I'm a princess cut from marble, smoother than a storm
And the scars that mark my body, they're silver and gold
My blood is a flood of rubies, precious stones
It keeps my veins hot, the fires find a home in me

18 Months since leaving Trenton. Following on from chapter 18

"What do you want with me?" I'm tired and aching and pretty sure I'm not going to live to see the next sunrise so I'll be as careless as I like.

I must have given the right answer to his question, because the boss had dismissed his henchmen at once. They had filtered out of the room obediently, only a few throwing me one last curious glance, including the woman I had decided not to piss off.

"It's quite simple really, Estefania" he said. He had taken a seat in a deep burgundy coloured armchair across from me. Everything in this room, this house screamed old money. It occurred to me that it had been taken rather than inherited.

"That's not my name" I say without thinking.

He lifted an eyebrow, "Is it not? I don't mind"

No, I thought, I bet you don't mind at all.

"We've met before you and I. Do you remember?" he asked. He was relaxed in his chair, his hands curling round the tips of the ends, shirtsleeves rolled up and showing off defined muscle and a scattering of faint scars.

"I doubt I could forget it" I said honestly. If this big bad wanted to sit with me in his living room and have a Q&A session without the waterboarding and keep me alive then that was fine by me. For now.

"You could have shot me" he said simply. "And yet you didn't, why is that?"

I couldn't help the smile that twisted my lips, "You didn't pose a threat at the time"

"At the time" he repeated, as if amused. "I think we both know that is not true but it does not matter" his English was impeccable, but his accent curled around his words giving them a texture that had them stuck in my mind. As if I didn't pay attention, I would regret it. He seemed content to watch me, his cool dark gaze assessing and cataloguing.

"What do you want with me?" I repeated.

"Tell me Estefania, are you in love with Ranger Manoso?" I would like to think I kept myself together, but if I was expecting anything, it wasn't this.

"I find it curious. It is unlike him to have a weakness, not one I am able to exploit at least and yet you here you are" he spreads his hands out a little "the fly in my spider's nest" the small amused smile on his face tells me he knows all about his infamous nickname.

"I don't know what you're talking about" is all I can think to say. It's weak and we both know it.

He laughs quietly. It's as if he is the epitome of composure. All his movements economical, no effort wasted. "Your government is not nearly as subtle as it thinks it is, Miss Plum"

That I can agree with. "It's really not"

My honest admission, although not a confession in anyway seems to give him pause, the light in his eyes seems to calm down as if the situation is no longer as urgent. He hasn't really asked me anything incriminating, except for Ranger.

Ranger.

If he wants to get to Ranger he has everything he needs in this room. After all, I know far more than most about Ranger.

"It occurs to me that we have a mutual interest" He said, his eyes focused on me.

I swallowed. "I'm listening"

Present Day

I'm not sure who was more surprised to see who.

Tank looked like he'd seen a ghost and I could have sworn I was staring into a memory. I could hear the sirens coming closer and closer to where I'd stopped. Tank finally blinked and opened his mouth as if he had something to say and then closed it again.

I decided this was a good moment to step out of the car. Tank automatically moved back to give me room and it seemed to snap him out of his funk.

"Steph" he said, his voice was kind of faint before he cleared his throat and tried again. "Steph. You're here"

The old Stephanie would have smiled. I just nodded. "I am"

Hearing my voice seemed to reassure him I was real. "You came back" he said, his eyes were scanning me from head to toe. He moved ever so slightly closer again as if afraid I would disappear. There was a growing chatter surrounding us as some of the drivers who'd swerved to a stop began to step out onto the highway and other cars decided to make their getaway before the cops locked the road down.

I watched as the police cars finally came into sight as well as a fire truck racing to get to the scene of carnage around us.

"Are you in trouble?" Tank asked gruffly, making me tear my eyes away. His seemed fixed on my person and I realised he wasn't planning on letting me out of his sight. My blood ran cold as I realised wherever Tank was, Ranger couldn't be far behind. There was no way he'd keep him out of the loop for a second time. Not for something like this. Not if there was a chance he still cared.

I shook my head, "I'm fine Tank."

His eyebrows shot up almost comically as his eyes strayed to the wreckage of Hannibal's car. The ambulance crew had arrived first and had shot over to the site, climbing over what was left of the barrier. A paramedic started to jog towards us and I gave him a look that stopped him dead.

Tank was not to be distracted. "Where you have been Steph? We've been searching all over for you"

We've been searching all over for you. It was not what I wanted to hear. And not a question I wanted to answer.

Luckily, I never had the chance.

"Put your hands up in the air" came the shout. The police had finally arrived, and en-masse. At least five cars with more still arriving as they began to lock down the scene. Some of the officers were walking purposefully towards us, the others hung back at a distance. All were armed and ready to shoot.

Tank stepped away from me and raised his hands in the air. I turned to face the commotion but I wasn't willing to surrender just yet. I was waiting.

"Steph" Tank hissed quietly, "they won't believe you if you don't cooperate" It shouldn't have surprised me that Tank had no doubts I was innocent. I'd forgotten what that felt like.

"Hands in the air now, ma'am" The officer closest warned, weapon raised and aimed at me.

Another car arrived behind the police car barricade. A black, glossy, nondescript sedan. The back door opened, a suited figure stepping out onto the tarmac. Simultaneously, I raised my hands into the air.

Instantly the first officer closed the distance and shoved me against the car, hands first. "You have the right to remain silent" he began.

My life would depend on it.

AN – Hey guys sorry for the delay. Life has been nuts and I lately received some terrible news so I won't promise you anything yet. This was meant to be part of a much larger chapter that is still on its way to you as is the remainder of this tale. I hope it lives up to your expectations. For now, I hope this keeps you going. BTW, the two parts will be merged into one once its all finished.

Love always, M