"Hey Ginger," Sam called as he and Josh returned to
the West Wing. "Toby in?"
The young woman shook her head as she walked back to
her desk. "He's got meetings on the Hill all day,
won't be back until later."
"Thanks," Seaborn replied as he steered Josh toward
Lyman's office.
"When's Lillienfield's deadline?" Sam asked as soon as
Josh shut the door behind them.
Lyman glanced at the clock. "He gave me twelve hours."
Sam took off his suit coat and laid it across the
chair. "You're going to have to tell Donna about
this."
Josh shook his head. "No."
"Josh...." Sam replied leaning against the back of the
chair. "She's tougher than you think."
Lyman glared at his friend. "I don't want her to have
to deal with this. She's just now gaining some of her
confidence back after what that bastard did to her."
Seaborn nodded as he took out his cell phone and began
to dial.
"Who are you calling?" Josh asked as he stood behind
his desk.
"I'm paging Toby," Sam replied as he glanced at his
watch.
********
It was only ten o'clock when Donna walked into a small
deli near the White House for a quick lunch.
As she waited in line to place her order she nearly
jumped out of her skin as a hand was suddenly placed
on her left shoulder.
The young blonde woman turned around and froze.
"Get your hand off of my shoulder or I will scream,"
Donna stated firmly as she glared at the young black
haired man.
Nick Halloway smiled as he lifted his hand. "Now
sweetheart, is that any kind of a greeting?"
Donna's heart was beating a hundred miles a minute.
After New Year's she thought she'd never see him
again. He nearly ruined her life and he has the nerve
to act insulted?
Donna took a step toward the door. "Get out of my way,
Nick."
"Don't you want to hear what I have to say?" Halloway
asked with a wide smile as he slung an arm around her
waist drawing her close. "I know how loyal you are to
your boss."
Donna froze.
"Yes, I thought the mention of Lyman would get your
attention," Nick stated as he moved them out line and
toward the wall. "You never even asked who I worked
for when we dated."
One name popped into Donna's mind as she recalled a
certain early morning phone call. If Nick worked for
Lillienfield.....
"Lillienfield," Donna replied quietly.
"Knew you were a smart girl," Halloway replied
gleefully. "Now I wonder how far you'll go to protect
Lyman or McGarry for that matter."
Donna finally pulled away from him and tried to walk
to the door. "I have nothing to say to you."
Nick snagged her left elbow and drew her back. "But I
have lots to say and so does my boss. I'll be in
touch."
Donna glared at him wondering how she ever could have
found him attractive. She broke free of his grasp and
walked quickly out the door never looking back.
*********
end of part 3 TBC