PLAYING BALL

"The Porsche?"

"Yeah, he took it back, but then Kaiser shot out the tires on Mattie's car."

Joe shook his head. "Wait, what?"

"We were watching Kaiser's house…"

Joe exploded. "Are you kidding me? I told you to stay away from him! He's a rapist and a murderer! Why? Why can't you listen to me just once?"

"He's not a murderer," I said dryly.

"Just because we haven't been able to prove it doesn't mean he's not a murderer! Jesus, Stephanie!" He raked his fingers through his hair.
The porch light next door went on. "Can we talk about this when we get home?"

"Follow me to the liquor store. I need a bottle of rum," he growled.

"I'll meet you at the house."

He got in my face. "Follow—me—to—the—liquor—store—please."

"O—kay." I snarled back.

"Take Bob with you."

"Fine."

I opened the door, and Bob jumped into the Porsche. I slid into the driver's seat, and there was an envelope behind the steering wheel. It said 'Babe'.

I pulled it from its resting place and stared at it. I wanted to read it, but then again, I didn't. I took a deep breath. Joe pulled up next to me. I rolled down my window.

"Are you going to follow me?"

"Yes, I'm going to follow you." I started the car. Joe pulled forward to the end of the block and waited for me to pull up behind him.

I stuffed the envelope in my bag and followed Joe. He pulled up to the liquor store. It was ten minutes to ten. The store was about to close. Joe got out and walked over to my door. I rolled down my window.

"What?" I asked.

"Come on."

"I'll wait for you here."

"No, you won't. Come on."

"Joe!" I whined.

"Listen, I'm not going to take a chance that Kaiser is following you. If I come out and you're gone, I'll never forgive myself for giving him the perfect opportunity."

I rolled my eyes and opened the door. "Okay!" I said in defeat. I had to shove Bob back as I got out. "We'll be right back," I assured Bob as if he could understand me.

Joe moved swiftly through the store picking up a bottle of tequila and a bottle of Jamaican rum. "You want anything?" he asked.

"Joe, I'm pregnant."

"Shit, I forgot."

"You forgot I was pregnant?"

"No," he sputtered. "I forgot you can't drink."

We drove home without incident. He had me park in the driveway and he parked on the street. When we got inside, he made me stay put while he checked the house. I could hear Rex running on his wheel. Joe went to check upstairs, and I went into the kitchen. Rex stopped running and blinked at me.

"Hey, Rex, I'll bet you're starving." I rifled through the cabinet and found my box of saltines. I pulled a cracker out, broke it into four pieces, and dropped it into his tank. He scurried toward the cracker, picked it up, and disappeared in his soup can. I opened the refrigerator, pulled a piece of lettuce and a grape from the crisper, and dropped them into the tank as well. I was filling Rex's water bowl as Joe entered the kitchen. He didn't say anything. He went straight to the alcohol. He pulled the rum from the bag and proceeded to make himself a rum and coke. He sucked down half the glass. He leaned back against the counter and folded his arms across his chest.

"What am I going to do with you, Stephanie?"

"Love me?" I said innocently.

"Cupcake, I couldn't love you more. I just wish you would take your morality more seriously. You've dodged a bullet too many times. I have this sinking feeling that your luck is about to run out, and if I lose you…"

I interrupted him. "Joe, you won't lose me."

"You don't know that," he said in distress.

"I'll take precautions. I'll carry my gun."

"You don't even know how to shoot it. That's as good as giving Kaiser another weapon."

"I know how to use a gun. I just haven't practiced in a while. Ranger has a shooting range in the basement. I could ask him to book me some practice time."

"Good way for you to spend some time with him," he said dryly.

"Joe, you can't expect me and Ranger to just pretend we're not friends."

"You're not friends, you're lovers." He was obviously getting angry.

"Were—past tense. We've talked. He knows I've chosen you, and he accepts that. We are still friends." I walked up to him, leaned against him, and batted my eyelashes.

He creased his eyebrows. "I wish you were begging for sex right now."

"I could be."

"Yeah?"

My breasts were resting on his folded arms.

"Are you gonna trust me with Ranger?"

"It's just target practice, right?"

"Right, as a matter of fact, I bet Mattie could use some practice, too. I'll see if we can both go."

His arms were still folded, but he managed to use his thumb to caress my nipple through my clothes. I stepped away from him and lifted my shirt up and over my head. Joe grabbed his drink and downed the rest in one long chug. He placed the glass in the sink and put his arms loosely around me, so he could kiss the cleavage that spilled out over the top of my bra. The bra suddenly broke free. Joe had unhooked it, and he pulled the straps from my shoulders and admired my breasts as the bra was pulled away, exposing them.

"You always look at my breasts as if you were seeing them for the first time."

"I'm a breast man and you, cupcake, have perfect breasts."

This was what I loved about Joe. He always made me feel so beautiful. He swept me off my feet and into his arms and proceeded to carry me up the stairs. I looked into his eyes as he carried me, and there was no question that he loved me. It was written all over his face.

"Joe, please make love to me."

He gave me a confused look. "What did you think I was going to do?"

"I know, but you said you were going to make me beg for it. I figured I'd get the begging part out of the way, so we wouldn't waste any time."

His face twisted into a brilliant smile. He placed me on the bed and crawled over the top of me. "I love you, Stephanie."

Joe did all the things that he knew I loved in order to satisfy me. He knew that I liked to taste him as much as he loved to taste me. After he satisfied me, he lay back, and I returned the favor. He wouldn't allow himself to climax before he stopped me. "Cupcake, I want you."

He rolled me onto my back and climbed on top of me. He interlaced his fingers with mine. "Sweetheart, I don't mean to be so angry all the time. I just—I can't believe you are going to be…"

"Mrs. Stephanie Morelli?"

"I'd marry you tomorrow."

"November twenty fifth. I just hate that it's on a day they call 'Black Friday'."

"You know what? I don't care if the guests get into an all out brawl as long as it happens after the part where the priest says, 'I now pronounce you man and wife'."

"Joe?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to make love to me or not?"

He smiled. "Are you begging?"

I pulled my hands from his and grabbed him around the back of the neck and pulled him to me. I latched onto his neck and proceed to give him a hickey.

"Oh, shit!" he sputtered. A moment later he pushed his rock hard dick into me. He filled my vagina, and I took a deep breath. He was all business now. He concentrated only on me. I was transformed to another place, another time, as he pumped his swollen manhood in and out of me, first slow and then hard and fast. Just as I would come close to screaming out he would slow down again. He was teasing me, and he was enjoying it. I knew after tonight's sex, I would be sore in the morning. Extremely happy, but sore. All I knew was we got home at ten, and when he finally breathed in the steady rhythm of sleep, it was just after midnight.

I was happy, but for the first time, I seriously considered the things that Joe had said the night before. He was afraid for me. Sometimes, I thought Ranger's concern for me was contingent on the fact that he just wanted to keep his finger on me. As long as he could track me, he felt a connection with me, but Joe—he and I had that connection. I was starting feel fear, too. I rolled towards Joe and snuggled into his body. Even in his sleep, he responded by pulling me tight to him.

"Sweetheart, wake up."

I stretched hard. "What time is it?"

"It's almost eight. I need to go to the precinct and finish up those reports as well as work on the murder on Stark Street. I called Ranger. He's got a man on the way. As soon as he arrives, I'm leaving."

"You called Ranger?"

"Yes, he and I have a mutual interest in your safety."

I thought about the letter still safely tucked into my purse.

"Who is he sending?"

"I don't know, but I wouldn't go down stairs like that. Please, put some clothes on."

I ripped the blanket off of myself. "Awww! You don't like my birthday suit?"

"I love your birthday suit. I'm just really greedy." He leaned down to kiss me good-bye.

I wrapped my arms around his head. "You want to make love to me again?"

"Mmmmmm, tempting." He laid his head into the crook of my neck. "I thought you were going to Mattie's kid's game?"

"Right! Shoot, I need to get in the shower!"

I rolled off the bed, and Joe fell into my spot. "Hey!"

"Sorry, handsome. By the way, you have a hickey on your neck."

"Yeah, thanks. Where is this game?"

"I don't know. I'll call you and let you know?"

He gave me the once over. "You are so fucking hot. You know that?"

"I would give anything to hear you say that seven months from now."

He moved to me and let his finger slide down my cheek and across my chin. "I'll always think you're hot." He pressed his lips to mine, and the door bell rang. "Shit."

"I'll see you later," I said softly.

Joe put on his cop face. "Be aware of everything around you, okay?"

"I will."

I showered and dressed. I descended the stairs, and Tank was standing in the middle of the living room. He looked lost.

"You could have turned on the TV."

"It's too distracting."

I went to my purse to retrieve my phone, so I could call Mattie, and once again, the letter from Ranger drew my attention. I called Mattie on the phone. I confirmed that he would pick me up at ten. The game started at eleven, but the kids would be there early, and he wanted to introduce me to his son. I had some time, so I took the letter upstairs so I could read it. It destroyed me.

Stephanie,

You hurt me. Yesterday, my primary motivation was to keep you safe. I wasn't trying to coerce you into my bed. I wanted to have a serious conversation about your decision to marry Morelli, and the impact it would have on our relationship and my heart. I have spent the last ten years guarding myself against emotions that would only serve to endanger not only myself but also the person I loved. I have feelings for you that I can't keep at bay. I would treasure keeping you in my life in whatever capacity you see fit. I won't deny that just as in the past, one hint from you, and I would ravage you again, because I love you. I hope this is not good-bye.

Carlos

The tears came easily, and I wiped them from my cheeks with a shaky hand. I rushed down stairs and grabbed my phone. I dialed Mattie.

"Mattie, where is the game being played?"

"Fisher Field, why?"

"Can I meet you there?"

"I thought you needed a ride?"

"The Porsche has reappeared. I need to do something real quick. I'll be there by eleven, I promise."

"Okay, princess. I hope I see you there."

"You will."

I grabbed my coat and my purse and found Tank still standing in the middle of the living room. I approached the door.

"Are we moving?" Tank asked.

"Yes, I'm heading to Rangeman, and I would appreciate it you didn't warn Ranger."

"He'll see you coming."

I hated the fact that I could never just surprise him. I ignored Tank and marched out the door to the Porsche. I drove directly to the building that harboured not only Ranger's business but also his private living quarters. The gate opened before I even had the chance to use my fob. He knew I was coming. I parked and immediately exited the car. I headed straight for the elevator. I figured he would most likely be in his office, so I punched the button for the fifth floor. In truth, I was hoping he wouldn't be on the seventh floor. That was a little too close to his bedroom, and right now, my heart was feeling extremely vulnerable.

The elevator door opened, and Ranger was standing there in his usual black outfit. You would think one would get bored seeing someone in the same outfit. The thing is Ranger wore his clothes the way a cat wore fur. The clothes defined him.

"Babe, what are you doing here?"

I shot out of the elevator and into his arms. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. "I'm sorry, I hurt you. I was angry, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

He paused to drink in the moment. "I'm sorry I put you in the trunk. I just thought it was the best way to diffuse you. I was wrong," he whispered. We were still holding each other. I noticed there were no Rangemen in sight. He finally pulled away. "You've been crying."

"I read your letter."

"I didn't mean to make you cry. I just needed to get some things off my chest."

"I don't like hurting you."

His lips twisted into a smile. "You seemed to be enjoying the hell out if it, yesterday."

"I was mad at you."

"For kissing you?"

"No!—Yes—No!"

His smile widened. "Well, which is it, yes or no?"

I looked around. Even though I couldn't see anyone, I knew there were ears everywhere honed in on the conversation.

"Have you eaten? There's still breakfast in the kitchen."

"I could eat."

He released his grip on me. I followed him into the kitchen. He shut the door and pulled out his special fob that deactivated all devices that could monitor our actions. Only Ranger had the power to do this. He grabbed a glass out of the cabinet and poured me a glass of low acid orange juice.

"How are you feeling?"

"I haven't been throwing up the last few days, but I haven't eaten very much either, except last night. I had a good meal at my mother's."

"I guess it's a good thing you didn't eat that cheese steak."

"I really wanted the cheese steak, too." I picked up a sesame bagel and placed it in the toaster oven.

"So you never answered my question?"

"What question is that?"

"Were you mad at me for kissing you?"

"Ranger…"

"Carlos," he interrupted.

I took a deep breath. "Carlos. I love kissing you…"

"Good." He leaned in a planted his lips on mine. Crap! Thank God we are in the kitchen and not near a bed.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds which was definitely a few seconds too long.

"What are you thinking?" he asked as he pulled back.

"I'm thinking I'm going to burn in hell."

"At least I'll finally have you to myself."

"Ranger…"

"Carlos," he reiterated.

"Carlos, I can't do this."

"You just said you love kissing me."

"I do. I just don't love the guilt that follows. I made a commitment to Morelli."

"If you feel this way about me, then maybe you shouldn't be making a commitment to Morelli."

"Just a few days ago, you thought it was good decision."

"Maybe, I've reconsidered."

"So, what? Are you saying you want to marry me?"

"What if I did?"

"I couldn't walk away from Joe. I'd cheat on you. Is that what you want?"

"I'd make you so happy; you wouldn't want to cheat on me."

"No, the truth is you'd have a tail on me every minute of every day, and instead of feeling like a wife, I'd feel like a prisoner."

"Is that what you think?"

"Carlos, I love you. I won't deny that, but I love Joe more. He's…he's…"

"He's what?"

"A perfect fit for me. I'm really happy when I'm with him."

He looked at the floor. "I'm not used to losing."

"It's not a loss. I'm still here, and I still care about you. As a matter of fact, I wanted to see if maybe you might have the time to give me some target practice."

"Sure, I can take you there now."

"I can't. I have to be at a baseball game."

He creased his eyebrows. "Baseball?"

"Mateo's son plays little league. I told him I would go. I'm trying to be supportive. He's going through a rough time."

"Why do you want target practice anyway? I thought you were giving up your job?"

"I promised Joe I would be more vigilant about taking care of me. Apparently, carrying a gun and knowing how to handle one is a positive step towards that end."

"I see. When would you like to do this?"

"Um—can Mattie come, too?"

"Is this to keep the wolf from preying on you?"

I chuckled. "No, he needs practice, too. I can handle the wolf."

"Are you sure?" he said leaning up against me. I could feel his manhood pressed against my belly.

"I'm not laying spread eagle on the table, am I?"

"I can most certainly remedy that if you like."

"Carlos, if you truly loved me, you would respect me."

He grazed his lips against my neck. "I have nothing but respect for you."

The toaster oven bell went off. "My bagel is ready, and your minute of debauchery is up."

He stepped back. "I have to give you credit. I thought you'd cave."

"Giving in would be easy. Losing Joe would be devastating," I said with resolve.

"Will you let me kiss you again before you tie the knot?"

"We'll see."

I ate my bagel while Ranger went to his office and checked the computer for an opening in the basement schedule that would work with his own schedule.

He came back and sat across from me. "How about Tuesday? Nine AM?"

I shook my head. "Tuesday sounds good."

I finished my bagel, and Ranger accompanied me to my car—his car. I hugged him good-bye. It was a heartfelt hug. I kissed him gingerly on the cheek and got in the car.

"Bye."

He punched the top of the car lightly, and I backed out of the spot. He watched me drive out of the garage, and Tank picked me up as I drove down the street. I headed back to the house to get Bob. I thought an afternoon in the park would be perfect for Bob.

I had only been to Fisher Park once before as a kid since it wasn't in my neighborhood. I punched it into the GPS of the Porsche. I arrived at the park, and Tank pulled up next to me. I got out and met him at the back of the SUV with Bob in tow.

"If you are going to follow me, you at least have to interact with me. Pretend you're my friend."

He looked wounded. "I've known you for years. I thought we were friends."

"I don't think I've ever heard you say my name."

"Stephanie. Do you feel better?" He took Bob's leash from me.

"Come on." I looped my arm through his at the elbow, and we walked towards the baseball field. There were three fields, and all three had games going on. I had no clue which field Mattie was on. I scanned the stands at each field until I spotted Mattie standing on the bleachers waving his arms.

"There he is!" I said enthusiastically.

I let go of Tank and took off toward Mattie. Tank and Bob jogged behind me. Mattie met me at the backstop. He pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head.

"I see you brought Tank."

"Yeah. I'm okay with the bodyguard for now." Mattie reached down and ruffled Bob's fur. Bob wagged his tail happily. Mattie took me by the hand and walked me back to the bleachers. He helped me up to where he had been previously sitting. Tank tied Bob's leash to the back of the bleachers and then climbed one step higher than where we were sitting and positioned himself directly behind me.

"So which one is your son?" I asked, as I leaned closer to him.

"He's playing first base," he said proudly.

"He looks like you."

"Yeah, so does my daughter. They have the Italian genes."

"Is your wife Italian?"

"No. She's English—like from England."

"Really?"

"Yep. Accent and all."

"No wonder you love her. If I found a guy with an English accent, I'd be a goner."

He nudged me. "Don't you have enough lovers?"

"Ooo, that reminds me. I have to call Joe."

I punched in his number on my phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, sexy," I cooed.

"Who is this?"

"Ha ha, very funny."

"Oh, it's you. I thought it was my admirer from A Grand Affair."

"You know, it's not nice to mess with a pregnant woman."

"Sorry, sweetheart. I couldn't resist."

I went on to tell him which park we were at. He was familiar with it. Then I explained which field Mattie's son was playing on.

"He said he'll be here within a half hour."

At that moment, the batter hit a high pop up near first base. It was a foul ball, but Mattie popped to his feet. "Get under it, Justin!" he called out.

Justin tried to get to it, but he wasn't fast enough.

"Damn!" Mattie muttered as he sat back down.

I noticed a woman on one of the lower bleachers about twelve feet away turn and glare at him. She had bleached blonde hair cut into a neat bob. She had blue eyes and a cute turned up nose.

"Is that your wife?" I asked softly.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"The look of love she gave you."

"She's pissed that I showed up early and interacted with the team."

The batter struck out and parents from the other team called out words of encouragement. Another batter came up to the plate. A young girl, who could only be Mattie's daughter, climbed the bleachers and stood squarely in front of us. She was dark haired like Mattie, and she had his beautiful almond shaped eyes. Unfortunately, she didn't inherit his gorgeous dimples.

"Dad, can I have some money for Nacho's?"

"Sure, angel. I'd like to introduce you to my friends. This is Stephanie and this big guy is Tank," he said motioning behind us. Tank flashed a quick smile and waved.

I put out my hand for her to shake. "Hi. It's nice to meet you."

"Are you dating my father?" she said bluntly.

"Miranda, don't be rude."

"Mommy said you couldn't wait to get a new girlfriend."

"Mommy needs to keep her comments to herself," Mattie stated with disdain.

"Hey, would you introduce me to your mom?" I asked sweetly.

At that moment, the kid at bat hit the ball. Again, Mattie was on his feet yelling.

"One! One!"

The kid at third base scooped up the ball and threw it right at Justin on first base. The runner was out. All the kids on the field started to run toward the dugout.

"Good job, Danny and Justin!" Mattie yelled.

"Dad! Money?"

Mattie reached into his pocket and pulled out a five dollar bill and handed it to Miranda who immediately began to descend the bleachers. "Thanks, Dad!" she said with a hint of an English accent.

"I want my change!" he called out.

"Kids. You really want to meet my wife?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Come on."

He took my hand and helped me down from the bleachers. "You know I'm perfectly capable of walking."

"You're pregnant, and I'm not going to have Morelli kicking my ass because I didn't take proper care of his fiancée."

Mattie's wife was watching us as we descended the bleachers. She was sitting on the bottom row. Mattie marched me right up to his wife. "Joanna, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine. Her name is Stephanie. She has been helping me get my life back on track."

Joanna gave me the once over. "I'll bet she has." She spoke with the most beautiful English accent.

I stuck out my hand. "It's nice to meet you. Mattie and I knew each other in high school."

"It figures he'd go back to high school and find his old girl friend."

"Well, we were a couple senior year, but we lost touch and recently ran into each other unexpectedly."

"Joanna, she's the one who…" He looked around and then leaned closer to her face. "…saved me."

"You're the bounty hunter?"

I smiled weakly. "Uh huh."

I spotted Joe across the field making a beeline for us. He was wearing his gun, and his shield was displayed on his belt. This was not a big deal for me, but these were kids on these fields. Joanna saw him, too.

"Uh oh. Mateo, what have you done now?"

"Nothing. He's Stephanie's fiancée. He's come to see the game."

One of the kids on Justin's team got a hit, and the crowd reacted. The boy made it to first base. There were lots of positive remarks being yelled out. Joe reached us, and he drew me into a hug.

"Where's your protection?" he whispered.

"Up there, on the bleachers."

"Joe, let me introduce you to Mattie's wife, Joanna. Joanna this is my…" I stumbled on the word. "…boy…I mean fiancé, Joe Morelli."

"Newly engaged, I imagine," she surmised by my clumsiness.

"You're from England."

"Yes, how perfectly astute of you," she said sarcastically.

Joe chuckled. "Actually, I spent some time in England when I was in the army."

"Really, where?"

"I was stationed in London, but I met a little lady who was from Staffordshire. I used to go to see her when I had 'leave'. Beautiful country."

The next thing I knew, Joe was seated next to Joanna, and they were having a simply mahvolous conversation. I didn't like her, and I surely didn't like her talking to my Joe. I marched my ass back up to where Tank was sitting. I sat next to him and pretended to concentrate on the game.

"What's the matter?" Tank asked.

"Nothing."

He didn't pursue the conversation.

Justin was on deck, so Mattie stood near the fence. Mattie was all about the game. The boy who batted before Justin struck out. Justin came up to bat, and I gave him my undivided attention. The first pitch was high.

"Wait for your pitch!" Joe called out.

The next pitch Justin swung at but missed.

"Keep your eye on it, son!" Mattie called out.

The next pitch came in perfect. Justin swung and connected. He hit it just over the second baseman's head. The outfielder came in to retrieve the ball. Justin was already past first and headed for second. That's when my own instincts took over, and I jumped to my feet yelling "slide!"

He slid into second, and there was a cloud of dust.

"Safe!" the umpire bellowed. The crowd erupted. I sat back down and looked at Tank. He was smiling at me.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said still smiling.

Joe was standing now, and he turned to face me. I glared down at him and then looked back at the game. He climbed the bleachers and sat next to me. "What was the look for?"

"I didn't know you like English girls," I said snidely.

"I like all girls, but there's only one girl I love."

The boy at bat hit a long ball, and Justin took off running. Everyone rose to their feet, even Tank. Justin crossed the plate and a few moments later, so did the batter. It was a home run. Mattie was beside himself with joy. Once the excitement waned, everyone sat back down.

Joe nudged me. "You want to go make out under the bleachers?"

"Are you sure you don't want to make out with the English chick?"

"Maybe later," he teased.

My first instinct was to walk away. I stood up quickly and lost my balance. Both Joe and Tank reached out to catch me. Each had a hold of my arm. Tank let go when he saw that I had regained my balance, but Joe took the opportunity to pull me into his lap.

"I'm not letting you go until I get a kiss."

"Joe!" I protested.

"Fine. I'll just go back to work."

I placed both of my hands on his face. "You are not going back to work. We have to look at invitations."

"I'm not feeling particularly 'invitational' today."

I planted my lips on his and kissed him. "Are you feeling invitational now?"

He shook his head. "Nope."

I kissed him again. "Now?"

"I felt something, not sure what."

I kissed him again. This time, it was a full on kiss. I pushed my tongue into his mouth, and he reciprocated. We played tongue tag for a good ten seconds. I was sitting in his lap, and I felt his dick harden against my doodah. I pulled away smiling.

I leaned to his ear and whispered, "I felt something."

"Wanna go home?" he said softly.

"After the game, we have to drop off Bob anyway."

Joe shifted me off of his lap, and we watched the rest of the game. I let Tank know that I would be with Joe for the rest of the day, but he said that Ranger didn't need to know that until after the game was over. He was enjoying the bright sunshine, and the peace that goes with watching children have a good time. I thought Tank would probably make a good father. I was just grateful it wouldn't be with Lula.

Near the end of the game, Joe and I descended the steps to retrieve Bob. We found Miranda sitting with him, petting him. Bob was lying calmly enjoying the attention.

"Is this your dog?"

"Yes. Miranda, I'd like you to meet my—fiancé, Joe." I turned to Joe. "Joe, this is Mattie's daughter, Miranda."

"Nice to meet you," he replied.

"Are you a cop?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"And that gun is real?"

"Yes, ma'am."

She paused as if she were digesting the idea of a man out in public with a real gun. She finally began to pet Bob again. "I like your dog."

"His name is Bob."

"My mum won't let me have a dog—or a cat either. Pets are messy, she says."

I laughed at the thought of Bob's frequent yacking up of the various things he'd eaten in the past. He was more mature now, and his habit of eating virtually everything was waning. Now, it usually consisted of the boxes and bags that fast food came in. The simple solution to that was making sure the wrappings were thrown in the outside trash.

"We were going to take him for a walk around the pond. Would you like to come?"

"Let me ask my dad." She got up and bolted to Mattie. He turned and smiled. He said something to her, and she came back. "Can I walk him?"

"Sure," Joe said sweetly.

We began to walk, and Joe put his arm over my shoulders. "You know, I've always wanted a son, but a daughter might not be so bad."

"You like her."

"She's cute."

Suddenly, my eyes focused on a man walking a dachshund. I stopped dead in my tracks. Joe had his arm wrapped around my shoulder, and my sudden stop pulled him into an awkward step. "What's wrong with you?"

"Look!"

"What is he doing here?" Joe pulled out his phone.

"Kaiser's here." … "Yeah, Tank's here." … "I don't want to pull a gun. He's walking his friggin' dog." … "All right." He hung up.

"Go to the car. Ranger says there's a stun gun in the glove box."

"You talked to Ranger?"

"Just do what I ask?"

"What about Miranda?"

"Do you want to take him in or not?"

"Okay! Just keep an eye on Miranda!" I turned and bolted back towards the field. I got to the bleachers, and I ran to Mattie. "Kaiser's here! Joe's keeping an eye on him."

"Where's Miranda?"

"She's walking the dog. I'm going to get the stun gun. Take Tank with you!" I called out as I ran for the car.

I got to the car, and I noticed an envelope stuffed under the windshield. I pulled it out and opened it. There were pictures of me inside—me walking Bob, me in the backyard watching Mattie with Mary Alice, me at the mall talking to Ranger, me at the liquor store with Joe. The last picture was disturbing. It was a picture of me hanging by my wrists with my legs spread apart, and Kaiser shoving his hard-on into me. It wasn't really me and Kaiser, but like before, our faces had been taped onto the bodies. I felt the bile rise up into my throat. I puked in the parking lot. I finished yacking, and I looked up to see Richard on the other side of the lot. He blew me a kiss as he angled his way into his car. He circled the lot and stopped next to me. His window was rolled down.

"If you're feeling frisky, you can get in. I'll show you a good time."

"I have a better idea. Why don't you come with me down to the station so we can reschedule your court appearance?" I said bravely.

"Fat chance of that happening. Oh well, your jealous fiancé is coming. Later, Ms. Plum."

Kaiser peeled out of the lot as Joe, Tank, and Mattie all converged on me at once. "Are you all right?" Joe asked as he faced me.

I was still shaking. "I'm fine. I threw up."

He picked up the pictures I had dropped on the ground when I became ill.

"GOD DAMN IT!" he cried out when he saw the pictures.