8/12/2010- Okay, here we go again. Let me know what you think please. I really really appreciated all your emails and review for the last chapters.

Kashy - without you this one still wouldn't be ready to go up. Many thanks. You are the best.

Chapter 10

Lucia pulled into the Rangeman garage. She pulled into her parking spot in her Rangeman vehicle. Why she couldn't use one of the Porsches she didn't understand. A SUV was a little beneath her unless of course it was an Escalade of something of that caliber. Maybe that was something else to demand from Ranger. Ahhh, life would be good just as soon as she had the upper hand over Ranger and group. She didn't know how she could fail her mission with the help of the general. Revenge was about to be sweet.

She sighed as she got on the elevator and fobbed the 5th floor. Now would be a good time to have a little cozy meeting with Ranger. The general had stayed firmly on her side throughout the meeting with Ranger. Of course she had made it worth his while after Ranger left. Lord, after that flabby, droopy old bastard she needed a real man. Maybe Ranger, maybe Tank, maybe Lester. Somebody on the street. It wouldn't much matter.

As the elevator stopped on 5th she straightened a little taller and got her very best "don't fuck with me boys" look.

Now what was Tank doing waiting for her to get off the elevator? "Good afternoon Lucia," Tank said with a smile. "We've been waiting for you to get back. There are some items we need to discuss if you will please join us in the conference room"

Lucia, noting the smile on Tank's face got a feeling this was not going to be a good meeting. That smile was more like a smirk or a gotcha. If it was a gotcha she was prepared. Perhaps it was time to let them know that she was aware that their team had been present during the slaughter of her family. She kept her "don't fuck with me boys" look on her face and prepared to do battle.

Lucia followed Tank to the conference room and Tank opened the door for her. Ranger was seated at the head of the table. He had a stack of files in front of him and an unknown naval officer sitting to his right. The two men looked up expectantly as Ranger asked Lucia to have a seat.

Ranger stood greeting Lucia and introducing Vice Admiral Michael Stone. Ranger said "Lucia please meet Admiral Stone, a member of the Joint Chiefs senior staff.." He motioned for Lucia to sit. "The admiral is in Trenton to help with a local problem. The problem has been identified as an illegal military infiltration of a local, well known, security company." Ranger's face was unreadable but Lucia thought she could read anger, triumph and hate in his eyes. "The purpose of this infiltration is to introduce and sell illegal drugs into the United States as well as selling illegal weapons to third world countries from the United States."

Lucia stood smiling and said she was aware of the infiltration. "I have, just today been in close contact with my superior, General Barnes regarding the problem." She plastered a winning smile on her face and beamed at Admiral Stone. "I am delighted to meet you Admiral Stone. I feel sure you will ensure better cooperation between all parties. The general and I are very concerned that Ranger and his group are not as supportive of my mission as they could be." She shot a look at Ranger that was ice cold. "I need to get in touch with General Barnes and make sure he is up to speed on this development." Lucia exuded confidence. I would like to have a quick meeting with my staff and I need to go up to the penthouse to freshen up. Then I'll be ready to continue this meeting."

Tank nodded to Lucia. He quietly said, "Lucia, your clothes and other things have been moved from the penthouse down to an apartment on the 4th floor." Then he handed her a key.

Lucia facing the three men and in a tight and even voice served notice by saying, " I am in charge of Rangeman and, no one, no one, has the right to make any decisions without my agreement. No rights extend even as far as moving my belongings without my knowledge or permission."

Looking at Ranger she expected him to back her up. He simply smiled and shook his head "no".

Admiral Stone watching and listening to the dialog finally said, "Colonel, I believe you have finally caught yourself in your own trap. We've been expecting this for sometime. We have watched this situation since its inception. We did leave Rangeman in the dark about our knowledge and for that we owe Ranger an apology. But this is over. You will have a great deal to explain as will General Barnes."

"Be that as it may Admiral, I would still like to freshen up and then I will be more than happy to continue this discussion. You may be surprised at what I will have to say. As for you Ranger, you may finally have a better understanding of this process. You and your group may be the ones caught in a trap."

"I'll wait with bated breath." stated Ranger.. "I want to hear your explanation as to why you have plotted against this country that has provided so much to you."

"If you gentlemen would excuse me, I'll go to my quarters for a moment and then I shall return."

Lucia showed no anxiety when in leaving the conference room.

Tank stood up and said "Wait a moment Lucia. I will accompany you to your new quarters. You should also be aware there are other former members of our staff in the hallway waiting to join the meeting. I would hate to see anything unfortunate occurrence before we all get together."

Tank you know very well this anticipated meeting will include classified information. No one else should be involved and I will strenuously object." argued Lucia.

"Duly noted," stated Admiral Stone. "You are temporarily excused."

"Duly noted? Really Admiral I don't believe this will be a trial. Tank, do you feel that I need a bodyguard? Because if you or any of you think that I will have anything to fear in this situation you are mistaken". Lucia, followed by Tan started for and opened the door.

In the hall just outside the conference room Lucia sees Bobby, Lester, Hal, Hector, Cal and all of the former Rangeman employees Front and center stands Stephanie. They all have blank faces.

Lucia with head held high and followed by Tank goes to the elevator to go to the 4th floor. She turned and smiled at the assembled crowd behind her and said, "I shall be back shortly. Don't you worry. This is not over yet. I think you may enjoy what I will have to say. Especially you Ms. Plum."