A Journey Through Time

Chapter 2

October 31, 1986 – 10 am

The Agency – Washington, D.C.

“Craig Wilkins was a top government agent until 1967.  In March of that year, he broke into a major military base and stole the plans for the X-11.  The X-11 was, at the time, the latest development in U.S. air weaponry.”

Lee Stetson and Amanda King were sitting in Billy Melrose’s office, listening to Billy recount the incident that had happened nearly twenty years before.  Billy was seated behind his desk. 

“Our agents tracked him to Bangor, Maine, where they lost him.  He was never found, and somehow got to Russia with the plans.  It was one of the worst blows to U.S. intelligence operations in the last thirty years.”

“And there were never any clues to where he was hiding?” Lee asked.

“Only one.  In Collinsport, Maine, there were two people, a young boy and his governess, found murdered in an abandoned mansion.  The house and the area around it were searched.  No trace of Wilkins was ever found, but it is believed that he was responsible.”

“Sir?” Amanda spoke up.  “This may sound like a dumb question, but why are you telling us all this?  I mean, it’s been twenty years since it happened.”

“I’m glad you asked.  I’m telling you this because I’ve got it from a reliable source that Wilkins is back on American soil and that he is planning something big.  Now, what I need you to do is to find out where he is hiding and what he’s up to, so we can stop him.”  Billy handed Lee a folder.  “This should give you all the information you need to get started.  Any questions?”

Neither of them said anything.

“Alright.  You’re dismissed.”  The two of them stepped out of Billy’s office.

“Hey, you two have your costumes ready for tonight?”  They turned to see Francine Desmond walking up behind them. It was Halloween and the Agency was having its annual costume party.

Lee hesitated for a moment. “Uh…yeah. Yeah, we, uh, we do.”

“What are you coming as?” Amanda asked Francine.

“Oh, I have the most fabulous costume!  But I can’t tell you what it is.  I’m going to surprise everybody.”  Francine beamed.

“I can’t wait to see it.” Amanda said as Francine brushed past them and into Billy’s office.

“What are we wearing to the party, anyway?” Amanda asked Lee as soon as they had left the bullpen.

“Do you remember that assignment I had last week that kept me so busy?” Lee started down the hall toward the elevator.  Amanda followed.

“Don’t tell me you forgot to get the costumes?!  I asked you two weeks ago if you wanted me to get them.  You said no, you had everything taken care of…”

“Look, I’m really sorry.  Hey what about those clothes we wore to your high school reunion?  Those would work, wouldn’t they?”

Amanda rolled her eyes.  “Well since we won’t have time to get anything else, I guess they’ll have to.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

October 31, 1986 – 6 pm

Amanda’s House – Arlington, VA

Amanda stood in front of a mirror downstairs in the living room, putting the finishing touches on her costume.  Dotty came down the stairs followed closely by Phillip and Jamie.  The two boys were wearing their Halloween costumes.  Dotty was just about to leave to take the boys trick-or-treating, and afterward to the Halloween Carnival at the local school.

Dotty looked exhausted.  “I think we are finally ready to go.  You would not believe how long it takes to get two boys ready to go trick-or-treating.  First, we couldn’t find Jamie’s costume, then…”

“Mother, do you need me to stay and help out?” Amanda interrupted.

“No, no,” Dotty said quickly, “I wouldn’t want you to miss your party.  You go on and have a good time.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Mom, I can’t see anything!” Jamie was pulling his ghost costume in all different directions, frantically looking for the eye-holes in the white sheet.

“How did that happen?” Amanda asked.

“Worm brain tripped over his costume.  Now he can’t figure out which way it goes.” Phillip replied, rolling his eyes.  He was standing a few feet from his brother.  His hair was slicked back, and he was wearing fangs and a long, black cape.

“Phillip, don’t call you brother names!” Amanda scolded.

“I knew it was too long.  I’ll get the scissors,” said Dotty, as she went upstairs to get them.

“Here let me help you with that.”  Amanda walked over to Jamie and adjusted his costume so he could see.  “You boys look so cute in your costumes!”

“Aw, mom!” Phillip groaned.

Soon, Dotty came back with the scissors and began trimming Jamie’s costume.  “There, now maybe you won’t keep tripping over it.”

“Can we go now?”  Phillip was growing impatient.

“Yes, I think we’re ready.” Dotty replied.  She turned to Amanda.  “Have fun at your party.”

Dotty, Phillip and Jamie went out the door.  A moment later, there was a knock at the door.  “I thought they would never leave.” Lee said when Amanda opened the door.  “I was parked across the street waiting.”

“We had a little problem with Jamie’s costume.”

“Oh.”  Lee cleared his throat.  “You look great,” he said, smiling at her.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” Amanda said with a grin.

Lee stepped closer to Amanda and put his arms around her waist.  She did the same, and they kissed.

“Are you ready to go?” Lee asked after a long moment.