AN: Thank you for the reviews, I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this story. I had a moment of panic when I couldn't locate this chapter, I had saved it in a different folder. So lucky to have found it. I have one more chapter written and hope to get some quality writing done this weekend. Eek. Enjoy…

Chapter 5: The First Meeting

Ranger POV

I arrived at the diner 15 minutes early for my meeting with Chief Juniak. He is instrumental to getting my company set up and accepted in Trenton. I already completed a bodyguard job for Governor Murphy. I wanted to get my security company set up but was doing some skip tracing to help finance the start up. There was a lot of money to be made in the area between home and business security systems and personal security with politicians. We are close to Newark and Philadelphia. I was hoping to get some government contracts, which would be nice so I wouldn't have to continue taking on missions as a mercenary to help finance the new office.

The Miami office, which I started two years ago, was making a profit due to all the rich and famous living in the area. There were plenty of personal protection jobs along with security systems for homes and businesses. The office had also obtained contracts with DHS and the FBI. Those contracts were lucrative and the office was fully staffed with former special forces, former feds and a few cops from NYPD, LAPD and Miami-Dade PD. The payroll was high but those security systems for the rich and famous alone covered payroll each month. Celebrities always flocked to the new and expensive plus my men looked good standing behind them in the photos.

Chief Juniak arrived on time and sat in the booth. He ordered black coffee and a piece of key lime pie. I ordered black coffee as well. We discussed what I needed to do and he would give me some introductions to politicians and try to smooth the way with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department, NJ State Police and TPD.

Chief Juniak explained, "the biggest issue I see is the Burg. I grew up there and moved to Hamilton Township. It's very insular and they don't like anyone different. They stifle women to live like it's still the 1950's. Hell, my friend Frank said his wife is trying to marry off their youngest daughter in an arranged marriage. She was a lieutenant in the army, just got out. She is looking for a cyber security job. You may want to snap her up. She's good."

I nodded, "what's her name?"

"Stephanie Plum," Juniak replied before sliding out of the booth and leaving $20 on the table.

The waitress came over with a come-hither smile and an invitation in her voice, "can I get you anything else," as she cleared away Juniak's dishes and took the money.

"Just more coffee and a glass of filtered or bottled ice water. I'm waiting for some friends," I replied.

She strutted off to get my order. I sent a text to Hector, my computer guy, to run a search on Lt. Stephanie Plum while I waited. About ten minutes later I felt a tingle in my neck as a curly haired brunette with light make-up and a toned body walked in with confidence. She carried herself like the women who served in the military. She was wearing a pair of denim shorts that came to mid-thigh, flip flops and a lavender t-shirt. She had bright blue mischievous eyes. She took in the room and chose a booth close to mine and sat facing me. She ordered coffee and began using her phone.

I received a text from my 2IC, Tank Dupree, they would be a few minutes late due to an accident that caused traffic to back up at the exit. He was on his way from the airport in Newark with the rest of the Rangeman Core Team, Lester Santos and Bobby Brown. Lester is the son of my mother's brother. All the men served on my Special Ops team. Bobby was a medic. They picked up some men to work up here, Hal Jorgensen, Calvin Anders and Evan 'Ram' Ramsey.

As I responded, I received an email from Hector. I opened the report on my phone and the first thing I noticed was a picture that matched the woman sitting in front of me. I scanned the report which showed she grew up in the area, before joining the army. She had good evaluations and moved up the ranks. She also had excellent credit, with the only debt being a car loan that was about half paid off. The report showed she had an outstanding offer from Lockheed Martin. She must be good to elicit that offer. I wasn't sure I'd be able to afford her.

I looked up and saw the waitress had brought a bottle of water, cup of ice with a lemon wedge and topped off my coffee. I decided to take a chance and see if I could entice this woman to work for me. I was watching her when she looked up at me with a sheepish grin.

"Lt. Plum, would you have a moment to speak with me," I inquired.

She looked up, a bit startled, and smiled a dazzling smile. I felt myself return the smile and heard dishes crash.

"Sure, but it would probably help if I knew who you were and how you know me," she calmly replied as she stood.

I couldn't help but admire her long toned tanned legs. "Capt. Carlos Manoso, CEO of Rangeman. I use the street name Ranger. I'm a military contractor. You were recommended to me by Chief Juniak."

Another smile, "He's, my godfather. Uncle Joe has always stood by me," she replied as she sat in my booth with her cup of coffee.

"I was wondering if you are looking for a job," I asked.

She smiled, I'm sure she had one heck of an offer. "Capt. Manoso, I have an offer with a military contractor, we are negotiating, but right now it's for $105,000 plus four weeks of PTO to start, I'm also eligible for bonuses."

I knew I couldn't match the salary, so did she. "I can't match that but I can offer $85,000 to start plus bonuses depending on how the company does, not just based on the new office here in Trenton. I can offer 5 weeks of vacation and a spot on the Core Team which would include 5% ownership. You'll receive 5% of the profits from all offices. We can also renegotiate the salary when this office starts making a profit. If you are willing to meet me, I can show you the books. The offer includes a company car, onsite gym with pool and an onsite apartment with a housekeeper to do laundry, cooking and shopping once the building is finished. Uniforms and a company cell phone are provided. You are required to carry and we will furnish a handgun."

I could see she was thinking about it, "I just signed a one-year lease on an apartment earlier today. I haven't joined a gym but used a day pass today at my old one. When did you want to meet to show me your books? I'm not accepting anything, just looking at my options."

"How about tomorrow, I have a temporary office or we could meet in the conference room at Trenton Watch Company. Several of us are currently renting there until the building is finished, we are installing the new security system for them with monitoring in exchange for rent," he explained.

"What a coincidence, that's where my lease is. I've scheduled some furniture to be delivered and I'm hoping the moving truck comes tomorrow," I said.

There was a slight commotion at the entrance and in walked my men. Stephanie turned and jumped up. She ran up to Hal and gave him a hug and they quietly spoke while the others came over. She turned and smiled at me, "Hal's sister was my roommate and coworker up until yesterday when I out processed."

I nodded and introduced her to the other men. The waitress came over and took the food order from the men. Stephanie got up and handed the waitress money for her coffee. "I'll head out, Hal has my number. You can call or text me with a time to meet at the apartment building, I have to wait for my delivery. Your offer is intriguing, but I need to see it in writing," she said, shaking my hand, before leaving. I could feel a tingle in my hand.

Tank asked, "What was that about?"

"Hector and Silvo need help with the computer system and cybersecurity. Lt. Plum just got out and has been given the highest ratings by her commanders. If she stayed in, she'd be a captain. And Juniak recommended her, she's, his goddaughter. She has an offer for a military contractor. I offered her a 5% share due to the significantly smaller salary I can pay and an extra week of vacation. I have an email with her background check," I said.

Hal, who is normally quiet, spoke up, "Sir, she's better than my sister, I've known her about 7 years, since they became roommates. I went with them to Europe last year. She would fit in because of her military experience. She has a great sense of humor and won't take any crap from the men. She can give Hector a run for his money when it comes to the system.

"Thank you, Hal, I think she'd be a good fit. I wasn't planning to hire any women other than a housekeeper. Good thing we haven't finalized the building plans yet. We'll need to add a woman's restroom and locker room," I said.

We spent some time eating and chatting about plans for the new office. Lester indicated he'd be interested in dating the LT. I shut that down immediately. I felt drawn to her. This could be interesting; I wasn't planning to get involved with anyone but the draw to the beautiful cybersecurity expert was something I've never felt before and what's with the tingle.

Stephanie's POV

I drove back to my parents and figured I could spend another night. I will be staying at my apartment tomorrow. I thought about my first meeting with Ranger and it worked out better than I imagined. I'm glad he offered me a job. I didn't want him to know how eager I was to accept it. I went in to find my dad sitting in the living room, it wasn't very late, about 9:30.

"Hey Dad. Just a heads up, I'm getting furniture delivered tomorrow, so I can sleep on the recliner until my bed arrives. I don't wanna cause trouble but I'm not dealing with mom trying to marry me off to the first available man. I also don't want to fight for the bathroom," I said.

Dad sighed, "your grandparents and I had a talk with your mother but I don't think it did any good. She seems determined to marry you off to some guy from the Burg. We both know that won't end well. They all want a stay-at-home wife to care for the kids while they have someone on the side.

Morelli was her first choice because she's been friends with Angie since elementary school and he's Italian. He's a good cop and has a good reputation in the Burg. The women like to overlook his philandering ways. I've heard about it during my cab runs. Your grandfather hears about it at the senior center. Your grandmother tries to get the truth out but the women are terrified of Bella. She threatens to give people the eye."

"You have got to be kidding me, that woman is crazy. We were terrified of her as kids. She uses it to get her way. I remember she'd get free pastries when I worked at Tasty Pastry. I always said it wasn't right but Judy said it wasn't worth the fight. People would stop coming in if Bella put the eye on her," I recalled.

"I never understood how Bella could wield so much power. She is a Sunucchi so that could be part of it, but she is a mooch. I've seen her walk out of Giovichinni's Market without paying for an entire cart of groceries. I know her husband was always drunk just like her son. Maybe they did it so the kids would have food. I don't know," Dad explained.

"I don't know either Dad, but I do know I don't want to be involved with him or that family. I'm gonna pack up my stuff and put it by the door. I'll be up early to head over to my apartment. They have a gym in the building and I'll have my own bathroom," I said smiling.

My father mumbled something that sounded like "lucky girl" as I walked to the stairs. I wanted to be out before my mother was up. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I wasn't going to chance a shower and have someone walk in or bang on the door. I then went to my room and put on my pjs and set out a pair of capri length yoga pants with a tank. I packed everything else into the suitcase; the clothes I left when I was here at Christmas that didn't fit in my suitcase were shoved into my backpack. I carried everything down to set by the door.

I went back upstairs and responded to a text from Jessica. I guess Hal sent her a message that he saw me. I also received a text from Ranger asking to meet tomorrow morning at 10. I said 10 would work in the conference room or my apartment as I was waiting for the furniture delivery and would have no place to sit until they arrived. Ranger responded with a thumbs up. That wasn't something I expected from the Ranger I knew.

I sent a quick text to Mare to see when she'd be available to go to lunch or to the mall with me so we can catch up. I knew I'd need more things for my apartment. I wasn't sure if she'd respond tonight or tomorrow.