Disclaimer: Janet Evanovich owns all the characters you recognize. I own the psycho, scarry huh.

Warning: Graphic Content included in this chapter, some people may not like the contents of the pyscho's hideway. Minor Language applies also. Consider yourself warned.


Part Twenty Eight

When Stephanie hit her panic button, everyone froze and the game halted. We all knew what that buzzing noise was from. I immediately barked for Hector, but someone yelled he was with Stephanie. I ran back to my truck. I pulled up the laptop and waited impatiently while it gave me a location on Stephanie. Hector had the handheld receiver. I suspected he was using it to follow Stephanie. Whenever she stopped moving she usually was in a tree. He could then get her out of the tree.

Hector needed to set up a second handheld from now on. My laptop finally gave me a location. She wasn't that far from us, about four miles east of the resort. I quickly tossed the paintball gun in the back of the truck, and retrieved my real guns from the safe built in the floor. When I turned around, I noticed all my men had suited up in real gear too.

Hector's voice came over Tank's communication piece, and he handed it to me. I could hear Stephanie scream, and we all took off running. I asked what was going on, and Hector explained they had found dead bodies. I told Hector we were on the way, to look out for Stephanie.

I relayed what they found to Tank, and advised him to call the police, and then lead them to our location. He nodded, and a few of my men stayed behind to wait with Tank. At the fast pace I set it didn't take long for me to reach Stephanie. When I approached, she seemed very broken. She was crying loudly and her whole body was shaking. Before I could even say anything, her head snapped up and she ran to me. I wrapped her in my arms and she began sobbing again. I let her cry for a while.

As I noticed the local police approaching, I handed her my water bottle. "The police are here. Why don't you rinse your mouth, you'll feel better." I noticed her pull herself together. She smiled shyly at me. She went to rinse her mouth. I noticed Hal give her a piece of gum. I walked over to her again, and asked if she was ok with Hal for a few minutes. When she nodded, I went inside to look around. My men had set up their flashlights in each room.

The whole house was decorated with bones. They were all clearly human. The furniture was meticulously assembled out of those bones. Each one a very intricate design. The archways moving from room to room were lined with skulls and small tibia bones, carefully stacked. If it wasn't made out of a human, I'd call the furniture works of art.

When I went into the kitchen, I changed my mind. I'd been hoping this person was a grave robber. The kitchen was a macabre scene. There were boxes lining the room, each contained body parts. When I recognized one of the victims as the informant Stephanie talked to, I knew we'd found our man's hideout. I made calls to the FBI and TPD. There were more bodies here than we'd anticipated.

Oddly, the room didn't smell of decay. The body parts were fresh. That didn't make sense, due to the time since Mel disappeared on Stark Street. It was almost two weeks ago. When I noticed Bobby leaving another room, and he looked kind of green, I went to inspect. He handed me a pair of gloves, and I found a room full of large freezers. I was thankful Stephanie didn't check in here. This guy was more organized than we thought too.

As I closed the door, the local police chief began yelling at me for contaminating the scene, and being perverse. I raised my gloved hands and eyebrow. When he began trying to get his men to cuff me, I introduced myself.

"I'm Carlos Manoso. These men are my employees. I've already called the FBI whom I'm working with to catch the guy responsible for all these victims. They should be here soon. My men will need to continue to process the scene." With that I left to check on Stephanie. The police chief followed me out.

When the chief noticed Stephanie dressed in gear, and all my men, he asked if she was mine too or another victim. "Mine" I simply said.

One of his officers was grilling Stephanie when she snapped. "Do you think I enjoyed finding those women like that? You're a dumb fuck. I already told you how I found the place three times. I was hiding from Hector so he couldn't shoot me anymore."

"You said this Hector is a coworker, why would he be trying to shoot you?" the officer replied in and I don't believe you voice.

Steph then pulled out her pistol and before I could intervene pop the officer twice in the chest with the gun. "Because we were playing a game!" she screeched. I quickly confiscated the gun, and smiled at her. I pulled her into my arms. After a few moments, the officer finally got his wind back, and he looked pissed.

The chief intervened and said "Now, we don't do things like that around here little lady. Those guns hurt like hell."

Stephanie was clearly sorry; she looked worried about hurting the officer. Her anger over his questions had passed. "Are you ok?" she squeaked. "I'm sorry, but you just kept asking the same stupid questions." Steph began rambling an apology but I hugged her tighter and she stopped.

The officer looked angry but I didn't think they were going to arrest her. Hopefully. The officer said he was ok. He quickly left to join the other officers. The chief kindly asked her to walk him through it one last time. Stephanie probably still felt bad about the officer because she nodded then explained going inside. As she recounted the tale in great detail, I made mental notes. The first thing I noticed was the door opened easily; wasn't locked. I wanted to check the hinges.

By the time she got to finding Mel's head, she was shaking again. The police chief noticed and ended the conversation. I pulled her into my arms, and she tucked her head next to my neck. I began softly rubbing her back, giving her time to calm herself again.

I found a tree away from the scene because the talk didn't help Stephanie calm down any. I sat down and pulled her into my lap. I removed her protective gear, and she snuggled against me. I could hear small sobs, but didn't say anything. I honestly didn't know what to say. When one of the officers mentioned the bombshell bounty hunter, Stephanie's head snapped up and she groaned. She thanked her forehead against my chest, and then apologized. "Babe." I replied. She didn't hurt me. When one of the officers came to ask for her autograph, she refused to even look at him. I gave him a dark look, and he left. I was working hard not to chuckle because Stephanie was mumbling about hurting the weasel reporter.

When I noticed the FBI agents approaching me, I nudged Stephanie a bit. She had fallen asleep on me. I think sleeping was like valium for Stephanie. I shifted her body and stood with her in my arms. It wasn't until I had done all this that I noticed Morelli watching me. He didn't like what he saw, but I couldn't get myself to give a fuck.


I was bringing back my newest specimen on the quad when I noticed the blue lights. I turned off my headlights. I sat in horror as I watched all the police and FBI invading my hideaway. How could they have found it? I regrettably looked at my latest, and realized I would have to abandon her. She would have been perfect for my newest piece. Who ever caused this would pay.

I untied the body, and placed it by a tree. Maybe I'd still be able to come back and reclaim her. There was a crowd of people around the scene, I decided to blend in and get a closer look.


Agent Jackson approached me and opened with "Have you had a chance to look around in there?"

I nodded. Steph mumbled something incoherent and snuggled closer to me. A big part of me wanted to give Morelli a smug grin, because he was just watching Stephanie sleep in my arms. But I didn't, Stephanie didn't like it when I baited Joe. There was no point in rubbing it in his face. It wasn't like she was mine, yet. But I knew she had ended things with him.

"This is bad; they caught a news crew on the scene. Local news lady wants to make a name for herself. We're guessing someone on the local squad tipped her off." Agent Smith said as he approached our group.

Morelli still hadn't taken his eyes off Stephanie. "Is she ok?" he asked.

"Just napping." I responded and Morelli gave a strained smile.

"Don't you want to put her in the truck or something?" He began looking around for an acceptable vehicle.

"She's fine." I didn't mind holding her. I went back and sat down against the tree again. Jackson wanted to take an official FBI statement, and I knew she'd freak out if I woke her up while carrying her around. Once I had us settled in the same position before she fell asleep, I began waking her up. "Babe".


I heard Ranger calling me, but I didn't want to get up. When I heard Joe whispering "Maybe we should give her more time" my head snapped up. What was Joe doing at the cabin?

As I looked around, I realized I wasn't at the cabin. I saw the house of horror, and shuddered. Ranger squeezed me, and I gave him a small smile. I looked at Joe. He had a very weird look on his face. Huh, wonder what that's for.

I noticed the FBI agents were here too. Uh oh, I may be in a bit of trouble with Joe. I never told him about the meeting with them. I carefully omitted them from all the statements I gave Joe.

When I looked at him, Joe seemed to be very amused with me. I felt the heat flare in my cheeks. "Hi ya Joe. What's new?" I opened with. Denial may work. I'd pretend like things were normal, and maybe he'd go along.

"Cupcake, your better than any hound dog." he said.

That made me climb off Ranger's lap. Wait, I'd been sleeping in Ranger's lap in front of Joe? I'll have time to worry about that later.

"Are you calling me a DOG Morelli?" I took my defensive stance, hands on hips, lips pursed together, death glare locked on my target. One Joseph Anthony Morelli.

Joe raised his hands in surrender. I waited to see what he would say. "Not at all. I was simply pointing out that you found this place, faster than all eight of the law enforcement teams did. You and your crazy luck beat all of us."

I noticed that the FBI agents were laughing. Ranger even looked amused. "Well, why didn't you say that?" I replied. "No, you have to be all jerky, and say I'm better than a hound dog. Men need to learn how to say things." I huffed and began stomping away, when Ranger caught me.

"Babe, you need to make a statement to the FBI" I could tell he was very amused. I glared at him, but that only made his almost smile bloom into the full 200 watts.

I turned as Ranger went back to check a few things at the house. I watched him walk up to the door. The Police and FBI crime labs had erected large flood lamps around the place. I watched as Ranger had one of the crime people waive him pass the tape. He walked straight to the door, except he didn't go inside. He began checking the hinges out. Huh, I'll ask him about that later.

"Miss Plum, you ok to make a statement?" Agent F asked me. I smiled at him and said, "Sure, it's not like these were my first dead bodies." I shrugged and began explaining what happened again, to the FBI this time.

Maybe from now on I should carry one of those voice recorders. I could record what happened, and replay it for all the police departments. Save myself from repeating it so many times.

As I was talking, my neck began tingling. I reached up and rubbed it. I noticed Joe's eyes go concerned, but shook my head. I looked around, I knew what that tingle meant, and it wasn't good. Joe noticed me trying to search the area.

"Who are you looking for Cupcake?" Joe replied. I could tell he thought I was looking for Ranger.

I stepped closer to Joe and the FBI agents. I rolled my eyes at Joe's assumption. "He's here." I said as I continued looking for him.

Agent Jackson looked surprised. "Who's here?" as they all began looking around.

"Are you sure?" Joe asked. He came to stand in front of me, so he could inconspicuously survey the area.

I didn't like the idea that the psycho was this close to me again. I nodded to Joe.

"Stay here." He said, and went inside the house. A few seconds later, Joe, Tank, Lester, and Ranger all emerged from the house. They all walked over to me, and I noticed lights in the distance.

"There, Right there, He's getting away!"

Everyone followed my pointing; you could see lights in the distance. Suddenly they disappeared.

The guys quickly gathered lights and equipment.

Both Ranger and Joe looked at me and said "Stay here".

I really didn't want to try to chase the psycho through the woods, but who were they to tell me to stay? It made me feel like a dog. I glared at them and said "Woof" when they both turned back toward me, shocked. I took the opportunity to speak. "Do you really think you can tell me what to do?"

"Does she ever make things easy?" Agent J said. I really don't think I like him. I turned my glare on him. Joe and Ranger had a silent talk and Joe went with the officers toward those weird lights.

"Babe, I don't like how close this guy keeps getting to you. Lester and Hector are going to make sure your safe. Please stay here with them."

Damn, he used please again. I nodded. I'd stay here. I just hate them always telling me what to do. Is it too hard to ask me?


When I saw her talking to that cop and the FBI, I wanted to go snap her neck. She was the one who found my place. She caused me to lose all my work. They were mine!

She began looking around the area. That's the second time she's done that when I got near her. The cop went inside, and I noticed Ricardo and his men exit. It was time to leave.

I casually left the group of people, careful not to draw attention to myself. I returned to my quad. After about a quarter of a mile, I turned off my headlights. I finally got back to my vehicle. I loaded up the quad quickly. I needed to make it to Trenton, and then return to New York by morning. I'd have to hurry to get everything done. Stupid work always interrupts me.

As I drove north on highway 206 toward Trenton, I remembered the hamster she had in her apartment. Every morning I watched her, she spent time talking to it. Well, since she took away what was mine, I'd take away what was hers. Then I'd make sure she really paid.


I knew she wouldn't listen to me. I've noticed that she will on occasion listen to Manoso about her safety. Hopefully he will talk her into listening.

We divided into two groups to search the woods where we estimated the lights were from. Since we couldn't be sure that our killer had left, teams would be better. No point in having anyone else get hurt.

Each team began doing a grid sweep. All of us were shoulder to shoulder walking through the woods. I was the first to spot the tracks. I radioed it to the other team. They were about a half mile away.

Manoso knelt next to them. "Quad" was all he said. One of the FBI agents began calling the crime techs on the radio. It does explain the white light, and the red lights we noticed though. The tracks could have been from a curious camper.


Sometimes I hate working with law enforcement. We had to have a whole debate about following the tracks. Stephanie's instincts were correct about these things. The burning in my stomach only fueled my desire to follow the tracks. I offered to investigate the tracks with my men. I didn't give a fuck if they wanted to go back to the house scene.

I was a bit surprised when Morelli agreed to go with us. I also wondered if he just didn't trust me. After Morelli agreed, several of the other officers agreed too. Figures, now they think its worth checking into. The FBI agents and the other officers think I'm catering to Stephanie. I've heard several of them having whispered conversations about me holding her.


After some debate, it was decided that Me, Ranger, and a few of his men would follow the tracks, while the others waited for the techs to arrive. We'd signal if we found anything else. The FBI agreed with me, no point in all of us following a curious camper.

As we got deeper into the woods, you couldn't see tracks anymore. Manoso insisted that he could still tell where the Quad drove. I wasn't positive he could. But after remembering the incident with Scrog's getaway vehicle near Stephanie's apartment, I was willing to follow him for a while longer.


Morelli wanted to turn back because there were not any visible tracks on the ground. But, I could still tell which way the quad traveled, and pointed this out. Me and my men would continue; he could turn around if he wanted. I noticed him having an internal debate, and decided to wait for him to make a decision. He agreed to keep moving. I followed the indented soft ground and snapped branches. When we came upon the boxes, the only one who still had gloves was Morelli.
About three quarters of a mile away from the cabin, we found the boxes. I still had my gloves, so I opened the flaps. Fucking wished I'd tossed them like everyone else did. There were three boxes. The long one contained arms and legs. A small square one had a woman's head. The largest box had a torso. Each body part was wrapped in freezer paper and they were all carefully frozen.

I stepped away to take a few deep breaths. Cupcake was right. The fucking killer was close. Probably watching us the whole time. I used my radio to call the crime techs. Then I peeled my gloves off.


We all watched as Morelli opened the boxes and carefully revealed the contents. His face paled. I felt just as sick, but was better at hiding any outward signs. He radioed to send another crime scene unit to our location. When he explained we'd found another victim, I heard the local sheriff begin cussing. There goes the small town charm. Nothing like a mass murder scene to ruin the town image.

I needed to check on Stephanie. The killer was close to her, and I never even picked it up.

I heard Manoso checking on Cupcake. When I heard her voice say she was ok, the burning in my stomach settled a bit. I guess she'd always be giving me an ulcer.

I glanced back at the boxes. I'll happily take the ulcer. I turned and looked back at the glowing house. You could see the flashing lights from here.


I noticed Morelli glancing at the boxes and rubbing his stomach. I knew what he was thinking. He frequently told Stephanie she caused him ulcers. I can understand the sentiment, but I knew better than to say it to her face.

The job was done. I wanted to get Stephanie back to my apartment where I could keep her safe. I briefly thought about taking her to my home. Her curiosity would keep her busy for at least a few days, but if I had her there, my family would probably hunt her down. They'd been leaving messages on my cell. My mother still hadn't apologized.

No, my house was out. This wasn't how I wanted her to see my place.

I glanced at the boxes and thought about what our guy did with the victims.

I'd just tie her to my bed if she doesn't agree to stay at the apartment. I'd rather her be mad at me, than end up like that. I can't lose her.

I sent a silent command for Tank, Bobby and Hal to follow the trail further. I wanted to see where they ended.

I knew Tank tracking skills were very close to mine. I was just a bit better, but he'd be able to follow our guy. In these remote woods, the damage done by the quad was easy to follow, if you knew what to look for.

The FBI wanted Morelli and me to return, so we both walked quietly back to the house. I noticed you easily saw the lights from where we were. The killer must have noticed the police lights, and dumped the body. Could he simply have watched Stephanie from here? God, I hope so.


Lula had finally joined us. At first she had refused to come because of the dead bodies. I'm guessing she got lonely back at the resort. One of Rangers men had been left with her, and brought her to the site. I explained where Tank was.

I had noticed the FBI crime team leave. A few of Ranger's men were still inside processing the place.

I was impatiently waiting for something to happen. I noticed Agent Jackson talking on his radio again. I heard him ask for Ranger and Joe to return. Sure enough, Joe and Ranger emerged from the woods, and I noticed Lula looking for Tank.

Ranger must have noticed too, because he spoke to her when they joined our group. "He'll be back soon. I have him checking something out."

My curiosity was in overdrive. No one would tell me what they found in the woods, so I asked Ranger. He didn't answer me at first, so I looked at Joe and asked him "What did you guys find?" They both stared at each other. I knew I shouldn't have stayed here. They were cutting me out again. Just like always.

"Cupcake, were not cutting you out. It wasn't pretty. I don't think you want to know."

I glanced at Ranger to see if he agreed. I wasn't one hundred percent sure I could trust Joe. Ranger gave me a very stern nod. "Well, give me the cliff notes. You don't have to give me all the gory details. I don't want them."

"Babe, you finding the place may have interrupted him from dropping a new victim off."

My mind flashed back to the picture of Christina and Mel inside. I was surrounded by a dark tunnel. My body tumbled into unconsciousness.

I smelt something awful, and waived it away. I opened my eyes to see Lula and Lester above me. Lester was the cause of the awful smell. I was going to yell at him, when my memories flooded back into my mind. I heard Joe shouting, and noticed Ranger and him circling each other. Lester noticed my direction and said "they wouldn't listen to us". I got the hint, and offered my hand. Lester helped me up. After a few seconds the world stopped spinning and I marched over to my Neanderthals.

"What the hell are you two doing?" I had my hand on my hips. I noticed everyone was watching them too.

"Cupcake, this is between us."

"No, its not. If either one of you throw a punch, or kick, or any thing to hurt the other person, I'll never talk to you again." and I meant it too. I still cared deeply for both of them.

"But he made you pass out." Joe shot back.

"It wasn't what Ranger said, it was the fact that the killer was so close to me again." I'm not sure where that came from, but they both backed down, and looked concerned for me. Score one for me.

They both walked over, and I could still see the tension. I lowered my voice and said "I know this mess" as I pointed between the two of them "is my fault, but please don't hurt each other. I really would have to stop talking to you. I care about both of you, and don't want to see you guys hurt. Joe, you know Ranger wouldn't do anything to hurt me. Ranger, you know Joe cares about me too. Please, just ignore my fainting. I like sleep, you both know that. It's my only hobby. It recharges me. Sometimes my body wants to recharge at the weirdest moments." I finished with a smile. Hopefully my lame joke about fainting will work.

They both gave me a forced smile. I think the comment about the killer being close wasn't forgotten. Stupid fricking brain. Why couldn't I blurt out that my memories made me faint? That's what I was thinking about before it happened.

The three of us rejoined Agent Jackson, and he asked all of us to join a meeting Thursday morning. Since there were so many departments involved, and the news coverage this house would cause, he was given authority to create a massive man hunt. Ranger and Joe agreed. We noticed Tank, Bobby and Hal emerge from the woods.

They jogged over to Ranger, and explained the tracks ended a couple miles away. There was a park and jog trail. When Ranger asked if there was any track evidence in the park for the crime unit, Tank said no. He then walked over to Lula. She looked very happy to see him. I reflected back on seeing Joe and Ranger come out of the woods and I understood.

Ranger asked if I was ready to go, and I said in one minute. He watched as I went to talk to Joe.

Joe smiled at me. I stopped in front of him. He was standing with his hand in his pockets.

"Are we ok?" I had to know. We'd been doing well with the friendship thing so far.

"Yeah, we are Cupcake. I just worry about you. Are you going back home?"

I realized I wasn't sure, so I said that. "We were supposed to be doing a job. I'm not sure what will happen now." I felt bad. Once again, I had blundered up Ranger's job. Why does he keep asking for my help?

"I'm sure you didn't ruin things that much." Joe said with a small smile. "I'm sure he can spin this to his advantage, he always does."

I gave Joe as small arm punch. "Well, I've had enough excitement for today. Plus, I need to wash this paint out before it ruins my hair. I'll see you Thursday?"

"Yep" Joe said. "Tell Ranger we'll fax him the lab reports if he doesn't want to wait till Thursday."

"Sure. Take care Joe" I said and quickly made my exit before I cried or anything.

As we were leaving, I noticed Ranger's truck was here. His men must have brought it. Once we were in the cab, I gave Ranger Joe's message. He made a phone call, and I heard Joe's voice. Ranger gave him a phone number and they disconnected.

I was surprised when we returned to the cabin. I asked if we needed to pack, and Ranger said he wanted to talk to me. I felt the rock in my stomach, and Ranger must have noticed it too because he actually sighed.

"Babe, it's not that kind of talk" he said with a smile. I narrowed my eyes. Ranger led me to the master bedroom. He motioned for me to sit on the bed.

"How are you?" he asked. I realized he was still concerned about what I said earlier too.

I rolled my eyes. "I just said that to make you both stop fighting. I really fainted because of the body you found." Ranger watched me intently for a few minutes, and then let it go.

"I'd prefer that we returned to Trenton, but our deal included tomorrow's horseback riding. Do you want to stay?" I smiled at him. I knew he really wanted to go. I thought about going home, but it felt like running away. Who knows when I'll get another chance to go riding?

"Babe." Ranger said I couldn't identify the look in his eyes.

"Do you think it's safe? When I thought about going, I forgot all about Anthony's men, and now the killer is out there."

Ranger seemed to be thinking. He slipped into his zone. I waited to see if he would answer me. Finally, he said "Our job is done. Anthony's men returned this morning after Lester's delivered something to his father. We have an agreement. Anthony will be very busy trying to stay out of prison. It's going to take a few days to process the house. As for the killer, I don't think he will be back here. How close do you think he got?"

I wasn't sure of what this agreement was, but I decided it wasn't my business. Do I tell the truth?

"I think he was near the house, but I didn't notice anyone specific who gave off the killer vibe. I just noticed mostly nosey groups of people hanging around. Did you notice that group of women? They came to talk to me and Lula. They were upset that the police didn't tell the public about a woman hunter. I think they were feminists."

Ranger smiled. "You mean the group of women wearing T-shirts that had Burning Bras on the back? Yeah, I noticed them."

My cheeks began burning. Of course Ranger noticed them. They were on a sisterhood survival training camp.

I rolled my eyes. I'd bet I learned more with Ranger in the few hours we spent in the woods then they learned all week long.

I noticed Ranger smirking, and narrowed my eyes. "Stupid ESP" I said to him. I deserved to go, and Ranger said he didn't think the killer was coming back. "Yeah, I want to go riding in the morning. We can leave afterwards." Ranger just nodded.

I noticed that Lester and Bobby were now staying with us. Hector and Bobby both took up guard duties. I noticed that Lula went to bed in our room. Too bad, I wouldn't mind sleeping in Ranger's arms. The thought of the killer showing up creeped me out. I also knew we'd be safe here.