Chapter 12

Lester couldn't believe what he was seeing. This was not Ranger. He wasn't even sure this was Carlos. It was as if an alien had inhabited Ranger's body and mind. He knew that the President was an Army Ranger himself, that he ran special op and black op missions. However, that didn't mean he wanted his daughter with someone like him. Lester knew that Ranger had demons. Hell, he had his fair share of demons, too. It was challenging to find someone who understood the dark places that inhabit the hearts of black operatives. It was impossible, though, to ignore that there was something special about Stephanie and Ranger together. It was almost as if they were one half of the other. He's never seen Ranger as calm, relaxed, and contented as he was.

Lester knew there was no way that no one in their presence would pick up the connection between Stephanie and Ranger. He knew that Ranger would try to fight it, to hold off and push back. He had a feeling that Stephanie would as well. The only question in his mind was how the Secret Service asshole Morelli would react.

About two hours into the flight, Ranger woke up, startled that he was asleep. He saw Lester sitting across from him on his tablet, smirking. Ranger shook his head and noticed that Stephanie was still sleeping soundly. Seeing her lying on his lap centered him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing? Getting involved with the client is never good," Lester said.

"Santos, we are not involved."

"Are you sure about that? You are more than a bodyguard and client from where I'm sitting. From where I'm sitting, you look like lovers."

"You know I don't mix business with pleasure."

"Maybe now is the time to start."

"You just said that it isn't a good idea."

"I did, but this is a special case. Carlos, you can't see it from where you're sitting, but you complement each other from here. I haven't seen you this relaxed since we were kids. I know your stance; don't let Rachel ruin you from having what you deserve."

"And what's that?"

"A wife and a family. Rachel already keeps your daughter from you. I know how much that kills you. You deserve to have a child who knows you. This could be that chance. You know you can't keep running ops forever. Maybe Stephanie is your sign that it's time to hang up your combat fatigues."

Ranger closed his eyes and counted to ten. Lester always knew how to get under his skin. Only right now, there was a part of him, the part that was still Carlos, telling Ranger it was time. After Rachel stole his daughter from him, Ranger pushed Carlos into a small corner of his heart. He wouldn't let Carlos take the lead and make another mistake. But that was ten years ago when Ranger was young and stupid. He wasn't that same man. Now, Ranger was a mature business owner. He had what he wanted professionally but also knew he yearned for more. Ranger always felt a twinge of jealousy when Ranger saw his sisters and brother with their spouses and children. Ranger believes that what he did in the name of his country would prevent him from having what they had. If he were honest with himself, he was starting to picture having a more domesticated life with this fiery brunette lying on his lap.

"Now is not the time," Ranger said, "She has someone trying to kill her. Getting involved can get both killed."

"You already are involved, but neither of you knows it. Don't fight it. Let it happen. You know what Abuela always said, 'If it's meant to be, it will happen. Nothing comes in the way of faith.'"

Ranger fought the urge to roll his eyes at his cousin. Instead, he diverted. "What time are we reporting?"

"Tank rescheduled from eighteen hundred to twenty-three hundred. Do you think she'll want to attend?" Lester replied, understanding that the previous conversation was over. He only hoped that Ranger would consider what he said.

"I'll leave that up to her. I'll inform Stephanie of the meeting time, and if she wants to attend, I will let her know. Somehow, though, I think getting back involved with the threats will help her cope with her mother's death."

Lester and Ranger spent the rest of the flight talking business when Ranger decided to wake up Stephanie about forty-five minutes outside of DC.

"Steph, wake up." He said, gently shaking her.

"What time is it?"

"Almost twenty hundred hours," Ranger answered. After seeing her scrunched-up nose, he pitied her, "Eight, Babe."

"Oh, my God. I'm so sorry for sleeping on you! For the entire flight. I can't believe I slept on you again."

Lester, who had just taken a sip of water, started to choke. Again? When did they sleep together?

"I thought you might want to change. I'm sure reporters will be at the airport and possibly outside the White House. The Secret Service wanted to take over your security, but your father insisted we stay. What are your accommodations like in the White House?"

"I have a small suite of rooms. It's a bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room/office. I have a day bed for when my nieces stay over without Valerie."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to stay in your suite. Tank sent a message while you were sleeping that he thinks the person threatening you is a Secret Service Agent. We are having our briefing at 11 if you want to attend. Lester will stay in a guest room closest to your suite."

Stephanie's mind was spinning. How could someone who swore to protect her and her family be trying to hurt her? It didn't make sense. She got along well with all the agents she worked with and couldn't think of any that would want to hurt her.

"Wow, that's a lot to think about. I do feel better about you staying with me, Carlos. I would ask you to stay even if the Secret Service took over."

"When we get to the White House, you'll be taken to the residence and have time with your family. If you're hungry, we have some sandwiches on board."

"No, I'm not hungry. Let me go freshen up."

Stephanie stood up and stretched before walking to the bathroom towards the back of the plane. She paused and took a simple black suit dress and black pumps from her bag. Steph decided to forego the pantyhose. She washed her face, removed the remaining eye makeup she had missed earlier, and brushed her teeth. After caring for nature, she changed and returned her clothes to her suitcase. She fixed her hair and rejoined Lester and Ranger at the table this time.

"How are you holding up?" Lester asked.

"Okay. My mother and I had a strained relationship, which was starting to improve in recent years. I think she was finally starting to understand me and that I was different from her. I hoped we had more time to develop a close bond like she has with my sister, but."

"Sometimes life isn't fair. You seem like you have a close relationship with your father."

"I do. Dad's been my biggest support since he retired from the Army. I can tell him almost anything. However, I'm hesitant to tell him some things because he was so absent from my life growing up. When he was running ops, he'd come home, how can I describe it, haunted. He'd be withdrawn and quiet. But I was always so excited to see him that I would sit with him, tell him what was happening in Trenton, and eventually, after a few days, he'd start to come back. I know he has PTSD. I know there are things he can't share with me that happened. He did tell me, though, that having me around helped to heal him. I don't understand how or why, but I'm glad I could help him when Mom and Valerie couldn't."

"We have a few other guys coming down to help with your security these next few days. They will remain in the background and primarily be here to provide ground support. You will most likely not interact with them. They will assist the Secret Service with securing the perimeter during your mother's wake and funeral. As a national event, they often contract with other security companies to assist."

"Okay, I got it," Stephanie said. She was looking out the window, clearly in deep thought. "Um," she sighed, "Carlos, I don't want to be near Joe. He will try to manipulate me into getting back together by using my emotions against me. I don't want to deal with him."

"I can keep him away from you. He was removed from First Family duty, correct?"

"Yes, but since our families are close, he will be around for at least part of the wake and funeral. Douglas will make an appearance."

"If he's on duty, we don't need to worry too much. He'll have his job to do. It will be an issue if he is off duty. You need to make sure your father knows you don't want to be around him so he can let his detail know to keep Joe at a distance," Lester said.

"I plan to. There are a few things I need to talk to my father about, but it may have to wait until after the funeral."

"I don't think you should wait if it's what we discussed," Ranger said.

"I know, but I need to see how Dad is coping. I don't want to add more stress unnecessarily."

"We will be landing in about fifteen minutes. Marco and James will be on the ground to assist," Ace, the pilot, said over the intercom.

"Don't worry, we got your back," Lester said.

"Mr. President, the invitation list is complete and ready to be sent to the proper individuals for the private funeral. We have condolence books outside the White House and online for those wishing to leave a statement. I have the list of charities people can donate to in Ellen's name. Is there anything else?" Clara asked.

"No, Clara, that's it. Thank you for the extra time you gave us tonight. It will be a busy few days."

"It's not a problem, Sir," Clara said as she left my private office. Now, sitting before me is the head of my Secret Service Security team.

"Agent Wilson, Joseph Morelli is not welcomed in the White House while Stephanie is here. I don't want him near her. He will receive an invitation to the funeral like the other guests. He is not to be relieved of his duties for any additional time. Rangeman Security will have a few more people here to be with Stephanie. They will remain her bodyguards. Your team does not need to worry about Stephanie."

"Yes, Sir. Agent Reverol informed me that Morelli requested to come here immediately, as he had to comfort his fiancé during her grief." The disapproval was evident in Reverol's voice.

"Something has been bothering me lately. I wonder how Morelli passed the psychological evaluation with his recent behavior. He lacks the anger management or humility needed to be an Agent."

"There's a flaw in the system. When agents come from the military, they don't have the same tests. Since Morelli was accepted into SEAL training but was dismissed due to his injury, he didn't need a psychological evaluation."

"But wouldn't it have come up before he was accepted into the SEALs?"

"Mr. President, you know as well as I that that underlying anger can often be channeled while a soldier into your missions or assignments. It isn't looked upon as being negative. Due to the regimented nature of military life, those issues are not sometimes manifested."

Frank contemplated what they discussed. "Then maybe that's something we need to change for future agents."

"Yes, Sir. I agree."

"Please include Ranger or his designee in all security briefings. Ranger will share what he feels is necessary for you and your agents to do their jobs, but he does not have to give you details on his steps for keeping my daughter safe."

"Understood."

"Thank you, Agent Wilson."

Agent Wilson stood up and left the office. While most agents would be annoyed to have someone else take the lead on a member of the First Family, Wilson didn't care. He knew that Ranger was a force to be reckoned with and that he was the best person to keep Stephanie safe. Wilson liked the first family. They were polite and respectful, and their values aligned with his. But his favorite was Stephanie. She is genuine, with no airs or hidden agendas. What you see is what you get. He hated that someone wanted to hurt her. She is about five years older than his daughter, so he views her as another daughter. But, if Ranger fails to keep her safe, Wilson will make Ranger's life a living hell.

Frank spent a few minutes of silence wondering what Morelli could have up his sleeve. He was confident that Stephanie was done with Morelli for good, but he thought that before. The problem with Stephanie is that she never dated. Valerie had various boyfriends in high school before she and Steven started dating during her senior year. Steven is an excellent husband and father. But Stephanie only had Morelli. Frank understands why Stephanie didn't date, her schooling was essential to her, but that lack of experience leads her back to that asshole. Unfortunately, he didn't set a good example for her of what a husband and father should be. Frank made so many mistakes with his daughters. However, he would not continue to make them.

His musings were interrupted by a knock on his door.

"Mr. President," Joe said, "Stephanie is here."

"Thank you, Joe. Please handle anything that isn't urgent. I don't want to be interrupted for the next hour."

"Of course, Frank." Juniak was a good friend and Chief of Staff. He and the President have been friends since childhood. This was tough on Frank, but he was strong and would get through it. "Oh, Frank," he said. Frank paused at the door and turned around. "Douglas called. He said there would be no campaigning for the next ten days out of respect for you and your wife. He has requested that all ads be pulled from the airwaves and has canceled all engagements."

"Make sure we do the same. I'll call Douglas later to thank him."

"Even though he is on the opposite side of the aisle, he is a good man."

"That is true."

Frank left the room and walked into the sitting room of the residence. Valerie was there with Edna, going through photo albums. Angie and Mary Alice sat on the floor, continuing their knitting projects. Steven was helping to place the pictures on the women's large bulletin boards on the table. A moment after he stepped into the room, Stephanie entered.

"Daddy," she said, hugging her father.

"Pumpkin, how are you holding up."

"Okay. I think I've cried out my tears."

"I'm sorry you weren't here, but your mother left you a letter. I'll give it to you later."

"Okay. How are you doing?"

"We knew it was coming. Mom's prognosis last week was not optimistic. To be honest, it was time. Your mother loved to cook, bake, and supervise all things domestic. She couldn't do that. It took away her joy. She's better off."

Stephanie shook her head. "Daddy, I must talk to you about Morelli. Let me know when it is a good time to talk."

"Please tell me you are not getting back together with him," Frank said, scared that his daughter was falling under his spell again.

"Oh God, no," she said, laughing. "I asked Carlos to keep him away from me. I don't want anything to do with him."

Frank let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was grateful that Stephanie didn't want to be near Morelli. He was concerned about what she had to tell him. Wait, she called Ranger 'Carlos.' "How are things going with Mr. Manoso?"

Frank saw Stephanie flush a little. Hmm, something is going on there. Does she know it? Does Ranger realize it, and is it reciprocal? I need to keep my eye on them.

"Carlos and Lester and great. They respect me and tell me what is going on. They listen to my concerns and consider my opinion. Thank you for forcing them on me."

"I'm glad. Rangeman will be your main security during the wake and funeral."

"Great."

"Now, why is Ranger staying in your suite?"

"It's the way it has been. He'll be on the day bed. He said that was the best way to ensure my safety. It's okay. He's a gentleman."

Frank smiled. "He better remain a gentleman where it concerns you."

"Dad!"

"I don't care how old you are; you will always be my little girl."

Stephanie rolled her eyes and went over to her sister and grandmother. The women embraced as they shed a few more tears. Those tears, though, turned to laughter as they remembered some of the good times while looking through the pictures.

At ten, Ranger came into the room to check on Stephanie. "Do you still want to be part of the meeting tonight?"

"Yes, please."

"Okay. Let me know when you're ready to go to your suite," Ranger said while tucking a stray curl around her ear. Frank noticed the move and made eye contact with Ranger.

Ranger walked over to the President. "Sir, thank you for including my team in the security briefings."

"You're welcome. My daughter talks highly of you already. She doesn't give praise like that often."

"She has been cooperative so far and will stay so. We have a good working relationship."

Frank took a moment to assess the man standing in front of him. Though engaged in their conversation, he constantly scanned the room for Stephanie, his eyes lingering longer than necessary. Something was up between them.

"So, you understand, Carlos, Stephanie is important to me. If you hurt her, there is no place in the world you can hide. She is not a toy. If you make a move, it better be a serious one. She is not a notch on your belt."

The President's remarks affronted Ranger. He is a professional and always treats women with respect and dignity. Yes, he has one-night stands to scratch an itch, but the women know no strings are attached. He would never disrespect Stephanie in that manner.

"Sir, I have a daughter. She's ten. No, I don't have a close relationship with her, thanks to my ex-wife, but I only treat women like I want men to treat my daughter someday. I would never do anything to hurt your daughter intentionally or unintentionally."

Frank appraised Ranger, looking into his eyes. "I believe you. Please don't make me regret the faith I'm putting in you. I already put faith in the wrong man once, where Stephanie was concerned. I won't do it again."

Frank saw Stephanie approaching, "Good night, Dad. I'm going to head up to my room."

"Sweet dreams. Here is your mother's letter. If you need to talk, you know where to find me. Don't worry about the time."

"Thank you, Dad," she said. Then, Stephanie turned to Ranger. "Are you ready?"

"Whenever you are."

Stephanie started to walk to the door, with Ranger following close behind her. Frank knew, without a doubt, that Stephanie had met her match.

The plans for the funeral are perfect—Mrs. Plum's burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The target will be out in the open. One shot is all that is needed to take her out. One shot, and she will be out of the picture. Things were going great until Stephanie got her panties in a twist. Her rejection sealed the fate of her enemy. But soon, Stephanie Plum will be no more.

"Okay, men, what do we have to report tonight?" Ranger asked. He was set up on the conference call on a network secured and encrypted by Rangeman. No one in the White House could access this call. Hector was that good.

"The threat is coming from a Secret Service Agent. We don't know who yet. Several of the events where photos were taken were closed events. Even the media wasn't in the room at those times. When looking at the records, ten agents were present at each event. Now, that doesn't mean the person is working alone. Hector is digging into their backgrounds now," Junior reported.

"Coglin does not seem to be related. He remembered selling two to Dickie Orr's wife, who planted them at her husband's office and his mistress's house. Gina is cleared of being involved with Stephanie. However, he did say that he sold two others. One went to someone named Mooner."

Stephanie couldn't help but laugh. "Mooner is a pothead. He's harmless and most likely thought they were funny. I hope he doesn't get hurt if it goes off."

"The fourth one went to someone he didn't know. They were out of town and said they saw the newspaper article on the explosion at Dickie Orr's office and Joyce Barnhard's house. Carl didn't want to sell him one because he gave him the "heebie-jeebies," but in the end, the price was too good not to sell. We are trying to hunt down that person," Ram said.

"Marco and James are here supporting us, but I want Tank and Bobby to join us. Stephanie will be most vulnerable at the funeral if it is a Secret Service agent. I want more eyes. Cal and Woody can run Trenton. Bring in Eagle and Rocket from Atlanta to help in Trenton," Ranger ordered.

"Okay, boss, we'll get that done. Ms. Plum, ma'am, we are sorry for your loss. We know the words aren't adequate, but we are with you in spirit," Tank said.

"Thank you. I appreciate your condolences."

"If there is nothing else, we're done until tomorrow." Ranger disconnected the call when no one answered. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Part of me thought it could be an agent, which was also why I didn't want them protecting me."

"We'll keep you safe. I promise you."

"I know. Thank you, Carlos, for everything. Excuse me; I want to read my mother's letter."

"If you need me, I'm here."

Stephanie nodded in acknowledgment. Ranger joined the call with her from her suite, but Lester, Marco, and James were in a guest room together. She went into her room and sat on her bed. She opened her mother's letter.

My dearest Stephanie,

I know that we did not see eye to eye often. I know that I made many mistakes with you. I am sorry for everything I did. My words cannot heal the harm my actions caused, nor is my explanation adequate. After all, it is only an excuse. However, I want to try to explain the reasons for my actions. I understand if you can't forgive me. There is so much I wish I had done differently.

I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant with you. My pregnancy with Valerie was complicated, and the doctor didn't think I could have another child. Your father and I had no expectations of having a second child. Then, I discovered I was pregnant with you. We were overflowing with happiness. My second pregnancy was easier on me, and you were born on October 12th.

You were such a good baby. Such a joy to have. While it was difficult with you and Valerie while your dad was away, I was able to manage easily when you were little. When Valerie started school, it became more challenging for me. At first, Valerie didn't like going to school, and mornings were filled with tantrums and tears. I was so exhausted when we returned from drop-off that I didn't spend as much time with you. When you started school, helping two children with homework began to weigh on me. I would hear everything the other mothers were doing and feel like I wasn't good enough. I took out my insecurities on you by holding you to expectations I thought were proper then. I see the error of my ways now.

The women of the Burg looked down on those parents with unruly children, and your free spirit was deemed inappropriate. I was constantly chastised for not making you conform, and soon, I started to extinguish the light that made you unique. I know I put too much value on how our community saw me. But I didn't see that then.

When your father retired, he tried to show me the errors of my ways, but I was too entangled in the Burg's web. I became one of those women I hated so much when you were little. I didn't even realize until now that I was still forcing you to do my bidding. I thought you were in love with Joseph. I thought you wanted to marry him. I thought he was a good man. I would not have pushed him on you if I knew how poorly he treated you.

I love your father; he is a good man. But our love is a comfortable one forged between two friends. I want more than that for you. I don't want you to settle. I want you to have an all-encompassing love, to find a man who makes your heart skip a beat when you see him, causes your heart to ache when he's away, and treats you with respect, dignity, and honor. Your father always treated me respectfully. He never cheated on me or forced me to do something I didn't want. That is the man you need.

Stephanie, I am so proud of the woman you are today. My selfish hope is that you experience the joys of motherhood someday, but if that is not what you want, know that I love and support you.

I am so incredibly sorry for all the wrongs I did to you. I hope you can put that behind you and allow yourself to fly. I'm proud of you.

With All My Love,

Mother

XOXOXO

Stephanie was angry. Why couldn't her mother tell her this ten years ago? Stephanie has spent so many years struggling to build her confidence that was stomped on as a child and teen. So what? It wasn't easy with Dad away. Doesn't her mother know it was hard on Stephanie and Valerie? The kids constantly said that her father was away because he didn't love Stephanie, Valerie, or their mother enough to stay. That her father had another family somewhere that he loved better. Never having her mother's support. Damn her, Stephanie thought. "ARG"

Ranger heard Stephanie's scream of frustration and knocked on her door, "Are you okay, babe?"

Stephanie flung the door open. "No, I'm not okay. Why the fuck did she have to write this? What good did she think it would do? These are all the things I wished I heard her tell me for years, but I get it now. This is fucking bullshit. Didn't she cause enough fucking harm?"

Stephanie was pacing, throwing her arms up in anger. Ranger watched and listened, knowing that it was the contents of the letter that were causing Stephanie to react this way.

"Is there a gym here?"

"What? How the fuck can you think about a gym right now?"

"Stephanie, you have anger you need to get out of your system. A punching bag, a run on the treadmill, or some other workout will help you get the frustration and anger out so you can think clearly and put it behind you. Anger and frustration are emotions I know intimately."

"Fine," Stephanie replied. She stomped to her dresser and pulled out a sports bra, a t-shirt, and leggings before entering the bathroom. She emerged a minute later dressed. Fuck, maybe a round of hot, sweaty sex would get out her frustration better. Carlos thought.

"Are we going?"

"Yeah, come on, Babe," Ranger replied. He had already changed into basketball shorts and a tank top, so he was ready to help Stephanie.