I didnt want them hurt.
Are you sure youre going to be okay?
I dont mind staying, Lancelot said.
Im friends with the man who owns Rangeman Security, and he has men watching out for me too.
Tell Benji and Carpenter that I appreciate your help, but I think Im safe now.
Ill let them know and if anything changes you’re free to call us.
I tapped on Rexs cage and said howdy.
I thought it would be nice if I could do that.
I felt like crawling into a can and sleeping until my life improved.
I shuffled into the bathroom and stood under the shower until the water turned cold.
I was feeling better after the shower, and I was looking forward to the pizza.
I didnt want to think about Vinnie because I had no way to help him.
He was in a horrible place.
I didnt think I could go to Aruba if my husband was missing, but thats just me.
Okay, lets be honest, I couldnt go if my hamster, Rex, was missing.
I grabbed a sweatshirt and my messenger bag and went downstairs and got behind the wheel of my Whatever.
No bad guys showed up, so I called Ranger.
Im totally wired with the necklace and whatever other illegal devices youve planted on me.
I have your gun, loaded and handy.
I think you should retire the SUV escort.
At least for the night.
You have a red button on your dash, next to the ignition.
If theres a problem, press the red button.
I looked at the dash.
Sure enough there was a red button next to the ignition.
What does the red button do?
Your lights flash, an alarm goes off, and a signal is sent directly to my control room.
Good to know, I said.
The Rangeman SUV followed me out of the lot.
I chugged off to Pinos, and Rangeman peeled off in a different direction.
I relaxed with a deep breath and enjoyed the luxury of being on my own.
I guess if youre royalty or a movie star you get used to having security 24/7.
I was neither of those, and security felt okay at first but claustrophobic after a day.
Pinos lot was packed at this time of night.
I knew almost everyone who worked at Pinos.
And I knew a lot of the people who ate there.
I parked, went inside, and sat close to the kitchen at the end of the bar.
Sonny Mancuso looked up from his workstation, waved at me, and pulled my ticket off his counter.
He gave me a sign that meant five minutes, and I gave him a thumbs-up.
I looked around the room.
Connies car had been parked in Pinos lot.
There were a couple men in the room who fit the description.
One of them lived across the street from my parents.
Probably he wasnt the kidnapper, although I wasnt willing to totally rule him out.
Another chunky, middle-aged guy walked in and sat at the far end of the bar.
Wavy black hair cut short.
He said something to the bartender, and the bartender got a large takeout bag from the kitchen.
The sweatshirt guy dropped some money on the bar and got off his bar stool.
He looked my way and stared for a moment too long.
He smiled and nodded and walked out.
I made communion with the bartender.
He was Sonnys cousin Boomer.
I caught his eye and called him over.
Do I know the guy who just left?
Doubtful, he said.
Hes not a regular.
Comes in maybe once or twice a month and pays cash.
Doesnt talk to anybody.
He smiled at me.
He probably thought you were pretty.
Youre just saying that because Im a big tipper, but I like it anyway.
Sonny came out of the kitchen and handed me my pizza box.
Is Boomer hitting on you again?
He said I was pretty.
I cant argue with that, Sonny said.
I put the pizza on Morellis card, and I gave myself a tip.
You watching the Rangers tonight?
How could you tell?
You got a ninety-three on your back, Sonny said.
It was a perfect night.
Clear sky with a sliver of moon.
Cool enough for a sweatshirt.
I was about to set it on the roof of the Whatever when I heard a footfall behind me.
I turned in time to see a guy in a hoodie reach out with a stun gun.
He tagged me but he only got my oversized jersey.
He doubled over and staggered back a couple steps and I hit him again with the pizza.
I pulled Rangers gun out of my messenger bag, but the guy tackled me before I could aim.
We both went down to the ground and the gun discharged, kicking back into my face.
I grabbed my cell phone and snapped a picture as he was leaving.
I was tempted to take a shot at the car but what if it wasnt the right car?
That would be embarrassing.
I picked the pizza up off the ground and put it back in the box.
I closed the box and saw that it was partially soaked in blood.
I checked myself out.
It didnt seem to be my blood.
I used my cell phone flashlight to follow the blood trail.
I sucked in a couple breaths to calm myself and I went back to Pinos.
I was impressed with myself because my hands werent shaking.
Sonny came over and looked inside the pizza box.
I guess you need a new one, he said.
Aside from the gash between your eyes and the bruise thats forming you look okay.
Im thinking you look better than the other guy.
The one who bled all over this box.
Do we need to go scoop him up?
He got away, I said.
Afraid theres some blood in your parking lot.
Happens all the time, Sonny said.
Rangers scored an early goal, he said.
I drank some wine and put the ice on my forehead.
I looked at the picture I had taken of the car.
It was a Camry.
You could clearly see the license plate.
It didnt have a JZ, but it had a J7.
I sent the picture to Ranger.
A minute later I got a phone call.
Babe, Ranger said.
Long story short, he got away, but I might have shot him.
Im waiting for my pizza and then Im going to Morellis.
My office first thing in the morning, Ranger said.
I finished my wine just as my new pizza was placed in front of me.
Do you want an escort out?
An escort out would be lovely, I said.
Sonny grabbed a chefs knife from the kitchen and went to the door with me.
Have you ever thought about a different line of work?
Something less dangerous, like getting shot out of a cannon or being a lion tamer.
I put the pizza on the backseat, and I got behind the wheel.
Thanks, I said to Sonny.
Say hi to Jeannie.
I drove out of the lot, looked in my rearview mirror, and saw Raul follow me out.
So much for security liberation.
+++
Morelli came to the door to help with the pizza box.
The Rangers already made a goal, Morelli said.
I think this is going to be a good year.
I heard when I was at Pinos.
There was a problem with the pizza.
He put the box on the coffee table.
Guard this with your life, he said to me.
Do you want wine or beer?
Bob was instantly on high alert the minute the pizza box was set down.
Shoes, upholstered furniture, underwear, anything wooden, and he especially loved pizza.
Morelli returned with wine for me and a roll of paper towels.
He took a piece of pizza and looked at my face.
You have a gash in your forehead just above your nose and youre getting two black eyes.
It was one of those accidents, I said.
I ate a piece of pizza and gave Bob my crust.
Morelli opened a bottle of beer.
Do you want to tell me about the accident?
No, I said.
It would be boring.
Truth is, it was embarrassing, and I didnt want to talk about it.
He chugged some beer and looked at me.
You hit yourself in the head with your gun again, didnt you?
How would you know that?
He was worried about you.
He ratted me out!
Thats the last time he gets a tip.
He always puts it on my tab anyway, Morelli said.
I pointed to my forehead gash.
Youre such a cupcake, he said.
I perfected that look.
I made plainclothes because of that look.
Okay, I said, but my look is still pretty good.
A strand of hair had come loose from my ponytail.
He tucked it behind my ear and very gently kissed me on my nose.
Have another piece of pizza, he said.
Im going to get some ice for your eyes.
If they get any more swollen, youre going to miss the game.
ChapterEighteen
Morelli was gone by the time I woke up.
I went into the bathroom and was horrified but not surprised by what I saw.
The bruises around my eyes were black and purple and green.
My eyes were swollen but thankfully not swollen shut.
All because of a stupid gun.
No one should ever give me a loaded gun.
The only one worse with a gun was Lula.
I went into the bedroom, picked my clothes up off the floor, and got dressed.
It was almost eight oclock when I left Morellis house.
Ranger would be in a state of disbelief that I thought this was first thing in the morning.
His first thing in the morning was nighttime.
I pulled away from the curb and found a Rangeman SUV in my rearview mirror.
My hair was still wet when I ran out of my building and got into my Whatever.
I bypassed the school bus office and went straight to Rangeman.
The black Rangeman SUV was on my bumper the entire time and followed me into the underground garage.
I gave the security camera at the elevator entrance the finger and stepped inside.
It took me to the fifth floor.
Ranger met me at the elevator and ushered me back inside, and we went to his apartment.
Have you had breakfast?
No, I said.
He called down to Ella for breakfast and he moved me into his office.
Talk to me, he said.
The eyes for starters.
I had the short version, now I want the long version.
I gave him the long version and he was silent for a beat.
So, you accidentally discharged the gun and knocked yourself out?
It was more like I was stunned for a second or two, I said.
Anyway, the important thing is that I got the license plate and I actually saw this guy.
Ella came in with a tray of food and a coffeepot.
She set it on Rangers desk, smiled at me, and left.
I really like Ella.
At least none that I know about.
The photo we had from the DOT camera was distorted.
The car is registered to Marcus Smulet.
Forty-six years old, lives on Karnery Street.
Doesnt seem to own a truck.
Has a spotty work history.
The only interesting thing we found was an arrest six years ago for human trafficking.
He claimed it was a humanitarian effort and he got a slap on the wrist.
Ranger pulled up a photo.
Is this the guy?
I have people watching the house.
So far theres been no activity.
The Camry isnt on the property.
I hope I didnt kill him.
It would be convenient if you did, but its unlikely.
He was able to drive away.
Theres been no police chatter of finding the Camry or a body that fits Smulets description.
He didnt check into any of the local ERs for treatment.
You eat your breakfast while I make some phone calls and then we take a look at Smulets house.
Karnery Street was less than a mile from Pinos.
It wasnt in the Burg, but it felt like the Burg.
Small two-story houses on small lots.
We left the Porsche and walked to Smulets front door.
Ranger rang the bell once and knocked twice.
There was no answer, so Ranger did his magic, unlocked the door, and we went inside.
We pulled on gloves and methodically went through each room.
The furniture was basic.
A couch and two armchairs upholstered in beige.
Area rug, also beige.
Medium-sized flat-screen television facing the couch.
Walnut dining table with six chairs.
Kitchen with brown granite counters and ivory cabinets.
Condiments in the fridge but not a lot of food.
No dirty dishes in the sink.
Several takeout boxes and fast-food bags in the kitchen trash.
There were three bedrooms and a bath upstairs.
Two beds were made.
One had been slept in.
Mens clothes in the one closet and dresser.
Mens toiletries in the bathroom.
He sleeps here, but he doesnt live here, Ranger said.
He probably spends a lot of time on the road.
Maybe spends time at a girlfriends house.
There wasnt a Pinos bag in the trash.
He got takeout but he didnt bring it back here.
Hell come back here eventually, Ranger said.
He owns this house.
Hes not going to walk away from it.
As long as he has hopes of getting his eleven million, hes going to hang around.
Ill switch to electronic surveillance tonight.
Theres a brother in El Paso.
A sister in Massachusetts with his parents.
The brother is also a trucker.
The sister works for a bank.
It was stupid of him to venture to kidnap me in Pinos parking lot, I said.
He saw an opportunity, Ranger said.
And he underestimated you.
Im a killer with a pizza box.
Lula and Connie were inside.
Connie was setting up a new computer and Lula was on the couch, surfing on her phone.
She looked up and grimaced when I walked in.
Holy crap, Lula said.
What happened to you?
I was sort of aiming my gun and it kicked back and got me between the eyes.
Who were you aiming at?
I took a doughnut from the box on Connies makeshift desk.
He attacked me in Pinos parking lot.
I smacked him in the face with the pizza box and then I think I might have shot him.
Anyway, he got away, but I was able to get a picture of his car.
Was it a Camry?
I just know it was a Camry.
Damn, girl, youre good.
Did you get the plate?
I got the plate, I said.
I sent it to Ranger, and he traced it.
We went through Smulets house but didnt find anything useful.
Thats a nice neighborhood, she said.
You wouldnt expect a kidnapper to be living there.
Knock, knock, Grandma said from the sidewalk.
She was standing at the open door, holding a grocery bag and peering in at us.
What happened to your eyes?
I was jumped in Pinos parking lot, I said.
She got off a shot and hit herself in the head with her gun, Lula said.
What about the jumper?
He got away, I said.
I heard about the mobile office at the deli so I came to take a look.
I always wanted one of these.
If I had a drivers license, Id get one.
It needs some fixing up, Lula said, but it has potential.
It has no potential, Connie said.
Its rusting out from under us.
Yeah, but it has temporary potential, Lula said.
We all agreed that it had temporary potential, especially since we had no other alternatives.
I dont want to go scouting new office locations without Vinnie or Harry getting involved, Connie said.
And neither of them is available.
This isnt so bad, short-term, Lula said.
I found my stash ofStarmagazines this morning.
And you cant hardly smell the mouse anymore.
Are you taking it on the open road?
It wont go on the open road in its present condition, Lula said.
It has a leakage issue.
Leakage is a bummer, Grandma said.
We have to at least move the bus to the back of the property, Connie said.
The city wont let us stay on the road.
Lets do it, Grandma said.
I want to go for a ride.
Im all about it, Lula said.
Will it make it around the block?
I jumped out and pulled the plug on the electric and Lula added motor oil.
Grandma and Connie sat at the small built-in table, and Lula got behind the wheel.
Here we go, Lula said.
There was a lot of grinding noise and the bus inched forward.
We turned the corner, and the bus coughed a couple times and stopped.
We all got out to take a look.
Motor oil was running in a steady stream from under the bus.
This isnt good, Lula said.
I used all my cans.
The Rangeman SUV pulled up behind us and two Rangemen got out.
I knew both of them.
Well give you a push, Hal said.
Get behind the wheel and ensure its in neutral, brake off.
We got the bus situated in the small lot, and I got out to thank Hal.
No problem, he said.
There arent parking spaces back here now that the bus is in place.
Were going to have to hang on the street, but well still be able to see you.
There was no parking on the side street.
It wasnt ideal but it wasnt at the top of my list of things freaking me out.
We got power, Lula yelled.
I was glad Lula was happy, but I didnt think it was all good.
I was officially on overtime in my attempt to rescue Vinnie.
That was fun, but now I need to get my groceries home, Grandma said to me.
I was hoping youd give me a ride.
you should probably pick up your laundry anyway.
Your mom has it all folded and ironed.
Shes going to go nuts when she sees my eyes and the gash on my nose.
Thats a fact, but you might as well get it over with.
Your face isnt going to improve for at least two weeks.
I drove Grandma home and followed her into the house.
My dad was still out with the cab.
My mom was in the kitchen knitting.
She looked up when I walked in.
She shook her head and threw her hands in the air, still holding tight to her knitting needles.
You hit yourself in the head with your gun again, didnt you?
Who did you shoot this time?
I think it was the kidnapper, but Im not sure I shot him.
Omigod, she said, the kidnapper.
How do you get into these situations?
No wonder no one wants to marry you.
People want to marry me, I said.
Remember the butcher, whats his name?
He wanted to marry me.
You shouldnt have passed him up, my mom said.
He was a good man.
He gave us rump roasts and lamb chops, Grandma said.
All the best cuts.
A shiver ran down my spine, thinking about the butcher.
He spent his day stuffing giblets up turkey butts and he had big drooly lips like a giant grouper.
