Chapter 3: Time for a Change

A/N: This is a little later than planned. I wanted to get it out on Saturday, but it was Halloween and I had two small kids to get ready. The holidays (even purely candy based ones) are hard for us and I wasn't in the right place emotionally to finish this chapter. It's pure chaos here.

*Ranger's P.O.V.*

Have you ever walked into a hostile situation without being prepared? Don't get me wrong, I'm always ready for a fight, but when I walked into the bond's office this afternoon, I knew I was not prepared for what was about to go down. As soon as the girls realized I was there, all conversation stopped. Lula and Connie both sucked in large gulps of air and stared at Stephanie. I looked over as well. She wasn't looking at them but at my face instead. The look on her face was pure concentration; I guess she was waiting to see what I would do next. I just raised one eyebrow before turning my attention back to Connie at the desk.

"I'm going to be out of pocket for a few days. If you need anything, call Tank." I turned and headed back towards the door before they could find their words again. I didn't really care what they had to say, but it seemed like it might make Steph uncomfortable so I didn't wanna linger any longer than necessary.

I heard the couch creak as I opened the door and looked back to see Steph crossing the room heading to the door. She looked nervous, but as she got closer she threw her shoulders back and spoke with conviction, "Can I talk to you outside? I won't take too much of your time."

I nodded and held the door for her, following right behind her. I pulled the door closed firmly and walked with her down the street until we couldn't be seen by the girls unless they stepped outside. I knew this didn't mean we were hidden. This was still technically Burg territory and there were eyes and ears everywhere eager to get the latest gossip about Stephanie. I will never understand their obsession with her day to day life. We sat down on a bench outside of the bakery and stared out across the busy street.

She seemed to be building up the courage to ask me something. My mind raced trying to figure out what she needed. The longer she took to speak, the darker my thoughts became. She couldn't have another stalker yet. She didn't have time to attract someone between then and now. We had just spoken this morning, and our earlier activities flitted across my thoughts. Even though I know it's for the best, I hope she hasn't decided to heed my warning. I know she left her apartment and went to her parents. Maybe her mother has finally convinced her to marry and settle down. If that's the case, I'm screwed. The Burg life isn't for me; I would never be accepted there even if I wanted to suddenly become domesticated.

She finally broke the silence, "I need your help." Damn. She was in trouble after all. She never fails to amaze me at all the crazies she seems to attract without effort. Before I could call for an armed escort for her, she spoke again. "I know you said you were going out of town, so I know this will be put off for a while, but I was hoping you would be willing to train me. I know you told me originally that I wasn't your problem, but you seem pretty dedicated to keeping me alive and I thought I could ease the burden, financially or otherwise, by getting the training I need. I don't wanna be a charity case anymore. I'm tired of flying by the seat of my pants and living in denial about how hopeless I am. I capture people by sheer luck and I'm worried my luck will run out and you won't be there to save me."

I stared at her face, looking for any signs of deception. I've been waiting to hear her say this, but I'm worried that she's in one of her "change" phases. It's going to take hard work to get her up to scratch and I don't want her giving up halfway through. The ability to button her jeans can't be her only motivation for such a massive undertaking.

"Babe. First of all, I will always come for you. Never doubt that. And while I would love to train you, I'm a little concerned. Where is this coming from?"

"Well it's been on my mind a lot lately. I know that I can't keep going the way I have been, it's a miracle I haven't been seriously injured. I like my job and want to be good at it, but I have know idea what I'm doing most of the time and no idea where to start to get better. It's not like I can just pop over to the local community college and take an extension class on it. I know that you bleed money every time you have to send someone out to help me or shadow me or whatever." She sighed and ran her hand through her hair before continuing, "I'm tired of being laughed at, whether it's at Rangeman or the station. I'm tired of constantly worrying my mother when someone tries to kill me or my car blows up. I talked to Mom at lunch today and realized the reason she harps on my constantly is from fear that I'm going to get myself killed and she's gonna have to hear about it through the Burg grapevine."

"Okay then. I'd love to teach you, but there's no reason you have to wait until I get back. The guys can start your training while I'm gone." She seems to balk. I started talking again before she could second guess her decision, "Steph, they're solid. You can trust them to teach you and keep you safe. I trust them with my life and yours."

She seemed surprised and spoke quickly, "I'm not concerned about their abilities; I don't wanna bother them. I know how irritating I can be and I don't want them to regret having to do this. We both know you have to pay them extra when they get babysitting duty and this is way more intensive. I don't want them to hate me before it's all over. I can wait until you get back. It's not a big deal."

"Stephanie,your safety is a big deal. What if something happens between now and then and you get injured or worse. That's not something I'm willing to chance. Plus, the men love you. I won't have to pay them extra; they'll be fighting over who gets to work with you as it is." She really has no idea the effect she has on others. She has a magnetic personality that even the hardest men can't seem to ignore. Even Hector likes her, though I think she's more terrified of him than of some of the criminals she puts back in jail.

She didn't look convinced, but she nodded. "If you say so. As long as this isn't going to cost you an arm and a leg."

"It doesn't matter. I consider it an investment."

She grimaced and looked away. "About that…. I understand that this is going to cost me, though I'm not sure exactly how much. I'm also going to have to add onto that tab and ask if I could get some assistance with this arsonist. As much as I'd like to take him down myself, I'd prefer to not get set on fire in the process."

She thinks that I'm going to hold this against her? I was mainly joking about the tab thing. I don't want her to feel obligated to be with me just because I helped her, but I also don't want her to totally discount our chemistry if I back down now. I thought about it for a few more seconds before coming to a decision. "We'll figure that out as we go along. As far as the takedown goes, call Tank when you're ready and he'll send someone out to help you. If you find him after your training starts, feel free to ask whoever you feel most comfortable. I'll call Tank on my way out and explain the situation. He'll contact you about your start date this afternoon. If anything happens while I'm gone, call Tank or the command center."

She nodded and we stood up. I walked with her to her car, subtly glancing around for witnesses. Finding none, I tugged her sideways into a little alley between the office and the bakery and into the shadows. I pinned her to the wall with my arms and locked eyes with her.

"Consider this a down payment." She seemed startled but excited and I took that for consent. I leaned into her and headed for her mouth, but before I could close the last few inches there was an exclamation from the entrance to the alley.

A/N: I hope you like it! I know it's shorter than the others. I promise to make the next one extra long as penance. :)