Scooched
 

Part Four – Wednesday

Amanda put the car in park, turned off the ignition and unbuckled her seatbelt.  “OK, fellas, let’s go.”

“You’re coming?  I thought you were just dropping us off.  Mom, you’re really not coming in with us…” Philip groaned, his eyes pleading with his mother to stay in the car.  “Are you?”

“I’d like to see the new video game you two are raving about,” she answered as she got out of the car and walked towards the mall.  She watched as her sons exchanged mortified glances that she was accompanying them inside.  They hurried inside to the arcade well ahead of her.

“So, where is this Dueling Dragon?” Amanda asked when she caught up with them.

“It’s called ‘Double Dragon’,” Philip grumbled and rolled his eyes as he stood in front of the machine with the few quarters he had with him.

“Ah, ‘Double Dragons’, gotcha!”  Amanda watched for a few minutes before she went over to the change machine and put in her twenty dollar bill.  The quarters started to clink out of the machine like a winner of a one armed bandit.  She scooped up her quarters and went back over to her two sons.

“Hey, Mom, can I have a few extra quarters?  Remember I got straight ‘A’s’!” Jamie reminded his mother as he held out his hands eagerly.

“I think your grandmother might go for that ploy, but I don’t.  I expect you to get good grades, Jamie, so you can go to college some day.  You and your brother will get an equal amount.”

“So, what are you going to do with all that extra change, Mom?” Jamie asked.  “You’re not really going to hang around here are you?

“No, sweetheart, I wouldn’t dream of embarrassing you like that.  I have some other plans today,” Amanda remarked as she looked over her shoulder.  “Don’t forget your father will be here at noon.  He’ll meet you up at the entrance to the sporting goods store.”

“We won’t forget,” Philip called without turning his eyes from the video game he was playing.

“Remember you both need new sleeping bags for your camping trip this weekend.  Please keep track of time.  Don’t be late!” she warned her two sons, but she wasn’t sure if either of them were listening to her over the racket of the arcade.

“Thanks, Mom.  Yeah, we won’t be late,” Jamie replied as he shoved his quarter into the ‘Pac Man’ machine and was quickly absorbed by the game.

Amanda shook her head, left the noisy arcade and went back into the relative quiet of the mall and window shopped.  She went into a few stores and browsed, not really looking for anything in particular, just someone in particular.  It didn’t take her long before she was certain.  She was still being followed by Allen from her freshman class.

“I’ve had just about all I can stand of this,” she griped softly to herself.  She left the boutique she was browsing in and headed for the large department store.  “Let’s see how good your surveillance skills are.  I bet I can lose you before I leave the mall…”

*** ***

It was just a few minutes before noon when the bus pulled up at the 3000 block of Massachusetts Avenue.  A tall, slender gray haired woman with glasses wearing a blue pantsuit carrying several large shopping bags got off of the bus.  No one else followed her off at the stop.  She walked sprightly for her age, but she kept looking over her shoulder, almost as if she was worried about being mugged even though the classy neighborhood suggested otherwise.

The woman walked with a purpose up the street stopping at the gate of 3100 Massachusetts Avenue.  A moment later she was permitted to pass through the gate and walk up the garden path. She stopped for a few seconds and stood in front of a stately red brick building with stone dressing and admired its architecture.  Her attention was quickly drawn to the two stone lions and the brick chimneys decorating its front.   The building warmly welcomed her as if she was visiting an English country house used in Tudor times.

She followed the path and went inside. It had been a while since she’d been in the British Embassy.  She was hoping a good friend of hers might be able to do her a favor.  The receptionist greeted her.  “Can I help you?”

“Yes, I was hoping that Lady Emily Farnsworth might be available?” the gray haired woman asked.

The receptionist glanced through her files.  “I’m sorry, ma’am, but Lady Farnsworth is not currently staying at the Embassy. My records show she’s not in the States.”

“Oh, I see,” the gray haired woman replied, disappointed, but not dissuaded.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Do you have a pay phone I could use?”

“Down the hall, across from the water fountain,” the receptionist pointed.

The woman walked swiftly for her age down the hall, placing her bags on the floor next to her and dug out a fistful of quarters from her purse.  She pulled out a small address book, thumbed through it before she dialed a phone number.  A few moments later she furiously deposited quarter after quarter into the machine.  Finally she held her ear to the receiver and waited for someone on the other end to pick up the phone.

“Hello,” a woman with a British accent answered.

“May I speak with Lady Farnsworth, please?” the gray haired woman asked.

“This is Emily Farnsworth, speaking.”

“Oh my gosh! Lady Farnsworth, it’s Amanda.  Amanda King,” the gray haired woman admitted.

“Amanda, what a lovely surprise!  But we’ve been over this before, please call me Emily.  Where are you?  You’re not by chance over here in London, are you?”

“No.  At the moment I’m in the British Embassy in DC calling you from a pay phone.”

“Are you in some kind of trouble, my dear?” Emily questioned with concern in her voice.

“Not exactly, but it’s rather complicated and I only have a few minutes to talk or I’m going to run out of quarters…”

“Slow down, Amanda,” Emily interrupted.  “You’re at the British Embassy, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Fine!  I want you to go back to the reception desk, and tell them you’re expecting a phone call from me.  I’ll ring you right up and you can tell me whatever has you so upset.”

“Oh my gosh, Emily, thank you.  You’re a good friend,” Amanda replied with relief.

“I’ll speak with you in just a few minutes, dear.  Now hang up the phone and I’ll ring you right back.”

Amanda King Stetson, hung up the phone.  She tossed the fake glasses she was wearing back into her purse and scratched at the itchy gray wig that she was wearing.  “I’ll be glad when I can take this thing off,” she mumbled as she picked up her packages and walked back to the reception desk.

“Was there something else I can help you with, Ma’am?” the receptionist asked once again.

“Yes, I’m Amanda King.  I just spoke with Lady Farnsworth on the phone.  She’s going to be returning my call.  Is there somewhere private I could talk?”

Before the receptionist could answer, her phone rang.  She spoke to the person on the other end for a few moments, then put the call on hold.  “It’s Lady Farnsworth for you.  If you go to the first door on the left, you’ll find the visitor’s lounge.  There’s a phone in there.  She’s holding on line four.”

“Thank you so much.”  Amanda followed her directions, went into the room and closed the door.  She hurried to pick up the phone.  “Lady Farnsworth?”

“It’s Emily, dear.  Now will you please tell me what’s wrong?” Lady Emily Farnsworth questioned anxiously.

“Oh my gosh, Emily, I don’t know where to begin!” Amanda confessed.  “One moment everything was fine then the next moment everything’s a mess!”

“Slow down, Amanda, you’re not making any sense.  Just tell me why you’re calling me from the British Embassy and not from the Agency or your house?  Are you in danger?”

“I was fired on Monday from the Agency.  I’m trying to track down Lee.  He’s out of the country and I’m not sure where and I need to get in touch with him.  I was hoping you could help get a message to him, but he’s undercover and I don’t want to blow his cover.  I’ve got another friend over here trying to find him, but he suggested I use other sources in case he doesn’t come through.  Naturally, I thought you might be able to help.  Lee could be in England for all I know.”  Amanda rattled on without a breath.

“I’ll do what I can to find out where Lee might be, but tell me, why did the Agency fire you?”

“I’m sorry, Emily.  I’m a little flustered with all that’s happened this week, I forgot you don’t know.  The Agency fired me when they found out that Lee and I eloped back in February.”

“Oh, Amanda, that’s wonderful news… I mean about you two getting married!” she answered with joy in her voice.

“Thanks, Emily.  I wish we’d told you sooner, but almost nobody knew.”

“I understand.  In this business there are a lot of secrets we can’t share.  I’m a bit surprised that Billy Melrose would fire you.”

“Dr. Smyth fired me.  I’m sure Mr. Melrose knew, but he might not have had any say in the matter.”

“You’re probably right, dear.”
 

“Anyway, Lee doesn’t know that I was fired.  At least I don’t think he does.  Dr. Smyth has practically ordered me to divorce Lee or he’ll transfer him overseas!”

“He what?  Oh, dear!” Emily exclaimed loudly.  “Tell me what happened.”

“I went to work early on Monday knowing with Lee being out of the country I’d have a lot to get done.  Before I could even get into my desk I was summoned to Dr. Smyth’s office.  It didn’t take long before I realized that he knew Lee and I had eloped.  The conversation went downhill from there.”

“Yes, I’m sure Dr. Smyth was quite angry.  I’ve never trusted that man.”

“Neither did Lee and now I know why.  Emily, he made it very plain that he expects me to divorce Lee.  Sever all ties to him, not even try to contact him.  Can you believe that?”

“The nerve of that man!”

“When I balked at that proposal he threatened me.  He said if I didn’t do exactly what he demands, I’ll never find another job and he’d transfer Lee overseas permanently!  I couldn’t believe my ears, but you should have seen the look on his face.  He was actually enjoying himself.  Emily, the man is very powerful.  He has a lot of friends in high places, but it’s not just what he can do to me.  I’m also afraid for Lee.  He doesn’t know about any of this.”

“Yes, Lee does need to be warned.”

“I have to be extremely careful.  That’s why I’m calling from the Embassy.  I’ve been followed since I was escorted out of the Agency on Monday.  I’ve dressed up in disguise in order to lose the tail he’s had on me.  Lee’s always warned me to be suspicious of Dr. Smyth.  I’m more than a little worried that something might happen...”  Amanda stopped abruptly.  She couldn’t voice her fears out loud.  She was worried about what extreme Dr. Smyth would go through to teach them a lesson.  She heard the words of Dr. Smyth reverberate in her ears – ‘The Agency has a far reach and eyes everywhere’

“I understand,” Emily replied in a comforting voice.

“So you’ll help me?”

“Of course!  Lee will be furious when he finds out you’ve been fired.”

There was a moment of pause on the phone before Amanda replied.  Fear crept into her voice.  “Dr. Smyth suggested part of this was Lee’s idea.”

“Amanda, I’ve known Lee Stetson for a long time.  You two were meant to be together.  I’m surprised it took you two so long to figure it out.”

“But, since I was shot when we were out in California, Lee’s been trying to get me to transfer out of the field…”

“I’m sure he’d like you in a safer position, but trust me, my dear, this was not Lee’s idea.  This is Austin Smyth’s idea from start to finish, so enough of that.”

“Thanks, Emily, I needed to hear that,” Amanda said with a long sigh.  A smile crept back on her face as she felt she was making some progress.

“Now, what exactly do you know about Lee’s assignment?”

“That’s just it,” Amanda took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  “His assignment was ‘Need to Know’ so I don’t know much at all.  ”

“Sure you do.  Just think.  When did he leave?  From what airport?”

Amanda rested her head against the high back chair she was sitting in.  She closed her eyes and gave it some thought.  Finally she answered.  “You’re right, Emily.  I might have some information to help you.  Billy came to Lee’s apartment Sunday morning.  It was just before noon.  He gave him a thick manila envelope.   It was stamped ‘CLASSIFIED’.  His flight left out of Dulles International at six p.m. that night.  I saw the envelope that the tickets were in.”  Amanda closed her eyes, trying to picture what she saw.  “When Lee left for the airport I remember him tucking his tickets into his breast pocket.  I’m not certain, but I think I saw the United Airlines logo on it.”

“That will be helpful.  Is there anything else?”

“I helped him pack - mostly suits.  Nothing out of the ordinary, business clothing, nothing casual.  No heavy winter coats, but he did pack a couple of sweaters.”

“So he’s probably heading to a city where summer nights can be cool.”

“The whole case popped up rather suddenly, so I’m assuming it’s a rather urgent problem.  My other contact over here thinks Lee is probably in Europe.  Maybe Germany, but that was just an educated guess.”

“That’s a start, anyway.  When I do locate him, what would you like me to pass along?” Emily questioned.

“That’s the hard part.  I need him to know there’s a problem back at home but that he too might be at risk and he needs to be extra careful,” she answered, then her voice lowered, trembling slightly.  She wondered how devious Dr. Smyth would be and how low he might stoop.  “I’m afraid he might be walking into a set up or a trap.  But how do I tell him and not blow his cover?”

“That’s always a problem.  Trying to find that delicate balance.  Send him enough information so he’s knows something’s amiss, yet keep it simple enough not to raise any questions.  It does make it a sticky problem.”

“We’d also need to tell him to watch his back.  Dr. Smyth might have a tail on him as well – or worse.”

“Hopefully he wouldn’t stoop that low, and Lee’s a good agent, Amanda.  He’ll spot a tail,” Emily reminded her young friend.  “All right, I’ll get to work on it straight away.”

“I hope you can find him.”

“It could take a few days to pin down his location.  How often does Lee check in?”

“He checks his messages regularly.  I’m not sure who he’s reporting to while he’s out of the country.  He might be reporting to Billy, or it could be someone locally or even Dr. Smyth himself…”

“I’m sure I’ll have something by the weekend.  I’m assuming you think your home is bugged and the phone may be tapped?”

“I swept the house last night; it’s clean.  Unfortunately, I’m not sure about the phone line.  I noticed the other day that there were workmen on the pole down the street.  I have to assume that it’s tapped,” Amanda admitted, cringing at the thought.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Emily remarked.  “I’ll be in touch with you soon.”

“We could set a time later this week and I’ll come back here and wait for your call.  Maybe in a day or two the Agency will get bored with following me and leave me alone.”

“I wouldn’t count on the Agency to stop tailing you, Amanda.  No need to travel all the way back to the embassy.  I’ll get a message through to you.  I may be getting older, but I still have my ways.”

“Emily, I don’t know how to thank you for your help.”

“I do remember a little help from you and Lee once in Austria.  You two saved my life, seems like I owe at least this much.”

Amanda couldn’t help but smile.  She could hear her friend’s warm soothing voice through the phone line.  It seemed so close and comforting.  “Thanks just the same.  It’s nice to know Lee and I have friends like you.”

“Likewise, my dear…Amanda Stetson, hmm, I think I like that.”

She chuckled.  “I think I’m going to like hearing that, too!”

“Let me get working on finding Lee.  I’ll let you know when I make contact.”

“Thanks, Emily,” Amanda said one more time and then she heard Emily hang up the phone.  The light on her line went dark and she returned the receiver to its cradle.  Amanda took a moment to relax in her rather luxurious surrounding.  She was pleased by her abilities to slip past the agent assigned to tail her.  With any luck she’d hear something in the next few days from either T.P. or Emily.  Finally, she gathered up her packages and headed out of the embassy.

End Part Four
 

 

“Phillip, your socks are done.  Come get them out of the dryer before you forget to pack them,” Amanda called out to her son as she left the laundry room and went back into the kitchen.

“Mom, I can’t find my hiking boots,” Phillip shouted from his room.

“They’re probably still out in the garage.  You wore them last month when you went on that muddy hike on the C & O Canal.  Did you ever clean the mud off them?” Amanda answered back, already knowing the answer as she picked up a towel and started to dry off the lunch dishes that were on the counter.

“No.”

Amanda chuckled for a moment at Phillip’s answer, then before she could put the dish away, Jamie rushed in the back door.

“Mom, have you seen my compass?  It’s not out in the garage,” Jamie asked anxiously.

“Look in the hall closet in the box marked ‘camping’,” she suggested.  “It should be in there with your canteen and your binoculars.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Jamie answered as he hurried out of the room.

“It’s a good thing they started packing this afternoon,” Dotty commented as she dried off a plate, “or they’d never be ready when Joe picks them up tonight.”

“That’s for sure,” Amanda laughed.  “As small as this house is, it’s amazing how they can misplace their things in so many different places.”

“You were never like that when you were young,” Dotty reminded her daughter.  “You were a very neat child.”

“They’re boys, Mother, and boys tend to be messy.”

“Amanda, sweetheart, since you’re not working, why don’t you come with me to Aunt Lillian’s tomorrow?  We could both take the train up.  I’m sure there won’t be any problem getting you a ticket.”

“Mother, that’s nice of you to offer, but I’ll be fine.”

“The house will be very quiet and lonely.  I really think you should come with me.”

“Mother, I can’t.  What would happen if I left and Lee tried to get in touch with me?  He wouldn’t know to call me at Aunt Lillian’s house.  I need to be in town.”

Dotty sighed heavily.  “You’re right, dear.  I hadn’t thought about that.  Well, maybe I should just cancel my trip to Lillian’s.  I certainly could go another time…”

“Mother, Aunt Lillian is looking forward to your visit.  You told me the other day she had all these plans for the two of you.  I’ll be fine here.  In fact, I’ll be busy.  I need to polish my resume and start looking for another job.”

“Are you sure?  I wouldn’t mind postponing my trip until after Lee comes home.  I’m sure both of you would enjoy the time alone then.”

“I appreciate your offer, but I’m a big girl, Mother.  I’ll be fine,” Amanda replied looking at her mother squarely before glancing up at the clock on the wall.  “Oh my gosh!  I’m late for ice cream!”

“What?” Dotty asked in confusion.

“I’m supposed to be meeting a friend of mine.  He may have some information for me,” Amanda quickly explained.

“Can’t it wait?  Joe will be here in a couple of hours to pick up the boys!” Dotty reminded her.

“Mother, I really need to find Lee and T.P., the man I’m meeting, is my best bet on this side of the Atlantic in tracking him down.  Besides, I’ll be back before Joe gets here.”

“This T.P. person, he’s an informer, or informant or something?” Dotty gulped in dismay.

“No, Mother,” Amanda answered quickly as she reached for her mother’s hand and patted it reassuringly.  “T.P. is an old and trusted friend of Lee’s.  He works for the government, but has a lot of contacts all over the world.”

“Be careful, Amanda,” Dotty warned, then added.  “I thought now that you weren’t working for ‘The Agency’ you wouldn’t be disappearing on a moments notice like you used to.”

“I’m sorry to sneak out, Mother, but this meeting is important,” she answered, giving her mother a quick hug before she grabbed her keys and purse and swiftly walked out the door.

*** ***

“I’m sorry I’m late, T.P.  I’m trying to get my sons packed and ready for a camping trip with their father.” Amanda apologized immediately when she arrived at the ‘Georgetown Sundae Shoppe,’ his favorite haunt with a large bowl of ice cream already sitting in front of him.

“Oh, it’s no problem, Amanda.  I was a few minutes early and the tootie fruitie was calling to me.  It’s very good here.”

“Hmm, sounds good, but I prefer chocolate chip!”  Amanda glanced around the area to see if she could spot who was following her today.  A quick glimpse didn’t reveal a familiar face, but she guessed that her tail would soon be in the shadows watching over her.  “I’ll be right back.”

A few minutes later, she returned to the picnic table that T.P. was sitting at and sat down.  She glanced around the area once again and spotted a man in the suit standing at the phone booth.  “Looks like I still haven’t lost my tail.”

“You’re still on the hot list, but at least this time, it’s not a lethal situation.  Take my advice and relax for a few minutes.  You appear to be a little worn out.” T.P. answered and put a comforting hand on hers.

She smiled at her friends concern and obliged him by putting a large spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.  She closed her eyes dreamily, letting it melt before she swallowed.  “Hmm, they do make the best ice cream.”

“Yes, they’re one of the few places that still make it the old fashioned way.  They own a dairy near Leesburg.”

“Not to change the subject, but what have you heard about Lee?” Amanda asked without delay once she heard the familiar name mentioned.

“Amanda, you’re becoming more and more like your husband every time we meet,” T.P. scolded gently.  “I was hoping you could unwind a bit and enjoy our visit.

“I’m sorry.  I’m a little on edge,” she nodded over towards the man still ‘talking’ on the phone.  “I slipped away from the freshman agent they had assigned to tail me.  Now they’ve reassigned one of their senior agents to follow me.”

“Yes, I remember the face.  He’s one of their best. Take it as a compliment, Amanda.”

“I wish they’d just leave me alone, but I’m sure once they report back to Dr. Smyth that they’ve seen me here with you…”

“I thought about that.” T.P. answered as he opened his briefcase and took out several pieces of paper and handed them to her.

“What’s this?”

“Standard government issue application for employment.”

“T.P., thanks for the offer…”

“Don’t turn it down so quickly, my dear.  Dr. Smyth will undoubtedly be interested in our meeting.  However, if you’re coming to see me for a job, that would be the perfect cover.   He knows you’ll need to work.  Dr. Smyth might call the dogs off.”

“You’re a genius,” Amanda exclaimed excitedly as she hugged T.P. enthusiastically.

T.P. blushed a bright crimson and quickly directed a spoonful of ice cream to his mouth.

Amanda didn’t want to further embarrass her friend so she too took another spoonful of her ice cream which was beginning to melt in the afternoon heat.

They enjoyed the sunny afternoon in silence while they finished up their ice cream.  Finally, T.P. pushed away his now empty bowl and turned towards her.  “If you return it to me, by late tomorrow afternoon, perhaps I’ll have some good news to share with you.”

“You haven’t gotten a line on where he is yet?” Amanda frowned in disappointment.

“Yes and no,” he answered in a quiet voice, suddenly seeming more concerned about who might be listening in to their conversation.  “He’s not in Germany – he’s in the Soviet Union.”

She closed her eyes and sighed heavily at his announcement.  “Not exactly the easiest place to safely get a message to someone.”

“No, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” he reassured her quickly.

Amanda shook her head.  Her face paled and with it the confident appearance she had earlier went with it.  “Maybe I should just wait until Lee’s assignment is completed?”

“I just need more time to get the message through to him.  I’m positive I can get it done.  He’s been moving around and the Soviet Union is a large country.”

“I don’t know, T.P.  If I blow his cover while he’s over there…”

“The message we plan on sending won’t blow his cover.  Anyone who can translate it will be sympathetic. Meet me tomorrow afternoon at my office, about three and don’t forget to have your paperwork filled out.”  He pointed to the employment application that sat on the table between them.

“Your office here or at the Library of Congress?” she asked with a faint smile.

“I guess it would appear more official if I interviewed you at the Library of Congress.”

“You actually still have an office there?”

“Oh, yes, of course.”

“All right then,” she answered as she gathered up the paperwork from the picnic table and stuffed it into her purse.  “I’ll fill these out after the boys leave with Joe and I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
 

*** *** ***

“Have a great time, fellas,” Amanda called out to her sons as they raced down the front sidewalk.

“Bye, Mom, see you on Monday night,” they shouted back as they got into the car.

She watched as Joe’s car pulled away from the curb and then closed the door.  She walked towards the family room where her mother was already sitting.
 

“Getting those two packed and ready for a camping trip is exhausting!” Dotty announced theatrically as she put her hand to her head.

Amanda collapsed down next to her and groaned.  “That’s for sure.  I think it was easier when they were little.  Good thing Joe was running so late.”

“Good thing they’re leaving from his house tomorrow morning,” Dotty chuckled and reached for her daughter’s hand.

Amanda laughed too.  “Yeah, Joe has to drag them out of bed in the morning.  Good luck to him!”

The two women sat in comfortable silence on the couch.  The chimes from the clock eventually interrupted the peaceful moment.  “Are you sure you don’t want me to postpone my visit with Lillian.  I really wouldn’t mind.”

“Mother, I’m sure.  I’ll be fine.  I’ve got to meet my friend T.P. again tomorrow afternoon, not to mention work on my resume.  The whole house needs to be vacuumed; the floors need to be mopped and you saw what the boys’ room looked like, need I say more?”

“I guess it’s not the weekend you originally planned with Lee?”

Amanda shook her head and thought about the weekend plans they had made.  Crump’s Cabin in the mountains was available and knowing that Amanda would be alone for the weekend, Lee had called in the marker.  “No.  We’d planned to spend the weekend at a friend’s cabin in the mountains.”

“You know, there is a bright side to this,” Dotty commented as she patted Amanda’s shoulder.  “Now that we know you’re married, you won’t have to sneak around just to spend time alone with each other.”

A big smile washed across her face.  She thought about having Lee living with them, going to sleep together at night, waking up in the same bed in the morning.  No more waking up in the middle of the night and driving home alone to a cold and lonely bed.  “I’m definitely looking forward to that.”

“It’ll be nice to have a man around the house again.”

“I’m glad you’ve taken this whole thing so well, Mother.”
 
 

“I’m still annoyed at you for eloping,” Dotty corrected sharply, but after a few seconds she smiled.  “But you know how much I like Lee.  For goodness sakes, I’ve been dropping hints for months now that I thought you two should get engaged.  I had no idea you were already married!  You two have been probably laughing behind my back.”

“More like crying,” Amanda corrected.

“Mmm, I suppose so.  Amanda, what about having a simple ceremony at the church?  It wouldn’t have to be anything elaborate, just me and the boys, Aunt Lillian, and of course Lee’s family.  Reverend Mills could do a short ceremony and afterwards we could have a nice lunch or dinner.  It would make things more official…”

Amanda saw the pleading look in her mother’s eyes.  “It’s not a bad idea, Mother, as long as we keep it simple.  It would be easier than to explain things to the neighbors.”

“We’ll make a short list of people to invite.  Lee doesn’t have any family around town does he?” Dotty started, seeming more energetic than she had moments before.

“Lee doesn’t have much in the way of family other than an uncle in the military.  His parents were killed in a car accident when he was a little boy and he’s an only child.”

“That’s so sad.  How about we talk about it when I get back from Aunt Lillian’s and of course once Lee gets home.  I want him to feel welcome to the family.”

“Trust me, Mother, Lee feels quite comfortable around here.  He didn’t at first, but since he cracked through Jamie’s shell he’s felt like he belonged.”

“Yes, Jamie did give Lee a hard time at first.  He’s always been so protective of you.  It was cute how jealous he was.”

“Don’t let Jamie hear you call him cute or you’ll be the one he’ll be giving a hard time,” Amanda warned as she thought back to last autumn, when Lee started hanging around the house more.  “Hey, it’s getting late and you’re leaving tomorrow morning.  Are you packed for your trip?”

“Actually, no, I spent most of the day chasing Phillip and Jamie around trying to get them packed.  I still have clothes in the dryer.”

“Do you need any help with your packing?”

“No, I’m only going away for a few days.  It won’t take long.  Why don’t you go upstairs and take a long, hot bath.  You look positively exhausted.”

“Are you sure?”

Dotty nodded.  “My train doesn’t leave until eleven.  If I don’t get finished tonight I’ll have plenty of time in the morning.”

“All right, Mother.  Thanks for everything.  I love you.”

“I love you, too, dear.  Good night,” Dotty answered as Amanda got up from the couch and headed towards the stairs.

End Part Five
 

 

Part Six – Friday:     Union Station, Washington DC
 

“Well, Mother, it looks like your train is finally going to leave.” Amanda observed as the conductor yelled ‘All aboard.’

“Finally, it’s almost an hour late!”

Both women stood up, Amanda helped her mother with her carry on bag as she walked towards the train. “Say hello to Aunt Lillian for me.  Have a great trip.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me.  Lillian would be so surprised!”

“We’ve been over this ten times this morning.  I’ll be fine by myself.  I’ve got a job interview this afternoon and with any luck I’ll hear from Lee over the weekend.”

“All right, sweetheart.  I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Amanda answered with one last hug as her mother stepped up onto the train.

A few minutes later, Amanda stood on the platform at Union Station and waved at the train as it pulled out of the station.  She stayed there waving until it was no longer in sight.

With a heavy sigh, she turned and walked back towards the station and collected her thoughts.  In a way she didn’t mind being alone for the weekend.  She hoped she’d hear something from either T.P. or Emily or even Lee – and soon.  Although she didn’t let on to her mother, she was beginning to worry about Lee and his assignment.

She walked back through the crowded station, not really caring if she was being tailed or by whom.  She was getting rather used to the idea when suddenly a man stumbled into her, causing her to lose her balance, knocking her down.  Her purse went flying, its contents scattering across the floor.

“Oh my gosh!” she exclaimed as she scrambled to her knees to collect the contents of her purse.

The man who knocked her off her feet knelt down beside her and apologized.  “I’m so sorry.  I’ve always admired the beauty of this station and I haven’t been here in a while so I wasn’t looking where I was going…” he stopped suddenly and gasped in disbelief.  “Amanda?  Is that you?”

Amanda stopped shoving her belongings back into her purse for a moment.  The voice was so familiar.  She glanced up at the man who was now calling her by name.  Her eyes flew open wide and her mouth hung gaping at him, skeptical of whom she saw in front of her she finally forced out...  “Dean?”

He nodded and then reached out for her, pulling her into a bear hug.  “I can’t believe it’s you.  Amanda King!  It’s great to see you.  How are you?”

“Dean!”  Amanda stared at the man once he released her from his hug and took in his features.  He’d gained a few pounds since she’d last seen him.  It showed in his face and around his middle.  His hair was starting to grey and recede, but he smiled longingly at her.

“I can’t believe it’s you,” he exclaimed excitedly.  “Imagine running into you at the train station of all places!  Are you all right?  I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, I’m fine,” Amanda reassured him quickly as she sat on the floor of the train station.  “What… what are you doing here?  I thought you moved up to Boston.”

“I’m visiting for the weekend.  My uncle’s 50th anniversary party is on Saturday.  I wasn’t going to come, but my mother reminded me on the phone last week that I haven’t been down here since last Christmas.  So at the last minute I decided to surprise her and come.”

“That’s very considerate of you, Dean, I’m sure your mother will be pleased.  How is she?”

“She’s doing very well.  So what brings you down to good old Union Station this morning?”

“I dropped off my mother.  She’s visiting her sister for a few days.” Amanda shoved the last of her belonging into her purse and stood up.  She glanced towards the exit, hoping to be able to leave without a longwinded discussion.

“Um, Amanda, since nobody’s expecting me, how about you let me buy you a cup of coffee, or maybe lunch?  It’s the least I can do since I bowled you over so unceremoniously.”

“Oh, Dean, you don’t owe me anything.  I wasn’t watching where I was going either, so it wasn’t entirely your fault.  I wish I could take you up on your offer, but I have another appointment across town that I need to get to,” she fibbed with a polite smile, knowing her appointment with T.P. wasn’t for several hours.

“I should have known.  Your schedule was always hectic.”  He reached out for her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it gently.  “Perhaps another time then?”

“Perhaps,” she nodded and gently pulled her hand from his grasp.  She glanced at her watch, trying to appear as if she’d be late.  “I really better hurry.  Mother’s train left rather late, so I should get a move on it or I’ll be late as well.”

“It was good to see you again, Amanda,” Dean replied.

“Enjoy the party this weekend.  Give your mother my best,” Amanda called out as she turned and hurried towards the parking lot and away from Dean.

When she got back into her car her eyes scanned the area before she unlocked the door and got in.  Luckily, Dean hadn’t followed her to the parking lot.  In fact, now that she thought about it, she didn’t remember seeing anyone following her all morning.

“Hmm, last minute decision, Dean?” Amanda muttered out loud.  “I wonder?”

She put the key into the ignition and started her car.  She pulled out of the parking lot and decided to take the long way home…
 

***

At 2:45 in the afternoon, Amanda arrived at the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.  Since she was early, she couldn’t help but dawdle as she walked through the impressive building.  When she finally reached the office of T. Percival Aquinas, she clutched her employment paperwork in hand tightly.  She opened the door and she greeted his secretary.  “Good afternoon, Amanda King to see Mr. Aquinas.”

“Mrs. King, yes, he’s expecting you.  You can go right in,” his secretary answered politely.

“Thank you,” she nodded and walked past the secretary’s desk and knocked on T. P.’s door.

“Come in, come in,” T.P. called out cheerfully.

Amanda opened the door to a claustrophobic little office with no window.  It was filled from floor to ceiling with bookcases, which were filled with books on every wall.  None of them appeared dusty or in disarray, obviously plenty of care was given to each and every volume.  “T.P. do you realize I’ve never been to your real office before; this building is beautiful.  I’ve walked by a thousand times and admired it from the outside, but it’s even more elegant inside.”

“Yes, it is absolutely a magnificent building, although my own personal accommodations have grown a bit cramped over the years.  Please have a seat.”

“Yes, you do seem to be a bit confined,” Amanda agreed as she sat in front of his old wooden desk and placed the employment paperwork down for his perusal.  “I guess that’s why you don’t spend a lot of time here,”

“I enjoy the fresh air and the unrestricted space of the outside. It helps me think better, but, perhaps you’ll consider how much you enjoy the surroundings and take me up on my job offer?  If I threw in a guided tour perhaps that would sway you?” he asked as he grinned at her through his thick glasses.

“I promise I’ll give it some serious thought as soon as I have a chance to talk to Lee,” she answered.

“Ah, yes!  The enigmatic, Scarecrow.

“I’m not sure when he comes home what his status at the Agency will be,” Amanda confided uneasily.

“Yes, if Dr. Smyth scooches Scarecrow, then his section would definitely suffer more than it has already.  If he doesn’t, he could be facing a lawsuit on gender bias.  I’m sure the ACLU would love to chat with you regardless.”

Amanda rubbed her temple.  “The thought of fighting the Agency, whether it’s with my own lawyer or the ACLU is not a notion I relish.”

“I can understand that."

“Do you have any good news for me, T. P.?”

“I regret to admit our Scarecrow’s been a devil to pin down, my dear.  My contact thought he’d caught up to him the other day in Borisovo, but Lee failed to spend the night.  Apparently he decided to go to Zelenograd instead.”

“So he found him there?” Amanda inquired eagerly.

“Not exactly,” the chubby older man shook his head.  “From there, it appears that he headed towards the Kremlin itself and spent the night in Lubyanka.”

“He’s in Moscow?!”

“He’s been all over Moscow: north, south, east and west of the city.  The problem being is that he hasn’t stayed in the same place for more than one night.  Of course, given his occupation it’s probably an excellent idea, but it does make it harder if you’re on our side of the fence.”

“Oh my gosh!  I should have known you’d have such a difficult time catching up to him.  Maybe I should just wait until he finishes his mission.”

“Nonsense, my dear, it’s part of the challenge of it all.  I was hoping that I’d hear something from my source before you arrived,” he explained as he glanced at his watch.  “But despite the hour in Moscow, I still haven’t heard from him.  We’re close to tracking him down, really close…”

Amanda tried not to look as deflated as she felt, but the smile on her face melted into a frown.  She was clearly disappointed, but she didn’t want T.P. to feel like he failed her.   “It is the largest city in the Soviet Union.  It’ll probably take some time…”

“That’s the spirit.”

“And we’d rather be safe than sorry for Lee’s sake.”

“Absolutely,” he nodded.  “My source is extremely trustworthy.”

“I’m sure he is.  I want to thank you for all your help.  You have no idea how much it means to me to know where he is.  And although we haven’t caught up to him, at least I know he’s all right,” she sighed.

“I promise to get word to you over the weekend if I hear anything.”

“That would be wonderful.  Let me write down my address for you,” she offered.

He reached across his desk for the paperwork she’d placed on it when she came in.  “I’m sure you have it here.”

“Of course,” she nodded.  “I can’t thank you enough for your support.  If there’s anything I can do for you…”

He thumbed through her employment paperwork then glanced up at her scrunching his nose.  “You could join my staff for one thing.  I know you’re here as part of your cover, but my offer is a legitimate one.  The position is yours.  All you have to do is say yes.”  Amanda started to balk, but he held up his hand.  “I know you and Lee have a lot of things to discuss when he gets back in town.  That’s fine.  Please just give it some serious thought – even if you take the position on a temporary basis.  I could really use someone with your research skills and security clearances.”

“I promise I’ll consider the idea.”

“So, are the dogs still on your heels?”

She sighed heavily.  “I didn’t see anyone this morning when I dropped my mother off at the train station, but I ran into someone I hadn’t seen in several years.”

“So you think it was a plant?” T.P. asked as he slid his eyeglasses back to the bridge of his nose.

Amanda shrugged and shook her head.  “It might have been a coincidence that I ran into him at the train station.  The station was crowded so I could have been followed; they would have had great cover.”

T. P. played with a pencil on his desk.  “But you don’t sound totally convinced that it was a coincidence.”

Amanda looked at her friend and shrugged again.  “Maybe I’m just paranoid.  Lee used to tease me that freshman agents suffered from ‘shell shock’.  I suspect everyone these days and other than my immediate family, I trust very few people.”

“You’ve turned into a very shrewd agent.  It’s better to be cautious.  Speaking of which with your permission, I’d like to call over to ‘IFF’ after you leave to inquire about your employment references.”

“That ought to get Dr. Smyth off my back.”

“Yes, I thought that as well, but I must admit it’s partially selfish on my part.  I’m still hoping that you will accept my offer and come to work for the Library of Congress.”

“You’re assuming he’ll give me a good reference,” she pointed out.  “He threatened to blackball me from working in this town!”

“Only if you crossed him, and so far you haven’t.”

“So far I haven’t been caught,” she whispered anxiously as she glanced around.

“You’re secure here, my dear.  Austin Smyth is powerful enough to have the President’s ear, but he wouldn’t be foolish enough to bug my office.”

“I’m surprised, but he didn’t bug my house.”

“You’ve checked it?”

“It’s part of my new evening routine.  Once everyone’s in bed, I lock all the doors and windows and scan for listening devices.  So far I haven’t found anything but a half eaten peanut butter sandwich in Philip’s closet.”  Amanda shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.  “I’d better let you get back to work.  Thanks again so much for your help.”

“You know you’re more than welcome.  I’ll get word to you as soon as I get confirmation that Lee’s gotten our message.”

They both stood up, T.P. came around his desk and winked at her when opened his office door.  He spoke loud enough for his secretary to hear him clearly.  “Thank you very much for coming in, Mrs. King.  I’ll be making a decision soon and I’ll be in touch.”

Amanda smiled broadly.  “Thank you, Mr. Aquinas.  If there’s any other information you need, you have my phone number.”  She then nodded to his secretary and walked down the corridor towards the elevator.

***

Friday Evening - Moscow
 

Scarecrow sat in a Russian bar drinking vodka and nibbling on stale black bread.  He had little appetite despite his hectic week.  He’d been on a constant push to get a lead on who might have information on the sale of the National Emergency Response System.  He was more than just a little frustrated after five days of poking through Moscow’s underground, prodding the black marketers, and positioning himself as an avid buyer of the N.E.R.S. with nothing other than sore feet and a sour stomach.  He didn’t even have the tiniest clue despite his best efforts.

“Would you like another drink, comrade?” the bartender questioned.

“No, I’ve had enough, thank you,” Lee answered as he stared at the remainder of his drink that sat on the worn wooden table in front of him.  .

He glanced around the smoky bar amid unfamiliar faces.  His last meet was a bust.  Although the gentleman he’d spoken with, if you could call him that, was very interested in bidding on the N.E.R.S. as had several other individuals.   Unfortunately, none of them had heard of it being on the market elsewhere.

‘Was it really up for sale?’ he wondered.  It was becoming more plausible that the leak had been contrived.  Lee took the last gulp of his vodka and put the glass on the table.  He fished through his pockets for some rubles, tossed them next to his empty drink and hurried out of the bar.

The streets were still busy since it was early and the spring evening was comfortable, although cool as the sun was beginning to set.  Lee casually strolled back to his hotel enjoying the fresh air and allowing his mind to wander.  He needed a distraction from his current assignment.  He missed his wife.  They’d planned to spend the weekend at Crump’s cabin.  This was the second time that the opportunity had gone to waste.  He wondered what Amanda was doing.  Was she thinking of him?  Did she miss him as much as he missed her?

“I love you, Amanda,” he whispered when he reached the park across from his hotel as he watched the couples amble hand in hand lost in their own world.

He cut through the park, tired and eager for a good nights’ sleep.  So far each night he’d stayed at a different hotel and the mattresses seemed to get progressively worse.  One of his contacts suggested this particular hotel. It was a rather small and off the beaten path so he was hopeful that with a restful night he’d have a better attitude in the morning to continue on his mission.   All he knew was that something had to break – soon or he’d be force to return to DC empty handed.  Dr. Smyth wouldn’t be very happy.

Lee tugged on the heavy entrance door to the hotel.  It squeaked loudly as it closed announcing his arrival.  He nodded silently to the bored clerk, but continued past him towards the ancient elevator.

“Mr. Steadman?” the clerk called out to him.

Lee stopped and turned.  “Yes…”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but you have a couple of messages waiting for you,” the young man explained.

“Thank you,” Lee answered as he took the envelopes and tucked them protectively into his jacket pocket.  He reached into his pants pocket and gave him a generous tip.

“Thank you, sir.  If there’s anything else I can do for you, just let me know…”

Lee had to suppress a chuckle at his eagerness.  He nodded once more to the man, then strode over to the elevator and waited impatiently for its arrival.  The doors opened at a snail's pace and Lee was beginning to wonder if his choice of hotels for the evening had been a mistake.  Finally reaching his room, he kicked off his shoes, and plopped down wearily onto the bed.

‘This is the most comfortable bed I’ve had since I got here,’ Lee thought to himself contentedly as he reached under the comforter for the pillows and fluffed them up.  He rested his head back on them and allowed his heavy eyelids to close for a moment.  His tired and achy body started to relax and before he knew it he drifted off to sleep…
 
 

It was dark when he awoke; realizing his moment of relaxation had obviously been much longer.   He stood up, went to the window and observed that the street was now empty.  He pulled the curtains closed and started to take off his jacket to get ready for bed when he remembered the two messages that he’d been given by the clerk.

“Damn it, Stetson, this could have been the break you’ve been waiting for!” he chided himself as he yanked the two envelopes from his pocket.  He carefully opened the first one.   His eyes focused narrowly on the message inside.  His jaw tightened as he read it again.  Then he tore open the second letter hastily and read that quickly.  His body stiffened and his hand nervously ran through his hair.  He tossed the letters onto the bed and grabbed the phone.

“Front desk,” the man answered.

“This is Mr. Steadman.  I need a cab – immediately.”

“Yes, sir.  I’ll have one here for you right away.”

Lee hung up the phone and hurried around the small room.  He got his suitcase out and began stuffing his belongings haphazardly into it.  He gave one last cursory check that all his possessions were stowed in his bag.  Then he carefully folded the two messages, and put them back into his suit pocket and left the hotel in record time…
 

End Part Six