A slightly longer chapter for ya'll. A longtime question will be answered. Hope ya'll enjoy.

Chapter 18

Steph POV:

"Carlos, have you seen Rage?" I asked as I walked into his office. His eyes flicked over me, lingering on my stomach with a small smile.

His eyes met mine again.. "I think he's at his house."

"He has a house?" I asked confused. He had an apartment on four, but I hadn't realized he had a house.

"He's remodeling the house," he answered.

"Do you think he would mind if I went to see him?"

He sat back and looked at me. "He's in a rough spot right now, Babe. Stressed because of the trial and some personal issues."

I frowned. "Carlos, is he okay? Does he need anything? Do you think he would be upset if I went to see him?"

He nodded. "Maybe you'll be able to help him straighten his head out. He's not dangerous but he's angry."

I bit my lip. "I want to help."

Rage had been gone for a week and a half. The jury had been deliberating for a week and a half. When we returned to Rangeman after the trial he had looked at Carlos and I with a strange look before stalking off. I hadn't seen him since, but Carlos had let me know he was safe. Most of the guys were frustrated. Especially the ones that had to deal with Morelli directly. Most were having a hard time with how long the jury was deliberating.

The drive on the way over had me gnawing on my lip in worry. Rage was the strong silent type. He wasn't one to talk about his feelings, not even with those he was closest with.

I found myself in front of his house. It was a small Russian Victorian. I noticed there was an almost brand-new shop in the back, one of the four doors rolled up. As I walked back, leaves crunched with every step I took making enough noise to alert anyone in the area I was here. Rage knew I was there, but he didn't turn back to look at me.

I stood in the door, watching him work before he began to shut the machines around him off. Looking around the shop, I realized what he was doing. Blowing glass, the pieces on the shelves were gorgeous. Different colors with vibrant hues, patterns with twists and turns and animals, large and small pieces.

Rage motioned for me to join him in the shop. It wasn't as hot as I expected it to be. With the door open and the large fans going, the air was moving, and it was cool. I found myself wondering to look at the shelves, admiring the pieces sitting on them as the sunlight hit them and they shimmered.

There were a few shelves where you could watch the development of a process as he improved his technique. The glasses that he had made were lined up in order of improvement. Each getting better as you moved along the line.

I looked at the animals he had created, eagles, ducks, geese, a flamingo, a blue jay, and even some jungle animals. I turned to look at Rage who was patiently waiting, sitting on one of the tables.

"I had no idea," I said.

"It's a hobby." He shrugged. I smiled while sitting on one of the low stools.

"I haven't seen you in a couple days," I said softly.

"I uhh… Needed a break. With everything going on with the trial, hearing all of it drug up, I hadn't realized how shitty your life has been."

"Thanks." I laughed. He smiled at me.

"You know what I mean." He laughed.

"Hey, I didn't say I didn't agree with you. It's been pretty shitty, but this past year and a half. Marrying Carlos, the both of us getting our heads out of our asses and the baby I can't complain."

He smiled again. "Have I ever told you the story of how I got my nickname?" He asked changing the subject.

"No, all this time we've been partners I've never known."

He smiled. "It's not normal for Native Americans to join the military. I was given a choice, do jail time or join the Army. The kids I was hanging with at the time all took jail time, I was the only one out of the group that joined the Army. A group of us used to get into fights with a group of kids from the town over. It escalated to the point of stealing cars and other things.

"My friends and I stole a car from one of the boys, he ended up being the sheriff's son. I spent a weekend in jail with my friends and then I was shipped off to the Army. I enjoyed it though, being away from my small town and growing up, being my own person. The Army allowed me to be my own person. That doesn't mean I wasn't the same old hot head teenage hormonal boy," he said, ending with a chuckle. I laughed.

"You and Carlos have a pretty similar past," I remarked.

"I think that's one of the reasons why we get along so well." He chuckled. "I was the easiest person to rile up. I fought a few fights in boot camp, got my ass in trouble, but I had one sarge that refused to give up on me. He's the reason I became a Ranger. One day he spouted off with the name Rage. It took me a few moments to realize that he was talking to me. The name stuck."

"So what's your real name?" I asked.

I think I saw a blush creep up his neck. "Luke Red Crow is my legal name.'

I grinned, "I would have never pegged you for a Luke."

He shook his head at me. "Most people wouldn't."

As our laughter died down, he looked at me. "I came here to get a little peace and quiet. This always has a way of calming me down after long and hard days." He paused. "I've just had to take a step back. I decided to take the desk, I have some issues I need to work out with a doctor. I wouldn't feel right going back into the field with you after you have the baby. Not like this."

I reached over and squeezed his hand. "Nobody is going to think you're less of a man for getting help."

He nodded. "I know. Thank you for coming and checking on me."

"You're my partner and one of my best friends. I'll always have your back."

He smiled at me. "And I'll have yours."

"I've never doubted that, and not just because you were Carlos's friend."

My phone rang as he was walking back to my car. I saw it was Carlos and answered. "Hey, I'm just on my way back."

"Babe, Robinson just called." Carlos said.

"And?"

"The jury has come to a decision."