Chapter 14

Stephanie knocked on her Father's office door. After talking with Carlos, she knew she needed to tell her father about Morelli. It was going to be difficult, though. While she could speak to her father about almost anything, talking to him about her sex life was not something she was comfortable with.

Frank heard the knock, which could only mean that Stephanie was there. She was the only one who knocked like that. "Come in, Pumpkin."

Stephanie opened the door, and he was surprised to see Ranger walking in with her. She sat down, and he sat next to her. Something was different between the two of them, in a good way. Could Ranger be the one for his daughter?

"What's going on? Is everything okay?

"Yes, no, yes. I don't know." Stephanie answered, flustered. "I have something I need to tell you about Morelli."

Now, Frank's interest was piqued. Could this be the hammer he needed to get rid of the asshole Morelli? Did Stephanie find him with another woman?

"Steph, I haven't yet learned how to read your mind. Please tell me. You know you can tell me anything, right? You know I will never be angry with you?"

Stephanie nodded and took a deep breath. "This is awkward. How do you talk about your sex life with your father?" she said to herself in a whisper that Frank and Ranger heard. "You know Morelli and I have been dating on and off. Well, since we started dating again five years ago, we've been, you know, together."

"I figured as much. You are an adult and can make your own choices."

"Well, one night, about two years ago, Joe forced me to do something I didn't want to do."

Frank sat up straight. Where am I going to have to send that no-good asshole? "Go on."

Stephanie looked at her lap, trying not to cry. "He…he forced me to have, you know, in a position I wasn't comfortable with."

Ranger could see that this was difficult for her. Even though he didn't want to get involved, he knew he needed to. "Morelli forced Stephanie to have anal sex, even though she said no."

Frank was stunned. He knew Morelli was a cheating scum bag, but he didn't think he would rape someone, let alone his daughter. Were there others?

"Wow, way to be subtle, Batman," Stephanie said.

"Stephanie, is that true?" Frank asked, kicking himself for not getting rid of Morelli sooner. He was just thankful that about eighteen months ago, he started to schedule Morelli offsite when Stephanie was in DC, limiting their interactions. Since Stephanie never objected, Frank continued. However, he was berating himself for not asking Stephanie why she didn't care.

"Yes. That's why I was fine with Morelli not being around when I was here. I was trying to avoid him, but Mom."

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry I didn't get rid of Morelli sooner. If I knew he hurt you, I would have fired him immediately."

"That was why I never told you. I didn't want Morelli to get fired. If he did, Mom would have blamed me. It would be my fault."

"No, it would never be your fault. You are not responsible for anyone's actions other than your own."

"But he was my boyfriend. Mom always said that our job was to ensure that our boyfriends, fiancés, or husbands were cared for. Them above us."

Frank wished he could strangle Ellen for making Stephanie and Valerie believe that bullshit. It was never that way with them. He respected Ellen's boundaries, never pushing her. What pleasure is there if your partner isn't into it?

"Your mother was wrong. I don't know where she got those ideas," Frank said. He was arguing with himself and knew it was time.

"Stephanie, there's something I need to tell you. However, this must stay between us. Ranger, I can trust you?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What is it?" Stepanie asked, filled with trepidation.

"Valerie is not my daughter, at least not by blood. Your mother was dating another man from the Burg. He was also in the Army like me. They were serious, and he got your mom pregnant. Before she could tell him, he was killed in Vietnam. Your mother's parents and my parents were good friends. Your mom and I were friendly like you are with Carl and Eddie. But that was it. We were never attracted to each other as more than friends.

"At that time, it was still looked down upon for a woman to be pregnant out of wedlock. I felt bad for your mother and proposed. We got married, and Valerie was born five months later. We told everyone we were married six months earlier, during my previous leave. I know not everyone believed us, but they never said anything. I was never in love with your mother, nor was she with me. We grew to love each other, but not in a passion-filled way. I don't regret marrying your mother, and I would do it again. But I do regret not quitting the Army sooner."

Now, the ending of her mother's letter made sense. Her mother didn't want her to marry out of obligation. But then why the fuck did she keep pushing her to Morelli. Stephanie pushed down her frustration. "Okay, but why would she say that?"

"I guess because she felt she owed me something for helping her out. I never asked for anything nor even hinted at it. I don't think we consummated our marriage until about two years later. I was rewarded by raising Valerie and then you. I was able to provide your sister with a "proper" family. Her father was a good man, and I have no regrets, but your mother's views on what it means to be a good wife got warped somewhere."

"Wow. That's a lot to process," Stephanie said as she rubbed her temples, trying to keep the stress headache at bay.

"What should we do about Morelli?" Ranger asked.

Hmm, protective much. "I will fire Morelli. That's for sure. I do think charges should be brought against him. However, I don't know if Stephanie is the best person. I can see her getting dragged through the mud. Let's face it, you and I both know that since they had a sexual relationship, most won't think of it as rape."

Stephanie found it amusing that the men were talking about her. "I'm still here. I can talk for myself."

"I know you can. However, if a man would do that to someone he claims to love, then he would do it to someone he has no feelings for," Frank said while thinking aloud. "The question is, how do I find out? I can't go up to someone and ask, "Did Joseph Morelli rape you?" That would never work."

Ranger thought momentarily, then said, "Frank, let Rangeman handle that aspect. We have a PI license through our Atlanta office. We can investigate and let you know what we find. If he did rape another woman, I'm sure we can persuade her to charge him. If we find multiple, that will bring in a pattern. Then, Stephanie could be called as a character witness, which would be easier for her."

Frank smiled. Any concerns he had about Ranger respecting his daughter were gone. He'd let their relationship run its course. It might not be forever, but it won't end with his daughter being treated like scum. "Ranger, you have free reign. Let me know how much."

"Mr. President, with all due respect, this is on the house. My moral compass does not always point due north, but I despise men who abuse women in any way. It will be my pleasure to get a man like Morelli off the streets and behind bars."

"Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I must ensure that Morelli is kept far from you, Stephanie. We can keep him away tomorrow, but this evening will be harder."

"Don't worry; I will ensure Morelli steers clear of Stephanie."

"Thank you, Dad. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I didn't realize."

"I know, Pumpkin, it's okay. I love you."

"I love you too," Stephanie said as they hugged each other. Then, Ranger shook Frank's hand before they left the room.

"We have the briefing in twenty minutes. Are you ready for it?"

"Yes. I can't think about my chaotic personal life right now. That will bring sanity to my life."

Ranger couldn't help but laugh. Any person who thought a psychopathic stalker was more sane than their life is someone who could handle his lifestyle.

"We're going to be in the small conference room. Your dad and the Secret Service gave it to us to use as our base of operations while we are in DC. Hector came down last night to ensure our network is encrypted and separate from anything the Secret Service can access. My men will be positioned around the perimeter tomorrow with the Secret Service agents. The time when you will be most vulnerable is at Arlington."

"You'll be next to me, right?"

"Yes, Babe, as long as you want me beside you."

They entered the conference room, and Stephanie saw Tank, Bobby, Lester, and Hector, whom she had already met. There were two there men that she didn't know. "Babe, the one with the earrings is James from Boston, and the one with the crew cut is Marco from Miami. They head those offices. Gentleman, this is Stephanie Plum."

"Nice to meetcha, Ma'am," James said, with a midwestern accent.

"Sorry about your mother," Marco said.

"Thank you. I appreciate you coming here to help me."

Lester said, "Agent Wilson was here and gave us the map of where they will be stationed tomorrow at Arlington. I think this is where we should start."

"Sounds good," Ranger said. For the next forty-five minutes, they developed their plan to keep Stephanie safe tomorrow.

The afternoon was a whirlwind of activity. The afternoon was dedicated to the politicians coming to give their condolences. Several people suggested having a state funeral, as Ellen Plum was a sitting First Lady, but Frank was set against it. He wanted his family and friends to mourn in peace with privacy. The evening services were mainly for family and friends, with a few politicians who couldn't attend the afternoon viewing. Stephanie was pleased that she didn't have to see Morelli this afternoon but knew it would be harder to avoid him this evening. Frank agreed to the Arlington burial because that was where he would be buried. He spent his career in the military and was eligible for burial at a Veteran's cemetery. As President, he is eligible for Arlington, which he agreed to.

Finally, it was seven, and Morelli could attend the funeral as a friend. He escorted his mother and grandmother inside, where they waited in line to give their condolences to the Plum family. He saw Ranger, that wannabe Secret Service scum standing beside Stephanie when they got closer. Morelli felt his blood pressure start to rise. His mother reached the family first and was greeted warmly by Frank, Valerie, Grandma Mazur, and Stephanie. Grandma Bella was also greeted. When it was his turn, only Valerie greeted him warmly. Grandma Mazur barely spoke to him, and Frank dismissed him. When he went to talk to Stephanie, she held Ranger's hands in the first row, with him next to her. Morelli said a few prayers over Ellen's coffin and approached Stephanie.

"Stephanie," Morelli said.

Ranger stood and stepped in front of Stephanie. "Ms. Plum does not wish to speak to you. Please leave her alone. She doesn't need to be further distressed."

Morelli went to protest but saw Agent Wilson looking at him. Damn it. They are fucking watching me like some kind of common criminal. What the fuck? Morelli thought. "Fine, but you won't always be around to run interference."

"As long as Ms. Plum wants me around, I will be. Now, move along. No need to make a scene."

Frank was watching Morelli's interactions with Ranger. After his conversation with his daughter earlier in the day, Morelli's days as an Secret Service agent could be counted on one hand. No one rapes his daughter and gets away with it. He only wished Stephanie told him sooner.

Morelli sat with his mother and grandmother in the middle of the room, where several Burg families greeted them. He kept his eye on his Cupcake and that thug and saw him moving her hair out of her face, holding her hand, and kissing her forehead. To Morelli, it appeared as though they were lovers, but that can't be. No one like that thug would settle for Cupcake.

Soon, the priest entered the room. Everyone quickly sat down, and those who couldn't find an available chair stood at the back. Frank, Valerie, Angie, Mary Alice, Grandma Mazur, and Frank's sister, Marilyn, sat in the front row. There was no seat for Stephanie, and she was fine. Stephanie knew her father needed his sister's support. She and Ranger were standing to the side. Morelli watched as Ranger maneuvered Stephanie to stand in front of him with her back to his chest. His arms went around her waist as Stephanie leaned into him. What the fuck! I should be the one holding you, Morelli thought.

Frank observed his daughter with Ranger and knew that Morelli would never be back in his daughter's life. He also understood that Ranger would never leave. They looked like two people who had been together for years, yet they had only met. Frank didn't believe in soul mates, but in looking at his daughter and her bodyguard, he was starting to believe.

Soon, the viewing hours were coming to a close. The mourners started to make their way to the exit, once again stopping at the family to give them their love and prayers. When the Morellis came over again, Joe was shunned while the women were greeted warmly. Joe could feel his blood pressure rising.

Angie turned to her son when they entered her hotel room, "Why did Stephanie ignore you? What did you do to her? Do not say nothing. It's time you tell me everything you've been up to."

Joe didn't know what to say. He knows his mother will find out sooner or later. The fucking BNN was far-reaching. "Well, there was a misunderstanding a couple of weeks ago. You see, this woman came on to me, and since Stephanie has been traveling so much, well, I have needs, you know."

"And before her? I assume that was the one that Stephanie found out about."

"There weren't that many, but come on, Ma, am I really expected to be celibate for months?"

Angie and Bella crossed themselves. How could they have done such a poor job raising Joe? "Joseph Anthony Morelli, you are no son of mine. I don't know HOW you could be with another woman while dating Stephanie. Your father's cheating made me feel so small and insignificant. It made me feel worthless and ugly. I thought there was something wrong with me for so many years. This is all my fault. I should have taken you to a therapist when you were younger. Maybe I could have saved you. Now, listen to me. You will leave Stephanie alone. You will not call her, and you will not bother her. If she wants to talk to you, she will contact you."

"But,"

"No. If you plan to continue being part of our family, you will see a therapist and work through your problems. You will find out why you believe you have the right to cheat. You will also work on that temper of yours. It is not very becoming. You will no longer be welcome in my home if you cannot do those two things. I should have left your father when you were little, but I was too afraid and stupid. But, I will not support or acknowledge a son who insists on following in his father's no-good footsteps," Angie said before turning to Bella. "I'm sorry, Mama, but you know your son was rotten to me."

"Yes, I do, and I'm sorry I didn't raise a better son. I agree with you, Angie; we must stand our ground so Joseph doesn't make the same mistakes his father did, though I fear we may be too late."

"Grandma,"

"Please leave us. I do not want to be in your presence right now," Grandma Bella said.

Joe was defeated. He couldn't believe his mother was taking Stephanie's side. And now Grandma Bella. He always thought that he was her favorite. Suddenly, though, he felt his world was crashing down around him. First Stephanie, then Frank, and now his mother and grandmother. How did everything go so wrong so fast?

When Stephanie and Ranger returned to the White House, they went straight to Stephanie's suite. Stephanie was exhausted from the long day and anxious about tomorrow. She was glad that Ranger was able to keep Morelli away from her.

"Do you want some tea, Babe?" Ranger asked.

"No, I'm tired, but I don't know if I'll be able to sleep. I can't shake this feeling I have in the pit of my stomach."

"I know, I feel it too. The team has been turning over every stone, and a few more guys came in from Miami and Boston. Their job was to clear the area where your mother would be buried in Arlington. They didn't find anything and could place cameras around so we could record everything. If something goes down, we will be able to identify the perpetrator. They also found a few good spots to set up where they have a clear view of the area. Ram is here as well, along with JP. They are both snipers and damn good ones. They will be able to take out anyone if need be."

Stephanie nodded and felt a little better. "I feel safer knowing you will be with me, but I'll be glad when it's over."

Ranger walked over to Stephanie, wrapping his arms around her, "I promise to keep you safe."

Stephanie leaned into his embrace, drawing strength from him. "I'm scared," Stephanie said, her voice sounding childlike.

"I know, querida, I understand. I would be more worried if you weren't scared."

"Carlos," Stephanie said before pausing, "are you scared?"

Ranger had to think for a moment. He's been in this situation and was always focused on the end game. But, as he thought about it, he realized he was scared. For the first time in forever, Ranger was scared that he could lose the woman in his arms. Not because she was his client and he was hired to keep her safe, but because he wanted to be part of her life for many years.

"Yes, I am. I'm scared because I don't want to lose you."

"What do you mean?"

Ranger paused and guided Stephanie to her bed. "I don't know how to explain it. I felt comfortable and at ease with you from the moment we met. After the bomb at your apartment, I could go home and have dinner when normally I'd be in the gym working off my adrenaline, but you kept me calm. I've told you more about myself than anyone outside my family knows because I know I can trust you. I am drawn to you, and I'm not sure why. I do know that I don't want to lose this connection."

Stephanie was shocked at Ranger's confession. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that someone like Ranger would ever be into someone like her. He was worldly and had experienced so much in life. She was a sheltered adult who only had one boyfriend and lover. What could she possibly bring to this relationship?

"I feel drawn to you too. You make me feel safe and loved. But I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop or for you to think I'm too much trouble or not attractive enough. I'm waiting for you to say that I don't satisfy you and that you need someone else to make you happy."

"Querida, never. You are beautiful. Your independent, fiery spirit, ability to adapt, and acceptance of all you meet are refreshing. I love that you have your own dreams and are achieving them. I love how you can read people. Most importantly, though, I love how you chase away my demons. Being in your presence makes me feel lighter."

Ranger and Stephanie looked into each other eyes and moved toward each other, soon sharing in a slow, passionate kiss that was unfrenzied. Ranger slowly removed her clothes as she undressed him, and soon, they were making love, this time slow and sensual. When they climaxed, it was together. Only after Stephanie fell asleep in his arms Ranger realized he had forgotten a condom.

So far, the day has gone off without a hitch. The President and his family made it to Arlington, and everything was going according to plan. The section where the First Lady was buried was cordoned off, along with the sections immediately surrounding her. No one could get to this burial site without clearance from the Secret Service. Ranger's men were scattered throughout, with Ram and JP on higher ground with their rifles ready.

Valerie was not handling today well. She was burying her mother. She had a much closer relationship with Ellen than Stephanie had, though she often chastised her mother for pushing Morelli on Stephanie. Valerie knew Morelli was not the man for Stephanie. However, Ellen always would tell Stephanie that Valerie thought they were perfect for each other.

Valerie never liked Joe. He was always an arrogant pig who thought the sun rose and set around him. When Stephanie started dating him in high school, she tried to talk her sister out of it. But Stephanie was never one to have the attention of the boys, at least not in a romantic way. She had a lot of boys who were friends, like Edde, Carl, and Lenny, but none who were asking her out. Having the captain of the football team and star quarterback who was two years older giving her attention seemed exciting. When they broke up, Valerie told Steph she was better off.

Then, when they started seeing each other again, Valerie again questioned her sister, but Stephanie said he was changed. Mary Alice was three and Angie five, so she was a little preoccupied with her girls. Since Stephanie was older, Valerie felt Stephanie knew what was best for her, though Val would always point out Joe's flaws to her sister. Soon, though, it became clear that her criticism was unwelcome and strained their relationship, so she relented.

Still, Valerie was not convinced that this breakup with Joe was for real until she saw Stephanie and her bodyguard, Ranger, interacting yesterday. She had to admit, Ranger was serious eye candy. But, he seemed to only have eyes for her sister. Maybe this is what Stephanie needs to get Joe Morelli fully out of her system.

While waiting to place her rose on Ellen's coffin, Valerie took a moment to say goodbye to her mother while asking her to look out for her granddaughters. She led her two girls to the casket, where they dropped their roses before heading towards the cars. Valerie and the girls were quickly ushered inside the first limo. Frank and Edna placed their roses simultaneously before being escorted back to the vehicles. Finally, it was Stephanie's turn, and she was accompanied by Ranger.

When Stephanie went up to the coffin, she paused and said silently, "Mom, I forgive you for being too blind to see how you destroyed my self-esteem and spirit by never listening to me or understanding me. You were too concerned with appearances to try to get to know me. I think you were a coward for writing that letter and would have preferred nothing, but since you insisted, I forgive you, but I will never love you like a daughter should love her mother."

As Stephanie finished, she felt lighter and freer, knowing that was the first step in her healing. Ranger placed his hand on her back and moved her towards the cars.

Dumbasses. All of them. They are so stupid sometimes, thought X as they watched the event unfold. They saw them set up the perimeter, check to ensure no one could come close to the First Family, and set their snipers up. But, they were short-sighted and didn't think outside the box. They could have all the blockades in the world up, and there was still a way in.

Using the remote, the drone was flown high up. It was modified to be almost silent. They wouldn't be looking that far above their heads for the threat. As the drone came closer, the target was lined up. Only in the last moment did the laser show itself on Stephanie's back, aligned with her heart. One touch of the button on the remote and bullets went flying toward the bitch.

Ranger saw the laser light a split second before he heard the sound of bullets. As a bullet ripped through his bicep, he quickly pushed Stephanie to the ground. Fuck, that hurts, but at least it's only a scratch, Ranger thought. As he and Stephanie hit the ground, he kept his body covering hers to keep her safe. Ranger was glad he made her wear the vest; it should protect her. Once he couldn't hear the bullets anymore, he lifted himself to look at Stephanie.

"Stephanie, babe, are you okay?" he asked, but one look at her face, and he knew she wasn't. Fuck! Where was she hit?

Ranger quickly assessed her and saw the blood flowing from her abdomen. He rolled her a bit and saw the bullet went through under the vest. He called into his coms for Bobby to get there ASAP as the Secret Service whisked Frank and his family to a secure location.

Stephanie heard a whistle in the air before she felt Ranger tackle her to the ground, but not before there was a piercing pain in her side. When she looked at Ranger after the whistling stopped, she couldn't focus. She heard him call her name but couldn't stay focused.

"Carlos, I love you," Stephanie said before she lost consciousness.