Created Jan-June 2000

Story takes place November 1988 with the premise that Amanda and Lee are now publicly living as man and wife and their family knows of their profession.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters copyrighted by Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Production Company. It is meant for enjoyment purposes only. I retain the right to the plot and not the characters. All characters in this story are fictional. Although the town of Goderich does exist, any specific mention of businesses, places or people in that area only exist in the authors' mind. Do not distribute this story in part or full without the express written consent of the above author.
 
 

Part 1

Lee and Amanda came in through the Georgetown foyer a few minutes before the Monday morning roll call meeting was to begin. As Mrs. Marsten handed them their respective badges, she advised, "Mr. Melrose wants to see you in his office ASAP, Amanda."

Amanda looked over at Lee and shrugged. "I’ll see you at the staff meeting."

Lee nodded, winked and headed up the stairs towards the Q bureau.

Billy was on the phone when Amanda knocked on his closed door. Billy motioned for her to come in. She sat down in the chair near his desk as his conversation continued.

"Yes, we’ll have her there tomorrow morning. I’ll fill her in today. No, I understand, she’s a good fit. Yeah, let me start briefing her; she just came in." Billy hung up the phone and smiled over at Amanda.

"So exactly where am I going?" Amanda asked Billy with curiosity and trepidation.

"Detroit, for starters."

"Detroit?" she repeated, quite surprised by the answer. "So what’s up in Detroit?"

"I’m sure you’ve heard about the illegal influx of Chinese coming across the Canadian border?"

"Of course, there’s been talk about a Congressional investigation and I thought they were convening a grand jury," Amanda answered. It had been in the news steadily for the last few months. Chinese, most of them young, had been flowing over the Canadian border from Ontario.

"The Congressional investigation has been delayed for now – pending an investigation…"

"Let me guess, by The Agency," she said, finishing Billy’s sentence for him.

Billy nodded.

"But why me? I mean, other than what I’ve read in the newspaper and seen on the nightly news, I don’t have any special knowledge of any of this," Amanda replied, perplexed why she was chosen for this particular assignment.

"Actually, we’ve had an operative working this in Detroit for the last month. Unfortunately, last night she was in a car accident and broke her ankle. As part of her cover, she was supposed to help smuggle the aliens across the border this week. She got a bite from a source who’s willing to pay $500 a head for each Chinese she successfully gets across."

"How many are we talking about?" Amanda asked in amazement.

"We’re not sure. Sounds like a dozen or so at a time. Details are sketchy at the moment. She was just beginning to make some headway when she had the accident. After a thorough review of who else is available, we think that you would be a good substitute for her."

Amanda looked at Billy less than enthusiastically and shrugged. "Why me?" She hated to go out of town on extended assignments.

"Good question." Billy glanced over at Amanda who looked painfully dejected. "The Agent, Terry Frawley, was posing as a woman going through a messy divorce, who needs the money to help pay her legal bills."

"But, sir, Lee and I are happily married."

"True, but Amanda King, a divorced woman with two sons a few years from college could certainly use extra cash." Billy reminded her of her previous marital status. "Amanda, you and Lee have gone through extreme trouble to keep your private married life just that, very private. The Agency has taken care of the rest. You are just a production assistant at IFF who is in desperate need of money. It’s a good cover; that’s why you were picked. You and Terry are about the same age, both mothers with children. So your cover will include that you two were college buddies at UVA. You’re flying up to see her tomorrow; she’s going to brief you and set up a meet with her contact. The rest is up to you."

"What about Lee? Can I tell him what’s going on?"

"You can brief Lee on the basics; knowing him he’d find out if we didn’t. If we weren’t so busy right now I’d let you both go, but at the moment I can’t spare him. He’s in charge of the security for Princess Taschia when she arrives. You’ll have a full contingent of backup from the Detroit Agency. It’s not a large shop, but they’re quite capable."

"Yes, sir, I’m certain that they are. I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning?" she assumed from his recent telephone conversation.

He nodded. "That gives you the rest of today to tie up any loose ends. I know you and Lee have been working on the Princess’ visit; Francine will take over for you." Billy handed Amanda a computer disk. "This is your homework. You’ll find Terry’s notes on there; I want you to be fully briefed when you get off that plane tomorrow morning. Hopefully things will happen fast and you’ll be gone only a few days. Perhaps you’ll make it back for Princess Taschia’s reception."

Amanda cringed slightly, knowing that Lee would be less than thrilled about her leaving town and then having to go to the reception without her. "Yes, sir, that would be nice," she answered with stirring doubt in her mind. An assignment like this would most likely take more than a few days. "Anything else?"

"No, that ought to do it. I suggest you get started on the file, you’ve been excused from roll call this morning," Billy answered as Amanda stood up and headed out the door.

* * * * * *

As Amanda and her mother finished putting away the dinner dishes, Amanda tried to dodge another round of questions from her mother.

"Mother, please, I’ve told you all I can tell you. Lee understands, the boys understand, why is it that you don’t understand? I’ve got to go to Michigan; it’s my job. I don’t know when I’ll be back, it could be a few days, or it could turn into a week. I don’t know and I won’t know until I get up there. I’ll call when I can."

"Amanda, I don’t understand why you, a mother of two living in Virginia has to fly to Michigan; isn’t there anyone else in the entire Agency who can handle it? Not to mention from the look on Lee’s face, I’d say he’s less than thrilled that you’re going. I thought you two were partners?" Dotty questioned doggedly.

"Mother, enough! We are partners but sometimes our assignments conflict. Now I have to pack and say goodbye to the boys. I don’t want to talk about this anymore," Amanda said heatedly as she headed out of the kitchen.

Lee was upstairs in their bedroom when she finally walked in.

"I was wondering where you headed off to. You haven’t said much all day," Amanda stated with concern.

"I’ve been busy, you know that. Besides, you don’t need anyone else complaining to you about leaving; your mother’s doing a wonderful job," he reminded her.

Amanda groaned. "You do understand, don’t you?"

He nodded. "Of course I do. That doesn’t mean I have to like it. I worry about you when you’re out there solo."

"That goes both ways, you know," she reminded him. "I should be home in a couple of days, maybe even in time for Princess Taschia’s reception."

"I hope so; I’ll miss you," Lee answered as he reached his arms around her and teasingly nibbled at her ear.

"I’ll miss you too, but you’ll have Mother and the boys to keep you company," Amanda said then stopped short. She pushed Lee away slightly, her eyes opened wide as she realized something. "You’ve never been alone for any length of time before with Mother and the boys, have you?"

He shook his head. "I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me. This is my home now too," Lee answered reassuringly then kissed her gently. "I’ll go check on the boys, why don’t you start packing so we can get to bed early?" He smiled that devilish grin and winked at her as he left the room.

*** ***

Amanda arrived at the Detroit Agency late Tuesday morning. Agent Terry Frawley was waiting for her.

"Good morning, you must be Mrs. King?" she asked pleasantly.

"Please, call me Amanda."

"Amanda, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Terry, Terry Frawley. Forgive me for not getting up," she said pointing at her leg which was covered in a cast up to her knee.

"That’s quite all right, I understand," Amanda smiled.

"You want some coffee or anything?" Terry asked cheerfully.

"No, thank you, my stomach is still a little queasy from the plane. It was a bumpy flight," Amanda explained nervously, still uncertain about this assignment.

"Yeah, the weather's been stormy the last few days. This time of year it's quite unpredictable."

"I'll be fine in a few minutes. It was a hectic morning. I do have some questions for you."

"I'm sure you do," Terry replied, pointing to a chair nearby. "Pull up a chair."

"Thanks. So have you talked to your contact since your accident? I’m a bit concerned that they’re going to think this last minute substitution is a little too convenient." Amanda expressed her concern forthright.

"Actually, I did talk to my contact - twice yesterday in fact. It seems they’re kind of in a bind. According to Archie, he’s my contact, they’re trying to move dozens of illegal aliens - two, sometimes three times a week. They’re coming across Lake Huron, Lake Erie and god knows where else; they’re just flooding in. We know they are coming into Port Huron, which is where I was set to meet the boat."

Amanda sighed heavily. "I just can’t believe what these people will go through just to get here. And then they have to spend years as almost virtual slaves to work off the cost of freedom. It hardly seems worth it."

"It’s a crime in more ways than one. I feel sorry for them; that’s why we have to stop the people behind it all. They're making a fortune over these poor people's misfortune. It makes me sick."

"So tell me, how do we stop them?" Amanda asked curiously.

Terry grinned. "We’re meeting Archie at his favorite watering hole – and trust me I do mean ‘hole’ -tomorrow night at 9PM. If he gives you the nod, you’re in."

"That simple?" Amanda asked with a surprised look on her face.

"Like I said, I’ve left them in kind of a bind. If it’s a go, you leave for Ontario on Thursday night."

Amanda looked at Terry with an uneasy smile. "Where exactly am I going to in Ontario?"

Terry let out a big sigh and shook her head. "We don’t know for sure. According to the details we do have, I was supposed to leave at six and have the illegal immigrants back in Port Huron to the bus station before eleven. So if they leave out of Port Huron they could be picking them up anywhere from Sarnia to Kincardine. Our intelligence suggests that it’s somewhere north of Grand Bend."

"So what exactly am I supposed to do?"

"For them, organize things at the dock, get the illegals onboard quickly. Keep them quiet and below deck while they’re onboard the boat. Then you drive them to the bus station where you’re to buy tickets for them. For us, you need to time the voyage and when you’re on land, try to spot any landmarks that could help us ID where the transition point is."

"Sounds like I’ll be visiting for some time," Amanda said nervously.

"We’ve worked that out too. I’ve told Archie you’re taking vacation time from work. I promise, no longer than two weeks. It fits your cover. With any luck, we might have some key information by then," Terry answered hopefully.

"I hope so," Amanda nodded anxiously.

"Quit worrying. Your profile is perfect for what these people are looking for; a working mother who needs the money bad enough not to ask too many questions," Terry answered. She looked up at Amanda who seemed a bit overwhelmed. "Hey, how about some lunch? Then we can get to know each other better and I can answer all your other questions. You know, we’re supposed to have been college buddies."

"Yeah, so what college did you go to?" Amanda asked.

"Same as you – University of Virginia. I was two years ahead of you. That was one of the reasons you were picked for this assignment. If they do some digging, they’re going to have a hard time not believing we’re old friends. You’re staying with me as well, part of your cover."

Amanda smiled. She was beginning to relax; she liked Terry. "OK, so where’s a good place for lunch?"

"There’s a nice place down the street," Terry suggested. Then pointing at her broken ankle again she asked. "Do you mind driving?"

Amanda laughed and they headed out the door.

* * * * *

Terry had been right about the bar where they met Archie. It was a ‘hole’. They had only been waiting a few minutes when Archie arrived. They chatted pleasantly for a while, then Archie started to get up to leave.

"Tomorrow night, be at the city dock in Port Huron, slip 118. They’ll leave right at six. When you get back there will be a white van waiting for you. The keys will be under the mat."

"But what about the money?" Amanda asked eagerly, wanting to maintain her cover.

"At the bus station, it'll be in locker 18. Tell the attendant you lost the key. It'll be in a burgundy briefcase. Got it? Slip 118 and locker 18." Archie took one more swig of his beer, looked lustily at Amanda and headed out the door.

* * * * * * *

Amanda called Billy in the early afternoon to brief him on her status. She explained that she was leaving from Port Huron to an unknown port on Ontario’s western shore. From there they were to pick up the illegal aliens and transport them back across the Lake to Port Huron. She would drive them to the bus station, help them with tickets and then collect her money. If all were to go well, when they repeated the trip again in a few days, the Agency would be able to trace backwards to find the people who were behind this scheme.

"Sounds like you’re doing a great job, Amanda," Billy encouraged.

"Thank you, sir," Amanda replied.

"I’ll tell Lee you called. He’s been busy with the Princess today. But so far everything’s gone smoothly. He’ll miss you at the reception tonight."

"Yeah, I’m sorry I won’t make it," she replied with a note of sorrow in her voice.

"Be careful out there, Amanda," Billy warned before hanging up the phone.

* * * * *

The ride to the dock took over an hour in the evening traffic. She and Terry went over the details again while another agent drove. They arrived at the dock looking for slip 118. Amanda spotted it first. At the dock was an old wooden fishing boat, which had seen better days. Amanda squinted, trying to make out the name on the boat.

"The Eddie Fitz II?" she remarked nervously, swallowing hard.

Terry winced at the name, then noticing Amanda's uncomfortable grimace, she changed the subject quickly. "We’ve got the marina under surveillance 24 hours a day. We’ll meet back at my place once you’ve picked up the cash at the bus station. Hopefully by then you’ll have more details to provide us with."

"See you later," Amanda replied dismally as she got out of the car. She looked at the old wooden boat and had second thoughts.

They watched as she walked down to the boat. She lingered for a moment at the stern before a heavyset man came out to meet her. After a few minutes of discussion Amanda disappeared into the cabin below. Terry silently wished her luck and watched as the captain removed the mooring lines. Then the boat finally pulled away from the dock.

* * * * *

The ride across the lake was rough; the old engines were grinding noisily, making an eerie sound. Amanda looked around the small cabin wondering how they expected to squeeze a dozen or more people into it. It barely looked as if six adults would fit down there. But then again she assumed that these people had probably risked a lot more than comfort trying to get to the USA.

The noxious smell of diesel fumes were abundant in the cabin, making her feel a bit queasy. The time passed slowly. She thought of Lee; tonight was the banquet. He would already be at the embassy, dressed in his tuxedo. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, trying to imagine the smell of his cologne. He would have his hands full with agents and the Princess. He wouldn’t have time to be thinking of her. Just as well, she thought, here she was on an old fishing boat dressed like an offshoreman.

As the night carried on, the damp cold was starting to penetrate through to her bones. She shivered for a moment then the noise of the engines slowing signaled that they were almost to the Canadian shore.

"Show time, lady," the captain called down to her as the boat's engines started to hum idly.

Amanda looked at her watch; their voyage had taken just under two hours. She headed topside where the wind was blowing out of the west. A chill went shivering down her spine and she pulled her hood up over her head to protect herself from the wind. She squinted due to the lack of light, the boat was currently moving without its running lights. Her eyes struggled to adjust. The plethora of clouds above prevented the moon or the stars from shining on the dark restless water. The coast itself was also blanketed in darkness. To the north there were very few lights, to the south lights were dotted here and there. Amanda had to laugh at herself, what was she expecting on the shore? This was as covert an operation as they got. Smuggling illegal aliens into the country wasn’t exactly the time to have bright lights and a marching band.

As the boat docked at the old wooden pier she could see people scurrying about quietly, moving towards the boat. The captain helped her onto the pier where another man met her. He was a lanky man with dark hair, balding slightly. His narrow beady eyes gave Amanda the creeps.

"Are you Mrs. King?" he asked without introducing himself.

"Yes."

He nodded to another man who signaled for the immigrants to head towards the boat. "Get as many as you can crammed aboard the boat," he ordered. "Keep em' quiet."

Amanda watched as over twenty people clamored down to the tiny pier. "You can’t be serious? I was told we’d be taking a dozen people. That cabin can’t fit that many as it is," Amanda declared, concerned about overloading the old boat.

The lanky man shrugged. "What you don’t take the next boat will. I thought you needed the money?" he asked suspiciously.

Amanda swallowed hard, she wasn’t thinking in that capacity. She admonished herself, not wanting to blow her cover, she quickly replied. "It won’t do me any good if we sink because we’re overloaded."

The man smirked and nodded. "Some of them are kids, you can squeeze in a dozen; we’ve done it before."

Amanda watched as the Chinese boarded the boat. She counted out a dozen and held up her hand. "Let me see if we can fit anymore."

She carefully got onto the boat, which was pitching slightly from the waves. She peered down into the cramped cabin to see it full of frightened eyes, staring silently at her. Suddenly she felt guilty; up to now she had thought of these people as criminals. But those eyes weren’t eyes of criminals; they were of people desperately searching for a future. She turned back to the lanky man and shook her head.

"We’re full."

He shook his head in agreement. "See you in a couple of days."

With that, the engines began to rev up again. The captain pulled in the lines that secured the boat to the tiny dock and shoved out mightily. Amanda watched the shore for some sort of reference point. But other than some lights to the south, there were few clues as to where they were. The dark night enveloped the boat quickly as they began their trek back across Lake Huron. The wind was blowing head on now, causing the boat to slam hard against the growing waves. Spray from the waves crashed over the bow.

"You better get below," the captain warned. "It looks like a storm is brewing. Going to be a rough ride home. Keep them quiet."

Amanda nodded as she headed below, trying to close the cabin door behind her. But with the pitching and the slamming action from the waves, she had little luck with the worn, rusty lock. After several minutes of trying she gave up. The scared refugees made room for her and she sat down in the cramped, packed cabin.

As the storm grew in intensity the boat groaned louder and louder, smashing hard into wave after wave. The fear in the refugee’s eyes was apparent; Amanda was frightened too. Her feet seemed to be getting colder and colder. She looked down at them to see that there was a puddle of water an inch deep on the floor and it seemed to be getting deeper quickly. Moments later there was a hissing sound coming from behind her. She looked back to see water seeping in through a seam. Trying not to panic her already frightened cargo, she smiled reassuringly and then got up and headed topside to warn the captain.

As she climbed the few steps to the deck, the boat heaved mightily. She grabbed at a railing to steady her balance; the captain looked annoyed at her intrusion.

"I thought I told you to stay downstairs," he yelled loudly to be heard over the roar of the storm.

"We’ve got water coming in; it’s going to flood down there. Don’t you have a bilge pump or something?" she asked nervously.

The captain's face drew grim. "Hold the wheel steady while I go check it out."

"What?" Amanda replied in alarm.

"You heard me," he snarled as he pushed past Amanda and headed down into the cabin. Moments later he returned, glanced up at the sky, then turned to look back towards the Canadian shore. Although it was invisible because of the storm, it was still much closer. "We’re going to have to turn back, try to make it to shore and wait out the storm." He grabbed the ship's wheel hastily, gave it a hard turn and headed back in the direction they just left.

"Try to make it?" Amanda questioned as another cold wave crashed over the boat, pitching it precariously on its side.

The refugees below were screaming. The captain grabbed Amanda and the rail to steady them both against the potential of falling into the cold water of Lake Huron. A loud crack was heard, as the old wooden boat could bear no more strain. The deck, which moments before was just wet from rain was now flooded with several inches of water.

"We’re not going to make it," the captain confessed with a strained voice. He grabbed the radio, turned the dial and quickly started sending a message. "Mayday! Mayday! This is the Eddie Fitz II. We’re taking on water. Our location is approximately two miles west of Goderich; we’re heading east-northeast. Mayday! Mayday!" he repeated, as he held tightly onto the wheel of his ship, trying desperately to ease his crippled craft back towards the Canadian coast.

The captain repeated the message over and over again hoping that someone would hear their cry for help. The refugees were trying to get out of the rapidly flooding cabin. There was no way to hold them down there. However, the deck was just as dangerous. Another wave crashed yet again onto the ill-fated, wooden boat.

The captain kept furiously repeating his SOS as parts of the boat broke off and went flying off into the stormy waters. Amanda cried out. "Oh my gosh…." as the storm continued its deadly assault.

End Part 1
 
 
 

Part 2

Billy was getting ready to leave the office after another long and exhausting night when his phone rang. He looked at his watch; it was after midnight. With a deep sigh he picked it up. "Melrose here. What? When? Are you sure? What are the chances of…No I understand. I’ll need all the details. Tomorrow morning will be fine. I’ll talk to you then."

Billy sat back in his chair, his head weighed heavily in his hands. He knew that the reception should be winding down, the Princess would be on her way back to her hotel. He momentarily thought about putting off the impending discussion until morning, then shook his head against it, picked up the phone and dialed the Princess’ limousine.

"Scarecrow," Lee answered promptly.

"Lee, everything going all right?" Billy asked with a calmness from years of experience.

"Yeah, Billy, the night went off without a hitch. We’re just getting ready to put sleeping beauty back in her castle," Lee commented, looking over at Princess Taschia who was sleeping soundly in the back of the limo.

"Great. Why don’t you swing by the office on your way back?"

"Sure, no problem," Lee answered. He knew Amanda wouldn’t mind; she was still up in Michigan.

It was about an hour later when Lee sauntered into the quiet bullpen. As he headed into Billy’s office, he undid the tie on his tuxedo and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt.

"Morning, Billy," Lee teased, noting the hour as he plopped down onto a chair. "What a night."

"It certainly has been," Billy concurred, but for all too different a reason. "The Princess is tucked safely away?"

"Yeah, she heads to New York tomorrow morning; Byerson is handling that detail."

"Good," Billy murmured, noticeably in deep thought. He looked at Lee. He knew the conversation he was about to have with his good friend and best agent would affect him profoundly.

"Is something wrong?" Lee asked; Billy looked like he was a million miles away.

"As a matter of fact, yes," Billy answered dourly, swallowing hard. "Lee, Amanda was making the first run tonight across the lake over to Ontario to pick up the Chinese illegals.

"Yeah, I know, we talked on the phone last night," Lee said, as his heart started to beat faster.

"Apparently there was a storm, they sent out a mayday with their last position; they were only a couple of miles from the Canadian coast. The Canadian Coast Guard picked up the transmission and headed there immediately…" Billy stopped, almost too choked up to go on.

"Is she all right?" Lee interjected immediately.

"Lee, by the time the Coast Guard got there, there was nothing but wreckage. So far they’ve pulled five bodies out of the water."

"Bodies, as in survivors?" Lee begged, his eyes filling with tears, his heart racing. His ears were ringing so loudly he could hardly hear Billy's reply.

Billy shook his head. "I’m sorry, Lee. There aren’t any survivors."

"NO!" Lee shouted, with a stunned look on his face.

"Lee, I wish there was something I could say; is there anything I can do?"

Lee sat looking at Billy in disbelief. "Was Amanda’s body one of the ones they pulled out of the water?"

"No, not yet."

"So there’s a chance…"

"Lee, the transmission came across the radio just after eight tonight. I got off the phone with the Agency in Detroit after midnight. They had an open line with the Canadian Coast Guard. There’s just no way she could survive that long in those temperatures. We’ll find her body, it might take a few days, they said the storm blew up out of no-where."

"NO!" he repeated. "There’s got to be a mistake, maybe she wasn’t on board? Maybe she got off in Canada to make room for the Chinese. Billy, she can’t be," he couldn’t say the word. "She just can’t be."

"Lee, don’t do this to yourself," Billy said, but knowing his words brought no comfort to him. "Let me drive you home." He got up and put his hand on Lee’s shoulder.

Lee pulled away. "She’s not gone, she can’t be." He got up and left the office without another word to Billy.

*** ***

Lee finally arrived at the house on Maplewood Drive after driving around town for hours. He headed straight to the kitchen; he needed a drink, a stiff one. He wanted to be numb; he wanted his head to stop pounding, his ears to stop ringing and his heart to stop aching. He poured himself a scotch, emptied it quickly and poured himself another. He walked into the family room and plopped down on the couch, setting his drink on the coffee table. Tears of anguish started to fall steadily. As the minutes passed, Lee reached again for his glass of scotch. He emptied it again in one gulp and in anger, he threw the glass, shattering it against the wall.

Moments later he heard a voice from upstairs. He cringed knowing it was Dotty, he looked like hell. How was he going to tell her the news? He barely believed it himself. Wiping his eyes as best he could, he took a deep breath.

"Lee? Is that you? Are you just getting in? It’s four o’clock in the morning."

"Yes, Dotty, I’m sorry for waking you," Lee answered, hoping she would go back to bed.

She continued her descent down the stairs. There was something in Lee’s voice that gave him away; she knew something was wrong.

"What’s wrong, dear? I thought I heard…" she stopped. She looked into his eyes; she saw his face. At that very moment she knew something was terribly wrong.

Lee stood up trying to avoid her gaze, but it was too late. He just shook his head. He didn’t think he could tell her this. How could he tell her that her daughter, her only child, was dead? How could he face the boys in the morning? How could he tell them that their mother was never coming back?

"Lee, something happened to Amanda? Didn’t it?" she guessed, but she already knew the answer.

Lee nodded. His heart was pounding so fiercely he looked away trying to hide his pain; but there was no escape.

Dotty’s voice was now mired in worry. "Lee, tell me what happened. Is she all right?"

"She’s gone," he whispered with no control over his voice. The pain of hearing it come out of his own lips made him collapse on the couch yet again.

Dotty sat down next to him. Ever since they told her the truth about their real profession, Dotty had been worried that the day would come when one of them wouldn’t be returning home. But she always pushed it to the back of her mind. Amanda and Lee seemed so happy together. It couldn’t happen to either of them; it just couldn’t.

"There was a boating accident. The boat she was in apparently got caught in a storm on Lake Huron. They sent out a mayday, but the Coast Guard couldn’t get there on time. They think she drowned."

"Think?" Dotty snapped at Lee, venting her pain. "She’s your wife and your partner and you’re going to sit here and tell me you think she drowned?"
 

"Dotty, I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened, they’re still looking for her body."

"I want answers; I want to know why my daughter, Phillip and Jamie’s mother, isn’t coming home," Dotty cried in anguish of her own.

Lee held his mother-in-law while she sobbed softly. He wanted answers too. He owed that much to Amanda.
 

**** *****

After Phillip and Jamie headed to school Lee got up. He had agreed with Dotty not to tell the boys until after school. Lee picked up the phone and called Billy.

"Melrose here," Billy answered in an exhausted tone.

"Did they find her yet?" Lee asked impatiently.

"No, I would have called you if they did."

"What exactly is the status?" Lee snapped.

"I talked to Detroit an hour ago. They’ve got seven bodies accounted for but we don’t know how many we’re looking for. Six of the seven were Chinese, the seventh was the captain of the Eddie Fitz II."

"The Eddie Fitz?" Lee questioned.

"Yeah, the boats name. Ironic isn’t it?" Billy commented without thinking, immediately wishing he could take it back.

"Oh yeah, thanks for pointing that out," Lee snarled. "I’m going up there, Billy. Amanda’s mother knows what’s going on, but I haven’t said anything to the boys or Joe. I expect you to keep this quiet until I bring her home."

"Lee, I don’t want you in Michigan snooping around. Besides, at the moment it’s out of our jurisdiction."

"What do you mean it’s out of our jurisdiction? One of your agents is missing," Lee yelled into the phone his pain turning to anger.

"She’s not missing, Lee, she's dead. She couldn’t have survived in those waters. The Canadian Coast Guard is investigating; they’re working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as a joint investigation. But if too many people start poking around, the smugglers are going to get wind of it and shut down their operation," Billy argued at Lee.

"I don’t give a damn about the investigation. My wife is missing or maybe you're right, maybe she is dead. But one way or another, I’m going to find her."

"Lee, it could be days or even weeks before we find her body. Lake Huron’s a large lake. Think of her boys, she’d want you to be there for them," Billy lectured him.

Lee was getting more irate as the conversation continued. "I know what my responsibilities are to my stepsons. I don’t need you or anyone else to tell me. I'll take care of my family. But the first part of that is to bring their mother home to them – dead or alive," Lee snarled and slammed the phone down.

Dotty walked across the kitchen and handed Lee a cup of coffee. Finally she got up the courage to ask him.

"You’re not fully convinced she's dead?"

Lee looked up at his mother-in-law. He knew he couldn’t lie to her. Not about this. "They haven't found her body yet. I want to be sure. If there is any chance she’s alive…"

Dotty hugged him tightly, and with a wistful smile encouraged him - "Go on, get out of here. Go find my daughter."

"What about the boys?" Lee asked hesitantly.

"Joe’s picking them up this afternoon. I’m not going to tell them anything. I don’t want to lie to them, but if there were a small chance that she’s alive, that wouldn’t be lying, would it? You have to promise me that once you know, one way or another, you'll tell me immediately." Dotty looked at him for reassurance that she was doing the right thing.

"I promise," he pledged. "I’ve got to get packed. Dotty, Amanda would want it this way. She wouldn’t want the boys to go through the waiting and the worrying." Lee answered her fears and quickly gulped down his coffee and headed upstairs to get ready for his trip.

* * ** * * * *

Lee took an indirect flight to Canada, stopping and changing planes in Pittsburgh, then flying to London, Ontario - the Provincial headquarters for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Billy didn’t want him snooping around in Detroit, and he wouldn’t. If he were to find Amanda, she would be in Ontario, not Michigan. He headed to police headquarters as soon as he left the airport.

"Hi, I’m Lee Stetson," he said, getting out his badge and flashing it at the young desk clerk. "I’m the liaison you’re expecting from the Agency." Lee smiled casually while his stomach did flip-flops. He knew if Billy found out he was up there he’d be furious. But he had to find Amanda; he had to know one way or another.

"Just a moment, sir, I’ll call the duty officer," the woman explained as she left the desk momentarily.

A few minutes later a burly man came into the room. "Can I help you?"

"Actually, I’m here to help you," Lee smiled trying to hide his nervousness. "I’m Lee Stetson, from The Agency. I’m the liaison you were expecting. I’m here to help with the Chinese smuggling investigation," Lee watched as the burly man looked at him blankly. He was hoping that he would buy his bluff. "Don’t tell me that nobody called you? I’ve been traveling since early this morning," Lee lied famously.

The burly man shook his head. "Well, nobody called me. But Mr. Stetson, glad to have some help. I’m George Cassell, call me George."

"George, it’s a pleasure to meet you, I'm Lee."

"Come on back, Lee, we had another incident last night, just off the coast. Boat sank with a half dozen or so illegals. They were only a mile from shore when it happened. They were still searching for bodies this morning, probably won’t find them all until spring," George explained.

"Spring?" Lee asked, disheartened.

"Yeah, the currents in those squalls that kick up are hard to track. They found a couple bodies this morning north of Goderich. The wreckage of the boat was a mile south of Goderich. That’s a lot of water to cover."

"Any idea where the illegal aliens are coming from?" Lee asked.

"Up till now it’s been sporadic, but over the last month or so that’s changed. It seems like somebody’s organized the whole scheme. It’s a very lucrative business."

"So I’ve heard. Any chance of getting out to the site where this boat went down last night?" Lee asked earnestly.

"If you don’t mind me grabbing a quick lunch, we can head down there together."

"That would be great," Lee said with relief, finally feeling like he was on the right track.
 
 

* *** ****

Lee could hear her calling out to him, yet no matter in which direction he turned he couldn't seem to find her. The fog and darkness had him disoriented. He called out to her.

"Amanda? Amanda, where are you?"

As he ran in the direction of her voice, it faded away; he stopped and turned, panic growing inside him. His heart was racing so loudly it pounded, harder and harder, drowning out her calls for help. Drowning out his last and only chance to save her.

"Amanda," he screamed loud enough that he suddenly awoke with a start, bolting upright from the bed. Bathed in sweat, he finally freed himself from the nightmare, only to awake to the real life one. He realized that he was no closer to finding Amanda's body than he was days ago. The pounding continued until he realized it was the door of his hotel room and moments later the door crashed open.

Billy looked at Lee in his disheveled state; he had apparently fallen asleep in his clothes. On the bed were notes and maps, evidence of his unsuccessful attempt at locating his wife and partner.

"Are you all right?" Billy asked with a great deal of concern.

Lee just shook his head. Of course he wasn't all right. He lost his partner, his best friend, his wife. And to make matters worse he couldn't even find her body to bring her home, and give her a proper burial.

"Do you have any idea how many rules and regulations you broke by coming up here?" Billy questioned, torn between his friend's grief and his need to keep this operation quiet.

"Billy…"

"I’m not finished yet!" he replied impatiently, as he closed the door behind him. Taking a deep breath he tried to collect his own thoughts, calm his own nerves. "I thought I told you to keep out of this investigation."

"Actually, you told me to stay out of Michigan, and I have. I haven’t set foot in the state."

"Scarecrow, you knew what I meant. I called Mrs. West yesterday with my condolences, she doesn't seem to believe that Amanda's dead. Then I get this mysterious phone call from the RCMP thanking me for the liaison we sent."

"Billy, did you expect me to sit on my hands while my wife is out there somewhere?" Lee yelled in distress. "She was my partner for over five years, she’s my wife. I promised Dotty I’d find her." Lee choked up. "Amanda was her only child, I owe her that much…" his voice trailed off, he turned away.

Billy looked up at the ceiling. He knew this was hard on Lee, but he needed an objective agent to handle things. At the moment, Lee was anything but. "Lee, look at yourself, you're exhausted. Let’s pack up your bags, it’s time to go home."

"I can’t leave until I find her," Lee answered, his eyes pleading with him.

"Your family needs you now," Billy suggested softly.

"I promised Dotty I’d find her."

"Lee, I’ve already put Cummings and Anderson on the case, they have family up here. They can get the job done without blowing the investigation."

"I don’t give a damn about the investigation!" Lee snarled angrily, throwing the reports from his bed in the air in desperation.

"Lee, Amanda gave her life for this investigation. Do you really think she’d want to die for nothing? Is that what you want?"

"No, of course not."

"Cummings and Anderson are already here. Let them take over for you. You're too close to this one."

Lee sat back down on the unmade bed. He looked up at Billy, sad and defeated and whispered. "I don't think I want do this job anymore. It will never be the same."

"Lee, you just need some time. Come on, let’s go home," Billy repeated to reassure Lee. He wanted answers too. But most of all he was concerned for his friend and agent.

Silently, he nodded his head; he was drowning in his sense of loss.

*** *** ***

Dotty was home alone when Lee got back to the house on Maplewood Drive. She looked up at him anxiously, but he just shook his head silently.

Finally, after clearing his throat he spoke. "I'm sorry, Dotty. I didn't find her."

Dotty sobbed quietly on the sofa. She had hoped against hope that Lee would find her, somewhere, somehow. Deep down she knew it wouldn't be, but it didn't make the realization any easier. Lee came over, sat down next to her and pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"Where are the boys?" Lee asked after Dotty got a hold of her emotions.

"Still out with Joe," she replied as she wiped her red, swollen eyes. "I better go wash up, they'll be home in a little while."

"Dotty," Lee started then paused. He needed to talk to Joe, tell him. But he needed and wanted to tell the boys separately. "I'll be back in a little while, there are some things I need to take care of. We'll tell the boys when I get home, OK?"

Dotty nodded and headed up the stairs. Lee grabbed his keys and headed back out the door.

Lee watched as Joe left his house with the boys, taking them back to Amanda's. He parked his car knowing it wouldn't be long before he returned. Less than thirty minutes later Joe was heading back into his townhouse. After a few moments, Lee got out of his car and headed up to the door.

Joe looked through the peephole and then opened the door for Lee.

"Lee, we must have crossed paths, I just took the boys home," Joe stated, surprised to see Lee.

"I know, I needed to talk to you - alone. Can I come in?"

"Uh, yeah, sure," Joe mumbled awkwardly. Finally, he stepped aside and allowed Lee to come in. Again they stood looking at each other uneasily until Joe motioned for Lee to sit down. Neither of the men had ever spent time with each other without either Amanda or the boys.

"I'm sorry to barge in on you like this, but I wanted to talk to you privately," Lee apologized.

Joe looked puzzled. "Is there a problem with the boys? An Agency problem?" he asked with concern. "They're not in any danger or anything?"

Lee shook his head, thinking to himself that would be easier to deal with. That was something he was trained to handle. How do you handle the death of your spouse, your partner? His thoughts were reflected in his voice - "No, it's not the boys; it's Amanda."

"What now?" Joe asked with a resigned groan. Her life as an agent had caused more than its share of problems. He still couldn't believe his ex-wife, the mother of his children was a spy.

Lee ignored Joe's irritated tone and started to explain. "She was on a boat crossing Lake Huron. A sudden squall kicked up. They sent out a mayday and the Coast Guard got there as soon as they could, but all they found was wreckage."

Joe stared at Lee, waiting for more; there had to be more. "And?"

"So far they've recovered seven bodies."

"When did this happen?" Joe asked sharply, finally realizing what Lee was telling him.

"Thursday night. I spent the weekend up there; they still haven't found her body. The local authorities say it could take months." Lee's voice was barely a whisper. He looked away from Joe, trying to contain his emotions.

"Oh my god!" Joe exclaimed as he shook his head in disbelief. He had always loved Amanda. He had wished many times that things between them had worked out differently. Perhaps, if it hadn't been for Stetson, they would have. He tried to hold back his anger; he blamed Lee for this, but from the look on Lee's face, he blamed himself as well. She never belonged in that life; housewives just shouldn't be spies.

"I'm going home to tell the boys; I thought you should know first. They'll both take this hard. Amanda was so close to them, even now as teens. They may need a shoulder to lean on for a while," Lee explained sadly.

Joe nodded his agreement. After collecting his thoughts he asked. "Are you planning a memorial service for her?"

"Yes, later in the week. I'll be in touch," Lee replied, his voice still shaking. Lee looked over at Amanda's ex-husband not sure how to approach the subject, which was uppermost in his mind. "Joe, there is one more thing I'd like to talk to you about."

Joe looked over to Lee. "What's that?"

"I wanted to talk to you about the boys," Lee started uneasily.

"Let me guess, you don't want them around?" Joe snapped.

"On the contrary, I think it's best to let the boys stay with Dotty and me. So many things are going to change for them; I think it's important for them to have a place that's safe and familiar," Lee disputed diplomatically.

"Stay with you?" Joe repeated, almost laughing. He had never really thought of Stetson as a family man. But then again, he hadn't heard any complaints from the boys. He had never given any thought to being the 'custodial parent'; he liked his life the way it was. His lifestyle would have to change, no more traveling or dinner parties. He'd have to be home nights and weekend. He'd be responsible for all those things Amanda did without hesitation or complaint.

Lee watched Joe's reaction. He was prepared do whatever it took to convince Joe; he knew Amanda would want it that way. "Joe, I lost my parents when I was little and ended up being bounced around from place to place, never quite having a home. Amanda's house has always been their home. I think they'll need that stability. We can work out any arrangements with visitation that you want, but please let the boys stay with Dotty and me."

Joe pondered what Lee said. It certainly would be easier for him to let things stay 'status quo'. "I'll let you keep the boys, for now," he replied slowly. "But they should have a say in this matter. They're old enough to make a choice."

Lee nodded, but he knew the boys better than Joe did. He had been around them night and day for over a year now. Those kids loved their father, but not like they loved Amanda, and selfishly he thought, not like they love me. "If the boys want to move in here I won't stop them."

"You know legally, they're mine?" Joe was quick to remind Lee.

"Joe, I didn't come over here for a debate. Let's keep this centered on what's best for Phillip and Jamie. I still think that's at home with Dotty and me."

"Like I said, they can stay for now," Joe repeated. Joe loved his sons, but he liked his role as Sunday father - weekends, birthday and the occasional ball game. But he didn't want Stetson to know that; he preferred to let Stetson think he was being 'big' about the whole thing.

"I've got your word on that?" Lee persisted.

Joe had to grin. He was a lawyer, even if it was in writing he could challenge it in court. But Joe shook his head. Having the boys move in would seriously affect his way of life. Two teenage boys were a lot to handle and this was one challenge he'd rather pass on. "You have my word."

Lee got up and headed towards the door. "Thanks, Joe," he replied then walked out the door. He headed towards his car, got in and sat down. Looking back up to Joe's house he shook his head sadly. He might be a grieving widower but he was still a trained agent. He could read Joe like a book. 'What did Amanda ever see in him anyway?' he asked himself silently. Shaking his head he commented out loud, "You bastard, you can't fool me; you don't want those kids. Let's just hope they never find that out." Then turning on the ignition, he headed home to break the news to his stepsons.

End Part 2
 
 
 

Part 3

The Sheik, Al-Rashid arrived back to his small estate just northeast of Goderich, Ontario late Sunday. His two henchmen whom he left in charge were nervously waiting to update him on the current status of their operation. Norman and Manny knew that the Sheik wouldn't be pleased with the recent turn of events. The sinking of the Eddie Fitz II on Thursday night would not cause the Sheik much financial distress; they had only lost six Chinese immigrants. However, the fact that the Coast Guard and the RCMP had both stepped up surveillance in the area would certainly cause problems. At the very least it would throw a wrench in their immediate plans to move the Chinese across the coast more often.

"What do you mean you left the bodies in the water?" the Sheik shouted angrily. "Those bodies were evidence! That could jeopardize the whole operation!"

Norman looked over at Manny. Manny in turn looked up at their irate boss and tried to explain. "We got six of the Chinese onto the other boat. The others were already in the water, we couldn't save them without the Coast Guard finding us and the second boat. If it hadn't been for the American woman we would have lost all of the Chinese."

"What American woman?" the Sheik asked nervously.

"Mrs. King, we told you about her," Manny reminded him.

"And where exactly is Mrs. King now?" the Sheik asked crossly.

Norman's eyes grew wide. He knew they should have left her in town; they should have never brought her to the estate. He had warned Manny. But Manny insisted.

"She's locked downstairs in the basement with the rest of them. We've got another dozen that we were going to move last night, but with the Coast Guard and RCMP stepping up patrols, we figured you'd want us to lay low for a while," Manny explained.

"Just how many people are in the basement?" the Sheik shrieked.

"Nineteen, including the American. The six we rescued, plus the next shipment," Manny smarted back to his boss.

The Sheik paced nervously in his ornate office, which contrasted immensely with the holding cell in the basement. That part of the basement was tiny and dank, a perfect hiding place since it had no windows. But it barely fit a dozen cots, and now he had nineteen people packed into it like sardines, including an American woman. The Chinese wouldn't complain; not after six of their own drowned just a few nights earlier. But the American woman; she could muddy things up for them but good. She might not take lightly being imprisoned against her will and fed a diet of rice and cabbage. How could these imbeciles be so moronic and bring her back here?

"This American, how is she taking all this?" he asked in concern.

Norman got nervous. She had been pleading with him earlier this evening to let her go. "The American is behaving herself. She needs the money as much as we need to get the next shipment across the lake. Besides, she doesn't know anything more than she did on the boat; we brought her here in the van and it was dark and storming at the time. You could pay her off and be done with her. We'll take her with the next shipment and cut our ties."

"Let's hope it's that easy," the Sheik said warily. "I want to see her tomorrow, I want to talk to her myself. If this woman jeopardizes my operation here, she won't be the only one to pay. Is that clear?"

Norman and Manny nodded.

"Now, get her out of the basement, give her a decent meal and my apologies for trusting you two fools. You can't treat her like she's one of 'them'," the Sheik demanded. "Put her in the old servants quarters for now. And make sure the door is locked and guarded. We don't want her to wander off now do we?"

"No, sir, we'll take care of it," Norman and Manny replied together.

The Sheik waved them away, watching as they left hastily and then turned looking out the west window. He muttered to himself. "How much trouble can one American woman cause?"

*** *** ***

That night Amanda luxuriated in her first shower in days. She was happy to exchange her dirty clothes for the surgical scrubs that Manny had provided her. They were baggy and ill fitting, but they were clean. She wasn't sure what caused the recent change of her location, but she wasn't about to complain about it either. Three days on that uncomfortable cot, in that musty, overcrowded basement was enough. She felt guilty for the poor immigrants that still called it home. For them, their future was still far from certain, as was hers.

The next morning after a more American breakfast she was taken to meet the Sheik.

"Mrs. King, I presume?" the Sheik asked pleasantly.

"Yes. And you are?" she asked looking at the large, well-dressed man who stood before her. She surmised he was probably in his early forties, perhaps a few years younger, his hair and mustache still dark black with just a hint of gray.

"I'd prefer that you know as little as possible about my real identity for your safety as well as mine. I do apologize for your earlier accommodations. I was out of town and unaware of your predicament. I trust that you're more comfortable now."

"Yes, thank you. But I'd like to go home. I haven't talked to my family since Wednesday night and they most likely will be concerned. They think I'm on vacation up here, but they are expecting me to call," Amanda interjected hastily. She wanted out of this situation, it was out of control. The two henchmen were bumbling idiots and she wasn't sure how much better this mystery man was going to be.

"I do understand, but at the moment, that's out of the question. We hope to be able resume our exporting business soon. Perhaps in another day or so. The accident the other night has caused us some problems and delays."

"I understand, but I have a job and family to get back to. If I don't call soon, that may cause you some additional problems," Amanda warned cautiously, continuing her assessment of her captor. Most likely he was Arab. His English was impeccable, but he had a slight accent and formal speech patterns.

The Sheik crossed the room; intrigued by Amanda. "I hope that wasn't a threat?"

"No, that was not a threat," Amanda replied trying to remain calm. "But if I don't call my family soon, they will start looking for me," she answered boldly. She knew that Lee would be worried and most likely the Agency would have upgraded the investigation to a Priority One status.

"You'll be back in Michigan soon. How much does your family know about your detour to Canada anyway? My guess was that your 'vacation plans' were probably quite vague," the Sheik replied curtly, reaching out to stroke her face with his hand.

Amanda glared at him but did not say a word. She pulled away from his touch.

"You don't need to be afraid of me, Mrs. King. I've never had to force myself onto a woman in my life," he said with an arrogant smile. "Divorced, aren't you?"

Amanda swallowed hard and nodded silently. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. The phone rang unexpectedly. The Sheik stopped, turned and picked it up. Whispering something into the phone, he put the caller on hold.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. King, I must attend to this call." He crossed the room and opened the door; Norman and Manny waited outside. "Take Mrs. King back to her room," he bellowed. Then he looked back at Amanda. "We will talk again - soon."

"Sir, I really must call my…" Amanda tried to reply but Manny escorted her out of the room and Norman promptly closed the door.

*** ***

It was late in the day. From the small window in her new room Amanda could see only if it was night or day. She was still in the basement, but on a different side of the house. However, the window was much too small for her to squeeze out of. It provided light but, no ventilation. She could see the last rays of light dawdle across the lawn. From her vantage point she still had no idea where she was. She paced the small room, hungry and bored. Her nerves were wearing thin; being separated from the Chinese had its advantages: a real bed, better food and a bathroom, tiny as it was. But its major disadvantage was the loneliness that was beginning to overwhelm her. Her fears were beginning to eat at her bit by bit.

Finally the door opened up. It was Manny. "Dinner time," he growled, irritated at her as he handed her a plate of food. She gladly accepted it and went back to the only chair in the room and ate quickly. She was starved. A short while later there was knock on the door.

"Come in," she called out, surprised that anyone would knock considering the position she was in.

The door opened to reveal the Sheik. "Good evening, Mrs. King. I hope you enjoyed your dinner."

Amanda nodded. "Yes, it was fine."

"I'm sorry for our interruption earlier. I did want to talk to you further."

"Yes, so did I," Amanda agreed. "I'd like to know when I can go home."

"Soon, I do promise. We're still trying to make arrangements for safe transportation," the Sheik emphasized the last words.

Amanda understood what he meant. The waters were being patrolled more heavily due to the accident the previous week. "If you would just let me call my family," she began again.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. King. I will get you back home soon enough. I do apologize for the inconvenience. But it's an inconvenience that I have no control over. If your government would just allow these refugees sanctuary we wouldn't have to smuggle them in," the Sheik explained.

"I realize that. I was more than willing to help. I need the money…." Amanda started, only to be interrupted yet again.

"I understand you're a working mother? Isn't that difficult? Wouldn't it be better if you had a man to take care of you?" the Sheik queried, probing deeper into Amanda's private life.

"I work so my sons can have a better way of life; I want them to go to college and be successful. I would love to have a man in my life. But it takes a very special man to want to get involved with a woman with two teenagers," Amanda answered honestly, thinking of Lee. She knew he had to be worried about her. Certainly the Agency would be searching for her, but Ontario was a large province. Although she remembered the ride from the beach front wasn't that long, maybe a half-hour, the Agency didn't know that.

"So where do you work?" he asked, continuing his interrogation.

"A place called IFF. I'm a production assistant. We make documentary films," Amanda answered, being sure to keep up her cover.

"That doesn't sound like a woman's job," the Sheik replied smugly.

Amanda shrugged, annoyed at the insinuation, but she let it slide. She needed to keep her wits about her. "It's close to home, flexible hours."

"But it doesn't pay well does it? Or else you wouldn't be here now, would you?" the Sheik added. He liked the fact that he had the 'carrot' of money still dangling out there. He wanted to know how desperate she was for money. He needed to know if it could buy her silence, once she left.

"No, it doesn't. And college doesn't come cheap. This little 'vacation' that I'm supposed to be on was intended to help me put some money aside for my sons. I know $500 a head is probably not a lot to you. But for me, it certainly would mean a great deal." Amanda got up and paced the small room. She tried to be convincing, to look upset about losing the money. Actually, looking upset was the easy part; she was frantic. She needed to convince this man she was on the level and get out while she still could.

"Mrs. King, I'm sorry I upset you. I realize this mix up is through no fault of your own. With any luck, we should be resuming our trips in a day or two. I will compensate you fully for your time and trouble," the Sheik reassured her. "But I do expect your silence as well."

"I understand," Amanda whispered.

"Do you?" the Sheik asked, looking quite serious.

Amanda turned her back to him. His tone had changed. "Yes, I do. All I want is to go home. I never expected this to turn out this way. I'm scared, I miss my family…"

He shook his head. "I'm sorry," he whispered as he came up behind her and put his arms around her to comfort her.

She froze with terror.

"Mrs. King, Amanda, relax. I won't force myself on you," the Sheik replied, as he turned her to face him.

She could feel his warm breath on her face. As she turned, his lips gently pressed on hers. Amanda didn't respond; she just stepped back, away from his grasp. Now she was against the wall in her small chambers. She swallowed hard; her options were limited if he continued his 'attentions' towards her. She still didn't know where she was or who else was outside her door at the moment.

"This 'arrangement' could become, very, shall I say 'mutually beneficial' in more ways than one?" the Sheik suggested with a suggestive smile.

Amanda just stared at him, realizing where he was going with this conversation. She took a deep breath and answered him. "I don’t' even know your name."

"My friends call me 'Al'. I would be pleased if you would call me that as well."

"Al?" she questioned the American name, trying to get some distance from this man. But in her tiny eight by ten room, it was no easy feat.

"Yes, for my western friends. I would like you to consider me your friend. This arrangement could be very lucrative to you financially..."

Amanda swallowed hard. "Al, granted I need the money…"

"Amanda," Al smirked, seeing she was uncomfortable. "We'll talk again soon. It will be another day or two before we can move across the lake. Goodnight, my dear, Amanda, sleep well."

The Sheik didn't allow her a chance to respond. He quickly left the room, closed and locked the door behind him.

*** *** ***

The next morning the Sheik summoned his henchmen. "I want more background on Mrs. King. What do we know about her? About her job? She says she works for some film company in the States," the Sheik questioned. He wanted her story confirmed before he let her walk.

"I've got her wallet with her ID. We took if from her before we put her in the basement with the others," Manny explained.

"Then go get it. I want to do some checking on her."

It was several minutes later when Manny returned with Amanda's wallet complete with driver's license and her ID from IFF. Manny pulled the musty water stained ID from her once drenched wallet.

"Hey, they even have a toll free number," Norman replied.

The Sheik grabbed the wallet and the ID from Manny. He picked up the phone and quickly dialed the number.

"International Federal Film," Francine answered the phone.

"Yes, I'm interested in having a documentary produced by your company. I was given the name of Amanda King, I understand she's a production assistant. Would she be available to speak with me?" the Sheik asked confidently

Francine's mind instinctively went into overdrive. She immediately hit the trace button on the phone and then answered calmly. "Let me see if she's in, please hold." She yelled at the agent nearest her, "Get Billy, NOW!" and returned to the phone line. "Sir, I'm sorry, but Mrs. King is on vacation until next week. Perhaps one of our other production assistants could help you?"

The Sheik was pleased that this corroborated Amanda's story. "No, I'll just call back next week. She came highly recommended."

"Would you like to leave a message or a number for her to call you?" Francine asked, wishing that Billy would get there, and trying to stall as long as possible.

"No, that won't be necessary. Thank you for your help," the Sheik replied and promptly hung up the phone.

Francine was stunned. Why would anyone be checking on Amanda's cover? She was dead or was she? She hung up the phone and pulled up the information on the computer regarding the telephone trace. It was incomplete. The only thing she could confirm was the call originated from area code 519, which covered part of Ontario, Canada. She printed the piece of information and headed into Billy's office.

"Billy, we have a problem!" Francine spouted urgently as she barged into Billy's office.

Billy was in the middle of a meeting with another agent and looked up at Francine angrily. "Francine, did you forget how to knock? This had better be a life or death situation…"

"Billy, it is," she said handing him the information about the trace.

"Garber, I'll finish talking to you later," Billy said as he dismissed the other agent. When he was gone Billy turned to Francine. "Francine, what is this all about? What do I care about a traced phone call from area code 519? I don't even know where that is," Billy snapped back, tossing aside the piece of paper.

"Because area code 519 is in south western Ontario; as in Canada. I just fielded a call on the IFF line from a man who was asking about Amanda as a production assistant."

Billy looked up at Francine sharply, not quite believing what he just heard. "There could be any number of reasons how someone got a hold of one of Amanda's old business cards," he said, but with hesitation.

"Oh, sure. You want me to believe that someone found Amanda's business card floating in Lake Huron? Billy, they haven't even found her body. Maybe the reason is because her body isn't in the water, maybe that's why they can't find it; they're looking in Lake Huron, maybe they should be looking on dry land."

"Francine, we could be jumping to conclusions here," Billy reminded her, trying to find a logical explanation for this. But suddenly, the truth didn't seem quite as crystal clear as it had just minutes ago. He would be thrilled 'IF' Amanda was alive. But if she was, she certainly could be in a considerable amount of trouble.

Francine just stared coldly at Billy.

"OK, let me hear the tape of the call," Billy replied, still trying to keep within reason. Invariably this could and would get Lee's hopes up again; but unfortunately it could end up being a wild goose chase and only serving to hurt him and their family more.

They sat in Billy's office and listened to the tape, over and over again.

"Send the tape down to the audio gang. See if they can cross-reference the voice with anyone in our files. I know it's a long shot, but it's worth a try," Billy said, hoping that this would pan out to be something solid.

"Anything else?" Francine asked.

"Yeah, have the phone boys tap Amanda's line. In case our mystery caller calls there, I want to be ready," Billy added.

"What about Lee?"

"Francine, you have your orders," Billy barked.

"Billy, don't you think he…"

"Francine," he cut her short. "Just get busy. I'll handle Lee. I'd really like a little more to go on than what we have now. I don't want to get his hopes up only to find out this was a red herring."

Francine nodded her head. She obeyed his orders - reluctantly. She knew Lee would be irate if and when he found out that Billy hadn't told him everything immediately.

End Part 3
 
 
 

Part 4

Lee showed up at the office unexpectedly, later that same afternoon. Francine slunk down at her desk and watched out of the corner of her eye as he made a beeline to Billy's office. Lee looked none too pleased.

"Lee, I didn't expect to see you today. How's the family?" Billy greeted him uneasily, but pleasantly. He wasn't sure if perhaps Francine had disobeyed his orders and spoken to Lee.

Lee didn't return the greeting. Instead he slammed the door to Billy's office, leaned menacingly over his desk and began to yell. "Did you think I wouldn't notice your boys outside of the house? I assume you have a good reason to tap into my phone, but did you think I wouldn't notice? I might be a grieving widower, but I'm not blind!"

"Lee, calm down," Billy suggested in a reassuring voice.

"I don't want to calm down. I want some answers. What the hell is going on?" Lee bellowed.

"Have a seat and I'll explain what little I have." He watched as Lee sat in the chair nearest him. Every muscle in Lee's body was tense, and anger visible in his face. Billy buzzed Francine's desk. "I need a copy of that tape, now!"

Francine came in a few moments later trying to avoid Lee's intense gaze. She handed Billy the tape. Lee looked up at her. "So you're in on this too?" he asked snidely.

"Lee, this was my decision, not Francine's," Billy answered defensively. "Francine, have we gotten anything more?"

Francine looked over at Billy and shook her head. "No, but everything's in place."

"Just what is everything?" Lee asked belligerently.

"Francine got a call this morning on the IFF line. Someone was asking about Amanda's cover. She traced the call, but we only got a partial trace; it came from Ontario."

"And you're just getting around to telling me now that Amanda might not be dead?" Lee asked in disbelief, pounding his fist on Billy's desk with fury.

Billy gave Lee a moment to calm down. Then he explained. "We don't know for sure. It's a long shot at best and I would have preferred to have something more solid to give you than a very weak - maybe." Billy turned on the cassette; together they listened intently to the all too brief phone conversation.

"Play it again," Lee requested after listening to the conversation.

Billy complied, running the tape two more times before Lee commented.

"Middle Eastern accent," Lee observed; then immediately thinking like the trained agent he was, he asked, "What did the boys downstairs come up with?"

"Nothing. Last time I checked they were back as far as 1984 - but it's a blank, no voice matches with anyone we currently have on file," Francine offered quickly.

"I'm going back up there," Lee said as he got up from his chair.

"And do what? We don't have anything to go on." Billy reminded him.

"I don't know what, damn it! I don't know what to think anymore. I told my stepsons on Sunday night that their mother is dead. We're supposed to be having a memorial service for her tomorrow," Lee answered with weary anger. All week he had tried to cope with this enormous sense of loss. Not only his own, but the boys and Dotty's as well. Now, after he finally began to accept the idea that Amanda, his wife and partner wasn't coming home, he was thrown one hell of a curve ball.

Francine finally spoke up. "Lee, stay here until we have something more solid to go on." Then she turned and faced Billy. "Billy, I think we need to get the Canadian Coast Guard to back off. The smugglers are just going to wait until things quiet down before they resume their activities. Let them think everything is status quo. We can have the US Coast Guard on alert instead."

Lee looked over to Francine and smiled. It was a good plan. "Billy, she's right. The longer that these patrols keep up, the more danger Amanda could be in."

Billy nodded in agreement. "I'll make some phone calls, but I don't make decisions for the Canadian Coast Guard. In the meantime, Lee, promise me that you'll stay put."

"Like you promised to keep me in the loop about finding Amanda?" Lee snarled, still upset that Billy hadn't called him right away.

Billy sighed, he knew he wouldn't win on that decision either way. "Lee, you have my word, if I hear anything at all, I'll call you. As soon as we have something to go on, I'll write the orders for you to go myself. But at the moment, the boys need you here."

Lee had to agree. As much as he'd like to escape the somber atmosphere of the house on Maplewood Drive, he knew Amanda would want him to be there for her sons. "Anything… and you call," Lee replied pointedly, then he opened the office door and headed back home.
 
 

*** *** *** ***

It was late afternoon when Manny brought in Amanda's dinner; he leered at her as she crossed the small room to take the tray from him.

"You know, you should be a little more grateful that I deliver your dinner to you," he sneered.

"Thank you," Amanda answered with a forced grin, as she reached for the plate of food.

"Not so fast. You didn't say, please," Manny taunted, as he pulled the plate away from her with childish glee.

"Please," Amanda responded impassively. She was getting annoyed with the lanky man's power games. He liked to play aggressive when neither Norman nor Al were around. She noticed this particular trait when she shared quarters with the Chinese immigrants.

"You really should treat me with a little more respect. I'm really growing quite fond of you, Amanda," Manny replied as he reached out to touch her face.

She slapped his hand, which startled him and sent her dinner crashing to the floor.

"I guess you'll just go hungry tonight," Manny yelled at her.

Amanda looked longingly at her dinner lying on the floor. The two meager meals she was allotted daily weren't much to talk about, but she needed her strength. Then she eyed Manny and thought to herself, 'I'd rather starve than have this beady-eyed man touch me - ever.'

"However, I might reconsider. I'll let you make it up to me," Manny said, pinning Amanda against the wall as he tried to kiss Amanda on the lips.

She resisted and pushed him away with all her strength. Manny was not expecting that and fell flatly to the floor. After the initial shock wore off, his anger became all too apparent. He got up, swearing loudly, and shoved Amanda forcefully. She lost her balance and fell backwards; she banged her head on wall before she fell onto the bed. For a moment she lay there, dazed by the stinging pain. She reached up and touched a splattering of warm blood as it trickled from the cut on the back of her head. But it was Manny's body climbing on top of her that brought her back to the more pressing issue.

Manny clawed at her shirt, the loose surgical scrubs she had been given in exchange for her original clothing. His hands grabbed her skin, making her flesh crawl. With all her might, she tried to push him away, but this time Manny had the advantage. His taut grip on her shirt caused it to rip. Then he positioned his thick callused hands on her upper arms gripping her tightly, his nails digging into her flesh painfully. In one last attempt to extricate herself from his grip, Amanda managed to position her knee just below his groin. After one swift upward movement she heard a deep, loud groan. Manny rolled off the bed and onto the floor, gasping in pain.

Amanda ran for the door. She reached the long hallway not knowing where to go to find safe refuge. Upstairs would undoubtedly lead her outside, but where was 'Al'? Which door on this level would lead to an exit? Moments later she heard Al's voice calling for Manny. She froze when he came down the stairs, not knowing what other choice she had.

Sheik 'Al-Rashid' took one look at Amanda's disheveled state and surmised what had happened. Amanda quickly attempted to adjust the torn shirt to cover herself.

"Are you all right?" he asked in what seemed to be genuine concern.

She gasped out, pointing down the hall, "Manny…"

The Sheik nodded that he understood. "Stay right here." He hurried down the hallway to Amanda's room. He glanced in through the door, still open wide. On the floor, in fetal position, writhing and groaning in agony was Manny. He saw the plate of food splattered carelessly about, a smattering of blood on the wall and the blanket on the bed in disarray. The Sheik removed his key from his pocket and locked Manny in the room. Then he turned his attention back to Amanda.

Amanda was leaning against the wall for support, trying desperately to catch her breath. The Sheik reached out to help her. She pulled away, still not sure if she could trust this man anymore than she could Manny.

"Mrs. King, it's OK. Please, let me help you," he said gallantly.

Amanda looked at 'Al' hesitantly, then nodded her consent. He carefully reached for her elbow and guided her up the stairs to his office. He seated her on the leather sofa. "Let me get you some ice for your head."

Amanda, still in shock from what had almost happened, sat mutely on the sofa. Her head throbbed; her arms were sore. She wasn't sure how long it was before Al returned with an ice pack. He carefully placed it over the growing bump on her head. They sat in silence while Amanda regained her composure.

It was a while later when Norman raced into the room. "Mrs. King…"

"Is here with me. Get 'him' out of that room and clean it up. Put him under lock and key. I will deal with him later - is that understood?" the Sheik directed with an air of authority that was not to be taken lightly.

"Yes, sir," Norman answered diligently.

"Mrs. King will need another change of clothes. We'll wait here," he added, then with a nod of his head, dismissed Norman.

Slowly, Amanda was regaining her faculties. The ice was numbing the throbbing pain in her head. Other than the bruises on her arms and shoulders, she had escaped Manny's attack rather unscathed. She knew this would be her best chance to play on Al's sympathy. She wondered if she could go home, or at the very least call home.

"Amanda, what happened tonight won't happen again. I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?" the Sheik asked, obviously uncomfortable with what had transpired.

"I want to go home, please," she begged.

"Amanda, I am working on that. It shouldn't be much longer. Isn't there anything else I can do for you?"

She looked at Al, hoping he would buy her act of desperation. "Can I at least call home? Just to let them know I'm all right. Just to hear a friendly voice…"

The Sheik sighed. He allowed the guilt he felt over the latest incident to cloud his judgment. This woman who seemed to court disaster without even trying, was almost raped in his own home. "If I let you call, you must talk briefly, tell your family you are fine and that you'll be home as planned. If you say anything to alert them to your current situation, I might be forced to take an alternate course of action. Do you understand?"

"I promise. I just to hear the voices of my mother and sons. It would mean the world to me," she answered with emotion.

The Sheik brought the phone over, and handed it to her. Amanda's face brightened considerably.

Amanda dialed the familiar number. Her mind was racing; how was she going to get a message across to whoever answered? 'Please let it be Lee, he would understand,' she thought to herself. On the third ring Dotty picked up the phone.

"Hello," Dotty answered.

"Mother! It's me, I'm sorry I didn't call earlier, but…"

It took a few seconds before it registered in Dotty's mind that she was talking to Amanda, her daughter. She was alive. "Amanda, we thought you had drowned, are you all right, where are you?"

"Mother, please, slow down. I'm sorry I didn't call you earlier, I'm OK. I'm in Canada staying with some friends. How are the boys?"

"The boys? They'll be fine when I tell them I talked to you tonight."

Amanda tried to steer the conversation. "They're out and will be back in a half hour? Well tell them I'm sorry I missed them." She hoped her mother would play along with her.

"Amanda, what are you talking about?"

"And Debbie Ann Macabey stopped by? I missed her again; just like last time."

"Amanda, I'm not following you."

Sheik Al-Rashid was signaling her to wrap up the call.

"Mother, I have to go. Tell everyone I love them and miss them."

"Amanda, wait, don't go…" Dotty requested.

"Bye, Mother, see you soon," Amanda said tearfully as Al took the phone and ended the call.

"Very good, Mrs. King. I appreciate you keeping your word," he smiled.

"I just hope you keep yours," she replied.

*** *** *** ***

Dotty was ecstatic when Lee walked through the door just minutes after she hung up the phone. He couldn't understand a word she was saying.

"Dotty, calm down. You're not making any sense," Lee said, trying to calm her down. Taking her by her arm, he led her to the couch and sat her down. "Now, who just called?"

"Amanda! Lee, I swear to you, I just talked to Amanda. She's living, breathing and just fine somewhere in Canada," Dotty exclaimed with such excitement, she didn't stay seated on the couch very long.

"Where in Canada? What exactly did she say?" Lee questioned her rapidly, he wanted to know every last detail and NOW.

"She said she was sorry she didn't call earlier, then she said something that didn't make any sense about the boys being out and something about Debbie Ann Macabey; I didn't quite follow that, but she's alive!" Dotty was thrilled as she danced around the family room happily.

Lee was on the phone and dialing the Agency instantly. Billy had tapped the phone; they would have a trace. Worse case scenario they would have the transcript of the conversation. If Amanda wasn't making any sense, she was probably trying to give them a message.

"Billy, she's alive. She just called here; Dotty talked to her. Check the trace now!" Lee urged.

"Yeah, I was just calling you. Francine just handed me the transcript; we only got a partial trace, looks like we have the exchange at least. That ought to narrow it down a bit. I'll notify Anderson and Cummings immediately," Billy confided.

Lee was disheartened. "Billy, what about the message itself? Dotty said Amanda wasn't making a lot of sense. Maybe she was trying to relay a message."

"I've got it right in front of me," Billy replied, looking down and reading it. "Yeah, looks like Amanda was steering the conversation."

"Billy, what did she say?" Lee repeated anxiously.

Billy repeated the conversation, word for word as Lee scribbled it down on paper. "I've got it Billy," Lee said as he read it back to himself silently. "It doesn't make any sense, the boys are with Joe for the evening. Let me ask Dotty what she knows about Debbie Ann Macabey; I know that name from someplace. I'll get back to you. In the meantime, you better start writing those orders. I'm going to be on the next plane to Canada."

End Part 4
 
 

Part 5

Lee was on what he hoped would be the final leg of his journey. He had been lucky enough to catch an evening flight to London, Ontario and then rented a car and headed northwest to the small town of Goderich. Lee registered at a motel in the small coastal town. He had arranged a meeting with the police chief first thing the next morning. He looked at his watch after he got settled into his room. It was already ten o'clock, but he wasn't the least bit tired. He was too keyed up to sleep. He looked out the window and noticed the storm had subsided. Grabbing his car keys he headed out for a drive.

Lee drove along the deserted, winding country roads. The landscape was dotted with houses and small estates. He drove around the area that was marked on the map. He knew Amanda was out there somewhere - he just didn't know where. But somehow, it made him feel closer to her. He was not leaving until he found her. Not this time...

As Lee headed south, back into town he noticed a lanky man with a slight limp, hitchhiking down the road. Lee checked his weapon, covered it carefully then slowly pulled to the side of the road. He was more than surprised that anyone would be out so late on a cold, rainy night in such a sleepy town. But he hoped a little friendly gesture would go a long way.

"Where are you headed?" Lee asked the hitchhiker.

"Down to the bus station, in Goderich," the man replied.

"I'm headed back into town; I can give you a ride," Lee answered as the man gladly got in.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. The weather is unpredictable this time of year. Didn't expect the rain, but we're lucky it's not snow. Sure was glad when you stopped," the lanky man replied.

"Lousy night for a long walk," Lee answered casually. He was interested why a man would be out walking on a night like this. "You live around here?" he asked, hoping the man was a local and might be able to provide him with some information.

"Did until tonight. I just got thrown out. The name's Manny, and you?"

"I'm, Lee. Sorry to hear about your troubles."

"Yeah, well, you know women; they certainly bring you more trouble than they're worth."

Lee's thoughts turned to Amanda. She certainly could get herself into a lot of trouble; he wasn't sure how much trouble she was in at this very minute. He would do anything to find her and bring her home safely. "Well, they sure can get into a lot of trouble."

"You're not from around here are you?" Manny asked, not recognizing Lee. He had spent the last few months around town and knew most of the locals.

"No, I'm just up here to take a look around. I've read the papers; I've heard the rumors about making some fast cash. I could use some extra dough," Lee stated bluntly.

"It's not what it's cracked up to be," Manny answered sourly. He had been given the shaft by the Sheik Al-Rashid this evening. Told to get out with just the clothes on his back. After months of putting this scheme together, he was tossed out without warning and not a cent to show for it. "I tell you, women just ain't worth it."

The tone in Manny's voice sounded like he wanted to say more. Lee certainly was all ears, but didn't want to seem too eager. "I guess you local's don't like the kind of publicity you've been getting lately."

"Ah, most of the locals don't realize what's going on in their own backyards," Manny sneered. "Pretty closed in operation."

"Sounds pretty sophisticated. Any chance that someone like me could get in for some of the action? I can be quite resourceful."

"You just need to know the right contacts," Manny suggested, no longer caring whom he talked to about the smuggling operation. He was half tempted to go to the police himself.

"Yeah," Lee said dourly. "And who might that be?"

"Well, I'll make a deal with you. You don't tell them who told you about the operation and say, you cut me in for a quarter of your take." Manny smiled deviously, maybe he could get his money back another way.

"Ten percent," Lee countered offered quickly.

"Hardly worth staying around town for," Manny complained.

"Ten percent is pretty good for a name, I think," Lee replied.

"Twenty percent and you got yourself a deal. And by the way, just so you don't try cheating me, I know what the going rate is," Manny warned.

Lee eyed up Manny, then shook his head in agreement. "All right, twenty percent. You got yourself a deal. So who's the contact?"

"Come on, you can buy me a drink and we'll talk," Manny suggested. "There's a bar over on North Street, it's down about a mile on the right."

After the bartender served them both a couple of brews, Lee continued with his casual interrogation. However, Manny's hedging was becoming increasingly frustrating. "So are you going to give me that name or are you just full of hot air?" Lee asked at last.

"I'll give you the name," Manny concluded, "just remember our deal. They'll be some action tomorrow night - there has been quite a backlog so they'll be in need of an extra hand. I'll hang around town a couple more days so we can square up; if you know what I mean?"

Lee looked at his watch; it was late, way past midnight. "Manny, the name?"

"The locals know him as 'Al'. He's renting an estate north of Goderich. His real name is Sheik Al-Rashid."

"So how do I find this Sheik? I don't suppose he's listed in the phone book?" Lee queried.

Manny laughed. "His place is out at Provincial Ridge Estates. Pretty posh place, there's a big stone fence surrounding it. You can't miss it."

The bartender yelled out 'last call'. Lee looked at Manny. "Can I drop you somewhere?"

"Where are you staying?" Manny asked.

"Down the road, at the Lakeview Motel," he answered with a casual shrug.

"That'll do. That way I can keep my eye on you," Manny answered smugly.

"Works for me," Lee answered, then muttered to himself. 'I'd like to keep my eye on you as well. I smell a rat here and I think it's you.'

*** ***

Lee could hardly sleep when he got back to his room. He wanted so badly to wake up the Chief of Police and storm the estate on Provincial Ridge. But he didn't know how 'solid' his lead from Manny was. So he got up early the next morning and headed to the police station, arriving by six. The chief hadn't even had his cup of coffee when Lee was escorted into his office.

"Chief Dawes, nice to meet you," Lee greeted him. "Lee Stetson, from the Agency."

"Mr. Stetson." The Chief extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you. We look forward to taking the wind out of this smuggling rings sails."

Lee shook his head in agreement. "I'd like nothing better myself. My partner was investigating this and has since disappeared. We thought she had drowned in that boating accident last week. But we received a very brief phone call from her yesterday. Apparently, she's alive and in the area."

"There's been a lot of talk around here, but we've never had a solid lead to go on."

"Well, I've got a lead. I'm just not sure how substantial it is," Lee said. He thought back to his conversation the previous night with Manny. He'd seemed like a man with a grudge, but it could turn out to be a wild goose chase.

"Well it's worth looking into. What do you have?" the chief asked with interest.

"A name: Sheik Al Rashid. My source suggests he's deep in this Chinese smuggling ring. He's renting a place somewhere called 'Provincial Ridge'."

"I think I know the place; they built a gorgeous stone fence around the front of it. They hauled stones up there for weeks," the Chief shook his head in wonder.

"That's the place, he said there was a stone fence out front," Lee replied excitedly.

The Chief opened the door to his office and yelled out to his secretary. "Bonnie, who's living up in the Mullroney house on the hill?"

"Some Sheik, I don't remember his name. He's a Sheik of Omar or someplace like that; never heard of it," she called back to him. "I actually met him a few weeks ago; such a nice man. He was visiting my neighbor, Norman. I got him to buy a whole book of raffle tickets."

Lee's eyes opened up wide when Bonnie confirmed what Manny had told him last night. He quickly got out the map that he had been carrying of the area and placed it on the Chief's desk.

"Where exactly is this 'Provincial Estates'?" Lee asked.

The Chief looked at the map and pointed to an area in the center of it. Smack in the middle of the phone exchange where Amanda had called from just the day before.

"How long will it take us to get up there?" Lee asked quickly, mentally trying to formulate a plan.

"Slow down, Stetson." The Chief cautioned him. "We have to follow protocol. We can't just go rushing up to this Sheik's house and break down the door. Whether he's been smuggling Chinese aliens or smuggling cigarettes across the border, we've got to follow procedure."

"We have probable cause; what more do you need?" Lee argued. He thought back to the phone conversation between Dotty and Amanda. Debbie Ann Macabey was Amanda's childhood friend. Amanda had hidden her in the attic when she ran away from home. "The phone call from Amanda, my partner, came from inside this area. She was trying to tell us that she's being held hostage in that house. I'll bet my life on it. My source gave me the Sheiks name, and YOUR secretary confirmed he lives up there."

"Stetson, I'm not sure how you do things back in the States, but here we follow protocol."

"And how long does protocol take around here?" Lee yelled in frustration.

The Chief was becoming frustrated with him as well. "It will take as long as it takes, Stetson. This might not be Washington DC, but when we post charges, we like them to stick. You got that?"

Lee looked away. He knew he was out of line. He was frustrated; he was taking this whole thing personally. He needed to remain professional about this, if not for himself, then for Amanda's sake.

"I'm sorry, I'm a little on edge. What can I do to help? I really want to nail this guy," Lee said sincerely.

"We've got some paperwork to fill out…."

*** ***

The steady pitter-patter of rain on the small windowpane did little to ease Amanda's anxiety. She sat in the corner of the room on her small bed, clinging to the thin blanket for warmth and security. Unfortunately it provided little of either; she barely slept a wink. She half-expected Manny to return to her room at any minute.

As the dawn broke, Amanda began to pace her tiny quarters, stretching her tired, sore body. Her head was still throbbing and she was so hungry. After Manny attacked her last night, food was the last thing on her mind. She waited nervously for her breakfast. Manny was the one who always delivered it, even when she had been staying in the room with the Chinese.

Amanda watched the sun's shadow slowly crawl across the floor of her tiny room. She continued to wait impatiently as her stomach growled incessantly. She went to the door to listen to see if she could hear any voices. Earlier, she thought she had heard a car's engine but it faded away quickly. She went into the tiny bathroom and splashed water on her face and cupped her hands to drink. That would have to do for now, but she was worried. Something wasn't right. Amanda wasn't sure how things could get worse, but she had a sinking suspicion something else had gone wrong….
 
 

***

The day passed eternally slow. Another chilly night was creeping in from the west. They had spent the better part of the day filling out paperwork for their covert operation. Surprise would be their best defense, not knowing if and how well the Sheik was armed and how much security was involved. Lee hoped that it was a small operation. Manny himself had stated it was a 'closed' operation. They waited apprehensively for the word to move. Finally, just before dark, they received a 'go'.

Lee followed the Chief up to Provincial Ridge Estates. The stone fence provided the house, which was set back away from the road, sufficient cover. The house appeared to be quiet. No lights were on, at least none that could be seen from the street. Lee's first instinct told him they were too late. Armed and ready, he, the Chief, and a few uniformed officers headed for the front door.

The Chief rapped on the door, calling the Sheik by name. Then he knocked again, this time pounding on the door. Still there was no answer.

"Let me check around back," Lee suggested.

Lee and one of the other officers lurked around to the back door. But there was no activity in the back of the house either. Lee radioed his findings to the Chief.

"Nothing going on back here. The door's locked, but we're going in," Lee ascertained without hesitation.

The Chief knew there would be no stopping Lee at this point, but at least he did have the proper authorizations for search and seizure. "We're going in the front way, keep your radio on."

After an extensive search, they found the first floor was clean. Quite elaborately decorated, but nothing out of place and no evidence of illegal activity. "We'll go search the second floor," the Chief said as he met Lee in the spacious foyer, but from the look on the Chiefs face, he was certain this whole lead was a bust.

Lee nodded; he wanted to check the attic. Amanda had hid Debbie Ann Macabey in the attic. That had to be what Amanda was trying to tell them on the phone. "I'll search the attic." Lee took the steps two at a time, searched for a light at the top of the stairs, but had to settle for his flashlight. He quickly opened the door.

He called out to her, "Amanda, it's me, Lee. Where are you?"

But there was no reply from the large hollow room. The attic was cold and empty except for a few old boxes. Lee's heart sank. It didn't look like it had ever been inhabited. He headed down the stairs.

The chief looked up at him and knew immediately that he too had come up empty.

"Go check out the basement; we'll finish this floor," the Chief suggested as a last resort. "But I think you got some bogus information."

Lee headed silently down a flight of stairs to a long dark hallway. He finally found a light switch and headed down the hall. It led to a garage. A white van was inside; the engine was cool. But again, nothing out of place, nothing unusual. They went back into the hallway, and tried another door. It was locked. Lee looked at the other officer who shrugged. Carefully and quickly he pulled out his lock pick again and within seconds he had the door open.

"Oh my god!" Lee lamented sickly as the light from the hallway shone into the room. Crowded inside were almost two dozen Chinese aliens. They sat still and quiet, like statues in a park. The stale odor in the room was quite pungent. Lee turned his head away to keep himself from being sick.

Taking a deep breath, he radioed to the Chief upstairs. "We've got about two dozen Chinese down here."

"I'm on my way. What about your partner?" the Chief asked.

"No," Lee whispered in a subdued tone. "Not yet."

Lee turned to the other officer who nodded in silent understanding. The officer waited with the Chinese while Lee headed down the hallway to the other doors. The first one was unlocked. He opened it and turned on the light. It was a laundry/supply room, fully stocked. He gave a quick cursory glance around the room before to be certain it was clear before closing the door.

On the far end of the hall, facing the back of the house was one last door. It was locked. Lee nervously picked the lock, his hands shaking slightly. He realized he was running out of places to look. Finally the lock yielded to his trembling hands. He pushed open the door cautiously. In the corner of the room, sitting on the bed, her body leaning against the wall was an exhausted Amanda.

"Amanda!" Lee shouted with relief.

It took a few seconds for her to believe her eyes. The voice she heard, was it just another dream or was it real? Her voice squeaked out a reply.

"Lee?" she questioned hoarsely.

But before she could say another word, he had crossed the small room and pulled her into his protective embrace.

End Part 5
 
 
 

Part 6

A loud crack of thunder from the mid-November storm woke Amanda. A brilliant flash of lightning momentarily blinded her. A shriek filled the room, which startled her for a moment until she realized she was the source. Then a warm comforting hand touched hers. She turned away from the window, towards the hand.

"It's OK, Amanda, it's just the storm," Lee comforted her. "You're safe now."

"Lee?" Amanda asked timidly.

He smiled. Just the sound of her soft voice revitalized his exhausted body. His one hand gently stroked her pale face.

"Where…" she looked around the dimly lit room.

"Shh, it's OK; more importantly, you're OK. You're at a hospital in London, Ontario."

"You brought me to a hospital?" she asked with an accusing tone.

Lee's face contorted. He of all people understood a person's reluctance for a hospital. He was easily the world's worst patient. How could he explain to her the panic of finding her, to only have her collapse in his arms just after they ascended the stairs?

"It's just a precaution, for the night. We'll have you home in our own bed tomorrow night; I promise," Lee reassured her.

She relaxed a bit with his comforting words. The thought of being home, with her family, and her own comfortable, warm bed brought a huge smile to her face. "I'm going to hold you to that, Lee," Amanda smiled warmly, then slowly drifted back to sleep.

*** ***

The next morning Amanda was anxious to leave the hospital. All she wanted was to go home. Unfortunately, not only did Chief Dawes want and need a statement from her, but Billy Melrose had flown up first thing in the morning and he wanted a debriefing as well. Billy, Chief Dawes and Lee debated the when and where almost as if Amanda wasn't in the room.

"Excuse me," Amanda called out. Suddenly the room became quiet. All eyes now rested on Amanda who was sitting up in her hospital bed. "Thank you, gentlemen, for your attention." Then she turned her eyes on her husband. "Lee, I'm all right - really. Now what I'd like to do is to go home. I assume after you have the information you want, I'm free to do that?" Amanda pointed that question directly towards the Chief and Billy.

They looked at each other, shrugged and nodded. Billy was the one to finally speak. "Of course, Amanda. We just need a statement from you to file charges."

"Fine, let's get it over with," she said with a resigned and firm look.

Lee was about to object, but the determined look on Amanda's face stopped him.

It took longer than Amanda thought it would to chronicle the last week of her life. Explaining step by step what had happened to her on the boat, the rescue by the second boat and the futile attempt to save all the Chinese, many of who couldn't swim and drowned. Then being locked in with the Chinese for the first few days before she was given her private quarters once, the Sheik, 'Al', had returned.

Lee sat quietly across the room, almost distant, trying somehow to cope with the chaos in his life the past week. He was greatly relieved that his wife was alive and safe. But there were also feelings of guilt and a general lack of control. It was the name 'Manny' that surfaced which brought Lee's focus back to the room. He listened intently. Over and over again the name 'Manny' cropped up. Lee's eye contact was fixed on every last movement Amanda made: her actions and reactions, her breathing pattern. Nothing went unnoticed by Lee.

She closed her eyes as she described that last night. Billy watched both Amanda and Lee intensely, but he was more concerned at the moment with Lee. Amanda continued on with her recollection of that night.

"That was when 'Al' found me in the hallway, downstairs. He let me call home a while later, but I barely had time to say hello. I tried to leave a message, but there wasn't time. When I hung up the phone I was immediately locked back in the room in the basement. I knew something was wrong the next morning when nobody came in. By the time Lee found me last night I hadn't eaten anything in over 36 hours."

Amanda sighed heavily, glad to have the debriefing over with. She too looked over at Lee, who was unmistakably quiet.

The Chief was the first one to speak. "We picked up Norman last night for questioning. With your testimony we should have enough to charge him. We're still looking for Shiek Al Rashid. He may have already left the country, but we're checking all the airports for him. They apparently were tipped off that we were coming. As for this Manny character…"

"I know where he is," Lee interrupted, as he gritted his teeth in anger.

All eyes flew towards Lee who now paced with agitation in the room. "Manny's my contact - my source. I'll pick him up. He's expecting to see me today anyway."

"Lee, I don't think that's a good idea," Billy scowled.

"I'm the only one in this room who knows where he is. So I don't think you have much choice now do you?" Lee snarled as he headed for the door.

"Scarecrow!" Billy yelled, but Lee was pulling on the door handle.

"Lee," Amanda choked out.

Lee stopped when he heard her voice. He let go of the door and allowed it to close. Then he turned and faced her. He crossed the room slowly, but deliberately and looked down at her tired face.

"Don't," she whispered as she looked up at him.

His anger was flaring. He took a deep breath. "Amanda, let me do this for you, please."

Amanda looked into her husband's eyes. In it, she could see the desperation he had endured in the past week. He needed to bring some control back to his life. She understood and accepted his need to protect her, even if only in this small way. Finally, she nodded her consent without another word spoken between them.

The Chief watched this exchange with interest. "You can go, but I'm sending a uniformed officer with you." Then looking at Lee sternly, he added a final note, "and that's not negotiable"

Lee nodded and looked over at Billy. "You'll get Amanda down to the police station?"

"We'll meet you there."

Lee lifted Amanda's chin and kissed her gently on the forehead and in a voice filled with emotion he simply said, "I love you."

***

Lee knocked at Manny's motel room door. It took only a moment before he opened it. He was still in his underwear, unshaven and the smell of stale beer wafted about him.

"I was wondering if you ran out on me," Manny said with a snicker. "So did you strike it rich last night?"

"I got what I came up here for," Lee answered flatly.

"Why don't you come in and we'll square up? I'm ready to blow this town."

"I think you'll be sticking around here a while," Lee said with a knowing smile.

Manny shook his head. "No, I've had enough of this place. Just need some traveling money and I'll be gone."

"I met a friend of yours last night," Lee countered.

"A friend of mine? You must mean Norman. He's not a bad guy; he was only following orders. He has a family to support. I understand that. The Sheik, he's just in it for the money," Manny droned on.

"I wasn't talking about Norman. I was talking about…Amanda. You remember her don't you?" Lee asked, baiting him. It was taking all of his strength to not pummel this lousy excuse for a human being.

"Mrs. King, yeah, I remember her," Manny sneered.

"She had quite a lot to say about you," Lee said in a remarkably calm voice.

"I bet, but you know you can't trust a woman," Manny remarked snidely.

Lee's temper started to rise; his desire to beat this man to a pulp was building. He wanted to grab his neck and feel the life drain out of him. But despite his strong desire, he continued to hold his temper in check, silently wishing this wretch would be stupid enough to start something.

"Actually, I'd trust that woman with my life. In fact, I'd gladly give my life for her," Lee started, as he watched Manny's eyes get wider. Lee could tell that he was becoming uncomfortable. But this man deserved far worse, not only for his part in the smuggling ring, but for touching, hurting Amanda, his Amanda.

Manny began to perspire. Something about Lee's voice told him he was in trouble - big trouble. Lee was calm and decisive. He had an air of confidence about him and a look of resolve on his face. Manny wondered what exactly the King woman had told him about his last night at the Sheik's.

"Like I said, you can't always trust what a woman tells you," Manny replied, but this time with much less confidence. This time he was clearly edgy.

"How about you tell it to the judge; you disgust me," Lee snarled. "Hey, Harry," he yelled to the uniformed officer who was waiting around the corner. "Get this scum out of my sight."

"What the…?" Manny yelled as the officer came into view. "You bastard, you sold me out? You're in this as deep as I am."

Lee laughed. "No, Manny. You've got that wrong. You're in deeper than you think. You messed around with the wrong lady."

Manny, in a futile attempt to flee, threw a punch at Lee. Lee however, was hoping for such an opportunity and quickly ducked. Manny's fist missed Lee by a mile. It was Lee's left fist that made contact with Manny's right jaw with a loud 'thwack'. Manny groaned in pain and stumbled backwards trying to regain his balance. Still not prepared to give up, Manny moved back towards Lee, again swinging wildly. Lee threw a quick but decisive punch to his midsection causing Manny to gasp for air and bend over in pain. One karate chop to his neck brought Manny to his knees, no longer willing to risk bodily harm for a fading chance of freedom.

The uniformed officer gruffly pulled on Manny's arm bringing him to his feet brusquely. Manny stood speechless, panting heavily while the officer handcuffed him behind his back.

Lee, barely out of breath, spewed angrily at Manny, "Not so tough with someone your own size, are you? May you rot in hell, you filthy bastard."

End Part 6
 
 
 

Part 7 (The Conclusion)

Lee headed up to their bedroom and quietly opened the door. The light on the night stand was still on. He looked over at the bed and was surprised to see Amanda still awake.

"I thought you'd be asleep by now," Lee commented with surprise.

She smiled. "Are the boys in bed?"

"Yes, and everything's locked up tight. Your mother's still up; she's watching Johnny Carson," Lee explained then stopped mid sentence. "You OK?"

"I'm OK; you'd think after that meal Mother made I'd be asleep. I guess I'm just a little keyed up," Amanda answered quietly, not wanting to worry him further.

He looked at her intently, studying her face. She was getting better at hiding her feelings from him. At the moment he wasn't sure what was going through her mind. He wanted to talk to her, but he didn't want to press her.

"That's understandable; you've been through a lot. Do you want to talk?" he asked hoping she would open up to him.

Amanda reached her hand up to his and pulled him down onto the bed. "Lee, I'm really all right. It wasn't that bad, it could have been much worse. We can talk - tomorrow. I'd just like you to hold me right now. I'd like to relax in your arms."

Lee smiled broadly. So much had happened in the last ten days. His life had been ripped apart and then slowly put back together. He answered honestly, "I'd really like that, too."

Lee held her in his arms until she finally drifted off to sleep. A while later as he listened to her rhythmic breathing he fell asleep as well. But the morning came quickly. The sunlight filtered through the drapes. Carefully he disentangled himself from Amanda's slumbering form. He quietly put on his bathrobe and headed downstairs.

"Morning, Dotty," Lee greeted his mother-in-law.

Dotty smiled brightly. "Good morning, Lee. Is Amanda up yet?"

"No, she's still sleeping. I really expect she'll sleep until noon; she didn't fall asleep until late. The boys get off OK with Joe?" he asked curiously, glad that he had missed Joe.

"Yes, they just left a few minutes ago. I think he wanted to talk to Amanda," Dotty answered as she poured Lee a cup of coffee.

Lee grimaced at that thought. He remembered his conversation with Joe about the boys. Joe had never approved of Amanda's new profession and had resented Lee not only for getting Amanda involved with the Agency, but also for their relationship and inevitable marriage. Perhaps though, Joe was right. This was no business for a mother of two children - regardless of their age. He saw that all too clearly over the last week with the looks in both Jamie's and Phillip's eyes when he told them their mother was dead.

Last night when he finally brought her home, both boys were thrilled. But Lee knew all too well that it could happen again. Amanda was lucky this time. She could have drowned; she could have been killed by her captor. The next time she might not be so lucky or maybe the next time he would be the one missing or dead. When was it time to leave the field for a more normal life?

"I thought you had a meeting this morning with the Ladies Auxiliary?" Lee asked, hoping to change the subject.

"Actually, it's the Garden Club brunch. But since it's Amanda's first day home, I felt kind of funny leaving…"

"Dotty," Lee answered in a scolding tone. "If Amanda finds out you missed the brunch because of her, she's going to be terribly upset."

"Well, she probably won't be up for a while," Dotty reasoned. "And I'll probably be home by two."

Lee smiled in relief at his mother-in-law. He really hoped she would go, but he didn't want to ask her. This was her house as well. But since he found Amanda at the Sheik's house he had spent little time alone with her. He wanted and needed to talk to her - privately."

"Go on; have a good time. We don't have any plans to go anywhere today. Just a quiet day at home," he reassured her.

"A quiet day at the Stetson household, how out of character," Dotty remarked. "I'm not sure if the two of you are capable of pulling that off."

Lee winced at the remark. It was all too true. "Dotty…"

"Lee, I'm sorry. That was unfair and really out of line," Dotty apologized. She knew it wasn't her place to judge what her daughter and son-in-law did for a living. Amanda and Lee seemed quite content with their dangerous profession despite this latest incident. Embarrassed she looked at her watch and quickly excused herself. "If I'm going to make that brunch, I'd better get ready."

*** *** ***

Lee was quietly reading the paper when Amanda finally made her way down the stairs.

"Good morning," Lee greeted her cheerfully.

"Is it still morning?" Amanda asked as she looked towards the clock on the wall.

He chuckled. "Yes, but not by a whole lot. How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good. You shouldn't have let me sleep so late," Amanda admonished him. "Did the boys get off with Joe all right? Where's Mother?"

"You needed the sleep, the boys got off just fine with Joe and your mother went to the Garden Club brunch this morning. I didn't think you'd mind," Lee responded. He was getting accustomed to answering her rapid-fire questions.

"A quiet morning at the Stetson household?" she asked in surprise.

"Afraid so. Can I get you some breakfast or would you prefer lunch?"

"I think a cup of coffee would do for the moment," Amanda replied.

Lee started to get up.

"Stay where you are. I think I can find the coffee pot in my own kitchen," she teased.

Lee nodded at her, glad to see his wife, once again, in her familiar position in her kitchen. It was a stark contrast from what he thought just a week ago.

Amanda poured herself a cup of coffee and sipped at it thoughtfully. She had missed the ritual of morning coffee. Actually, she had missed a lot of things; things she had taken for granted. She missed the hectic mornings sharing the bathroom with Lee and the boys. She missed the daily race to get them off to school before she and Lee left for the office. She even missed the quips she traded with Francine. She sighed heavily as she thought about the Agency.

Billy had given her the next week off; she hadn't even argued. He had given Lee off until Wednesday; he hadn't argued either. Lee looked more exhausted than she had. He apparently had been through a lot in the last week. She was just putting together the details after her discussion last night with the boys. She scarcely had had any time to talk to Lee privately. There was so much she wanted to say to him. She looked out into the family room at her husband who had resumed reading the paper. She had to smile as she watched him read. They looked like an ordinary couple, but they were nothing like that.

Somehow she longed to have it that way. She had always wanted that with Joe, but never had the luxury of having him around. With Lee it had always been one crisis after another with the Agency and national security. After the last week in her life, she wasn't sure that she wanted 'the excitement' that that life brought. The toll could have been much higher. She had been lucky - this time. But the next time - when would that be: next week, next month, next year? She shuddered at the thought.

Lee had been discreetly watching her and saw her tremble. "Amanda, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just letting my mind wander where it shouldn't," she answered as she picked up her coffee and headed back into the family room. She sat next to him, putting her coffee cup down on the table.

Lee put down the paper and carefully wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her on her forehead. He wasn't sure if now was the right time for the conversation he wanted to have with her, but when would be the right time?

"I talked to Billy a while ago. They caught the Sheik boarding a plane in Quebec. One of the customs agents had a good eye."

"We really got lucky, and the Canadians did a good mop up job," Amanda sighed shaking her head.

"You did a really good job too. You kept a cool head under very stressful circumstances; you got a message through here."

"Lee, it could have been a lot worse," Amanda suggested. "Mostly I was alone and had plenty of time to…reflect." She wasn't sure how to broach the subject with Lee. How would he feel about her wanting to leave the field? She didn't want to leave the Agency, but she needed more security than her current position provided. Would he understand and support her decision? Would he feel betrayed or hurt? How would breaking up their partnership at work affect their marriage? She had pondered these questions over the last week and incessantly since he found her the other night.

"I know, we actually thought you were dead," Lee reminded her of what the boys had told her the previous night.

"I think you had a worse week than I did," Amanda conceded as she thought of him having to tell not only her mother but also the boys of her death.

"I think we could both do without another week like that - ever," Lee remarked and then looked at Amanda for her reaction.

She nodded in agreement. "I wanted to talk to you about that."

She shifted on the couch nervously, moving away from him slightly but allowing herself to look him directly in the eyes. Lee sat and waited.

"I had a lot of time to think over the last week or so. Not much else I could do when I was all alone day after day," Amanda started.

"That had to be…" Lee interrupted.

"Lee, please, let me finish," she broke in again. "I love my job, you know that. I love working with you. But I'm just not sure I want to do this anymore. I did almost drown and things could have ended up very differently. I was lucky that the Sheik and Manny were such amateurs. Otherwise I might not be sitting here with you now. Last night when I got home, the look in the boy's eyes…"

Lee breathed a sigh of relief. "Amanda, since I thought you were…gone, I knew I couldn't go on working in the field. I know I'm not the boys' biological father, but I am a part of them. I couldn't let what happened to me as a child, happen to Phillip and Jamie - to lose both parents..."

Amanda looked at her husband. She didn't want him to think that he had to leave the field. It had always been his life. "If anything happened to you, to us, Mother would be there for them and of course, Joe."

Lee looked away. Could he tell her about his conversation with Joe and his attitude about the boys? Did Amanda have any idea how 'inconvenient' he found the situation to be? Finally he turned back towards her; she had to know the truth.

"Amanda, I had a chat with Joe before I talked to the boys last Sunday. He was more than relieved when I asked him if the boys could stay with your mother and me," he responded cautiously, trying to sugar coat the truth.

"You asked Joe for custody of the boys?" Amanda asked in surprise.

"Not exactly custody," Lee answered, feeling a little self-conscious. Had he been out of line? "They've always lived here. This is their home. I wanted them to have the security I didn't. I know he's their father…"

"Lee, I know Joe doesn't want the boys; I just hope the boys never find that out," Amanda whispered, tearfully. "You've been more than a father to them the last year; you've been their friend, a mentor. I don't know how to thank you for all that."

"Amanda, I love those boys almost as much as I love you," Lee remarked quite emotionally. He hadn't realized how strongly he had felt about Phillip and Jamie until the past week. "I know that everything worked out fine this time, but at the same time, everything has changed."

"Yeah, we need to talk about that. I think I need to make some changes in my lifestyle," Amanda finally got up the courage to continue this important conversation.

"Amanda, I'm not going back into the field," Lee blurted out. "I don't want you in the field either."

She looked at him incredulously, almost in stunned silence. She had expected an argument from him, not agreement and certainly not complete capitulation. "Have you told Billy?" she finally asked.

"No, not really. But I don't think he'll be all that surprised. He's been feeding me other 'opportunities' in the intelligence community for a while now. I think that maybe it's time I really gave them some thought. You know, something with a lower profile. More family oriented, nine to five…"

"I don't believe this," Amanda replied. "I had no idea you wanted to leave the field."

"It's just that you and the boys are more important to me. It used to be that my job was my life, but that's all changed. Last week was a wake up call I'd rather not face again," Lee said as he gently caressed her face.

"I love my job, and I hate to break up our partnership, but I wouldn't mind a simpler lifestyle."

Lee pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. Their lips sought each other's out and melded quickly together, finding the intimacy they drew so much strength from.

Lee finally pulled away. "You know, we don't necessarily have to break up the partnership…"

Amanda looked at him, not sure she understood. "And how are we going to manage that?"

"One of the offers that has been proposed to me is Station One. They need a new director. I'd need a very able assistant who is quick thinking, understands the Agency and the processes, has unusual insight and maybe even a little bit stubborn," Lee suggested with a grin.

"I'm not stubborn," Amanda rebuked quickly.

"Really?" he laughed and shook his head. "What do you think?"

"Working with you in a protected environment. I don't know," she said with a wide grin. "I'd hate not getting shot at on a regular basis."

"Amanda, does the word 'Dodge City' remind you of anything?" he teased.

"You had to bring that up again, didn't you?" she complained.

"Seriously," Lee replied in a loving tone. "I really think I'm going to take the job. I don't want to force you into anything, but if you're interested, Mrs. Stetson, I can't think of another person I'd rather have working beside me."

Amanda smiled as she snuggled in his arms. "There isn't anyone in the world I'd rather work with, Mr. Stetson. Have I told you how much I love you?"

"Actually, I think this is the first time you mentioned it today," Lee remarked casually.

Amanda pulled away from his comfortable embrace just enough to firmly plant her lips on his. "Perhaps it would be a better idea if I showed you how much I love you."

In one smooth motion, Lee scooped her up in his arms and headed quickly for the stairs. "Quick thinking, wonderful insight, you most definitely get the job."

"As your assistant, Mr. Stetson?" Amanda asked.

"Oh, yeah, you can have that job too, Mrs. Stetson," Lee said in a husky tone as he continued his ascent up the stairs. They knew life would change in their future, but they would always remain - partners…

The end.

Go to:  Robin's Stories

Back  to :   IFF FILM LIBRARY