CJ sat in her office, silently awaiting what was sure to be a very uncomfortable conversation with Danny. She was glad she had chosen him to write the story, given that he was an incredible reporter whom she fully trusted, but their friendship of sorts made the idea of telling him, a reporter, a man she-

Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock at the door.

"Come in." CJ said, steeling herself for what was to come.

Danny entered the room and sat down.

"So. How are you?" he said in an uncharacteristically careful tone.

"I've been better, I've been worse. Let's just get on with it."

"Okay. What's this favor you need?"

"How would you like an exclusive with the White House Press Secretary?" CJ asked.

Danny looked confused, but he went along with it. "Sounds good. When?"

"Now."

"Okay. Wanna tell me what this is about?"

"You know what this is about." He didn't respond. "Danny, I want to warn you- this might not be easy to hear or write." she sighed, then told him what had happened. He listened quietly to her entire story, never revealing a single emotion, then paused for a moment before asking "who knows?"

"Off the record: until this morning, no one. I've just told Toby, Josh, and the President."

"Did you go to the hospital?"

"No. I had some cuts and bruises, but otherwise I was physically fine."

"Did you go to the police?"

"I had no proof. I knew they would never believe me over him."

His calm, professional mask temporarily revealed his anguish on her behalf.

"I'm so sorry."

"It's fine, I'm over it." CJ was determined not to appear weak in front of him, in front of anyone, but she knew he saw through her excuse. "So. When can you run the piece? I'd like to get it out quickly after the first article."

"I'll handle it." Danny responded in a serious tone. "Let me know if there's anything else I can do."

He left CJ's office, closing the door softly behind him. She slid back into her chair and stared hopelessly at Gail.