Chapter 6
We arrived at the hospital in record time. I guess those sirens really were good for something. Ranger gave my hand a squeeze before the paramedics rolled him out.
See you in a few, he said.
I nodded. Then he was rushed down the halls by the paramedics. I entered the building at a much slower pace, stopping when I got to the waiting room. It was small with maybe a dozen chairs covered in green vinyl. The walls were lime green and the floor was the same shade of green tile. In one corner was the admitting desk, staffed by three nurses. In the opposite corner a television was suspended from the ceiling. It was showing news coverage of a fire on Stark Street. Gee, I knew where that was. I settled into a chair and closed my eyes for a second. I jumped when a hand settled on my shoulder.
I looked up into Joe's brown eyes. He had a smile on his face.
Want to tell me about the fire? he asked.
It wasn't my fault, honest!
Joe's smile just got wider. It never is Steph, it never is. Carl and Big Dog are here to take your statement, he said, pointing to the corner where they were standing. He took me by the elbow and guided me over to them.
Hey, Steph. I won the pool, thanks! Big Dog said. I rolled my eyes. Great, so nice to know I'd inadvertently helped out Big Dog's finances.
Well, good for you, but it wasn't my fault. I said. Big Dog just smiled.
Doesn't matter, you were on the premises. he answered.
I stuck my tongue out at him and looked over at Carl. Of course, he was grinning ear to ear, too. Wonderful.
I heard Joe clear his throat behind me.
Guys, you need to get a statement from Steph. I'm going to talk to Manoso.he said. He turned and walked off to find Ranger. Joe still had a nice set of buns on him, and it would have been a sin not to watch as he walked away.
Hey, Steph, Carl said, let's get started on this, okay. I turned back to him, choosing to ignore his chuckling.
Yeah, okay, I said. I sat down and told him all about the distraction job gone wrong, the fire and hearing the gunshot. I left out my panic about Ranger, and gave him the clinical version of finding Ranger shot in the shoulder, minus any emotion on my part. I hadn't seen who shot Ranger, so I couldn't really give him any more information than that. Just as I finished telling the story, Ranger and Joe appeared together.
I hopped up, and looked at Ranger. His left arm was in a sling and his shoulder had a white bandage over where he'd been shot. The left arm of his shirt was missing, and as usual, he still looked amazing. He smiled when he saw me.
Are you okay? I asked.
His grin got even bigger. he answered. I tried to raise an eyebrow at him, but only succeeded in making him throw back his head and laugh. He must have gotten some really good drugs I thought. I looked over at Joe. He shrugged.
The three of us need to talk, Cupcake. I'll take you and Ranger to your place. With that he headed out the door. Okay, wonder what's up. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders and looked up to see Ranger looking down at me.
Let's go, beautiful, he said. I almost fell down from the shock. What had they given him?
Okay, big guy, I choked out.
That got me another grin. We followed Joe out the door and to his beat up police issued brown Ford. Joe opened the back door for us, and I let Ranger slide in before following him into the back seat.
The short drive to my apartment was made in silence. Joe concentrated on driving and I think Ranger dozed off. Hard to believe. I was busy trying to figure out what was going on. I still didn't know who had shot at Ranger. I didn't know whether the Merry men had found Velasquez or the shooter. I suspected they were one and the same, but I had no way of knowing for sure. I had been too worried about Ranger to ask who had shot him when I found him, and then things had moved too fast for me to have a chance.
I shook my head to clear it, when Ranger nudged me in the side.
Rise and shine, Babe. I looked around to see that Joe had parked next to the dumpster in my parking lot. I noted that the car fairy hadn't seen fit to bring me my dream car while I was gone. Darn! The lot was filled with the seniors giant sedans.
Ranger leaned down and whispered,If you need wheels, all you've got to do is ask. He got out of his side of the car and reappeared at my door. Joe opened the door, and I got out to join the two of them. They seemed oddly comfortable together. That was something that had changed dramatically since Joe and I had called it quits.
We entered my apartment after Joe showed off his lock-picking skills.
Why can everyone do that but me, I grumbled.
The guys ignored me, so I just led them into the living room. My living room was decorated in early dorm room. I had a couch, a chair and a coffee table, as well as a tv stand which held my radio, vcr, and tv. Nothing matched, but the couch was very comfy. Naturally, that's where I decided to sit. Ranger sat down beside me and Joe chose to stand in front of us. Probably so he'd feel in charge.
I looked over at Ranger and asked my most pressing question.
Who shot you?
came the quiet answer. Shit! I'd failed and gotten Ranger shot again. No wonder he didn't want a relationship with me, I'd probably get him killed. Ranger was staring me down. I'm sorry. I said.
Not your fault, Babe. Yeah, right. I gave him a weak smile anyway.
Okay, lovebirds, Joe started. My eyebrows shot up at that. Joe and Ranger were both grinning now. I decided it was wisest to just ignore that for now. Joe's face turned serious. Velasquez knows you were trying to take him in now, Manoso. He probably suspects Steph was in on it, too. That means you could both be in danger. I need to take both of you into protective custody. His eyes were narrowed and his arms were crossed in front of him. He knew me well enough to know I wouldn't go for this. I suspected Ranger wouldn't agree to it, either. The tough guy act wasn't going to cut it with me.
Before you start, Steph, think of what this guy is wanted for. Add to that his mob connections, and you could be in serious trouble. Joe said in his no-nonsense cop voice.
Mob connections? I looked at Ranger. His lips had formed a tight line and he nodded slightly. I slumped back against the couch. Great. Now I was in trouble with family, too. Why me? And I sound like my mom--Ugh!
I'll watch out for Steph, Ranger said quietly. He was back to commando mode. His face was again serious, with all hints of amusement gone. Looks like whatever painkiller they'd given him had worn off. Joe started to answer, then snapped his jaw shut. He nodded sharply.
See that you do, he finally answered. He turned on his heel and marched out the door.
I turned to look at the man sitting beside me. I was scared. Oddly enough I was even more scared for Ranger. Ranger must have sensed my fear, because he cupped my chin and looked into my eyes.
Trust me? he whispered.
I simply nodded back. Of course I trusted Ranger with my life, it was only my heart that was in danger from him, I thought ruefully.
So what's the plan? I asked.
We're going to my place and start tracking down Velasquez. The best way to remove any threat to us is to take him down. You need to pack.
The batcave? I squeaked.
Ranger nodded.
Wait a minute didn't you say the batcave is forever? I was just a little worried about spending forever in a place I'd never seen. Really that's all it was.
Ranger just smiled and pulled out his cell phone.
I sighed and went back to my bedroom to pack. Of course I was going to go along with Ranger's plan. Let's face it, I didn't have a plan, and hanging out at my apartment waiting for the next psycho to come after me didn't seem all that wise.
I dug a duffel bag out of my closet and threw in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, a couple of flannel shirts, a few nice dresses (just in case), and my 3 favorite pairs of shoes, including one set of sneakers, since I knew Ranger would probably make me run. I then threw all my makeup, and hair junk in another bag. That should get me through a few days. I hauled my loot out and looked up to see Ranger still on the phone.
he said and hung up. He directed his gaze to me.
Um, yeah. Are we walking? I asked.
His lips twisted up. “No, Lester's picking us up. He'll be here in five. ” He reached down and picked up the duffel with his good arm, leaving me the make-up bag. Let's go, he said, opening the door.
Gotta key? he asked.
Do you think that really matters?
No, but maybe this guy hasn't mastered lock picking 101 yet. he grinned.
Right. I rolled my eyes as I fished the key out of my pocket and locked up.
I saw that. he said.
Of course he did, darn super powers! We headed down the stairs and Lester was waiting for us in a black Bronco when we got to the parking lot.
I opened the door and climbed in the back seat, leaving the front for Ranger.
To the batcave! I said with all the dignity I could muster. Lester bent over the steering wheel in a fit of laughter. Ranger turned around and raised an eyebrow.
I've waited to see this for a long time. So I'm a little excited, big deal.
B-b bat cave? Damn! Lester sputtered as he recovered himself. He shot a glance at Ranger. What have you been telling this poor girl?
Ranger just looked at him. Lester shook his head and went into his zone. I was determined to stay awake and memorize the route to Ranger's house. I felt my eyes drifting closed after the fifth u-turn. I finally gave in to sleep.It's not like I'd ever figure out where I was going with this crazy route anyway.