The usual disclaimer.

The Letter

Dear Ranger:

I know in my heart that it was you and Manny who wrote pleading my innocence.

Yes, Manny, I found out about your Ph.D. a long time ago. You taught me maybe too well how to do searches. I appreciate all you did for me. I do love you very much. I will always treasure our interaction and if anyone ever calls me wifey again, I don't know what I will do.

Ranger, I want to thank you for hiring me at Rangeman. I met so many amazing men there and feel proud of their dedication to my country, Yes, I can say that with pride. I still feel so proud of the work that the men who you employ have accomplished.

I will never forget them as long as I live, but I really hope never to see them again. The look on their faces as I was escorted out of there will haunt me for the rest of my life.

I especially will never forget the look Tank gave me. It was so filled with disgust at what he thought I had done. My heart broke right then and there. I will try to forgive him as I know that he has lost friends and colleagues from spilled secrets so I really do understand.

Finally Ranger. I loved you so very much. I was actually hoping to have a real relationship with you. I know that we had a casual thing going as you were unable or unwilling to take it further but I had always hoped that in time it would change.

Your secret is safe with me. See, I am not a security risk. I found out that it was you who had gathered information on my family. I know that you are the best of the best, and for that I am grateful. You put away people who were harming my country, and although it was my family, I am still very proud of the professionalism that you carried doing your duty.

I am being given a new identity and somewhere to live.

I don't think I could ever come back to Trenton or have to face everyone in the Burg wondering if I was dirty like my family. I cannot believe that they would sell out their country. I used to be so proud of my dad for what he had done. Now, I will never admit to even having him as a father and if I am pushed I have my new "family" to brag about.

I have requested that I never see them ever again, and that request has been granted. I don't want to know what happens to them or when they are released or pass away. To me, they are already dead.

I also know that you are the best of the best at finding someone so I am asking that you choose not to find me.

You know me almost better than I know myself. I look in the mirror and do not see myself anymore. My looks have been altered enough I will have to make a serious effort to change everything that I used to be. Even my eyes are a different color now with contacts. I was told many times that they were memorable so they were the first things to change.

I hope someday to have a twinkle back in my eye, and maybe even to laugh.

Goodbye my friend, because I will always think of you as a friend. I don't want to dwell on what might have been. It is too painful.

Formerly, Stephanie Plum

I stepped on the plane. I looked back, then I looked forward.

Thanks for reading this. I appreciate all reviews and personal messages. Before you jump all over me, yes there is a sequel – Finding My Babe I will post the new story starting next week. Myrna