Eleven Days Later

Prologue

I stepped back and surveyed the damage. Slayerland was no more. Bodies were scattered throughout the street, buildings yielded bullet holes, and the night sky was lit by the red and blue flashing lights of the Trenton City Police cars.

Joe stood off in the distance rubbing his thumb against his temple. It hadn't been a stressful night just for me. Sally was off somewhere retailing the story of his heroic arrival while I sat patiently on the curb waiting for the night to finally come to an end.

Just as I dropped my head between my knees I felt a warm body slide into place beside me. Without looking I knew it was Ranger. From the scent of his skin to his aura of confidence, the man couldn't be denied.

He nudged my knee with his to get my attention.

"You ok babe?" He asked softly.

"Just ducky. But I'd be even better if I could get out of here." I replied.

"What's the hold up?" he questioned.

"They still haven't taken my official report. Joe says he'll get to me when he can."

"Want me to see what I can do?"

"Thanks Ranger, but I created this mess so I should have the decency to see it through to the end."

Ranger dipped his head towards me then reached for his cell phone.

"Tank. Can you take care of Sally's UZI? I'm going to wait on Stephanie. Thanks man."

I smiled up at him and playfully jabbed his knee with my own. "You don't have to wait on me."

"No problem. I don't really have anything else planned. Besides, I figured you would want a ride back to the apartment to get your things." he explained.

"Kicking me out so soon?" I giggled and prayed my laughter would hide the sudden sting of pain in my stomach.

"Just figured you would head back to Morelli's tonight. You know you're welcome to stay at my place as long as you need it."

"That may be a good thing. Steph can I talk to you please?" said Morelli as he approached us from behind.

By the scowl on his face and the bulge of the vein in his forehead I could tell this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation.

When we were finally out of everyone's earshot, Joe locked his eyes on mine. "I don't want to start a fight Stephanie but this was the final straw for me. I nearly killed myself trying to get here tonight. I know you don't want to change for me and it's not far that I keep asking. Let's just cut our losses and go our separate ways."

I can't say his words didn't make sense, but that still didn't prevent them from hurting. But if Joe could be mature about this so could I.

"You're right Joe, I'm just sorry it had to end like this."

"Me too cupcake, but I'm sure it's for the best in the long run. Now, are you ready to give your statement?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." I said as I shoved my hands into my back pockets. I recounted the events of the night for hopefully the last time. Joe took down every word I said and kept the cringing to a minimum. When I was finished he flipped his book closed, kissed me on the cheek and sent me on my way.

Ranger was still waiting for me on the curb. I went back to him and kicked his boot with my shoe.

"Well roomy, looks like I'm all yours. Mind if I take you up on the apartment thing for a few more nights?"

"Sure thing babe. Ready to go?"

"Yup. They're finally done with me."

Ranger stood, placed his hand on the small of my back and maneuvered me to his car. We rode the way back to his apartment in our usual silence and thankfully Ranger refrained from asking me any questions about the night's events.

Back at his apartment, I quickly made up my bed on the couch and dug under the covers for a long nights sleep. Ranger made his way to the kitchen for a last drink of water. On his way back to the bedroom he stopped by the couch. He mindless looped one of my curls around his finger and whispered, "need anything, you know where I'm at."

"Thanks Ranger." I mumbled.

"Anytime."

By the time the bedroom door clicked shut I was well on my way to dreamland.

To be continued…