Disclaimer: The characters of the Stephanie Plum series belong to Janet Evanovich and are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Pairing: None
Warnings: None
Rating: Suitable for all ages
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Professional Defined
By TT

All eating stopped at the dinner table when Stephanie announced she would be attending a Professional Bounty Hunter's convention. Tensions had already been high with both Joe and Ranger there for dinner, but this seemed to catch everyone - including baby Lisa - off guard.

"Why do you need to go, Stephanie?" Mrs. Plum asked. "It's for professionals."

"I am a professional Bounty Hunter," Stephanie protested.

"Nonsense," denied Mrs. Plum. "This is just a temporary job you'll get out of your system soon enough. You are not a professional."

Stephanie's eyes skimmed the faces around the table. When she reached Joe's face, she saw him shrug.

"A professional is an amateur who didn't quit," Angie interjected into the tense silence.

"Stephanie's never given up or quit, no matter how many times she was knocked down," Ranger pointed out, offering a small nod and smile of gratitude to the ten-year-old opposite him. His eyes then travelled to Mrs. Plum. He held her gaze for several seconds. "She succeeded no matter who tried to convince her she was a failure."

Mrs. Plum's eyes widened as she understood the accusation. She said nothing, however. She couldn't deny it.

Needing to break the tension, Stephanie stood up suddenly and asked, "Dessert anyone?"

End

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