Disclaimer: The characters you recognize as J.E. are hers. Any other character is a figment of my imagination and any similarities to real persons is merely a coincidence.
This story is definitely AU. The characters have the same physical appearance as in J.E.'s books; however I have changed ages of some characters. This will eventually be a Babe HEA and Cupcake fans may not be happy as Joe is not a good guy. Frank Plum fans may be upset as well, as he is not portrayed favorably, nor is Helen Plum. References may be made to any of the books in the series so if you haven't read them all, you may want to wait to read this. That said...
Chapter 14: A Hitch In The Job
Stephanie's POV:
On Tuesday I woke up when Ranger was coming back into the bedroom from his morning workout. When he saw I was awake, he came over and lifted me in his arms and carried me through to the bathroom so I could answer natures call. He wrapped my cast in a plastic bag and secured the top so it would be water proof before turning on the shower. Then, he turned to me and smiled before stripping me and then himself before lifting me once again and stepping into the shower. I moaned in pleasure when his hands washed my hair. He made washing hair into a sensual experience. When we were both clean he turned off the water and wrapped a towel around his hips before wrapping me in another towel and carrying me through to the bedroom. Once I was dry he removed the plastic bag. He set some clothes on the bed for me and while I dressed he dried off and dressed.
When we were dressed he carried me out to the kitchen and set me down at the table. Ella had made breakfast burritos for me and Ranger had his usual. There was also a slice of pineapple upside down cake for me. I met his gaze and he had a raised eyebrow at the slice of cake. I grinned, "Ella loves me."
"That she does Babe."
"I still don't understand why you didn't get a pair of crutches when we were at the doctor's office. You can't just carry me everywhere. How am I going to work if I can't get around?"
"Simple Babe. Crutches aren't necessary. I don't mind carrying you from place to place, and you don't need to work until your ankle is better."
"But I have 2 skips to pick up this week. I've already arranged with Randy to give him a ride to the police station on Thursday, and I need to talk to Terry Gilman."
"Not going to happen Babe. Vinnie can go pick up Terry himself. He's not putting you in Vito Grizzoli's sights."
My eyes narrowed, "I'm perfectly capable of dealing with Vito Grizzoli."
"I never said you weren't capable."
I sighed. I wasn't going to win. I'd only known Ranger for a couple of weeks, but I already knew when I was talking to air. Two weeks. Wow! It felt more like a lifetime. I couldn't imagine my life without him in it. When we finished eating, Ranger picked me up and we made our way down to his office on 5. He sat me on the sofa where I'd spent most of my day yesterday. He had just sat down behind his desk when there was a knock on the door.
"Enter."
Tank walked in smiling, "You're gonna love this."
Ranger lifted an eyebrow and waited for Tank to continue.
Tank chuckled, "I sent the tape to the other offices. Aaron was laughing so hard he fell off his chair and broke his tail bone."
I thought I saw a glimmer of a smile in Ranger's eyes but it was so fleeting I couldn't be sure. Tank placed a CD in front of Ranger. Ranger picked it up and put it into the computer. Tank went around the desk so he could watch as well. A couple times a smile broke through on Ranger's face and Tank was silently shaking with laughter. Suddenly, all expression was removed from both their faces and they looked grim. I thought Tank paled and he grabbed the back of Ranger's chair. I could see Ranger's hands tighten into fists. I wondered what they were watching that would take them from one extreme to another. A few moments later there was another emotion on their faces. Tank started squirming and I think he blushed. Ranger's eyes darkened and it suddenly felt 40 degrees warmer in the room. Suddenly, both men looked at me.
"Is there anything about your trip to the zoo that you'd like to talk about Babe? Maybe something happened you forgot to mention."
"Uh, gee...I think I told you all about it."
One eyebrow raised.
Okay, do I bluff because there's no way he'll ever find out, or do I come clean and tell him? I opened my mouth and he turned the computer screen so I could view what was on the screen. He took the bar back a short distance to re-play a portion of what he and Tank had been watching. I watched as Lester told us to 'Get the fuck in the building!' I told him it was too late and walked around him and made my way toward the tigers. When the tape finished, I looked over and met Ranger's gaze.
"Any other talents you want to tell me about Babe?" He didn't sound happy.
I winced. "How did that get on there?"
I had no idea how the footage about the tigers showed up on the CD. I'd edited that part out. The look on Ranger's face was priceless. I knew better than to laugh though. I wanted to live. There was a knock on the door and when Ranger said "Enter.", Lester opened the door and stepped inside.
He gave me a raised eyebrow before turning to Ranger. "Do I need to meet you on the mats?"
Ranger's eyes narrowed, "What do you think?"
Lester nodded and left the room. I suddenly felt overwhelmingly sad. The other shoe had dropped. I had started thinking that Lester didn't like me, but that wasn't the case at all. His actions suddenly had new meaning. I met Ranger's gaze and saw the truth in what I'd just discovered. I closed my eyes for a second and when I opened them there were tears filling them that I willed not to fall. My voice was shaky when I said, "Please don't hurt him." My voice was barely above a whisper.
Ranger's gaze watched me for several seconds before he turned to Tank and said, "I'll catch up with you later Tank."
Tank nodded and left the room. Ranger stood and came over to sit by me. He pulled me onto his lap and I lay my head against his chest. "I didn't know."
He rubbed my back and whispered to me in Spanish. I suddenly felt calmer. I must have fallen asleep because I opened my eyes later to find Ranger had moved back to his desk and I was still firmly in his arms. He was working on a document that caught my interest. I had about a second to scan it before he realized I was awake and closed the screen. I looked up into his face and he smiled. "Have a good nap?"
I smiled and reached up to kiss him. He returned the kiss and it was just getting good when there was a knock on the door. Ranger caressed my cheek and whispered, "Remember where we left off." He paused for a couple seconds and then said, "Enter."
The door opened and Bobby stepped in. There were several more of the guys outside the door. "Just stopped by to remind you we have a meeting at 10."
I looked at the clock and noticed it was now 10:15. Several of the guys were smiling. I blushed. I could feel Ranger's chest silently shaking with laughter. He gave nothing away, his blank look firmly in place. He said, "I'll be there in a few."
I could see Bobby wanted to say more but he just nodded and backed out of the room. I went to sit up but Ranger held me to him. I opened my mouth to say something and he covered my lips with his. A few seconds later he pulled away and said, "Time to get to work."
He stood and I thought he was going to set me back on the sofa but he headed to the door. "Where are you taking me?"
"To the meeting Babe. I'm not leaving you here by yourself without a way of getting around."
"If you'd gotten the crutches..."
His lips again covered mine and when the kiss was over I forgot what I'd been about to say. When we reached the conference room there were only two chairs left. Ranger set me down in one and took the other. Ranger nodded to Tank and said, "Report."
I listened quietly as each of the guys gave a report of what they were working on. When Woody started talking about 'The Roschnell kid' I took an interest. They had picked her up last Tuesday at the airport and things started going south. Seems she had gotten away from them on several occasions and gotten into trouble. So far they had been able to get her out of the trouble, but they were looking forward to the end of the stay. Ranger nodded when Woody had finished speaking. "Any ideas?"
There was total silence and I saw several of the guys looking nervous, like maybe they thought they might get roped into helping watch out for the girl. I meant to stay out of it because after all I didn't work here and I didn't want the guys to think I was trying to be bossy or anything. Unfortunately I heard myself asking, "How old is she?"
Woody turned to me, "She's 12 going on 30."
I smiled at his description. "She's probably bored."
His eyes widened, "How can she be bored with all the places we've been taking her?"
I hesitated, looking to Ranger first before saying anything, He gave me a slight nod and I knew he wanted me to continue. "She's a 12 year old girl who's traveled extensively with her father to many different countries and to some countries more than once. Her itinerary is made out well in advance, probably by her father who wants her to learn about the places they are visiting and still be safe. The places you have been taking her to sound like fun, but if those are the types of things she does all the time, they lose their interest and become routine."
Woody seemed to think about what I said for a minute and then asked, "So where would you take her?"
"Do you have her itinerary?"
Ram handed me a piece of paper. "The places highlighted in green are the places we've taken her to. The pink highlight is when there has been trouble. The places highlighted in yellow are the places we had to miss because of the trouble."
I looked over the sheet and noticed the type of activities they'd had to skip. I closed my eyes for a moment to focus and suddenly it was there. I opened my eyes and looked at Ranger. I handed him the paper and said, "Take a look."
He took the paper and looked it over. When his gaze returned to mine he asked, "What are you thinking Babe?"
"Do you have a blue highlighter?"
Woody took one out and handed it to me. I highlighted all the activities I felt she would continue to avoid, and then I handed the sheet back to Ram. "She'll continue to avoid those activities. The activity before it she will find a way to get in trouble again."
"What would you suggest Babe?"
"I would make a schedule change."
I reached for one of the sheets of paper on the table and suddenly had ten guys handing me a sheet of paper. I smiled and took the one Lester handed me and started writing. It only took a couple minutes to plan out the whole day. When I finished, I handed the paper to Ram, who was closer than Woody. He looked over the schedule I'd written down and his eyes widened. He had a strange look on his face when he handed the paper to Woody. Woody actually paled. I smiled. Woody handed the paper to Ranger. I anxiously watched for his reaction. When it came, it startled all the guys. Ranger smiled a full 2000 watt smile and then threw his head back and started laughing.
The guys looked at him stunned. I bit my lip and was a little worried, but Lester put a hand on my shoulder. When I looked up at him he grinned, "I think he likes it Beautiful."
"Are you sure?"
He winked at me. "I'm sure."
Ranger finally contained his mirth and passed the paper around the room. As they read, others started chuckling and laughing as well. When the sheet was finally passed back to Woody, he grumbled, "So glad to provide amusement to the rest of you guys."
I frowned, "What's wrong?"
Ranger smiled at me, "Shopping at the mall Babe. All guys have an aversion to shopping and you have Woody and Ram spending all day at Quaker Bridge Mall."
I bit my lip, "If I could get around better I would be willing to go with. After all, I need some new things. Most of my stuff was blown up with my apartment."
I thought I saw Ranger pale at that but I couldn't be sure. He had his blank face firmly in place when he said to Woody, "We'll meet you at the Mall."
Every mouth in the room dropped open. I was puzzled by the guy's reaction, but it was Lester who recovered first and he started laughing. Ranger's eyes narrowed and zoomed in on Lester, "You'll be joining us Santos."
Lester grimaced, but his only response was a nod. The meeting broke up soon after that, with Woody and Ram headed to pick up Anastasia Roschnell. Ranger carried me back to his office where he spent 30 minutes working on his computer before we left for the mall. We took the Cayenne, with Ranger driving and Lester in the back. When we reached the mall, I wasn't surprised when Ranger found a spot close to the entrance. He lifted me up and we made our way inside. We spotted Woody and Ram right away. My gaze went to the young girl with them. Anastasia was small for a 12 year old. She had long blond hair and as we reached them I noticed the color of her eyes was sherry. She was a very pretty little girl with a heart-shaped face, high cheek bones, bow shaped mouth and dimples. She was smiling ear to ear.
I smiled at her and spoke to her in Russian. "Hello. My name is Stephanie Plum and you must be Anastasia."
Her eyes lit up, "You speak Russian!"
"Yes. What do you think of your surprise?"
"I'm so excited! I've never been to a mall before. I've never even been allowed to choose my own clothes. Pappa always has a shopper get me what I need."
My eyes opened wide, "You don't get to choose what you want to wear?"
She shook her head no.
"We definitely need to change that. I wouldn't suggest anything drastic. That way your father can see what good taste you have and perhaps allow you to choose your own clothes."
She laughed. We headed for a store geared for girls her age. I had a feeling she was going to be overstimulated by the end of the day. When we reached the store she squealed. Several shoppers turned to look at us and I just smiled and gave them a finger wave. Ana, as she'd asked us to call her was full of energy. She went through rack after rack of clothes. She didn't make rash decisions though. She only made a few selections. Finally she sighed and turned to me. "I'm done. I'd love to buy so much more, but these are my favorites and I don't want to overdue."
We went and paid for her purchases. I saw her eyes linger on a beautiful handbag near the cashier, but she bought only what she'd already picked up. I whispered to Ranger and he took me over so I could grab the bag. I tried to pay for my purchase but he handed the cashier his card before I could get my money out. I gave him a glare but he just smiled and kissed me. When he released my mouth I tried to remember...what was I upset about?
We decided to grab a bite to eat at the food court. After all, they had something for everyone. Woody went and got their food since he and Ram chose the same restaurant. Ranger and Lester decided on the same meal and I knew just what I wanted from that restaurant. Ana decided to have the same thing I was having. Ranger gave me a funny look but remained silent. Lester volunteered to get our food but I said, "No way. Ranger has to get our food."
Lester paled slightly and suddenly my chest hurt. I turned to him and said, "Nothing personal but I really hated my salad at the zoo. Besides, what I want isn't on the menu and I didn't think you'd ask for it."
Our eyes met for several seconds, and then he gave a wane smile and said, "It's okay Beautiful. I'm waving the white flag in regards to your food. You eat what you want. If you ever need contraband, I'm your guy. As far as taping your stunts, all bets are off."
I narrowed my eyes, "Just so you know I'll get even."
We shook hands and I watched a puzzled look come into his eyes. Ranger put a hand on Lester's shoulder, "Safeguard my Babe till I get back."
Lester met Ranger's gaze and nodded. I thought I heard him mumble 'With my life', but I couldn't be sure. Ranger just nodded and went off to get our food. Woody returned with their food and they dug in. Ana watched them for a couple of minutes and then turned to me. "Stephanie, do you know where I could find a portrait painter?"
"Are you looking for a portrait already completed or someone to paint one?"
She looked at me with confusion, "Is there a difference?"
I shrugged, "If you're looking for a particular portrait that has already be painted, I'd have to research who might have bought the piece. If you want someone to paint a portrait for you then I know just where to go."
"Oh! I hadn't thought of that. I wanted someone who can paint a photograph of my mamma, pappa and me. I want to give it to pappa for his birthday. We will celebrate it before we return to Russia."
"Okay. Let me check with someone and I'll get back to you."
Just then Ranger returned with our dishes. Woody and Ram's eyes grew round, "How the he...heck did you get that? I never knew they served anything like that?" Came from Ram.
"The owner is a friend of Val's. When I was growing up I spent a lot of time with her and Val. I was shopping one day and stopped, but couldn't find anything on the menu I really wanted. When she saw me starring forlornly looking at the menu she laughed and asked me what I wanted. I told her and she made it. She said anytime I wanted all I had to do was ask for the dish and I'd get it."
Woody and Ram looked down at their dishes and then back to mine. They grimaced before saying, "Next time you come to the mall we get to bring you. We can order that and it can be our reward for having to come shopping."
I laughed and Ana giggled. She knew enough English to understand, but she looked excited when I spoke Russian to her throughout our trip. We'd hit all the shops I'd planned for us to shop at and were getting ready to go when I saw Ana's eyes looking longingly at the 'Bear Shop' where one could build their own bear. I quietly asked Ranger if we could squeeze in a visit and he agreed. Ana looked like she'd just been handed everything she'd always wanted. She chose a blond colored bear and ballerina accessories. The bear was beautiful when she'd finished her. When she was asked by the store clerk what she wanted to name the bear she turned to me and asked, "Can I name her Stephanie?"
I felt tears burn at the back of my eyes and forced them back as I nodded . Damn! I couldn't figure out why I was so weepy lately. The clerk asked her if she wanted a box for her bear and Ana said, "In the bag please, but I want to carry my new friend."
We headed back to the entrance where we'd entered the mall and said our goodbyes. I'd managed to find enough clothes to supplement my small wardrobe and Ana had made several purchases herself. I told Ana I'd introduce her to the painter tomorrow and she smiled ear to ear and gave me a hug. "Oh Stephanie, this has been the best trip in the world! You have made my day more wonderful than I can say. Thank you so much."
"I have enjoyed the day too Ana. You are a wonderful girl." I looked in her eyes, "Just take it easy on the guys okay?"
She grinned and nodded. "Can you come up with more fun days while I'm here?"
I smiled, "Sure. I'll work on it tonight. Do you have something in particular you'd like to do?"
"You mean it? I could actually choose something?"
"Well yeah, after all it is your vacation."
"I'd love to go riding. Plus, when I knew I was coming here I got on the internet and found out they have a boardwalk in Point Pleasant that has rides."
"Okay. I can add both of those easily."
"Thanks Stephanie."
Woody and Ram took Ana to their vehicle and she waved as they pulled out of the mall. I sent her a finger wave back. Ranger set me in the passenger seat of the Cayenne and Lester got in the back. We headed back to Haywood. Ranger took my hand and I turned to him, "Proud of you Babe."
"I didn't do anything."
"You figured out why she was acting out and changed things so not only could she have a good time but it makes things easier on the guys. I'd say that's doing something."
I blushed and stayed silent because I didn't know what to say. When we'd parked in the garage, Lester and Ranger got out and I waited for Ranger to collect me. I tried once again to mention the crutches but Ranger's mouth took mine and I forgot what I'd been going to say.
Lester's POV:
Today was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I got to spend the day with Stephanie and I loved every minute of it. A curse because I spent it with Stephanie and had to watch her and Ranger together. When she'd explained about having Ranger get the food instead of letting me go, I told her I was waving the white flag and wouldn't try and alter her food choices again. When she touched my arm I was puzzled. I was half in love with her, but when she touched me I didn't feel anything that I thought I would feel. Her touch was pleasant, but that was it. It confused me. I meant what I'd told Ranger. I said it low and it sounded like a mumble, but I knew he'd heard. When he'd said safeguard his Babe till he came back I told him 'With my life' and he got the message. I headed up to my apartment; I was offline for the rest of the day. Bobby was coming over later to watch the game.