Chapter 5

Lee and Amanda drove to Lee's apartment. They brought Amanda's bag inside with them so she could easily change in the morning. She did have some clothes at Lee's apartment already for the times there were able to be there overnight but it wasn't much. Setting the bag down in Lee's bedroom, Lee grabbed his own overnight bag and started to pack his things. Amanda sat on the edge of the bed and watched him walk back and forth, dropping items into the bag, then back to his closet or bureau once again.

He walked into the bathroom to get his shaving kit and toothbrush. Tossing them onto the top of his bag, Lee surveyed the room to decide if there was anything else he may need to bring. His eyes settled on the nightstand beside the bed. He glanced at Amanda then strolled over and opened the top drawer. Inside was the box of condom he always kept there. Early in their relationship, Amanda had explained she couldn't take birth control pills so they faithfully relied on condoms and Amanda's tracking of her natural body cycle. Picking up the box, he shook his head when he remembered it was empty.

"Amanda, I forgot to pick up more of these, you didn't remember by any chance, did you?" Lee asked as he tossed the empty box in the trash.

Laughing, Amanda replied, "I didn't, but Mother did."

Lee stopped and looked at her. "Say that again."

"I didn't buy any but my mother did," Amanda was still laughing.

"Your mother? Does she know…" Lee was slightly confused

Getting her laughter under control, Amanda shook her head, "I don't think so but she sees this weekend as a chance for us to … you know."

Now it was Lee's turn to laugh, "Your mother isn't sure if we've been together, yet she buys condoms for you."

Amanda stood up and walked over to Lee, putting her arms around his neck. "She just wants her daughter to be safe," Amanda said before kissing his lips.

"I'll keep her daughter safe all right," Lee practically growled as he deepened the kiss, pulling Amanda onto the bed with him as he did.

Amanda threw her head back, laughing again. "Lee, as much as I love this, right now is not the time. We have to leave soon to meet Harry."

Lee had been covering her throat with light kisses, stopping as she reminded him about their meeting. "You're right, now is not the time. But later… Mrs. Stetson… be prepared. Now that I have permission from your mother, you are in trouble."

"I didn't know I needed permission to get into trouble," Amanda laughed again. She loved this time they had. They were free to behave like two adults in love, not hesitating, not hiding.

Lee let her go, but not before giving her one more toe curling kiss that even he had to tamp down his own desire. Standing, he offered her a hand. "Let's go meet Harry."

It was just before seven when they reached the bar. It was a small establishment just outside a bustling office park, usually frequented by the corporate employees trying to find an escape from their cubical farms and fluorescent lit offices. On this Wednesday evening, it was already filled with mostly unhappy looking middle age men and women, with a smattering of older men. Looking around, Lee understood why Harry chose this place. They fit right in, no one would look twice at them.

Scanning the room, they didn't see Harry so they chose a small table away from the bar and the speakers from the jukebox. The room was loud enough with chatter but this spot offered them a small bit of privacy. They each ordered a drink, Amanda, a glass of white wine, Lee, scotch on the rocks. Once their drinks were delivered, Amanda took a sip and asked Lee, "So why do you think Harry wants us to find this woman?"

Lee shook his head, "I don't know. But this is Harry. You never know the real story until Harry wants you to know." At that moment, Lee spotted Harry coming into the bar. "Look, there he is." Standing, Lee made eye contact with the older man.

Harry wove his way between patrons, stopping when he got to them. Lee offered his hand but was pulled into a hug instead. "Lee, I can't tell you how glad I am you're doing this for me."

Amanda stood to hug Harry, "Harry, it's nice to see you again."

"Amanda, you look lovely as ever. The Agency treating you right? Not keeping you away from your family too much?" Harry was always concerned when it came to her and her family. He liked Amanda, especially because he could see how she changed Scarecrow over the last few years for the good. Looking between the two, he sensed something was different about them. Before he could ask, Amanda answered his question.

"Don't worry, Harry. I'm good. Now that the boys are a little older, being away is easier. Not that they don't still need me but they need me in a different way," she smiled at him.

"And you two…. Something's different. I can feel it. Make an old man happy. Tell me what's going on," Harry sat at the table with them, holding Amanda's hand as he did.

Lee smiled. He'd known Harry a long time and knew he would pick up a lie in a heartbeat. Taking Amanda's other hand, he simply answered, "Amanda and I have been seeing more of each other. Outside of work."

Harry looked between the two again, "Uh huh. So when are you going to get off your backsides and get married?"

Blushing, Amanda looked down at her drink. Letting go of both their hands, she lifted it, took another sip and said, "Harry… why don't you tell us about Lauren Proctor. Why do you need us to find her?"

The waitress stopped at their table, asked if Harry wished to order anything. "A white Russian, please. Light on the ice." Nodding, she walked away. "Christina has me hooked," Harry laughed. Just a few minutes later the waitress brought his drink. Sipping it, he commented, "Hmmmm, needs more vodka." Putting the drink down on the table, Harry surveyed the room.

Lee looked at his mentor. He knew he was stalling but he had no idea why. Deciding Harry had enough time to think, he asked again, "Who is she, Harry?"

Taking another sip of his drink and a deep breath, Harry looked at Lee, then Amanda. "Lauren Proctor is my daughter."