#castleverse

They pulled open a drawer to pull out the bottle of painkillers, popping one in their mouth and grabbing the old water bottle from the corner of their desk to swallow it down. The bottle was put back inside the desk and closed. Ranger leaned back in their seat, scowling at their computer as the events of the past couple days replayed in their head.

-- No they weren't going to think about that extremely awkward car ride with Claire. Shut up. As far as they were concerned, no such thing happened. --

They weren’t going to regret releasing classified information about the poachers to Claire. As long as she didn’t spill the information, they were safe from losing their job. And then there was that bullet hole. Was it simply an expression of displeasure or was it a threat? With people like that, you could never be too sure. Even if it was a threat, they doubted that the local law enforcement would do anything. After all, the poachers should have had jail time after everything with their records. But here they were, wandering around free and shooting state park signs. Ranger’s frown deeped and they leaned forward again, booting up their computer. They had the files about the poachers and the gun that they were licensed to own... maybe if they could compare the bullet hole and licensed guns they could try to get the law enforcement to care about unlicensed gun use. That might be something to look into. Of course they would need solid proof, which would mean taking the short walk down to the sign. And a gun expert.

They might have intimate knowledge of forestry, but finding specific bullet hole information was a stretch of their skills. The likelihood that the guns were allowed was high as well considering it was a lone bullet hole and not from anything with a spray range, nor automatic multi-fire. It could just be from a hunting rifle. Which the police wouldn’t care about, even if they should since the poacher’s hunting licenses were revoked after the trap-setting on protected grounds. They scrolled through the listed weapons, chewing on the inside of their cheek. They pulled out their phone to take a couple pictures before they stood up again, grabbing the hat off of the hook next to their desk. 

“I’ll be back in a few minutes, Diane!” They called and left, closing the door softly behind them this time. They walked down the faux trail --because how could you consider it a real one when it was so obviously planted in the middle of a few pathways to simply simulate trails?-- towards the sign, sliding their phone in their pocket as they placed their hat on top of their head. Eventually ‘GLENWOOD STATE PARK’ shone out at them with a few smiling native animals decorating the metal. They were more focused on the hole in the sign. They eyed it before gently poking it with one finger. They were so absorbed in it that they didn’t hear the truck rolling up behind them. They spun around quickly at the sound of slightly husky voice calling out to them.

“Hey khakis! What’cha doing?” Beth asked. The window of the backseat from the truck rolled down and another inhabitant of the old country club building stuck their head out. Ranger was pretty sure they responded to Knight. Ranger crossed their arm and made sure they were standing in front of the bullet hole. No need to worry this group of people either until they were sure of the motivations behind the message. Besides, it was directed to them and them alone. They were pretty sure...

“Nothing you need to worry about. Are you headed up to the old lounge?” They asked. They weren’t sure if the group calling the old lounge ‘the den’ was legitimate or not. It seemed weird anyways. Beth nodded and jerked their thumb back towards Knight. 

“Yeah actually. This pipsqueak needs to pick up something for their girlfriend. Are you headed up there to talk to Claire?” She asked. Warmth sped up Ranger’s neck and they scowled. The reaction spurred a laugh from Beth, who looked back at Knight. “I hope you have the money you promised. You really have to stop placing them." She asked. Knight opened the backseat door and scooted away from the window.

“Hop in. We’ll give you a ride, Ranger.” They said. Ranger gave a confused look to the both of them, but found themselves climbing inside regardless. Were they some kind of glutton for punishment? Claire wouldn't be happy to see them just traipsing around her property. And why did that bother them a little more than it used to? Who were they kidding, they knew why. They clicked the seatbelt into place and huffed, crossing their arms as Beth started driving down the broken pavement of the road.

"When are we getting these roads updated, Khakis?" Beth asked. Ranger wrinkled their nose at the nickname but didn't protest. Pick your battles and all that. They glanced over at Knight, who was currently trying to fit half of their legs out the window as they twisted in their seat.

"I'm not sure. Most taxpayer dollars go to maintaining the trails or the office and parking lot. Usually when people come here they aren't looking to drive on the main road." They answered calmly. Beth sighed and mumbled something about wet blankets. Ranger thought the conversing was over until Knight spoke up.

"Have you ever met my girlfriend, Khakis?" They asked, looking up at Ranger from where they were sprawled sideways on the backseat. Beth groaned and caught their eye in the rear view mirror.

"Say yes and move on. Otherwise that lovesick idiot will ramble on and on about Evie. I love her like a sister, but it's a bit much." Ranger stared at her before smirking and looking at Knight.

"Can't say I have. Would you like to tell me about her?" They asked. Knight sat up quickly, their eyes gleaming, and Beth groaned again. The sound tapered off into a soft whine and Ranger laughed. That would teach them not to refer to them as 'Khakis'. Even if they did wear them a lot.

The truck eventually pulled up to the old lounge and the ignition turned off. Ranger got out quickly, hearing the soft ticking of the cooling engine before they turned towards Beth and Knight. They watched as Knight grabbed a wrapped up rug and hold it over their shoulder as Beth grabbed a cooler. They stared at the cooler curiously. Their curiosity only heightened as Beth shifted it over to her other hand upon catching Ranger staring.

"Claire is inside. You're welcome to come in." Knight called over their shoulder as they walked up the steps. Ranger rubbed the back of their neck in an effort to self soothe as they followed the two towards the front door. Maybe they really should just turn around...

"Thank fuck. I thought you two somehow miraculously got lost." Another familiar voice sounded. It was a lot less grumpy than when interacting with them, that was for sure. They heard a snort from Knight before the younger pushed past Claire from the sound of a tongue clicking and a soft 'rude'. Beth giggled and stepped towards the side, putting them in full view of Claire.

"Look who we found just standing by the road." She said before moving around Claire to enter the lounge. They figured that was revenge for getting Knight to recite all the reasons they loved their girlfriend.

"Oh. Hi there Ranger. This is certainly unexpected." She said, leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed. They swallowed and stared directly into her eyes.

"I'm guessing unwelcome too?" They said, sarcasm coating their voice heavily. Ah, just like old times. They watched as Claire wrinkled her nose.

"I never said that. Although it's always welcome to change depending on why you're here. So why are you here, Ranger?" She asked dryly. They pushed their hands into their pockets and rolled their eyes. They needed to come up with a lie, and quickly.

"How familiar with guns are you, Miss Green?" They asked her and Claire sighed, face dropped into one hand. Their brows drew together slightly in confusion before scoffing at her muttered explanation for the reaction.

"Always answering my questions with questions. Dear lord..." She straightened again and her hand returned to being tucked safely in her arm. "Some. Not enough to comfortably call myself some kind of firearm expert. Why?" Ranger tipped back their hat and turned around, walking down the stairs. They didn't hear the door close and after a couple moments of silence Claire swore and went after them. She caught up to them pretty easily, hands now pushed inside her jeans pockets. "What is this about, Ranger? Is it about the sign from the other day?" She asked. Ranger stopped abruptly, turning towards her.

"If I could get the local law enforcement to care about illegal gun possession, usage, and destruction of government property I might be able to get those poachers nailed. I probably won't get them on possession, but the other two might work. I just need to make sure the bullet that came from the rifle was anything that had been registered under their name. And since they defaced a state government protected park it might go to the circuit Court instead of just the municipal one." They said quickly. They watched as Claire's face furrowed and doubt entered her eyes. All that was encouraging was the small twitch of the corners of her lips. They sighed and turned away from her, continuing to walk away. "Nevermind. I'll let you know if it works." They murmured. Claire didn't stop them.

Instead she watched them go down the gravel driveway before sighing and turning back towards the lounge. It was kind of adorable seeing them get so fired up and hopeful about something that was unlikely to happen. But if they intended to give a little hope to her again, it certainly had its intended purpose.