Chapter 11

If Junior was surprised by my connection to Ram, he certainly didn't show it. He asked me out a few times, but I always declined. His smile dropped when he saw the expression on Ram's face. "Steph, take him to see the medic."

I knew Michael didn't need the medic, he needed to be with me. "I've got it Junior. Thank you for letting them land here," I pointed towards Zero.

"No problem. Let me know if you guys need anything," emotion lacing his words. He too knew something bad happened recently to Ram.

"Will do," I replied. Rubbing my hand gently along Michael's side, I whispered, "Let's go to my apartment. I'll take care of you." He nodded, allowing me to guide him through the door of the elevator.

I sent a quick text to Mateo to explain the circumstances. 'Hey Teo, Jeremy's friend Michael Ramsey just arrived. He's a mess and needs me.'

'Take whatever time you need to help him.' Having family in the military gave Mateo compassion for returning men. He could see how much the military affected his cousin Lester and brother Carlos. It was a difficult lifestyle, but both men felt it was their calling.

'Thanks. I'll talk to you later.' I was thankful to have such an amazing friend. When I arrived in my apartment, I pulled Michael towards the bedroom. He removed his boots before collapsing on the bed. "I'll be right back Michael," I said before closing the door. I sent a group text to my twins, Lory and Curt. 'Michael just arrived. Have a great day at school. Love you.'

They both quickly replied, 'Okay. Take care of him, he needs you. Love you too Mom.' I laughed when I realized they sent identical replies at the same time.

As I set my phone on the counter, it rang. I picked up the call. "Hey Sophia. Everything okay?" I knew my children were alright. They would have told me if it wasn't.

"Mostly. Lory and Curt have been dreaming about their father lately. They mentioned something about Michael coming to see you soon. Neither of them slept much last night," she explained.

"Ah... so he's not just visiting me as I sleep. How are they handling the dreams?"

"Better than I expected. They shouted a few seconds after their phones chimed. What's going on?" Sophia was taking her temporary guardian role seriously as I knew she would. She was worried about their mental health.

"Jeremy's friend Michael contacted me early this morning. He's a mess and needs me. I had him come to me in Miami."

"Good idea. The kids have a break next week. It's study week at the university. Would you like them to come home for a visit?" Sophia must know how much I need to see my children.

"I would love to see them. I've missed them so much. Texting and FaceTime just isn't the same as seeing them in person. You can't hug them electronically," I sadly stated. My kids are the best part of me and Jeremy. Having them live so far away was challenging.

The last time I hugged them was during their Christmas break which was surprisingly short due to exams. They were attending school during the summer, hoping to complete their undergraduate degrees sooner. Their summer semester is more compact, giving them less time for visiting. I tried to visit them last summer, but they were too busy with homework and classes.

My spidey sense was humming. There was something she wasn't telling me. All I could hope was my daughter didn't share my past experience with boys. I quickly dismissed the thought. Lory would have told me if something happened. "They'll fly out Friday after class. It would be a late night for you, but they are anxious to see you." Okay... that was ominous.

"Tell them I'll pick them up from the airport. Text me their flight number."

"Sure Steph," she replied as I heard her fingers click across the keyboard. She must be scheduling their flights. I'll transfer the funds to her later. "Flights booked. I'll text the details." I knew she'd include the flight costs too.

"Thanks Sophia. I can hardly wait to see them." I heard a noise from my bedroom. "I have to go. Talk to you later."

"Bye Steph," she quickly wrapped up our conversation.

I walked through my Rangeman apartment towards my bedroom. My apartment was located on the seventh floor of the 10 floor building. This office building contains more floors than Boston and Atlanta. I heard the Trenton office will only have 7 floors. A pleasant woman named Ella and her husband Luis reside on my floor. They live in a 2 bedroom suite while I live in a 3 bedroom suite. The core team provided space for my children to stay when they visit. Ella used the spare room for Sophia whenever she visits. Did I mention Ella is Mateo, Carlos, Celia and Sophia's aunt? I'm not convinced I have. Anyways, ya... she's their aunt. It really is convenient when she accompanies my children. Yes... I suspect Sophia is coming for a visit too.

"Michael?" I asked as I opened the door.

"Stephanie?" Michael weakly called out.

"I'm here." I entered the room and sat on the bed beside him. He looked as though he was crying again. I removed my shoes before climbing on the bed to lay beside him. "Talk to me," I whispered.

He started telling me everything about his last mission. It was completely FUBAR'd from the beginning. "We had difficulty locating my target. He wasn't where our intel placed him. After my team leader notified home base, we were sent to a town over 300 miles away. Our convoy was targeted by a road side bomb, taking out the front 2 cars. Only the men in my car survived. We were too far back to be affected."

Michael took a deep shuttering breath before he could continue. I moved closer to him, laying my head on his shoulder. He reflectively wrapped his arm around me, pulling me tight against his body. I felt myself reacting to the contact. Electricity permeated throughout my body. Before I could concentrate on this effect, he continued the story.

"The team leader was driving my vehicle. We didn't stop to check on the men since we suspected there was an ambush. As Cam stepped on the gas and swerved around the other jeeps, we saw men rush towards us. We made it out before we were included in the casualties. With the damage and blood I saw as we drove past the jeeps, I knew none of our other team members survived. It was me, Cam, Pedro and Juan left to complete the mission. My friend Brandon didn't make it." He started sobbing as I wrapped my free arm across his chest and rolled him towards me.

Michael sobbed in my hair for several minutes before he could calm himself enough to continue the story. I just held him without saying anything, running my fingers through his short hair. "When we arrived at the new location, there was a team of insurgents waiting for us. They were guarding the road leading into town. We were severely outnumbered. Using every skill we possessed, we managed to break through the 20 man guard nearly unscathed. Our explosives expert received a bullet in his left arm. We were forced to abandon our vehicle and enter the town under a curtain of darkness. I was able to locate our target within minutes. He was holed up in the closest building within the compound. As I lined up my shot and pulled the trigger, he pulled a small child up into his arms. I killed an innocent child as I shot that sick bastard."

I could understand why he was upset for killing a child, but I couldn't understand why he was called a sick bastard. What exactly did this man do? My spidey sense kicked in at full force. This bastard was obviously involved in some scheme involving children. Perhaps child trafficking or prostitution? "He can't hurt any more children," I said hoping I guessed correctly.

"No he can't. We've been tracking him for the past few years to stop him from creating child porn. The child was around 5 or 6 years old. He hurt..." he couldn't continue. I didn't want to hear what he was about to say.

"It isn't your fault Michael," I repeated as I continued running my fingers through his hair. He calmed as I continued to comfort him. Before too long, he was sleeping. I tried to shift away, but he pulled me tighter to his body. Giving into the moment, I fell asleep wrapped in his arms.

We woke up a few hours later still wrapped around each other. "Where am I?" Michael asked.

"My apartment in Rangeman, in my bedroom." He sat up quickly to take in his surroundings. I didn't own any of my bedroom furniture. It was part of the apartment. The sofa, TV, coffee table, recliner, end tables, dining room table and chairs belonged to me. I purchased them prior to moving into Rangeman.

"Oh. I thought the decor looked familiar," he was telling something I suspected. "This bed is huge."

"Is it? It's a king. Isn't that standard for Rangeman employee apartments?" I was curious.

"No. Beds are normally a double to discourage men from bringing home their dates or one night flings," he explained. I was curious if he brought anyone home during the past few years. "I haven't been with anyone since the first time you called me." That's an awful long time for a man to not have sex or intimacy with a woman. It was much easier for women.

I haven't had sex since my last time with Jeremy before he went to Ranger training. I've masturbated or used my vibrator to get me through my horny days. Sex with random men never appealed to me. I wanted to be a great role model for my children. "It's been quite a few years for me too," I confessed.

"How long?" He gently stroked my face as he waited for my answer.

"Since Jeremy left for Ranger training." I wasn't embarrassed talking about sex or my lack of sex life. It wasn't what I classified as a taboo subject. "I've been managing my own pleasure whenever I got the urge."

"Me too. Since we first talked, I lost interest in other women. Jeremy asked me to wait for you," he whispered as he pulled me closer.

"Why does he want us together?" I wondered aloud.

"I think he sees something in each of us that would make us stronger and better people together. Stephanie, I don't want to rush into a relationship with you. We can take our time. I'll wait as long as you need."

"We'll play it by ear, Michael. Where would you stay? I know there's a few apartments available on the fourth floor." I really wanted him to stay here, but with my children arriving in a few days, I felt we should make other arrangements.

"I'll talk to Ranger," he suggested.

"He's in Trenton New Jersey opening a new office with Tank, Lester and Bobby. His brother Mateo is in charge here. I would offer you one of my spare bedroom, but my children are coming home in a few days. You could stay here until Friday," I offered.

"No it's alright. I'll see if the room is still available."

"Okay. Come on... let's see what they have to eat in the break room." I untangled myself from him and reached out my hand for him to grab. My shoes were on the floor beside me. I quickly slipped them on before moving towards the door.

He sat on the bed to pull on his shoes. After they were tied, he got off the bed and walked towards the door. I grabbed his hand and let him through the living room. My clothes were a bit rumpled, but I was beyond caring at the moment.