Chapter Four

Matt startled awake at the alarm. He vaguely remembered his dream: he had been dancing with Sarah… It flitted to the edge of his memory, but he smiled anyway as the brief images of the dream reminded him of the night before. Having taken Sarah to dance class, he had signed up to join. He was feeling better, except for the worst of his bruises, and they had been more relaxed together. He thought it would be nice to invite her in to his apartment tonight after dinner. They could practice dancing a little before he took her home.

Dinner. He had made reservations at Mezza Luna. It was fairly new, but had already gotten nice reviews. It was their first real date, and he wanted it to be special. Not wanting to give Sarah grocery store flowers on this special occasion, he had even ordered a bouquet of flowers. Patti Enriquez had helped him find a top-of-the-line florist.

He flipped the covers back and jumped out of bed. After quickly making the bed, he pulled on his workout clothes. He needed to get moving if was going to be on time for his meeting with Jamie.

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On Maplewood Drive, Sarah was putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She still had twenty minutes before she needed to leave for the Metro, but she was hungry after her morning run and she wanted time for breakfast. She planned to work through lunch so she could leave early. Matt had said they would be trying the new Italian restaurant. She grinned to herself. Dance class had gone so well last night. They seemed to fit together perfectly, and Matt had become less reserved with her. And that kiss good night. It hadn't quite matched the amazing one in the kitchen Sunday night, but it was close. She smiled to herself as she looked in the mirror and straightened her skirt and blouse. She checked her dress again—it hung on the back of the door, ready for tonight. Sarah was glad she had spent the extra money on it. The black rayon fabric fit her well, and she loved the small ruffles around the neckline. It was rather formal, but not too dressy for Mezza Luna. Perfect for our first real date. She smiled to herself. Perhaps she could invite Matt to come in for a little while. They could play her parents' records and practice their dancing. She gathered her sweater and purse and went downstairs.

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Amanda lay quietly, listening to Lee's even breathing. It was nice to wake up feeling refreshed. She had not had the dream since Monday night. Even then, it had not ended violently, as it had the first night in the condo. She had found Lee, and the gunman had not been there. Amanda remembered awaking with a vague feeling of unease, but she had not been distressed, and had gone back to sleep. Certainly Lee had been glad to find her in the bed with him that morning.

At that thought, Amanda smiled to herself. She had not allowed herself to imagine that they would have what amounted to another honeymoon. Amanda had learned early on in their marriage that "I love you," as wonderful as that was to hear, was not enough. Lee needed physical reassurance from her and she needed it from him. Things were no different now—they definitely had grown closer once again, even in the short time they had been away together.

Turning quietly to her side, Amanda found herself looking into her husband's eyes. "How long have you been watching me?"

"Long enough to see that smile on your face."

Amanda blushed a little. "I was thinking how nice this time away together has been. …And how much I love you."

Lee moved closer and put his arms around her before kissing her hair. "I love you, too. Do you feel up to going into town today? Maybe we could wander through a few stores, have lunch…"

"That would be really nice."

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Matt double-checked his computer files and the list of websites Jamie had given him. "So, you think I need to skip getting my hair cut before I go?" Matt ran his hand through his hair. Since as far back as he could remember, he had gone in for a haircut every three or four weeks, keeping his hair in virtually the same short style or an even shorter military cut. It had been four weeks since he had last had a trim and it was uncomfortably long, in his mind.

"No offense, Matt, but you can't go over there looking like an American soldier on leave. If you put off the cut until you come back and comb your hair differently, you won't stand out so much."

"I suppose you want me to dress differently, too."

"I'm just making suggestions based on common sense and research."

Matt sighed. This may not be your favorite part of operative work, but Jamie is trying to help. "What would you suggest?"

"No ties. Suits are okay—actually the jacket will be a good touch. You'll look like a bodyguard thug if you comb your hair straight back, too. People will avoid you if you look intimidating."

Matt laughed. "Intimidate people?"

"Get some dark glasses, comb your hair straight back… Look, you're pretty well cut, Matt. Use what you have."

"Where did you learn all this?"

Jamie shrugged. "I've picked it up over the years. It's really Phillip's department."

"I suppose he'll be telling me the same thing when I meet with him."

"Probably." Jamie was all business. "Listen, let me know if you need anything else. Also, you should make sure you get some kind of satellite internet hookup so you can send me intel and ask for information while you're there. You're going to be traveling around the country and the service is guaranteed to stink when you leave Almaty. You may also need help from Phillip—you need to be able to reach us by internet if you need help with any kind of op."

"Thanks for all the tips, Jamie."

"No problem. I wish I could go along. Take care of yourself and my parents, okay?"

"I will."

"And say 'hi' to Sarah for me tonight."

Matt started, but didn't say anything.

Jamie laughed a little, finally relaxing now that the topic had changed. "Come on, Matt. You know I know you guys are together. She told Jennifer you were going on a date tonight, and well, Jennifer told me."

Matt relaxed. Jamie was just trying to be friendly. "We're going to Mezza Luna."

Jamie let out a low whistle. "I envy you and your carefree budget."

"It's a special occasion. It's nice to have someone to spend money on, anyway. I don't have a mortgage and kids like you do." Having finished packing up his laptop and papers, Matt got up to leave.

"Well, have a great time."

"Thanks, Jamie. You know I think a lot of your sister." Matt looked away for a moment, uncomfortable. "I'm trying to avoid the rumor mill, so I haven't told anyone we're dating except Rene. He actually figured it out on his own."

"Yeah, well, mum's the word."

Matt started to walk out, and then turned around. "Oh, Jamie. I do have request. I was wondering if you could run a check on a Cheryl Collins. The check I ran at my clearance came up negative, but she claims to know your parents and Sarah. She's a friend from church, and she seems sweet, but to be honest, it gave me the creeps. She only talked to Sarah about it, not me."

"So, you're worried about some church lady creeping on my sister?"

Matt frowned. "I know, it seems paranoid. But my check had shown no connection to the Agency, and she claims to have been one of Lee's informants."

"Yeah, I see your point. I'll run a check when I get a chance. But hey, don't worry too much about it. Lee is very protective of his 'family.' I've gone snooping to find out about cases he worked on with my mom, especially the ones before she became an agent. He has blocked most of the information regarding her. He was burnt more than once. He's probably just trying to protect this lady, too."

"I guess I can always ask him when he gets back into town. I just thought it might be good to look into it sooner than later. Thanks—and thanks for all the other information, too." Matt turned back to the door.

"See ya."

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Lee and Amanda strolled hand in hand along the boarded sidewalk of the quaint seaside town. They had ambled in an out of a few stores, buying a gift or two here and there for their children and grandchildren. Amanda was determined to find some little treasure for Lee. Something to remember this week by.

"I think it's time we had lunch. I remember this place up ahead had great food."

Amanda noticed the people standing outside the restaurant. "It looks like they still do."

"Do you mind waiting?"

"No." Amanda's attention was diverted by the art gallery window. "Lee, look at this painting. It reminds me of the Remington sculpture. I haven't seen this one before."

Lee stopped to look. He wondered a little at Amanda's interest. Usually they were too busy with work and other things to think about decorating their home. "I didn't think you were a big fan of the Remington."

"I've always liked it—it makes me think of the Scarecrow part of you. And I know how much it means to you. Wouldn't it be nice to have a painting to hang over it?"

Lee's interest in the painting was growing. "I did have a framed print for a while. I think I got rid of it before I moved into the house." Lee thought for a moment. "You know, this painting would look nice. Are you sure? I know we've changed the décor a bit… Will it fit?"

Amanda squeezed Lee's hand and looked at his face. "Sure. But, do you like it?"

"I do." He looked in her eyes and smiled. He wanted the painting not just because he liked it, but because Amanda had thought to get it for him. "Let's find out if it is still for sale. Sometimes these things are sold, but left on display…"

The painting was still for sale, and soon Lee was carrying it, wrapped in brown paper, out of the gallery. He looked back at the growing crowd waiting by the restaurant. "Would you like to put our names in while I take this to the car?"

"Are you sure you don't need some help?"

"No. In fact, I can probably get the bags, too."

"Okay—if you're sure." Amanda handed Lee the bags. "I'll see you in a few minutes."

Lee gave Amanda a quick peck on the cheek and negotiated his way across the busy street as Amanda went to talk to the restaurant hostess. She and Lee rotated through a list of their favorite cover pseudonyms when they went to restaurants. Today she gave the hostess the name Steadman.

There were no seats outside the restaurant, so Amanda found a spot along the wall away from the other patrons where she knew Lee would see her. She watched for him to come back around the corner where he had disappeared a few minutes earlier. Soon he appeared on the sidewalk. The road was clear of traffic, so he quickly looked both ways and hurried towards her. He had gone halfway across the street when a car sped around the corner nearest Amanda. From her perspective, it looked like it was certain to strike Lee. She tried to call his name like she had done so many times in the field, but no sound came out.

Amanda remained frozen in place as she watched the car speed past her. She was afraid to look to the place where she was certain Lee lay in the street. Her mind went back to the moment several weeks earlier when Adi Birol had attempted to take Lee as a hostage. She had known in her heart that he intended to kill Lee. Overwhelmed by the stress and fatigue she had endured during her own captivity under Birol, she had collapsed when the incident was over. Now she stood frozen in place.

The people around her buzzed with complaints about the careless driver. "Did you see that guy? He almost hit that man."

"Why would someone drive like that in a tourist town?"

"Are you okay, sir?"

Amanda did not hear Lee acknowledge the concerned restaurant goers around him. He walked up to Amanda and caressed her face briefly before turning her away from prying eyes. He spoke quietly to her. "Amanda. Are you okay?"

Amanda's face was expressionless for a moment and she did not respond immediately. Lee tried not to panic. She's having a flashback or something. "Amanda." Lee gently rubbed the inside of her wrist in an effort to bring her back to reality. Slowly her eyes registered and she focused on Lee.

He felt a wave of relief as she quietly spoke his name. "Lee. You're okay."

"I'm fine. I had to jump back when that jerk came around the corner, but I'm okay."

"It looked like he was going to hit you. I guess it triggered a flashback." Amanda began to tremble. She fought back tears and tried to regain her composure.

"Do you want to go?"

Amanda didn't want to cause a scene. No one could really see her face where she stood. "Just give me a minute."

Lee kept his arm protectively around Amanda and used his body to shield hers from the tourists on the sidewalk. He hoped it looked like they were simply a couple having a private conversation. He watched her face.

"I hate this. I thought I was past the worst of it when I had the second dream Monday night."

"You know that was a big step forward, but you've got to be patient with yourself. I don't mean to sound like I'm making light of this, but you'll feel better after you eat something."

Amanda looked at Lee. He had been looking forward to an outing like this, and she didn't want to completely ruin it by being an emotional wreck. Besides, he was right: she was hungry, and her blood sugar was probably low. She did her best to smile convincingly. "You're right. I should know better."

Lee gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. He knew she was trying to put on a brave front for him. "Are you really sure you want to eat here?"

"Yes. I'm feeling better already. We should be getting our table soon."

Lee bent his head to look in her eyes. "If you're sure."

"I'm sure." Amanda smiled at him, and this time he knew it was genuine.

He grinned back at her. "I love you, you know."

"I know. And I love you."

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Later that afternoon they relaxed on a blanket near the dunes by the condo. Lee leaned back into the beach chair, and Amanda, seated on the blanket between his legs, leaned back against Lee. They both dozed a little as the soft breeze cooled the warm summer air.

Finally he spoke. "How are you feeling?"

"I love this."

Lee smiled lazily and stroked Amanda's hair. "I could stay here a long time. The weather is perfect."

Amanda was fully awake now. "Lee?"

"Yeah?" He was a little more alert now.

"Please be honest with me." She felt him tense a bit and stroked his arm. "How close was that car to hitting you?"

Lee shifted a bit and put his hands on her shoulders to reassure her. "I had plenty of time to react. I've had much closer calls."

"How close?"

Lee knew Amanda would not let up until he gave her a believable answer. "At least three feet. Maybe five or six. I'm not sure because I was moving backwards to get out of the way. Honestly, Amanda. It probably looked worse from your angle than mine."

Amanda thought for a few moments. "I overreacted, didn't I?"

Lee didn't answer for a minute. "I wish it hadn't happened. You didn't need the scare."

"You are being kind, but I overreacted. I need to get past this, Lee. It will just be you, me, Matt, and Arman in Kazakhstan. You don't need a zombie partner with you—or worse, an emotional wreck."

"I think that this conversation is probably a big step in the right direction. I won't say you overreacted, but this stress you've been under has been eating you up. These last few days you've started to act like the old Amanda." Lee put his arms around her and held her tightly against him. "My Amanda."

Amanda bent her head forward to kiss Lee's arm and relaxed against him again. "I'm so glad we came, Lee."

She could feel the rumble of is voice as it grew husky. "Me, too." He stroked her hair again and she felt him relax behind her.

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Francine looked up at Besetti and Cartwright. "You know the drill, then. Be at the dock when the ship arrives. Keep an eye out for Popovich, Volkov, and Pak and follow them if they leave the ship. No matter what happens, though, you follow the container to its final destination. We have to know where the guns end up."

Besetti spoke first. "Yes, Ma'am. We have our gear packed and ready to go. We leave in four hours."

"Okay. I hope you're prepared for at least two weeks."

"We're ready for three."

"I'll be waiting for your check-ins. Bon voyage."

"See ya, Chief." Francine rolled her eyes as the two agents left her office.

Francine looked at her computer, then stared off into space. I have half a mind to send them on to Kazakhstan to back up Lee and Amanda. This going off with one agent as back up thing is crazy. She picked up the phone to dial Gil Barclay's office.

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Sarah saw Matt pull up to the curb and went to get her sweater and purse. She opened the door just as he drew near the front stoop. She thought she heard his breath catch as he took in her appearance. He was wearing a finely tailored suit—a step up from his usual agent attire—and she felt her breath catch a little, too. She smiled.

"You're always right on time. Keeping me on my toes, Agent Granger."

Matt smiled crookedly and produced a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. "For the lovely lady who agreed to go to dinner with me tonight."

Sarah blushed a little as she admired the striking bouquet. There were a few blooms she did not recognize and some others that were obviously of high quality. "These are just beautiful, Matt. Come inside for just a minute while I put them in water."

He followed her inside, admiring her in the black dinner dress. "You do look gorgeous, Sarah."

She stopped and turned back to look at him. "Thank you, Matt. That's very sweet. I was going to say that you looked very handsome yourself—at least you make that suit look wonderful." Sarah turned back to the kitchen and smiled quietly to herself. That was bold. But at least I finally said it.

It was Matt's turn to blush. C'mon Granger, you love hearing that from her and you know it. "I thought I'd dig out this suit. My parents bought it for me when I was hired at the Agency. Of course, they thought it was IFF—they must have been thinking I'd need something swankier than my usual suits."

"It's very nicely tailored." Wow, it fits you so perfectly…

"Thank you. It's too nice for work, really. I've replaced one suit jacket and two pairs of slacks already." He leaned on the dining room doorjamb as he watched her arrange the flowers in a vase.

She stopped after a moment and turned to him. "Would you mind if I took a photo of us?" She ducked her head a little and seemed almost shy for a moment. "You know, for our first date. It won't take long." I'd love to have a photo of you in that suit on my bedside table.

Matt grinned at her. "That would be great. You can give me a copy."

Sarah quickly went to get her camera and tripod, and soon she had her photos. She went back to finishing with the flowers.

"There are some lovely specimens in this arrangement, Matt." He watched as Sarah turned the vase slowly around so she could admire the blooms.

"I'm glad you like it. You've told me that you love flowers, so I wanted to get you something special for our first date."

Sarah put the flowers down and walked up to Matt. "They're perfect. Thank you." Expecting a kiss on the cheek, he was mildly surprised when she lightly brushed her lips over his, and then looked into his eyes.

Matt swallowed. His voice was husky when he spoke. "Well, I guess we'd better go. Our reservation is for seven o'clock."

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Matt was pleased. The food and service had been even better than he had expected. They had ordered a bottle of wine, too. Sarah seemed to enjoy herself. She had been animated as he told her stories of the adventures he'd had in northern Europe while on leave from the Army. In return, she shared a few stories about the exotic locations she had traveled to with her parents when they worked for the State Department. Soon they found themselves continuing their conversation in the car.

"It sounds like they enjoyed a lot of perks when your parents were at the State Department. They took you on some great trips."

"Yes, when they were able to. But they are happier working for the Agency."

"They went back after 9/11."

"Yes. There was a big overhaul and the administration wanted veterans in place to add stability to the organization. That's why they brought back Daddy and Mom, and encouraged people like the Beamans to stay."

"And your brothers…"

"They were actually hired after my parents left—they worked in the field for a while—and stayed on when they came back."

Sarah put her hand on Matt's arm. "I hate to change the subject, but I wanted to invite you to come inside when we get back to my house. It's still early, and I thought it would be fun to practice dancing to some of Mom and Daddy's old vinyl. We could try swing dancing…"

Matt grinned. "I was going to ask you if you wanted to practice at my apartment, but I probably don't have all of those tunes on my iPhone."

"Well, we have a dock if you want to play a few of your own…"

"Sounds great."

Once back at the house, Sarah made tea while Matt moved a couch out of the way so they could dance more easily. He shed his coat and tie, while Sarah kicked off her heels. Matt was less experienced with swing dancing, so they took some time to relearn the steps together. They laughed as they struggled to move gracefully, but soon they were dancing easily. They stopped now and then for a sip of tea and to catch their breath. After a while, Sarah brought them each a glass of water while Matt selected a couple of tunes and set his iPhone in the dock.

"Well this has been fun. We should practice more often."

"We should." Sarah looked at Matt and smiled. She had noticed that he had opened up on his own with her tonight, even talking some while they danced.

Matt watched as Sarah sipped her water. He set his glass down, then took hers and put it down on the table. She moved into his arms and they began waltzing slowly around the room. Soon the waltz ended and the sweet strains of Debussy's "Claire de Lune" emanated from the speakers.

"This really isn't a dancing tune, but I like it."

"It's beautiful."

Matt pulled Sarah to him and they continued to move slowly about the room. He rested his cheek against her hair as he held her hand against his chest and his other hand rested gently on her back.

Sarah had never felt this way before. Leaning against his strong chest, she was overwhelmed by a feeling of security—and something she couldn't identify. Was it just affection, or—love? Already? Soon they stopped moving. Sarah pulled away from Matt and looked up at his face. His eyes searched hers before he leaned down to capture her lips with his. One arm wrapped around her shoulders as Matt drew her into a close embrace, and they shared several kisses before stopping to catch their breath. Sarah sighed a little when Matt reached up to stroke her hair.

"You are so lovely. I've been wanting to do that all evening."

Barely able to speak, Sarah stared up at his face and managed, "It has been wonderful."

Reluctantly, Matt pulled away. He put the couch back in its place. After reaching for his jacket and tie, he turned back to her. "Thank you for everything, Sarah. For coming to dinner with me, and for the dancing."

"Thank you, Matt. It was such a nice evening. The flowers are beautiful, the restaurant was perfect, and the dancing was amazing." Sarah blushed a little. Not just the dancing.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow and bring you to my place."

"I can drive."

Matt stepped back over to Sarah and caressed her face lightly. "Please let me drive you. Then I can bring you back—you won't be alone coming home."

Sarah smiled. She knew it was important to Matt to look after her. She had grown used to her father acting the same way. After the Adi Birol case, she had become more certain than ever before that it was her father's way of showing her how much he loved her, and she didn't mind the protection. Her breath caught a little at the thought of what it might mean to Matt. Don't go there, girl. Not yet.

"Since you're making the dinner, and it's a Friday, why don't you just give me a call when you're ready to come get me? Don't feel like you have to rush. I know it can be hard to get out of work."

"I'm not too worried with this desk duty. It will probably be around six-thirty. Will that give you enough time after you get back from work?"

"That will be perfect."

Sarah followed Matt to the door. He kissed her again, and his eyes lingered on hers for a moment. "See you tomorrow."

"See you then." She watched him go to his car before closing the door. After turning on the alarm system, she could not resist a peek out the front window—his car was just disappearing from sight. Surprised at the feeling of wistfulness that came over her, she chided herself, You're going to see him tomorrow night, ninny.