Chapter 12

While Ranger was driving, Steph called Tank, "Hey can you meet us at Carlos's parents' house we have some updates to tell you." Steph told him.

"Sure thing, I am on my way right now." Tank said and he hung up.

"Well, I don't know what to do, my Dad does not want me to tell Momma what is going on but she does have a right to know." Carlos said to Stephanie

"Darling, you have to tell your mom what he said," Steph replied to her husband. "Do you believe him about the shop and him being blackmailed to kidnap me?" Steph asked her husband.

"I don't know I have to work in the shop to find out what is going on," Carlos said. "Which means taking some leave time from Rangeman."

"You did not tell him about the baby either Carlos" Steph said as she traced her finger down his neck.

"Babe, we have to wait, to do that stuff." Carlos told her even though he wanted her right now, even though he needed her right now. They had to wait until later tonight when they were home, he thought to himself.

When they arrived at his parents' house. Tank was already there, and having some coffee. Carlos and Stephanie walked in and Amy came running up to her uncle and then jumped up and gave him a big hug.

"Thanks, little girl, I needed that." Carlos said to his niece. He then put her down, and gave her sister a kiss on the top of the head. He gave his Mamma a hug. Stephanie pulled up a chair and so did Carlos next to Stephanie.

"Carlos did you speak with your father?" Anna asked her son.

"Yes, Momma I did and here is the story. He is being blackmailed by somebody he does not know who ordered him to pay some perps to kidnap Stephanie so he could get the money to save the shop." Carlos told them.

"Why did he not call you if he needed help at the shop Carlos?" Anna asked her son.

"He knew that I was busy at Rangeman and he thought he could handle it himself you know the Manoso pride Momma that is a killer to both me and him." Carlos told her. "Momma I want you to pack a bag and stay with Stephanie and me, we have enough room, because Pierre gave us his cabin. I want you safe, because the kidnapping attempt failed so because of that we don't know if this guy will quit and leave us alone or comeback and try something else." Carlos continued to speak. "I also want a look at the financial aspect of the shop Rachel do you know where they are?" Carlos finally finished talking.

"I do, they are locked in Dad's safe, he would not let me look at them I don't know why but I knew that we were in some trouble but I did not think it was this bad." Rachel told her brother.

Stephanie said, "I don't mean to butt in but, Carlos if you work there at the shop you will be putting me in more danger because you won't be around to protect me, and I want you safe so can you please put another person in the shop?"

"I will do it" Tank said out loud. Carlos looked at Pierre and said, "Are you sure you want to?"

"Yes, you guys are like my own family and I want to help. I can go in as your cousin." Tank told Carlos.

"Okay but I still need to see those financial reports so I need to get into Dad's safe somehow." Carlos said.

"I can help with that too; I will get you the financial papers that you need and then go over to see you later Carlos I promise."

Tank told his friend.

"So, it is settled, Tank will work at the shop, Momma will come and stay with Stephanie and me for a while and we will find out who is blackmailing Dad." Carlos stated.

All of a sudden Stephanie threw up on Tank's boots in front of everyone. Anna said to Steph, "Darling are you all right or are you sick?"

Stephanie looked at Carlos and he put his arm on the back of her chair and said, "She is not sick Momma she is pregnant. You are going to be a grandmother again."

"You, mean it. Did you tell your father? He will be so thrilled," Anna said. Then she gave a cloth to Steph so she could wipe her face.

"Sorry Tank," Stephanie said. "It is all right; I was looking for a reason to buy new boots." Tanks said to her and then kissed her on the head.

"As for you answer Momma, I did not tell Dad about the baby. I was and still am too mad at him to tell him." Carlos told his mom.

"I promise, Momma, I will tell him after this mess is taken care of," Carlos added and said, "But for now we need to stick to the plan, so why not have Steph help you pack so you can stay with us for a while."

"I will be fine. I don't need any help packing." Anna left to go to her room to pack.

"I will get you those documents tonight." Tank said and then he yelled "Hey, Amy, I am leaving and I want my hug."

"Bye, Uncle Tank see you soon" Amy hugged him and he left.

"Amy, come on we need to open the store," Rachel yelled to her daughter. Amy came and gave Carlos and Steph a hug then they left leaving only Anna, Carlos, and Stephanie left in the house.

Carlos took Stephanie into the living room and asked, "Babe, are you sure you are okay with my Momma stay at the house with us?"

"Yes, Carlos, I am fine with it, while you are at work, I will have some company instead of being by myself." Stephanie said with a big grin on her face.

"Okay as soon as she is ready, we will go back home" They sat on the couch and waited.

After abut half of hour later Anna came out and said, "That is it. I am ready."

"Okay, let's go" Then all three of them walked out of Ranger's parents' house, and were headed to Carlos's house.