Earlier in the evening

Sam

"I've had enough, folks. It's been a long day and night and I'm going home." Sam gathered up his coat and briefcase. "Good night, all. See you tomorrow."

"Bye, Sam. Don't forget the President wants to see the first draft of his speech to the teachers he's scheduled to give next week in Cleveland," Toby replied.

"Yeah, Toby. I have it on my books. Can't you just give me one night of peace?"

"I would if you already had it done."

"Night, Toby." Sam walked out, cursing Toby under his breath. He knew damn well when his writing was due. He didn't need any nanny keeping track for him.

He went to the staff parking lot and turned the key in the ignition. Deciding he didn't want to go home just yet, he pulled out of his spot and went three blocks to his favorite bar. The Hawk and Dove was always open late and a favorite of Washington political types. He knew he could find a sympathetic and private ear to discuss his troubles with.

Pulling into the lot, it was full of cars, even at 11:00 at night., The bar stayed open until 3:00, catering to the legislative and executive branch late-night employees who always worked non-typical hours. Anyone seeking those types for anything could always find them at this particular bar.

Sam entered and found a spot at the bar. Getting the bartender's attention, he ordered a whisky sour and some chips. Waiting for his order, he looked around and noted the typical late-night political types. He could always tell those people by the suit and ties they wore or the drab-colored business suits and black or brown heels the ladies wore. But one person stood out, A rather tall, blond-haired man, dressed in jeans with a flannel shirt and sneakers was sitting on a stool not far from where Sam had sat down. For this place, he was really dressed in an unusual manner.

The bartender placed Sam's order in front of him and walked away. Sam took a sip and realized the seat next to him had become vacant. He motioned to the blue jean guy to change his seat and come sit next to him. He smiled and moved closer.

"Hi, my name is Sam, What's yours?"

"Frank."

"I noticed you're not dressed like anyone else here. You know this is a place many political folks hang out, don't you?"

"Are you telling me to leave?"

"Oh no."

"Good. Because, for your information I work on the Hill, but I'm off tonight and I chose to dress casual."

"Oh, sorry." Sam shouldn't have said anything and he was truly sorry.

"That's okay. I do stand out. Where do you work?"

"White House. In the West Wing."

"Sounds important."

"Well, it is. I help to write the President's speeches."

"As I said, it sounds important."

They talked for a little while longer. Finally, Sam realized that he was tired. "I need to leave. Have an early day tomorrow."

"Where do you live?"

"Over by Eighteenth."

"I do, too. Can you give me a lift?"

"Sure."

The two men left the bar and got in Sam's car. They drove in silence. Sam found a spot not too far from his apartment and pulled in.

"Good night. Nice to meet you."

They both got out of the car. As Sam leaned back in to get his brief case, he felt something in his side. Standing back up, he turned slightly.

"I wouldn't turn if I was you. Now, walk to your apartment and go in as usual. And don't act as if anything is wrong or you will regret it. Do you understand?"

Sam nodded. He felt really stupid. Picking up strange men in bars was something he never did. Until now. And he knew, somehow, he was going to regret it.

They walked in tandem to the door of his first-floor apartment. Sam opened the door and the two men walked in. Frank kicked the door closed and hit Sam over the head with the gun. Sam collapsed on the floor.

Frank reached down for Sam's wallet, and as he was pulling the money out, Sam reached up and pulled Frank on the floor with him. The two men fought until Frank got the upper hand once again. This time he grabbed a baseball bat, the one Sam had kept by the door, and gave a downward swing onto Sam's head with every bit of strength he had. This knocked Sam unconscious. Frank took the money and ran out the door, leaving it open behind him.

That is how the landlord found Sam minutes later. He immediately called the police and the paramedics.