Title: Blind Curve
Author:
Willow
Summary: CCTV footage of Rosslyn had seemed to be the worst of their problems this week, but you never know what's around the corner.
Spoilers/Episode: Set in an a/u starting after season 5, Memorial Day. This chapter takes place a month after Chapter 4.
Characters: Ensemble.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Sorry if they're yours, I'll bring them right back.

Part V

Donna glared at Josh in disbelief, "You're not serious," she said. "It'll be shown in Florida, what about your mom?"

"I've spoken to her."

Donna didn't believe for a second that his mother was happy about this. "She can't possibly...."

"She'll be fine. I'm not going to fight it, Donna. I just wanted to tell you, I don't want an argument."

"You're not the only person this effects. This isn't just about you."

"Sure it is. It's me in the footage."

Donna shook her head. "My mom told me that you were furious about the photos of the CODEL, of the cars after the bomb."

"That was different."

"Why?"

"Because it was two days after, Donna. Because you were still in ICU and I didn't know if you....It's not the same."

"It is to me," Donna replied angrily. "And it will be to everyone else." She turned and went to leave the office.

"Donna, wait." Josh called. "You want to know my reasons?"

Donna turned back to face Josh. "Go on."

"Firstly, in a way it'd be the same as when Sam wanted me to sue the Klan. It'd seem like I was using my position for personal reasons, which would be true." Donna tried to object but Josh carried on talking. "Secondly, in the end it won't make any difference, even if I won they'd appeal. It could drag on for months or years and Rosslyn would be in the news again."

"I guess," Donna agreed. "But you don't even want to try? Don't make any hasty decisions, at least sleep on it."

"No," Josh shook his head. "Sleeping on it is the last thing I want to do. I don't want Rosslyn bringing back up, I don't want to dwell on what happened. Everyone believes that I'm fine, that I'm recovered and I want it to stay like that. If I have to start going to court over this, raking it all up...." he shrugged.

"No one will know about your health," Donna protested.

"It'll make them think about it again."

Donna gave a puzzled smile. "You think people will start watching you? You think they'll suddenly notice that your leg is stiff sometimes, even though they never have before?" she asked. "You think they'll somehow know about your back?"

"Maybe," he replied. "But I was thinking more of the PTSD."

Donna couldn't really argue with that. Although she thought his friends would start watching for signs when the program aired anyway. "Then you need to talk to Leo and CJ."

"Are we okay?" he asked. "You're not angry with me?"

"No. I can see your point. I wouldn't want to have to go through the events in Gaza over and over." Donna saw the concern in Josh's face. "Don't look like that, I'm fine. For God sake don't starting fussing."

"Showing my concern," Josh corrected with a small smile.

............................................................................

"You got a minute?" Josh asked Leo, who beckoned him into the office. Josh sat uncomfortably across from Leo and waited for him to finish what he was doing.

Leo really needed to have finished reading the report in front of him an hour ago, but he took his glasses off and looked across at Josh. "What's up?"

"I've told CJ to leave it, let them use the tape if they want."

"Why?"

"Because in the end, trying to stop it being shown will create more publicity than showing it. Because the midterms are coming up and we don't need attention focused on other things," Josh shrugged. "It's not like the pictures are even that clear."

"I haven't seen it," Leo admitted.

"It's typical CCTV footage, grainy. You wouldn't know it was me, although you can tell it's Toby," Josh gave a weak smile.

"What does he think?"

"He wants to send the FBI to arrest the director," Josh replied. "It was four years ago, I'm fine now, we're all fine."

"What about your mom?"

"She agrees with Toby," Josh smiled another half-hearted smile. "She says it's up to me. But I think she's a little pissed at me."

"You can see why?"

"Yeah," Josh agreed. "She doesn't have to watch it."

"None of us have to watch it, but you know we will," Leo said.

"Like driving past a car wreck," Josh said.

"I guess. Are you completely sure?" Leo asked and Josh nodded. "You want me to tell the president?"

.....................................................................

Jed had only been half listening to Leo, but he suddenly gave him his full attention. "I'm sorry. CCTV footage of Rosslyn. How the hell did anyone get a hold of that?" he demanded.

"It's taken from copies that were made of the originals before Treasury took them," Leo told him.

"They can't seriously think we'll let them show it."

"Josh thinks we should leave it alone."

"Good for Josh," Jed replied. "But he isn't the only person involved here."

"He's the one in the footage," Leo replied. "If he doesn't want....."

"I'm not happy about this, Leo. I can't believe you agree with Josh," Jed said angrily. "You're seriously telling me you want to watch him get shot?"

That was more than Leo could take. "Of course I'm not," he snapped. "You really think I want to relive that night again?" he asked.

"Have you spoken to him?"

"Yes, I've spoken to him. He's a grown man, he can make his own decisions," Leo replied.

"I want to see him." Jed's voice was dismissive and Leo's anger threatened to boil over.

"Yes, Sir, " Leo replied and turned to leave. It had been a stressful day though and he turned back to face the president. "What makes you think you can change his mind when Toby, Donna, CJ and his mother couldn't?" he asked.

The anger in Leo's voice caused Jed to study him carefully for a second, before replying. "I don't know," he said honestly. "You think I should leave it?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Yeah," Jed agreed. "Has he watched it?"

"With Toby," Leo confirmed.

"Is he alright?"

"He seems to be," Leo replied, but his tone didn't invite further discussion.

"Goodnight, Leo."

"Goodnight, Mr President."

Part 6 ......