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Chapter 23
Ranger's POV
Uncle Sam called today and said I had a job to do for a few months. It's not quite as hard going in the wind these days, mainly because my Babe was out of the picture. It's helping that I'm in Miami and not Trenton. I fight back the urge to ask Tank how she's doing, what kind of mess she's gotten herself into. She and Rodriguez are probably still together and she's probably blown up a few cars.
I chuckled to myself. God I miss her. Her smile, her laugh, her smell. Sometimes I think I was crazy for pushing her away, other times I'm grateful that she's still alive and not being hunted by one of my enemies.
I had to get a few things in order before leaving so I opened my email to send a letter to my attorney. I won't know where I'm going until I get to DC and I want to make sure everything is worked out in case I don't come back from where ever I'm going.
My inbox was full as usual and in particular caught my eye. It was an email from Lester and the subject box said "Karaoke at its best!" Hmmm....I clicked on it.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing in front of me. It was Stephanie Singing with another guy; they seemed to be in a bar somewhere and there was DJ equipment set up near them. So I guess this is karaoke at its best according to Lester. Stephanie sang like an angel and the guy singing with her wasn't too bad himself. I could hear guys cheering and realized it was Tank, Lester and Rodriguez. What the hell is going on here? It didn't look like any bar in Trenton, and who the hell was the guy she was singing with? He was tall and muscular and had a soft chocolate skin. He was probably bi-racial. They looked comfortable singing with each other and often reached out to touch one another whether it is on the hand or on the waist. I don't remember hiring anyone new lately or approving any new hires so he couldn't be a Rangeman employee.
The song ended and they walked back to the table. My god she was beautiful. She looked better than ever with a toned body and she obviously lost some weight. The young guy she called "Damien" said something to her and she threw back her head and laughed. I wish it was me there watching her laugh and not this kid. What was he any way, her new boyfriend? If that was the case then why was Rodriguez there? They didn't interact like they were a couple.
I'm going to have to call tank and get to the bottom of this.
"Yo."
"Explain"
I didn't have to say anymore because he started laughing. "I guess you got the email, huh?" he said still chuckling.
"Why was I sent an email of Stephanie singing?" Trying to sound casual.
"You're never going to believe this. Santos took the video and meant to send it to Bobby and Cal but accidentally sent it to all Rangeman employees instead. Steph doesn't know but when she does she's gonna kick his ass. I'm looking forward to it. Santos is so scared he's been hiding out all day.
I laughed, but then got serious and got back to why I called.
"Who was the guy in the video tank, aren't her and Rodriguez together? She looks in shape, has she been training with you guys?"
He sighed and I could picture him rubbing his hands over his face. "She and Rodriguez haven't been together since they got back from Miami. The guy she was singing with is Damien, he's a good friend of hers, and before you ask, no they're not involved. She's in shape because she's getting training, and it's not from us. If you want to know where she got it you can call and ask her yourself. I can't tell you, it's not my place."
He's hiding something, I know it. "Can't or won't Thomas?"
"Both, I promised I wouldn't say anything, plus it's not my place. You could have easily been apart of her life, but you pushed her away, now you have to deal with the consequences."
Don't I know it. "There is another reason why I'm calling. I've been called out for something, but I don't know what yet. They said I could be gone for months so I got my shit in order. I'll be leaving next week, keep an eye on Miami for me."
"I'll take care of it boss, good luck."
I'll need it.