Passageway

Chapter 8

Joe and Amanda were still talking when Dotty left.

Joe asked, "What do you think we should do? She's serious-"

Amanda sighed responding, "I know she is but I don't think you should get any of your law contacts to oversee this. I do think she's right in wanting someone objective..."

Joe noticed her expression and then shook his head stating, "I know that look and I don't think you should get Agency lawyers in on this either. We have enough problems here, don't you think?"

Amanda retorted, "If you just hadn't mentioned that you already knew maybe she wouldn't have wanted to pursue this, Joe! I was planning to tell her anyway, but you had to add fuel to the fire and get her riled up."

Joe responded, "Oh, so now this is my fault? That's rich, Amanda! I wasn't the one who put the family in danger by taking up with Stetson the super hero!"

Amanda replied angrily, "I was helping him the day we met and it wasn't supposed to go beyond that but it did and I don't regret it for a second!"

Then putting up a hand tiredly she remarked, "All right. This isn't getting us anywhere, Joe. I'm heading to work. Don't say anything to the boys, please? At least until we figure something out, okay?"

Joe nodded slowly stating, "Aw hell, Amanda. I don't like it when we argue. Besides, the boys know already that something's wrong. They know you and Lee are upset anyway lately. They love you and don't like seeing you unhappy."

Amanda swallowed hard thinking of the wonderful boys they had and wished they didn't have to endure this! She responded, "I know. Tell them I love them too and I'll call tonight."

Joe left and Amanda dialed the Agency and Lee's extension.

Lee answered, "Stetson."

Amanda stated, "Hi. It's me. Don't go anywhere. I'm coming in. Is Billy still there?"

Lee puzzled responded, "Yeah. What's wrong?"

Amanda sighed and commented, "I'll see you soon."

Hanging up she grabbed her purse and keys locking the front door as she left and pulled out of the driveway. Something had to give here. She wasn't sure how much more she could take.

She reached the Agency and giving the day's password got her badge and headed down to the bullpen.

Billy greeted her as she exited the elevator and remarked, "Lee said you wanted to see me? What is it, Amanda?"

Clearing her throat and looking around she gestured toward his office responding, "In here, please."

They went in and sat down with Lee entering shortly after querying, "How bad is it?"

Amanda chuckled lightly and commented, "Well, Mother wants to petition the court for custody of the boys-"

Lee was stunned and asked, "Why? She already helps you take care of them-"

Amanda got up and began to pace the way Lee did when he was upset and commented, "She feels that being with Joe isn't exactly safe and now she feels the same way about us. She also said she's basically the caregiver lately because of the work we do so she may as well have the right to them-"

Lee remarked, "Well, that's insane thinking on her part. She actually wants to take them out of their home?"

Amanda shook her head and stated, "No. It's the only home they know. She realizes that much anyway. But she asked Joe to find someone to help with the case since it would be conflict of interest if he were to handle it seeing as he's their father and all."

Billy sighed and stated, "I don't quite know what this has to do with me, Amanda. How can I be of any help?"

Amanda sat down next to Lee and responded, "Sir, I know we don't deal directly with family law here but I had a thought on my way over. We have negotiators, right? I mean, people that make deals for us and the other countries to avoid any bloodshed?"

Billy gave a bewildered look and shrugged as he eyed Lee and replied, "I-I'm trying to understand her and I think I know what she's saying but it's scaring me a little, you know?"

Lee scoffed and answered jokingly, "Try living with her-"

Amanda smacked his arm and hissed, "Stop it! I'm serious here-"

Lee patted her hand and stated, "I know you are. I'm kidding, okay? Relax, will ya?"

Billy responded finally, "All right, enough! Amanda, what you're asking for is just someone to mediate the situation. Someone that none of you know, correct?"

Amanda sighed and commented, "Yes, Sir. If it's possible. Do you know of anyone?"

Billy stated thoughtfully nodding, "I think I might. Hang on while I call Pfaff-"

Lee jumped up and retorted, "Pfaff? Who's side are you on, Billy? I don't want that clown handling our case!"

Amanda pulled Lee back down to the chair and shook her head exclaiming, "Lee! Stop! He's saying that Pfaff may know someone objective to help us. Isn't that right, Sir?"

Billy groaned looking at Lee and answering, "Exactly! Now if you'll just clam up for a minute Stetson, maybe I can get somewhere here!"

Lee got up disgustedly and feeling put out, went to sit on the couch and stonily commented, "Fine!"

Amanda went to join him as they heard Billy talking to Pfaff and she stated quietly trying to appease him, "Look, she doesn't want anyone Joe knows directly and he certainly doesn't want anyone from here but a mediator can maybe talk Mother down so that we don't have to go to court. Do you understand, Sweetheart?"

Lee half smiled at her responding, "You know, I think you could give any of our top negotiators a run for their money. Okay. We'll try it this way."

Amanda kissed his cheek and answered, "Thank you. We have to try something..."

TBC