Act 5: No Where To Run

Amanda clung loosely to Lee as they moved to the beat of the jitterbug. She intentionally made eyes at Laban over the heads of the other hoofers. Laban however, was locked in Bab's embrace and hadn't noticed Amanda's overtures. Amanda leaned in toward Lee and whispered that she was having trouble getting Laban's attention since the dance floor was so crowded. Lee nodded and wondered how anyone could not notice this beautiful vision before him. He deftly guided Amanda closer to Laban and Babs.

Lee took a good look at his foe and thought for a moment. It might be poetic justice to have Laban spend the rest of his life with Babs alone on an island instead of in prison. But no, thinking of dear Emily Farnsworth being taken advantage of and poor orphans being left out in the cold was enough for Lee to persevere.

As the lively music continued, Lee smoothly led Amanda closer and closer to their target. To anyone observing, Lee looked dashing and confident. That was on the outside but, on the inside, he was still reeling from that kiss. He looked down at Amanda to determine how she was reacting but she seemed too preoccupied with their mission to register any kind of response.

Soon Amanda was back to back with Babs. Lee manuevered his partner so she could target Laban directly. The only problem was...Babs knew Amanda was not a rich socialite. Unless Lee could get rid of Babs, Amanda's cover would be blown. Lee seemed to be able to read Amanda's mind. He nodded to her indicating that he would cut-in and take off with Babs.

Amanda was almost relieved. The blitzkrieg of emotions she was feeling since Lee had kissed her were overwhelming. She didn't want to think about them and was looking forward to getting her mind set on the business at hand.

Before Lee released Amanda from his embrace he looked at her and then at her evening bag. Amanda nodded silently. Yes, the recorder was in her bag and ready to go. With an aprehensive smile, Amanda allowed Lee to release her and "cut in" on Babs and Laban.

Babs was more than thrilled to have a hunk like Lee take her for a whirl on the dance floor and she flung her arms tight around Lee's waist. Yes, Babs loved to dance. She was especially thrilled when the tune 'Boogey, Woogey Buggle Boy' began. Lee did his best to manhandle, er, lead Babs as far away from Laban and Amanda as he could. It took all his patience not to yell out in pain as Babs continually spiked his feet with her heels. Laban was going to owe him one for this!

Amanda coyly smiled as her smooth tongued adversary gripped her in his embrace. Laban's cologne was overpowering, Amanda could barely breath for reasons entirely different from the ones Lee provoked.

"Ehm, ehm," Amanda began as she struggled to gasp for air in Laban's grasp. "I've heard many wonderful things about you, Mr. Laban." Amanda hated lying through her teeth.

Ishmael Laban smiled with extreme pleasure. He adored the praises of men and especially adored the praises of beautiful women. Amanda soon found out the Laban put the "I" in egomanIac.

"Ishmael, I hear that you fund orphanages in the Middle East," Amanda offered as she moved her arms up to Laban's neck so the microphone could more easily pick up his voice.

"Don't call me Ishmael! Please call me "Oh Supreme One."

Amanda turned to laugh at him but stopped herself. She could tell by the expression on his face, he was dead serious. She was beginning to wonder if she was dancing with the antichrist.

Despite the gnawing fear in her gut, Amanda continued. "Oh, 'Supreme One'", she felt so ridiculous talking like this, "You have such an excellent reputation!"

"Oh yes!" He responded. Laban enjoyed this little tart's advances and held her even tighter. Amanda was almost overcome by his fetid scent. Amanda pulled her head away from his shoulder and attempted to not breath through her nose while talking.

"Well, I am interested in funding such a cause, but, I also have other interests." Amanda wanted to test the waters.

"Yes dear, I can tell you are interested in me too, but I must warn you, I am married! But then again, you don't seem like the kind of woman who cares about those things, hehehe!"

Amanda almost retched as this foul man insinuated that she was interested in him. From across the room, she could see Lee watching her like a hawk. Lee was ready to intervene any second. Amanda feared that her first foray in the secret detective business would end up an utter failure.

"No, I mean other 'other' interests." Amanda continued, " Such as the hezbolah for instance."

Laban stared shrewdly at this wench before him. He tightened his grip even more and easily lifted Amanda off her feet.

"How do you know about that!", he hissed as he dragged her off the dance floor.



Lee sprang to action, He saw Laban rough up Amanda and he had had enough!

Babs was in shock as Lee left her spinning on the dance floor. "How strange" she thought, I wonder if it was something I did..."

Lee followed Laban and Amanda at a distance but he couldn't catch up with them as they left the ballroom. Lee could see two other men join Laban and Amanda in the lobby as he approached the exit.



Once he reached the lobby, Lee looked up and down the corridors. Amanda and her abductors were no where in sight.

TBC