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

Chapter 3

Back at the Agency: Still Day 1

"So, Billy knows, but Francine doesn't?" Lee and Amanda came out of the Georgetown elevator and headed toward the bullpen.

"Right. As far as she knows, we're just..."

"...having a fling." Amanda nodded her head. "Yeah, I know. She's told me before; I'm just another victim of Lee Stetson's killer charm and short attention span."

"Hey, don't forget my incredible good looks." She shot him 'the look.' "Well, it must have worked," he bent sideways to whispered conspiratorially in her ear and nudged her side with his elbow. "You married me." She slid him another sly look as they rounded the corner...

...and collided with the mail cart coming from the opposite direction. It nearly scattered them all over the floor right along with the mail.

"Oh, Mr. Stetson...I'm so sorry! I didn't see you!"

Lee rubbed his leg where the cart had banged against it and bent down to help pick up the mail.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay?" Amanda stooped to help them.

The lady looked up at Lee. "This is like Deja vu."

"Excuse me?"

"Remember a couple years ago when I was subbing in the bullpen?" Lee dropped her a quizzical look as he stood and reached out a hand to help her up. Somehow in the process, she ended up between him and Amanda. "You don't remember?" She pushed a long lock of blonde hair behind her ear. "Oh, well, I dropped a bunch of employee computer disks, and you helped me pick them up. My name is June?"

Lee nodded his head slowly and smiled politely. "Yes, I do seem to recall that." He looked around her to Amanda who had been very neatly pushed out of the conversation. Their eyes met, and he knew they were both thinking about how that little fiasco had nearly ended with Amanda crushed beneath a human-induced rockslide. He looked back at June. "So now it's mail, huh?"

"Oh," she smiled shyly at him. "I'm part of the temporary pool, so I do whatever is needed."

Lee grew increasingly uncomfortable as she continued to stare at him. "Well, hey, I'm so sorry for the collision," he glanced at his watch. "But if you're okay, we have an important meeting."

"Oh, yes. Sure." She pushed the cart out of their way. "Thanks for your help!"

"No problem." Stepping around her, Lee reached for Amanda's arm. As he did so, he noticed June glance at Amanda. A scowl swiftly blanketed her features, but it was gone as soon as it had come. "Have a good day, June," he waved. "And watch out for those corners, huh?"

________________________________________________________________________________

It might be worse than she thought; Amanda King seemed to really have her hooks into him. They were sleeping together after all. But for how long, she had no idea. At least since last night. Her eyes narrowed as she turned and watched them walk away.

They were always together and always so...chummy. It didn't matter. It would only be a matter of time before he got tired of her, just like he had all the others. And then she'd show him that they were meant to be together.

She watched as he opened the office door for Mrs. King and placed his hand on the small of her back, ushering her through. She sighed. He was always such a gentleman. But these days he only seemed to have eyes for that Mrs. King. She shook her head; better not to dwell on that. She would accomplish more by focusing on her plan. Then, one day soon, she would be the one at his side. A smile spread slowly over her lips. Phase one had already started; Mrs. King had no idea what was about to hit her.