Thanks as always for your reviews and for reading. I appreciated so many of your comments about Steph's actions and Lester's rebuke. I hadn't really decided if Steph was going to tell Carlos. Have to see how things develop on that one… For those eagerly awaiting Carlos' return to Trenton, I have ideas, so you'll just have to wait and see!

Build Up

The next day, when I woke, I could still feel the glow of my conversation with Carlos last night. I sang off-key as I got ready for my day and ate a pop tart while I made a coffee to take with me. It was ridiculous, but I just felt that happy.

When I arrived at the office it was empty, so I made a pot of coffee and started working through some paperwork for the office building. The real estate agent had faxed through a revised offer for the building cost, based on replacing the elevator. It was only a hundred thousand less than the offer we had made originally, but I was still pleased that they were willing to make a deduction. After all, the inspector had said the elevator was functional, even if it was aging. I faxed it through to Carlos, and followed up with an email to Carlos, Marco, and Tank to let them know I had faxed through the offer and the revised cost. It was new to me to be using email like this, but I could see the potential for faster communication, especially if the person was unable to take a call.

I then went on to start working through the paperwork for the next inspection, which was for the building structure. It seemed odd to me that the elevator was the first inspection done, but Mr Morieti had explained they were just scheduled for whenever the relevant inspector was available. The building inspection was the primary one, they would survey the walls, roof, HVAC, and fire suppression systems among other items. Also, I had to go by City Hall and pick up copies of the permits and application for renovations. Once the inspections were completed, they would be forwarded to the Rangeman lawyer in Trenton, who would start to move forward for the purchase and the relevant permits.

It was my first time being involved in a real estate property purchase and I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at the amount of paperwork and legal negotiation that would be involved. And that was just the purchase! Once we had purchased the building, we would have seek even bigger mountain of forms and paperwork for the renovation plans, architectural plans, and city approvals. I was secretly relieved that most of it would be dealt with the legal team. Still, it was interesting as a first-time experience. And knowing it led us closer to full operation of Rangeman Trenton was exciting and reassuring.

Tank had faxed through a proposal for new pricing of security services for Trenton, based on my research for New Jersey, and the Rangeman services in Miami. I was intending to start approaching local businesses next week to seek feedback on the pricing structure and security services we were going to offer. I was hoping to both make sure we were competitive, and to make contacts for future sales.

I worked diligently for the next half-hour until Lester, Hector, and Bobby all walked into the office. I was surprised, I had not expected all three of them to be there, and I wondered about the building surveillance. Lester smiled at me, and Hector grinned as I pointed to the hot coffee pot, while Bobby looked around interestedly as it was his first time to visit the office. They all got themselves a coffee, and Hector refreshed my mug, before seating themselves and looking at me expectantly.

"What?" I asked, puzzled what they were waiting for.

"Aren't you going to ask?" Lester retorted. I must have continued to look puzzled, so he went on, "Why we're here. What we found. You know, what's going on."

I smiled at them, "Well, it sounds like you're dying to tell me, so I guess I'll pay attention," I teased. I stood from my desk and moved over sit with them.

Bobby said, "We managed to confirm your intel from Friday, Steph. We got some clearer pictures, too!" Lester waved a stack of photographs at me.

Les went on, "We got pictures of both faces yesterday. Clearly Morrison and Turnbull," he added sounding pleased.

Hector said something in Spanish, and Lester translated, "I think we can confirm their schedule as well, more or less anyway. Their movement were similar to Friday, they seemed to lay low until late afternoon, before moving out and about. One of them left about four and headed to a convenience store where he made a couple of phone calls on a public phone and bought some food and a six-pack of beer. Then later, nearly six, the two of them came out together. Hec trailed them to Burger King this time, where they ate dinner. Meanwhile, Bobby kept lookout, while I went into the warehouse to check things out a bit more thoroughly, looking for the best vantage points to grab them, if we do it in the warehouse." Les gave me a sideways look at this, and I looked down, understanding the rebuke.

Les went on, "Bobby is going to go back again this afternoon, just to confirm their schedule, and then we'll plan the takedown. Probably for tomorrow."

I frowned, "Just Bobby? I thought you didn't think we should be doing surveillance alone?"

Les looked a bit sheepish, "Well, Hec and I are going to try and track down Colbourn, based on your research yesterday, and see if we can't follow him around today. The hope is he'll lead us to Berghofer. So, Bobby will be at the warehouse alone, doing surveillance. He's going to use his own car, since we used the truck and Hector's car yesterday."

I looked up determinedly, "Why can't I help?" I asked. "So Bobby's not there alone? I could be with Bobby, or in another car. If Bobby needs to follow them on foot, I can trail everyone in the car and be his backup. I think I've proven I'm pretty good at surveillance." I added challengingly.

Lester gave me a sharp look as he thought about my offer. "You promise you're going to stay in the car. And only do surveillance from the car?"

I nodded, and added, "I'll follow the rules, Lester." My tone was a little dry, and Les had the grace to look a little sheepish again. "I'll stay in the car, carry my defensive weapons, and work with Bobby."

Lester looked at Bobby, who shrugged, and then nodded slowly, "That would be good, I think. Thanks Steph," he added sincerely.

I smiled again. I looked to Bobby, "What time are you heading over there?"

He said, "About two. We want to be there early enough in case they change their routine at all. We want to make sure they'll be in there together when we plan to go in."

"You can come pick me up at home?" I asked him. "I'll go home after lunch and get changed." I had dressed in a pair of nice slacks and a bright yellow long-sleeved pullover today, in case I had to meet with anyone about the building. But it wasn't exactly stealthy attire for a stakeout. Bobby agreed and I gave him my address.

We finished our coffees and Lester and Hector left to start tracking down Berghofer's friend. Bobby left to go and do some errands of his own, and I went back to my paperwork for a couple more hours. By eleven-thirty, I was feeling pretty hungry, so I motored over to my parents' house to mooch lunch.

I pulled up and parked in front of my parents' house and saw my mother come out onto the front porch. If I live to be a hundred, I don't think I will ever understand how my mother can always tell when I arrive. I mean, I doubted she walked out on the front porch whenever any car pulls up in the street, so how does she know when it was me? It seemed to be some sort of radar.

She looked me over semi-approvingly as I walked up to the door, apparently liking my professional outfit, and then ushered me inside. Once inside, I asked, "Where's grandma?" I had already noted that dad's cab was missing, so I assumed he was out working or at the lodge.

"I dropped her off with a friend to go the senior center. Bingo or something. On a Sunday!" Mom rolled her eyes, but I just realised it was Sunday and normally dad would be home on a Sunday.

"And where's dad?" I asked, "Is he working on a Sunday?"

Mom shook her head, "He went off to play poker with some old friends he hasn't seen in years. I think they were in the army together. They're at Joe Juniak's place."

Mom led me into the kitchen, where she started pulling out leftover meatloaf and potato salad from the fridge and making us both meatloaf sandwiches and salad. She added a couple of pickles to each plate, and we sat down to dig in. There was one thing that could never be denied about my mother; she could cook. Everything was delicious and I devoured the food in short order. Mom pulled out a slab of leftover apple pie from the fridge and cut me a generous slice. I dug in with equal fervour to the treat and complimented my mom on the delicious lunch. She flushed in pleasure and smiled at me.

"Are you working today?" she asked. I nodded. She frowned a little disapprovingly.

"We have two big cases we are working at the moment, looking for three men, so it's all hands on deck. I'm going home after this to get changed and then do surveillance this afternoon, looking for two of them."

Mom frowned deeper, "That sounds dangerous," she demurred. "Why are you doing dangerous work? Marie Lucetti's daughter works at the bank. She goes to church on Sundays and stands behind a counter during the week. You should find a safer job."

"Mom, I don't want to work in a bank. Besides, banks can be dangerous too, they get robbed." Mom looked shocked at that thought. I went on, "My job isn't really dangerous, mom. I spent the morning doing paperwork in the office, and then this afternoon, I'm just going to be sitting in a car with a colleague with a camera, watching a building. There's no danger. It'll probably be really boring."

Mom didn't really look convinced, but she let the subject drop. I said my goodbyes and motored off home. There I changed into jeans and a sweater and swapped my shoes for trainers. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and found a cap and sunglasses I could take with me if I wanted to be more stealthy. I made sure my stun gun and defence spray were in my bag, and then went to play some video games until Bobby arrived.

After two hours of sitting still in the car, I was almost ready to scream. Bobby wasn't a silent partner, thank God, but he was diligent about watching the warehouse. That meant we could chat a bit, but he would not play any distracting games like 'I spy' or twenty questions. I suppose I should count myself lucky he was willing to chat. Tonight, it was nearly five before we heard the clunk and grind of the roller door. We watched, taking a couple of photos, as the men emerged from the warehouse in their standard fashion, and moved off down the street.

Bobby said, "Ok Steph, I'm going to follow them on foot; I'll wait until they get around the corner and then get out to follow. When you see me turn the corner after them, start the car and drive normally to follow us all. It's ok if you pass us, just drive toward the convenience store, and find a park. Hopefully they'll go there or to Burger King, but if not, I'll call you on your cell."

I agreed to the plan and Bobby got ready to get out. However, when they got to the end of the block, the plan went belly-up since they split up. One went left toward the convenience store, and one went right. Bobby was thrown for a second, but then said, "Ok, new plan. You follow the guy to the right. Hopefully, the guy to the left is just going to the convenience store so will be on foot. If the other one is going toward a car, try to follow, but discreetly. Stay in the car and just find out where he goes. We'll catch up on our cells in 20 minutes. Ok?"

"Ok, but if I don't answer my cell, it's because I'm driving and can't stop. I'm not that good at following someone I wouldn't worry I'd lose them." Bobby agreed. I drove toward the end of the block, and slowed to a crawl as Bobby slipped out just before I reached the corner. I headed right and he left.

The next five minutes I tried to remain unobtrusive which was difficult with me being in a car following a man on foot. I ducked through alleys and circled blocks to stay ahead of where he was walking. Eventually, I spotted Turnbull as he moved into a diner on the opposite corner of the road from where I was parked waiting. I watched for about fifteen minutes, until he walked out again, carrying a take-out bag and a cup of coffee.

He headed back the way he came, and I decided to try my strategy again, heading up another street to turn and drive up to the intersection to wait to see him pass again. To my relief he came walking by a few minutes later, and I decided he was heading back to the warehouse. He was sipping his coffee as he walked and seemed completely casual. I waited about five more minutes, before I headed back toward the warehouse and drove toward the parking spot where we had been observing. I pulled up just in time to see a hand reach out under the roller door to grab the coffee cup on the ground before the door went down again.

Turnbull was back in his lair, but what about Morrison? I pulled out my cell, about to call Bobby, when it rang in my hand. I answered immediately, and Bobby asked, "Where are you, Steph?"

"Back at the warehouse. Turnbull just went up a few blocks to a diner and got himself some food and a coffee, then headed straight back. Where are you? Is Morrison heading back?"

"No," Bobby sounded disgusted, "Made the wrong call. He walked up about six blocks and then got into the passenger side of a car that was idling outside a gas station. They took off, and of course I couldn't follow. I'm heading back to you now. I'll try and get into the car without being obvious or being seen, so don't scream or anything when the door opens."

I murmured agreement, but he had already hung up. Sucky phone manners; reminded me of Carlos and Lester! I guess he really will fit in at Rangeman. I waited a few minutes and couldn't help a small jump as the car door opened gently, but at least I managed not to give a startled yelp. Bobby eased himself into the passenger seat, crouched over, and closed the door almost silently.

I gave him a rueful smile, both of us miffed that we had managed to follow the wrong person, and we waited mostly in silence for about another hour. Finally, after six-thirty, we saw a figure moving up the sidewalk, carrying a small duffle bag. Bobby had his camera out and took several shots as Morrison eased into the yard and over to knock quietly on the roller door. They must have a special knock or something because the door immediately rolled up about a foot and Morrison bent to shove the bag underneath before dropping to roll in after it. Bobby and I both sighed in resignation. Wherever Morrison went tonight, we were not going to be able to find out.

We waited about another hour, by which time my tummy was growling almost constantly. Finally, Bobby said, "Let's go Steph. I think they're in for the night. And if we don't feed that beast soon, it might start attacking me." He shot me an amused grin, and I gave him the bird before starting the car and heading out of the street. It was dark now, and I paused at the end of the block to ask, "Where to?"

"Where's your favourite place to eat?" he asked.

"Pino's, in the Burg. The do great pizza and subs. You like Italian?"

He grinned, "Of course! I was a paramedic Steph, I lived on pizza. Let's go."

We pulled up at Pino's about ten minutes later. Luckily it was late enough we had missed the family dinner rush, and we managed to get a booth and sat down immediately. We agreed to split a peperoni pizza, and each ordered a beer. As we sat, chatting casually, we were suddenly interrupted by an unwelcome voice.

"I see you've added another one to your thug collection, Cupcake. Three wasn't enough, or are maintaining a balance between Latino thugs and black thugs?"

I drew in a sharp breath at the racist slur, and looked slowly up at Morelli as he stood smirking at our booth. I saw there were several other cops in the restaurant and there was one standing nearby, holding a take-out bag, and looking uncomfortable as he watched the events at our table. I guessed it was Morelli's partner. "Hello Detective Morelli," I replied flatly. "May I introduce Robert Brown? He's a paramedic who's just moved to Trenton from New York City, and I'm sure he appreciates the warm welcome from the local law enforcement community." I added with sarcasm dripping from my tone.

"Moved back, actually. I grew up in Hamilton Township." Bobby stood up, almost equalling Morelli's height and bulk, and held his hand out politely. "Always a pleasure to meet another first-responder." Morelli reluctantly took his hand and shook it once without saying anything. The look on his face was sour as if he had just sucked a lemon.

Since he said nothing, I went on, "Robert, this is Detective Joseph Morelli, with the TPD. He's in Vice, or something." My tone was as bored and dismissive as I could make it.

Morelli shot me a venomous look, before he muttered something barely intelligible and strode out of the restaurant, his partner trailing after him, still looking embarrassed. Bobby shot me an amused look as he sat back down, and the murmur of voices rose again around us.

He asked humorously, "So, old friend?"

Maturely, I stuck my tongue out at him. "No, just a mistake I made at sixteen that I will never repeat." Bobby nodded thoughtfully.

"He seems to be still interested, though. Is he giving you a hard time?"

I shook my head, "No, I rarely run into him. When I do, he tries to get a rise out of me and I try to avoid him, because he's not worth it. Honestly, if he just left me alone, I'd be happy. Can't wait for Carlos to get back, so I can just hide behind him and ignore the jerk." I shot him a quick smirk.

He grinned back at me, and we went back to enjoying out pizza and beer.

This chapter felt like it was dragging a little bit. Sorry for that. I couldn't figure out how to spice it up. Be sure the action will pick up in the next chapter. Reviews are very appreciated!