Chapter 37

SPOV

Having Les with me was certainly a distraction. I didn't have time to worry about what Ranger was doing though it didn't stop me being curious or looking at the time regularly. I could vaguely remember playing the game with my Dad when I used to go to the club with him, before I was stopped by my Mum from going.

The biggest problem that I had though was in trying to keep my face blank. I was hopeless and Les was constantly outsmarting me. I knew that poker was a game of strategy, but to win I had to constantly read Les's face to decide when to fold, when to bluff, and when to call his bluff. I found that impossible to do, hell he had a blank face that I just couldn't read.

To remind me of which hands were winning hands Les had set up some cards from another pack and laid them on the table, just to remind me. I actually thought I might win a hand because I had a full house with 3 matching cards of 1 rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. When I looked at Les's face I was almost sure that he was smirking, as though he could beat that hand. I decided to fold, deciding there was every possibility that he had a better hand.

As he placed his cards up on the table, I was so annoyed at myself because I'd let Les win with a hand that was lower than what I had. His straight contained 5 cards of consecutive rank but from more than one suit.

"You should have won that Beautiful"

"I know, but I was sure you had a better hand"

"Try not to judge your opponent's hand by what they show on their face"

"That isn't easy to do Les"

I turned as I heard the door open and watched as Ranger toed off his boots, pleased that he was back. He collected a glass and some water from the kitchen and then came and sat behind me so that my back was to his front. Les had just dealt out the cards so I turned them and looked at them. I felt Ranger lean forward and start to kiss my neck as he whispered in my ear.

"Play the hand Babe, you can beat him"

I wasn't so sure but to be honest my mind was definitely not on the game.

"Ah shit, I fold. Ranger you have that look, that says she has a better hand"

I turned and looked at Ranger and couldn't believe what his face was showing. His eyes were bright and was that a slight smirk on his lips? As Les turned his cards over with a full house I couldn't believe that he'd folded when I only had a straight.

"I'm out of here, your face has nothing to do with the cards in your hand"

Maybe I blushed, because he was right, my mind was totally focused on the man sat behind me.

"Thanks Les, I enjoyed tonight and I definitely understand the game better now"

"I did as well. Goodnight, Beautiful"

As Ranger walked Les from the apartment, I collected the cards together and stacked them neatly on the table. I was surprised when Ranger came back and once again sat behind me, though this time pulling me back against him.

"I want to tell you where I went tonight and why"

"You said it was to get information, did you get any?"

"Yes, but let me give you a bit of background for my reasons for going"

I was probably frowning because Ranger had never really explained his actions to me before. For some reason I almost sure that maybe I wouldn't like what he was going to say.

"I was annoyed when we left Trenton and picked up a tail. I couldn't work out how they found us. Then you told me that you felt you'd been given a sedative and I know how much you hated that"

"Ranger"

He placed a finger against my lips I suppose so that he could tell me the full story. I just wished that he'd told me what he was going to be doing first.

"Let me finish and then you can ask questions. Okay?"

"Okay"

"Santos and Cassie were followed down to Atlanta, so Santos checked through everything they had, including the car, to make sure there were no trackers that had been dropped on us. He found that Cassie had taken her phone with her, even though everyone had been instructed to leave them behind"

"Cassie?"

"Just listen Babe. I did the search as you asked on Elizabeth Andrews, and yes, she is the same woman you knew as Tasha. It turns out that she did a psychology degree and had decided to catch up with an old friend"

"She knows Cassie?"

That had my breath catching because I'd trusted her, let her into my life. I felt so let down and so upset that once again my judgement of her had been so wrong.

"Elizabeth contacted Cassie with some bogus story of needing help for a breakdown. Cassie agreed to help with her problems and never gave it a second thought when Elizabeth asked her to call her"

"So Cassie was the reason we were tailed?"

"Yes. She also admitted to giving you a sedative, but I believe her when she said that it was to keep you from getting too stressed out"

"So Tasha, sorry Elizabeth, was using Cassie to get to me? Cassie isn't involved, is she?"

As I thought through what Ranger had said I was slowly beginning to see a pattern. Elizabeth was very clever when it came to people. She could obviously read them very well, no doubt because she was a psychologist.

"No, I think Elizabeth took advantage of knowing her in the past"

"How can I trust Cassie now?"

I knew this would be hard for me to accept, hard knowing that she'd betrayed me and yet at the same time had helped me so much.

"I've told Cassie that she has to help us. She has to show us that we can trust her"

"Is she going to?"

"Yes. She was desperate to help, to show to you and me, that she never intentionally put you in danger, that she was conned by Elizabeth in much the same way as you were"

"What have you asked her to do?"

"To place some bugs in Elizabeth's house"

I absorbed everything that Ranger had told me, and I suppose he was waiting for me to say something that might be useful, though knowing Ranger he'd have planned this all out.

"How will you know that she isn't just agreeing with you but then goes behind your back and tells Elizabeth everything?"

"I've bugged Cassie's apartment, her car and her mobile"

"I suppose you have someone shadowing her as well?"

"Correct"

"And Elizabeth?"

"That's more difficult because I'm sure that she and the people she works with are a lot more vigilant. Hector is trying to set up some external cameras around where she lives. I don't want to lose her but neither do I want to spook her"

My mind went back to something that he'd said before, something he'd asked Cassie to do. Then it hit me, did Ranger wanted to set a trap for Elizabeth, but I knew that the only bait that Elizabeth would go for would be me.

"If you set up a sting will I be the bait?"

I felt myself being lifted slightly until I was sitting sideways across Ranger and watched and felt as his hands gently cupped my cheeks.

"No Babe, I would never allow that to happen"

Maybe I was getting a little upset. Hell, why was it that I just let these people into my lives without a second thought? How could I have been so naïve?

"So are you asking me to see Cassie again?"

"Not if you don't want to. She can come into the building as though she's having a session with you"

I wasn't too sure about that; I mean there was no way I could open myself up to her again or take on board anything she suggested. I wasn't sure if I could trust her that much again.

"I'll have to think about seeing her again"

"Babe this isn't your fault and probably not Cassie's either. Don't think like that. That woman, Tasha or Elizabeth, took advantage of people. She wasn't worried what hurt she'd do just to get the advantage"

Okay I knew that, but it was hard not to. Then I thought about the other person that would have to hurt when he found out about Cassie.

What about Les?"

"I'll talk him through everything I've told you in the morning"

I didn't have any more questions for Ranger and as I went through everything that he'd told me I could understand why he'd needed to see Cassie first before telling me. He'd have wanted to be very sure of what he suspected, and that Cassie wasn't someone that he needed to see as the enemy. I wasn't the only one being quiet, though for Ranger that wasn't unusual. As I felt his hand playing with my hair I wondered if he was worried what my reaction would have been. I bet he was concerned that I'd be annoyed at him for not telling me what he thought. I wasn't and that was certainly a new emotion from me.

"I'm not mad at you for not telling me what you were thinking or planning to do"

I could almost feel the relief roll off him, which surprised and pleased me.

"I was worried Babe"

"No, you did the right thing. I would have been too emotional to rationalize it like you did"

His response was to turn my face and bring his lips down onto mine. It was gentle and persuasive, slow yet full of emotion. A heat started to build, slowly engulfing me as it spread throughout me. As he slowly moved his lips away from mine, I'm sure I moaned at the loss of the connection.

"Soon Babe, I promise"

I woke during the night, not really sure why. It was still dark outside, and I could feel Ranger laid next to me, well almost under me. That's when I felt it, a low cramping feeling in my lower abdomen. I had totally forgotten where I was in my cycle with what had been happening. I very carefully extracted myself from Ranger's hold on me and crept quietly over to the closet to find clean things to wear. Then made my way to the bathroom.

Once inside and with the light on I opened the cupboard below the sink and retrieved a basket. I had kept things in it that I thought I might need should I ever need to stay overnight at Rangeman. As I put the basket onto the surface next to the sink, I was surprised at what was inside. It seemed that each item was new and was the brand that I used. I immediately thought of Ella and how she always seemed to be the one who did those little things that were so important.

I found what I needed and placed it on the counter before turning on the shower. As I stood in the hot water, feeling the water cascade down my body I actually felt a lightness come over me. Don't get me wrong having a period was definitely no fun and was literally a pain for the first few days, but what I realized was that the time when Ranger and I had lost control hadn't resulted in anything more. I was relieved because I was sure that being pregnant would be last thing that Ranger would want.

Once clean and dry I towel dried my hair before redressing in a clean T-shirt and shorts. I tip toed back to my side of the bed and slowly lay down again, next to Ranger. His arms moved to surround me and as he kissed the side of my neck, I felt his breath as he spoke to me.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, more than okay"

The next time I woke it was light inside the bedroom and the low niggle in my gut reminded me of my nighttime surprise. As I turned, I noticed that the bed was empty, no doubt Ranger had been up for hours. I thought back to our conversation the evening before and wondered if he'd had a chance to talk to Les.

I was surprised as the door opened and Ranger walked in, carrying a tray in his hands. He was dressed in his Rangeman uniform with his hair lose onto his shoulders, still wet from a morning shower. My heart hitched as I watched him walk over to the bed. From the dark hair down his chest where his top showed the definition of his muscles to the way his trousers surrounded an amazing backside. I knew he was aware that I was watching him so turned and sat up pulling a pillow behind me allowing the tray to be placed on my knee. Trying to get my hormones back in check and allow the color from my face to fade I looked down to what was on the tray. One look at the tray had me looking up at Ranger totally confused with what was on it. There was a vase that held a single red rose, a tall glass full of juice and a plate with pancakes on. I spied a small bowl with some fresh strawberries and some cream. I looked up at Ranger wondering why he would suddenly treat me to breakfast in bed.

"Has something happened?"

Because suddenly I was worried with what he might say.

"You have your medical this morning with Bobby"

Shit I had totally forgotten about that, maybe because I didn't want to think what it entailed. Ranger sat down next to me on the bed and lifted the glass for me to take.

"Do you want me to be with you?"

"Will Ellery be there?"

"No. Bobby will send him the results"

"Good. I hate having to see Bobby for a medical but at least it's better than going to the hospital"

"When was the last time you were there?"

I had to think about that, hell I ended up at the A & E so often I knew most of the staff who worked there.

"I think it was after you left, I ended up getting a cut on my scalp. I think because it bled a lot even Lula was keen to get me there"

I could hear the concern in his voice as he asked me the inevitable question.

"How did that happen?"

I smiled to myself as the memory of what had happened came to me because I was sure it wouldn't be what he expected.

"Not how you would think. Some kids were playing near to my car and their football went through the side window"

I watched as he shook his head and I thought, yeah it could only happen to me. Not wanting to dwell on that subject my mind went back to what he'd been asking me originally.

"Yeah I'd like that"

"What's that Babe?"

"For you to be with me"

"Good. I told Bobby we'd be there in 30"

I quickly ate my breakfast and drank some of the juice, wondering why Ranger hadn't brought me any coffee. He knew that I wouldn't wake up properly without one. I used the bathroom to freshen up and tied my hair back into a ponytail, then quickly dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.

As we went down in the elevator to Bobby's office, I was sure that Ranger thought I might try and make a break for it because he kept my hand tightly in his all the way down. I was nervous but not for the reasons that Ranger thought. Getting my period last night had made me feel, I don't know, I suppose back to normal.

As I sat in the chair I probably did feel like bolting.

"Babe?"

I turned to look at Ranger who was crouched down next to me.

"Okay?"

"I don't understand, this was supposed to be to check out my ribs and make sure I was healed up"

"Babe. Everyone here at Rangeman has a full medical, it's needed for the insurance"

I closed my eyes tightly shut because I knew that Bobby was approaching my arm with a needle, ready to fill up one of those small vials with my blood. Ranger's hand on my cheek gave me some comfort but his mouth covering mine made me react automatically. I melted into the kiss allowing myself to relax, that is until I felt something on my arm and flinched, knowing the needle had found its spot.

"All done Steph"

Ranger moved away from me, a slight smile on his face, he was probably feeling pleased with himself for distracting me.

"Okay Steph, blood pressure next"

I watched as Bobby wrapped the cuff around my arm and felt as the pressure built up. As the air started to release, I could hear a blipping sound come from the machine.

"That's fine Steph"

"Anything else?"

"Hop up onto the bed and let me examine your ribs and cheek"

Ranger literally scooped me up from the chair and sat me on the bed. Once laid on my back I felt my T-shirt being lifted and then gentle pushing on my ribs.

"Any pain Steph?"

"No. I can stretch and do most things now"

"Good, it's healing up really well. Okay you can sit up now"

Once sat up I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stayed there, looking at Bobby for what he needed to do next. I stayed very still as he looked at my cheek, pushing down gently. There was no pain there either so as Bobby stepped away, I was keen to leave but knew that I had one more thing to ask. Bobby was just looking at me and Ranger was waiting at the door, neither one of them knowing why I hadn't moved. It was Bobby who broke the silence.

"Err, Bobby?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. Will I need another PAP test?"

"No. Why what's worrying you?"

"Well, can you prescribe the pill for me?"

I wasn't too sure that Bobby was fully understanding what I was asking for or more importantly why. I saw it on his face the minute he figured it out then watched as he looked from me to Ranger and then back to me.

"I can do that. You realize that you don't have the all clear yet, for err, anything active"

I probably blushed, judging from how my face seemed to heat up and I was very grateful that it was Ranger who took up the conversation with Bobby.

"I know that Bobby, but seeing as Steph has started her period then it seems like an opportune time"

Even then Bobby still looked unsure probably because he didn't trust Ranger or probably me, now that the whole issue of sex had been opened up he sure was keen to lay down the rules though in no uncertain terms.

"Ranger she isn't fully recovered yet. I know you know and yes I'll get the prescription made up"

I wasn't too sure if I heard Bobby muttering something about that being better than getting pregnant. I was definitely in agreement with that. No way did I want to get pregnant, there were too many issues to have to contend with if that happened and I was sure that Ranger had no plans for any more children.

That sorted I dropped from the table onto the floor and expected that we'd be leaving, but then Ranger stopped and turned back to Bobby.

"Bobby, don't mention anything about Cassie to Ellery"

I had to say that I was in total agreement with that, hell she'd made a mistake by trusting that woman just like I had.

Going back up to five I just automatically followed Ranger into his office and stopped as I looked at where I'd been working.

"Babe?"

"Sorry. I don't know what to do now"

"Do you want to go down to the gym and show me what you've learnt so far?"

I nodded at his suggestion, because I had started to get used to going there regularly. As I went upstairs to change into gym gear Ranger went to the stairwell shouting that he'd see me down there. I presumed that he had clothes to change into down there in the locker room.

As I walked into the gym, I couldn't believe how quiet it was. Usually there were always several men around. Looking around I could see Ranger on the tread mill and knew I wasn't going to join him. I might have agreed to do some exercising but in my book, running wasn't on the list.

Instead I found a corner on the mats and began the stretching exercises that Bobby had me doing. It helped me to relax and empty my head. The problem was that something was niggling me. I'd kept ignoring it because to be honest it happened to me all the time. This time though it shouldn't have happened because I was sure that I'd done everything I could with what leads we had. I was so deep in thought that I was unaware of Ranger knelt down behind me and the touch of his hands on my shoulders made me jump. Damn, I was so engrossed that I wasn't aware that he was there.

"The muscles in your shoulders are tense Babe"

I felt his hands slowly massaging my shoulders and let my head fall forward, pleased when his hands moved to my neck.

"Okay. What did Bobby have you doing the last time you were here"

"Punching the bag"

His hands came under my arm pits and he lifted me to my feet and then turned me around to face him. I watched as he held his arms up, his palms open toward me wondering what the hell he was doing.

"Punch my hand Babe, show me how you do it"

I took up my stance and slowly bent then extended my arm, remembering how to hold my thumb and fingers.

"Harder. You won't hurt me"

"Bobby only had me doing this slowly"

A raised eyebrow was all I got. That was enough for me to try harder. As I continued to punch, he would give me advice. To rotate my hand as my fist reached his hand, or stand with my weight further back until I could feel and hear how effective the punches were getting.

As I drew back to punch at his left hand, he moved his hand at the last minute, effectively pushing my hand in the wrong direction. I totally missed my target and ended up off balance.

"Let's look at how to avoid being punched"

For me that was probably important. The first method was so simple even I could do it. Step back and to the side so that the fist coming toward me went wide of my head and the extra distance meant the punch was short. After I'd mastered that Ranger showed me how to deflect a punch as he'd done originally with mine. It was when I was starting to screw up my movements that Ranger decided I'd done enough.

"You're tired Babe. You've done really well this morning"

"I feel like I learnt something. Why didn't I do this sooner?"

"I suppose you weren't ready, and my idea of training was being able to watch you run around the track"

I didn't think so. If I remembered correctly the only thing that got me around that track was the sight of his arse in front of me.

"What were you thinking?"

"What motivated me to run with you"

"Oh, I guessed that from how your eyes darkened. I meant when you were doing your stretches"

"How did people know that when I disappeared, I'd been taken and beaten"

"Go on"

"How did Jerry know to look out for me outside of the Rangeman building?"

"Do you think someone here inside of the building is saying things?"

"I don't know but the more I thought about it the more questions I came up with"

"Go on"

"How did Beth know that Cassie was working with me?"

"I don't know the answers Babe and I'm not too sure I like what I'm thinking"

Neither did I, now that I'd actually voiced my concerns. Did it mean that someone here at Rangeman was talking to an outsider? Shit I hoped not because I knew that to Ranger the loyalty of his men was more than just important; it was an absolute.

"Let's think this through carefully Babe, because if I have someone here talking then a crate might be the least of their worries"

I could see that Ranger was annoyed with what I'd implied and knew he was right, we had to find out where the chatter was coming from before making any accusations.

"I'll see you upstairs in my office. I'll shower and change down here"

I left Ranger to his thoughts as I made for the elevator my brain going through what I'd said.

Once showered and dressed I was back in Ranger's office and decided to write down the instances when information had got out. My list didn't have many points but enough to be worried about. How did people know:

That I was taken

That I was hurt badly

That I was staying at Rangeman

That I was being seen by Cassie

The problem I was having was that I didn't how far these pieces of information had spread to. I hadn't seen Connie or Lula. Neither had I spoken with Mary Lou. My Grandma knew about the first three but only because my Dad had told her. That's when it hit me. Had my mother told people? I needed to find out if my Dad had known about Cassie. I knew my Grandma could be a gossip, but I was sure she wouldn't have said anything, not when she knew how much danger I was in. My Dad definitely wouldn't have said anything to anyone, he could more silent and mysterious than Ranger could be.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard voices coming into the room so quickly sent the points I'd written on the computer to the printer. I'd ask questions and add notes later. I recognized Ranger's voice but couldn't place the other one. Turning I was so surprised to see Leo here and looked behind him for Larri.

"Steph, you look so much better, how're you doing?"

Leo stepped toward me and gave a friendly hug before stepping away.

"I'm good Leo. Is Larry with you?"

"No. This is just a flying visit. I brought that information for you Ranger"

I was probably as confused as Ranger because I was sure Leo had said he'd email it through.

"Let's sit down Leo, while you tell me why you thought you needed to deliver it personally"

I didn't need an invitation to join them, because I was going to be in on this conversation, so sat down on the couch next to Ranger as Leo took the chair opposite.

"I got those names you wanted Ranger, the people who own those clubs. Took some following through and there were a lot of dead ends and obstacles. It seems that the club here in Trenton has been set up as a franchise. It pays the original owner of Devils Delight to use the name and be part of any advertising and use of logos and themes. The rest of the clubs are the same but the way they are set up is easy to follow through once you know that"

I wasn't too sure I understood what he was saying so let Ranger ask the questions for now in case it made me look stupid.

"So each club is run as an individual company?"

"Yes. I focused on the one here. Interestingly it was bought out about a year ago. There are four men and a woman who seem to be the named owners. Though they've hidden it well under shell companies"

"What name are they using?"

"A company called Apollo. That mean anything to you?"

"Yes. I've come across it before"

I vaguely remembered that name as well from when I'd first started looking for Shane. That that was the name that had been used to post bail for Shane Cooper.

"Well there are some names that seem mighty suspect to me"

I wasn't too sure that we were going to like what Leo had found out, especially as he was looking from Ranger to me.

"That why you came personally?"

"A man called Darren Barnes, retired Trenton cop"

"We know about him"

"Dee"

"No, I've not heard that name"

"Babe?"

I shook my head knowing I hadn't come across that name before either.

"I'm not sure where he's based. Then there's a Keith Randall, he's"

"A lawyer here in Trenton"

I finished the sentence for Leo and then looked at Ranger. Damn it, he could have been the one to set me up at Sophia's apartment. I knew it was Randall senior that I spoke with but obviously his son Keith was keeping up to date with what his father was doing. Leo watched as Ranger took hold of my hand and squeezed it and as he turned to look at Leo.