Thanks to everyone who has been reading but particularly those who have taken the time to leave a comment or review. It makes a huge difference in encouraging me to continue ...which is a problem since I run a business and so already work full time + . Sorry if the story leaps between first person, third person and any other person like-wise with the past/present tense.

As usual, all credit for characters goes to JE ... No making any money, just playing.


It's been over a week since the Charity Ball for the Children's Hospital. And I haven't seen Stephanie since. She never returned to the Ball...can't help but think of the Cinderella analogy only there wasn't a shoe or anything left behind. Hal brought her back once they had process the skip, but then she vanished. Apparently she left with Morelli. In her car. What type of man allows a woman to drive home? Asshole.

Although I told Steph that the capture of the skip was all hers, a cheque arrived on my desk the next day for a ¼ of the capture fee. "Thanks for your assistance". That's all the note said, no further message, no phone call, no explanations. I don't know whether it was an "up yours" gesture, like a bitch slap for my initial attitude toward her quest to become a bounty. Or something else. Either way, there was no way in hell I was cashing that cheque. I certainly didn't need the money, and she had earned it fair and square. It seems she had skipped town for a few days, so I couldn't even contact her to discuss the matter. Joe Morelli had also disappeared. Looks like the rumours of them getting together were true.

Pushing thoughts of Stephanie aside, I returned my focus to the mission details in front of me. I depart at 04:00 tomorrow and will be gone for at least 2 months, maybe longer. Depends on how long it takes us to extract the info from the target. My partner for the op will be here in 15 so I go over the latest intel in readiness for our final meeting.

There was no knock or warning as the door to my office opened and a familiar figure entered. She closed the door behind her and sashayed over to the chair opposite me. Making herself comfortable, she crossed her legs and smiled at me seductively.

"Hi Ranger, long time no see".

"Hi Jeanne-Ellen, you look well".

Jeanne-Ellen and I had worked together several times over the years. Usually when the cover required a married couple. We had a brief sexual relationship on one of those assignments, and Jeanne-Ellen had pushed for more ever since. But without success. We both agreed at the time, it was just for sex, a physical release. We were in a sensitive and volatile situation and both needed a way to relieve the tension. But as always with Jeanne-Ellen, she wanted to change the rules, and push the boundaries. I was prepared to complete this current assignment with her, she was the most qualified and experienced of available female operatives, and it shouldn't be difficult. But I realised in a moment of clarity that this would be our last. She held no interest for me, but her body language screamed that she still had me in her sights. She's subtle, most of the time, but she doesn't give up, and I was tired of her games.

Having made my decision I proceeded with our meeting to finalise details of the mission.


2 Months Later.

The mission was a success, although not without its casualties. I sported a couple of bullet wounds when our extraction was compromised, and Jeanne-Ellen had a bruised ego. She was incensed that even after two months I would not succumb to her attempts to seduce me. Every time she tried, either subtly or openly, all I could think about was Babe, even though I knew she was with Morelli. I imagined Babe in Jeanne-Ellen's place, and how she would act. The ensuing fantasies were enough to be a serious distraction and I frequently had to take matters into my own hands to find relief and regain sanity. Since when had she totally gotten under my skin? Did I mention distractions can get you dead? No wonder I have new bullet holes.

During my absence Tank had handled the company in his usual efficient manner. I'd caught up on paper work during the mandatory decompression time, and noted a number of new procedures had been implemented. Several new contract workers had also been added to the books. We were scheduled to meet at 09:00 after I had spoken with my handler and closed the mission file.

Opening my office door I could hear a muted buzz of voices coming from the break room. I headed in that direction to collect a bottle of water and make my return know to the men. I could hear Lester's voice amongst the rabble as well as female laughter. He better not have bought his latest squeeze to the office. He may be my cousin but he knows that is strictly against regulations and will result in severe disciplinary measures. Mat time and suspension without pay. Not to mention monitor duty for a month on return.

The sight in the break room caught me unawares and I felt a dark flash of anger before my blank face slammed down. Lester, Ram and Bones were all sitting at a table with my Babe, Tank was making a selection from the fridge. My Babe? Since when have I considered I had some claim on her? Lester had obviously been laying on the charm but my entrance had interrupted their conversation and Babe's smile was replaced with a look of surprise and confusion. The men got the hint it was time to depart...

"Catcha' later Bomber" ...

"Be good Beautiful.." beautiful? WHAT THE FUCK! If Santos has laid a hand on her I will cut his dick off.

"Bye Steph .."

"Bye guys. ... Um, hi Ranger. Welcome home."

Welcome home? Why did it feel that this was anything but home at the moment? I wished I was back on the mission or in some third world hell hole.

Tank had made his selection from the fridge and was watching me closely. "Steph's here to collect a file. I'll fill you in at the meeting. We still good for 09:00?" I knew he was trying to figure out the cause of my reaction.

"Yeah. My office." I replied, effectively dismissing Tank.

Steph and I were alone in the break room and I was at a loss of what to say. "Babe. This is a surprise. You're the last person I expected to see here." ... shit, that didn't come out right.

"Is that a problem?" She sounded unsure and ... disappointed, or maybe even apologetic?

"No. Not at all. It's just ... unexpected." I had a million questions flying through my head and was trying to arrange my thoughts and buy some time. This is not going well. Get it together Manoso.

"Actually, it's good you're here. I've been wanting to catch up with you. I haven't seen you since the Charity Ball and was hoping to get your thoughts on a couple of issues I encountered at the event." OK, a partial truth. I wanted to know why she sent Rangeman the cheque for part of her skip capture fee that night.

"Sure. Um, ..later this week sometime? Tank has my number". She stands as though to leave.

Tank has her number? Fuck. What the hell has been going on while I was away? This is the part that is always unsettling when you return from missions or tours of duty. You come back expecting to pick up where you left off, only to find life and people have moved on during your absence.

"I have some spare time this afternoon. You free for a late lunch? My treat."

"Ah sure... but I'll pay my own way."

"Babe. I don't ask people to lunch and expect them to pay." ... "Please." I added, remembering that this word worked wonders last time I attempted to gain her co-operation.

She was biting her bottom lip, no doubt questioning my intentions, but thankfully she agreed... "OK. But it's really not necessary."

"I know babe. But I'd like to. Where would you like to meet?"

"Well, I'm really partial to a good pizza"

"How about Shorty's then. 2pm."

"Sounds good. See you there."


Tank and I had been together since Army basic and had each other's back ever since. He knew something was off with my reaction in the break room and I knew he wouldn't let it go until he had an acceptable explanation. He bought me up to speed on company matters before grilling me on my reaction to Babe's presence.

"So, want to explain what that was about this morning?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Fuck man, we're not going to do the whole denial shit are we? You know that won't fly."

I rub my hand over my face trying, to make sense of it myself.

"Fuck. I don't know" I sigh. "You know the history. Where ever she's concerned everything just seems to be off kilter. I was just surprised to see her of all people, here, in this building."

"Uh hunh..." says Tank, assessing me with his .. do you really think I believe that's all there is .. expression.

Tank decided to leave the inquisition for now..."Well, Steph's been an incredible asset while you were gone. I offered her contact work when we were short staffed on a few occasions. She refused at first. Thought you wouldn't approve."

"But you obviously convinced her otherwise."

"What can I say. I can be persuasive when I want." I wasn't sure what to make of that comment.

"How did she react to the men? Or should I been asking how did they react to her?" Our company is made up mostly of ex military guys, ex cons, and gangbangers. But they're all loyal, highly skilled, and lethal. The only women who work here are Ella, who manages the housekeeping, and Jeanne-Ellen who sometimes does surveillance and distractions to pass time between her government missions and bounty hunting.

Tank collects his thoughts for a moment before replying ...

"She has no problem with the men. She's accepting, doesn't judge, but doesn't take shit either. Some of them find working with her awkward. They're not used to having someone, particularly a woman, and an attractive one at that, treat them as though they're men not mindless thugs or machines."

"And her work?"

"Her research skills are second to none. Rodriguez wants you to hire her full time. She has a business degree and great computer skills. And she thinks outside the box. You know she's helped the Trenton PD solve cases in the past right?"

"Yeah. And her asshole boyfriend, detective Morelli, took the credit."

"Yeah well, you're meeting with her this afternoon and I can guess what some of your agenda is, but take my advice, give her a chance, get to know her a bit. She's unique and shouldn't be pre-judged."


Babe said she liked pizza so we arranged to meet at Shorty's. It was a dark and dingy establishment, but the food was good and we wouldn't be disturbed. I felt a sense of déjà-vu when she entered through the front door and scanned the room looking for me.

I was sitting at a table in the back corner, back to the wall as usual. Babe approached and slid into the chair opposite me ... a smile on her face.

"This feels familiar ..."

My mouth twitched in a half smile ... " I know what you mean. But I promise to try and not to be an asshole this time. I asked once before if we could start afresh. Maybe today you'll give me a second chance?"

"Maybe..." she replied, but with a smile on her face, and I knew then that we would be OK. We were going to start afresh and she was not holding my previous stupidity against me.

The waitress approached and we placed our orders. Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese for Babe and a salad for me.

"So... what were your concerns over the Charity Ball.?" Babe asked.

"Actually, it's to do with the cheque you sent from your capture that night. I wasn't expecting payment and can't accept it."

"Look. You helped me, made the capture easy. It's only fair you get part of the fee." She replied.

"But Babe, I told you it was your capture, I was happy to help."

"Yeah well, it just didn't seem right, and I believe in paying my way."

"That's an admirable quality, but it doesn't resolve the issue ..."

Babe raised her hand in the universal stop signal..."Ranger, let me stop you right there. The matter is not up for discussion. You helped me, that's your part of the take. Cash the damn cheque."

"I'm sorry I can't and won't."... I can see her starting to sputter and object, but now it's my turn to indicate she should stop... "How about a compromise. I'll sign it over to the Children's Hospital Fund as a joint donation. That way your ethics aren't compromised, my conscience is clear, and the Children's Hospital Fund gets another $5,000."

The smile that graces her face lights up the room... "You have a deal", and we shake on it.

Our food arrives but the conversation keeps flowing. We talked for 3 hours. About everything and nothing. I have never experienced anything like it. She's relaxed and open, and for the first time in...forever, I feel like I'm talking to someone who is interested in me as a person and doesn't have an ulterior motive. It's hard for me to be open, I'm naturally quiet at the best of times and my military training and current line of work discourages casual conversation. Thankfully we have her contract work at Rangeman as common ground and this opens a whole world of information about her.

My phone has been strangely quiet for the afternoon which made me suspect Tank had a hand in there somewhere. I know he was keen for me to smooth things over with Steph so she would continue to work with Rangeman. But it looks like our meeting was about to end. Lester, Bobby, and Ram had all walked through the front door. A lot of the guys would come to Shorty's after work to drink, play pool, and blow off steam. This afternoon had gone well and I wanted to quit while ahead. I didn't want to return to this morning's awkwardness. Les wandered over to our table to say hello.

"Hey Beautiful, being interrogated by boss man?"

"Hey Les. We're just discussing some of the cases I've worked on with Rangeman."

"You nearly done? We're having beer and pizza if you want to join us. Bobby's paying, he lost the bet on who would win last night's game."

"Thanks Les but I'm expected at my parents tonight. Maybe another time."

"Sure beautiful." And with that he kissed the top of her head and joined the others at the bar.

I'd watched the exchange with interest and couldn't stop myself from fishing ...

"Has Lester given you any problems?"

"Nah... Les is a player, that's obvious. But I don't date people I work with. It just makes it easier."

"But you're dating a cop right? Joe Morelli?"

Her reaction took me by surprise. She nearly fell off her chair laughing.

There was a mischievous twinkle in her eye... "No. Joe's not my boyfriend. Much to my mother's dismay. We have a history, of sorts, and we're now friends. But hell will freeze over before I ever get together with him."

TBC.

My apologies to all cupcakes. ;-)