Disclaimer: I don't own Plum characters. A nod of respect goes to Janet Evanovich and her imagination for creating these characters.

Challenge Number Twelve: Conversation between Ranger and Tank

I've known Ranger since he was a fresh recruit, just another punk trying to straighten out his life. I've had his back through a bunch of shit, both his doing and people out to get him, helped him clean up the streets and buildings, seen him intimidate felons with just one glance, but never would I have thought one naïve girl could wrap him around her finger. Now I'd seen everything.

I'd been sitting down the street for an hour now, watching Stephanie's apartment was like watching the grass grow. Following Stephanie is not my idea of a great job, but I do what the boss tells me. He looks the other way when I take long lunch breaks and leave early to meet up with Lula to watch her sing her lungs out. I looked at my watch. I was meeting Lula at her house in two hours. Another night, another gig.

Movement in my rear view mirror caught my eye and I looked back in time to see Ranger step out of his truck and walk towards the Explorer. I flipped the locks open as he neared and he slid into the passenger seat. Neither of us spoke, both of our eyes fixed on Stephanie's building, finally curiosity got the best of me.

"Reason I'm sitting here?"

"She's got another problem," he said, "Menadez has it out for her."

"Maniac Menadez?" A low whistle escaped, "He's no regular street punk. How'd she acquire him?"

"She hauled in Juan three days ago for an original charge of possession. Carlito had plans for Juan but being in jail crimped his style."

"Heard anything on the street?"

"Nah. He doesn't use the same network he used to around the block. Had some problems a few months back and eliminated most of his old crew."

We were silent for a moment and Ranger was doing some thinking. I could tell; it was that look he gets in his eye when he thought about her.

"She's got you twisted." I said, strumming my fingers on the steering wheel, "What is it about her? You've had much prettier, more educated and less attached. Cut your losses man while you still can. She's never going to leave the cop."

Ranger cut his eyes to me and I gave him a look. "That look don't do much for me, Carlos. I've had your back for years and never seen something like this. You're hanging on to nothing."

"I've got nothing to lose." Ranger said, flipping out his cell phone, "I made her my responsibility by choice. She's got something in her that reminds me of what I'm missing."

I snorted, "That sounds like some gay ass shit, man. You need to stop hanging out Santos, Ramos and Hector. Hector's been doing that Dr. Phil shit again, hasn't he?"

He cut his eyes to me and hit his speed dial. I knew who he was dialing. He thought this conversation was over with. No problem. I didn't want to sit here playing shrink.

"Pussy," I taunted and he bared his teeth at me. I could hear Steph's voice clear as a bell over the line.

"Who's sitting in the Explorer?" I heard her demand.

"Yo to you too."

"Well you gonna answer me or what? I don't appreciate or want this. I'll deal with my own problems. Stop trying to make me your damsel in distress!"

"You off sugar again?"

"Fuck you!"

Ranger pulled his phone away from his ear and shook his head.

"She hung up on me."

I shook my head at him. "You know what I do when Lula hangs up on me?"

We exchanged looks and the light bulb blinked on over his head.

"I'll be off the radar for the night. Pull the guys off her tonight."

"Sure, boss."

He was already sliding out of the Explorer and got back in his truck, pulling away from the curb and over to her parking lot. I could see Steph in the window of her apartment and she gave me the courtesy of flipping me off. I watched Ranger park and get out of the truck. I waited until he was in the building before I cut a U-turn away from the curb and made my way across town. I just had to laugh. Some things never change.

End.

Originally Posted: March 03, 2007