FRANCINE
She could hear Lee screaming and yelling at Billy and Quid from her desk. It wasn't pretty. Billy had left his blinds up and everyone could see inside. Everyone could see Scarecrow unraveling. He was pacing back and forth running his hands in his hair. She knew that Lee was beside himself. Crazed. Adi Birol had kidnapped Amanda King. Francine knew that this was one of Lee's worst nightmares coming true. She sat there watching Lee and thinking about how much Lee had changed over the years since picking Amanda out at the train station. She never thought she'd agree that Amanda King was the best thing to ever happen to Lee Stetson. He became a better agent….a better friend. He cared and it showed. Something she never thought possible for a guy like Lee.
She really wasn't the praying type. But alas she said a silent prayer that nothing horrible happened to Amanda. Lee wouldn't be able to take it. She had heard of the torture tactics of Birol and it even made her shudder. She was a trained agent. How was Amanda going to withstand Birol's abuse? She was nothing but a housewife. Okay Francine. That's a little harsh. She's more than that now and you know it. But even with Agency training….anyone could fall. Especially Amanda. She's not there. She's good…but not quite there.
She shook her head thinking about what Lee would do if he found out that Birol had abused Amanda. He became a different person when it came to the safety of Amanda King. He defends her with everything in him. A far cry from the long nights when the two of them would sit at Nedlinger's and make fun of the goofy housewife. Somewhere along the way, Amanda King had become Lee's partner and best friend. Francine knew better. Lee Stetson was in love. Again something she never thought she'd see and admit. But she knew. Lee Stetson couldn't live without Amanda King.
And she was gone.
Francine looked up and saw Lee storming out of Billy's office. He went straight to the corner of the bullpen and started pulling out reports, maps, alerts…anything he could get his hands on regarding Birol and his whereabouts. She thought about walking over to him, but hesitated. If he needed her for anything he would come to her. It was just a matter of time. She knew she would do anything for him…and for Amanda. Her thoughts were interrupted by Billy calling her name. She glanced once more at Lee and walked into Billy's office to hear the bad news.
BILLY
Billy sat down at his desk and took a deep breath. He had just finished briefing Francine on Amanda's kidnapping. He remembered looking at his assistant and saying "Keep an eye on him. He's gonna lose it if anything happens to her." It only took a look from Francine that let Billy know she understood.
He looked down at the little crumpled piece of paper in his hand. Nightcrawler for the woman. He threw the paper on his desk and said to himself. Damn it! How the hell did Birol get the jump on Lee? I am going to have to take Lee off finding her. Damn it, he's gonna go nuts sitting on his hands. He can't sit still. This is Amanda. She's become his whole world. I know he's going to go and try something anyway. I guess I will play innocent until something comes up. Lets just hope Lee doesn't get himself kidnapped. Please for the love of God Scarecrow - don't do something stupid!
Billy stood up and went out into the bullpen. He had to give Lee the bad news and tell him to go home. Yusef and the rest of the ATAC team could get Amanda back. Lee was no longer in charge of the team.
He noticed Lee wasn't in the bullpen and asked Francine where Lee went. She looked at him and sighed "He went up to the Q Bureau. He had a stack of files with him. He thinks he'll find something in them." She rolled her eyes, not really trying to be snarky towards Amanda but it came out "I honestly don't know why he's bothering. Unless Nightcrawler can come through, Lees going to need a miracle."
Billy frowned at her. Francine had made it a point from the start that Amanda King wasn't her favorite. Billy thought they had formed some sort of understanding and friendship. He didn't like it when Francine was out right nasty towards Amanda. Billy had an endearing affection for the housewife turned spy. He liked Amanda. She was a breath of fresh air that would just engulf a room once she walked in.
"Francine. Don't be nasty. We can't afford to be like that. Lee and Amanda have been through lots worse and come out of it. They can with this one. We'll get her back. " He cleaned his throat and continued "If anyone needs me I am going out for a long lunch. I am taking Lee with me."
Billy headed towards the elevator. He wasn't looking forward to this lunch.
FRANCINE
It was finished. By whatever miracle that followed Lee Stetson, it had come through and they had rescued Amanda. She was safe. Just like she had thought earlier Lee had in fact asked for her help. She initially thought Lee was crazy…bringing back her in disguise as Magda Petrak. It worked. They had tricked Adi Birol and the real Magda helped.
Sitting across from the Hungarian refugee, Francine studied Magda. The resemblance was uncanny. It was almost eerie. She remembered being a dead ringer with Magda but sitting across from one another made her completely realize how much they looked alike. Magda was finishing her end of the story. Mara had been rushed to the Agency doctors and was awaiting debriefing.
Billy smiled at Magda and said "Thank you once again Miss Petrak…for helping us. We appreciate it. I know it came at a great cost to both you and your sister."
Magda smiled at him and Francine. "It's nothing really. You helped me come to this country. You all risked your lives for me. It was the least I could do. Besides…I owed Amanda a huge thank you. I think we are even now."
Billy chuckled and shook Magda's hand. He left the two ladies in the room alone. Francine went to stand and escort Magda out. Magda hesitated. Francine looked at her and asked. "Was there something else you wanted to add?"
Magda smiled at her. "What made you decide to help Mr. Stetson? I am curious."
Francine thought about it and smiled back at her. "Lee is one of my best friends..in a business that really doesn't allow you to have. I owe both Lee and Amanda a lot for things they have done for me over the years. "You're not the only one that owes Amanda King a huge thank you."
Magda laughed at that. Her eyes were dancing as she added "I have never met a woman like Amanda. She's something else."
They both looked out the window of the conference room and saw Amanda and Lee walking hand in hand towards Billy's office. They locked eyes at one another and laughed. Magda spoke first "You know she was in love with him years ago." Francine nodded "Oh I know. And what's so funny is that he loved her too. He just didn't realize it yet.":
Magda glanced at her and asked "You think so? I'm not so sure."
Francine opened the conference room door as she laughed "Then you don't know Lee Stetson! I promise you…Scarecrow finally got the straw out of his head. She's the best thing to ever happen to him"
Magda agreed. "You'll have to keep me posted on any new developments on Scarecrow and his Mrs. King ''. Francine nodded and the two ladies walked out of the conference room among several stares within the bullpen.
