The Missing Piece in Ranger's Life

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Chapter 28

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Ranger's POV

Basking in the afterglow of a wonderful night of celebration with our Rangeman family, followed by a glorious night of love making, consummating our eight-month anniversary, I smiled, looking at her indulgently. What she does to me. I would never have imagined this was possible before she came into my orbit. Or, was it me entering her orbit? Whatever, I am happier than ever, my life is good, better than good.

Last night, she looked absolutely gorgeous in her celebration dress, perfect for dancing as she sparkled on the dance floor, just like another one of those mirrored disco balls. In actual fact, she created her own light and I felt so drawn to her, just as her Merry Men did too. She loved the birthday salsa dancing with all her Merry Men. Despite having their arms in a sling, nothing was holding back Tank, and especially Hector. Hector like Lester, stole quite a number of extra dances, like the sneaky interceptor he is. The two of them even double tagged dancing with her, which made Stephanie laugh so joyfully as they twirled and whirled her around in time with the music. It was such a great atmosphere.

I still count my blessings as I look down at my sexy girl, my Babe, snuggled on my chest with her legs entwined with mine. It felt so comfortable. Just like a part of me was missing before, she fits - she fits like a missing piece that makes me whole again while being able to bathe in the glory of her light. She is my shining light, saving me just like a beacon calling me to her safety, her light and genuine warmth. There was a lot of darkness in my life but that has dissipated since she broke those protective walls I had built around my heart.

We were offline, and, of course, everybody knew. I texted for a special delivery before letting Ella know we would be ready for some lunch at the usual time. As I tried, rather reluctantly, to ease from my Babe's delicious warmth, she moaned, trying to hold me in place, yet she was still fast asleep. I kissed her temple and assured her I was coming back. A little moan and then a hum of consent made me smile as she registered my need for the bathroom even in her deep sleep. After all, I did keep her very happily occupied during the night.

Half an hour later, after a refreshing shower, The Cure arrived, delivered by my grinning cousin. I rolled my eyes and thanked him. We had a silent conversation before he chuckled leaving for the stairs. As I closed the door, I heard him muttering, "Damn, Carlos. You're one lucky bastard. So happy for you." Good to know cuz. He's damned right, don't I know it.

I slipped back into bed, and she snuggled back into me with a sweet sigh. Waving a few fries under her nose literally had her nose twitching. She groaned as she lifted her head, eyes closed, but grabbed my hand to eat the "salty goodness". Her words, not mine. As she became more human, she sat up, slurped some of the coke and inhaled the rest of the fries.

"Oh! That's better. You, Carlos, you are a god among men. You knew just what I needed, as she slurped the rest of the coke down noisily. I smiled and shook my head. I gave her the pain meds for her hangover, especially after those luscious tequila shots. Mm-mm what fun that was! She swallowed them quickly with some water before she staggered to the bathroom. I resisted hopping in the shower with her, as tempting as the idea was, her body needed a break. When she came out, looking refreshed and rejuvenated she kissed me and ran her hands over my bare chest, humming.

"Sexy, Babe," she purred before removing her towel and walking into the dressing room for some clothes. I just admired the sight as she glowed in her glorious nakedness, while she selected a sexy matching set of underwear, watching my eyes to see which colour received a better reaction.

"Red it is."

She slipped on a comfortable t-shirt and some soft leggings. Just as we walked into the kitchen to pour her a coffee, Ella knocked on the door. Perfect timing. She embraced Stephanie warmly.

"Mi hija, you looked so stunning last night. I know you enjoyed yourself and so did we. Your sparkling dress was so beautiful, you were a sight to behold. Carlos," she looked at me, "you are one lucky man mi hijo. Look after her. She is special."

"Si, Tia Ella. Estafania es tan muy hermosa, mi amor, mi amante, mi esposa, mi vida."

She kissed us both on each cheek before leaving with a smile, humming away happily.

After a leisurely lunch we just chilled before deciding to go for a drive to the coast. We spent the afternoon walking along the beach, hand in hand, carrying our shoes in one hand as we splashed in the shallows.

For the rest of the week, work resumed it's normal, usual routine.

While I was sitting in my office with Stephanie and the core team, I received an interesting text. I replied in the affirmative to receive the call from Bryce Milligan, our attorney through the trials. I put him on speaker.

"Good morning Bryce. I have you on speaker with Stephanie and my core team present."

"That's ideal. Good morning to you all. Just a few updates and an interesting change of procedure."

"Go right ahead. We're ready to hear it."

"Helen Plum faced trial in Kansas, federal court of course, for disclosing classified information, on more than one occasion. She was sentenced to six months, which was a reduced sentence. Her indignant ranting response almost cost her an extra six months for contempt of court. The judge had no sympathy for her ignorance, firmly reinforcing that it was a federal criminal act, and her civilian rights were secondary to her federal felony and dismissed her promptly. She is now serving her time in Leavenworth.

The two pregnant women were tried yesterday. The shooter was sentenced to six years for attempted murder, with an additional five years for a second offence, as well as eighteen months for possession of an unlicenced firearm, thus totalling twelve and a half years. Her baby will likely go into foster care, but that's not our problem. Her friend, was charged as an accessory, sentenced to two years, with an additional two years for conspiracy, as she was the one who distracted the MP at the door, enabling the other to enter without detection of the firearm. She dropped a vibrator as a distraction. That makes four years for her.

Coincidentally, two of your security team, Woody and Vince, reported the incident as suspicious and contravening the securities protocols. As a result, after viewing the security footage, that MP was dismissed from court duties with a likely demotion when he faces a disciplinary panel.

It transpired that the two pregnant women chanced to meet at the same clinic and conspired to get even with Morelli."

"I wonder how many other women were knocked up by Morelli, succumbing to his "charms". Idiot." Stephanie muttered sarcastically, using air quotes for "charms". The way she rolled her eyes brought a smile to our faces.

"Thank you, Bryce. I sense you have more to tell."

"Yes. The trial for Lula Morelli will be a closed trial, presided by a judge. Thankfully, that will be Judge Matthieson, as before. There are extenuating circumstances which necessitates this change in procedure. There will be no public gallery. I will need to brief you all, including Hector, Hal and Cal, and Manny too, as witnesses."

"Whoa. That is an unexpected change of events."

"The private hearing will be conducted on Friday, in the Princeton Municipal Court. When is it convenient to brief you beforehand?"

"Thank you, Bryce. We can arrange to meet you on Thursday, even Wednesday if that suits you better. Let me know where. We can convene in one of our conference rooms, if you like."

"That sounds very appropriate, I would prefer the Wednesday, just in case we need more time to investigate. You know what I mean."

"That's settled then. Wednesday at ten."

"Roger that."

I looked at my team. That was a surprise change of events. Facial expressions concurred with various quizzical frowns. I chuckled.

"The Burg will not be privy to any of this let alone the trial itself. Good choice with using Princeton, far enough away from the Burg prying eyes. That's sure to piss them off because they're on a witch hunt. Lula Morelli is being maliciously vilified and blamed for Morelli's failings. There's a lot of money already riding on her trial. Fuckers."

"I'll arrange the rosters accordingly," Tank said.

"I'll inform the others. Given the nature of the changes, this must be kept between us only."

"You know …" Stephanie pondered out loud, "I felt that some of her background details were … er … let's say contrived, and possibly sanitised. Maybe interfered with or manufactured. I don't know. Whatever it was, it set my spidey senses humming but no matter how deep I searched, it was as it appeared. There was very little, if any, of her early life to confirm. And, you know, having more than one tax file number always irked me how that was possible."

We all smiled. She had something there.

"Interesting, Babe. You make good points. I assume we will be enlightened when we meet with Bryce."

Our present meeting was over anyway. Besides, Stephanie was no longer mentally present, her mind already contemplating the possible scenarios that would make Lula's trial a closed court. The men left. She was unaware of her surroundings, deep in thought. I pulled her up out of her chair, and kissed her gently.

"Go get 'em tiger. You need to dig some more, but don't let it eat you up. Leave that for what will be revealed in our Wednesday meeting. Wednesday is not far away. Besides, Rodriguez has some serious searches that need your urgent attention. Focus on that."

She smiled and off she went.

Wednesday came soon enough.

"The reason for this closed trial is because of circumstances with Lula Morelli in her early life that were not publicly available. In a nutshell, Lula was in the Witness Protection Program."

Well shit. I never saw that coming. He let that sink in. We were all a bit stunned. He went on without delay. There was no time for reactions, comments or small talk.

"Lula was a witness, as a minor, to the assassination of a popular political candidate from Louisiana - her father, Louis Tonvillier, as well as her mother and two older brothers, while she hid in the safe room with the pet dog. They were an upper middle class family and he was a rising star in politics. They lived in Shreveport, also known as Bossier City, in Louisiana.

Sherlin Lubella Tonvillier was her original name prior to Witness Protection. Lula was later taken from her middle name. As a ten year old you can imagine how traumatised she was.

She had spotted the same car cruising past a number of times, warning her father. Apparently, she had seen the same car on previous days. When she saw three masked men emerge from that car, and walk up to the house, Sherlin was quickly ushered to the safe room and locked in with the dog. She was able to identify them from when she saw them drive by. Despite that the Tonvilliers had security cameras, the attackers arrived wearing balaclavas and gloves. They were suspected to be from a white supremist splinter group. Since all her family was massacred she became a ward of the state and was immediately placed in the Witness Protection Program.

All that in itself is irrelevant to her present crimes, but it's necessary to understand the background details.

Martin Louis Ranford, and his wife Annabelle Renee Ranford, became her legal guardians, adopting her a year later. In accordance with the Witness Protection Program, she was issued with a new "original" birth certificate which registered her as Georgia Tallulah Ranford. Martin Ranford, originally from Lafayette and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was a wealthy philanthropist who made his money in sugar cane, rum production and exports. Annabelle unfortunately died three years later. His two estranged adult daughters did not attend her funeral. Annabelle was his second wife - their own mother died in a tragic car accident when they were still young.

Martin Ranford moved to Savannah, Georgia, which was also safer for young twelve and a half year old Georgia Ranford, Lula as we know her now, where she was schooled at one of the private schools. She inherited her own family's estate, but given the circumstances, it was kept in trust in a closed file and the moneys would be available to her on her twenty fourth birthday. From this she did receive a monthly allowance. Mr Ranford made her the major heir to his estate because he had already disinherited his two greedy estranged daughters many years earlier. Through the Witness Protection Program, they ensured that Georgia Ranford, (Lula), would be protected at Martin Ranford's specific request because he was suspicious of his estranged daughters and their jealous intentions. Because she worked part-time at a florist shop, she had a tax file number. Astutely, Ranford arranged for a second tax file identity with the full support of the Witness Protection liaison officer, as Georgia Tallulah Maynard.

Before his death, he organised her family's estate in a trust fund that would be still hidden yet safer. He arranged a shell company and taught her how to handle and access her finances, for when she was of age, because he didn't trust his adult daughters to take care of her needs. Things went downhill from there when Martin Ranford died.

His family, led by the stepsisters, called her a gold digger and threatened to call the police even though all her paperwork was legitimate and legal. They evicted her from her home, changing the locks. They had no authority to do this, but somehow convinced the police to assist in the eviction. This was also not legal, as you know, there has to be a court order signed by the Bailiff.

She was barely sixteen at the time. She had to break-in to retrieve some clothes, precious possessions and her notarised documentation from the safe. Three major traumas for such a young girl, and now this as well. If it was not bad enough already having lost her parents and two brothers so traumatically; her adopted mother dying and then her adopted father, Martin Ranford, this was a tipping point for young Georgia (Lula).

According to our further investigations, the crimes of soliciting and money laundering were contrived by the estranged daughters to enhance their case. We have checked with the IRS and there is no case to answer. However, that may or may not change for the present situation. That is not relevant to our legal proceedings. She has good representation with her legal counsel. Not our problem.

As a result, in fear for her own safety, after staying in Savannah for some time, she ran away to Atlanta, before heading north to New Jersey a few years on."

"So, Mr Bubbles and the carwash was all a sham contrived by the estranged daughters?" Stephanie asked.

"Yes. They had warrants under alleged aliases as Savannah Georgia and Lula Ranford. They were false. In Atlanta, as Georgia Ranford, soliciting and drug related offences, were also falsified."

Stephanie growled.

"She did however marry a man, Jackson Wilson, in Atlanta, but when she discovered he was actually into money laundering through the casino, she divorced him. Lula Wilson then was in a bind. She couldn't turn to the police since her record was now tainted by these alleged crimes on record, especially because of the second nod to money laundering. She also feared his enemies would be after her. After the divorce she had to survive on her own.

Then we find Lula, the prostitute, working in Stark Street, Trenton. Or a ho, as she referred to her profession. I believe you, Stephanie, saved her life, after she was viciously attacked by that boxer, Ramirez. You know the rest as she worked as a file clerk for Vincent Plum Bail Bonds and assisting you with bond enforcement."

"Wow. That's a horrid way to grow up."

"Indeed. But that now brings us to the present day. The conspiracy and financial backing for your murder Ranger, has been dealt with at the federal level. Some aspects will be relevant in this criminal trial. The shooting in your parking lot, the intent to kill you, Stephanie, shooting the police car and at your men and the police, they will be what is to be determined in sentencing. The charge for indecent exposure has been dropped since it was not a deliberate act but part of the arresting process."

Talk about coming from left field. As Bryce reminded us before he left, her past was confidential information but necessary to Lula's predicament for our awareness and understanding, especially regarding our deep searches. In no way did it excuse her subsequent behaviour and reactions. It explained why the need for a closed trial was essential because of her background and still being in the Witness Protection Program. However, it did not change the present charges which will be dealt with this Friday.

As we waited for the Judge to begin proceedings, Stephanie glanced at Lula, pregnant, standing, handcuffed, in her Leavenworth browns.

"Omigod. I just realised something."

"Babe?"

"My mother, the criminal, will be wearing Leavenworth browns too!"

She made this remark with a wry grin, emphasising criminal. "I wonder if she has encountered Lula in the play yard?"

"Play yard, Babe?"

She nudged me. "You know what I mean."

Before I could respond, Judge Matthieson began. Play yard. That's cute. Only my Babe would come up with something like that.

Judge Matthieson summarised the necessity for this private trial in consideration of Lula still being part of the Witness Protection Program.

"Please, a chair. You may sit down, Lula. It will be more comfortable. How far are you along? Seven months?"

"Yes, Your Honour, Sir."

He nodded.

"I have read through all the witness statements and your … remarkable background and upbringing, Lula. I understand you divorced Joseph Morelli and have resumed your name as Lula Ranford. A wise decision.

The FBI and the IRS Joint Task Force, Suds Away, have been investigating the alleged money laundering charges with Mr Bubbles, aka Lenny Butterworth, and also with your first husband, Mr Jackson Wilson, from whom you are legally divorced. Because of your valuable assistance and detailed observations, you have enabled the Joint Task Force to complete a perfect sting, nailing a circle of fraudsters involved in the money laundering. Coincidentally, you'll be surprised to know that your stepsisters were involved in the money laundering scheme and are facing numerous charges, including a corrupt police officer who falsified the legal documentation on your alleged criminal record. I have been instructed to reduce your sentence in lieu of these revelations. Secondly, regarding your connection to, and associating with Jackson Wilson and his money laundering scheme, you have been absolved from any involvement. That involved an even larger ring of fraudsters and they have all been charged, awaiting trial. Your cooperation was integral in capturing these charlatans.

Regarding the dreadful massacre of your family, your astute identification of the white supremist splinter group, and especially their vehicle, has been confirmed, with two of the murderers now in jail. Social media and gloating was their undoing. While the third murderer is still free, your Witness Protection status is still current. This will also be taken into consideration. But it still does not detract from your current crimes. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Honour, Thank you, Sir."

The relief was very evident as her shoulders relaxed with that information. I detected a subtle Georgian accent, no longer a sassy New Jersey accent with attitude. She was subdued and respectful.

"I take on board the dire mitigating situation, which is quite sad. Because of those extenuating circumstances beyond your control as an abandoned teenager, you are not able to benefit from these legal developments. However, your slate has been cleared of all those false charges."

A huge sigh of relief from Lula, and Stephanie too. She really has empathy for Lula, despite what happened later. That's my Babe, her heart is true. To be honest, Lula has been the victim in so many ways, but she never played the victim. Maybe that's how she learnt to survive with her sassy Jersey Attitude, with a capital A. Survival in the concrete jungle.

"At a recent public trial for Mr Joseph Morelli, your ex-husband, was found guilty on every charge, incurring thirty-one and a half years in the state prison, after he has served his federal sentence at Fort Leavenworth.

It was decided that you deserved a fair and just trial, as is the law, and that was not likely to happen here in Trenton, I'm sad to say. His reputation and deeds would have tainted your case even further by your association with him, especially as Lula Morelli since most of your crimes were under that name, so a jury trial was out of the question, even with a new jury panel.

At the end of that trial, there was a shooting incident where two Rangeman staff were shot."

Lula gasped when she saw Tank and Hector with their arms in a sling, standing up in shock.

"The shooter was a pregnant woman assisted by her also pregnant friend."

"Oh. Let me guess. That would be Lorna and Crystal," Lula muttered audibly. "I'm sorry," she mouthed with regret.

She shook her head in disdain and disgust and sat down slowly.

"She should have aimed at Morelli the manwhore first!"

The Judge smiled at her audible aside.

"I felt it was necessary for you to know. You are not responsible. Now we need to deal with the case at hand, your charges and sentencing.

Under the federal sentencing you have already been sentenced for your part in fraud, treason and financing the conspiracy plot to murder Mr Manoso whilst on a rescue mission. You are currently serving eighteen years at Fort Leavenworth."

Lula nodded.

"While Mr Morelli was on his alleged hunting trip, which was in fact his escape from Trenton, you arrived in the parking lot of Stephanie Manoso's apartment."

Lula quickly glanced at Stephanie who nodded. Her shoulders slumped in regret.

"I should have gone after the cheating manwhore!" she grumbled.

The Judge nodded.

"You discharged your firearm, an unlicenced weapon, at one of the Rangeman staff. His partner shot at your vehicle to distract you. In turn, the police arrived and you shot their vehicle in the tyre and the fender before they arrested you. You admitted your intent to get rid of Stephanie because your then husband still wanted Stephanie. Neither of you knew that she had married Carlos Manoso, two weeks after you married Joseph Morelli."

Lula sat there full of remorse, genuine remorse, as tears slowly streamed down her face.

"Do you have anything to say in your defence, Lula?"

"I was angry, and I was jealous. I was angry at Joe for not being faithful as he promised. I'm sorry, Stephanie. I can't believe how I allowed myself to be caught up in his delusions. I failed you. You were the one person who stood by me, saved me and gave me a job. I have had time to reflect and have many regrets. But, it won't undo the stupidity I got hooked into. I am very sorry, Stephanie."

She paused while being allowed to blow her nose. Her defence attorney looked sympathetic, offering her a glass of water.

"Your Honour, I plead guilty to all those charges. I was foolish and I was blind and I have to live with that." She sat down heavily. Her defence patted her hand.

Lester passed some tissues to Stephanie. She nodded her thanks.

"Lula. It has also come to our attention that you had a side business once per month. Entertainment for various groups, as a dominatrix and other fanciful costumes for members of said groups. Your information was all documented in your thorough paperwork discovered in your vehicle. Upon investigation, this was deemed legal and fully declared in your tax returns. No charges there."

Judge Matthieson signalled for the prosecutor and the defence attorneys to approach the bench. There was a lot of whispering and nodding before they returned to their tables.

"Lula Ranford. In the light of you providing critical and vital evidence with your thorough documentation with the murder conspiracy and financial backing details; the falsified charges that were laid upon your criminal record; your cooperation and assistance in solving two major crimes of fraud; details of the dreadful murder of your family so long ago; and your deep genuine remorse, I am declaring a significantly reduced sentence. The mitigating circumstances you have suffered in your life have been tainted by the evil of others.

For discharging your firearm three times with an unlicensed weapon, I find you guilty. You will serve three years in Trenton State Prison after your federal sentence is complete.

In my role as presiding state judge, I am recommending an appeal to the federal court in lieu of these many mitigating circumstances. That's all."

We all stood as he turned and left, to enter his chamber room.

Lula sat there, utterly shocked. She turned to her defence attorney, and said, "Is that it? Three years?"

He nodded. She thanked him before she was escorted away, looking sadly over her shoulder at Stephanie, mouthing, "I'm so sorry."

The defence attorney came over and shook hands with Bryce, and nodded to us.

"Wow," whispered Stephanie. "How a life can be tainted by so much bad juju."

We all nodded. "But you understand that, Beautiful. Look at you. You survived and we are all the better for it, having you in our lives."

"Hooah!" we all concurred.

"Yes. That may be true. But my family was not murdered and kept me safe in a safe room. What a life! Makes me feel like mine is a walk in the park. Witness Protection can't be fun."

"Just keep in mind, she was considering taking you out. Since it was never openly declared, she was cleared of that. Think of all the times she caused you harm with leaving you high and dry or mouthing off like she did so many times, and so much more," Bryce astutely reminded her, "and the winding up the FTAs with her sass."

"Yes. I know," Steph conceded.

"But they were not relevant to the case. Criminal law is what we deal with," Bryce simply said.

"You removed yourself from her interference and toxic attitude by taking Cal as your partner," Tank said quietly.

She nodded and leaned into me, and sighed.

"I'm glad that's all over."

"Hooah!"

Everybody shook hands with Bryce.

We left Princeton behind taking a detour to Shorty's for a hearty lunch, some beers and a debrief. Bryce declined our offer.

As we were eating, devouring, the tasty pizzas, I watched Stephanie as a few pensive thoughts flickered across her glowing face.

"You know. I am so glad this was dealt with a by a presiding Judge only, especially Judge Matthieson. Can you imagine how it would have gone with a jury? In Trenton? Once they found out she was a ho, that would have tarnished her case."

"It's done with. Let's move forward. I am surprised how well you handled your mother's case," Tank remarked.

"Yes. She dug her own hole and for once she is held accountable. She is a criminal now, not a thug, but a criminal. Not a thug, well, not yet, but you never know what might happen inside the pokey. Why me? Oh, my Lord, what will the neighbours say?"

Her laughter infectious and so refreshingly light. She high-fived everyone. That's my Babe.

oOoOo

TBC

Once again, the Muse veered off into an unexpected yet plausible direction. Waddyareckon? She likes coming in from left field.

Only one more chapter to go.

I hope your Easter was safe and peaceful.

Remember, characters you recognise are hers.