Passageway

Chapter 4

As Billy and Lee wre finishing up their talk, the phone rang.

Billy picked up and tiredly stated, "Melrose. Who? Uh, all right. Thank you."

Lee noticed his hesitation and queried, "Billy? What is it?"

Billy shook his head and remarked, "Not what, but who and it's Dotty West-"

Just then Francine knocked and came in responding, "Excuse me. Lee? There's a call for you out here on line three? It's Bridget Stevens. She says Amanda hasn't shown up for her appointment and that she's a half hour late."

Lee looked at Billy and sighed commented, "Please tell Dotty I'll talk to her later while I handle this? Thanks."

When Lee left Billy got on with Dotty remarking, "Mrs. West? William Melrose speaking. Sorry to keep you waiting. What can I do for you?"

As Billy listened he rolled his eyes as the woman really wanted to speak to him. Shaking his head he thought, I'm going to get you for this, Scarecrow!

Meanwhile Lee got on the phone with Bridget. "Hi, Bridget. I'm sorry you've had to wait for Amanda but she was talking to her mother so maybe she's still at home. What? Oh. Well, she hasn't come here yet either but I'm sure she's fine. Look, if I hear from her or she comes in I'll have her call you... oh, I see. Yeah, all right. Fine. I'll have her set up another appointment and again, I'm sorry. Goodbye."

Hanging up, he sighed and Francine asked, "What happened?"

Lee groaned, "Well, Amanda was supposed to meet with Bridget for a session before coming here but she didn't show. Now Bridget won't be able to see her for a few weeks as she's going on vacation. So Amanda will have to set up something when Bridget returns."

Francine shrugged replying, "So get another therapist-"

But Lee shook his head and responded, "Bridget feels that Amanda's reached a plateau in her therapy and doesn't advise her to get a substitute at this point. I happen to agree because the woman has helped her immensely since Amanda first started going to her. Francine, Amanda's not having nightmares any more which is a good sign. Do we have anyone near my neighborhood to see where Amanda might be?"

Francine dialed a number and when the party answered she stated, "Rogers? It's Desmond. Yeah, are you and Fielder near the radius of Stetson and King's home? No, don't pull her in. Just get back to me if you spot her car anywhere. She's late getting here and Stetson's in the middle of something and can't leave at the moment."

She nodded and replied listening to the party, "Okay, just do a quick once-over and call back. Thanks."

She hung up and commented to Lee, "They're checking right now."

She then noticed Billy signalling for Lee to come back and she remarked, "Uh-oh. Billy doesn't look happy. He wants you to go back in. I'll let you know if I hear anything from Rogers."

Lee swallowed hard seeing Billy's expression. Obviously, Dotty gave him an earful! He wished right then that he was out looking for his elusive wife!

He came back into the office and asked carefully, "How bad was it with Dotty?"

Billy took a deep breath and let it out slowly responding, "Well, Amanda told her some things about her involvement with us and let me have it with both barrels! When you were otherwise occupied just now she decided to tell me off instead! She did ask me to tell you that she'd like to have a word with you as well, as soon as the day is over and not to go out to dinner. You are to go to the house tonight. Your stepsons are with Joe tonight so you won't be interrupted. Oh and if you hear from Amanda, she's also to be present. Now, get back to work!"

Lee wordlessly nodded and left slowly. Whew, he thought as he went back to his office. He'd better rein Dotty in as much as he can from now on in spite of her anger at the situation!

As he got in the office the phone rang. He picked up stating, "Stetson."

Francine remarked, "Hey, I just heard from Rogers. Amanda's at the park near your house. She's sitting in her car and from what Rogers could tell, she's really upset. Do you want him to engage?"

Lee gulped and shaking his head answered, "N-No. I'll go get her myself. Maybe I can salvage what's left of the day. Let Billy know all right?"

Francine nodded responding, "You got it, Lee. I hope she's okay."

Lee sighed and replied, "Thanks, Francine. Me, too."

With that he hung up and grabbing his keys and jacket, left the office...

TBC