Disclaimer: See Janet, not even mussed up.

Coming Home

Marching up to the main door of Rangeman, they walked in. Bobby, Tank, Junior, Manny, Zero, Cal and Hal were waiting. Many backslaps later, they moved to the Conference Room. Inside the room were most of the off duty Merry Men.

Ella had loaded the table down with all kinds of food, desserts and pitchers of drinks. Bobby cleared his throat. There was instant silence. He looked at the bedraggled but proud comrades. "Today, we welcome four new employees to the Rangeman family. Everyone knows that our Bomber has been around for quite awhile, but she only committed to working here full-time about a month ago, so we classed her as a new-hire for this exercise. We have been keeping track of you, as you well know from the unfortunate episode. I can assure you that employee is no longer a member of Rangeman. No, Bomber, we didn't kill him, but we had to post a double guard to keep him safe from the team." Bobby smiled at Stephanie.

Bobby continued. "I am proud to advise everyone that you have passed your final condition of employment. Tank will be contacting you with your new schedules and your new partners. Well done, Rangemen." With that, the group were engulfed with hugs for Stephanie, back slaps and handshakes for the other three.

Tank tugged Stephanie to his broad chest. "You did very well, Baby Girl. I knew you could do it. I thought I would let you know that Ranger is up on 7. I just met him at the helipad on the roof." Stephanie stifled a sob. Thanking Tank, and quickly hugging Bobby, she ran out of the room. Cal had the elevator open. He winked at her. She jumped in and the elevator rose. Stepping out, she knocked softly on the door. She didn't have her fob. Ranger opened the door. He looked at her in her dusty and dirty combat. He looked at her face. He grabbed her and dragged her into the apartment and closed the door. The lock turned.

Ranger held her tightly to his chest. Stephanie was crying so hard she was shaking. Her man had returned. He picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. He started to unbutton her combat shirt. She started to unbutton his combat shirt. They moved in a slow dance to the shower. Ranger reached in and turned on the water. He carried her into the enclosure. The door closed. Their silhouettes came together. They were home.

Hope you enjoyed it. Reviews are always appreciated. Myrna