Thank you everyone for your reviews, sorry I haven't got around to reply to them all individually but I read each and every one. As usual...characters aren't mine...
Joe's POV
After leaving the bar last night I found Helen and told her that if I could talk to Stephanie alone I was sure I could persuade her to return to Trenton with us. I didn't give her details, just that I had certain information on Ranger that would help Stephanie see the light. She was more than happy to help.
I had to coach Helen through what to say to the nursing staff when she phoned to enquire about Stephanie. As her mother they would give her details that they wouldn't provide to anyone else. So the plan was to find out what tests she might have to undergo in the next couple of days and see if I could find an opportunity to talk to her away from Manoso and his men. I also needed to try and smooth the way so Cupcake would be receptive to listening to me, so some sucking up would be required not only to Stephanie but the nurses as well. That of course grated against every fibre of my being, but sometimes these things have to be done.
Helen hated apologising to the nurses. But I managed to convince her it would be necessary if we wanted them to co-operate. She phoned and explained to the nurse on duty that she just hadn't been herself due to the stress of the situation and a mother's concern over her daughter. She enquired about Stephanie's condition and asked if she needed to have any further tests or if there was there anything she could do for her. The nurse bought the story, empathizing with her situation, and gave Helen a brief rundown of the follow up tests that would be performed in the next two days. If everything went to plan I would hopefully be able to arrange an encounter with Cupcake when she was taken for an MRI tomorrow. Of course Helen bitched and complained for a good half hour after the phone call about how it was her right as a mother to know what was going on with Stephanie and arrange her care and that it was "preposterous" that she should have to appease the nurses just to get information that she was rightfully entitled to. I tuned out after the first two minutes.
Although Albert was now useless in our efforts to get Stephanie to sign the documents that would enable us to get her home, I decided he might still have a purpose. I purchased two boxes of Godiva Chocolates, one for Stephanie and one for the nurses' station and convinced Albert to take them to the hospital on my behalf as a peace offering. He was to tell the nursing staff that the whole situation was stressful for everyone and we simply wanted Stephanie to get well. In the meantime, I scoped out the MRI department and how Stephanie would be taken there. I had no idea if we would manage to pull this off but it was worth a shot.
Ranger's POV.
Babe's had a set-back. It's not serious. Not yet. But she's developed an infection. She woke during the night feeling flushed and queasy and by the early hours of the morning her temperature had risen to a concerning level. Her injuries gave her a much higher than normal probability of this happening, so the nursing staff had been watching her closely and hopefully caught it early enough. Unfortunately there's now also major concerns over her mental health. She seems to be sinking into depression and shutting us all out again.
She asked Bobby this morning about the Medical Power of Attorney, and why I still held it. She wasn't happy, wanting to know how she could get it revoked. Bobby tried to appease her and managed to buy us some time, saying he would look into it for her. She was tired and upset so we still haven't told her she is being covered by Rangeman insurance. Babe's determined to be independent, she's told Bobby and Les on more than one occasion that refuses to be a burden to anyone. We' can't even mention the possible reward to her yet, Tank's still investigating the details and how she would need to go about claiming it if she is eligible.
I was crushed when she told everyone yesterday that she would never return to Trenton, but I hid it well. Or so I like to think. Tank tells me the men are constantly asking for updates and desperate for some good news. She's part of the Rangeman family and they all want her back. As for me, the last four months have made me realise I need her like the air I breathe. Over the years I've learnt to compartmentalise various aspects of my life, it's served me well, particularly on missions and in my business. But I never realised just how important one blue eyed, curly haired brunette, had become to my existence. Her sudden absence created havoc in all areas of my life. It took a beating from Jeanne-Ellen Burrows, a major bout of depression and self-loathing, and multiple sessions with Max Saunders to make me realise my mistakes and the effect it was having not only on those around me, but also on the woman who held my heart. Now I could only hope that she would give me an opportunity to make amends.
Yesterday Babe seemed to appreciate our support at the time, especially after I put a stop to her mother's badgering. But today she's distant again and asked to be left alone. I have a bad feeling about this. There's a very real risk of her developing PTSD and add to that the emotional baggage and damage she's carrying from what happened in Trenton, we need to get her to talk to a psychiatrist. The doctors here agree and have recommended several, however Bobby, Tank and I agree that we would like to see if she would talk to Max. He is after all one of the leading experts on PTSD resulting from violence and physical trauma. It also helps that he knows my feelings for Babe and how I screwed up.
To add to my worries, detective asshole Morelli is up to something. He sent Albert to the hospital with chocolates for Stephanie and the nurses. Trying to smooth things over. I don't believe for an instant that he's had a change of heart and is looking out for Stephanie's interests. Albert couldn't give us any more information, he said Morelli just asked him to deliver the chocolates with a message that the situation was stressful for everyone and that all they wanted was for Stephanie to get well.
The next day…..
JOE'S POV
Cupcake is scheduled for an MRI this morning at 10:30. Apparently its routine so don't think the Rangemen goons will accompany her, they wouldn't be allowed in the room anyway, as per hospital regulations. But Helen is going to talk to the nurses at Cupcake's ward and hopefully keep everyone's attention there.
There was a small waiting area at the end of the corridor near the MRI lab so I waited there, out of sight, until I saw Cupcake wheeled in on a gurney. I would intercept her when she came out.
I didn't have to wait long. 35 minutes later a hospital orderly was pushing her down the corridor towards me. Thankfully there was only one other patient being moved into the MRI facility. Other than that the corridor and waiting area were clear. I stepped in front of the gurney halting their progress and spoke with the orderly.
"Please. I just need five minutes with Stephanie. I won't delay you long." I pleaded, lacing my voice with concern.
She looked me up and down, trying to decide if I was a threat and deciding I wasn't gave a brief nod and took a chair in the waiting area, keeping me within sight.
"Joe what are you doing here?" Stephanie looked tired and although she sounded surprised to see me she didn't appear to be angry.
I moved closer to her and did my best to look contrite. "I needed to talk to you Cupcake. We never meant to upset you, we were just worried about you and want to take care of you."
She started to interrupt, but I cut her off. "Please, just let me finish. I won't take long." In my best apologetic voice. She seemed subdued and didn't say anything so I took that as agreement for me to continue.
"We only want what's best for you. We want to take care of you. I can barely imagine what you've been through. I know you had a thing for Manoso. And I know he led you on, then pushed you away, and that you came back to me." I could see the tears building in her eyes as she turned her head away from me. Deciding I had definitely struck a nerve I pushed on, recalling all the accusations Jeanne-Ellen had thrown at Ranger in the gym. "Manoso doesn't do relationships, everyone knows that. That's why he just has his fuck buddies on the side." I let that comment sink in for a moment. "He kept you on a string, kept you interested, but never had any intention of stepping up. Hell he didn't even look for you when you disappeared. We all know he could have found you if he wanted to. He's only here now out of guilt." I could see a few tears roll down her cheeks. She still wasn't looking at me or arguing so my points must be hitting home.
"Remember how good things were between us. Pizza, beer, and Rangers games? And Bob misses you. Come home. We can get married and you'll be back surrounded by family and friends." I picked up her hand and waited to see if she would respond. If her body language was anything to go by I was confident that she would come round.
She sniffed and brushed the tears from her face before speaking.
"My doctor said it I needed a support network. She's really nice Dr Yang. Did she speak with you and ask you to talk to me? It all just seems so ….. coincidental. You finding me here and talking about the importance of being with family and friends." Cupcake turned her head to look at me, her eyes appealing for re-assurance.
"Yes. I don't want to get Dr Yang in trouble but yes, she did talk to me. She can be very persuasive."
"Yes. She's quite a force of nature, though she seems so tiny, even for an Asian woman." Cupcake agreed. This was going well, better than expected.
"Well they always say good things come in small packages."
"Did Dr Yang say anything else to you? I have an infection which is causing complications."
"No she didn't give me any other details. But I'll talk to her. Just say the word and we'll get everything organised for you." I could see her withdraw slightly, and decided I should ease up a bit, I didn't want to ruin the progress I had made. "Just rest Steph. I bought you your favourite chocolates yesterday. I know you may not be able to eat them yet. But you could always keep them for a homecoming treat. There'll be a lot to organise for care and treatment back home so the sooner we can get started the sooner we can get you well. Just rest and think about what I said. I know Ranger deceived you, but he is a mercenary after-all, looking out for himself." The orderly stood up and indicated that she had to return Cupcake to the ward and collect other patients for treatments. Any further conversation would have to wait. "Think about it, and think about what Dr Yang recommended. I'll come and see you this afternoon." And I gave her a parting kiss on the forehead.
I watched the orderly wheel her towards the elevator and felt satisfied that I had made progress. She never argued about my statements regarding Manoso, she obviously knew they were true. It seemed to depress her. Good. It might help her come to her senses. I sent a text to Helen Plum advising I was leaving the hospital and would meet her for lunch in the café at the hotel. We had much to discuss.
Ranger's POV.
I disconnected my call with Tank and shoved my phone back in my pocket. I was beyond frustrated. I wanted to hit something. I needed to do something physical to release the tension but my options at the moment were limited. Hector was watching me carefully.
"Problema?" He enquired, closing down the iPad he had been using and slipping it into his bag. At that moment Bobby and Lester walked back into the waiting room, and zeroed in on the tension in the air.
"What is it? What's' wrong?" Demanded Les. "Is Beautiful OK?"
"Relax. As far as I know there's no change. She's not back from the MRI yet." All three of the men were watching me, waiting for further explanation. "Tank is on his way. Should arrive at 18:00. Max has agreed to come but won't be here until tomorrow. My handler is gunning for me. Wants to know why I haven't already re-signed my Government contract. He's also be in touch with Tank, trying to get info and apply pressure. He may even turn up here."
"Fuck. Your contract's due in three weeks isn't it? Are you going to re-sign?" Les and I shared the same handler, he knew they wouldn't let me go without a fight. We both knew that we couldn't keep doing this shit forever, but it might be the only life I have if Babe rejects me.
"Yes. And I don't know." They all looked at each other and did the silent ESP thing as Babe would say. They all knew that Babe was my priority. I would not re-sign until I knew she was going to be OK. I would prefer not to re-sign at all, but instead pursue a relationship and life with Babe. But all the power for that decision was in her hands, and to date my chances were not looking good.
"And what's going on with Morelli and Mrs Plum? Chocolates delivered to Stephanie and the nursing staff yesterday and then Mrs Plum was here again this-morning when Bomber was taken for her MRI." Asked Bobby.
"They're up to something. No doubt still trying to get her to return to Trenton. But Mrs Plum's conversation with the nurses centred mainly around how long they thought it would take Babe to recover and what type of assistance she would need on discharge. It all seemed very staged and false as though there was a hidden agenda."
"As soon as Bomber's back and asleep you need to go and run or pound something. You look like you're ready to kill someone."
I didn't break eye contact with Bobby. "I do. So keep Morelli away from me."
TBC