Chapter 5

Billy called back just as Lee was about to brief Calvin on their plans.

"Scarecrow, I talked to the FBI. Most of their agents assigned to the child trafficking case are busy today. They're following up on incidents at Knotts Berry Farm®, Universal Studios®, and Magic Mountain®. They promised us three people today. But tomorrow, the bureau can send twelve investigators from the task force. Our guys are sending four people."

"I appreciate it, Billy. Thanks. Listen, can you tell the agents coming, to head over to gate six off of Ball Rd. They can enter there and go to building five. That's the main security office for the park."

"I will. I'm glad I could be of some help. Uh, Lee, how did Amanda take the news?"

Lee sighed. "Amanda doesn't like it, but she understands. We both wish she could help with the investigation. And if we didn't have the kids, well… we wouldn't even be doing this. We've planned to spend two days at the park. So we'll have tomorrow too. I'm going to pretend to get sick after a ride and say I'm heading back to the hotel. Instead, I'll join the task force."

"Good luck, Scarecrow."

Lee hung up and advised Calvin about what Billy reported to him. "You heard what I told my boss. I'll be back ASAP to join forces with the other operatives."

Calvin nodded. "I'll be here going through security tapes."

Amanda was waiting nearby with the girls and Philip, and all of them were eating the last of their ice cream cones.

"Really, Mrs. Stetson, at ten thirty in the morning? You sure are letting things slide." Lee teased, giving a smile showcasing his dimples.

"Desperate measures. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do." Amanda playfully batted her eyelashes at him as she hooked one arm through his.

He leaned in closely and whispered in his wife's ear. "You tease, wait till I get you alone."

Amanda blushed, replying, "I can't wait."

Lee then turned his attention to his daughters. He clapped his hands together. "Okay, who is ready to go on some rides?"

"We are Papa, let's go!" The sisters gave an enthusiastic shout.

"I want to go on the ride with the big tall mountain of snow," JJ announced.

"I think the jungle cruise is a better choice since you just ate something," remarked her mother, studying the map.

"Jungle Cruise, here we come!" Lee declared.

The family strolled hand in hand with one another. As they walked together, Amanda studied Lee's face. Finally, she spoke quietly, "Alright, Stetson. What's up? There must be more you aren't telling me. You have that look."

Lee motioned for Philip to take both of his sisters' hands and pointed him in the direction they needed to go. The parents stepped back to follow their kids so they could talk.

Lee lowered his voice and explained to Amanda, "The FBI and Agency people are en route to the park to investigate. However, it's a small crew. I'm assigning the best female operative to our family for protection."

"Lee, do you think it's necessary? After all, I'm an agent. I know how to take care of myself."

'Yesss," Lee dragged out the word. "We're still not sure what we're dealing with yet. And you have to admit, trouble tends to find you. I'd feel better knowing our family was protected and safe."

Amanda squinted her eyes, giving him an irritated look. "Lee, you can't control everything," she argued. "I don't need babysitting! This is like telling me to stay in the car. Don't forget what happened the last time we were in California."

Lee looked pleadingly at his wife. Her last statement burned deep.

"A-MAN-DA, please!" Lee swiped his hand through his hair. "This is different. Our family is with us. All I can think of is when you were kidnapped that time by sex traffickers who wanted to sell you!"

Amanda shivered at the thought. "And this is OUR vacation. But you know JJ, she will notice someone is following us. Also, why did you ask for a woman?"

Lee answered, "Because a woman is less suspicious. I've already thought of everything. You'll casually run into an old friend, maybe a sorority sister. Her husband has business in Los Angeles, and she'll be visiting the park alone for the day. You can invite her to spend time with you and the kids. I've requested the agent be an expert marksman and hand-to-hand fighter. I'll call you on our cell phone to find out where you guys are. Then she can accidentally bump into you."

Amanda thought for a moment. "I still wish you'd let the FBI take care of it. But I know you won't let it go. I can't fight you on this. But you only get today, buster! You have to be back at the hotel before eight-thirty." Amanda poked her finger into his chest.

"That's when I intend to be back," Lee reassured his wife.

Her temper eased, adding softly, "Lee, I can't even begin to imagine what might've happened to JJ if she hadn't gotten away." The frightened mother shuddered for a second time. Lee's answer was to wrap one arm protectively around his wife's waist to draw her closer to his side as they walked.

The family arrived at the Safari Cruise. Because there wasn't a line, they went right on board. As the ship wove through the river, the girls giggled at the antics of the animated robotic animals. Mattie was a little confused and wasn't sure if they were real animals or not.

JJ dismissed her sister's doubts and told her, "Of course, they were fake." JJ suddenly changed her mind when the alligator surfaced, and the guide shot it.

Lee began to act distracted and breathe heavily. He knew he'd have to put on a good act to convince JJ and Mattie he was sick. Once the ride finished, they got off the boat, then Lee doubled over and burped loudly exclaiming, "Ummm, Amanda, I'm not feeling so well."

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Lee held his hands in front of his stomach. "I'm feeling nauseated and have a terrible headache."

Amanda placed a hand on his forehead. "Lee, if you're sick, you should head to the hotel and rest."

"You think so? I suppose that would be best," Lee agreed.

Looking at their father, the worried little girls scrunched up their faces and grabbed his hand. "Papa, we don't want you to be sick…can't you take some medicine?" Mattie cried.

"Yes, Papa, that should help." JJ agreed.

Lee reassured his daughters. "Don't worry, girls. I think it's best if I do what your mommy suggested. Hopefully, it will make me feel better."

Philip thought his parents were up to something, so he played along. "Dad, do you want me to go with you and help you get to your room?"

"No, Philip. It's fine. Stay and help your mom."

Regrettably, Lee gave them all a quick kiss goodbye and hurried away, knowing he was leaving his family unprotected and alone.

TBC