Chapter two.
C.J and Toby stood in the Press Briefing room, breathing deeply. Toby took a deep breath and began:
"Last week, two photographs were taken of Miss C.J. Cregg and myself, Toby Zeigler. The first showed us entering my apartment in the late evening, the second, us leaving in the early morning. The pictures, and various speculations, were posted on the Internet yesterday and are in today's newspapers. We cannot deny the allegations of our relationship."
He took a step back, looked at her pointedly and she took her usual stance at the podium, albeit looking more tired and withdrawn than usual. She was very serious and the reporters soon picked up on the fact that she was not her usual self. "Any questions?"
Her voice was shaky and it unnerved Toby slightly. He had changed his tune since he and Sam had written the speech. He stepped forward and squeezed her hand slightly. "C.J." he whispered. "Ask someone." She shook her head slightly as if removing herself from a daze and gave him a weak smile.
"Erm… Katie?" She called, purposely avoiding Danny's eyes and raised hand.
"C.J., how long has this been going on?"
"About six months or so."
"Since President Bartlet was re-elected?"
"Yes, Katie."
"C.J.!" Danny called out. His face was pale and he looked shocked. "Do you love him C.J?" His eyes bored into hers. She looked away from him, up to Josh and Sam behind the glass at the back of the room, then to Toby.
"Yes, yes I do."
She glanced back at Danny and her eyes locked with his. They searched for the answer she hadn't given, the one he wanted her to give, but it wasn't there. She felt nothing for him. Then she turned back to Toby and smiled, without realising. He smiled back at her nervously; he was eager for this to be over.
"Steve?" She shouted out.
"Will you both be continuing to work here?"
She glanced back at Toby. "We are currently in discussion about the matter. That is a full lid on this subject! I will brief you again at two. NO MORE QUESTIONS!" She yelled at the Press, seeing Josh making throat-slitting motions at her. They walked out the room, straight into the Oval Office, hearts pounding.
"That was fun!" She said sarcastically as the rest of the Senior Staff and the President joined them.
"Are you currently in discussion?" Sam asked, his face serious.
"We'll need a meeting. Tonight." Toby said quietly.
The President nodded and pressed the intercom button on his telephone. "Charlie, everyone in this room needs to be free tonight from nine. Including me."