Chapter 14

Ranger POV

Lunch with Michelle gave me the impetus to visit Haywood Street. I didn't drop in, but instead called and made an appointment with Tank and Lester.

Whenever I left on a mission, I would turn in my fobs and ID not wanting them to be stolen. Each return to Haywood Street meant coming through the public entry. After identifying myself, the door was electronically unlocked and I entered the reception area to find a dozen Rangemen I had served with in battle standing at attention, saluting. "Welcome home Ranger," Tank barked.

I hesitated, this wasn't home anymore. I wanted to call out "Report" but I was not in command here. I had to be humble, "Gentlemen it's always a pleasure to see you but why the hell aren't you working?"

That broke the spell and they fell out and came forward to shake hands, pump shoulders or even man hug.

Only a couple of us fit in the elevator, the rest ran up to 5. The men had seen me use a cane or crutch before and were not concerned. Only Bobby knew it might be permanent; not if I could help it.

Immediately I noted the monitor area was greatly enlarged reflecting new business. Auxiliary offices on the floor were moved down to the second and first floors. Only Tank and Lester's offices remained on five.

"You've grown," I commented to Tank.

"We have some new workers who are exceptional," he answered humbly.

"Yes, I met one for lunch."

"Mitch?"

I nodded.

"Her ideas are working out well. You were right; she would become a great asset to Rangeman."

How long ago had I said that….years? She always did well working for us but lacked the self-assuredness. From what I've seen, that's changed.

I heard a squeal from behind me and knew it was Tia Ella coming. "Carlos…"

She hugged but started to pull away, but I held on. This was my family, though my aunt, Ella was as much a mother to me as my own mother. Though six inches shorter than me, I had no doubt she could….and has….kicked my ass. I didn't speak, I let my hug speak for me. Finally I said, "I see you are tending the men well. I hope you aren't as difficult with Tank as you were with me."

She laughed, "It is my pleasure to serve all the men and …one woman." The later part had the rise as if a question.

I couldn't say too much so just winked at her. "Estoy trabajando en ello." (I'm working on it.) I whispered.

Instead of a smile I received a slap on the back of the head, "No lo arruines." (Don't ruin it)

The former Core Team; Bobby, Lester, Tank, and I moved into Tank's office, my old office. Bobby and Lester went for the couch; I went to the visitor's chair.

"We didn't have a chance to talk in Atlanta, I've been reading the quarterly reports. The August quarterly was quite an eye opener."

Tank chuckled, "Mitch streamlined operations, got a handle on the books and pointed out where we were losing money, beyond her propensity to destroying cars. I'm happy to report there have been no more exploding cars. Harry the Hammer sold Plum Bail bonds to us. Hal runs it and has Junior and Jamie, a former Marine MP as agents plus started poaching some higher bonds from Sebring. Mitch wanted to stay in BA for a while so Hal and I agreed to partner her with Charlie, an Army MP. Mitch's strength is the business end but she likes a little action now and again."

"Lula?" I regretted asking before I finished asking.

Tank shook his head, "Owns a salon in Hamilton, has a full time husband, married two months ago. Glad it's Robert, not me."

The voice from the couch quickly cut in, "Different Robert, not me."

Lester chuckled, "Bobby, I figured she favored you over Tank but you were too shy."

Bobby would have his revenge, later.

I began, "Apparently I left me with conflicting orders."

Tank nodded, "Your escape plan was flawed from the get-go, then Morelli…"

I didn't need to hear the story again, "I've talked with her father in Florida, so know quite a bit; excuse me, continue."

Tank nodded (and registered I had apologized)…."Bobby and Cal brought her to me Christmas Day, she was near catatonic. She wouldn't talk, look or listen. Bobby thought she might need to be institutionalized. I saw something in her and remembering her previous resiliency. I took her to an isolated location and within 24 hours she was talking and making sense. Her hold was tenuous, but I risked telling her she needed to change and set future goals and then I left her alone. "

I nearly leapt from his chair, "You what!? You could have destroyed her."

"She was destroyed already. The moment she accepted Joe's ring she started to decline. If she was going to make changes she didn't need me holding her and cooing sweet words like you or acting like a wild monkey yelling and waving my hands like Joe. She isn't a child. When I returned she surprised me by asking me to train her so she'd be prepared to she enlist in the Army."

"Army?" I was still finding that hard to believe.

"For the last few years she's done bond apprehension, not efficiently, but she was tenacious. I off handedly suggested she'd make good MP. It was enough to motivate her into fixing her mind and body giving her a goal. I became her drill instructor not sparing her feelings. She needed to grow up, fast. We moved into the forest in January and began training."

"Outside in January?" I knew Babe, err, Stephanie, err whoever didn't care for cold and wet.

"She did far better than I imagined she would. It was as if someone had shown her the past and what needed to be changed. I thought it was me, but, no there was something else. At the end of 7 weeks I brought her back to New Jersey to one of our safe houses and had Lester, Bones, Ram and Hector finish the training. It wasn't long before she was running 60 miles a week, increasing her strength training, proficient in handguns and rifles, and her thinking was becoming focused. Before she went to a recruiter's office I had Charlie, a new employee and former MP, talk to her about her chances in the Army. He explained she was too old for MP but with her degree qualified for resource services. After Charlie opened her eyes, she came to Rangeman on a trial basis. She had the option to leave at any time, join the military or seek work elsewhere. She hasn't left. Instinctively the staff here finished her transformation into Michelle/Mitch. She realizes how important she is to the organization."

I listened and marveled at what Tank's accomplishments, but then I did see him train others in the Army. "What is the difference between Michelle and Mitch?"

"Mitch the Bitch is her way of keeping the guys at arm's length. Once they understood, the embraced the name," Tank explained.

"Is there any Stephanie left?" I asked.

Lester spoke up, "When Damien was shot, she was there tending him, keeping up his spirits, the Stephanie of old. The compassionate Stephanie is still there though she denies it."

I nodded. "She said she understands now, my life and its limitations. What did you tell her?"

Tank shook his head, "I let the Guzman name escape after I knew he was gone, but told her it was still classified. Her reaction was strange; it was as if she already knew the mission, just not the name."

"Grandpa Mazur?"

"Edna's husband? I don't know what you are talking about." Tank truly looked confused. "She hasn't shared anything about him with me. Now I need to know Ric, what are your intentions towards her?"

"We are backing up and trying again, starting over, slowly."

Tank nodded, "So help me if you screw this up, I and every man in the building will beat the shit out of you and then kill you without an ounce of remorse."

"I know." I felt I would deserve the sentence.

"Are you staying here?" he asked plainly.

"I have work in Miami for a while. I said we were going slowly." I knew it wasn't a definite answer but I still had to set new goals.

Tank looked Ranger straight into his eyes, "I'll be honest Ric, you are dispensable; she isn't. I don't want to lose her."

"Tank, she can help the other three offices the way she has done here."

Tank grumbled. He knew it was true.

"Now what can you tell me about Morelli's problem?"

Lester took over, "Officially the "Tretonian" has said little after his firing. The new editor doesn't give a damn about the Bombastic Bounty Hunter. The Chambersburg rag carried the story out a bit more, of course, but the story has lost traction, finally."

Bobby took over, "My sources have him in a private treatment center in Hamilton. He was busted back to officer after the Christmas Travesty when he made an ass of himself here. He was given one last chance which he blew at Gonzales'. He's no longer a cop. As far as I know he and Mitch have not been in contact with one another since Christmas Eve."

"Helen?" I asked referring to Helen Mazur formerly Plum, Stephanie's mother.

Tank answered, "She's still living in the same house. Valerie lives with her and works downtown. The courts deemed Helen a danger to her granddaughter Lisa after dropping her while intoxicated and ordered her to have no contact with the baby. Albert has full custody of the baby. Valerie can visit only at Albert's home. Apparently she showed up for a visit with her Helen after both had a three martini lunch and caused quite a commotion. Police were called. Albert has received permission to leave the state with Lisa. He and his mother and the baby are looking to move to Florida."

"Are Helen and Valerie aware of Mitch?"

"Hector thinks Helen saw her in Tasty Pastry but no words were exchanged," Tank said.

"What about Burg gossip?"

Tank continued, "The name Stephanie Plum reappeared after the Morelli incident, but since she wasn't involved, it disappeared quickly. The Morellis, Helen and Valerie try to keep her name in the forefront but their own credibility is dropping quickly. It also helps most don't recognize her and she avoids the area. When she's doing FTAs, she and her partner Charlie are very efficient. Charlie usually walks the FTAs into the police building."

"Tell me about Charlie."

Lester answered, "You saw him in Atlanta. He is a former Army MP, wife Margie, young daughter. Mitch often babysits the daughter allowing the parents adult time. "

"Terri Gilmore?" I asked.

Bobby winced, "She the wild card. My sources tell me she's paying for Joe's rehab."

"Do you think he'll go to work for the Grizolli's?"

"That's why I said wild card," Bobby answered.

000000000000000

Michelle was looking forward to Christmas in Florida. It would be a far happier experience than the last one in Trenton. Though she still was uncertain about her relationship with her father, the thought of seeing her nieces and Grandma Mazur almost made her giddy; except Mitch didn't do giddy.

She knew her father's finances wouldn't support a lavish holiday for the girls so she would supplement. Instead of carrying items to Florida, she told her father she'd arrive a few days early and shop down there, staying in a motel.

"Pumpkin I understand, but I do want you with us here as part of the holidays. So please don't plan on more than a night or two in a motel. It's Christmas, you should be here."

Remembering her family home with only one bathroom she was hesitant but respected her father's obvious desire she stay with them.

She arrived at the Plum house Christmas Eve near midnight when the girls had gone to bed. Grandma Mazur had also gone to bed to maintain the household routine and not tip off the girls. After a very warm hug and kiss from her father, together they arranged presents under the tree along with the ones already there.

"You've gone overboard," Frank said quietly.

"No, they have had a traumatic year too."

Moving far from the bedrooms to the kitchen, Michelle began to speak, "Daddy," the term fell from her mouth before she could ask him what she should call him. " I hardly recognize you! You aren't ill are you?"

He chuckled quietly, "Look who's talking. We both got healthy; doctor's orders for me. Trenton was killing us."

"This house is amazing. How did you afford it?"

It's not a mansion but compared to Trenton it feels like it. Most of it was paid for by Edna. She sold Big Blue and had money from selling her house and her husband's estate. Who knew she had investments; she only talked about her social security. She kept a lot of it secret from Helen, socking it away for her granddaughters. She changed her will, took the money and put it towards this house for her great granddaughters. She assumed you wouldn't mind and didn't care what Valerie thought. I paid the rest through savings I didn't have to share with Helen."

"So you are getting by?"

Frank patted her hand, "We aren't living high but everything is covered and most importantly, the girls, all three of them are happy. There's even a chance Albert, Lisa and Mrs. Kloughn will be moving down here. Apparently Valerie is violating her visitation orders. Albert is looking into becoming a paralegal down here until he can pass the bar in Florida. His mother is like Edna, wanting the warmer climate."

"It would be good for you to have all your granddaughters here," Michelle said. I'm sad about Valerie. How do you give up your daughters?"

"Helen did," he said plainly not adding he also did. "Pumpkin, I think back and wonder how did things go so wrong?"

"Daddy, what I've learned from my tour in Perdition, you don't look back. It can't be undone, you move forward. I hope you aren't moping around."

"Do I look like I'm moping around? I have friends down here, even women friends. I'm not looking to marry what with the girls but I do enjoy adult conversation and evenings out. What about you Michelle?"

"I'm working for Rangeman. We have expanded so while I have an apartment on Haywood, I also have a studio near Princeton at Rangeman North since most of my work is in Princeton and surrounding areas. I'm rarely in Trenton and avoid the Burg like the plague."

She looked off for a moment, "A month or so ago I ran into Helen and Angie Morelli at Tasty Pastry. It was a last minute run for the office. I'm not sure Helen and Angie recognized me but Helen spewed vitriol about Rangeman. The woman behind the counter told Helen to take her business elsewhere; she was not welcome back at Tasty Pastry.

Then…about 10 days ago several Rangeman entered a male prostitute's apartment for a bond violation and Joe Morelli was….being serviced. He was also strung out of heroin and weed. TPD immediately fired him. I don't know anything more, nor do I want to."

Frank muttered. "He didn't fall far from the tree after all." He got up, "You want a little Christmas cordial?"

"What's that?"

"A mix of several different fruits like mango, guava, and pomegranates made into a syrup and add vodka and Brandy. It then mellows for a few weeks or months. Years ago I made it with cherries but Helen drank most of it before I got a chance."

"Yes, I'd love some. Daddy, when did she start drinking?"

"I think she was a closet drunk for years, but I only noticed around the holidays when she would find the brandy. She came out of the closet, so to speak, after Valerie married and moved to California," he said.

…"when she found herself with her mother and me," Michelle mumbled.

"What did you say, sweetie. My hearing is going, thank you Army."

"Nothing Daddy."

Frank brought the purple concoction to the table. "Merry Christmas Michelle."

Carefully sipping the small glass Michelle smiled, "Good but potent. I'm a light drinker so this is plenty."

"Person has to know their limits. This bottle will last me until next August when I'll have to make more."

"Do you think Helen started drinking with baby Anthony?"

Frank looked off, "Maybe. How did you find out about him?"

"You wouldn't believe me. I don't understand myself."

Frank put his brandy down and waited.

She realized she needed to tell someone. "It was when Tank took me to his house in Maine after….I shattered. He made sure I was somewhat sane and left me alone telling me I had to think about my life by myself, undistracted by others. I was isolated with forest on three sides, ocean on the others, no vehicle so I was stuck. One night Grandpa Mazur came. It was like the Dickens' story. We got in Big Blue and drove through the forest. I saw Anthony's funeral and grandpa told me about him. Then I was outside the kitchen with my arm in a cast listening to you and Helen talking about me and how she didn't want a tomboy daughter but a son. Grandpa or you said something about not having more children, the hemorrhage. From there the scene changed again and I saw Joe Morelli's abuse on me at age 6, and 16, Helen's abuse…"

Frank hung his head and started to speak…

"No Daddy, let me finish…..This adventure went over three nights. We talked about my life, his life, how he died in bed after taking Viagra. Other images I saw was Joe banging a woman on the kitchen table just weeks before…our end; how the men at Rangeman didn't go along with Ranger's edict not to support me after I became engaged, but most strange of all, I saw Ranger with another officer at a funeral where the man's family had been killed in retribution for what Ranger's squad had done. The officer told Ranger to never fall in love. What they did with the Army put loved ones at risk. The next scene was Ranger in a jungle, talking to me wishing me Merry Christmas and apologizing because the man he was hunting was the one that kept us apart. He wasn't sure he'd survive but had to try to eliminate the man. She paused and sipped her brandy. "The worst vision was the future, one was me as a successful business woman with a child and husband and then it switched to an alternate view, a vagrant in the morgue."

Frank sat silent for a long time. Michelle figured he was trying to decide if she was nuts. He reached out and took her hand. "Don't tell Edna I told you, but she had a dream with Karl Henry in it telling her to sell Big Blue by advertising in a Florida car collector's magazine. She did and a man called and wanted it sight unseen for an obscene amount of money." Frank waved his hand over his head, "It was about 30% of this home's cost."

Michelle didn't try to figure out how much. "So you believe me?"

Frank nodded, "After we got here I had my own visit from Karl Henry Mazur thanking me for taking care of his wife and great granddaughters. No word to anyone about that."

Michelle scoffed, "After what I just told you?"

Frank smiled and finished his brandy, "God works in mysterious ways. Now Pumpkin, it's probably four hours before the girls get up, can you bunk on the couch until tomorrow when I'll move the girls together and you can sleep with Mary Alice's pink unicorns. Oh, don't worry about bathrooms, we have 2 ½ here," he chuckled. "There's a powder room just behind the kitchen there."

00000000

Michelle awakened to Mary Alice gasping, "Santa's been here," then leaping over the back of the sofa and landing on top of her Aunt Michelle much to both of their surprises.

"Aunt Steph…Michelle!" Instantly Mitch was buried under her two nieces.

"Shhh, girls, people are trying to sleep, here, lets' snuggle under the blanket together until the others get up. You know old folks need their sleep." The three managed to get another hour sleep before Michelle's bladder won, "OK, where's the bathroom, girls?"

After Nature call the three went about setting the table for breakfast and Michelle started the coffee. About 30 minutes later Frank came out, "Grandpa, look who Santa brought! She was asleep on the couch."

He kissed them both, "Go get dressed and while Michelle and I cook breakfast."

"But the presents…"

He ruffled their wayward hair, "We will guard them."

Before they returned Grandma Mazur came into the kitchen, "I smell coffee."

Michelle hugged her grandmother. Edna grumbled, "I've missed you too sweetie, but first let me have my coffee."

Frank slipped an egg casserole into the oven and heated precooked bacon. "I'm not messing up the kitchen with bacon grease this morning." Michelle made toast while Grandma Mazur focused.

"You've changed. Your hair is controlled, your body is different. You were hinting at the Hungarian spread."

Michelle silently agreed. The stress of being engaged to Joe had added a few pounds. "Looks who's talking. I love your hair Grandma, it makes you look younger."

Grandma Mazur shook her head, "I need a face lift but the doctor says my skin is too thin now; should have been done 20 years ago. If he did it now I'd look like a mummy, just skin stretched across bone, nothing in between. I haven't discounted having my breasts lifted but understand it's painful. I have enough pain with arthritis so just buy my bras at Victoria's."

Michelle glanced at her father who was quietly laughing as he made toast and cut up grapefruit. He was no longer hiding behind the newspaper as he did in Trenton.

After breakfast and the gift opening to much squeals of delight the wrapping were collected, house straightened and Mary Alice moved into her sister's room. Michelle set her luggage among the pink unicorns.

Though the high temperature would only be in the 70's everyone wanted to go to the beach. Not into the water, but a Christmas Day picnic at the beach. It sure beat a cold snowy day in New Jersey. Frank had anticipated this and had food for a picnic already prepared. Michelle was silently grateful the foods were healthy as she helped pack. The beach was mostly empty. They had a shade umbrella and beach chairs for Grandma Mazur and Frank, blankets for the rest of the family. Everyone dressed in long pants and long sleeve shirts with sweaters handy; after all, it was the end of December. A small volley ball net was set up and all but Grandma Mazur played but she was the judge calling out the score.

Michelle was about to serve when she spied someone walking towards their group. He limped. She recognized the form, the latte colored skin. Mary Alice noted her aunt was distracted and turned to look.

"Ranger," she squealed and took off across the sand wrapping herself around his leg as she had done weeks before.

Michelle turned to her father. Frank shrugged, "He asked if he could come."

Angie was off and running and grabbed Ranger's other leg, the weak one. Ranger carefully placed her hands around his waist, "My leg isn't strong enough to support you Angie," he said smoothly. He then looked up at Michelle and shrugged as if to say, "I'm stuck."

Michelle smiled and shrugged as if you say, figure it out yourself.

Ranger leaned over and whispered something to the girls. They let go and ran back to the umbrella's shade. "Ranger wants some water."

By the time they got the water and argued which one would bring it to Ranger, he had arrived at the picnic site. Mary Alice held out the water bottle, "Here's your water."

Ranger thanked her and looked at Michelle, "Merry Christmas Michelle." He then proceeded to wish everyone else a Merry Christmas and of course shake Frank's hand.

Michelle leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "Merry Christmas Carlos. This is a pleasant, though apparently not unexpected surprise."

"You sorry I came?" he asked.

"No, not at all."

Ranger, Michelle and the girls sat on the beach blankets avoiding the shade as it as too cold.

"Now that you are here, we can eat," Frank said. "I'm hungry."

Michelle turned to Ranger, "I never knew the girls were aware of you or knew your name."

Angie spoke up, "We remembered him when he came to grandpa's house in Trenton. He was always nice to you and made you happy but we weren't allowed to talk to him. I don't think grandma Helen liked him."

Before the mood soured Ranger replied, I'm very happy you can talk to me now. I enjoyed our visit a few weeks ago."

"You are walking better," Angie said.

"A little better each day."

Mary Alice looked at Michelle, "He fell off tall building."

Michelle was still not aware how Ranger was injured.

After the meal, everyone returned to the volleyball net including Frank. Michelle could not remember playing volleyball, or any game with her father.

When Grandma Mazur started falling asleep in her chair the picnic was declared over. "Help be back up girls and let Ranger and Michelle have some privacy."

Ranger took Michelle's hand and stared walking down the beach. When they were about 100 feet away Grandma Mazur opened an eye, "I thought they'd never go off together. I had to fake a nap." Frank just chuckled.

00000000

"So how do you like Christmas Florida style, Michelle?" Ranger asked.

"You know I love the ocean. This is wonderful," she said waving her hand across the horizon.

"It gives the song White Christmas a new feel, you can really dream of a white Christmas and snow because chances of it happening here is almost nonexistent. I'm told about 40 years ago there were a few flakes, no accumulation, people didn't know if it was whitefly or snow."

"Whitefly?"

"They are small flying insects. Michelle, may I call you Babe? Michelle feels so foreign."

"You called me Babe a few times in Princeton. I liked the sound. What do you want me to call you?"

"Carlos away from Rangeman."

"Are you coming back?" she asked neutrally, or at least she hoped it was neutrally.

"I've never left; I'm just headquartered in Miami right now."

"Do you foresee that changing?"

He had a small Ranger smile, "Tank has threatened me with harm if I lure you away. That's more we need to discuss: Where you want to be and what are your goals?"

"Carlos, I love my family here, I love my Rangeman family in Trenton, I love my work. Sex is no longer entertainment for me, but rather part of a commitment. I'm even slightly warming to the idea of children, but if I go there, I'm not doing it as a single mother but part of marriage, sign on the dotted line, vow to God, and so on. Blame Tank or maybe my Catholic upbringing finally rooted. No more fuck-buddy, bed-warmer, occasional sex. If Carlos and Ranger are to be part of the mix with Michelle and Mitch, it must be in a legal, committed relationship with the possibility of a child."

"A child?" he asked quietly. He thought of Julie and what she needed now and his need for Michelle.

"If you believe your previous, or current life is too dangerous or complicated for a family, please tell me sooner rather than later. Don't string me along that "someday" we will have our….someday. I'm running out of time."

He nodded. It was more information than he wanted right away but he needed a response, "You forgot about Julie. It could get crowded."

Michelle realized she hadn't thought about Julie's needs. Since Ranger's injuries, Julie has been an important part of his life. "I love Julie like a daughter her needs now are as important as ours, if not more. Know that Mitch might not like the crowd but I suspect Michelle will love it," she laughed trying to hide her confusion.

"Is Stephanie part of the mix?"

She looked off out over the ocean, "Ranger I told you in Princeton there is very little Stephanie left. Cupcake, Bombshell Bounty Hunter, and Train Wreck were shattered Christmas Eve and cremated in the Maine woods, but she didn't completely die. But if the weak parts emerge, I can guarantee Mitch the Bitch will beat the crap out of them."

Ranger chuckled, "I always hoped you'd get stronger physically and emotionally. Now I'm not sure I'm man enough for Mitch the Bitch but Michelle promises to be quite a woman."

"She's standing right here Ranger."

He cupped her cheek, "Hello Michelle, I'm Carlos" and then he kissed her.

00000000

"Carlos, will you be joining us at home," Frank asked.

"Please Ranger, please, please," Mary Alice begged.

Michelle spoke up, "You are welcome, but if you need to get back to Miami…"

"I have a hotel room here. I'd love to join you, if that's OK with you Michelle."

She nodded affirmative and smiled shyly.

"Pumpkin, why don't you ride with Carlos."

Michelle looked at the larger Porsche, "You still have a Turbo?"

"Yes, but right now this is more comfortable," he answered quietly. He really didn't want to elaborate about his injuries.

"How are you coming?" she asked.

"Better every day."

She smiled. No he wasn't going to elaborate nor would she ask. "I can relate." There was a time she'd want detailed information, but no more. Living in the here and now, moving forward, not backward was her motto.

He sat there waiting for her to ask about the mission which he couldn't discuss. Nothing. She just sat and smiled.

Babe…

She turned and looked at him, "Moving forward Carlos, not backwards. I would like to have you join me, but it is your decision."

"I've missed you, Babe."

"I've missed you too." She almost said Batman, but was that in the past too?