-Ranger-

All Diesel said was to meet him at the address he gave me at 5:30. He claimed he had a 'witness'. I revved the Turbo's engine, racing through the streets. I wanted to find Steph's killer. I wanted revenge, pure and sweet. I wanted them to suffer, to feel the pain I'm feeling.

The ride ended all too quickly. The address turned out to be an office on a deserted and boarded-up street. I stepped inside to see Diesel and Morelli talking. I caught his eye and he pointed to an office. It was dark inside. I flipped on the light and what I saw stopped my heart.

-Steph-

I looked at Ranger. The expression on his face would have been funny under different circumstances. He stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms, his unique scent of Bulgari and pure Ranger enveloping me. His embrace was warm and comforting. I felt safe in his arms, as I always do. He whispered softly in my ear, "Babe". Everything he felt was expressed in that one word. There was love – at least that's what I would like to believe it was – surprise, relief, and even undertones of anger. The anger, of course, was directed at anyone who had ever tried to hurt me. He never has directed this level of cold furry at me, and I certainly hope he never will.

I pulled back and looked into his eyes. They were soft, warm. "Hey, Batman. Did you really think I could be killed that easily?" He shook his head and smiled. "I was at the hospital. I saw everything. How is this possible?"

"You'll have to ask Diesel. I'm still a bit fuzzy on the details."

Then, on cue, Diesel and Morelli walked in. We sat on the couches, Ranger's arm never leaving my waist. I explained what happened in my apartment and Diesel told about the meadow and what happened between then and now. They seemed to take everything in stride, never doubting anything we said. They knew Diesel was different.

After talking strategy for awhile, the issue of where I was staying arose. It was decided that I would stay with Ranger, at Rangeman. That was perfectly fine by me. I tried to stifle a yawn, without success. I guess dying was tiring.

Diesel popped me into Ranger's apartment on seven, to avoid any questions. Ranger himself arrived minutes later. He was going to hold a meeting tomorrow for all the Merry Men. I personally couldn't wait. They must be worried sick about Ranger's wrath. After all, I had died on their watch. Their faces would be priceless.

We changed and climbed into bed. I slept peacefully in Ranger's arms.