Chapter 14

I woke to find my bed moving. Wait a minute, beds don't move. I blinked my eyes to bring them into focus. I saw a white t-shirt stretched taut over one very fine looking chest. It set off his mocha latte skin to perfection. Looking up further I saw Ranger's face. He was carrying me down a dimly lit hallway lined with numbered doors. My super detective skills told me we must have made it to the hotel. Nice of Ranger not to wake me and all, but gee, I did know how to walk.

I squirmed, trying to get my feet under me. I wasn't exactly petite, and I was pretty sure Ranger shouldn't be carrying people while he still had stitches in his shoulder. I didn't want to have to find the hospital here.

Let me down, I said.

he said with a grin. He set me on my feet anyway.

I shook my head at him. I was too tired to come up with a smart comeback for that one. Besides, it was kind of sweet, assuming he meant it like I thought he did.

I stood beside Ranger as he opened the door to the hotel room. One bed. I wasn't going to let that bother me, I thought resolutely. We were pretending to be a couple, it was just part of the disguise, I told myself. I headed straight for the bathroom and washed my face. I could just stay awake all night, then I wouldn't have to worry about sleeping arrangements or jumping Ranger's bones in the middle of the night. Yep, that was my plan. All I needed was a little caffeine, or a strong drink. If I drank enough it wouldn't matter where I slept. Food might be a good idea, too.

I walked out of the bathroom and right into Ranger. You'd think he'd learn to watch out for me. I was beginning to suspect he liked to be run into. He probably thought it was funny to watch me bounce backwards.

he said, the amusement evident in his eyes. He grabbed me as I started to topple backwards. Probably a good thing, since getting a concussion from knocking my head on the bathtub didn't sound like too much fun. Although, I guess that would solve the sleeping problem, too.

Why do I always run into you?

Ranger shrugged, smile firmly in place.

Okay, new subject. I need to find something to eat. Is anything around here still open? I asked.

We're in a college town, there's bound to be something, he replied.

Tank had taken off with the Bronco, so we walked. Boulder was a beautiful town. I could see the dark shadows of mountains in the distance. The area of town we were in bordered on a shopping center. The shops faced onto a brick walkway as wide as a street. There were trees and sculptures scattered along the walkway. The air was cool and crisp. It was strange not to be breathing in all the smog I was accustomed to in Trenton.

We found a bar about a block away from the hotel. It was filled with college students. I saw a few girls dressed similarly to me, and a whole lot of people wearing tie-dyes. The guys were all dressed in jeans. I hated to admit it, but it looked like Lester's choice of disguises was right on. Aside from being older than the bartender, I thought we blended quite well. The music inside was loud, and the menu was limited to the usual bar food. I ordered nachos and a margarita.

You sure you should be drinking? Ranger asked. He looked a bit worried. Maybe he was afraid I'd steal his earrings when he was sleeping. I did admire them one time before when I'd had a large drink.

It's a bar, I answered simply. Eating in a bar carried certain obligations. One of those is you had to sample the drinks. Besides, the margarita would go well with the nachos. Ranger got a water. The man had no sense of adventure.

We paid the bartender, and I grabbed the food. We scouted out a table near the back. Wouldn't you know it, Ranger managed to sit with his back to the wall.

How do you always do that?

Ranger just raised an eyebrow.

Always sit with your back to the wall, I explained.

God given talent. I turned my attention to the nachos. Wouldn't want my stomach's rumbling to drown out the music. Ranger was checking out the room, so I decided to do the same. I did a double take when I saw Velasquez sitting at the bar. Maybe we wouldn't have to stakeout the bookstore after all.

I turned to tell Ranger, but he was gone. Irritating habit, disappearing without a word. I turned back to watch Velasquez and saw that he was getting up. That was no good. After one last glance around, I decided the only thing to do was to follow him. I had my gun, and a cell phone, what could go wrong? I thought about leaving a note for Ranger, but I didn't have time if I wanted to follow him. I pushed my way to the door just as it closed behind Velasquez.

I followed Velasquez, trying to stay in the shadows. We continued down the walkway past many dark storefronts. We had gone about two blocks when he turned into the doorway of one of the stores and took out a key. He unlocked the door and went inside. I inched behind a nearby tree, and watched as his shadowy figure moved past a plate glass windows with books on display. Must be where he worked. Time to call in the calvary. I reached into my bag to find my cell phone. Just as I wrapped my fingers around it, a hand settled on the back of my neck. I jumped, but managed to squelch my scream. I didn't want to alert Velasquez to my presence.

What exactly are you doing? Ranger whispered.

I breathed a sigh of relief. At least it wasn't a crazed assassin. I took a breath and started to explain.

I saw Velasquez and followed him here. He went into that bookstore,I said, pointing to it.

You weren't supposed to go after him alone, Babe.I didn't want to lose him. I thought this way we could get him faster. I explained. I was just about to call you, I added, dragging the cell phone out of my bag.

Ranger took the phone from me and punched in a number.

Tank, need you in front of the Boulder Bookstore. He waited for a moment. He closed the phone and handed it back.

Tank and Lester are on their way. We'll wait here until he comes out. he said.

We crouched behind the tree to watch and wait. I dug through my bag and took out my gun. I checked to see if it was loaded. Since Ranger had given it to me, I was pretty sure it was. Ranger watched.

Didn't think I'd give you an unloaded gun, did you?No, but I just wanted to be sure. I was almost certain I would shoot this guy if he tried to hurt Ranger again.

Proud of you, Ranger said. After that we resumed our silent vigil.

I wasn't sure how long we stayed there, but it was long enough for me to start getting restless. I saw a shadow move inside the store, and the door creaked open. I glanced at Ranger. He was already focused on the door.

Is that him? I asked. I got a silent nod in response. Velasquez was moving down the sidewalk. I started to follow him, but Ranger's hand on my arm stopped me. He shook his head.

Let him go, he said.

I want to see what he's up to.

I had a sneaking suspicion Ranger knew about this guy than I did. As we watched another figure appeared and approached Velasquez. The person was dressed all in black, with a long hooded cloak completing the outfit. They exchanged words and Velasquez handed over a small package. I couldn't tell what the package was. The mysterious figure turned and a beam of light lit her face for a moment. Terry Gilman. What was up with that? I shot a glance at Ranger. He didn't look surprised. Of course, I'd never seen him looking surprised, but it made me wonder what he knew. I hadn't forgotten about Terry's conference with him at the mall.

Gilman disappeared into the night. Velasquez turned around. It looked like he was headed for the bookstore, but at the last second he spun around and ran. I leapt out from behind the tree and gave chase. Running in a long skirt wasn't my best idea ever. I stepped on it and tripped. Mental note to self, don't chase criminals in a skirt. I blew out a breath and scrambled up. The scum wasn't getting away from me this time. I continued the chase, holding my skirt up above my knees. Suddenly I heard a shot ring out. I dove for the ground. Somehow I landed on top of Velasquez, and he wasn't moving.