Disclaimer: The characters from Scarecrow and Mrs. King are the property of Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Productions. The Charlie's Angels characters belong to Aaron Spelling. The story is the property of our imagination, and is for entertainment purposes only.
Summary: This is an ALTERNATE UNIVERSE STORY/CHARLIE'S ANGELS CROSSOVER. Amanda's past has come back to haunt her. The timeline for this story is placed after the events of Stemwinder. We have based most of the events in this story on the SMK timeline. Therefore, some of the Charlie's Angels timeframes have been adjusted to fit into those of Scarecrow and Mrs. King. We did our best to keep to the facts of both shows, with the exception of Charlie's Angels background for Sabrina. We wanted to give Amanda a more experienced and adventurous background.
**We have read Kacey's SMK/CA crossover stories, and by no means are we trying to encroach on her ideas. Instead we thank her for giving us the idea for this story. She has been notified of our current story and has given us her permission to use some of her background details on why Amanda was Sabrina. Also, a very warm thank you to the SMKauthors for helping us make this story reach its full potential. **
Please feel free to Archive this anywhere, just let us know where.
This story has been rated R (for language and content)
**Words and lyrics at the end are courtesy of Peter Gabriel**
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Amanda, An . . . Angel?
By Amy and Diane
*** Chapter 8 ***
"Nick Sporelli's car has exploded. Sabrina Duncan is out of the race. A caution has now been issued for the drivers, as medical and clean-up crews head out to the wreck scene," the announcer said over the loud speaker.
Francine had been standing with Bobby, Doug, Don, and Kris when the explosion rocked the stadium. Out of instinct, she looked up into the stands to see Lee running into the aisle to head down to the pits, and a man grabbing Kelly. Lee had been so intent on running down to check on Amanda he did not see the second man come up behind him.
As Kris, Doug, and Bobby raced out onto the field to meet up with the medics, Francine grabbed Don and ran out to the parking lot.
They reached the parking lot just in time to see Richard knock Lee out with the barrel of his gun and toss him into the back of a white van.
Looking around for a vehicle to follow them, she spotted the Governor's black sedan.
"Guess that is as inconspicuous as we're going to get," she mumbled to herself. Then realizing she didn't possess the keys, "Damn, I hope it's unlocked."
As they reached the driver's door, she sighed in relief that Lee had, in his earlier haste, forgotten to lock the door.
Francine quickly got in and began working on getting the car started. "I didn't plan on having to hot-wire a car. I just had my nails done."
Don just looked at her and shook his head. He watched as the van pulled out of the parking lot.
Within seconds Francine had the engine started.
"They headed left out of the lot," he informed Francine, as he hopped into the passenger seat.
Buckling in, she stepped on the gas and headed in pursuit of the van. As she turned left out of the lot, they spotted the van four cars up.
Keeping their distance, they followed the van through the streets of Monterey. After about ten minutes, and almost losing sight of the van twice, they reached an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town.
Francine passed the van, watching as one of the brothers carried Kelly and the other dragged Lee into the warehouse. She pulled around the corner and parked the sedan out of sight.
"Don, I want you to run across the street and stay hidden. Keep an eye on things and make sure no one leaves. If they do leave, do not, and I repeat, DO NOT, follow them."
"But what do I do if they do leave?" Don turned a concerned face to Francine.
"Take note of which direction they go in, but as long as they don't take Kelly or Lee with them, we should be fine," she replied, and then added, "and DO NOT go in after them, I will be back shortly with reinforcements. Do I make myself clear?"
Don nodded as he got out of the car. Francine watched him find a spot across the street in a darkened entranceway to hide, before tearing off and heading back to the track.
***** *****
Kris, Doug and Bobby had reached Amanda's overturned car shortly after the medics. They stood back and watched the rescue crews. It took about ten minutes for them to pull Amanda's unconscious form from her car.
As soon as they had her on a stretcher, Kris ran too her side. "Is she going to be alright?" she asked one of the medics.
"It appears she has suffered a minor head injury, and a few scrapes and bruises, but she will be just fine."
Doug, who was standing behind Kris, let out a sigh of relief.
"Come on, kiddo, snap out if it," Bobby spoke in a concerned voice, as he stood beside Kris.
"Mmm…is Nick okay?" Amanda moaned, as she slowly opened her eyes. Looking around she noticed the half-burnt car that was Nick Sporelli's.
"Sabrina, you will never stop amazing me," Kris stated. "No matter what happens to you, your first thoughts are always on someone else. Even if that someone else had just tried to kill you." Leaning down she placed a kiss on Sabrina's forehead.
Amanda glanced at the people standing around her. She suddenly became aware of the faces that were not there. "Where's Lee?"
"I don't know," Doug replied. "I noticed that other blonde grab Don and run out of here as if the fire was in the parking lot and not on the race track."
Kris turned to look at Doug, and then up in the stands. She glanced around and saw Francine running towards them.
"They have Lee and Kelly," Francine gasped out the minute she was within earshot.
"Who does? The Peterson brothers?" Kris asked, even though she was pretty sure she knew the answer.
Amanda had sat herself upright on the stretcher the minute she heard Francine's words.
"Yeah, Don and I followed them to an abandoned warehouse, about ten miles from here. I left Don on lookout. I just hope he's better at staying put than some other people I know," Francine finished, looking directly at Amanda.
Amanda was now standing up, and ignoring Francine's comment, she declared, "Well, what are we standing around here for, let's go rescue them. It's probably where they have Bosley too."
"Where do you think you're going?" Doug and Bobby both asked simultaneously.
"You don't think I am going to sit here when my friends are in trouble and I can help, do you?" Amanda retorted.
Just then a female voice called out, "Sabrina Duncan, you scared the shit out of me!"
They all turned to look at Jill.
"Jill, what are you doing here, shouldn't you be staying in line with the other cars?" Amanda turned a worried look at her friend
"Not when one of my closest friends just overturned her car!" Jill replied, as she came up and wrapped Amanda in a hug. "Don't ever do that again, you hear me?"
"I promise." Amanda returned the hug. "Jill, we have to get moving. Francine followed the Petersons to an abandoned warehouse. They have Kelly and Lee."
"Who's Francine?" Jill asked, looking around at the small crowd.
Francine rolled her eyes and shook her head. "For the thirtieth time today, I am. Now, Am…Sabrina, you are not going and that is final."
"Francine, don't get all high and mighty with me. Lee has stuck his neck out way too many times for me, and so have Kelly and Bosley, for that matter. I am going, enough said."
The others looked at each other as they watched this exchange.
"For the last time, no. You are not a qualified agent and furthermore, you are in no condition to help anybody," Francine said one more time, only this time she added more of an air of seniority to her words.
Amanda steadied herself, using Jill for support. "Look, this is not open for debate. I am fine, and the longer we stand here, the more time is running out."
Jill decided to step in. "Look I don't know who you think you are," she calmly stated, "but I do know that Sabrina is one fine detective. She can hold her own."
"Not to mention, she can be quite stubborn," Kris added. "If I know Bri, she won't stay behind anyway, she'll find a way to follow us."
"Since we now have that settled, let's go." Amanda put an arm around Jill's waist and the two walked towards the parking lot.
Kris just shrugged and turned to follow them.
Bobby and Doug watched as a very frustrated Francine trailed behind.
*** Chapter 9 ***
Kelly tried to focus her eyes on the source of the light in the room. She looked down at her hands to see they were firmly secured by handcuffs. As her eyes became accustomed to the dim light of the candle, she pushed herself off the floor using the wall for support.
"Lee, are you in here?" When there was no reply she added, "Where in the hell am I?"
She brought her hands to the side of her head, trying to ease the pain the chloroform had caused. She looked around the faintly lit room for anything to pick the lock of her handcuffs. She searched the drawers of the only piece of furniture in the room. Kelly stopped digging through the desk when she heard the sound of the doorknob turning.
"Here's your bodyguard, love. I don't think he will do you much good now." Bryant laughed, as he and his brother threw Lee's limp body to the floor.
"What do you want?" Kelly asked, as she tried to keep her voice steady.
"Don't worry your pretty little head about that. Just hope your daddy cares enough about you to give us the money we are going to demand for you." Bryant turned the corner of his mouth up to a half smile and narrowed his eyes.
Richard remained quiet, as he checked to make sure her handcuffs were secure. The brothers left the room and locked the door behind them. Kelly listened, as she heard the extra board of wood slide into place on the outside of the door.
"Wonderful, not only are we locked in, but they boarded the damn thing up!" Kelly exclaimed, as she looked over at Lee.
"Lee, wake up!" Kelly walked over to his motionless body. "Come on, Scarecrow. Wake your butt up." Kelly bent down by his side, and pushed at his shoulders.
"Mmm...Did you get a look a that guy who blind-sided me?" Lee moaned, as he allowed his eyes to slowly adjust to the dim light.
"Not yet, but we will. Are you alright?" Kelly asked, as she helped Lee into a sitting position.
Lee went to rub the back of his head where the butt of Bryant's gun had landed. "Damn!" Lee hissed, as he discovered that handcuffs confined his hands behind his back.
He looked down at the collar of his shirt hoping to find his trusty half rake only to discover that he had not placed it in his new shirt. "Why in the hell, of all days, did I pick this shirt to wear?" Lee grumbled, as he pulled himself into an upright position.
"What?" Kelly asked, confused by Lee's comment.
"I don't have my lock pick."
"Oh. I guess all you spies carry one with you huh?" Kelly asked. She then noticed the drying blood on his shirt. "Are you hurt bad?"
"No, I'll just have a lump on my head for a week or two. You OK?"
"Yeah. But I do have one question, Lee. Did I enjoy the party that I went too? My head feels like I did." Kelly tried to smile at Lee.
"Sorry, no party for us." Lee leaned against her to pull himself up.
"Do you know where we are?" Kelly asked.
"Looks like some type of warehouse."
"I guess its better than some of the accommodations I've had to endure in the past," Kelly replied, trying to make light of the situation.
"Yeah, tell me about it." Lee forced his sore muscles to cooperate, as he began to search the room for something to unlock their handcuffs. "We have got to get out of this damn place. I have to make sure that Amanda is alright! God, she could be dead for all I know!"
"I've already looked, Lee. There is nothing here that'll work."
"It couldn't hurt to look again." Lee said, shrugging his shoulders and continued his search.
"Did you see any sign of Bosley?" Kelly asked.
"I didn't see him, but I overheard Bryant telling Richard that he had to take their other guest dinner after they were done with me. He said it might be his 'last meal'. Then Richard started bitching that he had to go back out again to get something for him and bring it back here. That's when Bryant changed the subject and started talking about how their efforts to rid the competition of Amanda had been done in vain, because Jill left the track and some underdog won. I said a few choice words and received a few extra blows for my outburst," Lee explained.
"They must have him in another part of the warehouse," Kelly surmised.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"So that's her real name," Kelly asked, as she rubbed her shoulder across the dirty window.
"Who?" Lee asked.
"Amanda."
"Yeah. I guess I'm not very good at keeping secrets from you, am I?" Lee said, as he walked over to the window.
"Her secret is safe with me. She's fine, Lee. Sabrina, I mean, Amanda, is one of the strongest women I know. She has made it out of more traps, kidnappings… well, just about any kind of trouble the imagination can come up with." Kelly tried to reassure him.
"Yeah, she does have a knack for finding trouble, but somehow she always manages to get out of it."
"You really do love her don't you?" Kelly asked, as she looked into his eyes.
"Can you see anything out that window?" Lee asked, wanting to change the subject.
"Not much. Just an empty storage area and… two really big…Pit Bulls!" Kelly exclaimed, as she rubbed the window to see clearer.
"Yeah, I already met Oscar and Brutus. I think they were hoping that Richard would feed me to them for dinner!" Lee gazed out the window.
"I guess busting the window out is not an option." Kelly shrugged her shoulders.
"Not unless I want to be the main course and you desert," Lee said calmly, as he began to pace the room.
"So, do you have any bright ideas?" Kelly asked, following Lee's movement.
"Well, we don't have many options. One, we could try to break through the door and take our chances with the dogs. Two, we could try to find something to unlock these handcuffs and try to overpower Bryant and Richard when they come back. Or three, we can hope that Francine shows the rest of the bunch the list of properties the Peterson brothers own and wait for them to come and rescue us." Lee returned to Kelly's side at the window.
"None of your suggestions make me want to jump with joy, but I don't think that we can just wait for someone to come to our rescue." Kelly smiled at Lee.
"Nope." Lee continued his search for something to open their bonds.
"You avoided my earlier question." Kelly continued to look out the window at the hovering dogs.
"What question?" Lee asked, never looking up from his task.
"Alright, Lee. If you want to play that game, let's start with a simple question. Mmm…What type of life does Amanda have now?" Kelly asked, as she slid back down the wall to the floor.
"There isn't much more for me to tell you. You already know that she has two sons, Phillip and Jamie. Then she has her mother, Dotty. They all live together in a suburban neighborhood. Not to mention that you already know that she has worked with me for the past three years." Lee continued his search.
"Do you love her?" Kelly asked.
"Yes, I do. With all my heart and soul." Lee looked at Kelly.
"So why are you so afraid to let everyone know? Don't you like her kids?"
"It's not her kids, exactly, they don't even know that I exist." Lee turned his attention back to the contents of the drawer.
"Why?" Kelly asked.
"It's just safer that way," Lee mumbled. He really didn't want to continue this conversation.
"Safer for them, or for you?" Kelly asked.
Lee stopped his search and looked at her. "It's complicated."
"I see."
"What do you see?" Lee walked over to her.
"You're afraid," Kelly said point blankly.
Lee remained quiet as he pondered her words.
"Why are you so scared?" Kelly asked.
"I have never felt this strongly about anyone. I guess I'm not sure how to handle it. Shit, Kelly. What if I don't ever get to tell her how important she is to me? What if I never get to tell her that I want her to spend the rest of our lives together? I never told her that I want her to be Mrs. Amanda Stetson. God, what if she seriously injured in that wreck or worse. What if she was…." Lee paused, unable to finish the thought of her being gone from his life forever.
"Lee, let's stop wondering about what-ifs and get the hell out of here. There has to be some way to get this damn door open." Kelly stood and started to jiggle the doorknob.
"You're right, Kelly. No use in crying over spilled milk, if we don't know it's been spilled," Lee said, regaining his composure.
'You do this type of stuff for a living. Think, Lee, think!' Lee mumbled to himself, as he continued to look around the room for a solution to their problem.
"You're not helping matters by wearing out the floor!" Kelly exclaimed. She was becoming dizzy watching Lee pace back and forth in front of her.
"It's how I do my best thinking!" Lee exclaimed back.
"I do my best thinking in a hot tub with some handsome man washing my back." Kelly smiled.
"That's it." Lee flashed her a bright smile, as an idea came to him. He walked in front of her with his legs spread and his abdomen pushed out in front of her.
"What?" Kelly asked, as she looked at Lee with a frown on her face.
"Take off my belt," Lee demanded.
"What!?! I didn't mean…" Kelly eyes grew wide with shock.
"Take the belt off and we could use the buckle to pick the locks. Amanda did this when we were in a crunch one time before. Now take off my belt!" Lee explained. He was starting to grow impatient.
"Oh!" Kelly stood and did as she was asked.
"Now use the belt clip to unlock my cuffs." Lee turned around so she could reach his hands.
"Ouch!" Lee exclaimed, as Kelly missed the lock and dug the metal into his arm.
"Sorry, hold still. I have just about…got it!" Kelly unlocked his right cuff.
"Great, now get the other one." Lee turned to face her as she worked on his left cuff.
"Much better." Lee rubbed his wrists that were now free of the handcuffs. "Your turn." Lee took the belt from her and picked her locks.
"Amanda really is quite resourceful." Kelly smiled up at Lee.
"Yeah, that she is!" Lee turned a brilliant smile in Kelly's direction at the mention of Amanda's name.
"What now?" Kelly asked.
"Figure out how to get past our guards." Lee pointed at the two slobbering dogs.
***** *****
"Don. It's Bri." Amanda whispered, as she placed her small hand over his mouth.
Don slightly struggled at Amanda's touch and then relaxed when he saw Kris, Jill and Francine approach.
"Hey! Where the hell have you guys been?" Don asked, as he tried to control his shaky voice.
"We stopped for dinner. We were hungry!" Francine hissed, sarcastically.
Amanda looked up at the setting sun. "Alright, everybody. Stop the bickering. Daylight is burning and we don't have much time."
"What's been going on since Francine left?" Kris asked, as she stooped beside Don.
"Richard left for about 30 minutes and then came back with what looked like takeout. Other than that it's been pretty quiet." Don explained, as he looked back and forth at the three women.
"Here's the plan," Amanda said, as she motioned for her accomplices to huddle around her.
"What do you have in mind?" Jill asked, crouching beside Amanda.
"I think our best bet is to send Francine in to distract them. They don't know her and I feel sure she can distract them with her smile." Amanda said, turning to face Francine. "Francine you take the sedan to the front of the building. Act like you're car broke down and need a strong man to help you, if you get my drift." Amanda smiled at Francine.
"Don't worry. I'm good at causing a distraction." Francine gave her a mischievous smile. "What are you three going to do?"
"Kris and Jill are going in the back way. I'll take the front," Amanda said, giving them all a firm look.
"I don't think that is such a great idea," Francine objected.
"I have to agree with her on this one. You've just been in an accident and don't need to play John Wayne all by yourself," Jill said, as she placed her arm around Amanda's shoulder.
"Francine will be at the front with me. She can watch my back. We have made a great team once or twice before and we can do it again today. Only one of us could possibly slip by those two and I need you two to pull up the rear. Just in case our plan out front goes all to pieces," Amanda explained, as she looked to Francine for assurance.
"Yeah, I'll watch her back." Francine nodded at Amanda.
"What about me?" Don asked.
"Stay here. If you see everything go to hell, go get help," Jill replied, as she slapped him on the back
"Good," Don said, relieved that he wouldn't have to face the danger that these four did.
"Francine, you go ahead. We'll hold back and wait until you get their attention." Amanda nodded at Francine.
"Let's do it," Francine said, as she undid the top four buttons of her blouse. "This should get their attention." She smiled at Don's drooling stare.
"Put you eyes back in your head." Kris punched Don in the arm.
"Don't forget about my brother!" Don features turned serious once again.
Jill smiled softly to reassure Don. "How could we forget?"
All eyes were on Francine as she drove to the front of the building and blew her horn.
***** *****
Lee stood assessing the window's thickness. "Kelly, I think I can break this thing if I get a running start at it."
"If you can break it and not bleed to death, what are you going to do about the dogs?" Kelly asked, as she pointed through the window at the beasts resting peacefully only a few feet away.
"I think I can make it to those boxes over there and make it to the rafters. That will give you a chance to slip out the front in all the commotion and go for help," Lee explained, as he shoved his hands in his pockets.
"What about the Peterson brothers?" Kelly asked, not liking his brilliant idea.
"I'm sure when they see me running and the dogs hot on my tail they'll think you are ahead of me. You'll make it out. It's really our only choice. If we wait here, they're going to find out we're not who we say we are and kill us anyway." Lee shrugged, as he looked at Kelly's concerned face.
"Amanda would kill me if anything happened to you. I think we had better make other arrangements." Kelly shook her head.
"We don't have time. Besides, since Jill didn't finish the race, they don't have much use for Bosley now. I'm going to have to find him before they decide to tie up all the loose ends." Lee pulled his left hand from his pocket and ran it through his hair.
"Alright, Lee, I don't like it but I guess we're going to have to make a go of it." Kelly patted Lee on the arm and stood back, as he went to the other side of the room to get a running start.
"Wait!" Kelly shouted, as she jumped in front of Lee's path. The two collided causing them to fall to the floor.
"Why in the hell did you do that?" Lee asked, as he helped Kelly stand up.
"Richard is leaving the warehouse. Look!" Kelly pulled Lee to the window.
"This might be our chance. I'll give him a few minutes to get out of sight and then bust out the window. One bad guy to deal with is better than two." Lee watched Richard leave.
"Here I go, on the count of three." Lee backed up against the door. "One…two…three..." He slammed his body against the glass causing it shatter.
Jumping through the opening and rolling into a standing position, he was suddenly faced with the white teeth of two angry dogs.
"Oh, shit!" Lee yelled, as he took off across the warehouse floor at breakneck speed.
Kelly climbed out of the window and made a beeline for the front door. Lee reached the boxes just as one of the dogs grabbed his pant leg. Lee managed to pull away with his skin intact, and climbed the boxes. Kris and Jill entered the back of the warehouse just as Lee had started his climb.
Jill pointed her gun at the dogs and fired. Her shot missed them by inches as the dogs turned their attention from Lee and concentrated on the new intruders.
"Get out of here!" Lee yelled, as his eyes grew wide at the site of the dogs turning their attack on the two women.
Bryant looked out the door of his office to see what all of the commotion was. As his eyes fell upon Kris, Jill and Lee, he pulled out his gun and fled to the room where he was holding Bosley.
"Lee, there's Bryant! Get him! We'll handle this." Kris screamed, as she pointed towards Bryant.
Lee jumped from his position above the floor and took off after Bryant. Kris and Jill headed for the safety of a back room in the warehouse. They slammed the door closed just as the beasts reached them.
Amanda had entered the front of the building as Kelly was leaving it.
"What…" Amanda started to ask, as Kelly pulled her back out of the warehouse and put a finger to her own lips.
Bryant forced Bosley through the opening of the front just as Kelly and Amanda rounded the corner of the door.
Francine, who was trying to keep Richard occupied, heard the commotion and kicked him in the groin. Giving him a final blow to the head, she caused him to cry out in pain and fall to his knees.
Kelly ran over to help Francine and grabbed the gun from Richard's waist to hold it over him.
Bryant jerked Bosley away from the scene and pushed him into their car and took off before anyone realized they were there.
"Help!" Bosley called out the open window, as the car drove off.
Amanda heard his cry and ran to the driver's side of the black sedan. Francine reacted without thinking and joined her in the passenger side just as Lee was exiting the warehouse.
"Wait!" Lee called, as Amanda cranked the engine and went in pursuit.
"Fasten your seat belt, Francine," Amanda said, as she buckled hers and pushed the sedan to top speed.
Francine did as she was told. She grabbed the door handle and hung on so tightly that her fingers were turning white. "Amanda, slow this damn thing down!"
Lee cursed as he saw Amanda's car turn the corner. Running his hand through his hair, he went over to help Kelly with Richard.
"Where are Jill and Kris?" Kelly asked, as she reached in her back jean pocket to retrieve the handcuffs used on her earlier.
"They are in the back of the warehouse. Oscar and Brutus have them pinned in a room. They're alright, just trapped." Lee continued to look in the direction Amanda had gone.
"She's a good driver, Lee. She'll catch 'em!" Kelly declared, as she handcuffed Richard.
"I don't know if that is good, or bad," Lee said, as he turned to Kelly.
"Hey where was he taking my brother?" Don asked, as he came out of hiding.
Kelly and Lee shook their heads.
"Don't worry. Two of the best are going after him." Lee gave Kelly a hopeful smile.
"I told you she was fine." Kelly smiled.
"For now. I had better call the local authorities and get some backup." Lee turned to go back inside the warehouse to find a phone.
"You might want to call animal control. I'm sure Jill and Kris would appreciate it," Kelly laughed, as she pushed Richard back to the ground with her foot.
Lee looked up at the darkening sky. "Please let her come back to me," he whispered, as he entered the warehouse.
***** *****
"Francine, we're going to hit the city limits soon. You need to shoot out one of his tires." Amanda said, as she rounded a corner causing the back right wheel to leave the ground.
"Damn it, Amanda. You're going to kill us." Francine yelled, as she held herself in place.
"Francine, just do it. The traffic's gonna get heavier soon. If he takes the freeway, a lot of innocent people are going to get hurt," Amanda hissed.
Francine rolled down her window and braced herself on the door. She pulled her gun and aimed. "Shit! Get closer," Francine grumbled when her first shot missed.
Amanda pulled up behind Bryant to give Francine a clear shot.
"Got him!" Francine exclaimed as she climbed back in.
Bryant's car swerved into a ditch and Amanda swung around him blocking his car from returning to the road. Francine jumped out, her gun in hand, and went to the driver's side. Bryant was slumped across the steering wheel, out like a light.
"Whoever you are, thanks!" Bosley smiled when he saw Francine.
"You're welcome," Francine replied to the man in the passenger seat.
"Thank goodness, you're alright!" Amanda exclaimed, as she opened his door.
"Yeah, I'm just glad I remembered to wear my seatbelt!" Bosley said and then turned his attention to the brunette who had just spoken. "Sabrina! What are you doing here?" Bosley asked. He climbed out of the car and wrapped his arms around Amanda in a warm embrace.
"Saving your butt!" Amanda replied, returning his embrace.
Bosley squeezed her a little tighter. "I'm so glad you're here! I have really missed you!"
"I've missed you too. I'm just sorry you being kidnapped had to be the reason for our reunion," Amanda teased, pulling apart from his tight hold.
"I'd do it again if that is what it takes to see you, Bri," Bosley laughed.
"Bos!" Amanda scolded.
"I'm just kidding, Bri" He then took a closer look at her and noticed all her cuts and bruises. "Are you alright?" he asked with concern.
Amanda gave him a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just had a little accident back at the track."
"You need to be checked out at the hospital. That bump looks nasty," Bosley said, as he lightly touched her forehead.
"I will be okay, Bos. You worry too much," Amanda replied, but smiled at his concern.
"That's like the pot calling the kettle black," Francine mumbled. She was tired and annoyed, but found herself a little in awe with this side of Amanda.
"And who is this lovely lady with you?" Bosley smiled at the frustrated blonde, as he took Amanda's hand in his.
"Same old Bos, always the flirt." Amanda punched him in the side. "This is Francine Desmond. She helped us rescue you."
"Nice to meet you Ms. Desmond." Bosley continued to hold Amanda's hand firmly as he walked to the other side of the car to meet Francine.
"Same here, Mr. Bosely. Now let's get back to the warehouse and pick up Lee and the rest of your bunch," Francine said with a touch of hostility in her voice. 'How many old friends does Amanda have?' Francine wondered, as she opened the door to pull Bryant out.
"Yeah, we need to get back and get Bosley here to a hospital to be checked out," Amanda said, as she helped Francine pull Bryant's unconscious body from the car.
"Sabrina, I am fine. It's you who needs the medical attention," Bosley protested.
"I'll make you a deal, Bos," Amanda began, as they finished loading Bryant into the back seat of the sedan. "If you let the doctors check look you over, I will too."
Bosley smiled. "I know better than to argue with you, Bri. So how did you guys find me?" he asked, as he climbed into the passenger's seat.
"We'll, explain on the way Bos," Amanda replied, as she started towards the driver's side.
"Oh no, you don't! I'll drive!" Francine exclaimed, taking the keys from Amanda, she quickly got into the driver's seat.
Amanda smiled and climbed in the back with Bryant.
*** Chapter 10 – conclusion ***
The small group of agents, detectives and civilians gathered in a conference room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel early the next morning.
"I'm sure glad they didn't make me stay in that place more than one night. Those nurses were absolutely horrid," Bosley complained to the group as he took an open seat in between Jill and Kris.
"You know, Bos, after being held captive for five days, the doctors just wanted to make sure you were OK," Kris said, placing a comforting arm around his shoulder.
Don joined his brother, "I'm just thankful you are alright."
"I am not alright. Did you know that one of those Amazonian women tried to give me a sponge bath this morning!?!" Bosley gave his brother an exasperated look.
Amanda couldn't help but look at Lee and laugh. "That sounds awfully familiar."
"I don't complain that much," Lee whispered, as he took her hand under the table.
"Oh really?" Amanda gave his hand a slight squeeze.
"I'm just surprised they let you go this morning, Bri. You were pretty shook from that crash," Kelly smiled, as she took her seat across from Amanda.
"I'm supposed to go back for a checkup tomorrow morning before they give me my walking papers, but they seem to think that I will heal just fine with a little rest and TLC," Amanda explained.
"I think I can help out with that," Lee said, as he brought her hand to his lips.
"I'm sure you could, Scarecrow. By the way, Sabrina, what is your codename?" Kelly laughed.
"Francine, come sit here," Amanda blushed at the insinuation and was thankful to see Francine enter the room.
"You're not going to get off of the hook that easily, my friend," Kelly smiled evilly at Amanda.
Francine finished pouring her coffee and took the empty seat beside Amanda. "Am…Sabrina, there is something I want to talk to you about."
Lee released Amanda's hand as his body tensed. "Francine, this might not be the right time or place for…"
"I just wanted to tell her that I was sorry for thinking she couldn't handle the situation yesterday," Francine explained, as she turned a smug look to Lee. "She's just so full of surprises."
"Francine, it means a lot to me to hear you say that," Amanda smiled warmly at her.
Lee allowed his body to relax at Francine's words. He grinned thankfully towards her and returned his hand back to Amanda's.
'Amanda is not the only one full of surprises. I know how hard it was for Francine to say those words to Amanda,' Lee thought, as Francine continued her indifferent smile.
"You were pretty terrific on that track yesterday. I just wish you had gone straight to the hospital, instead of playing wonder woman. You could've had serious injuries," Lee said sternly to Amanda.
"You don't sound too grateful that I saved your butt, Scarecrow," Amanda teased.
"I didn't say I wasn't grateful. You just scared the hell out of me is all!" Lee replied, as the smile returned to his face.
"Not to interrupt such an intriguing conversation, but I wanted to congratulate each of you on a job well done," Charlie's voice entered the room via the phone intercom. "Angels, Mr. Stetson, Ms. Desmond."
"Hi, Charlie," the Angel's replied in unison.
"Angels, as usual a terrific job! As for Mr. Stetson and Ms. Desmond, I now know why the President holds 'The Agency' up on a pedestal. You truly are part of the best team around. Well, besides my Angels, of course," Charlie laughed.
Francine looked from Lee to Amanda with a confused frown. "How does he know who I am?" she asked.
Lee just shook his head at her and chuckled.
"I want to thank you all for getting our Bosley safely back and for catching the Peterson brother's as well," Charlie continued.
"Thanks, Charlie," they all said. Francine was still too bewildered to answer.
"You know, Charlie," Bosley started, "it's great to see our girls back together again."
"Now, Bos, don't be going and putting any ideas into Charlie's head," Kelly jumped in laughing.
"Bos, wasn't the only one with that idea, Angels," Charlie added. "I don't suppose…"
"NO, Charlie!" The four women shouted. They all looked at each other and shook their heads as laughter filled the room.
"I'd settle for a reunion every so often, though," Kris stated, as she looked at her partners.
"Only if it doesn't involve danger and intrigue," Jill added.
Amanda grinned as an idea came to mind. "Of course, we might promise to come back if you could break away from your lady friends and take us out for a night on the town."
"Why Sabrina, what ever do you mean?" Charlie asked. Just then a muffled set of giggles, definitely female, came across the line. "On second thought, I guess I'll have to settle for a yearly gathering, then, won't I?"
"Afraid so, Charlie," Kelly concluded, trying not to chuckle. She looked around at the other three Angels in the room and saw them all stifling laughs, too.
"Well, then, until we meet again. Goodbye, Angels."
"Goodbye, Charlie," everyone called out, and once more the voice on the other end of the phone was gone.
"I don't think I will ever get used to that," Amanda said.
"What's that, Bri?" Kris asked.
"Charlie's uncanny knack of knowing everything," Amanda replied.
"Yeah it is a little unsettling when you've never even met the man," Jill added.
"You mean you've never met this, Charlie?" Francine asked. She was even more bewildered now, than before.
Hearing someone else say it caused everyone in the room to burst out in laughter once again.
"Well, ladies, it has been a real pleasure to meet you all, and you too, Mr. Stetson. I want to thank you for all your help," Don stated, as he gave his brother a pat on the back.
"I think I'm going to take my brother and have him give me a tour of this wonderful town. We have a lot of catching up to do." Bosley stood to leave with his brother.
Amanda released Lee's hand and stood to give Bosley a hug. "I've missed you."
"Same here, Sabrina." Bosley tightly embraced her. "For that matter, the same goes for all of you. Let's say we all get together soon and talk over old times." He smiled at the three other Angels.
"Sounds good to me, Bos," Kelly said, as she stood to join them. "Let's not let another decade go by, ok?" Kelly looked towards Amanda.
Amanda nodded and extended her hand for Kelly to join in their hug.
"We agree," Jill and Kris simultaneously replied, as they, too, joined the group hug.
Lee stood back watching the exchange. He knew he was a part of Amanda's present and hopefully her future, but he felt a pang of jealousy that he'd never be a part of her past.
After the group hug ended, Don and Bosley left the conference room.
"Well, Sis, shall we go grab a bite to eat?" Jill asked Kris.
"That would be great!" Kris replied. "Would you guys like to join us?"
"No, I think I'd better head back to L.A. I have a job I need to get back to," Kelly said, shrugging her shoulders.
"I guess we should head back to D.C. and give our reports to Billy." Francine looked at Lee.
"Francine, I'm not sure I'd feel right leaving my partner with no one to see her safely back. Besides someone needs to make sure she sees the doctor tomorrow," Lee added. "I'm sure Billy will understand. Why don't you just head back without us?"
Kelly smiled mischievously at Lee and Amanda. She gave Amanda a quick wink and turned to look at Francine. "Ms. Desmond, could I offer you a ride to the airport?"
"Yes, thank you," Francine answered, as she gave Lee a hard stare. "You know Billy isn't going to be happy when he gets all the details of this case."
"Francine, when you get back, just give him your report of the events that happened after your arrival, and nothing more, ok?" Lee began through tight lips.
"He is going to want…"
"Sabrina and I will fill him in on all the other information when we get back," Lee quickly added. He didn't want Francine to spill the beans about Amanda's past to Billy. Amanda had said she would come clean and it was best for her to be the one to do it.
"Fine, Lee, but you owe me. Big time, both of you," Francine said, glancing once at Amanda before storming out of the room. Lee was relieved she had caught his meaning.
Amanda turned to give Kelly another hug. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome, Bri. Just keep in touch this time, no more disappearing acts, okay? Oh, and don't forget to let me know how your snacking goes!" Kelly laughed, as she pulled away from the embrace.
"I promise," she said, as she waved goodbye.
"What was that all about?" Kris asked, coming over to hug Amanda.
"Oh, nothing. It's just Francine," Lee answered, "She can get a little too full of herself sometimes."
Amanda chuckled and looked over at him. "I don't think Francine will ever change."
Kris shook her head, "No, I was referring to what Kelly said."
Redness crept into her cheeks again, as Amanda looked over at Lee. "Oh, that. It's sort of a private joke," she choked out.
"Well, I guess we should head out too," Jill added. She may not have known the true meaning, but she was sure it was a good one. "Goodbye, Bri, Lee. Don't be strangers." She gave Amanda and then Lee a hug before heading out of the room with Kris behind her.
"So, Scarecrow, now that we're all alone, what are we going to do with ourselves?" Amanda asked, as she placed her arms around his neck.
Lee leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "I don't know, Angel. What do you suggest?"
"I hear Monterey has some great wine country. We could explore and then, well, Charlie arranged for me to stay at the hotel an extra night." She smiled seductively and then gave him another more passionate kiss.
Lee pulled her close to him, as his body quickly began to react to her kiss. "I like the way you think, Mrs. King, but we could just stay here. I think we should get you started on that TLC the doctor ordered."
"Oh no, you don't, buster! I want to see some of this wonderful town while we're here." Amanda playfully pulled out of his embrace.
"Yes, ma'am! Let's go see about renting a car for the day." Lee released his hold and took her hand as they headed for the door.
***** *****
"Thank you for a wonderful day, Lee," Amanda smiled at him, as he parked the car in front of the hotel.
"We should do this more often." Lee gently caressed her face with his hand.
Placing her hand over his, Amanda replied, "What, sightseeing?"
"No. I meant spend time together. Alone." Lee closed the distance between them and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
Amanda looked into Lee's passion filled eyes. "I agree."
He reluctantly pulled away from her. "I guess I had better get back to Governor Garrison's mansion and pick up my luggage."
"Where are you going to stay tonight?" Amanda asked, as she began to blush.
"I'm sure I can get a room here. I'm not going to let you miss your appointment in the morning," Lee laughed.
"Oh," Amanda quietly said, as she turned her eyes to look out the window.
Lee watched her for a few minutes, as he tried to read her emotions. 'Is she disappointed that I'm staying or that I didn't suggest staying with her,' Lee thought, as he got out of the car to open the door for Amanda.
"Amanda, do you want to go to dinner tonight?" Lee asked, hoping she would accept his subtle suggestion.
"I'm really tired, Lee. I think maybe I'll just order in." Amanda took hold of the hand he was offering to help her out of the car.
"Do you want me to walk you to your room?" Lee asked, as he closed the car door. He was a little disappointed, but figured she would probably want some time alone. It had been a rough couple of days.
"I'll be fine." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and turned towards the hotel entrance.
"Alright, I guess I'll see you in the morning then. Bye, Bri," Lee teased, as he went back to the driver's side of the car.
She sighed. 'What am I afraid of?' she thought to herself. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she turned back around. "Lee."
He stopped opening the car door and looked at her. "Yeah."
"We could order dinner in for two," Amanda suggested while she fidgeted with her heart pendant.
Lee took notice of her sudden nervousness. "That would be nice, Amanda. What time should I swing by?" His smile told her how happy he was that she had extended the invitation.
"How about 7 o'clock? Casual dress for this occasion, Scarecrow," Amanda laughed and started into the hotel towards her room. She was suddenly as giddy as a school girl going out on her first date.
"See you then." As he called after her, Lee could feel his heart leaping into his throat. 'Alright, Stetson. This is your chance. Don't screw it up,' Lee mumbled to himself, as he put the car in drive and headed to the Governor's mansion.
Amanda dropped her purse on the table by the door as she walked into her room. She was tired, but at the same time filled with excitement by the fact that she was going to be alone with Lee this evening. She smiled as she realized that they would actually be alone together without worrying about the normal interruptions of home.
"Oh, my Gosh! Mother and the boys must be worried sick," Amanda exclaimed, as she picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Mother," Amanda replied. "Are the boys still awake?"
"Amanda dear, are you alright? We have been so worried about you," Dotty asked.
"I'm fine, Mother. I'm just a little tired from running from location to location," Amanda remarked, as she fell back onto the waiting mattress.
"Were you able to find some good locations for your next documentary?" Dotty asked, as she looked out the window to see if she could locate the boys.
"Yes, Mother. We found quite a few spots and I will be coming home at the very latest tomorrow evening." Amanda rubbed the side of her head to relieve the headache she felt coming. "Mother, I've had a long day and would really love to talk with Philip and Jamie."
"Oh, alright, Amanda. I love you and we'll see you tomorrow," Dotty said, as she put the phone down to call the boys in from outside.
"Hi, Mom," Jamie said, as he picked up the phone.
"Hi, Sweetheart. I just wanted to say goodnight to you and Phillip."
"Mom, guess what!"
"What, Sweetheart?"
"Philip and I were watching some car race on T.V. yesterday morning and one of the drivers looked just like you."
Amanda's heart stopped. "Really, Jamie? That's incredible," she stuttered out.
"Yeah, but Dad made us turn it off and go outside and play basketball, so we never got to watch it."
Amanda sighed in relief. She was grateful for Joe's quick interference. It would have been too much for her if her sons had seen the crash. "I miss you Jamie, I'll see you tomorrow. Let me say goodnight to your brother."
"Goodnight, Mom," Jamie said, as he handed the phone off to his brother.
"Hey, Mom! We've missed you. When are you coming home?" Phillip asked.
"Tomorrow, Phillip. I just wanted to say goodnight and tell you that I love you."
"I love you, too, Mom. Did you want to talk to Dad?" Phillip asked.
"Not tonight, Sweetheart. I'll see him tomorrow." Amanda didn't want to discuss the race with Joe right now. She knew it would be the first thing he would ask her about as soon as the boys were out of listening range.
"Okay, Mom. We'll see you tomorrow night," Phillip said, as he hung up the phone.
Amanda felt her body giving in to the whirlwind of events that had happened in the past three days. She pulled herself from the bed and decided that a shower would be just what the doctor ordered.
***** *****
"I need a room for tonight," Lee told the reservation attendant at the hotel.
"How many in your party?" the young man asked.
Lee thought for a moment. "One, but I would like a suite please."
"I see," the attendant said, giving Lee a mischievous smile.
Lee ignored him, as he made mental preparations for the evening ahead.
"Thank you." Lee took the key from the attendant, as the bellhop took his luggage and headed up to his room.
"I need to make some arrangements for dinner and flowers. Would you be able to take care of that for me?" Lee handed the bellhop a $100 bill as they exited the elevator.
"Sure, sir. What can I do for you?" The anxious bellhop asked as he shoved the bill in his pocket.
Lee quickly jotted down a list of items. Double-checking to make sure everything was there, he passed it over to the young man.
Smiling to himself as the bellboy left, 'This is going to be an evening that neither Sabrina Duncan nor Amanda King will ever forget,' Lee thought, as he discarded his clothes and climbed into the shower.
***** *****
Amanda felt much better after her hot shower. She pulled on her robe and headed for the bedroom. She was about to lie down on the bed for a quick nap, when a knock came at her door.
"Yes," Amanda asked the young bellhop, as she opened the door a crack.
"I have a special delivery for Sabrina Duncan," the bellhop answered.
"What is it?" Amanda asked, as she opened the door all the way allowing him to enter.
The bellhop entered caring a vase of pink roses.
"Who are they from?" Amanda asked, as she looked for a card.
The bellhop smiled, as he turned to leave. "The gentleman wishes to remain anonymous."
Amanda went to retrieve her purse. "Wait, I have something for you."
"It has all been taken care of, Ma'am," the bellhop said, as he slipped out the door.
Amanda walked over to the beautiful flowers and inhaled their fragrance. She didn't need a card to know that they were from Lee. She picked one from the vase and carried it to her bed. She suddenly remembered how tired she was and decided she would try and catch few moments of rest.
***** *****
Lee looked into the mirror approvingly, as he straightened his tuxedo bowtie. He glanced at his watch and decided it was time to check that his orders had been followed. As he picked up the phone, there was a knock at his door.
"Were you able to do as I requested?" Lee asked, as he opened the door for the bellhop.
"Yes, sir. It should all be on schedule." The bellhop smiled up at Lee, as he handed him the large package he was carrying.
"Good," Lee said, taking the package from the young man.
"Would you like me to deliver this for you?" the bellhop offered.
Lee sat the box on the bed and opened it to verify its contents. Lee pulled a note from his breast pocket and handed it to the bellhop. "Yes. Please deliver this package and note. I want you to wait for her response and return with her answer." Lee handed the package back over to the young man.
"Yes, sir." The bellhop turned to leave with his mission in hand.
'Just one more thing to accomplish,' Lee thought, as he picked up the phone and dialed the front desk.
"Hello, this is Lee Stetson. I need for you to hold all calls for the remainder of the evening. I do not wish to be disturbed, under any circumstances!" Lee firmly stated.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Stetson."
Lee hung up the phone and walked over to the bar to make a stiff drink. He needed something to calm his nerves. He felt like a teenager on his first date as his thoughts drifted to the idea of having Amanda all to himself. He took his now full glass and walked out to the balcony. The warm summer breeze caressed his face, as he looked out over the beautiful city.
"To love." Lee raised his glass towards the sky, as he watched the sun begin to set on the horizon.
***** *****
Amanda was awakened by the sound of a knock on her door. She stretched her sore muscles and stood to answer it.
"Ms. Duncan. I have a package for you," the bellhop said, as Amanda once again opened the door for him.
Amanda nodded as she moved aside, allowing him to enter and place the package on the bed.
"Who is this from?" Amanda asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"The same as before, Ms. Duncan. My lips are sealed." The bellboy blushed slightly, as he turned to give her the note.
Amanda slowly walked over to the bed and opened the package. She knew immediately who had sent it too her, as she pulled the silky black gown from the box.
She sat on the edge of the bed and opened the note the boy had just handed her.
"I am supposed to wait for an answer," the bellboy said quietly.
Amanda smiled at his obvious nervousness. She felt her heartbeat quicken as she read the contents.
'I would like to request the honor of your company tonight.
Please join me in room 817 at 8 o'clock.
Love,
Scarecrow.'
She turned to the bellhop and said, "Tell Mr. Stetson that I would be honored." A wave of excitement rushed over her, as she watched the young man flee the room.
Amanda tenderly picked up the dress and held it against her chest. 'This may be the beginning of something wonderful,' she thought, as she turned to the bathroom to prepare for the evening.
***** *****
Lee nervously paced the room, glancing at his watch. It was already 8:05 and still no sign of Amanda.
'Maybe the bellhop misunderstood. Maybe she's changed her mind,' Lee was pondering nervously, when a knock at the door brought him from his thoughts.
Lee quickly glanced around the room. Satisfied with the arrangements, he went to open the door. His eyes grew wide, as he smiled approvingly at the sight before him.
"Hello," Amanda said.
"Good evening," Lee choked out as he held the door open for her to enter.
Amanda looked around at the candle-lit room. "It's beautiful, Lee," she whispered, as she glanced back at him.
Lee sighed, never taking his eyes from her. "That it is, Amanda."
"I meant the room, Lee." Amanda replied, as she felt the heat rush to her cheeks.
"I know, but I meant you." Lee closed the distance between them and claimed her lips with his. He felt Amanda's arms wrap around his neck and her fingers stroke the back of his hair. He pulled her closer, as he began to caress the bare skin of her back. Her lips parted inviting him to taste the love she had for him. He eagerly accepted the invitation, as he felt his own body tremble with the passion this woman could arouse with just the touch of her lips.
'Take things slow, we have all evening.' Lee thought, as he reluctantly pulled away from her.
Amanda let out a small moan of protest, as Lee took her hands from his neck and led her to the table.
"Are you hungry?" Lee asked, as he opened the bottle of wine.
"A little. It smells delicious," Amanda whispered, as she continued to take in Lee's intense gaze.
"It's Beef Wellington," Lee teased, lifting the cover for her to see.
"Lee, you didn't have to go to all of this trouble."
Lee finished opening the bottle of wine and turned his attention to her. "I know I didn't, but tonight is special. You are special."
"Lee…"
"Shhh…" Lee placed a quick kiss on her lips. "Would you like a glass of wine?" he asked, as he held up the bottle.
"Yes, thank you, Lee." Amanda placed her hand on his back, as he poured.
Lee pulled her chair out for her to be seated and flashed her a brilliant smile, "My lady."
Amanda smiled warmly back at him, as he scooted her chair under the table.
As they partook of the delicious meal Lee had arranged, the conversation centered mostly on the previous case and some of 'Sabrina Duncan's' past adventures.
"I don't believe it, Amanda. That just isn't possible," Lee laughed at one of her outlandish stories.
"What's so hard to believe about me being a cheerleader?" She stared at him. "I already told you I used to be on the cheerleading squad in High School."
"I believe that one. It's trying to picture you in the middle of a bunch of UFO fanatics," he chuckled.
Amanda laughed with him, "That one was an interesting case."
"It seems we both have stories to entertain ourselves with now." He smiled seductively towards her.
Amanda finished her wine. "Maybe."
"You didn't eat much." Lee said, as he noticed her half full plate.
"Everything is truly wonderful, Lee. I guess the past few days have just taken their toll." Amanda shrugged her shoulders. "But the wine is delicious."
Lee stood and offered her his arm. "I have dessert waiting on the balcony."
"Mmm, That sounds nice." Amanda accepted his arm and turned her attention to the balcony doors that stood open allowing the summer breeze to blow in.
Amanda sighed, as she took in the beauty of the twinkling lights of the city below them. "I had forgotten how beautiful California could be," she whispered, as Lee wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
"Do you miss it?" Lee asked, with a hint of worry in his voice.
Amanda turned to face him. "No, Lee. I love my new life. Sure, I miss Kelly and Bosley, Jill and Kris, and even Charlie, but I am truly happy with the way things have turned out." She smiled, as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"You look beautiful tonight, Amanda."
"Thank you, Lee. Some wonderful man sent me this." Amanda looked at him with laughter in her eyes. Who would have believed three years ago, that she would be standing in his arms on a balcony in California, sharing a romantic evening?
"He must have good taste." Lee leaned down and brushed her lips with his.
"The best!" Amanda pulled gently at the back of his head to return his teasing kiss.
They stood silent in their embrace, both lost in their own thoughts. Amanda tilted her head up to look into his hazel eyes. 'He looks the same as he did three years ago, all dressed in his tuxedo. Except this time he's not informing me he's a spy.' She giggled at the memory.
Pulled from his own thoughts, Lee asked, "What?"
"Nothing." Amanda said, as she leaned her head back on his chest. Lee began to gently stroke her hair, as he watched the city below.
'He may look like the same man, but he is not. Just as I am not the same woman.' Amanda thought, as she continued to gaze at the city below. "How things change," she said aloud.
Lee pulled them apart slightly and turned to look at the beautiful face of the woman who had changed his life. "What's that?"
"I was just thinking about my past, and us. We've come a long way, haven't we?"
"Yes, we have. We have a quite a future ahead of us as well. We have a lot to talk about when we get home." Lee brushed his lips across her forehead.
"We do?" Amanda tilted her head slightly.
"Yes, we do." Lee nodded his head.
"Would you like a glass of champagne to celebrate the past and the future?" Lee asked, as he left her to open the bottle of champagne.
Amanda laughed as bubbles flowed out over the opening in the bottle and onto Lee's tuxedo.
"Lee, let me help you with that," she said, walking over to join him.
"No need," Lee said, as he wiped the champagne from his clothes. He then poured their glasses full and handed a glass to Amanda.
"To the future," Amanda raised her glass to Lee.
"To our future." Lee returned the toast.
"May I have this dance?" He held out his hand for her and she eagerly accepted it. He led her to a corner of the balcony and pushed 'play' on a nearby cassette player.
They wrapped their arms around each other and were soon swaying to the music. As the words began, the meaning behind them touched Amanda's heart.
'Love I get so lost, sometimes
Days pass and the emptiness fills my heart
When I want to run away
I drive off in my car
But whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are
All my instincts, they return
And the grand façade, so soon will burn
Without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside
In your eyes
The light the heat
In your eyes
I am complete'
"Oh, Lee." No other words could express what she was feeling.
"I want this to be our song, Amanda." Lee pulled back to look into her beautiful brown eyes. "This song was made for us, it explains exactly how I feel about you." He brought his hand up to gently brush away the single tear that was falling down her cheek.
She brought her hand up and placed it over his. "It's perfect," she whispered. "I couldn't be any happier than I am right now. I love you more than I ever thought I could love any man."
Realizing the true meaning behind those words, he knew that his worries about her past were gone forever. "I love you too, Amanda King."
Their eyes met again, and in them they saw the love they felt for each other. Lee pulled her to him and captured her lips with his. The passion that ignited between them was so powerful, a cataclysmic earthquake would not have been able to tear them apart.
Breathlessly, their lips parted. Lee began to trail kisses down her bare neck and gently slid the strap of her dress down over her left shoulder.
"Mmm…," Amanda moaned, as he found the sensitive spot on her shoulder.
Afraid he might be rushing things, Lee started to pull back.
Amanda tightened her hold on his shoulder. "No, Lee. I want this, too." Moving her hands across his chest, she reached up and undid his tie, letting it drop to the floor.
Lee resumed his trail of kisses until his lips had found their way to the valley of her breasts.
"Lee," Amanda gasped, as she ran her fingers through his hair. She could feel his arousal pressed against her abdomen. She didn't want him to stop. She needed him, all of him.
Lee raised his head to capture her lips again. As he did, he looked into her passion-filled eyes. "You are my Angel, Amanda. You have saved my soul from eternal loneliness," he whispered.
Amanda gently caressed his cheek. "Make love to me, Lee." Taking his hand in hers, she turned towards the bedroom.
Following Amanda into the room, Lee glanced once more at the stars above. "Thank you for sending me my best friend, an Angel," he whispered, as he closed the balcony doors and turned his attention back to the wonderful woman who had captured his heart.
THE END