As Josh stepped into the center of the room he saw that the leader of the terrorists was sitting in a plush black wing-backed leather chair near the small fireplace at the back of the room. Lyman's blood began to boil as he watched the man sip champagne and munch caviar. One of his closest friend's was bleeding to death less than twenty feet away while this bastard sat drinking champagne like he was a King.

"You claim to be someone of importance."The terrorist began as he gestured for the guards to step away from Josh.

Josh warily glanced at the heavily armed men before approaching the man who was maybe a year or two older than Sam. Lyman tried not to wince as pain shot through his ribcage with every step. He had to keep it together.

"Yes."Lyman replied hoping his voice sounded calm. "I can get you in touch with the President faster than anyone else can. But I'll only help you on one condition."

The leader smirked. "You're in no position to make demands, Mr. Lyman."

Josh took a deep breath to control his temper. "There's a woman in the next room who needs to go to a hospital."

The terrorist set down his glass of champagne on a nearby table. "Why would I do this?"

Josh forced himself not to glare at the man. Donna needed him to keep his emotions in check. "She works for the President and it would go a very long way with him if you allowed her to get the medical attention she needs. Trust me if she dies you won't get any of your demands."

For several long minutes Josh thought the man was going to refuse. Then the leader motioned to one of his men standing near the door. They exchanged a few words in Arabic before the second man nodded and quickly left the room.

Josh watched him go before turning his attention back to the leader. The man stood and walked toward Josh.

"Very well, Mr. Lyman, the injured one may leave."The terrorist stated calmly.

Josh felt relief wash over him as he realized that Donna would finally be safe. "Let one of my friends go with her to the hospital."

The leader glared at him. "No! No one else leaves!"

Lyman shook his head. "The President won't deal unless he knows she's being taken care of."

The terrorist took a cellular phone from one of his men and slammed it into Josh's right hand. "The injured one leaves and no one else! Make the call! Now!"

Josh reluctantly opened the phone as the risked a glance back at the other room. He was just in time to see two Paramedics enter the Embassy.

********

Sam glanced worriedly at C.J. as he continued to apply pressure to Donna's wound. Her breathing had become shallow making Sam wish he had taken more than two medical courses.

C.J. glanced up as a terrorist left the main room and walked quickly toward the main door where he spoke quietly with three others.

"Wonder what's going on?"The press secretary asked as she tried to look into the main room to see who Josh was.

"Whatever it is it better be good news."Seaborn replied grimly as he pulled his jacket tighter around Moss's shoulders. "I think she's gone into shock."

"They're letting paramedics in."C.J. stated with relief as she glanced down at Donna's still form.

Sam nodded as he looked at the door to the main room. "I just hope that Josh didn't make a deal with the Devil that he can't reinforce."

********