Disclaimer: See Ch. 1

Spoilers: Through 14

A/N: Sorry for the wait, real life is kind of hectic right now; what with my online classes, work in the evenings, and playing nanny to my four year old nephew during the day. A new chapter of BtL is up. It takes place during ch. 13. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should go do that. Here's the next chapter of JL, enjoy!


I wasn't sure where I should start with Ella's party. I was saved deciding by a lot of loud cursing from the hallway.

I stood and went to the door. Opening it cautiously, I poked my head out.

Lester was standing in the middle of the control room, face red, fists clenched, curses flying out of his mouth like it was the only language he spoke.

"Fucking, sends me back here…Like I've got nothing better to do than sit on my fucking ass…Should be out there with the fucking rest of the core team…"

I stepped out of the office and shut the door behind me. I approached Lester slowly, receiving a lot of disbelieving stares in return. Turn around, they seemed to say. Go back and hide in the boss's office. In typical Stephanie Plum fashion, I ignored them.

"What's wrong, Les?"

He spun on me like he was going to continue his rant, then he seemed to register who I was and his hands fell limp to his sides.

"Fuck. I'm sorry, Stephanie. I didn't mean for you to witness my little hissy fit."

I took a few steps closer and asked him again, "What's wrong?"

He sighed and stared up at the ceiling.

"Ranger sent me back to be the com. go-between. I get to sit back here like a pussy and monitor communications between groups." He glanced quickly over his shoulder at the guys at the monitor. "No offense or anything." He turned back to me. "Meanwhile, my team is out there. He put Hal in charge of them. Shit, I should be out there. What the fuck was he thinking?"

I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and hit speed dial one.

"Shit, Steph, I didn't mean…"

I held up a hand to cut him off and walked a little bit away so I'd have some privacy.

"Yo," Ranger answered.

"Why'd you send Santos back? We both know he'd be more of an asset in the field."

He was quiet for a moment, but I could hear him grinding his teeth. "Stay out of it, Stephanie. It's not your concern."

"The hell it isn't. He's over here swearing up a storm. He's worried about his team, Ranger. Why can't you send Hal in and let Lester go out and play?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Put him on."

"No. Not until you tell me why he's here and not Hal."

There was another stretch of silence, then Ranger gave a small sigh. "I need someone there I can trust. Lester's team is well-trained. They can handle this op without him. I need Lester there so I know there aren't any screw-ups with communication."

I absorbed this. It sounded like a good enough reason. Something told me there was more to it, but Ranger was probably busy, so I let it slide.

"Okay," I said.

"Now, put Santos on."

I walked over and handed the phone to Lester.

He glared at me before accepting the phone.

"Thanks a lot," he muttered under his breath. What? Was he afraid Ranger was going to chew him out? Shit, I hadn't thought of that.

"Sorry," I mouthed.

Lester put the phone to his ear.

"Yeah, R-man."

He listened for a moment, his eyes moving to the ceiling.

"Yeah, I got it, Ranger. I understand."

Ranger talked some more, and Lester's eyes slid back to mine. They narrowed and took on a new intensity, then he nodded concisely.

"You got it, primo. Tomaré cuidado bueno de su mujer."

Les handed the phone back to me.

"He wants to talk to you again."

"Ranger?" I said into the phone.

"I want you to let Les help you with your little Mission until I need him tonight. He knows Ella fairly well."

"Okay."

"I'll see you in the morning, amada." Then he hung up.

I glared at the phone for a moment before looking up at Les. I gave him my best I'm-so-sweet-and-innocent-give-me-whatever-I-want look.

"Oh no, no, no. You think you can get me with those big doe eyes," Les chuckled. "You've got another thing comin', chica."

I batted my eyelashes.

"But Ranger gave me a special mission," I told him quietly. "And I need your help."

He tipped his head back and closed his eyes for a moment. When he looked back down at me, his eyes held a combination of curiosity, resignation, and impending doom. I got that look a lot. Especially when the guys were on Steph watch. It was like they were expecting something to blow up. Go figure.

"Fine," Les sighed. "Lead the way."

I turned and led the way back to Ranger's office. Once the door was closed behind us, I handed Lester the note and sat down behind Ranger's desk.

Les sat on the sofa and read the short missive.

"Use any of the men that you need?" He quoted. "Shit, he makes us sound like weapons or tools to be handed out and passed around at will."

I stifled a giggle.

Lester's eyes narrowed.

"What do you need from me?"

"Well, Ranger said you know Ella pretty well."

Lester inclined his head. "Our families are friends. I don't know Ella real well, but I can help you with the guest list."

I took out the piece of paper I'd been jotting ideas on.

"Perfect."

"I know who can help," Lester said, taking out his phone. He pressed a speed dial number and waited while it rang.

"Eh, Hector. ¿Qué tal? ¿Cómo estás? Bueno. Escuche, necesitamos tu ayuda." Les glanced up at me. "Stephanie y yo. Sí."

He listened for a moment, then gave a short laugh. "No, no. Es el cumpleaños de Ella. Sí. Stephanie está organizar la fiesta."

Hey, I knew that one! Fiesta means party! Score one for the white girl.

Lester was still rambling on in Spanish, but I blocked the words out. I couldn't understand them anyway.

I logged onto Ranger's computer and opened a word document. I typed in what I had so far: Lester was handling the guest list. That was it. Super job, Plum.

"Sí. Gracias, Hector. Hasta mañana."

Les hung up and looked at me.

"Hector says that Ella likes to dance."

"Dance," I said. "Okay. How does Hector know that?"

Lester shrugged. "Hector likes to cook. They swap recipes and stuff. Ella likes to use her Spanish so she doesn't forget it, and Hector will talk to anyone who knows his language. I guess you could say they're…friends or something."

He looked a little surprised at his own realization. I stifled a laugh.

"Okay, dancing it is."

I typed it into my document and looked back at Lester. "Ummm, what kind of dancing?"

I couldn't imagine Ella doing the chicken dance or the electric slide. Those were both very popular party dances in the Burg. I smiled to myself as I imagined Ranger shaking his butt like a chicken.

"Flamenco, Rumba, Fandango. I asked Hector if he'd handle the music. He agreed."

Latino dances. I should have guessed. I had no idea how to dance any of those, but I could just sit them out. I was glad that Hector was handling the music, because I would have no idea where to even start.

Another thought struck me.

"If Ella and I are the only women, who will all of you men dance with?"

Lester was definitely amused as he answered. "Some of the men have wives or girlfriends or fiancés; they'll bring them. And there will be some single women there, too."

I cocked my head. "Who?"

"Ella has two unmarried daughters," he said with a grin. "Really hot, unmarried daughters."

I smiled back. "You think Ella would let you date one of her daughters?"

His smile faded slightly as he seemed to think about it. "Probably not. But maybe I can convince her to let me have a dance or two."

I shook my head. I couldn't blame Ella. I probably wouldn't let any daughters of mine near a guy like Lester either. He was nice enough, sweet even, but he was known around Rangeman for his love 'em and leave 'em philosophy on dating.

"And Ranger's sisters will be there. Liliana and Rosita were still single the last time I asked. Lord knows why, they're gorgeous girls." He became thoughtful. "On second thought, I'm not sure I want my cousins up in here with all these guys."

I let out a laugh. "If Ranger's sisters are anything like him, they can handle themselves."

"Well, I mean, there wouldn't be any ass-kicking, but they're pretty independent. Plus, Ranger, Mario, and Tio Ricardo will be there to keep them in line."

"Tio Ricardo?" I asked, my voice rising steadily. "But that's Ranger's dad. Does that mean his mom will be there, too?"

Lester just laughed.

Oh, shit. I was so not ready to meet the family. Ranger and I hadn't even discussed what was going on between us; if there was anything at all. I took a slow, deep breath to keep from hyperventilating. I felt hands on my arms and glanced down into Lester's concerned face. He was kneeling before me.

"Breathe, bomber. What, are you afraid that they won't like you? Because, believe me, they'll love you. All they want is for Ranger to find a nice girl and be happy. And he has…he is."

Ranger was happy? Well, I guess he had been smiling a lot more lately. Was that because of me? Stupid Stephanie, get out of your own head and pay attention.

"Yes, it's because of you, Stephanie. You're good for my cousin. Just like I think he's good for you." He cocked his head, like he was waiting for a response.

I nodded.

"Good," he said, rising and going back to the sofa. "Now what else do we need for this party thingy?"

I had to laugh. If the rest of Ranger's family was like him and Lester, I was pretty sure I could deal.

I looked at my list. Guests, dancing…

"Food," I said. "We need food."

"Food would be good."

I thought for a moment. Normally, I'd ask Ella for this sort of thing, but… Mom! My mother was in her element when she was cooking; especially for a whole bunch of people. I'd call and talk to her later.

"I think I've got the food covered," I told Lester. "And I'll call the bakery about a cake. Do you know Ella's favorite flavor?"

"Naw. Do like half and half or something. That way everybody's happy."

I nodded and made another note on the computer.

"What about drinks?"

Lester's grin was the widest I had ever seen.

"Alcoholic or…"

"Both," I said. "I want the guys who are on duty to have something, too."

"You leave the alcohol to me, bombshell. Doc Les will hook you right up."

I rolled my eyes.

"And I'll get Bobby to handle the non-alcoholic beverages," he assured me.

I noted both on my list.

"Guests, dancing, food, cake, drinks. Anything else?"

Les shook his head. "Sounds like a fiesta to me."

I saved the document and closed out of the program. Just as I was about to log off of the computer, an icon caught my eye. It was labeled 'Eliza'.

I thought back to that day in the café when Ranger had labeled us Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. I smiled.

"Wonder what this is," I said aloud, clicking on the icon.

Lester rushed around the desk. His eyes fell on the screen and he tried to push me out of the way.

"It's nothing, bomber. Nothing at all."

I shoved him away and glanced at the screen that had opened. It was a map of Trenton. There was a red dot located halfway down Haywood Street; right on top of the Rangeman building. I looked up at Lester.

"What is this?"

Lester had his eyes closed and he was rubbing the bridge of his nose. He was muttering under his breath.

"Shit…forgot to log off…Ranger's gonna kill us…"

"Lester," I said a little louder. "What is this?"

Lester's eyes hit mine and I knew by the cool, hard look in them that he was going to lie.

"Nothing, Steph. Just a map."

"Bullshit," I gasped. "This is a tracker. What is it tracking, Les?"

"It's…it's…it's tracking you, Steph. Okay? It's your tracker."

Somehow, I'd known that, but then why was Les acting so strangely.

"Okay," I said. "So what is it this time? Another pen? A tube of lip gloss?"

Lester was looking away from me, his eyes scanning the room as if looking for a way to escape.

"Something like that," he muttered.

"Well, I'll go get my purse and you can show me," I said. "How does Ranger get those trackers into all those little objects, anyway? And that pen really worked, you know."

"I know, bomber. But listen, you don't need to get your purse. Ranger would really rather you didn't know what the tracker was," his face cracked into a very fake smile. "Harder for you to ditch it that way."

My eyes narrowed.

"Okay," I said slowly.

Lester nodded, and his smiled warmed a bit, taking on a relieved quality.

"Good. Now, what are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?"

I thought about it. "I think I'll head upstairs and make a few phone calls."

I did have to call my mother, but that could wait. I had another plan in mind.

"Great. I'll be down here if you need me."

Lester walked me to the elevator and pressed the button for me.


Ten minutes later, I was up in Ranger's apartment, the contents of my purse strewn across the floor in front of me. That Sesame Street song about things belonging had been running through my head for the past five minutes. You know the one, "Which one of these things is not like the others? Which one of these things just doesn't belong…"

Problem was, they all belonged. There was not one thing here on Ranger's living room carpet that I didn't recognize as mine. Lester had lied to me.

I grabbed the landline and dialed down to five. Lance answered.

"Control room."

"Um, hi, it's Stephanie."

"What can I do for you, Miss Plum?"

Lance was new. Lance didn't know the 'Miss Plum' Rule. I let it slide. Bigger fish and all that.

"Can you send Lester up? Tell him it's an emergency." Then I hung up.

Poor Lance was probably shaking in his size fifteen combat boots. No doubt he'd heard the stories about the bombshell and her emergencies. He was probably having visions of blow-dryer/hairspray bombs.

Two and a half minutes later, Lester burst through the door. No knock, no hi-how-are-ya's. Just, "What is it, bombshell? What's on fire?"

I almost laughed at the terrified look on his face.

"No fire, Les."

I watched him glance once around the apartment, and waited until his eyes were on me and the contents of my purse. I saw the exact moment he realized what was going on. His eyes widened and his mouth opened on an exhale, then his blank face slammed into place.

"No tracker either, Les."

He continued to stare at me, his lack of expression unnerving.

"There was never any tracker, was there, Santos?"

When he didn't answer, I stood up.

"You'd better start talking, because I'm starting to freak out here."

What the hell had that thing been tracing? Lester had admitted that it was me, but…

"There was a tracker," Les finally said. "It was a keychain shaped like a daisy."

I vaguely remembered finding such a thing…in my other purse…which was back at my apartment, not here at Rangeman.

"Lester," I said. I'm sure my eyes were as big as saucers, because I was getting kind of scared. I mean, I trusted Ranger, but…

If it wasn't something in my purse, how could Ranger be sure that I had it on me at all times, unless…

"Oh God," I gasped. "Did he…did he put something in me?"

I pulled up the sleeve of my shirt and turned my arm back and forth, looking for some sort of mark which might signify an injection site. It wasn't completely out of the question for Ranger to drug me and…

Lester grabbed my arm gently to stop my frantic search.

"There is nothing in you, Stephanie."

He put my hands in both of his and caught my eyes.

"You would have noticed that," he said. "There would have been an incision, and bruising afterwards. Besides, Ranger wouldn't do that. Not to you. To one of our enemies, maybe. But not you."

He held my eyes and my hands until I nodded, then he let go and stepped back.

"It isn't my place to explain this to you, Stephanie. To be honest, I don't even know the whole story. I have no idea what it's tracking. Just promise me that you won't freak out about this, because it really isn't a big deal."

"Then why can't you tell me?"

He sighed and looked off out the window.

"Because Ranger asked me not to, and I swore to him that I wouldn't. He's my cousin and my friend and my boss, bomber. I can't break a promise to him."

I bit my lip and forced myself to keep quiet. Lester wasn't going to say a word. I'd just have to bug Ranger about it later.

Lester's finger under my chin startled me.

"Don't bother Ranger about this right now. His life depends on him being able to concentrate, and he can't do that if he knows you're upset."

Had I been thinking about calling Ranger now? Huh, I guess I had.

"Cut it out with the ESP," I told Lester.

That got me a laugh. "Not ESP, beautiful. You're just easy to read."

I sighed. "What am I going to do until morning?" I mused aloud.

"You're going to keep busy and try not to worry."

I looked up at Les. "That's not possible."

His crooked smile helped to lighten the mood, as did his next sentence.

"I heard the guys downstairs discussing pizza. What do you say we go down and join them for a slice?"

I couldn't help but smile. Everyone knew that, for me, food was the best kind of distraction there was.

"Sure."

I took a few moments to stuff everything back into my purse, then I accompanied Lester down to five.

The pizza was great, as was the company, but the mystery tracker and Ranger's safety nagged at the back of my mind the entire time. I really wanted to call Ranger, but keeping him alive was more important than knowing what that 'Eliza' program was tracking. My fingers inched towards my cell phone a number of times, but I ignored them and grabbed another slice of pizza, or my cup of soda, or a brownie. I was going to get fat if I continued with this food distraction stuff.

I left the boys around eight and headed upstairs.

"The action will be starting soon," Lester told me just before I headed up. "You might want to go hang out in denial land on seven."

I took him up on that offer.

Now I was sitting cross-legged in the middle of Ranger's bed wearing one of his black t-shirts and a pair of bright red panties. I'd showered, I'd shaved, I'd brushed my teeth. It was 9:30 and I was going out of my mind.

What was happening? Were they fighting? Who was winning? Was Ranger okay? What about the Merry Men?

I was tempted to go downstairs and find out what Lester knew, but I knew that would be worse.

I couldn't stand the silence anymore. Finally, I stood up and went into the living room. I pulled the black fleece throw down over me and flicked on the TV.

There was a Mission Impossible marathon on, but that reminded me too much of Ranger. I flipped the channel. The Terminator. Road Warrior. Batman Returns. Shit.

I ended up on some girly, sappy romance flick and settled into the couch. The tears started right when the perfect, dark-haired hero returned to his blonde, waiflike love. Would I have that reunion? Would I wake up with Ranger's strong arms around me? Or would the next time I saw him be in a field filled with stones, his perfect face hidden behind a pine box?

I closed my eyes and cried myself to sleep right there on Ranger's sofa with the song from the movie's closing credits playing on into my dreams.


A/N: If you have a minute, let me know what you thought! How do you think the confrontation with Trotter will go? The actual confrontation will be posted on BtL because I think it's ging to be from Tank's POV. We'll see the results of said confrontation in the next chapter here. I'll post ASAP! Oh, and look for the next chapter of BtL -- Lester's conversation with Ranger from this chapter.

Translations:

Tomaré cuidado bueno de su mujer – I'll take good care of your woman.

¿Qué tal? ¿Cómo estás? Bueno. Escuche, necesitamos tu ayuda. – What's up? How are you? Good. Listen, we need your help.

Stephanie y yo. Sí. – Stephanie and I. Yes.

No, no. Es el cumpleaños de Ella. Sí. Stephanie está organizar la fiesta. – No, no. It's Ella's birthday. Yes. Stephanie is organizing the party.

Sí. Gracias, Hector. Hasta mañana. – Yes. Thank you, Hector. Until tomorrow/See you tomorrow.