I didn't plan it, but this turned into a three-part conversation. Everything familiar is Janet's.

"It's never been safe for you to partner with Lula. As the father of your baby, I think I have a small say in your employment choice ... because I don't want to raise her alone."

"You're not telling me to stop working, are you?" She asked, after a tense moment of studying me, then Olivia.

"No. I'd just prefer you to work exclusively for Rangeman. That way, if you feel like hitting the street, you'll be protected by men who've had years of survival/combat training."

She kissed Olivia's face in a T pattern. Three lip-presses across her small forehead, one to the tip of her turned-up nose, and the last landing on the tiny chin.

"Had you asked, I would've told you that I already spoke to Vinnie, and informed him that - if the owners agree - I'd be working solely for you. Not everything needs to be an order or a deal, Ranger."

I was too relieved to be annoyed at the reprimand.