Chapter 57

A Not So Little Change

Two weeks later, Lee received a call from the CIA Director on their home IFF dedicated line. It had been communicated up the chain starting from Ryan Butler that Lee Stetson may be ready to hang up his role as an Intelligence Field Operative to focus on family life. The current Director of the National Security Mission Center in DC had announced his retirement. While there were several internal CIA candidates under consideration, no one had the experience or track record of the legendary Scarecrow. For that reason, the CIA Director was reaching out to him personally to determine if he would consider leaving the Agency to join the CIA. Lee would still be working in the intelligence field, but he would be directing the field operatives from the safety of an office, allowing him a family life. He would be reporting directly to the CIA National Director.. In addition, it came with a handsome raise to provide for his family. He told them he had to talk to his wife and get back to them.

That evening, Lee talked to Amanda in the privacy of their room. He sat down on the bed next to Amanda while she was leaned back against the headboard. She put down the book she was reading. He lightly ran his hand over baby bump as he spoke, "The CIA made me an offer. The Director of the National Security Field Center in DC.. Apparently, through Ryan they learned I no longer want to do field work. I would be reporting directly to the CIA National Director."

"Wow!" Amanda said, placing her hand on his. "That's huge. I know you've been happy at the Agency, but I don't know if you can pass this up."

"I know," Lee said. "I need to talk to Billy about it. I owe him that much." Lee had to admit his biggest reservation was that he would not longer be working with Amanda.

"Whatever you decide, I support you." Amanda kissed him on the cheek. Her pride in her husband shown through her twinkling brown eyes. She had to admit this came with a bit of sadness as this would end their partnership, at least as far as work was concened.

- SMK -

Minutes after Lee's call from the CIA Director, Dr. Smyth received a call on the secure line. The line reserved for the President.

"Austin," President Reagan said. "I just learned Lee Stetson received an offer from the CIA Director himself. Director of the National Security Mission Center in DC. He's your best asset. You know how much I depend on your Agency. Make the right decision. I'd hate to lose you."

- SMK -

The next morning, Lee and Amanda were getting ready to head in to the Agency. The phone in the bedroom rang.

"Stetson," Lee answered.

"Hello there, Lee," Dr. Smyth said. It was particularly unusual as Dr. Smyth rarely, if ever, used his first name. "I hear our friends at the CIA are trying to play Capture the Flag with you now that you've decided to become a family man. Meet me in my office. One hour. I think I may make it worth your while."

"Yes sir," Lee said. "I'll be there." Lee hung up and turned to Amanda. "Dr. Smyth leaned about the CIA offer. He wants to see me this morning. Says he'll make it worth my while."

"Well, that may be promising," she said, feeling hopeful. She then winced and pushed on her side. Lee jumped.

"You ok?" Lee asked. "You're not having contractions are you?"

"No," Amanda said, clearly weary and uncomfortable, "she just keeps kicking the same spot. It's getting really tender. I'm trying to get her to move, but she's stubborn."

"Just like her Mommy," Lee winked, smiled and gave her a kiss.

The two climbed into Lee's new Chevy Suburban to head into the Agency. While Amanda told him she was okay with it if he wanted another sports car, he simply didn't want it. He would rather have a vehicle that would fit his entire family. As his uncle put it, he'd grown up.

- SMK -

Amanda had been working in the Q Bureau cleaning up some files and organizing before she would be out for several weeks. She almost considered it fruitless as she knew no one would maintain it. However, it made her her feel better, particularly in her nesting phase, to know everything was tidied up when she left. Lee walked in, and closed the door behind him, locking it.

"Well?" Amanda said. Lee smirked at her.

"You are now looking at the Agency's Director of Covert Terror Operations. It's a new division where I would be in charge of all operations here and abroad specifically related to intelligence gathering for terroristic activity. Apparently, the President feels, and I have to admit I agree with him, that terrorism is on the rise and we need increased covert intelligence gathering. He was impressed with the Karbala operation, and the additional intelligence work is too much for Billy to take on alone. The great news is that Billy and I will continue to work closely. Plus, Francine will be overseeing the local DC operations, so she beneifts as well."

"Oh my gosh. This is wonderful." Amanda hugged him.

"Wait," Lee said. "There's more. I will have a significant increase in my salary because of the larger responsibilities and I will have an office next to Billy's. "

"Sweetheart!" She hugged him.

"Wait," Lee grinned. "There's still more. I will be working directly with the Secretary of National Intelligence, Secretary of State as well as the National CIA Director and reporting directly to Dr. Smyth. Finally, I will be expected to take part in all of the intelligence briefings related to terrorism at the White House."

"What?" Amanda was dumbfounded. "You are actually going to be meeting with the President and his staff?" Lee smirked, nodding his head. He was still a bit dumbfounded himself. "There won't be any issues given the CIA made you an offer?"

"No," Lee said. "Apparently this offer came after Dr. Smyth received a call from the President himself when he heard about the CIA's offer."

"Are you kidding me?" Amanda was reeling.

"They were going to roll out the new division in a few months, but when the White House heard I was ready to get out of Field Operations, the President told Dr. Smyth to do it now. So, I'll be directing Field Operations instead of being an operative. Which is perfect because this allows me to be home more with all of you. Plus, I feel like I'll get a make a real difference. Be a part of something larger."

"So, you're a pretty big deal then?" Amanda smiled.

"Yes, I am." Lee joked, giving a humorous smug look. "But, most importantly, I get to pick my team. As we're married, it's clearly a conflict of interest for you to work for me. However, Billy wants to talk to you about a role that would technically be reporting to him but would support both our teams. He asked that I have you go down to talk to him before you leave."

"I was worried we would not be able to work together, but it sounds like we will. You don't think he'll mind that I'm sleeping with the head of the other team, would he?"Amanda said, squeezing his rear end.

"I think he'll be ok with that." Lee grinned. "Not that I want to break this up, but we can pick our own Field Agents. I need to hurry up and grab Kristen before Billy takes her." He laughed. "Why don't you come down with me to talk to Billy while I talk to Kristen."

- SMK -

Kristen passed all her tests with flying colors. That together with the rescue of Lee Stetson, she had now earned her position as a full time agent. She saw Lee and Amanda walking into the bullpen, with Lee walking quickly toward her and Amanda heading at a more leisurely pace toward Billy's office.

"No!" Lee said pointing to Billy, who gave him a knowing kind of grin and welcomed Amanda into his office.

"Amanda. Have a seat." Billy said. "I take it Lee told you about the new structure."

"Yes Sir, I'm so proud of him."

"Well, he earned it, and I couldn't be happier ." Billy continued. "As to you, you've passed all of your tests and you're now a full time agent. We need someone to head up research for both our teams. You're better than anyone at sniffing out details that others miss. We'd like to offer you the position as Head of Covert Research. You'd be working here, providing research support to the Field Agents abroad. Tony Rodriguez will be part of the team as was are updating our technology and training you on its operation." Amanda smiled at the fact that she'd not only be here working with Lee, she'd also be doing something she excelled at, and would be a vital resource to the team, all on her own.

"I happily accept, Sir." She said.

"While you will be supporting both our teams, you will technically be working for me to avoid any conflict of interest."

"I completely understand." He handed her a piece of paper with her new salary. A significant increase to what she made previously.

"Really?"

"Yes, you've earned it, Amanda." He smiled. "While you'll technically start as of the next pay period, we understand you'll be out for several weeks on maternity leave. This job will be waiting for you when you return." Between the increases in salary to both she and Lee, this would have a tremendous positive impact to their family.

- SMK -

"Hey, you got a second?" Lee said to Kristen, pulling her into the conference room. He explained the changes in the structure and his new role. "So, I need someone I can trust on my team. You saved my life, and I there are no words to fully express how grateful I am. Most importantly, I think you have what it takes to be the best agent here. So, come to work for me?"

"Absolutely! In all seriousness, you're a significant part of the reason I have done so well. You've been an amazing mentor."

"How is the physical therapy going with your arm?"

"I think it's going well. I've been told it may take some time to get my full strength back, but I think I'll get there. Plus the plastic surgeon did a really good job so I won't have much of a scar."

"Great. I will need someone who can fly off wherever I need you around the world on a moments notice. I also need you to start learning German, Arabic, Farsi, and Kurdish. Increase your sessions with Stanley Chow, once your arm has healed. I need you ready for anything. You're gonna be busy."

"I'll be ready for it!" Kristen said, then thought. "What will Amanda be doing now?"

"She will working for Billy on paper, but proving research to both our teams."

"Well, that's perfect for her." Kristen beamed. "This is gonna be great. I'm really excited." With that, the most fearsome team in International Intelligence was created: Scarecrow, Mrs. King and The Honey Badger.