I bolted to my feet and frantically tried to figure out my next steps. Even if I got out of Rangeman, I would need to find a car to take that wasn't on Rangeman radar. I called Lula on my burner. "Lula! I need a car. And I need it now."

"Hey girl! Does the car need to have papers?"

"No. It just needs to be outside Rangeman in 5 minutes and ready to drive."

"Right. One getaway car on its way. Blue chevy and I'll be ready to hit the gas."

I smiled at Lula's loyalty and loved how ready she was to help me. "No Lula, it needs to be just me this time. Actually I need you to distract the guys. Drive by and take a scenic route around to buy me some time."

"Oh hell yeah! I can distract the crap out of anyone! Those Rangemen won't know what's what when I'm through with them…but you sure you're going to be safe without me? You don't have my kick ass abilities… maybe you should take my gun."

"No guns! Lula I'm sorry but I've got to go. You're the best." I hung up and glanced at the time, 2 more minutes. I shoved my phone in my pocket and dug quickly through my purse before slipping out of the apartment and heading for the elevator. I hit the button for control centre and smiled at the cameras. The doors opened and I walked out just as one of the guys called out that Cannon was on the line. Immediately a group of men swarmed his station and started shouting orders. I glanced around ensuring no one was watching me before hitting the key fob in my pocket and stepping back into the elevator, hitting the garage. I found myself holding my breath, expecting the elevator to slam to a halt and a gang of annoyed men to break in to lecture me but the ride went smoothly.

I tapped the fob again before I stepped into the parking lot and running for the door. Down the street I saw the blue chevy and I quickly threw myself in before pulling into the street and headed for the boardwalk.

I barely made it there in time and I raced to locker 27. Inside was a note pinned to a bag containing a tiny bikini and a see through cover up. 'Change into the bikini and go for a swim, all underwater. Get out and put on cover up. You have 2 minutes to get in water'. I changed as quickly as I could, blushing at the amount of skin revealed and then sighed as I threw my clothes in the locker with my phone and several of the tracers I'd tried to carry with me. I ran into the cold water and dove under the waves, wondering how exactly Cannon would know if I'd followed his directions but not daring to risk disobeying. The pier was busy with the usual summer crowds and I shook as my eyes scanned for anyone familiar. The sheer cover up did nothing to help my modesty but I felt a lump in the pocket as I threw it on - another note and a set of keys. 'Walk directly to the parking lot. Do not talk to anyone, do not pick anything up. Green Jetta parked in 1B aisle'

I followed orders and found the car parked where he said. The keys were in the dash along with a cell phone and there was a camera stuck on the wheel. The phone vibrated and I quickly grabbed it, gasping as I saw a text containing a live feed. A bloody, unconscious Ranger hung from the same place as before and I stared at his chest, counting the seconds between each pained inhale, terrified that it would stop if I looked away. The phone beeped again and I answered the phone.

"Very good Stephanie. I'm glad you are so good at following directions and can I just say, you look exquisite in that bikini."

"I've done what you've asked. I left Rangeman and ditched the men. So when are you going to live up to your end of the bargain. I'm not stopping this car until I see the guys with Ranger."

"Ahh Babe. So impatient. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten our bargain. Drive to Atlantic city, when you reach the city I will give you my coordinates. When you arrive you can wait in your car until Ranger is safe and then you're mine."

The trip felt like the longest drive of my life, but afterwards I couldn't tell you anything about the drive. My eyes flickering almost constantly to the video feed still playing on my phone. I'd just crossed into Atlantic City when the image changed. Ranger's eyes blinked open and I broke into tears. I quickly pulled the car over as I heard angry honks around me.

"I didn't tell you to stop the car." Came Cannon's angry voice through the phone.

"Tough. Unless you want me to die in a crash, you're going to have to give me a minute here." Sobs making it hard to understand.

"You've got two minutes and I am watching you." Cannon replied after a moment. I flashed the camera the finger but didn't look up from the feed. Ranger's eyes flicked around the room before focusing on the camera. It felt like he was staring right at me and my soul shuddered at the pure hatred I saw in his face.

He stared unblinking at the camera for several seconds before turning to look out of my view. I flinched when a man walked into view. Cannon flashed a smirk at me before turning back to Ranger. I watched horrified as Ranger tried to pull his body upright.

"Cannon you son of a bitch." Rasped out Ranger.

"I'm surprised you woke up. I knocked you around hard earlier." Cannon said as he yanked Ranger's head back by his hair, recoiling as Ranger spat in his face.

"You and I have different ideas about hard then." Ranger replied, grunting when Cannon punched him in the gut.

My knuckles were white, as I clung to the phone desperately. "You promised not to hurt him!" I yelled angrily.

Ranger froze before looking at Cannon in horror. "Babe?" He mouthed.

Cannon tsked disappointedly. "Well now you've ruined the surprise Stephanie." He pulled a phone out of his pocket and pointed the screen at Ranger.

"Where are you? What do you think you are doing?" Ranger snarled at the phone.

I stuttered "I uh- I'm saving"

"Uh uh." Cannon interrupted. He moved the screen away and hit something on the phone before turning back to Ranger. "Sorry, but Stephanie won't be talking to you anymore. And pretty soon we will both be leaving you for forever. But don't worry boss - she is choosing this. We're going to be very happy together."

Ranger ignore him completely, focusing all his attention on the camera. I stared at his image, feeling the tears welling in my eyes. "Babe. Don't you dare. Call Tank, go back to Rangeman now. You will not sacrifice yourself for me."

Cannon laughed and brought the phone back in front of Ranger. "You're two minutes are up Babe. Carry on."

I wiped my eyes and stared at the muted camera. "I'm sorry… I love you." I mouthed, hoping he would read my lips. I hit my signal and moved back onto the highway, flinching at the anguished shout of my name that echoed through the car.