Chapter 10

Elaina's POV

"What was that?" Bobby asked me.

"Nothing. I'm done here for today. Did you want to head back?" I asked quickly changing the subject.

I needed to think. I didn't realize that Steph was Joe's ex. When I thought about the pictures I couldn't possibly imagine what Amber, Steph and I had in common. None of us looked anything alike so it was clearly not physical.

Amber and Steph grew up in the Burg and had similar ties to the community. Amber and I worked with the sick and knew each other through the hospital. Steph and I were currently dating men who were partners in the same company but I never was able to figure out what the three of us had in common.

That picture of me and Joe kissing kept resurfacing in my thoughts. It was taken so long ago. None of the other pictures of me were anything more than a few weeks old. I wanted to find out about the other pictures taken of the other women.

I'm not sure if I wanted to talk to Joe about this. What happens if he's involved? What happens if Amber is involved? A large part of me could never imagine either of them doing something like this. The problem was I couldn't imagine anyone doing something like this.

Then there was the kidnapping attempt. I originally thought it had to be connected, but maybe it wasn't? My kidnapper was definitely a man and there was at least one more of them driving the van.

I needed someone to bounce all my ideas off of. I needed Greg. I couldn't use Greg, I didn't want him involved. I thought about Bobby and then I thought about how Les was going to make me tell him about Slater. I was already nervous about that and I'm scared he was going to over react.

I didn't want to place more shit on him before I at least figured out what all this meant and I wanted him to be in a clear calm head space. Bobby doesn't seem like one to lose his temper but I've seen him react to when someone calls me a name and even places an unwanted hand on me. This was going to go poorly and I also needed a plan to handle Slater before talking to Bobby.

My thoughts were spinning fast and I realized there was only one person who I thought would be able to help me figure some of this stuff out, keep their reactions in check, have access to the information I needed and also keep things from Bobby until I was ready.

Bobby pulled into RangeMan and looked at me "Are you okay? You've been very quiet on the ride back" he asked.

"I'm fine I think seeing Casey and Carol today was a little overwhelming" I said giving him a small smile.

Who uses a cancer patient as a way to lie to their boyfriend? Maybe I was the devil.

"Why don't you go up and lie down and I'll run to the store to pick some stuff up for dinner and a bottle of wine" he said smiling at me. "You could probably use a drink."

More than he even knows. This man was so perfect. I just hope he wouldn't look at me differently after he finds out about Slater. I didn't want him to hate me but I was planning to go behind his back.

I got out of the car and headed straight up to five and knocked the office door.

Ranger's POV

I was going through piles of paperwork when I heard a knock at my door. "Enter" I barked. To my surprise it wasn't Tank or Steph but Elaina who walked in.

"Elaina, what can I do for you?" I asked.

"I need to talk to you about some things but I also need your assurance it won't go past this room till I'm ready" Elaina said.

I searched her face to see if I could see any signs of fear or agitation. If she was afraid or agitated she hid it well, I could perceive nothing. She looked cold and indifferent. I guess this was her version of what Steph always referred to as a "blank face."

I nodded.

"Thank you" she said as she took a seat. "I need to discuss the pictures with you and I want to know if you have access to Amber's?"

I nodded again. I had Morelli make us copies so we could have accurate records and see if we could see something that the police were missing. So far nothing has come up.

"I've always believed that there has had to be a connection between Steph, Amber and I and it came to my attention today that Steph and Morelli used to be in a relationship."

I nodded again.

"I think Joe Morelli is the connection between the three of us" she said evenly.

"Joe and I have never dated but my thoughts keep coming back to that picture of us kissing. It was taken so long ago. I wanted to know if any of the other pictures of Amber or Steph were that old. The rest of my pictures were fairly recent" she pointed out.

"Are you planning on bringing this to Detective Morelli's attention?" I asked.

"Not yet. I'm not sure if he's involved and I'm wondering about Amber. I've known them both for awhile and it seems implausible but I still want to tread carefully just in case. I just need a little time to think" she said.

I knew I liked this woman. She was smart, astute and careful. Bobby better lock this one down.

"Does Bobby know?" I asked.

"Not yet, I have something else I need to share with him first" she actually looked uncomfortable.

I raised my eyebrows in response. She took a breath then filled me in on what happened with Slater.

I felt my own anger rising. I would love to get that guy alone in a room for an hour. I would break every bone in his fucking body.

"Lester told me that I had to tell Bobby or he would" she said.

"He has to know" I agreed.

"I'm scared he'll do something out of anger that can't be taken back" she said carefully.

Damn right. I know Bobby and Slater would disappear, his body never to be found. I know that this would end things with Elaina. She wasn't stupid and would never play the denial game. She would end it and cut him out of her life.

I thought about just taking care of it myself and that way Bobby would have no part of it but I have a feeling Elaina would know and still take it out on Bobby.

"I think I have a plan for Slater. I just need your help to make sure Bobby adheres to what I want. I was the one attacked. I have the right to make this decision" she said forcefully. "I will need your support."

If it had been Stephanie I would have killed Slater. I killed Abruzzi for her and she knows it even though it's not discussed. Steph is more comfortable in the legally gray area then Elaina.

Guess that's what Bobby gets for dating a fucking lawyer. Its laws over morality.

She told me her conditions and I agreed reluctantly. This woman wasn't going to accept no as an answer.

Bobby's POV

I was unpacking groceries when Elaina, Lester, Tank and Ranger walked into my apartment.

"What's going on?" I asked.

Elaina took me by the hand and led to the living room and sat with me on the couch. Lester, Tank and Ranger stood with their arms crossed in front of us, blank faces in place.

"At the hospital today, when I went to get Casey a ginger ale I ran into Slater who got a little rough with me. Lester came in and threw him off me and threatened him" she said evenly and calmly.

I felt my blood boiling. "How rough?" I asked.

Elaina was hesitating. "If you don't tell him I will" warned Lester.

Elaina took a breath and squeezed my hand tightly "He thought that you hit me when he saw the bruise on my face. I told him it wasn't true and I was in an accident. He pinned me up against the wall and then made some ridiculous assumption that you did hit me and I must like it rough. He slammed me against the wall and kissed me. He had just put his hand up my skirt when Lester came in and pulled him off me. Nothing happened," she said not releasing her death grip on my hand.

"You call that nothing?" I said dangerously.

I turned it looked at Lester and he said "She was pinned against the wall with his knee between her legs. She was trying to fight him off and I wouldn't call what he was doing kissing. It was more like assault with his mouth. She tried to scream when his hand went up her skirt and that's when I grabbed him. She was telling the truth about it not going there."

I took my hand and gently brought it to Elaina's mouth and touched her lips. The bottom one was slightly swollen and when I pulled it down it was cut on the inside.

That fucker was a dead man.

"Get me Slater's address. We're taking care of this now" I said standing and going to retrieve my gun and silencer.

"No!" Elaina said blocking my way. "I'm the one who was attacked and I will be the one to handle this. I'm not helpless and I will not have any of you jeopardize your lives, careers or freedom" she said placing her hands on my chest.

I gently moved her out of the way but was stopped by Ranger who said "Hear her out."

I turned and looked at Elaina. She was so small and delicate looking but yet fiery and determined. I loved her more than anything in this world and it killed me to think that someone hurt her. I wanted her not only to feel safe but to be safe. As far as I was concerned Slater had to go.

"I've already made so phone calls and inquiries. I spoke with the Chief of Medicine, Leroy Jensen and explained to him my situation with Slater. He remembers the incident at the benefit and Ranger had the foresight to make sure the incident was properly documented. There have also been other rumors about him asking for my schedule and following me around. It's certainly enough for a restraining order. Also, Lester was witness to the attack this morning" she started.

"If one of their best surgeons was to have a restraining order and was accused of attempted rape that's not a good look for the hospital. Jensen agreed to have Slater transferred immediately to a hospital in Arizona and part of the agreement for me not filing for a restraining order and not pressing charges is he under goes mandatory therapy sessions twice a week. The Chief of Medicine in Arizona will be overseeing this to make sure that Slater complies. They're in desperate need of a surgeon of Slater's skill level and I have had a personal relationship with the Chief of Medicine in Arizona so I know that Slater will be complying" Elaina explained, pleading with me with her eyes.

"Slater desperately wants to be accepted in a certain part of society. He can't do that with a restraining order and an attempted rape charge and he knows it. I just received a call from Jensen and Slater has packed a suitcase and is already on the road to Arizona. The rest of his stuff is being shipped" she finished.

I felt rage taking over I grabbed a lamp and threw it against the wall.

Elaina jumped backing away from me eyes widening.

OH SHIT.

After everything that she has gone through she's jumpy as fuck and here I am losing control around her.

Ranger came up beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder looking to calm her. She closed her eyes for a minute then gave a small nod letting everyone know she was okay.

I walked slowly to her and gently placed me hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes and said "I'm sorry I lost my temper. I love you and I would never hurt you."

"I know" she said quietly.

"I was worried that you were going to be upset with me for handling this behind your back. I asked Ranger and Lester to agree to have Lester stay with me at my place for tonight if you need space" she said her face becoming cold and indifferent. I knew that was her way of protecting herself.

"Absolutely not!" I exclaimed.

"I wish you would have told me what happened sooner but I know why you didn't. If Slater is gone for good and is going to counseling like you say he is I'm going to trust in your judgment. Know that this is not easy for me" I said giving her a level look.

Elaina visibly relaxed. "I know" she said.

"What happens if he comes back?" I asked.

"I will immediately file the restraining order and press charges. He will not be given another chance" she said.

I rubbed the back of my neck "I don't like this. But we'll do it your way" I said.

Tank, Lester and Ranger decided it was time for them to leave. Each one of them gently touched Elaina on the shoulder before leaving. It meant a lot to me to see my men taking care of her and watching out for her. They've truly accepted her as one of us.

"I need to go to the gym right now" I told her.

My anger was overwhelming me and I needed to get out some of this aggression.

"I'll go running. Just let me change" she turned and headed to the bedroom.

We headed down to the gym wordlessly and Elaina went toward the treadmills and I started toward the mats and punch bags. Lester was waiting for me.

"Thought you may need a sparing partner" Lester said.

I nodded.

"Let's do this. I feel like I need to hit something too" he smiled.

Ranger's POV

I headed back to five to check on things. I sat down at the monitors and saw Bobby and Elaina heading to the gym. I switched the view so I could watch the gym and watched as Elaina cranked up the treadmill sprinting with her headphones on.

I was slightly concerned for her. The amount of stress that she was under was staggering. I may need to talk to Bobby about keeping a really close eye on her. She has a hell of a poker face but anyone would crack under this type of pressure.

I changed views and saw Bobby working out next to Les as the two of them beating the shit out of punching bags. He apparently also needed to work off some stress. I'm glad he had Les. Elaina wasn't telling her close circle of friends what's going on. She was doing this alone and that wasn't right.

I decided to pull out those pictures and notes she asked me to look at. I went into my office and opened a panel in the wall which hid my safe. I opened it and removed the folder with the pictures and the notes that each woman gave on the pictures.

I pulled out the pictures of Amber. She knew when all these pictures were taken and the oldest one was less than three months old. I knew that Stephanie's were the same. So Elaina's was the picture with Morelli was the only one almost a year old. Why was there such a gap?

Did that picture set something off in someone? Could it be Amber? She was with Morelli now why would she be pissed off at Elaina and Stephaine? Because they used to have a connection with Morelli? I agreed with Elaina neither Joe nor Amber completely made sense.

This may have to do with Joe's police work. He's pissed off countless people including some well connected people. Someone may be looking to get revenge on him by going after the women in his life that he has shown affection for.

I think it was time to bring Morelli in but I wanted to talk with Elaina first to confirm her suspicions about the pictures. Bobby will also need to be told, I better make sure Les works him out hard so he won't have the energy to lose it.

I don't know if Elaina can handle another blow right now. I need to make sure Bobby will be able to give her the support she needs. I'm feeling protective of her and I want to make sure she's ready to face what's next. Whatever that is.

I waited for Bobby and Elaina to finish working out and I noticed both their shirts soaked with sweat as they headed back to Bobby's apartment.

I gave them about 20 minutes and I knocked on the door. Bobby answered clearly just out of the shower. I heard the showering running "Is Elaina in the shower?" I asked.

"Yeah, she just got in so she may be a little while if you wanted to talk to her" he said.

"Right now I just want to talk to you" I answered.

He nodded and walked to the kitchen and pulled our two beers and handed me one.

I accepted and took a swig before speaking "You need to watch over your girl man. I know you're still pissed and I would be too but I'm also really worried that she's going to lose it. In the past few days she's been stalked, assaulted, almost kidnapped and almost raped. She's clearly not comfortable talking to her normal group of friends right now. She's really going to need you and she doesn't seem like the type to ask for help" I pointed out.

Bobby sighed and rubbed the back of his neck "Your right. She's keeps it so cool and plays it so close to the vest that I don't know what's really going on in her head. I need to get her to talk to me. I think she's nervous that I'll freak out so she just continues to swallow all this shit" he said.

I nodded my agreement.

"She came to me earlier today and told me about Slater and also told me something else she discovered that I think you should know. She believes, and I'm inclined to agree with her, that Morelli is the connection between Amber, Steph and Elaina. Elaina's picture with Joe was taken almost a year ago. All other pictures were taken in the past three months. I think it may be someone who Morelli may have crossed in his police work." I explained.

Bobby's face hardened and he nodded.

"I'm going to have Morelli and Amber come in tomorrow and we're all going to sit down for a meeting. Tonight, just take care of Elaina. She needs you right now whether she will admit it or not" I said.

Bobby and I shook hands and I let myself out to go and explain what Elaina and my suspicions were about this fucking stalker to Stephanie.