my answer will be. Don't tell me you have something in mind for me."
"That's my plan, and I'm not telling what it is, either."
"Sounds like a surprise to me."
"It is. I'm not going to share this with Lula because she'll blurt it out to you the minute I ask her not to."
"I understand that. I'm not guessing to what idea you have planned."
"Good. I'll let you figure this one out for yourself."
"That's what I thought, Babe. See you tomorrow."
"I'll talk to you in the morning also. Thanks for the car."
"Anytime, Babe."