Disclaimer: Everything familiar belongs to Ms. Evanovich and the creators of Criminal Minds.

Warning: Adult situations, adult language

Chapter 47: Sunday, August 28th, 0800-1200

Ranger's House

Tara POV

We arrived at our new command center at Ranger's house early Sunday morning. Lester, Hector, Bobby, Woody, and Manny were already there, waiting for us. Maggie had a breakfast spread out for us, which made the hotel's continental breakfast look even more pathetic. We took a few minutes to grab some wonderful Cuban coffee and excellent food.

"Stephanie has another appointment with Dr. Purpura today. Ranger is waiting with her for the doctor to arrive. Once they are set up, he'll join us. In the meantime, I have the specs on the safe house in Palm Beach. We own a second house two doors down, which will allow us to enter the main house without anyone noticing." Lester informed us.

I was glad to hear that we had a place to set up shop close by. It is often difficult to stay hidden when doing an undercover operation in upper-class neighborhoods. Even trickier to sneak up on a house when they are under surveillance. At least this way, we'd be able to provide Matt and JJ with the appropriate coverage they would need to stay safe.

About five minutes later, Ranger walks into the house. I can tell that he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, but even so, there's a lightness to his expression. We heard about Stephanie's breakdown last night, I'm glad that Karen seems to be helping her. If she weren't, I don't think Ranger would be joining us today. He approaches me soon after he enters.

"Dr. Lewis, Tara, I want to thank you for recommending Dr. Purpura. She has already had a positive impact on Julie and now Stephanie. I don't know how I can ever repay you. While Dr. Belliveau worked wonders with Julie after Scrog, she clearly wasn't the right choice this time. Julie slept through the night for the first time without having a nightmare. Stephanie is on her way out of Denial Land, and while I know her journey will be an arduous one, I know it's a trip she needs to take to heal."

"You're welcome. Both your daughter Julie and Stephanie are wonderful women who deserve the best. I can see how much you love both. It is the least I can do. The job we do with the BAU and my other job interviewing and studying the dregs of society often don't lead to many happily ever after. With Julie and Stephanie, I have an opportunity to give two people a happy ending. It helps to make this job a little easier to do another day."

"I understand. Stephanie is my light. She heals my darkened soul. Without her, I'd be a shell of the man I am now. I will do anything I need to do to make Stephanie understand that I love her unconditionally. I only hope that I'm not too late." Ranger admits to me.

"I'm sure she'll be fine. It may take her time, but she will eventually see what she has right before her eyes."

Ranger nods his head slightly then moves to talk to Emily. They talk for a few minutes before Emily calls the room to attention as we begin to plan our takedown.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication this past week. Since we delivered the profile, we have made great strides in this case. We will be able to apprehend two of the unsubs tomorrow, thanks to the brilliant work that Stephanie did on this case. At this point, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Ranger so he can explain the resources available to us in Palm Beach."

Ranger stands, he exudes confidence, power, and respect. I observe his men sit up a little straighter in their seats, as well as Alvez and Simmons, something I've never seen them do when Emily or even Rossi addresses us. They both respect Ranger's expertise and leadership.

"Good morning. First, I want to thank you for your tireless work to help find those pendejos who hurt my little girl. You embraced my team when you didn't have to and allowed me to help on an investigation that I technically have no right being a part of at this time. Secondly, I want to thank you for trusting me, for not listening to the things Detectives Morelli and Gaspick said about my company and me, but making your own judgments based on the facts as you see them.

"Now, to talk about the house. Rangeman owns two safe houses in Palm Beach, two doors down from each other. We can access both houses discreetly from the beach. The house we will be using is the residence on file for Samantha and Eric Wilson. We have a small auxiliary office in an office building in Palm Beach, a building which houses the marketing firm where Eric works. I suggest both JJ and Matt leave for the house this evening. They can be returning from a trip, a mini-vacation. That way, if Terry is having the house watched, she will see two people returning to their home after some time away. A worker from that office has already staged the house.

"The house is a split plan Bermuda style home, about 3,400 square feet. It has a yellow exterior with white shutters. Inside, the house has an open floor plan with a nice sized kitchen, dining room, living room, and den. The master bedroom has a sitting area when you first enter and an en-suite bathroom, with jacuzzi tub. There are two additional bedrooms and bathrooms, both with showers. The bedroom closest to the master bedroom has been set up as a nursery, and a bassinet has been placed in the sitting area of the master bedroom. Clothes and other baby necessities are already waiting. Before you ask, they belong to Marco's son. He's now two, but they kept a lot of stuff in storage for future children.

"The house is on the beach, so we can enter the house that way. The other house I own is very similar, but a little smaller. We will set up in that house to monitor what is happening when Terry and Dickie meet with JJ and Matt. My men have already swept the house, there is no video equipment or other recording or listening devices in the house except for Rangeman's. I will give you a wand to check the house when you arrive, Matt. My Trenton office is monitoring both houses actively. Palm Beach is about ninety minutes from here. Stephanie and I will not be there. Terry and Dickie will be able to recognize us both so it won't be wise for us to be hanging around." Ranger informs us.

"Ranger is right. Matt and JJ prepare to head to Palm Beach tonight. However, I don't think the standard SUV is the best choice. Garcia, see about renting a luxury vehicle for Matt." Emily says.

"Emily, if I may, I have a Mercedes CLA 250 Coupe that Matt and JJ can use. It is equipped with extra safety features, including bulletproof glass, armored doors, and tracking devices. If Terry plays it smart and tries to get JJ and Matt to leave the house and meet her elsewhere, we'll know where they are going."

"Ranger, I don't know if I could drive your car," Matt says.

"He lets Bomber drive his cars, and she's had about ten blown up. She has destroyed more cars since she started bounty hunting than all three branches of Rangeman combined in a year." Bobby states, oddly proud of that fact.

"Yup and my cousin willing purchased a brand new Ferrari for the car killer." Lester states. Ranger gives him the evil eye.

"Santos, mats 0500."

"Just trying to have a little fun. I swear Ranger has no sense of humor."

"I will have my men drop off a Cayenne for JJ to use tomorrow. It will be beneficial for when she goes shopping to prepare for the baby. You should go to the store and stock up on whatever the baby would need. I would get the stuff for you, but I have no clue what an infant requires." Ranger states.

"The rest of the team should arrive while JJ and Matt are at work. I've arranged for a furniture delivery on Monday while JJ and Matt are out. You will be able to ride in the back of the truck and load up the house unseen. Who do you want posing as the homeowners there?"

"Emily, how about you and Alvez? You would draw the least attention." I say.

"Okay. Sounds good."

We spend the rest of the morning planning our trap. I call Mariela and ask her to help JJ and Emily dress the part of wealthy Palm Beach socialites. Emily falls into the role easily, I guess that's what happens when you spend your childhood as the daughter of an Ambassador. The clothes that JJ and Emily were wearing are beautiful, designer suits, sundresses, and casual outfits. The men were given sharp-looking dress pants and designer shirts. They fit their roles perfectly.

"It will take about an hour and a half without traffic to get to Palm Beach. It's a straight run from here. The house has food set up already, and both bedrooms are ready for use. If you need anything, let me know, and I'll have it at the auxiliary office." Ranger tells Matt and JJ as they are about to leave.

"Papi, they're here to deliver the furniture. Stephanie is still with Dr. Karen."

"I'll take care of it, Princesa," Ranger says before excusing himself into the main house.