Hell No, We Won't Go
Previously:
Why don't you think about that while I prepare my own 'mission' against you? After all, Tomorrow is another day, is that not right?"
D-A-M-N.
His Babe was on fire.
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After Stephanie Plum left his office, Mayor Juniak stayed in his chair, sitting in stunned silence across from his equally shocked administrative assistant. The determination to stop his newest city ordinance had been etched deeply on Stephanie's face and he couldn't think of a single thing that might dissuade her.
"Sir, what are we going to do?" His assistant asked. "If Rangeman pulls its support from everything they're funding...we'll have a riot on our hands."
Shaking his head in disbelief, The Mayor couldn't even comprehend the thought of Rangeman pulling out on the community programs they had suggested and we're currently funding. His assistant was right; the Burg would be up in arms - and they'd be calling for his head on a platter. His other issue was getting re-elected. There was only six months until voting day and Rangeman was always his biggest campaign supporter.
This was all over his desire to make the city of Trenton some money. It seemed like a no - brainer at the time; even his own City Council overlooked the normal procedures and wrote the ordinance into effect. But not before Stephanie stood up in front of the cameras and the audience and hammered them all over it.
What Would Happen Now?
Wondering how to handle this delicate situation in which he found himself, he called the one person he knew could give him insight into this newest adversary.
"Plum here." The voice was that of his oldest friend. He and Frank had grown up together, gone to school together and even survived their tours in the Army together. They knew, no matter what, they could always count on each other's support, even if it was to bring down a member of their own family.
Juniak only needed to say a few words to get the man's attention, "Lodge, private room, one hour."
"Affirmative," Frank Plum replied.
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Steph wheeled in a three tiered service cart filled with everything she or the men would need to help her out with her latest mission.
Once she and Ella told the men what it was about and what it would entail, most were more than happy to have her back. Lord knows she always had theirs.
Some men got to work right away while others who were technically working would have to wait until they were off shift to lend a hand. They quickly created a schedule so Steph and Ella would always have at least two pairs of extra hands for whatever they needed.
Stephanie wore many hats at Rangeman; she processed all new clients, helped Tank with the payroll reports, filled in on research when they were short staffed and this year she'd taken on the role of the newly established Good Will Ambassador. It was her job to cultivate Rangeman's involvement in the community and various civic opportunities around Trenton.
Their newest venture was supporting the recently renovated Youth Center whose current project was planting gardens for the elderly in their newly acquired housing (Stephanie herself had spearheaded the fund raising).
But this project?
This was personal.
A city by-law that 'happened' to get approved just to make a profit off hurting someone she cared for went a little bit too far.
She knew what it was like' and Lord knew people placed bets on her life all the damn time. Well, they used to anyway.
This Stephanie Michelle Plum, once she learned about what was happening to her friend, started showing up at City Council meetings, voicing her opinions quite loudly and vocally, all to be shot down in favor of growing the city coffers.
After the meeting with the men adjourned, Steph was able to go upstairs and call her own personal superhero. She knew he had probably heard at least part of the conversation she'd had with Mayor Juniak thanks to the little recording device in the necklace he'd given her. Yes, being with Ranger came with conditions; compromises had to be made and the necklace was one. He didn't listen all the time, only when he was out of town and she was okay with that. It eased his mind to be able to check in on her when he couldn't be there and she couldn't fault him for that. Her safety was his number one concern and she did her part so he would worry less.
Stephanie had her own conditions as well, such has having Hector as her full-time partner. It certainly helped that they'd been best friends their whole lives before she convinced Ranger he would be an asset to the company. He and Ranger tag-teamed her on taking better care of herself with each taking turns exercising with her and encouraging her to try a healthier diet. She even started to like the Veggie Lasagna Ella made and really only indulged in her favorite TastyKakes once or twice a week. Although she didn't think that one counted because Hector always shared it with her. After all their joint efforts, she was now able to run up those seven flights of stairs to the penthouse without getting out of breath.
The men noticed a change in her and it made them happy. She always had a glowing complexion and a smile on her face. Of course daily morning showers with her man might have something to do with that, but Ranger smiled a lot more too and it let the men know just how much the couple cared for each other.
No Gain Without Pain.
That was Steph's new motto in life. And what did she get in return for all this effort she was putting forth?
Well she had a man, a very sexy man, who was already in love with her and made sure he showed her just how much every day. She had a great job that she really enjoyed with an exceptional salary; it was really easy to let go of her old job when her new one had so many perks...the aforementioned, of course, and the best part, besides Ranger, might be the luxury apartment they shared on the top floor.
Sure Ranger was a little obsessive about safety and she'd had to get used to his constant monitoring but she felt safe with him and safe in the building not only did it give Ranger peace of mind, it also let the men she worked with relax, knowing she was living in the building and not that unsecured dump she used to inhabit.
Steph knew without being told, just how much she meant to Ranger and all the Merry Men and her attitude showed it. She was quick with a joke and her laughter was infectious for everyone.
It was a big departure from the life she led with her blood family. She'd finally gotten fed up with the constant badgering from her Mother about her love life and always demanding she show up for family dinner and had changed her mobile phone number. It was her Father who had to break the news to his wife that she was the reason Steph didn't come around any longer.
Hector had secretly recorded Helen's rant after that conversation and used it as ammunition to get the woman to back off completely.
Steph did see them on occasion, but the Plum family dinner was now held at a little cafe between Trenton and Newark and only once a month. Neither Ranger nor Steph gave in to their mother's requests to see them more often and ignored the 'drop in anytime' invitations they frequently tossed around.
But now the rumor circulating the neighborhood was if you wanted to see Stephanie at all, you only needed to flip on the televised City Commission/Council meetings and there she was. Changes had been coming for Trenton ever since Joe Juniak had taken over. Now, it was his ass in the frying pan, going to bat with all the power and influence Rangeman had in the city and bets were flying about who would come out victorious.
Frank and Helen, to the surprise of everyone, found themselves being proud of their youngest daughter, trying to make a difference in any way possible. It actually brought the Plum family closer together; even Edna stayed how to watch her baby girl in action.
No one from her life before she moved into the Rangeman building knew what to make of this 'new' Stephanie...but the men who lived and worked with her side by side, day in and day out, soon found out she had an agenda...
The petition sheet she created to try and stop the city by-law had hundred of signatures. Everyone wanted to volunteer and finding out Edna was in the mix made the men sign up even faster.
For having Edna, Steph, and the person they were most trying to help involved gave everyone a laugh.
Shit was about to get real.
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"Babe," Ranger said into her ear after she dialed his number, "I'm so proud of you. Standing up for a friend like that is admirable and you ripped Juniak a new one today. I'm just surprised he didn't cave right then. I don't know what it's about yet, but I'm hoping you'll fill me in on exactly what it is you have planned."
"Oh, you'll know all about it. I'll make sure of that. Good Night, Ranger. I love you and I'll see you soon."
"Babe," he replied, which of course meant, I love you too. Being well versed in BabeSpeak helped Steph out tremendously.
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" Damn it Frank, what can I do to stop Stephanie from ruining our plans for Trenton? For some reason this is her pet project and she's out to make me bend to her will. I just can't do it! I'll be the laughing stock of the town if I give into her demands." Joe Juniak was worked up. His face was flushed red from stress and he was flapping his arms around in frustration as he pleaded with Frank.
"Sorry Joe, but we don't see Steph that much except for our once a month dinners with Ranger's family. You know Steph; she knows people that know people so it's really easy for her to find out what's going on and she has a huge support system. I'd be prepared to give up if I were you…. Or maybe she'll miss the deadline to file objections again," Frank told his friend.
"The objections are due at City Hall by noon tomorrow. She's already been down there to register five complaints and now various other citizens have filed them too, in support of her cause. Why me, Frank? What did I ever do to get this girl of ours so mad?"
Laughter could be heard from the Lodge's room.
Tomorrow would indeed be an interesting day for all the people of Trenton.
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A/N. Thank you Janet for letting your characters out to play.
I've found out it ALWAYS helps to let your beta know what the end game of the story is, it saves her from pulling her hair out not to mention various curse words.
And Shelley, your MargaretSpeak translationis much appreciated. Even if the red pen is blindable.
*cheeky smile*
