As of yet Untitled 13

By Heidi

Previously

Ranger held me close his face nuzzling in my tangled hair, hands rubbing my back reassuringly. I held him just as tight. I have never been as happy as I am in his arms, I thought to myself absently, only half-conscious that there were other people in the apartment. When I was with Ranger like this, nothing else mattered, no one else existed. Ranger continued to stroke my back and I continued to cling to him like a lifeline.

And that's exactly how Morelli found us some time later.

Chapter Two

"What the HELL is going on here?" Morelli yelled, his anger unrestrained.

I reflexively tried to jump away but Ranger held tight.

I lifted my head to look at him, his eyes searched mine. With one final reassuring squeeze he released me.

"I'm going to go take a look around Babe. Yell if you need me" Ranger said then turned and left the room.

"What the hell is going on Steph? Its 4:00 in the fucking morning, I'm sound asleep and I get a call from dispatch. One of your neighbors just reported loud banging, like someone breaking down a door, then a second neighbor calls to say the building is being overrun by terrorists! I knew it had to be you, who else in this building has this kind of bullshit going on in their life?"

"So I jump out of bed, rush over here and when I get here some overly muscled thug with a tattoo on his head tries to tell me I can't come in!"

"And THEN" Morelli's voice had been steadily rising, by now he was flat out screaming "I walk in here and what do I find? I find you in Manoso's arms looking like there's no place in the world you'd rather be! I want some answers Stephanie and I want them NOW!" Morelli was panting, his face an unpleasant shade of red.

Oh no, I have had enough at this ungodly hour! I stood up straight, squared my shoulders and yelled right back.

"Maybe if you would just SHUT UP and let me SPEAK, I would tell you what the HELL is going on Morelli!"

We stared at each other, anger slowly going from boil to simmer. Then Joe nodded his head. I took that as a sign to go on, so I did.

I told him about waking up to a noise, thinking it was nothing and then coming back and finding the paper in my bedroom. I got as far as the part where I called Ranger and Morelli held up his hand in a stop motion.

"Ya know what Steph, I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear any more. Why is it that whenever you need something you immediately turn to him, huh? You never call me, always him. I'm a COP for chrissake! I can take care of my own girlfriend! But you never ask, you always go to him first."

Morelli's voice was a normal speaking volume, but the tone was laced with indignation and disgust.

"I don't know Joe, I was panicked, I was barely able to breathe, never mind make a call. I thought I was going to pass out. I just hit speed dial number one. It was an unconscious decision."

"No Steph, it wasn't." Joe said shaking his head sadly. "Let me ask you something Steph, what speed dial number am I on your phone?"

I hesitated and then quietly admitted "You're number two Joe".

"And there it is Steph. I'm number two, that says it all." Joe hung his head, looking defeated.

I wanted to say something to comfort him, deny it, but I couldn't. I do always go to Ranger first.

"Well" Joe said clearing his throat "since I'm obviously not needed here, I'm heading home to get some sleep. Carl and Big Dog are here, they'll handle the case." He turned his back and was about to walk out the door.

"Joe, wait" I pleaded, I didn't want it to end like this.

"Steph, don't. I love you. We could have a great life together but it's never going to happen, you won't let it happen. I'll never be enough for you. I won't hang around anymore and be the second most important man in your life. I'm sorry Cupcake."

"Joe, I do love you, it's just…"

"I know Steph, but you love Manoso more." Joe said with startling sincerity then turned and walked out the door.

I froze at his words, just stood there completely stunned. Well the good news was that I had almost completely forgotten about my latest stalker, the bad news was not only had Joe just given up on me, on our future, but he also just blurted out my feelings for Ranger for everyone to hear. Feelings that I myself was not even prepared to hear aloud. I looked around quickly and it didn't look like anyone was within earshot. Ranger, Manny and Zero were in my bedroom with Carl and Big Dog and the crime scene guys. A couple of Merry Men were standing guard outside in the hall.

"Shit" I said squeezing my eyes shut tight. I walked back into the kitchen and bent over, elbows and forehead on the counter, hands threaded together behind my head. The chill of the tile on my forehead was a stark contrast to the heat of the tears that silently rolled down my cheeks. Can my life get any worse? Wait Steph, don't say that, you're starting to sound like your mother. I resisted the urge to whine Why me and stood up, pulling myself together.

I went to the kitchen sink and splashed some cold water on my face and blotted it dry with a towel. When I turned around I found Ranger standing in the doorway, hip leaning against the frame, arms crossed over his chiseled chest.

He didn't approach me. He seemed to recognize that I needed a little space and for that I was grateful. I felt like if he held me just then I might have a breakdown. If Ranger had heard what Joe said, he didn't let on.

I blew out a breath and took a couple steps toward him, "So…" I said.

"Let's sit" Ranger said leading me to the living room couch, hand at the small of my back. He grabbed the throw blanket from the back of the couch and tucked it around me once I was settled, taking a seat next to me.

"The point of entry was the bedroom window. A small hole was cut with a glass cutting tool just large enough to fit a hand through to unlock it. The interesting part is that whoever this was actually went to the trouble to tape over the hole afterward."

"Hey, nice of him to worry about my energy bills" I joked but my heart just wasn't in it.

My skin was crawling and I couldn't suppress the shiver that ran up my spine at the thought of some sicko in my bedroom watching me sleep. Ranger saw the shiver and pulled me tight against his side, wrapping his arm around my shoulder, rubbing heat into my arm.

"It looks like he went back out the way he came in. The chain was engaged on the front door when the guys broke it down. The window was taped from the outside so he probably did it on his way out before leaving down the fire escape."

"What about the present he left behind?" I asked, not sure I really wanted to know. What I really wanted to do was go back to sleep and then wake up and realize this was all a bad dream.

"It's a photocopy of Scrog's mug shot, probably copied from the newspaper article that ran right after his arrest. We don't know at this point whose writing it is. The CSI guys are going to compare it to samples from Scrog's scrapbook and arrest statements. It could just be some wacko person familiar with the case taking advantage, trying to scare you."

I looked at Ranger like he was insane.

"Of course it's some kind of copycat. Scrog is in jail waiting for his trial, but who could it be, who would know the things he said to me?"

As I watched Ranger something passed across his face I couldn't identify, but I didn't like it. I had a feeling there was something he didn't want to tell me.

"What aren't you telling me Ranger?" I asked, holding my breath, afraid of the answer.

"I made a call to a contact at Trenton State Prison. It appears that Scrog may have escaped" Ranger said, watching me closely for a reaction. I was stunned.

"He was last seen at lights out bed checks at 9:30 P.M., but when they went to confirm his location after I called some 15-20 minutes ago, he wasn't in his cell."

I made a strangled sound in my throat and fought to keep my hysteria under control. I have been stalked by many a psycho, but Scrog was the worst. He didn't just want me, he wanted Ranger and that thought made my blood run cold.

"They have the prison on lockdown and they're searching it now. He could still be there somewhere" Ranger said, but we both knew that wasn't likely.

I finally spoke "But, but, if Scrog is free then not only could he come after me but you could be a target too Ranger and OHMIGOD Julie!" I said on a gasp.

Ranger pulled his arm away and instead reached out and took my hands into his, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm on top of it Babe. Ron and Rachel upgraded their security after the kidnapping and I already have two men on guard duty as of 15 minutes ago." He continued to hold my hands, thumbs rubbing gentle circles.

"It all makes sense Ranger. It has to be him. Look at what the letter said, it is all things he said to me before. He said he has to finish his work! His work is to kill you Ranger, that's what he told me and Julie!"

I jumped up from the couch and started pacing. "You have to hide Ranger, he can't take you away from me! I'll kill him with my bare hands before I let that happen! How can this be happening, how do you escape from a maximum security prison? The prison's job is to keep people in, what good is a prison that murderers can get out of?"

I was getting hysterical. This was so not good! Shit! I need to sleep, I can't take this! I'm so tired!

"Steph" Ranger said seriously drawing my attention back to him. I stopped mid-pace.

Ranger stood and continued "I'd like you to come back to Rangeman with me. We still don't know for sure that it's Scrog but if it is, we know that he has skills. I think it would be best to go to Rangeman until we get more of an idea what we're up against. Please, Babe."

The tone of his voice was so serious, his eyes pleaded with me to do the right thing. I didn't answer him right away. I don't want to be locked up while Ranger is out putting himself in danger but I want to be safe and Ranger makes me feel safe, even when I'm not.

"If you would prefer, we could stay here. I will stay here with you. It isn't as safe as Rangeman but we'll make it work" he said.

When I thought about it I didn't really want to stay here. My apartment didn't feel like home anymore. Ranger's shooting haunted me constantly and it just felt empty without him here. I used to look at my apartment as my independence, a place I could always escape to for solitude, it had never before felt lonely, but since that night it did. As long as I could take Rex, it didn't matter where I stayed and Rangeman was the safest choice. I had no desire to go to the angels with Scrog in the near future.

Ranger was silent, watching my mental gymnastics.

"No, that's ok" I said looking up at him. "Rex and I will go home with you." Then I had an uncomfortable thought. Ranger had asked me to go back to Rangeman and here I am inviting myself into his personal living space, what if he meant to give me a 4th floor apartment? I looked away, a blush creeping over my cheeks.

"Babe, look at me. I told you before that you are welcome in my apartment any time, I wouldn't have given you a key if I didn't mean it. I'm glad that you and Rex are coming home with me." Ranger crooked an arm around my neck and kissed me on the top of my head.

"Go ahead and pack a bag, then we'll get going. I don't know about you but I could use some sleep. My men will lock up when Carl and Big Dog are done. You can go to the station tomorrow to sign your statement. Someone will be here shortly to repair your door and replace your window glass and Ram will stay here until that's done.

When Ranger let his arm drop I shivered from the cold air in the apartment. Ranger pulled the black hooded sweatshirt he was wearing over his head and pulled it down over mine, helping me get the sleeves on.

"Thanks" I said on a sigh. The sweatshirt was warm from his body heat and smelled deliciously like Ranger. It was almost as good as being in his arms.

I walked into my bedroom where crime scene techs were photographing the window and dusting for prints. The paper was in an evidence bag on the bed as well as what must be the tape from the window.

"Ok if I pack a bag?" I asked Big Dog.

"Yeah Steph, no problem" he replied.

I grabbed my duffle bag from the closet and went to the dresser to load it up. Good thing I just did laundry!

I threw in 2-3 days worth of jeans, long sleeved shirts, socks and undies and 2 pairs of pajamas. They were stretchy cotton yoga pants with matching tank tops, one black one grey. A stop at my closet for my boots and warm coat, then to the bathroom for toiletries and I was packed.

I looked down at myself and realized I had been walking around in a pair of SpongeBob boxers and an old ratty t-shirt that was worn practically see-through from old age. Huh, no wonder Ranger gave me his sweatshirt, I was putting on a show for all to see.

I pulled on a pair of black sweatpants over the boxers and took a deep sniff of Ranger's sweatshirt for courage before going to leave.

I walked into the entry hall and stuffed my feet into sneakers. I pulled on my coat and hung my purse and duffle over my shoulder. I peered into the kitchen at Ranger. He had Rex's cage under one arm, box of hamster nuggets sitting on top. He had a silent conversation with Zero and then smiled at me.

"All set Babe?"

"Yeah, I could really use some sleep, I think about 10 hours should do!"

Ranger took my duffle from my shoulder and we exited the apartment. When we stepped through the door Cal and Hal flanked us and the four of us proceeded down to the lobby. The sun was just starting to come up. The sky was absolutely beautiful. The fall air was crisp and I could see my breath puffing like a steam train.

I saw Ranger's badass black truck parked in the front row. Cal and Hal had guns drawn and as we exited the door Lester Santos and Bobby Brown exited their Rangeman Explorer and surrounded us, completing out security detail.

They were shielding us with their bodies. They whisked me to the passenger seat, buckled me in and placed Rex's cage on my lap. Cal and Hal stayed at my door while Bobby and Lester escorted Ranger to the driver's side. He climbed behind the wheel and turned the engine over. Lester and Bobby and Cal and Hal jumped into their SUVs and our little parade pulled out of the lot. Lester and Bobby in the front, us in the middle and Cal and Hal bringing up the rear.

Ranger quickly went into his driving zone, but there was something I felt that I needed to say.

"Thank you for taking precautions to protect yourself too Ranger. I don't know what I would do if something ever happened to you."

He glanced at me and I quietly admitted what I had been denying for so long "I love you".

A/N - Thank you all for the awesome reviews! You really know how to bolster a girl's confidence! I hope you enjoy chapter 2 :).