Chapter 14
Sat. July 13, 1987 Senator Bauer's Alexandra, VA
Francine walked up the front steps to the Tudor style home of Senator Bauer alone, but this didn't bother her because she was sure she wouldn't be alone for long. The butler opened the door and ushered her to the gardens outback where the party was in full swing. It was a beautiful summer night for a party. As she made her way out the sliding glass doors and into the elegantly manicured garden, Senator Bauer, spotted her and motioned for his wife to join him in welcoming her.
Coming over he kissed her on the cheek declaring, "I'm so glad you could come my dear."
His wife, Colleen, gave her a hug and whispered, "I have a charming gentleman you need to meet. Come with me Francine." Francine chuckling allowed Colleen to lead her over to the other guests.
Approaching a group of party goers, Colleen started introductions, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I would like you to meet Francine Desmond. Francine, this is Walker Hayes, who owns oil wells in Texas; Phyllis Alyward a Senator from Tennessee; and Jacques Pierre a jewelry store owner from France." Each in turn made the proper greetings.
After talking for a while, Francine saw Congressman Bruce Wyman across the garden. She politely excused herself to make her way over to the Congressman.
"Hello, Bruce. How have you been?"
"Francine! I didn't know you were invited tonight."
As Francine tried to get the conversation to become more in depth, a young voluptuous blond came over to the couple, and sauntered up to the Congressman. She said in an annoying high pitch whine, "Here Brucy, I found some of those delicious cake bites I was telling you about." She then took in the fact that Francine was there, "Hi, I'm Candi and you are?"
"Francine Desmond. I'll let you continue on with your date." Francine left the couple, who had started feeding each other.
As she made her way to the fountain, which sat in the middle of the main garden, she took a glass of champagne from a waitress and a hors d'oeuvre from a different waitress. While being mesmerized by the sound of the fountain, she stood sipping her drink and nibbling her crab roll. Jacques Pierre spotted Francine by the fountain; he made proper goodbyes and headed in her direction.
"Beautiful night isn't it Ms. Desmond," Jacques said in broken English, which startled her.
"Ah, yes it is, Mr. Pierre."
"Call me Jacques. Walk with me through the gardens."
Francine smiled a rare, genuine smile and replied, "Call me Francine and I would love too."
Jacques linked her arm through his, retrieved fresh champagne glasses, and started to stroll through the gardens.
Francine spent the rest of the evening with Jac, as his friends called him and truly enjoyed her time.
"Would you spend tomorrow with me, Francine?"
"I would love to, Jac! Let me drive you back to your hotel."
"That would be wonderful as we could spend more time together!"
The couple made their way over to Senator Bauer to thank him for the lovely evening and then made their way to Francine's car.
Monday July, 15, 1987 The Agency Billy's Office
Billy looked through the dossier on Jacques Pierre, which definitely raised some red flags. He couldn't hide a smile because Amanda had done an exceptional job on Jacques' background check. She really had a knack for research and the Q-Bureau, which Lee had especially benefited from.
He picked up the phone to dial the Q-Bureau. Amanda answered with, "Q-Bureau, Amanda King speaking."
"Amanda, I would like to see you and Scarecrow in my office concerning Jacques Pierre."
"Yes sir, I'll have to track Lee down. I think he's down with Leatherneck."
"Okay, whenever you get here will be fine."
Amanda said her goodbye and dialed the quartermaster's office.
"Leatherneck here," Amanda heard through the receiver.
"This is Amanda. Is Lee still there?"
"Yeah, I'll get him for you."
"No, just tell him to meet me in Mr. Melrose's office."
"Well do, Mrs. King," but Leatherneck paused for a second and added, "I guess I'll have to get used to calling you Mrs. Stetson."
"It does have a nice ring to it." Amanda replied with a chuckle.
Amanda and Lee met in the hall outside of the bullpen.
"Hello stranger," She called with a smile.
"To true to be funny," He replied putting his hand on the small of her back as he ushered her through the bullpen doors, which were opened by MPs.
They knocked on Billy's door and before hearing a "come in" Lee opened it and allowed Amanda to enter in front of him. Amanda took her customary spot of sitting on the edge of a chair located in front of Billy's desk, while Lee took his customary spot of leaning against the office window, which looked out into the bullpen.
Billy picked up Jacques Pierre's file and smiled at Amanda, "Great work, Amanda! I feel like there is cause to be interested in Mr. Pierre's movements while he is a guest here in the States. I want you two trailing him; and find out a way to get invited to the jewelry show, which is being held at The Jefferson next Wednesday night."
Lee held out his hand for Amanda which she took while she said, "Thank you, Sir!" and they were out the door.
As they were making their way through the bullpen doors they met Francine coming in. "Good morning Lee, Amanda. Beautiful day isn't it! See you two later," and before Lee or Amanda could comment she was breezing into the bullpen to her desk.
"She must've had a hot date this weekend," Lee observed.
"Oh, I wonder what she and Jonathan did. She has been gone for a while; it probably was a sweet reunion," she sweetly replied.
Tuesday July 16, 1987 Rockville House, MD
Dotty and Captain Curt were in the kitchen where she was putting the final touches on their lunch. She was in the middle of a monologue about her apartment when they heard several vehicles pull up front. Slamming car doors and a handful of voices could be heard as well; not sure what to expect the two head to the front porch.
Lee was meeting with Jeffery Peterson, who had a crew of three with him, from Lambert's Security to have a security system installed. Also with him were Michael Humphreys and Anna Jenkins from The Agency, who was to set up the computer and phone lines. When Dotty and Curt made it to the front porch the scene before them looked like a three ring circus.
"Okay, Scarecrow, where do you want us," asked an excited Humphreys, who couldn't believe he was working with the infamous Scarecrow and couldn't wait to use his codename.
Lee calmly walked up to him and in a death whisper said, "Do not call me that here or on any routine job." When Humphreys looked into the steel, cold eyes of his superior, he could only nod 'yes'.
"Come with me, I'll show you two the office," Lee said in an authoritative voice.
"We'll look around the outside of the house first and then meet you inside, Lee." Jeffery Peterson explained.
"Okay," he replied as he escorted the Agency duo up the porch.
"Hi, Dotty, Curt," Lee acknowledged the two.
"What's going on here, Lee?" Dotty asked in confusion.
"I'm going to have some security measures installed around the house and eventually your apartment," He explained with a smile.
"Oh, that would be reassuring, Son." She replied while patting his arm.
After Curt gave Dotty a quizzical look, she motioned for them to go back inside. They made their way back to the kitchen to eat their lunch. About fifteen minutes later, they heard footsteps and voices going up the stairs with the men finally ending up in the kitchen.
"We should be able to get the house system finished by the end of the week; but the perimeter of your property will take longer, especially since you want cameras for the woods."
"Sounds great, will you wait until the apartment's finished?"
"Actually some of the wiring can be done before, it'll make it easier. Let's check out the woods."
As the two men left, Curt gave Dotty a curious sideways glance, but she never acknowledged it. Dotty was finally able to relax and start a companionable conversation back with Curt. After a half an hour, Michael came in search of Lee.
He absently called out, "Scarecrow?" as he entered the kitchen.
"He went out into the woods," Dotty off handedly replied as she nodded her head towards the back door.
"Oh thanks, Mrs. West," he replied as he went out the door.
"Scarecrow?" Curt asked.
"Uh…oh, yeah…um…I think that's what Lee said they call the security guy," Dotty stammered wondering how Amanda and Lee did it. Luckily the phone rang to rescue her from any further explanation.
"Hello," Dotty answered the phone.
"Mother is Lee still there?"
"Oh, hi darling; Yes, he's outside. Do you want me to get him?"
"Please it's urgent!"
Dotty quickly dropped the phone and went out the door to find Lee and was relieved to see them emerging from the woods. Dotty started waving to them and headed their way at a fast walk. Lee noticing his mother in law waving ran to meet her. When he caught up to her, Dotty explained, "Amanda's on the phone; she said it's urgent!"
Lee took off for the phone and picked it up, "Stetson," he replied out of breath.
"Lee I just followed Pierre to his hotel where Francine was waiting for him. They got on the elevator together. I'm assuming they've went to his room."
"What? Francine!" Lee yelled and then sighed as he ran his free hand through his hair. "Okay, listen; make sure she doesn't see you and keep a tail on him. Call me in an hour. First try my car, then here, if you can't reach me leave a message at work."
"You don't check your messages at work," Amanda pointed out.
"Amanda!" Lee said in exasperation. "I do too check my messages. Just do what I say, okay!"
"Okay, I'll talk to you later."
"Bye and be careful!" Lee said lovingly. Hanging up the phone he turned to Dotty and explained, "Amanda's going to be working late tonight."
"Is everything okay?" Dotty asked a little nervously.
"Everything's fine! I'm going to finish with these guys and then get back to work. They'll be here for a few days," he replied as he patted her arm, then turned, and left the room.
Curt came up and put his hands on her shoulders while asking, "Are you sure that boy is on the up and up?" Dotty just sighed, but remained silent.
Lee and Amanda sat in the Corvette sipping ice tea and nibbling on carrot sticks while they kept a watch on Francine's car. Francine and Jacques were dining at the French restaurant Mon Ami Gabi.
"I thought she was still dating Jonathan," Amanda stated in disbelief.
"I guess it didn't work out. Too bad this won't either, but it will be easier having her involved on the personal level. We'll bring her in on it tomorrow."
At around eight thirty, Francine and Jacques left the restaurant and went back to his hotel room. Since there seemed to be no more activity, Lee decided around eleven to abandon their stake out until tomorrow and took Amanda home.
Wednesday July 17, 1987 The Agency, Q-Bureau
"I don't believe your accusations," Francine said in an incredulous voice.
"All the evidence is here in his dossier," Amanda offered Francine the file on Jacques Pierre with an outstretched hand.
"Honestly, the man only owns jewelry stores!"
"Who happened to be at the same events on the same day that each of those gems were stolen," an impatient Lee tried explaining for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Coincidences; he doesn't seem like the type of man that could pull off those jewel heists," Francine said in defense of Jacques.
"Take the dossier and read up on it, Francine. At ten we'll meet in my office to discuss our plan," Billy said with authority.
Francine snatched the file from Amanda's hand and left in a huff.
"She's a professional. She'll be ready to play once we tell her our plan," Billy said; not sure if he was trying to convince Lee and Amanda or himself. "See you two at ten," he continued as he opened the door and left the Q-Bureau.
Wednesday July 24, 1987 Francine's Apartment
Francine felt like her heart was in her throat and to be honest she had never felt like this before. She was always the professional playing the part of a lover, who breaks the other's heart to obtain secrets; but she hadn't been playing this time and tonight she would be the lover, who got their heart broken. This past week had been incredible. Jac was a perfect gentleman, who doted and pampered her beyond belief. She had spent every moment with him, so in a way being assigned to him was no hardship. She had read the dossier, which Amanda had compiled and she had to admit there could be a case for his guiltiness; but she would not believe it until tonight was over.
She picked up the sapphire and diamond necklace and fastened it around her neck. She attached the matching earrings to her ears, the bracelet on her wrist, and placed the ring on her finger. Each piece was a gift from Jac, which he presented on each date. If he was guilty tonight she would return them, because to keep them would be too painful of a reminder of what could not be. The exquisite jewelry admirably accented the midnight blue, strapless gown that she wore.
Tonight, Jac had hired a limo to drive them to The Jefferson. She put finishing touches on her makeup and checked her hair one last time, secured her gun in her garter, and walked out the door. She waited for the elevator and got on once it arrived. She arrived in the lobby and made her way to the waiting limo and Jacques.
Same Night Rockville House, MD
Amanda descended the staircase wearing an emerald colored, strapless, floor length dress that accented her slender body.
Jamie caught sight of his mom first and couldn't help himself, "Wow, Mom! You look gorgeous!"
Amanda came over and kissed her son on the forehead, "Thank you, Sweetheart."
Dotty emerged from the kitchen and declared, "Amanda that dress does look wonderful on you!"
"Thank you, Mother."
"What's Lee going to be wearing?" Jamie asked in curiosity.
"He'll probably be wearing one of his suits, you moron," Philip so kindly pointed out.
"Philip, don't call your brother names," She reprimanded while giving him the look. She turned to Jamie and explained kindly, "He'll be wearing one of his tuxes, Sweetheart."
"You mean he owns more than one?" Philip asked in disbelief. "I thought people rented those things."
Amanda chuckled at Philip's apparent disdain for something in which he had never worn before, "Most people do, but some people have them tailored made if they need them a lot."
Before the conversation could continue on about tuxedos the doorbell rang and Lee let himself in.
"Lee you look handsome," Dotty gushed as she came over and gave her son in law a kiss on the cheek.
He rewarded his mother in law with a Stetson smile and winked, "Thanks Dotty." While looking his wife over from head to toe, he expressed in an approving tone, "Amanda! You look stunning!"
Amanda blushed and replied as she moved to kiss her husband, "I was thinking the same about you!"
"Amanda, turn around," Lee instructed. He proceeded to unclasp the necklace she wore and replace it with a purple diamond infinity necklace. Time seemed to stand still as he lovingly looked down into her face, while she looked up into his eyes. He turned her to face him again, "it looks even more beautiful on you than I imagined," he pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
"Lee, it's beautiful!"
"I got it for you to wear with your wedding dress, but I thought I would give it to you early."
"Mom, Lee, look this way," Jamie called.
Amanda and Lee embraced, turned toward Jamie, and smiled as he took their picture.
"Thank you, Sweetheart!"
"We had better get going, Amanda."
Philip and Jamie kissed their mother good-bye and left the room. Dotty came closer and in a stage whisper asked, "Is this a sting you're going too?"
"Mother!" Amanda chastised.
"Isn't that what you call them?" Dotty expressed emphatically.
"We call them operations, Dotty; and this is one," Lee added with a chuckle.
"Do you have your guns then?" She asked anxiously; but stopped for a second, chuckled, and then continued, "Not what you'd normally ask people going to a party,"
"Yes, mother, we have our guns. We always carry them," She replied in a soothing tone.
"Where would you carry yours Amanda? That dress wouldn't hide one and your purse isn't big enough to carry one in."
"She has a garter holster with a gun fastened in it. Don't worry, Dotty, this isn't going to be dangerous at all. It's just a little milk run!" He said reassuringly while giving his mother in law a kiss on the cheek. He gave Dotty a wink and encircled Amanda around the waist, opened the door and escorted her to the Corvette.
Dotty grabbed the door and called after them, "Have a lovely evening, darlings!"
They turned, waved, and called back, "We will and you don't have to wait up!"
Same Night The Jefferson Washington, DC
"Good evening," the greeter at The Jefferson's ballroom entrance said as he looked at his invitation list and questioned, "You are?"
"Mr. and Mrs. LaPrade from California," Lee answered the greeter with an air of aristocracy to his voice, while Amanda remained stoic looking with her arm locked into his.
"Ah yes, here we are! If you could sign here please," the greeter held the clipboard for Lee to sign the sheet.
"Janelle, if you would show Mr. and Mrs. LaPrade to The Empire Room."
"Follow me please," the stiff sounding, young woman stated, as she turned to show them to the gathering room. "We have a hundred sellers here this evening. I would suspect you will find something along your tastes. We also have on loan from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, their newly acquired Dom Pedro gem. The Dom Pedro is the world's largest cut aquamarine which is obelisk-shaped and is a blue-green colored crystal, which has recently been mined in Brazil. The Dom Pedro received its name to honor Brazil's first two emperors. The gem stands fourteen inches tall and weighs 10,363 carats, which is nearly five pounds. The cuts in the reverse faces serve to reflect light within the gem," Janelle recited the history of the Dom Pedro as they walked down the concourse to The Empire Room. Lee and Amanda tried to show their rapid attention to the information that they already knew from their research.
Stopping at the entrance to the room Janelle stretched out her hand towards the gem show, "Enjoy your evening!"
"Thank you!" Lee graciously replied.
The couple walked into the elegant room and while looking around Amanda commented in awe, "This room is more beautiful than I've heard. I have always wanted to come here!" They walked into the room and received a booklet, which contained the vendor's names and their location in the room. "This used to be The Jefferson's main dining room," she added as she took in the wall which held thirty foot windows and a bank of graceful French doors. "I've read those French doors open to The Mezzanine which overlooks the expansive Rotunda. I hope we have a chance to go out there."
Lee gave his wife's arm a little squeeze as he led them toward the first vendor. Through the course of the next hour they had gazed at a fourth of the booths on display. "Let's take a break," Lee suggested as he lead them toward a waitress with a serving platter of wine glasses.
He picked up two and handed one to Amanda, "Thank you dear," she expressed with a soft smile.
Looking around the room they spotted Francine and Jacques admiring the Dom Pedro, which was showcased under a locked cubed display. "Do you think he can tell it's a fake?" Amanda asked in a whisper.
"I don't think so; even the museum's curator said he couldn't tell the difference from surface appearances."
"I don't see how he could possibly steal it with all these people around and with the alarm on the display; but if my research is correct he'll find away."
"Come on let's go take a look too," Lee suggested as he lead her toward the Dom Pedro.
Arriving at the display, Amanda turned toward Lee and gushed, "Darling, the Dom Pedro is as exquisite as I have read about!"
"It definitely reflects the light beyond compare, dear," Lee added to their cover.
Francine almost laughed at Lee and Amanda's acting terms of endearment, but remained the altogether professional.
"I can understand your sentiments exactly. Once I read it was going to have its inaugural debut at this show I knew I had to see it!" Jacques Pierre commented as he turned toward Lee and Amanda. Holding out his hand he started introductions, "I'm Jacques Pierre and this is my escort Francine Desmond."
"Ralph LaPrade and my wife, Edina," Lee replied in return shaking Pierre's out stretched hand.
Amanda extended her hand and Pierre took a hold of it with intentions of bring the back of it to his lips for a soft kiss. "Oh, uh…" Amanda replied with a chuckle. He promptly released it as any gentleman would do. "I notice an accent Mr. Pierre. Where are you from?" Amanda asked sociably.
"Please call me Jacques and I'm from France. I'm here on holiday and met this lovely lady at a social event last Saturday," he finished looking toward Francine with a soft, genuine smile. "Where are you from?"
"We are from California and came to this show to see what we can add to our collection," Lee offered with a smile.
"You should definitely be able to find something to your liking then. It was a pleasure to meet you two. Enjoy the rest of your evening. If you'll excuse us," Jacques politely said as he took Francine by the arm and escorted her away.
The evening pain stakenily crawled by for Lee and Amanda as there was no action from the suspect. Francine, on the other hand, was having a wonderful time with her hopes climaxing that Lee and Amanda's instincts were in left field. About a half an hour left to the show Jacques whispered to Francine, "I need to go to the restroom my dear," and he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Francine slowly nodded her response and watched him leave the ballroom and recede down the hall toward the restrooms.
A short time later the lights flickered and went completely out. People started to scream as the event coordinator and his assistance tried to calm people down.
Lee, Amanda, and a reluctant Francine fled The Empire Room, which was difficult to do in the dark. Once they were in the hall, the emergency lights gave faint illumination.
"Where do you think he went?" Amanda asked.
"We don't know for sure that Jac did it!" Francine brusquely replied.
"We know the lights went out shortly after he left the room!" Lee tersely added.
The trio could hear the event coordinator yell, "The Dom Pedro is missing!"
Lee and Amanda gave Francine a look of certainty, "Come on he has to be making his way out of the building, if he hasn't already." Lee motioned to Amanda as he pulled his gun out from beneath his coat. Amanda took a second to obtain her gun. Both of them took off for the back entrance, as Francine went to call for back up.
Arriving outside, they spotted a lone figure darting through parked vehicles as he made his way to Scott Circle Park. Lee took off at a faster pace to close in the distance. As he shortened the length between himself and the figure he jumped on the hood of a parked car and took a flying leap off landing on top of Jacques Pierre. Lee jumped off and pulled Pierre to his feet by the back of his tuxedo coat. Pierre tried to pull away, but Amanda arrived on the scene shouting almost out of breath, "Freeze. I don't want to shoot!" Pierre obeyed, but looked obstinate at the two agents.
"Okay, Pal. Where's the Dom Padre?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Let's not play games shall we," Lee huffed as he pulled out his Federal ID. "Where did you hide it?"
Sighing Jacques admitted, "In the potted plant in front of the hotel. I figured I could lose you and circle back to reclaim it."
Lee gruffly grabbed him by the arm and escorted him back to the hotel while Amanda kept her gun trained on him. A large group was starting to form outside as people were leaving the gem show, but was also getting caught up in the action of arriving federal cars with agents.
"Check the plant, Amanda." Lee said as he motioned with his head once they arrived back in front of the hotel. Amanda went to the plant, searched around, and pulled out the duplicate gem as Francine arrived on the scene. Jacques and Francine's eyes locked as she came to a halt.
"Do you mind if I have a moment with my date?"
Lee was about to say no when he caught sight of Francine and he relented, "A moment."
Jacques slowly made his way over to Francine. He sincerely explained in broken English, "I am truly sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you; this has been the best week of my life."
"I'm sorry too," Francine expressed in a small voice as she unhooked the jewelry he had given her.
"No! Please keep it!" Jacques reached out his hand to stop her.
"It would be too painful of a reminder," she said sadly as she placed the pieces into his hands.
Lee came to escort Jacques to a waiting car as Amanda came to give Francine a sympathetic hug.
"I kept hoping all night that you were wrong," Francine said absently. "When he left to go to the restroom I almost ran after him to beg him not to go; but I knew it would be no use. He needs to be held accountable for the other thefts."
"I know," Amanda replied sympathetically. "Let me take you home, Francine," Amanda added in a caring tone as she led her toward Lee's Corvette.
Lee ran over to join them and Amanda explained, "I'm going to take Francine home. You can ride in an Agency car and I will pick you up there."
"Sounds like a plan," He replied as he kissed his wife on the lips and they parted ways.
Thur. July 25, 1987 The Agency, Q-Bureau
Amanda and Lee were finishing up their reports on Operation Aquamarine, when Billy knocked on the door and proceeded into the room. He had a proud beam on his face as he exclaimed, "excellent work Amanda and Scarecrow! This will be a great case, Amanda, to start your Agent of Record Resume. Your research was impeccable, your surveillance flawless, and your portraition of your cover excellent!"
"Thank you, sir!" Amanda humbly replied as Lee beamed at the praise which was being lavished onto his wife.
"You're welcome, Amanda, and you deserve the praise. After you finish your reports you can get out of here," Billy added as he left the Q-Bureau.
Lee let out a whoop as an astonished Kara came into the room. Lee, who was embarrassed, brusquely asked, "Yes, what can we do for you?" He didn't call her by name because for the life of him he couldn't remember if her name was Carrie, Clair, or Carla.
Amanda gave Lee a reproachable look, turned to Kara, and kindly explained, "Don't mind Mr. Stetson! What can we do for you?"
Kara remembering why she was there handed two manila envelopes to Amanda and replied insecurely, "I was asked to deliver these. One is for you and the other is for Mr. Stetson."
Amanda gave her a kind smile, "Thank you, Kara. Have a great day."
"Kara?" Lee silently questioned himself. He sure was glad he hadn't tried to say her name out loud because he didn't keep up with who the young girls were anymore.
Kara returned Amanda's smile and responded in kind, "Thanks, Amanda. I hope your wedding goes smoothly."
Amanda gave her a huge smile and replied with, "Thanks," as Kara left the Q-Bureau.
Lee looked at his wife and for the umpteenth time thought she could make friends with anyone.
Amanda handed Lee his envelope and opened hers to leaf through. Seeing it was finally the information from the two prisons in Europe, she set it aside to be dealt with after their honeymoon.
Lee opened his and saw it was from T.P. Aquanis. He turned toward his desk and let out a sigh when he saw that the rumors and Amanda's suspicions were right, Karbala had reformed. Quickly stuffing the sheets back in the envelope, he sealed it, and decided he would hand it off to Billy when he handed in his report. Maybe someone could find more answers while he was on his honeymoon, but he wasn't going to share this with Amanda at the moment.
"You about finished so we can get out of here?" Lee prompted his wife.
"Uh, huh just a few more minutes," she replied without looking at her husband.
Lee paced their office giving his wife futile looks as she laboriously typed on, "Honestly, Amanda, you don't need to write a book!" Lee said in exasperation.
"Just hold your horses, Scarecrow, I'm about finished," She admonished her husband.
"That's what you said a half an hour ago," He snapped. He took his seat when the phone rang and it seemed Amanda was settling in for a long conversation. What seemed like an hour later she hung up the phone.
"Let me guess, Joe? Why didn't you remind him you are at work?" He groused.
"Because he offered to take the boys while we are away. He'll pick them up late Saturday night," Amanda replied in a tone she would use with the boys.
"Oh, that is very kind of him," Lee grudgingly admitted.
Amanda pulled the final sheet of her report from the typewriter, placed it in the file, stood from her chair and announced in tone as if she had been the one waiting on him, "What are you sitting around for? Let's hand these in so we can get out of here!"
Lee could only roll his eyes and give his wife an incredulous smirk.