Realizing that she thought that he was angry, Josh
quickly pulled her into an embrace. "Sssssh.....I'm
not mad, Donnatella," he stated softly as he pulled
back enough so he could see her tear streaked face.
"If Halloway didn't know who you were that day in
January it's more than likely that he figured it out
shortly after and used it to his advantage with
Lillienfield."

Donna rested a hand lightly on his chest as she met
his gaze. "I'm so sorry, Josh. This whole mess with
Lillienfield and Leo is my....."

Josh gently placed a finger on her lips interrupting
her. "Don't you dare say that this is your fault. You
went on a date with a guy who turned out to be the
lowest form of scum. He's the one at fault here, not
you, and we will deal with him."

Despite the situation Donna laughed at the mental
image. "Are you and Sam going to run Nick out of town
literally?"

Josh relaxed slightly happy to see her smiling again.
"Hey, who says I need Sam's help? I just need my white
hat and trusty horse."

Donna rested her head on his chest as Lyman pulled her
close. "Joshua, you've never even been on a horse."

"We'll take care of this, Donna," Josh said quietly as
he rested his head on the top of hers. "I promise you
that. Nobody's going to hurt you again."

After a few moments Josh stepped back from her
slightly. "Ready to go home?"

Donna nodded but then had an idea. "Josh, the room's
paid for. Why don't we just stay here for the night?"

Lyman smiled as he leaned forward and kissed her
tenderly. "That's the best idea I've heard all week.
What do you want from room service?"

**********

"You're not worried about this, Sir?" Nick Halloway
asked as he leaned against the corner of Lillenfield's
desk as the Congressman hung up the phone.

Lillienfield returned his attention to the pile of
paperwork. "Why should I be? Members of the House are
invited to the West Wing all the time for meetings."

Nick stood and placed his hands on the front of the
desk as he leaned forward. "With all due respect, Sir,
you have to admit the timing of this meeting is a bit
suspicious."

"Of course it is," Peter replied curtly. His aide now
had his full attention. "Your blackmail scheme with
Moss has obviously failed and she went straight to
Lyman and told him everything. Who in turn told
McGarry and Bartlet."

"What do you think they'll do tomorrow, Sir?" Halloway
asked quietly his anger toward Moss growing. Stupid
bitch was about to ruin his career.....

Lillienfield smiled. "Oh they'll try the usual....
blackmail, threats. But it won't be that easy to get
rid of me. I still have two more years left in my term
and I expect to complete them."

********

end of part 13 TBC