Part 3?

Disclaimers: See Part 1 and 2

Leo knocked on the door to the Oval Office, the office of the President of the United States and the office of his best friend. A best friend who came to pick him up on several occasions from Cassandra's apartment, that dingy little whole in the wall over on Main Ave, when he was too drunk to remember how to get home, let alone drive home himself. A best friend who in 30 seconds would know that not only had he cheated on his wife but that he had produced another child who had grown up in the foster care system after her mother had died.

"Yeah," the Presidents baritone voice replied.

"Mr. President, I have to speak to you sir."

"What's up Leo?"

"Sir, there is a story which is circulating about me and my past which is probably going to break within the week."

"Leo, sit down, what's happened?" Jed said most concerned as he motioned Leo towards the couch.

"Sir, do you remember an old drinking buddy of mine named Cassandra MacKenzie? She had brown hair and lived over on Main Ave.?"

"Yes Leo, I do. She was the artist, the painter, right?"

"That's her sir."

"What's happened to her, she die?"

"Yes sir, about 11 years ago now."

"How does a woman who's been dead 11 years have anything to do with you?"

"Well, sir, as it turns out, before Cassie died, she had a daughter, a little girl called Mary. And apparently, Cassie listed me as the father on the birth certificate, sir"

"Is she yours?" Jed asked as his voice dropped.

"Could be sir. The papers have the story and I have a call into family services to get a DNA test done. If you want my resignation sir…" Leo as he started to loose his composure.

"Now stop it, Leo. I won't have your resignation," Jed declared. "If she is your daughter than I expect you to take full responsibility for her. And I want to meet her too," he said as he sat down next to Leo.

"Her worker said she was a great kid, considering her back ground. CJ got her FBI file, she's a tour guide during the summer you know, on the Mall. She was born in a crack house too. Was never put up for adoption because eof health problems, health problems I might have prevented if I had been around," Leo said as he finally lost control of his emotions and started to cry into his hands.

"Leo you don't even know if she is your daughter," Jed pointed out as he started to rub his friend's back.

"She is Jed, I know it. Cassie would never have lied about that, never. "

"If the test comes back positive, you'll go to where ever it is she's living and you'll bring her back. You might not have been there for the early years but you can be a family to her now," Jed declared.

"But what if she doesn't want anything to do with me?" Leo said as his tears stooped.

"She will. She's never had a dad before. I can guarantee that she'll want the chance to get to know you both. I have a feeling that you're very much the same."

"God, will you look at me," Leo said as he dried the last of his tears. "If the guys on the hill could see me now," he said trying to laugh off the emotional breakdown he had just had in front of the President.

"You'll keep me posted, right?" Jed asked.

"Of course sir. I might need a bit of time off for the hearings and stuff if it comes out that she is mine, sir."

"Take whatever time you need," Jed grinned.

Margaret knocked on the door between the Chief of Staff's office and the Oval Office.

"Leo, the paper work just arrived from DCFS for you to fill out. The courier will be here in 30 minutes to pick it up and deliver it."

"Thanks Margaret. You're a good girl. If you'll excuse me, Sir"

"Get that done so you can bring her home."

"Thank you Mr. President," Leo replied as he shut the door between the two offices.

Leo returned to his office and started to fill out the paperwork, which would be the first step in getting to know this person.

It was only at this point which Leo remembered his other daughter, Mallory.

He picked up the phone and dialled the memorised number.

"Hey Mal, it's dad…"

TBC