Chapter 4
"Mr. President?"
"Leo, I told you before not to call me that when it's just the two of us. Are you going to do that for the next four years?"
"Yes, sir." It was the first day of the Bartlet Presidency.
"We've been best friends for over forty years and you're going to call me 'sir' for the next four years?"
"Yes, and four years after that if we're lucky."
"Whoa, Leo. I just started my first four years. Give me some time."
"I'll give you two years. Then we run again." Leo smiled. He knew Jed would not be satisfied with only four years.
"I think Abbey will have something to say about that."
"Oh, she'll change her mind when she sees how good a job you're going to do."
Jed got serious. "Leo, you know you got me here. Your political savvy and the people you picked to help us. It's a great staff but you're the main reason I'm sitting here today."
"No, sir. The reason you're sitting here today is because the people liked you. They trust you to take care of this country for the next four years. You're the reason you're sitting here today."
"It's scary, Leo. Scary that I have responsibility for over three hundred million people. But with your help I know I can do this."
"Sir, you know I'll be here whenever you need me. Do you remember what I told you in New Hampshire, early in the campaign? And it's still so true."
Jed laughed. "You told me a number of things. Nothing ever seemed to stop you from saying whatever I needed to hear."
"This is the time of Jed Bartlet, old friend. You're gonna open your mouth and lift houses off the ground. Whole houses, clear off the ground... I still believe that. I still believe that you'll take this country down the right path."
"Thanks Leo. I know now why I picked you for my Chief of Staff. This job requires someone to have my back and I know you will have it. I trust you Leo. Stay by my side will you? Let's go down this path together."
"Sir, I'll be here until you no longer need me."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
The shadows continued to shift.