Chapter 10
~Strange Wonders~
Both Eddie's and Carl's eyes and grins widen and grow mischievous. The Plums are indeed a big fun family, and life is never boring with them around. They like Stephanie. The three of them have been good friends since they were little kids, and they know how Helen Plum will take the news of Stephanie's becoming a bounty hunter. Vinnie is going to be in a Hell of troubles, and they can't wait for the chaos to erupt. Life as a Trenton uniform police officer can be frustrating and depressing at times. They both can really use some laugh. And the limp body of the still breathing but unconscious Joe Morelli has already made them feel much better. However, they can't help feeling a bit worried for Stephanie. She may be clever and brave and has very good instincts, but she's not exactly the strong-woman type, and she knows absolutely nothing whatsoever about martial arts and weapons. Being a bounty hunter is tough and risky business. It not only requires proper training, preparation and good luck, but also demands undaunted courage to face all kinds of criminals and psychos. They know she's in need of a job and always wants something different for her life, but they really don't want to see her put herself in danger's way and get hurt.
"Did Vinnie get someone to coach you?"
The concern in Eddie's voice brings a smile to Stephanie's face. Connie has whispered in awe that Ranger is more than probably the best bounty hunter on the whole East Coast, and Stephanie, of course, has no doubt about that. She's about to answer the question when she feels the tingle the on the back of her neck. She turns and finds Ranger looking at her from the other side of the room with his brow slightly raised. Her breath catches in her throat. Her cheeks blush. Something warm and soft and tender fills her heart and makes her want to twirl and dance. And she forgets the world around her completely. She has never ever been so happy to see someone in her life. She just wants this moment to last. She just wants to lose herself in his eyes till the end of time...
Stephanie's two friends sees her smile deepen and turn dreamy. They frown in confusion and follow her gaze and sees Ranger, and immediately feel greatly relieved. Vinnie Plum may be a sly bastard, but he does take care of his family. And he has found Stephanie the best mentor ever. They both know Ranger. The whole TPD knows Ranger. And most important of all, Stark Street knows Ranger. Stephanie will be safe with Ranger watching her back and looking after her. They exchange a meaningful smile and shake their heads as Stephanie starts walking toward Ranger without saying goodbye, and go back to work. Neither the two of them remembers the man lying on the cold hard floor. And even if they did hear his moaning, they didn't bother to check on him. They have heard all kinds of ugly stories about the late Mr. Morelli's old garage. And they flat-out hate child molesters.