I walked through the front door of Bobby's apartment and I immediately started pulling off my gear. As much as I would have loved to leave my crap in a pile by the door, I did the responsible thing, I went into the bedroom and put everything away. I stowed my weapon in the bedside table drawer. I decided that now was as good a time as any to change into my pajamas, so I dug around in my sea bag until I found a pair of stretch pants and a T-shirt. I quickly changed, and folded my dirty clothes and set them on top of my boots. I shoved my feet into a pair of fuzzy socks and limped my way back into the living room. I had just sat down on the couch when there was a knock on the door. I levered myself up off the couch with a groan and went to answer the door. I rolled my eyes when I saw Bobby was on the other side.

"It's your apartment, you can let yourself in you know." I told him as I went to the kitchen and grabbed an ice back out of the freezer. I limped back to the couch as Bobby was shutting the door. I ignored him figuring he needed to get something. I put my foot on the coffee table and put the ice pack on my knee sighing in relief. I could almost feel the sharp cold decreasing the swelling.

Bobby walked over and sat on the coffee table looking at me. "Ranger sent me up to check on you. He said you were limping when you guys got back."

I shook my head a little. "I'm fine. My knee is just sore. Can I ask you something?"

Bobby looked slightly concerned, I think he was afraid I was going to ask about that night, the night we had been avoiding discussing for a couple of years now.

"Sure, ask away."

"What the hell was the deal with that cop tonight?"

Bobby shifted uncomfortably, and looked around as if trying to find an escape route. Finally he decided to tell me what I wanted to know.

"That cop, was Stephanie's on again off again boyfriend. I don't know if they are on or off at the moment, but Morelli blames Ranger for Stephanie's failure to marry him and pop out a bunch of little Morellis."

I thought about this for a minute, but something didn't make sense. "So why show up tonight? I mean we were contracted by the City. He would have known that if he'd bothered to ask around a little."

Bobby shrugged. " I don't know for sure what his motives were, but I do know he is always telling Bomber that we are a bunch of thugs and criminals."

"So if he could catch Ranger in even the smallest offense he would arrest him and be able to tell Steph… 'See I was right, he is nothing more than a common criminal.' It's devious I'll give him that. Is he always that underhanded?"

Bobby nodded. "Sometimes worse."

I sighed softly. Stephanie seemed like a good person, I knew all my boys thought the world of her. Seeing this other side of the relationship triangle really pissed me off. I could see why Ric would keep her in his life though. That girl was going to need all the support she could get if she ever got the guts to call it quits for good. I finally spoke out loud. "You know, if I had ever shown up on a scene just because I had a personal beef with someone, I'd have lost my badge. If he keeps this up, someone is going to have to do something."

Bobby cleared his throat to get my attention so I looked at him.

"Don't stress over it. Ranger will deal with it if it becomes a problem. I'd still like to see your knee if you are done changing the subject."

"Not a chance, you've seen all of my body you're ever going to see… Oh

wait.. Never mind. You couldn't see anything in the pitch dark, and you were long gone before the sun came up, so you couldn't have seen anything then either. My bad. Just trust me I'm perfectly fine, and I will be down in

the gym in the morning to kick Lester's ass just like I said I would."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. I was starting to get a headache, and on top of everything else, that was just one more thing I didn't need. I knew in my head he was trying to help, but right now I didn't want his help. I wanted to be able to do what I always did, put my feet up until I stopped hurting and then go to bed.

"Ray, Listen… I think you got the wrong idea about what happened that night." He said, as he reached out to lightly touch my arm.

I pulled away from his touch. " I don't care. It's all water under the bridge. If I let you look at my knee, will you go away?" That was my goal, for him to just go away and let me finally relax, before I jumped right back into the fray of things tomorrow. I got up and made my way to the bedroom and dug out a pair of shorts made from cut off sweat pants. I changed into them as quick as I could.

I walked back into the living room and sat back down on the couch with my foot on the coffee table. Bobby moved closer and lightly ran his hand up my leg to rest right below my knee. "Damn Ray, this is really swollen, have you had this happen before?"

I shrugged. "Once or twice. I even saw a doctor. There is no fluid build up, no visible damage to the tendons or ligaments, no obvious signs of arthritis. It is just getting old."

Bobby ran his hands lightly over the knee poking and prodding. When he started flexing it, and applying pressure to my foot as he pushed up, it took everything I had not to hit him. "Are you at least taking something for it?"

I grimaced and took a deep breath through my nose, and answered him with my eyes closed. "No need. A little ice, some horse liniment, and maybe a Tylenol if it's too bad. Really I'm fine." I pinched the bridge of my nose, my headache was getting worse. I was really going to need to lie down soon. I just didn't have the energy I did even a year ago.

Bobby must have noticed my headache, because he lowered his voice as he started to massage gently around the knee trying to restore correct blood flow and reduce swelling.

"Maybe you should think about going to the doctor again. Have you noticed any other little things? I mean in all the years I've known you, I don't think I've ever seen you get a headache."

I opened my eyes a little but then shut them quickly as the light in the room seemed to send shooting pains through my head. " I'm a 42 year old woman going through menopause, I'm not sure being energetic and perky is even possible. I know your medical training probably didn't cover it, but there comes a time in every woman's life where here hormones cycle every 21-30 days, this goes on for years, and then when she gets old, that whole system gets completely out of whack and she feels like shit. She gets headaches, night sweats, hot flashes, and irritability."

Bobby muttered low enough that I knew he didn't plan for me to hear it. "How is irritable any different than your normal disposition?"

I swung my leg away from him and pushed myself to my feet. "Enough, you've seen that I am fine. I need a cigarette, and to get some sleep, and if I have to go somewhere else to get a little peace and quiet I swear to every Deity in the history of man kind I will move out of this building tonight."

I walked to the door and jerked it open. I headed out into the hall, as much as I wanted to take the elevator, I didn't dare. Military men, were like sharks, if you showed any sign of weakness they would jump all over it. I went straight for the stairs. Thankfully going down stairs was much easier than going up them. I made it to the garage and walked to my car. I yanked open the door and climbed inside. I was never more grateful for my forgetfulness than I was at that moment. I had forgotten to lock the car when I first got here, which was great because I had forgotten to bring my car keys. I dug around in the console before I found my pack of cigarettes. I lit one taking a long drag, enjoying the tickling sensation it left against the back of my throat as the smoke flowed into my lungs.

I knew I was being intentionally nasty to Bobby tonight, I just couldn't help it. I knew I was partially to blame, but right now, that was hard to remember. I sighed softly and leaned my head back against the headrest of the drivers seat. It was just so hard to forget what had happened that night. Bobby and Lester were in Miami for some work thing, and I had just lost one of the guys at the department. I couldn't escape the thought that there was something I could have done differently. I was sitting at a little bar, and in one giant coincidence, Bobby and Lester were there too. They came over and sat with me, I don't know exactly what I told them, I was beyond drunk at that point. Somehow Bobby had been the one to drive me home. I sobered up quite a bit during the drive. Bobby carried me into the house and helped me to my room. He was going to leave, but my mouth started working with out the permission of my brain and I begged him to stay. I knew I shouldn't have asked him to stay, even as drunk as I was I knew it was a bad idea. I had always felt differently about Bobby than I did the other guys. I think having him in bed next to me short circuited what little brain function I had left. If I was being completely honest I would have to admit that I took advantage of the situation, but having him leave while I was sleeping before the sun came up hurt.

I went to take another drag off my smoke and felt the heat in my fingers. I smashed the cigarette into the ashtray before lighting one more. My anger at Bobby was nothing more than my pride. I needed to get a grip, that's what I needed. Ricky was obviously head over heels for Stephanie, and I didn't see him being an asshole. I just needed to take a step back, apologize, and get over it.

I crushed out my second cigarette of the night and slid out of the car, shutting the door firmly before walking to the stairs. I knew what I had to do, now it was time to put it into action. When I got to the fourth floor I walked back to Bobby's apartment and found the door slightly ajar. I couldn't help but smile. He probably realized I left with out my keys and left it open for me. I walked in and shut the door tight behind me.

My first thought was to put away the ice pack before it melted everywhere. I walked to the coffee table and noticed that the ice pack was gone, but in it's place was a note.

Ray,

I put the ice back in the freezer so you didn't have a mess on your hands. I hope you will reconsider seeing a doctor, there is no reason for you to deal with pain if it can be fixed. I will see you in the gym I the morning.

Bobby

I couldn't help but smile. Even when I was being a bitch, he was being nice. It did make me feel a little guilty though. I just folded the note and carried it with me into the bedroom. I crawled into bed sighing softly as I curled up on my side and pulled one of his pillows to my chest. I couldn't keep staying here. I had made a decision to forgive Bobby and to forgive myself, but sleeping in a bed that smells like the man you love night after night, is not a good way to put the past behind you.

I was awake the next morning long before the alarm. I was awake more than I was asleep all through the night. The little sleep I did get, was not restful at all. I forced myself out of bed and to the shower. I didn't even bother to look in the mirror knowing the view that awaited me would be a gruesome one. I hurried through my shower, knowing I would end up taking another one after my work out. After I got out of the shower and got dressed, I pulled my hair back into a tight braid. I tucked my braid into my shirt to keep it from flying all over. I spared myself a glance in the mirror and noticed that the puffiness under my eyes wasn't too bad, but still noticeable. I picked up my tennis shoes up from the floor where I had set them last night and headed to the kitchen.

I pulled a spoon out from the drawer and ran it under a stream of water before putting it in the freezer. I Leaned against the counter and put my shoes on waiting for the spoon to chill. After I put my shoes on, I took the spoon out of the freezer and lightly touched it to the puffiness under my eyes. Ugh! I hated having to do that, but no one needed to see how tired I really was. I tossed the spoon in the sink and headed for the door.

I hurried down the stairs to the gym, I wanted time for a little run before sparring with Lester. I waked into the gym, and I felt all eyes on me. I tried to ignore the stares as best as I could while I started my morning stretches. I took off jogging around the small indoor track, and the hair on the back of my neck was still standing up from all the covert stares. Either these guys hated new hires, or they had no idea how they were supposed to act around a female who was not their mother, sister, or girlfriend. I took a deep breath and tried to focus on my run.

I was just coming to the end of my run when Bobby and Lester walked into the gym. I waved at them both as I started to slow my pace. I didn't want to cool down too quick as I still planned on kicking Lester's ass. I just had to wait until he was ready. Lester walked up to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"Still feel like you can kick my ass this morning."

I just laughed and playfully pushed him away. "I could kick your ass anytime Cinye." (Lakota Sioux for little brother)

I let him pull me behind him as we made our way to the mats. I took off my shoes and socks, setting them neatly at the edge. I met Lester in the center of the circle painted on the mat. We shook hands both of us grinning widely. I even reached back and pulled my braid out from my T-shirt. I knew Lester, eventually he would grab it and pull me into a hold and that would give me my "kill"

At first, our fight was incredibly boring, we circled around each other looking for any sign of weakness. Finally Lester got tired of playing the waiting game and went for a right hook. I barely blocked it, but I turned into his body, using my body as a leverage to throw him. It worked this time, but I knew it wouldn't work again. The thing about sparring with Lester, is you only got one shot at something. He was too smart not to learn from it.

The next half an hour was a blur of motion, I had forgotten how quick Lester was. For such a big guy, he could move fast. I knew I was going to have a fair number of bruises from this encounter. I hissed softy as Lester tagged my ribs again. I had a bad habit of dropping my guard on my left side, and he was making sure to make me pay for it. Hey kept trying to take me down to the mats, but in close quarters, I was still better than he was. It was his longer reach. If I stayed close to him, he could still hit me, but it lacked the force a blow at a farther distance would.

Finally Lester managed to throw me across the mat, and I took my time getting up, I left my back to him just a second longer than was prudent. As soon as I felt his hand tighten around my braid and pull me back against him I knew I had him, I could easily go for the kill shot. I lifted my leg bringing my knee up and slid my hand along my ankle to simulate going for a knife. Lester read it as I was going to try to stop on his instep so he widened his stance to make it harder for me to do that. I reached back and ran my hand along the inside of his thigh in a quick motion. "You're bleeding to death now."

Lester let go of my hair and swore. "Damn, I forgot you never fought fair."

I laughed and shrugged. " I have an amazingly strong self preservation instinct. But now you'll know to guard against it. Just think of it as a learning experience."

Lester laughed and grabbed me into a strong hug. "It's good to have you back Ray. We all missed you. Some more than others."

I hugged him back trying to puzzle out his cryptic statement. "It's good to be here."

I pulled away and walked to get my shoes. "I should probably get upstairs and shower. I have a few things to do before the morning meeting anyway."

I slipped my socks and shoes back on before walking out of the gym. I was feeling strong enough to take the stairs, so I did. I hurried through showering and getting dressed. I threw on a pair of cammie pants, and one of my old grey USMC T-shirts. It wasn't Rangeman approved gear, but oh well it was what I had clean, and it had the added benefit of driving Ranger insane. He had gotten far too used to being kowtowed to over the years. I put my boots on before slipping on my belt. I picked up my cell phone and dialed 411 as I walked out of the bedroom.

" Thank you for calling AT&T 411. City and State" came the computerized voice.

"Trenton, New Jersey."

"Thank you, what listing?"

"Budget Motel"

"We found 1 listing for Budget Motel in Trenton New Jersey. Please press one if you would like the number sent to your phone, or stay on the line and we will connect you."

I rolled my eyes as I walked to the fridge and waited to be connected. I looked over the meager offerings the fridge held and shut the door just as I was connected to the motel.

I glanced at my watch and realized I should start heading upstairs if I was going to make the morning meeting. I had spent far too much time in the shower. I walked up the stairs while making my reservation.

I stood near a wall letting others pass me by as I finished giving my information to the clerk for what seemed like the 10th time.

"Ok, The name on the card is Raven, that is Romeo, Alpha, Victor, Echo, November. Middle initial is F as in Foxtrot. Last name Hunter. Hotel, Uniform, November, Tango, Echo, Romeo." I paused for a minute listening to the clerk.

"Listen Lady… I don't know how to make my name any clearer. You know what forget it. I've got a meeting I have to be in. I'll deal with this later."

I hung up the phone just as Tank walked by. "Having trouble?"

I sighed softly and nodded my head. "Trying to pay for something by credit card. She wanted me to spell my name, so I did. We were just having a communication problem."

Tank laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Next time try using a different phonetic alphabet. I've found that "Rabbit, Apple, Violin, Elephant, Nest works well."

I had to laugh at that. Of course Tank would suggest I use the things that children were most often taught when they learned the ABC's. We walked into the conference room for the morning meeting together. Tank took his seat next to Ranger, while I stood against the wall. Ranger looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

"Hunter."

"Sir Yes sir." Oh it killed me to do it, but he ran his company like an extension of the military and even if he was my little brother, he was still my Commanding Officer.

"Is there any particular reason you are out of uniform?"

"Sir yes Sir." Commander or not, I didn't have to make things exactly easy for him now, did I?

"Care to elaborate?"

"Sir Yes sir. The quartermaster only stocks sizes in Tank, Way Too Big, Too big, Too small and Not a prayer in hell." I fought to keep a straight face as there was more than one cough trying to cover laughter through the room. Ranger gave me a look that said I was going to pay dearly for being a smart ass.

"Very well. In order to rectify the uniform situation, you will be sent to accompany Stephanie for a day of shopping, where you will purchase something similar to a Rangeman uniform until your size is received. Save your receipts. You will be reimbursed."

There were quite a few laughs from the assembled men, and even Ranger seemed to be having a hard time keeping a straight face. I couldn't imagine why. You made a list, based on it's place in the store starting with what was nearest the door, and then you picked up your items in a clockwise fashion ending at the registers. It shouldn't take more than ten minutes… twenty tops.

"Sir yes sir."

"Dismissed."

I wasn't an idiot, I knew to get going while the going was good. I waked out of the room and went to find Stephanie. This day would be a breeze.