STEAMING

Chapter 2

oOoOo

Ranger POV

It had been a long day with meetings, installations and a late call out. Sitting in my office on seven so late, my feet crossed and up on my desk, sipping a glass of smooth Cuban rum, I was ready to head to bed when Hal's report arrived into my in box. I yanked my tie off and tossed it aside to see how things went.

Tank had suggested Hal as the ideal partner for Stephanie and I had to concede that their partnership had been a really good match. Afterall, since that time when she had tasered him in the elevator, to escape this building, at the time of the Slayers and that Junkman hitman, he was not going to let Stephanie pull another fast one like that on him. The video has been replayed so many times. Living down the embarrassment and laughter from his peers for being so easily deceived by her innocent charm was a lesson in trust and staying alert at all times, no matter with whom one is dealing. He just had to suck it up, and he did, and we've all moved on. Being distraction-wary and always being aware of your surroundings, no matter where, with whom or what, is critical in our job. It's an extension of our training. Yes, he copped a lot of shit, and mat time, but we don't dwell on it. It just comes up in despatches when sharing crazy or funny episodes. It was also a wake-up call for all of us: do not underestimate Stephanie Plum, especially a determined one. At the same time, she was good for Hal too. He's a deadly weapon and is easily underestimated as well. He used to blush all the time around Stephanie or other attractive women. She has given him confidence in that domain and her quirky sense of humour and thinking out loud and outside the box have also been beneficial to him and so much more that is Stephanie, a force to be reckoned with.

Smiling to myself, I opened the report. It appears it went according to plan and he confirmed their success due to her shrewd deductive skills in tracking down the skip to his non-identical twin's residence. His attention to detail was something I appreciated, especially where Stephanie was concerned and involved. What caught my eye was that she wanted to be dropped off at that shithole apartment of hers. I had to admit that I was more than a tad disappointed, okay … annoyed too, but also angry. Hal described his reluctance to drop her off, stubbornly going against his advice, especially so wet and so late since it was well after midnight by then, but he escorted her upstairs to her door and did the required walk through. Good man.

But, petulant as I suddenly felt – yeah, go figure, she has me feeling, feeling emotions which I had long ago considered not part of my repertoire on the emotional continuum – I really wanted to be the one to warm her up. Hmmm. Payback. I pondered and sly thoughts entered my mind, vivid sly thoughts. But, first I need to finish reading this. Distraction, and she is so good at that, even when she is not physically present.

Attached to his document, Hal also had two incident reports. That's curious and unusual. Two? Oh shit. The first was about an incident that occurred inside the TPD. Clicking the link, what I read in there made me furious. That fucker just can't leave well enough alone. I slammed my fist on the desk making the glass jump. I skulled the contents quickly lest I spill it. I read on, already steaming, planning Morelli's demise. Stupid fucker. Here Hal detailed the one-sided conversation, how Steph remained calm and composed despite his verbal abuse. First the skip with his tirade, and now Morelli, inside the TPD. That man is a stupid dip stick, a moronic idiot first class!

Okay, FTA's will often sledge and mouth off because they hate being caught. Men especially, hate it that they have been bested by a woman – it seems to be a slight against their masculinity, admitting defeat by the hands of Stephanie Plum especially.

I chuckle when I recall how De Chooch made a deal with me when Steph asked for assistance since that crafty old bastard kept taking shots at her – Dios Mio! The Deal! Shit. I was such a bastard for doing that, but she really made me hot for her. Well, unwittingly, she made me hot for her. I wanted her bad, real bad. And man, it was worth it. She was un-fucking-believable. All bloody night. I sigh. To think that I thought one night with her would sort out my intense lustful need for her. How wrong I was. It only ignited a deeper need, a hunger even, beyond lust. She was my forbidden fruit. I had fallen for her, big time. But, it's still one of my most memorable nights with her … one of a number that I fantasise about to this day. Hmmm … something more to think about. We have laughed about them, Steph and I, with no regrets. Would I do the same again? Probably … Hell yeah!

It was still early days with her induction into bounty hunting. She was not so much a novice by this stage but still needed some guidance through the process. No two skips were ever the same and neither were any of the captures. I had already decided to be Professor Higgins to her Eliza Doolittle, which was probably why she called me. I had an urge to protect her and she was definitely serious about getting it right in the bounty hunting game. I knew instantly that she was embarrassed to call me for help, thinking it was an admission of failure. Far from it.

Anyway, De Chooch didn't want to be seen to be taken in by a woman, being the former mobster that he was, so we compromised and I brought him in to the TPD. All credit was due to Stephanie, she'd nailed him, with a bit of constructive and creative thinking and some mentoring guidance. It was remarkable how she strategised so intently, to successfully solve that mystery in the first place. But she was frustrated by his devious tactics. And, let's face it, no one likes being shot at. Or kidnapped. And he kidnapped her grandmother as well. Now that was funny. I have to chuckle again. They were fun times. So many memorable times, it was remarkable and unbelievable the things that happened to her, repeatedly, aside from all the cars that "went to heaven", as she so aptly puts it. Cute. However, my heart stopped many a time during those early episodes of her bounty hunting career. I find myself smiling, but I digress as a thought enters my brain. But I digress again. Shaking my head, I continue reading the email.

I could tell by Hal's succinct manner that he was angry and unimpressed with Morelli. I'm shaking my head. The transcription was verbatim. Another link to this attachment was via Hector, with video footage from inside the TPD at the booking desk. Body language was very telling from all parties involved. I could see how wet they were, which Hal had already described about her, the skip's and his own state of saturation due to being caught in a prolonged, heavy downpour. TPD officers who came in from outside or from the parking lot, were also saturated. So, I was relieved it was not due to an over-zealous skip. I did zoom in at first to verify if there was any foreign material or food matter in her hair or on her clothes. Being wet she looked mighty fine. Her wet t-shirt clung tightly to her toned body, making the outline of her lacy bra clearly evident. I love how her t-shirt hugs her curves and her cargo pants … Dios Mio ... she's only wearing a thong. She stood tall and strong, mastering the blank look, totally in contempt of Morelli's taunting.

The third attachment was an official complaint report already lodged with the Chief of the TPD, outlining Morelli's reprehensible behaviour and assault. What the fuck?! Assault? In both reports Hal acknowledged Stephanie's calm and lack of reaction to his constant verbal onslaught. The only provocation was from him and she remained in control throughout. I recognised the breathing to centre herself and the look to Hal. He had her back. There was no evidence of any response or reaction from Stephanie. No clenching fists, no answer backs and none of her toe tapping or sassy attitude. That's my girl. She looked strong, in control … and very wet, deliciously wet. Down boy!

When I got to the part where Morelli grabbed her, I was outraged. But my anger was soon allayed with her classic take down of the fuckwit, right in front of his colleagues. Proud of you, Babe. Very smooth. My anger was still there but mixed with admiration and pride.

I sent a quick reply to Hal, more than just an acknowledgement of having read it. I was more than pleased with his efficiency.

I quickly shut down my computer and went to the bathroom. I had some urgent things to do before I was ready to go to bed. I smirked. And I needed to change from my Armani suit, which Stephanie loves. I had something else in mind.

oOoOo

TBC

He's done it again. Ranger has hijacked this chapter.

Besides, he seems a little distracted. ; - )