Heartstrings...
 

Part Sixteen

May 1991

After the explosion, Lee Stetson made it his mission to apprehend the Beltway Bomber.  It took some finagling on his part, but Billy agreed to allow Lee to take Agent Dashley’s place as the Agency’s representative on the task force.  The fact that Dash’s negligence contributed to the last explosion, helped Lee make his case.

He arrived at the Pentagon early enough to make the three o’clock meeting.  After going through security, he wound his way through the long halls of the Pentagon to the conference room.  Although he’d briefed himself thoroughly on the Beltway Bomber’s MO, and had read all the corresponding files, he wasn’t aware of who else was on the task force.  When he opened the door to the meeting room, he recognized most of the faces.  Then he stopped, dead in his tracks.  Seated with her back to him, a familiar face turned to welcome him.  It was Amanda King.

“Scarecrow!” Gibbons, from the FBI greeted, standing up, and slapping him on the back.  “Glad to hear you were resurrected from the dead.  Did old Melrose give Dash the boot?”

“Yeah,” Scarecrow mumbled, staring at Amanda as she smiled at him.

“Billy didn’t fire Irwin, did he?” Amanda worried.

“No, but Billy reassigned me to take his place on the task force,” Lee answered, then, trying not to sound stunned by her being there, he commented.  “You didn’t mention you were on the task force.”

“You never asked.”

“Have a seat,” Gibbons suggested, pulling out a chair on the other side of him.  “We’re waiting for Jenkins from the CIA; he’s our moderator.  He likes to make an entrance by keeping us waiting…”

Lee sat down and a few minutes later, Jenkins arrived.  The meeting started, and the seven agents discussed the leads they had exhausted.  With little to go on, they argued about the Bomber’s next target.

“Gibbons,” Jenkins called across the room.  “The FBI needs to come up with a better profile for the Bomber.  Middle aged male, with a high intellect, disgruntled with life, doesn’t narrow down the list of suspects worth a damn!”

“Considering the bombs that he’s made were rather sophisticated, we’re certain he has a background in electronics, maybe engineering or even chemistry,” Gibbons added.

“That’s not much help.  Half the college graduates in the metro area have backgrounds in electronics or engineering,” the NSA agent criticized.

“Our major problem is that we’re still trying to sort out which bombs belong to the Bomber and which ones belong to the copycat.  ATF hasn’t given us all the data from their forensics examinations of the bombs,” Gibbons grumbled in frustration, glaring over at Amanda.

“The ATF faxed the information on the bombs they had,” Amanda corrected immediately. “Both bombs that went off in Maryland were under direct control of the FBI.  The one in DC, back in March, the CIA took jurisdiction, despite the ATF’s request to handle it.  We’re still examining the bombs that exploded last week at the Gemini Club.  Analysis is incomplete, but you’ll find what the ATF has so far, in each of your folders.  We’ve asked for copies of all the findings, but as of this morning, we were still waiting.”

“Oh, um, I’ll look into that,” Jenkins answered.  “Does anybody have anything new?  There’s got to be a discernable pattern?”

“The only pattern is there is none!” Gibbons added.

“There’s always a pattern,” Jenkins snapped.

“To date, the bombs have never been placed in a building that has surveillance cameras,” Amanda commented as the meeting went on.

“That’s not much to go on,” another agent added.

“Obviously, he’s smart enough to case the place,” Gibbons replied.

“Maybe, or perhaps he knows what buildings to avoid.  You know, some inside knowledge; like the emergency responders, police officers, firemen?” Amanda suggested.

“I doubt it,” Jenkins shook his head.  “This guy’s been all over town.  If that were the case, it would be localized.  The bombings have taken place in Maryland, Virginia and DC.”

“There must be some kind of pattern; we’re just missing it,” the NSA agent suggested.  “He’s struck upscale hotels, nightclubs and several office buildings, all places that attract large number of people daily.”

“He obviously blends in,” Jenkins complained.  “Scarecrow, you were at the scene of the last bombing.  Did you see anyone suspicious?”

“No, but I wasn’t responsible for overseeing the setup of the ballroom.  That was Dashley’s job.  My assignment was the Prince.  I got there about ninety minutes before the Prince was to arrive.”

“But you found the three devices,” Jenkins reminded him.

“Yes, but they were already there when I arrived.  Dash has been grilled a dozen times, but he can’t remember who placed them,” Scarecrow reported.

“So, we’re looking for a guy who’s incredibly average,” Gibbons quipped.

“Does anyone have anything useful to contribute?” Jenkins snapped, annoyed at the wisecrack.  The room was silent.  “Fine, we’ll meet again next week unless someone comes up with something constructive in the meantime.”

The meeting adjourned, and the agents began to file out of the conference room.

“Amanda, wait up,” Lee called to her before she left the room.  “I was surprised to see you here.”

“Why’s that?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I didn’t know you went back to work already.”

“The ATF doctor examined me yesterday.  I’ve been cleared for office work only,” she explained, but then asked him.  “What you’re trying not to say, is that you’re surprised I’m on the task force, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I guess.  They had to raise my security clearance.  I didn’t realize your security clearance was that high,” he answered uneasily, running his hand nervously through his hair.  “How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thanks partly to you.  We only ran out of leftovers last night,” she advised.

“I could always take you out for dinner…”

Amanda smiled.  “Actually, I think I owe you dinner.  The boys are both working tonight.”

“Seriously?” he asked, placing his hand on the small of her back and guiding her out of the conference room.

“Have you been to ‘Emelio’s’ since you’ve been back?” she asked as they walked down a long corridor, absorbed in their conversation.

“No, I haven’t, but I can walk to it from my current apartment.”

“Want to try it?  I haven’t been there in years.”

“Yeah, it would be like old times,” Lee agreed.

“I’ll meet you…” Before she could finish they were interrupted.

“Amanda?  Amanda King,” a deep baritone voice called out to her.

She stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes scoping the hallway in search of the familiar voice.  Moments later, their eyes locked, a Marine Major was standing about ten feet from her.  He walked up to her and gave her a warm hug.

“How are you feeling?” Scott asked.

“I’m feeling much better.  Thanks so much for the flowers.  They were beautiful,” she answered, smiling awkwardly at her one time fiancé, as her husband stood only inches from her.  She stood there for a few moments in an uncomfortable silence.  Finally, she introduced the two men.  “Major Scott Mackey, this is Lee Stetson; Lee Stetson, this is Major Scott Mackey.”

Lee stared at the man for a moment, his heart pounding.  Then, swallowing hard, held out his hand.   The Major offered his and they shook, with a firm grip, eyeing one another suspiciously, each adding a polite, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Scott turned his attention back to Amanda.  “I’m relieved you’re all right.  I uh, have a meeting to get to,” Scott said, looking somewhat uneasy.  “Be careful out there, Amanda...”

“I will, Scott, thanks,” she answered and watched as the Major walked down the corridor.

“So, about dinner,” Lee began to say, trying to regain her attention.

“Uh, yeah,” she mumbled, keeping her eye on Scott until he disappeared into an office.

“How’s, seven?” he asked nervously, noticing she was still distracted.

She nodded, but her face was ashen.  “Yeah, seven is fine.  I’ll meet you there.”

Lee picked up the pace, eager to get his wife away from that man and out of the Pentagon.
“Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.”
 

***

Dinner at Emelio’s was quiet and relaxing.  The ambiance was still the same, although the faces of the staff had changed.  They sat at a booth in the back; each ordering a salad and sharing an entrée just like they had years before.  However, Lee felt like something was wrong…

“Are you feeling all right or are you tired?” Lee asked with concern.

“I’m fine,” she answered unconvincingly.

“You seem somewhat…reserved tonight,” he commented, putting his fork down, reaching his hand out, and placing it on top of hers.  “Is something bothering you?”

Amanda glanced across the table at her husband.  Before answering, she took a deep breath.  “This is really… awkward, but, you have a right to know.  The Major you met at the Pentagon this afternoon…”

“Was your fiancé,” he finished her sentence without looking her in the eye, attempting to keep composed.

“You knew?” she gasped, pulling her hand from his and staring at him with disbelief.  “You didn’t…”

“Deck him?” Lee finished the sentence for her again and cocked his head.  “That would have been a little much, given we were at the Pentagon.”

“Yeah, probably not the best place to take on a Marine…  I’m amazed at how well you’re um… handling it.”

“Me too,” Lee admitted, tossing down the rest of his drink, glad that Amanda hadn’t noticed the tight grasp he had on his glass or how strong a grip that handshake between him and the Major, had been.  He suspected the Major knew who he was as well.

“How did you know?”

“Your mother mentioned him that night in the hospital,” he explained, leaving out that he recognized the man from the time he followed her to his house.  “She pointed out he was a Marine and his name.  It’s not something I’d forget.”

“I wasn’t sure if I should tell you or not.  I thought you might be… jealous.”

“A little.  It’s not every day a man gets to meet his wife’s fiancé,” he joked, although his heart was pounding.  He wanted details about the man, and the relationship they’d shared; more than Dotty had spoken of, but he wouldn’t ask.  “Amanda, I have to believe you’re here by your own choice, not by obligation.  You broke off your engagement to him willingly or am I wrong?”

“No, you’re right on all accounts.  I won’t lie to you, Lee.  I care about him; but I still love you.”

“Why don’t we leave it at that?” he suggested, relieved by her admission and not wanting to continue this discussion, now and ruin the evening.  “How about some coffee or dessert?”

“No thanks.  I think I’d rather be somewhere I can kick off my shoes and relax.  How about we walk up to your apartment?  You said it was close or don’t you have any coffee there?”

“Coffee, I have.  Probably not much else that’s edible,” he laughed, relieved at the suggestion.

“Some things never change,” she teased.

Lee paid the bill and they went outside to find an enjoyable, spring evening.  They took a casual stroll up the block before Lee stopped and announced.  “Here we are!”

“Wow, that was a short walk.”

“Yeah, and my apartment is small.  I’ve opted to lease it for another month to give me some time to look around,” he explained while they waited for the elevator in the lobby.

When it opened to the fifth floor, they walked down the hallway; Lee unlocked the door and gave her the brief tour.

“It’s functional.”

“I can’t complain,” he replied, stopping in his kitchen.  “Would you prefer coffee or a glass of wine?”

“Coffee, please.  I’m still on antibiotics.”

“Almost forgot.  Coffee it is.  Have a seat and get comfortable.”

Lee made the coffee, watching as Amanda kicked off her shoes and sat down.  For a few seconds he felt like he’d gone back to that time when he and Amanda had been planning to announce their engagement.

“I miss my fireplace,” Lee admitted dolefully, when he came into the room with two cups of coffee, “but it’s too warm out tonight for it, anyway.”

“Yeah, it is.  I miss snuggling up with you; relaxing while the fire crackled...”

Lee placed the coffees on the nearby table.  Then he sat down on his couch, next to his wife and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.  “I miss you.”

“I’m right here.”

“That’s not entirely what I meant.  When I first found out you left the Agency, I was relieved.”

“Because you thought I worked a desk job at ATF.”

“Partly, but also because I thought running into you would be… difficult.”

“You looked more than a bit startled today when you saw me in the conference room at the Pentagon.”

“I was.  It never dawned on me that you’d be on the task force.  Stupid of me, I know, considering your Agency background.  I guess I was being narrow-minded.”

“It’s all right.  I was surprised when they asked me, too.  I suspect I’m their token woman, but I really feel that I can contribute something.”

“Your theory has merit, but maybe needs to be expanded.  As Jenkins pointed out, the Bomber has hit all over the metro area.  Maybe it’s not a local cop or firefighter, but someone with a wider jurisdiction?”

“Hadn’t thought it through yet, but since I’m sitting at a desk for the next week, I’m going to do some research,” she announced.

“You really like the ATF, huh?”

“Yeah, I do.  Over there, I’m Amanda King, Special Agent, not just, Scarecrow’s protégée.  Most agents at the ATF have never heard of you.”

Lee’s face grimaced.

“I’m sorry.  I could have put that more tactfully.”

“That’s all right.  It’s the truth.  I’m glad you’ve done so well on your own.  I’m not at all surprised.  You have great instincts.  I know it; Billy knew it and I guess the ATF knows it now, too.”

“Thanks,” she answered; a warm smile crept across her face.

“Is that’s why you left the Agency?” he asked.

“Partly,” she replied, shrinking away from him.

Lee noticed the subtle shift in her body language, even if Amanda hadn’t realized she’d done it.  “There’s more to it, though, isn’t there?”

Instead of giving him an answer, she changed the subject.  “Why are we always talking about me?  Why don’t we talk about you for a change?”

“Because the last three years of my life are neatly written in a debriefing report, that I’m guessing, with your security clearance, you already got a hold of, or in the very least, Billy briefed you on.  Am I right?”

“Guilty,” she whispered, shifting back and resting her head on his shoulder.

“Hey, I would have done the same thing if it was you.  Amanda, I want to know what’s happened to you the last three years to close the distance between us,” he probed gently.

“You really want to know?” she asked, lifting her head from his shoulder.

He turned towards her and nodded.

Sighing heavily, she began.  “OK.  After you were gone, Billy reassigned the Q Bureau and put me in the bullpen.  I think partly to keep an eye on me; he knew I felt out of place and out of sorts without you.  Then one day, he called me into his office and Denny Dinkens was there.  You know him?”

“Barely.  We met a few times, years ago…”

“His department had an opening and I needed a change – a challenge.  I took the position and trained to handle Sasha.  Then a few months later, I was certified.”

“Why the move to ATF?” Lee pressed.

Swallowing hard, she opened her mouth, but no words came out.  Hesitantly, she explained in part.  “Denny and I had a disagreement of sorts.”

Furrowing his brow, Lee studied his wife carefully before he expressed his theory.  “He made a pass at you?”

Amanda pulled her arms into her protectively and stared off into the kitchen.  Her face flushed and she sat in silence for a few moments before answering.  Finally, she nodded and began to explain.  “Yeah and I turned him down.  Over the next few months, he made me pay for that choice by making my schedule a living hell.  I worked nights, weekends, and holidays until I couldn’t take it anymore.”

“So you left.”

Before she continued on, her smile returned to her face.  In a contented voice, she answered.  “I had met Ron Holt, from the ATF at the certification trials months earlier and he’d given me his card.   I gave him a call and two weeks later, I was working for them.  I don’t regret the move.  The ATF has a large staff, which gives me flexibility with the boys, not to mention a state of the art facility.  Although, I regret the way I was forced out of the Agency; in the long run, it was the right decision to make.”

“I ought to give Denny a piece of my mind,” Lee grumbled, now more concerned about Denny’s interference in Amanda’s life, than in probing into her relationship with Scott.

“Trust me; he’s not worth the effort.  It happened a long time ago, Lee, and I’d really rather forget about it.  Besides, we’ve talked enough about work for one night, don’t you think?” she asked with a sexy smile.

“It has been a long day.  I’ll walk you back to your car.”

“I didn’t mean I wanted to leave,” she protested.  She leaned over and captured her husband’s lips.  Her hands caressed his face, and then ran her fingers through his hair.  “I’ve missed you, Lee.”

Lee kissed her back, his tongue gently pressing against her lips until she opened them and allowed him access.  Their tongues danced together, exploring each other.

Amanda nuzzled into her husband’s neck, kissing it until she reached his tie. Her fingers tugged at the knot and started to remove it, a broad grin crossing her face.

He helped her remove his tie. “Ahh, that does feel better.”

She began to work the buttons on his dress shirt.

Reaching for her hands, he stopped her and pulled away.  “Amanda, what’s the rush?”

“I want to make love to you,” she stated in a voice filled with desire.

“We will, soon, but, I think... we need time to… get to know each other again…” he forced out between her kisses.

“Lee, you’re still you.  I love you.  Waiting a few days, a week, or a month isn’t going to change how I feel about you.  We’ve lost too much time already.  I don’t want to wait another minute…”

He stared at her knowing he wanted her, physically.  The desire he felt was reflected back at him in her eyes and her actions, but he wasn’t sure he was ready.  “Amanda, I want to, but so much has happened...”

Her finger silenced his lips and she whispered.  “No ‘buts’, Lee.  Let’s make love.”

Lee’s dimpled grin told her there would be no further argument.  His hands began to explore her body; his kisses became more insistent.  The desire pent up for so long, now raging to come out.  They fumbled hastily at the buttons on each other’s shirts.

The doorbell buzzed once, a short ring.  Then it rang again, longer - more insistent.  The two lovers stopped for a moment and were about to return to each other, when someone now rapped on his door.

They broke apart grudgingly, each of them trying to calm their passion.  “I’ll get rid of whoever it is.  Stay right there.”

“I won’t move a muscle,” she promised.

Lee went over to his door and glanced through the peephole momentarily, before opening it and barking, less than friendly.  “Francine, what the hell are you doing here?”

Barging her way inside without an invitation, she explained.  “Since you never accepted my dinner invitation, I bought this bottle of champagne to welcome you home instead.  I’ve had it with me for weeks, but I never saw your car when I’ve driven…” she noticed Amanda on the couch and never even hesitated.  “Hello, Amanda, I didn’t know you were here.”

“Hello, Francine,” Amanda greeted flatly, turning away from her while she buttoned her blouse.

“Well, there will certainly be enough for the three of us.  You have glasses, don’t you?” Francine chattered on.

Lee rolled his eyes.  “Yeah, sure, a quick drink…”

“None for me, thanks,” Amanda said, standing up and primping at her blouse.  “The boys will be home soon; I better get going.  Thanks for dinner, Lee.”

“Amanda, wait!  I’ll walk you to your car,” Lee suggested as he hurried to the door.

“No, I’ll be fine,” she assured him as she kissed him on the cheek.  “If you come up with any other ideas about the Bomber, give me a call.”

Lee took her hand in his and squeezed it tightly.  “I will, soon!”

She mouthed, ‘I love you.’

“I love you, too,” he whispered, standing in the hall before she disappeared into the elevator.  Walking back to his apartment, he sighed heavily and mumbled, ‘Some things never change…’

End Part Sixteen
 
 
 
 
 

Heartstrings...
 

Part Seventeen
 

May 1991
 

A couple days later, Lee Stetson arrived at the ATF building and was directed to Amanda’s office.  He stood at the doorway for a few moments watching her work intently.  Finally, he knocked lightly on the doorframe and she glanced up from her computer.

“Amanda, can I speak to you for a moment?” he asked politely.

“Lee!  Sure, come on in,” Amanda welcomed him in with a bright smile.  “I tried calling you last night, but you weren’t home.”

Lee walked in, closed the door behind him, and sat down in the chair nearest her desk, holding a file tightly in his hands.  “Yeah, I got your message, but I was out until almost midnight.”

With a raised eyebrow, she asked.  “You’ve got a lead?”

“One thing at a time,” he lectured, keeping a tight grip on the file.  “When we talked the other night, you told me that Denny hit on you.”

“Yeah…” she began to reply, then glanced over at her husband and queried anxiously. “Lee, what did you do?”

“I did some investigating.  I got a hold of Denny’s personnel file and read the charges you made against him.  Amanda, the man didn’t just hit on you; he was sexually harassing you!”

She shrugged and nodded.  “All right, so I glossed it over a bit, but I was afraid you’d go off half-cocked and do something stupid.”

“Why didn’t you say something before you turned in your resignation?  Internal Affairs would have looked into the charges you made against him.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she answered.  “It was his word against mine.  Who do you think they were going to believe?”

“You!” he answered immediately.

She smiled at his reply.  “As Denny so eagerly pointed out, I slept with you, before I worked for him.  Denny was a ‘happily married man’.  I, on the other hand, was a confused divorcee, who had tragically lost her partner and lover. So, let me ask you again, who do you think they’d believe?”

“I still think they would have believed you.  Besides, we were married…”

“Yes, but nobody knew that,” Amanda argued in frustration.  “Could you imagine the problems that would have resulted if I disclosed that little detail to Internal Affairs, or worse yet, they had discovered it?  Face it, Lee; I didn’t have much of a choice, but leave.”

“Damn it!” Lee cursed, running his hand through his hair.  “I really screwed things up for you, didn’t I?”

“Did you ever think that maybe the reason I didn’t force the issue with Denny was because I wanted to leave the Agency?” she insisted.  “Believe it or not, I like working for the ATF.  The only reason I made the complaint was if he did it again, there would be a record of it.”

“Good thing you did,” Lee replied, his frown turning to a smile.  He opened up the file he’d brought with him.  “Last September, a new hire, Leisa Gunderson, made similar accusations against Denny.  Internal Affairs started an investigation and apparently wired her.  Denny was put on administrative leave around the end of October.  He was fired the beginning of December and since then, it appears his wife found out and left him.”

“You’re kidding me?” she gasped excitedly, glancing at the file Lee had brought with him.  “They got that bastard!”

“The thing is, though, I don’t think that’s the end of the story,” Lee commented.

“What do you mean?  I never got a call from Internal Affairs.  Is she pressing charges against him or the Agency?”

“When did the Beltway Bomber first show up in town?” he asked.

“The original bomb was in the beginning of November.”

“Which would be about a week after Denny was put on leave, right?”

Her eyes flew open wide. “Oh my gosh!  You think Denny’s the Beltway Bomber???”

“It was your theory; it just needed a little fine-tuning.  Face it, Amanda; he fits the profile.  Denny is, after all, an intelligent middle-aged male, who is disgruntled with his life.  He’s worked around bombs for the last ten years.   I’m sure he’s figured out how to put them together by now.”

“That’s where you were last night?” she assumed.

He nodded.  “Yeah, Denny’s working in a bookstore in Georgetown.  I watched him until eleven last night.  Dash has the overnight shifts.”

“But wouldn’t Irwin have recognized Denny if he was the bomber?  Does he remember seeing him at the Gemini Club?”

“Dash started working for the DC office late last summer.  We showed him pictures of Denny and he admits that he looks familiar.  Unfortunately, he can’t be sure it was from the Gemini Club that he recognized him.  We ran the cases Dash and Denny both worked; they’ve only shared one case before Denny was put on leave.  It’s possible he could have seen him then.”

“True, and knowing the Agency was handling the function at the Gemini Club, Denny probably would have worn a disguise,” Amanda added.  “We should call the task force and set up a meeting,” she suggested.

“Not quite yet,” Lee answered.  “For the moment, we don’t have anything other than circumstantial evidence and my gut feeling on this.  Unless you want to explain to the task force that he sexually harassed you two years ago.  Otherwise, they’re going to think we’re on a fishing expedition.”

“Does Billy know?” she asked.

“He knows I suspect Denny as the Bomber...”

“I did go to Billy before I resigned.  I told him I was having problems with Denny, but I didn’t spell it out for him.”

“You should have told him.  He would have believed you.”

“You’re probably right, but I still think I made the right decision by leaving.  I really like my job.  I like having my partner come home with me and I don’t miss getting shot at, or sitting in a car all night doing surveillance.”

“Yes, last night was rather boring.”

“Who’s watching Denny now?”

“One of the freshman agents,” Lee explained.  “Billy authorized 24 hour surveillance.  Considering Dash screwed up and allowed the three bombs to be placed at the Gemini Club right under his nose, Billy would like nothing more than to catch the guy.”

“It would get some of the heat off the Agency’s back,” Amanda commented.  “How can I help?”

“By staying out of it,” he answered firmly.

“Lee, I’ve got a stake in this, too.”

He looked away.  “All right, I’ll keep you in the loop, but I want you to stay away from Denny and away from his house.”

“Are you watching his house again this evening?”

“Yeah, I’ll be watching him tonight once he’s home from work, until eleven.”

“Want some company?” she volunteered.

“I want you to stay out of this.  Besides, I thought you didn’t like sitting in a car all night doing surveillance?” he quickly reminded her.

“And I thought you were bored?” she replied, raising an eyebrow.  “Come on, Lee, we’ve been struggling to find time together since I’ve gotten out of the hospital.  It beats both of us being alone.  I’ll even promise to stay in the car.”

Lee chuckled.  “Now, that would be the day!”

“If you don’t want to spend time with me…” she mumbled, glancing away.

“I’m not going to win this one, am I?”

She smiled.  “Pick me up on your way.”

Lee leaned over and gave his wife a quick kiss.  Then he got up and prepared to leave, but made one more comment before he departed.  “All right, but if anything goes down, and I mean anything, you’ll stay in the car!”

***

Lee and Amanda sat in the car just down the street from Denny Dinkens’ house.

“That was tasty.  Thanks,” Lee said after popping the last bite of the sandwich Amanda had made for them into his mouth.

“You’re more than welcome,” she smiled back.  “I still owe you dinner.”

“We’ll have a nice dinner…soon.”

“The boys are both working Saturday, and then they’re going to Joe’s for the rest of the weekend.  Why don’t you come over?  We can have a romantic dinner, just the two of us…”

“We’ll see,” he replied distantly.

She reached out for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.  “In fact, why don’t you come over in the afternoon?”

“I said we’ll see,” he repeated somewhat agitated as he stared down the street at Denny’s house.

“Lee, is there something wrong?”

“Wrong?  No, why?” he shrugged.

“You seem… I don’t know, somewhat detached.”

“I’m working, Amanda.   My assignment is to keep an eye on Denny.”

“Denny’s inside watching television and probably having a hot dinner.  I didn’t realize planning a romantic dinner would interfere with that,” she remarked, put off by his attitude.

“I know I said we’d move forward faster and we haven’t.  I need to put this case in the bag.  I have to catch Denny before he hurts anyone else.”

“Are you sure that’s it?”

“What else would it be?”

“You know, the other night at your apartment, when we were alone and I wanted to make love, you were less than enthusiastic.”

“That’s not true,” he quickly rebutted.

“Let me rephrase that.  Physically, you wanted to, but I’m not sure you were as committed to the idea as I was - emotionally.  Now, I tell you that I’ll have the house to myself on Saturday and you don’t even want to come over.”

“I’ve got a lot on my mind,” he admitted, but he knew that was a lame excuse.

“I’m sure you do, but I’m starting to wonder if you’re still angry with me.”

“About what?”

“I’m guessing, Scott,” she answered in a concerned voice.

“I’m not jealous of him, if that’s what you mean,” he snapped, pulling away from her and leaning against the window in his car.  He’d tried to hide his true feelings, but the truth was he wanted to know the details of her relationship with Scott.  He was anxious, wondering how far their relationship had gone.

”Maybe you haven’t forgiven me for becoming engaged to him?”

The silence in the car gave him away.

“In my defense, Lee, I thought you were dead.  I spent three years alone.”

He glanced over at her.  The tone of her voice was that of anguish.  Her warm brown eyes couldn’t hide that she’d been lonely.

“I know,” he answered reflectively; his own voice, sad and distant.  He hated the fact that it bothered him.  Clearly, she’d made her choice; she was with him now, not Scott.

“Lee, my relationship with Scott is over.  I’m not in love with him.  I don’t think I ever was.  I love you.”

Dotty had told him that at the hospital.  Hearing it from his wife’s own voice meant so much more.  The fact that she didn’t love Scott was a revelation to him.  His heart began to beat faster.  He couldn’t help but grin.

“I’m thankful to hear that.”  Finally, he was beginning to realize it was behind them.  He couldn’t change his past any more than she could revise hers.  Hadn’t Amanda accepted all his past dalliances with dozens of women?  “It’s taking me some time to come to terms with everything.  I’m sorry…” he admitted honestly.

“I understand.  Lee, there’s something you should know.  Scott and I…”

“Amanda, don’t,” he interrupted her.  The details were no longer important.  “You don’t owe me an explanation.  It doesn’t matter.  I love you and I know you love me….”

“I do love you.  I never stopped loving you,” she confessed, the words flowed freely across her lips with such sincerity.

He stared at her face, comforted by her admission.  “I know that your life wasn’t a picnic the last three years.  I’m sorry for that.”

“Neither was yours…”

He reached over and touched her hand.  “It’s time we leave the past behind us.  We only have one last thing between us, and that’s Denny.  I swear to you, we’re going to get him.  Once Denny is out of our lives, I promise we’ll move forward with our relationship.  Until then…”

“You’re right; the Bomber needs to be stopped, but what if we’re wrong and Denny’s not the Bomber.”

“We’re not wrong,” he affirmed staunchly.  “There are too many coincidences for it not to be Denny.  I know I’ve been out of the field for a while, but my instincts tell me I’m right.”

Darkness fell around them and they sat and waited in the car silently.  The garage light in Denny’s house went on for about an hour.  When it went off, the front porch light came on and a few moments later, Denny Dinkens hurried out of his house.  He got into his car and backed out of his driveway.

“Get down,” Lee warned.  They both ducked down as Denny drove past them.  Sitting back up again, Lee repeated.  “Amanda, we’re not wrong.”

“Can I get up now?” Amanda asked.

“Yeah,” Lee answered, turning his car around and following Denny.  Picking up his cell phone, he called Billy.  “Billy, we’re following Denny now…  Amanda’s with me… No, I didn’t tell the task force yet… yes, I did mention it to Amanda… He’s heading towards DC from Alexandria… Yes, I know, Billy, I’ll see to it…”

“I gather Billy isn’t too thrilled with me riding along,” Amanda commented when he hung up the phone.

“No, he’s not upset about that.  Actually, I think he’s rather pleased.  He reminded me if something happens that, you’re not Agency anymore.  He wants to make sure you stay in the car!”

“Very funny,” Amanda grumbled then pointed at Denny’s car.  “He’s turned off Jeff Davis Highway; he’s heading into Crystal City…”

“I see him,” Lee answered, pursuing his subject at a distance.

“We’re going to lose him…” Amanda warned.

“I have him.  He pulled into the Sheraton Hotel parking lot…”

“The Sheraton?  Lee, I read in the paper yesterday that they’re having a big reunion there on Saturday night for the Air Traffic Controllers.”

“Air Traffic Controllers have reunions?” Lee questioned, pulling into the parking lot and spotting their quarry.  “Get down!”

Amanda ducked down and whispered.  “The ones that were fired ten years ago by President Reagan do!”

Lee peered out of his car window and observed Denny walking into the building.  He opened the car door and Amanda sat back up.  She was about to unbuckle her seat belt when Lee shook his head. “Stay in the car, Amanda.  Don’t you dare follow us.”

Lee followed Denny into the hotel and monitored him from a distance in the busy hotel lobby.  Denny blended in well with the other businessmen and travelers.  Lee, staying in the shadows, noted that he didn’t check in or go to a room.  Instead, he appeared to be casing the place; checking the bar, the banquet rooms, and the exits.  About twenty minutes later, Denny walked back to the parking lot and returned to his vehicle, never realizing Lee was following him.

“Well?” Amanda asked impatiently, when Lee got back into the car.

“He was wandering around the hotel casually, like a guy who’s incredibly average.  I did catch him sneaking into the ballrooms,” Lee explained, starting up his car and again tailing Denny.

“I swiped his car door handle with a tissue.  I’ll take it to the office and have them check it for explosive residue.  If he was working with any chemicals tonight, we’ll find out.”

Lee rolled his eyes.  “So much for staying in the car, huh?”

“I didn’t follow you,” Amanda reminded him, giving him a timid smile.  “Anyway, if we get lucky, we might have enough evidence for a warrant.”

“Let’s hope so,” Lee answered as he followed Denny.  He returned to his residence without stopping anywhere else.  They watched him lock up his car, go back into the house, and turn the porch light off.

The rest of the night passed without incident.  The lights in the house were shut off a little before eleven.  When Dash arrived a few minutes later to relieve Lee, all was quiet.  Lee gladly left and dropped Amanda back at her house.

“Do you want to come in for a while?  I’ve got food and coffee,” Amanda asked, tilting her head towards the house.

“It’s late.  How about a rain check?” he smiled and reached for her hand.  The disappointed look on her face spoke volumes to him.  He kissed her tenderly on her lips.  “Amanda, once Denny’s in custody, we concentrate on us; I promise.”

***

Lee Stetson was working at his desk the following afternoon when the phone rang.  “Scarecrow,” he answered.

“Lee, it’s me.  I just got the preliminary report from the lab on the tissue residue,” Amanda explained.

“Do I get my search warrant?”

“It’ll be a long shot.  There were traces of gasoline and fertilizer.  The combination suggest he’s been messing around with bomb making ingredients, but that doesn’t match the ‘Beltway Bomber’s’ previous bombs.”

“And all of those have legitimate residential uses,” Lee remarked, pounding his hand on his desk in frustration.  “Damn it!”

“I’m sorry, Lee.  I really thought we could nail him.”

“It’s not your fault.  We gave it a shot and we lost.  There could be a lot of reasons why he’s changing material.  Given the publicity, most of the places that sell the ingredients are watching out for odd purchases.  He might have run out of what he had, or he wants something with more power…”

“Let’s hope he doesn’t want bigger, but I’m afraid you’re probably right.  You’re not giving up on Denny, are you?” Amanda asked.

“No, I’m not.  I’m even more convinced that he’s the Bomber.  Billy’s approved the installation of surveillance cameras at the Sheraton.  There’s a crew over there now.  I noticed when I was in there last night there weren’t any.  It fits the Bomber’s MO.”

“I’ve done some research on the live bombs that have been set around town.  Each one of them has been at a function that’s been announced in the newspaper a few days before the event,” Amanda explained.  “Maybe he scopes them out after he reads them in the paper.  If he doesn’t see cameras and can get around without security spotting him, he plants the bomb.”

“Sounds logical enough,” he surmised.  “That would lend credence to our theory that the next bomb will be at the Sheraton on Saturday night.”

“My thoughts, exactly,” Amanda answered.  Then in almost a whisper, she added.  “Lee, we need to brief the task force.  On the odd chance we’re wrong and Denny’s not the Bomber, we need to consider other locations and events.”

“Amanda, can’t you hold off on that briefing for now?” Lee urged.

“No, I can’t.”

“Maybe we could keep our suspicions regarding Denny to ourselves for now?  Just brief the task force that the locations of the live bombs have been at functions which have been posted in the newspapers beforehand.”

“Lee, you’re asking a lot…”

“Amanda, the evidence we have against Denny is flimsy - all circumstantial.  The task force probably won’t buy that he’s the Bomber anyway.  You’ll have to reveal what transpired between you and Denny.  Are you sure you want to do that?”

“No, but I wonder if you’re trying to protect me or safeguard the Agency’s chance at nabbing the Bomber?”

“Both,” he answered honestly.  “If we’re wrong about Denny, briefing the task force on what you dug up covers both our asses.”

“You have a point, and the other agencies can attempt to cover some of the other events in the newspaper, although given the number of functions going on around this town any given day, that’s going to be a challenge.”

“My gut tells me we’re not wrong.”

“Unfortunately, your gut can’t get us a search warrant.”

“Did you want to come with me, tonight?” Lee asked, wanting to spend more time with his wife.

“I can’t.  Phillip has an awards banquet tonight at the school, for graduating seniors.”

Lee paused for a moment.  “Um, Amanda, the awards banquet, that wasn’t in the newspaper, was it?”

“No, and so far, the Bomber has never hit a government building.  All his targets have been in buildings that are privately owned, hotels, nightclubs, office buildings.”

“What about the one at the Naval Hospital, in Bethesda?”

“That wasn’t a bomb.  It turned out to be a gag gift for a patient.  Nothing, but a box of rocks.”

“Keep an eye out just the same,” Lee warned.  “If you see anything suspicious…”

“I’ll call the bomb squad.  Don’t worry, Lee, the thought had crossed my mind, too.”

“I’ll give you a call over the weekend,” Lee promised.

“Be careful tonight.  I love you,” she replied.

“I love you, too,” he replied before hanging up the phone.
 

End Part Seventeen
 
 
 
 
 

Heartstrings...
 
 

Part Eighteen
 

May 1991

The doorbell rang on Saturday afternoon at the King household.  Amanda stopped cleaning the carpet, sponge in hand to answer it.  “Lee! I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Are you bleeding?” Lee asked his wife after staring at her red stained clothing.

“No, its tomato sauce,” she grit out angrily, glancing down at her splattered shirt.  “Come on in; just be careful where you step.  I’m still cleaning up the mess.  Did Gibbons call you?” she asked as she tiptoed across the carpeting in her bare feet.

“Yeah, he claims the FBI caught the Bomber last night.  They might have the copycat, but my money’s still on Denny,” Lee answered and then surveyed the messy house.  “What the hell happened here?”

“It’s a long story.  I’m with you about Denny.  I argued with Gibbons until I was blue in the face, but he didn’t want to hear it.  Anyway, I was so frustrated, I took the dogs down to the park for a run.  When I got back, I found the kitchen a disaster.”  Amanda shook her head at her kitchen, tomato sauce on the floor, counter, cabinets and carpeting.  “Apparently, there’s a contest to create the new burger at the ‘Burger Barn’.  Phillip and Jamie were experimenting with a bacon, pizza burger.  Somehow, they caused a grease fire; in their rush to put that out, they knocked the tomato sauce onto the floor, and it went everywhere.  That’s when I came in with the dogs…”

Lee’s face cringed.  “Let me guess, the dogs ran through the mess into… where are the dogs and where are the boys?”

“I locked the dogs up in the laundry room; the boys left for work early.  Good thing, too, or I might have strangled them.  I can’t let the dogs out until I clean the floor and the carpeting.  Then, I’ll have to give them each a bath.”

“I’ll bathe the dogs for you,” he volunteered.

“I appreciate the offer,” Amanda said, looking at her husband’s new pair of pants and nicely tailored shirt, “but you’ll ruin your clothes; you’ll be covered in tomato sauce and dog hair.”

“Phillip must have an old t-shirt I could throw on.”

“You really don’t have to…”

“It’s going to take you at least an hour to clean the carpeting.  It’s nice outside; I’ll take the dogs out back and hose them down.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Tell you what, if you really want to help, there’s a box in my bedroom closet with some of your belongings in it.  It’s in a box marked, ‘Lee’s’.  I got it down a few weeks ago when you came back.  It was too big to fit in the trunk of the ‘Vette.  You’ll find some clothes and other things I saved.  I’ve been meaning to mention it to you, but we never seem to have a moment alone...”

“Seriously?” he grinned excitedly.

She nodded.  “One of these days we need to go into the attic.  There’s some of your stuff up there, too.  There were a lot of your things I just couldn’t part with…”

“Maybe after we clean up this disaster, huh?” he replied with anticipation.

Amanda nodded and watched Lee disappear up the stairs.

For the next hour, Amanda cleaned the carpeting, the kitchen, and the laundry room, while Lee washed the two dogs and dried them out back.

“Is it safe to bring them in yet?” Lee called from the doorway.

“Yeah, it’s all clear,” she answered, tossing the ragged sponge into the garbage bag.  The dogs came rushing in and started to sniff all around.

“You’re filthy,” Lee laughed when he came in the door.

Glancing down at herself, soaked and covered in sauce, she nodded.  Then eyeing Lee, who was covered in dog hair and tomato sauce, she nodded back to him.  “Look who’s talking.  Why don’t you head upstairs to the shower?  I’ll bring some towels up for you.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” he replied.  “Then maybe we can grab something to eat?  I’m kind of hungry.”

“I offered to make you dinner tonight, but you wouldn’t give me an answer,” she reminded him.

“You’ve spent enough time in the kitchen for one day.  I’ll take you out once we’ve both cleaned up,” he answered and started upstairs to the shower.

Amanda went into the laundry room and pulled the towels from the dryer.  After folding them, she took a few and climbed up the stairs.  Hearing the water running in the shower, she opened the door.  Lee Stetson stood just outside of the shower, totally nude.

“Oh my gosh, Lee, I’m sorry,” she gasped out, blushing.

Lee chuckled at his wife’s embarrassment.  “It’s all right, Amanda; it’s not like you’ve never seen me naked before.  We are married.”

“I heard the water running…” she defended, putting the towels on the counter as she glanced out of the corner of her eyes at him.

Adjusting the hot water spigot, Lee put his hand in the stream of water coming out of the faucet.  “I must have used all the hot water on the dogs.  The water’s cold.”

Trying not to stare at his nude body, she went and examined the faucet.  “I should have told you; the plumber has the faucets on backwards.  The hot is cold and the cold is hot,” she explained, adjusting the water.  A few moments later the steam from the hot water billowed past the shower curtain.

“Thanks,” he winked.  “I promise not to use all the hot water up.”

“We could… conserve water.  I’ll wash your back, if you’ll wash mine?” she suggested, now over her initial distress at the situation.

“I wouldn’t want to miss behind my ears,” Lee smiled, pulling his wife to him, shaking his head and commenting.  “You certainly are a mess, Mrs. Stetson.”  Then with a smooth motion, he tugged on her stained t-shirt, freeing it from her shorts and pulling it over her head.  With expert ease, he unsnapped her bra.  Amanda quickly shed her shorts and panties.  Lee admired his wife’s lithe body; then gave her a quick kiss on the lips before adjusting the water temperature in the shower.  He stepped in and held out his hand to help her in.

After shampooing their hair, Lee reached for the bar of soap.  With his strong, yet gentle hands, he massaged her back and buttocks, lathering up her body with a thick layer of suds.  Then, he reached around and caressed her breasts, soaping them and playing with them intermittently.  He placed tiny kisses on her shoulders and lathered up her arms, allowing the spray to rinse the soap bubbles away so he could kiss her soft skin again.  She moaned softly, encouraging him to continue his sensual massage.

Finally, she turned towards him, seeking his lips as the water cascaded about them.  She took the soap from him, smiling devilishly.  She quickly lathered up his body. Her hands glided across his back, fingers massaging him.  Next, she soaped up his chest and belly, reaching lower and lower, with every motion.

“Amanda Stetson, you’re rather impatient, aren’t you?” he commented, reaching for her hand.

“I want to make love with you,” she insisted.

A smile washed across his face.  He leaned down slightly, his lips eager to meet hers.  His tongue slid into her mouth as his body pressed against hers, his desire for his wife, ever apparent.  His tongue danced with hers, meeting and twirling, probing deeper and deeper.  His hands cupped her breasts and began to fondle them.  His insistent lips moved from her lips to her neck, nibbling and kissing it, before they too, moved lower.

The hot water that sprinkled down upon them abated.  Cold water now replaced the hot and showered their intertwined bodies.  Lee shielded her body with his own, protecting her from the chilly assault.  He reached over to the faucet, clearly frustrated by the rude interruption and shut it off.

Kissing her lips once again, he reached out of the shower and grabbed a towel.  He began to towel off his wife’s body, almost as sensually as he had washed it.  Their passion had yet to wither.  Helping her out of the tub, she toweled him off before leaning against his warm, dry body.  His hands were caressing and fondling her tenderly, eliciting moans of pleasure from her.

Their lips met again, passionately.  The heat in the room was no longer from the shower, but from the two bodies, desperately wanting each other.  He reached down and lifted her off her feet to carry her into the bedroom when his cell phone blared insistently.

“Oh my gosh, not now,” Amanda pleaded.

Lee stared at it for a moment, tempted to ignore it, but it continued to trumpet.  With frustration written all over his face, he put his wife down, picked up the phone and barked into it angrily, “Stetson…  When?” with a heavy sigh, he made one final statement.  “I’m on my way.”

The look on Amanda’s face was of utter disbelief.  “What?”

“I’ve got to go,” Lee gritted out, clearly frustrated.  “Denny just left his house a few minutes ago.  He’s heading into Crystal City…”

“I’m coming with you,” Amanda said.

He nodded knowing better than to argue with her and frustrated that, for now, their passion would have to wait…
 
 

***
 
 

Lee, Amanda and Monty arrived at the Sheraton within the hour.  Once Lee parked the car, he turned to his wife.  “You need to wait on the back loading dock, with Monty.  If you bring him into the building, you’ll blow our cover for sure,” Lee warned his wife.

“All right,” she agreed.

Hurrying into the hotel, Lee soon found agent Kauffman in the lobby.  “Where is he?”

“He’s in the bar, having a drink, and hitting on a drunk brunette.  He’s carrying a large wrapped box; it looks like a wedding present.  Are you sure he’s not invited to the wedding reception?  It’s being held in the Presidential Ballroom and it starts in a few minutes,” Agent Kauffman informed him.  “The reunion is in the Grand Ballroom, next to it, but that doesn’t start for a few hours.”

“That’s how he sets his bombs.  Mixes right in with the crowd, and leaves long before anyone would suspect him,” Lee explained.

“Scarecrow, I saw the fax; the FBI caught the Bomber last night,” Kauffman replied.  “I think you’re on a wild goose chase.”

“He’s the Bomber,” Lee nodded towards Denny in the bar.  “The FBI caught the copycat.”

They hung around the lobby until the wedding guests finally started to drift from the bar into the ballroom.

“Kauffman, you and Denny have never met, right?  He won’t recognize you as Agency?”

“No.”

“Great.  If anyone asks, you’re a friend of the groom.  Stick close to the package.  If Denny puts it down, grab it and take it out back to the loading dock.  Amanda King, from the ATF, is out there with Monty, the bomb-sniffing dog.  If I’m wrong, nobody will know a thing.  If I’m right, we’ll have the bomb out back and Denny, once and for all.”

A while later, Denny made his way into the wedding reception and after lingering around, he placed the package with the other wrapped gifts, by the head table.  Denny stood nearby for a few minutes before drifting casually back to the bar.  Lee nodded to Agent Kauffman.  While Kauffman stealthily snagged the package and disappeared out of the ballroom, Lee Stetson hid behind a plastic ficus tree and kept a close eye on his quarry.  Lee watched as the man started hitting on the very drunk brunette again.  A few minutes later, Lee’s cell phone rang.

“Scarecrow,” Lee whispered into it.

“Scarecrow, you we’re right.  Monty hit on the package the moment I got it outside,” Agent Kauffman advised.  “Amanda’s already called the bomb squad; they’re on the way.”

“Get the package as far away from the building as possible and call Billy.  I’m going to arrest Denny.”  Hanging up the phone, Lee glanced around, but Denny was no longer at the bar.  Scanning the room, he caught sight of him leaving the ballroom.  Lee swallowed hard.  Was the wedding reception the target, not the reunion?

Leaving the ballroom, he observed Denny ducking into the Grand Ballroom.  Lee Stetson smiled knowingly; the wedding was Denny’s cover.  This was going to be easier than he thought.  With an empty banquet room, he could easily detain him, without interference or risk to innocent bystanders.

Lee opened the door slowly, trying to be quiet.  The room was already prepared for the banquet.  More than a dozen tables were set up with a podium on the far side of the room and a long table on each side.   He observed Denny leaning down, behind the podium.  Lee entered the room vigilantly, his gun in his hand, ready if necessary.

“Denny, don’t move; get your hands up where I can see them,” Lee called out.

Denny Dinkens appeared startled, but didn’t budge from behind the podium.  “Scarecrow?  Is that you?  I barely recognized you.  What are you doing here?”

“Put your hands up, Denny,” Lee repeated.  “You’re under arrest.”

“Arrest me?  For what?  There’s no law against nosing around an empty banquet room.  I was tired of waiting for the bride and groom next door.   Weddings are such a bore, don’t you think?” he commented nervously.

“Hands up, Denny.  I know you’re the Bomber.  We already have the bombs outside.  Don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” Lee answered firmly, his gun now directed at the man.

“Bombs, what are you talking about?” Denny questioned anxiously, while he fumbled around at the dais.  Then he pulled out a gun from his jacket, immediately taking a few shots at Lee.

Lee dove for cover under the nearest table and then got off a shot of his own at Denny.  The first shot hit the podium, lodging into the wooden structure, and then Lee’s gun jammed.   Attempting furiously to dislodge the jammed brass, he watched Denny closely.

Denny glanced down at Scarecrow and grinned maniacally.  Moving cautiously at first, but then with bravado once he realized Lee’s gun jammed.  “Rumor had it that you were dead, Scarecrow!  Now we’ll have to make sure you are,” Denny mocked.  “Amanda mourned you so.  Does she know you’re back or have you already moved on?  Pity she’ll have to mourn you twice.”

“Drop your gun, Denny,” an enraged voice came from the doorway.

“Amanda, we meet again!  I should have guessed you’d be nearby,” Denny commented, leering at her, shifting his eyes between Lee, kneeling by the table and Amanda, standing by the door.  “I see you’ve recovered swiftly from the explosion at the Gemini Club last week.”

“Drop the gun and put your hands up, Denny,” she shouted at him.

He laughed at her and continued to move towards Lee.  “Put down the gun, Amanda.  We both know you’re not competent with it.”

“Don’t give me a reason to shoot you, Denny.  Stop right now and put your hands up!” she ordered firmly.

“Save yourself, Amanda.  Step back out the door,” Denny demanded, waving his gun around wildly.  “Or I’ll shoot you both.”

“Take one more step and I’ll shoot you,” she warned again, her face serious and taking aim with her gun.

Denny did stop, but he raised his gun and took aim at Lee.

Amanda didn’t falter; instead, she pulled steadily on the trigger - once.  The bullet hit Denny’s hand, knocking the gun out of it.

“You bitch!” he cried out in pain, stunned that she shot him as he pulled his bleeding hand towards his chest.

Lee raced over to Denny and kicked the gun at his feet away from him.  Forcing him to the floor, and with his knee jabbed into Denny’s back, Lee cuffed him.

A few moments later, Kauffman hurried into the room.  “I heard shots!” he exclaimed.

Lee pulled Denny to his feet, frisked him, and pushed Denny towards the other agent.  “Why don’t you take this trash outside and wait for a pickup.  Make sure you advise him of his rights.”

Kauffman grabbed Denny by the arm, gruffly.  They could hear Kauffman recite the Miranda warning as he escorted him from the room. “You have the right to remain silent; if you give up…”

“What happened?  Are you all right?” Amanda asked nervously.

“I’m fine.  My gun jammed.  Tomorrow, I’m going out and getting my own firearm.  This Agency-issued weapon is a piece of shit,” he grumbled furiously.  Then, he shook his head before reaching for Amanda.  He wrapped his arm around her, and gave her a big hug.  “Thanks, you saved my life…but what exactly were you aiming at?”

“I was aiming for his hand,” she answered, taking a deep breath.  “I didn’t want to kill him.  That would have been too good for that bastard.”

Stepping back, obviously surprised by her accuracy, he commented.  “Since when are you so good with a firearm?”

“Scott taught me.  Marines take shooting a weapon, very seriously!”

“Remind me to thank him, next time I see him,” Lee replied, pulling his wife close and kissing her on the forehead.

“I will, and I’ll do the same,” Amanda said, leaning her head against his chest.

“Are you all right?” he asked, noticing she was beginning to shake.  He pulled out a chair for her and they sat down near a table.

“I will be,” she nodded, taking a deep breath.  “I never shot anyone before.”

Putting a comforting arm around her, he replied.  “His hand wasn’t that bad.  Besides, he was shooting to kill.”

“I was tempted to shoot a little lower,” Amanda admitted, “but I didn’t have a good angle…”

“Amanda!” Lee chuckled and shook his head at her attempt at levity.  “Feel better?”

“Yeah, I wanted to be sure that you were the one left standing,” she whispered.  “I just got you back; I didn’t intend to lose you again.”

They embraced each other tightly for a few moments, before hearing Billy Melrose clear his throat.   “Scarecrow, Amanda, are you both all right?”

Reluctantly, they broke apart as the contingent of Agency and ATF personnel started to swarm the room.  “Yeah, Billy, we’re OK.  Kauffman took Denny out back, to the loading dock.”

Billy ordered some of the agents to the loading dock and Lee and Amanda stood up.

“Looks like the cavalry have arrived; I guess this is goodbye for now.  I’ll call you later,” Lee whispered to his wife.

Amanda nodded moments before Ron Holt whisked her off in one direction, and Lee went in the other direction with Billy Melrose for debriefing.

End Part Eighteen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Heartstrings
 
 

Part Nineteen
 

When Lee Stetson pulled up to the house on Maplewood Drive, he immediately saw Amanda’s car in the driveway.  Walking up the front steps, he was about to ring the doorbell when he stopped.  Instead, he walked around to the back of the house and peered in the kitchen window.  True to form, Amanda King was busy tidying her kitchen.  He knocked on the window and interrupted.

Amanda glanced up at the window and gave him a tired smile.  Nodding to the door, she went over, unlocked it, and greeted him.  “Hi, come on in.”

“Been home long?” he asked, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Not really.  Have you eaten yet?” she asked, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Yeah, Billy had sandwiches brought in.  How about you?”

“I stopped on my way home and grabbed a burger at the ‘Burger Barn’.  I wanted the boys to know I was all right in case they heard about the shooting at the Sheraton.  The media got a hold of the story already; it’s all over the news,” she grumbled.

“You sound upset,” Lee remarked, noticing her voice sounded deflated, even slightly irritated.  “Let me guess, you’re in trouble with the ATF because you were on scene without notifying your supervisor?”

“Ron’s definitely not too thrilled with me at the moment.  It didn’t help any that I was supposed to be on desk duty, not out in the field.”

“My bad habits are rubbing off on you.  He didn’t suspend you, did he?” he asked, leaning next to her at the counter.

“Not really.  I’m on standard, administrative leave until they sort through the shooting,” she admitted with a shrug.  “After that, we’ll see.  I doubt there will be a formal inquiry since we apprehended Denny and his wounds were superficial.  The ATF has a half dozen technicians sifting through his garage.  They found quite an arsenal.  That should sway things in my favor.”

“Yeah, I heard.  Don’t forget, the Agency has the videotapes of the shooting.  It clearly showed that you shot Denny to protect me.  You’ll be vindicated.”

“I know I did the right thing.  If I had to do it all over again, nothing would change.  It’s just that,” she sighed wearily, “I’ve never been in trouble before, but I’m sure it’ll blow over, eventually.”

“It will,” he answered, kissing her forehead.  “I guess now’s not a good time to ask you to come back to the Sheraton with me to tie up some loose ends…”

“Loose ends?” she repeated with a raised eyebrow.

“Don’t worry about it.  It’s nothing I can’t handle myself.  I don’t want to get you into any more trouble than you already are.  I shouldn’t have let you come there in the first place,” he answered, pushing away from the counter and starting for the door.  “I’ll call you tomorrow…”

Amanda grabbed his arm.  “Wait a second, Lee.  I’m already in trouble,” she reminded him.  “What’s a little more?”

“Amanda…” Lee started to object.

“We’re going to finish this, the way we started it - together.”

“Are you sure?” he questioned, sounding unconvinced.

“Yes, let me get my purse.”

“All right,” he nodded.  “The sooner we get started, the better.”

Amanda grabbed her purse, locked up the house, and Lee took her hand as he led her to his car.  They drove over to the Sheraton, parked the car, and walked into the building.  Lee went over to the elevator and hit the call button.

“Where are we going?” she questioned.  “The ballroom is down that way?”

“Upstairs,” he answered, pointing up with his finger.  “The Agency and ATF have already scoured the ballroom.”

When the elevator arrived, they entered and Lee pushed the button for the tenth floor.

“I didn’t know Denny reserved a room.”

“That’s why we call them, loose ends!” he reminded her.  When the elevator door opened, they strolled down the hallway to room 1046 and he opened the door with the key.  Lee flicked the light on in the room.  “Ladies first.”

“What are we looking for?” Amanda asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You’ll know it, when you see it.”

“You always say that,” Amanda grumbled, walking into the suite and wandering over to the table by the window.  On the table, was a large bouquet of flowers and two champagne flutes.  Next to the table sat a bucket of champagne; the ice almost melted.

Lee watched as she gently touched the petals of the flowers that sat in a vase.  She took a deep breath, enjoying their fragrant scent.

“Flowers, champagne… maybe Denny planned to be the hero and find the bombs before they went off.  Do you suppose he was trying to win back his wife?”

“That would certainly be a smart idea - getting back together with his wife.”

Shaking her head, she answered.  “It doesn’t fit though.  Denny was a sleaze.  I don’t buy him as a romantic…”

“Yeah, you're right.  Besides, the most important thing is missing…”  Lee whispered huskily, only inches behind her, holding open a small velvet box.

Amanda turned around to see what he was talking about.  She looked at his twinkling eyes and smiling face.  Lee winked, and looked down at his hand.  Her eyes opened wide and she gushed.  “Oh my gosh, my engagement ring!”  Amanda blushed, and a smile lit up her face.  “You set me up!”

“Guilty,” he smiled back.

“When… how…”

“My debriefing didn’t take very long.  Billy cut me loose as soon as he could, and I slipped back here.  I was getting rather frustrated with all the interruptions.”

“I was, too,” she confided.  “I just never expected this… tonight!”

“We’ve wasted enough time; don’t you think?”

She nodded.  “But my ring…”

“I came across your ring this morning, when I was in your bedroom.  After I went through the box in your closet, I, um… sort of, snooped around until I found it.  It doesn’t belong in the back of your lingerie drawer anymore,” he affirmed with a dimpled grin.  Getting down on one knee, he looked up into her warm brown eyes and asked.  “Amanda, will you marry me again?”

There was no hesitation, only a brilliant smile.  “Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”

Lee took the ring from its box and with his hand shaking, slipped it onto her finger.  He stood up and pulled her close into his arms, initiating an intimate kiss.

When they broke off the kiss, Amanda questioned in a soft voice, “Did you bring our wedding rings, too?”

He shook his head.

“We can tell everyone we eloped,” she suggested willingly.

“No, not this time,” Lee answered, kissing her forehead tenderly.  “Although, I do like your idea; but this time we’re going to do it right.  I’m not making the same mistake again.  This time, I want to make sure everyone knows that you are Mrs. Lee Stetson.  This time, we’re going to have a traditional ceremony.”

“You’re kidding?” she questioned, staring at him, but his face showed a serious expression.  “You’re not kidding.  You want to have a real wedding?”

“Well, I’m pretty sure the last wedding was real, but yes; I do.  I feel it’s important we renew our vows.  I thought this time, we could hold the ceremony at your church.  You know, me in a tux, you in a nice dress with your mother, Phillip and Jamie.  What do you think?  We could even invite a few of our friends and have a small reception afterwards.  I don’t care where and nothing too elaborate, because I plan on getting married as soon as possible.”

“You really are serious!”

Nodding, he asked, “How do you feel about being a June bride?”

“I love the idea, but June 1st is only two weeks away.  Do you think we can make it happen that soon?”

“Together, we can make anything happen.  I guess the next big question is where do you want to go on our honeymoon?”  Lee asked, gently stroking her face.

“Honeymoon?” she gasped, shaking her head in disbelief.  “Oh my gosh!  This is like a dream come true.”

“It’s about time some of our dreams came true, Mrs. Stetson.”  Lee continued to caress his wife’s face tenderly with his hand.   “So where would you like to go?”

“Where doesn’t matter, as long as we’re together.”

“What about spending a week in the mountains or would you prefer a house on the beach?”

She nodded.  “Both are excellent choices…”

He contemplated the possibilities for a few moments, before making another suggestion.  “Or maybe a cruise?”

“Lee, you really don’t have to give me all these choices.  All I want is to spend time alone, with you.”

“You’re right; let’s skip the cruise.  I want to have quiet, romantic dinners with you, not a table of strangers,” Lee commented.  Then he grinned devilishly.  “You like to sail.  What about we charter a sailboat and island hop the Florida Keys; you know, Islamorada, Marathon Key?  Relax on some warm, sandy beaches; swim in emerald green water, you in a very skimpy bikini?”

“I liked the idea right up to the bikini.  I haven’t owned a bikini in years.”

“What if I promise to buy you one?”

She laughed.  “I think I’d rather buy my own, thank you.”

“Suit yourself.  What do you think?”

“It does sound wonderfully romantic.  Long walks on secluded beaches; gazing at the stars in the evening and being rocked to sleep by the gentle roll of the sea…”

Continuing her line of thought, he added.  “We can anchor in an isolated cove during the day, sunbathe or snorkel; then, dock at a marina for dinner and dancing.  Watch the sunset onboard - just the two of us, and make love until dawn…”

“Oh, Lee, I love the idea!” she grinned.

“Then it’s settled,” he whispered, kissing her lips tenderly as his hands glided gently over her soft body.

She closed her eyes and relished in his sensual touch.  They enjoyed caressing each other, hands exploring each other’s bodies for a few minutes before Lee released her.

“How about we kick off this celebration with a little bubbly?” he grinned, removing the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket.  He tugged on the cork, and it shot across the room.  The effervescent liquid spilled over onto his hands.

Amanda laughed, then reached out for his hand, brought it to her lips and kissed them.  “Mmm,” she smiled.  “Very tasty.”

“You’re such a tease,” he remarked, pulling her hand to his mouth and kissing it.  He poured them each a glass.  “For you, Mrs. Stetson.”

“Thank you, Mr. Stetson.”

“A toast,” Lee announced, holding up his glass.  “To the smartest, most beautiful woman in the world - my wife.  I love you, Amanda.”

“To my long lost love and the love of my life.  I love you so much, Lee,” she added, clanking her glass to his before she sipped the champagne.

“Mmm, that is rather tasty,” he replied, finishing his champagne quickly.  Amanda sipped at hers more slowly, as if she was savoring every memory.

He reached for her glass, and put it down on the table with his.  “As delightful as the champagne is, there’s only one thing I really want more.”

“What’s that?” she asked with a gleam in her eye.

“You,” he answered unequivocally.

“I thought you’d never ask.”  She raised her head and reached her hands around his neck, pulling him closer to her.

“I’m going to make love to you all night, Amanda,” he whispered huskily.  Lee put his arms around her waist, and held her possessively.  He kissed her upper lip, sucking the droplets of champagne that remained.  Then, he kissed her again, this time capturing both lips.  His tongue probed gently, parting her lips.  Their embrace became tighter, closer, and their kisses more demanding and passionate.

Gasping for breath, Amanda arched back.  Then she tilted her head, allowing him access to the sensitive spot on her neck.  When he reached the spot with his warm lips, she moaned with desire. Their hands began to wander and massage each other’s bodies, kissing and touching each other.  Soon they were working at the buttons and zippers on each other’s clothes, eager to shed the encumbrances that separated them.

As the last remnants of clothes came to rest on the floor in a heap, they examined each other’s bare bodies, with tender hands and gentle, loving strokes.  Standing so close to each other, Lee could feel Amanda’s warm breath on his chest.  Not wanting to wait another moment, Lee Stetson lifted his wife into his arms and carried her the short distance to the king size bed.

They continued to caress and kiss each other, remembering the intimate spots that the other enjoyed to be touched and fondled.  Their lovemaking was passionate, yet unhurried.  They had all night and would spend most of it making love, savoring the new memories they were creating.  Tonight, there would be no interruptions, just two long lost lovers, finally overcoming life’s troubles.  True love had prevailed and they ultimately became one…
 

** **

June 1st, 1991

”You haven’t let her out of your sight since she walked down the aisle,” Dotty commented, as Lee led his mother-in-law around the dance floor.  His eyes were clearly focused, on his wife.

“She took my breath away the moment I saw her today.  I don’t think she’s ever looked more radiant,” he replied, grinning delightedly at his wife, who was wearing a long, ivory wedding dress, made of silk.  Its simple and elegant design made Amanda look every bit classy, yet sexy.

“Yes, she certainly is a beautiful bride.  You two are the perfect couple,” Dotty observed, glancing over at her daughter, who was dancing with Phillip.  “Go on; rescue her from Phillip before he steps on her toes again.  You’ve danced with me long enough.”

“Thanks, Dotty,” Lee whispered, giving her a quick peck on the cheek and a wink.  He hurried to his wife and tapped Phillip on the shoulder.  “May I cut in?”

“Sure,” Phillip answered, looking more than a little relieved.

Lee put his arms around his wife’s waist, and pulled her close.  “Have I told you how ravishing you look tonight, Amanda?”

“Yes, thank you, a couple of times,” she giggled, blushing.  “You’re looking very debonair yourself, Lee.  I always found you irresistible in a tux,” she answered, resting her head contentedly on his shoulder.

“I’ll have to remember that,” he answered, beaming as he glided around the dance floor, holding his bride protectively in his arms.

Glancing around the room at the many familiar smiling faces, Lee was pleased they had decided to have another wedding.  Billy, his best man, was grinning across the room at him like a proud father.  His uncle, Colonel Clayton, usually aloof and stern seemed suddenly friendly today, almost mellow.  Dotty, now dancing with Curt, had spent most of the ceremony crying tears of joy.  His stepsons, Phillip and Jamie, had been so proud to give their mother away.   Phillip seemed pleased with their union as he watched from his table with a lively smile.  Jamie, the promising photographer, was cheerfully taking picture after picture of the festivities.

Lee, playing to his stepson's camera, danced closer towards Jamie and dipped his wife, allowing him to get a close up.

“Show off!” Amanda gasped as the flash went off.

“No, that will come later,” he boasted.  “Since you didn’t want me to buy you a bikini for our honeymoon, I decided to buy you something, very sheer, for our wedding night…”

“Oh my gosh!  You’re terrible!” she whispered.

“That’s not what you said that night at the Sheraton.”

“You seemed to enjoy yourself, too, as I recall.”

“Every minute of it,” he answered, kissing her cheek softly.

She sighed blissfully.  “This has been a perfect evening.  You were right to insist on having a wedding reception.”

“I’m delighted that you’re enjoying yourself,” he answered, kissing the top of her head.

“I am.  I’m having a wonderful time. I love you so much, Mr. Stetson.”

“And I love you, Mrs. Stetson,” Lee whispered, lifting his wife’s chin, seeking out her lips and kissing her passionately.  It was the first time they shared such an intimate act in public.  When the song ended, the newlyweds continued their dance and their kiss…

End Part Nineteen
 
 

Heartstrings...
 
 

TAG SCENE
 
 

A sliver of a moon illuminated the water, and thousands of stars twinkled in the night sky.  The sailboat, anchored on the leeward side of a secluded cove for the night, rested in the nearly still water.  Cuddled together topside, they relaxed, gazing at the moonlit heavens, while a tranquil breeze blew the damp night air.

“The stars are almost as beautiful as you,” Lee commented, kissing Amanda’s cheek as he held her in his arms.  The calm sea lapped peacefully against the hull as the sailboat rocked soothingly.

“I didn’t realize there were so many stars in the sky,” Amanda sighed, gazing up at the glimmering lights above them.  “Oh, Lee, look!  A shooting star!”

“I saw it,” he answered, his cheek resting on her forehead.  “You’d better make a wish.”

“I’ve already gotten my wish,” she answered, happily.  “You and I are together.  Our family and friends know we’re married, and I’m here, alone with you, in this delightful cove.”

“It really is remarkable.  I could spend the night up here watching the sea and the stars.”

“As lovely as it is up here, I think we’d be more comfortable in our cabin,” Amanda commented in a sensual voice.

“You’re absolutely right,” he grinned, knowing where her suggestion was leading.

Detaching herself from his warm embrace, she kissed his lips tenderly and then whispered, “I think I’ll go downstairs and get ready for bed, Mr. Stetson.”

He returned her kiss before she stood up.  “I’ll be down in a few minutes, Mrs. Stetson.  I want to check everything topside before we retire.”

Lee closed his eyes for a little while, enjoying the solitude.  He finally had what he wanted in life – a wife and family.  Contented, he sighed and stretched.  Then he stood up and carefully inspected the boat.  Satisfied that everything was as it should be, he went below.  He turned the lights off in the galley, and made his way into their cozy cabin.  Amanda had dimmed the lights and soft music was playing, but she wasn’t in bed.

“Amanda?” he called out for her.

“I’ll be right out.  I’m just getting into something… more appealing,” she answered from behind the closed bathroom door.

“And I didn’t think you liked the negligee that I bought you.”

 “The one you gave me was very… revealing.  This is one that I bought…”

“Oh really!” he answered, grinning delightedly.  He undressed, tossed the sheet back on the bed, climbed into it excitedly, and then commented, loud enough for her to hear him.  “I can’t wait.”

The moments ticked on and still no Amanda.

“Amanda, you didn’t fall overboard, did you?” he teased.

“Of course not, I’ll be out in a minute,” she scolded gently.

“When I said I wanted to make love to you until dawn, I meant that we’d start a few hours beforehand.”

She didn’t reply to his last statement.  Finally, the door cracked open, and Amanda turned the light off in the tiny bathroom.  Stepping out into the soft light of their cabin, she grinned nervously at her husband who was eagerly waiting on their bed.

“Well… what do you think?”

His eyes flew wide open and a delighted grin grew across his face, but the only thing he could say was… “WOW!”

The end

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