Second Time's A Charm

Prologue

 

Em watched Stan out the window of the car as he talked with the man renting them the house. Mr. Peters seemed nice enough, but there was something about him that just didn’t sit well with her.  So when they arrived to look at the house, Em was in and out, and let Stan deal with the details.

 

She let her eyes flick from one house to another on down the block. Normal houses with manicured lawns and white picket fences stretched as far as the eye could see.  This was so far removed from the life she knew, she wasn’t sure she could cope with staying here.

 

A light rap on the widow made her jump.  When she turned to see it was Mr. Peters, she wanted to move to the other side of the car.

 

“Mrs. Edwards?  Mrs. Edwards?”  Great, now she’d have to get out of the car. Showing none of the disgust she felt, Em pushed the car door open and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

 

“Mr. Peters?” Em asked with a bright smile plastered on her face. “Is there a problem?”  Stan came up and put his hand around her waist.

 

“No Ma’am. Just wanted to say congratulations and enjoy the house,” he said as he held out a sweaty palm.  Cringing inwardly, Em gingerly took the old man’s hand and gave it one good shake.

 

“Thank you,” she replied.

 

“Thank you, Mr. Peters.  I have your number in case I’ve forgotten anything else,” Stan said with the same plastic smile Em wore.

 

“Yes, yes.  You kids have fun,” he threw over his shoulder before getting in his car and driving away. Stan stood on the sidewalk waving at the taillights, Em rolled her eyes at him, just the way Stephanie had taught her.

 

“Come on,” she groused.

 

“What? Scott and Victoria Edwards are supposed to be an ordinary, average couple,” he said as he walked up to Em. “That means friendly.”

 

Em rolled her eyes again. “I am friendly. You mean sickeningly sweet.  I don’t do sweet so well and neither do you.” She poked him in the chest for emphasis.

 

Stan had a mock look of offense on his face now. “What? Are you trying to say that the…unique… way we were raised as children didn’t foster a nice, sweet and friendly demeanor?”

 

She had to laugh. “Nice, most of the time.  Friendly, sometimes.  Sweet…not so much,” she kidded as she gave him a good shove backwards.  Stan laughed as he stumbled off the curb.

 

“Come on,” he said as he steadied himself. “Get your bags.”

 

The small, average house was exactly the look Stan was going for.  Being able to blend was going to be important, and this unassuming house, on this unassuming street, in this unassuming neighborhood, was perfect.

 

He had decided to rent so that their fake names showed up on less paperwork, not like a purchase where there are 3,000 papers to sign.    The house itself was exactly what they needed. Three bedrooms, two baths and at least four separate entrances: front door, back door, family room sliding door and master bedroom sliding door.  And while more ways in and out was certainly more difficult to secure, Stan was more focused on the getting out, rather than the getting in part.

 

Em walked in the door with her bags, but hesitated once inside. She didn’t know who was going to sleep where and before she could ask, Stan plowed into her from behind, throwing her to the floor with a thud, and him landing on top with an “umph.”

 

They lay there stunned for a few seconds, before Em got annoyed. “Get off me,” she said as she tried to push up off the floor.  Turning her head to the side, she noticed he had that twinkle in his eyes that meant trouble…trouble for her anyway.

 

“Hmmm, if memory serves, I still owe you for pinning me to the kitchen floor when we first met,” he teased as he leaned over to meet her eyes.

 

“Oh for pete’s sake, you’ve been telling me that for five years.  Get over it already, will you?  Besides, your ego still can’t take the fact that a 14 year old girl had the upper hand.”

 

“I could have gotten up if I wanted to.”

 

“Just getting you up now would make me happy.”  The minute Em realized what just came out of her mouth she froze. She noticed Stan had too.  Then she started to giggle and the more she tried to stop the worse it got, until finally she was all out laughing.

 

Stan stared down at the young woman underneath him with a small smile playing on his lips.  More often, he was finding the changes she had undergone amazing.  Em was no longer the stringy, silent fourteen-year-old he first met.   No, he thought, she certainly wasn't stringy any more; curvaceous was a much more accurate description.  The only thing that was still the same were her eyes. They were stunning then as much as now.  Sometimes, when she would wear make-up, which was a rare occasion, he thought it actually took away from the beauty of her eyes.  She didn't need any enhancement…anywhere.

 

"You have a filthy mind, young lady!" He tried to sound stern, but his laughter might have given him away.

 

"Me?  Me?  Who was the one caught looking at Playboy? Hmmm?  It wasn't me!"  Another fit of laughter overtook her as she remembered.

 

Stan groaned at the memory.  Ranger had caught him and spent the following hour talking to him about respecting women.  There was one scary moment where Stan was sure Ranger was going to launch into "the birds and the bees" speech, but thankfully Tank had interrupted.

 

“Yeah, well, I was just going easy on you back then.”  Em rolled her eyes.

 

“Yeah, yeah…easy on me.  Whatever. Now get,” she gave one big push, “off me!”  Stan rolled away easily, but Em knew that Stan was big and bulky enough that if he didn’t want to move, there was nothing she could have done about it.  Five years with her dad made Stan pretty much indistinguishable from any of the guys. Not that that was a bad thing….

 

“Which room you want?” Stan asked as he stood.

 

“I don’t care. You pick,” she countered as she stood also.

 

“Fine, I’ll take the master bedroom and you take the one across the hall, ok?” Emily nodded her response. “Great, get a move on, huh? We have to go meet our contact.”

 

Em spun around to face him. “Our contact? Today? You didn’t tell me we had a meeting set up.  With who? For what?”  She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “I’m feeling left out here. You told me you wouldn’t keep anything from me if I came.”

 

Stan let out a big dramatic sigh. “I haven’t and I won’t. But get a move on, or we’re going to be late.”

 

Em stood her ground. “And what is this meeting about?”

 

He took several steps to stop directly in front of her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he said “We need to go meet our contact, so we can talk about how to take out a certain member of The Family."

Second Time's A Charm

Chapter 1

 

Todd Davidson stepped into the dimly lit restaurant, waiting for his eyes to adjust, wondering why he even agreed to meet his friend.   Sure, they had been buddies years before, but once Stan moved out east to go to Princeton, they drifted apart.  A normal progression, he thought.

 

So then why had he flown from California to Florida to meet with someone he hasn't seen or talked with in years?    He wasn't sure, but his gut told him to go, even when all Stan would say was that he had a problem he needed help with.

 

When he could finally see, his eyes scanned the room cautiously, noting the exits and the few people gathered at the tables.  Todd had spent years helping his father with their security business and knew what to look for.  But that segued into a career as a private investigator.  He trained, worked hard, and had come to be pretty good at his job.  When Stan had called, Todd knew he was coming in a professional capacity.  Todd was a lot of things, but naïve wasn’t one of them.

 

His eyes landed on a dark beauty sitting at the back of the small room.  He took only a second to appreciate her looks, before moving on and spotting his friend at the bar.  Walking over, he wondered when, and why, Stan had bulked up.  It was obvious to notice with the shorts and T-shirt Stan was wearing.  He had always been in shape, well-muscled and strong, but lawyers didn't generally look like professional wrestlers.  Hell, most lawyers Todd dealt with were fat and wore cheap suits.  He chuckled inwardly as he realized that Stan had never been like most kids and that he probably wasn't like most adults now either.

 

"Stan?" he said as he approached the bar.  The look only lasted a few beats, but Todd would have sworn that the look on his old friend's face when he turned around was one of battle readiness.  The gut feeling that had brought him to this point was now setting off warning bells.

 

"Todd? Hey, man!"  Stan put out his hand to greet his old friend, hoping he had done the right thing by asking Todd here.

 

"Hey!" Todd replied. He took Stan's hand and pulled him in for a combination handshake, slap on the back embrace.  "Good to see you, man. Look at you, Stanley Empaleo, esquire…" He stepped back to give Stan an obvious once over, "…and body builder?"

 

Stan's easygoing smile spread wider on his face. "Yeah.  I remember being able to kick your ass back in high school, too."  He studied his old friend, noticing that Todd too had worked on improving his physical condition, but the blonde haired, blue eyed Californian still had his boy-next-door good looks. 

 

"Too, huh? We'll have to see about that. Want to step outside?" Todd asked with a smile, making a sweeping gesture with his hands.

 

Stan laughed, "Naw, how about later?"   His features became more serious. "I've got someone for you to meet and we need to talk."

 

"Sure thing," Todd said, becoming more serious as he slapped Stan on the back and followed him to the back of the room.

 

It didn't take long for Todd to figure out that they were approaching the table with the beautiful woman who had caught his eye before.

 

 

Em watched as the tall blonde man walked up to Stan at the bar.  She noted their greeting seemed to belong to two old friends and couldn't help but notice how the blonde's smile lit up the entire room.  His build was a little smaller than Stan's, but muscular nonetheless, and she just bet he had a nice rear end.  Something she'd have to check out later, she thought.

 

She laughed in surprise at herself.  Checking out Stan's butt for the last five years hadn't gotten her anywhere, why would looking at this new guy be any different?  She shook her head slightly in a determined gesture.  No, Stan was like a brother…or maybe a cousin…or maybe a third cousin, removed. Yeah, something like that. It didn’t matter that he came into her life all those years ago and she hadn’t been able to get him out of her head since.

 

His inability to notice her as a woman, or at all for that matter, was because she was responsible for Mel being taken away.  He never showed it, never said a word, but she knew it was her fault.  She said it once in front of her dad, right after it happened.   He had talked to her for hours about how it wasn’t her fault and in the end, she had just agreed with everything to get the pained looked off his face.  She knew to never bring it up again.  Now finally, here was her chance to help fix the mess for which she was responsible.

 

When the two men reached the table, Em stood and smiled.  She wasn’t always nice, could be tough as nails really, but she was always polite.

 

“Emily Manoso,” Stan said as he gestured towards Todd, “Todd Davidson.  Todd, this is Em.”

 

“Hi,” she said as she offered her hand across the table.

 

Todd didn’t know if his voice would work. When she stood and smiled at him, he thought he was going to pass out. “Hi, nice to meet you,” finally tumbled out from his mouth.  He mentally kicked himself for sounding so lame.

 

Em gave a small nod at his greeting, and then seated herself at the table. The two men followed.  Todd’s reaction to her smile didn’t go unnoticed.  She was aware of what she looked like, but her self-worth was not caught up in her physical appearance or a man’s opinion of that appearance, either. No, what mattered was on the inside.  And five years ago, when it really mattered, what she had on the inside, her strength, courage and brains, wasn’t enough.

 

With great effort Todd forced his gaze from Em to look at Stan.  He had to remember he was here on business, even though his friend hadn’t come out and said that yet.

 

“So, Stan, why am I in Florida?”  He figured getting right down to business was the best way to approach this.  If he stayed, there would be time to talk about the past.  The warning bells in his head became louder when he watched Stan take a deep breath, hold it, and then let it out slow.

 

“I was hoping you’d help me,” he paused and looked at Em, “…us.  Help us with a problem we have.”

 

“What sort of problem?  My experience as a private investigator has been mostly tracking down lost husbands, wives and a few children. Of course, I can do security work, if that’s what you’re looking for.”

 

Stan shook his head. “No.  It’s more along the lines of a missing person…of finding someone…” he faltered, not sure how to go on.

 

“Mr. Davidson,” Em started but was cut off.

 

“Please, Todd.”

 

Em gave a small smile and continued. “Todd, we actually need your help with retrieving someone.”

 

Todd’s eyebrows went up. “Retrieving someone?  I don’t understand.”

 

“It’s Mel,” offered Stan.

 

“Your mom?”  Todd was really confused now.

 

Stan shook his head. “This isn’t coming out right.”

 

Todd waited for his friend to gather his thoughts.  His eyes flicked over to Em and noticed she wore a look of worry, concern, and… was that guilt? 

 

Stan took a few seconds to get his head together, then he continued in a low, serious tone.  “Mel’s in a bad situation and we want to get her out. I’m hoping you’ll help us.”

 

Todd narrowed his eyes. “Mel was always capable of taking care of herself.  I don’t know her to stay somewhere against her will.”

 

“Other people’s safety is being held over her head.  She’s not going to risk the lives of friends and family…” Todd cut him off.

 

“But I don’t…”

 

“Look, guys, let’s cut to the chase here ok?” Em was getting impatient.  This wasn’t like Stan. He usually just came out with what he wanted to say. Turning her attention to Todd, Em met his deep blue eyes, looking for some sign that she could trust him. “Five years ago, people who wanted Mel to do something for them, told her that unless she cooperated, they would hurt me.  Feeling she had no choice, Mel cooperated and went with them.

 

“It’s time we get her back, for good.”  Em lowered her voice to just above a whisper. “Retrieving her will involve killing. If you can’t, or won’t, be part of this we need to know now. And that’s all the story you’re going to get until I know I can trust you.”

 

Todd noticed how Em’s steely gaze grew with determination as she spoke. But nothing prepared him for what she had just said. What the hell did he walk into?  “Who do you plan on killing?” he returned in a whisper.

 

“Mel.”   Todd jumped at Stan’s voice, or maybe it was more at what he said.

 

“Wha…”

Em leaned in and placed her hand on top of Todd’s, as if comforting him after the shock. “Mel gave her word that she wasn’t going to leave unless it was in a coffin.”  She stopped, looked at Stan and saw the pain etched in his face.  Turning back to Todd, she finished, “We’re here to make sure that happens.”

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 2

 

i feel stupid - but i know it won't last for long

i've been guessing - i coulda been guessin' wrong

you don't know me now

i kinda thought that you should somehow

does that whole mad season got ya down

 

i feel stupid but it's something that comes and goes

i've been changin' - think it's funny how no one knows

we don't talk about - the little things that we do without

when that whole mad season comes around

 

so why ya gotta stand there

looking like the answer now

it seems to me - you'd come around

i need you now

do you think you can cope

you figured me out - i'm lost and i'm hopeless

bleeding and broken - though i've never spoken

i come undone - in this mad season

 

i feel stupid - but i think i been catchin' on

i feel ugly - but i know i still turn you on

you seem colder now, torn apart, angry, turned around

will that whole mad season knock you down

 

so are you gonna stand there

are you gonna help me out

we need to be together now - i need you now

 

now i'm cryin' - isn't that what you want

i'm tryin' to live my life on my own

but i won't

at times - i do believe i am strong

so someone tell me why, why, why

do i feel stupid

and i come undone

in this mad season

 

Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season

*****************************************

 

The ride back to the house had been quiet.  Stan didn’t know what to say, so he said nothing at all.  When he glanced over at Em, he noticed that she was deep in thought, and he would bet on what she was thinking. Ok, so maybe there was something he needed to say.

 

Pulling into the driveway of their house, Stan sat quietly waiting for Em to realize they were home. It was time, he decided, to approach the subject.

 

“It wasn’t your fault,” he said quietly.  Em’s head jerked, like she had been slapped.  They both sat, not speaking, for several long minutes.  When Em went for the door handle, Stan grabbed her arm. “Wait. We need to talk about this.”

 

She shook her head and tried to exit the car again, only to be stopped by Stan’s strong grip. “Em, please. Let’s talk.”  He could tell she was upset but he didn’t want to let this go any longer.  This mission couldn’t be run by her guilt.

 

“Let me go, Stanley,” she said so softly he almost missed it.  His resolve to force the issue crumbled and he released her arm. 

 

Stan sat in the car feeling helpless.  He knew Em needed to get over feeling guilty about Mel leaving, he just didn’t know how to make that happen.  And until she did, he couldn’t tell her about his real feelings for her.  The way Todd had looked at Em in the restaurant didn’t escape him.  When she reached out and touched Todd’s hand, Stan about came undone.

 

He let out a big sigh as he watched her go into the house.  Or maybe, he thought, this was the perfect time.

 

Em stepped inside and quietly closed the door behind her.  Stan was still in the car and she was glad.  The last she wanted was for him to see her be such a mess.  She tried to stop the tears, but couldn’t, and mentally scolded herself for it.  Emily Manoso didn’t cry in front of anyone.  Any tears she shed were done at night, alone and in private, and she was going to keep it that way.

 

They hadn’t eaten at the restaurant.  Once they told Todd what they were up to, it didn’t seem right.  They had parted after it was agreed that Todd could think about the situation over night.  He was to come by their house the next afternoon with his decision. Now Em was hungry, but first she wanted a shower.  They always helped to clear the cobwebs from her head and calm her down.

 

When she got to her room, she stripped down, and made her way into the adjoining bathroom that’s shared with the third bedroom. The shower felt wonderful and she was sure she used up all the hot water.  Putting her hair up in a towel, and wrapping one around her body, Em padded her way back into her bedroom, only to stop mid-step, in surprise. Stan was sitting on her bed, facing away from the bathroom.

 

“You decent?” he asked softly. As much as he wanted to turn around and find out for himself, he wouldn't do that to Em.

 

"No, give me a minute."  She waited and when it was apparent he wasn't going to move, she went to her suitcase and pulled out some clothes, then went back into the bathroom.  Closing the door behind her, Em quickly dressed and then went for the door that led directly to the hall. She knew what Stanley wanted to talk about, and she wasn't going to do it.

 

After taking only one step into the hallway, she heard Stan's voice and froze.

 

"Don't run from me Em. Please. Don't run from this any more."

 

She slowly closed her eyes and her shoulders slumped.  Shaking her head, she said, "I…can't…"

 

"It's not your fault."  Stan watched as she visibly tensed, straightening and squaring her shoulders.

 

Spinning to face Stan, she spoke calmly. "Stan, what I choose to take responsibility for is not any of your business. There is no need to concern yourself with it." She stood glaring at him, daring him to counter her statement.

 

Taking the few steps needed, Stan reached Emily and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Emily," he said through gritted teeth, "what I want to make my concern is my business…and you're my concern.  Mel chose to leave…chose…her choice."

 

As he watched her narrow her eyes, Stan knew he was in trouble. Shit, if he knew he was going to get this close to a riled Em, he would have put on a cup.  The urge to back away and cross his legs was overwhelming, but he wasn't giving in.

 

"And tell me Stanley, do you think your mother is the type of person that would say 'do what you want to the girl, I'm staying’?"  Now she looked at him eyebrows raised as if saying "well?".  Damn, he was going lose…

 

"Mel wouldn't…."

 

"Exactly!  I may have not known her for very long, but I know enough about her to say that, no, she wouldn't have done that. She left because she had NO CHOICE.  You weren't there, I was.  I. Know."  She punctuated her last two words with two pokes to Stan's chest.

 

Em couldn't have hurt him any deeper if she had cut him and poured salt into the open wound… or said she didn't return his feelings, but that wasn't the topic at the moment. 

 

The fact that Stan wasn't taken that night wasn't talked about, but it weighed heavily on his mind. Only once did he discuss it with Ranger and Fred.  During one of Fred's visits, Stan had walked in on them discussing that night.  Ranger was telling Fred how Emily felt guilty. They hadn't noticed Stan until he asked why they thought he hadn't been taken.  Both men firmly believe it was because he wasn't recognized. He was knocked out back stage, along with Bobby, when Em was taken.

 

That he hadn't been recognized didn't seem to ease his conscious any and he remained sensitive to the subject.  Pulling Em closer, he spoke slowly from only a breath away in a tight controlled whisper. "If I could go back and change only one minute of that entire night, it would be the minute those goons came back stage.  I'd have them recognize and take me and leave you alone.  I would do anything," he gave her a light shake, "to take away the guilt you're carrying around about this.  I was the one that should have been taken."

 

Emily's breath had been ragged as she got worked up, but she stopped breathing all together and her eyes went wide as Stan's words sunk in.  "Stan…but you're not…"

 

"And neither are you, that's my point."  The brief shock that Emily had felt at Stan's earlier words had quickly switched back to anger.

 

"I should have been able to defend myself! My father's been teaching me to do that since I could crawl! And the one time," Em stopped to try and stop her pain from showing, but she knew it wasn't working, "the one time when it would really mean something…really make a difference, I didn't…I couldn't."  She had run out of steam and had ended with a whisper.  “Melanie had to walk out on you, my dad, Steph, Val,” she stopped for a moment when she felt a tear run down her cheek.  She looked away and continued, “on everyone, because I couldn’t take care of myself… Ranger’s daughter couldn’t take care of herself.”

 

It was Stan’s turn to stare in shock. Raising a hand, he cupped her face and wiped her tears away with his thumbs.  “Em, I had no idea…”

 

“Forget it,” she said as she tried to jerk her head from his hands, but he held tight. As a reflex she brought her hands up to grip his wrists, but still didn’t meet his eyes. “Stan, please.”

 

“Please what, Sweetheart?” 

 

Surprised by the huskiness to his voice, coupled with the endearment, Em’s eyes flicked up to meet his. The look on his face made her gasp. His eyes were dark and seemed to reach inside her, reading all the things she's kept hidden for years.

 

“Em,” he whispered.  He wanted to take away all her pain, all her self-doubt about not being good enough. Slowly he lowered his head, lightly brushing his lips across hers. “How are we going to…”

 

From the hall, they could hear a phone ring in the bedroom and it seemed to break the trance they were in. Em dropped her hands to her side as Stan sighed, let go of her face and went to find the intrusive phone.

 

Em stood glued to her spot in the hallway. Had Stan just kissed her?  She brought her fingers up to touch her lips. Did he just start to say something about…about them? 

 

As soon as he reappeared in the hallway, Stan held out a cell phone. “It’s yours.”

 

“Huh?”  Em really hadn’t paid attention. She was still concentrating on the brief kiss they had just shared. “Oh. Thanks.”  Taking the phone, she flipped it open and spoke. “Hello?”

 

Upon hearing the voice at the other end, Em slowly closed her eyes and wondered if her night could get any worse.

 

“Hi Dad.”

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 3

 

 

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along
 
I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense
 
And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
As so will you soon I suppose
 
But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break
 
And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
 
So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break
 
-Billy Joel, And So It Goes

 

 

Ranger hung up the phone after saying goodbye to Em and sat back in his chair staring thoughtfully out the hotel window.  He was in Boston for the past week working on another real-estate deal and tried to make a point of talking to his daughter every day.   Yesterday’s call was skipped because by the time he remembered, it was late, and Em was always telling him to stop smothering her, so he let it slide.  But skipping two days was not going to happen.

 

When Ranger checked in back home, Tank had said he hadn't seen Em in a couple of days, but not to worry. He was sure she was fine.  Ranger couldn't stop worrying, but didn't know what to do about it.   As Em had grown up and wanted more freedom, he tried to have her followed without her knowing.  It didn't work.  As a matter of fact, it failed miserably.

 

Chuckling to himself, Ranger's heart swelled with pride.  It failed because she was good…damn good.  Every tail, every tracking device, every trick in the book he tried, she found out. When she turned 18, she came to him and said it needed to stop, or she'd move out and not tell him.  They both knew it was an empty threat, that he could find her. It might take some time, after all she had become very good, but the underlying message she was trying to convey came through loud and clear. He took her seriously and stopped his efforts.  Now there would be days at a time where he wouldn't see or talk to her.

 

Today's call had been brief, like always. Neither of them was very comfortable communicating over the phone, so while the phone encounters weren't sprinkled with titillating gossip or witty repartee, he cherished them nonetheless.   But something in her voice today made him feel ill at ease. Or maybe she was just getting older and drifting away.  That's what's supposed to happen, isn't it?

 

Sighing, he leaned his head back on the chair and closed his eyes.  Sometimes it felt like he was losing her altogether, and after losing Mel, he wouldn't be able to handle yet another loss.

 

Losing Mel.  There wasn't a day that went by where he didn't replay the scene over in his head, trying out all the "what if's" he'd come up with over the years. And there were plenty of those to fill his sleepless nights. 

 

Reverting back to the wakefulness the robbed him of rest was only one of the side effects he suffered after Mel left. But out of all of them - the sleeplessness, the guilt, and the emptiness, the worst was the ache in his heart.  Nothing over the years had been able to dull that pain. 

 

And as much as he tried to ease the guilt he knew Em was feeling he couldn't do that either, his own always getting in the way. Over and over he would try to think of different things he could have done to save them both, and each time he came up with the same answer…there wasn't a damn thing. It was a clear choice and Mel made it for all of them. 

 

How many times had he asked himself if he would have made the same choice if the situation had been reversed?  Could he have walked away?  From Em?  Sure, not everything was the same. Stan was 17, going off to school and Em was only 14, but the weight of the answer to that question lay heavy on his heart. 

 

No. If they had threatened Ranger with Stan's life, he would have taken a risk to try something, anything, in the chance he could stay with Em.  Dead would have even been better than walking away and not trying…and Mel didn't even try.  But shit, how could she? They had had Em.

 

Leaning forward, Ranger put his head down and rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands.  And there it was, the crux of the problem.  Anger.  Confusion.  He was angry that Mel didn't even try, but at the same time understood why she couldn't and pain underlined it all.

 

Letting out a sigh, he leaned back in his chair and stared out the window again, thinking over the call he just had with Em. Something wasn't right.  It wasn't what she said or didn't say. It wasn't how she said it.  It was in her voice. There was an edge to it, a catch to it.

 

Ranger shook his head because that wasn't it, either.  Maybe it was just his gut feeling as her father.  It didn't really matter, since he was going to have it checked out anyway.

 

Lifting the phone, he stopped in mid-dial to Tank.  No, if Em's guilt was finally coming to a head, Tank would not be the right person for the job. And it was clear that Em was not going to open up to Ranger either, but he did have one last person that could try.

 

He redialed a number he knew by heart, waiting silently as it rang at the other end.  After three rings it was finally answered.

 

"Yo, I need a favor."

 

***********************************************

 

"Can we go over again what he said?" Stan wanted to make sure nothing was going to stop them, and that included Ranger.  Even though she had told him last night, he wanted to make sure, in the morning light, that she hadn't missed anything. They had just finished breakfast when he thought it was safe to broach the subject again.

 

Trying to stifle a sigh, Emily closed her eyes briefly, and then walked into the living room and plopped on the couch, Stan following behind. "How many times are you going to ask me that? You heard my end of the conversation.  It was no different than any other phone conversation I have with my father. There's a bunch of two and three word sentences and then it's over. He's in Boston and thinks I'm in Trenton doing my thing."

 

"Em, if he, for one minute, suspects…"

 

"Stan, he doesn't suspect a thing.  The only problem we are going to have is if our trip lasts longer than a week. He's due back in Trenton by the end of the week.  And if I'm not there, you're going to explain to him why I ran away with you."

 

Stan was headed for a chair, but when Em said the last part about running away with him, he quickly changed direction and sat down next to her on the couch.

 

Her eyes had followed him the whole way and now she sat staring him with a confused look on her face.

 

"Would you do that?"

 

"What?" Now she was really confused.

 

" Run away with me?"

 

Rolling her eyes in true burg fashion, Em gave a snort, then put her head back on the couch, closing her eyes. "I'm here, aren't I?"  The next time Stan spoke, she was startled because he was only inches from her face. She hadn't even felt him move; she must be losing it. 

 

"That's not what I mean.  We are both here for specific reasons, none of which concern us," he whispered. Refusing to open her eyes, she just laid still…waiting, heart pounding in her chest.  He couldn't possibly mean… 

 

"Em," even softer this time, "look at me."

 

Very slowly, Em's eye's made their way up to meet his.  He almost let out a gasp as he started to drown in their depths.

 

"What?" she breathed.

 

Stan had to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat before he could speak again.  "If I asked you to run away with me, would you?"

 

"You…you mean if something goes wrong with our plan and we have to disappear?" She couldn't believe he would mean anything else.

 

"I mean," he leaned in closer and started speaking against her lips, "you…and me…"  He trailed off as he started to kiss her with a light pressure of his lips on hers.   He felt her jump when his tongue started to sweep along her full bottom lip.

 

Their eyes still locked, Em started to feel herself give way. His tongue was seeking entrance, asking if he could really kiss her. Unable to believe this was happening, Em decided not to dwell on it.

 

Closing her eyes and parting her lips slightly, she groaned when his tongue met hers, but was shocked back into reality when there a sharp knock at the front door, and his mouth suddenly left hers.

 

Stan looked at her questioningly and she just shrugged her shoulders.  No one was expected until later that afternoon. He motioned to her to get off the couch and go into the kitchen.  Doing as she was told, she snatched up her purse on the way.  After all, if she needed her gun, she’d best have it with her.

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 4

 

Todd woke up after a restless night’s sleep.  Oh, who was he kidding? He hadn't ever really fallen asleep, not after the conversation he’d had with Stan and Em.  His mind had been working overtime ever since then.

 

He never knew too much about Stan's life before California, but the few things Stan had shared were not good memories.  Putting that together with what little they told him at the restaurant, he knew Mel was in a bad situation.

 

But none of that helped him answer the question—did he want to be part of their plan?  Could he kill someone? Todd shook his head to clear his thoughts. No, that wasn't really the question. If it were, he could easily say yes. The real question was could he plan to kill someone, to kill someone without provocation?

 

As Todd sat up and threw his legs over the side of the bed, he let out a sigh.  Maybe he could help, but not be involved with the killing.

 

He shook that idea off, too. He'd been around long enough to know being only halfway into a plan was bad for the plan. Besides, that was only semantics. If he said yes, then he was in, and if was in, then he was in all the way.

 

Standing, Todd went over to the hotel window and opened the drapes.  Sunshine burst into the room, shattering the darkness of his restless night.  Closing his eyes against the glare, he stood still, his face and bare chest soaking up the warmth coming through the window.

 

Then, a thought hit him as if being hit by a bolt of lightning, Todd's eyes flew open and he took a step back. He had an idea, a really good idea. 

 

Striding toward the bathroom, Todd decided this couldn't wait.  After a quick shower and shave, he needed to put his idea into action.

 

***************************************************

 

Em peeked around the corner and watched as Stan cautiously approached the front door, gun drawn.  She held her breath as he called out, "Who's there?" in as casual a tone as he could.  There was a muffled response, but she couldn’t make out what was said or who said it.

 

But whoever was there must have been okay, because she watched closely as the tension left Stan's body and he tucked his gun into the back of his jeans.  Even so, she put herself flat against the wall, gun ready, and waited to hear who was going to come through the door.

 

"I couldn't wait until this afternoon," boomed Todd's voice.  Em sagged against the wall in relief, letting out the breath she didn't know she had been holding.

 

"It's ok.  We just weren't expecting anyone," replied Stan.

 

Todd scanned the living room before stepping inside and nodding at Stan.  When Em came out of the kitchen, his eyebrows went up when he noticed the gun in her hands. "Whatcha gonna do, Hot Stuff, shoot me?"

 

Stan's jaw clenched when Todd called Em “Hot Stuff,” but when he looked over at Em, he saw the fire in her eyes.   His clenched jaw was replaced by a knowing smile.  If Todd wanted to underestimate Emily Manoso, who was he to get in the way?

 

Em narrowed her eyes. "Do you think I couldn't?"

 

Stan could see Todd's eyes twinkle in amusement and had to wonder if Todd knew he would need a cup when he got dressed today.  Nah, probably not, he thought as he rocked back on his heels.

 

"Whoa, I didn't say that." Todd proclaimed as he held up his hands, palms out. "Just surprised to see a pretty lady like yourself holding a gun. You sure you know how to use it?"

 

Stan pretended to cough in an attempt to cover his laughter.  He was also smart enough to back away from Todd and stand off to the side.  Swiveling his head in the direction of Em, Stan waited to see what she would do.  By the look on her face, and the fact it was beet red, and not from embarrassment, Stan bet whatever it was, it'd be good.

 

Then, as if turning off a light switch, Em's face softened and her body relaxed.  Stan's eyes went wide with surprise as he watched her saunter over to stand in front of Todd.

 

"Yeah," Em said slowly, " I know what you mean."  She held the gun up in her left hand as if presenting it to Todd. "These silly things are complicated.  I just have to wonder if I could protect myself without one though."  She lowered her eyes and looked at the gun as if it were a piece of garbage.

 

With her head lowered, Em raised her eyes and, with a look that could only be described as smoldering, batted her lashes.

 

Stan wasn't completely sure what Em was doing and when Todd took a step toward her, it was everything Stan could do not to jump in between them.  But his worries were short lived.

 

As soon as Todd took that one fateful step, Em sprung into action. Quickly tucking the gun in the front of her pants, she then brought her hands up to grab Todd by the shoulders, leaned in and swiftly brought her knee up.

 

Direct hit.

 

At the same time he doubled over, she pushed at his shoulders and took a couple fast steps backward.

 

Todd half fell, half lowered himself to the floor and ended up lying on his side.  Em came around to his back and with one leg, kneeled on him, effectively rolling him forward on his chest and trapping his hands underneath him.

 

"I guess the answer to my question is yes," she said calmly.  Leaning down, Em whispered in his ear, "Don't talk to me, or treat me, like anything less than an intelligent, capable person.  I'll give you the same courtesy."

 

********************************************

 

Em stood under the hot spray of the shower until she felt wrinkled like a prune.  After the confrontation with Todd, she needed to clear her mind. She guessed she would be taking lots of showers on this trip, because she had a feeling this mission was going to cloud her mind quite a bit.  Any more encounters with Stan wouldn’t help keep her mind clear, either.

 

Toweling off, she stepped into the bedroom and felt a weird sense of dejá vu.  Sitting on her bed, facing away from her, was Stan.

 

“You decent?”

 

“No,” she whispered.

 

Stan closed his eyes and clenched his teeth.  “One of these times, Em, I might not ask. Maybe you should take clothes in with you.” He tried to make it sound light hearted, but he had a feeling that didn’t come across.

 

“Maybe you shouldn’t just barge in here whenever you feel like it.”  Nope, he thought, definitely didn’t come across.

 

Letting out a sigh, he continued, “I just wanted to make sure you are okay.”

 

Em absentmindedly let out a less-than-ladylike snort as she dug through her closet for something to wear.   Grabbing the essentials of underwear, t-shirt and jeans, she headed back to the bathroom, speaking over her shoulder as she went. “I’m not the one who ended up on the floor. Don’t waste the ‘are you ok’ question on me,” she spat before she forcefully closed the door.

 

Trying hard not to get herself worked up, Em dressed in her bra and panties, and then splashed some cold water on her face, before letting her hair out of its towel wrap.

 

“Am I ok? Hmf!,” she said to her reflection. “I’m more than ok!  I was the one still standing!”  Violently she jerked a comb through her wet mass of hair.  “What is it with these guys? And what’s with Stan? He knows I can take care of myself. Why ask me if I’m okay?” she continued on. Suddenly, from somewhere way in the back of her brain, she heard a little voice: “Why don’t you ask him?”

 

The fire in her eyes grew as she stomped over to the door and flung it open, her sight set on finding Stan.   He had just turned around to head out when she stepped into the room.

 

“What do you mean you want to know if I’m okay, Stanley? You know I can take care of myself!  I kneed him!”  Striding up to him, she got in his face and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t even think you can start treating me like some helpless little girl. You know what I can do.”

 

Stan stood motionless due to shock, as he watched the anger in her face turn into a look of worry and self-doubt. He knew he needed to set the record straight that he wasn’t really there to see if she was ok.  The real reason he was in her room was because he was proud of her for not taking any crap…and to try and kiss her again. But now she was standing before him in her underwear and his mind seemed to stop working.  His silence must have gone of for too long.

 

Very quietly, she said, “You don’t think I can take care of myself do you?”  Taking two steps back, she moved to his side and sat on the edge of the bed.  Em lowered her head to stare at the floor. “I’ll leave today and go back to Trenton.”

 

Stan physically jerked at her words, jump-starting him into action.  Coming to stand in front of her, he took hold of her shoulders and hauled her to her feet.

 

He shook her slightly to get her attention and make her meet his eyes.  “You, Emily Manoso, are staying with me.” Not wanting to break his intense stare, his eyes bored into hers until he knew she understood he wasn’t just talking about staying in Florida.  Once her eyes were wide with understanding, he continued. “I brought you along because you’re smart and more than capable.” Letting go of one of her shoulders, Stand brought his arm down to snake around her waist and pull her up against him. “You’re staying because I want you,” he paused for effect as his gaze drifted to her mouth, “here,” he finally whispered.

 

Taking his other hand and placing it at the back of her head, Stan lowered his lips to hers.  He just touched them with a soft brush, but that wasn’t enough.  Feeling her start to pull back, the arm holding her head tensed to hold her in place.  Bringing their lips together again, his tongue came out to run along the seam of her closed mouth. He flicked a little to tease, before pulling her bottom lip into his mouth, where his tongue ran back and forth along her smooth velvety skin.  His arm tightened around her waist and he felt her lean into him.  When she parted her lips, he took advantage and his tongue invaded her mouth, sweeping in to do battle with hers.

 

Finally, reluctantly, Stan broke the kiss, but only pulled back slightly, keeping them nose-to-nose. “But right now I had better go because if I don’t,” he swallowed hard and blinked a couple of times, “the way you’re dressed…we might not leave this room for hours and we still have a guest.”

 

Em suddenly realized that she was only wearing her underwear.  And although the sport bra and lady Jockeys weren't particularly sexy, she could feel her face grow warm as they stood silently, staring…waiting.

 

Em broke the eye contact first, by slowly closing her eyes.  After all this time, could he finally…

 

Her thoughts were interrupted when Stan let go of her and moved away.

 

He tried to speak, but he had to clear his throat. “Well, meet us in the kitchen. We have things to go over.  Possible meeting tonight.”

 

Her eyes flew open. “With who?”

 

“Nothing is set up yet. It’s just an idea I have. Come out when you’re dressed,” he couldn’t help it; his eyes scanned her body, “and I’ll tell you about it.” 

 

Em felt the warmth on her face intensify as Stan gave her the once-over. “O…okay,” she managed to stuttered, “but meet with who?”

 

“Angelina Rodriguez,” he said flatly.

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 5

 

Stephanie waited outside the police station for Tank and Lester.  Talking to Tank had been on her list of things to do today since Ranger had called and asked her to speak with Em to see if something was wrong.  He could swear he heard something in her voice and he had a feeling it was something to do with when Mel left.  The problem was, Steph couldn’t find Em…or Stan.

 

Letting out a big sigh, Stephanie wished she could do something to help Em with her guilt.  Even though Emily never talked about it, the guilt was there.  Only Em didn't seem to understand it was there for all of them.

 

The minute Tank walked out the back door of the station he noticed the midnight blue Lexus.  When Mel had said that she made a deal with the Lexus dealer to keep Steph in cars, she hadn't been kidding.   Mel was also right about Steph's motivation to keep taking them.  Stephanie wanted to be sure that when Mel came back, her car, or at least a car, would be waiting.

 

"Hey Bombshell," said Tank as he approached from across the lot, Lester in tow. 

 

Tank stood in front of her, while Lester came up on her side, leaning back on the car, so they were hip to hip, and draped an arm over her shoulders.  Leaning in, he gave her a chaste peck on the cheek. "Hi, Steph."

 

"Hi Tank, Lester.  Have either of you seen Em or Stan?"

 

If she didn't know better, Steph would have sworn that Tank looked sheepish. "Tank?" she questioned, drawing out his name slowly.

 

The large man's shoulders slumped and he let out a large sigh. "They're MIA."

 

Steph's eyes went big. "What?"

 

"Steph," Lester started, "we haven't seen Em or Stan in two days."  He held up a hand to stop the questions he knew would be coming. "We haven't told Ranger, or anyone for that matter, because we are hoping they will be back by the end of the week, or at least before he gets back."

 

A deep chuckle erupted from Tank. "We're wondering if they ran off and got married." Stephanie's eyes about popped out of her head at that comment and Lester started to laugh.

 

"They aren't kids anymore," Tank said, becoming more serious. "As far as I know, they aren't in any trouble and are free to go where they want."

 

"You think that's going to fly with Ranger?" Steph asked, raising her eyebrows.

 

All humor had left Tank's face. "No, probably not.  But that's between me and Ranger."

 

Steph let out her own sigh. Tank was right. Ranger trusted the guys to parent Em as well as he did.  In his absence, he trusted their judgment.  But somehow, Steph didn't think the decision to simply accept Em's disappearance was going to go over too well.  Then Tank's comment about them getting married really sank in, and Steph started to laugh.

 

"I sure the hell wouldn't want to be Stan…having to come back and tell Ranger he married Em."  The guys had tight smiles on their faces while they nodded their heads in agreement. "Well, it would be about time the two of them let each other know how they feel."  The smiles were gone and the agreeing nods stopped. Oops, thought Steph, I wouldn't want to be Stan and have to tell three other "Dads" either.

 

"You both know Stan is a good man and… whether or not he wants to admit it, is in love with Em. We've all noticed it, so don't stand there looking like protective papa bears." She noticed that their jaws were now clenched, so she narrowed her eyes for her pointed question. "Is there anyone else you would accept to be with Em?"

 

Finally, after several beats, she received her answer in the form of lowered shaking heads. "Ok, then." Steph really wanted to laugh but knew better, so she switched her thinking to the problem at hand.  "Where would they go?"

 

Lester looked up suddenly. "LA?" Tank shook his head.

 

The three of them stood there in silence, each thinking their own thoughts when suddenly realization started to dawn on Stephanie.  She remembered her conversation with Stan from last week. They'd had the same conversation many times before, but there was something different this last time.  She closed her eyes as she remembered his parting words.

 

“But it’s not too soon…It’s been too long...I’m not waiting any longer.  If you don’t help me, I have a few others to ask. But even if they say no, I’m still doing it.  I’ll do it by myself.”

 

Not wanting to alert the guys, she forced her words to sound calm even though her mind was now racing. "Well guys," she said as she pushed off the car, "if you think of anything, let me know."  There were things she needed to check out before she'd share her thoughts with these guys, if she did at all.  The last thing anyone needed, especially Mel, was a stampede of people down to Florida.

 

Once in the car and away from the station, Steph picked up her phone and dialed Valerie. "Val, I'm on my way over to your office.  I need your skills as a travel agent to help track down Em and Stan…they're AWOL...before Ranger does…yes," she sighed into the phone, "I saw Lester. Just left him at the station…I don't know. Why don't you call him? Better yet, why don't you two just get married…ok, ok I'll stop…. I'm not as bad as Mom!…fine…see you in a bit."

 

*************************************

 

Em sat on the couch in the living room of their small rental house.  Stan was next to her while Todd was seated in a chair directly across from them.   When she had finally emerged from the bedroom, this is where she found both men.  Stan had patted the couch next to him, so she went and sat by him. For the past 10 minutes, while Todd explained an idea he had, he wouldn't meet her eyes.  For the next 20 minutes, while Stan explained why Todd's idea wouldn't work and finally filled Todd in on the details of their plan, Em tried just about everything but going to stand in front of him to get him to look at her.  He just wouldn't do it.   Her attention snapped back to the conversation when she heard Stan ask Todd the question.

 

"Are you going to help us, or not?"

 

Todd studied Stan, but didn’t dare even glance at Em. He didn’t know if she was still angry or not and right now he didn’t want to find out. Finally deciding, he slowly nodded his head once.

 

“Good,” Stan said, standing quickly. “Now I’m going to go make a call to see if we can meet with a member of the Family.”

 

“What?” Em shouted, jumping to her feet.

 

Stan continued on to the den at the back of the house without response. Suddenly Em realized that left her alone with Todd.  She spun around ready to apologize before he could make it out the front door.  Stopping short, mouth open, she froze when she noticed he had his hand up in a stop gesture.

 

“I’m sorry.  I was being an idiot,” he said flatly.  “ I shouldn’t have said those insulting things to you. It was uncalled for.”

 

“Uhh…ok, but I’m sorry too.”  Em felt a blush creep up her face. “I overreacted.”  She quickly looked down at the floor, suddenly unsure of herself.   When she felt Todd’s soft touch on her chin, she jumped.  He hesitated a moment before continuing on and forcing her to look at him. Em became acutely away of how closely he was standing in front of her.

 

“Hot stuff, you don't have to apologize,” Todd said softly.

 

When Emily met his eyes, she was surprised to see softness to them. Her stomach did a small flip at the intensity of his stare. Panic started to build as Todd lowered to his lips to hers.

 

" Todd, please, " she said as she put her hands on his chest and pushed him back slightly. Blushing furiously, she tried to explain. " Todd, I'm flattered but ... " she stopped abruptly at the sound of Stanley's voice.

 

"What's going on here?" Stan asked.

 

Todd immediately backed away. "Just apologizing, " he offered.

 

Stan came to stand behind Em, putting his arm protectively around her waist. " As long as that's all it was. "

 

**********************************

 

Valerie hung up the phone with a triumphant flair. “I got ‘em!” she exclaimed jumping to her feet. 

 

Stephanie didn’t even bother saying goodbye to the landlord she was talking to, but just hung up the phone when she heard Valerie’s decree of success.

 

Valerie’s initial search brought up 35 people who booked last-minute flights to Long Boat Key from Newark.  Eleven were individuals, which was a possibility, but something had told Steph that they went as a couple.   That left 12 couples to check out.  Splitting the list in half, Val and Steph hit the phones.  Two of the couples they couldn’t get any information on. The other 10, they were working on. 

 

“Are you sure?” Steph asked as she stood and met Val halfway.

 

Looking at her notes, Valerie started to read from the pad of paper.

 

“Mr. Anthony Peters rented a home to a young Hispanic couple…”

 

“It’s Florida Valerie…not uncommon.”

 

Valerie rolled her eyes and gave Stephanie a “don’t be stupid” look.  “Let me finish,” she scolded.  “He said the couple was young, the woman being very pretty but quiet. The man was more talkative, short hair… very muscular…and…had mentioned he was a lawyer.”  Smirking, Val impatiently tapped the pad with her pen.  “Scott and Victoria Edwards.”

 

Stephanie had no clue as to why, but the minute Val had said the name, she knew it was them.  Grabbing the pad from Valerie, she studied it, hoping it would give her some further clue.  Finally, she looked up and said, “Book me the next flight out.”

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 6

 

Stan, Em, and Todd all sat quietly in the living room. No one had said anything for over an hour. Em felt as though she was about to burst. Waiting, especially quietly, was not her strong suit and they had been waiting all afternoon. To top that off, Stan had not left her side since walking in on Todd about to kiss her. Feeling like a caged animal, Em jumped to her feet and started to pace.

 

"Em, you ok?" Em was surprised by the concern she heard in Stan's voice.

 

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little jumpy, that's all."

 

Stan stood and went over to Em. Capturing his moving target by the shoulders, he tried his best to reassure her. "Em, everything is going to be okay."

 

"You don't know that, Stan," Em said nervously. " You invited a member of the family here. How can you say everything will be okay? "

 

"Em," he whispered as he cupped her face with his hands, caressing her face gently with his thumbs. "Trust me, please." They stood, not moving, not even blinking.

 

The ringing of the doorbell broke whatever spell they were under.

 

Stan dropped his hands to his sides and said, "It's time."

 

***************

The rental car that Valerie had managed to get for Stephanie was nice, but not as nice as the Lexus. Stephanie loved the Lexus.

 

This was the third time around the block for Stephanie and she was pretty sure she wouldn't be able to circle too many more times before someone saw her. She just wanted to make sure she had the right house and was hoping there would have been some movement, or something, anything, to let her know they were inside. It looked like she was just going have to go to the door and knock.

 

Parking the car several houses down, Steph angled out of the car and did a quick scan of the block. It seemed to be a modest neighborhood, with modest houses. It was average neighborhood USA. And, that's exactly what they would want.

 

When she left Trenton it was hot, but nothing compared to the mid-afternoon sun in Florida. Slowly making her way to the front door, she hoped this was the right house for no other reason than she really needed a glass of water.

 

Taking a deep breath, Steph knocked lightly on the door and held her breath.

 

When the door finally opened, Stephanie’s stomach fell. Standing there was a young man, but it wasn't Stanley.

 

"Can I help you?" said the attractive, tall blond man.

 

"I'm sorry, I must have the wrong house," said Steph with a little embarrassment in her voice. "I was looking for a ... " she trailed off as something in the living room caught her eye. The man at the door noticed Steph had been trying to see into the room behind him. Quickly shifting his weight, he blocked Stephanie's view, but that was okay; she knew she had the right house.

 

"I'm here to see Stan and Em. Can you tell them I'm here?"  She was confident she had the right house.

 

The facial features of the handsome man suddenly turned hard and cold. "I think you have the wrong house, lady."

 

"I don't think so," Steph said with determination. This guy didn’t know who he was dealing with. "Now tell them I'm here or I’ll do it myself."

 

"Listen lady .."

 

"Don't ‘lady’ me," Steph started as she switched into rhino mode.

 

Out of nowhere, Stan appeared behind Todd. "It's ok, Todd. She won't give up that easy. Steph here is like a pit bull with a bone, can't be put off even when beaten with a stick.”

 

Stephanie narrowed her eyes. "Stan, what are you doing? And where is Em?"

 

Ignoring Stephanie's questions, Stan went ahead with a few of his own. "How did you find us, Stephanie?"

 

"Valerie." That was the only answer she was going to give.

 

"How did you know we were inside? You couldn’t have recognized Todd."

 

Steph realized very quickly that she wasn't going to get anywhere until she answered some questions. But she knew one thing for sure, she wasn't leaving until she got a few answers of her own. "I recognized Em’s pocketbook on that table back there," she said as she made a motion with her head toward the table at the back of the living room. "Now, are you going to let me in and explain what you’re doing?"

 

“I'm here Steph, and everything is okay," came Em’s voice from within the house.  Stephanie gave a sigh of relief when Em appeared.

 

**************************

The Twilight Zone. There was no other explanation for it; Stephanie had to be in the Twilight Zone. When she entered the living room, she had almost laughed at the rag tag players that were gathered. But, when Stan introduced her to Angelina Rodriguez, she almost fell to the floor.

 

Stan had immediately recognized Stephanie's confusion, and had herded her off to another room in the house so he could explain what was going on. Now they were gathered back in the living room and Stephanie was still in shock.

 

Turning to Stan, she repeated the question she knew she had asked a dozen times already. "You really thought you could come down here and pull this off?"

 

Silently, Stan counted to ten before giving the same answer he had given a dozen times before. “Yes. It's a good plan.”

 

Stephanie shook her head. "I guess I should have listened to you when you came to me a few weeks ago. I don't know why I would think that Melanie’s son would do anything less than he says," she said with a snort.

 

Turning her gaze to Angelina, she asked a pointed question that she absolutely had to have the answer to. "Can we trust you?"

 

Angelina was unfazed by the direct question. Actually, she was surprised it hadn’t come up before now. With as much sincerity as she could put into her voice, Angelina answered. "Yes. I don't know how to prove it to you, and I understand your doubt. But Mel saved my life; it's time for me to return the favor."

 

Over the years, Stephanie had come to rely on her instinct, her gut feeling. But this time, she wished she had more to go on. Leaning in and placing her elbows on her knees, hands clasped in front of her, Stephanie had one last thing to say. "If I feel for one second that you screwed us over, you’ll answer to me."

 

The slight Hispanic woman, a physician by trade, had expected nothing less. One thing that Angelina understood all too well was family loyalty. "If I do anything that makes you think I'm less than trustworthy," she said, leaning in to mirror Stephanie’s pose, “then you can have me."

 

 Stephanie was satisfied, for now. There was only one thing left to do. Turning her head toward Stan, she said, “What can I do?”

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 7

 

Steph woke to the smell of fresh coffee. Still hovering in that place between sleep and wakefulness, she snuggled deeper into the blankets.

 

“No, you don’t.”  Groaning, Stephanie rolled away from the voice. “Nice try, but I have coffee here. Mmmm, it tastes good too.”

 

“Stanley, you’re a brat,” she groused. “Now, go away.”

 

“Steph, it’s Saturday. We have lots to do.”

 

Damn, he was right.  As much as she had wanted Saturday to come, she also wanted it to go quickly.  Throwing back the blankets, Stephanie sat up on her makeshift bed and took the steaming cup of coffee from her nephew.

 

“Thanks,” she grumbled.

 

“You’re welcome, Mary Sunshine.”

 

“Bite me,” she said as she stuck her tongue out, just for good measure.  Stanley just laughed as he left her to her morning ritual.

 

She did have plenty to do tonight before the party.  The most important was to keep Tank off her back.  Over the past two days, he’d called her once an hour, sometimes twice.  She knew why he was nervous.  Ranger got back to Trenton yesterday evening and if Tank didn’t produce the whole lot of them soon, she had a feeling the cavalry would be on its way.

 

And that was certainly the last thing they needed.  The five of them spent many hours going over how they were going to get at their target. It was decided that the benefit party that Saturday night, where all Family members were going to be, would be the best time.  It would be easy to cause a distraction, create confusion and then take out their target.

 

Feeling the caffeine start to pulse through her veins, she pushed off the couch and started to pull clothes out of her suitcase.  Today she needed to focus and not worry about Tank. He’d just have to handle whatever was going on back home. Stephanie had bigger problems, her lingering doubts about Angelina's trustworthiness first among them. Could she pull off her part of the plan?  Steph really didn’t know. She was just going to have to trust her.

 

********************************

 

“Valerie, I want to know where they are.”  She could almost see the steam coming out of Ranger’s ears.

 

“Honey, please…” Lester’s words were cut off by the menacing look he received from Valerie.  He knew that when she narrowed her eyes and pinched up her mouth like that, he needed to back off.  Ranger hadn’t a clue.

 

Valerie pushed her chair out from behind her desk, got up, and stiffly walked over to stand in front of a not-so-happy ex-army man.  That didn’t really worry her, because she was a not-so-happy burg woman.  She heard Lester groan and inwardly smirked.  He knew what was coming.

 

“Listen to me, you overgrown muscle head, you don’t come into my place of business and start demanding things from me.”  Val took a step closer and poked her finger at his chest. “If you need something, you ask, nicely. It’s what I expect from my children, and it should go unsaid that I expect it from my adult friends, too.”

 

Ranger closed his eyes briefly, then opened them and looked at Lester.  That was so the wrong thing to do.  Although, Lester had to admit he was proud of Valerie.  She was not the same timid divorcee he met five years ago. 

 

“What the hell was that?” Valerie screeched.  “Don’t you dare look at him as if to say ‘control your woman’!”

 

Ranger’s head snapped back to look at Val, a shocked expression written clearly on his face.

 

Narrowing her eyes, she went on. “And if you were looking for back-up, forget it.  I can take both of you on…and win.”  She crossed her arms in a “go ahead and try me” gesture.

 

With military precision, Ranger turned and walked out the door, closing it gently behind him.  A minute of silence pasted before Lester and Valerie heard loud clanging noises, like trashcans colliding, coming from the alley.  The sounds went on for a few minutes and then stopped.

 

Another minute of silence and Ranger came into view at the front of the building.  He opened the door and walked in, ending up in front of Valerie again.

 

“Valerie,” he said calmly, “do you know where my daughter is?”

 

*******************************

 

Steph sat in the driver’s seat of the Lincoln Navigator with her hands so tight around the steering wheel her knuckles were white.  This was it.  There was no turning back now.   They had prepared all afternoon. There was nothing more any of them could do.  She chanced a sideways glance at Stan and could see the tension stringing his body.  He was sitting stick-straight, eyes darting around ever watchful, and concentrating on what was being said through mics.  Em and Todd were at the party as guests and Angelina had secured an invitation for them. Timing was everything, and it all rested with the three people on the inside.

 

It was killing Steph to be parked so far away. She wanted closer to the action, but this was the plan and she was sticking to it.  Angelina had just arrived with Juan, Jose and Mel.   Now it was just a matter of waiting for the signal.  Waiting was never Stephanie’s strong suit.  Settling in, she tried to get comfortable.

 

Stan looked over at Stephanie and had to snicker.  They had been sitting there for hours and now she was asleep. He’d heard the stories about her falling asleep on stakeouts, but had never seen her in action…or inaction.   His amused thoughts came to a halt when he heard Todd over the mic.

 

“They are moving toward the door.”

 

“Steph,” Stan nudged her, “wake up. Get ready.”

 

Steph snapped awake. “Huh? Ok.”  She found her earpiece and pushed it in her ear.  There was some crackling and then Todd’s voice whispered in her ear.

 

“It’s time to move. They are saying their final goodbyes.”

 

Stan quickly opened the door and slid out of the SUV. “Remember, wait at the end of drive, behind the tree, lights off.”

 

“Ok.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound as scared as she felt.  After one nod, Stan slipped away into the darkness.  Saying a quick prayer, Steph started the engine and slowly rolled away from the curb.

 

*************************************

 

Angelina was jumpy and she had a feeling Juan had noticed.  She was standing with Juan, Jose and Mel, saying their goodbyes to the hosts of the benefit party. Every so often, her eyes would scan the small groups of people gathered at the entrance.  When she noticed Todd had moved into one of the groups and was looking directly at her, she felt her heart start to pound in her chest.  She glanced in the other direction and noticed Em.  This was it.

 

The four of them made their way to the front door. About halfway there, Angelina said she had forgotten her purse and she’d just be a minute to go back and get it.  When she went back into the ballroom, her purse was right where she left it on the table next to the door.  Walking over to grab it, she took her time. Em was supposed to bring over Senator Evans. The timing of this part of the plan was everything.  Reaching the table and with no Em in sight, Angelina lingered and then started looking around on the floor as if she had dropped something.  She straightened when she heard someone behind her clear their throat.

 

“Dr. Rodriguez, did you lose something?”

 

“Senator Evans!” she exclaimed. “What a nice surprise. No, I found what I was looking for.”

 

The Senator turned as if to say something to someone at his side, but there was no one there. “Well, that’s odd. There was a young lady who said I was needed at the office, but now she’s gone,” he said as he scanned the crowd.

 

“Oh, maybe she thought you were someone else. Besides, now I have the pleasure of chatting with you.”  Angelina smiled brightly at the old man.  When he returned in kind, she moved things along. “Senator, did you get to say hello to my brothers this evening?”

 

“No, dear, I hadn’t seen them.”

 

“Well you wait right here, I’ll go get them.”  Angelina scurried out to the lobby and gently touched Juan’s arm.

 

“Juan, Senator Evans is just inside the door. He’d like to say hi.  Probably a good idea for appearances,” she whispered.  Juan threw her a look that said it wasn’t worth his time. “Juan, it will only take a few minutes and would be good for Family image.”

 

Juan studied her silently for several seconds and she was sure he knew, her heart skipped a beat, but finally he motioned to Jose to follow him.  Turning back to Mel he ordered that she get the car and they’d meet her in a few minutes.  With a sigh of relief, Angelina watched the two men make their way back into the ballroom.  Part one down, part two to go, she thought to herself.

 

“Let’s get the car, Mel.”

 

The women stepped outside to find no available valet.

 

********************************

 

She was going to throw up.  Stephanie’s stomach was in knots and she was sure she was going to lose her lunch waiting for the signal.  Before she could react, the back door lock was popped and someone was in the back seat with their hand over her mouth.

 

“Relax, Babe, ok?” came the familiar voice, and it didn’t sound happy.  Stephanie just nodded her head.

 

Ranger let go of her and watched as she visibly tried to gain control of herself. “Damn it Ranger, I don’t have time for this.”

 

“I kind of figured that. But I’m here now, so I’m in.” She knew that tone. This was not up for debate.

 

*********************************

 

“I can’t believe that old man is still alive,” said Juan to his younger brother as they left the party once again.

 

Jose gave a small laugh. “Yeah, but he’s good for the wholesome image.”  Juan just nodded silently.

 

They stepped outside and noted their car sitting waiting for them.  Juan gave a quick glance and noticed that Mel was in the back seat.  The image of her in that little dress she wore tonight flashed in his mind and made his gut tighten with need.

 

About halfway down the sidewalk he heard Angelina behind him.  “Don’t leave without me.”

 

“You were supposed to be getting the car with Mel,” Jose grumbled.

 

Angelina gave him the patented little sister look of “are you stupid”. 

 

“Can’t a girl take a potty break?”

 

Just as Angelina finished speaking, the three of them were thrown backwards as the car in front of them exploded into a ball of flame. It took a few seconds for the initial shock to wear off, but Angelina was trying to scramble towards the burning car on her knees.   As she felt a hand grab her leg and hold her back, she stretched out one arm and screamed “Mel!”

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 8

So lately, been wondering
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone you'll need love to light the shadows on your face
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then between the sand and stone, could you make it on your own

If I could, then I would,
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go

And maybe, I'll find out
A way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you, through the darkest of your days
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you

Run away with my heart
Run away with my hope
Run away with my love

I know now, just quite how,
My life and love may still go on
In your heart, in your mind, I'll stay with you for all of time

The Calling - Wherever You Will Go

***********************************************

 

Jose held Angelina and watched as Juan barked orders into the phone.  The Fire Department had arrived and put out the fire. And of course, the police were everywhere, along with the media. All that was left of the vehicle was a charred frame. 

 

“I don’t care what time it is in California! NO ONE tries a hit on our family and gets away with it. Get me the information now!”  Juan violently flipped his cell phone closed, then hesitated for a brief second before letting out a frustrated scream and throwing his phone into the parking lot. He spun around to face a still trembling Angelina and a very unhappy Jose.

 

Through clenched teeth he said, “You need to go to California to find out if the Damingo’s did this.”

 

Angelina felt Jose tense, and watched as the youngest son’s stare tried to burn holes into his older brother.  She knew Juan and Jose had knocked heads over some recent family dealings, but to what extent, she wasn’t sure. It was rumored that Jose wanted to take over the family business and was trying to oust Juan

 

“No,” replied Jose calmly. “The people we have in place can handle getting the information. There are other, more important things to take care of here.”  With a protective arm still wrapped around his sister, he started to move them towards a waiting cab.

 

As they passed Juan, Jose paused and looked him directly in the eye. And what he said was barely above a whisper, but Angelina heard it clear as day.

 

“The time has come,” was all Juan said before continuing on to the cab.

 

*********************************

 

Ranger couldn’t believe what he had witnessed.  No one had said anything in the car, except for Ranger giving directions to Stephanie to drive to a hotel. Before he had left Trenton, he had Tank get some rooms at a local hotel.  At the time, not knowing what Stan had planned, he knew it wouldn't hurt to have someplace to go just in case. Using one of the back entrances to the hotel, the group made their way to the rooms quickly.

 

Stan came to stand in front of Ranger as Ranger entered his room. “I want to be here.”

 

Em came up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder and he stiffened. “Stan,” she said softly.  He turned to look at her, relaxing slightly.  “Let’s go get cleaned up.”  When he didn’t move she said, “Please.” 

 

Giving in, he nodded, but said to Ranger, “I want to know…”

 

“You will,” Ranger said, cutting him off.  The two men stood there having a silent conversation. Finally, Stan walked past Ranger and out of the room.

 

Moving to the bed, Ranger gently put Mel down and settled into place next to her. No way was he leaving her side…ever again.

 

His thoughts shifted and he looked down at the sleeping woman next to him. He was still in shock that she was right there.  Shaking his head to clear his mind, he knew he needed to process what had just happened and focusing on his relationship with Mel would have to come later. First, he needed to talk to Stan, so he could figure out what needed to be done next.

 

Slipping from the bed, Ranger walked over and knocked on the door that joined to the room next door.  The locked clicked and the door slowly opened.

 

"Smart idea…adjoining rooms," Steph said as her gaze wandered past Ranger to the woman on the bed.  "How is she?"

 

"Seems to be fine right now.  Did you bring any extra clothes?"  If they had to move, Mel would be less memorable if she wasn't in the sequined dress.  Carrying her in had been risky enough.

 

"Yeah," Steph said as she motioned with her head for Ranger to follow. After a few seconds of digging through an overnight bag, Steph pulled out a t-shirt and shorts.  Starting back towards Ranger’s room, she said, "I'll get her changed."

 

Ranger wanted to argue but didn't.  It was probably best that Stephanie took care of it.  So he sat on the edge of the bed, but after a few seconds of feeling helpless, he headed back to his room.  At least he could offer to help. When he reached the doorway he cleared his throat to get Stephanie's attention.

 

Stephanie didn't even turn around. "Good, come help me roll her over."  Between the two of them, they managed to get Mel into more comfortable clothing in a relatively short amount of time.

 

Before leaving the room, she gave Ranger a warning message. "I'll leave you alone with her and I'll keep Stan away, as long as you promise to let us know the minute she wakes up." Ranger nodded once and that satisfied her. Now all she had to do was get Stanley to agree.

 

After Stephanie left, Ranger just sat in a chair and watched Mel sleep.  For an hour his eyes never left her still body.   Finally he couldn't take it anymore.  He stood, stripped to his boxers and climbed in under the covers with her.

 

As he moved up next to her, she softly moaned and rolled over into his arms. She settled her head on his shoulder and threw her arm over his chest.  Waiting to see if she would wake up, he laid perfectly still. Once she stopped moving, he brought one arm up around her shoulder and the other on top of hers across his chest.  While trying to settle in, he let out a big sigh. He knew he had her now.

 

When Mel made a few more sleepy moans, he became still again.  When he looked down, he was surprised to see her staring up at him.

 

She gave him the soft smile he had burned into his memory. "Mmm, Ranger, when did you get home?" she asked sleepily as she tried to snuggle closer. He didn't need to worry about responding because she went right out after asking.

 

He lay there quietly, listening to his heart pound in his chest as he tried to get his breathing back under control.  Sure, she was drugged up and out of it, but asking when he got home? Did that mean all these years she had been thinking of him? He had worked long and hard at suppressing any hope of a future together, but right now, he couldn't stop some of that hope from making its way back.

 

***********************************

 

The minute Mel started to wake up, she knew something was wrong, and it was more than just the excruciating pain in her head.  She tried to sit up, but let out a loud moan when she was pulled gently back down to the bed.    Keeping her eyes closed, she brought her hands to her head because she was sure it was about to explode. 

 

Lying there silently, she prayed that whoever was with her was a good guy.    Her brain tried to reach back and remember what happened, but even thinking hurt.

 

"Gorgeous?"  Mel sucked in a breath and held it.  No, it couldn't be, she thought.  "Melanie?"  It sure as hell sounded liked it.

 

She squeezed her closed eyes tighter and started to shake her head, which turned out to be a huge mistake.  Stopping the movement immediately, she moaned "Oh, damn."

 

Ranger chuckled softly. "Are you going to open your eyes, Gorgeous?"  All she could manage was a very slow, side-to-side motion with her head.  "No?" he asked softly.  Another slow head movement was her only answer. "Why not?"

 

"Because, if I," she stopped to wince at the sound of her own voice.  "Because this is a dream and you'll be gone if I open my eyes," she said slowly in a whisper.

 

Ranger felt a tightening around his heart.  Closing his own eyes for a second, he tried to reign in some of the hope he was feeling.  With great care, he brought a hand to Mel's face.  She jerked at the contact. "This is a dream all right, but not the kind you're thinking of."

 

Mel put her hands down at her sides, and with one last small prayer that this wasn’t a cruel joke she opened her eyes.

 

***********************

 

"I can't believe he did that!" Stan shouted, as he paced around the hotel room while Em and Todd looked on.

 

Todd had had about enough. Stan had been ranting since they got to the hotel. Standing, he went over and stopped his friend in his tracks. "Look, you did the right thing.  Obviously, by the fact we are in this hotel room, Ranger had done some contingency planning before coming.  He knew what he was doing, even before he knew what we were doing."   Putting his hands on Stan's shoulders, Todd continued. "We got her. Mission accomplished." 

 

Stan's body sagged as he let the tension out of his body. "You're right. Man, you're right."

 

"Yep, always am," Todd said jokingly. " Steph said she was fine and probably not going to be awake for awhile. Ranger will come get us. I'm going to my room."   Turning to Em, Todd gave her a kiss on the forehead and whispered, "You did great. You're an amazing woman, Hot Stuff." He pulled back to see a surprised expression on her face.  He turned to glance at Stan who was just standing in the middle of the room rubbing the back of his neck. Looking back at Em, he said, "Now go be amazing for him," then turned and left.

 

Stan opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was a pair of sexy legs wearing some seriously sexy high heels.  His gaze made its way slowly upward, over the tight-in-all-the-right-places red cocktail dress, until finally locking on a beautiful pair of warm, inviting brown eyes.

 

Em gave him a small smile. "We did it."

 

That's all it took to break his control.  Between the rage he was feeling toward Ranger and the euphoria of having Mel back, he couldn't control the pent-up emotion he had for Em.

 

He roughly grabbed and hauled her up against him.  Not bothering to find out what her reaction might be, he hungrily brought his lips down to hers.  One of his arms snaked around her waist and the other went to the back of her head to hold her in place.

 

Greedily his mouth attacked hers.  The polite moves of asking for entrance were gone.  Stan lightly bit down on her lower lip to get them to part, and the second they did his tongue swept in.  His hand tightened in her hair, pushing her forward. He was trying to get closer, trying to taste more, trying to…god he wanted her.

 

There was a knock at the door and they both ignored it.  Somehow it only seemed to increase the intensity of their actions. Hands started to roam and moans escaped from both of them.  When Stan's hands reached Em's ass, he gently squeezed and then lifted.  Her legs immediately came up to wrap around his waist.

 

There was more knocking on the door as Stan started to walk both of them toward the far wall, never breaking their kiss.  Once Em's back hit the wall he pressed his body firmly up against hers to hold her there, freeing his hands for other endeavors. 

 

The knocking stopped and Stan concentrated on the smooth feel of Em's thighs as his fingers ran across the lace of her stockings.  He was just working her skirt higher when he registered the faint click of a lock being picked.

 

A growling voice got their attention. "Emily Manoso… Stanley Empaleo."

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 9

 

Melanie blinked several times before she was able to focus.  The room was mostly dark except for the thin stream of light filtering in from the bathroom.  But it was enough to clearly see the face of the man she left behind five years ago; the man she had fallen in love with… and walked away from.

 

Silently, she lifted a hand to his cheek.  She watched closely as Ranger slowly closed his eyes and let go of all the pent up tension he had been holding.   Mel swallowed big to get past the lump that has formed in her throat.  Oh my god, she thought as she closed her own eyes, what we had had been real.  After all these years she had started to think she had made it all up. 

 

A calm feeling swept over her as her breathing steadied.  She didn’t even jump when Ranger’s hand touched her face this time. Somehow, she had expected it.  Opening her eyes when she felt his warm breath, she met his gaze and felt all the hollow places inside her start to fill.  All the places she closed off began to open.  Mel knew the ache she felt in her chest was her heart and soul desperately trying to reach out to this man, to try and get back what it has given up all those years ago.

 

Ranger lowered his head until his lips gently brushed hers.  Mel’s hand went to the back of his head as he gave her a series of soft, lingering closed mouth kisses.  When he tried to lift away, Mel’s arm tensed as an indicator for him not to move.  They stayed there motionless, eyes locked, as whatever it was inside that made them so powerful as a couple, reconnected.

 

Mel knew the silent conversation was over when Ranger’s eyes changed from hope and relief to desire, longing and love.  When his lips met hers again, there was nothing soft about it.  The minute they touched, his tongue sought entrance and she willingly gave it.

 

For a split second, Ranger broke the kiss to reposition himself.   He moved from sitting at her side to covering her entire body with his.   Then forcefully brought his mouth down on to hers and started the kiss again. 

 

Melanie felt all his need and urgency in that kiss and she returned it in kind.  Their tongues met and mingled.  She moaned as she tried to taste more of him.  His smell, his touch, the feel of him, was something she had clung to every day for the past five years. 

 

Ranger suddenly broke the kiss again, pulling back just far enough to see her entire face. “I told Stanley I’d get him the minute you woke up.”

 

Stan. Her eyes went wide as she pushed at Ranger’s shoulders, effectively getting him off her and over to the side, then sat up in one quick movement.  The minute she did it, she regretted it.   Her head pounded once she righted herself.

 

“Slow down,” Ranger said as he came to support her from behind.  He replaced her hands at her temples with his, and started to gently rub.

 

“Ranger,” Mel whispered. “I think you better tell me what happened.”

 

“I’d love to, Gorgeous.” Mel let out a long sigh when she heard the endearment. Oh, how she had missed it. “But I really don’t know.  I forced my way into the end of the operation.”

 

Melanie stopped his hands and he lowered them to hug her around the waist, putting his chin on her shoulder.

 

“Who does know?”

 

She felt, more than heard Ranger sigh. “Stanley would be my guess.”

 

“Then you better go get my son.”

 

 

***************************************

 

Ranger knocked on Stan’s hotel room door but there was no response.  He heard what sounded like movement on the inside.  Yep, someone was definitely in that room.  Knocking again, he thought he heard someone’s voice, but couldn’t really make it out.

 

Quickly picking the lock, he then pulled his gun from where it was tucked in the back of his pants.  Slowly opening the door, he came to a standstill at what he saw.

 

“Emily Manoso… Stanley Empaleo,” he growled.

 

Ranger took little comfort in the fact that the minute Stan had heard the voice, he had lowered Emily and was standing protectively in front of her, although he had no weapon.

 

All three stood silently until Stan realized that Ranger had come for a reason.

 

“She awake?” he asked as he stepped away from Emily.

 

Ranger nodded once, scowl firmly in place.

 

Taking another step, Stan asked, “She ok?”

 

Nodding again, Ranger fixed his intimidating stare on his daughter.

 

Without another word, Stan decidedly headed for the door. Just as he came up on Ranger, he found the large man’s hand on his chest.  Instinctively, Stan hands shot up to grab at the wrist, but he stopped himself short of trying to twist the arm in any sort of defensive move.

 

Through clenched teeth Ranger said, “We’ll talk about this later.”

 

Stan turned his head to met Ranger’s stare. With steely determination, Stan replied, “There’s nothing to talk about. I love her.”  With that, he removed Ranger’s hand and started toward the door again, but stopped when he heard Emily shriek.

 

“What?”

 

In that instant, Stan knew he had made a mistake.  He couldn't rectify it completely right now, but he'd have to do something. Turning back, he strode past Ranger and right up to Emily. 

 

Roughly, he grabbed Emily by the shoulders to hold her still as he gave her the most passionate kiss he could muster.  Breaking it off, he held her at arm’s length. “Emily, I love you. Do you love me?”  He waited the few seconds it took for her to nod. She seemed to be too shocked to talk. Good.

 

“Good. You know I’ve been in love with you since the first time I laid eyes on you?” Stan paused again but this time Em shook her head. “Well, I have been.  I love you and your mine and I’m yours. We’ll talk about all this later, but now I need to go see Mel.”

 

It seemed that all Emily did was blink and he was gone.  She wasn’t even totally sure if what had just happened, really happened.  Swinging her “deer in headlights” look over to her father, she noticed that he didn’t look as angry anymore. No, he actually looked slightly amused.

 

“Come on, Pumpkin. Let’s go round up the troops,” he said as he held out his hand.

 

Still in a trance and unable to speak, Em walked over and took her father’s hand. Once he had her, Ranger pulled her close for a hug.

 

“Dad?”

 

“Yeah, Baby?”

 

“He loves me.” Ranger heard the shock in her voice. God help him.  His baby was in love.

 

“Yes, Baby, he does.”

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 10

 

Mel sat there stunned.  She wasn’t sure what to do with the information Stan just told her.  Blinking almost uncontrollably, she started to shake her head.

 

“No, no…wait,” she said.  “Back up.  Tell me again how you started this whole thing?”

 

Stan let out a sigh and reached across the small hotel room table and took Mel’s hand in his.  Everyone else just shifted as if it was suddenly uncomfortable to be in the room.

 

“Mel, I had the plan mapped out but realized I needed inside help. I took a chance on Angelina.”

 

“That was a very big chance, Stanley,” she half scolded.

 

He nodded. “Yes, I know that.”  A smile broke out on his face and he gave her hand a light squeeze. “But it was well worth it.”

 

Mel’s stern look turned soft as she returned her son’s smile.  But she wasn’t distracted for long. “So you call Angelina and get her to help. Then you call him,” she motioned to Todd. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten about you. You’re not off the hook.”

 

Todd gave a halfhearted snort. “Whatever, Mel. You love me and you know it,” he said teasingly as a smug grin appeared.

 

Mel jabbed her index finger in his direction and let out her own snort as she turned her attention back to Stan. “So then Mr. Smartass shows up,” she continued with a jerk of her head in Todd’s direction, “and he thinks you’re planning to kill me. Which you are, of course…well, sort of anyway.”  She pauses as she takes in the rest of the bodies in the room.

 

Her eyes settled on Stephanie, who was sitting in the corner chair digging through her pocketbook, not really paying attention.

 

“Todd decides he wants to help, but can’t really go through with killing me. So, he comes the house and tries to get you to change your plan.  While you’re telling him what the real plan is, Angelina shows up. Then, while you’re going over everything with all assembled parties, that one,” Mel pointed to Stephanie, “shows up…unexpected.”  Todd nodded his head.

 

Turning toward Stephanie, Mel gave her a hard stare. “You and Val found Em and Stan.”  With one hand still in her pocketbook, Steph looked up and gave a small quick nod.

 

Mel nodded back and switched her look to Ranger. “You came home from Boston and tried to bully Val into telling you where Em, Stan, and Steph were.”  She tried to hide the smirk that was playing on her lips. “But,” she tried to hold back a laugh but it didn’t work. “Val ended up putting you in your place and then told you where to… ahem…go.” Ranger was leaning against the wall and gave her a soft, playful smile. One that said he was laughing right along with her.  Their eyes locked for a brief second, smiles fading.  His eyes turned dark with need and she felt desire shoot right through her.    Oh, it had been a really long time and she couldn’t wait to completely reconnect with Ranger.

 

With great effort she looked back at Stan. “Then last night, Em and Todd were posing as guests to report my movements.  Angelina orchestrated our locations.  When she and I stepped out to get the car, there was no valet. You had him tied up around back.” Stan smiled and nodded again. “This is where things get fuzzy.”

 

Mel shifted in her chair, not really looking at anyone, more like staring into the distance, trying hard to remember. “Once we stepped outside, I felt a sharp prick on my arm. When I looked down, Angelina was pulling a needle from my arm.”  Mel sat forward in her chair, hands clasped in front of her, concentrating on the floor.  Slowly she started to speak. “I remember looking at Angelina and trying to ask her what the hell she was doing, but I couldn’t get my mouth to work.”  She stopped, obviously struggling with the memory. “Then I remember the car pulling up and…” she trailed off, lost in thought.

 

Her eyes went wide and she looked up at Stan. “You were driving the car.”  She stopped and her eyes focused on the table. Suddenly her gaze flew back to Stan. “I passed out but you already had the Jane Doe body in the car.”  Stan’s expression was now serious.

 

Mel sat back in her chair, hands hanging loosely from the armrest. “Steph pulled up and we all got in the car.  You exploded the remote device from a block away.”  Everyone was silent for several minutes.

 

A thought suddenly struck Melanie. “What if they find…”

 

“There were two bombs. One by the gas tank and the other in the lap of Jane Doe.”  Mel blinked. “If there were anything left, it would be unrecognizable and untraceable,” Stan finished quietly.

 

The room went silent again, everyone seemingly lost in their own thoughts.  All eyes focused on Mel when she quickly stood. “Well, Stanley,” she started, but was startled to a stop when Stan also jumped to his feet.

 

"I'd do the same exact thing again, in a heartbeat," he blurted out while taking a defensive stance.

 

Her gaze softened as she studied the man she had come to love and think of as her son.  Lifting her hand and placing it on his face, she began to gently run her thumb across his cheek. "There isn't one second that I've spent with you that I would change," she offered softly.   Dropping her hand, she let a small grin show. "Even when you drug me and fake my death."

 

"Hey, it got you out, didn't it?  Second time's a charm, Mom." He smiled big.  Mel rolled her eyes.

 

Turning, her eyes scanned each person in the room.  When her look fell on Em she noticed that the young woman looked like she was in shock.  Em was also staring intently at Stan.

 

Mel made her way over the Em and held out a hand.  Em blinked in confusion, but eventually smiled, took the offered hand and stood.  Melanie wasted no time pulling her into a tight hug.

 

Whispering into Em's ear, Mel said, "You're a beautiful woman."  She paused and gave a slight squeeze. "You're also involved with my son."  Feeling Em stiffen, Mel continued quickly. "And if he ever hurts you, you let me know and I'll kick his ass."

 

Em let out a choked laugh as Mel pushed back. "I'm serious. Ok?"

 

Smiling, Em nodded her head. "I know you are.  But you'd have to get in line behind me." Both women laughed.

 

Mel walked to the middle of the room. "I don't know how to thank all of you."   Her eyes slid over to look at Ranger. "Well, except maybe you."

 

Ranger smiled big.

 

Stephanie rolled her eyes.

 

Todd laughed.

 

Emily blushed.

 

Stan whined, "Mel!"

 

Melanie ignored them all.  There was something else they needed to know and now was as good a time as any.  "Of course, as much as I appreciate all you did, all you risked…I can't play dead."  The room went dead silent and Mel could feel all eyes were on her.

 

Then suddenly, as if someone flipped a switch, everyone started talking at once.

 

 

************************************************************

 

 

Mel emerged from the bathroom fresh from a shower, rubbing her hair with a towel.  After her little announcement, Ranger had basically kicked everyone out of the room, telling them that they would discuss all the consequences of the operation and what comes next, once they got back to Trenton. Until then, everybody should get some rest because they would be leaving early the next day for Miami to lay low for a few days.

 

She plopped on the end of the bed holding the wet towel in her lap.  Her brain was still having trouble processing what had happened.  The soft click of the electronic door lock brought her back to the present.  She hopped to her feet realizing for the first time that she didn't have a weapon.

 

Ranger's large frame filled the doorway and she visibly relaxed.  "I just realized I don't have a gun," she said as she sat back down on the bed.

 

"I'll take care of it," Ranger offered as he went to sit down beside her.  She could feel his eyes raking up and down her body.  The white generic terry bathrobe was probably doing wonders for his imagination, she thought wryly.

 

When his hand touched her wet hair, she turned to meet his eyes. "Do you understand what I was saying?…about not playing dead?" she whispered. He studied her seriously for several long seconds.

 

"I don't want to, but yes, I understand."

 

Closing her eyes, Mel let out a sigh. She felt Ranger's hand move to the back of her neck. Starting to gently rub, he tried to work all the tension out of her muscles.

 

"I talked with Todd. He's going to stay behind for a day or two."  Mel opened her eyes and looked questioningly at Ranger.  Shrugging he continued,  "All he said was he wanted to make sure Angelina was going to be ok."

 

Melanie's eyebrows drew together for a seriously confused look.  Then, the light bulb went on and her eyes went wide. "Really," she stretched out the word.  Ranger chuckled. But then her shoulders slumped. "He can't get involved with them."

 

Moving up behind Mel, Ranger kneeled and started to work her shoulders. "He's not. Not yet anyway.  He said he's going to hang out just in case she needs to be extracted.  I gave him my number to call and I'm bringing Bobby down.  He'll be fine."

 

"When will this ever end?" She started to rub her eyes with the heels of her hands.  Ranger's hands slid under the robe and started to push it down off her shoulders. When she felt his warm lips on her skin she finally relaxed. 

 

Kissing his way up to her ear, he whispered, "Let's go to bed, Gorgeous."

 

Lifting off the bed, Mel tried to head over to the suitcase Stephanie had given her earlier.  Strong arms stopped her progress. "Where are you going?" Ranger growled right before his mouth latched on to her neck once again.

 

Laughing slightly, Mel placed her hands over his, which were around her waist. "I was going to put some pajamas on."

 

"I think," he started as his hands worked the knot at the front of her robe, "that you're fine the way you are."   Freeing the belt of its knot, he moved in and splayed his hands on her stomach. "Oh god, Mel," he breathed. "I…I've…" he trailed off, resuming with the wet opened mouth kisses.

 

Leaning back into his embrace, Mel lifted a hand to cup the back of his head. "I know Ranger. I've missed you too, but…" Ranger immediately stopped the work his lips had been engaged in.

 

Bringing his mouth directly to her ear, he said, "What?  Tell me, Gorgeous. You can tell me."

 

Mel pulled away from his grip and turned to face him.  Her robe was now untied and she grasped the front, one side in each hand.  "I want you to know that I never…I never let Juan…he never touched me.  Not that he didn't try, but I hurt him…hurt him bad." Her head dropped and she stared at the floor. "But not before he hurt me first."

 

She could feel the anger roll off him in waves. His jaw was clenched tight and his stare penetrating.  "Where?"  He growled again, but this time it was not with passion.

 

Slowly, Mel opened the robe and let it drop to the floor.   His eyes clinically searched her body, starting at the top.  They came to a stop low on her abdomen.  Next to the first scar she had received at the hand of Juan, was another one, a new one, more to the left and trailing down to just inside her thigh. 

 

Mel jumped when Ranger moved off the bed.  His face was tight with anger, hands fisted at his side. "Maybe I'll stay behind with Todd," he seemed to say to himself.

 

"Ranger…" she started to plead but stopped when he dropped to his knees in front of her.  Grabbing her tenderly by the hips, he focused on the newer mark.  Eventually, he ran a hand slowly over it and Mel closed her eyes at the soft touch. 

 

She made some sort of indistinguishable noise when he placed his first kiss at the top of the scar.  Following the line downward, he placed small soft kisses along its length.  When finished, he straightened and laid his head on her stomach, bringing his arms around her waist. 

 

The two of them stayed there, silent, her standing, with him on his knees hugging her midsection, as she gently started to stroke his silky hair.

 

Warning: Smut

 

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 11

 

The minute Mel woke, her thoughts drifted back to the night before.  He had hugged her so tight, for so long, she was the one who finally broke the spell and got him to bed.  Even then he wouldn’t let her go.  For some reason, after she showed Ranger the scar, and watched his reaction to it, having sex didn’t seem right.

 

Just as when they first met, their intimacy was gained by spending nights in each other’s arms sleeping.  And that’s exactly what she woke up from.  Ranger, literally, hadn’t let go of her since the night before.  But now, she had to use the bathroom.

 

Quietly, she slipped from the bed and into the bathroom without waking him up.  There had always been a sense of pride when she did that in the past, and now was no different.  Going about her business, she finished up quickly and opened the bathroom door with every intention of getting right back into bed. Gasping, she stopped short when she nearly ran into a wall of muscle.

 

“Gorgeous,” he said while grabbing her around the waist, “you really need to stop doing that.”  As he pulled her naked body up against his naked body, she instinctively brought her hands up to rest, palms flat, on his chest.

 

“Do what?” she asked, feigning innocence.

 

“Leaving me naked and alone in bed.”

 

“What would you have me do?”

 

A low growl emitted from deep within him before he answered. “This,” he said as his free arm came down to wrap low around her butt.  Then, with what seemed liked very little effort, he lifted her off the ground.  Immediately she brought her legs up to wrap around his waist.

 

She couldn’t help but moan when his mouth met hers for a fierce kiss. His tongue wasted no time as it forced its way in.  Ranger let out his own moan when their tongues touched and mingled.

 

Without breaking the kiss, he turned and walked until he had her backed up against the wall.  Pushing him back, Mel started to laugh. “What are you doing?”

 

A wolf grin appeared on his face. “I caught Em and Stan like this yesterday.” Mel’s eyes went wide. “Right after that, he said he loved her.” Mel sported a huge smile.

 

“It’s about time.”  Ranger frowned slightly.  “Oh, come on,” she said teasingly as she brought a hand up to cup his cheek. “You know as well as I do that Em had her eyes on Stan from the moment they met. I think Stan noticed her too, but was too cool to let on back then.”  Ranger’s scowl eased as he chuckled, nodding his head.  Their eyes never wandered, but stayed locked on each other as their amused expressions slid into something more serious.

 

“Anyway, I was hoping this position might work the same magic for me,” he said quietly. Mel’s brows drew together in a questioning look for a split second before turning into one of surprise. 

 

Before she had time to react, Ranger placed his mouth on hers and proceeded to kiss her senseless.  His tongue invaded her mouth in a rhythm that his hips seemed to pick up on.  She could feel his erection pressing against her hot center.

 

Once again Melanie tried to stop the kiss, but with each push on his shoulder or tug on his hair, he only pushed harder against her.  Every move she made seemed to increase his determination to keep their mouths connected.  Finally, she bit his tongue.

 

Pulling back sharply, he looked at her in surprise. When all he noticed was a sly smile, he started to bring his head back down to start again.

 

“Wait,” she breathed while taking in his sexy smile and dark eyes. “Don’t we have to leaving for Miami soon?”  She watched as he studied her and fought with himself.

 

Letting out one very deep, low, frustrated growl, he slowly began to lower her, letting her naked body sensually rub against his, until her feet hit the ground.  Placing a hand on each side of her face, he leaned in for another kiss, practically attacking her mouth.  Then, in the blink of an eye, he was gone.  Mel was barely able to keep herself standing after the loss of his support. She slumped against the wall, brain fuzzy and senses on overload. At the sound of his voice, she snapped back to reality.

 

“There’s been a change of plans,” he said into the phone, eyes fixed on the desk. “Steph, Stan and Em will fly to Miami first. Get them settled in the hotel.”  Suddenly he looked up and caught her stare. “ Then send the plane back. Mel and I will follow later this afternoon.” There were several seconds of silence and then he laughed. “We’ll be fine,

Tank and you’re right, we won’t want to be disturbed.”  Turning his back to her, he made some notes on the hotel stationery.

 

That’s when it hit her.  In that small moment during their brief exchange of looks, there was something in the tone of his voice and in his eyes that made her aware of the deep feelings she held for this man. Suddenly, she was all too conscious of her love for him. And it scared her to death.

 

Finally, there were a few non-distinct grunts from him and the phone called ended when he flipped his phone shut.  Ranger turned around to start back over to where Mel was still standing against the wall, when he stopped in his tracks.

 

“What?” He sounded as scared as she looked.  When she didn’t respond he took another step but stopped again when she held out her hand, palm up.

 

Shaking her head, she looked down at the carpet. “Give me a second.”

 

He watched as she began to pull herself together, reining in whatever thoughts and emotions had spun out of control.  It took several long minutes, but she finally lowered her arm and pushed off the wall.  Quickly, she made her way over to the bathroom and grabbed a robe.  After putting it on she turned to face him.

 

Ranger cursed silently when he saw the look on her face. It was the one he had come to know so well five years ago.  The one she wore each time she tried to push him away.  “Oh no you don’t…” he began as he took a few more steps.

 

She cut him off. “I’m not sure how it happened since we spent such a brief time together before I left. But…” she searched for the right words, “there wasn’t a day in the past five years that I didn’t think about you…think about what we came so close to having…to being. It’s what got me through.” He stopped short. His face was blank and lips drawn in a thin line. “When I first woke up and realized that you were really here, I…there were feelings inside of me I thought I’d never have again.  Things I thought long dead came back to life.”  She glanced down at the carpet, avoiding his eyes, obviously struggling with what she had to say. “But, it’s not the same as before.”

 

Looking up, she noticed his shoulders had visibly slumped so she hurried on. “Somehow, with nothing but my thoughts and memories, what I feel for you is stronger than before.” She took a few tentative steps toward him. “I love you.”

 

Ranger’s heart pounded in his chest.  When he went to reach for her she quickly took a step back. Confused, he let his hands drop to his sides.

 

“My fear is,” she continued, “that the things I’m feeling for you are tainted.  Maybe I’ve been looking at the past with rose-colored glasses.  Maybe the things I remembered didn’t happen exactly like I thought.  And I think there are feelings inside of me that I might never feel again, things that won’t come back to life.  I was damaged goods before, and the past five years did nothing to make that better. In fact, it only made it worse.”

 

She straightened her back and squared her shoulders for what she was about to say. “I think we should slow down. Maybe not be around each other all the time…”

 

“No.”

 

Taking in one gasp of air, she then stopped breathing.

 

Striding over, he captured her by the arms and caught her gaze. “Melanie Plum, I love you. Whatever you think we had before, we did.  What you think we have now, we do. I feel it too. You’re not the only one who got through each day with only their memories.”  He paused to study her shocked face. “I think, right now, being apart is the worst thing we could do. I think, right now, I need to show you how much I love you.”

 

Surprisingly, there were no protests when he picked her up and took her over to the bed.  After gently laying her down, he lowered his body to cover hers. “I was going to take you right there against the wall but I’ve rethought that plan,” he said as his hands started to untie the robe she had just put on. “I think,” he leaned in and kissed her, “nice and slow, while looking into each other’s eyes, would be more appropriate.”

 

“Ranger, I…”

 

“No.”

 

She couldn’t help herself.  She smiled.  “You seem to think that you can tell me no and I’ll just go along with it.”  A smart-ass grin appeared on his face. “I’m here to tell you that it only works because I let it…I let you believe you have control.”  His looked turned soft, into one of caring and concern.

 

Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Ranger, I’m scared.”

 

He brought his forehead down to hers and sighed. “I know. But the fact you can tell me that means you trust me.” Her eyes flew open at his words. “Please, Gorgeous, let me back in…even further than before.”

 

Slowly, she closed her eyes again as her inner battle raged on. Finally, taking a shaking breath, she nodded her head once.

 

Ranger didn’t give her any time to back out.  Lifting himself off her, he straddled her legs as his hand pushed aside the terry cloth that was covering her.

 

She opened her eyes to find him looking at her with admiration and longing.  Snapping her eyes shut again, she started shaking her head.

 

“What is it?” he asked softly as he lowered himself back on top of her.

 

“How can you look at me like that?” she whispered back, still unbelieving that her scarred body would be wanted.  When he didn’t answer, she opened her eyes.  What she found was a very handsome and sexy man grinning down at her.

 

“You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.”

 

Mel snorted and rolled her eyes.

 

“Don’t believe me? Guess I’ll just have to show you.”

 

The look in his eyes turned to one of pure lust.  Melanie shivered just from his stare. When he started to kiss her again, she lost all ability to think.  Breaking the kiss, he lifted off and quickly helped her remove the robe the rest of the way.  When he lay back down, he was behind her.

 

Pulling her tight against him, her back against his front, his hands began to gently explore.  Burying his face in her hair and closing his eyes, he let out a contented sigh as his hands found and fondled her breasts.  His hands kneaded and caressed, pinched and pulled.

 

Knowing he had more area to cover, he reluctantly removed one hand and began long gentle strokes up and down her body.   He’d reach down to her knee and then trail his hand upward, palm flat, memorizing the soft feel and curves to her body.

 

Mel made small, whimper like sounds at the sensations his slightly roughened hands made against her skin. While his one hand continued work on her nipple, his other would rub her stomach then move upward, brushing up and over her breast until it reached the soft skin of her neck.  Then, it would take the same return path back down to her knee, although with each pass he’d come just a little closer to her now throbbing center.

 

“Oh god, Ranger. When you touch me like this, I feel so…”

 

“You are beautiful,” he said without letting her finish.

 

The next time his hand was down at her knee, he lifted her leg and brought it back, so that it rested over the top of his.  With ever so soft touches, his hand trailed up the inside of her thigh. When it reached the wetness between her legs, he stopped to gently cup and rub over her mound.

 

Putting his lips to work, he placed small wet kisses on her neck and shoulder.  She moaned and moved her head to the side to give him better access.  His hands worked in tandem, massaging and kneading the most intimate places on her body.

 

Mel felt the heat start to grow inside.  She needed more and decided she wasn’t going to be shy about asking for it.  Lowering her hand, she placed it on top of the one he had between her legs.  She then guided his fingers to part her folds and begin stroking.  When his finger started to circle her clit, she began to move her hips.

 

Ranger moved out from behind her and nudged her enough so that she was now lying on her back.  Since the one hand that had been working her breast was now gone, he decided to make up for it with his mouth.

 

Leaning over, his lips found her nipple and he began to suck, nip and lick. Groaning, she arched her back, pushing herself closer to him.  She gasped as he entered her with first one, then two fingers.  Her hips started to pump, meeting every thrust of his hand.

 

“Ranger…oh…now,” she said breathlessly. 

 

He could tell she was close, but he wasn’t ready just yet.  She surprised him by quickly flipping on her side to face him.  Her hand grabbed the back of his head and she brought his face up for a kiss.

 

Without breaking the kiss, she let go of his head and skimmed the side of his body until her hand rests on his hip. Very slowly her fingers made their way around front and latched on to his throbbing penis.  She closed her hand tight around it and could feel it pulse.

 

The minute she touched him, he groaned loudly and broke the kiss. “Now,” was all he said.

 

In one smooth move, he had her on her back and was poised over her entrance. His eyes locked with hers and he hoped all the love he felt for her was showing.  No words were spoken, no sounds were made and when she wrapped her legs up around his waist he entered her in one long, slow push.

 

Once completely sheathed inside, he stilled. She watched transfixed as he closed his eyes and threw his head back in a look of pure pleasure. Then he started to move.

 

His thrusts were slow and deep.  Mel could feel her insides start to tighten, her legs tensed and she arched her back.

 

Increasing his speed, Ranger felt the tingling in his thighs and his abdominal muscles contract.  “Oh Jesus, Mel…”

 

With only a few quick and final thrusts, he felt her orgasm hit, her inner muscles milking him. Looking down at the beauty beneath him, his heart swelled.  Then his own pleasure took over as he released himself inside the woman he loved.

 

 

Warning: Smut

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 12

 

The trip to Miami hadn’t been long, but she was glad when they finally arrived. Em stood under the relaxing spray of the hot shower.  She felt like a dry sponge, brittle and stiff.  But as the essence of life pounded down on her, she could feel her body start to soak it up, becoming soft and supple.   She let out a deep sigh as she turned her back to the spray, put her head back, and ran her hands through her hair making sure it got good and wet.  Eventually, she ended up just standing there, eyes closed, hands at the back of her head, just letting the water run down her body.

 

Her mind started to wander, imagining what it would be like to have Stan naked and wet in front of her.  She surprised herself when she let out a soft moan just at the thought.  Shaking her head slightly, she reached for the soap. After making a good lather with a washcloth, she started to run the soapy terry cloth over her arms and stomach.  When she moved to wash her breasts, she closed her eyes and pretended it was Stan’s hands on her body, caressing and massaging her. 

 

Em let the washcloth drop as thumbs started to brush over her nipples and then moaned when the hard buds were finally being pinched and pulled.  One slick, soapy hand slowly moved down over her stomach, coming to a stop when it reached the coarse hair between her legs.

 

She groaned loudly when a finger slid its way insider her folds. There were long stokes along her engorged lips until the finger found her core and started to circle slowly.  Her legs began shaking as the hands worked in rhythm, one on her sensitive nipples and the other applying a torturously light, even pressure to her clit.

 

All she could concentrate on were the sensations coursing through her body with thoughts of Stan running through her mind.  Remembering how his lips felt on hers, she bit her bottom lip.  Pictures of his broad shoulders, muscular arms and tight abs flashed in front of her. She gasped as her climax caught her off guard, rolling over her in a wave of pleasure.  Trembling, she gently fell back against the wall of the shower.  When her back hit the cold tile, she sucked in a quick breath as a smaller wave crashed down on her.  Good lord, every one of her nerve endings were overly sensitized.

 

After several long seconds, she got herself under control and continued on with her shower.   Finally finished, she stepped out and wrapped her body and hair in towels.  When she went to open the door, she hesitated. The last few times she came out of the shower, Stan was waiting for her.  Would he be this time too?   Did she want him to be? Hell, after what just happened in the shower, how could she deny it?

 

She tried to quiet the hope that was running rampant in her head and in her heart as a shaking hand reached to open the door.   Stepping out into the bedroom, she came to a complete standstill at the sight in front of her.

Em stood in shocked silence.  Stan was sitting on her bed, facing away like always, but dressed only in his briefs.

 

“You decent?”  She could swear his voice cracked at the end.

 

“No,” she said in barely a whisper.  She knew he heard because his body twitched.

 

She was so busy fighting the urge to jump on the bed and run her hands over his smooth muscular back, she almost missed his response.

 

 “Good.”  Her legs started to shake.

 

In one quick movement, Stan was off the bed and in front of her before she could blink.  He was only inches away and she could feel his warm breath on her face when he said, “Good” the second time, right before he lowered his lips to connect with hers.  It was a soft brushing of lips as his hands landed on her shoulders.

 

Pulling her into his arms for an embrace, Stan kissed along her jaw until he reached her ear. “You’re trembling,” he said as he started to place warm, wet kisses down her neck.  She whimpered as his mouth closed over her pulse point at the base of her neck and he started to suck.

 

Em’s legs gave way and she leaned into him for support when his tongue began to flick over the sensitive spot.  She melted completely when his hands came around her waist and shoulders.

 

His mouth met hers again, only this time more urgent, more demanding.  Eagerly, she opened her mouth to his probing tongue.  A jolt of electricity shot through her when their tongues met and battled.  Then Stan changed the kiss from hungry and needy to slow and sensual.  Em could tell he was savoring every taste, every texture and she did the same.

 

Her hands lazily stroked his strong back as his explored lower.  She felt the towel come undone in front when he started to squeeze her ass.  Stan must have noticed it too because he broke the kiss and moved back slightly.  Em gasped and leaned into him further.

 

Cupping her face with his hands, he met her wide eyes.

 

“Em,” he whispered, “please. Please let me see you.”

 

Oh god, she was going to be a puddle on the floor in about two seconds.  The sound of his voice was like velvet on her skin, soft and comforting; something she could easily get lost in. 

 

He gave her another knee-knocking kiss before gently pushing her away from him. The towel fell to the floor and she stood there in all her glory.  His hand reached up and removed the towel from her hair.  It fell to her shoulders in straight long locks, framing her face. She felt the heat rise in her face and her eyes immediately looked down at the floor.

 

She was slightly startled when he placed his hand under her chin to lift her face. “You’re stunning,” he said, and she knew then, she was completely lost to this man.

 

Stan leaned in to kiss her again, but noticed her trembling had increased. Concern wrinkled his brow when he pulled back to look at her. “Em?” Her eyes were wide and he noticed tears starting to pool in them. “Em, what’s wrong?”  Reaching up, he began to gently stroke her hair.

 

That little action, which was meant to be comforting, seemed to push her over the edge.  Tears began to run down her cheeks. “Shit,” Stan swore under his breath as he pulled her against him in a hug. “Em, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

 

Em’s head, which was nestled under Stan’s chin, started shake. “No, no. Stan, it’s not you, nothing you’ve done.”

 

“Then what?” he asked and started to stroke her hair again. “Tell me. Please.”

 

“I’m just…I’m just…”

 

Stan’s heart started to pound, afraid that she was going to tell him she didn’t feel the same way and that he should leave.  “Just what, Sweetheart,” he coaxed.

 

Burying her face in his neck, she mumbled her reply. “I’m just…overwhelmed.  That’s all.”

 

Stan closed his eyes and let out the breath he didn’t know he had been holding. Slowly, he thought to himself, slowly.  Pulling away from her, he went to the bathroom and retrieved her robe.

 

After wrapping her in it, he sat in the chair by the window, bringing her across his lap.  He could tell she wasn’t sure what was going on.  “It’s ok.  Just slowing down a bit.  I want you to be comfortable.  I want your first time to be comfortable.”  Stan felt Em tense in his arms. “What is it?”  When she didn’t respond he pushed her back slightly to see her face.  When she wouldn’t meet his eyes, a knot started to form in his stomach.

 

“Em?”  He watched as she swallowed and started out the window.  There was a question he knew he needed to ask because he couldn’t ignore what was going on between them at the moment. It was the answer he was afraid of.  “Em? You’re not a…”  The small shake of her head cut him off.

 

He couldn’t believe it.  When had she…?  Who had she…? No, he knew everything about her. “Are you sure?”  Finally she looked at him, but he wasn’t happy to see the anger in her eyes.  When she stood, he didn’t try and stop her.

 

“I’m not stupid Stan. I would know, and I’m telling you I’m not.”

 

Stan bolted upright out of the chair. “Who? When?”  When he noticed how she narrowed her eyes at him, he realized those probably weren’t the best questions to ask.

 

“Do I get to ask you who and when?” Stan stumbled back slightly at the shock of the question. “Didn’t think so,” she whispered, and then plopped down on the bed with slumped shoulders. “Oh, what does it matter.  It was Alan White.”

 

Now it was Stan’s turn to have his eyes go wide. “My roommate from college?”

 

“I’ll kill him,” Stan said as he paced the bedroom. Stopping suddenly, he spun around to face Em, who was still sitting on the bed. “When?”

 

“None of your…”

 

“When,” he growled.

 

Em went over and got in Stan’s face. “You want to know when? Fine. It was your senior year.  You walked around for weeks talking about the Frat Formal.”    She started to pace now, talking as she went. “Frat Formal this. Frat Formal that,” she spat as her hands punctuated her speech with pointed gestures.  “Who am I going to take? What am I going to wear? Jesus Christ, Stan, when you came to me and asked me to help you pick out your tux, I thought you were going to ask me. No, you go off and ask Amber Follio. Fucking Amber Follio, that bottle blond, silicone-enhanced bimbo. Shit, I even considered…” she sputter to a stop, shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts.  Turning to face a very shocked Stan, she finished, “So what? You got some that night, so did I.  What’s the big deal? Besides, I’m sure that slut was able to show you a better time than I had.  Alan was drunk and it was over in about 3 seconds.”  She dropped, defeated, onto the bed and concentrated her stare on the floor.

 

“He never said anything,” Stan said, still in shock.

 

Em moved a piece of lint around the floor with her toe. She gave a snort before telling him the best part. “He doesn’t remember.” She snorted again. “My great plan for getting back at you only turned out to be great humiliation for me.”  The silence in the room stretched and her mind wandered to safer topics, such as wondering if the hotel had a vacuum. There was an awful lot of lint on the floor.

 

She jumped in surprise when a pair of feet came into her view.  She didn’t look up as she spoke, in fear that she’d start to cry when she saw the disappointment in his eyes. “You should go.”  The feet didn’t move. “Just go, Stan.”

 

Unexpectedly, strong arms came around and lifted her, then roughly threw her back onto the middle of the bed.  Before her brain could process what was happening, her body was pinned to the bed by Stan’s.  His face was only inches from hers.  She hadn’t wanted to meet his gaze, but now they were locked in an intense stare. There was no looking away.

 

“For the record, Miss Manoso, I wanted to take you, but was too damn chicken to ask.” Em searched his eyes for any hint that he was lying.  She found none.  “Amber cornered me in the library one day and by the end of the conversation we were going to the Formal. To this day I can’t tell you how that happened. But, I’ll admit my hormones played a part and that, yes, I did sleep with her.”  Em closed her eyes and tried to close off her heart before it was too late. “Open your eyes.”  She kept them closed. “Emily, look at me.”  Her eyes flew open just from the tone of his voice.  He leaned in so close their noses were almost touching. “I’ll also tell you that your 3 seconds of experience was a marathon compared to mine.” Em could only blink at his blunt admission.  “But that was then and this is now.  And, right now, it’s you and me and nobody else, and,” he paused to lift slightly and look her up and down, “I’m going to make sure this lasts a hell of a lot longer than 3 seconds.”  Stan’s lips crashed down on hers and she gave in easily when his tongue pressed for entrance.  The kiss was hot and full of pent up passion.  Stan broke the kiss and whispered against her mouth. “Oh yeah, a hell of a lot longer.”

 

Stan shifted all his weight to one side as he started to nibble on her neck. With his free hand, he started to untie her robe.   He stopped the work on her neck as he opened the covering, groaning when he was presented with her body. “Oh god, Em,” he said softly just as his hand touched the smooth skin of her stomach.  His eyes drank in the sight of her while his hands started to explore.  Mesmerized, he watched the rise and fall of her chest as she took short, shallow breaths. 

 

Not being able to hold back any longer, his mouth came down on one already hard nipple as his fingers rolled and pinched the other. Em arched her back and moaned which had him increasing his efforts and taking the hardened bud between his teeth.

 

“Oh,” she gasped as he nipped at her.

 

Moving his hand south, he felt her wetness when his hand covered her mound.   He started to massage her with a light pressure, working in a circular motion and finally settling into a working rhythm with his mouth.  First he’d press down on her wet mound and as he let up then bite her sensitive nipple.  It was press, bite, press, bite, until finally one of his fingers slid inside her wetness and began to tease. 

 

Em was wiggling on the bed as Stan rubbed and caressed in all the right places.  She gasped and clutched at his shoulders when he pushed one finger inside, resting his thumb on her clit.  They were both completely still until Stan brought his lips to hers.  Knowing she was already lost, she gave all of herself in that kiss.  She about went over the edge when he started to move his finger in and out.  Becoming somewhat frenzied, Em’s hands made their way down to Stan’s briefs and started to push them off.  

 

When he added a second finger, she went still and was strung so tight Stan knew she was about to go over.  Removing his hand, he took his underwear completely off, found the condom he had placed next to the bed, and repositioned himself over her, spreading her legs and bringing her knees up.  Their eyes locked as his erection brushed across her wetness.

 

Em felt as if he were looking for a sign from her.  She gave a small, but frantic nod, which seemed to do the trick.  Stan pushed forward, entering her with his throbbing cock and at the same time bringing his face down so they were cheek to cheek. Letting out a guttural moan, Em closed her eyes to concentrate on the sensations Stan was creating.

 

Moving out slowly, Stan thrust back in one quick stoke. That’s all it took to send Em flying.  She felt her leg muscles contract as her inner muscles pulsed around him. He quickened his pace; slamming into her with such a need for release he thought he might split her in two.

 

With one last push, he felt his gut tighten as his orgasm washed over him.  His liquid spilled out, giving him the release he so desperately needed.  Then, pumping slowly, he emptied the last of himself as Em came down from her orgasm.

 

They both were still as they tried to calm their breathing. Stan tried to pull out and lift off her, but she only tightened her grip, lightly digging her nails into his back. After several long minutes of reveling in each other’s embrace, Em felt Stan’s hot breath near her face.

 

She heard a very low, husky voice sound in her ear. “I love you, Emily. Marry me.”

 

 

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 13

 

Stan walked quietly throughout the store. They were on their last day in Miami and while it certainly wasn't a relaxed vacation like atmosphere, it hadn't been that bad either.  He could tell Mel was holding back, waiting until they all hit Trenton before she said anything more about her "I'm not going to play dead" announcement.

 

Chuckling silently, Stan knew Mel wouldn't settle for that.  He figured they would cross that bridge when they came to it.  Well, by tomorrow, they'd be there.

 

"See anything?" Mel asked, coming to stand behind Stan.

 

"No, not really," Stan sighed. "They are all beautiful, but…I don't know…ordinary too." He turned to look at Mel and smiled. He was so happy she was back. "She's not ordinary, not even close."

 

Mel returned her son's smile, nodding her head. "You're right."  Just as she was going to suggest they leave, her senses went on alert.  It had been such a long time since she last had the feeling it caught her totally off guard.  Quickly turning, she saw him outside the store, looking through the window at her. 

 

"Keep looking," she said over her shoulder to Stan as she walked out front door.

 

Once outside, she approached him with determination.  Stopping only a few inches away, she reached out and removed his sunglasses.

 

Mel smiled big, but Ranger's face remained expressionless.

 

"You didn't wake me when you woke up." He did not sound happy.  Melanie stood there and beamed.

 

"I've always taken a little pride in the fact that I can get out of bed…out your grasp…and you don't wake up."

 

Ranger let out a low growl as he quickly grabbed her around the waist and hauled her up against him. "I don't like it," he said seriously.

 

If Mel grinned any wider, her face would crack in half and fall off. "Too bad."

 

He emitted another low growl before he captured the back of her head and began to kiss her senseless.

 

"Are you manhandling my mother?"

 

Ranger broke the kiss and swung Melanie to his side, but kept his arm around her waist. "As a matter of fact I am," he said seriously. "Just like I caught you manhandling my daughter."  He worked at keeping his expression neutral when he felt Mel's body start to shake from holding back laughter. Stan's shit-eating grin melted from his face.

 

It was then that Ranger realized they were in front of a jewelry store.  Letting his arm drop from Mel, he took a few steps back.  He looked from the store, to Mel, to Stan, and back to the store again. Finally, turning his gaze back to Stan, he raised one eyebrow in a silent question. Stan’s look changed from amusement, to blank, in a flash.

 

Mel couldn’t help but wonder what other skills he had learned from Ranger and his men in the five years she’d been gone.  She smiled when she realized that the student was using his lessons on his teacher.  But she didn’t spend too much time on it because both men were looking very tense.

 

Taking a step forward, she tried for a distraction. “Let’s get back to the hotel. We need to get ready to leave for Trenton.”  Neither man moved.  

 

“Something you want to tell me Stanley?” Ranger asked quietly.

 

Mel noticed that there was a quick look that crossed Stan’s face. She would have sworn it was a look of nervousness.

 

“I was looking to buy some jewelry.”

 

Ranger nodded, face still blank. “What kind?”

 

Stan took a deep breath and stood just a fraction taller. “I’m going to buy Emily a ring, but I didn’t like anything in there.” Ranger blinked then raised an eyebrow.  “It’s all too ordinary. Em is special, she needs something special.”

 

Mel looked from one man to the other, and it dawned on her that this must be difficult for both of them.

 

Ranger nodded again. “Let’s go,” he said as he turned and head toward the rented SUV.

 

It didn’t take long for both Stan and Mel to notice they weren’t headed back to the hotel.

 

“Where are we going?” Mel asked, turning toward Ranger. 

 

“To see someone about something special.”

 

Mel was about to say something else when the truck came to a stop.  Looking out her window, she saw they were in front of a modest home in a middle class neighborhood.

 

She turned back to ask another question but Ranger, and Stan, were already out of the truck. Curiosity getting the best of her, she decided to follow.

 

“Ranger, where…”Stan started but was interrupted by someone yelling.

 

“¡Oh mi!  ¡Debo tener una visión!  ¿Ricardo?”  (“Oh my! I must be having a vision! Ricardo?”)

 

Both Mel and Stan turned to face an elderly lady coming from the house.  Ranger met her halfway up the sidewalk.  They eagerly embraced and the woman let out a squeal when he picked her up and gently swung her around.

 

“¡Puesto me abajo! ¡Puesto me abajo de usted babuino grande!” (“Put me down! Put me down you big baboon!”)

 

Ranger laughed and eventually put her feet gently back on the ground.  He smiled down at her and brought a hand up to cup her cheek. “Abuela, hay algunas persona que apreciaría usted reunir.” (“Grandmother, there are some people I’d like you to meet.”)

 

After introductions, they were all shuffled inside for coffee and coffee cake.  Mel smiled to herself and thought that some things transcended cultures.  They may not be in the ‘burg, but she’d bet they could walk in any house on this street and be served coffee and coffee cake.

 

Gathered in the kitchen, the four of them talked pleasantly for a while until there was a lull in the conversation.

 

“Grandma,” Ranger paused as he set his coffee cup down. “Stanley wants to give Emily an engagement ring.”

 

“Oh,” the older woman gasped as a hand flew to cover her mouth.

 

“He can’t find a ring that suites her.”

 

Stan started to sweat as Maria Manoso studied him for several long minutes.  Then a look settled on her face that Stan couldn’t quite read.  Switching her gaze to Ranger, she nodded once, then rose silently and walked from the room.

 

The three of them sat there quietly. Mel looked at Ranger hoping to get some explanation, but none came.  When he met her eyes, she was able to see the warmth in them.  He knew exactly what was going on but wasn’t going to share.

 

Maria came back into the room and stood next to Stan, who immediately got to his feet.

 

“No, no…sit,” she commanded. Doing as he was told, he sat back down.  “So you want to marry our Emily?”  Stan hadn’t come right out and said that in front of Ranger but it was obvious he had figured it out.  And, this wasn’t going the way Stan had planned.

 

Suffering a slight embarrassment, Stan replied, “Yes, ma’am, I do.” 

 

The old woman looked serious and nodded. “Then you give her this.”  Shoving a small box in his hand, she continued. “It’s what my Miguel gave me.”

 

“I can’t take…”


“Please, take it.  I am an old woman and my Miguel is dead.  I want her to have it. He would want it, too.”  She smiled now, the lines around her eyes showing, as her look softened. Raising a hand to his face, she said, “You take care of my baby.”

 

“I will,” he promised.  When her hand dropped from his face, he looked down at the small box.  Slowly he opened it and his eyes went wide the minute he saw the ring inside.  Quickly looking up at Ranger, Stan smiled big.

 

“It’s perfect,” he proclaimed.

 

Ranger smiled back at the young man he admired and now the man he respected. “Yes son, it is.”

 

Time had gotten away from them, so they said their quick goodbyes.  As they headed out to the truck, Maria called Melanie back.

 

“Stan’s a good boy, no?”

 

Mel smiled. “Yes, he is.”

 

“You did a good job,” Maria said while staring straight-ahead, not meeting Mel’s look.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“You love my Ricardo.” Mel blinked. It wasn’t a question. “He loves you,” the older woman continued.  Mel turned her gaze forward, the same direction as Maria’s, and watched as Stan and Ranger piled into the car.

 

“Yes I do,” Mel said with a confidence that surprised her.

 

“Good,” said Maria.  Turning, she gave Melanie a soft kiss on the cheek and went inside the house.

 

***************************************

 

Stan shifted in his seat. He just couldn’t get comfortable on a plane.  Looking over at Emily, he couldn’t help but smile when he thought of the ring in his pocket. She must have sensed his stare because she turned suddenly and looked right at him.

 

“What are you smiling about?” she teased.

 

“That I have the most beautiful woman on the planet sitting next to me.” Turning back to the book she was reading, she blushed, but laughed at his compliment.

 

Stan watched her for a few seconds before putting his head back and closing his eyes.

His mind wandered to a few nights before when he and Emily had just joined for the first time…when he asked her to marry him.  It was perfect…except she never answered him.

 

He had lay on top of her until she sort of nudged him off.  She had tried to get out of bed, but he snagged her around the waist and hauled her back down to the bed, spooning her from behind.

 

Thinking he had scared her with his question, he kept quiet until he knew she had fallen asleep. The next morning, neither of them had mentioned it. He had the feeling she hadn’t taken it seriously, considering when he asked. She might have figured he had been all caught up in the moment.

 

After that morning he was more determined than ever to get her to take him seriously…to say yes.  But he didn’t want to bring it up again until he had a ring.  He smiled.  That was no longer a problem. Stan was brought out of his musing when the pilot announced their landing.

 

*****************************

 

Tank was waiting on the tarmac and watched the private plane make a smooth landing.   He waited until he saw Ranger get off the plane and then pushed off the Bronco and headed over.

 

Ranger knew something wasn’t right the minute he saw Tank.  They had been friends for years, and in more life-threatening situations than he could count. He could read the man like a book.

 

“What’s the problem?” Ranger asked as he approached. Melanie was right by his side and threw a confused look at Tank.

 

“Ranger,” Tank started, but then looked at Mel. “Mel, the last we heard from Bobby and Todd was that they were watching the Rodriguez compound,” he paused again. “We haven’t heard from either of them in the past twenty four hours.”

 

 

 Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 14

 

 

Melanie paced the length of Ranger’s kitchen. She didn’t like this, didn’t like it at all.  Bobby and Todd had missed one appointed check in time and they were closing in on their second.

 

“If they don’t check in again, I’m going down there,” she said with determination.

 

“Mel…” Tank started, but didn’t get far before she cut him off.

 

“It’s not negotiable Tank.  No one will be hurt because of me.” She stopped, looked at the group that had assembled, Steph, Em, Stan, Tank, Lester and Valerie. Turning her intense stare to Ranger, she spoke to him. “I’m not going to play dead anyway. It’s about time this whole thing is put to rest…for good.”

 

Ranger’s face was expressionless but she knew he understood what she was saying. Now turning to Tank, she asked, “When is the next check in?”

 

“In four hours,” he said solemnly.  She nodded once and then left the kitchen.

 

Stan quickly stood and started out after her, only to be stopped by Ranger. 

 

“Let me,” was all the older man said.  Stan debated with himself but finally nodded.

 

Ranger found Mel in their bedroom. Crossing the room, he walked up behind her as she looked out the window.  Gently he put his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.

 

“I was kind of shocked when I came in here,” he offered softly.

 

“Oh? Why’s that?”

 

“I thought of this as ‘our’ room.”

 

She smiled as she relaxed back into his embrace. “Oh, really?” she teased.

 

“I’m not going to lose you again.” His voice was serious and she let the smile slip from her face.  Turning to face him, his arms still wrapped around her, she studied him intently for several long beats.

 

“Ranger, I’m not going to…”


“I know and I agree. But we are in this together.”  His hands came up, cupping her cheeks and bringing her face only inches from his. “Together,” he whispered fiercely.

“Ranger, I…”


“No,” and he meant it.

 

Mel narrowed her eyes at him, but still kept her arms around his waist, their bodies pressed together from the waist down. “You know, every time you say that to me I want to kick your ass.”

 

The scowling look on his face had broken into one huge, cheesy, grin. Wiggling his eyebrows, he said, “Wanna try?”

 

Mel snorted and rolled her eyes. “Men,” she snorted again, “woman say ‘kick your ass’ and mean hear ‘cop a feel’.”   His smile turned lecherous.

 

“I have no doubt, Gorgeous, that you could give as good as you got. But I’d rather put that theory to the test in other places besides fighting.”  Melanie couldn’t help herself then, she laughed.

 

“Why am I not surprised about the turn this conversation has taken?”

 

Ranger’s look softened as his hands left her face and went back to their original position around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. “I have five years to catch up on.”

 

Mel looked deep into his eyes, her expression turning neutral.  No man had ever had this kind of effect on her and she wasn’t sure exactly what to do about it. Although, she did know one thing for sure…she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

 

Grabbing his face, in a similar fashion as he had done to her, she brought it down slightly so they were nose to nose.

 

With her facial expression being dead serious, she locked eyes with him and said, “Together, I promise.”

 

Ranger sighed and touched his forehead to hers, closing his eyes. “Thank you,” he breathed.

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

“Gorgeous?”

 

“Hmmm,” she murmured as she nestled her head into his neck and shoulder.

 

“I don’t want you going back down there.”

 

“I know, not unless you come with me. I understand,” she said, her eyes still closed, resting her head on him. “I said together and I meant it.”

“That’s not what I mean.” He felt her tense immediately.

 

Pushing back slightly, she brought her head up to meet his eyes, giving him a questioning look.   She was just about to ask what he meant, when a knock sounded on the door.


Tank’s deep voice reverberated through the door. “Ranger, Mel, Bobby called”

 

                                                    

 Second Time’s A Charm

Chapter 15

 

It had been six hours since Bobby had called and simply said, "We're on our way back". Mel was getting impatient.  He had hung up quickly without saying exactly who was on their way back, and six hours was more than enough time to get back to Trenton.

 

She knew there wasn't anything she could do at this point.  Leaving to go and look for them would be a waste of time and she had already showered and eaten after she and Ranger…became reacquainted.

 

A slow smile played on her lips as she thought back to her afternoon activities.  After Tank had delivered the message that Bobby had called, Ranger said something about killing time, but she had been so distracted by being lifted off the ground and carried back to the bed, she hadn't really listened.

 

As it turned out, it didn't really matter...and she got the pictures pretty quickly. It had taken her all of two seconds to figure out what was on Ranger's mind after Tank left the room.  The minute she turned to face him she saw the desire in his eyes.

 

Her thoughts snapped back to the present when she heard the back door slam. Mel stood quickly and Ranger came into the living room from his office. They stood there waiting to see who would immerge from the kitchen.

 

Mel let out a small sigh of frustration as Emily appeared and angrily marched past, headed to her room.  As Mel suspected, Stan eventually followed a few seconds later.  Mel and Ranger just stood there, looking at the young man in a questioning manner. 

 

Stan went to say something, but ended up just gulping air like a fish out of water.  Finally, his shoulders slumped and he started to shake his head. He let out a resigned sigh and took the same path Emily did, upstairs to the bedrooms.

 

"What the hell was that?" Mel asked in a choked laugh as Ranger walked over and pulled her into his embrace.

 

"I don't know, Gorgeous," Ranger chuckled, "but I get the feeling Stanley's in trouble."

 

She was about to suggest that maybe they should go talk to either Stan or Em, but her thoughts were stopped cold when they heard the back door close again.  Mel tensed and pulled out of Rangers arms.  Then they both stood there waiting.

 

******************************************

 

Em’s head decided to ignore the soft knock on the door. She rolled over on her bed to face the wall. Her heart, which seemed to have control of her mouth, had different ideas. “Go away,” she yelled.

 

Hardly a second passed before the lock was popped and Stanley entered the room, closing the door behind him. “No,” he whispered.

 

Em snorted. “Great, now you sound like Dad when he talks to Mel. Why she puts up with that I’ll never figure out. And, Dad’s gonna be pissed you broke the lock on the door.”

 

“The lock isn’t broken.  And you father says no to Mel when she’s being stubborn.  Like you are now.” She could hear the strain in his voice. Stan was not pleased.

 

Ignoring the last part of that sentence, she focused on the first. “Sure the lock is broken.  I’ve popped enough of the locks in this house to know you can’t do it without damaging it.  That’s how Dad used to know what rooms I’d break into.  Now get out.”

 

“No.”  There was so much anger and frustration conveyed in that one word that Em involuntarily cringed when she heard it.

 

“Fine,” she said as she rolled off the bed and stood. “I’ll leave.” Had she been thinking clearly, she would have known that he wasn’t going to let her walk away again.  As she tired to brush past him, Stan grabbed her by the arm and spun her around to face him.

 

“No. You aren’t leaving until I ask you something.”  Stan was at the end of his rope.  He had everything planned perfectly for tonight and it had all gone off without a hitch.  That was until he got ready to propose….again, and Em, instead, decided to pick a fight.

 

It was silly really, and they both knew it.  Stan started out by saying that he had made some plans for them this weekend.  He didn’t get far enough to explain what the plans were or why he had made them. Emily just came out and said she already had plans. When Stan asked if the plans could be changed, Em lost it. She started yelling about how he just can assume she’s going to drop everything just because he made plans.  It went steadily down hill from there until finally she demanded he take her home.  So here they were.

 

“It’s a little late to ask anything now, Stanley. It sort of ruins the effect to ask after you’ve already told me the way it’s going to be.” 

 

Stan let out a low growl of frustration.  He roughly grabbed her by the shoulders and backed up until his body pinned hers against the wall. “You didn’t let me finish,” he said through clenched teeth.  He saw the fire in Emily’s eyes and was sure this fight was just a protective measure on her part. But damn it, he was not going to be put off again. Not on this topic anyway. “What I was going to say at the restaurant, but never got the chance to, was if you couldn’t change your plans, what about next weekend? But you started in about how I’m too controlling and act as if I can make decisions for you.”

 

The two of them stood there, unmoving and not speaking.  The anger in Emily’s eyes never wavered. But as he stood there, Stan felt all his anger and frustration fade away.  A warm feeling flooded every nerve ending as he gazed into the soul of the woman he loved. The look on his face must have really changed, because eventually Emily looked confused.  Funny, it all became very clear to him.

 

“You’re so damn stubborn,” he said softly.  That did it…brought the fire right back into her eyes. He couldn’t help himself, he smiled.

 

Em narrowed her eyes. “Let me go.”  His smile got bigger.

 

“Ok,” he said and then released her, taking several steps back. Her eyes went wide this surprise and she stumbled forward a bit from the sudden loss of support.

 

It only took her a second to regain her composure. “Get out.”

 

Em didn’t think it possible, but Stan’s smile got bigger.  Then he nodded once, turned and walked out the door.  She made her way to the end of her bed, and then sat down in a stunned silence. Him leaving was sure not what she expected.  She expected a good fight, or at least something that would distract him from whatever serious subject he was getting to at dinner. 

 

From the minute he had asked her about dinner for tonight, she knew something was up. Her stomach had been in knots all day. Then at the restaurant, when he cleared his throat and started in about plans for the weekend, she panicked…and started a fight.

 

She knew she hadn’t answered his proposal when they were in Miami. She also knew he wouldn’t forget that.  Sighing, she flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.  What was she going to do?  This is exactly what she always wanted, Stan.  And, go figure, he wanted her right back. So much so, that he asked her to marry him…and she ignored it.  Could she possibly be any more stupid?

 

Em rolled over on her side and curled into a ball thinking that maybe sleep would help her figure out how she was going to tell Stanley that she couldn’t marry him.

 

 

Second Time's A Charm

Chapter 16

Mel stood in the living room with Ranger and Tank. Tank had come in through the back door right after Em and Stan. He said he had checked all commercial flights for Bobby and Todd but turned up nothing.

"Unless they are using names outside the regular Rangeman list, I couldn’t find them," Tank said with obvious frustration to his voice.

Ranger let out his own frustrated sigh. "We’ll have to wait."

Mel gave a small huff and went to sit on the couch. Ranger and Tank were headed to the office when Stanley walked in with a huge smile plastered on his face.

"Everything ok?" Mel asked.

Stan’s face only brightened more. "Just fine, Mel. Just fine." He strode off towards the basement, but stopped and turned back. "Sorry I didn’t ask sooner. Anything from the guys?" His happy look had immediately vanished and a pained look replaced it.

Mel shook her head and Stan turned his gaze to Ranger and Tank. They both wore a blank expression. Stan looked at the floor and gave a slight nod. "Ok. I’m going to the supply room. Something I need to take care of. Let me know when they get here."

Melanie knew the only supply room was in the war room. It was stocked with exactly what that implied. She looked at Ranger and Tank and saw her own questioning look reflected in theirs. "I’ll go," she said as she stood and followed Stan down the stairs.

She quietly came up behind him when his back was to the door.

"I know you’re there, Mel. No need to sneak around." She put her hands around his waist and hugged him from behind.

"I missed you," she whispered.

He brought a hand back and cupped her face. "I missed you too, Mom." She knew he wasn’t teasing. They stood there for a few minutes before Mel noticed what Stan had in his other hand.

"Stan," she said as she stepped away. "Why do you have hand cuffs?"

He turned to look at her, devilish grin firmly in place. "I’m going to cuff Em," he said matter-of-factly.

Mel’s eyebrows hit her hairline. "Um, I don’t think you should say things like that in Ranger’s house. He might hear."

"Yes, he might," came a deep rumble from the door.

Mel and Stan turned to see a very unhappy looking Ranger. If she hadn’t been so worried about what Ranger had actually heard, she’d find this situation very amusing.

"Stanley, why, might I ask, are you going to handcuff my daughter. Or, more precisely, why do you think I’d let you?"

Mel was amazed that Stan didn’t look nervous. He actually ended up slumped back against the desk looking a little defeated.

"Because I don’t know what else to do," Stan said in an exasperated tone. "I proposed to her when we were in Miami, but it was when we just finished…" He stopped short and turned red, throwing a quick glance at Ranger.

Mel closed her eyes and prayed that no blood would be shed.

"Wwell," he stuttered slightly, "it was at a time when she didn’t take it seriously. So I went looking for a ring. Then your Grandmother gave me hers." He started to shake his head in disbelief. "So tonight I get everything all set to propose again, and she picks a fight." Pushing off from the desk, Stan started to pace. "A fight about nothing. Accused me of telling her what to do instead of asking her opinion. I’ve never done that." He stopped and stood still. "Ok, well I was protective when we were in Long Boat Key, but I didn’t want her to get hurt. I love her. But she was always part of the plan and I never left her out or assumed things about her."

Mel watched quietly as Stan started to pace again, hoping like hell that what Stan was saying got through to Ranger. It was hard for her to tell since her man in black was wearing his infamous blank face.

"I think she knew I was going to ask her again tonight." Stan stopped, went back to leaning on the desk, and looked at the floor. "Now she’s just trying to push me away."

They all stood there, lost in their own thoughts when Stan raised his head and looked at Ranger. "She still feels guilty about Mel being taken. She still feels shame about not being able to protect herself. She feels she let you down." The two men stood and stared, not moving, not saying a word.

Finally, Stan broke the silence with a declaration. "I love her. I know she loves me. Her feelings of self worth are about zero right now." He pushed off the desk again and stood his ground. "I’m going to make her listen to me. She’s not putting me off again by starting this fight." He paused for a beat. "I won’t let anyone stop me."

Mel held her breath. Ranger hadn’t moved, or even blinked, through Stanley’s entire tirade. Slowly, his gaze turned to her. "They are back. Todd and Bobby are fine."

Melanie sprinted for the door. Ranger moved aside and let her run past him, but moved back in to block Stan. As she ran up the stairs, the last thing she heard was Ranger’s voice. "What’s your plan?"

 

Mel hit the living room at a run, but stopped short in surprise. She noticed Bobby, Tank and Em standing by the hallway and sitting next to Todd on the couch was Angelina, looking a little worse for wear. Mel walked over to the other woman and knelt in front of her.

"Are you ok?" Angelina gave a slight nod. It was obvious she was holding back tears. "What happened?" Mel asked softly.

Todd placed an arm around Angelina’s shoulders in a protective gesture and explained. "Juan was digging hard to get information on the explosion." He quickly looked at the small woman next to him and gave her a reassuring smile. Looking back to Mel, he continued. "I think Jose knows."

Melanie let her eyes slowly close and let out a long breath. "Go on."

"Jose wanted to drop the whole thing when all connections to other families came up blank. Juan was determined." He gave Angelina a squeeze. "There was a show down. Jose had wanted to take over the business and had been gathering supporters in the ranks to do it. Juan was so distracted by the explosion he never really saw it coming." He paused and looked behind Mel. He gave a short nod to Stan and Ranger who were now standing there listening. "Three nights ago, Bobby and I were listening to the bugs we had planted in Juan’s office. We heard Juan and Jose enter, but they were arguing. It got bad…real bad."

"At that time I had spotted Angie headed toward Juan’s office," Bobby chimed in. "We knew whatever Jose had planned was going down right then and she needed to get out of there. It wouldn’t have been long before Jose’s reinforcements showed up. And if they didn’t know whose side she was on…" He let the sentence trail off knowing full well everyone in the room could finish the thought on their own.

"We extracted her," Todd said, giving another squeeze. "We had to and we’re glad we did. Shooting started seconds after we left the building."

"The brothers?" Ranger inquired.

Melanie, who had been kneeling there with her eyes close, hands on Angelina’s knees, suddenly looked up when she heard soft sobs coming from Angelina.

Todd used his free arm and embraced Angelina, pulling her head in against his shoulder. Her arms flew up to grab hold of him, turning herself to get closer. He just finally situated her so she was sitting on his lap.

Mel stood. "What happened to Juan?"

"Jose killed him," Todd responded, meeting her cold stare.

Turning to face Bobby, she asked the question everyone wanted answered. "Where do things stand?" She was surprised when Angelina’s delicate voice answered.

"It’s over Melanie. Acabado." She stood and took Mel’s hands in hers. "Jose never held anything against you. While the death of Julio was an affront to The Family, he was angered by Julio’s actions against me. I think if you hadn’t done it, he would have." Angelina let out a small sigh. "I was able to talk to him once we were out of there. He told me not to come back. He wants me to be free." She paused, almost as if unsure of herself. "El dijo, dice Melanie yo soy arrepentido." (He said, tell Melanie I’m sorry)

 

 

Em sat on her bed in a trance. She had a hard time believing it was over. The nightmare that had begun because she couldn’t defend herself was done. Only she was worried because she didn’t feel a sense of relief.

There was not time to analyze it because of a knock at her door. When she turned toward the door, she found her father standing there.

"Dad? I thought you’d be with Mel." Em jumped to her feet. "She’s ok? Everyone is ok?"

He smiled down at her in that fatherly way that was warm and fuzzy and made her feel like she was 6 years old all over again. "Everyone is fine Em. Well…except…"

"Who?"

Ranger almost felt bad for the panic he heard in her voice…almost. "Stan is upset."

Em’s eyes went big right before she realized why her dear old dad was paying a visit. She huffed and went back to sit on the bed.

"What’s the problem Emily?"

"There is no problem."

"I think there is." He was going to get her to admit to her fears or else…

"Look Dad, he wants to control me. I’m not like that. It wouldn’t work."

"Emily," Ranger said in his patient dad voice, "I think you know that’s not true. What’s the real problem baby? Tell me." He watched her shoulders slump and he knew she was about to spill it all.

"He wants to marry me Dad."

"What wrong with that, Sweetheart? You don’t love him? He’s mean to you?"

"No, no…I do love him and you know there isn’t a mean bone in his body…"

Ranger interrupted. "When it comes to you."

She had to smile. Her Dad was right. Stan could be fierce when he needed to be but never with her…never. "Right. It’s just that…that…I’m not ready."

"Are you not ready or just scared?"

She flinched, but turned to face him. "It won’t work Dad."

Just then the door was thrown open and Stan walked in. He was not happy. "Yes, it will work. You’re just hiding."

"Stanley," Ranger said in a controlled whisper. "I told you to stay downstairs."

"No. Emily and I need some time alone away from the drama and intrigue. Away from all the people who remind her of what she couldn't do so many years ago." Quickly walking up to Emily, Stan took her by the wrists and slapped handcuffs on her. They had a long chain that attached to a cuff on his wrist.

"Stanley," Em squealed. "What the hell are you doing?"

"I was asking you to go away this weekend with me so I could propose. So since your not listening to me or to what my intensions are, I figure I might as well act like you expect me to." With that said, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. He turned to Ranger and winked. "I’m leaving with Emily. We’ll be back when we are back."

"DAD!!"

Ranger smiled at the young man. "Good luck."

"WHAT?" Em screamed as Stanley carried her out of her room.

When he walked by the group still assembled in the living room, he couldn’t help but grin.

"Tank!" Emily screeched. "Help me!"

"I did baby girl, there is a car waiting to take you to the airport. Bags are packed, ready and waiting.

 

Second Time’s A Charm

Epilogue

 

Ranger watched his daughter as he stood in the shadows; after all it was where he felt most comfortable.  Besides that, it seemed that Em was holding her own.  He smiled to himself as she threw her head back in laughter.  Suddenly her joyous look faded and Ranger had a sneaking suspicion that someone in that particular group of people said something that made Em nervous.  She ran a hand down the front of her dress and looked around as trying to find a way out.

 

Ranger noticed how her features soften when she laid eyes on Stanley.  She waved at him a bit frantically and he got the message.  Once reaching her side, he affectionately slipped his arm around her waist, said a few words to the group, and then moved them both away.  The look of relief on Em’s face made Ranger chuckle.

 

“What are you laughing at?” Came a soft, familiar voice from next to him. Mel had been standing to his side for only a few seconds, but he didn’t need to see her to know when she arrived. 

 

He turned to look at her and his voice caught in his throat.  She was beautiful and she was around to stay.  “Just watching my beautiful daughter.”

 

“And that made you laugh?”

 

“No. What made me laugh was how expertly Stan extracted her from the clutches of your Grandmother.”  Melanie laughed as Ranger slid his arms around her, hauling her up against his body.

 

Her smile vanished has he lowered his lips to her. Just as they touched, he whispered, “I love you.”  Then he kissed her as passionately as he could.  He vaguely registered the party going on around them.    Music had started, he was sure of that. He could hear the sound of violins in the background.

 

Ranger broke the kiss when her heard his name being announced over the speakers.

 

“If I could get Ranger to stop kissing my mother, we could get the Bride and Groom dance underway.”

 

Ranger grabbed Melanie by the hand and led her out of the shadows. “Son, I’m never going to stop kissing your mother.”  Stan laughed and joined Emily on the dance floor.

 

When the couples met in the middle of the floor, Melanie asked, “Em, why do you want us out here for your dance?”

 

“Mel, when I heard this song it was obvious it didn’t just speak to us, but to you and Dad too.”  She paused and gazed at Stan, then looked back to Mel. “Anyway, we knew you weren’t going to get married, officially, that is and…well, we wanted to share this with you.”

 

Stan embraced Emily and they started to move around the dance floor. He turned her around and looked at Ranger. “Dance.”

 

Ranger smiled and was very happy to oblige as the words to the song floated out over them.

 

At last
my love has come along
my lonely days over
and life is like a song


Ooh At last
the skies above are blue
well my heart was wrapped up in clover
the night I looked at you

I found a dream
that I could speak to
a dream that I could call my own
I found a thrill
to press my cheek to
a thrill that I have never known

well

You smile
you smile
oh and then the spell was cast
and here we are in heaven
for you are mine at last

I found a dream
that I could speak to
a dream that I
could call my own
I found a thrill
to press my cheek to
a thrill that I have never known

well

You smile
you smile
oh and then the spell was cast
and here we are in heaven
for you are mine at last
(Etta James)

 

 

Thanks to everyone who stuck with this one and helped in its development.  Of course, nothing would have been accomplished without the help of Laurie and Traci. Of course, throw Ginger in the mix and I got my butt kicked regularly. J  And I appreciate every kick. Thanks ladies, your support means the world.