Title: The Ties That Bind
Author: gwoman
Disclaimer: SMK and all entities thereof are property of Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Production.
Time Frame: Mid 3rd Season
Summary: Someone from the past is not what they appeared to be.
Rating: PG
The Ties That Bind
*****Washington DC 9:30 pm*****
He would get her back. He had to. That was all there was to it. He'd been alone long enough. No one to cook for him, clean for him. No one to take care of him after a hard days work. He needed that. He deserved it. She needed him too of course. How could she live without him? She'd love him for coming to rescue her after all this time. She'd welcome him with open arms. He knew her so well. She'd be so happy to see him she wouldn't even give his past actions a thought. God knew he hadn't. Tomorrow he thought as he drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of my life.
*****King Residence 9:30 pm*****
"Did you remember to pack your toothbrushes?" Amanda King hurriedly asked her family.
"Yes, Mom," replied her two sons dutifully and not without a small amount of boredom at the seemingly insignificant question.
When her gaze fell upon her mother she replied, "Well, Amanda, I think at my age I would know how to pack for an out of town trip. I would think that you wouldn't be ready to commit me to the old folk's home just yet, I mean, you don't hear me asking you these silly question do you?"
"I'm not going, Mother," her daughter replied somewhat confused.
"I mean," the older woman continued, nonplussed by the interruption, "my toothbrush is right here next t- well it's right here somewhere next to-"
"The tea kettle," Jamie supplied helpfully holding up the object in question.
"Oh yes, the tea kettle. The tea kettle? Oh well it must have- oh never mind it - oh Amanda," Dotty stopped mid-flight and mid-sentence in front of her daughter to put both hands on her arms as she said, "I wish you were going with us."
"It's alright Mother. I know your and Aunt Lillian's tour group only had two cancellations. It makes sense that Philip & Jamie go with you. Besides, I've already seen New York. And honestly I don't think I have the energy for a two week tour. I don't know how you plan to do it."
"Magnets," her mother supplied conspiratorially.
"Magnets?" Amanda questioned thinking she was missing something.
"Yes dear, magnets. My new friend Dr. Nolan swears by them. A couple on my wrists, a couple on my ankles and I'll be running circles around these two Dr. Nolan says." All heads turned as a horn sounded outside.
"Cab's here!" yelled Philip racing for the door with his bag.
"Hey, what about a hug?!" Amanda called after him.
"In a minute, Mom!" Philip yelled over his shoulder already out the front door.
Amanda smiled and shook her head as she said a silent prayer for Dr. Nolan's magnets. "I really wish you would have let me drive you to the airport."
"Oh you know how I hate airport goodbyes, Amanda. They're always so dramatic. Besides with all the new security precautions, you wouldn't even be able to walk us to the gate," she said as she hugged her daughter goodbye. "Now we'll call as soon as we get in and you be careful while we're gone, dear. Don't let that company of yours run you ragged. Stand up for your rights."
"Yes, Mother, I will," she replied hugging her back, "and I'll be waiting for your call."
"Alright dear, I love you. Goodbye."
"Goodbye Mother, I love you too."
Her youngest son stepped up to her then, bag in hand, "Mom, I'm gonna take lots of pictures for you so when you look at 'em it'll be just like you were there with us."
"Oh sweetheart, thank you," she said hugging him hard, "I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Mom."
"Okay slowpoke, get your bag out there! We're ready to go."
"Philip," his mother began in a warning tone.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry Jamie."
"Thank you, now get over here and give me a hug." He quickly crossed over to his mother and hugged her. "Now you be good," she said as she held onto him, "and look out for your brother, huh?"
"I will mom," he replied.
"Okay," she said releasing him, "now get outta here, both of you." Standing in front of the house waving to the cab as it pulled down the street, Amanda smiled. Her smile faded as she turned back toward the house and realized that for the next two weeks, she was going to be the sole occupant. 'Oh well,' she thought shaking off the uneasy feeling, 'I've stayed alone before, I can certainly do it again.'
*****IFF 8:00 am*****
Amanda King walked into the office the next day feeling uncharacteristically sluggish. She had finally gone to bed after
hearing her mother and the boys had arrived safely but had not slept soundly. Being suddenly alone in a house she was used to sharing with three other people, she found it almost impossible to sleep. She had finally drifted off only to be awakened again by a dog howling down the street. The rest of the night fared pretty much the same till she finally crawled out of bed at the alarm's signal at 6:30 in the morning.
She managed to hide her lack of sleep however under makeup and hair carefully styled into a French twist with bangs falling softly on her face. The outfit she chose added to the illusion of a well-rested employee. A pair of gray slacks with matching belt and heels and a short sleeved button down white shirt. After examining her reflection in the mirror at home, she had thought she more resembled a member of 'The Francine Desmond International Spy Club' than the 'Amanda King Suburban Housewife Club'. But she was happy with the results the few minutes more preparation had produced. From the appreciative glances she received upon walking into the bullpen, it was obvious she was not the only one pleased with the results.
"Mrs. King," said Leatherneck slowly as he walked past her, "looking good."
"Thanks, Leatherneck, you're. . . uh . . . looking good . . . uh yourself," she replied somewhat flustered.
Upon hearing that exchange, the two agents filling their coffee mugs turned to see what had caused it. "Well, well, Amanda,"
began Francine Desmond, "I must say you really are looking quite nice today."
Amanda hesitated a moment before replying, expecting a more sarcastic remark to follow. When one didn't, she said in a genuinely happy voice, "Thank you, Francine."
She only nodded in response before turning away. Lee Stetson opened his mouth to say something when Billy Melrose opened the door to the conference room and called, "Lee, Francine, Amanda." They turned to see him beckoning them into the already populated conference room.
"Did I miss a memo?" quipped Francine taking the last chair. Lee and Amanda stood to the side of the door.
"Alright people," Billy addressed the assembled group, "I called this impromptu meeting to bring you all up to date on a case that's come down from the New Your bureau. It involves the wife of an agent up there and we've been asked to lend him our full cooperation. Agent James?" Billy motioned for him to join him at the head of the group. A very handsome man they had not noticed upon entering the room stood and began talking.
"My name is Phil James. You're no doubt all familiar with the Backyard Bandit." Murmurs of agreement echoed through the room. Most were indeed familiar with the older but notorious case in which the suspect had gotten his name by entering the homes of his victims though the backyard. "He claimed 10 victims in his killing spree which began in 1976 and seemingly ended in '80. Ten women in 4 years. All young with dark hair and eyes." His eyes lingered a split second on Amanda as he said this causing Lee to instinctively move closer to her. His eyes then flowed around the rest of the room, coming to rest on Francine and he smiled. "My wife," he said directing his attention back to the, "was murdered six months ago and the M.O. fits the Backyard Bandit to a 'T'. Now I walked in on my wife's attacker. He gained access of course through the back door. And when I entered I saw him grab my wife and he moved very distinctly. It was almost as if...well perhaps I can show you. Miss, would you . . . ?" He questioned Amanda holding out his hand.
She hesitated briefly before stepping forward and accepting. There was something about this man that made her want to help him. He turned her back to him and placed one arm around her waist, the other he pretended held a gun pointed to her head. "Now, when he dragged her into the kitchen, he limped like this." Demonstrating, he dragged Amanda towards the door where she'd been standing. "Then he almost dropped her," his actions towards her mimicking his words, "but grabbed her by the arm and threw her to the wall." As his arm left Amanda's she'd been surprised and begun to fall until he suddenly grabbed her by the left arm roughly, shoving her into the mini-blinds covering the window. The loud clanging along with his suddenly violent actions catching her off guard, she could only stare. She flinched involuntarily when the hand that held 'the gun' raised as if to strike her.
Momentarily stunned by the other man's openly violent behavior Amanda's visible fear was all the prompting Lee needed to step in. He grabbed Agent James' hand midair and pulled Amanda next to his body. She moved on autopilot into his offered protection but her eyes held Agent James'.
He stepped away as Lee released his arm and looked down saying, "I . . . well you see what I mean."
"Okay people," Billy stepped in, "see Francine for assignments," he gestured towards the packets lying on the table labeled with the names of respective teams. "James, my office, NOW!" he finished in a less that diplomatic tone. Agent James followed Billy out the door towards his office, head down.
Francine began handing out assignments to all the agents gathered around her. Lee could feel Amanda trembling next to him. "Hey," he said rubbing her arms comfortingly until she flinched under his gentle touch.
"Wha-" he began as he suddenly remembered James grabbing her left arm. Her back still to him he gently brought his left hand back up her arm pushing her sleeve up to reveal bruises forming where his fingers had been.
"My god, Amanda," he whispered.
"No, it's okay Lee," she said in an eerie voice, "I-"
He turned her to face him and looking into her glassy eyes he became worried. "I - I'll just go fix my hair," she said indicating the few strands that had fallen. She moved out of the room in a daze.
Lee stood watching as Francine approached, "How's Amanda?" she asked, truly concerned.
Lee was still staring after Amanda and said, "Huh? Oh, Francine," his eyes reflecting his obvious concern, "would you go check on Amanda?" His expression darkened as he said, "I'm going to have a 'word' with Agent James."
In Billy's office, James was already being chewed out royally by the section chief himself. "-EXTREMELY unprofessional! You're lucky I don't have your badge for that little stunt in there! Now just - do me a favor - get out of here for awhile. You're not gonna be too popular around here. I'll be talking with the New York office and I'll let you know IF you'll even need to stick around." He waved dismissively at him and turned away as James opened the door to leave, head down. But instead of exiting the room as he'd planned, he was suddenly propelled back into it by Lee, who grabbed him by the upper left arm and threw him into the window as he'd done to Amanda.
"Scarecrow!" Billy yelled, stunned but not surprised by the younger man's actions. Lee ignored him, instead staring into the eyes of the agent whose arm he held. When he spoke, his voice was calm but threatening, "You and I will have no further problems as long as you keep your hands off my partner." The slightest look of contempt crossed James' face. Lee however took it as a look of pain considering the tight grip he held on James' arm.
Agent James' voice was full of remorse as he said, "Yes, of course, I . . . I don't know . . . I just want to apologize...I-"
"Forget the apologies," Lee cut him off, "just stay away from her." He let his hand drop as he finished speaking. Agent James only nodded and began rubbing his arm where Lee's finger marks were sure to show up. It was then that Billy understood the double way in which Lee had been insuring Amanda's safety. James finally moved out the door successfully, head down, his right hand still massaging his upper left arm.
"How's Amanda?" Billy asked. As Lee opened his mouth to answer, another voice answered, "Fine, sir."
Both men looked toward the door to see Amanda entering followed by Francine. Lee crossed the room to her immediately lifting her arm and examining it as he said, "Are you sure? Maybe you should-"
Then the whole room erupted in a jumble of voices.
"Lee, really, I-"
"Amanda! That looks horrible-"
"That's it - I am definitely recommending psych treatment for James."
"I'll second that," Lee agreed to the statement uttered by Billy.
"Now just wait a minute," Amanda began, "I don't know what everyone's getting so worked up over-"
"Amanda, have you seen your arm?" Lee asked with a calm he didn't think he possessed at the moment. Amanda started to answer as she looked to the arm he still held. When her eyes fell on the spreading darkness of the bruises her mouth closed and her eyes regained the eerie look he had seen there earlier. In an almost hypnotic voice she began, "I was falling. He was just trying to help, to keep me from falling . . ."
Lee couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was defending him! Forgetting the other two agents in the room, Lee began to reason with her. "Amanda," he said softly, waiting for her to meet his eyes which was no comfort because of the vacant look they held, "I've kept you from falling a few times, hell, I've even knocked you over once or twice. But have I ever hurt you?" He watched as her eyes slowly came alive again and registered understanding as she processed his words.
"No," she said softly.
"It is not okay that he did this to you, whatever the reason," he finished. She looked into his eyes again as he released her arm.
She smiled at the safety she saw there and repeated, "It's not okay."
They stood like that until Billy cleared his throat and said, "Amanda, I assure you, disciplinary action will be taken." Lee dropped her arm rather abruptly and quickly stepped back a few paces running his hand through his hair. He was glad to help Amanda in any way, but was a little uncomfortable in sharing such a scene with others.
"Thank you, sir," was Amanda's simple response.
"Amanda, are you sure you don't want the infirmary to look at that?" asked Francine placing a comforting hand on Amanda's uninjured arm.
"No, Francine, the damage is already done. There's really nothing you can do for a bruise anyway. It'll fade in a few days."
Lee couldn't quite place what it was about Amanda's comment that disturbed him. Was it her cavalier attitude or the fact that she seemed to be speaking from past experience. 'Of course she is Stetson,' he thought to himself, 'everyone has experience with bruises. You of all people know that. Let it go.'
"I really just think we should get back to work," Amanda said, "so how about our assignment Francine."
*****King Residence 9:30 pm*****
The rest of the day had passed uneventfully for Amanda. She and Lee turned up no leads from their surveillance assignment. Towards the end, they'd both gotten the feeling they were on a wild goose chase and agreed to review the case on their own to see if they could come up with any leads. Lee had dropped Amanda at her car and continued on home to change before stopping to pick up the case notes on the way back to her house.
Amanda had offered to run in and get them when she got out of his car. But when he had seen her exit the parking garage not two seconds behind him, he realized it must have slipped her mind. Unconsciously he noted that her mind had been elsewhere most of the day. But the thought slipped past him as his conscious mind decided to finish the drive home and change before heading back to the Agency and then on to Amanda's.
Upon arriving home, Amanda changed out of her work clothes into jeans and a light blue long sleeved shirt, which she wore tucked in. Even though it wasn't a particularly cool evening, she thought it best to cover her arms. 'Out of sight, out of mind,' she told herself firmly. She then let her hair down and ran her fingers through it to loosen it hoping the twist she'd had it in hadn't left it kinky in all the wrong places. While she wasn't in the habit of actively trying to impress Lee Stetson, she wasn't in the habit of trying to scare him off either. She smiled when she saw it came out with just a little lift and a slight wave. The last thing she reached for before heading downstairs was a pair of thick comfortable socks. She'd just finished slipping them on and pulling her jeans back down around them when the doorbell rang. She jumped off the bed and hurried to answer it wondering, 'Why is Lee using the front door?' The answer shocked her even more than the question when upon opening the door she saw not Lee but Francine standing there.
"Francine. Hi. Uh, come on in."
****************
As he sat in the bushes, peering through the window he'd followed her to he thought about the day's events. He was pleased. All in all, it wasn't a total loss. He had taken care of necessary business. Granted he was still alone as yet. Cooking and cleaning up, but all of that was about to change. Soon she'd be back where she belonged and his life would be as it should. Just a little patience. He watched the conversation with interest. What was she saying? Could she possibly be talking about him? Thinking about him? Oh, how he hoped so. He took one final look, then retreated to ready his plans for the rest of the evening. By tonight, she'd be aware of his presence.
****************
"Is something wrong Francine? Is it Lee? Mr. Melrose? Were you being followed?" Amanda shot off in one breath.
"No, no nothing's wrong. Nobody was following me, why?" Francine asked confused.
"Well . . . then . . . what are you doing here, Francine?"
"Oh, I won't keep you long," Francine began, "I tried calling but no one answered so I thought I'd take a chance you might be home anyway and stop by."
"Oh, sure well, what can I do for you?" Amanda asked still somewhat confused as she led her up and down the few steps into the family room.
Coming to a stop behind the couch, Francine began, "Well it's . . . just . . . I-"
"Francine?"
"Okay here it is. Well . . . I spoke with Agent James today about the incident Amanda and he feels just terrible about it and he wants me to tell you he's sorry. Even though Lee told him to leave you alone he wanted you to know. And then well, we kept talking and he's just a mess what with his wife's murder and I felt so bad for him and he asked me out and I said yes - but if you have a problem with it I can say no," Francine finished and took a deep breath. Amanda just stood with her arms crossed and mouth open, "Are you done? I can't believe you - "
"Amanda - I know I - "
" -just said all that in one breath."
"Oh."
"Well listen," Amanda continued, a little confused as to why Francine felt the need to clear the date with her first, "why should I care if you want to go out with Agent James. I told you you were all overreacting. I just wouldn't tell Lee."
"Tell Lee what?" came a voice from behind Amanda. Francine jumped and then relaxed as Lee came in shutting the door behind him, reasoning that the coast must be clear if the two women were talking out in the open. "Amanda, I told you to keep the door locked. I can pick it."
"There's no reason for you to pick it when I'm here and I know you're coming."
"I just don't want you letting anyone else in," Lee said worried.
"No one comes in my back door except you - and well Buck," she said pausing. She raised her eyes to the ceiling as she thought about that, "Maybe I'll keep it locked."
"Good, now what is it you don't want to tell me?"
"Oh just girl stuff," Francine answered moving back toward the front door. "What are you doing here anyway?"
Lee held up the files he'd picked up at the office. "Our surveillance today was a bust. Something about this whole case just doesn't track and if you ask me, it's that James character," he said pointing his finger at her for emphasis. "We're gonna get a fresh
look at it all. Although, I don't know how this case even falls under our jurisdiction."
"Gee, I'd love to stay, really," Francine said moving even closer to the door, "but thanks for the advice Amanda, I'll let you know how it works out," she called shutting the front door behind her.
"She is getting weirder and weirder . . . " Lee muttered setting the files on the coffee table and arranging them before he took he jacket off. Amanda took the time to admire how good he looked in his dark blue t-shirt and jeans. She came out of her thoughts to find Lee staring at her arm with a frown on his face.
"If it bothers you that much, you don't have to stay," she tried to joke.
"No, no," he sighed meeting her eyes, "I - it's just - I should have stopped him," he said looking down.
Amanda sighed, searching for the right words to lift his spirits. "You're not a mind reader Lee. You couldn't have known he'd get so . . . realistic. And as I recall, you did stop him. Thank you."
His face broke out into a dimpled grin as he realized she didn't blame him at all. Even though he still felt guilty that she had received even the slightest injury while in his presence, aloud he simply said, "Your welcome."
After dragging her eyes away from his, Amanda took a deep breath and said, "Now let's get down to work, or you'll be here all night, not that I'd mind, I might actually get some sleep."
"What do you mean? Something wrong?"
She inwardly cringed at having revealed far more than she'd intended. Nothing could get her rambling like getting lost in Lee's eyes. "Oh, no, no . . . it's just that - well you know - you get used to a house full of people and when they're gone...it's -"
"Lonely?"
Try scary, she thought but aloud agreed, "Yeah." Then looking down she continued, "It's just that when they're here, I know what all the sounds I hear mean...you probably think it's silly."
She looked up finally to find him staring at her intently. He broke his gaze and berated himself for having been caught. "Uh, no," he coughed and before he could stop himself said, "I could stay you know, here I mean, so you could sleep."
She smiled then and before she knew it had said, "That would be nice."
****************
After going over the case for a couple of hours and going through some Chinese take-out, Amanda and Lee were more than ready for bed. Amanda had taken the couch while Lee commandeered the floor, spreading out murder reports and comparing them. "Hey Amanda," he said, finding one that caught his eye, "take a look at this." He held out the report for her to take. When she didn't, he tried again, "Amanda." Finally he looked up and saw that her eyes were closed. He looked at his watch and saw that it was almost midnight. He closed his eyes and massaged the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. 'Glad I'm spending the night,' he thought, 'might as well lock up.'
He had kicked his shoes off long ago and so moved noiselessly as he walked towards the back door. Finding it locked, he turned out the kitchen lights. He did the same at the front door and turned off the porch light. He moved back into the family room to Amanda. The moonlight coming into the room washed over her. The report she'd been reading lay open on her stomach. Lee reached down and lifted it at the same time calling softly, "Amanda." Laying the report of the table, he knelt down beside her and reached out to touch her face, trying once again to rouse her, "Amanda."
"Oohh, just five more minutes, sweetheart," she mumbled reaching out to place a hand on his chest. He looked down to the small hand touching him and smiled. Realizing he wasn't going to awaken her, he reached out to pick her up. She snuggled against his body as he carried her up the stairs to her bedroom.
****************
Francine was practically floating as she unlocked her front door and stepped inside. She leaned back against it for a moment, eyes closed reliving the evening. After she'd left Amanda's...her thoughts drifted for a moment. 'Who'd have ever thought I'd be clearing my social calendar with Amanda King?' she asked with a shake of her head. But after what had taken place at the office earlier in the day, she'd needed to ease her mind before accepting completely. People already thought she could be enough of a heartless witch as it was without adding fuel to the fire. 'But Amanda hadn't minded,' she told herself, 'so why should it bother me or anyone else.' So she'd gone to meet Agent James, 'Phil' she thought smiling, for drinks at Nedlinger's. Conversation had come easily. They'd covered every subject they could think of. Hobbies, home life, career, travel. They'd decided they should head home when they'd noticed it was close to midnight. Now as Francine stood replaying the evening in her mind, she registered a sound coming from her kitchen. The agent in her took over. She reached for her gun as she soundlessly rounded the corner.
"Meew."
She jumped nearly out of her shoes, then laughed at herself out loud. "How'd you get back in?" she asked with a smile, "I could swear I put you out before I left today." As she bent to retrieve her 'intruder' she noticed out of the corner of her eye, the back door. Was it open? Or was it just the way the shadow fell? As she stood cautiously, hand on gun, cat forgotten for the moment, she heard a sound behind her. She instinctively turned her head to investigate but before her body could follow she felt a stinging sensation at the base of her skull and then nothing.
"You did," a voice answered her previous question to the cat, "didn't she?"
****************
Amanda awoke the next morning with a start. Expecting to find herself still on the couch and it to still be dark out she had no idea how she'd gotten to bed and night had turned to day. Suddenly she remembered Lee and that he'd said something about staying and realized what must have happened. No longer confused or concerned, she scooted out from under the blanket that covered her and off the bed. She went to splash some water on her face and brush her teeth before she went to check on Lee. She moved some of her hair out of the way and held it with a clip. Looking in the mirror to determine that she was indeed decent and presentable, she headed downstairs.
Her morning greeting died on her lips as she took in the sight in her family room. Lee had indeed stayed and made himself a bed on the couch. He barely fit however, and Amanda wasn't sure how well he could have slept. His arms crossed, he lay on his back and to Amanda his body looked as though it might jump up at any moment ready for action. His face however told a different story. Turned toward the couch cushions, there was such a look of peace on it. It wasn't there often. For the moment there were no secrets, no international terrorists, no threats to national security, there was no Scarecrow. Amanda looked on in wonder at the complete transformation of a man. 'I'll have to tell him someday,' she thought, 'how peaceful he looks when he sleeps.' Not wanting to disturb that peace, she moved noiselessly around the kitchen. She had made the coffee and sat with a bowl of cereal before she heard sounds of life emerging from her couch.
"Morning," she called to the form that emerged and was facing away from her. She received a grunt in reply along with a raised left hand in greeting. Lee stood and stumbled out of the room. He stumbled back in a few minutes later needing a razor and a comb, squinting his eyes against the bright sunlight.
She watched in silence as he moved purposefully through her kitchen. Stopping first to turn off the overhead range light. She hadn't noticed it earlier due to the excess of sunlight but guessed it had kept him company during the night. He then moved straight to the cupboard she kept the mugs in, grabbed one and poured himself a cup of coffee, fixing it just the way he liked it. He took a sip and started to wake up. Amanda wasn't the least bit surprised he knew where to find exactly what he needed. 'He's been watching us through these windows long enough,' she thought, and with a smile finished, 'but not even Lee Stetson knows where I keep the marshmallows.'
"What's so funny?" Lee's slightly deeper morning voice startled her out of her reverie as he came to join her at the table.
"Oh nothing," she replied, "I'm just so . . . refreshed. I slept really well, didn't hear a sound . . . in fact . . . I . . .
don't even remember you taking me to bed. I mean, you did, right? Of course you did, how else would I get there -" she was rambling now and knew it.
"Well, I tried to wake you up," Lee cut her off, "but all I could get out of you was, 'five more minutes, sweetheart.'" She blushed at that and mumbled, "I must've thought you were one of the boys." He nodded and continued, "You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you. So I carried you," he finished.
Amanda opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by the ringing of the telephone. Standing to answer it she said, "Hello . . . oh my gosh! Where...how...okay...okay...we'll be right there." Lee had jumped up when he heard the anxiety in her voice and stood in front of her waiting. "Francine...she...was attacked last night. Billy wants us to meet him at the hospital."
*****Galilee General 9:30 am*****
Lee and Amanda hurried down the corridor towards a waiting Billy. Before they could begin questioning him he held up his hands and said, "First of all, let me tell you, it looks worse than it
is."
"What happened, sir?" asked Amanda.
"We just don't know. Do either of you know where Francine was last night?"
"She said she was going out - ," Amanda began before cutting herself off. Billy and Lee looked at her expectantly, waiting for more information.
But she was saved from answering their questioning looks by a doctor calling, "Mr. Melrose?"
"How is she?" Billy asked turning quickly towards him.
"All in all, very lucky, apparently she had a date last night and returned home around midnight to find an intruder. They fought and she took a blow to the back of the head. A neighbor called the police after seeing a "suspicious person" hanging around. They found her and called for an ambulance. We've had her under observation here since 12:30," he finished.
"Can we see her?" asked Amanda.
"I'd prefer one visitor at a time and I'd like to keep her here a little longer. If all goes well, she'll be released later today."
"Thank you, doctor," Billy said.
"Of course. Room 638," he said as he indicated a room around the corner to Amanda. She nodded her thanks and headed down the corridor.
****************
Her hand poised to open the door, Amanda paused for a moment, gathering her strength for what she knew awaited her on the other side. A body bruised and battered by an unknown attacker. 'Is it better to not know who it is that beats you?' she wondered. She was pulled from her thoughts by a pair of hands strongly grasping her shoulders from behind.
****************
"Ouch!" Amanda yelped involuntarily as one hand came in contact with her own freshly bruised arm.
"Sorry," a deep male voice said as the hands squeezed her shoulders in response. Amanda stiffened again. The hands fell
immediately and she turned to find herself face to face with Agent James.
"Agent James," she said as she gently rubbed her arm.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I did it again," he said reaching out a hand to her arm then pulling back. "I came as soon as I heard. How is she? Is she awake?"
"As soon as you heard?" Amanda asked confused. 'Billy said he'd only called me after Lee didn't answer at his apartment,' she thought. But aloud said, "How'd you hear?"
"Oh, Billy called me . . . yeah, he knew Francine and I went out last night . . ." Amanda's mind flew back to Billy's question of just a few minutes ago asking if she or Lee knew where Francine had been last night. " . . . so, listen, as I was saying I'm kinda shook up about this whole thing. What say you and I go get a cup of coffee to calm my jangled nerves?" he asked with a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.
Amanda froze with fear as she recognized something deep inside his eyes that she couldn't quite understand. Her momentary confusion he took as consent and grabbed her free hand and pulled her toward the elevator bank.
Author: gwoman
Disclaimer: SMK and all entities thereof are property of Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Production.
Time Frame: Mid 3rd Season
Summary: Someone from the past is not what they appeared to be.
Rating: PG
The Ties That Bind
*****Washington DC 9:30 pm*****
He would get her back. He had to. That was all there was to it. He'd been alone long enough. No one to cook for him, clean for him. No one to take care of him after a hard days work. He needed that. He deserved it. She needed him too of course. How could she live without him? She'd love him for coming to rescue her after all this time. She'd welcome him with open arms. He knew her so well. She'd be so happy to see him she wouldn't even give his past actions a thought. God knew he hadn't. Tomorrow he thought as he drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of my life.
*****King Residence 9:30 pm*****
"Did you remember to pack your toothbrushes?" Amanda King hurriedly asked her family.
"Yes, Mom," replied her two sons dutifully and not without a small amount of boredom at the seemingly insignificant question.
When her gaze fell upon her mother she replied, "Well, Amanda, I think at my age I would know how to pack for an out of town trip. I would think that you wouldn't be ready to commit me to the old folk's home just yet, I mean, you don't hear me asking you these silly question do you?"
"I'm not going, Mother," her daughter replied somewhat confused.
"I mean," the older woman continued, nonplussed by the interruption, "my toothbrush is right here next t- well it's right here somewhere next to-"
"The tea kettle," Jamie supplied helpfully holding up the object in question.
"Oh yes, the tea kettle. The tea kettle? Oh well it must have- oh never mind it - oh Amanda," Dotty stopped mid-flight and mid-sentence in front of her daughter to put both hands on her arms as she said, "I wish you were going with us."
"It's alright Mother. I know your and Aunt Lillian's tour group only had two cancellations. It makes sense that Philip & Jamie go with you. Besides, I've already seen New York. And honestly I don't think I have the energy for a two week tour. I don't know how you plan to do it."
"Magnets," her mother supplied conspiratorially.
"Magnets?" Amanda questioned thinking she was missing something.
"Yes dear, magnets. My new friend Dr. Nolan swears by them. A couple on my wrists, a couple on my ankles and I'll be running circles around these two Dr. Nolan says." All heads turned as a horn sounded outside.
"Cab's here!" yelled Philip racing for the door with his bag.
"Hey, what about a hug?!" Amanda called after him.
"In a minute, Mom!" Philip yelled over his shoulder already out the front door.
Amanda smiled and shook her head as she said a silent prayer for Dr. Nolan's magnets. "I really wish you would have let me drive you to the airport."
"Oh you know how I hate airport goodbyes, Amanda. They're always so dramatic. Besides with all the new security precautions, you wouldn't even be able to walk us to the gate," she said as she hugged her daughter goodbye. "Now we'll call as soon as we get in and you be careful while we're gone, dear. Don't let that company of yours run you ragged. Stand up for your rights."
"Yes, Mother, I will," she replied hugging her back, "and I'll be waiting for your call."
"Alright dear, I love you. Goodbye."
"Goodbye Mother, I love you too."
Her youngest son stepped up to her then, bag in hand, "Mom, I'm gonna take lots of pictures for you so when you look at 'em it'll be just like you were there with us."
"Oh sweetheart, thank you," she said hugging him hard, "I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Mom."
"Okay slowpoke, get your bag out there! We're ready to go."
"Philip," his mother began in a warning tone.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry Jamie."
"Thank you, now get over here and give me a hug." He quickly crossed over to his mother and hugged her. "Now you be good," she said as she held onto him, "and look out for your brother, huh?"
"I will mom," he replied.
"Okay," she said releasing him, "now get outta here, both of you." Standing in front of the house waving to the cab as it pulled down the street, Amanda smiled. Her smile faded as she turned back toward the house and realized that for the next two weeks, she was going to be the sole occupant. 'Oh well,' she thought shaking off the uneasy feeling, 'I've stayed alone before, I can certainly do it again.'
*****IFF 8:00 am*****
Amanda King walked into the office the next day feeling uncharacteristically sluggish. She had finally gone to bed after
hearing her mother and the boys had arrived safely but had not slept soundly. Being suddenly alone in a house she was used to sharing with three other people, she found it almost impossible to sleep. She had finally drifted off only to be awakened again by a dog howling down the street. The rest of the night fared pretty much the same till she finally crawled out of bed at the alarm's signal at 6:30 in the morning.
She managed to hide her lack of sleep however under makeup and hair carefully styled into a French twist with bangs falling softly on her face. The outfit she chose added to the illusion of a well-rested employee. A pair of gray slacks with matching belt and heels and a short sleeved button down white shirt. After examining her reflection in the mirror at home, she had thought she more resembled a member of 'The Francine Desmond International Spy Club' than the 'Amanda King Suburban Housewife Club'. But she was happy with the results the few minutes more preparation had produced. From the appreciative glances she received upon walking into the bullpen, it was obvious she was not the only one pleased with the results.
"Mrs. King," said Leatherneck slowly as he walked past her, "looking good."
"Thanks, Leatherneck, you're. . . uh . . . looking good . . . uh yourself," she replied somewhat flustered.
Upon hearing that exchange, the two agents filling their coffee mugs turned to see what had caused it. "Well, well, Amanda,"
began Francine Desmond, "I must say you really are looking quite nice today."
Amanda hesitated a moment before replying, expecting a more sarcastic remark to follow. When one didn't, she said in a genuinely happy voice, "Thank you, Francine."
She only nodded in response before turning away. Lee Stetson opened his mouth to say something when Billy Melrose opened the door to the conference room and called, "Lee, Francine, Amanda." They turned to see him beckoning them into the already populated conference room.
"Did I miss a memo?" quipped Francine taking the last chair. Lee and Amanda stood to the side of the door.
"Alright people," Billy addressed the assembled group, "I called this impromptu meeting to bring you all up to date on a case that's come down from the New Your bureau. It involves the wife of an agent up there and we've been asked to lend him our full cooperation. Agent James?" Billy motioned for him to join him at the head of the group. A very handsome man they had not noticed upon entering the room stood and began talking.
"My name is Phil James. You're no doubt all familiar with the Backyard Bandit." Murmurs of agreement echoed through the room. Most were indeed familiar with the older but notorious case in which the suspect had gotten his name by entering the homes of his victims though the backyard. "He claimed 10 victims in his killing spree which began in 1976 and seemingly ended in '80. Ten women in 4 years. All young with dark hair and eyes." His eyes lingered a split second on Amanda as he said this causing Lee to instinctively move closer to her. His eyes then flowed around the rest of the room, coming to rest on Francine and he smiled. "My wife," he said directing his attention back to the, "was murdered six months ago and the M.O. fits the Backyard Bandit to a 'T'. Now I walked in on my wife's attacker. He gained access of course through the back door. And when I entered I saw him grab my wife and he moved very distinctly. It was almost as if...well perhaps I can show you. Miss, would you . . . ?" He questioned Amanda holding out his hand.
She hesitated briefly before stepping forward and accepting. There was something about this man that made her want to help him. He turned her back to him and placed one arm around her waist, the other he pretended held a gun pointed to her head. "Now, when he dragged her into the kitchen, he limped like this." Demonstrating, he dragged Amanda towards the door where she'd been standing. "Then he almost dropped her," his actions towards her mimicking his words, "but grabbed her by the arm and threw her to the wall." As his arm left Amanda's she'd been surprised and begun to fall until he suddenly grabbed her by the left arm roughly, shoving her into the mini-blinds covering the window. The loud clanging along with his suddenly violent actions catching her off guard, she could only stare. She flinched involuntarily when the hand that held 'the gun' raised as if to strike her.
Momentarily stunned by the other man's openly violent behavior Amanda's visible fear was all the prompting Lee needed to step in. He grabbed Agent James' hand midair and pulled Amanda next to his body. She moved on autopilot into his offered protection but her eyes held Agent James'.
He stepped away as Lee released his arm and looked down saying, "I . . . well you see what I mean."
"Okay people," Billy stepped in, "see Francine for assignments," he gestured towards the packets lying on the table labeled with the names of respective teams. "James, my office, NOW!" he finished in a less that diplomatic tone. Agent James followed Billy out the door towards his office, head down.
Francine began handing out assignments to all the agents gathered around her. Lee could feel Amanda trembling next to him. "Hey," he said rubbing her arms comfortingly until she flinched under his gentle touch.
"Wha-" he began as he suddenly remembered James grabbing her left arm. Her back still to him he gently brought his left hand back up her arm pushing her sleeve up to reveal bruises forming where his fingers had been.
"My god, Amanda," he whispered.
"No, it's okay Lee," she said in an eerie voice, "I-"
He turned her to face him and looking into her glassy eyes he became worried. "I - I'll just go fix my hair," she said indicating the few strands that had fallen. She moved out of the room in a daze.
Lee stood watching as Francine approached, "How's Amanda?" she asked, truly concerned.
Lee was still staring after Amanda and said, "Huh? Oh, Francine," his eyes reflecting his obvious concern, "would you go check on Amanda?" His expression darkened as he said, "I'm going to have a 'word' with Agent James."
In Billy's office, James was already being chewed out royally by the section chief himself. "-EXTREMELY unprofessional! You're lucky I don't have your badge for that little stunt in there! Now just - do me a favor - get out of here for awhile. You're not gonna be too popular around here. I'll be talking with the New York office and I'll let you know IF you'll even need to stick around." He waved dismissively at him and turned away as James opened the door to leave, head down. But instead of exiting the room as he'd planned, he was suddenly propelled back into it by Lee, who grabbed him by the upper left arm and threw him into the window as he'd done to Amanda.
"Scarecrow!" Billy yelled, stunned but not surprised by the younger man's actions. Lee ignored him, instead staring into the eyes of the agent whose arm he held. When he spoke, his voice was calm but threatening, "You and I will have no further problems as long as you keep your hands off my partner." The slightest look of contempt crossed James' face. Lee however took it as a look of pain considering the tight grip he held on James' arm.
Agent James' voice was full of remorse as he said, "Yes, of course, I . . . I don't know . . . I just want to apologize...I-"
"Forget the apologies," Lee cut him off, "just stay away from her." He let his hand drop as he finished speaking. Agent James only nodded and began rubbing his arm where Lee's finger marks were sure to show up. It was then that Billy understood the double way in which Lee had been insuring Amanda's safety. James finally moved out the door successfully, head down, his right hand still massaging his upper left arm.
"How's Amanda?" Billy asked. As Lee opened his mouth to answer, another voice answered, "Fine, sir."
Both men looked toward the door to see Amanda entering followed by Francine. Lee crossed the room to her immediately lifting her arm and examining it as he said, "Are you sure? Maybe you should-"
Then the whole room erupted in a jumble of voices.
"Lee, really, I-"
"Amanda! That looks horrible-"
"That's it - I am definitely recommending psych treatment for James."
"I'll second that," Lee agreed to the statement uttered by Billy.
"Now just wait a minute," Amanda began, "I don't know what everyone's getting so worked up over-"
"Amanda, have you seen your arm?" Lee asked with a calm he didn't think he possessed at the moment. Amanda started to answer as she looked to the arm he still held. When her eyes fell on the spreading darkness of the bruises her mouth closed and her eyes regained the eerie look he had seen there earlier. In an almost hypnotic voice she began, "I was falling. He was just trying to help, to keep me from falling . . ."
Lee couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was defending him! Forgetting the other two agents in the room, Lee began to reason with her. "Amanda," he said softly, waiting for her to meet his eyes which was no comfort because of the vacant look they held, "I've kept you from falling a few times, hell, I've even knocked you over once or twice. But have I ever hurt you?" He watched as her eyes slowly came alive again and registered understanding as she processed his words.
"No," she said softly.
"It is not okay that he did this to you, whatever the reason," he finished. She looked into his eyes again as he released her arm.
She smiled at the safety she saw there and repeated, "It's not okay."
They stood like that until Billy cleared his throat and said, "Amanda, I assure you, disciplinary action will be taken." Lee dropped her arm rather abruptly and quickly stepped back a few paces running his hand through his hair. He was glad to help Amanda in any way, but was a little uncomfortable in sharing such a scene with others.
"Thank you, sir," was Amanda's simple response.
"Amanda, are you sure you don't want the infirmary to look at that?" asked Francine placing a comforting hand on Amanda's uninjured arm.
"No, Francine, the damage is already done. There's really nothing you can do for a bruise anyway. It'll fade in a few days."
Lee couldn't quite place what it was about Amanda's comment that disturbed him. Was it her cavalier attitude or the fact that she seemed to be speaking from past experience. 'Of course she is Stetson,' he thought to himself, 'everyone has experience with bruises. You of all people know that. Let it go.'
"I really just think we should get back to work," Amanda said, "so how about our assignment Francine."
*****King Residence 9:30 pm*****
The rest of the day had passed uneventfully for Amanda. She and Lee turned up no leads from their surveillance assignment. Towards the end, they'd both gotten the feeling they were on a wild goose chase and agreed to review the case on their own to see if they could come up with any leads. Lee had dropped Amanda at her car and continued on home to change before stopping to pick up the case notes on the way back to her house.
Amanda had offered to run in and get them when she got out of his car. But when he had seen her exit the parking garage not two seconds behind him, he realized it must have slipped her mind. Unconsciously he noted that her mind had been elsewhere most of the day. But the thought slipped past him as his conscious mind decided to finish the drive home and change before heading back to the Agency and then on to Amanda's.
Upon arriving home, Amanda changed out of her work clothes into jeans and a light blue long sleeved shirt, which she wore tucked in. Even though it wasn't a particularly cool evening, she thought it best to cover her arms. 'Out of sight, out of mind,' she told herself firmly. She then let her hair down and ran her fingers through it to loosen it hoping the twist she'd had it in hadn't left it kinky in all the wrong places. While she wasn't in the habit of actively trying to impress Lee Stetson, she wasn't in the habit of trying to scare him off either. She smiled when she saw it came out with just a little lift and a slight wave. The last thing she reached for before heading downstairs was a pair of thick comfortable socks. She'd just finished slipping them on and pulling her jeans back down around them when the doorbell rang. She jumped off the bed and hurried to answer it wondering, 'Why is Lee using the front door?' The answer shocked her even more than the question when upon opening the door she saw not Lee but Francine standing there.
"Francine. Hi. Uh, come on in."
****************
As he sat in the bushes, peering through the window he'd followed her to he thought about the day's events. He was pleased. All in all, it wasn't a total loss. He had taken care of necessary business. Granted he was still alone as yet. Cooking and cleaning up, but all of that was about to change. Soon she'd be back where she belonged and his life would be as it should. Just a little patience. He watched the conversation with interest. What was she saying? Could she possibly be talking about him? Thinking about him? Oh, how he hoped so. He took one final look, then retreated to ready his plans for the rest of the evening. By tonight, she'd be aware of his presence.
****************
"Is something wrong Francine? Is it Lee? Mr. Melrose? Were you being followed?" Amanda shot off in one breath.
"No, no nothing's wrong. Nobody was following me, why?" Francine asked confused.
"Well . . . then . . . what are you doing here, Francine?"
"Oh, I won't keep you long," Francine began, "I tried calling but no one answered so I thought I'd take a chance you might be home anyway and stop by."
"Oh, sure well, what can I do for you?" Amanda asked still somewhat confused as she led her up and down the few steps into the family room.
Coming to a stop behind the couch, Francine began, "Well it's . . . just . . . I-"
"Francine?"
"Okay here it is. Well . . . I spoke with Agent James today about the incident Amanda and he feels just terrible about it and he wants me to tell you he's sorry. Even though Lee told him to leave you alone he wanted you to know. And then well, we kept talking and he's just a mess what with his wife's murder and I felt so bad for him and he asked me out and I said yes - but if you have a problem with it I can say no," Francine finished and took a deep breath. Amanda just stood with her arms crossed and mouth open, "Are you done? I can't believe you - "
"Amanda - I know I - "
" -just said all that in one breath."
"Oh."
"Well listen," Amanda continued, a little confused as to why Francine felt the need to clear the date with her first, "why should I care if you want to go out with Agent James. I told you you were all overreacting. I just wouldn't tell Lee."
"Tell Lee what?" came a voice from behind Amanda. Francine jumped and then relaxed as Lee came in shutting the door behind him, reasoning that the coast must be clear if the two women were talking out in the open. "Amanda, I told you to keep the door locked. I can pick it."
"There's no reason for you to pick it when I'm here and I know you're coming."
"I just don't want you letting anyone else in," Lee said worried.
"No one comes in my back door except you - and well Buck," she said pausing. She raised her eyes to the ceiling as she thought about that, "Maybe I'll keep it locked."
"Good, now what is it you don't want to tell me?"
"Oh just girl stuff," Francine answered moving back toward the front door. "What are you doing here anyway?"
Lee held up the files he'd picked up at the office. "Our surveillance today was a bust. Something about this whole case just doesn't track and if you ask me, it's that James character," he said pointing his finger at her for emphasis. "We're gonna get a fresh
look at it all. Although, I don't know how this case even falls under our jurisdiction."
"Gee, I'd love to stay, really," Francine said moving even closer to the door, "but thanks for the advice Amanda, I'll let you know how it works out," she called shutting the front door behind her.
"She is getting weirder and weirder . . . " Lee muttered setting the files on the coffee table and arranging them before he took he jacket off. Amanda took the time to admire how good he looked in his dark blue t-shirt and jeans. She came out of her thoughts to find Lee staring at her arm with a frown on his face.
"If it bothers you that much, you don't have to stay," she tried to joke.
"No, no," he sighed meeting her eyes, "I - it's just - I should have stopped him," he said looking down.
Amanda sighed, searching for the right words to lift his spirits. "You're not a mind reader Lee. You couldn't have known he'd get so . . . realistic. And as I recall, you did stop him. Thank you."
His face broke out into a dimpled grin as he realized she didn't blame him at all. Even though he still felt guilty that she had received even the slightest injury while in his presence, aloud he simply said, "Your welcome."
After dragging her eyes away from his, Amanda took a deep breath and said, "Now let's get down to work, or you'll be here all night, not that I'd mind, I might actually get some sleep."
"What do you mean? Something wrong?"
She inwardly cringed at having revealed far more than she'd intended. Nothing could get her rambling like getting lost in Lee's eyes. "Oh, no, no . . . it's just that - well you know - you get used to a house full of people and when they're gone...it's -"
"Lonely?"
Try scary, she thought but aloud agreed, "Yeah." Then looking down she continued, "It's just that when they're here, I know what all the sounds I hear mean...you probably think it's silly."
She looked up finally to find him staring at her intently. He broke his gaze and berated himself for having been caught. "Uh, no," he coughed and before he could stop himself said, "I could stay you know, here I mean, so you could sleep."
She smiled then and before she knew it had said, "That would be nice."
****************
After going over the case for a couple of hours and going through some Chinese take-out, Amanda and Lee were more than ready for bed. Amanda had taken the couch while Lee commandeered the floor, spreading out murder reports and comparing them. "Hey Amanda," he said, finding one that caught his eye, "take a look at this." He held out the report for her to take. When she didn't, he tried again, "Amanda." Finally he looked up and saw that her eyes were closed. He looked at his watch and saw that it was almost midnight. He closed his eyes and massaged the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. 'Glad I'm spending the night,' he thought, 'might as well lock up.'
He had kicked his shoes off long ago and so moved noiselessly as he walked towards the back door. Finding it locked, he turned out the kitchen lights. He did the same at the front door and turned off the porch light. He moved back into the family room to Amanda. The moonlight coming into the room washed over her. The report she'd been reading lay open on her stomach. Lee reached down and lifted it at the same time calling softly, "Amanda." Laying the report of the table, he knelt down beside her and reached out to touch her face, trying once again to rouse her, "Amanda."
"Oohh, just five more minutes, sweetheart," she mumbled reaching out to place a hand on his chest. He looked down to the small hand touching him and smiled. Realizing he wasn't going to awaken her, he reached out to pick her up. She snuggled against his body as he carried her up the stairs to her bedroom.
****************
Francine was practically floating as she unlocked her front door and stepped inside. She leaned back against it for a moment, eyes closed reliving the evening. After she'd left Amanda's...her thoughts drifted for a moment. 'Who'd have ever thought I'd be clearing my social calendar with Amanda King?' she asked with a shake of her head. But after what had taken place at the office earlier in the day, she'd needed to ease her mind before accepting completely. People already thought she could be enough of a heartless witch as it was without adding fuel to the fire. 'But Amanda hadn't minded,' she told herself, 'so why should it bother me or anyone else.' So she'd gone to meet Agent James, 'Phil' she thought smiling, for drinks at Nedlinger's. Conversation had come easily. They'd covered every subject they could think of. Hobbies, home life, career, travel. They'd decided they should head home when they'd noticed it was close to midnight. Now as Francine stood replaying the evening in her mind, she registered a sound coming from her kitchen. The agent in her took over. She reached for her gun as she soundlessly rounded the corner.
"Meew."
She jumped nearly out of her shoes, then laughed at herself out loud. "How'd you get back in?" she asked with a smile, "I could swear I put you out before I left today." As she bent to retrieve her 'intruder' she noticed out of the corner of her eye, the back door. Was it open? Or was it just the way the shadow fell? As she stood cautiously, hand on gun, cat forgotten for the moment, she heard a sound behind her. She instinctively turned her head to investigate but before her body could follow she felt a stinging sensation at the base of her skull and then nothing.
"You did," a voice answered her previous question to the cat, "didn't she?"
****************
Amanda awoke the next morning with a start. Expecting to find herself still on the couch and it to still be dark out she had no idea how she'd gotten to bed and night had turned to day. Suddenly she remembered Lee and that he'd said something about staying and realized what must have happened. No longer confused or concerned, she scooted out from under the blanket that covered her and off the bed. She went to splash some water on her face and brush her teeth before she went to check on Lee. She moved some of her hair out of the way and held it with a clip. Looking in the mirror to determine that she was indeed decent and presentable, she headed downstairs.
Her morning greeting died on her lips as she took in the sight in her family room. Lee had indeed stayed and made himself a bed on the couch. He barely fit however, and Amanda wasn't sure how well he could have slept. His arms crossed, he lay on his back and to Amanda his body looked as though it might jump up at any moment ready for action. His face however told a different story. Turned toward the couch cushions, there was such a look of peace on it. It wasn't there often. For the moment there were no secrets, no international terrorists, no threats to national security, there was no Scarecrow. Amanda looked on in wonder at the complete transformation of a man. 'I'll have to tell him someday,' she thought, 'how peaceful he looks when he sleeps.' Not wanting to disturb that peace, she moved noiselessly around the kitchen. She had made the coffee and sat with a bowl of cereal before she heard sounds of life emerging from her couch.
"Morning," she called to the form that emerged and was facing away from her. She received a grunt in reply along with a raised left hand in greeting. Lee stood and stumbled out of the room. He stumbled back in a few minutes later needing a razor and a comb, squinting his eyes against the bright sunlight.
She watched in silence as he moved purposefully through her kitchen. Stopping first to turn off the overhead range light. She hadn't noticed it earlier due to the excess of sunlight but guessed it had kept him company during the night. He then moved straight to the cupboard she kept the mugs in, grabbed one and poured himself a cup of coffee, fixing it just the way he liked it. He took a sip and started to wake up. Amanda wasn't the least bit surprised he knew where to find exactly what he needed. 'He's been watching us through these windows long enough,' she thought, and with a smile finished, 'but not even Lee Stetson knows where I keep the marshmallows.'
"What's so funny?" Lee's slightly deeper morning voice startled her out of her reverie as he came to join her at the table.
"Oh nothing," she replied, "I'm just so . . . refreshed. I slept really well, didn't hear a sound . . . in fact . . . I . . .
don't even remember you taking me to bed. I mean, you did, right? Of course you did, how else would I get there -" she was rambling now and knew it.
"Well, I tried to wake you up," Lee cut her off, "but all I could get out of you was, 'five more minutes, sweetheart.'" She blushed at that and mumbled, "I must've thought you were one of the boys." He nodded and continued, "You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you. So I carried you," he finished.
Amanda opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by the ringing of the telephone. Standing to answer it she said, "Hello . . . oh my gosh! Where...how...okay...okay...we'll be right there." Lee had jumped up when he heard the anxiety in her voice and stood in front of her waiting. "Francine...she...was attacked last night. Billy wants us to meet him at the hospital."
*****Galilee General 9:30 am*****
Lee and Amanda hurried down the corridor towards a waiting Billy. Before they could begin questioning him he held up his hands and said, "First of all, let me tell you, it looks worse than it
is."
"What happened, sir?" asked Amanda.
"We just don't know. Do either of you know where Francine was last night?"
"She said she was going out - ," Amanda began before cutting herself off. Billy and Lee looked at her expectantly, waiting for more information.
But she was saved from answering their questioning looks by a doctor calling, "Mr. Melrose?"
"How is she?" Billy asked turning quickly towards him.
"All in all, very lucky, apparently she had a date last night and returned home around midnight to find an intruder. They fought and she took a blow to the back of the head. A neighbor called the police after seeing a "suspicious person" hanging around. They found her and called for an ambulance. We've had her under observation here since 12:30," he finished.
"Can we see her?" asked Amanda.
"I'd prefer one visitor at a time and I'd like to keep her here a little longer. If all goes well, she'll be released later today."
"Thank you, doctor," Billy said.
"Of course. Room 638," he said as he indicated a room around the corner to Amanda. She nodded her thanks and headed down the corridor.
****************
Her hand poised to open the door, Amanda paused for a moment, gathering her strength for what she knew awaited her on the other side. A body bruised and battered by an unknown attacker. 'Is it better to not know who it is that beats you?' she wondered. She was pulled from her thoughts by a pair of hands strongly grasping her shoulders from behind.
****************
"Ouch!" Amanda yelped involuntarily as one hand came in contact with her own freshly bruised arm.
"Sorry," a deep male voice said as the hands squeezed her shoulders in response. Amanda stiffened again. The hands fell
immediately and she turned to find herself face to face with Agent James.
"Agent James," she said as she gently rubbed her arm.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I did it again," he said reaching out a hand to her arm then pulling back. "I came as soon as I heard. How is she? Is she awake?"
"As soon as you heard?" Amanda asked confused. 'Billy said he'd only called me after Lee didn't answer at his apartment,' she thought. But aloud said, "How'd you hear?"
"Oh, Billy called me . . . yeah, he knew Francine and I went out last night . . ." Amanda's mind flew back to Billy's question of just a few minutes ago asking if she or Lee knew where Francine had been last night. " . . . so, listen, as I was saying I'm kinda shook up about this whole thing. What say you and I go get a cup of coffee to calm my jangled nerves?" he asked with a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.
Amanda froze with fear as she recognized something deep inside his eyes that she couldn't quite understand. Her momentary confusion he took as consent and grabbed her free hand and pulled her toward the elevator bank.