An old one off my hard drive
Protectors
She stood amongst the bodies of the slayers, blood and destruction surrounding her. My heart hammered painfully in my chest as I witnessed the aftermath of what must have been hell for her.
I could see Morelli standing a few feet from her, his eyes relieved but angry. He hates that she gets in trouble like this – I can relate to that; I hate it too. Every time something like this happens I feel like I age a few years; the difference is that I would rather age those years than tell her to act differently. She's always wanted to fly; I'll help her do it if I can, no matter what the cost is to me.
But right now, flying is the last thing on her mind. Her eyes are flat as she examines the scene around her, and her shoulders slump with defeat.
Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out
Or looked down on
The truth is; I'm amazed by her, I'm amazed by how far she's come. From a lingerie buyer – a dead end job she despised – to a bounty hunter.
She makes a difference. Not just to those she cares about, but to everyone she comes in contact with. But still she thinks she's only a 'second rate' bounty hunter.
She has a 100% success rate…that's not 'second rate' to me.
Ok, so she doesn't try and take in kilo-pushers and murderers – the real big skips – but she's getting better all the time. She can only do her best.
Just try your best
Try everything you can
And don't you worry what they tell themselves,
When you're away.
I know it gets to her, the Burg rumours and whispers; the looks of disapproval as she fights to be Wonder Woman, rather than the expected Suzy Homemaker. Half the time I wish I could get my gun and shoot the gossipmongers in the head…or at least the knee.
It just takes some time, little girl
In the middle, after ride
Everything, everything will be just fine
Everything, everything will be all right, all right.
I'm here now. I know she'll need me, if only for a few brief minutes.
I kept an eye on her while I exchanged words with the chief of the firemen; he was an old friend of mine. Steph was beginning to look uncomfortable, so I judged the time to be right and I started towards her, picking my way through the carnage.
I silently thanked god it was over. Everything will be all right - I'll make sure of it.
Hey, you know they're all the same
You know you're doing better on your own
So don't buy in.
Live right now, yeah just be yourself
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else
Morelli's anger was simmering below the surface, coming out in snide comments and obvious disapproval.
He's a good man, a good cop. He tries to look out for her, to protect her, but instead he smothers her.
I'm beginning to think Steph would do better on her own than she does with him.
His comments aren't designed or intended to lower her self-esteem, but that's the end result; I just hope she doesn't buy in to his remarks and try to become less than she is. She's one of a kind; it would kill me to see her pretend to be something she isn't.
If Stephanie isn't good enough for Morelli as she is, then Morelli doesn't deserve her.
It just takes some time, little girl
In the middle, after ride
Everything, everything will be just fine
Everything, everything will be all right, all right.
I closed the distance between us, my military training helping me move silently across the blood soaked asphalt.
I saw Morelli's eyes widen as he saw me approach, I ignored him, focusing solely on Stephanie. Her bottom lip was wobbling precariously; she needed me.
I touched her lightly on the shoulder and she twisted round to face me. She smiled bravely up at me, but my heart lurched at the anguish lurking in her azure blue eyes.
I wrapped my arms firmly around her and hugged her tightly. I saw Morelli frown – he hadn't been comforting her, but now that I was, he wanted to be the one holding her, to be reassuring her.
Jealousy is easily inspired into the hearts of Morelli men.
Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out
Or looked down on
Steph pulled back a little, looking into my eyes.
I met her hesitant gaze easily, trying to silently send all the pride and love I felt for her.
I'm not much for words.
Something must have gotten through though, because her lips turned up in the dazzling smile I know so well.
Just do your best
Do everything you can
Don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.
'It's ok now.' I said.
She nodded, 'it's over.' Her smile faltered slightly, 'The phone's going to be ringing off the hook…Mom's going to be ironing toilet paper.'
I smiled slightly, 'don't worry. It'll be fine.'
She nodded, relaxing, accepting my words as the truth – when have I ever lied to her?
It just takes some time, little girl
In the middle, after ride
Everything, everything will be just fine
Everything, everything will be all right, all right.
Steph smiled gratefully at me, 'Thanks Daddy.'
'Sure thing, little girl.' I answered.
She smiled at the use of her childhood nickname, but then a shiver ran through her and her eyes darted around, searching. Eventually they settled on a muscular man, who I recognised as her friend Ranger.
His dark eyes were watching her, and as her eyes met his, he moved towards her, leaving the crowd of cops he had been conferring with.
She stepped out of my arms, and I reluctantly let her go.
It just takes some time, little girl
In the middle, after ride
Everything, everything will be just fine
Everything, everything will be all right, all right.
Ranger's eyes never left hers as he approached her; and Stephanie eased into his obviously familiar embrace.
Over Stephanie's shoulder Ranger's eyes met mine. His gaze did not falter, and the line of his body spoke louder than words that he would protect her.
As I watched Morelli's furious stare burn into Ranger's back, I hoped someone would protect him too.
But perhaps he didn't need protecting; he was a Ranger; an elite soldier. A man used to blood and death; not my first choice for my little girl, but as I watched her nestle into his neck, I realised that perhaps this man was her first choice.
I nodded slowly to Ranger.
The truth is, Stephanie's a soldier too.
A fighter.
A survivor.
Ranger nodded back, and his arms slipped down her back to rest around her waist. Then he gently guided her to the EMT to get her checked out.
Yes, he would protect her now.