Chance Encounters

Chapter 26

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That it all seemed to happen in slow motion was not the actuality of the situation. It was that instantaneous perspective from the analytical eye of a seasoned Ranger taking in their surroundings in a split second.

Everything was suddenly swift and coordinated action. These military men immediately leapt into organised defence and protect mode. Ram was able to get a shot off because he happened to be standing directly behind Stephanie and Ranger, where he was talking to Woody and Hal. Of course, despite the relaxed atmosphere of the party event, all the men were dressed, except when they were in the pool. Ram worked out the trajectory easily, from his coincidental position and being their number one sniper, his eyes were sharp and fast.

"There! Eleven o'clock. Scaffolding on the third building under construction. Three hundred yards. I only winged him. There's another one but he's already hotfooted it down the scaffolding and it looks like he's getting out of there fast, saving his own ass."

Immediately Tank organised two sortie parties, handing out comms units and vests from the monitoring station. One team was to track through the woodlands approaching from the rear on foot, with Lester, Hector, and Hal, supported by Zero and Junior on a quad bike and an off-road motorbike from the garage, which Hector pointed out to them. The other team raced to their vehicles to approach from the street side, since there's bound to be a getaway vehicle or two and a car chase. Tank, Cal, Ram, Zip, Ramon and Manny leapt into the SUVs. With screeching tyres, they peeled out of The Den. The hunt was on. Rangeman at its best. Everybody on alert, pumped and focused.

So suddenly, everyone dispersed, leaving Vince and Woody designated on monitors and central communications, while Ranger and Bobby tended to an injured Stephanie. Vince brought up the map of the region while Woody locked into their dash cams on the multi-screen monitors. Vince tagged their ID codes for their screen icons. A quick mike check from each vehicle and Lester's woodlands team, confirmed all was good. Four teams with their roles assigned automatically as if they had rehearsed this scenario. Truth is, they were experienced and this was real, albeit low key urban warfare, with two perps. It wasn't rocket science to guess who the two perps would be. No one targets one of their own without payback and some form of redemption.

Luis and Ella had quickly been ushered indoors for their safety. They remained calm knowing that this is what they do best. Once the area had cleared of all the organised efficient energy, they decided to cover the food and clean up. Seeing the men in top priority battle station mode was not an unfamiliar experience for them. These young men will more than likely be hungry when they get back, especially with all that testosterone and adrenaline. Ella was worried about Stephanie but saw that Ranger and Bobby had everything under control. And, if they needed her, they would find her. Luis made sure Vince and Woody were hydrated and was their gopher if they needed him. Vince notified the TPD about the gunfire as a matter of protocol, indicating that Rangeman vehicles were in pursuit.

Ranger had caught Stephanie, who wondered what all the commotion was about. She was a bit dazed as he quickly carried her inside and downstairs to the fully appointed medical suite beside the gym. He was whispering in Spanish, reassuring her. Bobby switched on all the lights and monitoring equipment he might need and proceeded to wash his hands vigorously as Ranger sat Stephanie on the hospital bed.

"What happened? Where did all the guys go? What's happening Ranger?"

"Babe. You're going to be okay. Bobby and I are going to look after you."

"You didn't answer my question …"

She stopped when she saw the blood dripping on her right arm which caused her to wince as she tried pointing at Ranger.

Her eyes went wide. "Blood? My blood?" as she quickly scanned Ranger. Ranger nodded.

"No hospital, please?" He smiled.

"No hospital, Babe, unless Bobby decides you really need it."

"No probs. We can sort this out here, Stephanie," Bobby said calmly with a soothing voice. "Now be a good Vixen and let me take care of you. I will need to remove your shirt to get a closer look and clean up this wound. You have been shot."

Stephanie nodded and it was only then that she realised her arm was sore. Understanding dawned but she followed his instructions, with Ranger's assistance.

"Shot? Damn. I hate being shot."

Bobby and Ranger laughed at her pouty remark.

"Well, you're no fun then."

"It's alright for you guys. You're used to this."

While her arm was bare, Bobby cleansed the wound, but in the meantime kept up the playful banter.

"We'll get that bastard, don't you worry. He's in for a whole lot of pain and aggravation."

"Babe. None of us likes being shot at. And you're right, we are used to it and have experienced this sort of thing more than you could ever possibly imagine."

"I still don't like it. Jeez. It stings."

"You were lucky, Steph. He only winged you so I don't have to dig out any bullets."

"Well, damn. You sound a bit disappointed, Bobby."

He chuckled at her comeback.

Ranger kissed her pouty lips chastely and her eyes opened wide with the distraction.

"Steph, you were very lucky. It stings because it's like a burn. The hot bullet sliced the surface of your skin and that's it. I will need to put in some stitches so I am going to give you a local first."

Stephanie nodded and looked at her arm where Bobby had propped it up. It was just below her rose tattoo. She watched Ranger's warm brown eyes and her heart skipped an extra beat when she saw the warmth and love in his expression. Ranger held her other hand, slowly rubbing circles on the back and then he gently kissed her palm sending a jolt of electricity southwards to nestle in her doodah with a zing. Damn, there goes another pair of panties, she thought.

Both men burst out laughing at her un-muted disclosure. She rolled her eyes, nudging Ranger with her left shoulder. Ranger gave her a quick hard kiss on the lips. His dazzling smile told it all.

"Giving information to the enemy, Babe," he grinned. She just blew a wayward curl up from her forehead. Bobby had a shit-eating grin on his face.

"You are something else, you know."

Once the local anaesthetic took effect Bobby worked quickly and before she knew it, he had wiped the area clean and bandaged her arm. He grabbed a sling from one of the cupboards and adjusted it for a proper fit and support before taking it off. Ranger gave her a bottle of water and some pain killers which Bobby handed to him from the medicine cabinet.

"Just in case, I'm giving you some antibiotics as well to stem any infection."

As Bobby collected all the dishes and his surgical tools, he noticed the blood on her bare ankles. Her eyes followed his when he made a grunting noise.

"Damn. More blood. What the hell?"

Ranger chuckled.

"There are a few glass fragments from when you dropped your beer bottle, but nothing that needs stitches. I'll clean this up and perhaps a few medi strips should do the trick."

With tweezers in hand, he was done in no time as Ranger distracted her once again. Bobby instructed Ranger to hop up on the bed beside Stephanie. She smiled and moved up to make room for him but stayed close to his warm body. He only had a couple of glass splinters.

Ranger helped Stephanie down from the bed and helped her put her shirt back on, rolling the sleeve up and away from the bandaged area.

Bobby then put the sling on over her clothes and told her, "Go upstairs and rest with a pillow under your arm. The sling is to immobilise your arm and you'll only need to wear it for a couple of days for initial support. Just precautionary."

"Thanks Bobby." And she kissed him on the cheek. He smiled and there was evidence of a blush there. Ranger ushered Stephanie upstairs to the loungeroom.

Ella came in and saw the blood all over her shirt. She was concerned but relieved when she saw her snuggling into Ranger's lap, sitting comfortably between his long legs on the couch, with a pillow propped up under her arm, looking a bit tired now. The adrenaline spike was crashing down. She smiled a lopsided grin at Ella.

"It's okay Ella. He missed. The bullet just sliced through my skin."

"I'll go upstairs and get you a clean top to wear and then I can soak that one to remove the blood, dear." Ella smiled warmly. She breathed an extra sigh of relief, her tensed shoulders only now relaxing, saying a little thank you prayer as she went upstairs.

In the kitchen she fixed a warm sweet milky frothy coffee for Stephanie, a black coffee for Ranger and placed two pieces of chocolate brownie to counter the anticipated adrenaline plunge. Luis joined her with a cup of coffee for Ella and himself, and brownies as well. They sat in comfortable relief, sipping, listening to Stephanie's hums of approval at the frothy coffee. Ella had sprinkled chocolate powder on top of the frothy milk looking like a tasty cappuccino. Stephanie sighed. As her hand started to waver, Ranger gently removed the cup and caressed her shoulders. She had only taken one bite from the brownie and she moaned as the chocolate goodness hit her taste buds. Ranger held the plate for her, but as she became heavy, he knew she had drifted off to sleep.

Bobby came in and nodded in approval. He had made a coffee for Vince and Woody, and for himself, grabbing just one brownie. The monitors were critical and a sugar haze is a distraction. They would get theirs later.

It was now the waiting game. They could hear the reports coming in over the mikes and the responses were short and concise. Return gunfire. There was action from both teams. One successful capture and a car chase heading towards the city. Someone had been hit. Bobby was already on standby but knew they wouldn't be rushing back unless it was critical. Stephanie slept through the rest of the drama, peacefully oblivious. Ranger slipped out from underneath her, kissing her temple. He placed a couple of cushions behind her head and made sure her arm was supported accordingly. He walked over to listen and watch the monitors with Bobby, while Ella and Luis relaxed with Stephanie. Ella grabbed the throw rug and gently tucked her in, sweeping her curly hair from her face. She really was a beautiful woman, inside and out.

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TBC with The Hunt.

Not a cliffie this time so I decided not to leave you hanging for too long.

Happy New Year once again. Be safe.

OMG OMG

Is it who you expected? Who's been hit? Where is the chase heading? Will the TPD interfere? Who's been captured?

Chapter 27 is already coming along rapidly.

Enjoy.