Chapter 20 - Lester's Visit

/Stephanie's Point of View/

"Beautiful, you are a sight for sore eyes."

"Les, it feels like it's been forever!" I replied and was swept up in a big bear hug. I realized how that looked though; he didn't hug anyone else. Did that bother me? I shrugged it off.

We chatted for a couple minutes before he disappeared into Zulu's office.

I continued on with searches for a short time and moved to my office to offer "office hours" for anyone that wanted to stop by. I always put out sweet snacks for my office hours to lure people in even if it is just to chat and snack. It seemed to take away the stigma of stopping by. Today I chatted about a cat that had kittens an employee was trying to offload, an extended PTO request, and local restaurants for a date. I gave away six snickerdoodles and ate three; it seemed like a good ratio.

At noon, Lester popped his head in and invited me for lunch. He then helped himself to two cookies. My ratio was dropping!

To my surprise, Zulu joined us for lunch, but it didn't concern me.

We chatted casually on the ride discussing a couple of resumes that had come through and continued building renovations.

Lunch started pretty casual before it turned a bit more serious.

"Bomber, as you know Marcus was put on leave last week. I needed confirmation from the core team, and we needed to make sure the shooting incident was dealt with first. But as of this morning, he no longer works for Rangeman. We will have his apartment packed and delivered to him," Lester said.

I must have looked confused and my eyes were bouncing between my two companions.

Lester continued, "I know this should have been in your purview but we needed a clear cut and no ambiguity that your orders are to be followed. Since he disrespected you, it needed to come from above. Since I was on comm at the time, it was decided I should address."

Zulu continued, "I fully support the decision. While you don't typically issue field orders, he was out of line."

I was confused. " I'm not necessarily his superior, I'm not sure he should be fired for ignoring my directive. That doesn't seem right."

"Steph, it was an emergency situation, he needed to comply. If he'd done as I directed when I rang his cellphone, the final outcome may have been a reprimand in lieu of dismissal. But after disregarding your direction, I told him to follow your orders or get off the floor. He made his choice."

I was floored. No one had ever stood up for me like that…except maybe Ranger, but I always worried hormones were involved there.

"Bomber, you've been kicking ass…both literally and figuratively. You've exceeded the core team's expectations for sending you here," Lester said. "The success of this office is largely due to you."

Zulu picked up from there, commending my handling of HR issues and helping the team become one. He admitted being a bit hesitant having a civilian as a partner in setting up the office but how he had been surprised.

Lester smiled; I cringed. Lester was making me nervous.

Zulu continued, "I've been looking for my second as you well know, and I've decided there isn't a better choice than you. We may have to weed out men that can't defer to a woman, but that will happen anyway. I'm running the most co-ed office and anyone that can't orders from a woman isn't welcome no matter who is in charge."

I was shaking my head. "I'm not sure I'm the best choice."

"I am," Zulu countered.

"You have the full support of the core team," Lester continued. He didn't say "except Ranger" but that went without saying.

Our meals arrived and I dove in as a distraction to the conversation. Lester and Zulu chatted about new handgun options and some new technology that might be revolutionizing security systems. I kept my head down.

I was anxious but knew I could step up, but I'd also been living a life in hiding. Would this put me back on the map? It had been seven months and I had a restraining order against Joe now. Would it matter?

I mulled that over in my head for quite a while. Finally, Lester interrupted me. "Is it the position or the fact that you've been staying under the radar that's got you worried?"

"A bit of both, but I kind of like the challenge. I am worried about coming back on the radar. I don't know if Joe will show up or if he might start spreading rumors here amongst the police department."

"Steph, the police department loves you here. Rangeman has done them a service and you're the one that has brokered deals, given them a steady supply of donuts, and arranged the baseball competition. I think you underestimate yourself."

"But what if you are wrong, Zulu? What if I bring down Rangeman's reputation? What if I become a liability?" I countered.

"You won't," was his simple answer.

Lester continued, "Rangeman and Ranger have weathered storms before. Just think about it."

I nodded and we went on to lighter topics.

I wonder what Ranger will think? I've changed a lot in the last nine months during his absence.

I slept on the offer. I tossed and turned for hours.

I knew deep down that Ranger would be behind me taking the position now that I'd been training, but it still didn't sit right.

I realized I really didn't want the position. Furthermore, my gut said no. I was worried about letting Zulu and the core team down, but I was worried about disappointing myself more.

I'd come here to make decisions for myself. Just like the night I couldn't decide whether to leave or stay, I realized I had to take a leap and trust my gut.

At my one-on-one with Zulu the next morning, I let him know I intended to decline the offer and made suggestions on alternatives. He seemed disappointed, but when I told him that it was not best for me, he let it go.

Lester was not as quick of a sell, but I finally convinced him that I just didn't want that position yet. Yes, I had to emphasize the yet. I told him that I preferred being on friendly terms with the men rather than in a superior position and that I thought this helped me be good as a team builder and peace keeper. He still hung on the "yet".