I called my cousin, Francine, to ask about her vacation. "Hey, cousin," Francine answered on the second ring.
"How did you know it was me?" I wondered.
"Your number was in the contacts list. I got it from your dad," she replied. "I'm having the time of my life. Thank you."
"You're welcome," I said. "Do you need more money?"
"Hell, no!" Francine practically shouted. "You gave me more than enough to have fun. I've got to say I love the all-inclusive resort. All I need to buy is souvenirs and anything else, not food or drink related. It's the perfect vacation. I wish I could do this every year."
"I'm sure we can arrange something. You deserve a vacation after spending countless hours with the Burg children," I teased.
"Tell me about it," she sighed. "I can't believe half of my vacation is already gone. How are you managing?"
I loved that Francine never asked where I was staying. "Fairly well. I'm keeping out of trouble and enjoying the weather."
"I'd love to chat more, but I'm going to the water slides on the other side of the resort. I'll talk to you later. Call me in a week. Bye, cousin!" Francine said before hanging up. I smiled and returned the phone to my pocket. My cousin sounded like she was having the time of her life. I was glad I gave her the much-needed vacation.
It was time to get to work. I had to review a few contracts for PTES and send them to Uncle Vincent for delivery to our clients. The first one in my email was for Rangeman Securities. I smiled and read the legal jargon about the equal exchange of services and notifications for equipment upgrades. It was mind-numbing and tedious. I had to google many technical terms to understand what PTES was responsible for upgrading. It boiled down to a fair exchange and frequent communication between the IT manager of PTES and Hector Alvarez.
The contract with Rangeman wasn't due for another two months, but I had to put my name on the paperwork. As Paul mentioned last week, I should inform the Rangeman executive team. I don't want to do it, but I felt it was necessary to arrange a meeting with Uncle Vincent, Ranger, Tank, Lester and Bobby. I had always assumed Tank, Lester, and Bobby were a part of the original owners at Rangeman. The file Uncle Vincent sent me for Rangeman indicated Ranger had a business partner, Randy Barker, who used Rangeman's resources to fund his money laundering scheme.
It took a few minutes to retrieve the memory from the file cabinet inside my mind. Around the time of Julie's kidnapping, Ranger had to leave for Rangeman Atlanta to handle some "bad business," as he called it. I never realized Ranger was buying out his partner. Tank, Bobby and Lester fronted the cash to assist, which made them part of the core team.
I used my laptop to dig into the public records available for Rangeman Atlanta. While Ranger and I worked to clear him of kidnapping charges, we uncovered a file Edward Scrog had in the file cabinet of his office. It suddenly occurred to me that someone gave Scrog the details about Ranger. What did Ranger uncover before the trip to Atlanta? My spidey sense was on overdrive. Unable to let it go, I scoured the internet to see if I could find information on Randy Barker. A news article in the Dominican indicated Barker had a boating accident off the coast. The police ruled it as an unfortunate incident involving drug cartels and refused to investigate further.
Everything regarding Edward Scrog was public record. Even Ranger couldn't get that information suppressed. I checked the court records in Trenton, Miami and Atlanta. The deluge of details was enough to keep me occupied for several hours. I had assumed Edward Scrog died when Julie shot him. He went to trial a year after the kidnapping and claimed he was innocent.
Scrog's defence flew out the window when he insisted his name was Ranger Manoso. I shook my head as I read Scrog's testimony. The man was delusional, which I witnessed firsthand. He received the file on Ranger Manoso from his friend at Rangeman Atlanta. "Oh boy," I sighed. "A fool and his money are soon parted," I mumbled, quoting the famous saying from the Bible. Scrog received thousands of dollars from Barker to undermine the real Ranger Manoso. Barker tried to steal Rangeman.
The idiot (by idiot, I mean Edward Scrog) confessed that he tried to help his friend, Randy Barker, take full ownership of Rangeman Securities. In exchange, he had to keep Ranger preoccupied. That was when Barker gave Scrog the details about his business partner having a daughter, who Ranger intentionally concealed. I searched the court documents to discover Scrog was in a New Jersey prison, serving a life sentence for murdering Carmen, his wife. A quick query for the prison indicated another inmate killed Scrog a few months ago. I wondered if Julie knew that Scrog was dead. Why didn't anyone tell me? I quickly decided it never mattered. Edward Scrog wasn't a threat to me.
I drafted an email to meet with Uncle Vincent and the Rangeman core team, scheduling it to occur upon my return to Trenton, New Jersey. When I sent it to my uncle, I requested that the meeting occur at Rangeman, and everyone had to be there physically and not present over Skype. Do I want to see Ranger? Not really, but announcing to Rangeman's core team that I'm the new owner of PTES was imperative as it would affect my employment with the company.
After I finished the distraction of reviewing the previous Rangeman Atlanta manager, I modified a few items to the contract between Rangeman and PTES. Namely, my name appeared on the paperwork with Uncle Vincent's as the co-CEO. I was the Executive Manager of the IT Department, and Vincent Plum (my uncle) was the Executive Manager of the Engineering Services Department. Seeing my name in the documents filled me with fear. What if Ranger thought it was a joke? I quickly scratched out the executive manager roles for Uncle Vincent and myself upon discovering that PTES had assigned management roles to senior employees in those departments.
It was impossible to do everything. The day doesn't have enough hours to allow me to sleep eight hours daily. As the owner of PTES, I made all the final decisions. I could only see one solution to my dilemma of spreading myself too thin. Hopefully, Ranger and the others would not hold it against me when I break my employment contract with Rangeman. I never wanted a desk job. However, Grandpa had different plans for me. As Grandpa Plum's heir, I was responsible for taking the reins for PTES. I sent Uncle Vincent another email with the two contract amendments for Rangeman.
Uncle Vincent emailed me to confirm the date and time of our meeting at Rangeman Trenton. He only stated that the purpose was to discuss the change in ownership and review their current contract with PTES. Vincent also promised to hold off on announcing the change of ownership for PTES until after we meet with Rangeman. I appreciated him looking out for my best interests.
Deciding I had spent enough time working while on vacation, I showered and dressed in jean shorts, a tank top and cowgirl boots. My stomach grumbled. It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. How did I forget to eat lunch?
I drove to the country music festival outside Bozeman. The parking lot was packed, and I had to park at the curb. I prayed nothing would happen to the vehicle. Having another car sideswipe it on the road would be my luck. The security guard pointed to the booth, where I had to purchase a ticket before entering the venue. I thanked him and completed the transaction. He winked and opened the gate to allow entry.
Inside the gates, I found several food trucks and carts. I decided street meat was the way to go. The sausage on a bun, loaded with fried onions, mustard and pickles, was the best I have ever eaten. I almost returned for seconds but didn't want the vendor to think I liked him.
The music was excellent, and I sang along with Carrie Underwood's song "Before He Cheats." I thought it was another cover band but quickly realized it was Carrie Underwood. She sang another five songs and exited the stage.
I felt Hal approaching on my left. He never startled me as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "I thought you came here," Hal whispered. His breath tickled my ear. Or was that his lips?
"Did you get everything situated for your dad?" I asked.
"Yes. I'm yours for the rest of the day," Hal promised. I kept my mouth shut and nodded. Thoughts about Rangeman and PTES swirled in my mind. I needed help with the IT department at PTES.
"What do you know about Information Technology?" I asked during a pause in the music. I watched the roadies exchange the instruments on the stage.
"The Navy trained me in all aspects of IT. Why are you asking?" Hal wondered. I glanced at him and returned my gaze to the stage. He doesn't seem put off by my question.
"Curiosity," I jokingly replied. I took a few deep breaths. "Do you build computers, write programs or troubleshoot computer issues?"
"I can do all of that," Hal replied. He gently turned me to face him. "Is there a reason for your sudden interest in everything IT related?" I shrugged, unwilling to answer. When I dropped my chin to my chest and stared at Hal's gun holster, he gently raised my head to look into his eyes. "Does this have anything to do with your meeting with Paul and Vincent?"
"Maybe…yes," I sighed.
"Stephanie, whatever is on your mind, you need to share. I can see it's eating you alive," Hal reasoned.
"I'm still wrapping my head around everything. I promise to share once I organize my thoughts," I explained. Hal passed me an envelope I never realized was in his hands. "What's this?" I asked.
"Open it," he ordered. I rolled my eyes and opened it carefully, ensuring I didn't rip the envelope too much. My eyebrows shot to my hairline as I read the NDA and relationship contract. His signature was already on the notarized documents. "Sign them."
"I can't; you already have them notarized. It won't be legally binding if I sign," I argued.
"Yes, you can sign them. We'll have to get your signature notarized," Hal replied.
"Excuse me, but did you say you need a document notarized?" a man standing close to us asked.
"Um…yes?" I replied, making it sound like a question. The man removed a stamp and pen from his briefcase. I realized it was a setup. "Hal, did you arrange this?"
"Yes. I hired Ivan Lawrence from Cromwell Law to witness your signature and notarize the paperwork."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I quickly stated, extending a hand to Ivan. Mom would be proud of me for using proper Burg manners.
"The pleasure is mine," he smiled and shook my hand. I set the papers on the briefcase to sign them. Ivan added his signature and the stamp. "I'll file copies here and send others to Paul.
"Thank you," I replied. Ivan placed the documents inside his briefcase. He promptly left, giving Hal and me a chance to talk.
"You can trust me," Hal said. I knew from the relationship contract that he would relinquish his assets before betraying my trust. He doesn't want anything from me.
"I know," I mumbled. "I'll tell you everything before I return to Trenton."
"When are you going home?"
"In two weeks, unless there's an emergency," I replied.
The next band played the opening chords of a few songs for a quick sound check. Within fifteen minutes and a few adjustments, I clapped with the others when Brad Paisley took the stage. Hal and I listened to the performers for the following two hours before calling it a night. As I climbed into the car, I heard someone announce that Shania Twain was onstage. Thank goodness I left when I did. I don't think I could handle listening to her famous song, "Man, I Feel Like A Woman," again. Why does she have to sing it at every concert? Her other songs annoy me, too, but that one, in particular, angers me.
Hal followed me home. He would honour my request if I told him it wasn't necessary. I loved that about Hal. He gave me a lot to love about him. His honesty and openness, including showing his emotions instead of a blank face, really appealed to me. It felt like I was falling too hard and fast but powerless to stop my heart from making that leap.
How was I supposed to have a relationship with Hal without him knowing everything about me? Would he demand I tell him before I leave Montana? I chewed my bottom lip as I considered every scenario possible. Unfortunately, I was unable to predict his actions.
Thinking about Hal made me consider how Mom and Valerie would react to my inheritance. Would Valerie expect a handout from me? I don't owe her anything. She received her household antiques from Grandpa, and I know she sold them for a few thousand dollars. I wondered if she still had the diamond ring which belonged to our Great-Grandma Mazur. It wasn't in her jewelry box the last time I babysat the girls. Valerie might have it stashed in a safe deposit box. Or Valerie may have sold it when she moved to LA after she married Steve. As I parked at the bed and breakfast, I decided what Valerie did with the ring wasn't my business.
Hal parked beside my car. He exited the cab of his truck and waited for me to meet him. I offered my hand, which he readily accepted. Instead of entering the house, we walked to the barn. We climbed into the hayloft and sat on the bench. I opened my mouth several times to speak, but the words wouldn't come.
"Stephanie, you don't have to tell me anything you aren't willing to share. I signed the paperwork to show you can trust me to keep your secrets," Hal said.
"Everything will be made public once the treasury receives a copy of the annual report. I guess it doesn't matter if I tell you now or later," I reasoned.
Hal didn't miss anything. "Stephanie, have you opened a business in New Jersey?"
"Not exactly?" I asked.
"What happened?" Hal prodded. "Only share what you're comfortable sharing. I promise nobody will hear anything from me."
I peeked over the half wall of the hayloft and whispered everything, except my financial portfolio, to Hal. He listened, gasping, grinning and chuckling in all the right places. "So I don't know what to do with my Rangeman contract," I sighed, finishing my story.
Hal cupped my face between his palms. "Stephanie, the guys are happiest when you show your beautiful face on Rangeman's fifth floor. Whatever you want, I will support your decision. Though it sounds like you've already made up your mind," Hal said.
"I have," I confessed. "I'm sorry that I can't work at Rangeman with you. It's probably for the best. We can keep our relationship private until we're secure with how we feel about each other."
"Steph," Hal huskily said; the vibration of his voice bounced through my body and settled in my core. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and let my hormones lead me. "As much as I want to make love to you, I want to wait until you're over Ranger and Joe. I only want you and me in my bed. The ghosts of boyfriends past need to disappear in the great unknown, or wherever ghosts belong." I snorted at his reference to the movie "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past."
"I've thought a lot about Ranger and Joe. Both men had something I wanted, which made it harder for me to choose just one. However, neither man could give me everything I wanted in a relationship. A relationship with Joe would never last. He enjoys playing how he feels it too much to commit to one woman. Joe is too much like his father," I explained. Discussing Ranger and Joe increased my anxiety levels. I was ready to argue that both men brought something to the table. Together, they were my ideal man.
"And Ranger?" Hal asked, pulling me onto his lap. I sighed in contentment. Hal has a natural way of disarming me.
"He often promised we would have a real relationship someday, but I now know that was his way to keep me on the line as a convenient fuck buddy. Assuming the same held true for Morelli wasn't too much of a stretch. Joe wanted me to become the perfect Burg wife: stay at home, raise our children and have dinner served by six. I'm not interested in that lifestyle," I replied, getting off track. I took a few deep breaths to explain my relationship, or lack thereof, with Joe and Ranger. "It appears that both men don't want me to be with the other. Ranger was only interested in poaching while I dated Morelli. Joe wanted me to quit my job and stay away from Ranger. Those arguments happened too frequently for me to develop any deep feelings. Do I love them? Sure, in my own way." I smiled when using Ranger's qualifier about loving me.
"Ranger could offer you protection, and he would spend every penny to ensure your happiness," Hal said. "Joe prepared himself to offer you commitment."
I disagreed, "There was too heavy of a price. Ranger often said there is no price for what we give each other, but he never realized I sacrificed my morals and heart. I offered those to Ranger like a lamb for the slaughter. Joe wanted his cupcake and eat it too. Marrying Joe would mean giving up my freedom." Hal stroked my back, giving me the courage to add, "To be perfectly honest, I felt like a high-paid escort with Ranger. He loaned me cars, which I destroyed, and gave me a pity job at Rangeman whenever my funds ran low. I repaid him with sex." I felt ashamed for letting Ranger get away with it for so long.
"Nobody should make you feel that way," Hal said. I buried my face into his neck and cried.
A few minutes after I settled, I whispered, "Sorry, I wasn't crying about how those men made me feel. I was crying because I allowed them to get away with treating me poorly. I never fought for what I wanted. Whenever things between Ranger and I got too serious, he pushed me back to Morelli." I felt Hal's chest stiffen, and his arms held me too tightly. "Hal, look at me," I quietly said, turning to straddle his thighs. He pulled me closer. I could feel the heat from him against my crotch.
"Did Ranger tell you to go back to Morelli?" Hal asked. His stern gaze reminded me of Ranger's expression upon realizing Abruzzi hurt me.
"Only once, after the first time we had sex. Ranger climbed from my bed, pulled on his shoes and told me to fix my relationship with Morelli. Ranger never repeated those words, but whenever we were at one of my many car fires, Ranger would gesture for me to talk to Joe. You know how those discussions ended," I replied. Joe would swing his arms and yell about my ineptitude as a BEA. A few times, he almost caught my jaw with a fist. Pushing him over the edge in those situations wouldn't take much. I often broke up with him after such incidents.