The Watcher – Chapter 10
No one moved for the first second, then Bobby jumped into action – Tank was down.
Bobby dumped Stephanie on the bed and rushed to the other side, followed by Ranger who was no longer suffering from an unwanted hard-on. Stephanie fought to keep the sheet around her as she scurried to the other side.
She looked down and couldn't stop the scream that was clawing up her throat. Tank's head was propped against the leg of the nightstand, his neck bent in an unnatural angle.
"Call 911!" Bobby shouted.
She grabbed Ranger's cell and punched in the digits with shaking fingers while Bobby inspected Tank's injuries. When the 911 operator answered, Stephanie rattled of her name, her address and the reason for the emergency.
"EMTs are on their way, ma'am, please keep the line open in case you need further assistance till they arrive."
"Thank you." Stephanie replied. Looking up, she saw Ranger and Bobby stabilizing Tank on his left side on the floor, and then noticed a pool of blood that had begun to form under his head. Pieces of almond paste swam in the pooled red, but the actual candy phallus was nowhere to be seen. A wave of nausea gripped her tummy; it took all her strength to tamp it down.
"Ranger… he… Tank… fell on your…" Stephanie rushed to the bathroom, barely making it in time.
She felt the welcoming coolness of a wet washcloth when he pressed it against the back of her neck. "I know, Babe. Better get dressed. We need to follow the ambulance."
"Is he… is he—" Steph was too afraid to finish her question and guilt reared its ugly head.
"He's still breathing and no, it's not your fault," His words were gentle as he helped her up.
"Thank goodness," she blew out a small sigh of relief. "I'll be ready in 5".
She washed her face and brushed her teeth in record time. No one, not even herself, noticed that she was naked when she ran back into the bedroom to get dressed. Ranger was already dressed and was standing along side Bobby in a circle of quiet vigilance around their friend.
Sirens wailed in the distance and grew louder until the noise hit the peak and then went silent in front of the house. Bobby rushed to make sure the door was open for them to enter and relay any necessary medical jargon.
Two men guiding a gurney loaded with equipment arrived a few seconds later.
Bobby briefed the technicians on Tank's injuries. The EMTs nodded and immediately set to work on their own exam and taking the injured's vitals before preparing him for transport to St. Francis.
When one of the EMTs asked if anyone was family, Ranger and Bobby said 'brother' in unison. Both EMTs shook their heads as they maneuvered Tank's heavy body onto the gurney.
"Just make sure his 'brothers' follow at a safe distance, okay?"
Both 'brothers' shook their heads.
The ambulance took off with the sirens blaring and Stephanie, Bobby and Ranger ran down the stairs to the truck. Bobby swung open the door to the driver's side while the other two hopped in the backseat. It was easy to follow the ambulance at a careful distance in the wee hours of the morning.
Even though the ride only lasted a few minutes, Stephanie felt the guilt pressing in on her as soon as Bobby pulled away from the curb. Tears gathered in her eyes. She moved closer to Ranger, seeking the comfort of his warmth. He felt her suppressed hiccups and pulled her in a tight embrace.
"Not your fault, Babe, just one of those things," he said, the soothing tone of his voice calming her.
"I know, but I still feel somewhat responsible and it's so embarrassing knowing what he hit his head on!" Stephanie wailed.
"That will remain a secret between the three of us. No one will ever know, not even Tank," he comforted her.
Bobby snorted. "Make that the two of you. No way I'm holding back on that little piece of fun when Tank asks."
"Assuming he'll ever be able to ask again," Stephanie sniffed in misery.
"He's going to be fine. Head injuries bleed a lot and Bobby's doesn't believe there will be any lasting damage," he hoped he'd erased the last remains of her guilt. Bobby's head bobbed up and down in confirmation.
"Thanks, guys." She hugged Ranger and squeezed Bobby's shoulder in gratitude.
The hospital's parking lot was almost empty, allowing Bobby to park right next to the entrance. All three of them jumped out of the SUV and hurried through the emergency entrance. They caught a glimpse of the EMTs who'd turned Tank's care over to the hospital staff.
"Your brother's in good hands, you did a great job on the first-aid, man," one of the EMTs held out his hand to Bobby.
All they could do now was wait. With a defeated sigh, Stephanie sank into one of the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room, her subconscious mind choosing the row of seats on the back, staring into the distance with unfocused eyes.
Ranger sat beside her and stretched his long legs out. He, too, stared into the distance, but he noted everyone coming and going. The ER waiting room was located in such a way that allowed him to see the admission desk, where everyone, visitors as well as the admitted, had to stop at least once. Bobby sat on Ranger's other side, mimicking his stance. Soon they were joined by Lester, Hal and Ram, the bulk of big men crowding the small room to capacity.
Ranger lifted his eyebrow at Lester in question.
"Heard it on the scanner that Tank's down and then when the tracker on your car showed up here, we thought we'd come by and see if you needed some backup since our shift was over," Lester answered. explained their presence. "What happened?"
"Long story," Ranger waved a dismissive hand. "Bottom line: he fell and hit his head."
"How bad is he?" Again, Lester asked the question the newcomers died to know.
"He's going to live. We're just waiting for the doctor to give us an update.", Bobby answered, rescuing Ranger from the task. He knew that Ranger wouldn't get into the details even if his life depended on it.
"Man, that's some serious shit," Hal chimed in and looked at Stephanie. "Still doesn't explain why you are here?"
Taken by surprise that the guys were so insistent she mumbled, "Private matter." And then wondered if she'd said too much. A curious glance from Ram's direction confirmed her fear.
"Leave it at that," Ranger advised with a stern undertone and the guys, used to his orders, shifted their focus elsewhere.
Bobby got up, feeling it was safe to leave Ranger and Stephanie with his nosy coworkers for a few minutes. "I'm going to see if I can get an update on Tank and get some coffee. Can I get anyone else some?"
Shaking heads and appreciative noises about the coffee all around was enough answer for Bobby so he left to harass Tank's doc. Lester plopped down in Bobby's vacated seat, followed by Hal and Ram who filled out the remaining chairs on the back wall next to Stephanie. Silence ensued as everyone was dog-tired and just kept an eye on their surroundings.
Ranger's eyes shifted from watching to Stephanie when she tugged on his hand. "See this guy?" She pointed to a small, plain looking man who fiddled with a crutch and had watched her with a fierce intensity as he walked by until she'd caught his stare.
"I feel as if he's undressing me with his beady eyes! He gives me the creeps! And I'm sure I've seen his weasel-like face before!" Her whisper was urgent.
"He does look familiar." Ranger tensed as the man started to hobble away. "Ram, Hal, you're going to do a little surveillance."
"Boss?" Both stood as one, poised for action.
"Follow this guy. Get as much as you can on him. Report back once you locate his address." Ranger's tone was clipped, short to the point and non-negotiatable.
Both men were already moving toward the exit, their instructions clear. Business as usual.
Ranger threw his arm around Stephanie's shoulders. "Tank'll be fine and they'll track him," he told her and held her tight. Lester nodded in agreement and took the open seat next to Stephanie.
sSsSsrRrRr
Shit. Shit. Shit. He'd been made! The Watcher cursed under his breath when he tried to make a fast retreat out of the hospital. Of course, not being used to walking with a crutch it was foolish to think he could outrun the muscular men who were following him. At least his car was parked close. He felt somewhat safer in the confines of his vehicle. The first thing he did after throwing the damned crutch on the backseat, was locking the doors then he waited in silence, observing every movement in the parking lot. There was none: no car left, no one came or went. A dead quiet that made him feel uneasy. After five minutes he felt save enough to make his way back to his apartment.
With the lights kept off, he pulled away from the lot, repeated glances all around assuring him no one was following. He breathed a little easier once he rounded the second corner after his escape and later, when he reached Hamilton Ave he turned on the headlights, not wanting to get caught violating traffic laws. Hard to explain why he was driving without headlights after dark. Soon he pulled up the ramp of I-95, just in case his pursuers had managed to follow him, going by the allotted 65 mph for about 20 miles, then he took the next exit and reversed the trip until his apartment building came into view.
As he parked the car and hobbled up the short flight of stairs leading up to the entrance, he never noticed that someone had watched every step he'd made and that all his sneakiness was in vain.
sSsSsrRrRr
Driving with the lights off for close to fifty miles was beginning to test Ram's patience. Finally, their efforts paid off as they watched the strange man's shuffled walk into the building. Hal reached under his seat and pulled out the binoculars then made his exit from the car in total silence, motioning for Hal to stay put and have the car ready. Eyes already trained to the darkness, he had no trouble sneaking up to the building where just now a single light in the left window on the first story went on. The curtain-less window revealed the upper body of a man with an obvious disability hobbling around in a small room; lifting the binoculars to his eyes, Ram could easily determine the man indeed was the one he'd tracked for the previous hour. No further confirmation was needed; he called Ranger, relayed the location and got new instructions. Hal was to stay and watch until 6 a.m. then he'd be relieved and Ram himself was to get back at RangeMan and start the intel rolling. Everything from the DOB until the present day of this creep, no less. Speaking of morning, he checked his watch: 2:00 a.m. Knowing that no sleep was coming his way tonight, he gave Hal the scoop and sped back to RangeMan.
sSsSsrRrRr
When Bobby returned with a tray of coffee, he smiled at the sight of Stephanie snuggled in tight next to Ranger sleeping, he also noticed that Ram and Hall were gone.
"Where'd they go?" Bobby asked.
Lester was sitting next to her, keeping a close watch out while Ranger sat with his head tilted back to rest on the wall with his eyes closed. Bobby released a string of curse words because of the overload of coffee they now had, then shrugged it off, thinking the three of them could easily make a huge dent in the supply by themselves. He handed his both men a cup and took one himself, almost spitting out the mud-like liquid once it hit his taste buds.
"Sorry for that, boss," he apologized and heaved his butt next to Ranger's, acting as a bookend to Ranger's lopsided form. His boss did look a little uncomfortable with a sleeping body leaning on him.
Ranger waved it off, but gave a thankful nod toward the provided coffee, even when it tasted like it had gone on a bender after brewing. "Status?"
"Tank's going to be fine. Minor concussion, couple of stitches. They're going to observe him overnight, but he should be released in the morning", Bobby relayed what he'd found out.
Ranger let out a sigh of relief, then noticed Bobby not being far behind his girl; exhaustion made an appearance in the cavernous lines around his friend's eyes. Heck, he was tired as well, and he knew Bobby wouldn't hesitate to volunteer staying on Tank's side through the night, but he wanted to make the offer anyway.
"Want to call it a night?" Ranger whispered while he gently placed Stephanie on his lap without disturbing her sleep. Her arms naturally lifted to encircle his neck and her head settled once again on his shoulder.
"Nah, I'm good. I'll stay with the big candy man," Bobby confirmed with a low snigger. "Lester and I will stay until we can take him home." He didn't need to ask Lester; there was no question he'd stay, too.
"Thanks, man," Ranger replied relieved. "I'll keep Ram and Hal on the case then."
"Which case?" Bobby asked in surprise.
"Steph caught a guy staring at her, thought she recognized him from somewhere. He looked familiar to me, too so I sent Ram and Hal to track him. Ram called earlier with the location. Now we'll see what kind of info comes up," Ranger explained.
"I want in!" Bobby demanded, knowing that whenever Stephanie considered someone creepy, there was a liable reason for it.
"As soon as you get some zzzs, you're in. I'm taking my girl home and get some myself. Tell Tank we're glad he's going to live and, Bobby, thanks for everything," Ranger said and stood with Stephanie in his arms.
"You're welcome, boss. By the way, I don't think Tank will ever be tempted to buy any candy for you again," Bobby chuckled.
"That's a relief." Ranger allowed the laugh lines in his face a brief workout, then headed toward the exit, his confident stride not reflecting his fatigue or the weight of the beautiful woman he carried in his arms.
Stephanie didn't stir throughout the short trip back to their house once, but as soon as Ranger placed her pliable form on the bed, she awoke and knitted her brows when she tried to figure out where she was and how she had gotten there. He groaned: just what he'd hoped to avoid.
"We're home? Why did we leave the hospital?" Fear crept into her voice as she recalled Tank's injury. "Is he—"
"Tank's going to be fine; just a minor concussion and a few stitches. Bobby and Lester are staying with him until he'll be released in the morning. Tank's been through worse and survived, he'll survive hitting his head on… well… hitting it," Ranger hurried to reassure her.
"On your fake phallus," she completed his sentence. The initial shock had worn off during the long wait in the ER, and because of his and Bobby's constant reassurances, she was now able to see the irony of it.
"Yeah, kinda self-inflicted," he chuckled along with her.
"I'm in serious need of a shower. I feel sticky and sweaty and I probably reek of sex," she complained and rose from the bed.
"Love making," he corrected. "Besides, that's my favorite perfume on you, Babe." His eyes turned black and an air of desire formed around them.
"Oh no, mister," she protested and took a determined step back, "no way am I going to let you get stuck in me again tonight!"
He paled a bit at her mentioning how tonight's mess started, but his desire overrode the trepidation at an alarming rate. "There's a billion to one chance that's ever happening to us again, Babe."
Her resolve weakened a little at his words, deteriorating even further when he enveloped her in his strong arms and pulled her so close she could feel his expanding erection nudging against her tummy. "It'll save water and time, too," he whispered in the most seductive way.
"Let's take one step at a time," her response was hesitant, but she let him lead her into the bathroom without any resistance.
"As always." He was all seductive smiles during the process of starting the water, readjusting the tap until the temperature was to his satisfaction, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You're such a… man," she laughed, trying to dodge his roaming hands. She was naked in less than ten seconds.
"I'm going to show you how much of a man I am," he promised and dropped his pants.
Even though she'd seen his magnificent, erect cock a thousand times before, the sight of it never failed to stun her. No words managed to get past her throat when he gave her a gentle push that placed her body smack under the hot, soothing spray. After shedding the rest of his clothes, he followed her and reached for the Bvlgari, starting to squirt the delicious gel over her wet skin. She still wasn't completely convinced sex was a good idea after tonight's unpleasant experience, but when he massaged her breasts with soapy, skilled hands all doubts flew from her mind and her own desire began to build on the bliss he was about to ignite.
While her heated blood rushed south and centered its hot flood between her thighs, his hands followed the path until they stopped right before heaven's gate. Sighing in frustration, her hands replaced his on her abandoned breasts and took over teasing the peaked orbs. A smile of utter satisfaction tipped up the corners of his mouth and he slid one finger along her slit, tantalizing her slippery folds.
"You still object, Babe?" he asked, knowing he had her.
"God, you're insatiable!" she panted.
"That a yes or no?" He stilled the movement of his finger.
"No! Yes! Don't stop!" She wasn't above begging at this point.
He inserted a finger, just to the first knuckle, letting her velvety warmth envelop it. That wasn't enough; her hips pushed down, taking the whole finger inside her, performing a little dance on it.
"Christ, I can't control myself around you," he said on a groan and added another finger.
She gathered an ample amount of suds from her skin and started soaping his hard shaft. "Neither can I."
The rhythmic motion of her hand, which matched the dance of her hips on his fingers in perfect rhythm, rendered him silent, his desire to be sheathed in her heat overwhelming. Withdrawing his fingers and grabbing her hips in a swift, practiced motion, he aligned his cock with her entrance. Not wanting to waste a nanosecond of bliss, she guided the huge tip of his cock between her tight walls, moaning in sheer delight as he drove it home. The movement pinned her back to the tiled wall, cushioned by his hands that kept her lower body in place.
Slinging her arms around his neck, she met each hard thrust his hips delivered, the friction their soapy skin created added a delicious addition to the smooth glide of the back and forward motion of his shaft. Every panicky thought vanished while her climax built and built until she exploded with a cry of utter joy, the contractions of her pussy triggering his release as well.
He didn't dare to linger inside her as long as he usually did; he withdrew when her shudders stopped and gathered her close. With a sigh of utter contentment she sagged against him, limbs shaky and weak. Words weren't needed while he washed her body one-handed, holding her with the other; only when it was time to slather her hair with shampoo he wrapped her arms around his waist and went to work it in. He even treated her hair with conditioner, knowing that without it the tangle would be a bitch to get through. Once she was clean from head to toe and free of suds, he placed her on the bench inside the shower stall to take quick care of himself.
Five minutes later both lay in bed, dry and tired and wrapped in each other's arms. "Told you showering together saves time," he smirked.
"I didn't doubt that, I was just… afraid," she replied with a sleepy mumble. "Thank you for taking my fears away!"
"My pleasure, Babe. Besides, the night's going to be short as it is, even without the chase starting this morning," he explained.
"Which…? Oh my God! I never got around to ask you!" Wide awake now, she shot up, staring at him excited. "Ram and Hal were able to follow this creep, weren't they?"
"Yes, we know where he lives. We'll start from there and look at what comes up." He swiped a weary hand over his face and added, "I got a feeling there's more to it than we can see now."
TBC