Chapter 9

Amanda only vaguely remembered the rest of the day. Afterwards she would realise it was the effects of the barbiturates she'd been given, but nothing looked familiar. Someone gently took her pulse and she remembered feeling a sting in her hand. A bright penlight was shone in her eyes and then she felt a jolt and a lurch as the vehicle she was in began to move. Voices around her didn't seem to make sense, although she tried to listen as hard as she could. The effects of the drugs she'd been given and the stress she'd been under finally took their toll and she slid into unconsciousness.

Scarecrow leant back in his seat, the hard, set look back on his face. He'd checked that his automatic was loaded and now he steeled himself for the ordeal ahead.

Emily regarded him thoughtfully, "You all right, Scarecrow?"

Stetson let out a long breath, "Yeah. I think so." A slight smile curved his lips, "Perhaps I should say I will be."

The three vehicles, one Range Rover, one medical ambulance and an Alvis Saracen moved carefully across the rocky, desert terrain. Eighty minutes into their journey, Captain Tawfeek called a halt and brought out the map, "We're about an hour away from the rendezvous point." He checked his watch, "we're earlier than expected, so I thought we might stop for a quick bite and discuss the plan."

Emily laid her hand on the Saracen, "Beautiful vehicle," she murmured.

"Perfect for this environment," Captain Tawfeek responded, "and the gun emplacements have proved useful during border incursions."

"What is your plan?" Lee asked tightly,.

Captain Tawfeek looked thoughtful, "I hope to arrive a few minutes before the others. One of the reaons we left a little early. I want to set up a perimeter – we'll be in possible hostile territory and – I don't like surprises." He looked up at Stetson his dark eyes thoughtful, "I should like to ask you, Mr Jones, and the lady," he gestured to Emily Farnsworth, "to make the exchange together. To cause harm or injury to a female is anathema in my culture. It may be this reason why Mrs King is being returned to us relatively uninjured."

"Relatively uninjured?" Lee gaped, and then turning away, ran a hand through his dark hair.

"She is still whole in body," Captain Tawfeek insisted, "and you have brought specialists, have you not, to help heal her mind?" At Scarecrow's nod he continued, "so, it may yet turn out for the best although I confess I am not happy with what you have to exchange. Plans for some sort of weapon I suspect. But there's not much that can be done about that."

Emily smiled, "I would not worry about that too much, Captain. And, yes, if you wish, I shall be glad to be part of the exchange."

"I believe your Asset trusts you," Captain Tawfeek said, regarding Adam Jones thoughtfully, "and that may help to keep everything calm," he paused, his bright eyes assessing Emily's slight figure, "Thank you. Maybe you're right about the exchange. Come, eat. You need to keep up your strength."

Grudgingly, Lee walked across to hunker down in the shade of the armoured vehicle and accepted a handful of dates from one of the soldiers. He was also handed a bottle of ice cold water from which he took a long, lingering drink.

Twenty minutes later, all three vehicles were on the road again, Lee closed his eyes and sighed, "Emily, I'm sorry. It's almost as if, the closer I get-"

"The more concerned you become," Emily replied, "I know, Lee, dear. But we're almost there and I have a good feeling about Amanda."

Despite Lee's misgivings they arrived at the exchange point with fifteen minutes to spare. Captain Tawfeek despatched two soldiers to watch the road leading into the canyon and stationed another one on the .30 machine gun mounted on top of the Saracen, and another man on .303 Bren gun on the turret at the rear. Five minutes later another Range Rover and an armoured vehicle crabbed their way down the road towards them.

"This is it," Emily murmured.

Scarecrow couldn't answer her, the sick feeling in his gut was making him feel nauseous. Both cars stopped and the armoured vehicle aimed its machine guns at the two figures; the driver emerged from the car and then the door behind him opened and a tall, black haired arab got out. Lee watched as an unsteady and possibly drugged Amanda was helped from the conveyance. She looks 'Blind' he thought, noticing the man's hand on her arm supporting her.

Emily took out the leather case containing the plans, "Send Mrs King across, and we'll bring you the plans."

The driver nodded and as the second man let go of Amanda's arm, she tottered and swayed alarmingly. Lee couldn't stand any more, in an instant he'd covered the distance between them and scooped Amanda up in his arms so that her head was resting on his shoulder.

All of them heard the 'click' as all three machine-guns were armed and for one heart-stopping moment, Scarecrow thought that they were finished.

Then the Arab who'd been supporting Amanda snapped, "Yusuf! Enough! Take your damn plans!"

The first man beckoned and tentatively both agents walked forward to hand him the leather folder. He nodded curtly and then said, "I shall be waiting in the car, Fadil."

The man nodded and then stepped forward, "May I examine her quickly?"

"We've a Physician with us," Lee stuttered.

"His input could be useful," a quiet voice said, "it would help to know what drugs she was given; what treatment was applied, and reactions to expect. I'm Dr Kent," the doctor said, his hazel eyes regarding the Arab quietly.

"Dr Hakim," he replied, "I left the venflon in situ, just in case she can't tolerate fluids by mouth for the next few hours." He was about to say something else but something in the eyes of the man holding her made his voice die in his throat. He had the feeling that if he admitted that any harm had come to Mrs King, this man would gut him like a fish. He swallowed hard and then Dr Kent spoke, "Thank you. We'll take it from here. Safe journey home."

"Bring her across to the medical vehicle," Dr Kent said quietly, "we'll look after her and and you can travel back with Lady Farnsworth."

"No," Lee replied quickly, his face a mask of agony. Emily regarded him for a couple of moments and then said, "I think I'll travel in the medical vehicle too. Mr Jones you'll have to travel back in the Range Rover."

The man nodded and then Lee was carrying Amanda across to the ambulance and stepping inside. He settled down in the seat, Amanda cushioned on his lap.

Dr Kent touched his arm, "You can set her down on the gurney here, Mr Stetson. She'll be more comfortable."

I'm not letting her go now," Lee replied thickly, his grip tightening on the young woman. Dr Kent looked at his face and decided not to push it.

We've got her back, Lee thought dazedly, and she's alive! Suddenly released from the terror and guilt that had consumed him for the past three days, he realised how tired he was. Laying his head back against the headrest, he closed his eyes and drifted into slumber.

Amanda woke slowly, her head felt as though it was full of cotton batting, but something had changed, blinking she stared at the profile of Emily Farnsworth and frowned, Emily had never been part of her hallucinations Swallowing against the dryness in her throat she whispered, "Emily?"

Lady Farnsworth turned and whispered, "Amanda? Are you awake?""

"I-I think so," she put up her right hand to rub her face. "I'm awfully thirsty-"

"I'm Doctor Kent," another voice said gently and Amanda turned her head to stare into a broad, smiling face and two bright hazel eyes. "Can I take some blood? See how much of the drug they gave you is still in your system."

Amanda nodded, "Then can I have something to drink?"

Dr Kent was quick and gentle, using the venflon inserted in her hand. He handed her the cup, "Small sips and no more until I see how you tolerate this."

She nodded, took the cup from him and managed a forlorn smile, "If everything's over and this is reality - why do I feel so rotten?"

"It's the drugs they used," Dr Kent replied, "some rather nasty side effects I believe. But you will recover."

Amanda handed the cup back and then seemed to realise where she was and a slow flush crept up her cheeks, "Why am I in Mr Stetson's arms?"

"Amanda, he's been going nuts since Addi Birol sold you," Emily explained softly, "if it hadn't been for Kate and The Watchers, I think he might have gone rogue."

Amanda reached up her hand to gently stroke the side of his face, "Oh my poor, poor Lee."

"Are you still tired, Mrs King," Dr King interjected.

"A bit," she admitted.

"Go back to sleep if you wish," he said, "we'll wake you when we get to Zaqir."

Amanda nodded, laying her head on Scarecrow's shoulder, her hand resting on his chest.

Someone was gently but firmly shaking him, Lee lifted his head muzzily, "Wha-what is it?"

"We're at Zaqir Military Base," Emily said, "I'll get the nurses to take Amanda so you can get out-"

"No!" His vehemenence shocked even him, "I can't – I won't-"

"Lee," it was Amanda's soft voice, he looked down into her dark eyes and felt his own fill with tears, "Lee, let the nurses help me out of the ambulance. Then you can get out and put your arm around me. All right?"

Reluctantly Lee nodded. Despite everything she still felt dazed and not quite there. Dr Kent exited the vehicle and then offered her his hand, she felt Lee clamber down after her and then he had wrapped an arm around her as if she was his lifeline. Dr Kent carefully examined her and then said, "Well you kept that water down. Do you feel dizzy, sick?"

"A bit dizzy," Amanda admitted.

"Mmmm," Doctor Kent nodded, "probably to be expected." He took her hand and quickly and expertly removed the venflon.

"Mrs King, Mr Stetson, Dr Foxx," a tall uniformed man approached, "your car is waiting."

"Car?" Amanda echoed stupidly.

"To take us to the palace," Lee smiled, the action making him look human for the first time in almost a week.

"We have to say goodbye," Emily said, "Mr Jones, myself and the N.E.S.T. Team have to get back to Washington D.C. But I'm assured that you're in the very capable hands of Prince Rheza's best medical team." She hugged Amanda gently and then released her.

The second man stepped forward and Amanda stared in disbelief, "Oh my gosh! T-"

"Adam Jones," he interjected, "once I heard what had happened I had to offer my aid. You saved my life." He shook her hand warmly and then did the same to Scarecrow, "look after her Mr Stetson."

"I intend to, Mr Jones," Lee replied quietly. He smiled down at Amanda, "Do you think you can walk to the car?"

"I can try," she replied, managing a smile up at him.

Somehow, with Lee's arm around her, she managed to stumble to the black car purring quietly on the apron. Royal Standards fluttered from the front and for a moment Amanda was puzzled and then Lee was helping her into the conveyance. He slid in next to her and almost immediately took her hand and turned to smile sleepily at her, "Hi," he said slowly.

"Hi," she replied, raising her hand to touch his face, "you look terrible."

He kissed her fingers, "You look beautiful."

"Hmmm," she snuggled closer to him, and looked up into his face, "will you stay with me until I go to sleep?"

"Yeah," he managed to smile down at her. She closed her eyes and despite his promise to stay awake his eyes were already closing and he was drifting back into oblivion. Dr Foxx quietly opened the passenger door beside the driver, "I'll ride with you," he said, "and let them rest."

Both Lee and Amanda were so deeply asleep when they arrived at the Turquoise Palace, that no amount of shaking was able to rouse them. Finally, the medical team gently eased both of them from the car onto gurneys and changing them into pyjamas slipped them both into bed together.

Amanda woke slowly, for a few moments she couldn't work out where she was and then she felt the arm around her midriff and heard the soft breathing of the person behind her.

Turning she came face to face with the sleeping figure of Lee Stetson.

"Lee?" she asked softly.

His eyelids flickered and opened and a warm smile curved the strong lips, "Amanda?"

"Are you real?" she asked slowly, reaching up to touch his face, "if this is another hallucination, this is the best yet."

For an answer he leant forward and kissed her. He broke off the kiss and smiled down at her, "Satisfy you?"

Amanda gasped and touched her own lips, "You're really here!" She murmured, "you're really here!" And then to his shock, she buried her face in his shoulder and burst into tears. To his surprise he held her shaking body and said, "It's all right, Amanda."

She lifted her head and managed a shaky smile, "I'm sorry, I know tears scare you more than bullets-"

Lee managed a twisted smile in return and then, suddenly overwhelmed, he buried his face in her shoulder and Amanda felt him shudder as great sobs wracked his body, through the sobs she heard the words, "I thought I'd lost you...I didn't know what to do...where to go...oh Amanda!"

She gently stroked his hair, "Oh my darling. You've had a hell of a time haven't you?"

A choked laugh erupted from his throat and he lifted his head, "Right pair we are. First thing we do when we wake up is burst into tears."

For an answer Amanda kissed him again, this time drawing him into an embrace. Eventually, they parted and Lee smiled down at her, looking for the first time more like himself, and finally looking around at their ornate bedchamber. "Someone put us to bed," he murmured.

Amanda stared up into his face, "Do you want to get up?"

"Not really," he smiled down at her, "do you?"

"I'd rather stay here with you," she murmured, her eyes closing again, "especially now I know it's real."

For an answer he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her, and bent to gently kiss her lips, "Does that feel real enough?"

"Mmmm," she snuggled closer, laying her hand on his chest. "Promise not to go away?"

"I promise, Darling," he said softly. He watched as Amanda's eyes closed again, and then sighing softly and knowing they were both safe allowed himself to rest.

Dr Foxx paused outside the room, he'd heard the sobs and the murmured voices. When it was silent again, he carefully opened the door. Both of them were fast asleep again, cuddled up together, the woman lying encircled in the man's arms and her hand resting on his chest. Quietly he closed the door again, realising that sleep was the best thing for them.

Strangely enough it was Lee who woke first the second time. He lay for a long time, looking into Amanda's sleeping face, grateful that she was back safely, and even more grateful to everyone who had contributed to her rescue. His stomach growled and he realised for the first time since the whole affair had begun, he was hungry. He moved slowly, unwilling to wake her. She stirred and opened her eyes, "Hey," he said gently, "how are you feeling?"

"A bit washed out," Amanda admitted, her mouth curving in a wry smile, "and hungry."

"That's probably a good sign," Lee replied, he kissed her gently on the lips, "come on. Let's go and face the music."

As they got out of bed, both noticed that they were wearing pyjamas and Amanda had a moment of embarrassment when she realised that someone must have changed her. Two dressing gowns hung on hooks on the back of the door and slowly they changed into them. "Well at least they don't say 'Lee' and 'She'," he remarked as Amanda shrugged into hers. She gave him a wry look and he bent and gently touched his lips to hers.

As they stepped out of the room both were confronted by a deep blue lake that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, "Oh my gosh!" Amanda murmured, "where are we?"

"This is the Turquoise Palace," a familiar voice said, "Mrs King, Mr Stetson, glad to see you awake at long last."

"How long have we been asleep?" Lee finally found his voice.

"You were brought here almost twenty hours ago," Dr Foxx said compassionately. "The doctors checked you both over when they put you to bed, you just needed rest. Are you hungry?"

"Yes," Amanda replied, "I think I could eat a horse."

"Well I'm not sure they serve horse, but I'm sure we can find you something." Dr Foxx led them across to a table overlooking the lake.

Lee took Amanda's hand and asked, "What happens now?"

"That really depends on you," Dr Foxx replied gently, "it was felt by the Medical Team that Mrs King was not fit to travel, and we knew that you would not leave the country without her. So the Prince and Princess offered their Summer Home to aid your recovery."

"How long do we have to stay?" Amanda asked in a small voice, "I really should get home, my mother must be frantic-"

"Er – not quite," Lee explained, "I went round to your house two days ago and explained that you'd been sent to help on a photo shoot in Egypt and the airline had lost your luggage. So as your boss I was going out there to see how production was coming along and bringing you some more clothes."

Dr Foxx stood up, "Don't worry too much about things today, have something to eat. Sleep some more if you wish."

"I'm going to have to talk to you about this aren't I?" Amanda asked reluctantly.

"No," Dr Foxx smiled, "you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. I would like you to talk about it – I would like you both to talk about the last four days, but I can't and won't force you. It has to be your choice."

Lee ran his thumb over the back of Amanda's hand, "You said on the aeroplane that there would be no 'paper trail'. Did you mean it?"

"Yes," Dr Foxx replied, he regarded them sympathetically, "unfortunately, I know how many of the Agencies work in this regard. To be human and to need counselling because you are human is seen as weakness by many others, rather than as symptom for a condition that needs treatment. I take the view that if I can counsel you through an experience and after your counselling session I determine that you can still continue as Agents for the United States of America, then that is all they need to know."

"I doubt that makes you popular with people like Smyth," Lee remarked.

Dr Foxx laughed, "It doesn't. I got my job with Ekaterina after I'd worked for IFF. Dr. Smyth wants all the 'i's' dotted and all the 't's' crossed."

"I think I will take you up on your offer," Lee said slowly.

Amanda turned to stare at him, disbelief in her dark eyes. At that moment two waiters appeared carrying plates, "As it's almost lunchtime, I'll leave you to eat. I had something earlier. If you feel up to talking this afternoon, Mr Stetson, I'm quite willing to listen."

Amanda stared at the plate of food in front of her, "This looks wonderful. What is it?"

"Shish Tawook Marinated Chicken, Madam," the man replied, at her blank stare he elucidated, "bite sized chicken pieces marinated overnight, skewered and then barbequed. There's some pitta bread too."

"Looks delicious," Lee said, taking a piece of chicken. Giving him a quick look, Amanda followed suit, putting the meat on the plate and licking her fingers. When they'd finished, the servants cleared away the plates and brought finger bowls and towels for them to rinse their hands and faces.

Amanda stood up and walked across the room to look out across the azure water. Suddenly a shudder ran through her slim frame and she wrapped her arms around herself. Almost instantly, Lee's hands were on her shoulders, "Amanda what is it?"

She swallowed and said, "I just had a horrible thought. What if I've finally cracked and all this is a figment of my imagination – and I'm still in my cell?"

He ran his hands down her arms, "I know, Amanda, it's the drugs you were given."

She nodded, although he noticed that she was still tense. Gently he turned her around and drew her into his arms, "This is reality, Amanda." Eventually her shivers stilled and he held her away from him, "Perhaps you should be the first one to talk to Dr Foxx."

"You'll laugh at me when you find out why I didn't tell them anything," Amanda replied forlornly.

"I doubt that, Mrs King," Dr Foxx said compassionately, "whatever strategy you used to hold onto your sanity is valid. Let me just order some drinks – you have a choice of water, milk or mint lemonade."

"Coffee?" she asked hopefully, but he shook his head, "I'd prefer to keep you both off stimulants for the couple of days." He smiled at Scarecrow's groan, "Don't tell me, you subsist on coffee."

"I'll order mint lemonade," Dr Foxx said, regarding their faces quietly. He turned quietly to one of the servants and spoke quietly to him. Within minutes a tray with three glasses appeared and Amanda felt her mouth water as she stared at the mixture.

"Small sips," Dr Foxx ordered, seeing her face.

She set the glass down on the table and said, "Where do you want me to begin?"

"How about when you were captured by Birol?" Owen said.

"He had me in a corner of this room," Amanda began, "the lights were on all the time; he wouldn't let me sit down; every time I dozed off he would hit me to wake me up again-" Lee's hand tightened in hers and she turned to him to see such a look of fury on his face that she was momentarily silenced. Swallowing hard, she fought back sudden tears and felt him stroke his thumb over the back of her hand.

"Take your time," Dr Foxx urged.

"He kept demanding to know who I was, I told him that I was just a reporter for a Washington D.C. newspaper. Then he showed me some photographs. The only one I knew was Lee – Mr Stetson, and I think he realised it."

"He knew who I was anyway, Sweetheart," Lee said gently, "you didn't reveal anything he didn't already know."

Amanda sighed, "But then I started to see Lee, I know they were hallucinations, but - he kept telling me to 'Hold on' and not to 'Give up'." She managed a wan smile, "the drugs they gave me in that prison, just heightened the hallucinations. I even dreamed of you-" she stopped and Lee saw the shine of tears on her cheeks and without thinking he drew her into an embrace. "It's all right, Sweetheart. I don't think they broke you."

Amanda sniffled, "Yes, but the hallucinations were so real, now I'm afraid that this isn't."

Dr Foxx smiled, "Mrs King – may I call you Amanda?" When she nodded he continued, "Amanda, it sounds like you retreated into your memories as a defence against their interrogation techniques. It's actually a fairly common tactic for most Intelligence Officers."

"So how do I stop it?" she asked.

"Now you've started to talk about it, I think you'll find that those feelings begin to diminish," Dr Foxx replied, "I promise, it gets better. And we can talk about this some more and I can help you with some techniques."

"I suppose all this has to go into the report you submit to IFF doesn't it?" Amanda sighed.

"Only that Birol subjected you to torture, but that you stuck to your cover story and never revealed anything; and even under drug-induced interrogation you never revealed anything of any importance."

Amanda felt a wave of relief run through her and she was suddenly in tears again.

"Oh, Beloved," Lee gathered her up in his arms, "it's all right. Hush, Sweetheart."

Dr Foxx waited patiently until the storm had ceased and then he said kindly, "Would you like to continue this tomorrow, Amanda?"

Amanda nodded and then yawned, Dr Foxx smiled, "Why don't you lie down here and have a snooze, Mr Stetson and I won't be far away." He watched as Lee settled her on one of the settees, "Go to sleep, Sweetheart," he said, holding her hands in his own.

Amanda managed a tired smile up at him and then her eyes fluttered closed. He bent over her and gently kissed her forehead.

Rising to his feet he followed Dr Foxx to the other side of the room, "She's a lot stronger than she looks," Dr Foxx said.

"I know," Scarecrow replied, looking across at the slumbering figure, "I'm very proud of her."

"Yes, it shows," Dr Foxx replied, "but I still think you could do with talking to someone."

Lee sighed, "Yeah. I just don't know where to begin."

"Perhaps with the news of Mrs King's abduction," Dr Foxx said gently.

Lee ran a hand through his dark hair as he followed the doctor onto the veranda overlooking the lily pond, "That was terrifying – I didn't know what he'd do to her – although I had my own ideas," he grimaced at the other man, "the worst moment was when the Agency discovered that Birol had sold her to the Yathistanis." He managed a rueful smile at Dr Foxx, "I nearly went rogue – would have done too if it hadn't been for Seraph." He swallowed, "and despite everything she and Emily did I still collapsed in front of Billy. God knows what he must think."

"Are you so surprised?" Dr Foxx asked softly, "you're in love with her. And she with you I think."

"Am I that obvious?" Lee sighed, "I never intended to be – I thought we could keep our relationship under wraps." He ran a hand through his hair, "I've really screwed up this one. Amanda and I may not be able to work together any longer."

"Why do you say that?" Dr Foxx replied, "you're a good team; you're excellent partners; you have fantastic chemistry – and you just happen to love one another."

"It won't help," Lee sighed, "Smyth will scooch us both."

"Only if he finds out," Owen replied, "I promised you both, there will be no 'paper trail' beyond my report to The Watchers and IFF."

"But why not?" Lee frowned, "don't you know how much leverage this information would give you?"

"Which is why it borders on the immoral," Dr Foxx responded, "to say nothing of future trust issues. On the basis of 'Need to Know'. IFF, doesn't need to know, although I would suggest that Mr Melrose may already have his suspicions."

"Yeah," Lee smiled, "Billy's not stupid."

"But the ball remains firmly in your court," Dr Foxx replied, "I would counsel you to make a clean breast of it, especially with regard to people like Smyth."

"Yeah, for a man who likes keeping secrets, he doesn't much like them being kept from him." Lee remarked. He regarded the other man thoughtfully. "Are you going to get into trouble for helping us?"

Dr Foxx smiled, "Perhaps. But I've weathered such storms before. And you will weather this one."

"Can I come and talk with you again?" Lee asked. "I didn't think it would, but it helps."

"I expect to have at least four sessions with each of you before you leave, either separately or together," Owen replied.