2

Two Months Later

"Good Morning, Mr. President."

Jed grinned and stood up from his desk. He had come to the office early just to be there in time to welcome Leo back. "Leo, I'm so glad to see you. How are you feeling?"

The two men hugged, each glad to know that Leo had finally healed completely from the incident at the Smithsonian. "Okay. You should know since you have sent spies every day I've been gone."

"Me, Leo? Little ole me? How can you say that?" Jed feigned surprise at Leo's statement but both men knew Leo spoke the truth.

Leo grinned. "Sir, you can't tell me that, between you and Abbey, you didn't plan all the visits of the Senior Staff, the Assistants, the aides, or even my own daughter? And afterward, they reported back to you or to Abbey. Remember, I have known you both for a long time and I know what you both can do."

"Leo, you insult me. And my wife. How could you think of such a thing?"

"Mr. President, can't you even accept the fact that you did what you did and get on with it? I mean really. Come on."

"Okay. I guess you caught me this time. I can't get anything by you, can I?"

"Not really."

Margaret stuck her head in the door. "Leo, Mr. President, don't forget your meeting in the Roosevelt Room with the Staff. They're waiting."

"Thank you, Margaret. Come on, Leo. Time to get back on the horse."

Jed led the way and opened the door, stepping back so Leo would be the first to enter.

"Surprise!"

All of the Senior Staff, the Assistants, even Nancy McNally, the Vice-President, and somewhere in the room, Ron Butterfield had big smiles on their faces. It was a joyous day welcoming back Leo McGarry.

Abbey and Mallory stepped forward and planted a kiss on the Chief of Staff and father.

"Welcome Back, Leo."

"Welcome Back, Dad."

Jed stepped forward. "So, I can't get anything by you, huh?"

"Well. Sir, I guess you did."

"Come look at your cake."

Leo stepped forward, not seeing the smirk on the President's face.

The big sheet cake had images of twenty-five National Parks on it. Leo looked up and caught Jed's and Abbey's faces.

"You really shouldn't have, Mr. President."

"Oh, but I should have, Leo. And I did. Welcome back my friend."

THE END