Disclaimer: all characters belong to Janet Evanovich.
Chapter 10
**Marni**
I got up early to head to the gym for a morning jog. I do that whenever I want to clear my head. Usually I try to find other more fun ways to stay in shape like dance or kick-boxing, even yoga, that I fully intend to talk Stephanie into doing with me. I may even try to get a job at a gym. But, this morning I need some space to think. We stayed up late last night going over all my actions that weekend, trying to determine if there was anything beyond the stolen bike that could make me a target for these guys. And the only thing I know about them was their shady business, which wasn't exactly a secret, and their names. But, the more I told her about our 'reunion' at the shop the more we were convinced it had something to do with the name thing. I remembered the name Fergus used talking to the leader was not the one I knew him by. Stephanie was sure there was something there and she wanted to do some searching on Ranger's fancy computer, but I was a little scared for her to dig up the past. So, we decided to talk to Bobby because apparently he is the man in charge with the rest of the core team out of town. That and Steph was sure he would back her up on the searching more idea.
I was startled out of my internal debate by the noise in the gym. I had thought I was early, but it seemed like every piece of equipment was in use and some were even sparring on the mats in the middle of the room. Of course, every single one of them paused what they were doing and stared at me when I walked in. You would think they'd never seen a woman in there before. Then I smirked, well they were used to dealing with Stephanie and she probably had never set foot in here on purpose. So, I just waved and went to the track that circled the room, it was a little like a balcony for running or in my case jogging, and started my workout. Then everyone went back to their own workouts, and I realized a new perk to exercising when they all do…serious eye candy. All the muscles, rippling and bunching, a little sweaty…I think I have been drooling. Good thing no one was up here with me! The amount of gorgeous men in this room alone, yum! I need to get my hormones under control, but I bet I could use this new found knowledge to convince Stephanie to exercise with me. She may not want any of these men, but a woman would have to be dead to not enjoy the view.
I got out of the shower, feeling good about my morning workout and ready to talk to Bobby. I told Stephanie I agreed with her that she may need to do some research, but I wanted to talk to Bobby first. She was still not awake yet, still dragging over her coffee. I think we were going to have to make a donut run before she would be any use to me. I was about to offer to go the store, when someone knocked on the door. I was so startled that I didn't react right away. Stephanie started laughing at me, "Your face! You should see your face." I wasn't sure how I felt about her laughing at my expense but decided to let it go to answer the door. Much to my surprise Bobby was standing there holding what looked like a pastry bag, I guess he had enough experience dealing with Steph to know he'd be better received with gifts.
Behind me Steph was talking, "Come on in Bobby. I'm sorry Marni, I forgot to tell you. I called him while you were in the shower and asked him to come up here so we could be more comfortable talking about everything." She looked at me sheepishly as she explained.
"Don't worry about it Steph, I was just surprised anyone would come visit now. But this will be better for our talk. Hello again Bobby. I see you come bearing gifts. Did you get enough for me too? Or are those just for Stephanie?" I said grinning at him.
Bobby winked at me and assured me, "I know how to treat the ladies, there is enough for both of you."
Stephanie just raised her eyebrows, she still can't manage to do just one, and muttered, "more like a healthy sense of self-preservation." And we both laughed.
We settled on the couch in the living room and I told Bobby how two large men came into the auto shop I was working at before I came here and how I knew them from 8 or so years ago. Then as vaguely as possible I explained about the time I was in Mexico and stole one of their bikes. He patiently listened and then told me point blank that I was holding out on him and he needed to know every detail if he was going to help me. He warned that he intended to keep everything I told him confidential but he may have to tell someone if he was to help us. I did feel more reassured, and decided to just be straight with him. So, I started over and asked them both to not interrupt. I told them all the details. And finished up with the name I remembered Fergus using at the shop, "Mr. Manoso."