Lester's POV
I always enjoy watching, Ranger, Stephanie, and Julie interact. They are so different when they are alone than when they are at Rangeman or in public. Both Ranger and Stephanie relax, letting their guard down. Don't get me wrong. If there is a threat, they are battle-ready in under ten seconds, but they can shed their bad-ass personas and just be Carlos and Steph. I thought for sure that Steph was going to flip about the two dogs, but she was okay with it. It has me thinking that she knew that was going to happen all along. If Steph had balked at the idea of two, I would have taken one of them. There is no way that I was going to return either dog to the breeder.
We have our morning meeting scheduled for 0915. We used to meet at 0830, but since the munchkin is in school, it was necessary to push the time back. None of the employees minded the change in time. It doesn't make a difference in the schedule. It works a little better because it gives the Core team, minus Stephanie, a chance to go over some details before the meeting. Ranger usually brings these things to our attention, and often, he's already spoken about them with Stephanie. Today, however, as I walk into Ranger's office for our pre-meeting, I'm surprised to see Stephanie, Duchess, and Duke instead of Ranger.
Bobby and Tank enter the room right after me, all confused by why Stephanie is here.
"So, you got two puppies, huh?" Bobby states the obvious.
"Yes, we did. The blue merle is the male. We named him Duke. The tri-color is the female. Julie named her Duchess."
"What breed are they? Shepherds?"
"No, Tank, they are smooth collies. They are the same breed as Lassie, only they have a short coat instead of a long one."
"Where's Ranger?" I ask.
"He's bringing Julie to school. Ranger and I spoke about a business proposition that was made to me yesterday, and we want your take on it. So, I will be presenting it to you."
We all sit down in our usual seats, Tank on an oversized leather chair, Bobby and me on the couch. Steph is sitting in a comfy reclining chair. Duke is sitting on his dog bed, staring at the door, watching for who may enter. Duchess is seated next to Steph, also watching. It seems that their guarding instinct as herding dogs is thoroughly ingrained in these two as they tend to their flock. We wait for her to continue.
"Okay, Jersey, what's this proposition?" Bobby inquires. Even though we all knew Ranger and Stephanie for a long time, Tank and Bobby tend to call her Jersey, back from her earlier days in Miami and then at West Point. The men who work for us refer to her as Jersey as well. Only I have an issue using her nickname. For me, the only nickname for Stephanie is Beautiful. Carlos became Ranger in Rangers School and the name stuck professionally. I use it more than his real name. Steph is the only one who rarely uses Ranger.
"Well, Uncle Joe called me yesterday while you guys were out getting the puppies. Trenton is in trouble. The crime rate is rising faster than you can say 'special task force.' Businesses and residents alike are closing shop and getting out of town. The few security companies there are inept. The attempts by TPD to control the gangs and the mob is not working. Criminals are skipping bail and are adding to their charges before the cops can get them back into the system. He said that Trenton needs us, needs Rangeman. Lee Sebring and Vincent Plum, the two bails bondsmen, need reliable bounty hunters. The businesses need someone who can provide them with quality security, and actually prevent criminals from breaking into their premises. Residents need to know they will be safe. We've done wonders here in Miami and in Boston. Therefore, he asked if we would consider making a move to Trenton.
"Now, up until yesterday, I would have said no way in hell was I returning to Trenton, but after talking it over with a few people, I realize that I need to go back to Trenton, to face my past, to fully get over it. I am fine with going back, and so is Ranger. It will give us an opportunity for Julie to get to know her Manoso cousins in Newark."
"Look, Steph, if you want to go to Trenton, we'll go to Trenton. We have your back. From what you are telling us, we can make a killing there, but we have a lot of work we need to do, and quickly." I said.
"Yes, that's what Ranger and I spoke about. First, we need to secure a building. Uncle Joe will help us with that. Then, we need to get a start-up staff. Enough people to help start installations and monitoring accounts, as well as with the bounty hunting. I figure we put an announcement out company-wide to see if anyone would want to transfer to Trenton permanently. There may be some that will be willing to relocate temporarily to help train staff. We can start hiring prospective employees, training them in Boston or here until we're ready to move. We will get office space that will be our satellite/back-up office that we can use as our base from the beginning.
"We need to hire men that can blend in with the mafia and/or the gangs. They need to be our ears on the ground. Hector would be great if he wants to join us. We also need to increase our pitch to Caucasian men. The Burg is still backward, and we will need men who the Burg will feel comfortable with, at least as our first line, those that are doing installations or answering calls. Eventually, they may get over that, but we need to account for their bias.
"Finally, if we are all going, we need to temporarily move headquarters to Trenton. As of now, we are planning on returning to Miami once everything is up and running. You guys, of course, will be free to go wherever you want."
"I think we got a good plan going. Let's put it into motion. From the way I see it, we can be operational in Trenton inside three months, fully operational within six to ten months, depending on the building we acquire and permits to build it to our needs. I'm all for it." Tank said.
"I think it's a great opportunity. I'm in too." Bobby answered.
"Beautiful, you know I'll go wherever my hermanita goes."
"Then we'll be moving to Trenton. Carlos and I will start looking for a house for the three of us. We need to make sure we are settled by the start of the school year for Julie. We may be taking some extended weekends in Jersey to start scouting."
"Do what you have to do, Jersey, we got everything covered here. Come on, Bobby, let's go figure out how big of a building we'll need."
Bobby and Tank leave the office, leaving me alone with Steph. "Are you sure you are ready to go back to Trenton, Steph. There are not a lot of good memories there for you."
"Lester, even though I'm scared and apprehensive, I know this is something I must do. I must keep telling myself that I'm not the same girl I was when I left at sixteen. Then, I was an insecure, abused, and miserable girl. I'm now a strong, confident woman. I have a wonderful husband who I love dearly, a beautiful daughter who is the apple of my eye, great friends and family. I'm Major Stephanie Plum, US Army. I am a co-owner of this company. I need to show Trenton that I won, that they didn't beat me. The only way to do that is to go home."
"There's my sassy, confident sister. I'm glad to see you back."
The door begins to open, and Duke jumps up. Duchess follows but stays glued to Steph. Duke is staring at the door. I try not to laugh because watching two puppies who each weigh about ten pounds try to look all scary is funny, but they are doing a good job. Once they see it's Ranger, they walk over to greet him, before taking their guarding positions.
"Did the puppies go into combat mode?"
"Yes, Ranger, they did."
Ranger pulls two treats from his pocket, giving one to each dog, praising them for being good guard dogs. "What did the team say?"
"We're moving to Trenton."
"Great. I guess now would be a good time to call the Senator. We need him to pave the way for us."
"Ranger, I heard Cal is looking to semi-retire. Rumor has it he's going contract, like us. I think Cal would make a good leader for our team in Trenton. We know him, and he knows us. He's a SEAL, so he already has much of the training. Should I call him?"
"Yes, I think Cal would be perfect for Trenton. Let's ring him together after we talk to the Senator. How much time before the morning meeting?"
"Fifteen minutes. How was Julie?"
"She missed you dropping her off, but we had a good time. Please don't make me go solo again, though. The other moms were on me like white on rice. It was embarrassing."
"You know, I thought I saw Sydney's sister, Ryleigh, there a few times. I don't think she has a child in kindergarten, but she may have one in the pre-K program. It's a half-day program, and usually, the drop-off and pick up doesn't coincide with the rest of the school. I didn't realize she had a kid. Do you still keep in touch with Sydney?"
"No, we lost touch a long time ago. Last I heard Sydney was living in San Diego." I reply, not wanting to share the night we spent together. I often wonder how she's doing, but I'm too much of a chicken shit to call her up and ask. My mind wanders back to that night, and I see her beneath me, her beautiful brown eyes locked on mine.
"Les, are you okay? You seemed to zone out there for a moment."
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry. What do you need?" I answer as I shake the memory out of my mind.
"I need you to check on what paperwork needs to be completed for us to be BEAs in Jersey. Make sure that whatever permits or classes are necessary are scheduled for us to take. I'd like for the five of us, at least, to be licensed to apprehend in Jersey before we get there. I'll see if Juniak can help to smooth our path."
"Got it. I'll work on that later today."
I watch as Steph puts the phone on the speaker then dials her godfather. A woman picks up the phone, obviously his receptionist.
"Good morning, Senator Joseph Juniak's office. Olivia speaking. How may I help you?"
"Hello, Olivia. Can you please tell Senator Juniak that Jersey and Ranger are on the line for him. I'm sure he'll take our call."
"Certainly. Hold on one moment." We wait as we listen to some classical music that piped through while we are on hold. Less than a minute later, the line is picked up.
"Since you have called me so soon, is it safe to assume you're coming to Trenton?"
"Yes, Uncle Joe, we've decided to open a Trenton branch."
"Oh, thank God. We need some competent people here. Between Mayor Orr and Chief Filippelli, the city is going down the sewer. The Chief isn't so bad, but the Mayor, he doesn't know his ass from his elbow on a good day. If he wasn't so busy covering for little Dickie, maybe he'd do a better job."
I can't help the laugh from escaping. Little Dickie Orr was a jackass back in the day. I'm glad to see things didn't change for him.
"To open there, we need a few things taken care of, if you can help us, we'd appreciate it."
"Ranger, anything for you and Jersey. You are still taking good care of my Goddaughter, right?"
"Yes, Sir. You know she's my everything, her and Julie, that is."
"Yes, I know that Ranger. What do you need?"
"We need a location to build our offices. Preferably, we need something centrally located in Trenton, in the business district, but can be elsewhere. However, not in the Burg. It would work best if the property is already zoned commercial and residential. We plan on building a six to ten-story building that will have several small one- or two-bedroom efficiency apartments for our staff. Many of our staff are veterans who often don't have roots anywhere. We provide them with housing until they choose to get a place for themselves or move on. It needs to have room for at least twenty to thirty vehicles. All my employees are licensed to carry firearms, most of us are former or current military. We need to make sure that our applications to carry concealed are accepted and signed off on. Our facility will also have a gun range and holding cells, as we are licensed for out of state apprehensions, and sometimes help out the Feds. I have two guys that will mostly be seen mingling with the gangs, but they are there to keep them in line and to gather intel. I don't want TPD hassling them. Finally, we need cooperation from TPD. If we don't have them to help us, we can't do our job."
"No problem. I'll have a list of some properties that will fit your specifications sent to you within forty-eight hours. Anything else?"
"Yes, we need a home for Steph, Julie, and me. I prefer a location outside of Trenton, at least a half-acre, preferably an acre or more. I want someplace that I can easily secure. I don't have a problem building a new home or renovating an existing home. I would like the property within a twenty-minute drive to our headquarters, with good schools nearby. It can be private schools or public schools. I won't subject Julie to the irrational attitudes of the Burg."
"I'll get started on that as well. As you start selecting people to work in Trenton, send me their dossiers, and I'll get started on the necessary permits. You will receive any help you need from my office, and I'll make sure Chief Filippelli knows he should work with you. When you come up here, I'll set up a meeting with the Chief so you can explain your operation to him. I'm sure once he knows what you will be doing, he will be more than happy to offer you whatever assistance you need."
"Thank you, Uncle Joe. Is there anything you need from us?"
"Only one thing, Stephanie, how much are you willing to spend?"
"Whatever is necessary to get what we want. Cost is no issue. We'd prefer to pay cash, or mostly cash, to avoid carrying a mortgage. We are willing to tear down a building but would prefer an empty lot for the business location."
"I'll let my people know. Steph, I can't wait to have you back. Don't worry about your family. I'll handle them."
"Uncle Joe, I'm not worried. Besides, I need to face them someday. Might as well be now."
"Joe, is there anyone who may cause problems for us."
"Hi, Lester. Unfortunately, yes, there is. Joe Morelli is a detective. He just earned his shield. Morelli's power-hungry and enabled by the women of the Burg. He's the golden boy who does no wrong. He will try to make your job difficult. I can see him pulling you over for any minor infraction, just because of who you are. He's still pissed that he lost to you, Ranger. He wants Stephanie. But I have some interesting information on Joe, and Lester, I think you would like to follow up on some of it. I want him to be stripped of his badge. He doesn't belong on the TPD force, nor does he deserve a badge."
"It will be my pleasure to take him down," I answer with a smirk.
"Good. I'll talk to you soon. Thanks."
"Bye, Uncle Joe. Give my love to Aunt Elisa."
"Will do, Jersey."
A/N: A guest reviewer pointed out I had 3 dog names for 2 dogs. I decided to change the name of the male dog. Originally, he was King, but I liked Duke better. Sorry! I did a horrible job finding all the "Kings". Thank you, babe.
