Maladjusted
Chapter 44
Lee and Amanda spent a much needed night at the apartment before returning home to get ready for work.
Dotty greeted them as they entered the kitchen and stated, "Good morning. Would you like coffee?"
Amanda and Lee nodded with him commenting as he went to the cabinet, "I'm putting mine in a thermos today, Dotty. I'll be going to Richmond for a meeting."
Amanda remarked, "Sweetheart, I've gotta take Jamie to the doctor to remove his stitches first and then I'll be going into the office."
Lee shook his head answering, "Darn, I forgot about his appointment. Would you rather I take him?"
Amanda shook her head responding, "It isn't necessary-"
Just then Jamie came downstairs slowly replying, "Hey, Guys! You don't have to fight over me!"
Dotty giggled as she greeted her grandson with a kiss as he came into the kitchen and stated, "Honey, they aren't fighting. They both love you but they both want equal time with you, okay?"
Phillip came bounding down the stairs and entering the kitchen commented, "Gee, maybe I should mess up my leg and then you can have both of us today-"
Amanda shook her head vehemently, "Don't you dare, Young Man! We've had enough strife in this house lately. Now, c'mon. Get your cereal and then get your books together."
Phillip looking at Lee rolled his eyes and shrugged stating, "I was kidding. Jeez!"
Lee chuckled answering, "She knows, Pal. But we don't have time for shenanigans today, huh?"
The boys ate and then as Phillip was leaving for the bus, Amanda and Jamie were getting into her car after saying their goodbyes to Lee and Dotty.
Lee kissed Amanda and stated, "Call me later and tell me how things went, okay?"
Looking at Jamie he remarked, "Good luck, Ace. You'll be fine."
Jamie shrugged and smiled commenting, " Sure. See ya later, Lee."
As Lee left the neighborhood he dialed Billy on the way to Richmond telling him that Amanda would be in later remarking, "Jamie's getting his stitches out of his knee today."
Billy nodded and queried, "How's he doing?"
Lee shrugged as he got on the expressway and commented, "Trying to sleep with his leg propped up wasn't fun but he got through it. Did you hear from Jeffreys about the contact in Richmond I'm supposed to see?"
Billy remarked, "There's a note here that says you are to call Augie Swann ASAP?"
Lee groaned, "Ohh no! Not him! Tell me it's a joke!"
Billy smiled on the other end stating, "Sorry, Lee. That's who's name is here. Wasn't he that man that showed up in our field excercise when our men were camoflouged?"
Lee growled, "Yeah. When we were trying to smoke out Retsig...All right. I'll go. Of all the people I had to see today...Jeez!"
Billy chuckled and answered, "Good luck."
Hanging up Lee sighed and commented tersely, "You'd better not jerk me around like you usually do, Augie..."
He then dialed the number Augie gave him and waited.
On the third ring the response was, "August Swann at your service. How can I help you?"
Lee sighed trying for patience answered, "Hey, Augie. It's Lee. So what's going on?"
Augie smiled on the other end remarking excitedly, "Lee! Old buddy, old pal! You got my message. I knew you wouldn't let me down-"
Lee growled, "Save it, Augie! What's going on now?"
Augie stated, "There's something weird going on at the Colonial Downs. Meet me there in half an hour! I gotta go! Bye!"
Before Lee could say another word, Augie hung up!
Lee swore as he hung up and commented, "Great! Just great! Something tells me I woulda had more fun watching Jamie get his stitches out today...All right, Augie. What the hell are you up to now?"
Getting on the expressway ramp, Lee knew he was in for a long day already...
TBC
