Ranger blew off the rest of the day. I'm not sure this being married thing is really good for his business. Instead of staying there and working like he would have normally done, he left the office and went all the places with me that Mitch was going to go. Mitch, on the other hand, was escorted by armed guards back to the other offices and locked up on the seventh floor. All the apartments were full but our place. It was also the most secure spot in the building. He'd have stayed at the new facility, but it wasn't fully operational.
Mike showed me the new menu filled with all the things that I'd helped add to the menu. Listed were Ranger's Burrito Dinner, Mrs. Falcon's Lemon Cake, Bombshell Blast, and Stateside Roast Beef among other things. There was a forward on the menu that thanked me for my generous time and commitment to the improvement to the menu. It was very sweet. Mike wasn't being bothered any more at all and when Ranger told him that the target was actually Mitch, he became very concerned. He sent us to the kitchen to talk to Smith. Smith had a lot to say about George and none of it was very good.
If Ranger doubted my instincts before, which he didn't, he wouldn't now. But he was even more concerned with how to go forward. George was dangerous. And crossing George could mean big trouble. He'd have to handle it just right. And he wasn't really sure what just right was right now.
We got my prescriptions next and then headed to the gallery. We walked away after purchasing a lot of stuff that would all be delivered the next day. We spent thousands of dollars, but we felt that every place in the facility deserved to be as special as we could make it.
Ranger admitted to me that the new building had cost several hundred million dollars. Part of it was government funded. He wasn't doing black ops anymore, but some of the black ops were being run through our facility and monitored there once we were up and running. That had been Robert's idea. It was one more disconnect from the government. It gave them another way to say it they had no knowledge. They ran it through as a government grant. Tank and Ranger were contracted for ten years to run those ops and then they would be free and clear. If they chose to continue after that, it would be at some astronomical price. I could see why dealing with George had to be done with kid gloves now. But I wasn't going to let him kill Mitch. George was a bad man.
We headed back home and straight to the kitchen to make dinner. I started it and he shuffled through the mail.
"You got a letter from Brian," he said putting a small pile on the counter for me.
"What does he say," I smiled as I stirred.
"I didn't open it," he shook his head.
"You can," I winked at him. "Will you read it to me?"
He shook his head and opened it,
"Dear Stephanie,
Did I mention to you that my father is insane? He's become completely obsessed with the idea of Lord of the Rings being in New Zealand. Well, he was. Now he's bored and he wants to come home. He wants to come to Trenton and see you. I told him that your marriage is fixed and you're happy. He says that he's glad. He liked Ranger. He thought he was an upstanding guy. He's right about that part too. He's made some real bonehead moves, but he loves you and he is, at heart, a good man.
Dad and I have had some really long talks and I'm going to go ahead and take the bar when I come back. I may go back to the government or I may not. I was first in my class at Harvard in law school. I chose to walk away. I would have been a good lawyer. I just didn't think I'd like it. I don't want to work defending bad people. I'd almost rather find a good company that I trust and work solely for them. The money won't be as good, but I'll have peace of mind and regular hours. It's not bad.
Anyway…I want you to know that I'm happy for you. I truly am very happy for you. I will always love you, but it's faded to a kind of sweet friendship love and I'm content with that. You taught me that I'm capable of loving and when the right girl comes along, I'm not afraid to take that chance. Thank you for that.
Give Ranger my best. I know he loves you more than his own life. I'll be glad when he can say it, but like you I realize that he does love you no matter whether the words ever come out of his mouth at all. His actions have said it all along.
Love,
Brian"
"Oh wow," I sighed. "That's very nice. He sounds good."
"He does sound good," he wrapped his arms around me. "How hungry are you?"
I grinned, "not very."
"I think I owe you three earth shattering orgasms."
"You only owe me two now," I laughed.
"No…you said tonight. That one was a warm up."
"Oh boy," I grinned.
"So…"
"So, we'll heat up some leftovers when we get hungry," I turned to him.
"Sounds like a plan."
Hours later, after four or five orgasms of the global damaging variety and some left over stroganoff eaten on the couch in front of the television Ranger's phone suddenly went ballistic.
"What the hell," I blinked at him.
"Oh my God," he said running for the stairs.
"What's wrong," I said wide-eyed.
"Someone's breaking into Rangeman," he said.
"Oh shit," I raced up the stairs after him. When I got to the bedroom he was throwing clothes on.
"What are you doing," he asked when I went into the closet.
"I'm going with you."
"You are not," he said seriously.
"Ric…"
"No Stephanie," he said softly and took my upper arms in his hands, "you're not. You and the bean are going to stay here where it's safe and incubate. I'm going to go and make sure everything and everyone is okay. The police are there. You're staying here."
"I can't," I pleaded tearfully.
"When it's clear, I'll send someone for you," he said softly. "I know they're your friends too."
I nodded.
"Please…I need you to be safe."
"Okay," I whispered.
He wrapped me in his arms tight and hugged me as though his life depended on it. Then he let me go, kissed my head and grabbed his guns and knives and ran out the door.
I didn't like this. It seemed as though I was always waiting for someone to tell me that people I love are okay. I wasn't in the thick of things. The bean was worth it, don't get me wrong, but it was the beginning of a new life for me. I couldn't roll in garbage anymore even if I wanted to. Not that any sane people want to roll around in the garbage you understand. I just wanted the option. But I couldn't do that now. I was a mother. No wonder my mother acted like she had a stick up her ass for years. She couldn't enjoy life.
It was hours before the lights of a black Rangeman vehicle came up the driveway and stopped by the front door. Lester tapped lightly before coming inside and taking me into his arms.
"Is everyone okay," I whispered.
"No," he shook his head. "Mark and James, two of the new guys we'd recently hired, who were working monitors tonight are both dead. Cal's in the hospital, they're not sure he's going to make it. He's got multiple gunshot wounds, so does Tank but they're expecting him to survive. Woody's got a couple of shots in him. We're down two good men and we may lose another one."
"Oh my God," I groaned. "Where do I go?"
"What do you mean," he frowned.
"I need to see my husband, and then I need to go to the hospital. The girls may need me."
He nodded. "Let's go."
When we pulled onto Haywood I was aghast. There were flashing lights all around the block. There were police cars, state police cars, sheriffs' cars, and federal cars along with Rangeman vehicles. There were crime units and multiple television stations there including some national coverage. This was big news.
"I can't let you in there ma'am," the state policeman said.
"The hell you say," I glared at him. "My husband owns this company. He's in that building. I'm going in. If you want to stop me, you're going to have to shoot me. And if you shoot me, my husband is going to be really pissed. And…"
The man paled, "go on in ma'am. I didn't realize you were Mrs. Manoso."
"Thank you," I said as Lester drove into the garage. I got out of the SUV and ran for the elevator punching the button several times impatiently. "Where is he Lester?"
"I don't know," he sighed. "The com is down. The crime unit is in there."
"Oh Jesus," I groaned. "What about our clients?"
"We've rerouted to the new facility. Hal and Gabe are there."
I flipped open my phone and hit one on speed dial.
"Yes Babe," he said tiredly.
"Where are you?"
"My office," he sighed.
"Okay," I closed my phone. "Oh shit," I groaned. "I hung up on him."
I punched the button for the fifth floor the second we got on and tapped my foot impatiently. When the elevator doors opened he was standing there and I flung myself in his arms. He was covered in blood. It wasn't his though. He looked like he might break. "I'm so sorry. Oh God Ric, I'm so sorry," I held onto him tight.
He put his face in my neck and breathed me in as his arms crushed me to him. He was shaking.
I knew he felt that he was responsible for the welfare and safety of his men. I knew that he had designed that facility so they would be safe. He felt like he had failed.
"He's going to pay for this."
"I know," I whispered.
"Get Brian here. I need someone on our side. Tell him to bring his father with him."
I frowned up at him, "are you sure?"
"They have contacts. I had some long talks with Fenton Goodman and I know he knows people that can help me here. I also know he believes he owes you one. Get them here. If Brian's interested, he can have that corporate job with me."
"I'll call him," I nodded. "I love you Ric. Do you need anything?"
"I just had what I needed. I know you're safe."
"I'm going to the hospital."
He nodded. "I'll be there as soon as I can get away."
"Okay. I love you," I said softly.
He hugged me to him after giving me one long agonizing look, "be careful. Lester, take care of her."
"I will. I promise."
He released me and I turned to get back on the elevator. As the doors closed I could see him standing in the hall and he looked utterly lost. I would make sure George paid for this if it was the last thing I did.
I went straight up to the surgical waiting room. Lester knew where everyone was. All three of the men were in surgery. I raced inside and three of the most important women in my life came toward me.
I wrapped my arms around Natalie as Lula and Connie joined our hug. "Have you heard anything," I whispered.
"Not yet," she said softly.
"Who do I need to call? Do I need to call your parents? Do I need to call his parents?"
She blinked at me in shock. "Oh my God, I didn't even think…"
"That's why I'm here. I opened my phone and went through my contacts till I got Cal's parents. I called the number immediately knowing it was late and knowing that if I waited it might be too late. I spoke softly to Cal's father. They were in Philadelphia but would be there as soon as possible. I told them I'd make the reservations if they'd tell me when they'd be ready to leave. He spoke softly to his wife and I heard her start to cry. He told me that they could be at the airport in an hour. I told him I'd call him back.
I called Ranger and he called the corporate pilot and told him to go to Philadelphia. Someone from Rangeman would pick them up from the airport. He'd arrange their accommodations.
I called them back and he sighed in relief.
Then I called Natalie's parents and did the same thing. They were closer though. They were in Newark and would drive over immediately.
I walked back over, "they're on their way."
She shook her head and let me wrap my arms around her. "He can't die Steph. I waited twenty-seven years for him. He's my life. I love him so much."
"I know," I said softly. "He loves you too. He told me once that he didn't think he'd ever find someone who could look at him and think he was normal. He said when people looked at him he felt that they either thought he was some kind of zoo animal or they were just interested because he was probably anatomically correct. He'd given up on ever having a real relationship with a woman. But you looked at him and you saw past all the tattoos and saw him. You saw his bright blue eyes and you saw him. It was amazing to him. He loves you Natalie. I mean he adores you."
She sobbed, "thank you."
"It's just the truth of it."
"As bad as things are here. Mark and James' girlfriends aren't ever going to see them again. I'm the lucky one. I got here before they took him into surgery. I got to see him alive."
Tears rolled down my cheeks. Dr. Riley came through the doors and he looked exhausted. "One at a time okay," he said softly. "I've been assisting in all three surgeries. Mrs. Thibodeaux?"
"That's me," Lula said softly.
"Your husband is fine. He's in recovery. Not a single one of his injuries is life threatening. They nicked his liver, but it's okay. A person can live with a very small portion of their liver and his is healthy and the small piece that's gone won't be missed. You will be able to see him as soon as they move him out of post op to a regular room."
"Thank you Jesus," Lula said hugging him tight.
Dr. Funny Bone Riley raised a brow at me and grimaced.
I smiled.
"Connie Roselli," he turned to the Betty Boop look alike. "Woody is doing great. He's going to be in a room in about fifteen minutes. His injuries are all minor. You can see him as soon as a nurse comes in here to get you."
"Yes," she hugged him and latched on to Lula with a sigh of relief.
"Now…Mrs. Henderson," he said to Natalie, "your husband is still in surgery. We still don't know anything yet, but I'll tell you this much. He's healthy. He's strong. And he has a will to live."
She nodded.
"Don't worry. I've never seen anyone with a will this strong not make it."
She nodded again and gave him a small grateful, tearful smile.
"How about you Mrs. Manoso," he said quietly. "I didn't see your husband in here anywhere."
"He wasn't there. He was at home," I said softly.
"It's your lucky day," he squeezed my hand and walked away.
It didn't feel so lucky.
Natalie and I sat back down to wait and Lula and Connie hurried off to join the beckoning nurses after I waved them off.
Lester sank down on the other side of her, "do you need anything? Would either of you like some coffee?"
Natalie sighed, "I'd love some."
"How do you like it?"
"Cream and two sugars," she said gratefully.
"Stephanie," he raised a brow.
"I've already had caffeine today," I made a face. "The bean and I are on a no caffeine diet the rest of the day."
"How about a bottle of water," he suggested.
"Perfect," I smiled.
Ranger came into the waiting room about an hour later. He didn't even change. He just came as he was.
He took Natalie into his arms and held onto her as she cried. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know what we missed."
"You didn't miss anything," she whispered. "He says you're the best."
"They were better," he sighed.
She looked up the long distance to him, "don't do this Ricardo. This is not your fault. That building is state of the art. The new building is even better. Whoever did this had inside information. You know that."
He nodded grimly.
"Do you have any ideas," she said softly.
He nodded again, this time even more grimly.
"Then you make the son-of-a-bitch pay," she said with a snarl.
"You can count on it," he said coldly.
"That's all Cal and I need."
"What's the word?"
"Nothing for over an hour," I said tiredly. "Dr. Riley says Cal has a strong will to live."
"Of course he does," he nodded thoughtfully and smiled at Natalie, "he has you to live for."
She let a small sob escape, "you know…you're a good man Ricardo Manoso."
"Don't tell anyone," he sighed. "Stephanie…honey, did you make that phone call for me?"
"Shit," I groaned. "I'll do it right now." I got up and went over to the window and hit the 7 on speed dial. "Pick up, pick up, pick up," I muttered.
"Hello Sweetheart," Brian said lazily. His tone changed immediately to concern when he realized what time it was. "Hey…what are you doing up? It's after 3AM there."
"We need you," I said softly. "Ranger asked me to call."
"Oh shit," he gasped. "What happened?"
I laid everything out for him.
"Let me talk to Dad. I can pretty much guarantee you we'll be there in twenty-four hours. I'll call you back if it's going to be longer."
"We'll pick you up. We'll find you a place to stay that's safe."
"I want to be where there are resources Stephanie."
"Okay," I agreed. "I think I know where to put you. Let me talk to Ranger."
"Okay, I'll let you know when. Take care, honey. Bye." He hung up.
I sighed and turned to see Dr. Riley coming into the room. He looked more tired, but he didn't look grim.
"Natalie," he said softly.
"Yes," she whispered.
"He's alive. He's going to stay alive," he said with a smile. "That man is one amazing strong guy. I've only seen a will like that once before," he nodded toward me. "He's going to be okay."
She broke and collapsed in Ranger's arms.
I hugged Dr. Riley, "thank you."
"You're welcome. You have some amazing people in your life Stephanie Manoso."
"I know," I smiled. "I know."