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"Well, I'm exhausted and my nerves are totally shot," Amanda told CJ when they arrived at the office. "You might want to have a talk with your husband about how backup works, because he was lagging today. If that officer hadn't arrived when he did that jogger might have escaped."
Harry's face was red and so was CJ's- from holding in her laughter. She turned to Harry. "Harry, don't you think we should let Amanda leave a little early so she can recuperate?" He snarled and CJ turned to Amanda. "Harry said that's a good idea, Amanda. After you go to the police station and give your statement you're done for the day."
"Now don't forget he approved this, so I get my full pay," she announced as she sailed out of Harry's office. "I'll turn in my food expense receipts next week."
CJ shut his door and handed him the emergency bottle. "If it makes you feel better I think your sacrifice paid off," she told him with a smile. "Now do you want to tell me about your job with Amanda?" His eye twitched, and she patted his hand. "We'll talk about it later. And Harry? I'll drive home tonight."
***
Amanda grinned as she left the office for the day. It's a good thing they hadn't sent her to Sinful to keep Meadows in line, or things would have fallen apart in Michigan. She called Ellen as she drove to the apartment and Ellen met her out front.
"Spa time- my treat," Amanda announced. "We're going to turn our beautiful in stunningly irresistible!"
When Ellen hesitated Amanda grew insistent. "Listen, Ellen. My spa buddy is in Louisiana and I don't do spas by myself. Too quiet, you know? And let me tell you after this week I need to be pampered. My feet are screaming for help. So you're coming to keep me company, whether you like it or not." Ellen smiled her thanks and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the spa.
On the way home they stopped to eat. Ellen yawned after they finished. "I'm sorry!" she apologized. "I think the spa was too relaxing."
"Don't worry about it," Amanda smiled. "You get a good night's sleep. I've got some things to take care of, anyway." They hugged goodnight in the lobby and Ellen took the elevator to Matt's apartment.
Amanda went to her apartment, poured a glass of wine, then pulled out her cell phone with a determined look on her face.
"Is this Paul Meadows? I hope this isn't a bad time to call. You aren't packing for another fishing trip, are you?"
"Who is this?"
"My name's Amanda, and I work with Stubbles... I mean your son, Matt. He's out of town on business, and I'm taking care of Ellen while she recovers. I didn't want to worry him, so that's why I'm calling you."
"What? What the hell happened? Is she okay? Let me talk to her!"
"That's not possible."
"Oh, my God! What do you mean? Where is she... I need to catch a flight! What's the closest airport?"
"Your wife will be fine. She's sleeping right now, so don't you dare fly in and disturb her recovery! And no phone calls! If you're half a man, you'll pack your ass into your car at first light and drive here! Flying isn't good for her return trip. You call me when you get into town and I'll give you directions. Goodbye!"
"Wait, don't hang up..."
***
"You did what?" Ellen asked, half shocked and half delighted.
"I lit a fire under his inattentive ass! And tonight I'm fanning it into an inferno!" Amanda announced.
It was Friday, and Amanda took Ellen to work with her. The Knight's shrugged as Amanda put her to work making copies, sorting papers, and filing. At noon, Amanda told them she had a headache that only a serious shopping trip would cure. CJ's brows dropped in a flash, but Harry caught the eye roll Amanda sent in Ellen's direction.
Taking CJ by the arm, Harry pulled her to his office. "Have fun. I mean feel better," he yelled to Amanda. CJ's fuming look made him laugh. Her furious fingers made him wince. "Just one last day, please?" he asked. "For the sake of love and happiness?"
"What about the sake of our business?" CJ demanded.
After Harry explained she complained, "You're a pushover, Harry!"
Then with a sigh, she massaged his tense neck and asked, "So is this a vacation day?" He grinned when her arms closed around him in a tight hug.
"Don't ever change," she mumbled into his ear.
***
"Where's my wife?" Paul Meadows yelled when Amanda opened her door.
"Well, finally, Mr. Stubbles! I thought maybe your sense of direction took the same dive as your sensitivity and good manners."
Paul pushed past Amanda and yelled for his wife. At first he frowned when he saw her standing, with no visible injuries. He stared at her for a few moments before he asked, "Are you okay? What happened?"
"Why are you so worried?" Amanda scoffed. "If you were on one of your endless beer buddy weekends would you have bothered to come?"
Ignoring Amanda, he asked Ellen, "Are you hurt? Did you have an accident?"
"Yes and no, bright boy!" Amanda answered.
"Listen, you... will you stay out of this and let me talk to my wife?" Paul huffed.
"Are you sure you still know how? Hey, Ellen, he's gonna try a novel idea and talk to you!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" he yelled.
Ellen sighed, shaking her head in disappointment. "I'm going upstairs," she said to Amanda.
"There's no need for you to unpack," she told Paul as she left. "Try not to wreck the car on your trip home." She slammed Amanda's door behind her.
"What the hell just happened?" Paul asked Amanda, looking puzzled.
"You just got dumped, moron! Please tell me you didn't pass the stupid, blind, and oblivious genes on to anyone other than one son."
Paul gave Amanda a shocked look and looked for a chair to sit.
"Oh, no you don't!" Amanda grabbed his arm and marched him to the door. "You might have one chance to fix this, and if you don't change your ways, you'll die a lonely old hermit!"
Paul's mouth opened and closed, while Amanda dragged him to the elevator. On the way she gouged his arm and hissed, "If you don't compliment your beautiful wife soon I'll chop off your parts and run them through my blender! Then we're taking your car for a joyride so Ellen can find a real man!"
"Hey, Ellen. Hold the door," Amanda shouted, seeing it was still partially open. There was a hesitation and Amanda grinned. Her girl, Ellen, knew how to work it!
The doors finally opened and Amanda shoved Paul into the elevator. Then the doors shut and Amanda's mouth opened.