Hector, Vince and Rodriguez spent days investigating how Joseph Morelli planted the bugs and trackers on the vehicles and inside the hotel rooms. "How did Morelli get his hands on that many?" Hector asked during the morning meeting. "I asked the hotel and rental car owners to sweep the rooms and vehicles for bugs and trackers. They found more registered to TPD homicide."
"Why didn't the TPD notice they were gone?" Ranger asked.
Stephanie sat in the chair between Ranger and Lester. Tank sat across the table from her. He watched Stephanie as various emotions crossed her face. "Little Girl, what's on your mind?" Tank asked.
"Oh. When Rangeman receives a shipment of trackers, bugs or other equipment, someone enters the information into the database," she replied. "It was the same when I worked at E E Martin. Whenever we received a shipment or sent an order, we entered the product numbers, names and quantities into the database. I'm wondering why the precinct didn't follow a similar protocol. It seems strange that they continued to order more when others went missing. Unless…" Stephanie trailed off without finishing her thought.
It would explain the trackers, but how do you explain the bugs? How many did Joe have, and was it possible to fake who owned them? Trackers and listening devices could be purchased cheaply on the internet. If they belonged to Joe, how and why did the registration return to TPD?
"Stephanie," Ranger said, kneeling in front of her. "What's inside your remarkable mind?"
"I think the trackers and bugs belong to Joe Morelli. He got someone in the precinct to say they belonged to the TPD homicide department to cover his illegal activity. I wouldn't be surprised if half the trackers and bugs I found in my apartment during the last few years were his." Stephanie looked at Hector. "Were they? Is that why you gave me the detection device?"
"Some belonged to TPD homicide," Hector replied. "That is why I gave you the device."
"My gut says they all belonged to Joe. He was hiding behind TPD to cover his tracks. Now, who helped him?" Stephanie wondered.
Stephanie sat back in her seat and harrumphed. She wrote a note on the notepad to follow up with her Uncle Joe. He'd be able to get to the bottom of everything. Stephanie got lost in her thoughts regarding who could be helping Joe. It had to be a woman. He must exchange sexual favours for compliance.
Ranger stroked his finger down Stephanie's face to her chin. He gently raised her head to look into his eyes. "Did you want to tell the guys?" he asked. She was confused until Ranger leaned in to whisper, "Baby."
"Oh. You may have that privilege," Stephanie replied.
"Stephanie and I are having a baby. We're not announcing it to our families until she gets through the first trimester," Ranger announced.
"Savannah and Julie already know," Lester added. He whispered to Stephanie that Rachel would keep it a secret.
"No field work," Bobby unnecessarily reminded her.
"I know. My contract stipulates desk duty and client meetings during pregnancy," Stephanie said. She didn't want to get stuck in the office, but she promised Ranger she'd stay safe. "What are we doing about Morelli?"
"We will schedule a meeting with Howard, Juniak and Mathieson this afternoon. They may shed some light on the situation," Ranger replied. He looked around the room and asked if anybody had anything to add. When nobody talked, he said, "Dismissed."
Stephanie went to Ranger's office to arrange the meeting with the police chief, mayor and commissioner. Ranger and Stephanie explained the nature of the meeting. The three men readily agreed to meet at Rangeman.
Hector brought the trackers he got couriered overnight from the hotels and car rental shops to Ranger. The bag contained at least fifteen bugs and eight trackers. He wanted the top brass at the TPD to know how one of their officer's misappropriation of equipment affected the privacy rights of civilians not under investigation. There was no reason for Morelli to surveil Stephanie and Edna Mazur.
Ranger added Stephanie's thoughts to the discussion topics regarding Joe Morelli. Demoting Morelli back to beat cop wasn't enough to stop his attitude or his hunt to discredit Rangeman permanently.
Stephanie pushed Ranger's chair back to sit in his lap. Pointing to the bag, she asked, "Did they all show registration to TPD homicide?"
"Yes." Ranger knew Stephanie's suspicion was correct as he looked at the trackers. He worked with the department to collect intel on a suspect. The bugs and trackers the police chief provided were more expensive. Stephanie watched Ranger push a tracker to the corner of the evidence bag to see better. "Grab my magnifying glass." Stephanie opened the top drawer on the left. She passed him the item.
"Huh. These look like the trackers you can buy online in bulk for cheap," Stephanie said when she looked through the glass. "I wonder." Stephanie leaned forward to use Ranger's computer.
"Babe," he groaned when she pressed her butt into his crotch. She could feel his reaction. Stephanie smiled as she dialled the number. Ranger recorded the conversation.
"Thank you for calling Technical Advances and Equipment. How may I help you?" the man asked.
Stephanie asked breathily, "Hi, my boyfriend ordered the jumbo pack of listening devices and trackers. They got damaged when the water pipe in my apartment broke. I want to order more for his birthday. It turns me on when I think his friends could hear us in the bedroom. Can you help me?"
The man swallowed a few times before answering, "What's his name?"
"Don Juan," she replied.
"Yes. I have the order on file. Should I send the parcel to 6577 Roosevelt in Trenton, NJ?" he asked. Ranger recognized Angie Morelli's home address.
"Not this time. I don't want anyone to spoil the surprise. Can you expedite it to Panther at 466 Stark St?" Stephanie asked. Ranger passed Stephanie a credit card for Candi Striper. She bit back a snort and read the credit card number and name. "Do you need an address to process payment?"
"No, Candi. It's not required. Thank you for your business. Have a nice day," he replied before hanging up.
"Busted, asshole," Stephanie said. She turned to face Ranger. "Thank you for humouring me."
"Why did you choose Don Juan?" Ranger asked.
"I was going to say Italian Stallion, but that would have been too obvious for anyone who stumbled across the name in TA 's database. Morelli would want the breadcrumbs to lead to you. He often called you the Don Juan of the clubs," Stephanie replied. "Having his order delivered to his mother's address was amateurish. He should have picked a neutral location or a post office box."
"You picked the pawn shop," Ranger said.
"Yup. Hector said if I wanted to order anything from a questionable website, get it delivered to the pawn shop in the care of Panther. The owner will contact Hector to pick up the parcel," Stephanie explained.
Ranger kneaded her ass, making Stephanie rock into him. In a movement too quick for Stephanie to comprehend, Ranger had her pants pushed down to her knees. Stephanie's back was against his chest as he pushed inside her. Her moans echoed off the walls.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tank shook his head as he stood outside Ranger's office door. They hadn't locked the door. Lester approached Tank with a raised eyebrow. "Are they getting freaky?" Lester asked.
"The door's unlocked," Tank replied. "I don't want anyone to open the door while they're otherwise engaged."
"Man, those two go at it like bunnies," Lester joked. Tank gave him a hard stare. "It's only going to get worse once her pregnancy hormones kick in."
Tank sighed. "I hope he doubles up on his vitamins." He sent Hector a request to update the lock on Ranger's office door. If Ranger or Stephanie closed the door, they could engage the lock by pressing a button. The core team approved upgrading their system in six months, but Tank needed to expedite the locking mechanism of Ranger's office door.
Junior called up from the reception desk, interrupting Tank and Lester's discussion as they waited for the moans inside Ranger's office to subside. "Talk," Tank answered.
"The TPD team is here for the meeting. I put them in the conference room on two," Junior announced. Tank ended the call without responding. He knocked on the door once, followed by two slaps.
"Shit," Stephanie called from inside the room. "I need new pants."
Lester grinned, then called Ella to bring a change of clothes for Stephanie. "We should get Ella to keep extra clothes inside Ranger's washroom," Lester joked.
"It wouldn't hurt," Tank replied. "You, Bobby and I need to discuss rearranging the command floor. Stephanie needs her own office, and I doubt she'd want to be two floors away from Ranger."
"I could move into the third-floor office," Lester offered.
Ella arrived with a change of clothes for Stephanie. She lightly knocked on the door. Ranger opened it wide enough to accept them. He closed and locked it to give Stephanie privacy.
"No can do. The core team must have offices on the same floor. We can convert the storage closet into an office for Stephanie."
"Nope. Give her my office. I'll take the renovated one. She needs the space for meetings," Lester replied.
"I'm not taking your office, Les," Stephanie said when she opened the door. "I can use the renovated space between Ranger and Tank's offices. I'll use the conference room on the first floor. Our clients shouldn't see the control room." She didn't mention they planned to relocate to Miami.
Ranger raised an eyebrow. "Junior put them in the conference room on two," Tank announced. Tank removed the evidence bags from Ranger's hand. Ranger held Stephanie's hand as they walked toward the elevator, followed by Tank and Lester. Bobby waited outside the elevator on the second floor. They entered the conference room together.
"Thank you for making time to meet us today. We have more information to share," Ranger said. He pushed the devices toward Mathieson, the current police chief.
"These aren't ours," he announced.
"No. I have a recording for you," Ranger said. He played the video for the men. Mathieson was seeing red by the time the recording ended.
"He's fired. I don't care that he monitored the devices off the clock, but he got the TPD to reimburse expenses for planting the devices. It's a clear case supporting misappropriation of funds," Mathieson announced between clenched teeth. "We couldn't figure out where he purchased the devices or where they got delivered."
"Morelli won't work in law enforcement again," Joe Juniak added. Stephanie felt bad for Joe Morelli. He worked hard to become better than his father, but he failed.
"Don't feel sorry for him, Stephanie," Howard said. "Morelli brought this on himself. We did our own investigations. Morelli used his contact at the CIA to plant trackers at the venues on Edna Mazur's bucket list. They used their credentials to guarantee compliance with the car rental shops. However, neither Morelli nor Williamson realized your bodyguards were arranging the vehicles. Your guards selected SUVs or cars not typically used by Rangeman in most cases." Juniak silently thanked Cal for providing the name of Morelli's partner.
"Most of the trackers and bugs got planted on expensive or vehicles we use in Rangeman Trenton. Morelli underestimated my men," Ranger added. "Williamson lucked out with the few hotel rooms he selected. He had no way of knowing that Stephanie would select suites instead of multi-bed rooms."
"I found some bugs in the Hilton suite, but they weren't the same as the ones in those bags," Stephanie said. "I bet someone else planted them for a different purpose." Ranger knew those devices belonged to the FBI. He notified the FBI after Stephanie found and destroyed their bugs.
"How are you handling Morelli?" Ranger asked. "I don't want this blowing back on Stephanie."
"I have Gazarra, Costanza, Russell and Big Dog keeping eyes on him. Morelli will meet with the union rep and me in a few hours. We have enough evidence for termination. Internal affairs reviewed our case and classified Morelli as a liability," Mathieson said. "Thank you for your assistance, Manoso."
Junior arrived to accompany the men to the front door. Joe Juniak hugged Stephanie. "Thank you for the volunteers, Ranger," Juniak added. Ranger raised an eyebrow. "Most of your men volunteered to help at the farm. The children and horses love them."
"Oh, I'm glad you got more help. Maybe you can expand the program to bring children from neighbouring states," Stephanie said.
"That was always part of the plan. You'll have to bring Savannah sometime," he replied. Stephanie hugged him again before he left.
"You are amazing, Batman," Stephanie said.
~~~~~~~~~~
Joe noticed the other officers following him. He didn't understand what he did wrong to warrant such distrust from his colleagues. Actually, Morelli knew exactly what he did. He called his buddy, Jason Williamson, in the CIA. The phone rang three times before three beeps, followed by a digital voice answering, "The number you have dialled is no longer in service. Please, check the number and try your call again."
He tried it two more times before everything clicked into place. "Fuck! They know," Joe shouted. Joe wanted to hightail it out of town, but he had the mandatory meeting with the chief and union representative. He was cocky enough to assume the precinct reinstated him as a detective.
"What if they know about your illegal activity?" his conscious asked.
"Pfft. They don't know anything. I bet Williamson is undercover, or his phone got stolen. The losers at the TPD wouldn't have any evidence to terminate or incarcerate me. I covered my tracks. Everything I did would get traced back to Manoso and his goons. I can't wait to see Manoso's face when they arrest him. He deserves everything I did to him for taking my woman. I'll get her back or die trying," he announced.
Joe didn't know the car got bugged using his own devices. Ranger, Juniak, Mathieson and Howard could hear everything Joe said inside his car.
Eddie watched Joe turn the corner. They were a few blocks away from the TPD when his phone rang. "Gazarra," he answered.
"When Morelli parks in the lot, I want you and Russell to arrest him for obstruction of Justice, misuse of police equipment, falsifying evidence, inappropriate behaviour while on the job and misrepresentation of the badge," Mathieson ordered.
"Yes, sir," Eddie said, then hung up. "Shit. Joe really fucked up."
"Why am I not surprised?" Robin replied.
They arrived at the TPD without incident. Eddie called Carl and Big Dog for backup. Nobody expected Morelli to cause a scene, but they knew he could escape if he tried. Joe grinned and waved when he exited his car. He thought Eddie and the others were there to offer support. "What the fuck are you doing?" Joe asked when Eddie turned him around to cuff him.
Eddie said, "Joseph Morelli, you are under arrest." He listed the charges while Robin collected his service weapon, badge and clutch piece.
"I'm innocent. Those thugs have everyone fooled," Joe screamed. "Ask anyone. They'll agree with me."
Other officers recorded Joe's reaction as Eddie and Robin escorted him into the police station. They bypassed the sergeant's desk and took him directly to booking. "Morelli's here for processing," Eddie said. The officer shook his head and put Joe through the system.
"I thought you were better than that," the officer said as he took Morelli's prints. "I know we already have them on file, but we follow protocols." Joe didn't miss the hidden dig at not following TPD policies.
"My union rep and the chief are expecting me for a meeting," Joe said once his booking photograph got taken.
"Not according my my sources," the officer replied. "Don't bother pressing me for details. You'll find out soon enough."
What the hell was going on? Did he fall into the rabbit hole? Or was he in the twilight zone? Joe didn't understand why they were treating him like a common criminal. Would his family post bail? Why was everyone looking at him in disgust?
~~~~~~~~~~
Armed with Joseph Morelli's arrest record, Stephanie, Savannah, and Ranger flew to Cincinnati. Calvin and Serena Mazur met them at the airport. "Welcome home, Vannah," Serena said, hugging her.
"Hi. I'm not sure what to call you," Savannah confessed.
"Vannah, you can call them mom and dad. I won't be offended. They were your parents since the day you were born," Stephanie said.
"But you and Carlos are my parents," Savannah whined.
Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Vannah, call them mom and dad. We can share the title," Stephanie insisted. "I don't want to diminish what they were to you."
Savannah hugged Stephanie while whispering, "Thank you." They planned to stay the night at Calvin's home.
The following morning, the group went to the courthouse to get custody reassigned to Stephanie Manoso, nee Plum. Savannah was nervous. She didn't know what to expect during the court session.
"Everyone rise for the honourable Justice Blakey," the bailiff announced.
Stephanie squeezed Savannah's hand. Their case was the first on the docket. "Mazur and Plum?" Blakey asked.
Calvin, Serena, Savannah and Stephanie stepped forward. Ranger remained in the seat. He had his financial records in case the judge requested the documents. Stephanie had a letter from Tank regarding her salary and job at Rangeman. She also had her marriage certificate and tax returns from the previous two years. Her bank account included her sign-on bonus with Rangeman.
Serena brought the letters from Stephanie and bank receipts for money Savannah received during the years. Savannah saved most of the money from Stephanie and spent only what she needed for school trips or supplies. They wanted to prove Stephanie cared about her daughter while she was under her cousin's care.
After reading about the case, Blakey looked at Stephanie. "Ms. Plum, why are you wishing to resume custody?" he asked.
"I had wanted to resume custody for many years," she replied.
"Why haven't you issued your intent before now?" Blakey asked.
"When I worked at E E Martin in New Jersey, I met with my lawyer to begin the process. Then I lost my job due to job redundancy when the company sold. It took six months before I found another job as a bond enforcement agent. Due to the nature of the job, I didn't want to put Savannah in danger. I recently started a full-time job at Rangeman Securities, and I'm not risking Savannah's safety," Stephanie honestly replied.
"Is your husband here?" Blakey asked.
"Yes, your honour," she replied. Stephanie turned to face Ranger. He carried the documents to the front. The bailiff retrieved the papers for the judge.
"Mr. Manoso," Blakey said. He recognized Ranger. "Are you married to Stephanie Plum?"
"It's Stephanie Manoso, your honour," Ranger replied.
"Are you remaining in Ohio with your stepdaughter and wife?" he asked.
"No, sir. Stephanie, Savannah and I are relocating to Miami. My company, Rangeman, owns a private jet which will be available whenever Calvin and Serena Mazur wish to visit," Ranger replied.
Blakey smiled. He read the arrest record for Savannah's biological father. "And Mr. Morelli?"
"Abandoned me when I was pregnant," Stephanie replied. "I attempted to contact him from when I discovered the pregnancy to when I signed over temporary custody to my cousin, Calvin Mazur and his wife. His family refused to provide an address for me to reach him."
"Have you tried contacting the Navy?"
"Yes, your honour. I contacted the ones near Trenton, New Jersey, but he didn't report for duty at those locations. They recommended contacting other bases. Without knowing from which port Joseph Morelli left, they couldn't help me," Stephanie replied.
"May I speak, your honour?" Ranger asked. Blakey nodded. "Your honour, I employ ex-Navy officers. When I enquired regarding the ability to contact them during their training, they stated their training began at the base for three weeks. They were unavailable between ten days to two weeks each month while shipped out to sea for training operations. Once they received an extended operation, they could be away for six months. An employee at Rangeman trained with Joseph Morelli. When Stephanie discovered she was pregnant, Morelli was already away on a six-month operation. Even with an address, it would have been months before he could respond or act upon the news."
"I went into labour early. The medical expenses were more than I could afford," Stephanie added. "My cousin and his wife agreed to raise my daughter and cover the costs."
"Yes, I see that in your file," Blakey said. "Savannah, would you like me to reinstate custody to your birth mother?"
"Yes, your honour. I want to spend time with my mom before I attend university," Savannah replied. "My mom always let me know she was thinking about me. She sent me gifts and money on my birthday, Christmas and before school started. I also want Carlos Manoso to adopt me."
"Calvin and Serena, do you think I should grant Stephanie custody?" Blakey asked.
"We do, your honour," they replied. "Regardless of who holds custody, Savannah is still our family." Blakey nodded.
He signed the document before him. "Congratulations, Mrs. Manoso. I'm reinstating your custodial rights. Mr. Manoso, would you like to adopt Savannah Mazur at this time?"
"Yes, sir," Ranger replied.
"Granted," Blakey replied. "Mr. and Mrs. Manoso, please step forward to sign the documents." He looked at Savannah before adding, "Savannah, you too."
Savannah grinned as she approached the bench. Everyone signed the documents. Blakey told them his bailiff would meet them outside the courtroom with the official papers. He needed to apply the seal.