A/N: JE owns everything you recognize.

No beta, mistakes are my own. I'm hoping to update semi-regularly until this story is done. Thanks for all the love and support!

Chapter 34

Lula's POV

It has been a hellish week. Ever since we've found those damn flyers, we've all been on edge. Elaina has gone into what Tank calls "combat mode" she's subsisting off caffeine and rage. It's not the most pleasant sight.

So far, all we know about these flyers is that they were distributed to all veterans and active service members nationwide. We can't find out too much about the group distributing them because it's a super-PAC which means they don't have to disclose where they're getting money from. Elaina is pissed off and frustrated and the rest of us just aren't sure what to do.

I was now sitting in Elaina's apartment with her business partner Greg Peters and Stephanie at some ridiculous time after midnight. Damn it's past two…..

The three of us were sitting on the couch while Elaina was in a kitchen chair directly in front of us. Our job was to ask her the nastiest, rudest, most inappropriate questions we could think of and try to rattle her.

Elaina's going on all those Sunday morning political talk shows which I actively avoid right before she's scheduled to testify before the congressional committee.

I hate politics. Politicians are the lowest of the low and this is coming from a woman who used to work as a hooker and interacted with some nasty-ass people. I think what makes me hate politicians the most is that the nasty people I interacted with didn't pretend they were all holier-than-thou when they damn well knew they were scum bags.

They were proud to be scum bags….if that makes any sense.

I don't do well with phonies and there's nothing phonier then a politician. Why Elaina wants to get mixed up with that hot mess is beyond me. If I made the rules, I'd fire the entire congress and ban them from ever being in politics again every few years. That taste of power corrupts even the best of people. It's for their own good to fire their asses and clean house every few years.

I can't believe Bobby came from a bunch of politicians. He's probably one of the nicest and most honest people I know. May be that's why he couldn't stand his family. God knows, that's why he could never follow in their footsteps.

"Ms. Merritt, you're currently engaged to a member of the Brown-Chamberlin are you not? What does your future in-laws think about this flyer?" Greg asked.

"My in-laws are very supportive of me and their son. They are so stranger to politics and they completely understand how dirty it can be and pay no mind to this nonsense," Elaina said easily.

"Good," Greg acknowledged as he wrote down notes.

"Ms. Merritt, do you really expect the American people and especially the veterans to still stand behind you after seeing some of your extra circular activities?" Stephanie asked.

"The American people, especially the veterans, shouldn't be concerned with my so called 'extracurricular activities'. They should be concerned that at the end of two wars the United States Congress is about to pass a bill that takes money away from veterans mental health and uses it for a jobs programs such as building tanks that even the Joint Chiefs say they do not want and they certainly don't need. If Congress wants a job program they should invest in the infrastructure of this country and leave the money allotted for veterans and their care alone," Elaina said passionately.

"Nice! " Greg encouraged.

Elaina shot him a smile. It's probably the first time I've seen her smile in days.

I played with the papers in front of me. I don't like asking these questions. I've always been of the mind that people's sex lives is none of my damn business. Maybe it's the old ho part of me. Whatever a client wanted stayed between me and him…or her. You wanna be spanked? Fine. You want me to call you a slut and smack you across the face? Sure. You wanna dress in a dog collar and me to parade you around the room…well, that will cost you extra but I won't say nothing.

Grilling my friend over these bullshit pictures makes me uncomfortable. I looked up and Stephanie, Greg and Elaina were all looking at me for the next question.

"Lula?" Greg prompted.

I squirmed and let out a sigh.

"Elain- Ms. Merritt," I corrected, as I cleared my throat. "How long have you and Mr. Brown been together?" I asked.

"BOOOOOOOOO!" Greg shouted. "Too easy! Come one Lula, throw her a curve! You're not doing her any favors throwing her a soft ball!" Greg pointed out.

"Okay, okay," I grumbled. "Ms. Merritt, you claim that your fiancé was present when all those pictures were taken. Are you two swingers? Are you safe when you practice group sex? And do your in-laws know about you alternative life style? Are you active members of the kink community?" I asked.

The room went silent for a moment. Elaina who never betrays emotion, was completely taken aback. Stephanie's jaw dropped as she mouthed "kink community?" in confusion. Greg's eyes widened for a moment but as soon as he recovered, he burst out laughing.

"Answer, dammit!" he scolded Elaina through belly laughs.

"Ah hem," Elaina cleared her throat and swallowed hard. "No, we're not swingers or part of the kink community. We're in a monogamous relationship but believe our sex lives are private and hope that everyone would have the same respect that we would afford them," Elaina said.

"Well, you were able to answer but it could have been better," Greg said. "Lula, good question. Keep the hard ones coming. She needs to be prepared for anything and everything," Greg explained.

Stephanie stifled a yawn.

"Alright, let's call it. I have more material to cover and it's after three," Elaina pointed out as she checked her watch.

"Please actually get some sleep Elaina. You look terrible," Steph pointed out with a worried look.

"I'm fine. I just have a lot to do," Elaina said curtly as she gathered up the water glasses and brought them into the kitchen.

"Don't bother arguing with her," Greg mumbled. "It's just a waste of everyone's time," he explained.

I shrugged but Stephanie looked concerned.

"Come on, let's at least leave her to rest. I'll take you home," I whispered.

Stephanie sighed and nodded. She also looked exhausted. We said our goodbyes and headed down to the garage where we bumped into Lester.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked as Stephanie and I were headed to my car.

"Between helping out Elaina, covering for Bobby and the higher number of FTAs, we're swamped," Les explained.

"I thought you guys hired Kenny and Yvonne to make sure you wouldn't be overwhelmed," said Stephanie.

"Christ, Beautiful. Without them we'd still be in there and there's no way we'd have even caught up. Tank and Ranger left about 45 minutes ago. Yvonne and Kenny have been working their asses off and they've really helped out. Tank is already talking about a raise," Lester explained.

"Well, that's good to here," I said.

"Bobby's retiring. So after this mission the only person we have to worry about going away is Ranger….unless a certain event happens," Lester said as she shot Stephanie a grin.

Stephanie, despite her exhaustion was able to give Les an epic eye roll.

"Or he turns forty. Whatever comes first," Lester teased as he continued to grin.

"Good night, Lester," Stephanie grumbled.

"Night ladies, get home safe!" Lester called out over his shoulder as he headed to his car.

Stephanie and I climbed into my car and drove away from RangeMan. I was impressed with my girl and Ranger for spending so much time at their house.

The best part about it is that they're in our neighborhood but I didn't even know it! Tank knew for years but never said a word! Can you believe that?

"When Elaina said that her in-laws were supportive, is that true?" I asked Stephanie.

"She hasn't been able to reach them," Stephanie admitted. "They're not taking her calls," she explained.

"Shit," I said.

"Yeah…shit," Stephanie agreed as I pulled into her driveway.

"Well, fuck 'em" I said as I parked my car. "She doesn't need them, she's got us," I stated.

"Damn right," Stephanie said as she opened the door and tossed me a smile as she exited.

I drove home exhausted but excited to see Tank. I feel like it's been weeks since we've connected. Everything has been so crazy and we haven't even made an attempt since….the incident.

I was happy to notice that the bedroom light was still on when I glanced at the side of the house. I parked my car then went inside and locked up.

I tiredly made my way up the stairs to find Tank awake, reading in bed with his glasses on. I've always though he looked sexy and sophisticated in his glasses.

"Hey, honey," he greeted me as he put down his book. "You had a long night," he commented.

"I ran into Lester, apparently you guys did too," I commented.

"Yep, we pretty much caught up. Come to bed, I'm exhausted," pleaded Tank.

"Yes, Sir," I replied with a flirty grin as I headed into the bathroom to wash up.

I'm hoping Tank was hinting at something so I washed up and then put on a silky negligee for bed. I turned off the light and climbed into bed to snuggle next to my man. I felt Tank wrap his arm around me and I relaxed as my head went on his chest.

"I've missed you," I confessed. "I know it's been crazy around here and I'm not blaming either of us. I'm just glad we finally have a moment to take care of each other," I whispered.

Tank didn't move.

I began lightly kissing his neck.

Nothing.

"Tank?" I whispered.

Tank began lightly snoring in response.

I sat up abruptly. "Tank," I said louder. He snored a little louder then turned away from me in his sleep and began breathing evenly again.

"Damnit!" I seethed, as I threw myself back again the pillows.

Tank was out cold and I was anything but.

I let out a sigh and reached into my nightstand drawer. Herby Hancock, don't fail me now.

I laid back and forced myself to relax. Tank will not be the only one sleeping well tonight.

Ranger's POV

Stephanie stumbled into the house after the meeting with Elaina. I was close to 3:30am. I was worried about her, but I was more concerned with Elaina. Without Bobby here she has not been taking care of herself during this crisis. She doesn't eat and she doesn't sleep. She looks terrible but won't let anyone take care of her.

Stephanie and I swore ourselves to secrecy, but the other night we were in her apartment and she almost fell down from exhaustion. She could have hit her head on the counter if I hadn't grabbed her. Stephanie just shot me a look with those big blue eyes and I knew what I had to do.

I scooped up Elaina and carried her to the bedroom despite all her protests and her pathetic attempts to hit me and I put her to bed. She went from indignant to passed out in 45 seconds flat. I had Stephanie go in and undress her, the best that she could, before we left for the night.

I was drinking a beer in the den watching Sports Center when Stephanie came in holding two beers. I grinned as I finished my first and then retrieved my second from her hand as she flounced down next to me.

"How'd it go?" I asked.

"She literally has an answer for everything," Steph admitted. "Too bad it's all bullshit," she sighed.

"Politics, Babe," I explained.

"It's a disgusting game," she scoffed as she swigged her beer and snuggled up against me.

"No one is denying that," I agreed. I may work for the federal government on occasion but I have a strong distaste for politics. Particularly, because I've seen too much seeing what my babe calls 'bullshit'. It's not always about what's right, it's about what's politically popular and I have to admit that as I get older, I'm less inclined to get involved with that stuff which is another reasons I'm thinking about retiring from contract work. If I could get another child out of my retirement, well…that's just a bonus.

I looked down at Stephanie. She was resting comfortably against my chest and I begin to feel a desire wash over me. I kissed her head as she swigged her beer. She threw me a smile, but not necessarily her usual signal to let me know she was thinking about what I was thinking about.

She snuggled closer and we finished our beers.

"Bed?" I asked.

"Mmmm. Yes, please," she agreed. She sounded tired but I was hoping to keep her up for a little while longer.

I grabbed Stephanie and she wrapped her legs around my waist as I carried her up the stairs to the bedroom. She used the bathroom first and the once she was out I followed suit.

I climbed into bed and turned off the light. I slid up next to my sexy girlfriend and began kissing her. She responded, but not with her usually enthusiasm. I kissed down her throat and the pulled her top down to expose her breasts.

I toyed with each nipple and did everything I could think of to get her going. Usually, she's very response to having her breasts played with. I ran my hand up her thigh and into her panties….. she was not responding the way she usually does. I stopped kissing and looked up at her face.

"Babe," I asked softly.

All I heard was her even breathing.

"Babe?" I asked a little bit louder.

"Oh yes Carlos! Don't stop that feels good!" she said as she jerked herself awake.

I sighed as I removed my hands. "It's fine, Babe. Get some sleep," I said as I kissed her forehead.

"No, Carlos! I want to!" she said as she grabbed my hand.

"Babe, I'm sure you do, but you're exhausted. Get some sleep," I assured her.

She let out a big sigh and said. "Thanks, I'll make it up to you." With that ,she rolled over and was out.

I laid back and stared at the ceiling for a moment. I was too wound up, I couldn't sleep. I grabbed some sweat pants and headed downstairs to my office off the den.

This is what porn was made for.

Lester's POV

What a long shitty night. I was so happy to get back to the townhouse. I was spent but I missed Alex and Ana.

I couldn't wait to look in on my little girl and then go and spoon my extremely attractive wife.

But…things didn't work out the way I planned.

I pulled into the garage but not before noticing that the lights were on in the front of the house. I walked in at 3:40am to Ana screaming and Alex gently shushing as she gently bounced Ana as she walked in a circle around the island in the kitchen.

"Les!" Alex said in relief. "Thank god you're home!" she exclaimed. "Ana has a stomach bug, I talked to the doctor and she's fine if she doesn't develop a fever but she's miserable!" she explained.

I just stood there dumbfounded.

My sexy wife was dressed in sweat pants and what looked like one of my t-shirts, which was covered in stains. Her hair was piled on the top of her head, matted to her scalp.

My wife continued to bounce Ana who eventually quieted. "Oh good!" Alex said in relief.

"She can't bare being put down, but do you mind holding her while I shower and grab an hour?" she asked. "I have baby vomit and shit all over me," she explained.

"Take care of yourself Angel, I got her," I said as I took over our little shit machine.

"Thank you!" Alex whispered.

I had to help. I wasn't going to say it, but I could smell Alex from five feet away and it wasn't good. I tried to put Ana down several times, but every freaking time I got close she screamed her tiny little head off. And being sick meant she really needed to sleep, which I guess means I'm not sleeping.

I paced the floor with my child while she slept soundly in my arms. Good thing God made babies so cute, because otherwise, who'd put up with this shit?

Alex came down an hour and a half later, looking and smelling much better.

"Okay, this is a mission. Objective: to keep baby asleep. Shifts: two hours. Any questions?" Alex asked me.

"No, ma'am," I said as I handed Ana over to her mother.

I trudged upstairs to shower and grab some sleep. In the shower I thought about how Ranger and Tank are probably having crazy sex right now. Stephanie's long legs are probably locked around Ranger's waist while she's begging for more. Lula probably has Tank hanging by his ankles while she's "punishing" him with a whip as she's dolled up in a corset in fuck me pumps…. And what do I come home to?

A wife covered in baby shit and vomit, whose spouting off about two hours shifts. The grass really is always greener….

I really need some freaking sleep.