Non Sum Qualis Eram part 11

By Ecri

See Part One for Disclaimer and Spoilers.

Washington, D.C.

Donna Moss' Apartment

3:40 AM

Donna heard a distant, muffled ringing, and blearily opened her eyes. Seeing the glowing digital numbers of her alarm clock slip from 3:40 to 3:41, she squeezed her eyes shut and groaned. She knew it had to be Josh. No one else ever called her at this time, and it was her cell phone. Sighing, she slipped out of her warm bed and ran barefoot to her purse, which she'd tossed on the floor by the bedroom door an hour ago.

She snapped the phone open, wondering why she hadn't thought to shut it off before going to bed. "Joshua Lyman, do you know what time it is?"

She listened to his soft reply, her indignation melting into fear and worry, as she dashed into her living room and fumbled for her television remote. Clicking on CNN, she saw footage of Sam and the Vice President being hustled into a car as a commentator gave a few details.

"Okay, Josh. I'll be there in 20 minutes." She hung up, tossed the phone in her bag, and, grateful she'd taken a shower to relax just before going to bed forty minutes ago, she dressed and dashed out of her apartment in under two minutes. She was nearly at the White House when she realized she hadn't stopped for one red light.

**

The White House

Oval Office

4:22 AM

President Bartlet stared at the telephone wondering why it wasn't ringing. "Charlie!"

His bellow brought the young man to the door. "They haven't called, sir. I've asked the switchboard to put it through as soon as they do."

Bartlet nodded. "Of course you did. Sorry about that." Bartlet turned his attention to his Chief of Staff. "You sure you told me everything you know?"

"Yes, sir. You saw the news clip." Leo's face was pale, though his voice was strong and clear.

Jed Bartlet shuddered at the image his mind conjured. Seeing Sam Seaborn standing, smiling, and shaking the hands of the people who would decide his future only to have one of them stab him. Jed began to pace wishing someone had more information for him.

Abbey, seated on the sofa nearest her husband's desk, rose and walked to his side. She couldn't say much to comfort him, so she offered her physical presence as support and succor.


Leo watched the transformation once again, as the President became the man. Jed reached for his wife's hand and brought it up to rest over his heart, covering it with his own. He knew, as Abbey surely did, why Jed wanted her here. Aside from the need to have his wife nearby in times of personal crisis, as he surely saw this situation, he would need her to translate the medical jargon once they got a update.


Discreetly, the Chief of Staff turned away when Abbey leaned in closer to her husband and whispered comforting words in hushed tones.

**

California

Vice Presidential Motorcade

"What the hell happened, Joe?" John Hoynes barked at Joe Martin, head of his Secret Service Detail. "I thought the area was secured!"

Joe was simultaneously dealing with an irate Vice President and a bleeding congressional candidate while listening to various reports coming through his radio. "Sir, the area was secure"

"Then why is this man bleeding?" Hoynes reached across Sam's prone form and helped the younger man put pressure on the gash in his arm.

"We've apprehended the perpetrator, sir. The hospital has been notified of our arrival. ETA in 2 minutes."

Hoynes nodded, his attention still on the younger man by his side. The Vice President was sure that, were he to ask, Sam would say it looked worse than it was. Sam Seaborn was already trying to minimize his discomfort. He hadn't said a word since that moment on the line. Hoynes tried to recall exactly what had happened, knowing the President, his staff, and, of course, Ron Butterfield, would want to know every detail.

He had watched in admiration tinged with a bit of nostalgia as Sam Seaborn took the podium. The younger man had kept his remarks short and succinct, but he knew how to get the most out of every second in front of an audience. Hoynes had been reminded of his own first race for office in an equally staunch Republican district in Texas. He'd held his own by clinging strongly to his own beliefs, but the size of his campaign contributions had far outdistanced what Seaborn had to draw upon. He shook his head wondering what Seaborn intended to do to keep the funds from dissipating too quickly.

Hoynes would gladly have made a donation, but had had to settle for wrangling a few sizable contributions from several people who still owed him favors. As far as he knew, Seaborn and his camp hadn't uncovered his own connection to their sudden windfall.

Seaborn spoke from the heart, and he had a way of connecting with the people. No one who heard him speak, who looked into his eyes as they scanned the crowd, could doubt his sincerity.

Hoynes had waited for his own introduction, and it had been a good one. He'd been flattered by the kind words, and had even improvised a comment or two regarding how well Seaborn spoke of him. He'd gotten a few laughs before launching into his own speech about the environment, and then driving home his point that Sam Seaborn would protect the environment with every breath in his body.

He'd asked Seaborn to return to the stage, and it took some coaxing. The kid seemed determined not to be seen as taking advantage of his close ties to the Bartlet Administration. It was Hoynes appeals to the audience, who'd broken into wild applause, that had finally brought the man back on stage. Hoynes wasted no time, and crossed the stage to meet Seaborn halfway. He'd immediately raised Sam's arm above his head, and, to the accompanying roar of the crowd, urged them to vote for Sam Seaborn.

Sam had seemed somewhat embarrassed, and Hoynes could see the flash of a moment in his eyes when Hoynes knew that Sam was wondering what he was doing here, and how he had gotten himself into this. Hoynes laughed, recognizing the moment, though he'd never seen it so clearly in anyone else save himself. The laughter seemed to release Seaborn from whatever internal thoughts or demons held him back. He'd locked eyes with Hoynes, and, knowing the Vice President had seen what he'd been thinking joined him in a wholehearted laugh. Hoynes remembered thinking he'd never really heard that hearty sound from the younger man before.

It was upon their leaving that Hoynes realized he should have been more cautious. He'd seen his Secret Service detail at the rope line. Sam had demurred to the Vice President's preferences, but he'd been relieved when he realized that Hoynes wanted to walk the line as much as he did.

"I didn't know if you'd go in for this kind of thing." Seaborn's confession brought a smile to Hoynes lips.

"I admit I enjoy it, but probably not as much as the President."


"I've never met a soul who enjoys a rope line as much as the President."

With that, they'd approached the line, took hands in their own, smiled to the crowd, and been semi-blinded by the flash of the cameras. It wasn't until his detail had stepped forward, someone shouting "weapon", that Hoynes became aware of the danger. Seaborn, a step ahead of him in more ways than one, turned, and apparently seeing something more clearly than Hoynes, moved to make way for the Agent who tried to pull Hoynes away from the line. Hoynes caught a flash of something shiny, then saw Seaborn actually step towards it shielding Hoynes from whatever was in front of him. Seaborn had almost immediately stumbled backwards, into Hoynes grasp. The Vice President held on to the congressional hopeful with a grip of iron. When his Agents tried to dislodge his grip, he'd only tightened it. Agent McFarland locked his eyes on his charge. "Mr. Vice President"

"You're wasting time, Agent."

His choice of words was deliberate. He usually called Agent McFarland by his first name. The formal use of his title would let the man know the Vice President would neither argue nor leave Seaborn behind.

McFarland didn't hesitate again. Adapting to the situation, he and his men shielded Hoynes and Seaborn, hurried them into the waiting limo, and allowed the rest of the detail to find the assailants.

Now, Hoynes attention was unshakably on the bleeding, somewhat dazed man sitting next to him. Just when Hoynes was about to demand to know where the hell the hospital was, they stopped and Agent McFarland announced they'd arrived.

Hoynes exited as soon as McFarland opened his door, but, to the consternation of every agent on his detail, his self-appointed task as Seaborn's guardian didn't end simply because they'd reached the hospital. Hoynes stuck to the younger man's side all the way into the ER.

**

The White House


Charlie sat at his desk, wondering why he always seemed to be waiting to hear about someone who'd been hurt. His mother, Josh and the Presidentlast year when Deanna had been injured in a basketball gameHis only consolation, and it was a bitter one at that, was that he hadn't been with Sam. This time, it couldn't be his fault.

He stared across the room to the desk he still thought of as Mrs. Landingham's. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate Debbie Fiderer. It was in times like these, however, that he would have found the older woman's presence to be a bit more of an anchor. She could make the bad times seem temporary somehow. Without her, it seemed things slipped more easily into chaos.

He imagined her looking at him now. He knew the look of concern and support that would be on her face. He knew she'd have taken his hand and told him that she knew what he was thinking, and that a twinkle in her eye would make it obvious that she was about to say something to take his mind off of what was happening. He also knew that, however it turned out, she would be there for him to hold onto if that was what he needed.

His eyes misted a bit, and he looked at the photograph the President had given to him in a silver frame for Christmas. It was of himself, the President, and Mrs. Landingham. He'd proudly placed it next to the picture CJ had given him earlier in the year. "I miss you." His voice was so low, he could barely hear it himself, but he could almost hear her reply. "I miss you, too, Charlie, but I'm never far."

A noise down the hall shook him from his dark thoughts. He looked up as Josh and Donna stopped by his desk, both looking disheveled and distressed. "Is he in?" Josh glanced towards the Oval.

Charlie nodded. "He's waiting for you."

As soon as Josh entered, the phone rang. Charlie answered, nodding to CJ and Toby as they arrived and gesturing for them to go right into the Oval Office. Moments later, Charlie stood in the office door. "Mr. President, I have Will Bailey on the line."

Charlie transferred the call, and sat down, as Donna stared at the now closed door to the Oval Office.

On the other side of that door Bartlet nodded and gestured towards the phone. Leo took the hint and put the call on the speaker.

Bartlet spoke. "We're here. Tell us what you know."

"Mr. President?" Bailey sounded flustered, and didn't say anything else.

Bartlet exhaled slowly. He wasn't in the mood for people who were flustered by his title. "Mr. Bailey. Tell us what you know."

"Right. Yesyes, sir. The Vice President is fine, sir. Sam's being examined now. They said it's a bad wound, deep, but they seemed optimistic."

Bartlet studied his wife's face, but she hadn't heard enough. She stepped closer to the speaker. "Mr. Bailey, this is Dr. Bartlet. I need to speak to a doctor or a nurse about Sam's condition."

They heard a thumping noise followed by several muffled words then Will Bailey spoke again. "Uhsorry about that. I dropped the phone."

Toby slapped his forehead with his hand and turned his back on the desk. CJ caught a glimpse of him actually biting his lip as if he needed the physical restraint to keep his mouth closed.


Josh felt no such need. He strode quickly across the room and leaned towards the speakerphone until he was mere inches away. "Will, whatever you're doing stop it, and talk to us! We want to know what's going on! If you can't handle that, find someone who can!" They heard another thump.

"Good going, Josh! He dropped the phone again!" Toby turned to face them, his face red, and his hands clenched into fists.

**

Hoag Hospital

Orange County, CA

The Vice President spoke in hushed tones having learned long ago that it was one of the best ways to get people to listen to him. The doctor certainly had leaned forward and given Hoynes his complete attention. "If it is as minor as you're saying, why are you keeping him here?"

"Mr. Seaborn has lost a lot of blood, and upon his arrival, we determined that he had slipped into shock. We'd like to monitor his recovery."

Hoynes was a politician first and foremost, but he could also read people, and right now, he believed the doctor was holding out. "DoctorFarrell, was it?" When the doctor nodded Hoynes continued. "I won't dispute what you're saying. We both want Sam to recover as speedily as possible, but when the President calls me and asks why his favorite speechwriter and the man he hopes will take the California 47th is in the hospital, he's going to want details. There's something you're not telling me isn't there?"

Doctor Farrell looked down the hall where four Secret Service agents stood. Two more stood a pace behind the Vice President acting as though they hadn't heard a word of the conversation taking place right before their eyes. "Mr. Vice President, according to the man who was wielding the knife, the wound will be fatal. He won't say why. We're analyzing the blade now. Simply put, until we know what we're dealing with, whether it's a real threat or simply a last effort to cause panic, we want him where we can see him."

Hoynes nodded. "Thank you for your candor, Doctor." He leaned to the right and addressed his senior agent. "Set up some security for him. I'm going to call the President in a little while." The agent nodded.

"Sir?" Another agent called for his attention, and when he turned, John Hoynes saw his wife being escorted to his side.

John hugged his wife as she flung herself into his arms. "It's okay. I'm not hurt."

She held on fiercely as if needing to verify that he was real. Finally, she loosened her grip and stepped back. "John, I was so worried."

"I know. I'm okay. I'm waiting to hear how Sam is."

In that moment, Will Bailey rounded the corner almost at a dead run. The Secret Service agents stopped him, physically barring his way while trying to decipher what he was trying to say.

Hoynes sighed. He wanted to go and check on Sam, or stay here and talk to his wife, but he knew he'd better handle Seaborn's Campaign Director. It would do wonders for Sam's campaign, not to mention the reputation of the Secret Service, if the odd little man were arrested.

The Vice President and his wife, with their own agents in tow, approached the agents who held Bailey. "It's alright, gentlemen. He's here for Seaborn." He turned to face a visibly shaken Bailey. "Why the 100 yard dash?"

"Oh, uhI ha..have the President on the phone." He pointed to a pay phone around the corner. "I was asked to call the White House to let them now what was happening, and"

"Is he on hold? Do you have the President on hold? On a pay phone?"

Slowly, a look of horror spread across Will Bailey's face, and in the silence following Hoynes' question, they could both hear a voice coaching Will to pick up the phone.

Hoynes crossed the distance to the phone, and snatched the receiver before it could once again strike the wall. "Mr. President?"

**

The White House

CJ took a step closer to Toby as he rambled on about Will Bailey dropping the phone. Her physical presence seemed to calm him somewhat.

Josh was making incoherent noises until Leo took his arm and forced him to stand still. "Settle down." His voice was a whisper, but his expression was a shout. He could see Josh's blood pressure rising as if it were one of old those cartoons. He half-expected to see a thermometer pop out of the top of his head with the mercury gushing through a hole it blew out of the top.

Bartlet leaned towards the speaker, though on some level, he knew proximity wasn't necessary. "WillWill Bailey, pick up the phone! WillMy God" He glanced around the room taking in the faces of his staff and his wife. "How is this man running a major congressional campaign? How is this man running Sam's major congressional campaign?" He glared at Toby, CJ, and Josh, and each of them looked uncomfortable with the scrutiny, feeling they'd somehow failed their friend.

Pointedly, Bartlet turned back to the speaker and yelled louder. "Will, pick up the phone and talk to me!"

Abbey glared at her husband. "Jed, you need to calm down. You're not going to get anywhere by yelling at the phone!"

"Mr. President?" John Hoynes voice almost immediately calmed everyone in the room.

Jed favored his wife with a look that said You were wrong. That was all me.' conveniently turning back to the speaker before he saw her we'll discuss that later' look.

"Thank God! John, what's going on?"

The Vice President recapped what Dr. Farrell had told him, and at Abbey's request, had the doctor promise to call her directly with an update when he had more information.

"Mr. President, I've asked my Agent to set up some security for Sam for tonight, and I plan to stay here with him until he's out of the woods."

Before Bartlet could reply, Josh stepped forward. "I'll be there tomorrow, Mr. Vice President."

Bartlet considered this. "Okay, John, Josh will be there tomorrow. You do whatever you need to do, but stay with Sam. Have you spoken to him?"

"Not yet, sir. They were about to let me in, when I found out you were on the phone."

"Okay. You go be with him, and if he's up to it, have him give me a call. He'll be put straight through to me no matter what time it is."

**

Hoag Hospital

Orange County, CA

Sam sat on the bed, studying the bandage that covered his right arm. Why'd it have to be his right arm? He'd already tried flexing a few muscles, holding a pen in his hand, and miming the movements of typing on his laptop. He knew he shouldn't be worried. Chances were good that he'd recover full mobility. No point in worrying about a thing that might never happen.

He turned startled when he heard the sound of the curtain being drawn back. There stood the Vice President and his wife, one of his agents, and a nurse. The nurse quickly stepped to Sam's side.

"Mr. Seaborn, you shouldn't be sitting up."

Sam wavered a bit, his equilibrium still off from the attack and the loss of blood. Instantly, Hoynes was by his side, a steadying hand on his good arm.

He smiled at the Vice President in gratitude and not a little confusion. "Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome, Sam. You should be resting."

"No arguments here, sir." Sam allowed the Vice President and the nurse to help him settle back in the bed. "I'm not going home?" Sam sounded a little befuddled.

"No, sir, you need to stay the night." The nurse spoke a little loudly, and didn't seem at all surprised by the question.

"It's just a scratch." The impact of Sam's insistence was somewhat lessened by the soft tone and the unintentional closing of his eyes.

"Sam?" Hoynes called the young man softly. The Vice President could see the younger man was still trembling from the shock. If Sam needed to sleep, he'd just call the President back and explain.

He was spared that arduous task when Sam's eyes fluttered open and he smiled at Hoynes. "Mr. Vice President?

"We'll let you rest in just a minute, Sam. You have a call to make first." He picked up the receiver from the bedside phone and dialed. Finally getting a hold of Charlie, Hoynes handed the phone to Sam.

**

The Oval Office

Silence permeated the Oval Office almost as intensely as did the worry of its occupants. Abruptly, the President stood, stormed towards the door, and threw it open. "Charlie, call"

The phone rang cutting off the President's order.

Charlie picked it up. "Hello. Yes. That's good to hear." He looked at the President. "Mr. President. It's Sam."

"Put it through." Jed turned back to his desk, gesturing towards Leo, who answered the call almost before the ring sounded.

The President called out loudly. "Sam?"

The others in the room stood and gathered closer to the phone.

"Mr. President?"

"Sam, you don't know what a relief if is to hear your voice."

"Yes, sir. I think I do, sir."

Abbey took her husband's arm. "Sam, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Ma'am."

Abbey was shaking her head before he finished speaking. "Try again."

Sam was silent for a moment, and when he spoke it was in a quieter, less exuberant tone. They could all hear the fatigue and anxiety in their friend's voice. "I'mtired, Ma'am. The doctors here stitched my arm and have me on some painkillers. Truthfully, they're really good painkillers, but they're making me feel a littleloopy."

Abbey smiled. "We won't keep you. We're glad you're all right." She didn't mention the rest of what they'd been told, unsure if Sam had been told at all, or if he'd even remember it depending on what kind of drugs he was taking.

"I'll say!" The President motioned to the others in the room to step towards the desk. "Listen to what the doctors have to tell you." Bartlet's mind was trying to convince himself he could go as well, but he was failing miserably. He glanced around the office at the anxious faces waiting their turn. "Sam, there's a room full of people here who want to speak to you, but I outrank them, so I go first."

"Yes, sir, first. Right after your wife." Toby's voice carried across the room, and got the first laugh from Sam.

"Don't encourage him, Sam," the President admonished.

"Sorry, sir."

"Sounds like you're enjoying yourself at Toby's expense." Josh's voice was tinged with relief, anxiety, and, if Sam hadn't been on painkillers, he might have identified apprehension.

"I have to laugh at someone's expense."

"Sam, you have to take better care of yourself." CJ wished she had thought of something better to say, but she had to say something. She couldn't sit here mute after all the time she'd just spent worrying.

"I'm sure my mother would agree with you."

"Okay, everybody, let the man recover in peace." Leo stared Toby, Josh, and CJ down. "Sam, call us tomorrow and let us know how you are."

"Sure thing, sir."

Sensing Sam's growing fatigue, the President decided they'd kept him on the phone long enough. "Sam, you take care of yourself and put the Vice President on." The President waited for Hoynes familiar voice. "John, Ron Butterfield tells me this was meant for you."

"That's the current theory. I get the distinct impression that they haven't told me everything."

"Really. Well, I'll try to figure out what that is, and let you know by the time you get back. And John, thanks for looking after him."

"You're welcome, Mr. President."

Bartlet clicked off the call and looked around at his tired staff. "He's okay,"

They all smiled.

"Leo, I want to know what the Secret Service knows about this."

"Yes, sir."

"Josh, you're going to California tomorrow"

"I'm going with him, Jed." It was clear to everyone that Abbey Bartlet had made her decision.

"Oh, no you're not! Someone just tried to kill Sam and Hoynes!"

"I want to talk to the doctors. Besides, if I don't go, you won't know what's going on. Josh won't have a clue what they're telling him."

Josh's eyebrows both raised so far up on his forehead, they looked ready to merge with his hairline. "She'sgot a point about that, sir."

"Oh, all right!" He turned on everyone else in the room. "But no one else!"

"Sir, can I bring Donna?"

Bartlet sighed. "You have to. I can't trust you to make it home without her help! Now, get out of here, all of you. We've had a busy night, and we're going to have a busy day."

Choruses of "Yes, sir" and "Thank you, Mr. President" echoed through the room.

When they were finally alone, Jed turned to Abbey. "Make sure they save him, Abbey."

"I'll do what I can, Jed."

**

When Charlie put the call through to the Oval Office, Donna stood in front of his desk. When he didn't immediately answer her unspoken questions, she tried speaking them. "Well?"

Charlie considered playing the "Well, what?" game, but he saw the fear in Donna's blue eyes, her creased brow, and even in her tense stance. "He's fine, Donna. He sounded a little tired, but he's really just fine."

"Fine?" She took half a step back. "Fine? He's fine." She took another step back and landed hard in the chair she'd only just vacated. Charlie rushed over to her afraid the chair might tip if she overbalanced. He saw her relief spill down her face in a flow of tears, and he handed her a hanky.

After a few moments, Josh came barreling out of the room. He and Toby were talking at the same time, with CJ trying to get them both to stop. Donna thanked Charlie, and raced after her boss.

Josh turned to find her at his side. "Donna, go home and pack. We're going to Orange County. Be back here ASAP. We're going on Air Force One."

Donna stopped. "The President's going?" She was sure something was wrong. Sam must not be fine if the President was going.

"No, Abbey's going."

"Oh. Isn't it just called Air Force One if the President is on it?"

"We're going on the big Presidential plane! Now go home and pack!"


Donna didn't even blink. She stopped at her desk, grabbed her coat and purse, and raced out the door.

**

To Be Continued