Sorry for the delay, but you know how it is. I don't want to write and post straight away. I needed to get a few chapters ahead and go back and do some fine tuning. Good thing I did that or I would have published a bit of a glaring mistake.

Enjoy this new chapter.

Stephanie's POV

I knew something bad had happened when I saw the bright flash of light in the sky. When we were thrown backwards, I hit my head on the ground and was knocked unconscious. When I came around, debris from the plane was scattered all around us. I looked around for Ranger and saw that he was a few feet away and still knocked out.

I rolled over and groaned with pain as I stood. I went to take a step and my leg went out from under me, causing me to fall back to the ground. I looked down at my leg and saw that a large piece of shrapnel was stuck in my calf. I knew enough basic first aid to know that I shouldn't pull out the metal. I also knew that I needed help so I tried to call to Ranger. I got no response from him so I looked around me and saw that my handbag was only a few feet away.

I crawled as best as I could and managed to reach my bag. I dug around and found my phone. It slipped out of my blood covered hand three times before I was able to grab hold of it and dial a number in my phone book.

"Bomber, I am assuming that you are on your way to Trenton by now. What can I do for you?"

"Tank, we need your help. The RangeMan jet just exploded above the runway. Ranger is still knocked out and I have a huge piece of metal stuck in my leg. I am bleeding pretty badly and I don't know how much longer I can stay conscious. Please help."

I heard Tank confirm that help was on its way before I passed out again.

Bobby's POV

The more information I got from the various offices, the more I began to feel that my presence in Miami was wasted. I just spoke to Tank and he has sent all remaining Trenton RangeMan employees back to Trenton with the exception if me, Lula and himself. Lester was dispatched to take over in Trenton and I was ordered to head up to Boston and help out as well as I could.

My medial training would help ensure that any of the Boston men who insisted on working, were physically strong enough. I was to assess the injured and put only those in the field that needed to be there. The Miami office is in good hands, so there's little point in me sticking around.

I was packing up my bag when my phone rang. Tank relayed the information about Ranger and Stephanie and I hit the ground running. I told Lula that she was on her own until she heard from Tank. She looked a bit worried but I told her that she'd be fine. We were pretty sure that Ron and the kids were not a target not that Rachel was out of the way.

I hurried to the airport and managed to make a commuter flight. By the time I arrived in D.C., we got word that both Stephanie and Ranger were taken to the hospital. I drove directly there and I arrived in time to ensure that the best orthopaedic surgeon was brought in to work on Stephanie's leg. Without that surgeon, she may have lost her leg below the knee.

Ranger was also in pretty bad shape. He had dozens of pieces of pieces of shrapnel embedded in his back. One piece punctured his lung, and when it collapsed during surgery, he went into cardiac arrest. They were able to get his heart started again and repair all of the damage from the shrapnel.

Due to the number of penetrating injuries, they have put Ranger into an induced coma. They tell me that any movement at all could jeopardise his recovery, so it is the best solution.

Tank's POV

It's a good thing that I sent Lester up to Trenton to take over because Ranger isn't going to get there any time soon. Based on what Bobby has told me, neither Ranger nor Stephanie will be going far. I pulled out my phone and called Lula.

"Hey Lula, I'm calling to let you know that I'll be there shortly. I need to tell you something so you're prepared when I get there, but you can't relay this information to anyone."

"Sure Tank, what's up?"

"Stephanie and Ranger were both injured when the RangeMan jet exploded. They weren't onboard yet because the plane was just landing when the explosion happened. They were both caught with shrapnel and are headed to the local hospital."

"Oh my god. What can I do to help?"

"I'm on my way there with two men who will stay with Ron and his two younger kids. You and I will accompany Julie and take her to D.C. so she can go to the hospital where Bomber and Ranger have been taken. We will stay in communication with Ron throughout so he can be sure that Julie is safe. When I arrive, I will talk to Ron and get his permission. I need you to discretely pack up a bag for Julie and then you and I will take Julie to the airport."

Lula agreed to follow my orders and went off to pack a bag for Julie and await my arrival.

Ron's POV

Something has happened. I can tell by the change in Lula's body language and behaviour. I want to ask her about it but she's in the middle of a game with the kids and they seem to love her. Whatever is wrong, I'm positive that it's not more danger for me or the kids. I have a feeling that something more serious has occurred.

I was watching the kids give Lula a sound beating on a board game when there was a knock at the door. I smiled at the kids and went to find Tank standing there. "Hi Ron, we need to talk. Can we go into your room for a moment?"

I led the way and Tank followed me. He closed the door and once we were alone, he said, "There's been another explosion. The RangeMan jet blew up just as it was landing in D.C. As you know, Ranger and Stephanie were supposed to be on that jet. Unfortunately, they were caught in the explosion and both suffered some pretty serious injuries.

"I was hoping that you would be willing to let Julie come with us so she can see Ranger. I think Julie needs to go see him."

I nodded and said, "Would you be with her?"

Tank nodded and said, "Yes, I'll also have Lula with me. We'll leave two men here to ensure that you and your other kids remain safe."

"OK, but before I say she can go, I think we should tell her what's going on so she can make her own decision."

I opened the door and called Julie into the room. She jumped and skipped her way into the room, smiling up at Tank, who returned her smile.

I looked at Julie and said, "Julie, Ranger and Stephanie have been in an accident. They are both in hospital in D.C. right now. Tank has come to see if you want to go and see him."

Julie's face remained calm and she reminded me so much of Ranger at that point. I was proud of how she handled herself and I think that some of that is nurture over nature, but not her blank face, that was pure Ranger. She looked up at me and then at Tank and said, "I'll go, but I think we all should go. With Mom in jail, you and Ranger are now the parents. I think it would be good for us all to get to know him better. If we do spend the summer in Trenton like you mentioned my brother and sister will never be comfortable around Ranger unless they get used to him."

Tank grinned and said, "That can be easily arranged. I can't guarantee that we'll find a hotel as nice as this in D.C., but I'm sure we can find something that is a close second."

I knew that if we did go to D.C., it would mean that my job in Miami was pretty much over. I asked Tank for a few minutes of privacy so I could make a few phone calls. I called my boss and explained the entire situation. He was very sympathetic but he couldn't hold my job open forever. I thanked him for his understanding and resigned.

I walked out of my room to find the kids all piled up on top of Tank, trying to tickle him. The kids were all giggling and laughing. It was good to see the kids happy. I called the kids towards me and said, "How would you guys like to go on a plane ride?"

My youngest, 6 year old little Emma, crawled up onto my lap and asked, "Can I sit by a window Daddy? I'm the youngest and the littlest so I never get to look out the window."

I smiled at my daughter and said, "Of course little one. It's your turn."

I looked up at Tank and he smiled and said, "I'll go make the arrangements. Why don't you all go and pack your bags. My 8-year old son Diego, who is normally shy around strangers, looked at Lula and said, "Can Lula help me? I can't lift my suitcase all alone."

I laughed at my son and then looked at Lula. She was grinning at Diego so I nodded and the two of them walked into his room and the rest of us went to pack our bags. Tank came back a few minutes after we all lugged our suitcases into the living room and handed me several pieces of paper. It was a set of boarding passes for a flight first thing in the morning.

Stephanie's POV

When I woke up, it wasn't overly surprised to find myself in a hospital. I turned my head and could see somebody standing in the shadow. At first, I was worried that it might be somebody there to hurt me but then I realised that the person was reading my chart. I didn't say anything, but once they closed the chart and moved forward to put it back in the tray by the door, I smiled.

I cleared my throat and Bobby rushed to my side. "How are you feeling?"

I didn't answer right away because I was assessing exactly how I was feeling. I looked at Bobby and said, "I'm fine. There is little pain. What's the prognosis?"

Bobby looked me directly in the eyes and said, "Well, you have a few screws in your leg. The piece of metal that went through your leg broke your fibula, the smaller bone in your leg. It also took a chunk out of the larger bone. A very famous orthopaedic surgeon from Bethesda was brought in at my request and you are expected to make a full recovery. It will be hard and you'll need a lot of physical therapy, but you will recover."

I grimaced at the idea, but then said, "If you'll help me with the physical therapy, I'm sure I can handle it."

Bobby smiled down at me and then said, "Stephanie, there's more. Ranger had dozens of pieces of metal protruding from his back. During surgery, Ranger's lung collapsed and his heart stopped. They were able to get it started again, but he's not in good shape Steph. They have him in an induced coma because any movement, even the slightest jarring could jeopardise his recovery."

My voice was a bit shaky when I asked, "Is he going to be OK?"

Bobby moved closer and took my hand before answering. "We don't know yet. He's one of the strongest men I know. He survived a bullet to his neck and chest so I'm sure he can survive this. We just have to wait and see."

I nodded and then asked, "Can I see him?"

Bobby shook his head and said, "He's still in recovery from his surgery. He will be moved to a private room later this afternoon."

"Could he be moved in here?"

Bobby thought for a moment and said, "I'll go find out. I don't see why they wouldn't, even if their policies don't allow men and women to share a room. I'll pull a few strings. Now, do you think you might be up for a few visitors?"

I nodded, assuming it would be one or two of the Merry Men. I pushed myself further up the bed into a more comfortable sitting position. I looked up when the door opened and I grinned as three kids and four adults entered my room.

Julie's POV

I couldn't believe it when Tank told me that Ranger was injured again. This time though, it sounded like it was worse than when he was shot. And to make things worse, Stephanie was injured as well. I was really worried about Ranger. It wouldn't be fair if he didn't make it after finally getting together with Stephanie. I barely slept all night waiting for our flight the next morning.

My brother and sister saw this as an adventure. They had only been on a plane once before so they approached this journey with a little less worry and a bit more excitement. Tank got us 6 seats together in first class on a flight. I sat beside Tank while Diego sat beside Lula and Emma sat beside Dad. Emma was so excited to look out the window and Diego was so taken with Lula that he didn't seem to notice the pressure changes when we took off.

Once we arrived at the hospital, Bobby met us and filled us in. He said that Stephanie was going to be OK and that Ranger was being kept in a coma. Bobby said that this was normal with internal injuries like Ranger had. It ensures that the patient stays immobile so their wounds can heal more quickly.

Since we can't see Ranger right now, I begged to go and see Stephanie. We all agreed. My Emma and Diego both like Stephanie a lot, so it will be fun. Bobby promised us that Stephanie's injuries were not too bad and she was in relatively good spirits. I looked at the big group and said, "Is the room big enough for all of us to go in at once?"

Bobby nodded and let me go in first. I saw Stephanie smile when we all walked in. I moved over to the side of her bed and asked, "Are you in too much pain for me to hug you?"

"Of course not sweetie, in fact, I'd accept a hug from anyone who wants to give me one. Just steer clear of my elevated leg and I'll be fine."

Stephanie barely finished her words before I rushed over to her and wrapped my arms tightly around her neck. I was quickly followed by Diego and Emma. As soon as the three of us exchanged greetings with Stephanie, Ron called us back to give Stephanie a bit of air. I watched as Ron approached Stephanie and sat back and listened to my siblings chatter with Lula, Bobby and Tank.

Ron's POV

I saw Stephanie flinch when all three of my kids were hugging her. I called the kids back to give Stephanie some space and I explained to them that they had to be more careful. I put a hand on Stephanie's shoulder and asked "How are you really doing Steph? I don't want you to be overwhelmed by my kids."

Stephanie smiled sweetly and said, "I'm fine Ron. I'm actually really glad to see you and your kids. It'll help take my mind off Ranger."

I nodded and said, "I'm sure Ranger is going to be fine Stephanie. He's young, he's strong and he has you and Julie to live for."

Stephanie gave me a funny look and said, "What about your work? Won't they complain if you're here?"

This time, it was my turn to make a funny look. "Actually, I resigned today. My boss was really good about it but we have some major projects coming. They can't move forward without me so I resigned so they could find a suitable replacement. They can't hold my job though, so I can't go back there when things quiet down."

"I'm sorry to hear that you had to resign Ron. I'm sure your skills will be needed because RangeMan will need that new building now more than ever. In fact, they may need more than one. The Boston office was also destroyed."

"We can worry about that once you and Ranger are better. For now, I want you to focus on getting better. Why don't I take the kids back to the hotel and get settled in. You can get some rest and we will come back later once Ranger has been brought down."

Stephanie nodded so I went to talk to the kids and explain that Stephanie needed her rest and that we would come back later. Julie wanted to argue, but she took my suggestion and went to say goodbye to Stephanie.

Lula's POV

Stephanie looked a little tired, but overall, she didn't look as bad as I had expected. I guess the drugs they have her on are performing their duty well. She is smiling and seems genuinely happy to see us. She accepted hugs from all of the kids and then she talked to Ron for a few minutes.

I went to talk to my skinny white girl as soon as Ron left her. "Hey Lula, I'm glad to see that you're OK. This whole day has been a bit of a nightmare."

I nodded and said, "Yeah, I know. I can't believe what has happened. You'll be happy to know that even with Ranger out of commission, the rest of the Merry Men in every city are pulling together and getting things done. RangeMan is safe. We're stretched to the limit, but we're coping."

Stephanie smiled and said, "I hope we are able to cope. If we can't, Gina or Paula or whatever that bitch is called, will get her way. She'll financially ruin Ranger."

"Nuh-uh, the Merry Men are really pulling out all the stops. Lester is running things in Trenton. Bobby was supposed to head up to Boston, but Hal has gone instead. Miami was only down for 6 hours and Atlanta was able to cover for Trenton and Boston monitoring duty."

Stephanie looked shocked. "Wow, Ranger is going to be very proud of his men when he comes around."

I agreed and said, "That's not all. Certain members of the TPD have also helped out. In fact, Joe Morelli helped them secure a building at short notice so they could get RangeMan up and running. Big Dog, Carl and Eddie all helped sift through the rubble and find equipment that could be salvaged. Lester says it was pretty impressive."

"I can't believe Joe actually helped. I know Ranger called him and asked for his help when we first got notice about the explosion in Trenton, but I had no idea that he went that far. Ranger will be very grateful once he's better. I'm even grateful."

I nodded and said, "I know. It was mighty big of Super Cop to step up and do a favour for Batman."

I watched Stephanie laugh and then grimace. I guessed that her medication was beginning to wear off. I stood back as Julie came to say goodbye. As soon as Julie returned to her father, I looked down at Stephanie and said, "It looks like we're heading to the hotel to get settled in. We'll come back later during afternoon visiting hours. Hopefully Batman will be here so we can see how he's doing."

Steph smiled and said, "He'll be sleeping, but it will be nice for Julie to see that he is alive."

I waved at Steph and Bobby as we headed out. Bobby promised to call us if anything changed or there was any news. While we were walking towards the elevator, Diego came up beside me and took my hand in his. I smiled down at him and looked over at Ron. He nodded his approval and we made our way to the hotel with plans to return later.

Sometimes, I find it hard to move from an action packed chapter to one that needs to move the story forward. Hopefully this chapter wasn't too boring. Hopefully the jumping POVs didn't make it too difficult to follow.

Let me know what you think and I'll get onto the next chapter soon.