Chapter 12. Undercover.

I'm officially out of holiday hibernation! Thank you for sticking with the story after such a long hiatus. I've spent a lovely three weeks with my beloved family in my hometown (currently 500 miles away). We also sadly had to say goodbye to a beloved family member so we added another trip back to our hometown.

In this update, you finally get to see Stephanie and Ranger together forever! I've got to say the Joe side of this story has grown a bit more than what I had hoped for and I'm excited to see where that story thread goes. As always I hope you enjoy the story dancing around in my head. Many thanks to my husband and my girlfriends at Trashy Books.

I'm making no money taking no money and Evanovich is Queen of the Plum universe.

Give it up.

Lula reluctantly dropped Stephanie off at the Plum house, Stephanie insisted she needed to make sure Grandma was staying out of trouble. Lula watched Stephanie enter her childhood home before she pulled away from the curb. She was hungry so she headed to Mr. Clucky's, it had just begun to rain and as usual, the line was long at the drive-through. To kill time Lula scrolled through her messages most were crap except one, she had missed a call from Tank. She returned it but it went straight to voice mail, Lula wasn't a woman who gave up easily on the fifth try he answered.

"It's about time you big lug! Hows my man tonight?"

"I'm happy to hear your voice"

"It's hard to hear you, it's noisy in the background. Do you want to call me back later?"

"No, hang on." Tank covered the phone and muffled his words then all was quiet.

"So where are you at?" he asked

"I'm in line gettin some chicken then I thought about running to Crazy-mart and picking up a few things."

"Can you come home now?"

"I could but I'm kinda hungry and I need some lady shit if you know what I mean. What's with all the questions?"

"I'm here at your place in fact if you could get a little more chicken and bring it back we can have dinner, dessert, and an explanation if you forgo the lady things."

"Well you could tell me now and I can stop and get some whipped cream to go with dessert!"

"Oh, Lula you're killing me. Could you get three buckets of chicken wait make it four and lots of sides."

"Tank I don't care much for you avoidi'n my questions!"

Did you hear that Rangeman was attacked tonight?"

"Say what?"

"Rangeman was attacked."

"I have no words for that. Who would go and be stupid enough to attack Ranger?"

"I don't know but we need to find out. I hope you don't mind that I asked Ranger and few guys over strategize."

"Of course it's ok."

The loudspeaker blasted out at Lula "Would you like to try our new chicken and waffle sandwich combo today?"

"Gotta go Tank I'll be home as fast as I can."

"Be careful Lula"

Never Piss off Old People

When Stephanie Plum opened the front door she accidentally tipped over three large storage totes of baby things. She did her best to clean up most of the mess but may have missed a few items then pushed the stack further from the front door so they couldn't be knocked over again.

Her attention was drawn elsewhere when she smelled cigar smoke coming from the kitchen. It was alarming because she had never known anyone to smoke in her mother's house.

Grandma sat among several seniors in the minuscule kitchen. An old fashioned triangle-shaped ashtray sat in among coffee cake and drinks, it was filled with cigars that were emitting a good deal of smoke. The kitchen window was raised and the fan over the stove had been turned on in an effort to clear the smoke. Grandma looked up and smiled

"Stephanie!" she said with excitement the others also acknowledged her.

"We are having a meeting of the minds!"

Stephanie pointed at the cigars "Uhh this is new?"

"This my darling is the smell of victory" Grandma's enthusiasm was shared among her visitors.

"You are scary when you say things like that."

"Well, it's true! Let me introduce you to my friends, this is Leo Lombardi and his neighbor Marco Esposito." Leo's glasses hung low off of his hooked nose, his almost bald head was so shiny you could see a reflection of light and he wore typical old man high waisted trousers with suspenders along with a button-up shirt. Marco was a little more up to date he had on dark modern framed glasses that matched his small patch of dark hair on the top of his head, he wore a chambray shirt with tan trousers and loafers.

"You might know Marco's kids they are about your age." she moved on and pointed to the only lady at the table.

"JoAnn Murphy is our fall girl should we need one she's Director of Activities at Shady Pines. You might think she's our informant but you'd be wrong." she took a deep breath and coughed a bit then was able to continue. "You just missed Muffy Parker by ten minutes she had to get home before dark on account of her cataracts. You might know her daughter Lucy Olender she works at City Hall." Stephanie gave everyone a finger wave.

"Muffy was wondering how many properties did the Gilliams own cause she knows that they happen to own the Tasty Pastry building as well as that old vacant firehouse beside it. Well, come to find out Gilliam Properties owns that entire block."

"How did you find that out?"

"Muffy's daughter knows how to search the county records anonymously online by the property owner. So we took the results list and compared it to a map and they own a lot of Trenton!"

"Why own Trenton?"

"That's the million-dollar question" Leo interjected.

"We did find out something interesting though, do you know who Lucy's husband is?" Grandma asked.

"No, but I'm sure you do."

"Her husband is Ozzy Olender does he sound familiar? He should he's the Chief at the Hamilton road firehouse. Anyhow Ozzy was listening while we were looking up the property and come to find out Ozzy launched an investigation over six months ago because it seems as though a lot of fires have been happing on Gilliam owned properties. Ozzy said he's betting on insurance fraud but with the crime so high I'm not sure he's right. He and I are going to find someone to look over crime statics tomorrow. I think we are going to put the squeeze on Eddy because he's related so he's obligated."

"Wow, I'm impressed."

"So am I." said a tall dark mocha latte man dressed in all black standing behind Stephanie.

"Sorry I interrupted I knocked on the front door but nobody answered, If you all don't mind I need to talk to Stephanie for a few minutes."

"Go right ahead!" Grandma said while she pushed me out the kitchen door and into Ranger's chest. He put his arm around an unsteady me.

"You two go in the living room we still have some planning to do." Grandma said as she disappeared behind the kitchen door.

Ranger let go and took a few steps away from me, we walked into the living area he stood by the mantle and sat on the couch. He cleared his throat then looked like he was agitated.

"So I guess congratulations are in order."

"Thanks but I'm not sure it's going to happen yet." I crossed my legs hoping he would take a hint and sit too.

"Oh it will be here before you know it and soon you will never be able to imagine your life otherwise."

"Umm, I'm thinking of backing out, in fact, I don't think it's fair to Joe if I talk it over with you before I talk to him."

"Steph I'm surprised you haven't told him. I'm surprised he didn't figure it out." Ranger looked a touch angry and confused.

"Well I'm avoiding him so he hasn't seen me much."

"He doesn't need to see you too know you are pregnant."

"WHAT?" I stood in shock.

"You didn't tell him?"

"I'm pregnant?" I sat back down on the couch.

"I said congratulations." his arms lifted in the air as to emphasize the importance.

"No I mean I'm not pregnant, not at all, in fact, it's not possible."

"I don't understand why are all the baby totes labeled Stephanie by the door?"

I laughed and then I started to cry.

"My mother that's why."

"What?"

"Have a seat Ranger it's a long story." I patted the seat next to me.

"I don't have a lot of time Babe especially now that your Granny just rocked my world with her deceive work"

"Oh ok, I guess I can tell you later."

"Yes later now go pack a bag you are coming with me."

"But I'm engaged."

"Not for long if I can help it."

"What?."

"Babe!"

"Don't Babe me I need words!"

Ranger got down on one knee in front of me and took my hand in his.

"How about someone just blew up Rangeman and I'm not letting you be a target today or another day of your life. I think the only way to protect you is to have you with me."

"Forever?" I asked with tears of happiness.

"Forever and ever." He kissed all the tears away.

Help Wanted

Rain fell on Trenton and on Terri Gillman, her cold wet hands shook as she was in a hurry to steal license plates from a look-alike vehicle. Her screwdriver slipped and gouged her skin between her thumb and index finger. Blood rushed down her wrist as she pried the slightly rusted plate off of the car catching it before it fell to the ground, only to have it dig into her already wounded hand-making her cry out in pain.

After attaching the new plate to her car she had to go fish in her purse for her keys to the office. She inserted the key in the door but the tumbler was stuck. She then waisted precious time rocking the key back and forth working the lock open and leaving smudges of blood on the door frame. When the lock opened she rushed inside and shut off the alarm off. She threw her purse on her desk where it promptly fell over, its contents spilling out in carelessness. Terri made her way to the bathroom at the back of the office where she began washing her wounded hand. The bright red blood had dripped on the floor, it smudged the switch plate and her white designer blouse was plastered to her making it see-through. After washing out the wound she disinfected it with alcohol she found in the under the sink cabinet. Her body shook from being cold and her hand had not quit bleeding even though she had tried to apply heavy pressure to the wound

Joe Morelli approached the storefront of Gilliam Property & Holdings with his peacemaker in his hands. The office was dark all but a security light in the back of the room but no sign of Terri. He stood and cursed at the sight of keys in the door lock and blood on the front door he took the time to holster. He took out a handkerchief and used it to open the door to the office noticing a few blood drops on the tile entryway. He took out his phone and used the flashlight to follow the blood drops. Keys and burner phone lay scattered on a desk covered in more blood splotches, a Glock was just peeking out of a leather purse. Joe checked his surroundings then took the time to shoot a quick text to Eddy saying where he was and that he had a rescue request from an informant, then he texted Terri asking her if she was ready for a pick-up. The phone on the desk vibrated confirming that it was indeed Terri's.

A rustling from the back of the office caught his attention so he pocketed his phone and drew his peacemaker. Quieter than a panther he found himself in the very back of the small office space where he found Terri standing in an open bathroom doorway. She was hunched over a porcelain sink with blood staining her shirt and fresh tear tracks on her face. He holstered his gun and cleared his throat making Terri spin towards him.

"You scared the crap out me."

"I could say the same." He approached her looking for the source of blood. "Care to share?"

"It's nothing but my own stupidity."

He stretched his hand out "Can I help? What happened to you?"

She didn't answer him.

"Terri? I'm not going to hurt you."

She gave a short sarcastic laugh.

"Physically." He added.

She shifted to make room for Joe. He wrapped an arm around her and gave her the one arm friend hug. "It's going to be ok."

"Yeah, I'm not so sure about that."

"I'm here to help, it's late I'm tired I left my crime scene early to come to check on you because you are important to me you always have been always will be."

She shook her head "Is that what you tell Stephanie? Joe your getting ready to get married I can't be a priority. EVER. It wouldn't be fair to her."

"I think you'd find she's a very fair person. I'm not sure she would understand the mob thing but she would understand why you want out."

He took her wounded hand in his and examined it. "You need stitches maybe a little more than that."

"I can't go to the hospital this is my only chance to get away and I stole someone's plates."

"Just in case I didn't come?" Joe looked disappointed.

"Come on you are going to the hospital whether you want to go or not."

He pulled a wad of paper towels from the dispenser and wrapped her hand with them and applied pressure to the wound. He then led her out of the little bathroom and sat her in a desk chair.

"Are you like this with Stephanie?"

"Why?"

"You're avoiding my question."

"I think Stephanie bailed on me."

"WHAT?"

"Let's go, you've lost a fair amount of blood."

"I want to know about Stephanie?"

"She's not communicating well with me, I think she's having second thoughts."

Joe took the Glock out of her handbag.

"Is it clean?"

"Yes, it's registered to me."

"You have a permit?"

"Yes."

He slid the clip out checking to see if one was in the chamber satisfied with it he slid the clip into place and put the gun in the back of his waistband.

"I can't get it stopped you've nicked a vein or something but you can't go in this shirt."

"What's wrong with my shirt?" She tried to step away from him but had no place to go in the tiny space.

"The rain made it see-through and your shivering no doubt chilled to the bone." He shrugged off his flannel shirt leaving him in a plain black stretchy t-shirt. Embarrassment colored her cheeks sightly. "Oh."

"Come on I'll help you take it off." He started by unbuttoning her blouse.

"Your kinda bossy."

"You like bossy." He smiled and wiggled his eyebrows.

He said nothing else just continued until her shirt was off then he took off his own and put it on her while she held pressure on her hand.

"This is huge for you."

"Who cares its warm!"

He picked up her purse then held an arm out for her as she stood. He didn't need to tell her they should stroll out of the office like lovers in order to avoid attention. He didn't need to tell her she was wobbly on her feet she knew instinctively, they made it to the car without a word. He helped her inside his SUV then buckled her in.

"No napping tell me what happened to make you call me?"

"Honestly Joe I don't know anymore ever since my Dad got re-married two years ago he's changed and not for the good. He started off buying lots of property and then committing arson. Then his contacts started changing more Russian mob associates or businessmen I couldn't tell and to be truthful he left me out of the loop. I think it has to do with the new wife. I just handled the paperwork on all the property leases and rentals we hardly have any clients left."

"Are you willing to testify against him should it come to that?"

"No, I'm not I was really hoping just to slide under the cover of Rangeman. I was hoping that later down the line I could seduce Ranger and use him for protection."

"Terri you need to know one thing about Ranger, he doesn't sleep around. I thought for a long time he did but he doesn't and I've only known him to sleep with one person in the past fifteen years."

"Who?"

"Stephanie. A few years ago I caught them in Hawaii"

"She cheated on you? And you still want to marry her?"

"I'm not the best human Terri I've never asked for a label in her life, I never told her I'd stay monogamous with her until we became engaged."

"Your a rat, a dirty rat and so is she!"

"She knew and understood and so did I. I guess I deserve it if my wedding falls apart on me."

"I'm sorry Joe I had no idea things were complicated between you and her."

"Like I said before It's my bad."