Chapter 30 - What's next?
/Stephanie's Point of View/
Lester had stayed in town to watch Ranger's back for a couple weeks, but ultimately, Ranger dismissed him, telling the core team that I was quite capable of covering his back. When they balked that we were too focused on each other, we conceded to having a standard issue Rangeman shadow when we went out.
We spent the next several weeks working our respective jobs but spending every other moment together and waking up wrapped up in each other. In general it was pure bliss.
A few times we broached the topic of the future. Were we staying here, moving to the next city, or returning to Trento? The idea of Trenton no longer terrorized me. I missed my Merry Men, my grandma, my nieces, and my friends. I also knew I was strong enough and confident enough to face both Morelli, if he disregarded the restraining order, and my mother. However, we never seemed to come to a decision.
Ranger was happy to live on the move as long as he still got to see Julie on a regular basis and interact with the core team, the men that had become more than brothers.
I was the one that couldn't decide. I'd loved building the new team, working with the City, and starting from scratch.
I knew that Ranger would need to either disappear or stay where someone could watch our backs. He also needed to keep up his training and physical outlets to protect those he loved.
Ranger offered that we could open another office in a variety of cities if I was up to it. Apparently, they still had expansion plans and had targeted several potential cities including some with beaches nearby. That was definitely an exciting thought!
But I was torn and had a hard time making a decision. I knew Ranger needed his core team and Julie. I pondered settling in Trenton or Miami, but I want sure what I'd take on in those places. Ranger continued to tell me, the decision was up to me.
At 0300, in the dead of night, Ranger's phone rang. He rolled over and answered. I felt him immediately transition to high alert, and I was suddenly fully awake.
"Keep me updated. I want to know every development. I'm on my way," he spoke into the phone.
I waited for his attention. He immediately pulled up the airline app on his phone and began scrolling.
"Carlos?" I asked hesitantly. The stress lines in his face were visible even in the dim light.
He turned to me and I saw the worry in his eyes. "Tank was shot on a take down tonight. He's in surgery but the outcome is not known."
"You need to be there," I stated.
He only nodded, but then added, "do you want to come? I'm buying tickets on the first flight out."
"Of course," I replied. "Buy the tickets. I'll let Zulu know and start packing."
"First flight is at 0600." I nodded in agreement.
