Disclaimer: Janet Evanovich owns the Plum universe. I'm just playing with them for my amusement and hopefully yours, too. All mistakes are mine.
A/N: My last update was Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) and since then I've been battling to write this chapter. Of course real life and my stellar procrastination skills came into play but a lot of it was over thinking a couple of original motivations I had in mind for some characters. Even though they aren't being revealed in this chapter it was hard to write when my mind was somewhere else. After I was finally able to work out what to do the chapter flowed out.
Thanks to Roscommon is greatly due for being a sounding board that motivates and supports with wonderful, insightful advice. And, also, thank you to all the readers and followers of this story because your interest is the most motivating thing. :D So, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 6
Getting back into the car with our bounty, Lula wasted no time in opening her box of warm, deep-fried heaven, inhaling their aroma as I struggled to get myself settled in the car with my crutches. She chose a fresh raspberry jelly donut before quickly turning over the engine to make use of the heater. Only then passing me the other box.
We may have gone a little overboard; both selecting a pair of each donut the bakery offered. Instead of Lula's one-of-anything diet this could be the Noah's ark diet. Except this overindulgence wasn't stemmed from a fast-scheming way to lose weight but from the need to push my emotions back to denial land. And, not to mention to tamp down those Hungarian hormones of mine.
Mentally snorting at that, I chose a Boston creme from the assortment. I sat back and let my senses be overwhelmed by the warm, vanilla custard filled dough covered in chocolate.
"So ya gonna tell me what the hell I'm doin' awake right now?"
"Having a donut experience," I quipped.
"That shit ain't gonna fly with me, especially right now. You can't just get me up in the middle of the night to pick you up from Batman's lair and not tell me the reason. So, spill."
"I'd rather not," I said on a huff of air, letting my head fall back on the seat. Turning my head to face her I asked, "So how are things at the bond's office?"
Lula gave me a glare but answered, "Don't think we won't be gettin' back to this," before taking another bite of her donut. "Anyway, you know Vinnie. He's been bitchin' 'bout you takin' a 'vacation' and leavin' him in the lurch and shit."
"Vacation," I screeched. "That little weasel. I have a broken leg. How the hell am I supposed to chase down skips with these?" I complained, shaking my crutches for emphasis.
"Trip 'em 'fore they run," she cracked. "Nah, girl, I hear ya," she laughed at my glare. "Vinnie's a douchebag. That's nothin' new, but you know he's gonna have to hire a new bounty hunter. And, he's actually lookin' for a long-term one instead of using Barnhardt for more than his usual extracurriculars. He even had Connie put an ad in the paper."
"Shit, well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Two months is a long time and I can't expect El Cheapo to pay Rangeman's fees on the low skips," I said on a sigh. "Ranger and the guys have been trying to get me to take a permanent job at Rangeman for awhile now, and working in sales doesn't seem so bad. I guess this is it for me," I shrugged.
"Hey, if you don't want it then I'd be more than happy to take it for you." Before I could apologize for sounding a little ungrateful for a good job, Lula continued, "Girl, just go with it. You've been feelin' stuck and this is your way out of that. If anything it'll give you a foothold to decide what ya really want to do," she said as she got out a chocolate and sprinkled donut.
"You're right." Maybe it was time that I give up that unrealistic dream of 'Wonder Woman in-action'. But realizing it still didn't make it any easier. "It's something I can be proud of," I proclaimed, trying to muster the conviction.
"Now, tell me what's goin' on. It must be pretty heavy that my beauty rest got interrupted, so don't leave out any details. For me to be able to help I need to know everything," she earnestly implored, almost making me want to give in, that is until she gave me a sly grin.
Shaking my head with a roll of my eyes, I laughed and began to tell her a clipped version of last night.
"Shit, let me get this right: you get exactly what you wanted and then you go and sneak out. Did you leave any cash on the dresser, too? Damn, white girl, you probably did what no woman in her right mind would do to Batman. No 'See ya later. Thanks for the hot sex,' but you ditched him! You walk the finest line between crazy and stupid that I've ever seen," she laughed.
Thinking of denying how hot the sex was, I quickly dismissed that thought because first that lie was just too crazy for anyone to believe and two if it ever got back to Ranger… well, let's just say my Jersey girl "bred in captivity" nature wouldn't bode well for me. I'm sure those rumors of people disappearing when you got on Ranger's bad side had some merit.
Oh, shit! What did I just do? I don't want to be shipped off to some far corner of the world!
What Lula had just pointed out started to really sink in. I ditched Ranger. Suddenly it was a little too warm despite the cold, crisp morning air that still permeated the interior of the car. The oxygen felt like it had been sucked out of the car. Black dots started to swim across my vision, so I bent forward to put my head between my knees in a rush of panic. But, the next thing I knew Lula had me by the shirt collar as she slapped me across the face.
To say that did the trick was an understatement. "Ow! What the hell was that for?"
"Shit, white girl, if you're gonna lose your nerve and wuss out, then you're not the girl I thought you were. Now, get it together! You may have not meant to make such a ballsy statement but you're gonna go with it and use it in your favor," Lula commanded in her brash, Jersey attitude.
Meeting Lula's awaiting gaze, I took a deep breath to steel myself before slowly nodding my head in answer.
Lula was right. I couldn't freak out now. Whether I realized it or not this was a power play that hopefully would reaffirm that I was in-control and let him see that I wasn't looking for anything deeper. Now, if I could only be sure that this wasn't going to land me in deep shit.
Geez, who would've thought Lula would have ever been the level-headed, master manipulator she appears to be. I guess it's not that far-fetched, seeing as how she was once able to manipulate a man—Ranger's right-hand man to boot—into believing he supposedly bought an engagement ring and proposed. Then again, that situation ended with them breaking up. Not that I was surprised by that outcome, but I always wondered why Lula went to such extremes, especially when they seemed to be doing well in their relationship.
"By the way, how did your date the other night go? And before you say anything, I'm not asking for the dirty details," I knowingly smiled.
Lula gave me an indignant huff before answering, "I hope you're not such a prude with Ranger, but to avoid offending your delicate sensibilities…"
"Bite me," I interrupted on a mouthful of Boston creams.
"Save the dirty talk for Batman," she quickly replied, causing me to stick out my tongue at her. "Anyway, the guy was nothin' special. I doubt I'll be seein' him again."
"So, no possible potential? You don't think maybe you should give him a second chance?"
"Look, I know whatcha tryin' to do but Lula can take care of herself," she laughed. "Besides, trust me, when I tell ya that I'm not lookin' to find Mr. Right but more of a Mr. Do-Me-Right-Now."
"Geez, there's a fairy tale in the making," I wryly laughed.
"Well, shit I'm not gonna sit around waitin' for Mr. Right to pull his head out the damn litterbox."
Ah ha. Now we're getting somewhere. "Have you two talked lately?"
"Who?"
"You 'n' Tank."
"Now, why the hell you bringin' him up?"
"I didn't. You did."
"Girl, did ya bang your head against the headboard too many times cuz you be crazy: hearin' shit. I said nothing 'bout that man."
"You said litterbox!"
"No, I didn't! And even if I did that's a sayin': one of them idioms or some shit like that."
"Umm, 'head in the sand' is sure, and I could understand you sayin' sandbox but you said litterbox. You had to be referring to Tank with that one," I pointedly stated.
"Anyone ever tell you you're annoying."
"It's all a part of my charm," I grinned as Lula glared at me.
Sighing, Lula opened up her box of donuts, pulling out another jelly donut. I followed suit and we ate in silence for awhile. Lula finally broke it in a quiet voice, saying, "He was the only man that ever treated me... with love."
"But to basically force him into marriage?" I didn't want to push but I had to know. "I mean you guys were doing good, right? Why not let it progress on its own?"
"He was so good to me. I just wanted to hold onto that; that's something I thought I would never have. I'm use to scrubs and bangers. With a decent man like him I figured it was the only way to lock that shit down. I was afraid to lose him, and that he would decide that I wasn't good enough after all."
Setting my box up on the dash, I turned to Lula and reached for her hand. Squeezing it, I told her, "Lula, any person who would think that is a fool and doesn't deserve you." She gave me a weak smile in return but the pain in her eyes revealed just how much vulnerability she hid behind her bravado. It gave me the urge to take Big Blue out for a little vengeance.
Lula looked away and out the window but I kept a hold on her hand, offering support. Though, I couldn't keep silent for long and voiced a nagging question on my mind. "Lula, did you ever level with Tank about this?" Knowing Lula, she wouldn't have wanted to admit that she was in the wrong or insecure.
"What for?" she asked defensively. "He didn't want to be with me."
"I'm just trying to look at this objectively. Just look at it from Tank's point of view. I mean, you got to admit you came on a bit strong." I figured telling her it was crazy and overbearing would have been a step towards setting her off. "That had to have freaked him out."
"No shit. You shoulda seen his face, white girl," she laughed.
"Maybe you guys could work it out when you both have perspective if you tried."
With a wistful smile, she placated, "Maybe."
Not liking her tone, I admonished, "No regrets, Lula."
This time with a genuine smile, she answered, "No regrets."
Both of us grinning, Lula set aside her donut box and put the car in gear. "Now, let's get you home before you can talk me into anything else."
At my broad smile, Lula ribbed, "Damn girl, I can't remember you bein' so cheery and optimistic, not to mention that's some sex glow. Sex with Batman must be mind blowing." Getting the car on the road, she added, "Today is gonna be good."
I definitely had to agree. One thing Lula and I shared was our live-in-the-moment approach to things. It might not always go as we wanted but looking at the big picture you couldn't find fault with that.
###
Ranger's POV
After striking the heavy bag with my gloved fist, I quickly wiped the dripping sweat from my brow. I had come down to the gym about an hour ago, after Steph left, needing to work out my frustrations: at her, at myself, at this situation. I could feel the physical exertion taking its toll: muscles burning, breathing labored, increased heart-rate. Not to mention my body was slick with sweat. My main focus had been on my technique, helping to keep a level head while I sorted through this mess. It was my go-to workout where Stephanie was concerned.
This woman had the ability to get under my skin and past my defenses, leaving me feeling a myriad of emotions which in turn made me feel vulnerable. Her sarcastic and feisty attitude and her open and trusting manner never failed to lighten my mood and could bring a genuine smile to my face. She pushed my control with her stubborn and impulsive tendencies but her unpredictability was a rush. She was a force of nature.
I knew that I loved her. After all, she wasn't the first woman that I had been in love with. But if I had learned anything, it was that there were limits on it. There had to be. My lifestyle, my chosen profession would always take precedence over a personal relationship. And, to allow someone to get that close was cruel. Because the fact was that for someone like me, relationships had an expiration date and future plans were just dreams that were a waste of time. They were a dead-end investment where no one would walk away in the black.
Knowing I couldn't allow myself to become too involved, I had held my feelings at bay, never wanting it to feel as if I was expecting that devotion that I couldn't be expected to reciprocate. But not being completely devoid of emotions, I allowed certain actions to convey that vulnerability —except with Steph I had actually felt compelled to say the words aloud.
Who knew those three little words could cost someone so much?
Steph made me want things that I had no right to want: things that I had never really wanted before. I kept my distance but I couldn't help letting her in. It was ironic how she couldn't get past a physical lock but had walked right through my emotional lockdown. Knowing that Steph had the potential to be different, I still hadn't been willing to get too close. My life didn't lend itself to relationships.
My emotions getting the better of me, I sent the bag a powerful blow, followed by a quick series of uncontrolled hits before I was able to rein in my anger.
So why was I so upset at this seemingly perfect rapport?
As my rage subsided, I began to think of how hearing Stephanie's self-reflection last night gave me more hope for the kind of future that I envisioned for her—and ultimately myself—than I wanted to admit. Since meeting Stephanie I had hopes for a someday but hopes aren't based on reality and the timing was never right. Timing is everything.
I didn't want to get ahead of myself but I couldn't shake the thought that maybe for once we would get-it-together together.
The men—Tank and Lester, for the most part—could get off my back. Jesus! Focus, Manoso! It's not that simple.
Hitting away with various punch combinations, I continued to circle the heavy bag, trying to block out those unrealistic thoughts by focusing on my footwork and the resounding smack each of my punches made against the bag. A distraction would be easier to come by if I had a real opponent who I would have to counter against as well. Good thing it was about the time that the men usually came in.
Though hopefully my cousin wouldn't be among them. Lester would be the only one stupid enough to mention Steph's departure.
I had to laugh at that.
Stephanie had actually seemed to think she had been sneaking out but I had been aware of her slipping out of bed. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. With one exception, no woman had ever done the initial leaving before this morning. I was usually the one to cut-out at the end of the "show." No need to stay for the credits. Thinking she'd come back to bed I had been content in my exhausted, sated state to stay put. But then I overheard her call to Lula.
She was running scared: as usual. And I couldn't really blame her because if I was honest, it scared the shit out of me too.
We were risking a friendship, neither one of us wanted to lose by letting this thing "run its course." Which had me wondering if it was possible; after all this time, she was still just as essential as ever, if not more. It was unnerving just how much I wanted—needed—her in my life.
So much for not getting too involved with her. It seemed I was past that point of no return, so what was another crossed line? Maybe I didn't have to accept the notion that a man like me would always have a separate path, only getting brief intersections to indulge in to make the life less lonely.
Melding two lives never fared well in these circumstances because there were areas in which I couldn't… wouldn't compromise. I needed someone who would hold their own, especially in my world. I wanted a woman who was fearless and who wouldn't lose herself in my shadow, only to resent me for it. Someone who would push back when I was being an asshole. Yeah, I can admit it.
The thing was Steph was at war with herself. Through her upbringing, her mindset was that a relationship should end at the altar—which wasn't what I was looking for—but she was indecisive on what she actually wanted. Even though she dreamed of being more than a wife and mother, she couldn't seem to bring herself to spit in the face of tradition. Sure, she was a bounty hunter which didn't fit that bill, but she landed there out of desperation. And now she was stuck.
She wasn't necessarily out of her league in fugitive apprehension. Her natural perceptive intuition, curiosity, and determination to know the truth gave her a knack for the hunt. Her problem seemed to be that she didn't really know herself and with a lack of support in "spreading her wings," she was too afraid to broaden her horizons to learn.
If she was serious about not wanting the suburban life, then maybe she was ready to embrace her full potential. After all, when you were up against an unstoppable force, redirection was the best tactic.
I had my doubts that I could have a life with someone but I was sick of what it said about me that I wasn't willing to try. There would probably always be things from my past that would haunt me but it was time for me to let go of the past. Though, I didn't have any doubt that the past played out for the best because it didn't change how I felt about Stephanie. She was unlike any other.
Feeling exhilarated, I was ready to put a plan to someday into action. Throwing one last left hook, I stepped back from the bag towards the bench. Undoing my right glove with my teeth, I grabbed the bottle of water sitting there. As I took a long pull from the bottle the gym door opened to Bobby Brown: just the man I wanted to see.
###
Entering my office unannounced, Tank demandingly questioned, "You want to explain this?" tossing a file onto my desk.
Anyone else barging in here with demands would be meeting me on the mats but given that Tank wasn't in here for just some ordinary file, I was willing to overlook the matter. But, not ready to acknowledge the interruption, I glanced at him from the corner of my eye—noting his rigid stance and hard glare—and continued my paperwork.
"Dammit, Ranger! We all agreed she wasn't ready!"
"I never said that I wouldn't take care of the formalities for when she was," I coolly responded.
On an exasperated sigh, Tank confessed, "I'm just gonna say it, what we've all thought: she's never gonna be ready. Especially not in the timeframe for this to still be valid. Sure, she's got the potential but she's capricious and doesn't take orders. And, to make matters worse, she won't make the necessary effort in training. She's been in bond enforcement for how many years? And been in how many life-threatening situations that could have been helped or even prevented with basic training?"
Tossing my pen down as I sat back in my chair, arms folded across my chest, I gave Tank my full-attention. "Good to know your opinion."
"Oh, don't do that," shaking his head, "I love that little girl, but I'm not in love with her. So, I have no delusions about her capability."
At my murderous glare, he backpedaled, "All I'm saying is this job is more than just the computer searches she's done for us. The investigations will lead her out of this building where she's safe. We all agreed that working in Sales and Installation was the best place for her. Hell, she's been on the job there one day and Rodriguez is already singing her praises."
"There's a better chance that she'll stay on here this way, which has always been our mutual goal."
"You don't know that for sure. She could decide to stay full-time where she's at now. It's a good fit for her. Just give her some time to get acclimated."
"Putting her there was more of a temporary appeasement to her request that happened to coincide with Rodriguez's needs. You and I both know that she would rather have this opportunity in the long-run."
"Again, we don't know that. Jesus, Ranger! I don't get it. Why would you want this for her? You were the one who originally wanted to keep her out of this part of Rangeman. What's next? You gonna let her go on the missions too?"
In a barely restrained voice, I replied, "This is not up for discussion. It's ultimately my decision and I made it. Now, I have work to do, as do you," giving him a look that would have killed lesser men. Unfortunately, Tank could hold his own. And, he wasn't backing down.
"If that's the way you want to play this, then I'm the head of this department and I won't have her there as a liability. I won't sign-off on this."
Feeling a headache coming on, I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, I decided to level with my best friend: to an extent. "You're right. Originally, I thought it best to shield her from this life but maybe she should know of different options."
No doubt, from years of friendship, he was able to pick up that fucking sentimental tone lurking in my words. Tank gave me a calculated look before asking, "Does this have to do with her skippin' out this morning?"
It may have not been the direct assessment but it wasn't the wrong one either.
Evading the question, I asked my own. "I seem to remember that you and Bobby were pushing for this after the security breach debacle, so if your only real issue is with her training then how about a wager? When she follows through and shows progression in her training, you bring her in. Or at least approach her with it since you believe she'll choose to stay with Rodriguez."
"Let's say she does get up to par and I do decide to give her a chance, what if she starts slacking or decides not to follow protocol? You gonna undermine my authority? I need to know that she doesn't think she has special privileges and that she understands the consequences."
"You run your department as you see fit."
"Fine." Taking a seat, he asked, "Counter bet?"
With a cocked eyebrow, I questioned, "That simple?"
Relaxing back in the chair, he gave a miniscule shrug as he stated, "You pointed out that this was my first choice for her. Like I said before, she has the potential. With the necessary effort on her part I expect her to do great."
"Fine," I echoed back. "If she doesn't continue training or she decides that Rangeman is temporary after all, then you have full backing on Sanders."
With a humorless laugh, Tank leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees. "You want me to hold off on filling my team in hopes that Steph will be up for the position. That's two months at the least. Sanders would be the more qualified candidate either way with his experience."
"His bureaucratic views level the field," I stated, relaxing back in my chair. There was no need to tell Tank how we earned our contracts. But I wasn't sold on Sanders being able to operate in the 'gray.' He may have years of experience, but he was a by-the-book guy. If he couldn't overlook our way of doing things when it came to the red tape, he was of no use to me.
"Come on, man, that's bullshit. He follows protocol. Ya can't fault a guy for that."
"Well, there's also the fact that he's an asshole." Sanders was a prick who only seemed to be concerned with number one and climbing the totem pole. Honestly, why he was interested in a position with Rangeman had me curious, if not concerned. Though, the fact that Tank seemed to trust his motive put me somewhat at ease.
"You got me there."
Getting up to leave, Tank paused, looked at his watch and said, "Ya know, maybe you should read her in on the Martin case file. She knows the neighborhood and when we need to have someone go in it won't draw attention." Giving me a fixed look, he continued, "Get her feet wet to make the transition smoother."
As Tank turned to leave, I called out to him but before I could continue Tank replied, "Forget it, man." With his hand on the door, he added, "I'm just glad you're finally pulling your head out your ass," before exiting my office. Even with the door closed, I could hear his booming laugh as he strode back to his own office.
###
Stephanie's POV
In true Rangeman fashion, Ramon had arrived early to pick me up for work once again. And even though I caught a nap before getting ready, I was still far from being bright-eyed and raring to go. I am so not a morning person. But Lula was right: today was going to be good, especially because I still had donuts to get me through it.
Pulling out of the lot onto Hamilton, Ramon eyed me for a few seconds before a stupid grin spread across his face. "So… you look… tired. Good night?" He enquired as he tried to hide his grin behind his coffee mug.
I couldn't help it. My smile grew wider as I answered in affirmative. Despite that it was so early in the morning coupled with my lack of sleep I was in a pretty good mood. Sure, I was still a little uneasy about facing Ranger today but it just couldn't outweigh this morning's happy disposition I was in.
"So how was your night? You look… tired yourself," I playfully assessed.
A cat ate the canary smile spread across his face. "Yeah, and without a call from the control room this morning telling me that I had to swing by your place after all, I would've had time for an even better morning."
Ramon just chuckled as my face reddened. Great. Well, that's what I get for thinking with my doodah. The control room sees all and knows all, so it was only to be expected. To make up for ruining Ramon's morning I offered him a donut which he gladly accepted.
Thankfully, we were both too sleep deprived to carry on more conversation and we rode to Rangeman in silence: an unusual occurrence for me.
We still hadn't spoken even as we made our way to the elevator; the only sound being the metal clinking of my crutches as I walked. Waiting for the elevator to descend, Ramon suggested that we head up to the break room to get some coffee. I was all for that but not wanting to get caught with my contraband, I insisted that I would meet him up there after I put my things in my office.
"Good thinking," he complimented.
Propping my left crutch outside the elevator, I grabbed my things from Ramon. Using the right crutch as a cane of sorts—enabling me to carry my purse and box of donuts—I hobbled down the hall to my office. My office. That was gonna take some getting use to. Even at EE Martin I didn't have an office.
Walking past Rodriguez's office, I noted it was empty but looked as if he had already arrived this morning as I walked into mine.
"Babe."
"Ranger," I yelped. Crap. "Hey. Wh… what are you doing here?" Smooth. "Um…good morning. How's it going?" Suppressing an eye roll at myself, I made my way to my desk, setting down my things.
"What do you have there?" A touch of humor in his tone, letting me know he didn't need me to answer.
Changing the subject, hoping Ranger wouldn't take away my donuts, I leaned against the desk, asking, "Did you need something?"
Ranger's lust-filled, lingering gaze spiked my temperature and for a second when he stalked towards me I thought I would combust. I was saved when he silently handed me a folder labeled classified. My curiosity overriding my hormones I flipped the file open and hopped up on the desk and began to look over the content. I could feel Ranger's assessing gaze on me and it was becoming increasingly hard to concentrate. So far, I had gathered that it was a home security installation but it wasn't spelled out of why it was classified.
Seeming to sense my confusion, he said, "I'll be out of the office today, so just look over the file and we can discuss it later tonight. That information is privileged so it's not to leave this building or to be discussed with anyone," he finished, giving me a stern look.
I made the gesture of zipping and locking my lips shut, tossing away the key before I gave him a 'duh' look.
"Smartass."
Smiling, I asked, "So what time should I expect you at my place tonight?"
Ranger closed the distance between us. Standing directly in front of me with his hands coming to my waist he leaned in slowly, saying, "I'll meet you on seven after I finish things up for the day," before our lips finally met. The kiss was long and agonizingly slow, making me wish it was already the end of the working day. Pulling back slightly, he whispered against my lips, "And, Babe, expect to stay all night."
With those parting words, Ranger strode out of my office, leaving me dazed.
Finally settling into my office chair to get to work I spotted a stapler with a note attached. My interest piqued, I took the note off and read, "Never know when you'll have a stapler emergency."
The note wasn't signed but there was only one person that immediately came to mind: Sybo Diaz. When I had been investigating the Rangeman client break-ins I had used my broken stapler as an excuse to strike up a conversation with Diaz. I couldn't believe he remembered this conversation. I could feel my smile overtake my face thinking about the change from the cold and distant man I first met to the man that would send me, dare I say, such a sweet and almost sentimental note.
Oh yeah, today was gonna be good.
I hope to hear from you guys. I'd really like to know how this chapter worked for you. It helps to ease that worry of not conveying what you meant to.
Thanks for reading. For those that celebrate it, Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has a great holiday! :D
