Starting Over- Chapter 21

Lee let them into his apartment, saying, "Just put your bag in my room- I'll sleep out here tonight.."

But Amanda shook her head."No- I will- I've disrupted your routine enough lately, but I'm fine now- all I have to do is make things right with my family.."

Lee took her bag from her, put it in his room, and pointed to the couch, saying,"Please sit down- we need to set things straight ourselves.."

Amanda sat down wearily, saying,"I know what you're going to say, Lee- that my mother will get over it- well, you don't realize how hard it was for all of us after Joe left, the crying, the yelling, and then the pouting- the boys-not us girls- ok, I did my share of crying- but only at night- I had to be strong for all of us.."

Lee joined her on the couch, taking her hand," Well, the boys have adjusted, right? And this whole thing with your memory since the accident took it's toll also- but it's all gonna work itself out- you trust me, right?"

Amanda nodded slowly, saying,"Yeah, but did you see the look in my mother's eyes? It was like I was a stranger to her- I don't think our relationship can be fixed as easily as you think.."

Lee sighed, and stroked the top of her hand with his thumb."Ok, then what about us? You and me?" Amanda shrugged,"It'll be fine- I'll quit the Agency, and still see you when I can.."

But Lee slowly let go of her hand, and getting up, went to look out the window from his living room. Amanda stared after him, saying,"What is it?" Lee shrugged,"It's not that simple- I really wish it were, though.."

Amanda sighed, and went to his side. "What aren't you telling me?" Lee said, "There's a mandated rule they set up years ago- anyone that leaves the business.. well, they can't be involved with an agent..it's got to do with the target issue- if something were to happen to you or the family-the government can't be held responsible-.."

Amanda was shocked! "What?! But what if an enemy were to gun me down? What then?" Lee said,"It would be just another unfortunate homicide of a civilian who was at the wrong place, at the wrong time- look, are you seriously thinking about leaving, because I just can't put myself through another partner- I could wind up with someone like Fred Fielder, for God's sake!"

Amanda went into his arms, and said slowly,"Ok, tell me the up side then.." Lee said gently,"Well, Billy could arrange for special security for the house, you could help your mother with what she needs to know to be as safe as she can, and I could help the boys with self-defense for school, and home.."

Amanda nodded,"Ok- what about Joe? Do we let him in on all this? I mean, he already knows some of what I do- I think, as the father of my boys, I should at least clue him in- he'd be able to keep them safe if you or I were away on a case, huh?"

Just then, the phone rang. Lee picked up."Stetson.. oh, hi, Phillip- yeah, she's right here.."He gave the phone to Amanda, saying,"I'm gonna go out for a bit- give you some privacy, ok?"

Amanda kissed him, saying,"Thanks- you won't be gone long, right?" Lee smiled, and said,"Can't get rid of me that easy.." He left, and Amanda went back to the phone.

Meanwhile, Lee called Billy from his car. "Can you meet me at Monty's? It's important.." They met a short time later, and they sat in a back booth, and ordered drinks, and Billy said," Everything all right with Amanda?" Lee shrugged, saying,"Define all right? I think there's something you ought to know.."

When Lee finished telling Billy what happened at the house with Amanda and her mother, Billy just said,"Do you love her?" Lee was surprised! "What?" Billy, exasperated at the younger agent, said,"Do you, Lee Stetson, love Amanda King- yes or no?!"

Lee said," I do, but I don't know how she feels yet, because of her family situation right now-.." Billy said,"Leave the world and all the problems out there- I've got a pretty good idea how she feels anyway.." Sighing, Billy got up, and said,"Ok, go home.. I got this covered- tell Amanda not to worry, and I'll call you first thing in the morning.."

Lee yelled after Billy as he was leaving,"Wait! You got what covered?! Billy!" Lee groaned, as he paid the bar bill, and headed for his car. Just what was Billy up to?! As Lee drove home, he thought about going to Dotty to try pleading his case to soften her up, but then decided against it..no.. that would have to be Amanda's decision- it was after all, her family.

How in the hell did everything suddenly get so complicated?! He never thought he'd ever be in this kind of situation- if someone had told him years ago, that a housewife would turn his life upside down suddenly, and that he'd fall for someone like that completely, he'd have told them they were nuts!

Turning into his apartment lot, and parking, he got out, hoping that Amanda had some luck with her family, and that her mother would be calmer about the situation. When he came into the apartment, however, Amanda was sitting on the couch, with a bottle of wine, and pouring herself a glass.

When she saw him, she said woodenly," I spoke to the boys- seems that Mother talked to Joe- he'll be here in the morning to discuss changing the custody agreement- he wants to go for full custody- care to tell me what we do about that?!"

TBC