Brand New Journey

Chapter 26

When Lee came back to Amanda's room, Dotty was gone. He asked, "Where's your mom?"

Amanda sighed and stated, "She's checking on the boys. Please sit down. We have a problem."

Lee groaned commenting, "Don't we have enough without you adding one more? What is it?"

Amanda shook her head and reacted tiredly remarking, "Don't take that tone with me, MIster! Now, she mentioned something about knowing what we do for a living-at least what you do. Thank goodness she didn't ask me what I actually do, but I'll bet that's next on her agenda!"

Lee paced putting his hands through his hair and sighed remarking, "Oh, give me a break already! Can we just do this later say after you and Kelly are home, huh?"

But Amanda retorted, "Oh, no! Sorry, but if it wasn't for Eva we wouldn't have anything to talk about here. Tell me how my mother found out you were a spy-"

Lee barked, "I told you-"

Amanda responded nodding, "Yeah, yeah. You're an intelligence operative. Big whoop! It's the same damn thing. Now, out with it. What happened?"

Lee sighed again and responded as he sat down in the chair near her bed, "When I assumed you were still on the cruise that day that everything went down, I went to check on things at the house around lunchtime. The cops were there talking to Dotty, who told me that the DCF came by with a court order to take Kelly. I then stupidly asked her if she even checked the guy's ID. By then, she'd seen mine because the cop wouldn't let me check it without showing my own. Happy, now?!"

Dotty then entered and responded, "I heard you two arguing all the way down the hall! Now, it's apparent that the three of us need to discuss your careers-"

She then gave Amanda a hurt expression and added, "Yes, Dear. You, too! Do you really think I'm going to just assume that Lee's the only one here with a secret life? You have a lot of explaining to do, Young Lady! But not now. Lee's right. Let's get you both home and settled before we dive into this brouhaha!"

Sighing she commented, "I'm going home to lie down. By the way, they've given Kelly another sedative so that she won't get up until morning. Oh, and your friend Francine Desmond is here to see you. Goodnight."

Dotty left without giving a hug or kiss to Amanda and she swallowed hard replying, "Wow.. I guess I really did it this time, huh?"

Lee shook his head as he took her hand and squeezed it gently remarking, "No. No, I'd say it was a combined effort. Billy's gonna love that your mom knows part of this, anyway."

There was a knock and Francine poked her head in and asked, "Ok if I see how you two are holding up?"

Lee nodded and half smiled stating, "Yeah. Come on in."

He got up when Francine entered and she responded, "Don't get up-"

But Lee sighed and stated, "Um, it's okay. I'm going to go. Did you see Kelly?"

Francine shook her head but added, "No, but someone's keeping an eye on Kelly's room should she want to take another walk. I'm glad she's all right."

Lee nodded and then looking at Amanda he kissed her temple commenting gently," Goodnight. Get some rest, huh?"

Amanda smiled faintly and asked as he headed to the door, "You as well. Was that from my mother?"

Lee shrugged and stated as he left, "No.."

Francine was surprised and sat down in the chair querying, "So, the mystery surrounding Scarecrow and Mrs. King continues. What was that all about?"

Amanda waved it away and responded, "Oh, it's a long story but it was his way I think of apologizing for us arguing earlier. So, how are you doing? What's new with you?"

Meanwhile Lee was on his way home feeling like he didn't know which way he was going in his relationship with Amanda. They've had arguments sure, but to be at each other that way? The stress was beginning to show and they both knew they had to do something about it.

As he was just about into Georgetown his phone rang. It was Billy. He asked, "Scarecrow, have you talked to Scardelli today?"

Lee shook his head and answered, "No. Why?"

Billy stated, "You need to come back to the Agency. The results on your bloodwork are in."

Lee swallowed and nodded as he made a U-turn and remarked, "On my way."

Hanging up he thought, If it's not one thing, it's another lately. Hope it's not bad news...

TBC