Chapter 51

I'd left the hard drive with Hector sure that he would guard it with his life, so as he and Ron worked in one of Hectors rooms, I set about organizing myself for tomorrow evening. Tank was going to explore the security at the hotel and gather reports from the teams assuring me that if he found out anything important that he'd let me know.

There was one person that I really needed to talk to and was feeling guilty that I'd left it for so long. Having checked with Zero who was on monitor duty I was surprised that they were with Ella in the laundry room, somewhere that I had never been to before. As I walked into the room, I was surprised at how large it was and that it contained several large washing machines and driers. Along another wall was what looked to be a pressing machine along with a table that held a sewing machine.

The room was light and airy and held that fragrance you associated with freshly washed clothes but it was the sound of women's voices that drew me toward an open door opposite to where I'd come in. Walking toward the room and looking inside I could see lots of shelves that held an enormous supply of bedding and towels and pulling sheets from the piles were Ella and Eula quietly talking. It was Ella who saw me first, I think surprised to see me and as Eula turned around, I couldn't help but stare at her. She looked so different. Her hair had been cut and styled, maybe even colored and the clothes that she was wearing made her look taller and slimmer. The Eula I was seeing looked younger and healthier, a drastic change to the woman that I would find living on the streets and at the train station. My attention was brought back to Ella as she looked at me, a frown across her face.

"Stephanie. Is everything alright, did we forget something for tomorrow?"

"No, everything's perfect. I, err, actually came here to talk to Eula"

I felt so nervous as I said that hoping that Eula would want to talk to me and was pleased when she said something to Ella and started to walk toward me.

"Where shall we go, is in here okay?"

I looked at the small table and chairs set up at the side of the room and nodded my head. Sitting down I was actually struggling with what to say so took a deep breath to calm my nerves before starting.

"Eula, I'm so sorry for getting you involved in my problems, I just never thought anything would happen"

"You haven't. Stephanie I loved living in your apartment and I only had the one time when I felt the need to get some help. Do you need your apartment back?"

"No, not really. I hoped that you like living there"

"I did, but you know I think I like living here better"

I looked up surprised when Eula said that not really understanding why and then remembered what her occupation had been so many years ago and what she'd been doing here when I'd found her talking to Ella.

"You were right, girl. I let myself down. Being in your apartment I took a long hard look at myself. I'd lost all pride in myself and you helped me to find it again. Then being here and working with Ella, well, I discovered I wasn't just an old woman that nobody wanted. Ella has asked me to work here, we get on so well and we have similar high standards"

"You're working here?"

I couldn't believe how things had changed for Eula and for the better, I felt so proud of her and how she had rediscovered what was important to her.

"I'm so proud of you Eula and so happy for you"

"I am too. But what about you? Ella hasn't told me much, but I hear things. The men were so worried about you and tried so hard to find you. Then Ranger, turning up alive. It's certainly not boring being around here"

I wasn't too sure what to say to Eula because I didn't want her to worry and Ella was obviously very loyal to Ranger and it appears to me as well.

"No, not boring. I haven't even asked about Rex, how is he?"

"That little guy, he don't communicate much, but certainly likes to exercise. When we came here, he got spoilt rotten by the men. There's always someone who wants his company, especially the night shift in the monitoring room"

"Rex likes it here"

In fact I felt like such a bad hamster parent I wasn't sure I deserved to have someone like Rex.

"Eula do you want to continue living in my apartment, I mean it's there if you want to, but I'd understand if you wanted to stay here"

I'd certainly prefer to stay here, but then I had the added incentive that Ranger was here, well he was supposed to be.

"Where will you live?"

"Here or another house"

I watched as Eula sat back and considered what I'd asked and suddenly felt very guilty for putting her on the spot when it was a big decision to make.

"Eula, there's no rush. Think about what you'd like to do and when the time is right, we can move forward from there"

Seeing Eula smile made me realize that I'd said the right thing to her and as she stood up, she leant forward and placed her hand on mine.

"You have a big heart, girl, I'll think about it. I know I won't go back to how I was living before. You were right, now get that man of yours back"

Eula obviously knew more than she was letting on and was smiling as she walked back through the door to join Ella. Maybe, yeah maybe I might even be able to add more choices for Eula to make.

Leaving the laundry, I wandered down to five, picking up a sandwich and water from the breakroom. Mentally I went through the plans I had in place for tomorrow evening worried that this time I'd managed to cover all the details as well.

As it came to midnight, I felt that I had done as much as I could for the day but there was no way I could sleep upstairs in the apartment. I wandered down to five after taking a shower and dressing in jogging trousers and a T-shirt looking for something to do or someone to talk to. The light in the conference room was on so curious as to who would be there, I walked in to find Les and Ram looking through some papers.

"You're working late"

Both looked up and smiled at me before returning to what they were doing.

"What are you looking at?"

"The reports that have come through from the teams"

Seeing as Tank had said that he'd let me know if anything interesting had cropped up I was surprised to see these two looking through them again. As I sat down next to Les as Ram passed a sheet over to me.

"This is the report on that BMW. We expanded it to cover all colors just in case they got it resprayed"

I started to look down the list, not sure if I would find anything either, but at least I felt that I was doing something. I started with the pale colors first, white. and progressed to cream before looking at the pale blue. That's when I saw a name that set off alarm bells for me. The person had bought the car second hand, though it was only a few years old. But Page Long seemed too much of a coincidence for me, then again, I was sure that it was a woman's voice that I'd heard just before I'd spoken to Ranger on the phone.

"I think I've just added another person to our list"

That caught both men's attention and had two sets of eyes looking at me.

"Maia's mother Pagna. Her married name was Long, but it seems she reverted to her maiden name for herself and her daughter Maia. Page Long bought a second hand pale blue BMW a few months ago"

"Is she the younger sister?"

"Yeah"

If I could, I would have loved to have talked to Maia again and asked her about her mother, especially where she was. It also made me question why it had been Maia who had sorted out where that rendezvous had taken place and not her mother. Unless of course Maia had asked for advice from her mother or maybe Pagna had used Maia as the go between and introduced her to her uncle in America via email. Was this all down to greed and hate from Narong's siblings?

"Anything else?"

"No. Daraldson's house is quiet. Just nurses going in and out. No sign of Desilva, though Freya is still there, in fact none of the addresses we have panned out"

I hadn't heard anything from Tank about Charnley but to be honest couldn't see him being involved.

As I made to get up it was Ram who passed me some folded up pieces of paper making me wonder why he was giving them to me.

"Miguel said you left these in the control room"

As I unfolded the sheets, I recognized it was the search for Daraldson's earlier financials. Looking through them I almost groaned at the amount of data and how long it would take me to comb through everything and even then, I wasn't sure of what I was looking for. For some reason I started at the oldest details, when Daraldson had probably changed his name.

Les and Ram soon left me to it, telling me to get some sleep, but I was too invested in following through with what I was looking at. Let's face it there was no way I was going to sleep with Ranger missing or with this still to do. I recognized when Daraldson must have got married from a large deposit through Freya's parents and the regular payments from working at the mill. Even that long ago he had been extremely well paid.

It was 2 years later that the outgoings became very interesting and had me standing up looking at the information on the boards. Coincidences, maybe, but Ranger had always said that there were no such things. Maybe I'd just uncovered something that had been illuding us for so long. I just wasn't sure enough to state it as fact but the way my senses were tingling, I was sure that I'd just discovered who Daraldson's illegitimate son was.

The problem I was having, the reason that I was doubting myself, were the questions it raised, none of which I had any answers for. No, I would keep this to myself until I had something more concrete before I told anyone because if I was wrong it could create a lot of problems for the man involved.

With a sigh I decided I'd probably found as much as I was going to discover and pinned everything up on the board. There were still things to find but now wasn't the time and I was pretty sure that it wouldn't have any bearing on my meeting tomorrow. Maybe it was time to try and sleep so I went next door to Ranger's office.

Couches seemed to be my go to place when I was worried or on my own, so I curled up on it with a throw over me and tried to get some sleep.

When I woke, I was disorientated with where I was and then remembered that I'd decided to sleep on Ranger's couch. Sleep had been very illusive or that's what it felt like. I knew that I'd tossed and turned through a variety of dreams and still felt exhausted. After showering upstairs, I went in search of Ella as she was working with me on the outfits for tonight. Finding her in her apartment meant that she also provided me with a huge breakfast. I hadn't realized that I'd been missing meals and was ravenous enough to eat my way through several pieces of French toast, bacon and scrambled eggs.

I left the apartment with a clothes bag that contained a dress for the evening and another bag for later in the evening. Ella had out done herself in sourcing out a dress, matching shoes and a bag. The dress was beautiful and extremely sexy. Having taken everything upstairs I was back in the conference room for the planning meeting with the men.

Tank had a huge set of plans displayed on a screen for the hotel and grounds so I was interested in trying to get my bearings for where I would need to go.

"Team 1, I want you here to the side entrance. There'll be a lot going on because that's the entrance the company managing the fashion show will be using"

"What time do you want us there?"

Came from Cal who I presumed was part of team 1.

"1400hrs. Team 2 will cover the back entrance where the caterers will arrive. They're due to arrive at 1700hrs. Team 3 at the front for when the guests arrive"

That had me wondering whether information about tonights meeting had been leaked.

"Tank, did you manage to get the information out to everyone?"

"Yeah, those we have contact with. Sorry Steph but I had to use Morelli in order to get the information to Desilva"

I didn't particularly like that idea, okay it was a sure way to ensure that Desilva took the bait and he'd tell Freya. My worry was whether or not Joe would turn up at the hotel. I knew Jin and Juan hadn't been seen but neither one of them were stupid. They'd either be following people or be in on it anyway.

"Everyone needs to on the look out for people from the boards, Juan, Jin, Desilva and Freya Daraldson, and Troy"

Those were the ones that they knew about, but I was now concerned with Pagna, sure that somehow, she was involved in all of this. There were just too many coincidences for me to ignore her.

"I think a woman named Page Long will arrive as well. She's actually Pagna, Narong and Daraldson's sister"

"Do you have a photograph Steph?"

"Only a blurred one from when she bought the car, maybe look out for a woman getting out of a dark blue BMW"

"Beautiful what time are you arriving?"

"7. The show starts at 7.30 so that will have everyone's attention while we make the meet"

"Okay. Arlo, you're inside serving drinks. Miguel, you're at the front door checking tickets. Santos, you and Bobby are with Steph"

I hadn't even thought about having men with me but if I was carrying the drive then the last thing I wanted was to be attacked or mugged before I managed to get Ranger free. I suppose it would be good to have Bobby with me just in case Ranger was injured, something that I was trying hard to push to the back of my head.

"What about Charnley, Tank?"

I wasn't too sure I liked the way that Tank hesitated before he answered me, making me wonder if I'd totally misread Charnley when I'd met him.

"I think he was trying fob me off by saying he wasn't interested. I wouldn't be surprised if he turned up tonight as well"

Well, the more the merrier, it could be one hell of a party in suite 9. What was a concern was what would happen after if the exchange went to plan? I mean we had no jurisdiction to arrest anyone, or I didn't think so, and I didn't want anyone to be killed. I suppose it would depend on whether Desilva was a good guy or not. Then again maybe Charnley could surprise us all and have the power to have everyone arrested. I could hope for those outcomes, but I wasn't going to rely on that happening. Ranger could sort out the fallout from this when he came home.

I zoned out as the conversation around me turned technical and more detailed and excused myself an hour later. I wanted to be prepared for tonight and for that I would need time. Getting ready to go out had always been something that I'd enjoyed. A soak in a fragrant bath, washing my hair and then the inevitable rites that followed. I had smooth skin, silky hair that was styled so that soft curls fell down from one side of my head onto my shoulder, held in place by a blue stone covered hair slide. Kohl around my eyes with a soft glittery blue that made my eyes pop and nail varnish and lipstick that were a matching deep blood red.

I slipped the robe off that I'd been wearing and carefully stepped into the dress admiring the final image that reflected from the mirror. The dress was probably more risqué than I would normally wear, certainly showing a lot more bare skin. It was backless with straps that came from under each arm before crossing at my back and coming down over my shoulders. The material at the front covered each breast, just, joining onto the waistband of glittering blue stones. The skirt, with a slit up one side that came to the top of my thighs, clung to my hips before falling to my ankles, allowing the stones on the shoes to be seen. Turning sideways I was thankful that the skirt started above my backside and tried to decide if it made my backside look bigger or not.

Hearing the knock on the apartment door I left the bedroom, picking up the bag and a light shawl before opening it to find Les and Bobby stood there. I stood there watching them as their eyes moved from my face down my body to my feet and back up again. I raised my eyebrows waiting for them to say something suddenly feeling that maybe the dress didn't look good.

"Shit Beautiful, you look amazing"

"You'll outshine the models looking like that"

I looked down at my feet, feeling embarrassed, but then I asked myself why I was feeling like that. I straightened my shoulders and stood tall suddenly feeling very confident with myself and how I looked.

"Okay, do you have the goods?"

I removed my left shoe and slid the sole from the wedge shaped heel and fitted the drive inside, looking back at Les as he held out a box. I'd expected a mic to be in it but was surprised there was only jewelry.

As Les stood behind me he fastened the chain of a necklace that held droplets of blue stones that fell down my chest and between my breast. Bobby held his hand out with matching earrings that I pushed through and fastened.

"There's a mic in the necklace behind one of the stones and trackers in the earrings"

I felt I was ready to go in more ways than one. I was keen to get Ranger back and finish the trouble that seemed to follow us around. Standing in the elevator on our way down to the garage I admired the two men who would be with me. Both were wearing black suits that looked to have been made for them, and maybe they were. While Les wore a pale blue shirt and black tie, Bobby wore a pale grey shirt with a black tie and both of them looked as sexy as hell.

"You guys sure clean up well. I love seeing you in suits"

"Only for you Beautiful"

Was all that was said as Les adjusted the tie around his neck as though it was too tight. I smiled as I realized how uncomfortable they felt but really appreciated the effort that they'd gone to.

Of course, we rode to the hotel in a black Porsche Cayenne and of course we had at least two cars shadowing us. I knew Tank was in one of the cars but wasn't too sure who was in the other. I was also aware of the manpower being used for this operation and how I was sure that Tank had several back up plans for getting Ranger out. Ranger was important to a lot of people but none more than the men who worked for him.

As we approached the front entrance of the hotel, I knew it would be empty of guests but full of people making last minute changes to ensure the smooth running of the show. I just hoped that Brenda was sober enough not to ruin the show or start hitting on any of the men, well my Merry Men. I waited for Les to open my door, I was learning and linked my arm through his as we walked up the stone steps toward the entrance.

Once through the double doors I recognized Miguel stood behind a desk but didn't make eye contact with him. Instead as Les said our names I was looking around. The entrance was large with ceilings that seemed to go up forever following the circular staircase that I presumed led to the other floors.

My first thought was how it would hurt if you fell over the bannister from one of the floors above, especially as the floor seemed to be covered in a black marble. My attention was caught when Les took my arm and we walked through another set of doors into a large banquet room. At one end of the room was a small stage that led to a walkway that came out into the center of the room.

Arranged around the walkway were table and chairs adorned with black tablecloths, glasses and silver napkins. The center piece on each table was a single black orchid. Certainly, striking as the black and silver theme continued around the room through fine netting that seemed to be draped across the ceiling.

"Stephanie. Well don't you just look delectable. I never realized just how sexy you could look"

Putting a smile on my face I turned to where the voice had come from, seeing Brenda stood on one side of the stage. At least she sounded sober but that didn't mean anything, Brenda could be vulgar when she was stone sober. She actually looked good wearing an all in one trouser suit, showing that maybe she'd been looking after herself.

"You look good Brenda, how's life been treating you?"

I asked as I walked across the room.

"I've had to make a lot of changes. Being old sucks. Being old and being drunk doesn't bring in the work and I hate doing those small town jaunts"

"So are you saying that you're not singing anymore?"

"Sometimes. I'm breaking into presenting shows, you know talk shows"

In some ways the fact she'd stopped the singing was a shame because in her days she'd been good. Maybe like anyone else Brenda had needed to reinvent herself to survive.

"I hope you're prepared for after the show"

"I am"

"Well wearing that dress should go down well"

I tried not to roll my eyes at the thought of what Brenda had asked me to do. Was I prepared? Not really but I'd promised Brenda and wouldn't let her down. The biggest worry that I had was that I hadn't told anyone about it. I really wouldn't cope well having any of the Merry Men around and was counting on everyone having left the building, yes, all of the bad guys as well.

I was surprised at how many people had entered the room and were sat down at the tables. There were several wait staff moving around with trays of drinks and finger foods. Arlo walked up to me with a tray of drinks in his hand and offered me a glass. He knew not to give me alcohol so the apple juice in my hands looked the part.

"We have movement. Tank thinks that some men used the side entrance as cover. He's sure Ranger is upstairs, in the bathroom"

Damn, I knew we'd placed cameras in the suite but not in the bathroom but at least we would know who was there.

"Who?"

"Man, maybe Coleman and we think that woman, Pagna. Two bodyguards out on the hallway"

Okay, we expected that and to be honest subduing the body guards wouldn't be a problem once I was inside the room. A look at my watch and I realized the show was about to begin. I found Bobby sat at one of the tables at the back of the room and watched as the lights went dim in the room. A spotlight came on that was aimed at Brenda who immediately started to talk. Her words went over my head as I looked at the people in the room, trying to figure out if I recognized anyone.

"We have eyes on a lot of the people involved in this"

I turned to look at Bobby wanting to know who when a figure walked through the door that I knew. I suppose I knew that Joe would turn up so shouldn't have been surprised but was curious at what excuse he would give for being here. Bobby turned to watch him as he sat down at our table, obviously annoyed with the intrusion. I lent forward not wanting to have to shout above the music that had started to play.

"Joe, I didn't know you were into fashion"

"I'm not. I hate places like this, well I did until I saw you wearing that dress"

"Why are you here Joe?"

"Maybe I wanted to be sure you were safe"

I almost laughed at that. Joe was still so arrogant and stupid if he thought I didn't see through his motivation.

"You going to screw up another FBI case Joe"

I saw the flash of anger cross his face before he leant forward so that only the two of us would hear what he had to say.

"I'm here to catch criminals, to finish the job that I was on when you fucked it up"

I almost wanted to shout at him that it hadn't been my fault, that a damn FBI agent had done that with Joe's help. I didn't, I had other things to focus on and needed to maintain control. I would not let Joe get to me or screw this up. Ranger's life was at risk here and no way was Joe going to put any of us in jeopardy. I nodded my head to Bobby and then leant very close to Joe, obstructing his view of the table.

"Joe, you could never be an FBI agent. You really don't look good in a suit"

I said with a slight laugh in my voice being immediately aware that the tension emanating from Joe dispersed. He leant back and picked up the drink he'd brought with him and emptied the glass. It seemed he still enjoyed the bourbon, which was a shame, because it saddened me to see him drink it so easily and not to be aware of what it could turn him into.

I gazed at the catwalk watching as one particularly beautiful girl strutted her stuff wearing some sort of outfit made from lots of colored scarves. To me she looked so young and to be honest too thin, with few curves that most women carried. The crowd loved her though and clapped as she passed them by. A look at my watch meant it was time for me to go.