A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.

What The Heart Wants

They sat together on the couch after dinner, he knew it was time to tell he exactly what went on in the room when she left. He wasn't really ready, but she needed all the information. She needed to make her decision based on all of the information. As much as it pained him to do this, he didn't want to keep the potential threat from her knowledge.

He took her hand and looked directly into her eyes as he began to speak. "To say Ranger was upset, is incorrect. I have never seen him as mad as he was in that room."

flashback

Tank turned to Ranger once the door shut behind Stephanie. He was grateful for the others being in the room, otherwise he may not survive this encounter. Ranger zeroed in on him right away. He stood his groud, waiting for a fist or words; unsure of what would come first. The beast that he had seen so many times on the battlefield was now directed at him. The stare off continued for ten minutes.

Ranger finally recognized that the man in front of him would not back down. He let out a low growl and began to speak in a low tone. "I do not want that traitor in my building, in my city, or in my life. If Holly looses our child because of that woman's jealousy, her life will be forefit."

"When are you going to get a clue? That woman saved your life. Holly is the traitor, and she was going to kill you just the the ones before you.

"Holly is not pregnant and I doubt that she has ever been. She is a black widow killer. A serial murderer who has killed at least half a dozen wealthy men. You need to gather your intel before you make accusations against Stephanie or any other member of this task force. Get your head out of your ass Manoso and learn the facts. Stephanie would gibe her life for yours. It's always been that way."

"How dare you come into my business and lie to me!" Ranger growled just before he threw a punch.

Cal and Hector were quick to restrain him.

"You forget that I own part of this company as well. One day you'll regret everything you've said to me and Stephanie. One day you'll wake the fuck up and know that you've lost everything."

"Get her the hell out of my building. I mean it! If she even breathes in my direction I will do the world a favor and end her."

They were able to sedate Ranger so that they could leave the office safely. The knowledge that he could retaliate had them running to get out quickly.

end flashback

Stephanie sat there stunned and more than a little afraid. She knew enough about Ranger to know that he didn't make idle threats. He made promises. She began to wring her hands together, it was a nervous habit she had since childhood. What eould happen if their cases crossed paths? What if they had to be in DC or Baltimore at the same time? The feds had made a point of telling her that they would be asking for her assistance on a case by case need in the future. They had heard about her long ago. She knew that both Ranger and Morelli did occasional work for them as well. Morrelli was gearing up to work for them full time, last she had been told.

Tank placed his hand on hers to still them. When she looked up she could see the promise in his eyes. A promise that he would protect her from Ranger and anything else that could become volatile. She let out a sob and curled into his chest. He could feel her heartbreaking as he held her close. The fear that flowed through her body was real. Until Ranger came to his sense Tank knew that these emotions would be underlying in her at all times. This kind of stress could cause serious physical problems, not just mental. The likely hood of a complete breakdown was approaching fast.

He picked her up and carried her to her bed. He crawled in next to her and held her until her breathing evened out into a deep sleep. He gently extracted himself from her firm grip. He had a few calls to make.

Shutting himself in his room, he grabbed his cell phone and dialed a familiar number. Three rings and they answered on the other end.

"Hello?" a female voice answered sleepily.

"This is Tank, can I speak with Lester?"

He heard a muffled grumbling on the other end before Santos picked up. "This better be good Tank. I haven't had much sleep and I feel like a bear with a sore paw that's constipated and needs to take a shit."

"That's a colorful descriptions and more than I needed to know."

"Shut up Tank and tell me what you need."

"I want a sit rep on Ranger. Steph is about to breakdown completely."

"He's in DC. He was given all the intel on Holly that we currently have. As you know he was briefed on her physical condition, including on her inability to have children.

"She has been tied to seven murders at this point with at least four more potentials. Ranger is having a hard time grasping the facts even though they are right in front of him. I think he's got a shit ton of guilt that he's dealing with at this point. I can only be thankful that he's not under contract anymore; otherwise he would take a suicide mission."

"What are we looking at from a Rangeman standpoint?"

"We are on standby, I'm in charge until he can be mentally cleared to come back. I'm worried that it may not happen though. He's refusing to even acknowledge Julie at this point. He's in hunter mode and it's frightening to know."

" Ten four Lester. I'll talk to Cal and Hector, between the three of us we should be able to keep her safe until he gets back into the right frame of mind."

They hung up with they usual click. They never used goodbye. That was something they reserved for their fallen friends. He settled fown for the night after speaking with Cal and Hector. He would speak with Mike and Jen at some point during dinner.

Waking up the next morning they set about their day and confirmed that they should be at Mike's home around three. Hector and Cal showed up at the door around one so that they could go over the need for a protective detail on her. It didn't take much to comvice her of the need which was a true testament to the fear she felt. They spent the next hour until they had to leave talking about lighter subjects.

A/N HEAR YE! HEAR YE! IMOPRTANT ANNOUCEMENT!

Yes, this is an extra post. Yes, there is a reason for it. I will be able to do the regular post this week as well. The family emergency was sad, but my Father in law has gained his angel wings. Thank you for all of your thoughts and well wishes.

Onto an exciting announcement. It's that time of year again. THE FANFICTION TAKEOVER EVENT IS HAPPENING FEBRUARY 23-25TH ON FACEBOOK! It's the third year in a row for it and I'll be hosting again. I hope we'll see you there. If you want to take part please send me a PM.

Lynda