Chapter 7

Hal and I arrived at Rangeman for the important 9 am meeting. All staff members, other than those covering monitors, were required to attend. To my surprise, Hal and I were first to arrive. We sat in our usual chairs as Tank, Bobby, Mario and Lester entered the room. They sat in their assigned seats and conversed quietly as we waited for the remaining staff to arrive.

Hector began setting up a laptop and large screen to include staff from the other offices. All seats were filled within minutes. Hector connected the zoom call with the other offices. Their setup was identical to ours. The camera above the screen streamed a video of everyone to the other branches.

After a nod from each branch leader, Ranger began, "It is my greatest honour to welcome Stephanie Plum to the core team at Rangeman Trenton. As you know, we are opening a new branch in San Diego California. Mario will be first in command at the newest branch. He will be running the office along with Rafael Manoso from Miami, Manuel Lopez from Boston and Peter Pollard from Atlanta. Welcome to the core team men. Tank has agreed to continue his current responsibilities of running the Trenton office as first in command. We are currently hiring to staff the San Diego branch. I expect up to 10 employees to voluntarily transfer to the new office to train new recruits. These employees can transfer from any of the branches. If you wish to transfer to Trenton, Boston, Atlanta or Miami, please submit your request at this time. Your transfer will depend on members moving to California." He nodded to each branch leader, silently ending this portion of the meeting.

Tank cleared his throat, "I expect transfer requests on my desk by Friday afternoon." I watched him look around the room, his eyes landing on three men who refuse to work with me. "Now back to business at hand. I will be using this time to shift partners. Your new partner assignment will be available on Monday. Since Junior is stuck on monitors for the next few weeks, Hal and Ram will be partners." Hal and Ram exchanged nods. I wondered who he was assigning as my new partner. Tank continued the meeting in typical fashion. Each man updated the core team on current skips, surveillance and installs. I could barely keep my eyes open.

I discovered I was on a rotating schedule of partners. My partner was Bobby, Lester or Tank, depending on who was working while I was on call. Working with Tank involved client meetings and paperwork. I really enjoyed working with Lester and meeting potential clients. If we kept signing new contracts, we'll need to expand our branch.

The next few weeks passed too fast for my liking. Hal stayed over most nights, unless he worked the third shift. We still haven't had sex, much to my disappointment. It's not like we haven't done anything sexual, we just haven't had intercourse. However, he was skilled at drawing orgasms from me by using his mouth and fingers. Hal never allowed me to reciprocate. I was craving that connection from him, but it was important for me to wait until he was ready.

William, Brady, Benton, Steven and Romper transferred to San Diego. They were already packed and are waiting for a ride to the airport. Those five men caused me the most grief after Ranger announced I was the new core member. William, Benton and Romper readily requested a transfer. Brady and Steven were eventually told by Ranger, to relocate or find a new job. We were expecting Walter, Lincoln and Sebastian from Boston next week. Tank, Lester, Bobby and I were working every day until our employees arrived.

Hal and I spent all our free time together. I asked myself, "How do you know if he's ready for more?" The answer... you'll have to ask. We practically lived together anyways, so I was planning to ask him to move in with me.

I was checking my emails when I saw one from Cynthia. 'Stephanie, I have the best news. I tried calling you but your phone number is out of service and I forgot to grab your cell number. RJ refused to give it to me. Please call me.'

Mentally I face palmed myself. I forgot to give her my new number. My landline number was changed after I accepted the core team position. I now have a secure landline.

"RJ could have given you my number," I talked at my computer. "Silly man who is too overly protective who can't even give my friend my new phone number."

I grabbed my phone to find her contact information. Her phone rang twice before she answered. "Steph?"

"Hi Cynthia. It's Stephanie. Why wouldn't RJ give you my mobile number?" I asked.

She laughed, "He's very protective of you. I tried convincing him it was alright, but he was insistent I ask you for the number. Did you call me from your cell?"

"Yes. I'm sorry I forgot to give you my new number. It completely slipped my mind. You have my permission to save my number," I said through giggles. "What's the good news?"

"Oh. I almost forgot," she laughed. "I have a few things to tell you. Carol Buchanan was arrested. She was charged with falsifying evidence, perjury and obstruction of justice on top of the false assault claim charges. Her sentencing hearing was a few days ago and she was given the maximum prison term of 14 years. Your ex-husband also divorced her. Not only does she owe fees for her criminal hearing, she also has legal fees from their divorce."

"Wow. I'm surprised they gave her the maximum term. How did you manage that feat?" I was honestly curious. I purposely ignored the part regarding my useless ex-husband Dickie.

"Your buddy RJ had recordings of her stalking him during college. We subpoenaed her to hand over her desktop and laptop computers. A non biased technician discovered incriminating documents on her computer. The judge ordered a mandatory psychiatric evaluation. She has no access to a phone or computer. Visitor access has been denied."

"That's awesome for RJ. Speaking of RJ..." I waited for her to talk.

"My divorce is finalized. I'm officially a free agent. We have a date for Saturday night," she said breathlessly.

"Really? I thought for sure a date would have happened sooner."

"Well..." she paused. "He wanted to be sure I was legally single before dating me."

I grabbed my phone to text RJ. 'Why didn't you take Cynthia on a date sooner?'

He quickly replied, 'To protect her honour. She never dated anyone while she was legally separated. As the ADA, she needs to keep herself honest and above reproach. We have plenty of time to become acquainted.'

I laughed, 'You are a very honourable man RJ.'

"I just asked him Cynthia. You are a very lucky woman. Not many men would be willing to wait."

"He's a great man. I'm nervous about our date. How do you know how to act?" she asked.

"Just be yourself. Remember to call me after your date. I want to hear all the details."

We talked for another hour before ending the call.

My phone buzzed as I hung up. I read the display and smiled. Hal, my wonderful Hal. 'I love you Stephanie,' his text read. Lester, Hal, Cal and Zero were running a takedown at the marina.

Before I had a chance to reply to Hal, I was sent a picture of a smiling, shirtless Hal standing in front of a burning boat, holding his phone. Lester captioned, 'Hal is taking time to message his girl after a fiery takedown.' I laughed.

'Thanks Les. Hal looks so H O T in that photo.' Quickly, I sent a text to Hal. 'You look so HOT standing shirtless with a smile on your face. I love you too.'

I looked around my 2 bedroom apartment and decided to make some changes. Grabbing my laptop, I looked up a few realtor sites. There were so many to choose from. I picked up my phone to send Hector a text. 'Hermano, I need your help.'

He texted back, 'Si, I help mi Hermana. See you in 10.' Hector knocked on my door exactly 10 minutes later. I opened the door and pulled him into my arms.

"Thank you Hector." I kissed his teardrop tattoo. We sat on the couch as I pulled up a list of realtors.

He quickly dismissed most of them, pulling up the information for Emilio Sanchez. "Emilio mi primo. He is honest and will help you find a beautiful, secure home."

I looked through the site and noticed his listings started at 600,000. "Hector, how do you know?" It couldn't possible for him to know how much money I have... could it?

"Angelita, I know you're wealthy. With your new contract at Rangeman, you could easily afford any of these houses. To protect yourself, I recommend you pay cash for your house. Stephanie Plum will not appear on any of the documents or property records. Your account previously set up through Rangeman can be used to handle all property expenses and registrations. You have more than enough money in your account to pay for any house you desire." I noticed he carefully worded his advice.

"Hector, how do you know? You mentioned my account through Rangeman, but I have a feeling you know more." I was anxious to hear his reply.

He leaned into me and whispered, "I know your wealth exceeds Ranger's. Your secret is safe with me, but you need to tell Hal if you two marry."

I nodded, "I was planning to tell him soon." We browsed houses and selected 4 to view. Hector quickly texted Emilio.

"You and Hal are available tomorrow morning?" he asked.

I retrieved our schedules on the Rangeman internal site. Both Hal and I were available until 3 pm. "We both work the afternoon shift."

Hector relayed the message then said, "He'll meet you at the first house at 8 am."

"Thank you for your help Hector. Te amo," I whispered before kissing his cheek.

He hugged me tight and said, "Te amo mi hermana." As I was closing the door, Hal arrived.

"You are just the man I need to see." He stepped into my apartment and wrapped his arms around me.

"Steph, how do you know when it's time?" he quietly asked. I looked into his face and clearly saw his question expressed in his eyes.

"When you're sure the answer will be yes," I honestly answered. I gently kissed his lips and said, "Yes, Hal. My answer will always be Yes."