A Fresh Start
Chapter 9
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Back in the glorious warmth and blue skies of Miami, Stephanie Plum counted her blessings. She had survived so many emotional traumas and adversities with the incredible support from her father and her grandmother. Her friend Hector, her best friend, also played a leading role. Their friendship was close, in a mutually platonic way. He respected her and was very protective of her. Yes, she was resilient which enabled her to bounce back, but not without some scars. Her college life and achievements proved that she was made of tough stuff. There was more to Stephanie than meets the eye. Not that she ever used it as a ruse, but she did use it subtly to advantage when people underestimated her.
After many sessions with her therapist Amy, Stephanie felt she could move forward, stronger and wiser, with a new confidence. "Small steps," Amy reminded her. Zoom calls were a good alternative to the face-to-face meetings. Amy could read the significant reactions in Stephanie's eyes, her body language, and of course, her voice fluctuations. She encouraged and supported the move to Miami, agreeing what a wonderful way that was to escape the Trenton toxicity. Literally, a complete sea change. She called it a fresh start, a cleansing, and to consider it a purging of all the negative vibes from her past life, in a place that was close to her heart, a place like Point Pleasant – better, warmer, further away; the beach and the fresh sea air. Permanent, not just a holiday escape.
"Do not hang around for the court proceedings. It will be a fiasco. Your lawyer, Magnus Robertson, will handle it professionally and discreetly. His reputation precedes him. Your father chose well. With the immensely incriminating photographic evidence, along with the police reports, he will be in his element, riding the huge crest of a wave of irrefutable evidence. Frank, Edna and Joe Juniak's witness statements, and their presence, will be essential and prodigiously convincing. With the quality of the senior police personnel, and the paramedics, the mounting evidence against your mother and Joseph Morelli will be beyond overwhelming. In addition, the remarkable forensic evidence will leave no doubt.
According to your father, your mother knew you'd go for the cherry first, even if you refused to eat the cake. By putting that second cherry on your cake plate, like an innocent garnish, it was her devious way of deceiving you. Morelli apparently made that suggestion, on the basis that he was a notorious cherry popper. He thought it was a hilarious way to get you again! Your father said, "Oh, how I would like to sort him out myself, you have no idea. Helen too." As I said, it was all about entrapment. Helen Plum had set you up for her own weird and devious gains. She had already doctored your coffee cup on the inside before pouring your coffee. The second cherry had been injected with Rohypnol it seems, but you didn't touch that one. That's why it worked so quickly, it was like a double dose of Rohypnol. Uncle Joe said it confirmed the suspicions they had of how you ingested the date rape drug. His officers were very thorough and meticulous in collecting evidence."
Stephanie was shocked that her mother had gone to such great lengths to take advantage of her in the most despicable way. The treachery and betrayal was not lost on her. Stephanie felt no concern, nor any regret for their convictions. There was no fear but there was revulsion. Will she ever feel safe again? Unlike her mother, her emotions ran more along the lines of disgust by association. She just mentally disowned Helen Plum, completely.
Frank and her lawyer made sure that Amy had the evidence details to discuss with Stephanie, especially if something was triggered. Amnesia is a common result of the drug. Thankfully Stephanie did not remember much after the sips of her coffee, after consuming the cherry, but she recalled being really angry and annoyed with Helen before that. The saving grace was that Morelli did not succeed in penetration while she was still able to resist to some degree, in spite of all the pressured fanatical urging by Helen who held her down. Stephanie resisted as best she could. Having pressed her panic button so early probably saved her. Stephanie was kept in hospital for a few days, with more evidence collected when they did the rape kit at Frank's insistence. She was given antibiotics after being checked for STDs, as a precaution. Thankfully the tests came back clean.
Amy being so well-informed was essential for Stephanie's recovery from this alarming betrayal. When she mentioned Spud Morelli, Stephanie was confused. Was he another cousin, like Mooch Morelli? Amy chuckled, explaining how Frank discovered Joe Morelli's navy nickname. In elaborating how he acquired his new moniker, Spud, and not Stud, both of them were laughing with tears in their eyes!
"Spud? Stud? Well, DUH! What an ego. This is the asshole who called himself the Italian Stallion! Spud for potato peeling duties instead of the brig. Spud Morelli! That is so hysterical!" Stephanie enjoyed that wonderful revelation. It was very cathartic and, in a way, quite liberating to be able to laugh like this.
"Oh. By the way," Amy remarked with a glint in her eye, "it seems you caused him significant damage."
"Significant damage? Me? How? When? With the Buick, I know."
Amy smiled. "I heard about that. That was so cool. No. While he was trying to rape you, your mother screeched as your father crashed through the locked bedroom door. That screech triggered a sudden final involuntary release of your defences when you kicked the Spud in his gonads. He collapsed, vomiting, in a lot of pain. Because it was a double kick, you caused a rupture of his testicles, a sizeable tear, with bleeding, of course. He developed a blood clot and required surgery for both the tear and the clot. Passing blood is a frequent cause of a testicular trauma like this and he is having erectile issues that are abnormal and inconsistent. Let's say, without needing to see the evidence, his genital area was severely swollen, just like a spud, a potato!" Amy's infectious laughter was wicked and sent Stephanie into hysterics once more, high-fiving each other.
"Furthermore, Spud Morelli – God, I love that name, it's so funny. Spud, not Stud - is he really that conceited?"
"Yes, he is. Remember, his self-proclaimed status as the Italian Stallion? Such arrogance. Pfft. Should I feel bad about his injuries?"
"Hell no! It was completely in self-defence while you were subdued by the drugs and restrained by your mother. As I was saying, in trying to counter sue you for his serious genital traumas, the judge threw it out of court, mocking his audacity and stupidity in trying to cry poor. What an idiot."
Amy made Stephanie feel better about that, since she still had some residual memory loss as a result of the drugs.
"Your mother also tried the sympathy act, but the judge ruled against any aspect of psychological incapacitation on her part. However, he demanded a psychiatric assessment, but insisted that her crime be punished like any other criminal for incitement, betrayal of trust, assault, illegal use of an illicit substance, possession, abuse and conspiracy. There was considerable documentation of her history of abusing you which indicated it was all premeditated, calculated and deliberate. You were the victim here, Stephanie. They committed the crimes, and, they will serve the time, in jail."
Stephanie was stunned. All this and for what?
"Your mother wanted a Morelli baby. She and Morelli conspired to drug you, rape you and then when you were to fall pregnant, she would force you to marry him. Even though his own mother was brutalised by his father, he saw nothing wrong with that. His father was a despicable drunkard and an abusive man, a womaniser and had no hesitation in beating his wife or children. You, Stephanie, by pressing that panic button that Hector insisted you have on you at all times, endorsed by your father, saved yourself from a woeful life of misery."
That hit home to Stephanie. That was a scary and foreboding premonition that gave her a full body shudder.
"Morelli being a police officer especially would have known the consequences of their bizarre conspiracy. He was on similar charges for assault, betrayal of trust, attempted rape, possession and illegal use of an illicit substance, abuse and conspiracy."
oOo
Stephanie was glad that it was over now and that she could move on, putting it all behind her. Not in a compartment either. It was dealt with, and it was done and dusted. Both Helen and Joe were convicted and sent to prison, Joe with a broken jaw, penile and testicular damage. That's in the past now. She didn't care for how long. Her father would keep an eye on that, reminding her they didn't deserve any consideration or worry on her part.
Moving forward, that was her mantra. Moving forward and new beginnings, a fresh start. Here in Miami, that was the mission and all the stars were aligned.
Her morning walk was refreshing. It was a bit hazy this morning but it felt great with the sun on her skin before the humidity would begin to ramp up. The water was so calm, and with all the tones of pale pinks and blues, it looked so serene. A good sign. She was so happy to be here, getting to know her new surrounds. The morning serenity really agreed with her mood. That sense of tranquillity felt good and was a good omen for her mindset. She sat on the beach and meditated, her eyes closed, absorbing the peace that surrounded her. In saying that, Stephanie was still very much aware of her surroundings.
After a shower and a change of clothes, Stephanie made her way down to breakfast. Looking around the seating plan, she decided to sit at the same table, embracing the wonderful view. The waitress greeted her with a bottle of water and coffee. Stephanie smiled and thanked her for being so thoughtful. Yes, it was her job, but she already had her little milk jug and sugar ready as well. Stephanie prepped her coffee and smiled as the waitress passed her by. "Perfect," she sighed as she took her first sip.
As she approached the buffet, she glanced outside to appreciate the view, but something distracted her. Ha! Behind the low shrubbery screen, that stalker woman was hiding. Stephanie bit her lip and grinned. Looks like Mr Tall Dark and Handsome's stalker does not take "No." for an answer. She was persistent, being there even earlier than yesterday. The poor man. That woman was old enough to be his mother. "Omigod! She's a cougar!" Stephanie chuckled behind her hand. "She was probably wanting to have that piece of eye candy hanging off her arm. Somehow, I don't think that's going to happen. He certainly didn't look like the sort who was easily bought with a room pass key. I wonder what he did to attract her attention?"
Suddenly, she realised she wasn't alone, standing there poised with the tongs in her hand above the beautifully displayed fruit platters. "Oh boy," she breathed. It was him, Mr TDH. She quickly made her selection, a smaller selection than yesterday, and apologised for holding him up. He shrugged his shoulder with a tiny smile, just the lip turning up in one corner. But his gorgeous brown eyes were smiling.
Calming herself, she breathed out slowly, as she walked back to her table, mentally fanning herself. She completely forgot to check the pastries. "Oh well, next time," she thought.
Ranger's POV
It is a great day to be alive. I did an extra long workout in the gym after my beach run. Being in the clean, clear wide open spaces is helping me settle after hiding and lurking in dense jungle for the last four months doing our reconnaissance, and completing the mission successfully. We eliminated the target and rescued his captives, two businessmen who had ventured into the wrong territory, seemingly taking a wrong turn, not realising they were in cartel country. Naïve? Maybe. Deliberate? No. Our intel told us not, since they were successful in their own right, legitimately looking for the cacao market for their chocolate company. Lost in translation and communication issues had them confused with two known American drug dealers, who we had already captured and brought back to face the consequences. Their get rich quick scheme backfired, playing with the big boys, the ruthless dangerous, reckless ones like this Colombian cartel. These two innocents, the chocolate men, were lucky to survive. Just one of those wrong-place wrong-time scenarios.
Cleansing in a warm shower – the simple little things one takes for granted - was wonderful. I was looking forward to the real food after living off rations and MREs for the last month.
For a change, after the designated safe house decompression time, I decided to spend some time in a hotel, peopling, getting familiar with civilians around me, and regular day to day life, before resuming work full-time. I have touched base but only on the periphery in the running of the business.
Much to my surprise, the gorgeous blue-eyed babe was near the fruit platters, deep in thought.
"She's a cougar!" she murmured as she realised something. She startled when she sensed or realised I was waiting. She was cute, hastily grabbing a variety of fruit and apologising softly. I wasn't bothered at all. I had all the time in the world.
I noticed she returned to the same table where she was seated yesterday, right beside mine, her coffee and water already set. I smiled as I sat down.
I couldn't resist it, as I leaned towards her, inhaling her fresh fragrance, very subtle yet alluring. "Seen any cougars lately?" I asked quietly with a grin.
"Omigod. You startled me. Um. Yes!" she recovered quickly, a glint of mischief in her eye.
"You have?" I smiled, encouraging her to elaborate while I sipped my really good coffee.
She leaned towards me, like she was sharing a secret. "Your stalker lady is here already. She's been waiting for you. That's the cougar to which I was referring," she chuckled, as she sipped the last of her coffee whilst signalling the waitress for a top up.
I glanced surreptitiously in that direction. Nothing. Maybe she was just teasing me.
Her lovely lips smiled as she bit into the large strawberry, finding myself momentarily distracted. I really did not want to look in the cougar direction again so I allowed myself to be distracted.
"When? Where?"
"Cougar at two o'clock. She's been lurking since six forty-five this morning. Wearing camouflage green. Hiding behind the shrubbery."
As I sipped my coffee I cast a discreet glance in the direction she indicated. Two o'clock. Sure enough. Cougar confirmed. I rolled my eyes, pinching my nose at the bridge. I heard a chuckle.
"How did you get so lucky? A wealthy, persistent cougar. She's casting daggers and curses my way," she smiled as she stood up to head over to the chef station, moving towards the hot foods.
I followed her casually, "How do you know?" I asked as she eyed the pancakes hungrily. Her eyes had that glazed look as she surveyed the accoutrements. Oh. Nice look, I hummed within. I could imagine her looking at me like that. Whoa! Where did that come from?
"Wealthy? Easy. The rocks. She's single. Her genuine Versace designer handbag and her Gucci sunglasses."
"Rocks?" I asked, confused.
She giggled at my confusion. "Diamonds on her fingers, tennis bracelet worth about $2K, that necklace, and the earrings. Oh, and the Cartier watch."
Damn. She took all that in. She's very observant. More than just a quick look, she was quite analytical. Once again, this blue-eyed breath of fresh air has my curiosity piqued. I grinned. There's more to her than meets the eye.
"Methinks cougar is looking for a toy boy," she giggled.
"Very funny. Not."
Truth be told, I was really enjoying this repartee.
"What did you do to capture her attention so intensely, besides your natural good looks, I wonder," as she muttered that last part. I was not sure if I was meant to hear that.
I selected a smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, adding a spoonful of extra capers, a few tasty little cornichons and some extra dill.
I resisted a laugh when I saw her choice as I passed her table. A stack of pancakes, topped with blueberries, raspberries and banana slices, liberally covered in maple syrup and a huge dollop of cream. She was crunching on one of three crispy bacon strips with great delight, without any inhibitions. I like the way she enjoyed her food so sumptuously. She must have a good metabolism.
Both our coffees had been topped up while we were selecting the next course.
"Cougar at twelve o'clock," she called to me like a stage aside. I kept my eyes down. So, my stalker has stepped into the open. I sighed. This is getting ridiculous.
"I didn't do anything to encourage her," I felt compelled to confess. "I just helped her pick up all her loose papers when she dropped a file or folder of sorts, just outside on the footpath. I handed them back and went on my way. Nothing more."
"Ah. That was baited like a honey trap. I bet she has used the fallen folder and loose papers routine before. It seems so innocent and plausible. She played you, especially to get a closer look at you. No rings. She would have assessed you already for potential before your accidental encounter."
All this from a brief assessment in barely two days? I didn't know whether to be more impressed than surprised, but decided on both. Regardless, she was already focused on her breakfast. She was really enjoying her selection.
I can't believe how she can look so trim after devouring all those pancakes.
"I might have to do some extra laps this afternoon," she muttered.
"Laps?"
"Of the pool."
"Not running."
"Nope. Swimming. I usually do a lazy 2K."
"Two thousand?"
"No, silly. Two thousand metres, that's twenty laps of an Olympic sized pool."
Oh, phew. She had me wondering there.
"Cougar back to two o'clock."
She's very aware of her surroundings. Sharp surveillance. She must be trained in some way. I wonder.
I sipped the last of my coffee and stood up.
"Oops, I did it again," she giggles as she accidentally bumps into me. Her coffee is once again spilled on my button down shirt. She takes her serviette and attempts to rub away and dab at the wet spot. I touch her hand to stop the motion.
"Do you need another coffee?" the waitress asks her.
"Yes, please," she replies. I'm still holding her hand against my chest. Her face turns a tantalising shade of pink. I wonder what else would make her blush?
Once again, I was tempted to pat her dry but resisted the temptation, out of common sense. She grabbed her water bottle, tipped some on her serviette and rubbed the wet patch to reduce the stain. The loss of her hand hit me in a weird kind of way.
"Meh. I'll drink my coffee first before I go upstairs to change." She is not that bothered with the coffee collision stain. Some women would get quite snarky about that. She just laughed it off. "I have some touristy brochures I want to check out."
"Are you on vacation? Sorry. I hope you don't mind me asking."
"It's okay. I don't mind. Not a tourist, nor just a visitor. Not vacation either, but I do want to spend some time relaxing before I settle into my new job. I have some interviews coming up. I haven't had a holiday in quite a while. My move here is permanent."
I couldn't stop the smile. She was so easy to talk to, so natural.
"My name is Stephanie, Steph for short."
"Carlos. Carlos for short." She laughed, a lovely melodic laugh.
"Pleased to meet you, Carlos." She smiled.
She leaned over beside her chair, to grab her canvas bag and pulled out a few brochures and fanned them out on her table. She cleared the side of her table, pulled out the chair beside her and patted it, looking at me expectantly, inviting me to join her.
"Are you familiar with Miami?" she asked, casting those beautiful blue eyes directly at mine as I accepted her invitation.
I smiled.
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