Chapter 12, Undercover
When they finally got to Rangeman, they noticed that Morelli once again was parked outside the gate. Stephanie sighed, wondering when Morelli would leave her alone.
Tank helped Stephanie out of the SUV and entered Rangeman with Lester pressing the button to call the elevator.
Hector saw Tank when they arrived on the fifth floor. "Tank, what should I do with these?" Hector asked, pointing to the four dozen roses from Morelli.
Barely suppressing a sigh, Tank said, "I will see if we can get a restraining order on Joe for a while." Tank led Stephanie into his office. She felt the heat of his hand on her lower back. A quiet moan escaped her lips as she allowed Tank to guide her to the chair.
Stephanie sat down in a chair across from Tank's desk. He got on the phone and dialled Trenton P.D. and his friend Det. Butters, who was head of the Vice dept where Joe worked.
"Dt. Butters. What's the problem?" Butters asked when he answered the call.
"Hi, Zack, it is Tank. I need a favor. Detective Joe Morelli is following and sending roses to my new wife, his ex-girlfriend Stephanie Plum. He had been sneaking into her apartment, using picks to bypass the locks. Morelli attempted to assault her a month and a half ago. He will not leave her alone. Can I get a temporary restraining order on him?"
"No, 'hi, Zack. How are you doing,' just getting straight to it as usual," Zack joked.
Stephanie noticed the corner of Tank's mouth turn up into an almost smile from his friend's words. "Sorry, Zack, but Morelli is really scaring my wife, Stephanie Plum."
"She came into his station a couple of weeks ago, but there was nothing I could do at the time. If you have proof that he has been harassing her, I could stick him with a restraining order."
"Would a video of him sitting outside of Rangeman for days at a time? What about pictures of four dozen red roses with cards saying, "You are mine, Cupcake," work for proof? Or do you need testimony from Lester, stating that Morelli has been following her when she was working?"
"That would do it," Zack said, whistling. He couldn't believe Morelli would be blatant with stalking Ms. Plum, or should he be saying, Mrs. Sherman?
"Great, I will send Lester to the station with the proof," Tank said.
"Okay, I will be waiting for him in the lobby, and then Lester and I will go through the evidence," Zack said.
"Thanks, and I owe you one Zack," Tank said before hanging up the phone. Tank hit a button on his intercom.
"Lester, I need you in here now," Tank said.
Stephanie got out of her chair. She came up to him and looked into his brown eyes as she sat on his lap. Tank leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. Just when Stephanie deepened the kiss, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," Tank said. He waved at Lester, indicating he wanted the door closed. "Take a seat."
"Lester, I need you to take these cards, photos of the roses, and the last two weeks of video to Vice, ask for Det. Zack Butters. I want you to go through everything and see if we have enough to get a restraining order against Morelli. Also, remember to mention how Morelli has been following Stephanie while she was working," Tank stated before adding, "Take Hector with you."
"Got it." Lester left with the cards, video, and photos of the roses. Tank wrapped his arms around Stephanie's waist. "Come on, little one. Let's go to my apt here so you can rest for a while." Tank took her hand and walked out of his office. They got into the elevator and went to the fourth floor.
Tank used his keys and let Stephanie in first, and then he followed. He locked the door behind him. He took her hand. "I love you so much, little one."
"I love you too, Tank. I always will." He picked her up and carried her to his bed. After making love, they fell asleep together until 4:30 pm.