Chapter 30

Ranger's POV

"Um, Ranger, do you have a moment?" Manny asks hesitantly.

"What's wrong?" I ask, motioning him to enter my office and have a seat.

"You know my uncle is Alexander Ramos."

"Yes, I am aware of that. I am also aware that you keep out of the Family business."

"That is true, Sir. My uncle respected my wishes to join the Army, and subsequently, work for you. He did want me to join the Family but understood that my moral compass was more north than his."

"And I know that is not the reason why you are here."

"No, Sir," Manny says before sitting down. "My uncle has called me to share some interesting information with you. The street, and the Families, know that Stephanie Plum Orr is under your protection, that she's your woman. They respect you, and therefore, respect her. However, Uncle Alexander was approached by someone who wants him to get rid of both Frank Plum and Stephanie if there is an opportunity. So, he took the job, not to actually go through with it, but to prevent someone else from doing so. So, he reached out to me to request a meeting where he is prepared to divulge everything he knows."

Fuck! This is what I have been dreading. Someone going after Stephanie or my children. I have many enemies, and I'm left wondering who could be looking to hurt me. But I don't understand how Frank is involved. "Is that all he told you?"

"Yes, Sir. He said that he would be willing to meet whenever you are available, but preferably sooner rather than later."

"Okay. See if your uncle is available to meet this afternoon. I'd prefer that we meet here or at Shorty's."

"Do you want me to call him now?"

"Yes, please."

Manny takes out his cell phone and scrolls through his contacts. I watch as he takes a deep breath before hitting the call button. Then, after a brief conversation, he hangs up. "Uncle Alex said 1500 at Shorty's. He requested you bring Steph and Mr. Plum with you. He would like me to sit in if it is alright with you."

"That's fine. Thank you, Manny, and I don't mind you joining us."

"Thank you, Sir."

I dismiss Manny, and he leaves my office. Now, I get to inform Stephanie. Dios, why can't anything be easy? I pull up her schedule and see that she is free in ten minutes. I'll go down to her office and inform her. Now, I call my cousin into the office.

"Yeah, Ranger, you called?"

"Santos, sit down," Lester sits in front of me. "Manny just informed me that someone has placed a hit out on Stephanie and her father. I am meeting with him at 1500. Before you ask, no, you cannot come with me. I need you to get the twins off the bus and stay here with them. Even though they were not targeted, as far as I can tell, I don't want them in harm's way. Aside from myself and Stephanie, I don't trust anyone but you with them. I'd like you to take Woody with you and bring the kids back here. Ella will mind them in the building until Stephanie and I get back. Manny will be joining me in the meeting with Alexander Ramos at his uncle's request."

I can tell that Lester is not pleased with staying behind, but he understands why I request him to do so.

"Okay, I'll stay here. Are you sure you can trust Ramos?"

"Manny vouches for him. From what I know of their relationship, I don't see Ramos dragging Manny into something. He knows where Manny stood on his business and respected his wishes to join the military and work for Rangeman. I doubt that he would put his nephew in harm's way, especially since we leave him alone."

"Who else are you taking?"

"Cal, Vince, and Hector."

"Alright, Ranger, I'll get the twins. What do you want me to tell them?"

"That Steph and I have a meeting with Jo. They will not even think twice. Especially since Frank will be joining us." I glance at my watch. "I need to call Frank and inform him, then I'm meeting Stephanie in her office."

"Okay. Let me know if you need anything else."

"Will do."

Lester understands that he is dismissed and gets up from the chair, leaving my office. "You do know that no one here will let anything happen to Alex or Lucia, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. That's why I want the twins here."

With a nod, Lester leaves, and I dial Frank Plum. I quickly explain the situation to him, and he agrees to meet us here at 1330. I check the time and head down to the third floor. I enter the gym, and all movement momentarily stops since the men are not used to seeing me here this time of the day. The men here are mostly those on the overnight shift or those on restricted duty trying to get back into tiptop shape. I head directly over to Stephanie's office, where the blinds are open. I don't understand how she gets anything accomplished with all the distractions around her. I knock on her door, only not to startle her, then enter.

"Carlos, did we have an appointment?"

"No, Babe, we didn't, but we need to talk."

I watch as the smile that was on her face starts to disappear. "You're not going away, are you?"

"No. In fact, my contract expires in three days. I still have veto power. It's not that, but it is important."

"What's wrong?"

I sigh. "We have a meeting at 1500 with Alexander Ramos. Someone approached him, asking him to take care of you and your father. I don't know who it was, but Alex would like to meet with us, where he will divulge all the information."

"Can we trust him? I mean, he is Family, you know, with a capital F."

"Yes, Babe, I know, and yes, we can trust him. But did you know that he's Manny's uncle?"

I see Stephanie is momentarily stunned. "He is?"

"Yes, and the request came through Manny. I think he is on the up and up. I've arranged for Lester and Woody to get the twins off the bus and bring them here. Ella will mind them until we get back."

"Do you have any idea who could have put a hit out on us?" Stephanie asks, fear lacing her voice.

"Sadly, Babe, I do have an idea, and it's not one that I am pleased about."

"Who?"

I sigh. Should I tell her my suspicion? I glance at Steph, and I know I need to clue her in from reading the expression on her face. "I think it might be your mother."

I watch as so many emotions show through Stephanie's face. Anger, disbelief, indignation, resignation, and sadness. "Why do you think my mother would want my father and I dead?"

"I guess she thinks if you and your father were out of the picture, she and Valerie would be living large, off of your estate."

"She is delusional."

"I don't doubt that, Babe."

"Alright. Let me check my schedule. I don't think I have anyone scheduled for this afternoon, but I want to make sure." She turns to her computer and opens her calendar. "Nope, my last appointment is at 1330 for thirty minutes with Josh. He's been complaining of a crick in his neck for the last few days. I think he needs a new pillow."

"Okay. When you finish with Josh, come up to my office. Are you okay?"

"No, but I will be. I had a feeling that mom wouldn't back down so easily, but I never expected this."

"I know that." I walk over to Steph and pull her out of her chair. I sit and bring her down on my lap, where I just hold her in my arms, making her feel safe and secure, knowing that I can keep her safe with me.

"Babe, I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to keep you, your father, your grandmother, and most importantly, our children safe. I wouldn't be able to live without you, and I don't want to lose you so soon after finding you again."

"Just make sure you don't leave us in the process of trying to keep us safe."

"I promise. Tu eres mi vida, mi corazon, y mi alma. I'm not going anywhere, Babe." We kiss a passionate but gentle kiss, then just rest there for a moment. I'm aware that my men can see us, but I don't give a shit at this point. My focus is on keeping this woman in my arms feeling secure.

"I have an appointment with Ace in five minutes."

"I'll let you go, then. Don't worry about it, Steph. I will keep you safe."

With another gentle kiss, I leave Steph's office for my own.

Stephanie, Frank, Manny, and I are sitting around a table in the backroom of Shorty's, waiting for the arrival of Alexander Ramos. My phone buzzes, and I see a text from Cal that he has arrived. A few moments later, Alexander walks in with his bodyguard. We shake hands, and he sits.

"Would you like a drink or something to eat?"

"Ouzo, please."

I nod to Manny, who gets the drinks. Once everyone is settled, I begin, "so, Mr. Ramos, what is going on?"

He looks all around the table, takes a sip of his drink, then begins. "A few days ago, someone approached me about getting rid of two people who are a thorn in their side. The person told me that these two individuals were harassing them and causing them problems. They then went on to paint this really bleak picture. When I asked who they wanted me to take care of, they told me you, Frank, and, if possible, Stephanie, though she wasn't a priority. I knew there was no way that I would follow through, as I know a lot of the background, so I decided to tell them I would do that job to stop them from going to someone else who wouldn't hesitate to take you out."

"Mr. Ramos, who was it?" Stephanie asks.

"Ellen Plum."

"What are you talking about? She wouldn't do that!" Frank exclaims.

"She did. I know it's hard to believe, but she gave me a check for $10,000." Alexander produces the check.

"Holy shit," Frank said.

"Where did she get that money?" I ask.

"I don't know, but I don't want her to succeed. There is no reason she should want her daughter or her ex-husband dead, especially when neither of you did anything wrong to her. But I don't understand her thinking, which is why I am here." Alexander stated.

"Is that the only reason?" I ask.

"Well, that and the fact that Ms. Plum is under your protection. I know she's your woman, and I don't want any problems with you, Ranger. I respect the work you do too much to disrespect you that way."

"So, what is the plan of action from here?" Stephanie asks.

"I can have her meet with one of my…associates, which is why I asked for my dear nephew to come with you. Manny, would you be willing to set up Ellen Plum? I would do it myself, but it would be bad for business if you know what I mean."

"Theíos Alex, if it will help to protect Steph, then I will do it."

"How did you leave off with Ellen?" I ask.

"I told her that one of my associates will meet with her for the details. She is to determine the method of execution. I told her that something that looked accidental would be less suspicious than an outright shooting. She said she just wanted it done. I then informed her that my associate would meet with her at the end of the week, which is in two days. I hope, Ranger, you can meet with the Chief of Police and set up a sting that will leave me out of it. I'd prefer not to have my name dragged into this directly."

"I can work something out, but what do you want in return?"

"Nothing. My nephew has spoken very highly of Ms. Plum since he met her. I know that she had it rough, dealing with that kólos Orr and raising those kids on her own. Now, Manny did inform me that you are not to blame for her predicament; I hope that is correct. A man who does not take responsibility for his family is no man in my eyes."

"No, Mr. Ramos, Carlos did nothing of the sort. It was of no fault of either of us that he didn't know about the twins."

"I'll take your word for it, Ms. Plum."

Frank looks at me, and I nod slightly. "Alex, do you know if Ellen approached any of the other Families?"

"No, she did not. I asked her that question myself. I don't make it a habit of taking jobs that others turn down, as it makes it easy for the blame to be cast on me if there is a problem. Typically, if one Family denies a request, all Families will, except in the case of a vendetta, then, there are no rules."

I glance at Stephanie, and I'm surprised with how well she is taking this entire situation. She has remained calm, relaxed, and collected throughout, but then again, so has Frank. I guess she gets her backbone from her father.

I'm sure we can work something out to get Ellen locked up where she belongs and keep Stephanie and Frank safe. Thank you for coming to me, Alex. If you need assistance, you know where to find me and what kind of work I'll do for you. I may not fall entirely on your side of the law, but I don't land on the other side either. You know I don't see the world in black and white."

"Yes, Ranger, I'm aware of that. Thank you. I hope to never need your assistance. Ms. Plum, Frank, I am sorry that this has happened to you. I hope you can both heal from this betrayal."

"Thank you, Mr. Ramos."

"Thank you, Alexander," Frank replies.

"Manny, coordinate with your uncle, and I'll clear everything with the Chief. Thank you for agreeing to help."

"If you don't mind, Ranger, I'd rather conduct the rest of the business at my estate. Manny, you remember how to get there."

"Yes, theíos, I do."

"Meet me there tonight at eight, in Deal."

Manny nods. Alex stands up along with his bodyguard. We shake hands, and he leaves first. I ask Stephanie if she wants to take a pizza home for dinner, and she says yes. So, we order our pie and some for the control room, then head home to Haywood. Hopefully, this will put an end to Ellen Plum's meddling ways.