See Part 1 for Disclaimers, Notes, etc.

Chapter 9

Amanda looked at her reflection in the mirror. 'Am I the same woman that accepted a package from a complete stranger four years ago?' She smiled softly at the memory of Lee's pleading eyes and disheveled appearance at the train station. 'No, I'm not the same woman. I've changed.' Sighing, she returned to her bedroom to dress for the evening. She would need all of the training, intuition, courage, and self-confidence that she had gained over the years with Lee by her side.

She knew Lee was going to be there tonight. Her mind, heart, and soul told her that he would, once again, challenge her decision to leave the Agency. She knew him well enough to know that he would try to convince her that she was wrong about their relationship. No matter what, she had to stand her ground. She was too close to finding out who was killing the agents, and why they had died. But was she any closer to saving Lee's life?

As she continued to dress for the evening, she thought over the day's events. She and Mark had visited the I.A. office. She had been introduced to all the key people, and made familiar with their operations here in New York. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened, until they started to leave. Mark had received an urgent phone call, and left Amanda to fend for herself for a few minutes. As she waited for his return, she was surprised to see Stan staring at her from across the room. The confused and accusatory look on his face told her that he had seen Lee in New York. She had started to go over and speak to her friend, but Mark had returned. She glanced back at the corner where she had seen Stan and noticed that he was gone.

Mark's attitude towards her had changed. He was still overly friendly, but his eyes held a new awareness of her. He was cautious of whom he mentioned, and what he said. She would have to tread lightly around him tonight. She might even have to put more on the line than she had hoped, in order to assure his trust in her. She was pulled from her thoughts by the light knock on the door.

She smoothed the silk fabric of her dress with her left hand, as she pulled back a stray strand of hair with her right. She took one last glance at her appearance before she answered the door.

"You're breathtaking, Amanda," Mark remarked as he entered her room.

"Thank you, Mark. You look quite dashing yourself." Amanda smiled brightly.

Mark extended his arm for her to take. "Shall we?"

"Yes." Amanda accepted his gesture, and they left to attend the night's events.

Lee looked over the balcony at the gathering of diplomats and other members of New York's High Society. They all chatted and smiled without a care in the world. His facial features hardened as he watched happy couples dance in each other's embrace.

"Hey, Lee. Do you think we should check in with the New York Section Chief? I see him down there with Stan." Kevin pointed to the area they were in.

"No." Lee continued to scan the ballroom.

"Well, if we're not here to work, then what in the hell are we doing here?" Kevin snapped.

"That's where you're wrong—we are working," Lee stated in an extremely calm voice.

"On what?" Kevin looked over the crowd to see what had captured Lee's undivided attention.

Lee remained silent as he watched Mark and Amanda enter the ballroom. "She just

had to wear that!" he huffed under his breath as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Who?" Kevin looked at Lee then back toward the ballroom.

Lee's jaw muscles tightened as he watched the woman, who was supposed to be his fiancée, smile softly and lean into Mark's touch. "If she is playacting, she's doing a damn good job of it," Lee muttered.

Kevin finally saw where Lee's eyes were focused. Amanda King had made a definite statement in her long black gown. The silk clung to her small body, accentuating her curves. She wore her hair pulled up, with a few stray curls softly resting on her shoulders. Kevin nodded, realizing why the man beside him had eyes only for her. She definitely didn't look like the housewife turned agent that he had seen at the Agency.

Kevin turned back to look at his brooding partner. "Maybe we should blow this joint."

Lee continued his watch, unwilling to hear Kevin's pleas. Stan, from his position beside the Section Chief, looked up in time to see Amanda enter the party. Turning his gaze toward the balcony, he noted the affect it was having on his long time friend.

Stan excused himself from his boss, and went to talk to Lee. "Hey, Scarecrow. We need some help with the outside security. It seems we have a few rookies out and about tonight; they can't seem to get over the glamour of this bash and do their job."

"Hmm…" Lee's eyes narrowed as he watched Amanda place a small kiss on Mark's cheek.

Stan placed his hand on Lee's shoulder. "Come on, Lee. Let's go yell at a few greenhorns. It always makes me feel better."

Lee looked back at Stan. "I think a stiff drink would do me more good, but maybe some fresh air couldn't hurt."

"That's the spirit." Stan turned to walk down the steps.

Lee and Kevin followed the New York agent down the stairwell. Lee looked across the room and easily spotted her in the crowd. A rush of emotion overtook him; he abruptly left the side of his two fellow agents—his long strides quickly closing the distance as he stalked across the room to confront his quarry.

Amanda had felt Lee's hot stare when she first walked into the ballroom. She had caught a glimpse of him hovering over the balcony when Mark had introduced her to one of the Senator's wives. She had hoped that he would be too busy with security to talk to her just yet. She wanted to get away from Mark for a few minutes and speak to Lee in private. A big scene would not do her position any good at the moment.

"I see your ex-partner has joined us this evening," Mark whispered into her ear as he pulled her tightly to his side.

"Hmm…Lee's here?" Amanda played innocent.

"Yes, and I believe he's heading our way now." Mark nodded towards the fuming Lee.

Amanda swallowed the lump forming in her throat as her mind filled with of ideas of how to escape this situation. "I really should freshen up a bit before we meet Vice President Bush." Amanda smiled sweetly at Mark.

"Don't you want to talk to Scarecrow?" Mark smiled at the tall form that was quickly approaching.

"Not—" Amanda began.

"Good evening, Stetson. I didn't realize you were in New York." Mark extended his hand to greet Lee.

"Evening, Dobson," Lee replied through clenched teeth.

"Quite a lovely gathering, don't you think?" Mark pulled Amanda tighter to his side.

"Quite. May I have a few moments of your time, Amanda?" Lee focused his penetrating gaze on her.

"I was just about to go to the ladies room and freshen up; Mark has promised to introduce me the Vice-President." Amanda gave Lee a weak smile.

"I really need to talk to you, Amanda." Lee placed his hand on her arm and gave it a tight squeeze.

"Perhaps you two could share a dance later. Right now, however, I see someone I need to introduce Manda too." Mark nodded towards the Vice President's aide, who was motioning for them to join him. "Excuse us, Stetson."

"Manda!" Lee hissed as he watched Mark pull Amanda off into the crowd.

Stan stood behind Lee; he could feel the vibrations of anger radiating from his friend's body. "Come on, man, let her be. She obviously has other things on her mind."

Lee turned to see the concerned face of his friend. "I'll let her be just as soon as I get some things off of my mind." Lee slowly walked from the ballroom to join Kevin outside. He needed time to collect his thoughts, and determine the best approach for this situation.

As she watched Lee exit the ballroom, Amanda released the breath she had been holding. 'Perhaps, he's gone for the evening.' Her thoughts were interrupted, as Mark introduced her to Vice-President Bush.

Kevin and Stan observed as Lee paced the entranceway to the building.

Kevin looked at the senior agent. "He's got it bad."

Stan nodded. "Yep."

"I think something's up. What about you?" Kevin pulled his tuxedo coat closed.

"The only thing I know is that Billy doesn't want Lee here—at all. I think our best course of action is to get 'Mr. Pissed Off' over there out of here as quickly as possible." Stan looked intently at Lee's partner.

Kevin nodded. "I couldn't agree with you more."

Lee looked over at the two men, and as if he could read their thoughts, he reentered the ballroom. "I've got to say my peace first, " he mumbled, scanning the crowed for Amanda.

Amanda glided across the dance floor with Mark. 'He's no Lee Stetson,' she thought as she tried to avoid having her toes mashed by the tall man. Amanda felt warmth spread through her body, as a familiar hand touched the bare skin of her back.

Lee narrowed his eyes towards Mark. "May I cut in?"

Mark met Lee's intense gaze as he tightened his hold on her waist. "If it's all right with Manda?"

Amanda smiled warmly at him as he released her from his embrace. "I'll be fine, Mark."

"If you need me, I'll be right over there at the bar." Mark brushed past Lee.

Lee pulled her to him and began to sway with the music. "We need to talk."

Amanda melted in his strong arms. Her body molded to his as if they were one. 'I have to be strong,' she reminded herself as she looked into his loving eyes. "Lee, we don't have much to talk about. I have a new life, with a new partner. I just wish that you could get on with yours."

"So I suppose you prefer the company of 'Mr. I.A.' over there, Manda," Lee sarcastically replied.

"Lee, please accept my decision, and leave me alone to live my life," Amanda whispered, hoping to cover the shaking in her voice.

Lee looked deep into her eyes, peering into her soul. "You're lying," he calmly stated as he moved them closer to the balcony with his movements.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Amanda asked as she realized Lee had pulled her out into the darkness of the balcony.

"Yes." Lee pulled her tightly against him and placed his lips on hers.

She could feel the walls that she had built against him start to crumble, as his lips and tongue began to search for more. She wanted badly to taste the man she loved; to hold him, to touch him, to let her body and soul be released to him—but she couldn't. She wondered if she would ever be able to have the man before her make love to her? Surely he would hate her after this. Amanda mentally shook her head as her eyes noted Mark's presence by the door. She brought her hands to his chest, and pushed him away.

"Lee, if you would stop for one minute, and think about what our lives would be like together, you would realize that it never would have worked. You are not the kind of man who needs or wants a housewife and mother of two; you could never settle for hamburgers and wine. One day I would wake up and you would have moved on to some young, beautiful, vibrant woman." She turned her back to him and walked to the railings. She titled her head back and looked at the sky above her. The glittering stars beckoned her to hold their sight with her eyes. 'The sky is so clear and unclouded, unlike my life,' she reflected as she heard him approach her.

"Amanda, I'm not the same man that I was three years ago." Lee's voice began to rise as he closed the space between them.

"You think you've changed, that you're not the same man I meet at that train station three years ago?" Amanda refused to look at him.

"I'm not...shit, why in the hell are we having this conversation? You're my fiancée. I have asked you to spend the rest of my life with me, and you're standing here throwing it all away." Lee placed his left hand on her arm and pulled her around to face him. "What more do you want from me?" His voice was at a full shout now.

"I'm begging you to pack your bags, take your new partner, and go back to D.C. where you belong." Amanda jerked her arm out from his grasp and headed for the ballroom.

Kevin had reached the balcony doors just as Amanda had finished telling Lee to get on with his life. He wanted to approach his partner, but something held him back; it was the look of determination on Lee's face. Deciding that it wasn't his place to keep the man from making a huge mistake, he headed over to the bar to see what kind of mischief he could get himself into.

Lee watched her leave his side, and take her comfort with the man standing at the door.

Mark had watched the scene play out to its full extent. A victory smile crossed his lips as he ushered Amanda back to the dance floor.

Lee let his heart think, instead of his head, and followed the couple through the crowd of people. "Amanda King! I am not going to let you throw this all away!" He pulled her from Mark's arms.

Mark stepped between Lee and Amanda. "I think you had better leave, Mr. Stetson."

"I'll leave when I'm damn good and ready!" Lee spat, turning his attention to Mark.

Amanda had to end this, and the only way she knew how, was to blow Lee's mind completely. "Lee, you should go. We have nothing left. I have found a new partner; a new life." She took Mark's hand in hers and led him out of the ballroom.

Amanda had to prove to Lee that it was over. Her words were not convincing him. Knowing that Lee was only a few steps behind her, she embraced Mark in a passionate kiss. She allowed soft moans of pleasure to escape her lips, as her hands roamed Mark's back. Lee turned his head from the sight. 'Can she really mean it...is it really over?' Glancing once more towards the balcony, he mumbled to himself, "Yes, I guess it really is over." He turned and walked towards his new partner at the bar.

"I thought that was your voice I heard booming. I've been looking all over for you, Lee." Francine stepped up behind him.

"Well, you found me." Lee's eyes were, once again, focused on the brunette that had just left him. She was resting against Mark's shoulder quietly laughing at whatever stupid thing he had to say.

"Lee! Lee! Lee! Are you listening to me?" Francine placed her hand on his right shoulder.

Lee turned his tormented eyes towards her. "Yeah. What are you doing here, Francine?"

Francine was momentarily stunned, by the sight of water glistening in her friend's eyes. In the past eight years, she had never seen Scarecrow shed a tear. She cleared her throat and regained her composure. "Billy wanted me to check on a tip we received about the agents being murdered. It came up dry, so he told me to come here to find you tonight, and bring you home."

Lee's eyes narrowed at his blonde co-worker. "Why does he want me back in D. C. so bad?"

Francine's features became saddened. "Billy confirmed another murder this afternoon, Lee. It's Frank Sumter."

Lee's eyes turned cold at the mention of his friend's death. He turned his full attention to Francine. "Where did they find him?" His voice was almost mechanical in sound.

Francine's voice was barely above a whisper. "An abandoned warehouse, down near the Anacostia River. His body was still warm."

"Any leads?" Lee's eyes returned to the ballroom.

"No. Billy wants you and Kevin back home A.S.A.P. Let's go find Kevin." Francine placed her hand on his elbow and gently pulled him towards the bar.

Francine immediately spotted Kevin at the bar, in the clutches of a very attractive Hungarian woman. "There he is. I swear, Lee, I think he's going to give you a run for your money, as far as the water cooler gossip goes."

Lee headed straight for Kevin. "Let's go, rookie. We've got a lot of work to do back home. There's nothing for me to do here anymore." Lee left the ballroom and headed for his car. He was going home and try to pick up the pieces of his life. 'Would he be able to start over? Did he want to start over?'

Chapter 10

'I guess the stories about the hot-headed Scarecrow were true,' Kevin mused to himself as he sat quietly in the passenger seat of Lee's Corvette.

During the plane ride back from New York, Kevin had made the mistake of asking Lee why he was so upset over the words of some woman. After all, weren't women just objects to be used and sent on their way when their purpose was through? From what he had heard of the agent in the driver's seat, that was supposed to be his way, too.

Lee had not reacted well at all to his comments, and had spent the better part of ten minutes reading him the riot act.

"How dare you think that Amanda King is just 'some woman'? She has more instincts in her little finger than you could ever possibly hope to obtain, even if you were to work for the Agency for another ten years," Lee had pointed out.

"Hey, man. Look, it was just an observation. I understand she was your partner and all, but she's obviously decided to get over you. You need to get over her." Kevin had tried to reason with him.

Lee had then proceeded to go off, again, still defending the woman who had just blown him off. From everything Kevin had witnessed, it was pretty obvious that Mrs. King wanted Lee as far away from her as possible. 'I can't figure out for the life of me, why the legendary 'Scarecrow' would be defending someone like that. They must have a pretty interesting past,' he thought to himself. Sighing, he returned his attention to the view of the D.C. buildings passing by outside his window.

Lee gritted his teeth, as he glanced at the young rookie in the passenger seat. 'First, I get strapped with a partner I don't want, who turns out to be just as brash and inexperienced about women, as he is about this business. Then, Amanda all but throws herself at Mark. I almost wish I had stayed in London and visited with Emily. Then maybe this nightmare wouldn't be happening. But nooo, I had to be excited about seeing my fiancée, and come home a day early. God forbid,' Lee thought as he maneuver his 'Vette through the D.C. streets. 'How could she do this to me? Amanda wouldn't be doing this to me if she had a choice. Would she?'

Lee grimaced as he reflected on the torturous plane ride home. He began to regret going off at the young man, but he couldn't help it. Even if Amanda had once again brushed him off and told him to leave her alone, he couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't being honest. The way she had accepted his kiss near the balcony made him believe she still needed him. Why did she keep trying to push him away? She had thrown more stinging words at him, but yet her eyes—those beautiful brown eyes—told a totally different story. He could still see the love in them. But he had seen her kiss... hell she was all over Dobson tonight.

Lee breathed a frustrated sigh. He took another look at his surroundings, and realized that he had been pretty much driving around in circles since they'd left the airport. He was putting off the inevitable: going home to an empty apartment, and a life without Amanda King.

"What do you say we hit a bar? I could use a good stiff drink?" he asked the newcomer in the seat next to him.

"Sure. I don't have any place to be," Kevin replied, a little stunned that Lee had even suggested the idea.

"I know a great hole-in-the-wall, where no one will know or bother us." Lee drove his Corvette carefully through the streets of Northwest, and found a park-it-yourself garage. There was no way in hell, after the day he'd had, he was parking his baby anywhere on the street, or letting anyone else park it.

Leaving the garage, the two walked silently for two blocks, until they came to the Brickskeller. Upon entering the establishment, Lee bee-lined his way to the bar.

Kevin meandered behind, eyeing the crowd. If he was going to have a good time, he might as well scope out the scene.

Lee found an empty barstool and motioned for the bartender. "Straight scotch, please."

Kevin punched Lee in the arm. "Check out those two blondes across the room. Man-oh-man, are they stacked." Kevin sat on the empty stool beside Lee, never taking his eyes off the two women.

The bartender handed Lee his drink and watched as he promptly proceeded to down it in one gulp.

"Hit me again, bartender." Lee slammed his now empty glass on the counter. Turning towards Kevin. "What was that?"

"I was pointing out those two babes over there checking us out." Kevin nodded his head sideways.

Lee glanced over and saw the bubbly blondes smile back at him. There was a time when he would have found them quite appealing, but now he only longed to hold one special woman in his arms.

"Come on. Let's go on over and introduce ourselves," Kevin suggested as he got up off the barstool.

"No, thanks. You go on. I'm going to commiserate alone, if you don't mind."

"Suit yourself." Kevin shrugged his shoulders, and headed over to the other table.

Lee watched from the corner of his eye at how easily the young man talked his way into a seat at the table. Shaking his head, he swallowed the last of his scotch.

"I don't know what Billy thought he was doing by sticking me with such a young buck. All Kevin is interested in is doing his work, and then heading out to find a good time in the company of a woman," he mumbled under his breath.

Lee looked up at the image of himself reflected in the mirror behind the bar. Then he looked over to Kevin. 'It's hard to believe I was that type of man two years ago.'

Lee let a small smile cross his lips as he realized what Billy had done— he had put Lee's own past in front of him. He was trying to tell him what a difference Amanda had made in his life. 'Amanda,' he thought to himself.

Anger welled up inside of him, as the images of 'Manda' in Dobson's arms, flooded his mind. He needed to have a serious discussion with Billy and Dr. Smyth, and find out what the hell was really going on. Slamming his glass down on the bar, he motioned for the bartender to fill him up again.

As he watched his glass filling, a soft hand touched his arm. Lee looked at the person the touch belonged to. One of the blondes Kevin had mentioned earlier had found her way to his side.

"Your friend, Kevin, said you could use a soft shoulder to lean own. He says you just got dumped," the blonde whispered.

"Oh, he did, did he?" Lee narrowed his eyes as he placed his drink on the bar, and swiveled his chair to look over at Kevin.

"Yes, he did. I've always prided myself on being a good listener. My name is Ginger." She began to stroke his arm softly. "What's your name, honey?"

Lee turned in his seat to face the woman. "I hate to be rude, but I'm really not in the mood for any companionship."

"Are you sure? You do look like you could use a friend. Besides, your friend, Kevin, seems to have latched onto my friend, Barbara, and well, it seems I'm suddenly free for the evening," Ginger replied sweetly, placing her hand on his knee.

Lee took her hand off of his knee and placed it on the bar. The old Lee would have been more than happy to accept the 'friendship' of this beautiful woman, but that was then. "Thank you. I do appreciate the offer, but I would really prefer to be by myself," he said, giving the woman a kind smile.

"Are you sure? I know how rough it can be to have someone leave you." Ginger tried once more to gain the attention of this handsome man. "I've been dumped many times myself. In fact, Barbara brought me here tonight to help me forget my last boyfriend."

"I can see she's doing a great job of that," Lee replied sarcastically as he eyed Kevin fondling Ginger's friend.

"Yeah, well, Barbara always did go for the smooth talkers," Ginger laughed.

Lee motioned for the bartender. "Since your friend seems to have deserted you, can I buy you a drink?"

She accepted his gracious offer. "I would love a rum and coke."

Lee had no sooner finished giving the order to the bartender, than Kevin approached with Barbara seductively clinging to his arm.

"Lee, if you don't mind, I'm gonna head out. This lovely lady here is offering me a ride home," Kevin remarked with a huge grin on his face.

"You're a big boy, Kevin. You don't need my approval," Lee replied, with a bit of annoyance in his voice. "Just be sure to show up at work tomorrow."

"Will do, Chief." Kevin winked, and then turned towards the door, with Barbara at his side.

"Great." Ginger watched as the couple walked out into the night.

"What's wrong?" Lee turned his attention back to Ginger.

"Barbara was my ride home," Ginger pouted.

"Wonderful. Just wonderful," Lee mumbled, rolling his eyes and running his hand through his hair. "I suppose it would be extremely rude of me not to offer you a ride. What do you say we finish our drinks, and then I escort you home?"

"You really wouldn't mind?" Ginger asked, letting a small smile cross her lips.

"Let's just say, it's better than sitting here in this bar all night, drowning my sorrows. By the way, my name is Lee." Lee then turned his attention back to his drink, and stared at his reflection in the mirror behind the bar.

"Thank you." Ginger picked up her drink and took her time finishing it. She sat there and watched the man beside her. He seemed so lost and alone, almost as if his mind were a hundred miles away. From the way he had ignored her advances, she could tell his mind was definitely on another woman. 'I only wish I could get someone to feel that way about me,' she thought as she swallowed another drink of the intoxicating liquid.

Finishing her drink, she whispered in Lee's ear that she was ready to leave. Lee paid the bartender then escorted Ginger out of the bar. They walked the two blocks back to the garage in silence.

When they reached Lee's car, Ginger let out a squeal of delight. "Is this really your car? Oh, of course it is. I've always wanted to ride in a sports car. This car really does suit you," she cooed as she rubbed her hand up and down Lee's arm while he opened the passenger door for her.

"Thank you. It's gone through a lot for me over the last two years," he replied, removing his arm from underneath her hands, and helping her into the car.

"Are you sure you're all right to drive? I mean, it looked like you put away quite a few drinks tonight?" Ginger asked a little worriedly.

Lee shook his head. "Trust me, it takes more than four scotches to get me good and drunk. I promise I'll see you home safe and sound," he replied, going around to the driver side and opening his door.

As Lee drove his car through the streets of D.C., he stole glances at the blonde. 'Man, I must be a fool. Here's this gorgeous woman, all but throwing herself at me, and I'm so caught up in my own thoughts. What if Amanda isn't working on a case? What if she really wants to be with Dobson? No. That's ridiculous. I know Amanda. We've been through too much together in the last three years for her to throw it all away so easily.' Sighing, he turned his attention back onto the roads.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Ginger's apartment complex.

"Thank you, for the ride, Lee. I truly appreciate it." Ginger looked at him through her dark eyelashes.

As Lee turned to tell her she was welcome, he realized that her face was inches from his own. She leaned in and placed an inviting kiss on his lips. Reacting to their closeness, his natural instincts took over, and he returned her kiss. Ginger, excited by his reaction, wrapped her arms around Lee's neck and began to stroke the ends of his hair.

As her tongue sought entry, Lee realized how wrong this was. Pulling back, he gently removed her arms from around his neck.

"I'm sorry. Look, you're a very attractive young lady, and maybe if we had met a year ago, I'd be more than happy to accept your affections. But my life is too complicated right now. Thank you for...well, just thank you," Lee said. He leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Ginger's cheek.

"Your girlfriend sure doesn't know what she's letting go," Ginger replied. "Are you sure I can't change your mind. You're more than welcome to join me for a nightcap," she winked.

"No, really. But thank you."

"Okay. Thanks again for the ride." Ginger opened her door and hopped out of the car.

Lee waited till she had safely entered her building before he tore off and headed home himself.

Amanda walked into the Ritz-Carlton, intent on heading up to her room and having a good cry. The look on Lee's face when she had once again rejected him was too much to handle. She knew he had seen her all over Mark tonight, and she knew he was feeling betrayed and hurt. The way he had stormed out of the party after Francine had told him of Frank's murder, she feared he'd revert back to his old ways and become willing to do anything to get the job done. She frowned at the thought of Frank Sumter being dead. She hadn't known him well, but he was still a fellow Agent. She had met Francine in the ladies room for a quick debriefing. Francine had apologized for not getting to the party sooner, but had explained to her that she was delayed due to obtaining information about Frank's death. Amanda prayed that Lee had really listened to her this time. This would all be so much easier, if he would just listen and stop trying to interfere. She had done her best to convince Lee that it was over, even if her heart hadn't been in it. She did what had to be done. Right?

"Manda, honey, wait up." She heard Mark call when she had reached the elevators.

Turning, she looked at the man who was the cause of all her problems. Forcing a smile, she said, "I just figured I'd come on in and try and get us an elevator."

Mark came up beside her and put an arm around her waist. "That was a brilliant idea," he whispered, leaning down to capture her lips with his.

Amanda returned the kiss in kind, even though she really wasn't in the mood for any of his unwanted attentions. The elevator doors opened and they walked inside.

"You're awful quiet tonight," Mark said as they waited for the elevator to reach their floor.

"I guess I'm just overwhelmed from all the excitement tonight. You know, meeting the Vice-President and all," she replied quietly, letting a yawn escape.

"Yes, it was quite an evening wasn't it?" he stated. "You looked exquisite tonight. I know I sure enjoyed myself." 'I'm going to enjoy your company tonight, my dear,' Mark thought to himself as the doors opened and they walked into the hallway.

As they reached Amanda's room, Mark leaned down to capture her lips again, letting his hopes for her to reciprocate his passion be shown through his kiss.

Amanda pulled away. "I'm sorry Mark, but I'm really exhausted. If you don't mind, I'd really like to just head in and get some sleep."

Mark let the disappointment he was feeling show in his voice. "I suppose I can't change your mind?" he asked as he rubbed his hand over her bare shoulder.

"No, not tonight. I really am tired. I'll see you in the morning, okay?" She placed a kiss on his lips then headed into her room.

Closing the door behind her, she locked it, and then dropped her purse on the table. She headed over to the window and stared out at the busy street.

Her thoughts turned to Lee; he was out there somewhere, working with his new partner, and probably tormented by the events of tonight. "Lee, I hope when this is all over, you'll be able to forgive me. I feel like I've suddenly sold my soul to the Devil, in order to save your life," she sobbed.

Walking away from the window, she plopped herself onto the bed, and cried herself into a fitful sleep.

The dark figure watched and listened to the room's occupant. "It seems it's time to up the pace a little. My informant's suspicions were correct—my newest pawn seems to be keeping some secrets from us. She hasn't left the Agency's employ."

He picked up the phone, intent on moving up his deadline.

"Hello?"

"Dobson, I need you to pick up your protégé, and bring her to my office first thing tomorrow morning. I believe it's time to give her an attitude adjustment. She'll be the perfect one to assist us in Scarecrow's demise."

"Yes, sir," Mark replied into the phone.

Hanging up, the figure let out an evil chuckle as a puff of smoke drifted out over the monitors.

To Be Continued….