In So Many Words

Chapter 2

Just Three Words

"Josh was hit." Toby quietly said, looking at his hands and not at the young woman whose world just went to hell in mere seconds.

Donna couldn't comprehend what they were trying to tell her. When she finally grasped the significance of Toby's words, she barely managed to sit down before her legs gave out. CJ's touch barely registered, the shock was taking over. While Donna sat there numb, silent but meaningful looks were exchanged between Sam, CJ and Toby – 'We can't leave her alone'. Mrs. Landingham was sitting next to Donna, she silently reached out and gently clasped Donna's hand in her own.

And the vigil began.

All through the night and into the new day she stayed. The other staffers came and went as duty required, but there was always someone with Donna. CJ had given Leo a heads-up about Donna and he agreed that Donna should stay at the hospital and that someone should be there for her. Even Mrs. Bartlet took a turn sitting with the young woman.

Leo was lost in thought at his desk when Margaret walked in. She hated to disturb him, but the waiting phone call required his attention.

"Leo, I'm sorry, but Mrs. Moss is on line 3 – she hasn't been able to reach Donna. Would you mind talking to her? I think the explanation would be better received coming from you." Margaret waited for Leo's response.

Leo nodded slowly. "You're probably right. I'll take the call."

"Thank you Leo. Line 3." Margaret left quietly as he engaged the line.

"Mrs. Moss?" This is Leo McGarry."

"Mr. McGarry! I wasn't expecting to talk to you. Donna's supervisor would be sufficient." Victoria Moss was stunned to say the least.

"Well, ma'am, right now I am Donna's supervisor, due to Mr. Lyman's current situation. How may I help you?" Leo gently corrected her.

"Mr. McGarry, it's just that we haven't talked to Donna for 2 days and quite frankly we are worried."

"Mrs. Moss, let me set your mind at ease. Donna is fine, she wasn't at Rosslyn last night. However she has been at George Washington Hospital since last night, so I'm not surprised you've had trouble reaching her. I don't think she's about to leave until she is sure that Josh is out of danger. She is very devoted to Josh as well as to the rest of the Senior Staff. And the feeling is mutual – the Senior Staff to a person, they are as protective of the assistants as the assistants are of the staff. Donna isn't alone, even the First Lady has taken a shift staying with Donna. As soon as Josh is stable, I think Donna will be able to relax." Leo paused, hoping that he'd been able to calm Mrs. Moss's fears.

Mrs. Moss sighed gustily. "Thank you, Mr. McGarry, you've taken a load off my mind. Donna's always managed to keep in touch, she doesn't like us to worry about her, but we do."

Leo smiled. " I understand, Mrs. Moss. May I call you Victoria?"

Mrs. Moss was speechless – it wasn't everyone that was on a first name basis with the White House Chief of Staff. "Why, of course, Mr. McGarry."

"Please, call me Leo. Victoria, I have a daughter, so I share your concern. But believe me, Donna is doing just fine – she has changed since she joined us in Manchester. She can hold her own and she has become quite adept at handling not only Josh but congressmen and senators. I think that she has the ability to very good at this. I tend to think of these young people like my own children. What happened to Josh and the President tears at my soul. I've known Josh since he was a young boy. Donna has managed to keep up with Josh and he has changed a little bit because of it. That's why Donna is at GW – she is willing Josh to survive and I'm betting that even if the President asked her to leave she'd refuse. And you know what, Victoria? Jed Bartlet wouldn't blame her one bit."

Victoria couldn't believe her ears. Leo McGarry was praising her daughter. Her no-degree, headstrong Donnatella was keeping company with the movers and shakers of the Democratic party, and quite ably, it seemed.

"Leo, what you're telling me is a lot to absorb. I never realized just how important Donna's position really was. You know kids these days, how they can embellish their accomplishments, their importance. Donna has tried to explain her job, but I guess we never really understood." Victoria's voice trailed off.

Leo chuckled softly. "Being a parent is scary, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is and also very rewarding. Well, I've taken up too much of your valuable time. Thank you for making time to speak with me. Please let Donna know that we love her and hope to hear from her soon." Victoria said.

"It was a pleasure, Victoria. Please feel free to call me anytime. As I said, Donna is part of a family here and we take care of each other, so please don't worry." Leo replied.

"We will be praying for Mr. Lyman, Leo. And the President."

"Thank you, Victoria." Leo replied.

As Leo hung up the phone, Margaret appeared in the doorway.

"Any news regarding Josh?" Leo asked.

"No, surgery continues and Josh is still stable. Sam is keeping Donna company right now and Toby will take over at 2 pm." Margaret paused, unsure if she should continue.

"What is it, Margaret?" Leo prodded gently, sensing she had something else to say.

"I just wanted to say that, on behalf of the senior assistants, we are committed to cover for Donna for as long as we need to. And might I add we are proud of the way the senior staff is supporting Donna. That's all." His fiery assistant nodded emphatically, daring Leo to gainsay her.

Leo just looked at Margaret, touched by the fierce loyalty he had heard in her voice. The women on this staff never ceased to amaze and delight him. Bonnie, Ginger, Carol, Donna and Margaret were all protective of their bosses and supportive of each other – no turf wars with this bunch. And they all had absolute respect and admiration for Mrs. Landingham. Good girls, all of them. What had any of them done to have earned such fierce devotion?

"Thank you, Margaret. Tell the senior assistants to continue covering for Donna and that their efforts are not going unnoticed. We'll try to keep up our end of the deal. Now, get back to your desk, I'm sure you have work to do." Leo replied dryly but with a smile.

Margaret smiled back. "You got it, boss."

"Good girl."

Margaret just rolled her eyes and left the office.

Leo sat back, reviewing the conversations he'd just had with Victoria Moss and Margaret. How times had changed, or had the times changed him? He became lost in thought for a moment, his mind replaying the awful moment when Josh was wheeled into the trauma room at GW. And then his short conversation with CJ regarding Donna's current emotional state. Her description of Donna's reaction broke his heart. Even though he hadn't seen it for himself, he knew enough about the 'Josh & Donna' dynamic to understand. His reverie was broken by the return of Margaret.

"Leo? Mrs. Lyman just called. I offered to put her through, but she was pressed for time. She asked me to tell you that her flight arrives at Dulles at 2:30 – don't send a care, she's already made arrangements for a friend to pick her up. She should get to GW no later than 4pm. I have all of her flight information in case you want to, you know , expedite things." Margaret paused, waiting for instructions.

"Good, does she have a hotel room, 'cause if she doesn't, Mrs. Bartlet told me to have Ruth stay in the Residence."

"Well, she didn't give me a hotel name, so I'm betting she's planning to camp out at the hospital for the near future."

"You're probably right, but make arrangements with the steward anyway, please. And please tell Mrs. Landingham so she can inform the President."

"Will do, boss." Margaret turned to leave, making notes as she went.

"Margaret?" The tone of Leo's voice caught Margaret's attention. She turned back to Leo with a questioning look.

"I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work, it has made getting through this a lot easier, forgery not withstanding."

Margaret grinned sheepishly. "Thanks, Leo."

"Go back to work."

TBC