Chapter Three

Joe needed my help. I seriously doubted it.

"Joe, Ranger is out of town," I explained, knowing darn well that he really wasn't looking for any help from me.

"I know, I talked to one of his men already. I had a feeling that you would be here. You're living here now, aren't you."

There was no accusation in his voice, so I didn't see the harm in admitting my living arrangements. "Yes, I live here, but I'm sure you didn't come here to discuss my living arrangements. What's wrong, Joe? I've never seen you like this before."

"Can we go upstairs, or do we have to stay out here in the garage? You don't look like you're dressed to stay out here too long." Joe was staring at my shirt. I could feel his eyes gazing at my breasts and willed my nipples to stay still.

"Oh, sorry, of course we can go upstairs. Come on." I led the way to the elevator and we traveled in silence to the seventh floor. I turned on all the lights again and led the way to the living room.

"Nice place," Joe offered. "Ranger has good taste… in furniture."

I smiled a Joe. I think he was trying for some sort of innuendo or joke, but he didn't try hard enough.

"Okay, Joe, what's going on?"

Morelli took a seat opposite me. "Terry Gilman is missing. I was hoping that you and your Rangeman buddies would help me find her."

"Jesus, you need Ranger for that, not me." I couldn't believe what he was asking. Naturally, however, my curiosity got the better of me. "Why don't tell me what happened and I will see if I think I can help in anyway."

Joe proceeded to explain that he and Terry were working a case involving organized crime. Terry was probably (because who can read that woman's mind, I thought) going to turn state's witness against one of the high level players… no one in her family, of course. They were doing a stakeout, pretending to be a married couple on holiday in Atlantic City, when Terry suddenly disappeared.

"You're bound to have the cops looking for her. What do they say?" I asked.

"Yeah, everyone's in on this, because, shit Stephanie, I was responsible for her," Joe stated as he combed his hand impatiently through his dark hair. Funny, but that move no longer had the same effect on me as it once did.

I sort of understood where he was coming from. Recently, my father was kidnapped and Ranger had wanted me to stand on the sidelines until called. I couldn't do it, wouldn't do it. That's probably what Joe was feeling. Of course, I left unspoken the question on my mind regarding his real relationship with Terry.

"All right, Morelli, let me talk to Tank tomorrow. I may have to call Ranger as well."

Joe smiled, but it seemed sad somehow. "Thanks, Stephanie. I would appreciate anything you guys could do." He headed for the elevator.

I followed Joe, feeling awkward at best. It wasn't until he turned around and looked me straight in the eyes that I began to feel nervous inside.

"Is he treating you right?"

"Yes."

"He'd better or I'll kick his ass."

"You won't have to, I will. I'm getting to be a better shot as well." I smiled at Joe and reached up to kiss his whiskered cheek. "You're always welcome to stop by, you know."

"Thanks, Cupcake."

The next morning I was on a mission to find Tank. I finally tracked him down in the gym and explained the situation.

"So, what do you think?" I prompted. "Can we help find her?"

"I don't know, Bomber, that really should be Ranger's call. You're talking about a lot of manpower and other resources that really add up fast." Tank looked off into space. "Besides, I don't know that Ranger's going to want you and Morelli working too close together."

Actually, I had thought of that already. In his own way, Rangermight be more the jealous type than Morelli, but I couldn't believe that he wouldn't help out Joe in his time of need. I guess the next step would be to talk to Ranger.

I was working at the computerwhen Tank told me to expect a call from Ranger on my cell. Considering what I wanted to say, I thought it best to take the call in the conference room, away from the prying ears of the control center office.

I was seated at the big conference table, cell phone in hand when the call came.

"Ranger," I blurted out. "How are you?"

"Yo, Babe. Miss me?"

"You know I do, but I'm sure that's not all you want to hear from me right now. You talked to Tank right?"

"Yeah, and Morelli had better be on the level." His voice was a bit menacing.

I wasn't sure what he meant by that, so I chose to ignore the comment. "Ric, you should have seen him. He was really upset." I knew the use of his first name would not go unnoticed.

"What do you want me to do, Babe?" His voice was noticeably softer.

"I owe Joe this much. I want to help."

Ranger sighed audibly. "Done. Oh, and Babe… next time wear a bra."

Geez, there were cameras everywhere!