Chapter 8: The Tag

A suburban residence in Rockville, Maryland

          Lee relaxed on the couch, grateful to be home, his family safe and secure. He smiled as Amanda entered the room. "Everything OK upstairs, honey?" he asked.

          Amanda sighed and plopped down on the couch next to him, tucking her legs under and resting her head on his shoulder. She took his hand in hers, caressing it softly as she answered him, "Yeah, Jenny's sound asleep. It looks like she'll most likely sleep straight through until morning, just like the doctor said. I've been thinking, Lee. How do we explain what happened when she asks us?"

          Lee turned to her, reaching over and running the back of his fingers gently across her cheek. "I've been giving it some thought, Amanda," he replied. "Maybe it's time to tell her the truth about our jobs."

          Amanda protested, "But, Lee, she's too young."

          Lee answered, "Well, Philip was older, but Jamie was about her age when we finally told them. You know we're going to tell her sooner or later."

          Amanda relaxed against him again. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it is time for her to know the truth," she said before lapsing into silence. The two of them sat silently for several minutes, wrapped in each other's arms, when suddenly Amanda began to shudder.

          Lee tightened his embrace. "Cold, honey?" He reached to grab a chenille throw from the back of the sofa.

          Amanda shook her head and pressed closer murmuring, "No, I'm not cold. I was just thinking about what we almost lost today."

          Lee replied tenderly, "But we didn't lose, honey. I don't know why, but somehow, when we're together, it's magic. You still watch my tail just like you always did in the field. You know, a long time ago, a wise woman once told me that you and I make a great team, and she was right." He began to play with the diamond heart she wore around her neck. "She's always right," he continued. "Even though it took me a couple of years to realize it," he whispered, tilting her chin up with his index finger. He looked into her deep brown eyes, his own hazel ones filled with love and desire.

          Barely getting the words out, Amanda asked softly, "And did this wise woman teach you anything else?"

          He moved his lips closer to hers. "Oh, yeah. She taught me loyalty." He kissed her gently, lightly touching her lips with his, before adding, "And trust." He kissed her again, this time increasing the pressure, drawing out the kiss. Releasing her lips a second time, he pulled back just enough to gaze into her eyes, now darkened with desire. "And love," he whispered against her mouth before initiating a deep and passionate kiss. She returned the kiss, moaning quietly against his onslaught. A fog of desire surrounded them, and it took several seconds before the voice penetrated.

          "Mom? Dad?"

          Lee and Amanda broke apart; both breathing heavily. Lee struggled to gain control, still drugged with desire. Looking up, he saw Jenny standing in front of the sofa. His voice uneven, he asked, "Sweetie, what's wrong? You should be in bed."

          She looked at her parents, trying to hold in the tears, her lower lip quivering. "I woke up alone in my room and I got scared."

          "Oh, sweetheart, come here," Amanda said, moving away from Lee and making a space for her. Jenny squeezed between them, throwing her arms around her mom's neck and crying into her shoulder.

          "Mom, those men were coming after me and I was running away and I couldn't find you or daddy," she sobbed.

          "You had a bad dream, sweetheart. You know your dad and I will always be there for you," she said, trying to comfort her.

          "Right, honey," Lee added, rubbing her shoulder gently. "Your mom and I love you so much and we'll always do whatever it takes to protect you."

          Jenny released her hold on Amanda's neck and turned to embrace her dad. She buried her face in his neck. "I love you, too, daddy. I didn't mean it when I said I hated you."

          "I know, I know," he replied, smoothing her hair and kissing her gently on the top of her head. "I know."

          Tears fell from Amanda's eyes as she watched the tender moment between her daughter and husband. She caught his eye and smiled through her tears, her breath catching in her throat at the smile he gave her in return.

          Eventually, Jenny's sobs subsided and she pulled away from Lee. She clasped her hands together and looked down at her fingers. Amanda placed a hand over Jenny's and gave a gentle squeeze. "What else is bothering you, sweetheart?"

          "Well, I've been thinking about the things dad did while we were at the Capitol." Turning her head she looked up at Lee. "Why do you have all those weird things? You know, like that skinny wire, and why did you want me to put that button in your ear? What was that all about?"

          Lee stammered, "Well, uh, I, uh. . ." before looking over to Amanda for help. '"I think it's time, honey," he said quietly.

          Amanda nodded in agreement. Moving off the couch she sat on the edge of the coffee table, so she could face her daughter. Taking a deep breath, she started, "It's time we told you a few things, Jenny. It's kind of long and it's complicated, but it all began about nineteen years ago with a waiter, a package and a man in a red hat."

The End