Chapter 28

But nothing happened, no sound came from the rifle, so hope rose as I thought that maybe the gun was empty. Opening my eyes, I could now see what had happened and let out the breath that I was holding. Looking at Ranger as he stood holding his gun to the man's head, I could see the anger in his face and at that moment I knew that he was capable of killing the man. Him looking over to me had his eyes softening and his muscles losing some of their tension as though he was deciding what to do.

"No one, and no dog dies today. You have a choice, turn around and walk away from here or I'll deal with you the same way that you were going to deal with the dog"

I watched as Ranger moved so quickly, I almost missed it, but the result was that Ranger now had hold of the rifle. We waited as the man looked from me to Ranger and gaining some degree of sensibility he turned away from Ranger and began to make his way back through the woods. Ranger watched until he'd disappeared and then after putting his gun away made his way over to me, breaking the shotgun to carry over his arm. The dog, well, maybe he could sense that Ranger was the leader of the pack because he instantly laid down on his stomach.

"You never disappoint Babe"

Was all that he said as he took one of my hands and pulled me up onto my feet. I bent down and managed to salvage my boot and then with a shrug shoved it back on my foot. I was too grateful for him turning up to respond to him because I suppose that he was right. I couldn't even go for a walk in the countryside without attracting trouble.

My boot squelched as I walked and the mud in my hair and on my face was drying hard so I knew that I was a mess. What surprised me was that the dog was keeping up with us making me wonder what we'd end up doing with him. As we approached the external door Ranger turned to the dog.

"Stay"

One word and the dog laid down and stayed where he was as we walked through the door. Ranger removed my boots, then my jacket before undoing my jeans and tugging them down my legs.

"Go get showered, I'll sort these out"

I didn't dare argue with him so turned and made my way through the garage and up the two flights of stairs to the bedroom. It seemed to take an age to get all of the mud out of my hair and from my skin and I was amazed that the hot water lasted as long as it did. Feeling squeaky clean and dressed in joggers and a T-shirt I expected to find Ranger in the living area surprised to find the area empty. From there I went down into the garage and walked through to the laundry room. Being bare foot, I must have been exceptionally quiet because I caught Ranger sat on the floor trying very hard to brush the knots from the dogs now clean and wet coat. The dog was the first one to see me and he instantly stood up, wagging his tail.

I sat down next to Ranger and took the brush from his hand and carefully continued with the brushing.

"He's a beautiful dog, now he's clean. Is he a German Shepherd?"

Ranger sat back against the wall and watched me as he too took a look at him.

"Yes. He reminds me of the dogs that the military use. Strong and intelligent. They were trained to sniff out explosives so saved a lot of lives"

I continued the brushing feeling his body for any signs of injury because I was sure that man had been viscious with him. My fingers brushed over a couple of scars on his belly but as I continued, he rolled over obviously enjoying the attention.

"Before you ask, I'll take him to a vets and get him checked out. He may be chipped so may have an owner"

The answer gave me hope that maybe I could keep him but then the dog surprised us both by quickly getting to his feet and standing at the door, a low growl emanating from his chest.

"We have company, probably Santos. Leave him in here for him to dry and let's go meet Santos before he thinks that something has happened to us"

Les was just unloading some boxes from the back of a truck when we went through and without saying anything we soon carried the boxes upstairs. I set up the coffee machine while the men unpacked food from the boxes wondering just how long Ranger envisioned us being here.

"Beautiful, that distraction last night will always be my favorite, you looked"

One look from Ranger had Les stopping mid sentence and I knew straight away that Ranger wasn't pleased with his comment.

"Santos if anyone learns anything about last night from you then a crate will be the least of your problems"

A look from Ranger to Les and I realized that Les knew exactly what we'd been up to in that room. I felt mortified and to hide the blush that I was sure was spreading across my face I turned and started to get mugs down from the cupboard.

"Okay, I can take a hint. I won't say anything but not because of you, because of Beautiful"

Subtle, real subtle was my instant thought. Obviously Les knew what went on in that room but hopefully he'd also realize that he'd have me to contend with as well as Ranger.

"Anything to report Santos?"

Asked Ranger as we each took a mug of coffee and made our way to where the couches were.

"The van had been stolen a few days before. It was clean inside, so I assume the men wore gloves. They were careful not to be seen by the video cams on the front of the SUV and to be honest it happened so quickly that we didn't get a good look at their faces. White, well built with woolen hats pulled down low. Hector lost them when he tried to backtrack them on street cams"

"If those men were looking for me then how did they know to stop that car when they did?"

"Hector reckons they were hooked into the same cameras. They'd have lost us when we turned off the main road but then picked us up again when we returned"

"Anyone watching Rangeman?"

"Not that we can find. Tank's put us up to alert level 2 and reminded the men to be extra observant"

Which meant that the crash wasn't being taken as an accident, that someone had purposely crashed into the Rangeman car. I had no idea why someone would do that and in true Stephanie style decided that it probably had nothing to do with me.

Looking through a box that Les handed to me I was pleased to see my bag inside and also a charger. There were also some changes of clothes and the file on Sullivan. At least Les hadn't asked anything about that because I wasn't too sure how I would explain everything to him. Hearing the two men talking about Rangeman business I decided to leave them to it so went upstairs. Clothes went away in the closet, the phone was put on charge so I went through to the office with my paperwork.

I read through that book again and remembering what Katrina had told me maybe had a better idea of what had been troubling Sullivan when he had disappeared. On a whim I used the printer to make a copy of the verses because I wanted to make notes on them without damaging the originals. For once I was aware of Ranger coming up the stairs so met him in the bedroom area.

"I'm going to drop the dog off at the vets and then call in at Rangeman. Tank has paperwork that I need to sign. Will you be okay on your own?"

I didn't like the idea of being left alone but I would never stop Ranger from attending to business, besides what could possibly happen here?

"I'll be fine. I'll stay inside, I promise"

I replied with a smile on my face. No way did I want a repeat of what had happened earlier.

"The fob that you have deactivates the alarm and opens the doors. I shouldn't be long"

Nice to know, but I wouldn't be going anywhere. I was taken by surprise when Ranger stepped forward and held me in his arms giving me a bone melting kiss that left me weak at the knees and then he was gone. Don't think about it, was what I was telling myself and that way you won't be disappointed. Returning to the office I placed all of the lose papers into the file and left it on the desk, but for some reason I wanted to find a safe place for the original book. The desk seemed too obvious, so I looked around the room for an alternative hiding place. The shelves that held the books took my interest and I was intrigued to see a section full of Agatha Christie novels. I'd seen some of her films, but a lot of the titles were new to me. Pulling a few books from the shelves allowed me to hide the package behind them and after making sure that the spines were all in line decided that no one would guess what was behind them.

On a whim I picked out one of the books, The Man in a Brown Suit, and after reading the back cover decided that it might make interesting reading. With the book in my hand, I sat down on the floor and leant against the wall soon becoming absorbed in the story about a woman called Anne Bedingfield.

I wasn't sure how long I'd been reading for. I felt contented to just sit there and become lost in the story so when I heard a door opening below me, I assumed that it was Ranger returning. Getting to my feet I found a piece of paper to use as a bookmark and placed the book on the table before venturing out into the bedroom area. I heard footsteps on the stairs, but I didn't feel that tingle that warned me of Ranger being close by, so immediately stepped away from the opening, standing and waiting next to the bed. Imagine my surprise when Juan suddenly appeared from the stairs and was looking at me.

"Azulejo. I missed seeing you this morning. What are you doing here?"

His appearance surprised me and to be honest was unnerving me. Why was he here and how did he know where to look for me? Had he spoken to Ranger and Ranger had suggested that he come here? But why?

"Sorry, something cropped up and Ranger thought that I needed a break from work"

Not exactly a lie so why was I being evasive with Juan? I didn't like that he was here and was beginning to feel nervous with his presence.

"Why here?"

"Why not?"

I immediately retorted back. What business was it to him if I was here, he wasn't responsible for me. Besides Ranger knew that I was here, and it had been his idea for me to stay here.

"Azulejo, what have you got yourself involved with? It's not a good idea for you to be here, you'll only get hurt"

Confusion was the next emotion to flow through me as I tried to understand what the hell Juan was talking about. As far as I knew I wasn't involved in anything and why would being here result in me being hurt?

"I don't understand. What are you talking about?"

I watched Juan as he glanced around the room which to me implied that he hadn't been up here before and I was pretty sure that Ranger wouldn't appreciate that he was with me in the bedroom. I needed a reason for us to go downstairs.

"Why don't we go downstairs, and I'll get us a coffee"

As I made to move toward the stairs I was startled when Juan took hold of my arm stopping me and then as he turned me so that I was facing him. His face didn't betray anything which only confused me even more and that trickle of fear began to edge its way inside me.

"Azulejo. This isn't your house so you shouldn't be acting like some domesticated woman. Is that it? Do you really think that is what will come from this?"

I pulled my arm from his grip as I considered what he had said. It had me asking the inevitable question that came straight to my head.

"Whose house is it?"

Because I'd just assumed that this was a safe house and not that it was someone's personal property.

"Carlos's. You didn't know?"

I shook my head as the enormity of what he'd told me hit me. Ranger had brought me to his own house, so why hadn't he told me that or was it that I'd just made a stupid assumption and never thought to ask? Shit, had he brought me to the Batcave and I hadn't realized?

"Azulejo. You cannot tame him. No one can. He takes what he needs and then moves on"

I was staring at Juan now listening to what he was saying but also hearing that little voice of doubt emerging through my thoughts. What did Juan know about Ranger for him to be saying that to me?

"You're wrong. We're friends and have been for years. He's always been loyal to me and supported me. It's him who gives to me not the other way around"

Which was perfectly true. Ranger could have removed himself from my life years ago if he'd wanted to, but that little voice was also repeating words that Ranger had said. He needed me, so was that him taking from me?

"Dios mío, you think that you're in love with him, don't you? He'll never love you back, because he isn't capable of doing that. I've known him since we were kids, growing up. The army, the rangers and then the jobs that he does are all that he aspires to. He has never allowed himself to become emotionally attached to anyone and isn't going to start now with you"

I just stared at Juan, his words feeling like they were crushing my heart. Hadn't I told myself the same thing, seen how emotionally distant he could be, heard all of the reasons why he would never commit to a relationship. I felt tears come to my eyes as I realized how stupid and naive I'd been. I'd told myself that nothing would ever come of loving Ranger, but I hadn't listened to myself. Instead, I'd allowed my heart to swell with every touch and every word that he'd told me and now I was sure that it would shatter into a million pieces.

"Come, you need to leave. You can't allow yourself to be controlled by him and to have him hurt you so badly. Leave while you can"

My eyes were streaming now and for some reason I allowed Juan to take my arm and lead me down the stairs. I just felt numb from what Juan had told me.

"Sit down while I pack some things"

I sat on the couch trying to ignore Juan as he disappeared back upstairs, but my thoughts were going all over the place. Then as I replayed everything that Juan had said, that stubbornness and anger started to emerge from within me. I wanted to have this out with Ranger so that he could tell me himself exactly what his motives were for always seeking me out, for always being there for me. Maybe I wanted a loud shouting match to vent my emotions through, it was something that I wanted to do on my terms and not to just disappear without a word. That was the coward's way out as far as I was concerned. I had to have closure and if it meant Ranger telling me that there was nothing between us and never could be, then so be it. I'd find a way of rebuilding myself; I'd just have to find the strength to do that.

I heard Juan come back down the stairs and through my tears saw him stood in front of me, a rucksack in his hands.

"I'm not going anywhere. I need to talk to Ranger"

I didn't move even after hearing Juan sighing so when my arm was suddenly grabbed, and I was pulled from the couch I took exception to it. No one had the right to touch me like that, I'd vowed that to myself after the incident with Joe. No man would ever get away with trying to tell me what to do or trying to force me into something that I was opposed to. So I let instinct take over, and with my free arm pulled it back ready to punch him. Of course, he was ready for that happening and he was now using far more strength and skill than he had ever displayed during our training. I found myself being picked up like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder, my head hanging down his back. Why had no one ever taught me how to get out of this hold?

It didn't stop me from wriggling and trying to use my legs to kick him. He didn't put me down but instead he hoisted me further over his shoulder with an arm banded over my legs. I knew that I was crying and probably shouting and screaming but his move had put my body lower down his back. We were going down the steps toward the garage when I changed my tactics. He wasn't going to drag me out of this building without a fight. Instead of using my arms and hands to punch at his legs I used my hands to grab at his trousers. Once I had a tight grip and held on, the effect was immediate, only not the one that I had planned on. Me holding his trouser meant that his foot misjudged where the step was, and he ended up falling down the steps. As he landed face first on the hard concrete it whipped me back over his shoulder and it was my head that made contact with the cold hard floor.