Chapter 7

"Knock!"

"Knock!"

"I'm coming." Leo had changed into some khaki pants and an open-necked shirt. For him, that was about as causal as he got. "Who's there?"

"It's me, Leo." A soft, feminine voice replied. "My I came in?"

As Leo opened the door, a red-haired woman stood, waiting patiently for the door to open.

"Leo," Margaret said. "I needed to come. I hope its okay."

Leo smiled. It would be just like his secretary to worry about him. "Sure. Come on in and have a seat."

Margaret walked in and sat down on the edge of the sofa as Leo closed the door and sat down in a nearby chair.

"I just couldn't stay away. I figured you would be back from court so I took a chance. How are you doing?"

"Fine, I guess. Court was no fun. Especially being on the defendant's end of things."

"What happens now? I mean did you get bond or are you on house arrest?"

Leo allowed himself a small smile. Margaret wouldn't have a clue as to the legal process. "I made bond. The bond amount was ten million and I had to turn in my passport as well. I guess the court thinks I would flee or something."

"Wow! Ten million dollars. How did you come up with that amount?"

"Oh no! Bond is one tenth of that so I only had to come up with one million. And that amount presented no problem."

Margaret was taken aback. She knew her long time boss had money but even to come up with one million on short notice seemed an impossible amount.

"That's good."

There was an uncomfortable silence as each person struggled to think of what next to say.

Finally, Margaret spoke. "The President appointed Josh as acting Chief of Staff. I didn't know if you knew that."

"No, but that's a good choice. I don't know how long I'll be gone and Josh will serve the President well."

There was another brief episode of uncomfortable silence before Leo spoke again. "Well, thanks for coming by. I appreciate it."

"Do you need anything? I mean I can go to the store and cook you something if you want."

"No, Margaret. I'm fine. Really. All I want is one thing."

"Sure."

"Help Josh to be the best acting Chief of Staff he can be. The President will rely heavily on him so be his friend, okay?"

"Okay." Margaret paused, trying to control her emotions but quickly tears flowed down her cheeks. Leo saw them and went over and sat down beside her. Draping an arm around her, he pulled her into his shoulder. "Shhh, Margaret. It'll be fine. I'll be back to work before you know it."

Slowly the tears subsided and Margaret stood to go. "Thanks, Leo. Take care of yourself. And know I believe in your innocence."

"Thanks Margaret. That means a lot. Now go help Josh."

Margaret nodded and turned to leave. She quickly turned back and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "Take care of yourself."

With that statement, she closed the door behind her. Leo touched the spot on his cheek with his hand and smiled. 'That's my Margaret.'