Chapter 8

"You know by now, we could be calling each other by our first names," Dieter said good-naturedly.

Hmpf! Lee thought to himself but said instead, "Yes, I suppose we could."

"Except for one thing," Dieter replied.

"And what is that exactly?"

"Wir sind beide interessiert in der gleichen Frau."

Lee's eyes widened as he translated Dieter's German words into English, "we are interested in the same woman," in his head.

Before Lee could respond, Dieter said, "You did not think I do not notice how you look at Amanda! I saw it the first time we were in Germany when I asked Amanda out for a meal and I've seen how you look at her; in ihren Augen."

"There isn't anything in my eyes," Lee stuttered, "Amanda and I are just partners and…friends."

"But you would like to be something more?" Dieter didn't know why he was suddenly acting so, but he wondered why Lee was here.

"You never answered my question; what are you doing here?" Lee asked again.

"I presume same reason you are, to see if Amanda is okay."

Lee crooked an eyebrow.

"I saw you are leaving as my taxicab pulled up," Dieter replied. "but the bigger question is why were you at Amanda's house. It is the weekend—"

"I, well—I don't see how that is any of your business," Lee's voice raised a little.

"But, I think it is my business," Dieter answered back, his voice rising as well.

"Excuse me, Sirs—this is a hospital," one of the two clerks began.

"Yes, who did you say you were looking for?" the second clerk asked Lee.

Lee and Dieter continued to glare at each other, both very aware that other hospital patrons, staff and the security guard looked their way.

***SMK SMK SMK***

Amanda, who was still searching for a payphone, heard raised voices. As she stepped through the doors, she was surprised to find Lee and Dieter standing by the emergency room front desk.

"We don't have an Amanda King—" one of the workers was saying.

"She is tall, thin—" Lee was saying.

"Lee! Dieter! What are you doing here?"

Both men turned towards Amanda and, walking up to her, began talking at the same time. Amanda looking on from one to the other, raised her hand and exclaimed, "Stop! Please!" Realizing that her voice was too high, Amanda said, "Look, before we get thrown out of here, can we please step outside?" Amanda asked, her voice calming down. "I'm sorry," she said to the guard as she waved Lee and Dieter towards the double doors until they were outside in the front of the emergency room entrance.

"Okay, what are you two doing here?"

Amanda was surprised to find them there, especially Lee, but she looked from one to the other. When they began talking simultaneously, Amanda turned to Dieter and said, "Please go first."

"Well, when you suddenly hung up the phone, I got concerned and when I phoned you back and got a busy signal, I became even more concerned. That's when I went over to your house and your Mother answered the door; she seems nice, by the way," Dieter said, with a brilliant smile. "Anyway, she said something about a baseball and a bat and the emergency room— So, I-how does one say?-'flew over' here to see if you were alright."

"That makes sense since we were on the phone when everything happened," Amanda said thoughtfully. "And you, Lee?"

"Well, I phoned your house and after calling countless times and receiving a busy signal, I finally used my car phone and your Mother explained that something happened and you were heading to the hospital. Yes, Amanda, that's the same story I got when I went to your house. I had phoned you to discuss," Lee hesitated, not sure what he had been going to say to Amanda in the first place and with Dieter there, he was even less sure of what he should say.

"Yes?" Amanda questioned. "Lee, is something wrong? Something to do with one of our cases?" Amanda asked, trying to figure out which case it could be.

"I'll explain later," Lee said quietly.

Amanda, couldn't believe this; it must have to do with some woman. Amanda rolled her eyes but then noticed the way Lee was holding his head down.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I thought you were seriously injured," Dieter chimed in.

"Well, it wasn't me that got hit at all; it was our neighbor, Lee; you've heard me mention Mrs. Gilstrap." Lee nodded.

Lee and Dieter asked how Mrs. Gilstrap was doing and what happened. After explaining everything, Amanda suddenly let out an "Oh my gosh! I totally forgot; I was supposed to call my Mother and the boys, let them know how Mrs. Gilstrap was doing and then go back to the room. She hadn't wanted to come in the first place, and she must be livid."

"Your Mother was talking so fast; I was having a difficult time understanding what she was saying. Amanda, I'm so glad you are okay. I feared the worse," Dieter said earnestly. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Anything we can do?" Lee asked.

Realizing that the friction was beginning to build up between the two of them, Amanda turned to Dieter and said, "Dieter, I would love some coffee. Could you go down to the cafeteria while I go and call my Mother?"

"Of course, Amanda!"

Lee and Dieter gave each other a quick stare before Dieter kissed Amanda on the cheek and left, leaving Lee staring after him.

After Dieter had gone, Amanda realized that she didn't get to find out what the two men discussed so loudly in the hall. However, for now, she was more concerned with something else. Amanda and Lee walked over towards the payphone and while she dialed her house, she asked Lee, "why did you call the house in the first place?"

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Thank you for reading; more to come.

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Reviews are very much appreciated!