A/N: In this AU/AR story, Hector speaks English fluently, and everyone knows it. His backstory is different than it usually is, anyway.
This story will mostly be from Ranger's POV. Other POVs will be noted at the start of the chapter.
Chapter One
June 2005
"What do you think, Mano?" Hector asked me. My twin brother had just finished laying out his idea of starting an elite security company in Trenton, New Jersey.
"I'm not sure yet. Why Trenton?" I looked down at the report he had compiled about crime statistics, areas we could focus on for maximum profit and competition from current security companies and their areas of expertise.
"They've got the highest violent crime stats in Jersey and nearly the highest in property crime. I think there's more opportunity there than in Newark."
"Yeah, but we live in Miami, Viejo," I smirked. Hector was born three minutes before me, and he had never let me forget it when we were kids, so I didn't let him forget it now. He punched my arm hard. I rubbed it mockingly and chuckled.
"You're only here between gigs for the government. And I want to move back to Jersey."
"Why?"
"I've met someone."
I raised my brow questioningly. Hector never dated anyone seriously. Ever since his heart was broken when we were in college, he's sworn off serious relationships. I did, too, but my reasons weren't as personal as his. "You want to move states for a relationship?"
"He's special, Mano. He might even be the one."
"How did you meet him?"
"At a club down in South Beach." He laughed. "I know, right? It's the opposite of what I'd expected, but we kept in touch after a great night…" He waggled his eyebrows to emphasize how great it was before continuing. "It has the potential to be a serious thing, but he lives in Trenton and has a son with an ex-girlfriend. He can't leave the area."
"How long have you known each other? Why didn't you tell me?"
"A few months. I wanted to be sure it wasn't just another fling. You know me." He shrugged, then smiled. "It's not just a fling."
"Well, that's great. Okay, let's talk about this company. How do you envision it working?"
"You run it because you have that leadership experience with the Army. I do all the tech. Maybe Les would want to be involved, too. I thought we could hire some of the men you served with. Ex-Army guys would be kind of perfect in the security business, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I can see what some men I served with are doing these days. Tank's contract is coming due at the same time as mine in a few months, but last I heard, he hadn't decided if he was re-upping."
"Oh yeah, he'd be good," Hector agreed.
We talked more about the logistics of running a security business. Hector had researched the types of services security companies provided, and I have to admit, my curiosity was piqued. This could be a pretty lucrative business.
"Did any of your research indicate how much start-up capital we'd need?" I asked.
"Yes, but that depends on some decisions we must make first. For example, an office location. And the types of services we'd offer right away versus the options we can work into our offerings later."
"Why don't you leave your research with me? I'd like to read more in-depth and do my own research, and then we can talk about it again in a couple of days?"
"Sounds good. My new man is in town. I'll stay with him in his hotel for a couple of days. I'll catch up with you on Monday."
I spent the next two days reading the information Hector had compiled. I started researching other avenues for income, like bond enforcement and personal bodyguarding services, checking on commercial and residential real estate in Trenton, and things of that nature. Hector had also done some research into start-up costs, and it was a lot of money. He had included some documents about his available funds and some information about my potential investment, in addition to bank loans and private investment avenues we could pursue if we wanted to go in that direction. He had more money than I imagined, and I wondered briefly about the source. I suppose I'd have to ask him about that the next time we spoke.
Hector had already done a nominal investigation into the other security companies in town. After reading about his findings, I was confident we could be a serious contender once we hired the right staff and offered the right services. I called men I'd served with, both those who couldn't anymore due to injuries and disabilities and those who might still be under contract with our government the way I was. I also called our younger brother, Lester, who was leaving the Rangers soon and considering his options moving forward.
By the time Hector came home from two days away with his new man, I had added considerably to the pile of paperwork, and he raised his eyebrows at it questioningly. "Did you sleep at all during the past two days?" he asked.
"Not much." I took a sip of the coffee that had been my lifeline. "If you want to do this, I'm in. Take a look at this." I gestured to a specific stack of documents, and he dropped into the chair opposite me at the dining table. While he scanned the paper, I continued. "The two other security firms in Trenton are a joke, but since they're the only game in town, they pretty much divide everything between them. One only does basic security system installations and retail store guarding: no private bodyguarding, bond enforcement, custom security packages, or anything else. They call the cops if an alarm gets tripped. So I can't see them being serious competition. The other company has broadened their scope a bit more, but it doesn't do bond enforcement, either. I researched that; it's surprisingly lucrative, and the requirements are a joke."
Hector started smiling. "So, when do we move?"
We moved two weeks later.
We pooled our money, intending to use a large chunk of it to purchase a building and the rest on operating expenses. One of my old Ranger buddies, Tank, said he'd like to buy in since he didn't want to renew his government contract once it expired. We had several million dollars to invest now, and once we found a building, we intended to find a bank for a loan to refurbish it for our needs. Our father had received an inheritance from an uncle in Cuba, and though he had to supplement that with investors from his church, he managed to purchase a GM dealership and could supply us with vehicles at a lower price for our new business.
While searching for the perfect building to hold our new enterprises, Hector and I rented a two-bedroom apartment downtown. I met Hector's new boyfriend, Juan, and liked him very much. He and Hector seemed happy, and I hoped that wouldn't change. Hector deserved every bit of happiness he could get.
When we were in college, Hector got into a relationship with a man named Emilio. They were together for over a year and even moved in together. By all accounts, they seemed happy until one day when Hector came home from class and found Emilio having sex with the pizza delivery guy. According to Hector, he didn't even seem sorry about it. That day, Hector vowed never to get into another relationship again, and he hadn't until now.
We were touring through the fifth building with our real estate agent. All of the previous sites weren't quite right. Either they were too small, too large, or too remote. Though we wouldn't need most of the building immediately, I wanted one big enough for when we were ready to expand. It would be too expensive to renovate one for our needs, only to grow out of it in a year or two. This building was seven floors and was located on a central street. It came with an underground garage, one of my security prerequisites. Hector and I looked at each other, and I nodded. We asked the real estate agent to wait in the lobby and went to the basement.
"We could set up a gun range down here eventually," I said. "It'd be great to have. My ideal building would have room for everything on-site, from a pool and a gym to a gun range and apartments for me, you and the senior staff."
"So, should we be looking for a building with a pool? That'll increase the price substantially."
I groaned. "There are so many choices. It sucks having to figure out all this shit."
"Yeah, it does. But I vote for no pool. We can eventually build out a gym. There's got to be a local pool around here that the men can use if they want. Pools are expensive, and I just don't think it's worth it," Hector said.
"Okay. You might be right. So what do we think about this building?"
"I think it's perfect—seven floors, a basement and an underground garage. We're not out in the boonies in this location, but it's not an arterial street, either. Response times to alarms and emergencies won't completely rely on patrols. I say we get an inspection done and go from there."
"Let's do it, then."
Hector arranged for a building inspector, and we had it done. The report came back favourably, so we made an offer. Two days later, our offer was accepted, and suddenly, we were the new and somewhat nervous owners of a seven-story office building in Trenton, New Jersey. Its current vacancy ensured immediate occupancy. We decided to use one floor at first while we built up company funds, and after consulting the building blueprints and talking over potential amenities we'd like to add, we chose the fifth floor as our operations base.
When deciding what to call our new company, Hector suggested RangeMan. "You're going to be the big jefe, and you were an Army Ranger. It makes sense. And it's sort of catchy, right? We could even start calling you Ranger as your street name."
I rolled my eyes. "Isn't that a little…much?"
He grinned. "You need a street name. It's not corny or untrue. You were a Ranger, and to hear you talk, you were pretty good, right?"
I chuckled. "I did okay."
"So, it's perfect. Ranger and RangeMan."
"Alright. Only because we haven't come up with anything better."
Unfortunately, the government called me in for another job while we were making our business plans. It was expected to take a few weeks, but one never knows in these situations. At least it would net a good chunk of change to add to our business plans. Hector promised to continue with our plans, making contacts and building a reputation down on Stark Street. With the right clothes and attitude, he could terrify anyone unwise enough to cross him.
A month later, Hector picked me up at the airport in Newark. My mission lasted just over three weeks, and I'd been undergoing debriefing in DC since then. Another few months and my contract would be over. Hopefully, Rangeman will be up, running, and successful, and I won't need to re-sign for another term.
"How was it, Mano?" Hector asked in the quiet of the SUV as he navigated us away from the airport traffic.
"It was fine. Pretty standard stuff."
"Any new holes or damage?"
"Small graze, nothing to worry about. Tell me how it's been going here."
He glanced at me, probably trying to assess whether I was telling the truth about my injury. "Stark and Comstock streets are among the worst areas of town. I've been getting my name out there. Keeping my knife skills sharp."
"Good contacts?"
"A few. More will come with time and money."
I nodded. "How's Juan?"
"Great. We're doing good," he said with a smile.
"What else?"
"I found a vendor for various security systems. I've been teaching myself all about them and installed about a dozen on the new building to test them out. I found a few I like. I also applied for our business license and a bond enforcement license. I have some paperwork for you to fill out for various other things, and I've gotten your BEA application ready for you to sign." He opened his jacket and slid something from the inside pocket to pass it to me. "That's your business card."
I held it up to the light from the streetlamps we were passing. It was a sleek black card, shiny on the back and matte on the front. There was a logo with the initials RME in simple silver block letters, and underneath it said RANGEMAN ENTERPRISES. My name was in the bottom left corner, and a phone number in the bottom right.
"What phone number is this?"
"New business number. It'll be the main line once we're fully operational."
"During my downtime over the past week, I put together a plan for the building expansion when we're ready. Tomorrow, I'd like to visit the two local bond offices, introduce myself, and let them know we're available. Have you met them yet?"
"No. I was waiting for you to return. I focused on the other side of the law first."
I nodded again. "It's probably better if you don't do too much on the right side. We don't want the Stark Street inhabitants to think you're just another bounty hunter, right?"
"Probably not. But it's good to have the license just in case."
We lapsed into a comfortable silence then. Classical music was playing on the stereo, and I focused on that. Both Hector and I had learned to appreciate classical music while living with our parents before we moved to Miami. My mother loved it, and it had been the soundtrack of our lives growing up.
A little under an hour later, we were pulling into the underground garage of our condo building. "I'm not staying, Mano. I'm going to Juan's house tonight. I'll catch up with you in the morning. Are you going to the gym?"
"Six o'clock."
"See you then."
I grabbed my bag from the backseat and watched him leave the garage. I walked upstairs and let myself in. Home. It felt good to be here. I dropped my bag on my bed and stripped down on the way to the bathroom, where I took a long, hot shower. I shaved, brushed my teeth, and was out like a light almost before my head hit the pillow.
When my alarm went off at five thirty the following morning, I leapt out of bed, feeling more refreshed than I had for the past month. I did warm-up stretching in the living room before putting on my running shoes. I'd run to the gym about two miles away, lift weights when I got there, and run back. Four miles was only about half my usual distance, but it'd do for now until we set up a gym in the new building. I wanted to make that a priority.
Hector was already there when I arrived at the gym, and I nodded hello before setting my towel down and settling at the weight bench next to him. We spent the next hour working out, and I noticed he had improved his form. I had focused on developing muscles to help me in my Army career, and he had focused on cardio, so our bodies looked pretty different when comparing us at a close distance. From far away, it was more challenging to see our differences, but if he kept up with this routine, only his shorter hair and tattooed teardrop would distinguish us.
We had previously decided to wear black when on duty and use black vehicles to blend in more. So, after we had each showered, we came to the kitchen dressed in black combat pants, black Bates boots, and black polo shirts. We'd also donned black webbed utility belts loaded with the weapons we expected to need during our jobs.
Today, I planned to visit the two bond offices in town. I thought we could act as contract workers to pick up their higher bonds if they didn't already have someone. I stopped at True Blue Bail Bonds first, which our research showed was owned by Les Sebring. After introducing Hector and myself, I explained the purpose of our visit. He seemed interested and confided his concerns about his current BEA.
"I have a woman who currently does all my middle and high bonds, but between you and me, she is sometimes too forceful, and it causes headaches I don't want to deal with. I can work with you on a trial basis and see how it goes before making any permanent arrangements."
We sat in his office and worked out a trial period with the percentages we could expect during that time.
"If it works out with your company, Mr. Mañoso, we can increase the percentage by five points and contract with you exclusively for our high bonds."
We shook hands, and I gave him my business card. "I look forward to working with you, Mr. Sebring."
As we left his office, a shorter woman with long, platinum-blonde hair was coming inside. She was wearing head-to-toe tight black leather and looked a little like Catwoman. She cast an appraising eye up and down at Hector and me, smiling predatorily when she reached our faces. "Double my pleasure, double my fun," she purred. I raised an eyebrow, and Hector started chuckling as we walked by her.
We drove to the heart of a neighbourhood known locally as the 'Burg,' to the other bonds office in town. Vincent Plum Bail Bonds Co. was a little storefront shop, and as we walked in the door, I could tell this outfit was much less classy than Sebring's office. A woman was seated at a desk at the back of the office, to the left of a closed door behind her. Her mouth dropped open at our appearance, and I greeted her politely.
"Good morning, ma'am. I'm Ranger Mañoso, and this is my brother, Hector. Is Mr. Plum in?"
She shook off her stupor and yelled, "VINNIE!" There was a bang followed by the door behind her jerking open, and a weaselly little man with slicked-back black hair came into the office. He looked us up and down, much like the blonde woman from the last office, and grinned lecherously.
"Hel-lo," he said with a leer, and I resisted the urge to recoil. "How can I help you, gentlemen?"
He ushered us into his office after I introduced Hector and myself. After the barest minimum of small talk, I offered the services of our new company for their high bonds. I brought up a trial period and introductory percentage rate, and he seemed eager to sign up for our services.
"I have my cousin for the low bonds, and she's fairly useless," he said. "My old bounty hunter who took the low and medium bonds is recovering from a busted appendix, and I haven't been able to write any high bonds for the past month."
"What did you do for high bonds before that?" I asked.
"We had a former cop doing them, but he broke his leg and decided to move to Seattle after it healed."
We chatted for a few minutes more, then made to leave. When we returned to the outer office, Vincent, who had asked us to call him Vinnie, instructed Connie to get our BEA license information.
"Connie will call you when there are any files, so she'll need a number for you." He returned to his office and slammed the door behind him, earning an eye-roll from Connie.
"Sorry about that," she said. "I'll just need your info for our files, and if we have a skip for you, I'll call your office."
I was handing over my information when I felt a slight tingle race up my spine and settle on the back of my neck. I looked around, sure I'd see an air conditioning unit blowing on me or something when I heard the jangle of a bell attached to the office door. I looked behind me and saw a slender woman with wildly curly brown hair entering the bonds office. She looked up from her files when she realized there was someone other than Connie in the office, and as soon as she caught my gaze, her electric blue eyes captivated me.
"Uh, hi," she said, and I felt my heart rate speed up.
