This is an AU story. I hope you find the characters still themselves even if their world is different.

Thanks so much to Rach, without her this wouldnt be nearly as good, or as much fun!

Sally

The Good Wife

Chapter 10

You know, I try to be a good person. I try to help others, be kind to strangers, and animals. I don't cheat on my taxes or make change in the collection plate. But for the life of me I cannot figure out what I have done to piss off the gods of fate so much. And yet here I am sitting at a meeting that my very life may depend on and in whose hands does my fate lay? It was none other than Joseph Anthony Morelli, a man who occasionally popped into my life to make me miserable.

I finally regained my composure and turned to Ranger, "Yes, Lieutenant Morelli and I have met before."

"Shall we get started then?" Ranger's voice was very commanding as he called the meeting to order.

A doughnut. Now more than ever, I really needed a doughnut. I grabbed myself a Boston crème while file folders were passed around with the information the State Police had gathered on the case. Each folder had copies of the photos, all blown up to 8 x 10. Never mind the doughnut. While I had seen them all before I couldn't stop the physical reaction the images elicited. I closed my eyes briefly as I came upon the most recent photo from the Inaugural Ball. Ranger leaned over, his hand on my thigh underneath the table.

"You okay Babe?" He whispered. Just the words made me feel better. I opened my eyes and found his chocolate ones locked on mine. I smiled weakly.

"I'll be fine." I placed my hand over top of his and squeezed.

I turned back to the gentlemen seated at the table. The Rangemen looked concerned, so I shot them each a reassuring smile. When I looked at the officers from the State Police force, they were studying their files. Joe however was studying me. I shot him a wary look.

The officer next to Joe started to walk us all through the photos in chronological order. We went through each image, the date it was sent and the manner of delivery. There seemed to be no pattern. They were sent Fed Ex, UPS, Courier and US Mail. They came at different intervals with anywhere from two to fourteen days in between. All of the photos had been taken with the same camera, but it was a pretty basic high end digital camera. Some of the photos had been printed on a home printer, some ordered online and others processed at local drug stores. It seemed like someone had gone to an awful lot of trouble to stay hidden.

I asked, "Shouldn't you be able to trace some of these sources? You haven't found anything about the local photo places, the online albums or the deliveries?" I had a hard time believing that with all of the data mining that went on with online transactions they couldn't be traced.

Joe took the opportunity to address me, "We are trying to trace them using every legal avenue available to us." While he was addressing me, his eyes flicked to Ranger. What was he insinuating?

"Now that the police have given us this information, we'll be able to use some of our more advanced search engines. We should be able to find something soon." Ranger reassured me, but his gaze was still settled on Joe. So Joe was suggesting that Ranger's tactics weren't always legal, but it also seemed that Rangeman had resources that surpassed even those of the State Police and I got the feeling they appreciated his ability to cut the red tape.

Joe looked like he wanted to retort, but another one of his colleagues started to give his report on the psychological profile that had been drawn up. According to the profiler, the stalker was most likely a white female of middle class upbringing, single or divorced and aged between 25-40 years old. Well that definitely narrows things down, let's go pick her up. I flipped through the pages of the file to see what other things they had discovered, interview notes, background checks, a list of suspects, but there was nothing.

"That's it? Someone has been threatening my life for more than two months and this is what you have?" I was baffled.

Joe jumped to defend himself, "We have been quietly working the case in accordance with Mr. Orr's wishes."

My hackles rose "Well, Mr. Orr is no longer your contact in this investigation. I am. It is my life we are talking about." I spoke with authority. The other officers had the decency to look apologetic; not Morelli. "The fact that this was kept from me, when I am the victim, is unconscionable. It is morally and ethically wrong and my rights have been violated." While he didn't look apologetic, Joe now looked a little bit alarmed.

Ranger spoke next, "Now that we have your files we will move ahead with our own investigation, thank you very much officers."

Joe stopped him, "Hold up, this has to be a two way street, we showed you ours, now you show us yours." The words were directed at Ranger, but he sent a suggestive grin my way. Don't remind me.

Ranger didn't miss the exchange, "Lieutenant Morelli, we have only had this case for twenty four hours. Our core team has split up the investigation and we will be meeting shortly for an update. We will forward on any pertinent information to you gentlemen."

"We will need to interview Cu…Steph." I cringed as Joe spoke my name, catching himself from using the more familiar nickname.

Ranger tensed at Joe's familiarity, "Mrs. Orr's assistant will be in touch with you to schedule an interview."

"Why can't I have her now?" Joe insisted. No doubt his innuendo was intentional.

Ranger was less than amused; his voice was hard, "Lieutenant Morelli, Mrs. Orr is playing an integral role in our investigation. Too much time has passed already. She is working side by side with me and my Core Team to find this psycho. When her schedule allows, she will be happy to meet with you. You've gone this long without seeking her input, a few more days shouldn't hurt." Joe winced at the insinuation.

Incredulous, Joe asked, "She's working with you? Don't you think that's inappropriate?"

Ranger looked at me and then back at Joe, "Why? Is there someone more invested in finding this person? Her skills as an investigator have already been proven in her work at the Anderson, Sidley and Orr Law Firm as well as with The Diana Prince Foundation which she heads. To not take advantage of the help she has offered would be foolish. I am not a foolish man." But you must be, was left unsaid.

Joe looked pissed, but somewhat defeated. He was left without an argument.

"Thank you gentlemen," Ranger stood and effectively dismissed everyone. The officers and Rangemen milled about, enjoying doughnuts and small talk.

All of testosterone in the air had ratcheted up my hormones. Jumping Ranger in the conference room was not a good idea, so I went with Plan B. and I seized the opportunity to finally eat my doughnut. Thank God my appetite had returned. After the meeting and Joe, I needed it. I took a huge bite and moaned at the fatty, sugary goodness. I closed my eyes briefly and swallowed, it was heaven. The bite I took left a gaping hole in the doughnut and some of the crème threatened to drop onto my skirt. My tongue darted out to collect the crème as it dropped. Close. I heard Ranger clear his throat. I looked up at him. His eyes had darkened, "Babe," it sounded like he was pleading with me and warning me at the same time. I swallowed and gave him an apologetic smile.

"Cupcake, I see you still can't get enough of the Tasty Pastry." I heard Joe's smooth voice behind me.

I stood up and turned to face him, my boots making me his same height. I rolled my eyes, "Actually Joe, it says something about their doughnuts that I can still enjoy them in spite of you. And don't you remember what happened the last time you called me Cupcake?" I smiled widely, "I would hate to have to run over you again. I'm a much better driver now and this time I might break both your legs."

He held his hands up in surrender, "Take it easy, I didn't mean any harm. We just have a history. You're not an easy woman to forget Stephanie Plum." He gave me a soft smile.

"Try," I said, "And it's Orr, Stephanie Orr as in the governor's wife, First Lady of New Jersey." I didn't give a rat's ass about the title, but in times like this, it was nice to have to throw around. He looked only somewhat impressed.

"About that," he said, moving closer to me and lowering his voice, "One thing I need to talk to you about is some rumors." He stopped for a minute, obviously uncomfortable, "Shit," he muttered under his breath. He looked at me with sympathetic eyes, "There's talk about your marriage and some, um, extracurricular activities on your husband's part. A scorned lover could make a very good stalker." He shook his head feeling badly for having to inform me of this shocking news.

My smile was soft, but my eyes were hard, "You shouldn't listen to gossip Lieutenant Morelli."

"Well, what if it turns out to be true? I'd hate to think of you hurting." He stepped even closer to me and placed his hand on my arm. The look he gave me that once made me shed my panties now had no effect on me. Thank God. I already had one man in my life who gave me sex on the brain. I didn't need two.

I removed his hand from my arm, "I appreciate your concern Joe. Like I said, you shouldn't listen to rumors. Believe me; I already know how much it hurts to have people talk about my love life."

He had the decency to look ashamed. "Steph, that's ancient history. I thought we were friends. We go way back."

"Joe, if we were friends, you would have called me two months ago to tell me someone wanted me dead." I tried to mask it, but the hurt on my face was obvious.

He was quick to respond, "I would have. I wanted to, but your father in law is a powerful man. I didn't know what he'd do to me if I made him angry."

"Joe, the last time you made me angry I ran you over with a car. That doesn't scare you?" He looked like it may scare him a little.

Sheepishly he answered, "That was a long time ago and I may have deserved it."

"I had a right to know." I was trying to keep my temper in check.

He shrugged, "Could you have handled it? This person is obviously crazy."

My voice was sharp, "Joe, I am a big girl. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. From now on, I want to know everything. I want in on all of it."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean what does it look like if the governor's wife is hanging out with these guys?" He nodded towards the Rangmen.

I was in low level rhino mode now, "These guys are protecting me and helping me to find out who wants to kill me. I'm working with them because investigating is what I do. They respect me enough to include me in the investigation, which is more than I can say for you. I am not that naïve sixteen year old girl you left behind the pastry case Joe. You need to remember that."

Joe looked like he was about to pull some Italian male macho bullshit. I felt Ranger step up behind me and I relaxed a bit. Joe face went blank and he nodded at Ranger, "I'll be in touch Manoso." He turned and stormed out of the room. Everyone else had already left.

"Babe," Ranger turned me to face him and left his hands on my hips. He shook his head slightly, "You never disappoint." He kissed my forehead and guided me down the hall to the elevator. He ushered me in and pressed a remote as the doors closed. I looked at him in question. "7th Floor Penthouse, my place. I thought you might want to change before you work with Lester in the gun range." I was hoping he might say, Your legs look so great in that skirt and those boots that I couldn't wait another minute to have them wrapped around me.

"Christ," he muttered as he fumbled with his remote again.

I was confused. "What are you doing?"

He took a step closer to me, pinning me up against the elevator, and kissed me hard and fast. "Scrambling the cameras and audio and yes, your legs look amazing in those boots and I would love to rip that skirt right off, but the guys are coming up in a minute and that isn't something we need and audience for." I turned beet red.

Luckily the elevator opened and he led me into the foyer. There was just one door and, with the same remote, he unlocked it. His apartment was cool and serene. Just walking in made me feel at ease. It was decorated in neutral soothing tones. The furnishings were understated, but obviously very high end. This man had money. He directed me to the bedroom to change and freshen up. I found my bag sitting on the bed. And what a bed it was, it was dark and masculine, just like its owner. I hurried and grabbed my things and stepped into the bathroom to keep myself from spending too much time fantasizing about getting tangled in his sheets. While the apartment was on the dark side of neutral, the bathroom was gloriously white. And the smell, it smelled like, well, like Ranger. It seemed to be coming from the shower, maybe his shower gel? I stared longingly at the shower, imagining a wet, naked Ranger. Focus Stephanie. I swapped out my black skirt for a pair of dark wash skinny leg jeans that fit inside my tall sexy boots perfectly. Connie had packed a more casual ivory v neck sweater so I changed into that. I touched up my makeup and headed back out to find Ranger.

He was sitting on the couch, talking on his cell, "Meet up here in ten." He closed his phone.

I dropped down on the couch next to him. "Would it kill you to say good bye?"

He just grinned and pulled me in close, wrapping his arm around me. I snuggled into his chest and inhaled his scent.

"Morelli?" he asked as his hand rubbed mindless patterns on my arm.

I sighed, "He's a creep. He thinks he's god's gift to women and unfortunately nearly half of the women in Trenton have seconded the opinion."

"And you?" His tone was cautious.

I snorted, "Please, he's an ass. I was a naïve sixteen year old girl and he talked me out of my virginity. After his conquest he wrote poems about me in various men's rooms around the burg." I felt Ranger tense.

He pressed, "Why did he call you Cupcake?"

I grimaced, "We did the deed behind the counter at the Tasty Pastry where I worked. In the poems he wrote about how Stephanie Plum was nice and sweet and a treat to eat." I snorted. Like he would know, it was more like wham bam thank you ma'am.

He was amused, "And you threatened to break his leg because of it?"

"No, I did break his leg because of it. He left for the Navy right after it happened. The next time I saw him it was two years later. He was standing on the street talking to some buddies. I was still so pissed that I jumped the curb and ran him over with my Dad's Buick and broke his leg." I smiled at the memory.

Ranger's body started to shake, I looked up at him. He was laughing, not chuckling, the man was laughing. It was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I just watched in awe. When he calmed down he hauled me into his lap and kissed me senseless. He took my face in his hands and said, "Only you Babe, only you."