No Pain No Gain
Story by Dyane Benson aka MovieGal (dyane@wisdommicro.com)
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, they belong to Shoot the Moon Productions and Warner Brothers. I am only having a little fun with a story. No infringment intended. The story is mine so I need to know if you use it for anything. I just read another fanfic titled Until We Meet Again and I noticed that there are a few similarities with my story. No infringement was intended.
Time frame: Season Three during and after Over the Limit. I have changed what happened in the original episode ever so slightly. She has all the brains and instincts of a good agent, but what would it take to make her a "bad ass" one as well? This episode provided the needed material and soil to grow my story. Hope you enjoy. This is my first fanfic. Let me know if you liked it.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter 5
Tuesday proved to be pointless. All they could find out about Vincent was where he was staying. He was staying with a good friend of the Governors and so far they had been unable to get any information out of Dan. This Vincent guy was squeaky clean. Too clean, Lee thought. All they could find out was he was a stock broker in New York and single. Everything in his life was perfect. Every I dotted and ever T crossed. There was nothing to indicate any interest in the drug market. No friends of his linked him nor did anything he had been up to lately or in his past. It was getting more and more confusing. He appeared to be the perfect upstanding patriot. He had no bad habits, no debt, nothing. His family was even normal. No warning flags there either. Something was just not right. The alarm bells were ringing and there was no end to their tolling. They had to find the connection to the KGB. Why they would be interested in the drug trade was still a mystery. Something was just not right. His senses were telling him something big was going to go down and he felt a sense of urgency. When they had gone to see TP they came up with nothing. TP only knew the drug trafficking had increased over the past month and that those targeted seemed to be the upper class kids. Nothing they didn't already know. TP could tell them nothing about this Rotherford guy. He had promised to look further into it and let them know if they found anything out. Amanda had spent time in the gym again and on the range. He had joined her on those. She took a few other classes for her training and had left at 7:00. Lee closed the folder and went home. Maybe more tomorrow.
It was Wed. and Amanda reveled in the feeling exerting her body gave her. She was kickboxing with a spar partner right now and was encouraged to finally get some good jabs directed at her. Her partner had been a little uneasy with having to fight her but she had insisted. A few good kicks and hits at him had cured him real quick. She had refused to let Lee be her partner. Hitting him was the last thing she wanted to do to him. She had an appointment with Pfaff in an hour so she thanked the agent and went to jog around the track to cool down. Lee was over at the weights. He had been very patient with her over the past few days. She almost felt sorry for the way she was so curt at times but knew she had to do it. She knew whatever he was feeling was because of his pity for her. Well, she would have none of it. She made her way to the locker room and showered and got ready. Lee had not appeared to have gone out with Leslie since she got back from training. She knew it was because of the case they were working on. As soon as he had a night free he would be back in her arms again. Oh well, she had survived this long without his love she would survive. It just got harder every time she looked in his eyes. She could see he wanted to hold her and comfort her. She wanted to go to him and accept his embrace and have him tell her everything would be all right. She just couldn't do it. She needed more than pity. She needed Lee. Well, silly girl, you can't have him. Another nice girl has already stolen his heart. She had to admit she liked Leslie. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulder and she seemed like a nice person. She had liked her the moment she had met her at Lee's apartment. At least Lee would be taken care of, she thought. At least he wouldn't be lonely anymore.
Pfaff sensed a little more peace from Amanda when she came to see him. During the session he could not get her to talk about her family at all. He couldn't get her to talk much about anything except her training and the weather. She said everything was fine between she and Lee and that she was feeling better. She did not have the dead look in her eyes anymore. Instead there was a look of resoluteness. She seemed to have accepted her lot and was trudging on. Pfaff could not make her grieve, that would come in time. Whatever Lee was doing seemed to be making some progress. He would wait. They set an appointment up for Monday since the rest of the week they would be busy with their case. There did seem to be a little light at the end of this particular tunnel. He shook her hand and said goodbye.
Lee had asked Amanda if she would like to have dinner with him that night. Since they had some files to go over Amanda agreed. She showered and dressed in jeans and a blue sweater. She pulled her hair back in a pony tail not bothering to make it up nice. After all, what good would it do anyway? She knocked on Lee's door and looked into Lee's smiling face. He stood there with an expression on his face she never thought she would see. He looked stunned. Probably because she wasn't dressed up as most of the girls were who came to his apartment for dinner.
Lee opened the door when he heard the knock. The moment he saw her his breath caught in his throat. She was so beautiful. Everything about her seemed so vibrant and clear. He cleared his throat and said, "Welcome to my humble abode."
"Said the spider to the fly…" Amanda couldn't help but add that little bit. She enjoyed seeing the smile on his face. She brushed by him and sat on the couch in front of the coffee table. Lee had all the files spread out on it. "Let's get to work."
"Not until you have tasted my feast. I went to a lot of trouble making this dinner. You haven't been eating a whole lot lately that I have noticed and I won't have it anymore. I want a live partner by the end of this week if you don't mind." Lee grinned a mischievous grin and led her to the table.
Amanda had not smelled the food when she came in. Maybe because the only thing she could smell was Lee's cologne. Stop that! She told herself. Concentrate on the work. Keep your focus. She suddenly realized she was starving. Her stomach chose that moment to give a loud grumble.
"I see something agrees with me." Lee grinned even more as he leaned over and placed a hand on her stomach. "Uh huh. I see… Yes, I can fix that."
"Who are you talking to?" Amanda gave a little laugh and removed his hand.
"Your stomach, of course. It told me you were starving it and it would love some veal parmesan that I made for it. Right this way." He held out a chair for her. "Wine madame?" He held out a bottle over his arm with a flourish and grinned down at her.
"Of course, kind sir, but only one glass. One must keep their wits about them in this place, I hear."
Lee struck a shocked and hurt pose. With exaggeration he said, "The lady does not trust me. Well, let me put your fears to rest. You only have to worry after midnight. Since it is only 8:00 I think you are perfectly safe." This elicited a smile from Amanda who seemed to relax a little and they enjoyed the meal in silence.
"That was nice. Now how about we hit those files. I have a curfew you know. My Fairy God Mother warned me to be home before midnight and that seems to be quite providential given your warning. Don't you think?" Amanda got up and headed to the couch.
Lee started to clear the table. Amanda noticed that, "Oh, here, let me help you with those."
"No, you sit. I invited you over. Besides, I am just going to throw these in the dishwasher. Relax, I have got it."
Amanda was silently grateful that she didn't have to stand next to him at the sink. She could think a lot more clearly with work on her mind. She picked up a folder and started reading. Something caught her attention. "Who is Boris Resnicova? You have his name circled here."
"He was an insane KGB scientist. He was an expert in chemical warfare. He flipped out 5 years ago when his wife and son were killed in front of the US Embassy in Moscow. They were just walking by when there was an attempted assasination on a few US Diplomats. He blamed the US for their deaths and vowed revenge. His plans were to steal a missile, arm it with a chemical and explode it in DC, hoping to start an epidemic that would kill millions. Eric and I caught he and his partner 5 years ago. Since what he and his partner did was for themselves and not for "Mother Russia", when he was deported they arrested him and threw him in jail." I have been checking into his files but all the information we have says he died in that prison a year ago. Lee walked into the living room drying his hands. He sat down opposite Amanda on the floor. He picked up the folder and continued. "This whole thing just reeks of his style but no one has seen him. He had a very memorable face too. When we caught them I shot Boris's partner and Eric got Boris in the face. He survived because the shot hit him sideways taking off most of his nose. The scars were horrendous. I saw pictures of him two years later. Believe me, if he is here someone would have spotted him and we would know. I just can't seem to shake this nagging feeling that he is involved in some way. I will find it. It will just take time. Are you ready for the ball on Friday? Billy managed to get us invitations. It is a black tie affair." He secretly hoped she would wear that black dress of hers but did not want to bring it up. He knew she suspected the dress he had bought for Leslie had been one similar to hers and he didn't want to reopen an old wound. What did it matter what she wore. She would look beautiful anyway.
"No, I am not ready. My problem is finding a dress that I can hide a gun under. I am going shopping tomorrow. Don't worry about me."
"I'm not. I'm sure you will look absolutely stunning in whatever you choose."
The evening went by quickly. Each sharing information they saw in each folder. That is what made them a great team. Amanda had a unique way of seeing things that Lee would otherwise overlook. By 11:45 they still had not too much to go on and Lee could tell Amanda was tired. Amanda looked at her watch.
"Oops, I better make clean my getaway. The hour draws nigh that my virtue would be at peril. I really don't want you to see me as a pumpkin either." Amanda rose and stretched her back. Lee got up and joined her at the door. She grabbed her purse from the end table and grabbed the door handle. "Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful. Thank you for behaving like such a gentleman, too." Amanda leaned over and place a small kiss on his cheek. Lee took her hand and held it gently. He looked into her eyes and saw a look of panic flicker across them. Slowly, Stetson, he told himself. He brought her hand to his mouth and gave it a soft kiss.
"My pleasure. You are welcome anytime." Amanda took her hand away from Lee's and actually blushed. He was getting through. She cleared her throat and said she had to go. Lee walked her to her car and helped her in. Lee couldn't resist the sudden impulse that came over him at that moment.
Before Lee shut the door Amanda heard a very distinct growl. She smiled. She appreciated his gesture. The little game was now complete. Cinderella had to go home now safe from the Big Bad Wolf. With a sigh she headed home. After all it was only just a game. Time to get back to reality. The sinking feeling was back again. She shoved it down and drove on.
After a grueling morning in the office and on the street trying to find answers to their questions Amanda suddenly realized she still had to get a dress for the ball tomorrow. TP had given them a little more information on Rotherford. He was involved with a lot of boys clubs especially the upper class ones. At least that explained his connection to the boys who were getting the drugs.
It was getting late. I was 6:00 and she knew if she didn't get out of here soon she would have to go through the evening rush in the dress shops. She told Lee she had to go, declined his offer to go with her, saying she could manage herself and got up and left. The first store she went to didn't really have anything that struck her interest. It wasn't till the fourth store that she found it. It was a beautiful red silk gown with a low back and deep front decorated with beads and with spaghetti straps. The material clung to every curve of her figure and was long and sleek. It was a full length gown but the best part was the slit. It went all the way up to the top of her thigh. She suddenly realized where she could hide her gun. Funny, the thought of her carrying a gun was laughable just 4 weeks ago. Her in a dress like this was laughable too. Well, it wasn't laughable now. She had proven she could take care of herself. After all she was all she had right now. You have to start somewhere. She paid for the dress and some accessories and high heeled red shoes and headed out the door. She had walked only a few feet when she ran into someone she hoped she would never see again. Leslie stood before her apologizing when she suddenly realized who she had stumbled into as well. They both looked uncomfortable and both had a lopsided grin on their faces. Neither spoke for a moment then both did at the same time.
"How are you…"
"How is Lee…" Leslie cleared her throat. They both apologized at the same time, laughed and Amanda insisted Leslie go first. "I was just wondering how Lee was doing." Leslie managed to say.
"Oh, I am sorry to have taken him away from you. This case has been tough. We hope to wrap things up in a few days, if all goes well then you can have him all to yourself again." Amanda looked away as she said this last part. She missed the look of surprise in Leslie's eyes and face. She didn't miss it in her voice that came next.
"You really don't know do you?" Leslie asked her.
"Know what?"
"I am not seeing Lee anymore. He was nothing more than someone to fill my void of denial. I was running from a relationship too. I had almost convinced myself that I cared about him and that he cared about me until 3 weeks ago. It was never me he was in love with. It was someone else. I was just a substitute for this very special lady. I guess knowing that this woman is special made it easier on me. I should have seen the signs earlier on with the way he always talked about her and the look on his face when he did. I guess I just didn't want to see. It would have saved me a tiny heart ache but I realize now it was for the best." Leslie looked at the woman standing before her and could tell she was in shock. She had noticed the shocked lost look in her eyes when she saw her. She liked this woman. Something about her the first time she met her connected to her. She seemed kind and gentle and normal. She realized that this woman had no idea the love that one man had for her.
"Who…" Amanda managed to say quietly through her shock.
Leslie gently lifted Amanda's face up to meet hers. "You know who." She said gently.
"It can't be true. It just can't be true." Tears were beginning to come. Amanda had to stop this. She couldn't take this. Not now. Not now that she had learned to survive. She pushed those feelings down. She would not break apart now. "It was nice to see you again, Leslie. I must go now." Amanda all but ran to her car.
Leslie watched the fleeing woman with a sad heart. She sent a silent prayer for her. She saw Amanda had a strength. She must have to have lasted this long in that relationship. Somehow she felt that everything would be okay. She sighed and went to the restaurant to meet Dave.
Amanda kept the tears at bay until she reached home. She vainly pushed them away willing them not to come. What right did she have to cry for Lee when she couldn't even cry for her family? She couldn't deal with this now. She rushed upstairs and changed into some clothes she could work out in and ran to the basement. She had had a punching bag installed Monday. Every night that week she had stayed up kicking and punching that bag until she was too tired to think straight. Then she could sleep. Sleep and not dream. She was angry. Angry at Lee for doing this to her. Angry for the weakness she felt right now. The harder she hit the better she felt. She had to hit harder. She had to forget.
Chapter 6
Friday dawned bright and sunny. Amanda's mood, however, was far from bright and sunny. After a few hours of rigorous hitting and kicking she had been so exhausted she had finally went to sleep. She had woken up still tired but determined to maintain her wall. She had to. She wasn't strong enough to deal with Lee. She would dive into the case to forget. Amanda walked into the Agency at 8 on the nose. She knew there was a lot to do to get ready for tonight. They had been unsuccessful all week in locating this Vincent guy. He had not shown his face outside the house he was supposedly staying at and Amanda was getting more and more frustrated. They had no idea who he was or where he came from. They had no prints on file and in fact, no file at all. Lee was right. This stank to high heaven. At least his name was on the list of guests and they had the description from Dan. He had to be there tonight. Amanda jerked slightly when she heard the elevator doors open. She knew who was behind them. Sure enough, out stepped Lee. He looked great today in his suit and tie. He always looked great in a suit. His tie was a little crooked. Maybe she should go and straighten it for him. No, she had to resist the urge.
"Morning, partner. Did you get any sleep last night?" Lee tried to sound cheerful. It was hard because Amanda didn't look like she got much sleep at all. The progress that he felt they had been making all week seemed gone. She would not look him in the eyes and when she did talk it was with a professional business tone not the softer one she had adopted for the past few days.
"I still don't have anything on Vincent. He is slippery than and eel and too squeaky clean. I'm going to go down and see TP. See if he has any other leads." She avoided his eyes like she avoided his question.
Lee just smoothly went on. Patience was the key. "I'll go with you. I could use a break. I have been working too long this morning." Lee hoped his little joke would put a smile on her face. Instead she glared at him and thrust a pile of folders at him. "I can handle it myself. Besides, Billy wants to talk to you about these folders." She grabbed her coat and headed towards the elevator.
Lee watched her retreating form with a sad heart. Three weeks ago he would not have let her go to TP's alone but he knew she would be all right. Pushing the issue did not seem like a good idea so he did not follow. Lee sighed and walked to Billy's office. He stuck his head in. "You wanted to see me, Billy?"
"Yes, yes have a seat. How are you doing?" Billy looked at Lee and smiled. He did look better than earlier this week. He couldn't help but notice the look of confusion that crossed his face.
"I don't know. I thought things were getting better with Amanda. She came over to my apartment on Wed. and I made her dinner before we hit the files. We even joked around and she even laughed a little. Yesterday she was all business but not hard. We had a lot of leg and paper work to do so we didn't really see each other very much. But just now I got an extremely cold shoulder. It's like she is pushing me away all over again." Patience. Patience, he told himself.
Billy echoed his thoughts. "Patience, Scarecrow. She'll come around. What about tonight? Do you have your game plan ready?"
Billy's office door was opened and in stepped Francine. "Morning, Lee, Billy. You two look well rested. What's on the agenda for today?"
"We were just getting to that. Have a seat. Lee was just about to go over his game plan for tonight." Francine sat and fluffed her hair and straightened her designer suit jacket. Billy sighed. Some people never changed. Lee's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"All we have to go on is the fact that Dan says this guy, Vincent, is the source and he is going to be a this ball tonight. So far all we have on a possible KGB connection is a rumor. We have tried all week to find him and dig something up on him but have come up with squat. I have a hunch that it will break tonight but I have nothing else. I know you can't pull extra agency help for a hunch so I guess it will just be Amanda and I there. I don't know what else to tell you." Lee ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. Tonight was the night, he just felt it in his bones.
"You know I have great faith in your "hunches". If you say that you feel something is going to go down tonight then that is good enough for me. I can't get anyone else in the ball as much as Francine would love it so you and Amanda will be by yourself but I can have an extra team with backup just outside in case. They can monitor you through this little listening device." Billy handed Lee a cuff link.
"Silver, Billy? You know I am partial to gold." They both shared a laugh they both needed.
Eight hours later Lee stuck his head in Billy's office again. "Hey Billy. Have you seen Amanda? She has been avoiding me all day. I am starting to get worried."
"She just left 15 minutes ago. She told me to tell you she would be ready at 7:00 and for you not to be late. You had better get home and get ready yourself. Git, git." Billy shooed Lee out of his office and did not listen to the questions he knew were coming. He didn't let Lee ask them. He wouldn't know what to say if he did.
With a sigh, Lee walked to the elevators. At least one good thing was going to happen. He would be able to see Amanda tonight and she couldn't run from him this time.
Three hours later Lee was in his car headed for Amanda's house. He hung up his phone and looked at his watch. It was 6:55, damn, where was she? Why was she not answering the phone? Panic was creeping up on him so he pushed harder on the accelerator. Two minutes later he pulled onto Amanda's street. He parked a few houses down and observed the house. All the lights were off. Something was not right. Her front porch light should have at least been on. He crept to the house and went to the back. With a sigh of relief he noticed the light in Amanda's room on. He also saw her silhouette outlined in the drawn curtains. She didn't appear to be in trouble, in fact her stance was one of deep thought. He opened the back door and called out her name. She did not answer. He made his way into the kitchen. That's when he noticed all the boxes. The kitchen was all neatly boxed away and labeled "Charity". The living room was in a similar state. All the pictures of her family had been taken down. There was not anything to indicate that a family of two boys had ever lived here. Why was she giving her stuff away? He guessed it was because of the memories everything would bring up. He couldn't let her do this. His heart reached out to her. He called her name again a little louder this time. Again, no answer. He made his way upstairs and softly knocked on her door. "Amanda, are you in there?"
Amanda was jolted out of her reverie by a soft knock and his voice. She had been lost in thought about him all day and nothing she did helped to get him out. Not the shooting, not the exercising and not the pain. So, he did care about her, so what. The thing was she felt like it was too late. She couldn't feel anything about her family so why should she feel anything for Lee? She had been successful in pushing him down in her mind to a little corner and hearing his voice made it surface again. With a great deal of will power she pushed it back into the far corners of her heart and managed to say, "I'll be right down. I will meet you in the car."
"Okay, I'll be downstairs waiting." Lee was glad she was all right. He quietly made his way down to the car. 5 minutes later she appeared at the door, closed it behind her and headed to the car. Lee couldn't see what she was wearing because of her coat but she looked lovely with her hair piled on top of her head and a beautiful red gemmed flower in the side. There was a hardness to her features that belied the beauty of her face. Something had definitely changed. "You look beautiful," Lee said simply with all the sincerity in his heart. She replied with a curt, "Thank you." He opened the door for her. Lee had no desire to push the subject. If she wanted to talk she would do it. He would not push her. He silently sent her all the love his being possessed and gave her all the emotional energy he could. He knew she needed him but emotionally was the only way right now. Nice and slow. He could be here for her no matter how long it took. He had found his soul mate and he would help her to remember too. He knew it was in there somewhere, the love he knew she had for him. He could be patient. He wasn't going anywhere except with her ever again. Funny how her loss made him not afraid to feel the love he had for her and had denied for so long. He was glad he had realized it before he knew of her loss. This was a complete roll reversal. Normally she was the one there for him. He sighed. His emotions were clear to him. It was making them clear to her that was the scary thought. How was he going to do that? Time would tell.
The drive to the mansion was one of silence but Lee did observe that Amanda had relaxed a little. She was no longer sitting so stiffly. He got out and opened the door for Amanda. He offered her his arm.
"I really think we should change the plan. I think it would be better if we didn't show up together. We'll get more information that way. Besides there are a lot of women's hearts just waiting to be broken by the dashing Scarecrow." The coldness and bluntness of Amanda's words cut. He would not rise to the taunt, however. Instead he gave a little bow and took her gloved hand, and gently kissed it.
"As the lady wishes, so shall I do." Amanda's breath caught in her throat. She expected an argument, after all that is what they always did when she changed things around. Damn his gentleness, and damn him. He was making this so hard. She took her hand from his and walked towards the mansion.
"Follow me in 10 minutes." With that she was gone. Lee smiled. He knew she was trying to shut him out but he also knew his patience and being kind was wearing down her defenses. He watched her lithe little figure go up the stairs and enter the building. Back to business. He still had a funny feeling something was going to happen tonight. He looked around and spotted the agency's van. He tapped his bug and checked in with them.
The man who knew himself to be Boris Resnicova stood in a corner of the ball room sheathed in shadows quietly sipping a glass of champagne. With scorn he watched the high and elite of DC Society mingle. Ever since his supposed "death" and escape from a Russian prison a year ago he had plotted his revenge. Five years ago he had tried to rid the world of this filth, who thought themselves so high and mighty. He would show them. He would show them all. Little did they know what their kids were doing and what would happen in a matter of days. He was just happy that this time he would get to see their grief torn faces. He would have succeeded the first time if it hadn't been for those agents. He didn't know their names but he knew their faces. He fingered his face. Yes, these people would pay for what they did to me and my family. He just had to wait a little longer. A cold, cruel smile slowly spread across his face but there was no mirth in the insane filled eyes.
Lee stepped through the doors and entered the ballroom. A lovely waltz was playing , one he remembered dancing with Amanda once at an Embassy Ball. He scanned the room looking for her. A red dress caught his eye. The figure was familiar. He had found Amanda but he suddenly felt his knees go weak. She was the most gorgeous creature he had ever seen. The dress clung to every curve of her figure and the way it showed off her back made his breath catch in his throat. She was not behaving like the shy woman she usually was at affairs like this. In fact she had an air of confidence around her. It made her already beautiful body even more so. How had he ever denied how sexy she was. He missed the shy demure Amanda but the way she was holding herself now showed off the beauty of her body even more. The long red silk gloves covered her bruises on her arm and accentuated her lovely arms. He stuck his finger in his collar and loosened it a bit. Then she turned. He suddenly noticed the slit that went up, up, up her thigh. He had a tantalizing view of her left leg. He couldn't take his eyes off her and noticed from the men gathered around her, neither could they. He suppressed his jealousy with some difficulty. They were here on a job. The thoughts that went through his mind at that moment were definitely not conducive to working. He cleared his throat and his mind and set to scanning the room for the man known as Vincent Rotherford.
Just as Boris was about to step out of his little corner he spotted a man coming through the door. A surge of red hot anger filled him. There stood one of the men responsible for his failure last time. He was the reason he once again had to come and mingle with this filth. He noticed the man's eyes on a particular woman. He followed the mans gaze to a lovely lady in a red dress. He cringed as he realized he had just thought of this woman as lovely. She was just one of the filth. Why was this man here now? Did he know of his plans? Who was this woman he stared at with such obvious love and adoration? He decided to stay in his corner and observe this man and this woman, he was not going to be thwarted this time. All the plans were in place and all the drugs ready. Everything would begin on Monday. He was not going to be stopped this time.
Amanda felt a rush of adrenaline course through her veins. She knew she looked incredible. More than that even. The men that came up to her and talk to her and ask to dance with her spoke volumes. She had never really considered herself to be breathtaking, pretty but not breathtaking. She felt incredible in this dress. She had never worn something as glamorous and sexy as this and she felt an alien sense of power. She noticed Lee talking to some women off to the side but she didn't care. She felt so alive. Granted it was a rush she knew would end but she had never had one like this before and it felt incredible. She had not seen a man that fell under the description of Vincent Rotherford but she did not stop looking. Her mind seemed so clear. She felt like she could do anything. She was able to make chit chat with the men she talked and danced with and at the same time scan the room for her prey. She politely excused herself from the man she was dancing with claiming she needed to take a break and headed towards the punch bowl. Someone tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around. She almost choked on the punch in her mouth when she looked the man standing before her in the face. She quickly gathered her senses and put on a gracious smile. Here stood before her Vincent Rotherford.
"A lady as lovely as yourself did not possibly come alone did she?" His voice was smooth and refined. A shiver went up her spine as she detected a note of coldness.
"Guilty as charged." He took her hand and gave it a kiss. She controlled the shiver that threatened to run up her spine again at his touch. His voice held a slight accent. She could not place it. It was as if he had worked hard to not have an accent.
"I hope to be able to remedy that situation. My name is Vincent Rotherford, and you are?"
"Ms. Melinda Kingston."
" I am told I do a mean Rumba. I have been watching you all night and from what I saw earlier you do to. Would you care to dance?" There was something about the way that he said those words that made her blood run cold. She knew he was trying to be dashing and debonair but she couldn't shake the feeling that he knew why she was there. She couldn't refuse. Here stood the whole reason she was here. Showtime, Amanda, she thought.
"I would be delighted." Amanda hoped her true feelings were not showing on her face. He swept her out onto the dance floor and they moved in time to the music. For three songs they went on that way. Breathless she asked if they could take a break.
"Of course. There is a lovely view of the gardens out on the patio. They are lit up beautifully tonight. Would you like to go and see?" Amanda had no choice.
"Lead the way, kind sir. I am a little thirsty after all that dancing. Would you mind getting us some champagne?" She smiled a very real tired smile and sighed happily when he grabbed two glassed from a passing tray. She followed him out the patio doors.
Lee had been watching Amanda off and on all night. He didn't fail to notice the man who walked up to her at the punch bowl. Vincent Rotherford. Well, the ball was rolling now and it was in Amanda's court for the present. All she had to do was slip him the drug in his drink and Lee would take it from there. He had watched as they had danced, wishing it were him holding her in his arms. He watched as Vincent led Amanda out onto the patio. He slowly made his way to a spot near the doors where he could observe what was going on. He told the back up team to be ready. Now all he had to do was wait.
Amanda was tired of all the little chatter. She had slipped the drug in his drink but so far he had not taken one sip. All he could do was talk about the weather, how beautiful she was and political problems with the Governors current campaign. They were alone out on the patio and it was getting a bit chilly. "What do you do, Mr. Rotherford." Amanda interrupted one of his spiels about the Governor, hoping to change the subject and get this moving.
"Oh, I do work with the Stock Market. That's how I know the Governor. His friend and I go way back. I am just in Washington D.C. for a few more days. I leave for New York on Monday. I sure am delighted I didn't leave tonight like I had planned because I would have missed meeting one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen."
Amanda forced a blush and a demure look. She definitely did not believe he meant a word he said. "Why, thank you. I am glad you didn't either, because I would have missed meeting such a charming gentleman such as yourself." Amanda hoped her insincerity would not be heard in her voice or seen on her face. Why wouldn't he take a drink? She glanced over her shoulder and noticed Lee standing nearby with a look of impatience on his face. His beautiful face. Vincent once again took her hand as if to give it a kiss and without warning he had her pulled tightly to him and a knife was placed against her throat.
"Who are you and what do you know?" Vincent breathed quietly in her ear. The blade was sharp and was cutting into her throat. His accent dropped. It held a distinct Russian tone.
"I don't know what you mean? I'm just here to enjoy the ball."
"Don't lie to me. I don't like it when people lie to me. I saw the way you were looking at that other man. You don't look at someone like that and dance with someone else. Especially when he looks back at you the same way. And you don't slip drugs into peoples drinks if you are just here to "enjoy the ball". I will ask one more time. Who are you and why are you here?"
"Let her go, Vincent." The steely cold voice of Lee Stetson rang out of the shadows. He had his gun drawn and was advancing slowly out of sight of the other guests.
"Hello, again."
"I'm sorry, have we met before?" Lee was confused. He had never seen this man before in his life but he would play along to give more time. He had to try and distract this man from the knife at Amanda's throat. He looked at her face. She was not terrified. There was a cold assertiveness in her eyes. She looked ready to face what was coming.
"You don't recognize me? I am hurt. Let's see if this jogs your memory. 5 years ago you shot my partner. 5 years ago you sent me to hell."
"Boris Resnicova?" How can that be? This man did not look anything like Boris. His face was perfectly flawless. His voice did seem oddly familiar. He had to get that knife away from Amanda.
"You seem surprised. Let me explain. I was able to escape from prison and make it look like I had died. You would be surprised at the skill of the plastic surgeons these days. If you have enough money."
"Let the woman go, she has nothing to do with this." Lee could see a trickle of blood go down Amanda's throat. She didn't even flinch. Instead she looked alive and alert, almost full of pleasure. Please let her go, he thought.
"Oh, she doesn't does she? I beg to differ. I am no fool. You have not been able to take your eyes off her all night. The way you have been looking at her has not been one of a lust filled man seeing a beautiful woman at a ball. She is a beauty, though, isn't she. No, the looks you have been giving her say you care deeply for this woman. I don't know how you figured out what I am going to do but I don't think you will do anything to harm this delicate little flower here. Put your gun down and I will let her go."
Lee slowly put his gun down. Boris was right. He couldn't let anything happen to Amanda. He didn't even dare call his bluff.
"What a weak fool you are. Did you really think I would let her go?" Boris spat.
With a movement so smooth Amanda lifted up her leg, grabbed her gun from between her legs and twisted the arm of Boris and had him on his face with her knee on his neck and her gun pointed at his face before Lee could even react. The adrenalin that was coursing through her veins was pure ecstasy.
As soon as he go over the shock of what Amanda had just done single handedly, Lee was at her side with a pair of handcuffs on Boris. He laid a gentle had on Amanda who showed no sign of getting up off of him. She looked up at him, surprise and disappointment and fear all flickered across her face. "It's over, Amanda. You got him. Come on, let me help you up." Lee called for the back up and took Amanda by the hand. The agents appeared and dragged a hysterical man screaming, "I'll get you all, you just wait and see. You haven't seen the last of me! I'll watch as you all suffer as I did!" The others at the ball were surprised by the outburst but went back to what they were doing in a few moments. As soon as the other agents had taken Boris away Lee moved aside and took a trembling Amanda in his arms. She had a look of shock on her face.
A hoarse whisper came from her trembling mouth. "Oh, my Gosh! I almost killed him. Some part of me wanted to but a bigger part knew I couldn't. I wasn't afraid, only angry. Oh, my Gosh! I almost killed a man!" The anguish in her voice tugged at Lee's heart and soul. He gently took her in his arms and sent her all the love and support he could. Her body suddenly was racked by painful sobs.
The shock of what she almost did was enough to burst the dam that she had been holding in. Emotions that her subconscious had suppressed suddenly all surfaced. The fact that she had been willing to take a life brought the stark truth of the lives that had been taken from her. The reality of her loss was staring her right in the face along with all it's glorious pain. "They're gone, Lee, my babies are gone. My babies are gone!"
Lee lifted her tiny frame in his arms and found a couch on the patio and held her in his arms. They sat like that for 15 minutes, Lee holding her, stroking her head and quietly making hushing noises to comfort her and let her know he cared. He knew the dam had broken and she was finally grieving the loss of her family. It would take time but he knew she would be all right. He was here for her and he was never going to leave her.
"I'm here, Amanda. I am here." Her sobbing subsided and she allowed herself to be rocked by Lee's strong arms. She felt so safe and whole in them. Though there was an emptiness in her heart for the loss of her family at least she felt pain for them too. The love she had for Lee and the love she felt from him was slowly starting to fill that void. It would take time but for now she reveled at the emotion she was finally able to feel. She looked up into a face that held a deep love in his eyes. A love she had never seen before. "Take me home, Lee, please?"
Lee gently stroked her face and wiped the tears away. He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Of course." He lifted her as he stood up. He gently set her down and placed his arm around her waist and led her to the doors. They got her coat from the coat check and that was when they heard the shots. They ran out the doors of the mansion and down the street to the surveillance van. One agent was holding his bleeding shoulder and the other one had his gun pointed at the fallen figure of Boris Resnicova. Boris had the hand cuffs on only one wrist and a gun in the other hand. He wasn't moving. The standing agent bent down and checked Boris's pulse. "He is dead."
Lee and Amanda both let out a breath neither one knew they were holding. Billy and Francine came running up at that moment from down the street.
"What happened, Jensen?" Billy directed his question at the standing agent.
"Sir, we were waiting for you to come and get him and the man must have picked his lock on the cuffs because before we knew it he had Larsen's gun and shot him. I was able to get a shot off and it looks like it killed him, Sir." Jensen seemed a little shocked but was under control. He was a good agent.
"Good work, Jensen. Lee, Amanda, good work you two." He could see the red eyes of Amanda and knew she had been crying. They were no longer dead looking but had a hope shining in them now. Billy's heart felt like singing for joy. Amanda was going to be okay. "Why don't you two go on home. I'll get your statements later."
"Thanks Billy." Lee gave a look at his friend that he knew would be understood. It told him things were going to be okay. Lee led Amanda to his car and helped her in. He held her hand all the way home. She gripped it fiercely as if afraid he would leave. It felt good to have her hand in his. Good and so right. He pulled up to Amanda's house and helped her out of the car. He took her in the back way to the kitchen. She handed him her key, waited while he opened the door and led him inside.
Chapter 7
Lee helped Amanda remove her coat and placed it over a chair. Lee noticed the dried blood on Amanda's throat and gently touched it. He went to the sink and wet a towel. "Here, let me clean that up for you." The cut was not deep at all. There was only a small line, thank goodness. "Doesn't look like you will need a bandage after all. A little kiss is all it needs." Lee placed a gentle kiss on her throat. He heard her quick intake of breath. He stood back and drank in the picture of her. She looked so lovely in that gown. Even better than she did in the black one if that were possible. Maybe it was a toss up. He gazed down at her slit in her dress. "You tore your beautiful gown." He placed his fingers on the rip.
His kiss had set fire to her body and now his touch was more than she could bear. She placed her hand over his on her leg. They locked eyes.
The hunger and desire was evident in her eyes. It matched his own. Never had he wanted someone more that her. He would have to be careful because he was not about to take their relationship to the level they both wanted to at this moment without further discussion in a sane frame of mind. His hand moved up her leg and embraced her around the back. He pulled her to him and slowly lowered his head. The temptation to kiss her was so overwhelming. Every part of his being screamed out for her. He couldn't believe this was happening. He never knew he could feel this way with any woman.
Amanda's body was alive. More alive than she could ever remember being. Every part of her ached to feel him. She couldn't believe this was finally happening. She had dreamed of this for so long and now that it was happening she couldn't believe it. It had always been a fantasy. Maybe it was just a dream but she was going to enjoy it. She felt so alive! Her body shuddered to feel his lips on hers.
He looked down into the face of this wonderful woman wanting with all his heart to convey the love he felt for her and not just physically. He looked deep in her eyes and saw mingled with the love there was a pain that was still very fresh. He realized that he would have to be very gentle and slow with this newfound relationship. They needed time to explore and she needed time to heal. He would be there for her every step of the way. With incredible strength in controlling the desires that coursed through him, he placed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead and gently pulled her to him and embraced her with his body, mind and soul.
Amanda was so grateful for the gesture. Though her body screamed out for his kiss and his touch her mind was reeling. The wise woman inside knew that pushing the relationship to the next level when it had just reached this one would be a mistake. She could hear that little part in her brain now that had been telling her to take it slow. She would enjoy it though. The love that she felt from his embrace made her feel safe again. It made her feel again. She reveled in this emotion, and for once had a glimmer of hope for the future. Her future with Lee. She didn't know where this road was going but wasn't as afraid as she thought she might be. She was confused, happy and sad all at the same time. They could talk later, right now all she wanted was to feel his strong arms around her comforting her. He had always made her feel safe.
"Amanda, I want…" Lee began to say.
Suddenly the front door burst open and frantic familiar voices called out "Amanda? Amanda?!!! Mom?!! Mom, we're home!!!"
Dotty and the boys burst into the kitchen. Lee had pulled away from Amanda just prior to their entry. The look of shock and pure joy was evident on the face of Amanda. She took one look at them, let out a sob and sank to her knees, overcome with emotion too strong for her body to take. Phillip and Jamie reached her together and fell to the ground hugging her. Dotty joined them and they all hugged and cried and kissed each other. They helped Amanda stand and led her into the den. Lee stood back, not wanting to intrude upon this glorious miracle and family reunion. Tears were streaming silently down his cheeks too. Everything was going to be okay. It was going to be more than okay.
They sat huddled together on the couch for an eternity drinking in the happiness that they all felt at being together again. "How? When? What?" Amanda's confused but elated voice managed to utter.
"We were on this ship and there was this storm…" Phillip started.
"Then our boat got hit by lightning and started to sink…" Jamie interjected. They were both so excited they were talking a mile a minute.
"Hold on there boys, slow down, slow down. I can't hear both of you at the same time!" Amanda's laugh felt good to Lee's ears. "Mother, could you explain what happened?" The boys looked up at their grandmother, who had tears just streaming down her face.
"Oh, I was so worried about you, my little girl. I knew how you must have felt thinking you had lost us. Come here and let me give you a hug first." Dotty held out her arms which Amanda gratefully went into. The boys could tell they needed to be silent. Mother and daughter held each other and cried tears of joy. After a while they parted and Dotty took Amanda's hand and led her to the couch. She sat still holding Amanda's hand and began her narration.
"It's like the boys said. We were sailing and a storm came up out of nowhere. When the lightning hit the boat we were luckily on the other side. The lightning struck the lifeboat as well, but it was a good thing I had insisted Hunter bring and extra inflatable one along. You know you never can be too safe. Anyway, we were able to get safely into the life raft before the yacht sank. Hunter had even managed to get a few supplies on the raft as well, you know, water, food and a compass. Thank heavens the storm was almost over by this time. We were adrift for a day. Well, to make a long story short we ended up on a sparsely populated island with no phone, electricity or useable boats to get us to the mainland. Everything they had was destroyed during the storm. We had to stick it out till the electricity was able to be fixed but our salvation came another way. Hunter's nephew, who was going to fly you down, well, he never gave up hope. He kept flying around the ocean and going from island to island. He found us this morning. Someone tried to get in touch with you but they said no one was answering." That was when Dotty noticed the gown her daughter was wearing and suddenly realized Lee was standing off to the side. "Hello." Dotty guessed he was the reason for her daughter's gown especially since he was wearing a tux. "I see now why we weren't able to get through. Did you have a nice evening?" Dotty was glad that at least Amanda wasn't shut up in a little room depressed beyond reach. She guessed the reason Amanda wasn't was because of this man standing before her now. This was probably the man responsible for all those strange calls, and nights gone all night. She smiled. Her daughter had chosen a good looking one at that and the look on his face showed he seemed to care about her. The fear she had had for her daughter seemed to dissipate. She would be okay.
Amanda had been smiling during the story. She missed her mother's ramblings. She looked over at Lee. He was smiling and seemed very happy. "Mother, I would like you to meet a very special friend and my boss, Mr. Lee Stetson."
Lee, too, smiled at the ramblings of Dotty West. He definitely saw where Amanda had gotten her habit of rambling from. "Hello, Mrs. West. It is nice to meet you." Lee gently laid a hand on Amanda's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. He caught Amanda's eyes with his, "I am going to go home now. I'll tell Billy you won't be in for a while. Take the time and spend it with your family. I will finish up tonight. Thank you for a wonderful evening. You know where to reach me if you need me."
Amanda appreciated his words. She squeezed his hand back and with all the gratitude of her being said, "Thank you, for being there for me."
Lee leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and slipped out the back door. With a heart that was full of peace, love and joy he made his way home.
Chapter 8
Monday, a week later…
Lee was in Billy's office sitting on his couch. "We were able to trace all the information found in Boris's room to the drugs. It seems this new shipment of drugs was laced with a virus that is similar to Leprosy hoping to be able to maim and eventually kill those who took it. He seemed to have targeted the upper class kids in hopes of getting their parents. Most seemed to be sons of US Diplomats. Lucky thing he was completely insane or else he would have noticed we had his source. They found the body of the real Vincent Rotherford stuffed into a box in his apartment. The plastic surgery was incredible. It seems Boris had been doing his research on the work Vincent did with the youth and found a way to destroy the lives of people he felt had wronged him. He was completely insane. It is really sad. The Governors friend never suspected anything because he said Boris had kept pretty much to himself busy with all the "Youth" stuff."
"You and Amanda did a great job on this case," Billy said.
"Yes, it seems our little housewife is no ninny after all. I hate to admit it but I think she may even become better than me." Francine let out a laugh that Lee and Billy joined in on. Francine could not believe she had just said that. Damage control time. With her fiercest face she said, "You had better not tell anyone I just said that or heads really will roll!"
"By the way, how is she?" Billy was curious how things were going with her as he watched a very calm and happy Scarecrow sitting in front of him. Lee had gotten Amanda's statement last Saturday. He had not heard from Amanda but Lee had told him what had happened with her family and he had given her the time off. He could not have been more happy. His soul sang for joy for Amanda. Somehow things had worked out all right.
"She called me last night and told me she would be coming in to work today. She seems to be almost back to her own self. She didn't say much but I heard it in her voice. Things like this just make you believe in miracles." Lee felt a complete and total calmness. When he had spoken to her last night her voice had told him all he needed to hear. They were going to have a lot of fun exploring this new relationship of theirs. He couldn't wait to get started.
A knock at the door turned all their heads. A very beautiful head of softly curling brown hair poked in.
"Good morning sir, Francine, Lee. May I come in?" Amanda blushed at the last name but looked him in the eyes.
"Of course, of course. Good morning to you." Billy walked over and gave Amanda a hug. "I heard about your joyous news. I am so happy for you. Are you ready to get back into the old grind of working again? Scarecrow here has seemed a little lost without you. We still need your statement about last weeks case, you know. Lee's seems to have a few holes you need to clear up."
"Yes, sir. I am. Thank you for letting me have the past week off. Things finally seem to be getting back to normal around my house. I am sorry I am a little late this morning. I ran over one of the boys bikes in the driveway as I was leaving. It seems their experience hasn't helped with their remembering to put their bikes away. All my agency training hasn't seemed to help me to remember to look before I back up either. I guess I will just have to learn to check behind me from now on." All that was said in one breath. Her little ramble and story brought smiles to all in the office. It was good to have the old Amanda back. Maybe not the old one. Lee didn't think she would ever be the same again. She was better. Now she could not only confuse the bad guys to death but she could throw in a mean punch and a flip to boot.
"Well, if that is all you may all go. Amanda, Lee has the specifics for the next case you will be working on. You can help him out between your Agent classes. It's nice to have you back." Billy gave her arm a squeeze.
Amanda smiled. "Thank you, sir. It is nice to be back."
"Welcome back, Amanda." Francine smiled gently at Amanda as she walked to the door. She took Amanda's hand and gave it a little squeeze. "I hear you do a pretty nasty flip. You will have to show me sometime up at the gym."
Amanda appreciated the gesture from Francine. She knew how hard it was for her to be civil to her. Something told her that she and Francine would become great friends and work associates. She smiled at Francine and squeezed her hand back. "Thank you, Francine. Coming from you that means a lot. I'd be more than happy to show you. I have been needing a female to try it on."
Lee and Billy laughed at the look on Francine's face. Amanda smiled and gave Francine a wink. Francine recovered with her usual grace and slyly winked back.
"Amanda, I'll meet you in my office in a few minutes." Lee, too gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Amanda smiled at him and closed the door. Lee turned to Billy. "Thank you for all your support, Billy. You are a true friend."
"And thank you, Lee, for what you did for Amanda. You two are the best team I have got and now you're going to be even better. I expect good things to come from you two."
"So do I."
They both laughed and Lee left. He made his way up to his office. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Amanda stood there with a shy grin on her face and her hand behind her back. Lee smiled as he noticed she was wearing her shoulder harness with her gun. Yes, things were definitely different but better. He smiled awkwardly at her. They hadn't really spoken about what had happened that night her family came home. He cleared his throat. "Hi." Lee closed the door behind him.
"Hi." She sounded as nervous as he felt. She slowly walked to Lee and pulled her hand out from behind her back. In it she held a single red rose.
"This is to thank you for being there for me when I needed you and for being my friend." She got up on her toes and gave him a peck on the cheek. Before she could back away Lee grabbed her around the waist and held her there looking deep into her eyes.
"About what happened in your kitchen…"
Amanda flinched at the beginning of what normally was his excuse after every assignment that brought them physically close. She dropped her gaze and looked at his chest. "I know, just the heat of the moment and the emotion and all. There is nothing between us and all that." Amanda stiffened. She couldn't possibly have misinterpreted his eyes that night. She be darned if she was going to accept his lame excuse. If he told her it was all in the line of duty or the heat of the moment she was going to hit him. His next words made her soften again.
"Not exactly." Lee gently pulled Amanda's body close to his till there wasn't any space between them. The rose fell to the floor from the trembling hands of Amanda. Lee lowered his face to within mere inches from Amanda's. "There is a lot I don't know about you, Mrs. Amanda King, but I sure am going to love learning it all ever so slowly. You've captured my heart, Mrs. King."
Amanda couldn't believe the words she was hearing. Relief flooded through her. She relaxed in his embrace and lay her head against his chest. She smiled. "Probably not as much as I will learning all about you." Her voice seemed to crack at the end. Tears had sprung unbidden to her eyes.
Lee heard the emotion in her voice. He gently placed his hand under her chin and slowly lifted her face to look at his. He leaned down and gently kissed both her eyes. Then he fingered the trail of tears to her lips. He gently traced the outline and marveled at how beautiful she was. He felt her shudder in his arms, glad of the response he was eliciting from her tiny body. He pulled her into a loving embrace. It felt so right to have her in his arms, so right to have her in his life.
Reluctantly they both pulled away from each other but stood gazing into each others eyes. Lee's hands slid up her back till it touched her shoulder harness. "Look at who is the big bad agent now?" Lee joked.
Amanda blushed. "Well, someone has to take care of you. You know how easily you get into trouble. Besides," she put on her most angelic face, "who would suspect lil ole me of carrying a gun? At least now when I say "FREEZE" I won't have to listen to your laughter afterwards."
Lee laughed out loud and lifted her up. "You never cease to amaze me, Amanda King."
"Knowing me I know I never will." Lee gently let Amanda down and pulled her into an embrace again.
"There is something I have been wanting to ask you for a month now. What do you say you and I have a nice quiet dinner with just the two of us. A nice steak, potato on the side and a little wine and no shop talk. We don't do enough of that do we?" Lee looked down at the smiling face of Amanda.
"Not by half."
The End