Chapter 6, Something wrong

"Michelle."

She stopped. "I'm sorry sir, I forgot you wanted to talk to me."

Palmer smiled. "Are you ever going to call me David?"

"Maybe when we're not at work."

Again he laughed. "You and Tony seem to be getting along."

"Yeah, we finally had a nice long talk."

"I bet that's not all you had." Michelle blushed even more.

Outside the conference room, everyone was watching, amazed at the banter between the former President and Michelle. It was driving Tony nuts. He could see Michelle blush and laugh. She hadn't laughed like that—hell, it had been over a year since he had seen her laugh. And when she kissed Palmer on the cheek, Tony wanted to explode.

They came out of the door smiling. Palmer hugged Michelle. "I don't think there is another person who could have gone through what you have these past couple of hours and still run CTU without breaking down. I promise you that as soon as the viruses are contained, I will make it my priority to help you in anyway I can." He hugged Michelle again.

Palmer shook hands with Bill, Jack then Tony. "You've got a one kind of woman there Almeida. You be sure you treat her right." Michelle blushed and Tony just grinned. "Thank you sir."

"You guys are back toether?" Chloe burst out.

"Hello," Edgar said, "Didn't you see them maul each other not even fifteen minutes ago?" Causing everyone to laugh.

"I should be going," the former President left.

"Michelle-," Jack tried once Palmer had left. But he really didn't know what to say.

"I meant every word Jack."

"Thank-you," he paused.

"What is it Jack?"

"What did Palmer mean when he said that he would help you in any way he could? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Michelle bit her lip. "At the moment, I'm fine. We have a job to do. One that relies on you. Everyone get back to work!" She fled upstairs.

Everyone filed away except for Bill, Jack, and Tony. "Something's up."

"I'll talk to her," Tony left.

"Are you O.K. with this Bill?"

"O.K. with what?"

"Tony and Michelle. I know you wanted her."

"You Tony are nothing if but direct," he laughed. "Yes, I wanted her. I was starting to like Michelle a lot. Hell, I might even be partially in love with her already. But she's already been honest with me about us being only friends and her feelings for Tony. I want her to be happy. Tony can make her happy."

"Good. Now let's get back to work before she spots us." The two men shook hands and Jack made his way to get ready to leave. He needed a couple of guns first though.

Michelle let out a sigh as she closed the door bbehind her. There was nothing more she wanted than to tell Tony what had happened these past couple of hours. She knew that he would hold her and make her feel safe. And she knew she would indoubtedly cry, which she couldn't do. Not here. Not at work-where she was supposed to be in charge. The boss.

There was a knock on the door and Tony stepped in. shit. "What can I do for you Tony?"

Michelle pretended to be all business and didn't look up. Tony wasn't fooled. "Care to tell me what's going on?"

"I wold love to Tony, but I can't."

"Can't or won't?" Tony's eyes darkened.