Author's note: Thanks everyone for reading this story and for feedback and reviews! I know this is a pretty sad storyline, but it is one I really felt needed to be explored. To tell you the truth, it actually gets to me sometimes when I am writing, which is why these concluding chapters are slow going. So know that I am suffering along with you! :0)
BROKEN PROMISES
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Friday morning – 6:30 am – Agency Morgue
Amanda moaned then rubbed her eyes. She opened them slightly and squinted against the brightness of the light.
"Lee," she mumbled.
She weakly opened them once more then closed them just as quickly as before. She felt a little disoriented and for a moment thought she was having a bad dream.
"Lee?" she said in a confused tone of voice. No answer. At his silence, she opened her eyes fully and looked around.
"Well, there … nice of you to join us again, Mrs. King," Dr. Kelford joked as he removed the blood pressure cuff from her arm. She was seated in a small metal chair in the corner of the room. He sat beside her on a three-legged metal stool, taking her blood pressure.
"Can you sit still for me just a moment longer?" he asked. Amanda nodded her agreement and he proceeded to take her pulse.
Her eyes scanned the room and she saw Billy and Dr. Gilbert huddled together in discussion on the other side of the room, their backs turned to her. She looked to the right and saw the long, metal table with the white sheet that now completely covered his remains. That's when she remembered where she was – she was in the Agency morgue … and her husband was dead.
Her heart began to ache once more.
"Fine … fine … nice and strong. Just the way I like it," he declared giving her a warm smile. "Mr. Melrose," he said alerting Billy and Dr. Gilbert that she was awake. They turned around and Billy quickly advanced towards her. Dr. Gilbert followed closely behind.
"Amanda, are you alright," Billy frantically asked. "Are you hurt?"
"No sir, I feel fine ... right?" she looked over at Dr. Kelford.
"You're just fine. I see nothing of concern or alarm." Looking up at Billy, he said, "Probably just fainted from all the stress of Mr. Stetson's dea-," he abruptly stopped and contorted his face into an apologetic expression, "… of the situation," he finished.
"Thank you Doctor," Billy said. "Amanda can you stand," he asked her.
"I think so sir," she replied.
"Okay, let's get you out of here," Billy commented. "We can go back to your office or if you like, I can have an agent drive you home."
"No sir, not yet," she interrupted. Looking between all three men, she asked, "Can I have a minute alone with Lee?"
Billy and Dr. Gilbert began simultaneously. "I don't know Mrs. King …" "… I don't think that's such a good idea Amanda," Billy concluded. "You just fainted. Why don't you take some time and maybe you can come back later."
"No sir, I'll be fine," she objected. "I just need a few minutes with my partner." Billy looked at her. "Please sir," Amanda added.
"Dr. Kelford?" Billy looked at him, hoping the doctor would back him up.
"She should be fine now that the initial shock has worn off. I don't see a problem with it," he finished, to Billy's dismay, as he looked over at Amanda. She gave him a smile that said "thank you."
"Billy looked towards Dr. Gilbert for support. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's up to you Billy." 'Thanks,' he rolled his eyes as he remarked sarcastically to himself.
He looked back at Amanda and saw the lingering request in her eyes. At that moment, he instantly understood how Scarecrow had found it so hard to refuse her.
"Alright Amanda," he surrendered. "I'll give you all the time you need. But, I'll stay and wait for you in the other room. Just come out when you're done."
"Thank you sir," she said.
He looked at Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Kelford and they understood his meaning and began collecting themselves to leave.
"Mrs. King, if you start feeling flushed or unsteady on your feet, holler for someone, okay? We don't want you fainting again if we can help it," Dr. Kelford instructed. "And, here's a bottle of water for you to sip on if you feel the need." He picked it up off the counter behind him and handed it to her.
"Thank you Doctor," she reached out and took it from him.
Dr. Kelford rose then he and Dr. Gilbert headed towards the door. Billy lingered for a moment as he helped Amanda to her feet. He then squeezed her hand and reminded her that he would be right outside. She thanked him then he turned to join Drs. Kelford and Gilbert at the door. Dr. Gilbert opened the door and he and Dr. Kelford walked out. Billy began to exit then looked back at Amanda one last time, eyes silently pleading her to come with him. Her fixed stance confirmed her decision and Billy continued out the door.
The door closed and Amanda just stood there regarding the table where her husband laid. She looked back and grabbed the top of the metal chair and slowly walked towards him. She placed the chair beside the table then leaned over and pulled back the sheet to once again expose his face. Dr. Gilbert had covered him up after she fainted so not to distress her further when she came to.
Lee looked so peaceful, aside for his cuts and bruises. He appeared like he had so many nights when he slept by her side. Except this time, he would not be awakening.
She nervously looked around then bent down and kissed him lightly on the lips. She looked up and opened her eyes, almost as if she expected a reaction from him. But he just lay there.
She sat down in the chair.
"Oh sweetheart," she started and inched back the sheet to expose his hand once more. She tried to take it in hers but the rigor made it difficult, so she slipped her tiny fingers under his and caressed the top of his hand with her thumb.
As she stared at him, a flood of thoughts and emotions rushed over her. She wondered what he had been through that brought him to this end. Had he suffered any or was it quick and painless. Had he thought of her as he was leaving, maybe even called out her name. Had he been scared or had he faced death the same way he approached his job – with boldness and resolve. Her heart cried out in pain and she took in a shaky breath.
Then an uncontrollable sense of guilt overwhelmed her soul as she thought about how she should have been there with him, if not for any other reason than to die with him. Why did she let him talk her into leaving; after all, they were partners; she should have stayed and helped him. Then maybe she would have been around when the call came in that sent him back into the field. Call … call …
She remembered, 'He was supposed to call before he left.' 'Why didn't he call,' she wondered. Her frustration rose. 'Because he knew I wouldn't have approved of him going back out, that's why … because he knew I would've insisted on going with him,' she concluded. "You were always trying to protect me," she finally said out loud as she glared at him. "No, it's too dangerous Amanda; you stay in the car," she sarcastically mimicked his instructions. "But what about you?" she fired off in pain. "Did you ever think it might be too dangerous for you? No, you never thought about that, did you?" She paused and closed her eyes as tears streamed down. "You were always too worried about me," she stated solemnly.
"I'm sorry Lee," she said softly. "I'm just so angry." She stared at him. "I just wanted you to keep your promise." Tears continued to fall from her eyes. "It's just too soon, way too soon." And with a small husky voice, she said, "I wanted more time."
Then she hung her head and cried.
TBC
