Sam's Secret: Pt 5: Questions of Loyalty

President Bartlet walked into where Leo and co were still talking about their memories of Sam. Bartlet listened to them talk on for a bit before interrupting their speaking.

"Guys isn't it about time you lot went home." Bartlet had recently heard of Sam's capture and his mind was clearly on that, "We've got a busy schedule tomorrow."

Bartlet left the room and retired for the night without speaking to Abby. He tried to sleep but was finding it difficult because of the amount of things on his mind. Abby sensed this but did not wish to pry to hard, instead she just rested her head on his shoulder and massaged his chest to let him know she was there.



Leo sat in his office just a couple of days after the talk with everyone and was slowly getting his mind back on his job. He checked the President's diary; right now he was in with the Secretary of Defence and Admiral Fitzwallace. Then the President's afternoon would be free except for the meeting with a school class that had won "Why we should meet the President" essay contest and with a man that had saved two cats and a dog from a burning building. He shuffled through some papers and drunk from his cup of coffee before his daughter Mallory came into his office.

"Mallory. What's the matter?" Leo asked. He knew she was still upset about Sam, but it looked like there was something else.

"Dad is it true that they pay terrorists or friends or family twenty five grand when they perform a mission?" Mallory asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"Is it true?" Mallory persisted.

"Yes it is Mallory." Leo answered, "Why?"

"Someone's paid twenty five thousand into my account with a thank you note that included Sam." Mallory said crying.

"You haven't touched the money have you?" Leo said standing up and approaching Mallory.

"No Dad." Mallory said, "I never thought Sam could be a bad guy."

Mallory accepted the fatherly hug from Leo, "I thought he was a good man." She started crying.

"There, there Mal." Leo said, "I honestly can't see Sam doing that. Stay here Mal and wait till I come back after speaking with the President." He pulled out of the embrace slowly and left Mal alone in his office.

"Margaret." Leo said as he approached his secretary's desk, "Would you be able to get Mallory a coke and sandwich please?"

"But Leo." Margaret said.

"I know it's not part of your job." Leo said, "I'm asking you as a favour."

"Ok Leo." She replied.

As Leo walked towards The Oval Office his mind switched back to the last couple of weeks and the way the President and Sam has been acting. From when Sam had the secret meeting when he was quickly asked to leave The Oval to the President's action the other night when they were all talking about Sam. And come to think of it, the Post Card didn't seem to right either. Why didn't he send one to Mal?

'Oh God.' Leo thought in haste, 'Did the President know more than he was letting on?'



"Mister President Sir." Admiral Fitzwallace said, "We have a chance to knockout the Sites. Sam sent us the co ordinates."

"And risk killing Sam?" Bartlet snapped, "No."

The DefSec finally moved into the conversation, "Sam knew the risks when he was given the mission. Otherwise he wouldn't have phoned in the co ordinates. We have to destroy them before they are moved." He said.

"One of you two can give me other options." Bartlet said, "There has to be something else we can do."

"Mister President." Admiral Fitzwallace, "I know you like Sam. I liked him to. But this is far more important than Sam. Come on, he didn't want to give into those people. The only way is to take out the sites. You must admit that Sam would have wanted it that way."

"Damn it." Mister President punched the oak table with his fist, "Damn this. You two go and have a talk with each other or whoever and come back with a better answer. I don't want Sam dead!"

Admiral Fitzwallace and the DefSec left The Oval just as Leo was walking in.



"What is it?" Bartlet asked annoyed, he was still riled up about the meeting with the other two.

"It's about Sam sir." Leo said, "I've received some info that Sam may have been involved in terrorism."

"Leo." Bartlet said in a straight tone and pointed his finger right at him, "Don't you ever say that again."

"But sir." Leo walked closer, "Mallory received a payment-"

"How many people know about this payment?" Bartlet motioned for Leo to sit down.

"Just me and Mallory." Leo answered as he sat down.

"Sam is somewhere in Iraq." Bartlet said, "He was never in Bali. Sam was sent on a special mission but now we know he has been captured."

"What?" Leo asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because he's a hero Leo." Bartlet said, "And for you to suggest he's a terrorist is wrong. You can tell Mal this if you want but nobody else. Sam didn't want anyone to know what he was doing?"

"Ok. Thanks for telling me Mister President." Leo said, "I'll respect Sam's request, and I'll keep Sam's secret."



Next episode: Will Admiral Fitzwallace and the Defsec come up with another plan to keep Sam alive? Will torture and drugs psychologically affect Sam? Stay tuned for Sam's internal battle in the next chapter, "Don't forget about me"