Hello. I am so sorry about the long delay in posting, I had this story virtually completed and my muse stormed off in a huff when real life got in the way. She's still refusing to talk to me. I've tried bribing her and cajoling her but she is still being snooty and unco-operative even though there is only one more chapter after this. She's currently in a snit because I gave her a couple of Steph's Italian hand gestures and told her I will be finishing this story, with or without her help.

Thanks again for your reviews, they mean a lot to me and are very appreciated. Have a great day. :-)

RPOV

It was 1am, the takedown had gone smoothly, and the skip had been delivered to the Trenton PD. I had to listen to Santos talk shit all the way back to Haywood. I knew as soon as the men found out Stephanie no longer worked for Rangeman that others may make a play for her. As much as they knew Babe and I were good friends, I'd always maintained my stance on no relationships and no one knew of our one mind blowing night together. I didn't know what was pissing me off more, knowing that Hal was in possession of her lingerie, able to touch the delicate lace that had covered her breasts and which most likely held the fragrance of her body and signature perfume, or Santos indicating that if I didn't make a move that he would. Fucker.

Sleep was out of the question and I although I needed to burn off my anger I didn't want to go to the gym to do it. That would only cause the men to gossip and speculate on my actions … not that any of them would be foolish enough to say anything to my face. But I didn't want to provide any fodder for the rumour mill. The only solution was to put on some running gear and pound the streets. Running in the cool night air may not have helped me clarify my thoughts and emotions or decide on a course of action, but eventually the burn in my muscles and lungs forced my mind to focus on the physical pain and exhaustion. It reduced the anger and tension. At least for a short while.

Hauling myself back into the building I eventually showered and collapsed into bed allowing the oblivion of sleep to overcome me.

The next morning I entered my office, closing the door behind me for some privacy. I was stilled pissed off from the previous evening and still trying to sift through my thoughts, actions, and feelings regarding Stephanie. Damn it. This shouldn't be difficult. This shouldn't be consuming me. But it was and that could be dangerous in my field. I needed to sort this and fast. It had gone on too long already.

There was a brief knock at the door and Tank entered. Closing it behind him. He had a large envelope in his hand which he tossed onto my desk.

"Hal felt uncomfortable holding onto this for Stephanie. He thought you might be able to give it to her when you saw her."

I knew what was in the envelope and I felt the twinge of satisfaction that Babe's lingerie had found its way back into my possession, where it rightfully belonged. Ignoring Tank's comment I pushed the envelope to one side and my feelings into a dark corner of my soul in an attempt to ignore them. He continued to study my face and reactions as he took a seat opposite me. I scowled in response to his smirk but it didn't lessen his scrutiny of me.

"Last night went smoothly." He commented.

"As it should have" was my curt response. I did not want to discuss last night AT ALL.

"Bomber did a great job as usual. Do you think you could change her mind to come and work for us permanently again?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Crap. This discussion was NOT going to happen.

"Because she doesn't want to. End of discussion." Time to change subjects. "The bust we've been working with the DEA on looks like it may happen sooner than expected. We have new intel and need to brief the team. Get them ready and on standby. I don't want any mistakes."

"Man you know I've never interfered with your personal life…."

"And don't start now..." I cut him off, but Tank wasn't going to be deterred until he had his say.

"But I've always had your back. You know that. I'm only going to say this once. She likes you, you like her, give it a chance. You may never get another opportunity. Don't leave yourself open to regrets because you were too chicken shit to give it a try. I'll get the team ready. Conference room B in 30."

With that the big man rose and left the room, quietly shutting the door behind him and leaving me to my thoughts. Damn him.

I sat there brooding. Fuck. Since when do I brood? Swiping my hand over my face I wondered if Tank had a point, but I didn't have time to let my thoughts wander now. We had a take down to plan so I shoved the envelope in a drawer, resisting the temptation to open it. Out of sight and out of mind I tried to convince myself, as I returned to study the new intel for the briefing.

By the time I marched into the conference room I had my mind firmly back in the game. I could still feel the tension rolling off me in waves but at least I had a channel for my aggressions. We needed to plan the apprehension of a syndicate of low-lifes who were cooking and distributing crystal meth to kids. The main players had relocated the lab facilities several times but information from the streets was that a major batch was about to be distributed and some of the syndicate heads were going to be on hand to oversee operations.

It was good to have something to demand my undivided attention. I was able to push all thoughts of Babe back into the locked box in my mind. Though doing so left me feeling hollow.

TBC.