Chapter 2: Stephanie's POV (Tues. Sept. 6th)
I still can't believe I'm engaged to Carlos, my Batman. It is hard for me to fathom being in this situation, especially considering where things were only a month ago. A month ago, I was living in Trenton. I was dating Joe. We were "engaged to be engaged." Then, one morning, a little over two weeks ago, Carlos came pounding on Joe's door where I was staying. He came to get me to ask me to travel with him to Florida to help with his teenage daughter, Julie, who was raped. Not only was she sexually assaulted, but her mother, Rachel, stepfather, Ron, and her two half-siblings were murdered. She was left all alone, with only Carlos left as her family.
Of course, I agreed to accompany Carlos to Miami. I met Julie a few years ago after being kidnapped by Edward Scrog, who tried to steal Carlos's identity. Granted, we met when I agreed to be captured as well. Still, since that incident, we have steadily communicated via e-mail and text messages. She is a sweet girl and so much like her father.
While in Miami, I had an epiphany about my relationship with Joe: we were doomed. I called Joe that first night we were in Miami to let him know I was okay and to update him on Julie. When I phoned later in the evening, he was obviously in the middle of having sex with someone. After Lester agreed to look into it for me, I later learned that he was sleeping with Terry Gilman and Connie Rizzoli. That betrayal officially ended our relationship for good. He then dared to fly down to Miami to discredit Carlos to the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. Fortunately, they saw right through Joe's lies. Things got heated when he was requested to stay as TPD liaison when he couldn't leave me alone. After Carlos's car blew up, I made it clear to Joe that we were through. His Grandma Bella's sudden passing from a stroke seemed to be the inspiration that Joe needed to realize that he needed to change his ways, which included letting me go.
Carlos and I started dating less than two weeks ago, and two days ago, on Sunday, Carlos proposed to me. I was shocked but not surprised. This entire time we've been together in Miami, Carlos keeps telling me how much he loves me, how much I mean to him, and how important I am. I have always found it difficult to believe that I deserve someone's unconditional love. Still, I guess I'm worthy of Carlos's. While working on Julie's case, the walls I built up in my mind to block out a gang rape that happened to me in college came crashing down. Carlos was there for me, helping me through the emotional upheaval, even so much as making sure that I saw a therapist. Dr. Karen Purpura has helped me more in the last week and a half than anyone else. She helped me face my insecurities, allowing me to express them to Carlos, which helped him build me back up. Some people may think our engagement is rushed or premature, but I know how I feel about Carlos and how he thinks about me. This engagement, with a real ring and all, helps me feel secure in this relationship, confident that Carlos won't step out on me, and satisfied that Carlos wants the world to know that I'm his and he's mine. I know that sounds very caveman, but that's how we feel.
Today, Tuesday, is our first day back to work after the long Labor Day weekend. My appearance as a member of the Miami Rangeman team has not been well-received. I have discovered that the men here don't respect women's abilities to work for Rangeman. Add to the mix that I'm the boss's woman, which means that I need to work extra hard to prove myself because they think the only reason I have a job with the company is that I'm sleeping with Carlos. As Carlos has told me many times, I am working for Rangeman because I have skills that help the company that few others have. It is not a pity job. So, now that we have dropped off Julie and Tommy at school, we are heading for another fun-filled day at the office.
We arrive at Rangeman at a quarter to nine. Carlos parked in his spot in the garage, and we walked together to the elevator. His hand is on my lower back as we head there, but we decided to keep the PDAs to a minimum at the office. I am wearing my engagement ring, so anyone observant should notice the bling, and that's fine. We won't make a formal announcement here, though. That announcement will come at the company-wide meeting. Ranger ordered that the entire Trenton office be in attendance for the start of the session. Once he makes the announcement, those generally not part of the meeting will return to their regular jobs. The branch morning meeting is at nine, followed by the company-wide meeting at ten. Lester and I completed my training at home this morning because of the second meeting. After the company-wide meeting, Lester, Ranger, and I will debrief with the entire apprehension team from Friday night's fiasco. It's time for them to answer for their actions, and I know that Ranger is not pleased. We agreed that I would call him Ranger while at work, as that is who he is here, but outside of the office, he will be Carlos. However, he will always be my Carlos behind closed doors.
When we reached the sixth floor, I headed to the breakroom again. I'm wearing my Rangeman uniform of a black t-shirt, cargo pants, and CAT boots. I'm also wearing my gun on my belt. Lester arrived around eight to ensure all the paperwork from Friday's takedown was completed. I doctored my coffee, then got a cup for Ranger and Lester. I take one of the small trays that Maggie keeps there, loading my drinks to carry to the conference room. One of the men, I think his name is Henry, approaches me as I walk out of the room. Henry is about 6'1" and 180 pounds. He has blonde hair and dull green eyes.
"Hey, sweetie, tomorrow you can get my coffee as well. I take it with milk, no sugar." I am about to respond when another guy says, "Henry, don't you know you have to be tapping that ass to get coffee. You need to fuck her first, then I'm sure she'll get you coffee."
I am livid. I am so angry that I am shaking. I'm surprised I managed to get the coffee into the conference room without spilling it. I put it down on the table, placing Lester's coffee in front of his spot and Carlos's in front of his chair. Just as I'm about to sit down, another guy, Kenny, says, "Well, I guess you must be good in the sack because you sure are lacking in the tits department, but you do have a tight little ass. Maybe that's why you're so popular in Trenton."
I know that I am not in any position to be able to take on these guys physically, and right now, I just can't think of any retort to say. Yeah, I know. Who would believe that this Jersey girl is suddenly speechless? I'm saved from having to respond by Lester entering the conference room. He takes one look at me and then shoots a look around the table. He finally sits next to me. "Beautiful, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm not talking about it here." I say softly, trying not to move my lips, holding back the tears of frustration and anger. He sees my fragile emotional state and grabs my hand.
"Come with me to the office. I have something to show you."
Before we can get up, Ranger walks in, seething. Hector is following him into the room, with anger radiating off him. Hector looks at me. From his expression, I know he knows what was said. I start to relax. Ranger comes to me, standing in front of me, blocking me from the rest of the room with his body. "I got your back, Babe. Don't worry. Relax, Querida." He says softly, so only I can hear him. He sees the coffee and thanks me.
Ranger glances at his watch, seeing that it is nine, and then he starts the meeting. "Good morning. Before we get started, I have a few announcements. First, the apprehension team from Friday night will meet me in Conference Room 2 at 1100 or after the company-wide meeting, whichever is later. Secondly, will Henry, Kenny, and Slim stand up."
As the three men slowly stand, I watch their faces pale, though they have their blank looks on.
"Are any of you married?" Ranger asks. Kenny nods his head while the other two shake their heads. Kenny is in his mid-thirties, about 6'2" and 200 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.
"Kenny, do you have children?"
"Yes, sir."
"How many and what sex?"
"Two. A boy and a girl."
"How old is your daughter?"
"Seven."
"Henry and Slim, do either of you have a sister?" Ranger asks them. Slim, as his name implies, is tall and thin. He is taller than both Henry and Kenny, about two inches taller than Kenny, but probably weighs the same as Henry. He also has brown hair and eyes and appears Hispanic.
"I do, Sir," Slim answers.
"How old is she?"
"Twenty. My sister is six years younger than me."
"What about you, Henry?"
"Yes, a twin sister."
"How do you think your sister would feel if she heard someone insinuate that if she fucked them, then she would be willing to get them coffee? How do you think your sister would feel if you insinuated that she was a whore and slept with many different men? How do you think you would feel if you heard other men talking about fucking your sister in her tight ass?"
The men paled further as Ranger spoke, their blank faces falling a little. Ranger was staring them down, imploring them to answer. Finally, Slim spoke up, "I would want to kick that person's ass for even thinking about disrespecting my sister like that."
"Good, because the three of you will meet me on the mats tomorrow at 0600, Lester Thursday morning at 0600, and Hector on Friday morning at 0600. You will treat and talk to Ms. Plum with the same level of respect that you would talk to your sister or want other men to talk to your sister. As for you, Kenny, you better hope no one ever talks about your daughter like you spoke to Stephanie. I can tell you, from a father to another father, that you will want to kill the son-of-a-bitch who says it."
He looks at them, and they understand they are to sit down. Ranger then looks at the rest of the room. "I don't know your morals, but here at Rangeman, we respect everyone. Everyone is worthy of our respect and honor until they prove themselves unworthy. I don't understand why you feel it is appropriate or proper to disrespect Maggie or Ms. Plum. Maggie is here and works hard to ensure you have a comfortable living place. She keeps your apartments clean, helps stock your fridge and pantry, and cooks you three meals daily, yet you treat her like a maid. Starting tomorrow, you will all do your share. When you wake each morning, you will make your bed to boot camp standards. Your clothes, when removed, will be placed in your hampers. You will not leave clothes thrown all over your apartments or dirty dishes filling your sinks. Instead, you will hand wash all your plates. Maggie will remove them and give you a fresh set. She does not need to scrub and scrape dried food off the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. When Maggie returns from shopping, any available men will carry the packages wherever she wants them. She will not ask you for assistance; you will give it to her as a sign of respect.
"This is the only office in the company where I need to have this conversation. These problems do not exist in Trenton or Boston. Any clothes that are not in your hamper will not be washed. Dishes that are not cleaned will not be replaced. If you want your sheets changed, you will strip your bed and replace them with the second set you all have. Maggie keeps extra bedding in each of your rooms. Anyone who fails to follow these simple rules will no longer have Maggie taking care of your apartment. Lester and I will perform random inspections to see the state of your rooms.
"As for Stephanie, you will address her as Ms. Plum, Ms. Stephanie, or Ma'am. She is a valuable member of this company. Her research skills are second to none. Sexual innuendos, rude comments, and remarks will not be tolerated. Lester and I will be conducting your annual evaluations. What we have seen since we arrived in Miami two weeks ago is disconcerting. If I don't see major improvements, I'm afraid that many of you will be placed back on probation if not fired. If you feel you cannot work with Ms. Plum, please let me know now. I will give you a generous severance package, and you can leave the company without any hard feelings. I will even give you a letter of recommendation. However, if you stay on here, you will learn how to treat women respectfully."
"Fucking pathetic. I don't know what the fuck this company is coming to. I never thought I'd see the day when we'd have to kiss a woman's ass instead of fucking her in the ass. Women belong underneath us, not leading us." Max says to Joshua Carrera, who is seated next to him. I watch as Ranger stares at Max, clearly shocked at the level of disrespect that he was shown by one of his employees. In the meantime, Hector is behind Max, dragging him out of his chair, pushing him against the wall, and holding him in place with an elbow.
Ranger stalks over next to Hector, touching him on his shoulder. Hector releases Max, and two seconds later, he's being held up against the wall with his feet dangling by Ranger. I am continually impressed by Hector's strength. Hector is my height, a little bit heavier than me, but can take on men who have five inches and many more pounds like they were a rag doll.
"Max, you are a pathetic excuse for a man. I don't know how or why you feel that you can control women, but you are wrong. I would think that after you fucked up the distraction Friday night that you would show a little more respect to your superiors, who know more than you do about taking in a skip. You got your wrist broken and almost lost the skip. Thankfully, Hector was there and followed the original plan. Stephanie has never failed in a distraction or been injured or caused one of my men to be injured. You would do well to listen to her. However, you will not have an opportunity to disrespect her again because, effective immediately, you are fired. Hector, por favor escolta este pedazo de mierda fuera de mi edificio. Asegúrate de recuperar todas las propiedades de Rangeman. I will have Maggie pack up your personal effects from your apartment to be delivered to a location of your choice by 1400. Get out of my face." Ranger finishes, pushing Max into Hector's waiting arms. (Hector, please escort this piece of shit out of my building. Make sure you retrieve all Rangeman property.)
"Does anyone want to join Max in unemployment?"
The room was silent. The look that Ranger was giving the men in the room was murderous. Lester's expression was just as hard. Marco, on the other hand, looked annoyed and aggravated. Then, he looked at me, and I couldn't help the shiver that moved down my spine.
Ranger returned to his spot at the head of the table, continuing the meeting as if the Max interlude hadn't happened. Marco, do we have any new commercial accounts or problems with existing clients' accounts that must be addressed?"
Marco wipes all expression off his face, then replies, "One new account, an upscale boutique along the beach. The installation team is going out on Wednesday to set everything up. As for our existing accounts, there were no breaches this past week. Two are due for a contract renewal, so I will contact those businesses this week."
"Thank you, Marco. Slick, how about our Residential Accounts and Personal Security?"
"I secured six new residential accounts last Friday. We had a few clients who were hesitant because we had no women on staff. They were willing to sign a contract with us once they heard that Ms. Plum was on staff. However, they requested that she do the walkthrough with my team. They want a woman's perspective on the placement of cameras and alarms to ensure that they are secure but that their privacy is not violated. I told them that she would be there. I'm sorry, Sir if I overstepped my authority, but these are big accounts."
"No, Slick, that's fine. Babe, are you willing to do a walk-through with Slick?"
I feel overwhelmed, but I know that Carlos is counting on me. I also know I have someone on my side, so I want to do my best to keep their support. "Of course. Slick, please let me know when the walkthroughs are scheduled so I can add them to my calendar."
"No problem, Ma'am. I'll e-mail the schedule to you."
"Thank you," I reply.
"Anything else?"
"No, Sir. Our next personal security detail isn't until next month when that actor comes to Miami. We are slow right now."
"Good job. Lester."
"We received three skips last week. Stephanie and I researched the skips, developing a plan to apprehend one of them. The team that went out on Friday did not follow that plan, and subsequently, one of the participants broke their wrist. Fortunately, Hector was in the communications van. He heard what was happening and went in on his own, following the original plan we made, and got our guy without further incident. The team had an opportunity to get the second guy this morning. Still, they ignored the order, causing him to make us before fleeing. He's out on a million-dollar bond."
"I will take care of the FA team later this morning. Anything else I need to be made aware of?"
There were shaking of heads at Ranger's questions. He dismissed the men when he was sure nothing else needed to be addressed. "Marco and Slick, the company-wide meeting starts in five. Do you have the numbers to share?"
"Of course I do. I always have my report ready." Marco stated, voice full of disdain and sarcasm. I know that Ranger heard it loud and clear.
"Since you failed to send it to me like you are required to, I wasn't sure if you did the report, so I had Stephanie write it up. I hope your report is a match for her report."
Carlos asked me to run an in-depth search on Marco yesterday. His attitude and behavior are not what Ranger expected. While looking, I noticed he has an extraordinarily healthy bank account filled with money that cannot be accounted for. After further digging, I discovered Marco had been skimming the books. It is part of why Miami is not operating to its full potential. I watch as Marco's eyes turn dark with anger. Meanwhile, Hector is working with Tico, Miami's head of Security and Computers, and is setting up the conference call with the other two offices.
At precisely ten o'clock, Ranger calls the company-wide meeting to order. After each person announced their presence, Ranger began talking. "Good morning, gentleman. Today is our first company-wide meeting since I shifted headquarters temporarily to Miami. I want everyone to know that I have full confidence in Tank, Brown, and Chavez to keep Trenton up to its full potential in my absence. I know they won't disappoint me. Tank, is everyone present who we discussed earlier?"
"Yes, Ranger, everyone you requested is here."
"Good. I have an announcement to make, impacting all the offices, especially the Trenton office. I asked Stephanie to become my wife this Sunday, to which she graciously agreed. In addition to becoming my fiancé, she has also agreed to be part of the Rangeman Core Team, joining Tank, Brown, Santos, and myself in the everyday operation of Rangeman, Inc."
Once Ranger finished his sentence, I heard a roar over the computer from Trenton. I listened to the guys yelling, "It's about time, way to go, Bomber, can't wait for you to return, Bombshell," and "Congratulations." Then I heard Tank's booming voice. "Steph, we are so glad you are officially joining our team. We've been after Ranger to offer you that position for years. Welcome to the team."
I somehow found my voice, answering, "Thank you guys for always having my back and believing in me. I hope I don't let you all down."
"There's no way you could, especially with Lester training you. You will be able to kick all of our asses before Christmas. We love you, Steph." Bobby said.
Jim from Boston then said, "Ranger, man, congrats. From what my men who have met Ms. Plum told me, she's a force to be reckoned with and about the only person with the guts to stand up to you. I wish you many years of luck, health, and happiness."
Slick was genuinely happy to hear about my engagement with Carlos, but Marco looked like he could spit nails again. My spidey sense is going haywire. I know that I need to keep my guard up around Marco. Once the congratulations are given, Ranger starts the formal meeting. Everything looks great in Boston and Trenton, with both offices showing a profit. Ranger decides to let Marco give his report. I agree that providing Marco with a false sense of security is correct. The meeting ends at ten-fifty, which means there are ten minutes before the meeting with the FA team regarding Friday's fiasco. While I know this meeting is necessary, I'm not looking forward to it. I decided now is an excellent time to visit the powder room. I chose to use the one in Ranger's office, and he follows me because he needs papers from his office. Once we are both in his office and the door is closed, he pushes me against the door, kissing me senselessly.
"Dios, Babe, I've wanted to kiss you for the last hour. You look so sexy wearing my name and my uniform. I don't know how I will get any work done with you here daily."
"Well, Mr. Manoso, I have a lot of work to do. My boss is a hard-ass, and I would hate to make him angry. You must control yourself, knowing that once we get home, I'm all yours."
"Yeah, mine with two kids in the house. Never did I imagine that my sex life would revolve around the schedule of kids."
"What do you think will happen if we decide to have a baby, Carlos?"
"I guess this is good practice then. Te quiero, Babe. I am so thankful you said yes."
"And I'm thankful you asked. I love you, too. Let me take care of nature before we have a problem."
"Go ahead, Babe. I'll wait for you."
I finish handling business, wash my hands, and reemerge to see Ranger gather his files. I walk towards the door, and he follows with his hand on my lower back. We walk into the conference room, where Lester is already waiting with Hector. A minute before eleven, the team steps in. Showtime.