Her head was buried in the report that was scattered over her desk.
Even though she was deep in thought, she did manage to raise her head
when the door opened. The person who teetered into the lobby brought
a twinkle to her eyes but she didn't crack a smile.
"Good Day, Rose, and how are you today?" T. Percival Aquinas inquired.
She didn't answer but simply raised an eyebrow at him.
He fumbled with the rumpled raincoat that was tossed recklessly over
one arm. When she didn't respond, he stepped closer to the desk and
leaned on the front edge.
"Oh, alright," he muttered, today's word is petunia."
It was then she smiled. "Mmm, my favorite."
"The flower or the code word?"
"Why the flower, of course," she smiled coyly.
"Of course and I'll bet your favorite color is deep purple. You
know, they happen to have a beauiful display of violet petunias over
at the Botanical Gardens. Would you be interested in visiting it
with me?"
She blushed at his invitation. She was just about to answer when the
front door opened once again and the Scarecrow and Mrs. King breezed
in. Hurriedly she added, "I wish we could continue this, but I've
got to get this report done."
T.P. didn't have time to answer.
"Hey, T. P., what are you doing here?" Lee asked.
Amanda nodded toward Mrs. Marsten and reached for their badges.
"Good day to you, Scarecrow, ... Mrs. King. I needed to stop by and
uh...return one of Leatherneck's little toys."
Well, it's good to see you. Sorry we can't stay and visit but we're
in a hurry," he said as he ushered Amanda toward the elevator.
In a flash, T.P and Mrs. Marsten were once again alone in the lobby.
T. P. winked at her and gathered his coat to leave. "I'll pick you
up at 5:15."
She smiled at him and waved goodbye. She so looked foward to her
visits from T.P. He always managed to find a way to brighten her day.
She only hoped that the afternoon would pass quickly.
The opening of the elevator doors interrupted her pleasant
thoughts. "We're off again," Lee said as he tossed his badge her way.
Goodbye Mrs. Marsten," Amanda said. "Hope you have a quiet
afternoon," she said as she placed her badge on the desk. Amanda
noted the flushed cheeks of the older woman. As she walked past
her, she could have sworn that she'd seen a smile cross the
features of the stoic Georgetown sentry.
"Lee," she asked once they were in the car, "do you think there might
be something going on between Mrs. Marsten and T.P.?"
"Oh, Amanda!"
The end
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.