Unforeseen Path
Chapter 5
There was a full crowd of agents from MI5 to the Washington D.C. Agency who gathered to pay respects to Emily Farnsworth the following day as each team mourned the fine woman agent she was. But for some, she was a true friend and it was rare in this business of theirs to actually find and keep one close as they were basically trained to keep emotions at bay or else risk losing their objectivity where their job was concerned.
As the service ended an hour later, Billy and Francine went with Lee and Amanda to Monk's to honor their friend. Getting a table, they sat and ordered their drinks and Amanda looked at Lee at one point trying to figure out how he was doing.
Lee saw her watching him and said, "What? "
Amanda shrugged, "Oh, nothing. I was just concerned that's all. Are you all right? "
Lee sighed and got up."Yes, I'm fine! Would you quit bugging me?" He headed to the mens room and Billy patted Amanda's hand. "Don't worry, Amanda. He's got a full plate just dealing with today. Tomorrow will be the real challenge. "
Amanda nodded. "Of course, sir." Looking at Francine, she said, "What do you think? "
Francine sighed and looked at her. "I think I'm wondering why you're still with the Agency. It truly baffles the mind why you're still hanging around-."
Amanda clipped, "I'm wondering the same thing about you Francine! Considering you didn't know Emily as well as Lee and I did. Why are you here right now? I can see why Mr. Melrose is here, but there has to be someplace you'd rather be? "
Glaring at her, she got up and seethed, "Duly noted! Billy, I'll see you and Lee tomorrow!" She left in a huff and Billy shook his head.
Amanda said contritely, "Sir, I apologize! It's just that sometimes she... well, she pushes my buttons!"
Billy nodded. "It's all right dear. She takes getting used to. Don't worry, she'll be better tomorrow."
Lee came back to the table and said, "What happened to Francine? "
Amanda shrugged and said, "She and I had words. I'm sorry. This isn't the time or place and I guess I forgot that."
Lee half-smiled at her. "You went one on one with her and you're still here? Amazing!"
Billy finished his drink and got up saying, "I think that's my cue to leave. "
Amanda shook her head, "Sir, I-."
Billy said putting up a hand,"It's all right, Amanda. I have to get home anyway." He looked at Lee and touched his shoulder. "Son, if you need anything for tomorrow, let me know. "
Lee sighed,"No. Everything's set. The base sergeant Frank Tompkins said everyone should be present at 0:900 hours. Heh. Can't get out of the formal mode, I guess."
Billy nodded and said goodnight and left. Amanda then looked at her watch and said, "Maybe we should leave as well-."
Lee said angrily, "Why? It's not like I have to go set up the chairs or order the food or set up the music or anything! It's Arlington! It's Taps and a 21-gun salute or whatever the hell the old man wanted! I've got all the time in the world, Amanda! So let's toast Emily and Colonel Clayton properly, hmm? "
He ordered another round for them and Amanda could tell tonight was just the beginning of Lee's grieving process. She promised herself she'd be there for him and she wouldn't go back on it now. Whether or not he knew it, he needed her. She only hoped he'd be all right in the end. For both their sakes...
TBC