Office for a Day
Daniela Signor
" Jed, I need a favour, " stated Abbey as she entered the Oval Office. Both the President and Leo looked up as the First Lady entered.
" Asking for presidential favours. I don't know, sounds risky. What do you think Leo? " Jed asked.
" Sounds dangerous to me, Mr President and so I'll leave you two alone. " He began to stand.
" No, Leo, " Abbey stops him, " my request involves you. I want to borrow Sam."
" Borrow Sam? " queried Jed.
" Yes, " slowly answered Abbey. " Let me explain. Ian is sick with the flu, " she began, mentioning her own personal speechwriter, " and the lunch I had scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed so that means I am free to attend the reunion lunch of my medical graduating class and I've been asked to make - "
" A speech, " interrupted Jed with a grin, remembering Abbey's disappointment at not being able to attend her reunion, and understanding how important this speech was to her.
" The answer is yes, Abbey, you can borrow Sam. "
" Leo? " queried Abbey, knowing Jed would not be fully aware of Sam's current workload.
" Take him, Mrs Bartlet. I'm sure Toby will enjoy the break. "
" Good. I have a four-hour luncheon to attend today, including two hours in the limousine. I'll take Sam and we can discuss the speech in transit. "
Abbey wished both men a good day and went off to 'borrow' a speechwriter.
" Sam, I need you to - "
" I can't," Sam interrupted Toby before he could continue.
" You don't know what I need, " Toby stated.
" I know, " Sam replied.
" You know, " Toby responded in disbelief.
Sam halted what he was doing, aware that the conversation had taken a strange turn.
" No, I don't, " explained Sam.
" But you just - " Toby started.
" I meant, " interrupted Sam again, realizing that the conversation had begun to sound like an Abbott and Costello routine, " that I know that I don't know what you want me to do. "
" Ooo...kay, " Toby slowly muttered. He watched as his deputy resumed what he was doing.
" You're packing! " exclaimed Toby.
" Yes, Toby. I am packing, " carefully explained Sam.
" Why? "
" Because I'm leaving, " Sam answered, fighting a grin as he watched the scowl on Toby's face grow.
" What do you mean, leaving? " shouted Toby. " I'm your boss. Why don't I know about this? Did you get into trouble with Leo? "
" Toby, I am not in trouble. I'm just being ... borrowed. "
" What do you mean, borrowed? You're my deputy not some library book. "
" Is there a problem here? " another voice suddenly spoke from the doorway of Sam's office. Sam and Toby turned to find Leo watching them.
" Leo, Toby needs to see a library card before he lets me be borrowed, " Sam hastily answered, struggling slightly to keep a serious tone.
Leo's eyes brightened as he realised the cause of the shouting that had drawn him here.
" Well, I'm sure she has one. I'll ask the First Lady if she can find it for you, Toby. "
" You're writing a speech for the First Lady, " Toby stated.
" Yes, Toby, " Sam answered.
" Fine. " Toby went to leave but found Leo blocking the doorway.
" Toby, you forgot to stamp Sam with his return due date. "
" Ha ha, " muttered Toby over the chuckles coming from both men.
Twenty minutes later found Sam nodding a greeting to the secret service personnel guarding the First Lady as he entered the limousine. He recognised a few faces and remembered a few names but did not know any of them well. Quickly opening up a notebook and grabbing a pen, he looked expectantly at Abbey and asked, " So what do you want to give a speech about? "
--##--
Abbey exited the limousine to be greeted by the administrator of the South Eastern Hospital. Sam stood silently beside her. After the introductions, Abbey turned to Sam, " Will you be okay on your own? "
" Yes, Mrs Bartlet, " Sam answered with a small grin at her motherly tone.
" You are not joining us, Mr Seaborn? " the administrator asked.
" No, I have work to do. I think I'll take advantage of the location and the weather and find myself a nice quiet spot outside to work. "
" In that case, let me suggest heading for the back of our hospital. We have a great view of Mondoron Gorge and many tables and benches set up. "
" Thank you, I'll do that. If you'll excuse me, Mrs Bartlet, I'll work on the speech and meet you back at the limousine later?"
" Of course, Sam. "
She walked off towards the hospital with the administrator. Sam spoke briefly with a secret service agent, confirming the time to be back at the limousine, than moved towards the back of the hospital.
Sam soon found himself the perfect location, hidden from the main garden but close to the gorge so he could admire the scenery. He would have to call Josh later to compare offices. But for now he had a speech to write, so he gathered his notes and opened his laptop.
--##--
Two hours later Abbey exited the building with her entourage. A small crowd had gathered and the local television station had sent a film crew. All watched as the First Lady moved to the barrier, greeting and chatting with the people near her. Suddenly a gunshot rang out, and then another, and another were heard. The secret service agents converged on Abbey, sending her to the ground as they drew their weapons. The crowd scattered, some running away but most following the example of the White House party and throwing themselves to the ground. It soon became obvious where the shots came from. Four men wearing dark sunglasses, bandanas over their lower face and t-shirts proclaiming they were members of AEOA, Against Experimentation On Animals, were using paint guns to splatter the presidential limousine with red paint. As soon as the four were certain the cameras had caught their action they turned and ran around the building.
The extra security hired for First Lady's visit gave chase. Abbey, watching as the agents with her relaxed slightly, shook her head at the foolishness of the protesters. They were lucky they hadn't been shot, if her secret service agents had not been as well trained and experienced as they were, that would have been the more likely scenario. The agents could have fired as soon as they heard the shot without taking in the whole situation as they had. Instead, they had chosen to hold fire when it was obvious there was no threat to anyone's life.
" Well, I know what today's top news story will be, " she commented to Brian Galway, her senior agent. Glancing at the paint-splattered limousine, Brian had to agree with her.
" Anyone hurt? " Abbey asked.
" A few scrapes as people dived for the ground, that's all. "
" Any of our people? "
" Janet's going to have a nice big bruise tomorrow. "
" I'm sure her fiancé will be properly attentive, " Abbey reflected. " Has my husband been informed? "
" It's happening now... the President wants to speak to you, " Brian informed her.
On cue, her personal assistant approached, holding out her mobile phone.
" Yes, I know, my husband. Thank you... Hello, Jed. "
" Are you all right, Abbey? " her husband's concerned voice came to her.
" Yes, I'm fine. It's the limousine I'm worried about. "
" Very funny. I'm sending another limousine. I don't want you riding in that one... I'm sorry, Abbey, Leo's tapping his foot. I have to go. "
" It's okay. I'll see you tonight. " The call ended.
" How long before the new limousine arrives, Brian? " Abbey asked.
" Thirty minutes. Would you like to return inside while we wait? "
" That will be fine. I can do some more work on my speech."
She looked around at the people gathered, but, not finding the person she sought, she turned back to Brian and asked, " Where's Sam? "
Toby entered Josh's office and found CJ with him.
" Good, you're both here. There's a situation. The President and Leo are both fully informed and no one was hurt. It's screening on the local news network. Watch. Ask questions later. "
All three watched as a local reporter spoke live from the scene, showing the First Lady standing in the background with her secret service agents. The screen's image switched to the earlier attack on the limousine and then returned live to the reporter.
Toby became aware of a muttering beside him, he focused on Josh and found him saying softly, over and over again.
" Pan the goddamn camera around! Pan the goddamn camera around! "
Toby looked back at the television, at the picture of the First Lady and a few other White House staff, wondering what Josh was searching for, what he could be hoping to see.
Suddenly he understood completely as he noticed who was not in the frame, who was not standing beside the First Lady. Toby heard the muttering stop and focused on the screen as the camera moved around, following two secret service agents as they disappeared around the back of the hospital.
" Shit! There's something wrong! " Josh exclaimed, startling the other two as he stood up suddenly and began to pace his office.
Halting abruptly, he snatched up his phone and stabbed at the numbers.
" What's wrong? " CJ asked.
Toby shook his head as Josh listened to the phone ring out.
Slamming the phone down, Josh motioned to the screen.
" Where is Sam? " he demanded.
--##--
Sam, noting the time, packed up his briefcase and prepared to return to the limousine.
He took a look around at his office for the day, enjoying the sun and trees. Stepping closer he tried to see into the gorge and to catch a glimpse of the river running far below. Sharp noises in the distance distracted him and he turned towards the building he could see above the trees between them. Unexpectedly he had company; four men with their faces hidden ran along the path towards him.
The four men halted in surprise at finding someone in this remote part of the hospital grounds. Noting their guns, Sam slowly raised his hands and moved away from them. One of the men, Bobby, snapped his gun up and shouted, " Don't move! "
Sam sensibly halted.
" I've seen him before. He works for the White House, " announced Kevin.
" In that case, " stated Bobby, " let's get him, " and he fired his gun.
Sam felt a massive push to his chest, causing him to stumble back a few steps. He was shocked by the suddenness of the attack; at how quickly the peace he had been feeling had turned into terror. He looked down at all the blood and wondered at the lack of pain. He heard more shots and saw that his briefcase was now bleeding, as was the park table and bench he had been using. He realised immediately that it was paint and felt immense relief that he was not about to bleed to death. He looked back at the men as his relief turned to anger.
" Who the hell are you and what the hell do you think you are doing? " Sam demanded.
" We are the AEOA and we want to send a message to the President! " Bobby replied.
He nodded to his fellow protestors and they all focused their paint guns on Sam and as one, they fired. The force of all four shots literally picked Sam up and propelled him backwards. Sam felt a sharp stinging pain to his left arm and realised some real damage had been done as the protestors continued to fire. He fell down to the ground and for a moment was simply sitting. But the ongoing attack added to his backward motion and he tumbled into a strange backwards summersault. As Sam continued moving, he suddenly remembered how close he was to the gorge. Two words echoed in the gorge as Sam plunged down over the edge, " Oh shit! "
--##--
As soon as Abbey realised Sam wasn't present she sent two of her agents to locate him.
He was just late, she decided. He had not heard anything from where he was and did not realise something had happened. He was just working on her speech. All these things she told herself were the reason he was not here with her. She sensed Brian stiffen beside her as he listened to the report from the absent agents.
" What is it? " she demanded.
" They found Mr Seaborn's briefcase. The area is disturbed and there are splatters of red paint... Secure the area, " he ordered.
" My god... they took Sam! " Abbey cried.
" We won't know until we search the area. These people were protestors not kidnappers. Mr Seaborn may simply have hidden to avoid them. Please, Mrs Bartlet, don't think the worst. Let us do that. We will explore all possibilities and we will find him. "
" You're right, Brian, this is Sam we're talking about. He always has a slight stumble before finding his feet. Do what you have to do to find Sam... and get me my husband on the phone. I need to speak with him. "
Jed hung up the phone and asked Charlie to send in Ron Butterfield, his senior secret service agent.
" I assume you are in contact with the agents assigned to my wife. I assume you are aware of the paint incident and the concerns regarding Sam's whereabouts. "
" Yes, Mr President. "
" Then what can you tell me? "
" Given the amount of red paint, the fall patterns and the location of the incident, the agents at the scene initial report is that Mr Seaborn was attacked, fired upon and that the force from those shots pushed him back and into the Mondoron Gorge. "
" Mondoron Gorge? " queried Jed.
" Yes, an 80 metre drop into white water. "
Jed stood up and walked slowly to his window. Turning after a minute he asked one more question.
" Could he survive that fall? "
" Highly unlikely, Mr President. "
The President had summoned his remaining senior staff into the Oval Office.
" This is about Sam, isn't it? " demanded Josh as soon as he entered.
" Yes, Josh, " answered Jed. " Please all of you sit down. I will tell you everything we know. It seems the protestors ran into Sam while he was on the hospital grounds. They fired at him and he was pushed..." Jed halted; in his mind he was picturing what they believed happened to Sam. He needed a few moments before he could continue. Looking sadly as Josh, he finished, " We believe Sam was pushed back into the Mondoron Gorge. "
" So, " dismissed Josh, " Sam got wet. He's a strong swimmer. We just have to send someone down to pick him up. "
Jed nodded to Ron to give the final details.
" At the point Mr Seaborn is believed to have gone over, there is an 80 metre drop, narrowing canyon walls and white water. It is ... unlikely he survived the fall. " Ron concluded. Josh paled in shock as his worst fears were confirmed. He slumped back into his armchair, shaking his head in denial. Toby dropped his head into his hands, refusing to look at anyone and CJ began to cry silently. Leo reached out and grabbed his best friend's shoulder, sharing the pain they both felt at this news. Josh suddenly took a deep breath, straightening in his seat as he glanced at all those assembled.
" You don't know Sam like I do, " he abruptly stated, causing all eyes to focus on him. " I know most of you see him as a kid, someone weak who needs protection but you're wrong. Sam is the strongest person I know, he will survive this. "
" Josh - " began Leo.
" No, Leo, " interrupted Josh, " until you can show me Sam's body, I'm going to expect to see him walking though that door. "
" Josh is right, " Jed stated. " We can't give up on Sam, which means we all have work to do. "
They all nodded in agreement.
" CJ, " Leo began, " the press have been distracted by the limousine's new paint job but it won't be long before they realise something else is up. You'll be ready? "
" Yes, Leo, I'll be ready, " CJ answered, understanding Leo was also asking if she would be okay. Jed nodded to Ron for him to brief them with the latest information.
" The grounds are being searched. There is no easy way down into the gorge at the location we believe Mr Seaborn went over so a party has been dispatched farther down river and are making their way upriver by boat. The FBI are involved and are tracking down the AEOA protestors. The second limousine arrived and Mrs Bartlet is returning to the White House. As of two minutes ago, there has been no sign of Mr Seaborn. "
" How long before the river party reaches the point you believe Sam went over? " Toby asked.
"Twenty to thirty minutes."
" That ... will be a long time, " Toby quietly stated.
" Damn it!" Josh exclaimed. " I was just talking to him. I can't believe ... " he faltered.
" You spoke to him? " Ron asked, wondering if the Deputy Chief of Staff had some relevant information.
" Yes, " Josh gave a choked-off laugh, " he was calling to compare offices, blue sky, white ceiling, view of trees, view of desks. He told me what a great day it was turning out to be. " Josh shook his head and fell silent.
--##--
Brian watched as the limousine containing the First Lady with the second support team guarding her leave the grounds. Turning to the other remaining secret service agent he spoke, " Florence has asked that we stay and locate Princeton, " he stated, using both the First Lady's and Sam Seaborn's code names, " so let's do it. "
" All right, sir, " the agent answered as she looked around, noting another news film crew had arrived to take footage of the graffiti limousine. Brian followed her gaze and for the first time, he approached the limousine. Looking around the secured area he noted the local police had already marked relevant details. He approached one mark and slowly began to swear.
" What is it? " Agent Dana Bresan asked.
" They were about 6 metres from the limousine when they fired and still the paint pellet struck with enough force to scratch the limousine's paint. "
" Scratch? " queried Dana, unsure she had heard right.
" I remember speaking to one of the mechanics once. You would be surprised what goes into the paint job on a bullet proof limousine. They are not that easy to damage. That much force from that distance, what do you think, Dana, same weapon at a closer distance and a softer target. How much damage then? "
Dana looked at the scratched limousine and thought about their missing man.
" Damn. "
Brian nodded in agreement as they turned and began to walk to the site of the attack.
" Did you hear what Princeton did for Oscar Pham last week? " Dana suddenly asked.
" No. "
" His daughter got married last Sunday into a posh New England family. He was worrying over the speech he would have to give. Anyway he's sitting in the cafeteria, surrounded by scrunched up pieces of paper, muttering threats and insults about his daughter's soon to be in-laws when Princeton joins him. He states that the table looks just like his desk, grabs the notepad and pen and tells Oscar to start at the beginning. Twenty minutes later Oscar has a draft version of his speech. Oscar said that he refused to change one word that came from the man who writes for the president. Gave the best speech ever heard at a Pham wedding, he told me Monday. "
The pair arrived at the site and greeted the other two agents on their team.
" Anything new to add? " Brian asked.
" Just one thing, " stated Tom O'Conner, " we found blood near the edge of the gorge. Not much and it has not been matched to Princeton, but in all probability it is his. "
" So he was injured before he went over, " Brian clarified.
" Yes. "
" Great, just great. Ron is going to love passing this information on to the President. " Brian muttered as he reached for his phone.
CJ had answered all the questions regarding the paint attack on the First Lady's limousine and was wondering if the press conference would actually finish without anyone asking about Sam. She watched as Danny Concannon raised up his hand and realised the answer was no.
" Danny. "
" There is still a strong presence of White House security at the site and rumours that a member of the White House staff was also paint bombed. Can you comment? "
Danny had the best sources in town; the locals must be still too busy to give any details.
" Yes, we believe that to be true. "
" Who was attacked? " Danny shouted over the raising clamour.
" People. Quiet. Okay, here it is. A member of the White House staff was on the grounds behind South Eastern Hospital when we believe he encountered the four protestors armed with paint guns. We believe he was fired upon and sustained injuries. "
" CJ! CJ! " one reporter called and continued after she was acknowledged.
" Why hasn't this been confirmed? "
" To answer yours and Danny's earlier question, let me conclude. We believe the force from the paint shots pushed the White House staffer over the edge and into the Mondoron Gorge. Search and Rescue parties have yet to reach the site. " CJ took a deep, steadying breath and ended with, " The staff member is Mr Sam Seaborn, the Deputy Communications Director. That's all."
CJ hurried from the room, ignoring the questions on whether or not Sam was alive.
" CJ, CJ, " a voice called and CJ halted in resignation.
" Yes, Danny. "
" I had no idea it was Sam, " Danny began. " What was he doing with the First Lady? "
CJ just looked at him.
" Right, sorry. How are you? " he suddenly asked seriously.
" A close friend is missing. How do you think, Danny? "
" Right, sorry, " he muttered.
A small smile escaped CJ as she observed, " You're repeating yourself, Danny. "
" Right, sorry, " he answered carefully.
The smile grew larger.
" Get out of here. You shouldn't be back here. " CJ stated as she turned and hurried away.
The senior staff was assembled in the Oval Office with both the President and his wife. They listened carefully while on the speaker phone, one of the Search and Rescue personnel spoke from the boat as they approached the site where Sam would have hit the water. A shout was heard from the speaker phone, a few distinct words, 'grab it', 'closer', 'careful' came through and then silence.
" What's going on? " Jed demanded.
" I'm sorry, Mr President, " a shocked gasp echoed throughout the room, " we've found no sign of Mr Seaborn, only his suit jacket that was trapped just under the water. It contains his phone and White House staff id-card. It's also torn and covered in red paint. We'll notify the search parties down river and also have the divers sent in. "
" Divers? " queried Jed.
" There are rapids here, Mr President. We can't see too far below the surface. If a body is caught on the rocks beneath, the divers will be the only ones able to find it, " grimly explained the voice.
" Very well, thank you and keep looking. " Jed ended the call.
The brief moment of relief at not finding a dead body had ended quickly with this information.
" They didn't find a body, there's still a chance, " shakily insisted CJ.
" Didn't find one yet, " muttered Toby.
Josh threw Toby an angry look at his comment. Josh had thought that having someone reach where Sam entered the water would give him the answers he needed, but they still had no idea.
" Damn it, Sam, where the hell are you? "
--##--
The four protestors watched, stunned, as the man before them disappeared from view.
The two words that echoed from the gorge echoed in all their minds, ' Oh Shit'. Finally one of them moved forward, looking down into the gorge.
" I don't see him! " Kevin cried out.
" He must be hurt, " suggested Bill.
" Or he could be dead. " Bobby commented.
Lastly the fourth man, Alan, spoke, " We came today to throw paint at a car, not hurt anyone. That man could be hurt or worse, either way we have to try and help him. Now I know a path to the river, about half a kilometre downstream. We have to go and get this guy. "
The four men turned and hurried off.
Sam felt himself hit the side of the gorge, sliding down it and than another drop until suddenly he was under water. The water was churning but he managed to surface and grab onto a rock, halting his progress. He suddenly heard a voice and twisted around searchingly but no one was there. He realised he was hearing the conversation from above the gorge.
" I know a path to the river, about half a kilometre downstream. We have to go and get this guy, " a voice harshly stated.
Sam let go of his handhold. He had to get out of the river, quietly and quickly, as it appeared he was being hunted. He let the river take him downstream.
--##--
The five-minute updates from Search and Rescue changed to every ten minutes, then every half hour as no new information was received. They had checked along both banks of the river, spreading inland at any point where someone could climb out of the gorge. There was no sign of Sam. The FBI had secured one area after it appeared four men had climbed down to the river's edge. They suspected the four protestors had come down to the water looking for their victim. There was no indication that they had found him.
" Can you believe this? " harshly demanded Josh as Donna entered his office.
" What? " she questioned, looking at the television program.
" They found some thick-headed adventure junky to interview regarding the gorge and the white water rapids. This supposed expert is rating Sam's survival chances, 'if' they state very carefully, 'if' he survived the fall. This idiot states that only a white-water rafting expert such as himself could survive the 'washing machine', the 'spin-dryer' and the 'clothes line' that some other idiot has named the rapids down river from where Sam went over. I mean, who would believe this moron? " Josh demanded.
" No one would believe him, " Donna answered quietly, " not you and not me, not anyone who knows Sam. "
Josh relaxed slightly, hearing in Donna's tone her belief that Sam would survive, that Sam would come back to them.
Four men sat huddled around the room, clutching their beers as they watched the news channel.
" Damn it. I told you the guns were stupid. You heard what was reported. We were lucky we weren't shot, " Kevin protested.
" Give it up! That's all you've been saying since we got back, " Bobby snapped back.
" Both of you shut up! Who gives a shit about the guns! We killed someone, damn it!
The FBI are looking for us and we are all going to prison for murder, " hissed Alan.
" Come on, we wore masks. They can't identify us, " Bill griped.
" You don't think someone's going to talk? Paint on a limousine is one thing, but pushing someone off a cliff is something else. Who's going to protect us now? " Bobby asked.
" Another update, " Alan softly stated.
They all watched silently, each hoping desperately for the man to be found, alive and well. The reporter spoke again briefly about the accomplishments of the missing man than stated in too many words, no sign, failing hope, dusk approaching and time running out. Five minutes later when the FBI burst in, the four men were almost relieved.
Toby hurried into Leo's office followed closely by Josh and CJ.
" What! " Toby demanded.
" The FBI has caught the four men involved. They confirm that they fired upon Sam and that he was knocked over the edge. They rushed down to the river, wanting to help him but he never went past. They began to panic as they waited until they bolted back to one of their homes where they stayed until the FBI arrested them, " Leo informed them.
" Sam never went past them, " Toby clarified, " then he must have travelled faster than they did, be farther down river. "
" I've spoken to Search and Rescue, " Leo stated, " and with the river's speed and course and the AEOA protestors' speed and course, they would have reached the spot before Sam. Search and Rescue are now concentrating on their divers' efforts. "
" You're telling me Sam is dead? " Josh demanded.
" Josh, I don't know. I'm just telling you what the experts are telling me, to prepare for the worst. "
--##--
Sam pushed himself against the current as he wriggled his way between the narrow cliff walls. Abruptly he halted as before him he viewed a small gully. A gully that, though steep, could be used to climb out of the gorge he was trapped in. A tired smile graced Sam's face, as he finally was able to step out of the water. After a few unexpected spills Sam eventually stood on the top of the gully. Looking around he could locate no signs of civilisation and remembering he was near a state park, he understood why trees and shrubs surrounded him. Checking the shirt sleeve he had tied around the cut on his arm, he settled on a direction and continued to walk.
--##--
The business day had ended and most of the White House staff had gone home, but a few remained. They stayed close to the phones, close to the news channel and close to one another. Donna, Ginger and Cathy sat together in a corner, while Toby and CJ had assembled in Josh's office. CJ had just given another press conference; the only information given about Sam was that they had confirmed the blood found on the cliff top matched Sam's. The hours had passed with no good news except the slim hope they all clung to; no body had been found.
" We are going to play squash this weekend. I booked the court earlier. I'll have to tell Sam the time, " commented Josh.
" He needs to work on the second paragraph of the President's speech. I'll point it out to him later, " Toby added.
" He owes me lunch, " CJ bluntly stated.
" Damn it, he has to come home, " Josh insisted.
" It doesn't look good. " Jed stated.
" No, Mr President, " Leo quietly replied as they sat together in the Oval Office.
" How are the others, Leo? "
" Clinging to hope. "
" Do they know? "
" That the search has been called off for the night and that they will be concentrating on body retrieval tomorrow? No, Mr President, they do not know and I will not tell them, " Leo firmly ended.
" They'll find out soon enough in the morning, " wearily agreed Jed. " Stupid kids playing with toy guns and attacking one of my senior staff, what the hell were they thinking? " he demanded.
" To protect the animals, " dryly answered Leo.
" And now they may be facing murder charges. Damn it, I shouldn't have let him go. "
" He was doing his job. "
" His job is to work for me, not my wife. "
" His job is to write speeches for the President, that was what he was doing, " Leo insisted.
" I just..." Jed began.
" I know Mr President, me too. "
Brian and Dana watched as the Search and Rescue people brought their operation into standby mode, teams were called in and people sent home. A few two-men teams camped by the river, just in case but essentially the search was over for the night.
" I've never lost someone under my protection before, " Brian softly spoke.
" Princeton wasn't really - " began Dana.
" Yes, yes, " interrupted Brian, " he wasn't the VIP, he wasn't in the secure zone. I know that and it doesn't help. "
Dana could find nothing to say. Brian was right. She moved off towards her bed for the night. Brian and she were the only secret service agents present; they had volunteered to stay, just in case.
Josh jerked awake as his cell phone rang. He glanced at the clock, noting it was two in the morning. His hand froze above his phone; at this time of the morning it could only be bad news. CJ stirred on his couch, while Toby and Leo appeared in his office doorway. Forcing himself, Josh answered the phone.
" Joshua Lyman. "
" Josh, it's Sam, " a voice stuttered from the phone. Josh stared at the phone in shock, having prepared himself for the worst possible news, never expecting to hear what he thought he heard, his best friend's voice. He brought the phone back to his head and asked carefully, " Who did you say you were? "
" Shit, Josh! I don't have time for this! I've been shot, painted and almost drowned! I'm freezing, lost, tired and hungry, and my chest and arm are killing me. Now find out where the hell I am and come get me! " Erupted the voice from the phone.
" Sam! " shouted Josh, " you're alive! You're okay! Where the hell are you? What happen to you? Where - "
Leo marched forward and grabbed the phone from Josh. Pushing him towards his office phone, he ordered Josh to get a trace going on the call.
" Sam, " he quietly spoke into the phone.
" Hey, Leo. "
A grin spread on Leo's face as he heard his co-worker's voice.
" Okay, Sam, we're tracing the call. Do you have any idea where you are? "
" I'm at a small store, nothing else around and it's too dark to read any signs. "
" Okay. "
" Leo, " urgently began Sam, " four men attacked me. They were coming after me. "
" It's okay, Sam. The FBI caught the guys. "
" Okay, " Sam softly answered, relaxing now that he knew no one was after him.
" Hang on a minute Sam, " Leo stated as Josh got off the other phone.
Josh wrote something quickly on a note that he thrust to Leo. Leo read the address, nodding his head, as it seemed to match the information he was receiving from Sam. Ron entered.
" I have two agents nearby. They should reach him in thirty minutes. "
" Do it, " Leo ordered. Giving the phone back to Josh, he ordered Josh to keep Sam talking.
" I'm going to inform the President. "
He left a very happy crowd, now joined by Cathy and Donna in Josh's office.
Josh turned his back on those gathered in his office, clutching his phone he moved towards the window. Taking a slow deep breath, he spoke one word into the phone, " Sam. "
Silence greeted him and for a horrifying second he thought he had dreamed the whole thing.
" Josh, " quietly answered Sam.
Josh suddenly could not think of a thing to say, he uttered the only thing he could think of, " Leo wants me to keep you talking till the secret service agents arrive. "
" Oh. "
" So... talk. "
" I see I have to do all the work, " muttered Sam as he tried to wrap his arms more tightly around himself. Another shiver racked his body as the wind blew against his still damp clothes.
" Yep, " answered Josh.
" How long till the agents get here? " Sam asked.
" Thirty minutes. "
" Then forget it, I'm not staying out here on this phone. "
" What...why? " demanded Josh.
" I'm wet, cold and this phone is out in the open. The wind will probably send me into hypothermia. I'm going to find a nice sheltered corner to wait in. "
" But..." sputtered Josh, afraid to let Sam go.
" It's okay, Josh, " Sam answered, understanding the fear in Josh's voice. " I'll be okay. I'll see you in a few hours. "
" Okay, " Josh began to hang up.
" Hey, Josh, wait! " Sam suddenly called.
" What is it, Sam? "
" Did you retrieve my laptop? "
" Yes. "
" Good, tell Mrs Bartlet I finished the draft on her speech. It's on the laptop. See that she gets a copy, okay? "
Josh shook his head in disbelief, " I'll see to it, Sam. "
" Good... okay... later, Josh. "
The connection terminated.
Brian and Dana drove up to the small family store high in the hills next to the parklands containing the Mondoron Gorge. No one was visible in their headlights as they shone on the public phone. Brian exited the car, calling out, " Mr Seaborn. "
A figure detached itself from the dark shadows and stumbled forward.
" Am I glad to see you guys, " Sam muttered, his teeth chattering in the cold.
" Are you injured? " Brian asked.
" No, no, I'm fine, " Sam stated as he gratefully sank into the back seat of the car.He thankfully accepted the blanket Dana passed from the front of the car and wrapped it around himself. His eyes widened as he watched her pour a cup of hot liquid from a thermos.
" Coffee! Please tell me that's coffee. "
Dana smiled as she passed the cup back.
" Yes, this is coffee, Mr Seaborn. "
Brian watched as Sam carefully reached out with his right hand to grab the cup. The cup began to shake so Sam attempted to bring his left arm up, hissing in pain as he tried to hold the cup steady with both hands. Brian quickly reached out, adding his own hand and halting the shaking. He eased the cup forward as Sam took a nice long sip.
" Just want I needed, " stated Sam. He looked up at the agent before him, eyes narrowing in thought, then with a sudden grin he spoke, " Thank you, Brian. "
Brian returned the grin, shaking his head in bemusement at Sam's obvious delight that he had the right name.
" I'm sorry, " spoke Sam to Dana, " I don't know your name. "
" It's Dana, Mr Seaborn, " Dana answered.
Brian grabbed the cup as it began to slip and helped ease Sam down until he was lying along the backseat.
" I think we'll take you to a hospital, Mr Seaborn. "
" No, no... " Sam muttered, his eyes slowly closing, " I'm fine... call me Sam. "
Exhaustion won, Sam slept.
By the time Sam arrived at GW Hospital, a large number of people were entrenched in the waiting room and a growing number of the media sat outside as word of Sam's return spread.
Sam entered through the emergency doors, a protesting orderly following with a wheelchair. He walked hunched between Brian and Dana, and in the harsh hospital light, he looked terrible. The most shocking image was the red on his shirt, reminding everyone how this adventure had started. His left arm had a rough bandage on it and was being carefully held by his right hand. His suit slacks were torn and dirty. There were bruises and scraps along the right side of his face. An emergency doctor, seeing that if she didn't act soon, she would lose her patient in the crowd, rushed between Sam and the waiting room.
" This way, Mr Seaborn. I'll check you out then you can speak to your friends. "
She quickly diverted him into an exam room, aided by the two secret service agents who did not seem to hear Sam's protests. Behind her, the doctor heard the First Lady begin to deal with those in the waiting room.
An hour later Sam had been cleaned, x-rayed, bandaged, stitched, disinfected, injected, fed and placed into a hospital bed for observation. His injuries had been reported to those in the waiting room and to the media. Sam was suffering from the first stage of hypothermia, three fractured ribs, a laceration on his left arm needing twelve stitches and numerous cuts and bruises. Finally the doctor allowed Sam to have visitors. Josh, Toby, CJ, Leo, Jed and Abbey all entered the room, hoping to talk to Sam and find out what had happened to him. All they found was Sam sleeping, dead to the world. Knowing Sam was going to be fine, everyone returned to his or her homes and beds, except Josh. Pulling up a chair, he decided to keep his best friend company during the night.
--##--
Sam opened his eyes, blinking to focus them and stared at the ceiling. It wasn't the ceiling in his bedroom or his office, where was he?
" You're in hospital, " a voice stated.
Sam turned his head to find Josh wearily stirring in a hard uncomfortable chair.
" Josh? "
" Yes, I'm Josh. You're Sam and you're still in the hospital... and you scared the shit out of me, Sam. What the hell were you thinking? "
" What... me... why... but... oh. "
Sam halted as events finally become clear in his mind.
" Sorry, " he added finally.
" Right! " muttered Josh.
" No, really, I'm sorry, " continued Sam, beginning to grin, " I shouldn't have gotten shot with paint. I shouldn't have fallen into a gorge. I shouldn't have trekked through the parklands... all this without you... I promise, Josh, next time, you can come with me. "
" Shut up, Sam, "
Josh calmly stated, finally accepting the truth that Sam was here and that Sam was going to be fine. They exchanged grins.
" Fine, if that's the way you feel. I'm going back to sleep. "
So saying, Sam closed his eyes and drifted off.
--##--
" This isn't the way to my apartment." Sam stated, looking around at the early evening traffic and then back at his driver, Josh. He had just been released from hospital after a long day. None of his injuries, no matter how painful, warranted a longer hospital stay. He had spent most of the day sleeping and recovering from his unexpected hike. Toby and CJ had both visited, and the President and Leo had both called, unable to get away from the White House. Mrs Bartlet had also visited and scrutinised his medical file. He had also given his statement to the secret service. Through it all Josh had sat beside him, acting like the mother hen from hell as he timed the calls and visits. This did not change the fact that all he wanted to do was go home, to his own bed to sleep.
" We're stopping by the White House, " Josh informed him, " at the President's request. "
" Not home to my own bed? " queried Sam in the slim hope that his words would be true.
" No, " Josh answered simply.
Sam slumped further into his seat.
Sam tried to enter the offices quietly but soon he was making his way through a crowd of well wishers. He stopped and accepted a gentle hug from his assistant Cathy, before being ushered into the Oval Office where another crowd had gathered.
" Now, Sam, " began Jed after everyone had settled, " I know you've given a report to the secret service but I would like to hear from you what happened. "
" Yes, Mr President, " began Sam, resigned to the inquisition. " You've heard from the AEOA protestors about the attack and how I fell into the gorge. I surfaced immediately and heard part of their conversation. I misinterpreted what I heard and so suffered a bushland trek. I found another stream, went up it until I found a way out of the gorge. I travelled west until I hit a road, followed it until I found a store that had a phone and called Josh. The secret service picked me up and brought me back. That is basically what happened, " Sam ended, simplifying his experiences.
" The report I got from Ron was more detailed, " protested Jed.
" I'm sorry, Mr President, " wearily stated Sam, feeling the painkillers wearing off. " I'm not sure what you are after? "
" Enough, Jed, " interrupted Abbey before Jed could answer. " Sam has confirmed what we knew. He's injured and should be home, in bed. Take him home Josh, " she ordered.
Jed walked over to Sam, watching as Josh helped him stand.
" My wife is right, Sam. I'm sorry I insisted Josh bring you here but when I could not make time today to see you, I just... you scared us all, Sam. I wanted to see you awake and walking around. I wanted to make sure you would be all right, " Jed ended.
" Thank you, Mr President, " Sam replied, touched by the obvious concern from this powerful man for him.
" Now go home and don't come back til next week, " ordered Leo as Josh and Sam left.
Josh took back the glass of water, watching Sam settle into his bed as he waited for the pain pills to take effect.
" I'll be sleeping on your couch, " Josh informed Sam.
" Go home, Josh. I'll be fine. "
" You have three cracked ribs, so I better hear you calling for me instead of you moaning in pain, doing more than you should, " Josh insisted forcefully.
" Okay, okay, " muttered Sam, letting himself drift away as his pain eased.
Josh shook his head at how quickly Sam went to sleep. The trip to the White House has exhausted him and even though his second rendition of events was extremely brief, it had still taken a lot out of him. Josh sat down on the couch, his mind going back to the early afternoon and Sam's first account of what had happened to him.
Ron and Brian, the two secret service agents had come for a full accounting on what had occurred to Sam. He had spoken of how he had been shot, seeing all the red and believing it was his blood, his discovery that it was paint and also the concerted firing that had pushed him into the gorge, of what he had heard and how he had let go of his handhold. Josh let the memory take him and slowly he heard Sam's voice.
' As soon as I let go, the river thrust me under, pushing me into some rocks. My jacket got caught and I thought I would drown before I managed to free myself of it. By the time I reached the surface and stopped struggling for breath I had travelled farther down river. I was afraid I was going to be swept directly into the arms of the four men who attacked me so I began to look for a way out. The cliffs continued and it would have been impossible to climb out but after a few minutes I came across a small stream entering the river. It was flowing slowly and I was able to leave the main river and begin to make my way upstream. It got tight a few times and sometimes I had to squeeze my way through but I manage to continue upstream until I was able to exit the gorge and enter the surrounding parkland. It was 5:22 pm. I know because my watch was still going. The sun was moving to the west so that was as good as a direction as any. I figured I'd walk until I hit a road... It was getting difficult, my arm and my chest were killing me. But my phone was in my jacket pocket under water, so choices were limited. I walked, it got dark but still I walked. Then it got cold, I mean really cold. It was 11:48pm when I found the road. I'm very impressed with my watch. I couldn't really tell what was the best direction, it had gotten too dark to judge so I just picked one way and walked. This time I walked until I found the store and the public phone. I thanked every deity I could think of and called Josh. The rest you know. '
Josh thought back to later, when he had joined Brian over a map where a pencilled line had been drawn along the path Brian believed Sam had taken.
" Incredible, " Brian muttered at the large distance covered. " A very determined man when he wants to be, your friend Mr Seaborn. "
" Yes, " Josh traced the line, " very determined. " Josh stated thinking on the fractured ribs, deep bruising of the chest, flesh wound, scratches, thirst, hunger and cold his friend had suffered during the trek.
Josh stood up, pulling himself away from these disturbing memories, and made his way to his friend's bedroom. Just one more check, he decided, before he settled in for the night.
--##--
After a week of no complication from his injuries Sam was allowed back at work. He settled at his desk and began to read his messages.
Dr Bartlet thanked him for the wonderful speech that she had still been able to use after Josh had sent over his draft, knowing he was safe in hospital.
Toby had kindly jotted down all the work Sam should have done last week but that he had done instead.
Cathy had cut out all the press clippings regarding his latest adventure.
Leo had left him a new phone with stern instructions not to get it wet.
The President had given him a compass, to help him when he next got lost.
CJ had stated that due to the extra news briefing she had to do concerning his disappearance, she would take him to lunch one day this week to make sure he did nothing newsworthy.
Unrolling a large picture Sam discovered a view of the Mondoron Gorge, a note from Josh stated that this was the closest he was now allowed to go to said gorge.
A final gift was from the secret service division, a personal tracking device for him to use when he next found himself in trouble.
Sam relaxed back into his chair, enjoying all the signs that his friends and co-workers had been concerned about him. Tucking the tracking device into his shirt pocket, he looked around his office. Now where was he going to place Josh's picture? That was the question of the day. Where in his office? Where?
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