*All characters belong to JE. Im just playing with them for awhile!

Mad love to all my girls (and guys) on RangeWomanEnterprises. Thanks for encouraging me to finish this story! Yall are the best!

Inbox

Chapter 33

Somehow our group got split up and we ended up with a few from the other one. Thompson had been a total pain in the ass for the last two days. Id been having an uneasy feeling for some time now and cant figure out whats up. My spidey sense was going off the charts. Usually I can figure out whats wrong and resolve the situation before any problems occur.

We were lost on a trail when all hell broke loose. Gunfire started from somewhere behind us, but I couldnt see anyone.

Down, everyone get down! I shouted. Tuck slammed to the ground behind an old tree stump bringing a few others with him. As far as I could tell, only one person was injured.

What the hell is going on Little Falcon? Tuck yelled.

I have no fucking clue Tuck. There isnt supposed to be real fire. Manoso would have told us if there was.

None of the others could fire back because we didnt have real rounds in our guns, but if this whole experience has taught me anything, its to be prepared. I had my glock strapped to my ankle. I pulled it out from under my BDU pants and held it out in front of me.

By now the gunfire had halted and I could hear our heavy breathing. I could only locate Tuck, Damien and about five others. Murphy and Thompson were missing. I thought Murphy had caught up with the other group, but that still doesnt account for Thompson.

Guys, stay down while I search the area. I have a loaded gun. I started walking through the trees when I noticed Murphy coming towards me. Thank god Murphy! Did you see anyone going that way? I said pointing behind him. Someone was shooting live rounds at us, and hit one of the guys.

He just started laughing. That should have sent flashing warning lights to my brain, but I let my guard down. Are you ok Murphy? Youre not hurt are you?

No, Im not ok Bombshell. My father is dead and its your entire fault! You just couldnt leave well enough alone! He couldnt survive in jail and you put him there!

Now, Ive been out of Trenton for awhile, but Im pretty sure he was talking about one of my skips, but nothing was ringing a bell. When all else fails, play stupid to keep him talking. Surely someone heard the gunshots and would be here shortly. I didnt want to shoot him, but if it came down to it I would. I dont know what youre talking about Murph. Whats going on? I dont know your dad.

He made a sound that was between laughing and crying. You know damn well what Im talking about bitch. You took my father, Robert Murphy to jail three years ago. He was the only thing I had left, and you took him away from me just because he missed his court date! He didnt deserve to die in that hell hole! All he did was violate his probation. You should have left well enough alone! I was about to give up hope about ever paying you back, then the chance fell into my lap when you joined the army the same time I did. It took awhile, but now I have my chance. Youre not coming out of this alive.

By the end of his rant he was screaming. I remember his father now. He was one of my first skips and actually not any trouble at all. He had come willingly saying that he really did forget his court date.

If he is as unstable as he sounds, I was going to have to shoot him to get out of this alive. He had already fired on the whole group, injuring someone. I couldnt take the chance of him killing me or anyone else. I guess the others started to realize the same thing because they began to try to talk some sense into him.

Come on man, we can work this out. Were all friends right? said Damien.

Fuck off Reynolds Murphy shouted. We all know youre fucking her. Too bad Manosos boning her too. What a slut!

Thats it, hes done. Just as I was about to lift my gun, he fired a shot and hit me in the shoulder. I fell backwards with a thud. Fuck! I cant believe the bastard shot me! Its been so long since Ive gotten shot, I forgot how much it hurt.

The guys started to run to me, but only got a few steps before Murphy fired shots at them. He only got two shots out, one of which hit Damien in the side. I screamed his name and over my voice I heard another gunshot coming from behind Murph. Thompson was holding a gun in front of her and Murphy was now lying on the ground with a pool of blood under him. One shot to the heart. I didnt know Thompson had it in her!

She ran over to us. Are you guys ok? I heard the shots from a few miles away, but no one else in the group believed me, so I came to check it out on my own. Looks like I got here just in time.

I gave her a grin. Thanks for the backup. I guess youre not such a pain in the ass after all.

She rolled her eyes. Thanks, I guess.

Weve got to get Reynolds some medical attention. Hes bleeding pretty badly. How far away is the other group? I asked

Theyre probably about three miles away by now and at the end of the course. We can all take turns carrying him if it comes down to it. Thompson answered.

I ripped up some of my BDU top and pressed it to his wound. One of the other soldiers lifted Damien up and started to walk in the direction Thompson came from. My shoulder was bleeding pretty badly and I was going to pass out soon from the loss of blood if I didnt get my ass in gear.

We stopped every few minutes to check on Damien. He was still unconscious and his breathing shallow.

Hell be fine Plum, hes strong like you. Thompson assured me.

Thanks again for saving our asses. I didnt think you liked me.

She frowned. Its not that I dont like you, I guess Im just jealous of all the attention you get. I see the way Damien looks at you; hes in love with you.

I laughed. Nah, were just friends, besides, my heart belongs to someone else.

We made it to the check point in thirty five minutes. When the guys saw Smith carrying Damien, they rushed over to see what was wrong. Ranger immediately rushed to my side. What happened here Babe? he asked.

It wasnt my fault I whined.

The corners of his lips turned up. It never is.

I guess I should tell him whats going on. It turns out Murphy is the son of one of my skips and he decided that he was going to get me back for sending him to jail. So he shot me, Damien and the guy over there. I said pointing to where a medic was checking Damien and the other soldier.

All of a sudden I started to get dizzy. I guess I lost more blood than I thought. Ranger, I think I need to get some medical attentionIm feeling.. and thats the last thing I got out before darkness took over.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Just five more minutes, all I needed was five more minutes of sleep. I tried to lift my arm to swat at my alarm, but something was in the way.

Whoa Babe, youll pull out your IV if you keep that up. I heard Ranger say.

Ranger, where am I? I asked groggily.

Youre in the hospital at Fort Bragg. You had to have surgery on your shoulder to remove the bullet. Youll be ok after a few days.

Oh yea, I got shot, so much for my streak of no one shooting at me. Wait, I wonder how Damien is. He was in pretty bad shape when we got to the checkpoint.

Wheres Damien, is he ok? Can I see him?

He laughed. Hes fine babe. He just got out of surgery a few minutes ago. They removed a bullet and his spleen. Hell be in the hospital for awhile. You can see him when youre feeling a little better.

Ok. Im feeling so tired still. I think Ill just shut my eyes for a few more minutes

The last thing I heard was,Mi amor, mi mujer es de extraar. T eres mi Corazon.

The next time I woke up, I was feeling a lot better. I looked around the room and took in my surroundings. Adam was sitting in the chair next to my bed and holding my hand.

He grinned. Hey gorgeous, how are you feeling?

Better now that Im seeing you. I said giving him a smile. You didnt have to come all this way just because I got shot, I would have seen you back in Trenton.

I was here anyway; I wanted to surprise you when you got done with your training. Plus I missed you.

I missed you too Adam. Well have to get together in Trenton once Im out of this place. When am I getting out of here anyway? Im already starting to feel caged!

I think I heard the doctor say that youll be able to leave tomorrow.

As if on cue, the doctor entered my room. Good morning Ms. Plum. Let me look at your wound, and depending on how its doing, youll be able to be discharged today.

Fuckin A! I mentally cheered.

Adam and the doctor chuckled. Oops, I must have said that out loud.

Yea, you said that out loud Steph.

I winced as the doctor prodded and poked at my shoulder wound. Everything seems to be in order. I dont see any reason why you shouldnt be released this afternoon.

Thanks doctor. Im not always the best patient!

The doctor left after leaving me some instructions on how to take care of my injury. Wheres Ranger? I could have sworn I woke up last night and he was talking to me. I said to Adam.

Hes taking care of some the paper work about what happened with Murphy.

I almost forgot about Murphy. I guess when something bad happens; my mind automatically goes into denial. Shit, I never even found out if I passed or not! Nothing ever goes right for me! I cant even go into the Army without some psycho coming after me! I screeched.

Adam scooted closer and ran his hand down the side of my face. Calm down Gorgeous. Everyone in both groups passed. Because of the recent events, there will be no graduation ceremony; youll just get your orders for where youre being stationed in a few weeks. Youre entitled to a few weeks Leave. After this week, youll probably need a little R&R.

I breathed a sigh of relief. No kidding!

Adam leaned down and placed a soft kiss to my lips. After a few days everything will be back to normal.

I heard the door open and looked up. Ranger was standing in the doorway with a look of rage on his face. Whats going on here?

He must have seen Adam kiss me. Adam answered quickly. I was just leaving.

He turned back to me. Call me when you get back to Trenton. Well get a group of the guys together and go out. Bye gorgeous he said as he pressed a kiss to my cheek.

Adam squeezed past Ranger and out the door.

Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to sit down by me and keep me company?

He didnt say a word, but just crossed the room and eased into the chair beside me. He continued to stare at me with a faraway look in his eyes. Its a look Ive never seen on him before.

Is everything ok Ranger? Youre not looking like yourself. Have you gotten enough sleep? Im fine you know you dont have to worry about me.

That seemed to snap him out of it. I always worry about you Babe. Im not ok. I walked in here and saw Adam kiss you and my heart stopped. I thought I had finally gotten through to you about how much I want you.

I cut him off. That was a kiss from a friend Ranger, nothing else. He knows my heart belongs to someone else.

He leaned closer to me. Who does your heart belong to Babe?

I took a deep breath. You. Its always been you. From the moment I met you, youve had my heart. I love you Ranger.

An array of emotions ran across his face, and finally a huge grin appeared. Ive waited so long to hear you asay that. I love you more than I thought I could ever love someone. I tried to fight it, but it only made me miserable. Will you be mine Stephanie Plum? I dont care if we get married, I dont care if we never have children, I just want you to be mine, and I want to be yours.. forever.

Tears were streaming down my face. Id like nothing more than to be yours. Always.

Our lips pressed together in a soft kiss, sealed the love we have for each other.

**My love, my wonder woman. You are my heart. (Mi amor, mi mujer es de extraar. T eres mi corazn)

Epilogue to Follow.