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

Thanks to Rach who makes this so much more fun and the writing so much better.

Sally

The Good Wife

Chapter 16

I scurried around my room getting ready for the annual New Jersey Democrats' Breakfast. It was the kick off for a new legislative session. Connie was flitting around the room one step ahead of me, grabbing my clothes, shoes and jewelry. This meeting was a big deal and I needed to be at my best, which was going to be a little difficult considering how little sleep I'd gotten last night. Ranger had brought me back to the house early this morning. He'd wanted me to stay with him last night in case I had any nightmares about the bombing. Yeah, I'm sure that's why. I didn't care what the reason was, I was just glad he did. We didn't get much sleep though, but I couldn't really bring myself to be sorry about it. I'd give up sleep for a Ranger induced orgasm any day of the week.

I dressed in a sexy, but not too sexy, red power suit and fabulous black FMPs. My job today was simple: to see and to be seen. I would be checking out all the major players in our political party and what their agendas were. I needed to look like the respectable first lady, but at the same time sexy enough to distract and assure them I was harmless. Today I was definitely up for the sexy, thanks to Ranger, but it was getting increasingly more difficult to play the sweet, naïve trophy wife. I was tired of being leered at. Having to avoid wandering hands and ignore suggestive comments. But the most difficult was holding my tongue. I never had much in the way of self control and what little I did have was beginning to fray. I was getting weary of playing the game.

Ranger had early morning meetings. He was hoping to get reports back on both the explosives and the pictures. Tank was going to be taking me to the breakfast. There were going to be several Rangemen at the breakfast today, some inside and undercover and others at the door. Ranger was taking yesterday's close call personally and wasn't taking any chances. I thought maybe he was going a little overboard, but I was too scared to object.

Connie was giving me last minute information, "Your mother in law called to check on you and said she would see you at the breakfast today." Oh goodie. "Also, Joe Morelli has been calling. He said he needs you to call him back as soon as possible." I mentally rolled my eyes, but nodded. "And your mom called to tell you Joe had called her looking for you and that it is bad manners to not return phone calls. What will Angie Morelli think?" Connie did a great imitation of my mom. We both cracked up. "I have a few things to take care of here, but just let me know what else you need today. And Steph, please be careful." Connie looked serious. It was a pretty rare look for her. I gave her a hug.

"Thanks Con, I'm fine. Rangeman is taking good care of me." I smiled at thinking how well I had been taken care of last night. And this morning. Connie looked a little suspicious, but I grabbed my coat and headed out the door before she could ask me anything.

Tank was waiting outside my door and ushered me down to the waiting SUV. Walking beside him I was struck again at the sheer size of the man. At first I had been intimidated by him, but the more time I was able to spend around him, the more comfortable I felt. I inferred from their interaction that Tank was Ranger's second in command. If Ranger trusted him, then so did I. As frightened as I was after yesterday's incident, having a man the size of a grizzly bear at your side went a long way in providing peace of mind; even if size didn't matter when the threat was a block of C4.

We used the ride to discuss the case and his upcoming meeting with my in-laws. He was set to meet with them in a conference room at the hotel after the breakfast. He'd already talked to the staff at the house. They had been with the family for as long as I'd known them at least. I think their maid Maria had been with them since Dickie was born.

Never one for patience, I questioned him, "So how was your visit to the house yesterday?"

He chuckled. "You know I've seen rich peoples' houses before, but this was on a whole new level. It was a friggin Estate. The town in Georgia I was born in took up fewer acres than that place. All they need is a strip mall and they'd never have to leave." I knew what he meant. The first time Dickie took me to meet his family I had been floored. I spent the whole weekend with my hand under my chin to keep my mouth from gaping open.

I snorted, "Yeah, but all the money in the world doesn't save them from being the most miserable people I've ever met. The sad thing is they don't even know it."

My snort seemed to catch Tank by surprise. "Do you mind me asking how you ended up with your husband? I don't mean to pry, but I can't imagine you ran in the same social circles."

I acted like I was offended, "You mean I don't fit in with the stick up their ass blue bloods?" I grinned, "Tank, that's one of the nicest things anybody has ever said to me." He laughed, I think he'd been afraid he'd overstepped or offended me. I knew I was different from them, but I was glad other people could see it too. "Tank, you can ask me whatever you need, you're running an investigation. You have every right. I won't hold it against you."

He grinned and I started my story. "I met Dickie when I was in college and he was in law school. He was every girl's dream - rich, handsome, charming. I'm not really sure what he saw in me." Tank frowned. I didn't want to go there with him. I sighed, "I guess he liked how normal I was. I wasn't impressed by his money or his last name. In fact, I didn't know his last name for a long time. I worked in the law library, re-shelving books. He had a study carrel there. We would run into each other every once in a while and talked and flirted. As the year went on I seemed to run into him more and more and found myself looking forward to the next time I would see him."

I sighed; it seemed like a lifetime ago. "I think I was in love with him before we went on our first date. That's when I found out who he was. He was afraid it would change things between us. If anything, I almost quit dating him, I felt inadequate. But he was pretty persistent." I remembered him sending flowers and gifts, even romantic mix cds he made himself. Bitterly I wondered if he was sleeping around even then.

Back to the family, "His mom and I got along from the beginning. I think she was just lonely to tell you the truth. His dad," I shuddered, "Well let's just say I wasn't really comfortable around him. I got the feeling he didn't think I was good enough for his son. After he found out I was a criminology major I think he decided I might be useful."

Tank still looked a little nervous, but knew he had a job to do. "So, no one seems to be too fond of your father in law. In fact everyone sang his praises, but I could tell they all thought he was an asshole. What's the story?"

How do you explain a man like Charles Orr? "He's an overbearing pompous ass who rules his family like a dictator would a small country. He cheats on his wife in plain view, belittles his son at every turn and he never lets you forget who he is. Charles's own political aspirations had fallen short. He's made it his goal to get his son to Washington ever since. Nothing and no one would get in his way."

"And the wife just puts up with it?" That seemed to be a foreign concept to him.

"Yup, along with a little help from her friend Jack Daniels." I felt sorry for the woman, "She lives in her own little world, has blinders on. She takes denial to a whole new level." I shook my head, I could have been her. "But she enjoys the money and social status being Mrs. Orr gives her. She came from nothing." I had always thought they were an odd pairing. "Dickie told me once they had to get married if you know what I mean. She was a waitress in a hotel bar that Charles picked up for a one night stand. Dickie was the result. Charles's parents were very old school, actually very nice people; I only met them a few times before they died. Anyway, they insisted that he marry her." Poor woman.

Tank hesitated again, "And you and your father-in-law? Could he be behind this?"

I gave a nervous laugh, "Obviously he is not real happy with me right now." I hadn't considered him seriously as a suspect. "I'd have to say he is probably the only family member on either side who would be happy to see me dead. Do I think he would actually do it, hired or otherwise? No." I paused to collect my thoughts on my run in with Charles. "You know my foundation is supported financially by the Orr family?" Tank nodded. "It all happened when I found out about Dickie's infidelity. I agreed to stay quiet - and married - for the money for the Foundation." It sounded worse than it was when I said it out loud. I wondered if my reality wasn't really that far from my mother-in-law's. "Charles came to see me and wanted to renegotiate. I didn't care for his proposal and things got ugly."

Tank was quiet for a minute before asking, "So if you were gone they wouldn't have to pay?"

I hadn't really thought about it that way. I didn't really want to think about it that way or at all. Luckily we'd arrived at the hotel.

Tank pulled around to the service entrance. With the excitement of yesterday, they wanted to keep everything as low key as possible. The door was opened by another Rangeman, Vince. He was not dressed in black, but in a very nice suit. Of course he was gorgeous. I mean not Ranger-gorgeous, but your average beautiful Rangeman. He escorted me to the banquet room which was already full of muckety mucks. People with lots of money all hoping to buy favor with the politicians. Dickie caught sight of me and rushed over. I felt Vince tense at his quick movements.

My husband pulled me into a hug, lingering longer than I liked. "Oh my god Steph, I've been so worried about you. How are you? I tried reaching you a million times, but they told me you were on lock down in the Rangeman building. I wanted to come and visit you, but they said it wouldn't be a good idea." No, that would have been a very bad idea indeed.

I gently extricated myself from his grip, trying not to draw attention to us, "Richard, I'm fine. Ranger is taking very good care of me." I kept my voice low, not wanting to draw any attention to us.

Dickie let out the breath he was holding, "Okay, well I just want you to be careful. If anyone can keep you safe, it's him. He's the best, I checked him out." I suppressed a giggle, I knew Ranger was the best and I'd checked him out thoroughly myself early this morning. Just the memory made my skin flush to match my suit.

We worked the room making sure we talked to all of the important people. Dickie seemed distracted though. He hadn't taken his hands off me since the hug. He made sure that he was always touching me in some way, afraid that if he let go, I'd be gone. It was making me very uncomfortable. I spotted a couple of Rangemen in plainclothes around the room. There was always at least one near us, but discreetly so. I recognized some of them, Hal and Binkie and one guy they called Bones. I suppose Cal with the flaming tattoo on his forehead wouldn't blend very well. They all gave me a small nod when I caught their eye and I think Hal blushed. It was a sight to see. He reminded me of a giant puppy.

I spotted my in-laws on the other side of the room. If I was lucky we could avoid them for a little while longer. Dickie's touchy feely act was getting on my nerves so I excused myself to visit the ladies' room. He reluctantly let go of me, but not before kissing me. And it wasn't the peck on the cheek we had perfected for public appearances, it was a full on kiss. I didn't want to make a scene, but I wanted to slap him. Instead I squeezed his hand which still held mine until he finally released me. I rushed out of the room, not paying much attention to where I was going and ran right into a muscled chest. Bobby.

"In a hurry?" he asked me as he reached out to steady me. He gave me a smile.

I gave him a weary smile in return. "Thanks, I was just going to get a little air." He took my arm and threaded it through his and we made our way to the ladies' room. Somewhere along the way Hector joined us. Hector stayed with me while Bobby checked the restroom for boogie men or women. Getting the all clear, I took care of what I needed to do and quickly made my way back to them. Since this whole thing started I was very nervous anytime I was alone. Which is funny because pre-stalker I was alone much of the time. We made small talk as they escorted me back to the banquet room. I wanted to ask them if Ranger was here, but it felt a little junior high so I didn't.

My two bodyguards seemed to melt into the fray when we rejoined the party. And then I saw him. Wow. If I thought Ranger had dressed up for dinner at my parents' house it was nothing to what he looked like now. He was dressed in a black silk suit, Armani I think, charcoal grey dress shirt, probably silk also and a black tie. And he was looking right at me. Yum. I felt my tongue involuntarily dart out of my mouth and lick my lips. His eyes darkened. He looked like he was headed my way when someone stopped him.

Dickie. Oh god. If the floor would just open up and swallow me whole that would be great. I couldn't stop the comparisons that flooded my mind between the two men. Dickie was taller, but slimmer, built more like a tennis player or swimmer. While Ranger was built like, well like nothing I'd ever seen before, and I'd seen all of it, up close and personal. He was muscular, but not like a body builder, sleeker, like a panther. It went along with the persona, he was dark and dangerous and sexy. Whereas my husband was good looking, but there was nothing wild about him. He looked like, as Grandma put it, a Frat boy. His skin was only slightly darker than mine and he had soft blond hair that he wore a little long on top and green eyes that crinkled when he was flirting.

They were locked in an intense conversation; what I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall. I'm sure I was the topic of conversation and that it was nothing but professional, still it made me nervous. But I didn't have much time to worry about it because I was grabbed from behind and spun around into a strong embrace. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Hector advancing towards me.

"Beautiful," Alexander Ramos was cupping my face in both his hands as he kissed both of my cheeks. "It has been so long, too long," his voice was thick with his Greek accent. He let go of my face and took both of my hands in his. By this time Hector was just to my right and Bobby on the left. Their presence made me raise my guard even though I had never been afraid of him before, but I've never had someone trying to kill me before either.

"Mr. Ramos," I stuttered briefly, but quickly covered. "How wonderful it is to see you, you're right it has been too long." I gave him my big fake smile. Pretty sure Alexander Ramos was not a Democrat, probably not a Republican either. I'm guessing he was sole dictator of his own little empire. But he knew how important appearances were as well as knowing the right people.

He gave me a big smile and raised my hands to his lips, kissing the back of each one. "And Beautiful, I'm still waiting for an answer." I must have looked confused because he reminded me, "The last time I saw you I asked you to leave your cad of a husband and become my wife. You told me you would think about it." Oh that. I gave him a nervous smile. He just laughed. I think he was kidding. I hope he was kidding. Looking for a distraction I noticed the two well dressed men standing to his sides, obviously related.

"Where are my manners? Mr. Ramos, please introduce me to your friends." I nodded to the younger gentlemen.

He laughed, "Alexander, Beautiful, call me Alexander." He pulled one of the men forward, "This is my oldest son Homer," then the younger man, "And this is my baby boy, Dmitri." Dmitri winced at his father's introduction. Both men where attractive, but the younger, he was gorgeous. He flashed me a smile full of beautifully straight white teeth.

"My father speaks very fondly of you, but he did not do you justice, you are much more beautiful than he described." Dmitri's compliment made me blush. Two extremely bulky men in suits came in and spoke to Homer in a whisper. Homer nodded to his brother; they both apologized and excused themselves. Alexander watched them leave before turning back to me.

"Well I knew I had competition in your husband, but I never expected it of my own son." He gave a gruff laugh at my surprised face. "Dmitri is quite taken with you. He has been asking me about you. He is quite impressed with your work. He told me all about your foundation and the good work that you do." I was still dumbfounded, so I just smiled. "I have even decided that I am going to give you money." With that he thrust a check into my hand and pulled me in for another kiss on the cheek. "Soon Beautiful, I will see you again soon." And with that, he was gone.

I stood staring after him. I felt a hand at my elbow, Hal. He didn't say anything. He just gave me a shy smile and steered me towards a table as breakfast was being served. Good, I really needed something to eat. The gentlemen at the table rose as I approached. Hal pulled out my chair for me and seated me right between Dickie and Ranger. Scratch that, what I really needed was something to drink.