Freedom

Chapter 17

SPOV

If I thought Carlos was overprotective before, it's nothing compared to what he's been like these last three days since our engagement party and four days since getting back home from the car accident and Dr. Albritt's clinic. We've enjoyed our time talking and getting to know each other even better and have exhausted his DVD collection and board games. The incision is healing really well and the stitches holding just fine. Bobby said I could get them out in another three to four days, thank goodness. Showering with my injury is a real pain and Carlos won't leave my side, not just in the shower, but in the entire apartment. It's like he feels guilty or something which is nonsense and is only satisfied when he has me in his focus. I've got cabin fever and even if I can't go outside, I at least need to go downstairs and change my surroundings.

"Morning, babe. How are you feeling this morning? Can I get you anything?"

"Carlos, we need to talk. Can we get some coffee and meet in the living room?"

"Babe?"

"Just trust me, ok?"

I took care of my morning routine and got dressed, planning on going downstairs for the first time since coming home after the accident. I felt good, I look good, maybe I could do this without chickening out or more importantly, hurting his feelings. When I went out to the kitchen, Carlos already had my pain killers out beside a glass of orange juice, an apple cinnamon muffin and a banana. God, I love this man. I took my pills and cup of coffee and headed for the living room, breakfast could wait. Carlos sat opposite of me, looking semi nervous, if that's possible.

"Carlos, I love you, more than anything. But I'm starting to feel claustrophobic. I've enjoyed this quality time with you and don't want you to doubt how much I've enjoyed your pampering while I recover from the accident and you doting on my every need, but…"

"Babe, with everything that's happened these last couple of months, I just want to wrap you in my arms and keep you safe. The day Vince tried to kidnap you I was beside myself. I went from worrying that I wouldn't get to you in time to hoping he wouldn't get you alone and rape you to arriving at the scene of the accident and seeing your lifeless body covered in blood. Then the surgery and you developing an infection… I need to know you're safe."

"But I am safe when I'm in the building. I trust all the men and I need to be around other people. I'm just asking for you to expand the space I can live in until the stitches are out and Dr. Albritt releases me for light work."

"How about we go downstairs after breakfast and you can catch up with some of the guys on duty. You can come to my office with me and camp out on the sofa. Bring your Kindle and you can download some of those stories you like to read on FanFiction."

Yeah! I reached across the sofa and pulled myself onto Carlos' lap. "Thank you. I would like that." I looked up in his eyes and was surprised with the amount of concern reflecting back. "I'm going to be ok. I know you're getting all the evidence on Joe together and digging for more so when we put him away, it will hopefully be for the rest of his life. I know it takes time to dot your I's and cross your T's for something this big, especially because he's law enforcement. I just want you to know how much I appreciate all you've done. It's all because of me that your company has been turned upside down over this."

"Don't ever doubt Stephanie that you are my world and my men and I wouldn't have this any other way. We're going to see you through this. Don't ever doubt how much I love you, and the lengths I would go to, to keep you safe."

"I love you Carlos, more every new day than the last if that's possible."

"Let's have breakfast and go report downstairs."

RPOV

After the incident with Vince, I ordered all the latest upgrades to our fob system that allows each employee access to the different areas within Rangeman. Hal has been entering each fob into the system, selecting each door the specific employee is allowed to enter based on the preferences I'd given him. Myself, the core team and Stephanie all have full access to every door in the building as well as the ability to scramble cameras. Fobs can be deleted immediately rendering them useless or access changed in case trust is ever an issue. The system can only be accessed by myself, Tank as second in command and Hal, our security expert. The elevator can only access the seventh floor with a fob that's programmed to do so, as well as the stairwell to the seventh floor. We'll have a meeting soon to discuss other possibilities for added security within the building.

In addition to beefing up the fob system, additional security measures have been added to our search programs as well as files within Rangeman. Offices will be locked when not in use and individual desks at each cubicle will be required to be locked, with the core team having master keys. I'm trying not to overreact to what happened with Vince, but instead use it as a learning experience.

I know Steph is safe in my building, and with my men. Or at least with the core team and a few others outside that team. I just came so close to losing her and I want to keep her in the bubble of my security. I know it's not realistic, and I know that by caging her I'm hurting her spirit. I agreed to take her downstairs which should help her start feeling a little lest confined.

TPOV

Shit! Ranger is not going to be happy with me when he hears the news I just received from the Boston office. Hearing him in his office, I stepped in to get it over with.

"Ranger, there's a problem in Boston, they need you down there. There's been a serious breach…"

He cleared his throat and looked behind me. Damn, I didn't even know Steph was on the sofa behind me. "Hi there kiddo, how ya feeling today?"

"Good, Tank. Don't let me interrupt. What were you going to say about a breach?"

I turned back to Ranger trying to communicate my apologies. "Charles called from Boston. Three of our largest accounts have all been broken into. The clients are all requesting you or they're going to jump ship. Sorry man, I offered to go up there myself, but Charles highly encouraged me to talk you into it or we will most likely lose the accounts."

Steph had walked over while I spoke and sat next to Ranger on his desk. "You know you need to go, Carlos. Don't worry about me, I'll be safe here with my guys."

"Babe, I can't leave you right now. What if this is a set-up to get me out of town?"

"I promise, I will not leave the building unless absolutely necessary or if there's an emergency. Please, I couldn't stand the thought of you losing big clients because of your desire to babysit me. Go. I'll be alright."

She turns to me. "Wont I tank?"

"You know it, girl. You can invite the girls over one night, maybe your dad and granny, or you can hang with us. We're always looking for some excitement in the evenings."

"See? We'll be just fine for a couple of days without the bossman. And you know what they say about distance making the heart grow fonder." Steph said, doing her best to convince him.

"I'll leave you two alone. We need to go over things later, just give me a call." I got out of there, thankful I didn't cause any trouble.

RPOV

Well, hell. If I don't go then my team will think I don't trust them with Steph or she'll think I don't trust her and will think she's costing me valuable clients. Either way, I can't win.

"Fine. But I'll only commit to two days, three max. And we'll be in constant contact."

Steph sat in my lap and put her arms around my neck with a tight squeeze. "Thank you Carlos. For trusting me."

"I'll have Ella pack quick so I can leave tonight. I want to be fresh for the morning so I can go over surveillance, police reports and Rangeman reports before meeting with the clients." I cupped Steph's face in my hands. "Babe, promise me you'll be careful while I'm gone. And listen to Tank. I trust my men to keep you safe or I wouldn't even consider this." I can't believe she's sitting here batting her eyes innocently at me when I know full well she's going to take advantage of this new found bit of freedom. "And for gods sake, don't overdue."

"Carlos, you have to promise me to be careful as well. What if this is a ploy to get you out in the open, to expose you? Does everyone in Boston know what's been going on with Joe?"

"Charles and the core team do. I'll make sure I have two men with me when I go visit the clients just in case." She nodded her agreement, hopefully satisfied enough not to worry too much.

"Thank you. It's bad enough I'm going stir crazy, I don't want to go crazy with worry too."

"I'm not used to having someone worrying about me, babe. But I have to say it warms my heart."

"I know something else that warms you…" She said while wiggling her little bottom all over my lap.

"Babe…"

Dios, mio, what this woman does to me. I'm starting to plan for Boston in my head already and she's got me so turned on I can't think about anything else but getting her back upstairs for a proper send off. She's such a little vixon!

She yelped and I knew I surprised her when I picked her up and carried upstairs. I can't wait to get her naked and moaning under me and from the sounds she's making, she can't either.

SPOV

Oh, my god! When will I ever learn that yanking Carlos' tail turns him into a sex fiend? What am I saying, I love it when he's a sex fiend! When Carlos puts his mind to something, he doesn't let anything get in his way and after making sure I was completely satisfied and ready for a nap, he left for Boston. I laid there for a little while, planning what I'd like to do to keep me occupied since I can't work and I'm bored to tears with tv and movies. Ah, yes. I know just what will being some fun into this building… but for now, sleep.

I called Mary Lou after my nap and asked if she'd like to come over for dinner tonight, just the two of us. It's been a while since we had uninterrupted time to catch up with each other. I called early enough that she was able to make a casserole for Lenny and the boys and let them have a night to themselves so she could come over. I called Ella and asked her to bring up whatever she was making for the guys tonight and maybe a little dessert too. We could've had leftovers from our engagement party but between Carlos and I and the men that live on site, we'd devoured all that was left. I have to admit I put some serious damage in the desserts and after three days of it, my pants were feeling a little tighter. I can't wait for Dr. Albritt to release me for more activity so I can work out a little.

I spent the afternoon surfing the internet and e-mailing Carlos with my evening's plans and before I knew it, I had a call on the intercom from Tank announcing that Mary Lou was down in the waiting area, just outside the heavily secured bullet proof door on the first floor where people walk in to the reception area. He wanted me to make sure it was her on the surveillance before allowing her up. Good heavens. I pulled up the camera on Carlos' laptop and sure enough, it was her, or someone that had major reconstruction and plastic surgery to look just like her. As if!

When Tank brought her up to the seventh floor, I met her with the apartment door open. Tank asked, "What time do you anticipate needing an escort back downstairs?"

"Oh! I… um… Steph?"

"She'll probably leave around nine o'clock, but I can escort her downstairs when it's time. Thank you, Tank."

"Have a good night, you two! Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Steph, call me before you come down." Tank left the apartment with a wink and a nod.

Mary Lou gave me a tender hug and looked me over "you're looking pretty good, how ya holdin' up?"

"Pretty well! I get my stitches out day after tomorrow and then I can do a little part time work downstairs. I'm going pretty nutso up here. It's bad enough that I can't leave the building, but I need more to keep my mind active, and more people to be around."

"How have you been?" She shrugged. "Mary Lou, this is me you're talking to, what's going on?"

"Do you have some wine or something we can drink while I talk about this?"

"Uh, ya, sure. Is it that bad?"

She scrunched her face and tilted her head. "Well…"

"Ok, Ella already brought up dinner. It's keeping warm in the oven, so why don't I get that out and you can pull a bottle of wine out of the wine frige right there at the end of the bar. The glasses are in the overhead cabinet. Ella made us some spaghetti and meatballs with yummy buttery, cheesy garlic bread. She is such an awesome cook, and you're in for a treat!"

We sat down at the dining room table and ate our dinner, talking about her boys, how things were going with Lenny at work and I told her about my guys. She sees them as big, scary military men and I had fun filling her in on each men's unique attributes. By the end of the conversation, she was wanting to meet each of them to see how the physical body met up with the personalities I described for her. I'm lucky I have such an open minded friend that trusts me and my instincts with people.

We took dessert which was strawberry shortcake into the living room and refilled our wine glasses.

"Ok, spill it. What's going on that you think I'm not going to like."

"Well, it's not so much that you're not going to like what I have to say as much as you aren't going to like who I'm going to talk about."

"Hmmm, you've got me intrigued now…"

"Your mother is an outcast in the 'burg!" She burst out like an explosion.

"What? You're shit'n me!" My mom?

"No, absolutely not. Let me tell you what I've heard so far. I've gotta tell you, the story is the same everywhere, the beauty salon, the PTA, my neighbors and the ladies at church." Oh, this is going to be good…

"I'm only telling you things I know for certain to be true, these are not just rumors or hearsay. I have lots to say, so just hear me out. For starters, your mom and I both go to the same beauty salon, Shear Brilliance. When I was getting my hair cut and styled a couple of days ago, your mother called in trying to schedule an appointment. I overhead Lonnie, their receptionist tell her that every day, every time slot was booked, for like, the next year. Next thing I knew the manager was on the phone and told her they hadn't made a mistake, they were booked solid. They dissed your mom! I almost laughed my ass off! None of the beauticians will see her anymore! I asked Gloria, the gal that's done my hair for years what was going on, trying to act all innocent, and she said they were sick of how your mom treated you. Apparently, every time she's in which was much too often, all she talked about was what a failure you are, how you embarrass her, that you should marry Joe and stop sleeping around, and so much more negativity, that they're just all sick of it and her. "

"Steph… Steph, you've got to breathe." Oh, oh, ya, breathe…

"But… you said… did you… did they…"

"It's ok hon, the 'burg is tired of your moms shit and they're standing up for you."

"What else… you said you talked to friends from the PTA and church too…"

"Ya, well, wait 'til you get a load of this! The women at my scrapbooking group at church have been talking about your mom for the last couple of weeks. Someone has been leaking word of her latest escapades involving you. They knew all about Joe abusing you and assaulting you after pulling you over… while on duty! And hitting you at the bonds office. And they knew about your mom assisting in his attempt to kidnap you. Let me tell you, they were none too happy about that one, saying 'how could a mother hand over their own child to a man who has a pattern of abuse, in public no less'. They're saying you could've been seriously hurt if he was successful. Then, well, you can imagine where the talk went from there…"

Mary Lou put her hand on my left leg, which I had crossed over the right, swinging nervously, stilling my movement. "Steph, I'm not trying to upset you, but I thought you should know your mom has been shunned and she's not leaving the house right now out of embarrassment. Mrs. Morelli is having the same problem. What I do want to warn you about is that the two of them are socializing with one another, you know, 'misery loves company.' I'm not saying they're plotting anything, actually, I'm hearing quite the opposite. Mrs. Morelli is ashamed of Joe and your mother is dare I say seeing the error of her ways. I wouldn't trust her quite yet, but I don't see the women of the 'burg changing their behavior towards her until she's proven she's a changed woman, and they see you two together with their own eyes."

"But I didn't think people liked me. I've always avoided those that you're speaking of."

"We're not mindless stepford wives, Steph. We're twenty first century women who don't want to be browbeaten into submission which is what your mom has been doing for, well, for your whole life."

What the hell! Could what she's telling me be true?

"Don't doubt me, hon. I do want to say one more thing, although I could go on all night. The other talk going around is about Ranger."

I jumped up. Shit! "Oh, no they didn't. They can't…" I bumped into Mary Lou who had stepped in front of me.

"Steph, it's good. They're talking about what a reputable company he has, how much good he's doing for the community, hell, how much money he's donated to the local hospital and other charities. They're talking about how he's served his country on very dangerous, life threatening missions sacrificing himself for his country. It's like once your mother's word was put through the mud, everyone's ears were open to the truth."

"This is… this is like too good to be true. I just don't know what to think…"

"I wish I could take you around and you could hear it for yourself. I know you're still dealing with Joe and his psycho intentions to get you back, but when he's been dealt with, promise me we'll go socializing. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

I feel bad, but I couldn't even respond. I just sat, drinking my wine.

"I need to get home. Let's keep in touch though. Call me tomorrow; let me know you're alright after this talk."

"Thank you for coming and keeping me company. I hate to admit it, but you've knocked me on my ass with all the info. about my mom. I hope you know how much I appreciate you letting me know. It's all good, it's just almost too good to be true. Let me slip some shoes on and I'll walk you downstairs."

I called Tank and told him we were heading down. He told me to only go as far as the elevators on first floor and he'd meet us there. He didn't want me walking anywhere near the reception area, with the windows and everything. I did as requested and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hard hug. "I miss you Mary Lou. I hope we can get together more often."

I got back on the elevator and pressed the fifth floor. I walked to the monitor room and found Hal and Les watching the monitors. I walked over to Hal and sat on his lap, my legs crossing over his, and turned to hug him, closing my eyes and melting into his arms. He sat up straighter, obviously on edge, until I said, "I'm alright, I just need someone to hold me. Is that ok?"

"Sure Steph, anytime, whatever you need." He relaxed and wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on top of my head. I snuggled closer and sighed, Hal is like a big, bad teddy bear.

Les broke the silence after a while when he asked after clearing his throat, "So, Beautiful, how did your visit go with Mary Lou?"

"I… I don't know. She said the 'burg women have shunned my mom and are supporting me now."

"That sounds great! Why do you look so sad?"

"Thirty years of being treated like an embarrassing failure… I'm having a hard time grasping this new info."

Hal's phone rang and I could hear Tank on the other end asking for his assistance. He gave me a little squeeze and asked if he could walk me upstairs. Not answering, I got up and went to Les' lap, sitting the same way I had on Hal. I looked up at Les, "Can I sit with you for a little bit?"

"I'd like nothing more, Beautiful. My lap is as good as yours." I laid my head on his shoulder and wrapped my arms around his torso, keeping his arms free for him to still use. He rubbed my arm, making me feel safe and loved.

Hal started walking away and turned around to say, "you're a wonderful person, Steph. It's about time the rest of this town started noticing."

I sat with Les for what must have been an hour or so. I was lost in my thoughts, trying to let everything Mary Lou said, just soak in. I heard Tank walk in and stand there. The guys must have been doing their silent communication trick again. A few minutes later, Tank told me Ranger had been calling the apartment and cell phone and was getting worried, unable to find me. "I told him I'd take you back upstairs so he could call back in twenty minutes. Can I give you a ride upstairs?"

"A ride?"

"Ya, you know, a piggy back ride. Will that be too much for your stitches?"

"Nope, not at all."

"Ok Les, load 'er up!" Les lifted me up and put me on Tank's back. When we got upstairs, he asked where I wanted to go. I asked him to drop me off on the bed. He leaned back so I could stand on the bed and I crawled to the top and rested against the headboard. He asked me if I was going to be ok to stay alone, offering to sleep on the sofa. As much as I appreciated it, I just wanted to talk to Carlos and go to sleep.

"Remember how you offered to hang with me while Carlos is gone?" He raised an eyebrow, making me laugh at how he was channeling his inner Carlos.

"I remember. What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know, I thought we could get a couple of the guys and order some pizza and… I don't know… I'm open to suggestions."

"Let me see who's available and we'll talk tomorrow. Want some company for breakfast in the morning?"

"Na. I'll stop downstairs for lunch though, and eat in the break room."

"Stop in my office for a little while and bring that electronic pad thing-a-majig. You can keep me company while I work on paperwork."

"I'd love to, thank you."

Tank walked over and kissed me on the forehead. "Good night, kiddo. Love ya."

"Love ya too, big guy." I smiled proudly after Tank left. When I first started working here, Tank was nice to me, but it wasn't until this hassle with Joe and I've been around him so much more that he's opened himself up to me. I'm proud of the love we share now, and that he's not embarrassed to express it.

I sat there for a few minutes and Carlos called.

"Hello?"

"Babe? I'm glad I finally reached you. I kept calling earlier but couldn't get a hold of you. Tank said you were in with Hal on monitors and then Lester. He said Hal was thrilled that you sought him out for some comforting and sat on his lap for a while and when he had to take care of night time rounds, and you sat on Les?" He didn't sound mad, but I did feel the need to clarify. I told him I didn't want to go into depth about what Mary Lou had told me as I was still trying to wrap my mind around it, but I let him know the gist of what she said.

"So why did you go to Hal?"

"I would've happily cuddled up to you, but since you're in Boston and I needed to feel someone's warmth and love, I thought of Hal. You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all, babe. In fact, I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to go to him and then Les. I bet it made them feel like a million bucks."

"I was just hoping I wasn't in the way."

"Babe, my men love you dearly and are always looking for a way to help you, comfort you, support you. You gave them more tonight then you took, I guarantee it."

Hmmm… something to think about. I'm not used to accepting people's help and avoid asking for it. Tonight though, I just needed to know I wasn't alone, and I didn't think Hal and subsequently Les would mind. It always makes me feel happy to help someone else, why shouldn't the same be said when the roles are reversed. Never gave that much thought. I'm always trying to prove I'm not a failure. I guess I've always viewed asking for and receiving help as a sign of weakness. I'm so damn tired of trying to prove myself to everyone because my mother never could accept me. That's all going to change now.

"Thank you Carlos. I never thought about giving them something in return. You always know what to say to make me feel better! Just how do you do it, buster?"

"God given talent, babe. Are you ready to go to sleep?"

"Ya, I need to go to the bathroom, and check the front door, then I'm ready."

"I'll stay on the line. Take care of business and I'll be here waiting for you."

"Ok, I'll be right back."

I flew off the bed, running to the front door, making sure it's locked. I know it is, but I feel better checking. I quick took care of business and was back to the phone, excited to have Carlos tuck me in. "I'm ready."

"Are you wearing my t-shirt?"

"You know it! And that's all…"

"Babe, you're killing me here… Are you under the covers?"

"Check!"

"Have you turned the light out?"

"Affirmitive!"

"Wiseass…"

"You betcha!"

"Good night, babe. I miss you so much. I wish I could be there to comfort you and hold you as you fall asleep. Call me, anytime during the night if you need to talk. Tank offered to sleep on the sofa and I'm sure Hal would too if you asked."

"I promise to call if I need you. Good night, Carlos. I love you more than anything. I'll talk to you in the morning."

"Love you, babe. Good night."

I had a restless night and found it hard to wake up when the alarm went off at nine. I don't know how I'm going to get through this day. What am I saying? I haven't been released for work yet, I can nap all I want today and stay up late with the guys tonight. I decided to do a little research online for a surprise I have in mind for Carlos. He's been working so hard lately, I want to give him a night of fun… I hope he likes what I have up my sleeve.

I called my grandma Mazur after eating a late breakfast and caught up on the latest gossip with her 'circle of hommies' as she calls her friend. After a little too much information, especially on her sex life, I told her I knew about mom and then was quiet, hoping she's take the bait. She did, Grandma told me how hard it's been to keep it from me, but she didn't want to bring mom up in any capacity for fear of hurting me. She then proceeded to tell me a lot of the same information as Mary Lou, but elaborated a bit more from the perspective of the older ladies she hangs around with. Even after last night, hearing from Mary Lou directly, and knowing she'd never lie to me, I still had a hard time digesting that the tables have been turned.

Grandma said mom is having a real hard time with being cut out of the 'burg way of life. Even Harry the butcher at the deli and Mary, the owner of the Tasty Pastry won't wait on her. She has to go to the mega mart, which just isn't done for an old time Trenton native who gets all their gossip from the local shops. I laughed my ass off at that! I was hesitant to ask, but finally did give in and inquired as to how mom was doing emotionally. Grandma said she was stippling so much, she finally gave in and left the bottle out in the open instead of hiding it in the pantry. She's depressed, and she doesn't know what to do with herself. I wasn't too sympathetic, considering she'd put me through hell all my life to conform to the 'burg standard. Grandma said she thinks she just might be coming around to being sympathetic to how she'd treated me all these years, but then countered that by saying 'but I wouldn't hold my breath.'

I ended my conversation with Grandma by agreeing to have lunch with her soon, here at Rangeman. Speaking of lunch, I was getting hungry and decided to head downstairs to the break room and have a sandwich with whoever was there.

When I first entered the break room, no one was there, but Bobby and Hector arrived very shortly after I chose a ham and swiss sandwich on an Ella made roll. They joined me for lunch but were called away within fifteen minutes. There was a big high-end bond that was spotted at a local restaurant and most of the men responded. Hector stayed back at Rangeman, glued to the monitors, assisting the guys with their take down.

Anxious to hear about the exciting afternoon the guys were having, I went to Tank's office, to wait for word on their success and make sure they all came home safely. Knowing it may take a while, I grabbed the blanket on the brown leather loveseat in Tank's office and curled up.