A/N Thank you for the reviews. I have no beta. POV's change between Steph, Hector and Frank in this chapter, I hope I don't confuse you all. Each change POV is separated by a line. There is also times Steph reflects on memories.

Chapter 3

I numbly walk away from Tank, Les and Bobby but just couldn't take anymore. I make it to an ally and the weight of recent events is just too much, my body crumbles to my knees as heart wrenching sobs break my core. This is the final blow; I have lost my best friend. I mumble "he didn't talk to me, he didn't say goodbye" over again. Vaguely, I feel a hand on me and Spanish language flying around. Not sure how long I stayed there; eventually I did stop and turn to see Hector. I give a sad smile and hug him tightly, he helps me up and we walk from the ally, Tank and Les leading. They stop and I hear my dad's strong authoritative voice, "I will take over from here", there is no doubt in his voice that this is exactly what is going to happen. He hugs me to his side and leads me to the taxi. I turn and say thanks to the guys. "No worries beautiful, we will take care of things here" Les responds.

One word from Hector, "Chica" and I know that means he will be checking on me later.

Dad takes me to our cafe. It is on the outskirts of Trenton off the highway and is predominantly a truck stop but the attached cafe is in a log cabin style building with sawn timber tables and bench seats with a smooth finish. A big stone fireplace at one end and the room is decorated with antique timber sawing tools and kitchen wares from a period far ago. There are cast iron candle chandeliers hanging from the exposed beam ceiling. They have been updated to electrical lighting but is still soft like candle light. The food is simple but delicious and the atmosphere is peaceful. The wrap around porch allows you to enjoy the outdoors while dining outside and let a gentle breeze flow through the room.

It brings me back to last week when I came here for the first time in so long. I become lost in memories. Sitting by myself on the porch nursing a cup of coffee, it was two days after returning from Point Pleasant. Dad would bring me here when I had a bad day or mum was down on me. Sometimes, I think we came because he needed it more than I did. It became a routine for us; I don't remember when we stopped. It was one of my thoughts at Point Pleasant, a tradition Dad and I shared that had become lost along the way. I had apologised to Joe as planned and left a message for Ranger stating I needed to talk to him please. Joe was incredibly understanding considering, though I could see the hurt and pain in his eyes and he admitted that he had done things that hurt me too. Joe and I are going to be great friends when the turmoil of ending relationship settles and I get my head straight. I am confident. Ranger, however, I am not so confident.

My mind shifts to my next painful encounter as I vaguely recognise Dad sitting me down in a chair at a table and him taking a sit across from. Last night my mother had lashed out at me for almost anything she could think of. I stood strong and defended myself. That did not go so well, my mother expected me to bow to her wants and desires. I remember after her tirade, I took a couple of breathes to calm down and told her "mom, I love you that will never change. It seems that anything I do is never enough for you and I don't think you have ever been proud of me. Mom, I don't want the burg life that you and Val have, it is not me. I know I have said that more times than I can count, why do you keep pressuring and pushing me into something that does not make me happy? Do you want me happy? You know mum, it really is ok to be different. Why are you so judgmental particularly of people not from the burg or fitting into your definition of 'good people'? You are not happy with people I surround myself with, my work, how I dress, basically anything that is me and my life. You twist my words to the point that what I actually say is unrecognisable. Do you seek joy out of turning anything I say into some morbid, twisted lie to punish me and hurt me? What do you get out of it, the pleasure of making yourself feel superior and above all else? Maybe, you just don't want me happy. On that note, I am going to leave and I won't be back, I am going to do what makes me happy, makes me proud to be me and I know you will not approve but I cannot and will not have persistent negativity in my life from anyone any more. Mum, I am not a bad person I just want to be me. I am going to be focusing on looking after me, getting my happy back. Take care mum, I love you. I just can't be hurt by you anymore" and I walked out the door, managing a quick goodbye to Grandma and Dad before.

Mother was fuming. I am sure if I stayed any longer she would have slapped me. It wouldn't be the first time.

I am happy I stood up for myself though; I had left dinner early by then and decided to after one of my skips. I glance down at my forearm and run my other hand over the bandage. It was not a nice takedown. Jackson Loyd was bailed out by my slimey cousin after he beat his wife in a drunken state. He pushed me and while I stumbled I grabbed his arm and took him with me when I fell. I couldn't tag him with my stun gun before he slashed my arm with a knife.

That was when someone had sat opposite me, looking up I saw my dad. "I saw your car". We had a quiet meal together just enjoying each other's company.

"I miss this daddy". I had said.

"So do I pumpkin".

My memory halted and I was brought back to present when dad said, "Please talk to me pumpkin. So much has happened with you in the last two weeks and I am sure I am not aware of all of it".

I look at dad, my eyes fill with tears and I say "I just don't know where to start dad".

"How about starting with the event that prompted your trip away and go from there. I will listen".

"Thank you, Daddy".

I take a breath to calm down and start with Ranger and our last night together, followed by my talk and break up with Joe, then the Point Pleasant trip and the apology to Joe and the one I wanted to give Ranger as well, when I got home.

"Dad, Ranger didn't call me back. He never does that". My breath hitches as I say, "tank and Les told me just before you got to my latest disaster scene that Ranger had left town. In the past, Ranger always lets me know he is leaving". A sob escapes, "dad I think I have just lost my best friend and my heart is breaking because I love him". Dad takes my hand and holds it in his big protective one. I calm down and continue.

"Anyway, after I left Ranger the message I went to Mares to pick up Rex, when I got there, there he was sitting on the porch, a letter in Mares handwriting sitting on top." I remember the feeling of my stomach churning and heart clenching. "I went to Lula's next and had a nice long talk with her about everything and asked her to keep my life private please. She was great, really came through me". I paused to take another drink of my coffee dad had ordered at some point. I was so distracted with my thoughts I didn't notice he ordered for us.

I thought about the heart to heart Lula and I shared. I told her everything including the letter from Mary Lou I still hadn't opened and even about the pressure I felt sometimes from her regrading Joe. Lula apologised for making me feel that way and said that she never meant to upset me. I had to find a stiff drink to put in her hand after I told her about Ranger, the deal and his behaviour after or she would have had a gun in hand hunting down Batman. I shared with her my new nickname for him that got her distracted; Lula laughed and said instead of LSG pistol how about The LF (Latin Fuckwad) grenade because he blows your mind with sex then follows up by blowing your heart to pieces. I had left Lula's with a new found security in our friendship.

I continue telling daddy everything, "When I left Lula's my car wouldn't start. I should have called someone but I just decided to walk. It was Hector, the Rangeman holding me today, who pulled alongside me when I was being harassed by a couple of low-life. One had grabbed my arm roughly and another hit me across the face. I know it was stupid for not being more alert. They left pretty quickly once they saw it was Hector with me". I smiled remembering the pale faces, slack jaws and apologetic mumbles they threw at Hector before running off and remembered his words.

"Chica, what you doing walking alone a night? I am worried about you".

"Sorry Hector, that was pretty stupid of me". He put his arm around my shoulder.

"Chica you ok? Ranger hurt you?"

"Ranger is just part of it Hector" and another tear runs down my cheek.

He steered me toward his truck and drove me home.

Dad broke my train of thought by saying with a chuckle, "I bet they ran". I smiled.

"Ok, so this week, my previous skip Lucas Dimitri, Vinnie rebonded him. Well he decided to come after me. I was preoccupied again because I had just seen Joe on a date at Rossini's. You know dad, I haven't been on a real date since before Dickie? Joe never took me on a real date. It really hurt to see him like that. I am not good enough for a man to take me on a date" and I shake my head. Dad gives my hand a squeeze. "Well, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary but as I approached the car it blew up. I was thrown back and when I sat up I saw Lucas across the street smiling at me". Sigh. Another car gone.

"You already know what happened when I arrived at home for dinner and to borrow big blue".

Mom had come down on me again. Pressuring me about Joe. She flipped when I told her Joe and I are permanently separated. Mum wanted to know how I was going to have a man to marry that is as good as Joe and that it was unlikely I would find anyone better.

"I am sorry you felt you had to do that last night Pumpkin but I do really understand why you needed to". He kissed my hand.

"What happened today Pumpkin?

"Well I was going after my last skip, I had him cuffed and heading toward to car when I caught the glint of metal flying thought the air. A knife had grazed my upper arm. It was Lucas Dimitri again. I saw him throw another, this time it got my leg as I dived behind Big Blue". Out of nowhere Hector stepped out of the SUV and threw his knife landing in Jackson hand where he was holding the knife. By the time the skip could finish screaming Hector had a knife to his throat and making threats in his ear. The guy paled and nodded.

"Hector detained Lucas and took the skip I had, phoned tank and the police then helped with my wounds until the guys came. The TPD were giving him a hard time about the knife wound in Jackson's hand. My Italian temper broke" I said with a smirk at dad. "I was yelling and waving my hands around. I didn't realise I was crying too until Eddie came up to me and calmed me down. He told me it was ok and nothing will happen to Hector because it will be ruled as third party defence. I wasn't going to let anything happen to Hector, he protected me, saved my life even. Hector hugged me until I settled. It was after I asked the guys where Ranger was and I found out he left".

"Dad, I still haven't been able to bring myself to read Mares letter. Would you please? I know it's bad but I need to know". He nods his head and I retrieve the letter.

I watch my dad read the letter and feel sicker the further he reads. I asked him not to read aloud, just give the basics once finished. His facial expressions are enough. When he folds the letter and puts it on the table between us, his fists clench. I can see he had to restrain from scrunching the letter in his fist. We look at each other.

"I have just lost another best friend, haven't I?"

"I'm sorry pumpkin; she doesn't want any contact with you and has changed her phone numbers".

And there goes my heart, it shatters again. On the inside, I am a disaster zone. Outwardly, I sit there, I don't cry, I don't speak. It isn't until sometime passes and I reach for my coffee cup that realise I am shaking all over. Dad puts his hands over mine and holds me there, I look up at him and say, "But I love her, she is my best friend. I would do anything for her. How can she just throw away decades of friendship?" Silent tears begin to fall. I see the anguish in my dad's eyes for me. I don't say anything else and stare into my coffee cup and retrieve into my own world. I sense my dad is watching me closely and feel his concern.

FPOV

I watch Steph, my Pumpkin drift into her own tormented thoughts. When Pumpkins phone rings, she doesn't even hear it so I reach for it and see it is this Hector. I answer and he says "Hola Chica, you ok? I'm worried". Hmmm, this might be a good time to brush up on my Spanish. I know who hector is or should I say was.

"No, this is Frank Plum. Do you care for my daughter? Will you look after and be there for her? I don't want any bullshit answers just yes or no".

"Si, sir. Si I will look after Angel".

"Good. I saw how you looked after her today. Don't let me down son because pumpkin has just about had more than she can handle, right now. Steph just found out some more bad news. I am here for her but I really think she needs a friend. Will you meet us?"

Si, where are you?

I end the conversation with Hector. Pumpkin is still unaware that her phone has rung or that I was talking to someone. Sitting back, I wait for Hector's arrival while keeping a close eye on Steph.

I see the black vehicle slide into a parking space and this Hector smoothly exits. He is very commanding and throws a dangerous vibe. One not to be messed with. I believe he will do as I ask in looking after Pumpkin. Good.

HPOV

I see Mr Plum as soon as I enter the cafe sitting with the shadow of a person that is Angel. What more has happened? Mr Plum appears with a different vibe, much stronger and a little dangerous; I have never seen him this way before. Hmmm. Mr Plum stands to meet me and shakes my hand. I am surprised he is so forward with me. Well, he is Angel's father. I glance over his shoulder to Angel. She hasn't even realised I am here or that her father has left the table. Angel looks so broken, I want to kill the fucker that has done this to her. I feel Mr Plum assessing me and turn my attention back to him.

FPOV

I watch Hector as he takes in Pumpkin. He quickly sees what I see and he jaw clenches, his hands twitch a little and his eyes hardened. I can tell he wants to Hurt the person that has done this to her. Good. I know my pumpkin will be taken care off and safe with him.

"She is hurting a lot. I am not going to betray her trust except to say that some very important people close to her have shattered her. On top of the all the other incidents that happened this past couple of weeks, she is really struggling".

Hector nods.

"Pumpkin told me about the two occasions you have helped her. I thank you for protecting her and helping her, I know Steph left out some details" I say with a knowing smirk. "And I am grateful you did what you had to do, she needs that support right now".

"Si sir."

I nod and we go back to the table.

HPOV

I have been sitting with Mr Plum for 10 minutes before Angel is even aware I am there. Angel gives me sad smile then frowns a little. I can see the question in her eyes and Mr Plum jumps in and told her I phoned and that she didn't hear the call so he answered. Thought she could use another friend. Angel smiles a little again.

"Thanks Hector"

"Let's go for a drive Chica. I will take you home", angel looks at her father questioningly and he gives her a slight nod and a smile. He then turns to me and says in Spanish, "You look after her as though she is your own. I know you are aware of the strength in what I am saying" and his eyes flash to my gang tats then laughs as he looks at Angel. She is shocked,

Mr Plum closes her mouth, "yes, I speak Spanish" he smiles. He stands up, gives her a hug and kisses to the top of her head, looks at her and smiles; "let's do this again next week" gives me a nod and leaves. The drive to Angel's apartment is quiet.

Once I left Angels, I called Tank and told him I was on my way to see him, Les and Bobby.

"Sure man, what's going on?"

"It's Angel, be there in 10" and hang up.

The team were waiting for me when I arrived. I shut the door, turned and took them in before I spoke. There was concern and worry before frustration that I hadn't said anything. Les was the first to speak. "What's going on? Is beautiful alright? Spit it out man".

"I am worried about Angel. I just left her place after dropping her home, she is broken and hurting".

Bobby jumps in "are her injuries ok? Do I need to go check her?"

I shake my head, "nah man, I mean emotionally. People very close to her have Hurt and broken her". We all look at each other with knowing eyes.

"Bastard" tank replies and stands up. "I knew something was going on, the other day Bomber was so pissed off at Ranger".

"What do you mean?" les said. Tank relays the day for us all to hear. He and Ranger helped with a skip after the skip hurt Lula. The skip got a broken nose and damaged manhood out of it delivered by Angel, I smiled at that. It was the next thing he said that took us by surprise, "man, I have never seen Bomber that pissed off; she turned to Ranger and said "you want one too?" I swear I saw her leg twitch just wanting to bust it on Ranger too. I was fucking relieved I wasn't on the receiving end. That was the only thing Bomber said to him the whole time".

"What the fuck did he do? I bet this is why he up and left too and we know he didn't say goodbye to her. Beautiful, fucking broke right in front of ours eyes today when we told her Ranger left".

"I gave my word to her father that I would look out for her and treat her as my own". They all looked at me shocked. They all knew what that meant, Angel is one of mine and you don't fuck with what's mine or you die. I see the questions running across their faces about Angel's dad and when I spoke to him that would have been a bigger surprise to them.

I looked at them; I wasn't going to say anything further on that. They nod their heads.

"I am going to help Angel anyway I can and If Ranger knows what is good for him he better stay away for a while". They nod again.

"What can we do? We all love Bomber and want to help her", bobby states.

"I will be spending time with her by getting her to train with me, it will make her stronger mentally and that is what she needs". The boys look at me doubtful, but I am not.

"Angel will do it and I have her fathers... Influence you could say." Again they are surprised with my association with the Mr Plum.

Tank jumps on board, "this is good if you can get Bombshell to train. Hector is right this will help her a lot emotionally and mentally. We can help too, Les can do the shooting range with her, bobby her health and conditioning. We all can do fighting with her and we each have other skills we specialise in. What do you think Hector?"

I nod, "that's good, but I am not going train her in Trenton unless it is within Rangeman while Rangers away or in her apartment. Angel gets too much shit thrown at her in Trenton, especially the burg".

"Agreed".