Chapter 8

Stephanie was concerned about the drop in the numbers. She didn't initially understand why until she reviewed a few of the speeches given by her father's opponent over the last two weeks. Senator Douglas, the Speaker of the House, did a great job hinting that President Plum and his party blamed all city violence on the Latin American gangs while allowing what was left of the Italian Mafia to flourish. Stephanie rolled her eyes. It never ceased to amaze her at how little most Americans paid to politics. One of the platforms that got her father elected was how he pushed the Mafia out of Trenton and helped to push them out of Jersey and Philadelphia when he was Mayor of Trenton and a Senator. That simply meant that Stephanie must show how he's helped the Latinx community.

Even though her home community of Chambersburg has stayed relatively the same for the last fifty years, most of Trenton has evolved. While Italian restaurants, markets, and bakeries were abundant thirty years ago, now there are more bodegas, South and Central American restaurants, Columbian bakeries, Halal butchers, and South Asian cuisine. Outside of the Burg, Trenton was a melting pot of the new immigration wave, a welcomed change for Stephanie. However, as with many inner-city communities, where language and economics are barriers, the young get lost.

Those who come here as teens often face challenges with succeeding in school. Some of the young are not literate in their home languages, which makes becoming literate in English challenging. There are education gaps, even in subjects like math, where numbers are universal. Parents often work two or three jobs to make ends meet; some teens act as parents to younger siblings. Schooling is not their priority. When faced with these challenges, some young people turn to gangs to escape their home life, find a family they left behind, or have a sense of belonging.

To curb that lifestyle, Frank instituted school programs for these kids. All children were welcomed, and they offered homework help, extra English classes, and life skill courses for the teens. Here they had options for learning trades like electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, cooking, automotive repair, cosmetology, and computers, just to name a few. These teens were offered mentorship opportunities with experts in the field and sometimes got paid internships. Their language barrier didn't hinder these teens, as the experts were from their communities. This allowed them to earn money, build a community, and find worth, even though they might not finish school. For those who were more academically inclined, there were tutors to help them in all subjects and help them find and apply to colleges or programs where they could thrive. The project became a model for other cities. The younger children had play time and homework help.

Those who worked in the culinary areas would cook meals that the attendees could take home for dinner, giving them one less thing to worry about. While taxes subsidized part of the program, most of the overhead was paid by philanthropists. Many large and small businesses saw this program as training their future workforce, providing workers who knew how to do things their way. Ultimately, the loyalty between the teens and the business owners was strong.

Her phone rang as Stephanie was rewriting her talking points for the town hall she had that evening. She saw it was her father. "Hi Dad. How's mom?"

"Mom is doing well, not too much pain today, and feeling energetic."

"I'm glad. The good days help raise her spirits."

"That they do. But, Pumpkin, how are you? Especially after last night."

"Believe it or not, Dad, but I'm fine. I was a little scared, and I don't want to be alone, but I feel safe with Ranger."

Frank Plum smiled at the statement. The moment he met Ranger, he had a good feeling about him. He saw a lot of himself in Ranger. General Bogush is one of the few who know that Frank was his generation's "Ranger." Stephanie's innate intuitive nature would benefit Ranger, and his calm, clear-headed way of thinking would keep Stephanie at ease.

"I'm glad. Where did you stay last night? I was told that you were being taken to a secure location."

Stephanie was surprised that her father didn't know she stayed at Rangeman and felt the need to keep that from him for some reason. "At a Rangeman safehouse."

It wasn't exactly a lie. The Ranger's apartment was probably the safest safehouse she could ever be in.

"That's good. Did you see the email about the most recent poll?"

"Yes, I did, and I know why. I have reworked my speech to bring up the Youth Business Partnership. I don't think we'll need to worry much about the numbers dropping after this short trip. I'm sure the message will hit home in LA and Miami, and with the statistics to back up the success, Douglas will have to find another way to discredit you."

"Stephanie, I want you to know that I reassigned Morelli. I am working on having him removed from the SS entirely. He has proven that he does not have the proper character traits to be an agent. I have recently become privy to many things he has done, including sleeping around with many women while on duty. I thought he had matured and changed, but he did a great job hiding his true self from me. Unfortunately, his former supervisor, Agent Chisena, who had just retired, was covering for him. As he said, 'us paesani must stick together'". You know I have not approved of your relationship with Joseph. However, I felt you were an adult and could choose for yourself. But I see his behavior towards you is not what I want for my daughter. So, I strongly suggest you end things with Morelli permanently. I'm sure that there is a man out there who will appreciate you for you and give you the life you want. Morelli is not that man. I'm saying this as your father because I am concerned for your physical and mental health. Morelli is more like his father than I'd like to admit."

Stephanie knew that her father hated that she was "dating" Morelli, which was one of the reasons why they broke up so often. It explains why Morelli would be busy doing something for her father when she was visiting recently. Frank was purposely trying to keep them apart. Lately, Morelli's antics have been getting on her nerves. The threats against her have amplified it. When Morelli suggested that she stay in the White House and cease campaigning, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Since then, Stephanie has been distancing herself from Morelli, and this time, for good. However, she didn't expect her father to get him fired, nor could she blame him.

"So that must be why he's been texting me. I've deleted his texts without reading them. I don't need his negativity right now."

"Very likely, hoping that you'd intervene on his behalf."

"Daddy, you don't need to worry. I'm done with Morelli. This last indiscretion was enough. I can't be with a man without respect for me."

"I'm glad, Pumpkin. I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner. In some ways, I've been too focused on my job as Mayor, Senator, and then President to do my most important job, be your father. I promise I won't keep quiet again, especially if I disapprove of your choice."

"It's okay. We both hoped he escaped his fate, but he is a lost cause."

"Please listen to Ranger and follow his instructions. I know he will keep you safe."

"I will. I trust him implicitly."

"Be safe and take no prisoners. Sell your old man to the masses."

"I will. Love you."

"I love you too, Pumpkin."

Stephanie was confused by her father's lack of information. It was time to figure out what Ranger had told her father and why. Ranger and Lester were sitting at the other table, discussing business.

"Carlos," said Stephanie, "is there a reason why my dad, the POTUS, didn't know where his daughter stayed last night?"

Lester was surprised when he heard Stephanie call Ranger "Carlos." No one other than his immediate family used his given name. It wasn't like Ranger to tell people his name, either.

Ranger grimaced at Stephanie's use of this name. He knew Lester would make a bigger deal out of it than it was, but then again, his cousin always looked for things to hassle him on. It was part of their dynamic.

"We have some concerns about who knows what regarding your threats. We don't think your father is involved, but we are unsure if someone close to him is. Therefore, we are sending him abridged notes and leaving some information out. Right now, I only trust my men and Agent Torres. Marco, the head of our Miami branch, and Agent Torres are brothers. That is the only reason he is being given all the information and we agreed to work with the FBI."

"You think it could be an SS agent?"

"Honestly, no, but we can't eliminate that as a possibility. We rather not take any chances. The less who know what is going on, the easier to keep you safe."

Stephanie sat in her seat, deep in thought. Could it be someone close to me or Dad? Could it be someone trying to undermine Dad's reelection? She knew anything was possible but hated thinking someone she trusted could hurt her.

"I understand. If you don't want me accidentally spilling the beans to my father, you better tell me what you tell him."

Lester was surprised at the exchange between the two. Ranger's usual response is to mind your business or be evasive. But he readily told Stephanie what he was thinking and why. Something was happening between these two, and Lester wasn't sure they knew it. However, if he had anything to do with it, he'd ensure they saw how perfect they were for each other.

Lester knew that Ranger was anti-relationships since the whole Rachel debacle. Besides using women to scratch an itch, he was a hands-off man. Not even Ella called him Carlos. Maybe the fact that Ranger and Stephanie were talking to each other, communicating, was a good thing. Perhaps this woman was the key to unlocking Ranger's heart. Even if she turned out not to be 'the one' that Lester would bet his left testicle that she was, she would allow Ranger to consider having a long-term relationship with a woman.

"You're right. That was an oversight. I will let you know what we tell everyone outside of Rangeman. Now, we will be landing in Chicago in about twenty minutes. Your lunch meeting is at thirteen hundred, and I assume you don't want to wear jeans and a t-shirt."

"That is correct."

"We will be landing at about eleven forty-five. We will have about thirty minutes for you to shop. Do you have a store in mind?"

"Macy's is the best bet. I can buy a few outfits, both casual and professional, as well as restock my make-up."

Restock her make-up? Ranger was thoroughly confused. He thought she looked perfect the way she was. She had a natural beauty and didn't need to cover it up with all the fake crap. "Got it. What if there isn't a Macy's en route? What would be your second choice?"

Stephanie had to think for a moment. She was a clearance rack shopper by nature, and even though she could afford it, she hated to pay for high-end designed clothes. Thinking of the other chain department stores, she said, "Bloomingdales or Saks Fifth Avenue."

Ranger looked to Lester, who knew it was his job to plan the route to get Stephanie where she needed to go on time.

"Oh, we must make one more stop, but that can be between meetings. I must go to Victoria's Secret, but maybe you don't have to follow me closely there."

"Babe, you know I'm glued to your side when we are in the open."

"I was afraid of that, but it's just weird to be shopping for lingerie with a man I barely know."

Ranger understood her discomfort but needed to protect her at all costs. He had no idea if someone was actively stalking her. After all, her schedule wasn't exactly a secret. True, there would be no way for someone to know that she would be stopping at a particular Victoria's Secret store today, but it was the public's knowledge that she had a lunch meeting. It would be easy for someone to follow them from that meeting. Well, it would be easy if it wasn't Lester driving. Lester was great at detecting tails and losing them. That was one of the reasons why he chose Lester to be the driver. Additionally, Lester was the most extroverted of the group. Since Lester was half Cuban and half Spanish, he appeared more European. That put people at ease. The sheer size of Tank and that he and Bobby were Black would put peoples' walls up. It annoyed him that race still played a role in the way people perceived others.

"I will try to keep a little distance, but I will not be far. Your schedule is public knowledge, and theoretically, someone could follow us from your lunch engagement to the store. Though I doubt they would do anything to you in the open like that without a plan, it could happen. It would be better if you can buy enough clothing to get you through the next two to three days, then order the rest online. You can have the clothing shipped to Rangeman, and Ella can then ship whatever you need to our next location. It would be best to have her send your stuff to Miami because she can send it to Rangeman's Miami Headquarters."

Stephanie knew Ranger was right, even if she didn't like it. To avoid Morelli the last few months, Stephanie spent more time in Trenton; therefore, most of her wardrobe was there and currently inaccessible. However, knowing someone was in her apartment without her knowledge made her not want to wear those clothes again. Her clothing in DC was casual or formal, as she usually attended state dinners there. A new wardrobe wouldn't be a bad idea.

"Okay, that makes sense. I don't like it, but I will do what you suggest."

"We have about five minutes before the seatbelts need to be buckled, so I suggest you use the restroom now. I would prefer that you limit your use of public restrooms for now. I could bring a woman in, but I don't think you want that."

"No, I don't. I wouldn't say I like using public restrooms and avoid them as much as possible. So, I will use the restroom now. Carlos, thank you for all you are doing. I know it must be difficult for you to drop everything and follow me around."

"Babe, we have been hired by your father to protect you; he is paying us for our services. It's what we do."

"I know, but I'm sure you don't typically do the bodyguarding."

Ranger knew that Stephanie was correct. He was never a bodyguard. He hated being taken away from the daily operations of Rangeman. But, when you have a client as influential as the POTUS, you do things you wouldn't do.

"You are right, but I'm glad I am your main bodyguard. I find you intriguing and enjoy getting to know you."

What the fuck, Manoso. Way to give information to the enemy. Well, not exactly an enemy, but someone who should not know what you are thinking. Fuck, Carlos, go away. Ranger doesn't give out information. Ranger watched Stephanie walk to the bathroom, warring with himself.

Oh yeah, my cousin has it bad. He's so hung up on Stephanie Plum. This will be fun to watch. Lester thought to himself.

"The Florentine, where Stephanie has her meeting, is about five minutes from Macy's. We should be able to get there without a problem," said Lester.

"What about Victoria's Secret?"

"It's closer to Macy's. It would make more sense to do the shopping first, then lunch. But I'm not sure how long she'll take."

"How far from the Hotel?"

"The Peninsula, where we stay, is closer to the stores. We'll be crisscrossing around Chicago."

"I don't love it, but it is what it is."

Stephanie emerged from the restroom and walked to one of the recliner chairs. Her laptop and notebooks were stowed before she got up. She sat down and buckled her seat belt, looking out the window.

"If you are a fast shopper, we can get everything before your lunch meeting," Ranger said.

"I can try. It depends on if I can find clothes quickly. I'm fairly quick in VS, considering I know exactly what to get, but Macy's can take some time. I need to find pieces that don't require alterations."

"A hotel like The Peninsula should have a tailor on sight. If they do, we can employ them to alter any clothes and have them ready before we leave. Just make sure that what you need for lunch fits you."

Stephanie hated the idea of having someone rush to alter her clothes. She was a no-frills type of girl. Fortunately, with her height, she rarely needed dresses hemmed, and she could usually find things to fit her bust. Outside of her formal wear, she didn't have her clothing altered. But desperate times call for desperate measures, so this is probably a good idea.

"All right. I'll do that."

Ranger nodded and headed to use the restroom now that Lester had vacated it.

"Stephanie, you are handling the events of the last 24 hours beautifully. I know it sucks to give up your freedom and follow orders from others, but remember, we have your best interest in mind," Lester said.

"I know that. It is that knowledge that is keeping me sane. Part of me wants to run away and scream, but the mature adult in me knows I'm safer with you and Ranger than alone."

"If you don't mind me asking, why don't you have an admin or secretary?"

Stephanie laughed. "I do have one, but she is incompetent at best. I'll get reminders for meetings an hour after they begin; she always mixes up the names of the people I'm meeting with and can barely write an email. I give her busy work and do my scheduling. I'm biding my time until someone better comes along. I'm surprised Amanda passed the exam to get in the pool."

That's interesting, Lester thought; maybe I need to have Hector look into Amanda's background. Those exams are not easy to pass, and even harder to cheat nowadays. "What's Amanda's last name?"

"Grady. Amanda Grady. Why do you think she could be involved?" Stephanie asked, biting her lip.

"I don't know, but we must look at everyone close to you. She would know if you are using your reservations, correct?"

Stephanie thought for a moment. "Yes, she would. Do you think I should check in but not stay?"

"That might not be a bad idea, Babe. The reservations we make are untraceable back to you. Lester or I will check-in, and you will not go to the concierge. We don't want to risk someone at the desk tipping off anyone."

"Damn, this is crazier than I thought."

"I know it can be overwhelming, but I promise, we will find out who is making the threats," Ranger said.

"I have faith in you. I typically cope with bad things by visiting Denial Land, but you are Lester are doing a good job of keeping me out of there. When I'm in danger or facing something unpleasant, I prefer to put my head in the sand and pretend it doesn't exist. I deal with it later when I can afford to attempt to make sense of it. You are making me do that now."

"Putting things off doesn't make them go away. They are always there. But, by facing challenges, you can overcome them."

"I know you're right. Hopefully, this will lead to an improved Stephanie Plum."

As the plane touched down in Chicago, Stephanie received a phone call. Her lunch appointment was canceled due to a double booking. Stephanie wasn't upset, as the critical event was this evening. Now, she had more time for retail therapy.

"Gentleman, my lunch date is canceled, so time to hit the stores. I should be able to get what I need today for the rest of this trip. I will order stuff for the next trip later on."

Ranger felt like rolling his eyes. He hated shopping. It didn't matter if it were online or in person. In his mind, you go to a store, buy what you need, and leave. There is no trying on or debating over colors or styles. Just a simple purchase. All those wasted hours he spent with his mother and sister shopping has conditioned him to hate the event.

Stephanie was sure that Ranger and Lester were the typical males who hated shopping with a passion. Fortunately for them, she was an efficient shopper when she had to be. Sure, she loved sales and loved to search for that unexpected gem, but when she had things to do, she could be focused. She wanted time to unwind before tonight's meeting and hoped to check in to their hotel by two-thirty at the latest. From Ranger's expression, she knew he wasn't looking forward to the excursion. Maybe Steph will make him sweat a little.

Back in the Capital Region, Joe Morelli was livid. How dare he be placed on the Speaker of the House duty. He was on First Family duty. No one gets removed from First Family Duty. The Speaker wouldn't even have an SS detail if he weren't running for President against Frank Plum.

Joe hoped to return to Stephanie's good graces when she returned to DC in a week. He always managed to wear her down. He knew she had a weakness for pizza and New York Rangers hockey, but now he wouldn't have the chance. Miller, the agent in charge, was a hard ass and was already riding Joe. He wasn't on shadow detail. No, he was stuck screening visitors and confirming everything was in place for the Senator's official engagements.

Joe knew the other agents were talking about him. He was afraid that he would lose his job. Then what? He'd have to go back to Trenton. Capital Police wouldn't hire him. Neither would departments in Maryland or Virginia. He didn't want to end up as a member of the Trenton Police Department. He needed to find some way to make him seem invaluable. Marrying Stephanie would have ensured that he had the job he wanted. But now that Frank was keeping them apart, he'd needed to figure something else out.

He texted Stephanie again, wondering why she wasn't returning his texts. He wanted to determine if she was okay and find out how much she hated being with those Rangeman goons. Joe still can't believe that the President hired those ghosts. Joe was concerned for Stephanie's safety with them. No one could or would protect Stephanie as he would. Fuck! He thought as he threw his phone across the room. Why isn't she answering?