Wednesday Evening

Joe and Amanda King were finally at the end of the receiving line. They'd been introduced to the other cabinet members. Amanda tried to keep them all straight: the Education Secretary, the Minister of Finance, the Deputy of Defense or was it the Deputy of Finance and the Minister of Defense. The names and faces were all blurring together.

Amanda smiled once more as she was introduced to the Minister of Justice and his wife. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she greeted them each with a friendly smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. King," he added politely. "Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Jamila."

"It's nice to meet you," Amanda said to Jamila, who was almost as tall as she was and wearing a full-length black gown, unlike most of the other wives who chose to wear festive, native attire.

"I've heard so much about you, Mrs. King," Jamila responded in excellent English and a friendly tone.

Amanda smiled somewhat uncomfortably, not sure what if anything this woman actually knew about her. "Please call me, Amanda. You speak English very well."

"Thank you," she nodded graciously. "I attended school in England for several years."

"Why don't you ladies get acquainted with each other while we discuss some business," the Justice Minister suggested as he and the other Ministers departed to another room with the Prime Minister.

"I love England. What school did you attend?" Amanda asked eagerly.

"I went to Cambridge," Jamila explained. "England was a wonderful place to attend school. One year on a semester break I even toured several cities in the United States."

"Which cities did you visit?" Amanda asked curiously.

"I spent a week in New York and several days in Boston," she began to explain. "I had wanted to travel to Washington, DC, but time didn't permit. Perhaps I'll have another chance to visit your nation's capitol soon."

"It's a very beautiful city with quite a bit to see and do," Amanda remarked.

"I found that was true in both New York and Boston. Your country has so much to offer," Jamila observed, then lamented. "Estoccia was once a pleasant country. Now we seem to only have despair."

"But it has such promise," Amanda suggested in a hopeful tone.

"Perhaps," Jamila answered with doubt. The two women walked over to the windows that overlooked a tropical garden. The sun was just beginning to set and the flowers were colorful with the background of a bright crimson sky. The room was ablaze in the last orange hues of sunset. Then Jamila continued in a harsh whisper. "Unlike the lovely garden before us, our government is anything but tranquil. For the most part, the government is still mired in corrupt politics and swarming with crooks and traitors."

Amanda winced at the woman's candor and thought silently before answering. They sat down in a few chairs, away from the other wives who had accompanied their respective spouses to the dinner. "I understand there's a significant challenge to bringing this country back into the mainstream, but trust me when I say Joe King is an honorable man who'll do everything within his power to achieve the goals of the Prime Minister."

Jamila nodded courteously. "Mrs. King, Amanda, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to accuse your husband of being one of the 'politicos' that I so despise. On the contrary, we welcome men like your husband, whose honesty and ethics have been so sorely sought after in our nation. He will set a strong example. It's the plutocracy, established families so to speak, which worry me. I have high hopes that your husband can help provide our people with suitable housing and decent food and the ability to become self reliant."

"Joe will work ceaselessly to help the Estoccians," Amanda answered with truth and faith. After all, it was Joe's strong will and decision to put his job first, which had caused their marriage to fail in the first place. "He's very excited about his new position and looks forward to working closely with the Estoccian people."

"How about you?" Jamila asked. "I understand that you're only staying here for a short time."

"Regretfully, but it's a rather complicated situation," Amanda stated uneasily, not sure what exactly to tell this woman. "I have two sons…"

"Yes, I can understand why you'd be reluctant to bring your sons to such a desolate country. It would be quite a culture shock to them, I'm certain. There are many threats..."

Amanda nodded, aware of many of the threats that existed. "Do you have children?"

"No, not yet. I want to have children, but I do worry," Jamila answered, glancing away, her voice sad and seemingly alone. She took a deep breath and turned back towards Amanda. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone on so. Shall we take a stroll in the garden? Now that the sun is going down it should be cool enough to enjoy a short walk."

"That would be nice," Amanda agreed as the two women walked towards the door.

Lee watched his wife closely and wanted to follow them, but decided it would be too suspicious. He waited patiently while they strolled through the garden until the men finally reappeared from the meeting room.

Dinner was served and Amanda listened to the polite chatter around the table. Amanda and Joe had been seated between the Education Secretary on the right and the Minister of Finance on the left. The Education Secretary was talking Joe's ear off. Amanda tried to start a conversation with the Minister of Finance, but he avoided or ignored every attempt. Instead he spoke with his wife in Arabic, a language she couldn't understand. She was relieved when the last dinner plate was removed.

Dancers dressed in colorful tribal costumes took to the small stage and several musicians playing an assortment of instruments accompanied them. After almost an hour of exhilarating entertainment, the native dancers bowed receiving thunderous applause before they departed. The musicians took a short break and upon their return began to play big band music. The Prime Minister and his wife got up and began to dance. Several other couples followed them to the dance floor.

"Would you care to dance, Mrs. King?" Joe asked his ex-wife graciously.

Amanda smiled and nodded, reaching her hand up for Joe. "That would be nice."

Joe led her unto the dance floor, keeping a reasonably polite distance between them as they danced their way around the room. Amanda tried to relax, but it had been a long time since she'd danced in Joe King's arms. It wasn't that Joe was a bad dancer, he was actually pretty good, but it seemed that when she danced with Lee they floated on the floor effortlessly. She sighed heavily.

"Are you feeling all right?" Joe asked, noticing the tension in her arms and back.

"Just a little tired and nervous, I guess," she answered back as she glanced around the room looking for Lee. She finally observed him near the windows that overlooked the garden. She wished she were in his arms and not Joe's.

"It's been an interesting week," Joe admitted as he pulled her slightly closer to him. "There are so many challenges facing this country, I almost don't know where to start."

"You sound as if you're having second thoughts," Amanda replied as she noted a tone of uncertainty in his voice.

"No, not really. It's just some of my ideas are 'too western' for some of the other cabinet members. I think once I start implementing them they'll come on board, but I didn't expect so much internal dissension."

Amanda reflected upon what Jamila had mentioned to her earlier. "You have to remember that you're still considered an outsider, Joe," Amanda warned cautiously.

"The Prime Minister doesn't think of me that way," Joe rebuked angrily.

"Of course not, sweetheart," she defended quickly, not wanting to start an argument. "But I'm guessing that some of the old families feel a little put out by your appointment instead of a native Estoccian."

"Perhaps," Joe nodded as he and Amanda separated as the music stopped and they applauded politely. Joe took her hand holding it tenderly as he brought it to his lips, brushing it past them quickly.

Amanda smiled politely, but hoped that Lee hadn't seen that. She glanced around the room, trying to locate his whereabouts but couldn't find him at the moment. She sighed hoping that his attention was elsewhere and wished silently that this evening would soon come to an end.

As they returned to their table, the Minister of Finance stood up before they reached their seats. He was an extremely tall, heavyset man, with very dark skin but large, piercing eyes. "Excuse me, Mrs. King, but may I have this dance?"

Amanda was surprised by his request, considering the cold shoulder he'd given her during dinner. She paused for only a few seconds, before replying, "Of course, I'd be delighted."

"I hope you enjoyed the dinner?" the Finance Minister asked he looked down upon her as they waltzed across the dance floor.

"Yes, it was sumptuous, and the dancers were enthralling," Amanda answered with a polite smile. She followed his awkward lead around the dance floor. She hoped he was better in financial matters than he was a dancer and worried that if he stepped on her foot she'd be incapacitated for days.

"I understand you're not staying long in Estoccia, Mrs. King, " he asked in a harsh deep tone, his hand tight on her shoulder and waist as if he was in control of her.

Amanda stared sharply at the Minister, feeling uncomfortable in the man's grasp and noting the rather hostile tone in his voice. "Yes, I have to return to Virginia where our sons live."

"Isn't it a burden to raise two boys without their father?" he confronted with a biting tone and a spiteful glance.

"I've never felt that raising my children was a burden," she answered in a tight voice.

"No, of course not. It's your place to raise the children," he answered curtly. "But wouldn't it be more convenient if your husband was at your side instead of here, meddling in affairs that he has no right to interfere in?"

Amanda glared at the man angrily. "That sounds like a veiled threat!" she challenged, bluntly.

The Finance Minister glanced across the room, noting the location of the Prime Minister, nodding and smiling towards him before answering Amanda's question. "A threat, my dear, of course not, just a rather wise observation. Your husband was once accused of murder - not everyone was convinced of his innocence."

"Joe King was exonerated of those charges after a thorough investigation by your own Prime Minister. Surely you don't his dispute his judgment?" she asked, but her question was more a defiant statement than a question.

The Finance Minister grimaced, not used to be challenged so formidably by a woman. "Yes, of course he was. I was merely stating a concern for his welfare."

"I'll pass on your concern to Joe," she answered curtly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'd rather sit the rest of this dance out." With that she pulled away from his grip and left him standing alone in the middle of the dance floor as the music continued to play.

Throughout the evening Amanda danced with several other cabinet members, none of whom were as candid as the Finance Minister. There were a few others who remained distant and leery of her only offering polite smiles or curious glances. Finally, as the evening wore on, the Prime Minister took his leave and then the other guests started to disperse.

"Amanda, are you ready to call it a night?" Joe finally asked when he returned to the table where she was chatting with Jamila.

"Yes," she nodded, yawning to show her exhaustion. Although she enjoyed chatting with Jamila she wished for nothing else than this evening to be over. "I'm exhausted. "

"You should be; you danced with half the Estoccian Cabinet Ministers this evening," he remarked happily as he reached down for her hand.

"Good night, Jamila, it was a pleasure to talk with you," Amanda remarked honestly as she took Joe's hand and was escorted towards the door. Amanda spotted Lee, caught his eye and signaled that they were ready to leave.

"Good night, Amanda. I hope we meet again soon," Jamila called out as they left.

Lee met them at the door and opened it for them. "How was your evening?" Lee asked as they exited the ballroom.

"Enlightening," Amanda snapped in frustration as they walked towards their car.

Joe continued to smile broadly, totally oblivious to the problems that were brewing inside the Prime Minister's own cabinet…

End Part Five
 
 
 
 

Estoccian Affair- Part Six

Wednesday Night

Lee escorted Joe and Amanda back to their private residence on the second floor of the estate. Amanda collapsed on one of the large overstuffed sofas and kicked off her shoes. Joe loosened his tie and wearily dropped down into a high-backed chair.

"How did your meeting go with the cabinet?" Lee asked Joe.

Joe shook his head, trying to ward off his exhaustion and remain focused on the conversation. The late hour and the numerous drinks he'd imbibed were catching up to him. "It wasn't much of a meeting. We just went over the last minute changes in the itinerary for tomorrow. We'll take our oaths of office in private before the official festivities kick off," he explained as he reached into his suit jacket pocket. He pulled out a piece of paper and gave it to Lee. "The inaugural ceremony is set for tomorrow afternoon at four. The Prime Minister's going to introduce his cabinet members and give a short speech."

"A politician who plans a short speech?" Francine interjected with doubt and they all enjoyed a brief chuckle.

Lee examined the itinerary and shook his head, handing it over to Francine. "We might not be laughing tomorrow. Despite our suggestions, the Prime Minister is insisting on attending the parade and the fireworks gala. There's no way his security forces can provide adequate protection for a large crowd," Lee lamented with obvious disapproval.

"How many do they expect to show up?" Amanda asked curiously.

"I've talked to the Chief of Police and the Army Commander, but nobody seems to want to give us a number," Lee explained as his jaw twitched as he thought about the problem. "It doesn't really matter how many show up. They don't have enough military police and security forces combined if there's any kind of trouble…"

"Maybe there won't be any trouble, Lee," the glassy eyed Joe King snapped rudely. "This country loves their Prime Minister and they're looking forward to a better future. Maybe you should think a little more positively instead of looking for trouble and relax."

Lee turned and glanced at Joe with a serious face. "The government didn't fly me all the way over to this God forsaken place to sit back and relax. My job is to keep any potential problems from happening," Lee stated definitively. "When I'm back on that plane next week, when this whole thing is over I'll be more positive - I promise."

"We'll be sorry to see you leave," Joe remarked sarcastically.

"Joe, I think you're being rather rude," Amanda warned. "Lee's here at the Prime Minister's request to help provide protection for you, me, the Prime Minister, and to make sure things go smoothly tomorrow."

"I'm sorry," Joe nodded and sighed heavily. "It's been a long night and I guess I'm just tired. You're right, of course, but I feel that things are going well."

Amanda turned to her ex-husband and questioned him. "Didn't you mention tonight that some of the Cabinet Members had some aversion to your plans. Which ones were they?"

"I wouldn't say they were adverse to my plans. More like concerned," Joe hedged, obviously put out by Amanda's choice of words.

"Just the same, Joe, we'd like to know who might not be fully on-board with the Prime Minister," Lee remarked, biting his tongue. "Sometimes it's the most insignificant comment someone lets slip that gives us the break we need. We need to know whom we should be watching tomorrow for the sake of everyone concerned."

Joe sat for a few moments in silence before he answered. "Very well, the Finance Minister was rather vocal that my programs would be too expensive and wouldn't serve the needs of the people adequately. However, he hasn't really seen any of the details. The initiatives have the people helping themselves - similar to Habitat for Humanities," Joe advised them. "He'll come around once he sees the program in action."

"Well, he was rather rude to me this evening" Amanda stated obstinately.

"I thought you got along with him. He even asked you to dance," Joe rebuked, somewhat annoyed.

"If you remember, I danced about half the song with him. At dinner, despite numerous attempts at conversation he ignored me and chatted in Arabic to anyone but me. I thought at first he was uncomfortable speaking English, but when he asked me to dance later, his English was just fine," Amanda stated, hotly.

"You left him standing on the dance floor, didn't you?" Lee questioned as he played back the scene in his mind.

"Yes, he made some veiled threats that Joe didn't belong in Estoccia and that he should be home helping me raise our children," Amanda explained as her face got red in anger of the memory.

"Sweetheart," Joe piped in. "You shouldn't take what he said personally."

Neither Amanda nor Lee had a chance to say anything before Francine added her two cents. "I'll do a background check on him and see what skeletons he might have in his closet."

Lee nodded his consent. "Just be careful. He may have some pretty deep closets."

"Right," Francine nodded her agreement.

"Anything else suspicious tonight?" Lee asked curiously.

"Jamila, the wife of the Justice Minister was rather adamant that there were numerous problems in the cabinet. I tried to get her to talk a little more about it but she seemed wary to name names. From our conversations though, it's quite apparent that all is not peaceful," Amanda said, looking over at Joe with sorrowful look.

"What government is without problems?" Joe stated. "It's going to take some time to get real change."

"It might be a good idea to continue working on her, Amanda," Lee suggested.

"I don't think that'll be a problem. We hit it off pretty well," she answered.

Joe looked at his ex-wife and shook his head in disbelief. "Don't you feel uncomfortable interrogating people like that - when they think you're their friend?"

"I am her friend," Amanda corrected him. "It's more like a casual chat."

"Besides," Francine suggested. "A casual interrogation might be what saves your life one day."

Joe appeared to be less than convinced and it showed with a scowl on his face. "I don't know about you all, but it's getting late and tomorrow's a rather important day…"

"You're right. If either of you think of anything else, let me know first thing in the morning," Lee requested. He nodded to Joe before glancing lovingly at his wife for just a fleeting second, then turned to face Francine. "I guess we'll call it a night."

Francine and Lee walked down the stairs. Francine walked towards the back of the house to the servants' quarters and Lee left via the front door to the gate-house.

Amanda slipped her shoes back on, stood up, and started to leave the room. "Are you all right?" she asked Joe who was still sitting in the chair.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he answered. "I'm going to take a couple of aspirins and go to bed."

"Are you sure?" she questioned, knowing the look on Joe's face. "If you want to talk…"

"No really, I'll be fine. Just tired. Tomorrow's a big day. We both could use a good night's sleep," Joe replied as he rubbed his temples with one of his hands.

"Good night, then," Amanda stated as she walked down the hallway.

"Good night," Joe replied somberly, then watched his ex-wife closely and frowned when she closed the door.

Amanda kicked her shoes off once again, nudging them under the bed and sat down on the edge of the chest. She peeled off her stockings, massaged her sore feet and reflected on the evening. Her conversation with Jamila had been enlightening and enjoyable. However, the brief conversation she'd had with the Finance Minister had been rather tense. She was normally careful not to burn any alliances, but she wasn't about to let the Finance Minister walk all over her or expect Joe to retreat back to Virginia with his veiled threats.

"I can't wait until tomorrow is over," Amanda muttered quietly before she stood up and began to walk to her bathroom. She was interrupted before she made it across the room.

"Amanda," Joe's voice called out softly as he rapped on her door gently.

"Joe?" Amanda called out in surprise as she went and opened the door. "I thought you were going to bed."

"I did. I was. I'm sorry… It's late. This was a bad idea," Joe mumbled as he turned to leave.

"No, it's all right. I'm really not that sleepy. Come on in," Amanda lied, trying to hide her weariness. She took a seat in one of the two chairs by the window and pointed for Joe to take the other.

"You don't mind?" he asked once again.

She ignored his question and asked one of her own. "You must be pretty excited about tomorrow? The boys and I are very proud that you were chosen to be one of the Prime Ministers cabinet secretaries. The Minister of Food and Housing! That's quite a responsibility," she stated honestly.

Joe sat down in the chair and leaned back and let out a long deep breath. "I'm excited and a little nervous I guess. There's so much that needs to be done and at times I feel a little overwhelmed. I was on my way to my room when I realized with everything that's happened over the last few weeks I've never actually thanked you for coming over here."

"It's been an interesting experience," Amanda answered sweetly.

"That's being rather polite," Joe chuckled softly. "I know how much you don't like to leave the boys."

"Really, Joe. It's been more pleasant that I expected. This house is lovely; the people here have been welcoming. Tonight's dinner was delicious; the entertainment was dazzling. I have no complaints," she clarified with an honest voice.

"You really made me proud this evening," Joe commented softly. "The way you danced and chatted with the other ministers as if you'd known them all for years. You always had an uncanny knack for putting people at ease. I believe more than one of them were impressed by you and I must admit, it would have been a touch lonely there tonight if I'd been here all by myself."

"I really enjoyed myself, Joe. I wish you all the happiness in the world - you know that. I hope this job is everything you want it to be," Amanda answered from the heart.

Joe reached over and took Amanda's hand in his. "It really means a lot to me that you're here. I think you can see why this country's so important to me."

"Yes," she nodded. "You see the reports on the television about the disease and starvation, but then it's just nameless people and you can easily turn off the television and forget about them. Here their eyes penetrate your heart and… it's too hard to describe the feeling."

"I know. That's why I'm drawn to this place. I always knew when you came over here, that you'd feel the same way, too," Joe said as he squeezed her hand. "We make a good team."

"We made a good team once, Joe, but that's in the past," Amanda corrected him in a firm voice.

"It doesn't have to be. We could always give it another try," Joe suggested softly, with a shrug. "You already said this place is nicer than you thought it would be. You love the house…"

"Joe, my home is back in Virginia. You seem to forget I have a job back there, and the boys… Phillip's getting ready to start high school soon. They're not going to want to leave all that to come here." Amanda pulled her hand from his grasp.

"Think about it, Amanda. We could make this the home you always wanted; we could get the boys a tutor…" Joe urged, not giving up easily.

Amanda stood up, then walked over to the door, placing her hand on the knob, hoping Joe would get the message. "Joe, it's late. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow. I think you should go."

"Amanda, we wouldn't have to sell the house in Arlington. One day we'd return to it, but think of what you could offer these people. We really could make things work this time," Joe pleaded as he put his hand over hers.

"Joe, you've obviously had too much to drink tonight because you're not thinking rationally. My life's back in Arlington. I'm moving forward and you're not part of my future," she argued pulling her hand away from his.

Joe put his hands on her waist and tried to lean in for a kiss.

"You need to leave, now, Joe!" Amanda demanded as she avoided the kiss and opened the door.

"Amanda, please, you'd be treated like royalty over here - I promise. We'll have this wonderful house, a butler to take care of the cooking and cleaning. Stay here with me. I can give you everything you ever wanted."

"This isn't what I want," she answered decisively as she shook her head and looked at the hallway, expecting Joe to leave.

"Give us one more chance to be the family you always wanted. I love you and I know you still love me," he pleaded.

"I don't love you that way anymore. You're a friend, Joe, nothing more. I'm in love with Lee," Amanda informed her ex-husband in a tone that left no questions.

"Stetson's just a hot shot. He's not the kind who'll ever settle down and marry you," he snapped indignantly.

"You're wrong about Lee," she proclaimed angrily in a loud voice.

"He's a interminable bachelor I tell you, you're wasting your time with him," Joe chided her loudly and attempted to pull her to him once more. "He's never going to marry you."

Amanda slapped his face and pulled away. Her anger was no longer controllable. "Lee and I are already married," she shouted at him defiantly. "We've been married for months, but you've been so wrapped up in your own life, as usual… who could tell you? First it was your engagement with Carrie, then planning the big, white wedding - there was never the right time to tell you."

"NO, I tell you he's not your type," he retorted as he shook his head, not certain she was telling him the truth, desperate for those stinging words to be a lie.

"Lee's my husband now. Not you! Lee loves me for who I am and I can always count on him - always. I could never count on you," Amanda replied as tears of anger began to flow down her face.

"Amanda, please, we can fix this, stay with me, be with me," Joe lunged towards her again.

"No, everything is NOT about you! I deserve some happiness in my life, too. I'm tired of playing this game. Just leave me alone," Amanda screamed as she pushed past Joe and into the hall. She ran down the stairs and out of the house leaving, the door wide open behind her.

Joe didn't follow her. He stood alone in her bedroom overwhelmed by the revelation Amanda had just shared with him. He was bewildered by his loneliness and just stared into the empty hallway, which closely mirrored the emptiness in his personal life.

Francine Desmond returned to the stairwell once Amanda King was out of view. Her mouth was wide open in disbelief of the shouting match she had just overheard. She waited to see if Joe King would chase after her. She glanced up the stairs but didn't see or hear him. She walked to the door and watched as Amanda's slim form disappeared into the dark heading towards the gatehouse where Lee was staying. "I don't believe it!  It can't be true," she gasped as she closed the front door in disbelief…

End Part Six
 
 
 

Estoccian Affair:  Part Seven

Late Wednesday Night

Lee was sitting on the bed in the small cottage, resting his head against the wall. His bed was barely a long single, so lying down on it was less than comfortable for his tall frame, but the cottage wasn't much bigger than his bed. There was enough room for a small table, which he had his suitcase on and a marginally functional bathroom. Spacious it was not. He was about to get up and try to wrestle with his antiquated shower and the cool water it would provide when he heard footsteps approaching his tiny abode. He quickly reached under his pillow for his gun. He aimed it directly at the door - safety off.

"Lee," the voice called out in anguish as she tried unsuccessfully to turn the locked doorknob.

"Amanda? Are you all right?" Lee asked as he immediately jumped off of his bed and lunged for the door's lock. He unlocked and opened it instantaneously. In the dark of the night he saw his wife's slender silhouette standing forlorn on the stoop. He pulled her into the room, glanced out the door once again to identify any threat then closed and locked the door behind him.

"Oh, Lee, I didn't know where to go," she cried as she hugged him tightly.

"What's wrong? Did something happen up at the house? Is there a security breach?" He fired a series of direct questions at her, his gun still held tightly in his left hand.

She reluctantly pulled away from his comfortable embrace and sighed heavily, trying to regain control of her breathing and her emotions. "No, there wasn't a security breach."

He pulled her to him once again and held her tightly. He could feel the tension in her body and her heart pounding. "Amanda, you should be more careful," he whispered to her, tense himself at the thought that he almost shot her thinking she was an intruder.

"I just couldn't stay in that house another moment…" she blurted out, her face red with anguish.

"Why? What happened? We checked out the basement and the attic today. Everything was secure. You don't have anything to worry about," he reassured while he led her to his small bed and they sat down together as he secreted his gun back under the pillow.

"You don't understand," she mumbled as a shiver ran down her spine.

"Relax, you're safe here," he answered in a tender voice as he rubbed her back tenderly. It took a few minutes before he could feel the tension leave her body. "You want to tell me what's going on? When I left things seemed to be well at hand."

After a long silence, she finally began to speak. "I had a terrible argument with Joe," she admitted.

Lee immediately tensed and gritted out, "What did he say?"

"I guess I should have seen it coming," Amanda acknowledged guiltily in a small voice as she shook her head. "I tried so hard this evening to be the perfect 'wife'. I guess I was just a little too convincing."

"Amanda," Lee said, feigning calmness as his blood started to boil, "what happened?"

"After you left Joe appeared rather pensive. I thought he wanted to talk, but when I asked him he said he was tired and wanted to go to bed. So I headed to my room. I couldn't have been there for more than a few minutes. I had barely taken off my heels and stockings," Amanda began to explain as she looked down at her bare feet. "He knocked at my door and asked if we could talk."

"And you said yes," Lee answered as he clenched his teeth tightly.

Amanda shrugged innocently. "Tomorrow's a big day for him. I figured he was nervous or maybe excited, so yes, I invited him in - for a chat."

Lee concentrated on his breathing. He knew Amanda was well aware of his jealous streak when it came to Joe King, but he wanted to know - no, he needed to know what happened. If he appeared too angry or anxious she would hold back. "What did you chat about?"

"At first it started harmlessly enough. I told him that the boys and I were proud of his accomplishments, but I guess he was seeing things through different eyes," she explained somewhat astonished.

"He saw tonight's ball as the way his life should be - with his wife at his side, obediently fulfilling her duties as an extension of his position," Lee spouted off knowingly.

Amanda nodded stoically, but she didn't know what to say.

Lee's tension continued to build. He glanced at the pillow for a moment, but shook his head. The last thing he wanted to do was let his mind wander there - as much as he'd like Joe out of the picture, threatening to shoot him was NOT an option. "He wants you back," Lee forced out more calmly then he thought he could manage.

"I guess in a way he does, but in reality what he wants is 'the perfect wife and family'. Since Carrie didn't or wouldn't come to Estoccia and I'm here, I think in his tired or drunken head he thought I'd stay. He suggested that we bring the boys over here and get them tutors. He's got it all figured out - in his head." She sighed heavily and glanced at the ceiling as if she was looking for divine intervention, but she failed to mention the pass Joe made at her.

Lee rubbed his temple. His head was starting to throb. He'd like nothing better than to go up the residence and knock some sense into Joe King with his fists. However, that wasn't even a remote option. Joe King's actions were not because he was overtired and Lee doubted he was drunk. Lee suspected Joe King of wanting a wife merely so he'd have someone attractive he could come home to and take out when it was convenient to show off. Amanda, of course, would be the perfect wife for Joe King. She was attractive, intelligent and - at the moment - she was in Estoccia, a place he tried unsuccessfully to get her to while they were married. "I'll talk to Joe first thing in the morning and set down some ground rules."

Amanda let her head fall into her hands. "When I realized Joe wanted to get back together, I got up and went to the door. Joe didn't pick up on my rather subtle signal that I wanted him to leave."

Lee cocked his head and his eyes looked at his wife knowing there was more to the story than she had already shared. "What happened?" he asked again as he wrung his hands together, unconsciously seeming as if he was strangling Joe.

"Eventually our argument got rather heated," she admitted timidly, still leaving out some of the details. "Everything happened so fast, and before I knew it I screamed at him that we'd never get back together because I was already married - to you!"

Lee glanced at his wife in surprise, apparently relieved that the cat was out of the bag. "We probably should have told him before we left the States," Lee suggested humbly as he ran his hand through his hair.

"We never really had a chance to tell him we were married. First he announced his engagement, then his big wedding plans. There never was any time to sit down and talk to him. Then we were blind sided by Billy with this assignment," she reminded him.

"How did he take the news?" he asked curiously, his eyebrow raised.

"I don't know, I ran out of there," she shrugged as her neck cracked loudly.

Lee scooted behind her and started to massage her neck and back. "He'll back off. We'll have a discussion tomorrow morning - I promise. He might not like how things turned out, but I promise you he will back off," he answered in a determined voice, but equally glad that they wouldn't have to hide the truth, at least with Joe.

"Oh, that feels good," Amanda mumbled as she began to relax. Her head rolled gently as the tension began to drain from her neck. "I miss your magic fingers."

Lee chuckled as his strong hands worked their usual magic with his wife's tight muscles. "I miss a whole lot about you," he replied as he placed tiny kisses on her neck as he continued to rub her back.

"A long list, I hope," she mumbled as the tension in her back started to dissolve as well.

"A very long list," he concurred as he nuzzled against the nape of her neck.

Amanda twisted around and their lips met in a rather intense kiss. Instantly the thoughts of Joe and the anguish he'd cause evaporated from the room. "How about we go through the list one by one…" she suggested in a sultry voice.

Lee caressed his wife's face delicately. His hands reached around her back and unzipped her dress. Amanda shrugged her shoulders as the black dress fell to her waist. "God, you looked so beautiful tonight," Lee mumbled as his hands explored her body freely.

"I kept thinking of you all evening. I wished I was dancing in your arms. " She confessed as she reached out and began to unbutton Lee's shirt.

Lee wanted nothing more than to spend the night with his gorgeous wife, he continued to caress and kiss her soft skin. Then he hesitated. He glanced around the meager abode and thought about the bed that barely managed to hold him. "Amanda, maybe we shouldn't do this - here, now?" Lee questioned softly, allowing logic to take over his passion for a moment. "For one thing, this bed isn't very comfortable; it's barely big enough for me."

"I remember we pledged for better or for worse…" she reminded him with a heartening grin.

"Let's hope our surroundings never get worse than this," he whispered.

"It doesn't matter to me, Lee. What's important is that we're here, together," Amanda stated.

"You're sure?" he asked once again.

"I need you - now," she nodded and her dark brown eyes beckoned him. They escaped their remaining encumbrances quickly, depositing them unceremoniously on the dusty cement floor. Amanda captured his lips once more. There were no further hesitations or discussions. They began to enjoy each other intimately and were soon lost in the passion they held so dearly for each other…

***

Lee awoke before dawn as the temperature in the cottage grew warm even before the sun cracked the horizon. He relaxed as his taut skin pressed against his wife's delicate body on the narrow, cramped bed they'd shared for the night. He listened to Amanda's rhythmic breathing. This was the most relaxed he'd been since they'd left for Estoccia earlier in the week. He wished they could continue their secret tryst, but he knew it would soon come to an end. Lee would have to sneak Amanda back up to the main residence before Dobi, Francine or Joe awakened. He sighed heavily, which on the thin, creaky mattress caused a rather loud noise causing Amanda to stir.

"Good morning, Mrs. Stetson," he greeted her with a tender kiss.

Amanda glanced around the dimly lit room, confused at first and then slowly realized where she was and why. "Lee, why is it so warm in here?" she questioned, almost gagging at the stagnant air.

"We better get you back up to the house before everyone realizes where you spent the night!" Lee advised her, ignoring her remark on the temperature of the cottage. He was starting to get used to the discomforts of his hut.

"I need a shower." Amanda got up and peered into the tiny, smelly bathroom. The shower stall was minuscule and filthy. "Lee, why didn't you say something about the condition of this place. It's disgusting!"

"It kind of grows on you," he answered jokingly.

"That's what I'm afraid of!" she gasped in disgust at the grime in the bathroom. Her eye carefully examined the rest of the cottage and she couldn't help but observe its dilapidated condition. It was smaller than most utility sheds back in the States and not built quite as soundly. The bathroom sported the only window, which was probably why the room smelled of mildew and, except for the small glass window on the door, there was no other way for air to circulate. "This place doesn't even have an air conditioner!"

"I'm not in here long enough to really need it. Now, we just need to tidy you up a bit and sneak you back to the big house," he answered, his mood still quite jocular considering that he'd gotten the luxury of spending the night with his beautiful wife. "You can shower there."

"You're coming with me!" she countered. "You're not spending another night in this… this… pigsty!"

"Amanda, this place, as filthy as it appears, does serve a purpose. If anyone tries to get through the gate, I'll hear it - first hand. I'm here as your protection, remember?" he reminded her swiftly.

"Yes, but what can you do? There's no telephone in this dump to call the house or anyone else for that matter," she reminded him.

"I've got a gun and I'm pretty good shot," he teased lightheartedly.

"I'm not laughing," she answered flatly, not amused by his attempt at levity. Her face was once again showing the strain she wore last night when she first arrived in his cottage. "What if there was an attempt by someone who was already in the government complex? How would you protect us then?"

"What are the chances…" he started to reply.

"Lee, face it! With what we know already, there's a better chance that if we have a problem it's going to be an inside job. You and I both know that," she declared adamantly. "We'd all be safer if we were living under the same roof."

"An interesting theory," Lee answered and they both stared at each other intently. They were beginning to realize the truth and the depth of that statement. The silence continued for a few moments.

"Let me make myself presentable and we'll head back up to the residence. You can get your luggage later. There's plenty of room for one more person in that house," she stated with a newfound inner strength.

"Amanda, I'm fine here, really," Lee persisted, not thrilled with the idea of being that close to Joe King.

Amanda's eyes shot a stubborn stare at her husband. "Lee, this subject is not up for debate. The sanitary conditions in this place are questionable at best. I don't want you coming back to DC sick as a dog!"

"All right, I've got to talk to Joe, anyway. Maybe I can take Francine's room and she can move upstairs in one of the spare bedrooms," Lee suggested.

"Then it's settled, but I think I'd better be the one to talk to Joe," she countered.

"Amanda, relax. I promise you I'll be a professional, and a perfect gentleman. I won't lay a hand on him, but I will make it perfectly clear that once the inaugural balls are over this weekend, this fantasy life with you is over - forever," he answered steadfastly.

"I know you'll handle it like a gentleman," Amanda acknowledged with a mixture of anxiety and hope.

"Get yourself dressed before the sun comes up. Otherwise we'll never be able to sneak you back to the main house," he answered as he glanced at his watch. "I'll go outside and distract the guards at the gate."

Amanda picked up her dress and hastily put it back on. "Can you zip me up?"

Lee obliged her and allowed his arms to wriggle around her thin waist. "I really enjoyed last night," he whispered lovingly as he pulled her to him for one last hug.

Amanda grinned. "I did, too."

Lee quickly pulled on his pants, grabbed his shirt and shoes then parted the short curtain and glanced out the window in the door. "Give me a few seconds. I'll leave the door ajar. I'll be up to the house in a few minutes."

"I love you," Amanda whispered before Lee opened the door.

"I love you, too," he winked as he walked out of his cottage and towards the guard…

End Part Seven
 
 
 

Estoccian Affair: Part Eight

Thursday Morning August 27th

Lee walked up to the main residence less than an hour after Amanda had sneaked back into the house. Despite his mildewing bathroom he'd managed to shower, shave and change into a clean set of clothes. There were no outward appearances that he'd spent the night making love to his wife. Inwardly, he felt relaxed and eager to set some ground rules with Joe King now that the truth was out in the open.

Lee had wanted to silently slip upstairs and speak with Joe before anyone else was awake, but as luck would have it, when he opened the front door to the foyer, Francine Desmond sat hawk-like in the sitting room. "Morning, Francine," he greeted casually as he breezed towards the staircase.

"Hold on a minute, Scarecrow," Francine called out directly. "I'd like a few words with you."

"It'll have to wait, Francine," he challenged with one of his charming grins. "I need to talk to Joe and Amanda."

"I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I tagged along?" Francine suggested with a sly grin as she started to get up.

"Actually, Francine," he stammered uncomfortably. He didn't want her in the house let alone tagging along. "It's a personal issue."

"Oh, that's right. You probably want to explain why Amanda spent the night in your rather tiny cottage? You being the perfect gentleman, you probably slept in the other bedroom… Oh, wait! I don't believe your cottage is big enough for two bedrooms. I wonder if there's room for anything other than one bed?" Francine questioned with an arched brow and an angry glare.

Lee groaned inwardly, the muscle in his jaw anxiously began to twitch. "Francine, it's really none of your business, so do us both a favor and just let it go, all right?"

"No, it's not all right!" she snapped, obviously offended. "I want some answers and I think I have a need to know what's really going on."

"Nothing's going on that concerns you, Francine. You might want to get ready to head over to the Capitol. When I'm finished upstairs we'll have a lot of ground to cover before the inauguration," he answered nonchalantly, hoping to keep this conversation brief as he started to take another step towards the stairs.

"Not so fast, Scarecrow," Francine rebuked pointing a finger at him rudely. "I try not to pry, but I couldn't help overhearing Amanda and Joe's fight last night. It was, after all, rather loud! Either Amanda's one hell of a bluffer, or you two are better at hiding secrets than I thought possible. I want to hear the truth from your lips and I want to hear it now! Are you and Amanda actually married?"

The color in Lee's face quickly drained and his stomach started doing somersaults. His light, cheerful mood had come to a crashing halt. He ran his hand nervously through his still damp hair. Despite the cottony dryness that had suddenly formed in his mouth he realized he had little choice but to face the facts. Finding his voice he spoke. "Yes, Francine, Amanda and I were married several months ago."

Lee had expected another outburst from Francine, but her jaw dropped in disbelief. Before she could recover her composure, Lee Stetson had quickly hustled himself up the stairs, taking them two at a time wanting to escape this conversation, yet now dreading the one with Joe King.
 

Francine collapsed into the overstuffed chair and sat in stunned silence.

"Amanda?" Lee called out as he reached the hallway in the family residence.

A few seconds later she opened her door. She, too, was freshly showered, and now wearing a summer suit. "Hi," she answered, smiling brightly when she saw him. "I haven't seen Joe yet this morning, but he might not have gotten to sleep until late. Maybe we should wait until tomorrow? Today's a big day for him."

Lee shook his head and answered with a determined look. "We shouldn't have waited this long. I'll go talk to him. Everything will be fine."

Amanda swallowed hard and shrugged. "I guess you're right. Maybe I should come with you."

"No, Amanda," he shook his head. "I need do this alone."

Amanda bit her lip and sighed. "How about a kiss for luck?" she whispered.

"That I wouldn't mind," he answered as he closed the distance between them. They both looked up and down the hall to make sure nobody was watching, then they stole a quick kiss.

"I'll have Dobi move your luggage up here after breakfast," she reminded him when their lips parted and she watched as Lee turned and walked down the hall and out of her sight.

Lee stood in front of the closed door that he knew was Joe King's bedroom, suddenly nervous. There were so many things he'd really like to say to the man, but he knew he couldn't address most of those issues, at least not here and certainly not now. Amanda was right, this was a big day for Joe King and Lee had no intentions of raining on his parade. However he wanted to make sure that Joe clearly understood that Amanda was his wife now and not Joe's. He had to keep their discussion succinct and to the point. Finally he rapped on the door with three sharp knocks.

"Amanda, I'm really…" Joe started to say as he opened his door. His smile disappeared immediately and his tone changed. "Oh, Stetson, it's you."

"Joe," Lee answered as he jammed his hands into his pockets as a precaution. He didn't want to break his promise to his wife. "I think it's time you and I talked and cleared the air. Can I come in?"

"Um, yeah, sure," Joe answered uneasily as he glanced down at his bathrobe before stepping aside.

The two men stood in the room smothered by an uncomfortable silence for what seemed an eternity before Lee finally figured out how to start the conversation. "Joe, we're both here to do a job and I wish you the best of success with your position in the Estoccian government. I intend to do everything in my power to make sure things proceed smoothly today."

"I appreciate that, Lee," Joe answered civilly, hoping to have this conversation end quickly.

"On a personal note, I realize that last night's revelation by Amanda probably took you by surprise. We should have told you we were married before we left Virginia, but there was so much to accomplish and not enough time. For that I apologize."

"She was serious?" Joe questioned, and from the look on his face the truth his wife announced last night was finally starting to sink in.

"Yes, it's true. Amanda and I were married several months ago," Lee answered succinctly.

"But… but you're not living together - Dotty and the boys never said… They don't know either?" Joe stammered in confusion.

"There are several reasons why we've kept our marriage a secret. Don't even think for one second that it's because we don't love each other or that were not totally committed to each other - we are," Lee lectured sternly. "I guarantee our living arrangements will change once we return to Virginia."

Joe fidgeted nervously, tugging tightly on the drawstring to his bathrobe and the knot became smaller and smaller. "It's just when she agreed to accompany me here, I thought that maybe…"

"Joe, she was ordered to accompany you here by her supervisor, Billy Melrose. It wasn't her choice or mine, for that matter. I want to make it perfectly clear that Amanda is no longer your wife in any way, shape or form. This little charade is just that - a sham to aid our ability to protect you and the Prime Minister to ensure nothing happens to either of you before the inauguration," Lee expressed distinctly. "Am I making myself perfectly clear?"

"I would have never made any advances towards her last night if I had known," Joe admitted guiltily. "I'm really sorry. It won't happen again."

Lee gritted his teeth. He had guessed that Joe had made a pass at Amanda last night but she never elucidated. "You owe Amanda an apology, not me. I just wanted to clear the slate here and now. I'm your sons' stepfather and I'd rather not have an adversarial relationship with you. It's not good for Phillip and Jamie."

"You're right, of course," Joe nodded.

Lee extended his hand. "I'll let you get showered and dressed. I've got to make some calls and check to see if there are any changes in today's arrangements."

"Right. Tell Amanda I'll be down for breakfast in a half hour." Joe remarked as the two men shook hands briefly before Lee turned and left his room.

Lee had barely made it down the hallway when Amanda popped out of the family's living room. "How did it go?" Amanda interrogated immediately.

Lee glanced at his wife, not certain that she hadn't been listening in. "It went fine," he answered, then added. "If the rest of the day goes as smoothly we'll be lucky."

"Do you have any suspicions that something might go awry?" Amanda queried with a raised eyebrow.

"Let's just say that I have a strong gut feeling that something's brewing," he answered honestly. "Just keep your eyes and ears open. I'm going to go over to inspect the reviewing stands now, and confirm with the Prime Minister's office as to any changes in the details regarding the parade and fireworks."

"There's a lot of ground to cover. You want some help?" she inquired ardently.

"I'd love some, but it wouldn't look right if you were seen poking around with me. It would blow your cover big time. I'll take Francine with me," he answered, wondering how that would go now that Francine knew about their marriage.

Amanda pouted slightly at the thought of being left behind. "I don't like being on the sidelines."

"Don't worry, you won't be once the inauguration starts. You'll be in the VIP section of the reviewing stands only a few feet from the Prime Minister. You need to let me know ASAP if you see anything from your vantagepoint that Francine and I won't see from the sidelines. So rest assured, you'll be invaluable today and tonight," Lee reminded his wife.

"You be careful out there, Scarecrow," she called to him as he started to leave.

"I'll talk to you later," he replied with a wink and a smile before descending the grand staircase to face Francine once again.
 
 

*** *** ***

Thursday afternoon

After intense deliberation, and by strong urging by Lee Stetson and the Chief of Police, the Prime Minister had finally agreed to hold the ceremony itself inside the People's Hall. He refused to be a coward and not attend the parade afterwards, which was being given in his honor, as well as the fireworks display. He simply insisted on attending and being among his people.

Lee was quite impressed by the inauguration. It was videotaped live and broadcast outside on a large screen. Many Estoccians were not familiar with broadcast technology and they sat in awe of the splendor and pageantry that the ceremony provided. Most of them had never witnessed such a solemn event. When it was over, the Prime Minister exited the building and stood on the top steps and waved to a cheering audience of several thousand Estoccians.

"Wow!" Look at that crowd," Lee commented as they closely followed the dignitaries, Joe and Amanda included, outside. His eyes swept the crowd, looking for any potential threats. He keyed on the positions of the military and local police, satisfied by their numbers, but concerned about how well trained any or all of them were. For the moment, everything appeared to be as it should be. "Keep an eye on Joe and Amanda, Francine. I'm going to position myself next to the Prime Minister until he gets seated."

"Right," she nodded as they walked down the steps of the building across the courtyard to where the VIP section of the reviewing stands had been set up for the parade.

The VIP section was covered with a canvas tarp providing shelter from the late afternoon sun, but it provided little protection from anything else. The Prime Minister, his Cabinet Members, their families as well as the other invited dignitaries quickly settled into their seats to await the beginning of the parade. Lee was grateful for the little shade the tarp did provide, but worried about the close proximity of the parade watchers to the Prime Minister as well as the angle of the late day sun.

Francine wandered over towards Scarecrow once the group was seated. "This is a hell of an assignment," she complained in a huff as she dabbed her brow with a handkerchief. "How can the locals tolerate sitting in the sun?"

"I would imagine they're used to it," Scarecrow shrugged as he pulled on the sweat soaked collar of his shirt. He'd run the same question through his mind already. He glanced at the seating arrangements and gave his wife a quick nod. She and Joe sat in the back, a perfect position for Amanda to make a quick exit if necessary. The Prime Minister sat front row center, despite the warnings to keep a low profile.

"I see capitalism has made its way to Estoccia," Francine nodded towards the few merchants who had the bright idea to sell water, sodas and other trinkets. They marched up and down the crowded parade route hawking their wares. "I'd pay good American dollars for a cold beer right now!"

"Never mind the beer, Francine," Scarecrow lectured her as he continued to scan the crowd. "Keep your eye out for anything or anyone suspicious."

"I'm just about blind with that sun in my eyes," Francine griped as she squinted her eyes, trying to shade them from the large orange ball that was dipping slightly in the sky. "Whose bright idea was it to have a parade after the inauguration? I'd much prefer to attend a ball."

"I won't argue with you there, and you'll get your wish tomorrow night, Francine, but today's the celebration for the Estoccian people," Scarecrow mimicked the rhetoric he kept hearing from the Prime Minister.

"At least in the US they don't have the Inaugural Parade in the heat of the summer!" she complained as she fanned herself with the program trying desperately to keep cool.

"Yeah, but tell that to President William Henry Harrison, who caught pneumonia from the cold at his inauguration and died a month later. Just keep your eyes and ears open out there. Why don't you go and mingle down in the crowd?"

"What, and leave the comforts of the shade? I don't think so, Scarecrow. It's not as if I'd blend in with the locals!" she snapped angrily as she stood wearing an expensive white tailored suit, stockings and heels.

"Just keep your eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary!" Scarecrow grumbled with little patience as he could hear drums playing in the background. "Sounds like the parade's getting ready to begin."

"Oh, goody, I just love a parade!" Francine answered sarcastically while giving him a bored grin as she turned and glanced down the street to see a police car, its lights flashing, driving slowly up towards the reviewing stands with brightly costumed dancers following it. Indeed the parade was beginning to start.

Francine had reluctantly drifted into the throng of people as the parade marched on by. Lee continued to watch the crowd, the parade participants, and the VIP's - still not certain that an attack wouldn't come from the inside. The number of people gathering for the parade seemed to grow as the sun was edging closer to the horizon, but it appeared that the police presence had started to decline.

"Francine," he waved over to her and waited for her to make her way back to his position. "Have you noticed that the number of uniform police has decreased significantly?"

Francine nodded, but then pointed. "Relax, Scarecrow. They're heading over towards the fountain where they're going to shoot off the fireworks. They need to move the crowd back from that area."

"Great, let's hope we don't need them here," he grumbled unhappily.

"Lee, so far everything's proceeding as planned," she assured him.

"It's not over, til it's over," he reminded her as his eyes continued to scan the throngs as the parade continued to pass by. The bands played loudly, each trying to out do the next. The dancers, many wearing colorful tribal costumes, danced while the choruses chanted and clapped as they sung. The crowd was festive, clapping to the familiar music and cheering; children squealed in delight, the merchants seemed happy as their wares were dwindling to only a few leftover trinkets.

As the parade marched on by, Lee could once again see a police vehicle bringing up the rear. He started to walk down out of the VIP stands when out of the corner of his eye he saw what he thought was a flash. He didn't hear a shot, but could the police siren signaling the end of the parade have muffled it? He scanned the VIP area and everyone appeared to be fine. Lee pushed his way through the crowd in the direction of the flash; perhaps he was being paranoid, but then he saw it again. This time he recognized the flash and his heart started to race. He knew what it was. The sun that they'd cursed at the beginning of the parade had given the merchant away. In among the leftover plastic trinkets was the flash of a shiny silver gun that had caught the waning sun's rays.

"He's got a gun! Everybody get down," Lee shouted loudly as he tried to reach the man with the gun, but most of the locals didn't understand him.

The disturbance caught Francine and Amanda's eyes. Francine hurried to protect the Prime Minister and shouted a warning in French for the dignitaries to take cover.

"Oh my gosh!" Amanda shouted as she pulled on Joe's arm in an effort to get him to duck down. She worried whether Lee could reach the merchant before he started shooting and who would the shooter be aiming at?

End Part Eight
 

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