One On One
January 22, Two days after the Inauguration
Danny Concannon crossed another item off his mental to do list as he hit the send key. He wore headphones and tapped his foot to a rock beat.
The story about the previous White House occupants' moving van and its contents being lost was another exclusive. He hoped it was the last he'd hear of them.
The one term Republican wore on the Press Corps as much as he'd worn on the American people. Early on, Danny pegged him as a short term White House resident.
It had taken Danny longer to target Jed Bartlet as the dark horse candidate. But once the reporter followed him on the campaign trail, he'd become a believer.
The new Administration had carried the day by a small margin. It set a new tone. Political favors and experience didn't guarantee power and the keys to this White House.
Danny dealt mostly with Mandy Hampton and Lilly Mays during the run for the Rose Garden. They'd been front and center in media dealings.
Post election, Mandy disappeared. Danny knew part of that decision was hers. After her romance with Josh Lyman fizzled she wanted distance. Danny figured she was counting on people to beg her to stay. It hadn't happened. Her notes to him reflected her bitterness.
The Senior White House Correspondent thought with Mandy gone he'd be saddled with Lilly Mays. The abrasive, arrogant and obnoxious Mays was competent but not the best face for the fledgling Administration.
Still, Danny had been surprised to see C.J. Cregg tapped as the Press Secretary. Her political background matched the Bartlet platform but her resume included Hollywood and that seemed a little fluffy for a Nobel Prize winner's presidency.
She also looked like she dressed from an old woman's closet. Danny found her clothes matronly, her hair ungainly and her face and manner pale.
He glanced at the window next to his desk. It framed the Briefing Room and the podium. C.J. stood there now with her assistant Carol as her audience.
He popped out the CD he'd been listening to as he stood up. He dumped the headphones on the desk to stretch his arms over his head. He smiled slightly as he heard C.J. rehearsing her opening remarks.
The smile became a grin when Carol hightailed it out of the mock gaggle. Danny's grin morphed to a nod of approval as he heard C.J. call the role and look at the corresponding seat.
He was pleased that she'd already memorized his fourth row command post. It was his lucky charm. Once he got that chair he'd gained seniority and a Pulitzer Prize.
Danny resisted any effort to move him into another chair. As the Senior White House correspondent he could exercise that option.
He thought about popping his head in and throwing a question at C.J. just to see how she'd handle it. Two things stopped him, he had an appointment with the First Lady and he saw Bill Stark edging into the Press Room.
Danny had no desire to spend any more time than necessary in Stark's company. He believed Stark used "Kingspeak" as his own personal soapbox. It had no real news value but thousands still swallowed its so-called news stories.
He knew that same flock also heeded Stark's calls for prayers and dollars. Danny regretfully slipped out the back door leaving C.J. with Stark and his prayer cards.
First Lady Abigail Bartlet stood in the doorway of her office and studied the layout of her furniture. She was debating whether or not to move the desk. Maybe angling it would soften the room's lines.
She decided to just shift one side to help her visualize. As she shoved on the left side of the massive desk, she heard a discreet cough.
Abbey blew her hair out of her eyes as she turned, "Oh, hello Danny."
"Ma'am." He glanced around the room. "Your agent said I could come in."
"I told him it was fine."
"Mrs. Bartlet, if you want furniture moved there's a whole staff or at least a few agents standing in the outside hall, plus me."
She grinned, "I'm still adjusting to not doing things for myself. I like being independent."
"Yes, Ma'am, I know."
"Yeah, you would have gotten that idea traipsing after me for that book."
Now it was Danny's turn to smile. "'That book' is doing very well because of you and your husband."
"You change your address and people go a little crazy." Abbey said it with a shrug as she eyed the office.
He followed her gaze. He'd been in this office at least once in every administration. The First Lady's office tended to be more flexible in terms of decor. After all, there wasn't much to change in the Oval Office.
Danny thought this time around the First Lady's office would be more warm and welcoming. He noticed fashion magazines on a corner table and tucked away that item.
Abbey sighed, "Still doesn't look like home or my office at the hospital."
"Or the university or the old one in the Governor's office. You have a lot of bases to work from."
"Hey, I'm a Renaissance woman." She suddenly realized she was talking to a reporter. "Oh God, is this off the record?"
He cleared his throat. "Mrs. Bartlet, uh, normally you make that request at the top."
"Yes, I know but in the endorphin rush from moving a massive piece of furniture, I forgot."
"Easy to see why. It's a dazzling time."
"You've seen it before."
"Sure, that look of wonder and bewilderment when new people become part of 1600."
Abbey sat down behind her desk and indicated a chair for him. "So, Danny, we're predictable. Is that the cynicism of the job or the man doing the job?"
"Neither. It's an observation. Believe me, if you lose that feeling of wonder, you've got no business here. I still have the wonder, it's only rarely I'm bewildered."
"I can't imagine you anything but on top of a situation."
He tried not to look pleased at the praise. "Since we're off the record, I'll confess to being bewildered about something."
"Do tell."
"I thought I'd be stuck dealing with Lilly Mays daily. How'd she get dumped on you?"
Abbey laughed and Danny liked the sound. He hoped to enjoy hearing it echo through the halls on a regular basis.
"Danny, it's just a question of fit. We thought Lilly was better here and C.J. better in the West Wing."
"I hope you got a long weekend at the beach, a piece of artwork or some really expensive bauble. You got the raw end of this deal."
Abbey stared at him for his frankness.
"You know, Ma'am, I mean that in the most respectful and off the record sense."
"I see. I guess if you get out of line, I just have to threaten to sic Lilly on you."
They went on to discuss the re-release of the book Danny had written during the campaign. Abbey was eager to see the revisions and Danny said he'd have them ready in the next week. He explained that's why he'd been away for most of the post election and transition time. The Post had also sent him to Europe to get reaction there concerning the incoming President.
Abbey offered coffee but Danny refused it. He rose to leave and seemed ill at ease.
The First Lady noticed it. "What is it Danny?"
"Let me be frank since we're still off the record. It sounds like you know C.J. Cregg well."
"Fairly well. Why?"
"See, I'm sure she's bright, she obviously has your husband's confidence plus yours and Leo's."
"She does. She'll surprise you."
"She already has."
"How so?"
"Mrs. Bartlet, she's in a very visible job and well, she looks pretty frumpy."
"Danny!"
"Hear me out. If she were just doing radio, she'd be fine. But she's going to have her picture in the paper; she's going to be on TV constantly. She looks like a cross between a stereotypical mousy librarian and a granola head."
"Do tell."
"I'm just saying, this is a town where good or bad, appearance is a topic. You might want to give her some pointers so we aren't stuck with that 'California Dreamin' thing."
"Thank you for thinking I could wield some influence."
"Yeah, you usually look pretty good."
"Well, thank you again."
"Sorry, I meant that you've been through the drill; what works for the cameras and in person." He looked at his watch. "I better go before I off the record myself out of a job."
Abbey chuckled as he left. "He's adorable and he's already noticed C.J. This is going to be an interesting four years."
January 28 th, 8 days after the Inauguration
C.J. paced her office biting her lip. She debated if she should offer coffee to Danny Concannon. No, she decided, this is business.
She settled into a chair and pretended he was there. She pantomimed gesturing him into the chair opposite hers with a slight smile.
Wrong again, she thought, this is business. She went back behind her desk and chewed off the remains of her pale lipstick. C.J. had been rushing all day and hadn't looked into a mirror since she'd left the house.
It was taking longer to get comfortable in the job and to establish a routine that could become automatic. She liked structure in her life and wasn't at that point yet.
She thought she was making headway in her agenda to be a force in the West Wing and in the Press Room. At the last Briefing yesterday, she had announced with fervor the West Wing mantra, "Take a thorough look at Cornell Rooker's record. You'll see he's fought for justice his entire career."
She crowed to Carol with triumph when they saw the quote attributed to her splashed all over the papers and the airwaves. Leo and Toby voiced their hard to win approval at the morning Senior Staff meeting.
C.J. felt it was proof she'd already turned the corner in building a career as the articulate, polished voice for the Bartlet White House. It was a new day in the Beltway and they would be setting a new standard.
Carol came in with a note reminding C.J. that Abbey expected her for late afternoon tea. C.J. smiled figuring they'd rather crack open a bottle of wine but it was too early in the day and Administration for that kind of frivolity.
C.J.'s assistant looked a little cowed. "Danny Concannon is outside. He says he has an appointment."
"He does." C.J. paused, "You can send him in."
"Right." She gave C.J. a quick scan and wondered if she should suggest C.J. add some lipstick and one with some color. Carol didn't feel that was appropriate yet since she was fairly new to the position of C.J.'s assistant. Carol had thought about accidentally on purpose leaving a few fashion magazines in C.J.'s path. It would be somewhere subtle like on her desk chair.
Carol left the doorway and the Press Secretary heard Carol's voice take on its most professional, crisp tone to announce, "Mr. Concannon, you can go in now."
C.J. heard a breezy tone in Danny's reply. "We're going to see a lot of each other for at least four years. It'll save time and trouble if you call me Danny. May I please call you Carol? I know you're going to be invaluable around here."
Carol's voice thawed. "Sure. Thank you. I'm excited to be working in this part of the West Wing."
"Hey, whatever I can do to make you feel at home, just ask. But make sure you clear it with your boss first."
C.J. had already noticed that Danny had amazing blue eyes. They weren't quite as dreamy as Sam Seaborn's baby blues. But she could imagine one of Danny's piercing blue eyes winking at Carol. For a split second C.J. envied her. She shook off that feeling and stood to welcome Danny. "Hello. Please, come in and sit down."
He gave a quick glance around the room and noted it was still fairly sterile. It smelled of fresh paint but didn't show much of the personality of the new occupant. Her desk was barren; nothing gave any clue as to who C.J. was.
He noticed the bookshelves were full, the muted TVs on to monitor the networks and some framed diplomas stacked in a corner waiting to be hung.
C.J. caught the once over of her office. She knew she had to be careful what she displayed. Women were still judged differently even in the mementoes they showcased.
"Brought you something." Danny put a bottle of water on her desk. "I think this is your brand. At least it's what I've seen you carrying around."
He'd caught her by surprise. "Thank you. I was going to offer you coffee but wasn't sure of the etiquette."
"Thanks, I'll stick to water at the moment too. Brought an extra bottle."
She indicated the chair opposite her desk for him. He seated himself as she sat and waited for her to settle in.
C.J. opted to be cordial. "It's nice to finally have you back in the Press Room so I can tell you that I read your book on the First Lady and enjoyed it."
"Thanks. Not easy to capture the essence of Abigail Bartlet."
"I know that. That's why I liked the book. You gave millions a chance to meet the real person."
"Glad you were pleased." Danny shifted the topic easily. "I'm sure the West Wing is pleased too with the play your declaration about Cornell Rooker's got."
She tried to hide a smile. "He's our nominee and he has our support."
"A friendly word of advice. Next time the Boys Club in the West Wing makes you the point man on something or somebody, make sure you're not being cast out into the deep blue sea."
C.J. glanced up and her spine stiffed at the look in his deep blue eyes. "By that you mean. . . "
"Let me quote, 'Take a thorough look at Cornell Rooker's record. You'll see he's fought for justice his entire career.'"
"Nice reading, you get the part in our miniseries."
"Well, you don't get it. You've got a nominee for Attorney General who had a DUI fixed in law school."
She felt the hairs on her neck prickle. "That seems out of character."
"Whatever. It happened and I have the story complete with proof."
"You're going with the story." Her voice had a flat tone.
"I am. I asked for this one on one to tell you I'd like an official comment on this and on Rooker's future as the nominee."
Danny felt a little sorry for her. She had a look of shock on her face. He'd tried to make his tone kind but he wanted to make her aware of the stakes.
"C.J., you might let the rest of the Senior Staff know this is the big city. When you issue a challenge, make sure you can handle the consequences from it. We're going to check it out not just take the White House word for it no matter how much we like your laugh."
He flushed at the personal observation, it had slipped out.
She tucked that away to ponder and responded, "Give me an hour and I'll have a comment for you." C.J. rose, "Thank you for the water."
He headed out the door when C.J.'s voice stopped him. "You said 'we're going to check it out.'"
"Right."
"Well, off the record, you're the only one to come to me."
"Figures."
"So YOU'LL always check it out."
"Count on it."
"You could have raised this in the room."
"C.J., it could be that I wanted the public honeymoon to last longer or think about it, maybe I wanted to keep this exclusive. Look at the whole picture. It's not just about the Bartlet agenda."
He was nearly out the door when he turned back, "But you need to stop looking like tourists and take charge of this place, you're the owners." He gave her a significant look, "At least for the next four years."
Two hours later C.J. sent for him. She'd spoken her piece in Leo's office and told them about the one on one with Danny.
They were still formulating a response about the fixed DUI and about Rooker's future. She knew he was doomed but couldn't reveal that information in word or gesture.
Danny tapped on the door and she said, "Come in."
He noticed a wary look in her eyes. "Hi. What's going on?"
"We'll have a comment for you before the next Briefing."
She cringed inwardly knowing she was already an hour past her promised comment deadline. She figured that once again the "Capitol Clampetts" were showing their lack of finesse.
"Before?", he broke her reverie.
"Yes, that's what I said."
"Just wanted to see if you were going to dump this into the Briefing when you announce Rooker is out."
C.J. kept her own counsel and Danny nodded. "I see some people here are still trying to keep him viable so the President doesn't have egg on his face."
She was busy rearranging things on her desk. Carol broke the silence by appearing in the doorway. "C.J., I . . . oh, hello Mr. Concannon."
When Danny turned and wagged a finger at her, she caught on. "Sorry, hello Danny."
He grinned, "Your boss isn't much of a slave driver, you were actually away from your desk."
She laughed, "C.J. lets me have one break a week whether or not I need it."
The boss broke in, "Carol, what did you need?"
"Right. C.J. your next meeting, uh called and said. . . "
"It's okay Carol, it's nothing too top secret to discuss in front of Danny. Tell the First Lady I'll be up in a few minutes."
She turned to talk to Danny. "It's nothing official, just a coffee break." She bit her lip, a lip she'd chewed the lipstick off of and wondered why she'd just confided that to Danny.
He was trying to figure out the same thing when Carol reappeared. She announced, "Mrs. Bartlet said bring your bag with your makeup too."
Carol disappeared leaving C.J. to say, "Huh?"
She turned back to Danny with confusion in her eyes. "I have no clue what that's about. Let me find out and let me get back to you later."
C.J. moved closer and put a hand on his arm. "Thanks for stopping by." She fought the urge to tighten her grip on his arm as she felt a tingling move through her.
He took a deep breath to savor C.J.'s perfume. Today, for the first time in a week she'd remembered to spritz some on. He decided it was perfect for her. His olfactory memories stirred and he jolted to stare at her.
The scent was familiar, he'd gotten a whiff of it at one of the Inaugural Balls. He'd bumped into a woman at the cloakroom. She wore a navy beaded gown revealing a slim figure. Her hair was smoothed into a sleek upsweep. They'd murmured greetings and apologies.
He realized now it had been his first potent taste of who C.J. Cregg could be. His eyes took on a different gaze, he was intrigued.
C.J. noticed the change of expression in his blue eyes. The confused feeling started by the First Lady's odd request grew, fed by vibrations from Danny's nearness.
She was suddenly glad he was in the fourth row where she couldn't be drawn into eyes that were alluring.
"You were leaving and so was I.", she managed to stammer out.
"Yeah, I was." He took a step out but turned around as he pulled out a folded sheet of paper from his inside jacket pocket.
"Here, C.J. I almost forgot I printed this for you."
"What is it?" She noticed the heading "Eulalia" at the top of the sheet of paper.
"It's one of the saints for your day."
"My day?"
"I've got December 8th. I had Bill Stark move me, wanted something on a day honoring Our Lady."
"Oh. Kingspeak." She was feeling like she'd stepped into some bizarre White House version of "Alice In Wonderland".
Danny took pity on her. "Okay, you get St. Eulalia, she's also known as Aulaire or Olalla."
"I see."
"I thought she was a good fit for you. Her name means 'fair shout' in Greek and you'll have to yell at us in the Briefing Room. She's listed as a patron saint for a whole bunch of things including safe sailing."
"Sailors will love me?"
"I'm sure Sam Seaborn is already crazy about you. I meant smooth waters in the White House, but yeah that works."
"I've never heard of her."
"She died in 304 A.D. during the Diocletian persecutions."
"Of course." She looked at him like he was a lunatic.
"St. Eulalia is depicted as a maiden with a cross, stake and dove."
"A maiden?"
"Hey, she was between 12 and 14 years old. Concentrate on the stake and cross, perfect for dealing with the Press Corps and the rest of the West Wing."
She was oddly touched. "Thanks, I think. Now, I have to get going."
Her eyes locked on his and the blue eyes looking back at her warmed. "You'll do fine, C.J. You'll figure it out, keep your head in the game." She got a wink from him.
He slipped out and she wondered how many one on ones it would take to figure him out.
She started out the door and caught herself. C.J. went back to get her makeup bag puzzled over what the First Lady had in mind. "This job is going to be quite a ride, I'll probably need St. Whoever's stake and cross just to survive.
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