Residual Scarring 8/?
Author: natlski
All disclaimers apply
White House- Office of the Chief of Staff
President Jed Bartlet looked up from the paper in his hand. He peered over his reading glasses at his Chief of Staff who sat rigid on the couch. "Is this the real thing?" There was disbelief in his voice. Leo McGarry nodded, holding the President's gaze with his own piercing blue eyes. The President read the page again before tossing it onto the Chief of Staff's desk. "I won't accept this." The disbelief was still evident but slowly being replaced by an entirely new range of emotions.
"Nor will I, which was what I told him."
"What's being done?" Jed Bartlet removed his glasses and held them over the side of the chair by the bow, swinging them slightly. His mind was partially on Leo's response, and partially beginning to run through possibilities and form his own plan.
"Sam is doing a Sherlock Holms. He'll let me know when he's learned something. Donna has taken Josh home and he'll see his therapist tomorrow."
The President sighed and folding his glasses, stored them in his shirt pocket. "When is that boy going to get a break, Leo?"
"Hopefully soon, Sir, hopefully soon." Leo McGarry turned his gaze toward the window and the two friends sat in silence.
"I want Lillienfield taken out and shot. Can I do that?"
Leo smiled and chuckled. "I don't think so, Sir."
"I should be able to."
White House- Office of Deputy Communications Director
Sam Seaborn replaced the phone receiver on the cradle and turned his chair slightly toward the window. He rested his chin on his hand, a faint imitation of the famous "thinker" statue. There was a faraway look in his eyes and C.J. Cregg had to say his name several times after having knocked to get his attention.
"What did you find out?" C.J. closed the door behind her before sitting in a visitor's chair across from Sam.
"If Lillienfield knows anything, which by the way I'm not convinced he does, whoever gave him the information hasn't left any tracks." Sam sighed and rubbed a hand over his burning eyes. "I've talked with ATVA and with Dr. Stanley's office. Any records they have are locked up tight with no evidence that they've ever been taken or seen by anyone who shouldn't have access."
"What about someone here? That girl from personnel that you fired last year."
"Karen Larson? Believe me when I tell you she was the first one I checked out." Sam shook his head. "The kid has problems and I certainly don't agree with Leo giving her a second chance, but she isn't the leak this time."
C.J. watched Sam as he began to idly fiddle with his pen. Her own emotions were in turmoil; anger at Lillienfield, concern for Josh, and fear of what was going to happen. She could see the same emotions playing across the face of the Deputy Communications Director, with the addition of guilt and frustration.
"C.J. I am absolutely nowhere with this. I'm suppose to tell Leo what I've found out; what Lillienfield knows. I've found nothing. No evidence to back anything." He dropped the pen and sagged back in his chair, eyes closed. When Sam spoke again the frustration that had been so clear was replaced with exhaustion and helplessness. "He's my best friend. I'm just standing by and watching him drown." He opened his eyes and met C.J.'s intense gaze. "How about you, did you get anywhere with the press?"
The Press Secretary frowned and shook her head. "I don't think anyone's been approached yet. Danny said that there have been rumors and rumblings, but nothing definite. He's promised that he'll let me know the minute he gets any information. He won't take a story that will hurt Josh, not like this."
"We're absolutely nowhere." Sam sighed and pushed himself to his feet. "I have to go tell Leo that I know absolutely nothing."
"Come find me when you're done; we'll go see Josh. I've got a briefing to do." C.J. placed a supportive hand briefly on Sam's arm then walked out of the office.
Sam drew a shaky breath before heading for Leo's office and a conversation he was not looking forward to.
Georgetown- Josh Lyman's Apartment
Josh had been silent since leaving Leo's office. He hadn't even looked up once, allowing Donna to steer him and direct his movements. Now he lay curled into a near fetal position on his couch. Donna had removed his shoes and tie before covering him with a blanket and going into the kitchen to make some tea. She doubted she'd be able to get him to drink any, but she figured she'd at least try. The entire situation was unnerving her and, feeling the need to stay strong for Josh's sake, she wanted a mug for herself.
Donna set two steaming mugs on the coffee table and sat down on the couch, her back against Josh's stomach. He remained still, eyes closed, not responding to her presence. Donna watched her boss. She could hear the slight wheezing of his breathing. His face was flushed and he was starting to sweat. She frowned. She could feel slight tremors against her back. "Josh?" She reached out to gently lay a hand on his forehead. They both flinched at the contact; he from the simple touch, she from the heat radiating off his body.
"Josh, you're burning up!" Donna moved her hand to cup his cheek.
".mm feel good." Josh mumbled.
Donna wasn't sure if he was saying he didn't feel good, or that her cool touch felt good. He didn't seem very coherent and that worried her even more. "I'll be right back." She went into the bathroom and rummaged in the cupboard before returning with a thermometer. "Open up." She said as she sat back down on the couch.
It didn't take long for the digital thermometer to beep and Donna was alarmed to see the 101.4 reading. "How long have you been feeling this bad?"
Josh forced open his eyes briefly but didn't seem to have the strength to keep them open. "Not sure. A while, I guess. I think the fever's new." His voice shook.
Donna's countenance fell, her shoulders slumped. "Oh, Josh." She brushed his hair back. "Can you sit up and drink some tea?"
Josh nodded and struggled up right. Donna stuffed some pillows behind him then helped him hold the mug while he took a few sips of the hot liquid. He relaxed back against the pillows while she put the mug on the coffee table. She sat watching him as he tried to find a comfortable position. He finally settled and closed his eyes. The semi-upright position seemed to help him breathe more easily and it was only a few moments before he was dozing.
Donna moved carefully to the chair. She tucked her legs under her and picked up her mug. Knowing she had work she could be doing, she chose to simply sit and watch Josh sleep, her mind turning over recent events.
White House- Chief of Staff's Office
"It's not your fault, Sam. I know you did your best. We'll keep at it." Leo tried to reassure the crestfallen young man.
"I'm sorry Leo. There's nothing. No evidence. Nothing that says he isn't doing anything but grasping at straws." Sam turned his focus to the T.V. set on Leo's bookcase, which was tuned to C.J.'s press briefing.
Leo followed his gaze. Reaching for the remote, he un-muted the sound. The two men watched the entire briefing in tense silence while C.J. fielded questions about the President's recent trip to Michigan, an up-coming speaking engagement, and flooding in the south. They held their breath as Katie asked about the status of the bill that Sam and Josh had been working on.
Sam stared hard at the screen, silently praying that no one would bring up the meeting with Lillienfield.
C.J. quickly answered Katie's question and called a full lid.
Sam felt weak with relief. Nothing had come up about Josh and it looked like they would have more time to deal with the crisis. He turned to Leo to find his boss leaning against the big desk, the Chief of Staff's lined face displaying the relief that Sam was feeling. "I'm not giving up on this. There has got to be something; a memo, a phone call, an email, something."
"I know, son. Keep me informed."
"Thank you Sir."
Leo watched Sam leave, then walked wearily around his desk and sank into his large chair. He sat staring across the room for a few moments before picking up the phone, accessing an outside line and dialing Josh Lyman's home number.
Georgetown-Josh Lyman's Apartment
Donna Moss sat in the chair watching Josh sleep; her arms wrapped around her legs, and chin resting on her knees. The room was dim, being lit by a light left on in the kitchen. Enough light fell across the couch that she could see his face, but not enough to disturb his sleep. He had been sleeping for about two hours but it wasn't a very peaceful sleep. His slumber was repeatedly interrupted by coughing and nightmares. Twice he'd woken up screaming in terror. He had only stirred briefly when the phone rang with Leo's call to tell Donna that they hadn't been able to find out anything. She had mentioned her concern over Josh's fever and Leo decided they would check in with each other in the morning and decide the next step.
Josh moved restlessly and whimpered quietly. Donna rose from her chair to sit on the couch next to him. She began gently rubbing his back and he stilled. A moment later he opened his eyes.
"Hey." She gave him a small smile despite her concern over the heat radiating from his body and the feverish look in his eyes.
"Hi." Josh's voice was scratchy. He closed his eyes and let his body relax under her touch.
"You should try to eat something. I warmed up some soup."
Josh made a face at the thought of eating. "Okay, but I really just want something to drink."
"I'll bring you some juice."
By the time Donna returned from the kitchen Josh had propped himself up against the pillows. With her help he was able to eat and drink some. Unfortunately he tired quickly and after a few minutes he pushed the bowl away.
Josh closed his burning eyes. He felt like crap. His body hurt and he felt hot. The soup and juice had tasted good and he tried to remember if he'd eaten lunch. His head felt packed with cotton; it was hard to think, his mind kept wandering. Suddenly his stomach surged with nausea and he felt the bile rise in his throat. His eyes snapped open and he was surprised to find Donna watching him closely, a worried look on her face.
"I'm going to be sick."
Donna sprang from the couch and pulled him to his feet. They made it to the bathroom just in time for Josh to drop to the floor in front of the toilet before his stomach expelled the soup and juice. She knelt beside him, one hand on his forehead, the other on his stomach, arm wrapped around his waist. "It's okay. Just relax and let it come." She quietly encouraged and comforted him.
Josh continued to heave for several minutes after his stomach had completely expelled its contents. Finally the spasms stopped. He spat a few times before collapsing against Donna. They sat on the floor leaning against the vanity. Donna's arms were wrapped tightly around a shaking Josh, his head against her shoulder.
"You okay?" She asked after a few minutes. She felt him nod his head against her collar bone. "Let's get you cleaned up." Donna pushed him against the vanity and stood to get a cup of water and a damp cloth. She pulled him slowly to his feet and he leaned heavily against the sink. Josh rinsed his mouth while she washed his face and neck with the cloth. He let her help him into the bedroom and she sat him down on the bed and undid his shirt and pants. "Come on Josh, help me out here. Get your self undressed and into bed."
He barely seemed to hear her or understand what she was saying. Exasperated and more then a little concerned Donna finished stripping him down to his t-shirt and boxers and pushed him back onto the mattress. After pulling the covers up over him she went to the kitchen to retrieve ginger ale and crackers. Josh had dozed off again by the time she returned.
"Come on, wake up." She nudged him gently. "I want to take you're temperature."
Josh groaned but complied. Once again a short amount of time passed before the instrument beeped. Donna was disheartened by the reading. "101.9. I don't like this Josh."
"Just let me sleep." He mumbled.
Donna watched Josh sleep for several minutes before going to the living room and collapsing on the couch. It didn't take too long for her to doze off herself. Twenty minutes later a knocking on the door woke her. She lay on the couch for a minute before remembering that she was in Josh's apartment and that someone knocking on the front door was what had woken her. "I'm coming. I'm coming." She mumbled as she pushed herself up and stumbled to the door to admit C.J. and Sam.
A Georgetown Pub
"Daniel Concannon?"
The Post reporter looked up to see a young woman with a messenger bag slung over her shoulder.
"Yes."
"Great. Here ya go." She pulled a large sealed envelope out of her bag and double checked the name before handing it over. She smiled when Danny tipped her and wished him a good night before taking her leave.
Danny Concannon took a swig of his beer as he examined the envelope. The only markings were his name neatly typed on the front. He ripped open the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper with a post-it note stuck on the front. His eyes widened as he read the note and the paper. "Well, well, well. This makes things interesting." Danny took another swig of his beer before reaching for his cell phone.
Georgetown-Josh Lyman's Apartment
Josh could feel the heat from the flames. It was making him sweat. He looked around in panic. Where was Joanie? He called out, but got no response. He turned and tried to peer through the smoke, but couldn't see anything. It was getting difficult to breathe. The heat was becoming unbearable. He turned again and ran. His progress was stopped by a wall of flames. He headed in a different direction, the panic continuing to rise in his chest, his heart racing. He felt the flames licking at his back. Where was Joanie? She always took care of him. He turned a corner and came up short, gasping in horror. There was his sister, surrounded by flames. Josh screamed. He tried to reach her, but the fire was too hot. He could feel the flames beginning to burn him.
Josh Lyman's Living Room
Sam Seaborn turned away from the window and walked back to the couch were he sank down next to Donna. "There's something that I'm not seeing. I mean Lillienfield had to get information from somewhere. Why else would he treat Josh the way he did? It wasn't just Lillienfield being an ass. Either he knows something or someone suggested a possibility."
"Okay, so there's no proof of a leak from either of the doctors' offices." C.J. stretched out her legs, propping her feet on the coffee table in front of her. "What about our own house?"
"You already ruled out Karen Larson?" Donna asked.
Sam nodded. "That doesn't mean someone else hasn't been talking to Lillienfield or his staff. We've got to be able to find some proof. God, these people aren't perfect! They have to have made a mistake."
"Calm down." C.J. was interrupted by a scream of terror emanating from the bedroom. The three friends froze for a brief second, their eyes meeting before they rose and rushed down the hall.
Donna was first to reach the bedroom and find Josh sitting up in bed, nearly hyperventilating and soaked with sweat.
"Josh! Josh! It's okay, you're having dream." Donna sat next to him and gripped his shoulders trying to bring him back to reality. "Come on Josh; take a deep breath for me."
Josh suddenly sagged and Donna pulled him into a tight embrace. He was shaking and drawing gasping breaths. Donna rocked him gently. "Shh. it's okay, Josh. I'm here. It's okay." She looked up at C.J. and Sam hovering in the doorway. "I think his temps gone up even more. Sam, can you get a fresh t-shirt from his drawer?"
As Sam came all the way into the room Donna pushed Josh back against the pillows. The bedding was soaked with his sweat. His eyes were unfocused and tears were streaming down his face.
"Josh, can you hear me?" Donna shook him gently to get his attention. He turned toward her, his eyes feverish. "Josh, I want to take you're temperature."
".thirsty."
"I know, let me take you're temperature first." Donna stuck the thermometer in Josh's mouth and watched his face while she waited for the instrument to record his temperature. Her hand rested on his heaving chest. When the electronic tone sounded Donna grabbed the thermometer. She read it and looked grimly up at C.J. who was still standing in the doorway. "102.4" Her voice was soft. "We need to get him to the hospital."
White House- Office of the Chief of Staff
President Jed Bartlet looked up from the paper in his hand. He peered over his reading glasses at his Chief of Staff who sat rigid on the couch. "Is this the real thing?" There was disbelief in his voice. Leo McGarry nodded, holding the President's gaze with his own piercing blue eyes. The President read the page again before tossing it onto the Chief of Staff's desk. "I won't accept this." The disbelief was still evident but slowly being replaced by an entirely new range of emotions.
"Nor will I, which was what I told him."
"What's being done?" Jed Bartlet removed his glasses and held them over the side of the chair by the bow, swinging them slightly. His mind was partially on Leo's response, and partially beginning to run through possibilities and form his own plan.
"Sam is doing a Sherlock Holms. He'll let me know when he's learned something. Donna has taken Josh home and he'll see his therapist tomorrow."
The President sighed and folding his glasses, stored them in his shirt pocket. "When is that boy going to get a break, Leo?"
"Hopefully soon, Sir, hopefully soon." Leo McGarry turned his gaze toward the window and the two friends sat in silence.
"I want Lillienfield taken out and shot. Can I do that?"
Leo smiled and chuckled. "I don't think so, Sir."
"I should be able to."
White House- Office of Deputy Communications Director
Sam Seaborn replaced the phone receiver on the cradle and turned his chair slightly toward the window. He rested his chin on his hand, a faint imitation of the famous "thinker" statue. There was a faraway look in his eyes and C.J. Cregg had to say his name several times after having knocked to get his attention.
"What did you find out?" C.J. closed the door behind her before sitting in a visitor's chair across from Sam.
"If Lillienfield knows anything, which by the way I'm not convinced he does, whoever gave him the information hasn't left any tracks." Sam sighed and rubbed a hand over his burning eyes. "I've talked with ATVA and with Dr. Stanley's office. Any records they have are locked up tight with no evidence that they've ever been taken or seen by anyone who shouldn't have access."
"What about someone here? That girl from personnel that you fired last year."
"Karen Larson? Believe me when I tell you she was the first one I checked out." Sam shook his head. "The kid has problems and I certainly don't agree with Leo giving her a second chance, but she isn't the leak this time."
C.J. watched Sam as he began to idly fiddle with his pen. Her own emotions were in turmoil; anger at Lillienfield, concern for Josh, and fear of what was going to happen. She could see the same emotions playing across the face of the Deputy Communications Director, with the addition of guilt and frustration.
"C.J. I am absolutely nowhere with this. I'm suppose to tell Leo what I've found out; what Lillienfield knows. I've found nothing. No evidence to back anything." He dropped the pen and sagged back in his chair, eyes closed. When Sam spoke again the frustration that had been so clear was replaced with exhaustion and helplessness. "He's my best friend. I'm just standing by and watching him drown." He opened his eyes and met C.J.'s intense gaze. "How about you, did you get anywhere with the press?"
The Press Secretary frowned and shook her head. "I don't think anyone's been approached yet. Danny said that there have been rumors and rumblings, but nothing definite. He's promised that he'll let me know the minute he gets any information. He won't take a story that will hurt Josh, not like this."
"We're absolutely nowhere." Sam sighed and pushed himself to his feet. "I have to go tell Leo that I know absolutely nothing."
"Come find me when you're done; we'll go see Josh. I've got a briefing to do." C.J. placed a supportive hand briefly on Sam's arm then walked out of the office.
Sam drew a shaky breath before heading for Leo's office and a conversation he was not looking forward to.
Georgetown- Josh Lyman's Apartment
Josh had been silent since leaving Leo's office. He hadn't even looked up once, allowing Donna to steer him and direct his movements. Now he lay curled into a near fetal position on his couch. Donna had removed his shoes and tie before covering him with a blanket and going into the kitchen to make some tea. She doubted she'd be able to get him to drink any, but she figured she'd at least try. The entire situation was unnerving her and, feeling the need to stay strong for Josh's sake, she wanted a mug for herself.
Donna set two steaming mugs on the coffee table and sat down on the couch, her back against Josh's stomach. He remained still, eyes closed, not responding to her presence. Donna watched her boss. She could hear the slight wheezing of his breathing. His face was flushed and he was starting to sweat. She frowned. She could feel slight tremors against her back. "Josh?" She reached out to gently lay a hand on his forehead. They both flinched at the contact; he from the simple touch, she from the heat radiating off his body.
"Josh, you're burning up!" Donna moved her hand to cup his cheek.
".mm feel good." Josh mumbled.
Donna wasn't sure if he was saying he didn't feel good, or that her cool touch felt good. He didn't seem very coherent and that worried her even more. "I'll be right back." She went into the bathroom and rummaged in the cupboard before returning with a thermometer. "Open up." She said as she sat back down on the couch.
It didn't take long for the digital thermometer to beep and Donna was alarmed to see the 101.4 reading. "How long have you been feeling this bad?"
Josh forced open his eyes briefly but didn't seem to have the strength to keep them open. "Not sure. A while, I guess. I think the fever's new." His voice shook.
Donna's countenance fell, her shoulders slumped. "Oh, Josh." She brushed his hair back. "Can you sit up and drink some tea?"
Josh nodded and struggled up right. Donna stuffed some pillows behind him then helped him hold the mug while he took a few sips of the hot liquid. He relaxed back against the pillows while she put the mug on the coffee table. She sat watching him as he tried to find a comfortable position. He finally settled and closed his eyes. The semi-upright position seemed to help him breathe more easily and it was only a few moments before he was dozing.
Donna moved carefully to the chair. She tucked her legs under her and picked up her mug. Knowing she had work she could be doing, she chose to simply sit and watch Josh sleep, her mind turning over recent events.
White House- Chief of Staff's Office
"It's not your fault, Sam. I know you did your best. We'll keep at it." Leo tried to reassure the crestfallen young man.
"I'm sorry Leo. There's nothing. No evidence. Nothing that says he isn't doing anything but grasping at straws." Sam turned his focus to the T.V. set on Leo's bookcase, which was tuned to C.J.'s press briefing.
Leo followed his gaze. Reaching for the remote, he un-muted the sound. The two men watched the entire briefing in tense silence while C.J. fielded questions about the President's recent trip to Michigan, an up-coming speaking engagement, and flooding in the south. They held their breath as Katie asked about the status of the bill that Sam and Josh had been working on.
Sam stared hard at the screen, silently praying that no one would bring up the meeting with Lillienfield.
C.J. quickly answered Katie's question and called a full lid.
Sam felt weak with relief. Nothing had come up about Josh and it looked like they would have more time to deal with the crisis. He turned to Leo to find his boss leaning against the big desk, the Chief of Staff's lined face displaying the relief that Sam was feeling. "I'm not giving up on this. There has got to be something; a memo, a phone call, an email, something."
"I know, son. Keep me informed."
"Thank you Sir."
Leo watched Sam leave, then walked wearily around his desk and sank into his large chair. He sat staring across the room for a few moments before picking up the phone, accessing an outside line and dialing Josh Lyman's home number.
Georgetown-Josh Lyman's Apartment
Donna Moss sat in the chair watching Josh sleep; her arms wrapped around her legs, and chin resting on her knees. The room was dim, being lit by a light left on in the kitchen. Enough light fell across the couch that she could see his face, but not enough to disturb his sleep. He had been sleeping for about two hours but it wasn't a very peaceful sleep. His slumber was repeatedly interrupted by coughing and nightmares. Twice he'd woken up screaming in terror. He had only stirred briefly when the phone rang with Leo's call to tell Donna that they hadn't been able to find out anything. She had mentioned her concern over Josh's fever and Leo decided they would check in with each other in the morning and decide the next step.
Josh moved restlessly and whimpered quietly. Donna rose from her chair to sit on the couch next to him. She began gently rubbing his back and he stilled. A moment later he opened his eyes.
"Hey." She gave him a small smile despite her concern over the heat radiating from his body and the feverish look in his eyes.
"Hi." Josh's voice was scratchy. He closed his eyes and let his body relax under her touch.
"You should try to eat something. I warmed up some soup."
Josh made a face at the thought of eating. "Okay, but I really just want something to drink."
"I'll bring you some juice."
By the time Donna returned from the kitchen Josh had propped himself up against the pillows. With her help he was able to eat and drink some. Unfortunately he tired quickly and after a few minutes he pushed the bowl away.
Josh closed his burning eyes. He felt like crap. His body hurt and he felt hot. The soup and juice had tasted good and he tried to remember if he'd eaten lunch. His head felt packed with cotton; it was hard to think, his mind kept wandering. Suddenly his stomach surged with nausea and he felt the bile rise in his throat. His eyes snapped open and he was surprised to find Donna watching him closely, a worried look on her face.
"I'm going to be sick."
Donna sprang from the couch and pulled him to his feet. They made it to the bathroom just in time for Josh to drop to the floor in front of the toilet before his stomach expelled the soup and juice. She knelt beside him, one hand on his forehead, the other on his stomach, arm wrapped around his waist. "It's okay. Just relax and let it come." She quietly encouraged and comforted him.
Josh continued to heave for several minutes after his stomach had completely expelled its contents. Finally the spasms stopped. He spat a few times before collapsing against Donna. They sat on the floor leaning against the vanity. Donna's arms were wrapped tightly around a shaking Josh, his head against her shoulder.
"You okay?" She asked after a few minutes. She felt him nod his head against her collar bone. "Let's get you cleaned up." Donna pushed him against the vanity and stood to get a cup of water and a damp cloth. She pulled him slowly to his feet and he leaned heavily against the sink. Josh rinsed his mouth while she washed his face and neck with the cloth. He let her help him into the bedroom and she sat him down on the bed and undid his shirt and pants. "Come on Josh, help me out here. Get your self undressed and into bed."
He barely seemed to hear her or understand what she was saying. Exasperated and more then a little concerned Donna finished stripping him down to his t-shirt and boxers and pushed him back onto the mattress. After pulling the covers up over him she went to the kitchen to retrieve ginger ale and crackers. Josh had dozed off again by the time she returned.
"Come on, wake up." She nudged him gently. "I want to take you're temperature."
Josh groaned but complied. Once again a short amount of time passed before the instrument beeped. Donna was disheartened by the reading. "101.9. I don't like this Josh."
"Just let me sleep." He mumbled.
Donna watched Josh sleep for several minutes before going to the living room and collapsing on the couch. It didn't take too long for her to doze off herself. Twenty minutes later a knocking on the door woke her. She lay on the couch for a minute before remembering that she was in Josh's apartment and that someone knocking on the front door was what had woken her. "I'm coming. I'm coming." She mumbled as she pushed herself up and stumbled to the door to admit C.J. and Sam.
A Georgetown Pub
"Daniel Concannon?"
The Post reporter looked up to see a young woman with a messenger bag slung over her shoulder.
"Yes."
"Great. Here ya go." She pulled a large sealed envelope out of her bag and double checked the name before handing it over. She smiled when Danny tipped her and wished him a good night before taking her leave.
Danny Concannon took a swig of his beer as he examined the envelope. The only markings were his name neatly typed on the front. He ripped open the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper with a post-it note stuck on the front. His eyes widened as he read the note and the paper. "Well, well, well. This makes things interesting." Danny took another swig of his beer before reaching for his cell phone.
Georgetown-Josh Lyman's Apartment
Josh could feel the heat from the flames. It was making him sweat. He looked around in panic. Where was Joanie? He called out, but got no response. He turned and tried to peer through the smoke, but couldn't see anything. It was getting difficult to breathe. The heat was becoming unbearable. He turned again and ran. His progress was stopped by a wall of flames. He headed in a different direction, the panic continuing to rise in his chest, his heart racing. He felt the flames licking at his back. Where was Joanie? She always took care of him. He turned a corner and came up short, gasping in horror. There was his sister, surrounded by flames. Josh screamed. He tried to reach her, but the fire was too hot. He could feel the flames beginning to burn him.
Josh Lyman's Living Room
Sam Seaborn turned away from the window and walked back to the couch were he sank down next to Donna. "There's something that I'm not seeing. I mean Lillienfield had to get information from somewhere. Why else would he treat Josh the way he did? It wasn't just Lillienfield being an ass. Either he knows something or someone suggested a possibility."
"Okay, so there's no proof of a leak from either of the doctors' offices." C.J. stretched out her legs, propping her feet on the coffee table in front of her. "What about our own house?"
"You already ruled out Karen Larson?" Donna asked.
Sam nodded. "That doesn't mean someone else hasn't been talking to Lillienfield or his staff. We've got to be able to find some proof. God, these people aren't perfect! They have to have made a mistake."
"Calm down." C.J. was interrupted by a scream of terror emanating from the bedroom. The three friends froze for a brief second, their eyes meeting before they rose and rushed down the hall.
Donna was first to reach the bedroom and find Josh sitting up in bed, nearly hyperventilating and soaked with sweat.
"Josh! Josh! It's okay, you're having dream." Donna sat next to him and gripped his shoulders trying to bring him back to reality. "Come on Josh; take a deep breath for me."
Josh suddenly sagged and Donna pulled him into a tight embrace. He was shaking and drawing gasping breaths. Donna rocked him gently. "Shh. it's okay, Josh. I'm here. It's okay." She looked up at C.J. and Sam hovering in the doorway. "I think his temps gone up even more. Sam, can you get a fresh t-shirt from his drawer?"
As Sam came all the way into the room Donna pushed Josh back against the pillows. The bedding was soaked with his sweat. His eyes were unfocused and tears were streaming down his face.
"Josh, can you hear me?" Donna shook him gently to get his attention. He turned toward her, his eyes feverish. "Josh, I want to take you're temperature."
".thirsty."
"I know, let me take you're temperature first." Donna stuck the thermometer in Josh's mouth and watched his face while she waited for the instrument to record his temperature. Her hand rested on his heaving chest. When the electronic tone sounded Donna grabbed the thermometer. She read it and looked grimly up at C.J. who was still standing in the doorway. "102.4" Her voice was soft. "We need to get him to the hospital."