Chapter 14

As their bodies cooled following their intense lovemaking, they laid in each other's arms, simply enjoying the closeness.

"Feeling better?" Lee asked with a grin.

"I feel amazing," Amanda cooed. "I think all the adrenaline finally kicked out the effects of the drugs. I'm finally feeling like myself again."

"Good," Lee said, gently kissing her forehead and pulling her closer. They lay there is silence simply communicating through touch. Lee smiled at her and swept hair away from her face.

"You know, the night before the interview, Billy was talking to me about a job offer with the State Department that would allow me to raise a family. He also told me I should get married."

"So, that's why you asked me to marry you," Amanda teased, "because your boss told you to. Now I get it."

"You laugh, but actually, I think what Billy said played into it somewhat," Lee explained. "I'd been thinking about it for a last few weeks. However, when Billy was talking to me I felt this, how to I put it, excitement at the thought of a family life. "

"Really?" Amanda smiled at him. "Like marriage and living a life with two teenage boys?" Amanda asked.

"Yeah. It shocked the hell out of me at first. But the more I thought about it, the more happy it made me. I've spent my entire life running from commitment, and off to the next adventure. But now, to tell you the truth, the job just doesn't excite me the same as it used to. I mean, I still love it, but I think I'm ready to settle down and do something more substantial with my life."

"And sleeping with your wife every night?" Amanda giggled.

"Hell yeah. That too. Especially when she's smart, funny, charming, beautiful and has a body like that." Lee said looking under the blankets. "Damn!" Amanda blushed and laughed.

"Well, I think I'm making out pretty well too. Calling you 'big fella' just isn't about your height." She giggled. Lee swooped in for a playful kiss.

"I love you, Amanda King. I swear I'll never lose you again."

"Promise?"

They laid in each others, lightly kissing and caressing until they drifted off to sleep.

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t was a little after 5 a.m. the next morning. Kristen was out for her normal early morning run. She did her best thinking while she ran. She thought about the day before, how terrified she felt when Phyllis held the gun to her head. The expressions on the faces of the other agents as they looked at her. That Agency training kicked in though, just like they said it would. She did exactly as she was trained: slow down your mind, consider only the problem at hand, what are your options? She felt Phyllis behind her, right behind her holster, the other fighters had been neutralized, she could take a shot. It was like slow motion, she reached over, shielding her hand from view with her other arm, she slid out the gun, switched off the safety, aimed it back toward Phyllis. She saw the fighter looking up, and as the words were just coming out of his mouth, she squeezed the trigger. It was almost like a dream now.

As she thought about this training, she considered the instructors that helped her the most. That very advice she used in the moment came from one person: Efraim Beamon.

"What have I done?" Kristen said aloud to herself as she stopped running. She threw this man to the wolves because she was so concerned about Amanda, she never considered anyone else. It was clear he did not know Phyllis was a terrorist. It was not well posted, as Kristen did not know either until she saw the Karbala board in the Q Bureau.

Should Beamon lose everything because of a mistake?

Should she have gone to him first?

She realized in her panic she told Francine Desmond because she was there in the room and would be able to help Amanda.

She later acted out against Agent Beamon because she wanted to protect Lee. In the end, she supposed she helped them both with that move as a punch from Lee Stetson would have flattened Beamon.

There was going to be a meeting with Internal Affairs in the next couple of days to determine Beamon's fate. She needed to talk to someone, to get some advice.

She figured Lee and Amanda would be out today, however, she did know that Amanda would be in to see Dr. Joyce, and Kristen would be seeing Dr. Pfaff. She did say she was going to check on Amanda. Maybe she could also get some advice from she and Lee.

She finished her run and quickly showered and got herself ready for the day.

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Amanda woke the next morning very sore. Dr. Kelford told her that she'd likely feel a little worse before she felt better. Her acrobatics with Lee likely did not help her physical injuries, but the psychological benefits were immeasurable. Amanda got up and walked into the bathroom. The bruise on her neck was a little darker today. She sighed as she didn't think she could go home until it cleared up. She was hoping it would look better because she missed Mother and the boys. She worried about Jamie most of all. He needed her right now.

Lee came into the bathroom as she was running her hands over the bruises on her naked body.

"Good morning, Beautiful," he whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Not feeling so beautiful today," she said. "I'm a total mess . It's kind of embarrassing. Do I need to see Dr. Joyce today?"

"You don't want to put it off, Amanda," Lee said. "It's ok as everyone at the Agency knows what happened, and we don't need to see anyone else while we're there."

"Ok. I'll go." She agreed. "However, I need to figure out how I'm going to get some things from home. I need more clothes, makeup and toiletries."

They were interrupted when the phone rang.

"Hello, Stetson," Lee answered.

"Hi Lee, it's Kristen. I wanted to see how Amanda was doing."

"She' a bit sore, but doing ok." Lee replied. "She'll be seeing Dr. Joyce today."

"Good, I'm glad." Kristen asked. "I'll be seeing Dr. Pfaff myself today. Listen, I could use some advice, and I'd like to see Amanda, if she doesn't mind. Can I meet up with you today? It's ok if she's not up to it."

Lee turned to Amanda.

"It's Kristen. She asking how you are. Are you up for a visitor?"

"From Kristen," Amanda said, "of course. I may see if she can go by my house to pick up a few things."

Lee passed on the message and Kristen was more than happy to oblige.

As Amanda was getting ready she pulled out her purse to take her pills. She pulled open the birth control pill pack. Wait? What day was it? "Lee? What day is it?"

"It's Thursday." He responded. Oh shit! The last pill she had taken was Monday. She took Thursday's as it was too late to double up. She'd call her doctor's office when she got back home. A little scare, but she should be ok. She would not say anything to Lee. No need to panic him for no reason.

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Lee quietly brought Amanda in to see Dr. Joyce. While he was in the agency Lee checked in with Billy. Phyllis died from her injuries. Internal Affairs quickly concluded that Kristen Adler fired in self defense and no further action would be taken. Lee was happy about that, but knew that Kristen would be a bit rattled that Phyllis did not survive.

"Has anyone told Kristen yet?" Lee asked Billy.

"No, not yet." Billy said looking at Lee uncomfortably.

"You want me to tell her, don't you?" Lee asked harshly.

"You and Amanda know her well," Billy explained. "I think it will be easier coming from you."

"Listen Billy," Lee argued, "I'm trying to get Amanda through this time, I shouldn't have to support two people."

"Okay, okay," Billy said. "I'll have Francine tell her." Looking up at Lee with a mischievous grin.

"Really? Francine?" Lee said knowing the options were narrowing. "She'll tell her that Phyllis is dead and to get over it. Couldn't Dr. Pfaff tell her?"

"No, Dr. Pfaff is where she should go for help, not to get bad news."

"Fine," Lee said. "I'll tell her. We're seeing her later today anyway. We're sending her over to Amanda's to get some things. Amanda can't go home yet with all those bruises."

"How's Amanda doing?" Billy asked.

"She's doing as well as can be expected. She was pretty emotional last night, better today." Lee explained to Billy trying to keep it short. While he knew Billy would have no problem with their relationship, he did not want to say anything until he and Amanda had decided how to handle it.

"Well, I'm certain she's very comfortable at your place," Billy grinned. "Ok. Take the next couple of days off to take care of Amanda."

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A couple hours later, Kristen arrived at Lee's apartment.

"Amanda!" Kristen squealed when she came inside, giving her a hug. "I'm so happy to see you. We were so worried."

"It's good to see you too," Amanda smiled. "I understand you helped quite a bit, I can't thank you enough."

"I don' know how much I helped, but I was glad to do something."

"Well, thank you for checking in on the boys. How are they doing?"

"They were good. I studied with Phillip for his quiz. Jamie seemed to be doing ok, but I could tell he really misses you."

"Yeah," Amanda said. "I miss them too. I just don't think I can go back until these bruises heal a bit more."

"Yeah," Kristen said seeing the finger marks on her neck. "That would freak out Jamie. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how terrifying that must have been."

The three of them moved to the living room as Amanda and Kristen chatted. While Lee was uncomfortable, he knew he had to break the news to Kristen.

"Kristen," Lee started, "I need to tell you." He took a deep breath. "Phyllis didn't make it."'

Kristen lowered her head for a moment. She knew that it was highly unlikely that Phyllis would survive. She looked back up, clearly trying not to look upset.

"I had a feeling she wouldn't."Kristen said. "I knew at some point I'd have to fire at someone, but I always imagined that the first time I would only need to injure them, you know, a shot to the arm or leg. I know it's part of the job and I shouldn't get emotional."

Amanda reached out to her young friend.

"It's ok, you only did it because she gave you no choice. It's ok to feel it. You're human."

"Kristen," Lee said. "When I saw you in action, all in and not holding back, you reminded me a lot of myself as a young field agent. However, I didn't have an element then that you do now: empathy. I was raised by an uncle who looked on me as a responsibility and nothing more. As a result, I grew up with a wall around me so high that I didn't care about anyone or anything. I made terrible decisions because I didn't take people into consideration. It wasn't until three years ago when that wall started to come down that I became a better agent, a better person." He smiled at Amanda and looked back at Kristen. "But you're there now." Kristen could not hold back the tears.

"Thank you," she said. "I needed to hear that." Amanda hugged her again.

"I suppose that empathy brings me to the next subject. I think I ruined Beamon's career unjustly."

"What?" Lee said. "While I said empathy was good, being a doormat is not."

"Hear me out," Kristen explained. "When I thought about yesterday, about that training which helped me to do what I needed to do, I realized one person contributed to that more than anyone else. It was Beamon."'

"She's right," said Amanda. "He may have his quirks, and may not be able to hold his liquor, but he is a very good instructor."

"Hold his liquor?" Kristen asked.

"Ask Francine," Lee laughed.

"Seriously," Amanda continued. "I think Kristen is right. If he didn't know Phyllis was part of Karbala, how could he be held responsible? I think there needs to be a better way of alerting everyone to not only the terrorist leaders, but their members and associates."

"Plus, as we've learned from his interviews with Internal Affairs, there's the whole issue that the reason they met her was because he was jealous and mad at you." Kristen said to Lee.

"Me?" Lee looked confused. "What did I do?"

"From what he recounted, on the day Amanda had the initial interview with Zhmed Doorloff and called in the Flash Priority he went to Mr. Melrose's office and you two got into an argument or something. He said you kind of belittled him in from of Mr. Melrose."

"Lee," Amanda looked at him, "what did you do?"

"I didn't do anything," Lee thought to himself. "Well, maybe I was a little bit of a jerk to him and told him you were not like one of his kids, no offense, Kristen."

"None taken."

"He was pretty mad when we left. But what does that have to do with anything?"

"He left the office in a huff and went to Nedlinger's for a drink. That was the day that Phyllis targeted him." Kristen explained. "He said during the inquiry she approached him at the bar, they started talking and then later dating. She then used him to gain information."

"Wow," Amanda said. "That's pretty terrible."

"It is kind of a shame because he looked really happy to be with her that night at Lincoln's Lounge." Kristen looked thoughtful. "He felt completely at fault that you were kidnapped because of information she found out through him."

"As an agent, you are supposed to keep track of all the sources." Lee said.

"But haven't you been used?" Amanda said. "Like Eva Spinelli."

Lee sighed knowing she was right.

"Yeah," he said, "I guess I can see your point."

"His final review by Internal Affairs is tomorrow. I was going to ask to the rest of the Freshman candidates to come to his defense. What do you think?" Kristen looked at them both.

"I should be there," Amanda said. "I'm the reason he's in this situation."

"You don't have to do that, Amanda." Lee said.

"No," Amanda stayed firm. "I want to stand with my fellow candidates. He made a mistake, but I don't think it was entirely his fault."

"I also got the feeling he was upset he was not part of the Karbala A-TAK team," Kristen said.

"But he is needed for training," Lee said. "He didn't have the time to commit to the A-TAK team. He's not my favorite person, I'll admit, but I suppose he is being judged too harshly. We only added Phyllis to the Karbala network after the Dulles incident."

"He was already dating her by then." Kristen pointed out.

"We need to do the right thing," Amanda said.

"Okay," Lee said. "Let me call Billy and see what's going on with the investigation. We need to meet with him before we do anything anyway."

As Lee walked over to make the call he watched Amanda and Kristen quietly talking and laughing. He'd always looked down on new agents as rookies who were a liability, but maybe they brought some fresh perspective. What the hell is happening to me? He thought. Am I turning into a completely different person? He realized he was, a better person.

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Amanda, Kristen and Lee walked into the agency together. Several people walked up to Amanda to share how grateful they were to see her back. Amanda felt uncomfortable with the bruises, but realized it really was part of the job.

"Amanda," Billy greeted her as she entered his office, "it's good to see you."

"Thank you, Sir."

"So what is that about saving Beamon?" Billy asked incredulously.

"Well, it was Kristen who first brought this to me." Lee said gesturing to the young woman. "I was not if favor of it at first myself. But she makes some really good points." Lee then looked to Kristen to take over.

"Sir," Kristen took a deep breath, Mr. Melrose did still intimidate her a bit. "When I was thinking about the entire incident, I don't think it was entirely Agent Beamon's fault. Phyllis was only added to the Karbala case after the Dulles Airport incident. He was already dating her at that time."

"Okay?" Billy was listening.

"None of the freshman agents, nor Beamon were aware of her until the day Amanda was taken. Had we known, I'm certain Agent Beamon would have alerted us, and I know I would have said something to him." Kristen went on. "How can he be held responsible when none of us knew she was part of the Karbala network."

"Part of that falls to me, Billy." Lee continued. "I should have made the network available to everyone at the agency, not just the A-TAK team."

"Also, Sir," Kristen continued. "Agent Beamon is an excellent instructor. It was his training that kicked in when I was held at gunpoint by Phyllis. Do we really want a trainer like him to be indicted for something he knew noting about?"

"I don't think it would make the agency look favorably either." Lee added.

"Sir," Amanda also added. "Kristen is right. While I've learned so much from Lee, there is also a great deal I've learned from Efraim Beamon. I don't think he should take the fall for this. At least, not alone."

"I suppose you're right." Billy said. "It doesn't look good for the agency."

"Getting a little sentimental are we, kiddos?" Dr. Smyth entered the room.

Kristen had heard about him, but never met him. Her stomach dropped as she stood up straight.

"Agent Beamon's mistake in mixing business with pleasure by diddling with a terrorist member is a huge black mark against the Agency. Not someone we want amongst our ranks."

Kristen took a deep breath. She may regret this.

"Sir," Kristen started, "Agent Beamon was not aware of her ties to Karbala when he started dating her. No one did. This issue alone could be basis for a wrongful termination suit against the agency. I don't think we want that kind of negative attention." She let out a breath. Oh God, what have I done? She thought.

Dr. Smyth took a long drag on his cigarette while looking at Kristen.

"You are small but feisty, aren't you?" Dr. Smyth said, then turned to Billy. "I think the honey badger here has a point. Listen, Billy, get this wrapped up with Internal Affairs today and put this to bed, in a matter of speaking. Let's also make certain this type of thing doesn't happen again. Welcome back, Mrs. King."

He turned and walked out and Lee smiled at Kristen.

"I think you just earned your code name, The Honey Badger."

"It's perfect," Amanda smiled.

"Agreed. Okay, The Honey Badger. I want you at the hearing at 1:00 today."

"Thank you, Sir. If you don't mind, I'd like to invite the other Freshman Candidates as well."

"Also agreed." Billy continued. "Lee, I'm going to need help from you and Francine and update our systems so that all agents are aware of all terrorists and their associates as soon as they are known."

"I'm not great with system issues, Billy." Lee said.

"Tony Rodriguez is," Kristen said. "I know he's just a Freshman Candidate but he was top of his class in Computer Science from the University of Maryland. He's actually been helping the Technology Team update software. He would be perfect for this." Kristen knew that part of her success at the Agency was being in the right place at the right time. She wanted to spread a little bit of that to the other candidates, if she could.

In the hours before the meeting Kristen met with the other Freshman Candidates to explain. They all agreed that Beamon was a really great instructor, and that if no one knew about Phyllis' involvement with Karbala, he should not take the fall. Even Todd Jacobsen agreed.

"Yeah," Todd said, "I think she's got a point."

"I also heard you got your code name today." Tony smiled.

Kristen blushed.

"What is it?"

"Who gave it to you?"

"It came from Dr. Smyth himself," Tony announced, "The Honey Badger!"

The group laughed and everyone agreed it was perfect.

"Small, cute and dangerous," Todd said. "I have to admit it suits you." He then turned to talk to her quietly. "Listen, I'm sorry for what I said in Station One. You're kicking ass here, not to be punny."

Kristen laughed. "Well, I'm sorry I kicked you." She said.

As 1:00 approached, Billy had Agent Frampton in his office behind closed doors to convey thought from the rest of the team and Dr. Smyth. They talked for several minutes before heading into the conference room.

Efraim sat at the head of the table. He'd heard there were several discussions surrounding his fate, but he had no clue which way they were leaning. He nervously shifted in his seat as Billy Melrose, followed by several of her staff, Lee Stetson and Amanda King who bore several bruises. The site of her was harder on him than expected. If they fired him, they would have just cause for the harm he caused her. He took several deep breaths to hold together his emotions and stared at a point on the table to concentrate and center himself.

As the meeting was about to start, Kristen Adler entered the room followed by Tony Martinez, William Turner, Todd Jacobsen and Jackie Ware. This entire remaining Freshman class was here. They stood on the opposite side of the room from Agent Frampton. They were all straight-faced in full agent mode. Efraim had to admit he was proud of them.

"Let's get started," Frampton began as the room quieted. "Some new information has been brought to my attention today which has changed the focus of this investigation. It was learned that Phyllis Abumani was not known as part of the Karbala organization until after Agent Beamon's relationship with her began. However, she was a known contributor at the time Agent King was taken by the group." She looked around the room and continued. "It is my understanding several other agents have requested the opportunity to participate in this meeting."

Billy nodded toward Kristen. Amanda rose from her chair and stood next to the other Freshman candidates.

"Myself and the rest of the Freshman Candidate class are here in support of Agent Beamon."

Efraim sat up startled. The last encounter with Adler she was rightfully angry with him. He tried to hide the look of disbelief as she continued.

"Two days ago I was held at gunpoint by Phyllis Abumani during a raid in which she held a gun to my head in front of the other agents. Were it not for the instruction provided by Agent Beamon, I question whether I would be alive today. Because of the tools and training he provided I was able to eliminate the threat. For that I am completely grateful. I think I speak on behalf of our entire Freshman class that Agent Beamon is an excellent instructor and an asset to this Agency."

The rest of the Freshman agents, including Amanda, nodded in agreement.

"Anyone else?" Frampton asked.

"Yes," Lee said and rose to his feet.

Efraim stirred nervously again. So much for good news, he thought.

"I also am here in support of Agent Beamon," he started, noticing the shocked expression on Beamon's face. "I was there at the raid in which Agent Adler was held at gunpoint. I can attest to the fact that the training she received was excellent. She remained calm under harrowing circumstances and excellently performed in accordance with her training to eliminate the threat. Additionally, I realize now that had Phyllis' involvement been made aware to Agent Beamon prior to the October 30, 1986 incident, he would have come forward and the incident never would have occurred." Lee turned to Efraim. "For that, I apologize." He nodded to Beamon and took his seat again.

Efraim could not believe what was happening. All this time he felt he was unappreciated and undervalued, he now realized he was actually respected. He removed his glasses and held the bridge of his nose to try to regain his composure.

"Given this new testimony and the results of our investigation, it is unanimously agreed that no charges will be made against Agent Beamon and he will return to the position as Freshman Candidate Supervisor. A role for which he has shown his utmost excellence in grooming this agency's next class of agents." She looked around the room. "Meeting adjourned."

As everyone stood up from the meeting, the Freshman Candidates, Lee and Amanda made their way over to Efraim. He stood up, took a deep breath but could not control the flood of emotion the overcame him. He turned to Amanda first.

"I am so sorry," he said with a voice shaky with emotion. "You are one of my candidates and I let you down."

"No, you didn't," Amanda said. "I could have been targeted even without the information from Phyllis, but I would not have survived as well as I did if you hadn't trained me as well as you did. I feel I'm a better agent now because of this experience. I'm ok." As they hugged, the other candidates were getting emotional.

"You are an incredible instructor," said William.

"We've learned so much from you and you are so patient with us," said Jackie.

"Here's to an awesome agent instructor," called Todd as they cheered.

"I'm so sorry I didn't come to you first when I saw the photo of Phyllis," Kristen told him. "I should have given you the chance to explain first. Plus I'm sorry I confronted you on that day, but I was afraid Lee was going to punch you."

"So I should thank you," Efraim laughed. "I would have been flat on the floor." He felt so overwhelmed by the support from those around him.

"I need to apologize too," Lee said. "I've been really rude and condescending to you in the past. It wasn't right. I didn't ask you to be on the A-TAK team as I felt you were best training the freshman candidates."

"Thanks, Lee," Efraim said as they shook hands.

"I think we need to celebrate," Tony said. "Ok if were all head to Nedlingers?"

"No," Efraim said with a huge smile, "not there!" They all laughed.

"Randy's then?" Lee suggested.

The whole group agreed to meet there. Amanda held back a bit, her hand covering the bruises on her neck as she walked out of the conference room. Francine noticed her discomfort and reached into her drawer and pulled out a scarf.

"Here," Francine said to her. "You can borrow this. You should be with the other candidates today."

"Thank you, Francine." Amanda said. "You're coming too right?"

The whole group met at the bar and swapped stories during their training and told Efraim that Kristen earned the code name The Honey Badger from Dr. Smyth himself. Many of the other candidates asked Lee about his experiences and asked him to recount stories from years past.

Kristen walked over and sat next to Amanda. "I know the boys miss you. Maybe you could use some theater makeup or something to cover the bruises."

"I was also wondering if that would work as well," Amanda replied. "I really need to get back to Jamie. I'm worried about him."

"Who would know a lot about makeup?" Kristen asked. She and Amanda looked at each other, laughed and called out

"Hey, Francine."

Amanda was in the bathroom with Francine, Kristen and Jackie.

"With this job, you can get knocked around a bit, but you always need to look fabulous for a ball or cocktail party." Francine said. "The trick is use a neutralizing color. The bruise is a little purple right now, so orange or yellow is the color you want. As the bruise changes colors, just use the opposite shade on the color wheel and cover it with foundation."

Francine pulled out some orange cream eyeshadow and dabbed the bruise then covered it up with foundation and setting powder.

"Maybe Beamon needs to include this in his training courses," Jackie joked.

"Just wear high collared clothing for the next couple of weeks with the makeup and I think you may just get away with it." Francine said.

"Note to self," said Kristen, "stop at the makeup counter on the way home." They all laughed.

"You joke," Francine said, "but once I got smacked in the side of the head with a beam. That same night, I danced at Senator Williams cocktail party. No one knew anything."

"Thank you, Francine." Amanda said with a smile and handed her back her scarf

The ladies walked out into the bar. Amanda smiled and posed for Lee.

"Yeah," Lee smiled. "That did it!"

"Beamon," said Jackie. "We took a poll and agreed you need to add a Francine Desmond makeup tutorial to the Freshman candidate training. Covering Bruises 101." They all laughed.

Amanda was relieved she would be able to go back home to Mother and the boys.

After about an hour, Amanda was getting bit tired and her ribs hurt. She was also anxious to get home. They said their good-byes and head out.

"Thanks," Amanda said to Lee. "I hate the leave early but I'm pretty tired. I can't wait to see the boys."

"I know," Lee said. "I'll miss you in my bed tonight, but you're right. The boys need their mother right now. Your mother mentioned to Kristen and I that we should come over for dinner when you got back. Maybe this week?"

"I was thinking the same thing," Amanda said. "I would love it if the boys got to be more comfortable with you. Phillip's already crazy about you. Jamie will get there too."

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A short time later, Amanda surprised Mother and the boys when she came in the door.

"Mom!" Jamie yelled, running to her.

"How was your trip?" Phillip called out.

"Oh, Amanda, I'm so glad you're home." Dotty said. "We weren't expecting you until later in the week."

"Well," Amanda explained. "We wrapped up early. Glad we did, we were out in the middle of nowhere in the woods. I've covered in bumps and bruises." She hugged her boys feeling tears welling up. She was so afraid she'd never see them again. It was so wonderful to hug them. She felt a little pain when Phillip squeezed a bit too hard and she grunted.

"You ok, Mom?" He looked concerned.

"Yeah," Amanda tried to play it off. "I was hit I the side with a huge branch. Like I said, I'm a little banged up. I'm just so happy to see you and be home again."

Dotty was finishing up dinner while Amanda caught up with the boys. Phillip showed her his Spanish quiz and Jamie just stayed close to her side. She could tell her being away for a few days had taken its toll on him. Fortunately, so far no one had noticed any of the finger shaped neck bruises.

"Lee Stetson was here the other day with Kristen." Dotty told her. "I knew you all worked together, but didn't realize he knew her as well."

"Yeah, Kristen has been working with us more and more lately. They mentioned you invited them to dinner this week. I like that idea." Amanda answered.

Jamie became really quiet again.

"Is that ok with you?" Amanda asked him.

"I guess so." Jamie replied unconvincingly.

"Hey," Amanda said. "Let's go outside for a walk."

"Okay," Jamie said as he stood up.

Amanda let Dotty know she and Jamie were going for a walk. Once outside, Amanda tried to get Jamie talking.

"I'm sorry I had to go out of town," she told him.

"You didn't even say good-bye this time," he replied. "Like the last time you disappeared. I don't mind when you tell us, but hate it when you just leave."

"I know," Amanda replied. "I didn't like this either. They sprung it on me at the last minute. Hopefully there won't be many more of those as I'd like to hang around with you and your brother."

"I guess this is just a really hard job," Jamie said. "You're gone a lot, and now you have a boyfriend."

"Yes," Amanda replied. "The job is very challenging, but I like it and it lets me provide a good life for us.."

"And Lee?" Jamie asked again. "Are you still dating? Is it getting serious?"

"Yeah, I think it is," Amanda did not want to lie to him. She wanted to be up front so she could get to know him.

"He's not like gonna be like Dad, is he?"'

"No," Amanda replied. "He knows you have a father. He wants to get to know you but he doesn't want to overstep."

"No," Jamie said, "he's not going to be like Dad where he's pushing me all the time?"

"Is that what this is about?" Amanda was getting concerned. What the hell is going on with Joe? She thought. "What is going on with your dad? Tell me honestly."

"It's like nothing I do is good enough," he said. "The science class this year is really hard. I'm trying but I don't have a tutor like Phillip does. He backs up Phillip all the time and he just tells me I can do better."

Clearly there was some sort of double standard going on.

"Do you want me to talk to him?" Amanda asked. What she really wanted to do was wring his neck.

"I don't know," Jamie said. "Then he'll just get mad I told you."

"Well," Amanda said, "if there's a double standard, it's not right. It may just be that your dad sees himself in you and wants to push you."

"I guess," he said. "I just want to be myself."

"I understand that." Amanda said. "Listen tomorrow maybe we can have Kristen and Lee over at the same time. She's closer to your age so I know she's easy to talk to. It may help break the ice with Lee. I know he wants to get to be friends with you."

"I guess that's ok," Jamie said. "I'm just glad you're home."