A/N: Not mine, but I can play. Thank you Jenny for all you do. Much thanks to all of those who read, reviewed, chose this story as a favorite or decided to follow this or my other stories. Can't tell you how much I appreciate it! Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter, but there had been a few issues in RL. Plus Ranger has something to say in the next chapter.
Unwanted Distraction 29
The persistent sound of the telephone chirping sent me into a state of panic. Seconds seemed like minutes, and my body froze in fear. Black spots appeared before my eyes, but I couldn't react the usual way and crack. Without Ranger around, I had to keep my wits about me and not fall apart or else I would end up a basket case. No use to anyone, least of all myself!
What if it was Porter on the telephone? How could I act nonchalant in front of Ranger's and my friends? What if along with Topher and Roland, there was someone else here at Rangeman spying for Porter and the TTD? What if that person was watching me, right now?!
Without even realizing, I scanned the room, looking for someone watching my every move. If such a person existed, was that person ready to let Porter know anything I did or said?
All these questions were so illogical, especially since I had no idea who was calling.
I struggled not to give into the panic. Even so, chills racked my body and a cold sweat dripped down my back. I tamped down my panic so brutally that my teeth chattered. Then I bit my lip to stop it. My reverie broke when I heard Tank's deep voice.
"Are you going to answer it?"
Even though I was startled, I quickly closed my eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath. I can and will handle this.
"Of course I am!" I asserted, even though my hands were shaking uncontrollably.
The ringtone gave me no indication at all who the caller was, but that wasn't a surprise. It was a generic ringtone, which was pre-programmed into the phone. Now most calls were that, with the exception of Lula, my mom, Mary Lou, and Valerie.
Once Porter had called from Ranger's phone, I'd felt I had no choice but to change Ranger's ringtone. My sanity depended on it. Continuing to have the Batman theme song for Ranger's calls would just taunt me and be cruel, which I was certain was Porter's motive for using Ranger's phone in the first place.
I'd thought about changing it to something else—to something like the theme music to a scary movie. But that would entail too much time and energy. I might have a lot of time, but I had no energy, not with feeling so sick most of the time. At least with a generic ringtone, no one had to ask who was on the other line. It was bad enough that wondering who was on the line made me a worrywart—something that wasn't good for my stomach at all.
I'd thought about going so far as to change phone numbers, the man scared me so much, but no... No, I needed Porter to contact me, even though I dreaded that we had to get together. I knew in my gut that Porter was way out of my league if his goons could get Ranger.
Finally, after the fourth—or maybe it was even the fifth—ring and before the caller hung up, I took my phone out of my pocket to answer. The caller wasn't going to wait forever. I hoped my fear hadn't made the caller hang up.
My hands, washed in sweat, couldn't firmly grasp the phone. The cell slipped out of hand and started to tumble toward the grounds. I tried to catch it as arced down, but I missed and watched with dismay as it took a nosedive down to the floor.
"Shit!"
With my luck, the phone would break into smithereens and I would never know who was on the other line.
Then, to my relief, a big dark hand reached across and, in a flash, caught the phone before it could hit the floor. I dabbed my forehead with my forearm in relief, then wiped my hands on my pants leg to get them dry. With the now-dry hands, I reached for the still-ringing phone.
"Take it easy, Steph." Tank handed me back my phone and then patted my arm. "It's going to be all right. Go ahead, answer it."
I took another deep breath as I stared at the little phone in my hand. It was unbelievable that it was still ringing and the caller hadn't hung up already. I tightened my grip on the cell. Then, without even bothering to check the caller ID, I answered it. The jury was out about whether this was a good or bad call.
"H-H-Hello..." I grimaced at the indecision in my voice.
So not the way I wanted to sound, but maybe that could work to my advantage. Right now, I wasn't confident at all. Truthfully, I was scared shitless. Didn't Porter want to mold me to his will? I was so confused. All I wanted was Ranger back home with me, safe and sound. We were finally getting our chance at "someday," just in time to get it snatched away.
There was a huffing noise, and then someone said, "Good thing you finally answered. I was just about to leave a message."
Oh my goodness... It wasn't Porter. That was both a relief and disappointment because as much as I wanted to save Ranger, I dreaded the inevitable about going face to face with man who'd captured him.
My gut relaxed and I sighed quietly in relief. Then it sunk in that the caller wasn't even a man, but a woman. Hopefully, this person wasn't even connected to the TTD, although I was still at a loss because the voice wasn't any voice I recognized.
"Sorry. I couldn't find my phone," I said in desperation, not knowing what else to say.
"Oh, I hate when that happens." The voice actually softened, and I felt a connection to the caller, but it was one I didn't want or need.
"Me, too. Anyway, can I help you?"
"Stephanie Plum?"
"Yes, this is she."
"Oh good. I've been trying to get you."
"I haven't gotten any other calls from this number," I said, now checking the calling ID. The number was familiar, but I couldn't place it.
"Well, this is Trenton GYN-OBS. You have an appointment this afternoon at two."
"Two? It's nearly one now."
"Yes, it is," agreed the caller.
"Okay, thanks for the call. I'm going to have to get off the phone if I'm going to make the appointment on time."
"Good, that was the purpose of this call. One more thing, Ms. Plum."
"Yes?" I said, eager to get off the phone so I could do a few things to prepare myself for the appointment, like shower and shave...
"Ms. Plum, did you get that?"
Get what? I'd been caught unaware once again. I couldn't bluff my way out of this because I had no idea what she was talking about.
"Could you please repeat it just to make sure I have all the information I need?"
"Sure, that will be fine. I'll be glad to tell you again. So many people are not showing up for their appointments. The doctor's office has moved crosstown to Chambers Street, right across the street from St. Francis Medical Library. Do you where that is?"
"Yes, my parents still live in that area. I'll have no trouble finding it. I'll see you soon. Thanks for calling."
"You're welcome, and we'll see you at two. Goodbye."
I put away my phone and said, "Well, guys, I hate to eat and run, but I have a doctor's appointment that I completely forgot about. I'm gonna have to hurry if I want to make it."
"Sure, Steph. Don't let us keep you."
I nodded and turned to walk away, but something make me turn back. "Tank, do you think someone can escort me there? I don't want to go alone. I have to warn you... It's to the gynecologist."
"No problem, Steph. Just let us know when you're ready, and I'll have someone waiting to go with you."
"Thanks, Tank." I floundered for the words. "I really want to thank all of you," I finally continued, making eye contact with the three of them. "I was trying to deal with everything instead of going to the land of denial. But I should have known that you were all here for me. I'm sorry that I have kept to myself and overreacted when you were just trying to help."
"Beautiful, no need for any thanks or apologies."
"Ditto," Tank and Bobby chorused together.
I nodded, holding back tears. "Gotta run. Talk to you later," I said, rushing off to get ready.
At least one good thing would come out of this appointment. I would know if I was pregnant or not.
oOo
Tank's POV
Steph got up to leave after her phone call. During the call, her face wore a kaleidoscope of emotions. First, abject fear that soon gave way to resolve, then to dismay and embarrassment that three of her "Merry Men," as she called us, were listening to her call. We'd made an unbreakable oath to Ranger that we would protect Steph with our lives, even if it meant listening in on what was probably a private phone call.
"We're going to set a trap for our two rats," I announced, writing some things out on a napkin and showing it to the other two men.
They looked at it and nodded their heads in agreement.
"What about Steph? Aren't you going to let her know?" Les asked.
"No, I'm afraid not. She can't take any more stress."
"Ain't that the truth! Bomber is at her breaking point," Bobby agreed with a nod. "You can tell that by how she looks. I'm not liking how pale she is... She has a pale complexion normally, but now, it's almost wraith-like."
"Wraith-like... Is that even a word, Bobby?" Lester asked.
"It sure is, Les. Maybe if you read books instead of women, you'd know what it meant."
"Even though this is OT, Santos, it means lacking substance like a column of smoke. Bomber may look that way right now, but in deeds and actions, she is a formidable force. She has brains, beauty, loyalty, intuition, and we're going to make sure her luck holds," I told them firmly. "If we don't get him back, I'm not sure how she'll handle it."
"I never realized how much Beautiful loves the boss. After Ranger gets rescued, they deserve their shot at happiness," Les said. "Almost makes me want to settle down."
"Amen to that, brother. They sure do!" Bobby agreed.
"So let's do this so they can," I said firmly.
We talked for a while more, and by the time Stephanie was ready, the plan was set in motion.
