AN: The fun thing about the Evanovich characters in this series is that they leave themselves open to interpretation by us would be writers...

Chapter Sixteen

"I know that I really don't owe Joe anything, but in the interest of our friendship, I wanted to make sure he was all right," I offered. Ranger wasn't really jealous.

"Fine by me. How's he doing?"

"He's not holding up very well. It's too bad that he has this Terry thing on top of the issues with Anna. Normally, I bet he would be excited about being a father."

Ranger didn't say anything at first. "Most men would rather know the mother a little better than Morelli knows Anna. They played and now she pays." He didn't sound angry, just a matter-of-fact tone.

"What about you? Have you ever played and then paid?"

"Yeah, but I don't regret my daughter." He reached for me. "Speaking of playing..." He kissed me until we were both breathless.

"Better watch it," I warned. "Payback and all." I couldn't say much more. I felt hot and bothered and knew the girls were no doubt watching.

Ranger sensed I was pulling back, I think, because he changed the subject. "I did some research on the Morelli situation. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Tank opened a new file and I want you to go over what we have so far. I agree that Morelli didn't kill her, but someone close to them ordered the hit. Vito's not happy."

I considered that a grand understatement. Vito Grizzoli was probably on the rampage. Terry Grizzoli Gilman was known to be a favorite of his. In Trenton, the mob was still well known. It had diversified, but there were still player who performed hits on the appropriate people at the appropriate time. If Terry was planning on turning on the family, someone in the upper ranks could have ordered her taken out.

Ranger left and I ventured back into the office.

"Damn," Lula ranted. "That man is hot. Girl, I saw that kiss he planted on you. I swear it looked like he could take you right then and there." Lula was fanning herself.

"Yeah," Connie added. "Ranger sure does have a way about him. He's got to be good in bed. Tell me that he does not disappoint."

I smiled at that. Ranger could never and would never disappoint. "Let's just say that what you saw out there was just an appetizer. The main course if definitely just as good as dessert." So things with me generally could be compared to food... sue me.

I forgot that Joyce was still in the room until I heard that voice.

"You think you're so special. Well, believe me, you're not. I hear that Morelli knocked up some cop from Richmond while he was supposed to be faithful to you. Bet the same thing happens with Ranger. Let's face it, Stephanie, you just can't hold onto a man!" Joyce stood up, flipped me the bird and stomped out of the office.

"Guess she didn't like the little show Ranger put on," Connie said with an evil grin. "Watch your back, Stephanie. You know how she is, she'll be after Ranger in no time. Not like she has a chance or anything."

Lula added, "Damn straight. Ranger's got too much sense to screw around with that skank."

There was nothing I could add to that, but I wasn't looking forward to Joyce trying to go after Ranger. I know he wouldn't even be interested in her, but the mere fact that she'd come onto him made my blood boil.

"What's this about Morelli? Did he really knock up some cop?" Connie asked.

I had hoped they would miss that. "Seems like he did. About five months ago, he was on a business trip in Virginia. Now, he's going to be a daddy." I tried to keep my emotions neutral. I could deal with this. The gossip wouldn't hurt me. Repeat after me, I don't care what Joe did then. That was then, this is now. I'm happy with Ranger.

"Damn men, can't keep it zipped. Who's the 'ho?" Lula was trying to be supportive.

"I' wouldn't call her that around Ranger, " I offered. "Turns out she is the sister of one of the Rangeman employees. Remember Lester?"

Lula and Connie thought for a moment. Both recalled who I was talking about and nodded.

"Morelli fucked up with the sister of one of Ranger's men?" Lula was nearly speechless. "This is priceless. Ranger's going bust a cap up his ass for sure."

"Look, I just wanted to know if you wanted to go to lunch." I didn't want to discuss Morelli anymore. "I have to get back to the office soon."

"Lunch is good," Lula quipped. "I need to keep my energy up. Connie's got three new files for me."

Lula handled them over to me to look at. Mooner was a given. Get him after the right TV show and he would go with you easily. Ty Rogers was new. Says in the file that he was arrested for speeding and possession of a weapon. Apparently, he forgot to get the required license. The last file was odd. Randy Briggs was wanted again.

"Good grief, Randy Briggs. I hope I never see that little creep again." Maybe he wasn't that bad, but I was still finding it hard to deal with little people after that elf incident one Christmas.

"He's not goin' be a no problem," Lula explained. "I bought me a new stun gun and can't wait to test it on his tiny ass."

Lula and I left for lunch with instructions from Connie to bring something back for her. It was after the normal lunch hour so McDonald's wasn't crowded. Lula bought half the lunch menu, but I settled on fries and a coke. This clean living with Ranger was ruining my junk food appetite, but I refused to budge on the hangover cure.

"Steph, I was thinking that this thing with Morelli must make you pretty mad. Hell, it would make me mad," Lula offered.

I smiled at her. "Not really. I mean, look where I am now. I have no complaints about living with Ranger, except maybe when it comes to his choice of food. Everybody's got their own thing, that's his, I guess." Any deeper explanation would require too much thinking on my part.

"Yeah, well, I would be upset.. Batman or no Batman. It's that 'a woman scorned thing'. What do you know about this woman anyway?"

"I've met her and I think I like her. We haven't really had a chance to talk much, but she seems like a nice person."

Lula grunted. "No everyone is who they seem to be. Look at Terry Gilman. Hell, look at Joe Morelli."

"Where are you going with this?" Lula wasn't usually one to offer information. It always had a price, part of her former lifestyle I bet.

"I'm just saying that neither one of them was who they appeared to be."

AN: Yeah, another cliff hanger...