Scarecrow and Mrs. King: A Lovely Little Affair or Not (edited/reposted)
By Samella Trent
Alan Chamberlain, season 3, episode 1
This episode was one where Amanda met she actually seemed to like Alan Chamberlain. He turned out to be a really nice guy and he also was not crooked as they had anticipated.
At the end of the episode, Alan told Amanda how sweet she was and then kissed her upon the lips. He then said: Goodbye but I would have loved it if there was another episode where he either came back and he and Amanda picked up where they left off. In this story, Alan comes back somewhere after Over the Limit but before Utopia Now.
Amanda and Lee have become closer by now, but have yet to actually kiss or share that they have feelings for one another other than partnership or friendship. This episode is shortly after Lee has been dating Leslie.
In this version, Amanda and Lee are at a party where Lee is supposed to pick up some information from a contact.
Lee glanced at Amanda who was amazingly stunning in a black dress with spaghetti straps and a pair of high heels that added a few inches to her already tall height, making him feel short. Her hair was swept up in a bun. Normally, he didn't care or think about leaving her alone on an assignment, but now he seemed to not want to ever leave her alone, assignment or not. This wasn't of course the first time they'd gone out to one of these events, but things had definitely changed between them since they'd, dare he say it, became partners. Since that time, he certainly did consider her his partner and friend, and if he was honest with himself, a little bit more. He was reluctant to leave her alone. Besides the fact that she usually got herself in some sort of trouble, oftentimes, when he came back, he found her with some man or another. But Lee, what do you expect to happen when you leave her alone?
"Lee? You okay?" Amanda asked. "You seem distracted."
"I'm fine." He looped his arm in hers.
"Amanda, you look exceptionally pretty tonight."
"Thanks Lee! So do you big fella!"
"Well thank you! I should probably mingle and see if I can find my contact. "
"Okay!"
"I promise I won't be long. We should even have a chance to dance." Lee called over his shoulder. "And, try not to get into any trouble."
She smiled at his comment as he walked away. She was used to these parties by now. Most of the time, Amanda wouldn't even see Lee for most of the night, let alone the two of them dancing. In fact, there was a time, Lee made sure she knew they weren't there for pleasure and made it a point to not spend any extra time with her. But lately, he'd been making it a point to dance with her at these functions and the two of them had been spending a little more time together, after the whole incident with Leslie. Although he hadn't mentioned her name or any woman's name for that matter, lately, she wasn't sure if or who he was seeing these days. Not that it's your business Amanda, she chided herself. Yes, they'd come closer and had almost kissed a few times, but something or someone always seemed to get in their way. Oh, well, tonight was business anyway.
/
Alan Chamberlain had been sitting across the room talking to an elderly couple, bored stiff and ready to excuse and leave the party when he watched as Amanda King and Lee Stetson entered the room. Alan had only been back in the United States a few days, returning to Washington to complete a simple, yet lucrative art restoration. Parts of him had longed to come back sooner but he'd kept putting it off. After continuing to be sought after for the project, he decided not to put it off any longer and he must admit there was that part of him that had longed for and hoped for a reunion with the elusive, yet stunningly attractive Amanda King. He had figured on calling her in a day or two but here she was just a few feet away from him. From what he'd been told, they were only partners, but by the way Mr. Stetson was looking at Amanda, Alan wondered if there wasn't something more going on between them. Her partner also seemed to keep his hand upon Amanda's for what seemed like a rather ornate amount of time. Alan continued the conversation he was having, but his eyes were very aware of Amanda and Stetson, so much so, that he saw the moment Lee left Amanda's side. "Finally," Alan thought to himself. Making his excuses, he quickly got up and moved purposely across the room directly in front of Amanda. He would soon find out whether or not there was something more going on between the two of them. He had to admit that he was curious to see if the attraction they had was still there or had only been a fleeting experience.
"Hi Amanda," Amanda turned around to find Alan Chamberlain directly in front of her with his hand extended.
"Hi Alan," Amanda returned.
"How have you been?"
"I have been doing well. Thanks."
"And how is your aunt?" He asked then smiled. "Actually, no, it's your mother right, and two young sons?"
"Yes, that is correct. They are fine."
"I'm glad."
"And your sister?"
"She is well."
"Alan I can't apologize enough for that incident." When he didn't respond, Amanda said, "Alan?" She said, as if reading his mind.
"Sorry, just thinking. No need to apologize. I've forgotten all about that incident." He took her hands in his. "In fact, I've forgotten about it long ago, it's only just that my foolish pride has stopped me from coming to see you sooner." He went on to explain himself and how once he had decided to come to the states he was going to call her but once he saw her here at the party, he knew his first thoughts of reconnecting with her were right. "Besides Amanda, you didn't run into me intentionally and you were there to help save my sister." He bent down and kissed one of her hands. "And for that, I will always be grateful."
Amanda couldn't help but relish the warmth of his lips upon her skin and she recalled his kisses from the last time he was in town.
"No need to be grateful, I was only doing my job."
"Well, you have my gratitude whether you want it or not, as well as the gratitude of my sister."
She smiled and after a moment, she asked, 'what brings you here?"
"Some colleagues invited me, but truth be told, I was so bored I was about to leave when I saw you walk in with Mr. Stetson, your partner, right?"
Amanda didn't miss the raised glint in his eye when he said partner. "Yes, my partner and—"? What exactly was Lee to her? "And friend." She finished quickly. "We're here tonight on business."
"Good. I mean, I see. Amanda—"he paused as he glanced around for Mr. Stetson.
"Yes, Alan?"
"Do you know how long Mr. Stetson will need you here?"
"I'm not sure, why"
"Well, I was hoping you and I could go somewhere and become reacquainted."
Reacquainted? Amanda had to admit that she liked the sounds of that but what about Lee? Lee had mentioned them dancing, but it wasn't as though they were dating or anything and Alan would only be in town for a little bit, besides, there had definitely been some chemistry between her and Alan when he was here before. "I would like that very much."
/
Lee couldn't believe this. As soon as he walked away, he saw a man walk up to Amanda. This was record time, even for Amanda. Whenever they went to these things, Amanda would seem to catch the eye of someone or another. It wasn't really her fault he supposed. She was beautiful and so approachable and he always left her alone. What was he complaining about? Why wouldn't or shouldn't she mingle? What should he expect? It wasn't as though there was anything between them or was there?
As Lee tried to focus in on his contact, Lee's eyes continued to dart Amanda's way, but more specifically on the man standing next to her. He couldn't quite place him, but he was pretty sure he'd seen him before. Although he couldn't see the tall gentleman completely, the features that he could see; seemed familiar. Lee rapidly finished his business and walked back to Amanda.
"Hi Amanda, I'm all through now. Would you like to dance now?" Lee asked as he approached Amanda and company. It was then that the tall gentleman turned around. Lee recognized him instantly now, Alan Chamberlain. Once Amanda said he was as dull as a stick. Her face seemed rather lit up for him to be so dull!
"Hey Lee, I was hoping you were done." She turned to Alan. "You remember Alan Chamberlain don't you? Lee Stetson, Alan Chamberlain." She introduced the two men, ever aware of the fact that they were seizing each other up.
Lee was cordial, as he held out his hand to Alan, but there was definitely something there, something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. But then that was Lee. Lee always seemed to size up everyone, well any male that Amanda was near, even when they weren't as close friends as they are now.
After a few pleasantries, Amanda said to Lee, "Lee can I talk to you a moment?"
"Sure."
"Alan, please excuse us!"
"Of course," Alan replied.
Amanda and Lee walked away from Alan, a little away over to the side.
"If you don't need me anymore tonight, I was thinking that I'd leave now. Alan said he'd give me a ride home."
"I thought we were going to dance." Lee said hopefully.
"No, Lee, it isn't that, it's just that—"
"Aren't you feeling well? I can drive you home."
"I'm fine." Amanda's eyes darted over to Alan. "Look, I know you hate these parties anyway and you've always only brought me along as window dressing anyway-"
"That isn't true. I would hardly call you just window dressing, especially now—," he paused, "after all we've been through."
"Well, maybe not now, but that's what you've called me in the past," she placed her hand on his arm. "It's okay, I'm here to help you any way I can."
Then stay, Lee thought to himself, but said instead, "I'm sorry if that's how I've made you feel in the past. I don't think that anymore." Lee had to admit though, he basically called on her for basis support and very often he'd send her home or they would leave once they conducted their business. But that was the past. Now, he actually enjoyed these functions with her.
"It's okay. Truth of the matter is Alan and I was thinking of going for a coffee or some desert."
"Oh, I see!" Well, Amanda obviously had other plans, plans that didn't include him.
When Lee didn't say anything else, Amanda said. "Then if you don't need anything further, I'll see you Monday."
"Okay Amanda, see you Monday morning."
As they went to leave, Lee turned to Chamberlain. "I trust you will make sure she gets home safely."
"Of course," Alan replied arching an eyebrow at Lee.
/
"Is there someplace we can go that has good coffee and great desert?" Alan as he escorted her to his car.
"Yes, I know of just the place."
"Give me directions or maybe you better drive."
"You start off driving but if you get in a real bind, I'll drive."
As they drove, Alan asked: "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Is he always this protective of you?"
"Who? Oh, you mean Lee?"
"Yes."
"Actually, he can be worse," she said with a laugh. His protectiveness had certainly served her well a few times. She thought back to one of their very first cases, the one where she was drugged and Lee went after her without the support of the agency and he carried her out of the house and sought help for her. "I'm his partner; he's just concerned about me, that's all." Alan glanced over at her quickly then returned his eyes to the road.
/
Lee had decided to head home after Amanda left the party. It didn't seem worth staying without her. It wasn't as though he couldn't find someone to dance with or spend the night with for that matter. Hell, on one occasion or another, when he's been at these things with Amanda, women have hit on him and even as he was leaving, he ran into an old flame. But Lee wasn't interested and he didn't know why that was, or did he? They'd been through everything from being kidnapped to being drugged and tied up to being shot at to having near kisses in the wood. And try as he might, his mind continued to be on none other than Amanda as he attempted to sleep. And when he wasn't thinking about Amanda, he was thinking about Chamberlain which would lead his thoughts inadvertently back to Amanda.
Before Amanda, he couldn't remember ever taking so long to become closer to a woman in his entire life. In his past experience, they should be way past kissing, but then again, nothing about their relationship was normal. Not even their partnership in the agency. Hell, he'd asked for her help at the train station! Lee glanced at the clock and seeing that it was only 10, he wondered what time Amanda would be home. He decided to get up and watch some television.
June 4, 2017
/
"So, what have you been up to these past several months?" Alan asked Amanda as they sat in a local restaurant drinking coffee and cake.
Amanda told Alan about her life with the boys and her mother and some bits and pieces about the agency.
"However, did you become involved in this line of work?"
Quietly, Amanda explained about how the first day she met Lee when she was dropping her then boyfriend at the train.
"What an amazing story. And your family doesn't know?"
"No, and you can't tell anyone."
"I won't, I promise. You can trust me." He reached out and grabbed her hand. "You won't believe this, but I've wanted to call you so often but it felt awkward."
"I know. I've wanted to reach out to you too!"
"I've only been in the states a few days, and have been trying to get up the nerve to contact you and then I saw you at the party and I couldn't believe my luck."
Their eyes never left one another as they caught up on one another's life. "Oh, my, I hadn't realized how late it was." Amanda said looking at her watch.
"It's only 10 o'clock. Even Cinderella had until midnight before she had to be home."
"It's only that I told my mom I would be home—"Amanda stopped herself. She'd stayed out later than this on more than one occasion; especially where IFF was concerned and even after she'd said she'd be home by a certain time. "You know what, you are right, even Cinderella had until midnight."
Alan took this as a promising sign. Maybe Amanda and her partner were just partners and friends as she said. "What about some music and dancing? Where does one go for these things in your city?"
Amanda rambled off a few places that were not that far, quite a few were in walking distance so they wouldn't have to move Alan's car.
/
By midnight, Lee couldn't help himself. He was really wondering by this point whether or not Amanda had made it home yet or not. He wanted to call and check but was afraid that he would either wake her mother or Amanda for that matter. Finally, he decided to take a chance. He figured that he would hang up after the second ring if no one answered, but just his luck Mrs. West answered on the first ring.
"Hello?"
"Oh, hi Mrs. West, this is Mr. Steadman."
"Is Amanda alright?"
"Yes, I'm sorry to have awakened you."
"I wasn't sleep. I was watching an old John Wayne movie and—"
Lee knew where Amanda got her rambling from. "Oh, I see. Can you do I a favor and ask Amanda if she would call me once she makes it home?"
"I thought she was out with you at a film event."
"We were, but we split up and she well, she met up with an old friend and they were going to bring her home."
"Oh I see! I'll be sure to tell her to call you."
As Lee hung up, he hoped that he hadn't started anything with her mother.
/
It was well after 2 AM when Amanda finally made it home. The lights were still on in the living room, a sure sign her mother was still up; or at the very least on the couch a sleep.
As they stood at her front door, he took her hands into hers and said, "Amanda, thank you for a wonderful evening and morning."
"No, thank you. I had a wonderful time. Well, I guess I got lucky," she looked down at her dress. "My dress remained in tack and I still have both my shoes."
"I'm so glad. But at least I wouldn't have had to try every house since I know where you live." He gave her a great big smile as he moved closer. She moved closer towards him until their lips were touching in a soft, gentle yet passionate kiss. "Amanda, I would like to see you again soon."
"I would like that."
"Tomorrow, I mean today, too soon?" He asked as he looked at his watch.
She laughed. The boys were away at their father's, so what was the harm? "What time?"
"What about 8 o'clock?"
"Sure, I only need about five, five and a half hours of sleep," she said with a laugh. Alan laughed as well and they kissed one more time before she walked in her house.
/
"Your boss from IFF called you a few times," Dotty said as soon as Amanda walked into the house. "He wants you to call him as soon as you get home."
"Did he say what he wanted?"
"Said he wanted to make sure you got home okay."
"Okay."
"Amanda, where were you? I thought you went out with Mr. Steadman to an event. You must imagine how surprised I was when he phoned and wanted you to call him. When I asked what happened, he said that you ran into an old friend."
"Yes, mother I went to an event with my supervisor, yes, I left and went out with a colleague."
"What old colleague Amanda? Mr. Steadman said 'old friend'."
"You don't know him mother. And I suppose you could call him a friend."
"Amanda King!"
"Okay mother. His name is Alan Chamberlain and—"
"Alan Chamberlain? Hmm, the one who sent the corsage and the business card oh say a few months ago?"
"Yes, that's right."
"If memory serves me right, the two of you were out late that night as well."
"Goodnight mother."
"Amanda, please call Mr. Steadman or neither of us will get any sleep. I promised him you would call him the minute you walked in the door."
"Yes, mother!"
"Goodnight Amanda!"
They both headed up the stairs.
"Goodnight Amanda!" She gave her a kiss.
"Amanda?" She called to Amanda as she headed towards her bedroom. "Are you going to see this colleague again?" Her mother asked as they neared their separate bedrooms.
"We're having breakfast tomorrow, I mean today," she said looking at her watch.
"Oh, I see! Goodnight Amanda."
Amanda was about to lay down when she remembered Lee's message. The phone rang several times and she was about to hang up when Lee picked up.
"Hello," came Lee's groggy reply.
"Lee, I know this is a crazy time to call, but mother said you wanted me to call-"
"Amanda? No, it's okay." Lee sprung up in bed, as recognition set in.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes, I just wanted to make sure you made it home safe."
"Yes, of course I did." She didn't know whether to smile or be annoyed with him. "Thanks for worrying but I'm fine. It is rather late, if there's nothing else, I'll see you on Monday!"
Lee was surprised for a moment. Normally he was the one to rush Amanda through a conversation no matter what time it was.
"Okay, goodnight."
/
Lee lay his head back down upon his pillow and closed his eyes. As he did so, a sudden thought came to him. 'Late,' she'd said. What time was it exactly? He glanced around at the clock. 2 AM! What was Amanda doing coming in at 2 AM? Well she's come in later than that after a case with you. Well, that was different. How was it different? It wasn't as though they were dating or anything, though they have gone out to opera and to dinner several times in the past several weeks.
Lee get a hold of yourself. What is your problem anyway?
Lee knew he was being ridiculously silly but he couldn't help himself. Come Monday morning everything would be back to normal. Whatever normal was Lee sighed to himself as his head hit the pillow and he fell fast asleep.
Or so he thought.
/
(More to come)
19