Chapter 16

SPOV

I think it was the aching that seemed to come from everywhere all at once that woke me. Or at least that convinced me that I must actually be awake. I remembered those bikers in the parking lot and how they had taunted me until they decided that I was some freak and like anyone who was different, that had caused them to attack me. I can remember Mylo trying to protect me from those men, thinking that was the wrong way round, it should have been me protecting him.

I had no idea where I was, maybe a hospital, if the hurting was anything to go by, but there wasn't the blipping sound that seemed to harass me when I was at the hospital or the smell of antiseptic. Instead, the smell I was sensing gave me a vague memory of coconut or even almond. I tentatively tried to open my eyes and was greeted by a soft light that threw shadows across a room. I moved slightly, emitting a soft groan as the pain radiated from my ribs.

"It's okay Babe. You're safe. Badly bruised but everything's going to be okay now"

I turned my head slightly seeing the face of Ranger looking down at me. How was I here? A stupid question really, because I'd gone to Shorties to try to get to Ranger. I just never expected the night to turn out as it did.

"What happened?"

I asked hoping that no one I knew was hurt and Mylo, where the hell was he, was he okay?

"Mylo?"

"Asleep next door"

Okay, that surprised me, I mean normally Mylo wouldn't leave my side, especially if he knew that I was hurt. Surprise must have shown on my face because I saw the corner of Ranger's mouth twitch, as though he was amused by something.

"I had Ella set up my office with a bed for him and lots of books. I didn't want him to get upset when I, err, had to remove your disguise"

My hand came to my cheek where I'd carefully glued the hair to my face and eyebrows. It felt sore but oily making me wonder what he'd used. Then I felt my cheeks heat up as I realized what a mess I must have looked. Ranger leant forward and kissed my forehead, and for the first time since waking up I could smell the scent so unique to him.

"You did an amazing job with a disguise Babe, though later you'll need to tell me why you felt the need to escape from Ramos"

I looked beyond Ranger into the room, recognizing that I was in his bedroom in his apartment on seven.

"I thought you had someone you didn't trust?"

Surely me being here wouldn't be a good idea for either me or Ranger.

"I did. Long story, short version. Bobby took him out last night to collect some of your skips. He didn't do well or appreciate how wily some of them could be. After being covered in paint from a paintball gun by Dougie, having cold spaghetti thrown at him by Eula and being electrocuted by old Mr Orlowski who attached the door handle to the mains, he quit. Cleared his desk and resigned"

I would have laughed harder if it hadn't started to hurt, feeling at least vindicated for my takedowns always seeming to go so wrong.

"But that means you won't know what he's up to"

I didn't want Ranger to risk that because of me, I mean I was just a friend, and this was his business, his lifes work we were talking about here.

"Don't worry, it's in hand"

I had no idea what he was talking about or what he was planning on doing but knowing Ranger if he said that he had it in hand then he'd know what he was doing. I was interrupted from my thoughts at a knock on the door and watched as Bobby came into the room. Maybe I'd find out exactly what injuries I had that were causing me so much pain. I smiled up at Bobby as he sat on the side of the bed, aware that Ranger was leaving the room.

"How are you feeling Steph?"

I mulled that over in my head, not really wanting Bobby to worry too much.

"Steph, those bikers gave you a few nasty kicks. You have more bruising on your ribs, though some that look older. Bruising on your stomach and lower back that'll hurt and let's not forget the facial bruising or the whack on your head. You also look at though you've sprained your ankle"

I just looked at Bobby, sure that he'd lost me half way through the list of things wrong with me, no wonder I seemed to hurt all over. I didn't say anything more and took the tablets that Bobby handed to me along with a bottle of water that just seemed to appear in his hand.

"Take these three times a day. Keep the ankle raised and try not to put too much weight on it. I'll check up on you tomorrow, but you know the drill"

"Let you know if I feel worse, I know"

It was sad that I knew the drill so well, but Bobby had treated me so many times for bumps and scrapes that I'd lost track of how many times that had happened. As Bobby left the room, I pulled the covers back and gingerly swung my legs over the side of the bed. I suppose being dressed in one of Ranger's T-shirts and a pair of his silk shorts shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. I mean what did that woman think about it.

Surely, she wouldn't be very pleased to know that I was in his bed dressed in his clothes. I had more pressing things to do than think of that, I needed the bathroom, so carefully stood up, grimacing as my body protested at the movement and use of my muscles. The ankle hurt but using the support from the bed and then limping over to the door I made it into the bathroom. Once I'd used the toilet, I stood in front of the sink to wash my hands.

The person looking back at me in the mirror frightened me. Shit, I looked worse than I felt, which took some doing. Okay I was used to seeing bruises on my face, a bruised cheek that might well expand to give me a black eye and some scrapes down the side of my face next to my hair line. It was the redness around my mouth and on my chin that surprised me until I realized that seeing as my eyebrows and the side of my cheeks had the same redness that it was where I'd glued my hair for my disguise. I couldn't even find a word to describe myself and that Ranger had removed the hair from my face made me feel mortified. Hell, he always had said that I was entertainment, and he must have had a real laugh over this one.

Coming from the bathroom I decided that I wanted to check up on Mylo so started for the door that led into Ranger's office. It was slightly ajar so I could see inside before I got there and was surprised to see Ranger sat on the floor next to Mylo and it seemed that Ranger was having a serious talk with Mylo. Now why would he need to do that? I was interested to hear what Ranger would say to Mylo so stayed just outside the door.

"Mylo, you made an amazing growling noise protecting Steph"

I watched the small smile appear on Mylo's face as he looked down at his lap. Yeah, that kid was pretty amazing.

"Did your father tell you not to talk to anyone?"

Okay that question surprised me and from the look on Mylo's face he was possibly more surprised. I watched as he looked up to Ranger, as though waiting for what Ranger would say next.

"Mylo, you're a good kid. You looked after Steph and you've done everything that your father told you to do"

Where the hell was Ranger going with this little talk, did he think that Mylo knew something and hadn't let me know?

"I think your father will be very proud of what you've done but I also think that he'd say that you can trust Steph and me"

Tears were forming in Mylo's eyes as Ranger said that making him look so young and innocent. That kid had been through hell for most of his life and here he was, with people that he didn't know.

"Your father is very ill Mylo, I'm sorry for that, everything that can be done is happening to make him better. Steph and I will do everything we can to make sure that you're safe. Do you trust Steph and me?"

I watched as Mylo nodded his head up and down wondering what was going through his mind.

I realized that what Ranger was doing was to let Mylo know about his father. Thinking back, I'd never really said anything about where his father was or how he was doing. I should have done if only to stop him from worrying. I about turned and went as quickly as possible back into the bedroom. I'd just pulled the covers over me and was sat against the pillows when the door opened and Mylo walked into the room. I forced a smile to my face which probably looked more like a grimace which was how I felt. As he looked at me, I could see tears in his eyes and I couldn't help it, I held my arms open to him. He moved forward and wrapped his arms around my neck, his face in my hair.

The poor kid didn't know how else to behave. He obviously found it very hard to trust people, who could blame him, he'd never had the experience of playing with other children or meeting adults. His mother had ignored him and treated him so badly that he probably didn't know how respond to people. That he was holding me tightly meant so much, that maybe he was allowing that trust to develop, learning how to cope with other people in his life.

"It's okay Mylo, I understand"

I think both of us were crying as we sat there hugging each other. My eyes closed, not expecting a reply before sleep took over.

I woke alone sometime later and to be honest it was probably because I felt so hungry. I wasn't sure who was in the apartment or where anyone was so after limping from the bed, I grabbed a robe from the end of the bed. I still ached but not enough to stop me from getting up and walking toward the door. As I approached the door leading to the lounge, I could hear raised voices and if I wasn't mistaken one of them was a woman's voice and the other was Ranger's. Those nerves started up again as I thought of the woman from the zoo, shit, was I walking into a lover's quarrel? Not something I wanted to do, so quietly closing the door I went back to the closet and to look for some clothes to wear.

I was staring in at the closet where there were usually clothes for me, okay maybe an odd pair of jeans but there had always been Rangeman uniforms in here. The drawer revealed nothing, no underwear or T-shirts and the trainers that I knew used to be here were gone as well. Closing the door, the bathroom was my next destination, because a horrible feeling was beginning to creep into my mind. That feeling strengthened as I searched for the basket that normally held my cosmetics and I realized that it was gone as well. Ranger had removed everything that was mine. I needed to think and decide what that meant, even though my gut and heart were already saying it.

After showering I found one of Ranger's T-shirts and some silk shorts before pulling the robe back around me. I felt much better for it but hadn't stopped in as long as I would have wanted to, feeling that maybe I'd already overstayed my welcome here. I'd need to sort out with Ranger where Mylo and I could stay because it was obvious really, Ranger didn't want me here on seven in his apartment. The woman in his life just wouldn't appreciate that and maybe I could understand how she would feel. As long as it wasn't in a safe house then maybe I could cope but to be honest this was me we were talking about. Nope, being locked away in a safe house wasn't going to be happening.

Going through to the lounge area I was surprised to see Ranger sat at the table with his laptop. Looking around I couldn't see Mylo and was worried that maybe Ranger had whisked him somewhere else. Ranger looked up at me as I went in and closed up his laptop getting up and walking toward me.

"You must be hungry"

Was all that he said as he continued past me into the kitchen area. I watched as he brought a large pot from the stove and set it down on the counter and then as he brought two bowls and cutlery and placed them next to it. I sat down almost inhaling the meal from the pot. It smelt delicious and was obviously one of Ellas creations. I had been hungry, and the casserole filled the hole nicely even though I was sure that it was mainly made up from vegetables, the spicy flavor just added to it.

Once finished I wasn't too sure what to do next or even what to say. I mean how did I broach the subject that I really didn't want to be here, not if Ranger had a woman staying.

"Babe, are you okay?"

I looked up at Ranger, damn it, how did he know that I felt uneasy.

"There's smoke coming from the top of your head"

He added as an explanation. Well, this was it, time to say what was worrying me so much.

"I was wondering where Mylo and I would be staying"

I didn't quite understand what Ranger's answer was, especially as I only got a raised eyebrow. Thankfully he had the sense to add some words to the facial message.

"I thought here would be best"

I was confused by the answer that he gave me, I mean how was that supposed to happen?

"But what about?"

I was going to say his girlfriend but was interrupted as he brought his phone out. It must have been on vibrate because I never heard it go off. I was curious who was calling, if it was his girlfriend and was disappointed when all Ranger said was

"Yes"

Before he replaced his phone back into his pocket and then turned to me.

"Babe, I'm late for a meeting downstairs. We'll talk when I get back"

"Mylo?"

I asked wanting to know where he was.

"He's with Ella, doing some baking"

I watched as Ranger left the apartment, leaving me alone. I just stood there wondering what to do, I mean I didn't feel tired and it had been so long since I'd watched TV that I didn't have the enthusiasm for that. There were so many thoughts going through my head that I didn't know where to start. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to do something proactive. At least that would keep my mind off the situation with Ranger.

I had those photos to look at that I'd collected and emailed to myself so maybe I could download those and start to find out who they were. Let's face it, the sooner I sorted out what was happening then the sooner I could go back to my apartment. I was sure that would be what Ranger would want to happen. Returning to the bedroom I found a pair of Ranger's joggers and a hoodie, folding the joggers over at the waist meant they didn't look too bad. I'd head down to five and use the computer that I usually worked on, after all Ranger had said that the man that he was worried about was no longer around.

I was surprised as the doors of the elevator opened on five at just how empty the hallway was. Maybe there were more men at the meeting with Ranger than I thought. As I walked down the hallway, I passed a door that was slightly open. Just a glance through the slight gap showed me that the room was packed with men, a lot standing at the back of the room. As it was so quiet the voices from the room were loud and clear and seeing as my name was mentioned then I wanted to know what was being said.

"Steph's injuries aren't serious, she should be fine in a few days"

I recognized Bobby's voice as he reported that to the meeting, but it was the next voice that I heard that had my blood run cold.

"So she can go to a safe house then"

The voice of that woman was loud and clear but so was Les's, who thankfully was standing up for me.

"Not the best idea for Beautiful, she won't do well with that"

"Well she can't stay here"

I heard some muttering not sure what was being said but yet again that woman's voice came to me loud and clear.

"She'd be in the way and what would happen if the police turn up again?"

"Tali"

Came from Ranger causing the room to go quiet and to be honest had me stepping away from the door. I hadn't even thought about where the police would look for me and it hit me hard when I considered that they'd have been to see my family and friends thinking that maybe one of them was hiding me. I actually went to the stairwell door and as I slowly began to walk up the stairs the full weight of the trouble that I was in came to me.

Everyone must be going through all sorts of emotions because of me. Would they think I was guilty of the charges or be trying to defend me? Would they hate me for disappearing, for not facing up to the charges against me? Would they ever talk to me again seeing as I hadn't made the effort to get in touch with them? Would my parents be so embarrassed by the rumors that they'd locked themselves away or would they disown me, say that I never had behaved as a daughter should? That brought to the forefront of my memories the last dinner at my parents and the words that were used.

Then there was Ranger, I was causing friction here at Rangeman between him and that woman, what was her name, oh yeah Tali. Obviously, he didn't want me around because all of my things had been moved out of his apartment. In fact, since I'd woken up, he hadn't touched me, I didn't count a kiss on my forehead as a personal touch. He'd been polite and made sure that I was well fed before leaving me. Then there was the reputation of his company. It would be decimated if he was seen to be hiding me, that's not mentioning that Ranger could actually be arrested and charged. No wonder Tali didn't want me here.

By the time I reached the apartment on seven I was a nervous wreck and had talked myself into one course of action. Maybe I didn't like it, but I saw no alternative, I couldn't stay hidden for the rest of my life and endanger anyone that I knew. As soon as I walked into the apartment I went through to Ranger's office where I found some paper and a pen and wrote two letters, placing them in envelopes.

Back in the bedroom I went through the clothes basket relieved that the clothes that I'd been wearing when I came here were still there. Obviously, Ella hadn't been here to clear away the things that needed washing or in the case of those clothes to throw them away. I dressed in the grimy clothes and then went to the phone and made one call.

Thirty minutes later I'd pushed the two envelopes under Ella's door and was heading down in the elevator. I was praying that it wouldn't stop on its way down but had decided that as the men tended to use the stairs then I had a better chance of getting out of here unseen. As the elevator doors slid open, I looked around the opening toward the front door, thankful that the only person who was in the reception area was the one man who was on duty. I was pretty sure that he wouldn't be expecting someone to run out of the building so that's what I did. Once out of the front door I had to slow down, I was just about hopping in order to get some distance between me and Rangeman.

Pedestrians on the sidewalk didn't take much notice of me, other than to move out of my way. Five minutes later I was stood in the doorway of a pet shop waiting for my lift to appear.

"Shit Steph, what the hell happened to you?"

Was the greeting I got from Eddie as I closed the door to his car. I suppose seeing the bruises on my face and how untidy my hair was, gave him a reason to question me. I didn't care how I looked as long he took me to where I needed to be.

"Just drive to the station Eddie"

"Steph, are you sure about this, I mean they're going to arrest you"

All I could do was to nod my head. I couldn't think anymore, I couldn't feel anymore. I felt so empty and so alone. I couldn't put people that I loved through hell because of me. What did I have to lose anyway? My freedom, well, being in safe house was the same as being in prison. Having to look out for myself, well that would be inevitable if Ranger had a new woman, maybe that was why he'd told to me to take some time to sort out my problems with Joe, it was his way of telling me that he was backing away from me. Hell, he might even move up to Boston.

So where did that leave me. I hadn't truly admitted to myself just how much I relied on Ranger, how much I looked forward to seeing him and how much I relished the attention that he gave me. I once said that I was in love with two men, well that wasn't true. I was only in love with one man and now that hope had been shattered, I wouldn't do anything to hurt him. He couldn't be seen harboring or helping me, and I knew that I couldn't help myself.

I should have seen that weeks ago when everything seemed to go wrong. If I'd listened to what my parents were telling me, and I'd taken what Joe had said more seriously then I wouldn't be in this position. How could I have been so stupid and stubborn. Look where that had led me to now. I had no money and to be honest I was out of energy to keep running and hiding anymore. They were right with what they'd said, that I'd end up in serious trouble.

Going to Ramos had proven just how irrational my behavior was. Knowing my luck, I probably had the mob bosses and whoever Charlie had identified after me now. I'd probably be safer in prison. My biggest regret was leaving Mylo. I actually liked that kid a lot and it had fresh tears coming to my eyes thinking about leaving him. I just hoped he would understand why I'd had to do this, that he would forgive me. I was sure that Ella would look after him as I'd asked of her. She was an amazingly kind and generous woman, and I knew that Mylo would flourish in her care.

As the car came to a stop I looked out of the windscreen, realizing that we were at our destination. I had no idea what was going to be happening and to be honest I was scared shitless.

RPOV

As I'd left the apartment to go down to the meeting, I couldn't help but feel uneasy at leaving Steph on her own. She'd been very quiet which was unusual for her but maybe with everything that she'd been through it was just her way of dealing with the stress. I knew that she might sleep some more or even relax in front of the TV, that's what she usually did.

I was surprised at how many of the men were already in the conference room and admitted, only to myself, that yes, I was late, but Tali was beginning to piss me off. First, she comes up to my apartment, somewhere that no employee is supposed to come unless invited by me. Then she starts to tell me that she'll take Steph and keep her incognito. Like I was going to let that happen. No one keeps my Babe safe except me, that's how it had always been and that's how it would continue.

As I walked through the men to take my seat next to Tank, I noticed that Tali was sat at the table, surprised because she hadn't been asked to attend this meeting, in fact she was supposed to be with Jayce keeping surveillance on Manning. It seemed that Tank had already started the meeting, probably assuming that I would be delayed while ensuring that Steph was okay.

"Hector and I attended a meeting with the gambling establishment. Took place in a small office on the ground floor so not easy looking around. They've agreed for Hector to do a site visit tomorrow"

"Reports from patrols on the warehouse haven't seen much happening on Lamberton Road"

"The apartment block, hard to say with all of the women and men going in and out"

"The house being rented, according to the real estate agent they've rented it out to a doctor, a Dr Nazari who's working at St Francis hospital"

Seeing as we were talking about hospitals, I interrupted the men who were reporting back to catch up with what had happened with Watson.

"Brown, did you manage to get Watson moved?"

"Yes, I suggested to Watson's father that the private facility had an excellent reputation working with people in comas and that it might be safer given that someone had taken a shot at him. The father was more than happy. I have a rota of men for watching him"

"How's Beautiful?"

I wasn't happy with Brown discussing Steph's injuries and one look from me and he knew not to elaborate.

"Steph's injuries aren't serious, she should be fine in a few days"

"So she can go to a safe house then"

Came immediately from Tali which had everyone just looking at her.

"Not the best idea for Beautiful, she won't do well with that"

I was pleased that Santos had voiced my concerns and probably that of everyone else in the room. Tali wouldn't have any idea just how protective these men were of Steph or that they would know that she would be safest with me.

"Well she can't stay here"

Had most of the men throwing objections at her.

"She's safe here with us"

"We won't let anything happen to her"

"Bomber can help solve this clusterfuck"

"Yeah right"

Came from Tali in response. Tali had no idea just how intuitive Steph could be when following a lead. Which had me remembering that I still needed to find out from Steph exactly what she knew and why she'd made sure that her and the boy had left Ramos.

"She'd be in the way and what would happen if the police turn up again?"

"Tali"

There was absolute silence after I said that. I was totally pissed at the attitude that she was taking about Steph. In fact, she was almost verging on insubordination. How dare she try to railroad this meeting by trying to dictate what happened to Steph. I wouldn't allow it and judging by how she sat back in her chair and eyed not just me but the men around her I think she was beginning to get the message. I knew we couldn't be seen to be hiding Steph, but the police would have to find her first and that was not going to happen. I wouldn't allow it to happen, and neither would the men.

"You and Jayce have your assignment, if you feel that you cannot or don't want to complete it then you need to go back to Boston and stop trying to interfere with what happens to Steph. She's my responsibility and I will do what is necessary, do you understand?"

The silence that prevailed throughout the room was chilling and it was all aimed at Tali. At least she had the grace to nod her head, so I looked back to Tank to continue the meeting.

"We need a face for the voice that Manning spoke to"

Obviously trying to focus Tali back to the job at hand. I was about to ask Santos what had happened at the beach near Ramos's compound when Tank's phone began to ring, and I felt mine vibrate in my pocket. As I opened my phone, I heard Tank swear.

"Shit. The police have just arrested Steph"

I'm not often lost for words when they are needed ,but for once in my life I was. How could she have been arrested when she was upstairs on seven? My first order was to Tank because I knew he'd do it straight away.

"Call Hanley and tell him to get to the station ASAP. Tell him I'll put up the bond, whatever the cost"

I was on my way out of the room when I saw Ella about to knock and come in. Had the door not been closed during our meeting?

"Ella, not now"

"It's important. It's about Stephanie"

That had me stopping and turning around to face her and this time I noticed how upset she looked. I didn't say anything more, waiting for Ella to tell me what she knew.

"I got a letter, Mylo did as well. She's gone, she said she was going to give herself up to the police. That it was best for everyone so we could get on with our lives. What did she mean Carlos?"

I had no idea what Steph had meant, I'd only just found her and gotten her safe, we knew that Manning was there when Watson was shot and we were working to uncover the players of that organization, so what had she meant by us getting on with our lives. I must have been quiet for too long because Ella was talking again.

"She asked me to look after Mylo"

"Ranger"

I turned as Tank called out to me and took his phone that he was holding out to me.

"Eddie"

Was all Tank said as he went back into the conference room. I brought the phone to my ear almost dreading what Eddie might say.

"Eddie"

"Ranger, I'm so sorry"

Why the hell was Eddie apologizing?

"Steph called me. I thought she just wanted someone to talk to, but she insisted that I take her into the station. She wouldn't change her mind, but she was just so, I don't know, closed off. She's shut down Ranger, I've never seen like this before. I'll make sure she's okay if she's here overnight. Shit I'm sorry Ranger"

"Not your fault Eddie"

Was what I said as I finished the call. Hanley would be at the station by now hopefully with Steph so maybe he'd get some sense from her. I looked at my watch and just hoped that maybe she'd go before a judge before the end of the day. I wasn't too sure just how Steph would cope if she had to spend the night in lock up. Hanley had all the facts that we'd uncovered so far, so knew all of the details that he could use to throw some doubt on the case. The angle and position of Watson's head and chest wound, the missing bullet that hit his head. Steph's disappearance and then the fact that someone had shot at her and I suppose the state of her injuries and obvious mental state. I was worried, I so wanted to see her, but knew I wouldn't be allowed to. Hanley knew to keep me up to date and he also knew what to do when she was given bail.

The conference room was slowly emptying, the men silent as they walked past me. I couldn't understand why Steph had done it, why walk out of here and have Eddie take her to the station. What had she meant in the letter to Ella, to get on with our lives? Didn't she realize that she was my life, shit, I had no idea what to do now to put this right.