Chapter 11

Tank took some other circuitous route back to Ranger's house. His way didn't involve a tunnel or underground garage. After winding through several neighborhoods I had never seen before, he finally pulled up to a huge metal scrollwork gate and punched a code into an electronic box beside it. The gate swung open, and he drove down a long, winding driveway, finally coming to a stop in front of a garage door.

I gathered up my bags and followed Tank around to the front door of the house. I recognized the porch, and the willow tree in the yard, so I was confident I knew where I was, even though I probably still couldn't get there alone.

Tank opened the door for me with his magic card.

See you later, Bombshell, he said, unlocking Ranger's inner door for me. I watched him open and walk through the door across the hall. Looked like these were apartments after all. I closed the door behind me, without locking it. I imagined only Ranger's men would ever be able to find this place, so I was as safe as humanly possible.

I carried my bags upstairs and threw them in with my other stuff. I was dreading what Lester had come up with for my disguise. What did I know about being a hippie anyway? At least Tank had assured me there wouldn't be bell bottoms. Maybe I could pull this off if I didn't have to look too ridiculous. I was also dying to know what Ranger was supposed to be. I sprawled on the bed in my favorite thinking position, trying to guess what Lester had planned for Ranger. I thought Zorro and Batman might be a bit too obvious, although those would be my first choices.

I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew I was trying to get away from someone shaking my shoulder.

Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.

I mumbled, burrowing my head under a pillow. If I didn't wake up I didn't have to try to explain things to my mom, deal with my feelings, or worry about any psycho killers. Yep, sleep sounded like the way to go to me. I heard a deep chuckle above me, right before the pillow was yanked away from me.

I yelled. I rubbed my eyes and looked up at my tormentor. Yeah, it would be Ranger. Hmm, Ranger in bed, maybe this wasn't a bad thing. Down hormones. I blinked and refocused my attention on what he was saying.

Babe, we need to get going.Where? I thought we weren't leaving until tomorrow?

Ranger smiled, Your parents.

That got my attention. I tried to sit up, but Ranger kept his hand on my shoulder, pinning me to the bed. I looked at him quizzically.

We're going to your parents' house for dinner. I think we should explain you'll be out of town for a while so they don't send the posse out looking for you. That might blow our cover, he explained.

I could just call, I offered. Truth is, I wasn't really looking forward to getting the third degree from my mom tonight. I knew she already had too much information just from today. The burg grapevine probably had me sleeping with half the population of Trenton by now.

Ranger was wearing his blank mask again. Probably that meant I already lost, but there was one more thing I could try.

You have to answer the Victoria's Secret questions. I said.

Ranger grinned. With pleasure. He stood and went to the door. He looked back, and said, We leave in five, I wouldn't want you to be late for dinner. Then he was gone.

Eeek, I only had five minutes to deal with bed head!

Ranger and I arrived at my parents house with five minutes to spare. Dinner at my mom's house was always at 6:00 on the dot. There were no exceptions. I knew Ranger and I would be welcome, because that's how it was in the Burg. Every guest was always invited in graciously, expected or not.

I shot a glance at Ranger as he got out of the car. He had dressed up for the occasion, changing into a dark gray sweater and black jeans. I had decided to stick with my sun dress from earlier, since I had needed all the time to deal with my hair. I had brushed my hair to death, and added some gel so it wasn't too scary.

I walked up the sidewalk to the front door with Ranger beside me. My mother and Grandma Mazur stood in the doorway. I was only a little nervous about Ranger having to contend with my family. After all, he had come away with no ill effects the last time.

Mom opened the door and ushered us in.

Oh, how nice of you to stop by. Can you stay for dinner? my mom asked.

Yeah, you remember Ranger, right? I asked.

My mom, the epitome of gracious Burg hostess, offered her hand.

Of course, so nice to see you again.

Nice to be here. Ranger answered.

Grandma Mazur had followed the proceedings with a gleam in her eye.

Stephanie, I hear you had two hot men in Victoria's Secret with you today. I wouldn't mind having two hotties with me in a lingerie store. Grandma said, eying Ranger.

I groaned inwardly. Looks like I hadn't made it out of the store in time to save myself from having to deal with rumors about Tank, too. Trust Grandma Mazur to get straight down to the embarrassing part of the evening.

It wasn't like that. I was only in the lingerie store with one man. I looked over to see Ranger grinning at me.

Grandma Mazur cackled. Good for you, Stephanie. I wish some hottie wanted to buy me sexy lingerie. Mom, for some reason looked shocked. Me, I was used to being humiliated by Grandma Mazur on a regular basis. This wasn't half as bad as it could be.

Grandma walked out of the room after winking at me. Mom valiantly put her hostess face back on and led us out to the dining room. Grandma had just finished setting two more places, and Ranger and I took our seats across the table from Grandma. My dad was already sitting at the head of the table carving the pot roast.

Once we were all seated, and the food had been passed, I decided it was time to drop my bombshell.

Mom, Ranger and I have to go out of town for a few days on a job.

Dad continued eating, but indicated he was listening by glaring at Ranger. Wonder what that's about.

Why? Why do I have a daughter who has to traipse all over the country searching for criminals? Why can't you just get a job at the button factory?Mom, I don't want to work in the button factory!
Where are you going, Stephanie? I wish I was going out of town with him, Grandma interrupted. I silently thanked her for ending my mom's tirade.

Ranger decided to field that question.
I need Stephanie's help to pick up a skip in Colorado.

Is he dangerous? Mom asked.

I'll keep Stephanie safe, Mrs. Plum.

Nice dodge. I doubt he fooled my mom, though. She wasn't an easy lady to distract.

I'll bring out desert, I offered. I was ready to leave this conversation, and cake sounded really good right about now. I gathered up dishes with mom's help and took them out to the kitchen. Once the door closed behind us, mom started.

I don't know about this Stephanie. I think this guy is really dangerous, and I don't think you should go.I'll be fine, Mom. Ranger's really good at what he does, and I'm getting better.

Mom gave me an assessing look. She seemed to find what she was looking for, because she let the subject drop. I carried the dishes out for the pineapple upside-down cake. I wasn't surprised to see Ranger pass on desert. Didn't want to pollute the temple, I'm sure. I made up for it by polishing off two slices. I needed to keep my energy up for my big trip tomorrow.

We said our goodbyes to everyone, and escaped, dignity mostly still intact. At least nobody got shot or stunned this time. All in all, it was pretty uneventful. Ranger and I got back in the car.

That went well. I said, looking over at Ranger. Had to make sure he wasn't going to burst into laughter.

I like your family, Babe.

Hmm. New subject.

Okay. Do I get to find out your disguise now?

Ranger just smiled and pulled away from the curb. He went into his zone, so I decided to watch where we were going. A few minutes passed and then we were pulling into the public parking garage for Ranger's office building on Cameron. I was quiet until we got to the elevator. I had had enough of being ignored, so I decided it was time for a stare down. As the elevator doors closed behind us, I moved to stand directly in front of Ranger and locked eyes with him.

What are you doing? he asked.

I continued staring at him. Waiting for an answer.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled. And you think staring at me is going to get you one?

I shrugged. Whatever works.Whatever works, he murmured. He reached a hand out and jabbed the stop button. He moved closer and put a hand to the nape of my neck, drawing me closer. I looked at him, breathless, for a moment before his lips crashed down on mine, demanding. Finally he drew back, pushing my hair back behind my ear.

There's your answer.

I waited for my heart to go back to a semi-normal rate, before I said anything.

That's not an answer.

He shrugged and smiled at me. Depends on the question.

The elevator doors opened and I followed him to his office, my mind whirling.