Scarecrow and Mrs. King
“Smooth Sailing”
Written by Anne Riener
A little tag extension for the episode "Flight to Freedom" written by Barry Gold which originally aired on November 25, 1985.
“Smooth Sailing”
Written by Anne Riener
A little tag extension for the episode "Flight to Freedom" written by Barry Gold which originally aired on November 25, 1985.
Ribbons of soft light like silver platinum bounced off the mirrored surface of the Chesapeake Bay. The last tendrils of nightfall had long withdrawn for the evening, while Lee finished tying the mooring lines to the pier cleats. Below a pair of ducks quacked noisily as they swam past, rippling water in their wake. After inspecting his handiwork, he nodded his head once, and then took in a deep breath of the salty sea air, an invigorating feeling washed over him. He was feeling tipsy and it was not just from the wine he had had with dinner. His focus then turned to her. She was beautiful illuminated in the moonlight and he wasn’t thinking about the ship moored in her slip in the Annapolis Marina. Amanda was busying herself above the deck of the Mati Hari II. Watching her in silence, his mind went over the events that had taken place the last few days; again, she had been instrumental to him in his latest assignment.
Feeling his gaze upon her, Amanda turned to look at him, her deep brown eyes locked with his.
Lee’s breath caught in his throat for a moment and then he relaxed when a brilliant smile graced her face. “Buttoned up?” He asked her, taking a step forward, he helped her off the ketch.
“Yes,” she replied, zipping up her coat against the cool night air. “Did you finish securing the lines?”
“Aye-aye, Captain King.” Lee teasingly gave her a mock salute. “Shall we?”
She reached out her hand and his fingers intertwined with hers, as they leisurely walked down the pier. Lee shook his head in bewilderment, wondering when had it become second nature for them to walk hand in hand. As they walked in comfortable silence, the dock gently swayed and the swishing sound of water lapped around the pilings as they strolled toward their destination. After reaching street level the lights of the city stretched out before them as they walked toward the parking lot. They soon reached his Corvette and Lee helped Amanda into the car. He then ambled to the other side of the vehicle and let himself in. Placing the key in the ignition, the powerful engine roared to life.
Lee drove the silver sports car down the road; the headlights casting shadows along the town’s storefronts, before he turned off the side road and onto the freeway off-ramp headed toward Virginia. Almost an hour later, Lee pulled in front of the petite Cape Cod home with a white picket fence.
Lee parked the car against the curb. He then turned to look at his partner and smiled. Somewhere along the ride, Amanda had fallen asleep; her head resting against the headrest, snoring softly.
Gently he nudged her. “Hey, Sleepy Head.”
She lifted her head and blinked a few times. "Lee?" Amanda sat up straight and then a blush crept up her neck and face. “I’m sorry Lee, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. “
He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s been a long day.”
She turned to look toward the house and noticed most of the lights were off. “Mother and the boys must be out.” Reaching her arms out in front of her, she stretched. “Could I invite you in for a nightcap?” Amanda gave him a nervous smile.
He rewarded her with a crooked grin. “That would be nice.”
Lee stood in the threshold of the backdoor near the kitchen watching Amanda as she picked up a piece of notebook paper that had been left on the countertop. After reading the note, she waved him in. “Mother and the boys went to the movies. A double-feature, so they won’t be back for a while.” She then opened the cabinet door above the refrigerator. “Now, I know I don’t have the wide assortment of exotic wines like you do, but I did pick up this bottle of Merlot a few weeks ago at the wine shop.”
His brow quirked up when he read the label, "So I'm finally starting to rub off on you, huh?"
Amanda opened the cupboard door and reached inside to grab a couple of glasses. Seeing there were none, she then walked over to the dishwasher, opened the door, and pulled out a glass. “Well, that’s odd.” She inspected the glass and noticed it was covered in spots. “It appears the dishwasher didn’t run a full cycle. Let me just rinse these glasses and while you pour the wine, I’ll start the dishwasher again.”
A few moments later, Lee and Amanda were leaning against the kitchen island. Lee was feeling intoxicated and not just from the spirits. He lightly swirled the stemware, pressed it to his lips, a sweet floral scent assaulted his senses, before taking another sip. A warm tingling sensation coursed through Lee’s body as the wine slid down his throat leaving the taste of spices and fruit in his mouth. Closing his eyes, he wondered what Amanda would do if he crushed her body to his and kissed her senseless.
“Lee?” Amanda interrupted his thoughts, as he heard her call out his name.
“Huh?”
Her big doe-eyes looked at him with concern. “Are you okay? I’ve been trying to grab your attention for a couple minutes now.”
“I’m sorry, Amanda. What were you saying?”
“I was just thanking you for dinner tonight.”
He winked at her. “It was my pleasure. And here you thought I couldn’t cook.”
Amanda shook her head. “No, I knew you could cook. I still remember the stir fry you made for me.”
Lee thought back for a moment. “Oh, yes, during the Russell Sinclair case. It really did need the enoki mushrooms to compliment the taste of the squid.”
Amanda shrugged lightly. “I thought it was fantastic the way it was. You really do know your way around a kitchen.” She threw an enigmatic smile in his direction and his mouth went dry.
He placed the wineglass on the countertop and then placed his arm around her and pulled her to him. Lee looked deep into her trusting brown eyes and seeing nothing but hope, his gaze then fell to her soft lips and he licked his dry lips nervously.
She ran her fingers up his chest, nervously fingering the buttons on his shirt.
He growled low in his throat. “Amanda,” he trembled, his voice heavy with desire and emotion. Lee leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to hers. When all of a sudden there was a low groan, followed by a stream of water shooting from the faucet.
“Oh, my gosh!” Amanda shrieked, shoving Lee away.
Lee quickly reached under the sink; his long arms stretched for the shut off valve. However, he was not fast enough, and hot water sprayed out from under the sink, drenching him. Lee finally managed to shut off the water and after he stood up, water ran down his face.
Rushing forward, Amanda slipped on the wet floor, bumping into Lee. With an apologetic grimace, she then ran out of the room and quickly returned with a towel. “Gosh, Lee. I am so sorry.” She dabbed his face with the towel and down his chest. Then she began to move lower and her hands inadvertently brushed against his inner thigh. Embarrassed, she stopped short and looked up at him.
He gruffly took the towel from her. “A-man-da,” he replied. He ran both hands through his hair and then shook out his head. Water droplets dripped from his hair onto the linoleum flooring.
His eyes met hers again and soon his features softened as he laughed wholeheartedly. Amanda joined in his laughter.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Nervously, she scuffed her feet on the floor and diverted her eyes. “I thought I fixed that. Mother said I should have left it to the professionals, I guess she was right.”
He took a step forward and placed his index finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his. “It’s only water, Amanda. And why don’t I help you fix that. I have been told a time or two that I know my way around a toolbox.”
“Are you sure, Lee?”
He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Hey, what are friends for? And this is nothing but smooth sailing,” he replied, pointing to the sink. “Could you grab me another towel or two?”
“Of course.” Amanda stepped into the living room on her way to the upstairs landing, while she called over her shoulder. “I might be able to find you something to wear, while I dry your shirt and jacket in the clothes dryer.”
“As long as it’s not a plaid coat, I’m golden.”
Amanda’s silvery laugh rang out. “No, nothing plaid.”
Several minutes later, surrounded by tools lying on the floor around him, Lee was stretched under the kitchen sink. He had changed into a tight-fitting white t-shirt, which Amanda had explained it had originally belonged to her ex-husband, Joe. His jaw began to pulsate as he thought about the two of them together, even though he had never met the man.
The fresh aroma of coffee wafted throughout the room. Amanda walked over to where Lee was working with a steaming cup of hot coffee in her hands. “Coffee’s ready.”
“Thanks, Amanda. Just leave it there on the floor next to me. I’ve almost got this.” He placed a wretch onto the floor and began to pat the area near him with his hand searching for something.
“Need help?” Amanda asked eagerly.
“Yeah, could you grab me the PVC cement?” He gestured widely with his hands.
Amanda looked around for the bottle, grabbed it, and then dropped to the floor, crawling up next to him, sticking her head under the sink. “Here you go.”
He took the bottle from her and opened it. “Thanks.” Holding the ends of the piping, he realized he was going to need some help. “Amanda, I could use some help here.”
“Sure, Lee.”
“We need to attach the elbow next, so take the little fuzzy ball out of the PVC cement, and swish it around.” He instructed, using his eyes and shoulders to communicate.
Amanda slathered the purplish liquid onto the pipe and handed it to Lee.
“Now, attach the two pipes together, just so.” Lee moved his hand up the pipe. “Apply pressure and just hold it for a minute.” He placed his hand on top of hers. A shot of electricity coursed through his body.
He heard her inhale sharply, and a moment later she inquired, "Lee?"
“Huh?” He blinked a few times trying to stop the loud pounding of his heart.
“Can we let go now?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Lee cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. He then rolled to his side, looking at his companion.
“You’ve got a smudge.” He pointed to his own cheek.
“Where?” She asked, trying to wipe her face with her hand.
“Right here.” He raised his hand to her cheek to wipe away the grease; however, she leaned into his hand, and his finger lightly trailed down her soft cheekbone. Lee watched her close her eyes, reveling in the sweet sensation he was sure she had felt, too. He then wrapped his hand behind her back and pulled her closer to him. Breathing against her ear, he felt her shiver against him, as he placed feather-light kisses in her silken hair.
He pulled back slightly seeing Amanda open her passion filled eyes. She angled her head toward him, the distance between their lips closed ever so slowly. His heart continued to hammer in his chest, as he leaned in further to kiss her firm, moist mouth. He could not believe it was finally coming to fruition. Their lips met briefly, when he suddenly heard a car door slam shut.
Quickly they broke apart, sitting up they both bumped their heads on the kitchen cabinet.
“Mother and the boys must be home,” Amanda yelped, panic evident in her voice. “Out the backdoor. Quick. Quick.”
“Yeah.” Lee scrambled up and hurriedly exited out the door.
Amanda was picking up the tools, when she heard her mother enter the kitchen. “I thought we agreed we were going to leave the plumbing to the professionals?”
Amanda draped a towel over her shoulder and then put her hands in her back pockets. “Well, you see Mother. . . you know what they say, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. I was just not going to let it beat me.”
“Alright, Amanda.” Dotty placed her purse on the countertop and patted Amanda on the shoulder. She then sat down on the barstool. “The boys ran into the Taylor's at the movie theater and they asked if they could spend the night at Steven and David’s house. I thought it would be okay with you.”
“That’s fine, Mother.”
“Well, it’s been a long day; I think I will call it a night unless you need me to help clean up the kitchen.”
Amanda leaned in to kiss her mother on the cheek. “No, I’ve got it. Night, Mother.”
“Goodnight, Dear.” She stood up and then gestured slightly with her hand. “Tomorrow I want to hear all about your evening and why there are two wine glasses on the counter.”
Amanda could feel a blush rise up from her back to her face. She then shook her head and sighed regretfully; Lee had almost kissed her. . . again. “Someday,” she murmured into the empty kitchen as she started the dishwasher for the second time that evening and turned off the light before heading to bed.
Feeling his gaze upon her, Amanda turned to look at him, her deep brown eyes locked with his.
Lee’s breath caught in his throat for a moment and then he relaxed when a brilliant smile graced her face. “Buttoned up?” He asked her, taking a step forward, he helped her off the ketch.
“Yes,” she replied, zipping up her coat against the cool night air. “Did you finish securing the lines?”
“Aye-aye, Captain King.” Lee teasingly gave her a mock salute. “Shall we?”
She reached out her hand and his fingers intertwined with hers, as they leisurely walked down the pier. Lee shook his head in bewilderment, wondering when had it become second nature for them to walk hand in hand. As they walked in comfortable silence, the dock gently swayed and the swishing sound of water lapped around the pilings as they strolled toward their destination. After reaching street level the lights of the city stretched out before them as they walked toward the parking lot. They soon reached his Corvette and Lee helped Amanda into the car. He then ambled to the other side of the vehicle and let himself in. Placing the key in the ignition, the powerful engine roared to life.
Lee drove the silver sports car down the road; the headlights casting shadows along the town’s storefronts, before he turned off the side road and onto the freeway off-ramp headed toward Virginia. Almost an hour later, Lee pulled in front of the petite Cape Cod home with a white picket fence.
Lee parked the car against the curb. He then turned to look at his partner and smiled. Somewhere along the ride, Amanda had fallen asleep; her head resting against the headrest, snoring softly.
Gently he nudged her. “Hey, Sleepy Head.”
She lifted her head and blinked a few times. "Lee?" Amanda sat up straight and then a blush crept up her neck and face. “I’m sorry Lee, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. “
He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s been a long day.”
She turned to look toward the house and noticed most of the lights were off. “Mother and the boys must be out.” Reaching her arms out in front of her, she stretched. “Could I invite you in for a nightcap?” Amanda gave him a nervous smile.
He rewarded her with a crooked grin. “That would be nice.”
Lee stood in the threshold of the backdoor near the kitchen watching Amanda as she picked up a piece of notebook paper that had been left on the countertop. After reading the note, she waved him in. “Mother and the boys went to the movies. A double-feature, so they won’t be back for a while.” She then opened the cabinet door above the refrigerator. “Now, I know I don’t have the wide assortment of exotic wines like you do, but I did pick up this bottle of Merlot a few weeks ago at the wine shop.”
His brow quirked up when he read the label, "So I'm finally starting to rub off on you, huh?"
Amanda opened the cupboard door and reached inside to grab a couple of glasses. Seeing there were none, she then walked over to the dishwasher, opened the door, and pulled out a glass. “Well, that’s odd.” She inspected the glass and noticed it was covered in spots. “It appears the dishwasher didn’t run a full cycle. Let me just rinse these glasses and while you pour the wine, I’ll start the dishwasher again.”
A few moments later, Lee and Amanda were leaning against the kitchen island. Lee was feeling intoxicated and not just from the spirits. He lightly swirled the stemware, pressed it to his lips, a sweet floral scent assaulted his senses, before taking another sip. A warm tingling sensation coursed through Lee’s body as the wine slid down his throat leaving the taste of spices and fruit in his mouth. Closing his eyes, he wondered what Amanda would do if he crushed her body to his and kissed her senseless.
“Lee?” Amanda interrupted his thoughts, as he heard her call out his name.
“Huh?”
Her big doe-eyes looked at him with concern. “Are you okay? I’ve been trying to grab your attention for a couple minutes now.”
“I’m sorry, Amanda. What were you saying?”
“I was just thanking you for dinner tonight.”
He winked at her. “It was my pleasure. And here you thought I couldn’t cook.”
Amanda shook her head. “No, I knew you could cook. I still remember the stir fry you made for me.”
Lee thought back for a moment. “Oh, yes, during the Russell Sinclair case. It really did need the enoki mushrooms to compliment the taste of the squid.”
Amanda shrugged lightly. “I thought it was fantastic the way it was. You really do know your way around a kitchen.” She threw an enigmatic smile in his direction and his mouth went dry.
He placed the wineglass on the countertop and then placed his arm around her and pulled her to him. Lee looked deep into her trusting brown eyes and seeing nothing but hope, his gaze then fell to her soft lips and he licked his dry lips nervously.
She ran her fingers up his chest, nervously fingering the buttons on his shirt.
He growled low in his throat. “Amanda,” he trembled, his voice heavy with desire and emotion. Lee leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to hers. When all of a sudden there was a low groan, followed by a stream of water shooting from the faucet.
“Oh, my gosh!” Amanda shrieked, shoving Lee away.
Lee quickly reached under the sink; his long arms stretched for the shut off valve. However, he was not fast enough, and hot water sprayed out from under the sink, drenching him. Lee finally managed to shut off the water and after he stood up, water ran down his face.
Rushing forward, Amanda slipped on the wet floor, bumping into Lee. With an apologetic grimace, she then ran out of the room and quickly returned with a towel. “Gosh, Lee. I am so sorry.” She dabbed his face with the towel and down his chest. Then she began to move lower and her hands inadvertently brushed against his inner thigh. Embarrassed, she stopped short and looked up at him.
He gruffly took the towel from her. “A-man-da,” he replied. He ran both hands through his hair and then shook out his head. Water droplets dripped from his hair onto the linoleum flooring.
His eyes met hers again and soon his features softened as he laughed wholeheartedly. Amanda joined in his laughter.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Nervously, she scuffed her feet on the floor and diverted her eyes. “I thought I fixed that. Mother said I should have left it to the professionals, I guess she was right.”
He took a step forward and placed his index finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his. “It’s only water, Amanda. And why don’t I help you fix that. I have been told a time or two that I know my way around a toolbox.”
“Are you sure, Lee?”
He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Hey, what are friends for? And this is nothing but smooth sailing,” he replied, pointing to the sink. “Could you grab me another towel or two?”
“Of course.” Amanda stepped into the living room on her way to the upstairs landing, while she called over her shoulder. “I might be able to find you something to wear, while I dry your shirt and jacket in the clothes dryer.”
“As long as it’s not a plaid coat, I’m golden.”
Amanda’s silvery laugh rang out. “No, nothing plaid.”
Several minutes later, surrounded by tools lying on the floor around him, Lee was stretched under the kitchen sink. He had changed into a tight-fitting white t-shirt, which Amanda had explained it had originally belonged to her ex-husband, Joe. His jaw began to pulsate as he thought about the two of them together, even though he had never met the man.
The fresh aroma of coffee wafted throughout the room. Amanda walked over to where Lee was working with a steaming cup of hot coffee in her hands. “Coffee’s ready.”
“Thanks, Amanda. Just leave it there on the floor next to me. I’ve almost got this.” He placed a wretch onto the floor and began to pat the area near him with his hand searching for something.
“Need help?” Amanda asked eagerly.
“Yeah, could you grab me the PVC cement?” He gestured widely with his hands.
Amanda looked around for the bottle, grabbed it, and then dropped to the floor, crawling up next to him, sticking her head under the sink. “Here you go.”
He took the bottle from her and opened it. “Thanks.” Holding the ends of the piping, he realized he was going to need some help. “Amanda, I could use some help here.”
“Sure, Lee.”
“We need to attach the elbow next, so take the little fuzzy ball out of the PVC cement, and swish it around.” He instructed, using his eyes and shoulders to communicate.
Amanda slathered the purplish liquid onto the pipe and handed it to Lee.
“Now, attach the two pipes together, just so.” Lee moved his hand up the pipe. “Apply pressure and just hold it for a minute.” He placed his hand on top of hers. A shot of electricity coursed through his body.
He heard her inhale sharply, and a moment later she inquired, "Lee?"
“Huh?” He blinked a few times trying to stop the loud pounding of his heart.
“Can we let go now?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Lee cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. He then rolled to his side, looking at his companion.
“You’ve got a smudge.” He pointed to his own cheek.
“Where?” She asked, trying to wipe her face with her hand.
“Right here.” He raised his hand to her cheek to wipe away the grease; however, she leaned into his hand, and his finger lightly trailed down her soft cheekbone. Lee watched her close her eyes, reveling in the sweet sensation he was sure she had felt, too. He then wrapped his hand behind her back and pulled her closer to him. Breathing against her ear, he felt her shiver against him, as he placed feather-light kisses in her silken hair.
He pulled back slightly seeing Amanda open her passion filled eyes. She angled her head toward him, the distance between their lips closed ever so slowly. His heart continued to hammer in his chest, as he leaned in further to kiss her firm, moist mouth. He could not believe it was finally coming to fruition. Their lips met briefly, when he suddenly heard a car door slam shut.
Quickly they broke apart, sitting up they both bumped their heads on the kitchen cabinet.
“Mother and the boys must be home,” Amanda yelped, panic evident in her voice. “Out the backdoor. Quick. Quick.”
“Yeah.” Lee scrambled up and hurriedly exited out the door.
Amanda was picking up the tools, when she heard her mother enter the kitchen. “I thought we agreed we were going to leave the plumbing to the professionals?”
Amanda draped a towel over her shoulder and then put her hands in her back pockets. “Well, you see Mother. . . you know what they say, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. I was just not going to let it beat me.”
“Alright, Amanda.” Dotty placed her purse on the countertop and patted Amanda on the shoulder. She then sat down on the barstool. “The boys ran into the Taylor's at the movie theater and they asked if they could spend the night at Steven and David’s house. I thought it would be okay with you.”
“That’s fine, Mother.”
“Well, it’s been a long day; I think I will call it a night unless you need me to help clean up the kitchen.”
Amanda leaned in to kiss her mother on the cheek. “No, I’ve got it. Night, Mother.”
“Goodnight, Dear.” She stood up and then gestured slightly with her hand. “Tomorrow I want to hear all about your evening and why there are two wine glasses on the counter.”
Amanda could feel a blush rise up from her back to her face. She then shook her head and sighed regretfully; Lee had almost kissed her. . . again. “Someday,” she murmured into the empty kitchen as she started the dishwasher for the second time that evening and turned off the light before heading to bed.