Ranger's phone rang. He recognized the number for Vinnie's bond office. Ranger steeled himself for Connie's latest request. He was surprised when Stephanie asked, "Can you help me break into Morelli's house?"
Despite his reluctance, Ranger readily agreed. She gave him the address and met him there. Stephanie waited for Ranger to pick the lock, but he used a key. "Where did you get that?"
"The super," Ranger replied. He found a set of keys on the counter. "You should take those in case you want to come back. Then you don't have to bug the superintendent a second time." Stephanie nodded and grabbed Morelli's keys.
Not finding anything useful, Ranger left Stephanie to snoop to return the key to the super. Stephanie listened to the messages from the answering machine before copying the phone number and access code. She could check the machine without returning to the apartment.
Unsure about where to start, Stephanie drove to Stark Street. She parked her piece of crap Nova on State Street before approaching the women she noticed at the corner. Stephanie questioned Lula and Jackie, two hookers standing on the corner of Stark and State. It was close to the apartment where Stephanie located Morelli when she followed Mooch, Joe's cousin. "Have you seen Joe Morelli?" Stephanie asked.
"Why? Did you get you pregnant?" Lula asked.
"He might have," Stephanie replied. She could have fourteen years earlier, but the hookers didn't need to know that information. Stephanie had no desire to have sex with Joseph Morelli again. He ruined her reputation when he wrote about it all over town.
Lula and Jackie looked up the street. "We can't talk to you, sugar," Jackie replied. "It's too dangerous for us." Lula opened her mouth to speak, but Jackie covered her lips. "No, Lula. We can't help."
"Sorry, I hope you find him," Lula said before following Jackie. Plan A was unsuccessful, forcing Stephanie to move on to plan B.
Stephanie watched Jackie enter the rundown apartment building, while Lula climbed into the back of a van. She wondered if they'd talk to her another day. Unable to find another lead, Stephanie went to the phone booth to find the address of the gym. She tore the page from the phone book, hoping nobody noticed. Stephanie checked the buildings for numbers.
It took a few times walking up and down the block, before she saw the Stark Street Gym name professionally lettered in black on the door window. The gym was on the second floor, above the A & K Auto Body. Catcalls and kissy noises drifted from its depths as Stephanie crossed the sidewalk to reach the door. Stephanie nearly unleashed her New Jersey attitude but decided discretion was better given the situation.
The gun and cuffs Stephanie carried gave her a false sense of control and power. She had no clue what demon she was about to unleash. A shadowy figure moved away from the dirty third-floor window, grabbing Stephanie's attention. She narrowed her eyes and instinctively knew it was Joseph Morelli. Not wanting to lose his location, Stephanie continued with her plan. Stephanie suspected Morelli was watching her. It wasn't too surprising. She basically announced her arrival when the muffler fell off the Nova before she parked up the street.
Stephanie opened the door leading to the gym. The stairway reeked of shit and urine combined with sweat and body odour. Stephanie gagged when she saw a blob of mucus sliding down the filthy railing. Graffiti coloured the walls. She noticed various markings for local gangs.
The stench from the second floor was overwhelming. Stephanie grinned, having heard it stops you from vomiting. Well, she didn't exactly hear it. She saw it on an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Sara Sidle mentioned if you smiled while investigating a gruesome scene, it would stop you from gagging. Stephanie thought whoever wrote that dialogue was full of shit. She was fighting hard not to puke.
"Oh, boy," Stephanie mumbled. Stephanie quickly realized she was an ignorant white woman in a black man's gym. She was entirely out of her element. Everyone stopped their routines and stared at her. The silence was deafening. Stephanie spread her legs slightly to widen her stance. She announced, "I'm looking for Benito Ramirez," as she hiked the bag higher on her shoulder.
A massive man approached Stephanie. He was well over 6' tall. "I'm Ramirez," he replied. His eyes were empty as they glared at Stephanie. Ramirez's silky voice and lazy smile contradicted his cold, calculating eyes. He grinned as though winning the lottery.
Unwilling to back down, Stephanie approached Ramirez and extended her hand. "I'm Stephanie Plum," she said.
His touch was too gentle, and he held her hand for too long before he said, "Benito Ramirez." Stephanie quickly realized everything about Ramirez contributed to his skill and aggression. The man could make his opponent tremble in fear with a simple glare. She was scared out of her mind. Benito refused to release her hand when she pulled it back.
"Let go of my hand so I can grab a business card," Stephanie said. He reluctantly released his grip. Stephanie's hand shook as she reached into her purse, then passed her contact information to Ramirez. He was amused that Stephanie was a fugitive apprehension agent and commented on her size. "I'm looking for Joe Morelli. Have you seen him?"
"He killed Ziggy," Ramirez replied, repeating information she already knew. Stephanie asked about Carmen Sanchez and if Ziggy ever mentioned her. Ramirez refused to answer. "I could buy you a Coke."
"No, thank you," Stephanie politely declined.
"Most women think it's a treat for the champ to buy them a soda," Ramirez replied. Stephanie was feeling uncomfortable. Her spidey sense warned her of danger. She had to get out of there and away from the man.
"I have to meet Sergeant Gazarra for lunch," Stephanie lied. Ramirez picked up on her fib. Stephanie felt the panic build and willed herself not to react to her desperate desire to leave. She knew Ramirez was posturing for his friends as he played with her. Ramirez was furious Stephanie didn't succumb to his velvety voice and gentle caresses on her sleeve.
Stephanie exaggerated the motion of looking at her watch. "I'm sorry, but I'm supposed to meet Gazarra soon. He'll be angry if I'm late again," Stephanie said. "You should respect me as a member of the law enforcement community."
Ramirez grabbed Stephanie forcefully as his fingers dug into the tender flesh at the back of her neck. She reflectively hunched over. Stephanie had never been more frightened in her life. "Nobody tells the champ what to do. You're not leaving, Stephanie Plum. The champ hasn't played with you yet," he whispered.
Stephanie felt the fear as it washed over her body when nobody offered to help. She attempted to get away by appealing to his better half. Unfortunately, Ramirez was evil to the core. "You've got to understand something about the champ, Stephanie Plum. Nobody disrespects the champ," he said as he violently shook her. She felt her neck twinge in pain. "The champ wants you to show him respect, baby." Ramirez shook Stephanie again, making her teeth rattle. "Stephanie Plum gotta make up for refusing him. Show the champ some fear, bitch."
Showing Ramirez fear wasn't an act. Stephanie was afraid for her life. Ramirez looked like the type to enjoy the kill. His eyes were empty, attempting to suck the life out of Stephanie. Inside his eyes, she could see the fiery depths of hell. The devil stood with his pitchfork, waiting for the next victim to arrive. "Let go of my neck," Stephanie whimpered.
"Ah. You're afraid of the champ. I can smell the fear from your pussy," he whispered. "Are your pants getting wet? I should touch you to find out." Ramirez giggled. Stephanie felt the hairs on her arms stand at attention.
"Let me go. It's your last warning," Stephanie snapped.
Ramirez grabbed Stephanie's shirt and tore it from her body. "Nobody tells the champ what to do," he yelled. Stephanie trembled in fear. She could see his face twisted in rage. It was nothing Stephanie had ever seen before in her life.
The insanity Stephanie briefly glimpsed in his eyes was at the surface for everyone to see. Stephanie thought Ramirez was going to kill her. As a last ditch effort to escape, Stephanie swung her purse. She hit Ramirez on the side of the head. The weight of her gun and other assorted crap inside the bag caused Ramirez to stagger sideways from the impact. Stephanie used that opportunity to escape.
Before Stephanie could get too far, Ramirez grabbed her. She flew across the room and landed on the floor face down. Ramirez sat on her back as he grabbed her hair. She could feel some strands separate from her skull. Stephanie tried to grab her gun, but it was out of reach.
Glass shattered as the crack of a weapon echoed in the gym. The men, including Ramirez, ran for cover. Stephanie was relieved she could escape the boxer. She crawled to the door until the stairs were visible.
Stephanie grabbed the railing, forgetting about the disgusting mucus near the bottom. She slipped and fell down the steps on her knees. Her pantyhose was shredded, and her knees bled. Stephanie screamed when a hand grabbed her arm as she reached for the door handle.
Joseph Morelli couldn't believe he had to rescue Stephanie Plum from Benito Ramirez. "What the fuck were you thinking?" Morelli yelled as he pulled Stephanie through the doors.
"Let go of me," Stephanie shouted.
"Haul that fat ass," Morelli said. He pulled Stephanie around the corner and through the alley. They followed a narrow road before Morelli pulled her into a garage. "What were you thinking by walking into the gym dressed like that?"
Morelli removed his short sleeved shirt to cover Stephanie's bra before he slammed her against the garage door, knocking loose dust from the rafters. "Looking for you, asshole," Stephanie replied.
"You found me. Thanks for blowing my cover," Morelli sarcastically said, punctuating his frustration by body slamming Stephanie again. The air whooshed from her lungs. She coughed, attempting to catch her breath.
"So you were the shadow in the window across the street," Stephanie said. She narrowed her eyes and dared Morelli to refute her claim. Stephanie reached into her bag and pulled out the weapon. She pointed it at Joe. "You're under arrest."
"You have a gun? Why the fuck didn't you use it in the gym?" Morelli shouted.
"I was reaching for it when you shot out the windows," Stephanie screamed. "You're coming with me." Stephanie snapped the cuff on his right arm. Morelli shoved her into the stack of dusty boxes before taking off with her cuffs attached to his wrist. Shit! She'd need to buy another pair. Hopefully, Connie had some extra cuffs at the office.
Stephanie slid to the floor. Tears stained her cheeks as she cried. Her nose ran, and her body shook as the adrenaline tapered. Stephanie stayed inside the garage until she felt it was safe enough to get her car and go home.
Two nights later, Stephanie heard a disturbance outside her apartment door. The doorknob rattled as someone attempted to get inside. Scratching along her door made goosebumps appear on her arms. "Stephanie," Ramirez singsonged. Stephanie felt the vomit rise to her throat. She covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom to empty the contents of her stomach.
Stephanie ensured the windows got locked and the curtains closed. "Go away, or I'll call the cops," Stephanie threatened.
Ramirez giggled, making Stephanie's blood run cold. "You don't have a phone," Ramirez replied. Stephanie lifted the receiver to hear the dial tone but finding none. Ramirez told the truth. Her phone got disconnected. Stephanie would have to fix it soon. She couldn't call anyone since her cellphone got cancelled a few months earlier when she couldn't afford to pay the bill. Without a landline, Stephanie had no way to call for help.
"I got it reconnected," Stephanie lied.
"The champ doesn't like a woman running away," Ramirez said. He jiggled the doorknob again. Stephanie was relieved when the door held. Ramirez grunted outside the door. The unmistakeable sound of a fist hitting flesh sounded into her foyer.
Stephanie shoved a fist in her mouth and hid inside her bedroom until the thumping against her apartment door stopped. When it was silent for fifteen minutes, Stephanie grabbed her gun and opened the door. A slimy substance resembling semen slid down the door, making her gag. Stephanie closed, then locked the door. She shoved a dining room chair beneath the doorknob to prevent Ramirez from breaking in.
An hour later, the phone rang. Stephanie stared in shock. The person didn't leave a message. Stephanie checked the call log and saw her father's mobile number. "Hello," Frank answered when Stephanie returned the call.
"Hi, Daddy. I noticed you called," she said. "Did you need me to come over?"
"I was ensuring the phone company reconnected your line," Frank replied.
"Thanks, Daddy. I was going to call them in the morning. You didn't have to help."
"I paid for the next few months. You shouldn't have to be without a phone," Frank explained. "We'll discuss getting you a cellphone soon."
"Okay," she replied. Stephanie wiped the tears off her cheek. She was lucky to have an amazing father. "I appreciate your help."
"Pumpkin, I know you're a proud woman. Your mother called to invite you for dinner on Sunday. She mentioned your telephone line got disconnected. It took me a few hours to get the phone company to reconnect your number," Frank explained. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Daddy." Stephanie didn't want to tell her dad about working as a BEA for Vinnie.
Frank knew Stephanie was working as a fugitive apprehension agent. He didn't draw attention to her job. Stephanie would tell him once she was ready. "Daddy?"
"Yes, Pumpkin," Frank replied, smiling.
"Do you think Joseph Morelli is guilty of murder?" Stephanie asked. Frank frowned.
"They have compelling evidence to prove his guilt," Frank replied.
"Well, um. I think Joe's innocent. There are too many unanswered questions. Nobody can find the witnesses. It feels like someone went to great lengths covering their tracks," Stephanie explained.
"Be careful out there, Pumpkin. Remember everything I taught you," Frank said before ending the call.
Stephanie wondered how to catch Morelli. She went into her bedroom to change for bed. The keys on the dresser grabbed her attention. Stephanie picked them up and grinned. "This was not in the plans, but it is now," she said to the empty room.
Ramirez left messages on Stephanie's answering machine several days in a row. She was scared, but didn't want to ask for help. Despite the hot weather, Stephanie refused to open her bedroom window.
Stephanie's car kept sputtering. She went through a case of oil since she had purchased the vehicle. Despite catching a few low-bond FTAs, Stephanie was running out of money. Buying oil for the car became too expensive to continue.
She nervously drove to Morelli's apartment. Stephanie parked her car in the back corner, where it would be partly hidden from view of the street. The plan was to borrow Morelli's Jeep Cherokee and drive it around, forcing him out of hiding. It was a brilliant plan. Stephanie knew it was going to work.
When she drove down Stark Street, a dark blue van turned in the street. Stephanie grinned when she noticed it was Joe Morelli. She drove close to the precinct, making Joe retreat.
"I'm going to catch you, asshole," Stephanie said. The phone inside the Jeep rang. Stephanie answered. "Hello."
"Where's Joseph?" Angie demanded.
"He's unavailable at the moment," Stephanie replied. Stephanie hung up on Angie Morelli. She grinned and answered when it rang again.
"Why are you driving my car?" Morelli demanded.
"I've commandeered your Cherokee," Stephanie proudly answered. "Come and get it." Stephanie laughed when Joe growled. She hung up the phone.
When Stephanie got home, she removed the distributor cap and hid in the bushes for Morelli to arrive. She waited for several hours until Mooch Morelli arrived. Stephanie was disappointed.
It was raining. Stephanie was muddy, wet and cold. She waited until Mooch left before going to her apartment, leaving the distributor cap concealed in its hiding spot.