Title: A Daughters Love Author: McWillow22 - aka: littlestarling Rating: Pg13 Summary: Au fic. Jed and Abbey help Mallory overcome a great loss Spoilers: None that I know of A/n: Here's another part people. I'm really not sure where I'm going with this, so I'll just keep writing till inspiration hits me I suppose. Anyway, hope you like.this one's quite angsty (which one hasn't been I ask myself) and of course, reviews are always considered most kind. x

Jed rubbed a hand over his face and took a deep breath before easing the door that lead from the oval to the chief of staff's office open. From his vantage point he could make out a huddled form on the sofa.

"Mallory?" he whispered.

When he received no reply he pushed the door open fully and stepped inside, his legs carrying him to the front of the sofa. Looking down he saw Mallory curled up in one corner of the sofa sound asleep, her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms folded around a small throw pillow and her head laying at an awkward angle against the arm of the couch. Rubbing a hand through his hair he waited a few seconds before leaning over and touching her shoulder.

"Mallory?"

"Mallory?"

When she began to move a little he took a step back and waited patiently.

Mallory wasn't ready to wake up yet if the dull pain in her head and the sting in her eyes was anything to go by.

" Just one minute." she slurred, her face burrowing once more into the material of the cushion.

Jed smiled a little and sat down on the edge of the table in front of the sofa. Reaching a hand out he lay it softly on her shoulder and squeezed gently.

" Hey!"

Mallory jumped up to a sitting position and Jed couldn't stop the snort of laughter as he studied her dishevelled appearance. Her hair was flattened to her face on one side, the other sticking out dramatically as if to flee, her face sported the design of the cushion cover on one side too, and she peered at him angrily from the one eye that was opened, trying to place the face that held the mischievous grin. He saw slight recognition dawn on her features.

" Your lucky you have the secret service outside the door, if you had been anyone else.."

The President laughed warmly. It was a rarity these days to be spoken to like he was the man and not the office.

" Would you have preferred Abbey to be the one to wake you? "

Mallory winced a little at the pain in her neck and knew what the President was hinting at almost immediately. Abbey would have given her a lecture on muscle damage caused by sleeping at awkward angles.

" Point taken. What time is it?"

Jed looked down at his watch and grimaced a little.

"It's 2.15.way by your bedtime young lady" he winked

Mallory looked around her for the first time and went very still. She slowly stood and gently brushed away the hand that was held out to help her. Edging around the table she went to the desk and lay both hands on it, feeling the coolness seep into her warmed hands, and the grain leave its print on her hand. The desk was clear of all the paperwork that she was accustomed to seeing on it, and also clears of the pictures and kick knacks that had at one time marked the desk belonging to one man. Looking up, her eye was drawn to the antique shelves, and to the object that glittered slightly in the dim light. Frowning, her lips set in a straight line she quickly stepped around and reached up to remove the dusty bottle from it's place. She didn't have to study the label to know what it was. Swinging round she saw the President was now standing, his eyes slightly apprehensive.

" Is this supposed to be some kind of a joke?" she whispered.

Before Jed had a chance to answer, he heard Mallory speak again, this time her voice a little louder.

" You find out who put this here, and you fire them, do you hear me? You fire them, then you tell me who it was.."

The President stepped forward and held up his hands.

" Mal, it's not what you think hon.."

" The hell it is! Who would.Why.I."

"Mal."

" I can't believe this.when I find out who done this I'll."

" Mallory!!"

Mallory jumped, almost loosing the tight grip she had on the bottle in question. She looked up to the President who had come to stand in front of her and shrank back a little at the slight anger in his eyes and face.

" You have got the wrong end of the stick Mallory. If you will listen to me for just a moment I will explain to you why it is here. Ok?"

Mallory had been around Jed Bartlet long enough to know when to shut up and listen. She also knew that tone of voice and had been on the receiving end of it many a time when she was younger. It hadn't happened often in the past few years but Mallory knew that at this moment the President of the United States and not Jed Bartlet was addressing her.

"Yes sir"

Jed shifted a little and took a deep breath to calm him. He wasn't sure why he had suddenly felt so angry but he knew by the way that Mallory stood, her eyes downcast, that he had perhaps gone a little too far. Perhaps, he mused, it was the very suggestion that he would ever let anyone, least of all White House staffers, to disrespect his best friends name in such a manner. He ran a hand through his hair for the millionth time that evening and admitted to himself that he was also very tired and still hurting. When he spoke to Mallory again his voice was much softer, more Jed, and he was pleased to see the slight dropping of her shoulders.

"Mal, the bottle you hold in your hands has been in this room from the day we moved into office. It was left by the previous administration as a present to your dad, complete with a bow, on his desk, for his first day on the job."

Mallory looked up to him for the first time with what he recognised as fresh anger in her eyes. She kept her lips in a firm white line though and waited for the President to finish what he was saying.

" When Leo and I first came in here and saw it, well, I'm sure you can imagine my reaction. But your dad picked it up, pulled of the bow, walked over to the bare shelves and placed it on the end."

He could see the confusion on her face and smiled crookedly.

" I know, sounds crazy huh? I mean your dad, as you well know, was not long out of rehab. This was meant to be a cruel joke. But Leo just shrugged and sat at his desk."

"I don't understand."

"Neither did I for the better part of three years, and then I realised. He was telling me something Mallory. He was telling me that he had won. He was telling me, and himself that he had overcome his problems, and by placing it on his shelf he was telling everyone who walked through that door. It was a testament to his strength and character Mallory, it was a.trophy."

Mallory looked to the bottle in her hands with a new set of eyes and ran a thumb over the fraying label. The pride that swelled in her chest was bittersweet and she choked her words as she tried to say them.

"I'm sorry."

She closed the distance between herself and the President with a quick stride, taking him by surprise, and wrapped one arm firmly around his waist, her face buried in the thin shirt.

Jed recovered quickly and moved to take the bottle from her other hand so she could move more freely. She relinquished it easily and her arm immediately simulated the other. Jed placed the bottle safely on the desk before drawing Mallory's face from his shirt. Looking into her eyes, he smiled.

" Don't be sorry. Your reaction was nothing to what mines was three years ago."

Mallory nodded her head, but the tears kept a steady stream down her face. She looked at Jed helplessly.

" I can't stop crying." she whispered hoarsely, her hands gesturing her failure to do so.

Jed smiled and wiped the back of his hand across one cheek.

" Your tired. Exhausted. You took a big step coming here tonight. You'll feel better in the morning, I promise."

Mallory just hiccupped in response and used the back of her sweater sleeve to wipe her face. She didn't struggle when she felt herself being led from the office, and didn't speak when they made their way through the corridors and up the stairs to the residence. When the agents stationed at the main doors opened the heavy mahogany for them to enter, Mallory didn't hear Jed say goodnight. It was only when the doors closed behind them that she looked up. Abbey was standing at the doorway to the Presidential bedroom, her face drawn into an impression of empathy. Mallory could feel fresh tears brimming her eyes and made her way towards Abbey, settling comfortably into the open arms with a sigh. There was a little shuffling and a few steps before they were sitting, Abbeys arms still wrapped tightly around her, her body rocking slightly.

Jed stood at the doorway, hands deep in his pockets and watched his wife. She had been a natural mother from the start he remembered. She had always seemed to know what she was doing, especially when he didn't. And now, so many years later, when their own children were children no more, she still seemed to know just what to do. He stood watching for a few minutes before making his way into the bathroom to prepare for bed.

Abbey knew that the tears had stopped, and all that remained was the occasional hitched breath. Mallory was taking deep breaths now, her body exhausted, leaning heavily against her own, her head resting against her chest, her arms wrapped loosely around her waist. Abbey had comforted her own daughters many times in this way when they were troubled, although it had been a considerable time since any of them had come to her, she still felt at ease giving it so easily. She absently stroked Mall's hair as she looked over the back of the lounger to where the bathroom light illuminated part of the bedroom.

Mallory listened to the heartbeat under her ear with what little concentration she had left. She honestly couldn't remember feeling so exhausted in all her life. Every bone seemed to have disintegrated in her body and any strength she processed had left her. She couldn't even life her head from it's resting place and was slowly loosing the battle to keep her eyes open. As they closed, she felt the first lady's hand brush the hair back from her forehead, and then she felt no more.

Abbey realised Mallory had fallen asleep just as Jed stepped out the bathroom. She signalled for him to join her with a flick of her head. He walked a little stiffly she noted, but put that to the back of her mind when she saw the expression on his face as he approached. She remembered it fondly. She had seen it on many occasions..when he had walked into the nursery in the farm and she had been feeding Zoey, when she was having a water fight with all the girls in the back yard and he sat watching on the porch.it was the look of a man who put his family above all else. She looked from Jed to Mallory. While it was true she wasn't a little girl anymore, in times like this, when she was so vulnerable and sad, she knew Jed saw her just like that. She smiled warmly at him and watched as he yawned back at her, his posture showing just how exhausted he was too.

" Jed, give me a hand."

She slid an arm under Mallory, supporting her head, and watched as Jed lifted her upper body with a little grimace signifying sore muscles. When she saw the opportunity she slipped out from underneath her and helped Jed lay her back down on the sofa. Walking over to a closet, she removed a thick blanket and made her way back. She watched as Jed removed the slippers from her feet and then handed him the blanket to lay across her. It wasn't the best place to sleep she knew but as long as she was sleeping Abbey didn't really care where it was.

Taking her husbands hand she pulled him away and across the room to their bed.

"Abbey, as much as I want to, I really don't think."

Abbey smiled at her husbands concerns.

" Go to sleep Jed."

"Ok"

"I love you"

"I love you too"

Mallory awoke slowly, disorientation quickly fading as she sat up. Her eyes were drawn to the huge bed behind her, the sheets and heavy blankets immaculate. Pushing the blanket off, she swung her legs round and sat for a moment, before standing and making her way into the bathroom. It took every once of strength she had to stop the scream from emanating from her throat at the sight of herself in the mirror. Her hair was reminisant of a badger, her face was dry and patchy, and the sweater she had on was baggy and lopsided. She stood for a few moments just staring in amazement before striving towards the shower.

Oval Office

"I think what Toby is trying to say sir."

"I am articulate enough to put into words what I'm thinking Sa."

".is that no matter which way you go on this.."

".or you can just say it for me."

".there is going to be a significant political backlash."

"Thank-you Sam, funnily enough that was what I was going to say."

Sam looked from the President to Toby, as if just realising that he had been speaking. Toby gave him a wide-eyed look before turning to address the President himself.

"Mr President it goes without saying the advantages we get from this. We've stood in this room for the past two weeks discussing them for crying out loud. What we need to think about is, is the benefits from this bill going to outweigh the disadvantages and I truly believe they do sir."

President Bartlet sighed deeply, his eyes coming up to glance between the two determined men in front of him.

"Josh? What do you think?"

Josh looked up from the memo he had been reading and cast his eyes over the three men.

" I agree with Toby, and I agree with Sam sir, but what I'm gonna suggest isn't gonna sit very well with you."

"I am not bringing Hoynes in on this Josh. Period."

Josh stood from his seat and walked to the front of the desk, his hair and hands flying as he spoke.

" Mr President, the Vice President has come through for us before on issues like this, what's to say he can't come through on this one too?"

"Because, Josh, I'm really not sure how long the 'I'm gonna be President some day' bribe is going to hold up."

There was silence in the room for a second before Toby spoke again.

" Sir, we need to come to a decision today on this."

Josh lifted his head and looked at the two men in front of the desk.

"Ok, we'll meet back in three hours. Sam, call Granger, try and squeeze a little more out of him. Toby, work with CJ, we're gonna need a good spin on this if it goes through as it is."

If anyone had looked closely you would have seen three different reactions to that statement.

The man sitting behind the desk looked up in slight surprise and admiration, Toby flinched slightly, before nodding his head almost imperviously, and Sam smiled outright, never one to cover raw emotion as it surfaced.

Josh didn't notice anything as his nose was again buried in the papers in his hand.

Toby and Sam looked from Josh to the President, stared a moment, then nodded their head.

"Thank-you Mr President"

"Thank-you Mr President"

Josh finally looked up to see the backs of Toby and Sam leave the room, and then glanced over at the President.

"Do you need anything else sir?"

The President simply looked at him.

"Sir?..you feeling alright?"

The President smiled a little and slipped his glasses on, directing his gaze if not his mind at the papers in his own hand.

"I'm fine Josh. Three hours you said?"

Josh, a crinkle on his forehead, nodded.

"Ok, I'll see you in a couple of hours then"

Josh hesitated a few beats before nodding his head and heading to his own office.

An hour and a half later there was a slight knock at the door before Charlie stuck his head in.

"Yeah Charlie?"

"Sir, Mallory's here, shall I send her in?"

The President looked up from his papers to his aide and smiled a little tightly.

"Yeah, of course, let her in"

Charlie stepped back and opened the door a little. When Mallory had stepped far enough inside the closed the door with a little click.

Mallory stood tall in a simple black fitted suit, crisp white shirt and pointy-toed high-heeled shoes. Her hair was sitting perfectly and she had applied a little make-up to her face to highlight her eyes and high cheekbones.

She walked to the front of the desk and smiled as the President gave her the once over.

" Who are you and what have you done with my god daughter?"

Mallory chuckled a little, but her cheeks coloured as she spoke.

"I've been that bad huh?"

"Not bad no. You've been grieving"

Mallory nodded her head then plopped down on one of the seats in front of the desk.

"Anyway, I dropped by to let you know I'm going out, and I probably won't be back till late."

The President frowned slightly.

"Ok. Do you mind me asking where you're going?"

"Well, if you must know, I'm gonna go shopping in town this afternoon with Lizzie and a friend from school, then tonight I'm going to a girls night in another friends house."

"Really?"

Mallory rolled her eyes.

"Yes sir, really."

Jed clapped his hands together and basically skipped around to the front of his desk.

" This is wonderful! I mean, it's good. That you're, you know, getting out the house, mixing with your friends, shopping! I'll give you some money, you can buy yourself something nice"

" Mr President I don't need any money"

" Nonsense!"

" Sir, really I'm fine."

" Ok, ok, ok. Fine. What time do you leave?"

"Well, I don't leave for a half hour, you want to come for a walk with me?"

"Sure! Just let me check that I'm free..Charlie!!"

Mallory winced as the President shouted across the rooms. Charlie clicked the door open and walked into the room with little or no surprise on his face. She was really going to have to show his how to use the intercom.

"Charlie am I free this next half hour?"

Charlie looked to the schedule in his hands and slowly nodded his head.

"Yes Sir, you have a security briefing in 45 minutes but other than that your free till the next staff meeting."

"Excellent! C'mon Mal, before they find me something to do."

Mallory laughed and followed the President out the door and along the corridor at a brisk pace. He only slowed down when there were at least three corridors between himself and his office.

"Bad morning?"

The President slowed and looked across at the woman walking beside him.

" Not particularly, no. There's a few hiccups with a bill that we're working on, but that's nothing unusual."

Mallory watched as people rose from their seats as they walked calmly through some offices, and once in the corridors she watched as people stood to the side to let them pass. It would never sit comfortably with her, but she realised it would be this way for the next few years.

" Is Annie going with you?"

Mallory was snapped out of thoughts.

" Um, no, Jason's got the day off is doing the dad thing, which leaves me and Liz free to peruse the clothes we can't afford."

"Have you spoken to your mom lately?"

"Yeah, I called her this morning to see if she wanted to join us but she's going to a fundraiser with.with a friend."

When the President spoke again she realised it was coming from behind her and briskly stopped.

"Her friend?"

His tone had changed from jovial to serious, and Mallory mentally kicked herself for walking into it. She really didn't want to have this conversation right now.

"Yes, her friend. What are your plans for tonight?"

" Is this why you haven't been visiting? Because of this 'friend'"

Jed slowly approached Mallory, his eyes fixed on her facial expressions.

" Mr President, I don't want to talk about this." " Don't Mr President me, when did this happen?" His voice had risen a little and Mallory winced at the tone.

" Look, I really need to go.I'll see you later sir"

Mallory had only taken a few steps when she heard her name being called, she faltered slightly but kept going. It was only when two secret service agents stepped out a little way ahead of her, essentially blocking her path that she spun angrily.

" What do you think your doing?"

" What's his name?"

" I'm not having this conversation with you right now. Tell these agents to get out of my way."

Jed could hear the slight tremor in her voice. He was pushing it he knew, but why the hell hadn't she informed him sooner of this?

There was a tense silence as they glared at each other. Mallory eventually dragged her eyes away.

" It was before.. She would never have."

Mallory faltered and looked down to her fidgeting hands.

" What's his name Mallory?"

Mallory looked up and caught the eyes of the President.

" I have to go. I'll stay with my friend tonight."

Mallory didn't get a chance to see the slightly hurt and surprised look that passed Jed's face as she spun away from him. He watched as she marched undaunted to stand in front of the agents who were blocking the corridor. He nodded his head slightly to them and they parted. Mallory strode past them and didn't look back.

Oval Office 9.00pm

" Ron, I believe we've already covered this..many times."

Ron Butterfield stood slender and tall in front of the Presidents desk, his face as unreadable as always.

"Yes sir, I do recall. As I said then, it's too much of a risk, and I'm afraid that fact still stands. Perhaps if it were a planned excursion proper security precautions could be put in place before.."

" Just out of curiosity Ron, what would happen if I simply decided to go without you?"

Ron was silent for several long seconds, his eyes boring into the presidents, almost challangely.

" That would not be allowed to happen Mr President"

Ron's words were measured and heavy, the implication laced through each syllable.

They stared at each other for a few charged minutes before the President eventually broke eye contact and sunk heavily into his chair with a resigned sigh. If anyone had been looking closely they would have perhaps seen Ron Butterfield sigh too.

" Ron, this is important to me, and it won't wait till morning. It's only a ten-minute drive. It's really no different than the several shopping excursions I've had since taking up office."

When Ron didn't say anything to the negative a tiny inkling of hope sprang to the surface ad Jed carried on, his tone calm and slightly pleading.

" I will only be five minutes..ten tops. In and out.seriously, no-one will even know I've left."

Ron stared a few beats longer before turning away from the desk and speaking into his wrist mike. Jed was unable to hear most of the conversation, but the bits he caught sounded promising. He had to bite his tongue in order not to interrupt. When Ron eventually turned back to the President his face revealed nothing.

" Ten minutes sir. We'll leave in an unmarked black suburban. If you could change into something more casual that would help smooth the way."

Jed had to struggle to stop the smile appearing on his face and eventually settled for a heartfelt 'thank-you'.

McGarry Residence. 8.55pm

Jenny looked up from the paper she was reading when she heard a short knock on her front door. 'That will be him', she thought with a little flutter in her stomach. Smoothing her simple black dress down with her palms she cleared her throat nervously and walked to the reception area. Taking a few deep breaths she nodded her head to herself and opened the door.

"Mallory!"

"Hey mom"

Jenny stood still for a moment simply staring, before standing back and motioning for her daughter to enter.

Closing the door behind her, she turned to face her mother.

"I'm sorry about my timing mom, I know your going out."

Jenny crossed her arms across her chest and nodded her head at the apology. They had had a less than civil conversation last time they spoke and she was not stubborn enough not to admit it was good to see her own daughter, regardless of there clash in opinions.

"It's alright.I still have a few minutes."

It was Mallory's turn to nod her head.

"I just came by to let you know..mom, the President knows." She blurted out.

There was silence in the hallway for the longest minute before Jenny eventually found her voice again.

"You told him?" she whispered, her voice shaking slightly with what Mallory recognised as anger.

" Mom, it wasn't like that, please, you have to understand that, I didn't just walk up to him and.."

"You told him?"

Mallory winced at the hurt in her mother's voice.

"How dare you! What I do in my private life has absolutely nothing to do with neither Josiah Bartlet, nor you for that matter. He may be President of the United States but he is not my keeper"

"Mom.."

"You've said enough Mallory, I would advise you keep your mouth firmly closed. Now, I don't know what kind of childish jealousy your harbouring for Ian, or what kind of anger your holding for me, but I will not stand witness to it in my own home. If there's nothing else you should probably leave, I have a date."

Mallory blinked back the hot tears that threatened to overspill and cleared her throat.

"Mom, I'm sorry. It, it, was an accident. I didn't mean to."

Before Mallory had a chance to finish her sentence there was a sharp double knock at the door, making both woman jump.

"That will be Ian. I'm sorry Mallory, I don't have time to continue this conversation."

Mallory gestured helplessly as her mother walked passed her and opened the door. It was only her mother's gasp of shock that forced Mal's eyes towards the door. She watched wordlessly as two men dressed in dark trousers and jackets strode into the house and walked from room to room, speaking into their wrist as they went. One stood with his back facing them at the back door the other stood in the kitchen his eyes roaming over everything in site.

" The hell?" Mallory whispered.

The second knock at the door had both women dragging their eyes from the black clad men back to the door. Mallory's draw dropped when she saw who was standing there.

" I hope I'm not interrupting anything. May I come in Jenny?"

Jenny stood completely still for a moment before nodding her head and walking out of sight into the living room.

Jed crossed the threshold, his hands deep in his pockets. He watched Jenny walk into the other room but didn't follow. His gaze shifted to the younger version of the woman he had come to see. She was standing staring at the space her mother had just vacated, her shoulders sagging.

"Mr President, you shouldn't be here." She said without looking up at him.

" Yeah well." he muttered, his eyes scanning the hallway, memories of Leo flashing behind his eyes.

They both looked down the hallway when Jenny reappeared, a jacket and purse in hand. Mallory managed to look slightly paler if that was possible. She walked towards them, her head held high.

" If you'll both excuse me, I have somewhere I have to be."

" Jenny."

" Mr President, I already know what your going to say. It's none of your business. Period."

" Mom!"

" Mallory, your welcome to stay you know that. Don't wait up for me."

"Jenny." Jed's voice had taken on a firmer tone and Mallory looked anxiously between the two.

" Mr President." " How long?"

" As I said before it's none of your business"

" Did he know?"

" Mr President, you can't just waltz in here."

" Dammit Jenny answer the god damn question!"

" What is it that's really pissing you off Jed? The fact that I've moved on with my life and you can't? Or the fact that I'm sharing my bed with someone other than Leo?"

" Mom please."

" It's aright Mallory.." Jed dropped his voice a few decibels when he realised Mallory was upset. Jenny looked around too and sighed deeply. The last thing she ever wanted to do was cause more pain for her only daughter.

" Come here sweetheart."

Mallory let a solitary tear slip from her eye as she walked a little hesitantly into her mothers embrace. Jenny held her tightly to her and looked up at one of her oldest friends. When she spoke her voice was low and resigned.

" His names Ian Murphy. He's the manager of a local photo development place, and we met about five months ago. We had gone on a few dates before.you know.but after, it just didn't feel right and I stopped returning his calls. I bumped into him at the supermarket two weeks ago and.well.he's a pretty persistent guy. Tonight was going to be our first date. He's a decent guy Jed. Leo would have liked him."

Jed ran a hand over his face and sighed his own resigned sigh. He knew she was right; it was none of his business. He really didn't know what had dragged him over here, and now that the anger had left him he really didn't know what to say.

" I'm sorry Jenny" he figured that was a good start.

" I guess I just."

" I know. And it's alright."

He returned the soft smile Jenny gave him and shifted his feet a little, not really sure what to do next. A problem he couldn't remember ever having.

Mallory raised her head from her mother's shoulders and wiped her face. She looked up at her mother when she heard her whisper.

" I'm sorry sweetheart."

" Me too.." Jed watched the quiet exchange discreetly, happy that they had made up.

Another knock at the door had five sets of eyes turning towards the noise.

Jenny kissed Mallory's forehead before moving to answer the knock. She blushed furiously when she found Ian standing there with a bunch of white flowers in one hand and Ron Butterfield standing on his other side. He looked decidedly pale.

" It's alright Ron"

Ron eyed the smaller man once more then retook his place at the bottom of the stairs.

" Jenny?"

Jenny couldn't stop the slightly nervous laugh from escaping her throat as she realised what this must look like to him.

"Ian, I can explain. Come on in."

Ian Murphy was a small man with a stocky build. He had a thick moustache and receding hairline, to match his warm and kind face. His shoulders slightly hunched and his step a little hesitant he entered once invited and immediately stopped when his eyes fell on the other man in the room. Jenny quickly closed the door and stood between the two men, still some distance apart. Her voice, when she spoke, was slightly higher than normal and her hands were in constant motion.

" Ian I'd like to you to meet two very important people in my life. My daughter Mallory O'Brien, and of course."

"Jed Bartlet, it's good to meet you Ian, I've heard a lot about you."

The Presidents voice was chipper and polite as he strode forward, to the surprise of both women in the room. Ian had yet to speak.

" Your."

" A good friend of Jenny's and Mallory's godfather yes."

Both Mallory and Jenny recognised the teasing tone of Jed's voice and were immediately relieved. They were immensely relieved when finally Ian seemed to shake himself out of the stupor he had been in and held his hand out to the man in front of him.

" It's a pleasure to meet you sir."

Jed grasped the other mans hand firmly and shook it. When he at last released it his eyes held a slight twinkle.

" Ian, there are many things in this world which mean a lot to me. My family is at the top of that list. My country comes second. Now that may well be a controvertial stand to take considering my job, so I'll trust you wont let it get about" the smirk on his face had Jenny and Mallory rolling their eyes.

" I am very protective of my family Ian. I would do everything in my power to protect them. And now that my power includes command of the US army, navy, CIA, FBI, NSA, NSC, and quite a few other organisations, you can imagine my relief."

Ian paled considerably.

" Jed! Stop scaring the poor man." Jenny rushed forward and stepped between them, her back to the President.

" Are you ok?" Her voice held genuine concern.

Ian refocused his eyes on the woman in front of him and smiled slightly.

"Tough crowd" he whispered, his voice still slightly shaky

Jenny giggled and held his hand with her own.

" I brought you some flowers. I think I may have squeezed the life from them."

Jenny giggled again and took the offered flowers. They did droop slightly from having their stems crushed, but she really didn't care, they were still beautiful.

" Thank-you. There lovely"

" Should I go?"

" Absolutely not! I'm just leaving. You should go on ahead with your plans, whatever they were, and I'll head back to the White House. Unless of course you don't want to, in which case I could drop you off."

" Mr President, this is our Q to leave."

Jed turned his head to look at Mallory and noticing her smirk, he realised he was stalling.

" Your right. We'll go and leave you in peace."

The President kissed Jenny goodnight and again shook the slightly sweaty hand of Ian Murphy before leading Mallory out into the crisp night air. They walked towards the car, an agent at each side, one behind and Ron walking in front. They were silent for at least ten seconds before he started to speak again.

" Ian Murphy.. sounds Irish"

Mallory just nodded her head in agreement.

" Ron, can we get a sheet on Mr Murphy?"

Mallory shot Jed a look but refrained from comment. If she were honest with herself she wouldn't mind having a look at Ian's past herself. After all, this was her mother they were talking about.

" It can be arranged Mr President"

Mallory climbed into the car behind the President and sunk into the deep seat. It had been a tough day and she was tired.

" Mr President?"

Jed looked from the window down to Mallory who had sunk down low in the seat.

" Yeah?"

" I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to."

" Forget about it Mallory. It should be me who's apologising. I flew of the handle when I had no right to, and I certainly had no right to take my irrational anger out on you."

Mallory nodded her head and turned to look out of the window. The White House could be seen in the distance, its columns lit up, the whiteness looking unreal with the dark backdrop of the night sky, and the slight twinkling of city lights.

"Jed?"

He turned his head again at the sound of his name, his eyebrow raised in question.

" Tell me about him. Tell me a story about my dad." She whispered, her face still facing towards the window.

Jed sighed and smiled at the same time.

" Well, there was this one time, when we were about your age."

Mallory closed her eyes and listened.