27. Sweet Cheezits

As the seconds ticked by, the Core Team became more uncertain. Lil still hadn't said anything, not a peep. Cal was trying to read his sister, after all, he knew her better than anyone else. She was doing a damn good job of keeping her thoughts to herself. Finally, she asked one very important question. "Why?" Her tone wasn't harsh, but genuinely curious. Ranger knew he needed to be the one to field her query, it was his company. "Rangeman could benefit greatly from your contributions. We already have. If you worked with us, I know we would only get better." Lil sat back and placed her hands in her lap. "I'm listening." Tank tried next. "Lil, we know you didn't move here for a job. You're here because of a security threat, and we aren't forgetting that. But you also bring years of education and experience. We know you don't need the job or the money. Lil, Rangeman needs you. Even if it's only temporary."

The other men crowded in around the table were nodding with vigor. Each took their turn adding to Tank's plea. It was sweet. Still, she wasn't jumping up and down shouting her acceptance. "What exactly did you have in mind Carlos?" Ranger liked that she was directing her questions solely at him. He leaned forward, holding eye contact with her. "Your title would be the Consulting Security Director and Administration Specialist of Rangeman. Your position reports directly to me. In that way, you would be on the same command level as the Core Team, without being a member. Core Team leaders have bought into the company at a certain percentage. If that is something you are interested in later, we can visit it then. You would work primarily with us, but also with the other men when it was needed. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1600. Holidays off. You would be located in the empty office between Tank and Lester. It was originally built for Bobby, but he prefers to set up post in the infirmary."

She continued to listen as the men took turns explaining her duties. Lil would work with Tank on the Purchasing and Budget Management. This would allow them the opportunity to fix any issues with orders and suppliers like she had already mentioned. She would work with Lester and his team on client meetings in-house. Any potential Rangeman clients that registered over a certain price point were often brought on site to take a small tour. The meetings and men involved was always greater in these scenarios. Basically, the high-dollar clients required a lot more schmoozing. Cal explained that Lil could be a big help with Bond Apprehension research and planning, especially with her own background and experience. To keep her from becoming too overwhelmed, he wanted to use her for the high-bond skips and federal warrants only. Hector, Bobby, and Ram agreed that they would not need her help on a daily basis. But Bobby pointed out that yearly evaluations at each Rangeman office placed a significant strain on him. As did the audits Ram and Hector needed to perform at the other branches in the summers. Her organizational skills and computer savvy would be super useful. "I would also ask you to help me with the reviews I conduct each week of the Boston, Atlanta, and Miami offices, along with Trenton. A fresh set of eyes on the data will be very beneficial." Ranger raised an eyebrow. It was driving him mad that she wasn't giving them any indication as to what she was thinking.

Lil finally gave a half smile, "OK, what's the down side?" Tank explained the modified job requirements they had agreed upon. Lil would not be asked to meet the same standards as the other men, it was not feasible with her medical history. Instead she would be required to carry a service weapon of her choosing and have two hours of range-time per week. She would also need to take two 'partners' with her, if and when she needed to leave the building. Her outings for work would be limited, but this also carried over to her personal life. If and when her threat was neutralized, they would reevaluate. The gym time and physical fitness requirements were void, her PT sessions with Bobby would continue. Lastly, she would need to wear the Rangeman black uniform, or proper business attire if client meetings were scheduled. She had the option to work from the apartment if necessary or desired, but would be required to be 'in the office' at least two days a week. Lil had to admit, it sounded really awesome. She missed using her education and expertise, she missed security work. The problem was, she didn't know how long they would be living in New Jersey. Everything was so uncertain with the Mob bullshit and Erikson running amok.

"I don't know Carlos. It is a dream offer, really. I know I would be silly to turn it down. But..." Ranger tried to address her unspoken hesitation. "I know you're living in uncertainty right now. But, we don't know how long the threat or danger will last. Unfortunately, the Mob has a long memory. We might have this fixed in a month, but it could legitimately take well into next year. Let me ask you this, when we get rid of Erikson, is there anything keeping you from staying in Trenton?" Lil was surprised by his question. In all honesty, she hadn't given it any thought. She was so busy living in the moment, the future was very hazy. "I don't know. There really isn't anything keeping Tilde and I anywhere. I went to Nevada for my job. That ship docked, refueled, and sailed away a long time ago. We stayed in Vegas because we didn't have a reason not to. At the time it was home..." Ranger understood, he had spent many years simply going where the job had taken him, where the Army sent him. "Then I wouldn't base your decision now on where you might want to end up later. Take this for what it is, a good offer." She gave his words some thought. To give herself a little breathing and thinking room, Lil went to the kitchen to fetch some waters for everyone. At the table, Cal was covertly giving the others a thumbs-up.

As she sat, Tank slid official papers in front of her. "This is the contract we drew up today. Our lawyer and accountant have been contacted. You can start as soon as you sign, if you agree to the terms." She took a swig of her drink and began to read. The first few pages outlined everything they had discussed to that point. So far, so good. Then Lil hit the sections on salary, benefits, and extras. Uh oh. Actually, the 'extras' was one simple addendum that a space in the control room and/or Lil's office would be designated for Tilde. Her daughter was welcome there anytime, or she could spend time with Ella upstairs while Lil worked. That was very thoughtful of them. She wouldn't have a problem signing off on that. However. The benefits and salary were way, way too much. Holy crap. She had plenty of money, she didn't need any more, especially not that much more. Nope, no way.

The contract stated she would receive the standard benefit package including full medical, dental, and vision insurance. Plus, life insurance, disability coverage, and a 401k. Pay raises are granted annually, based on performance, at a rate of 20% of overall salary. Pretty standard, acceptable. Rangeman would give her one week of paid vacation each year, which increased every two years afterward. Okay. Her employment included the perks of a free apartment and a fleet vehicle for her work and personal use. Now it was getting more uncomfortable. Lastly, her starting salary was to be $60k, boosting to $75k after her ninety day probation period. Hold up.

Her mouth started to open, Cal knew she must have gotten to the dollar signs. "Lilly-pad, those figures are actually less than normal. The rest of us started at $75k and moved to $90k after our probation period ended." Tank added, "While you won't be doing all of the dangerous work that the rest of us deal with, you will be a crucial member of the team. The fact that your position is integral to each of the Core members makes us want to raise your salary even more. If we had our way, you would be starting probation at $100k." Lil's eyes widened. There was no way in hell. She started to shake her head and the guy's hearts dropped. "I'm sorry, I can't accept these terms. This is just too much. I wouldn't be comfortable at these amounts." The other's minds were reeling. What could they do to make everyone agree? What terms would be meager enough for her, but wouldn't make them feel like they were taking advantage of Lil? Ranger had a glint in his eye. "I thought you would feel that way, so I took the liberty of drawing up these changes, just in case. BUT, this is my FINAL offer. I will NOT go any lower Lil." He slid a folded paper across the table to her. Lil opened it slowly, the men waited with baited breath. Ranger hid his smirk, being cocky would only piss her off. None of the others were aware of his addition, not even Tank. Yet, knowing his business prowess, they should have figured Ranger would come to a negotiation completely prepared for any outcome or scenario.

The changes Ranger was willing to make read as follows: '1. Half of the moneys Lil has already paid for Rangeman's security services will be placed in a savings account for Matilda. 2. The moneys paid for six months of rent at Rangeman, less the six weeks she has lived there, will also be added to the saving account. 3. Fifty percent of Lil's salary, before taxes, will be directly donated to a charity or charities of her choosing'. Lil read his neat handwriting a few times, soaking up his generosity. She knew he didn't have to make these concessions for her. The fact that he was willing to, that he understood her well enough already… Just, wow. She was moved. She refolded the page, still not giving her decision away to the men. She looked at Ranger. They stared at each other for a long time, silently communicating. He was attempting to show her how much he wanted her… at Rangeman. She was trying to express her gratitude for his understanding. The spell was broken when Tilde dropped one of her blocks and uttered an 'oopsy'.

"Sugar-butt", she slid her eyes to Cal, "please grab me a pen off the counter. I have a contract to sign." The Rangeman Core Team broke out in cheers and laughter. Tilde didn't understand what the fuss was about, but joined in the merriment just the same. Each man took a turn hugging the girls. Lester placed a disgustingly loud wet kiss on her cheek which made Tilde giggle. Ranger called him to the mats before Lil could dry her face off. When Ranger hugged her he whispered in her ear, "Welcome to Rangeman Dulce. I'm looking forward to being your Boss." The sultry sound of his voice, the feathering of his breath in her ear, shivers raced down her spine. Sweet Cheezits. Lil was suddenly aware of his smell, the fabric of his shirt as he pulled away, his piercing brown eyes. His... everything. Oh Boy. What did she just get herself into?