Warning: Graphic description of Sam's injuries. Not pretty.

Family Ties

Chapter 3

It was too early to make my calls, so I decided to get my packing done first. I had barely begun when I realized I would have to do laundry before I could pack. Too early to go to Mom and Dad's, and if I went to Mary Lou's I could ask her about Rex while I was there.

Mary Lou had just gotten up, and was busy getting the boys up when I arrived. I explained as best I could what I needed. She agreed to watch Rex, and I had free run of the laundry room until ten, when she needed to get the boys' clothes done. When the boys were out of earshot, she asked about the job. I told her that I was helping Ranger bring back a couple who had hurt a child, and explained what he said about having a woman along when transporting a woman. I didn't think I should tell her about Ranger's relationship with this particular child, or with the woman we were after. Our conversation was interrupted several times, but the kids were on their best behavior. As I was leaving a couple hours later, she pulled me aside. "Steph, be careful. People that would hurt a kid are the worst kind of animal. But go get them."

Next stop, Mom and Dad's. I pulled up out in front of the house, and wondered what to tell them. Mom was in the kitchen doing the breakfast dishes, no one else was in sight. "Hi Mom."

"Stephanie? You're up early, is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just came over to tell you I'm helping Ranger with a job and will be out of town for a little while."

"You're leaving town with Ranger! What will I tell people? How long will you be gone?"

"Tell people I'm working. I don't know for how long, it depends on how long it takes us to find the people he's looking for. Gotta go, lots to do!" I didn't have that much left to do, but I made my escape anyway.

I reached home, and finished most of my packing. I took a good, long shower, since I had rushed this morning, and shaved everything and then some. Hair done, face on, I could now pack my bathroom essentials.

I still had almost two hours. Took Rex to Mary Lou's without stopping to chat. Returning home, I tried to think about what I might be forgetting. I hadn't called the office!

"Plum Bail Bonds."

"Hey Connie, it's me."

"Steph, you finally calling to tell me you're leaving town?"

"I guess you already know."

"Tank stopped by, he'll be taking Ranger's skips. Said if we had any you normally would take, he'd take them too."

"Well then, I guess that's it."

"Careful, Steph. Call us when you get back in town."

"Will do."

That wasn't so bad. I should probably call Joe. He'd be at work now, so I could leave a message on his machine. I didn't want to push our new friendship by arguing about leaving town with Ranger, whatever the reason.

"Hey Joe, it's Steph. I'm going to be working out of town for a while. Thought I'd let you know so you wouldn't worry if you couldn't reach me." Whew.

Called Dillon and arranged for him to check my mail. Hmm, still had some time. I could always clean up a bit. It would be nice to come home to a clean apartment. I was so involved in what I was doing, I didn't even hear Ranger come in.

"Babe"

I shrieked. "Ranger! Do you have to sneak up on me like that?" He looked better, more rested.

A small smile tipped the corners of his mouth. "Don't have to, just like to." I scowled at him, which he ignored. "Ready to go?"

"Let me just grab my things."

Ranger took my bag, and we headed down the stairs. He was in his driving zone, so I relaxed and didn't ask any questions.

Arriving at the airport, my jaw dropped when I saw we were taking a private jet. Ranger put his hand under my chin, closing my mouth. "Borrowed it from a friend." Okay, this is just another difference between us. My friends are reluctant to lend me their car, his loan private jets.

As we boarded the plane, I took several deep breaths. I had never been involved in something like this. This was personal to Ranger, and I didn't want to let him down.

Two hours into our flight, my stomach started growling, and I suddenly remembered I hadn't eaten today. Ranger glanced over at me, "Hungry?"

"Starving, I haven't eaten today."

He frowned a little, "Now who's not taking care of herself."

"I was busy."

He stood and held out his hand, "C'mon, let's see if we can find you something to eat." I took his hand, and he led me to a small...kitchenette, I guess I'd call it.

We both spent some time poking into cupboards. The fridge was full of soda, water, and wine. Finally Ranger found a few cans of soup. "Looks like it's soup and soda Babe. We'll find some real food when we get where we're going."

"This will tide me over 'til then." I felt better after I ate, and took a nap until we landed. I woke up startled. I usually couldn't sleep on a plane.

Ranger looked at me, amused. "Problem?"

"No, I just usually can't sleep on a plane."

"You can sleep just about anywhere."

"Except on a plane. I have to be ready in case it crashes. Well, you did wake me up very early. I must have just been really tired."

He shook his head. "Let's go. We're meeting a friend of mine, a private investigator. Then we'll get an early dinner, okay?"

I nodded, and got up to follow him. We headed toward a black SUV, of course. I could not believe how hot it was! Didn't these people know it was October?

Ranger was back in his driving zone, so I was a little startled when he spoke. "In the side pocket of the bag behind my seat is the complete file. You should probably review it."

I shrugged, and reached over for the bag. Retrieving the file, I started to flip through it. First, a LOT of information on Michael Brennan. I wasn't sure how much of it was relevant, so I read it all. Then similar treatment of Lydia Yazzie, I guess she took her maiden name back when she and Tomas divorced. Several court papers referring to a custody battle for Samantha. Then came the medical report on Samantha. I read through the list, feeling slightly lightheaded. Broken cheekbone, collarbone, several ribs, right tibia, bruising to her face, neck, waist, all four limbs, lacerated liver, spleen, and pancreas, second degree burns to forty percent of her body, and fourth degree vaginal and rectal tears. The world went grey around the edges, and I bit my tongue, hard, to stay conscious. I was breathing hard, with tears running down my face. I turned the page, and came to the pictures. Oh, God. "Ranger, pull over."

He pulled over quickly and I stumbled out of the SUV just before I lost my soup. Good riddance. Ranger was at my side, holding my hair back with one hand while holding on to me with the other. I was grateful for the support, as I wasn't sure I could stand on my own. When I was sure there was nothing left to come up, I stood, and Ranger put both arms around me as I cried.

"Jesus, what kind of monsters are these people!" That was as much as I could get out coherently.

Ranger continued to hold me, murmuring in my ear. "Shh querida, we'll find them."

I got myself under control, and stepped back, wiping my eyes. Ranger reached into the glove box of the SUV and found some tissues. After I had cleaned myself up a little, I took a deep breath. I had a question, and I needed an answer.

"Ranger, what do you intend to do when we find them?"

He looked hard at me, understanding what I was really asking. "That's the other reason I wanted you to come with me." He said softly. I looked at him, not understanding. "I don't think I'll kill him if you're watching."

I took another deep breath, and nodded. I thought about those pictures again. If Ranger changed his mind and decided to kill the man that did that, I'm not sure I would stop him. I'm not sure I'd want to.