The Silent Killer
Chapter Four
Tuesday – July 21st – 9:30 AM
Lee Stetson entered the Q-Bureau; a multitude of file folders in hand and a frustrated look already etched on his handsome face.
"Good morning," Amanda greeted Lee as he shut the door.
"Hi," he replied.
Amanda immediately detected his lack of enthusiasm.
"What's the matter?"
"Oh, I was supposed to meet with Greg Meyers from the National Security Council and he had to cancel. Seems he's a little under the weather."
"Isn't he their liaison for the ATAC group?"
"Yeah," Lee grumbled. "Which means I'm going to be putting the final touches on tomorrow's meeting by myself. I don't have to remind you that this is one hell of an important meeting. We need to show proof that the ATAC group needs to stay, not be dismantled. I don't care what those pencil pushing boys say."
She watched as her husband dumped the files onto his desk and headed straight for the freshly brewed coffee that she had made.
"I'd offer to help you," she began.
"I know, I know. You've got two freshman candidate training classes to cover today."
Lee rubbed his hands over his face; feeling the frustrations setting in already and the day had just begun. Then, feeling guilty that he and Amanda hadn't talked much this week, he tried to make amends.
"How's that going anyhow? You like it?"
Amanda couldn't help but smile at his hopeful look. She knew all too well where her husband might head with this line of interrogation, if she allowed the opening. He would have to count himself lucky that she had to be downstairs today and that he had a full agenda. He would also have to consider himself lucky that, despite his quirks and faults, she understood and she still loved him.
She got up from her chair and walked over to him, speaking as she made her way to him.
"Well, somebody has to do it, since Beaman's still on vacation, and since Mr. Melrose asked politely, well I couldn't very well turn him down, now could I? Besides, I haven't been ordered to stay in the car by any of the students, yet."
"Lucky Beaman," Lee said. "I'd like a vacation, we need a vacation. Together, alone, for more than one night."
Amanda smiled at him, then, knowing that her husband needed a little bit of consoling, she put her arms around him.
"I love you," she told him.
Lee kissed her lightly on the lips.
"I love you too, even though you've got the better end of the deal here."
"Hey, you're gonna be just fine. And, just think, get through tomorrow and then we can play house, Mr. Stetson. Just you," she paused to kiss him again, "and me."
Lee's expression brightened considerably.
"That's right, the boys will be camping with Joe and your mother, where is she again?"
Amanda laughed.
"This week she's at the beach with several of the ladies from the church. Then, the captain is picking her up down there and they are flying out to Oklahoma. Some type of plane reunion or something."
Lee shook his head. "I don't think we've seen much of your mother all summer."
"No," Amanda sighed. "But she's happy and that's all that matters." She leaned in and kissed her husband gently. "And you'll be happy this weekend, provided you don't blow a gasket over this meeting."
He hugged her closer. "You're right. I guess I'm just frustrated."
Amanda ran her hands up and down her husband's chest.
"The Agency couldn't have picked a better man to head the group," she told him. "Look at what the ATAC group has accomplished in just a year, it's impressive by anyone's standards. And, it is just a review meeting, so you feel better, right?"
"I'll feel better once I have you, alone, in your bedroom."
Amanda chuckled.
"You've got a one-track mind."
Lee moved to kiss her, taking opportunity of the brief moment to show his wife exactly what track his mind was on.
"I've got something to look forward to, Mrs. Stetson."
Amanda smiled at him, taking in the look of passion that had ignited in his hazel eyes.
"Behave, we're at work," she reminded him.
Lee locked his hands behind her back, pulling her very close against him.
"When do the boys leave?" he asked her in a low husky voice that had Amanda feeling sudden heated urges that had absolutely nothing to do with the hot July weather.
"Tomorrow morning."
Lee grinned.
"The week has just gotten better."
As much as she wanted to stay in her husband's arms, Amanda reluctantly pulled away.
"I've got a class to teach," she told him.
"And I've got a meeting to prepare for."
"Tomorrow night, my place?" she asked him while she picked up her stuff.
"Deal."
Just as Amanda reached the door, she turned around.
"Oh, there's a message for you from Rhonda, in front of your phone. You better look at it now before you scatter all of that over your desk. I'll see you later."
Lee watched his wife leave their office, then sat down at his desk.
He picked up the message.
"The Russians are saying that something called TSK has arrived on the stage. If I hear more, I will call you."
Lee looked at the note, obviously puzzled.
"I haven't got a clue," he mumbled as he laid the note aside and picked up the phone. He dialed the number from memory and while he waited for the line to be picked up, he sipped his coffee.
When he got a voice on the other end, he smiled.
"Good morning TP," he began, hoping that his long-time friend might be able to overturn a few rocks and come up with something more concrete.