Master of the Heart Chapter 19

Oh Man, I have never in my life had so much difficulty getting my story to post! It was a long battle, but courage prevailed! I claimed my victory over the heartless computer gods, and here I am again! Ha! It feels so good to be back to my muse. As always, I thank the girls for having a party over at T.B. and to all those Babes out there who craft the stories that keep me dreaming about Ranger. Also, to my hubby, who is a constant inspiration. Evanovich owns the universe I love. She owns it all yada yada yada.

Is it a devil, you know?

Secrets.

Father Forde was finding a great deal of happiness and peace this morning. He had turned in his paperwork for early retirement. In eighteen months, he would be free. He wasn't sure what life would bring, but he was ready. Today life brought him, Edna. She appeared out of nowhere, knocking very quietly on the door frame. How she made it past Sister Maggie, he would never know.

"Come in, Edna. Did you enjoy the mass this morning?"

"Yes, I did. Thank you, Father. I just stopped by to tell you I'm going on vacation and won't be cleaning the chapel. I left a note for Sister Maggie so she could find a replacement. "

"Not a problem." He assured her.

"I wondered if you knew Stephanie and Joe broke up? I'm not sure it's my place to tell you that, but they probably don't realize the wedding needs to be canceled. Somebody might need that spot."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"I'll confess, I'm happy they broke up. I don't think they knew what each other wanted out of life. I left a note for Sister Maggie about canceling the wedding too."

"It's odd sister Maggie isn't at her desk. Have you seen her?"

"Nope!"

"When are you coming back, Edna?"

"I don't know. I'm hoping it won't be more than two weeks."

"Have you talked to Helen or Frank?"

"I have. They are ok. I worry about their marriage. Frank has a lot of regrets, so does she."

"Do they need counseling?"

"I can't say, I know they both desire to be more close to the girls, and I think that is a great place to start. I'm considering moving out, so they have some time to reconnect."

"That's thoughtful."

"I try. Imma Jean is waiting to take me home, so I don't want to keep her. See you soon, Father."

Keeping up with Grandma.

After breakfast, Ranger put on his tactical gear then went out to his truck. It was now a temporary office for him. He took the time to read Tanks notes on last night's meeting with the Range boys. Something was bothering him. Rather, something was missing. He just couldn't put his finger on it. Someone was missing. Edna? How had he overlooked that? It must be the lack of a good night's rest. He should go back into the house and look for her. He was trying to remember that Stephanie's Grandma was more capable than most. Ranger hoped there was a simple explanation to where she was. Crap, crap, crap! Now was going to burn a morning looking for her. How did she start her day? Where would she have gone this early? He guessed it could have been a booty call. ICK. Ranger switched gears and asked himself, "What did his Abuela do in the early mornings? He was interrupted by Edna pecking on his truck window. Ranger was startled she had snuck upon him.

"Your up and ready to start the day! Is Stephanie in there?" Edna was trying to peek up into the truck.

"No. Where have you been? I was getting ready to go look for you."

"Oh, I went to morning Mass and my Ladies Auxiliary meeting."

"Oh. Do you have any other errands this morning?"

"Nope. I have a S.P.E.R.M. conference call in thirty minutes, though."

"Ah. Does S.P.E.R.M. have any special plans today?"

"None. We have agreed it would be best to operate on the down-low and work the gossip mill for the next forty-eight hours."

"A wise move."

"Was that a compliment?"

"Yes."

"I gotta get a snack before the call. It's not good manners to eat while on the phone."

"Would you do me a favor?"

"For you? Anything!"

"Stay with Stephanie and call me when she's up. Do you have my number?"

"Don't be silly. I've had your number for years!"

"How did you get my number?"

"I stole it out of Stephanie's phone. I figured we might need you in an emergency."

Ranger laughed out loud. Then he pointed at Grandma.

"Don't go out unless you hear from me. Okay?" She nodded.

"Not a problem. I'm going to take a mid-day nap after my call anyway."

"I'll see you in a bit." Ranger rolled up his window, put his truck in drive, and began his day.

A temporary Rangeman

Tank woke to Lula kissing him sweetly.

"Good morning." She said in a husky sleepy voice. She smiled as she hovered above him with kisses.

He looked at the alarm clock.

"Ha! You mean Good afternoon. It's one."

Lula froze in place.

"Oh shit! I got an appointment at three!"

She jumped up and started going through her racks of clothes.

Tank enjoyed seeing her naked form move as she franticly put together an outfit.

"Can you do me a favor and call Ranger and ask him if I can borrow Stephanie for a few hours? He can come along if he wants, so can Grandma, but the surprise is for you, so you can't."

"Baby, I'm not sure now is the time to be out and about. You and Stephanie could be targeted."

"Me?"

"Yes, you!"

"We ain't goin no place special. It's not like we will be at the mall or walking in the park."

Tank sighed.

"It's more like a nice sit-down restaurant. We gonna go in, do what we gotta do, and come home. Well, we might need to stop for some food afterward."

"Don't you think Ranger will worry about her? He left a strategic planning meeting in my hands to make sure she was secure."

"I never know what Rangers thinking." Lula walked over to the bed and looked at Tanks' body.

"Maybe we shouldn't bother them. They could be re-uniting if you know what I mean."

"I don't think they will jump into a relationship just yet. Tank replied. I think they need to find out who they are first."

"That's true." she said as she leaned down to kiss him.

He captured Lula's lips then pulled her body on top of his. The clothing in her hand was forgotten and fell to the ground.

An hour later, Lula flew down the stairs headed toward the shower

Tank dialed Ranger

"Lula needs Stephanie for a special project at three. Will that work?"

"What kind of project?"

"She says it's a surprise for me. I have no clue."

"Is it dangerous?"

"She said it was like going out to eat."

"It sounds like she's hungry."

"Not anymore." Tank laughed

"I don't need that kind of info, bro."

"Where are you at?"

"You would not believe me if I told you."

"Really?"

"I've been at Morelli's. He figured nobody would look here."

"That was genius."

"Yeah, it was."

"The men left about 7 this morning. We had one conclusion. Gilliam holds almost all the surrounding properties."

"I read your notes. That would not be the first time I've run across that name in the past 24 hours.".

"Really?"

"Gilliam enterprises is being investigated for insurance fraud on several properties."

"You don't say. Who's the source?"

"Berg gossip mill."

"Stephanie told you this?"

"Close."

"Her Grandma?"

"Yep."

Tank laughed until he cried.

"Apparently, Joyce married Vito."

"What the hell? How did we miss that? Are you sure?"

"100% and heads up, I'm hiring Gilliam. Crap, I still have her phone. I need to ditch it."

"So, what's the plan?"Ranger asked.

"What do you mean "What's the plan" You're the boss."

"Don't say, Boss! you are my PARTNER."

"I told you, you would regret it."

"I have a plan. I want to find the shooter."