AN: I know this is torture, but answers are coming soon. Thanks for all the great reviews and for sticking with it.


Ranger followed him out of the apartment and down the stairs to the parking lot, expecting another fight. There wasn't time for it now and Joe should know that. The clock was ticking on Stephanie's life and he didn't want to, but Ranger would put the man in the hospital again if he tried to get in the way.

He was surprised when Morelli unlocked his SUV and slid behind the wheel. Perplexed, Ranger climbed into the passenger seat and closed the door.

"I know you're not involved but I have to follow procedure," he said immediately. "Do you know who it was on the call?"

Unfortunately the list of his enemies was extensive and Ranger didn't even know where to begin the search. He shook his head and Joe pressed his lips together in a tight line before continuing.

"This is probably a long shot but…Abruzzi."

Ranger's spine stiffened. It had never been discussed between them but he was well aware Joe knew what had truly happened to Eddie Abruzzi.

"When that whole thing was going down I heard an obscure rumor which I disregarded at the time but after…I casually looked into it to satisfy my own curiosity. The story was he had a lover in Newark, a man, and the relationship endured over several decades. It took a bit of digging but I confirmed it. Abruzzi visited him twice a week, every week...even after the guy went to prison."

Ranger felt his eyebrows raise and the next thing out of Joe's mouth sent a cold ripple down his spine. "He's been locked up for eight years but three months ago, he was released on parole."