Chapter 8 - You are Going to Love this New Assignment

A/N I made up the Gregarian Islands and Prince Tapir.

The next day Lee showed up at the agency at 8:30am. Francine saw him first and couldn't wait to tease him. "Well, look, it's Ricky Joe. How did you enjoy being a daddy to little, what was his name? Lester? Steven, oh whatever. The point is, I still can't picture the great Scarecrow a daddy."

"His name is Alexi and he is a great kid. I don't think I've seen the last of him. He was a bright kid who just didn't apply himself all the time. He could go far though and maybe I will be able to say I had something to do with that Francine so just can it, will ya?" Lee retorted.

"Oh, did I hit a nerve? That kid has a bigger chip on his shoulder than you do Lee." With that last statement, Francine went back to her desk.

Lee walked to Billy's office and knocked and waited for Billy acknowledge him.

"Lee, come in, come in. How did everything go with Alexi? I'll bet he was happy to be back with his parents."

"They were all happy to be back together. I hate to say it Billy, but I'm going to miss him."

Billy smiled and said "Yes, he did remind me a lot of you Lee. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought he was your son."

"Nah, he wasn't anything like me. That kid had a huge IQ. I'm glad we were able to get them safely out of the state. Hopefully everything will work out for the 3 of them.

"So, Lee, are you ready for your next assignment?"

"Sure, what is it this time? Saving a group of Princesses from the KGB? Escorting a rich lady to an embassy party? Give me something good!"

"Oh, nothing like that. This is a good assignment though, trust me."

"I was taught long ago never to trust anyone that says to trust them. Should Amanda be in on this conversation?"

"What makes you think Amanda is going on this assignment?"

"I just figured she would since you send her with me almost everywhere now."

"Well there might be someone more suitable for this assignment. Oh, here comes Francine now."

"Billy? What are you doing?"

Billy motioned Francine to come in to his office and to have a seat beside Lee.

"I was just telling Lee about his next assignment and he wanted to know who his partner would be. I thought that since you took all of those cooking lessons from Mrs. Welch, you might like this one."

"Does that mean I would be cooking because I haven't done anything with cooking since I found out she was using me to get information."

Billy smiled and said "No, actually you would be baking. Are you saying you don't want the assignment, Francine?"

"I think I will pass. Sorry Lee. I cannot imagine spending time in a kitchen. That sounds more up Amanda's Alley."

Lee grinned and said "Very Clever Billy. So while Amanda is baking, what will I be doing?"

"You will be one of the tour guides."

"Tour guide for what?"

"I'm sending you out to a very fun place."

"Come on Billy! Where?"

"I was serious. It is called Aunt Mary's Fun House Halloween Extravaganza. It is an all in 1 Event place where both kids and adults go dressed up in costumes while going through a Haunted House, tour a special Halloween Baking kitchen, and at night go on a walking ghost tour. The location also has a farm there where they have horses, cows, and pigs and they also grow thousands of pumpkins. People come from all over to pick out their favorites to be carved. They even have a huge Parade and there is a Jack Lantern carving contest just before Halloween. Amanda will work in the kitchen baking all kinds of delicious things for the clients while you will head up one of the nightly ghost walks and generally help where ever else they need you."

"Awww, Billy. This sounds like Hell. What is the point in all of this?"

One of our contacts has given us information about this place. Apparently it is not just a Halloween spot, it is also an underground railroad for terrorists to enter the country. Word has it that some of the most dangerous known terrorists living in the US came through this network. We need to find out if it is true and then shut it down but more importantly, word has it that Nico Orlov is being brought in through this place. I'm sure you have heard of Nico?"

"Sure, hasn't everyone? He is one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world today. Word has it that he has been in charge of several of the current airline hijackings along with supposedly having something to do with the disappearance of Prince Tapir of the Gregarian Islands so that he can get his hands on the uranium that is mined there. Our sources think he is planning to sneak into the US through this place?"

"Yes, that is what the word on the street is. We have to shut down this place and we MUST stop Nico. We aren't sure what his intentions are for coming into the US but you can bet he isn't here because he loves our pumpkins."

"Okay, I see why this is important but it really doesn't seem like a job that should have Amanda in it. I think I should work this one alone. This could be way too dangerous for her to be there."

"I'm going to ask Mrs. King to go with you because we aren't sure what part of the organization is doing this. It could just as easily be in the kitchen. Besides, you tend to stay more in control when she works with you. I know you will keep her safe and I think her instincts are really good so she might pick up on something that you miss. Besides, no one bakes as well as Amanda so she will fit right into the role very well. Now go home and get some sleep because you both drive out in the morning."

"Where is this Pit of fun?"

"That's the part you are going to love! It is in a small town in Connecticut called Falls Village. This place is so small and away from civilization that it makes total sense to be home of a terrorist underground."

"Why am I going to love that part?" Lee groaned.

"You keep telling me you need a vacation. Well I'm sure you will enjoy living in the country for a little while. It will do you good."

"BILLY! That is not exactly a vacation. I'll be working. Besides, I want to get out of the states when I go on vacation next."

Billy chuckled and then turned serious and said "Get the job done! Oh, and Lee, take care of Amanda."

"I'll try Billy but you know that it isn't always easy. Okay, okay, I'll be in touch. Tell Amanda that I will pick her up at 8am tomorrow morning. And Billy, tell her that our covers will be Boyfriend/Girlfriend this time. I'm not sure she is ready for another Husband/Wife cover assignment."

Billy smiled and asked "Maybe you aren't either Scarecrow?"

"Yeah. Bye Billy."

"Bye Lee."

TBC