TITLE: 'In the Hands of a Stranger' (6/8)
AUTHOR: Cindy ()
RATING: R
CHARACTERS: Toby and the gang
SUMMARY: The West Wing's past comes back to haunt them.
POV: Toby Ziegler and then the rest of the characters in 3rd view.
DISCLAIMER: The characters used from the West Wing do not belong to me; they are the property of Aaron Sorkin.
TIMEFRAME: After "I Used to Know Everything, Now I Know Nothing."
***11***
In full panic mode I pulled CJ away from me and demanded, "What do you mean he's got her? Who has Piper?"
Bonnie came running down the hall and came over to where we were standing. "Toby," she stopped to catch her breath. "Toby, he's on the phone."
I released CJ from my grip and began to run like the wind to get to my office. I didn't even stop to catch my own breath I immediately picked up my phone and pushed the flashing button to connect myself with the anonymous caller.
"Yeah," I said completely winded. Josh and Sam came into the office and sat down on my sofa, they were both on edge themselves, and they were both in tears.
"So you think I am a coward do you," the caller said.
"Where's Piper," I asked.
"She's fine. She's quite content in the corner."
"I want to talk to my daughter," I said.
"Now now! Why would you want to do that when there are so many other topics we can discuss? Like my being a coward perhaps."
"I want to speak to Piper," I said to the caller as calm as I could.
"In due time Toby," the caller said. In the distant background I could hear Piper say Daddy. I fought hard not to cry. The caller told her to shut up.
"Don't you dare hurt her," I spoke full of anger and hatred for this very person.
"I don't think you are in any position to tell me what to do Mr. Ziegler. If you ever want to see this precious little one again you will bite your fucking tongue," again I could hear Piper in the background. She mentioned that he said a bad word. This monster had my baby.
"You touch so much as one hair on her head and I swear to God I will kill you. I will hunt you down and I will make you regret the day you were ever born." I yelled into the phone.
"Is that a threat Toby?"
"No Sir it's not," I said directly.
"That's good to hear."
"It's a fucking promise you sick son of a bitch!"
The caller disconnected and I was left with a dial tone in my ear. "Fuck!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I threw the phone across the room. Josh ducked out of the way of the flying phone and Sam bent down over my desk. I repeated the word five or six more times.
"What? What?" Josh yelled out.
I began to hyperventilate. My entire world was crashing around me and there wasn't anything I could do at this point and time.
***Oval office***
Jed Bartlet was sitting with his head in his hands scared of what was going on around him. The people he worked with were living a parent's worst nightmare and he was defenseless to aid them.
Leo came back in and went to where the alcohol was sitting. He poured one for the President and a glass of ice for himself. In his hands the glass felt like an alcoholic beverage. He walked over to the President and handed him the glass.
"No thanks Leo. I need to keep a clear head," Jed Bartlet told his friend.
"Let me be your clear head Jed, drink up." Bartlet took the glass from Leo and held it up against Leo's and clinked his glass.
"To miracles and justice," Jed said before he took a drink from his glass.
"Here here," Leo responded back.
"Why is this happening to these people Leo? These are good people," Bartlet asked desperate to know the answer.
"I don't know Jed. But have faith in God. It will work out," Leo said trying to be comforting.
"Do you believe your own bullshit philosophy Leo?"
Leo shrugged his head and said no. "I believe in us though Sir and I know that with the FBI's help we will find who is behind this."
Jed held up the glass he had just finished and said to Leo, "Maybe you should be drinking this stuff with me. Tell me what's going on out there?" Bartlet motioned to the door that lead outside of his office.
"I called Dr. Stanley Keyworth, should be here soon. Abbey is still with CJ, she's not doing so well."
"God, this is the last thing that CJ needs right now. I'm afraid to ask about Toby."
"He may be worse off than CJ I think. Sam and Josh are with him now. He took the news pretty hard."
"Can you blame him?" Bartlet snapped.
"Of course I don't." The room went completely quiet. "I want the White House shut down Leo," Jed finally spoke.
Leo look at the President in amazement of what he had just heard. "Sir, do you know how difficult that will be?"
"I don't care Leo. I want this building cleared of all employee's. I can't have people working in this environment. Hell I don't even want to be in this surrounding can you imagine how the other people feel?"
"Still Jed-" Leo began to plead.
"That's an order Leo and it's the end of discussion. I've made up mind and it is what I want done effective immediately."
Leo placed his glass down on the table and without looking at his friend he stood up and left. Jed got up and went and refilled his glass. There wasn't enough alcohol to get him through this day he thought to himself.
***Toby's office***
I had passed out and when I came to the first sight I caught was that of Josh. That alone could put someone back into the dark world. I am trying to humour myself but there isn't anything in this world that could take my mind away from my problems. The first words I spoke were of my daughter's name.
Josh and Sam exchanged glances and the nightmare came back into my reality. She was indeed gone. I slowly sat back up and Sam left to get me a bottle of water. "You gave us quite a scare there buddy," Josh said gravely.
"Where is CJ?" I was looking around the room and I didn't see her. The last thing I remembered of her was pushing her off of me so that I could get to my phone.
"Abbey is with her right now. She was in hysterics the last I heard but like I said Abbey is with her. I am sure she has everything under control, with her being a Doctor and all."
"I have to go to her," I tried to stand up but I felt so dizzy that I sat back down again.
"You can see her later Toby. Right now you could do more damage than good for her."
"What?"
"He means that with CJ being all freaked out seeing you will just put her back into hysteria," Sam said when he came back in. He handed me the bottled water. "I just saw Donna, she was on her way to be with CJ," he said.
"This is all my fault," the tears were beginning to fill my eyes again as I thought of the predicament I placed my daughter in.
"Toby listen, this isn't anybody's fault okay. You have to believe that," Sam said trying to give surety.
"I called him a coward Sam, I pissed him off," I yelled out.
"Toby man, there isn't enough paper in this world to write down the things you have said to people that pissed them off," Josh said.
"Yeah," Sam chimed in agreeing. "This bastard wasn't just after you Toby, he's been going after children from various staff members. You just got in the way by becoming front center because of the press."
"Yeah, if anyone is to blame it's the fucking asshole who printed the damn story. And trust me I'll have his balls by the end of the day. You can quote me on that one," Josh said.
My head was spinning. This feeling was different than the last time Piper went missing in the White House. My only hope the outcome would be the same as last time and I would find her safely. "Has anyone talked to Terri yet?"
"That's the woman from the daycare right?" I nodded. "Yeah the police spoke to her and Donna went and talked to her too." Sam answered. Josh jerked his head up at the mention of Donna.
"Donna, when and why did she do that?"
"She felt that as a woman she could get more from Terri. She was pretty shaken up about the whole thing." Sam answered Josh.
"Donna?"
"No, Terri."
I stood up and I didn't get dizzy which I took as a good sign. "I'm going to see my wife and then I am going to talk to Terri. Can I ask you guys for a favour?"
"Of course."
"Will you go back and look through that list again. Whoever this asshole is he is obviously connected and I want to know how. I'm not leaving this building until my daughter is back in my arms."
"What do you mean by being connected?" Sam asked.
"Piper was on a trip with the daycare and wasn't scheduled to attend until yesterday because I forgot to sign one of those forms that kids need." I looked at Josh and Sam who themselves looked quite confused. Of course they wouldn't know about forms, I barely knew about forms.
"You know, class trip-need a parent to sign?" They both understood now. "I forgot all about the damn thing until CJ reminded me and I went up there and made sure that Piper was going to be able to attend the zoo. So this person couldn't have known she was going to be there until yesterday at the earliest. The paper didn't come out until this morning, so how did they know where she would be?"
"We'll do whatever it takes Toby. Go to CJ and give her our love alright," Josh told me.
I left them there and went to see CJ. I was terrified of what I was going to say to her.
Josh left to go check through the lists again only Sam didn't go with him. Instead he decided to go and see Hunter Emanuel to see if he could learn anymore information.
***12***
By the time I arrived where CJ was being kept she had fallen asleep. Abbey came outside to talk to me. She gave me comfort with the knowledge that CJ was alright and that sleep was going to do her a lot of good. Then I spotted Dr. Keyworth.
"Didn't that man come to help Josh?" I pointed him out to Abbey who pushed my hand down. I forgot that pointing was considered rude when you are half way out of your mind.
"Yes he did. He's here for CJ," Abbey replied.
"For CJ? Is there something wrong with the baby?" Terror took over my voice and my heart.
"We just want to make sure that she is mentally alright, that's all Toby. There is nothing wrong with your baby. You're baby is going to be fine but we need to make sure that CJ will be as well. Expectant mothers have a difficult time dealing with regular everyday life, never-mind what CJ deals with."
"Yeah you're right."
"Are you sure you're okay though. You look like crap."
"Thanks for taking the time to notice Abbey, very considerate of you."
"I'm suggesting you get some rest is all. Would you like to sit with Dr. Keyworth? He is exceptional at what he does, Jed was very happy with him."
"The President and Josh share a shrink?" I was befuddled with this information.
"Toby, keep what you know to yourself. He is here to help so if you want it, you know where to get it."
"Are you sure he isn't booked with Sam and Donna? Community shrinks are hard to come by you know." I know I didn't have to be such an ass but I just wasn't in a great mood. Abbey gave me a kiss on the cheek and went back in to be with CJ. I stood there for a few minutes thinking and then I left to visit with Terri.
***2nd Sitting Room***
Josh was sitting at the table doing more worrying than working. He was terrified for all of these children who were missing and he couldn't get his mind off of Piper. He couldn't believe that this was happening again, only this time it was worse than before. Josh gulped down the beverage he brought with him and began reading over names again.
When he came across General Barrie he stopped and paid close attention to the details. He was the Army Chief of Staff before he retired, but he had caused a scene with CJ shortly before his retirement. Could he be clever enough to be who they were looking for?
Josh didn't hear Donna come in and was surprised when she spoke his name.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she said regretting not knocking first to warn him of her presence. Her bruises were still quite noticeable but her lip was looking better.
"That's okay Donna. How are you holding up?"
Donna took the seat adjacent to Josh and answered him. "I have had better days as I am sure you have as well. Josh?"
"Yeah?"
"Why is this happening to us?"
Josh placed his hands over Donna's to give her comfort. He told her that he didn't know why this was happening. They stared into each other's eyes until a knock at the door interrupted them. It was Charlie advising them that the White House was being shut down.
Josh thanked him and looked back at Donna. "Donna there is something important I have to ask you, and I want you to be honest but don't feel like you have to tell me what I want to hear okay?"
"Okay," Donna said softly, afraid of what he may be bringing up. She was terrified that it may have to do with Cliff Calley and right now he was someone she didn't want to discuss. Especially with Josh.
Another knock on the door and then it opened producing Leo. Josh didn't bother looking at who it was, he had assumed it was someone to inform them about the shut down.
"I know about the shutdown, we're fine in here."
"I'm glad to hear that but that isn't why I'm here," Leo moved into the room and stood before Josh and Donna.
"Leo, sorry I thought you were someone else."
"Yeah I got that part. Hello Donna, are you alright?"
"I'm fine Leo thank you for asking," Donna replied.
"What's that you got?" Josh said indicating the notebook under Leo's arm.
Leo glanced down and pulled it out from underneath his arm and dropped it on the large table. "That's what Charlie got from the reporter who wrote about you and Toby. His name is Peter Sloan, are you familiar with him?"
"No. But then again reporters and I don't get along very well," Josh snickered.
"Yeah well this one's a rookie. It was his first day on the job and he took advantage of what he overheard. That explains why he went and wrote comments that were not meant for him to write about."
"Fresh meat trying to be a hero. Those are the ones I like to go out of my way to hate," Josh said with a chuckle.
"Well that's everything he knows. I figured you could dissect it and find something of interest in it."
"Leo I will stand on my head if I thought it would help us. Doesn't the FBI have anything?"
"If they do they're not telling us. Listen I have to run and check on a few things I'll talk to you later okay?"
"Yeah sure. See ya," said Josh. Donna and Leo exchanged goodbyes and Leo left.
"Do you think this guy has anything?" Donna said trying to read the notebook upside down.
"I don't know but I guess we'll soon find out," Josh turned the book around so that Donna could get a look at it as well.
***Toby's office***
I am sitting in my office on the floor against the wall. The lights are out and beside me is the telephone in case he calls again. At this moment in time I would be home with CJ and Piper and we would be sitting down to dinner. Dozens of missing children stories flashed through my mind and I was growing deeper into depression. I missed my daughter. I missed CJ.
Earlier I went and visited with Terri who was still in shock from the earlier events of the day. She said that Piper was mesmerized by the elephants and didn't want to leave. When Terri finally convinced her they had more to see Piper took her hand and began their trek for more animals.
Natasha, the daughter of Lila in accounting had fallen and was wailing something awful so Terri let go of Piper and ran forward to help the little girl. Terri could see Piper still walking forward.
There was a policeman nearby and she thought they were in a safe environment. By the time she got Natasha up on her feet and somewhat calm, Piper was gone. Terri claimed that her eyes weren't off of Piper for more than twenty seconds.
I was no closer to getting Piper back than I was with the other poor kids. They must be scared out of their minds. They didn't deserve this. My phone rang and I jumped up from the fright and then I pounced on it to answer it. It was CJ. She was trying to convince me that she was okay and that she wanted me to come and get her. So that is where I am going now.
***2nd Sitting Room***
"It's a cop, we're looking for a cop!" Sam came bursting through the doors screaming the information out. Josh and Donna looked up from the outburst.
"What?" Josh asked anxious for Sam to explain.
"I just came back from Hunter's place." Sam noticed that Donna was in the room and stopped to say hello to her.
"Forget her, keep talking to me," Josh snapped.
"Why doesn't anyone have their cell phones on? I tried calling Toby, you and CJ and nobody answered. And where is everybody? It's like a ghost town in here."
"Toby forgot his cell phone and-who the hell cares tell me about Hunter," Josh yelled jumping up from where he was sitting.
"Hunter said a policeman came up to him and told him that his father Scott Emanuel called him. So he went with him figuring why would a policeman lie," Sam said.
"Kids really need to know what this world is really like. Jesus Christ. He's posing as a cop?" Josh asked.
Sam shook his head and said, "No Josh. I think this guy is a real cop. He showed Hunter all kinds of badges, he was in full uniform and he told him he was a cop."
"Was a cop as in is no longer or, was a cop as in currently employed with the force?" Josh asked needing to know the difference.
It was Donna who asked if there was a difference. "Yes there is a difference. We can determine the age range atleast," Josh answered her.
"He's old Josh. Hunter said he was older than his dad and Scott is 37."
"Scott's 37?" Donna asked shocked.
"Donna, now isn't the time," Josh reminded her.
"Josh it was beautiful, I got there just as Hunter was telling the cops. He woke up with nightmares and they figured anything he was dreaming could be from what happened."
"So wait a second, this could all be the kid's dream?" Josh asked fearing that a good lead was about to be lost.
"No. Rosa, Nancy's girl told the police that she saw a policeman talking to Robert. So…"
"So this could be something. Ah Sam, we need this man. We need this," Josh said getting emotionally excited.
"Should we tell Toby?"
"Tell Toby what?" I said from the doorway. CJ and I were heading back to my office so we could be there if this guy should call back when we overheard Josh getting excited.