Cadence McGarry felt like she was getting ready for a rebirth ritual. As she gazed at herself in a mirror she realised she was far too nervous of the evening ahead to make any kind of judgement call on her appearance. Skipping wasn't an option. For her the invitation had been in person from a President with mixed motives who had grumbled that the First Lady would be there and was adamant that she came and that the Vice President was asked to attend as well and wouldn't it be fitting to show she was back working for him if she attended. President Bartlet had followed this with a wave of his hand and a grumble that sitting through five courses and as many speeches if not more was punishment for most people.
Cadence had returned to work two weeks ago, in a quiet, understated manner. She had stuck to her office, avoiding John and submitting her work and suggestions to Gavin or Jeremy. Gavin had done as he had vowed to and told John the truth about leaking Cadence's history with Robbie to the press. What had mystified Gavin was finding himself still in post after his confession although John's fierce gaze suggested he wanted to fire his aide. Gavin knew Cadence was behind the mercy but she refused to discuss it, insisting they went back to business as usual.
Cadence had been expecting some hostility or perhaps indifference in the Eisenhower but had been surprised to find a warm, welcoming attitude instead. The majority of staff there believed that she really had been doing charity work in Colombia and had almost been killed by soldiers and exploited and intimidated by a corrupt group of C.I.A agents. Both her survival of those events and the much more recent persecution by the press had earned her a newfound respect amongst her work colleagues. Even the fluff piece depicting her as being rescued from a faint by the Vice President had not dented her reputation with her co-workers any.
Tonight would mark Cadence's first public event since Colombia. Standing in her evening gown she felt like a debutante.
The bedroom door knocked but the caller didn't wait for a response before entering.
Cadence looked over accusingly as her sister entered the room.
"I could've been naked Mal," she scorned.
"I've seen it before Cady Cat and anyway, this is my house," he older sister reminded her with a smile.
Mallory was radiant as ever, wearing an appealing, figure hugging crimson gown accessorised with gold plated jewellery.
"I come bearing gifts," she announced with a smile as she held up two glass flutes in one hand and a bottle of sparkling wine in the other, "these and-"
"Me!" Zoey couldn't contain her enthusiasm as she poked round from behind Mallory with a wide smile.
Cadence's gaze softened as she took in the youngest of the Bartlet daughters. Zoey was a radiant and innocent image of untouched beauty in a violet frock that was down to the ground and high at the chest with tasteful, wide straps of translucent cloth to give the illusion of exposure without the risk.
"Aren't you attending with Charlie?" Cadence pried as she resumed staring at herself in the mirror. Looking at Zoey brought unease to her marbled grey-blue stare, it had been so long since she had last seen her, too long and after everything that had happened she was wary how to address the teenager. Truthfully, Cadence was afraid of unwittingly corrupting her.
Mallory and Zoey both looked to the tawny haired woman with dismay.
"Are you kidding? Dad would freak at that!" Zoey marvelled.
Cadence turned back to her, glancing to the hall to spy out Gina lingering nearby, subtle but watchful. Gina was wearing a slimming black dress, it was tastefully cut, not restricting, not liable to be tripped over either, and opaque enough to keep a gun hidden out of sight. The idea was for her to blend in, obvious agents were marked quickly by hostiles, having one a little more undercover gave an added protection to the President's daughter.
"Don't Zoey and Gina get a glass of something?" Cadence quipped.
"Already offered," Mallory retorted, "but there's no appeal to ginger ale apparently."
Cadence and Zoey both screwed up their faces at that.
"No Mal," Cadence murmured, "you're right, there is no appeal to that."
"Cady Cat you look beautiful," Zoey praised.
Cadence was back to scrutinising herself in the mirror, she wanted pantyhose, unnecessary as they were but Mallory was adamant she wasn't wearing them. Her dress had a slit up past the knee, a telltale glimpse of a scarred leg. Sure, it was of a floaty texture so when seated she could probably hide it with effort but then it would look awkward, wrinkled and displaced. She wanted a wrap too but the dress hadn't come with one as the straps were meant to be shown off. The straps were elegant and of silver, designed as leafy vines stretching up her over her shoulder to criss-cross at the back, even Cadence couldn't figure out how the hell she'd put them on. It left her arms more exposed that her leg, scars bare and on display. The dress also had a dramatic drop, backless to the embroidered silver that bordered the small of her back and the rise of her derrière, which had Cadence wondering dryly about a chill on her skin.
Mallory set the glasses and opened bottle down on the vanity table and snatched up a silver comb styled clip sitting there and a soft brush. She teased up some of her sister's fair waves to give the hair volume and slipped the comb into place near the top to secure it.
"You do look lovely Cady," she enthused as she stood beside her sister and surveyed their images.
They were chalk and cheese, one sister verging on being a redhead, and the other almost a blonde. Both dresses showed off a figure but Cadence's started to flow outwards at her waist in gossamer midnight blue, it was sheaths of tempting sheer cloth, layered enough to offer dignity whilst Mallory's bold red was figure hugging from top to bottom and had no tellale slit or straps, instead it had short sleeves spilled at the shoulders to be in line with the cut at the bust. Cadence was dressed as the night in midnight blue and silver whilst Mallory was fiery in crimson and gold.
"I feel exposed," Cadence confessed quietly.
Mallory nodded sympathetically, knowing Cadence didn't just mean her outfit.
"It's going to be good," Zoey enthused, "even if I can't drink," she added with a slight pout.
Mallory poured the glasses at this and turned to Zoey with a smile as she raised hers. "Plenty of time for that, don't wish your youth away Zoey."
Zoey frowned over at her. "Don't be in teacher mode Mal," she pleaded.
Cadence giggled at this as she plucked up her own glass and took a sip. It was difficult to resist the urge to take a gulp. She wanted it, hell she needed it but she knew it was better pacing herself. There would be umpteen toasts tonight with expensive sparkling wines that went straight to the head, one could easily be inebriated before the first course was done.
"Which dignitary is this for again?" Zoey queried curiously.
"Prince Giovanni Amalfitano of San Saveno," Cadence retorted as she turned the glass' stem about in her hand.
"And that is?" Zoey quipped.
"A sovereign state near Italy, " Cadence answered, "very small, often forgotten, has some interesting looking deer I'm told."
"Deer," Zoey repeated as she looked at Cadence quizzically, wondering if she was joking.
Cadence nodded as she took another sip. "Mmm hmm, no raccoons though," she lamented, "quite sad."
"Truly," Mallory interrupted in a sardonic tone. "Anyway, we have to go in a few minutes so let's head downstairs where Gina and Zoey can at least sit with Agent Casper."
Mallory seized up the bottle and gestured for Zoey and Cadence to exit the bedroom.
Cadence tried to get another glimpse of her reflection but a playful push from Mallory had her heading for the door.
"Cady don't fuss, you do look lovely," Mallory insisted.
Cadence surveyed the telltale pink lines of her arms with a frown. "Bare," she murmured as she folded her arms.
"Cady they're part of you," Mallory said softly.
Mallory was aware that her sister had some new scars even if she wasn't talking about them. Every so often Mallory would catch Cadence unawares, hand brushing against her right side as she looked down accusingly at some hidden mark. Colombia was as much of a mystery to Mallory as to most people. Cadence hadn't divulged, she had just gone with the cover story but Mallory wasn't buying it. It had led to many shouting matches between Mallory and Leo but Leo wasn't giving anything away. In the end, for Cadence's sake, Mallory had let the matter drop even as she spent night after night in Cadence's home, stubbornly consoling and arguing with her too. Mike Casper had been there as well, a steadfast shadow that was another sign to Mallory that something had happened.
The affable agent at least had some sort of personality and Mallory could engage him in conversation when Cadence turned sullen. Although over two weeks had passed and Mallory had been back at work and home for just over a week, she was still keeping close tabs on her sister. She had remained in Cadence's house during Cadence's first week back at work, which had led to some shouting and cursing from Cadence and accusations of being on a 'suicide watch'. The sad fact was, Cadence wasn't wrong.
Mallory had stayed with her sister out of fear that Cadence might be moved to the knife again. Now Mallory had returned home she insisted on ringing Cadence at least twice a day, calls that were as much to confirm that Cadence was still alive and unwounded as they were to see how her day had been. Mallory also called her father at least once a day to push him to check on Cadence too, fearful that if too many hours lapsed for Cadence between calls then she might consider the unthinkable. What made Mallory eternally suspicious was that Mike still lingered, she couldn't imagine he was there simply to assure Cadence brought no harm to herself. No, he was F.B.I, which meant there had to be some other threat to Cadence. Of course Mallory's thoughts were C.I.A but on that matter her father was firmly quiet.
Mike Casper had initially accompanied Cadence to work as her unwanted lift. He didn't follow her into the Eisenhower and instead returned to FBI quarters for work but when she left work he was there to take her home again. She had tried to evade him a couple of times but he'd found her and an earful from Leo to Cadence had her reluctantly promising not to do it again. After the first week, just like Mallory, he had slackened.
Now Mike was on a retainer of sorts. He checked Cadence's home but kept a distance, he had Leo's privately hired guards watching her from afar, a skeleton crew of sorts but he still had control. Tonight he was coming because tonight was going to be a busy, crowded affair and it had Leo a little on edge. Cadence had begged for a reprieve but Leo wasn't having it, especially not with Zoey in their company, although Cadence hadn't known about that part until now.
Cadence knew why Mike was a constant in her life lately. Her father wasn't sure what had happened to her in Colombia, no one really was and she didn't want to share. Leo was afraid of a reprisal, of some terrorist or outraged rebel coming to finish off the job. He was also wary of the C.I.A contemplating some sort of silencing job or revenge upon her. It was a fear Cadence no longer had the energy for.
Downstairs, Mike and Gina exchanged a glance across the living room. Gina stood at the door which led to the kitchen whilst Mike guarded the exit to the corridor. He gave the female agent a small flicker of a smile, their shared duty unspoken. He knew how Gina must feel, at once immensely proud and simultaneously burdened, guardian to a person whose status and vulnerability had evolved above others not just because of their father's place in politics but because of their own inability to be a stoic being in life.
"So, are you seeing Sam tonight?" Zoey asked with a mischievous smile at Mallory.
Mallory gave a feigned expression of confusion at this. "I'm not sure what you mean Zoey, aren't we all seeing him tonight? He's part of the President's staff, it would be odd if we didn't see him," she retorted seriously with a slight purse of her lips.
Zoey giggled and reached out to nudge Mallory's arm lightly. "You know what I mean."
The teenaged girl's eyes were bright were curiosity and joy as she grinned at the forbidden adult thoughts of courtship and coupling. With Charlie she was experiencing the first of many things and as a true gentleman he was letting her keep much of the fairytale novelty in tact. However, Zoey was at a precarious age when the childhood innocence wanted to give way to the urge of hormones and, like many young females her age, she had a desire not for hand holding and giggles but for passionate liaisons behind bedroom doors. Having no real idea of how they might play out, she hoped to learn from her older companions' tales.
Mallory gave an elegant shrug before leaning back in her seat. "We have no plans," she confessed, "but maybe, if he's lucky, I'll let him have one dance."
Zoey pouted at this chaste information before her gaze darted over to Cadence. She knew even less than Mallory about what her friend had suffered these past few weeks. All Zoey had picked up was that Cadence now had a certain element of danger following her, enough for Gina to disapprove strongly of Zoey being with the younger McGarry sister.
"Cady what about you?" Zoey pried carefully.
Cadence, who pushing at the folds of her dresses, gave a small grin down to her lap. "I've heard rumours that there is some novel idea being pushed for the President's staffers and the Vice President's staffers to share a dance. I'm not quite sure who with who. I had suggested counterparts as I quite like the idea of Josh and Gavin tangoing but I think that idea was vetted."
Zoey sighed. "You're both making this sound dull and I'm excited for tonight."
Cadence glanced over at her apologetically. Her blue-grey eyes were marred with the shadow of fatigue and in their irises was a spark of wild uncertainty that she couldn't contain.
"B.B you've always been my favourite dance partner anyway," she mused, "so if we get a dance I'm happy."
Gina made a small noise of disapproval at this prompting Cadence to glance her way.
The doorbell rang before anymore could be said.
Mallory rose to her feet as Mike headed for the door.
"It'll be the car," Mallory said as she followed after Mike.
For West Wing staff a state dinner was work more than leisure. Quite often they found themselves darting from the dining table to the office to try and update speeches based on idle talk at the table as well as getting an update on the ongoing affairs of the world. They could drink but, unless given explicit permission, were expected to remain sober as they were considered to be on the clock.
It taken a few of these affairs before C.J finally adjusted to the novelty of standing in her office in a designer dress as she tried to get a lead of incoming news disasters all while tasting the remnants of an expensive starter in her mouth and pondering what some foreign dignitary might be discussing while she was studying the news.
Tonight was a little different for the press secretary as the main news was here in person for a change. C.J towered amongst Sam, Toby and Josh as they lingered in a wide hallway watching as the Vice President's staff arrived. It was a little like high school as one group studied the other, taking in outfits and making murmurs of approval or disapproval to their companions. C.J was quite certain that Hoynes' staffer Sandra had made a crass remark about C.J's glamorous black and white dress.
Cadence, who had arrived to the White House with Mallory and Zoey, had appropriately and apologetically departed from them so that she could enter the State Dining Room as part of John Hoynes' team.
Despite having faded from the headlines, Cadence was still very much the point of interest for the West Wing members. She had become a point of fascination for them because she had been shrouded in mystery. By trying to give her some privacy, even from his own staff, Leo had only made her all the more intriguing for them.
Josh stared unblinking as Cadence strode up the corridor arm in arm with Gavin Drake. He scrutinised her, looking for telltale signs that would explain her public absence and subdued return to work. He felt his pulse quicken just a little as his eyes roamed up her form, until he saw her face and the attraction was spoiled.
Cadence's stare wasn't for Josh but it made him uneasy anyway. There was a certain heaviness to it as if she had reached a point of exhaustion she had no desire to pull away from. She smiled around her at no one in particular and he found it hollow.
"The proverbial daughter," Toby murmured sardonically to the others. "I heard she's settled well at the Eisenhower again."
"She looks great," Sam enthused.
Although Sam was sincere even as he took in Cadence he was already looking past her in the hopes of spying her sister.
Josh disagreed with Sam, oh sure the dress was beautiful but she was thin in it and whilst her hair was styled to add a certain beauty to her face it couldn't detract from her haunted gaze.
The corridor was filled with activity, cameras flashed from all directions, security personnel and waiters almost seemed to blend in, both equally attentive to the guests, and a variety of visitors marvelled at their surroundings and glitzy companions as career hungry eyes roved over the crowds trying to spy the most appealing staff member to make an impression on.
When word came of the President's arrival, they were ushered in to be seated ahead of him. Last to be seated was the Vice President who arrived in black tie with his wife on his arm.
John and Suzanne Hoynes entered like the prom king and queen, beautiful, charming and enviable to their viewers. They waved and greeted the people they passed but did not linger with them as they headed for their assigned table.
Josh watched John and Suzanne with the same keenness he had taken in Cadence. Of late John's charm had taken on an edge, when he smiled his grin was tight and his striking blue stare seemed to brim with anger or annoyance. He didn't seem to court the cameras as often these days or take the opportunity to converse with the press. In fact, despite their adoration for him after the leaked photograph of him and Cadence, John Hoynes seemed to have adapted a subdued hostility to the press.
Tonight as he entered the room his smile had all the characteristics of a flame- it was bright and energetic but had an edge of warning to it and a promise to turn hostile at the slightest provocation.
Suzanne Hoynes was more eager to enchant the masses tonight. She seemed to know where every camera was and exactly when to turn and lean to ensure her best side was caught.
Josh had never known Suzanne very well. When John had been a governor in the running for President she had come only when the cameras were there. She was the ambitious beauty queen born to a certain standard of class and money, well educated she had majored in English but her career with John always seemed sketchy as she appeared as a 'lady that lunched'. During the campaign she had always been delighted to pose but was rarely seen when no one important was watching. Suzanne, Josh had gathered, had desires for a title for herself and second best no more suited her than it did her husband. She had also some stereotypical notion that it was up to the man to do the work and earn the trappings for the household and Josh didn't believe she had really done all that much to help John with his campaign save smile for the right press appearance and attend charity functions when the venue was expensive and the exposure promising.
John's cerulean stare darted across the room as he smiled, nodded and shook hands with guests whilst heading for his table. His gaze danced over Cadence briefly as he took her in and just as quickly dismissed her before tapping his wife's hand gently so that she would release his arm.
John and Suzanne exchanged a cheerful smile before they took their seats and engaged with their table companions.
Ten minutes after and everyone stood as the President and the First Lady arrived, ready to begin the banquet in honour of Prince Giovanni Amalfitano of San Saveno's visit.
Another interval had come upon them. With Mallory for back up, Sam and C.J decided to take the opportunity to venture over to the Vice President's staff.
Sam could not keep the smug smile from his face as he escorted Mallory with his arm linked to hers. He knew heads turned at her beauty but that was not what filled him joy, it was the way she had looked up to him with a bright, suggesting stare and a warm smile. It was a smile that had expanded with delight when he had asked politely if he could secure her for most if not all the dances for the evening. He awkwardly stumbled through an explanation that he didn't want to keep her from dancing with Leo or Cadence but his intentions were that she was seen as his partner this evening.
Spying the First Lady Abigail 'Abbey' Bartlet making a beeline for Cadence's table, C.J suddenly halted.
"Um should we abort?" C.J quipped with a look of uncertainty.
Mallory, who had been sharing a small smile with Sam, looked confused as she glanced ahead.
"Why?" she queried.
"Well it's kind of hard to tell the First Lady's intentions, don't you think?" C.J quipped cautiously as she continued to watch Abbey.
Abigail Bartlet was well known as a formidable woman, she was one of the very few people the President tried to avoid saying no to. More than once Jed had even taken the coward's route of exploiting his staff to deliver disagreeable news to his wife in the hopes of avoiding her wrath. In that he had never succeeded. A doctor first, Abbey had, still did and always would stand equal to her husband. She used her platform as First Lady to push public issues of charity but also to press upon the importance of women's rights and their advancement in the world and for that she would always have C.J's admiration. However, like anyone she was flawed, and her stubbornness and bluntness was renowned. She could accept her failings but the problem was trying to tell her about them in the first place.
Mallory smiled as she glanced from C.J to Sam and saw fear in both their gazes. "It's just Abbey," she teased.
"Jj...just...just who?!" Sam spluttered at her with a look of horror. "I mean, I know she's down to earth and far from egotistical and generally very approachable but would you call her that?"
Mallory gave Sam a scornful stare. "She is only human like the rest of us Sam," she dismissed his concerns.
Sam broke from Mallory to look to C.J for backup. "Would you call her...well anything other than the appropriate title?" he finished his question lamely.
C.J gave Sam a sardonic stare in response, unimpressed with his inability to say the name Abbey as if he would turn to dust, although right now she was reluctant to voice it herself.
"Sam, as with anything," C.J responded diplomatically, "it depends on the setting and circumstance. Right now at a public event like this," she continued as she gestured to their surroundings with one hand, "no, I would not."
Mallory folded her arms and shook her head at the pair. "You two are really making something out of nothing."
Mallory looked ahead, watching the interaction between Abbey and Cadence, too far away to hear the words they exchanged.
Abbey had tried to be careful in how she approached Cadence. She didn't want to walk up and cast her shadow upon the young woman like some doomsday figure or make a drama out of approaching her, drawing the attention of a press they were trying to keep away from the McGarry daughter. However, Abbey had a carefree, bold nature about her and she couldn't resist showcasing it now as she addressed a woman so close to her to be considered family that she had heard much of but seen entirely too little of.
"Cadence Emma McGarry, why have I not seen you until now?" Abbey demanded brazenly as she approached the rectangular table from the front but a little to the left so that it was Gavin Drake who found himself in Abbey's shadow and not Cadence.
Cadence, who had been occupied with making a horse like figure out of her napkin in her lap, immediately jumped to attention at the voice.
Gavin was already rising to his feet but Abbey waved him down with a dismissive nod and an impatient shake of her hand.
"Yes, Mr. Drake, a good evening to you too," Abbey said as she fixed her gaze upon him, "and not to be rude but I am here to talk with Miss Mc Garry. Perhaps you could be helpful and er," Abbey arched her fair eyebrows slightly and gave the bewildered man a sweet smile, "engage yourself with guests on the veranda. Just for a few minutes if you please."
Gavin stood up again, a little puzzled as to why she had waved him down when she wanted him gone anyway. He nodded politely and said, "good evening ma'am."
Gavin gave a parting glance to Cadence. She had been pleasant this evening, commenting on the name tags on their tables and remarking how she wanted to meet the White House Calligrapher so she could learn to sign her name as he wrote it, particularly with the loop from the d to the e. Yet she had been fidgety too, making origami figures out of their napkins, using the rings they had been bound in to fashion up a collar for a dog and a cat.
Cadence, having manage to summon a calm while Abbey addressed Gavin, was now on her feet facing Abbey unflinchingly.
"You know, my mom doesn't even give me the full title," she pointed out.
Abbey arched one eyebrow as she studied the woman's slightly defensive pose, knowing Cadence was readying herself in case she was going to be admonished. "I'm not your mother," she retorted, "I am your family however if we dismiss the silly notion of blood and I deserve a check in now and again. You are as bad as Ellie, both of you hopelessly distant even when you're close by!"
Abbey gave the woman a wide smile to reassure Cadence that she came out of love and not to scold.
"Now, I've heard much, most of it exaggerated, and a good deal contradictory too but what I must know, is it true that it is you I owe an overdue thanks to for getting my husband and his VP to see some sense and present a unity, at least publicly?"
Cadence was a little surprised by the question but as she read the warmth in Abbey's eyes a smile slipped out across her face before giving way to a giggle. "Oh Abbey, I mean ma'am, I've missed you."
"Well of course!" Abbey marvelled as she reached across the table and grasped Cadence's hands in her own. "As I assure my husband I am a figure to be missed and you my dear, you are too," she added quietly as she squeezed Cadence's hands and gave her a serious stare.
Cadence's giggle faded at the comment and she nodded back sincerely. She glanced down to the origami littered table before turning a small smile back to the First Lady.
"You look lovely," Cadence said.
Abbey wore a figure fitting dress of bronze taffeta, cut generously at the bust with an open cropped jacket of black and bronze brocade framing it, and spilling out in layers to the ground below.
"One of the perks I suppose," Abbey mused, "of this role is that we have many opportunities to vary our appearances."
Cadence cocked her head slightly at this, wondering if Abbey had another meaning in her words. She nodded along anyway as Abbey started to withdraw her hands.
Abbey's gesture was slow as she pulled Cadence's arms out slightly before she released her hands. It prompted Cadence to glance down and instinctively pull back with a look of embarrassment.
"Sometimes just showing ourselves as we are is enough," Abbey murmured.
Cadence glanced up at her once more.
Abbey smiled again, saddened by how Cadence seemed to be burdened by something unsure in her grey-blue stare.
"It really is good to see you again Cady," Abbey assured, "and I certainly hope to see more of you."
Abbey glanced over her shoulder, aware that she needed to be seen mingling more. She gave Cadence a final smile and raised a hand to stroke Cadence's left arm gently.
"Well I think your sister, Sam and C.J have hovered uncomfortably in the middle of the floor for long enough," she said. "I'll leave and let them come talk to you."
Cadence smiled back. "Thank you," she said softly.
Abbey released her and headed for Suzanne Hoynes. Abbey knew she delayed long enough in greeting her Eisenhower counterpart, to wait any longer might imply an insult.
Cadence watched her go, thinking dryly how similar it was to holding a court, where one felt that they couldn't engage their superior until their superior spoke first. She gave a bitter smile as she tried to dismiss the thought. Comparing democratic displays to European royalty that been born to power rather than elected had gotten her into trouble before.
Mallory, Sam and C.J attempted to wait for a few more seconds, giving Abbey time to move on before they approached Cadence's table.
"Cady," Mallory greeted her chirpily. She reached down for a glass of sparkling wine on Cadence's table and took a sip. "My goodness we were standing there for ages and not one waiter came over."
"They probably mistook Sam for one," C.J murmured sardonically, "the way he kept talking about our next course."
"I was making conversation," Sam grumbled as he leaned forward slightly to give C.J a look of scorn past Mallory.
"Which course is that?" Cadence quipped. "I'm a little confused now because there was soup and those canapés with what I say was orange and honey with nutmeg but Gavin is adamant was melon and syrup," she mused. She glanced down to her origami figures and pointed at each one as she counted. "Hmm, is it the fourth course now?" She looked to Sam pleadingly. "Please say it's dessert, I cannot cope with anything else."
Sam gave her an apologetic stare as he shook his head. "I'm afraid not, it's the chicken now."
Cadence stared at him aghast. "But we had fish, I don't understand, did people have a choice?"
"Didn't you read the menu?" Sam quipped as he looked at her in surprise.
"No," Cadence scorned, "it looked like the Bill of Rights it was so damn long, I just admired the fancy font and the gilding. Hey, can you introduce me to the White House Calligrapher?" she asked suddenly as she looked to Sam with fresh enthusiasm. "I want them to teach me how to write my name."
"Because you can't?" Sam queried dumbly.
Cadence frowned across the table at him. "Not like that."
Mallory smiled as she finished the glass and placed it back onto the table.
"Um, wait," C.J interrupted, "I'm confused too."
"Well I wasn't taught with a quill," Cadence grumbled.
C.J raised one hand in protest. "No, not that." She gestured down to the napkin animals. "There are eight lovely little creatures here. What course are we on again?"
"Fourth, it's definitely fourth," Sam insisted.
Cadence smiled at the press secretary. "I took Gavin's napkins too," she explained, "and he asked for a few more."
C.J nodded down to the napkins. "I see." She lowered her hand and glanced up at Cadence curiously. "Can I have one?"
Cadence was surprised by the question. "Really?"
C.J nodded eagerly. "Yes, they're marvellous! I want it for the table, it can be a mascot for the evening."
Cadence's smile widened. "Sure, take your pick." She gestured to the origami with a wave of her hand.
Cadence was relieved at the topic, for a moment thinking Mallory might boldly ask what Abbey had said.
C.J reached down and plucked up the cat. "Aw, are they named?"
Cadence let out a mocking snort. "No, that would be taking a step from quirkiness into madness."
C.J shrugged. "Well who cares, I'm going to name it," she insisted as she held it carefully in one gloved hand. "I think Snowdrop."
Sam gave the press secretary an odd stare out of the corner of his eye but he didn't bother commenting.
C.J continued to stare down at the napkin formed cat in her hand. "You know this is quite a talent."
"A hobby," Cadence corrected, "it helps me get my thoughts in order," she admitted.
C.J nodded. "Uh huh, makes sense. Well, anyway, I just came to say hello and that it's good to see you again."
Cadence nodded back to the taller woman. "Thank you. You too."
"You know," C.J continued, "there's been a suggestion about the West Wing and Eisenhower staffers sharing a dance, have you heard about this?"
Cadence nodded. "Briefly, in passing, I thought it was maybe a rumour."
"No, perhaps it started that way but then Ed or Larry made a bet with Jason Watkins I think and now everyone is in on the action, Charlie included."
Mallory folded her arms as she gave C.J a look of intrigue. "What exactly is the bet?" she pried.
"Whether we'll go through with it," C.J admitted. "It's key staff apparently, which, I'm told, includes myself, Sam, Josh and Toby and of course, Cal, Gavin, Jeremy, Sandra and Cadence."
"Not dad?" Mallory queried.
C.J gave Mallory a dry smile. "We wouldn't want the bet over before it even begins," she retorted.
Cadence smiled at this. "Hmm and he and Cal would look so lovely doing a Cha, Cha."
Mallory's arms parted and she gestured to her sister pointedly. "Couldn't he dance with Cadence? Wouldn't that resolve it?"
"Hmm I doubt the men were smart enough to consider exploiting the familial tie," C.J mused. "Anyway," she gave another smile and glanced to Cadence apologetically, "Toby and I thought it would be amusing if Cady and Josh danced."
"Ah," Mallory murmured with raised eyebrows as she exchanged a glance with Sam.
"Hmm maybe if Highway to Hell plays," Cadence joked, "that seems to be our song."
C.J raised a finger to tap the edge of her cheek with it. "You know, I can't guarantee it but maybe our orchestra could do that number for you," she remarked sarcastically.
Cadence giggled at this. "Sure, right along with Ring of Fire. And I went down, down," she sung lightly.
Even though she sung a line in a tease, C.J was still impressed by the young woman's flawless singing voice.
"Well, I'm still not sure I'm willing to dance with anyone," C.J remarked, "none of you Eisenhower lot are even close to my height."
"No but Gavin is an excellent dancer, I would suggest you match with him if you can," Cadence mused.
"Very true," Gavin chirped in as he returned to the table. He grinned up at C.J. "We can do the flamenco flamingo," he teased.
C.J bristled at the code name whilst Sam struggled and failed to hide a smirk.
"How is it a code name if everyone knows it?" C.J lamented.
"I'm sorry, what am I missing?" Cadence pried as she glanced from Gavin to C.J in confusion.
"C.J you practically complained to everyone about it," Sam reminded her, "that's how they know."
"Know what?" Mallory quipped.
C.J sighed dramatically. "Oh alright but this is a need to know basis, top secret and all that," she said as her voice dropped to a hush. She beckoned Mallory and Cadence over.
Cadence leaned across the table with a look of intrigue.
"It's the code name the Secret Service have for me," she confessed grimly, "flamingo because someone has a sick sense of humour."
Mallory laughed at this whilst Cadence looked fascinated.
"Codename?" Cadence quipped. "Huh, do we all have one?"
Mallory nodded pointedly to Mike lingering back against a wall, arms behind his back as having his hands out had let to him being offered discarded glasses one too many times.
"Well you must," Mallory insisted.
"Hmm I wonder what it is."
Cadence turned from the group immediately and hastened over to Mike who was a little puzzled as she approached him with a determined expression.
"Hey um...um..." Cadence faltered, unsure how to address the man without divulging his identity. "What do I call you here?"
Mike offered her a small smile, figuring subtly was lost by her approaching him anyway. "Casper," he suggested.
"Seems a little rude," she murmured.
"Only if you know which name it is," Mike reminded her calmly.
Cadence halted and nodded as she pushed back a stray coil of hair. "Well Casper, what do you call me?" she pried. "When you're talking to your er...ghost friends."
Mike raised his eyebrows slightly at this before his smile widened. "Raccoon," he retorted.
Cadence was stunned at this. Her eyes widened as she studied him to spy the jest. "Really?" she sounded the word out almost as a squeal as an odd thrill of delight filled her.
Mike nodded. "Yep, I'm told it was duckling but there was a special request."
"A request? By who?" Cadence demanded.
Mike shook his head at this. "I don't know, I didn't ask."
"Can we petition our names? Not that I want mine changed," Cadence added quickly with a wave of her hand. "Just curious."
"No, they're code names, they get assigned," Mike responded.
"Hmm." Cadence gave a grin. "So when you talk about me to your friends-"
"The ghostly trio," Mike corrected in a deadpan manner.
Cadence nodded. "Right, them, you call me raccoon?"
Mike nodded in answer. "Yes but if you keep saying it then we might not be able to."
"Right, right," Cadence said hastily. "Wouldn't want that. Hmm." She kept grinning. "I really like that. Thanks Casper."
She turned and returned to the others, almost beaming from ear to ear.
"What are you so happy about?" Mallory demanded. "What's your nickname?"
"Code name," Sam corrected automatically. He winced slightly at the glance of annoyance Mallory gave him. "There's a difference," he insisted, "one is for fun, and the other is for serious secure matters."
"Yeah, flamingo sure seems serious," Mallory sniped sardonically.
"I know, right," C.J complained as she attempted to adjust her silvery wrap with one hand whilst cradling her origami cat.
"Raccoon," Cadence remarked in a quiet murmur of joy as she only just managed to resist squealing it.
"Seriously?!" C.J cried out, unable to resist yelling it. "Well who do you talk to about that? Talk about favourites!"
C.J turned her distraught stare upon Sam. "Sam, you must know who deals with this."
"I don't," Sam insisted quietly, "but I would guess Ron, he is the head of the Secret Service after all."
"What's your code name?" Mallory pried.
"I'm not sure," Sam admitted, "but I don't think I need to know it, only the Secret Service do."
"Ugh Sam don't be boring about this," Mallory complained as she squeezed his arm gently, "it's not every day you get a code name."
Cadence continued grinning as she thought of hers.
"Anyway," C.J interrupted, "I can see they're serving out the chicken so we'd better get going."
"Right," Mallory agreed. She gave her sister another smile. "I'll see you after."
Cadence nodded reassuringly as she took her seat.
"Hey Gavin, how hungry are you?" she quipped as a waiter arrived with a large serving of chicken with all the trimmings.
Gavin glanced over at her and gave a small grin. "Not hungry enough for two portions."
Cadence frowned down at her plate. "That's what I thought," she grumbled.
"If you don't want the First Lady lecturing you about starving orphans you'd better make a go of it," Gavin warned.
"I'd say you're kidding but that sounds about right for Abbey," Cadence murmured.
The West Wing made up Qumar, I made up San Saveno. Yep, I had to google Qumar to find out it was fictional. I really wanted a ball scene. Also, I love Abbey, for me every scene with her is gold, the little cheese being accused is in the top ten, along with Big Block of Cheese Day, hmm maybe it's a cheese thing? Truthfully, I love so many of the characters on this show, it's one of the reasons why it's so great to me.