Sorry about the delay. A few things came up and I realized that yes it is completely unbelievable that Stephanie would wake up and be done with the disastrous lifestyle she leads, but after contemplating it I don't mind if it's overplayed or if it's unbelievable, it's just for fun. On anther note, my daughter moved back in and now all my family is all under one roof. I love it!

The next day I woke up and rolled over hurting my arm the slightest bit. It didn't hurt nearly as much as the last time. However, I knew I wouldn't be allowed to play paintball with the guys tonight. After my morning workout, I get ready for the day. Since I had client meeting today I could either wear the uniform or dress up. Since the new clients come from the wealthier side of town I decided to dress up. I opted for white pant suit with a flared leg, and barely contained my curls in a twist. I still had a tan from the beach so it looked amazing instead of washing me out. My blue eyes seemed to pop, so I added little makeup going for the natural look, apart from an extra layer of mascara for courage. I turned the classic rock power mix on in the car and was delighted to hear Crazy train by Ozzy. I sang along, building far more confidence than I had reason for.

Aside from being the only female working in the building I was the only bright one. Everyone was in their black uniforms. I secretly felt pretty, dang special. I was complimented by a few people. No one noticed my bandaged arm, but Tank remembered and hollered at me to come in when I walked by his office.

"Client meetings today?"

"Yeah. You said I could dress up instead of the uniform if I had meetings."

"You look good, I was just checking what you were working on today. Quite the opposite of the uniform though." He smiled.

"Thanks, yeah I have meetings until lunch, then I have a few walk throughs and I should have time for a few searches in between things. Are you going out to play paintball tonight?"

"Take someone with you to the walk throughs. You're not playing paintball with stitches. I'm not sure if I'll make it."

"I planned on seeing who had free time and having them come with me. I know I can't play. I was going to go along and see if they wanted to look over options securing with us. They had a few questions when I called to tell them to expect and invasion tonight. Mostly they're just interested in the office and where they store the extra equipment. No problems yet, just a precaution. They have a space for ranged ammunition practice as well as a safety obstacle course they wanted us to see, since so many guys here are former military, they're offering a discount if they go with a contract. Probably they're looking for a discount themselves. It's worth considering. The risk of providing them security is low enough that even with a discount you'd still make a profit, plus some of the guys seem to like the place. It'd be another Rangeman perk."

"Could be beneficial, see what they need and what they're looking for as a discount. We'll run the numbers and discuss it then."

"You got it, boss. Need anything else?"

"How's your arm?"

"Better. Barely hurt this morning. I'm more worried about my friendship with Lula."

"She shouldn't be allowed a weapon." I don't think Tanks over the fake engagement. He turned and continued his work. I guess I'm dismissed. I guess now that I'm working for him and Ranger isn't here he can come up with more than a few words at a time. He's still not overly chatty, but it's progress.

My meetings went great, I had another two walk throughs scheduled for Monday, and I closed the deal on 3 before stopping for lunch. So far, I have a perfect record of client meetings, which means I'm awesome. Although I'm worried about one of them, the financials just aren't there according to my search. I made a note to consider it more later. I went in the kitchen to find a sandwich for lunch. I ran into Lester, Zip, and Brett. I swear he's everywhere now that we've talked. Although it could just be that we work together so I'm bound to see him now.

"Hey beautiful, you look beautiful!" Smooth, I smiled anyhow. The others nodded looking me over.

"Thank you! I don't have to dress like the men in black when I have meetings."

"So, ready for tonight? You going to be on my team?"

"No, I can't play. But I do get to go, I'll be talking to the owners about security, they're hoping we can come up with a good deal for them."

"Why can't you play?" Zip was the first to ask, though you could tell the others were thinking it.

"Just an accident the other day. I'm fine but I had to get a few stitches."

"What kind of accident?" I wasn't telling them about Lula. I don't know why I still need to defend her. It's not like she'd keep it a secret if it were reversed.

"I got in a fight with an orange cheetah, or maybe a blue Zebra. No, I got in a fight with some steps and a curling iron. It was just an accident. I'll root for your team tonight though." They looked at me funny, trying to figure out what I was talking about. Since I'm OK I figure they'll leave it alone, that and because while they were looking at each other I snuck away. Running straight into Tank.

"Don't tell them about Lula. She doesn't have the best reputation. This wouldn't be a plus for her." He raised his eyebrow and nodded. I headed back to my desk and got to work.

I went with Hector and Manny to do the walkthroughs. Hector smiled when he saw me probably remembering the alarm system I hated, and now I was selling it. I smiled back and said bang and he laughed. He was thinking about it. Manny evidently didn't know what I was talking about. I was surprised it hadn't made its way around the office. I played on my phone a minute and looked up at him.

"¿Habla usted Inglés? He smiled and shook his head no. I was wondering if I could practice Spanish without him telling anyone I was learning. I tilted my head and contemplated it, just deciding to say OK. Besides I didn't want Manny to know and report it Ranger. I want to know what he says when he starts going off in Spanish. Manny said he could translate and I thanked him. I remember being a bit afraid of Hector when I first met him, but aside from the tattoos he has a roguish face. I know he can be deadly, but that's not all he is. I'm not sure why I wanted to trust him out of everyone, but I figure no one would stand up to him and his reputation with knife skills.

The first walkthrough went mostly OK. The client was getting the most expensive, without being evasive set up we had. His leering got creepy, but Manny would get his attention when he got too close. The rest of the work day went well, and went by relatively fast. I was looking forward to seeing the paintball range with its safety obstacle course and gun range. I could take my dad some time I bet he'd have fun. Plus, he would give me a few times before turning it into a contest and there wouldn't be any bets placed behind my back. I couldn't guarantee it from anyone else.

I stopped by the gym to do my workout and found Hector outside my car when I came out. Guess my secret isn't so secret after all. I smiled and said hola, not sure what he needed if he didn't speak English and didn't know I knew some Spanish.

"Hello, Estefanía"

"Hello Hector. I take it you do understand English, just don't want people to know?" He nodded. "Hop in we'll talk on the way so no one spots you." He nodded once and got in the driver seat. I should care since it is my car, but I really don't mind.

"Do you report everything about me to Ranger like some of the others?"

"No. If he's needed or you're in danger, then si I would. But he doesn't need to know every detail." I knew he was a good choice. I smiled at him again

"Thank you. You might just be my favorite man in black." Which caused him to smile. "I'm learning Spanish in secret. I was wondering if I could practice it with you to help me learn faster without letting anyone else know."

"Why don't you want anyone to know?" I should have expected that question.

"Some people speak in Spanish in front of me knowing I don't know it, and I would like to know what's being said."

"Si, I will help you. I will keep your secret. You can come to my office and I will help you know more about the equipment we use. No one will suspect it. I have a computer program that can translate and I can offer that as a translator instead of Manny."

"Thank you. It means a lot to me that you don't report everything, privacy isn't something I've had in a very long time. I am going to get it back. Did you find me by the trackers or did someone find out I come here?"

"Trackers. Once you started working towards keeping yourself safe, I blocked your trackers from everyone but myself. I won't abuse it, but no one is blocked from me. You're not endangering yourself, there's no need for everyone to know your whereabouts."

"I lied. You are my favorite man in black. I couldn't keep going the way I was. I was scared too often and humiliated even more." He nodded.

"Are you still scared?"

"Sometimes. Not as bad as before though."

"I will watch over you. I will teach you what I know as well."

"That's the problem. I appreciate it, but I need to be able to protect myself. I shouldn't need a hero all the time."

"Yes, you will learn to protect yourself. I will help. You learn fast. Until then, you have me as a friend."

"Thank you. I should head to the paintball park, are you going? Where would you like me to drop you off at?"

"Yes, I am going, I can ride with you if you don't mind. I had fun last week, should be fun tonight too. What actually happened to your arm anyhow?" I nodded and headed that way.

"Lula wanted to prove to me that she didn't need any training, because without it I was quitting. She shoots at people just because they call her fat and she misses everything. I don't want to accidently get shot while she watches my back. I had quit because she refused and she went to collect the skip with her gun, and she accidently shot me. It barely grazed my arm. I'm fine. But I needed a few stitches so Tank won't let me play, and I'm sure it would hurt to get hit there. People look at Lula and still see hooker, I didn't want to put anything else in the bad column for her so I just made up something like a fight with an orange cheetah. She has orange hair sometimes, and she wears zebra print. But no one will assume an orange zebra is Lula. They look at me like I'm crazy."

"Is she going to get training?"

"Not that I know of. She said she was sorry, but that it barely hit me. Then she didn't have anything else to say to me." He just shook his head.

"Why did you trust me enough to tell me you speak English?"

"You may be clumsy and untrained at times, but you're loyal. Even with Lula shooting you, you protect her from the silent judgement. She's left you stranded and you always forgive. You saw tank throw a man out the window the first day you met him, and you never told anyone. You protected Ranger and his men. I knew you'd keep it secret. Why did you trust me?"

"You look a bit scary at first, so no one will question you too much, you won't have to lie for me, most won't even ask you. But underneath it is someone who's loyal and kind. You have access to everyone's secrets, yet I've never heard of you spreading gossip." He just looked at me for a bit studying me, made me want to squirm.

"You see more than most." I drive around in ugly cars covered in garbage, looks don't show everything.

The paintball fields were huge. There were 5 parks. They were all leveled differently, and I really wanted to go play, but chances were way to high I would get hit within seconds, and I wasn't allowed. I found the owner Bud, he was in his early fifties, with a bit of silver in his black hair, but in great shape for his age. He wore jeans and a black shirt and looked like he was friends with everyone.

"Miss Plum, I have to say thanks for calling this in, there were more than we thought, but I had made sure I left the advanced field closed for the time. I don't think I've ever seen so many big guys all dressed the same." He smiled shaking his head.

"Call me Stephanie, please. It's quite a sight, but I can assure you, they're great men."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. I can usually spot a bad seed with ease. Your men were friendly and polite, they're just having fun, we'll let them have their fun and get them at the end."

"I can't go on the field today, I'm sorry. I seem to have cut my arm a bit but I'd love to get them. Unfortunately, even if I were out there, I'm a bit outclassed."

"Are you able to hold a gun and shoot?" I nodded "Then that won't be a problem. I've got you covered. I'm not as young as I used to be, so I'm outclassed as well. We'll get them anyhow."

"I can't wait to see what you have in mind. Let's see what kind of security you're looking for and then we'll go play."

I followed him to the office where he pointed out the spots he wanted covered. I suggested another kind of lock, and then we moved on to the range.

"As long as you aren't shooting explosives I don't mind what kind of weapon you bring out here. I just don't need a fire out here. There's a pistol area, then 100yd 300yd, 1000yd with a 10ft second level rifle platform, and a competitive 1100yd." The range was set up nicely. There were five wide rows set up so probably 5 people with space to stretch could shoot at once. They were separated by rows of waist high bushes that looked like they were groomed. There was a simple, but nice covered pavilion for each space. The pavilion for the 1000yd was the underside of the platform, on top sat 4 shooting benches. At the end of each was a large boxed in mound of dirt meant to collect any extra bullets. Their design was simple, organized and safe. It was a lot for something they weren't sure they would share.

"Wow. This is great. I know the guys would have fun out here, there are a few I know of who would regularly use this. Do you mind if I take some photos for the presentation to my boss?"

"Go for it, just keep them within the office, we don't offer this section to the whole public. We're a bit picky on this side. If you're in need of this field you're in need of privacy. I was hoping part of this could be secured by making sure the right people are back here and I could open it up to a bit more. There's some people who pass the checks, but I'm unsure of them. I've heard your checks cover more than most."

"Yes, we are thorough with our screening and that could be added. I appreciate the privacy of using the fields. I think it will make more of the men comfortable with the idea of coming out here. I'd like to ask if you could run a search on myself, if you haven't already, and my father, Frank Plum. I'd be more than willing to pay for our time out here, I think he'd love it. If we don't pass that's fine as well. I know how my history looks."

"You're an exciting girl, but I don't think you're presently a threat to me. Sometimes things just explode, but you got up and went back to work instead of moping around about it. That's not a bad thing in my book. You and your father are welcome here. We did run a search on you and your company. Spending time with your father is an important thing. It's nice to hear you want to." I blushed a bit at the compliment. I'm really enjoying the time I've gotten to spend with him lately as well. I never had that kind of relationship with my mom, but then Val never had a real relationship with my dad either.

"Thank you, I'll call to set up an appointment when we can figure out a time. If your obstacle course is anywhere as great as this, I'm sure we'll want to do that as well. "

"Sounds good to me, it's just this way. I think you'll approve," he had a huge grin as we walked the course and he showed me what all it entailed, and I was curious.

"My son thought he wanted to be a DEA agent, and I was a bit afraid. I taught him how to shoot so I wasn't worried about that, but it's a lot easier shooting at a stationary target or dinner through a scope. I wanted to make sure he could clear a room or fight his way out of a back alley." He started explaining as we entered the area. It was boxed in but it was impressive, even if it weren't me checking it out. I snapped some photos as I looked around. There were twelve, simple but strong moveable walls, six popper targets, nine plates, three clays and twelve metric targets. He had a binder with him and showed me the different layouts he had printed for easy access.

"These are what we found through different I.P.S.C. course designs, however they can be arranged however you'd like. My son ultimately decided to enlist, but I have no doubt that this has helped him. I couldn't choose his path for him, but I tried to give him as much information and training as I could provide to keep him safe." I was touched at how much he helped his son. He never tried to keep him a dangerous job, instead he gave his son the knowledge to stay safe.

"He's very lucky to have a father like you. This was an amazing thing you did for him." This time it was his turn to blush a bit.

"I'm the lucky one, I couldn't have asked for a better son." I know my mom loves me, but I wished she could be more like this man.

"I will show this to the guys, but I can almost guarantee they will want to add this to their company benefits. I can't imagine them passing this up. We'll look at it in the morning and tomorrow afternoon if you're free I'd like you to come in to the office and we'll go over the numbers. I can't be exact without discussing it since this isn't our standard job, however we have the men and the means to do this. Does any time tomorrow afternoon work for you?"

"How about Monday at 2 pm? Would that be OK?"

"Of course. I'll add you to the visitors' log, just tell the men at the desk who you are, they'll give you a pass and escort you to my office."

Sounds good to me, now let's go have some fun, shall we?" I couldn't help but light up with a huge smile. He was planning an attack on the guys and with what he's shown me, we have a fighting chance.

"I'm more than ready to see what you have in store for them."

We walked back towards the office where a small shed sat. When he opened the door, I was even happier. There was a golf cart in armor! It was complete with black metal panels and tinted windows, it had a small opening window on each door and in the back just big enough to shoot out of. I couldn't help but laugh a bit.

"This is perfect. This is going to be fun."

"I told you we'd have fun. I've got one more surprise for ya." We grabbed our gear and he had called a buddy Max up who smiled and asked if we were ready. There were now 2 of the gulf carts! Oh my, I was excited. He told Max to pick girly colors. That I was outnumbered and injured so I was left on the sidelines, so they were on my team. I introduced myself and said how glad I was that they were my team. I couldn't have hidden my excitement if I wanted.

A new game started shortly after that and we started on opposite ends after everyone was on the field. The first ten people we easy since they had no idea what was going on. We laughed the whole time, driving too fast and shooting at everyone. By the time we were done, the black armored gulf carts were covered in paint and almost every Rangeman had splattered pink paint on them. Everyone loved the gulf carts and no one was upset we had cheated after all, it's not every day you get hit in a drive by paintball shooting from the bat mobile.

"Can we get a photo of all of us?" We did and I got a photo of my team. I thought I'd have to sit the whole thing out, and I ended up having more fun than if I had been running around hiding from everyone searching for an opening.