The Star Valley Ranger

Author's Note: All characters are over the age of 18. This story is a work of fiction. please do not republish on other platforms without my express permission. Constructive criticism welcomed. I hope you enjoy!

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Dealing with insurance companies is always a pain in the ass. Jae thought it'd be simple since he had the reports from the firefighters and the police, but they still made him jump through several hoops. Good thing Seymour was very understanding and gave him a few days off which he gladly took.

Jae was straightening his uniform jacket and coming down the stairs when he spots Erin sitting at the dining table eating a salad.

"Oh, you're leaving?"

"Yeah, I gotta get back to work. God knows I need the money right now. But I'd be worse off if it wasn't for you. Thanks for letting me stay here."

She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh, for the hundredth time, I told you it's not a problem. My brother didn't end up getting the job so I had a spare guest room."

"I appreciate it, Erin. Seriously. And I'll move out and pay you back as soon as I can."

"Yeah, yeah, I know you will. Have fun out there, Smokey."

Jae snorts. "You know that's pretty messed up considering my circumstances."

She flashes him a grin as she waved her fork. "Haha, just teasing. See you whenever then."

Jae opened the door to Seymour's office and was surprised to see Hannah sitting across from him.

"Ah, there you are, Jae! Just in time! Come here and close the door if you would."

He takes a seat next to his supervisor then gives his boss a look.

"Oh, don't give me that, Jae! You're not in trouble. I just want to talk to you two about what happened. I was just catching Hannah up on your situation. How's it looking?"

"Well, most of it was burned down and my insurance...has been difficult, but I'm alive at least."

"Hah! Way to look at the bright side, kiddo. I don't envy you at all! And you, Hannah?"

"Yes, sir. To keep it brief, someone thought it was a good idea to sneak up on me, but luckily he wasn't all that good. Though they did spray paint my garage door, saying something like they were watching us."

Jar raised his eyebrows. "Damn, glad you're ok. But that's pretty ominous. Do you think they're related somehow?"

Seymour strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Could be. We don't have enough information. Whatever it is, I want you to be on your guard. We're at a disadvantage because we don't know who we're dealing with. Krissy and the others know so they're on alert as well."

Hannah frowns. "Nothing happened to the others? That's odd."

"That is true. Have you two recently pissed anyone off? Gotten into a fight?"

They both shake their heads though Jae definitely had one encounter in mind. There's no way Alex and her boyfriend could be behind this, could they? That wouldn't make any sense. He's a druggie and she's...well, too dumb.

Seymour sighs. "Then that doesn't help. Just focus on your duties and be vigilant."

"Got it."

"Aye, aye," replies Jae as he mock salutes.

As they both left, Hannah pulls him to the side. "Hey, you notice anything weird when you closed up last time?"

Jae shakes his head. "Nope, can't say that I have."

"You sure? Any detail can help us at this point," said the woman as she looks at him intensely. He felt like he was being interrogated as her eyes bore through him.

"Yeah, nothing," lied Jae. That was two fibs already. There was no need to let her know about his encounter with Katelyn.

"Huh, alright then. It's just...something feels off. I was closing yesterday and I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched."

"Huh, you sure it wasn't just you being paranoid?"

Hannah glares at him clearly not amused. "This is not a game, Jae. The guy who tried to attack me had a knife."

That made his eyes widen. "What? Really? What the hell is going on?"

"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling. It's not adding up."

Jae nods and strokes his chin. "And whoever got me should have known I was at work..."

Hannah raps his head with her knuckles. "Don't think too hard, Jae. Wouldn't want you to short circuit before your shift."

"Ow, that actually kinda hurt. I hope this isn't all related because then that would mean there's someone or some group that has it out for us.

"...well, they messed with the wrong people," growls Hannah as she cracks her knuckles.

"Haha, alright. Chill out, Sarah Conner. Let's get back to work, eh?"

Hannah's upper lip twitches with annoyance at the mention of the nickname, but she doesn't respond directly. Instead, she takes out her map. "You're working the southern route today. There might be rowdy teens near the river who think it's their personal pool."

"Great, I'm on get-off-my-lawn duty. It's more fun than patrols, I suppose."

"Get to it."

Even though she gave him some attitude, he was glad Hannah assigned him this shift. It turned out there were no kids so he had some quiet time for himself. He pondered on what happened to him and Hannah. That's when it occurred to him that they could have seen him and Katelyn!

He really hoped they didn't because it'd be a pain in the ass to address. When they left the park, he made sure to avoid any cameras, but it bothered him that he may have missed their stalkers because he was horny. Jae decided it wasn't healthy to dwell on it too much so he checked his phone.

He swore as he read the newest text message. "Shit, you've gotta be kidding me!"

The good news was that there weren't any more attacks the next few weeks. The bad news was the expense to repair his house was steeper than anticipated because the piping and wiring were messed up. Jae was not going to be able to pay this off with just the ranger job. He needed to do something else on the side.

After hopelessly searching online, he couldn't find anything which was flexible enough to fit his hectic schedule. He didn't want to bother Erin even more so there was only one person he really knew here who and that was his cousin, Jun. Jun was secretive about his life,  but he's always been reliable albeit a bit eccentric. After telling him everything, Jun then said he actually did have something in mind.

"It's a bit unorthodox, but someone like you shouldn't have any problems with it "

Jae wasn't sure he liked his tone. "What do you mean someone like me? We're not doing anything illegal are we?"

"Illegal? No way! I would never suggest anything like that! All I said was unorthodox. I'll send you the details later this week."

"Er, thanks, I appreciate it."

Jae had the morning shift the next day and he was sleepily driving the route trying not to doze off. He had been eagerly awaiting for his cousin's call while researching other jobs just in case.

"Fuck! I really need some more coffee," grumbled Jae as he swerved the jeep back on the right path. His ears pick up voices nearby. "Huh? Oh, seriously?!? These damn kids again!"

The ranger stops the vehicle and gets out. He looks down below and takes a deep breath in so he could yell, "Hey! Get away from there, you brats!"

The shadowy figures were startled and they quickly scurried away. He watches them to make sure they were gone. It had gotten worse recently with the local high school kids trespassing to do drugs and have sex. Both of which he wasn't against, but they had no idea how dangerous the area was which was why it was roped off.

The walkie talkie comes alive. "Hey, Jae? You done with your route? We need you back here."

"Yeah, this is Jae. You're working today, huh, Krissy? I took care of some pesky teens, but I'm on my way. Any idea what they need us for?"

"You'll find out soon. I'd advise you to be on your best behavior."

"Oooo, that doesn't sound good. Thanks for the heads up."

He puts the walkie talkie back on his belt and looks down towards the spot where the teens were then shakes his head. "Damn, kids."

Jae arrives in the building to see all his co-workers lined up in front of Seymour and a woman dressed in a white business outfit. She had her arms crossed and wearing some expensive looking sunglasses. Why she was wearing it inside, he had no idea.

Seymour acknowledges him. "Ah, the prodigal son arrives! Go on and take your place next to Kristen."

Jae sees Krissy roll her blue eyes though she tilts down her head so her red ball cap hides it. She hates it when people call her Kristen.

"You sure took your sweet time," muttered Krissy as he stands at attention next to her. "Not exactly a great time considering one of our biggest benefactors is visiting."

"Shit! Really? What's she-"

"Shhh!," hisses Krissy as Seymour begins to speak.

"As many of you know, our visitor is Ms. Farah Abdul. For the new bloods, she is one of our generous donors keeping our beautiful Star Valley Park open."

The woman nods and adds, "Well, Mr. Wilkes, I prefer to see myself as a supporter and advocate for preserving the natural resources and magnificence of our planet. However, I, along with many others, am concerned with the significant rise in illicit drug use in our lovely park."

She scans the line of rangers and her gaze seemingly rests on Jae who keeps his eyes straight ahead. "This is unacceptable. It ruins the family friendly atmosphere and harms the reputation of the park. We would like for this to be solved as quickly as possible so I am here to announce an incentive. A substantial bonus will be given to the ranger who puts an end to this."

This was music to Jae's ears. It certainly beats taking on another job. However, he realized he had some stiff competition. For one, there was Hannah and for two, his co-workers knew the park much better than he did.

Seymour holds up his hand. "Settle down. Let Ms. Abdul finish."

"Thank you, Mr. Wilkes," said the woman as she takes off her glasses revealing her bright amber eyes. "I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of Star Valley as a symbol of earth's natural beauty. You, as rangers, are tasked with it's preservation and we expect you to live up to that."

Jae flinches as he feels her rest her gaze upon him a few seconds longer than the others. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Did she know something about him? Thankfully, she didn't look for too long, but he was unnerved by it. When they'd finished, Seymour and Ms. Abdul left which meant it was time for the rangers to talk amongst themselves.

"Did you hear that? They're setting a bounty on a bunch of teens!"

"Hah! It sounds lame when you put it that way. I can't wait to win the prize money and buy a new yacht or a mansion!"

"Shut up, Keith! You wouldn't even know what to do with ten bucks! Probably lose it at the casino like you always do!

"Tisk, tisk, tisk. You two are fools," said a tall ranger with his ranger cap tilted sideways as it sat on his mop of blonde hair. "The small-minded focus on the financial while the patrician appreciates the finer things in life."

One of the rangers scratches his head with consternation. "Huh? What do you mean?"

The blonde young man chuckles dismissively. "Naturally, you would not understand. A true aristocrat appreciates what is true, good, and beautiful. Your base insti-"

"He's just horny for Ms. Abdul," said Krissy as she puts a hand on his shoulder. "Bro, can you stop being a prick for five seconds? It's weird."

"Ahem, Kristen, you are being a nag right now."

"Someone has to say it, but you don't stand a chance. This one's mine and I already have a plan in mind."

Jae frowns crossing his arms. "What? No way! How did you come up with one so fast?:

Krissy just taps her head and smirks. "It's called using your brain. You boys should try it sometime."

"I'd rather use my strength," said a red-haired young man as he places his hand on Krissy's shoulder.

"Tch, buzz off, Kyle," snaps Krissy as she shrugs off his hand. "What are you going to do? Beat up some teenagers? Wow, that'll make you look real cool for the newspapers."

Kyle chuckles as he runs his hand through his flowing red hair. "No, my dear Krissy. It's about having frame. Once they see me, they'll flee in terror right into my trap!"

Collin fans the front of his face. "The only reason they'll be fleeing is from your atrocious breath! Goodness! Do you even brush your teeth?"

Kyle begins to roll up his sleeves. "How about i rearrange your teeth, nerd?"

"Enough!" Hannah walks steps in and gives the rangers a harsh look. "Are you really going to do this right after what Ms. Abdul said?!? Stop loafing around and get back to work!"

The little pep talk by Ms. Abdul was supposed to encourage the rangers to be more responsible, but instead they were more reckless with some of them getting hospitalized including Kyle, to no one's surprise. While Krissy seemed pleased for a moment, reality hit pretty quickly. This meant the rest of the rangers, like Jae, had to work overtime to cover the empty shifts.

Jae dragged his feet to Seymour's office one day because his boss had called him to come back after his morning rounds. He wasn't excited because he was probably going to be asked to cover another shift, especially since Krissy got a cold yesterday and Hannah was being inundated with supervisory duties.

Seymour wasn't immune to the stress either. The usually clean shaved man was now sporting a mangy beard. He had bags under his eyes and his reaction to Jae entering was much less enthusiastic than usual.

"Have a seat."

"Ok, thanks."

The man breathes in and out before leaning forward. "So, as you probably noticed, we're going through a tough time right now. Some of our donors are...well, they're spooked due to the recent injuries and...well, I've been working my ass off to make sure we're not in the red."

Jae whistled. "Wow, that bad, huh? I'd be happy to help in any way I can."

Seymour nods and gives a small smile. "Thanks, Jae. You've really been stepping up lately and I appreciate it. We just need you to go to this dinner event because I have to take my daughter to her basketball game."

The young man was hesitant because he wasn't really a fan of fancy gatherings and all the pomp that goes along with it. However, seeing how exhausted his boss looked, made him sympathetic. Before he could even think some more, the words just spilled out.

"Sure, I'll go. When is it?"

Seymour's smile grows. "I knew I could count on you! It's tomorrow at the Regency hotel down Metro Lane. I'll send you the address. Make sure you bring a nice suit. It doesn't have to be a tuxedo though you should look sharp enough to impress."

"Got it. I should have a suit lying around somewhere. So, uh, what do I talk about at these things?"

"Hm? Oh, right. You've never been to one of these. Let me get the paper Hannah typed up a few years ago..."

The next day, Jae practically flew home as he swerved through traffic cursing the organizers of the event for scheduling the dinner so early. Who thought it was a great idea to have it right during rush hour? He enters Erin's house and immediately runs up the stairs straight to the bathroom in the hallway.

"Hello? Jae, is that you?"

Erin looks up from her book when she hears the heavy footsteps downstairs. When she doesn't hear a response, she gets up wanting to make sure it wasn't an uninvited guest.

She was relieved to hear Jae singing to himself, which he had a habit of doing. Though she wasn't sure if he was aware of it. Steam was emanating from the small opening where the door wasn't fully closed. Erin moves to close it for him, but her curiosity tugged at her and she couldn't help it. She had to look!

The brunette moans quietly to herself as she sees his vulnerable body. He definitely looked as good as he did before though this time his back was to her. Her eyes took in his toned back muscles as it flexed while he shampooed his hair. She also realized, as her gaze lowered, that he had a pretty nice ass. In fact, she didn't even know a guy could have such a round and tight backside. The hot steam that was billowing in her face caused her to wheeze a bit which snaps her out of her trance.

"Shit! What is wrong with me," whispered Erin as she withdraws her hand from her chest and shakes her head. This was bad. She was even touching herself!

About half an hour later, the front door close.. Erin sighs with relief and she immediately reaches for the drawer on her nightstand to take out a purple dildo. The woman licks her lips as she pulls down her shorts.

Jae takes a look at the large hotel in front of him and adjusts his tie with a grimace. "Well, here goes nothing."

The check-in to the event was smooth and it was easy enough navigating through the front, but now was the hard part. He'd assumed all he had to do was talk and be charming. Well, it turns out there was a lot more to it than that.

"Hi, my name's Jae and I'm a ranger with Star Valley Park. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The balding man gives him a look. "Eh? Rangers?!? You with those fuck ups?!? You got some nerve showing your face here!"

Jae is taken aback not expecting the hostility and it's clear the people around him were just as surprised. All eyes were on them as they awaited the young man's response.

The young man retracts his outstretched hand and replies, "Um, well, sir, we are working very hard to remedy the situation-"

"And what? Incompetence, that's what! If you think you can wiggle your way out of this with sweet words then you are a fool!"

Jae felt a twinge of annoyance as his fingers twtich. "I'm not trying to talk my way out of anything. What I'm saying is you got the wrong idea. We're doing what we can to-"

"-fumble like amateurs! Pah! What are you all doing with money anyways? I bet the park isn't even that impressive," said the man with a scoff as he waves his hand dismissively. "Franky, I think you, rangers, are playing fast and loose with the money! Using the environment and Mother Earth as your shield as you profit off people's good will!"

Jar had to steady his breathing as he clenches his fists. "That's just ridiculous! We don't even get paid-"

"-of course not! At least not on the books! I wasn't born yesterday, kid," snorts the man as he wags his index finger while his other hand tugs at his striped suspenders. "There are far more worthy endeavors than a defunct public park which simply cannot bring in the profits-"

Jae scowls at his words which hit especially hard considering what's been happening recently. He almost loses his cool when a cold voice cuts through the air.

"For what exactly?"

The ruddy man pauses as he sees a woman dressed in a maroon business attire walk down the steps donning her signature black sunglasses.

"Ms. Abdul!"

She ignores Jae and keeps her attention on the balding man, who seems nervous as he takes out a handkerchief to wipe his forehead.

"I...I have no idea what you are insinuating!"

"Uh huh. Now, instead of making a scene. Why don't we forget about your little outburst and proceed with the festivities, Mr. Hernandez?"

"Erm...yes...yes, that...that sounds like a lovely idea. A very good one!"

"Good. And you, come with me," said Ms. Abdul as she points at Jae. He had no choice, but to follow her as she turns around. They enter a side room in the hallway and she gestures for him to close the door.

The woman is looking out the window at the garden in the back when she says, "Seymour is talented in many things, but it seems he is still woefully lacking when it comes to understanding business. What was he thinking sending a ranger to here of all places?"

"Er, I don't understand. I thought this was supposed to be a fundraiser?"

"How naive. On the surface, yes. However, these gatherings are conducive to conducting business, especially private business. You should not be here," states the woman simply as she turns around. Jae immediately stiffens his posture as he feels her scrutinizing him. "Especially one who is so very...nubile."