Buffy spent the night and took Bob for the promised run the next morning. A blue and white police car pulled up along side her. She smiled when she saw Eddie Gazarra. "Hey, Eddie. How's it going? You keeping us all safe today?"
"I don't know, Buffy. I think you running in that outfit might be a moving violation." Eddie was married to Stephanie's cousin, Shirley the Whiner, but he wasn't dead. Buffy in running clothes that showed every curve not to mention the tiny beads of sweat glistening on her skin was enough to make a dead man sit up.
"You're not going to handcuff me are you, Eddie?" She teased with a naughty smile on her face. Eddie gulped almost spilling hot coffee in his lap. "Eddie, could you do me a favor? I need to find out some information on someone quietly, for a friend."
"No one knows where Ranger lives. I tried to find out for Stephanie before she moved in with Morelli."
"Please, as if that would be a problem. No, I need some info on someone in the FBI and I figured if a check went out from the police station it would just look like someone following up on something, right? Please, Eddie." Buffy pouted out her bottom lip and Eddie was lost.
"I can do that, sure. Who do you need me to check on? We have a geek at the station that loves to do that stuff. He never even asks what or why. You need a ride back. You ran pretty far."
"Nah, Bob and I got our second wind, so we are good to go. Thanks Eddie. You're a sweetie." Buffy leaned in and kissed his cheek. She snapped her fingers and ran back the direction she came from, with Bob running beside her.
Eddie touched his cheek then stuck his head out the window. "Shit!" He jumped as hot coffee spilt down the front of his uniform. "I'm not sure which is more dangerous Stephanie with cars or Buffy and, just Buffy." Eddie cleaned himself up as best he could. He was glad that Shirley was related on the Plum side of the family. He didn't think his heart would hold up otherwise. Eddie pulled his car back onto the road and went back to work.
Buffy and Bob made it back to the house in time to see a small dark haired older woman accompanied by an older woman ring the doorbell. She walked up the sidewalk slowly, watching Stephanie open the door with a smile that faltered then righted itself.
"Hello Mrs. Morelli, Grandma Morelli. How are you doing this morning?" Stephanie's voice was strained.
Buffy decided to help. "Hey, Steph, we had a good run. Oh, we have company, how nice. Hi, I'm Buffy Summers, Stephanie's cousin from California. It's so nice to meet you. You must be Joe's Mom and Grandmother. I heard you make the best lasagna and coffee cake around. I would shake your hand but I'm all sweaty. I'll just run upstairs and change real quick. I would love to get to know you better." Buffy smiled brightly at the two women, who weren't sure how to take her.
She was dressed inappropriately, true, but her manners were wonderful and she seemed like a sweet child. Mrs. Morelli was easily won over but Grandmother Morelli was a harder nut to crack. Buffy looked her straight in the eye, with no fear what so ever.
Buffy quickly showered off and changed, pulling her wet hair into a sloppy bun. Stephanie had regaled her with stories of Joe's Grandmother's 'evil eye.' Buffy had dealt with curses and gypsies; she was ready for the elder Mrs. Morelli. The three women sat at the kitchen table with coffee and an uncut coffee cake in front of them.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. That cake looks wonderful." Buffy went to get a cup of coffee for herself and took the fourth chair. "What a nice morning for a visit. It is absolutely beautiful out there." She smiled at the three women who looked at her as if she were an alien life form. She was by Burg standards.
"How come you aren't married?" Grandma Morelli threw out.
"After I graduated from school, I went to college then my mother got really sick. Between taking care of her and my sister, not to mention never meeting the right man, I never had time."
Grandma was embarrassed but that didn't stop her. She thought it was a bad idea to have another woman living with a couple, even if they weren't married, though she was working on that. "How come we never heard of you before? You ashamed of your family?" Her evil eye started to twitch.
"My father wouldn't let my mom have anything to do with her family after they married and moved to California. She loved him, so, she let it go. After the divorce, she thought it was too late, I guess." Buffy shrugged. "I have a question for you. Are you a real gypsy or is that just a rumor?"
Stephanie and Mrs. Morelli gasped. Buffy was thankful they weren't drinking at the time or they would have drowned from a cup of coffee.
"Why do you want to know, girl? What would you know about gypsies or curses? I've a mind to give you the eye, so you could learn first hand." Her eye started twitching and the other two women held their breaths now.
Buffy looked at her, the Slayer looked out of her eyes, at Grandma Morelli. "I had a friend that knew a lot about them and I learned some from her. Now, her tribe knew all about curses, no evil eye for them. Do you know they cursed a man's family that if the men felt a moment of true happiness they would lose all control and become like a monster. I saw it myself. Jenny taught me a few things, not as much as my friend, but enough to protect myself. I'd rather be friends" Buffy shrugged, "your choice."
The older woman looked at her. "What tribe of gypsy?"
"Kalderash, do you know it? They originated in Romany."
Grandma made the sign of the cross and reached for her rosary beads. "What are you, child?"
"Capricorn on the cusp of Aquarius." Buffy grinned at her. The two women looked at each other and an understanding passed between them.
Grandma smiled, a huge smiled showing all her false teeth. "Stephanie, I like your cousin. You could learn a lot from her. See that she stays in Trenton. I think perhaps, we all might learn something." She stood and swept out of the room.
Mrs. Morelli smiled at them both. "It was nice meeting you, Buffy."
"You too, Mrs. Morelli, have a nice day."
Stephanie watched all this in shock. "Did that just happen? First, Bob, now, the Morelli women. What are you magic or something?"
"No, just good with dogs and old people. Remember never let them see you sweat. Do you mind if I go to work with you? I think I might want to talk to your cousin about that job. I mean if you don't mind. I would totally understand if you want me to look somewhere else."
"Are you kidding? There is no way you are going anywhere till you teach me how to do that thing with Bob. Maybe, even Joe's Mom and Grandmother, too. Plus, I like having you around. You think you could teach me a few moves. I hate guns. Mine's in the cookie jar. I think every time I've carried it, either I've ended up shot, I had to shoot someone or they took it away from me." Stephanie looked at Buffy hopefully.
"Sure, I can teach you some basics. Guns are not on my list of favorite weapons. Speaking of weapons is there a store where I can pick up a few things. I couldn't bring any of my toys on the plane. How are you with a knife?"
"You're kidding? You aren't kidding. Shit. What type of toys are we talking about?"
"I'll have to see what they have. Do I have to have a gun? I mean I can shoot but I've been shot and lost a friend." Tara's sweet face flashed in Buffy's mind.
"There are times when there isn't much choice. Even Grandma Mazur has one, a really big one."
"So, let's swing by the local Bad Boys R Us and see what we can find."
Stephanie pulled up in front of Louie Tortelli's Sporting Goods and Shooting Range. "Are you sure you want to do this? There might be something else you might like better. You just got here; I thought you wanted to relax." She turned in the seat to look at her small blonde cousin.
"I'm not used to doing nothing all day. Other than you being shot at, I enjoyed yesterday." Buffy looked at Stephanie trying to read her face. She didn't want to step on her cousin's toes. She already liked Stephanie a lot and thought they might end up being really good friends.
"What about last night with Ranger? Did you enjoy that too?"
"Ask what you want to know, Stephanie."
"Are you just playing hard to get? Or are you really not interested."
"I don't play games but I think he does. I'm the newest face and the one he wants is involved with someone else. I'm not interested in being anyone's substitute. Your friend likes to order people around according to some plan in his head. I don't work well with orders and rules - never have. Now let's go shopping."
Stephanie watched Buffy get out and casually walk into the store like she owned the place. She thought about what Buffy said and the more she did the more pissed at herself she got. Why had she taken Ranger's word as gospel and fought Joe tooth and nail for every inch of independence. A big smile spread across her face and she rushed to join her cousin.
Buffy moved up and down the aisles stopping to look at this or that and throwing things into an ever growing pile of weapons.
"Shit! You really are Catwoman." Stephanie peered into the basket. She pulled out a strange looking bow. "What is this?"
"Crossbow. I figured if they have a gun, I can have a crossbow. I don't have to register for it and I'm hoping they can make me some special arrows. Do you know the owners?" Stephanie nodded. "Cool, do I get handcuffs here too?"
Another nod and she followed Buffy not knowing what to think. When they got to the counter, Stephanie introduced Buffy to Louie Jr. who everyone called Jr. He eyed Buffy thinking he'd make a nice profit from this sale until she asked her first question.
"Do you have anyone here that can fix the sights on the crossbow? I also need some special arrows made if you have a pen, I'll give you the length, weight and tip content."
Nope, no push over here. This little girl knew her stuff.
"I'll need some handcuffs and two of those knives." She pointed to a wicked looking knife behind a glass case. "Do you carry collapsible staffs or do I have to find a martial arts store?"
"Right this way young lady." Jr. motioned for Buffy to follow him into a room Stephanie didn't know existed. It looked like Kung Fu heaven. There was every kind of fighting weapon imaginable from staffs to nunchucks.
Stephanie's eyes grew wide - throwing stars. "Who buys throwing star?" The words burst from her curious mind.
"Mostly people use them for competition, but some I don't ask. See anything you like, little lady?" He watched Buffy move into the room.
Her fingers brushed over one weapon after another. She plucked off only the best from each category. Buffy held a five-foot slender staff in her hands. She tested its flexibility. Her audience watched in amazement as the staff moved in a black blur in her hands then disappeared from sight.
"Where did you put it?" Jr. eyed Buffy's outfit of low cut jeans and a chiffon blouse.
Buffy gave him an innocent smile. "Do you have someone who can fix the crossbow now? I'd like to test it out and take it with me. I'm sure a few nice duffle bags should come free with such a large purchase, right. I mean that's how they do it in California."
Jr. added in his head what she picked out so far and even without bumping up the prices, he'd do a nice sale. "Sure can, little lady. There are some targets next to the shooting range."
"Aren't you going to need a gun since, I'm guessing you're going to work with Stephanie." He was still a salesman, until they walked out the door.
"Not yet, but if it comes to that I'll be back. How long will it take for the arrows?" Buffy didn't want to use standard arrows if she didn't have to. The barb would do too much damage to a human. She might as well carry a gun. The arrows she ordered would have the same effect as a bullet but the impact would be smaller and cause less damage. Who ever was unlucky enough to be on the receiving end should survive if Buffy wanted them to. She didn't want to think about that now.
Buffy looked over at Stephanie and almost cracked up. "You think they sell black patent leather catsuits here?"
Stephanie took in her words and smiled then started laughing. When they stopped laughing Jr. told, Buffy the bow was ready. Stephanie watched her shoot arrow after arrow into the bull's eye. A crowd gathered from the early risers at the shooting range. Buffy finished testing out the bow and the crowd parted like the Red Sea to let her pass. Stephanie tried to follow but kept getting stopped by everyone she knew asking questions about Buffy. Problem was Stephanie didn't have many answers. By the time, she made it back into the store, Jr. and Buffy had bonded. It was the darndest thing, Stephanie had ever seen. Wherever Buffy went, the most cantankerous person she knew fell for the little blonde.
They pulled into Plum Bail Bonds and Stephanie switched off the engine. She turned to look at Buffy who sat there with a smile on her face.
"You have another question, Steph? You know it's a lot easier if you just ask them. You get fewer headaches that way."
"There's a lot more to you than just being good with dogs and old ladies, huh. I know, I'm not the best bail enforcement agent, but I'm not dumb either. Where did you live that you had to learn to be so good at fighting and weapons but hate guns?"
"Let's just say the bad guys in my hometown preferred other weapons." Like fangs. "I had to learn to use all different type of stuff. Giles, my friend, he was kind of my mentor and helped me learn. Turns out, I'm a natural. After I learned how to use the first couple of things, he taught me. I can pretty much pick up new stuff after a little practice." Buffy though that was a simple straightforward explanation and hoped Stephanie would buy it.
"So, California is like Trenton just different weirdo and instead of everyone carrying a gun they use all that ninja stuff?"
Buffy nodded with an internal sigh that Stephanie seemed satisfied, for now. They walked into the office and Lula and Connie immediately stopped talking. Buffy had a bad feeling she was about to be grilled. From the look on Lula's face, she wondered if it would be about last night or this morning.
"Girl, come in here. You shore know how to get people's attention. Where'd you learn to dance that way? My friend Doreen was there last night. She said she ain't never seen a white girl dance like that. You sure you're related to Stephanie? I mean she can dance aiight but not like what Doreene described." Three pairs of eyes waited expectantly. "It's no biggy. I took dance and gymnastics and I was a cheerleader before my parents divorced."
"Those are white girl moves that don't explain what you was doing last night. Doreen said every man in the club went to watch you dance. They wouldn't even let anyone on the floor. Girl that ain't nothing you learn from shaking a pom-pom at a football game."
Buffy was saved from further interrogation by Vinnie sticking his head out his office door. "Summers, you thought about my offer of a job, yet?" His eyes roamed quickly over her body.
"I'd like to talk to you about it if you have a few minutes."
Chapter 16
Buffy walked into Vinnie's office and closed the door. She heard all the rumors about him, including the one about the duck. Buffy knew how to deal with men like Vinnie.
"I have a few conditions to me working for you."
"I'm offering you a job; I'm not negotiating a deal with you." Vinnie tried to keep his temper. He knew having Buffy on board would be good for business.
"Fine, I'm sure I can go to work for, oh, say, Turner and Sons. Stephanie said they were your biggest competition. Might be interesting to see how much more business I could help them bring in." Buffy challenged from her seat across from him. With his slightly balding head and beady little eyes, he reminded her of Principle Snyder. She regretted the fact she had been unable to face that little Nazi then as she prepared to do now with Vinnie.
"What are your conditions? Make it quick, I'm expecting a phone call."
"One, I want an equal shot at all the FTAs you usually give Ranger. Two, you provide me with a place I can use to workout. I mostly need some open area that is private."
"Why would I do that? You're not worth it. What's in it for me?" Vinnie hated spending money on anything unrelated to his own warped pursuit of pleasure.
"But if I use the space to help train others, say like Stephanie. You would end up with another bounty hunter who could take on more cases. It's a win-win deal and you know it. You can take it or leave it. The last one, I get as much of a percentage as Ranger does. Equal work gets equal pay."
Vinnie moved from around his desk to get closer to Buffy. "Now that last one, we will have to negotiate. I know Ranger can bring in anyone I send him after. You, on the other hand, could be just dumb luck like your cousin. Maybe you could persuade me to have a different perspective on this." Vinnie's hand ran slowly up Buffy's arm.
She looked at him, then gave him a soft smile. "Are you sure 'that' would convince you I'm as good as Ranger?"
"Oh yes, baby. It would ensure you get whatever you want from me." Vinnie's fingers kneaded her up arm as he moved towards his target.
Quick as a flash, Buffy moved out of her chair and her fingers wrapped around his neck. Vinnie's eyes went wide and he tried to choke out his protest. Buffy lifted him up then pressed him against the wall.
"How about you rethink that? I think I can prove I'm as good as Ranger, don't you?" Vinnie nodded. "Now, we won't mention this again. Any of it, nod your head if you agree."
Vinnie nodded his head and Buffy loosened her hold on his neck. She pinned him against the wall for a few more minutes then released him, to let him crumple to the floor.
The door rattled from someone pounding on it from the outer office. "Buffy! Are you all right in there? What is going on?" Stephanie called through the door.
"Everything is fine, Steph don't worry." Buffy looked at Vinnie, who remained on the floor. "Do I need to sign some paperwork?"
"See Connie, she handles all that stuff. My father-in-law owns a lot of warehouses. I'll see if he has one I can use. That is as much as you are going to get from me."
Buffy smiled brightly, an empty warehouse would be perfect. "I'll take it if that is the best you can do. Do I get a cool badge and everything?"
This woman scared Vinnie more than Ranger did. She turned her emotions on and off so smoothly it was hard to keep up. At least Ranger was always scary; Buffy went from a sunny, happy girl to one scary woman.
Buffy opened the door and casually walked out stopping at Connie's desk. "Vinnie said you have the paperwork I'll need to sign. Is there anything on the books today? I'm anxious to get started."
"I gave Stephanie two of her repeaters. There is only this one for Ranger." She held a folder up for Buffy to see.
"I'll take it." She plucked it from Connie's hand.
"It is a high-risk, high-rater, those always go to Ranger." The buxom secretary looked at Buffy in confusion.
"Not anymore. It's first come first serve. You can talk to Vinnie if you don't believe me." Buffy looked over the paperwork for one Terence Watson. He killed his best friend in a fit of rage over a football bet. He crushed the other man's skull on the cement then stabbed the dead body repeatedly. Buffy flipped the papers up to see Terence was a habitual repeat customer. "Why did Vinnie bond the guy?"
"He would bond Hannibal the Cannibal for the right amount of money." Connie handed Buffy the necessary forms to sign while they talked.
"Stephanie, what's the address of Joe's house?"
"Connie can fill that in for you and change it later when you find some place you want to live." Stephanie played along with Buffy telling people she lived with her and Joe. She thought it was ironic to have this long-lost cousin come to town and be able to do a job she still wasn't sure about. Especially, looking at Buffy, she didn't fit Stephanie's idea of someone tough enough to take on Ranger's cases.
Lula wanted some answers so bad, she was ready to burst from curiosity about last night. "Aiight girl, you need to tell us all about last night."
Buffy smiled at Stephanie's flamboyant friend. She liked Lula's straightforward attitude about life. Buffy respected her for the way she turned her life around and hoped to add her to her list of friends. Her smile faded when she felt Ranger enter the office.
"Yeah, gorgeous, let's hear about your night." His eyes swept over her, drinking in the sight of her.
"Ricky can tell you all about it, he was there. Stephanie come on I need a ride." Buffy moved past Ranger and he snagged her arm. Buffy met his dark eyes and waited, no emotion showed on her face.
"I need to talk to you, gorgeous."
Buffy nodded her head then looked down at his hand on her arm. Ranger reluctantly let go of her. He liked the fell of her skin under his fingers.
"Steph, I'll meet you in the car in a minute." Buffy walked towards the door. "Are you coming or not, Ricky?"
Ranger stared at the soft swing of her hips for a few minutes. He quietly moved out of the office ignoring the three women with their mouths open.
"Stephanie, your cousin is the bomb. Did you see the way she handled Batman? I've never seen him so distracted, especially over a woman. Even when he was sniffing after you, he played it real cool. You think she could teach me how to do that? I would love to be like that with some handsome hunk and have him running after me," Lula still stared at the door; she looked like an awed fan waiting for an autograph.
Buffy stopped when she got outside and leaned against the wall of the building. Ranger was only a minute behind her; he moved up close to her, crowding her space. His body was mere inches away, so close that Buffy could feel the heat radiating off his skin. It felt strange to be this close to a man whose skin wasn't alabaster white and cool to the touch.
"Vinnie, called me, said you wanted an equal shot at my cases, gorgeous. Now why would you want to go and do something like that?" He studied her face looking for some sign of emotion, he found none.
Buffy looked into his dark eyes then gave him a slow soft smile. She leaned close to his ear. "Yes," she breathed out huskily, her breath teased his ear. Her voice caused shivers to race down his spine. "I did. Now, what are you gonna do about it." She daringly bit his ear lobe.
Ranger wanted nothing more than to push her against the wall or pull into the back alley and taste her, all of her. He strained against his zipper wanting to open it and slide into her, here in front of everyone. He wanted to mark her as his.
"I'm not going to stop you. When I have to rescue you, then you'll owe me. I plan on making you pay in full and there is only one thing I'll take for payment -you."
Her temper reared its head. Who, the hell, does he think he is? I don't need anyone to rescue me. I'll just have to show him that, for a fact.
"What if I have to rescue you? Do I get to choose my prize?"
Ranger laughed a full-blown, teeth gleaming, deep down laugh. Stephanie stepped out of the office to go to her car and stopped to stare. She spun back to get Lula and Connie. She ran smack into them. They followed her out hoping to spy on Ranger and Buffy.
"Do you hear that? That is Ranger laughing. I didn't even know he knew how. He barely smiles, not a real one anyway."
"Ssh, he'll hear you." Connie warned her. She was as curious about Stephanie's cousin as the rest of them. She planned on running a search on Buffy. There had to be a reason she was so different from anyone they'd ever met. Connie wanted to know what caused those differences.
They watched Buffy's body stiffen and her fist clench. "Uh, oh, Batman done said the wrong thing to your cousin. I know what a pissed-off woman looks like - and that is one pissed-off woman." Lula shook her head wondering what Ranger had done to make Buffy so mad.
All three women sucked in huge amounts of air as the watched Buffy punch Ranger in the jaw. They were close to hyperventilating when they see him fly back then land a few feet away.
Buffy walked over to Ranger whose face still wore a look of shock. She knelt down close to him. "You still think it's so funny? How about we make a bet? If I rescue you, say sometime in the next five days you have to do whatever I say for a full day. You rescue me, same terms apply. If it's a tie then we spar to break it. Deal?"
She put her hand out for him to shake. He pulled her down on top of him. "You would be my slave for 24 hours, no rules?"
Buffy nodded with a strange glimmer in her eye that Ranger should have paid attention to. "You have a deal, gorgeous. My favorite color is black. Be sure you have something in lace for your master." He grinned then snaked his hand up to grab her neck pulling her mouth down to his.
Ranger put all the heat Buffy made him feel into the kiss. Buffy didn't respond at first then an evil thought entered her mind. She added her own brand of passion in the kiss.
Lula, Connie and Stephanie watched their mouth hung open further than before. They couldn't believe this was the same ultra-cool reserved Ranger.
"Damn, that girl has got some bad ass moves." Lula admired the show. "I think I'm having a heat flash just watching them. Did he ever kiss you like that?" She asked Stephanie without taking her eyes off the couple in front of them.
Ranger couldn't get enough of Buffy's sweet mouth. His arms pulled her even closed. Their tongues dueled with each other. He buried his hand in her long silky hair. As the kiss continued, Ranger felt his body respond to her heat. Buffy admitted he really knew how to kiss.
The problem was she didn't want to be involved with another man who thought he knew what was best for her. Finally admitting to Spike that she cared for him only to lose him, really opened her eyes. She knew what she wanted from a relationship and what she wouldn't stand for, from anyone. She wanted to feel loved and cherished but most of all respected for her choices. Buffy decided she wouldn't settle not like she did with Riley. The next man to win her heart would have to work hard for it. Yes, Ranger was gorgeous but that would only get him so far with her. She'd had two of the most attractive men she'd ever seen in her life; looks weren't a bargaining chip, not this time.
She pulled away from his hold. "I hope you enjoyed it, Ricky. That is the last freebie you get from me." Buffy jumped easily to her feet and looked down on Ranger. "Now I have a baddie to go catch." She strolled over to the girls. "Steph, you ready to go?"
Stephanie just shook her head, yes. Lula had the biggest proudest smile on her face. Connie looked her up and down, sizing her up.
Ranger got up off the ground. His eyes followed Buffy as she walked away. A half-grin turned his lips up the slightest amount at each corner. A determined light lit his dark eyes. Stephanie knew that look and could have warned her cousin, but by the time she looked up, his face wore its usual bored expression. He watched them crawl into Stephanie's SUV and drive off. Ranger stood there for only a moment before climbing behind the wheel of his own black SUV.
Stephanie and Buffy rode in silence for a few minutes until Stephanie couldn't stand it any longer. "What really happened between you and Ranger, last night?"
"Not much, I went back in the club when I finished the job, he followed and wouldn't leave me there. When I was ready to leave, he made a pass at me and I told him off. He promised it wouldn't happen again, and drove me home."
"You told him off? You can't mean you didn't like his kiss, because that's not the way it looked a second ago. Ranger is a great kisser."
"Yeah, he is but that's not the point. He did it to try and manipulate me. I know you two were involved, Steph. I don't want to be a substitute for anyone. I did that to someone before and it's not a good place to be for either person. I'm not sure I want to be involved with anyone, not yet. The last few years have been a roller coaster ride for me. What I do know is that I won't be with someone who thinks they can make my decisions for me. I want a partner, not a parent, the next time I get involved. Right now, I'd like to get to know my family and try to be a bounty hunter. I want to figure out where I fit before I do anything else." Buffy shrugged her shoulders putting Ranger out of her mind.
Stephanie pulled up to the restaurant where her first FTA was reported to hang out. She was looking for one George Wilkins. He was wanted for robbing the Stop 'N Shop. The police caught him by following a trail of candy from the store to his apartment two blocks away. He was sitting on the front stoop stuffing his face with Snickers and M&Ms when the cops drove up. Last time Stephanie brought him in, he broke into a claw machine at the arcade. It almost caused a riot when the kids started grabbing all the stuffed animals. George's defense was he won the pink dragon fair and square but the door wouldn't open and give him his prize. The arcade owner pressed charges but let George keep his pink dragon.
Buffy was studying the papers on her FTA when the car stopped. She looked to see they were at a little dinner. "What are we doing here? You can't possibly be hungry, we just ate,"
"No, this is where my FTA likes to hang out during the day. He comes in and orders pie every morning around this time."
"He eats pie this early in the morning?" Buffy was a smokehouses like Stephanie, but still couldn't imagine anyone eating pie for breakfast every morning.
"Edna's has great pie; there are over twenty different kinds. You can stay in the car if you want. George is pretty harmless he will come with me he just forgets about stuff. I should have reminded him about his court date." Stephanie shook her head and got out of the car.
Buffy got out following her in after she finished hiding several of her new toys on her body. She slid the staff down her back her knives were hidden in her boots and she put several throwing stars in her pockets. Buffy put a pair of handcuffs in her other pocket. She strolled into the dinner an immediately knew something was wrong.
Stephanie walked right into a fight between two men. One of the men had a knife in his hand and Stephanie stood in place. She was right next to the guy with the knife.
Buffy caught Stephanie's eye and shook her head to let her know not to try anything. She quietly came up behind the person with the knife. He was a small, slender Hispanic man, barely more then a teenager. Pulling the staff from her back, she flicked her wrist causing it to extend to its full length.
The man turned when he heard the staff slink out and lock into place. "What are you doing, puta? This is none of your business, Stay out of it, chica, or you will..." The other man tried to draw the man's attention back to him. "What are you waiting for, hesa? You afraid, to come for me? You have to make excuses talking to her instead of fighting me. You are a chicken, Manuel. All talk no action. That is what your woman said too. That's why she came to me. To my bed, so she could have a real man" His chest puffed up and he hit his chest while he taunted Manual.
"What are you, stupid? I don't see a knife in your hand, buddy. Just shut up while I save your ass." Buffy threw out even as she advanced on Manuel. She started twirling the staff in her hands; it spun faster and faster until it was a blue of black. Manuel took a step back as Buffy got closer.
She smiled at him, and then quick as a snake she lashed out with the staff. The crack of it hitting the hand holding the knife echoed in the silent dinner. The other customer's eye grew large while they watched the petite blonde-haired person disarm Manuel. Manuel lost he knife when he pulled his stinging hand close to his chest. Manuel's eyes narrowed as he glared at Buffy. Her smile was still firmly in place. The man who Manuel was fighting with thought it was a good time to jump his opponent while his focus was on Buffy.
She saw what he was going to do and flipped over Manuel's head to land with her feet planted on the other man's chest. Manuel went for the knife and Buffy lashed out again with the staff. This time she hit his shoulder with a hard blow then the back of his knees, causing him to go to his knees with a loud scream. He continued cussing at Buffy in Spanish. Buffy swung the staff once more lifting his chin up and slamming him on the floor with a thread. He was down for the count. The other man threw his hands up in surrender.
Buffy looked at him closely and realized he was her FTA. She burst out laughing as she flipped him on his stomach and handcuffed him.
"What are you doing, puta? I didn't do anything, Manuel started the fight. Let me up." He wriggled on the ground, trying to rise up to his knees, Buffy swept them out from under him and his chin hit the ground knocking him out.
"Buffy, uh, thanks. Why did you handcuff him and not the guy that had the knife?" Stephanie looked at her cousin with confusion and a little bit of awe.
"That's my FTA. Thanks, Stephanie; you saved me from having to track him down. Do you need your handcuffs for yours?"
George continued happily to eat his pie oblivious to everything that was happening around him. "Hello George," Stephanie smiled at the harmless thief. "We need to get you rescheduled; you missed your court date."
George nodded, shoving another large bite of pie into his mouth. He was roughly 6 feet tall with shaggy brown hair, small green eyes and huge smile. After shoveling, the last piece of pie in, he got up from the table and waited for Stephanie to go first the owner of the dinner rushed over to Buffy. She finished putting the handcuffs on to the still unconscious Manuel.
"You were great miss. Thank you so much anytime you want something to eat, you just come on by, and it's on the house."
A few minutes later, the police arrived. The young rookie from the previous day was there with Big Dog. Right behind them, was Joe quickly followed by Ranger and Tank.
Stephanie walked over to Joe with George following behind her like a little puppy. When she stopped to talk to Joe, he ran into her back. Stephanie's eyes rolled and Joe tried not to laugh.
He looked around her, to the two men handcuffed and out cold. Joe's eyebrows rose, "Let me guess, your cousin?"
Stephanie glared at him; even though it was true, it pissed her off that he assumed she didn't take out the two men on the floor. "What makes you think I didn't take them down?" Her chin went up and she stared at him waiting for an answer.
"Cupcake, I didn't say you couldn't; I said you didn't. Your cousin still has a staff in her hand." Joe looked at Buffy again. "Where the hell did she put that?" One minute Buffy had a staff in her hands and the next it was gone.
Stephanie grinned. "Don't ask me, she did that at the range too. I'm just glad she is working for us. Could you imagine trying to catch, then disarm her? It would probably take you the same amount of time."
Ranger was wondering the same thing, but he wanted to investigate it himself. He walked around Stephanie and Joe and headed straight for Buffy. Tank followed behind not really sure why Ranger wanted him to come along. However, he was glad he did. He couldn't wait to see what would happen next with Buffy. Tank admired the feisty blonde-haired woman and wouldn't have minded making a play for her, but Ranger saw her first.
Buffy looked up after explaining to the rookie twice what happened. She was losing patience with the officer, who for some reason wanted to know if she carried any weapons other then the staff.
"Look, I saw the bad guy with a knife knocked it away, knocked him out, then the other guy tried to join the party and his taking a nap now. No one else was hurt that is it. If you can't take all that in from what I've told you and the owner said then maybe you are to slow for the job."
Joe saw the anger in Buffy's eyes from his place at the front of the dinner. "Cupcake, I think I better go rescue my fellow officer before Buffy eats him for lunch." He walked over to where Buffy stood with her hands on her hips.
Ranger took a look at the two men on the ground then looked up at tank who nodded. "I'll be damned! You took out Juan Vasquly, gorgeous. Did you know that at the time?"
Buffy didn't turn to answer Ranger's question. She glared at the young police officer, so she threw her answer over her shoulder. "Not until I had him in handcuffs; I just finished reading his folder before coming in here to help Steph."
"We'll take them both in and you can collect your receipt at the front desk. Stephanie can show you where you need to go." Joe looked the young cop in the eye and he nodded, finally giving in and leaving Buffy alone.
"Do you put your handcuffs on them?" Big dog already had cuffs on Manuel and the rookie went over to exchange the ones on Vasquez.
Big dog handed Buffy her cuffs and they quickly disappeared from sight. "Where did you put them?" he eyed Buffy's shear shut and low rise jeans.
"Used a little magic. You know women; we are all about the mysterious." She smiled brightly at the large cop.
Jean Vasquez was cussing and struggle with the cop who helped him to his feet. His eyes shot daggers at Buffy, who coldly stared back at him. Buffy started towards him and Joe, then Tank then Ranger tried to grab her along the way, she dodged around all three men until she stood in front of Vasquez. She looked at the young police officer, who she now knew his name was Mark Larkin. He stepped back, leaving the two facing each other. Joe shouted at him and all three men started forward.
Stephanie and George watched all of this from the front of the dinner. George asked Stephanie if he had enough time to order another piece of pie. Stephanie wondered if she should sit in a booth and have a piece of pie herself.
Buffy stepped up to Vasquez and whispered in his ear. He took several steps away from her and visibly paled. Buffy walked away, Ranger, Tank, and Joe were so stunned that she walked right by them. They looked at Vasquez who was visibly scared from whatever Buffy said to him.
Buffy walked up to Stephanie and George with a smile on her face. "You ready to go, Steph?" they both nodded their heads not sure if they should say or do anything to make the little blonde-haired woman angry. "Maybe, we could all have a piece of pie then take George into be re-scheduled. Fighting always makes me hungry." And Horny She heard Faith's voice in her head, and had to work hard not to giggle.
The owner rushed over to them. "I have apple pie fresh out of the oven. Sit; I'll bring it to you with some coffee." Stephanie and George looked at each other and both shrugged as they went back to George's table.
"Aren't you going to introduce us, Steph?"
"What? Uh, oh sure. Buffy this is George Wilkins; George this is my cousin, Buffy Summers."
Buffy put her hand out and George pumped it up and down as a huge smile spread across his face. He reminded Buffy of Clem. The last time she saw her demon friend he was headed out of Sunny dale. She liked Clem a lot, he was sweet and Ranger, Tank and Joe walked over to the table; the questions they wanted to ask written all over their faces.
"Gorgeous, what did you say to Vasquez? He is going to the car like a spanked puppy." Ranger looked at Buffy expectantly. Her answer shocked the hell out of him. She looked at him then grinned.
Buffy replied in Spanish. "Yo lo dije que si yo lo tengo que agarrar otra vez yo llevaré el tórax para un sombrero y sus pelotas para pendientes." (I told him that I have to bring him in again I'll wear his ribcage for a hat and his balls for earrings.)
Ranger and Tank felt a sudden urge to guard their privates. "I didn't know you spoke Spanish."
"There is a lot about me you don't know. I grew up in LA and our housekeeper taught me when I was a little girl." Buffy shrugged and took a bite of pie. She closed her eyes and moaned, the pie tasted wonderful. The men were mesmerized watching Buffy eat her pie.
Joe chuckled. "Cupcake, you are definitely cousins." He bent down and gave her a quick kiss. Then whispered in her ear. "I like it more when you make the sound, especially when no dessert is involved." Stephanie blushed and Buffy tried to pretend she didn't overhear him.
"Novia, will you go out to dinner with me?"
Buffy looked at Ranger. "I am not your sweetheart and you can pick me up at 7:00." She swept out of the dinner and Stephanie's head kept looking out the door then back at Ranger.
"Don't mess with her head, Ranger. I don't know what happened to her before coming to Trenton but I get the idea it wasn't of the good. If you're just looking for a good time then leave her alone. She is part of my family now and we protect what's ours. Come on George let's get your re-scheduled." George followed Stephanie out to her SUV happy as a clam that he got another piece of pie.
Tank looked over at Ranger, who looked as if he'd run into a wall. "I think hanging around Buffy is having an effect on Stephanie. That girl is like a blonde tornado."