Sorry to be so late with this. Somehow the 4th of July and a lot of company happened and then of course I had to go see Eclipse. And, then it rained here in Texas at this time of year. Well, we all just had to stop and watch.

I really appreciate all your notes re: this story. I need to hear your thoughts.

Many thanks to my wonderful Beta, Akasha, who must have a lot of patience.

Chapter 6 Planning

After leaving the general's office, Ranger placed a call to Tank. His instructions were to immediately move all of Lucia's belongings out of his apartment on 7 and into an empty apartment on 4. It didn't matter which one. The elevator was to be programmed so she could not go to the 7th floor. The locks on Ranger's apartment were to be changed. and the apartment was to be screened for listening devices, cameras, etc. Anything of that nature found was to be held for Ranger's inspection. Next the apartment on 4 was to be thoroughly "bugged".

Ranger's next order was for Tank to arrange a private meeting in a secluded and safe area for himself, Bobby and Ranger. It was time to put all the cards on the table. Ranger notified Tank that he would be back in Trenton in 24 hours.

With a great deal pf pleasure, Tank started removing all traces of Lucia from Ranger's apartment .When he let himself into the apartment it appeared that the place had not been picked up or cleaned in some time. Since Ella was gone this wasn't necessarily a surprise, but almost all of Lucia's belongings were helter skelter in the bedroom and bathroom. Ranger's belongings were neatly folded and placed on the chairs in the living room. Sheets and a blanket were folded and placed on the couch. This, obviously, had been his living area since coming back with Lucia. No wonder Ranger had appeared to be using the locker room more than usual for showering, etc. thought Tank.

As quickly as possible Tank loaded up the belongings of Lucia and moved them to the 4th floor. With a great deal of satisfaction, he simply threw them on the bed and other furniture. He removed all of her toiletries from the bathroom, placed them in a box and just shoved them inside the door of her new apartment.

Downstairs in her office he left a key to her new apartment with a note stating that this move was in accordance with the directions of Ranger. She was also told she could not access the 7th floor or Ranger's apartment. Lucia was expected back in approximately 48 hours since she was not traveling with Ranger.

Tank smiled as he wondered, although he didn't much care what her reaction was going to be.

Now to find a way to have a private conversation with Bobby and find a place to meet. All of Tank's hopes were focused on this meeting and the hope of getting an explanation for the events since Ranger's return. Tank wasn't even sure if one of the safe houses would be secure. Maybe a public place might be the best solution for the first meeting.

Back on 5 Tank found Bobby in the break room. Bobby raised his eyebrows at Tank as if asking a question. Tank sighed as he sat down and asked Bobby if he would like to go for a quick run. Tank said "I haven't been out of the office in a while and I need some running or jogging exercise." Bobby agreed and they decided to meet in about an hour.

When they met to leave there was some good natured betting on who could last the longest, run the fastest and get back the quickest. Bobby took off at a dead run and Tank had to struggle a little to catch up. When they were out of sight of anyone at Rangeman, they slowed, looked for a place to talk and decided that just walking would be the safest thing to do in case there were prying eyes anywhere.

When he had enough breathe to talk, Tank brought Bobby up on his orders from Ranger. Bobby was elated and wanted to know how to help.

"We are finally going to get some information out of the Boss?" Bobby asked.

"It's beginning to look that way," said Tank, "and furthermore I don't believe there ever was a marriage. When I went up to 7th to move her belongings out and down to 4, it looked as if they were living separately in the apartment. This has got to be some sort of final mission that old bastard, the general , has cooked up to keep Ranger in his clutches a little longer." stated Tank.

"I just want to be there when she starts getting it through her thick skull that she is on her way out," Bobby laughed. "But how do we handle the new guys? We need to get in touch with Lester, Stephanie and the rest of our crew.

"Do you think Bombshell will still care?" asked Tank. "I don't know" said Bobby as he rubbed his knees. "But its time to find out."

"Why are we being so careful here" asked Bobby" Lets just call Lester and set up the meeting. If Steph wants to be there she will be there.