Author: Cindy Brewer

Email: cindyryan7@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: I don't own them and am making no profit

Spoilers: small ones for What kind of day has it been and under the
shadow of two gunmen 1&2

Summary: a month after coming back to work something happens that
takes Josh right back

Notes: Many thanks to Amanda for betaing.


Deputy Chief of staff Josh Lyman poked his head out of his
office. "Hey Donna, you hungry?"

Donna Moss looked up from her desk in the communications
bullpen. "Josh, it's after nine."

Josh grinned as he walked toward her. "So what's your point?"

"Most people eat dinner between five and seven."Donna replied as she
stood.

Josh sat on the corner of her desk. "So you're saying you're not
hungry?"

"I didn't say that."

"So have dinner with me."Josh replied as he lightly caught her right
arm. "I'll even let you pick the type of food."

Donna froze as she turned to face her boss not sure if he was asking
her as a boss or as a friend or as a potential date. As she saw his
smile Donna couldn't help but think that they had nearly lost him to
a sniper.

"Donna?"Josh prompted as he saw a shadow of sadness cross her face.

Donna smiled as she touched his shoulder. "Dinner's fine, Joshua.
Just let me get my coat."

********

"Damn."Josh swore just as they stepped into the parking lot.

"What?"Donna asked as she turned to face him.

"Forgot, my car's in the shop."Lyman replied as he absently glanced
back at the White House.

Donna dug out her car keys. "No problem, I'll drive."

Josh grinned. "Donna, your car couldn't make it to the main gate."

Donna glowered at him slightly. "It makes it to here and back home
every day just fine, Joshua."She replied as she turned and began
walking toward her small green sedan.

Josh started after her. "Donna, I'm sure there's a car we can take."

Donna paused near the driver's door. "Joshua, I'd like to get home by
one since I have to be back here at six. If we take the car you'll
have to take me back here and then I'll have to drive home."

Josh began to close the space between them. "Donna, I'll drop you
off."

Donna took a step. "Josh....."She broke off as three sharp popping
sounds split the air.

Josh instantly ducked into a crouching position and watched in horror
as Donna fell to the ground. This couldn't be happening again....not
again.....please not again.
Josh tried to get to a standing position but his body wouldn't obey
his commands. He looked franticly over at Donna.....why wasn't she
moving?

"Donna!!"Josh shouted as he finally got his feet to move. Where the
hell was the Secret Service?

When he finally reached her side Josh fell to his knees next to her.
He didn't see any blood but she wasn't moving.....Josh had never seen
Donna this still and it scared him more than anything.

With shaking hands Josh felt for her pulse.....he sent off a silent
prayer of thanks when he found one. Josh reached inside his suit
coat pocket for his cell phone and it was only then that he realized
that he had left it inside on his desk.

"You'll be okay, Donnatella."Josh stated softly as he reached over
her for her purse. "I promise."

Just as Josh found Donna's phone and started to dial 911 Charlie
entered the parking lot and instantly ran to their side.

"Josh, what happened?"Charlie asked anxiously as he looked at Donna's
still form.

Josh met his friend's gaze but didn't reply as he listened to the 911
operator. He answered another question before collapsing the small
phone.

"I-I think she was shot."Josh replied in a choked whisper as he sat
next to Donna and gently pulled her into his lap not caring who
saw. "But there's no blood.....she's not waking up....."

Charlie moved over so he was kneeling next to Josh and he placed a
supportive hand on his shoulder. "She'll be okay, Josh. Did you see
anybody?"

Josh shook his head. "No."He replied shakily. "We were just
talking....there were sounds.....then she fell...."

Charlie stood as he heard sirens approaching. "The paramedics are on
their way, Josh. I'm going to go tell Mr. Mcgarry what
happened......you okay by yourself?"

Josh nodded not looking away from Donna. "I'm not by myself."He
replied quietly just as the ambulance screeched to a stop.

end of part 1 TBC