Stephanie had watched her funeral from the comfort of her apartment in Rangeman Miami. Hector wore a camera for Stephanie to watch. She was curious how everyone would react. Like the ninja he was, Hector managed to catch everyone's faces. Mary Lou's face was red and swollen from crying.
Valerie was comforting Mary Alice as she sobbed on her shoulder. Stephanie felt guilty for upsetting her nieces. It seemed cruel but it was necessary to keep everyone safe. Angie had Lisa sitting on her lap. She stroked the young girl's back. It wasn't to comfort Lisa, it kept Angie from sobbing like Mary Alice.
Lula kept looking toward the line of Rangeman Trenton employees. Stephanie wondered who Lula was watching. She suspected it was either Tank or Ranger. Connie dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
"Are you okay?" Marco asked as he pointed to the television where the funeral got streamed live.
"I'm fine. Honestly, I'm surprised by the turnout. The group in the back are my regular FTAs," Stephanie replied. "It appears most of Rangeman Trenton arrived, too." Her Merry Men stood along the walls, letting the other people sit in the church pews.
"The men love you, Steph. They may know the funeral is a charade, but their emotions are real." Stephanie leaned closer to the television. She could see the tears clinging to the men's cheeks. "Most of them want to transfer here," Marco added.
"Is that even possible?" Stephanie asked. "We don't have enough room or clients to accommodate the shift." She thought about the emails from the Rangeman info account. Several companies requested services for buildings outside Miami. They were outside the district Rangeman monitored. There had to be a way to keep the staff and move her favourite men to Miami.
Marco watched Stephanie's facial expressions. She had something on her mind. He was curious to see what Stephanie would recommend. "What are you planning?" Marco asked with narrowed eyes.
"Satellite offices in Florida," Stephanie replied. She reached for her laptop to research security demands and how they could supply services. "Most of the work would occur in the main branch, but we dispatch the security teams from the remote office closest to the businesses."
Marco was impressed with his sister-in-law. She was tenacious and resilient. He had expected her to freak from the kidnapping. "Stop staring, Marco. You're making me nervous," Stephanie snapped.
"Sorry. I was wondering why you're not bawling from everything you experienced." Marco knew Stephanie's kidnapping and beating weren't something you got over quickly. It would take time to move past the trauma and loss.
Stephanie set the laptop aside after emailing their in-house realtor. She wanted to know if they had any properties for sale in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Tallahassee. Each city had a shortage of security companies available.
"I've cried enough," Stephanie replied. "Focusing on my kidnapping and crying doesn't erase the events or trauma. It makes me angry. A man I had trusted sold my location. I want to beat the shit out of Morelli, but that won't help either. It won't bring my son back. I'm attempting to focus on the positive. Wallowing in self-pity never helps anyone. Carlos and I can still have children."
-SMSMSMSM-
Julie read the news about Stephanie's death on the internet. She wiped a tear from her cheek. There wasn't anything in the newspaper article to indicate how Stephanie died. "Why are you crying?" Rachel asked.
"Stephanie died," Julie cried. Rachel sat beside Julie. She removed the laptop from Julie's grip to place it on the coffee table. Rachel wrapped her arms around Julie's shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Rachel whispered. "She was your hero."
"Can I call Dad?" Rachel knew Julie meant Ranger, not Ron. After Scrog kidnapped Julie, she called her father once a week. Neither Ron nor Rachel prevented Julie from getting to know Ranger.
"Yes," Rachel quietly replied. "Call him from your bedroom." Rachel watched her oldest daughter go up the stairs to talk in private. She shook her head, then read the article about Stephanie's death.
Julie dialled the familiar number and waited for her father to answer. "Jules," Ranger said when he connected the call.
"Hey, Daddy. I heard about Stephanie," Julie cried.
"I'll be in Miami in a few hours. Could you ask your mother to drive you to Rangeman?" Ranger asked.
"Um. Ronnie and Sophie have karate in a few hours. I'll ask if Darin can drive me," Julie replied. "Give me a few minutes to ask Mom." Darin was one of Julie's bodyguards. He often accompanied Julie to her extracurricular activities.
Ranger patiently waited for Julie to get permission from her mother. Rachel would do anything possible to keep Julie happy. "Mom wants to talk to you," Julie said when she returned.
Rachel accepted the phone from Julie. "Why do you want Julie to visit Rangeman?" Rachel asked. She was curious if it had to do with Stephanie's death.
"What I'm about to share cannot get out, Rachel. Do you promise to maintain the secret?" Ranger asked. "Lives would be in danger if you can't keep the intel to yourself."
"Would it help Julie?" Rachel wondered.
"Yes."
Rachel waited a few seconds before she replied, "Okay. You know I'll do anything for Julie."
"Stephanie is alive. We faked her death to keep her safe," Ranger replied. "I want Julie to see for herself instead of hearing it from me."
"Darin has my permission to drive Julie to Rangeman. I trust your men will keep her safe?" Rachel asked, referring to Stephanie and Julie.
"Yes," Ranger said. Ranger waited for Julie to return on the line. "I'll see you in a few hours."
"Okay. See you soon, Daddy."
"Pack a travel bag," Rachel said when Julie ended the call. Julie raised an eyebrow. "Trust me." Rachel knew Julie would pack enough clothes to last for a week. Anything else Julie would need, Ranger would buy.
-SMSMSMSM-
Ranger called Stephanie to give her the heads up. Stephanie smiled when he mentioned Julie visiting. "Where are you going?" Marco asked.
"To put linens on the spare bed," she replied. "Julie's visiting tonight."
Marco called Marianna to prepare dinner for them. He grinned as he told Marianna to make gooey macaroni and cheese. It wasn't one of Ranger's approved meals, but Marco thought Stephanie would appreciate the comfort food.
"Has Carlos discussed my security with you?" Stephanie asked when she returned.
"What about it?"
Stephanie rolled her eyes. "You and Zero are my personal guards," Stephanie explained. "Carlos only trusts family to watch over me when he can't."
"Zero's related to you?" Marco had known Zero for many years. Zero never mentioned being related to Stephanie.
"Yup," Stephanie answered while popping the p. "First cousin. His mom and my dad are siblings." Stephanie chewed her bottom lip, worried Marco would be upset with bodyguard duty.
"Steph, I'm honoured to be selected as your guard. I could tell you stories about Carlos," Marco said.
"No," Stephanie replied. "It truly sounds enticing, but anything I learn about my husband has to come from him."
Marco raised his hands and promised to keep the stories to himself.
-SMSMSMSM-
Frank drove his wife and mother-in-law to the Polish hall for refreshments after Stephanie's funeral. He listened to the Burg bitches complain about burying an empty casket. Even at Stephanie's funeral, the women had nothing nice to say about his youngest daughter. It was a disgrace and disrespectful to Stephanie.
He left when those women picked apart Edna's eulogy. The women felt it was inappropriate to blame their precious Joseph Morelli for Stephanie's kidnapping and death. Speaking of the devil, where was Morelli? Frank saw Joe at the church ceremony but not at the gravesite or reception. "Coward," Frank mumbled. Frank caught Ranger's eye.
"Sir?" Ranger asked when he approached Frank.
"I'd like a tour of the building, son," Frank replied. Ranger nodded, then signalled for Tank.
"Tank will show you around. I've got a private flight to catch," Ranger said. Frank slapped Ranger's shoulder before following Tank to the parking lot.
Ranger noticed Lula watching him from the entrance. At first, Ranger thought Lula was focused on Tank until her eyes followed him to the car at the side. "Is she going to be a problem?" Zero asked, climbing into the car beside Ranger.
"None. But I'll alert the Rangeman offices anyway. We can block her number," Ranger replied. Ranger didn't want whatever Lula had to offer. She was an ex-hooker who turned her life around after a traumatic attack from Benito Ramirez. Stephanie helped her when she was recovering. Ranger shook the memory from his mind and drove to the private airfield where the Rangeman jet waited to fly him home.
Tank showed Frank Plum around the Rangeman building, then to the seventh floor. Frank looked around the apartment. "Nice space. Who does it belong to?" Frank asked.
"It was Ranger's apartment," Tank replied. "Ella packed away everything belonging to Ranger and Stephanie. The apartment is yours, sir."
"Thank you," Frank replied. Frank petitioned for divorce after driving Edna and Helen home. He refused to stay with Helen. "When can I move in?"
"Immediately," Tank replied. Tank gave Frank the fob to unlock the door. He gave Frank basic instructions to operate the device. Frank tried it a few times. Tank followed Frank to the garage and watched him drive away from Rangeman.
Frank drove home to collect his clothes and other valuables after a quick visit with his friend. Helen had called to say she got a ride home with Valerie. He contacted his ex-Army buddies to work at their company. "Frank, where have you been?" Helen demanded. "You disappeared from the Polish hall without a word. I had to get Valerie to drive me home with Mother."
"I was looking at my new apartment," he replied.
"Don't be silly, Frank. You live here," Helen snapped.
"Not for long," Frank said.
"What does that mean?" Frank removed the documents he had in his pocket. His friend had come through for him. He had the divorce petition prepared by the time Frank arrived at his office.
"It means I'm divorcing you, Helen. You may keep the house," Frank replied.
"You can't!" Helen yelled. "What would the neighbours think?"
"I don't give a damn," Frank said, raising his voice. Helen got taken aback. Frank had never yelled at her during their marriage. "Your interference in Stephanie's life led Morelli to sell her to an evil man who beat and drugged her. Stephanie died because you kept encouraging Morelli to chase after my daughter. I warned you, Helen. You couldn't leave well enough alone. Why couldn't you let Stephanie be happy with Manoso?"
Helen gasped and clutched at her throat as though being choked. Her mouth opened and closed several times, unable to form words to express how she felt. Helen couldn't defend her decision to force Stephanie to marry Joseph Morelli. She wondered how the bills would get paid. Helen could go after Frank's military pension, but he awarded her the house and everything inside except his personal belongings.
She followed Frank to the bedroom, where he packed his clothes. He opened the safe in the closet behind the chest of drawers to remove his service weapon and identification documents. "Move out of my way," Frank ordered. Helen tripped over her feet to let Frank walk past her.
Frank went to Stephanie's old bedroom to remove his fatigues and other military belongings from its depths. He remembered when Stephanie had seen them hanging inside when she slept in the bedroom a few times. Stephanie had tried on his shirt to check the fit.
His youngest daughter brightened his life. Frank loved her despite her faults. He couldn't wait to see Stephanie again. It would take time before Frank could hold Stephanie in his arms. Manoso had her safety tucked away in Miami.
-SMSMSMSM-
Julie arrived ten minutes after Carlos returned to Rangeman. He waited in the garage to bring his daughter to the penthouse apartment. "Daddy," Julie cried. She flew into his arms, dropping her bag. Ranger held onto his daughter as he scooped the bag off the floor. Julie cried on his shoulder. He entered the elevator and pressed the fob to reach the top level.
Stephanie waited by the opened door for Carlos and Julie to arrive. "Jules, why are you crying?" Stephanie quietly asked. Julie whipped her head around to look at Stephanie.
"You're not dead?" Julie asked. She jumped from Ranger's arms.
"Gentle, Jules!" Ranger ordered. Julie skidded to a stop in front of Stephanie.
"Are you hurt?" Julie asked.
"I am. My captor beat me. I have a few cracked ribs," Stephanie replied.
Julie gently wrapped her arms around Stephanie. "I'm glad you're alive," Julie whispered.
"Me too." Stephanie kissed Julie's head, then guided her inside the apartment. "I've prepared your bedroom. I assume you'd stay for a few days." Julie nodded against Stephanie's chest.
Ranger sent Rachel a text, telling her Julie had arrived at Rangeman. He didn't want Julie's mom to worry. Rachel said Julie could stay for a week at the most. Ranger accepted the offer. "Jules, your mother said you could stay for a week," Ranger announced, making Julie grin. She had packed enough clothes to last. Thankfully, the school happened to be on a break.
"Julie, your father and I have something to tell you," Stephanie said, pulling Julie to sit beside her on the couch.
"You're married?" Julie joked, secretly hoping Stephanie was her stepmother.
"Yes," Ranger replied. "We got married three months ago. Stephanie and I planned to tell you when my last mission was completed."
Julie didn't miss it when Stephanie wiped a tear off her cheek. "Mom, what's wrong?" Julie asked.
"Because of the beating and drugs, I miscarried your brother," Stephanie whispered. "Don't worry, sweetie. Your father and I can still have children."
"I'm sorry that happened to you, Mom. Do you know who was responsible?" Julie asked. Ranger was proud his daughter didn't miss anything.
"We do. The man who hurt me is dead. So are the man and woman who kidnapped me," Stephanie explained. "I've decided to live in Miami."
"Wow," Julie said. "What did the cop do?" Julie sensed he did something. She read the article, finding no details other than Stephanie got kidnapped, then died. The newspaper withheld a lot of information.
Ranger laughed. "He sold Stephanie's location for a night of sex," Ranger replied honestly.
Julie waited for Ranger and Stephanie to indicate it was a joke. She shook her head. "Asshole," she mumbled. "Is that why you're staying here?"
"Partly," Stephanie replied. "Joe wasn't the only person to betray my trust. I can't live and work in a city where people I consider friends are placing me in danger." It was harsh, but it was also the truth.
Ranger explained what Lula and Connie had done to assist Gabriela with her plans. They told the woman about the nightclub. Lula and Connie explained the dynamics between Morelli, Ranger and Stephanie. The more Ranger talked, the angrier Julie became. Julie couldn't believe the two women would throw Stephanie under the bus.
-SMSMSMSM-
Lula and Connie returned to the bonds office to discuss Edna's eulogy. "Did Edna accuse the cop of conspiring to kidnap Stephanie?" Lula asked.
"Not exactly," Connie replied. "He gave the kidnapper Stephanie's address. But I don't believe he knew what would happen."
"You don't think we helped, do you?"
"Unfortunately, yes. We did help. Hector showed us Gabriela's photograph. She asked us a lot of questions about Stephanie. We led Gabriela directly to Morelli," Connie answered. "You mentioned the club where he trolled Stephanie."
Lula dropped onto the couch. She leaned back to look at the tiled ceiling. "I would do anything to see her one more time," Lula said.
"Me too," Connie added. "Do you think Stephanie married Ranger?"
"Yes," Lula replied. "Edna wouldn't have said it unless it were true. Now that Batman's available, do you think he'd date me?"
Connie stared at Lula in stunned silence. Was that the only reason Lula befriended Stephanie? To get to Ranger? "No," Connie replied. "Stephanie was his soulmate. I doubt he'd move on after losing her."
"Pity," Lula said. Connie shut down the office computer. She walked around the desk toward the front door. "Where are you going?"
"Closing for the day," Connie replied. She turned off the lights and waited for Lula to leave before activating the alarm and locking the door. Connie walked through the alley to get to the back parking lot. She climbed into her car, then went home.
Connie sat in her dark living room, thinking about her friend, Stephanie. It didn't take long for Connie to realize she was a horrible friend. She spread the rumours she heard about Stephanie. Everyone knew when Ranger would pull Stephanie into the alley to kiss her until her legs were like jelly. Connie listened to the gossip about Morelli cheating on Stephanie, but nobody discussed his indiscretions. "Stephanie had the right to know," Connie mumbled. It was too late. Her friend was dead.