Unapologize

By: PricklySare

A/N: Once again, I am overwhelmed by the amazing reviews I'm getting from this story. I'm so glad you guys are enjoying it. I'm having a blast writing it. :) The ride is going to get bumpy, so hang on tight, keep your hands, and feet inside the cart at all times, and remember, always wear your seat belt. :) As always, M, couldn't do it without you. You are great! --Sare

Chapter Fourteen: Tank Finds Steph

"There couldn't be a worse time for Ranger to have to go incommunicado," I said after saying our goodbyes to Ranger. "You know that Bombshell is going to have a hard time dealing with his disappearance. Especially considering everything that happened tonight." I ran my hands over my bald head and wished I had a stiff drink. So much for down time. Lester, Bobby and I had just left Ranger on the roof, long goodbyes were pointless; and we had jobs to do.

"We're just going to have to make sure she gets through it." You could hear the pride in Bobby's voice when he said, "She was amazing tonight, and she needs to know that."

"No shit. Ranger is one lucky fucker. Not only was she totally, mind blowingly sexy in that red dress tonight, but she was fierce." Lester stared off in the distance for a moment, apparently lost in his own memory of the night, before shaking his head. "I don't think I've ever been so proud of someone. She really gets us." I knew that coming from Lester that was high praise. Really high praise. There was a reason he was a playboy, most women don't capture his attention in any meaningful way. Except, Bombshell. She's just all around amazing.

"I was shocked at some of the things she was saying. I didn't know she had it in her," Bobby laughed. "Hell, in all the years I've known Ranger I've never seen him so completely shocked. The look on his face was priceless."

"Damn, are you believing it," Lester sighed. "They finally did it. I thought something seemed different between them. Looks like Ranger finally got his head out of his ass. Kind of sucks though. She's definitely off the market now."

"Yeah, too bad his timing sucked," I replied before smacking him on the back of the head. "Besides, she's always been off the market. Always!"

"Now that Ranger is gone, what's the plan?" Lester asked looking at me, suddenly serious again. I really hate whenever Ranger leaves. I always get stuck in charge, and that's fine in theory. Like for instance if we were planning on taking over a small nation. However, since Bombshell came into our lives things were never that easy. I was suddenly wishing to be anywhere but here, like maybe Outer Mongolia.

"You and Bobby head out to Point Pleasant like was originally planned. I guess I'll start following the food." I felt the need to sigh, and forced it away. "Hopefully we'll find her soon. My guess is she's with Lula and Connie, so she should be okay." In theory anyway.

"After this, I think we need to make sure we put a tracker on the car of every person she's friends with. Especially Lula," Lester said as he climbed into the elevator. "Let's hit the road."

It was after four when Lula's red firebird flew by me heading toward Bombshell's apartment. I flipped a bitch, and followed behind them. I wasn't concerned that they'd spot me; I just wanted to make sure she got home safely. I turned off my headlights as I pulled into the parking lot just as she was climbing out of the car. She looked strong, maybe not happy, but she didn't look like she was going to breakdown either.

I sat in the parking lot for thirty minutes after her lights went off before I climbed out of the SUV and headed inside. The climb to her floor was quiet and it took less than a minute for me to be at her door and on my way inside. The only sounds in her tiny apartment were her hamster, Rex, running his thirty second mile, and her light breathing. She was definitely asleep.

Inside her bedroom, she was flat on her stomach on top of the covers. She hadn't bothered taking the sexy red dress off. For that matter, she still had her shoes on. I've never understood how a woman could wear those things. My feet hurt just thinking about it. Though, I must admit I'm grateful. Those shoes give me ideas. Ideas that are best ignored when it comes to my best friend's woman. I debate for half a second before deciding that the shoes needed to go. She was going to be uncomfortable enough when her alarm went off in the morning.

After removing her shoes, I pulled the covers over her and double checked to make sure her alarm was set before I made my way silently out of her apartment. That woman was something else, and I was proud to call her a friend. Ranger was one lucky son of a bitch, and he had better keep himself safe. I didn't want to have to help heal her broken heart if he didn't make it back.

For tonight, my job was done. In a few hours it would begin again, and I knew the foreseeable future was going to be difficult. I slid into the SUV and removed my cell from my belt.

"Come back in guys, Bombshell is safely tucked away in her apartment," I said to Lester when he picked up.

"A'ight. We're almost back to the office now," Lester responded.

"Get some sleep. We're back on Bombshell duty first thing," I said before disconnecting. I pulled out of the parking lot and headed back toward Haywood. I needed sleep and a stiff drink.