Banking on You

My submission for Covert Casseroles: Service in Shadows Vol. 2, the SMK 40th Reunion fanzine. A big thank you to clagjanet, my editor for the fanzine, and Karen LaManna, my fanfiction posting editor. You two are the best!

Chapter One

Two men got ready for the day inside an abandoned warehouse as the sun rose over Washington, D.C., near the Potomac River. One man, Ted Galvin, inserted a sheathed knife into his sock so it couldn't be detected. The other man, Chad Andrews, checked his gun to ensure it was fully armed, but he was also thinking about what could go wrong. "Galvin, you sure about this? We've never robbed an open bank before. All our break-ins have been overnight."

Galvin replied, "Andrews, we can't miss. Yesterday was a holiday. That means today, the bank will be busier. We come in, flash our guns, take hostages for a little while, and they'll be grateful to give us their valuables just to get rid of us. And with recovering from a holiday, the police will take longer to get there, and we'll be long gone. It'll be our biggest payday yet."

Andrews felt Galvin was too confident, but at the same time, Galvin had never steered him wrong.

Two hours later in Georgetown, frustrated, Lee was trying to adjust his tie for work. He was stuck going to the office for a case involving a string of bank burglaries. Normally, it wouldn't be an Agency matter, but since the thefts occurred in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, it was now a federal crime and they became involved. This case would be fairly simple, but it also meant Lee wouldn't be able to see his family today. Schools had been closed yesterday for Memorial Day, and his stepsons' school was still closed today for some in-school teacher workshop. Lee smiled to himself — Amanda would be impressed he'd remembered all these little details.

His smile then turned into a frown. Philip had gotten his first summer job. Since both boys had today off from school, Amanda thought it would be a good time for Philip to open his first bank account. Afterwards, the family would have a little celebration for his success. Only Lee wouldn't be there.

Philip had invited him, but Billy assigned him to the bank robbery case, and he couldn't get off. Supposedly, Joe was going to be there. However, if Lee knew Amanda's ex, a sudden work engagement would keep him away, and Lee didn't want to let Philip down. Not that Joe was a bad guy, he only got his priorities straight when there was an emergency.

But the biggest issue was Amanda. They had a major argument when saying goodbye outside her house last night. Lee was so tired of this stupid 'mystery marriage' idea. He wanted to go home each night to be with his family, but instead, only Amanda and he knew they were married. The boys and Dotty thought he was just Amanda's boyfriend. And it seemed like every day, their family kept dropping hints on how they wanted Lee to propose and marry Amanda. If only they knew…

Obviously, Amanda was tired of the secrecy too. She was stressed living three different lives — mother, wife, and spy. However, she was stubborn and wasn't ready to admit it. That was what led to the argument. Unfortunately, Lee was pretty sure the rest of the family witnessed the argument. He caught a glance of two shadows in the upstairs window and one in the dining room window.

Reflecting on his situation, Lee made a decision and picked up the phone.

Amanda practically slammed the phone down. Joe wasn't coming, and now, she had to break the news to Philip. Why today of all days? She was stressed, and it would take a miracle to keep her emotions in check.

Philip and Jamie strolled into the kitchen. Philip asked, "Was that Dad?"

"Yes," Amanda replied.

"Is he going to be late or not coming?"

Amanda hesitated, hating to tell him.

Jamie read her expression and turned to Philip. "Not coming." Philip's shoulders slumped.

Amanda tried to ease Philip's sadness. "Sweetheart, he said he really wanted to be there, but—"

Philip interrupted, "Mom, forget it. He says that every time and," with a sarcastic tone, "he'll make it up to me next weekend."

Amanda wished she could comfort her son. "Philip, I—"

"Don't worry, Mom. It's fine. I really wish Lee could be here." Philip beseechingly leaned towards his mother, biting his lip. "Can you call him? He would drop work for us." He held his breath.

Lee, there's another problem. Amanda inwardly groaned. She was slightly relieved not to see him after their argument yesterday. The 'mystery marriage' and leading three lives were tough, and Lee wasn't helping by trying to bring their marriage out into the open. If they did that, her whole family would know the truth. She and Lee were spies, not filmmakers for IFF, and secretly got married behind her family's back.

And then there was work. Amanda needed to prove she became an agent on her own merit and not because of Lee's favoritism. Of course, she knew they couldn't remain in this limbo forever. But now was not the time, she was about to complete her Agency training and earn full agent status officially.

In addition, Philip would be going to high school in September. It meant his life was about to change quite a bit, and the boys would be going to different schools.

She loved how her sons felt they could turn to Lee, even though they didn't know he was their stepfather. But, back to the issue at hand, she just couldn't deal with him today.

Still, Amanda tried to remain optimistic for the boys. "I know Lee wishes he could be here too, but he's on location. We can still have fun today, though."

"Can't you call him before he leaves? He'll come."

Dotty entered the kitchen. "I'm sure Lee would come if he was asked."

Jamie piped up, "Is this because of your argument last night? Did you break up?"

Oh boy, Amanda lamented, the boys have grown up too much. "No, Sweetheart. It was just a little disagreement, but we'll get through it." She decided to move things along. "How about you fellas finish getting ready?"

Philip and Jamie side-eyed one another skeptically.