Thanks for the reviews! They really do mean a lot. This is the last chapter before the next ladies night. Same old disclaimer, I don't own 'um. Special thanks to Denny and Xy for making me feel better, you ladies rock my socks :)

I was already on the phone with Ranger when the first cruiser showed up. Lester proceeded to flirt shamelessly with Robin Russell while her partner taped off the area. Connie and Lula were sitting next to me on the curb, gossiping with Maggie from the used book store.

"There's no reason for you to come back now, I'm fine. As soon as we're done giving our statements I'll have Lester take us to Pino's." I could feel the tension through the phone.

"Babe, your car blew up. Again. That in itself is reason enough for me. But this time we know Williams was around, I don't want to take any chances. He may decide taking you early is his only choice if your life is in danger." I could hear the worry and fear in his voice and melted just a little.

"Ric, I know you want to be here, and believe me, I want nothing more than to be in your arms right now. But if you come back now you'll have to leave again soon. What happens if they call you back up there on Saturday?" He mumbled something in Spanish and sighed. Did I just win an argument with Batman? "If it makes you feel better I'll keep Lester with me all day, and I'll stay on seven tonight."

"I know you're right Babe, I just hate that I'm not there." He sighed again. I hope the Boston Merry Men weren't in the room. His reputation would be damaged beyond repair. "I'm calling Tank to send you another body. Please Babe, I'll finish things here as soon as I can, but until then keep two of the guys with you."

I laughed and nodded to Big Dog and Carl as they walked my way. "That's fine Ranger, I need to go though Carl needs my statement. I'll see you tomorrow. Don't get shot, Batman."

He chuckled. "Don't go crazy, Babe. Call me when you're done for the day, please?"

I pulled the phone away from my ear and checked to make sure I had the right number. He was chuckling when I put it back. "Sure, I can do that. Bye Ric."

"Bye Babe"

I tossed my phone in my purse and stood to talk to Carl. He and Big Dog were looking at me funny. Guess they hadn't heard about me and Ranger. Carl shook his head and sighed. "You couldn't wait one week, Steph? I didn't think you'd blow another one until at least then…"

I shoved him playfully into Big Dog. "No, I couldn't, but we did see who did it this time. Maybe you can work something out with her."

Big Dog handed me a folded wad of Bills and ruffled my curls. "Thanks Plum."

I huffed out a sigh and stuffed the money in my pocket. I turned and smiled at the sound of a throat clearing. Joe was standing about five feet from me, looking pained. "Please tell me you got a look at this one."

"I can do you one better; name, address, and most recent job." I smirked and handed him Alicia's file. "You might want to make sure you're windows are up though, she's got a pretty good arm."

Lester moved to my side, offered Joe a curt nod and tilted his head towards a black SUV idling at the mouth of the alley. "You ready beautiful?"

I gave Joe my best puppy dog eyes just as my stomach let out a loud rumble. HE sighed and shook his head. "Fine, just come in tomorrow to give a written statement. All of you…" Lula looked a little sick, but we all agreed. The girls and I hopped into the back seat and Lester slid in next to Ramon. I rolled my eyes at the look I was getting. "Not my fault, ask Lester."

We spent a couple hours at Pino's laughing and talking. Lester and Ramon squished me between them with our backs to the wall. Williams was sitting a few tables away, and there was no way he missed a word of our conversation. Lester and Ramon gave us crap about going to Liquid on a Saturday, and made a point to insist I come to Rangeman tonight for a poker game. I stopped a few feet from Williams on our way out to say good night to Anthony Pino. I glance towards Williams as I passed and shivered at the empty eyes following me to the door.

We dropped the girls off at the office and I stretched out across the back seat. "Ugghh!!"

Lester laughed and patted my leg. "I told you to get the Buick. Although, you'd look pretty hot in a Range Rover too…"

Ramon cracked up when I smacked Lester on the back of his head. "You're a jerk. And besides, like I'll ever be able to afford a Rover."

We managed to bring in four of my skips. It always helps when they're afraid one of the guys with me might break them in half. Lester and I gave Joe our written statements after dropping off the last skip so I could sleep in the next day.

Things were a little awkward, but I think we'll eventually be okay. Joe warned me that Gramma Bella was on the warpath, and that he was seeing a nurse from St. Francis. I told him where he'd be able to get a hold of me for the case and was off to Rangeman.

When I got out of the shower Friday morning (who am I kidding, it was noon) I could hear Lester talking to someone in the other room. Great, now what? I slipped into a pair of black cargo capris and tank top. Ella had gone a little crazy when I started back part time. I grabbed my black trainers and peeked around the door frame.

Lester had his back to me, talking to someone in the kitchen. Ella must have brought lunch up late, she knew me so well. I padded up behind Lester and cleared my throat. I could hold back the laugh as he jumped and spun around. "You should really be more aware, Les…"

A deep amused "Babe" had me jumping. I shove the snickering Lester to the side and flung myself into Ranger's arms. I could feel him chuckle as he pulled me closer. He murmured softly against my forehead. "Pot meet kettle…"

I laughed and nudged his shoulder. "I figured he was talking to Ella. When did you get back?"

"About the time you turned the shower on."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he'd have joined you if I hadn't come up with him." Lester offered a cheeky smile and leaned against the counter.

I snorted and attempted to give him a burg death glare. He just smiled. "What are you up here for by the way?"

He wiggled the folder in his hand then handed it to Ranger. "They found your happy little bomber, Beautiful. Morelli faxed over a copy of her statement. He also said to tell you she wasn't very happy with you, and completely nutso."

"Joy, just what I needed, another psycho in my fan club." Ranger's hands slid down my sides to rest on my hips and Lester cleared his throat.

"I should probably head back to the Comm. Room. See you guys later…" He headed out the door and I snickered, looking up into desire filled chocolate eyes.

"Welcome home, Ric."