Suspect
Hi again, the reason I posted this so close to the other is because I prmised 2 chapters yesterday and only did one...much more sense is made in this chapter, and Miss Jasadin, we're all caught up! I'm releasing the next tomorrow, sorry...But have fun!
"We plan to have an official investigation by the Secret Service."
A chorus of "CJ!"s.
"CJ! Has the Secret Service arrested anyone yet?"
"Not currently, although investigation is underway. I'd be surprised if we don't have a suspect soon."
"CJ! Is the president taking any personal action?"
"The president is not going to cause a national uproar with his actions, but he is concerned. Before we go, I quote President Bartlet, 'I am very shocked that such a thing happened here at the White House, and I will put a stop to it. It cannot happen again! I am not scared. While our country is surprised, we are not scared. We do not need foreign help.' Now, no more questions for now. Thank you everyone, and I'll see you at 6 for updates."
The reporters slowly filed out of the Briefing Room, but as CJ was putting her notes away and getting ready to leave herself, a young reporter with brown, long hair and an incandescent smile approached her.
"Excuse me, CJ," she smiled sweetly.
"Yes, Miss. Do I know you?"
"I'm new here, CJ, but I already love the place. It's so…exciting!" She said this very slowly, emphasizing "exciting". The voice sounded slightly malicious.
"Yes, Miss…"
"Carter. Laura Carter, I'm here from Channel 33. Just for some filming."
"You filmed the press conference?"
"Well, yes, CJ, I—" She sounded like she was pouting.
"No, you need to fill out a request for that."
"Oh!" It was more of a squeal than anything else.
"Oh, why I didn't know!" Her lower lip was now actually in pouting position, and she sounded like a wounded cat.
"I am so sorry!"
"Well…it's alright. But you need to fill a request for next time."
"Of course, of course, CJ." She paused for a moment. "But until then, may I use what I filmed today on my show?"
"Well…"
But the reporter was already out the door. It was against policy for the woman to show anything, but it was too late to tell her that. She could call Bruce and have him stop her at the exit, but what did it matter? It wasn't going to cause a scandal, right?
"CJ!"
She jumped, and then turned around to see Leo.
"What the heck are you doing in here? We have a suspect, c'mon!"
"Oh…sorry Leo. I was thinking…"
"Fine. Take a look at this."
Leo handed CJ a small portfolio that included a photograph of a tall man in a slender suit.
"That's Pedro Palachino, a Hispanic guy visiting the White House. We found out that he didn't have security clearance, but somehow sneaked in."
"Is that possible?"
"I dunno, but that's what happened. Anyway, he was taken into custody when he was found bolting out of the building a few minutes before the bomb went off. The guard stopped him running, saw he didn't have a pass, and he was arrested. In the confusion with the bomb, no one realized he had just left. We're questioning him now."
"That's great! I'll go tell Donna. She'll be pleased to know that Josh's attempted assassin has been located."
"Okay, CJ. But I need you to do something else for me."
"Yeah?"
"Well…never mind. See you later, CJ."
"Bye."
CJ was curious. What had Leo wanted? Why did he decide against it? Now she walked right into Donna's office. Just as she came in, she saw Donna stuffing something into the bottom drawer and slamming it shut.
"Oh, hi CJ," she said, forcing a smile.
"Hi Donna. I have news."
"Oh, really? That's nice."
"Are you ok, Donna?"
"Yes, I'm fine…just thinking about Josh…"
"Uh-huh…" CJ tried to sound understanding, although it came out as skeptical.
"So what was your news?"
"We caught the guy who left the bomb."
"Oh…really?" Donna sounded surprised. She gulped. What was wrong with her?
"Yup. A Hispanic guy, Pedro… Pala-something or other."
"How do you know it was him?" Donna feigned curiosity, though CJ could tell she was afraid of something…
"Well, we don't yet have proof…but when a guy's caught bolting out of the building a couple minutes before…Donna? Are you okay?"
Donna had turned quite pale.
"Do want an aspirin or something?"
"No, no, that's okay CJ. Really, I'm fine…"
"If you're sure…"
CJ walked out of the office, worried. What had happened, and why was Donna acting so strangely? She walked into her office, closed the door behind her, and screamed.
