Standard Disclaimer: Not mine, not making money, yadda yaddacakes. I didn't put this in part one, but spoilers up through LMT.

Overheard Part 5

Later that night, back at Haywood

Ranger entered his darkened apartment and threw his keys in the dish. With a weary sigh, he collapsed onto the couch. He tipped his head back and closed his eyes.

Man, what a bitch of a day. First having to deal with Sasha and tell her that she needed to back off and call someone else when she needed help. I couldn't be her savior any more. When she threatened to call Celia and complain, I gave her a look that would make most people think twice before saying anything more. She seemed to feel that because she and Celia were best friends growing up that I was her lap dog to order around. For Celia's sake, I agreed to help her when she had a problem with an old boyfriend. That problem was long solved but Sasha kept calling me. Out of loyalty to my sister, I continued to answer her calls. They were mostly nuisance calls though and I wanted to spend my time with someone else.

She shut up quickly though when I picked up her phone and called Celia. When I told her that I wasn't helping Sasha anymore, she started to argue. At least I was able to stop her complaining by threatening her with Grandma Rosa. As I left, Sasha was throwing a world class temper tantrum. Throwing things and screaming at the top of her lungs didn't make me change my mind. I was sick of dealing with her. As I was leaving, I noticed her next door neighbor peeking out her door. I smiled and told her not to mind Sasha, she was just upset. When Sasha opened her door and threw a vase at me, I headed for the stairwell. The neighbor wisely closed and locked her door.

Sitting up, Ranger pulled out his cell. Checking the voicemail he was disappointed not to find a message from his Babe. Stiffly getting up from the couch, he decided to see if she came up to his apartment to wait for him. He chuckled silently at the thought that she might have decided to commandeer his bed. He knew she loved his sheets almost as much as he loved seeing her in them. Upon seeing his empty bed, Ranger felt a sense of melancholy. He had spent too much time pushing Steph away thinking that it would keep her safe and make her happy. He willfully ignored the numerous signs that Morelli would not be able to make her happy. Now that he was ready to make her his, even the brief delay was intolerable. Because it was so late though, he decided to wait and wake her up in the morning for a run. She hated that, but what he planned for after would make it worth her while.

Tank had called him as he was leaving Sasha's apartment building. Woody and Zero had a line on a skip that needed a full team to handle. As much as he had wanted to go to Steph, he knew he had to take the lead with this job. Good thing he did since the guy had a couple of friends as big as Tank. They were all lucky to get out of there with only bruises to show for it. One of the buddies wasn't as lucky and was currently under guard at the hospital while he recovered from being shot. It was a clear case of self defense so the Trenton PD let Bobby go.

He took at long, hot shower to relax his muscles so he could get some sleep. His thoughts strayed to Stephanie as he lathered up with the shower gel. She loves this stuff almost as much as my sheets. The thought of his Babe taking a shower hardened him instantly but he ignored his need. Right now he needed sleep more. Partly because of exhaustion but most because it would make tomorrow get here sooner. Getting into his side of the bed, as soon as his head hit the pillow he was asleep.

On the road out of Trenton

Steph struggled with the unfamiliar controls of the car. She had planned on just driving west until her gas gave out but realized while sitting at a red light that her Mini had GPS installed. She had no idea how to disable it but she didn't want Ranger or any of the guys following her. She knew she needed to deal with Ranger pushing her out of her life but desperately needed to build a wall she could hide behind. Once that wall got built, she would be able to face Ranger without letting him know he had pulled the rug out from under her.

She had been half kidding herself for a couple of years that he loved her. She also knew that the only thing she could count on from Ranger was friendship and support. God, I haven't been this wrong since I married Dickie. I guess I should be glad I didn't walk in on Ranger and his girlfriend doing it on the couch or in his bed. At that thought, Steph gasped so hard she started choking. Behind her, an impatient driver honked his horn. Looking up Steph saw that the light was green and stepped on the gas. She wasn't paying attention to where she was going until she pulled to a stop in front of Mooner and Dougie's house. Remembering the Rollswagon with a shudder, she figured she could borrow a car from Dougie so that Ranger couldn't track her.

"Dudette, what's happenin'?" Mooner was dressed in his supersuit and was covered in orange cheese doodle dust.

"Hey Mooner, is Dougie home?"

"Yeah, come on in. We are watching a MASH marathon on TV Land. Want to stay and watch? We have munchies and beer."

"Thanks but no thanks, I am not hungry. I just need to ask Dougie a favor." Steph stepped into the house and walked into the living room. It seemed neater than usual although neater wasn't necessarily the word. There were several fast food bags littering the coffee table long with a dozen beer cans. Dougie was clutching a nearly empty bag of Cheese Doodles like a starving man in a room full of chip junkies.

"Hey Dougie, I was wondering if I could borrow a car from you for about a week? Something small and inconspicuous would be preferable."

"Heh, the Rollswagon 2 is out then?"

"Yes Dougie, I need something that gets good mileage and is totally forgettable."

Mooner piped up "Steph, you going on some stakeout or something? Cuz I can help. Ready to go with my Supersuit on."

"No thanks Mooner, it isn't work related. I just need to get away."

Mooner looked closely at Steph. She didn't seem like her usual self and he was worried. The light that shone out of Steph seemed oddly dimmed. Impulsively, he reached out and gave her a hug. "Steph if something is wrong, let Dougie and I help."

Steph gave him a trembling smile. "I'm okay Mooner, just a bit tired. I really need to get away for a couple of days though. Can I borrow a car Doug?"

"Sure Steph, anything for you." Dougie got up and went over to a peg board hanging on the wall. He contemplated the keys hanging on it before reaching out and grabbing a set. Tossing them over to Steph he said "Here ya go. A nice Chevy Impala in good shape. It even has plates and insurance. Bring it back when you are ready."

"Thanks guys. One more favor? Can you park my car out back so it isn't visible from the street?"

"Sure thing Steph, have a safe trip."

Steph took the keys out the back door. She looked around and found the Impala. It was dark blue and fairly new so she knew she wouldn't have to worry about it breaking down. Starting the car, she backed it out the driveway onto the street. Quickly transferring Rex and the rest of her possession, she threw the keys to her Mini to Mooner and drove off down the street.