Disclaimer: I do not own, nor do I profit from Janet's characters.
Chapter 3:
LPOV
Beautiful is going to get it. I can't believe she "gave" me to Grandma Mazur as a birthday gift. WTF? What did I do to her that warranted that kind of evil? Okay, so she opened the booby trapped envelope I left for her and temporarily became Smurfette, she freaked when I replaced her peanut butter with window caulking and her olives with rubber eyeballs, and she nearly hurled when I switched her beer bottle with Woody's spit bottle at the club. But, still, those were nothing like what she did to me. Her prank was just pure evil.
Now, my mission in life is to exact revenge. I don't mean the typical or amatur-ish prank. NO! What I need, is something that will become legendary. Something my children will talk about long after I am cold and dead. Something that will crown me the Prank King! I need ideas, I need them fast. I need to think.
So, here I am laying on my bed, flat on my back, my head hanging over the edge, my arms and legs spread wide open. Beautiful calls this her thinking position, I can see how it works. It forces you to stare at the blank ceiling. Your brain is forced into working even if you don't want it to. But tonight, I believe that sleep is more important. So, I'm just going to doze off for a while. I'll wake up later with a clear head.
I finally awoke to the sound of my phone ringing, and it wasn't going to end anytime soon. My arm flopped over and my hand connected with my phone bringing it to my ear after I flipped it open. "Yo." I rubbed my face with the open palm of my other hand.
"Santos. You were supposed to be in the control room five minutes ago. Where are you man?" Bobby hissed into the phone. I groaned and stretched, my joints popping as I moved.
"I'll be down in 5." I yawned and rubbed my eyes. I rolled out of bed, pulled on a semi fresh shirt, tugged on the same cargos I wore last shift and threw on clean socks and my boots. I chugged down a bottle of water as I climbed the stairs from 4 to 5. I just happened to assume my seat, just as the elevator opened and Ranger walked in.
"Report." He barked, I tried not to yawn.
"Nothing new. Hector just returned half an hour ago from fixing Mrs. Clementine's key pad." Ranger nodded and walked away, none the wiser.
"How in the hell do you do that?" Bobby asked, stunned I was able to think quickly on my feet.
"What?" I asked, even though I knew fully well what he was asking.
"How the hell do you manage to fool Ranger like that?" His eyes narrowed and I chuckled.
"Dude. I sent the work order to Hector last night. It was a quick fix." I shrugged my shoulders and rolled my eyes, "I mean come on... he's fast."
"Whatever. Just make sure you don't drag me down with you when Ranger finds out you're slacking." He shook his head. After a few minutes pause, he gingerly asked, "So, I see you survived Grandma Mazur." A wide grin covered his face, showing his sparkling white teeth.
"Dude, I thought I was going to die." Bobby fell off his chair laughing, tears streaming down his face. "She kept grabbing my 'package' leading me. I wanted to die." Bobby started a coughing fit loud enough to draw attention from the other men on duty in their cubicles.
"You... said... package!" Bobby tried to sit up and failed miserably.
"Dude! Shut up, Man. Ranger's going to come in and bust us." I hissed, trying to get him to collect himself.
"Busted." I cringed at the sound of Ranger's voice behind me. I closed my eyes, prayed for leinency and reopened them to stare at Ranger's glaring face. "Santos. Your ass on the mats 0700."
"Yes, Sir." I groaned and agreed. Bobby sobered quickly and resumed his seat.
"Brown, you want to join him?" Ranger asked, his voice low.
"No Sir." Bobby focused his attention back to the monitors and was quiet the remainder of the shift.
As I sat at the monitors I formulated a plan. An evil plan, a devious plan, a great plan. Now all I had to do was put it into action. Bobby and I finished our shift and I made my way down to 4 to prep for the ultimate revenge. I stacked several empty duffel by my door and went down to visit Hector in the electronics room.
"Hola, Hector." I greeted in a warm tone. "I need a motion activated camera and a few sensors."
Hector eyed me suspiciously. "Por que?" (Why?) His eyes narrowed and I could tell he was suspicious of me. I played it off, as if it was nothing.
"I want to install a camera to see if someone will prank me again." He grinned and rolled his eyes. Beautiful had taught him well.
"Bueno." (Okay.) He handed me a small sleek camera, a small transmitter and several small sensors. I loved these small electronics, they were discrete, easily hid and the images broadcast back to the receiver was top quality. I thanked Hector and headed back up to 4 to wait to put my plan into action.
As soon as I heard Beautiful's laugh down the hall, I knew it was time. I waited for her and Hal to walk into the elevator to go up to 5, then I slipped out my door carrying my equipment. I hopped into my personal car, a 1966 Ford Mustang GT Fastback, cherry red with cream interior, (Oh, I love this car!) and hit the road. I pulled into a parking spot directly in front of the door for Beautiful's apartment building and made my way up the stairs. After donning a pair of latex gloves, I opened the lock on her front door and closed the door behind me gently.
Finding a spot to plant the camera was easy, a small hole in the corner of the ceiling near her bed would work. I wedged the camera into the hole and flipped on the power. I secured the sensors between the wall and her dresser, next to the door. It was still hidden, but would sense if anyone entered the room. I flipped on the small portable monitor I held and watched me wave to myself.
I grinned and then went to work collecting the one thing I knew Beautiful really loved. Her shoes. I know, it may sound a little boring, but to Beautiful, shoes are life. They can make or break an outfit, make or break her day and certainly make or break a hook up with Ranger. I chuckled knowing that she would be beside herself when she found them missing. I typed and printed out a simple ransom note on her computer and left it on her kitchen table. As quickly as I entered her apartment, I left toting the three duffel stuffed full of her beloved shoes.
SPOV
I just finished a long stakeout with Hal, watching for a skip that was suspected of raping a working girl on Stark Street and setting fire to her car. As usual, we never saw anything, so we spent the time talking about life and fun stuff. It was almost 0300 and I needed sleep desperately. I unlocked my door, threw my belt and gun onto the kitchen table and headed for my bedroom. Without giving it much of a look, I stripped naked, pulled one of Ranger's t-shirts over my head and slid into bed. Nothing was going to wake me for a good eight hours. I fell asleep dreaming of a naked Ranger. Mmm...
When I awoke, the smell of fresh brewed coffee forced my eyes open. I inhaled deeply and smiled. Standing before me holding a steaming mug of coffee was Ranger.
"Babe. I think you need to get up. Something I need to show you." I rubbed my eyes with the backs of my hands and sat up. Taking the offered coffee, I slid out of bed and followed Ranger out to the living room. I stopped to lean against the kitchen counter, sipping the coffee. "Babe. You're killing me here." He gave me a wolf grin and I looked down to find myself still only dressed in his t-shirt.
"What? It's the most comfortable thing I can sleep in." I shot back, a small smile played on my lips.
Ranger walked over to my table and pointed to a paper sitting just under my belt. "You read this yet?" He asked, the corners of his mouth quirked upward.
I shook my head. "Nope. I went straight to bed last night. Didn't notice it." I stood upright and made my way over to get a better look. Once I had read it, I went pale and dropped my mug onto the floor. The coffee cup shattered and I felt light headed and tunnel vision began to take over. Ranger picked me up and carried me to the couch, setting me down. He smoothed my hair and spoke to me quietly in Spanish, I had no idea what he was saying but it had a calming effect on me. As soon as I regained myself, I jumped up and ran to my bedroom.
"LESTER!" I shrieked, as I noticed my empty closet. "MY SHOES!" I whirled around to face a clearly amused Ranger. "You think this is funny? He has all my shoes. All of them. And all you can do is stand there and smile at me?" I shot at him in my best pissey tone. "I need my shoes."
"Babe. They're just shoes." He replied, trying not to smile.
"To you, they're just shoes. To me, they're my babies!" I stood, hands on hips and the best Burg glare I could muster. "How can I do distractions now?" I asked, in a bitchy voice. I flopped down on the bed and dropped my head into my hands. "I just bought a pair of to die for black with white polka dot 5 inch FMP's I was going to wear with my little black dress for our dinner tomorrow night."
The look of realization came over Ranger's face. "We need the shoes back ASAP."
"You think genius?" I retorted, rolling my eyes. "So what's the plan?"
"He wants you to perform two small tasks before he returns the shoes. Looks like you'll have to suck it up and get them back on his terms." Ranger shrugged slightly and it made me mad.
"His terms? HIS TERMS? I am so going to get him back for this. If I don't get them back all in one piece and in the same condition I had them in, he's a dead man." My voice went from screaming to barely a whisper. Ranger seemed to understand the severity of the situation and called in re-enforcements. He flipped open his phone and called Tank.
"Yo. I'm at her apartment. Be here in 15. Bring Cal, Hal, Vince, Woody and Binkie." He snapped the phone shut and waited on the couch with me in silence.
Tank's POV
Holy Shit! Santos has gone too far this time. He stole all of Babygirl's shoes. I'm not just talking about a few pairs, no, I mean the entire closet is cleaned out. The only remaining pair of footwear she has left is her work boots. She's a wreck right now. Tears are streaming down her face and she's unusually quiet. I'm not liking the situation at all, and she knows it.
"Babygirl, what are his demands?" Her face paled a little more and she handed me the note that was left for her.
Beautiful,
I have your shoes. I have all your wonderful shoes. If you ever want to see them again, including the pair of Jimmy Choo's, you will meet all of my demands.
1. You will stand out on the corner of Chambers and Hamilton, dressed in nothing more than the bikini I will provide for you, holding a sign that says 'Lester Santos is King' from the hours of 1500 and 1700 tonight. I will bring you appropriate shoes to wear. There is to be no involvement of any Rangeman personnel, including Tank and Ranger. If any involvement is suspected, I will destroy one pair of shoes every minute until they back off.
2. You will meet me tonight at 2200 at a location I will text to you. You will have twenty minutes to arrive ALONE. You will wear clothing appropriate for a casual business meeting, I will bring you appropriate shoes. There will be no involvement of any Rangeman personnel. As I stated before, if I suspect that there are men helping you, I will destroy a pair of shoes every minute until they back off.
I expect you will comply with my demands. If, in the event you do not accept my demands and comply, I will be forced to destroy your shoes in as many ways I see fit. Burning, shredding, slashing, snapping off heels, etc. How many ways can I destroy your beloved shoes? Let's hope we don't find out.
Lovingly yours,
The Prank King
I think my silence made her nervous, her hands were wringing the hem of her Rangeman shirt. I knew that her shoes were important to her, she always said wearing the right pair of shoes could make her day. I knew full well, after talking with Lula, that a few pairs of her shoes were, for her, extremely expensive."Babygirl, you're in some deep shit."
The tears that threatened to fall from her bright blue eyes, made my heart break. "But, Tank... my shoes... all of my shoes..." She dropped down onto the couch, a worried look on her face. "He can't find out you both know. He'll wreck all of my shoes." A lone tears streaked down her face.
"Babe." I watched Ranger pull her to her feet and wrap her into a hug. "I can buy you new shoes. Closets full of shoes. You don't need to do this." He pleaded with her. She shook her head and worked her way out if his arms.
"No. I can't have you buying me shoes. I can't accept any shoes from anyone, I need to buy them for myself. I don't want to take advantage of you or anyone." Sitting herself back onto the couch, she fiddled with her fingers, not meeting Ranger's gaze. "I can buy my own shoes."
"Babe. Remember what I said, 'No price'." She rolled her eyes and slapped her hand down on the arm of the sofa hard.
"Damn it! I know that! But these are my babies! I worked really hard to buy them all myself. The pair of Jimmy Choo's I bought with the money I received from bringing in Chester the Jester last month." The slightest look of confusion on my face had her explaining herself. "You know, Chester the Jester? The guy who works with Terri Gillman. He skipped on an assault charge and Hal helped me with him." The look of confusion remained and she sighed loudly before she added. "He was the one that dumped the bottles of shampoo on me and the toilet cleanser on Hal.
Oh, yeah. I remember that. I think she realized I recognized the skip when my eyebrow quirked and I chuckled. "Babygirl. I remember now. You smelled so good for a whole week. Hal, not so much." She smiled and then frowned.
"You can't let anyone know that you know, 'cuz if he knows that you know, it curtains for my shoes."
"Babe. Curtains?" Ranger raised a single eyebrow, a slight smile on his lips.
"What? They're being held hostage and I felt it was appropriate." She shrugged.
"So, are you going let us help you, or are you going to let Santos get his way?" I asked, eying her carefully. She seemed to falter when she tried to buck up, she rubbed her forehead with her hands sighing woefully. I lowered myself onto the couch next to her and laid my arm over her shoulders, "Babygirl. Santos may be good..." I glanced at Ranger and smiled deviously, "But we're better." A similar smile played across Ranger's face, Babygirl looked at us both, first Ranger and then me. It was magic to see the same devious smile break across her face as well. I swear, if I didn't know any better, tiny little devil horns had grown on top of her head.
She leaned into me, laying her head on my bicep, "So, what's the plan?"
Ranger's POV
My Babe has really worked herself into a situation this time. Santos seems to have her over a barrel this time. But everything is not what it appears. Right about now, I'm grinning from ear to ear, well internally grinning, anyhow. My face remains blank, no emotions showing, revealing nothing, as I walk through the building to my office. I glance over to see Santos pouring over paperwork at his desk. Maybe, after my Babe's plan to counteract his demands, I'll take him to the mats. Teach him a lesson in proper office decorum.
"Santos. Get Brown. My office in 5." I barked at him, watching his jump at the sound of my voice. I closed the door behind me and I chuckle softly. Five minutes later both men were at my door, a knock announced their presence. "Enter."
"Bossman." Santos stated as he dropped into one of my visitor chairs, crossing his ankles and crossing his arms over his chest, relaxing himself. Brown remained standing, at parade rest.
"I have a little job for you." Brown looked at Santos and vice verse a.
"What is it?" Lester asked, yawning. His lazy attitude and whole act as if nothing was wrong, was making it difficult to keep a blank face. It honestly made me want to pound his face in, for messing with my Babe.
"I need you to pick up the low level skips for Vinnie today. I saw my Babe this morning and she said she was feeling ill. She'll be out for the day." I watched Lester almost jump for joy, until he reigned himself in.
"Sure thing, Bossman." He gave me half assed salute and rose to his feet to walk out the door.
"You want us to check on her?" Brown asked, worried about my Babe.
"No. I'll call you if she needs you." I replied.
They walked out, the door closing with a quiet click behind them. The sound of my fist slamming down onto the desktop echoed throughout the sound proofed room. I glanced down to see that I had dented the oak desk top. Damn, sometimes I don't know my own strength.
SPOV
I'm sitting at home, watching the clock. It's nearly 1400 and I'm getting more and more nervous as time goes on. Ranger and Tank assured me, Lester would never find out that they knew. That he wouldn't find out they were helping me, but it was still scary. A knock at my door nearly unhinges me, I jump to my feet, my hands in fists. I tiptoe to the door and look into the peephole to see a courier, standing in front of my door, holding a package. Tenetively, I open the door.
"Ms. Stephanie Plum?" He asks, reading my name off of a clipboard.
"Yes."
"Please sign for your package." He handed me the clipboard and after I signed the paper, he handed me the package.
"Who's it from?" I asked, nervous it may be from a new stalker.
He glanced down at his paper work and finds the name. "L. Santos." I groan and thank him as I shut my door.
Setting the package on the table, I stare at it for a full ten minutes before I gain enough courage to open it. I slit the tape with my small pocket knife, and carefully opened the box. Inside I found something from my nightmares. A bright yellow, polka dotted bikini, a pair of my black patent leather 4 inch FMP's and a note.
Beautiful,
Thought you'd look fabulous in these. Can't wait to see it.
Lovingly yours,
The Prank King
I cringed as I held up the itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny, yellow, polka dot bikini. God! Was he mental? Was this some sick association with that stupid bikini song? He was so going to get it after I got my shoes back. And against my better judgment, I soon found myself humming that damn bikini song. I prepped my hair and make-up, hoping if the plan Ranger, Tank and I had assembled didn't work, then at least I'd look great standing out on the corner in my bikini. I slipped on the horrible swimsuit and called Ranger.
"I can't do it."
"Babe." I could hear the sigh in his voice.
"You don't know!" I begged. "He sent me the bikini."
"And?" He asked, apparently a little frustrated.
"It's horrible." I stated, hoping he'd help me.
"Babe."
I rolled my eyes and explained. "You know the song, She wore an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini?" He began to laugh, and it was pissing me off.
"Babe." His one word answer told me all I needed to know. It said, it's alright. But it also meant, I'd like to see it in person, and it said, you've got to be joking.
"Not joking, it's horrible and I feel like I'm doomed."
"I'm right around the corner. Be there in 4." I opened my mouth answer, but realized he had hung up.
Four minutes later Ranger and Tank were standing in front of me waiting for me to open my robe. "Babe. Let's see it." Tank nodded, and I flushed thinking that this bikini was showing off way too much skin.
"Babygirl, let us decide if it's too much skin." Damn, I had said it out loud! I gotta learn to keep my mouth shut. I sighed and slowly untied the belt, and slid the robe off. The sound of Tank sucking in a breath and Ranger growling made me close my eyes tightly.
"Babe. Put the robe back on." Ranger stated, his voice slightly strangled. I could tell that both Tank and Ranger were affected by the barely there swim wear and it made me feel worse. I slipped the robe back on and tied it firmly. Tank rubbed his forehead and cursed under his breath. Ranger's eyes never left me and I almost melted from the heat he was radiating. Whether it was from anger or lust, I wasn't sure, but it was intense.
"Babygirl. This plan has to work now." He patted my shoulder. "We can't have the entire Berg seeing you in that... that... scrap of fabric." He motioned to my clothing. "That's just indecent." I sighed forcefully and nodded.
"Just be glad you're not wearing it." He cringed and I rolled my eyes.
"Babe." The amusement in Ranger's eyes was unchecked and it made me feel a little better.
"Alright. So after I get to Chambers and Hamilton at 1458, I'll stand around until I get the signal from you. You promise this is going to work?" I asked, leery of my decision to accept their help.
"Babe. You trust me?" Ranger asked as he pulled me into his arms, his face nuzzling my neck. I sighed and relaxed into his arms.
"With my life."
"Good. It's time for you to go." I stiffened and then nodded as Tank handed me my sign. I had spent a whole two seconds with a thick black marker and a bright pink poster board. After writing 'Lester Santos is King', I decided to spice it up a little bit. I added a touch of glue to a few strategic places and added some glitter and maribu from an old feather boa I had left over from a Halloween costume. By the time I had finished, it was a work of art, albeit a piece of art one would expect from a five year old.
I removed the robe and switched it for a long trench coat. After getting a final nod from Tank, I turned to Ranger fear in my eyes. "Babe. You'll be fine." He kissed my forehead and a shiver ran up my spine.
"You better make sure the plan works." I warned and strode out the door.
Loaded into my latest vehicle, a red 1986 Jeep CJ7, and slammed the door shut. The rear view mirror fell off of the windshield and I sighed, thinking to myself, 'why me?' It started on the third try and I pulled out of my parking lot and headed to my designated humiliation spot. I found a parking spot and sat in my car until 1458. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and I breathed a small sigh of relief. Then I received a text message from Tank, All clear. proceed with caution. I took a deep breath and exited the jeep carrying my sign.
Standing near the corner of Hamilton and Chambers, I observed my watch tick away until it reached 1500. As soon as it hit 1500, I stripped off my coat and began to hold up my sign. The sound of screeching tires, catcalls and whistles filled the air. But as soon as it began it ended when the sound of sirens filled the air. I watched as fire engine after fire engine raced past me to another part of town. I watched as people left the streets and took up residence around TV's to watch the local breaking news. Pulling my phone off of my waist, I flipped it open and sent a text to Ranger. Do I want 2 know what ur diversion was?
Less than a minute later I received an answer back. Babe. It's working. I had to admit, it was. There was hardly anyone around town at this point and I was feeling much better about the next hour and 50 minutes. As Ranger predicted, the time flew by and not much happened in the way of attention. The only person that I saw that I knew, was Walter "Moon Man" Dunphey.
"Dudette!" Walter waltzed up the sidewalk, carrying a pizza box and a handful of DVD's. "Where's the bikini contest?"
"Hey, Mooner. No contest."
"Come by later on, there's a Star Trek marathon on, let's veg out and eat pizza."
"I'd love to Mooner, but I already have plans." He shrugged and seemed oblivious to my answer.
"Alright. See you later, Dudette."
I checked my watch, there was one minute left on my designated time and I was getting anxious. Lester was so going to pay for this. Every second closer to 1700, my anger grew. My hands gripped the sign harder and harder, crumpling the edges, my arms feeling like jello. As the last few seconds ticked away, I watched as four motorcycles pulled to a stop directly in front of me. The riders whipped their helmets off and I was stunned to see a flabbergasted Hal, Cal, Bobby and a grinning Lester. Les pulled out his phone, snapped a picture and chuckled.
"Dude! What did you do to get her to do that for you?" Cal wondered, looking me over from head to toe, drooling. Hal looked as if he were going to fall off his ride, Bobby was too stunned to say anything intelligent.
"Man, you'd never believe me if I told you." I glared at him and stuck my tongue out.
"He stole all of my beautiful shoes!" I screeched and threw the sign at Les's head, he ducked and slipped his helmet on. "I have to do this to get them back." I stomped my foot and gave him my best Berg glare.
"Les you are the king. Just pray to god that Ranger doesn't find out, or you'll be like 'The King' dead on a toilet in Graceland." Bobby warned.
"Details, details!" Lester laughed and waved his hands in the air. "Beautiful, don't forget, we have a date later." I flipped him the bird as the guys rode away.
I pulled on my coat and stomped back to my jeep. I pulled my phone from my waist and dialed Ranger. "Yo."
"Yo yourself." I could hear the tension in his voice.
"Everything alright?" I asked, sensing something was amiss.
"Nothing we can't handle. Meet you back at your apartment in 20."
"Okay." I answered, but realized I was talking to dead air. Annoyed, I snapped the phone shut. "Damn it! I wish for once he would say goodbye to me." In a foul mood, I chirped the tires of the jeep as I pulled away from my parking spot. The ride back was silent as I mulled my revenge on Lester. Pulling into my lot, I found an available spot near the dumpster and grumbled the entire way up the stairs to my apartment. Nothing I could think of at the time seemed worthy enough, nothing seemed devious enough, nothing evil enough. Sadly, I was going to have to ask for help with my revenge. I was going to have to ask my mentor and my friend for help.
Letting myself into my apartment, I quickly made my way into my bedroom to change. I pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, and made to leave the room. But as I passed the door, I dropped the shirt and bent over to pick it up. As my hand made contact with the shirt, my eyes lifted just enough to notice two small electronic devices placed at knee height, just behind my dresser. I backed away slowly and left the room.
"Yo. I'm in your lot."
"Um, I think you better hurry. I found something and I'm not sure what it is." The worry in my voice cut Ranger like a knife, in less than 15 seconds he burst through my front door, gun drawn, eyes wild.
"Babe. You okay?" I nodded and pointed to my bedroom.
"Uh, it's small, electronic, at knee height, and I'm afraid it's attached to a bomb." He stiffened slightly and motioned for me to exit the apartment. He holstered his gun and slowly crept to my bedroom door. He spied the device immediately and gave it a good once over. The sound of it being ripped off the wall and his near silent curse made me worry. It wasn't until he dialed Tank, that I relaxed slightly.
"We have a situation here." He held the small device in his palm, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Santos has the bedroom under surveilence. Sensor at the door, knee height, transmitter is probably within the room as well as the camera." He paused for a moment before he snapped the phone shut.
"Is it a bomb?" I asked, oblivious to his conversation with Tank.
"No." Ranger turned to me, his face blank. "He's been watching you. He has a camera in your bedroom." I blanched and stormed into the bedroom, frantically searching for the camera.
"What will it look like?" I asked, seething with anger and frustration.
"Small and black. About the size of a tube of lipstick." I began my search along the ceiling of the room and found the small hole in the corner. I coughed and left the room, Ranger followed behind me understanding my body language.
"The hole in the corner, it's bigger than it was last week." I nearly pulled my hair out in frustration. Lester was so going to get it now. He'd be lucky to survive, now that Ranger was involved.
"Give me a sec." He left me pacing my kitchen floor, while he removed the camera. He returned with the offending camera in hand. "Babe. The room is clear now. You can go change." I sighed and moved past him tenetive to use my own bedroom. Damn it! To hell with Lester! He's stolen my favorite things, tried to humiliate me, and now I find out he's invaded my personal space and my privacy. He'll be lucky if I don't kill him with my bare hands. Okay, so I can't do it right now. But that doesn't mean I can't learn. My mentor and my friend is Ranger. He could teach me how to kill Les with my pinky, if I asked. Hmm... something to think about. Tossing the sweats aside, I snagged a pair of jeans instead, threw them on with the shirt. I tugged socks and my boots back on, only stopping long enough to check my hair and make-up in the small mirror on my dresser.
I was beyond pissed. I was way past angry. I was at the point of not giving a damn about my shoes anymore. Walking out into the living room, I asked Ranger, "Were you serious about buying me shoes?" He raised one eyebrow, clearly amused at my question. "Well?"
"Babe." He shook his head slightly and wrapped me in his arms, I laid my head on his shoulder. "I'd buy you an entire shoe factory if you wanted." Tears formed in my eyes, threatening to fall. "But yes, I was serious."
"Good, because I'm sacrificing my babies for the greater good." His chuckle made me smile.
"The greater good? Babe."
"What? Isn't it for the greater good to take this asshole down and beat him unconscious, electrocute him until he's sterile, pull his finger nails out one by one, slowly drip acid onto the skin in sensitive places, violating him with a whole chicken, and so on and so forth." He released me and took a step back, his focus solely on me.
"Babe. My handler could have used you years ago. You're sadistic." I raised both of my eyebrows at him and scoffed.
"Sadistic? You have no idea. I completely blew past being pissed. Right about now, I'm on a starship at warp speed, flying past anger and headed straight for painful and possibly fatal revenge."
Ranger stilled at my words and I watched as his face completely changed from one of awe to one of desire. In an instant I was thrown over his shoulder and carried to my bedroom, my shrieks of laughter echoed throughout the apartment.
A little over two hours later, we both laid on my bed, our bodies spent from several rounds of love making. I almost couldn't move, and I was quite sure Ranger was feeling the same. "Babe. Your phone beeped."
I cringed and knew it was time to call Lester back and tell him the bad news. I rolled off the bed and turned to Ranger, "Stay there. I'll be right back." He chuckled and I dashed out into the living room to snatch my phone off of the kitchen counter. I ran back into the bedroom, jumped into the bed, sliding to a stop against Ranger's super sexy body. "SAFE!" I shouted out loud, swinging my arms from across my chest outward, mimicing an umpire. Ranger closed his eyes, laid his head back onto the bed as his rich laughter filled the room. I grinned and focused my attention to my phone.
I flipped it open to find a text from Les.
Beautiful,
You are expected in 20 minutes or less at the following address. 752 Charter Way. Casual business dress is required. Your shoes are located in the package sitting on your doorstep.
Lovingly yours,
Prank King
I flinched as Ranger read the message over my shoulder. "You want to call him, or do you want me to do it?" He rubbed my back gently, trying to give me options. I shook my head, knowing full well, this was something that I had to do.
I dialed the all too familiar number into the phone and hit send. "Yo, Beautiful. You headed over yet?" He asked, seeming a little sure of himself.
"Uh..." I froze momentarily, until I envisioned torturing Lester. "Lester! You asshole! You can keep those crappy ass shoes. As far as I am concerned you are dead meat! You hear me? You better run you little prick! I have plans to torture you, so you better head for the hills. RUN, SANTOS, RUNNNNN!" I snapped the phone shut and laughed maniacally, until it was cut off by a possessive kiss from Ranger.
Oh, Boy!
A/N: Sorry it's taken a while to post a new chapter, but I've been down with the flu and it kicked my back side something fierce. If you're wondering what Steph has in store for Lester, stay tuned. And for those who are wondering about Ranger's feelings about Lester spying on Steph, don't worry, he's a patient man. He's just waiting for Les to forget about it for a while. Remember... Packback is a witch! Please read and review. They make me write faster... hint hint!