This is just a short wee filler. Hope you enjoy.
Janet owns the character, except Carla.
Chapter 14
We arrived back at Rangeman just after 2pm. We made idle chit chat on the journey home. Lester told me a few more things about Rangeman and didn't push me for any more information about myself. We were just heading for the elevator when Tank and Ranger appeared from behind the doors.
"What's up?" Lester asked them.
"Got a situation at the hospital, Steph's asked for back up." Tank replied heading for a SUV.
"Need any help?" Lester asked.
Ranger turned to him and grinned. "Well since you're offering Les, jump in. It seems Grandma Mazur is feeling much better today. So much so that she has disappeared into the men's ward, and a few of the elderly gentleman have taken a shine to her." Ranger grinned again. "Steph has asked us to help diffuse the situation and help get her grandmother out with her dignity still intact".
"I don't think it's her grandmother's dignity she needs to worry about" Tank laughed.
"Sounds like you got this one covered guys." Lester said backing away from them looking, if I wasn't mistaken, scared!
"Oh I think we need you Santos" Tank said towering over Lester as he shoved him in the back of the SUV. "Edna always did like your package". At that both Tank and Ranger roared with laughter as Lester looked at me helplessly.
"You want to come along for the ride, see us in action?" Tank asked.
"No I think I'll give it a miss, thanks all the same" I said heading for the elevator in case he decided to throw me in the car too. "I've got a file to read up on". I jumped in and pressed the button for 5 before anyone could stop me. Steph's grandmother sounded like a character!
Back up at my apartment I unpacked and put away my purchases and put a pot of coffee on. I then got myself comfortable to sit down and read my file.
I looked at the picture clipped to the file. A handsome man with dark curly hair cut short with startling green eyes looked back at me. Andreas Belivanis was the son of Greek millionaire, Yiannis Belivanis, who spent half his time in Athens and the other half in Jersey. Andreas was 34 years old and had lived over here since the age of 18. He ran one of his father's businesses as an importer of all things Greek and from what checks Rangeman had carried out they couldn't find anything illegal going on there. His father seemed to be clean. However Andreas was alleged to have a penchant for cocaine, girls and guns and a number of known associates who ran some very illegal businesses of their own. There was a couple of police reports in the file and I recognised the name Joe Morelli on them. I was almost sure this was Steph's boyfriend. I wondered if he knew she had been working to lure this man away with her last night.
From the reports I could see that Belivanis had been accused of two counts of abduction and rape but no charges had been made as there was insufficient evidence. It appeared that both victims had conveniently disappeared. There was also notes on five other women who had vanished who had been linked to him. There was pictures of two women, both dead, who had been seen leaving with him from the club within the last four months. I tried not to look too hard at the pictures. I decided I now knew enough. After all, all I had to do was get him out of there and back to wherever it was he takes them. The Merry Men would be right behind me. It looked as if his homes and businesses were clean, so he must be taking them somewhere else to do whatever it was he does with them.
I put the file down and headed through to the bedroom for a nap. I tossed and turned a few times before deciding it wasn't going to happen. It was only just after three so I had a while to pass before I had to get ready. Ella was out for the afternoon and I wasn't sure how long Lester, Ranger and Tank would be away for. Not that I was going to look to them for company.
I decided I was going to brave the gym. I hadn't had any exercise since I arrived and I usually tried to work out at least three times a week. I needed my fix! Lester had mentioned that the best time to use the gym was mid morning or afternoon as the men usually used it either first thing in the morning, lunch time or early evening. I changed into my new shorts and sports bra and put on a pair of running shoes. I still felt a little too exposed to go out in public though. I think Ranger may consider me a distraction to his men dressed like this. I spied Lester's sweatshirt lying on the back of the couch so threw it on. It came to a good few inches above my knees and I had to roll the sleeves up but at least I was no longer indecent.
I grabbed two bottles of water and my Ipod, threw them in my bag and headed for the stairs. I thought there might be less chance encountering anyone that way. I ran down the stairs and quietly crept into the gym. It was empty. I peeked through to the pool but there was no one there either. I thought about checking the changing rooms but was scared what I might find there so left it alone. I was bound to meet someone eventually down here so would just have to deal with it.
I went for the running machine first. I had recently discovered that I love jogging and had missed the running. Unlike some people who like to use this time to think, I prefer just to zone out and not have to think at all. I can sometimes run for miles and end up home without even realising it. I switched on my Ipod and set the machine to a steady pace. Then I was off. I was a bit stiff to start with but soon found a steady rhythm. After a while I stopped for a drink of water. I checked my watch to see I had been running for over an hour. I felt great though, so I upped the pace a bit and went back to it. Eventually though I started to tire so decided to call it a day. I looked at the other machines and weights but couldn't work up any more enthusiasm so decided just to head back up to my apartment and have a long bath for tonight. I would also have to find something to eat. It would probably be a long night and an empty stomach wouldn't do me any favours.
I was just heading to the door when I spied the punch bag hanging from the ceiling. I had recently started taking kick boxing classes back home and found it a great way to take out my frustrations. It was also great on my legs. I had still only learned the basics but knew enough. I went over the bag and gave it a push to test its weight. I gave it a few kicks and it felt good. Suddenly a wave of anger came over me, talking about my past with Lester this morning had brought some memories I preferred to keep hidden, to the surface. I started kicking the bag with no real technique. If I had a pair of boxing gloves I would probably have been punching too. Instead I started pushing it and kicking out when it swung back. I had just given it one almighty push when I spotted the security camera in the corner just behind the bag. I stood shocked for a split second before the bag came back and hit me full force, winding me and knocking me to the ground. I felt a pain in my head, then nothing.
I slowly became aware of voices somewhere beside me. My head was pounding and I was lying flat on my back. I tried to open one eye then quickly shut it again. Someone was standing over me. I felt like such an idiot. How could I not remember Ella telling me there were camera's everywhere. Someone was calling my name. I was going to have to face this and swallow my pride. I just hoped Ranger or Lester hadn't been around to see my performance, although I was sure there would be a recording of it somewhere.
"Carla, you okay?" someone was asking me.
I slowly opened both eyes and looked up at a big black man who was crouching over me. He was all in black, well over 6 foot tall with a shaved head.
"Tank?" I asked trying to avoid the small torch that was being shined in my eyes.
Suddenly a bigger black man loomed over me. "You think this pip squeak is me?" Tank's boomed out.
I tried to focus again at the man standing over me, but he still looked like Tank. I must be dreaming. I must be lying unconscious and these were figments of my imagination.
Tank was still standing over the man crouched above me who was now trying to feel the back of my head so I swatted his hand away.
"Take it easy I'm just checking to see if you've hurt your head. You gave it some whack there" Tank junior said.
"Are you Tank's mini me?" I heard myself say. I think I must have dislodged the connection between my brain and my mouth.
Laugher boomed out all around me then and suddenly I was drowning in a sea of black and testosterone. I closed my eyes again and wished for them all to go away. Strong arms suddenly got me under both armpits and hauled me to my feet. I opened my eyes and came face to chest with Tank's 'mini me' who towered over me, but standing next to Tank he looked almost normal.
"Bobby Brown" he said grinning at me and offering me his hand. "Nice to finally meet you Carla, I've heard all about you".
I took his hand and gave him a weak smile. I still wasn't completely aware of my surroundings and someone still had their arms around me holding me up. Tank and Hal were standing grinning either side of Bobby. That would mean that it was probably Lester or Ranger standing supporting me from behind. I slowly turned my head to the side and looked up into Lester's big brown eyes. I closed my eyes and shook my head. More laughter rang out around me.
"You put on a good show there Sweetness" Lester laughed. "Glad we got back in time to see it".
"Let me go, I'm fine I said" trying to escape his arms. He loosened his hold and I felt my legs give way. He hoisted me up again.
"Lets gets her a seat" Bobby said. Lester changed his hold so he had one arm around my waist and I was suddenly aware of how little I was wearing. Lester's bare arm felt warm on my skin. I looked around for his sweatshirt, feeling exposed. Hal must have sensed my discomfort as he retrieved the sweatshirt from the floor beside the running machine and threw it to Lester. I grabbed it from him and put it on. We went through to the changing rooms and sat down on a bench. Bobby crouched down in front of me again.
"I just need to check for any concussion" he said shining the light in my eyes again. "I think your going to be fine. Is anything else hurting?" he asked.
"Just my pride" I said.
Bobby smiled at that. He had lovely brown eyes that had a cheeky twinkle to them. His skin was a couple of shades lighter than Tank's and, like the rest of the Merry Men he was well built with muscles in all the right places, and not an ounce of fat. He looked tired and needed a shave but still looked hot. I could see why someone like Sasha would be with him. They made a stunning couple.
"You need to try standing again, see if you still feel dizzy" Bobby said again.
I slowly stood up and the world began to spin so I grabbed Lester's shoulder as I rode it out. The alcohol last night probably wasn't helping my situation. I was probably dehydrated even though I had been trying to drink water all day.
"She had a lot of alcohol in her system last night" Lester told Bobby. I shot him a glare but he just grinned back at me. "She's only had a salad to eat today as well" he added.
I managed to stand on my own and took a few steps. "I'm fine now thanks. I'll go up and get something to eat then I'll be back to normal" I just wanted to get away from everyone and curl up and die in peace.
"Hal, phone Pino's, get the lady some dinner" Lester shouted to Hal who was already jumping into action. "I know for a fact she has no food in her apartment" he said to Bobby.
Just then Ranger entered the room looking serious. He stood looking at me for a long moment before speaking. "You okay Carla?" he asked.
"I'm fine thank you" I said knowing what was coming next. This ESP thing must be catching.
"Are you going to be up for tonight?" he asked. "If you need to pull out tell me now" he said unsmiling.
"I will be fine Ranger, I'm tougher than I might look right now" I smiled as if to prove it.
"I don't doubt that for a minute Carla" Ranger smiled back at me then disappeared out the door with Tank following behind.
"You sure you up to tonight?" Lester asked me again.
"I'll be fine" I shouted back feeling exasperated. "I'll go up, have a long bath, something to eat then I'll be fighting fit".
We started to head for the door then through to the elevator. Lester ran over and grabbed my bag for me. I glanced at my watch and saw that it was after 6pm!
"Fuck look at the time!" I shouted rushing ahead.
"You've got three hours to get ready" Lester said catching up.
"And your point is?" I said glaring at him.
Bobby and Lester just looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "I can see why she gets on so well with Steph and Sasha" Bobby laughed.
I rolled my eyes back at them.
Hope you enjoyed that, thought Bobby deserved his own wee introduction since he is such a stud muffin. Please review and make us all happy!