Shades of Gray

Chapter 7

Sister Rita and the other adults who were responsible for the Santa Lucia Children's Home tried to keep everyone occupied to distract them from hearing the sometimes too near gunfire around Tegucigalpa and surrounding lush terrain heading to Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean. And hopefully, no one witnessed the bloody body of a drug faction member that was carried away from the locked gates of Santa Lucia.

Stephanie had one bag packed inside the simple room she shared with Paulo and Tiana once she moved into the orphanage after the UNICEF 'Goodwill' tour left and awaited the finalized adoption papers and visas allowing her to take her new children from the country. Their 'Sam' puppies never out of arms reach so they were not left behind.

From those first words those lost little children said that day, Stephanie felt the connection to them, a heartfelt connection. And she found another 'niche' of her life her with them. How she would work this 'mothering' thing around book readings and signings she wasn't quite sure, but she knew it would work itself out. This time here with all the children made her relationship with her loving father all the more special, even when she tried his patience when she was younger. Frank never really admonished her completely, but in his own way encouraged Stephanie to be her own person. Even after getting her driver's license and one day accidentally clipping Joe Morelli with his Buick for taking her virginity in Tasty Pastry and writing about it on a bathroom wall, she was sort of grounded. She lost the use of his car for a month only because 'how could her mother face Angie Morelli for her daughter hurting her son', but Frank did tell Stephanie he had it coming. If she really needed the car, to pick his up at the Post Office so Ellen wasn't aware and return it there. But her best friend, Mary Lou, had her license also so it wasn't a hardship for her and her father knew it.

Stephanie will never forget the moment she sat down with Paula and Tiana asking why they hadn't spoken in so long. Their answer was simple; they didn't have anything to be happy about. But when Stephanie gave them their own 'Sam' puppies, it made them feel special again like their mother and father always did when they were together before the 'bad' hurricane. A loud, resounding, exuberant 'YES' jumping all around was all she needed to hear when she asked if they would like to come live with her as a family in Chicago.

So that began the long process which would end with them leaving soon for the United States. On a day when Sister Rita ventured out before the chaos, Stephanie bought herself and the children some extra clothes and shoes. So instead of pajamas, they all wore heavier T-shirts and light drawstring sweat pants almost like scrubs in case they had to leave during the night that would be warmer going out in the tropical air and on an airplane. Their sandals on the floor ready to slip on besie the beds.

A soft hand was shaking her shoulder, "Stephanie, it's time to go," Sister Rita whispered.

Her blue eyes opened and out of bed immediately. The missionary was waking up the little boy and Stephanie was rousing Tiana, "Let's go to the bathroom before we leave."

Both clutching their white puppies putting their small feet in sandals and running down the hall to the bathroom. Her wild curls secured in a ponytail holder before sliding on her sandals, Stephanie noticed it was just after midnight on her watch. Grabbing the overnight bag with a few supplies including the tablet with an almost complete new adventure of Sam and Emily and drawings of a new idea of snail that sees the world by stowing away in different items he comes across, she went to join the children.

General Hanlon and Bobby both in camouflage were waiting at the door for Stephanie, Paulo, and Tiana.

"Save a safe journey, Stephanie. I'll always remember the miracle you created here," Sister Rita was hugging the young woman who shared so much with her and all the children.

Her brother had Paulo in his arms and Bobby had Tiana, Kissing the two young children, "The two of you have a wonderful life with Stephanie."

"We will. Bye, Sister Rita."

"Bye, Sis. We need to go."

"Go," ushering all out the door.

Before disappearing into the night, "Thank you," Stephanie hugged the kindest she would ever know.

Stephanie wrapped light blankets around the children in the back of the Jeep; Bobby was driving through the empty streets. Maybe seeing one of the many teenagers who lived on the streets roaming but Tegucigalpa was asleep knowing it was easier to do so. She noticed the rifle across General Hanlon's lap and pistols at both men's waists indicating it wasn't completely safe, but the major threat of warring drug groups was under control.

Just able to make out the form of the airplane on a dirt runway as the vehicle made its way into an old airport, there were men around the airplane loading things into the back.

General Hanlon jumped out before it was completely stopped, "Bobby will get you and your children on the plane," running to a Honduran Army man waiting for him. They said a few words and shook hands before he turned back to the waiting plane.

"Sorry, it's not first class," Bobby showed Stephanie up a back ramp and through equipment. A few injured men with bandages on arms and legs were sitting on the floor, but Stephanie didn't see anyone critically injured.

"This is Lester," Bobby told Stephanie introducing a tall smiling man coming towards them. Stephanie could see he had some Spanish heritage from his skin tone and facial features.

She jumped a little at the loud bang of the ramp closing. Lester spread a couple of blankets on the floor for the woman with clear blue eyes to get comfortable as best she could.

"Stephanie, this is Major Manoso," Peter Hanlon introduced her to the darker skinned man who she knew was definitely of Spanish descent. His jaw was set tightly displeased about something she could see. His muscled body through his Army clothing was ridged.

"Major," holding out her free hand since Tiana was in her other.

"Miss Plum."

"Stephanie, why don't you get settled. We're just about ready to take off," Bobby pointed to the blankets where he put Paulo down.

She could pick out words being exchanged between General Hanlon and Major Manoso. She heard "delayed" and "now three" as the engines started.

"General, you were delayed longer than was planned. Why didn't you tell me there were now three instead of Miss Plum? We were bringing her back not on a mercy mission rescuing children," Ranger hissed.

The General couldn't hold back his smirk infuriating his Major even more. This Cuban man was beyond organized and promptness, and bordered on asinine at times, but he was one of the best under his command. He liked to yank his chain at any give opportunity. "Carlos," patting his shoulder in a fatherly way like he was going to explain to his own son, "relax some. We're leaving. Our mission was a success with only a few minor wounds. It took only a few extra minutes to get Stephanie. If I told you about the children she was bringing with her, you would have been stewing about it the whole time."

"General, this wasn't part of the plan."

"Son," patting his shoulder more, "you are the best at what you do, but in other things your still a pup," glancing at Stephanie soothing the two children back to sleep, "life doesn't fit always into black and white, it's made up of many shades of gray, you just haven't let yourself discover that yet. I hope you do before life passes you by."

"I don't need the rants of philosophy right now; my objective is to get us home, General."

"And we are." See saw Ranger watching Stephanie, "Do you know why Frank gave up the Army?"

Ranger knew of the history of Peter Hanlon and Frank Plum on the early years of the operative missions and their success rate. It was how he had modeled his Ranger career. "No."

"For Stephanie. From the moment he saw her after she was born, he knew she was special. When she jumped off the garage roof, she wanted to be Wonder Woman. She may not be flying around in an invisible jet, but everything she touches is that much better and a whole lot of spit fire mixed in. Her boyfriend in high school did something to piss her off, she waited for the perfect moment when no one was around and 'accidentally' clipped him with her father's car breaking his leg. That same guy didn't learn Frank told me. They dated before she moved to Chicago and his foot got in the way of her tire as she explained it."

"She sounds like a handful."

Bobby and Lester settled down next to Stephanie with a sleeping Paula and Tiana.

"I think your Major is a little upset with me," Stephanie told them seeing the tense form of Ranger.

Lester chuckled, "Don't worry about him. He can be 'OCD' at times. He even pisses on the hour." He knew his friend and boss heard him because he felt his glare.

Stephanie couldn't help but giggle at the idea.

"Stephanie," General Hanlon stooped down in front of her, "We'll be landing in Fort Sam Houston in a few hours. I need to return some equipment and meet with Army personnel there."

"I'll be able to make arrangements from there after we get some new clothes" tugging on her pants and wiggling her toes, "and something to eat to get us home to Chicago."

Pete was surprised when she hugged him and whispered "Thank you."

Ranger couldn't help himself; his eyes kept resting on Stephanie. Despite what she had been through she was laughing with his men and showing them the drawings she was working on in a tablet. She heard his complaints he knew and it was nagging his gut of the impression he made. Why this would bother him when it never did before he couldn't explain.

Both children were up looking out the windows feeling the plane making it's descent into Texas and seeing the lights out the window.

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There was an increase in activity around the airfield as a plane was approaching. A lone man stood watching. His eyes trained long ago picked out the approaching lights in the night becoming dawn. His breath caught when it touched down and came to a stop. The hatch lowered and men began immediately coming out carrying equipment and there were stretchers for any injured waiting. When a group of troops parted and he could identify the form of Peter Hanlon, he saw the slim form of his daughter beside him.

As fast as middle aged legs could carry him, he went for his target, "Stephanie!"

Stephanie took a second to feel the American soil again when she turned hearing her name and someone was running to her.

Taking off in a sprint, her sandals flying off her feet but never stopping, "Daddy!"

In seconds, she was in a bear hug .

The group of tough Army men watched the scene. Paulo squirmed to get down from Bobby's hold. His sister went running after to the hugging father and daughter. Stephanie said something and they were scooped up in the arms of their new Grandfather.

"Major, this is one of those beautiful gray times," General Hanlon nudged Ranger, "that makes what we do worthwhile."

"Pumpkin, you're safe," crying in her blowing curls and never wanting to let Stephanie go.

"I'm sorry I worried you, but I found another 'niche' as you call it," seeing Paulo and Tiana running to them.

Not saying anything but, "You did good, Pumpkin," picking up both young children.

Stephanie gathered her sandals and slid them back on taking her little girl in her arms as they walked back to the Army men.

"Thank you," Frank hugged his long time friend.

Pete told him back wiping his eyes, "You saved me a few times, so I was happy I could do this for you."

"Thank you," Stephanie hugged Bobby and Lester, then General Hanlon. Even the children hugged the three men. Frank shook Ranger's hand thanking him.

Stephanie held out her hand to the Cuban man, "Thank you, Major Manoso. I hope we didn't delay you too much."

Before Ranger could say a word studying the pale hand that slipped out of his, Stephanie was walking towards the waiting car with her father and children to take them off the base and to start the next part of her journey back to Chicago. Surprising himself, but he had a growing desire he hoped he got a second chance to alter the impression he made the first time with Stephanie Plum.

Bobby nudged Lester, "He didn't get in the last word," watching Ranger as the dark car pulled away with four figures in the back.

"Maybe there's hope for him yet," General Hanlon nodded to them.