Ranger slid up to the curb next to Stephanie's apartment building. She'd been waiting in the lobby and stepped out when he pulled up. His breath caught a little. Not due to her outfit, her black dress was modest though the leopard heels did special things for her, but that something that was essential Stephanie. He got out and walked around the SUV, opening the door for her and helping her up into the seat. Stephanie looked as though she didn't know what to say and he agreed, this felt too much like a date. He walked around the car and got into the driver's seat.
"You ready for this?" he asked, putting the vehicle into gear. He'd been to Alleycatz Jazz Bar many times and it could be very kindly described as a dive. He hesitated to take Stephanie there but this was her case really so felt he kind of owed it to her.
"Let's do it," she said, unable to keep the quiver out of her voice. He glanced over at her from time to time as they drove in silence watching her body tense to a degree that he hadn't thought possible. Ranger reached over and clasped her hand. She jumped sharply and looked at him in alarm before relaxing.
"Sorry," she said. "This is a little out of my comfort zone."
"I'm hear, Babe," he said. She nodded and bit her lip. They arrived at the bar and Ranger found street parking. A person wrapped in a heavy coat sat in the doorway. Ranger walked over pulling a $50 out of his pocket.
"Watch my car and there's another $50 in it when I come back," he said. He walked over to Stephanie's door and helped her out of the car.
"I'm sure he would have watched your car for less," she said.
"He may not watch my car at all, but $100 may get him a room somewhere for a week and some food in his stomach." He took her arm. "Let's go in. We're going to be calm and casual, any couple at a bar." Stephanie nodded. They strolled across the street and Stephanie felt a sharp pain of dread. Ranger walked up to the security guard, a tall, broad, black, man with a buzz cut.
"Still Moonlighting? You ever gonna get a real job?" he asked, slapping the man on the back. He turned sharply looking as though he might throw Ranger but seemed to instantly recognize him.
"Manoso! Been a long time. What you doing back on the bad side of town? I heard you made it good. Moved up a couple blocks?" he said.
"I've got a place on Stark Street. This is my girlfriend, Steph. Thought I'd bring her to hear some real music." Stephanie nodded to the large man.
"We may not be much to look at but the jazz here is tight," Murray said to Stephanie.
"That's what I told her," Ranger said. Stephanie looked around at the other patrons and moved a little closer to Ranger before realizing that this was going to be her world. If she wanted these high priced skips, she would have to pay her dues in places like this. She looked down at her own dress and then the Lula like outfits of those around her feeling like someone's grandmother. Next time she stepped out, she'd step it up. She straightened her spine as Ranger guided her away from the security guard. They approached the bar and a the bartender, a pretty blonde, greeted Ranger like she was on a desert island and he was the last bottle of water. Stephanie felt her temperature rise a little. They weren't together really but she didn't know that.
"Mel!" Ranger said, dodging her hug. "Nice to see you. How you been?"
"Not so good since you haven't been around. It's been too long," she said.
"Can you get us a couple of Coronas?" he asked. The woman glanced toward Stephanie, raised her eyebrows and walked off.
"President of your fan club?" Stephanie asked.
"Something like that," he said. Stephanie watched the woman flirt with another customer.
"Looks like she's the President of a lot of fan clubs." She observed.
"Gotta do something to get tips in this place. I see someone who might be able to help us. See the guy by the stage?" Stephanie turned and saw a slight, well dressed, Hispanic man seated at a table.
"Any criminal activity happens in this area runs through him," Ranger explained. Stephanie's eyes went wide.
"Is it safe?" she asked.
"Never, but I think we'll be okay." He took the beers from Mel and handed her one. She nervously took too big a swallow and choked a bit. Mel rolled her eyes and walked off to flirt with someone else.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked.
"No, but let's do it anyway." Stephanie said.