One little soldier boy left all alone; He went and hanged himself and then there were None.
The blade was so sharp that his skin tore open with the slightest pressure of the knife against his flesh. He felt the warmth of his blood run along his side to pool beneath his back. A breeze cooled his skin, creating goosebumps on his bare chest. Vlatko laughed as he pressed the knife deeper into Ranger's abdomen. "Tell me," he demanded.
Ranger repeated his name, rank and serial number. Vlatko could kill him without receiving the requested intel. Many hours passed as Ranger's blood clotted on his abdomen. The cut wasn't deep enough to make Ranger bleed out. He felt the knife reopen the wound as Vlatko pressed the knife in deeper. Ranger continued to chant his name, rank and serial number. Gunfire erupted a few feet away, causing Vlatko to pause.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Ranger swung his arms, catching Vlatko in the face. He wrestled to gain control of the knife. Ranger lunged as Vlatko attempted to escape. He cut Vlatko's face, leaving him bleeding profusely from his eye. The team rescued Ranger, and the medic dressed his wounds.
"Carlos, wake up. It's just a dream," Stephanie said, breaking through Ranger's nightmare. He opened his eyes to see the most gorgeous vision. Babe.
"Where am I?" Ranger asked while searching the room.
"In my hotel room," she replied. "Vegas." Ranger took a few deep, calming breaths. He pulled Stephanie into his arms to inhale her scent. "What did you dream?"
"Vlatko," he replied. Stephanie didn't need to hear the story again. "I know he's dead, but the nightmare never truly ends."
"Close your eyes, Carlos. It's only 2 am," Stephanie said. She ran her hands across his bare chest, comforting him until sleep took over.
The Colombian jungle was hot. Mosquitos bit every inch of bare skin the soldiers missed after spraying with DEET bug spray. Why was it always the back of his neck? Ranger swatted the mosquito while attempting to muffle the sound of skin smacking together.
He pointed two fingers at his eyes and pointed to the shack hidden between the trees. Tank, Lester, Ram and Bobby nodded before getting into position. Ranger moved around the tree, searching for a foothold, as a Puma dropped in front of him. Without thinking, Ranger used his knife to cut the cat's throat. He motioned for the men to move several feet away. It would be a shame to fail their mission when the other animals descended to feast on the dead animal.
They took up their new positions. Ranger, Lester and Tank stayed on the ground as Bobby and Ram climbed the tree. Bobby watched Ram's back as he set up the sniper rifle on the thick limb. Ram was itching to test the newest weapon provided to him by the Army. The scope could detect a speck over a mile away. Ram adjusted his aim when he noticed the slight movement of the leaves. Since Bobby didn't tap his leg, Ram knew it was a breeze, not a snake or other wildlife. He trusted the others to watch his back.
Ranger gave Tank and Lester the signal to move ahead. He stayed behind to cover them as they got into position a few meters from the shack. A young girl exited the structure in front of their target. Ranger rushed forward, putting himself between their target and his men. "Stay where you are, or I'll kill her," Juan Jimenez said. Jimenez pressed his gun against the girl's temple, waiting to pull the trigger.
The girl appeared to be seven or eight. Tear tracks were visible on her dirty face. She knew the man would kill her whether the soldiers backed off or not. Ranger watched the girl's face as she caught his eye. He knew what needed to be accomplished, but didn't want to take the shot. "Drop your weapons," Jimenez ordered.
"Ram," Ranger said.
"I don't have a clean shot," Ram whispered into his mic. Ranger heard his voice as it filtered through the earbud. The girl stared at Ranger, then looked up toward her forehead. She attempted to tell Ranger where to shoot. It was risky, but he had to go for it. Ranger pulled the trigger as Jimenez killed the girl.
Her blue eyes dimmed as she fell to the ground. Ranger remained in control of his emotions as he collected proof their target was dead. Gunfire erupted around them. The body count increased by the second.
Ranger used gloved hands to close her eyelids. Her curly, blood-smeared hair got splayed across the ground. All Ranger could see was his Babe lying dead at his feet. He couldn't save her. They left no witnesses.
The click of a gun engaging echoed. Ranger looked around. Where is he? The man laughed as he walked out from the trees. "We meet again, Manoso."
"What do you want, Tosh?" Ranger asked.
"You dead," Josiah Tosh replied. Ranger didn't understand why Tosh was in the Colombian jungle.
"Lower your fucking weapon before I turn your brain into pink dust," Stephanie yelled.
"Babe? Why are you here?" Ranger asked. Tosh refused to lower his weapon. He aimed at Ranger to shoot.
"Not today asshole," Stephanie said as she pulled the trigger.
"Babe!" Ranger yelled as blood covered her chest. Someone had shot Stephanie in the back. "No. I can't live without you. Please, don't die." Ranger cried as Stephanie took her final breath.
"Carlos, wake up. It's Stephanie. I'm here. Please, Carlos, open your eyes," Stephanie begged. She heard Ranger calling out for her in his sleep.
For the second time that night, Ranger opened his eyes to see the vision leaning over him. "Babe, you're alive," he whispered. Stephanie kissed his lips.
"Yes. You had another nightmare," she said.
"I dreamed about the mission after Abruzzi kidnapped you. Babe, I can't lose you. Too many times, I barely rescued you in time. When Constantine Stiva locked you inside that cupboard, I thought you were dead. My life is too dangerous."
Stephanie cut him off. "Shh, Carlos. I'm not going anywhere."
"Stephanie, please, listen to me. I'm begging you to let me talk," Ranger begged.
"Okay," she replied. Stephanie was happy Ranger was finally communicating, but she feared he'd push her away again. Can he see that they need each other? He calms her as much as she calms him. They are stronger together. It took Stephanie a while to admit she was dependent on his support. If only he would let her reciprocate.
"We lost a child that day. She could have passed as our daughter. Her skin colour was closer to mine than yours. But she had your curly hair and blue eyes," Ranger explained. "Babe, Stephanie, I keep an ear to the ground. That child's father blames me for her death. He doesn't know her captor had no intention of letting her survive. I have too many enemies willing to use you to get to me. My life would be worthless if you were gone. I've done too many unspeakable things during my special ops career."
Stephanie laughed sardonically. "You should be worried more about my enemies. Before you get defensive or say that your enemies are bigger than my enemies, I need to remind you that only three of your enemies have come after me. I included Scrog in that count. Your enemies may have more firepower behind them, but I have more unstable ones. It makes them less predictable," she said. Stephanie didn't let Ranger refute her claim. "Carlos, I can take care of myself now. I'm training with the men."
She kissed him again before tugging on his hand. "Where are we going?"
"Let me show you," she replied. Stephanie rolled her eyes when she entered the living room. Chester, Hank and Lester had pushed the couches against the wall to clear a space. "They've been listening."
"Show him your skills," Lester said. Ranger and Stephanie stretched in preparation.
"Give me all you got, and don't hold back," she warned. Ranger briefly nodded and got into his usual stance. Stephanie used a combination of Krav Maga and Tai Chi to bring Ranger to his knees. "I told you not to hold back."
"Why can't I fight your battles?" Ranger asked.
"Because you can't watch your back trying to protect me all the time," she replied.
"My men will keep watch, too," Ranger added. It wasn't necessary, but Stephanie appreciated it all the same. "Do you know why they follow my orders?"
"You're sure of yourself. It's what made you a great leader," she quickly replied. "They know what you expect and have no problems following your order. You have their best interests in mind. The men rarely get injured on your watch. I've been the cause of their injuries. My stubbornness for training could have killed your men. I know it was childish behaviour, and I've worked hard to get into shape." Stephanie didn't mention it was initially to make Ranger proud. After a while, it changed to Stephanie taking pride in herself.
"Proud of you, Babe," Ranger huffed when Stephanie knocked him down again.
"Wow. My mom kicks ass," Savannah said in awe.
"You should see her with Tank. She brought him to his knees many times," Edna replied.
"I'd like to see that," Savannah said. She sat beside her great-grandma Edna to watch Stephanie exercise with Ranger. "I know I shouldn't say this, but that's hot."
"It's all foreplay," Lester said with a laugh.
"Santos," Ranger growled. Stephanie took that as her cue to take a shower. She kissed Ranger and made him promise not to hurt Lester too badly.
Savannah watched how Stephanie and Ranger interacted. She knew they were in love with each other. Heck, even a blind man could see. "Why aren't they a couple?" Savannah quietly asked Edna.
"I've been wondering that for years," Edna confessed.
Stephanie took a shower and walked to her room wearing a fluffy white robe. She had forgotten to grab a change of clothes. Savannah knocked on the door. "Mom, it's me. Can I come in?" she shyly asked.
After pulling one of Ranger's shirts over her head, Stephanie said, "Sure. It's unlocked."
Savannah didn't notice Ranger had watched her retreat from the living room. He knew Savannah was going to ask Stephanie some difficult questions. "I know you love Ranger, and I can see he loves you. Why aren't you two dating?"
Edna knew what Savannah planned to do. She wanted to know why two people head over heels in love with each other couldn't get their acts together. Savannah may not have been raised by her birth mother, but she loved her fiercely.
"What are you waiting for?" Edna asked Ranger. "Stephanie calms the storm brewing in your mind. You needed her as she needed you. It's time to pull your head from your ass and get over your fears. Since beginning this journey, Stephanie has grown mentally and emotionally. You claim you don't want to hurt her, yet every time you qualified your love by adding, "in your own way." Those words created the noose you wrapped around your neck. When you said she was a line under entertainment, it hurt her and proverbially hung you."
"But my enemies," Ranger said.
"Phooey. Don't give me that pile of crap excuse. I don't want to hear you send her back to Morelli, either. I swear I will haunt you after I die. She's stronger than you realize. Since I shared my diagnosis, she's been watching me slowly die before her eyes. Watching someone you love waste away is the worst type of torture alive. I didn't know I would deteriorate so fast or I never would have signed her up for this journey. I hoped for some kind of miracle, but it's not going to happen," Edna warned.
"But she wouldn't want it any other way," Ranger replied.
"You're right," she said. Edna moved her dentures around her mouth as she thought. "Stephanie is aware you attract gorgeous women. She doesn't think she's pretty enough or woman enough for you."
"Stephanie is more than enough," Ranger said.
"Then cut that noose from around your neck and tell her," Edna demanded. She pushed Ranger towards Stephanie's door. The men didn't know whether to defend Ranger or protect Edna.
Stephanie grimaced. Ranger arrived at her door in time to hear, "Vannah, I know Ranger loves me. His actions speak louder than words, but Ranger didn't want me. I'll never be enough for him."
He opened the door, startling Stephanie and Savannah. "You are enough, a thousand times enough," Ranger professed.
"Ranger?" Stephanie asked.
Edna was right. He had to tell Stephanie how much he loved her without qualifiers. It didn't matter if everyone crowded inside the doorframe to listen. "Stephanie, I love you with every fibre of my being. You are my light. My heart belonged to you since the day you entered the diner. I'm not strong enough to keep pushing you away. Enemies be damned. We're stronger together than we are apart. Please, Stephanie, mi amor, mi amante, mi corazón, will you marry me?" (my love, my lover, my heart)
"What the fuck?" Lester asked when Ranger produced an engagement ring. Did Ranger carry the damn thing everywhere?
Stephanie didn't know what to say. Savannah nudged her ribs. "Yes. A thousand times, yes," she shouted. She felt the familiar band slip over her finger. Stephanie looked at the gorgeous ring. "Is this?"
"Yes, Babe. It's the ring you wore in Hawaii," he replied.
"Now, what do we do?" Savannah asked.
"We visit the chapel after everyone gets dressed," Edna announced. "Lester, can you grab the dresses and shoes I asked you to buy yesterday?"
Lester disappeared and returned with the clothes Edna had requested. While he was in his room, he called Tank. "Are you on the way?" Lester asked the second Tank answered.
"Yes. I have Frank with me," Tank replied. "Did he pull his head from his ass?"
"Yup. We're getting ready. What's the ETA?"
Lester waited for Tank to ask the pilot. "One hour," Tank replied.
"Tank and Frank are en route," Lester announced. "They'll be here in an hour."
Savannah grabbed the dresses from Lester. She got Stephanie to sit on the bed while she brushed and loosened her curls. Stephanie couldn't help but regret not raising her daughter. The girl was everything she had hoped to be. "Enough of those thoughts, mom."
"Why did you start calling me mom?" Stephanie asked.
"It's who you are. Can I ask a question without you getting offended?"
"You can ask, but I can't make any promises," Stephanie replied.
"Actually, it's two questions. Why did you send me gifts and money every year for Christmas and my birthday? And if you were older, would you have kept me?" Savannah's voice broke on the second question.
Stephanie waited for Savannah to finish her hair before replying. "I wanted you to know that I loved you despite giving you up for adoption. If I was older, I would have moved far away to raise you by myself. I didn't want to get trapped into marrying your father. We dated off, and he got more abusive each time. It would have slowly killed me. I have learned that playing the 'what if' game never ends well." Stephanie wiped the tears off Savannah's face. "Vannah, we're together now, and that's all that matters. I'm here as long as you want me. I'll be your mom, cousin or friend. It's up to you."
"I'll always want you as my friend and mother," she whispered. "But I feel like I'm betraying my adoptive parents."
"Phone them," Stephanie replied. "I'm sure they would love to hear from you." She kissed Savannah's forehead and left her to call her family.
Stephanie borrowed the mirror in her grandmother's room to apply her makeup. She returned to her room as Savannah pulled the dress over her head. It fell to her knees and hugged her curves. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks. Can you zip the dress and French braid my hair?" Savannah turned around. Stephanie pulled the fabric together as she pulled on the tab. She got Savannah to sit on the bed.
"Vannah, will you stand beside me as my maid of honour?" Stephanie asked. Savannah fought back the tears and nodded. She never thought her birth mother would welcome her completely. Stephanie smiled. "I see you inherited my affliction."
"Huh?" Savannah not so eloquently asked.
"When your emotions get in the way, you vocalize your thoughts. I'd love to tell you it stops as you get older, but it doesn't," Stephanie replied.
Savannah zipped up Stephanie's dress before pulling on the three-inch heels. She wobbled a bit, then walked around as Stephanie directed. When they left the bedroom fully dressed, they noticed only Lester and Hank were left behind. "Where did everyone go?" Savannah asked.
"To the chapel," Lester replied. "Everyone is waiting for us." Lester held out his arm for Stephanie while Hank held out his for Savannah. Stephanie couldn't help but notice how Hank looked at her daughter. He was the youngest Rangeman employee at twenty-two years old. Savannah blushed as she held onto Hank's arm.
They got into the elevator and pushed past the rude couple blocking their way. Stephanie and Savannah rolled their eyes, making Lester and Hank laugh. When the elevator got to the first floor, they heard a young girl yell, "Am I too late?"
"Jules?" Stephanie asked when she walked toward the chapel. Julie ran to Stephanie and hugged her. "Your dress matches Savannah's. Would you like to walk down the aisle as my bridesmaid?"
"Yes," Julie gushed. "It's nice to meet you, Savannah." Julie grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the chapel where the men were patiently waiting.
Just over twenty-five hundred miles away, everyone in Rangeman Trenton was glued to their monitors. All Boston and Miami Rangeman employees waited with bated breaths as the Stephanie clone walked down the aisle wearing a fitted silver dress with matching heels. Ranger's daughter, Julie, walked beside her. At first, the Boston and Miami men thought it was Stephanie, but she looked much too young. They watched as Stephanie walked down the aisle accompanied by her father.
Her cream coloured dress was covered in fine lace. It fit her like a glove, showcasing her flat abs and muscular legs. Stephanie knew her mother would be embarrassed by the length of her dress which fell to mid-thigh. Lester had purchased a pale pink bra and panties to go underneath. Stephanie knew her grandmother selected the clothes, Lester paid for them and brought them to the room. She didn't want to think about Lester buying her lingerie.
Everyone shouted when the officiant pronounced them man and wife.