Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Plum series. Those are copycright of Janet Evanovich.

Chap 4. The Merry Men

Thank you ladyofkeegan, for editing this chapter. I hope you guys like it. Thanks for the reviews.

I woke up to the smell of pancakes. I could already taste the cinnamon sweetness and the walnuts in my mouth. I turned on my side with a yawn and nuzzled against my pillow, or should say Ranger's old pillow. It was still as comfortable as the last night Ranger and I spent together. I watched my son sleep, his little chest moving to an even rhythm. I scooted closer to him and wrapped my arms around him. He nestled in my arms and I placed a kiss on his temple. The clock on the nightstand told me it was eight in the morning. I decided today is the day I go to my parents' house.

I forced myself out of bed, choosing to let Ricky sleep a while longer. Even if I tried to wake him up right now, it would probably take me about half an hour. When I entered the kitchen, Sofia was flipping a pancake on a skillet, and humming harmoniously to the tune of the song on the radio.

"Good morning," I mumbled, dragging my feet to sit on a stool by the counter.

"My friend," she said smiling. "How was your sleep?"

"Short. Thanks for coming to my rescue last night." Following what happened with Morelli, I was too afraid to go to the station and get my body receipt. I knew there was a chance that somebody was waiting for me there. So she took care of everything for me. I really don't know how she did it, but she did.

"Oh it was nothing," she said gently. "It was fun. I saw the black truck, but I think he was busy looking for you and missed me coming in. Blueberries or walnuts?"

"Both please" Sofia threw the blueberries and the walnuts into the mix and poured it into the pan. "Could you help me prepare a recipe from a book? It's for Ricky; I think he might miss Donna Ana's food.

"Of course," she replied, "maybe we can try tonight. By the way, Samuel called this morning. He gave me an update on the investigation in New York. Apparently, we might not be the only ones looking for Leticia. The rumor is that the Leticia's grandparents hired someone, here in Trenton, to search for her."

"Did he give you a name?"

"No, right now it's only a rumor. He's going to ask Marcus's wife for confirmation. We should go over our plans for this week. We have to talk to Kennel's family first. They know the police are looking for him. We have to convince them to trust us. We need to find Leticia."

Sofia put a pancake on my plate, a mouthwatering delicious pancake.

"I don't understand," I said. "Why keep it quiet? People should be talking about this more often."

"I know," Sofia sighed. "It gets worse. Now most of the work is done over the Internet. Now you can actually buy these victims online. Can you believe that?"

"Yes, Marcus gave me an article just a few days before he died. It said kids as young as Ricky are kidnapped, shipped off to other countries, and employed as sex slaves."

"This is bad," Sofia said angrily. She took a deep breath before continuing. "We have to find her before they move her. It has been a week."

I grabbed a pen and a notepad. We reviewed the case while we ate our pancakes, and added a few suggestions. When we finished, I showered and spent more than usual on my hair. I'm going to see my family after four years. I have to look good. I chose a dark pair of skinny jeans and a nice pair of flats. I didn't plan to go around running today. I put on a breezy white top and layered that with a vest. I looked good. I got Ricky in the shower and helped him brush his teeth. When it was time to get him dressed, I was about to help him put on his t-shirt and when he complained.

"I do it," he told me. "I'm a big boy."

I know I should probably feel happy that my son wants be more independent, but I was upset. He's not even four yet. He told me to leave the room! Seriously? He doesn't get that from me, I'm quiet sure.

I sighed and I waited for him outside the room. I was counting to ten and telling myself it was fine. He's almost four and I'm still his mother. He still needs me. I'm in my thirties and I still need my mother.

-rs-

I decided to visit my family around noon. I didn't know who would be there or what was going to happen once I entered the house. If I'm even allowed in the house. I needed moral support, so I brought Sofia with me. Ricky was in the backseat playing with his Nintendo DS. We took Sofia's BMW and drove around the area in search of the car that would surely be waiting for me. This time, it was a blue Explorer. We found the car just a few cars away from the house, looking suspiciously uninhibited. I parked four spots behind them.

I watched Sofia parade herself in front of the car, pretending to be on the phone. I smiled. She looked a little more uncomfortable than usual.

"There are two men in the car," she told me through the phone. "I'm sending you a picture."

She pretended to be looking for signal. If the Merry Men in question were actually paying attention to her actions, they would probably be suspicious. However, Sofia happens to have Jessica Rabbit's body, except less boobs and dark shiny hair. She was wearing a flirty skirt reaching to the top of her knees, and a shirt she belted around the waist.

My phone beeped. I looked at the picture she sent met. Tank and Lester were sitting in the car, both obviously very distracted. I was only expecting one person.

"Alright, lets do this," I said and I watched Sofia make her way back to the car.

"Good luck, my friend," she said sitting in the back with Ricky.

"Where are you going mommy?"

"I'm going to talk to someone in that blue car, over there. I'll be right back, okay?"

My son nodded and I hurried over to Lester and Tank. I rapped on the back window as I reached the passenger's door.

"Hello guys," I greeted, "waiting for me?"

They both looked at me, mouth wide open. Lester was holding a water battle to his lips and dropped it. He jumped in his seat, his lap getting all wet. He quickly sealed the bottle and stumbled out of the car.

"Bombshell" Tank said firmly, ignoring Lester's struggles to dry his pants. I'm quite sure Sofia was probably amused, wondering what I've done, and enjoying watching Lester's dilemma.

"Bomber," Lester explained ignoring his pants and pulling me into a tight hug. "It's so good to see you, and look at you! You are even more beautiful than I remember."

"God, I missed you guys," I gave Lester a tight hug in return.

In my head, I knew it wasn't a smart idea to get in the car, but I did. I was getting myself into the lion's den. They could very easily drive away with me. I got into Lester's seat and gave Tank a hug. He was in shock, I believe, because he hesitantly put his arm around me.

"We need to talk," I hurried my words. I just wanted to see my family, but the RangeMan were an obstacle. If I even intended going into my parents' house, Ranger would be here in less than ten minutes. The guys could just as well drive away with me. However, I had to try to bring them on my side, somehow. "Please, let me talk before you do anything."

"Ranger has been looking all over for you," Tank groaned. "It's has been four years and eight months of searching. Who's counting? I'm not. Do you realize he's still looking for you? Do you know what this means?"

"I know," I cried, "I had my reasons."

"What happened Bomber?" Lester asked placing a hand on my shoulder. "We were worried. Ranger even teamed up with the cop to find you."

"It's complicated," I said and Tank started the car.

"C'mon beautiful," Lester pleaded.

I had a few tears in my eyes. I didn't know what else to say or do. I know they were probably as worried about Ranger as they were about me. They were now looking at me with alarm. I just wanted to see my parents.

"He loves you," Tank stated.

"I never planned to stay away for four years, things just changed." I had a baby and things got complicated. It became more difficult to come back home as time went by, and Ranger doesn't love me the way I do.

Tank and Lester looked at each other in wonder. I didn't know what else to say, if I could only say the right words.

"Steph?" Lester interjected, "there's someone else, right?"

"No, just listen," I grumbled. "I promise I will talk to Ranger. I need to talk to him, but right now I just want see my family. Besides, this could be considered kidnapping."

Tank seemed upset and conflicted. I had more tears running down my face. Tank hates me, I thought, he's mad.

"Oh god," I cried putting my hands on my face, "you guys hate me!"

I felt strong arms holding me, and pulling me out the door. Lester pressed me into his chest, my hands still on my face. I didn't hear the driver's door open, but I knew it was Tank's hand on my shoulder. After a few seconds, Tank tried to pull me away from Lester. I think he wanted me to face him. I was about to look up at him when I heard a shriek.

"Momma," my son screamed running towards me.

I was startled. Ricky reached me and hugged my legs. I lifted him up and settled him in my arms. Sofia gave me an apologetic look once she caught up to us. She was nursing an arm. I can only guess Ricky bit her.

"Stay way from my mom," Ricky ordered Tank, his eyes narrowing. I was truly surprised and moved. He wanted to protect me from Tank! Ricky wants to protect me. I couldn't believe it, and I wouldn't if he wasn't Ranger's son. Ricky probably saw me crying, saw Tank touching me, and thought he was going to hurt me. Oh my son, my little savior.

He rested his head against my chest, hugging me tight, but he kept giving Tank a glare that would make Ranger very proud. I chuckled with amazement. Kids of my son's age are usually afraid of big guys like Tank, but my son wants to confront him.

"Honey," I cooed. "This is uncle Tank, and he's not going to hurt me. Isn't that right Tank?"

I looked up at Tank. He was more than shocked. I couldn't read the expression on his face. He was busy examining the painting in front of him. A picture composed of me holding my son, Ranger's son. I wish I knew what was going through his head.

Tank's POV

"Bombshell you have a kid," Lester exclaimed in disbelieve. Stephanie smiled.

"Ricky, this is your uncle Lester," She told the child in her arms, and he glanced over at Lester with curiosity. Lester held out a hand, the child looked up at Stephanie questionably, and shook Lester's hand when she nodded in approval.

I couldn't peel my eyes away from Stephanie and her son. I knew there was something different about her, a new sort of self-proclamation. I could see it now. She became a mother while she was gone. Stephanie and Lester were silent watching the child.

Jesus, the kid is glaring at me! He's giving me that look Ranger gives everyone when they… No! Wait, that's impossible, could it be? I examined the child in her arms. I saw Ranger's hair, and his skin tone was much closer to Ranger's than Stephanie's was. He had big blue eyes like his mother. He had to be probably about four years old or less. I cocked my head to the side and narrowed my eyes in wonder.

"What's your name big boy?" Lester asked him, and I'm sure he was amused.

"Carlos," Ricky said loud and clear, "Carlos Ricardo Manoso."

I glanced up at Lester. We were both shocked. We watched Steph and Ricky in disbelief. Ricky was saying something about how her mother twisted the order of his name.

"… But it's like my dad's, you can ask my mom. She calls me Ricky, but Tia Sofia calls me Carlito." He pointed at Sofia, "Tia Sofia is going to be my girlfriend when I'm taller. She says I'm too short."

We all stared at Sofia. She smiled self-consciously, and found better interest in her sandals. There was a short silence and we all started laughing. This kid is adorable! I saw Steph dried a few tears from her eyes and gave her son a kiss.

Lester's POV

I love this kid already. I think things at RangeMan will definitely change with his kid walking around Trenton. I can't wait for Ranger to find out about him. He might get upset for a while, but this kid is just too charming. I could teach him so many things! He also has good taste. I stared at the woman next to me for a little too long. I turned my head away self-consciously, and I really don't know why I did it. She was making me feel funny just by standing next to me.

"Guys," Steph said smiling. "This is my friend and co-worker, Sofia Mendes. She's also Ricky's godmother."

She shook hands with Tank, and I cleared my throat and offered mine.

"A pleasure to meet you," I said offering my best smile. "I'm Lester, and I'm single."

"Right," she answered, and I think she sounded annoyed. Damn it! What's wrong with me? I'm not losing my touch or am I?

"Son, I think you should go with Tia," Steph said putting little Ranger down. "I have to talk to these gentlemen."

Ricky looked over at Tank suspiciously. This was too amusing. I laughed at the sight. He was giving Tank, Ranger's angry glare, his lips tight and eyes narrowed.

"It's okay," Tank said. I'm not sure if he wanted to laugh or cry. "I would never hurt your mom. I promise."

"Vámonos Carlitos (let's go)," Sofia offered her hand to Ricky. "Te compraré un helado (I'm buying you ice cream)."

I saw Ranger's son give his mother a fearful look. I wonder if he even understood what Sofia was telling him. He was probably about three years old, and I'm sure Stephanie doesn't speak Spanish. Sofia raised an eyebrow.

"Mami dijo que no puedo comer helado," Ricky stated. I took the thought back.

"Why can't he eat ice cream?" Sofia asked.

"It's temporary," Bombshell said uncertainly, "he ate my flan."

Steph's POV

Lester started laughing uncontrollably and I saw Tank chuckle and turn his face away from me. I wondered what they were laughing about. Sofia shook her head.

"By the way," she said to Lester. "I think your pants are wet."

Sofia took Ricky's hand and they walked away from us. She was going to spoil him with gelato. I'm quiet sure.

"Ranger's not going to be very happy about this," Tank sighed. "You ran away. You ran away carrying his child."

"Hey! I didn't know I was pregnant," I huffed. "I thought I was only leaving for a year. I just wanted to stay away for a while. I told him to stop searching for me and he didn't. What did he do with the letter I sent him?"

"He burned it," Tank replied, but he still had a smile on his face. Good. I took a deep breath. I had sent Ranger a letter telling him to stop looking for me, and that I didn't want the police involved. I told him I'd be back when I was ready, because I needed time to move on. This was before I knew about Ricky.

"I wanted to clear my mind," I frustrated and sad. "And I wanted Morelli and Ranger to forget about me. I didn't know I was pregnant. Ricky is going to be four in three weeks. You do the math, I don't want to explain."

I felt the blood rush to my face when I saw the guys' thoughtful expressions. Why did they need to know anyways? I shook my head.

"Listen," I continued. "I have to tell Ranger about Ricky, but I need time. We just got back to Trenton yesterday morning. I want to see my mother and my grandmother, the ones I haven't seen in four and a half years. My mother is probably going to kill me. If I can survive my mother, then I can survive Ranger. Ricky is excited, he wants to meet his daddy, but I need to make sure this is a pleasant experience for him. I need talk to Ranger first, before anything happens."

I saw Tank's solemn face and Lester's approving smile. I immediately felt better. I knew they agreed with me. They were on my side. It was a mission accomplished. Thanks to Ricky, of course.

-rs-

We waited for Sofia and Ricky to come back. I was right about the gelato. They walked down the street holding cones of Italian ice cream. Sofia was holding four cones. She offered one to Lester first. Tank and I took ours and started to eat. Sofia was trying to hide it, but she kept giving Lester little glances. This might actually be a problem. Lester kept trying to flirt with Sofia, and she kept pretending to ignore him. Tank kept watching my son with curiosity. Ricky was giving Lester the glare, and holding tight on Sofia's hand.

"Bombshell," Tank chuckled. "I'm glad you're back."

"Thank you, Tank."

"Please, talk to Ranger soon" he half whispered. "He's going crazy knowing that you're here, and he still can't get to you. When you left, he wasn't quite himself anymore. We were all worried, and wanted things to be alright again, but I think it got worse."

"What happened?"

"Well, Ella told Ranger's mother what was going on," Tank whispered loud enough for me to hear. "Mrs. Manoso sent Mr. Manoso to Haywood to fix their son's life. He wasn't allowed to go back until he did."

"What?" I exclaimed in disbelieve. I couldn't imagine Ranger's reaction. "What happened?"

"Well," Tank said. "Mr. Manoso stayed there for two months. Ranger had a talk with his mother, and Mr. Manoso was allowed back home. I don't know what he said to her or what he promised."

What could Ranger possibly have said to his mother? If I saw my son struggling, I wouldn't rest until I made sure he wasn't. God, I would probably act like Morelli's mother when he was running from the law, defensive and alert. I would always be looking about for my child. The thought reminded me of what happened last night. I had to talk to Joe Morelli. I had a few questions to ask, and I have to properly apologize.

Tank's P.O.V

I saw little Ranger run into the house when the door opened. Bombshell's mother grabbed her and pulled her into the house when she saw her. I'm glad she's back. Maybe after all of this is done we can all breathe easier. Fifteen minutes later, Lester and I got back in the car. We had to pretend nothing happened, and sit tight until Bombshell finally talks to the boss.

"Did you see the way he was looking at you?" Lester asked. We both laughed at the thought.

"I think Ranger finally has his match," I replied amused. I couldn't help it.

"Who's my match?" Lester and I turned our heads simultaneously to see Ranger looking at us through the passenger's window.

"Boss," Lester's voice squeaked when he talked. I saw Ranger raise an eyebrow at him.

"What's wrong with this one?" nodding at Lester.

"I wonder the same," I responded smoothly, "all the time."

"You guys can go now," he said. "I'm going to talk to Mrs. Plum, so I'll stay here for a while."

"No," Lester and I said together. This unison stuff has to stop. Ranger raised his eyebrow once again.

"I mean," I started. "I saw Mrs. Plum step out about fifteen minutes ago. I haven't seen her come back. We can wait here with you."

"Is there anything I need to know?"

"Well," Lester glanced my way.

"Lester is in trouble," I suddenly said. "It's really bad."

Ranger sighed in frustration and hopped into the back seat.

"You have ten minutes," he said.

Tank: I have a nephew!

Ranger: Do you?

Ricky: Tank is a weird name.

Steph: Thanks for the encouragement guys. I enjoy the comments and reviews.