Disclaimer: You know the drill, I don't own them.
Sorry about the wait. I'm trying to hammer out the club stuff; I should have it done in the next couple days. Thanks for the great reviews, I'm glad no one wants to hang me for killing off Grandma. :)
I called Ella after my morning run. She got the girls and me appointments at a place called Celsius. Lula and I dragged Mooner and Dougie away from a CSI marathon to reschedule before picking Mary Lou and Connie up at the office at 2:00.
I wasn't sure what to expect when we pulled up to the spa. From the outside it looked like all the other red brick buildings on the block, most of which were office space. When we stepped through the doors it was like we'd traveled to Sweden. The girls at the front desk were all slim blonde haired, blue eyed clones. Connie and Lula looked ready to bolt and Mary Lou looked like she was going to faint. I stepped up to the counter and handed the closest girl my ID.
"We have appointments for hair and nails I believe…"
The girls checked her computer and shook her head slightly. "Actually Ms. Plum, it looks like you've all got Gold Package appointments." When she saw my confused expression she smiled. "That includes massages, wraps, waxing, hair, manicures, pedicures, and make up. It's all customizable, so if any of you are uncomfortable with anything just let your attendant know." As she spoke the girls were each approached by their own blond and lead through the doors on the right. "My name is Missy and I'll be your attendant Ms. Plum, I just need you to sign the receipt and we'll head back."
I glanced at the total as I signed and almost screamed. He was so going to regret letting Ella and I have Rangeman cards. I sighed and followed Missy to my torture. I wonder what kind of waxing she was talking about.
Three and a half hours later we were all at my apartment getting ready. I'd convinced my landlords to let me remodel the bathroom at my own expense. I think they were just glad I hadn't blown the building up in a while. I'd picked out a scarlet silk peasant blouse, matching ballet flats whit a little black bow on top, and black wide leg dress slacks. They were snug through the hips and thighs, but loose from mid-thigh down; perfect for hiding the Taurus Model 25 Hector had given me. When I looked up from adjusting the ankle holster I noticed the girls all gaping at me. Oh boy.
Connie smiled and patted my shoulder. "About time you found one you like Steph."
I tried not to laugh, really I did. "Connie, there are four guns in this apartment. Not to mention the knives. I told you guys, I'm tired of bumbling through this job. Now, let's head out before the guys come looking for us." I shooed them into the living room. Before heading out the door I made sure my ID, cash, pepper spray, keys, and phone were in the little black clutch I was taking tonight. I set the alarm and we headed for the elevator.
On the way down to the lot I looked over the girls. Lula was wearing a lavender spandex mini-dress; the beads in her hair matched it perfectly. She had black three inch FMPs on that made her legs look a mile long. Connie was wearing jeans and a magenta scoop neck sweater that made her look even more like Betty Boop in the flesh; her shoes where ballet flats like mine, but in black. Mary Lou had agreed to dye her hair red again, but this time the red was more fire engine than carrot top. She was wearing a black tank top with green rhinestone detailing along the bust paired with a knee length green skirt and her usual black Witch Hazel boots. We made quite the colorful group, but somehow it worked.
When we stepped out of the car in the back lot of the bonds office Lester and Bobby whistled and cat called. I laughed and the girls blushed, noticing I'm sure, that both men were dressed like walking sin in their black slacks and painted on shirts. Bobby was wearing a starched off white button up shirt, and Lester was wearing a baby blue polo. They followed into the office and started getting the girls wired. I smiled as the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. "Ranger."
He slid his arm around my waist and pulled me back against him. "Babe, I thought you were dressing for a girls night." His voice sounded a little strained, and when I turned around his eyes were pools of onyx.
"Just because we aren't looking for dates, doesn't mean we're going to wear our PJs. Believe me, this is just for a girls' night." I leaned up and brushed my lips across his. "Just wait until you see what we've got for next week."
He groaned, and then released me when everyone turned to look at us. He pulled a mic from the box on Connie's desk. His hand was warm against my stomach as he slowly taped the wire in place beneath my left breast. We both jumped slightly when someone cleared their throat behind me. I heard Lester snicker and laughed when Ranger shot him a look. I turned towards the girls to make sure they were ready and yelped when Rangers fingers grazed my neck. He brushed my hair behind my left ear to put an earpiece in place.
"The others aren't going to be able to hear us. I don't want them reacting to something we say and spooking our target. I want you to be able to communicate with us, but try not to talk when no one is with you. If you need to tell us something lean towards one of the girls or act like your phone rang."
I nodded; glad I'd actually be able to hear them this time. Hopefully the bopsy twins would behave. I don't think laughing while dancing with my mark would go over well. I suppose they might take that into consideration; they are professionals after all. I looked up at them and sighed. Lester was flirting with Connie while Bobby was finishing wiring Mary Lou. They both kept looking at each other and making faces.
"If you two are done horsing around and groping my friends… I believe it's time for dinner." I smacked them both upside the head playfully when they waggled their eyebrows at me. "Food, no monkey business."
"Awe, c'mon Beautiful. You really think we're going to screw around later?" Lester gave me his best pouty lip and I just laughed.
"I know you'll do your jobs, but I really am hungry, let's go." My stomach chose that moment to growl making Lester and Bobby crack up.
"Come on, Santos. We'd better feed that thing before it eats us." Bobby herded everyone out the door and Ranger locked the back door behind us.
Before I had a chance to shut my door Ranger leaned in and gave me a bone melting kiss. "Meet you at Pino's. We need to be at the club around ten. The rest of the team will be there early."
He tugged on a curl before shutting my door. When I glanced in the rearview mirror Connie and Mary Lou where smiling. And now, the Burg inquisition… Lula cleared her throat then waited until I glanced in her direction. "So Steph, you never did tell us how your date went…"