Misunderstandings
Chapter 2
When Lee came back to work later that morning he had to attend a high level meeting at the Pentagon with Billy, Francine, and Dr. Smyth. Rumors had spread throughout the intelligence community from the night before about a security breach involving the Libyans.
As one of the top brass began speaking a clerk came in and handed Lee a note. It stated, "Mrs. Dotty West needs to see you ASAP."
Lee paled as he read the note. Billy saw his expression and asked, "What's wrong?"
Lee showed him the note and whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm gonna have to go."
Billy nodded and answered, "Don't worry. I'll cover for you. Just let me know how Amanda is, all right?"
Lee nodded and answered getting up, "Thanks, I will."
As he left Francine tapped Billy's arm and queried, "Amanda?"
Billy nodded and Dr. Smyth immediately whispered to the remaining agents, "Where is Scarecrow off to? This isn't a cocktail party where you can just put in an appearance and leave! The top brass requested that all of us attend!"
Billy whispered in response, "I'm sorry, Sir. Mrs. King's mother asked to see him as it may be urgent. And considering what they've both been through lately, I let him go telling him I would fill him in later-"
Dr. Smyth was about to respond when the man up front speaking was calling attention to him.
Dr. Smyth held up his index finger remarking, "One moment please, Sir-"
Turning his attention back to Billy he glared stating, "Look. Mrs. King's health aside, we need to all remember that we have a job to do and it's high time we all got back to it! There's been too much pandering where Mrs. King is concerned! Now when we're through here William, I want you to get on the horn and tell Stetson to get his A-game back to the field or there will be a pink slip waiting for him. Capice'?"
Billy swallowed hard and nodded silently as Dr. Smyth got up to the front of the room then and addressed all who were in attendance his thoughts and ideas concerning the breach and his ultimate stategy to thwart any further problems.
Meanwhile Lee drove quickly to Amanda's hoping she was all right!
When he at last arrived, Dotty let him in and hugging him exclaimed, "You won't believe what's happened! It's wonderful!"
Lee was bewildered at seeing Dotty so cheerful and remarked, "Is Amanda okay? What's going on?"
Dotty smiled and nodded responding, "Amanda's taken her first shower on her own since being released from the hospital! I knew you'd want to be here for this!"
Lee found himself then becoming angry. Of course it was wonderful news and he was especially grateful that Amanda did survive and was well on her way to a full recovery.
But before he could stop himself he stated abruptly, "This is why I rushed back? I was coming for dinner later anyway. You could have told me then."
Dotty taken aback by Lee's reaction awkwardly shrugged and slowly responded, "I thought I just told them to tell you to come when you could. I didn't mean it to sound like a real emergency. I was just excited. I'm sorry."
Lee sighed and nodded remarking, "Yeah, I am too. But do you realize that when I'm at work I can't always just drop what I'm doing and come over? See when we're at our meetings, we're trying to find locations to do our documentaries. The timing and lighting of the scenery has to be just right. There's a small window of opportunity and when it's gone, we have to start over."
Dotty swallowed hard and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She stated softly, "I-I see. I shouldn't have called you at all. Forgive me."
Lee saw the hurt look in her eyes and shook his head replying, "No I'm sorry, Mrs. West."
Dotty commented, "It's Dotty, remember?"
Lee nodded and answered, "Dotty, right. Look, if you had a real emergency, you'd call 911 and then me. But this? You-You really gotta start picking your moments, you know?"
Dotty nodded as she wiped away an escaped tear and then shaking her head she commented, "You film people are unbelievable. You come and go at all hours of the day and night never appreciating what normal people do! It's almost as if Joe were back. Not that we saw much of him anyway when he took that EAO job, and of course you don't have the same careers, but-"
Lee suddenly threw up his hands in disgust and stated angrily, "Well, I've been wondering when you'd start comparing me to the great Joe King! First of all, I wouldn't have gone traipsing around the world deserting my family when I knew I was needed here! Second of all, if I were Amanda I would've told you that things would have to change around here!"
Dotty replied with an edge to her voice, "Oh? Change how, Young Man? And please watch your tone! I don't appreciate it at all!"
Suddenly from the top of the stairs they heard Amanda remark sadly, "Neither do I, Lee! But I think it's time we all had a talk, don't you?"
Lee then realized he'd gone too far! Sheepishly hanging his head down he nodded slowly.
He then looked up at Amanda and reaching out his hand towards her he commented softly, "You're right, Honey. C'mon down and we'll talk, okay?"
Amanda swallowed hard and nodded as she made her way down the stairs, being mindful of her stitches.
When Amanda got down to the landing Dotty queried, "I'll make some tea. Would you like some, Lee?"
Lee swallowed hard and nodded as he took Amanda's arm to help her to the family room couch and replied quietly, "Yes. Thank you, Dotty."
As Lee and Amanda made their way to the couch Dotty watched them and then went to the kitchen thinking, " Amanda has a way of calming Lee down, Carl. The same way I used to calm you down at times when you'd fuss. This should be interesting..."
TBC