Desolation, Part IV

Author: Sirius

Disclaimer: See Part I

Author's Note: This part is shorter than intended, as Real Life has conspired to interfere with my writing, but I will be continuing this and should have Part V up soon, which will continue right where this one leaves off.  As always, feedback is welcome. 

Saturday – Immediately after the evening briefing – about 5:15pm – West Wing

"Debbie!"  The President's shout carried clearly through the doors separating the Oval from the outer office.  Debbie, hearing the urgency behind it, put down her work and hurried in, a worried CJ only a few steps behind.  Toby, watching the scene playing out before him with great intensity, picked up the chess piece that had dropped to the floor – the black knight.  With deliberate care, he placed the piece in its previous position on the board.

"How did we not know about this?"  The tone of CJ's voice hinted at both concern and an oncoming rant.  "Where's Charlie?"

"That's what I'd like to know."  The President sighed, turning his eyes to his secretary.  "Debbie, page the senior staff – Donna and Ainsley, as well.  I want everyone in the office who might know where Charlie is if we can't find him.  Call him, page him, I don't care how, but get him back here.  Check with the switchboard and the front desk; find out who told him."

"Yes, sir," she replied, "but I get the feeling that I've missed something."

"That jackass of a stand-in from the Post hit me with something in the briefing," CJ replied.  "Apparently, Charlie's sister was murdered sometime last night or this morning.  He said it was gang-related."

Bartlet shook his head as Debbie – white-faced – went to do her job.  "Charlie wouldn't let Deena anywhere near someone who was in or otherwise involved with a gang.  You all know that.  It's possible she got caught in the crossfire, but there aren't any gangs in Charlie's neighborhood.  What I'd like to know is what the hell is going on.  I'm calling Abbey.  She'd want to be here."

He paced while Debbie made the calls, and CJ wasn't much better.  Toby contemplated the black knight on the chessboard.  What's going through your head, Charlie?  Why didn't you tell us what was going on?  Toby's mind drifted back to that chaotic night in the waiting room at GW – Charlie, standing with the rest of them, waiting for word on Josh and the President.  Charlie, offering quiet support to Donna as she stood there waiting for some word on the fate of the man that she loved – even if she still didn't know it.  He remembered Charlie refusing the offer of immunity.  "I stick with my team," he said.  Yeah, Charlie, you stick with your team.  This time, let us stick with you.  Answer the phone when Debbie calls.  Pick up the phone, haul ass to get back here, and we'll get through this together.  Toby said nothing, but the memories ran through his head throughout the entire half hour that it took for the rest of the Senior Staff to make their way back to the West Wing.

The senior staff, Donna and Ainsley had all taken seats in the Oval Office when Debbie walked in with that morning's visitor log, already having looked it over.  "There was a police captain here shortly after nine o'clock this morning, sir.  His name is Anthony DiMenna.  That would be around the last time that I saw Charlie.  I didn't think anything of it because I thought he was running errands for you, sir.  I'm sorry."

Bartlet sighed.  "It's not your fault, Debbie.  Charlie doesn't often talk about family problems, but it makes sense that Marissa Young's former partner would be the one to tell him."

"Sir," Leo interrupted.  "Pardon me for being blunt, but what the hell's going on, and what does it have to do with Charlie?"

Quietly, rage visible in his eyes, the President informed the Senior Staff of the events of the day, gaining an instant reaction from all save Toby and CJ, as they already knew.  "Debbie's been trying to get a hold of Charlie since the second she finished calling of you in.  She would have told me if she'd reached him, so for the moment, I'm presuming that he turned off his cell or just isn't answering.  She called the building superintendent, as well.  If Charlie's home, he's not letting anyone know it.  I want suggestions on where he might be, I want him found and I want him here."

"Police station?" Josh suggested. 

"Not likely he'd stay there for this long," Leo responded, "but I'll call.  Sir, you said his mother's partner told him?"

"He's the only one who could have – Captain Anthony DiMenna.  I think Charlie mentioned something about him being with the 83rd precinct, but it's been awhile since he's mentioned his mother."

Leo headed to his office to make the call.  Most of the Senior Staff were still in varying degrees of shock, and Ron – always near his protectee – was silently and unobtrusively observing everything.  "Mr. President," he said.  Though he spoke softly, everyone heard him.  His presence was familiar to them all, but Ron Butterfield's voice – more often than not – produced an instinctive feeling of alarm, as it was rarely directed toward his protectee in the presence of others… save in a crisis situation.  Ron noted the alarm spreading through the room, and spoke quickly.  "If Charlie isn't at the precinct, there's a possibility that he might be with his teacher.  I could call the Admiral, if you'd like me to check?"

The President look confused, and shot Ron a chilled look that spoke volumes.  Explain.

Ron almost smiled.  "Charlie didn't tell you, did he?  He came to me shortly after Rosslyn, asking for recommendations on a suitable self-defense instructor for his younger sister… one for himself, as well.  They'd apparently both had some basic training with Detective Young's former captain, but Charlie wanted to make sure his sister could take care of herself.  Reinholdt's been teaching her ever since, but I took Charlie to meet up with Admiral Kaersi – my former instructor.  For all that he's retired, sir, I still wouldn't want to get on his shit list.  He's talented where… anger management… is concerned, Mr. President, and I thought perhaps Charlie would go to his place if he felt the need to … well... punch things."

"Call him, Ron.  In the meantime, does anyone else have any ideas?"

"Cemetery?" Toby suggested.

"Church?"  This came from Ainsley.

"Washington Monument, maybe."  Donna's suggestion overlapped the muffled words coming out of Ron's mouth.  He hung up just as Donna finished speaking, and shook his head.  Charlie wasn't there.

Leo walked back into the room.  "I've got DiMenna on hold.  I figured this would be easier if I just transferred him over here and put him on speaker."