AN: Hey everyone! Sorry it's taken a bit to update. After my last chapter I hit a little bit of a blank lull and sort of lost my drive, but I've got it back so hopefully, this length of this chapter will make up for the lag in update. Everyone enjoy! Thanks for the wonderful reviews by the way! So sit back and R&R!

Chapter 21

I Spy

Elise didn't miss a beat. "His informant is wrong. I don't have a sister. All he succeeded in doing was pissing off Manoso."

The man looked at her. "But you're here."

"I'm retired." She angled her head. "Manoso hires ex-military. I needed something to do."

"Heh. You're a fool if you think anyone believes you." He wheezed out painfully. "He knows Manoso adopted you."

"Then you'd be wise to tell us where he is hiding." She leaned closer. "Because I've got all day. Do you?"

He screamed when she shoved the knife in deeper. Bile rose in her throat that she forced back. He had cracked so far. She had no doubt in her mind that he would spill everything he knew in moments. The schmuck was underestimating her. It was always an advantage to being underestimated. Men saw her and assumed the stories about her were about someone else. She knew that. Her men knew that. Her men had built around it.

"Stupid girl." He gasped out.

"You know, they say women are deadlier than men." Billy said out loud casually to Lester.

"Oh yeah?" Lester played up an interested look knowing what Billy was doing.

"Yeah. It's cuz they can seduce and destroy." He grinned. "I mean, we're good at it being men, but women…well, you know women. They hold grudges and they'll never let it go. They're complicated. So getting in their mind…well, it's just not safe."

Elise watched their prisoner. His eyes were darting back and forth between Lester and Billy. It was like he was watching a tennis match. She knew what they were doing. It was working. She could smell the rising panic on him. He was getting more and more nervous. Which was good. Very very good.

But the man was feeling a little ballsy yet. "He's going to break you in every way he knows how. He's already thrilled that his baby brother is fucking your sister."

Elise moved quickly and slammed him backwards so the chair tipped and he landed on his bound arms. She reached down and punched him in the balls hard. She leaned her head close as tears of pain came out of his eyes. "The only thing keeping you alive right now is those men." She motioned over her shoulder with her head. "If you don't want tell us what we want to know, then rest assured, I will castrate you and I will make you eat your own balls."

"I don't know where he's at." The man gasped. "I swear. I promise. He wants to make you pay for what you took from him. I was told to keep an eye on your family. He tried to get your brother but someone interfered and he didn't get him."

"Why Cami?"

"She's the bargaining chip." He replied. "You give him what he wants, he gives back your sister."

"When does he plan on contacting me?"

He shook his head. "I don't know."

"How is he contacting you?"

"He calls a pay phone at a designated time."

"Where is the pay phone and when is he calling you next?"

He glared at her. Elise sighed, rolled her eyes and yanked out the knife. With a cold look at him, she shoved it into his other shoulder, but twisted it this time. "I don't have time for you to try being brave."

He gave off the address to the pay phone then said, "Next call is tomorrow at eight pm."

"Good. Now what about my man he has?"

"He's going to kill him once he has you." He replied. "His informant is very aware of your relationship. He's going to enjoy watching you suffer before he kills you."

Out of the corner of his eye, Ranger saw Randy and Victor step forward. Something clearly told them they were going to need to step in and stop Elise if the prisoner kept talking about Trevor.

"What else does he have planned?"

"I don't know." He whispered. "I swear."

Elise stood up. She turned away from him and looked at the men in the room. "Do what you want." She left.

There was a crowd of people standing in front of the room. They all looked at her expectantly. She ignored them, walking past everyone, and took the stairs to the seventh floor apartment Ranger kept prepared. She had a fob for it just like the rest of her family. She kicked the door shut when she entered the apartment and walked straight for the bathroom. She made it just as all the food she'd eaten today made resurfaced. Even after she'd emptied her stomach her body continued to dry heave.

Tears sprung in her eyes due to the heaves. She couldn't seem to stop. It wasn't an aspect of herself she liked, and rarely let it surfaced. She could torture someone if she had to and in this case she'd had to, but she had yet not to throw up afterward. The men always kept her privacy. They told her she was a great leader, but knew that some things you never get used to. In her case it was willingly torturing someone for information.

Finally, her body stopped rebelling against her and she was able to collapse against the toilet. God, she hurt after that. Her whole body ached. When she could finally move she flushed the toilet and washed her face.

Elise found Ranger in the kitchen, leaning against the counter. A bottle of water sat next to him, which he picked up and held out to her. "You okay, munchkin?"

"Yeah." She said hoarsely taking the water and drinking.

"I haven't seen you do that since you met Lorraine."

"I do it every time I have too…" She motioned toward the bottom floors. "I always hold it off until I'm done."

"It's never easy."

"No." She sipped the water. "Dad…I didn't want any of you to see that side of me. Don't tell Mom?"

"Munchkin," Ranger wrapped an arm around her shoulders and brought her close to him. "There are things I'm not proud of that I've done. I haven't spoken about them either. You did what was needed. It wasn't easy, and you probably won't forget it, but it's done. You've got my silence on that."

"Thanks, Daddy." She said. "What'd you do with him?"

"He's still down there. He's taken a few hits." Ranger replied.

"We should keep him." Elise said suddenly. "So he can get his phone call tomorrow."

"Good idea." Ranger nodded.

"How do you think Uncle Lester would feel about going with him?" She looked up at him. "My men are recognizable at this point. If anyone is watching him, then they'll know who they are. But if Uncle Lester goes, and stands there as a pedestrian…"

Ranger was nodding again. "Yes, that's a good idea. We'll wire him up and keep an eye on him. After we're done with him, he's not going to try crossing us. It won't be in his best interest."

Elise sighed. "I hate that I'm the cause of Cami and Trevor being taken."

"You're not." His voice was firm, brooking no argument from her. "Julie already told you that if it wasn't you it would be someone else. You do not get to take the blame for what that bastard is doing to our family. You are only guilty of loving them and fighting to get them back. Do you hear me?"

"Yes sir." She murmured.

Ranger sighed and wrapped his other arm around her and hugged her tightly. "Sometimes, I think you watched me too much growing up. You've got too many of my habits."

"Even though I'm not your biologically yours?" She looked up at him.

"Nature vs. Nurture, munchkin." He replied. "The fact that your mother and I didn't conceive you doesn't make you any less ours."

She smiled. "Thanks."

"But promise me you won't ever tell Trevor you're not marriage material." He grimaced.

"Why would you want me to do otherwise? You've always threatened to lock us up in towers." Elise teased.

"Yes…well, there are just some things I'd rather not have my children repeat." Ranger chuckled. "Despite my willingness to lock all of you up, I do want you happy."

"Dad, are you feeling alright?" Her eyes widened.

"Yeah. Your mother just made me look at some things the other night with that business dinner." He answered. "Speaking of which, your mother is doing some research on Ortega. Let's go see what she found."

"Okay…and while we're there, I'll have Uncle Bobby make sure you're not running a fever." Elise laughed as he glared at her.

Sure enough when they got downstairs, they found Stephanie had used her Wonder Woman skills and brought up every piece of thing possible on Christopher Ortega. She even had a picture. Elise took the picture from her and stared at him. The face staring back at her was who she knew as Marcus Cortez.

A slow grin came to her face. Then someone snickered. It was Kyle. Darren was grinning. "Hello, Jaguar. Nice to see you ready to play again."

…

Breakfast had been brutal. Drake had been there and was trying to flirt shamelessly with Cami. Richard had been ready to beat the shit out of him and destroy the bastard, but Chris kept giving him a warning look. Cami was polite and friendly, but did nothing to encourage the advances. Every so often she'd look at Rick and he would see the utter despair and disgust in her eyes. She masked it well, and only dropped it when she looked directly at him.

The moment Drake and Chris left for business Cami had raced into Rick's arms and held him as tightly as she could. Drake was disgusting. She was honestly afraid of him. She couldn't place why, but she knew she didn't want to find herself alone with him. She would have been more than happy to keep Rick in bed this morning instead of having to face Chris or Drake, but Rick had informed her his energy reserves had been completely depleted by her and he needed to eat to regain some of his energy. Of course had he known that Drake was going to be present for breakfast, he would have found the strength to keep Cami in her bedroom.

They made themselves content to sit and watch a movie for the afternoon. Cami knew all she could do right now was play a waiting game, but ever since Rick had told her that her family was coming for her she was feeling bouncy. She had even eaten her breakfast without a sound. She knew that pleased Rick and it sort of pleased her. She had seen the weight she lost and hated that she'd dropped so much. If she had a scale she'd step on it to see how much she'd lost.

As the lovers sat curled up together, Leona Travers was shown through the house to Christopher's office. She was determined to get Richard and she wanted his brother to make sure it happened.

"Leona, my dear. I'm delighted to have you here, but I must say I was a bit surprised." Christopher greeted as he led her to a chair.

"I'm sorry to bother you at home, Chris, but I wanted to speak with you about a matter of the utmost importance." Leona said holding herself straight up.

"Of course." He sat behind his desk, folding his hands under his chin and waited for her to continue speaking.

"As you know, I have a strong attachment to your brother. Chris, I'll be blunt, I want your brother for myself." She said flatly. "My father is a wonderful businessman and I know there are aspects in which the two of you could work well together."

"You want me to marry my brother to you as a business merger?" He raised his eyebrows. The girl had spunk; he had to give her that.

"Precisely. It's a win-win don't you think?" Leona smiled winningly at him. "After all, I get what I want—your brother—and you get to add another venture of business to your already substantial resume."

"It's a very intriguing offer, I must say." Chris leaned back in his chair. Working with Eric Travers would definitely get his business up and running, especially in certain areas which had been destroyed thanks to a certain meddlesome feline. While Travers was definitely a womanizer, he was also a shrewd businessman. "What does your father say?"

"Daddy only wants to make sure I'm happy." Leona smiled a cool calculating smile. "And I want to make sure I get what I want. What I do not want is for Richard to have that little Cuban/Hungarian/Italian woman warming his bed. I am the only one who gets to have your brother sexually."

His blood chilled. "And where did you find out about this…woman?"

"At the dinner." Leona replied. "We were sitting at the table with the Manosos. I asked him if he still danced the salsa." She recanted the entire conversation for him. When she was finished she said, "Now you can imagine why I'd be a little upset."

"Of course." He murmured, seeing red. He rose from his chair. "Leona, I can assure you that you will indeed have Richard when I'm finished with him. I am sorry to cut this so short, but I do have some things that need tending."

"Yes, thank you for taking the time to meet with me." She smiled at him, feeling victorious.

They left the office. In his fury-induced haze he motioned to several of his men. They followed him to the entertainment room, while one showed Leona the door. Chris stalked in and motioned toward his brother. Two of the men ripped him from Cami's arms.

"What the fuck—Chris!" Rick spat as he was dragged over the couch. Chris sent a solid punch into his gut. Rick sagged gasping for air.

"You've betrayed me, little brother." He hissed. "And now you're going to pay for it."

Shit, was all Rick could think as he fought against the men who were holding him down. Cami was standing. "Don't! Christopher, please! Let him go!"

"Camille, if you do not want to feel my wrath, I would suggest you stay put!" He growled out.

"Cami, stay." Rick pleaded as he was dragged out. She looked at him with tears in her eyes but nodded.

Christopher walked down to the basement with Rick being hauled behind him. One of the reasons he knew his little brother thought him archaic was because of this basement. It looked like it stepped out of the medieval ages. There were cells lining one walls. One of the cells held a soldier in it that was injured, but healing.

He watched as Rick was strapped up to two bars that held chains. His wrists were cuffed, and his feet barely touched the ground. Christopher walked circles around him. "Brother, family will always be there for you. Haven't you learned that by now? Our father raised you for four years. Your mother took care of you. I took care of you!" He was shouting. "You betrayed me, and for what? An easy fuck?"

Rick stayed silent, watching his brother as he walked over to a table. He picked up a set of brass knuckles and slid his fingers through them. Flexing his hand, he pulled a fist as he walked back over to Rick. He slugged him. "Blood is always thicker than water, little brother." Rick grunted at the pain shooting through him. "Did you honestly think you could win? Hmm? Answer me!" He yelled punching him in the face.

"She doesn't deserve what you're doing to her." Rick spat.

"Who are you to decide that?" Chris laughed as he hit his brother again. "Richard, Richard, Richard. Camille is only a bargaining chip in a business transaction. She was going to go home completely untouched, until you took her virginity."

Rick just glared at him, not rising up to the bait. Chris growled and hit him again. "What do you think Carlos Manoso will do to you when he finds out you touched his daughter, Richard?" When Rick smirked at him, Christopher's eyes narrowed, "Ahh, I see. That punch wasn't for hitting on Mrs. Manoso, was it? Manoso found out you're sleeping with his seventeen year old daughter." Christopher could hardly contain the laugh. "Statutory Rape is such an ugly thing, young man. I may not be able to keep you out of jail if he presses charges."

"Don't worry," Rick growled, feeling an old rebellion sneaking in, "Her mother likes me. I doubt she'll let him press charges."

With a roar Christopher came at him again.

…

Cami stood in the room, frozen to her spot. She could hear Rick's cries of pain. She knew they must be worse than before, especially since she could hear them up here and the windows were all closed. Feeling a bravery inside her break through, she raced out of the door and looked around. The hall was deserted…but at the end of the hall was an open door. She wanted to rush to Rick's aid, but something told her to go to the door and find out what was in there.

She came to the door and found Chris's office. She grinned. The bastard was so angry with Rick that he'd forgotten to lock her out. Cami looked around the hall again. So far, no one was there. No doubt they were all making sure Rick didn't evade Chris again.

Hurrying to the computer she felt her grin of triumph return. The poor bastard had left it running and on. Moving quickly, she pulled up the RangeMan website. She found Silvio's email, but knew that wouldn't get her what she wanted. She needed one of her sisters. Julie. She found Julie's name in the contacts. Clicking on the email she typed away.

"When I was five, I wanted to be a spy." She muttered, hoping Julie would remember the games she, Elise and Cami played.

A door was closing. Looking up, she saw she still had a moment. She finished her email and clicked send. Feeling slightly defiant, she grinned evilly and pushed a few buttons that wiped everything clean from Christopher's hard drive and ran out of the room like a bat out of hell.

…

Julie was sitting at her desk looking over some of the paperwork on Ortega. Ranger had already given everyone the plan for tomorrow, so for now, she just wanted to do her research on him and understand him better.

A ping from her computer alerted her to a new email. She didn't recognize the address, but clicked on it. When a series of numbers came up, at the very end the words, "I SPY" she opened her mouth but no sound came out. Her mouth continued to open and close for several moments before she broke into a grin and hit the print button.

Grabbing the paper as the printer finished spitting it out, she raced out of her office to the conference room where all the men were working. She threw open the door and grinned at Elise and Ranger.

"When our sister was five she wanted to be a spy!" Julie said slapping the paper down in front of Elise.

Elise looked at the paper, her own grin coming up. "Good girl, Cami!"