By: Nectar99

Disclaimer: These characters don't belong to me. They belong to WB and Shoot The Moon Productions.

Rating: PG-13

See chapter 1 for summary and guideline.

Tuesday
12:34 a.m.

"Amanda! Amanda!" Lee hollered, reaching out to gently touch her shoulders. When she didn't respond to his touch, he tried to rouse her from her nightmare by shaking her. When he sat down, he could see her ragged breathing and the perspiration evident on her forehead.

"Nooo!" she screamed, thrashing her arms back and forth, fighting to get away from him. Her eyes were closed tightly and her head jerked side to side as she continued to fight him.

"Amanda, look at me! It's me, Lee!" he shouted back, grasping her by the upper arms. Suddenly, her stiff body relaxed, collapsing against his chest. "That's it, shhhhh, I'm right here. I'll never let anything happen to you," he murmured softly, holding her trembling body in his arms. He rocked her gently, stroking her soft hair, continually reassuring her that everything was going to be all right. Able to recognize the signs of exhaustion, Lee climbed atop of the covers, to sit against the headboard. He gently placed Amanda's head in his lap, stroking her face until she fell asleep. He resolved himself to the uncomfortable position for the remainder of the dark hours.

Tuesday
9:30 a.m.

As daylight shone through Lee's bedroom, Amanda fluttered her eyes, unsure of her surroundings. She stiffened momentarily before relaxing, feeling Lee's gentle hand on her head. She reluctantly released her hold on his mid section, sitting up very slowly. When she looked at him, he was hunched over, asleep in a sitting position and looked very uncomfortable.

The creak in the bed alarmed Lee, who suddenly opened his eyes, reaching out for her. "Amanda!" He called out frantically, as if he'd lost her.
Turning to comfort him, she reached out clasping his hand with her own. "I'm right here, Lee," she smiled. "I was just going to take a shower, if you don't mind," she added softly.

Lee shook his sleep head, trying to wake himself up. "You know you don't even have to ask," he stated.

"I know, and I'm grateful, but this is your place, Lee. I wouldn't want to intrude…" she stopped abruptly, almost reading his thoughts. "Thank you," she added.

Lee's smile widened, amazed at her ability to read him so easily. "You're very welcome. Now, I want to know something," he added on a serious note.

"What is it, Lee?" She questioned.

"Did you report this when it happened?"

After a long silence, she began, "Well I…was…I mean I thought…"

"Amanda!" Lee interrupted, shaking his head in disgust.

"Lee, I…I was….scared," she admitted softly, unable to look at him.

Lee arose from the bed, closing the distance between them. He placed his hands on her shoulders and replied, "I know you were scared, and I know how much courage it took for you to tell me that. I want to talk about this some more after breakfast, okay?" His tone was soft, his voice very gentle.

"Okay," she reluctantly agreed.

While Amanda showered, Lee was on the phone with the D.C. Police. He found out that in the last month alone there had been three women raped in the same area where Amanda had been attacked. One of the women died from the injuries that had been inflicted upon her. Lee decided that he wanted to stop at the precinct personally to get some detailed information on the suspect.

After breakfast, Lee needed to run errands and pick up some groceries. He didn't want to lie to Amanda, but he also didn't want to bring up the attack. He decided to just withhold the information on the assumption they'd be able to discuss the matter later when she was feeling a little bit better.

"Listen, I'll be gone for about two hours at the most. Are you sure you'll be okay?" He asked, hesitant to leave her alone.

"Lee, I'll be just fine, really," she tried to assure him. She squeezed his hands, wondering if he was ever going to relinquish his hold on her.

While he was gone, Amanda called home to speak with her Mother.

"Hello, Mother," she greeted, trying to sound chipper.

"Amanda, I was wondering what time you'd call. Why didn't you tell me that the repairman for the garbage disposal was coming this week? I had no idea he'd be popping by this morning. Also, your PTA meeting has been rescheduled for next week. Mrs. Klein said the treasurer came down with chicken pox." Dotty finally stopped to take a breath.

"Caroline has the chicken pox? That's just terrible, Mother. I'll have to bake her some bread or cookies when I get home," Amanda began. "I had no idea what day the repairman would be coming. When I first called Bob's Plumbing, they didn't have a specific date, just the week they'd be coming out. How are the boys? I miss them."

"They're just fine. Phillip has a new girlfriend, Jessica Miller, who just happens to live two blocks down on Dalton Drive. Oh, and Jamie got an A on his science project. He was so happy. I hope you come home soon, darling. I really miss you," Dotty said in that loving way only a daughter could understand

"Oh, Mother, I miss you, too. I'll be home soon, I promise. Please give the boys a big kiss for me. I love you," Amanda spoke softly, her eyes tearing.

"I love you too, darling." Dotty sighed.

1:00 p.m.

After gathering all the information he could find, Lee left the police station, heading for the grocery store. Two women were able to come up with composite sketches of the suspect. Lee couldn't help but picture the perpetrator hurting Amanda. He clutched the steering wheel tightly, clinching his jaw, while imagining the situation. Shaking his head, he realized that it wasn't doing any good to get worked up about it now.

Lee decided to give Billy a call, filling him in on the situation.

"Melrose here!"

"Billy, it's Scarecrow," Lee replied.

"Lee, what's going on?" he asked.

"I just went down to metro to get an M.O. on the suspect that assaulted Amanda. It appears that he's actually raped three women in the area where Amanda was Friday evening. One of the women died as a result of her injuries. I have a composite of the guy. I'm hoping Amanda will be able to positively I.D. the bastard," Lee seethed.

"Sounds like you have everything under control from your end. If you need anything, just holler," Billy offered. "At least you violated my orders for a good reason. It's starting to pay off," he added half-heartedly, trying to lighten Lee's mood.

"I explained that yesterday, Billy. I had to find her. You should have told me
what was going on," he retorted, his voice shaky.

"Lee, you know as well as I do that I was sworn to secrecy. I didn't even think…"

"I know, I know," he interrupted. "Look, I need to get back to my apartment to check on her. Thanks a lot, Billy. Scarecrow out."

2:45 p.m.

Curled up on her side, and wrapped in an afghan, Amanda fell asleep on Lee's couch. She hadn't realized just how tired she really was, until she sat down to watch a little T.V. As she drifted further into a deep sleep, the images began to appear, flashing in front of her eyes. The horrible man was there, hitting her repeatedly, telling her that he'd make sure she 'got it good' this time. He vowed to get her after being kicked in the groin area. Listless, Amanda's head began to move back and forth, trying to escape the horror of her captor, as her arms flailed back and forth. "Nooo!" she screamed, sitting straight up on the couch. Looking toward the door, Amanda heard the sound of keys jingling as the handle began to turn. She immediately jumped off of the couch and ran into the bedroom for cover.

Well aware that Lee had returned, she locked herself securely in the bathroom and splashed cool water over her face in an attempt to hide her rattled state. Staring at her reflection, she winced at the bruises. They were fading slightly, but were still visibly noticeable. She wondered how Lee had been able to handle himself yesterday; quite sure his first reaction would have been a fit of anger. As she continued to wonder, a loud banging on the door woke her from her thoughts.

"Uh, yes?" she answered.

"Amanda, are you okay?" Lee asked, worry evident in his tone.

"Yes, Lee, I'm just fine. I'll be right out," she assured him, taking long deep breaths.

The smell of something delicious wafted through his apartment, drawing Amanda into the kitchen. "Mmm, what smells so good?" she asked, taking a deep breath of the appetizing scent.

Startled, Lee turned around unaware that she was standing behind him. "Ohh, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you," he replied, grasping her by the forearms to steady himself from falling. "I made you a pot of chili. It's a secret family recipe," he teased, gently rubbing her arms.

"Well it smells delicious. Do you need any help?" she offered, looking around the kitchen for the next task at hand.

Turning her around, Lee whispered against her hair, "I want you to sit down and relax. Let me cook for you, please?"

"Alright, you win, but only if I can at least set the table. I'm really okay, Lee," she added with a slight smile.

He nodded, but didn't speak. Lee watched her scurry around the kitchen, gathering all the items necessary for their meal. Shaking his head, he was amazed at the ease at which Amanda navigated in his kitchen, in spite of the disorganization.

After their meal, dessert was served in the living room. He presented two plates, adorned with a fresh piece of cheesecake.

"Lee, you didn't have to go to all this trouble," Amanda spoke softly, truly touched by his hospitality.

"It's no trouble, so please sit and enjoy it. I have a fabulous bottle of wine to go with it," as he returned to the kitchen to grab the bottle.

"Sounds just wonderful," she replied softly, blushing at his suggestion. Something was different, but in a good way, and Amanda was very aware of this fact. He was patient, gentle, caring and even loving. All these qualities made her love him even more.

As they sat watching T.V., Lee couldn't help but to touch her. He had one arm wrapped protectively around her shoulder, his fingers gently brushing the skin of her upper arm. Part of him wanted to probe into the case a little, but the other part of him was too content with her in his arms. 'I don't want to upset her now,' he thought. He decided to wait and bring it up in the morning so they could enjoy the remainder of the evening. As he placed the wineglass on the table, his free hand found hers and he caressed her fingertips with his own.

Enjoying herself immensely, Amanda was reluctant to move from the couch but knew sitting still for to long would make her stiff. Her sudden shift in position caused him to groan and when she looked up, she noticed him rubbing his neck. "Oh my gosh, I forgot all about last night, Lee. Your neck and shoulders must be killing you. Sit up and let me massage the kinks out," she insisted.

As wonderful as the offer sounded, he wasn't sure about the idea. It was becoming harder for him to hide his feelings and he didn't feel comfortable putting himself in that position. Everything was fine, as long as the roles were reversed and he was comforting her. "I'll be fine, Amanda, trust me," he assured her.

"Please don't make me ask you again. I feel terrible about last night. You didn't get a decent night's sleep, and we both know it," she replied sharply.

Putting both hands up, he surrendered. "Okay, you win," he smiled, leaning forward on the couch.

Amanda walked around the couch, instructing him to sit back. She firmly placed her fingers on his shoulders and began kneading his tight skin. Slowly she worked her way from his neck, back down his shoulders, loosening up his muscles. She smiled, hearing his moans and sighs of pleasure as she hit all the right areas.

"Amanda…that feels so good," he purred. Lee felt her hands working their way down his back, and as tempting as it was, he didn't want to spoil anything by letting things get out of hand. Her massage was stimulating both physically and mentally. "Uh, Amanda thanks a lot. I feel better now," he insisted, leaning forward.

"Are you sure?" she asked, leaning over his shoulders.

"Yes, completely. I feel much better now. Come sit down so we can finish watching this movie," he suggested, patting the seat next to him.

After sitting for an extended period of time, Amanda could barely keep her eyes open. She tried to stifle the yawns that were becoming more and more frequent as the evening passed. Finally, she released Lee's hand to cover her mouth, unable to hide her fatigue.

"Come on, Amanda. You're tired. Why don't you get some sleep, huh?"

Amanda sat up, looking him in the eye. She reached for his hand, interlocking it with hers. "Will you stay with me?" She asked in the softest voice he'd ever heard.

"Of course," he replied, smiling at her. He was touched beyond words at the trust she held for him.

After changing for bed, Lee climbed under the covers, wrapping both arms protectively around her, spooning her against his body. He felt her body relax against him, and he smiled, content at holding her in his arms. "I'll never let you go," he whispered against her ear.

Her breath quickened when she heard his voice and felt the warmth of his body pressed against her skin. "I…I hope not," she murmured softly as his arms tightened around her waist.

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