I apologize for not updating sooner but I kept getting lost with the numerous characters. So I am streamlining the characters so that it won't be so hard to follow. However, before I upload the next chapter I've provided a character list.

This fanfiction is the sequel to Pivotal Moments, which should be read before reading this fanfiction.

AU. It's been over a year since Steph's was mysteriously kidnapped. An old acquaintance reappears and the Manoso's find them embroiled with a powerful diabolical mastermind.

Reminder: This is a sequel and it will be hard to follow if you have not read Pivotal Moments. In addition, you must stay alert for various nuances and how they fit within the overall story. Thank you for continuing to read my story. Peace.

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CHAPTER 10 – (AN) LIST OF CHARACTERS (in order of appearance)

(JE) denotes Janet Evanovich original character. All other characters are mine.

PROLOGUE

Victoria / Bijou / momma: villainess

Diana / Dee Dee: clone of Victoria/ Bijou / momma

Jeanne Ellen: female Ranger killed in Pivotal Momemts (JE)

Stephanie Plum-Manoso: protagonist and Ranger / Carlos wife (JE)

ME (aka Carrol) / mommie: clone of Victoria/ Bijou / momma

CHAPTER 1

JJ (Jeanne Junior): adult clone of Jeanne Ellen and a podiatrist

KJ (Kalle Jordane Autour Soleil) / SVU (Stephanie Victoria United):

adult clone of Stephanie

Jordan: Jeanne Ellen's clone – roughly 1 year old

MacKenzie / Mac: Stephanie's clone – roughly 1 year old

Ranger / Carlos Manoso: Stephanie's husband (JE)

Sally: Genius cryptographer, children's academic advisor, lead singer in a band (JE)

Ella: Stephanie's proxy mother (JE)

AJ (Alejandro Justino) Manoso: 1st born triplet of Stephanie and Carlos

BJ (Benito Javier) Manoso: 2nd born triplet of Stephanie and Carlos

CJ (Carlos Jonas) Manoso: 3rd born triplet of Stephanie and Carlos

Tank: Carlos best friend and Lula's husband, Alston's dad (JE)

Hector: Rangeman's head of research and development (JE)

Robin Head: Chairwoman PTA Welcome committee

Rangeman: Employee(s) of Rangeman Security Company (JE)

Diesel: Unmentionable and Steph's friend (JE)

Audi: Diesel's girlfriend and an unmentionable

Joyce Barnhardt: Steph's archenemy

CHAPTER 2

Dr. Felton: AJ's teacher

Ben: AJ's classmate who loves food

Chris: AJ's classmate that is a clean freak

Agnes: AJ's classmate

Dr. King: BJ's teacher with glass eye

Kingston: BJ's classmate with bladder control problem

Bella: BJ's classmate who is very shy

Maddy: BJ's talkative ADHD classmate

Dr. Malave: CJ's teacher who talks to himself

Alston: CJ's very polite and mature classmate, Tank and Lula's adopted daughter

Mariyah: CJ's classmate and longtime daycare pal of Alston

Greyson: CJ's classmate

Donte: CJ's classmate

Bas: Retired Intelligence officer now a Rangeman employee

Billy: Premiere Cyberintelligence consultant / Hacker

Randy Briggs – Hacker (JE)

JB: Stephanie's twin brother

Bobby: Rangeman's medical doctor / Rangeman's Core team member (JE)

Lester: Rangeman's Core team member (JE)

Connie: JB's girlfriend, Mafiosa (JE)

CHAPTER 4

Vinnie: Owner of Plum Bail Bonds and Stephanie's perverted cousin (JE)

Lucille: Vinnie's wife (JE)

Harry the Hammer: Lucille's father and major investor in Plum Bail Bonds (JE)

Grandma Edna Mazur: Stephanie's grandmother (JE)

Lula: Stephanie's best friend and Tank's wife, Alston's mom (JE)

Gracie: Owner of the Tasty Pastry

Doris: Cashier at the Tasty Pastry

CHAPTER 5

Rafael: Rangeman, Connie's cousin

Joe Morelli: Stole Steph's virginity and Trenton cop (JE)

Grandma Bella: Joe's grandmother (JE)

CHAPTER 6

Carl: Trenton Cop (JE)

Big Dog: Trenton Cop (JE)

Ms. Jane Gowans: Alston's grandmother

Mrs. Morelli: Joe Morelli's mother (JE)

CHAPTER 7

Rosie: member of Grandma Mazur's squad

Elsie: member of Grandma Mazur's squad

Blanche: member of Grandma Mazur's squad

Mrs. Bestler: member of Grandma Mazur's squad

Gerald: Achilles Podiatry attendant

CHAPTER 8

Chyna: Receptionist at Achilles Podiatry

Manny: Rangeman (JE)

Maggie Mason: Genius bookstore owner and mud wrestler(JE)

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CHAPTER 9 – DOUBLE TROUBLE (ending)

Bijou felt a zap when talking to Steph. The next moment she was lying on the floor unable to move. Then strangers in biohazard suits entered her home and carried her to her lab. She was placed next to Diana who was in a similar condition. She was hooked up to medical equipment to monitor her vitals.

"Who would dare do this to me?"

The person who appeared in charge walked up to Bijou and started to explain what was happening. "Hello Victoria/Bijou it's been awhile. Your body's electrical signals have been reprogrammed to simulate locked-in-syndrome. Once we have transferred you to your new home we will remove the program and you will have full use of your limbs. My associates are installing a neuro-communicator so we can hear your thoughts."

Bijou's loud voice was heard through the speakers. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The leader laughed taking of their mask revealing familiar features, "I AM YOU!"