Warning! Adult Language, Adult Content and Adult Situations! Warning!

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies… as usual. I don't own 'em and don't claim to. I am just havin' some fun. That's all.
A/N: Okay, so XJerseyGirl talked me into writing another chapter for this story, and now it is becoming a full fledge story. So, if you notice the story not really going anywhere, time to blame the fluff writing. I never claimed to be a great writer :)
BTW: For those wondering where the hell Chapter5 for WCA is; it should be posted in a couple of days.

Service Call…

I stood at the door of my closet. One hand in my hair and one hand propped onto the doorframe. I had been standing here for at least an hour, debating what I was going to do. I had a lot of shit going on in my head right now. First and foremost, a lot of it had to do with Ranger.

I did something that I thought I would never do, and thoroughly enjoyed myself to the point that I couldn't even regret it. No, mostly I was embarrassed. My face got hot with color. Not only did I keep Ranger up most of the night on Friday, but that included Saturday and Sunday too. I gave it as good as I got it, and I think that he wouldn't say he had any complaints. The big kicker was that he had turned off his cell phone to spend the night with me. When does that ever happen? Hell must have frozen over, pigs must have flown over or Joyce Barnhardt must have given up her obsession of sleeping with other people's husbands. 'Cause it happened.

When Ranger went to leave on Saturday afternoon, I danced after him to the front door in just my boy shorts and a tank top. I had sex written all over me in bold letters and the telltale signs of it in my attitude. I had this grin that wouldn't stop. I had sex hair from hell and I was completely happy. I was in such a good mood that I was ready to face the world and take on the bad guys. Ranger paused at the door and leaned down to kiss me. I grinned up at him. I couldn't help it, not that I tried.

"Bye." I said as his lips touched mine.

Ranger smiled against my lips, and threaded his hands into my curls. He was kissing me leisurely, letting his tongue dance across my lips, sampling me like a fine wine.

"You know," I said breathlessly, "If you keep on doing this, you aren't gonna leave."

I pressed up against him, letting my fingers curl into his shirt. I could feel my body heating up, readying myself for another round. Ranger made a guttural noise deep in his throat. I could feel him hardening against my abdomen.

"I have the cure for that." I moaned against his mouth. I stole a look at him from lowered lashes, his eyes were halfway closed, the black pools of desire trained on me. I nipped his bottom lip. "You got time?"

Ranger's hands left my hair and drifted down my back, cupping my cheeks in his hands and lifting me up slightly against him. I was a burning ball of fire, my whole body responding to him in just a matter of seconds. My breath was coming out in short little pants, my breasts heaving up against his chest. Ranger lowered his head just low enough so his lips grazed along my jaw line, his words whispering seductively in my ear.

"I might have the time, Babe." His tongue flickered out and traced a pattern along my jaw line to my earlobe, "How much do you want it?"

I was so dripping wet by this point, I would have thought it was extremely noticeable how much I wanted it. But telling him wouldn't be straight enough to the point.

"Feel me." I moaned out shamelessly. "If that doesn't convince you…"

I heard Ranger groan and his mouth found mine and he crushed my lips, tongue plundering taking what was his. His lower body was grinding in rhythm, his hands holding me tightly to him. I had no argument when he picked me up off the floor and carried me back into the bedroom.

There in lies the problem. Ranger just left my apartment right at dawn this morning. It had been an all out fest this weekend. We didn't do much talking, just a lot of romping around in the bed, among other places. I stole a look back at the bed. The sheets were in a tangle and the blankets were thrown about, mostly lying on the floor. I definitely wasn't complaining. Those two and half days were probably the best sex I had ever had, and I had felt completely comfortable with him. Ranger wasn't kidding when he told me if he put his mind to it, he would ruin me for all other men. I think I was ruined completely. I had told him no regrets. I wasn't regretting the sex. I was regretting him leaving the apartment and us having to go back to the real world.

So that is why I am having the time out in front of my closet, with my back turned from the bed. I still have my job at Rangeman. Which I guess is a good thing considering I gave Ranger my notice on Friday. But I need to check in with Connie and Lula at the bond's office. Otherwise, they were likely to come hunt me down.

I gave a heavy sigh and pulled a ¾ length, black Lycra shirt off a hanger and padded over to the dresser. I opened up the third drawer and pulled out a pair of black cargo pants with a slightly flared leg. I smiled to myself. After this weekend, I was still feeling pretty sexy, so I decided to go with the black lace low rise panties and a black enhancer bra to you know… enhance my abilities. You never know. I have the need to flaunt my stuff.

I was so lighthearted today; I didn't even know if I should leave the safety of my apartment, because my mind was definitely not on work today. Hell, I didn't even know where my mind was. It was probably off floating around Cloud 9 on its way heavenward, never to be seen or heard from again, knowing my luck.

I took my stuff and went into the bathroom to shower. I would never look at the shower the same way again. The things that man can do in the shower… I trembled and my lower body tightened. It should be illegal in all states, and saved for only me. Even the thought of it made my nipples pucker up painfully. One thought of it makes me weak with want. After this weekend I should be sated, but I wasn't. I was a nympho, a wanton sex addict for a sex god named Ranger. Maybe I should put an ad out in the newspaper announcing it. Because after today, nothing could be more blatantly obvious to the passerby walking down the street. I stared at myself in the mirror. I had this ridiculously satisfied grin spread across my face. Oh, yes. There was no hiding it. My mother was going to find out in less than an hour once I stepped foot outside my apartment.

I did the shower thing and readied myself for the public. I did my hair, and now was putting the finishing touches on my makeup. Went for the natural look, just enough to cover up the proverbial blush staining my cheeks permanently from this weekend. Oh why did I have to have such fair skin? I might as well wear a sign around my neck that say, "Hello! My name is Stephanie Plum. And I had tons of sex this weekend with a hot guy named Ranger. Call me satisfied." It was frustrating, to say in the least.

I got dressed and checked the time. I still had over an hour before I needed to be at Rangeman. I might as well bite the dust and head over to the office. Connie would be just opening up shop for the day.

I was sitting in my car debating my good judgment about coming to the Bond Office this early in the morning. Vinnie would be back from his holiday weekend with Joyce and the newest addition to their little sick fantasy club, a guy named Bigsby. Bigsby was a sixty-four year old ex-porn star that stood just a little over four feet tall and had taken a fancy to Vinnie; after Vinnie bit off more than he could chew in a poker game. It was office rumor that Vinnie was kind of fond of Bigsby and Joyce couldn't stand it. Hence, the weekend away for Joyce and Vinnie. I wonder how Vinnie's wife feels about that. Just one more thing I can use against him. I mean of course that is if I need a reason to get that God awful job back. Now that I um… relieved some tension from my workplace of choice, no reason to beg Vinnie to let me run down nasty skips that flip you into garbage on a daily basis. I would rather let Joyce get through into the garbage; it is where she belonged anyway. Why keep her from her rightful place, I thought. Not that it was likely that Connie had any skips anyway.

I swung myself out of the car and tried to wipe the smile from my face. I was having a hard time with this today. I just had to steer clear of the Ranger thoughts. Ranger thoughts were giving me hot flashes and panting episodes. I walked into the office and all was quiet. I looked around.

Hmm, I thought to myself. That is kind of odd. The office is never quiet unless Ranger is here. I swung my gaze to outside, and sure enough his Porsche was parked out front. Actually, I had parked right beside it. Not good. I told myself. I couldn't even remember the drive over here. Scary, huh?

I strained my ears to hear any sort of sound, and could hear the muffled conversation being held behind the closed door of Vinnie's office. I heard the solid sound of footfall coming closer to the door and rushed to make myself look busy; which wasn't easy considering Connie had nothing on her desk to help me out. I ended up grabbing the damn Cosmo magazine, the one that had gotten me into all this trouble in the first place. Nothing like a Cosmo magazine get all those impish thoughts running wild, causing you to do things you normally wouldn't do. I took a quick glance over the top of the magazine and was met with Ranger's looking right back out at me steadily. I pulled my gaze back down to the magazine. My mouth was dry from that one look. It wasn't even a look of passion, it was just a look. A normal, everyday, run of the mill look, and it made me breathless.

Connie stepped back into the main office. Apparently, she was in Vinnie's office for the little meeting. She had this horrified look spread across her face, like someone had just told her the truth about Vinnie's little encounter with the duck. Not that there isn't much worse things to tell about Vinnie, but I didn't want to know. Vinnie gave me a look of disgust and I flipped him off. He slammed the door behind him.

"What was all that about?" I asked Connie.

Connie huffed. "Dickweed is hiring Bigsby to work skip tracing alongside Joyce and Lula. That is what all that was about. Like we need another freak to work alongside Joyce, she is a piece of work herself. Offers blowjobs to the FTA's that don't wanna cooperate with her. What a fucking joke!" Connie scoffed, waving her hands in the air, "This is turning in a three ring circus show, with me as the ring master."

I rolled my eyes. Vinnie was a piece of work.

"Where is that little worm anyway?" I asked Connie.

"He's down at the porn shop. You know… doing his thing."

Connie and I shuddered. Ugh. I could have gone all day without knowing that. Sometimes, I wondered how he could actually have a legitimate business with all the crazy shit that he pulls. But then I remember that he has Ranger to keep him in business. Vinnie will be fucked when Ranger pulls out. Literally.

Ranger came up beside me. The heat off his body warming into my bones, making them melt into a quivering puddle of yearning like I had never experienced before. God, help me. I wasn't going to be good playing this off. When his hand brushed up against my lower back, it was all I could do not to whimper. His fingers danced along my spine, the little tingles spread across my skin.

He was an ass. How could he not know what he was doing to me? He did and was doing it anyway to see what kind of reaction he was going to get out of me. Is this what men feel like? Jesus. I was going crazy, especially if I was starting to sympathize with the opposite sex. I am out of control.

Ranger's hand drifted upward and settled on my neck in a familiar gesture, kneading the muscles gently.

"You coming by the office later?"

I shot him a look over my shoulder. I hope that was code for we can have sex in his office as soon as I get over there, because anything else coming out of his mouth is irrelevant to me at this point. I took a deep breath and let it out. I really wanted to turn around, shove him up against the wall and take advantage of him in broad daylight. No, I told myself. That isn't a good plan. The lighting is wrong; there is too much traffic on Hamilton… Hmm, things to consider.

"Yep." Was all I could muster without sounding like a teenager with a crush.

It took one heartbeat later for Ranger to turn and walk out the door, get into his Porsche and take off. I dropped the Cosmo onto Connie's desk and the look on her face was one of bewilderment, like she was about to burst from the seams with curiosity.

I held up a hand. "Not one word until Lula gets here, Connie."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I could hear the bass from the firebird rattling the front windows to the office. Lula was behind the wheel; her big, movie star sunglasses shining in the sunlight, head moving in rhythm to the beat. I gave her a little finger wave and Lula hightailed it out of her car and into the office.

"Girl…!" Lula exclaimed. She was swinging her silver sequined handbag into the empty chair in front of Connie's desk. "Whatcha know?"

"Okay! You gotta spill it. Every last detail! And what was that with Ranger? Jesus, the tension between you two was so thick; you couldn't have cut through it with a knife."

"I'd be missin' somethin'? Lula said to me, eyeing me up and down. "That must have been some weekend. You got the smile that doesn't quit givin'."

I looked around the office. I didn't trust that Vinnie didn't have Connie's desk bugged, so I made a motion with my head over to the bathroom. I walked into the bathroom; Connie and Lula followed after me. Nothing like a juicy bit of gossip to get a bunch of girls squished into a miniscule bathroom. Considering that Connie keeps the bathroom spotless, it still gave me the creepy-crawlies. I opted for the far right corner, Connie was sitting on top of the toilet stool lid, and Lula was leaning against the door.

"Out with it." Connie said. Her arms folded over her chest. "This better be good. Did you sleep with Junior?"

"Junior! Holy shit!" Lula exclaimed, her eyes bugging out of her head. "Girl! You got some balls!"

I raised an eyebrow at Lula and she narrowed hers like she was trying to see through me. I shot a glance over to Connie.

"You first," I said. "You score or what?"

Lula, who had her eyes narrowed at me a nanosecond before, swung her eyes over to Connie.

"You scored from the club? With who?"

Connie rolled her eyes and shook a finger at Lula, "If you and Tank wouldn't have been slow humpin' on the dance floor like a couple of teenagers you might know what was going on!"

Lula gave Connie the eye, sizing her up and put a hand on her hip.

"I'd be doin' no such thing. Maybe you shouldn't of been peepin' me so hard and been handling your own business."

"I have no problem handling my business. For your information, I handled my business just fine. I heard no complaints."

"Huh." Lula said. "I guess that settles that. Who'd ya take home?"

Connie rolled her eyes and smiled cat-like. "Woody."

"Damn!" Lula whistled.

"And Hal." Connie muttered under her breath.

"What!" Lula and I exclaimed.

We were all quiet for a few seconds. "How did that come about?" I asked.

"Well…" Connie sighed. Oh Jesus, why did I ask? What happens to my mouth? It's like I have verbal diarrhea, things that aren't meant to say spew out of my mouth like molten lava down a volcano.

"Out with it. I ain't got time for all this lollygaggin'!" Lula said.

Connie shot her a look and rolled her eyes.

"Woody offered to take me home. And Hal jumped in too. We went back to my place… and you know how it is one thing leads to another… Not so much in this case. I would say it was just a couple of big things and a lot of alcohol rolled into one." Connie was smiling and shaking her head, daydreaming about this weekend.

"Holy shit." I muttered underneath my breath.

Connie made the palms up gesture. "Shit happens."

"No shit!" Lula said. She leaned in away from the door and whispered like she was telling a secret, "Who was better?"

Connie seemed to debate this for a minute. Me. Well I was trying to keep my jaw from hitting the ground.

"They were both equally great. Unbelievable even. But…"

"But…" Lula said leaning closer in now.

"I would have never thought it." Connie exclaimed. "It was Hal. My God! The things he can do…"

"Was it hot or what?" Lula asked. She was back to leaning against the door.

"I think I got that on lock now." Connie replied with a slight blush.

I had been listening and not understanding a word these two were saying. I'm from the 'Burg, not the streets. I'm not multi-lingual. I don't speak slang. "On lock?" I asked.

"You know. It was so good I don't gotta worry about a call back, because I know I'll get one. I got him, hook, line and sinker. If I say I wanna throw down, then we do it. I got him on lock."

I nodded my head. "Uh-huh."

"So what about you and Tank?" Connie asked. "How'd that go down?"

"Nuh-uh." Lula said, folding her arms across her chest, "I ain't tryin' to talk about me. I'm a grown woman. I ain't sayin' shit."

"What!" I exclaimed. "Nuh-uh, you ain't gonna get away with that. Was it worth waiting around a year?"

Lula was silent; her eyes narrowed. "I ain't sayin nuthin."

I looked at Connie and Connie looked at me.

"No way." I said. "You can't tell me after all that grindin' in the club, you didn't do nothin' afterwards."

Connie hopped off the toilet stool top and folded her arms over her chest.

"You were practically having sex on the dance floor. What about all that rockin' his world and shit?"

We were all silent. This was the longest I had ever heard Lula be quiet.

"He's a good guy, isn't he?" I asked quietly, with a smile on my face.

"He is!" Lula said exasperated. She was waving her hands around in the air; Connie and I were having to do the matrix stuff to keep from getting hit. "Says, he doesn't want me to feel used. That he's really feelin' me. We hava date on Wednesday. Date! I ain't even got words for that!"

"Really." I said. I was at a loss for words. I couldn't imagine Tank on a date. One could only suspect what a date between Lula and Tank would be like. Really, I couldn't have imagined Tank gridin' on Lula on a dance floor. I wouldn't believe it, except I witnessed it a few days ago. The Merry Men are full of surprises.

"He's frustrating the shit out of me! I can't take much more of this! I'm about to throw down on the floor and have my way with him. "

Connie and I gave Lula sympathic head shakes. Mostly because the both of us got laid this weekend and Lula looks like she might strangle the first person that steps into her path this morning. No way did I want to get on her bad side today.

We almost had a moment of men bashing, but my cell phone started vibrating. I let it vibrate for minute. What a great feeling that was; but then, I started getting looks from Connie and Lula and had to cut it out. I looked down at the caller ID. Ranger.

"Yo." I said all nonchalantly, like I wasn't trying to get off from the vibrating phone five seconds ago.

"Yo, yourself. You comin'?"

Phew, was I ever! I was about to right here just from the sound of his voice. I turned away from Connie and Lula. I could feel the color seeping into my cheeks.

"I don't know." I said, stalling for time. I was trying to think of a good reply without coming right out and saying it. "Is this a one man show or am I gonna have some help?"

Ranger was silent on the other end. I could hear my heart beating in my ears, drowning out all other things other than what Ranger might say.

"Do you need to ask or are you feeling frisky?"

Crap! I had to bite my lip from screaming out that I would be running stoplights in order to get there.

"You got ten minutes, Babe. Or I am coming to get you." And he disconnected.

I click my phone shut. "Duty calls." I said cheerfully.

Lula was moving away from the door, but kept a hand on the handle.

"So, you never told us about your night. We know you got laid. Now. Who did the deed?" Lula said to me.

I shrugged my shoulders. "You already know." I said, picking Lula's hand off the handle and scooting past her. I left Connie and Lula in the bathroom with their jaws dropped open.

I was almost to the door when I heard Connie yell out, "But you never answered the…" And I walked out of the office.

I was hustling out of my car and over to the elevator. I took it up to the control room, because go up to Ranger's apartment would be a little obvious. I didn't want him to think he was that good.

I walked over to my cubicle and opened up my bottom filing cabinet drawer, putting my purse in and shutting it back. I still had my SIG. When I gave my notice, Ranger wouldn't let me give the gun back. Told me to keep it. Not that I planned on using it anytime soon or anything, but I was carrying today. Rangeman policy. I had already quit, I didn't need to be fired too.

I had my cell phone clipped to my waist band, just in case it vibrated again. I typed in my user ID and password, and started to work on my pile in the inbox. I guess it didn't matter that I quit on Friday, they must have known I would be back. I didn't know whether to be insulted or happy. Cocky bastards.

I had been working about ten minutes when my phone vibrated. I ripped it off my waistband and flipped it open. I didn't need to look at the caller ID to know that it was Ranger.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh, hello to you too! So you're watching me, huh? Would you like for me to put on a show? Maybe a little song and dance number or a little striptease?" I was leaning down in my cubicle, with my hand over the receiver, voice down to a whisper.

"You working is not a part of the plan."

"I didn't know there was a plan."

Ranger was silent for a minute. I know he was fighting the urge to come down here and strangle me. I was being a smartass on purpose. Most of the Merry Men on duty down here were at the club on Friday night. Ranger had been missing all weekend. If I went missing, and Ranger was nowhere to be found again, all hell would break loose. I would never hear the end of it. At least I didn't see Junior. That would only make it worse.

"If you don't find a way to get out, I'm coming down there."

"And how do you suppose I do that?"

"Improvise." Click.

Just like that he disconnected. I leaned against the seat and flipped off the camera monitor. I thought he was going to turn it off. Maybe I should start paying attention to what I do around here. Never know when someone is watching you.

I sat the phone down on the desk and wound a finger around a curl, trying to come up with a plan. I sat there for a few minutes, debating what I was going to do. The longer I waited the more apprehensive that Ranger would actual come in here and take me away. So I went with the only logical thing to do. I got up, went into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of orange juice, and pretended to miss my mouth, spilling it all down the front of me. I didn't make much mess on the floor, most of the orange juice ended up on my shirt and pants. Tank walked into the kitchen just as I was grabbing some paper towels to mop up what had missed me.

Tank took one look at me and grinned.

"Miss your mouth?"

I gave him the best death glare I could manage. I was trying my best to smother my grin, and tried for a grimace.

"Bite me!" I said, throwing the paper towels into the trash can, "Maybe you would like to give me a hug. Best part about orange juice is that it makes you sticky the rest of the day. Come here, big guy!" I took a couple of steps towards him and he stepped away from me.

"Nuh-uh." Tank said to me. "You better go upstairs and change."

"Good idea." I said to him. "I'll be back."

I quickly walked away from him and suppressed a grin. I went over to the desk and grabbed my purse, heading to the elevator. The Merry Men were pretending not to notice that I was going up, but they are just as nosy as woman. Every time I looked over my shoulder, the guys made a quick move to look like they were busy doing something else. Uh-huh, when they are giving me shit later, I will remember this.

Ranger was waiting for me at the elevator doors when I got to the seventh floor.

"What is all over you?"

I stepped off the elevator and tried to push past him, but he was blocking my way. I quickly kicked off my shoes to try preventing the orange juice from running inside of them.

"You said to improvise."

He shook his head in some sort of amazement that I would actually improvise in order to avoid him coming after me.

"Do you always listen to me?"

I cocked an eyebrow at him and braced a hand on my hip.

"Do you always ask this many questions? Or is that a part of your plan?"

Ranger had his eyes on my chest, where the soaked shirt was molded perfectly to me. My nipples tightened painfully, straining out from the bra and shirt.

"Are we gonna stand here all day?" I asked him.

"Strip." Ranger said to me.

"What was that? I thought I just heard the word strip."

"You're dripping wet, Babe."

Yeah, and my shirt wasn't the only place that problem was going on. Ranger's eyes turned black as night, and I bit my lip. I must have said it out loud.

"You expect me to do this where? Here?" I said, pointing to the ground where I was standing.

Ranger picked up my hand and licked the palm. I completely lost my train of thought. All I could think about was his eyes on me, my tongue on other places of my body.

"Orange juice?" Ranger asked. His breath was caressing the skin on the palm of my hand where his tongue had touched briefly.

"Huh?" The orange juice was beginning to dry on my skin. I could see the corner's of his mouth shifting upward. "Oh… Yeah. Orange juice. I had to think quickly."

Ranger used his other hand to flick open the button to my cargo's and slid the zipper down, letting his fingers touch the skin. My heart started pounding wildly. And he used his hand holding mine to pull me closer to him.

"Are you going to take off your shirt?" Ranger asked, "Or would you like for me do it for you?"

I was mesmerized by the look in his eyes; unable to think or move. I was in such a state of awareness that my brain was on overload. It took me a moment to comprehend that he was waiting on a reply.

"By all means… be my guest." I murmured.

Ranger slid his hands underneath my shirt and very slowly pulled it upward, exposing the skin inch by inch. He let his fingertips brand a path until he had the shirt off. He tossed the shirt to the floor, stripped me of my bra and pushed my cargos off in one swift move.

"See something you want, Ranger?" I asked him. His eyes had been raking my body for the last several seconds and my body was burning in anticipation. I let my tongue lick my lips slowly and gave him the clouded over sex eyes. Ranger tensed up.

"Get in the apartment." Ranger practically growled at me.

I took a step forward and pulled his shirt off, pitching it onto the floor with my clothes. I slid my hands slowly up his chest; reveling in the hard muscle of his upper body. I wound my hands around his neck and pressed myself firmly against him, using my tip toes so I could look him in the eye. I sucked my lower lip into my mouth, allowing it slide out slowly, dampening it so it was wet.

"Ranger…"

He took my lips swiftly, not allowing me a chance to take control. The kiss was swift, intense and full of hunger. His arms were wrapped firm around me, holding me tightly to him. But I wasn't going to have any of that. It was my turn. I tugged his hair slightly and pulled away from the kiss, trailing my mouth down his neck and up to his ear.

"You have too many clothes on." I whispered to him. I let my hands fall to the waistband of his pants, and my right hand drifted just a little bit further southward, brushing my fingertips over the fabric.

I was flicking open the button to his cargos, "These seem a little tight." I was sliding the zipper down slowly, making sure my knuckles were brushing against him, "Any reason for that?"

In one motion, Ranger stepped out of his pants, shoved me against the wall and ripped my underwear off. His mouth was at the crook of my neck, teeth grazing the skin, his hips rocking into mine.

"Not much for patience are we?" I breathed out with a smile. I wrapped my legs more firmly around him. "I was hoping for at least a bed."

Ranger brought his head up and brought his lips down onto mine. He was being playful, nipping and tasting in a slow leisurely pace. His hand dipped between our two bodies and slipped southward to my hot spot. He pulled his head back, his lips just barely touching mine.

"I'm not the only one." Ranger murmured. I was soaked and ready for him, but he was stroking me in the same leisurely pace he had been kissing me. The fire was slowly starting to build and I was getting close to the point that I was not above begging. I weaved a hand in his hair, pulling his mouth back down onto mine. I was trying to pick up the tempo and he was keeping it unhurried.

Time to get my way.

"Please." I moaned onto his lips. "Ranger…"

He didn't hesitate. It took one swift movement and I hit the peak immediately. Although few moments later, I did so again and Ranger followed.

We were still leaning up against the wall, several minutes later; our chest's heaving and heartbeats racing. Ranger had his forehead on the wall and I had mine on his shoulder. I was sticking to him, and I smelled like orange juice.

"I think maybe we both need a shower." I sighed.

Ranger wrapped his arms around me and peeled us away from the wall. I laughed.

"Maybe you should check for an imprint."

Ranger chuckled. "It wasn't that rough."

I raised an eyebrow at him as he carried me through the apartment, to the bathroom.

"Define rough." I laughed, as I lowered my feet to the ground. "Should I check for bruising?"

Ranger brushed past me; and his back was covered with red fingernail marks.

"Are you sure about that rough part? Your back may not agree."

Ranger turned on the shower, and turned back to me. He had a swagger about him now. He took a couple of steps and leaned into me, causing me to lean heavily against the sink counter.

"Maybe we should try again." I murmured, my eyes on his lips hovering above mine. I touched my tongue to his lips and licked him.

"You have no idea, Babe. The things I could do to you…" He was definitely ready for the things he could do to me. I had the evidence setting against my abdomen.

"I need an example." I moaned. "Show me what you can do."

I ran my hand down his chest, and he caught it before I could reach my destination.

"Shower." Ranger said, "Get in the shower."

I sauntered past him and paused at the door. I threw him a look over my shoulder that said, "Come and get it." It only took him two steps. That's when I knew we weren't going to make it back down stairs the rest of the day.

I had five new voicemails.

I was fully dressed in fresh clothes and Ranger and I were drinking coronas. It was late in the evening. The twilight lit the apartment in a soft pinkish glow. Ranger was speaking to someone on his cell phone, most likely Tank. I was thumbing through my call log, trying to decide whom to call first. Two calls from Lula. Two calls from Mom and a call from Morelli. Oh joy! My lucky day! I wonder what I did to deserve a phone call from him. Fuck it. I deleted it. If he really wanted to speak to me, he'd call me again. All he wants is an easy fight. And I wasn't in the mood. I was going to put off calling Mom until the morning. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture on taking back Morelli and it was well past dinnertime, so no food to bum off my parents.

I hit speed dial for Lula.

"Yo, white girl! Where you been?"

"Working." I fibbed. I was enjoying some recreational activity that had nothing to do with work but Lula would never know.

"Nuh-uh. Don't you lie to me! I know you ain't been working. Tank called the office looking for you."

Mental head slap. Crap!

"Spit it out." Lula huffed. "You're caught."

I turned my back to Ranger, who was still talking on his cell phone giving orders.

"Don't say anything to anyone!" I told her. "I don't want everyone to know. There is nothing going on."

"You mean other than just sex. Sex with Batman?"

The situation would almost be laughable if I wasn't in it.

"I'm gonna say yes. And hang up the phone now. Goodnight Lula."

Lula laughed. "Oh, girl. I can't wait to hear the details about that."

"Later." I said.

"Later." Lula replied, laughing still.

I disconnected and turned back around.

"So." I said to Ranger. "Was Tank pissed?"

Ranger took the last pull of his corona and pitched it in the trash. He pushed off the opposite counter and stepped in front of me.

"He knows. But he isn't going to say anything."

I nodded my head.

"Lula knows. I've been caught red handed."

Ranger tipped his head back and laughed at my expression. He reached forward to tuck a curl behind my ear.

"Did you think she wouldn't?"

I gave a mental eye roll. "Tank called the Bond's office looking for me."

Ranger nodded and I finished my corona.

"I think it is time I took off." I told him. I started to walk to the front door of the apartment. Ranger was following behind me.

"I might actually try to work tomorrow." I looked over my shoulder and flashed him a grin. I started to open up the door and Ranger reached out to tug on a curl playfully. I kissed him on the lips lightly. I didn't want to get him started again. I would never leave.

"I should probably say thank you, although that sounds kinda weird and awkward."

Ranger gave me the full on smile.

"I had a good time." I told him.

He nodded in agreement. I didn't need him to say that he did too. I could tell by his attitude, the way he was carrying himself, the sparkle in his eye. Sex does a body good, and in this case, it does his body real good.

"You look good too." Ranger said. He leaned in to kiss my forehead. "You should go."

I nodded and stepped out of the apartment. My clothes were already gone and my purse was sitting on a little plant table in the hallway. Ella must have been up. Great, how embarrassing is that!

I blushed and hit the button to the elevator. I felt Ranger come up behind me and sweep my hair to the side, lowering his lips to the nape of my neck. I bit my lip to keep from sighing.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

His lips were working there way around my hairline up to my ear.

"Giving you a goodnight kiss."

I turned my head slightly and Ranger kissed me slow and deep. I brought my hand up to his face and held him to me. He was starting to get a five o'clock shadow, not something I got to see often and it was dangerously alluring on him. The elevator dinged and the doors opened. I dropped my hand away.

"That's my cue." I said taking a step away from Ranger onto the elevator.

I couldn't take my eyes off of him. He was a sight. No shirt on, black cargo pants riding low on his narrow hips, his hair tousled from me running my hands through it. That is the image I want to be woken up to everyday. I should keep that in mind for when someone invents alarm clocks with digital images. Hmmm… that's a nice thought to keep in mind.

"Night, Babe."

The elevator doors were closing. I mumbled just as the doors closed completely.

"Night."

I blinked my eyes a couple of times. They felt very raw and scratchy like I hadn't gotten enough sleep. I turned my head to face the alarm clock. Oh, that would be why… it was only 4:30 in the morning. I buried my face in my pillow. The squeak of Rex's wheel was grinding into my head. Normally it wouldn't bother me, but I hadn't slept in the past three nights. Needless to say, I was getting rather grouchy.

I rolled over to my side and that is when I noticed it. The feeling that I wasn't alone. I only get this feeling when Ranger breaks into my apartment at the oddest hours known to mankind.

"Hey." I said sleepily. "Whatcha doin'?"

I had my eyes closed, but I felt his gaze on me. He silently made his way over to the bed and sat down on the edge closest to me. He put his hand on my shoulder and traced the outline of the blankets down my back. He was rubbing my back, putting me back to sleep.

"Making sure you got home okay."

I had to smile. Only Ranger breaks into my apartment to make sure I am okay at 4:30 in the morning.

"Safe and sound." I yawned.

We were quiet for a minute. Me, because I was almost back to sleep and Ranger, well only God knows how his brain works.

"Come run with me in the morning." Ranger said.

I shook my head.

"Morning to you," I yawned again, "is in an hour. No can do. I plan on sleeping."

"Babe." Ranger said, bending over and kissing my cheek. "Run with me and I will get you breakfast."

"Tastykakes?" I muttered.

Ranger laughed. "No Tastykakes. They will make you fat."

"Isn't that the point of running?" I mumbled. "I run, so I can have Tastykakes. You run because… well who knows why."

Ranger's hand was kneading the muscles in my neck and I yawned again.

"What time." I sighed.

"I'll compromise and say seven."

"Okay. I am going back to sleep." I yawned again, "You know the way in, so I know you know the way out."

Ranger stood up and striped off his utility belt.

"What are you doing now?" I asked, slitting an eye open barely.

"I'm not leaving." He was taking off the rest of his clothes, leaving his boxers on.

"Yes."

"No." Ranger replied. He sat his cell phone and gun down on the opposite side nightstand. When he peeled back the covers, I got rushed with cold air.

"Well, hurry, if you are getting in bed. It's getting cold." Ranger fitted his body to mine and I was instantly warmed. I snuggled into him and it was almost an instant response.

"Go back to sleep." Ranger murmured in my ear.

"Right." I said. I yawned. At least that wouldn't be difficult. I thought I was dreaming already.

We were eating breakfast back at his apartment.

"I thought you said you were going to get me breakfast."

"I did."

I looked around at the table. I was having pancakes and lots of syrup. Ranger was having fruit and a bagel.

"No you didn't. You had Ella get it. That's cheating."

"Are you complaining?"

I took a bite of pancakes and suppressed a sigh.

"No."

Ranger and I both picked up our coffee mugs at the same time.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked him. He had some underlining reason for getting me up here for breakfast.

"Who says we need to talk?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Cut the bullshit. Just spit it out."

Ranger laughed.

"You sure you're okay?" Ranger asked.

"I'm the same as usual."

I wasn't. I was more laid back. It was a noticeable change, especially from the last few months.

Ranger shook his head. "You staying at Rangeman?"

I nodded my head and took another bite from my pancakes.

"You ready to do some field work?"

I looked up from my pancakes.

"You mean you would actually chance me out in the field?"

Ranger smiled, "Babe. You are a force to be reckoned with."

I snorted. "I hope you paid your insurance up. I'm feeling like I am ready to get into some trouble."

Ranger chose to ignore that.

"Everyone does a little of both, Steph. That's the way it works in the office. You get equal time in the control room and out on the streets." Ranger paused, taking a sip of his coffee. "I was thinking field investigative work. What do you think? You seem to have the knack for it."

I debated it for a minute. It would get me out of the office and outside. I wouldn't be getting this stir crazy feeling anymore because I would be able to leave. I wouldn't be hauling in sleezeballs twice my size or rolling around in someone's lunch because it wouldn't be FTA jobs.

"Do I have to see dead people?"

"Not necessarily." Ranger replied.

"Can I think about it?" I didn't want to see to eager to get out of the office.

"Sure. I will have HR draw up a contract for you. Let me know what you decide."

"Okay." I finished off the rest of my pancakes. I looked down at my watch. I had seven minutes to get down to the control room.

"I gotta run. My shift is about to start." I got up from the table and looked to Ranger.

"Should I clean this up?"

"No. Ella will take care of it." Ranger drained the rest of his coffee and stood up.

"Give me a minute and I will take you downstairs."

I looked from my watch to him.

"I'm gonna be late."

If Ranger was capable of rolling his eyes, he may have done it in this instance.

"Babe. I'm the boss."

Ranger was gathering his miscellaneous gear for his utility belt. He dropped open the mag from the Glock, checked it and reloaded it. He made sure the safety was on and holstered it.

"You got field work to do today?" I asked. "Or are you playing Office Ranger?"

Ranger looked up at me and smiled and I felt like I could melt right where I was standing. His attitude had been different since we released some tension. Which sounds kind of weird when I say it in my head, but I didn't know what else to call it. We had some weird relationship going on. We weren't together, but we weren't just fuck buddies. We fell inbetween definition. I wasn't so sure I was comfortable with that. I didn't know what I wanted. I know I wanted Ranger, naked and to keep him all to myself for a couple more days. Too bad that wouldn't happen, I was lucky to get the time that I got.

"Office Ranger?" Ranger asked me. He had finished up gathering his things and was standing in front of me.

"You know," I said, clearing my throat, "When you sit behind your desk, look like a big, bad, intimidating boss that signs the paychecks and fires people. Office Ranger." I shrugged my shoulders. "Do you throw people out the window when you fire them or just shoot them? Just for future reference."

I wasn't smiling, but I knew that the amusement was glittering in my eyes. Ranger reached out to grab me and I danced away, going to the door.

"Jeez, Manoso. Getting slow." I laughed as I reached the door. "You sure your reflexes are as sharp as you say?"

I spoke too soon. Ranger reached me before I could get the door open and he put his hand on the door to keep it closed. He eyed me up and down.

"You playing with fire?"

I returned the look. I was feeling kind of rowdy.

"And?"

Ranger backed my body against the door, holding me prisoner between him and the hard, unyielding wood.

"You know what happens."

I bit my lower lip and raised an eyebrow in his direction.

"And I say again. And?"

Ranger gave me a 200-watt smile and kissed me playfully.

"Something is definitely different about you."

I laughed. Ranger reached past me and unlocked the door, opening it up. I let my hand drift down the front of his shirt and hooked my fingers in his waistband.

"Since you are playing Office Ranger today, make sure you pencil me in at noon." I leaned up and kissed his lips. I took two steps away from him and walked out the door, pushing the elevator button. I smiled to myself. Finally, I get the last word. I shot a glance over my shoulder and Ranger was still standing in the doorframe.

"Noon?" Ranger asked me. "How about now."

The elevator dinged open and I stepped in, pushing the button for the fifth floor.

"Cause I'm late." I smiled, "I would hate to explain to the boss why I was naughty and wasn't on time for work. Do you think he would like that?"

The doors were taking forever to close. I was thinking if they didn't I wasn't going to make it to work at all again today. Ranger's pants were looking about two sizes too tight and he was looking quite uncomfortable. He took a couple of steps towards the elevator as the doors were closing. I gave him the finger wave.

"Remember, Ranger. Noon. Not a minute sooner." And the doors shut.

It was Tank, Junior, Hal and I in the control room today. I had my inbox down from overflowing to a small stack. I had sorted through the pile and had done all the urgent stuff first and was now working on the pile for sales. I leaned back in my chair and stretch my back out and dropped my chin down to my chest to minimize the pain in my neck and rolled it back and forth. I had only been at it for a couple of hours and my temples were all ready throbbing.

I clicked back into the database and typed in another name. Nothing interesting. I scrolled down and right clicked to print. My pants started to buzz. I felt around on my clothes and forgot that I had clipped my cell phone to my pants earlier. I checked the caller ID. Lula. This should be good.

"Yo!" I said.

"Yo, yourself girlfriend."

"What's up?" I knew what was up. She must have got a skip that was out of control.

"You busy?"

"Well," I said, leaning back in my chair and looking around the wall of my cubicle. Junior was looking my way, with a smile. I gave him a finger wave. "What's the deal?"

"Well… I got this skip…"

"Uh-huh."

"You know him. Ole Crooked Eyes. You got history. I need a teensy bit of help wit him. He ain't cooperatin'. You know what I'm sayin'?"

I leaned forward in my chair. Henry Thomasson or Ole Crooked Eyes as Lula calls him is a forty-three year old giant who is so crossed eyed he looks like a Cyclops alien; has a big pot belly and pinkish blue eyes. Switches addresses quicker than anyone I'd ever known before. First time I went to pick his ass up he was living with his baby's mama. That was until she got pissed and kicked him out, because he couldn't get his shit together. Now, he was just randomly squatting in places until he got caught.

We had a bit of history. Last time I went after his ass, he swung me out his living room window and fired off a couple of rounds in the vicinity of the scraggly bush along the front of his house that I landed in. Just cause he can't see straight doesn't mean shit. I sorely underestimated him the last time, because he was nice and friendly at first. It took four Merry Men to subdue him, not to mention Lula and I sitting on top of him while he cuffs were being slapped on.

I looked down at my watch. Ten minutes until eleven. Crap!

"You gotta an eye on him?" I asked Lula.

"Oh, girl! I knew I could count on ya."

"Hang on a sec. I gotta clear it first. I got something to do in an hour. I need to know that you have him in sight or at least know where to get him."

"I'm sitting in front of his house now. He blast'd a three foot hole in his God damn wall, tryin' ta hit me like a movin' target."

"Why didn't you pull your gun?"

"Well… you know. My gun may not be registered on account I got it from Hustlin' Mike down the street. You know how dat is tho'. It's a fine piece, diamond encrusted and shit. I can't be losin' that, especially on no ugly ass muthafucker like him."

I almost laughed. Only Lula would buy a diamond encrusted handgun that may or may not be registered. Although, at least she carries her gun and isn't afraid to use it. Me, I would rather leave mine at home and forget about it.

I used my other hand to cover the receiver, leaned my head away from the cubicle and around the corner.

"Hey Tank."

"Hey what." Tank boomed. His eyes never left the monitor.

"Lula's got a situation and wants me to ride. Am I clear?"

He swung his eyes over to me and I batted my eyelashes at him and grinned.

"Who is it?"

"Henry Thomasson."

Tank gave me the most surprised look I have ever seen from the Merry Men. He almost smirked.

"Not alone. Junior and I will tag along."

Junior turned to me and grinned.

"Hell yeah! Hazard pay here I come!" Junior made the cha-ching sound and pumping his fist in the air.

I rolled my eyes and flipped him off.

"You're an ass! Just for that, I will make sure you get pitched out the window first."

Junior stood up, making his way over to me and I uncovered to receiver.

"Where are you at?" I asked Lula.

"I am at the corner of Slattner and Mercer. 612 is the number. You'll see the firebird. Who's ridin' with you?"

"Junior and Tank."

"Hell ya! That's what I'm talkin' bout. Bring that fine ass man with you. We gots ta have words. See ya in fifteen."

"Later." And I disconnected.

Junior was leaning against the wall to my cubicle, arm propped on the top on the wall.

"You ready to ride?" I asked him. I stood up and grabbed my purse. Tank was making a phone call and two more Merry Men appeared from the woodwork to take over for Tank and Junior.

Junior smirked. "Trust me, in more ways than one."

Tank was heading out to the stairs. Junior and I were almost to the door. I gave him a playful shove.

I laughed. "Get your ass downstairs. I ain't got time for your shit."

I was leaning against the Explorer with a flak jacket on, listening to Lula go over what she had already done. Tank had the file open and was reading it. I already knew what Ole Crooked Eyes had done. It was the same thing every time: Drunk and Disorderly, Public Urination and Assaulting a Police Officer. He just would never learn. You can't act up in public, piss wherever you want and hit a Police Officer. Trenton PD just didn't seem to like that sort of thing.

Junior had his flak jacket on and was checking the mag to his Glock.

"You carryin' today, bright eyes?"

I reached to the small of my back and pulled out the Sig, waving it in front of me slightly.

"Check."

"Loaded?" Tank asked me. I was known to carry and not have bullets. But not today.

"Yep."

Tank looked from me to Lula.

"You ready?"

"Hell ya, I'm ready. I've been ready. Damn fool tryin' to act the fool on Lula. That shit just don't cut it with me. Nuh-uh." Lula was swinging her free hand around. Tank had given Lula a Glock to use, with the warning not to be shooting Thomasson just because, to let him do the talking this time. Lula agreed but her eyes didn't quite match the agreement. I'd seen that look before; she was like a Pit Bull with a bone. She didn't let up.

I looked over the file and whipped out my cell phone. I dialed Thomasson.

"Henry Thomasson." I asked when he picked up the phone.

"I don't need none."

"This isn't a social call. I suggest you look out your front window."

"Why? You sellin' some pussy? That's a sexy voice you have sweetin'. I might have a hankerin' for some good pussy. Whatcha look like darlin'? Maybe you can make daddy feel real good."

Ugh! That would be my worst nightmare. "You're a fucking sicko! I'm not selling you shit other than a ride downtown."

I could hear the wheels turning in his head.

"You with that bitch from earlier? The crazy fat bitch with the beads in her hair?"

"You might wanna tone it down. She ain't happy with you, and I sure as shit ain't happy with you. If you knew what was good for you, you would have cooperated earlier. But you didn't, so today isn't gonna be your lucky day."

"I ain't gotta do shit, and you can't make me. I see you." I looked over at the house and Thomasson was looking through the hole he had blast in his wall earlier. "You nothing but a pipsqueak. I'll squash you like a fucking bug like I did before. As a matter of fact, I'd like to have another try at your ass. You're like bench pressing a feather. I'll make mincemeat with you."

I looked to Tank and waved him over. "You see this guy?" I asked Thomasson.

"Yeah, what bout him?"

"You aren't gonna squash him like a bug. He isn't real nice and friendly like I am. He isn't gonna ask you nicely to put your hands behind your back and go to the police station calmly."

Thomasson snorted. "Fuck you bitch." And he slammed the phone down in my ear.

I looked up at Tank.

"He said he couldn't wait to meet you."

This got a smile from Tank.

"Well, I'd hate to disappoint him." Tank replied. He looked over at Junior, who just happened to have the shit-eating grin on his face. "You ready?"

Junior nodded.

"This should be interesting." Junior said as he fell into step behind Tank.

As we edged closer to the house, Tank turned on Lula and I.

"He's armed, so no fuckin' around. Try to keep your asses out of the line of fire. Steph, you take Junior and head to the back door and Lula and I will keep the front. Let Junior lead, Steph. I would like to live another day, and if you get shot, Ranger will have a heyday, my ass being the main course."

Lula narrowed her eyes and turned towards me with her hand on her hip.

"What's this 'bout? You got somethin' going on that Lula don't know 'bout?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Nothing new."

Lula rolled her eyes. "You better start spillin' soon. I can't take much more of this secretive shit. You're my girl!"

Junior cleared his throat.

"We gonna do this today or are you two waiting for invitations to this party?"

Lula and I gave him the stare down. Lula rolled her eyes and cut her gaze over to Tank.

"You ready?" Tank asked.

"I'm ready to get this muthafucker. I got things ta do this afternoon." Lula said. She was openly checking him out. I figured the list of things she would like to be doing, Tank was probably numero uno. Most likely the things to do, had to do with the "date" for tomorrow night.

"Let's roll then." Junior said.

We headed to the back door while Tank and Lula walked directly up to the front. I was standing behind Junior, off to the side. Junior was waiting for his signal, and I was more waiting for the sound of a shotgun blast. I knew sooner than later, Thomasson was going to fire off at least one shot before Tank would get a chance at him. I could hear Tank's baritone voice booming, and I heard words that sounded close to shit and fuck, then the blast of a shotgun. Junior kicked in the backdoor, his gun trained ahead of him. I heard another shotgun blast and a pop from a handgun. I was watching Junior's back, feeling a little like a Charlie's Angel. I didn't want Ranger to kill me or Tank for that matter. Life was good; and Ranger pissed off would not be.

There were two new holes in the house. One was in the floor near the front door and the other one was in the wall beside the first one, just higher up.

Lula was hanging onto Thomasson like his shadow, arms wrapped around his neck, feet dangling of the ground by at least three feet, and they were both yelling out obscenities. Thomasson was spinning Lula around, trying to throw her off, but Lula wouldn't let go. She kept trying to swing her heel clad feet into his knees, but her legs weren't long enough. I stepped in front of Junior with my gun up.

"Don't shoot this dumb muthafucker while I'm up here! I'm wearin' his ass out! Just look at 'em, he's 'bout to drop!" Lula shouted at me.

"Drop down to your knees and put your hands up!" I shouted at Thomasson. He swung around so that he was facing me.

"Fuck! You! Bitch! I'm gonna get you next!" His eyes were bouncing around like yo-yo's and it was driving me nuts. He took a wide swing and Lula went sailing off onto the couch, bouncing off and hitting the floor. He took two steps in the general direction towards me and Junior shot off a warning shot. Tank shot his glance to Lula as she was picking herself up. They just nodded at each other. Tank shot his gaze back to Thomasson to keep him in check.

"Don't make another fucking move." Junior said quietly. "Get down on the ground with your hands out in front of you." He was calm and controlled, like all of the Merry Men in action. Must be some kind of requirement to have to be a big tough guy.

Tank moved in on Thomasson while Junior and I had our guns trained on him but Thomasson said different ideas. In one quick moment Thomasson swung around and snatched Lula off the floor, choke holding her. His elbow was cutting of her air supply and she was turning bright red.

"Damnit. Crooked Eyes. I'd. 'bout. Had. Enough. Of. You!" Lula choked out and she shoved the heel of her foot into his crotch.

Thomasson's eyes actually went straight as he dropped Lula immediately. Tank actually looked proud in a way. While Thomasson was writhing on the ground in pain, Tank moved in with his handcuffs and cuffed him up, while Junior kept his knee in the back of Thomasson's neck, gun trained on his head. Tank grabbed a hold of handcuffs and yanked Thomasson to his knees. Thomasson was about four inches taller than Tank, but Tank had more bulk that didn't consist of fat, so yanking him up didn't seem to faze him much.

Lula and I were standing side by side, trying to stay out of the way.

"You okay?" I asked her.

"Girl… I'm fine. I really wanna stop his ass into the ground. But I'm gonna hold back, cause there are men present, and it ain't ladylike."

She eyed Tank as he walked by her with Thomasson in cuffs and Junior on the other side of him. Thomasson was being half carried since his feet and hands were cuffed. We followed them outside. Tank and Junior had loaded Thomasson into the SUV and were leaning against it. Lula walked right up to Tank, propping a hand on her hip.

"I'm ridin' with you." She tossed her keys to the firebird to me. "Meet us at the station, would ya?"

I was still standing there with the keys in my hand and a dumbfounded look on my face, while Tank opened the passenger side door open for her and Lula stepped in. I looked at Junior and Junior looked at me. Tank got in and took off, doing a U-Turn and driving the opposite way.

"Guess what." I told him.

"What." Junior said, his hand up against the roof of the firebird. "After all that action, you wanna jump my bones."

I rolled my eyes, "Guess again. Your ridin' bitch. Get in."

I laughed at his expression and unlocked the doors to the firebird. "What you don't like to be ridin' bitch to a girl?"

He gave me a considerable look before opening up the passenger side.

"You are something else, bright eyes." Junior said with a small shake of his head.

"Just say I didn't warn you." I slid the key into the ignition and instantly hit the ATT button on the stereo receiver and it instantly cut the decibels in half. I didn't need to be blasted into the next state.

Junior looked mildly uncomfortable in the firebird, his head was hitting the roof with the seat leaned all the way back.

"You ever drove something like this before?" Junior asked me.

I put the firebird into gear and gave it some gas for the U-Turn. The car danced sideways and I laid a little bit of rubber. I raised an eyebrow in his direction and looked over my shoulder with a grin.

"Doubt my abilities?"

"Oh no." Junior said shaking his head, "Don't drag me into this kind of conversation. I would rather have a demonstration of your abilities."

I rolled my eyes. "Well we know what your chances of that happening are; zero to none."

We both laughed. After the other night in the club, I was feeling pretty comfortable in Junior's presence. He was kind of older brotherly towards me, with just a pinch of old boyfriend kind of flirting to keep things fun. It was a relief to actually be accepted among the Merry Men and even better that some of them actually liked and respected me.

I was driving the speed limit and Junior had turned the stereo up to a moderate level so we could still hear each other but loud enough that you could still hear us coming a mile away.

"So how'd it go the other night?" Junior asked me.

"Whadya mean?" I asked. Junior leaned over and turned the stereo down a couple of notches.

"Did you work something out?"

I laughed, and made the right hand turn onto the street that would cut across town towards the Police Department.

"Work something out? Did I have a kink in my back?" I joked.

"Did you tell Ranger you wanted to get it on?"

I slapped him on the arm, "Cut it out, Junior. You know there is nothing going on as well as next person." I fell silent. I know Tank wouldn't say a word about where I was all day yesterday, and no one wanted to be shipped off to a third world country for asking or pretending to even notice.

"I know a way." Junior told me.

I cut a glance over to him.

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Sure you do. You don't have to bullshit me. I already told you that I wasn't blind. Anybody with a pair of eyes can see the eye fucking you two do when near each other. It's almost painful to watch."

"Fuck you." I made a move to turn up the stereo, but Junior slapped my hand away.

"Listen to me. I can help you."

We were stopped at a stoplight. I turned my head to Junior.

"Are you trying to tell me you're gay?"

Junior snorted.

"Don't think so, bright eyes. I am 100 percent all about women."

"Then what the hell are you talking about? I think you must have too much free time. Watching Dr. Phil on your break."

Junior laughed.

"I have five older sisters." Junior said, "I am the only boy in my family other than my father. I have all the low down information in spades."

It was my turn to laugh. When I imagine any of the Merry Men, I imagine them without sisters. But this was too good. Five older sisters, what torture he must have went through.

"I'm too old to be playing games, Junior." I told him. I was following traffic down the street about to make a right into the Police Station.

"No games. You just have to act as Ranger acts. Ranger isn't blind. He can see it in your eyes when you look at him that you want something more. You just have to change your attitude a little bit. The more you do this, the more he is going to realize that he can't just have you to be having you. He will realize that he wants to have more too."

I was circling the lot for a parking space.

"That's the thing, Junior. I've been pushing him away and dancing around him for so long, that is gonna be kinda difficult to do that without him questioning it."

"I assume from the earlier statement that you… uh… got laid this weekend? Anyone I know?"

I pulled into a parking space and put the firebird in park. I cut my eyes to Junior.

"Are you fishing for information?"

"Well… Yeah. I'm a man. I can just tell by looking at you, but I can't read your mind."

I snorted in a very unladylike way.

"You must be the only one then. I thought it was a requirement of Rangeman to be big, tough, and have ESP."

"Nope." Junior told me, "Just have a firm ass and a killer smile."

I laughed, "Amen to that."

We swung out of the car and I locked it up. I didn't see Tank and Lula, so I figured they were still inside. I knew Lula would be hurrying out since she still got the queasy feeling around cops, but Tank was probably helping with that. I leaned a hip against the firebird, with my arms crossed over my chest. Junior came around my side and leaned next to me.

"Your secret is safe with me."

"What secret?" Oh, Jesus. Everyone is the world knows. Paint a scarlet letter on me now and get it over with.

Junior winked at me. "I'm not gonna say it. You just have to trust me. You are in a good spot. He won't even know what hit him."

I shook my head. Here I am, leaning against a firebird, talking to one of the Merry Men about Ranger sex, and I still have an afterglow from the day before. Oh shit! I looked down at my watch. Fifteen minutes until noon!

I started to walk towards where the SUV was parked. I was hoping that Lula and Tank would be coming out real soon. I didn't want to have to go in after them. You know who was in there. If I had to deal with him, then I would be late and too pissed off for anything else other than fighting. Nope needed to avoid running into Morelli until next year if possible.

And I definitely didn't want him making me late for my very important lunch date.

To be Continued...