AN: Standard Disclaimer, don't own, not making money. Please review and remember at times it may not seem like a Babe story but I assure you it will be. There will be lots of drama first. This is a longer chapter.
Obsessive Reader 22- Thanks for taking your time to Beta this story and making it easier to read as well as the encouragement.
BeautifulBabeForever- Thanks for reading over this and giving me some ideas and encouraging me to post it.
CHAPTER TWO: COMING HOME
He whipped his head around and jumped up almost throwing me and yelled.
"OHMIGOD BEAUTIFUL is it really you?" I smiled.
"Yeah Les it's really me. I just got back today and me and my partner, Aaron, decided we needed some pizza but I didn't want to deal with the Burg just yet so we came here." I said as he picked me up and hugged me to him.
He looked over at Aaron, they knew each other from their time in the Ranger's and got along but weren't friends.
"Is that Aaron Tripp? You're Partner?" I looked up at him.
"Yep, that's my partner Aaron Tripp." Then, I heard Tank's big booming voice.
"Quit hogging Bombshell! Pass her on we all missed her!" I laughed and got passed around in hugs with kisses to my cheek and forehead by my guys that I missed so much. I got tears in my eyes when I got to Tank he was the last one to hug me.
"Bombshell, why don't you and your partner join us so we can catch up?" I nodded and looked at Aaron and nodded my head for him to join us. He walked over and sat down beside me.
Bobby was the first to ask "Bomber, I know I felt guns on you are you seriously carrying?"
"Yes. I'm seriously carrying and more than one gun. I've changed a lot since I left."
"I can see that." said Lester "So, why did you leave?"
"Remember the last kidnapping?" They all nodded. "I was sick of being rescued and had just found out my dad was an ex-Ranger. So, I called him and he called Aaron's dad. I left to go to Aaron's and he trained me but that's not the only change. Do you know what a free agent is?" They all nodded again.
"I'm also a free agent now. I have been for about 9 months and I will be for at least two more years. Maybe longer if I choose to." They all looked at Aaron and Tank spoke first.
"So Tripp, how did she do at training?"
"She did good; she worked hard and is not the same woman that came to me eighteen months ago." Tank nodded.
"Where are you staying and are you here permanently?" Asked Cal.
"I bought a house just outside of Trenton and yes permanently. I'll only leave if I get a call to do so." Cal nodded.
"So guys where's Ranger? I was hoping to catch up with him tomorrow and then check with Vinnie about a job." They all looked at each other doing there ESP. I just waited.
"Uh Beautiful, Ranger's changed since you left, he… uh… has a girlfriend that is living with him."
"Les, Guys. I'm not looking to go hop in bed with him. I just want to catch up but if he doesn't want to talk to me that's fine. No big deal, I figured everyone was mad at me anyways because of the way I left and not contacting anyone. But, I had to do it. I was sick of bouncing back and forth with Joe when I wasn't in love with him. I was sick of the mixed messages from Ranger. I wanted to get trained, to get better at my job. So, I left and did just that. I got trained. I'm happy for Joe. I heard about him getting married, and if Ranger is happy then I'm happy for him to. Don't worry about me. I didn't expect everyone to sit and wait on me to come home." They all nodded but I noticed Tank texting on his phone.
"So Tank how is Lula?" I said with a smile.
"Uh …She is good I think, she has a boyfriend and is bounty hunting full time. I don't really talk to her."
"Oh. Sorry Big Guy, I didn't know." He just nodded. The waitress came over and we ordered our food and beer.
"So, where have you been Steph?" Asked Woody.
"Well, I trained in Florida but I traveled a lot as a free agent. Didn't enjoy anything when I traveled, I was in and out quickly." He smiled and nodded.
"It's good to have you back, Bombshell, We missed you." said Vince.
About that time, our food came out. We all poured ourselves some beer and grabbed pieces of pizza and started eating. Me, of course moaning, it's been a long time since I had good pizza. I looked up and all the guys had pained expressions on their faces.
I just shrugged and kept eating. We were eating in silence when I heard the door. I'm always on alert because of what I have done. In walks Ranger with a gorgeous woman. Aaron noticed me tense up a little and grabbed my thigh under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I looked at Ranger and smiled.
"Hey Ranger." He just looked at me.
"Stephanie."
The woman with him was beautiful. She was tall and had a nice tan, green eyes, and dark brown hair that was straight and fell to mid back. She was dressed like Ranger in black cargoes, black shirt and black boots. So, I can only assume she works at Rangeman with him. I still have to remind myself not to be jealous.
I looked at her and smiled stuck my hand out "Stephanie Plum." she smiled as she shook my hand "Alexis Ryans."
"It's nice to meet you, Alexis." I looked at the guys and they looked dumbstruck, like they didn't expect it to go so smoothly. I smiled them at and about that time my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and I know my face fell, it was 'Boss'.
"Plum."
"Plum. I have a mission if you are interested it could be a dangerous one though."
"Continue." Yes, I now speak in one word sentences.
"It's in Iraq. Not sure how long it will take for you to complete the job but there are three people there who we need taken out."
"Who else would be going?"
"If you agree and Tripp agrees probably just the two of you but I have another agent I might ask to join you."
"Well, I'm with Tripp now. We are at a restaurant. I'll talk to him when we get somewhere private. When do you need your answer?"
"By 9pm, helicopter would leave at midnight."
"Alright I'll let you know." I hung up. I looked up and everyone was staring at me.
"Shit." I said and Aaron looked at me.
"Job?"
"Yep, Me and you and maybe a third party."
"You got details?"
"As much as he could give, I have to answer by nine and would be leaving at midnight for who knows how long. Damn it! I just got home and now it looks like I'm leaving again indefinitely, just my fucking luck."
All the guys were staring at me realizing what this meant. Well, all but Ranger. He had a look like he wanted to ask questions but wasn't going to. Aaron knew I was pissed and not to bring it up. I looked at Aaron
.
"Looks like we need to go so we can make a decision and check email see if we got any other information on this trip." Aaron got up and so did I. Aaron looked at Ranger and they hadn't said a word to each other since Ranger arrived until now.
"Manoso." Aaron said with a smirk.
"Tripp." You could hear the anger in Ranger's voice.
Huh, the other guys didn't have a problem with Aaron. I wonder why Ranger does, questions for later. All the guys got up and passed me around for hugs and kisses on the forehead and cheeks. I told them all bye knowing this mission could be dangerous and there were no guarantees. I could tell by the Boss's voice this would likely be my most dangerous mission yet if I took it. Aaron and I left and headed back to the house.
At the house, we went straight to the office and checked email. The email I got explaining the mission was enough to make me cringe. We would have to get there and take out three men involved in Al Qaeda. Then get our asses back as quickly as possible. There would be no outside contact what so ever and we would have to be completely quiet while gone. This mission was beyond dangerous, but what the hell. I live for the adrenaline. I looked at Aaron who was standing behind me reading the email.
"Well Aaron, I'm game… are you?"
"Yeah, Honey. I'm game let's get packed, you call Boss." I smiled and pulled out my phone it rang two times before being picked up.
"Plum, I take it you have made a decision."
"Yes. Tripp and I will do it. I don't think we need a third party. It will be quicker just me and him since we are used to working that way."
"Do you know where Rangeman is?"
"Yes Sir, I do."
"They have helipad they have offered to let us use. Be there at midnight to leave."
"Yes Sir." I disconnected and hollered for Aaron.
"Aaron, we are being picked up at Rangeman at midnight. Do you want me to call and see if someone can pick us up and we can leave our cars here?"
"Yeah, Honey, that's fine." I picked my phone back up and dialed the Rangeman control room.
"Rangeman control."
"Hey, this is Stephanie Plum. Can I talk to Tank, Lester, or Bobby?"
"Hey Bombshell, its Binkie, we missed you. Hang on, Tank's in his office. I'll patch you through." Next thing I heard was Tank's voice.
"Tank."
"Hey Tank, it's Steph. You know the heli that's using your helipad tonight?"
"Yeah, what's it got to do with you?"
"It's picking up me and Aaron. But that's not why I called, do you think someone could pick us up at my house or if I drive can my car stay in your underground garage?"
"I'll pick you up the heli will be here at midnight. So, what time do I need to be at your house?"
"11:30. I'll text you directions. We will be outside the gate waiting."
"Okay Bombshell, see you soon." And he hung up.
Ranger's POV
I had received a text from Tank that I should come to Shorty's and see who had graced Trenton with their presence again. He refused to tell me who was there so I grabbed my coat to leave my apartment.
Alexis, my girlfriend, wouldn't let me leave without her which only tended to piss me off. She was a good lay but damn, she was clingy. She thought anytime I left unless it was business that she needed to go.
I was about to go damn crazy, I hate clingy women but I really needed someone to get my mind off Steph and Alexis tried. She wasn't very good at it but she tried and on occasion it worked, not often though. Steph was my weakness and I couldn't believe the way she left.
I had searched for her for months and never could find her. I tried to bury myself in work but there wasn't enough work to get my mind off of her. I had become miserable, then I met Alexis and she was a beautiful woman, not as beautiful as my Babe but beautiful none the less.
We entered a work relationship with her doing distractions but eventually it got personal, she moved in with me and we worked together. She wasn't as good at distractions as Steph or researches but I had come to realize no one would ever be as good as Steph.
I had begun to accept the fact that Steph had left, I still didn't know why and none of her family would give away anything. Her friends didn't know where she was or what she was doing and the only person who seemed to know anything at all was her dad. Frank Plum, I found out was a Former Ranger and his file was more classified than mine.
I had him researched and found out very little, he had more clearance than me and I couldn't access his file. I only found out basics about his military career. He left the Rangers when Steph was born and began working at the Post Office, he still did missions on occasion up until Steph was five, then decided he wanted to be able to spend more time with her.
He was highly respected and had an honorable discharge. All he would tell me was that Steph was fine and she was doing well. To expect contact when she was ready. That made me even more curious as to where she was.
Alexis and I got in my Porsche 911 and drove to Shorty's. The first thing I noticed was a Silver Audi, it was out of place at Shorty's, kind of like my Porsche was. I walked in and looked at the back where I knew my guys would be seated and noticed a straight haired woman turn and look at me.
I realized then that it was Steph. I didn't know what to think. I kept my blank face firmly in place and went and set down at the table. I sat down and heard the voice I had longed to hear for months.
"Hey Ranger." I was almost speechless.
"Stephanie." I replied.
She smiled and introduced herself to Alexis; I began to wonder was she here to stay or just a visit. I then noticed Aaron Tripp was sitting next to her with a smirk on his face. Shit, surely they aren't together.
All the guys were watching me and Steph closely; it was like they didn't trust me. I nodded my hello at them and then heard a phone ringing. Steph pulled a phone off her waist and answered it "Plum."
I listened to her half of the conversation and it sounded like she would be going away but I couldn't figure out why or what for. After she hung up the phone Aaron asked her if it was a job and they had a short conversation about it. I was still confused.
Steph got up and I noticed she was carrying, Shoulder holster, back waistband, and there looked to be a slight bulge at the ankle of her pants. Most people wouldn't notice that but I did, I also noticed she had a knife strapped to her waist.
Damn, that was hot. Aaron was still smirking when he said, "Manoso."
I was beginning to think he was trying to goad me. Steph hugged and kissed all the guys on the cheek before nodding at me and leaving. I couldn't believe how good she looked. I could tell she had been exercising and that she was more confident.
She carried herself with an air of confidence and pride. I wondered what got into her, after she left all the guys decided they were ready to go too. When we arrived back at Rangeman Tank pulled me aside telling me he needed to meet with me in my office.
I sent Alexis up to the apartment telling her Tank needed to speak to me about a takedown. Tank and I got off on the fifth floor and walked into my office.
"Tank." I said when we got in there; he knew that meant what's up.
"How do you feel about Steph being back?" He asked, I just shrugged my shoulders and sat down on the couch in my office.
"You know she's changed a lot?" I nodded my head not sure where he was going with this.
"She's a government agent now Ranger with Tripp." Damn. That shit is dangerous, how can I protect her when she is in other countries. I do the same thing, that's why I go on missions.
"Is that what the call was about at Shorty's?" I asked Tank.
"Yeah, she looks good though." I nodded.
She looked great. I wished she would have come to me to train; I never would have let her become an agent. It's too dangerous. We had set there for a minute and Tank got up and walked to his office just as his office phone began to ring.
He answered and I listened to his conversation as I tried to figure out how I was going to get Steph alone to talk to her without having to deal with Tripp or Alexis. That was going to be a difficult task but if she was leaving on a mission it gave me time to plan.
He hung up and looked at me, I knew that look.
"Remember that call you got a couple of days ago from your handler asking if other agents could use our heli-pad?" He questioned. I nodded.
"Steph is the one that is gonna be using it, she's heading out tonight on a mission." I nodded again before walking out of his office and going straight to the gym. I had to deal with my frustrations and take them out on something. Seemed a punching bag was my best bet.
I beat the punching bag for quite some time when I began to wonder if she had the same handler as I do. If so I might be able to get some information. I finished pounding the bag and went back up to my office and dialed my handler.
"Manoso." He answered.
"Boss, would you happen to know who the handler is for Stephanie Plum and Aaron Tripp?" I asked.
"That would be me. Is there a problem I should know about?" He questioned.
"No problem, just wondering what kind of mission she was going on?"
"The kind you don't need to worry about. She knows how to do her job and she's damn good at. I wouldn't cross her if I were you Manoso. That woman has a temper on her and can be lethal, more so when pissed off."
"Yes Sir. Can you tell me how dangerous the mission is?"
"Very dangerous if we don't have the proper Intel. Don't worry about her, she has been in many sticky situations and manages to get out every time. Accept it, she's damn good. What's it to you anyways?"
"I used to know here before she became agent." I replied vaguely.
"You mean before she got trained by Tripp? Regardless of your bad feelings towards him, he trained her well. She knows what to do and how to do it. Honestly, she's one of my best agents, I would go as far as to say a couple more missions and she'll be better than Tripp."
"Thanks Boss." I responded wanting to end this conversation.
He disconnected as Tank came walking into the office. He looked at me closely and raised an eyebrow in question as to what was going on with me.
"Spoke to my handler." He nodded.
"Same as Steph's said she is one of the best and with a few more missions under her belt she'll be better that Tripp." He nodded again.
"I'm going to pick them up now." I nodded and headed to my apartment to get some rest.