Yaaay! So glad you posted. It seems you've been brewing quite a bit. It shows with how much is going on in this chapter.

Picturing Lula is always funny, but imagining her teetering about in 6" heels makes me wonder how she kept from tipping over. Plus, she can wrestle in those kind of shoes, and win. The woman's got some serious balancing skills. Now I'm intrigued to find out what's in the briefcase she fought for.

Just like Steph to get stunned with her own gun. Funny that Lula called her out on it. My favorite part was when she came to and expected Morelli to be there. Sweet that he was in her first thoughts.

Terry is such a conniver. I can't believe she just barged right into Joe's house and made herself at home. It better only be for one night. Doesn't that woman have any friends she can stay with? Wait, of course she doesn't.

I was a little surprised Joe didn't tell Steph about his overnight parasite during their brief phone conversation. He was probably too distracted with work at the time. Maybe he should plan on staying at Steph's for the night to avoid a fight. I don't trust Terry anyway.

I'm kind of glad Ranger has his men shadowing Steph while she's after The Horn. Those guys would do anything to protect her. She probably won't be too happy about a babysitter, but I have a feeling she'll be glad they were nearby at some point.

Looking forward to reading about the meeting with Ranger and Joe. It's going to be pretty tense for the both of them. Hopefully they can work together and straighten this mess out.

I like the addition of Alessandro. He sounds pretty handsome and charming. I wonder if he will hook up with Robin. I love how Alessandro was ribbing Joe about his past romances.

The interrogation/conference room meeting went well. Sounds like they will work like a team. Joe really took charge of the situation in delegating his comrades.

I liked the apprehension of Mary Sue. The part about adding assault of a police officer to her charges was funny. Great writing there.

You've got a lot going on here and I can't wait to see where it all goes. Comedy and drama mixed with romance makes for a great story and you've got all the elements. Keep up the great work! I know everyone gets busy in the summer, so just update when you can. - T

Well, first off...welcome back! I'm so thankful that Becky let us know that a new chapter was up, because I didn't get any kind of notification. :-( I'm going to hit all those buttons again and hope everything works this time.

This story is seriously great, Julie. I LOVE the mystery/action part of what's happening. Your connections with a cop really shine through in every way: the dialogue, the action, the lingo...it's all flawless. The storyline is complex, and it has me reading closely so I don't miss any of the details. I appreciate that so much.

The airport scene was by far my favorite. I really felt like I was reading canon there with Stephanie's thought process, and Lula's shoes and the stun gun going awry, etc. I also enjoyed the beginning part when Lula tells Steph she needs a self-improvement book, etc. Those little touches are really nice, because they are perfectly Lula.

Terry is still making me incredibly nervous around Joe. I wish I knew if she was telling the truth or not about who the father of her child is. All the mob stuff is making me nervous too, but I LOVE the addition of Allessandro's character. Again, great touch having him be interested in Robin. I always like her character, so it's fun to see her in use.

The banter between Joe and Steph was cute. I'm looking forward to MUCH more from those two in future chapters. ;-)

You are on a roll here, and I really am excited about all the possible ways you can run with this storyline. Thanks for coming back to give us more!

Carol :-)

Great chapter! I liked the action in the opening when Stephanie is following The Horn through the airport crowd. And I could just picture Lula teetering in her 6" heels, trying to rush through the terminal. LOL! The fat guy took me by surprise stunning Stephanie with her own stun gun. I liked your description of the good looking guy who helped her up, right down to his boots. Thankfully, Steph realizes two men in her life are quite enough! Good thing Lula blocked The Horn's way, causing him to drop the suitcase. I wonder if the uncut diamond is in the suitcase.

Terry in need of a safe house, hmmm. She's definitely up to no good! I'm not so sure Joe should have left her alone at his house!

Interesting POV from Ranger. Glad he clarified he was in no position to offer relationship advice! Although I found it interesting that you had him question the real reason he'd go into the wind when Steph asked about their relationship. Definitely more questions there.

I enjoyed the lighthearted banter between Joe and Steph over the phone. Glad he realized he needed to keep things cool after the morning's battle. I liked the introduction to Alessandro. He seems like quite the lady's man! And I was pleased to see Joe protective of Robin, knowing Alessandro's slick moves. I found it interesting that Joe would confess his love of Stephanie to Alessandro while Robin was standing there. It sounds like Alessandro already knew, tho, with the hint that Joe had already been smitten when he went into the Navy. “Waiting for her to decide she’s ready.” That could be awhile! I hope it isn't too much longer, tho. I was amused to find it was Alessandro who had helped Stephanie up in the airport. “Commotion at the airport involving a pretty woman passing out." It will be interesting to see his reaction when he finds out the 'pretty woman' is Joe's Stephanie!

I liked how you wrote the meeting with such detail, even to the description of the room. I enjoyed Rolando asking if Joe was "as much a Casanova during his Navy gig as his legendary persona perceives him here in Trenton", with Alessandro's reply, Who do you think taught me the tricks of his mastered trade?" Joe ran a very good meeting and was very much in command and had everything worked out as to who was doing what. What a surprise that a witness saw what looked like Terry in her red Corvette. The license plate number will verify whose car it was, but will Terry have an alibi?

When Steph takes Mary Sue in to the police station and Robin gives Steph her body receipt I half expected Robin to say something to Steph about picking Joe since Robin overheard Joe's conversation with Alessandro about waiting for Steph to decide. Oh well!

Wonderful job! I look forward to your next chapter!
Becky

Sorry I am behind lol on my reading and reveiwing again.
But thats good anytime there are that many Cupcake stories to keep up with!
I am so intrigued about Terry coming to Joe for help. And yes for a few moments my heart was in my throat afraid that boy was his!
Thank goodness. But I know this plot is going to twist and turn and love that Steph is already lol in the middle of it and their paths will cross.
Okay I DON'T and never have like Terry so poor Steph always having to deal with Joe working with her. I think she's really never had much to worry about where she was concerned.
OH and I wonder what role Allessandro will be playing in all of this.
Looking forward to more.

Julie S

Oh Jeez.

Joe, what the heck were you thinking by having Terry stay in your bedroom? There HAD to be another bedroom in the house, right? Ewwwww...I'd burn the bed too. I can't STAND Terry Gilman. And now she has a suitcase at Joe's door? This is NOT good. If she is planning to stay with him, Steph better not run off in a huff. She needs to stay there and guard her man! LOL!

LOVED Lula in this chapter. That scene at the bonds office was hilarious when she thought she might now the hooker, etc.

I'm already worried about Steph and The Horn. And how is Ranger going to fit into all this. I have so many questions, and I need answers, Julie!

Get writing, girl!

Carol :-)

Wow...so much to ponder in the first chapter. I like the introduction of this Alessandro character. It's cool to see someone from Joe's past in the Navy coming into play. I'm intrigued by the fact that he knows Ranger too, so obviously they've all worked together in the past. I also like the fact that he's good looking. That could prove to be an interesting twist at some point.

I can't stand Terry Gilman, and I'm none to pleased to know she has a child. This sentence has me worried:

Tony's son, Anthony Jr. came quickly to mind as the smile was awfully similar. But I took Terry at her word of him NOT being a Morelli.

She SAYS he isn't a Morelli, but I wonder if that's true. Could it possibly be Tony's child? You've got my mind racing already.

I've always hated how Stephanie can feel so righteously upset about picturing Joe with Terry or Joyce, but does all this stuff with Ranger. It's so bizarre. I'm hoping she will do the right thing and be honest with Joe about her relationship with Ranger right off the bat. These two need to work together on this one. If not, I can foresee some serious damage taking place with their relationship.

Excellent start.

Carol :-)

Well, it figures that Joe and Steph would end up in a situation where their jobs intersect. I am glad that this case of Terry's missing son is being handled in a legal manner. I couldn't picture Joe doing something that would jeopardize his career. I wonder how much Manoso will be involved. Guess we will find out more when they have their meeting.

Stephanie is really shirking the subject where Ranger is concerned. I don't think having a working relationship with him is reason enough to justify them kissing in the alley. I think she should have been a little more remorseful and less defensive when Joe was questioning her about it. If she really cared about Joe as a person and not just a sex object.

I do have to agree with Steph about wanting the entire bed set burned. I wouldn't like knowing the fact that Terry was in Joe's bed either. Joe should have put her in the guest bed or left her on the couch. Sorry, my dislike of Terry really showing here.

Steph has got some crazy skips to pick up. The flip-flop cop attacker, lol. I'll bet that cop sure got hassled for being such a wuss. And then the crazy lady who shoots her own couch. Ha, wackadoodle. What a coincidence that Steph spotted The Horn. I wonder if she is going to catch up to him.

Oh boy. Terry showing up with suitcase in hand can't mean anything good. I hope she is just there to tell him she's leaving town. We'll see in your next installment :) Keep writing. -T

Well this certainly is an interesting aspect in Terry's life. I wonder how she was able to hide a pregnancy. I am so glad this wasn't Joe's child. I don't even like thinking it could have been a possibility. Joe can be very comforting to a damsel in distress, but he is being way to comfortable with Terry. I cringe every time she calls him Joey. It is also very generous that he is getting personally involved in her situation since it is clearly not his problem.

My curiosity is peaked as to who would abduct this boy and why was he specifically targeted? Was it someone from the Prisco family and did Gigliardi have something to do with the murder implication of 'The Horn'? Has Terry kept contact with the adoptive family over the years or did they just contact her after the boy went missing? I wonder how old he is in this story.

I'm surprised Steph didn't fly off the handle a little more at seeing Terry leaving Joe's house and her giving him a hug and kiss. Maybe she's still going to be mad about it in the next chapter.

Boy, I'm just filled with questions, huh? It's just my impatient side. I'll bet we will learn all this and more as the story progresses. I liked your description of Alessandro. You're good at painting a picture. Great start. -T

As much as Joe wants Steph to give up a FTA to Ranger, it's better that he just tells her to be safe. She never listens and then expects one of the guys to bail her out.
I don't understand why it's ok for Steph to be with Ranger, but when what happens with Terry happens, which is nothing, the wrath of Stephanie comes out full force. I know it appears that something happened, but I am glad that Stephanie believe him. So they talked about Ranger and that time after the DeChooch case. Was it because they were on a break (not to sound like Ross from Friends) that they are together? I agree with Joe that they have to grow up and discuss their relationship like real adults, especially with half of the Burg catching her. Steph needs to realize that all she is doing is giving excuses for her unfaithfulness and not to be mature about her relationship. They have a bumpy road ahead.
I still think that Terry left her vest in Joe's bedroom on purpose to mess with Stephanie. I hate that the mood got ruined for Joe. If having a working relationship makes it ok for Ranger to be around, she's not going to like when she hears that Terry is working with Joe about her kidnapped child.
I liked the bobble head thought and how even though Joe shouldn't talk about his cases he does to help his Cupcake. I like that instead of relying on Ranger because of his contacts, Joe suggests that she talk to Connie about getting info first and then come to him if help is still needed. He's trying to make her not so reliant on Ranger.
After the conversation with the chief of police I have no doubt that Ranger is definitely going to be a part of the case. It's going to get awkward and crazy and I like it! It was shocking to hear that it seems that Ranger's pull with the higher ups made it so Morelli got this case.
Lula with a self help book. I can't wait to hear her take on it. I bet Stephanie and Alessandro meet at the airport. As hot as he sounds and as fickle as Steph can be, this might throw a monkey wrench into Joe and Stephanie's relationship. Plus now Terry is at Joe's door with a suitcase. Can't wait for more!

Jessica :)

Yes, this little idea sure has blossomed under your hands! Great chapter and I can't wait to read more!

-Mel

Wonderful chapter! I like where you're taking this story. I loved Stephanie's view on her way to the kitchen - hottest ass in Trenton indeed! It was interesting to see how Joe was trying to keep from telling Steph the details behind the involvement of the Grizzolis with the Priscos, distracting her with a little earlobe kissing and neck nibbling. Too bad Steph found Terry's vest on the bed! I was humored by the line, “Did you sleep with her?” I surveyed the bed and noticed the disheveled blankets and sheets. Running his hands through his hair several times he finally spoke, “Why would you think that?” Uh, hello! Because of the dishelveled bed! That gave way to a rather interesting heated discussion. But the tables were turned when Joe revealed the witnessing of Steph with Ranger kissing. Interesting how Steph can neutralize things, tho, with a turn of a sentence, “Ranger has contacts I don’t.” I loved how Steph's intuition kicked in, tho, and Joe had to admit Terry's connection, to the case, at least partially. At least Steph believed Joe that he didn't sleep with Terry! But burn the sheets and comforter and get rid of the bed? She certainly doesn't ask for much, does she?

I wonder how Ranger is connected to the case, and why Juniak got involved. And I wonder what is going to happen at the airport with Allesandro's flight arriving, The Horn showing up, and Steph not far behind! And I wonder why Terry showed up with a suitcase in hand. Things just get more and more interesting! I look forward to reading where next you take us in this wonderful romp! Thanks for a delightful chapter! And I am honored to beta it for you!

Becky

I think this storyline holds great potential and look forward to where you take it. You are off to a great start already. I could just see Joe's face when he thought he was the father of Terry's son. It is going to be very interesting how he handles the situation with Steph and how she responses.

Kate

Yay! I'm so glad you picked up this idea and ran with it!

I can only imagine Stephanie's head exploding if Terry ends up spending a lot of time with Joe. No way she'll be as understanding and cool as he was when the situation was reversed. Would serve her right if Joe got a little action on the side like she has been all along. Karma is a bitch!

Good luck with this story!

Great start! I can empathize with Joe when he thought the boy might be his. I wouldn't have put it beyond Terry to put holes in his condom if she thought she could get him to stay! That Terry's name was not on the birth certificate was a big surprise, tho. I would have thought Vito would take charge, but she does have a good point that if she was that adament Vito would back down to his girl. It weirded me out when Terry didn't want Joe to leave the room. "Joey, please don't leave me alone." I can only guess what she hoped for! Good thing Joe worked his way around her.

I like that Joe's former Navy buddy works for the FBI and can help him with the case. Alessandro sounds like quite the hunk! He'd have to be if he can turn heads away from Joe when they went ashore! Interesting that Alessandro would ask about Ranger joining the case. It sounds like he's worked with him in the past, which wouldn't surprise me, considering Ranger has worked with the FBI before.

Joe is going to have his hands full with Stephanie, tho, when she gets sight of hunky Alessandro! That and her wrath at Terry having been at Joe's and giving him a kiss. The pot's a-brewing! Things are going to just get hotter, that's for sure!

Thanks for a great story idea! I can't wait to see where you take this! :-)

Becky

I like the idea of a reverse storyline. I was right there with Morelli getting nervous about Terry having his kid. Glad it's not his. I think that it's great that Morelli has an in with the FBI. Alessandro sounds hot, but I'll remain a Cupcake.

Terry wanting Joe to stay with her makes me cringe. I know she still wants him and that is going to be another angle in your story. I just hope it doesn't go that way.

This is going to be an action packed story with the Mob being involved. It was good that Vito and Morelli can have a civil conversation even though they are at different sides of the law.

Bob is without a doubt anti drama. Love how he goes into the room to find out what's going on and then quickly leaves. He doesn't want any part of that.

It seems that Stephanie arrived at the most inopportune time as always. Glad that his touch hopefully put an end to her jealousy, at least for now. With her FTA and this kidnapping case being intertwined she will be working closely with Morelli, which I like. On the other hand Stephanie working with Terry; I have my doubts that will run smoothly.

This is going to be a story that I will stalk my email for an update!

Jessica :)