I should be writing a paper for my Ecology lab, but I've had this idea for a couple of days and can't seem to shake it off. This will probably be a short story with alternating POVs between Stephanie and Ranger.

Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.

The first thing I noticed before I opened my eyes was the raging headache I had. My skull felt like something was hammering it repeatedly.

I groaned, preparing myself to get up and find something to alleviate the headache. My eyes opened and I was greeted with sunlight spilling in from a nearby window. I took a deep breath, willing my body to move and sit upright. Before I even attempted it, I realized I did not recognize my surroundings.

Oh boy! Had I gone out to party and acted completely crazy and irresponsible? No, that type of fun was never really my style.

"Unh!" I grunted when I finally struggled to sit up, noticing I was sprawled on a couch. Then it hit me that not only did I have the worst headache in history, but also that my body ached so bad that I wondered if I had been run over by a truck. I looked down, finding my clothes were covered in blood and I was clutching a knife with my left hand. Out of reflex, I shot off the couch, looking around the room frantically.

That's when I spotted a body, male and surrounded by a pool of blood, a few feet away from me.

A wave of nausea washed over me as confusion and panic settled in. I released the knife, letting it tumble from my grip. Footsteps neared and I turned, finding Carl and his partner Big Dog coming through the open doorway with their guns raised.

"Stephanie…" Carl said, sounding distant and very professional.

S&R

Haywood always seems welcoming when I return from a long and tedious business trip.

I swung the Turbo into the underground garage at Rangeman, parking in one of my private spots. I grabbed the small duffel bag that served as my luggage before heading to the elevator.

I was impatient on the ride up, wanting nothing more than to grab a quick shower and get some rest.

There was cubed fruit in the fridge, giving me easy access to a healthy snack. I popped a couple pieces of fruit in my mouth and continued on my way to the bedroom.

The bed looked inviting and I knew it was comfortable for a really good night's sleep. I sighed, walking past the bed to the bathroom. The number one priority right now was a shower. I set my Glock on the counter next to the sink and stripped out of my clothes.

I adjusted the water before standing under the spray. I groaned in approval, enjoying the way water sluiced down my body. As I lathered, I couldn't help but think about my Babe. I've been away a couple of weeks and to be honest I've missed her.

I shut the water off, making up my mind. I was going to go to her apartment, regardless of the hour. I was tired, yeah, but I just need to see her. I'm not sure if she's back with Morelli, but that's never stopped me from paying her a nighttime visit.

I changed into my usual uniform of black cargo pants and T-shirt. I opted for a commando style since it was the middle of the night and sleeping naked with her by my side is always the best.

The drive to her apartment building was quick. Traffic is sparse in the wee hours of the night. I parked at the edge of the lot, not spotting her car. She'd been driving an older model red Explorer when I left for my trip, but given her car history not spotting her last known vehicle didn't necessarily mean she wasn't home.

I took the stairs to the second floor, quick strides leading me to her door. I worked the locks, easily letting myself in. The security chain wasn't in place, making me wonder if she was home.

When I reached her bedroom, my suspicion was confirmed. She wasn't home.

I weighed my options. One, I could go back to Rangeman and come back later. Or two, I could wait for her to get back. I didn't even have to think about it, deciding it was best to wait for her. There was a nagging feeling tugging at me, making me want to see Stephanie with my own eyes to make sure she was okay.

I sat on the lone chair in her room, angling it so I could watch the door and window.

I must have dozed off at some point, because when I opened my eyes the next time sunlight had filled the room. The day had started without me. I stretched, shifting my eyes to her bed. It was empty, meaning she hadn't come back yet.

My eyes scanned the bedroom for signs of her presence recently. When I didn't find any difference from last night when I arrived, I moved out of the bedroom to the bathroom.

By the time I finished my morning routine, I realized I'd yet to stop by her kitchen. I found that Rex was sleeping in his soup can and figured she'd come back later to check on the hamster. I left her a note on the counter next to Rex's glass home before heading out.

Just as I reached my car, my cell phone chirped. It was a text from Connie. I frowned, reading over the message.

Stephanie is missing. Vinnie thinks she's on her way to far far away. He's giving the file to Joyce.

I felt my jaw tighten with worry and anger. While I was away, Tank let me know Stephanie was arrested. I didn't get much details and when I didn't hear anything else about it, I was convinced it had to be something minor.

However, if it's feared she's gone FTA, then maybe there's more to this than I originally thought.

I sent Connie a quick reply, asking for details, as I wrenched the driver's side door open and got behind the wheel.

Heads are going to roll when I find out why I wasn't kept in the loop.

Reviews are very inspiring:D

Working on updating my other stories, so fear not;)