Chapter 14: The Spa
Red.
It was everywhere, plaguing her vision. She shook her head, but it didn't clear. She watched as Alicia's fingers lingered on his skin. Her hands tightened on the jewelry box, she silently laughed as she imaged chucking it at Alicia's head. A wicked smile crossing her lips as she saw it connect with her face, causing Alicia to fall out on her ass.
But then he stepped in her line of vision, effectively snapping her back to reality. She grimaced as she took in the room before her. The Watson's were loading onto the elevator, Eric Watson's hungry eyes taking in her form before the doors shut. She shivered at the message Eric was sending her through his eyes. He was handsome and very rich. She hadn't felt anything amiss with him before, why was she so uncomfortable around him now? In fact, she was rather attracted to him when they first met. Flattered that he was somewhat flirtatious. Was it because of Alicia?
Lester pinched her shoulder, breaking her from the trance. "Pondering your options Beautiful?"
Stephanie looked up into Lester's eyes, "Huh?"
Lester answered her with a full out laugh. "Come on Beautiful, everyone in the room knew what those two were thinking. "
"Oh please Lester" she spat as she ran her hand to smooth her ponytail.
"His gift creep you out?"
Stephanie sighed, "Not as bad as his sister does."
Lester laughed again, "You got that right. I wonder if she is all there. It's like fatal attraction or something."
Stephanie nodded at him in agreement. She wanted to continue discussing her concerns about Alicia, but she also wanted to find out want she missed in the meeting earlier. With Ranger out of earshot, she had to act quickly.
"Hey Les, uhm, I, uhm, kinda missed a few things in the meeting earlier. Uhm, what did Ranger ask me?"
Lester smiled wide, "You think." He started to laugh, "I wanted to say, earth to Bombshell."
Stephanie rolled her eyes, "Well."
"It was nothing, he was just confirming with you your role in the job. More for show since the Watson's were there."
She let out a sigh of relief.
Lester gently touched her hand, and drew her to the table to sit. "What's going on Steph? I mean are you okay? Are the nightmares coming during the day too?"
Stephanie looked up into his eyes, a little shocked at what he asked. He had to know. She was sure of it. What he saw with Ella earlier and his persistence made it undeniable.
"No,…I mean yes…I mean no, I wasn't having an issue during the meeting. Well, I mean, I was having an issue, but I hardly think me wanting to break Alicia's fingers is what you are concerned about, is it?"
Lester let his head fall back as he full out laughed at her reply.
Stephanie instantly became self-conscious. Maybe she should have kept that comment to herself. The guys didn't need to know how she felt about Ranger. Of course she thought it was pretty obvious they were attracted to one another, but they didn't need to know she was jealous. Or even how much she did care about him, right? It would only embarrass her with them later. Later, when Ranger tells her his life doesn't lend itself to relationships. In fact, what was she doing, she thought. Why was she getting so attached again? It would be even harder this time to hear those words.
She pushed herself away from the table, trying to get as far away from her thoughts as she could. She had to get out of here, before reality came crashing into this small room smothering her.
Lester stood and quickly shut the door to the conference room, effectively blocking her escape. "Steph, I am being serious, I'm concerned about you. Please sit down and talk to me."
Stephanie searched his eyes, looking for the truth behind his words. Lester was hardly ever serious, especially with her. So she knew she had to face the music, at least with him.
She huffed her protest but made her way to one of the chairs to sit down. Lester pulled a chair up to sit across from her. He took her hand in his, "Steph, tell me what's going on with you. I know you've been through a lot."
'Ha,' she thought. 'Where do I even start?' Her mind rushed through the events, overwhelming her.
Lester picked up on her struggle. "Okay, let's start with the nightmares. What are you seeing?"
Stephanie took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well, Lester, this morning I saw that night all over again. I'm tied up, watching him come through the door. Praying he will live, completely helpless and terrified."
Lester scooted closer to her, encouraging her to continue.
"I see the shots….and the blood. All the blood, it's everywhere. And I can't help him. I see him dying…." She choked out, as tears started to fall.
Lester practically pulled her to him, "How does it end?"
Feeling the warmth of his body, she relaxed a little, knowing she was safe from the nightmare. "I dunno Lester. I usually wake up screaming when he dies or at the blood part."
Lester took a deep breath and exhaled, "Stephanie…" She knew she was in trouble. Lester never used her name; it was always Bombshell, or Beautiful or some other pet name. When he used Steph she knew it was serious, now that he was using her full name she was in trouble.
Before he could get out what he was trying to say, the door swung open. Ranger filled the doorframe. He eyed the scene before him. Stephanie noticed his hands tighten into fists at his side.
"Santos" he barked.
Lester gave him a look that Stephanie couldn't see. She was practically sitting in his lap, with one of his arms around her and the other holding her hand.
Ranger's hands relaxed at his sides as he took in Lester's look. But it was too late; the moment was over. Lester turned to face her once more, "Steph, we'll talk later okay. You let me know if you need anything."
It was more a demand than a request, so she nodded her head.
Lester released her, helping her stand and kissed her on the head before moving towards the door.
Ranger and Lester sized each other up for a few seconds before Ranger stepped in the room, allowing Lester to pass.
Stephanie stood, glancing at the clock. She had two hours before her date with Hector for pampering. She could get some work done in the meantime, so she decided to head for her office.
But suddenly he was there. In front of her, blocking her path. She startled a little, bringing her head up to focus on his eyes.
He didn't speak, just stared at her. She could see his eyes were swimming with emotion. A rare moment for the man of mystery, so rare she didn't want to interrupt it. So she stood still, breathing shallow as not to disturb his thoughts.
As his eyes focused, just when she thought he would say something. Tank came in the room, "Carlos, we have a situation."
Ranger snapped to attention. Giving her a kiss on the head, he quickly retreated from the room with Tank.
Stephanie stood there for a moment trying to analyze what just occurred. What did she see? What was he going to say? He was such a mystery, there was no reason to even try and guess. So she let out a sigh and proceeded to her office.
Once she was settled in, she glanced over to his, trying to be inconspicuous. But his door was shut. She could see Tank and Ranger talking and then Lester's head popped out from the side. Lester was pointing to something on his laptop. Suddenly they all three stopped and looked her way.
Stephanie jumped and quickly averted her eyes back to her computer screen. 'Busted,' she thought as a wave of embarrassment flushed over her. She tried to fight it, but realized there was no need. They would all have to be blind to not see what was going on between the two of them. So instead, she focused on her full inbox.
She glanced at a few emails concerning her new position. One was about benefits and the other a welcome letter. She read through the welcome letter and thought how nice it was. She opened the attached offer letter so she could print it out, sign it and send it back to the HR person as instructed. Funny, she didn't realize there was an HR until now. She had always been contract before, but realized how silly it was for her to be surprised. Ranger had a large company with branches all over the country. Of course there was a Human Resources department. She printed the offer letter without reading it and moved to the benefits email.
She read through the instructions and decided she would look the information over later; she still had plenty of time to make her elections. She thought how nice it would be to have benefits again. She was excited, proud even, that she was back in the world of the working. Well, at least corporate America. She smiled and moved to the next email.
It was from Christian. He thanked her for meeting with him to go over her statement about Bloomington's and informed her that her statement was what settled the dispute. It was over now and Rangeman was free and clear of their allegations. He finished it up by saying he enjoyed meeting her. She thought about Bloomington's again and her spidey sense fluttered to life. She pulled up the search program to retrieve the search she did on Jay Baker's sister.
She pulled up the information the program had found on Trish Baker. She was Jay's younger sister, in college at the time she was murdered. Trish had disappeared after a date with her boyfriend and was found two weeks later, the body mutilated and broken. It had been just over 8 years ago and the case was unsolved. Stephanie's spidey sense was tingling. She pulled the search up on Jay Baker again to review. He was a cop in Pennsylvania and moved to Trenton 7 years ago, almost a year after his sister's death.
She wondered what had happened, but got little information from either searches. She couldn't see anything that connected them to Bloomington's, the original reason for the search. She instantly felt remorse for prying into their private nightmare for no reason. The Bloomington ordeal was over. It was clearly an insurance fraud case, well with arson added on.
But how was Jerome White involved? He was at Bloomington's the day she was supposed to meet with them to discuss their security needs. He had been there for a reason; it wasn't the part of town he would frequent. But why was he there?
She racked her brain for a few minutes, but found nothing. On a hunch she decided to do some more digging into Jerome White. She knew there was more to his story than the petty cons he was pulling off. Obviously if the FBI was involved and put their wallet on the line to find him, he was involved in some much deeper shit that she had initially thought.
She sent the program running again and focused on the offer letter; wanting to get something checked off her list today. She scanned it over and her breath hitched when she read the salary offer. Her hand involuntarily crumpled the paper. Her emotions swirled around her, astonishment and anger fighting it out before her eyes. One hundred and twenty-five thousand a year? What was this bull? Anger won out, as she let out a loud hiss. How could he be so stupid? Wouldn't the guys realize the favoritism he showed her? She felt insulted at the same time and embarrassed. He had to be more reasonable than this. Was he trying to buy her like Lula and Connie said? But what was the price she would have to pay?
She pushed herself away from her desk, clutching the crumpled letter in her hand. She turned to stalk into his office and let him have it. She didn't care he was behind closed doors or that Tank or Lester was there. She was going to tell him to shove it. She couldn't be bought. And here she thought he respected her, maybe even loved her a little, in his own way. She stormed out of her office and through the open area, only inches from his door, when a hand snaked out and grabbed her, twirling her around.
When she finally stopped her head kept turning to focus on her destination, she was only inches from his door, if she could just reach it.
Hector cleared his throat, "You ready to be pampered Hector style?"
Stephanie focused on Hector, she stumbled on her words as tears swelled up in her eyes, her voice catching in her throat.
Hector grimaced and whispered, "Let's go, we can talk in the car" as he ushered her straight to the elevator.
He tucked her in his side as they made their way toward the exit. Not wanting anyone to see what was happening with her, she turned into his body when the elevator dinged as Bobby came bouncing out.
"How are you feeling Steph," as he reached for her.
Hector maneuvered around him, spitting out that they were late and had to go, that she was fine.
Bobby turned and stared at them, Stephanie's face buried in Hector's side, Hector shielding her as the doors shut. Bobby sighed, looking down at the bag of donut's he brought for her. "What was that about," he mumbled.
He turned heading straight for Ranger's office, not caring that the door was shut. He knocked loudly and opened the door before he heard a reply.
All three men stared at Bobby intently, a little pissed to be interrupted and due to his clear lack of courtesy.
Bobby's concerned face made the mood change swiftly. "Sorry boss, I just, well, what's going on with Steph. I'm concerned."
All three men looked at one another, then focused back on Bobby." Lester asked, "What do you mean man?"
"Well, she just left with Hector who was shielding her and hiding her face, I swear she was crying. They were in a hurry to leave and she didn't even speak. I swear she was crying, did something happen?"
The three looked at each other again. Bobby interrupted their silent conversation, stepping into the office, shutting the door behind him. "What's going on, spill it."
Hector managed to get Stephanie into the SUV and out of Rangeman without any more diversions. Stephanie was sobbing in the passenger seat and wouldn't answer any of his questions. He was frustrated, but knew he would get it out of her once she calmed down. So he headed straight for the Tasty Pastry, knowing she would relax if donuts where involved. He would have to thank Bobby later for the idea and apologize.
He parked the SUV and tried to get through to her again with no avail. He sighed, deciding to get the contraband for her.
When he returned, he found her alternating between sobs and hiccups. He let out a loud snort then started laughing. He didn't mean to, but he just couldn't help it.
She immediately stopped, taking in a sharp hissing breath and directed her rage towards him. Hector let out a squeal as her fist connected with his arm.
"Asshole," she raged at him. "I am so tired of being Rangeman entertainment. You shouldn't have stopped me."
Hector rubbed his sore arm, "Steph I'm sorry. You were so cute, I wasn't laughing at you, really. You just are so Stephanie Plum. "
That earned him another flaming stare. Hector put his hands up, signaling his surrender. Pushing the donut box forward as a peace offering.
Stephanie eyed the box, but crossed her arms in front of her in denial. "Take me to my apartment."
"Are you kidding? You don't want to miss out on a day of pampering a la Hector."
She gave him a glance, she really could use some pampering, but this was just another example of them treating her differently. And it made her mad again. "I'm not going Hector. I'm tired of being treated this way, I just want to be treated like everyone else."
A complexed look crossed his face, "What are you talking about chica? What's wrong?"
Stephanie grabbed the donuts from his hand; she needed something to help her get through this. She threw the crumpled up letter at him. "Look at that Hector. I'm so embarrassed…insulted…angry…I feel…I dunno, I feel used or something. I just can't believe he would do this."
Straightening the paper before him he quickly scanned through the writing to identify the culprit. It was a standard offer letter from Rangeman, perplexed he looked up at her biting into a boston crème. "I don't understand. What are you upset about chica?
She savored her bite, puzzled that he didn't see the problem. She gestured towards the letter, "Oh come on Hector look at the salary. I mean wouldn't you be upset. That figure is asinine."
Hector grimaced, looking back at the figure on the page. He never thought she was very concerned about money. She was always so grateful for the vehicle after vehicle Ranger let her borrow. Never once accepting the gift of one and there had been many. Deciding he should approach this topic lightly he replied with, "I am sure they would be willing to negotiate if you wanted more."
Flinching, she started to choke on the donut she inhaled in the process. Coughing violently, Hector reached out to pat her on the back. "What," she squeaked as soon as she got air in. "Hector, I don't want more. I think it's way too much!"
Laughing with relief at her reply, "Why would you think that chica?"
Stephanie grumbled, "Gee Hector, don't you think the favoritism is a little obvious? I got a new car, new clothes, and a huge salary. I mean I don't get treated like the rest of you. I just want to be treated like any other employee."
"Chica, you are part of the executive team. HR did a market analysis to determine your salary; he had nothing to do with it. Every employee gets to use the company vehicles, we all get uniforms and we all get apartments. We also get all the equipment we need. For the field guys, weapons mainly guns and don't forget all the toys I get. I have a whole room of toys."
She turned her head sideways at him as she took the last heavenly bite down contemplating his words. "So it's not him trying to buy me? Showing favoritism?"
Hector laughed out loud, "Well Chica I think he definitely favors you, but I don't see how he is trying to buy you. Tank's salary is up there I am sure. Plus Tank and Lester have an arsenal, their side arm alone cost Rangman thousands of dollars. I doubt your clothes cost that much. Ranger believes in giving his employees the tools and equipment to do their jobs. That way we can do everything to the best of our ability. For me it's the gadgets, for Lester his weapons, the gym and for you it's clothes, an executive salary and pampering for tonight."
"I hardly think getting paid to get pampered is a legitimate business cost Hector."
"Welcome to corporate America sweetheart. When dealing with customers, everything matters. Besides you are supposed to blend in with the rich and famous tonight. These people have a nose for imposters; you have to be the rich today in order to fit in. All the ladies that will be there tonight will have spent the entire day getting pampered. Besides, I am getting paid to accompany you. Tell me how that fits into my job description."
She giggled at him as he wagged his eyebrow at her. "Okay, I see your point."
"These distraction jobs require full investments, that's what makes them successful. If we only did it half way or just on the surface, it would allow for mistakes to be made. So let's go get pampered, chica."
She smiled, letting out a sigh. Hector gave her a sideways glance as he pulled out heading towards their destination.
"Thanks Hector. You saved me from a major meltdown. I was inches away from letting him have it."
His eyes dilated a little, "Oh that would have been hot Chica. You know just how to push his buttons."
Stephanie gasped, a little shocked by his reply. She knew Hector was gay, but he never let anything like that slip before. She giggled at him, "My Hector, do you have a crush" she teased.
Hector's smile cracked a little, "Sorry, I meant hot between you two. You produce some serious steam. I wish you would just both give in. I swear you are the most stubborn people I have ever met."
She didn't know whether she should be insulted or embarrassed, so she decided to change the subject. "So what's in store for today Hector?"
He beamed with excitement, happy that she was into the day he had planned for her. He worked hard to make today perfect for her. She deserved it after these past few months. He was hoping to relieve some of the pressure and stress. Help her open up so she could begin to recover. They all knew she was suffering, even though she put on one hell of an act. "We are heading to The Carriage House for"
She let out a squeal before he could even finish. "Are you kidding, THE Carriage House?"
Hector full out smiled giving her a nod. "We start out with a hot stone massage, followed by an aloe wrap and a dip in the exfoliating hot tub. We will shower and have lunch before a spa mani & pedi. Then on to hair and makeup. We will get ready at the spa, I have your ear piece and Ranger will brief you in the car on the way."
Stephanie clapped in delight, "I can't believe we are going to The Carriage House. Thanks for spoiling me Hector."
"No need to thank me, I'm just along for the ride Chica."
They drove towards their destination in comfortable silence. Stephanie's mind was reeling with questions she wanted to ask Hector, but didn't feel comfortable bringing up. Finally giving in, she whispered "Hector, do you feel like Ranger gives you too much? Like you will never be able to pay him back?"
"All the time Chica. I can honestly say Ranger saved my life. I will never be able to pay him back, but I will do my best everyday to try. Ranger is trained to hide his emotions, but he cares for every guy, ahm, I mean person that works for him."
Stephanie let out a sigh as Hector pulled into the parking lot. How did she get so lucky, she thought to herself. She looked forward to the day ahead of her, but dreaded the evening. Having to deal with Alicia was not going to be the highlight of her day. She cringed as she exited the SUV, imagining Alicia hanging all over Ranger. Tensing at the thought of her pawing him all night, she realized her headache was back. Her hand went straight to her head, gently passing over the sore spot at the base of her head. She had one heck of a lump there still.
They walked on the path towards the spa, each step going deeper into the trees. In the clearing they saw the Carriage House, an Asian inspired bathhouse cradled in a serene garden.
It was like instant relaxation as they both took in a deep cleansing breath, hearing the trickling of water and other nature sounds surround them. The dark wood structure had sliding shoji doors and screens. They were greeted as soon as they crossed the threshold. A middle-aged woman, whisking them off to separate dressing chambers. It was beautiful and very tranquil.
An attendant came in to the dressing chamber; carrying a robe she left for Stephanie to dress in. She showed her where to place her stuff and asked her to come out when she was ready. Stephanie followed her directions, excited to start the pampering session. She hardly ever took time for her self anymore. When she worked as a lingerie buyer she would get her nails and hair done. In sales image is everything. She thought back to when the last time she had done something like this and chuckled to herself. The only time she visited Mr. Alexander, her hairdresser, was when she had to beg him to rescue her hair from some mishap. All related to her bounty hunter escapades. Yes, this new job was a good thing, at least for her hair.
She passed through the door as instructed into a beautiful room. The walls where shoji screens in a light tan with dark wood planks holding them in place. There were two tall square platforms dressed with tan sheets and a brook floating between them in the center of the room. The room was dimly lit and filled with tranquil water sounds from the brook. There was a calming smell that she couldn't place filtering through the room.
Hector came from the adjoining room, taking in the surroundings as he joined her. She heard him let out a little squeal of delight and smiled widely at him. She realized how much she enjoyed being with Hector. When you looked at him, he looked like the other Merry Men, buff, handsome, intimidating, and Hector even more so because of his tattoos. Well, maybe not more intimidating then Tank. But Hector was so different than what you thought when you saw him. He was caring, kind, funny and a little bit of a girl.
Stephanie reached out and grabbed Hector's hand, grabbing his attention. "Hector, I am really glad that I got to know you. I really value our friendship."
Hector smiled at her, "Stephanie, you have no idea how much you saved me by just being you."
Stephanie was shocked at what he said, she hadn't done a thing, in fact she felt guilt for not getting to know him sooner. But before she could respond two attendants came in to join them.
They ushered the pair to the platforms getting them settled in for their massage. Stephanie tensed a little at the thought of another woman putting her hands on her, but as the woman smoothed the oil on her back and set to work, the uncomfortable feeling disappeared, leaving her in complete bliss. This woman knew exactly where she held her tension and went to work releasing it. At one point Stephanie was sure she was drooling, feeling completely relaxed. Why hadn't she done this before?
She glanced over at Hector and saw the same expression on his face. They both chuckled at each other as the attendants helped them flip over. Lost in relaxation, they both quietly enjoyed the rest of the massage.
The attendants helped them flip back over and explained the hot stone portion to them. Stephanie listening intently as the woman explained what to expect. She flinched a little when she thought about having hot stones placed on her skin, but when the first one made contact she sighed from the warmth. The heat radiating down through her muscles, causing her to relax even more.
When the stones were all placed, the attendants quietly excused themselves saying they would be back. Stephanie turned her head back towards Hector, giving him a lazy grin.
Hector returned it, "Stephanie, I have been thinking about our conversation earlier and I want to add something to it. Something that I hope will put your mind at ease."
She nodded for him to continue.
"About your salary, you know that all the muscle guys like Lester, Bobby and the others make what we call hazard pay. Because they put their bodies and sometimes their lives on the line. We do work for big corporations and RangeMan is quite successful, we all make above average when it comes to salaries."
Stephanie gave him a thoughtful look, "So you are saying I am in the same range as some of the guys."
Hector nodded, "Yes, Lester and Bobby for sure. I think Tank makes more since he is second in command. My salary isn't too shabby either Chica. I have two houses and bought my mom a new car last year. Of course I do a lot of overtime when Ranger needs extra hands for a job. Plus, I have an apartment at RangeMan. "
"So you are saying I got ripped off as a consultant?"
Hector laughed, "Probably, Ranger didn't want to scare you off, I'm sure. That and the cop."
Stephanie stopped mid laugh, "What do you mean?"
Hector grimaced a little, "Come on Chica, the cop hates Ranger already. I'm sure he didn't want to throw money at you, giving Joe even more of an excuse to throw a fit."
She took in his words. He was right. Joe threw a fit over the cars, she couldn't imagine how bad it would have been if money was involved. Joe already hated her working the distraction jobs. She thought when she took the desk job as the researcher he would get better, but Joe was still upset. Her mind started flashing back to all the conversations they had about her job, her apartment, her life. Joe was so busy trying to change her, but into what? A Burg housewife? But she didn't think that's what he even wanted. Joe had always rebelled against the Burg way of life, escaping as soon as he could. She was surprised when he returned, she thought for sure he was gone for good.
The attendants' return pulled her from her thoughts. They quickly removed the stones and explained to them the next treatment, an aloe wrap. Stephanie shivered as the cold aloe made contact with her hot skin. From warm to chill, her body shivered as goosebumps formed, covering her body. As soon as the attendant covered her skin with the mixture she covered it with a cellophane type covering. After she was all covered a foil type material was wrapped around her back as the attendant helped flip her over. The same process continued on the front. Then the attendants quietly excused themselves.
Hector broke the silence, "I feel like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly."
Stephanie full out laughed. "Good thing we don't have to go to the bathroom."
Her skin was tingling as the treatment sunk into her skin, quickly replacing that cold feeling with warmth. "So what is an aloe treatment supposed to do?"
"It's supposed to naturally exfoliate and soften, bring out your radiant inner glow."
Stephanie grinned," You sound like a brochure."
Hector chuckled, "That's because I read it there. I had no idea what to pick for you, so they asked me about your skin type. They said you wouldn't need any intense therapies, just a natural one because your skin is healthy."
The attendants returned carrying a tray that had two small bowls on it. Neither could see the contents being cocooned so tightly. Hector's attendant explained the facial to them, similar aloe treatment with cucumber eye treatment.
When the attendants completed their tasks, leaving them in silence once again, Stephanie sighed, enjoying the cool feeling on her eyes. "This is the life."
Hector agreed, "Sure is, I could fall asleep right now."
"Me too."
"Chica, how is your head today," Hector asked.
"You know what, I hadn't even thought of it since we got here."
"Good, I do have your medicine if you need it."
Stephanie nodded, then realized he couldn't see her, "Thanks Hector."
"So," Hector stuttered before continuing "Tell me about the nightmares Stephanie." She was trapped so he knew she wouldn't bolt, but he wasn't sure how she would take it, so he flinched when she took in a breath.
She sighed as she released it, "I am going to kill Lester."
Hector tried to sit up, but the cocoon tightened around him, his hand wrapped by his sides, "We are just concerned. Bobby, Lester, Tank and I. No one else knows." Hoping his lie would stick, everyone knew, Stephanie's welfare was their number one priority after all. But no one else was in on how to get her to talk, how to get her the help she needed.
She let out another big sigh, "Well, honestly Hector I've only had the nightmare a few times. Most of the time I can't remember. I wake up not knowing where I am or what happened. I've even had a few days I can't remember…" She laughed, "Who am I fooling, I don't remember much since that night. Just the past few days really."
Hector took what she said in. Quietly he replied, "Since Ranger returned?"
Stephanie thought about it. He was right, although there were gaps since he returned but not as big as the gaps after he left. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I still have a few holes since he came back, but not as big as before."
Hector was relieved and anxious all at once. She definitely had posttraumatic stress with panic attacks over what happened that night. Anyone would, but the real issue was related to Ranger. Anxiety settled in when he wondered how they would ever get to the heart of the issue. They were both so stubborn. He had a plan sweep through his mind, a wicked smile crossed his face. He was glad she couldn't see him at that moment. He would have to get some help to pull it off, but he knew if they did, it would work like a charm. Tonight was the perfect setting. He would have to work fast.