Jeanne Ellen, Stephanie, Ram and Hector spent hours researching the remaining cold cases forwarded by the participating police departments across the States. They quickly moved some to their list of victims. It seemed not all murdered women had children to sell. Some had already given their babies up for adoption.
"Did you know most of these murdered women had Dr. Struthers as their obstetrician?" Ram asked. Stephanie nodded. It was a connection she had made early in her investigation. Stephanie wondered if Patrick had a sexual relationship with Trisha to access her client list.
"Hopefully, Patrick never got our names, Jeanne," Stephanie replied. "We were in her files for over a year. I've got Peter checking login dates, times and IP addresses on the doctor's database logs. He uncovered a few times when someone accessed her database and backup drives at odd hours." Stephanie felt it was a valid concern. She tucked the loose hair falling out of her ponytail behind her ear.
"It's hard to know for certain. The guys should get informed," Jeanne suggested. She reflectively rubbed her hand over the baby bump, smiling when the fetus kicked.
"Carlos knows, which means the others know. I can't believe the FBI hasn't contacted us about the case. They investigated Patrick Huntington but didn't find the connection between him and the women," Stephanie said. She was beyond frustrated. "We all know Patrick is responsible."
"But the FBI think Kent was the mastermind. He's dead. I killed him," Ram replied. "They probably didn't investigate Patrick. Did you hear about Claudia's death?"
Stephanie sighed, "Yes. A victim's sister happened to be serving time in the same prison. She cornered Claudia in the yard and shanked her. It was too quick of death, in my opinion. Kent also got off easy with death by sniper. How much do you want to bet Agent Hunter Jansen or Agent Gordon Macintyre dismissed Lester's claim?"
"It's a fool's bet," Jeanne Ellen replied. "None of these cases are recent."
Ram's phone rang, interrupting what Jeanne Ellen was attempting to explain. "You're on speakerphone," Ram answered.
"We need help," Lester said. "There's a baby invasion."
Stephanie and Jeanne Ellen giggled. "What happened now?" Stephanie asked.
"Two teams got dispatched to the warehouse district. Melody said all the babies were awake when the guys dropped them off on seven. She needs help," Lester explained.
"Okay, Lester. Tell Melody we're on our way," Stephanie said.
Carlos and Stephanie used their seventh-floor apartment as a makeshift daycare for the babies until the room on the sixth floor got converted. Luis and Ella were busy getting everything set up according to government regulations. Stephanie knew Ella and Luis were purchasing the cribs and cots for the daycare.
"How are you feeling?" Stephanie asked when she entered the elevator behind Jeanne Ellen. Valerie was already waiting inside.
"Like a beached whale," Jeanne Ellen replied.
"Me too," Valerie added. "I can't believe I got pregnant that fast."
"Neither can I," Jeanne Ellen said. "Did another condom break?"
"No," Valerie replied, lightly slapping Jeanne Ellen's arm. Valerie knew Jeanne Ellen was teasing. "Mom said you can't get pregnant during the first four months of nursing."
"Valerie, that's an old wives' tale, and you obviously proved it was false." Stephanie couldn't believe Valerie had fallen for that theory. She knew Valerie and Steve used condoms after Angie's birth. "You have got to be the most fertile woman in Trenton," Stephanie teased.
"How was your appointment, Jeanne?" Valerie asked, attempting to turn the conversation away from her.
"It was great. Suki said I'm only having one baby," Jeanne said. "The second fetus wasn't viable. But I'm happy. I've got my little boy."
"Oh. Are you able to fly to Florida in two days?" Valerie asked. "I really want you at my wedding."
"Of course I'll be there, Valerie," Jeanne Ellen reassured her. "Suki booked the three days off to travel with us. She insisted. I hope you don't mind." Jeanne Ellen had already run it by Carlos and Stephanie.
"Not at all," Valerie replied. "I'm a bit nervous about travelling on a commercial flight with an infant and pregnant."
"Rangeman purchased an airplane. It can seat at least twenty passengers, and we're taking it to Florida. Ace and Hal have their pilot's licenses. Carlos didn't think travelling on a commercial airline with five infants was wise."
"Nicki couldn't get the time off work. Lester is staying here. He doesn't want to leave his wife behind," Valerie said. Stephanie knew why Lester was staying in Trenton. Nicki took a pregnancy test. She was pregnant. Nicki had her appointment with the obstetrician the following week when everyone was travelling to Florida. She didn't think visiting Disney was a valid reason to change her appointment. Lester promised to take Sadie at another time with Angie, Julie and Mary Alice.
Jeanne Ellen was seven months pregnant, and Valerie was eight. It was exactly what Stephanie predicted. Though, it was in her recurring dream and couldn't actually get called a prediction.
"Are your parents attending?" Jeanne Ellen asked.
Valerie and Stephanie giggled. "I invited them, but Mom said she didn't deserve to be there because she interfered when I got pregnant with Lisa. It's really strange. I'm not used to this version of Helen Plum." Stephanie was shocked Helen didn't jump at the chance to accompany them on the trip.
"Me neither," Stephanie replied. "She's been great with the kids. I expected Mom to tell me I was doing everything wrong. Mom just sat back and let me handle the children. She only helped when I asked."
"Mom's been helping Ella cook when it became a lot of work after Ranger hired twenty-five more men. Mom and Dad are eating healthier meals," Valerie said. "Daddy's been running surveillance with the guys. It's strange having them working with us."
"Helen's been very helpful with Mica. I swear the little girl thinks Helen's her grandma. Mica started calling Helen Abuela. I don't have the heart to tell her differently." Jeanne Ellen loved having the extra hands helping with the active girl.
"Technically, Mom is related to Mica," Stephanie reminded her. "She's Mica's aunt. Could you get Mica to call her Tia Helen?"
"I could try, but I think Helen secretly likes getting called Grandma," Jeanne Ellen replied. "Oh, and Helen blushes whenever one of the men calls her Mama. It's cute."
"Mom always wanted a son. Now she has over fifty," Stephanie joked. Stephanie hoped her mom would travel to Florida with them. They could use her help with the babies. Stephanie decided Helen could watch the girls overnight while Marty and Valerie had a proper wedding night.
The elevator opened on the seventh floor. Valerie and Jeanne noticed the mischievous glint in Stephanie's eye. "What are you plotting?" Jeanne Ellen asked, her eyes narrowed, daring Stephanie to lie.
"I've got an idea. Play along," Stephanie replied. Valerie and Jeanne Ellen exchanged a look, then shrugged. "Mom's in the apartment helping Melody. Lester just sent me a text." Stephanie showed them her phone.
"Hi, Helen," Jeanne Ellen greeted when she entered the apartment. Mica squealed and ran to her mom. Jeanne Ellen squatted to pick up her daughter. "Are you a good girl?"
"Abuela," Mica said, pointing to Helen, who blushed.
"Mica, can you say Tia Helen?" Jeanne Ellen asked.
Mica shook her head and repeated, "Abuela."
"Oh, you clever girl. Helen is your Abuela because she is Ricky's Abuela and Max's Abuela and Alex's Abuela?" Jeanne asked.
"Ya!" Mica yelled, raising her hands. It was her way of dancing whenever she was happy. Mica was adorable.
"I'm sorry about the confusion, Helen."
"Don't worry about it, Jeanne. Mica can call me Abuela if it makes her happy. I honestly don't mind. We can't let her feel left out, now can we, Mica?" Helen said. Mica reached for Helen. "Are you hungry?"
"Ya," Mica answered, wrapping her arms around Helen's neck.
"It's a shame you aren't coming to Florida with us, Mom," Stephanie said. "Carlos and I were wondering how we could handle our triplets, Lisa, Angie and Mary Alice. That's a lot of babies to manage even with Angie and Mary Alice's help. I'm not sure how much fun the girls would have in Disney if they're tired from helping me with the babies."
Valerie grabbed Lisa and went into the office to change her diaper. Jeanne Ellen took Alex to change her. "Oh my gosh. Stephanie's really hamming it up," Valerie whispered. "I wouldn't be surprised if Mom's begging to come with us."
"Psst," Melody said, peeking into the room. "You've got to hear this. Steph's laying on the guilt." It didn't take long for Valerie and Jeanne Ellen to change the diapers. They returned to the living room to listen to Stephanie's final blow.
"I don't know, Mom," Stephanie said, "You interfered last year, and Valerie banned you from attending the ceremony. However, Valerie changed her mind. She wants you there. But you're insisting on staying here. If that's your decision, I can get some of the guys to help with the babies so I can stay with Angie and Mary Alice."
Helen was practically begging to travel with the others to Florida for her and Frank to watch Valerie's girls overnight. "Well, I can be there for the girls overnight. I don't need to attend the wedding. Davin promised to live stream the ceremony for everyone at Rangeman to watch," Helen offered. She gently removed Mica's fingers from her hair. Helen smiled at Mica, who gave Helen a toothy grin.
"Okay, Mom. You've got yourself a deal," Stephanie triumphantly replied.
Helen shook Stephanie's hand, then shook her head. "Why do I feel like I walked into your trap?" Helen asked.
"Because you did," Valerie replied. "Thanks for agreeing to come with us."
"All you had to do was ask," Helen snapped. Valerie rolled her eyes. She explained - again - that she asked for her to come to Florida to watch the girls overnight. Valerie and Marty hoped to have the night alone. "I'll feed Lisa. The boys need diaper changes too."
Helen passed Mica to Melody to feed. Mica had her high chair at the table. Melody grabbed the Cheerios, pasta and small pieces of lean ground meat for Mica's lunch. Smiling, Helen brought Lisa to the table. She buckled Lisa into her high chair and locked down the table before she could escape. "Ma ma ma ma," Lisa cried.
Valerie carried Ricky, leaving Stephanie with Max and Jeanne with Alex. It was easier to watch the children and feed them when there was one adult per child. Though, Carlos had no problems feeding Alex and Max by alternating spoonfuls.
Stephanie noticed Alex and Max were closer to each other than they were with Ricky. It wasn't that they didn't like their brother because they did. Ricky preferred to sit back and observe like his papa. He was too laid back for a baby.
"When do we leave? Is it too late to book our flight?" Helen asked.
"We leave in two days, Mom. On Friday morning at nine," Stephanie replied. "I'll send Dad the details. You don't need to book a flight. Rangeman has a plane."
Helen gasped and nodded, realizing it wasn't appropriate to comment on the frivolity of purchasing an airplane. She continued feeding Lisa the homemade baby food she helped Ella make. Lisa liked it more than the commercially made stuff in the grocery stores. Helen distracted herself by thinking about the birthday party where she talked to Mariana Manoso.
The triplets had their first birthday party the previous week. It was a momentous affair that Stephanie thought was a bit much. However, Jeanne Ellen and Jordan insisted on throwing the best party for their niece and nephews. Mariana noticed Ricky, though he resembled Stephanie with his curly hair and blue eyes, was like his papa. Ricky was content sitting back and watching his brother and sister.
Alex and Max started walking a few days before their birthday. Ricky preferred to shuffle on his butt. Mariana thought it was adorable but concerned about why he wasn't walking. Stephanie told Mariana that Ricky would walk when he was ready. Helen quickly jumped to Stephanie's defence. It was the first time Mariana and Helen disagreed.
"Are you done eating, Ricky?" Valerie asked. Her question pulled Helen from the memories of the birthday party.
"Mama," Ricky replied. His bottom lip quivered as he got ready to cry.
Stephanie instantly reached for Ricky, leaving Valerie to take over feeding Max, who wanted more food. Ricky buried his face in Stephanie's neck and cried. He fell asleep within minutes. "Sometimes I wonder what enters his mind," Stephanie said as she carried him to the playpen. She kissed Ricky's curls. "I love you, Ricky. Sweet dreams."
Two days later, the gang boarded the Rangeman jet. As promised, it could seat everyone comfortably. Stephanie smiled when Helen carried a cooler bag on board. "Are those the spare bottles for the babies?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes. Ella said you had bottles for the flight there. These are for coming home. Carlos said there was a fridge to store them on the jet," Helen replied. She passed the bag to her son-in-law. He unloaded the bottles into the refrigerator, smiling when there was enough for the four babies and a sipping cup of juice for Mica.
The babies and Mica got secured in car seats. "No," Ricky said, wanting to sit in Stephanie's lap. Her brow furrowed, wondering why Ricky was being more clingy than usual.
"Babe?" Carlos asked.
"Ricky seems to be out of sorts. I'm not sure what's going on," Stephanie replied.
Suki approached the child. "Do you want to sit with me after the plane flies?" she asked, making airplane noises and motioning with her hands. Ricky smiled and nodded. Suki gave Ricky a teething ring from a ziplock bag. "He's probably cutting molars," Suki suggested. "I brought extra teething rings for the others."
"Is everyone secured?" Hal asked. "Ace is preparing for take off."
Helen got into the seat beside Mica, who squealed in delight. Carlos and Stephanie put Max and Alex's car seats together, then sat on the outside. Stephanie sat across from Ricky. Suki buckled into her chair beside the grumpy, teething boy. She smiled and accepted the bottle Valerie offered.
"We're good," Carlos announced, taking bottles for Max and Alex. The children wanted the bottles before the airplane taxied down the runway.
It was a miracle the bottles weren't empty before the plane levelled at its flying altitude. Hal briefly peeked from behind the cockpit curtain to announce, "You may roam the cabin."
"When is your ceremony?" Helen asked.
"Eight tonight," Valerie replied. "I wanted the girls to have a few days to enjoy the amusement parks. Marty and I are spending Sunday with Angie and Mary Alice. Stephanie agreed to watch Lisa."
"Nonsense," Helen said. "I'll take the children so everyone can enjoy themselves."
"Mom, there's a security threat. We're keeping the children with us," Stephanie explained. Helen couldn't understand why the kids were in danger. The man was after single moms, not married women.
Frank patiently explained that Patrick accessed Stephanie and Jeanne Ellen's patient files from Dr. Struthers. Patrick viewed the information hours before they got deleted from the doctor's database and backup files.
Stephanie heard a camera clicking. She looked up to catch Hector's eye. "May I?" she asked. Hector had long given up the ruse of not speaking English. Her hermano gave her a photo album filled with pictures of the children from birth to their first birthday. Stephanie loved the images of Carlos holding the triplets in the carrier. She never saw him at the hospital. The photograph of Hal with the babies was sweet. Hector caught Hal stroking Alex's cheek.
"Do you like them?" Hector asked.
"I love them," Stephanie replied. Hector had somehow caught a photograph of Stephanie and Carlos looking into each other's eyes. It was a two-second interaction after they got the babies in the car seats. Hector was lying in wait and captured the digital image. She could see the love and affection on her husband's face.
"Frame it," Carlos said, peeking over Stephanie's shoulder. "It's perfect."
The airplane landed in a private airport in Miami, Florida. Frank and Helen helped the women gather the children to disembark the plane. Carlos carried Alex, who wouldn't go to anyone but her papa. Stephanie had Ricky, and Ram carried Max. Lisa had her arms tightly wrapped around Marty's neck. Jordan chuckled as Mica waved at Julie and Javier.
"Surprise," Julie said, hugging Stephanie and Ricky. "Mama said I can spend the weekend with you and Dad. I hope you don't mind."
"I'm glad to see you," Stephanie replied. "Ricky's a bit grumpy today. He's teething."
"Awe, poor Ricky," Julie cooed. Ricky smiled and reached for Julie. Stephanie let the boy wrap his arms around Julie's neck. Once Julie had her arms around him, Stephanie released her grip. Ricky gave Julie a slobbery kiss. "You're getting to be a big boy, Ricky."
"Jules, did you bring something to wear tonight?" Jeanne Ellen asked.
"Yes. Mama said Tia Valerie and Tio Marty were getting married. I have a dress," Julie replied.
The rest of the afternoon was busy. Stephanie, Valerie and Jeanne Ellen left the men with the children so they could get their hair and makeup professionally done. Ram, Javier, Hector, Silvio and a few other men from Rangeman accompanied them.
Stephanie felt someone watching them as they left the hair salon. They had to walk to another shop in the plaza. The nail shop was only a few doors down. Stephanie's skin got covered in goosebumps as she looked around. Javier instantly went into bodyguard mode. "Steph?" Javier asked as the men surrounded the women.
"Someone is watching us," Stephanie whispered. "Behind us."
Javier called Rangeman to dispatch a patrol to the area. He promised Stephanie he'd get the men to check within a five-block radius of their location. Stephanie thought it was overkill.
~~~~~
Patrick watched through his binoculars. He checked out the pregnant women before settling on the slender brunette. She was attractive and resembled the photograph he found in the Trenton Times about Stephanie Plum. The woman was viciously attacked by a boxer after a cop, who got charged with murder, had cuffed her to the shower rod in her apartment. Patrick knew the woman was tough because she survived. He smiled as Stephanie searched for whatever set her off her instinct to fight or flight. Stephanie Plum was a name Patrick found in Trisha's patient files during a random search for victims.
Ah…Trisha. She was a narcissistic fertility specialist. The woman loved to talk about herself and her patients. What doctor would log onto her computer to show a stranger her success stories? Dr. Trisha Struthers was confident nobody would catch her credentials, but she was mistaken. It didn't take much to break into her hotel room as she slept and allowed someone to access the database remotely. She was lacking in the security of her patients for an intelligent and talented doctor.
Trisha and Patrick's last encounter was fascinating. She remembered him as Dr. Tony Ives, a doctor who performed countless prenatal surgeries to save a woman's fetus. It was a tiny miracle that Trisha never called on the doctor for help. Trisha would have realized the real Dr. Tony Ives was several inches shorter. Sure, Patrick resembled the man, but he was not Tony's doppelgänger.
The dark man with Stephanie contacted someone on his phone as he glanced around the area, searching for whatever triggered Stephanie Plum. It was time for Patrick to vanish. Patrick tossed his hat and binoculars in his messenger bag. He disappeared into the crowd of shoppers. Two black SUVs passed his location without giving him a second glance. Dying his hair black for the occasion was a success.
~~~~~
"I'm sorry, Steph. The guys couldn't find anyone," Javier announced.
"It's fine. My spidey sense stopped tingling after you dispatched the teams," Stephanie replied.
The woman buffing Valerie's nails wanted to use acrylic for the manicure. Valerie politely declined. "We don't have the time," Valerie insisted.
"But it would last longer," the woman said.
Stephanie smiled at Tabitha, the woman working on her nails. "What's her name?" Stephanie asked, motioning toward Valerie.
"Candi, with an i," Tabitha replied. Stephanie suppressed a snort.
"Hey, Candi, with an i," Stephanie said, capturing the woman's attention. "The bride said just a buff and polish. You're wasting our time trying to get the bride to change her mind."
"Fine," Candi grumbled. Valerie caught Stephanie's eye and winked.
When their nails were dry, Stephanie paid for the appointment. She left a tip for Tabitha and Aria. Candi got nothing. She didn't deserve a tip for aggravating the bride. Stephanie caught Candi's attention. "The next time I visit with my friends, we'll be sure to ask for another technician. You wasted our precious time by not listening to the client. Have a good day," Stephanie sweetly said. The women and their entourage left the plaza.
Javier drove them to the Disney resort, where they had adjoining suites. He laughed when he saw his nephews. They were wearing suits and a bow tie. His nieces were wearing various shades of blue dresses.
Stephanie and Jeanne Ellen helped Valerie get dressed for her wedding. The dress fit Valerie like a glove. It displayed her pregnant body without making her resemble a great white whale. Valerie smiled when she couldn't see her feet past her protruding belly.
Angie entered the room. She wore a tiara of small white flowers in her hair. The dress was pale blue. Valerie smiled at her tomboy, wearing a dark blue dress with matching high-top sneakers. Everything her daughters wore was identical to her dream.
Valerie waited outside the chapel with her daughters. When the music played, she walked down the aisle. Stephanie was holding Ricky, her curly-haired, blue-eyed boy. Carlos had Max in his arms. Alex, Stephanie's gorgeous daughter, was in Jeanne Ellen's arms. Stephanie kissed her daughter, calling her hija.
"Val, Lisa's fussing," Davin said.
"I've got her," Stephanie announced, trading children with Davin. Lisa immediately settled for Stephanie. Ricky smiled at his cousin.
"Are you ready, my love?" he asked. Valerie turned to look at Marty.
"I have never been more ready in my life," Valerie replied.
Less than fifteen minutes later, the officiant said, "You may now kiss the bride."
Edna Mazur cheered with the men and women in the chapel. She was already in Florida and agreed to meet everyone at the venue. Helen and Frank stood outside looking in. They arrived to watch the ceremony live but maintained their distance.
Valerie turned to face her family and friends. She saw her mom in the doorway, then nodded in acknowledgment. The wedding ceremony was perfect.