When Ranger looks me in the eyes I say "You love my granddaughter." before he can object I repeat "You love my granddaughter and because of that you will help me despite your lingering scepticism."
Holding his gaze, not daring to blink or break my calm facade. Inside my heart rate has increased and I'm holding my breath. I need him to agree to help me, for Stephanie. Our stare off is broken when he gives me sharp nod.
"There are several things we need to cover; the first being, my daughter and Joe Morelli are meeting secretly to plan a way to trap Stephanie into marriage with Joe." On a full body shiver the visions flood my mind. Exhaling a deep breath I push them aside. "You must stop this. Ranger, please, you must stop this no matter the cost. I…I…cannot speak of the horrors she will face if they succeed."
"Mrs Mazur, Stephanie is under my protection, now and always. Nothing will happen to her." He responds.
"No." Shaking my head "You will not know until it's too late. The horrific experiences of everything in this building combined is no match for what she will suffer. You must take precautions now."
He leans back in his chair, elbows on the arm rests with this hands steepled in front of him, it's only as he does this that I realise I'm standing, leaning towards him, hands braced on the table. So much for the calm façade.
Sighing I sit back in the chair. "My time on this earth is almost to at an end, much sooner then I'd have liked, never the less it is fast approaching."
He sits forward and I'm momentarily distracted by his rippling muscles before I hear his question "Are you unwell?"
"My doctor tells me I'm perfectly healthy. I believe it is simply my time." I smile at him though I think it looked like more of a grimace with my wobbling lips. I'm not afraid of dying, Harry and I have been apart for long enough, but I do worry for Stephanie. My daughter…
My thoughts are interrupted by Ranger pulling out his phone and asking Bobby to come to the boardroom.
"Son, I don't believe medical intervention will save me." but I don't mind looking at another sexy man.
"That may be true Mrs Mazur but I need to be able to tell Stephanie we did everything we could."
Bobby left after arranging for me to visit a private facility that Rangeman uses, both men were sworn to secrecy.
Once Ranger and I are alone again I say "I would like to continue as if I am going to die because when the time comes I would like to be at peace. There are things that need to be done in order for that to happen."
He nods his understanding and I continue "I need to know that Stephanie will have someone else to take my place. That will love and support her unconditionally."
Looking deep in his eyes, his face may be blank but his eyes show his conflicting thoughts. "You're not ready for that and neither is she." He starts to object but I hold up my hand effectively silencing him. Go me! I silenced Ranger! We have another staring contest before he closes his eyes, resigned and gives me another nod.
"I will settle for ensuring that she is taken care of financially and physically. That she will have family in your men and her friends that will sustain her emotionally until someday, someday in the future you'll both be ready for more."
"What's your plan and what can Rangeman do to help." He says and I hesitate.
"As much as the thought of your hunky men assisting me is appealing. I was hoping to keep this as quiet as possible. I don't want to add to Stephanie's stress."
"Mrs Mazur"
Interrupting I say "I think it's time you called me Edna."
"Edna, every man in this building thinks of Stephanie as a sister, Ella and Luis would adopt her given a chance. We would all do anything for her. Let's discuss what you need and we'll take it from there."
