Chapter 14 - Burrito World

Amanda and Lee met in the Agency parking lot at 9am. Scotty, the Parking lot attendant came over to say hi to them both. Amanda had chastised Lee for being rude to Scotty on previous occasions so this time, he was pleasant and wished him a good day as he took over the driver's seat of Amanda's car. They drove to the address in Virginia where this super computer was being built. As they pulled into the facility's parking lot, Lee showed them his badge and they let them through. They went to the front desk and asked to speak to Commander Bell who was in charge of the project. Doug Bell soon came out to greet them and ushered them into his office.

"It is good to meet you Mr. Stetson and is this your lovely partner?" Doug said while checking out Amanda. "Hi, I'm Amanda King." Amanda said as Doug took her hand and kissed it for longer than what would be considered normal. Lee found himself getting a little upset watching Doug look Amanda over like she was a piece of meat.

"Can we focus on the task at hand Commander Bell? Mrs. King and I are on a tight schedule." Lee said while trying to distract Doug from Amanda. Amanda noticed the interest from Commander Bell and blushed. She also noticed that Lee seemed to be upset about it but she didn't really know why.

"Oh yes. Please call me Doug though. So you want to know about our special computer? Well it has been in the works for a while now. It is becoming more and more important to have resources in case of a Russian attack. Since Computers are the new wave of the world, it only made sense to create one that could handle things without having to have a human push the buttons."

"Sir, how does it work? I mean, how does it know that it should send missiles out?" Amanda asked.

"Well the technology is complicated but basically there is a tracking system that is active at all times and it is focused on the air space between the US and Russia. If the computer detects any unknown object in that air space, it will automatically dispatch a missile out to blow it up."

"Isn't that dangerous? What if the object was something harmless like a plane or hot air balloon or something?" Amanda asked.

"Well the computer has all of those objects programmed into it so that it knows those objects are safe. It also has images of missiles programmed into it so it knows that those are not safe."

"Is there a way to stop the computer once it determines that it needs to dispatch a missile?" Lee asked.

"There is but you have to know what to do and how to do it. Believe me when I tell you that this program will not be put in full operation until it has been thoroughly tested but it will hopefully resolve worrying about human error." Commander Bell offered.

"And create computer error instead" Amanda murmured.

"Oh Mrs. King, why be so negative? I expected that from your partner but a woman as lovely as you, I would have thought you would be more open to new technology." Commander Bell said with a smile.

"Oh I like new technology but this one seems to be putting a lot of trust in a machine. I'm not sure I feel all that safe knowing that." Amanda responded.

"Why don't I show it to you and show you some videos of the tests we have done and then you can have a better understanding." Doug said as he opened the door and motioned for them to follow him.

Lee and Amanda exchanged nervous glances and then Lee motioned for Amanda to go ahead of him. They followed Doug to a huge room that was full of computer equipment from floor to ceiling. They walked through the room and into a smaller room that was a little less noisy. Doug flipped on a TV screen and hit a button and soon images of missiles being blown out of the sky could be viewed. He sat down and showed them how the system worked in the simplest terms he could and then asked them if they had any questions.

"So this computer doesn't look very portable. Do you intend to keep it here then or are you moving it?" Lee asked.

"No, the computer will remain here. It doesn't need to be moved anywhere because it has access to missiles in various locations within the US. It can just as easily shoot off a missile out of California as it could out of Maine. The computer is programmed to know where the best location to shoot a missile from depending on where the target is. To our knowledge, no one else has created anything like this so the Soviets would definitely like to get their hands onto it." Doug said.

"Obviously Rostov would not steal the actual computer so he must intend to steal the program." Lee said.

"Well if he had enough time and the right equipment and knowledge, he could do that. But this is a secure building and we aren't taking its presence here lightly."

"No, I wouldn't imagine you are but Rostov is one of the best and if he wants to steal this program, he's the one that has the best chance to do it. It would be a way for him to go back to Moscow a true hero too." Lee remarked.

"How do we stop him?" Amanda asked.

"Well that's what we need to figure out. So the formal testing is a week from today?" Lee asked.

"Yes, all the top notch people from the Pentagon along with President Reagan and a whole bunch of 5 star Generals will be in this room next Tuesday while we demonstrate what she can do." Doug responded.

"Well I think that Rostov will likely plan to steal it right after that testing is done. He will want to make sure Moscow can see how important this computer is before he takes it." Lee thought out loud. "Amanda, we have a lot of work to do. Thanks again Doug for showing all of this to us. We will be in touch."

"Sure, anytime. I hope you are able to catch him. We have put months into developing this system. It would be a real tragedy for them to get their hands on it."

"I don't intend to let that happen." Lee said as he shook Doug's hand. He tried to steer Amanda away from him but Doug draped his arm around Amanda's shoulders and said "So Amanda, I don't see a ring on your finger so I'm guessing you are divorced or at least separated from your husband. A man gets mighty lonely being in this computer lab 10 hours a day. Would you do me the honor of letting me take you out to dinner tonight?"

"I'm sorry Doug. I am divorced but I have a boyfriend so I have to turn you down."

"What a shame. He is a very lucky man. I hope he realizes how lucky he is. Doug acted like he was going to kiss Amanda's neck until Lee pulled her quickly away from him and said "Well thanks again Doug but we need to get going." Lee half pushed and half pulled Amanda down the hallway. Once they were outside, Amanda twisted her body around to look at Lee and demanded "What was that for?"

"What? The man is a creep. He had his hands all over you and you weren't stopping him."

"I was handling him just fine." Amanda stated.

"It sure didn't look that way to me. The man was about to kiss you. He didn't even care that I was in the room."

"So you decided that you needed to protect me? I don't need you saving the day all the time Lee. I can take care of myself and have for many years now."

"I know that. I just thought that you could use some interference."

"Well the next time, wait until I ask for help, okay? It isn't like he is the first man who has ever hit on me."

"No, but he was a jerk. Just because he is in a position of power doesn't give him a right to put his hands all over you."

"You know Lee, sometimes I think you sound like you are jealous."

"I am not jealous. I just would hate for you to get hurt. Amanda, I'm just trying to look out for you."

"Well I do appreciate that you care Lee but I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Okay, okay, from now on, I'll let you take care of yourself. Fine."

"Fine!" Amanda said back. They had reached her car and he had helped her inside and now they rode back to the agency in silence. Lee stewed the whole way back. Why should he care? If the woman didn't want him to look after her, he wouldn't. It wasn't like she was his girlfriend or anything. No, Amanda King could take care of herself from now on. Why was he getting so protective of her anyway? He didn't treat other women like this. He had been brought up a gentleman so he was always polite with the ladies but from almost the moment he had met Amanda, he had felt the need to protect her. She wasn't like the women he dated. There was something unique about her, something special and almost innocent. He knew she wasn't totally innocent since she had been married and had 2 kids but she was different. She didn't belong to him though in any way so he was just going to have to stop getting involved. That was all there was to it.

Meanwhile Amanda sat staring out the window. This had to be one of the most complex men she had ever met. One minute he seemed like he couldn't get rid of her fast enough and in the next minute, he acted like they were a couple and that he had to protect her from all outside evils. She did appreciate that he cared and sometimes it was even nice that he was so protective but other times, it just seemed like he wanted to be in control and she was not ready for any man to control her again. If they were going to continue to work together, Lee had to learn that Amanda could handle her private life herself and he needed to stay out of it.

They arrived at the agency and Lee helped Amanda out of her car and motioned for her to come into the agency with him. Not a word was said between them and when they entered the bullpen, the other agents noticed right away that both Amanda and Lee had a look of determination on their faces. It was definitely a day to stay away from both of them. Amanda sat down at an empty desk and Lee stood behind her as they logged into the computer.

"What are we looking for?" Amanda finally broke the silence.

"I don't know, anything that will tell us where he is hiding. You know, when I was waiting for you to show up in the golf cart that day, he mentioned that his favorite thing in America was Burritos. He told me that he likes them with extra beans and to hold the sauce. I'm going to go see if the team was able to get anything more out of Delong, Jamison or Zinoviev. Can you check to see where the best Burrito places are in the DC area? I think we need to go with a picture of Rostov and see if anyone recognizes him. "

"That could be a lot of places Lee."

"I know but it is definitely a starting point for us."

"Right. Give me 30 minutes to compile a list."

"Thanks Amanda. I really do appreciate it."

Lee walked over to Billy's office and knocked on the door. Billy yelled to come in and then lightened up when he saw it was Lee. Lee quickly filled him in on everything they had found out so far and then asked if Billy had gotten any additional information.

"Well Lee, I think you and Amanda are heading in the right direction. We used truth serum on all 3 men and Zinoview seemed to be the only one who really knew anything. He fought the drug but we did manage to get him to tell us that Rostov had one more very important mission to complete before he went home and if he accomplished this, he would be the biggest hero that Russia has ever had. He mentioned how great computer technology was and how it was nice of the US to create something that Russia could steal and save themselves months of research."

"Is that all you got out of him? It definitely sounds like we are searching in the right place." Lee said.

"Yeah, he was able to block out the truth serum after saying that much like we would but at least we got that much out of him. Lee, this is really serious. If you can stop him and capture Rostov, you will go down in history as one of the best agents ever." Billy said with a smile.

"Awww, come on Billy, I already am one of the best agents." Lee laughed. Billy gave him a look and then laughed with him.

"Okay, let me go see what Amanda has come up with. Our friend Rostov mentioned he loved Burritos so we are going to go check some places out and see if anyone has seen him."

"That sounds like a good start" Billy agreed.

Lee walked out to the Bullpen and found that Amanda was just finishing up the list. She had also printed off a picture of Rostov. They gathered their coats and headed to the elevator in silence. As they reached the parking lot, Lee suggested they take his car since they would be more comfortable. They spent the afternoon riding around to all the places that Amanda had taken from the computer. They found that Rostov had been to many of them but not recently. Lee left a card with each one and asked if they could call him if he happened to come back in. When asked, Lee explained that this was official Government business and that Rostov was wanted for questioning. Each establishment quickly agreed to call.

"Well that didn't get us very far" Lee said as they left the last Burrito restaurant.

"We do have one more stop to make" Amanda said.

"Oh? Where is that?" Lee asked.

"There is a place about 20 miles from DC that is noted for having the best Burritos ever. They were even voted as #1 by the community."

"Amanda, why didn't we go to them first then?"

"I honestly didn't think he would want to drive that far away. It's worth a shot though to see if he has been out there."

"Yes, it is. Come on." Lee guided Amanda back into his car and they began the drive out to Burrito World.

"Lee, what happens if we don't find Rostov in time? I mean, would they really lock you up?"

"I don't know Amanda. I think Dirk would just to make his point clear. He's not the nicest guy in the agency. Why, are you losing faith in us already?"

"No, I just hope they would give you a trial or something. I would testify for you."

Lee smiled and said "I know you would. Yes, I would get a trial but I did break orders so they would likely find me guilty."

"Such a shame that after all you have done for your country, they would turn their back on you like this."

"Amanda, the agency takes care of itself. The people who work for it are second class. It's why I think after this case, you really need to find a real job."

"Lee!"

"No, I mean it. You have 2 small boys to worry about at home. The agency didn't even consider that when they refused to trade Rostov for you. You have to take care of yourself Amanda. Now I know this job seems to be exciting and intriguing but I'm here because I have no one waiting for me at home. You do Amanda. It would be horrible if one day, I had to go to your house and tell your Mother and Children that you wouldn't be coming home ever again."

"Lee, stop. I have thought about all of that. I get it but I feel like this whole thing was meant to be. Haven't you ever had something happen that you couldn't explain and later when you thought about it, you realized that it happened for a reason? Out of all the people you could have picked at the train station to hand that package to, you picked me. Now that has to mean something."

"Yeah, it means that I saw a woman who looked like she would do as I asked and then I didn't ever expect to see her again. For some reason, you are still here though. Amanda, seriously, at least think about what I said."

"I appreciate you caring enough to say these things to me Lee. I just don't think I'm ready to get off this train yet though."

"Damnit Amanda" Lee said as he rubbed his hand through his hair. They pulled up to Burrito World at that moment and Lee stopped the car. He hurried to the passenger side to help Amanda out of the car and then guided her inside. They walked up to the counter where there was a young kid working.

"Hi, is your boss around?" Lee asked.

"Nah, he went out to run errands. What can I get for you?"

"Actually I'm hoping you can help us." Lee said as he pulled out Rostov's picture. As he showed it to the kid, he could tell that the kid recognized him. "Ever seen this man?" Lee asked.

"Nah, never seen him before in my life" The kid said.

Amanda jumped in because she had seen his reaction too. "Are you sure. I think you should look closer."

"I told you lady, I have never seen him before. Now do you want to order or not?"

Lee looked at Amanda and shrugged. "Okay, if you are sure. We already ate though."

They walked out and headed back to Lee's car. "He knew him" Amanda said.

"Yes, he did. The question is, why didn't he admit it?"

"What do we do now?"

"I think we wait and see if we can talk to his boss."

"Okay." Amanda agreed.

They sat in silence for a while in the car while watching the front door to see if anyone looked like they might be the boss going inside.

Suddenly Lee sat up and said "Would you look at that?"

"What?" Amanda asked.

"See that guy that is acting all nervous?"

"Yeah"

"That is Ivan Ostrogorsky" Lee answered.

"Who's that?" Amanda asked.

"Ivan is Rostov's partner. We didn't even know he was still in the country. I'll bet that Rostov isn't far away. Damn, I wish I could go in without them recognizing me so I could see what is happening."

"Do you think the kid would remember me?" Amanda asked.

"Wait a minute." Lee got out and opened his trunk. He pulled out a bag of clothes that he kept there in case he had to work overnight. Inside, he found a sweater and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. "Here put this on." Lee said. Amanda pulled the sweater on and found that it was pretty loose but it fit her. He then had her put on the sunglasses. In the meantime, Amanda took her hair out of its ponytail and let it fall straight down. She also removed her headband. "I think that might get you in without them realizing that you were in there a short while ago." Lee said as he checked out the results of their handiwork.

"Okay, I'll go check it out."

"Amanda, please be careful. I don't have any way to wire you and I won't be able to be in there to save you. If you get in trouble though, I will be right outside so just yell, okay?"

"Yeah, I'll scream for you." Amanda agreed as she quickly walked up to the front door and then slowed her pace as she went inside.

She looked around the restaurant and saw that Ivan had already sat down at a table in the corner. Amanda went to the counter and ordered an iced tea. The kid showed no sign of recognizing her and handed her the drink after taking her money. She carried it to the table next to Ivan's and sat down. As she sat nursing her drink, she kept an eye on him. A few moments later, he got up and went to the counter and was handed a takeout bag. He quickly exited the restaurant and Amanda hurried out of her seat and followed him. Lee had noticed him exit and had pulled his car up to the entrance of the restaurant and yelled for Amanda to get in as she came out. She had barely enough time to close her door when Lee sped off after Ivan. Amanda hurried to put on her seat belt while holding onto the dash as Lee sped around the corner to catch up to the speeding car in front of him. As he got closer, he slowed down in hopes of making it less suspicious that he was following Ivan. They had been following him for several miles when suddenly blue lights came on behind them.

"You've got to be kidding!" Lee groaned.

"We better pull over." Amanda said.

"You know Amanda, sometimes following the rules can have consequences. Once this cop knows that I'm one of the good guys, he will understand why I didn't pull over." Lee continued to tail the speeding car. As the car neared the river, he suddenly made a sharp left turn and Lee was caught off guard and kept going straight. Suddenly another police car showed up and blocked his way.

"Damn it!" Lee said as he pounded the steering wheel.

"Okay Mister, put your hands up and keep them up so I can see them." the Police Officer said. Lee and Amanda both put their hands up and waited for the officer to walk to the car.

As he leaned down to check Lee over, Lee said "Officer, I'm a Federal agent. I have a badge in my wallet."

The officer carefully pulled the walled out of Lee's shirt pocket and found the badge.

"I'm sorry Mr. Stetson. Why were you speeding though?"

"I was tailing the partner of one of the most highly sought after Russian Operatives in this country."

By this time the other officer had arrived and walked up with his gun out and aimed at Lee.

"Put the gun down Frank" This guy's a Federal Agent. We just ruined his bust.

"Sorry about that. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"NO, I think you have helped enough." Lee said with disgust.

"Lee, be nice. Sir, could you run the plate for us and see if you find any information?" Amanda asked.

"Well that would be a great idea if either of us had thought to write down the plate." Lee said.

"Oh I memorized it." Amanda answered.

"Amanda? How could you memorize it in all that excitement?" Lee asked.

"I wish I had 3 Dollars." Amanda answered.

"I'm sure I have 3 dollars you can have Amanda but how is that going to help us?"

"The plate was IWIH3D or I Wish I had 3 Dollars." Amanda answered.

Lee shook his head. Sometimes the woman just amazed him.

"Sure, I'll go run it right now." Frank said.

As Frank was running the plate, the other officer stayed behind to talk.

"Well my name is Sam. I wish your department had told us you would be in the area. Your car definitely doesn't look like agent material."

"No? What does an agent car look like?" Lee asked.

"Oh you know, those long, black, sleek cars. Something mysterious and hard to see into."

"Well I happen to like my Porsche." Lee said.

"I'll bet it is a smooth ride and it definitely is a chick magnet. You definitely scored today. You are a very beautiful woman." Sam said as he looked at Amanda.

"This happens to be my partner and we were on a job." Lee said. He was really becoming very irritated with these two men who just stopped him from possibly being able to nail Rostov. Now this man was flirting with Amanda. Lee could definitely feel his temper beginning to get away with him. Amanda seemed oblivious as always to the man's attention of her.

At that moment, Frank returned to the car and handed Lee an address. "This is the address that is on the registration of that car." He explained.

"Thank you. Can we go now?" An irritated Lee asked.

"Yes, of course. You are free to go. If there is anything else we can do to help, please let us know." Frank responded.

"Oh yes, we would gladly help. Amanda, here's my card in case you need any special attention." Sam said as he handed her a business card.

Amanda stared at it for a few seconds and then smiled at him and said "That's okay, normally my boyfriend helps me with any personal issues I have."

Sam's smile quickly faded and Lee couldn't help but gloat a bit. He shook Frank's hand and then shifted the car to reverse so he could maneuver it back in the direction they had come from.

"Where are we going?" Amanda asked.

"Well if this address is correct, we were just a few blocks away from where Ivan is staying before we got so rudely interrupted. Let's go see if anyone is home." Lee answered. They drove in silence to a really bad looking part of town and Lee slowed the Porsche down as they neared the apartment that Frank's information had listed. He soon pulled over and turned off the car.

"What now?" Amanda asked.

"Well now we wait." Lee answered. "Maybe with any luck, Rostov is using this as a hide out. After all, he does love Burritos so it is possible that Ivan bought that meal for Rostov."

"Okay" Amanda said as she wondered how long they would have to wait. It was beginning to get late and soon her family would wonder where she was. Lee didn't notice Amanda's mood change because he was too busy focusing on the apartment in hopes of catching sight of Rostov. It sure would be nice to catch him so Lee could go on with his life. Hopefully this would be over soon. Something told him that he wouldn't be that lucky and that it would be a long afternoon.

TBC