Summary: Third season. Rated R (Graphic Violence and Language)

Author: Diane Minter

This is a Halloween based story. *This story contains graphic descriptions of murder and non-consensual sex.* Please read at your own risk. This story does contain spoilers from the SMK series. I hope you enjoy it and as always any comments good and bad are appreciated.

Disclaimers: Scarecrow and Mrs. King is copyrighted to Warner Brothers and Shoot the Moon Production Company. This story, however, is copyrighted to the above-mentioned author. This story is for entertainment purposes ONLY. If you would like to add it to an archive, please just let me know.

***I would like to send a very special thank you to my friend, Amy, for her encouragement, ideas, and support I needed to write this story. Also, a very warm thank you to EmilyAnn, and the SMKauthors group for helping me make this story reach its full potential.

Timeframe: Mid-third season (This story does break cannon)

Trail Of Blood

Chapter 1

Lee walked out of the agency with a spring in his step. He was looking forward to the next few days off from the world of espionage. He was going to go home, pull out his little black books and spend time playing catch up. He had been too busy with work to date lately, and he missed the company of a woman. Once again, his thoughts drifted to Amanda. Every time he thought about dating someone she popped into his mind. He shook his head and got in the car.

They had been working a lot together lately on some pretty tight cases, that was probably the reason he was thinking about her so much. They had even gone out to dinner a few times as friends. The more he thought about it, the more Lee convinced himself that she didn't have an interest in developing a relationship with him. Being who he was, and despite the fact she was his partner and best friend, he found himself flirting with her. She had always responded well, but he seemed to read something in her eyes that made him back off. Hell, he wasn't even sure that HE wanted a relationship with her. In any case, he didn't want to push her into something they would both regret down the road. He valued their friendship too much to jeopardize it. Amanda deserved a full-time, long lasting relationship, and he was after all, not the lasting relationship type.

Returning to the present, he looked down at the file he had tossed into the passenger seat. This was the last task he had before starting his time off. He had to drop off this profile at Amanda's house. It contained information she would need on a Russian Scientist and his son. Billy assigned her to make contact with them, and make them feel comfortable in the U.S. Lee smiled as he thought about how good she was at making people feel comfortable. He started his engine and began the familiar drive to Amanda's. Anxious to leave work on the back burner for the weekend, he would just drop this off with her. Then he could go about putting his social life back on track.

Amanda was in her kitchen gathering the things she would need to do her yearly pumpkin carving. Halloween was on Saturday and that was only three days away. She had spent most of the day baking cookies for Jamie's class Halloween party. She smiled, remembering Jamie telling her he was too old to take cookies to school. She would miss him over the weekend, but Aunt Lillian had offered to take him to the annual 'ghost walk' in Williamsburg. Dotty was going to pick her sister up at the Dulles airport, and then the two of them were spending the night with 'a mutual friend' in DC. Tomorrow they would pick Jamie up from school around twelve, and head down to Williamsburg.

Sighing, she thought about all the other things on her list to do. She still had to finish Phillip's costume for his school dance. She laughed to herself wondering what Lee would think if he knew that her son was going to be the Scarecrow from the 'Wizard of Oz'. Phillip and Jamie had found her reading the book during the OZ case, Phillip had become infatuated with the story.

She had asked Mr. Melrose for a long weekend to take care of her big agenda. Thinking over her list, she thought about how much of a lifesaver her mother was. Not only had Dotty helped bake today, but she had almost completed Phillip's costume. At the moment she was off picking up the dry cleaning, and then heading to the grocery store to pick up something for dinner.

"Mom, Jamie and I are going to meet Sergei at the park. We'll be home in time for supper," Phillip called out, as he ran out the back door leaving it wide open.

"Be careful, and be sure to come home before dark," Amanda watched her boys race around the side of the house from the kitchen window.

She set her mind on her task. She spread out newspaper on the floor and placed her pumpkins on it. She gathered her knives, marker, scraper, and made herself comfortable.

Lee sat in his car as he watched Phillip and Jamie skateboard down the driveway and race each other down the street. He felt as if he knew all there was to know about the two. He had watched them grow up over the past few years, and knew about most of their experiences through Amanda' s lengthy stories. They didn't know he existed, and it was better that way. He was better able to protect the family watching them from the shadows. As they went out of sight of the house, Lee got out of his car, and made his way around the back of the house. Noticing the back door open, he immediately went into agent mode. Drawing his gun out he carefully entered the house.

To Lee's surprise, the only ones in trouble in the King house were the jack-o-lanterns Amanda was chopping up. Since Amanda had not heard him enter, he chose to watch her for a few minutes. Returning his gun to his holster, he leaned against the doorframe. She looked like a little girl sitting Indian style on the floor, engrossed in her carving. She had on a pair of sweats, a Georgetown sweatshirt, her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her face void of makeup. She had the most determined look on her face he had ever seen. God, she was beautiful. Lee shook his head to remind himself she was his partner and that was all. "Amanda."

Amanda jumped at his voice and cut her finger with the knife. "Lee, I really wish you wouldn't scare me like that," she declared, going to the sink to wash it.

"Sorry, habit you know." Lee walked behind her to check the damage.

Amanda could feel his breath on her neck and quickly stepped away. 'Why does he have to have that effect on me?' She thought to herself as she dried the cut and placed a bandage on it. "No serious damage, Lee. I guess I won't need to go to the hospital for this one."

Lee started to protest, as she covered up her finger from his view. There was blood on the floor, and he wanted to see how bad it really was. Amanda noticed his intentions and focused her attention to the folder he was carrying. "What's that?"

Lee looked at the file and then to Amanda. "Oh, no you're not. I want to see that cut, Mrs. King."

"It's fine, Lee, it was just a nick. Hands and heads always bleed a lot." Amanda noticed his eyes focused on her blood drying on the floor.

"What are you doing anyway? I have never seen so many pumpkin guts in my entire life." Lee reached out to take her hand for inspection.

Amanda looked at his face and knew it was useless to try and stop him. He gently pulled back the bandage and was satisfied to see it was indeed only a nick.

"I always carve pumpkins at Halloween. My dad and I made it a tradition." Amanda tried to ignore the feelings that were going through her body from the touch of his hands on hers.

He never got to hear much about her father, so he was eager to learn more. Still holding her hand he began to stoke her knuckles with his thumb. "You and your father made this a tradition?"

"Yes, every Halloween we would get five pumpkins and carve each one together." Amanda paused and smiled at the memory.

"Anyway, we would make the biggest mess and mother would come in fussing at us. Dad would just laugh and make her join us in our destruction. He told her it would bring out the creative side of me. So we did this every Halloween until he died." Amanda paused again and Lee watched as he saw a flash of sadness cross her face. She quickly recovered and gave him an affectionate smile.

"The boys think they are too old now to sit in the floor with me and carve, I guess they think that I am crazy, but I enjoy it. It makes me feel a little closer to daddy. What brought you over here anyway?" Amanda looked at her hand that Lee still held. She gently removed it from his, and began to clean up the floor.

"Billy asked me to bring you this profile. It contains information about a new Russian Scientist and his family. He wants you to find some time this weekend to make them feel welcome. It shouldn't take long."

"I have a lot to do this weekend. That's why I asked off, Lee." Amanda went to the counter and sat down.

"It's just a 'Welcome to America' detail. You've done this before. All you need to do is make sure he is comfortable and knows all the local hotspots. He has already been given a driver license, credit cards, bank accounts, etcetera. I promise it won't take long."

"Who is it?" Amanda asked, almost reluctantly, as she remembered past cases that were not supposed to take long, but always managed to turn into full scramble.

Amanda reached for the file as Lee handed it to her. She began to read its contents while Lee took a seat beside her and picked up one of her fresh baked cookies. Amanda looked up at him and grinned. He had eaten two of the cookies and was headed for a third. "Would you like a glass of milk with that?"

"I can get it myself, thanks. These are really good." Lee sheepishly smiled at her and headed towards the refrigerator.

"This shouldn't be a problem, Lee. I already know them."

"What? They have only been in the Washington for a month and just moved to Arlington two weeks ago."

"I know. Sergei is in Phillip's class and they ride the same bus. They only live a couple of streets over so, I went over last week to take them a welcome to the neighborhood basket. As a matter of fact, Nick asked me to help him with Sergei's costume for the school dance tomorrow," Amanda added, giving Lee a pure look of innocence, and then letting a smirk cross her face when she saw the look of annoyance on his.

"Nick? You already know him on a first name basis?" Lee asked, annoyed by this information.

"Yes. He is a very popular man in the neighborhood. With his good looks and all," she continued with her smirk turned into a mischievous smile.

"Russians!" Lee retorted, irritated by her comments.

"Actually, he is an active member of the PTA. He's one of the very few fathers who take an interest in their children's school activities. Nick's made quite a few friends with the single mothers at the school." Still smiling, she turned her attention the contents of the folder

" I didn't know he was a scientist. I should have guessed since he told me he did research for the government," Amanda said, trying to get back to business. Noticing the milk still on the counter, she got up and put it away.

"I suppose this won't mess up your plans after all then, will it?"

"No. I will just continue to make him feel welcome in the neighborhood, and make sure he has what he needs. This way I don't even have to let him know that I'm with the agency," Amanda settled back on the floor to continue her masterpiece.

"Lee?"

"Yeah," he answered, before taking his last drink of milk.

"I wonder why the Russian's didn't put up much of an argument about him aiding our country in the space program. I know we are not on the best of terms with them right now." Amanda looked up to see Lee watching her.

"Yeah, I know. He is supposed to be doing some type of top secret, medical work. I guess the Russians are more interested in items that deal with destruction than the human body." Lee smiled softly at her.

"Well, at least he won't have to be worried about being chased down and returned home," Amanda returned her attention to the task at hand, and pulled more pumpkin guts from the cut she made.

"Yeah. Well, be careful." Lee returned to his seat at the counter.

"What's to worry about?" Amanda asked, innocently.

"You always find trouble," Lee grinned broadly.

"What are you doing this weekend?" Amanda asked suddenly, curious at his lingering since he had nothing to do with this assignment.

"I'm off to enjoy myself." Lee picked up a pumpkin she had carved giving it an inquisitive stare.

Lee watched, as she made each incision exactly to match the lines she had drawn. He thought about joining her in the mutilation of the defenseless pumpkins. Amanda actually looked like she was having fun.

"Are you going trick or treating, Scarecrow?" Amanda laughed, bringing Lee out of his thoughts.

"In a matter of speaking, yes," Lee flashed her a devilish grin.

"Oh! Well...have fun at whatever you do, Lee," Amanda said, realizing his intention. She felt a blush creeping into her cheeks and quickly went back to concentrating on her pumpkin.

"You too, Amanda," Lee stood to leave the King home.

Lee walked out to his car giving Amanda's house a lingering glance before getting into his car and heading towards home.

Lee walked into his apartment determined to enjoy his weekend. He fixed himself a drink and picked up two of his little black books. He loosened his tie and made himself comfortable on the couch. Opening the first book, he began reading the entries. He skimmed through the pages not seeing any names that caught his eye. He started on the next, taking another swallow of his drink.

He finished his drink and went to retrieve another book. Putting that one down, he was shocked he that he couldn't find anyone he really wanted to spend the weekend with.

He picked up the television remote and started flipping channels. "Nothing, on T.V. either," Lee grumbled to himself, as he went to retrieve his last book. As he started to flip the pages, his mind drifted to the image of Amanda sitting in the floor surrounded by pumpkins. He laughed to himself and laid his tome down. He went to his bedroom to shower and change clothes. Maybe, after that he would feel like calling someone.

Amanda finished her pumpkins, and placed them on the counter. She wanted them to dry some before placing candles in them. She cleaned up the mess and started unpacking the groceries her mother had brought home shortly after Lee had left.

The boys came bursting through the front door just as it began to get dark. "We're home Mom! We brought Sergei home with us. Is it okay if he stays?" Phillip called out, as he ran up the stairs with Jamie and Sergei on his heels.

"That's fine, Phillip. Did you ask his dad if it was all right with him?" Amanda called after the retreating children.

"We forgot Mom. Will you call for us?" Phillip came to the top of the steps to see his mom.

Amanda stood hands on her hips, shaking her head, "All right, I'll call this time, but you boys remember to check first next time."

Amanda picked up the phone to call Nick.

Nikolai Vkhin heard the phone ring. "Damn! Who could that be?" he wiped his hands and headed up the stairs.

"Zdravstvi!"

"Nick?"

Amanda heard a hand go over the phone and a mumbling of words.

"Hello," Nikolai said.

"Nick?"

"Amanda?"

"Yes. Am I bothering you?" Amanda asked, not at all surprised that he had used Russian in answering the phone.

"No, not at all. I was just cleaning up a bit, sorry for the Russian. I must get used to using the English language. How are you this evening?"

"Fine thanks. And you?"

"As you say in America, terrific."

"I wanted to let you know that Sergei is over here, and the boys wanted to know if it's all right if he eats dinner with us."

"Of course, that would be fine. That is, if it is okay with you?"

"Not a problem. The boys enjoy being with your son."

"I am glad. I was afraid he would have a hard time adjusting. I suppose I will eat alone tonight."

"Would you like to join us? We are just having hamburgers, but there is plenty for all of us."

"That would be wonderful. May I bring something?"

"No, I have everything. I'll see you in about an hour."

"See you then."

Amanda hung up the phone and went to prepare for her extra guests.

"Amanda, would you mind if I left to pick up Lillian a little early. I think it is going to rain and I don't like to drive in it." Dotty picked up the boys' jackets from the den floor.

"That's fine mother. It was nice of Captain Kurt to let you borrow his car. I bet he is going to miss you this weekend," Amanda teased.

"Well, you know what they say - Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Dotty let out a little laugh on her way up the stairs to get her suitcase.

Lee finished his shower and threw on a pair of jeans. He went to his refrigerator to find it empty except for a few beers and a green mass of fur growing from a container of dip. It brought back memories of when Amanda had helped him clean his apartment and found a container such as this. "What had she called it? Oh yeah, penicillin," Lee's robust laugh filled the apartment.

Lee walked over to the phone to order Chinese for dinner when he noticed his quick reference list beside the phone. He placed his index finger on the number's touching each one as he read. Chinese takeout, Barton's Dry Cleaning, Emilio's, and Amanda King. The last one was a number he would like to call and invite over for the weekend. He smiled and gently traced the familiar number. He let his mind drift to what it would be like to kiss and caress Amanda. To bring screams of pleasure to her pert little lips. He shook his head, scolding himself. That was an off limits number for what he had in mind this weekend. Lee's was brought out of his daze when the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Lee, it is so good to hear that sexy voice of yours. Do you know I have left message after message for you over the past six weeks? I was beginning to think you had moved."

"No, just working a lot," Lee tried to place the voice.

"I'm on a layover for two days and I wondered if you wanted to get together?"

"Mary?" Lee said, trying to make it not sound too much like a question.

"Yes, Lee."

"Sure, I don't really have any plans. What do you want to do?" Lee asked, relieved he remembered her name.

"You could fix me one of your famous meals and then I'm sure we could find something to entertain ourselves with afterwards," Mary said in a seductive tone.

"Probably. Where are you staying?" Lee asked, with a husky laugh.

"At my mother's in Arlington. She has left town for the weekend, so she won't miss me much. Pick me up at 8:00?"

"Sure what's the address?"

Lee jotted down the number and threw on a sweater. He remembered the appearance of his refrigerator and decided he should go to the store on his way to pick her up. He grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

Lee grabbed a shopping cart and started making his way up and down the aisles. He picked up milk, bread, eggs, and a few more odds and ends. As he passed the wine section, he noticed a man that looked vaguely familiar to him. Lee, being the agent he was, decided to stop and get a better view of the man's face. To Lee's surprise the familiar face was that of Nikolai Vkhin. Lee picked up a bottle of Italian wine.

"Excuse me, sir. I was wondering if you could help me? I am looking for a good wine to take to a lady friend's for dinner, and I am not sure which wine would be best to take," Nick asked.

"Exactly what is it going to be served with?" Lee asked.

"I think Amanda said, hamburgers." Nikolai shrugged his shoulders.

Lee almost dropped the bottle of wine he was holding at the mention of her name. "Italian's have a good red wine," Lee answered, all the while thinking how much he didn't like the idea of Amanda drinking anything with this man.

"Perhaps you are right. My friend, Vladimir always suggests a Santa Lucia Castel to go with red meat." Nick added, with a brilliant smile.

"That sounds like an excellent choice." Lee struggled to remain pleasant.

"I think I will purchase some flowers to take as well. Thank you for your help." Nikolai said, with a warm smile and turned to go to the florist section.

"Yeah anytime." Lee watched him walk away.

Lee finished getting the few remaining items he would need for dinner, and headed for the checkout lane. He went to his car, and was unloading his groceries into the trunk, when he noticed Nick leaving the store. Getting into his car he decided he would just drive by Amanda's on the way to Mary's. It really wasn't that far out of the way. Besides, he told himself, he just wanted to make sure everything was all right. After all, the man was Russian, and Amanda did have a tendency to get into trouble. He started his engine and followed Nick out of the parking lot.

He pulled along the curb in his usual spot and sat back to wait. Nikolai walked to Amanda's front door and knocked. He watched as Amanda opened the door, and greeted Nikolai with a heart-warming smile, as he handed her the bouquet of flowers. Lee felt a pang of jealously that this man could enter her life through her front door and he had to enter through the back. He was a hidden part of her life that no one could ever find out about, and he had to admit it bothered him. He saw the back porch lights come on and assumed they were starting the grill. He grabbed his jacket and got out of his car. He decided he would just sneak his way around back. He stopped at the curb when he noticed a little blonde headed girl running up to Amanda's house in tears.

Amanda heard the doorbell ring and went to answer it. "Mrs. King," the little girl sobbed.

"Karen, what are you doing out so late and alone?" Amanda looked around for her mother.

"Mommy. . .She's bleeding! I can't get mommy to wake up! Grandma dropped me off. . . I found mommy in the bedroom and she won't wake up." Karen managed to get out between sobs.

Amanda pulled the four year old into her arms and carried her inside. As she put her down, she felt a warm sticky substance ooze through her shirt from Karen's touch. Amanda looked at the child's hands seeing a red substance that was all too familiar.

"Phillip. I need you to watch Karen while I go check on her mother," Amanda calmly said, as she handed Phillip the sobbing child.

"What is happening?" Nikolai asked.

"I need to check on a neighbor." Amanda picked up the phone to call the police.

After a brief summary, she grabbed her coat and left the house. She ran down the block to the brick home where Karen and her mother, Sandra lived. She went to open the door and noticed blood on the handle. Lee, unnerved by the way Amanda had left so suddenly, followed her. Amanda felt the hair on her body rise, as she turned on the lights and looked at the bloody footprints on the floor. She followed the blood soaked white carpet up the winding stairs. The trail ended at the door of Sandra's bedroom. Amanda slowly opened the door.

Lee entered the house shortly after Amanda. He saw the rust colored footprints that led up the stairs. He dropped his jacket on the floor, as he raced to the top of the stairs, "Amanda!"

Chapter 2

Amanda opened the bedroom door and entered. She found the room dark, except for the moonlight that hovered over the bed from the window. She flipped the light switch, but the lights remained off. She noticed a silhouette of a body on the bed. She crept over to the bed, hearing the crunch of broken glass under her feet. As she stood beside the bed, she felt her tennis shoes sink into a crusty damp substance. She leaned over to see the face of the resting body. Sandra's eyes were open and stared into Amanda's soul.

Amanda knelt on the floor beside the bed desperately trying to awaken her. She did not want to think of the truth of the situation.

"Amanda!! Amanda!! Answer me!!" Lee yelled, as he reached the top of the stairs.

Amanda could not find her voice to answer the panicked call she knew so well. Instead she desperately tried to free Sandra's now lifeless body from the bonds that secured her to the bed.

Lee stopped behind Amanda in shock. He had seen many murders in his life, but none compared to the brutality of this. His well-trained eyes absorbed the woman's body. 'This is more than just a murder, it's almost like the woman was sacrificed in some way.' Lee thought as his attention was drawn back to the shaking body of his partner, who knelt before him. He pulled Amanda from Sandra's body. "Amanda, there's nothing we can do."

Amanda turned into his embrace and buried her head in his chest. He gently led her from the room and down the stairs. As they reached the last step, they could hear the screaming sirens of the police cars pulling into the driveway. Lee sat the trembling Amanda down on the couch, and proceeded to meet them.

As the police entered the house, Lee flashed his federal badge. He briefly filled the officers in on what he knew and pointed to the top of the stairs. He looked over at Amanda's shivering form. "Amanda?" Lee wrapped his arms around her.

"Sandra... I can't believe she's gone. Who could have done such a horrible thing? Oh my, gosh! Karen, Sandra's daughter, is at my house," Amanda turned tear filled eyes up to Lee.

"I know, Amanda. I saw her run to your house. I need to get you home. I'll come back here and see if I can help figure out what happened," Lee whispered, into her hair.

Amanda looked down at her blood soaked clothes. "I can't go. . . "

Lee nodded his understanding. Amanda was covered in blood from head to toe. "I'll send an officer over to your house and explain they need to take your statement and you will be gone for a while. Do you know where Karen's father is?"

Amanda was silent. She was trying to collect her thoughts, but they kept returning to the look in Sandra's eyes. "Amanda, where is Karen's father?" Lee turned her face to look at him.

"She's divorced. I think he lives somewhere in California. Her mother lives a few streets over. Her name is Alice Carter. It should be in the phone book."

"Stetson." Manny Trudeau walked up behind Lee and Amanda who were both seated on the couch.

"All right, I'll go up and tell an officer what needs to be done. Are you going to be okay by yourself?" Lee asked, worried about Amanda's state of mind.

"Yes," Amanda said, weakly placing her head in her hands.

Lee hated to leave her, but he knew he had to get a few things in motion. "I'll be right back."

Lee followed Manny up the stairs and entered the room of the crime scene. Lamps had been brought in to replace the shattered ceiling light. Lee grimaced at the sight before him. It took all of his training not to run from the room. Even after seeing the gruesome scene only minutes before, the shock of the brutality would never wear off. The woman's arms and legs were tied to the bed with thick rope. As his eyes began to scan down her naked body, he took note of the bruises left on her pale skin. His eyes followed the tormented skin to her pelvis. He swallowed at the site knowing she had been raped before she died. Lee looked back up to her blood stained hands. Her wrists had been slit to allow for a slow and painful death, as the blood left her body. He closed his eyes and regained his composure, as he walked over to the body.

"Not a pretty sight, is it Stetson?" Manny Trudeau stood beside Lee.

"To say the least, Manny. What in the Hell is going on here?" Lee looked the detective in the eyes.

"This is the fifth woman we have found in the past two weeks. There are no fingerprints, fiber from clothing, or hair samples. Forensics has come up dry. There seems to be no pattern to his madness, except the time of death. The coroner says that each victim's death occurred at approximately midnight. By the looks of her," Manny pointed to the corpse on the bed. "She's been here since last night. I get the feeling that we aren't looking for a real person, but rather some phantom."

"Well, as much as that would be an easy explanation, we know it isn't that. What do the women have in common?" Lee moved away from the body.

"They are all divorced mothers. Four of the victims live here in Virginia, and one lived in D.C. He also leaves a message at each killing." Manny pointed to the mirror on the wall.

Lee walked over to the mirror. He read the words, written in blood, out loud. "The world is much closer to being saved. The children must also be avenged. Now she will not grow to be like her mother. She must not know the deceitful ways of women who do not take wedding vows seriously."

Lee turned his eyes back to the mutilated body. "This is one sick in the head son of a bitch," Lee said, shaking his head.

"Yeah. He has some deep emotional trouble. There is one other weird thing." Manny looked over to the dead woman.

"What could be weirder than this?" Lee asked, almost fearing the answer.

"Did you notice the trail of blood besides the footprints?" Manny pointed to the floor.

"Yeah." Lee nodded.

"The victims have been drained of most of their blood. The coroner tells us that there isn't enough blood in the victim, or in the house to account for all the blood that would normally be in the human body." Manny visibly grimaced.

"What in the Hell would anybody want with blood?" Lee asked, shoving his hands in his pockets, as the he went to inspect the area around the bed.

"You tell me. This is nothing like I've ever dealt with in my fifteen years on the force, Lee. If you guys in the suits can lend a hand, I think I would take it with open arms."

"I'll see what I can do. Has a profile been done on the guy yet?" Lee pulled his eyes away form the woman and turned his attention back to Manny.

"They're working on it. We'll need to get a statement from Mrs. King," Manny said, already knowing how Lee would respond.

"Look, Manny, you know I'll get you what you need. I don't think Amanda is in any shape to talk right now. I will personally get a statement from her and have it sent to your office in the morning," Lee responded, annoyed that Manny would even ask.

"I knew you would say that, but I had to ask. It's my job you know."

"I'll take care of it."

"Thanks, Lee, It's just because I know you're one of the better spooks. I'll trust you this time."

"Thanks."

"You know you might want to keep a close watch on her. She fits the bill for a target."

"I know." Lee turned to go downstairs to Amanda.

"Amanda."

Amanda turned her glazed eyes up to Lee. "Amanda, I need to get you out of here. Officer Trudeau is going to see about Karen, and inform your family you have gone to make a statement. He helped us out with Elizabeth Sullivan. Remember?" Lee asked, trying to get a response from her.

She still looked at him with distant eyes. He wasn't sure she could even hear him.

"Do you want to go to my apartment and clean up?"

"No," Amanda said, quietly.

"Amanda, you need to get out of this house," Lee demanded, his worry for her increasing.

Amanda walked over to the fireplace and picked up a recent picture of Sandra and Karen. She held it to her chest and looked at Lee. "Why?"

"I don't know, Amanda. I promise, I am going to do my best to help find out." Lee pulled her into his sturdy arms.

"I want to go home, Lee. I need to see my boys." Amanda returned his embrace with all the strength she had.

"I understand, Amanda. I just wish you would come home with me for a little while. I'm worried about you," suddenly not wanting the embrace to end.

"I'll be fine, Lee. I just need to spend some time with the boys. I want to be there for Sandra's mom when she comes over to get Karen." Amanda reluctantly pulled from his strong hold and gently placed the picture frame back on the fireplace.

Lee placed his right hand on her shoulder and wiped the tears from her face with his left. "Are you sure, Amanda?"

Amanda nodded she was sure. Lee retrieved his jacket from the floor, and placed it over her shoulders. Taking her hand in his, they headed for her home. As they reached the end of the driveway, Amanda turned to Lee and placed a kiss on his check. She then left him to stand alone in the October night air.

Lee watched as she entered the house, again wishing he could enter the front door with her. He turned his thoughts back to the murder, as he walked down the sidewalk to his car. His first priority was to talk to Billy, and get a twenty-four hour watch posted at Amanda's house. He slid behind the steering wheel of his Vette and picked up the phone.

Amanda quietly entered her home. "Mom, is that you?" Jamie asked.

"Yes, dear." Amanda braced herself to face her family.

"What happened? Are you hurt!?!" Phillip asked, as his mother entered the family room.

"I'm fine, Phillip." Amanda looked at the faces of her worried boys.

"Why are you covered in. . ." Jamie started when his mother shook her head no and turned her attention to the frightened little girl.

"There was some trouble at Sandra's house." Amanda bent down and took Karen into her arms. "Your grandmother will be here in a few minutes honey."

"Where's momma?" Karen asked.

Amanda didn't know what to tell the small child she now held. She rocked her back and forth hoping the nightmare would go away. "Mrs. King, where's mommy?"

"Your mother can't be here right now, honey. Phillip would you and Jamie take Karen upstairs to play while we wait for her grandmother?" Amanda gave the boys a pleading look.

"Sure, Mom," Phillip took Karen's hand.

Amanda stopped Phillip and gave him a hug. Next, she turned to Jamie and embraced him as well.

"All right, off with you two, while I start supper." Amanda quickly entered the kitchen before the children saw her tears.

"Sergei, why don't you join the King boys. I will call you when it is time to leave," Nick pushed his son towards the stairs.

Amanda watched as the children headed up the stairs and out of sight. She sat on the couch and looked at Nick with vacant eyes. "Amanda, what happened? You look as pale as a sheet." Nick asked, as she sat next to Amanda taking her hands.

"Karen's mother was murdered," Amanda managed to whisper.

"That's terrible. Do they know what happened?" Nick rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.

"I found her upstairs in her bed. I don't want to go into details now, Nick. Mrs. Carter will be over soon to pick up Karen." Amanda looked up to see Nick inhaling every word she spoke.

"Nick, I am sorry, but perhaps you should leave. I will see you tomorrow."

"Is there anything I can do, Amanda?"

"No, I think we just need to be strong for Sandra's family." Amanda stood to escort Nick to the door.

"Sergei, lets go son," Nick called up the stairs.

"I'm sorry again, Nick."

"It is completely understandable, Amanda. I will call you tomorrow," Nick opened the front door for his son.

"That would be fine," Amanda followed him to the front steps.

"I would like to get to know you better, Amanda," Nick lowered his lips to her face.

"I will talk to you tomorrow, Nick." Amanda stepped back giving him a kind smile as she closed the door.

"Damn Russians," Lee mumbled, as he watched them from the cover of his car. He couldn't believe the nerve this man had. Amanda had just been through hell and he was making a move on her. His jaw clinched, as he controlled himself to remain in his car and not read the man the riot act.

He watched Nick and Sergei leave and Amanda close the door to her home. He would wait for the team Billy was sending and then go home to change out of his own blood-spattered clothes.

As Lee waited, an elderly woman arrived, and was being assisted to the door by an officer. He watched as the grieving woman, Mrs. Carter, he presumed, entered Amanda's home to retrieve her granddaughter. He knew Amanda would be brave and comfort her as best she could. She always told him she had such strong shoulders to lean on, but he wondered how long she would be able to remain strong with the images of Sandra haunting her.

As soon as the team arrived, Lee stepped out to speak to them. He walked up to the van door and opened it. Lee was surprised at how easy he could enter the van.

Growling through clenched teeth Lee verbalized his anger, "Are you guys rookies? I could have easily killed all three of you."

Lee continued giving each man an icy stare. "This assignment is not a screw-up kind of job. There have been five murders in this area within the past two weeks. Mrs. King could be a target. I want all eyes open and no body better fucking leave to get a pizza. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Sir!" young agent Lucas replied.

"I'll be back to check on you later. I expect a FULL report of the comings and going to this house. Understood?" Lee said, forcefully. He slammed the van door shut and returned to his car to head home.

"Boy, is he uptight," Lucas shook his head.

"Don't you know him?" asked Curtis.

"No. Why is he someone special?" Lucas looked out the window at the angry agent.

"That's Scarecrow. I've heard if you cross his path the wrong way you live to regret it," replied the third agent, Bill.

"I guess we will watch our Ps & Qs tonight!" Lucas smiled at his comrades.

Lee entered his apartment to the smell of cigarette smoke floating out the door. "Hello, Scarecrow. Won't you join me?" Smyth took a drink of his scotch.

"What in the hell are you doing in my apartment, Smyth?" Lee slammed his apartment door.

"You know, Scarecrow, I do believe you have let too many crows in your garden to feed. Did you know, that I answered at least five calls from women wanting to know when you would call them back? One of the ladies. . . what was her name? Ah yes, Mary. She was extremely mad that you had neglected to pick her up this evening. Tsk. Tsk."

"Shit, I forgot all about her," Lee grumbled.

"What was that, Scarecrow?" Smyth gave Lee a crooked grin.

"Damn you, Smyth. I may work for you, but you have no right interfering in my personal life," Lee shouted, as he stood in front of Dr. Smyth.

"You're a little testy tonight. Rough day?" Smyth said, in his usual arrogant demeanor.

"I know you're not here about my love life. What do you want?" Lee stood with his right hand in his pocket and his left hand fisted at his side.

"You look like hell. Fix yourself a drink and join me." Smyth pointed to the bar.

"Stop playing games. What do you want?" Lee demanded.

"I need your help," Smyth matched Lee's powerful gaze.

"You need my help!?! Look, Smyth, I'm off for the next four days. I have some private matters I need to attend to." Lee went to his liquor cabinet to pour himself drink.

"Like solving the murder that took place tonight?"

"How did you know about that?"

"The third victim was an agent, Nicole Patterson." Smyth replied, quietly.

Lee turned to look at Smyth's now angry eyes. "I had heard about her death, but I didn't realize it was non-agency related. I'm sorry, Sir."

"Me too, Lee." Smyth took a long swallow of the scotch.

Lee poured his drink and sat across from Smyth. This was the first time Dr. Smyth had ever called him, Lee. He looked at the older man observing his angered expression and lessened self-control. Lee found himself looking at a different side of Smyth.

"She was a damn good agent. I don't like it when one of my own dies and nobody is made to pay for it. I want answers. I have all the files on the cases, except for the one tonight. I heard that your partner found the woman." Smyth threw the files on the coffee table.

"Yes. It was Sandra Kelly, she was a neighbor of Amanda's."

"I also, understand that you have requested a team on King's house."

"Yes, is that a problem?" Lee asked, preparing to defend his request.

"Not if you help me catch this bastard. I want you on this effective now, Scarecrow. I can give you anything you need. Just let Billy know," Smyth features returned to the rigid, non-caring leader.

"I'll find him, Smyth." Lee assured him.

"You do that, Scarecrow." Smyth stood and exited Lee's apartment.

Lee picked up the phone to call and apologize to Mary. He looked at his watch and decided it was too late. He would call her in the morning. He sat back on the couch and picked up the files to review. All the pictures looked familiar to the scene he had seen at Sandra's. He closed the cover and went to rid himself of the smell of blood.

Lee pulled up behind the agency van, and walked to the door. As he opened it, he was greeted with a gun in his face. "Scarecrow, sorry didn't realize it was you, sir," Lucas replaced his gun in his belt.

"At least I know you're awake. What news do you have to report?"

"After you left, the only other person in or out was Mrs. Carter and her granddaughter."

"I'm going into the house. Don't shoot me, all right."

"Yes Sir," all three agents chimed in.

Amanda tucked her boys in and kissed them goodnight. She showered and changed into her nightgown. As she lay in bed, she could not escape the memory of Sandra's death gaze. Unable to sleep she went to check on her boys. As she cracked the door to her boy's room, she listened to the snoring sounds of two very exhausted boys fill the air. She walked over to Phillip and pulled his covers up to his chin. Then she proceeded to do the same to Jamie. He moved slightly, as she brushed his bangs from his forehead. She gently kissed him and left the room.

Leaning against the wall she tried to push the horrid images from her mind. Perhaps a glass of warm milk would help her relax.

She took her milk and sat at the picnic table in her back yard.

Lee watched her as she sipped the hot liquid. Amanda's eyes were gazing up at the brilliant stars dancing in the moonlight. Her chestnut hair kissed her shoulders and glistened in the moonlight. Her satin bathrobe flowed with the fall breeze, making it accent the curves of her small body. Lee fought the urge to wrap his arms around her beautiful body, and reassure her he would never let anything happen to her or her family.

Lee stepped up behind her. "Amanda."

Amanda tenderly smiled. She had known he was there from the smell of his aftershave in the night air. She didn't turn to see him. Instead, she patted the seat next to her for him to join her.

Lee accepted her offer to sit beside her. "Amanda, I just wanted to come by and see if you were all right."

"I'm not sure," Amanda replied, turning her shimmering brown eyes to his.

"You're not sure about what?" Lee placed his hand over hers.

"I'm not sure that I'm all right." Amanda grasped his hand in hers.

"Amanda, no one could be after what you witnessed tonight." Lee couldn't help rubbing his thumb over her palm.

"I've seen people die in my life, and most of them in this job over the past three years, but I could never have imagined anyone was capable of such an evil killing. I don't know if a soul could rest after dying in such a painful and unmerciful way."

"Amanda. . ."

"No, Lee, think about it. Most people die quickly or are comforted by medicines to make their death peaceful. This monster is destroying the person's soul before they die."

"Try not to think about it." He draped his arm around her shoulder.

"I see her empty eyes staring at me every time I close mine. How do you deal with it, Lee?" Amanda leaned into his steel arms.

"One day at a time. It gets easier, but it never really leaves your mind."

"I'm afraid, Lee."

"I know. I've put a team outside your house to make sure you are safe tonight."

"No, I'm not afraid about that. I'm afraid I will never get that image out of my mind."

Lee wrapped both arms around her, stroking her hair. He wanted to be able to say or do something to erase the events that had occurred earlier, but he couldn't. Amanda broke the silence.

"Why did you put a team outside the house? Do you think my family is in danger?" Amanda looked up at him with worried eyes.

"There have been four other murders, Sandra was his fifth victim," Lee said, quietly.

"Oh my gosh. Why hasn't anyone heard about this?" she asked, pulling out of his embrace.

"The police didn't want to alert the public until they could produce a profile on the suspect." Lee looked into her confused brown eyes.

"Have they all been this brutal?" Amanda asked.

"Yes."

"Why do you think I'm at risk?"

"You fit his pattern. They have all been young, divorced mothers. Four of them have lived here in Virginia. I placed the team outside because I feel better knowing someone is watching over you."

"Is the agency involved?"

"It is now."

"I'm sorry you got involved in all of this, Lee. I know you had big plans for your weekend."

"You are way more important than any plans I could possibly have," Lee said, grasping her shoulders and gently pulling her back to rest against his chest.

Amanda sat silently. She understand the real meaning of his words by the look in his eyes. Before she had a chance to reply she felt his body tense up. "What is it, Lee?"

"Shhh. . . "Lee put his finger to her lips.

Lee pulled his gun from its holster and without a sound stalked the intruder.

"Don't shoot man! It's me, Lucas!!!"

Lee pulled the agent to the back of the house. "Do you know that I could have killed you? What in the hell are you doing back here?" his anger growing.

"You were gone a long time and we wanted to make sure everything was alright," Lucas explained, as he released the breath he was holding

Lee's muscles in his jaw flinched, as he removed his gun from the young agent's ribs and returned to Amanda's side.

"Next time be prepared," Lee said, in a low tone, looking dismayed at Lucas.

"Yes sir, I'll be leaving now. Goodnight Mrs. King."

Amanda couldn't help but chuckle at Lee. She wondered if that was how he looked at her in the beginning. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing."

"No what?"

"I was just wondering if you treat all agents that way or just rookies?"

"Amanda, you know I could have killed him for sneaking up on me. I just wanted him to know how serious it can be."

"All right, Scarecrow. I had better get to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow," Amanda turned and started back to the door.

Lee suddenly remembered he had promised Manny a statement by tomorrow morning. "Amanda, I need to get a statement for the police."

"I knew you would. I'm surprised Manny didn't make me give one earlier." She stopped with her hand on the door.

"I told him I would take care of it. Can I pick you up in the morning and maybe grab some breakfast?"

"You eat breakfast?" Amanda lowered her eyes trying to cover her obvious amusement of his request.

"Well, coffee anyway." Lee closed the distance between them.

"That would be nice, Lee."

"How about eight o'clock?" Lee instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Okay." Amanda relaxed in his embrace.

"Goodnight, Amanda." Lee whispered, in her hair as he gently kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight, Lee." Amanda opened the back door.

"Be sure to lock up."

"Thank you, Lee, for everything."

Lee waited until he heard the deadbolt click before he went to his car. He sat there for a few minutes before starting the ignition. He looked at the peaceful white house that held Amanda King and her family. He promised himself that he would not let anything touch that family. He drove home determined that he would find the son of a bitch that was the cause of this insanity.

Lee jolted awake with Amanda's name on his lips. He sat up in bed to find his sheets soaking wet from his own sweat, and his bed covers on the floor in a disheveled pile. He rubbed his face with his hands remembering the nightmare. The images had seemed so real. He could see Amanda's eyes wide with fear, as the killer took his rage out on her body. He watched from the shadows as her body was tormented, raped and eventually drained of life. He desperately tried to reach out to her, but he couldn't. He picked up the phone, looking at the clock. It was 7am. It was early, but he needed to know she was safe.

The answering machine picked up at her home. Fear ripped through him as he quickly dressed, and left his apartment in search of Amanda.

Chapter 3

Amanda walked through the halls of the school carrying the trays of cookies she had prepared for Jamie's class. It was only 7:30 am, and the halls were empty except for the school staff. She reached Jamie's room to be greeted by his teacher. "Hello, Mrs. King. You're out and about early today."

"Good morning. The boys wanted to play basketball with some of the other boys before school this morning, so figured I would drop them off early and get a head start on my 'to do' list. I wanted to drop these off and go check on the gym for the Halloween party planned for tonight."

"That's your son Phillip's class, isn't it?"

"Yes, I'm supposed to help with the decorations. I wanted to see what else we needed before I came back later this morning to start."

"I don't know how you keep up, Mrs. King."

"It's not easy sometimes. I'll talk to you later today."

"Goodbye, Mrs. King."

Amanda went to the gym, wrote a list of things that were needed, and headed home to meet Lee.

As she pulled up her driveway, she noticed Lee's car parked at the curb. He was early, and she was sure not very happy that she wasn't there. She sighed and undid her seat belt. She knew the wrath of Lee Stetson awaited her.

"Where have you been?" Lee grumbled, opening the door from the inside of the house.

"Tell me how you got into my house and I'll tell you where I've been."

"I picked the lock on the back door. Now, tell me where you've been," he asked, letting his voice rise.

"I went to the boys' school to drop off refreshments for Jamie's Halloween Party, and check on what I needed to decorate the gym with this afternoon for Phillip's Halloween dance." Amanda pushed Lee aside to enter her house.

Lee regretted his tone of voice. "I'm sorry Amanda, I was just worried."

"Lee, I'm fine."

"I can see that now, but I didn't know what to think when I couldn't find you and those damn agents didn't have sense enough to follow you either."

"They're not supposed to follow me everywhere I go. They're assigned to watch the house, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, do you want to go get that coffee?"

"Why don't I just make us some?"

"That would be better." Lee was just relieved she was in his sight. Worrying about Amanda had become second nature to him. However, that was on a daily, this was different. Ever since he met her, he was always worrying about her getting herself into trouble. This time there was a real threat to her. A danger that he had very little control over. He pulled his thoughts back to the task at hand and took a seat at the counter.

"Amanda, I hate to start with this so early, but I do need your statement."

"I know. . ." Amanda sat down at the counter with him.

"It took a lot of guts for you to walk up those stairs last night, not knowing what you were going to find." Lee took her hand for support.

Looking into Lee's eyes, Amanda found the courage she needed to go over the previous night events. "It's just hard for me to talk about. I see the images in my head everywhere I look."

"I know, Amanda. I'm sorry I even have to ask." Lee once again started rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.

"No, don't be sorry. It needs to be done. Maybe something I can remember might help find this monster," Amanda whispered, turning her eyes back to her coffee.

Amanda filled Lee in on what had happened before he found her in Sandra's bedroom, and he made notes as they drank their coffee. "Amanda, what do you have planned for today?"

"Do you want the whole day?"

"Yes," Lee said, with a 'need-to-know' look on his face.

"Okay. First, I'm going to Mrs. Carter's to see if there is anything I can do. After that, I'm going over to Nick's to make sure he has everything he needs for Sergei's costume. Then, I'm going back to the school to help decorate. When that's done, I'm coming back here to help Phillip get ready to go and change clothes. Then, we're gonna meet Nick and Sergei at the school. Nick and I are chaperones, so I guess I'll be there until at least 9:00 tonight. Once I get home, I'm planning on passing out in bed and rest for Saturday's day of fun," Amanda said, never stopping for air.

Lee sat back in awe of this woman's gift for gab. "Whew!" Lee laughed huskily.

"What?" Amanda tilted her head to the side.

"I'll bet you're a damn good swimmer. I've always wanted to know how long can you hold your breath under water?"

"Why?"

"In the three years I've known you, it never ceases to amaze me at how much you can say in one breath."

Amanda wrinkled her nose and pursed her lips at his comment, which sent Lee into a rolling laughter. She hid her mischievous smile, as she turned to pick up the poppy seed cake she had made for Mrs. Carter that morning and headed to the door.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Lee regained his composure.

"To start my to do list. Daylight is burning and it's not gonna wait on me," Amanda replied, not turning to look at him.

"Would you like some company?" Lee followed her to the door.

"Thanks, Lee, but I think maybe I should go alone. I don't think she would want any strangers in her house right now." Amanda grabbed her coat from the closet.

"You be careful."

"Isn't that my line?" Amanda walked out the door with Lee close behind.

"Yeah, well. . .You just be careful! I have to go into the agency for a while. What about I meet you for lunch?" Lee opened her car door for her.

"I don't think I'll have time today. Unless you want to meet me at Phillip's school." Amanda placed her cake in the passenger seat.

"Maybe I will." Lee closed her car door and gave it a pat.

"See you later, Lee."

"Bye."

"Did you see the whore? I told you. She is just like all the others. She let him stay with her last night. She doesn't even try to hide it."

"I'm sure there is a good explanation. We don't know he spent the night."

"They look pretty chummy to me."

"I think she's different."

"You think everyone's good. You should have learned your lesson from the last one. I'm telling you she is a whore just like all the others."

"Give me time, I want to get to know her better."

"I will give you twelve hours to prove she is worth saving. If you don't, she will join the rest. I may even let you participate in the fun."

"You're sick."

"Yeah, but you love me. Let's go; we have a few stops to make this morning. I seem to remember a pretty red head that lives a few blocks over."

"You just had your fill last night."

"I never tire of disposing the world of trash."

The engine started and the predator moved down the street, scanning the houses for his next victim.

Amanda walked up the sidewalk outside of Mrs. Carter's house. A bouquet of white flowers hung on the door, indicating the death in the family. She took a deep breath and knocked.

She heard the deadbolt click as Mrs. Carter pulled the door open for her. "Hello, Amanda."

"Hello, Mrs. Carter."

"Would you like to come in?"

"Thank you. I brought you a cake. Would you like for me to put it in the kitchen?"

"That would be fine, Amanda."

Amanda walked into Mrs. Carter's cheery kitchen. It was quickly filling with food, from neighbors and friends.

"Mrs. King." A small voice said.

"Karen, I'm glad to see you this morning," Amanda looked into the girl's clear blue eyes. They were just like her mother's. The image of Sandra's eyes at death returned to Amanda. She picked up Karen and hugged her, trying to block out the memory.

"Momma is gone. Grandma said that angels took her to a better place. She also told me that I will get to see her again someday, that Momma will always be watching me. That she would never leave me alone."

"That's right, honey." Amanda stroked the girl's hair. Amanda could feel the tears springing to her eyes. She didn't let them fall. The little girl needed strength now, not sorrow. She carried her to the living room and joined Mrs. Carter on the couch.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Amanda placed a concerned hand on her knee.

"No. . .It's just so sudden." Mrs. Carter gasped.

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you, Amanda. It is just hard to believe she is gone," Mrs. Carter said, leaving the room in tears.

"Is Grandma okay?" Karen scooted closer to Amanda.

"She just misses your mommy, but she'll be OK. Do you want to show me some of your toys?" Amanda stoked Karen's long hair.

"I don't feel much like playing." Karen leaned into Amanda's shoulder.

"Is there anything you would like to do?" Amanda asked, softly.

"Will you just hold me for a little while?"

Amanda pulled the child into a tighter embrace, as she looked around the small house. It was much like her own, filled with pictures and memories. She sighed and waited for Karen's grandmother to return.

Mrs. Carter collected herself and returned to them. They discussed the funeral arrangements and Amanda offered again to do anything she needed. They chatted for an hour before Amanda left.

She looked back at the quaint little house as she got in her car. She knew that it could've easily been her mother in there comforting her children. After seeing Sandra's lifeless body, and the brutality that had been used to kill her, life in Arlington would never be the same. She left to go to Nick's home. She would help him get things ready for Sergei's big night and return to the school.

Lee sat at his desk in the Q-Bureau. He read through the case files desperately searching for some type of clue. "Good morning, Lee. I thought you were off for four days," Francine said, as she opened the door.

"Yeah."

"I just came up here to pull a few files from the vault. You know I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I have truly missed having that housewife of yours around these past few days. She really does help keep track of the paper trail," Francine said with a smirk, as she headed into the vault.

"Yeah."

"Lee."

"Hmmm. . ."

"Are you here about the serial killings?" Francine asked, as she sat on Lee's desk beside him.

"Yes, Francine. What do you know about it?" Lee asked, surprised by Francine's question.

"Not a lot. Dr. Smyth stormed into Billy's office this morning before he had a chance to tell me much. Billy has been on the phone ever since. I went in once and got my head bit off, so I figured I would wait until I was called in."

"I think I'll go see what Billy knows." Lee stood to leave his office.

"Be careful. I don't think I have seen Billy this stirred up since Dr. Smyth took over this place."

"I will." Lee gave Francine a brief smile as he left the office.

Lee tapped on Billy's door.

"Come in!"

"Hey, Billy."

"Good morning, Lee. Please tell me you have something good to report. Dr. Smyth has been breathing down my neck all morning."

"Not much to report since last night. I think I'm going cross-eyed from looking through these files all morning, and I can't find a damn thing. I don't know where to start." Lee flopped down in one of the chairs in front of Billy's desk.

"Smyth said that you are in charge of this thing. What can I do to help?" Billy asked.

"Hell if I know."

"I guess we just have to wait for his next move, and hope that the bastard slips up."

Lee was quiet as his furious eyes met Billy's. "You mean wait until he kills again," Lee said, with a low snarl.

"I don't want that either, Scarecrow. I've got our forensics team going over all the women's houses with a fine-toothed comb this morning. Hopefully, they will turn up something. How's Amanda?"

"You know Amanda. She's putting up a good front. I'm only thankful that the room wasn't completely lit when she found her. It was a hard sight for me to look at and I'm used to this shit." Lee muscles tightened in his jaw.

"Yeah."

"I'm going to go meet the forensics team and see if I can help. Where are they?" Lee stood and headed for the door.

"They are at the second victim's house. I'll call and let them know you are on your way." Billy picked up the phone to notify the forensics team.

"Thanks." Lee left Billy and headed out into the bullpen.

Amanda walked up the walkway in front of Nick's home and knocked on his door. There was no answer. She saw his car in the driveway and figured he hadn't heard her, so she knocked again. She could hear muffled voices from behind the door before it finally opened.

"Hello, Amanda."

"Hi, Nick. Did I interrupt something?" Amanda asked, glancing behind Nick.

"No. Why do you ask?" Nick moved aside so she could enter.

"I thought I heard you talking to someone," Amanda said, going into his home.

"Ahh. . . yes. I was on the phone with the office. They wanted me to come in earlier on Monday," Nick replied.

"Oh, I didn't know you had already started work." Amanda looked around his home.

"I have been doing some part time work, until we can get settled in our new home," Nick motioned for her to enter his living room.

Did you have in mind what you wanted to get Sergei for tonight's party?" Amanda asked as she took a seat.

"No. I hoped you would go with me to the store and help me pick something out." Nick took a seat beside her.

"Sure. I don't mind. Why don't we go now?" Amanda took notice of how bare the walls were.

"Yes. Let me get my coat and we can leave."

"Would you mind driving? I have not become used to the area yet?" Nick asked, motioning to her car.

"Not at all," Amanda walked over to her car and unlocked the doors.

After walking through the busy mall, stopping occasionally to look at costumes and other Halloween decorations, the pair found themselves in front of a sandwich shop.

"May I buy you lunch?" he asked her, taking advantage of the location.

"Yes, I haven't stopped to eat yet," she gave him a warm smile.

They walked into the deli and purchased their meal. "Would you like to sit in the booth?" Amanda asked, leading Nick through the crowd.

"Sure."

"We don't have things like this at home." Nick surveyed his surroundings.

"It's a nice place to come to, especially when the kids are bored. What part of Russia are you from?" Amanda decided to ask easy questions. She didn't want him to know she knew where he was from and why he was here.

"Moscow. I have come here so that our countries can work together on the international space station program. I am doing some of the lab testing on materials needed.

"That sounds very exciting."

"It is I suppose. It will just take time for me to get used to America. Your ways are much different."

"I would be glad to help you adjust, Nick."

"Thank you, Amanda," Nick said, looking at her intently with his blue eyes.

"I noticed you haven't finished furnishing your home? Maybe we could look around for some sales," Amanda continued, trying to make idle chatter.

"True, I haven't even purchased a television yet. Sergei keeps hounding me to buy one." His eyes twinkled as she mentioned his son.

"Amanda, if you don't mind me asking, where is your children's father?"

"We're divorced. He's currently in Africa, doing some relief work." Amanda noticed his change of body language as she mentioned the divorce.

"I see. When did you divorce?" Nick asked, continuing to pry into her private life.

"It's been awhile." Amanda quickly replied, as she became uncomfortable with this line of questioning.

"I see." Nick eyes turned dark.

"How is Sergei liking school?" Amanda asked, trying to change the subject.

"Fine," Nick replied, snapping back from the darkness at the mention of his son's name.

They remained quiet for a few moments. "Aren't you going to ask me about Sergei's mother?"

"I didn't want to pry." Amanda noticed his attitude had dramatically changed again.

"She died last year. She left Sergei and I to fend for ourselves," Nick said, bitterly.

"I'm sorry."

"No need to be. We are just fine." His sinister gaze still focused on Amanda.

Amanda began to feel a little uncomfortable with the situation. Maybe it was time to go back to shopping.

"I'm full. Are you ready to shop some more for Sergei's costume?

"Sure," Nick said, the light returning to his eyes.

An hour later, they had finally found a costume and returned to Nick's home. As they entered the house the phone began to ring.

Nick ran to answer it. "Hello? Yes, everything is fine. I will be in shortly. Goodbye."

"That was work. I am afraid they want me to come in today and get started on a few lab tests, Amanda. I am sorry to rush out on you."

"That's fine. I have so much to do today as it is. I'll meet you at the dance tonight," Amanda said, trying not to show how anxious she was to leave. "I think that Sergei will like his Indiana Jones costume. It has a real American ring to it."

"Yes, I agree. May I walk you to your car?"

"Sure." Amanda walked in front of him.

Nick politely opened her car door for her. "Amanda?"

"Yes." Amanda got into the drivers seat.

"Are you dating anyone?"

"No. Why?"

"I was just wondering. I will see you tonight."

"See you then," Amanda gave him a brief smile as she waved and drove off towards home.

Amanda maneuvered her car through the traffic with visions of Sandra's eyes returning to her mind. She reached her house without realizing how she had arrived there. She pulled her car into the driveway and glanced at the agency van parked across the street. She was thankful that Lee had sent it, but it was a cold reminder of how the world had changed. She thought back to when she was growing up. No one ever bothered to lock their doors. Today, however, you had to worry if someone would kill you under the cover of night as you slept. She got her keys out of her pocket book and headed to the house. She needed to call the coordinator for tonight's party and go over the list she had written at the gym earlier.

As she entered, she suddenly stopped and looked up the foyer. She swore she heard a child's voice screaming. Thoughts of another victim being taken so evilly ran through her mind and she could feel the life draining from her own body. She grabbed onto the stair rail for support as her knees went weak.

Trying to gain control, she looked at her surroundings. Everything was just as she had left it, but it seemed so different than it had the day before. The pictures of her loved ones still hung on the wall. The boys' shoes and baseball mitts still sat by the door, but it didn't feel safe. Would it ever feel that way to her again? As quickly as the assault on her senses began, it ended. She forced herself to collect her thoughts and went to use the phone. After a lengthy discussion with the coordinator, she picked up her list of other items she would need to gather today and headed out the door. She started to her car and turned around to double check the lock on her door. She couldn't remember having ever done so before.

Chapter 4

As Amanda left the driveway, she was forced to come to a screeching halt as an ambulance flew by. She closed her eyes and steadied her shaking hands. She pulled out into the road and momentarily hesitated as she watched the flashing lights go out of sight. She pressed the accelerator and continued her way to her children's school.

She only made it a few blocks before she caught up to the flashing lights parked in the Sampson's driveway. She pulled along the curb and braced herself for what she knew had happened. She watched as the paramedic's raced into the home followed by police officers. On the front lawn, sat a distraught eight-year old girl. Mattie was trying to tell the officer what had happened. Amanda pulled herself from the safety of her car and went to the child. "Mattie?"

"Mrs. King. . ."the child sobbed uncontrollably reaching for the comfort of her arms.

Amanda held the child tightly in her arms, wishing she could turn off the emotional onslaught. She pulled Mattie back and didn't have to ask what had happened. It was written across the small features of her face. "Is your daddy in town, Mattie?"

"He's staying at grandmas."

"Do you want me to call him?"

"Officer.. said. . .he. . ." the child managed to say in between heart- wrenching cries. Amanda wiped the tears from tiny girl's face and noticed the marks on her wrists. Amanda had seen these marks on her own wrists before. The bruises on Mattie's wrists could only have been made by handcuffs. Had she actually been made to witness the murder of her mother? Amanda held the child in a protective cocoon until she heard the cries of Carl Sampson as he ran up the sidewalk. Carl tore the child from Amanda arms and wrapped his own arms around her as if he would never let her go.

Amanda turned to the officer who had remained silent. "What happened?" Amanda asked, as she braced herself for what was to come.

"I'm not allowed to discuss it, ma'am," the officer said, shaking his head.

Amanda stood with trembling knees and looked at the once happy home. She started to walk to the door. She had to know if this monster had taken another innocent life.

Lee reached the second victim's house just as Manny ran out the door to his car. "Where's the fire, Manny?" Lee asked.

"Shit, Lee, we have verification on the sixth victim," Manny yelled.

"Where?" Lee asked as a lump formed in his throat.

"Arlington."

"Oh my God, Amanda!"

"No, not Amanda. It happened last night, now get this damn thing going." Manny said, as he jumped into Lee's Vette.

Lee peeled away from the curb as they made their way to the murder scene.

Lee again found himself unprepared as they drove to the crime scene. Amanda's car sat on the curb and he could see her slim figure about to enter the house. Without waiting for Manny, he left his car and hastily made his way through the growing crowd to Amanda.

"Amanda, no, don't go in there," Lee yelled over the sirens.

Amanda didn't hear him and she stepped through the door. She was faced with the same scene as the night before. Her eyes fell on the dried blood trails leading into the foyer of the home.

"I'm sorry ma'am. No one is allowed in here," an officer informed her.

"I'm with the Agency. I was at the scene last night," Amanda said, firmly.

"Yeah, I saw her at the last victim's house with that agent, Stetson," Another officer replied.

"Sorry, ma'am. I didn't realize," the officer said, allowing Amanda into the house.

She mechanically followed the trail into the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway, and glanced at the freshly cut flowers on the table. She then looked to the sunlight that flowed through the large kitchen window. The breeze moved through the recently ironed blue curtains that hung there. Amanda's eyes glazed over when she lowered them to the thick blood trail that pulled her body into the joining room. She lifted her eyes to sight of officers untying the now lifeless body that hung on the door. She turned her head from the site and her eyes fell upon the message on the wall. "Once again the world is one step closer to being cleansed. Let it be known, women should not break their vows. Another child is freed from following her mother's sinful ways."

Amanda felt her stomach convulse and ran out the back of the house. Lee was close behind. Amanda held onto the rails of the porch for support. "Amanda," Lee called softly, as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Why?"

Lee pulled her into his embrace as tightly as he dared saying nothing.

"Tammy never hurt a soul. She is one of the most decent people that ever walked the face of this earth. She was just trying to raise her daughter," Amanda gasped, as she turned her head into Lee's chest.

"You shouldn't have come here," Lee whispered, stroking her hair.

"I needed to. I figured it was better to see her than to imagine what had happened." Amanda calmly stated, looking into his eyes wanting understanding to be found in them.

"Amanda, you were better off not seeing," Lee said, trying to comprehend.

Amanda pulled from his embrace and walked back into the house. She slowly walked over to the body that had been released from its bonds and placed on the couch. She put the image of brutality from her mind and knelt beside her. She lightly placed her hand on the woman's eyelids and closed them.

Lee stood behind her unsure of what to do. Manny looked curiously at Lee. Lee shrugged his shoulders and waited for Amanda to make her next move.

They watched as Amanda took the quilt that draped over the back of the couch and covered the woman's body. She touched the hand stitched patchwork with tender fingers and with whispered words of peace to Tammy.

Amanda took another moment and then turned to Lee, "I'm ready to go now."

Lee took her hand and led her to the door. Camera lights flashed in their eyes as they stepped into the yard. "What the hell?" Lee shouted, taken by surprise.

Amanda covered her face as they ran for Lee's car. They could hear Manny coming from the house ranting at the crowd of reporters, as the officers started escorting them off the property.

Amanda's wasn't in the mood to drive, so they left her car at the scene and got into Lee's car.

As they reached Amanda's house, Lee turned off the car and faced her. "Amanda, about what you saw back there..."

"Lee, I was on my way back to the boys school when I saw all the activity outside of the Sampson's house. I couldn't help it. I had to go in. I had to see for myself to believe it could've happened again so close to the last one."

"Amanda, you've been under a lot of stress lately. Maybe you should go to your Aunts for the rest of the weekend."

Amanda looked at him with disappointment in her eyes. "You don't understand, Lee. I won't leave. I'd be running away. I can't, explain it."

"It scares the hell out of me that you're in danger. I want you away from here. FAR away from here."

"I'm not going. I think I can help."

"What!?!" Lee said, shocked and annoyed by her suggestion.

"You heard me." Amanda placed her hand on the door handle to exit the car. She didn't want to continue this discussion.

"No. You need to leave. You need to be anywhere but here. Amanda, you could be next!" Lee pleaded with her.

Amanda stepped out of the car and started towards her house, with Lee close behind. She let out a small moan as she reached her door.

"What?" Lee asked, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I locked myself out. My pocketbook is in my car."

Lee breathed a sigh of relief and moved her to the side. He took out his lock pick and gave her a small grin. "This does come in handy every once in awhile," Lee said, opening the door.

Amanda laughed softly and walked into her home.

"Amanda, I'm serious. I think you should leave."

"No."

"Why not? I know I would feel a hell of a lot better if you did."

Amanda turned to face Lee as they stood in her kitchen. "I am not going to let those women die without some type of closure. I want to help you catch this psycho."

"It's too risky." Lee stood with his hands at his side flexing his fingers. He wanted desperately for her to leave town. Amanda could sense his anxiety. She allowed a small smile to cross her lips. Here was a man who was normally made of steel, but now was letting her see the look of fear in his eyes. He was truly afraid for her.

"I'll be fine. I am going to be with a crowd of people tonight, and the agency van is still out in front of the

"I'll be fine. I am going to be with a crowd of people tonight, and the agency van is still out in front of the house. Jamie is leaving school early to go with Aunt Lillian and mother to Williamsburg. Phillip is going over to Joey's for a two day sleepover after the party, and I'm going to stay here."

Lee knew when she had set her mind on something it couldn't be changed. "If you're that determined to stay here, I guess there is no use in trying to change your mind."

"Thank you, Lee," Amanda said, as she walked to the living room and picked up a picture of Phillip and Jamie.

"Were there messages at the other victims houses?" Amanda asked, taking the picture with her to the couch and sitting down.

Lee watched her face, trying to read it. She had to be upset at the loss of her friends, terrified at what she had seen at the murder scene, and scared that she might me his next victim. Instead she sat calmly holding her sons picture asking about the messages. Would he ever be able to understand the willpower and strength that this woman held? He sighed and went to sit beside her.

"Yes, Amanda. There was a similar message at each scene."

"What do they mean?" Amanda said, turning to face him.

"It appears he has been harmed by a woman in the past. Whether real or not the issue is that He believes it, and he's acting out his revenge on this woman, by attacking these other women." Lee said, looking into her dark brown eyes.

"Lee, can I see the other files?" Amanda implored as she placed her hand on his arm.

"No!" Lee said, as he stood and walked to the French doors.

"Why not? I want to help these women. Maybe by my being a woman, I might see something you've missed." Amanda placed her family picture on the coffee table, and followed him.

"Amanda, I don't want you involved," Lee said, turning to face her.

"I already am, Lee." She looked at him with pleading eyes.

Lee shook his head and walked back to the kitchen. He had to get away from those deep brown eyes before she convinced him to give her the files. God, she could touch his soul every time she looked into his eyes. Amanda didn't give up and followed him. "Listen Lee, it's not like I am really involved. All I want to do is look at the files. I'll even meet you at the agency tonight after Phillip's Halloween dance," she said, dipping her head to look into his eyes.

"Shit," Lee said, under his breath as she locked eyes with him.

"Please let me help, Lee," Amanda smiled sweetly at her partner.

"Oh, all right, Amanda," Lee grumbled through tight lips. " I am supposed to go over my findings with Billy tonight at 10 o'clock anyway."

"What can I do to help in the meantime?" Amanda cheerfully asked.

"The best way you can help me is for you to stay with people, and avoid any situation where you might be alone." Lee took her hand in his.

"I can do that." Amanda nodded.

"Fine." Lee rubbed his thumb over her palm.

"I need to go change before going to the kids' school to decorate. Will you wait and take me back to my car?"

"Yeah." Lee reluctantly released her hand.

Lee watched her ascend the steps and felt his stomach rumble with hunger. He had not taken time to eat last night or today. He opened Amanda's refrigerator to fix a sandwich. He thought about all the groceries he had in his trunk. He figured a stop at the dump would be required before too long. He pulled out chicken salad, mayo and lettuce and laid them on the counter. He picked up a loaf of bread and placed it beside all of his other sandwich contents. He then searched the kitchen drawers for a knife. As he began to make his sandwich, when the phone rang.

Forgetting where he was, he picked up the receiver. "Stetson here."

"Who is this?" said a low hiss.

"Who is this?" Lee asked, dropping the knife on the counter.

"A friend of Mrs. King's. I need to speak with her."

"She can't come to the phone right now, buddy, but I will be glad to give her a message," Lee said, protectively.

"That's alright. I'll see her tonight," the dark voice said, and hung up.

Lee stared at the receiver as if to pull the man through the phone line. The man had a Russian accent. Could it have been Nick, Lee wondered? "Lee, was that the telephone I heard?" Amanda yelled down from upstairs.

"Wrong number," Lee lied, not wanting to add to her worry.

"I'll be down in just a minute."

Lee picked up the phone to call the agency. He wanted a trace done on the call that Amanda had just received. He finished the request just as he heard Amanda start down the steps. He quickly hung up the phone and continued to make his sandwich.

"I told you she had a lover."

"Like I said earlier, just because he is there, doesn't mean anything. They could work together."

"Well, she was certainly friendly with the last two women that we disposed of. You know, 'birds of a feather flock together'."

"Shut up, that is just some dumb saying."

"Her time is running out, better prove your case soon."

"You should have enough blood to finish your project. Just stop all this madness."

"You never have enough paraphernalia to work with, my friend. Let's take a ride and check out the other opportunities offered by Arlington."

"I feel like it will be well patrolled by police this afternoon."

"We can look, but just not touch."

To Be Continued. . .