Thank you to everyone who has been reading and especially to those who have left comments or sent me messages. I apologise for the infrequent posts and what I feel is a disjointed story, but real life has not been conducive to writing ever since I started this story. Even though the words are not flowing how I would like them to (in my head or on the page) I am persevering, because I want to write the ending so I can release the story from my mind. Does this make sense? Hope so. :-)

Tank's POV

Why did people have to be so complicated? Why the hell couldn't they just be honest and upfront with each other? I could read between the lines as well as or better than most people, but I preferred direct and open communication. If Ranger and Steph had been honest with each other from the start I'm sure they wouldn't be in this fucked up situation. And now there wasn't a damned thing anyone could do about it.

The attraction between Ranger and Steph was obvious, but they could never get their act together to make something of it. For someone so intelligent, Ranger had shit for brains when it came to this sassy brunette. Always keeping her at arms-length in some misguided attempt to protect her. A relationship with him wouldn't be easy. But surely that is her choice to make. Not his.

But that isn't an option anymore.

I've been doing my best to watch out for Steph while Ranger was on the mission. But other than tracking her whereabouts it looks like there is little more I can do. Her phone call asking for time off was both a relief and a worry. I know she needs to take it easy, but at least when she is coming in to Rangeman we see for ourselves how she is physically. Emotionally, well that's another matter all-together. As much as I prefer direct and open communication, Steph doesn't, and I need to keep that in mind when dealing with her. I want to respect her privacy, and support her in Ranger's absence, but it's difficult. She doesn't talk about Morelli or her engagement, and none of us are game to ask. I know she's hurting, but I don't know why, and she's not letting anyone in.

Perhaps the time off will help her clear her head. I've told her to take as long as she needs, and she's promised to keep me informed. I only wish that Ranger and his handlers would do the same. The initial reports indicated his physical injuries were serious, but he would recover. What concerned me now was that he had gone dark since that one phone call advising he was relocating to Miami. Even his handlers had been gagged, refusing to divulge anything other than he was stateside and would return to civilian life at an indeterminate point in time. This was the military's way of saying don't hold your breath for further information.

Stephanie's POV

The road sign read "Pittsburgh: 10 miles". I was feeling equal parts of nerves and relief at the prospect of arriving at my destination. True to his word, Joe had contacted his building manager and had arranged for me to collect a key and stay as long as I wanted. Rex's habitat was strapped on to the passenger seat beside me and I had all of my worldly possessions, or those few I actually chose to keep, packed into the two suitcases in the trunk.

I had phoned Tank a couple of days ago, asking for some time off. It was the day I was released from hospital and he seemed pleased that I was going to follow the doctor's orders and take it easy for a couple of weeks. He wasn't quite so pleased the next day when I phoned from outside the Trenton City limits to advise I was going out of town to visit a friend. Tank insisted on knowing where I was headed, despite the fact that I know Rangeman has trackers in my car, and when I relented, telling him I was going to Pittsburgh he didn't seemed surprised. He simply said to drive safe and call me when I got there. Although Tank didn't say anything I swear he knew I was going to see Joe.

I was thankful for the unfamiliar roads and destination, as it helped me focus where I was going, instead of what I had left behind. I hadn't been completely honest with Tank, implying my break from Trenton was temporary. I knew within my heart I would not be returning. When my father told me I was no longer his daughter, something inside me broke. I couldn't stay in Trenton. As much as I love the guys at Rangeman I couldn't cope with no Ranger, no Joe, and no family. I needed to start over somewhere else. Pittsburgh would provide me with an opportunity to think through my options.

TBC.