Starting Over

Lee and Amanda were in an Agency-mandated therapy session for partners. A new program set by the Agency's director, Dr. Smyth. It was designed to see how effective they were on the job, and how each case defines how well they work together. They began talking easily, about each other's concerns-he didn't like how she didn't always stay where he told her, and she didn't like how he was so dismissive of her ideas on how to handle a case.

Lee shook his head, saying," Ok, Pfaff, so, how would you handle it? Would you be the good guy all the time like she tries to be?"

Looking at his partner, he said,"You know, Amanda, there are a lot of bad people in the world who don't have time to be reasoned with- in fact, they'd rather kill than talk- it's not like bullies that you try to defend yourself with- these people don't care who they hurt or why- our job is to stop them before they attack. But you haven't been at this long enough to really grasp what I'm saying.."

Amanda tersely said,"I wouldn't have been here at all, if you hadn't been so desperate that day! What could I have possibly been thinking about? Helping a dangerous man, doing a dangerous job!" Lee muttered,"Well, I saw you weren't busy, so I asked for your help- you could've just said no!"

Amanda said,"Oh, no, buster-don't put this on me! You saw dozens of people-why me?!" Lee said,angrily,"Well, that's what I'm wondering, since it got screwed up to begin with! If you had just given that package-.."

Then the real yelling started, and then they both slammed out of the room, telling each other to go to hell!

The rain fell in big drops, and pelted Amanda's windshield, as she squealed out of the Agency parking lot that night after work. Lost in her own anguished thoughts, she didn't see the truck until it was too late! Metal meshed with glass,and Amanda's world went dark!

Lee was at the elevator when Billy called him back! "Scarecrow! It's Amanda-she's been in a car accident-they're taking her to Parker General!" Soon, he, Billy, and Francine were all waiting in the hospital for word of her condition. The doctor came out, and said,"She's in critical condition, and needs to have emergency surgery to relieve the swelling in her brain- I need to locate her family.." Lee said,"I don't remember if she said they were away or not.."

Billy said,"I'll sign whatever paperwork you need- Francine, try to track her mother down.. Scarecrow, this wasn't your fault-you know that right?" Lee sighed."We argued, Billy- I didn't get to apologize!" Billy nodded. "You will- keep good thoughts, all right? I'll be back.."

When they left, Lee headed for the ICU. Going in, he wasn't prepared for how she looked! Her entire head was bandaged, and she had cuts and bruises in various places. He gulped, and got a chair, and sat down near her.

Taking her hand, he kissed it, saying,"I hope you can hear me- I want you to know how sorry I am for our fight- this shouldn't have happened, and it wouldn't have, except for your pig-headed fool of a partner! I'm gonna be here to see you through this-.." He then saw a nurse with the doctor come in, and stood up, saying, "Oh, boy, now I'm gonna get it.." He kissed her mouth gently, and whispered,"See ya later.."

When he came out of the room, Billy met him in the waiting area. Billy said,"Well, I had a feeling you would try that! How is she?!" Lee sat down, and the enormity of what had happened hit him like a ton of bricks! He shook his head and cried,"What if she dies, Billy?! What have I done?!"

Billy sat down next to him, and said forcefully,"Look- you two argued-it happens- this wasn't your fault!" Lee groaned, wiping tears away from his face," She wouldn't have driven upset like that if it wasn't for that fight!"

Billy patted his shoulder,"Lee, she'll be all right- you've got to hang on to that.." He then saw Francine, and said,"Did you get a hold of Mrs. West?" Francine nodded," Yes-we found her at her sister's- she'll be here soon.."

Billy and Lee stood up, and Billy said,"Ok, Francine, you and Lee head down to the cafeteria for a while, and I'll stay here, and explain things to her mother-.." Lee said,"Billy, shouldn't I-?.."

Billy gave him a look only a boss gives one who is being reprimanded!"Scarecrow, get out of here now.. I will deal with this..Francine, keep an eye on him- I'll join you when it's clear.."

As they went down in the elevator, Lee said,"Geez, Francine, this was my fault! I think I should have been there-what if she-?.." Francine said,"She won't, and you wanna know why? Because number one, her family- she won't give up them for anything, and number two, she wouldn't leave this earth without winning a stupid argument with you!"

They got in the cafeteria, and got coffee- they weren't hungry. Sitting down, Francine said,"Does Amanda knit?" Lee, joining her, said,"What?!" Francine said,"I just remembered that after I met her, I made that knitting comment to you- I just wondered.." Lee shook his head, a gave a low whistle! "Maybe when they're done fixing Amanda, they can take a look at you.." Francine said,"Ooh, ha-ha- funny man.."

TBC