Tito was nervous about his date with Hector. He felt horrible for telling Hector to return to work. It was one of those instances that could ruin a relationship before it began. Tito wanted to be with Hector, but he could tell Hector was distracted by something. It took some sweet talking to get Hector to confess he was recovering stolen funds in not entirely legal ways. Their conversation played in his mind as he drove to Rangeman.
"Who are you helping?" Tito asked. He didn't want Hector to break the law.
"Stephanie's sister," Hector replied. "The husband stole money Valerie earned and her daughters' college fund that Stephanie created. Stephanie contributed over thirty thousand dollars for her nieces."
"Oh," Tito said. "Hector, we can have our date tomorrow night. I want you to help Stephanie's sister."
"Are you going to report me?" Hector asked.
"Why? Are you taking more than her husband stole?" Tito asked. Hector shrugged. "Ah. You're taking everything he moved."
"Yes. He borrowed against the equity of the house. Valerie doesn't know. When she sells the house, the bank will get everything from the sale. Valerie will have nothing. Steve is going to prison for various offences. The money I'm recovering will pay for child support," Hector explained.
"What about the lawyer's fees?"
"Steve's a lawyer," Hector countered. "He's a criminal. Valerie and the girls need protection."
"Okay. I understand. Now, go help your friend's sister and nieces. They are counting on your help. Hector?"
"Yes?"
"Please call me next time. I'll understand when you need to work overtime," Tito said. Hector blinked a few times, wondering if Tito was serious. "Do I need to call Stephanie for help?"
Hector laughed and shook his head. "Thank you for caring about a mother and her children. It would break Stephanie's heart if Valerie got left with nothing," Hector replied. He kissed Tito before walking him to the Rangeman garage. "Use this fob to return. Ranger said you can use Stephanie's parking spot until she can start driving."
Tito shook his head. He thought Hector was going to call off the date. His palms slipped on the steering wheel, slick from sweat. Tito hadn't been that nervous since he told his parents he was gay. They already knew and loved him.
The Rangeman building came into view. Tito approached the parking garage gate and pressed the fob. He held his breath until it swung open. A grin passed over his face as he parked beside the black Porsche 911 turbo as directed by Hector. He stepped from the car and saw his man standing by the elevator. "I bought my favourites from the Mexican restaurant around the corner," Hector announced. "We're going to the roof. Do you want to take the stairs or the elevator?"
Tito couldn't recall the name. "Stairs. Is it the restaurant with the orange sombrero decorated with green flowers?" Tito asked. Hector grinned and nodded. "I love their food."
Hector guided Tito to the roof, where Luis set up an intimate dining area. They passed a few of Hector's coworkers on the stairs and waved. Nobody stopped for introductions. The men said, "Hi," and continued on their way. Tito shook his head. "Are they afraid of you?" Tito asked.
"Yes," Hector replied with a shit-eating grin, dropping the tough guy facade for Tito. "I play with my knives during the morning meeting."
"That's sexy. I missed lunch today. I'm starving," Tito confessed, his stomach grumbling from the lack of food.
"Do I need to remind you?" Hector teased. "What kept you busy at lunch?" Hector opened the door to the roof. The lights twinkled around the perimeter, giving the space a romantic ambiance.
"Morelli," Tito snapped. "The asshole caused a four-car crash on Hamilton, then tried to blame Jeanne Ellen. She wasn't even in the car. Jeanne Ellen was in Vincent Plum's bond office to gather a few low bond files ready to expire."
"What did you do?" Hector asked, knowing Tito got dispatched to the scene.
"Gave the asshole a breathalyzer. Morelli wrecked Jeanne Ellen's car. Jeanne Ellen parked in front of the office, leaving Morelli in the car. She insisted on driving because he reeked of alcohol. Morelli claimed he got hungry and wanted a cupcake from the Tasty Pastry. He decided to drive Jeanne Ellen's car up the block to the bakery. I don't understand why he didn't walk. Anyway, he cut off a punk, clipping the bumper. The punk retaliated and smashed into Jeanne Ellen's car. Morelli, being too drunk to drive, stepped on the gas, thinking it was the brakes. He t-boned the car driving through the next intersection. The woman spun into a car stopped at the lights. Morelli swore he was sober and claimed the punk caused the accident," Tito explained. Hector loved how Tito talked with his hands, but he didn't swing his arms too far from his body.
"Do you need the video from the cameras on Hamilton?" Hector asked.
"You'd do that for me?" Tito asked, shocked Hector would offer assistance to prove Morelli was intoxicated.
"Yes."
"But is it legal?" Tito asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I would never give you evidence collected by questionable means. Rangeman monitors the buildings from the bonds office to the Tasty Pastry. I can cut you a video after talking to Ranger," Hector replied.
"We got the footage from the street cameras. I'll ask your boss for the others if the investigators need them," Tito said. Tito unwrapped a burrito. He took a bite and moaned. "This isn't on the menu."
"It's a special order," Hector replied. "Mama Selena only makes it for me."
"How did you manage that?" Tito was curious how Hector won the hard woman's favour. She refused to modify her menu for the customers.
"I keep her grandsons safe from the gangs," Hector answered. It was an unexpected response. Tito fell in love with Hector a little more.
~~~~~
Valerie glanced over her shoulder, watching the moving truck leave the driveway. The men had the furniture loaded and locked into the back of the truck within a few hours. Mary Alice sat in the backseat playing with Jessie and Bullseye. Ram argued you couldn't have the cowgirl without her horse. Angie was reading the latest release from her favourite author. Ram bought Angie a Kindle and gave her Amazon account funds to purchase books.
"Thanks for doing this for us, Davin," Valerie said.
"It's not a problem, Val. Girls, we're going to drive straight through to Trenton. I'll stop every six hours for food and bathroom breaks. Is that okay?" Ram asked.
"Sure," Angie replied. "You might have to stop every four hours for Mary Alice. She gets too antsy on long trips."
Mary Alice glared at Angie. "Every six hours is good, Davin. I can hold out," Mary Alice replied.
"Would you tell us if you need to stop sooner?"
Rolling her eyes, Mary Alice said, "Yes."
Everyone, except Roger King, was headed toward New Jersey. Roger was born and raised in California, and he was licensed to practice law in the state. It would take him a few weeks to get everything, including selling the house, settled. He wasn't surprised when Valerie left the mattress from her bed and the guest bedroom behind. Roger promised to dispose of them.
"Am I doing the right thing?" Valerie asked, breaking the silence in the car.
Angie and Mary Alice looked up from their laps. "Yes, Mom," they replied in unison.
"Roger promised to call when you get summoned to testify," Angie reminded her. "But he says Dad and Bethanne gave enough details of their plans in the back of the police car to send them away for a long time."
"He also said Dad and Bethanne got recorded," Mary Alice added and giggled. "Who's the genius now, Bethanne?" Angie and Mary Alice laughed. Valerie was happy the girls were adapting to their situation.
"Kids are truly resilient," Valerie mumbled.
Ram touched her hand. "They learn by example." Valerie understood the hidden meaning behind Davin's words. She needed to show the girls that she was okay with leaving Steve. It would make the transition in Trenton easier for the girls.
Valerie grabbed a notepad from her purse. She dug around for the pen. "I'm making a list of things to do," Valerie explained. She listed the items to purchase, such as mattresses, sheets and blankets. Valerie wanted a cellphone with a new number. However, she'd have to get the landline calls from LA forwarded to the new number. That went on another list of services Valerie needed to cancel. There wasn't much she could do during the weekend.
"Marty said he was still active in the Army. When does the contract end?" Valerie asked.
"At least another year. Marty can lower the term if he volunteers for a six-month deployment," Ram explained. "Why?"
"I have a connection to him, but I just signed the divorce decree. Marty kissed me," Valerie whispered. Ram caught Angie and Mary Alice smiling in the backseat.
"Are you confused about how he feels about you? I think he made that clear," Ram replied.
"Davin, soulmate or not, I don't want to get in too deep before ending my marriage to Steve. Marty deserves more than I can offer at the moment. I've got to get my emotions and feelings for Steve out of my mind before committing to another man. Would Marty get upset if I told him to slow his roll?" Valerie wasn't sure her hormones wouldn't override the decision.
Ram chuckled. "We had that discussion while loading the truck. He's on the same page, Val. Marty wants your divorce finalized before starting what he knows would become a loving, lifelong relationship. The girls need time to adapt to their new lives in Trenton. Talk to him, Val. He will understand," Ram replied. "Marty left a gift in the glove compartment for you."
Valerie opened the compartment. A wrapped gift sat inside. The rectangular shape gave it away. Valerie wiped the tear off her cheek, then opened the present. "I thought you could use one. I've forwarded the calls from your landline. Unlock it using the word HORSE," Marty wrote on the card.
She opened the box, finding the newest Samsung device tucked into the cardboard. "He gave me a phone," Valerie whispered. She unlocked the phone, then maneuvered through the security options to change the password. "What's your phone number?" Valerie asked, opening the contacts list.
"It's already programmed with the rest. You can call us if you need anything," Ram replied.
Valerie couldn't believe it. The contacts list contained everyone's phone numbers, including Rangeman Trenton and Stephanie. She had only met Ram's friends, who were already offering assistance. "It's too much," Valerie whispered.
"Val, the men have sisters, nieces and nephews. You're my cousin, which they feel is a good enough reason to help you and the girls. I would do the same for my friends and their families. We take care of each other. You'll find the same in Trenton with Ranger and his men. They will bring you into their fold because you're Stephanie's sister," Ram explained.
"Thanks." Valerie decided to send Marty a message. She typed what she wanted to say several times before settling on, "I want to explore our connection, but I think it's best for the girls and me if I take the time to move on from Steve."
"Do whatever you need to make yourself ready. I'll wait. Should I take the six-month deployment? Would it help?" Marty replied.
"Yes. It's plenty of time to divorce Steve and get the girls settled. Are you allowed to accept mail or emails?"
"Emails are easier to read during deployments. I may not answer right away," Marty replied. "We'll have time to talk when we arrive in Trenton."
"Okay. I'm sorry." Valerie stared out the window. Her heart ached. Telling Marty to take an extended deployment was worse than hearing Steve cheated on her with the babysitter. Maybe Stephanie could help her get through the emotions. It was better than jumping into another relationship before she or the girls were ready.
Several minutes later, Valerie's phone pinged with a new message. "Don't apologize for telling me what you need. Besides the longer deployment, I'm not going anywhere. Your daughters need you to be strong and show them there's more to life than settling down with a spouse and children. Be brave," Marty replied.
Valerie giggled, then explained the message to Ram. He smiled at his cousin. "Marty and Stephanie will get along," Valerie said. "Stephanie barely tolerated Steve."
The motion of the car lulled Angie and Mary Alice to sleep. Ram checked the rearview mirror when the backseat got quiet. Angie's hand relaxed, letting the Kindle fall into her lap. Mary Alice had her head resting on Jessie, pressed against the window.
"Stephanie asked me an unusual question the other day," Ram said.
"She always asks unusual questions. What was so different about this one?" Valerie asked.
"Do you know anything about what happened to Stephanie?" Ram asked. Valerie shook her head. "Do you still speak Italian?"
"Yes, but the girls don't. They speak fluent Spanish," Valerie explained.
Valerie listened as Ram explained what had happened to Stephanie. The story was sad and devastating. "She always claimed she didn't want kids," Ram said.
"But having that choice taken away changes everything," Valerie replied. "How does that relate to the unusual question?"
"Her sister-in-law Jeanne Ellen offered to carry her baby if she wanted one. Jeanne Ellen's husband, Jordan, resembles me. I know him. We could pass as brothers, though we're not related. Jordan and I got tested because he was adopted. It proved we share no DNA. Jeanne Ellen and Jordan want me to provide a sperm sample to have a baby," Ram replied. "When Steph asked, I talked to Jordan. He was on base debriefing from his mission. I believe he's home by now."
"Oh. Wow. That is an unusual question. Are you going to do it?" Valerie asked.
"I'm thinking about saying yes. I don't want children, but I would help my friend and cousin," Ram replied.
"It sounds like you've already decided. Was there a contingency plan?"
Ram chuckled. "I provide the sample when or if Stephanie decides to accept Jeanne Ellen's surrogacy offer. It's a big decision. I'll raise the child if anything happens to Jordan and his wife."
"You're a good man, Davin. Don't let anyone tell you differently. May I offer a suggestion?"
"What's that?"
"Provide the sample as soon as possible and get eggs from Jeanne Ellen fertilized. They can freeze them until Jeanne Ellen and Jordan are ready to have babies," Valerie said.
"So they could have more if they decide?"
"Exactly. It's just a thought. You should probably discuss it with your friend," Valerie replied.
Valerie went into her contacts to send Stephanie a message. She hoped her sister would help her find a home to rent. Stephanie replied immediately, giving Valerie a link to the rental properties suitable for her family. One townhouse was inside the Burg. The woman renting the house, Esther Hamish, boasted the house had three bedrooms. Valerie checked the specifications for the rooms. It was small, like her Dad's house. She hoped for something a little larger with two bathrooms.
The second listing was a two-story house outside the Burg. It had four bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a lavatory on the main floor. Valerie thought it was perfect. "Immediate occupancy," Valerie read. "Oh. We're not going to get there in time. They're accepting applications by four this evening."
Ram pressed a button on his phone. "Yo," the voice said through the speakers. Valerie raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, Ranger. It's Ram. I've got a favour to ask," Ram said.
"Speak," Ranger ordered. Valerie's mouth popped open. The man's voice was sexy.
"Stephanie sent Valerie a listing for a house outside the Burg, across the road from the Catholic Elementary school. It's immediate possession, and they want interested parties to apply before four. We're only a few hours from LA," Ram explained.
"I'll secure it," Ranger said, then hung up.
"Woah. That's Stephanie's husband? His voice is very sexy," Valerie said, fanning her face. "I can't believe he's handling the application for me."
"Ranger would send Lester or Binkie to manage the paperwork. I wouldn't be surprised if you can move in when we arrive. Do you have an idea of where you want to work?" Ram asked.
Valerie thought of the options. They were always hiring at the sanitary products plant and the button factory. She wanted to work around her children's school schedule. "I don't know," Valerie replied honestly. "Finding a job between nine and three would be a challenge. I want to be home for the girls before and after school."