Chapter 23

I spent the next day in a similar way. A morning working, lunch with Ranger, and Les this time, then I spent the afternoon with Hector learning how to pick locks. I was determined that by the end of the day I'd be able to get into or out of any lock Hector presented me with. Okay, part of it was me being stubborn and bless Hector, he was so patient with me, but I got there in the end.

Having dinner with Ranger made me realize the pattern that I was falling into and that I was embracing it. No, more than that, I was loving it, especially my time with him. It did make me wonder what Ranger was thinking about me being here and the easy way that we seemed to be cohabiting. Hell, it had never been this easy with Joe even when we seemed to be getting on well together. I didn't mind when Ranger told me that he had work to attend to and that he might be late coming up. I watched some TV before showering and going to bed on my own, pleased that I fell asleep so quickly.

I wasn't sure what woke me. There were no unusual sounds, and it was still dark inside the room. I was sure that I hadn't been dreaming but I had a strange feeling run through me. I knew that Ranger wasn't in bed with me because I wasn't curled up next to him or feel the comfort of heat that he gave me. As my eyes grew accustomed to the dark so did my senses and I was drawn to look to the corner of the room. Pushing myself onto my elbows I knew to look to the corner where there was a seat. I wasn't afraid to see a figure sat in the chair, but a worry began to come over me. Why was Ranger sat in the chair watching me?

"Ranger, what's wrong?"

I whispered, the sound of my voice seeming so loud within the quietness of the room. He was sat forward, his elbows on his knees and his hands steepled under his chin. His image gave the appearance of a dark foreboding presence that only had my concern ratcheting up. Had he realized that I'd overstayed my welcome, that me being here wasn't what he wanted? I watched as he gracefully stood up, his clothes rustling in the dark, and came over to the side of the bed. Close up I could see the blank face he was now wearing and heard a small sigh escape from his lips giving me a sense of dread for what he was going to say to me. He sat down next to me on the edge of the bed, a hand moving down my hair to rest on my cheek.

"I have to leave"

Leave, did he mean that he was moving to Miami? Was that his way of putting distance between us? Sitting up I was able to see his face clearer now and to be honest as usual I couldn't read what he was thinking or feeling.

"Leave?"

I repeated, now feeling so miserable that I was close to shouting at him because his four words gave me nothing to cling on to.

"I've been called down to Washington"

I suppose relief was the first emotion that came over me because him leaving wasn't his choice but then a cold feeling went through me as I considered what that could mean.

"Will, are you going in the wind?"

Yeah, the idea of him going in the wind that could involve him leaving the country and being asked to do something dangerous wasn't sitting well with me. He still hadn't healed properly from his injury and then there was his whole mental state. Was he ready to go back into a situation like that? Surely his bosses could see that he shouldn't be being asked to do that.

"I don't know. I'll fight doing that because that's the last thing that I want to do"

What else was there to say? Ever since I'd met him, he'd disappeared from town, sometimes he could be away for a few weeks but more often than not it was longer than that. The better I came to know him the more aware of his absences I became and the more worried I felt for him. He had always let me know when he was leaving town, catching me at the bonds office or at my apartment where more recently I became aware of him being in my bedroom watching me. Was that something that he needed to do before he went, had I become his lucky charm?

I knew that he had to go and wanted to make the most of our time together so leant forward in order to wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head against his chest. I suppose it calmed me as well to feel him and inhale that scent that was so unique to him.

"When do you need to leave?"

I asked hoping that I had a few more hours just to become absorbed in his presence.

"An hour. The helicopter's picking me up from the roof"

I pulled away shocked with the timing that he was telling me. What if I hadn't woken up?

"Were you going to tell me or just have someone casually mention it in the morning?"

He probably sensed the annoyance in my voice but instead of saying something straight away he pulled my head back to rest on his chest while his hand tangled through my hair.

"Don't I always tell you when I'm going to be out of town? I was working up to waking you when you woke up"

He was right and I knew it. I sighed deeply as the anger dissipated from me. Time was too short to be annoyed with him.

"Please stay here while I'm gone. If I know that you're safe I won't worry as much"

I suppose that shooter was still out there and to be honest hadn't I just been thinking how much I was settling into being here at Rangeman.

"Okay. I'll have someone with me if I go out and I'll take a panic button with me just in case"

"Your gun as well. Ram told me he sorted out a new gun for you with a holster"

I suppose that I shouldn't have been surprised that he knew about that. Did he get a report at the end of the day on what I'd been doing? I pushed that to the back of my head writing it up as Ranger being paranoid about my safety and something that I'd probably have to get used to.

The time went by far too quickly for me even though we hardly spoke and just held onto each other. It was his phone going off that made me jump so as he answered it, we pulled apart.

"I have to go"

Maybe I expected him to say more but then again that wouldn't have been how he behaved. He did however do what he usually did which surprised me. As he held my head he touched his lips to mine, gently as he teased my lower lip by nibbling on it. Unintentionally I parted my lips, or maybe subconsciously I wanted more to happen, and that was the invite that he was wanting before he hardened the pressure and delved with his tongue into my mouth. It was hard and passionate as we both dualled to increase the passion and intimacy. That heat that I'd been missing began to coil in the pit of my stomach and my hormones were rejoicing that they'd been let out of isolation.

We were both breathing hard as we moved apart, and I closed my eyes as his forehead rested on mine. Maybe he was affected just as much as I was but was he invested as intensely as I was?

"Don't get shot"

Seemed such a stupid thing to say but for some reason it had become my parting words when he would leave town.

"Don't go crazy"

Was his reply and a kiss to my forehead was his parting gesture before I watched as he walked out of the room and then heard the door to the apartment close. I'd never cried before when he'd left but I did now even though I knew there was no sense to it. It wouldn't have him walking back through the door or make me feel any better. Even as I wiped away the tears and laid back on the bed, I knew that sleep wasn't going to happen. Hell, I was worried about him already and he was probably still in the air. Would I manage with him being gone like I had in the past? That was what was worrying me because I was a goner as far as he was concerned.

It was only 3 in the morning, but I ended up getting up and then knew that I needed to occupy myself. My mind went to the time that I'd spent in the gym with Ranger and how cathartic it felt to punch that bag. I dressed in gym gear and used the stairs to access the gym pleased that it was empty. Seems even 3 in the morning was too early for any of the men, which suited me fine. I only gloved up my right hand because I wasn't going to risk hurting my arm, not when it was so close to being healed. I focused on my stance and started to hit the bag, lost in remembering what Ranger had taught me.

I wasn't sure what it was, maybe a sound or even just that feeling that would come over me, but I felt a sliver of fear creep up my spine and instinctively I turned with my gloved hand striking at the presence that had dared to step into my personal space. As the punch landed, I stepped back until I hit the still swinging bag because I didn't know what to do. It was a man laid on his back on the floor but the movement of his hand to touch his cheek provided me with the knowledge that he was still conscious. Why I would think that I'd have the power to knock him out eluded me, making me feel pathetic. I didn't move, couldn't, even when the man started to sit up, even when the doors to the gym crashed open.

Oh shit. I'd just hit Juan and put him on his back. He was going to be so pissed off with me just like the men who were rushing across the gym. Looking across at the men running toward me I recognized them as being Bobby, Les and Tank but it was the grin on Les's face that threw me. I'd expected him to be annoyed with me so when he totally ignored Juan by stepping over him and held his arms wide open as he approached me, I ended up just sinking to the floor onto my knees.

"Beautiful, that was fucking amazing"

Was all I heard before he started to undo the laces and remove the glove.

"Hey, you did what you had to do. The stupid arsehole shouldn't have tried to sneak up on you. Did Ranger show you how to punch like that?"

I was suddenly on my feet with Les supporting me around my waist which surprised me because I'd only ever let Ranger touch me since. Not going there. Bobby was checking Juan's face and Tank was stood behind them, arms folded across his chest in his usual stance, but I could swear he had the hint of a smile across his face. I stepped forward with Les as Bobby helped Juan to his feet feeling ever so guilty for what I'd done.

"I'm sorry Juan but, well, I was spooked"

"Azulejo, it is me who should be apologizing to you. You did the right thing, and it was me at fault for not making you aware that I was there"

I nodded my head to acknowledge what he'd said but I supposed that we were both at fault. I hated that feeling of panic that came over me when someone got too close to me, it was something that I really had to get under control. I allowed Les to lead me from the gym and into the elevator not surprised when he hit the seventh button.

"Why were you in the gym at this hour Beautiful?"

"Couldn't sleep"

Seemed an answer that Les was satisfied with. I was pretty sure that he knew that Ranger had to leave, so he probably had an inkling of why I was up and about. Once in the apartment I was surprised when Les started up the coffee machine because I'd just assumed that he would expect me to go to bed.

"I'm going to shower and change"

Because Les was right, I wasn't going to go to bed to sleep. I returned to the lounge dressed in a Rangeman uniform to find Les sat on the couch with two mugs of coffee in front of him. I sat down next to him and lifted a mug to my lips appreciating that Les knew just how I liked my coffee.

"He'll be okay you know"

I assumed that Les was talking about Ranger and that he knew why I had been unable to sleep. I suppose of any of the men here Les knew me the best. I didn't answer him, I mean what was I supposed to say? It wasn't just Ranger being called away that was worrying me it was what would happen when he came back because I had to tell myself that he would come back home.

"We're up to date with all of our skips. Leroy was exactly where you said he would be so maybe you can start to look through some of those names that I mentioned"

Nodding my head, I thought that would be doable, at least I'd be occupied until we had some more FTA files from Vinnie. Thinking of Vinnie had me wondering what Lula had decided to do, if she was still working at the office or had decided to move on. I'd have to find the time to catch up with people. That had a knot forming in my stomach as I realized that I had no urge to talk to my mother.

I spent the morning reading through the information on the people on the most wanted list. It made for interesting reading, but I knew that a lot of them were way beyond my scope of research. Even I knew that tracking down a suspected terrorist would not only be very hard to do, but I didn't like the idea of Les and any of the men going after them. What was also interesting was that the majority of these criminals were men so on a whim I gave more attention to the women, of which there were only two.

Joanne Chesimard was wanted for escaping from prison in Clinton, New Jersey, while serving a life sentence for murder. On May 2, 2021, Chesimard, who was part of a revolutionary extremist organization known as the Black Liberation Army, and two accomplices were stopped for a motor vehicle violation on the New Jersey Turnpike by two troopers with the New Jersey State Police. Chesimard and her accomplices opened fire on the troopers. One trooper was wounded, and the other was shot and killed execution-style at point-blank range. Chesimard fled the scene but was subsequently apprehended.

Chesimard was found guilty of first degree murder, assault and battery of a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, illegal possession of a weapon, and armed robbery. She was sentenced to life in prison but in the November, Chesimard escaped from prison.

I wasn't sure about following up on her, especially with her ties to the Black Liberation Army. The second woman though, she piqued my interest and had potential and with a reward of $5 million dollars would be worth the time and work to find her.

I emailed Les to ask if he could get any more information on the woman from the FBI and then sat back in my chair wondering what to do next. That was when I noticed the piece of paper where I'd written down the name of the journalist who had written the article on Silas Sullivan. On a whim I typed her name into the search program with her occupation and the paper that she worked for. There was only one name that came up, so I was soon reading through the history of Katrina Cashelle.

It made for interesting reading of a woman who was a few years older than me. Cashelle wasn't the name that she was born with, she was originally known as Katrina Ricci, so I made the assumption that she was married. Katrina had been born and raised in New York City, living with both parents. Her education showed a child that was bright though her grades fell as she progressed through high school. The father had died when she was 19 years old so maybe I needed to follow up on him because he could very well have been the cause for the minor blip in her life.

I was surprised that when she turned 21 that she changed her name to her mother's maiden name and looking at her marital status discovered that she had never married. So why had she changed her name? Katrina managed to obtain the grades needed to get into university to study journalism and moved into the newspaper world, slowly working her way up through the echelons of the newspaper business. I was sad to see that her mother had died recently but within the whole of the search I couldn't work out why she would have written that short article on Silas Sullivan when her current role was focused on reporting on crimes within the area. As far as I could see there was no connection to find between her and him and she would have been too young for him when he was working in New York.

I decided to follow up with a search on her parents wondering if that was where the connection to Sullivan had come from. Her father, Sergio Ricci was born 58 years ago, fourth son to Italian parents who had emigrated to the States. Sergio had obviously not done well at school leaving as soon as possible with very few qualifications. His employment history was just as sketchy. Married at 21, with Katrina being born a year later, but it seemed having a family didn't give him any sense of responsibility. He had a police record for minor infringements, mostly getting involved with fights, but there was a notation that Sergio was suspected of being a soldier for the Luciano family. This was corroborated when he was charged with the murder of Larry Barese, a Capo from the Dimeo family, arch enemies.

At the age of 38 Sergio was found guilty of murder and received a 25 year sentence but 2 years later he was released after a successful appeal when his lawyer questioned the integrity of the evidence that was used to convict him. Poor Sergio died 6 months later in an automobile accident. It was deemed as accidental due to his alcohol levels.

No wonder Katrina had struggled through school. Having a father associated with the mafia and then sent to prison for murder must have taken its toll on her and her mother. Something like that would always haunt you so when she was old enough, she'd changed her name probably so that the history of her father wouldn't taint her. Would she have hated her father for what he put her through?

I sat back in my chair as I mulled through what I'd learnt about the journalist. Was it important? I didn't know but I did know that I was curious why she had written that article. Maybe I could talk to her? Use the excuse of wanting to know about one of my predecessors, a fellow bounty hunter who had worked with Vinnie.

I liked that idea and was just about to look up the number for the newspaper when Bobby appeared at my door.

"We've got Chinese takeout. Go change and meet us in Les's apartment on four"

That surprised me because I didn't realize how late it was or that I'd spent the entire day on my own in my office. I realized how hungry I was having missed eating for the day. I was just saving my work and shutting down the computer when Bobby reappeared at the door.

"I wouldn't take a long time if I were you or there won't be any food left"

I woke up slightly disorientated until I recognized the feel of the sheets around me and the smell that was so unique to Ranger. For a second, I was excited that he was back but then reality hit me as my face moved into his pillow knowing that I was smelling his lingering scent from the fabric. All I could think about was him, that he was safe and that he'd be home soon. Using that word, home, hit me hard because I knew that I was in too deep with him not to get hurt. He was my best friend, my lover and a man that I trusted implicitly and a man that I was head over heels in love with.

I turned onto my back barely able to see the ceiling in the darkness. What the hell was I doing, what the hell was I going to do? Sensible Stephanie was telling me that when Ranger got back, I needed to tell him how I felt. At least then I might have some dignity left to cut and run. Romantic Stephanie was telling me that what we had was enough and that just maybe that protective side of Ranger might change into loving me. I wasn't sure why I was trying to kid myself by thinking that. I sighed loudly and looked over to the clock frowning because it was reading 3 am. That was the time that Ranger had left, and I couldn't get back to sleep again. Weird because I felt the same way now, too awake and too hyped up.

I almost smiled as I looked down at what I was wearing. After showering I'd worn some leggings and a long T-shirt to go down to Les's apartment. Bobby, Les, Ram and Cal were already there but at least they had waited for me before serving out the food. I'd felt relaxed curled up on the couch between Les and Bobby as we'd watched some action movie that the guys just had to see. I must have fallen asleep because I had no memory of leaving the apartment to come upstairs to bed. I owed someone a thank you for looking after me like that.

I was soon dressed in my gym gear and on my way down to level three where the gym was, pushing the door open slightly to see if there was anyone inside. Seeing it empty I quietly walked inside deciding exactly what I wanted to do. I made for the mats and went through the warmup routine that I'd learnt at the keep fit gym testing out some of the moves on my uncovered arm. It felt so much better so why not try out the bag again, but this time use both hands.

I wasn't stupid enough to hit the bag hard when I punched my fists into it because I didn't want to damage them. Even with the sounds that I was making, my heavy breathing and the zap against the leather I heard the loud footsteps approaching me. I stopped punching the bag and stepped forward to still it with my hands before turning to see who had interrupted me.

I wouldn't have guessed who was stood there watching me but in a way, it didn't surprise me either.

"Why are you here Juan?"

Yeah, there was a touch of annoyance in my voice because I didn't appreciate the way this man could suddenly turn up. Hell, this was the third time that I'd come across him in the middle of the night.

"I saw you come in on the monitors so froze them with an empty scene so no one will know that you're here"

Okay, I'd totally forgotten about the cameras dotted around inside the gym so maybe he had done me a favor. It didn't answer my question though, so with my hands on my hips I just stared at Juan.

"Okay, I thought that maybe I could help you, you know, improve your skills with the bag"

I watched the expression cross his face as he said that and I had to admit that he seemed genuine with what he was saying, but he still hadn't answered the question that I'd asked.

"Why are you here at Rangeman?"

I was becoming impatient with him now, as though he was avoiding having to tell me something but as he shrugged his shoulders and stepped closer to me, I had the feeling that he was going to tell me the truth.

"Lester told me about what happened at the cemetery and the probability of a contract on you. I knew that Carlos would have everything in hand but when I found out that he'd had to leave, well I thought that maybe I'd be more help hanging around here"

I suppose that his story was believable but even as I was thinking it through Juan was talking again.

"Azulejo, I know that you are very important to the men who work here. Lester is worried and no doubt so is Carlos. Those two are like brothers to me so I would always do anything to help them out. So, what do say, will you let me help you to train?"

I let my hands drop to my side and sighed as I realized that I couldn't very well refuse him after he'd said that.

"Okay. I accept the offer, but no touching"

I had to add that last statement because even though he was good friends with Les and Ranger, I didn't know him and there was just something that had me wanting to keep him at a distance. I had to concede that Juan was an excellent teacher, and he never once came into my personal space, instead he showed me so that I could copy him.

"Your fighting stance is the foundation for all your kicks and punches. A strong fighting stance provides stability and power. Let's try some kicks seeing as your punches are so good"

I nearly smiled as he said that thinking back to how I'd punched him last night.

"Stand with your feet staggered, one in front, one behind. Bend your knees slightly and lift the heel of your back foot. Bring your arms up with your elbows next to your ribs and your fists near your chin, palms facing in. Close your fists and curl the fingers in tightly. Place your thumb over your first two fingers. This is the form you'll start from when executing the moves"

I started with the front kick, standing in my stance with my left foot forward then transferring my weight onto my right foot and pulling the left knee up to my chest. Then I was ready to kick straight out, keeping my foot flexed. The next kick had my left foot forward and rotated my hips to the right and pointing my right toes out slightly. I kept my left foot flexed as I bent my knee and brought it in toward my chest. This time I had to kick my left leg forcefully out to the left, leaning my weight to the right to balance myself. The last kick that Juan showed me was the one that I found the most difficult to start with but once I got the hang of it, I loved the feel of being to kick the bag with some force. We may have done the moves in slow motion, and I may have ended up on my arse a couple of times, but I felt that I'd managed okay with what we'd done. I was hot, sweaty and definitely felt some muscles complaining that I didn't know that I had.

"You're a natural Azulejo. Practice those moves slowly to ensure that you have the correct stance and movement and then speed them up"

I caught the towel that Juan threw at me and wiped off the sweat from my face and neck as I watched as Juan walked out of the gym. A shower was definitely calling my name.

By the time that I'd showered and gone through the beauty treatments of shaving and moisturizing, that I'd neglected, I was surprised that there was a domed plate waiting for me in the kitchen. Seeing the croissants and jam set out underneath made me realize just how hungry I was. While I was tidying away the dishes I was surprised by a knock on the door and even more surprised to see Cal stood waiting for me to open the door.

"Is something wrong Cal?"

Because him being there was certainly not usual.

"Nope, nothing wrong. I'm going to the bonds office this morning so wondered if you wanted to come"

I smiled as I realized that I hadn't been out of the building since Ranger had left and that it would be nice to have the opportunity to catch up with Connie and Lula.

"Yeah, I'd like to come, thanks for thinking to ask me"

"All seems quiet with the shooter, in fact Hector reported that no one has seen that man for a few days. Meet me in the garage at 10"

I felt awful that I hadn't bothered to ask anyone if there were any updates on the shooter and supposed that information was probably shared at the morning meetings. Was I a bit annoyed that I hadn't been kept up to date? Yes, but then again was it my fault for not attending the morning meetings? I was getting up early so maybe now that I was working here full time, I should make the effort to go. I supposed the men were used to me being blasé about what they were doing so I needed to be more proactive and involved seeing as Ranger wasn't here to tell me what he thought that I should know.

I spent the time until I needed to be downstairs to meet Cal tidying up the apartment. The bed was stripped, though I kept Ranger's pillow intact, towels and clothes were put into the hamper for washing. I cleaned up the bathroom and made sure that the kitchen was tidy because having Ella having to tidy up after me made me feel slightly guilty. By 10 o'clock I was dressed in a Rangeman uniform equipped with my gun in a holster and a tracker in my pocket waiting for Cal. As soon as he arrived, I was soon buckled up in the front of one of the Cayennes feeling almost giddy with the idea of being outside.