40. Surprises

The atmosphere at Rangeman, which had been so merry and festive less than 48 hours ago, was pretty tense. Word had spread quickly about the issues with Boston and the names involved. Ranger and the rest of the Core Team held multiple private meetings with the other men. They had a few conference calls with Ramon in Boston and a very unproductive call with the FBI branch in Massachusetts. Of course, Ranger's idea of 'fixing' the problem with Tim involved the incinerator. Short and simple. Unfortunately, with the concrete information Lil found on the Maggio Family and the connection to Erikson, that wasn't an option. They had to play things by-the-book. Getting to Erikson and eliminating the threat on Lil and Tilde was top priority. Stopping the theft at BRM was second. If they helped the feds in the mean-time, whatever.

Lil entered Tank's office after the morning meeting for their Tuesday tasks. She was pleased to see that his new Louisiana map had already been hung. It was a really nice addition to the office. Wonder what he'd do if she bought some throw pillows and candles to touch the place up a bit more?... Better not. They spent a few hours going over orders for a new security camera system Hector was trying. Lil was still irritated about Erikson, though she tried to plaster on a smile. "Sis, you need to cheer up. I know this shit's pissed us all off. But really, it's good news. We know more than we did a few days ago. And it's all because of you." He was desperate to see her give a genuine smile. "You're coming to our New Years Eve party right? Some of the guys are bringing dates, but the rest of us are going stag as usual. We're going to block off the first floor of Rangeman and turn it into party-central!" He was excited. The men never did things like this before Lil moved to Jersey. "Besides, if you don't come… you'll miss my karaoke..." That did it. Lil would never forgive herself if she didn't get to watch Tank sing.

Bobby had calls to make with Rangeman Miami all afternoon on Wednesday, so they moved Lil's PT to the morning. While they were in the gym, Tank, Cal, and Lester were holed up in an empty office, going over their New Years Eve plans. This party was their baby, and they were determined to make sure that Lil was there and having a great time. When Lil returned to her own office to check messages before meeting with Lester for a client update, Ella was waiting for her. "Hello Cariña, how are you doing dear?" Ella reached up on her tiptoes to give Lil a warm embrace. The way the younger woman melted into her arms was telling. "I'm fine Ella, what can I do for you?" The older woman clicked her tongue. "Not a thing my love. I just came by to tell you that Luis and I would like to take Tilde and Magnus on Friday night." The way Ella's eyes twinkled meant she wasn't going to take no for and answer. Lil started to object, she didn't want the Guzman's to be stuck babysitting while the others in the building had fun. "Oh it's already settled Lil, we will keep your two babies, and you will get dressed up and have a wonderful night. You deserve it. Oh, and you aren't allowed on the first floor until the party." With that, Ella gave her a mischievous smile and bounced out of the office. Now she was curious, why were they keeping her off one? Tank had said that was the location for the party, but what were they trying to surprise her with? It didn't matter. If they were doing something nice for her, she wouldn't try to ruin it. Besides, Lil loved surprises.

Thursday Lil completed her range time as normal, then spent a few hours helping Ram sort and store the new ammo shipment. Her natural talent for organization and efficiency was incredibly useful. Here and there Ram would drop hints about the party, only enough to drive her nuts though. They turned it into a game. While Lil sorted the 9mm hollow-point ammo by expiration date, she plied him with questions. The less information she received, the more outlandish her questions became. They were both in tears by the time she left. The only things she new for sure were that she was supposed to dress up and be on the first floor by 1800. Yup, that was a whole-lotta-nothing to go on.

Lil had a rough night Thursday, she barely slept and when she did she was plagued by bad dreams. Not exactly nightmares in the traditional sense, but constant images of Erikson, Tilde, Carlos. Erikson's face was always menacing, Tilde and Carlos were scared. By 0400 she gave up on sleep and started her espresso machine. Lil was tired, grumpy, and frustrated. The entire MSF situation was causing her great ire. She detested that they were targets of a low-life henchman. She hated that Carlos had been betrayed. The fact that their problems were so intimately related was bothersome. Lil sat through the morning meeting, listening but not interacting with the others. She was just too tired. When she left the conference room she headed straight to Ranger's office, intending to start work on the latest batch of audits. If she could focus her anger on being productive, it wouldn't overwhelm her… at least that what she told herself. She hadn't seen much of her boss since Monday, except for morning meetings or passing each other occasionally on five. She didn't take it personally, he was more busy than ever with these new developments. It was probably a good thing. The last few times they had been alone in close proximity, something almost happened.

Lil knocked on Ranger's door and entered at his command. He lifted his head from the papers he was scanning, his blank face sliding into place. Ranger stood and walked around his desk to meet her half way. "When was the last time you slept Dulce?" She was caught off guard by his question. "I slept last night Carlos. What are we working on today? How can I help?" She tried to give him a smile, it didn't reach her eyes. "Stop." Lil froze, his tone had dropped. Army Ranger had entered the room and was using his full commanding presence. "Don't lie to me Dulce. You're dead on your feet. What's happening?" Lil huffed and dropped her tense shoulders. "I'm fine. Really. Just been having some bad dreams since Monday. It'll pass." She gave him a more natural grin, "So what's the plan today? Do you have the new spreadsheets from Boston?" Ranger shook his head. "I do, but you aren't looking at them until next week." She furrowed her brows, scrunching her face up in a way that made him want to kiss her even more. "Did I do something wrong? Do you want me to work on something else?" He didn't respond but reached out and pulled her hand until she landed inches from his chest. Ranger wrapped his arms around her, hugging her without being too smothering. "No Dulce, you are perfect. I want you to go upstairs and rest, try to sleep. Then you're going to get up, get dressed, and come back for the party… And before the night is over, you are going to dance with me at least once." He placed a quick kiss on her blonde head and gently pushed her out the office. The look on her face was priceless. He gave her a sexy wink and shut his door in her face with a self-satisfied chuckle.

Lil did just what Ranger had told her to, she went straight upstairs and took a rather lengthy nap. Thankfully, her sleep was not interrupted with ugly visions. She spent a quiet lunch with Tilde after Cal brought her back to the apartment. They had spent their morning playing on the roof. Ella arrived at 1600 to pick up her two charges. Lil had a brief moment of sadness. Her daughter was getting bigger, growing up. This time last year, Tilde would have been in tears about leaving her mommy. Tonight, she couldn't get out the door fast enough. Though in all fairness, she was going to spend the night with Ella and Luis… Lil would likely have the same reaction as a small child. Hell, she'd probably have the same reaction if the Guzman's invited her for a sleepover now. After all, Ella was amazing.

Lil took a shower, scrubbing and abusing all the normal places. She half-dried her hair then stuck in some giant rollers for added volume. There were definite benefits to not having to leave her building for the party. First and foremost, weather wouldn't be an issue. She could wear whatever she liked without having to worry about freezing to death in Jersey or the icky weather messing up her hair. And if her feet got tired from the heels, she could just take them off. Maybe all parties from now on should be at Haywood… She was excited about the chance to wear her new gold dress. It covered all the major parts of her, which meant that 'normal' bra and panties was totally acceptable. Lil chose one of her favorite Agent Provocater sets in pale pink. The super-sheer lace and embroidery were comfortable, which was all that mattered at this point. She lotioned her legs and added a little golden shimmer powder before stepping into her unzipped dress. It hit two inches below her ass. Note to self, no major bending. The dress was solid rose-gold sequins, but lighter like champagne. It had long sleeves, a modest vee neckline, and hugged her body snuggly when zipped. If she spun fast enough, she'd be a tall disco ball. The shoes though, they were the kicker. Pun intended. Rose gold with a four inch spiked heel, they looked like they were forged from actual metal. The accents were a beautiful blend of gold leaves and gilded swirls. These were Lil's favorite shoes by far. He makeup was minimal, a lighter smokey eye to bring out the green and a nude lip. She removed the curlers and brushed out her now poofy tresses, letting them cascade down her shoulders. Sliding Grandma Peyton's pink opal cocktail ring onto her index finger, she was ready to head downstairs.

Binkie and Cal, the two men on monitor duty until eleven, watched her progress down the elevator. Cal was trying to not take offense to the noises Binkie was making while looking at his big sister. He still hit him twice. It was a bummer to be stuck working instead of at the party, but they planned to join later when they switched shifts with Zip and Junior. For the first time in forever, Ranger wasn't working on a holiday. Lil arrived on one to find a suave looking Lester with his arm around a pretty redhead. He was apparently playing host to this shindig. "Lil! You look gorgeous! This is Stacy, my date." Lil shook her hand graciously, wondering if she was even old enough to drink. Lester gave her a look that said he knew he was busted. Stacy smiled and beamed at Lester, unaware of their nonverbal conversation. Tank approached, giving Lil the out she needed. The man had excellent timing. He whistled seductively at her, followed by a childish grin. "Woo-wee, hot stuff! Damn Sis, that is some dress." She laughed, these guys were great for the ego. "Please, let me give you the grand tour." He held out his massive arm, which was currently covered in a tailored blue suit. Tank led Lil through the first floor lobby into the various conference and meeting rooms. Only, they were completely changed. The largest conference room, the one they had used for the holidays, had been transformed into a 70's style disco. Like Studio 54 and Rangeman had a sexy baby. The large room next door was set up like a karaoke bar. Two other meeting rooms held catered foods (a bevvy of Asian delights) and the open bar. A 'lounge' area was set up outside the bar for guests to chill and talk. The last club room was setup like a 90's dancehall. Every room had a DJ or musical setup. Hired servers were waiting to assist guests. Lil was floored, the seventies and the nineties were two of her favorite decades for music and dancing! Tank turned his glowing smile to her, "Surprise!".