Previous Chapter: "I would've loved to have known Bookworm Alyssa," Les smiled.

"She's no different from Right Now Alyssa, Les," I replied.

"She's right. This girl was always a trouble maker," Carl retorted.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Story for another time," he laughed raising his hands in defense.

We continued the rest of dinner laughing and teasing each other. Not in a million years did I ever imagine myself being this happy, surrounded by such good friends.

CHAPTER 25

"Joseph Morelli is sorry he couldn't make it to tonight's affairs as he's currently on an assignment," the chief said. "So on his behalf I'm going to accept this award. It's a great honor for us to have our fine men and women move on to bigger and better things knowing that they got their start in our precinct."

A tear fell from my eye as I fixed myself on his handsome photo on the screen. The rewards portion of the night was wonderful. Carl received an award for Best Spirited which made everyone chuckle. Rangeman was recognized for their dedication and support of the TPD to help keep the streets clean.

"I like to leave this special award very last because it means a lot to me. It's one of the most important honors that we can give although most times we wish we could do more to recognize their courage and efforts. Those of you who are seasoned know what award I'm talking about — Honorable Person of the Year. Last year the precinct received a gracious donation from the Susanne Oz."

Suzie Oz and her husband, Charles', photo appeared on the screen and I immediately turned on the waterworks. Instantly remembering the short period of time I spent with Suzie.

Suzie Oz was one of my first FTAs when I started out. She was a difficult old woman who wouldn't go without a fight. Turns out she just missed her late husband Charles and broke into the old home they built together. After hearing her touching story, I helped her get the charges against her dropped and spent my free time getting to know her. Learning of her adventures with Charles but best of all I remember the way her kitchen smelled as she baked us cookies.

"—Alyssa Chau!"

Everyone in the room stood up and applauded, turning towards me smiling.

What just happened? I stared back at everyone in shock. Why were they all looking at me? I glanced up and saw the screen had a slide show of a number of newspaper clippings and photos of me at the station with the guys.

"Come on, Alyssa, this is no time to be modest," Carl said grabbing my arm and led me to the stage.

"On paper we all know that Charles and Suzie Oz made this generous donation to our precinct but we all know the truth about Ms. Chau being Suzie's sole beneficiary and generously donated a portion of her inheritance to us. So we would like to thank her for all of her hard work, dedication to helping us keep our streets clean, and best of all allowing us to have our own local celebrity. Ladies and gentleman our very own Bombshell Bounty Hunter."

Everyone was still on their feet applauding. I stood stiff as a board in shock. Carl shoved me forward towards the podium walked off stage.

"Umm…honestly, I don't know why I'm up here," I replied in embarrassment. "I didn't do anything. I was just following Suzie's instructions from her will."

"Ms. Chau, us, old folks, at the TPD knows that the Oz duo were not a fan of the uniform," the chief spoke up.

I swallowed hard, "I really don't know what to say," my eyes filled up with tears once more. "Suzie was a woman with a big heart. I only did what I thought she would've wanted. And I am so honored to work with such wonderful people. I know I'm not a fellow uniform but you all treat me like one of your own. I honestly would give you guys the world if I could."

The whole room stood up and saluted me and my heart filled up with emotions.

"Thank you. But I will accept this award on behalf of Charles and Suzie Oz. May they continue to watch over all of us," I kissed my two fingers and raised it to the sky and everyone followed suit.

I tried to step away from the podium but the chief wrapped his hand around my arm and pulled me back towards him.

"We've been told, Ms. Chau, that you're quite gifted in the art of Wushu Stick Fighting. We would be honored for you to give us a demonstration."

The room applauded and my mouth fell open. "W-well, I don't have the proper equipment."

A man rolled a car full of bamboo fighting sticks out onto the stage.

"U-uh, I'm really rusty," I stammered.

"You only need to give us a small glimpse. Nothing elaborate."

"I-it would be a lot easier to demonstrate with someone rather than on my own," I searched for excuses.

"Any volunteers?" the chief called out to the room.

"I will," Ranger stood up and removed his jacket and began unbuttoning his cuffs and rolling up his sleeves.

Fuck!

"Well, then there you have it! We will have a nice little treat tonight."

The room erupted into applause.

I stumbled off the stage and made my way for the dance floor as everyone stood up and crowded around. I took off my shoes and shoved it into Carl's arms.

"You knew about this, didn't you," I grit out.

He flashed me a shit eating grin but remained silent. I grabbed a stick and met Ranger in the middle of the floor.

"Why the hell did you volunteer, Ranger?" I bit out in a quiet harsh rasp.

"Babe, this is going to be good. Don't hold back," he tilted my chin up and smiled down at me.

I'm so going to get my ass kicked.

We bowed to each other and took a couple of steps back and took our stances. The chief counted us down and immediately I went into my zone once I heard my "three" marker.

I let out a loud "kiya" cry and smashed my stick down on the floor erupting a loud snapping sound and charged at Ranger. The crowd gasped. I'm pretty sure from my animal warrior woman magnitude. The dance between Ranger and I went on for a few minutes.

And when I say dance, I mean dance because that's what I felt like. Ranger never attacked me instead he was always intercepting me as if I was a jazz dancer he was catching in the air as I did a leap in the air. Each time he cradled me but when I fight, I fight. So I maneuvered out of his grasps and went back to attacking him until he disarmed me rendering me useless. I'm not much use without a stick unfortunately.

My hand-to-hand combat leaves little to be desired but I attempted anyways and within a matter of seconds Ranger had me subdued and on the ground.

"Prick, isn't this supposed to be my glorious moment?" I teased at him quietly as everyone cheered.

"Babe, I never lose," his lips curled as he helped me to my feet and held me out to give everyone a little curtsy.

While Ranger was leading me back to our table, the chief was thanking everyone for coming and encouraging everyone to continue drinking and dancing.

Carl had a huge grin on his face as he handed me a glass of champagne.

"I hate you," I glared at him.

"Oh, Aly. Is that really the way to talk to one of your oldest and dearest friends?"

"You knew all about this and didn't warn me."

"It was supposed to be a surprise."

"Well, you may have released the story about our chance meeting Carl Costanza but I still hold the photographic evidence and it can easily be accidentally leaked out on the internet."

He paled, "You kept those?"

I nodded and grinned at him, "I need some fresh air."

He hooked his arm around mine diligently and led me out to the terrace. We stood quietly and looked out over the serene greenery of the golf course. It was a full moon. I wrapped my arm around his waist and laid my head in the crook of his arm and closed my eyes.

"Do you miss him?" Carl asked.

"Sometimes," I squeezed him tighter. "He hasn't spoken to me since New Year's."

"Well, I'm sure it's 'cause he's busy. They probably have him in some vigorous training."

"Or he just hates me."

"He doesn't and he couldn't. The man was head over heels in love with you, Aly. You may have broken his heart but what man wouldn't have their heartbroken after losing you?" he said quietly.

I looked up into Carl's eyes and he pulled me in closer and pressed his lips against mine.

Woot! Carl Costanza! How do you like them apples? I leave you here and disappear for a week as I'll be out of town on business. Let me know what you think! ~Angie