Chapter 22

The month of September flew by for everyone. Between all the wedding preparations, house renovations, and getting the Maplewood Drive house ready to sell, everyone was ready for it all to be over.

Sunday evening the family was sitting at the dining room table enjoying dessert. "Sweetheart, were you able to fix the shelf in the garage?"

"Yes, Philip and I knocked that out this morning. We also were able to fix the gate."

Amanda smiled with pride. "Great. We can cross those off the list of items from John."

"Do we really need to do all the things on the list?" Philip asked. "Some of them I didn't even know were broken."

"John did a walkthrough on the house, and he said if we could get everything completed, it would help our resale value, and we could ask more for the house, so yes, we are going to try to get as many of them done as we can."

Philip lowered his head in defeat as Lee ruffled his hair. "It's okay, son. We're almost finished. And as soon as we complete everything, the renovations should be done to the new house. Then we can concentrate on that."

"Does that mean we can finally go shopping for our rooms?"

"It sure does."

Both boys perked up with Lee's last comment and pumped their fists with excitement.

Lee, Amanda, and Dotty all smiled at one another. "Darling, you know you have to figure out what song you two will be using for your first dance as husband and wife. It's a very important dance, and you have to pick just the right song."

"I know, Mother. We've talked about it, but we just haven't found the right one yet."

"I can suggest some if you need me to."

"No, Mother. We'll come up with one, but thank you."

"Why don't you dance to the song you told us about, Pops?" Philip suggested.

"What song is that?"

"You know, the one you showed me on the album in your old apartment. We still haven't listened to it yet, but if it was a song your parents danced to, then it should be good enough for you two to dance to."

Lee's eyes sparkled. "Philip, it's perfect."

Amanda stared into Lee's eyes. "Now, wait just a minute. I don't even know what song you're talking about. How am I supposed to agree to this if you won't tell me the name of the song?"

Lee grinned back at Amanda with his dimples on full display. "Amanda, honey. Trust me. You will love it."

"Trust you, huh? Why do you always tell me that?" Amanda replied with a slight smile.

"Have I ever steered you wrong when I've asked?"

"Well, no. But this is our first dance." Lee tilted his head with a questioning look. "Okay, I'll trust you."

"Perfect. You'll love it! I know you will."

"I better," Amanda joked.

"Okay, we can now cross the first dance off our list," Dotty commented.

Lee glanced at his watch. "It's getting late. I'll help clean up. Then I need to get going. Billy wanted me in the office early tomorrow. Are you sure you're okay driving yourself tomorrow?"

"Yes, sweetheart. I can still drive a vehicle," Amanda joked. "Okay, boys, tell Lee good night and go get ready for bed. I'll be up in a bit."

Both boys raised from their seats, hugged Lee, and headed upstairs. Lee grabbed the dessert plates and headed for the kitchen, while Dotty and Amanda grabbed the glasses and silverware.

Dotty wiped her hands on the dish towel then commented, "Okay, my loves. I'm headed to bed. I'm pretty beat from this weekend. Good night, Son. Good night, dear."

"Good night, Mom."

"Good night, Mother."

While Amanda washed and Lee dried the dishes, they chatted about their weekend. "We really did get a lot accomplished. Thank you for all your help."

"You're welcome. You and Mom got quite a bit of packing done as well. It looks like the den is almost all packed up."

"Yeah, we ran out of boxes, so we had to stop, but it's pretty much done." Amanda handed Lee a plate. "Do you know what Billy wants to talk about tomorrow?"

"Not exactly, but if he only wants me in the office that early, I can only guess it's about the case I mentioned when we got back from New York. I hope I don't have to go out of town. With everything going on, we don't need me to be away right now."

Amanda handed Lee the last plate, and after picking up a towel to dry her hands, she leaned up against the counter. "If you do, we'll manage. There's still a lot of packing we can do until you get back."

"I know. I just hate leaving you all." Lee tossed the towel he was using on the counter and drew Amanda into him. "I never thought I would feel this way."

"What way is that?"

"That I'd rather stay in town and fix windows and shelves than go out of the country on a case." Lee softly kissed her forehead. "There is no other place I want to be than here with you, Mom, and the boys."

"Well, we want you to be here with us as well, but you can't ignore your job. We're still making the world safer."

"I know." Lee hugged her tight. "I better go, or I'm not going to want to let go of you."

They shared a sweet kiss. "Call me when you get home."

"You know I will. I love you!"

"I love you, too, sweetheart. See you tomorrow."

The next morning found Lee knocking on Billy's door. "Come in."

"Morning, Billy. What's so important you needed to see me this early?"

"Morning, Lee. Have a seat," Billy motioned to the chair. "This came across my desk yesterday, and I've been working to confirm it ever since."

Lee reached for the file Billy held up. He opened it and shook his head. "This is confirmed?"

"I'm afraid so. Scarecrow, I need you on a plane this morning."

"I was afraid of this. How much can I tell Amanda?"

"Right now, just tell her you have to go out of town. It's not a zero contact case, but it is need-to-know."

"I understand. How long do you think I'll be gone?"

"Hopefully not very long. Scotland Yard has a pretty good lead. They just need your help to reel him in."

"When does my flight leave?"

It leaves at ten. Amanda can take you to the airport, but you can't tell her where you're going. Go ahead and get ready. I'll let Amanda know when she gets here."

"I'm all ready to go." Billy stared at him with a questioning look. "I kind of had an idea I'd be going out of town, so I packed my bag last night."

"Okay. Go on and get familiar with the file."

Lee raised from the chair and paused with his hand on the doorknob. He turned back towards Billy. "Have we been able to get a photo of the Mongoose yet?"

Billy shook his head. "No, we're still in the dark with this one. The only way we know it's him is because of his calling card." Lee nodded. "Lee? Be careful. You've got an awful lot to lose now."

"Don't I know it, Billy. Don't I know?" Lee gave a slight grin and left the office.

Billy watched as Lee sat at his desk and glanced through the file. He watched as Lee leaned back in his chair and reached for his wallet. He pulled out a picture and stared at it for the longest time. He then kissed it and tucked it back into his wallet. Billy just shook his head. "So much to lose, indeed. Stay safe, son."