Ric and I worked for many hours trying to put some of the pieces together that seemed out of place. We made very little progress which was quite frustrating for the both of us. I sat up from my slumped position on the floor and stretched my aroms up over my head. I took a chance look at the clock and couldn't believe the time.

"Hey Ric do you realize what time it is?"

Without so much as a glance up he answered, "No but it can't be any later than 5:30 or 6. Why do you ask?"

"Well I was sitting here working and I was starting to get hungry. I just realized that I haven't eaten anything yet today. When I sat up and looked at the clock I understood why I was so hungry. It is almost 11 pm Ric. There will be time enough for this tomorrow."

"Your right Babe, tell you what," he was saying as he stood, "Why don't we go freshen p and go get something to eat and after that there are plenty of places to go out dancing if you like. I wanted you here so that you could relax and de-stress from everything in Trenton and here you are working with me to catch some guy with a vendetta."

"It's alright Ric, really. It gives me something to do so don't have to think about my own problems right now."

He grabbed my hands and pulled me to my feet which brought us chest to chest. Not a bad spot to find yourself in.

"Thanks Babe you don't know how much it means to me that you want to help. I love you."

"You're welcome Ric, anytime. I love you too but lets get going I am starving." Just at that moment my stomach made its self be heard.

"Come on Babe let's go and feed the beast. There is a little place on Frenchman St we can go and a few blocks down there is a great club for dancing. So you think that you are up for it?"

"You bet I just want to get cleaned up a little before we go."

"Sure thing, while you're doing that I am going to go and call big G and have him come along. With all that's going on it can't hurt to have some backup."

"Sounds good I'll meet you back here in 30." I gave Ric a quick kiss and headed out the door.

Ha! She didn't even notice me as she left. Stupid bitch she will get what is coming to her. Oh I heard Ric tell her that he loved her but that just changes the game plan a bit.

"I hate you." I whispered. "Ric will be mine and you will be gone forever." That thought was enough to bring a smile to my face which disappeared as soon as I heard a voice behind me.

"I think that I can help you with that."

I spun around and there was none other than Gibraltar. Well now this was interesting to say the least. I wonder what his angle is.

"And what's in it for you?"

"Money and revenge."

"Two very noble reasons if you ask me. Alright we work together, however Stephanie Plum does not live to see the final score. Any objections?"

"No but we will need to keep her alive for awhile. She needs to be a bargaining chip."

"Whatever just so long as the end result is the same. Why are you doing this anyways?"

"My family and I believe that Manoso is in our debt for taking the life of one of ours. He shall repay that debt and Miss Plum will be our collateral shall we say. At least for a short time."

"How is he to repay this debt?"

He looked me suspiciously for a moment before answering "What concern is it of yours?"

"Because I want him alive."

He gave me an all knowing smile before he answered. "Ah yes well have no fear Manoso shall not be paying this debt with blood. We simply want him to transport a small shipment. He lost the family a great deal of money 6 years ago and we want it repaid. Such a small thing to as in payment for the loss of a loved one wouldn't you say."

"Yes I suppose it is."

"Wonderful I am so glad that we see eye to eye, now I have to go I am on bodyguard duty. There will be no better time than the present to take her. When she goes to the bathroom at the club I will drug her and take her to the car that you will have waiting at the back entrance. Drive to the address that I give you, there will be someone there to help you get her out of the car. Once there secure her in a room and wait for me. Do you understand?"

"Yes"

"Great, here is the address, now go."

He handed me a slip of paper and left. Things seem to be working out better than planned.

I returned back downstairs in just under 30 minutes. I had changed into a red sundress with a fitted top that came down to a V and showed off what cleavage I had and a skirt that flared at the waist and went down to about mid-thigh showing a lot of leg. Ric should love it.

I stepped into the office and saw the most gorgeous man standing in front of me and he was all mine. He had changed as well, he was now wearing a pair of casual khaki pants with a cream colored silk shirt. Yummy!

"You ready to get going Babe?"

"Absolutely."

Ric took a hold of my hand as we stepped into the elevator. The little hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. I had a real bad feeling about tonight, I hope that I am wrong.