The Ties That Bind: A Scarecrow and Mrs. King Continuing Story Book 1

Chapter 1

Day 1 – At the Agency:

"Scarecrow! In my office. Now!"

"Excuse me, Frank." Duffy nodded his head as Lee turned toward Billy's office. "What's up, Billy?" A bit concerned because he'd been summoned so early in the morning, he went in and closed the door. He'd hated leaving Amanda asleep in their bed, but when Billy calls at six o'clock in the morning, you come.

Francine stood gracefully from her chair and walked over to the desk without making eye-contact. "We got this from encryption this morning." She set a small recording device on the desktop and pressed play while he settled himself in an armchair and crossed his ankle over his knee.

Romantic music filled the office. "Hmmm." Lee rubbed his finger below his lip and glanced up in time to see the questioning looks on Billy's and Francine's faces. "Oh, nothing," he waved off their curiosity. "Must be popular music is all." Lee glanced again at his co-workers wondering why they both looked uncomfortable. It was making him uncomfortable.

Through the device came the distinct sound of a cork popping out of a bottle and something being poured into glasses.

"Here's to a quiet, romantic evening with the just two of us."

"Yes, and to no work tomorrow, so we can sleep in."

Lee froze and slowly looked up at Billy as they listened to the glasses clink. He knew exactly where this recording was headed. A soft sigh came from the device and floated on the air.

"I really needed this tonight, Lee."

"Hmmm. Me, too, Manda."

Francine reached over and shut off the device before the recording revealed any more.

"Seriously, Lee?" She demanded. "This is a new low even for you!"

"Francine," Billy tried to interrupt, but Lee was too upset to let her words slide off his back.

"What's that's supposed to mean?"

"Well, I mean, come on, Lee. Amanda? Really? It's not like there aren't plenty of women around who are more your speed, though I admit..." She looked him up and down. "...your speed seems to have decreased the last couple of years."

"What?" Lee gasped incredulously.

"I mean, it's obvious you've been strangely fascinated with her for years – though I can't say I understand why." Francine propped a hip on the corner of Billy's desk. "She's hardly your type."

Lee pointed at her. "I've had enough of your put-downs, Francine."

Undeterred, Francine continued. "I know! You couldn't stand that she broke things off with you. Unbelievable. Huh! I thought she had more sense than to think she'd be able to hold on to you when women much more beautiful and exciting couldn't. I guess I'll have to rethink my opinion of her."

"That does it, Francine." Lee's palm slapped Billy's desk. "Amanda's a saint when it comes to throwing off your barbs, but I'm tired of the way you insult her day in and day out."

"My, my. Protective, aren't we?" Francine rolled her eyes. "What in the world you see in that little..."

"That little what, Francine?" Lee's voice lowered ominously.

"...mouse..." She looked defiantly into his eyes. "...I'll never understand. She can't possibly be that...interesting."

He placed his hands on Billy's desk and leaned toward her. "Mouse? No, Francine. Amanda is the smartest, sweetest, bravest, most loving, most beautiful, most amazing woman I've ever known..."