Chapter 17

For the next two weeks, Cowboy was Ella's or Luis's shadow. He helped Ella with food preparation and became the official cookie taster. When the break room on the fifth floor needed food and drink replenishment, Cowboy came along. The laundry area tested Cowboy's patience. "Why are there so many t-shirts?" he moaned.

"Not all men do their laundry. They pay me and now you."

"I'm getting paid for my laundry work?"

Cowboy's other chore was to use the giant dust mop to clean the gym floor. Cowboy assumed the job, making it a game. Luis showed him how to line up his rows with markers and enjoyed watching the boy step back and visually align his path before he began each row. His patience was unusual for a newly turned eight-year-old. With his completed chores, he either found a secluded spot to read or snuggled with his adopted Abuelo, Luis, to watch a movie.

Luis often took the boy to the local hardware store and taught him about tools, plumbing, and electrical supplies. The boy's natural curiosity and imagination allowed him to "work" with Luis as they made minor repairs through the building. "Today, Pierre, we will be replacing washers in Cal's apartment. I'll need someone agile enough to crawl under the counter to turn off off the shut-off valve."

"What happens if you don't turn it off," the boy asked.

"There is always water in the pipes. Without the valves to close the pipe so we can work on the faucet, we would have Old Faithful geyser in the bathroom."

As the boy moved around Rangeman, either Ella or Luis introduced him to various Rangeman. He already knew one. "Hey, Dr. Bobby!"

"Cowboy, I heard you now worked here."

"I'm helping Ella and Luis. They need my help."

"Have you been to the gym yet?"

"It's my job to sweep the gym floor. I'd like to play there, but Ella says I have to wait for my Dad."

"I will join you there someday soon."

When Tank finished for the day and the subsequent shift was up and running, he gathered Cowboy and went to the gym.

On the first day in the gym, Cowboy began doing stretches on the mats. "My gymnastic instructors told us to warm up our muscles so they work better." Tank had been with Cowboy at his gymnastic classes in Germany and grateful for his instruction. Once warmed-up, Cowboy stood and did a walkover.

"Nice." Tank said though he had seen it many times.

Cowboy shrugged, "I can do several together and proceeded to the other end of the mats. He then bent backward and did more reverse walkovers back to his father.

By then, the noise in the gym grew quieter as the Rangeman were watching. They were not only curious about the boy but impressed at his flexibility.

"Enséñame lo que puedes hacer," Hector said. (Show me what you can do.)

Before Tank could translate, Cowboy replied, "OK" indicating he understood Hector.

"Hablas español?"

Cowboy shrugged and replied, "No mucho." Cowboy then proceeded to do several forward rolls, ending up the final one in a headstand. When he stood, he rolled back twice and ended in a handstand he could only hold a few seconds. "Can someone spot me?" he asked.

"Dejame hacerlo," Hector offered.

Taking a running start, Cowboy did several crisp forward flips. Then when stable, finished off with a backflip. The Rangemen present gave the boy an ovation which he reciprocated with a bow and then laughed. The father was doing something rarely seen inside the Haywood building. He was smiling.

"Let's watch what Hector can do?" Tank said.

Hector winked at the boy and proceeded down the mat in a series of flips without using his hands, then to the gym walls for a basic parkour demonstration. There were not enough elevation changes in the gym for Hector to demonstrate more moves.

"Dad, can you do that?"

"At one time, I could, but I developed more muscle, and that cost me flexibility."

"Maybe he can teach me more stuff," Cowboy said, pointing to Hector.

"His name is Hector. I'm sure he would work with you if you ask. Right now, I'd like to work on some self-defense."

"Mama works with me on some, but I'd like to learn more."

Tank broke into a big smile, "And I would like to teach you more."

The men at Rangeman were quick to adopt the boy. Bobby watched the boy making sure he was over-working his developing body. "He's pretty remarkable for a boy his age."

Tank smiled, "Yeah. I wasn't that limber or strong back then."

A soccer ball appeared one day, along with two small nets. Impromptu scrimmages sprung up, often with Cowboy but also between the men. "Hey Cowboy, what's your real name?" Bink asked as they kicked the ball back and forth.

"I'm named after my Dad, Pierre Sherman Massenet."

Bink stopped, "Tank's name is Pierre?"

Bobby was standing nearby, "You'd best forget that real fast or end up being called to the mats, Harvey."

Bink nodded his understanding.

-0-

During one of Cowboy's first of the morning stair climbs to Ella's apartment, he encountered Ranger. Noting the visitor tag on the boy, Ranger said nothing. When he reached the gym, he went to Tank, "Why the hell is there a child here?"

"That's my son. He stays with Ella and Luis before and after school until I take him home."

"I thought he was in Germany with his mother."

"She is teaching at Dix and will soon separate from the Army. After that, she will be interviewing for a job."

"Where?

"She's looking all over the country."

"Could she work for Rangeman?"

"She has advanced degrees in aerospace engineering. Unless you want to start monitoring our clients from space, we don't have anything for her. Plus, she wants nothing to do with Trenton after the Lula incident."

Ranger walked silently, agreeing and fearful any further development between the woman and Tank might cost him his SIC.

-0-

In late summer, the Jersey beaches are packed. Though the schools had begun, the weekends still allowed for a day at the beach. Rangeman traditionally had a beach day for workers and their families, often calling in contract workers to substitute while the permanent employees enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

Rain was hesitant to join this year's festivities as she and Cowboy had been with Tank a short time. The only other time the boy had been to the beach was in April when the water and air temperatures were cold. Now everything was perfect for a beach outing. Rain relented, admitting she could use some R&R from her classes at Dix.

The invasion of buff Rangemen to the beach caused casual observers to lower their sunglasses. As the men began removing their shirts, the observer's staring started staring in earnest. Women were gradually moving closer for better views of the fit men.

Cowboy arrived with his father, excited to be at the beach again. The Rangemen greeted him like a little brother he had become. The young boy had grit. He wasn't afraid to try something new and continually tried to improve what he already knew. Not only did he amaze the Rangemen with this flexibility, but also his strength and endurance. Bobby was on guard the men did not over-tax Cowboy's young body.

Rain helped Ella unpack the food, staying away from the men. Dressed in tan muslin pants, matching coverall, oversized sun hat, and glasses, she remained incognito. She was standing near Ella when the Rangemen began dropping their shirts. "It's a private Chippendales show," she mumbled, the thought to herself.

Ella chuckled, "You think I would get used to seeing them as they are often shirtless coming out of the gym."

Rain scanned the men, "Whose is the big blonde?"

"That's Hal. The kindest gentleman you could ever meet but one heck of a warrior."

"He has spent time on the weights. Was he in service?"

"He was a Ranger. After Ranger training and his first mission, he got into bodybuilding to relax. When he joined Rangeman, he hit the weights big time. He and your man have competitions among themselves on lifting challenges."

"Tank is not my man. He is Cowboy's father."

"Sorry, I thought you two were together."

"No, I'm trying not to become attached. When I get a job, Cowboy and I will probably move away."

"We enjoy having little Pierre here. Are you sure there's nothing local?"

"Trust me. I've been looking. There's nothing here unless I downgrade my skills." Looking around, Rain asked, "Is Ranger the boss here? I've never met him."

"No, he stays behind for these outings giving the guys time away. This time Stephanie is with him."

"Stephanie?"

"They are difficult to explain. Ranger was teaching her about bounty hunting. She did that for years but has come to work for Rangeman in the office. She and Ranger are verrrry good friends but keep dancing around each other."

"Dancing around?"

"She has a boyfriend, a cop."

Rain remembered hearing the story from Tank. "So she's two-timing?"

"In a sense, yes. The cop wants to marry her but hasn't proposed. She is uncertain about marriage again after a divorce. She probably loves Ranger more than the cop, but my nephew is pig-headed about relationships."

"Does timidity plagues all her actions?" Rain asked, thinking about the hospital incident and her failure to reign in her friend.

Ella looked at Rain quizzically. "She has other issues, too but, you are right. She is often timid. Do you know her?"

Rain explained, "She was at the hospital after Tank was shot."

"You were there?" Ella asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"I heard someone was shot," Ella chattered as she laid out covered food dishes.

"I was."

The ladies were interrupted by Cowboy, "Mama, can I go into the water?" Rain looked at the water with motherly fear. Before she could say no, a Rangeman appeared, "Ma'am, I can take Cowboy to the water." Then turning to Cowboy, Bink asked, "Do you know how to swim, Little Man?"

"Yes, sir. I took classes at the base."

Rain quickly added, "He's only been in a pool, never the ocean."

"Can I go in the ocean, mama?" the boy asked without pleading. He was not a whiney child and never had been.

Rain raised an eyebrow, "Rephrase that, please."

The young boy paused and replayed his question, then smiled. "Mama, may I please go into the ocean?"

Touching her son showing approval, Rain turned to Bink, Rained, and asked, "Service?"

"SEALS ma'am. I'll be with him the whole time."

"That's all I ask." Turning back to her son, "Yes, Cowboy, you can go into the water but stay close to Bink."

"Yes, Mama," the boy answered as the two guys headed down the beach.

Ella smiled as she watched the interaction, "He is a kind, mindful boy. The men enjoy having him around."

Rain smiled, "He has always been a blessing."

Rain was working on the buffet table arrangement when she heard her son squeal. Like a lioness looking for her cub, she started for the water until she realized Cowboy had just learned about ocean water temperatures. He often had trouble staying warm in heated swimming pools. The Atlantic ocean must be brutal for him.

Tank came up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder, "He will be fine, " he cooed as he rubbed her shoulders. "I put floats on his arms, and the men are watching him."

"I know. It's my job to worry." She did not shake off his hands.

"And mine too," he said as he absently-minded caressed her shoulder and arm. "Do you want to join him in the water?"

"Not really. Do you know what saltwater does to dark skin?"

"We can wash off, and then I'll rub coconut oil on your skin, and you can rub some on mine," he said with a smile. The emerging woman in Rain reacted as if she had been shocked, but in reality, she was becoming more comfortable around Tank, even sharing cheek kisses and light touches. Still, could she allow Tank to rub her bare skin on a public beach? Could she touch Tank? She was developing feelings for him, knowing she should not.

Tank watched her face as she mulled over the suggestion. "I doubt you can reach your whole back. I can help there. The rest you can do yourself if you are hesitant. I don't need the oil."

Rain let out a sigh as she looked over his naked chest. She had an urge to touch those incredible pecs. "I am sure I have many areas I will not be able to reach easily, thank you," she smiled back as best she could. "Then I would be honored to reciprocate." This learning about man/woman interchange was challenging. She stepped out of her coverings, revealing a Speedo one-piece suit with thin straps, very high side leg openings, and cut down nearly to her ass crack. It was a racer's suit she used when she swam on base. The bronze color almost matched her skin tone. With the tight fit and bronze color, it was easy to question she was wearing a suit. Tank's eyes widened. He suspected she was trim, but the skimpy and thin racer nylon-spandex suit hid little. She was not fashion model thin unless models have taken up muscle definition. Her arms clearly showed her enhanced biceps and triceps, he remembered in Frankfurt. But there was more. Her delts were broad, and her abdomen flat under her C-cup breasts. There was a hint of a six-pack under her suit. The long legs had muscular thigh and calf muscle, and her ass make Tank adjust himself. He was grateful for the water's cold temperature. "I didn't know you worked out," he whispered.

She smiled, "Good genetics, and I'm a closet gym rat. I carve out an hour in the gym as often as I can. I've been waiting for an invitation to the Rangeman gym."

"Any time, any time," he smiled, "But wear something more modest, please."

"This is a swimmer's one-piece swimsuit, not a bikini. I have too many scars to be flashing any more skin."

Tank wondered where the scars hid. Yes, he saw the mark from the hospital shooting and figured the Iraq shooting left a scar on her side but were there more? He thought a sports bra, t-shirt, and shorts, not a suit cut high on the side, would fit better with a gym filled with me. "Please tell me you wear more than this in the gym," he begged.

Rain winked, "You'll have to invite me to find out." Whoa, was she flirting with Tank? This is new.

They swam parallel to the beach for about fifteen minutes before returning to their starting point near their son. Rain had no trouble in the water and marveled how such a muscular man could still float. When Cowboy saw his parents emerging from the water, he cried out, "Papa, can I ride on your shoulders?" In a smooth move, he was sitting on Tank's shoulders.

Woody's son saw Cowboy and ran to his father. "Can we do that?"

Woody smiled and pulled his son up, and together they waded into the surf to start a game of chicken with Tank and Cowboy. Tank quickly explained the rules before the battle began.

Several Rangemen saw the game and joined in the fun. Since all were above average height, they weren't on their "holder's" shoulders but climbed onto other men's backs. The play between the adults was far more intense than the young boys and their fathers.

Rain watched her son interacting with Tank and Woody's son. He has always been a happy child, but today he was glowing as he had been at the Winter Markets in Germany. She was glad she allowed him to know his father but again worried about the future.

Rain left the boys to play in the water, hoping to emerge unseen.

"Holy cow," Lester gawked. Ram stepped up next to Les, "Is that Cowboy's mother? She looks like the woman from the hospital shooting last spring."

"It is," Lester answered. "She works out. That's a six-pack under her wet suit. She's quite a bit different than Lula."

"Well, hell, no wonder Tank chewed Bomber and us a new one. Lula shot Cowboy's mother. Thank heavens it didn't hit the boy."

Lester snorted, "Lula would be dead and maybe Bomber too."

Ram shook his head, "I wouldn't have given us a chance to survive, either."

-0-

While the staff enjoyed the beach, Ranger and Steph sat together on monitors. "Sorry, Ranger, but this is really boring," she complained. "Next time I'm going to the beach. You can sit here alone."

Ranger agreed it was boring. "Consider it part of recon training. You learn to scan just as you scan when driving."

"Scan?"

"Babe, don't tell me you have a fixated driving habit," he sighed. "It is dangerous."

"I'm trying to figure out what you mean."

"Anybody doing a long-term activity such as flying a plane or driving learns to scan everything regularly. Pilots are scanning all the dials every few seconds while also scanning the sky. Drivers have their instruments as well as mirrors and the road. Their eyes should be in constant motion."

"Don't they get dizzy?"

"Not that fast, Babe. Here look at each camera, see the entire area, note people or movement. What is happening? Then move to the next camera. You begin to watch for variations in patterns. Use your brain, what has changed from the last scan. Your thinking will keep you awake. If you need to make it a game, what has changed from the last look? Some never change. If you see something suspicious, your brain alerts you though you might not be looking at that camera at the moment. Peripheral vision is great."

"My butt will get numb," Steph said, trying for another excuse.

"I'll rub it later."

"Promises, promises."

"Yeah, but now we need to concentrate."

Hector and Mick came to relieve Ranger and Steph. "Now we have two hours off. What do you want to do," Ranger asked.

"Someone offered me a massage, but first a detour through the break room."

Ranger smiled, "The beast was getting insistent. When it's fed, let's go up to seven."

"Do you think we'll remember to come back?"

Ranger threw his arm over her shoulder, "Possibly not, but Hector will not be pleased, so if you don't want harder training tomorrow, don't upset your instructor today."

As they looked over the meager sandwich offerings since the office had a skeletal crew, Steph's phone rang with the Star War's Imperial March.

"You going to answer that?" Ranger asked.

Stephanie sighed, "I don't want to, but it has been several weeks since I talked to my mom."

"Maybe she has changed after your ultimatum," Ranger offered.

"When pigs fly," she replied as she opened the line, "This is Stephanie."

"Young lady, that is not the proper way to answer your phone," Helen began. You begin with hello."

Stephanie wasn't going to mention her mother didn't use the greeting. "Mrs. Plum, it is the proper business greeting. Since I am currently at work, I will answer what is appropriate here. As for 'young lady,' that is relative."

"Don't get smart with me…"

"This conversation is over, Mrs. Plum," Stephanie said as she disconnected.

Ranger smiled, "I take it there is no hovering ham outside."

Stephanie laughed, "Did Ranger make a funny?"

"I've been known to have my moment, Babe."

Helen slammed the phone back on the wall. It was an old-style with a cord. She knew from experience throwing the phone across the room resulted in two things happenings. One the hand unit could break. Second, the cord would keep it from sailing across the room. Slamming it would have to do. "Frank," Helen erupted, "You have to do something about your daughter and her disrespect."

Frank Plum stood and walked to his wife, "I don't have to do anything. The ball is in your court, and I'm getting tired of this game. Face it, Helen, my daughter is a woman who deserves her own life, not her pathetic mother who is so unhappy with her life, she has to inflict the same pain on her daughters."

"What?! How dare you talk to me like that!"

"I've ignored your rants for too long. Change your ways, Helen or change your address," Frank said as he walked towards the front door. "I'm going to the lodge for dinner and cards. At least it won't be the same Saturday crap I've been eating for years. Maybe I'll buy you a cookbook so you can learn new, healthier recipes."

Later that night, Frank walked into the house and saw Edna standing at the kitchen door. He looked over her shoulder and saw a passed-out Helen, covered in vomit with broken dishes and an empty whiskey bottle scattered around her. She was snoring, so hadn't stopped breathing.

"I'm not cleaning her up," Edna said. "Maybe Grand Baby's will take us in."

Frank took out his phone, "Pumpkin, is your apartment still available? No? Edna and I are fed up. We are leaving for the night and looking for accommodations."

"Daddy, I'll give you my new address. I have two extra bedrooms." Disconnecting, she turned to the man holding her on his couch, "I need to go home and get Grandma Mazur and Daddy tucked in."

"Maybe someone with a truck could drive me. That way, Joe won't follow my car. Maybe you and Hector together will distract him."

"Babe."

"I'm serious, Carlos. It is late at night. Nobody will be out watching. I am vulnerable."

Ranger nodded. "I'll get Hector."

When everyone was in the garage, Stephanie got into the back seat and knelt. "My spidey sense is tingling."

That's all that needed to be said. Ranger threw a black jacket over Stephanie before they left the garage. "Babe, we are going to run a patrol grid before we head to your house."

They were no more than halfway through the grid when police lights started flashing behind them. "Good call, Babe. Remember, we record all conversations with the police."

Joe walked unsteadily towards the vehicle. "Está borracho," Hector sneered. (He's drunk) Even Stephanie knew what he said but didn't dare comment from her concealed position.

Joe tapped on the window, "Lower the window. License and insurance."

Both Hector and Ranger showed their identification, plus concealed carry permits. Joe leaned over and shone his light on the passenger, Ranger. "What are you doing, Manoso?"

"Working, officer. We are a bit short-staffed this evening for a patrol. Is there a problem?"

Handing back the cards, Joe slurred, "Where is Cupcake?"

Ranger replied calmly, "My employees have their own free time and are not obligated to tell me where they are. If she wants me or you to know, she would say so. Is there something else? We need to get back to work."

"Remember, she is mine, not yours."

"You have no claim on her. Because you molested her at age six then raped her at sixteen does not give you the right to own her. You were never engaged. She is a grown woman living in a free country and can decide who she wants to associate. If she wants you to visit, she will let you know."

"Have her call me."

"I'll relay your message, but it is her decision if she wants to talk to you." Then looking a Hector, Ranger said, "Vomanos."

From under the jacket. Stephanie called out, "Is it clear, Ranger?"

"Let us make a few turns to look like we are still in the grid."

When they were convinced Joe had turned towards his house and would not follow, Hector proceeded to Stephanie's house. Frank and Edna were in Frank's cab waiting. Ranger got out with Stephanie and went to Frank's car, "We had to ditch Joe coming over there. Sorry for the delay." Then turning to Steph, Ranger said, "I'll walk you to the door, but I need to get back in case Joe headed back to Rangeman."

"Surely he wouldn't," Stephanie said.

"Babe, he often sleeps in his car across the street. We have been collecting evidence of his stalking behavior. Tonight's tape is just another nail in his coffin."

"You mean that figuratively don't you?"

"Babe, his call."

Frank Plum was listening, "Maybe your father needs a Burg talk with Joe."

"Daddy, you shouldn't have to get involved," Stephanie protested.

"It's something I should have done when you were six, but I was still doing contracts."

"Babe?"

"Ranger, I'll tell you Monday."

"I'll bring doughnuts for breakfast tomorrow," Ranger said as he kissed her goodby. "Set the alarm."

"I always do. Good night." Once the door locked and the alarm set, Steph turned to her father, "What happened?"

Before Frank could answer, Edna spoke up, "It's getting past my bedtime. Give me a quick tour and show me where I'm bedding down."

"Daddy?"

"There's plenty of time tomorrow. I agree with Edna. Sleep is more important. Let's say your mother needs time alone right now."

Edna's head was swinging side to side as she walked through the house, "This is cute. Is this yours?"

"It's a Rangeman safe house, and you will forget it exists. Ranger is giving me time." As she led them to the bedrooms, "Nothing is large, but each bedroom has its bathroom."

It was hard to tell who had the larger smile, Frank or Edna.

As promised, Ranger was in the kitchen with doughnuts and preparing breakfast when Frank, Edna, and Stephanie came down. "Coffee is finished. I have a breakfast casserole in the oven. It has about ten more minutes."

"Did you make it?" Edna asked.

"No, my housekeeper did. She said it was quick."

As they ate, Frank explained what happened yesterday. "She will have to clean up her mess. Maybe she will change. If not, I'm gone."

"Me too," Edna chimed in. "I don't know how she got so off course."

"You two would leave her?" Stephanie asked.

"Something I planned to do after you walked out on Dickie, and I heard what she said to you. I was half out the door when you lost your job at EE Martin. I had to wait around to see you have settled again. You were going to work for my nephew, and then hooking up with Morelli further delayed my plans."

"I'm sorry, Daddy."

"Nope, not your fault. I would tell Helen to back off, but she stuck to her guns, realizing I would stay around until you moved on. You weren't strong enough to kick that cazzo to the curb, and she made certain you didn't get strong."

"I wish you had spoken up," Steph sniffed.

"Too many people were telling you what do you. You had to mature on your own. I will tell you, if you accepted Joe's ring, I would have spoken up. I know you disagree with me, but I've researched Joe's background on my own with my contacts. They confirm what you said that night at the table. I will present my findings to Joe and tell him to back away permanently, or the package goes to DOD and TPD."

Ranger sat listening, saying nothing until Frank finished. What did Frank have on Joe with regards to the Department of Defense? He said, "Babe?"

Stephanie smiled, "Carlos, I'd like to introduce you to fellow Army Ranger, Aquila." (Eagle)

Ranger stood and approached Frank, "I've heard about you. I'm honored to meet you."

"And I'm honored to meet you, Puma," the older said. "General Johnson is a long-time friend."

General Johnson was Ranger's handler.

"Babe, you never said anything."

"For a variety of reasons. Mostly I didn't know Dad's code name and his friends until recently. I knew I had to untangle my life, but I was afraid. Dad was gone a lot when I was young, leaving me with that woman. I rebelled out of survival. When he was in Trenton, he worked for the post office. I was safe. When he was gone," she paused and didn't finish. "His last mission was when I was 16 and we know what happened with Joe."

Frank shook his head, "I should have killed him and buried the body."

"Going to college was the first time I was free, but like an idiot, I came back and let…that woman…insist I needed to marry Dickie."

Frank stepped him, "I had reservations about him but couldn't come up with proof. I hoped I was wrong so I could get the hell out of my marriage."

"Then divorce, EE Martin, no job and I crawled back to the Burg again. Stupid. Daddy never told me what to do. I'm not sure I'd listen."

"Sounds familiar, Babe."

"Yeah, you know me well, Carlos. All he could do is support me on my journey to maturity."

"The first time you entered the house, Ranger, I saw how you looked at my daughter. I wanted to knock your block off. The more I watched, I saw love in both of your eyes, but the two of you were tied up in your problems. I don't know where you are in your contract, but I hope it ends soon. It is time you both move towards a common goal."

"I don't do Burg," Ranger offered a feeble excuse.

"Cut the crap, Manoso. Nobody in their right mind does the Burg. It is a cesspool of idiots. You are afraid of past enemies coming to get you, right?"

Ranger nodded.

"You can't live your life as if you were active. You will self-destruct through paranoia. You created Rangeman to protect your teams. Let them do their jobs and protect you. Whether you two marry or not doesn't matter to me. You two need each other to heal your wounds."

AN/ Things move into gear shortly. Hang in there.