Chapter 38-Back to Work
I woke up to Ranger rubbing my neck. "You didn't sleep?" I asked as I rolled over to look up at him.
"You were tossing and turning. I just wanted you to get rest." He smiled as he leaned down and kissed my nose.
"Damn, why did it take me so long to get my head out of my ass with you?" I shook my head
"Because I was wasting our time by pushing you away?" he smirked
I smiled and then panicked "What time is it?"
"Almost five. Why don't you take your shower first?" he kissed me again and untangled our bodies before getting up.
"I'm on it boss." I saluted as I jumped out of the bed. He smacked my ass as I walked by and I feigned shock opening my mouth into a wide "O" before I smiled and ran into the bathroom.
I showered, shaved, lotioned and was doing my make-up when he came into the bathroom. "Are you going like that?" he smiled looking me over
"I don't think the restaurant would serve us if I am only in my bra and panties." I laughed as he came up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist. He leaned in and kissed my neck. My stomach rumbled.
"Okay, I get the hint." he laughed as he pulled away from me.
I went into the closet and pulled out a red dress and pulled on my red fmp's. I came out and looked him up and down. Black slacks and a silky looking black button down shirt. His hair is short right above his ears but enough in the back for me to grab it. I took two giant steps across the room and was about to pull him into my arms when I tripped. I ended up falling into his arms and he smiled as he caught me. "Babe" he flashed me a smile before pulling me in tight.
"Dinner?" I smiled
"And dancing." he gave a little hip wiggle and I laughed
We went to a new little Italian restaurant I had never heard of before just outside of Trenton in Lawrenceville. It was a small place that was dimly lit. We were lead to a table in the back as we walked by the piano player I smiled. Of course Ranger sat with his back to the wall and I was across from him. Immediately they brought us fresh bread and dipping oil. I grabbed a warm piece of bread right away while Ranger ordered us each a glass of wine. I glanced at the menu an then sat back and listened to the piano player. He was in the middle of playing New York State of Mind.
"How did you find this place?" I asked him when he set down the menu.
"Actually Lester told me about it. He probably took a date here." he smiled
"I love the piano music." I reached my hand across the table and he lifted his up to meet mine.
"Have you decided what you would like this evening?" The waiter asked as I pulled my hand away to pick up my menu.
Ranger nodded to me. "May I please have the veal parmigiana?" I asked
"Impeccable choice from a beautiful lady." He raised his eyebrows and then winked at me.
Ranger cleared his throat and the waiter turned to him. "And you sir?"
"I'll have the eggplant parmigiana." he said as he closed his menu and the waiter took it.
The waiter turned to take my menu and then stopped. "I have to say that you have the most gorgeous eyes."
I blushed and Ranger rolled his eyes. "Babe" he spoke when the waiter went away
"Hey, now you know how I feel when women drool all over you." I lowered my head and batted my eyelashes at him.
"Mmm love this song." he grabbed for my hand again and I closed my eyes to listen to the piano playing Fly Me to the Moon.
Suddenly my eyes sprang open and I pulled my hand away as I gasped. "Oh no!"
"Babe?" Ranger was looking around to try to see what I was gasping at.
"We don't have a song. We don't have our first song to dance to. We never picked one. We don't have one. How can we not have a song? Every couple has a song." I was babbling.
"Relax Babe. We can figure this out." He gently smiled and then smirked "How about Let's Get it On?"
"NO!" I glared at him
"I Want Your Sex?" he raised an eyebrow
"What?" I was surprised
"George Michael." He smiled
"Never Gonna Get It?" I suggested with my best Burg glare.
"Huh?" he didn't understand
"EnVogue." I smirked
"Okay Okay." he held up his hand and laughed. He thought for a moment before answering. "Glory of Love?"
I rolled my eyes. "This is not Karate Kid two!"
"What ideas do you have?" he asked me.
"Thousand Years?" I suggested
"That song from the glittery vampire movies? uhm no!" he shook his head
"Make you feel my love?" I shrugged
"Too depressing." he thought for a moment. "Sexy and I know it?" we both laughed
"Come on be serious." I was still laughing
"Can't take my eyes off of you?" he suggested
"Hmmm I do love the song but it changes from slow to fast. Not the best song to dance to." I explained "How about Up Where We Belong?"
He rolled his eyes "Another movie song Babe?"
"Just The Way You Are?" I offered
"Billy Joel? That has potential." he nodded "How about At Last?"
"Ohhh that's a good one." I nodded
"Okay two potential songs." he smiled
"I want us to be unique. I want it to really describe what we have and I want to dance without looking like a fool." I explained
"Babe." he pulled my hand back and squeezed it "Relax we will figure it out." he assured me as the waiter brought our salads.
As I was eating my tiramisu Ranger's phone rang and he looked at the display. "It's Tank." he explained before answering
"Yo"
I could hear Tank's booming voice but couldn't make out what he was saying
"What?" he sounded surprised and I took another bite.
"You have to be kidding me." Ranger shook his head while I grabbed a cannoli
"This needs to be done tonight?" he paused "I want four in the back, four in the front and four inside with me." he ordered
"Okay, meet you in the parking lot in twenty." he finished before he disconnected
I swallowed quickly so I didn't speak with my mouth full. "What's wrong?"
"They spotted a skip and he is a big one. Our take is 50k. It expires tomorrow." he explained
"Great! Go get 'em." I smiled
"Babe, we need you." I looked at him with a confused expression. "He just so happens to be at the club we were going to."
"Oh boy." I took another bite of the cannoli.
"We go in. get him out and then finish our night." he suggested
"Okay, but with the big bond what's his deal?" I asked as I finished my dessert.
"His name is Kyle Roberts. He is not a nice guy Babe. He is up for two counts of murder and three counts of rape." he blew out a breath
"That's why you want all of the guys? Ranger we have done these before." I gave him a smile
"Just always want to be careful with you Babe. You are very precious to me. he admitted
"Skips don't take a break for our wedding." I reminded him as the waiter returned with the check.
"Thank you for coming to Luigis" the waiter smiled as he passed Ranger the check and passed me some mints.
Before I could take one Ranger reached over and moved the mints to reveal a small note underneath. He picked it up and read it out loud "Call me if you ever want to show your cougar side." He laughed and I nearly spit out my water.
"Babe" he shook his head as he took my hand and we headed for the door.
When we got to the parking lot at the convenience store it was filled with men in black and SUV's. Ranger and I stepped out I was greeted with whistles and cat calls until a look from Ranger silenced everyone. Tank spoke first. "The club is one block down, Boss man is going to go over the plan."
"Lester, Tank, Cal and Hal come inside with me. I need four out front and four in the back." Ranger spoke and then looked at Tank and our inside group. I am with Steph, I will play flirting fiancee." He began
"What?" I put my hand on my hip.
"Play." he looked at me before turning back to the guys. "She will get pissed at me and I will follow around and give dirty looks like a jilted puppy." he snickered "This will keep me close to her."
"Here's the picture." Tank handed it to me as Lester stepped towards me with a mic.
"Hold it right there Santos." Ranger warned
"I was just bringing it to you." he tried to look innocent.
"Yeah." Ranger rolled his eyes as he stepped toward me. He smiled and kissed me before pushing it down into the front of my dress near my breast.
"Turn around." Tank ordered when the men began their whistles
Ranger reached down further and gently pushed it under my breast before reaching in to secure it with tape. He leaned down and gently kissed the top of my cleavage before pulling away. When Ranger turned around Tank stepped to me and handed me a picture. "Here's the picture of Roberts"
"He's attractive except for the tattoo on his neck." I laughed "No regerts"
"I guess his tattoo artist didn't know how to spell." Lester chuckled.
"Okay the squad for the front and back get there now and get in place." Tank ordered
When the others pulled out Cal walked over to me. "You sure you want to do this?"
"Piece of cake." I patted his arm
"Just for piece of mind. Morelli got locked up last night for driving under the influence and Jeanne Ellen was last spotted in Ecuador." Hal let us know.
"It will be fine." I assured him. Inside I was nervous as hell. But never let them see you sweat right? Fake it until you make it. I nodded to myself and forced a smile. I stood still for a second and let my mind wander so my Spidey senses could take over. I felt nothing, no worry and no bad feelings.
"Stay close, stay focused and be smart." Ranger warned
"Let's make sure the bride will be walking down the aisle with no marks on her beautiful face." Lester nodded
Lester, Tank, Cal and Hal were left behind as Ranger and I drove over first. We waited to get out until the guys all went in. Ranger leaned over and pulled me across the console. He grabbed my face and looked into my eyes. "You okay with this Babe?"
"Spidey sense says all will be fine." I told him before I leaned in to kiss him. It started off soft and then quickly heated up. Someone moaned and I knew immediately it was me. "You want me bad" he teased when I pulled away.
"Real bad" I purred as my lips went for his again. I turned and ran my tongue against his neck. He exhaled deeply as I gave a low moan that came out more as a whimper. "When this is over let's skip the dancing and get home to dance in the sheets." I smiled big.
"Shit." Ranger suddenly pulled away from me and shook his head
"What?" I asked
"Your mic's on and Lester is in my ear wanting details." the corners of his mouth were turned up and I laughed.
He got out of the car and walked around opening my door. He held out his hand and pulled me onto my feet. "Uhm, so you will be flirting?"
"Babe" he held my hand as we slowly walked towards the door.
"Don't make me go all Burg on you." I warned him
"You are the only one for me Carino." he told me as he kissed me on the head. "Rather be whipped then sitting home alone with my hand." he suddenly spat
"Lester?" I asked him and he nodded.
We walked in hand in hand and headed straight for the bar. He ordered a beer for himself and a water for me. "You're driving tonight Babe, I need to drink." He spoke loudly. I was assuming he was in character already. I glanced around and noticed Roberts was at a table alone near the dance floor.
I looked around and saw Lester on the floor dancing with some girl whose dress barely covered her ass. Hal and Tank were in deep conversation a couple of tables from Roberts. I noticed Cal hanging out by the bar. We headed to the dance floor and stopped at the table in between our guys and Roberts. He chugged his beer and then placed his bottle down on the empty table. He grabbed my drink and set it down beside his as he pulled me onto the dance floor. He pulled me in tight and our bodies pressed against each other as we swayed to the music. Lester came over and tapped us and they acted like two old friends surprised to see each other. They exchanged hand shakes and one handed man hugs. They sent me to the bar as they moved to the side of the dance floor to keep chatting.
When I turned around from ordering the two beers and a water I noticed Lester had his half dressed woman at his side and she had brought over a friend to meet Ranger. She was draped all over him and whispering in his ear. I took a deep breath and reminded myself this was all part of the plan. The bartender handed me the beers and I moved my tiny purse over my hand and onto my wrist so I could juggle the drinks. As I got closer I saw Ranger put his arm around the girls shoulders as they all laughed. I watched as he rubbed her shoulder and she leaned in and kissed his cheek. He was whispering in her ear now and then handed her something. His number?
"What the hell is going on here?" I demanded loudly
"Just being friendly." Ranger took his arm off of the woman and then held both hands in front of him.
"Who is this?" she asked him as she glared at me.
"Uhmmm" he hesitated
"I thought we were going to the hotel. I don't do three ways, I am not some hoe." she told him
"Of course not." he wrapped his arm around her again.
"So do I still get to go to the hotel with you?" she batted her eye lashes and pulled out a hotel card and teased him by waving it in front of his face. "You told me to meet you there in a couple of hours." she giggled.
"Uhmm" he hesitated as he looked back and forth from her to me. He moved his arm around the girl again as he pushed down the arm that held the room card.
I felt my Burg attitude rising up and smiled to myself thinking this would be an easy acting job. I stopped short in front of them both. I smiled big as Ranger dropped his arm from the girl. I handed Lester one beer and then turned to Ranger and handed him the other.
"Drink up honey! You're going to need a lot more than that to make this skank look half way as hot as me." I yelled before I threw my water in his face.
"But.." he stammered
"Screw you." I gave him the middle finger. He stood in shock with his eyes and mouth open as I turned and marched away. I walked straight towards Roberts and plopped down in a chair at his table. "Son of a..." I shook my head
"You okay?" he asked me and I jumped in surprise.
"I am so sorry I didn't pay attention. I didn't realize you were sitting there." I started to get up
"Have a seat. I can understand why you didn't notice." he gave me a smile.
Ranger soon came huffing over. "Babe. It's not what you think. We were just talking." he tried to explain
"You were rubbing her shoulder, she kissed you. You gave her a freaking hotel key." I glared as my voice rose. "This isn't the first time, but I will make sure it's the last."
"Please just give me a chance." he begged as he grabbed my hand
"Leave me alone." I yelled as I pulled my hand away.
He reached for me again as Roberts jumped out of his seat. "I think you should leave her alone." he cautioned
"She's my fiancee." Ranger complained
"I suggest you go back to that little whore over there. You just gave up the best woman you'll ever get." he told Ranger as I smiled. If this guy wasn't a rapist and murderer I might really appreciate him sticking up for me.
Ranger huffed and shook his head before walking away with a rejected look. He went back to Lester and the girls but this time he didn't put his arm around the girl. He kept watching us and brooding. I turned to Roberts "Thank you so much. I'm sorry if I intruded upon your night." I started to get up
He walked over and pulled the chair out more. "Please join me" he guided me into the seat by placing his hand on my back. I took a deep breath so I could control the shiver I felt when he touched me. It made me sick when he touched me.
"Thank you." I smiled as I pulled in the chair.
He stopped a waitress before she could walk by. "Excuse me can we please have two martinis?"
"Anything else?" she asked him as he looked over at me.
He smiled for a second like he had come up with the perfect answer. He turned back to her. "I will take a red headed slut and the lady will have a pineapple upside down cake."
"Sure hun." she smiled as she walked away with her tray.
"What?" I looked at him confused
"Shots. I ordered you a sweet one Stolichannya, Jim Beam, Peach Schnapps, Pineapple juice, one splash Maraschino Cherry Juice."
"Yum." I told him as I licked my lips. Damn, I didn't mean to do that but the drink did sound so good.
"And my red head? Peach Schnapps, Jagermeister, cranberry juice." he explained
"That sounds good too." I nodded. "I'm a lightweight and I have to drive. My fiancee well ex-fiancee has been making me drink water all night." I explained
"I will make sure you get home." Roberts smiled at me
"I'm Connie." I smiled as I held out my hand.
"Kyle" he grabbed my hand and pulled it to his lips and kissed it. I had to fight my desire to rip it back from him. "He's still watching. I think he realizes now his mistake. Perhaps we should show him how desirable you are." he turned his head slightly and looked at me with smoldering eyes.
"'I don't even care." I tried to look indifferent.
"Maybe he needs to feel some jealousy." Roberts raised his eyebrow and moved his chair over to my side of the table. When he got back into it our legs were touching. He put his arm around my shoulders and I smiled at him. From the corner of my eye I could see Ranger's blank face. Lester had his hand on Ranger's shoulder. I looked down to his hand on the railing he was holding and his knuckles were white.
"Here ya go." The waitress smiled as she set down our drinks. I smiled and thanked her and took of the martini.
He picked up the shots and handed me one before lifting his glass. "To new friends." he winked
He wouldn't stop staring at my face and I had no choice. I quickly drank the shot and then smiled. "That was really good." I told him honestly.
"I'm glad you liked it." he nodded "So, Connie what do you do?"
"I'm an administrative assistant." I told him "And you?"
"I'm and IT specialist." he told me as he drank some of his martini.
"That's interesting. How come a good looking guy like you is out alone tonight?" I flirted
"Just got out of a bad relationship like you." he winked as he put his hand on my thigh and I got still. He grabbed the olive from his glass and moved it towards me. He held it near my lips and I opened my mouth to take it. I tried not to gag as I gently pulled it off of the stick that held it.
"Mmmm" he moaned as I looked at him. I was trying to look anywhere but at Ranger. I know how I felt when I saw him with that girl so I can imagine how he feels now.
"Sorry to hear that about your relationship." I tried to look compassionate and tried to ignore his hand on my thigh slowly moving up.
I felt my neck tingle and then Ranger was at my side. "Let me at least take you home." he pleaded and I moved to get up. Roberts kept his hand on my leg and then moved his other arm to my shoulder to hold me in my seat.
"I will make sure Connie gets home." Roberts told him
"But..." Ranger began
"You have no one to blame but yourself." I reached up and held Kyle's hand that rested on my thigh and brought it up to the table. "I found a real man." I smirked at him.
"WHAT?" Ranger yelled and Lester came up behind him quickly and pulled him away.
I began to stand up and kept Robert's hand with me. I turned to look into his face. "This is putting a damper on my night." i pouted
"I can fix that." he gave me a big smile and I nodded.
"Let's get out of here. I want to show you some of my skills." I cooed before looking at Ranger "Have fun with your bimbo." I smirked
"Don't follow us past that door." Roberts warned Ranger and Lester as he gently moved his jacket to the side to show off his gun.
"Kyle." I gave him my best bedroom eyes as I pulled his hand towards me.
"Getting you out of that dress sounds good to me sexy." he took one more drink from his martini before following me towards the door. Ranger and Lester were just a few steps behind us.
As soon as we stepped outside the door Bobby and Ram pulled Roberts away from me. Tank, Ranger and Lester pushed past me as Cal pulled me away. I watched them get Roberts in cuffs and he glanced over at me with confusion in his eyes. "He has some friends but don't worry we will finish what we started." he spoke calmly.
I hugged myself as my body shivered. Cal grabbed my arm and pulled me in close to his side. Vnce and Brett were loading Roberts into the truck and Ranger was instantly in front of me. "You okay?"
"I'm fine." I assured him as Cal released my arm and Ranger pulled me into both of his.
"Babe" he murmured against my hair as he held me tightly to his chest.
"I think you enjoyed throwing that drink into my face." he raised an eyebrow.
"Just as much as you enjoyed that girl kissing your cheek." I challenged
"The olive? That was cold." he shook his head
"I almost threw up." I admitted
"Proud of you Babe." he smiled as he kissed me lightly.
He kept me in his arms and turned to face the guys that were left gathered around. "Successful mission." he nodded to them before they began heading out.
"So glad that all went well." Cal breathed out a sigh.
"Of course it did." I assured him with a smile.
We were in bed and I laid in Ranger's arms enjoying the sheets. "Are you upset I was too tired to go back in and dance?"
"Babe. I would rather lay here with you anytime. Go to sleep, I know you are tired." he pulled me in closer and I closed my eyes.
I woke up to my phone ringing and reached all over for it. I hit the button without even opening my eyes. "Hello?"
"Steph, it's Connie. We have two skips and they both expire Friday. I figured with your wedding coming up you would want to get rid of them today." she explained.
"What day is it?" I asked her as I started to blink.
"Wednesday." Ranger answered as he pulled me tightly against his warm body. I could feel his excitement as he pressed against me.
"Okay, I'll be in later to get the files." I assured her before I dropped my phone on the floor.
I turned to him and he slammed his lips against mine and pulled me on top of him. I moaned as he pressed against me. He ran his fingers through my hair and gently pulled my head away. He moved his lips to my neck while his other hands rid me of my panties. He pulled me away more and I sat up straight with my legs straddling him. I could feel his hardness pressed against me. He reached around me and moved his hands up my back taking my shirt with him. He grabbed my shoulders and pulled me down against him. I could feel his strong chest and abs pushed against me. I moved my hips back and felt him near my opening.
Again he pulled my hair back and looked into my eyes. He moved his hips up and moved inside me and held himself there without moving. we both moaned out looking into each other's eyes. I smiled as I began to make circles with my hips. He pulled my hair back harder and slammed into me. I groaned as he continued and leaned back. He bent his legs up and I laid back against them. His hands released my hair and moved to my thighs. He slowly moved them up towards me. One kept going all the way up to my breasts. The other hand moved to my center and his circles put me on the edge. It didn't take much longer until I was screaming out his name and forgetting mine.
I took my shower, got dressed and even ate breakfast while smiling the whole time. I was finishing my coffee when I looked across the table and noticed Ranger smiling and shaking his head at me. "What?"
"I love to see you smile." He admitted "I love it more when I had something to do with it."
I got up and went over to sit in his lap. I breathed out a sigh of content and kissed him. "I love you"
"I know" he kissed my cheek and I playfully swatted at him.
"So what is on your schedule today Mr. Manoso?"
"Wishing I could spend the day in bed with you will be on my schedule. I will be busting my ass to clear up all that I can and make sure Tank and I are on the same page. Three sleeps and you will be Mrs. Manoso and we will be spending lots of time in bed" he nuzzled his face into my neck.
"Where will this bed be?" I tried
"Babe." he kissed my neck but again didn't tell me where we would honeymoon. I moved off his lap and we were both on our feet when I leaned into his hug. "What's your schedule today?"
"Going into the office to grab a couple of files from Connie." I told him
"Uh Steph." he sighed
"Hey! I still have to clear up my skips before we get married. Skips don't care about weddings or messing with our plans." I reminded him
"I know Babe. Just do me a favor and take two guys with you today." he leaned his forehead against mine.
"Why two?" I pulled away.
"I want to see your beautiful face all in one piece when you are walking down the aisle to me." he kissed me before we both pulled away.
"You want to smother me." I told him as I gathered my things together
"I want to prevent others from trying to smother you." he smiled and followed me towards the door.
"You must love me." I teased
"Yeah you know that." He told me as we got into the elevator.
"So two guys it is. Awww you lub me so much!" I giggled
"Keep it up and it will be three men." he threatened
"Awww my little cuddleumkins wubs me." I smirked as he rolled his eyes.
"You asking for four Babe?" he spoke as the elevator doors opened on the fourth floor.
"You love me." I whispered as I leaned in close and kissed him.
He pulled me in tighter and pushed his tongue into my mouth. This new kiss made my knees weak before he quickly pulled away. I blinked my eyes looking up into his face. "I love you. You need back up and I need to maintain my sanity. Deal with it." he nodded as we separated and the doors opened.
"I get the honor of watching your backside today Bomber." Lester's voice came down the hall.
"I get the honor of watching Lester watch your backside and the pleasure of smacking him when he watches your backside." Bobby joked.
Ranger turned to both of them. "Vince and Brett will be following all day but you two will be within arms' reach at all times. "
"No problem with that." Lester rested his arm on my shoulders.
"Santos." Ranger warned
His head snapped forward and his arm dropped from my shoulders. I turned to see Tank had just slapped him in the head. "Don't push him right now Santos. We have a lot to take care of before the wedding. Just do your job and bring Bomber back bruise free with all of her limbs and no missing curls."
"We will" Bobby assured him
"Thanks for worrying." I told Tank as I gave him a hug and kissed his cheek.
"Let's get out of here before I get brain damage." Lester muttered
"Too late." Ranger said as he pulled me back into his hug and kissed the top of my head before he released me to join the boys waiting in the elevator.
We headed to the Bonds office and picked up the two files. One was Mooner and the other for a guy I never heard of. "Who the hell is Nutley Bagger?" I asked Connie
"No clue." she answered as Bobby and Lester snickered.
"You know him?" I turned and asked them
"No we don't know a Nut Bagger." Lester laughed and they both exploded.
I rolled my eyes "Grow up." I looked back at Connie "Thanks, I will bring back the receipts and then I am done until I get back from my honeymoon."
"Yeah, well I hope Lula gets her ass in here to help out when you are gone." she chomped on her gum
"Where is she today?" I asked
"Getting ready for the Batwedding." she rolled her eyes
"We don't have anything until rehearsal dinner on Friday."
"She's preparing." Connie and I laughed together
"Okay, be back soon. I"ll bring you lunch." I offered
"Meatball sub." Connie nodded
We took care of Mooner first. We bribed him with donuts and a quick rebonding. Lester brought him into the cop shop while Bobby and I stayed in the car and then we dropped him right back off at home. I was still trying to think of songs for the wedding. I was wondering if my mom would keep up her good mood. "Earth to Steph." Lester hollered
"What?" I turned to look at him in the backseat.
"I said Morelli got released and then Bobby asked where Nuts lives." he explained
"Great." I sighed "I want to just finish this and then focus on the happiest day of my life."
"Don't worry about him Steph." Bobby said softly. "It will be the best day for both of you."
"Okay, Nuts...he lives in Robinsville." I focused on the file. "Arrested for credit card fraud. He is 36 years old and no pic. "
"No picture? That's weird." Bobby said as he glanced over at the file.
"Focus on the road Brown." Lester directed him."What's the bond?"
I glanced down at the file "Damn it's 250k major credit card fraud on-line and some hacking charges." I explained
"A good chunk of change for us." Lester smiled
We pulled up a few houses away and got out of the car. "I guess we're not splitting up today?" I asked them as they walked on each side of me.
"Not a chance beautiful." Lester rested his arm around my shoulder.
We made a circle around the house looking into the windows but all of the drapes were drawn. We noticed what appeared to be a whole in the side of the house that had now been patched up with dry wall. Bobby climbed the back fence and Lester helped me get over as he followed. We walked through the back yard and checked the back door but it was locked. We got out through the gate and locked it behind us. It was almost as if the three of us were connected by a piece of rope we were so tight.
I was getting ready to whine that this was a little excessive but I stopped myself. I know Ranger was worried and I know our someday was just a few days away. I was willing to let him smother me a little bit. There was no car in the driveway and we couldn't get into the garage. Finally we decided to go the front door and knock. Of course the guys had drawn their guns and Bobby was currently standing in front of me as I felt Lester's breath on my neck. I rolled my eyes and leaned around Bobby to knock again. We heard a car pull up and all turned at once.
The guys quickly tucked away their guns as the pizza boy pulled two pizzas from his back seat and came towards us."You delivering here?" Lester asked
"Yes Sir. Mr. Bagger" The kid read from his slip.
"We'll take it." Lester extended his arm.
The kid looked confused. "I'm supposed to bring it in to him. He gives me a $5 tip to do that."
"Here's a $100 tip and we'll take it in." Bobby explained as he tipped the kid and paid for the pizza.
The kid practically skipped back to his car. Lester reached over and tried to lift the lid on one of the pizzas but I slapped his hand away. "Just curious about ball sack's choice of toppings." he shook his head at me.
"It's Bagger. Nutley Bagger." I corrected him.
I turned and opened the door while Lester quickly pushed me to the side. He looked into my eyes with a mean expression and shook his head, I followed him quietly with Bobby behind carrying the pizza. "Is that you Kenny? I got your tip in here, I'm just on the computer."
As we moved towards the voice we were immediately hit by an awful smell. The stench was so bad that Bobby and I both gagged and Lester squeezed his nose. I was worried it might be a dead body. We followed the voice and then suddenly stopped dead in our tracks. Bobby dropped the pizza and we all stood their with fish mouths.
"Hey, pick up my pizza! You'll ruin the cheese. One of those better be the everything pizza." Yelled Bagger.
None of us moved or closed our mouths. The first thing I spotted were wrappers and garbage everywhere. Empty buckets from Cluck in a Bucket, wrappers from McDonalds and so many other food chains. He had a couple of 2 liters of Coke sitting on a stack of pizza boxes that served as a make shift table. There were tray tables next to him with computer monitors. I saw there was a keyboard and a mouse resting on his stomach. I blinked my eyes to try to take it all in.
Bagger had blonde hair and blue eyes. He looked just as bad as he smelled. He was seated in a lift recliner and appeared to be well over 500lbs. He had a table cloth tucked into the top of his shirt serving as a napkin. He had just taken a drink straight from the 2 liter bottle of Coke he held in his plump hand. He looked at us and settled his eyes on me with a glare. "Bring me the freaking pizza." he demanded
"uhmmm are you uhmm Nutley Bagger?" I asked
"Look sweetie, bring that skinny little ass over and bring me the pizza. I'll happily devour the pizza and then you." he blew out a breath or was it a wheeze before turning back to look at one of the computer monitors.
"Mr. Bagger, my name is Stephanie Plum and I work for..." I began
"Listen sweetie, I don't need a prostitute I have pay per view. So you can take your two pimps and carry that skinny little ass out of here just as soon as you bring me my pizzas." He rolled his eyes.
I gave him my best Burg glare. "You are pissing me off now. You have violated your bond agreement asshole and I am not a hooker. Get your ass up because you need to be brought in for rebonding."
He laughed at me "They sent you and your two friends? Good luck with that."
I looked at Bobby and Lester and tossed my hands up silently asking them what should we do. Bobby stepped back and made a phone call as Lester picked up the pizza and we moved close to Bagger.
"If you come with us we can get some more pizza. You will be in and out before you know it." Lester told him as he handed over one of the pizza boxes.
"In and out? Mmm that makes me horny. Okay, forget the pay per view. Have her give me a ride and then I will go for a ride." he nodded his head towards me and Lester naturally moved in front of me as if it was a common reflex.
"Uhm I think you really don't want to talk about her like that." Lester warned "She has a fiancee who would happily knock that smile of your face. That's if I don't beat you to it."
Bagger blew out a breath and smirked. "I am sure I am more of a man than her fiancee could ever be. Don't let my weight fool you. I am not one of those big guys who has a little wiener." He reached down and moved his sweat pants. It was like a bad accident and you couldn't look away. Lester and I both glanced and saw the penis head sticking out between two rolls of fat. "See what you do to me honey? You're a little smaller than I prefer, but I can give you some meat."
"Watch your mouth." Bobby warned as he appeared at my side. The three of us turned around to talk while Bagger spewed his garbage.
"Since his bond is not expired yet the police will not help." Bobby explained
"What the hell?" Lester sighed
"The whole in the wall is from when they arrested him. Used a firetruck, some kind of pulley system and a flat bed truck. This won't be easy." Bobby sighed
"Well, what's our plan?" I asked them
"I don't want to walk away from this bond and I am pissed he is so nasty to Steph." Lester admitted
"Okay, let me make some phone calls. We need a saw, flat bed truck and I need to figure how to lift him onto the truck. Keep him busy." Bobby stepped away again
I walked closer and put my hands in my pocket looking down. "You like computers?" I asked him
"Pretty girl," he began as he looked up at me and winked "You don't need to make small talk, I have much better ways for you to use your mouth."
Lester grabbed my arm and pulled me back as he glared at the smiling Bagger. "Ahh I see this is your bodyguard." he motioned to Lester "I am sure I can take care of your body and satisfy you better."
"Stuff some pizza in that mouth before I feed you my fist." Lester threatened as I moved in front of him and placed my hands on his chest.
"We're supposed to keep him busy." I reminded him quietly
He sighed and nodded before he stepped around me. "You are really busy on those computers." Lester observed
"Yeah, it's about all I can do from this chair." Bagger sighed
"You don't get out much?" Lester asked him as I shrunk behind his back.
"No, not at all until the police arrested me a few weeks ago." he admitted
"Well, you will be going out today." Lester smiled at him
"No, I'm not in the mood. I need to finish with this new program I am writing to play with identities." he smirked
Bobby returned to us and began whispering to Lester about plans and I moved around the guys closer to Bagger. "I'm sorry you don't want to go out today. We will get you back as soon as possible." I assure him as he whipped his head to look at me.
"I will walk out the door and climb int the back of a van or truck." he offered
"Really?" I smiled "Good, I know it will feel great for you to get out."
"Yes, I will go quietly right after you get on your knees for me." he wiggled his eyebrows and quickly pulled down his sweats. He began rubbing the tip of his penis. Obviously unable to reach the rest that was trapped in between his rolls.
I gagged and turned away. "You are good at playing innocent. I bet you are a real freak in the sheets." I could hear him breathing hard. "Mmmm Stephanie."
Lester and Bobby quickly were at my side "Shit that's messed up." Bobby shook his head.
I turned away and Lester pulled me into his arms and slowly rubbed my back. I pulled away quickly and turned to see who it was.
"Why do you need so much equipment?" Tank asked as he entered the house
"Stteeeephhanieeee" Bagger moaned and Tank snapped his head to look at him. "I see why you need equipment."
"Put that thing away." Lester ordered as we heard what sounded like saws against the wall.
"I will put it away when she brings her pretty little mouth over here and finishes me off." he smiled as he continued to rub himself. He looked over to my eyes. "All you have to do is get on your knees" he breathed out hard 'I will fuck your mouth."
I ran for the door and actually threw up over the porch and into a bush. I felt a hand on my back and then Tank's voice. "You okay Bomber?"
"Yeah, sorry." I told him as he handed me some breath spray.
"What in the hell is going on?" Ranger asked as he jumped up onto the porch.
"Skip is overweight and we need extra equipment to get him out." Tank explained as I turned around. Ranger pointed his head toward me and Tank sighed "He is kind of obsessed with your woman."
Ranger put his arm around me and guided me back into the house. He suddenly tensed when he heard Bagger "Ohhhh Stephanieee. Come and finish me honey."
We walked into the living room and Bagger was still rubbing his penis and he looked up to stare directly at me. Ranger shook his head and glared at the man. He motioned for Bobby and Lester to join him. He leaned around me and reached into my purse. He pulled out my small bottle of sanitizer before he pulled out his cuffs as he nodded at the guys. They pulled out their cuffs as well. He squeezed my shoulder and the guys advanced towards Bagger.
"Move so I can look at her face as I finish." Bagger ordered them.
I watched as the guys approached. Ranger took the sanitizer and poured it right onto the hand Baggerr had wrapped around his penis. "Hey! That stings" he called out as he released his penis.
Ranger said nothing as he grabbed the back of the man's head and yanked him forward. Lester and Bobby grabbed his arms and they used all three pairs of cuffs to get his hands behind his back. I could hear the beeping of a truck backing up outside.
"Kinky! You guys going to watch while she finishes me off." Bagger smiled
Ranger looked down at him. "Last warning and that's it." he glared at him.
"Oh! You must be the fiancee. How does it feel to know your woman is lusting after my big tool." he smiled up at Ranger. "Guess she prefers a man with some meat on his bones."
Ranger shook his head but Bagger continued as he looked over to me. "Bring that sweet little ass over here you sexy slut."
Ranger moved so fast I heard the punch before I noticed it happened. "Hey! That's police brutality." Bagger whined as blood began to form on his bottom lip
"I'm not the police." Ranger spoke with a calm voice.
I heard noise at the patched up wall and saw Ram and Hal as the wall came down. Bagger glanced over and smiled. Lester went over to the wall and looked out. "How are we going to get him onto the truck?" he asked
"Get sweet Stephanie to shake her ass in front of me and I'll follow that little whore anywhere." he snickered
Ranger pulled out his gun and held it to Bagger's temple. "I'm not afraid you. If you had any balls your woman wouldn't be crazing mine.
Ranger moved again. This time I watched as Rangger smashed his foot down on top of Baggers' "What the fuckkkkk? This is bullshit. That hurt. I think you broke a toe." He barely got the last word out before Ranger turned to walk away. As he did i I could see his elbow hang out from his body as he guided it right to Bagger's face.
Bobby smiled. "Accidental." he explained
"What's going on?" I heard a voice and looked out to see Morelli's face. I looked back to Ranger and he sighed
"We got this Morelli." he stepped away from Bagger and moved towards the wall.
"I'm a PI now and was watching the house for his ex-wife." Morelli explained as Tank chuckled
"A PI?" he shook his head.
"Everyone knows that I am good at investigating." Morelli smirked. "Everyone in the Burg was dying to hire me. They see how I was framed and bullied off the force. "
"You can follow him to the cop shop." Lester smiled.
Ranger moved over and spoke quietly to Cal who had just showed up. Cal nodded and moved towards me. Ranger nodded at the other guys and they moved in towards Bagger. "Help me, they're going to kill me. All this shit because his whore was salivating over a better man."
"Watch your mouth." Morelli warned him
Cal moved in front of me and I took a deep breath as he reached around and grabbed my hand. I exhaled as he squeezed my hand. I peered over his shoulder and watched Tank, Ranger, Lester, Bobby, Hal and Ram all surround the recliner and lift it up. "Put me down you skinny bitches." Bagger yelled as he tried to swing his hands toward the guys.
They carried him to the opening in the wall and placed him onto the flat bed truck that had backed up to the house. Bagger was finally quiet for a moment as Lester and Bobby jumped down and started arranging a strap to go across Bagger's lap then he started complaining. He was screaming and slurring every word.
"Cupcake?" I heard Joe's voice moving closer.
"I'm working." I told him as Cal moved us towards the wall opening.
"I just want a minute of your time." He pleaded as Ranger appeared at my side. Cal and Ranger nodded at each other before Cal released my hand and moved towards the wall where he stayed next to Morelli.
"You want to talk to her at Rangeman anytime." Ranger spoke calmly to Morelli.
"And end up locked in one of your 'holding rooms'?" Morelli shook his head and I looked to Ranger and caught his smile.
I looked towards the wall and watched the truck slowly pull away. Bobby and Lester were sitting on each side of the recliner and Bagger was still running his mouth. I looked back to Morelli who had put his hands into his pockets and stared at the ground. For just one second I pitied him and then visions of him attacking me at the station flashed through my mind.
"Goodbye" I said with a glare as I gently pulled Ranger's hand and he turned to nod at me. He pulled me to the font door, never taking his eyes off of Morelli.
We hopped into Ranger's Porsche and pulled away from the curb. I looked in the side mirror and saw Morelli standing in the street with his hands on his hips. My body shivered. I could feel Ranger's eyes on me as he grabbed my hand and pulled it towards him. He squeezed my hand before he spoke "Babe"
"WE DON"T HAVE A SONG!" I whined as we heed home.