Changes

Chapter 2

Lee had just entered the "Q" Bureau when the phone rang from Amanda's desk.

Answering he stated, "Hello?"

The caller remarked, "Yes, I'm looking for Amanda King? This is Mrs. Dennis, the vice principal from the Arlington Heights Middle School."

Lee commented, "Well Mrs. Dennis, she's still out on location. I'm her coworker, Lee Stetson. I'm expecting her within the next hour or so. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Alma Dennis sighed and replied, "Well, the boys practice was cancelled and the ride they were expecting didn't show. I was hoping either their mother or grandmother would be able to pick them up but there's no answer at their house."

Lee nodded and thinking quickly answered, "Well, I'm heading out that way shortly. Perhaps I could pick them up and get them home myself? It's no trouble, really."

Alma Dennis hesitantly responded, "I understand that you work with Mrs. King Sir... But I really don't think..."

Lee nodded in understanding and replied, "I get it. I'm not on the Emergency contact list there but I assure you, it will be fine with her. All right?"

Alma Dennis thought carefully for a moment but then having no other choice answered slowly, "All right. I'll tell the boys you're on your way, and thank you."

Lee smiled remarking, "You're welcome, Mrs. Dennis. Goodbye."

Hanging up, he felt sure he was doing the right thing.

Dialing Billy's extension next he asked, "Any word from Francine and Amanda yet? Are they still at the art museum?"

Billy nodded answering, "Yes. Why? Is there a problem?"

Lee shook his head commenting, "No, but I just got a call...Rather, Amanda did from the boys school saying their ride didn't show up. There was no answer at Amanda's house-I guess her mom is out and since Amanda's still out I volunteered to get them. Would you get word to Amanda that I will take them home and stay until she gets there?"

Billy shrugged stating, "Okay. I'm sure she'll appreciate it."

Later that day as Francine and Amanda were driving back to the Agency Francine checked messages on her car phone and told Amanda as she hung up, "There was a message for you from the school. The boys ride didn't show and they couldn't reach your mom, so Lee went to get them and is going to hang out at the house until you get home."

Amanda was thrown by this news but covered by stating, "Oh, that's-that's fine."

Noting Amanda's expression she shrugged commenting, "He probably thought it'd be okay since he's already met your mom, right?"

Amanda nodded lightly answering, "Yeah, I guess. It's just that um, they've never met him and he's not used to being around kids so..."

Francine chuckled responding, "Oh, c'mon! They aren't babies any more and Lee's a great guy. They'll do fine."

Amanda shrugged stating, "If you say so..."

They got back to the Agency and Francine remarked getting out of the car, "Look, I'll fill Billy in on the museum stuff and you head home. I'm sure everything is fine but knowing you as I do, you won't believe it until you're able to see for yourself. Am I right?"

Amanda sighed and commented, "I'm sorry, Francine. But I really would feel better doing that. I'll see you in the morning..."

Francine shook her head as she watched Amanda get into her car and drive off. She thought, What does she think is gonna happen? Lee's a capable adult. The most that's probably going on is that they're skipping homework and watching TV. She's gotta stop being so paranoid.

While Amanda remembered to go to the grocery store before heading home the boys and Lee were looking at the now broken lamp in the family room!

Lee asked, "All right. Let's go over this again. I went out to my car for one minute? How did this happen and how will you explain this to your mom?"

TBC