Chapter 11

Stephanie's POV

I made coffee and Lester put the cinnamon rolls in the oven. Lester was grinning and humming like the Cheshire cat that ate the canary. I went to the living room and grabbed my phone and called Justine. "Good morning Dear"

"Morning. We're in Springfield. Come when you're ready."

"We'll take a flight in the morning. Lucas has some things to take care of today."

"When you get here, would you mind going with me to an OBGYN my doctor recommended here?"

"Not at all. That's why I'm coming. To be there for you in any way I can."

"Thanks, I'll tell Ella you're taking over her job," I laughed.

"Call me with your flight info tomorrow and Lester and I will come get you at the airport."

"Fine, see you then Stephanie."

Lester had the buns out of the oven and was putting them on a plate and I got the orange juice and put plates on the table. We sat down and he kept grinning at me. I slapped him on the back of the head and pointed my finger. "We are going to forget about that little accident this morning, understand?"

"I'm kicking your snarky butt to the other guest room because I want yours. It was the one I stayed in when I was with Nash. Justine and Lucas are coming tomorrow and they can stay in the master suite."

He wiggled a finger at me grinning. "Well I'm still offering my services if you need me. I'm really good."

"We're stopping at the hardware store on the way to the office and you're going to have a job to do when we get home later. Problem will be solved. I'm trying to keep Ranger from making us both disappear."

Lester drove us to the office. Bing and Trigg were already there waiting for us. Binky and Hector arrived shortly after. I hugged them both. They introduced us to the secretary, Lisa. She was a pretty woman and she had assets. Lester homed in right away sitting on her desk and asking her questions. "Lester," I barked, "Behave. No harassing the help. Ready, guys?" They both grinned and nodded.

"Do you guys have any skips you need to round up today?"

"We have to check with the bonds offices today but we're caught up so we could be here."

"Good, Hector is going to be working on your computers and installing new hardware and software today. Then he'll begin training each of you on those programs and then they will both begin the security training. Lester is going to be here to help with fugitive apprehension so that I can have at least one of you training at all times." They both nodded.

"I'll start with both of you on suppliers and contracts. I have a CD for you with all of that information on it." I handed it to Hector to load. Hector should be done by lunch. Let's go to your conference room and Les and I will run down all the basics and the services Rangeman provides and we'll get your supplies and uniforms ordered. We have a supplier for vehicles too. Ranger is a stickler for safety and professionalism. All vehicles are no more than a couple of years old and are well maintained. Weapons have to be cleaned, serviced and well maintained. You're also going to get a new arsenal and you're going to be trained. We have a couple of types of government contracts. Ranger has a special team for one type and then we have minor jobs we do as well, which you guys can handle in your area. Security is our biggest business. Both electronic and personal is growing. You'll need to begin hiring some guys. Tank has some good contacts for ex-military with specialties. You'll need a Hector too; a computer and electronics genius and I winked at Hector." He grinned back at me.

"What the…?" Lester and I both did a double take. "Did he just grin?"

Lester said, "I only caught a glimpse but I think he did. Damn Steph, you sound like a mini Ranger except with better parts." He looked down. "I think I got wood."

I pointed my warning finger at him. "Lester, less than a tiny breeze will raise your flag. I told you to behave." Bing, Trigg, Binky and even Lisa were laughing.

We worked through the morning and then all of us went to lunch. We went to a local diner that had fantastic comfort food and the biggest pies and cakes you've ever seen. I had a big juicy fried pork chop with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans and a big slice of apple pie a la mode.

I was starving and half way through my meal I felt all eyes on me. I looked up with my mouth full, "Wha..?"

Lester looked down. "I got wood again." Bing raised his finger, "Me too." Trigg raised his finger, "Me three." Binky raised his, "Me four." Hector shook his head no. They were all chuckling.

My mouth still full, "Aw..shu..u..yu..per..berts!" Lisa started giggling.

After lunch, Hector and I spent equal time with Bing and Trigg until the end of the day. I kissed them both on the cheek and Lester and I departed back to the house.

Lester looked at me. "You are exhausted Steph. We'll eat sandwiches and I'll move you to my room and tuck you in. I'll install your shower massage turbos for you," and he winked. I flipped him the Jersey bird.

"Thanks Les, I really am tired tonight." We ate sandwiches and chips and I followed him to his bedroom. When he left I changed and flopped wearily into the bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning I woke up feeling pretty good and bless Les, he's my guy. He had my shower massage turbo ready to go.

I test drove that sucker to its limits.

I went downstairs and Les had already put coffee on and the turnovers except the coffee had become an offensive smell. Do babies know instinctively what's not good for them? I normally loved the smell of coffee but this morning, yuck.

"Mornin' Les," and I kissed him on the cheek. "Did you sleep well?"

He grinned. "Not as good as yesterday."

"Oy, you are never going to forget that are you? So shit happens. You have no idea the raging fever that is my pregnant body right now. Yesterday, I loved the smell of coffee. Today it makes me want to barf."

"You have a glow. Did you enjoy your shower?"

"Lester, if you don't stop worrying about my privates and forget that incident I will send you back and have Hal come out here."

We went to the office and commenced with the training again. Lester and Trigg left to track a couple of skips midday. Hector and Bing finished going over the Rangeman programs together. I got a chance to talk to Lisa a little and she seems to really be a nice girl. She seemed a little intimidated by Lester but was really interested in Binky. I thought that was really cute. I reassured her that she might be working with a bunch of big beefy tough guys but they were the sweetest guys in the world. I loved them all like brothers.

When the guys got back, I told them I had an idea. I asked Hector if he thought Binky could do his job in this office. Hector shrugged and said, "Chure." I asked Binky, "Would you like to transfer here and work in this office as the office programmer and tech?" He looked over to Lisa and grinned. "Hell, yeah!"

"Okay then, that is one job filled," I grinned, happy with my matchmaking self.

Justine called about lunch time and told us that they were scheduled to arrive at Washington/Dulles airport at 5:20 pm. Lester and I took one of the SUV's and went to pick them up. Justine came off the plane beaming and I ran to her and hugged her like a lifeline. I hadn't realized how much I needed her until I saw her.

Instinctively feeling my pain, she whispered, "Shh…I'm here now," and she hugged me. "Everything is going to be okay. I'll stay as long as you need me."

I hugged Lucas and told him how happy I was that he was here. Lester and Lucas shook hands and Justine gave him a kiss and a hug.

We drove back to the house and Lester deposited their luggage in the master suite. I explained to Justine that I wasn't personally comfortable there. She just nodded. We decided to order take out pizza and chat in the kitchen. Lucas turned out to be really witty and charming. I really liked him and I could tell that Justine loved him.

That night I had the most incredible dream. I was riding this beautiful white horse and every time I bounced up and down on his wonderful back it would give me the most incredible sensations and then I climaxed and shivered. I loved this horse. When I woke up and went to the bathroom to shower I noticed my panties were soaked. Jeez, what a dream I thought.

Tank called. "Bomber, we got some Intel. We might be able to find him. Me and Bob need to go and we are going to take Ram. You are in charge of the company. Can you handle that lil' sis?"

"Yes, get the bosses together and I'll have Hector set up a Skype Video session. You need to be there and release the reins to me. Then they won't argue over authority." "Ten-Four Bomber, call you back."

First and seconds in command were on conference for each office.

"Gentleman, this is Stephanie Plum. She is half owner and second in command of the Rangeman company. She is a trusted and equal partner with Ranger. She has your back and your lives just as I would. Bobby, Ram, and I will be leaving on a mission to assist Ranger. Bomber is at the helm."

"Bomber go ahead," Tank said. "Ah.. guys, I know that not all of you know me yet but I do care about this company and all of you. I'm in Springfield, VA now training our new office and I am open to any calls, any visits, or any questions. I would also appreciate your support and help while Ranger is away. He is our leader and I would like to make him proud. We are growing the company which is good for all of us. So can I hear a Hoo-ah?" I heard a huge hooah and we got your back. Thank goodness. "Okay then, how about a meeting once per week on Mondays at say 1000 Ranger time?" They chuckled, "No problem Bomber."

"Okay, talk to you next week guys."

I leaned down and put my head between my knees. Lester was there and whispered, "Let's go home Steph." You can put your feet up and I'll give you a foot massage. He did the eyebrow waggle.

"I'm just too tired to argue Les." He picked me up and carried me to the car and set me in. He said, "Steph, jokes aside, I am really worried about you."

"I'll be fine. I feel selfish wanting you to be with me through all this mess. But, if you and Justine are with me, I feel like I can do this."

Lester's POV

I wanted to kick that stupid fucker's ass. His woman was suffering. Instead of running a testosterone fueled company she should be home resting and taking care of herself and her baby.

Their lives were at risk. Steph was so small and slim. Even with her belly growing, she should have been twenty pounds heavier. She was trying to be so strong. She needed someone that loved her taking care of her every day. Even with a smile on her sweet face, I saw her pain.

Every heavy emotion known to man was tormenting her body day and night. I wanted desperately to help her. I just didn't know how to do it without hurting our friendship and hurting her and that stupid fuck I call my brother Ranger.

I carried her to her room and told her to rest and I would be back.

I got some of her lotion out of the bathroom and brought it back. I squeezed a liberal amount into my hands and picked up a foot and began to massage.

"Ummm, Les that feels so good." I messaged her calves and then moved to the other foot and leg. "Roll over on your side Steph."

She did and I pushed her shirt up and massaged from the base of her spine all the way up and in a few minutes I heard little snores.

I lay down beside her and put my arm around her. If I had a woman like this, I would be the luckiest bastard in the world, I thought.

In a little bit Justine peeked her head in and said that dinner was ready.

I roused Steph and said, "Take a whiff Steph. Let's follow our noses to the kitchen."

"Mmnn, what is it? It smells so good."

"Lean on me and we'll check it out," I chuckled.

TBC