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 21
Ranger looked a little grim, "And they know you're here." Today's photo was sent to Rangeman. Shit, I hadn't thought about that.
"How? I mean how could they know? No one knows. Well, Dickie and Connie know. Maybe the stalker doesn't know I'm staying here, just that you've been hired to work on the case." That seemed more logical. "Besides, it was only this morning that my stuff got moved in here. Which was quite a surprise by the way." I wanted to say more, but that would be a whole different discussion. "I think they are just trying to antagonize you."
Ranger grunted something that sounded like, "They're doing a great job."
The Good Wife
Chapter 22
We were still waiting for any news regarding the professional quality photo printer the next morning when it was time to head over to the Foundation for a special event. Today was the Grand Opening of our new daycare and preschool, affectionately named SuperFriends. The whole wing of the building was decorated in theme with pictures and symbols from all of the superheroes who formed the Justice League. Ranger, Tank, Lester and Bobby were all accompanying me. I took a lot of well deserved ribbing for nicknaming the guys on the way down to the garage. It wasn't until I threatened to make them take over for the costumed actors I'd hired did they finally give it a rest.
"I didn't know costumes were on the table." Ranger whispered huskily as he buckled me into his Turbo. I shivered as very dirty thoughts of Ranger in a cape danced through my head. I tried to still my hormones as we made our way across town.
It had been days since I'd been to my office, but it seemed a lot longer. I was used to working every day, maybe taking one weekend day off. Working for a nonprofit agency, there was always a lot to be done and always too few hands to do it. Most weekdays I worked with clients, using the weekend to catch up on the boring administrative paperwork. The last two days we'd made plans to go to my office, but attempts on my life and death threats got in the way. Where are my priorities? This morning we would attend the opening then spend the afternoon in my office going over potential suspects in my files.
We arrived before the festivities were to start so the Rangemen could make sure the building was secure. It made me sick to my stomach to think this refugee I'd created for women could be used against me. Ranger had already sent a team over early this morning to do a sweep; they were standing guard awaiting our arrival. I did manage to convince him that anyone here for the actual party had to be dressed as a normal human as opposed to urban commando. He agreed to the clothing, but insisted on them being fully armed and they were wearing their com-links. I just hoped all of the man candy didn't distract my day care workers too much.
The event today would be more of an open house than a party. The mothers and children who would be utilizing our services would be touring the facilities while staff and volunteers would serve as hosts and hostesses. There were also benefactors and board member who would be there to see all of their hard work and money put to good use. Soon after the doors opened we had nearly a full house.
Lula was over in the dress up corner she'd sponsored. It was every little girls' dream, satin and sequins, sparkles and jewels. At first I was worried when Lula wanted to do the shopping, not just provide the funds. While she has her own sense of style and it works for her, I wasn't sure it would translate to preschoolers. I was shocked. Everything she picked was perfect. I watched her as she helped the little girls choose their evening wear and high heels.
"You've made those little girls very happy." I told my friend.
She smiled at me. "Little girls deserve to be happy." She had kind of a wistful look in her eye. "Just cause my Mama was a 'ho didn't mean I didn't want to be a princess." Since she was helped out by the foundation, Lula had steadily been giving back. At first it was coming in to volunteer, giving free haircuts to the women and their children. When she started making money she made regular donations and created a scholarship program for women who were interested in cosmetology school, even offered paid internships at her salon.
"I see you brought lots of hunky men with you today. They may not be dressed in black, but theys got to be bodyguards. Everything alright?" She looked concerned. I didn't feel like getting into all of it. I loved Lula, but Lula loved to gossip.
"Just a little man candy for you." I smiled, hoping she'd let it go.
She snorted, "Hell yeah! That one looks like he's carved out of dark chocolate. Mmmm…mmmm…mmmm." She was eyeing Tank like he was on the buffet table. I just laughed and promised to introduce her later.
My best friend Mare was also in attendance. Since we'd opened she'd volunteered at the foundation in various capacities wherever needed. But now, with her youngest in kindergarten, she was having a little empty nest syndrome. In college she'd majored in elementary education, specializing in early childhood development, so when I asked if she was interested in heading up our preschool she jumped at the chance. Mare stayed busy talking to mothers and kids, welcoming them to their new school.
The Rangemen did their best to fit in. Ranger stayed within a few feet of me the whole time. Bobby made himself at home with the kids in the pretend hospital. Lester was busy helping a group of boys and girls setting up an intricate train track. Tank was currently wearing a tiara and a feather boa. He seemed quite taken with the dress up clothes and the woman in charge. Guess I didn't need to do any introductions. Even though they were all interacting with the kids I could tell they were all still vigilant and fully aware of everyone else in the room.
While Ranger and I played with the children in the arts and craft center I caught him staring at me. "You should be very proud Babe." I was. But I knew I was only one person, this had taken lots of people to make it a reality. While I loved the hands on work with our clients, where I was most effective was in wooing contributors. When I felt Ranger tense, I looked up and saw I needed to go back to work. Dmitri Ramos had just arrived. I left my unfinished Wonder Woman coloring page and made my way to greet our newest benefactor.
Once again I was taken by how gorgeous the man was. His features were classic Greek, dark and dangerous. The whiteness of his smile was in stark contrast to his olive skin. I put my hand out to shake his. Instead he held it to his lips, a bit longer than I was comfortable with. I convinced myself it was just a cultural thing and I was reading too much into it. "Good morning Beautiful." It was the same name his father used for me, but it seemed not quite as innocent as when his father used it. I could feel Ranger's presence, but he was discreet and didn't interrupt our exchange.
"Good morning, I'm so glad you came. Please thank your father for his very generous donation and thank you for encouraging him." I pretended to be completely comfortable with the fact that he still had a hold of my hand and was in my personal space. He was someone I didn't want to offend and I couldn't afford to put off. I'd dealt with much handsier and less attractive men. This was a walk in the park, for me anyway. I wondered about how Ranger was dealing.
"The work you do, you change peoples' lives." It sounded like a compliment, but there was an edge to it that made me question his meaning. I chose to ignore it.
"Well, thank you for your support. I was surprised to hear your father tell me of your interest in our foundation. How did you hear about us?" I was grateful for the money, but was also unsure of his motives.
A strange look crossed his face before he answered. "A friend of a friend," he waved off the rest of my question. "I'd like to learn more, become more involved." He was still charming, but in a way that told me he wasn't about to take no for an answer.
"Of course, we have lots of different opportunities. Do you mind if I ask why? It just seems a little different for someone in your family, your line of work." I hoped I was sufficiently polite in my inquiry. I already had two stalkers and a mob princess who hated me. I didn't need to add a family of Greek gun-runners to the list.
He laughed softly and kissed my hand again. "Let's just say it never hurts to bank some good karma in our line of work either." Good argument. I just nodded and smiled. He promised to call later to discuss a position that had just been vacated on our board of directors. As he slipped away into the crowd I felt Ranger close the small distance he'd been keeping. He didn't say anything, but his jaw was set. It was obvious he was not exactly thrilled about my exchange with Dmitri, but he also knew it was a part of my job. Before I could say anything to soothe him my attention was drawn to a blur of movement to my right. Instinctively my arms flew out to catch the small child who launched themselves at me.
"Aunt Feffie, I get to go to your school, to superhero school!" Frankie's green eyes were wide with wonder as his head swiveled all around the room. The actors in costume had been a huge hit with the kids, well with the moms, too. My nephew was dressed for the occasion with his Batman cape and utility belt. He had on the mask, but it was tipped back so it sat atop his blond hair.
I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I know buddy. I'm so excited for you!" He gave me a big smile before noticing Ranger who was standing beside me.
"You're too big for school. Are you one of the teachers?" I laughed, trying to imagine Ranger finger painting with little people. Ranger just shook his head no. Frankie cocked an eyebrow, "But Mommy called you a superhero."
Why should I be surprised? I thought he was Batman, why should my sister be any different? "What did your mommy say Sweetie?"
"She called him a Hulk, no, not a Hulk, a Hunk. Yeah, a hunk. Is that a superhero?" I couldn't hold back the laughter that escaped. And I swear Ranger blushed. We didn't have to address Frankie's question because in an instant he wiggled out of my arms, but grabbed my hand and pulled me across the room to the nursery where Val was.
Frankie looked proudly up at us and explained, "I'm gonna go to school while Mommy takes care of the babies." He pointed to the little baby in his mother's arms. Val had volunteered at the Foundation since she'd moved back to Trenton. I think for her it was a way of giving thanks for Frankie. She was a people person and loved children. I knew she would love to have more, but with the limited income that came from her husband Albert's small law firm, it just wasn't in the cards.
With Frankie old enough for preschool I convinced Val to take a paid position in the daycare. Part of her benefits included preschool for Frankie and she could bring Lisa with her. She got her baby fix as well as a little more income. She never talked about it, but I knew she and her first husband Steve had been well off when they lived in California. When he took off to the Cayman Islands with all their money and the babysitter she suddenly had to start counting pennies. I helped whenever she would let me. While I know she loves Albert, I also knew things were tight. I was glad I would be able to help her financially without her worrying about it being charity. We Plum women were too proud to accept such things.
We chatted with Val for a little while; well, I chatted with Val. Ranger was his normal, silent self, though it could be he was still embarrassed about what Frankie had said. I did catch Ranger watching Frankie, studying him really. As if by just watching him he could solve the complicated puzzle of Frankie's parentage. When we finally excused ourselves to meet up with the other Rangemen I could tell Ranger was still working it over in his mind. I grabbed his hand and gave it a little squeeze, "Tonight. I'll explain everything tonight." He just gave me a slight nod and squeezed my hand in return, acknowledging how difficult it was going to be for me.
The function was winding down and we were getting ready to head up to my office for lunch and to go over some files when Joe Morelli arrived. He and Ranger exchanged nods as a way of greeting and he congratulated me on our new addition. Ever aware of my burg manners I thanked him before we got down to business. He asked to speak to me privately which made Ranger tense. Reluctantly he agreed and took up a position just out of earshot. Well earshot for a normal person; with his bat-hearing I wasn't so sure.
Joe swallowed hard before speaking, "I talked to Terri." He looked a little ashamed, "I'm sorry Steph, I had no idea how she felt about you. Hell I never knew she was that serious about me. I thought we were just having fun. I guess we weren't on the same page."
"Joe, I don't even think you were even reading the same book!" He shrugged and gave me a sheepish smile.
"Yeah, well we are now. Anyway, I talked to her. She did tell me about the deal they are brokering with your husband. And she swears up and down she has nothing to do with the pictures." I rolled my eyes. Well as long as she swore on it she must be telling the truth. I think he realized I wasn't going to jump for joy or offer him my undying thanks so he moved on. "This looks really nice. You do good work here. You know my cousin Kenny's ex and her kid, they came here for help." Of course I remembered his cousin Kenny and the case, but with client confidentiality I couldn't tell him that.
I gave him a sympathetic smile, "I'm glad we could help." I knew it cost him a lot to say that. The Morelli family tree was not a pretty one. It was mostly full of rotten apples as far as the Morelli men were concerned. I wouldn't say Joe was rotten, maybe just a little bruised and definitely not my taste.
"So," he shoved his hands into his pockets and he looked down at his shoes, "Anyway, I just wanted to apologize. I made assumptions about you and I was wrong." What, did Joe Morelli just say he was wrong? Did we get that on tape? I must have looked shocked, I know my mouth was hanging open because he reached over and closed it for me. "Yeah well, don't get used to it. You be careful Steph." He turned, gave Ranger a quick nod, and he was gone.