Badlands
by Deenalynn
Part 3: Pride and Prejudice
"No."
"Senator, with all due respect. . ."
"Listen, Lyman," the Senator interrupted once again. "You go tell your President that the good people of South Dakota are not going to take an insult like this lying down."
"First of all, Senator, he's your President too. Second, you heard the tape," Josh pointed out calmly. "You can hardly blame a child for what some reporter chose to print. Annie was obviously quite taken with South Dakota."
Laughton snorted. "It was published that the grand-daughter of the President of the United States said my home was ugly. Many people take that very seriously."
"Well , sir, you can't expect the President to make an apology for something like this, something said by a child."
"She is a member of the First Family," Laughton said piously. His arms folder across his chest "She will be held to a higher standard,"
Josh took a deep calming breath. "Be that as it may, Senator, I can assure you there will be no apology issued by the White House or by Annie Weston."
Laughton stood and drew himself up to his less than considerable full height, and glared down at Josh, where he was still seated at the conference table. "Then I can assure you, Mr. Lyman, the good people of South Dakota will be heard on this issue."
"Senator," Josh began as he came to his feet. "The 'good people of South Dakota', are hardly likely to care what a sixteen-year-old girl said when they hear one of their senators is holding up vital and powerful legislation. Legislation that will help millions of people."
"Are you threatening me, Mr. Lyman?"
"No sir, that isn't a threat. It's a promise."
Laughton smirked. "Try it. If there is one thing I know about people, Lyman, it's that they are inherently selfish creatures. This legislation has very limited applications where I come from." He tilted his head slightly as though trying to look at Josh from another angle. "However, since the press would likely put neither the White House, or me, in a good light, there may be something we could do together to make this go away."
There it was. Josh bit back an arrogant grin and raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Really?"
Laughton nodded. "Of course. There's always a way to settle these things."
"Of course."
"I understand you have a short list of appointees to Senator Marshall's committee."
"And if we do?"
"Well, if I were to hear a rumour that my name had made its way to the top of that list, I might just be too busy to worry about 'something a child said.'" Laughton smiled confidently.
"I see. Well, that would certainly solve everything wouldn't it?" Josh waited for the Senator to nod his agreement. He watched the other man for a moment then he stood. Josh leaned across the table looking Laughton directly in the eye. "Too bad it will never happen."
Laughton lunged to his feet. "Now wait just a damn. . ."
"You have our answer on the apology. We're finished here." Josh gathered his things and left the room.
**********
"Donna?" The office lights were all off, but there was no mistaking the person huddled in his chair. He approached the desk when she appeared not to have heard him. "Donna? You decide to take a little afternoon nap while I was gone? I know you think we're not paying you enough but I don't think naps are in the. . ." He lost his train of thought when he caught sight of her face. He crouched down in front of her tilting her chin so he could see her eyes. They looked devastated. "God, Donna, what happened?"
Donna just stared at him blankly for a moment, hardly seeming to recognise him. Then her eyes sparked to life. "What have I told you about my mother?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Lynnie?"
She shook her head sharply. "Not my mom, my *mother*."
Josh shrugged. "I don't understand." He paused, suddenly understanding. "You mean, Angela, your birth mother?" When she nodded, he said, " Just that you hardly know her, she left when you were only days old. I know you haven't seen her since we met." Josh kept his voice gentle and soft. "Did she call you?"
She shook her head. "No."
"Then what?" he asked, confusion written across his face. "Donna what's going on?"
"She's here."
"You're kidding." She shot him a look. "I'm sorry, but -"
"It's okay." Donna's voice was a little stronger. "Actually, it's kind of funny, she isn't even here to see me."
"Then why -?"
"Sam told you his dad brought his girlfriend with him for the holidays?"
Josh nodded. "Yeah, I told him he better tell David that Kate is going to be at dinner. I don't want any blood shed over the -" Donna could see exactly when the lightbulb sparked. "You're kidding?" he repeated.
"I wish I were. David Seaborn's long time mistress is none other than Angela Fredericks." She started to tear up again.
"Come here." Josh pulled her into his arms.
"I haven't seen or heard from her since I was with Sean." Dona sobbed into Josh's shoulder.
"I know. Shhhh, it's okay," Josh soothed as he rubbed her back.
Josh held her while she calmed and gathered herself. She pulled away and smiled at him sheepishly. "I'm sorry."
Josh shook his head. "Nothing to be sorry for. It's a lot to deal with." He handed her a handkerchief. "Better?"
She sniffed and nodded. "Yeah." He helped her to her feet and she curled up in the visitors chair, while he perched on the edge of the desk. "I just think it was the shock of seeing her here."
"Well that's perfectly understandable."
"I mean I haven't seen her in years. I was with Sean when she last made a buddy attempt. She really liked the idea of a doctor for a son-in-law."
Josh grimaced. "She liked him, then?"
"Yeah. She did. That should have been my first clue he was no good." Donna sighed when she saw the expression on Josh's face. It was so obvious he was biting his tongue. "Go ahead, say it."
"What?" Josh exclaimed innocently.
"Whatever, snarky, *Josh* thing you were going to say about my relationship with Sean."
"I wasn't. . ." He saw the *look*. "Well, he wasn't exactly your finest moment."
"Yes, well, we all know by now my taste in men leaves plenty to be desired." She stared at him pointedly.
Josh smirked, blissfully ignorant. "Most of us learn from our mistakes."
Donna bit back a laugh. "Or we just repeat them *precisely* over and over and over and over -"
"Alright, fine." Josh interrupted her. "We were talking about you and Angie."
Donna's smile disappeared. "Angie? You met her?"
"Yeah, they were coming in just as I was leaving. David introduced me. I'm sorry, I should have made the connection." He smiled apologetically.
"How could you? I mentioned her name, what, once, three years ago? I don't even remember if I told you her last name. You had no way of knowing. I mean who would ever have thought. . .? " she trailed off helplessly.
"What do you want to do about dinner tomorrow?" Josh asked gently. "I'm sure if I talk to Sam he'll understand."
"No. We've planned this for months. I want my whole family there. Sam is part of that." She straightened her shoulders. "I am not going to let that woman ruin yet another holiday for me. She did enough of that when I was a child."
Josh smiled, still unsure. "If you say so. But if you change your mind, we'll all understand."
"It'll be fine. We. . .." She stopped suddenly. "Oh!"
"What?"
"I think maybe I should talk to mom and dad first."
Josh nodded. "They would probably appreciate a heads-up, at least."
"Yeah, they have a right to a peaceful holiday." She nodded firmly to herself . She pulled herself together, then asked, "So how did it go with Senator Laughton?"
Josh was unfazed by the sudden topic change. "He knows where we stand and what will happen if he gets too noisy about Annie."
"You think he'll back off?"
Josh nodded confidently. "He won't be back."
**********
"Hey, baby girl," Nick greeted as Donna met them in the reception area. "I know we're a bit early, but with the rain we cut our walking tour short. We thought it would be a good time for you to show us where you work. Not to mention, the vast quantity of crap you must know about this place. It won't be a problem will it?"
Donna smiled at the old joke. "Not crap, Daddy, *information*." She kissed her father's cheek. "I'll have you know the President shares my love of *information*. And no, it's not a problem." She hugged Lynnie. "Hi, mom."
Lynnie looked at her daughter carefully, then reached up to caress one pale cheek. "What is it baby?"
Donna closed her eyes and bit her lip. "Before we have a look around, I need to talk to you."
"Is everything okay, Donnatella?" Nick asked, obviously concerned.
"Can we just. . ." She led them back through the bullpen. "We can use Josh's office."
Lynnie looked around a little awed. "You're sure he won't mind?"
"No. It'll be fine." She indicated the visitors chairs. "Have a seat."
Once they were settled, she leaned against the edge of Josh's desk. "I'm not really sure how to tell you guys this."
"You know you can tell us anything, baby," Nick coaxed gently.
Donna smiled sadly. "I know, Daddy." She took a deep breath. "Angela is here."
Nick started violently and Lynnie reached for his hand. "What? When?" Nick fumbled for words.
"I told you Sam's parents are separated."
"Yes, he had invited them here to try to work things through as a family." Lynnie shook her head. "What has this to do with Angela?"
Donna took another deep breath. "The reason the Seaborn's split, was Mr. Seaborn had had a mistress. For over 25 years." Her jaw clenched. "They're still together. He brought her here this weekend."
"Oh, no! Poor Sam!" Lynnie exclaimed compassionately.
"Angela is the mistress isn't she?" Nick asked softly.
Donna nodded. "Yes, Daddy. I saw her this morning."
Nick stood and drew his daughter into his arms. "I'm so sorry, baby."
Donna hugged her father tightly. "I'm okay, Daddy." She pulled back to see his face. "I was a bit of a mess at first, the shock of seeing her was overwhelming. But I'm okay now."
Lynnie came to stand beside them and laid her hand on Donna's back. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'm not going to let her ruin another holiday for us." She stepped out of her parent's embrace. "I need to know what you want to do about dinner."
"Oh, wow." Nick blurted. "I hadn't thought of that." He turned to Lynnie. "What do you think, love?"
Lynnie smiled at her husband lovingly. "I think *our* daughter has put a lot of effort into this holiday. She wanted us to get to know the people who are important to her here." She wrapped an arm around Donna. "Personally, I look forward to getting to know these people who have been here to see my little girl turn into such an amazing woman."
Donna's eyes filled. "Oh, Mom!" She buried herself in Lynnie's loving arms.
Nick enfolded both his girls in a tight embrace. "It's settled then." He whispered. "Besides that. If we don't have them to dinner, poor Sam would have to have Thanksgiving with his mother, his father, and his father's mistress." He laughed softly. "I don't know the boy, but I wouldn't wish that on anyone."
"Neither would I," Josh remarked from the door. "I'm sorry," he said, hesitating. "I really am, but I have to get into my desk."
Donna steeped back from her parents. "I'm sorry, Josh." She wiped her tear stained cheeks. "What do you need?"
Josh started to say something, then stopped when he saw the determined set of Donna's jaw. "The McCurty file."
"It's in your pack."
"I couldn't find it."
Donna sighed indulgently. "I put it there myself."
"Well it's not there now, Donna." Josh handed her the back pack. "See for yourself. I need that file for my meeting with Devereaux."
She took the pack from him and opened it. "Yes, and that is why I put it right here, marked McCurty/Devereaux." She handed him a blue file folder with the beginnings of a smug grin , then straightened and raised her eyebrows at him..
Josh just shrugged. "She does this on purpose," he said to her father with a conspiratorial grin. "You should see my files." He glanced slyly at Donna. "She ever leaves, no one will ever find *anything* in there."
Nick just laughed taking, in the expression of fond exasperation on his daughter's face.
Donna had both hands on her hips. "Yes, Josh, I have nothing better to do with my time than make sure your filing cabinet is an incomprehensible mess."
"You said it, not me." His grin widened. "My father always said my mom did the same thing. Made sure he wouldn't even find his desk with out the map only she could provide."
Lynnie's eyes widened. "Your parents worked together?" she asked.
"Yeah, that's how the met." Josh started putting things back in his pack. "She came in as a temp, ended up as office manager for the firm." He opened a file read for a moment the tossed it on the desk.
"So you're telling me your mother was your father's assistant?" Lynnie pushed.
"Yeah, for years." He answered absently. He finally looked up to find Lynnie's appraising gaze on him. "Yeah so -" He squirmed slightly, smiled rather awkwardly and turned to Donna only to find her glaring at Lynnie. "Uh, Donna?" Her eyes shot back to him. "So the plan for tomorrow is. . .?"
"Same as before." Donna smiled brightly obviously relieved by the subject change. "All of us. Together. Having a great meal with wonderful company."
"Sounds good." He waved the file she had handed him. "Well I have to. . ." He nodded at them and left.
**********
Sam, once again, found himself in familiar territory outside the American Airlines terminal at National. This time waiting for his mother. He was visibly agitated, pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself. One of the guards at the security check kept giving him funny looks which he ignored.
"Sammy?"
His head snapped up. "Mom."
"Hi, sweetie." Kate Seaborn hugged her son tightly. Then help him at arms length. "You look tired."
Sam had to laugh. "I'm fine, Mom. It's just well ." He stopped unable to find the words to adequately describe the disaster this holiday had become. He finally sighed and said, "I don't even know where to start."
Kate's blue eyes, so very like her son's, filled, immediately with concern. "What is it?"
Sam's shoulder slumped, his exhaustion clear. This was not the place for this conversation. "Can we wait till we get to the hotel?"
Kate, able to clearly see her son's distress acquiesced. "Of course."
Sam blew out a sharp breath of relief. "Let's go get your luggage and get going then." He took her carry on and hoisted it over his shoulder.
"Oh, don't worry about the luggage." Kate grabbed his arm and headed for the doors instead. "Michael is grabbing it and meeting us out front."
All colour drained from Sam's face. "Michael?" he squeaked.
************
the end part 3
by Deenalynn
Part 3: Pride and Prejudice
"No."
"Senator, with all due respect. . ."
"Listen, Lyman," the Senator interrupted once again. "You go tell your President that the good people of South Dakota are not going to take an insult like this lying down."
"First of all, Senator, he's your President too. Second, you heard the tape," Josh pointed out calmly. "You can hardly blame a child for what some reporter chose to print. Annie was obviously quite taken with South Dakota."
Laughton snorted. "It was published that the grand-daughter of the President of the United States said my home was ugly. Many people take that very seriously."
"Well , sir, you can't expect the President to make an apology for something like this, something said by a child."
"She is a member of the First Family," Laughton said piously. His arms folder across his chest "She will be held to a higher standard,"
Josh took a deep calming breath. "Be that as it may, Senator, I can assure you there will be no apology issued by the White House or by Annie Weston."
Laughton stood and drew himself up to his less than considerable full height, and glared down at Josh, where he was still seated at the conference table. "Then I can assure you, Mr. Lyman, the good people of South Dakota will be heard on this issue."
"Senator," Josh began as he came to his feet. "The 'good people of South Dakota', are hardly likely to care what a sixteen-year-old girl said when they hear one of their senators is holding up vital and powerful legislation. Legislation that will help millions of people."
"Are you threatening me, Mr. Lyman?"
"No sir, that isn't a threat. It's a promise."
Laughton smirked. "Try it. If there is one thing I know about people, Lyman, it's that they are inherently selfish creatures. This legislation has very limited applications where I come from." He tilted his head slightly as though trying to look at Josh from another angle. "However, since the press would likely put neither the White House, or me, in a good light, there may be something we could do together to make this go away."
There it was. Josh bit back an arrogant grin and raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Really?"
Laughton nodded. "Of course. There's always a way to settle these things."
"Of course."
"I understand you have a short list of appointees to Senator Marshall's committee."
"And if we do?"
"Well, if I were to hear a rumour that my name had made its way to the top of that list, I might just be too busy to worry about 'something a child said.'" Laughton smiled confidently.
"I see. Well, that would certainly solve everything wouldn't it?" Josh waited for the Senator to nod his agreement. He watched the other man for a moment then he stood. Josh leaned across the table looking Laughton directly in the eye. "Too bad it will never happen."
Laughton lunged to his feet. "Now wait just a damn. . ."
"You have our answer on the apology. We're finished here." Josh gathered his things and left the room.
**********
"Donna?" The office lights were all off, but there was no mistaking the person huddled in his chair. He approached the desk when she appeared not to have heard him. "Donna? You decide to take a little afternoon nap while I was gone? I know you think we're not paying you enough but I don't think naps are in the. . ." He lost his train of thought when he caught sight of her face. He crouched down in front of her tilting her chin so he could see her eyes. They looked devastated. "God, Donna, what happened?"
Donna just stared at him blankly for a moment, hardly seeming to recognise him. Then her eyes sparked to life. "What have I told you about my mother?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Lynnie?"
She shook her head sharply. "Not my mom, my *mother*."
Josh shrugged. "I don't understand." He paused, suddenly understanding. "You mean, Angela, your birth mother?" When she nodded, he said, " Just that you hardly know her, she left when you were only days old. I know you haven't seen her since we met." Josh kept his voice gentle and soft. "Did she call you?"
She shook her head. "No."
"Then what?" he asked, confusion written across his face. "Donna what's going on?"
"She's here."
"You're kidding." She shot him a look. "I'm sorry, but -"
"It's okay." Donna's voice was a little stronger. "Actually, it's kind of funny, she isn't even here to see me."
"Then why -?"
"Sam told you his dad brought his girlfriend with him for the holidays?"
Josh nodded. "Yeah, I told him he better tell David that Kate is going to be at dinner. I don't want any blood shed over the -" Donna could see exactly when the lightbulb sparked. "You're kidding?" he repeated.
"I wish I were. David Seaborn's long time mistress is none other than Angela Fredericks." She started to tear up again.
"Come here." Josh pulled her into his arms.
"I haven't seen or heard from her since I was with Sean." Dona sobbed into Josh's shoulder.
"I know. Shhhh, it's okay," Josh soothed as he rubbed her back.
Josh held her while she calmed and gathered herself. She pulled away and smiled at him sheepishly. "I'm sorry."
Josh shook his head. "Nothing to be sorry for. It's a lot to deal with." He handed her a handkerchief. "Better?"
She sniffed and nodded. "Yeah." He helped her to her feet and she curled up in the visitors chair, while he perched on the edge of the desk. "I just think it was the shock of seeing her here."
"Well that's perfectly understandable."
"I mean I haven't seen her in years. I was with Sean when she last made a buddy attempt. She really liked the idea of a doctor for a son-in-law."
Josh grimaced. "She liked him, then?"
"Yeah. She did. That should have been my first clue he was no good." Donna sighed when she saw the expression on Josh's face. It was so obvious he was biting his tongue. "Go ahead, say it."
"What?" Josh exclaimed innocently.
"Whatever, snarky, *Josh* thing you were going to say about my relationship with Sean."
"I wasn't. . ." He saw the *look*. "Well, he wasn't exactly your finest moment."
"Yes, well, we all know by now my taste in men leaves plenty to be desired." She stared at him pointedly.
Josh smirked, blissfully ignorant. "Most of us learn from our mistakes."
Donna bit back a laugh. "Or we just repeat them *precisely* over and over and over and over -"
"Alright, fine." Josh interrupted her. "We were talking about you and Angie."
Donna's smile disappeared. "Angie? You met her?"
"Yeah, they were coming in just as I was leaving. David introduced me. I'm sorry, I should have made the connection." He smiled apologetically.
"How could you? I mentioned her name, what, once, three years ago? I don't even remember if I told you her last name. You had no way of knowing. I mean who would ever have thought. . .? " she trailed off helplessly.
"What do you want to do about dinner tomorrow?" Josh asked gently. "I'm sure if I talk to Sam he'll understand."
"No. We've planned this for months. I want my whole family there. Sam is part of that." She straightened her shoulders. "I am not going to let that woman ruin yet another holiday for me. She did enough of that when I was a child."
Josh smiled, still unsure. "If you say so. But if you change your mind, we'll all understand."
"It'll be fine. We. . .." She stopped suddenly. "Oh!"
"What?"
"I think maybe I should talk to mom and dad first."
Josh nodded. "They would probably appreciate a heads-up, at least."
"Yeah, they have a right to a peaceful holiday." She nodded firmly to herself . She pulled herself together, then asked, "So how did it go with Senator Laughton?"
Josh was unfazed by the sudden topic change. "He knows where we stand and what will happen if he gets too noisy about Annie."
"You think he'll back off?"
Josh nodded confidently. "He won't be back."
**********
"Hey, baby girl," Nick greeted as Donna met them in the reception area. "I know we're a bit early, but with the rain we cut our walking tour short. We thought it would be a good time for you to show us where you work. Not to mention, the vast quantity of crap you must know about this place. It won't be a problem will it?"
Donna smiled at the old joke. "Not crap, Daddy, *information*." She kissed her father's cheek. "I'll have you know the President shares my love of *information*. And no, it's not a problem." She hugged Lynnie. "Hi, mom."
Lynnie looked at her daughter carefully, then reached up to caress one pale cheek. "What is it baby?"
Donna closed her eyes and bit her lip. "Before we have a look around, I need to talk to you."
"Is everything okay, Donnatella?" Nick asked, obviously concerned.
"Can we just. . ." She led them back through the bullpen. "We can use Josh's office."
Lynnie looked around a little awed. "You're sure he won't mind?"
"No. It'll be fine." She indicated the visitors chairs. "Have a seat."
Once they were settled, she leaned against the edge of Josh's desk. "I'm not really sure how to tell you guys this."
"You know you can tell us anything, baby," Nick coaxed gently.
Donna smiled sadly. "I know, Daddy." She took a deep breath. "Angela is here."
Nick started violently and Lynnie reached for his hand. "What? When?" Nick fumbled for words.
"I told you Sam's parents are separated."
"Yes, he had invited them here to try to work things through as a family." Lynnie shook her head. "What has this to do with Angela?"
Donna took another deep breath. "The reason the Seaborn's split, was Mr. Seaborn had had a mistress. For over 25 years." Her jaw clenched. "They're still together. He brought her here this weekend."
"Oh, no! Poor Sam!" Lynnie exclaimed compassionately.
"Angela is the mistress isn't she?" Nick asked softly.
Donna nodded. "Yes, Daddy. I saw her this morning."
Nick stood and drew his daughter into his arms. "I'm so sorry, baby."
Donna hugged her father tightly. "I'm okay, Daddy." She pulled back to see his face. "I was a bit of a mess at first, the shock of seeing her was overwhelming. But I'm okay now."
Lynnie came to stand beside them and laid her hand on Donna's back. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'm not going to let her ruin another holiday for us." She stepped out of her parent's embrace. "I need to know what you want to do about dinner."
"Oh, wow." Nick blurted. "I hadn't thought of that." He turned to Lynnie. "What do you think, love?"
Lynnie smiled at her husband lovingly. "I think *our* daughter has put a lot of effort into this holiday. She wanted us to get to know the people who are important to her here." She wrapped an arm around Donna. "Personally, I look forward to getting to know these people who have been here to see my little girl turn into such an amazing woman."
Donna's eyes filled. "Oh, Mom!" She buried herself in Lynnie's loving arms.
Nick enfolded both his girls in a tight embrace. "It's settled then." He whispered. "Besides that. If we don't have them to dinner, poor Sam would have to have Thanksgiving with his mother, his father, and his father's mistress." He laughed softly. "I don't know the boy, but I wouldn't wish that on anyone."
"Neither would I," Josh remarked from the door. "I'm sorry," he said, hesitating. "I really am, but I have to get into my desk."
Donna steeped back from her parents. "I'm sorry, Josh." She wiped her tear stained cheeks. "What do you need?"
Josh started to say something, then stopped when he saw the determined set of Donna's jaw. "The McCurty file."
"It's in your pack."
"I couldn't find it."
Donna sighed indulgently. "I put it there myself."
"Well it's not there now, Donna." Josh handed her the back pack. "See for yourself. I need that file for my meeting with Devereaux."
She took the pack from him and opened it. "Yes, and that is why I put it right here, marked McCurty/Devereaux." She handed him a blue file folder with the beginnings of a smug grin , then straightened and raised her eyebrows at him..
Josh just shrugged. "She does this on purpose," he said to her father with a conspiratorial grin. "You should see my files." He glanced slyly at Donna. "She ever leaves, no one will ever find *anything* in there."
Nick just laughed taking, in the expression of fond exasperation on his daughter's face.
Donna had both hands on her hips. "Yes, Josh, I have nothing better to do with my time than make sure your filing cabinet is an incomprehensible mess."
"You said it, not me." His grin widened. "My father always said my mom did the same thing. Made sure he wouldn't even find his desk with out the map only she could provide."
Lynnie's eyes widened. "Your parents worked together?" she asked.
"Yeah, that's how the met." Josh started putting things back in his pack. "She came in as a temp, ended up as office manager for the firm." He opened a file read for a moment the tossed it on the desk.
"So you're telling me your mother was your father's assistant?" Lynnie pushed.
"Yeah, for years." He answered absently. He finally looked up to find Lynnie's appraising gaze on him. "Yeah so -" He squirmed slightly, smiled rather awkwardly and turned to Donna only to find her glaring at Lynnie. "Uh, Donna?" Her eyes shot back to him. "So the plan for tomorrow is. . .?"
"Same as before." Donna smiled brightly obviously relieved by the subject change. "All of us. Together. Having a great meal with wonderful company."
"Sounds good." He waved the file she had handed him. "Well I have to. . ." He nodded at them and left.
**********
Sam, once again, found himself in familiar territory outside the American Airlines terminal at National. This time waiting for his mother. He was visibly agitated, pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself. One of the guards at the security check kept giving him funny looks which he ignored.
"Sammy?"
His head snapped up. "Mom."
"Hi, sweetie." Kate Seaborn hugged her son tightly. Then help him at arms length. "You look tired."
Sam had to laugh. "I'm fine, Mom. It's just well ." He stopped unable to find the words to adequately describe the disaster this holiday had become. He finally sighed and said, "I don't even know where to start."
Kate's blue eyes, so very like her son's, filled, immediately with concern. "What is it?"
Sam's shoulder slumped, his exhaustion clear. This was not the place for this conversation. "Can we wait till we get to the hotel?"
Kate, able to clearly see her son's distress acquiesced. "Of course."
Sam blew out a sharp breath of relief. "Let's go get your luggage and get going then." He took her carry on and hoisted it over his shoulder.
"Oh, don't worry about the luggage." Kate grabbed his arm and headed for the doors instead. "Michael is grabbing it and meeting us out front."
All colour drained from Sam's face. "Michael?" he squeaked.
************
the end part 3