See Part 1 for Disclaimers, Notes, etc.
Chapter 5
Amanda looked at the huge entranceway of the Ritz-Carlton. "This is quite extravagant for two government employee's," she mentioned as she followed Mark to the registration desk.
"I come here all the time. Like I told you before, I have a few friends at the top." Mark stopped and took Amanda's hand.
'I'll say you do,' she thought, giving him her best smile.
Mark looked down into her shining brown eyes. "I have another little surprise in store for you."
"What more could you possible surprise me with?" Amanda continued to look at the extravagance surrounding her, trying to avoid his gaze.
"The Vice-President is having a small gathering tomorrow night and we've been invited to join in the festivities." Mark brushed a stray curl from her shoulder.
"The Vice-President?" Amanda asked, inwardly cringing at this touch.
"Yep. I hope you brought a spectacular gown," Mark laughed.
Amanda returned his laughter. "I've learned from experience, and try to always be prepared."
"You wait here while I check us in." Mark gave her hand one last squeeze before heading over to the registry desk.
Amanda looked around the huge room for a telephone. She desperately wanted to call Billy. She was very uncomfortable with the fact that she was alone on this one. She spotted a phone on one of the coffee tables near the entrance. She looked over at Mark to see that he was pre-occupied with the desk clerk and made her way to the phone.
Amanda began to dial the familiar number.
"May I help you with something?" A deep, hardened voice asked from behind her.
Amanda quickly dropped the receiver back to the phone at the sound of the voice. She turned to face a tall dark skinned man in his mid-forties. "No, I was just trying to call home and check on my family."
"The phones in the lobby haven't been working properly. Perhaps the one in your room will work better, " he stated as he hovered over her.
"Perhaps you're right." Amanda looked up into the man's dark gray eyes. "Do I know you?"
"I don't think so," he replied.
Studying his features, she stated, "You sure do look familiar."
"I have that affect on a lot of people." He continued to stand only inches from her body.
"I guess I'd better go." Amanda looked over to see the desk attendant handing Mark their keys.
His voice became hauntingly deep. "Perhaps we'll meet again."
"Perhaps." Amanda gave him a quick smile and retreated to Mark.
"Here you go. We're on the tenth floor." Mark handed Amanda her key.
"Mark, do you know that man over there?" She turned to point to where she had just been.
"What man?" Mark asked, following the direction of her finger.
Amanda's dark eyebrows furrowed together. "He was there just a minute ago."
"Probably just some businessman trying to gain the company of a pretty lady." Mark took possession of her hand and headed to the elevator.
"Hmm...I guess," Amanda replied as she followed him.
Lee gave Kevin's apartment door a hard knock, and stood back waiting for the young man to answer.
"Are you a friend of Kevin's?" Lee turned his head to look at the red head addressing him.
Lee gave her a brief smile. "I guess you could say that."
Kevin opened the door. "Hey, Lee."
"Ready?" Lee asked as the young woman began looking him up and down.
Kevin held the door open for him. "Just about. Want to come in?"
"Might as well," Lee replied, and entered the apartment.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" The young woman followed Lee.
"Sorry, Lou. This is Lee Stetson. Lee this is Lou Farewell." Kevin gave Lee a mischievous smile, then headed for his bedroom.
"I haven't seen you at any of Kevin's parties. Are you new in town?" Lou asked as she approached Lee.
"No," Lee replied. He was beginning to become very uncomfortable with the woman's growing closeness.
"Not much of a talker, are you?" Lou asked, inching closer to Lee.
"No." Lee glanced around the disheveled apartment. It looked like your basic bachelor pad; the bar was stocked full, the living room full of discarded takeout containers, and a variety of dirty clothes littered the floor. He shook his head in disgust as he felt Lou's hand touch his chest.
"You and Kevin going on a trip?" Lou asked, playing with Lee's lapel.
"Yes. Are you ready yet, Kevin?" Lee stepped away from the woman. He wasn't in the mood to deal with this touchy feely woman at the moment.
"Just changing my clothes. I want to look my best ya' know! Why don't you get yourself something to drink out of the fridge?" Kevin yelled.
Lee left Lou in the living room and proceeded into the small kitchen. He opened the refrigerator door to find it full of beer and a jug of spoiled milk.
"Don't you ever go to the store?" Lee yelled into the other room.
"Sure, but I tend to eat out more than I do in." Kevin walked from the bedroom dressed in a new suit.
"Don't you look all spiffy," Lou remarked as she straightened his tie.
"You think so, Lou? I thought maybe it made me look too stuffy." Kevin flashed Lee a wide grin.
Lou gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Not at all!"
"I guess I'm ready." Kevin pulled away from her clutches and entered his kitchen.
"Good. Let's get the hell out of here." Lee slammed the refrigerator door closed.
"Do you two have to rush off? I'm off all day with nothing to do." Lou pouted, as she leaned against the kitchen doorway.
Kevin gave her a quick peck on the lips, then went to retrieve his luggage. "Duty calls, my dear."
"Don't be a stranger, Lee." Lou gave him her best seductive look and sauntered out of the apartment.
"What do you think of her?" Kevin asked as he flopped down on his couch.
"Who?" Lee decided to play innocent.
Kevin laughed. "Lou. She's SINGLE you know."
Lee looked to the flashing light of the answering machine. "Don't you ever check your messages?"
"Same 'ole, same 'ole--just a bunch of lonely women." Kevin shrugged as he stood to place his luggage in the hall.
"It might be something important; like a phone call from Billy, or me for that matter," Lee remarked, pushing the play button.
Kevin continued his task as Lee listened. Four different women had called, all wanting to know when they would hear from Mr. Wonderful again. Lee shook his head and followed Kevin into the hallway.
"You know what it's like, Lee. Once they get a taste of you, they always want to come back for seconds." Kevin closed his door and locked it.
Lee only nodded. 'That line sounds way too familiar,' he thought as he followed Kevin out to the car.
Mark waited patiently as the bellhop finished carrying in Amanda's luggage. He handed the man a bill and closed the door behind him. Amanda looked out her bedroom window at the busy streets below. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry to go somewhere: a job, school, shopping, or home to a loved one. She sighed at the thought. The man she loved was far away from her in D.C. The look of betrayal in his eyes still sent shivers down her spine. She would probably never have a home to go to with him waiting for her. He would never forgive her for her deceit.
"Amanda, are you all right?" Mark walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Yes. I was just watching all the commotion below. D.C. is a busy place, but nothing compared to this." Amanda turned in his embrace and smiled up at him.
"It is a little breathtaking, isn't it." Mark glanced at his watch. "It's really too late for us to head to I.A. today. How about I treat you to dinner and dancing tonight?" he asked, continuing his tight embrace around her waist.
"Sounds wonderful. I could use a little time to freshen up and unpack before we start work tomorrow." Amanda continued her happy farce.
"Sounds good to me. I have to run a few errands and change clothes myself. How about I pick you up at seven o'clock? That would give you four hours to rest and get ready for this evening."
Amanda nodded her agreement.
"I look forward to seeing you tonight, then." Mark leaned down and tasted her lips.
"Me too, Mark." Amanda whispered as he released her.
Amanda watched as the long-limbed man left her room. She headed for the phone as soon as she heard the door click. 'All right, Amanda, who do you call? Think, Amanda. Think. This phone may not be a clean line, so I need to take a round about way to call Billy. I've got it!' Amanda thought as she grabbed her purse and retrieved her address book. Locating the correct number, she picked up the phone and dialed.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Uncle Rupert. It's your niece, Amanda."
"Where have you been young lady? I've missed our little outings. You still haven't taken me out on the town for a night of dancing, dear niece," Rupert laughed.
"Mind your manner's, Uncle Rupert. I've been really busy."
"Oh! I see, dear. How is your job going these days?"
"Very busy, Uncle Rupert. That is one of the reasons I'm calling you."
"Is there anyway I can help you out?"
"Yes. Will you call Uncle Billy for me? His line must be really hot today because I can't get though. I have a busy evening ahead, and I won't be able to call him."
"Sure. What do you want me to tell him?"
"Tell him that I made it just fine to New York, and that I'm staying at the Ritz-Carlton; that I'm excited about meeting the Vice President at tomorrow night's gathering, and I wish he was here."
"I'm sure he is worried about you. I'll deliver the message personally."
"Thanks, Uncle Rupert. I'll be talking to you soon."
"Goodbye, Amanda. You be sure to save me a dance."
"I will. Goodbye." Amanda hung the phone up with a sigh of relief. At least now, Billy would know where she was. She grabbed her overnight bag and went to the bathroom; she desperately needed to soak away some of the anxiety from her body.
Lee and Kevin walked into the lobby of the Holiday Inn.
"Nice place. Come here often?" Kevin asked as he looked around the dimly lit lobby.
"It'll do us for the short time we're here." Lee gave Kevin a sharp look and headed for the reservation desk.
"I suppose it will," Kevin mumbled as he followed Lee.
"Reservations for Stemple and Milts," Lee told the clerk.
Kevin raised his blonde eyebrow at the simple alteration of their names. Lee shrugged his shoulders at his companion and took the keys from the desk clerk.
"I suppose we should get settled and head over to The Plaza to check on the Vice President's arrangements," Kevin stated as they entered the elevator.
Lee smiled at Kevin. "I want to run by our Agency located here to see if you can have better luck on their computer."
"Sure thing, Lee. After that, do you care if we grab a bite to eat? I'm starved!" Kevin exclaimed as the elevator doors opened and they exited into the hall.
"Sure, whatever. First things first, though." Lee opened the door to his room and carried his luggage in.
"See ya' in a few, Scarecrow." Kevin closed the door to his room and fell back against it. "I'm not so sure that I sold my soul for the right partner." He sighed into the empty room.
Billy exited the elevator into the Agency lobby to be greeted by a familiar old face.
"Hey, Billy. Got a minute?"
Billy smiled at the retired agent. "Hey, Rupert. I'm sorry I can't talk right now. I'm on my way to a big meeting."
Rupert pointed his finger at Billy. "Now, William, I need to speak to you about your children's manners. I have an important message for you from my favorite niece."
"Let's go up to Lee's office and have a talk." Billy headed for the stairs and motioned for Rupert to follow.
"So, who is the message from, and what is it?" Billy asked as he closed the door behind them.
"Is it safe to talk in here?" Rupert looked skeptically around the office.
"I had it swept after Lee and Kevin left this morning," Billy assured him.
"Kevin. Who is that?" Rupert shook his head as he looked at the dying plants in the window.
"Lee's new partner." Billy stated as he moved in front of Rupert.
"What about Amanda?" Rupert tilted his head and asked.
"I really can't get into that right now, Rupert. What did you want to tell me?" Billy patience began to wear thin.
"Amanda called me and wanted me to inform you that she made it to New York safely. She also said she was staying at the Ritz-Carlton." Rupert took a seat behind Amanda's desk.
"New York! Damn it! Why in the hell is she there!" Billy threw his hands up in the air.
Rupert put his hand over his right ear. "You don't have to shout, Billy. I may be old but I can still hear."
"I'm sorry, Rupert. She was supposed to be in Atlanta." Billy placed his hands flat on Amanda's desk and looked at Rupert for answers.
"That could've been why she was so nervous. She said she figured your phones were 'hot;' that's why she wanted me to contact you. She also said she wished you were there with her." Rupert's face carried hints of worry.
"Damn it! I sent Francine to Atlanta. She's there without any backup." Billy reached for Lee's phone to make a few calls.
Rupert's eyes followed Billy's actions. "Are you sure that line is safe?"
"You're right. I guess I'd better use the payphone around the corner. If Amanda was worried about the phones, something may be up that I'm unaware of--seems that's happening a lot. Did she tell you anything else?" Billy returned to stand before Rupert.
"She said to tell you that she was excited about attending the Vice-President's shindig tomorrow night." Rupert scratched his head trying to make sure he remembered it all.
"Well, if that doesn't take the cake, I don't know what would!" Billy continued with his loud tone of voice.
"What's wrong, son?" Rupert asked as he took note that Amanda's personal touches no longer existed in the office.
Billy threw his hands in the air, once again. "I would have to pick the same damn place for Lee to go."
Rupert gave Billy a questioning look. "I don't understand what you're talking about?"
"I sent Lee to cover the Vice-President's social tomorrow night! He doesn't need to be within a hundred mile radius of Amanda!" Billy placed his hands behind his back, and began the Lee Stetson ritual of pacing.
"Is she working on something that he shouldn't be aware of?" Rupert eyes followed Billy's movement.
Billy turned his tired eyes toward him. "Yeah, you could say that. It's pretty much a 'need to know' type of thing, Rupert. Sorry."
"I know how it goes in this business, young man. I just worry about that sweet thing out there all by herself. I always liked the idea of that big nephew of mine being her shadow." Rupert stood up from behind Amanda's desk then walked over to the window.
"I understand, Rupert, I really do. It is just that in this particular situation, she is the ONLY one we could use," Billy emphasized.
"I need to go make that phone call," Billy told Rupert as he headed for the door.
"You let me know if I can help my niece, Billy. You know, sometimes in an ocean full of sharks, an old fisherman can do more good than a hundred beginners." Rupert followed him.
"Thanks, Rupert. I will keep that in mind. Just remember that this conversation never happened." Billy turned to face the man behind him.
Rupert narrowed his eyes at Billy. "If you can remember, I'm pretty damn good at keeping a secret."
"I do remember. I'll be in touch with you if anything comes up, and you do the same." Billy extended his hand for Rupert to shake.
Rupert accepted his hand and firmly gripped it. "Don't worry, Billy. I'll be in touch."
Lee watched Kevin quickly strike the keys of the computer. They had been in the New York office for more than two hours without any luck in opening Dobson's file.
Kevin heard Lee's heavy sigh; he looked back to see his flustered partner. "I don't think I can crack this code in just a few hours. Somebody has got a major network of detours in this program."
"Keep trying," Lee insisted.
"Sure." Kevin lowered his eyes back to the screen.
"Any luck on that security stuff, Lee?" Stan Phillips gave Lee a pat on the back.
"No, not yet. I appreciate you letting us steal your desk for a while." Lee smiled at his long time friend.
"Not a problem. I was sick of dealing with that stack of paperwork anyway." Stan pointed at the stack of files that started at floor level and ended with the top of his desk.
"Damn, Stan. How far are you behind on your stuff?" Lee laughed.
"Actually, only a week or so. I'm not lucky to have that beautiful partner of yours to keep up with my paperwork. Where is she anyway? I like having her smiling face to concentrate on, instead of your ugly mug." Stan winked at Lee.
"Is he talking about Amanda?" Kevin glanced back at Lee.
"Amanda is working with I.A. on a few things at the moment." Lee looked at Kevin with a 'I dare you to say anything' look.
Stan noticed the sharp glance that passed from Lee to Kevin; he decided to shift the topic off of Amanda. "They want everything in triplicate around here. I don't suppose you have that problem since the I.A. offices in D.C. are in a separate building across town. They live in the basement of this building. I feel like they are the living dead just waiting to dig through the floor and pull us under." Stan grimaced at the thought.
"Nope. Luckily, we only see the little monsters every month or so." Lee gave his friend a pat on the back.
"You want to go grab a quick drink?" Stan asked.
Lee shook his head. "Wish we could, but we've got to head over to The Plaza to check on security for the V. P.'s visit."
"I thought we were handling that?" Stan asked.
"I'm just extra, Stan. I think it was more of a last minute thought, rather than an actual assignment," Lee seethed.
Stan noticed the implication in Lee's words. "Billy wants you out of the picture for a while, huh."
Lee nodded. "Yep. I think that pretty much sums it up."
"I didn't really think that they could fit another suit in that ballroom. Several of Internal Affair's big wigs are attending, in addition to the upper crust of society." Stan rolled his eyes.
"I've got it!" Kevin shouted.
"What?" Lee looked immediately to the screen.
"Shit! It's gone." Kevin began to frantically type on the keyboard to regain the screen.
"What did you have?" Lee balled his fists and rested them beside Kevin on the desk.
"What we were looking for, Lee," Kevin mumbled, unsure of how open to be.
"It was on the screen and then disappeared." Lee narrowed his eyes at the monitor.
"Somebody knows we're snooping." Kevin looked at Lee wide-eyed.
"Apparently. I guess we'd better head over to The Plaza now, Kevin." Lee stood to shake Stan's hand.
"Sorry we couldn't be more help, Lee." Stan firmly shook Lee's hand.
Lee smiled at Stan "Just remember that you never saw us here."
"'Who' was here?" Stan winked at Lee.
"I appreciate the discreet use of your establishment." Lee patted his friend on the arm as he walked by.
"Let me know if I can be of further help you. Since my partner, Marty, retired I'm usually here." Stan waved as he watched the two men exit the office.
Lee and Kevin walked to the car in utter silence. Once inside, Kevin let his thoughts fly. "So what do you think that was all about? I mean, I was on one split second, and then the next—poof! It was gone. I don't get--"
"Kevin, if you would just shut up a minute and let me think…" Lee cranked the car and headed out of the parking lot.
"Okay, okay." Kevin looked over at the man in the driver's seat. "Do you think we can eat while you think?"
"Yeah." Lee remained silent for the remainder of the ride. He weaved the rental car expertly through the heavy downtown traffic, as his mind thought only of what Amanda had gotten herself into.
The shadows of the clouds passed over the man looking at his observation monitors. She was such a lovely woman--too bad she had become a pawn in this game of life.
"Sir, we have confirmation from our D.C. contact of Scarecrow's arrival in New York," a shaky voice announced.
"Hmm…" The man in the leather chair swiveled around to meet his worker bee's eyes.
"What should I do?" The man looked to the floor, not wanting to look into the steely gray eyes of his superior.
"Nothing." He glanced at the man before him and turned his chair back to the monitor.
He dared question his superior. "Nothing, Sir?"
His deep, dark voice spoke calmly. "It's not Scarecrow's time. I have special plans for our little garden guarder. Continue as planned with our next project. I expect a report within the hour." He waved the nervous man away.
Chapter 6
Amanda sipped her wine as she studied the man across the table. On the outside he seemed the typical middle-aged American male, but her instincts told her he was a dangerous man and to tread lightly around him. "This is a beautiful establishment." Amanda smiled sweetly at Mark.
Mark took her free hand in his. "Not as beautiful as the woman I'm dining with."
"Thank you." Amanda blushed as she placed her goblet back on the table.
"Where would you like to go dancing?" Mark asked, never taking his eyes from her lovely face.
"I'm not familiar with New York. You'll have to pick the spot." Amanda looked up at him through her eyelashes.
"I thought that you and Stetson had been here on several assignments?" Mark questioned with a glint of anger in his eyes.
"We've been here on assignments before, but never for pleasure." Amanda gave his hand a light squeeze to reassure him.
"I see. It doesn't sound like the Stetson I know to be all business and no play." Mark searched her eyes for answers.
"Mark, I've told you before--Lee and I were only partners. He had his personal lifestyle, and I have mine." She smiled sincerely at him in hopes of defusing any ideas of the real relationship they had shared. Amanda's body trembled slightly of the thoughts that drifted to her mind. 'They had shared…it was hard to think of herself and Lee in the past tense.'
Mark studied her closely, but found no hint of loss for her partner. He gave her a renewed smile and continued their conversation of the city.
Lee calmly walked out of the main hall and exited the building.
"Boy, these New York agents sure are protective about their territory," Kevin said as he caught up to Lee.
"Yeah," Lee replied as he continued to his car.
"So what do we do now?" Kevin asked as he tried to keep up with Lee's quick pace.
"We go back to the hotel. I'll call Billy and tell him that this is a bullshit assignment. We get some sleep and head the hell home in the morning," Lee grumbled as he continued his way to the car.
"So it doesn't piss you off that they don't want us to help with the security plans?" Kevin pulled his coat tighter against the cold chill.
"I didn't think that they would." Lee shrugged his shoulders and pulled his keys from his pocket.
"So that means—" Kevin's voice trailed off.
Lee gave Kevin a quick glance as he began to unlock the car. "What is it, Kevin?"
Kevin nodded toward the entry of The Marriott across the street. Lee's eyes followed his lead and found the reason for Kevin's silence. A beautiful woman leaned her head against Dobson's broad shoulder as they exited the hotel. Her soft laughter was carried through the night air to Lee's ears. He flinched at the sound; his eyes narrowed as he watched the couple.
Kevin stepped closer to his partner. "Maybe we should go."
Lee remained still as he watched the two approach their waiting limo. His blood began to boil as she pressed her soft lips to those of the man she now accompanied.
Amanda felt a familiar presence as she started to take her seat in the limo. She glanced around the parking area; her eyes fell upon the shadow of the man that her heart belonged to. She warmed slightly at the thought that it could possibly be him; that he had discovered the truth behind her hurtful words; that he was here now to hold her and tell her of his love. The warmth in her body dispersed as quickly as it came. She watched the tall figure open his car door and leave.
"Are you all right?" Mark placed his hand on her waist.
"Yes, Mark. I was just admiring the building across the street. It will be lovely to spend the evening there tomorrow." Amanda smiled as she entered the limo. 'Lee was there in New York. Things were going to get a lot worse before they got better.' Not wanting to look at Mark, she kept her eyes focused on the views outside.
As they drove down the crowded city streets, Amanda watched the glimmering Christmas decorations that adorned most of the department store windows. As they passed by Rockefeller Center, she sighed. How she wished that she could be sharing a romantic evening with Lee, ice skating and sharing the sights of New York together. Blinking back tears, she resigned herself to the knowledge that she was here on a mission, and thoughts like that wouldn't help her. Reluctantly, she pulled her attention from the passing city lights, and back to her date for the evening.
Lee entered the hotel lobby, intent on going to his room and sorting out the recent events.
"Mr. Stimpson, you received several messages while you were gone," the desk clerk announced as he saw Lee enter the hotel doors.
Lee took the hand full of notes and headed to the elevators.
"Who are they from?" Kevin asked as he pushed the button for their floor.
"Billy," Lee stated as he thought of what his next move would be.
"What does he want?" Kevin probed further.
"For me to call him."
"Wonder what he wants?" Kevin stepped out of the elevator and proceeded to their rooms.
"I wonder," Lee said sarcastically as he unlocked his hotel door.
Kevin closed the door behind him and leaned against it. "Aren't you going to call him?"
"Nope." Lee tossed the notes into trashcan.
"Don't you think we should check in?" Kevin watched Lee pick up his duffle bag and head for the bathroom.
"Nope." Lee closed the door behind him.
Kevin sat on the bed and waited for Lee to return.
"What are you still doing here?" Lee asked as he picked up the remote to the television.
"I didn't know what you had planned." Kevin watched the television as Lee flipped through the channels.
"I plan on watching this damn television until my eyelids can't stand it anymore. Then, I'm crawling into that bed and going to sleep," Lee informed him.
Kevin continued his questioning. "So, why don't you call Mr. Melrose?"
"He just wants us to come home." Lee continued to flip channels.
"Don't you think that we should go? I mean, we didn't exactly receive a 'welcome to the party' greeting tonight at The Plaza. I don't think they want our help." Kevin continued to watch his partner's emotionless face.
Lee turned his eyes to meet Kevin's. "Remember what I said about partners?"
Kevin nodded. "Yeah."
"I have my reasons. I want to stick around another day and see what we can dig up. I suggest you go to your room and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." Lee returned his eyes back to the television.
"All right. However, I'm making a formal statement, here and now, that I don't like this, but since I'm your partner, I have to go along with it." Kevin shoved his hands in his pockets and crossed the room to the door.
Kevin stopped with his hand on the doorknob, and turned back to look at Lee. "Lee, if you need to talk about what we saw earlier, we could go out and grab a beer."
"Goodnight, Kevin." Lee continued to concentrate on the television.
"Goodnight then." Kevin left Lee alone.
Lee listened for the door to click shut. His eyes glazed over with anger, as the image of Amanda accepting Dobson's affections flashed before his eyes. The remote caught the brunt of Lee's anger as he threw it against the wall. 'What are you doing, Amanda?' Lee mumbled as he jerked the covers back on his bed; he fell into a fitful sleep.
Mark leaned against the wall while Amanda unlocked the door to her suite.
"Would you like to join me for a nightcap?" Amanda quietly asked as he held the door open for her.
Mark stroked her soft hair. "I'm sorry. I would love to join you for a 'night cap,' but I have several business associates that I must meet."
"Perhaps another time then." Amanda placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Mark titled her head up to see her shimmering brown eyes. "Definitely. I'll see you in the morning."
"Yes." Amanda touched her lips to his. Mark became more demanding as he held her head with his hands. She felt his tongue demanding entrance, so she parted her lips.
Mark pulled away breathless. "Goodnight, Amanda." He closed the door behind him.
"Not quite," Amanda whispered as she waited for Mark to leave for his destination.
Billy checked his watch, for what seemed like the hundredth time, over the past hour. He hadn't heard another word from Amanda, and now he was faced with the fact that Lee was in the same city.
"God, could it get any worse," Billy mumbled as he looked up to see Dr. Smyth entering his office.
"Good evening, Billy. Heard anything from our kiddies?" Smyth leaned against the now closed door.
"It just got worse," Billy mumbled as he looked at the emotionless man standing in front of him.
"What was that, Billy?" Smyth rolled his cigarette holder in his fingers.
Billy did not turn away from the man's penetrating gaze. "Nothing, Sir. I've not heard from Amanda since my last report to you."
"Have you sent Desmond there?" Smyth released the smoke from his mouth and watched it float to the ceiling.
"Yes, Sir. She's due to arrive in New York on the midnight flight," Billy remained calm.
"Will she be able to keep a look out for our dear, Scarecrow?" Smyth walked to the coach and admired the picture behind it. "We can't have him interfering should he run into Mrs. King, Billy."
"I'm hoping Francine can keep tabs on him and hopefully get him on the next flight back here." Billy replied, "If nothing else, I'm hoping security detail will keep him well occupied."
"I expect you to keep me up-to-date. No playing favorites on this one, Melrose. Everyone is expendable on this assignment, as long as we reach our goal." Smyth turned and left the office.
Debbie entered the office as Dr. Smyth left. "Mr. Melrose, I have a confirmation from
Francine Desmond that she is aboard Flight 790, and should be arriving on schedule."
"Great! At least I have that one bit of information to be happy about." Billy gave her a small smile. "Go on home. You've been a great help to me today."
Billy watched the young lady leave. He sipped his tenth cup of coffee for the evening, as he looked out into his now empty bullpen. His eyes remained distant; he thought of the situation he had placed one of his best agents in. When he and Smyth had met with her in this very room, only three weeks before, she had not questioned the assignment. Her only concern had been that of Lee's safety.
He shook his head slightly and returned to his desk. His eyes fell upon the chair that Amanda had sat in many times over the past three years. He thought of how many times, in this very office, Scarecrow had tried to squirm his way out of working with Amanda during her first year at the Agency. He knew Lee's resistance to working with her was a direct result of his fear of letting anyone, especially this housewife from Arlington, get too close to him. He watched, as Scarecrow, the agent, removed the bricks, one-by-one, that formed his protective walls, and saw more of Lee, the man, emerge. He sighed as he realized that, as section chief, he was faced with the fact that he and Smyth may have placed quite a few bricks back into those walls. Hopefully, when this was all over, things would work out fine, and Amanda would be able to repair the damage done.
Billy left his office chair and walked out into the silent bullpen. His heart ached with the thought that he could possibly lose Amanda to the demons of the world; but would he lose Lee, too? He moved slowly through the bullpen, taking note of each employee's desk. He stopped by Frank's desk when he saw a birthday card Amanda had given him. His next stop was Don's desk, where a small basket of homemade fudge sat uncovered. He picked up a piece and tasted the sweet chocolate. Amanda had brought in enough for the entire bullpen the day that she had been assigned the new case. She always made sure that she brought some type of sunshine to each person's life. Billy was sure of one thing: if everything didn't turn out okay, the bright cloud that followed Amanda King around would be gone forever.
"Damn!" Billy shouted as his fist impacted with the desk below.
Amanda stood silently, looking out the peephole in her hotel door. 'What is he doing in there?' Amanda wondered, while she waited for him to leave.
Mark closed his door and quickly glanced up and down the hall. He stopped momentarily, as he gazed at Amanda's door. A small smile crossed his lips, as he mockingly bowed towards Amanda's door; he then continued his way down the hall. The tune of 'Off to see the Wizard' whistled through his pursed lips as he entered the waiting elevator.
Amanda peered down the hall to see the elevator doors close. Her eyes focused on the descending numbers of the elevator lights. She ran to the nearest exit then, proceeded to take the steps to the main floor.
Catching her breath, she watched as Mark entered his waiting limo. As soon as he was inside, and safely out of view, she hailed a cab.
"Follow that limo," she demanded as she entered the taxi.
"What?" The driver turned in his seat to look at his new passenger.
"I said, follow that limo. He's getting away. Step on it," Amanda ordered exasperatedly.
"Sure thing, Toots." The driver immediately took off throwing Amanda back against the seat. She fumbled with her seat belt as the experienced cabby maneuvered through the bustling downtown streets.
"Hey, Lady. They're right in front of us. Do you want me to pull along side?" The cabby asked as he kept his eyes on the road.
"NO! Just keep up with them. When they stop, pull ahead a block or so, and let me out." Amanda swallowed the fear that was beginning to creep up in her body.
"Is that your hubby in there? I get that a lot. The wife trying to catch the cheating husband in the 'act'!" The cabby laughed.
"Yeah, something, like that." Amanda replied. She continued to fight the nervousness of being alone on this assignment. 'I'm doing this for Lee and all the agents that are on that list,' she kept repeating to herself, over and over, until the cabby came to a stop.
"Where are we?" Amanda asked as she unbuckled her seat belt and looked out the back of the cab. Mark was exiting his limo, and entering a well lit building that sported a hot pink sign with the name 'Mothers' on the outside.
The cabby turned to look at the bewildered Amanda. "Some place a pretty young thing like you shouldn't be. It's called the 'meat district'. Your old man is going in there to have a little fun with some wild women. Are you sure you want me to leave you here?"
"No! Don't leave--just keep the meter running; I'll be back soon!" Amanda mustered a small smile as she exited the cab.
"Hey, Lady. You're not going to run off and not pay me, are you?"
Amanda reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. It was part of the emergency money Billy had given her. She shrugged her shoulders as she handed it to the man. In her eyes, this was an emergency. "Thanks, Lady." The cabby smiled widely, showing his missing front teeth.
"Yeah. Just remember to wait here and there will be more for you." Amanda closed the door and pulled her coat closer to her face.
Mark looked at the exotic women on stage as he made his way to the back of the bar. "I like your choice of meeting places," he smiled as he joined his contact at the table.
"Were you followed?" The gruff voice asked as he scanned the bar.
"I'm a professional. Of course, I wasn't followed." Mark waved for the waitress to come to the table.
"You'd better lose that cocky attitude of yours. Scarecrow is in town and I don't want any mistakes this close to our ultimate goal. Understand?"
"I can handle Scarecrow. He's so devastated over 'his little brunette' leaving him for me, that he doesn't know his head from a hole in the ground," Mark boasted as he ordered himself a shot of vodka.
The man narrowed his threatening eyes at his arrogant employee. "Do not underestimate him."
Amanda quickly spotted Mark in the shadows of the bar. She needed to get closer to hear what was going on. "Where in the hell have you been?" The large bouncer came to her side.
"Me?" Amanda turned a questioning look to him.
"Yeah, you. You were supposed to be here over an hour ago." He put his bulky arm around her middle.
"I don't think you have the right person," Amanda gasped as he gave her waist a tight squeeze.
"Ah, stop your teasing, missy. Why else would a beautiful brunette be in a dump like this?"
"I don't think you understand," Amanda pleaded.
"Look, Skip isn't real happy that you're late, but at least you're as good looking as we had hoped. I'll tell him you're here, Bunny. The guys are going to go crazy when they see you," he laughed as he gave her a shove towards the dressing room.
To Be Continued….