“Ranger removed my goggles "Would you like to come home with me?" I stepped away from him. "Thank you for the offer, but no. I'm done with men."Ranger smiled. "Forever?""Until I figure some things out.""And if you don't figure them out?""If I can't figure them out on my own, I'll ask you to help me.""Babe, that's like the blind leading the blind.”

“Ranger was grinning. "Somebody beat the shit out of this guy before he got shot." "That would be me."I said."Babe,"Ranger said, the grin widening.”

“Babe,' Ranger said. 'Do something with her.'And he disconnected.I called Ranger back. 'No,' I said. 'And I need information on Jelly Kantner. His apartment got blown up, and I need to find him.'And I should do this why?'Because you like me.'There was a full beat of silence. 'I do,' Ranger said. 'I like you a lot. Sometimes I'm not sure why. Give me a couple minutes.”

“Babe," Ranger said. "You're looking a little strung out. Is there anything I should know?"I'm on a sugar withdrawal. I've given up desert and it's all I can think about." That had been true five minutes ago. Now that Ranger was standng in front of me I was thinking a cupcake wasn't what I actually needed.Maybe I can help you get your mind off doughnuts," Ranger said.My mouth dropped open, and I think some drool might have dribbled out.”

“Suppose something goes wrong? Suppose you need a big full-figure woman like me to help straighten things out?"Lula”

“I was waiting for my body receipt when Morelli walked in. He nodded to Ranger and grinned at me in my whiteness. “I was at my desk, and Mickey told me I had to come out to take a look,” Morelli said. “It’s floor,” I told him. “I can see that. If we add some milk and eggs, we can turn you into a cake.”

“You don't have a drop of paint on you," I said. "Why is that?"Ranger smiled, liking that he hadn't gotten hit. "I guess they were hunting pussy.""But I walked into the Motherfuckers room.""Yeah, but babe, your clearly pussy.”