A/N: Thank you so much for all the kind words and reviews. I really appreciate all your enthusiasm. You guys are the best :)

:) M rating

Extra special thanks to my beta, Fredda (Rangergirl1234) for her insight and ideas on how to make this chapter stronger. Fredda, you're the best :)

JE owns the characters; I'm just taking them for a test drive.

Chapter 38 Coming Back

The neurologist finally showed up to check out the bump on the back of my head. It had also turned into a pretty good-sized goose egg. Great, I had three of them now. It hurt when he touched it and I winced.

"That's a pretty bad bruise. I want to do a couple of tests to see if you have a concussion."

I nodded ok, and he took out his flashlight and looked into my eyes. I guessed he didn't like what he saw because he repeated the test. He turned and spoke to Carlos and Bobby.

"I'm pretty sure she has a mild concussion, I don't want you to let her sleep for more than two hours at a time tonight. And I'd like to see her in my office on Friday."

I hate when people talk about me as if I'm not there. "I know the drill doctor," I said, so he'd know to speak to me in the future, "I've had a number of concussions in the past."

I turned to Carlos, "I can set the alarm; you don't need to get up with me."

"Babe," he said with a tone that meant, 'that's not going to happen.'

The doctor turned to Carlos. "Are you her boyfriend?"

"Fiancé," Carlos answered.

"I want you to wake her every two hours tonight. You do know the AVPU code, don't you?"

Carlos shook his head, looked to Bobby and then to me to see if it was something I had done before. I also shook my head no and the doctor explained.

"It's a patient assessment process. 'A', is the victim alert? 'V', do they respond to voice? 'P', do they respond to pain? Pinch her to check. And 'U', is unresponsive to anything attempted. Every time you wake her up, talk to her. See if she's alert. If she doesn't respond to your voice, pinch her and if she's unresponsive to all three measures, call me immediately," and he handed Carlos his card. "I would also keep an icepack on that bump."

Carlos assured the doctor he would assess me every time he woke me, and they agreed to release me to him. Because Bobby was the medic at Rangeman and he assured the doctor that he would look in on me daily, I was able to get out of that Friday appointment too.

We were in the Rangeman car, heading back to Haywood and I had a little time to think about things before I spoke again. "Is Hector in his apartment? I'd like to see him. Can we call him when we get home?"

Carlos picked up his phone and texted Hector or Les or someone. After a few back and forth keystrokes he turned to me, "Hector and Santos got back from TPD about a half an hour ago. Hector said he was going to his apartment and Ella offered to make him dinner. If you want, we can all have dinner together on seven. We just need to set a time."

"What time is it now Carlos?" I asked, all confused by the events of the day.

"It's 6:30 Babe, shall we say 7:00?"

I nodded my head and Carlos continued with his text. "He's going to come up and Ella said she'd set the table for three and have food in the warming oven."

"Thank her for me Carlos, please?"

I saw him text another quick text, then he shut his phone just as Bobby parked the Explorer in one of Carlos' spots so I wouldn't have to walk very far. We said goodbye to Bobby when the elevator stopped on five. I gave him a kiss and a hug for staying with me today and then the elevator shut again and we went up to seven.

Carlos fobbed us in and set me up on the couch after I changed out of my ripped, bloodstained clothes. He went to get ice for my head and came back with a package of frozen peas. "I understand these are better than ice because they mold to the area so I had Ella stock the freezer just in case we needed them." I guessed he had taken my past calamities into consideration when I moved in and had Ella shop accordingly.

He gently pulled me into his lap and he kissed the top of my head. "Babe, you have no idea how frightened I was today when I saw you in all that blood. I thought Kraven had used one of his toys on you. And I really would have killed him if he hurt you."

"Carlos, he killed our baby," I said and I burst into tears again.

"Dios, Babe. I am so sorry."

I wasn't sure if it was my high level of hormones or the concussion that had me so emotional. I'm not usually a crier. Carlos wiped the tears from my eyes and spoke softly to me. "Babe, are you going to be ok? Is there anything I can do to help you?"

I nodded my head no. "I'll be ok Carlos; I just seem to be really teary right now. I'm sorry."

Carlos was holding me and cooing to me in Spanish when our doorbell rang. Since I was on Carlos' lap, I got up first to go to the door. I felt slightly light-headed as I stood, no doubt from the blood loss from the miscarriage. Carlos held his hand on my hip while I acclimated myself. "Are you ok Babe?"

"Yea, just a little dizzy. I'll be fine." I walked to the foyer and started to open the door. I knew it was Hector, but I peeped through the peephole first just to be sure.

I let him in and gave him a big hug. He had almost as traumatic a day as I had, and I wanted him to know I appreciated everything he did.

"Thank you Hector."

"De Nada. Are you ok?"

I nodded yes; then I shook my head no and burst into tears again. God, what was wrong with me today?

"I'm sorry Hector, it's been kind of an emotional day."

"Did he hurt you? I kill him myself."

I shook my head no again. "Just bangs and bruises, but he threw a heavy metal ball at me and he caused me to miscarry," I told Hector. Since we were friends, as well as business partners now, he should hear this from me as the news would be all over Rangeman soon enough."

"Miscarry? You two pregnant?" He asked making me realize he understood a lot more than we all gave him credit for.

"We were, but we didn't know it. We're not any more."

"I sorry Steph," he said, giving me another hug.

"Come on in Hector," I said, realizing we were still in the foyer.

"Does Ella know?" he asked, as we walked towards Carlos who had just come out of the living room to greet Hector.

"No. At least I don't think so," and I looked over to Carlos for confirmation. Carlos shook his head no, then asked Hector why.

"In my country there is herb cataplasma. Ranger, how I say cataplasma o emplasto en Inglés?"

"Poultice" Carlos answered, suddenly interested in what Hector was trying to say.

"We use Abuta herb poultice and tea for miscarry. Can we call Ella?"

Carlos was already on the intercom as Hector was telling us about the herbal remedy. He called Hector over and the three of them had a conversation in Spanish.

Carlos turned to me. "Ella is coming up with dinner, but she's also going to call her sister in Newark to see if she can get some Abuta for you Steph. Hector was right; it's a common South American herbal treatment for miscarriages and post-natal pain. It supposedly has a calming effect on the central nervous system too. It can't hurt to try some. Ella said it's called the Midwives Herb. If her sister can tell her where to get it I can send one of my men to Newark."

I'd try anything to stop these bouts of tears. As I was deciding if herbs were the way to go, I was hit be another intense cramp in my abdomen. God, it felt like my body was pulling in on me. I had to sit down and as I made my way to one of the dining room chairs that was nearby, I felt another gush of blood pour out of me. Thank God I was wearing the hospital's extra-large, extra-wide, extra-absorbent pads. I felt a little faint and the six inches that the chair was still away from me was too far and I collapsed onto the floor.

Carlos was at my side in a second.

"Babe? Are you ok?" he asked sounding more concerned then I'd ever heard him

I shook my head no, then shook it yes. "I'm sorry. I had a really bad cramp and I just felt more stuff come out of me. Didn't the doctor say my miscarriage was complete?"

"I have her number, should I call her? Do you want me to take you to the ER?"

I shook my head no to both suggestions and took some deep breaths. "I think I'll be ok, the cramps seem to be diminishing."

Hector came over and took my other hand. "Stephanie, my sister miscarry two times. I there for both, it was same with her. I think can last for almost week. Please try Abuta. You feel better."

Carlos' intercom buzzed. I assumed it was Ella as they had just hung up. Carlos answered and put her on speaker.

"My sister has some in capsule form. She gives it to my niece for menstrual cramps. She says the herbal apothecary is closed now, but if we want she'll give us the capsules."

Carlos looked over at me to see what I wanted to do. If this was a tried and true South American remedy, I was willing to try it. I nodded yes and Carlos asked for her sister's address. He hung up with Ella and called down to five. He asked whoever answered if there was someone who could to go to Newark and pick up something for me.

As they were squaring away the address our doorbell buzzed again. I was feeling strong enough now to navigate the space and made my way to the door, knowing it was Ella with our dinner. She wheeled the cart in and I closed the door. She came over to me and gave me a hug.

"Dear, I am so sorry about the baby," and I burst into tears again at the word baby.

This Abuta stuff had better work because once word got around Rangeman the guys would all be sending their condolences and I didn't want to burst into tears any time someone mentioned the baby. In fact, my sister called little Alexa 'the baby'. That's all I would need is for her to say 'the baby' and for me burst into tears. Not only would my miscarriage be all over Rangeman, it would be all over the 'Burg.

I wasn't feeling particularly hungry until I took the cover off the casserole dish to bring it to the table. Ella had made a spicy chicken and vegetable stew that looked and smelled fabulous. Breathing in the exotic, almost cinnamony aroma I couldn't hold back a moan.

Everyone turned and looked at me. Hey, at least I wasn't crying.

"Guys, I don't know about you, but I'm starving," I said to no one in particular.

Ella said goodbye to us, hugged me almost motherly again and rolled her cart back out the door. Carlos went to get a bottle of wine and Hector and I sat down at the table.

"I'm coming with you to the two go-sees tomorrow," I said, before either he or Carlos could come up with a reason why I shouldn't.

"You ok for that?" Hector asked.

"I need to follow through on these. I found the companies and we did so much work. I can't let Manny get the glory."

"Stephanie, everyone know you do this. If you no feel good, it's ok. We be fine. Manny just translate in case I get mix up. I ask same questions you and I talk about. But I no hold you back if you feel good and want to come."

"I'll be ok. The Eisenberg's are at ten. What time did you re-schedule Peter Burg for?"

"He at one. We can go to lunch in-between and go over things. You sure you ok?" he asked again, just as Carlos joined us with the open bottle of wine.

Carlos heard that last part of our conversation and I saw him eyeing me quizzically to see what I was going to say.

"Here's the deal," I said; ready to spill it all out. "If I wake up and I feel ok, I'm going. But if I don't, I'll call you on the intercom right away so that you can let Manny know to get ready." I thought that was pretty fair and I was giving myself an out if I really needed it.

The guys agreed with me and I felt like I won the battle. There was no one putting their foot down and no further arguments.

I was afraid to have more than a glass of wine because of my concussion, so I sipped it slowly during dinner and felt myself getting really sleepy and starting to lose track of the conversation.

Carlos looked over at me and noticed me struggling to stay awake. "Babe, do you want to lay down on the couch? I'll put on some coffee and we'll join you in a bit. I saw that Ella made you tiramisu. I'll can cut you a piece and bring it in?"

I nodded at the tiramisu and got all happy thinking about it. "Thank you Carlos. I guess I'm more tired than I thought I was. If I close my eyes for five minutes, I should be ok."

That was the last thing I remember saying, until Carlos woke me. I looked at the clock and saw it was 2 am. I was in our bed and dressed in my pjs. "Carlos, you were supposed to wake me every two hours," I said startled.

"Babe, I have been. We spoke a few words so that I knew you were ok and then I let you go back to sleep. You even took two of the Abuta caps that Lester brought up for you. Don't you remember?"

I nodded my head no, suddenly feeling like an Alzheimer patient. "It's ok Babe, don't worry. You need your sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."

And amazingly, I did. I woke up on my own at a quarter to six and felt fabulous. Carlos was up; I could hear him moving around, so I got up to find him.

He was in his office on his computer and looked up when he heard me tentatively knock. "Babe," he said smiling. He got up and came over to me. He wrapped his arms around me, kissed me on top of my head and just held me. It always feels so good to be in his arms, but this felt especially tender and loving.

"Thank you Carlos," I said. "Thanks for taking care of me."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Hungry," I said and smiled. "I never got my tiramisu last night."

"I'd say have it for breakfast, but I don't want to encourage you," he grinned and held me tighter. "Dios, I'm so glad you're back."

I showered, shaved and buffed as best I could. I looked down at my shins and realized a skirt was out of the question today, as much as I really wanted to wear one and look uber-professional. I opted for black dress slacks with heels and a really cool blue print top I found in the closet. Ella must have been shopping again.

Ella had brought up Carlos' usual breakfast, but since I was going on a call in a couple of hours, I thought better of having smoked salmon. I toasted my bagel and had it with butter instead, taking another two Abuta capsules with coffee.

I called Hector to let him know I was going to be his partner for the day. I added another coat of mascara, kissed Carlos goodbye (God did I kiss Carlos goodbye) and went downstairs to see what I missed.

Bobby and Lester were in Bobby's office when I walked by. Bobby spotted me and called me in. "Steph how are you feeling?" Bobby asked, ever the medic.

"I'm good. I feel so much better than I did last night. And Les, thank you for going to Newark for me."

"You're welcome Beautiful. Hey, I guess those things work. From what Ranger told me last night, you were in a pretty bad mental state."

"Yeah, let's just say I wasn't myself. I have a lot to do today, so I want to check my work email and get started. I'll catch up with you guys later," I said, turning around, finger-waving the guys and making my way to my office next door.

I had just sat down and turned on my computer when my cell phone rang. I saw by the display that it was Lula and answered with the Rangeman "Yo" that seemed to be catching.

"Girlfriend, Tank just told me. I'm so sorry. How are you feeling?"

"I'm ok Lula. At least I'm not bursting into tears today. They got Kraven yesterday so it looks like it will be safe for us to go out again. Let's have lunch tomorrow."

"White girl you seem to be forgetting something. Pearce is still on the loose and I'm sure he's angrier than ever now that all his allies have been taken down."

Donny Pearce was the ex-Trenton Rangeman employee who was fired for his anger issues and the friction he caused between Rangeman and TPD with his over-the-top take down tactics. And Pearce was one of the guys that abducted Manny. Kraven had posted his bond and gotten him out. Everyone else was dead or in some kind of custody; Pearce was still on the street. And clearly he wasn't afraid to show off his muscle.

"Shit, I forgot about him."

"Girlfriend, he's not someone to forget about. Remember what he did to Manny? He be trying similar shit on us, if he finds us. You and Hector need to keep your eyes open today."

I heard her, and I heard her loud and clear. After we hung up I went next door to Bobby, as I wasn't sure where Carlos was. "Bobby can you set me up with the earrings again before Hector and I go out? Lula just reminded me that Pearce is still out there."

"Of course Steph. Ranger should have them in his office. He had us check them out last night to make sure they still worked. They were good, so I gave them back to him."

I guess I missed a lot last night. Seems that both Les and Bobby had been in touch with Carlos while I was sleeping.

I texted Carlos to find out where he was and mentioned the earrings so neither of us would forget. Of course Carlos never forgets, but I could.

He was still upstairs making some phone calls, but he said he'd be down before Hector and I had to leave and that he'd find me. I wondered who he was calling? He usually made his business calls from his office on five.

While I was musing about who he might be talking to, Hector knocked on my door. Hector was dressed in his suit again and had covered his gang tats just like yesterday. He was wearing the same suit, but I noticed that he had on a different shirt and tie. I was glad he had some wardrobe options.

"Steph, how are you doing?" he asked. "Did Abuta do anything?"

"I'm a new person. Thanks for recommending that stuff."

"De nada. I sign up for English class this morning," he announced, sounding really proud. "It Tuesday and Thursday night and it start Tuesday."

"That's great Hector. Does Carlos know? Rangeman should pay for your classes."

"Sí, I toll…told…him last night when you sleep."

God, what else was going on while I was sleeping? But this was good news. I felt that the only thing keeping Hector back was his English. Maybe the guys would see in him what I did and add him to the core team once he became fluent. He'd be a great asset.

"Hector, I need to find Carlos before we leave. I want to wear the earrings again," And he smiled at me. "You put yours on, I take mine off," he said and pointed to his naked ears.

I texted Carlos again as we needed to leave in order to get to the Eisenberg's by ten and instead of hearing the buzz of a return text, I heard Carlos' voice in my doorway.

"Babe."

I looked up and couldn't help but smile. Carlos was dressed in a suit and had softly spiked his hair. Handsome GQ man was back. He handed me the earrings and helped me put them on. While he fastened the last one I asked him where he was going, as he usually didn't wear a suit to work.

"I'm meeting with Campbell's Soup. They called yesterday after they heard about the Bristol-Meyers break in. They are using the same security service that Bristol-Meyers used and don't want to take any chances. This is a great opportunity for Rangeman."

"Carlos why didn't you tell me?"

"Don't worry Babe, this is just an initial meeting. I want you to come with me to all subsequent meetings with them."

That wasn't what I meant, but it was good to know I was on his radar like that.

"Well good luck today."

"You too, Babe," he said as he pulled me in and tipped my head up for a kiss. Oh God, it was a really great kiss. If they offered kissing as an Olympic event, Carlos could win gold hands down.

We broke apart, but obviously it hadn't been enough for him, so he pulled me back in for another. "Babe, let's go shopping this afternoon. I found a custom jewelry store in Haddon Heights. I think you'll like their mounting rings. And if we don't see something we like, we can have one designed. They hand-select their own diamonds from Antwerp, Belgium."

"Carlos, are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Babe," he replied and lovingly swatted me on the ass. "I'll pick you up at 3. I made a 4:00 reservation for us."

I kissed Carlos goodbye again and Hector and I took off to meet with the Eisenbergs.

"He love you Stephanie." Hector said when we were in the Mercedes and he had once again commandeered the keys from me. "He very worried about you last night. I never see him worry before."

"I guess I was in bad shape yesterday. I'm sorry that I upset all of you. I really am ok today." And I wanted that to end the conversation about me, so I turned on the radio.

Someone, well it was probably me, had the radio set to Sirius XM Hits1 and Pitbull's 'Back in Time' had just come on. While I was grooving on 'It's Mr. Worldwide, Agent A, reporting live,' Hector spoke.

"We get security contract for him for Atlantic City concert."

"Really?"

"Sí, we find out yesterday. He Cuban, so I think Ranger being Cuban seal the deal," he said, sharing his thinking. "We also Miami security. You like him?"

"Yeah I do. Can we get passes?"

"Sí, I going. Santos and Tank say they going too. You and Ranger should come. I ask the tailor."

"Have you two gone out yet?"

"Sí, we go to club in New York. It was good. We like each other."

"What's his name?" I asked, having to know the details.

"Miguel. Miguel Santos. No relations to Lester."

I was glad Hector's date worked out and they were going out again. He deserved some fun too. I was just musing to myself about Hector and Miguel when Hector stopped the car. PrimoData also had their office in Trenton proper and we had a choice of street or underground parking. I guess Hector stopped so I could decide and possibly avoid another garage encounter.

"It's ok Hector, we can park in the garage. I'm on high alert."

He made a turn into the garage and parked. I think we both were a little apprehensive about getting out of the car, but we undid our seat belts, opened our doors and got out. Hector fobbed the car locked and we walked out of the garage together without incidence. I could see Hector scanning for bad guys as we approached PrimoData's entrance, but so far, so good.

Shirley was manning the desk and when she saw me she got up from her post and came around to give me a hug and an air kiss. "Lenny is here, but Gary is running late," she whined. "Do you want to wait or shall I bring you in to see Lenny?"

We were good on time as our meeting with Peter wasn't until one and I really wanted to meet both of them and see first-hand the dynamic between them.

"We can wait Shirley," I said then introduced her to Hector. "Shirley, this is Hector Santiago, he works for Carlos and we kind of partnered ourselves together on the Data Security business. Hector this is my cousin Shirley Gazzara. I think you know her husband Eddie, from TPD?"

"Sí, nice to meet you Shirley," Hector said in his best English with his hand offered for a shake.

We sat down to wait and I checked my iPhone for email and voice messages. Nothing to speak of, but I did get a text from Carlos. "Break a leg :) C-"

I quickly texted him back, "U 2", and felt better from the contact. Not that I was feeling bad, in fact I felt prepared and confident.

While I was putting my phone back into my bag a tall, dark-haired man came through the front door and said hello to Shirley. I assumed it was Gary Eisenberg as he walked straight back, past her guard post.

Once he was out of hearing distance Shirley pssssed me and whispered, "That was Gary, give him a few minutes to get settled and I'll being you into the conference room."

I heard her phone line buzz and she picked it up and spoke to us in her annoying nasal tone. "They're ready for you."

We gathered our stuff and followed her back. The offices were nice, but I didn't see too many people milling around. I wondered if they were doing as well financially as my search had indicated. I mean shouldn't you hear a little chit chat when you walked the halls? Even Rangeman buzzed, except when Carlos was on deck, and even that seemed to have changed lately.

Shirley left us in a small conference room and as the Eisenberg's hadn't arrived yet, I texted Hector my thoughts. I saw him reach into his pocket to look at the offending buzz. He grinned and texted back to me, "I think same."

Our meeting went well. I asked all the questions we prepared and they answered everything satisfactorily. I was ready to pack it in, when Hector asked, "How many employees do you have?"

I watched the Eisenbergs squirm in their seats and Lenny answered. "Right now we have five, plus our receptionist. We just let fifteen people go as we weren't making our projections."

"And why is that?" I asked. "Data security is a very profitable commodity. You should have clients begging you to take them on?"

"We signed some bad paper when we first started the business," Gary told us. "We needed collateral and we didn't qualify for a bank loan."

Mob backing I thought, but didn't say anything and let him continue.

"We've been trying to buy ourselves back, but between the rent here and the high interest we pay on our 'loan', it's been tough to save the kind of money we need to do that."

Bingo. These guys want to sell. I still wanted to meet with Peter Burg, but this was good to know. Hector seemed to be thinking faster than I was today as he chimed in with another question. "The men you have on staff, they good? Or you and Gary do all coding yourselves?"

"We're both capable of writing code, but we have a genius on staff, Bruno Lucas."

"Can we meet him? I want to ask some questions," Hector pushed.

I knew Hector was as good as anyone when it came to code and gaining access to supposedly secure servers, so I was glad he asked, although this was a little off the cuff.

"Sure. I don't know if he's in yet though, he keeps his own hours and he was here late last night. I'll have Shirley page him," and he picked up the phone that was on the conference room table and spoke softly to my cousin.

Gary turned back to us, "He just walked through the door. Shirley's going to send him in. One thing you need to know, he is from Brazil and his English isn't the best." He looked over at Hector, "How's your Portuguese?"

"Bueno. My country right next to Brazil. We speak Portuguese as well as Spanish."

I didn't know that, but I should have guessed. Most of the men Carlos hires are multi-lingual.

Bruno walked into the room and he smiled when he saw Hector. My antennea went up. Either they knew each other, they were both gay and gay people can always spot one another, or it was just because they were the only mocha latte skinned people in the room.

Gary introduced us to Bruno and he smiled again and addressed Hector in what I assumed was Portuguese. Bruno looked over to me, Gary and Lenny and spoke in the same broken English that Hector speaks. "I sorry. My English not good. I understand you have question for me. It easier if I speak Portugese. Mr. Santiago say he speak. Ok we talk?"

We all nodded yes and the two of them broke into rapid-fire Portuguese, which to my untrained ears sounded a lot like rapid-fire Spanish. They were nodding and smiling at one another and I could tell the conversation was going well. They stopped and shook hands.

Hector turned to us, "We on same page. Bruno approach code same way I do. He very smart. I like his ideas."

We thanked everyone for their time and told them we'd be speaking with them soon and Hector and I left to talk over lunch. As we walked out of the building I could see Hector scanning for bad guys again and only when he didn't see any was it ok for me to venture into the street. Of course this was all non-verbal, but I knew the drill.

The parking lot was empty, but again Hector did the 360º scan before he fobbed the car open. Once we were locked in and buckled up, he turned to me and spoke.

"As soon as I hear Bruno name, I know he from Brazil and I wanted to talk in person. We in Sudamérica have different way seeing code than you. That why we make good hacker. Brazil, Agentina and my country Bolivia known for technology. I happy with him."

"And I thought there was a lot of potential for buying the company. They seem like they are in over their heads, but we do have to talk to Peter Burg first before we make any decisions."

"Sí."