Rollie left and Mangela walked into the kitchen where Angie was drinking water at the table. Mangela sat down across from Angie and lit his pipe. Angie sipped her water slowly and watched him over the glass. The smoke billowed around his head in circles. Angie coughed a little from the smoke. Mangela smiled. His face was dark and tanned, lined, but not heavily. He had long fingers and intense eyes. Angie shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Angie asked finally.
Mangela just smiled and puffed on his pipe. Direct. He always liked that about her. "My Sonny Boy is in love with you."
"Yeah," Angie said quietly, and took another sip of water.
"He's got a good heart. He has loved, truly, only once before. But even then I think he knew it wasn't meant to be."
Angie knew Mangela was referring to Taia Kwan. She remembered how hurt Rollie was when she left the first and the second time, and when he helped her fake her death to escape her father. She was certain a part of him would always love Taia and she wasn't quite sure how she felt about that.
"I know Rollie has a good heart, Mangela. That's one of the things I... love about him."
"Do you?"
"Yes."
Mangela puffed on his pipe again and looked intently at Angie, "Do you know how much pain his heart carries?"
Angie shifted in her seat, "What do you mean?"
"Rollie carries with him every pain of every bad decision, missed opportunity, and twist of fate. Things that are beyond his control; his mother's death, his father's emotional and physical abandonment and way of life, Rick's death, losing Taia, Luther Cale's betrayal, Manny's death, Leo's death...."
Angie felt tears come to her eyes. She had watched Rollie through most of those events and shared in many herself. Those events had impacted her life as well.
"And your rape."
Angie's mouth dropped. She couldn't believe Rollie had told him about that. She started to get up but Mangela stilled her with his strong, gentle, hand on hers. Angie sat back down. Mangela pulled his chair closer to hers. Angie was fighting back tears.
"Why do you cry, pup?" he asked softly.
Angie looked at him through her tear-rimmed eyes wondering if this guy was for real, "Because it hurts. I didn't think it would anymore but it does."
"Go on," Mangela looked deep into her eyes.
Wasn't that enough? Angie thought, but as she looked into his eyes, he challenged her and she found she wasn't afraid. In that moment somehow he was like a grandfather to her. She wasn't afraid to be judged or ashamed or scared.
"It makes me angry too. Because of the way I was hurt and the way Rollie was hurt too. Loubar wanted to hurt Rollie and I was his weapon. It was malicious and hateful. How can people be so evil?" she sobbed, "And I'm scared. Mostly because I'm afraid he'll come back and do it again," she held herself tightly trying not to shake so much. "I was okay for a while because I thought he was dead. I kept hoping he was. But we found out a few days ago that he's alive and Rollie and I both know he'll come back," she looked Mangela in the eyes, her fear evident. "I'm so afraid Mangela! I'm so afraid that he's going to kill Rollie!" Angie sobbed.
"My poor bunny," Mangela pulled her to him. He had tears in his eyes, "You've been trying to outrun the pain and anger and fear, but it doesn't work that way. And from what I understand, you've been trying to do it alone, without Rollie. You both need to help each other, to lean on each other, restore each other's strengths. Your love for each other will help you. I wish that I could tell you that it will never hurt again but this thing, this darkness will always be with you. But if you open up your hearts to each other, it will fade into the gray," he stroked her hair. "It won't have the power it now has to hurt you."
Angie looked up at Mangela, her chin quivering as she tried to keep the tears at bay, "I felt bad for so long, because I let Loubar use me to hurt Rollie. I was so afraid that it would change things..."
"But it has. And for the better, don't you see that now? This is the power of good hearts over evil ones. You and Rollie could have been lost in the pain and the anger. You could have drifted apart or blamed each other. And in that way Loubar would have won. But instead you found, and more importantly, acknowledged the love you share. And that is a powerful thing indeed. And as for letting him use you to hurt Rollie, how can you say that? Loubar is an evil, evil man. You're not responsible for his actions. To predict how he acts is to see inside his dark mind and I don't think that either you or Rollie want to do that. Your triumph will be to know love and all its power while Loubar will be alone and will never know the true power and beauty of love. He is a lost soul. He will be consumed by his anger, and his jealousy, and that will be his undoing."
Mangela stroked Angie's hair and she began to sob quietly, "Let it go, my little bunny. Let go of the pain," he encouraged her.
Rollie returned to the loft forty minutes later with the take out. It was quiet. He called out that he was back but there came no answer. He walked into the kitchen with the food and stopped in his tracks. He saw Mangela and Angie sitting at the table. Mangela held Angie as she cried into his chest. He had his eyes closed and he was stroking her hair. Mangela opened his eyes to see Rollie glaring at him.
"I asked you not to push it," he said angrily as he knelt down near Angie. He put his hand on her shoulder, "Angie?"
Angie turned from Mangela, her eyes red and puffy. "Ro-- Rollie!" she cried, and fell into Rollie's arms.
"It's okay, baby. I'm here."
"I love you so much, Rollie! I love you."
Mangela stood up and Rollie glared at him again. "I'm sorry, Angie. I never should have left him here alone with you. I knew what he wanted to do. I knew you weren't up to it. I'm sorry."
Angie shook her head, "No. It's okay," she said as she wiped the tears away with her hands, "Please don't be angry with Mangela," she looked up at Mangela, "He loves you very much and would never do anything to hurt you, or me. You know that."
Mangela prepared some tea and placed a two cups in front of Rollie and Angie, "I'm going to go on the roof to give you two some time. Call me when dinner is ready." He placed his hand softly on Angie's head. She smiled up at him weakly.
Rollie watched him leave, "Angie? Are you sure you're okay? You don't have to say yes to protect him."
"At first I was angry, because you told him about the rape. But, I don't know," Angie looked up towards the ceiling and Rollie could see the pool of teardrops still rimming her eyes. "It was different talking with him than it was with the rape counselors. I mean, I know they're professionals and everything but...." She reached out and caressed Rollie's cheek as her head rested on the back of the chair, "it was different talking with someone who wasn't afraid to show emotion. You know how professionals can't show attachment or get involved? I don't know. I can't explain it. It was a release, somehow. And it helped because I know he cares about you."
"I'm sorry I told him about the rape Angie, I --"
"Shhh! None of that," Angie placed her finger to his mouth, "Rollie the rape didn't just happen to me. I realize that now. It happened to you too. You've been in as much pain as I have --"
"No, Ange, I haven't."
"Well, yeah. It's a different kind of pain Rollie, but it is pain nonetheless. I'm sorry I pushed you away afterwards. I thought maybe you might hate me and I guess I blamed myself too."
"Angie, I told you I could never hate you. Why would you blame yourself?"
"Because I let my feelings for you put me in a place where Loubar could hurt us." She looked down at her tea.
"Angie, you are not to blame for that. Loubar is. He wanted you to hate me. That was his plan."
"I know," Angie laughed surprising Rollie, "but I don't," she looked down at Rollie still kneeling beside her, touching his face slightly, and she smiled, "I love you Rollie Tyler."
Rollie stood and pulled her up with him and held her in a tight hug, "God, I love you Angie," he said with tears in his eyes, "We're going to be okay, Angie. We're going to be okay."
"I know we will," Angie agreed as she pulled Rollie's face to her and kissed him.
Angie reheated the Chinese food Rollie had picked up. Rollie went to the roof to get Mangela. He found him lying on his sleeping bag staring up at the night sky. Rollie knelt down near him.
"I'm sorry Mangela. I shouldn't have been angry with you. I was worried about Angie, that's all."
Mangela continued to stare at the sky, "Rollie my boy, there is no need for apologies. It does my heart good to see the way in which you two love each other. I have wanted that for you for so long, Sonny boy," he sat up, "There has been too much pain in both your lives. You need to hold on to her, Rollie, and never let go."
Rollie helped Mangela to his feet, "I intend to, Mangela. I intend to."
Angie ate very little of the food, saying she wasn't hungry. Rollie tried to get her to eat anyway, joking that she would be hungry again in a half hour anyway. Truth was, she was emotionally exhausted again and really just wanted to sleep. She excused herself to go to the bathroom.
Rollie and Mangela continued to eat. Mangela watched Angie go upstairs, "She's too skinny," he said.
Rollie shook his head, "No she's not. She's perfect."
"She'll have to fatten up if she's going to have babies."
Rollie choked on his egg roll, "Cripes! Mangela!" Rollie coughed, "That's a bit soon there, don't ya think?"
"Future reference, Sonny Boy," he replied with a big smile on his face.
"Future reference," Rollie muttered, "What? Do you have a timetable all ready too? When's good for you?"
"Well, it would be good if it's not during the dry season because of the risk of brush fires...."
"Bloody hell," Rollie muttered again.
Mangela laughed.
Angie came back downstairs and peered into the kitchen, "Rollie, I'm going to head out now. I'm really tired."
Rollie got up and came over to her, "Angie, stay."
"Rollie...."
"C'mon. You can have the bed. I'll take the couch. I just would feel better if you stayed. Besides, I haven't put in the extra security at your place yet. Please?"
"But I don't have any clothes...." She objected.
"Well if that's all...." he replied and headed upstairs into his bedroom. He returned a few minutes later with a t-shirt and threw it at her.
'I don't have a toothbrush..." she objected again.
"Well, hmm, you're not going to share mine. That's not good hygiene. I'll run to the pharmacy."
"But --" she objected again.
Rollie pulled her to him and kissed her, "Shut up."
Angie changed while Rollie went to the pharmacy to get her a toothbrush and her favorite shampoo and a razor to shave her legs, since he didn't want her to use his razor either. Mangela kept Angie company for a short while and then returned to the roof. When Rollie returned Angie was curled up on the couch almost asleep.
He sat down next to her, "Hey sleepy head. I've got your toothbrush and stuff. By the way, this is my bed remember?"
Angie sat up and yawned, "Are you sure about that? I think you're too long for this couch. I don't mind staying here."
"No, absolutely not. Besides, I'm an early riser. I don't want to disturb you."
"All right," Angie yawned. She wasn't about to fight this battle anymore.
"I'm just going to use the bathroom and get some things from the bedroom before you turn in."
"Okay. I'll wait down here"
When Rollie returned Angie was curled up again and absolutely asleep. "Bloody hell," Rollie scratched his head, "I guess I'm going to have to carry you upstairs. Bloody hell."
Angie awoke the next morning to find herself cuddled up next to Rollie on the couch and him staring down at her. She rubbed her eyes sleepily.
"Hi." Rollie whispered in her ear.
"Hi." Angie replied somewhat embarrassed as she looked around sheepishly to see she was almost on top of Rollie, her leg wrapped around Rollie's thigh. One of his arms was wrapped around her shoulder, the other resting on her leg, caressing her soft skin.
"How... how did I get here?"
"You don't remember?"
Angie shook her head.
"You fell asleep. In my bed, I might add. I was going to carry you upstairs but you looked so peaceful."
Angie looked up at Rollie, "why didn't you take the bed?"
"Because I wanted to feel some of that peace you were feeling last night."
Angie looked into his eyes and realized how much Rollie had been hurting these past few months too. She turned, and with her fingers began to lightly trace the curves of his lips, his chin, his cheekbones, and his eyes, taking the time to trace the tiny lines that were forming around them. Her touch lingered when it came upon the scar near Rollie's eye. Angie moved up and placed a light kiss on the scar. Then, she brushed the hair from his forehead and followed the contours of his ears, playing with the curls that surrounded them.
Rollie closed his eyes and felt her soft touches on his skin. He felt her light touches were the most intimate sensation he had ever felt with a woman outside of the bedroom. Yet, this was different...it was if each caress on his skin touched his heart. He swallowed and reached for her hand when he felt it come to caress his cheek again. His eyes still closed, he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm and then placed her hand at his heart.
Rollie and Angie fell asleep again, nestled against each other. Both of them feeling a sense of peace neither one of them had felt for many long months.
Angie awoke a short time later and moved to get off the couch. As she moved her leg off Rollie and turned to rise, she felt herself being pulled back down. Rollie's eyes were still closed.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
"It's time to get up."
"Nope. It isn't."
Angie laughed, "Rollie! As much as I would like to lay her with you all day, you and I both know we have work to do."
Rollie opened his eyes, "Angie, work can wait till later. We're almost done. The shots can be couriered to Richard Owen by the end of the day. I just want to lay here for a few more minutes holding the woman I love. Is that too much to ask?"
"No, it isn't. But it's more than I ever dreamed," Angie admitted.
"From now on Angie, your dreams--my dreams--our dreams--will come true. I promise you."
Angie crawled on top of Rollie, "I like the sound of that!" she kissed him, slow, sweet kisses. Rollie's hands caressed her back, finding their way to her buttocks and back up under her shirt. Angie pulled away from the kiss. Her eyes smoky, her hair falling forward and framing her face, "Not yet, remember?" she said as she moved off Rollie and off the couch.
"Right. I remember. Bloody hell," Rollie watched with disappointment as Angie ascended the stairs and he heard the shower start.
Angie came downstairs to the smell of coffee and eggs wafting from the kitchen. She was dressed in the previous day's clothes. Mangela and Rollie were in the kitchen as she entered. Rollie smiled brightly at her and handed her a cup of coffee.
"Good morning," he said as he leaned in for a kiss.
"Good morning, but you've already greeted me this morning," Angie replied as she kissed him back and then poked him in the ribs, "Good morning Mangela," she said sweetly.
"Good morning, Angela. You look well rested this morning."
"I feel better. Thank you."
"Are you hungry? There's some scrambled eggs if you are," Rollie asked.
"Not very," Angie caught Rollie shaking his head, "I'm not much for breakfast. You know that."
Rollie caught Mangela shaking his head and knew what that was about, "Well at least have some cereal or toast. You know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
Angie grabbed an apple off the counter, "You sound like a commercial," she laughed, "I'm going to run home and change. I also need some quality time with Chiops before he starts hissing at me."
"You're coming back though, right?" Rollie asked.
"Yes, I'm coming back," Angie smiled as she went into the other room to get her backpack.
Rollie walked her out. He and Mangela took their turns in the shower and then went to the Native American center. Mangela wanted to reconnect with some elders he had met a couple of times on his trips. When Rollie returned to the loft a couple of hours later, Rollie noticed Angie's backpack by the door. He climbed the stairs up to her cleanroom.
"Hey," he said as he entered the room.
Angie turned and stretched her arms, arching her back, "Hi."
"Are you working on the shot?" he asked, leaning over her and looking at the screen.
"Yeah. I made two versions. I added more color to the smoke, you know more blue and gray, like we talked about..."
"Yeah." Rollie agreed, pulling up a chair, "and the other?"
"Well, I played up the flames a little bit more. I punched it up a bit. It seemed kinda flat before. But, of course if you don't like it we have the other version, which looks nice...."
"But not as nice as the flaming version, huh?" Rollie's face was close to hers, 'Well, let's see it." Angie played both versions and Rollie agreed the second shot was the best. "Do you have anymore work to do on it?" he asked.
"Just a cleanup. It should be ready within half an hour."
"Great," Rollie rose, "I'll call the courier for the pickup and Richard to let him know it's on his way."
Angie was finished with the shot a half hour later as promised and came down the stairs to see Rollie still on the phone. He waved at her. She went into the kitchen and made some tea as she prepared the package for the courier.
Rollie came in a short while later and grabbed a beer from the fridge. After Angie asked, Rollie told he where Mangela was. She wondered if he was okay to find his way back but Rollie just laughed.
"Ange, he found his way across the world. He can certainly find his way across the city."
"Are you making fun of me?" she poked him in his ribs.
"No," Rollie laughed, "but Mangela has been all over the world campaigning for Aboriginal rights. He's been to the World Court in The Hague; he's been to Brazil and Japan. He's been to the states, to the UN and other places, at least a hundred times in his lifetime. You don't need to worry about him in the big city, sweetie," he said as he plopped down on the couch stretching his lanky frame across the length of it.
"I know, but don't you ever worry about him? I mean, he's not a young man you know? He's like a fish out of water here."
Rollie touched her arm, "He cares about you too, Angie," he smiled. Whatever else had happened yesterday, a stronger bond had formed between Angie and Mangela and that pleased Rollie.
Angie started to clean up the kitchen, doing the morning dishes and wiping the counter and table. Rollie watched her over his beer.
"Ange?" he asked slowly, "have you heard from Paul?"
Angie leaned against the counter and sighed, "No. I haven't and it's kind of strange."
'Why?"
"Well, he's never been away this long. And I haven't had any messages on my cell or at home."
"But it's only been what? Three days? Four?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Have you tried calling him?'
Angie shook her head, "I called his apartment when I went home this morning but he's not there. And he doesn't like me calling him when he's in Washington."
"Why not?"
"Because he's doing important stuff," Angie said making a face.
Rollie tried not to laugh. What was he worried about? He asked himself. Angie never would have lasted with this guy.
The courier arrived and Angie took the package over to him and filled out the paperwork. She returned to the lounge to find Rollie still sprawled out on the couch.
She stood beside the couch with her arms crossed, "Are you just going to lounge there all day?"
Rollie looked up at her, "Yep. Unless you've got better ideas."
Angie just shook her head and started to walk away when Rollie caught her arm and pulled her down on him. "I said unless you've got better ideas."
Angie propped herself up above Rollie, her hands on either side of his head, "Rollie Tyler, you are incorrigible."
"I know I am but you love me anyway."
"Yes I do," Angie relaxed then and curled up against Rollie. He stroked her arm. Angie reached over and caught his hand. She held it high with hers just exploring the differences in the sizes and shapes and how their hands fit together, the lines and the strengths. With her finger she traced his life line. A smile curled her lips, "You have a long life line," she said softly.
He turned his hand to look at it. Rollie then turned Angie's small hand over to inspect her life line, "Yours is long too. That's good, 'cause I'm not leaving this world without you," Rollie said kissing the top of her head.
Suddenly Angie thought of something and looked at Rollie, "Rollie? Do you know how Li is doing?" she asked, ashamed that she had been so caught up in her own life that she had forgotten how he was doing.
"He's stable. They had to take him into surgery again to stop the bleeding but he's doing better. We can't visit him until he's out of ICU though."
"I wonder how those poor people are doing?"
Rollie was about to say something when Angie's cell phone started ringing. She pushed on his chest to get over him and ran over to her backpack. She looked at Rollie briefly and then went up to her clean room. Rollie lay on the couch knowing that it was Paul on the phone. He had a brief moment of jealousy when he wondered why Angie had to take the call in private. But he soon remembered that Angie was his.
Angie came back down a few minutes later. Rollie sat up as she went to her backpack and grabbed her sweater. He came over to her.
"Was that Paul?" he asked, though he knew it was.
"Yeah. I told him I would meet him at his apartment in twenty minutes," she looked at Rollie with sad eyes, "Paul doesn't deserve this Rollie. He doesn't deserve to be hurt like this. I don't want to hurt him."
"C'mere," Rollie said softly as Angie flew into his arms, "I know you don't want to hurt him. And someday he'll understand that too. Are you having second thoughts about us?"
Angie looked at Rollie, her eyes brimming with tears, "No! No, Rollie. I'm not. I love you. I just feel... I feel like such a jezebel!"
Rollie laughed, "Angie, you are no jezebel. You don't have a malicious bone in your body," he wiped her tears, "do you want me to go with you?"
Angie rolled her eyes, "Oh yeah, that would be great. 'Oh here's your ring back Paul, oh and by the way he's the reason I'm giving it back to you. I just thought I would rub it in your face' Oh yeah, that would go over really well."
Rollie sighed, "I just meant that I could wait outside in the car or something --"
"I'm sorry Rollie. I should have realized."
"Of course if I did accompany you, I could just bop him in the nose if he got any bright ideas of talking you out of it."
Angie giggled, "Rollie!" she kissed him then, her tongue pushing its way into his mouth, tasting his juices and mingling with his tongue. It was her way of showing him he had nothing to worry about. She pulled away from the kiss breathless, "Rollie?"
Rollie was also out of breath as he looked into her eyes, the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen, "Yeah Ange?"
She bit her lip. "We can be with each other after I tell him. Its what I want. I mean... if you do."
Rollie's eyes grew big with understanding. He grabbed her face and kissed her; "Are you kidding me?" he smiled, turned her around and swatted her rear, "What are you waiting for? Go! Get outta here! And hurry back!"
Angie laughed as she headed for the door. Mangela was just returning as Angie put on her backpack. She waved to Rollie and said a cheerful goodbye to Mangela.
"Where's the little bunny going?" Mangela asked.
Rollie smiled at Mangela's nickname for Angie. No one else could get away with calling her a little bunny. And he wondered why he had started calling her that. Rollie started to leaf through the mail trying to act nonchalant, "The guy she's been seeing is finally back in town. She's on her way to his apartment to break things off with him."
Rollie and Mangela sat and talked for a while about home. But soon Rollie found himself more and more distracted from listening to Mangela. Rollie was still trying to pay attention to Mangela but found himself pacing the room and looking at his watch.
"What is it Rollie?"
"I dunno. I can't explain it Mangela...I just have this feeling. I'm worried about Angie and I don't know why."
Mangela was quiet for a moment, his eyes closed as if he were concentrating on something. Then a look of concern washed over Mangela's face. "Rollie?"
Rollie looked up from the mail and caught Mangela's expression, "What is it Mangela?"
"I can feel it too, Sonny Boy... you should be with Angela. You shouldn't have let her go alone."
Rollie just about darted out the door then. He always trusted Mangela's feelings. He grabbed his keys and was about to head out when the phone rang. Rollie picked up the phone quickly; concerned that it might be Angie.
"Tyler." he practically yelled into the phone.
"Tyler. Good you're there. I'm five minutes away --"
"Mira? I was about to head out --"
"It's important Rollie."
Damn it! Rollie thought, "Make it quick Mira," once he hung up the phone Rollie dialed Angie's cell phone but the message came on saying that the subscriber was not in service. Rollie ran over to his computer and connected with the Internet.
Mangela let Mira and Francis in. Mira called for Rollie to come join them.
Angie arrived at Paul Richter's Central Park penthouse. The doorman waved to her and they exchanged pleasantries. The doorman, Max, liked Angie and Mr. Richter as well. Angie always took the time to talk to him and ask him how his wife and children were. Most of the other tenants didn't even bother to find out his first name. Most of them called him by his last name, Barclay.
"Nice to see you again, Miss Ramirez. How are you?"
"I'm fine Max. How are your wife and your girls?"
"Oh they're fine. Little Jenny just started playing soccer with the neighborhood league. She's real good. Miranda though, she's the quiet one. Not yet into sports," he replied as he opened the door for her. "Mr. Richter returned this morning. I knew it wouldn't be long before I saw you again."
Angie smiled meekly, trying desperately not to show her nervousness. "I'll see you later Max."
"Bye Miss."
Angie reached the penthouse and knocked on the door. She was surprised when Paul answered the door himself. He usually had staff to do that. Maybe they have the day off, she thought. Paul went to kiss her but Angie turned her cheek to him and he kissed that instead.
"I've missed you Angela," he said as he pulled her into the seating area and onto the couch.
Angie pulled away quickly, "Paul, we have to talk."
Paul was all hands, grabbing her and pulling her down to him. Then he pushed her down onto the couch roughly.
"Paul? What's got into you?" Angie demanded as she pulled away.
"I've just missed you that's all. Haven't you heard the old adage; absence makes the heart grow fonder? Or is it more horny?"
Angie moved behind a chair. "You've been drinking or something. This isn't like you Paul," she said, pointing her finger at him, "I'll come back when you're sober."
"No. You're not leaving," he ordered.
'Excuse me?"
Paul bent his head back and sighed, "I'm sorry Angela. I am. I've just missed you that's all."
Angie eyed him with trepidation. This wasn't the Paul she knew. Something was wrong with him. Did he find out about her and Rollie in Washington? Was he having her spied on?
Paul looked at her, "C'mon Angela. I said I was sorry. You aren't going to stay mad at me are you?"
Angie made no move. She wanted to leave. She wished she had let Rollie come with her.
Paul moved closer to her, his arms outstretched, "C'mon Angela," he smiled, "give us a hug!"
The words sent an icy chill down Angie's spine. Her mind was suddenly spinning.
"No!" she screamed.
She tried to make a break for the door but Paul was beside her in a flash. He pushed her down to the floor and was on top of her, laughing. Angie bit his hand and he screamed in pain. That gave her enough time to manage to get away. She ran down the hall to the service elevator and frantically waited for its doors to open. Paul ran after her. Angie punched him in the nose as he rounded the corner and then elbowed him in the stomach. Just then the elevator door opened and she ran for it. Paul flew at her, grabbing her by the ankles and wrestling her down to the floor. Angie kicked and punched at him and when she did, his face came off. She looked up to see the cold, dead eyes of Victor Loubar.
"NO!!" she screamed.