Too Good To Last , chapter 10
Billy had always thought of himself as a people person. He prided himself on being able to deal effectively with all kinds of people. I've managed to keep Scarecrow from getting himself or anyone else killed for years. Sure, I go through an inordinate amount of antacids but I can live with that. I hate to give in to this man's ultimatum but I can't live with having Amanda's secret life exposed. Just as Billy was going to agree to Connor's terms they were interrupted by a uniformed officer who asked to speak privately to his boss. The two men stepped away and Billy turned to see Amanda and Jamie still waiting in line at the hot dog vendor's cart.
Amanda was standing with one arm around Jamie's shoulders. She was so relieved that he was safe but she couldn't help worrying about Lee. I was so awful to Lee and what does he do? He runs off all alone to rescue my son and then stays behind to protect the children of complete strangers. I can't lose him now. Mother's right…he is part of the family already. Amanda's thoughts were interrupted by Jamie's voice.
"Mom, the man wants to know what you want to order."
Amanda ruffled Jamie's hair and responded, " What would you like on your hot dog?"
"I'm not hungry. I can't eat until I know that Lee is safe. I'd just like a Coke…I'm really thirsty.
"Are you sure about the hot dog? You really should eat something." Amanda urged.
"No , not now. I 'm just too worried to eat." Jamie answered dejectedly.
The police officer that was guarding them cleared his throat to get Amanda's attention. Amanda turned around to see what he wanted.
"Excuse me, I am hungry. I'll take the hot dog if the boy doesn't want it.
An exasperated Amanda rolled her eyes at the officer. " Just tell the man what you'd like on it. Are you thirsty too?" she asked in a tone that barely hid her irritation with him and his unsympathetic superior.
As Billy stood watching Amanda and Jamie, his thoughts were interrupted by the return of Captain Connors.
"Time's up, Melrose . Do we have a deal or do I tell the boy what his mother does for a living?"
"That won't be necessary. I'll have Mrs. King give you the note." Billy conceded unhappily.
"Ok ,that's a good start. My big question is , who is Lee, and how did he get the boy out of a hostage situation?"
"Lee is Lee Stetson. He's Mrs. King's partner."
"Stetson and King as in Scarecrow and Mrs. King? You're telling me you knew one of your top operatives is inside and you didn't think I needed to know that?' Connor practically shouted at Billy.
"I didn't know for sure until Jamie confirmed it. Stetson went in there on his own. He and Mrs King are more than just professional partners. I'm sure he just acted to rescue a boy that has become like family to him."
"That may be but my hostage negotiator and the tactical team should be aware that there is an armed operative among the hostages. The decisions they make would be affected by that fact. I just authorized them to-'
Connor's sentence was cut of by gunfire coming from within the building.