Disclaimers etc in chapter 1

Five days before the election:

Josh had not slept. He had spoken to Donna last night and knew what was happening. Danny had not been able to get the photo but was more positive about being able to do so. There were still reporters outside but some had given up. The TV programmers were just getting into their stride though. They had had time to get more opinions from people who appeared pleased to be able to stick the knife in to Josh. He turned it off and threw the remote across the room. Josh went to his fridge opened the door and slammed it shut after viewing its meagre contents. He was also out of coffee.

"Shit I need some food." He reached for his cell and scrolled through the numbers.

"Hi it's Josh I need to ask you a really big favour." Josh said what he needed and sighed with relief when the person agreed. He just hoped they wouldn't have any trouble getting in the building; he really needed a cup of coffee. He went back into his living room and sank on the couch running his hands over his face and through his hair. He needed a shave but couldn't be bothered. He needed a shower but lacked the motivation to move. He put his head back and closed his eyes sighing deeply.

"Leo I need you to believe me, please Leo." Josh whispered to himself.

He must have fallen asleep as the noise of the door woke him. He roused himself and got up to open the door.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Thanks for doing this"

"Are you going to take these bags and let me in?"

"Oh yeah sorry." He moved away from the door after taking the bags.

"Once the door was shut and he had put the bags down he found himself enveloped in the motherly arms of Marcie his cleaning woman come surrogate mother. They really got to know each other when Josh was recovering after Rosslyn. She was very protective of him although he didn't actually see her that often since returning to work, but she and Donna continually conspired to provide healthy food and generally nag him to look after himself.

"How are you doing?" Marcie held him at arms length to get a good look at him. She didn't like what she saw.

"I'm okay." He lied.

"Sure mister you really look okay. Did you get any sleep?"

"Just a little on the couch." He sighed. "Have you spoken to Donna?"

"Yes she called me. She was very impressed that you'd called me already. Even if it was just because you needed a caffeine fix." Marcie laughed. "Now I'm going to get this stuff put away while you go and have a shower and shave. No arguments."

"Yes Ma'am." Josh stopped and turned back to Marcie. "Marcie you know it's not true don't you? We would never disrespect the President like that. Never." It was really important to Josh that this older woman who he had utmost respect for believed him.

"I know that sugar. You and Donna are meant to be, always were and I know you held back because of your respect for President Bartlet. You don't have to convince me sweetie. Now go have that shower, I'll make you something to eat then you'll feel better. It will all be fine you'll see."

Josh nodded and felt tears pricking his eyes as he silently turned and went to the bathroom. It wasn't until he was actually in the shower that he let the tears fall mingling with the water. The enormity of the events of the past 36 hours was beginning to hit him, before he had felt numb now he was frightened. Frightened for what this would do to his future, his friendships and mostly to him and Donna. He knew she loved him but this could ruin her as well. Perhaps she should sue him and protect herself. No she would never do that. He thought about the ring he had yet to give her and smiled. No they would get through it; just they might have to move to Canada.

Josh got out of the shower, shaved and dressed in sweats and a ratty old Yale t-shirt. As he came out of the bedroom a glorious smell assaulted his senses.

"Wow that smells great!" Josh walked into the kitchen.

"Come and sit down sugar and get it while it's hot." Marcie put the steaming bowl of soup down in front of Josh. "You almost look human now."

"You made this while I was in the shower?" Josh asked in disbelief.

"No silly I brought it cold from home, just warmed it up. Now eat."

Josh didn't need telling twice and Marcie watched him fondly as he wolfed down the soup and her special cornbread like a starving man. When he finished he sat back with a satisfied smile.

"That was amazing, thank you."

"I'm glad you liked it. Now I put some coffee on and have cleaned up a bit. I have to go but I think you should be okay for a few days. If this hasn't blown over I'll get you some more groceries."

Josh walked to the door with her. "Thanks Marcie I really appreciate it."

"It's my pleasure sweetie. Just remember to make sure I get an invite to the wedding."

"She told you?"

"Yes and it's about time too buster. You've been hankering after that wonderful girl for years."

"Yeah I know." Josh smiled.

"Okay now bye Josh. Call me if you need anything." Marcie gave him another quick hug.

"I will thanks." Josh closed the door behind her.

Josh poured himself a coffee, retrieved the TV remote and sat on the couch to see what else was going on in the world. After a while flicking from channel to channel he picked up his cell phone and hit speed dial one.

"Hey babe."

"Hey, have you heard anything?" Josh was eager to hear some good news.

"Not yet. CJ called Danny but his cell is going to voicemail. I just tried and the same thing. He's not in the Whitehouse, hasn't been there all day according to CJ. We don't know where he is." Donna sounded worried.

"Are you okay Donna?"

"I guess. I miss you so much. I'm worried about Danny. I need you to hold me." Donna began to cry gently.

"Please honey, please don't cry. I can't do anything to help you. I want to so much. I want to hold you in my arms and tell you it'll all be okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

"Josh this is not your fault. You didn't do any of this. It must be awful for you effectively imprisoned in your apartment cut off from your friends. Sam and Toby are back the day after tomorrow. Sam wants to come and see you but Toby's told him not to. Leo still won't discuss it. Sam wants to go to the President directly but CJ says we need the proof before that can happen and we still need to try to get Leo to see it first. It's all such a mess." Donna's tears and stopped and now her frustration was evident.

"Toby and CJ are right. Sam needs to be careful or he'll lose his job too." Josh sighed.

"Your mom called me."

"Yeah?"

"She's really worried about how this will affect us. I tried to reassure her. She wants us to go and stay with her."

"That's what she said to me as well. I told her I'm not running away. We did nothing wrong. Damn it Donna! Why can't they just leave us alone?" Josh raised his voice as he said this and got up pacing his living room. Taking a deep breath, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout." He collapsed on the couch running his hand through his hair.

"Hey it's okay. I understand, I do really; did Marcie come yet?"

"Yeah she came and fed me, hugged me and made me have a shower. She believes us."

"Hey did she make you have a shower after she hugged you. Do you think she was trying to tell you something?" Donna tried to lighten the mood.

"Ha ha very funny Donnatella." Josh did manage to smile. "I miss you." He whispered.

"I know, but I'm sure Danny will come through for us. If not you'd better start growing a moustache and I'll have to dye my hair so we can escape to Mexico."

"I was thinking Canada." Josh laughed.

"Well I was Canadian once I suppose, but they might not take you." Donna was laughing too.

"Why wouldn't they take me?" Josh's voice got a little higher at the end, but she could tell he was smiling.

"Well the Canadian men are outdoorsmen and you my love are so not."

"I'll have you know," Josh paused, "Okay no I'm not but I could learn to be if that's what you wanted."

"Joshua Lyman you are an arrogant workaholic Yankee jackass but I love you and wouldn't have it any other way."

"I want you so much now." Josh's voice was low and breathy.

"Don't you dare talk like that when I can't be there! You know what it does to me!" Donna was laughing out loud.

"I'm sorry." Josh replied very insincerely.

"Josh I've got CJ calling me. It might be good news. I'll call you back."

"Okay."

"Hey CJ."

"Donna we've got a problem, Danny's gone missing."

TBC