DISCOVERY-PART III


Q Bureau- Friday-Lunch time

"I'm sorry Debbie," Lee murmured contritely. "I have to work this weekend, Boss's orders. I'll make it
up to you later, all right?"

"Don't bother, Lee, this is our last contact. I have other prospects waiting. Goodbye," she slammed the
phone down.

Scarecrow banged the receiver down, seething. He breathed deeply a couple of times to calm himself
down, and finally achieved some control.

He decided he would try and get along with Amanda. After all, she was in the same boat, and THE
CIRCUMSTANCES WEREN'T HER FAULT.

He looked across at her intently working some files and softened his tone.

"Amanda, what time do you want to head out? We'll have to stop at my place first so I can pack some
clothing.

Don't you think we ought to use your Wagoneer for traveling in the mountains. I could leave the Vette
at my apartment."

She affirmatively nodded and answered. "We ought to consider leaving soon. We could grab some lunch,
and by the time we get to Arlington, it should be around four o'clock p.m. How does that sound?"
She was trying to be sincere.

"That sounds fine. Where do you want to go for lunch?" Lee was starving.

"How about Nedlingers?" Amanda suggested.

"That sounds great. Ready to go?"

"Yes, I have all the pertinent data, and the disc. We should let Billy know we are leaving."

"Let's stop by his office on the way out. Don't forget to lock the door," Lee reminded her.

Amanda placed her hand on his arm to stop him from leaving for a moment. Her touch sent a shiver through him, and he looked at her in a rather intimate way for a moment, his heart beating wildly.

"Lee, I'm sorry your weekend with Debbie was spoiled," Amanda sincerely tried to convey her apology.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not really that upset. I enjoy being with you, Amanda. I just don't convey this
feeling to you enough, and all the anger wasn't over Debbie anyway." He smiled back at her.

Amanda's conscience kicked in then. "How's that comment to promote a guilt trip, Amanda King? Are you sure you want to go through with this?' her conscience nagged.

"Yes I do," she whispered in answer.

"What?" replied Lee questioningly.

"I'm sorry. I was not thinking. I meant to say I enjoy your company, too, after all, you're my best friend."

"You're mine, too," he smiled in return. 'Plus much more,' he thought. Why were you worried about
Debbie anyway. You know it's Amanda and always has been,' his conscience reminded him. His brain agreed.

"C'mon, let's go to lunch," he took her hand, his nerves a little frayed.

As they left Lee's apartment with everything secured, Amanda asked if lee wanted to drive the Jeep.
Lee took the keys gratefully to keep his mind occupied and off his partner.

AMANDA'S HOME

Lee waited for Amanda in the den. His mind wandered and he wondered what it would be like to live in
a home like this, and be part of a family. He pictured Amanda as his wife, the boys accepting him as their dad, and Dotty loving him like her own son. He pictured a baby girl on his knee with curly brown hair,
and deep, dark eyes, just like her Mom. He wanted all of these dreams, especially Amanda as his wife.

"Lee---Lee." No answer. "Lee," Amanda shouted, "are you o.k.? I'm ready to leave."

"Oh yeah, I'm ready," answered a startled Scarecrow. "I was just a little preoccupied for a little while is all.
I'll get your bags, Amanda."

'It seemed so real'---thought Lee. 'I felt so satisfied and fulfilled. Maybe----someday.'

"Lee," Amanda was getting concerned, "aren't you going to put the luggage in the Jeep.--- Lee?"

"What ---oh---of course," he stammered.

"I'm sorry, Amanda, I'm fine now," he squeezed her hand, and smiled.

They made small talk on the trip which took about two hours. Lee relaxed and really began enjoying
Amanda's company. He glanced her way once in a while when he thought she wasn't looking.

'She's lovely,' Lee thought, 'and I love her so much---love her, God, yes I do, I love her. Why am I so scared, and why in the world did I ask Debbie for a date anyway.'

He trained his eyes back to the road, basking in the revelation. They finally started up the drive to the Smokey Blue Inn. Lee smiled toward her and took her hand.

Amanda was in heaven, contrasted by the growing guilt. 'Why does he have to be so nice? He wasn't
making this any easier,' she thought.

They checked into their room, a beautiful suite with a queen size bed.

After getting settled, Lee mentioned, "Shall we go to dinner, Amanda? I'm starving."

"Let me freshen up a bit. Then I'll be right with you."


The Old Dominion Restaurant had a rustic feel to it. They window table they shared gave a spectacular
view of the Blue Ridge at night.

Lee ordered steaks, baked potatoes, and salads for himself and his partner, with her approval, of course.

Amanda's guilt trip was growing larger by the minute. She couldn't look Lee in the eye anymore.

As she was taking in the surroundings of the restaurant, she saw a familiar face, Elena Pochenko, across
the room. When Elena was spotted by Amanda, she quickly disappeared.

Amanda's anxiousness was growing. Once in their room, Amanda sat on the bed close to Lee and opened
up to him. She couldn't take the guilt anymore She took both his hands, looked straight into his beautiful,
green eyes and confessed.

"I brought you up here under false pretences. There was really no set drop planned. I cooked up the idea
and Billy approved. It was planned to teach you a lesson on always taking me for granted. You assume
I'll just drop everything when you need me on an assignment. You always say, "It's a matter of national
security." I don't know how many times I've fallen for that line. I needed to let you know because I can't
stand the guilt anymore. Also, because I noticed someone up here who shouldn't be, who works at I. F. F.
with us, Elena Pochenko, acting suspiciously."

"I knew you had planned something, Amanda. I noticed the secret looks between you and Billy," Lee
admitted quietly.

"Why didn't you just put a stop to the whole adventure, Lee. You had plenty of time."

"Because, Amanda, I wanted to see this scenario played out. I wanted to know why my partner would go
to so much trouble to prove a point. And why she needed to travel to a wonderful inn for a getaway weekend to do so," replied Scarecrow, moving closer to her on the bed.

Amanda was at a loss for words. She could only stare into those green liquid pools of her love. There
was no place to hide anymore, the truth had to come out.

Amanda couldn't get her voice to work. The tears started flowing freely now. "I couldn't tell you, Lee.
I didn't know how you would react. Think of what you would say to me if the tables were turned."

Lee moved even closer. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and moved in for a hug, trying to
comfort her. He relished their closeness.

"Amanda," Lee whispered, and leaned in closer to claim her lips.

He kissed her lightly at first to gauge her reaction. When she smiled and placed her arms around his
neck, Lee held her tightly and kissed her possessively. Amanda opened her mouth for him as his tongue
played with her lips. He engulfed her mouth greedily releasing all his pent-up passion. They had to break
for air. Lee had to calm down a bit.

"I've wanted that to happen for so long now" he whispered, burying his face in her luxurious hair.
"I don't want to hide my feelings any longer.

Amanda,, you have proved your point so far," Lee said. Amanda smiled, "you know Billy was reluctant
to agree to this whole plan. Then he got wind that the disc was to be transferred to the KGB this weekend
at the Smokey Blue Inn. After that, it was a go."

"Why this particular weekend, Amanda?"

"I was alone, mother and the boys had plans. You had made definite plans with Debbie. I overheard you
earlier in the week. I wanted you to see how it feels when the situation is reversed, and so important that
it's a matter of national security."

"When Debbie dumped me on the phone, I believe you got your point across, partner," Lee replied,
placing his forehead against hers.

Amanda blushed. "I'm truly sorry for that Lee. You can see that I'm not as adept at carrying out adverse
plans as you are. I'm too honest, I guess," she said quietly.

"I wouldn't want you any other way, Amanda King," reaffirmed Lee. "That's one of the many positive qualities in you I find enchanting, and why I lo---admire---you so much," he kissed her forehead.

"Thank you, Lee," she returned, turning in his embrace. "I feel so much better now."

"Well, we had better head to bed. The trip was tiring. At least we don't have to wake up early tomorrow.
Would you like me to contact Billy for us?"

"Would you mind?"

"No, not at all," replied scarecrow, releasing her reluctantly.

"I'll be out of the bathroom shortly, Lee."

"Take your time, Amanda. I'm in no hurry."

Amanda headed toward the bed after her shower dressed in a low cut blue nightgown. She pulled down the comforter, knowing all the while that her partner's eyes were devouring her.

"You can have the bathroom now," she turned around to let Lee know she was finished but ran straight
into him. He was standing so close to her.

"You look beautiful. I wanted to say goodnight," he whispered in her ear. He pulled her closely to him,
wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.

Lee took in her unique scent, the aroma of sweet jasmine and some other flower that only Amanda wore.
He kissed her neck at the nape, and found her sensitive spot. He planted tiny kisses up her neck to her jaw
towards her mouth. Amanda shivered in his embrace. She wound her arms around his neck eagerly.
Lee captured her lips hungrily and voraciously, starting to lose control of his emotions. He deepened the
kiss.

"Amanda," he whispered, as they broke for breath.

"Oh, Lee," she sighed, holding him to her, burying her face in his neck.

Gathering all the control he could muster, he said huskily "I should stop now for both our sakes. Goodnight, Amanda, see you in the morning," he gave her a quick kiss.

"Goodnight, Lee," she whispered, and as he retreated into the bathroom she whispered, so softly, only
she could hear, "I love you, Scarecrow."

Later, when Lee approached his side of the bed, Amanda was sound asleep already. He gazed at her in
wonder. She looked so lovely and peaceful.

"Goodnight, baby. I love you," he whispered as he caressed her cheek. "Sleep well."

Keeping apart from this wonderful woman was going to take all the will power he had. He respected and
loved Amanda, and would never take advantage of the situation. Lee finally nodded off into dreamland,
images of his partner appearing and contentment abounded.