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

Chapter 16

Joe Morelli was angry, "What the hell do you two think you are doing? You're not fooling anyone. I know what's going on and it's going to stop right now!"

Crap

The Good Wife

Chapter 18

Joe was staring at Ranger and me, in a none too friendly way I might add. What was he talking about? He couldn't know, could he? Discreetly, I glanced at Ranger. His shirt was buttoned, tie in place and nope, his zipper wasn't down. I got a small hot flash remembering what was behind that zipper. Focus! Now me, my suit jacket was closed, nipples were behaving and standing down, my panties were a little wet after the interlude in Ranger's office, but he couldn't know that. I just checked my hair and lipstick, it was fine. I didn't have any love bites, ones that were visible in this suit anyway. I did have that brilliant afterglow going, but he'd never seen it first hand. After the bakery incident he didn't look at me twice on his way out the door. And besides, don't you need to have an orgasm to have an afterglow? That definitely didn't happen my first time.

Eddie and Carl were doing great fish impressions and Ranger, well he looked pissed. I was very happy to not be on the receiving end of that look.

"Morelli." Ranger's voice was harsh, a warning, not a question. Whatever he was talking about, this was not the time or the place. Ranger held out a chair for me before sitting next to me, and the others followed suit. Morelli seemed to have gone from boiling over to a slow simmer.

Ranger turned to Eddie and Carl, pointedly ignoring Joe. He was all business, "You needed our statements?" Carl sat stunned for a minute, still reeling from the exchange between Ranger and Joe. Eddie stepped in to save him. For the next half hour or so Ranger and I answered questions about the events leading up to the explosion, retracing our steps, asking if there was anything out of the ordinary.

I was still a little anxious about the bomb; it had only been 24 hours. I think it's okay to not be fully recovered from an attempt on my life in one day. I should get at least a week, maybe more. If I had it my way I would still be up in Ranger's fabulous apartment with a few pints of Ben and Jerry's and the rest of the truffles, drowning my sorrows. Although if I were upstairs with Ranger I'm sure we could find better things to do than eat ice cream.

It was reassuring to have Ranger sitting next to me. He was supportive, but I could tell he was tense, blaming himself again. He'd beaten himself up over it yesterday and then again this morning. I wanted to say something, reassure him, but with the others in the room I settled for sending him what I hoped was a grateful smile.

I could feel Joe's eyes flicker back and forth between Ranger and I, but he was quiet until we started discussing the aftermath, when Ranger recounted our rescue by the Rangeman team. Joe started to interrupt, but Ranger silenced him with a look. If he'd have given me that look I would've peed my pants. Joe just fumed.

Finally Carl and Eddie ran out of questions. They gave Ranger their assurance that my name would be kept out of it, not wanting bad publicity for the new administration. We hadn't shared the information on the stalker or stalkers, plural, if you want to get all technical about it. The Trenton Police Department was a hotbed of gossip in the burg and we were trying to keep things under wraps. We explained my involvement with Ranger and Rangeman as consulting on a case for the Foundation. It wasn't a complete lie. I hired him for a case, I just didn't tell them that the threat was against me. It seemed to satisfy their curiosity. Joe made a coughing sound that sounded something like "bullshit." I guess he thought we should bring the TPD in on the case. Too bad it wasn't his call.

Ranger called for a Rangeman to escort them from the building and I stood so I could tag along. For one, I wanted to catch up with the guys. We'd all known each other since grade school. Carl and I made first communion together and Eddie had a crush on me in high school, but I never felt the same. I think he was even angrier than I was about Joe and the poems. Eddie and I were now related by marriage. He married my cousin Shirley-the-whiner. Why, I don't know. He'd stayed a good friend though, even helping me with a few cases. He joined the force a few years before Carl and apparently when Carl started at TPD he was assigned a different partner with the same name. He conveniently hopped in his good friend Eddie's squad car instead. The chief let it slide and they've been partners ever since."

Catching up sounded like fun, but more importantly I wanted to get out of the room, the testosterone was stifling. While Ranger was able to keep Joe quiet through the interview, he looked like a pressure cooker about to blow and I didn't want to be anywhere around when that happened. A pissed off macho Italian male was not something I was up for witnessing this morning. I was still tired from lack of sleep, stressed over the stalkers and not really in the mood to play the role of Mrs. Richard Orr. I know that's who I am, and a few days ago I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but being with Ranger, I was allowed to be truly myself for the first time in years. I had no secrets from him. Okay, that wasn't exactly true, but I trusted him enough to let my guard down to see the real me. Apparently he liked what he saw. The thought made me smile.

Ranger just gave a nod of approval and we didn't waste any time getting out of there. As soon as Carl and Eddie and I made it into the hallway I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding.

"No shit," Eddie drawled. Carl just shook his head and we headed for the elevators. One of the Rangemen, Junior, shadowed us.

"Typical," Carl offered. I looked at him, waiting for an explanation. "It's always interesting when different law enforcement agencies have to work together, but throw in a free agent like Rangeman and it adds a whole other element. It always turns into a pissing contest to see which alpha dog comes out on top. Looks like those two are about to go at it." I hoped that was all it was.

Eddie laughed, "My money's on Ranger. Nobody's dumb enough to fuck with him."

Carl countered, "I don't know, Morelli can hold his own. Twenty?" I watched the two of them shake hands, apparently they were betting on the outcome. Men, yeesh.

"So Steph, are you doing alright after yesterday? That had to be pretty scary." Eddie looked worried about me.

I sounded more confident than I felt, "I'm fine Eddie. Really I didn't see much, wish I could have been more help."

He looked at me, considering something before he spoke. "I get the feeling there's something more going on here, something you're not telling us. Are you in trouble? You always were a shit magnet. Stuff happens to you that doesn't happen to normal people." No kidding?

"Thanks a lot Eddie." I rolled my eyes at him and ignored his question. He was just trying to be a good friend, but I knew his wife was heavily tapped into the grapevine and I couldn't afford to give up any more info.

Finally we reached what I assumed was the lobby. I hadn't really been paying attention while Junior had been playing elevator operator. So far I'd only used the garage entrance. I gave both of them quick hugs and said good bye. Eddie held on to me a little longer. "I don't believe you, but be careful and let me know if you need any help."

"Thanks Eddie, I'll let you know." I smiled as they walked to the door.

Junior was quiet on the way back upstairs, not speaking until we reached the 5th floor again. "I'd take the boss hands down any day. The cop doesn't stand a chance." I smiled and nodded my agreement. He headed to a bank of monitors and I made my way to the conference room. The door was slightly ajar and I could hear the two of them going at it. Joe's temper was building; it was evident in his voice. Ranger was still speaking in his calm detached monotone which seemed to piss Morelli off all the more. I couldn't help myself, I stopped to listen.

Joe was seething, "I see what you're trying to do, and it won't work." Shit. What did he see? What gave it away?

"Just what is it you think you see?" Ranger's voice held no trace of emotion; I imagine he had his blank face on as well.

Joe scoffed, "You think the rules that the rest of the world live by don't apply to you?" What rules? Was this about the case or was this about my relationship with Ranger? If it was the latter it was pretty funny that this was coming from Morelli, who had more sexual partners in a month than I'd had my whole life.

"Maybe." I couldn't see him, but I'm sure that his lips quirked up as he spoke.

After a long pause Joe answered, "I don't like it." Who died and made him God? I still had no idea what the actual topic was, they'd both been so vague.

I'm positive Ranger must have been shrugging, as much as he shrugs, when he said, "You don't have to."

Joe's voice was rising, "Don't you have any morals, scruples? You can't drag her into this, tarnish her reputation." Yeah Joe, like you didn't destroy my reputation in high school? That's it, I'd had enough. I stormed into the room, flinging the door open. Both sets of eyes darted to me.

Hands on my hips, I glared at Joe, "Why don't you mind your own damn business Morelli? Who put you in charge of my life?"

His face softened and he put his arms up in surrender, "I'm your friend, I'm just looking out for you."

I rolled my eyes, "I believe I reminded you yesterday that friends tell each other if someone wants to kill them." God he was thick.

He moved towards me, arms extended, "Come on Steph, we grew up together, I'm just looking out for you. There are already enough rumors floating about your husband, you don't need to add to them. All of our work to keep this out of the public eye and you're running around with these men in black. What would your mother think?" Seriously, he was bringing my mother into this?

I fought the urge to step back as he advanced on me. "Joe, my personal life is just that, personal. None of your goddamn business," I poked him in the chest for emphasis.

He knitted his eyebrows together in confusion, "Personal life?"

Ranger interrupted before I could answer, "Lieutenant Morelli feels he is being left out of the investigation and doesn't think you should be so involved with the case. He believes we should allow him to take over the investigation, and that it should be run by a law enforcement agency rather than a private security firm. He seems to be questioning our methods." He paused before continuing, "He's afraid Rangeman doesn't play by the rules. And I believe he thinks I am corrupting you." He gave me an almost smile.

Oh. Oh!

Joe raised an eyebrow, "What were you talking about? What about your personal life?" His eyes were flickering back and forth between Ranger and I. Shit, think, think, think.

"Someone wants to kill me Joe, I'd say that's pretty personal." Wow, nice cover up.

He didn't look completely convinced, but he moved on, "That's why you need to step back, let the professionals, the cops take care of things." Excuse me?

I put my hands on my hips, "Joe, just what is it you think that I do, professionally?"

He shrugged, "You're the First Lady of New Jersey."

"And?" I made the circular movement with my hand that meant 'go on.' I wanted to use another hand gesture, but I was trying to remain professional.

He thought for a minute, "And you run that foundation for women and children, but I assume that's just an extension of the Orr family's quest for good exposure. That you're the face for public relations."

I closed my eyes and counted to ten, then blew out a big breath, "While I am married to the governor that is not the be-all, end-all of who I am. I run the Diana Prince Foundation, as in hands on. I do investigative work, providing information to the lawyers who are representing our clients. I'm an investigator and a damn good one too! I've gone up against guys like Benito Ramierz and Eddie Abruzzi. I can handle a stalker. And I couldn't ask for better back up than Rangeman."

He seemed unimpressed, "But this is dangerous stuff, you need to let the police handle it." This was directed to both Ranger and me.

I placed my hand on my hip, "Joe, you handled the case for two months and did nothing. This is my life, I've hired Rangeman to investigate. I trust them." I don't trust you was left unsaid. "As you know, being in my position I do have some pull, and if you can't work with us on this, I can see that you're removed from the case."

His jaw was tight, "I can't work with you if you keep me out of the loop. You need to let me in. Let me do my job." Even though he was angry, his eyes were pleading with me. I looked at Ranger for guidance. We locked eyes for a moment and I swear to god I had an ESP moment. Mental fist pump! He was telling me it was up to me, but that he was okay working with Morelli. He moved his head slightly, nodding to me. I gave him my own nod and let him take over.

Ranger addressed Joe, "Morelli, I think you're a good cop. You could add a lot to the case, but you need to remember who's in charge. If you can do that, we'll let you know what we know."

Joe stood with his hands on his hips and looked at Ranger, considering his offer. His eyes flicked to me and then back to Ranger. "Fine."

Ranger gave him a nod in acknowledgement and dismissed him. "Meeting here at 1500, we'll have the reports back by then."

Joe sighed, but made no move to leave. "Steph, can I talk to you?" He looked at Ranger, "Alone?"

Ranger looked to me and I gave him a small nod. He left the conference room, telling me to find him in his office when we were through.

I sat down at the table, suddenly exhausted. Joe came and took the chair next to me, sliding it a little closer to mine. "Steph, are you sure about this? I think you've been spending too much time with Manoso, you two just had one of those silent conversations like he has with his men. It's creepy." He shuddered.

I smiled, I was quite proud of our little exchange and I wasn't going to let him ruin it. "Do you work with a partner Joe?" He nodded. "Well on this case Ranger and I are partners, we work well together." Really, really well, my hormones screamed.

"But it doesn't look right; you're the governor's wife, you shouldn't be hanging out with ex-military psychos. They're a bunch of thugs Steph, you're better than that. What will the burg think?"

I narrowed my eyes to little slits, "Joe, you should know by now I don't give a shit what the burg thinks. I may be the governor's wife, but I am far from a burg wife. I'm still my own person. My husband knows that and respects it. So should you. As for Ranger and his men, I don't know what your problem is, but they are the best at what they do, otherwise Richard and I wouldn't have hired them. They've already saved my life once and I have every confidence in them." I was proud of myself for staying calm.

It seemed my words took the wind out of his sails. He looked at me and I saw him soften a little before continuing. "I'm sorry Cupcake," I glared at him, "Sorry, Steph, I think I am going about this all wrong. I consider you a friend, even if the feeling isn't mutual. Cripes, we used to play together when we were little." I recalled the episode of choo-choo in his dad's garage when I was six. I made a face, but he didn't catch it. "Anyway, I'm just trying to look out for you. As a cop, yes I'm pissed as hell that someone took away my investigation and is leaving me out in the cold. But I'm also concerned about you." I didn't say anything, I just nodded my understanding. My history with Joe Morelli was long and colorful. I may not agree, but I could see he thinks he is trying to protect me.

He took a deep breath, hesitating before starting again, "Steph, before the meeting today I need to ask you something." I nodded. "I know you've got to be already stressed out with the stalker and the bombing."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh no Joe, really, doesn't bother me at all," I answered with more than a hint of sarcasm.

He looked a little sheepish, "Well, if you're going to let me in on the investigation, you've got to let me know what's going on. I don't want to embarrass you. I know I asked you yesterday about um, well, your husband's, uh, acquaintances. I don't want to pour salt in the wound, but that is a pool of suspects we can't ignore." His eyes were compassionate.

I knew I needed to tell him something, but I wasn't willing to tell him everything. "A man like my husband tends to attract attention from women. I can assure you that Ranger and his men have already looked into anyone who may be a threat."

Joe gave me sad eyes, like he felt sorry for me. If there is one thing I can't stand, it's people feeling sorry for me. "Joe, remember when I told you that while I may be the governor's wife, that I am still me?" He nodded, still looking at me like a pathetic fool. "I'm not a woman who gets over being wronged very well, as I'm sure the pin in your leg can attest to." He grimaced. "Trust me, I know the score. My marriage may not be like most, but I'm not someone who will let others take advantage of them. I trust you can keep this between us?" I stood, ready to be done with this conversation.

I saw a change in his eyes as he studied me for a minute, trying to understand what I'd told him. He stood and put his arms around me in a hug, lingering just a little longer than I was comfortable with. When he finally released me, his look was different. I'd seen that look before, when he was eighteen and walked into the bakery. "Let me know how I can help, if you need a friend." Ugh. Really? Very classy.

I moved towards the doorway, where I found Ranger eyeing Joe. Junior was behind him, I assume to escort Joe out. I smiled seeing Ranger. I let him guide me out into the hallway with his hand at the small of my back. I turned back to Joe and tossed over my shoulder, "Thanks for the offer, but I've got plenty of friends. Let's just find out who wants me dead."