Donna awoke at seven thirty the next morning to find Josh gone but
there was a single red rose and a folded piece of paper on his
pillow. Donna picked the rose up and smelled it before gently setting
it back down and picking up the note.
/Donnatella,
You were sleeping so peacefully that I couldn't bear to wake you up
just to tell you I was leaving.
It would probably be best if you didn't come into the office today.
Leo set up a meeting with Lillienfield and I'd rather have you out of
the crossfire.
I left a key to my apartment on the table. Or if you're more
comfortable at your place or at the hotel that's fine. Just let me
know where and I'll meet you later for dinner and fill you in on what
is sure to be an eventful day.
I love you,
Josh/
**********
Josh arrived at the West Wing at eight and the first stop he made was
Leo's office. "Hey."
McGarry waved him in as he handed a few papers to Margaret who said
hello to Josh before leaving. "I'm assuming Sam told you about the
meeting today?"
Lyman nodded as he leaned against the wall. "Yeah, do we have a plan?"
"To keep it civilized," Leo replied as he stood and walked around the
corner of his desk.
Josh pushed himself away from the wall. "That's it?"
"Josh, with things like this it's best to see how it goes and plan as
it goes. Otherwise whatever plan we have will ultimately be shot to
hell," Leo replied as he came to stand next to the younger
man. "How's Donna?"
Josh smiled."She's okay....will be back at work tomorrow. I just
didn't want her caught in the crossfire today."
Leo nodded as they stepped out into the hallway. "Good idea. Come on,
the meeting's going to be in the Oval."
********
With a soft knock Mrs. Landingham poked her head into the Oval Office
and met the President's gaze. "Congressman Lillienfield is here, Mr.
President."
"Send him in," Bartlet replied as he stood and walked around the
corner of his desk.
"Yes, Sir," Mrs. Landingham replied before closing the door behind
her.
A moment later Peter Lillienfield entered the famed office and sat
down in one of the chairs before being asked to.
"Mr. President." Peter greeted stiffly as he glanced at the trio.
Bartlet glanced at Leo before he sat down on the corner of his desk
and met Lillienfield's gaze. "I would offer you something to drink
but you won't be here that long."
Peter smiled as he leaned back in his chair and glanced over at
Josh. "Oh I'll be a thorn in your side a lot longer than you think,
Mr. President."
"We know about your blackmail attempts, Congressman."Leo stated icily
as he leaned forward. "There's no chance you'll even have a career in
politics after this let alone complete your term."
Lillienfield's smile widened. "I'm shaking in my boots, McGarry.
Coming from you that's an empty threat."
Bartlet's eyes narrowed sharply. "Not when it has the power of the
President of the United States behind it. You have threatened members
of my staff for the last time, Peter."
Lillienfield sprang to his feet this was going the wrong way too
fast. "You'll never be able to get me off the Hill without drawing
attention to your precious administration."
"It's already over, Congressman."Josh stated in a carefully
controlled voice. He'd been quiet up till then in an effort of sheer
will power. He knew that if he didn't let Leo and the President
handle it he'd deck Lillienfield so fast the jerk wouldn't know what
hit him. "You'll clean out your office immediately and that includes
all of your staff. If any of them even think of applying for
political jobs anywhere they'll be serving hamburgers so fast they're
heads will spin."
Lillienfield folded his arms across his chest. "There are certain
things this administration would not like if the press were to get a
hold of them."
Bartlet shook his head. "That threat won't work anymore, Peter.
Everybody has mistakes in their past that they are not proud of. If
the press gets wind of those mistakes we will deal with it when it
happens. What Josh says stands..... you have less than an hour to get
out of my office and clean out your desk. You will hold a press
conference later this afternoon to inform the public of your
resignation."
"And what per sa is my reason for resigning?"Lillienfield sneered so
furious that he nearly had smoke coming out of his ears.
"You're a smart man, Congressman."Josh replied with a wide
smile. "I'm sure you'll think of something believable. After all
you're so good at coming up with fake stories for the press."
"This isn't over."Lillenfield fumed as he turned and stalked out of
the office nearly toppling Mrs. Landingham in the process.
End of part 15 TBC