Denver

Chapter 1

Lee and Francine were at the Denver International Airport waiting for Billy and Amanda to meet them.

Luckily for them, their flight back to D.C. was delayed at the present time due to weather issues.

As they waited in the terminal lounge area, Francine asked Lee, "So how upset was Billy about Amanda's latest goof?"

Lee sighed shaking his head and replied, "Let's just say that Dirk calling him after the fact didn't help his mood any. But I don't really think it was the drop that ticked him off to begin with. Something's been bugging him for a little while now. He's been off his game lately."

Francine queried, "Well, did you ask him about it?"

Lee chuckled slightly and stated, "No way. It would be like poking an angry bear. Besides, he pretty much clams up whenever I'd simply ask how he's doing."

Francine quipped, "Well, Dirk has a way of killing a good mood but you're right. I've noticed his tense demeanor myself."

Looking around the area again she remarked, "So, where are they?"

Just then, Lee spotted Billy and Amanda coming toward them and got up from his seat saying, "Here we go."

Francine got up as well and as the four met up, the announcement came over the airport speakers that their flight was ready to board.

Billy and Lee were in one row, and Francine and Amanda in another across from them.

As they all settled in their seats Amanda stated to Billy, "Sir, I'd like to explain about the stadium drop-"

But Billy put up a hand and shook his head responding, "Please. Let's not discuss this until we get back to D.C. We have a long flight back. Is that clear, Amanda?"

Amanda swallowed hard and nodded stating, "Yes, Sir."

She then looked at Lee who gave her a reassuring nod and gestured to her to relax.

As the plane was preparing for takeoff Francine inquired to Amanda, "So, what did you do this time?"

Amanda stated quietly, "It wasn't all my fault, Francine. I went to the concession stand and said to the man behind the counter, "Pretzel, no mustard." I gave him the envelope and he pulled out a gun-"

The flight attendant nearby said with alarm, "Is there a problem? Should Security be alerted?"

Lee shook his head glaring at Amanda stating to the woman quickly, "N-No. It's for a play we're rehearsing. Everything is fine, really. We apologize."

Billy then stated tersely to Lee, "I told her it was the man with the cart she had to speak to-"

Amanda sighed and answered, "Who was speaking a language I didn't understand-"

Francine scoffed and replied looking at her, "C'mon! On a good day you can't understand our language!"

She then remarked to Billy, "Billy, I told you to send me, didn't I?"

Amanda shook her head and muttered, "Ooh, Francine! If you would just-"

Then the pilot's voice came over the intercom system stating, "Ladies and Gentlemen, due to a major storm front heading our way this afternoon, all incoming and outgoing flights have been cancelled until further notice. Please see our airport ticket agents for rebooking. We apologize for any inconveniences. Have a good evening."

Lee shook his head and queried, "Is he kidding? Now what?"

As they all got off and went back to the terminal Billy stated, "You three wait here and I'll get us rebooked. Then, we will rent a car and stay at the nearest hotel until the storm passes."

As he left Amanda stated to Lee, "Uh, I don't have anything to wear tonight. I mean-"

Francine rolled her eyes then and stated to Amanda, "Relax. None of us have our jammies either. It's called improvising, Dear-"

Lee groaned remarking, "C'mon, Francine. Leave her alone-"

Francine shot him a peturbed look and stated, "Me? The next thing she'll want is milk and cookies-"

Then sighing to Amanda she asked, "Or is it hot cocoa in the suburbs?"

Amanda muttered and shook her head stating, "Gimme a break-"

Billy walked up just then and hearing the exchange growled in a low voice, "Enough you two! I suggest you start learning to tolerate one another as you'll be sharing a room for the next few days at least. Let's get out of here."

They got to the car and Billy drove with Francine in the front and Lee sat with Amanda in the back.

Amanda sighed as she stated to Lee quietly, "Mr. Melrose seems a little too upset, don't you think? I couldn't have caused that much trouble-"

Lee patted her hand gently and replied, "No, I don't think so, but let's leave it alone for now, huh?"

Lee wondered about his friend as the rest of the drive was made in silence...

TBC