*****
The West Wing and its characters are the property of Aaron Sorkin, Warner
Brothers and NBC. No Copyright Infringement is intended.
********
Ginger slipped away from Toby's office long enough to call the Briefing hot. C.J. was grateful that she'd realized she was the only other one left to do it. They traded smiles as C.J. walked in.
The first thing C.J. saw was a flash of familiar red hair. Danny was back in his usual place. C.J. grinned and then bit her lip. She couldn't let on to anyone including Danny that this was the high point of a tough week. Plus she wondered, "Where had he been?"
She was determined to keep the pace quick. Not much to cover, not too many to do the covering and this way, Danny might be able to stop by her office. Not that C.J. cared one way or another
C.J. started the Briefing with the announcement of the shut down. She promised the White House would do its best to abide by the plan and get an early lid on news tomorrow. She was careful to praise the D.C. Mayor for his role in getting the city on the same page as the White House.
Danny's hand went up and C.J. called on him. He asked, "C.J. you haven't mentioned the President's exact schedule. Is he still ill and when will he make a public appearance?"
C.J. expected this, "I was getting to that Danny. He's on the mend, working on essential matters and up to date on everything. His doctors cleared him for photos and video tomorrow. That way, we won't have any non-essential gatherings with people just standing around."
A hand went up and C.J. said, "Yes?" and then stopped. She didn't recognize the young woman sitting in front of Danny.
"Ma'am.", C.J. winced inwardly at that show of respect to an elder. "I'm Kendra Beach, with the wire service. Will we meet with the President one at a time or in a group?" It was all asked in a timid voice.
"Kendra, welcome. It won't be a news conference or one on one session. I expect it will just be a photo call in the Oval Office depending on President Bartlet's schedule."
Billy put a hand up. "Why not today? Isn't he up to working?"
"Billy," C.J. intoned, "Look around this room, lots of people are out sick. The President was ill, he's much better now but keeping group gatherings to a minimum to spare anyone else from getting sick."
Danny put in, "So it's a humanitarian gesture?"
"If you can refer to the Press Corps and remaining West Wing Staff as humans, yes. And Mrs. Bartlet wanted to do some blood letting. We didn't find any fresh leeches until late today."
Everyone laughed except for Kendra Beach. To C.J.'s amazement, the substitute was frantically scribbling in her notebook. The other media members noticed it too. Danny reached over and tapped her on the shoulder. "You don't need to write that down, C.J. was kidding."
"Oh." Kendra stopped, "I'm sorry Miss Cregg."
Lots of suppressed smiles, C.J. rarely got that much respect, at least verbally. More questions on other matters and then one more on the shut down. "C.J., it is really going to help?"
"The CDC believes it will, we'll keep tracking the numbers. But yes, I have to say it will. If not, we'll call in the Air Force to fumigate the city."
Once again laughter for C.J. from everyone but Kendra. Once again, Danny played white knight. "Don't write that down either as a serious solution." She mumbled her thanks.
C.J. was ready to put the lid down when Kendra's hand shot up. "Miss Cregg, I have more questions and I need some clarifications." That was met with a couple groans, C.J.'s was inward. But she thought fast.
"Kendra, if it's not urgent come to my office. That way people with more immediate deadlines can make them." The other reporters nodded eagerly. There was a pantomime of applause and kisses blown at C.J. from behind Kendra.
The Press Corps scattered and C.J. headed out with Kendra in tow. Half an hour later, an exhausted C.J. ushered the rookie out the door. C.J. understood her enthusiasm and wish to do well in her first assignment out of an internship. But C.J. mentally wished a very speedy recovery to the regular beat reporter
Ginger tapped at the door, files in hand. "Sorry, C.J. Toby told me to share the wealth."
"Not a problem. Thanks for the help with the Briefing. Tell the man behind Door #1, I'm taking them home to read. And don't let him keep you here too late."
"Thanks, C.J. See you in the morning."
C.J. turned to grab her briefcase to begin filling it. A rustle of sound caught her attention, Danny came in carrying a small bag. "Hey.", his chipper greeting.
"Hey.", hers more subdued.
Danny grinned at her, "I sort of expected a red carpet, drum and bugle corps, a big sign and you flinging yourself into my arms."
"Saying what?", C.J. asked.
"Saying nothing, just passionately kissing me. Oh, you mean the sign. I don't know. Welcome Back. You were missed. The most powerful Nation in the Free World barely functioned without you."
C.J. just stared at him and he finished weakly, "Welcome Back would be fine."
She retorted, "You missed it, it was here this morning."
"Really. You were worried, you were looking for me.", a delighted Danny said.
"Don't flatter yourself. How would I know when you would be back? I don't keep track, I didn't hear from you. I just feed the fish."
He laughed, "I said I'd send a postcard."
"So you said." She paused and Danny kept looking at her. "Okay, you sent 3 but there was nothing on them."
"They weren't for you."
"Who then?"
"They were for the Goldfish and though they travel in schools." Danny continued even as C.J. groaned, "I didn't think Gail could read."
"Uh-huh. What did you want?"
"I come bearing gifts plus an explanation and invitation."
"Start with the explanation." C.J. dropped into her chair and put her feet up on the desk.
Danny closed the door and then perched on the corner of her desk. "I had some travel delays, slept in and headed to the Paper to get through everything piled up there. A couple of meetings later, the day was half gone."
"Fine, whatever. I didn't even notice."
He suppressed a smile as she tried to look nonchalant. "Okay, fine. Maybe I can do better with gifts." He reached into the bag and pulled out a small china replica of Big Ben. He placed it next to Gail's bowl and looked at C.J. They both laughed.
"Saw it at a London Aquarium store, had to have it."
"That's adorable, a lovely touch especially with the upcoming summit. How'd the trip go? I figure it must have been fine because I didn't get any irate phone calls from foreign Press Secretaries."
"I was my usual charming self. Pieces start running a week from Sunday, so I'm racing the clock. The shut down helps me a lot."
She nodded, they both understood the pressures of deadlines. "That's the real reason the President ordered it Danny, I just couldn't announce that."
He reached into the bag again. "This is for you."
A surprised C.J. pulled apart tissue to find a basket filled with lovely, hand milled soaps. "Danny, thank you. They smell wonderful and the basket is lovely."
"Well, I was in Brussels and I was just walking around when I saw this shop selling this kind of stuff. Seemed like something you'd appreciate." She nodded and Danny continued. "Besides, I'll appreciate getting close to you even more to see how the soap smells on you."
This was dangerously personal so C.J. moved to another avenue of conversation. "Danny, you said you had something else to talk to me about?"
"Dinner, an invitation to dinner."
"I can't Danny." There was regret in C.J.'s voice. "It's just not a good night. I've inherited all this work and now the shut down. This is the busiest I've been all week."
"Okay, I understand. Well, I actually don't but I don't have a choice. Guess I'll get some work done too." They were both disappointed over the turn of events. Danny got up and moved to the door.
"Wait." C.J gracefully moved to her feet. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, I love the soaps and that you thought of me while you were away." They were close to a much desired kiss when there was a knock on the door.
"C.J., Leo needs..." Margaret opened the door and stopped. She'd given them enough time to move apart. "I'm so sorry."
"No problem.", C.J. was back in professional mode. "Danny was on his way."
He nodded and headed out. C.J. watched him leave and then focused on Margaret. "What did Leo need?"
"He had a breakfast meeting tomorrow with the Congressional liaisons from Congressman Willis' and Sabo's offices. Can you take it?"
"No problem Margaret." Both women scribbled notes and then Margaret handed her the agenda sheet. "Leo's still recuperating?" C.J. asked.
"Yeah and he's getting grumpier by the phone call. The grumpier he is the more he calls. That's one of the reasons I walked this over here,this way I can be away from the phones. I had better get back though or he'll have the Secret Service tracking me."
"Right, give him my best." C.J. moved back to her desk and glanced ruefully at the gifts. She hoped Margaret hadn't noticed the soaps. Everyone brought items for the fish bowl so that wasn't an issue.
"Hi." Danny's voice came from the doorway.
"What now? Are you coming in?"
"No, I'm staying here to avoid temptation." Danny said it with a huge grin.
"Oh, okay." She sounded disappointed, "So what do you want?"
"You did a great job with that kid, Kendra. She was scared to death and you treated her with respect. And you kept the rest of us from killing her. It was a kind thing to do."
C.J. was touched, not just by the words but by the warmth in his voice. "Thank you Danny."
"So breakfast tomorrow? I'd like to see what you look like over that first cup of coffee." The warmth in his voice was replaced by a touch of wickedness.
"I can't, I just got Leo's Congressional Liaison Breakfast meeting handed to me."
They both sighed. Then Danny waved and headed out. C.J. grabbed her stuff and prepared to head for home feeling wistful.
**********
The wistful feeling was gone by the next morning. C.J. was just feeling washed out and tired. The breakfast meeting had gone well, she'd eaten without really tasting the food. Everyone was in a hurry to end the day and get out of town so there were no big sticking points to handle.
At least Ralph was back on duty at the garage. He gave C.J. a huge smile and thanked her for the get well note she'd sent. Since there were so few cars, he told her he'd park her car for her saving her a walk and some time. She appreciated the gesture.
C.J. walked into the West Wing planning to put the lid on by 1:00 P.M. She knew the President wasn't up to a full day's work but reporters wouldn't know that. The shut down would be the reason for the early day.
An early day sounded wonderful to C.J. The sight of her assistant Carol was also wonderful. She looked a bit pale but had C.J.'s morning already organized. Carol had placed the replica of Big Ben in Gail's bowl.
C.J. welcomed her back and thanked her for taking care of the Goldfish. They both laughed at the fish darting around Big Ben. "Gail seems to approve.", Carol observed. "Looks like we'll be about one third full in the Press Room today.""Is Kendra Beach back today?", C.J. asked.
"No but there's a note for you with that name as the return address. Who is she?" Carol posed the question as she handed C.J. her mail.
"One of the subs.", C.J. told her. "It was her first assignment. She was very, shall we say thorough. I'll be anxious to see her story." Carol smiled, "I'm sure you were very patient with her, as long as she spelled everything correctly."
"Out." C.J. pointed to the door. C.J. noticed the sick room supplies were nearly exhausted. But she decided to tempt fate figuring more people would be returning than leaving sick.
The newspapers and network morning show summaries were full of the shut down. Lots of doctors weighing in, people offering home remedies and an evangelist saying Washington was hard hit because it housed so much evil. C.J. tucked that quote aside for the President. He would get a kick out of it.
She kept going through the papers and noticed Kendra Beach didn't have a byline but the story was crisp and concise. The thank you note she'd sent to C.J. was anything but, it overflowed with effusive praise for C.J.'s patience and understanding. It was sent very promptly too. "A well brought up woman.", C.J. mused. "She might have potential in this town."
A glance at the clock almost made C.J. head for Leo's office. She realized there was no Senior Staff to meet with except for Toby. She called his office and found him still barricaded with his hopes and herbal remedies. They chatted about the day and he informed her the First Couple would be heading to Camp David for the weekend.
That changed things in C.J.'s day and she added the item to her Briefing notes. C.J. told Toby she was off to the Oval Office and would check in with her later.
She got there just as the White House Photographer and Video Crew arrived. Mrs. Landingham told them the President was due momentarily. She offered cookies, counted noses and asked, "Where's Toby? Still tucked away?"
C.J. laughed, "Of course. He'll find me if he has any big concerns." The phone on Mrs. Landingham's desk buzzed. She picked it up. After a second she said, "Very well, sir. Thank you." She nodded to C.J. and the crews. "You may go on in."
C.J. led the way into the Oval Office. The President was there in a suit and tie but still looked washed out. C.J. thought he'd dropped some weight too. It took a minute for the usual bounce to appear as he greeted everyone by name. The Press Secretary noticed Abigail Bartlet slip in as the President moved toward his desk. The First Lady walked over to C.J and they exchanged warm greetings. "Mrs. Bartlet, thank you for allowing this."
"C.J., don't let my husband hear you say that or we'll both be looking for new jobs.""How is he?", there was anxiety in C.J.'s tone.
"Fine, just having a hard time shaking this. We're going to Camp David and I think being away will be a big boost. He hates that everyone else has been working so hard because he was off the job."
The President's voice interrupted them. "If you two are done plotting the overthrow of the Government, I need a hand here C.J."
"Yes, sir.", C.J. walked to the desk. "What Mr. President?"
"I'm tired of being a solo study so stand here and it'll be your turn to share the spotlight."
"But sir.", C.J. protested.
"That's an order, Cregg."
"Yes, sir.""Don't worry. Mrs. Landingham, Nancy, Carol, Ginger and Margaret will all be trotted in here with papers and files."
"Mr. President, what about Toby?"
"Would serve the hypochondriac right. But I'd rather surround myself with bright women."
The First Lady called out, "The professional imitating the personal."
"Perfection in all aspects of life.", he offered.
The tone remained light for the rest of the session. C.J. moved it along to save the President's energy. She was pleased with the results and figured on good coverage from it.
Her morning Briefing included a few more regulars back. She pushed the story of the President back at work. Prints and video clips were available at the session's end. Danny asked about a resumption of a full schedule for President Bartlet. C.J. told the assembled media the only reason it wasn't happening was "the President's desire to make the shut down effective." That translated to an early lid.
The Briefing wrapped up with a question about Zoey. C.J. was able to report she was back on the Georgetown Campus and eating dorm food again. Back in classes on Monday.
On her return, C.J. found messages from Toby and Leo. Toby wanted to stay cloistered. That meant C.J. now had his lunch with visiting Journalism School Fellows on her schedule. She just groaned and realized a headache was starting.
Leo's message was short but so sweet. It read, "Good job. I know you are on your own with Toby behind closed doors. I feel like everything is in good hands. Thank you."
C.J. would cherish that message, it made her proud. She decided to save it and opened her top desk drawer to put it in a file. Plus something for a headache was stashed in that drawer. As she grabbed for the bottle, she noticed something else inside.
C.J. found chocolates in the shape of tiny wooden shoes. Danny had struck again. A note read, "I'd rather put these on your pillow like they do in the best hotels, for now this will have to do." C.J. put the note into a safe place but left the chocolates where they were. She found it hard to get her mind back on work.
The feeling persisted through the day, C.J. was trying to figure what to do next. The luncheon meeting in the Conference Room went well, C.J. supposed. The Journalism Fellows were full of high spirits despite the fact the White House and Washington were basically deserted. It was louder than the usual Conference Room gatherings or maybe her headache was just worse.
The Press Secretary kicked the 1:00 P.M. Briefing back a half hour to work the President's departure into it. She told the Press Corps the lid was on as soon as Chopper One took off for Camp David. Everyone seemed anxious to hit that point so the session was quick.
As the media and staff gathered on the lawn to watch the First Couple depart, C.J. went to the Oval Office. She suggested to President Bartlet to just keep moving and ignore any questions. He was about to contradict her when the First Lady stepped in. "Don't worry, C.J., we're out of here. The President will keep quiet or he'll put up with silence from me all weekend."
Bartlet laughed, "Now what's the down side to that?"
C.J. headed outside without a coat as she usually did. The President did follow "orders" and ignored all questions. He performed the standard turn and wave at the Chopper door. It was one of the best parts of life at the White House. But for some reason, C.J. didn't get the usual feeling of elation.
She shivered a bit as she moved inside. There was a rush toward the exits, the weekend was under way for some lucky ones. C.J. knew some of the Senior Staffers would be in this weekend. She figured she would have to join them.
Sam stuck his head in her office just as she got to her desk. He was in casual clothes that looked a little rumpled, a bit of stubble on his face and his glasses on. But he looked beautiful to C.J., at last someone else in the West Wing.
He carried in a bag of supplies with a cheery greeting. They were replacements for the sick room stash. C.J. was delighted by the thoughtfulness and said so. Sam told her. "It's no big deal. You saved my life by having this stuff here. It helped Mallory and Leo too." C.J. asked about both of them. As expected, Leo would be in tomorrow. Mallory planned to be back in the classroom when school reopened on Monday. C.J. knew she should have felt happy. But all she felt was tired.
It caught Sam's eye. "C.J. when are you getting out of here? No offense, but you look bad."
"Thanks, Sam. I'd forgotten how much I missed your suave manner. I have a few more things to do."
"Let me help. What can I do?"
"You my friend, get to deal with Toby in his ivory tower."
Sam groaned, "I think I'm having a relapse."
"Forget it." C.J. ordered. "He's all yours."
They ran through a few more items, then Sam headed over to his office. Carol was the next to take her leave. But she promised to be back in the morning. C.J. didn't want to think that far ahead. She still had work left today. But try as she might, nothing seemed to be getting done.
Several hours later, Danny Concannon tapped on the door of the partially darkened office. He found C.J. with stacks of papers on the desk and her head in her hands. She didn't look up until he approached her desk and sat down.
"Danny, you're not supposed to be back here. What do you want?"
"I know. I was looking for you, to invite you to dinner."
"What time is it?", C.J. looked at her watch. "It can't be 6 o'clock, I lost track of the time."
"C.J. what's wrong?"
"I'm fine except I have a ton of work, a headache and..." She stopped and looked up. "Danny, just go away. I'm not in the mood for teasing and I'm not armed for a battle of wits."
"I can see that.", he said softly and left. C.J. was surprised he gave up that quickly. But now she could go back to work. It wasn't easy though because the office felt like a sauna and she couldn't get the words on the page to make sense.
Danny hadn't gone far. He looked for Carol but noticed her things were missing, obviously she'd gone for the day. Danny knew he had to get C.J. home but needed help. To get his car onto the White House grounds required top security assistance. He thought for a minute and then snapped his fingers.
He moved to Carol's desk and punched a number. A second later, he heard a crisp voice say, "Oval Office."
Danny took a deep breath and prayed he could be charming. "Mrs. Landingham, this is Danny Concannon, a reporter...."
"I know who you are, Mr. Concannon and I know you've worked here long enough to know media calls go through C.J. Cregg." There was ice in the Presidential secretary's voice.
Danny made an attempt to melt that ice. "You're right. I'm calling from C.J.'s office, it's about C.J. I need some help on her behalf."
"Go on." Mrs. Landingham waited to hear more.
"She's sick, Mrs. Landingham and I'll like to make sure she gets home safely. There's no one else who can take her. I need to get my car to the West Wing door."
"I see." Danny could hear that her voice sounded a lot warmer. "Danny, give me a minute and I'll have an answer. Are you in C.J.'s office?"
"No, ma'am. I'm at Carol's desk. C.J. really doesn't want company." Mrs. Landingham was full of sympathy now. "She's a dear, this week she has worked way too hard. I'll call you shortly."
Danny heard a click. He wanted to check on C.J. but didn't dare leave the phone. He knew it would be another battle to get C.J. to accept his help.
"One fight at a time.", he told himself. After a few minutes, Carol's phone buzzed. Danny grabbed it, "Yes."
"Danny, this is Mrs. Landingham. A Secret Service Agent will meet you at the West Wing entrance within 5 minutes. He will make sure your car gets to the proper door."
"Thank you." Danny breathed a sigh relief. "Can he bring C.J. out?"
"I'll take care of that myself, she'll be there when you arrive.", Mrs. Landingham said.
"You're an angel.", he told her as he hung up the phone. Danny quickly grabbed his coat and put it on as he headed into C.J.'s office. She had her desk light on now and was reading. The throw from her couch was wrapped around her but she was still shivering.
"Get your stuff together, feed the fish, you're out of here." Danny was in fast forward mode.
C.J. was functioning at a much slower speed. "I thought you'd left, I told you to leave."
"I did, but not for good. Come on feed the fish, I'm taking you home. In case you don't know it yet, you're sick."
"Danny, I'm not sick, I don't get sick. I'm just tired. I don't need or want anyone fussing over me."
"Fine, have it your way. I'm going to my car. Greater powers than I have will deal with the likes of you. Don't say you weren't warned."
Danny left the room as she muttered, "Crazy idiot."
He made it to the West Wing door with seconds to spare. He recognized the Secret Service Agent from Mrs. Landingham's detail. The two men introduced themselves, shook hands and Danny signed out. Within 10 minutes, he was back on the Grounds and pulling up to the West Wing entrance. His escort told him to stay in the car, he'd bring C.J. out.
Danny saw Mrs. Landingham first with C.J. in tow. The President's secretary handed the Agent C.J.'s briefcase and a large brown shopping bag. He opened the door to Danny's car. "Mrs. Landingham had the Chef send along some chicken broth and chicken noodle soup. You are to see it gets into the refrigerator.
"Yes, sir." Danny saluted and both men grinned. Danny started to get out of the car to help C.J. The Agent waved him off for security reasons, Danny had to stay put.
The Agent turned back to the doorway to assist C.J. He handed her into the car and told her he hoped she felt better soon. Then with a wave it was,
"See you next week Danny."
"Right, I'll leave a message on where we'll meet." He was already turning his attention to C.J. She looked bewildered and a bit lost.