I don't own them, I don't make any money off of this and I only write for my (and hopefully your) entertainment. I promise to return the characters to the author unscathed. No copyright infringement intended.

Thank you, Kat, for betaing for me. You did an awesome job!

Birthday Surprises

by Katrin

"Yep. And you guys like my ass. Now let's get this show on the road."

Chapter 10

We did as told and made our way back into the cars. We drove the two blocks into downtown Trenton and parked in the spaces reserved for this occasion.

After a last check of our armory we made we walked into the lobby where the super and the owner were waiting for us with a key. I was sure we'd make an interesting picture, five men and one women, all in black and with kevlar vests, armed to the teeth. Reminded me of the day Moxie was discharged from the hospital after we got back from our mission when we walked into Damirez' office to have words with him.

We lined up in front of them, arms crossed over our chests. Because it was already late we didn't have the sunglasses that complete every outfit. The owner and the super took an involuntary step back as they saw us.

"Evening," the owner said as he stepped in front of me, intending to shake my hand. I kept up my stony face and he stepped back again. Instead we nodded as one and I had to work hard to contain a chuckle. Wasn't often you had a bunch of mercenaries who worked and thought as one.

"Key." The super dropped the key into my outstretched hand.

"How many people are in there tonight?"

"Every bedroom has at least one guest, but we aren't sure." Damn, ten people was too much for us too handle safely.

"10- 4. Tank, call control, have them send out Vince, Woody, Brett, Zero, Binkie and Zip. Have Hal and Cal man the monitors. We'll wait for them," I said to the owner.

"Why?"

"Risk's too high." I left it at that and went to Moxie. "You all right?"

"Uh huh. Who's gonna do the guarding?"

"We've contracted men to do it this time. You don't need to worry."

She nodded and stepped closer, slinging her arms around my waist and I could hear her inhaling. This woman was addicted to my smell, but I wasn't any better.

Fifteen minutes later the other team arrived. I briefed them quickly and we were on our way up to the apartment. We partnered up like we always did, I took point and keyed open the door. A deadbolt prevented me from opening it. I looked at Moxie with a grin.

"You wanna do the kicking?"

Moxie grinned back at me. "Yup."

We all stepped aside to give her room to move and mere seconds later we all filtered into the filthy apartment. The doors leading from the hallway were all closed, so Binkie and Vince took up position right beside the entryway while Brett and Woody checked the room the hallway was opening into.

"Clear. Bathroom and Kitchen are clear."

Lil and Moxie, Les and Bobby as well as Tank and I took up position next to the doors leading from the hallway with one team as backup each.

"On three. One. Two. Three." Simultaneously three doors were pushed open to surprise the inhabitants.

Tank and I had the room with what was supposed to be a threesome, according to the intel we had. What we really found were eight people, all of them naked, all engaged in some kind of sexual activity. Together. There was just one big pile of people, five men and three women. They'd even set up a camera. Sick.

The hadn't even noticed our entrance yet, so we started pulling them from the pile, cuffed them and handed them off to the team behind us. By the time they noticed what was going on we already had half of them out of the room. They not only were high on sex, but on some kind of drug. Their dilated pupils gave them away. Well, their extremely fast reactions gave them away too.

Tank and I worked without talking, removing person after person from the room when I heard yelling coming from another part of the apartment. It was Moxie.

"You sick son of a bitch. Either you do what I'm telling you to do or I'll take care of your balls. Permanently."

The fucker only laughed at her.

Tank and I turned back to our pile and before long we had them all cuffed. They were too out of it to put up much resistance.

We stepped back into the main room where the rest of the team were guarding the tenants.

One guy was still yelling at Moxie and she looked like she was ready to lose it. That would mean serious damage for the guy.

One glare from me and the guy decided to shut the fuck up. We were getting ready to get them out to the cars to carry them to lock up when the guy who'd been yelling around suddenly pulled out a large knife.

"I won't go to jail," he yelled and charged at Moxie.

What the fuck?

She let him get close to her, giving him the impression of being weak. Little did he know.

"Told you," she said, relieved him of his knife first, then grabbed him and threw him through the nearest window.

She looked into the direction she threw him. "Oops, gotta to replace that." She turned to me, trying to look innocent.

"Babe."

"Ranger."

"Moxie, you won't allow me to throw junkies out of windows but then you do it yourself? That's not fair! I always get to throw someone out of a window on these jobs," Tank mock-whined.

"Just take your pick. There's enough to choose from." The other tenants in the room were shrinking back, trying to be invisible. And there certainly were enough people to choose from. In a three bedroom apartment we'd rounded up sixteen people. Fucking unbelievable.

"Babe, you can't just tell Tank to throw somebody out of a window."

"Why not? I'm management!"

"Babe."

"Calm down, boss. I wouldn't have taken her up on it anyway. Now let's get them out of here so the cleaning crew can come in."

Moxie went to the window. After she looked down she started laughing her ass off.

Tank went to join her and he started laughing too, a deep laugh that was characteristically Tank.

"What's going on?"

"Three guesses as to where he landed."

"Fire escape."

"Yup. Knocked the wind out of him." We chuckled.

"Now let's get back to work."

The tenants were looking more frightened by the minute and we made short work of them. I'd called the police so they were waiting for us with a dozen cruisers and two dozen officers. After checking the IDs we knew that four of them were wanted for one offense or another, and three others were out of jail on probation. The rest of them would be charged now, but the owner would take care of it.

When we stepped out of the apartment for the last time that night the cleaning crew was already waiting, as well as the four guards I'd hired for the first shift.

"All right, let's get out of here, our job's done."

We fell into bed exhausted that night, too tired to do anything else. I'd set my alarm clock for 3:30 am, so Moxie could do the packing trial while she was tired. I pulled her back to my front and fell asleep to the sound of her even breathing.

Less than an hour later my watch alarm woke me and I shook Moxie awake.

"What?"

"You've got twenty minutes."

She immediately jumped out of bed and started packing her back pack.

Seventeen minutes later she was standing in front of me, slightly panting but dressed for action and smiling.

"Love you, Babe."

"Love you, too. Now let's get started so I can get back into bed. I'm tired."

Just as I was starting to take her bag apart Cal came bolting into our bedroom.

"Oh. Chopper's landing in twenty-five." He saluted and left again.

That spurred me into action and now it was my turn to run. I ran into my home office to the fax machine. There was a fax waiting for us, but I didn't read it. Instead I thrust it into Moxie's hands.

"Read it aloud while I pack."

"Going to Bolivia, there's word that the gun runners having plans for a new rocket launcher. They'll distribute large quantities to a terrorist group in the middle east. Got to find out what, how, who, where and when. We're to get the plans for the rocket launcher, but leave altered ones, preferably so it'll blow up in their faces. No unnecessary eliminations."

"Where?" We were both pulling out the woodland camouflage, but there would still be black clothes as well. We never knew what kind of cover we'd need and use.

"They included a map with an area to start looking in, about two hundred and fifty square miles."

"You've got everything? Radio system?"

"Yup." She checked the pockets of her BDUs again and nodded.

"Let's go."

We went up to the roof where the chopper was already waiting for us, rotors still going and the doors were open. The noise was deafening.

I gave Moxie the sign to stay low and we nearly crawled to the door so we wouldn't get hit. Once there the packs I threw the packs into the chopper, next was Moxie to climb in and I brought up the rear. Once in I pulled the door shut and then put on my helmet.

I looked at Moxie to see her grinning at me.

"Moxie."

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The weather's clear and sunny and we expect it to be a calm flight... if you don't count the terrorists shooting at us. Today's flight attendant called in sick, but if one of you would like to fly this birdie here I'll be sure to make you some coffee. Please enjoy the flight and thank you for flying with Delta Rescue."

Moxie, sitting to my right, snorted.

"Morning Tommy, how's it hanging?" We had served in the Rangers together.

"Good. It's you and the beautiful lady beside you who're going to Bolivia and staying there, not me. You gonna introduce us?"

"Sure. Moxie, the pilot is Tommy, we've served together. The possum beside him is Mic. Guys, that's Moxie."

Moxie spoke up. "Before you start, I know I'm skinny and I don't look like your typical bad ass but I'm Moxie all the same. If you want a demonstration I'd suggest you land your bird first."

"Got you one with spunk this time around, huh?" Tommy wanted to know.

"Ever heard of the Bombshell Bounty Hunter?"

"Sure."

"That's me. Do you have more information for us?"

"Why are you asking?"

"I had one hour of sleep before certain people had to wake me up to train packing my stuff, only minutes before we got the fax. I'd like to catch some more shut-eye."

"Sure. You guys got parachutes or want the ones I packed?" Mic asked.

"You packed them or just threw them into your baby?"

"Packed them myself. Newest technology available at the moment. They only weigh three and a half pounds, so you can take them with you."

"We'll take yours." Mainly because we didn't have any. If you were to be dropped you were provided with chutes. That was just the way it was. And it was a huge plus that they were so light. Chutes make good tents if you don't have anything else for shelter.

"Under your seats."

"Why?" The army chutes weigh over fifty pounds a piece and it's impossible to drag them around.

"When I heard who you're going after I grabbed these. Figured you might need them."

"Thanks."

"Ranger?" Moxie asked from beside me.

"Yeah?"

"How's Tank gonna know what's going on?"

"Standard procedure. Cal's gone and woken him as soon as we were in the air. I left a copy of the fax on the sideboard in the hallway. He'll find it and know what's going on. If I suddenly leave and he finds a fax he knows he's in charge until I tell him otherwise. And he'll call our parents to let them know, too."

"Okay. Night, guys." With that Moxie pulled her legs under her booty, positioned her head on my thigh and within minutes she was asleep.

"What's she to you?" Tommy's voice came over my head set.

"Fiancée. Actually we were supposed to leave for our wedding and honeymoon in a little over a week."

"She got you to settle down?" Mic piped up.

"What do you consider settling down?"

"House in the suburbs, kids, dog. You know, the whole package."

"Kids and both parents doing missions doesn't mesh too good, don't you think?"

"You've got a point there," Tommy murmured.

"Uh huh. Do you know anything that wasn't said in the fax?"

"They suspect it's Cardorez you're going after."

"You serious? That's one sick son of a bitch."

"Yep. Figured the two of you were the best, so you got the job. You know how it is."

"Yeah. I'm gonna catch some shut-eye too. It's been a short night."

"Just what did you guys do that kept you up all night?"

"Got a job."

I closed my eyes, effectively ending all conversation. I'd need my sleep later and in situations like this you never knew when you'd have the next chance to sleep without risking your life doing so.

I didn't know how long I'd slept at first when Moxie stirring against me woke me up.

"Morning, Moxie."

"Don't wanna."

"Uh huh." I turned my head to kiss her. When I pulled back she smiled at me.

"You ready for action?"

"Yup. I'm gonna miss my donuts and ice cream, but I should survive."

Tommy piped up. "You let her eat sugar?"

"Moxie on sugar withdrawal would kill me."

"Don't I know it. My wife's exactly the same."

"Be careful what you tell them or you won't get any anytime soon," Moxie said from beside me.

"You know you can't go longer than a few hours without and you know it," I teased her.

"I could always cut off your balls. Gimme a sec to count how many ways I know how to do it." Her eyes were twinkling.

"Do I need to remind you that you'll regret that one?"

"I don't want to interrupt you, but we're nearing the airport where you'll have to switch to a plane," Mic said from the front of the chopper.

"You know the pilot?"

"Some young guy, have never worked with him. By the way, the two of us are supposed to pick you up once you radio in. At least that's the plan."

We fell silent again until we touched down. Moxie and I gathered our packs as well as the chutes Mic had prepared. No idea what we'd have done if he hadn't prepped them, probably landed somewhere and walked in like we'd done before too many times to count. On many occasions we didn't know if we'd be able to walk back out or not.

I was a little anxious about the mission. Sure, I'd done stuff like this numerous times before and it wasn't that I didn't trust Moxie with my back. I'd been trusting her for quite some time now, but I was a little worried how she'd hold up with only the two of us up against God knows how many enemies intend on killing us.

"How are you holding up, Moxie?" It was time to change the mind set, to get ready for the unknown.

"I'll be fine once we get started."

Before long the chopper set down on an airfield, somewhere between Trenton and Bolivia in the middle of nowhere and no sign where we were.

With a "Good luck," from Mic and Tommy we got out."

Another little puddle jumper was waiting for us, ready to bring us to the drop off zone.

We boarded the plane and within minutes we were back up in the air.

Our first parasailing experience together was fresh in my mind. It had been the last day of Steph's old life, a life where people looked down on her, laughed at her and bet on her. Starting the next day she'd started getting competent and now a little over a year after that day she was one of the most competent there was.

Settling into the plane we soon dozed off again and before we even had the necessary high Moxie was snoring lightly beside me.

According to the pilot we had another six hours to go. Between naps we used that time to go over last details.

When Moxie woke up again she looked pale and I could see a faint tremor in her hands. "You okay?" I knew she wasn't at her best at the moment.

"I'm a little nervous but I should be fine once we get started."

I pressed a light kiss against her lips, trying to reassure her as much as myself.

"We'll be fine. We're the best."

"I know, but I couldn't stand to loose you now that I've got you, Ranger."

"You need to think positive. We haven't even started yet. There's no need to worry."

"I know that, but still..."

"We'll take things as they come. There's no sense to worry about stuff we don't even know if it will happen or not."

"Uh huh. What's the plan once we get wherever we're going?"

I took a minute to plan a little more. "Depending on where we're dropped we'll walk in, then scout out the area, try to get a location. Once we know where they are we'll need to get a handle on their schedule so we know when to attack. Might take months though."

"Okay."

"There anything else you want to know?"

"Not at the moment."

We used the remaining time on the plane to be close together, holding each other and kissing. There just wasn't any way to tell when we'd get the chance again. Once in combat we just couldn't risk it. As vocal as Moxie always was during our love making, she'd alert the enemy for sure, something I wasn't willing to risk for a little intimacy. There'd be enough time for that once we got back to Trenton. Additionally, once in combat we'd have to be all business. There would be no room for Ric and Steph. It'd be a weakness that might cost us our lives. Intimacy would distract us, would make us weak and vulnerable.

Before too long the pilot told us to get ready as we were nearing our destination.

"Ready, Moxie?" The fierce determination that shone from her eyes and the set of her jaw her a sure sign of her eagerness to get started. To be honest, I couldn't wait to feel ground under my feet again.

We got suited up and I opened the door, spring-hooks were all that was holding us to the plane, keeping us safe for the moment.

"You want to go first or second?"

"First or I might never go."

"Proud of you. I trust you." I pressed a kiss to her lips, opened the hatch and then she was sailing through the air.

A few seconds later I followed her and once I opened the chute I directed it toward where Moxie was descending. Under us was the thick green roof of the jungle but I'd already spotted a small clearing. Going down there we hopefully wouldn't encounter any trees constricting us. Minutes later I touched ground only feet away from Moxie. She'd already started packing up her chute again. Because we could take them with us we wouldn't need to find a place to bury or hide them. Lonely chutes in wilderness were always suspicious so we'd have had dispose of them one way or another.

I followed her example and we met in the middle.

We were on our own now. Time to prove we were the best.

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions? Please let me know and thanks for reading.