Freedom
Chapter 9
SPOV
I called Connie, Lula and Mary Lou, just to catch up a bit and see how much of an uproar we caused yesterday. I had underestimated the reaction of the 'burg. Most of the women were supportive of me after the news of Joe physically and sexually assaulting me, especially when he didn't refute it. Most of the guys, according to Lenny, Mary Lou's husband, previously thought I was a tease, being engaged to Joe one minute and hopping into Carlos' bed the next. Let's just say they were now enlightened and will think twice before believing rumors. I told Mary Lou to let the rumors do what they will when she offered to set the grapevine straight. I can't address every rumor or I'd be exhausted and defeated. I can only live my life for me and rely on those that truly know me will know the truth. As long as I have Carlos, the guys and my friends, I could survive anything, any assault on my character. I just hope I still have the support of my family.
Hal called me a little while ago and asked if he could join us for lunch in the apartment. I was anxious to hear what the scuttle bug was, at least according to my voicemail. I was offended at first when Carlos said he took the voicemail feature off my phone without consulting me, but knowing how overwhelmed and depressed I felt every time I did something and had to hear judgment and ridicule through my phone messages, I relented. It was a relief, actually. How Hal ended up with the privilege, I'll never know. I imagine it's because he would handle it with the privacy and tact it deserves.
I'm just finishing up getting ready to be presentable. It was fun to lounge around the apartment in Carlo's t-shirt and my panties, but now it was time to be fit to be seen. Pulling on a comfortable pair of black yoga pants and a turquoise short sleeve wrap-around shirt, I headed out to the kitchen to pour drinks and set the table. Ella came in while I was setting up. "How are you feeling today, dear?"
"Good… why do you ask?" Please tell me she wasn't listening to the gossip.
"I'm very observant, dear. And the way the men have turned up the security around here to protect you… ok, you have me, my cousin called and told me the rumors going on around town." She looked sheepishly at me.
"Ella, I appreciate your concern. I'm fine, really. I just have an ex who trapped me in a miserable relationship, abused me and now won't let go." When I turned back from setting the silverware out and saw Ella's jaw wide open, I laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm just so tired of it all, I don't mean to sound so nonchalant about it all. The guys are doing a great job protecting me, so I don't have to be so uptight and on guard all the time. We'll have to have coffee soon, and talk."
"That would be nice, Stephanie. I can bring some cookies. Just know that I didn't comment or confirm anything my cousin said. I would never betray your or Carlos' trust."
"I know Ella, and I really appreciate that." I watched as she set out the cornbread and crock pot of turkey chili and scurried out the door. It was nice to have another woman in the building, and I see it's time to let her in on my story.
I heard the ring of the elevator and moments later the apartment door opened to Carlos and Hal who were deep in conversation. "Hi, Babe…"
I wrapped my arms around my delicious hunk of a man. "Hi, hon." After a few moments, I heard Hal clear his throat, breaking our embrace. "Oh… hi, Hal. Are you guys hungry?"
Hal grabbed the first bowl and heaped it full, evidently famished. We sat at the table and discussed my voicemails. He deleted the one's from Connie, Lula and Mary Lou. I informed the three of them today that I don't personally hear them anymore, so if I don't answer my phone, don't leave a message. I gave them our apartment phone number to leave messages at instead. Since they knew Carlos would also check them, I'm sure they'll keep them to a minimum.
The calls from Joe were mostly hang ups. According to the report Hal brought with him, with the messages typed up, right after our confrontation at Pino's, I had a message from Joe starting out with 'You whore…' and Eddie could be heard in the background, grabbing the phone from him. The next message from him was in a forced, sweet tone, 'Cupcake, baby, this has all been a misunderstanding. Please meet with me so we can talk this over. I can't accept no as an answer, sweetness.'
Sweetness… Sweetness… I ran to the bathroom, my stomach turning suddenly.
"Babe, are you ok?" Carlos was behind me while I hovered over the toilet, willing the lunch I'd eaten thus far to stay down.
RPOV
When Steph went running out of the room, I was confused. I took off after her, and when I found her kneeling in front of the commode, my heart broke for her. She was crying and trying to catch her breath. "Babe, are you ok?"
"N-n-n-ooo"
"Babe, you've got to stop crying so we can talk." I was on my knees behind her, rubbing my hands up and down her arms. "Babe, please talk to me." She took a few minutes and was able to compose herself enough to take a few deep breaths.
"I'm sorry. I… I think I can come back out now."
"Will you tell me and Hal what spurred this on? Or would you like to just tell me?"
"It's ok. Hal can hear this too."
We walked back into the dining area, Hal looking particularly concerned at Steph, asking her "are you alright Steph?"
"Ya. I'm sorry. My stomach turned on me so fast, I had to get to the bathroom. I feel a bit better."
She sat down and pushed the remainder of her chili away and grabbed a couple of crackers and munched on one.
"When I heard what Joe had said, I flashed back to… Anyway, I'm sorry to worry you. It's just that those times that Joe abused me, and the morning after I woke up drugged in bed with him and the night he assaulted me when Lester was looking on, he called me… 'sweetness'. Those were the only times. When you read that voicemail, I could hear him or rather what I call his alter ego say it in my head and I could see flashes of him hitting me, of his hands on me outside the car. Whenever he said that term of endearment it made me brace for what was to come."
No wonder! Steph was tearing up again and I was at her side instantly. "Babe, you are safe here. We don't have to continue this if you don't want to."
"It's ok, I was caught off guard is all. I know he can't get to me here. I still hear the abusive side of him sometimes in my head and in my dreams, and no matter how hard I try to block it out, he won't leave me alone."
I was taken aback at her admission; she'd been hiding it so well. Hal had been nodding at her statement.
"Steph, I remember with my sister when she was in counseling, she was encouraged to talk about her thoughts and feelings. The flashbacks, the nightmares, the fears, everything. Apparently, if you don't process it out loud or in a journal, or have some way of getting it out, it'll just fester and you won't be able to move on." She was looking at Hal thoughtfully, sorting out what he was saying.
"Thanks Hal. I can try. I don't want to burden anyone with the negativity that's lurking in my thoughts. I've been trying to push it down, hoping with time it would go away."
"I know Carlos is here for you, and your friends would be if you asked, but don't forget all the guys that love you here at Rangeman. We'd all gladly take on some of the weight of what you're carrying around. We have all seen our share of ugly in the world and can handle it. I for one will always be available to you, any time, day or night. Take me up on it, please… I don't make offers I don't expect others to cash in on."
Steph got off my lap and walked over to Hal, bending down to give him a big hug. "Thanks Hal. You're a good friend!"
He continued, "I hate to put more on you, but your mother left you over 72 messages since I took over your voice mails. Just since last night, she's left 13. She is fuming, and I'm afraid she's going to start beating the door down if you don't call her."
"I will, I knew the peacefulness of not having her harp on every detail of my life couldn't last forever. I'll give her a call and arrange to go to my parent's house for dinner one night this week."
"No, Babe, tell her that we will be coming to dinner one night this week. Where you go, I go… remember, we're a team. You're not alone in this anymore."
"That goes for me too Steph. If there's anywhere you want to go and are reluctant to ask one of the guys, just let me know, I'll be happy to take you. Even if it's just for coffee."
"Thanks guys, you're the best!" Hal got a big smooch on the cheek for his last comment.
I wonder what I'll be getting from her when he leaves.
SPOV
The next morning, I decided to return dear old mom's calls. To say I was less than thrilled was an overstatement. She's put me through hell for most of my life trying to get me to conform to the 'burg way of life. I'm just so sick of not being good enough for her. After experiencing life with Carlos and the guys, people who thought I was not only good enough, but pretty terrific, I can't tolerate her demeaning me anymore.
I was surprised when my grandma answered the phone. She was so excited to hear from me and it was good to catch up with her for a little while. Mom was apparently at the deli and expected back home shortly, so we could shoot the breeze without anybody listening in. Grandma told me something interesting, apparently my dad has been filling her in on how I've been, as long as she promised to keep it to herself. It turns out Carlos and my dad have been in contact regularly and they both know the truth about Joe and I's past, my present and Carlos and I's future. They're both happy for me. Grandma even told me that my dad really likes Carlos and thinks he's 'the one.' Geesh! I've become a soap opera! I started to tell her how happy I was when I heard her gasp, a struggle and shuffling over the phone.
"Stephanie Michelle Plum, who do you think you are living in sin with that hoodlum? Where have you been? Bernice Smyth's daughter doesn't run out on her fiancé and live in sin! How could you do this to me?"
"Mom… Mom, will you just be quiet for a moment so I can talk?"
"Young lady, you will not talk to me like…"
"I did and I will. Do you want Carlos and I to come for dinner, or not?"
"Well, of course! Friday night, 6pm. Don't be late." And she hung up. Shit! This was not going to be fun! At least my grandma and dad would be there. Not that my mom will let them get a word in edge wise. I have two days to mentally prepare myself. Not near enough time!
I was so relieved Carlos had volunteered to come and I didn't have to bribe him to do so. I'll have to think of a way to thank him later. For the time being, I'm freaking out! What on earth was I thinking going into the lion's den. We should have met at a restaurant. I have no idea what to wear! She's going to judge me no matter what, 'Stephanie, you look like a floozy tonight,' or 'Stephanie, Mary Ellis' daughter doesn't dress like a tramp.' Shit! There's just no winning.
I finally decided on a long denim pencil skirt that was tight fitting, but covered my legs, with a slit in the back that stopped at me knees. I found a pale pink sweater that didn't show too much cleavage, and decided on a pair of flat sandals. If I was going to be embarrassed by her behavior, at least I could feel confident in what I was wearing.
I stepped out of the bedroom and the sight of Carlos took my breath away. He was wearing designer blue jeans, a white button down shirt with the top two buttons open and a brown leather pair of loafers. GQ Carlos, yummm.
"Babe, you're making me nervous. You're licking your lips like I'm an ice cream cone."
"Carlos, I'd like nothing better than to lick you all over… but I need to get this over with. By the end of tonight I may no longer have a mother. But later, when it's just you and me… I can't wait to wrap my tongue around your…" Before I could even continue, I was kissed with such force I almost fell backwards.
"Later babe, and you're in trouble for baiting me like that." Oh, boy!
I was glad to be heading out. The fresh air after our conversation felt good. I was surprised that Hal and Lester were in the garage waiting for us. "Where are you two going?"
Lester sheepishly spoke up. "With you."
"Oh, no. No, you're not. If I give my mom one more thing to use against me…"
Hal decided to relieve my worry, "We'll be down the street, on 'surveillance,' just in case. No worries Steph, we won't make the evening any harder than it needs to be."
"Alright. I just… shit!... my mom is just…"
"It's ok, babe, they know." Leaning into Carlos' embrace, I was ready to go again.
Our drive over was silent, as usual. I was so lost in thought, I didn't even notice we were already stopped in front of my parent's house. I looked up and saw my mom standing with her hands on her hips looking impatient. What was I thinking? This was a bad idea. Carlos came around to my side of the turbo and opened the door for me, pulling me to him, giving me one last kiss for encouragement. "Stephanie Michelle Plum, what will the neighbors think?"
I whispered, "Gee, that maybe I get laid and am not an uptight bitch like my mom?" I heard Carlos laugh at my comedy relief and knew that in the end, going home with him, all would be well. His ESP was alive and well as he squeezed my hand.
"Always." Damn ESP.
My grandma was the first to greet us since my mom had stormed back into the house. Dad was watching a Ranger's game and looked up to nod at us. We both went in the kitchen to offer our help and were shooed away. We each carried a part of dinner out to the table. Carlos opened the wine and I took a liberal taste of it from my glass. I could drink the whole damn bottle and still feel tense.
My mom made spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread and a huge salad. We weren't typically salad people, so I was glad she was at least making some effort, knowing Carlos ate healthy. We had a fairly decent conversation about the weather, and Carlos and my Dad's commonality… the army. Grandma tried asking about our living arrangements, but mom rudely changed the subject, instead asking Carlos about his business and without coming out in so many words, asking if it was legal.
I could see Carlos' lip twinge at the line of questioning, obviously enjoying her naivety. After explaining what he did, including security work and protection detail for many government officials, she still didn't seem satisfied. If anything she was acting restless although my dad was more interested than I've ever seen him at the dinner table. He even asked Carlos some questions and Carlos offered him a brief tour of his business if he was interested.
When mom asked me to come to the kitchen to help her with the dessert, I reluctantly agreed, leaving Carlos to talk to my dad. Mom said we were having pineapple upside down cake and I figured the faster we ate the cake, the sooner we could get home. I was afraid that getting me alone was just a chance for her to yell at me some more about what a failure I am as a daughter. When we got to the kitchen though, she had her back turned and ignored me.
"Stephanie, please get the whipped cream from the refrigerator, it's in the back."
I leaned in to reach for it, wondering why it was all the way in the back, behind the milk when I felt a hand cover my mouth and another hand wrap around my neck, strangling me. What the hell? I was pulled up and dreagged backward to the door leading to the back porch and I looked over at my mother for help and saw she had shoved a chair under the kitchen door so no one could come in from the dining room. I looked over my shoulder and realized Joe was the one with the hand wrapped around my throat. I tried screaming, but was hit in the back very hard, taking my breath away. This was not happening. Carlos! Where's your ESP now? I tried biting down on Joe's hand but couldn't get any flesh. Every move I made only made his grip on me tighten to the point of not being able to breathe. Remembering what Lester taught me in training, I stomped on his ankle with the heel of my shoe, and snapped my head back, hitting his nose, figuring it had worked on Vince, it might on Joe. He didn't loosen the hold he had on my neck so I could get away, but the hand over my mouth loosened and I was able to scream… bloody murder.
Only a moment passed by before Carlos kicked in the kitchen door, closing his phone and pulled out his gun, aiming it at Joe's head. Joe changed his hold on my neck and moved it to around my chest, in a hold so tight I couldn't take a breath in.
"Let her go, Morelli."
"You won't shoot a cop. That's assault against a police officer."
"I don't see a police officer here, I see a pathetic excuse for a man that won't accept the truth. I'm not saying it again. Let. Her. Go."
The hand that had been covering my mouth was now yielding a gun to my head and I started to feel faint as his hold on my chest tightened even more. I was feeling the room darken.
"She's coming with me Manoso. And there's nothing you can do about it. Take one step closer and I shoot her…"
I fell to the floor with Joe twitching behind me. I'm lying on the floor, gasping for air. I looked up at Lester who had hit Joe, causing him to drop me. Hal had a murderous look on his face as he kept his gun trained on Joe. Carlos came over and picked me up, carrying me through the house, to the sofa in the living room. I could hear Joe grunting and the impact of someone being hit. I knew Lester and Hal were kicking the shit out of him and I couldn't bring myself to feel one bit bad about it. He deserves it!
"I- I can- I can't…" Why was it so hard to talk?
"Babe, don't try talking, just catch your breath, deep breaths, babe." I was gasping for breath and couldn't find words. It took me a few minutes to get my breathing under control, concentrating on Carlos and mimicking his breaths to do so. I saw Les and Hal appear behind Carlos, their concern hard to mask. I couldn't believe Joe would try to take me in my parent's house. Wait… my mom… where's my mom…
"You!" I pointed at my mother, trying to sit up. "I can't believe, my own mother! You helped him! You barricaded the door and tried to help him take me. Who are you? What kind of a monster of a mother helps someone kidnap…"
RPOV
Hearing Steph scream made my blood run cold. I instantly dialed Hal and hung up after one ring, our pre-arranged signal for them to storm the house. Seeing Morelli with a death grip on Steph had me seeing red. That mother fucker! She was struggling to breathe, only able to get in short gasps. He's suffocating her. When he wouldn't let her go at first, I was tempted to just shoot. That's when he raised his gun to her head threatening me not to come closer. When Lester and Hal came in through the back door, catching him off guard, Lester hit him with the butt of his gun to the base of Morelli's skull. He dropped her, her body falling limply to the floor, as she gasped for air.
Carrying her to the living room, I felt overwhelming relief having her in my arms. Lester and Hal followed after beating the shit out of him, leaving the unconscious Morelli in the kitchen. Steph started to say something, and struggled. What came out of her mouth a moment later made everyone take a step back, staring at Helen Plum. Her own mother had aided Morelli in the attempted kidnapping. He could have killed her if he got her alone. Steph passed out as she tried telling her mother off. Her breathing still coming in short gasps, I picked her up and started for the door. Tank, Binkie and Cal were standing on guard on the front porch. Tank informed me the perimeter was clear. I hopped in the back of one of the Broncos holding Steph, throwing the keys to the turbo to Lester. Tank got in the driver's seat with Hal as the passenger. Words were unnecessary as we returned to Rangeman. Bobby was waiting for us in the garage. He took one look at me and backed up, knowing I was furious! "My office or your apartment?"
"Our apartment. She'll be more comfortable there when she wakes up."
On the way up in the elevator, I briefed Bobby, Tank and Hal on the evening's events. Fury is a word not often used, but it was felt in spades by my men. Vengeance. Another word seldom used, but one Mrs. Plum was going to have to watch her back for.
I got a call from Lester who remained at the scene. Morelli had escaped while we were in the living room. Dammit! They were careless in leaving him unattended. All of us were too focused on Steph and underestimated how long Morelli would be out. I hung up the phone and threw it on the kitchen counter.
I turned to Bobby and motioned for him to stop following, trying to reign my anger from the whole night in. "Let me change her into looser clothes and I'll let you in to examine her." Bobby nodded.
I quickly changed Steph out of the clothes she spent so much time picking out and carefully, as if she would break, slipped one of my t-shirts over her head. I couldn't resist holding her for a few minutes, inhaling her scent, trying to calm myself with her presence. After feeling her wince in her sleep, I looked at her face and saw the large bruise on her neck becoming more prominent, I opened the door to let Bobby in and asked Hal to go grab one of the high resolution cameras we use to collect evidence on cases.
At Bobby's touch, Steph started stirring, then stilled for a moment before kicking and screaming, trying to get away from his touch in her dream. He tried waking her gently. Hal walked in and looked at Bobby like he'd done something to her.
I was at her side immediately "Babe, babe, it's me… I've got you, you're safe… Babe, I need you to wake up." I put my hands on her face and arms, whispering how much I loved her in her ear, she quickly calmed and slowly opened her eyes.
"Carlos?... what's going on?"
"You're in our apartment. You passed out at your parents after we rescued you from Joe. Bobby's here to see if you're alright. Hal is going to take a couple pictures of the bruising you got from Joe's hold on you. You ok?"
"Can you give me a minute? I'm… I'm a bit foggy."
"Sure, babe. Guys, can you give us ten minutes?" Bobby and Hal nodded, Bobby handed me the water to give to Steph and they walked out the door.
"Babe, you're safe." She snuggled into me, her arms going around my neck like I was her lifeline. "Don't go, Carlos, please don't go…"
I held her back slightly to look in her eyes. "I'm here, babe. I'm not going anywhere. Ever." Her grip lessened and she slumped against me, exhausted. We savored the feel of each other for a few moments when Bobby and Hal walked back in.
"Babe, Bobby needs to look you over, alright?" She looked up at him, studying his eyes, and nodded. He was tender with her, something rarely seen from an army medic. He loved her like a sister and would bring her no further discomfort.
"Steph, it looks like your larynx is bruised from being compressed. It's a bit swollen now but shouldn't get any worse. I'll give you some Tylenol and a mild muscle relaxant to help your airway. You'll need to sleep elevated tonight. Your soreness in your chest is caused from what Ranger described as a tight hold Morelli had on you. He bruised a couple of ribs. No breaks, so you're lucky, but you'll be sore." He let what he'd told her sink in before continuing, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"No. Thanks, Bobby. I appreciate your help. You always take good care of me." She choked out between sobs. It had been an emotionally draining night and we all understood her sentiment.
"Anytime Steph, my pleasure. I'll see you in the morning." He stood up, looked over at me with a look that I understood of frustration over this last attack, and exited the room, joining Tank and Lester. I could hear him discussing her injuries.
Hal tentatively approached Steph, "Steph, do you mind if I take a picture of the bruises? We need the evidence."
"Ya, go ahead."
"Babe, just lay back and I'll position you so the photos aren't revealing." I laid her back against a couple of pillows that were propped up on the headboard and put her hair up and around the top of her head so her neck was visible. I then pulled the t-shirt down enough to reveal her neck. Hal took pictures from a couple of angles. I then pulled the comforter out from under her, pulling it up over her legs, ending just above her belly button and pulled the t-shirt up to just under her breasts, exposing her torso.
"Babe, you doing ok?" She nodded, a single tear drop trickling down her cheek. Hal finished up and started putting the camera back in it's case when Steph stopped him.
"Don't you want the bruise from my back?" Hal and I looked at eachother.
"What bruise? When was your back injured?"
"My mom had me reaching in the frige for some whipped cream when Joe snuck up behind me, covering my mouth and grabbing my throat. When I tried to scream, he hit me on the back so hard it took my breath away. Then his hold tightened more. That's why I couldn't breathe. My back has hurt ever since."
"Roll over, babe. Let's take a look." She rolled over onto her stomach and I lifted her shirt. It was in the middle of her back. Shit! It was dark purple. He had obviously used his fist and punched her very hard right in the middle of her upper back. Hal took a picture and we called Bobby back in. He felt her ribs in the back and determined no breaks. As his hand ran over the bruise, his hand began to shake with the control he had over his anger at her injuries taking over. He got up abruptly and left the room. I could hear Tank and Lester trying to calm him.
Hal sat on the edge of the bed and took Steph's small hand in his large, calloused hand. "Steph, they always say we don't choose our family. But they're wrong. We're a family. You, Ranger, myself, Tank, Bobby and Lester, we're family. The rest of Rangeman is your extended family. We all love you… don't ever forget that. We're all lucky to have each other." I could swear I saw unshed tears well up on this tough guy, but will never know, because after his sentiment, he silently left the apartment.
Tank, Bobby and Lester were in the doorway. Tank spoke for the three of them, "he's right you know. You're part of this family now. I'm afraid you're stuck with us."
They were chipping through her sad exterior.
"Ya, you're the glue that holds this team together. We just wouldn't be right without you." Good ol' Lester.
"Thanks guys. I love you too." Steph whispered as she snuggled into my arms, trying to keep her eyes open. "I'll see you tomorrow?" And before they could even answer, she was asleep. The guys just stood there, taking in the small woman who had made such a positive impact on our lives. When did I lose all the control around here?
"Would you three lug heads leave me alone with my woman?"
