Chapter 6

A/N: I'm trying to go back and correct mistakes in past chapters, but I know I won't catch everything. Please read with gentle eyes. Each line is often rewritten several times and I don't always get my tenses corrected, left-out words...etc. I'm pushing this out fast so as not to leave you hanging. Eleni

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Rumors around Trenton were Stephanie Plum had joined the military. Nobody knew what service but the night she appeared at the Grizolli dinner she mentioned a "pass." Berg rumors assumed she had joined the Army and was at Combined base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Problem was it is not a basic training facility but gossipers don't rely on truth for their fodder.

The rumors had filtered back to Haywood and of course all for former military men knew there was no way she was at McGuire-Dix two months after the Christmas catastrophe. Being intelligent men they put the information together, "I think the Core Team has her isolated and are helping her."

At the end of the 9th week of training, Charlie, the former MP, came to Safe House 3. He was a 10 year veteran, 28 years old. He looked like a Rangeman, tall perhaps 6'3", built broad and strong. His hair was short, eyes blue and a granite stare that seemed to be standard around Haywood. Intimidation.

Tank introduced him, "Mitch, this is Charlie. I'll leave you two alone to talk and will come back to answer questions."

"Thank you sir," Michelle said gratefully. "Charlie, do you know why you are here?"

"Yes ma'am. You are considering enlisting to become an MP. I'm here to tell you what to expect. First of all ma'am, how old are you, 25?

"No sir, I'm older. I'm 31."

He winced. "Ma'am, you would be going up against men and women 7 years younger than you. While you appear to be able to hold your own against them now, in 5 years you will be 36, they will be 23, 10 years you'd be 41, they'd be 28.

She hadn't considered that but kept her emotions under control.

"As an MP your duties will vary. You may be working the entry gates, perimeters, directing traffic on bases, working as a prison guard at Git-Mo, Levenworth or other penal institutions here and overseas. You may be guarding any military facility, weapons, fuel, aircraft in near Arctic conditions, ungodly hot deserts, or steamy tropical climates. MPs also deal with soldiers or dependents who…have lost their way shall we say. Drugs and alcohol are a big factor in MPs lives. Also there is abuse, spousal, girlfriend, children or just plain random attacks."

"I see, what about CID?"

"You start where the MPs leave off so cases may range from murders, burglaries, narco crimes, family abuse or economic crimes. What is your education level?"

"BA in Business."

"Good. That gives you a boost, but you still would have to undergo Vocational Aptitutde Battery and AF Classifications tests. Just because you want CID doesn't mean you'd get it. Beware, CID and MP are highly sought after career tracts, the competition to get in is great. They can afford to skim off the top. And once you are in, you'd be expected to take more advanced classes just to keep your GT scores up. You are always working towards advancement. When you faulter, you are shown the door.

Let's look at CID training, as with MP you need to pass Basic and serve your first tour. At that point you are given your MOS….military occupational specialty. If you are fortunate to get CID, training is 5 months and includes courses like autopsies, economic crimes, narco crimes, and investigation techniques. You are required to serve 3 years. So from enlistment to the end of your commitment, you are looking at 5 years. If you are able to remain for 20 years through very hard work and advancement you would qualify for a pension.

"Are you saying I'm too old?"

"Can you see yourself at 45+ years old MP handling a prison riot?"

"I would hope in 15 years I'd have some seniority".

"You'd have to work you ass off for the privledge to sit on said ass in some Pentagon office…if you are fortunate."

"What about a 45+ year old CID?"

"Same deal, work like hell to retain your position. Granted the chances of being pummeled by some 6'5" drug crazed sergeant are less, you had better be up in rank. The way to last is to have a badly needed speciality, like forensic accounting.

Mitch, everything that a police officer out here encounters, occurs in the military, but this time all over the world. The big difference is many of your criminals have been trained in combat to kill.

She thought of Joe Morelli and other TPD officers and how their lives had changed the longer they worked. Burn out was common unless they were promoted to administration staff. But wasn't bond apprehension chasing down society's problems? Does she want to be 45 year old bond apprehension agent?

"Why did you leave?"

"I got tired of dealing with 6'5" 22 year old sergeants flying high on meth and who knows what else."

"So you think I'm wrong for looking at a military career?"

"At this age, I'd encourage you look to the business side where you already have your degree; finance for example or human resources. While you could probably handle yourself as an MP now, in a few years your body will begin to rebel, not heal as quickly. If you were eight to ten years younger, in this shape, I'd say go for it and would have been honored to serve with you."

Michelle stood and extended her hand, "Thank you Charlie, you've been honest. I need that. I'm tired of being coddled. I need to develop discipline and focus."

"Ma'am, if you work for Rangeman, why are you considering leaving, if I may ask?"

"I am a former Rangeman employee hired under special circumstances. As I am right now, I am not suited to work for Rangeman or much else."

Charlie had a thousand questions, but stopped himself, "Ma'am." He exited without another word.

She stood looking out of the window when Tank came in, "Mitch?" he asked.

"He thinks I'm too old."

"You are at the top end."

"He doesn't think I can compete with the 18 year olds."

"Not before your training, now I wouldn't bet against you," he chuckled.

"But what about 5 years from now?"

"I won't sugar coat it, each year older you have to work harder to stay where you are."

"How do you guys stay at the top?"

"We work like hell. Look at Lester. Mitch, you still don't have to make your decision right now. Work at Rangeman for a while. Let's see if your physical and mental training took."

"So I'm about to be introduced back into the Rangeman population?"

"Yes, there's an apartment on 4 open. You'll rotate jobs just as everyone else does but since you are familiar with searches and backgrounds, you'll rotate through there as well. Your duties will include field work, monitors, and searches. I also want to teach you client relations both in signing new clients but also managing accounts. We have more and more women businessmen looking for security, having a woman on staff will be helpful."

"Burg?"

Burg is in a time warp, a boil on society's backside. You would be kept away until we know you can handle all the narrow minded BS that comes from there. Our new clients are coming from north of Trenton, we may be forced to open a new facility someday.

She remained standing at the window, "You've been planning this."

"I won't lie; the more I worked with you the more I realized you would do well either way, military or civilian. I'm still letting you decide but hope you stay with Rangeman, for a while at least. Once you have a work history, experience, you will be in a better position to decide what is best for you; stay with Rangeman, help us expand, or move on elsewhere."

She watched several birds jump through the trees, "My family is dead to me and the Burg feels like a pit of vipers. How will the rest of the Rangeman accept me?"

"Your show at Pino's with Joe energized our guys, they truly miss you. You're respected and loved every single one of them. You didn't judge them by appearance, they remember that. Some will remember the old Bombhell Stephanie but once they see the new Michelle, Steph will be a distant memory. But, Michelle, it is still a building of men. I urge you to go slow with personal relations. Get all your shit squared away before you start messing around with sex, love and all that crap."

"Sir, you are being a bit prudish," she kidded.

"Michelle, it is very easy to love you and you give—or gave your love willingly, but you didn't have the emotional maturity to handle it. Love isn't just about sex nor is it always heart and flowers; it is hard choices, accepting imperfections and disappointments, not forcing your will on someone or letting them control you. Your skewed thinking thanks to your family has left you distrusting, doubtful and indecisive. That's what I've been trying to change. Until your foundation is strong, stay celibate. You dodged the two catastrophic marriages, let's first work on Michelle.

"Just say no?"

"Say no, but also reestablish your birth control."

Old Stephane would have stuck her tongue out, the new one gave Tank a glare worthy of Ranger. He laughed, "Oh you are already a Rangeman."

The Return

Tank and Michelle arrived late to Haywood. Only those on monitors saw the couple come into the building; Tank obviously but a slender woman with short hair and a hat pulled low over her face.

She was shown to her apartment on 4. Ella was inside waiting for her. "Welcome home my dear. I have new clothes for you in your new sizes. When you get time off, I'd love to shop with you."

"Yes ma'am, I'd love that too."

"I've stocked your kitchen with your new foods. If you need something else, let me know." As Ella was beginning to leave, "I forgot to mention it at the Safe House, but I like the hair, it's under control."

Michelle laughed, "Quite a difference. Why didn't I change it before?"

"You know why." Ella winked and walked out the door.

Before Ella closed the door, Michelle called out, "Ella, is Rex still alive?"

"Cal has him in his room. He's become taken with the little guy and talks to him about when you were coming home."

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Like clockwork, she woke at 04:30, did her bathroom business, changed into her workout clothes and headed to the gym. Hopefully the guys in there were still half asleep.

The gym gossip was there was a new woman at Rangeman. Only Stephanie Plum had invaded this male domain, what would the new one be like?

A very short brown haired woman with a chiseled face clearly showing strong cheekbones entered the gym. She was dressed in workout-shorts and tank bra entered the gym. Her body was lean, broad shouldered, a bit muscular. Her breasts were small, stomach washboard flat with ab development. The hips weren't slender but strong as were her legs. Michelle stood at parade rest, "The name is Michelle or Mitch. In time you may add the second part, if I earn it," she said with a smile.

The smile did it, the curve of her mouth and beautiful blue eyes gave her away.

"Bomber?" Vince sputtered.

"No Vince, Michelle. That other person has been retired."

Unbeknown to Michelle, Tank had come into the gym. "This is Michelle, you knew her by another name. She has been in training and now works for Rangeman. I expect you to treat her with respect. As with all new employees she will be working all areas. I expect all of you to continue her training. This person deserves a life free from her past. If you must gossip about her outside of Rangeman like little old ladies, please refer to her as Michelle or Mitch and never by the former name. That person is gone."

Tank moved to a treadmill and began his workout. Michelle did her stretches before she went to the bicycle. After she was warmed up, Lester came over, "What to show them what you can do on the mats?" he said with a wink.

After a 20 minutes sparring with Lester, the others realized this was not the old Stephanie Plum. This one could kick ass. By the end of the work out, the men applauded, "Good going Steph..Michelle!"

At 07:00 she reported to Lester's office. "My duties sir?"

"First you need a physical exam. Bobby is away. Would you be comfortable with Bone's doing the exam?"

She thought a minute. "Yes, but will he be comfortable with me?"

Lester smiled, "Good question. He's been told you will report to him. If he's hiding, you have your answer."

"Sir, when is Bobby coming back?"

"He's working at other facilities, making sure those guys aren't screwing up. I don't know when he'll be back." He hated lying to Michelle. Bobby was working with Ranger. "After Bones, you are expected at the gun range with Ram to qualify."

"Sir?"

"It's a formality, you qualified last week but we have to play by the rules for our insurers. After that, we will photograph and finger print you for your new Rangeman ID. You realize your driver's license can't be easily changed with the Real ID regulations."

"Yes sir, hopefully I won't need to be flashing it around, at least around the Burg."

"You will be on monitors this afternoon as are all new recruits. You will serve one day on and one day off. The alternate day will be patrol, four sectors with south on the fourth tour."

That would keep her out of the Burg for 8 days. She was easing back in. As she left Lester's office she found the new command structure, different. Ranger was gone, Tank moved to the big office and Lester is the new "Tank." Well, a new Michelle should fit in well.

Monitors were still hard and afterwards she wanted to run, run, run. In the past she would have fallen asleep at the desk and later fallen into a pint of B&J out of frustration. Hector offered to run with her the first day. "I can't believe I like to exercise."

"Si, it is good for your mind as well as your body. You are an athlete now."

Gradually the need to run after monitor duty was replaced with the need to work out in the gym. She learned why Ranger liked the beat the punching bags, it was cathartic. Gino gave her some instruction on kicks and she eagerly kicked until her body said, "enough." She alternated early morning gym work with running. Hector was always available for an early morning run and often several others. During the runs she couldn't help but think of the first time Ranger ran with her and Benito Ramirez met her along with way. So many mistakes back then, it was amazing she survived. Now she ran with a group, not only was it safer, it was more fun.

Her old work, search and background, was prefect for the late March snowy day. With her new found ability to concentrate, she whipped through her in box with record speed. No doubt Rodriguez the night clerk would increase her work load. She had finished early and was on her way to the gym when Tank caught her. "There's a call from the main desk down stairs. Your father is asking if you are here. Apparently he saw you one morning running with the guys."

"Is he alone?"

"Yes."

"May we use a conference room?"

"You may use room three. I'll send someone to show him to the room. I assume you don't need me."

"No."

Frank Plum was sitting patiently. He didn't know if the big black guy with the leg cast who used to come to the house with Ranger would show up or someone else. The door opened and his daughter walked in. She was thinner, harder, her face was chiseled. Her crazy curls were tamed by a shorter, much shorter haircut. He had always encouraged her to cut it, but her mother insisted it would be unlady-like until she was married. "Pumpkin?"

"Mr. Plum."

Frank was taken aback and hurt.

"I'm surprised you don't call me Anthony Franco, sir."

He sat suddenly and put his head down in his hands. "I'm not going to ask how you found out, it doesn't matter. I was….devastated; a son gone and no more possible. You mother went crazy for a while."

"A while Mr. Plum? Try 31 years. I was the wrong sex, I was the imperfect daughter. I could do no right. You did nothing to help me."

"I tried initially Pumpkin, I tried but she became more and more difficult."

"So when Joe Morelli sexually abused me at 6, you thought that was OK?"

"He what?!"

"Did you and that woman ever speak except to pass the gravy at the table? I'm surprised you sleep in the same bed. So you thought it was OK when he raped me at 16?"

"Your mother said you were sexually promiscuous."

"He raped me at Tasty Pastry! He took my virginity without my permission. Was that being promiscuous? Instead of calling the police, she blamed me, the victim! She told me how embarrassed she'd be if word got out at St. Frances I was there for rape. She called me a whore and kept me locked up all summer making sure I menstruated on schedule so I wasn't pregnant."

Frank was shaken and paced around the conference room. "I was working double shifts to afford college for you and Valerie, I wasn't around much."

"Sir, I appreciate the college education more than you know, but I was a fool, I didn't escape Trenton after college. I returned to the Burg and her abuse. I was still trying to please her, trying for love from the both of you. It took me to completely fall to pieces at Christmas to realize neither of you loved me, you rejected my existence. You didn't talk and that's all she did, criticize, complain, and belittle. I can understand you missing a son, someone to take hunting and fishing. I would have gladly gone with you but that woman would never allow such un-lady like activities. For someone who hates me being alive she won't release her hooks! Continually she knocked me down. I was her cause to martyrdom, "Poor me, I have Stephanie for a daughter." Well, I'm gone. I no longer use the name you and she bestowed on me, it sickens my stomach to hear it. When I get enough money I will legally change my last name from Plum so the two of you are no longer embarrassed by me. You have perfect Saint Valerie, what more do you need?"

"I wish you wouldn't change your name."

"It's the same name as …..Her! She wanted me to marry a rich attorney so she could have status. She was furious when I divorced the cheating scum. Then she wanted me to marry Joseph Morelli, the man who raped me. Do you know why he called me Cupcake? When my mind broke, all the memories came back. After he raped me he said I wasn't that great, it was like fucking a cupcake."

Frank blanched and sat down.

"Your wife wanted me to marry someone who raped me because his father's name and his middle name were Anthony. Any male child I might bear, she could insist be named Anthony, maybe even Anthony Franco. How sick is that? I was to be a brood mare for her to get her son back."

He sat quiet for a while. Just like he sat every night listening to his wife complain about everything and gossip, gossip, gossip. He learned to turn it all off, but also turned off his daughters. Valerie was socially conscious, talking down about others while Stephanie always had such a loving heart, but was hurt over and over by his wife. Valerie was a carbon copy of his wife, but what was Stephanie now? Broken and bitter. Was she ever really happy or distrusting and doubtful?

"I know you loved Ranger."

"You wife only saw his skin color. Ranger and I loved each other but she was always pushing Morelli in my face. Ranger could not commit to marriage. He made enemies as an Army Ranger. One mission failed and the target has sought vengeance all these years; killing team members and their families. Carlos loved me enough to walk away, keeping me safe. In fact he may be dead now trying to put an end to the nightmare. He left believing Joe would protect me. Joe never intended to marry me; he just wanted Ranger out of the picture. Once gone, Joe refused to discuss marriage and when I brought it up; he smacked me around and then raped me again. He just wants someone to keep his bed warm. Dickie Orr was unfaithful, but he never raped me. Joe Morelli is nothing more than Morelli scum with a civil servant job.

When I saw Terry in Joe's arms and then my apartment building on fire Christmas Day, I shattered. I had nothing, zero. Joe had forced Ranger to leave, forced me to quite working for Vinnie. My apartment was the last of ME I had left before I surrendered myself to a living death. Fortunately my friends here got me help. I'm still not healed emotionally, but I'm getting there."

"I never believed you were in the military. You would have had to be inducted before New Years, the Army doesn't work that fast. But seeing you now I have to ask, are you enlisting?"

"I haven't decided. I'm a bit too old for physical MOS. About all I could do now is administration support. I loved bond apprehension but I was too repressed by THAT WOMAN messing my brain all these years to get proper training. That's changed. I'm getting training. I'm stronger, I have skills I didn't have before. I may stay here, I may transfer to another Rangeman facility in another state, I may go into the military, don't know. But one thing is for certain, I will never set foot in the Plum house again."

"Pumpkin, I'm sorry."

"It is way too late now, an apology means nothing to me, but if you are truly sorry, rescue Valerie's girls. Valerie has been brain washed and she and THAT woman are inflicting the same soul destroying degradation that nearly cost me my life. Mary Alice is a lot like me and I suspect Angie is just better able to compartmentalize. In the future they may not have a Dr. Bobby, Tank, Lester and others for the support I did when I crashed. For once, Daddy, stand up and be a man before that woman destroys another generation."

Michelle turned and walked out. She wasn't crying, she was heading to the gym to beat the stuffings out of a punching bag. Tank was in the hall and let her go. He went in and got Mr. Plum.

Frank looked up, "I know you rescued my girl. You have done more for her in months that I did for her over the years. I wasn't a father, I was an enabler. She was hurt, physically and mentally and I did nothing. My eyes are finally opening. I hope you and her other friends can give her the happiness she deserves."

Frank drove to a neighborhood bar and ordered a drink. He said nothing, he sat and thought of the daughter he lost and the many ways he did nothing to raise his daughters. He was the bread winner, but not the family leader. If anything his wife controlled him the way she controlled the girls. If he wanted to go to his grave proud of his life, he had better get started correcting his mistakes. He glanced at his watch, it was nearly 6 pm. Somebody would be upset. He pulled into the Plum house driveway noting the Kloughns were present. It was Friday night, mandatory performance by Valerie and family.

"Where have you been? It's 6:15, dinner is ruined," Helen complained.

Without a word he went and sat down at the table. He looked at his granddaughters; Angie sat quietly looking down at her hands. Mary Alice was all energy fighting to contain it. Little Lisa was still a baby, fussy. Valerie was beside herself trying to control the baby and watch the girls. Albert sat like a lump, reminding Frank of himself. Edna sat and watched, waiting. She knew something was coming. At the other end of the table sat Helen. Her ice tea glass filled with Johnny Walker and ice.

The platter and bowls were passed, "The roast is now dry, it was perfect at the proper dinner time," she announced. Frank reframed from rolling his eyes. Everyone helped themselves. As usual there were no vegetables. No wonder he had trouble with his bowels. His diet was all starch, meat and sugars. The belly fat was an indication he had not been caring for himself…for years.

"Where did you go Daddy? We had to wait for you before we could eat. You know the girls get antsy waiting," Valerie said almost mimicking a young Helen Plum.

He groaned inside, she was becoming her mother. "I went to see an amazing person."

"Who grandpa," Mary Alice asked as a fork full of mashed potatoes dropped onto the table.

"Mary Alice, look what you have done," Valerie scolded.

He looked straight at Helen Plum, "So help me Helen if you open your mouth, you will be out that door."

Helen's head snapped back, "What?"

"For 31 years I sat here and watched you destroy an amazing individual; failing to love her, disparaging and condemning her because she was not dead. Anthony Franco Plum died 29 years ago, but you killed Stephanie Michelle Plum as surely as the under developed lungs killed baby Anthony.

Helen began to speak.

"SHUT UP HELEN!" Frank yelled.

Everyone gasped.

"I sat here like a lump and let a woman control the family, the same way Albert is sitting here now. You two women have castrated us making us believe only you know what is good for our girls. You both are wrong! I was wrong. I let you turn Valerie into another insignificant Burg robot who keeps her windows clean, cooks ham on Sunday and ziti on Wednesday, ignores healthy vegetables, and is only qualified to work menial jobs. Stephanie was different, she wanted more, just like Mary Alice and I suspect Angie want more. But no, you drove Stephanie to believe she too would be a Burg Stepford wife first to that cheater Dickie Orr, God what an awful name. And then to that …..he hesitated and looked at the young girls at the table…that abuser Morelli. He is just like his father, uncles and brothers, but hides it better. I imagine you've been too drunk to notice her bruises inflicted by Morelli AFTER he made her quit working for Vinnie."

Helen bucked back, "That's a lie!"

Frank glared. "Joseph said they'd be married in two months, that was three months ago. Do they have a date? He refused to set one and beat her when she asked. Where was he Christmas Eve? In church with his fiancé? No he was….looking at his granddaughters he rethought his answer. He was entertaining another woman in his home.

Anthony Franco, our son, died because he was premature and too weak. Stephanie nearly died of parental abuse and neglect of which I am as much responsible for not stepping up and protecting her from Joseph Morelli and you, Helen Mazur Plum. In spite of the abuse she has received, she has become a magnificent woman and the only daughter I am proud of."

Valerie gasped.

Turning to Albert, "It is time for you to find your gonads mister. Lisa is your biological daughter and your responsibility. You must take a hand in raising her to be something other than the zombie you call your wife. As for your step daughters, if you stay around, they need help now to become far better than what these two women can develop.

As for you Valerie, it's time you grow a brain, become something better than your mother, or you will be sitting at the end of your own table, stinking drunk like that harpy and half the other Burg women who have fallen into irrelevance."

"Grandpa, is Aunt Stephanie dead?" Mary Alice asked with tears starting to form in her eyes.

"She is dead to this family, we killed her through abuse and neglect. Fortunately she has friends who have saved her, love her, and are helping her."

"Probably those thugs…"

"ENOUGH HELEN! I've had it with your racial slurs, gossiping, running down people you do not know, and especially with your drunkenness. You have continually pushed my daughter into abusive relationships, refusing to let her be her own person. You will leave the table and go upstairs NOW."

Helen was too shocked to reply. She chugged the last of her "ice tea" and went upstairs.

Turning to Valerie, Frank said, "Please remove the dishes and take home all the left overs." Valerie rose and grabbed the pot roast platter and went into the kitchen.

Turning to the girls, "I'm sorry I lost my temper tonight. Your aunt Stephanie is badly injured by all the bad things your grandmother and other people have said about her. It hurt me deeply to see her pain. I love her more than anything right now. I want the best for her just as I want the best for you two. Her friends are helping her get better."

Mary Alice started to cry and ran to her grandfather, "I love you grandpa. I hope Aunt Stephanie gets better, she loves me more than mommy and grandma do."

Angie sat while tears silently started down her cheeks, "I love you grandpa, please help Aunt Stephanie. I don't want to live here anymore where they hurt people."

Frank noticed, "Come here Angie, come let grandpa hold you."

After the girls cried on their grandfathers shoulders, Frank set them back down. "I need to talk with Albert, will you be OK?"

Frank motioned to Albert to move into the living room. "Tomorrow I'm filing for divorce from Helen. You have a conflict of interest; I will not use you as an attorney."

"Thank you."

Edna Mazur rose quietly and went to help Valerie.

"What just happened, grandma?" Valerie asked still in shock.

"The man needs to be the leader in the house, not a dictator, but a leader. Your father just woke up. He has been dead in his heart since he lost his son."

"I don't remember the baby."

"You were about 3, not quite 4, he was still very young. His lungs were never strong. Your mother wanted one daughter she could mold into her narrow minded likeness and a son. Stephanie never fit, she was an unwanted girl plus she was never moldable like you. She is an intelligent free spirit who wanted to fly beyond being a Burg wife. Mary Alice is just like Stephanie. Your mother resented she could not control Stephanie just as you resent Mary Alice."