Disclaimer: If you know them, I don't own them. No money is being made, and I'll return the borrowed character's to JE with minimal damage.

Part Thirty Five

It took a couple minutes for the black dots and nausea to stop.

"What cruise line was she on?" Ranger asked after hanging up his phone.

I flushed pink. My mother hadn't given me that information and I'd forgotten to ask. Ranger punched in a number, and asked me to get my father on the line. I slapped my forehead. Why didn't I think of that before?

My father read me all the information, and I noticed the deep look Ranger was giving the paper I took notes on. My neck was tingling, he knew something I didn't.

I promised to call as soon as we had more information, my father was pushing booze on my mom to help calm her. He ended the call, asking me to thank Ranger for the TV. I relayed the message and I saw the tension in Ranger's face ease for just a second. Then I demanded to be given what he knows about my grandmother's disappearance.

He didn't respond verbally, he just passed me a piece of paper. I read the information, and realized it matched what I wrote down except the passenger number was different. The room, and cruise information matched exactly.

"That's the information for my Abuela's room." Ranger finally said. I could tell he was contemplating something.

"How did your grandmother and my grandmother end up on the same cruise, let alone the same room?" They didn't even know each other, what is the chance of that happening?

"They've met." Ranger said, and my eyes bugged out.

"When?"

"The zoo, maybe before, but I couldn't confirm it."

Mary Alice's comment at dinner flashed into my mind and I couldn't stop the groan. "I should've figured it out."

"What do you think has happened?" Fear was slowly creeping up my spine.

"I think Abuela is up to something." Ranger said.

That caught me off guard, then his comment about her trying something came back to me. "You don't think the psycho has them?" I wanted him to say it, Iit might believe it if Ranger said it.

He shook his head slightly then said "Doesn't feel right". His phone rang, and while he was listening he made a few small notes.

I was trying to push the emotion aside like Ranger does. It took a few minutes but after I contained the fear, I had to agree with Ranger. But I didn't think his Grandma was behind this, I'd put my money on Grandma Mazur.

Ranger helped me back to the kitchen so I could finish eating. He disappeared while I wolfed down my food. Ella's cooking was fabulous, but my mother hen insisted I eat because of the medications I was on. I tried to argue that he needed to eat too, but he ignored me.

When I was finished I attempted the stairs. I hadn't done this since I was very young after the garage attempt. I had just made it to the forth stair when I saw a pair of combat boots in my way. I was lifted up and flipped over Ranger's shoulder. My crutches crashed to the floor, as Ranger hauled me into the bedroom. He gently placed me on the bed, and left. I hit his retreating form with a pillow, and yelled to bring me my crutches. I kept yelling but he never returned. He thought I'd be stuck here forever without the crutches, I just knew it. I scooted to the edge of the bed, and began hopping to retrieve my crutches. And after I gave myself time to catch my breath I had every intention of shoving them up Ranger's ass.

I was breathing heavily when I reached an office at the top of the stairs. I saw the shock register briefly, and waited politely for Ranger to finish his call. I only did that because I realized he was making reservations and I wanted to hear them. When he hung up the phone, I asked "When do we leave?"

"We don't leave, I leave tomorrow night. You're supposed to be taking it easy." He didn't look happy about me not staying on the bed where he put me.

"Fat chance. If you don't take me with you, I'll just follow you." I began reciting the travel information, and Ranger wasn't pleased. He knew I'd follow behind him.

"Babe."

"Ranger, she's my grandmother" a light bulb turned on, and I went with it. "Do you really want to fly her back on that plane alone, without me?" The blank face took over, and it took everything I had not to give into my laughter. I had him.

"Only if the doctor says it's ok. You'll stay in the room while I collect them.

I tied to protest, but Ranger calmly reminded me I was vulnerable on the crutches. And to make sure I caved, he added guilt by repeating "You come first".

"Fine, but you better keep me in the loop." Stupid crutches. I hate being left behind, but I knew he wouldn't let me win this one. I mentally crossed my fingers that the doctor would give me the ok to travel.

Ranger spent his evening making all kinds of calls. I was surprised when he actually kept me in the loop. Early the next morning we went to see my doctor. He gave me the ok to travel, but reminded me that I needed to take it easy. I saw the satisfied look in Ranger's eyes, but when the doctor offered me a walking cast to start working up to, I had the satisfied look. He told me to still use the crutches for now, but by early next week I could start applying light weight using the walking cast and crutches to support myself. It wasn't total freedom, but it was a step forward.

When we began driving toward Newark, I was confused. Ranger explained that he needed to stop by his house and his parents' house before we left for the airport.

"You're taking me to the Batcave?"

Ranger just nodded. Boy I wish we'd finished that talk, but gathering information on the missing chaos twins came first. "But isn't it forever?" I held my breath, and Ranger actually sighed but never answered. My little heart said to leave it alone, but my head and that damned voice wanted an answer.

"We'll finish talking later." Ranger finally said as we pulled up to a small house.

Ranger exited the car, and I followed behind him on crutches. He unlocked the door, and disarmed a very complex looking alarm. He climbed a set of stairs, while I began snooping. I couldn't help myself, It was the Batcave.

I immediately went upstairs to retrieve my passport. I flipped it open, and confirmed I grabbed the right one. Marc Pardo racked up a lot of frequent flyer miles. I didn't like traveling under my own name. The Pardo identity has been very useful over the years. I grabbed another envelope. Inside was documentation using the name Elizabeth Holloway. I had it made after she liked the name when we used it for the Philly operation. She'd proven herself capable of handling undercover jobs, not that it surprised me. I had plans to begin offering her more upscale work if she stuck with the training. She was doing well before the car bomb, hopefully she'll continue when she heals.

As I descended the stairs, I found Stephanie hobbling from room to room taking everything in. Not making a sound I just watched her. She entered the makeshift library room she began trailing her fingers along the shelves of books when she found it. She picked it up and opened the small hidden photo album I kept. She was flipping from page to page, I watched the emotions fly across her face. She hasn't even noticed me enter the room, which is abnormal for her.

Yet more evidence of how I've fucked up hiding so much from her. As she sucked in a breath, I knew she found the most recent picture I'd added. She was shocked, and confused, I guess it's my fault for all the double talk over the years. I still hadn't spilled, but would need to, soon. It became clear at dinner that she wasn't going to push me to spill. I'd been hoping she would. It would have to be my move, and if I'm honest, it should be.

I knew she was looking at a picture I snapped of her sleeping. She was sprawled out on her soft pink bedding, with her hair spread out on the pillow surrounding her face. Early morning light had filled the room, and made her hair appear to glow. The smile on her face had enthralled me. She looked happy and at peace. I kept the picture so I could see her when she was at Morelli's house. She'd been a calming influence on me for a long time now, but I thought she'd be better off with him.

After three minutes and forty eight seconds, I decided to intervene. She seemed frozen in place.

"Babe, I know you have questions, but we have to get going if we're going to make our flight."

I jumped at his voice but caught my own balance this time. I did drop the photo album though, and Ranger picked it up before I could. My mind was reeling because of that last picture. If anyone else had taken that picture, I'm sure I would feel creeped out, but for some reason I didn't with Ranger. I did want an explanation, but he was right about the time. The clock behind him read four thirty already.

I just nodded and turned toward the door. I was afraid if I said anything I wouldn't be able to control the questions from tumbling out.

Ranger followed behind me, and he seemed upset, but I'm not sure because I've never seen him upset before. He had me go outside so he could set the alarm, and I instantly felt hurt so I rushed to the car.

When Ranger got in he did nose air thing again. Letting out a deep breath through his nose. "Babe, I trust you. I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't. The alarm only gives ten seconds to exit before it sets, and you're slower than that on the crutches."

"Oh, I just thought…"

"Later." Ranger interrupted me.

It was then I noticed the women standing on the porch and realized Ranger had already driven to his parents while I was lost in my hurt.

I nodded, instantly fearing meeting his mother.

Ranger got out, and came to help me out. He handed me the crutches and closed the car door behind me. I noticed his scanning glances as we moved up the walkway. I guess he really is always aware of his surroundings. That made me roll my eyes, which Camila giggled at, but stopped when she caught sight of Ranger's look. Uh oh.

Camila quickly called out bye to everyone and made a fast retreat. If Ranger looked at me that way, I'd have shipped myself off to a third world country to escape.

Everyone waited for me to get inside and then the Spanish yelling began. I noticed as they all stood in a circle. Spanish flew out and I gasped when Celia slapped Ranger in the back of the head. Then, his mother slapped her, and the Spanish began again. I was trying to read their body language, but it became clear I didn't possess those kind of skills. I wonder if those learn to speak Spanish CDs I saw at the book store work?

Analise stepped away from the family argument and joined me.

"How's the leg?" she asked with a smile.

"I hate crutches, but the doctor said I need to use them for a few more days. He did give me permission to start using a walking cast on Tuesday."

She nodded as if that's what she expected. "Do the muscles cramp or anything?"

I just shook my head not taking my eyes off Ranger and his mother. They were still yelling at one another. I could see the fury barely contained, and it was shocking. I'd never seen Ranger that pissed. I wish I knew what they were saying.

"He's yelling about her breaking into his apartment and his house yesterday."

I turned to Analise wide eyed. "She broke into his house?" I didn't mean to ask but my mouth has a mind of its own sometimes. I was just so shocked anyone could break into the Batcave. The alarm and security was impressive.

"Well, technically she had keys and the alarm code but he told her she wasn't welcome until she apologized so he's calling it breaking in."

Her statement confused me, but she changed the subject to my hair. She wanted to know where I got it cut, because she hated having to drive all the way up here from Trenton just for a haircut. I told her about Mr. Alexander and dug his card out of my purse. I had his phone number programmed in my phone as speed dial number five. I frequently had hair emergencies. When Analise asked if my recommendation would get her a faster appointment I told her it might be better not to mention me. I had to tip well so he'd keep seeing me as it was. She asked about the fisher cat picture, and I groaned. I explained that was just one example of why he wasn't always happy to do my hair, but was a phenomenal hair dresser.

"Sorry if I scared you when I checked out your apartment." Analise dropped out of no where. "Huh" was my eloquent response, because I was confused.

"I stopped by, and you didn't answer so I climbed your fire escape to check things out. Mom wanted me to reach you because she wants to talk to you. I tried to refuse, but she threatened to withhold Pudin De Pan and Abuela's homemade Flan."

"Pudding de Huh?" I knew what flan was now, and I liked it. But then again I've never found a dessert I don't like.

"Pudin de Pan, it's a homemade bread pudding. I could eat my weight in it, and mama knows it's the only thing that gets me through my medical exams."

"It's ok, I understand. My mother always threatens to withhold Pineapple upside down cake." Plus, I didn't even know she had gone to my apartment.

"Cool. So do you want to go to lunch sometime? I don't know that many people in Trenton, school keeps me pretty busy."

I looked at her, and she seemed sincere so I agreed. "That would be nice" Maybe I could pump her for information about Ranger's childhood. When Ranger looked directly at me, I froze. I glanced at Analise who wasn't watching me, so I knew I didn't say it out loud. He couldn't know what I was thinking while arguing with his family, could he?

Next thing I knew his mother was talking to me, but Ranger scooped me up and carried me out to his car. I didn't know what she was saying, but even I could pick up on the disapproval in her tone.

Half way to New York, I got the courage to ask what Ranger's mom wanted to talk to me about. I was still working on getting enough courage to ask about us or that picture.

"She was trying to demand I bring you to dinner on Sunday." Ranger said.

Oh, he didn't want to me to eat with his family? "Babe, I'm not going until she apologizes."

"Ranger, I don't get what your so mad about. Analise told me she had keys, why have you banned your own mother from your house? Is it just because she invaded your apartment?"

"That's only part of it. She's crossed the line."

I tried to pry but he wouldn't give in. When we arrived in New York, Ranger and I went to the cruise ship dock. We checked out their room, and I blushed bright red when the captain gave me grandma's bikini back. I didn't think my face would ever be normal again. I said a silent thanks that mom wasn't going to pick her up originally.

I was sitting on the bed next to the window, and noticed a small piece of paper. There was some weird numbers written on it. Something told me it was important, so I stuffed it into my front pocket.

Ranger returned to collect me, and said they would be sending us the phone records. We left and made our way to the airport finally. Before we entered the airport, Ranger gave me a envelope that contained identification and a passport with my picture but the name was the one used on our Philly job. Ranger explained that he didn't want anyone to track us, just in case. I hadn't thought about it, and when I asked if he was using the same name too, he said he'd be using Marc Pardo. We boarded a small jet to fly to St. Thomas since it was the last place our grandmothers had been seen.