Disclaimer: Everything familiar belongs to JE.

Warning: Adult Situations

Chapter 22: Monday, August 22nd, 0800-1200

MDPD

Garcia POV

We arrive at MDPD and Emily asks me to encrypt all my information so no one else can access it. She seems to believe someone here is feeding information to the bad guys. Last night, another family was hurt, and a young boy as no family left. I hope whoever he winds up with helps him to cope with the survivor guilt that I'm sure he's going to have. How do you understand being five and losing your entire family?

I run a search on Winston and Amelia Goodwin to discover that they have no living relatives. I find their Will electronically filed seeing that they made no arrangements for their children's custody should something happen to them. That poor boy is going to become a ward of the State. I look through the records and find a birth certificate issued for both Emma and Thomas after their adoption by the Winstons. Records of their birth parents are sealed, which isn't unusual for adoptions.

"Emily, Spencer can you come here?" I call them over.

"What's up, Garcia?" Spencer asks.

"I am looking up information on the Goodwins, and I notice that the family moved from Connecticut to Philadelphia two days after the adoption of Emma and moved to Miami two days after the date on Thomas' birth certificate, following his adoption."

"Isn't kind of usual to be able to adopt a child without having your roots firmly sent in the state where the adoption is occurring?" Spencer asks.

"It is unusual, but not unheard of, especially for wealthy parents. With their wealth and often political connections, many times various rules are overlooked when granting adoptions. The coroner's report came in a few minutes ago. Based on the preliminary information from the coroner, Winston was already dead when they raped Amelia. They weren't looking for information this time. Whoever raped Julie and Rachel have developed a taste for rape, and now completed the act for enjoyment." Emily states.

"Garcia, see if you can find any information on the adoption firm that the Winstons used. I don't think that their children's adoptions are related to this case, but I'm curious as to why they were allowed to move so quickly after the finalization of the adoption. Also, two Trenton detectives are coming down here, a Detective Joseph Morelli and a Detective Benny Gaspick."

"Okey Dokey. The Queen of Information and Gossip is at your service." I reply.

I decided to run a background search on the clients while running an active search on the detectives. I discover that Benny Gaspick is twenty-six. He rose quickly through the ranks. The only blemish on his service record was arresting Manoso for carrying concealed. Manoso went FTA, but TPD dropped the charges. Joe Morelli, on the other hand, is much more interesting. He's thirty-six-years-old. He was born and raised in the Chambersburg section of Trenton. His father was an alcoholic. From injuries he received as a child, I'm guessing Joe's father was also abusive. Joe's father died when he was a teenager. He got into a little trouble throughout high school, mostly underage drinking and occasionally fighting. He joined the Navy at eighteen, completed his two years and left. He joined the TPD shortly after returning from the Navy. He was suspected of murder about four years ago when one of his informants went missing. He skipped on bail, and Stephanie Plum was the BEA who brought him in, riding in the back of a meat truck, nonetheless.

His service record is clean. Now he's working out of homicide. I look at the high school yearbook and local papers, discovering that he and Stephanie Plum are in a weird relationship, one where they often break up before getting back together. Interesting. I also see him connected to a woman named Terry Gilman, who is the niece of Vito Grizoli, a small-time mobster.

I get a text from Emily that we are meeting in five. I gather all my Intel and check on the client search. Nothing is pinging so far, so I'll let it run in the background. I send the information to everyone's tablets, printing out a paper file for my technophobic comrade Reid and head to the conference room.

A few minutes later, when Luke and Matt walk in, Emily starts the meeting.

"Last night, another family, the Goodwins, were targeted. The unsubs killed the adults, Amelia, and Winston Goodwin, after raping Amelia. Their two children, Emma and Thomas, were also attacked. Emma died from her injuries, while Thomas survived and is in the hospital. Do you have an update?" Emily asks looking at JJ and Tara.

"Yes. We saw the boy today. His story is similar to Julie Martine's in that they snuck in late at night, but the man who went into his room told him that he was going to hurt him, but he had to pretend to be dead. He didn't want to kill him. He cut his neck shallow enough so that he would bleed, but not enough for him to bleed out quickly. He was scared when Ranger's men arrived, but once they discovered he was alive, Bobby was gentle in treating his wound before the EMTs arrived. He's scared and understandably upset. When we were leaving, Ms. Martine was getting ready to talk to him. She has often spoken to other children who are victims of crimes, telling them her kidnapping story. Stephanie Plum was in the room with them. The boy seemed a little happier with them there." Tara reported.

JJ added, "from what I gather; I don't think Stephanie will allow him to go into State custody. She and Julie seemed to have bonded quickly with him."

"Interesting. Garcia, the highlights."

"The Goodwins did not biologically parent those children. From what I gather, those kids were adopted by them, but I'm not sure which agency they used yet. They moved immediately after the adoption of each of the two children, in effect making it impossible for anyone to question the arrival of children without a pregnancy. Emily also had me look at Detectives Morelli and Gaspick.

"Gaspick has one disciplinary action against him in his short career, that being him arresting Ranger on carrying concealed. The Chief knows Ranger had the appropriate permits and told his officers to not charge him for carrying. Gaspick ignored that order. Morelli, on the other hand, has an on/off relationship with Stephanie Plum, though it seems she is fairly cozy with Manoso, often seen coming and going from his offices unaccompanied, and not only when she's working for him. I discovered that she has stayed with Ranger for extended periods."

"So that would explain why they are both so quick to bash Manoso. Gaspick wants to get back at him for the blemish on his record and Morelli wants the girl." Rossi says.

"From what I observed, I don't think Morelli will get the girl. Stephanie and Ranger looked mighty cozy this morning. When we went past Julie's room, she was sitting in his lap on the chair while they were talking to Julie. In the hall, they were holding hands. It will be interesting to see her reaction to Joe right now." JJ said.

"That's not all, mon ami. Joe has been linked, for years, with mob princess Theresa Gilman, nee Grizoli. Her Uncle Vito often uses her as a liaison in his businesses."

"Interesting. So now we know the detectives' angle and their motivation for flying down here. I also understand why their Chief wasn't thrilled with them coming. We need to look into all their accusations with a fine-tooth comb." Tara stated.

"Rossi, when they arrive, I want you and JJ to talk to them. Morelli is Italian, and I feel he might be more comfortable opening up to his countryman while he might try to charm JJ. I think Alvez will remind him too much of Ranger and Santos. From the language he used when talking about them, calling them 'thugs' and miscreants, I think he has some racial biases."

"Good idea. When is Manoso coming?" Alvez asked.

"Your boyfriend is arriving once his daughter gets released. She will be coming here with him. She wants to see if she'll remember anything else if she looks at some of the crime scene photos." JJ responds.

Alvez throws a paper at JJ. "Enough, children, let's get back to business," Emily says while laughing and smiling.

About thirty minutes later, the two detectives arrive. Detective Morelli's ID photo does not do him justice. He is super delicious, with wavy brown hair that needs a haircut, an olive complexion, and magnificent brown eyes. He has a nice body, not too built but not a slump either. Detective Gaspick, on the other hand, looks like his name. He's young and geeky looking, tall and skinny. I'd never give him a second look. No wonder he hates Ranger so much. I swear, that man is sex walking, a true Cuban Adonis.

"I'm looking for Unit Chief Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss," Morelli announces. Emily gets up and shakes his hand.

"Thank you both for coming down here on such short notice. We have virtually eliminated Manoso as a suspect but would like your insight before we make our final judgment."

"No problem. Anything to help our fellow law enforcement colleagues. We need to work together to keep thugs and riff-raff off our streets. Manoso and his men like to hide behind his security company, but they are nothing more than street rats." Morelli states.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'm going to have Agents Rossi and Jareau talk with you about Ranger and his men. Again, any insight you can give us is valuable." Emily says, placating him. Rossi and JJ shake both detectives' hands before leading them into an interrogation room for privacy. Emily sits next to me, so we can watch and hear the interview.

"So, Detective Morelli, how long have you known Ranger Manoso, owner of Rangeman Security, Inc.?"

"Since he started bounty hunting about five years ago. He'd bring in a lot of high-value skips, but they were often roughed up."

"I know from experience, that criminals, especially career criminals, often don't like to go to jail. I can imagine that they often fight dirty to avoid their apprehension." Rossi says.

"Every once and while, yes, I get it, but about eighty percent of the skips Rangeman picks up have bruises somewhere on their bodies from him or his men. As I said, they're thugs."

"I pulled him over when I first came on the force for speeding, and I discovered he was carrying a concealed weapon. When I asked for his permit, he said he left it at his office. How convenient. I gave him a citation, and he never appeared for court. Talk about being guilty. He chose to go FTA instead of producing a permit." Gaspick adds with his chest puffed out.

"How does Stephanie Plum fit into the picture? She doesn't work for Rangeman, except for a few short stints here and there. I know she's a bounty hunter, but she is independent."

"Stephanie is my girlfriend. She is going through a phase. I give her another few months before she quits bounty hunting and marries me. I know she wants to be my wife and the mother of my children, but Manoso keeps telling her she's good at her job. I mean, she's a joke. All she does is blow up cars, roll around in garbage, and bring in naked men and women. Then, Manoso sometimes has her dress like a slut to bring in some of his FTAs, allowing them to touch her, putting her into dangerous situations. I'm telling you, that man is trouble with a capital T."

"Is that how she got the nickname "The Bombshell Bounty Hunter?" JJ asks.

"No, that was because of all of her cars that blow up. I don't think she's kept a car for longer than six months. She even managed to blow up a Porsche Boxster." Gaspick answers.

"How did she afford a Porsche. From our research, she can barely pay her rent most months." Rossi asked.

"Ranger lent her the car. It was his car." Joe answers bitterly.

"Wow, she blew up a man's Porsche, and he still talks to her. I wonder if he'll lend me a Porsche." JJ responded. As she did, I could see the vein in Joe's forehead started to throb.

"I'm sure he's hoping to get into her pants," Morelli replies.

"Why is she here with Ranger if he only wants to get in her pants? I've seen her interact with his daughter and they seem close." JJ said.

"She's here for Julie. That's why I don't mind her being here. That little girl is innocent. She can't help that her father, Manoso, made her a target for criminals again."

"Well, Detective, her attack had nothing to do with Lt. Col. Manoso. The assailants had business with her adoptive father, Ron Martine. I do believe, though, that Ranger now has custody of Julie." Rossi said.

Emily and I watched as his whole demeanor changed, clearly angry that Ranger wasn't to blame for Julie's attack.

"I guess there's a first for everything, though it's only a matter of time before he causes Julie issues. I mean, he's already caused Stephanie to be kidnapped once, suffer from food poisoning, having a crazy Russian after her. Manoso has many enemies. That's why I try to keep my Cupcake away from him."

"Cupcake?" JJ asks with her nose turned up.

"My nickname for Stephanie. She's my Cupcake."

"I know that Morgan and I called each other a lot of pet names, but Cupcake was never one of them. Who would want to be called 'Cupcake?" I say to Emily.

"Oh, does Stephanie know that's her nickname?" JJ asked, trying to bait him.

"Yes. Steph loves when I call her that. It's better than 'Babe' which is what Manoso calls her."

"I don't know; if it were me, I think I'd prefer Babe. Babe makes me feel sexy, beautiful and desired. Cupcake makes me feel frumpy and juvenile."

"Stephanie isn't you. She likes her nickname."

"Sure, whatever you say. We got all the information we need. Thank you for coming down." JJ replies, dismissing the two detectives.

"We can have someone give you a ride back to the airport if you'd like," Rossi adds.

"Benny, you can head back to Trenton. I took some time off, so I'll stay down here a little longer."

"Okay, see you in Trenton, Joe." Detective Gaspick said.

At that moment, Manoso arrived with that yummy Lester Santos, Stephanie, and a young girl who must be his daughter Julie. Even with her bruises, you can see that she is a beautiful young lady. She has her father's good looks.

"Lt. Col., thank you for coming in today. Julie, I'm Luke. How are you feeling?"

"Not too bad. I'm glad to be out of the hospital and heading home with Papi and Stephanie." She spies Detective Morelli, recognizing him. "¿Qué hace el policía aquí? No va a llevar a Stephanie a Trenton, ¿verdad? No quiero que se vaya." (What's the cop doing here? He's not going to take Stephanie back to Trenton, is he? I don't want her to leave.)

I'm not sure what she said, but Alvez and Emily understand. Emily responds "Ese es su objetivo final, pero dudo mucho que Stephanie te deje a ti oa tu padre. Los quiere mucho a ambos, aunque no lo admita." (That's his ultimate goal, but I highly doubt that Stephanie will leave you or your father. She loves you both very much, even if she doesn't admit it.)

Julie nods her head, relaxing a little before asking, "Can I see the pictures. If I can see what happened, maybe I can remember more to help you find those men who hurt my family and me."

"Are you sure, Querida, they aren't pretty to look at?"

"Yes, Luke, I'm sure. I did this after Scrog kidnapped Stephanie and me. I looked at the pictures of Papi bleeding on the floor. I know both Stephanie and I thought he was dead. I think Stephanie was more scared and upset than I was."

Luke accompanies Julie to the conference room. Manoso goes to follow her, but Julie says, "no, Papi. Stay here. I don't want you in there. Stephanie, come with me please."

"Sure thing, Jules," Stephanie says while holding Julie's arm as she walks. The door closes, and Morelli exits the interview room, seeing Manoso and turning beet red.

"Manoso."

"Morelli."

"What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"The FBI invited me, so they could better understand the kind of thug you are parading around as some hero."

"Oh, so you're spreading lies about me again. Why am I not surprised?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"I'm here to help the BAU find who hurt my daughter. Why else would I be here?"

"Is Stephanie here?"

"Yes, she's with my daughter talking to Luke and Tara."

"I guess I'll wait for her to finish so she can come with me back to my hotel room. I'll drop her off at your office tomorrow morning and pick her up after her shift is over."

"Morelli, go to your hotel room now. Stephanie is staying with Julie and me. Julie needs a woman around, and Stephanie as already agreed to help her. Julie doesn't feel comfortable around people she doesn't know, especially in light of what happened to her."

"That was before Stephanie knew I was here. Now that she knows I'm here, I'm sure she'll want to spend the night with me."

"You can think what you want, Morelli, but I can assure you that Stephanie will be leaving here with me. Now if you will excuse me, I have a few things to discuss with Emily, JJ, and David."

"Lieutenant Colonel, thank you for bringing your daughter here. She's a strong young lady. You should be proud of her." Rossi said.

"I am. I wasn't part of Julie's life for eleven years, but in the last three years, I made up for the time I missed. I was surprised to see so much of me in her, even though she didn't know me aside from a few cards and gifts I sent to her or when Rachel would invite me to visit with her."

"Genetics is a funny thing. Somethings you can't learn; it's ingrained."

"I only hope that she can overcome everything. It's a lot for a teenager to go through. She took her first life at eleven. Now, those animals brutalized her in the worst possible way for a female. I can't even begin to understand what she's going through mentally. I worry that she won't be able to form healthy relationships later on in life."

"Ranger, from everything I have learned about you, from everything Alvez and the General has said, if anyone can help your daughter cope, it's you. And don't discount Ms. Plum. She seems to have a strong bond with your daughter. Don't be surprised if Julie shuns you while confiding in Ms. Plum." Assured Emily.

"It's already starting, but I'm fine with it. I trust Stephanie with my life. I trust her more than anyone I know with my daughter. I know that Stephanie would never allow someone to hurt Julie while she's breathing and capable of fighting back. She'd take the abuse, torture, and pain to prevent my daughter from having to feel anything."

"I would say the same is true of your daughter. God helps someone who tries to hurt either one of them while the other one is watching. I think they could take down an army together."

"That's my Babe and my Princesa."

I watch Morelli intently studying the exchange, not at all happy with what they are saying. Morelli is eye candy. If I saw him in a club, women would surround him. He has charm and looks, but his personality is horrible. I don't understand why Stephanie chose to date him; especially when she can have that scrumptious, delicious, mocha Cuban man by her side who looks at her like she's lunch. JJ's married, and I see her looking at Ranger. I mean, you'd have to be dead not to be attracted to that man. Hearing the way he talks about Stephanie as if she's Wonder Woman; I'd be swooning.

Suddenly, the door opens, and Stephanie comes out of the room. "Carlos, I think I know one of the players, and it's not a good thing. Based on what Julie's said, and one comment one of the men said, the problem has a link back to Trenton." She is oblivious to Detective Morelli being in the room.

"Are you sure, Babe?"

"Yes. My spidey sense is going crazy."

"Your spidey sense?" Rossi asks, confused.

"Steph has some of the best instincts and intuitions of anyone I know. She calls it her spidey sense. She can often sense trouble before it happens, giving us a split second advantage."

"Cupcake, good to see you."

"Hi, Joe. When did you get here? Are you here to help?" If Stephanie was surprised to see the detective, she hid it well.

"No. I took some time off. I'm here to spend time with you. I figure I'll wait until you're done then take you back to the hotel with me. I'm sure you'd prefer to stay with me."

"You're wrong, Joe. I'm staying with Julie and Carlos. Julie needs my help. I promised her I'd be there. She can't shower or dress on her own. She doesn't want her father or her Uncles to help her. I'm sure you understand."

"Cupcake, it doesn't look right that you are staying with Manoso when we're practically engaged and living together."

"First of all, Joe, we are NOT almost engaged. Secondly, we are NOT living together. And finally, I don't care what people think. I'm doing what is right. Julie needs me, and I will be there for that girl. She lost her mother, her father, her sister, and her brother. Men brutally raped Julie. Julie is my priority. Now I suggest that unless you are assisting with the investigation, which I doubt, that you go back to Trenton. I'll be back when I'm ready to return."

"Agent Rossi, if you can come with us. I think you'd be interested in what I think is happening."

"Lead the way, Ms. Plum. Detective, once again, thank you for your assistance. The offer still stands for a ride back to your hotel."

"I don't need one. I'll be fine." Joe said before stalking off. Something tells me we haven't seen the last of him — poor Stephanie.