Chapter 7: The Aftermath

The Capitol Building

          By the time Amanda made it to the entrance of the chamber, the situation was already resolved. Jenny and Rachel were being carried out of the room on stretchers by the paramedics, as were the two terrorists. After checking on Jenny's condition and being convinced that she was fine and in good hands, she entered the room and saw Lee shaking the hands of the members of the bomb squad as they secured the bomb. "Good job, man," she heard one of them say to him. "You disarmed it like a pro. How'd you know what to do?"

          Another said, "Just one second left. You must have nerves of steel, buddy."

          As the men wheeled the bomb away, Amanda approached Lee who was sitting back on his heels. He looked up at her as she got near and smiled broadly, a smile which quickly turned into a laugh. Standing, he grasped her hands, leaned in and whispered, "Thanks," into her ear before kissing her lightly on the cheek.

          She pulled back and smiled. "For what?" she asked. "For doing my job?"

          "No, not for doing your job. Which was done very well, by the way," he added with a wink.

          She looked at him questioningly, "So what are you thanking me for?"

          "For helping me disarm the bomb," he answered.

          "What? What did I do?" she asked.        

          "It was the blue wire, Amanda. Can you believe it? The blue wire! The timer was counting down and I had to make a decision, so I made the only one possible. And I have you to thank. You and that old dishwasher of yours."

          "You're kidding," she said laughing.

          He shook his head and grinned again. "You realize that's twice that old dishwasher has saved DC from disaster? And to think we bought a new one when we moved." Putting his arm around her waist, Lee hugged her close, bringing his lips close to hers. He kissed her briefly before murmuring into her ear, "I think it's time we find our daughter and go home."

          Amanda nodded and replied, "Good plan." They reached for each other at the same time and left the chamber hand in hand.