Chapter 6
*See chapter 1 for disclaimer
The snow fell heavily on the already burdened streets of Washington D.C. as Lee Stetson not so expertly maneuvered his silver vette along the familiar path that would lead him across the Potomac to Arlington. The wipers did little to improve his visibility, and neither did the panic that gnawed deeper at his mind and heart as he drove nearer and nearer to the George Washington Parkway, and what he prayed he wouldn't find there.
One thought kept him company during his journey, Oh, God, let her be at home. Just let her be at home.'
It would normally have taken Lee about 20 minutes to get to the bridgem, and only a few minutes to cross it. On this day, however, the traffic crept along as if it were standing still.
Come on, come on, move it! Lee spoke to the cars in front of him, hitting the steering wheel with the palms of his hands, and keeping an eye out the window on the other side of the street, hoping to see the familiar Wagoneer heading in the opposite direction. However, all that he saw was snow, snow, and more snow.
Damn this snow, it's getting worse, he cursed as he finally made it to the on ramp of the bridge. He strained to see Arlington in the distance, but could only see the tail lights of the car in front of his.
Oh, Amanda, why didn't you listen to me? Lee sighed in desperation.
After another endless wait crossing the bridge, the signs marking off ramps into Arlington slowly and dismally loomed into view overhead. They were barely noticeable for all the snow that fell in front of them. Lee carefully pulled into the lane that would allow him access to the George Washington Parkway. He kept looking out the window trying to focus through the haze of snow. He thought he could make out blinking lights, but he wasn't sure. Again, cursing the whole time, and praying for Amanda too, he slowly inched his way up the on ramp.
Finally, he was able to see more clearly up ahead. No, it can't be. Oh, come on,' he hit the the steering wheel in frustration again as he noticed the cars in front of him were being directed back into the lane he had just left, and away from the GWP. Again, he inched along and came to a stop just behind a police car. This is just great, he said to himself.
Sir, the road is closed. I'm going to have to ask you to merge to the left, the police officer spoke through Lee's opened window.
Federal Agent, Lee replied, flashing his badge, and preparing to continue through, but he was stopped by the officer's hand on his car.
Sir, right now I don't care if you're the President, the officer spoke sternly. You're not getting on this road.
Lee continued, but was cut off.
Look, if you don't merge, I'll have to take you in. I don't have time for this. There was a big accident up there, and we need to keep this lane open to take the injured out, the officer hoped that this would get Lee to do what he asked.
Lee looked ahead into the distance. Would this be the way his Amanda would be coming?' he wondered, but shook that thought back into his mind.
Alright, Alright. I'll go around. Lee begrudgingly told the officer. All he wanted to do was floor his vette onto the GWP, and get to Amanda, what ever condition she was in, but he knew he couldn't argue with what the officer was saying. If they did have to bring Amanda this way he knew he wouldn't want anyone in their way.
Lee carefully moved back into the lane that would take him straight into Arlington. As he crept over the overpass, he could almost make out the scene beneath him. Oh, my God, Amanda, Where are you? he repeated for the millionth time since leaving the agency, as he saw the wreckage and police lights, obscured by the snow, and felt his heart leap into his throat. For the first time that day he realized how very cold it really was. Lee felt as if his blood had turned to ice, and he felt a cold hand grabbing him from behind. Was she...no, she couldn't be. I'd know that, right? People always say they know when that happens.' He remembered his thoughts back at the agency, and turned his eyes from what he saw. If she was..., he didn't want to know...not this way. He made up his mind to go to Amanda's and wait for the news. He had to be with his family.
***TBC****