- Text Size +
Story Notes:

Disclaimer:  Scarecrow & Mrs. King belong to Warner Bros. & Shoot the Moon. I’m just having fun with them.

Thanks to my wonderful betas, Cheryl and Lushy. Their input only made this story better.

 

<><><><><><>

 

February 14, 1984….

 

One of the best intelligence operatives in the United States, Lee Stetson, entered the bullpen of the ultra secret Agency. He was wearing a black suit, crisp white shirt and to commemorate the day-- a red silk tie. Looking around the office, a frown replaced his dimples that, just a moment ago were clearly in evidence. His eyes fell upon the two empty desks near the back of the room.

The first one belonged to fellow agent, Ronnie Quan, codenamed Go, killed in the line of duty.  The second belonged to David Benson, Ronnie’s partner--a friend turned enemy, once it was discovered he was a mole--the sole person responsible for Ronnie’s death. The frown was gone in a moment, and the professional facade was back in place. It was a testament to Lee’s ability to keep his emotions hidden in a job that required detachment.

 There was one person however, who noticed the subtle changes in Lee’s demeanor. Amanda King. She was a civilian auxiliary and Lee’s very unofficial partner--despite his objections over the last five months. She watched as Lee made his way around the office bestowing Valentine greetings on all of the women.  Stopping briefly to make weekend plans with Toni, the newest member of the steno pool.

There would be no date tonight. A woman tended to think she was special when you took her out on Valentine’s Day. For Lee there was never a commitment made or implied and all of the women he dated knew that right from the start.

Quickly, she turned back to her typing before Lee could catch her watching him. Amanda couldn’t help but watch Lee. In her initial interview with me, she let slip the fact that ever since she was a little girl she always had fantasies of being a secret agent. First it was Nancy Drew, then as she got older, Emma Peel. There was always a handsome partner who’d whisk her off to some exotic location for a little romance to celebrate a job well done. Well, Lee certainly fit the bill. Of course, Lee had no idea Amanda even existed. Let alone had any romantic inclinations towards her.

Her annoyance with Lee was clearly written on her face as he walked right by her desk. He never even looked her way.  Never said a word to her. I knew she was amused by Lee’s foolish behavior.  She knew she wasn’t Lee’s type and knew she never would be. But, to be so blatantly ignored--like she wasn’t worth noticing, irked both of us. I was hoping that pairing Lee up with Amanda would help to settle him down some. The man was going to destroy himself if he didn’t slow down. He had to stop burning the candle at both ends.

I watched her through my office window as she gathered her things, looking around making sure no one saw Lee’s snub. I followed her progress through the Agency, on the security cameras, as she made her way to her car. I felt sorry for her. Amanda was a nice person and she didn’t deserve to be treated like that. I’ll give Lee some more time but if he doesn’t change his behavior towards Amanda, she’s going to resign. I can’t let that happen. I have a feeling Amanda will make an excellent agent.  If I have to I’ll reassign her to someone else . . .

 

 

February 14, 1985….

 

 

Judging by the elevation in the noise level out in the bullpen, it was a safe bet to say Lee Stetson had just arrived. I looked up just in time to see him saunter over to the area designated for the steno pool.  It was Valentine’s Day and lover boy had to make the rounds of all the women in the office. My fondest wish was for him to stop his carousing and settle down and I knew just the woman who could accomplish that task.

Amanda King was that woman. She’d been his unofficial partner for more that a year now and I had to order, badger, and fight with Lee every step of the way.  We’re finally at the point where he sees her as a friend. He likes her, trusts her and sometimes is still annoyed by her, but he no longer ignores her.

Just the other day, I overheard Lee on the phone. I don’t know who he was talking to, but I did hear him say that he had a date with Amanda. I hoped that it was true. That he actually took her out on a date and not just used her for cover.  Maybe, he’s starting to see the light.   She looked exceptionally beautiful today. In honor of the holiday she donned a red silk blouse and trim black pants, and came bearing gifts. Well, cookies anyway. Her cookies are to die for, and everyone looks forward to them. I think even Francine--who wouldn’t be caught dead saying anything nice to Amanda--stashed a few to consume when no one else was around.

I watched Lee as he made his way across the bullpen over to the coffee maker. He snagged a few cookies and walked over to Amanda’s desk.  I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I saw Amanda shyly look down. I hoped Lee was flirting, after all what better day to start a romance then on Valentine’s Day.

I kept good thoughts throughout the day, but was disappointed when my wife, Jeannie, and I spotted Lee--having dinner--alone . . .

 

 

February 14, 1986 . . .

 

 

Can this day get any worse?  I just spent the better part of the morning in a meeting with Dr. Smyth and the President trying to explain the actions of Karl Eagles and his cohorts. Not to mention the unholy deal Lee and I made with Ren Jepard.

It was well worth it.  In my opinion, Amanda is a very important member of this Agency. Not that all my agents aren’t important, but Amanda is half of the best team we have. And to lose her would not only destroy that team--but her partner as well. 

Lee Stetson was always a talented agent. Since he’s been partnered with Amanda King, he’s become a magnificent one.  The change in his behavior has been astonishing.  In the two and a half years they’ve been together I watched him change from a man who seemed so at sea, to a man more settled--more at ease in his own skin. She’s done that for him. Grounded him in a way no one else could. In return, he’s taught her how to be an effective agent, and from what I can see, a more confident woman. She’s no longer so unsure of herself.

I managed to make it into my office without anyone noticing. Gathering the files for the morning staff meeting, I took a peek at my calendar to see when I could catch a break. I spilled my coffee when I jerked realizing what today is. Valentine’s Day!

I had totally lost track of the days.  Dinner reservations were in order. The Blue Fox would be booked solid by now, so it would have to be Randy’s. Sometimes, it pays to be a regular customer.  Randy would surely be able to squeeze me in. Better leave a reminder for myself, to get a nice gift to make up for the lack of flowers. Maybe I should run over to the mall at lunch. Stop by Rebecca’s Fantasy, pick up something incredibly sexy for Jeannie--who am I kidding—it’d be for the both of us.

I noticed Lee and Amanda making their way into the conference room. Was it my imagination or do they seem closer then before? Maybe the whole check snafu was a good thing. Maybe they’ll finally admit to each other what I’ve known all along--they’re perfect for each other. Maybe there’s something more I could do to nudge them in the right direction.

I can't help but notice the little looks passing between them all through the staff meeting.  I bet if I look under the table I’d catch them holding hands. Does my heart good to see it.  Afterwards, Lee escorted Amanda back to her desk and reluctantly left to go back to the Q-bureau. Maybe I should think about moving Amanda up there. He’d certainly get more work done if he didn't have to pop in down here to see her.

The ringing phone drew me back to my desk.  To my disappointment, it’s Lee informing me of a critical situation that just arose concerning “The Barnstorm List”. He needs to follow up on a lead. He said he’d give me more details as soon as he has a chance.

Well, looks like this will be another Valentine’s Day Lee and Amanda won’t be celebrating together. Maybe next year will be different  . . .

 

 

February 14, 1987 …

 

 

I'm getting too old for this. I forgot how much getting shot hurts. Jeannie was right, she's always right. I should have stayed home a little longer.

But then I would have missed Lee and Amanda trying to convince everyone they were taking separate vacations. I wonder what’s really going on.

After arresting Jason McMasters' wife, Felicia, for art theft, Amanda asked Lee if they would make it. What did Amanda mean? Make what? I spent all night trying to figure it out without any luck. If they were speaking about plane reservation, so what if they missed them? There was always another flight. Same deal with hotel reservations. I wonder if they’re going to one of those romantic resorts? This is not just some weekend romp. Their relationship goes much deeper than that. If they’re together as I suspect, it’s something more important than that. Something bigger.

I just can’t put my finger on it. I could just make a few phone calls and find out. Satisfy my curiosity. On second thought, they've done well to keep their private life private and I should respect that. If there is something I need to know, I’m confident they’d tell me.  They know I’m all for any relationship they have. I’ve told them numerous times.

I guess it’s no use speculating. I better make a few phone calls. Amanda’s up for a security review upon completion of her latest class. No sense in being surprised. At least, this way if there’s more to their relationship then they’re telling me, I can be prepared to deflect any fallout.

Well, I can’t sit around here all day waiting for the results of that security audit. I better get back to work so I can finish up these reports and head on home to my wife.  I’m sure she has something special planned for tonight. Valentine’s Day is always special for us. I proposed to Jeannie almost thirty years ago today. Twenty-seven years ago to be exact.  I’ve never regretted a single moment.

Half an hour after my phone call, an Agency courier arrived with a manila envelope. Boy, Harry had wasted no time with his check. I just hope he was thorough. 

I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to invade Lee and Amanda’s privacy like this, so I hesitated in opening the file.  Then I read Harry’s note saying he only sent what information he found for this year. He’d dig further and send it along later, but the contents of this report should be what I was looking for. My interest was peaked. I pulled out the folder and read the contents three times before they finally sank in.

I stood up, raised my coffee cup in salute. 

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr. & Mrs. Stetson.”

 

The End.

You must login (register) to review.
Terms of ServiceRulesContact Us