Chapter 15
"Scarecrow, you better sit down for this," Billy commanded as Lee entered his room.
Confused, Lee stood in the center of the room. It wasn't until he noticed Francine standing behind Billy, her weapon clearly visible on the belt of her designer pants suit.
"What's going on?" Lee questioned.
"I just got confirmation from Barta about his mission and you're never going to believe it," Billy began.
"What are you talking about?" Lee narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Barta and Krejci's mission was two-fold." Billy scratched at his jawline and waited.
Lee's eyes flashed from Billy to Francine and back again. "What?"
"Emily only knew half the plan. Her intel was good. They had a full plan to take out the President during the Correspondents' Dinner at the end of the week," Francine stated.
"Fine. Emily was right… so what? Why all the cloak and dagger now?" Lee stated sarcastically.
"This is what we didn't expect… the second part of their mission was to take out someone else," Billy informed him.
"Who? The Vice President? Someone in the press corps? A celebrity or someone else at the 'nerd prom'?" Lee rattled off.
Francine stepped up beside Billy and pointed directly at Lee. "You. Barta's plan was to take out the President with Krejci, and, in turn, Krejci was going to take you out."
"Me? Why me?" Lee gasped.
"Why you? Scarecrow, you've been on top of everyone's list for a long time," Billy reminded him.
Lee shook his head in denial. "No… I've been out of the field for almost five years…"
"But you've still been running teams, disrupting plans across the globe," Francine insisted.
Lee sunk down on the edge of the bed, stunned. He looked up at Billy, tipped his head to the side slightly, and asked, "Are you sure?"
"As sure as I can be. Barta was singing like a canary once the pain meds kicked in. I guess he limped his way in here with a broken ankle. He had no idea this was the same hospital they brought you. One of our guys spotted him when he was on his way up to change shifts," Billy explained.
"Where's Krejci now?" Lee lifted his head and firmed his jaw as the agent side of him took over.
"We don't know," Francine admitted. "Barta hasn't seen him since early this morning."
The muscle in Lee's cheek twitched angrily as the reality of the situation set in. "So he could be anywhere."
Billy stepped forward and stated, "Yes, but he doesn't know where you are."
"He probably thought he hit the jackpot when they spotted me and Emily in the terminal." Lee dragged his hand through his hair before he slammed it down on the bed. "Dammit!"
"We've got everyone out looking for him, Lee. We'll find him." Francine tried to sound hopeful.
Lee shook his head angrily. "Before or after he finishes the job?"
The pager on Billy's belt sounded off again, the sharp chirps filling the air. Billy checked the number, pursed his lips tightly, and silenced the small device. "That's Ferguson now. Let me go see what his problem is." Billy cast one last look at Lee before he left the room.
"You know, Francine, I thought by getting out of the field… by moving up into the so-called Administrative One position… all this would be behind me. A memory, you know. For five years, Amanda and I have managed to live our lives without constantly looking over our shoulders. But I guess it's true what they say… you never really get out." Lee dropped his head, defeated.
Francine squared her shoulders, lifted her chin, and demanded, "Since when does Scarecrow give up?"
"Who said I was giving up?" Lee blinked at her, confused.
"You. This attitude of yours. What happened to the man who fought to the bitter end? Amanda's knight in shining armor who rode in on his white horse every time she was in trouble?" Francine pointed out.
Lee chuckled loudly. "Amanda was always in trouble, remember? Before William, that is…"
"He's been the best thing for both of you," Francine reminded him.
The corners of Lee's mouth turned upward as he thought of his son. "He really is, isn't he? I never thought I could love someone before I even met them, but I'll tell you, from the day we found out Amanda was pregnant, I knew I would give my life for him."
"Any news today?" Francine leaned against the edge of the bed.
"The doc said he looks good… his test results look promising. But Dotty was shocked. I knew she would be."
"Dotty's here?" Francine raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
Lee nodded. "I left her up in Amanda's room. I should get back up there. She's probably fit to be tied right about now."
"I'll go with you," Francine declared. She stood, adjusted her weapon on her hip so it was slightly hidden by her jacket.
"Francine," Lee called her name before he paused. "Thank you. I know it's not really your job anymore, but knowing you're here and you're watching my back… well… it's like old times."
Francine flashed a smile at him and teased, "Who are you calling old?"
"That's not what I said," Lee immediately retorted with a grin.
"I'm not the one with grey hair here, Scarecrow. I told you. I'll give you the number of my colorist and no one would be able to tell a thing." Francine moved closer to the door and waited for Lee to join her.
"No way… I've seen what she's done for you and I'll pass. Thanks." Lee followed her out into the hallway.
Francine stopped long enough to fill in the agent in the hall before they traveled in silence back to Amanda's room.
"Oh, Lee, you're back," Dotty gushed. "I think I'd like to go home now. I talked to Joe, and he's on his way over to the house, but I think I'd like to be there, too."
Lee stepped close to his mother-in-law and slipped his good arm around her shoulders. He squeezed her gently as he whispered, "I understand. I'll let you know if anything changes tonight."
"Hello, Mrs. West. It's nice to see you again," Francine greeted her.
"Ms. Desmond. You're looking wonderful, as usual," Dotty replied.
Francine watched Lee sit on the edge of Amanda's bed and offered, "How about I walk you to your car? I was heading that way myself. We can catch up a little."
Dotty glanced back at Lee who was focused completely on his wife. "I think I'd like that. Thank you."