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After about forty-five minutes in the office, I managed to dig up an address for Sandor Jacobsen. It was an address from a restraining order against Sandor's ex-wife from two years ago, so I hoped it was still current. Carlos decided we would head out together to check it out. Carlos had called Hector for additional backup; if the address panned out, Hector would meet us to do a takedown. I had remembered to pick up my taser and my gun, so I was armed; I would be another backup for Carlos.

When we pulled up at the brother's address, it was mostly dark, but a band of light around a curtained window at the front showed the glow of a television in what we assumed was the living room. We climbed out of the truck and Carlos' silent hand on my shoulder halted me as I was about to move toward the house. He motioned to the back and opened it very quietly. He pulled out two bullet-proof vests and I noted in surprise that the one he handed me was much smaller. I realised he must have got it specifically for me. I put it on, and Carlos checked it was adjusted properly. He then pulled out his Glock and stared at me meaningfully. I pulled out my .38 and deliberately checked it was loaded. Carlos nodded approvingly and motioned for us to move up to the house.

We crept up to the window; Carlos was silent, and I was… doing my best to be quiet. I stood to one side of the window, as Carlos peered around the edge of the curtain to see into the room. He nodded and I also peeked in carefully. There was a man sitting in a sofa with his back to the window. I guessed it was probably Sandor, as I could clearly see Randall sitting in an armchair off to the side, his face illuminated by the TV. Carlos motioned for me to follow, and we crept very quietly around the house, checking for other potential exits and risks. The house was a small ranch-style bungalow with two bedrooms and a single bathroom. A POS car, probably Sandor's, was parked in the front yard. The property was unfenced, but there was a back door beside the uncurtained kitchen window. The was an old, broken-down truck rusting in the backyard and an overflowing trash can beside the back door. Otherwise, the house and property looked perfectly normal and clear.

Carlos motioned again and we made our way quietly back to our truck. Once we were seated inside, Carlos called Hector and spoke to him in Spanish, too rapidly for me to follow, and a minute or so later he hung up. Carlos nodded at me, and we watched the house silently for twenty minutes or so, until a dark sedan pulled up behind us. Carlos watched in the rear-view mirror and a moment later, I tried not to jump as the back door of the truck opened very quietly and Hector slid into the seat.

"Hola," he whispered. I grinned back at him.

Carlos said, slowly enough for me to mostly follow "Dos hombres, viendo la televisión. Una puerta trasera, sin vallas. Tú tomas la puerta trasera, Steph y yo tomaremos la puerta delantera. Sólo necesitamos traer a Randall, a menos que su hermano nos dé una razón. Pero no se arriesgue, no importa quién salga de casa."

Hector said only, "Si," and slipped silently out of the truck to disappear around the side of the house like a shadow.

Carlos waited a minute for him to get into place, and then said to me, "You right to go, Babe?"

Cheekily, I said, "Si," and he shook his head slightly at me with a lip-tipped smile. We both got out of the truck, drew our weapons, and made our way up to the front door. Carlos knocked loudly, and we waited, out of the line of sight from the window. We saw the curtain shift, and Carlos knocked again.

We heard footsteps and I moved to the side of the door, out of sight while Carlos stood there. The door opened a crack and caught on a security chain. "Whadda ya want?" came Sandor's belligerent greeting.

"Bond enforcement," Ranger said calmly. "We're here for Randall Jacobsen."

"He's not here. Fuck off." Sandor slammed the door and clicked the lock.

I stepped back a pace as Ranger braced himself and gave the door two solid kicks until it splintered around the lock and chain and swung open to show Sandor disappearing toward the back of the house. We followed him, Ranger moving swiftly and me watching his back. As we approached the now-open back door, we could hear the sounds of grunts and a dark voice saying, "¡No te muevas pendejo!"

Sandor barrelled through the door, probably intent on helping his brother, but Ranger was there, catching his arm and swinging him around against the house. He pulled one arm up behind Sandor's back, none too gently, and pinned him in place, growling, "Move and I'll shoot!" as he ground his gun against Sandor's ribcage. Sandor froze, his expression furious, but unable to move without risking being shot. Carlos continued, "Don't give me any more reasons to bring you in as well. You're up for harbouring a fugitive, you don't need any more charges."

Sandor seemed to back down at that, and I moved around them to cover both brothers, as Hector finished securing the cuffs and shackles on Randall, who was still struggling. Ranger barked, "Steph, if he resists again, shoot him in the gut!" and I nodded, levelling the gun at Randall.

He stopped struggling but shot a venomous look at the three of us, spitting out, "Fuckers! I'll get you, and your whore!" I cocked my gun loudly, not appreciating being called a whore, and looked on in amazement as Randall suddenly went limp in Hector's hold.

I looked at Hector and he returned my gaze with an unlikely innocent expression. I saw the flash of a weapon slide into Hector's pocket and realised that Hector had stunned Randall. I flashed him a small, grateful smile and followed Hector as he dragged Randall around to the front of the house. As we rounded the house, I heard Ranger snarl at Sandor that if he followed or tried to interfere, we would shoot him.

I helped Hector secure Randall into the back of Ranger's truck and shackle him to the floor bolts. Ranger came up and nodded at Hector who handed me his car keys and moved to slide into the front beside Ranger. I looked questioningly at Ranger, and he gave me a small smile, "Please, Babe. Follow us in Hector's car." I nodded resignedly and moved back to the sedan to slide in and adjust the driver's seat.

I followed Carlos' truck back to Trenton, and we had Randall Jacobsen surrendered and the receipt in hand before eleven o'clock. All in all, not a bad night's work.

Hector waved his farewells as he headed off home, and Carlos grabbed my hand and tugged me back to the truck. "Chicken stir-fry tomorrow night, Babe?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes.

The next day, Bobby and Manny came into the office to ask whether they needed to check Randall Jacobsen's house today. I had to laugh when I pointed to the whiteboard, with a large red word through it, 'RESOLVED'. The guys looked at me incredulously, so I filled them in on last night and they were impressed and amazed at the quick resolution to the FTA. "The power of the Burg grapevine," I told them cheekily.

Bobby just shook his head, "I'm beginning to regret I grew up in Hamilton Township," he smirked.

I reassured them, "Mateo Alonzo is still outstanding. Did you check his house again last night?"

Manny replied, "Yeah, we did. No movement or action. We don't think he's staying there. Do we have any other leads?"

I shook my head, regretfully, "Not so far. Unfortunately, he's not from the Burg, so the grapevine's not going to help me. We're going to have to do this the old-fashioned way."

"What's that?" Manny asked puzzled.

I grinned at him evilly, "Stakeouts and asking questions."

Bobby groaned, "I take that means we're back watching the empty apartment?"

I grimaced sympathetically, "Sorry guys. If it's any consolation, I don't think Ranger will want you to do it after today, as long as he doesn't show up, of course."

"Where is Ranger?" Bobby asked.

"He's meeting one of the contractors for Haywood Street to talk about the new elevator. Apparently, they're going to have to order it from Germany and we need to decide about the model immediately so they can get it here before it's needed to be installed."

"How do you decide on elevator models?" Manny asked.

I shrugged, "Beats me. As long as they go up and down, I'm happy. I imagine the experts will tell Carlos what the differences are." I suppose this was only partly true if I was being honest with myself. As long as they go up and down and don't fall, I'm happy, would be a more honest statement.

The guys took off soon after that to go back to watch Alonzo's apartment again. We all suspected it would be fruitless, but until we came up with another lead, it was probably better than doing nothing. I went back to Carlos' computer to do some more searching on the internet. The success with finding Sandor Jacobsen's address inspired me, and I was searching for any mention of Mateo Alonzo, including previous crimes and affiliations.

About forty minutes later, my shoulders were cramping, and I stood to stretch and walk out to get myself a cup of coffee. As I walked back in, I glanced at the computer screen and a wave of inspiration struck. The cigarettes that Alonzo had stolen were a brand called Eclipse. It was a fairly new brand and not a popular choice as yet. He'd stolen two cartons of Eclipse and no other brand so I thought it was safe to assume he smoked the brand exclusively. I thought for a few minutes.

The store Alonzo had robbed was in Lamberton. I started to use my telephone directory to make a list of stores in Lamberton and South Trenton that I thought would sell cigarettes. Twenty-three stores. I sighed, and then began the painstaking process of calling all twenty-three places to ask if they sold Eclipse cigarettes. Only four said yes. I guessed that was more manageable. I pulled out the photo from Alonzo's file and picked up my car keys. I left a note for Carlos to tell him I was out following a lead and would be back for lunch. Then I motored off to start talking to store owners.

I hit pay dirt on the first place I asked! A liquor store on Federal Street recognised Alonzo's photo and told me he was a regular to buy cheap whiskey and Eclipse cigarettes. I explained to the owner he was a fugitive from court and the clerk agreed to call me if he showed up, so I left my Rangeman card. Despite my success already, I decided to continue with the other stores that had told me they sold Eclipse. Another liquor store did not recognise his photo, but a grocery store near the first liquor store said they thought they might have seen him. I repeated my spiel and left my card. The last place was a deli and grocery; they seemed uninterested in helping and unwilling to tell me anything about their customers. The clerk was glowering at me unpleasantly, so I decided not to push my luck and left. If the other leads did not pan out, I would send Carlos back to talk to this guy.

The grocery store had told me of another store that sold Eclipse cigarettes. I remembered it was one from my list, but they had told me 'no' when I called. I decided to check in person. I walked into the store to see a timid-looking Hispanic lady manning the counter. "Excuse me, ma'am," I said gently, the clerk at the grocery down the street mentioned that you sell Eclipse brand cigarettes?"

She shook her head vehemently, "No, we don't. We no stock them anymore."

I wondered why, but instead pulled out Alonzo's photo to ask her, "Have you seen this man in here. He prefers the Eclipse brand."

I saw her face go white and her hands started to tremble, "That's him!" she exclaimed. "That's the beast who beat my Raul! Mi esposo. He beat him so bad. He still in hospital, and I have to be here alone. Why you looking for him?"

I realised this must be the store Alonzo had robbed, and I felt bad for making the woman relive the experience. I rushed to reassure her, "He missed his court date for the attack. The company I work for is charged with finding him and bringing him back into the justice system. We're looking for him to take him back to jail."

She looked at me even more fearfully, "I cannot believe he get bail. He should not have."

I hesitated. It was doubtful that Alonzo would return to the scene of the crime, but I decided to leave my card anyway. I handed her my Rangeman business card, "If you see him, please call. We'll be here as quickly as we can to pick him up. I doubt he'll get bailed out again." At least I hoped he wouldn't. I paused but then continued, "I'm sorry that you have to be here alone after that awful incident. If you have any more trouble, you can call me. The company I work for, Rangeman, is setting up a security business here in town. We can try and help you."

She shook her head, "We cannot afford this. We do not make lots money."

"We're not charging you. We don't have the business set up for security yet; I just wanted to help you out. It's a difficult time for you." I said comfortingly.

She looked up at me and whispered, "Thank you, Miss."

"Stephanie," I told her. "Call me Stephanie."

"I am Maria." Maria held out her hand to shake mine. I smiled at her and said my goodbyes. I did not know if Maria would call, but I felt good about offering her help. I hoped Carlos would be ok with it too. I headed back to the office.

Carlos was pleased when I explained what I had done and the information that the investigation had uncovered. He praised me for my ingenuity and initiative and rang Bobby and Manny to come back into the office. Over a lunch of sandwiches and salad I bought from the deli downstairs, we discussed the lead and the best way forward. It was decided that Bobby, Manny, Carlos, and Hector would rotate to do a patrol through the area once per hour for the next two days. I was not going to be part of the rotation, since we did not know if anyone would tell Alonzo that I had been asking about him. I hoped not, but you never could tell.

As we finalised the rotation, Carlos noticed me fidgeting, "What's wrong, Steph?" he asked curiously.

I looked up from my twisting fingers, "Umm, I was wondering…" Carlos nodded at me encouragingly, "As part of your patrols, could you keep an eye on Maria's store? It's just… She was so scared of Alonzo, and now she has to be there alone since her husband is in hospital. They've stopped carrying the cigarettes, but I don't know if that would be a deterrent if he decided to go back. It might just make him angrier…" I trailed off.

Carlos smiled at me gently, "Of course, Babe. We'll keep an eye on the store. And I'll stop by and let her know that we'll be in the area if anything happens." I smiled back at him gratefully. Manny and Bobby nodded at us both and headed out for their first patrol. I turned back to Carlos with an idea.

"Maybe later, after we catch him, she can pass the word around about Rangeman security services. She said they can't afford security themselves, but she might give some word-of-mouth advertising?" I suggested hopefully.

Carlos looked thoughtful, "We could provide her with some simple, affordable alarm suggestions. And do a free security assessment for them. It would certainly generate some goodwill, and probably word-of-mouth as you said. We're not ready yet, but I hope we will be nearly there by early next year." He looked over at me admiringly, "It's a really good suggestion, Steph," he came over and gave me a warm hug, "You're such an asset to me and to Rangeman."

I felt like I could float away.

I headed over to Plum Bail Bonds after lunch. Connie looked up at me as I walked in, and Lula greeted me cheerfully. Her outfit today was black and yellow, straining black spandex leggings and a neon-yellow puffy jacket with black swirls. She was wearing her yellow boots again. I couldn't help thinking she looked like a giant bumblebee.

Connie drew my attention back to her, "I didn't expect you today, Steph. I'm afraid we don't have any more files yet." I grinned at her and presented the bond receipt for Jacobsen with a flourish. She looked gobsmacked. "You caught him? Already? Really?"

I smirked at her mischievously, "The power of the Burg grapevine!" I briefly explained how we had tracked him down and brought him in.

Connie shook her head and Lula looked impressed, "That's amazing," Connie decided. She went about writing out the check for Rangeman.

I noticed Lula eyeing me speculatively. I quirked a look in her direction, and she responded, "You really good at this, White Girl." I guess in her terms it was high praise and I smiled and thanked her. Lula's look changed and she asked hopefully, "You bring donuts today?"

I shook my head, "Sorry Lula, I just finished lunch. No donuts."

She shook her head like she was disappointed in my stupidity, "There's always time for donuts," she informed me.

The sad truth is that I agreed with her.

Translations from Google.

"Dos hombres, viendo la televisión. Una puerta trasera, sin vallas. Tú tomas la puerta trasera, Steph y yo tomaremos la puerta delantera. Sólo necesitamos traer a Randall, a menos que su hermano nos dé una razón. Pero no se arriesgue, no importa quién salga de casa."
Two men, watching television. One back door, no fences. You take the back door; Steph and I will take the front. We only need to bring in Randall, unless his brother gives us a reason. But don't take any chances, no matter who comes out of the house.

"¡No te muevas pendejo!"
Don't move asshole!

"Mi esposo"
My husband.

According to Wikipedia, the Eclipse brand of cigarettes was introduced into the USA in 1994. The things you learn researching for fanfiction! :)

Please review! Thanks for all your suggestions. I appreciate them and will proceed with Rangeman.