Nothing left to lose
Chapter ten: The hospital
Warnings: Spoilers and adult content ahead. The magnificent JE has informed me that Ranger is all mine the three hundredth and second day after December thirty-first, three thousand and twelve at precisely 12:01 am, so until then I own nothing…
He turned towards her concern clear in his eyes, "It's your grandmother."
Stephanie gasped.
"They are taking her to St. Francis."
"What? Why? What happened?"
"I don't know."
Stephanie immediately grabbed for her purse to find her phone and soon realized she didn't have it with her. She had left it at Rangeman.
Ranger looked over at her, "We'll be there in a minute."
Stephanie nodded as panic flooded her. She had a bad feeling she just couldn't shake and it didn't help that Ranger gave her a helpless look.
It was taking forever to get to the hospital; Stephanie didn't know how much longer she could take it. Her breathing was erratic and she felt lightheaded. She momentarily thought of putting her head between her knees to relieve the feeling, but opted to watch the blur of cars as they passed. She resorted to sitting on her hands to keep herself from grabbing the steering wheel. Stephanie looked over at Ranger and noticed he was in stealth mode, weaving in and out of traffic at light speed, and she still wanted to scream at him to hurry up, to go faster. But she chose to study him instead, wondering if he was nervous, if the panic had curled around him like it had her, knowing that she wouldn't know even if it had. The helpless look she swore she saw cross his features earlier had been a privilege or a slip up on his part, but she didn't have the time to ponder it at the moment because it scared the shit out of her. The glowing red cross peeked through the buildings, signaling their arrival. Stephanie pulled her hands free and began working at her seat belt; she wanted to be ready when the car stopped. Her fingers were gripping the door handle as Ranger angled the SUV into a parking space.
Before he could kill the engine she had jumped out of the SUV and was running towards the entrance to the ER. He sat glued to the seat as he watched her scurry into the building; he pondered the events of the past few days, wondering where things had gone wrong. He wanted to find where he took the wrong turn, that way he could go back and take the right one. Angling himself out of the vehicle, Ranger headed inside. He flipped his cell open and dialed the Comm room, letting them know he was on scene and would call with an update soon.
Hurrying in to find Stephanie he found himself looking through a sea of people. The waiting room was packed. He looked the crowd over trying to find her familiar face, but came up short, so he headed to the reception desk. An elderly lady with a pink blazer and a warm smile greeted him, "May I help you sir?"
"Yes, I am looking for the Plum family. They are here with Mrs. Mazur."
"Oh, yes, Edna is in the Trauma room. But I am afraid only family is allowed back right now; the doctor is talking with them. Are you family? Like Steph's boyfriend, cause I could let you back if you are" she winked at him.
His breath hitched at the words 'trauma room' but he managed to give her a dashing smile, "Yes, ma'am."
She buzzed the door open.
"First room on the right," she said giving him a warm smile.
"Thank you" he nodded before heading through the door. He walked up to the room and noticed the door was shut but he could see the Plum family gathered around the doctor through the glass widows. He walked over a bit to see if he could see Mrs. Mazur, but the crowd of people hid her from his sight. Deciding not to interrupt the private moment he turned around and leaned beside the door, waiting for it to open.
Something caught Stephanie's eye behind the doctor, looking up through the window she saw Ranger turn then disappear. She didn't want him to leave, but she didn't want to miss anything the doctor was saying. Feeling torn, she politely asked the doctor to pause a minute. Her family looked at her in horror as she quickly went for the door opened it; she looked out towards the waiting room. She sighed heavily; she was too late, he was gone. She almost screamed when his hand touched her outstretched neck, "Babe."
She twisted her head the other direction, giving him a frown for scaring her. "Come in" she said as she reached for him. She quickly brought him into the circle of her family, "Sorry Doctor Johns."
Ranger swept the room, no Mrs. Mazur, so he focused on the brown haired doctor in front of him. He was short, 5'5, 5'6 with an athletic build, glasses and a stethoscope draped over one shoulder. No lab coat, just khaki's and a polo shirt.
The doctor smiled at Stephanie and nodded, "I am going to keep Mrs. Mazur overnight. Her tests look normal, but just to be safe we will do more blood work during the night and in the morning and compare it. If everything stays the same she can go home tomorrow. She seems to be feeling much better. She is over in the X-ray department and will be back momentarily."
"Thank you Doctor," Frank Plum said before shaking the doctor's hand.
"Yes, thank you," Stephanie said sending him a smile before he left. She felt relief wash over her as she turned to Ranger who stood like a pillar beside her.
"She had chest pain, Doctor Johns is a cardiologist" she said before walking over to a chair in the corner and plopping herself down in it.
Ranger followed her, kneeling down in front of her, "You alright Babe?"
Stephanie let out a sigh as she looked into his intense eyes, "Yeah, just worn out." She ran her hand through her hair, "That was scary. I thought the worst there and well now I'm so relieved."
A knock at the door and sounds of movement interrupted them. Ranger turned to find Mrs. Mazur sitting up on the stretcher a wide smile across her lips.
"This has been fun, I'll tell you," she said as they maneuvered the stretcher into the corner and started to hook wires to her chest. "This is Steve everybody, he is my naughty nurse."
Frank Plum looked mortified as "Christ" filtered through the room.
Ranger couldn't help but smile; he knew she was just fine, sassy as ever. He turned back around to face Stephanie, a smile still playing at his lips.
"Don't encourage her," Stephanie mumbled, "You didn't hear what she said about the doctor."
He raised an eyebrow at her comment, "Come on Babe, I think you take after her."
Stephanie swatted at him playfully, "No way."
He gave her a wicked grin before he stood.
Ellen Plum walked towards them, "Stephanie, I just can't believe you interrupted the doctor like that."
"Oh, mom he didn't care, he was probably relieved he didn't have to keep repeating himself and to get away from grandma" she said as she stood. "How about some coffee?"
Her mother nodded at her before setting her eyes on Ranger. Stephanie immediately tensed and grabbed for Ranger's hand attempting to drag him with her before her mother started the inquisition she knew was coming.
Ranger nodded at her mother before following Stephanie out the door.
Once in the hallway, Stephanie waited until the door clicked shut before giving Ranger a look, "That was close."
Ranger chuckled, "I am not afraid of your mother, Babe."
Stephanie snorted, "When she gets that look in her eye, flee Ranger. Not because she is scary, but to save yourself from the inquisition."
Ranger quirked his eyebrow at her. Surprised at Stephanie's reaction to her own mother.
"Have you ever taken one of those personality tests, the ones that ask you the same questions like sixteen different ways?"
Ranger nodded.
"Well, compared to my mother, those tests are a piece of cake" she said, motioning him to follow her.
He watched her walk ahead of him a little; the black dress hugging her in all the right places momentarily mesmerized him. It was simple and elegant and she looked gorgeous in it.
Noticing he wasn't following her, she turned to find him standing in the spot she had left him. Suddenly, he sprang to life and caught up to her in a few steps.
They walked to the coffee bar Stephanie knew too well. She ordered four regular coffees and one decaf for herself from the cute red headed teenage girl working the counter. Ranger ordered a bottle of water and asked the girl to make it two decafs and three regulars. He also ordered a bag of assorted pastries before handing a fifty to the girl.
"Caffeine is not good for the heart."
Stephanie nodded, "Hungry?"
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, "You get your eating habits from your family, Babe."
Stephanie gave him a questioning look, not sure if he was talking about her family or his.
"You're stress eaters" he said taking the change from the girl, then slipping a ten into her tip jar.
"Thanks" the girl said excitedly helping Ranger and Stephanie load the drink carrier.
Ranger nodded at the girl before turning to head back.
Stephanie scurried after him, "Thanks" she mumbled.
Ranger looked over his shoulder at her and paused letting her catch up to him this time. "What happened with Alicia tonight?"
"She made a snide comment. I don't think she cares for me" Stephanie said opening the door and holding it for Ranger and his full hands. "She wanted me to know my place is all."
Ranger stopped in front of her, pinning her eyes with his, "No one tells you that Babe, no one. You decide where your place is."
Her breath hitched in her chest at his words. Giving him a nod she stood paralyzed, lost in the depth of his onyx orbs. When the door started to alarm from being open too long, the gaze was broken, Ranger moving through and heading towards the room that held the Plums.
Stephanie took in a deep breath and followed even though her legs felt shaky. She momentarily pondered how he could do that, could make her feel like the world was her oyster, could make her believe in herself. She was used to her body responding to him, convinced that every woman and even some men would respond in the same way, but his emotional impact was stifling as of late. She was torn from her thoughts when she came face to face with her mother.
"Where is Joe," her mother asked, gripping her arm, directing Stephanie back out of the room.
"I dunno, work I guess" Stephanie said, pulling her arm out of her mothers grip.
"Stephanie, why don't you know and why is he here and why are you both dressed like you were out on a date" her mother said, tapping her foot briskly.
"I was working. We just finished up and were heading home when we heard about grandma, so he brought me here."
Her mother gave her an 'o' face. "Did you call Joe at least?"
"No, I told you he is working."
"When was the last time you spoke with him and don't lie Stephanie" her mother said, giving her a look.
"A couple of days ago."
"Well, really Stephanie, you should talk to him more. You will never get married if you don't talk to each other."
"Mother, this isn't the time or the place," Stephanie grunted before side stepping to get away from her. "I'm going to check on grandma." Stephanie hurried into the room before her mother could stop her, handing the bag of pastries to Valerie as she passed. "Grandma, how're you feeling," she asked before bending down and giving her grandmother a kiss on the cheek.
"Fine dear. I just love all the attention I am getting. Royal treatment and being surrounded by all these stud-muffins is a bonus," Edna said, as the ear-to-ear smile widened.
Stephanie giggled at her, "You scared me, you know," she said, giving her a playful pinch on the arm.
"Don't worry about me dear, I am planning on going out the right way." Grandma Mazur leaned forward and looked at Ranger who was standing across the room talking with Frank Plum. "You think he would help?"
Stephanie full out laughed, "Grandma," she giggled, noticing all eyes where on them from her outburst.
"A girl has to dream dear," grandma smiled.
A knock at the door drew their attention as the nurse Steve came into view. "Mrs. Mazur, we have a room upstairs for you. I just need to get the paperwork together and give the nurse upstairs a call and we will get you all settled up into your room, room 712."
Grandma nodded, "Make sure the nurse is a hunk like you" she winked.
Steve smiled before leaving the room.
Frank Plum let out an exacerbated sigh and sat down in the chair in the corner.
"Mother."
Grandma shrugged her shoulders, "What?"
Stephanie patted her hand before walking over to her family. "It's late guys, why don't you head home. I'll stay until Grandma gets settled."
Ellen nodded, "It is late, okay, come on Frank."
Valerie smiled at Stephanie, "Thanks, I left Albert home with the kids."
Stephanie smiled at her as Valerie passed her to say goodbye to Grandma Mazur.
The family said their goodbyes and headed out, leaving Stephanie alone with Ranger and Grandma.
Stephanie looked up as she saw Ranger walking towards her. "Why don't you head home too? I can stay here or catch a ride later."
Ranger shook his head 'no' as he grabbed the two chairs, setting them beside grandma's bed.
Stephanie shrugged her shoulders at him; happy he was going to stay with her but not wanting to share that with him in case he wanted to leave later. She settled into the chair and concentrated on the woman before her. "So what happened?"
Edna sat up in the bed, a smile crossing her lips, "Well, I told your mother I was going to an early viewing, but I really went out with my new hunk. I met him at the deli last week. He is Cuban, very handsome and he took me out to dinner. We ate Cuban, it was good, but it didn't agree with me after our make-out session."
Stephanie didn't know whether to laugh or be embarrassed, so she sat glued to her chair staring at her grandmother with her mouth agape. She turned to Ranger who couldn't seem to hold in his delight, a smile gracing his lips from ear to ear.
"But how did you get here, when did the chest pain start" Stephanie asked as she turned her attention back to the woman before her.
Edna covered her mouth with her hand and whispered, "Gas, it was just gas."
Stephanie burst out laughing, "What?"
"Your mother freaked and called 911. She just wouldn't listen," Edna stated.
Ranger coughed, but it sounded suspiciously like a laugh to Stephanie. She couldn't blame him, her family was crazy, like a three ring circus.
"They gave me some antacid and it worked like a charm dear."
There was a knock at the door before it opened, "Let's get you settled Mrs. Mazur" Steve said, as he entered the room. "This is Ed, he's going to take you up to your room. I hope you escape tomorrow," Steve said giving Edna a wink.
"Thanks handsome" Edna smiled at him.
Ed walked over to her with paperwork in his hand. He was a tall brown haired young man, probably in his early twenties with green eyes. "Hi, can I give you a ride?"
Edna smiled at him, "Just what I needed."
Ed chuckled at her, "How about a wheelchair or are you more comfortable in the bed?"
"I could walk" she said, "They lied about my age you know."
"You know I thought you looked younger. How about a wheelchair?"
"That would be fine" Edna beamed at him, as he walked out of the room.
Stephanie and Ranger stood silently taking in the scene before them; Stephanie walking to the side of the bed to help her up. Stephanie worked at the gown her grandmother was wearing, trying to hold it together so no one would get a show.
Ed came back in the room with a wheelchair, "Your chariot awaits, my lady."
"Thank you," Edna said while walking over to the wheelchair. When she turned to sit down the gown came flopping open giving everyone a view from behind, before she settled herself in the chair. Stephanie swore she heard a snicker, but looked up and found the two men with tight smiles on their faces. She instantly hoped it wasn't her that snickered.
"Alright cutie, lets go to my room" Edna laughed.
Stephanie and Ranger followed behind the two, who were talking up a storm. Stephanie realized just how tired she was as they rode the elevator to the seventh floor. She leaned against the cool silver wall and shut her eyes momentarily. Her eyes flipped open with a start when the elevator signaled their arrival. They walked down the hall and stopped outside room 712. Ed helped Edna into the room and gave her the grand tour, which consisted of the bathroom, closet and how to work the TV remote.
"Can I get you anything Mrs. Mazur" Ed asked.
"Early release papers."
Ed chuckled at her, "I do hope you get out of here soon."
"Thanks, have a good night cutie," Edna called, as he walked out of the room.
Stephanie and Ranger walked into the room, taking in her accommodations for the night. It was a small hospital room, but at least it was a private and she wouldn't have to share it with someone else. A deep pink blanket covered the top of the bed and the window had matching curtains. A medium sized TV hung from the ceiling and just under it a white board hung. Someone had written, "Your nurse's name is Kevin." Stephanie winced, hoping her grandmother would behave with Kevin. Somehow she knew she wouldn't, but at least people thought her grandmother was fun.
"Anything I can get for you," Stephanie asked, walking over to the end of the bed.
Edna pulled down the sheets and settled onto the side of the bed. "No dear, thanks."
"Okay grandma, sleep well and see you tomorrow," Stephanie said, before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Ranger nodded at Edna, "Night."
"Thanks for visiting with me, you two go have some fun, the night is still young," she winked at them.
Stephanie turned to see Ranger giving her a wicked smile with one eyebrow raised; she brushed by him on her way out, eager to get out of the hospital, too tired to address the look.
A middle-aged woman with brown hair came walking up, "I'm sorry but visiting hours are over."
Stephanie nodded, "We are on our way out, just getting my grandmother settled."
"Oh, Mrs. Mazur," she asked.
Stephanie nodded at her again.
"Oh, that's fine. My name is Helen, I will be watching over her tonight," she smiled at them.
"Thank you in advance, she is a handful."
Helen smiled, "We'll get along great. You can stay longer if you want, I thought you were visiting someone else."
"No, we were just heading out, but thank you," Stephanie said, giving her a smile before heading towards the elevator.
Ranger followed, his hand coming out to rest on the small of her back. Stephanie leaned into his touch, enjoying the warmth of his hand and needing the guidance to make it out to the parking lot.
The walk to the car and the drive to Haywood was quiet. Stephanie struggled to keep her eyes open on the ride home. Ranger stopped on the fifth floor to check in, but she went straight up to seven. When she got to the apartment it was close to two in the morning. She stopped to feed Rex, who was exercising on his wheel, then headed for the bathroom.
She went through her nightly routine with minimal effort, thinking how lucky she was to get a nap earlier today. She would probably be delirious by now if she hadn't taken that nap. She headed for the closet in search of her duffel bag. She slipped on a pale purple tank top and a pair of poke-a-dotted boxers before heading out of the closet. Ranger was leaning against the door frame of the bedroom when she came out, his dark eyes taking her in. His dress shirt was unbuttoned, showing the tight undershirt underneath.
She stopped in her tracks at the site of him, at his intense stare. They stood staring at one another, without moving. Then Ranger started working at his clothes, sliding the shirt off his arms and dropping it on the floor, then working at the skintight shirt stretched over his toned muscles.
Stephanie was sure she was drooling, but she couldn't move her arm to check, so she just stood there and stared at the beautiful creature in front of her.
He started walking towards her as he unbuckled his belt pulling it out of his pants and dropping it to the floor.
Her breath hitched when he started working at his pants, letting them slide down his long legs to the floor, then taking two steps out of them to reach her. His hands came out towards her, running up her arms, the warmth of his hands causing her to shiver. He guided her to the bed never breaking their eye contact. She felt the soft mattress on the back of her thighs before he gently pushed her down on the bed. She started to move over as he joined her, his arms coming out to stop her movement. His hands softly pushed her to lay on her side, facing away from him. He turned the pillow vertically and settled his head on the top half, pulling her body to his. She rested her head on the bottom half of the pillow as she felt him curl his body around hers, tucking her head under his chin. Curling his neck, he placed a kiss on the top of her head and settled his nose in her hair. She felt her body relax in his arms, in his warmth.
"Sleep, Babe," he whispered through her hair.
"Goodnight," she mumbled before falling asleep.
When she woke she was curled in his chest, her head tucked under his chin, his arms wrapped around her. Her cheek was pressed against his chest. Her fingers sliding across his tight muscles, before pulling her face away. She looked up at him to see if he was awake and meet his eyes staring back at her.
"Mornin" she whispered.
He smiled at her, "Babe."
She yawned and stretched her body against his, giving him an innocent look when a soft growl vibrated through his chest.
He sat up taking her with him, "It's late, we should get moving."
Stephanie looked around him and found the clock, a gasp escaping when she saw it was eight forty-five.
Stephanie gave Ranger her best fish impression; she just couldn't seem to get the words out.
"Babe, stop it. There's not much going on this morning. You need to get dressed and head to the hospital."
She nodded at him, thankful for his direction.
"We meet with Silvio after lunch. He's working with the government officials all morning."
"What about work Ranger" she asked, "How am I supposed to catch up."
Ranger was still holding onto her arms, his fingers slowly running up, then back down her soft skin. "Babe?," he asked, confused by her statement.
"Well, if I go to the hospital, I mean how will I catch up on the time I missed?"
"Stephanie, your job at Rangeman is not a nine to five type of job. There are no set hours here, you should know that."
She grimaced at him, "But what if someone thinks I'm not putting in enough hours. I mean, I have left the office multiple time already and in my first three days too."
Ranger sat still, looking at the woman in front of him. He brushed a stray curl from her face, "Babe, everyone at Rangeman loves having you around. They would never think that. In fact, if you continue this way people will start saying you put too much time in."
Stephanie sighed, still not feeling better about leaving.
Ranger sensed it, "Babe, I'm the boss and I'm telling you there is no minimal hour requirement. Some weeks you will work more than others. Just get the job done and enjoy the free time. Don't make me start sending you home," he said, as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Now, get ready and get to the hospital. I would send any of my employees the same place if they were in your shoes, you can even ask them if you want."
Stephanie nodded and slowly slipped out of his hands. She made her way to the bathroom, turning around to find Ranger sitting on the bed facing her. "Ranger?"
He looked up at her.
"Don't let me take too much Ranger; I want to be treated like everyone else here."
He stood and walked to her, taking her face in his hand, "Impossible Babe."
She winced at his words, "Why?"
He leaned into her and whispered in her ear, "Because you are one of a kind," then turned and walked away, leaving Stephanie in his wake.
She watched him leave, blown away by his words, not knowing what he meant by them. Finding no clues, she hurried to the shower. She lingered under the warm water after she finished, the Bvlgari smell hanging thick in the air around her, comforting her. A knock at the door made her tense.
"Yes?"
"Babe, call me with an update. Ella left your breakfast in the microwave."
She shut the water off, "Okay," she said, before stepping out.
She dried herself off with a fluffy white towel and then wrapped it around her wet hair. She went through the motions and quickly found herself dressed and ready to head out. Since she was heading for the hospital and had no meetings planned she put on a pair of jeans and a burgundy v-neck three quarter sleeved shirt. She shoved her feet in a pair of black boots and headed straight for the kitchen. If Ella hadn't made her breakfast she would have just headed out, but she couldn't pass up a chance to eat one of Ella's meals. She opened the microwave door and found a cheese omelet and an English muffin. She nuked it for a minute and opened the fridge to find a bowl of fruit waiting for her beside a glass of orange juice. She sat everything on the breakfast bar and grabbed the plate out of the microwave before settling in the bar stool. She ate half the omelet and one half of the English muffin with some fruit.
Saving some of the leftovers for Rex, she dropped in a few pinches of the English muffin before cleaning up her plate. Rex scurried out of his nest to seize the food that dropped from the sky before settling back down in is hole, with his cheeks stuffed. She chuckled at him, "I wish I had your life, sleep, eat, and sleep," she said, before heading out.
She went straight to the garage, bypassing the Comm room. She didn't want to answer any questions this morning. Her mind was jumbled and foggy, from the lack of sleep the past couple of weeks. The doors opened to reveal Tank standing on the other side waiting.
"Good morning," Stephanie smiled at him as she walked off the elevator. She was surprised when Tank didn't make a move towards the elevator; instead he stood there turning towards her as she moved beside him.
"Something wrong," she asked.
"Bombshell, we'll catch whoever planted that stuff in your apartment," he said.
Suddenly reality hit her hard, straight in the chest stunning her breathing. She had forgotten about her apartment being wired, guessing her denial had come back to save her at least for the night.
"I will personally squeeze the life out the sick bastard," Tank grounded out, "The shower, what a sick bastard."
Stephanie shivered at his comment. She hadn't known anything about the shower. Shoot, she didn't know much about the whole thing. She had glazed over in the meeting, trying not to believe what she was hearing, but she was sure she just heard Tank say something about a shower. "What? Shower?"
Tank openly flinched, suddenly realizing she had not been informed. "Have you been to the Comm room yet?"
Stephanie shook her head 'no,' "I was just heading out to see my grandmother. Wait, Tank, what shower thing?"
Tank leaned in to her, "I shouldn't be the one to tell you Bombshell, I'm sorry."
Stephanie stomped her foot, "Too late Tank, tell me, NOW."
Tank looked stunned for a moment and opened his mouth to speak when Stephanie's phone started ringing.
"Shit, don't move" she said, eyeing Tank.
"Hello?"
"Help," Valerie's voice rang through the receiver.
"What happened" Stephanie asked, worry lacing her words.
"I need help, can you come over," Valerie asked.
"Sure, are you okay?"
"Just hurry Steph, please."
"I'm on my way," Stephanie said, hanging up and turning towards Tank. But he wasn't there; she heard the elevator ding and whirled around to see Tank disappearing behind the doors.
She eyed him just as the slit closed. She would get him back for this, but not now, she had to go. She jogged to the Jeep and jumped in, pulling the vehicle out onto the street while she worked at her seat belt. She leaned over and retrieved a gun she knew was under her seat at a stoplight. It was of course loaded because Ranger had put it there. She maneuvered around slower traffic and made it to Valerie's house in no time. Practically falling out of the Jeep because she had forgotten to unhook her seat belt, she scurried up to the door, drawing her gun. She turned the knob and slowly crept past the door. By the time she got past the threshold, screaming filled the house. She immediately stiffened and headed towards the noise. She tried to stay calm as she crept up the stairs, stopping at the landing to listen. She was trying to figure out which direction the shouting was coming from. She headed left and swung the door open to the girl's room. Valerie, Albert, and Angie were standing at the window shouting out at Mary Alice. Stephanie relaxed a little, slipping her gun into the waist of her pants at the small of her back.
"What is going on here," she asked, hands on her hips.
Valerie turned to her, "Oh thank God you're here. Mary Alice has decided to be a bird and is trying to fly."
Stephanie couldn't help the smile that crossed her face, "Why didn't you call the fire department, why me?"
Valerie smirked at her, "Since you pulled this all the time as a kid I figured you could take care of it."
"I never wanted to be a bird Valerie."
Valerie threw her hands in the air, "Bird, Wonder Woman, whatever, just get her down Stephanie."
At that Albert turned around, "Wonder Woman huh? I remember her, she was hot with her lasso of truth and outfit. Boy I remember her being a treat in my dreams. She really could get all the bad guys and the good ones, so you wanted to be her, you know you're sort of like her and all with the bad guy thing. Too bad Mary Alice just wants to be a bird that would be cool if she wanted to be Wonder Woman…"
"ALBERT," Valerie shouted, "Shut up."
Stephanie couldn't wipe the smile off her face; instead she headed to the window and crawled out to join Mary Alice on the roof.
Stephanie settled herself beside her, bending her knees up and bringing her feet to rest against the shingles. "Hey."
Mary Alice looked over at her, "Hi."
Stephanie took in the view from their house. Nice street with row houses up and down it, nice lawns and cars. "What kind of bird are you?"
"A blue bird, duh. I'm dressed in all blue, Aunt Steph," Mary Alice said giving her a genuine Burg eye roll. Stephanie was pretty impressed.
"Cool. You know I wanted to fly when I was a kid," Stephanie said, leaning into Mary Alice for a few seconds before righting herself again. It was a beautiful crisp morning, blue skies with fluffy white clouds scattered about.
"Yeah, Nanna told me stories about you jumping off the roof. Did you ever fly?" Mary Alice called Grandma Mazur Nanna.
Stephanie flinched at her question. It was hard facing the reality that she never fulfilled a childhood dream. "No," Stephanie mumbled.
Mary Alice reached her hand out and brushed Stephanie's arm, "Yes, you have."
Stephanie looked up at the small young woman beside her, feeling tears threatening to spill past her eyes. She didn't know what to say, so she just smiled at her.
Mary Alice smiled back, "It's true, you just fly in other ways. Nanna told me so, so I know it's true."
Stephanie felt a tear slip and fall down her cheek; she reached out and took Mary Alice's hand into hers. "So will you, in fact you do already."
Mary Alice perked up at her words, "Really?"
Stephanie nodded, "Wanna go see Nanna?"
Mary Alice nodded furiously, "Yes, mamma wouldn't take me."
Stephanie smiled, "I'll take you, let's go."
Stephanie let Mary Alice climb through the window first, Valerie coming up to grab her in a hug, Angie shaking her head and leaving the room.
Albert helped Stephanie through the window. "Wow, Steph, that was great, I mean you didn't even have to grab her, you just talked to her and got her to come in, I mean you are good. Val and I had been trying all morning and nothing and then you come and get her back in, in five minutes flat, wow, thanks Steph, you're great, I know who to call when I need backup."
"ALBERT," Valerie shouted.
Albert looked at Valerie, "What?"
Valerie just sighed, as she escorted Mary Alice out of the room and down the stairs.
The whole bunch migrated back down stairs. Stephanie followed Valerie and Mary Alice into the kitchen. Valerie hurried to make Mary Alice some hot chocolate.
"Steph want some coffee or something?"
"No, thanks Val. You going to go see grandma?"
"Yeah, can you give me a ride? We had to drop Albert's car off at the shop and I don't want to leave him here with the kids and no vehicle."
"Sure and Val, Mary Alice is coming."
Valerie turned towards Mary Alice and started to open her mouth but Stephanie stopped her, "Val, I promised her. It's no big deal. I'll take her home if she wants to leave early and come back for you okay?"
Valerie turned and looked into Stephanie's eyes. "I have no idea how I could have had a child so much like you. I thought children were supposed to be like the mother and father, but no I have a copy of my stubborn sister."
Stephanie full out smiled at Mary Alice, giving her a wink, "Yeah, you love us."
Mary Alice giggled into her hot chocolate.
"Alright young lady, go get your shoes and grab one of your library books, you can do some of your homework while we are there" Valerie told her.
Mary Alice tipped her cup back then hurried out of the room to find her shoes.
"You're impossible you know," Valerie said, eyeing Stephanie.
"What, you told me to get her off the roof and I did," Stephanie said, shrugging her shoulders. "Besides, she'll be just fine."
Valerie nodded at her, "Yeah, I just hope she doesn't get locked up in the psych ward for acting like a horse."
Stephanie gave her a huge smile, "She's a bird now Val."
"Oh, right, a bird then," Valerie said, as she stood, placing Mary Alice's cup in the sink.
"Let's go. Don't want mom dying of embarrassment before we get there," Valerie said, while slipping her feet into some brown clogs.
"Grandma is a hoot."
Valerie snapped her head up to look at Stephanie, "She isn't a hoot Steph, she is crazy."
Stephanie chuckled, "Oh Val, she is just having fun. I hope I get to have that much fun when I'm her age."
"You would," Valerie laughed.
Stephanie pulled out her keys and headed for the door as Valerie made her way around the living room saying her goodbyes.
"See you later, snuggly-umpkins. Behave Angie," she said, as she kissed both of them. She kissed Lisa on the head.
Mary Alice stood by Stephanie waiting for Valerie to finish up. Mary Alice had her backpack on her arms and her toy pony in her hand. After the kisses and love talk they finally headed out the door to the Jeep.
Valerie helped Mary Alice buckle in and settled into the passenger seat. "When did you get this or is this a loaner?"
"I got it a couple of days ago. A perk from my new job."
"Yeah right, I would love a man who gave me cars, I mean come on Steph what's your problem," Valerie asked.
"Val, its part of the job. He has never just given me a car out right and WE are just friends remember," Stephanie stated.
"Sure and what does Joe think about your new job and car," Valerie asked, as she wiggled her eyebrows at Stephanie.
Stephanie grimaced at her question. She was pretty sure Joe would flip out. Good thing they weren't talking now. "I haven't talked to Joe in weeks. Well, really talked to him, I ran into him a few days ago, but we didn't really have a chance to talk."
"Steph, make a decision. Stop stringing these two guys on."
"I'm not the one stringing anyone along, in fact I'm single now, so no need to lecture me."
"Oh no, does mom know," Valerie asked.
"No and I'd like to keep it that way. At least for a little while, okay?"
"Fine, it's your life Steph, but if you want to get married I'd choose soon if I were you," Valerie said.
"Maybe I don't want to get married Val. Maybe I just want to be happy, want to be me," Stephanie said, as she stared into Valerie's eyes for a second before turning her concentration back on the road.
"You're right Steph. You were always different, you deserve to be whoever you want," Valerie said, giving her a reassuring smile.
"See aunt Steph, you fly already," Mary Alice's voice rang from the back seat.
Valerie gave Stephanie a questioning look; Stephanie shrugged her shoulders in response, a smile crossing her lips. Stephanie turned into the hospital drive and parked the Jeep in the lot. The three ladies headed into the hospital and made their way to room 712. When they arrived in the room, Ellen was sitting on the bed and Frank was sitting in a chair, his eyes focused on the television.
"Hi, where's grandma," Stephanie asked.
"She went for a test, she should be back soon and then they'll come and tell us the results and if she can go home," Ellen said. "Well, hi Mary Alice. Where are the others?"
Valerie came over and plopped next to Ellen. "Home with Albert. It's been a rough morning."
Ellen gave Valerie a questioning look. "What happened?"
"Mary Alice why don't you tell grandma what happened this morning."
Ellen waived her hand out signaling Mary Alice to come and see her.
Mary Alice slowly walked over to Ellen and sat on the edge of the bed beside her.
Ellen leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "How was your morning?"
"Well, I tried to fly today, but Aunt Steph told me I already was."
Ellen snapped her head up and looked at Stephanie. "Oh no, not another one of you."
Stephanie huffed, "Thanks mom," placing her hands on her hips.
The conversation was interrupted by the return of Edna. She came strolling in on the arm of a young blond haired man around age thirty.
"Ellen, Stephanie is one of a kind," Edna said giving Stephanie a wink as she passed by her.
Edna walked over to the bed, "Get, get," she said waving her hands.
The group scurried off the bed and Edna settled down on it, taking Mary Alice's hand and lightly pulling her to sit beside her. "Hello my dear."
"Hi Nanna," Mary Alice beamed.
The young man stood next to Stephanie as he watched Edna get settled. Then he turned his attention to Stephanie, "Hi I'm Kevin."
Stephanie smiled at him, "Stephanie Plum."
Edna piped up, "That's her Kevin, isn't she a hottie and she's a bad ass bounty hunter."
Stephanie felt like crawling under a rock, totally embarrassed was not even the tip of the iceberg. She seriously hoped grandma was not playing matchmaker while in the hospital.
"Stephanie, Kevin is my nurse and he knows how to take care of a woman," Edna smiled.
Frank stood from the chair he was sitting in and muttered something about 'crazy old bats' or something before heading into the hall.
"Nice to meet you Kevin," Stephanie said, offering him her hand.
He took it and shook, "You too. She's quite the lady you know."
"I do hope she hasn't caused too much trouble," Stephanie smiled.
Kevin laughed, his blue eyes dancing and his dimples coming out of hiding, "No in fact, she has been quite the joy to have around. My day has definitely been exciting."
Stephanie chuckled with him, his laugh was contagious. He was handsome, thin lean build with tan skin. But with men like Ranger, Morelli and the Merry Men around her, he seemed to blend into the background. She caught Valerie giving her googlie eyes and suddenly realized she was in trouble. Had being around gorgeous men for the past few years ruined her for just attractive men, she certainly hoped not, but the answer seemed to be staring her in the face.
A knock at the door broke her thoughts. Doctor Johns came walking in to join the party.
"Hello, well the good news is you have a very delightful sassy young woman here," He said with a warm smile. "She has definitely kept us all on our toes."
Frank had followed him in and Stephanie heard another mumble, "Christ."
She turned and gave her dad a warm smile. He returned it and came to stand beside her as Kevin headed out the door.
"All her tests came back normal, so I'm going to cut her lose. I want her to come to my office in a week to follow up, okay" Doctor Johns said.
"Thank you doctor," Ellen said shaking his hand.
"It has been a pleasure meeting you all, you take care of her," he said, as he leaned down and gave grandma a pat on the shoulder.
Grandma winked at him, "It's a date handsome, see you next week."
Doctor Johns smiled and turned to head out of the room, stopping to shake Frank's and Stephanie's hand. He gave Stephanie a warm lingering smile and a wink before heading out. She wondered what that was about and paused hoping, no praying grandma hadn't tried to set her up with him too.
Kevin came walking back in. "You're sprung, I got your papers, hot off the press." He went over the paperwork with Ellen and Edna before taking her IV out and sending her to get dressed in the bathroom. Mary Alice and Stephanie had settled in the chair and read through the book she had brought while they waited.
Stephanie felt her phone vibrating in her pocket and headed out to the hall to answer it. "Yo," she said, recognizing the Rangeman number.
"Babe, how are things?"
"Good, Grandma is getting released now, everything checked out fine. I drove Valerie and Mary Alice so I'll need to drop them off and then I'll head back" Stephanie said, noticing Kevin coming out into the hallway.
"Good."
"How are things with you," she said, quickly, hoping he hadn't already hung up.
"Fine…you okay," he said, sounding concerned. He knew something was going on.
"Yeah, funny story, I'll have to tell you when I get back."
"Silvio will be here at one, I could have Ella make lunch if you're back by twelve or so."
"See you at lunch then honey," Stephanie said, trying not to openly wince and hoping Ranger wouldn't confront her about it later. She was trying to send Kevin a message, hoping he would get the point.
When the phone went dead, she thought maybe he didn't hear it, hoping he hadn't. "Okay bye," she, said to the dead line.
Kevin stepped forward when she closed the phone. "Stephanie, your grandmother tells me you're a bounty hunter."
"Yes and I hardly ever shoot people," she said, giving him a smile.
"Well, I was wondering….do you know Jeanne Ellen?"
"Yes," Stephanie said, with a surprise.
Kevin looked down at the ground, "Do you know if she is seeing anyone," he asked.
Stephanie couldn't believe where this conversation had gone. Here she thought he was going to ask her out and instead he is asking about Jeanne Ellen. "She is a very private person," is all Stephanie said, but thinking that she was a total mystery.
"Yeah," he said, as he let out a sigh. "I figured. She helped find my neighbor's child who was missing. An amazing woman."
"She is definitely good at what she does."
"Well nice meeting you Stephanie," Kevin said, giving her hand a shake.
"You too and thanks for taking care of my grandmother."
"My pleasure," he said, as he walked away.
The whole group joined Stephanie in the hallway, Edna being pushed in a wheelchair by a young girl in a red and white-stripped smock. "Ready," Stephanie asked.
Valerie smiled and made her way over to Stephanie pushing her away from the group and walking ahead. "So did he ask you out, he was hot?"
Stephanie smiled at her, "No, he asked my about an acquaintance of mine. Seems he has his eye set on her."
Valerie grimace, "That's a shame, he was hot, don't you think?"
She shrugged her shoulders at her sister.
Valerie looked at her with her mouth open.
They waited for the elevator and for Frank and Ellen to catch up.
Edna looked up at them, "Stephanie's surrounded by beefcakes, they're hot."
Valerie chuckled, "Guess you're right. He's nothing compared to some of those guys. Is that Lester guy still available? Does he like kids?"
"Val, what about Albert," Stephanie asked.
Valerie sighed, "He will never marry me, he is petrified. He even went to a shrink and they told him he was nuts."
"Val, he loves you."
"Yeah, he's great with the kids, but a girl can dream," she said, giving Stephanie her biggest smile.
Frank and Ellen walked up as the elevator arrived and they all piled in and headed downstairs.
"I'm going to call Albert and have him meet us at the house, so we'll ride home with Mom and Dad," Valerie said, before stepping out of the elevator into the crowded lobby.
"Are you coming over for lunch Stephanie," her mother asked.
"No mom, I have a meeting at noon, so I have to head back." Stephanie watched her mother grimace at her. "I can make dinner though."
Ellen beamed at her, "Be there by six, I'll whip up something."
"No fuss mom, sandwiches are fine with me." Stephanie heard her dad grumble something about 'dinner being hot and not sandwiches,' as he walked past them to pull up the car.
"Don't be silly child; I'll have a feast by six. Valerie can you guys stay for dinner?"
"Sure mom, I'd love not to do dishes tonight."
They stepped through the sliding glass doors into the sunlight. Stephanie helped her grandmother stand as they thanked the candy stripper and headed for the car as Frank pulled around. "See you tonight grandma and behave, okay," Stephanie said, as she helped her into the car.
Edna winked at her, "Bring that nice Ranger to dinner, maybe I'll proposition him."
Stephanie chuckled as she shut the door, "See you all later. Bye Mary Alice," she winked as she passed the small girl.
"Bye Aunt Steph," she waved.
Stephanie headed for the Jeep and hoped in, looking at the clock that read 11:00. She decided to swing by the Bond office and visit with Lula and Connie for a few minutes before heading back to Rangeman. She pulled out and made her way into traffic, hanging a left at the first street and curling around to pull up in front of the office. Hopping out, she grabbed her purse and pushed open the door.
The office was eerily quiet, she looked up and no one was in site. She wondered where they were and why the door was unlocked if they had left. She turned around and eyed Lula's red firebird on the street, something was wrong. She reached for the gun she had at her back as Vinnie's office door swung open and Jerome White strolled out with a gun to Connie's head.
"Well, well, well, look who has finally showed up. I've been waiting for you sweet thing. Drop that gun before I splatter Mrs. Titty's brains all over the wall," he said, a menacing look crawling across his face.