A Not Exactly Empty Shelf —Stories by Two Guns And A Knife In One Long Chapter: 1001 Fluffy Nights Chapter 13 Where The Day Flows

Title: 1001 Fluffy Nights
Category: Books » Janet Evanovich
Author: Two Guns and a Knife
Language: English, Rating: Rated: M
Genre: Romance/Drama
Published: 04-11-12, Updated: 08-12-12
Chapters: 21, Words: 13,568

Chapter 1: Prologue

Prologue

~Go and Catch a Falling Star~

"Mommy, Rex is not moving."
Her heart sinks upon hearing her son's sweet little voice. She knows too well this day will finally come, but she never expected it to be this particular day. Her child's birthday. Silently and quickly she wipes away the escaped tear. How she wishes her husband is here. She has no idea how to explain to a small child about life and death. She doesn't want to believe her beloved chubby furry pet is now dead. And she simply can't image burying Rex. She hastily dries a second drop of tears as one small warm hand grasps hold of her shaking and cold one. Is it okay to cry in front of your child and show him your weakness and fear? She looks down at her son's beautiful yet serious face and wonders. He looks so much like his father. She knows he will one day grow up and become a tall, dark, handsome and brave man just like his father. But is he old enough to understand the concept of death and loss now? Is he old enough to deal with sorrow and pain?
Suddenly she feels the familiar tingle the on the back of her neck. The door of the serene 7th floor penthouse apartment then silently opens to reveal a man. Her husband. Ranger. He's home early.
"Babe?"
Somehow the concern and love in his deep gentle sexy voice make her want to smile and cry at the same time. She picks up little Carlos and holds him in her arms, and starts walking toward the man she loves with all her heart and all her life...
She jerks awake and bolts up in her narrow single squeaky bed. She raises a trembling hand toward her face and once again feels her tears. The dream is so real that it breaks her heart every time she wakes up only to find it's but a dream. Her name is Stephanie Plum. She's a 27-year-old laid-off employee of a New Jersey lingerie company. And she has been in love with a man in her dream for over 21 years.

Chapter 2: Ch1 I Dream A Dream

Chapter 1

~I Dream A Dream~

Stephanie was 6 the first time she dreamed of him. A dark-skinned boy about her age with straight smooth hair sat in a small quiet but somewhat dark room reading a dog-eared story book. He looked different from all the boys in her neighborhood, but he was very nice-looking. He looked up the moment she took a step toward him and their eyes met. She blinked and woke up in her own bed, wondering what he was reading. The second time Stephanie dreamed of him, he was inside the same room reading another dog-eared book. She stayed at the far side of the room looking at him. She liked his dark brown eyes. She liked his almost black longish hair. She braved a small step forward, he looked up from the book and their eyes met. He blinked, and she woke up in her bed, wondering what book he was reading this time.
And just like that, she started dreaming of him from time to time. Sometimes he was walking down narrow streets. Sometimes he was laughing and talking with someone else. Sometimes he was playing with his lazy black and white cat. Sometimes he was reading yet another thick, dog-eared book. But every time she walked toward him, he would look at her, and she would woke up in her bed. She never knew if he could really see her. She never found out about the titles of his books. She never told anyone about her dreams. But somehow she knew he was not a dream. He was out there somewhere in the same world under the same sky. He was as real as she was.
Time and dreams went by, and together they grew up. And when she woke up after looking straight into his beautiful midnight dark brown eyes on her 16th birthday to find the tears on her face, she suddenly realized she had fallen in love with him from the very beginning. And she didn't even know his name.

Chapter 3: Ch2 Tell Me Where All Past Years Are

Chapter 2

~Tell Me Where All Past Years Are~

The boy grew taller. Stephanie's feelings for him deepened. She wept when he cried. She smiled when he laughed. She wanted to hold his hand. She longed to hear his voice. She wished she knew his name. She prayed he knew she was there. But still every time their eyes met, she woke up alone in her bed. Sometimes with a smile on her lips. Sometimes with tears on her face. The hopelessness of love made her sigh. The helplessness of love made her want to cry. And then one night, all of a sudden, she stopped dreaming of him. And instead this particular dream began...
She steps out of the elevator as the doors silently slide open at the 7th floor. And there he is waiting for her by his apartment door. He is now in his late 20s or early 30s, she can tell, and looks much stronger and more muscular. And black suits him. He gives her a barely there smile and softly says, "Babe,", and her heart skips a beat...
She woke up abruptly and started shaking with laughter and tears. She had finally, finally heard his voice after all these years. He could see her. He knew her. She loved his voice. And he called her "Babe". She was not crazy. She was not insane. He was real. He was no hallucination. He truly existed. And one day they would meet and become friends. She cried and laughed till dawn came. And 5 nights later, she was back in the very same dream. Something soft, warm, and extremely powerful filled her heart as she bravely locked her eyes with his. She then melted the moment she realized that she knew his name.
Ranger...Batman...Carlos...

Chapter 4: Ch3 Teach Me To Hear Mermaids Singing

Chapter 3

~Teach Me To Hear Mermaids Singing~

Stephanie lets out a sigh and gets out of her wobbling bed for her morning shower. She needs a new bed. She needs cash. She needs a new job and needs it fast. And maybe she needs a new life, too. She turns on the shower, but the always not hot enough water fails to wash away her worries and doubts. She has been waiting for her dream to come true for most of her life. Everyday of the past 10 years she woke up hoping this day would be the day she met the man in her dream. Every night of the past 10 years she went to bed disappointed. Still she keeps hoping. Still she keeps being disappointed. And now she's getting tired. She can't help starting having doubts. Does the man she's been so totally, hopelessly and helplessly in love with really exist? Is he real? Is he a dream? Or is he but a mad hallucination, a sad little trick her desperate loneliness played on her mind? If he's really out there somewhere under the same sky, where the Hell has he been all these years? Why hasn't he come to her? When will they finally meet each other? What will happen when they meet? What if things don't work out? What if he's already with someone else? What if he thinks she's not good enough?
Maybe it's time to give up. Maybe it's better to give up. But she knows she can't. Whenever she starts questioning herself, the dream returns that very night. And the next day she will wake up keeping on hoping and believing like she always does. Because it's too real to be a dream. Because she wants to believe. Because she loves him too much to give up hope.
They are always inside the elevator or his bright, spacious 7th floor apartment. They are both unsure and uncertain. They dance around each other. Their love and affection grow stronger. They give up pretending. They learn to be honest with themselves and each other. They start their life together. He puts the beautiful ring on her finger. She bursts into tears and tells him she's pregnant. They look at their child's first ultrasound picture together. They decide to call their son Carlos. He carries her out of the apartment door when her water breaks. They bring the little boy home. They watch him learn to crawl. They watch him learn to talk. They watch him learn to walk...
And then she will wake up from her perfect dream, all alone in a cold dark world, feeling terribly lonely and so, so afraid, and wishing she never ever has this dream. Stephanie closes her eyes, lets the lukewarm water wash away her tears, and wills herself to focus on the more pressing matters in reality. Today she will go to see her cousin Vinnie. They are not really close, but they are still family. And hopefully Vinnie will give her a job at his bonds office.

Chapter 5: Ch4 A Woman True And Fair

Chapter 4

~A Woman True And Fair~

Stephanie parks her faded red Volkswagen in front of Vinnie's bonds office and takes some time to smooth her hair and collect her thoughts. She knows she can probably find part-time jobs as waitress or cashier somewhere else, but she wants something long-term and stable. And maybe more challenging, she quietly adds. She needs a steady income, not boring routines. Besides, everybody knows it's harder for company owners to fire or let go of their relatives. Being laid off once is more than enough as far as Stephanie is concerned. She looks up at the dark foreboding sky and tries not to sigh. She hopes she can land a new job before it starts raining. She hates driving in rain. Especially when she's having windshield wiper problems. She gets out of her car and tells herself not to be nervous. She has a rough idea how bail bond agencies operate(thanks to Google), she's good at filing documents, and has perfect phone manners and basic computer skills. And just like everyone else in the Plum family, she knows all about Vinnie's biggest and darkest secret. She will uses it as a last resort.
11 minutes later, after one last look at Stephanie's stubborn and determined face, Vincent "Vinnie" Plum—a lean sly-looking man of average height and in his late 30s—finally caves in and decides to hire his cousin as the assistant to his office manager, Connie Rosolli. This is a charity position, truth be told. They don't really need an extra person in the bonds office. Business has been good but not that good, and Vinnie is anything but a charitable person. However, helping a family member in need will no doubt keep his nagging mother and grandmother off his back at least for a while, and he doesn't want his wife Lucille to find out about his...little adventures. God knows how much Vinnie wants people to leave him alone. He has been trying his best to be a perfect son and husband and boss for so long. He's so entitled to some peace and quiet—and fun, of course. Besides, he likes Stephanie. Well, sort of. Vinnie grudgingly admits.
Vinnie has no siblings and usually can't stand his relatives. But Stephanie is different from all their nosy, loud and gossiping aunts, uncles and cousins. She's quiet and polite, mostly keeps it to herself, and—unlike the rest of the Plums—seldom messes with other people's business. And though she didn't graduate from an Ivy League University and just recently got laid off from a not so promising job, Vinnie knows she's clever. And they are both the black sheeps of the family who drive their mothers crazy. Vinnie used to be a successful yet reckless bounty hunter and still hangs around with all kinds of wrong people, and his marriage to a famed local mobster's only daughter is no help to his already questionable reputation. Stephanie, on the other hand, is the strange girl who has never ever dated and, much to her mother's dismay, shows no interest in finding herself a husband. Maybe it's time for troublemakers to stick together and have each other's back, Vinnie thinks to himself, and paying his cousin just a little more than the minimum wage won't do too much harm to his bank account. And he'd love the see the horrified look on Aunt Helen's face when she hears the news.
"We can use an assistant—"Vinnie is abruptly silenced by a mean and threatening glare from Connie. A massive headache starts building behind his eyes and he silently sighs. He has no idea if this is a curse or a gift, but somehow he can always feel trouble coming.
Connie Rosolli, the slightly plump divorcée who thinks it's stupid to keep your ex-husband's last name, knows Vinnie Plum pretty well—maybe too well, she sometimes thinks—and enjoys bossing him around. She's from another local mob family and got her job as the office manager because her family are old friends with Vinnie's father-in-law Harry the Hammer, and Harry happens to be the one who gave Vinnie the money to start his business. Something has been nagging at the back of Connie's mind ever since Stephanie Plum stepped inside the door. Connie likes Stephanie. She went to high school with Stephanie's elder sister Valerie and heard all about this famous strange little girl. She knows Stephanie lives alone on her own and needs to find a job that pays more than the minimum wage, and somehow she also knows being an filing clerk and errand girl won't be challenging and...fulfilling enough for the younger woman. So she gives Stephanie a warm smile and asks, "Do you want to become a bounty hunter? It's more interesting, and it pays better."
Stephanie widens her eyes. Bounty hunter? She has never thought about becoming a bounty hunter. She knows nothing about being a bounty hunter. Isn't it too dangerous for women? She has never even watched Dog the Bounty Hunter, and she fell sound asleep while watching a rerun of Robert De Niro's Midnight Run just 2 days ago. She also remembers too well the disdain on her mother's and aunts' faces whenever they talk about Vinnie's choice of profession. But she knows she's already hooked by "more interesting" and "pays better". Her rent is due this weekend and she's running out of money. Beggars can't be choosers, a small rational voice sounds in her head, and what's life without a little risk? Stephanie thinks for a brief minute and makes her decision, and is about to ask Connie more about the job when she suddenly feels a slight tingling sensation on the back of her neck. The bonds office suddenly becomes very quiet, she notices, and Connie is staring at something behind Stephanie with a dreamy smile on her blushing face. Is Johnny Depp in Trenton shooting a new movie? Stephanie frowns and turns around, and looks straight into a face that is both familiar and strange.
Ranger. Carlos. The man in her dream. The man she's in love with. They finally, finally meet.

Chapter 6: Ch5 Things Invisible To See

Chapter 5

~Things Invisible To See~

Lightning flashes. Thunder roars. Rain drops fall. Stephanie locks her eyes with Ranger's. Time floats by. The universe stirs. And she can't tear her eyes away from the man she loves. If only she can reach out and grasp hold of his hand to feel his warmth. If only she can run her hand through his hair and marvels at its texture. This is not yet another dream, is it? She won't suddenly wake up all alone in her small lonely bed with tears on her face like she always does, will she? Does he know who she is? Does he ever dream of her? Does she look familiar to him? She loves the way he frowns. She loves the way he raises his brow. But she can't decipher the look in his dark brown eyes. What if he never dreams of her? What if he doesn't recognize her? What if he doesn't even like her? And how can you love someone so much that your heart hurts? She hears her own breathing. She hears her heart beating. She hears someone saying something in her ear. She feels a hand on her shoulder. She blinks, and blinks, and gapes at him. It's not a dream. Ranger doesn't disappear. He's still here. He's really here. He's standing right in front of her. And now he's looking straight into her soul. If only he knows who she is. If only he dreams of her, too. If only...if only...
Ranger doesn't know who this dazed and gaping woman is. She's not stunningly beautiful or extraordinarily attractive. She's plain but pretty, and looks cute when blushing. Something tells Ranger she's smarter than she looks. But does she know him? Why does she look at him like she has known him for all her life? He's intrigued by the desperate, raging emotions in her clear blue eloquent eyes. Longing. Pleading. Fear. Anxiety. Uncertainty. Loneliness. Sorrow. Hope. And something powerful, something deeper, something he can't decipher. He's used to people staring at him all the time, but none of them has looked at him as if they can't wait to bare their souls to him, or as if they believe they can trust him with their life. Ranger's lips twitch slightly. He wonders who this woman is. He doesn't even know her name, but he already likes her. Strange, isn't it?
"Stephanie!" Connie once again hisses Stephanie's name and shakes her gently, but still can't get any response.
Vinnie rubs his pounding temples for the last time and comes over to snap his fingers in front of Stephanie's face and finally wakes her from her stupor. Vinnie lets out a silent sigh as he sees the dreamy look in his cousin's eyes. He is a smart man. He recognizes trouble when it's staring at him right in the face with evil grin and unblinking eyes. He knows his mother, grandmother, and all the other female relatives are going to have a collective fit when they hear that he hires Stephanie as a bounty hunter. The only way to keep them from tearing him apart alive is to find Stephanie the best mentor ever, and luckily that very person is already here. Vinnie turns to Ranger and can't help but cringe inside. All favors come with a price. Hopefully this one won't cost him half his empire. And hopefully his somewhat innocent and naïve cousin won't end up with a shattered, broken heart...

Chapter 7: Ch6 An Honest Mind

Chapter 6

~An Honest Mind~

She knows him. She loves him. She trusts him. She believes in him. They grew up together. They build a life together. He is the father of her child. She is the woman he truly loves. He's calm but dangerous. He's brilliant and silent. He's brave, determined and courageous. He's so familiar. He's a total and complete stranger. She's suddenly unsure of everything. He doesn't know her. He doesn't recognize her. She can't even tell if he likes her. She only knows him in her dream. She has Googled his name a million times but found nothing. But she loves him still. How sad is it? What if he can't be hers? What if he won't love her back? What can she do? How can she live? She knows there are other things in life besides love. She knows she has other pressing and urgent matters at hand right now. She knows she has a life to live, rent to pay, food to buy, a mother to please, and windshield wiper problems to fix. She knows she's smart and independent. She knows she has it in her to stand on her own and go after her dreams. But now her dream is standing right in front of her, mocking her, teasing her, and daring her.
She knows she wants his love. She needs his trust. He has been such an important part of her life for all these years. And now he's finally here. He's real. He does exist. He's now inside Vinnie's office discussing business. And she can't live without him. She doesn't want to live without him. She has never ever wanted something or someone so much and so badly in her life before, and now the intensity of all her love and longing for him not only scares her, but also makes her wants him even more.
Seize the day. Live your life. Take the risk. You can't just stand aside and dream and cry. You may either win all or lose everything. But you have to give it a try. She bravely and calmly tells herself, and makes up her mind. She was brought up to stay away from danger and run away screaming when bad guys come near. But now she's ready to become a bounty hunter and run after all kinds of weirdos, criminals and crazies to make her living. Yes, her mother will faint upon hearing this. But she needs a job. She needs some cash. She needs to make something out of her life. She needs to spend as much time as possible with him. She needs to get to know the real him. She needs to make him love her. But will she succeed?
It's the right thing to do. So he agrees to help. He probably won't ask for anything in return as his payment, but he decides to keep Vinnie worry about the price of this favor. He never claims to be a nice person, does he? And you never know when a favor may come in handy. In this line of job, it's essential to be always prepared and ready. Both his grandmothers love My Fair Lady and still weep and giggle when watching the DVD. He kind of likes Audrey Hepburn, and something about Stephanie Plum—he still somewhat marvels that she and Vinnie are actually related—reminds him of the elegant and graceful actress. And he is curious. Is she really a smart and brave women who wants to pursuit an unconventional life and career? Is she ready and willing to take the risk and make the necessary change? Can she handle the pressure and stress? Can she deal with the danger and threats? Will she remain calm and focused? Or will she break down and burst into tears? Will she stick it out and try to get better? Or will she quit and find some normal job or someone decent to marry? Will she make him proud of her? Or will she make him regret his decision to take her under his wings?
Only time will tell.

Chapter 8: Ch7 Ten Thousand Days And Nights

Chapter 7

~Ten Thousand Days And Nights~

"Are you serious about being a bounty hunter?" With calm assessing eyes he holds the curly-haired blue-eyed woman captive. He likes the color of her eyes. They remind him of deep ocean and bright summer sky. So clear. So trusting. But a bit uncertain and hesitating as if she's afraid...or trying to hide something. From him? He wonders why. But he won't push her. He's never really the pushing kind, and everyone, he himself included, is entitled to have their own little dark secrets. And somehow he instinctively knows that he can trust Stephanie. She'll never be a threat to him or betray him. A man like him likes and trusts an unfamiliar woman, a basic stranger, Vincent Plum's out-of-job favorite cousin. Ranger almost smiles at the absurdity of it, but his eyes remain unrelenting. He wants to hear her answer. He wants to know more about her. He wants to know if she's the kind of woman he hopes she is. Besides, he likes her voice. Not raspy or hoarse. Not too sweet or high-pitched. Just clean and clear. Just the right kind of voice that he loves.
She tries her best, but still it's too hard not to stare. And it's so hard to concentrate. How can she think of the right answer to that question when he's sitting here right beside her looking just so perfect? She secretly sighs a longing sigh. Perfect body. Perfect hair. And yes, that oh my God so perfect face. If only he knows he's the man in her dream. If only he knows how much she loves him. She look into the depth of his beautiful midnight dark brown eyes and gets lost. The rain stopped moments before they left the bonds office to go after her first ever FTA, one of her childhood friends' loud chatty distant cousin. Her fake Chanel bag is now stuffed with the necessary paperwork, a pair of handcuffs, a fully-charged stun gun, a can of pepper spray, and a stainless steel brass knuckle, all courtesy of a reluctant Vinnie and a glaring Connie. She's pretty sure she caught a glimpse of genuine concern on Vinnie's face. She's glad Connie has faith in her. And she really, really likes Ranger's truck. Sleek. Black. Powerful. But quiet. Just like him. And somehow she knows that this car never ever has windshield wiper problems. She smiles and tells herself, and startles out of her reverie upon hearing the ever so familiar laughter of the man she loves.
"No, this car never ever has windshield wiper problems, babe."
Stephanie gapes and blushes instantly. And just like in her dream, Ranger's voice sounds even sexier when amused. She looks at those twinkling laughing eyes and her love for him deepens. All of a sudden she wants to tell him everything. She wants him to know the truth, the whole truth, everything and anything about the truth. She wants him to know she loves him. She needs him to know she can't live without him. She wants him to know that he is her anchor, he is her center, he is her strength, he is her power. She needs him to know that he is the reason she wakes up every morning, wipes away her tears, and gets on with her life. She needs him to know that he is the reason she holds on to the thinnest shred of hope and braves herself through all the disappointment and frustration over the years. But will she scare him away if she tells him about her dream? Will he think she's crazy, a pathetic lunatic? Will he kick her out of his truck and then his life? No, she can't let that happen. She can't afford to lose him now that she has finally found him.
Terror and sorrow grip her heart. The pain is too much to bear. She can't breathe. She can't think. She doesn't see his frown. She doesn't hear him calling her name. She doesn't know when he pulls over and stops the car. She doesn't know when he cups her face with both hands. She doesn't know when he unbuckles her seatbelt and pulls her into his arms. She weeps, and cries. Years and years of worry. Years and years of fear. Years and years of loneliness. Years and years of waiting. He's real. And now he's finally here. But he's so close, so near, but so distant and so, so far away. One wrong move and she will lose him. One wrong word and he will be gone forever. And she has no idea how she's going to face a future without him.
Something fierce but warm and soft grasps hold of Carlos Manoso's heart. He doesn't know why he cares so much about Stephanie Plum. He has just met her about 46 minutes ago, and now he's almost willing do anything, just about anything, to stop her tears. And there's something about her that's sweet, tender, and just...familiar? And he knows nearly nothing about her except some basic information. Without a word he holds her tight in his gentle arms. He doesn't do hasty and stupid things. He doesn't waste unnecessary energy. He loves his freedom. He wants no burden. He knows perfectly well that his lifestyle doesn't lend itself to relationships, and he's never into marriage and babies. But somehow he feels strangely attached to her. He wants her to be safe. He wants her to be happy. He wants her to be free. He wants her to be...
Ranger sighs a silent sigh. It's not the first time he encounters one of life's great mysteries. He will solve it like he always does. He's sure of it. A small yet dazzling smile creeps on the corner of his perfect lips as Stephanie tightens her arms around him. And no, he's not complaining.

Chapter 9: Ch8 Strange Wonders That Befell Thee

Chapter 8

~Strange Wonders That Befell Thee~

Her sobs cease. Her tears stop. Gentle, strong and assuring. His embrace is so familiar. Just as she remembers. She marvels at this strange calming effect he has on her, but soon starts feeling awkward and embarrassed. What kind of crazy woman will throw herself at a man she has just met and cry like an idiot? What will Ranger think of her? Strange? Unstable? Weird? Disturbed? Nuts? Or something even worse? She hasn't answered his question yet, she suddenly remembers, and now she really, really needs to blow her nose. She knows she needs to peel herself away from Ranger as soon as possible. It is bad enough that she dampened his shirt with her tears. She would rather die than pollute it further with her snot. But she just can't make herself let go. She wants to stay like this...just a little longer...as long as time allows...as long as possible...forever. Who knows when she will be able to be wrapped in his arms again?
Stephanie is perfectly clear that this Ranger is not exactly the same man in her dream. He's still a total stranger to her in reality. She desperately wants her dream to come true, but she honestly has no idea what will happen between them in the future. She may lose him if she doesn't try hard enough. She may scare him away if she tries too hard. She's now caught between reality and dream. And she really hates this helpless feeling. She always hoped he would recognize her right away when they finally met. She always prayed he would cup her face in his hands and tell her he had been waiting for her for all his life. She always wished they would start their life together immediately and live happily ever after just like in fairy tales. However, she has known all along things might not work out like she imagined...
Besides, she's afraid to let Ranger see her face right now. Stephanie shakes off the unpleasant thoughts and wills herself to focus on the task at hand. She knows she's never stunningly beautiful or extremely attractive to begin with, and she'll only look worse after all this crying. Her eyes will be all puffy and swollen. Her nose will be redder than Rudolph's. And not to mention she doesn't know what to say if Ranger asks what's wrong with her...
"PMS?"
Ranger casually and lazily asks and keeps his blank face firmly in place when Stephanie looks up and gapes at him. He takes out a small pack of Kleenex and places it in her hand. He grew up with 4 sisters and too many female cousins. He knows it for a fact that no woman ever looks pretty after crying her heart out, and Stephanie Plum is no exception. He sits there in silence watching all kinds of emotions fly through her widened blue eyes in the following 8 seconds. Embarrassment. Indignity. Disbelief. Wonder. Amusement. And, finally, relief. She puts herself back together and moves back to the passenger seat to blow her nose and dry her face as her mood suddenly lightens. Ranger starts the truck and pulls away from the curb. Neither of them breaks the comfortable silence. They soon arrive at her skip's home.
"I'm serious about being a bounty hunter." Stephanie turns to face Ranger and softly says. She knows he's still waiting for her answer. And just as they both know she was not crying because of PMS, they both know she's telling the truth. Her voice is a bit shaky from her crying, but her determination and resolution are apparent. Her heart then stops for a whole second and nearly melts when Ranger gives her an almost invisible yet powerful smile.
"Good to know." He sounds like he's pleased by her answer, and somehow it makes her happy and proud of herself.
37 minutes later, Stephanie waves goodbye to Justin Johnny Wayne, the friendly and talkative first-time indecent exposure offender. They've known each other since they were both 5th graders, and JJ apologized for forgetting all about his court date and gave her no trouble at all. Stephanie is relieved that Vinnie is on the way here to bail him out again. She has just earned the easiest 500 dollars in her life and didn't do anything wrong, but she simply can't help feeling a little bit guilty. She exhales a small sigh. Ranger has some business to attend to and it may take a while, and she already misses him...
A hand darts out of nowhere and lands on Stephanie's shoulder. She jumps and screams and by instinct swings her bag at the attacker, hits him right in the head and knocks him down cold. The whole office falls silent. Officers, detectives and detainees turn their heads. Some of them jump up and come toward her. Some of them stare and gape. Some of them frown in confusion and then give a bark of laughter the moment they recognize the groaning man. An extremely unpleasant cold shiver runs down Stephanie's spine as she realizes she knows her attacker. She immediately feels sick.
Joe Morelli.

Chapter 10: Ch9 Who Cleft The Devil's Foot

Chapter 9

~Who Cleft The Devil's Foot~

Unpleasant memories flood back to Stephanie the moment she looks down at the motionless man on the floor. Joe Morelli. The notorious neighborhood bad boy who lived four blocks away down the street from her childhood home. The infamous womanizer who used to write obscene poems about all the girls he conquered on public bathroom walls. The youngest son of a local Italian family that produces a long line of mean drunkards, wife-beaters and cheaters. The sly boy who tried to lure Stephanie into his father neglected garage on a hot summer day when she was but 6. The smug 18-year-old young man who tried to make her yield herself to him inside Tasty Bakery one evening 10 years later. Stephanie recalls their two encounters clearly. She turned and ran as fast as she could back into the safety of her home that hot summer day and immediately threw up. Both her parents weren't home. Valerie, her 11-year-old elder sister, then gathered her friends and beat Joe Morelli up. And somehow the nervous and frightened 16-year-old Stephanie bravely grabbed hold of a broom, swung it and hit a leering Morelli right in his face as he started advancing on her. Old Mrs. Caraway, the owner of Tasty Bakery, came out of the storage room upon hearing the noise and was about to call the police when he ran out of the store without a backward glance. Morelli left to join the Navy at the first ray of dawn the next morning. And Stephanie hasn't seen him again. Until now.
Stephanie takes a deep breath to calm herself and tries hard not to throw up in public as she remembers Joe Morelli's touch on her shoulder. Most people will not hesitate to describe this dark-haired and olive-skinned man as handsome. And though he does have the classic Italian facial features and a lean muscular body, the way he looks at Stephanie always makes her so nauseous that she so wants to claw out those deep brown eyes and flush them down the nearest toilet. She can't help wondering what Joe Morelli is doing here at the police station. A suspect of a crime? Or a newly released detainee? Hopefully they won't cross paths ever again in the future.
"Stephanie, are you alright?"
She looks up into her good friend and cousin-in-law Eddie Gazarra's face, gives him a tight smile and a small nod. She knows she must look like Hell right now. Puffy eyes, reddened nose and a ghost-pale face, the 3 main element of a perfect "crazy—if not ugly—woman" look. But she believes good old Eddie, a proud member of Trenton's Finest, is quite used to it now. He's been married to her cousin Shirley-the-Whiner for almost 8 years. And everyone in the family knows what Shirley looks like when she gets out of bed in the morning.
"What brings you here, Stephanie?" Carl Costanza, another friend of hers and another member of TPD, casually toes Morelli with his shoe and mischievously grins as the unmoving man remains unconscious. "Are you here to deliver the surprise welcome gift to Detective Morelli, newly transferred—or rather kicked out by LAPD as rumour has it?"
Stephanie gapes at her two smiling friends and feels faint. Joe Morelli? A police detective? Is this a joke or something? The semi-criminal who himself is a danger and threat to the society is going to upholding the law? To serve the people? To protect the public? Just when she becomes a bounty hunter?
What the Hell?

Chapter 11: Ch10 Strange Wonders

Chapter 10

~Strange Wonders~

Both Eddie's and Carl's eyes and grins widen and grow mischievous. The Plums are indeed a big fun family, and life is never boring with them around. They like Stephanie. The three of them have been good friends since they were little kids, and they know how Helen Plum will take the news of Stephanie's becoming a bounty hunter. Vinnie is going to be in a Hell of troubles, and they can't wait for the chaos to erupt. Life as a Trenton uniform police officer can be frustrating and depressing at times. They both can really use some laugh. And the limp body of the still breathing but unconscious Joe Morelli has already made them feel much better. However, they can't help feeling a bit worried for Stephanie. She may be clever and brave and has very good instincts, but she's not exactly the strong-woman type, and she knows absolutely nothing whatsoever about martial arts and weapons. Being a bounty hunter is tough and risky business. It not only requires proper training, preparation and good luck, but also demands undaunted courage to face all kinds of criminals and psychos. They know she's in need of a job and always wants something different for her life, but they really don't want to see her put herself in danger's way and get hurt.
"Did Vinnie get someone to coach you?"
The concern in Eddie's voice brings a smile to Stephanie's face. Connie has whispered in awe that Ranger is more than probably the best bounty hunter on the whole East Coast, and Stephanie, of course, has no doubt about that. She's about to answer the question when she feels the tingle the on the back of her neck. She turns and finds Ranger looking at her from the other side of the room with his brow slightly raised. Her breath catches in her throat. Her cheeks blush. Something warm and soft and tender fills her heart and makes her want to twirl and dance. And she forgets the world around her completely. She has never ever been so happy to see someone in her life. She just wants this moment to last. She just wants to lose herself in his eyes till the end of time...
Stephanie's two friends sees her smile deepen and turn dreamy. They frown in confusion and follow her gaze and sees Ranger, and immediately feel greatly relieved. Vinnie Plum may be a sly bastard, but he does take care of his family. And he has found Stephanie the best mentor ever. They both know Ranger. The whole TPD knows Ranger. And most important of all, Stark Street knows Ranger. Stephanie will be safe with Ranger watching her back and looking after her. They exchange a meaningful smile and shake their heads as Stephanie starts walking toward Ranger without saying goodbye, and go back to work. Neither the two of them remembers the man lying on the cold hard floor. And even if they did hear his moaning, they didn't bother to check on him. They have heard all kinds of ugly stories about the late Mr. Morelli's old garage. And they flat-out hate child molesters.

Chapter 12: Ch11 Such A Pilgrimage Were Sweet

Chapter 11

~Such A Pilgrimage Were Sweet~

Stephanie lies in bed thinking about the day's events. It's well past midnight now. She has tried, but just couldn't sleep. She's tired but happy. Her first day at work was a success. She brought in all her 3 FTAs in under 4 hours, with Ranger's help. She has food in her refrigerator and kitchen cabinets. Her rent money is ready. Her car still has windshield wiper problems, but she now has Ranger's cell phone number on speed dial and a Smith & Wesson .38 he chose for her inside her bag. She didn't want Ranger to go, but she had no choice but to stand there on the pavement and watch him leave. Now that they have finally met, she wonders if she will stop dreaming of him. She hopes not. Desperately. She still remembers the warmth of his hard, muscular body when he taught her how to shoot her gun in the gun range. She's still grateful he didn't ask her why she cried. And she can't forget the small smile on his face when she whooped and danced with the 3 checks in her hands inside the bonds office. She hopes he doesn't dislike her. She hopes he doesn't think of her as an unpleasant burden. She wants to be smart. She wants to be tough. She wants to be good enough for him. She wants him to like her, to love her as she is. Maybe she's being wistful and greedy. But she can't help it. She's in love. And she wants and needs the man she loves to love her back.
She knows there is a difference between reality and dream. She knows someday she will have enough courage to tell Ranger that she has been dreaming of him and loving him for years. But right now she has no idea what to say. And she really doesn't want him to think of her as a pathetic delusional lunatic. Someday, someday when the time is right, she will know what to say and what to do. And she prays Ranger will want to be with her whether he believes her or not. She yawns and closes her eyes. Her mother hasn't called, but it's just a matter of time. And that's the least of Stephanie's worries now. She and her mother usually don't see eye to eye, but the both of them have found a way to live with that. And Grandma Mazur has successfully distracted Helen's attention from Stephanie with all kinds of adventures and mischiefs. Stephanie smiles and somehow remembers the scent and heat coming from Ranger's body when he held her tight in his arms. Clean and refreshing. Powerful, gentle, and assuring...
Gradually Stephanie falls asleep, totally unaware of the tall dark man standing in a shadowed corner of the parking lot looking up at her apartment window with his fists and teeth clenched. Anger and lust radiate off him. He hasn't seen her in years. He doesn't know why he is so obsessed with her and wants her this badly. He thinks about going into the shabby old building, breaking down her door and making her his. He lets out an alcohol-filled breath and decides against it. He can't afford to draw unnecessary attention to himself. He's just back in town. And he's already in too much trouble now. He staggers a bit and takes his leave. One day, one day Stephanie Plum, his prized Cupcake, will finally be his.
From across the street Ranger sits behind the wheel of his sleek black truck watching Joe Morelli's battered dark SUV disappear out of sight. He hasn't met the new police detective in person but has heard plenty about him. And he doesn't like what he heard. He doesn't know what made him leave the unconscious, cuffed and chained high bond FTA to Tank—the 6-5 and 285 pound ebony man-mountain of a loyal friend who watches his back—and drive across Trenton to be here. He's glad he listened to his instincts. He's glad nothing happened. His life style doesn't lend itself to relationships, but he really likes Stephanie. And somehow he simply wants to keep her safe. And make her smile.
Inside the small tidy bedroom, Stephanie Plum sleeps on peacefully and smiles as the man she loves wraps her in his arms and says, "Babe."

Chapter 13: Ch12 When The Roads Meet

Chapter 12

~When The Roads Meet~

It's well past midnight but Lula Washington can not sleep. She had fruit salad and a large tomato and cheese pizza for dinner and a family pack of ice cream for dessert. But that was hours ago and now she's hungry again. She can't help it. She's always hungry when nervous, frustrated or worried and scared. And it's not everyday that she faces death threat. She sits up in her bed and wonders if there's anything to eat in the fridge. She knows she should go to the small kitchen and take a look, but she doesn't want Santos, the muscular badass-looking Latino, to think she's gluttonous. Yeah, she's hiding from a bunch of nasty mobsters who can't wait to chop her up and feed her to the fish, and now she's having a crush on one of her own bodyguards. Just like Whitney and Kevin Costner in that movie. Ain't it romantic?
Lula rolls her eyes at herself and orders her growling stomach to shut up. She's a 28-year-old 5' 4" plus-size grown-up woman. She has tried all kinds of diet methods and is thus no stranger to hunger. Besides, she came from a troubled family and had a tough life, and she used to go to bed with an empty stomach on a regular basis when she was young. People usually don't think too much of those who grew up in poverty and dropped out of high school. But Lula's smart—way smarter than people think—and is determined to make something out of her life. She works hard and tries her best to stay out of trouble. And she almost never gives in to temptations. She has seen and heard of too many tragedies, and the last thing she wants is to end up like her own mother. Lula wipes away a run-away tear. She never really wants to know who her father is, and thinking of her mother always makes her sad. And it was not her fault that she became a key witness to a crime. She was at the right place at the right time, but the stupid mobsters had to barge in and commit a crime within her eyesight. And who knows her rat bastard of a co-worker would sell her out without blinking or thinking?
Lula dries her eyes and blows her nose. Great, now she's all sad and still hungry, and she's pretty sure Santos is not interested in a relationship with her. Guys like that always prefer size 8 women. Always. Lula can feel her tears coming back. She wishes she knows why her life has to be such a bitch. She looks up in surprise as a knock comes from her door and can't help smiling as Brown, her other bodyguard, tells her the midnight snack is ready. 5 minutes later, Lula makes a decision, braces herself and reaches for her second slice of Shorty's Pizza Margherita. It's extremely unlikely that her luck with men will suddenly turn in her favor after all these years. And everybody will be happier if she stays true to her own self instead of pretending to be someone she is not just to please or impress a man.
Across the dining table Santos grins. He's a hot-blooded, fun-loving and danger-seeking Latino through and through. He pledged his friendship and loyalty to Ranger years ago when the tall dark quiet second generation Cuban-American risked himself to save his life, and he enjoys working with and for Ranger. He flat-out loves smart women with healthy appetite, and he will do all he can to keep Lula safe from those mobsters and that corrupt cop.

Chapter 14: Ch13 Where The Day Flows

Chapter 13

~Where The Day Flows~

Helen Plum wakes up at the first dim ray of dawn. She lies in bed listening to the noises of early morning and thinks of the busy day ahead of her. Friday. Pot roast. Gravy. Mashed potatoes. Chocolate chip cookies. The exotic fruit salad she's just learned from Jamie Oliver's cooking show. And a golden moist pineapple upside-down cake to lure Stephanie home. Helen reminds herself and silently sighs as she gets out of bed for a shower. Will there be a day when she can stop worrying about her younger daughter? She really has no idea.
Like a lot of women of her generation, Helen is a somewhat traditional women who enjoys cooking, baking and taking care of her family, and she can't help caring about other people's opinions. She keeps her home tidy and her front lawn trimmed. She's always friendly, helpful and polite to all her neighbors.
Except for the Morellis.
Helen goes downstairs and starts the coffee. She's not on speaking terms with any of the Morellis. She doesn't even nod or recognize their presence when she runs into them in the church or the bakery. She and every mother in this neighborhood know all about the Morellis. A family of notorious drunkards, wife-beaters and cheaters. A family of pathetic women who are helplessly and hopelessly addicted to being abused. And the family that produced the little monster who tried to take advantage of her Stephanie.
She thins her lips and tries her best to suppress the sudden anger. She is a forgiving woman by nature, but no mother will ever get over that kind of ugly deeds. Besides, Angie Morelli has never once apologized for her son's behaviors. And Helen and the rest of the universe know too well the distinctions between "innocent curiosity" and "molestation", as well as "attempted rape" and "saying goodbye". She thinks of those less fortunate mothers' and their daughters' tears. She says a silent prayer and takes a deep breath. She's grateful and relieved that Stephanie didn't fall victim to that little rat bastard Joe Morelli.
Now if only her stubborn younger child can find herself a nice young man and settle down...

Chapter 15: Ch14 As Your Heart Chose

Chapter 14

~As Your Heart Chose~

The tall pale 43-year-old bachelor who was arrested for indecent exposure missed his court date. It wasn't his fault, really. He'd had a very bad day the previous day and simply didn't want to get out of bed, so he chose to stay home and cried all day. He doesn't have many friends. He doesn't like his current job. He doesn't like his lonely life. And he doesn't like cops, judges and all his neighbors. He especially dislikes those who have a big bright shining smile. He always feels they are mocking him for his joke of an existence. He knows he's a failure and loser in many people's—and yes, his own—eyes, but still he has his dreams, pride and human rights. He refused to be ridiculed and be laughed at.
However, he's caught in a predicament at this moment. He knows he should slam the door in the young woman's face and lock her out. But somehow he just can't turn away from those clear blue eyes. And he can't help smiling back as she explains in a cheerful tone why she is here. She's not stunningly beautiful or extremely attractive or anything, but he likes her friendly smile and pleasant voice. He knows she means him no harm or disrespect. She's just doing her job. And he can accept that.
So Sally Sweet nods his consent and lets her drive him to the police station. His old friend Vinnie Plum will meet them there to bail him out again. Sally feels his eyes starting twitching and tries hard not to sigh or ask, "Are we there yet?" like a 5-year-old child. This old red Volkswagen is a sturdy car, but there's something wrong with the windshield wiper that makes him want to scream in vexation till the squeaky noise stops.
Stephanie smiles a happy smile. It's such a beautiful morning. The weather is just perfect. She feels like singing a song and dancing along. She's bringing in her FTA all by herself for the very first time. Thankfully Sally Sweet, the 6' 5", 200 pound drag queen, is a reasonable person. She's glad she didn't have to use her pepper spray or stun gun on him, and she's thrilled that she actually remembers all the tricks and tips Ranger taught her. She will have enough money to buy more grocery and fix her windshield wiper when she gets the check, and her mother still hasn't called. Yay.
The sleek black SUV follows Stephanie's car all the way to TPD discreetly. The tall muscular driver watches Stephanie and Sally Sweet enter the building. 15 minutes later, Stephanie waves goodbye to one of her cop friends, gets in her car and drives away. The man nicknamed Tank picks up his cell phone and informs Ranger his apprentice has accomplished the task.

Chapter 16: Ch15 They Say The Sky High Above Is Cari

Chapter 15

~They Say The Sky High Above Is Caribbean Blue~

The Blackberry in Stephanie's bag starts to ring as she reaches for the check in Connie's hand. Her smile falters as she winces and cringes. It's her mother. She can recognize the ring tone anywhere. She fishes out her cell phone and summons her courage. She's not afraid of her mother. She loves her mother. She's just not always comfortable with their conversation. She knows she's not as smart and perfect as her elder sister- nobody will ever be as smart and perfect as Val-but still she hopes her mother can stop worrying all the time and treat her like a grown woman. She's no longer a little girl. She earns her own living and makes her own decisions. She has found herself a new job and she's actually making money. Stephanie looks at the ringing phone and squares her shoulders. Maybe she can convince her mother that being a bounty hunter is not such a bad thing.
"Stephanie, this is your father." Frank Plum smiles into the phone as he hears his younger daughter not so secretly exhale a sigh of surprise and relief. He's an average height(but a little overweight and partly bald)man in his late 50s. He's not a man of many words. He spent some time in the Army, worked in the post office for many years, retired, and became a part-time cab driver not so long ago. He's always been a cautious and practical man. He didn't really need the money. He just didn't want to sit in front of the TV doing nothing with so much time in his hands. Besides, his wife needs her own time and space. He knows his daughter loves and needs her independence, but he also understands why his wife worries so much about Stephanie. He remembers too clearly Helen's rage and fear when she learned their younger child had nearly fallen victim to that nasty boy. Hell, it took everything in him to fight the urge to grab his gun and hunt down that little bastard. Trust the Navy to take in a piece of garbage like that. Frank rolls his eyes at the unpleasant memory and concentrates back on the task at hand. "Come over for dinner tonight. We are having mashed potatoes and gravy. And your mother baked you a cake."
A pineapple upside down cake. Your favorite cake. Perfectly baked. Your mother and I love you very much, child. Are you doing alright? We haven't seen or heard from you for a while. And we are both worried. Stephanie listens to her father's unsaid words and blinks back her sudden tears. All her childhood memories rush back to her and make her feel like a small child again. Her father's muscular, strong arms and the smile on his face when he lifted her into the air. The familiar, sweet fragrance of her mother's perfume when she held Stephanie tight in an embrace. Protected. And loved.
"Okay." Stephanie finally manages to say, her voice a tiny whisper. And she can't help but gape and feel faint when her grandma takes the phone from Frank's hand and happily asks, "How do you like being a bounty hunter, dear? Did you get to shoot anyone? Will you meet Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife? Your mother and I want to know all the details!"
Oh boy.

Chapter 17: Ch16 If Every Man Says All He Can

Chapter 16

~If Every Man Says All He Can~

"Vincenzo! How could you?" Vinnie Plum's eyes start to twitch the moment his mother's shrill shaking voice tears through his brain like a merciless sword. "Bounty hunter? What were you thinking? Did you want to get Stephanie Killed? Stop this nonsense now! It is too dangerous! What if something happens to Stephanie? What am I going to tell your poor Grandmother? What am I going to tell your poor Uncle Frank? What will people say? What will your poor Aunt Helen think?"
No good deed ever goes unpunished. Vinnie places a hand over his eyes and half-heartedly tells himself as his upset mother keeps going on and on and on. And on. Yes, both his poor father and grandfather—God rest their souls in peace—will definitely be turning in their graves right now. Yes, it's bad enough that everyone in Trenton believes he's a notorious cold-blooded calculating thug. Yes, he and Lucille should try harder to give his mother and father-in-law a grandchild. They are both healthy and still relatively young. They still have the chance. They still have time...Great. Vinnie blows a silent sigh. The ever so familiar killer headache has returned to haunt him. Again.

No. I can't do this alone. Stephanie shudders at the thought of going through the world famous Helen Plum Inquisition all by herself and quickly decides. She wishes Val is here. Val may be bossy and hot-tempered, but she always has a way with their mother. And Stephanie's two nieces, Angie and Mary Alice, will be the perfect distraction. Maybe she can find an excuse and skip dinner...but she has already promised her father. Besides, the perfectly baked golden super moist pineapple upside down cake is calling her name. Stephanie sighs. She has no other choice. She will have to find a companion tonight. To serve as a human shield...Vinnie? Nope, the sight of Vinnie will only enrage her mother more. And she can't drag Connie into this. She likes Connie. It won't be fair...
All of a sudden the now familiar tingling sensation on the back of Stephanie neck catches her attention. Slowly she raises her head and looks straight into Ranger's dark brown eyes. She locks eyes with him for a long minute and bravely smiles.
She has found her Savior. Yay.

Chapter 18: Ch17 If All You Dreamed Was New

Chapter 17

~If All You Dreamed Was New~

Ranger looks into Stephanie's clear and wild blue eyes and almost smiles. He can see all the invisible little wheels and gears turning frantically in her head. She's planning something. Something crazy, perhaps. He raises a brow at her and patiently waits. He's now curious(and maybe a little fascinated). Once again he wonders why he likes and cares about her this much. He's glad she has enough courage and determination to choose a very different path. He's glad she's a smart and clever student who pays attention. He's glad she was able to bring in a 6' 5" and 200 pound FTA all by herself. He's glad she didn't have to use her gun or cuffs. But he can't help wondering if it was the right and wise decision. Being a bounty hunter is not easy and can be dangerous, especially in this part of the country where every harmless granny has a Colt .45 or a Glock 19 in her little floral purse. A part of him wants her to triumph and succeed. A part of him wants her to stay away from all kinds of weirdos, sickos and criminals and be safe. A part of him wants her to become strong and tough. A part of him wants her to remain innocent and sweet. And a part of him wants to trace a finger along her hairline and tuck a stray wild curl behind her ear...
He locks eyes with Stephanie and accepts the invitation when she finally gathers enough courage to invite him to dinner at her parents' house. Connie chokes on her cherry Coke behind her desk. Vinnie throws his office door open and stares. And Stephanie just keeps on looking straight into his eyes as if mesmerized. He reaches out a hand, traces his index finger along her hairline and tucks an escaped curl behind her ear and smiles his rare full-on smile as she slowly blinks and drifts back to reality. He has business to attend to in the afternoon. He will pick her up at her apartment at 5:30. His finger tip lingers on her blushing face for a brief minute and then he turns and leaves.
He's looking forward to meeting her family.
Connie stops coughing and fans herself. Vinnie opens his mouth several times as if he's trying to say something but eventually gives up. Stephanie puts her hand to her face and with shining dreamy eyes watches the black truck drive away. She can still feels the warmth of Ranger's finger. She can still see his Million Dollar smile. They are going to have dinner together. He will pick her up at her apartment. And he's going to meet her parents and grandmother. Stephanie's eyes widen in sudden panic. They will want to know everything— EVERYTHING—about Ranger...
Joe Morelli carefully hides himself in a shadowed corner and listens in to several senior detectives' conversation. His lips curl up upon hearing the familiar name of the woman he's been looking for. He's here on a mission. He made a stupid mistake back in LA. But thanks to Terry Grizolli, his high school sweetheart and on-and-off girlfriend, he has been given a second chance. He will try all he can to resurrect his career and reputation. He won't be a failure like his drunkard of a father. He won't be a disappointment like his elder brother. He'll help Terry's loser of a cousin get away with murder. He's going to get rid of Lula Washington, the sole eye-witness of a triple murder committed by committed by the mafia don Vito Grizolli's heir and only son.
Joe Morelli smiles to himself. He will accomplish his mission. He will have a life of success and luxury. He's still not sure where he and Terry stand with each other, but he's definitely going to have some fun with the cute and sweet rookie bounty hunter: his precious Cupcake. Stephanie Plum.
Yum.

Chapter 19: Ch18 As Your Heart Chose

Chapter 18

~As Your Heart Chose~

Angie Morelli feels ashamed. She's afraid of her son. Her favorite child. Her youger son. Her own flesh and blood. Whenever she looks up into that handsome face, she spots the unpredictable scheming dangerous beast lurking behind those chocolate-colored eyes. She has no idea what went wrong. Life as a Morelli woman was never easy. She more than often cried herself to sleep with different bruises. And Joseph was such a smart and darling child. Angie always had a soft spot for him in her tattered heart. His bright beautiful smile got him out of trouble every time. He was just a playful kid. He never meant to hurt anyone. She always believed. Then everything changed so suddenly. He learned to lure little girls into his father's garage. He learned to hang out with the wrong kind of boys. He sweet-talked teenage girls into yielding themselves to him. He wrote unspeakable things about them on public bathroom walls. He got kicked out of the football team. He was turned down by the baseball team. He met and started dating that Terry Grizolli. He broke up with Terry. He crawled back to Terry. And one night he tried to force himself upon Stephanie Plum. He ran away to join the Navy the next morning and never went home. Until now.
Angie places a hand over her aching heart. Joseph is coming over for dinner tonight. He is no longer the bad boy he once was. He has grown up. He has matured. He has changed. He's now a police detective. He has has sworn to serve and protect. And he chose to leave LAPD so that he could come home to be near his family and take care of her and his aging grandmother. He now has a scar on his brow. He now has a tattoo on his chest. He now has a very respectable job. He now has a steady income. He now has an apartment in a new building. He's ready to settle down and start a family. He's in search of a wife and can't wait to have babies. He still has his dazzling charming smile. But Angie knows something isn't right. It's a mother's instincts. And somehow she can't put her finger on it. She only knows Joseph is planning something. Something unthinkable. Something dark. Something scary. It frightens her—the coldness and cruelty in Joseph's eyes creep her out and scare her to death. And now she can't help feeling worried and ashamed of herself. She's afraid of her own child. All because she failed to raise him to be a decent man.
Helen Plum checks the oven. The chocolate chip cookies are perfect. Just as always. She sits down at the dining table, stirs milk into her tea and rehearses her carefully worded..."talk". She's not the kind of mother who will close her eyes and pretends everything is fine and peachy. But she also doesn't want to upset her stubborn younger daughter. She knows Stephanie is different. She knows Stephanie doesn't want to be normal. But sometimes a life of peace and quiet is safer and happier than a life of excitement and adventure. And no, there's nothing wrong to be a down-to-earth and sensible woman. Look at her. Look at Valerie. Look at—no, don't look at her mother. Please.
Stephanie takes a bath and washes her hair. Stephanie tries on all her shoes and clothes. Stephanie checks herself in the mirror once again. Stephanie sits on her couch and anxiously waits. Stephanie jumps up from the couch and goes check herself in the mirror yet again. Stephanie stares at her clock. Stephanie smoothes her hair. Stephanie smoothes her dress. Stephanie sips her water. Stephanie is beyond nervous. Stephanie has to use the bathroom again. Again. And again. She bites her lips. She holds her breath. She hears the now familiar sound of the engine of the truck. Her eyes widen in fear and worry and happiness and anticipation. Then from the door comes a knock. She almost faints in dread and excitement.
Ranger is here.

Chapter 20: Ch19 If Every Man Is True

Chapter 19

~If Every Man Is True~

He parks his truck near the entrance of the old, modest, but study-looking building. His eyes fall on the spot where Morelli stood in the shadow staring up at Stephanie's window. He frowns slightly. They haven't had enough solid proof, but they are certain the cop is working for Vito Grizolli. His West Coast contacts will get back to Tank with more information. Santos and Brown have already moved the witness to another location out of precaution. It's tricky to deal with corrupt law enforcement agents and the mob at the same time. They don't want any unexpected and unpleasant surprise. He gets out of his truck and spots Stephanie's faded red Volkswagen. And the fire escape leading to his wild-haired, blue-eyed apprentice's second-floor apartment makes him feel a little concerned.
He enters the building and as usual takes the stairs. The hallway is surprisingly clean, bright and airy. He can smell the scent of freshly baked chocolate chips cookies and hear the sound of radio and TV coming from behind closed doors. The peaceful and easy atmosphere reminds him of his childhood home: the small, overcrowded rented apartment where his whole family lived. He raises his brow a fraction and nearly smiles when Stephanie opens the door at the first knock. She's a little out of breath and looks cute with her wild unruly hair pulled back into a high ponytail. He likes the pale ocean blue and creamy white summer dress she's wearing. It brings out the color of her eyes. And once again the longing in her trusting eyes makes him want to kiss her gently and tenderly on her slightly parted lips.
Silence embraces the world around them as he holds her in his gaze. She finally blinks and blushes and invites him in. He casts a long glance at the locks and security chain on the steel front door. They are relatively new and seems safe enough. But still he has to do something to ensure Stephanie's safety. No lock in this world can stop a truly determined intruder. And Joe Morelli doesn't look like the kind of person who will simply give up and go away quietly. He takes a casual look around. Her apartment is small but tidy. Everything looks plain and comfortable. Nothing is posh or expensive. A small smile escapes onto Ranger's lips. And the kitchen is spotlessly clean—a sure sign of almost never being used. Or of a most diligent and restless house cleaner.
They leave for her parents' at 5:36. Stephanie braves, or rather steals, another glance at Ranger and silently lets out a tiny sigh. Black shirt. Black belt. Black pants. Black boots. And almost black hair and eyes. The man she loves looks like sin in all these different shades of black. She's glad he doesn't like to talk when he's driving. She needs some time to clear her head and collect herself. For a blissful moment she thought he was going to kiss her when she opened the door. She almost died of disappointment when he didn't. And now no matter how hard she tries to distract herself, she can't stop wanting to taste his lips. She thinks of her dreams. She recalls the power of his warm embrace and the feel of his hard muscular body. She subconsciously lets out another sigh.
How can you love someone so deeply?
Soon the shining black truck pulls over and parks on the curb outside her parents' house. She looks out of the window and in lightning speed reality sets in and grins. The butterflies in her stomach start to soar and fly. Both her parents and her grandmother are standing on the front porch with wide, surprised eyes. She's pretty sure all the peeping neighbors are openly staring. This is the very first time she invites someone—a man, to be exact—home for dinner, she suddenly remembers and becomes nervous. She gives Ranger a shaky smile when he leans over and undoes her seat belt. She wishes she can find a way to absorb his coolness and calmness. She desperately hopes her eyes are not twitching. God, what was she thinking? She knows for a fact her notoriously curious and straightforward grandmother is going to bomb Ranger with all kinds of outrageously improper questions. And her polite but stern mother will most definitely stand her ground and insist to know everything about their...relationship. And her father...her father...
"So this is the lion's den."
Stephanie jumps but luckily doesn't squeak when Ranger's soft and amused voice snaps her panic thoughts. She can't speak or make a sound. She looks into his smiling eyes and slowly swallows and nods. Maybe she'd better start praying. She bites her lips and frantically thinks. Maybe somehow miraculously her prayer will be answered and her wish granted. Maybe her mom and Grandma will restrain themselves. Maybe they won't scare him off. Maybe one day, someday, they will become a happy big family and she will be wearing his ring. But she will have to take the first and hardest step.
"My mother makes the best pineapple upside-down cake in the world." She utters the first thing that came into her mind and almost moans as Ranger's smile deepens right in front of her unblinking eyes. He gets out of the truck, opens the door and helps her out. His hand lingers at the small of her back as they walk up to the house. Its warmth helps calm her down. It's just a family dinner. It's no big deal. And it's not like her family is crazy or anything. Really. She swears.
Helen Plum, the ever so perfect lady of the house, soon regains her composure and puts on a smile as Frank shakes hands with Stephanie's friend. Accommodating an unexpected guest has never been a challenge for her(A perk of living with her...unpredictable mother, as a matter of fact). And something—a mother's instinct, maybe—tells her this young man means a lot to Stephanie. Well, he sure is very polite and nice-looking. Helen thinks to herself and goes back into the dining room to set out an extra plate. She unwraps the wine Ranger brought as a gift and raises her brow in surprise as she studies the label. Helen nods happily in approval.
And this bottle of top quality red wine has just earned him extra points.

Chapter 21: Ch20 If Your Love Grows

Chapter 20

~If Your Love Grows~

Ah, little Stephanie is in love.
Edna Mazur takes a small sip of her wine and smiles her cat-like smile. She really enjoys the wine. Fruity, silky smooth, and—much to her liking and surprise—no woody taste at all. Just the kind she loves. And she likes the fine young man who brought it too, of course. She always likes a men who has impeccable table manners and great taste in wine. Not to mention that he's polite and also has a most dazzling, enchanting smile. Yes, she can totally see why Stephanie is head over heels for him. She's Edna's younger granddaughter, after all. The love for tall, dark, handsome men runs in their family blood. It may be hard to imagine, but Edna's now overweight and sadly bald son-in-law did look drop dead gorgeous a long, long time ago. And everyone says Valerie's hot shot corporate lawyer of a dear hubby, Steve Spenser, is just like a mixture of Johnny Depp and Zac Efron, even though he's black and built like the fabulous Mr. Denzel Washington. And something about this Ranger reminds her of Gáspár, her dear husband for 59 years, who died of a sudden heart attack 3 springs ago...
Maybe it's his tall and muscular build. Maybe it's the gleam of humour and intelligence in his beautiful eyes. Maybe it's his calm and confident composure. Maybe it's his clear, quiet, and deep pleasant voice. Edna sneaks another glance at a nervous and fidgeting Stephanie. Her smiles grows into a stealthy grin. Strong and slender. Tough and tender. The two of them surely look perfect together, and she's more than certain they can make beautiful babies— preferably little boys. Edna adores her great-granddaughters, but she'd love to have 1 or 2 or 3 great-grandsons. She has been craving for a little boy ever since her only son was killed in the Vietnam War 40 years ago, and she still cries herself to sleep on Alexander's birthdays.
Edna quickly blinks back a sudden tear and takes another sip of wine to suppress her pain and sorrow. She knows why Stephanie is so uneasy. Helen, though a caring and devoted mother, can be a little demanding and hard to please at times. Unlike the willful and sharp Valerie, Stephanie always has trouble standing up against her stubborn mother. And poor Frank, just like any typical husband and father who gets caught in between, is usually of little help. But it seems that this young man is doing fine, and may have already won Helen and Frank over. He remains honest and respectful all the time, and he handles Edna's blunt questions with an almost casual grace and ease.
He has never met Dog the Bounty Hunter(or his wife) in person and no, he has no plan to. Not all the bounty hunters have stupid hairstyle, wear weird clothes and talk like thugs. He knows how to use a gun(yes, his license is genuine), but he always tries to refrain from shooting too many people. Yes, Vinnie is actually a decent man if you turn your head a bit and squint hard enough. Stephanie has good instincts and is a pretty smart student. He was an Army Ranger and has been deployed abroad. Stephanie won't be in any danger as long as she' ready and prepared and pays attention. His family is from Cuba but he doesn't smoke cigars. He' sure his grandmothers are not witches, though they do know an awful lot of Voodoo charms and Voodoo dolls. Edna ignores Helen's widened eyes and the 1000th "Mother!" and reaches out to take hold of Ranger's hand. So young. So warm. So firm. So true. So confident. Just like her beloved husband. Just like her forever-21-year-old son. Yes, he will help Stephanie out and keep her safe. He promises. Edna smiles a most beautiful and happiest smile.
Yes, they are perfect for each other.
Yes, they are perfect for each other.