A Pleasure Sure

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003399" TEXT="#080000" background="03fc8c00erkjxk.jpg"> <div> <B>The bad combination of Donna's ex-boyfriend and Amy becomes a recipe for disaster.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>"A Pleasure Sure"  comes with a strong language & sexual situation disclaimer. Please read responsibly.</U></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>*</U></B></I><B>2003 Golden Coffee Cup Award Winner</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U> </U></B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#003399" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#99CCFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Smiles, Tears, & Happy Endings</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFF99" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#CC0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>  |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Smiles, Tears, Happy Endings"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Shelleys Stories"><U>Shelley's Stories</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Boomerang"><U>Boomerang</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="238 Days"><U>238 Days</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Proposal in Paradise"><U>A Proposal in Paradise</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Blood Ties"><U>Blood Ties</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Party Tricks"><U>Party Tricks</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Does Anyone Really Miss Her?"><U>Does Anyone Really Miss Her?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="No Time To Be Shocked"><U>No Time To Be Shocked</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Love Always"><U>Love Always</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Desperate Times"><U>Desperate Times</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id106.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Finding Our Way Back"><U>Finding Our Way Back</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id107.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roadblock"><U>Roadblock</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id108.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Finding The Treasure"><U>Finding The Treasure</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id110.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hey Baby, Lets Go To Vegas"><U>Hey Baby, Let's Go To Vegas</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id186.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Matter Of Trust"><U>A Matter Of Trust</U></A>   |   <B>A Pleasure Sure</B>   |   <A HREF="id226.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="An Excellent Rookie Season"><U>An Excellent Rookie Season</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id227.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Even Steel Magnolias Cry"><U>Even Steel Magnolias Cry</U></A></div> <div> A Pleasure Sure</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <I><U><IMG SRC="0f7e1720.gif" border=0 width="225" height="114" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">      <IMG SRC="0f8e1720.gif" border=0 width="225" height="114" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna's jaw clenched as she heard the sound of heels coming across </div> <div> the nearly deserted bullpen. She knew who it was without even looking </div> <div> up. She could just picture the cocky 'I think I own this place' </div> <div> swagger.</div> <bR> <div> "Hi, Donna," nasal tones said as the footsteps stopped in front of </div> <div> her desk.</div> <bR> <div> "Hello, Amy," Donna said politely.</div> <bR> <div> In the time since Amy had lost her job with the WLC, Donna had, </div> <div> unfortunately, seen more of her than ever. She stopped by the White </div> <div> House to see Josh at least twice a day, always claiming that she just </div> <div> needed a few minutes of his time. She seemed to have no consideration </div> <div> for the fact that Josh was on a tight schedule and 'a few minutes' </div> <div> were sometimes hard to find. </div> <bR> <div> "Is Josh ready to go?" Amy asked.</div> <bR> <div> "He's finishing up a phone call right now. He should be ready to go </div> <div> soon."</div> <bR> <div> As if on cue, Donna saw the light on the phone go out. A few seconds </div> <div> later, Josh came out of his office, his backpack slung over his </div> <div> shoulder.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, J, perfect timing," Amy chirped, closing the distance between </div> <div> them and giving Josh a quick kiss on the cheek. </div> <bR> <div> "Amy, what are you doing here? Did we have plans?" Josh said, without </div> <div> returning the kiss.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing definite. I just thought I'd stop by and see if you were </div> <div> ready to go. Maybe we can grab a quick bite to eat before we head </div> <div> home."</div> <bR> <div> The thought of heading home with Amy gave Josh a splitting headache. </div> <div> He knew that the relationship wasn't working. It hadn't been for </div> <div> quite some time. The fact of the matter was that it probably had </div> <div> never worked. </div> <bR> <div> In the beginning, Josh had been determined to prove Amy wrong. To </div> <div> show her, and everyone else, that he wasn't a hit-and-run guy. But no </div> <div> matter how hard he tried, nothing ever seemed to be good enough for </div> <div> Amy. They were never able to separate business and pleasure. </div> <div> Everything was about politics. And everything was a competition.</div> <bR> <div> Josh was the first to admit that he wasn't the most perceptive guy </div> <div> when it came to love, but he was positive of one thing. A good </div> <div> relationship shouldn't seem like a chore. And that was what being </div> <div> with Amy felt like. A chore.</div> <bR> <div> Ever since their blowup over welfare reform, Josh had made a serious </div> <div> attempt to distance himself from her. But the more he moved away, the </div> <div> more she followed. Turning up at the office and at his apartment. He </div> <div> had tried to tell her that he didn't think it was working between </div> <div> them, but before he could get the words out, Amy started talking </div> <div> about how she missed her job at WLC. Her voice broke as she talked </div> <div> about how she wasn't sure she could ever find anything she enjoyed as </div> <div> much. </div> <bR> <div> Even though Josh had no regrets about doing what he did to get the </div> <div> bill passed, he began to feel guilty about the fact that she had been </div> <div> forced to resign. He just didn't feel like he could break up with her </div> <div> until she had found a new job and was back on her feet. He</div> <div> hoped that that would happen soon.</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, I told Toby and Sam that I would meet them at Houlihan's. </div> <div> They're taking CJ over to get her drunk. She hasn't been out </div> <div> since...well since what happened to Simon."</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok," Amy said, "I'll just tag along. We can grab a sandwich </div> <div> there."</div> <bR> <div> Josh wanted to tell her that he didn't think that was a good idea, </div> <div> but he didn't want to make a scene in the middle of the bullpen, even </div> <div> if it was almost deserted.  He knew that his friends wouldn't be all </div> <div> that thrilled to see Amy, especially after what she tried to pull on </div> <div> the welfare bill. He was becoming more and more aware of the way they </div> <div> all felt about Amy with each passing day.</div> <bR> <div> She was allowed access to the west wing when she came to visit, </div> <div> mostly because she had already been vetted, and because she presented </div> <div> herself as Josh Lyman's girlfriend. But the fact was, no one really </div> <div> felt comfortable with Amy visiting. </div> <bR> <div> Josh knew he had to do something, and he had to do it soon. But he </div> <div> was already running late, so he decided it was easier to go along </div> <div> with Amy than to start a fight. Hopefully, she would just keep her </div> <div> mouth shut at the bar and not ruffle anyone's feathers any more than </div> <div> they were already ruffled. </div> <bR> <div> "I guess that would be okay," he mumbled as he walked towards Donna's </div> <div> desk and handed her the notes from his phone conversation. "Can you </div> <div> type these up for me, and make sure that Leo gets a copy, please?"</div> <bR> <div> "Sure," Donna answered, glancing up at Josh, but then looking down </div> <div> again quickly as Amy moved to stand by his side.</div> <bR> <div> "Ok then, I'll be at Houlihan's if you need me," Josh said, taking </div> <div> note of Donna's reaction to Amy. In the last week, Josh had noticed </div> <div> that Donna's feelings towards Amy had grown markedly cooler. He knew </div> <div> that Amy's constant visits to the office during the day, and her </div> <div> insistence on seeing him, were a problem for Donna because of the </div> <div> havoc they wreaked with his schedule. He had asked Amy several times </div> <div> to try to keep her visits to a minimum, and to call instead if she </div> <div> needed something, but as usual, Amy chose to only hear what she </div> <div> wanted to hear.</div> <bR> <div> "Have fun," Donna said in as cheery a voice as she could manage.</div> <bR> <div> Josh and Amy started to leave when suddenly Josh turned back.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, why don't you come," Josh suggested. "The more, the merrier." </div> <bR> <div> Donna looked up just in time to see Amy stiffen.</div> <bR> <div> "I can't. I have plans. But thanks for the offer," Donna said, </div> <div> smiling softly at Josh.</div> <bR> <div> "You have a date?" Josh asked, with more than just friendly curiosity.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't say that like you're surprised, J," Amy chided. "Donna's a </div> <div> very attractive woman. I'm sure she has lots of dates."</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't mean that she couldn't get a date," Josh started to explain.</div> <bR> <div> "I knew what you meant," Donna assured him. "And it isn't a date </div> <div> anyway. I'm just meeting someone for a drink."</div> <bR> <div> "Please tell me Casey Reed isn't still trying to convince you to come </div> <div> work for him?" Josh said, "Because I thought you told him..."</div> <bR> <div> "I did," Donna said. "It isn't Casey."</div> <bR> <div> "For crying out loud," Amy huffed agitatedly, "She's entitled to do </div> <div> whatever she wants in her free time, Josh. Now let's go."</div> <bR> <div> Josh ignored Amy and continued to look expectantly at Donna.</div> <bR> <div> She had made a conscious decision to keep the meeting a secret from </div> <div> Josh. She hadn't wanted to upset him. But for some reason, Amy's </div> <div> condescending attitude, and the fact that she acted as though what </div> <div> happened outside of work should be none of Josh's concern, suddenly </div> <div> made Donna want to tell Josh everything. In fact, she decided that it </div> <div> would actually be a relief for him to know.</div> <bR> <div> "It's not a date," Donna said, taking a deep breath. "I'm meeting a </div> <div> friend from Wisconsin."</div> <bR> <div> "A friend?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Chris Hill," Donna said softly.</div> <bR> <div> "Why in the world are you meeting with Dr. Freeride?" Josh </div> <div> questioned,  trying to keep his anger under control.</div> <bR> <div> Donna glanced over at Amy who was looking decidedly disgusted by the </div> <div> whole conversation, then turned back to Josh.</div> <bR> <div> "It's not what you think, Josh," she said soothingly. "I got a call </div> <div> last week from a lawyer for St. Luke's Hospital, where Chris works. </div> <div> It seems as though they are under investigation for some questionable </div> <div> incidents involving their staff. In one case, there was a complaint </div> <div> that Chris was present in the ER while he was intoxicated."</div> <bR> <div> "And what does that have to do with you?" Josh snapped.</div> <bR> <div> "I happen to have been there that night."</div> <bR> <div> "Why were you..." Josh began, and then the light bulb went on over </div> <div> his head. "You mean it was the night....."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, Joshua. It was the night of my car accident."</div> <bR> <div> "But he wasn't on duty that night. I thought you called him to pick </div> <div> you up."</div> <bR> <div> "I did," Donna said, stealing a glance at Amy, who was now tapping </div> <div> her foot impatiently. "But when he got there, and I figured out what </div> <div> had taken him so long, I took a cab home, and he stayed there. I </div> <div> didn't know anything that happened after I left."</div> <bR> <div> "And what did happen?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Does it really matter?" Amy asked snippily. "I'm starved, and Donna </div> <div> obviously has somewhere to go, so can you two discuss this some other </div> <div> time?"</div> <bR> <div> "Amy's right," Donna said, "You two should go. We'll talk about this </div> <div> tomorrow."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure?" Josh asked skeptically.</div> <bR> <div> "Positive. You guys have fun."</div> <bR> <div> "Why don't you bring Chris over to Houlihan's? I'd love to meet him. </div> <div> I'm sure CJ would too," Josh said with a twinkle in his eye.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't think so," Donna snorted. "Now go on, I'll call you in the </div> <div> morning."</div> <bR> <div> "Better call on his cell," Amy said, grinning triumphantly as she and </div> <div> Josh headed out.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Chris was already waiting at a small table in the corner when Donna </div> <div> entered the hotel lounge where they had agreed to meet. He smiled </div> <div> broadly as she approached him, and stood up to greet her.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna, thanks for agreeing to see me," he said sincerely.</div> <bR> <div> "No problem," Donna said as she settled in the seat opposite him.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure it was a shock for you to get a call from the hospital's </div> <div> lawyers out of the blue."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, it was. But it wasn't like I had much to tell them...."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't," Chris interrupted before Donna could go any further. "I </div> <div> didn't ask to see you because I wanted to know what you told them. </div> <div> Heaven knows, you have legitimate reasons to be angry about that </div> <div> night. I'm sure that you told them the truth. And that's fine. I just </div> <div> wanted to see you while I was here in D.C. to tell you that I'm </div> <div> sorry."</div> <bR> <div> "You're sorry?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. I don't think I've ever told you that. I'm sorry for what </div> <div> happened that night. I'm sorry for treating you badly. I'm sorry for </div> <div> using you. I'm sorry for all of it. I was an idiot, Donna."</div> <bR> <div> Donna stared at the man across the table from her. She had absolutely </div> <div> no idea what had brought on this sudden, apparently heartfelt, </div> <div> apology.  "Chris, I don't know what to say."</div> <bR> <div> "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know."</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you," Donna said. She had to admit that she had dreamed for a </div> <div> long time of hearing Chris say he was sorry, of hearing him </div> <div> acknowledge that he had made a mistake. In the days immediately </div> <div> following their second and final breakup, and her journey back to New </div> <div> Hampshire, she had fantasized about him realizing how wrong he had </div> <div> been and begging her to come back, just so that she could refuse. But </div> <div> those fantasies were a thing of the past. </div> <bR> <div> "You don't have to worry, Donna. I know that you have a new life now </div> <div> and I'm not here to try to worm my way into it, or to beg you to come </div> <div> back to me. I've changed a lot since the last time you saw me. I've </div> <div> gotten my act together, so to speak. And you were a big part of that. </div> <div> So I thought you deserved to know."</div> <bR> <div> "I appreciate that," Donna said sincerely. "Although I'm sure I </div> <div> played a very minor role."</div> <bR> <div> "Not really," Chris said earnestly. "After you left, it made me </div> <div> think. I knew that I had thrown away something really great. And when </div> <div> you wouldn't take my calls, and returned all of my letters unopened, </div> <div> I knew that I'd lost you for good. And I knew that if I could drive </div> <div> away someone as sweet and forgiving as you, I needed to take a good, </div> <div> hard look at my life and make some serious changes."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad that things are working out for you," Donna said. "I hope </div> <div> this whole investigation over the night of the accident doesn't </div> <div> derail things."</div> <bR> <div> "It won't," Chris said confidently. "I've admitted to everything </div> <div> about that night. It's true that I'd had too many beers. And I was in </div> <div> the ER. But the fact is that I didn't actually treat any patients. I </div> <div> was called in on a consult, but it didn't take the treating physician </div> <div> long to realize that I had been drinking and he told me to go sleep </div> <div> it off. There was no serious harm done that night, but it was </div> <div> reported, and so the hospital has to investigate it."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad to hear that," Donna smiled. The man she was looking at </div> <div> across the table bore very little resemblance to the man she had been </div> <div> so sure she was in love with years before. She was truly happy that </div> <div> he seemed to have turned his life around. </div> <bR> <div> She had been a bit nervous about meeting him, but now she saw that </div> <div> the nerves had been unnecessary. He was a very different man. He had </div> <div> grown and matured. He seemed happy and at peace with where his life </div> <div> was now. </div> <bR> <div> Donna was glad that his life was going well, and that he was happy. </div> <div> But whatever romantic feelings she may have had for him in the past </div> <div> were completely gone. He was her first love, and she would always </div> <div> have a special place in her heart for him, but that was as far as it </div> <div> went. She didn't even envision them as friends, more like casual </div> <div> acquaintances. She might look him up, and arrange to meet for a </div> <div> friendly drink, whenever she managed to make it home to Madison. But </div> <div> that was as far as it would go.</div> <bR> <div> They talked for a while longer. Chris caught Donna up on all of their </div> <div> mutual acquaintances from home, and Donna told him all about her </div> <div> duties at the White House, and the people she worked with. After </div> <div> about an hour, Chris caught Donna looking at her watch.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry. Am I keeping you from something?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not really. I was invited to meet some people from work for a </div> <div> drink," Donna explained.</div> <bR> <div> "Well don't let me keep you," Chris said apologetically.</div> <bR> <div> "You're not. I'm not even sure I'm gonna go."</div> <bR> <div> "I think you should," Chris said. "It sounds as though you work hard. </div> <div> You need to unwind once in a while."</div> <bR> <div> "You mean this isn't unwinding?" Donna teased.</div> <bR> <div> "I mean with the people you work with," Chris smiled. "It helps build </div> <div> team morale and that sort of thing. I'm guessing you guys could use </div> <div> that with the tough reelection battle you have coming up."</div> <bR> <div> "It's gonna be tough, but we'll win," Donna said confidently.</div> <bR> <div> "That's the Donna I remember," Chris smiled. "Why don't you go ahead </div> <div> and have a drink with your friends."</div> <bR> <div> "Actually," Donna hesitated, then spoke again, "Josh said that I </div> <div> should bring you along. He said he'd love to meet you."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll just bet he would," Chris laughed. "He's a powerful man. He </div> <div> could probably get away with killing me and hiding the body, no </div> <div> questions asked."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't think he'd go quite that far," Donna chuckled.</div> <bR> <div> "But I'm sure he would be tempted. I can just imagine what all of the </div> <div> people who have known you since the campaign think of me."</div> <bR> <div> "I never went out of my way to talk badly about you," Donna insisted.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure you didn't," Chris agreed. "My actions spoke for </div> <div> themselves. You didn't have to do or say anything to make them </div> <div> dislike me. I took care of that all on my own."</div> <bR> <div> "Well then why don't you come with me. You can show them all that </div> <div> you've changed. That way you don't have to worry every year when you </div> <div> file your taxes that this will finally be the time Josh carries </div> <div> through with his threat to have you audited."</div> <bR> <div> "Audited?" Chris gasped.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't worry," Donna laughed. "He wouldn't really do it. Well....I </div> <div> don't think he would anyway."</div> <bR> <div> "I better do a very good job of convincing him I've changed," Chris </div> <div> laughed, as he threw some money on the table and they headed out the </div> <div> door.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Hey, isn't that Donna?" Sam said, nodding toward the door of the </div> <div> crowded bar.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. But who is that with her?" Toby asked.</div> <bR> <div> Josh turned and looked over his shoulder as Donna approached the </div> <div> table, followed closely by a man he assumed was Chris Hill. It was </div> <div> the first glimpse Josh had ever gotten of the infamous Dr. Freeride. </div> <bR> <div> He was more or less what Josh had pictured. Tall, blonde, well built. </div> <div> Handsome in a Ken-doll sort of way.  Josh frowned as he saw Chris </div> <div> lean over and whisper something in Donna's ear.</div> <bR> <div> Just before the pair arrived at the table, Amy turned to Josh and </div> <div> said, "Wow, he's pretty cute. And a doctor to boot. Donna landed </div> <div> herself a real catch."</div> <bR> <div> Before Josh could make it clear that Donna hadn't "landed" anyone, </div> <div> she and Chris reached the table.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey," Josh said. "I see you decided to join us after all."</div> <bR> <div> "Hi, Donna," the rest of the table's occupants chorused.</div> <bR> <div> "Hi," Donna said as Sam pulled two more chairs up to the table. </div> <div> Before they sat down, she introduced Chris to CJ, Toby, Sam, Josh and </div> <div> Amy. He was greeted with a chorus of cool, "Nice to meet you."</div> <bR> <div> As the waitress brought another pitcher of beer and two more glasses, </div> <div> Chris decided to get a few things out in the open.</div> <bR> <div> "Look, I'm sure that you all think I'm a jerk, and I don't blame you. </div> <div> I treated Donna horribly when we were together. And I don't really </div> <div> have any excuse for it. I was young-but not that young. The truth is, </div> <div> I had never grown up. I wanted everything my own way. And I didn't </div> <div> want any responsibility. There's nothing I can ever do to make up for </div> <div> that. But the fact is that I've changed."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad to hear that," CJ said skeptically. "But talk is cheap. You </div> <div> told Donna once before that you had changed. You even convinced her </div> <div> to come back to you. And that didn't work out very well did it?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, it didn't" Chris admitted. "But then again she was only gone for </div> <div> three weeks. I didn't really take the time I needed to grow up. At </div> <div> that point, I still didn't think I was the one with the problem. And </div> <div> by convincing Donna to come back to me, I caused her even more pain."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes you did," Toby growled.</div> <bR> <div> Chris looked at the bearded Communications Director. He had expected </div> <div> a certain level of hostility from Donna's boss, and even from the </div> <div> woman that Donna had told him earlier in the evening was a card-</div> <div> carrying member of the sisterhood, but he hadn't realized how fond </div> <div> all of Donna's co-workers were of her.</div> <bR> <div> "Again, I apologize. I've already asked Donna for forgiveness, and I </div> <div> ask the same of all of you. I've changed. I honestly have."</div> <bR> <div> "Well that's good," Sam chimed in, "But Donna has been hurt by you </div> <div> before, and we don't want to see that happen again."</div> <bR> <div> Donna smiled warmly at Sam.</div> <bR> <div> "It won't," Chris insisted. "I didn't come here to try to steal Donna </div> <div> away from you. I know she's happy here. I don't want to do anything </div> <div> to interfere with that. I just wanted a chance to close some old </div> <div> wounds."</div> <bR> <div> Toby glanced at Josh, whom he noticed had been suspiciously quiet </div> <div> since Chris and Donna had arrived. Josh was looking appraisingly at </div> <div> Chris, trying desperately to ascertain whether or not he was sincere. </div> <div> Finally, he spoke.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad to hear that, Chris," he said, pasting his best </div> <div> politician's smile on his face, "Because this time I wouldn't make </div> <div> the same mistake I made last time. I wouldn't let her go without a </div> <div> fight."</div> <bR> <div> Donna beamed at Josh while Amy glared. </div> <bR> <div> "Well then let's drink to old friends and new beginnings," CJ said, </div> <div> still a bit wary, but deciding that if Donna could give Chris the </div> <div> benefit of the doubt, so could she.</div> <bR> <div> As the beer continued to flow, conversation at the table turned to </div> <div> baseball. Donna was shocked to hear Chris talk about what a big </div> <div> baseball fan he was. She couldn't once remember him watching a game </div> <div> the entire time they were together. When Toby and Josh began the </div> <div> inevitable debate of Yankees vs. Mets, Chris had made points with </div> <div> both sides by pointing out what he liked about each of the teams.</div> <bR> <div> Soon after, Amy interrupted the sports talk, asking Chris about his </div> <div> career, what his specialty was, if he was seeing anyone. She </div> <div> positively gushed about what a perfect catch he would be for any </div> <div> girl, and then she winked at Donna. Donna opened her mouth to object, </div> <div> but then realized that Amy was baiting her and decided not to give in.</div> <bR> <div> Before too long, it was time to call it a night. They all found themselves standing on the sidewalk, waiting for the cabs that CJ had summoned since they were all clearly too intoxicated to drive.</div> <bR> <div> Sam, CJ, and Toby piled into the first one since they all lived in </div> <div> the same direction. </div> <bR> <div> "Do you wanna share a cab with us?" Josh asked as the next one pulled </div> <div> up.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't be dense, J," Amy smiled, "I'm sure Donna and Chris want to be </div> <div> alone to say goodnight."</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked questioningly at Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "That's not the case at all," she sighed. "But Chris is staying at </div> <div> the Fairmount, so both of us are in the opposite direction from where </div> <div> you two are headed. We may as well take a separate cab."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok, if you're sure," Josh said, searching her face for any signs of </div> <div> apprehension.</div> <bR> <div> "Of course they're sure," Amy said, wrapping her arm around Josh's </div> <div> waist. "Now let's go. I can't wait to get you home."</div> <bR> <div> Josh thought he noticed an almost imperceptible wince on Donna's </div> <div> face. He decided then and there that they had a lot to talk about </div> <div> tomorrow.</div> <bR> <div> "It was nice to finally meet you, Chris," Josh said, trying to sound </div> <div> sincere. While it was true that Chris was saying all of the right </div> <div> words, there was still something about him that Josh didn't </div> <div> trust. "Have a safe flight home."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Chris said. "But I'm not actually going home for a couple </div> <div> of weeks."</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Josh and Donna said in unison.</div> <bR> <div> "I though I told you," Chris said to Donna. "I'm here for a symposium </div> <div> at GW. I'll be staying for two weeks."</div> <bR> <div> "No, you didn't tell me that," Donna said, not sure why the thought </div> <div> of Chris being in town for two weeks made her uncomfortable.</div> <bR> <div> Josh noticed the way Donna tensed at the news. "I'm sure you'll be </div> <div> very busy for the next few weeks, and Donna will too, what with </div> <div> reelection coming up fast," he said.</div> <bR> <div> "But you can't work 24 hours a day. So maybe we can all get together </div> <div> again before you go," Amy said happily.</div> <bR> <div> "I'd like that," Chris smiled, as Amy dragged Josh off towards the </div> <div> waiting cab.</div> <bR> <div> "Great. We'll call you," Amy said as she slid into the back seat.</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked uneasily at Donna one more time before Amy pulled him in </div> <div> beside her and the cab pulled away.</div> <bR> <div> "I think they make a really cute couple," Amy said, as she rested her </div> <div> hand on Josh's thigh.</div> <bR> <div> "They aren't a couple," Josh snapped, lifting her hand and depositing </div> <div> it back in her own lap.</div> <bR> <div> "What's your problem?" Amy insisted sharply. "You're involved in a </div> <div> relationship. Why don't you want Donna to have the same opportunity?"</div> <bR> <div> "Just drop it," Josh sighed tiredly.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't want to drop it," Amy said, her voice rising.</div> <bR> <div> "Well I do," Josh said, with a tone of finality in his voice. He </div> <div> leaned forward and told the driver that they would be dropping Amy at </div> <div> the address she had given him, but that he would then want to </div> <div> continue on to his place.</div> <bR> <div> "So you're going home?" Amy huffed.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm tired and I just need to be alone for a while," Josh said, </div> <div> leaning his head back and closing his eyes.</div> <bR> <div> Amy wanted to continue the argument, she had much more to say, but </div> <div> she decided that this was neither the time nor the place. But as they </div> <div> drove towards her apartment in silence, she decided one thing for </div> <div> sure. There was no way she was going to allow herself to continue to </div> <div> play second fiddle to Donna in Josh's heart.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "DONNA!" Josh bellowed from his office.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Donna asked with an exasperated sigh as she reached his </div> <div> office door.</div> <bR> <div> "I need the files for my meeting with Senator Thompson," Josh said as </div> <div> he continued to search through the debris on his desk.</div> <bR> <div> "I told you, they are in your backpack already," Donna snapped, more </div> <div> angrily than she had intended.</div> <bR> <div> "They aren't..." Josh began as he picked up his backpack. Then he </div> <div> spotted the files right where Donna had said they were. "Sorry."</div> <bR> <div> "No problem," Donna huffed as she turned and headed back towards her </div> <div> desk.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, Donna."</div> <bR> <div> "What?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh couldn't help but notice the edge in Donna's voice. Sure she was </div> <div> under a lot of pressure, they all were. But this was different. Donna </div> <div> was normally so cool and unflappable. But for the last two weeks, </div> <div> ever since Chris Hill had arrived in town, her mood seemed to be </div> <div> slowly deteriorating.</div> <bR> <div> "Come in here and sit down for a minute. I want to talk to you."</div> <bR> <div> "Josh, I'm busy. I have a dozen memos to prepare and I have to pull </div> <div> together the research on..."</div> <bR> <div> "It'll wait."</div> <bR> <div> Donna saw the determined look on Josh's face and knew that there was </div> <div> no point in arguing with him. It would be easier to simply give him </div> <div> what he wanted so she could get back to work. She entered the office </div> <div> and took a seat in one of the visitor's chairs. Josh leaned against </div> <div> the desk in front of her.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know. You haven't really been yourself lately. You look </div> <div> tired, and you've been yelling at me more than usual."</div> <bR> <div> "Any chance you're being more annoying than usual?" Donna asked with </div> <div> a small smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Not likely. Are you gonna tell me what's wrong?"</div> <bR> <div> It's nothing really. It's just...." Donna hesitated.</div> <bR> <div> "Dr. Freeride?"</div> <bR> <div> "Chris....yes," Donna sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "What's he done? Because if he's upset you, Donna....."</div> <bR> <div> "No, no, no. It's nothing like that." Part of the reason Donna had </div> <div> chosen to keep her frustration to herself was that she knew how Josh </div> <div> would react. "He's just...I don't know..."</div> <bR> <div> "What? Donna, you can tell me," Josh said, his voice full of genuine </div> <div> concern.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, every night he calls me. Or he stops by my apartment. He </div> <div> brings takeout with him and then proceeds to just make himself at </div> <div> home. He spends hours filling me in on people that I knew in </div> <div> Wisconsin. Martin Landers got arrested for shoplifting women's </div> <div> underwear. Or Sue Murphy divorced her husband and married his best </div> <div> friend."</div> <bR> <div> "He sounds like quite the gossip," Josh laughed.</div> <bR> <div> "He is," Donna agreed, "And it's very frustrating. Last night I spent </div> <div> two hours listening to how he rented a place in the Colorado </div> <div> Mountains with a group of friends from med school. And how beautiful </div> <div> it was there. And how he'd love to live there some day. But Jack </div> <div> Kramer ran the ATV into a tree and broke his ankle and so they had to </div> <div> cut the vacation short. And he just went on and on till I wanted to </div> <div> jump out my apartment window."</div> <bR> <div> "I can imagine," Josh said sympathetically. "Why don't you ask him </div> <div> not to stop by anymore?"</div> <bR> <div> "I know I should. It's just that he's so proud of all of the changes </div> <div> he's made in his life. He keeps apologizing over and over for all the </div> <div> pain he caused me when we were together. I don't want to shoot him </div> <div> down by telling him to leave me alone. You know what I mean?"</div> <bR> <div> "You're too nice a person, Donnatella."</div> <bR> <div> "I wouldn't go that far," Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Shouldn't he be leaving soon?"</div> <bR> <div> "He has a flight out tomorrow," Donna said, the relief evident in her </div> <div> voice.</div> <bR> <div> "I could keep you here at work till his plane leaves if that would </div> <div> help."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, Josh. You're a prince among men."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," he smirked.</div> <bR> <div> "You better get going or you're going to be late for your meeting. </div> <div> You'll go straight from there to lunch with Hayes from the State </div> <div> Department, then back here for afternoon staff."</div> <bR> <div> "Got it."</div> <bR> <div> "Do good out there. And don't piss anyone off, I'm not in the right </div> <div> frame of mind to make apology phone calls."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll do my best," Josh smiled as he headed out of the office.</div> <bR> <div> "That's what I'm afraid of," Donna called after him, a teasing tone </div> <div> in her voice.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna sat at her desk, completing the research numbers that Josh </div> <div> would want to have when Leo asked for them at the staff meeting. He </div> <div> had called and checked in after his meeting with Thompson, assuring </div> <div> her that all had gone well and no feathers had been ruffled. Now if </div> <div> he could make it through lunch with Hayes without starting an </div> <div> international incident, the rest of her day just might be stress-</div> <div> free. </div> <bR> <div> She was broken out of her reverie by the ringing of the phone.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh Lyman's office."</div> <bR> <div> "Hi, Donna. It's Amy."</div> <bR> <div> Well, so much for stress free.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh isn't here right now, Amy. But I'll let him know you called."</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok. It was actually you I wanted to talk to anyway."</div> <bR> <div> "Me?"</div> <bR> <div> "You sound surprised," Amy said sweetly.</div> <bR> <div> "I am...a little," Donna stammered.</div> <bR> <div> "I've been thinking, you and I really should get to know each other </div> <div> better, Donna."</div> <bR> <div> "We should?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. I mean, we're both big parts of Josh's life. You have him all </div> <div> day at work, and I have him all night at home." </div> <bR> <div> The lie burned in Amy's throat. The truth of the matter was that she </div> <div> rarely saw Josh anymore. There always seemed to be something else </div> <div> that needed his attention. And on those rare occasions when she did </div> <div> manage to corral him for dinner, or to watch a movie in her </div> <div> apartment, he was inevitably called away on some matter of national </div> <div> importance. At least he claimed it was national importance. </div> <bR> <div> The voice on the other end of the phone, the one that repeatedly took </div> <div> him away from her, always seemed to be Donna's. He hadn't spent the </div> <div> night at Amy's apartment, or she at his, in nearly two weeks.  </div> <bR> <div> "I guess so," Donna grumbled. </div> <bR> <div> The last thing in this world that she intended to do was form any </div> <div> kind of bond with Amy Gardner. She knew for a fact that Josh hadn't </div> <div> been spending much time with Amy lately. Most nights he either </div> <div> avoided her altogether, or arranged for Donna to page him after a few </div> <div> hours and claim he was needed at work. </div> <bR> <div> At first, Donna had been reluctant to run interference. Then Josh </div> <div> explained his reasoning for putting off the breakup. He told her that </div> <div> his relationship with Amy-whatever it had been-was over. But he </div> <div> wanted to wait until she had found a new job before ending things </div> <div> completely. He didn't feel right kicking her when she was down. </div> <bR> <div> Donna had been amazed by the fact that, no matter how badly Amy had </div> <div> treated him, Josh refused to stoop to her level. He was giving her </div> <div> more consideration in ending the relationship than she deserved. </div> <bR> <div> Donna knew that Amy was up to something, she just couldn't quite </div> <div> figure out what it was. Her comment about having Josh 'all night' was </div> <div> clearly not true. Donna had reached Josh at his own apartment every </div> <div> morning for the past several weeks with his wake-up call. And since </div> <div> Amy had expressed a clear preference for sleeping at her place when </div> <div> she and Josh were together, claiming his place was too much of a </div> <div> bachelor pad, Donna was fairly sure that he had been alone on those </div> <div> mornings.</div> <bR> <div> "And to that end, I've made some plans," Amy said, snapping Donna </div> <div> back to the present.</div> <bR> <div> "Plans?"</div> <bR> <div> "I hope that's ok with you," Amy chirped happily. "I wanted it to be </div> <div> a bit of a surprise."</div> <bR> <div> "What have you done?" Donna asked suspiciously.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, I know that tonight is Chris' last night in town. When I </div> <div> called him up to say goodbye, he mentioned that he was sorry he </div> <div> hadn't gotten a chance to see the monuments at night."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, that's too bad," Donna said dryly.</div> <bR> <div> "Well," Amy continued unabated, "I told him that seeing the monuments </div> <div> lit up was something he absolutely had to do before he left. So I </div> <div> made plans for the four of us to do a little sightseeing, and then </div> <div> have a nice dinner at Emilio's tonight."</div> <bR> <div> "Amy, I don't think....I mean we're really busy here....I've got a </div> <div> ton of research to do for Josh's afternoon meeting. Then I'll have to </div> <div> take care of his notes from this morning. I'm not sure if we'll have </div> <div> time to go sightseeing tonight."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't worry. I'll straighten it out with Josh. You can make time. </div> <div> It's the last night Chris will be in town."</div> <bR> <div> 'Thank God,' Donna thought.</div> <bR> <div> "I really wish you would have asked me before you made plans like </div> <div> this," Donna said in measured tones.</div> <bR> <div> "But where would the fun be in that?" Amy asked haughtily. "Now you </div> <div> and Josh just be ready to go by 7:00. I'll swing by Chris' hotel and </div> <div> pick him up-then we'll meet you at the White House."</div> <bR> <div> "7:00 may be too early.." Donna began to protest.</div> <bR> <div> "Just be ready," Amy said insistently. "I'll take care of everything."</div> <bR> <div> Before Donna could say anything else, the hum of the dial tone filled </div> <div> the line.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Lyman," Josh said, answering his cell phone without looking at the </div> <div> caller ID display.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, J," Amy said.</div> <bR> <div> "What do you need, Amy?" </div> <bR> <div> "What kind of greeting is that?" Amy asked reproachfully.</div> <bR> <div> Josh took a deep breath. His afternoon schedule was jammed, and the </div> <div> last thing he needed was to get into another argument with Amy. He </div> <div> had done everything possible to limit his contact with her for the </div> <div> last several weeks. He had hoped she would have a new job by now, and </div> <div> be settling in. He felt bad ending the relationship before she was </div> <div> back on her feet, but he knew he wouldn't be able to wait much longer.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm busy. I'm gonna be late for the afternoon staff meeting and I </div> <div> need to stop and get some research from Donna on the way." </div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. She's working on that now."</div> <bR> <div> "Working on what?"</div> <bR> <div> "The research you need for your afternoon meeting."</div> <bR> <div> "How do you know?"</div> <bR> <div> "I just talked to her."</div> <bR> <div> Josh gritted his teeth. "Amy, Donna is very busy. You can't keep </div> <div> calling the office..."</div> <bR> <div> "Relax, Josh. I wasn't bothering your precious assistant. I just </div> <div> wanted to tell her that we're going to take her and Chris to see the </div> <div> monuments tonight."</div> <bR> <div> "Why in the world would we do that?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "It's his last night in town. I'm just trying to make sure he has a </div> <div> good time."</div> <bR> <div> "And who appointed you his tour guide? Did you even think to ask </div> <div> Donna about this?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Amy said sharply. "It was a surprise. We're going to tour the </div> <div> monuments and then have a nice, quiet dinner."</div> <bR> <div> "Amy, we have a lot of work to do. I'm not sure.."</div> <bR> <div> "It's already arranged, Josh. I'm going to swing by the Fairmount and </div> <div> pick Chris up at 6:30. We'll be at the White House at 7:00. We can </div> <div> leave from there."</div> <bR> <div> "And Donna agreed to this?" Josh asked, wondering if Amy had actually </div> <div> left her any choice.</div> <bR> <div> "She played coy at first, but I know she loved the idea."</div> <bR> <div> 'I doubt that,' Josh thought, wondering how he could extricate </div> <div> himself and Donna from this whole mess.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll have to check my schedule when I get back to the office..." </div> <div> Josh began.</div> <bR> <div> "It's all settled, Josh," Amy said. "We're going. And if you don't </div> <div> want to go, then I'll just take Chris and Donna out by myself."</div> <bR> <div> "No. I'll go," Josh said, knowing that Donna would never forgive him </div> <div> if she had to spend a night alone with Amy and Chris.</div> <bR> <div> "Good. See you at 7:00."</div> <bR> <div> "Fine," Josh said as he disconnected the phone and fought the urge to </div> <div> throw it against the wall.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> By the time they reached Emilio's, both Josh and Donna's nerves were </div> <div> frayed. All evening, Amy had been behaving like some sort of cross </div> <div> between a chirpy tour guide and a deranged Cupid. She insisted that </div> <div> Donna and Chris have their picture taken in front of every monument, </div> <div> and throw a penny in every fountain and make a wish. She had gone out </div> <div> of her way to make sure that they were as close as possible every </div> <div> minute. And Donna was ready to scream.</div> <bR> <div> "This is a great restaurant," Chris said enthusiastically as they sat </div> <div> down.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, it is. We love it here. Don't we, J?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh was busy looking at Donna for any signs of an impending </div> <div> explosion. "Huh? Yeah, it's great," he said distractedly. </div> <bR> <div> When the waiter approached the table for a drink order, Chris ordered </div> <div> a scotch on the rocks for himself and a white wine spritzer for </div> <div> Donna. Josh watched Donna bristle as Chris ordered for her, while Amy </div> <div> nudged him in the ribs and whispered "Don't they make an adorable </div> <div> couple?"</div> <bR> <div> By the time the waiter returned with the drinks, Josh just wanted to </div> <div> eat as quickly as possible so they could call it a night. He had the </div> <div> distinct feeling Donna wanted the same thing.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll have the trout," Amy said, closing her menu and placing it on </div> <div> the table. "What do you want, honey?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'll have a steak, well done. And blue cheese dressing on my salad."</div> <bR> <div> "I think I'll have the pasta with alfredo sauce," Donna said.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, are you sure?" Chris asked skeptically. "All of that rich sauce </div> <div> is so bad for your heart. Aside from the fact that it goes straight </div> <div> to your thighs."</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing goes straight to Donna's thighs," Josh interjected. "She can </div> <div> eat anything she wants. Her thighs are just fine"</div> <bR> <div> Chris and Amy both shot him disapproving looks.</div> <bR> <div> "Still, I think the fish is a better choice," Chris continued.</div> <bR> <div> Donna glanced at Josh with a look that clearly said, 'I can put up </div> <div> with this for one more night. Let's not start a fight.'</div> <bR> <div> "Fine," she said with a forced smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent, we'll both have the fish," Chris said to the waiter with </div> <div> a triumphant smile.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "What in hell did you think you were doing tonight?" Josh thundered </div> <div> as soon as they made it through the door of Amy's apartment.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Amy asked innocently.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't do that!" Josh growled. "Don't you dare do that! Don't you </div> <div> DARE act like you don't know what I'm talking about!"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not acting like anything. I have no idea what you're talking </div> <div> about," Amy said, her voice rising. "You've had an attitude about </div> <div> this evening ever since I told you about it."</div> <bR> <div> "Because you have no right to go around planning other people's </div> <div> lives, Amy. If Chris wanted to see the monuments, and you were so </div> <div> gung-ho to play tour guide, then you should have just taken him. You </div> <div> had no right to make plans for me or Donna without asking first."</div> <bR> <div> "Donna was thrilled. She loved the idea of spending Chris' last night </div> <div> in town with him."</div> <bR> <div> "What makes you think that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Women know these things," Amy said dismissively.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, you're wrong. She wasn't thrilled," Josh ground out.</div> <bR> <div> "She was just playing hard to get."</div> <bR> <div> Josh struggled to keep his temper under control. "You don't have any </div> <div> idea how Donna feels, or what she wants. And you can't go around </div> <div> trying to arrange her life for her."</div> <bR> <div> "Well that's pretty much all I have to do with my time since I lost </div> <div> my job"</div> <bR> <div> Josh steeled himself; he was not going to allow Amy to put him on </div> <div> another guilt trip over what happened with the welfare reform bill.</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe it's time you found a new position. I know you loved it at the </div> <div> WLC, but you just have to accept that that job is history."</div> <bR> <div> "I have feelers out, Josh. Do you think I'm just sitting here waiting </div> <div> for another job to fall in my lap? It isn't easy."</div> <bR> <div> "You have some pretty impressive credentials, Amy. There are a lot of </div> <div> other lobbying groups that would be happy to have you."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not sure if I want to go back to being a lobbyist. I think I </div> <div> want to try something new. Maybe you could find me something with the </div> <div> campaign?"</div> <bR> <div> That was the last straw. In the back of his mind, Josh had always </div> <div> known that Amy was more interested in how he could help her advance </div> <div> her career than she was in him personally, but this was the limit. </div> <div> She had used him for the last time.</div> <bR> <div> "No, Amy. I won't. For one thing, I'm not responsible for finding you </div> <div> a new job."</div> <bR> <div> "Why not?" Amy spat out, "It's your fault I lost the last one."</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said as calmly as possible, "It's your own fault you lost </div> <div> the last one. I have no idea why you thought you could take on the </div> <div> administration and we wouldn't fight back with everything we had."</div> <bR> <div> "I never thought you'd betray me like that, Josh. You had another </div> <div> option. You didn't have to choose the one that cost me my job," Amy </div> <div> shouted.</div> <bR> <div> "I chose the best one for the President," Josh shouted back. "We're </div> <div> in the middle of a reelection battle. And I'll do whatever is </div> <div> necessary to win."</div> <bR> <div> "Well then get me a job with the campaign and let me help you," Amy </div> <div> said, switching strategies as she grabbed Josh's hand and pressed up </div> <div> against his side. "We could be a good team. We could make magic </div> <div> together," she whispered as she grabbed his chin and tried to plant a </div> <div> forceful kiss on his lips.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said, stepping back and putting up his hand to ward off </div> <div> any further advances. "This is ridiculous, Amy. I'm tired of fighting </div> <div> with you. I'm tired of competing with you. I'm tired of all these </div> <div> games."</div> <bR> <div> "What are you saying?" Amy pouted.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm saying that this...whatever it is we have between us...is over."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't say that," Amy said as tears sprung to her eyes. "We can work </div> <div> it out..."</div> <bR> <div> "Work what out?" Josh asked incredulously. "There was never anything </div> <div> between us but competition."</div> <bR> <div> "I care about you," Amy insisted.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh shouted, "You care about what you can get from me. If you </div> <div> cared about ME, you wouldn't try to damage my career at every turn."</div> <bR> <div> "This isn't about me," Amy hissed, dropping the seductress </div> <div> mask, "It's about HER."</div> <bR> <div> "Her, who?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "You know who. Your precious Donna."</div> <bR> <div> "This has nothing to do with Donna."</div> <bR> <div> "This has everything to do with Donna," Amy said icily. "But you know </div> <div> what? It doesn't even matter anymore. You wanna leave me, go ahead </div> <div> and leave. Who needs you? But don't plan on running to Donna for </div> <div> comfort."</div> <bR> <div> "What's that supposed to mean?"</div> <bR> <div> "Chris pulled me aside tonight and told me that these two weeks with </div> <div> Donna have really opened his eyes. He's gonna ask her to go back to </div> <div> Wisconsin with him. He wants to marry her."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh wandered across the bullpen towards his office, wearing the same </div> <div> rumpled suit he had been wearing the night before. He had decided, </div> <div> after finally ending things for good with Amy, to spend the night on </div> <div> the couch in Toby's office. He wasn't sure why he didn't want to go </div> <div> back to his own apartment; maybe it was that he didn't want to face </div> <div> all of the little traces of Amy. Glaring reminders of what a mistake </div> <div> that relationship had been from the very beginning. </div> <bR> <div> But even away from those reminders, he hadn't slept very well. He had </div> <div> tossed and turned, thinking about Donna. He wondered if what Amy had </div> <div> said was really true, or if she had simply been trying to get a </div> <div> reaction from him. He had been tempted to drive over to Donna's </div> <div> apartment and check on her after leaving Amy, but in the end decided </div> <div> against it. He knew Donna could take care of herself, and that she </div> <div> would call him if she needed anything.</div> <bR> <div> He was on his way to retrieve the emergency suit he kept in his </div> <div> office and head down to the locker room for a shower when he saw </div> <div> Donna walking towards her desk. She looked tired, but not unusually </div> <div> upset. </div> <bR> <div> 'That's a good sign,' he thought.</div> <bR> <div> Just as he was about to speak, Donna looked up and saw him.</div> <bR> <div> "I thought I might find you here," she said.</div> <bR> <div> "You must be psychic," he smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "No, but you weren't at home when I called to wake you up. And," she </div> <div> said as she reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone, "your </div> <div> cell was turned off."</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry."</div> <bR> <div> "It's ok. What are you doing here so early? And in the same suit you </div> <div> had on yesterday."</div> <bR> <div> "I slept on Toby's couch," Josh said sheepishly.</div> <bR> <div> "Any special reason?"</div> <bR> <div> "Well..." Josh started, then hesitated.</div> <bR> <div> "What is it?" Donna asked sincerely, placing her hand on his arm.</div> <bR> <div> "I told Amy it was over."</div> <bR> <div> "I thought you were gonna wait till she had a new job and was a </div> <div> little more settled."</div> <bR> <div> "I was," Josh sighed. "But after the stunt she pulled last </div> <div> night..well..I just couldn't take it anymore."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry?" Donna said, not quite sure what kind of response was </div> <div> appropriate. She certainly wasn't unhappy that Amy was finally out of </div> <div> the picture.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't be," Josh assured her. "It's for the best."</div> <bR> <div> "How did she take it?"</div> <bR> <div> "About like I expected. She went from victim to seductress to bitch </div> <div> in under five minutes."</div> <bR> <div> "That's impressive. Even for her," Donna teased.</div> <bR> <div> Josh stared over Donna's left shoulder, seemingly lost in thought. He </div> <div> opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, then closed it and </div> <div> resumed his vacant stare.</div> <bR> <div> "Is there something else?" Donna asked worriedly.</div> <bR> <div> "Amy said something, right before I left."</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Donna said with a tinge of anger in her voice. It would be </div> <div> just like Amy to try to get in a parting shot. </div> <bR> <div> "She said that Chris told her that he was going to ask you to go back </div> <div> to Wisconsin with him. That he was gonna ask you to marry him."</div> <bR> <div> The words tumbled quickly out of Josh's mouth.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh..that," Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh..that? You mean it's true?" Josh asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "Sadly it is."</div> <bR> <div> "You're telling me that he actually expects you to drop everything </div> <div> and go back to Wisconsin with him just because he SAYS he's a changed </div> <div> man."</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, he said that I could take all the time I needed," Donna </div> <div> replied, shaking her head, "He said that I could give you my notice </div> <div> this morning, and then I should be able to get everything tied up and </div> <div> be back in Wisconsin within the month."</div> <bR> <div> "Is he a moron, or what?" Josh said, his voice rising.</div> <bR> <div> "Listen, Josh, don't worry about it. It's not a big deal. He </div> <div> completely misread the signals, that's all. I told him that I didn't </div> <div> have those kinds of feelings for him anymore, and that I never would </div> <div> again. I wished him the best with his new life and that was that."</div> <bR> <div> "How did he take it?"</div> <bR> <div> "He was disappointed, but I think he understood."</div> <bR> <div> "And he's leaving today right?"</div> <bR> <div> "Right."</div> <bR> <div> "Good. I'll feel better once he's out of town."</div> <bR> <div> Donna smiled. "Seems like we both had quite an interesting night."</div> <bR> <div> "I think we're better off when we stay at work."</div> <bR> <div> "But at least we got to see the monuments lit up," Donna said with </div> <div> mock excitement.</div> <bR> <div> "Gee, that's something new," Josh answered sarcastically. </div> <bR> <div> "You better get showered and changed," Donna replied, slipping into </div> <div> assistant mode, "You have staff in 30 minutes."</div> <bR> <div> "What does my day look like after that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Pretty light actually."</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent. Maybe we can get out of here early and grab dinner. I'll </div> <div> even let you order whatever you want," Josh said with a wink.</div> <bR> <div> "Be still my beating heart," Donna said as she shoved him towards his </div> <div> office.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Please tell me I don't have another boring meeting with another </div> <div> boring congressperson today," Josh pleaded as he approached Donna's </div> <div> desk, backpack slung over his shoulder.</div> <bR> <div> "It wasn't really that bad, was it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not if you're fascinated by the infrastructure needs of extreme </div> <div> northern Montana."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll think I'll pass."</div> <bR> <div> "Smart girl."</div> <bR> <div> "You're in luck. Next you've got lunch in the Roosevelt Room with CJ, </div> <div> Sam and Toby to discuss the campaign schedule."</div> <bR> <div> "Sounds good. Food?"</div> <bR> <div> "I ordered Chinese. It arrived five minutes ago."</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent. I'll need you to join us and take notes."</div> <bR> <div> "I was hoping you'd say that. The Kung Pao Chicken smelled especially </div> <div> good today," Donna said, as she grabbed her pencil and notebook and </div> <div> followed Josh down the hall.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Well there they are. Dear Abby's two best clients," Toby said dryly </div> <div> as they entered the Roosevelt Room.</div> <bR> <div> "You've got a big mouth, CJ," Josh and Donna said simultaneously.</div> <bR> <div> "I couldn't help it," CJ said, snatching the Lo Mein away from </div> <div> Sam, "Those stories were just too good not to repeat."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad I could add some happiness to your day," Josh said.</div> <bR> <div> "I can't say I'm sorry to hear that you broke up with Amy," Sam </div> <div> chimed in. "It's about time. Way past time actually."</div> <bR> <div> "I guess her little arsenal of tricks finally ran their course," Toby </div> <div> said dryly. "Is she still trying to make you feel guilty about the </div> <div> fact that she had to resign from the WLC?"</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, Toby, she asked me to find her a position with the </div> <div> campaign," Josh said</div> <bR> <div> Toby's head snapped up. "What did you tell her?"</div> <bR> <div> "I told her I thought that there might be a position open as media </div> <div> director or something. That way she could report directly to you."</div> <bR> <div> "You better be joking," Toby challenged.</div> <bR> <div> "He is," CJ stepped in. "You think Josh wants to work with his ex-</div> <div> girlfriend again?"</div> <bR> <div> "Why not, it turned out so well last time," Toby said mockingly.</div> <bR> <div> "Enough about Josh's sordid love life," CJ said, "Are you ok, Donna?"</div> <bR> <div> "Me?" Donna asked quizzically, "Why wouldn't I be?"</div> <bR> <div> "I just thought that...what with Chris putting all of that pressure </div> <div> on you..." CJ said.</div> <bR> <div> "I knew he couldn't be trusted," Sam cut in. "There was something </div> <div> about him. I didn't like him from the very beginning."</div> <bR> <div> "Was it his beady eyes?" Toby asked sardonically. "Because it's </div> <div> usually the beady eyes."</div> <bR> <div> "Did you think they were beady? I kind of did too," Sam agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "Samuel.." Toby said warningly.</div> <bR> <div> "Lets just drop all of this," Josh said, trying to keep the </div> <div> conversation from degenerating any further. "We have work to do."</div> <bR> <div> "Good idea," Donna agreed, grabbing the carton of Kung Pao </div> <div> Chicken, "And the campaign is far more interesting than our love </div> <div> lives, or lack thereof."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't count on it," CJ laughed as they all began arranging files so </div> <div> they could get down to work.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Am I actually done for the day?" Josh asked as he returned from a </div> <div> meeting with the Secretary of Transportation in the Mural Room.</div> <bR> <div> "Almost," Donna said.</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean almost? You said that was the last thing," Josh </div> <div> whined.</div> <bR> <div> "It was. But Leo called and he needs to see you. He said it would </div> <div> take thirty minutes tops."</div> <bR> <div> "Do you know what it's about?" Josh sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "812 I think."</div> <bR> <div> "OK. Listen, why don't you head home and change for dinner. I'll pick </div> <div> you up in an hour."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. All you'd be doing here is killing time. You might as well go </div> <div> home and spend it getting ready."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm gonna take you up on that, and leave before you change your </div> <div> mind."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll see you in an hour. Decide where you want to go and make </div> <div> reservations."</div> <bR> <div> "It's already done."</div> <bR> <div> "I should have known. And where we will be dining this evening, Ms. </div> <div> Moss?"</div> <bR> <div> "Emilio's."</div> <bR> <div> "But we just ate there last night."</div> <bR> <div> "That's right. And I ate the fish. But I wanted the pasta."</div> <bR> <div> "Even though it will go straight to your thighs?"</div> <bR> <div> Donna laughed. "I guess I'll just have to find a way to work it off </div> <div> later."</div> <bR> <div> "I can think of a few ways," Josh said, waggling his eyebrows.</div> <bR> <div> "I bet you can," Donna laughed. "Now go to your meeting. I'll see you </div> <div> in an hour. Don't be late."</div> <bR> <div> "I won't," Josh called over his shoulder as he headed down the hall </div> <div> toward Leo's office.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Fifty-five minutes later, Josh approached Donna's front door.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna. It's me. And you'll notice I'm five minutes early," he called </div> <div> as he knocked.</div> <bR> <div> He was greeted by silence from inside the apartment.</div> <bR> <div> "If you're still in the shower you're in trouble," he called, a </div> <div> little more loudly. "You told me to be on time and now you're the one </div> <div> that's late."</div> <bR> <div> Still nothing.</div> <bR> <div> Josh pulled his key ring from his pocket and quickly located Donna's </div> <div> door key, which she had given him in case of an emergency.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna!" he yelled as he entered, not wanting to startle her if she </div> <div> was just getting out of the shower.</div> <bR> <div> As he looked around the living room, his heart sank. It was obvious </div> <div> there had been some sort of altercation. The chair was overturned, </div> <div> two cushions were off the couch, the lamp lay in pieces beside the </div> <div> end table. Books and mail were strewn everywhere.</div> <bR> <div> "DONNA!" Josh screamed, as he began searching the apartment </div> <div> frantically. He looked first in the kitchen, then the bathroom, and </div> <div> finally found himself standing in the middle of Donna's bedroom. The </div> <div> clothes she had been planning on wearing to dinner were laid out </div> <div> neatly on the bed. But Donna was nowhere to be found. Josh noticed </div> <div> Donna's purse and cell phone lying on the dresser, and a cold fear </div> <div> settled in the pit of his stomach.</div> <bR> <div> He pulled out his own cell and dialed 911. </div> <bR> <div> "What's your emergency?" asked the voice on the other end of the </div> <div> phone.</div> <bR> <div> "Something has happened to my friend," Josh practically screamed. "I </div> <div> was supposed to pick her up, but when I got here.....the place is a </div> <div> mess and she's gone."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure she didn't leave voluntarily?" the voice asked </div> <div> mechanically.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm positive," Josh insisted. "The place is tossed. There was </div> <div> obviously a fight of some kind. She's gone. Her purse and cell are </div> <div> both here. I need the police immediately."</div> <bR> <div> "What is your friend's address, Sir?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh's mind was whirling and he couldn't remember. He ran back to the </div> <div> living room, snatched a piece of mail from the floor and read Donna's </div> <div> address to the man on the other end of the phone.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll dispatch an officer right away," the man said soothingly, </div> <div> trying to calm Josh down. "Is there anyone else there with you?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said hurriedly. "I have to hang up. I have to make another </div> <div> call."</div> <bR> <div> "I need you to stay on the line with me..." the man replied.</div> <bR> <div> "I can't," Josh said resolutely. "Just tell the police to hurry."</div> <bR> <div> He disconnected the call and quickly dialed a familiar number. "CJ?" </div> <div> he said frantically. "We've got a problem."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> CJ immediately called Toby and Sam and they all arrived just minutes </div> <div> after the police.</div> <bR> <div> "What the hell happened?" Toby asked, looking around Donna's </div> <div> ransacked apartment.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know," Josh said as he ran his hand through his hair. "I </div> <div> came over to pick her up for dinner and this is what I found. Donna's </div> <div> not here. Her clothes are laid out on the bed. Her purse is here. But </div> <div> there's no sign of her."</div> <bR> <div> "Was Ms. Moss seeing anyone?" one of the policemen asked as he </div> <div> approached the group. </div> <bR> <div> "No, Officer Cantrell," CJ said, reading his name tag, "But her ex-</div> <div> boyfriend has been in town for the last couple of weeks."</div> <bR> <div> "Have they been spending time together?" Cantrell asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Not by Donna's choice," Josh snapped, as Sam placed a hand on his </div> <div> shoulder to try to calm him. "He's been hanging around Donna, but she </div> <div> wanted no part of him."</div> <bR> <div> "Was he harassing her?" the officer asked, making notes on his pad.</div> <bR> <div> "He was giving her some line about how he was a changed man, and how </div> <div> he just wanted to be friends," Josh said. "I should have seen through </div> <div> that right from the start. Why didn't I make him stay away from her?"</div> <bR> <div> "This isn't the time to blame yourself," CJ said reassuringly. "Lets </div> <div> just find out where Donna is."</div> <bR> <div> "Is this boyfriend still in town?" Officer Cantrell asked.</div> <bR> <div> "He left this afternoon," Toby said. "But not before he tried to </div> <div> convince Donna to go with him."</div> <bR> <div> "And she refused?" Cantrell asked, his interest piqued.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, she refused," Josh said angrily. "She was just trying to be </div> <div> nice to him and he took it the wrong way."</div> <bR> <div> "Was he angry?" the officer continued. He understood that Josh's </div> <div> emotions were running high, but there were questions that needed to </div> <div> be asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna didn't mention anything about him being particularly upset or </div> <div> threatening," Josh said, trying to remember her exact words.</div> <bR> <div> "She didn't seem frightened when she told me about it," CJ agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "OK. We need the ex-boyfriend's name. And his address and telephone </div> <div> number if you have them," the officer said.</div> <bR> <div> "Dr. Chris Hill," Josh spat out. "I don't know his address or phone </div> <div> number, but he's a physician at Madison Memorial Hospital in Madison, </div> <div> Wisconsin. They should be able to tell you where you can reach him."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll give them a call right away," the officer said as he moved </div> <div> towards the kitchen, removing his cell phone from his pocket as he </div> <div> went.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Five minutes later, another officer noticed something shiny under the </div> <div> edge of the overturned chair. When he leaned over to inspect it more </div> <div> closely, he saw that it was a hypodermic needle.</div> <bR> <div> "Is Ms. Moss a drug user?" he asked suspiciously, holding up the </div> <div> needle.</div> <bR> <div> "NO!" Sam, Toby, CJ, and Josh said in unison.</div> <bR> <div> "A diabetic?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh insisted. "In fact, she hates needles."</div> <bR> <div> As Josh's mind was trying to process what the needle might have been </div> <div> doing in Donna's living room, Officer Cantrell returned from the </div> <div> kitchen.</div> <bR> <div> "Did you get his address?" Josh asked hopefully. "A number where he </div> <div> can be reached?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm afraid not," the officer said solemnly.</div> <bR> <div> "Why not?" Toby asked, beating the others to the question.</div> <bR> <div> "Dr. Christopher Hill was stripped of his license to practice </div> <div> medicine six months ago. No one at Madison Memorial has seen or heard </div> <div> from him since."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh paced nervously around one of the White House's basement </div> <div> conference rooms, awaiting the arrival of the DCPD Chief of </div> <div> Detectives. It had been 24 hours since he had arrived at Donna's </div> <div> apartment and found it trashed, and they had made no progress at all </div> <div> in finding her.</div> <bR> <div> The hours were taking a heavy toll on Josh. His hair was standing on </div> <div> end from the almost constant raking of his fingers through it. His </div> <div> eyes were sunken and there were dark black circles underneath them. </div> <div> He hadn't managed to eat more than a few bites of anything that had </div> <div> been offered to him. His mind was whirling with thoughts of what </div> <div> Donna must be going through. Anytime he tried to close his eyes, even </div> <div> for a few minutes, he was assailed with thoughts of her, terrified, </div> <div> alone and most likely drugged. The thoughts left him desperate to </div> <div> find a way to help her.</div> <bR> <div> CJ watched Josh worriedly from the corner of the room, while Toby and </div> <div> Sam sat at a large table combing through police reports, looking for </div> <div> any clue that might help bring Donna home safely. They had all been </div> <div> spending every spare moment they could find doing anything the police </div> <div> suggested.</div> <bR> <div> They had contacted all of Donna's college friends, but none had heard </div> <div> from either her or Chris. They had used their White House influence </div> <div> to check with every medical establishment in the country, trying to </div> <div> see if Christopher Hill had managed to get work somewhere outside of </div> <div> Wisconsin. Josh had been badgering every contact he had, from the FBI </div> <div> to the Department of Justice, trying to find out any shred of </div> <div> information that might help bring Donna home.</div> <bR> <div> Each moment that passed with no news put everyone more and more on </div> <div> edge. Just as the tension in the room reached the breaking point, the </div> <div> door opened and Leo entered, accompanied by a large, burly man, </div> <div> fidgeting with his White House visitor's pass. Josh recognized the </div> <div> man as Detective Fred Winters. He had arrived at Donna's apartment on </div> <div> the night she disappeared, soon after the responding officers </div> <div> reported that it looked like foul play had been involved. </div> <bR> <div> Within minutes, he had seized control of the investigation and </div> <div> assigned each of the officers a specific task. The 20-year-veteran of </div> <div> the force had worked many abductions in his career, and he knew that </div> <div> time was of the essence if they expected a good outcome. Josh had </div> <div> badgered him every step of the way, wanting to insure that everything </div> <div> possible was being done. He had called the detective almost hourly </div> <div> since their initial meeting.</div> <bR> <div> "Have you found out anything new?" Josh demanded, skipping the </div> <div> pleasantries.</div> <bR> <div> "I can tell you one thing for sure. I'm beginning to get a much </div> <div> clearer picture of exactly what kind of man Chris Hill is," Winters </div> <div> replied, shaking his head in disgust.</div> <bR> <div> "And?" Josh asked impatiently, his heart at war with his head. On the </div> <div> one hand, he wanted to know everything that there was to know, but on </div> <div> the other hand, he was a little afraid of what he might hear. Afraid </div> <div> of exactly what kind of twisted individual Chris was.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not going to sugarcoat this," Winters said seriously, "He's a </div> <div> very disturbed man. The last four years of his life appear to have </div> <div> been a steady downhill slide."</div> <bR> <div> "How so?" Leo asked cautiously, worried about what affect the </div> <div> detective's news might have on his staffers. They had all been </div> <div> holding it together for the last day, but he wasn't sure how much </div> <div> longer that would last. He was well aware that Winters' news might be </div> <div> hard to hear.</div> <bR> <div> "It started off small," the detective began. "He was late for his </div> <div> shifts at the hospital. He didn't answer his pages quickly enough."</div> <bR> <div> "Those don't exactly seem like small problems for a doctor," Josh </div> <div> snapped.</div> <bR> <div> CJ placed a comforting hand on Josh's shoulder.</div> <bR> <div> "At first his superiors suspected a problem with alcohol. They put </div> <div> him on restricted duty and enrolled him in a rehab program," Winters </div> <div> continued.</div> <bR> <div> "Did it help?" Sam asked.</div> <bR> <div> "For a while," Winters replied. "His behavior seemed to stabilize for </div> <div> a few months, but then it began to deteriorate again. They started to </div> <div> get complaints from ER patients that Hill had treated."</div> <bR> <div> "What kind of complaints?" Toby asked uncertainly.</div> <bR> <div> "Some of his female patients said that he had made them feel </div> <div> uncomfortable. He seemed overly interested in every detail of their </div> <div> lives. He performed exams that went over and above what appeared </div> <div> necessary."</div> <bR> <div> "Are we talking about sexual misconduct here?" Leo asked gruffly, a </div> <div> sick feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. If it turned out </div> <div> that Donna had been taken by some sort of sexual predator, Leo knew </div> <div> that there would be no controlling Josh's reaction.</div> <bR> <div> "Not exactly. The women said that he always seemed to stop short of </div> <div> anything that could be deemed improper."</div> <bR> <div> "So what did the people at the hospital do about it?" Josh asked, the </div> <div> irritation clear in his voice. If others had seen how twisted Hill </div> <div> was, he wondered why they hadn't done whatever was necessary to lock </div> <div> him up.</div> <bR> <div> "They warned him about it, placed him on disciplinary probation, and </div> <div> asked the nursing staff to remain in the room with him at all times </div> <div> when he was with a patient."</div> <bR> <div> "What a copout," Josh said angrily.   </div> <bR> <div> "But the complaints didn't stop," Toby said, his tone more of a </div> <div> statement than a question.</div> <bR> <div> "No. His behavior at work improved, but several of his female </div> <div> patients reported that he called them at home to follow up after </div> <div> their treatment. Even when they assured him that they were fine, he </div> <div> continued to call repeatedly until they were forced to lodge </div> <div> complaints."</div> <bR> <div> "Why wasn't he reported to the police?" CJ asked indignantly. </div> <bR> <div> "Because nothing he did was actually illegal, just unusual. When the </div> <div> hospital administrators investigated, they realized that all of the </div> <div> women had a few things in common."</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Josh asked, a cold tingle running up his spine. He had a </div> <div> feeling he knew what was coming.</div> <bR> <div> "They were all slim. They were all tall. And they all had long blonde </div> <div> hair."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh my God," CJ whispered, as everyone else fell silent.</div> <bR> <div> "It seems he's been obsessed with Ms. Moss all along."</div> <bR> <div> "Fine. He's obsessed with her," Josh said heatedly, beginning to pace </div> <div> again. "That's a given. The important question is where do we go from </div> <div> here? How do we get Donna back? We can't afford to waste anymore </div> <div> time." </div> <bR> <div> Detective Winters looked sympathetically at Josh. In his years on the </div> <div> force, he had seen many people try to deal with the sudden, </div> <div> unexplained disappearance of a loved one. He could only imagine how </div> <div> Josh must feel right now.</div> <bR> <div> "We've contacted the Madison Police Department and they are gathering </div> <div> all the information they can. We're trying to find out where Hill has </div> <div> been for the last 6 months; that might give us some sort of clue as </div> <div> to where he has taken Ms. Moss."</div> <bR> <div> "You think he's taken her somewhere, right?" Sam asked </div> <div> tentatively. "I mean you think she's still alive, don't you?"</div> <bR> <div> "Of course she's still alive!" Josh said angrily, as CJ, Leo and Toby </div> <div> shook their heads. They knew that Sam was trying to be reassuring, </div> <div> but there was no room right now for them to have any doubts. They had </div> <div> to believe unquestionably that they were going to get Donna back </div> <div> safely.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm positive she is," Winters said reassuringly. "Hill is obviously </div> <div> obsessed with her. He wants to possess her. I don't think he wants to </div> <div> kill her."</div> <bR> <div> "Thank God," Sam said, exhaling loudly.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, thank God she's alive," Josh agreed, fighting back tears, "But </div> <div> there's no telling what he's going to do to her. We have to get her </div> <div> back as soon as possible." Josh tried to stop the horrible images </div> <div> pushing their way into his mind. He hoped Donna knew that he was </div> <div> doing everything possible to help her.</div> <bR> <div> "To that end," Detective Winters said, "is there anything he said </div> <div> while he was here that might give any clue as to where they are? </div> <div> Anything at all?"</div> <bR> <div> Everyone was silent for a minute, trying to think back to the night </div> <div> they had drinks together.</div> <bR> <div> "He didn't say anything that I can remember," CJ said, the </div> <div> frustration clear in her voice, "The only place he even talked about </div> <div> was Wisconsin. He said how much he enjoyed living and working there, </div> <div> and that was obviously a lie."</div> <bR> <div> "Apparently he had his story planned out in great detail before he </div> <div> got here," Toby agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "Wait," Josh said excitedly, "I think I might have something." His </div> <div> mind was whirling a mile a minute, thinking back to the conversation </div> <div> he had had with Donna the morning of her disappearance.</div> <bR> <div> "Did Hill mention something to you?" Winters asked earnestly.</div> <bR> <div> "Not to me directly. But Donna told me that one night he spent hours </div> <div> telling her about a place in Colorado where he had gone on vacation </div> <div> with some friends from med school. He said how much he loved it </div> <div> there, and that they had to cut the vacation short because someone </div> <div> broke his leg."</div> <bR> <div> "Did she say where in Colorado?" the detective asked, making notes on </div> <div> the pad in his hand.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said dejectedly. As hard as he tried, he couldn't remember </div> <div> Donna mentioning the name of a specific town.</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok," Winters said. "This helps narrow things down for us. </div> <div> I'll get on the phone and start checking Colorado vacation and rental </div> <div> properties. I'll talk to the police there and let them know what </div> <div> we're looking for."</div> <bR> <div> "At least it's a start," Sam said optimistically.</div> <bR> <div> "Lets just pray it leads somewhere," Josh said desperately. He was </div> <div> using every ounce of strength he had to keep his emotions under </div> <div> control. He knew, they all did, that they had to stay strong for </div> <div> Donna. But that was becoming more and more difficult with each tick </div> <div> of the clock.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna felt as though she was pushing her way up through quicksand. </div> <div> She could hear noises all around her but she couldn't place them. Her </div> <div> lids felt like they were made of lead as she struggled to open her </div> <div> eyes. She finally won the battle and tried desperately to get a </div> <div> handle on her surroundings.</div> <bR> <div> She was in a car, on what appeared to be a fairly deserted surface </div> <div> street. The sun was just about to set so she couldn't make out many </div> <div> details. She tried to move--to stretch out her stiff and aching </div> <div> muscles, but soon realized, even through the haze of her confusion, </div> <div> that both her wrists and ankles were bound. Her ankles were secured </div> <div> to the bottom of her seat, and her wrists were attached to the </div> <div> armrest on the door. She struggled as much as she could, but her </div> <div> range of motion was extremely limited. </div> <bR> <div> She heard soft humming coming from the driver's seat and turned her </div> <div> head to see who was next to her. Her heart began to race when she saw </div> <div> the unmistakable profile of Chris Hill. She began to pull even more </div> <div> desperately against her restraints.</div> <bR> <div> For a moment, it seemed as though Chris was completely oblivious to </div> <div> her presence. He stared serenely out the windshield, singing softly </div> <div> to himself. Finally, he turned towards her.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, hello there. I thought you were going to sleep for the entire </div> <div> trip," he said brightly.</div> <bR> <div> Donna shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs out of her mind.</div> <bR> <div> "What's going on? Where are we?" she demanded groggily.</div> <bR> <div> "We're making good time," Chris continued, ignoring her question. "I </div> <div> figured we can stop soon for something to eat, and to use the </div> <div> bathroom. We're almost halfway there."</div> <bR> <div> "Halfway where?" Donna asked urgently.</div> <bR> <div> "Home," Chris said matter-of-factly. "I know I shouldn't have picked </div> <div> out our new place without letting you see it first, but I just </div> <div> couldn't resist. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it, and I </div> <div> know you will too. Besides, I know your taste," he smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "What are you talking about?" Donna asked, hoping that this was all a </div> <div> nightmare and she would wake up soon. "My 'home' is in Washington. </div> <div> Where are we going?"</div> <bR> <div> Panic was beginning to rise in Donna's chest.</div> <bR> <div> "It's ok, sweetheart. I know that you went to D.C. just to get my </div> <div> attention. I wasn't treating you as well as I should have. But I get </div> <div> it now. I see what you were trying to say. And I promise you that </div> <div> things are going to be different this time. It's going to be just the </div> <div> two of us. You'll get the attention I should have been giving you </div> <div> last time."</div> <bR> <div> Donna stared with growing horror at the man sitting next to her.</div> <bR> <div> "Chris," she said in as calm a voice as possible, "I don't know </div> <div> what's going on here, but I want you to stop the car right now and </div> <div> let me out. I want to go home. Just let me out and drive away and no </div> <div> one will ever come looking for you."</div> <bR> <div> "I can't leave you all alone out here," Chris scoffed.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be fine," Donna assured him. "Just give me my cell phone and </div> <div> let me go."</div> <bR> <div> "I left your cell phone behind. We don't need any of those modern </div> <div> conveniences. They'll just get in the way. We need some nice, quiet, </div> <div> alone time so that we can rebuild our relationship and move forward </div> <div> with our new life together."</div> <bR> <div> "We aren't going to have a new life together," Donna yelled as she </div> <div> began to fight violently against her restraints. "You're crazy and I </div> <div> want you to let me go right now."</div> <bR> <div> Chris eased the car to the side of the road and turned in his seat to </div> <div> look at Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "Now I've had enough of this, Donna," he said sternly. "You've made </div> <div> your point. You ran off and had your little adventure in D.C., but </div> <div> now it's time to settle down and think about our future. You're not a </div> <div> teenager anymore. We need to start making some serious plans. I'd </div> <div> like us to start having children right away."</div> <bR> <div> Donna took a deep breath and screamed at the top of her lungs. Her </div> <div> only hope was that a passing motorist might hear her and come to her </div> <div> aid. Chris' eyes narrowed and he glared at her.</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't want to do it this way, but you leave me no choice," he </div> <div> said as he reached into the back seat for his medical bag.</div> <bR> <div> Donna's eyes widened.</div> <bR> <div> "Please, Chris, don't. Don't do that," she said desperately. "I just </div> <div> want you to let me out of the car. I won't tell anyone what happened. </div> <div> I promise. I'll make them believe me. You won't get in any trouble."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry, Donna, but this is the only way. Once we get to our new </div> <div> place and you get settled in, I'm sure you'll stop all this nonsense </div> <div> about me letting you go. But until then, I can't concentrate with you </div> <div> screaming," Chris said as he plunged the syringe into her arm.</div> <bR> <div> Donna felt sleep begin to overtake her, even though she tried as hard </div> <div> as possible to avoid it.</div> <bR> <div> "Sleep, angel," Chris said in a singsong voice, "We'll be home before </div> <div> you know it."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh, Sam, Toby, CJ and Leo sat in Josh's apartment, awaiting the </div> <div> arrival of Detective Winters. They had arranged to meet and go over </div> <div> any new information the police had come up with. Josh had been busily </div> <div> working his own contacts to no avail. It had been close to 48 hours </div> <div> since Donna's abduction, and there had been no word from either her </div> <div> or Chris Hill. Josh was terrified that the trail was growing colder </div> <div> by the hour.</div> <bR> <div> He tapped his fingers nervously on the table, reviewing the events of </div> <div> the previous weeks in his head. Why hadn't he told Hill to stay away </div> <div> from Donna? Why hadn't he taken Hill's behavior more seriously when </div> <div> Donna told him about it? Why had he let her go home early that night? </div> <div> What could he have done differently?</div> <bR> <div> "It's not your fault," CJ said softly from her seat beside him.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Josh asked, snapping back to the present.</div> <bR> <div> "I said it's not your fault. I can tell by the look on your face that </div> <div> you're blaming yourself, but you shouldn't."</div> <bR> <div> "What, are you psychic now?" Josh asked sadly, with just a hint of </div> <div> teasing in his voice.</div> <bR> <div> "No, I just know you, mi amore. And this is exactly the kind of thing </div> <div> you would blame yourself for."</div> <bR> <div> "But.." Josh started.</div> <bR> <div> "But nothing," Leo interjected sternly from across the room, "I know </div> <div> you, Josh. If you had had even an inkling that something was wrong, </div> <div> you wouldn't have let Hill within 20 miles of Donna."</div> <bR> <div> "But I should have known," Josh insisted, mentally berating </div> <div> himself. "How could I not have seen it?" He knew that he would never </div> <div> forgive himself for letting something bad happen to Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "None of us saw it," Sam pointed out. "We all sat down and had drinks </div> <div> with him, and none of us saw what a psycho he is."</div> <bR> <div> "Sam's right," Toby agreed. "There was no way you could have seen </div> <div> this coming."</div> <bR> <div> Just as Josh was about to argue, there was knock on the door. Sam </div> <div> jumped up and ushered Detective Winters into the apartment.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you have anything new?" Josh asked eagerly, completely abandoning </div> <div> his previous train of thought. </div> <bR> <div> "We may have a lead," Winters said hopefully. "A rental agency in </div> <div> Colorado had a hit on the name Christopher Hill. They rented him a </div> <div> cabin up in the mountains for a few weeks last month."</div> <bR> <div> "So we know where he is?" Josh asked excitedly.</div> <bR> <div> "The police went up to check the cabin and found it empty. But the </div> <div> rental agent remembered that Hill had asked about other properties in </div> <div> the area. They're checking out as many as they can."</div> <bR> <div> "When will we know?" Josh demanded.</div> <bR> <div> "It's a large area," Winters explained. "They're covering as much </div> <div> ground as possible, but the weather is pretty rough."</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean?" Leo asked.</div> <bR> <div> "These places are way up in the high country," Winters </div> <div> answered. "They're expecting some significant snowfall over the next </div> <div> few days, so they have to be careful."</div> <bR> <div> "We can get them some help," Josh said, the wheels turning in his </div> <div> head. "If they've crossed state lines, we can get the FBI involved. </div> <div> We can mobilize a lot more manpower that way; cover more ground. I'll </div> <div> give Mike Casper a call right away." Josh pulled his cell phone from </div> <div> his pocket.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll take care of it," Leo said. "I'll call the director directly."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, Leo," Josh said gratefully.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll get every available man on it. We'll do everything we can to </div> <div> find her," Leo assured him.</div> <bR> <div> "There's one more thing I could be doing," Josh said resolutely.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Leo and CJ asked in unison.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm going out there to help look," Josh said definitively.</div> <bR> <div> Leo's first instinct was to tell Josh that he couldn't go, but he </div> <div> pulled back. He could see the fear and desperation in his deputy's </div> <div> eyes, and knew that Josh would go crazy waiting for word to come from </div> <div> halfway across the country.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not sure you should head out there alone," Leo said in a </div> <div> halfhearted attempt to change Josh's mind.</div> <bR> <div> Just as Josh was getting ready to argue, a defiant voice </div> <div> intervened. "He won't be going alone," Toby said, "I'm going with </div> <div> him."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna felt herself being tugged from the car and lifted into </div> <div> someone's arms. The first thing her mind registered was the change in </div> <div> temperature. She began to shiver from the cold almost immediately.</div> <bR> <div> "Lets get you inside before you get sick," Chris cooed softly.</div> <bR> <div> Donna was too weak to fight him. Two heavy doses of knockout drugs, </div> <div> combined with two days without food and water, had left her weak and </div> <div> unable to resist. </div> <bR> <div> As Chris carried her towards the house, she saw that it was a small </div> <div> log cabin, complete with rocking chairs on the front porch. She </div> <div> didn't see any other structures nearby, and realized that they were </div> <div> completely isolated. The snow was beginning to fall, adding to the </div> <div> six or so inches already on the ground. The wind was blowing quite </div> <div> hard and Donna felt the cold all the way down to her bones.</div> <bR> <div> But it was nothing compared to the chill she felt when Chris opened </div> <div> the front door and she got a look at the interior of the cabin.</div> <bR> <div> It was filled with all of the things from the apartment they had </div> <div> shared in Madison. The furniture was the same, right down to the </div> <div> exact throw pillows that had been on the couch the day Donna left for </div> <div> New Hampshire. There were pictures hanging on every square inch of </div> <div> the walls. Chris had apparently had all of the pictures from their </div> <div> photo album blown up to a larger size, and framed. There was a poster </div> <div> size picture on one wall of Donna in a formal gown she had worn to a </div> <div> fraternity mixer in college. Every inch of the cabin was covered in </div> <div> mementos of their time together.</div> <bR> <div> A chill ran down Donna's spine.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you like it?" Chris asked anxiously. "I tried to keep things </div> <div> mostly the way you had them. I know how you love pictures, so I had </div> <div> some of my favorites framed."</div> <bR> <div> He placed Donna on the couch and went about the cabin, turning on </div> <div> lights, and acting as though this was a perfectly normal homecoming. </div> <div> Donna stared mutely around the room, unable to wrap her mind around </div> <div> what was happening. Suddenly, her eyes settled on the far corner.</div> <bR> <div> There hung a long white wedding gown and veil, reverently placed on a </div> <div> pink silk hanger.</div> <bR> <div> Chris saw where her eyes had landed. "I found a page marked in one of </div> <div> your bride's magazines after you left," he beamed. "I knew that it </div> <div> was a sign that you needed me to start taking our relationship more </div> <div> seriously. Really, Donna, you could have just told me instead of </div> <div> going through this whole charade of moving to Washington."</div> <bR> <div> Donna continued to stare at the dress, dumbfounded.</div> <bR> <div> "I know this isn't exactly the same one. They don't make that </div> <div> particular style anymore. But this one is pretty close, isn't it?"</div> <bR> <div> Donna didn't answer, but Chris continued on undeterred.</div> <bR> <div> "I know you'll need a little time to adjust to your new surroundings. </div> <div> We can wait a few weeks before we actually tie the knot. I'll have to </div> <div> go into town anyway and find a justice of the peace to perform the </div> <div> ceremony. But I just know this is going to be the perfect place for </div> <div> us. We're going to be so happy here, Donna. You just wait and see."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna groaned inwardly when she woke up and found herself on a cot in </div> <div> the corner of the chilly cabin. Even after three days there, she </div> <div> still hoped, every time she opened her eyes, that she would find out </div> <div> it was all some horrible dream. It only took her a second to realize </div> <div> that it was indeed very real.</div> <bR> <div> The morning sunlight was beginning to filter through the curtains, </div> <div> and she could just make out Chris' form, sleeping on the floor beside </div> <div> the king-sized bed at the other end of the room. She glanced at the </div> <div> alarm clock on the bedside table. 5:40 AM. Exactly the time she </div> <div> should be making her morning wake-up call to Josh. </div> <bR> <div> At the thought of Josh, she squeezed her eyes closed and tried to </div> <div> hold back the tears. She wondered what he was doing, and if he was </div> <div> alright. In her heart, she knew that he would be looking for her, but </div> <div> she was afraid that Chris had been too clever-that he had hidden them </div> <div> away too well. She feared that no one would ever find them up in the </div> <div> isolated mountains.</div> <bR> <div> She wondered why it was that she hadn't been able to see through </div> <div> Chris' act from the minute he arrived in Washington. She had </div> <div> convinced herself that his attentiveness was harmless. That he was </div> <div> just overcompensating for past mistakes. She had assured Josh that </div> <div> there was nothing to worry about. And now she knew that Josh would be </div> <div> feeling guilty about everything that had happened. She knew that he </div> <div> would be blaming himself and shouldering all of the responsibility </div> <div> for her abduction.</div> <bR> <div> He was doing everything he could possibly do to find her. Donna was </div> <div> certain of that. She needed to stay strong, to stay alert, and to </div> <div> wait for her opportunity to send him some kind of clue. She couldn't </div> <div> let Chris mess with her mind. She had to stay focused.</div> <bR> <div> She had had very few glimpses of the outside world, but what she had </div> <div> seen wasn't very encouraging. Chris had taken her out onto the front </div> <div> porch, still bound, to show her the beautiful area he had chosen for </div> <div> their new start together. There was nothing but snow and trees as far </div> <div> as the eye cold see. There wasn't another house in sight. Even if she </div> <div> did manage to get free from the ever-present bindings, there would be </div> <div> nowhere for her to go.</div> <bR> <div> Each time that Chris left the cabin to go into town, he was gone for </div> <div> at least ninety minutes. Donna tried to remember how far down the </div> <div> mountain the nearest town was, but she had been so groggy on the trip </div> <div> up that it was hard to recall exactly how long the drive from town to </div> <div> the cabin had taken.</div> <bR> <div> As if he sensed that she was awake, Chris began to stir.</div> <bR> <div> "Good morning, angel," he said sleepily as he stretched his arms over </div> <div> his head.</div> <bR> <div> Donna said nothing as Chris stood up and began to neatly fold his </div> <div> bedding. When he had finished, he placed it on the chair in the </div> <div> corner and turned back to Donna.</div> <bR> <div> He smiled. "You always were a little grumpy in the morning."</div> <bR> <div> "My back is stiff from sleeping on this cot. Will you please untie me </div> <div> so that I can stretch?" </div> <bR> <div> "You know I can't do that just yet," Chris said with a patronizing </div> <div> tone. </div> <bR> <div> "Why not?" Donna asked innocently.</div> <bR> <div> "Because of all that nonsense your so-called 'friends' put in your </div> <div> head. I know you still want to go back to them."</div> <bR> <div> "I swear I just want to stretch," Donna said firmly.</div> <bR> <div> "If I untie you, I'm afraid you might try to run, and that just </div> <div> wouldn't be safe. You'd never survive up here alone."</div> <bR> <div> "I won't try to run. I promise."</div> <bR> <div> "It's ok, Donna. I know it's not your fault. You were just too weak </div> <div> to understand that those slick political types you got involved with </div> <div> were taking advantage of you."</div> <bR> <div> "They were not!" Donna shouted, instinctively defending Josh and the </div> <div> others.</div> <bR> <div> "Calm down," Chris said as he pulled Donna into a standing position. </div> <bR> <div> "Don't tell me what to do," Donna growled as she tried to pull away, </div> <div> almost losing her balance and tumbling to the floor.</div> <bR> <div> Chris grabbed her face between his hands. "I don't blame you, Donna. </div> <div> I know you couldn't see that they were just using you. But it's up to </div> <div> me to show you the truth. And I will. It's just gonna take some time."</div> <bR> <div> "You're out of your mind," Donna spat.</div> <bR> <div> Chris smiled maniacally. "You're always cranky until you've had your </div> <div> coffee. I'll go make it for you now. You'll feel much better after </div> <div> that," he said as he lowered her back down to the cot.</div> <bR> <div> Donna shook her head in frustration. It was clear that Chris was </div> <div> completely delusional. He seemed to have lost any and all connections </div> <div> he had to the real world. Nothing Donna said seemed to get through. </div> <div> As she repositioned herself to try to get comfortable, keeping one </div> <div> eye on Chris at all times, she began to gather all of her resolve. </div> <div> Somehow, some way, she was going to find a way out of this horrible </div> <div> situation.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> CJ and Sam were sitting in Leo's office, waiting for him to arrive so </div> <div> that they could start the morning staff meeting. They had been </div> <div> digging in for the last several days, trying to cover their own work </div> <div> as well as Josh's and Toby's. Ginger, Bonnie, Margaret, and Carol had </div> <div> been absolute Godsends. They had managed to restructure everyone's </div> <div> schedule, placate people who had to be bumped to a later date, keep </div> <div> their bosses on time and in the right place, and still somehow manage </div> <div> to maintain their own sanity, and that of the people around them.</div> <bR> <div> The door to Leo's outer office opened and Margaret entered, carrying </div> <div> their revised schedules for the day.</div> <bR> <div> "It looks like another busy one," she said apologetically as she </div> <div> handed copies to CJ and Sam and placed one on Leo's desk.</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok. We all have to do what's necessary till we get Donna back </div> <div> safely," CJ said. </div> <bR> <div> "If there's anything I can do..." Margaret started, then trailed off.</div> <bR> <div> "You're doing a great job keeping things running as smoothly as </div> <div> possible," Sam said. "You and all of the other assistants. That helps </div> <div> more than you can possibly imagine."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Margaret blushed. "We all love Donna like a sister. We want </div> <div> to do whatever we can to help bring her home safely."</div> <bR> <div> Just then the connecting door to the Oval Office opened and Leo </div> <div> entered.</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry I'm late," he said as he took a seat behind his desk. He </div> <div> picked up the copy of the revised schedule and began to read it over.</div> <bR> <div> "Nice work, Margaret," he said sincerely.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be at my desk if you need anything else," Margaret said as she </div> <div> left the office, closing the door behind her.</div> <bR> <div> "Have you heard anything new from Toby and Josh?" Sam asked. "I tried </div> <div> to reach them both last night but I couldn't get through."</div> <bR> <div> "I've been having trouble reaching them too," CJ said. "And every </div> <div> time I finally manage to get a call connected I'm told that the two </div> <div> of them are out searching."</div> <bR> <div> "That sounds like them," Sam smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "The President and I just received a briefing from the search teams. </div> <div> At the end we got to talk with Josh for a few minutes," Leo said, </div> <div> removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes. The strain of Donna's </div> <div> disappearance, and of trying to keep things going while he was short </div> <div> two of his senior staffers was starting to show.</div> <bR> <div> "Has there been any progress?" CJ asked hopefully.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing concrete," Leo said, unable to hide the disappointment in </div> <div> his voice. "They've got a full team in place and they're covering as </div> <div> much ground as possible. Problem is-there's just so damn much ground </div> <div> to cover."</div> <bR> <div> "How's the weather holding?" Sam asked cautiously. He had seen the </div> <div> reports and they didn't look good. </div> <bR> <div> "It's iffy at best," Leo sighed. "It's been snowing non-stop for two </div> <div> days, with more on the way. It certainly isn't making things any </div> <div> easier."</div> <bR> <div> How are Josh and Toby holding up?" CJ asked. The few times she had </div> <div> managed to talk to them personally, they had told her that they were </div> <div> fine, but CJ knew better.</div> <bR> <div> "About like you'd expect," Leo said worriedly. "They're both </div> <div> exhausted, they've been out on the snowmobiles with the searchers as </div> <div> much as possible. They're trying to sound hopeful but I can hear the </div> <div> desperation in their voices. I just hope they find her soon, because </div> <div> I don't how much more those two can take."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> The sun was almost directly overhead when Josh and Toby returned from </div> <div> their morning search. There were 15 teams of two men, out on </div> <div> snowmobiles, checking out cabins and caves, while helicopters circled </div> <div> overhead looking for any sign of something suspicious. They had a </div> <div> description of the car Chris was driving and they were trying to spot </div> <div> it from above. They were also looking for any signs of occupation in </div> <div> one of the rental properties that should have been empty at this time </div> <div> of year. </div> <bR> <div> Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, they had come up </div> <div> empty. Checking out every cabin in the area was a daunting task, but </div> <div> one that Toby and Josh were determined to accomplish. Although there </div> <div> was no record of Hill renting or purchasing one of them, at least not </div> <div> under his own name, it was still possible that he was hiding in one </div> <div> of them that he had discovered on his earlier trip. The local </div> <div> authorities had provided them with a map that was as accurate as </div> <div> possible, but even so they came across unexpected cabins everyday. </div> <bR> <div> "I can't believe this!" Josh said with frustration as he fired his </div> <div> snowmobiling helmet across the room. "We aren't getting anywhere at </div> <div> all. We have to find her! God knows what that maniac has done to her!"</div> <bR> <div> "I know it's frustrating," Detective Winters said calmly. He had </div> <div> accompanied Josh and Toby out to Colorado to help in the search. "But </div> <div> remember, these guys are experts. Every cabin you eliminate puts you </div> <div> one step closer to finding her."</div> <bR> <div> "Assuming we're right in thinking they headed here!" Josh snapped, </div> <div> more angry with himself than with anyone else. "But what if we </div> <div> aren't? What if they aren't even in Colorado? What if all of this is </div> <div> for nothing?"</div> <bR> <div> "We're doing everything that can be done, Josh," Toby said sternly, </div> <div> trying to contain Josh's spiraling emotions. He knew exactly the kind </div> <div> of helplessness Josh was feeling, because he was feeling it too.</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe we should....." Josh began, but he was interrupted when a </div> <div> local officer burst excitedly into the room.</div> <bR> <div> "I think we have something," the young man said breathlessly.</div> <bR> <div> "What?!" Josh and Toby demanded in unison.</div> <bR> <div> The officer held up the picture of Chris Hill that had been </div> <div> distributed to local law enforcement. "An officer over in Owensville </div> <div> swears he has seen this man in town at least twice in the last week."</div> <bR> <div> "Where's Owensville?" Josh asked, grabbing his coat.</div> <bR> <div> "About 25 miles east of here," the officer replied.</div> <bR> <div> "He's sure it was Hill?" Toby asked. He didn't think that Josh could </div> <div> take it if this turned out to be a false lead.</div> <bR> <div> "He's positive. He said he saw the guy once at the grocery store, and </div> <div> then again a few days later at Town Hall. He was asking if there was </div> <div> a justice of the peace in town that could perform a wedding ceremony."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh God," Josh said as a sick feeling settled in the pit of his </div> <div> stomach. He couldn't imagine what Donna was going through, trapped </div> <div> with that madman.</div> <bR> <div> "This is good news," Toby said, coming up behind Josh and placing a </div> <div> hand on his shoulder. "We know that Donna is definitely still alive. </div> <div> All we need to do now is find and get her home safely."</div> <bR> <div> "But what in the world is he doing to her?" Josh raged. "What kind of </div> <div> twisted psycho is he? Planning a wedding with a woman who wants </div> <div> nothing to do with him."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know," Toby said sincerely. "Lets just get there and find </div> <div> her before things get any worse."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "I'm heading into town to pick up a few things," Chris said cheerily, </div> <div> as Donna glared at him from the cot in the corner of the room. "I'll </div> <div> be back soon."</div> <bR> <div> "Can't I at least lay on the bed," Donna asked with clear irritation </div> <div> in her voice, "This cot is killing my back."</div> <bR> <div> Chris regarded her with a look of abject horror. "I told you, Donna. </div> <div> This," he said, indicating the bed with a sweeping gesture, "is our </div> <div> wedding bed. No one will sleep in it until that magical night when we </div> <div> sleep in it together."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll never willingly sleep in that bed with you," Donna said in </div> <div> measured tones.</div> <bR> <div> Chris simply smiled at her. The way he did every time she said </div> <div> something he didn't want to hear. "It's going to be wonderful, Donna. </div> <div> It'll be the start of our new life together."</div> <bR> <div> "You're out of your mind," Donna said defiantly.</div> <bR> <div> "There's a big storm coming in," Chris said solemnly. "I'm gonna have </div> <div> to stock up on a few provisions in case I can't make it into town for </div> <div> a while. Is there anything special you want?"</div> <bR> <div> Donna remained silent.</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok. I know what you like, Donna. I'll pick up a few surprises </div> <div> for you. I may even stop by and talk to the justice of the peace </div> <div> about what dates he has open for our wedding ceremony."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll never marry you," Donna said rebelliously.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm thinking maybe some day next week would be good. The sooner the </div> <div> better I say. Then we can put these last four years behind us and </div> <div> make a fresh start. By this time next year, we'll be hearing the </div> <div> pitter patter of little feet."</div> <bR> <div> Donna turned to face the wall.</div> <bR> <div> "I stoked the fire so it should be fine for a few hours," Chris said, </div> <div> leaning over and brushing a kiss across her cheek. "I'll be back as </div> <div> soon as I can."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> It took almost ninety minutes for the young officer to drive Toby, </div> <div> Josh and Detective Winters to the police station in Owensville. The </div> <div> snow was beginning to come down harder and that made travel </div> <div> difficult. The road crews couldn't keep up and many of the surface </div> <div> streets were nearly impassable. Josh sat in the back seat of the </div> <div> Jeep, watching the minutes tick by on his watch, and praying that </div> <div> each one that passed brought him closer to Donna. </div> <bR> <div> When they arrived at the Owensville Police Department, they found it </div> <div> empty.</div> <bR> <div> "Everyone must be out on calls," the young officer said. "In weather </div> <div> like this, things get hectic. They need every man out in the field."</div> <bR> <div> "Is there anyway we can reach the officer who says he spotted Hill," </div> <div> Josh asked anxiously. "I want to talk to him as soon as possible."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll try to raise him on the radio," the young man offered.</div> <bR> <div> After several minutes of trying, a voice finally crackled through the </div> <div> static. "I'm on my way back to the station now. I have some news for </div> <div> you."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> By the time the Owensville officer arrived 20 minutes later Josh was </div> <div> ready to jump out of his skin. He was pacing frantically around the </div> <div> room like a caged animal. Toby had given up trying to stop him and </div> <div> had, in fact, joined him. Detective Winters and the young officer who </div> <div> had driven them there sat in the middle of the room stoically. As the </div> <div> patrol officer entered, Josh pounced.</div> <bR> <div> "You said you had news. Do you know where he is?" he demanded as soon </div> <div> as the officer walked in the door.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, I know where he is," the officer replied as he stomped the snow </div> <div> off of his boots.</div> <bR> <div> "Thank God," Josh said, exhaling loudly "Where's Donna?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm afraid we haven't located Ms. Moss," the man said as he shed his </div> <div> snowy outer-garments.</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean you haven't located her? They were together!" Josh </div> <div> said frantically.</div> <bR> <div> "When we found Mr. Hill he was alone. There was no one in the car </div> <div> with him."</div> <bR> <div> "Then let me see him just for five minutes," Josh demanded, losing </div> <div> his tenuous grasp on control. "He's got to tell us where Donna is!!"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm afraid that won't be possible, Mr. Lyman."</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean it won't be possible," Josh screamed, advancing on </div> <div> the officer with his fists clenched.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. Hill's car slid off an icy mountain road about an hour ago. He </div> <div> was pronounced dead at the scene."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "How can he be dead?" Josh agonized as he paced frantically around </div> <div> the police station. It had only been a few minutes since Officer </div> <div> Hammond had arrived with the news that Chris Hill had been killed in </div> <div> an accident, and Josh was still trying to process the information. As </div> <div> near as they could tell without doing a thorough investigation, his </div> <div> car had failed to negotiate a turn and careened down an embankment, </div> <div> flipping several times.</div> <bR> <div> "We can get past this, Josh," Toby said calmly. "At least now we know </div> <div> we're looking in the right place.</div> <bR> <div> "You're sure she wasn't in the car, right?" Josh asked urgently as he </div> <div> approached</div> <div> Hammond.</div> <bR> <div> "We're positive, Mr. Lyman. We combed the car from front to back. </div> <div> There was no one else in the vehicle."</div> <bR> <div> "Was there any clue as to where he's been staying?" </div> <bR> <div> "None that we could see. I'll have my men go over the car thoroughly </div> <div> as soon as we get it back to the impound lot, but right now it </div> <div> doesn't look like it's gonna be any help."</div> <bR> <div> "But there has to be something we can learn from the road he was </div> <div> traveling," Toby said, irritation beginning to creep into his voice.</div> <bR> <div> "He was on Whitley Road," Hammond replied. "So it's likely he was </div> <div> coming from one of the cabins up on the northern ridge."</div> <bR> <div> Detective Winters, who had been carefully marking down every new </div> <div> piece of information they received in his notebook, pointed to the </div> <div> map hanging on the wall of the station and said, "Show us where that </div> <div> is."</div> <bR> <div> Hammond indicated a large area several miles to the north of the </div> <div> station as all of the other men looked over his shoulder.</div> <bR> <div> "How many cabins are up there?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "About 100 last time we did a count. Some of them are so remote I </div> <div> doubt we'd be able to find them before spring thaw."</div> <bR> <div> "But Hill made his way out, and as far as we know he isn't an </div> <div> experienced survivalist, so chances are he didn't choose one quite </div> <div> that isolated," Toby said thoughtfully.</div> <bR> <div> "That still leaves somewhere in the vicinity of 80 or so sites to </div> <div> search," Hammond responded. "And with the front coming </div> <div> through...well...I doubt we'll get a chance to check even half of </div> <div> them."</div> <bR> <div> "What are you talking about?" Josh thundered. "We're gonna check </div> <div> every single one of them. We're going to look until we find Donna."</div> <bR> <div> "Even if we use every available man, the weather may not hold out </div> <div> long enough for us to check every cabin."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not leaving Donna up there on that mountain alone because of a </div> <div> little bad weather," Josh said defiantly.</div> <bR> <div> "We're talking about more than just a little bad weather," Hammond </div> <div> countered, "We could be looking at a foot of new snow."</div> <bR> <div> "Isn't that what snowmobiles are for?" Josh asked derisively.</div> <bR> <div> Hammond took a deep breath before he continued. He was in hour 36 of </div> <div> a shift that showed no signs of ending anytime soon, and his nerves </div> <div> were frayed. He knew that Josh and Toby were desperate to find Donna, </div> <div> but his resources were stretched to the limit. He simply didn't have </div> <div> enough men to do a thorough search before the storm moved in.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll do the best we can," he sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "That's all we ask," Toby assured him.</div> <bR> <div> "When can we get started?" Josh asked impatiently.</div> <bR> <div> "I have a man up on the western edge of that area now. I'll tell him </div> <div> to check as many places as possible on his way back down the </div> <div> mountain. Other than that, I'll call the local search and rescue and </div> <div> try to mobilize as many people as possible."</div> <bR> <div> We can't wait for them to get here to get started," Josh </div> <div> insisted. "I'm going out now. Give me directions on how to get to the </div> <div> area we're talking about."</div> <bR> <div> "You'll never get a car up there," Winters argued. He had been </div> <div> studying the map quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "Then tell me where I can get a snowmobile or an ATV," Josh continued </div> <div> undaunted.</div> <bR> <div> "It isn't that simple," Hammond protested. "This is rough terrain. </div> <div> You need experience to navigate up these mountains."</div> <bR> <div> "We don't have time to worry about experience," Toby chimed in. "So </div> <div> just point us in the right direction and we'll take it from there."</div> <bR> <div> "But I can't be responsible...."</div> <bR> <div> "We're not asking you to be," Toby cut him off. "We'll take full </div> <div> responsibility for whatever happens. But there's a young woman up on </div> <div> that mountain that we have no attention of abandoning."</div> <bR> <div> The tone in Toby's voice made it clear there was no room for argument.</div> <bR> <div> "You'll need parkas and emergency supplies," Hammond said </div> <div> resignedly. "I can set you up with all that."</div> <bR> <div> "Good," Toby said stoically.</div> <bR> <div> "But I want it on the record that I think this is a terrible idea. </div> <div> The last thing I need is two more people lost on the mountain."</div> <bR> <div> "Duly noted," Toby nodded.</div> <bR> <div> Hammond pulled out a surface map and began to show Josh and Toby the </div> <div> best way to get to the cabins where he believed Hill may have hidden </div> <div> Donna. He gave them tips on the best paths to take, and things to </div> <div> avoid. As soon as he finished, he started pulling together the basic </div> <div> supplies they would need for the trip.</div> <bR> <div> "Have you ever driven a snowmobile?" Josh asked Toby quietly as the </div> <div> officer went over the contents of the emergency kit and showed them </div> <div> how to use the radio.</div> <bR> <div> "No, have you?" Toby answered.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said somberly. "But Donna needs me. So I'll figure it out."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna looked warily at the fireplace across the room. Chris had been </div> <div> gone for several hours and the fire was beginning to burn itself out. </div> <div> She could feel the temperature in the already chilly cabin begin to </div> <div> drop. The cold was making her have to pee. She had only been able to </div> <div> use the bathroom since they left D.C. whenever Chris accompanied her. </div> <div> Along the route, they had stopped at the rest areas that looked the </div> <div> most deserted. Once they arrived at the cabin, Chris would loosen the </div> <div> bindings on her hands and stand outside the door and wait for her to </div> <div> finish. He had nailed the bathroom window shut, although Donna knew </div> <div> that realistically she couldn't have escaped even if she tried. There </div> <div> was simply nowhere to run. </div> <bR> <div> 'This is just like him,' she thought angrily to herself. 'He thinks </div> <div> he's teaching me a lesson. He's only doing this because I said I </div> <div> didn't want to stay here.'</div> <bR> <div> She focused on a picture hanging just above the cot she was laying </div> <div> on. It was of the two of them during the happy days in the beginning </div> <div> of their relationship, taken at a friend's picnic. Donna noticed </div> <div> something as she looked that she had never seen before. Her smile was </div> <div> bright and sincere, but Chris' was different. It was gloating. Almost </div> <div> as if he was showing off his prize-and his prize was Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "You won't win!" Donna shouted at the picture. "I won't let you beat </div> <div> me."</div> <bR> <div> As the sun dropped lower in the sky outside the window, Donna </div> <div> seethed. She thought back over their relationship, and remembered how </div> <div> many other times Chris had left her waiting. It was an aspect of his </div> <div> personality that they had argued over many times. Each time he would </div> <div> turn on the charm, apologize, and promise not to let it happen again. </div> <div> Donna had been young, and she thought she was in love, so she allowed </div> <div> herself to believe that Chris would change-that it was just the </div> <div> stress of med school that made him behave that way.</div> <bR> <div> Once she had overslept and been late waking him up, which made him a </div> <div> few minutes late for his first class. In retaliation, he had left her </div> <div> waiting outside the restaurant where she worked, alone, at 1 a.m.. </div> <div> Donna had sent her co-workers along, telling them that Chris would be </div> <div> there any second. Thirty minutes later, she was ready to panic. Just </div> <div> as she decided to walk to a phone, Chris pulled up. He told her that </div> <div> he had been running late all day because she hadn't gotten him up on </div> <div> time. </div> <bR> <div> "I was 10 minutes late getting you up," Donna had pointed </div> <div> out. "You're 30 minutes late picking me up."</div> <bR> <div> "Things just snowballed all day," he had whined. "Professor Neimov </div> <div> yelled at me for being late. I had to stay after class to explain </div> <div> things to him. After that my whole day was thrown off."</div> <bR> <div> "Your last class was hours ago," Donna persisted, refusing to be </div> <div> placated. "What were you doing that you couldn't be here to get me on </div> <div> time. It's not safe for me to be waiting on that dark sidewalk alone."</div> <bR> <div> Looking back now, Donna could see that Chris always turned on the </div> <div> charm when he realized he had pushed her too far.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry, angel. I really am. It'll never happen again. I promise."</div> <bR> <div> He reached across the seat and took Donna's hand. She looked deeply </div> <div> into his eyes. She wanted to believe him.</div> <bR> <div> Donna shook off that memory.</div> <bR> <div> Her mind jumped forward to a time when her parents had called and </div> <div> asked if they could come over to the university and treat Chris and </div> <div> Donna to a nice dinner. Chris had left the three of them waiting at </div> <div> the restaurant where they were supposed to meet for close to an hour. </div> <div> Donna finally insisted that they order without him, and they were </div> <div> just about through with the meal when he finally arrived. He mumbled </div> <div> some ridiculous excuse about getting caught up helping a friend, but </div> <div> Donna was livid. She rode home with her parents and spent the night </div> <div> in her old room. She refused to talk to Chris, despite his repeated </div> <div> calls. Finally, he had showed up in the morning carrying a large </div> <div> bouquet of flowers and a teddy bear. He had sat on the front porch </div> <div> and told Donna sadly how he hadn't wanted to tell her that he was </div> <div> receiving extra tutoring in one of his classes, and that he had been </div> <div> late for dinner because the tutoring session ran long. He insisted </div> <div> that he didn't want her to be disappointed in him because he was </div> <div> having trouble in school. Donna acquiesced. After all, she couldn't </div> <div> leave him when he was having so many problems.  </div> <bR> <div> But none of those incidents compared to the night Chris had stopped </div> <div> for a beer, the night he left her waiting at the hospital. That was </div> <div> the final straw. Donna knew that she was capable of taking care of </div> <div> herself at that point. She had traveled halfway across the country, </div> <div> got herself a job with the Bartlet campaign, and started to build a </div> <div> new life. But Chris had called, crying, insisting he would change for </div> <div> good this time. And Donna had allowed herself to fall victim to his </div> <div> charm yet again.</div> <bR> <div> Donna realized that he had seen that as his ultimate accomplishment. </div> <div> Convincing her to come back after she had finally made a clean break. </div> <div> But he had been wrong. Donna had grown a lot during the course of </div> <div> their relationship, and she had proven that by driving across country </div> <div> and joining the campaign. The night he kept her waiting in the </div> <div> Emergency Room, she realized she wouldn't allow herself to be treated </div> <div> badly anymore. She stopped believing that Chris was ever going to </div> <div> change. And she admitted to herself that, even if he did, he wasn't </div> <div> the kind of man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.</div> <bR> <div> She blinked back tears.</div> <bR> <div> "No," she said to the empty cabin. "I won't waste anymore tears on </div> <div> Christopher Hill. I'll find a way out of this, and when I do-watch </div> <div> out. I'll show him who has the upper hand once and for all."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Almost before the snowmobile had come to a complete stop, Josh had </div> <div> dismounted and charged across the front porch of the cabin. He had </div> <div> done the same thing at the first two cabins they had stopped at, only </div> <div> to be disappointed. Both had been empty.</div> <bR> <div> He raised his hand and knocked loudly, saying a silent prayer that he </div> <div> would hear Donna's voice answer back from inside. </div> <bR> <div> "Is anyone here?" he called loudly as Toby joined him on the porch.</div> <bR> <div> There was nothing but silence and darkness from the interior of the </div> <div> cabin.</div> <bR> <div> Josh tried the door handle, finding it unlocked. He pushed the door </div> <div> open and peered into the empty cabin. Toby shined a flashlight across </div> <div> the room and it was quite obvious from the dust on every surface that </div> <div> the cabin had been uninhabited for quite some time.</div> <bR> <div> "DAMMIT!" Josh said angrily.</div> <bR> <div> Toby felt anger and frustration welling in his own chest but he </div> <div> pushed them down. He knew that he had to maintain some semblance of </div> <div> calm if he had any hope of helping Josh stay in control.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll find her, Josh," he said sincerely.</div> <bR> <div> "We have to," Josh said desperately. "We have no idea what kind of </div> <div> shape he left her in. She needs us."</div> <bR> <div> "That's right, Josh. Donna needs us. She needs us to keep our heads </div> <div> and find her. She needs us to get her back down this mountain and </div> <div> safely back home."</div> <bR> <div> "I just keep thinking about what she must be going through," Josh </div> <div> said. "She doesn't know about Hill's death yet. She's alone, and </div> <div> probably scared."</div> <bR> <div> "Think of who you're talking about here," Toby said, trying to help </div> <div> Josh focus. "Donna's strong. She can handle whatever life throws at </div> <div> her."</div> <bR> <div> "I know but..."</div> <bR> <div> "No buts," Toby said absolutely. "She's a rock. I learned that the </div> <div> night you were shot."</div> <bR> <div> Josh flinched. In the years since Rosslyn, he had learned bits of </div> <div> pieces of what Donna had gone through that night. No one had ever </div> <div> told him the whole story, and Josh wasn't sure he wanted to know.</div> <bR> <div> "This is different," he choked out.</div> <bR> <div> "Not really. She handled Rosslyn. She handled the President's MS. She </div> <div> handled testifying before the committee. She has handled everything </div> <div> that's been thrown at her. And she'll handle this too. She'll hold on </div> <div> till we find her."</div> <bR> <div> Josh tried to draw strength from Toby's words.</div> <bR> <div> Just as he was about to plan their next move, a voice crackled over </div> <div> the radio.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. Lyman. Mr. Ziegler. Are you there?" Josh and Toby both </div> <div> recognized Hammond's voice.</div> <bR> <div> Josh pulled the radio from inside his coat. "We're here."</div> <bR> <div> "Where exactly are you?"</div> <bR> <div> Toby pulled a map from his pocket and placed an X at their current </div> <div> location.</div> <bR> <div> "We're at Cabin 76," Josh answered. "It's empty. We already checked </div> <div> 74 & 75. We're gonna head out to..."</div> <bR> <div> "No!" the voice said, cutting him off.</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean, 'no'?" Josh asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "It's getting dark. You need to come back. We're suspending the </div> <div> search indefinitely."</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked at Toby questioningly. He had no intention of abandoning </div> <div> the search for Donna. He would go it alone if he had to, but there </div> <div> was no way he was coming down off of that mountain without her. </div> <bR> <div> "I won't go back without her," Josh said determinedly, pressing the </div> <div> mute button on the radio.</div> <bR> <div> "I was hoping you'd say that," Toby answered.</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked at Toby's face and saw a determination that matched his </div> <div> own. He had always known that Toby held a special place in his heart </div> <div> for Donna, even if the gruff Communications Director refused to admit </div> <div> it.</div> <bR> <div> Josh nodded, then turned the radio back on.</div> <bR> <div> "We're not coming in."</div> <bR> <div> "What the hell do you mean you're not coming in?"</div> <bR> <div> "We understand why you're suspending the search. We know you can't </div> <div> risk your men's lives. But we can risk our own if we choose. We're </div> <div> going to stay out here overnight and start searching again in the </div> <div> morning."</div> <bR> <div> "You can't do that. You have no idea what you're in for out there."</div> <bR> <div> Josh turned and handed the radio to Toby. His mind was made up.</div> <bR> <div> Toby interrupted the rantings on the other end.</div> <bR> <div> "Can I speak with Detective Winters please?"</div> <bR> <div> There was a brief moment where Toby could hear angry grumbling in the </div> <div> background, then Winter's voice came over the line.</div> <bR> <div> "You two are fools. You know that, right?"</div> <bR> <div> "We know. But we can't think of a better cause to make fools of </div> <div> ourselves for. We're gonna bed down here for the night and start </div> <div> fresh in the morning."</div> <bR> <div> "For the record, I'd do the same thing in your position."</div> <bR> <div> "That's good to know."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll keep an eye on things at this end. I'll get 'em all back out </div> <div> there as soon as I can."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks. We'll keep in touch."</div> <bR> <div> "Good luck."</div> <bR> <div> Toby placed the radio on the counter and walked towards the </div> <div> fireplace. </div> <bR> <div> "Luckily there's some dry wood here. We'll start a fire, get some </div> <div> sleep, and head out at first light."</div> <bR> <div> "I just hope that's not too late," Josh said, as he stared out the </div> <div> window at the snow falling relentlessly to the ground.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna opened her eyes to the morning sunlight just beginning to </div> <div> stream through the windows. But there was something else invading her </div> <div> consciousness. She struggled to shake off the last vestiges of sleep.</div> <bR> <div> There it was again.</div> <bR> <div> The sound of a motor somewhere in the distance.</div> <bR> <div> She listened more intently. It didn't sound like a car engine; it was </div> <div> louder than that.</div> <bR> <div> Donna had begun to panic slightly when night fell and Chris still </div> <div> hadn't returned. She feared that he was going to stay away all night </div> <div> in his quest to teach her a lesson. By midnight, she had been able to </div> <div> see her own breath in the cabin. The fire had gone out completely, </div> <div> and the wind felt as though it was blowing straight through the walls.</div> <bR> <div> She had curled up underneath her covers and tried to stay warm as </div> <div> best she could, but it was hopeless. She could feel the cold all the </div> <div> way down to her bones. As she listened to the motors, praying the </div> <div> sound would come closer, she was shivering uncontrollably.</div> <bR> <div> "HELP!! PLEASE HELP!!" she screamed, hoping that whoever was out </div> <div> there would hear her. She knew it was a long shot over the roar of </div> <div> the engines but she persisted anyway.</div> <bR> <div> Suddenly it sounded as though the engine was right outside the cabin </div> <div> window. She struggled to rise up so that she could see, to no avail. </div> <div> She continued screaming as loudly as she could.</div> <bR> <div> Donna's heart raced as she heard the engine cut off.</div> <bR> <div> "Please. Please. Help me. I'm in here," she shouted.</div> <bR> <div> "DONNA!" someone yelled as she heard footsteps pound across the front </div> <div> porch. "Donna, is that you?"</div> <bR> <div> Donna began sobbing happy tears. She knew the voice calling her name, </div> <div> she would know it anywhere. "Josh!! It's me."</div> <bR> <div> The front door of the cabin flew open and Josh entered to find Donna, </div> <div> bound to the cot, freezing, and sobbing with joy. He crossed the room </div> <div> in a flash.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok?" he asked her, looking her over worriedly from head to </div> <div> toe.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine," she assured him. "Chris left me here last night, and the </div> <div> fire burned out, but I'm ok."</div> <bR> <div> "Lets get you out of here," Josh said soothingly as he began to </div> <div> frantically untie her bindings.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know where Chris is," Donna continued. "He said he was going </div> <div> to town..."</div> <bR> <div> "Shhhh. Don't worry about any of that. We'll get it all straightened </div> <div> out later. Right now I want to get you back to town so we can warm </div> <div> you up."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks for coming to rescue me, Josh," Donna said tearily. </div> <bR> <div> Josh looked up from the binding he was struggling with on her ankles, </div> <div> directly into her eyes. "I would have looked for you forever, </div> <div> Donnatella. I hope you know that."</div> <bR> <div> One more tug on the tape around her ankles and Donna was free.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh thank God," she said. </div> <bR> <div> She reached out to envelop Josh in a large hug.</div> <bR> <div> She felt nothing but air.</div> <bR> <div> Donna struggled to open her eyes. She pulled against the bindings at </div> <div> her ankles and legs. She looked around the empty cabin, shivering </div> <div> from a combination of fear and disappointment.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh my God," she sobbed, "It was just a dream."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh and Toby rose at first light and set about preparing for another </div> <div> day of searching. Not much conversation passed between them as each </div> <div> man was lost deep in his own thoughts. They both knew that they were </div> <div> working under a deadline. Every hour that passed without finding </div> <div> Donna lessened the chances they would find her healthy and alive. </div> <div> They quickly finished packing up their supplies, leaving the cabin </div> <div> just as they had found it, and headed for the door.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you have the radio?" Toby asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Right here," Josh said, tapping his right coat pocket.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you gonna call in and tell them we're heading out?"</div> <bR> <div> "Why? So they can tell us again what a bad idea this is, and how we </div> <div> should come back in?" Josh asked sarcastically.</div> <bR> <div> "I was just thinking it might be a good idea to let them know where </div> <div> we are at all times," Toby answered patiently.</div> <bR> <div> "They've made it perfectly clear that they aren't coming up onto this </div> <div> mountain for any reason," Josh snapped. "If we get lost, we're on our </div> <div> own. I'm sorry if you're regretting...."</div> <bR> <div> "Josh..." Toby said warningly, "I'm not regretting anything. And I'm </div> <div> well aware that they have no intention of coming up here after us if </div> <div> we get stuck or lost. But I still think it's a good idea for us to </div> <div> keep in touch with them every step of the way."</div> <bR> <div> "Fine," Josh growled, pulling the radio from the pocket of his parka </div> <div> and tossing it towards Toby, "Call them."</div> <bR> <div> As Toby radioed in to the police station, Josh went outside and began </div> <div> securing their supplies to the snowmobile. The snow continued to fall </div> <div> steadily, and the wind seemed to be increasing by the hour. Josh </div> <div> pulled up the zipper on his parka as high as it would go to try to </div> <div> stave off the bitter cold. </div> <bR> <div> His mind was filled with images of Donna, trapped somewhere alone, </div> <div> battling the elements. He cursed himself for not buying her ski </div> <div> equipment the year she asked for it as a Christmas gift. If he had, </div> <div> she might at least have an insulated coat. He knew the winter coat </div> <div> she normally wore, if Hill had even allowed her to bring it, wasn't </div> <div> nearly warm enough for this weather.</div> <bR> <div> He was trying to shake off the disturbing images when Toby emerged </div> <div> from the cabin.</div> <bR> <div> "Ready?" Josh asked loudly, checking to make sure everything was </div> <div> securely tied down.</div> <bR> <div> "They're expecting the weather to break by sometime tonight," Toby </div> <div> yelled back over the howling wind. "Hopefully they'll be able to get </div> <div> choppers back in the air by morning."</div> <bR> <div> "Morning will be too late," Josh said, placing his helmet on his </div> <div> head. "We have to find her today."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll take the first shift driving," Toby said as he placed his own </div> <div> helmet on his head. He flipped the switch on the microphone setup </div> <div> that allowed him to speak to Josh without screaming over the engine </div> <div> and the wind.</div> <bR> <div> "All set?" he asked as Josh settled on to the seat behind him.</div> <bR> <div> "Let's go," Josh said anxiously.</div> <bR> <div> They had studied the map the night before and decided on a route that </div> <div> would allow them to check the largest number of cabins in one day. </div> <div> Toby had double-checked with the local officers when he called in, </div> <div> and they had given him several large landmarks to look for. They had </div> <div> also given him a few tips for navigating in the heavy snow. Toby </div> <div> proceeded cautiously, and kept an eye on the compass attached to the </div> <div> dashboard. Despite the blanket of snow that seemed to cover </div> <div> everything in sight, he managed to pick out a few of the landmarks </div> <div> that had been described to him, so he was confident they were headed </div> <div> in the right direction. He figured that they should be arriving at </div> <div> the first cabin in about 30 minutes.</div> <bR> <div> Halfway there, the silence became more than he could stand.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh grunted.</div> <bR> <div> "You losing control isn't gonna help anything, Josh."</div> <bR> <div> "What are you talking about?"</div> <bR> <div> "You're starting to think with your heart instead of your head. </div> <div> You're making decisions based on fear. That isn't gonna help </div> <div> anything."</div> <bR> <div> "You don't know what you're talking about."</div> <bR> <div> "Not wanting to radio in was stupid. There's no point in not letting </div> <div> people know where we are. The local officers know this terrain much </div> <div> better than we do. They can help us-whether they're out here or not."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. They're being a big help sitting down there at the station </div> <div> while Donna is lost somewhere on this mountain," Josh said bitterly.</div> <bR> <div> "Come on. Give them a break. They're not as personally involved in </div> <div> this as we are. They can't afford to be. They have to make their </div> <div> decision based on the cold hard facts. And the weather right now </div> <div> dictates that they call off the search."</div> <bR> <div> Nothing but the wind could be heard through the headsets for a few </div> <div> minutes until Josh spoke again.</div> <bR> <div> "I know you're right," he said, his voice filled with </div> <div> frustration. "It's just..."</div> <bR> <div> His words trailed off.</div> <bR> <div> "Just what?"</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know. I hate feeling this helpless."</div> <bR> <div> "We're doing everything we can," Toby assured him.</div> <bR> <div> "But what if it isn't enough? What if we don't find her in time?" </div> <div> Josh asked desperately.</div> <bR> <div> "We can't think that way," Toby said as the snowmobile came over a </div> <div> ridge and the first cabin came into view. "We've got to do our part. </div> <div> I'm sure Donna is doing hers."</div> <bR> <div> "You really believe that, don't you?"</div> <bR> <div> "I wouldn't ever bet against Donna being strong enough to get through </div> <div> something. That's a sucker's bet."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm gonna tell her you said that when we find her."</div> <bR> <div> "Go ahead."</div> <bR> <div> "You'll be outed as having a soft heart and not being quite as grumpy </div> <div> as you like to pretend."</div> <bR> <div> Toby was quiet for a minute. </div> <bR> <div> "I'll make you a deal. I'll confess my feelings of friendship to </div> <div> Donna, if you agree to be honest with her about your feelings too."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm just praying I get a chance to tell her what I feel," Josh said </div> <div> quietly.</div> <bR> <div> Before Toby had a chance to explore that comment, they arrived at the </div> <div> cabin. Josh was off the snowmobile before it had even stopped and </div> <div> across the front porch in a flash.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> CJ, Sam, and Leo sat in the Chief of Staff's office listening the </div> <div> voice of Detective Winters over the speakerphone.</div> <bR> <div> "I heard from them first thing this morning," Winters said. "They </div> <div> were headed out to try to check as many places today as they could."</div> <bR> <div> "How's the weather holding out?" Leo asked apprehensively.</div> <bR> <div> "It's still bad. We might get a bit of a break tomorrow if the wind </div> <div> shifts the way they expect it to."</div> <bR> <div> "Lets hope tomorrow isn't too late," Leo said solemnly. "How did Josh </div> <div> and Toby sound?"</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, I only talked to Toby. He sounds like he's keeping it </div> <div> together pretty well. He said they're trying not to get discouraged, </div> <div> but each time they find a cabin and she isn't in it......well........"</div> <bR> <div> "I can imagine," Leo said, shaking his head.</div> <bR> <div> "Have the rescuers said anything about what they think Donna's </div> <div> chances are?" CJ asked nervously.</div> <bR> <div> "It depends on a lot of things. Whether or not she has firewood, </div> <div> food, water, and basic provisions. We have no way of knowing where </div> <div> Hill was keeping her, and under what conditions."</div> <bR> <div> Sam took CJ's hand and gave it a squeeze. "We have to keep the faith. </div> <div> We have to believe that everything will be ok."</div> <bR> <div> "That's what we're trying to do on this end," Winters replied.</div> <bR> <div> "We appreciate it," Leo said. "Can you do me a favor and try to keep </div> <div> as close tabs as possible on my two renegade senior staffers. There's </div> <div> no telling what those two will do if they don't find Donna soon."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll do my best," Winters promised, then added sincerely, "I'll tell </div> <div> you one thing. If I was ever missing, I'd like to think that there </div> <div> would be people in the world who would look for me as hard as they </div> <div> are looking for Ms. Moss."</div> <bR> <div> "Donna's very special," Leo said with a small smile.</div> <bR> <div> "She must be, the way those two are putting their own lives on the </div> <div> line to find her."</div> <bR> <div> "When you talk to them again, would you tell them that we're not </div> <div> giving up hope?" CJ said.</div> <bR> <div> "Will do," Winters answered. "I better get back to the command post. </div> <div> I want to be there when they call in again."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks again for all your help," Leo said. "Keep in touch."</div> <bR> <div> "Will do."</div> <bR> <div> Leo pressed the button on the speakerphone and disconnected the call. </div> <div> He looked at Sam and CJ and saw the fear and anxiety in their eyes. </div> <div> He was quite certain it mirrored the look in his own. He wasn't </div> <div> completely certain how to proceed. All he could do was hope that the </div> <div> next time they heard from Winters, the news would be better.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna was deep inside another vivid dream as she thrashed about on </div> <div> the cot. She was at her desk in the bullpen, outside of Josh's </div> <div> office. Snow was falling around her, covering her desk and computer. </div> <div> She was trying to call the maintenance department and ask them to fix </div> <div> the problem as soon as possible, but each attempt ended in a misdial. </div> <div> She couldn't seem to reach anyone on the other end of the line.</div> <bR> <div> When someone finally did answer, it wasn't the maintenance </div> <div> department; it was Charlie. He told her not to worry-the President </div> <div> had arranged the whole thing. Donna was struggling to make him </div> <div> understand how wrong it was, and how all of the office equipment was </div> <div> getting ruined, when her parents arrived. With a talking dog. They </div> <div> all commented-even the dog--on how nice it was that President Bartlet </div> <div> could arrange for snow inside the building. </div> <bR> <div> Then Margaret arrived, eating a blueberry muffin the size of a loaf </div> <div> of bread. She was followed closely by Ginger, Carol, and Bonnie, all </div> <div> three stockpiling snowballs and talking about ambushing their bosses.</div> <bR> <div> Donna looked around incredulously, wondering why no one else appeared </div> <div> to notice that something was wrong. That it shouldn't be snowing in </div> <div> D.C. in June, let alone inside the building.</div> <bR> <div> Just then, Josh appeared in bullpen wearing Sam's foul weather gear </div> <div> and carrying an armload of dried leaves. CJ was close behind him, </div> <div> wearing overalls and carrying Eric and Troy, one under each arm. </div> <bR> <div> Sam entered from the other direction wearing a striped shirt with a </div> <div> sailor's collar, knee length shorts, and a white cap. He was carrying </div> <div> a large, multi-colored lollipop. Toby was close behind him in full </div> <div> diving regalia, including flippers. </div> <bR> <div> They were arguing amongst themselves. Donna couldn't make out exactly </div> <div> what they were saying, but she could tell that they were speaking in </div> <div> rhyme.</div> <bR> <div> "That's the way it has to be," Toby insisted.</div> <bR> <div> "You're mind is made up, that I can see," Sam answered.</div> <bR> <div> Donna stared at them, trying to figure out what was going on.</div> <bR> <div> At that moment, Leo entered the bullpen in a full tuxedo-accessorized </div> <div> with high-heeled red pumps.</div> <bR> <div> "Great shoes," CJ gushed.</div> <bR> <div> "I have a strong appreciation for women's shoes. Ask anyone," Leo </div> <div> said in a singsong voice. "Is everybody ready?"</div> <bR> <div> "Ready for what?" Donna asked frantically. "What's wrong with all of </div> <div> you?"</div> <bR> <div> "You mean you're not ready?" Leo gasped, as the others looked at her </div> <div> accusingly.</div> <bR> <div> They all began to point at her and laugh. Suddenly a loud banging </div> <div> filled the air.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna woke up with a start. It took her a few seconds to realize that </div> <div> the wind had loosened one of the shutters on the front of the cabin, </div> <div> forcing it to bang against the outside wall.</div> <bR> <div> She sat up, raising her bound hands to wipe her eyes. She tried to </div> <div> clear the remnants of the dream out of her head. It had been so </div> <div> vivid. None of the surreal feeling that sometimes accompanies strange </div> <div> dreams. Donna could have actually sworn she was in the bullpen.</div> <bR> <div> As she tried to push the hair off of her face, she realized something.</div> <bR> <div> Her bindings were becoming looser.</div> <bR> <div> Whether it was from not eating, or from dehydration, she wasn't sure. </div> <div> But apparently her wrists had shrunk slightly because she was able to </div> <div> move somewhat within the bindings.</div> <bR> <div> A new hope surged within her as she began to struggle against the </div> <div> material that held her wrists together. But the more she struggled, </div> <div> the tighter the bindings seemed to get.</div> <bR> <div> Donna stopped and took a deep breath. She needed to go about this the </div> <div> right way if she had any hope at all of getting free.</div> <bR> <div> She slowly began to work one wrist out of the bindings, leaving the </div> <div> other perfectly still. The tips of her fingers were beginning to turn </div> <div> blue, and each movement brought a new onslaught of pain. She forced </div> <div> herself to ignore it and move forward.</div> <bR> <div> Slowly but surely, she could see progress. After what seemed like </div> <div> hours, but was in reality probably only about ten minutes, her wrist </div> <div> came free.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh pounded his fist on the table in frustration as he stood in the </div> <div> center of yet another empty cabin. They had fought through rough </div> <div> terrain, horrible weather, and their own lack of experience and still </div> <div> managed to check three other cabins over the course of the day. This </div> <div> was the fourth. They had all been empty.</div> <bR> <div> "Dammit," Josh said angrily. "Where is she?"</div> <bR> <div> Toby's own feelings of disappointment rushed to the surface, but he </div> <div> pushed them back down. He knew that each moment brought Josh closer </div> <div> and closer to an emotional meltdown, and one of them had to stay in </div> <div> control.</div> <bR> <div> "We just keep looking," Toby said as calmly as possible.</div> <bR> <div> "How can you say that?" Josh screamed. "How can you just keep saying </div> <div> that? I feel as though we're not doing anything at all to help her. </div> <div> She's dying somewhere on this stupid mountain. I feel like I'm </div> <div> letting her down."</div> <bR> <div> "You think you're the only one who's worried?" Toby snapped angrily, </div> <div> letting his emotions get the better of him. "You think I'm not scared </div> <div> to death with every passing minute that we're not gonna get there in </div> <div> time?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh turned and stared at Toby as he continued.</div> <bR> <div> "Every time you jump off the snowmobile and head up on one of these </div> <div> porches I pray as hard as I can. Pray that this is the time we find </div> <div> her. That she's safe and sound and we can all get off this nightmare </div> <div> of a mountain and head home."</div> <bR> <div> "Toby, I......"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm worried that we started searching in the wrong place. I'm </div> <div> worried that we're going to get lost in all this endless white snow. </div> <div> And if we do, we can't be of any help to Donna"</div> <bR> <div> Toby took a deep breath. </div> <bR> <div> "I understand what you're feeling right now, Josh. I recognize very </div> <div> well what it's like to know someone you care about is in pain, and </div> <div> feel powerless to help. I watched us all come apart after Rosslyn. I </div> <div> watched you suffer through the next Christmas in silence. I watched </div> <div> the President deal with doubts about his ability to lead; at the same </div> <div> time he dealt with the country finding out he has a potentially </div> <div> debilitating illness. I watched CJ suffer alone when Simon died. I </div> <div> watched myself hurt Andi as our marriage was dissolving, no matter </div> <div> how hard I tried not to. But getting angry with me isn't going to </div> <div> help anything. We need to focus."</div> <bR> <div> "You're right. I'm sorry," Josh said quietly. </div> <bR> <div> "It's not about who's right or wrong," Toby said, regaining his calm </div> <div> demeanor, "It's about keeping it together and doing what needs to be </div> <div> done.</div> <bR> <div> Josh glanced out the window at the approaching darkness.</div> <bR> <div> "If I remember the map correctly, the next cabin is pretty close."</div> <bR> <div> "Right over the ridge," Toby agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "I think we should get one more in tonight. If we don't have any luck </div> <div> we can camp out there and start fresh in the morning. Hopefully the </div> <div> weather will have broken and we can get some help."</div> <bR> <div> "Sounds good to me," Toby said. "Lets go."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> It took Donna close to half an hour to get the bindings off her </div> <div> ankles, mostly due to the fact that she was having a great deal of </div> <div> trouble moving her frozen fingers. As soon as her legs were free, she </div> <div> jumped up from the cot and nearly fell over. Days of inactivity, not </div> <div> to mention lack of food and water, had left her barely able to stand. </div> <div> She took a second to regain her balance and then headed immediately </div> <div> towards the fireplace.</div> <bR> <div> She placed her hand on the mantle, trying to fight off the dizziness </div> <div> that was threatening to envelop her. Her hand landed on a box of </div> <div> matches. She looked into the wood storage box next to the hearth. The </div> <div> images began to swim in front of her as her vision blurred. She </div> <div> squinted to bring things back into focus and saw that the box was </div> <div> empty. She seemed to remember seeing Chris retrieve wood several </div> <div> times from the front porch. Or had she imagined that?</div> <bR> <div> She walked unsteadily across the cabin, veering off at the last </div> <div> minute and stumbling into the bathroom. Once she was inside, she had </div> <div> trouble remembering why she had headed in that direction. She turned </div> <div> on the water taps but nothing came out. She wondered if maybe the </div> <div> pipes had frozen. She stared at the empty basin for a few minutes, </div> <div> trying to figure out what to do next. Her mind refused to focus and </div> <div> she was having trouble stringing coherent thoughts together.</div> <bR> <div> She knew that a day or so earlier she had been obsessed with thoughts </div> <div> of making her way to the bathroom. But now she couldn't remember why. </div> <div> Her growing dehydration had taken away her immediate need. She shook </div> <div> her head again to try to get her thoughts back on track.</div> <bR> <div> She caught sight of herself in the mirror over the sink and was </div> <div> stunned. She barely recognized the person staring back at her. Pale </div> <div> skin. Blue tinge to her lips and nose. Dark circles under her eyes. </div> <div> She stood and stared for a few minutes, not sure how to react. </div> <bR> <div> And then, in a burst of clear thought, she remembered what she had </div> <div> been doing.</div> <bR> <div> She was going to start a fire. But she needed wood from the front </div> <div> porch. She headed towards the door with all of the energy she could </div> <div> muster. When she got there, she fumbled with both the deadbolt and </div> <div> the handle lock, needing several minutes to disengage each. As soon </div> <div> as the locks were taken care of, she braced herself and opened the </div> <div> door.</div> <bR> <div> A sudden gust of wind blew into the cabin, stealing Donna's breath. </div> <div> She felt her knees begin to give out but was powerless stop herself </div> <div> as she fell bonelessly to the floor.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> The snowmobile cleared the ridge, and the next cabin on the list came </div> <div> into view.</div> <bR> <div> Simultaneously, Josh and Toby got the undeniable feeling that this </div> <div> time was going to be different. Toby gunned the accelerator, heading </div> <div> towards the cabin as quickly as possible. </div> <bR> <div> As soon as they got close, they saw that the front door was partially </div> <div> open. This time Toby jumped off the snowmobile immediately also and </div> <div> was only a step behind Josh as he headed up onto the porch.</div> <bR> <div> Looking in the front door, both of them saw an unmistakable head of </div> <div> blonde hair lying on the floor.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "Donna!" Josh called as he bolted through the partially open door </div> <div> towards her prone form.</div> <bR> <div> She was laying on the floor, turned away from the door, a light </div> <div> dusting of snow that had been blown in by the wind covering her head </div> <div> and upper torso.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna!" Josh repeated as he knelt by her side and pulled her gently </div> <div> into his lap.</div> <bR> <div> Within seconds Toby was kneeling directly in front of them. He placed </div> <div> his fingers against Donna's neck and felt two things. First, he </div> <div> thankfully felt a pulse; it was faint but it was there. Second, he </div> <div> noticed how freezing cold her skin was.</div> <bR> <div> "She's still alive," he sighed gratefully as he brushed snow from her </div> <div> hair.</div> <bR> <div> "We have to get her warmed up," Josh said determinedly as he lifted </div> <div> her up towards the fireplace. "We need to start a fire."</div> <bR> <div> Josh laid Donna on the floor directly in front of the hearth.</div> <bR> <div> "It's gonna be ok now," he said softly as he removed his gloves and </div> <div> parka. "We're gonna get you out of here. Everything is gonna be ok."</div> <bR> <div> Toby looked anxiously around the room for firewood and didn't see </div> <div> any. He knew there had to be some around somewhere. He tore open the </div> <div> front door and saw several cords stacked neatly on the porch. He </div> <div> grabbed an armful and headed inside.</div> <bR> <div> Meanwhile, Josh was wrapping Donna's shivering body in his parka, </div> <div> zipping it up as high as it would go. He tried to ignore the cold air </div> <div> biting into his own skin as he attempted to warm Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "You're gonna be ok," he continued to whisper in her ear. "You have </div> <div> to be. I don't know what I'd do without you, Donnatella."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm gonna call in and let them know we found her. If the storm </div> <div> breaks, they may be able to get someone up here to help."</div> <bR> <div> "Good idea," Josh answered, never talking his eyes off Donna as he </div> <div> pulled his gloves over her freezing hands. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> It only took a few minutes for Toby to get through to the station and </div> <div> give them the news that Donna had been found. He told them which </div> <div> cabin they were in, and Officer Hammond assured Toby that he knew </div> <div> exactly where they were.</div> <bR> <div> "It's the old Jenkins place," he said. "It's been vacant for a year </div> <div> or two. The couple who used to live there died and their heirs aren't </div> <div> in any hurry to sell."</div> <bR> <div> "Can you get somebody up here soon?" Toby asked. "Donna needs a </div> <div> doctor immediately."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll get a chopper there as soon as it's safe," Hammond </div> <div> answered. "In the meantime, let me put one of our paramedics on to </div> <div> help you."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Toby said as he glanced over at Josh who continued to </div> <div> cradle Donna in his arms and coo softly in her ear. Her face was </div> <div> paler than usual and her body continued to shiver uncontrollably </div> <div> despite Josh's parka and his tight hold on her.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. Ziegler? My name is Luke. I'm a paramedic. What's Ms. Moss' </div> <div> condition?"</div> <bR> <div> "She's unconscious," Toby answered. "Her skin is ice cold. Her lips, </div> <div> nose, fingers and feet are blue. She's shivering badly."</div> <bR> <div> "How's her pulse?"</div> <bR> <div> "Weak but steady."</div> <bR> <div> "Breathing?"</div> <bR> <div> Toby glanced at Josh. "Shallow," Josh said as he pulled Donna more </div> <div> tightly against his chest.</div> <bR> <div> "Shallow," Toby repeated.</div> <bR> <div> "Alright. This is very important," Rick began. "You need to warm her </div> <div> up slowly. If you move too quickly, cold blood rushing through her </div> <div> heart and lungs could be catastrophic."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok," Toby said, "Tell me how to do that."</div> <bR> <div> Static crackled across the line.</div> <bR> <div> "Ok, I'm gonna give this to you quick. I think we may be about to </div> <div> lose the connection," Rick said hurriedly.</div> <bR> <div> "Go ahead," Toby answered.</div> <bR> <div> "The first thing you want to do is remove any cold, wet clothing. </div> <div> Replace it with dry clothing if possible. If not, you may need to use </div> <div> skin-to-skin contact."</div> <bR> <div> Toby looked around the cabin and saw a small dresser in the corner. </div> <div> He figured that if he was lucky, there might be some clothes in there.</div> <bR> <div> "Got it."</div> <bR> <div> "Cover her head. The majority of the body heat we lose escapes </div> <div> through our head."</div> <bR> <div> Toby hadn't even been sure that Josh was listening to Luke's voice. </div> <div> He seemed to be concentrating solely on Donna. But before Toby could </div> <div> pass on the instruction, Josh pulled off his own ski hat and tugged </div> <div> it down over Donna's head, still murmuring softly in her ear.</div> <bR> <div> "Done."</div> <bR> <div> "You want to try to get her to move around if you can, but don't let </div> <div> her sweat. Perspiration is the body's way of cooling itself, and </div> <div> that's the last thing she needs. Start a fire, but make it small at </div> <div> first. Warm the temperature in the cabin gradually."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok."</div> <bR> <div> "Do not, under any conditions, rub or massage frozen skin. Hold it </div> <div> against your own skin to help warm it up. Or wrap it in warm dry </div> <div> material. But don't rub it. You'll only cause further damage."</div> <bR> <div> The static on the radio became louder.</div> <bR> <div> "What about giving her water?" Toby said, raising his voice to be </div> <div> heard. "Or food?"</div> <bR> <div> "She should begin to become more alert as her body warms up. You can </div> <div> give her heated liquids, but nothing with caffeine. Be careful of </div> <div> choking. Don't give her food until she is responsive enough to chew </div> <div> and swallow on her own. Start off with something high energy-maybe </div> <div> candy if you have any."</div> <bR> <div> "There are candy bars in my duffel bag," Toby said.</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent. Start with those."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks for your help."</div> <bR> <div> "You're welcome. Hold on one minute. Detective Winters wants to speak </div> <div> to you," Luke said. "I'll be here at the station all night if you </div> <div> need anything else."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll keep that in mind."</div> <bR> <div> A second later the D.C. police detective's now familiar voice came </div> <div> over the radio.</div> <bR> <div> "Hammonds is meeting with his people now," he said. "They'll get </div> <div> someone up there to you as soon as possible. I'll call the White </div> <div> House and fill them in on what's happening."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, I appreciate that."</div> <bR> <div> "No problem. Just bring Ms. Moss back safely."</div> <bR> <div> "We haven't come this far to fail now," Toby said confidently as he </div> <div> turned off the radio and began to focus on the task at hand.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll build a fire to start to warm this place up. We need to get her </div> <div> out of those clothes and into some dry things right away. I'm </div> <div> thinking there might be something in that dresser," Toby said, </div> <div> pointing towards the corner of the room. "You might want to find </div> <div> yourself something to put on too until we get this place warmed up. I </div> <div> can see you starting to shiver from here.</div> <bR> <div> Josh reluctantly left Donna to search the drawers. He managed to find </div> <div> some sweats and flannel shirts. They looked fairly large so he </div> <div> decided that they must have belonged to Chris. He didn't have time to </div> <div> worry about that. All he could think of was what Donna needed right </div> <div> now. He put two flannel shirts on over the sweatshirt he was wearing </div> <div> and hastily buttoned them up. He gathered up the remainder of the </div> <div> clothes and headed back to Donna.</div> <bR> <div> As Toby worked on getting a small fire started, Josh unwrapped his </div> <div> parka from around Donna. For the first time since they had arrived at </div> <div> the cabin, Donna stirred.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna, can you hear me," Josh asked hopefully.</div> <bR> <div> Donna gave a small moan in response.</div> <bR> <div> "You're gonna be ok. Toby and I are here now. But your clothes got </div> <div> wet when the snow came through the door. I have to get you into </div> <div> something dry."</div> <bR> <div> Again a small moan.</div> <bR> <div> Josh quickly began to strip Donna's clothes off; pushing down </div> <div> memories of all of the times he had fantasized about doing it under </div> <div> different circumstances. In his fantasies, Donna had always been a </div> <div> willing participant. And she'd always been conscious.</div> <bR> <div> "Um..I'm not sure how you'd feel about this if you were awake," Josh </div> <div> said as he slid her shirt off and tossed it to the side. "But we can </div> <div> talk about that later."</div> <bR> <div> Josh felt the material of Donna's bra and realized it was wet also. </div> <div> It would have to go. As he unclasped it and began to slide it off </div> <div> Donna's arms, her eyes fluttered open.   </div> <bR> <div> "Josh?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, Donna. It's me," he said, leaning down till he was inches from </div> <div> her face. "Everything's gonna be fine now. You're gonna be ok."</div> <bR> <div> Donna looked around groggily, her eyes growing more confused as she </div> <div> realized the she was naked from the waist up. Josh caught her </div> <div> reaction and immediately grabbed a sweatshirt and began to work it </div> <div> over her head.</div> <bR> <div> "We had to get you out of your wet clothes. The paramedic said we had </div> <div> to warm you up gradually."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh...kay," Donna said haltingly.</div> <bR> <div> "So I'm gonna need to get these pants off you too," Josh continued.</div> <bR> <div> Having managed to get the fire started, Toby moved over next to </div> <div> Donna. He was careful to keep his eyes on her face so as not to make </div> <div> her feel uncomfortable.</div> <bR> <div> "I've got the fire going," he told her. "It should be warm in here in </div> <div> no time."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, Toby," Donna said sincerely.</div> <bR> <div> Josh made quick work of Donna's pants and within seconds she was </div> <div> wearing thick, warm, wool socks and baggy sweat pants. As soon as her </div> <div> redressing was complete, Josh wrapped her once again in his parka. </div> <div> Then he pulled her back into his arms and held her tight.</div> <bR> <div> "As soon as the fire warms you up a little, we need to get you up and </div> <div> moving around," he said as Donna settled against his chest and </div> <div> pressed her nose into the crook of his neck.</div> <bR> <div> "You're very warm for a dream," Donna said pensively.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Josh asked, looking at Toby with confusion.</div> <bR> <div> "The first time I dreamt about you, you disappeared when I tried to </div> <div> touch you. The second time...."</div> <bR> <div> All of the sudden, she jerked upright and looked from Josh to Toby.</div> <bR> <div> "What is it?" Josh asked apprehensively.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing," Donna said, laying her head back down, "I'm just glad my </div> <div> subconscious decided to dump your foul weather gear and Toby's </div> <div> flippers."</div> <bR> <div> "Flippers?" Toby asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "And a diving suit," Donna said, "You looked pretty cute actually."</div> <bR> <div> Toby looked at Josh worriedly. "Obviously she isn't completely awake </div> <div> yet."</div> <bR> <div> "You seem so real this time," Donna said sadly. "But then again you </div> <div> seemed real all the other times too. Even the talking dog seemed </div> <div> real."</div> <bR> <div> Josh smiled. "Talking dog?"</div> <bR> <div> "Um-hmm," Donna sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "But we are real this time, Donnatella. We're really here."</div> <bR> <div> "That's exactly what the dog said," Donna said as her bottom lip </div> <div> began to tremble.</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked at Toby helplessly. </div> <bR> <div> "Let's get her up and move her around a little," Toby said. "Some </div> <div> increased blood flow might help things."</div> <bR> <div> Josh stood and lifted Donna up with him. He supported one side while </div> <div> Toby took the other.</div> <bR> <div> "Come on, Donnatella," Josh urged. "Let's try to walk around a little </div> <div> and get the blood moving."</div> <bR> <div> They spent about fifteen minutes making slow circles around the </div> <div> cabin. Each time they passed the cot in the corner, Josh eyed the </div> <div> discarded bindings and his fists clenched. His mind conjured up all </div> <div> kinds of terrible images of what Donna must have gone through at the </div> <div> hands of that madman. He concentrated on keeping his mind in the </div> <div> present. All that mattered now was getting Donna well; the rest could </div> <div> be dealt with later.</div> <bR> <div> After a few more minutes, they stopped in the small kitchen, where </div> <div> Toby found some decaffeinated tea bags. He heated the teakettle over </div> <div> the fire, brewed some, and Donna managed to drink an entire cup. They </div> <div> began making circles again until Donna turned her head towards Josh </div> <div> and said through teary eyes, "I'm sorry."</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry for what?" Josh asked softly.</div> <bR> <div> "For everything," Donna said as a tear escaped and slid down her </div> <div> cheek.</div> <bR> <div> "I think it's time to take a break," Toby said, stopping in front of </div> <div> the fireplace.</div> <bR> <div> "Not too close though. They said we can't let her sweat."</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked around and spotted an old recliner in the corner of the </div> <div> room. Leaving Toby holding on to Donna, he dragged it over in front </div> <div> of the fire, a safe distance back. Then he pulled the comforter off </div> <div> the bed. Toby helped him settle Donna into the chair and tuck the </div> <div> blanket around her chin.</div> <bR> <div> Donna reached out, grasped Josh's hand, and pulled him into the chair </div> <div> beside her.</div> <bR> <div> "I should have told you," she said sadly.</div> <bR> <div> "Told me what?"</div> <bR> <div> "I should have told you when I had a chance. I don't think talking to </div> <div> Dream-Josh counts."</div> <bR> <div> "Well why don't you tell me anyway," Josh said helpfully. "It might </div> <div> make you feel better."</div> <bR> <div> "I should have told you Amy was a miserable bitch," Donna said </div> <div> definitively.</div> <bR> <div> Toby stifled a laugh. The color was starting to return to Donna's </div> <div> cheeks and he was beginning to find some amusement in this situation. </div> <div> He wondered what it was that Donna really wanted to tell Josh. He </div> <div> momentarily considered trying to put a stop to the conversation. </div> <div> After all, Donna was clearly still a bit out of it. But then he </div> <div> realized that this might be the only way for things to get said. The </div> <div> only way to bring feelings out into the open. He moved over and sat </div> <div> on the fireplace hearth.</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe you should have," Josh chuckled. "But then again, I should </div> <div> have been smart enough to see it for myself."</div> <bR> <div> "You never see it, Josh. You always pick women that are wrong for </div> <div> you."</div> <bR> <div> "Is that so?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yep."</div> <bR> <div> "And exactly what kind of woman would be 'right' for me?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Me," Donna said, looking him squarely in the eye.</div> <bR> <div> Toby nearly choked. He wished he had a camera to capture the </div> <div> statement on Josh's face. He looked like a fish with his mouth </div> <div> opening and closing slowly, no sound coming out. Toby thought that </div> <div> this might be a good time for him to go into the kitchen and see what </div> <div> there might be to eat.</div> <bR> <div> Josh stroked Donna's cheek with the tips of his fingers. "I think </div> <div> you're right. You are the perfect woman for me."</div> <bR> <div> "Now I know I'm dreaming," Donna mumbled. Tears came to her eyes and </div> <div> her lips started to tremble. "I must be almost dead if my dreams are </div> <div> getting this good."</div> <bR> <div> Josh pulled Donna to his chest. "You're not dying, Donna. You're </div> <div> gonna be ok. We're gonna get off this mountain and back to D.C. and </div> <div> things will be back to normal in no time."</div> <bR> <div> "There are so many things I should have told you," Donna said, </div> <div> starting to cry harder.</div> <bR> <div> "Shhhh. Don't get yourself upset," Josh said softly. "We'll have lots </div> <div> of time to talk later. After we're home." </div> <bR> <div> "My grandmother used to tell me that you should never let feelings go </div> <div> unspoken. Because you never know when it's the last time you're gonna </div> <div> see someone."</div> <bR> <div> "Your grandmother was a very wise woman," Josh agreed. "But this </div> <div> isn't the last time you're going to see anyone. We're going to be </div> <div> just fine."</div> <bR> <div> "Do you really believe that?" Donna asked hopefully.</div> <bR> <div> "I promise," Josh smiled. "Have I ever lied to you?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Donna said sincerely. "You never have."</div> <bR> <div> "Then believe me when I tell you this. As soon as we get home, and </div> <div> you're feeling better, we'll sit down and have a long talk."</div> <bR> <div> "That sounds good," Donna said as her eyelids began to droop. "Can I </div> <div> just say one thing?"</div> <bR> <div> "Sure."</div> <bR> <div> "You're really warm for a figment of my imagination."</div> <bR> <div> From his spot in the kitchen, Toby smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm amazing that way."</div> <bR> <div> "My hands are cold, even with these gloves on," Donna pouted. "And as </div> <div> long as this is my dream..."</div> <bR> <div> With that, she shifted position and tucked her hands inside the back </div> <div> of Josh's jeans.</div> <bR> <div> "That's better," she said contentedly.</div> <bR> <div> Josh smiled. "Whatever makes you happy."</div> <bR> <div> Within minutes, they were both asleep. Soon after, Toby spread out </div> <div> his sleeping bag, banked the fire, and fell asleep himself.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> It was several hours later when Donna awoke. The cabin was dark, </div> <div> except for the soft light coming from the small fire. It took her a </div> <div> minute to get her bearings. Her mind was much clearer. She felt warm </div> <div> for the first time since she couldn't remember when. Her hands, feet </div> <div> and nose still hurt from the cold, but she definitely felt as though </div> <div> she was thawing out. </div> <bR> <div> She began to sit up, but Josh's arms reached out instinctively and </div> <div> pulled her back to his chest. It was then she realized that she was </div> <div> curled up tightly against Josh, her glove-covered hands tucked inside </div> <div> the back of his pants, resting nonchalantly on his butt.</div> <div> She quickly withdrew her hands from his pants.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna?" Josh said groggily as his eyes came halfway open. "What's </div> <div> wrong?"</div> <bR> <div> "Oh my God," Donna said excitedly as she wrapped her arms around his </div> <div> shoulders. "You're really here. It wasn't a dream."</div> <bR> <div> "That's right," Josh said, enthusiastically returning her hug. "We're </div> <div> really here. Everything's going to be fine now."</div> <bR> <div> Suddenly, memories of everything she had said to him came rushing </div> <div> back into Donna's mind. She remembered telling him that Amy was a </div> <div> bitch. And that she thought he was a dream. And that...she squeezed </div> <div> her eyes shut against the embarrassment...she was the perfect woman </div> <div> for him.</div> <bR> <div> "You're not a dream," Donna said pulling back to look at his face in </div> <div> the firelight.</div> <bR> <div> "No, I'm not," Josh smirked.</div> <bR> <div> "So all of those things I said..." Donna trailed off as she dipped </div> <div> her head.</div> <bR> <div> "And don't forget the fact that you groped my butt," Josh smiled, </div> <div> tipping her chin back up.</div> <bR> <div> Donna's embarrassment subsided as she saw the look in Josh's eyes. </div> <div> Emotions too long hidden were clearly visible.</div> <bR> <div> "How could I ever forget that?" she asked teasingly as she slipped </div> <div> her hands back into their previous position.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh awoke the next morning and smiled at the sight of Donna sleeping </div> <div> peacefully in his arms. Her skin was still paler than normal, but the </div> <div> pink was beginning to work its way back to her cheeks and the blue </div> <div> tinge around her nose and lips had faded considerably. Josh placed a </div> <div> soft kiss on her forehead and was happy to feel that her skin was </div> <div> somewhat warmer than it had been the previous night.</div> <bR> <div> As he rearranged the blanket, tucking it tenderly under her chin, he </div> <div> heard muffled noises coming from the kitchen. He gently untangled </div> <div> himself from Donna's sleeping form, slid carefully out of the </div> <div> recliner, and looked across the cabin only to see Toby rummaging </div> <div> through the cabinets.</div> <bR> <div> "Find anything?" Josh asked sleepily.</div> <bR> <div> "There's coffee on the stove," Toby answered. "And I'm boiling some </div> <div> water for tea and a few packets of oatmeal I found. Other than that, </div> <div> the cupboards are pretty much bare."</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked over Toby's shoulder out the window at the snow still </div> <div> falling.</div> <bR> <div> "I thought that was supposed to let up this morning," he said.</div> <bR> <div> "Apparently Mother Nature didn't get the memo," Toby answered dryly.</div> <bR> <div> "How long do you think it's gonna be before they can send someone up </div> <div> here?"</div> <bR> <div> "Hard to say. But it isn't gonna happen until the snow lets up."</div> <bR> <div> "So I guess we're stuck here for a while," Josh sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "Not too long, I hope," Toby answered, just a hint of nervousness in </div> <div> his voice. "I've been listening to the roof creak for a couple of </div> <div> hours now. I think the snow on the roof is getting dangerously heavy. </div> <div> Between that and the fact that we have almost no food, I think the </div> <div> sooner we get out of here, the better."</div> <bR> <div> Josh was beginning to contemplate the problem of the snow on the roof </div> <div> when he heard Donna begin to stir. He moved across the room </div> <div> immediately and knelt beside her.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey there," he said softly.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey," Donna answered groggily.</div> <bR> <div> "How are you feeling this morning?"</div> <bR> <div> "A little better."</div> <bR> <div> "That's good."</div> <bR> <div> "Morning, Toby," Donna smiled as Toby crossed the room and handed her </div> <div> a cup of hot tea. "Thanks."</div> <bR> <div> "My pleasure," Toby said sincerely. "I'm glad to see you're feeling </div> <div> better."</div> <bR> <div> Donna blushed. "About the flippers, Toby..."</div> <bR> <div> "Not to worry," Toby assured her. "I'd prefer to think that women </div> <div> dream about me in something a bit more flattering than a wetsuit and </div> <div> flippers---but at least I can still say you dreamed about me."</div> <bR> <div> "I won't tell the details if you don't," Donna chuckled.</div> <bR> <div> "Let's just hope the talking dog stays quiet," Josh teased.</div> <bR> <div> Donna blushed and smacked him playfully on the arm.</div> <bR> <div> "You two sounded like you were talking about something serious when I </div> <div> woke up. Is everything ok?" she asked, changing the subject abruptly.</div> <bR> <div> "Everything's fine," Josh said as he brushed a few strands of hair </div> <div> that had escaped her ski hat back from her face. "We were just </div> <div> wondering when we might be able to get out of here."</div> <bR> <div> Suddenly, a loud creak filled the air and the three of them all </div> <div> looked up at the ceiling.</div> <bR> <div> "That didn't sound good," Donna said nervously.</div> <bR> <div> "It's just snow collecting on the roof," Toby said calmly. "I was </div> <div> going to crawl up there this morning and try to push some of it off, </div> <div> but there doesn't appear to be a ladder anywhere around."</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe I can boost you up," Josh suggested.</div> <bR> <div> "It might be worth a try," Toby agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "I think that's dangerous," Donna chimed in. "I don't think it's a </div> <div> good idea for either of you to be up on that roof."</div> <bR> <div> Josh's reply was interrupted by the chime of the oven timer.</div> <bR> <div> "I found some oatmeal in one of the cupboards," Toby said as he got </div> <div> up and walked to the stove. "You need to eat something, Donna. The </div> <div> paramedic recommended something high energy. I have a Hershey Bar in </div> <div> my bag and I think you should eat that with the oatmeal."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not really all that hungry," Donna protested.</div> <bR> <div> "You have to eat," Josh insisted. "You need to get your strength </div> <div> back."</div> <bR> <div> "I feel much better. Really I do."</div> <bR> <div> "Will you try to eat it? Please. For me?" Josh said, turning the </div> <div> puppy dog eyes on Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll try," Donna smiled. She could never resist Josh's pleading </div> <div> brown eyes.</div> <bR> <div> As she ate her oatmeal in small spoonfuls and nibbled on the </div> <div> chocolate bar, the roof continued to make disturbing sounds. Donna </div> <div> swallowed the last of her tea, sat her dishes on the floor beside the </div> <div> chair, and stood up.</div> <bR> <div> "I need to go the bathroom," she said as she started shakily across </div> <div> the room.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok?" Josh asked, taking her arm to help steady her.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine. Just a little wobbly from not walking for a while," Donna </div> <div> insisted. She took a second to regain her balance and then walked to </div> <div> the bathroom, stumbling slightly a few times along the way.</div> <bR> <div> "She isn't in any condition to travel," Josh said definitively.</div> <bR> <div> "I tried the radio this morning when I first woke up but I couldn't </div> <div> get through. It must be the weather."</div> <bR> <div> "We're just gonna have to wait it out here and hope the snow stops </div> <div> soon," Josh insisted as the groaning of the roof timbers became more </div> <div> intense. "Let's go out and see what we can do about getting some of </div> <div> that weight off the roof."</div> <bR> <div> Toby reached for his parka and Josh began donning sweatshirts and </div> <div> flannel shirts in preparation to head outside. They were both leaning </div> <div> against the mantle, pulling their boots on, when the bathroom door </div> <div> opened and Donna emerged. She took one step out of the doorway, but </div> <div> jumped back instantly as the sound of splitting timbers filled the </div> <div> air. In a flash, the room was filled with fractured pieces of wood </div> <div> and piles of snow.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna!" Josh screamed as his view of her was obscured by falling </div> <div> debris.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh!" she answered back immediately.</div> <bR> <div> As soon as the fragments settled, Josh looked to his right and saw </div> <div> that Toby was unhurt. They both began working their way through the </div> <div> rubble towards the other side of the cabin. They put their arms in </div> <div> front of their faces to guard against the snow and wind that were now </div> <div> blowing wildly through the hole in the roof. </div> <bR> <div> "Donna, are you ok?" Josh yelled.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine," Donna called back, fear evident in her voice.</div> <bR> <div> When Josh and Toby reached the other side of the cabin, they found </div> <div> Donna standing in the doorway of the bathroom, eyes wide with fear.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure you're ok?" Josh asked frantically.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine, just a little surprised is all," Donna assured him, </div> <div> wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. </div> <bR> <div> Josh slowly led her back towards the fireplace where he sat her back </div> <div> down in the chair and covered her with blankets to keep her warm.</div> <bR> <div> "I think the decision was just made for us," Toby said solemnly, </div> <div> looking at the gaping hole in the ceiling. "We have to get out of </div> <div> here before the rest of this roof comes down.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Leo McGarry," the Chief of Staff said as he picked up the call that </div> <div> Margaret had put through.</div> <bR> <div> "Winters here. I just wanted to give you an update."</div> <bR> <div> "What's happening? Is there any news? Has anyone figured out a way to </div> <div> get them off that mountain?" Leo peppered the detective with </div> <div> questions.</div> <bR> <div> "Not yet," Winters growled. "The storm seems to have stalled right on </div> <div> top of us. It just won't give up. We haven't been able to raise them </div> <div> yet this morning by radio."</div> <bR> <div> "Do you think something's wrong?" Leo asked, his voice full of alarm.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Winters said resolutely. "The locals say radio traffic always </div> <div> becomes impossible when a storm holds on like this. As soon as it </div> <div> breaks we'll be able to reestablish contact."</div> <bR> <div> "Just keep me informed, ok?" Leo said gruffly.</div> <bR> <div> "I will," Winters said. "Try not to worry. We'll get up there and get </div> <div> them down as soon as we can."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks. I appreciate that," Leo said, disconnecting the phone and </div> <div> saying a quick prayer that the snow would stop falling soon. He knew </div> <div> that Sam and CJ would want a full report of what was going on, not to </div> <div> mention the President, and he desperately wished he had better news </div> <div> to give them.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Once the roof had partially collapsed, there was really no choice for </div> <div> Josh, Donna, and Toby but to try to make it down the mountain despite </div> <div> the weather. The hole in the roof was too big to have any hope of </div> <div> patching it. And with the wind and snow coming in, it was almost as </div> <div> cold inside as it was outside.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure you're up to this?" Josh asked Donna worriedly as he </div> <div> bundled her up in as much spare clothing as he could find. </div> <bR> <div> "I'm positive," Donna said, trying to erase any trace of doubt from </div> <div> her voice.</div> <bR> <div> Toby entered the back door of the cabin grinning triumphantly. "Guess </div> <div> what I found?"</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Josh and Donna asked in unison.</div> <bR> <div> Toby held up a small propane heater and a thick winter parka. "These </div> <div> were in the cupboard on the back porch. They must have belonged to </div> <div> the people who used to own this place."</div> <bR> <div> "Perfect. This is exactly what we needed," Josh said as he reached </div> <div> for the parka. He slipped into it and grabbed the blankets that had </div> <div> been on the bed, including the down comforter, to help keep Donna </div> <div> warm. </div> <bR> <div> Toby gathered up the few supplies they had left and placed them in </div> <div> his duffel bag along with the heater he had found on the back porch. </div> <div> He wasn't sure whether or not they would be able to use it, but he </div> <div> decided it would be a good thing to take along in case of emergency. </div> <bR> <div> "Ready?" he asked, grabbing the radio in hopes that the weather would </div> <div> break and they would able to communicate with Officer Hammond.</div> <bR> <div> "Let's do it," Donna said confidently.</div> <bR> <div> "What she said," Josh smiled.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> They had been working their way down the mountain through the heavy </div> <div> snow for about thirty minutes when Josh began to get a sick feeling </div> <div> in the pit of his stomach that something was wrong. Donna was riding </div> <div> sandwiched between him and Toby. She was sitting sideways on the seat </div> <div> with her legs wrapped in the comforter from the cabin. Her head was </div> <div> nestled securely against Josh's chest. She was bundled tightly in </div> <div> several blankets; her parka zipped up around her chin. But despite </div> <div> all of the layers, and the hat, and the gloves-Josh could feel her </div> <div> beginning to shiver. He was glad that this particular snowmobile had </div> <div> recessed seating, allowing him to keep both arms wrapped firmly </div> <div> around her without having to worry about them tumbling off the back.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok?" he asked, flipping up the facemask on his helmet and </div> <div> placing his mouth near her ear so he could be heard over the wind.</div> <bR> <div> "Uh-huh," she answered bravely, barely lifting her head from his </div> <div> chest.</div> <bR> <div> Josh wrapped his arms around her more tightly.</div> <bR> <div> "Is everything ok?" Toby asked through the communication setup in the </div> <div> helmets.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not sure," Josh said apprehensively. "Let's just get down the </div> <div> mountain as soon as possible.</div> <bR> <div> "This snow is making for some rough going," Toby said back.</div> <bR> <div> Josh readjusted the blanket over Donna's face in an effort to block </div> <div> the biting cold wind. "Hang on, Donnatella," he murmured.</div> <bR> <div> Twenty minutes later Donna's shivering was becoming markedly worse. </div> <div> Josh pulled the blanket back just far enough so that he could get a </div> <div> good look at her. The bluish tinge was beginning to show again on her </div> <div> face and her teeth were beginning to chatter. He pushed up his </div> <div> facemask and leaned towards her.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna," he said.</div> <bR> <div> He got no reaction.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna!" he repeated a little more sharply.</div> <bR> <div> She opened her eyes halfway and looked around, clearly confused. She </div> <div> tried to get a handle on her surroundings, then looked at Josh's </div> <div> face. She struggled against her own blurry vision to bring him into </div> <div> focus.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, it's me," he said worriedly. </div> <bR> <div> Donna blinked rapidly. Her breath was coming in short, shallow pants.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you know where we are?" Josh asked fearfully.</div> <bR> <div> Suddenly a look of recognition came into Donna's eyes. "Yes, I do," </div> <div> she said, "We're headed down the mountain."</div> <bR> <div> "That's right," Josh said soothingly, "Just try and hold on a little </div> <div> longer."</div> <bR> <div> He replaced the blanket over Donna's head.</div> <bR> <div> "Something's wrong," he said to Toby. "Donna is starting to get worse </div> <div> again."</div> <bR> <div> "Can she make it the whole way down the mountain?"</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know. I don't think so."</div> <bR> <div> "I remember seeing a shed on the way here," Toby said </div> <div> confidently. "We should be coming up on it soon. It isn't a cabin, </div> <div> but we can at least stop and reassess the situation."</div> <bR> <div> "Sounds good," Josh said as he pulled Donna tightly to his chest and </div> <div> tried to shield her from the wind as much as possible. "Let's hurry."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> They arrived at the shed 10 minutes later. Toby had managed to drive </div> <div> straight to it, even though it wasn't on any of the maps. When they </div> <div> arrived, Toby went in first to check things out.</div> <bR> <div> "There's no heat," he yelled over the wind. "But there's a floor, and </div> <div> the walls look fairly solid. At least we can get out of the wind for </div> <div> a few minutes."</div> <bR> <div> Josh stood up and pulled Donna up with him. He unwrapped the </div> <div> comforter from her legs and they began moving slowly towards the </div> <div> shed. Toby went back to the snowmobile and returned with the propane </div> <div> heater he had found earlier.</div> <bR> <div> Josh helped Donna into the building. He spread one of the heavy </div> <div> blankets out on the floor and settled her against the back wall while </div> <div> Toby lit the heater and placed it a safe distance away. The shed </div> <div> looked to be about 10 feet square and Toby assumed that the skiers </div> <div> and snowmobilers must have built it as some sort of protection if the </div> <div> weather turned unexpectedly bad. </div> <bR> <div> Toby pulled out the radio and attempted to make contact with someone </div> <div> at the base of the mountain. No luck.</div> <bR> <div> "Even if they do manage to get a rescue team onto the mountain," he </div> <div> said, "it'll take them a while to find us now that we've moved. I </div> <div> just wish I could get in touch with them and tell them our new </div> <div> position."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry," Donna whimpered softly.</div> <bR> <div> "It's not your fault," Toby said apologetically. "I didn't mean it </div> <div> that way."</div> <bR> <div> "Toby's right," Josh said as he wrapped his arms around </div> <div> Donna. "Everything's going to be ok. We just need a new plan."</div> <bR> <div> "New plannnnn," Donna slurred groggily as she snuggled deeper into </div> <div> the blankets, only semi-conscious.</div> <bR> <div> "There's no way we can take her back out in that storm," Josh said </div> <div> decisively. "It may not be all that warm in here but at least we've </div> <div> got a little heat," he said indicating the propane tank, "and we're </div> <div> out of the wind."</div> <bR> <div> "So we just try to ride it out here," Toby agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said. "You head down the mountain. That way you can tell </div> <div> them where we are and we'll all get out of here faster."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not sure that's a good idea. I don't like the thought of leaving </div> <div> the two of you here alone. What if something happens?"</div> <bR> <div> "And what if it happens when all three of us are here, Toby? At least </div> <div> my way one of us will get through for help."</div> <bR> <div> Toby wanted to argue but he knew Josh was right. If they couldn't </div> <div> find a way to let someone know their new location, there was no </div> <div> telling how long that might delay their rescue.</div> <bR> <div> "You're right."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Josh said.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll leave the radio here in case the weather breaks and someone is </div> <div> able to get through. You can give them the new location yourself if </div> <div> that happens." Toby pulled a map out of his pocket and marked a red X </div> <div> on it. "This is where we are. It isn't on the map but they should be </div> <div> able to find it fairly easily."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok," Josh said solemnly.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll get down the mountain and bring help back as fast as I can."</div> <bR> <div> "We'll be here waiting," Josh said as he looked worriedly at Donna, </div> <div> who had begun to shiver even more.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be right back, Donna," Toby said as he leaned over and placed </div> <div> his hand against her cheek.</div> <bR> <div> "Ok," she mumbled almost incoherently.</div> <bR> <div> "Godspeed," Josh said as Toby cast one last glance over his shoulder </div> <div> before exiting the shed and closing the door behind him.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Toby had been gone for about thirty minutes, and in that time Josh </div> <div> had talked to Donna almost non-stop, trying desperately to keep her </div> <div> conscious and responsive. But her shivering was getting worse and her </div> <div> speech was becoming more slurred. She seemed to be losing touch with </div> <div> her surroundings.</div> <bR> <div> Josh thought back desperately to the things the paramedic had told </div> <div> Toby over the radio.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna?" </div> <bR> <div> "Hmm?"</div> <bR> <div> "Are you feeling ok?"</div> <bR> <div> "Cold."</div> <bR> <div> "Can you sit up for me?"</div> <bR> <div> "Don't waaaant to," Donna slurred.</div> <bR> <div> "I know you don't. But I need you to," Josh said as he helped her </div> <div> into a sitting position. "I need you to open your eyes and look at me </div> <div> for a minute."</div> <bR> <div> Donna forced her eyes open and waited for Josh's face to swim into </div> <div> view.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm afraid that your hypothermia is getting worse, Donna. You </div> <div> haven't had time to recover completely and putting you on that </div> <div> snowmobile in all this wind just made it worse."</div> <bR> <div> "We has..has..had to leave the cabin, Josssh. The roof collapsed."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Josh said frustratedly. "I know. But you weren't strong </div> <div> enough yet."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine," Donna insisted bravely.</div> <bR> <div> "No you're not," Josh answered worriedly. He reached underneath the </div> <div> blanket and up the arm of her jacket. "You feel like an ice cube."</div> <bR> <div> "Uh-huh," Donna said, fading again.</div> <bR> <div> Listen to me, Donnatella," he said earnestly.</div> <bR> <div> "What?"</div> <bR> <div> "The paramedic told Toby that one of the ways to warm a hypothermia </div> <div> victim up is with skin-to-skin contact. Nothing else is working so I </div> <div> think we're gonna have to try that."</div> <bR> <div> "What do you want me to do?" Donna said, struggling with every word.</div> <bR> <div> "You don't have to do anything," Josh said gently. He laid Donna back </div> <div> down and stretched the comforter out over her, making sure that she </div> <div> was completely covered. Once she was, he began to hastily remove his </div> <div> clothes, piling them on top of the comforter to create extra layers. </div> <div> When he was down to his boxers he slid under the blanket and turned </div> <div> to Donna. She was staring at him through half-open eyes.</div> <bR> <div> "Your turn," he said.</div> <bR> <div> Donna began to struggle with the zipper on her parka. </div> <bR> <div> "Let me help," Josh said gently.</div> <bR> <div> As quickly as possible, he stripped Donna down to just her bra and </div> <div> panties and piled her clothes on top of the comforter too. As soon as </div> <div> he was finished, he pulled her against his body, trying to make </div> <div> contact with as much of her skin as possible.</div> <bR> <div> "Does that feel better?" he asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Uh-huh," she mumbled.</div> <bR> <div> "I've gotta get you warmed up, Donnatella," he cooed into her ear.</div> <bR> <div> Josh had no idea how much longer the propane in the heater would </div> <div> last, he just prayed it was long enough to help get Donna back to a </div> <div> stable condition. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Half an hour later it seemed to be working. Though Donna's skin still </div> <div> felt cold to the touch, she had almost completely stopped shivering </div> <div> and her breathing was returning to normal.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna?" Josh said softly. "Can you hear me?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Donna said, raising her head to look him in the eyes and </div> <div> managing a small smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you feeling any warmer?"</div> <bR> <div> Donna smirked. "Are you?"</div> <bR> <div> "Very funny, Donnatella."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm just saying.."</div> <bR> <div> "You must be feeling a little better if your smartass streak is </div> <div> returning."</div> <bR> <div> Donna snuggled back down to Josh's chest, craving the warmth. A </div> <div> minute later, he felt a tear against his skin.</div> <bR> <div> "What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing," Donna sniffled. "I'm just a little scared I guess. And </div> <div> sorry I got you into this."</div> <bR> <div> "You didn't get me into anything. I'm here of my own free will."</div> <bR> <div> "You risked your life to come and find me on the mountain, and now </div> <div> you're stuck here in this cold shed..."</div> <bR> <div> "Under a blanket, snuggling with a beautiful, nearly naked woman," </div> <div> Josh said, finishing her sentence.</div> <bR> <div> "You know what I mean, Josh," Donna admonished as her eyes began to </div> <div> fall shut again. "This is hardly a big romantic scene."</div> <bR> <div> "Well, I'll admit it's not the way I always pictured it."</div> <bR> <div> "Me either," Donna sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "You've pictured us together, you know....nearly naked?" Josh choked </div> <div> out.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Donna answered.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh," Josh said, trying to hide his disappointment.</div> <bR> <div> "I've pictured us together...you know...totally naked," she said.</div> <bR> <div> "Really?"</div> <bR> <div> "Uh-huh."</div> <bR> <div> Silence hung in the air for a few minutes.</div> <bR> <div> "When we get back home.." Josh began. Before he could finish he </div> <div> realized that Donna was sound asleep against his chest.</div> <bR> <div> He arranged the blankets more tightly around her and prayed that help </div> <div> would get back soon. He forced himself to stay awake, afraid of what </div> <div> might happen if he allowed himself to fall asleep. A few minutes </div> <div> later, he heard an unmistakable hiss from the propane heater and he </div> <div> knew it had run out of fuel.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "Donna," Josh said softly, trying not to startle her as she slept </div> <div> peacefully in his arms. He hated the thought of disturbing her much </div> <div> needed rest, but he knew he had to wake her up and make sure that the </div> <div> hypothermia wasn't getting worse. She had stopped shivering, and the </div> <div> skin on her torso seemed a bit warmer, but her hands, feet, and face </div> <div> were still cold to the touch. Josh sent up a silent prayer that Toby </div> <div> would make it down the mountain as soon as possible and get them some </div> <div> help.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna," he repeated as he pulled her tightly against him and double-</div> <div> checked to make sure that the blanket was tucked securely around her.</div> <bR> <div> "Hmm?" Donna said without lifting her head from his chest.</div> <bR> <div> "You need to wake up," Josh answered, tugging her hat further down </div> <div> over her ears.</div> <bR> <div> "Five more minutes," Donna mumbled softly as she resettled herself </div> <div> against him.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said with a small smile, "You need to wake up now."</div> <bR> <div> "Please?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh could feel Donna's lips against his skin beginning to curl into </div> <div> a smile.</div> <bR> <div> "That's not gonna work this time," Josh said, nudging her </div> <div> shoulder, "You need to wake up and move around a little to get the </div> <div> blood flowing."</div> <bR> <div> Donna lifted her head, looked directly at Josh, and raised one </div> <div> eyebrow.</div> <bR> <div> "Really? And considering our current positions, just how do you </div> <div> intend to get the blood flowing?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh had plenty of ideas of how to get the blood flowing, but he </div> <div> decided not to share them until he was sure that Donna was feeling </div> <div> better.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll revisit that topic later," he said, "Right now I just need to </div> <div> know how you're feeling."</div> <bR> <div> "You tell me," Donna purred playfully as she pressed herself against </div> <div> Josh's body, "How do I feel?"</div> <bR> <div> "You think you're funny, don't you?" Josh moaned.</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, yes," Donna chuckled.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, funny girl, as much as I'd love to show you just how good I </div> <div> think you feel, the paramedic said that you shouldn't sweat under any </div> <div> circumstances. It will only make things worse."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you making that up?"</div> <bR> <div> "Absolutely not. He said that sweating is the body's way of cooling </div> <div> itself off and the last thing you need right now is to get any </div> <div> cooler."</div> <bR> <div> Donna leaned in until she was a mere inches from Josh's face.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you saying that if we were to....you know.....there would be </div> <div> sweating?"</div> <bR> <div> "Definitely," Josh assured her.</div> <bR> <div> "Even in all this snow? Things would get hot enough to bring about </div> <div> sweating?"</div> <bR> <div> "Things will get so hot, one or both of us may be in serious danger </div> <div> of actually melting."</div> <bR> <div> "Wow," Donna giggled, "That sounds amazing. I can't wait."</div> <bR> <div> "Just a little while longer," Josh assured her as he placed a soft </div> <div> kiss on the tip of her nose. "But for right now, I want to know how </div> <div> you're feeling. Really."</div> <bR> <div> Donna smiled at the genuine concern and emotion she saw in his eyes.</div> <bR> <div> "Better," she said confidently, "Warmer. My hands and feet still hurt </div> <div> a little, and my nose feels like someone punched me, but overall I </div> <div> feel better than I have in days."</div> <bR> <div> "Good. I'm glad to hear that."</div> <bR> <div> "And just having you here helps," Donna said softly.</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you," Josh said around the huge lump in his throat.</div> <bR> <div> "I was so scared when Chris abandoned me in that cabin. I mean it's </div> <div> just like him to do something like that to try to scare me and prove </div> <div> that he was in control."</div> <bR> <div> Josh winced. From the moment they had found Donna in the cabin, he </div> <div> had been focused exclusively on her health and well-being. There </div> <div> hadn't been an opportunity to tell her about Chris' death. He wasn't </div> <div> exactly sure how she would take the news. And he was a little afraid </div> <div> to tell her that he was actually glad Chris was dead.</div> <bR> <div> He wasn't happy about the circumstances of the man's death. Wasn't </div> <div> happy that Donna had been left alone and terrified in an isolated </div> <div> mountain cabin. But he had to admit that he didn't feel any sorrow </div> <div> over the demise of the man who had tried to steal Donna from him. The </div> <div> man who had dragged her across the country against her will, drugged </div> <div> her and tied her to a bed.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure that must have been terrible," Josh said soothingly. "I was </div> <div> trying as hard as I could to find you."</div> <bR> <div> "I knew that," Donna said as she withdrew her hand from under the </div> <div> blanket and laid it softly against Josh's cheek. "It was like I could </div> <div> feel it somehow. I knew that I just needed to hold on until you </div> <div> finally found me."</div> <bR> <div> "And luckily you did," Josh said sincerely.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Donna smiled. "How did you finally find me?"</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean?" Josh asked, trying to postpone the inevitable </div> <div> disclosure of Chris' death. </div> <bR> <div> "I mean how did you know where the cabin was? Did you find Chris? Is </div> <div> he the one who told you where I was?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not exactly," Josh sighed.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Toby pulled the snowmobile to a stop on the crest of a hill. He </div> <div> dismounted, took off his helmet, and looked around.</div> <bR> <div> "You see this is the problem with the wilderness," he muttered to no </div> <div> one in particular. "When you use rocks for landmarks, you're in </div> <div> trouble when they get covered by snow. I wouldn't have these problems </div> <div> if there were a few more buildings around here."</div> <bR> <div> He looked to his left and saw a rabbit staring at him from atop a </div> <div> nearby drift.</div> <bR> <div> "What are you looking at?" Toby demanded.</div> <bR> <div> The rabbit didn't move.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess the larger question would be why am I standing in the middle </div> <div> of nowhere, hip deep in snow, talking to a rabbit?"</div> <bR> <div> Toby redirected his gaze down the hill in front of him. He was fairly </div> <div> certain that he was headed in the right direction, but he had been </div> <div> forced to make several detours due to drifting snow and he was </div> <div> beginning to have a few doubts.</div> <bR> <div> "The snow seems to be letting up," Toby said as he glanced over his </div> <div> shoulder and saw that the rabbit hadn't moved.</div> <bR> <div> "And since you don't seem to be much of a conversationalist, and that </div> <div> pretty much guarantees that no one will ever know we're having this </div> <div> talk, I'll tell you why that's a good thing."</div> <bR> <div> Toby sat down on the snowmobile and began to tighten the laces on his </div> <div> boots.</div> <bR> <div> "It's a good thing because the sooner the snow lets up, the sooner I </div> <div> can make my way back to town. The sooner I can get some help back up </div> <div> here for my friends. The sooner we can get back to D.C. where I can </div> <div> assure you I will never, ever find myself in a situation where I </div> <div> consider it acceptable to converse with a wild animal."</div> <bR> <div> Almost the instant Toby finished speaking, the rabbit turned and </div> <div> darted into the nearby woods.</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry," Toby growled, "I didn't mean that as an insult."</div> <bR> <div> 'OK,' he thought to himself, 'I need to get back to civilization </div> <div> immediately.'</div> <bR> <div> He pulled his helmet back on, retook his seat on the snowmobile, and </div> <div> stared determinedly down the mountain. He thought he could make out a </div> <div> familiar looking cabin in the distance.</div> <bR> <div> 'Who needs stars,' he thought triumphantly, as he fired up the engine </div> <div> and headed off in that direction.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "What do you mean?" Donna asked, her voice and her eyes both full of </div> <div> confusion.</div> <bR> <div> Josh took a deep breath. "At first, we didn't have any idea at all </div> <div> where you were. I showed up at your apartment, to pick you up for </div> <div> dinner, and the place was trashed."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Donna said softly as she held onto Josh more tightly. She </div> <div> tried to drive the terrible memories of that night out of her mind, </div> <div> but they kept coming back.</div> <bR> <div> She had been surprised to see him at her door. She assumed he had </div> <div> left for Wisconsin earlier in the day. He told her some story about </div> <div> how he had missed his flight and had simply come over to say goodbye </div> <div> while he was waiting for the next one, but Donna knew from the minute </div> <div> he entered her apartment that something was horribly wrong. The look </div> <div> in his eyes was cold and vacant.</div> <bR> <div> The struggle started almost immediately. Donna used every ounce of </div> <div> strength she had to try to fight him off. She tried to scream, but </div> <div> his hands around her throat kept any sound from escaping. Before she </div> <div> knew it she was gagged, then tied up. She began to panic. Josh was </div> <div> due soon to pick her up for dinner. On the one hand, she wanted him </div> <div> to get there. On the other hand, she was afraid of what might happen </div> <div> to him when he arrived.</div> <bR> <div> Chris had been silent throughout the entire struggle, but after he </div> <div> restrained her, he began to talk happily about how they were going to </div> <div> get married and have a wonderful life together. He went on and on </div> <div> about how Donna was going to love it in Colorado. She tried to </div> <div> scream, to no avail. She struggled desperately, and finally Chris </div> <div> knelt on her chest to hold her down and reached into the pocket of </div> <div> his jacket. Donna felt a wave of terror when she saw the hypodermic </div> <div> needle in his hand. She felt a sting, and that was the last thing she </div> <div> remembered until she woke up in the passenger's seat of Chris' car.</div> <bR> <div> Just as the memories threatened to overwhelm her, Josh's voice </div> <div> brought her back to the present.</div> <bR> <div> "We called Madison right away. But when we talked to the hospital we </div> <div> found out that Chris didn't work there anymore. In fact, he had been </div> <div> stripped of his medical license months ago."</div> <bR> <div> "Really?" Donna asked. "For what? I mean...Chris always loved being a </div> <div> doctor. It was all he ever talked about."</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't get all the details, but it seems he had some problems </div> <div> after you left. He spent a little time in alcohol rehab but it didn't </div> <div> really help much. He ended up getting quite a few complaints from </div> <div> female patients."</div> <bR> <div> "He was harassing them?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not really. It was more like he was obsessed with them. Overly </div> <div> interested in their lives even after their treatment was complete."</div> <bR> <div> "I was so stupid," Donna said, berating herself, "How could I have </div> <div> not seen what he was like? All that time we were together and I </div> <div> didn't see it."</div> <bR> <div> "He was a very sick man, Donna, but he hid it well. As long as you </div> <div> were there to take care of him, he managed to keep everything under </div> <div> control. After you left..well...he spent quite a bit of time trying </div> <div> to recapture what the two of you had."</div> <bR> <div> "How so?"</div> <bR> <div> "All of the women he became obsessed with were tall, thin and blonde. </div> <div> It was almost as if he was trying to recreate his relationship with </div> <div> you."</div> <bR> <div> "That's kind of scary," Donna said.</div> <bR> <div> "Very scary. But what's even scarier was the fact that no one in </div> <div> Madison had seen or heard from him in months. Then I remembered you </div> <div> telling me how he had raved about vacationing in Colorado, and how </div> <div> much he loved it in the mountains. It was a long-shot, but we were </div> <div> desperate, and so we concentrated our search here."</div> <bR> <div> "You really do listen sometimes when I talk," Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "And in this case, I'm glad I did," Josh said, returning her </div> <div> smile. "We got lucky and found a rental agent who had rented him a </div> <div> cabin on the mountain. We checked that and found out he wasn't there, </div> <div> but we figured he might very well be somewhere in the area."</div> <bR> <div> "But how did you find the exact cabin?"</div> <bR> <div> "We circulated pictures of both of you all over the area and we got a </div> <div> report that someone had seen Chris here in Owensville. We headed over </div> <div> to try to track him down. While we were on our way, the police were </div> <div> trying to locate him."</div> <bR> <div> "Did they arrest him?"</div> <bR> <div> "No."</div> <bR> <div> Donna could tell that there was something Josh was trying to avoid </div> <div> telling her. "What is it?" she asked softly.</div> <bR> <div> "When we finally made it to Owensville, we found out that Chris Hill </div> <div> had been killed in a car accident just before we arrived."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh God," Donna said, shock written all over her face.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm so sorry, Donna. I wanted to tell you before this but I couldn't </div> <div> find the right time."</div> <bR> <div> "No...it's ok," Donna sputtered. "I'm just...surprised. I didn't </div> <div> know...I mean I never imagined."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Josh said soothingly as he pulled her closer.</div> <bR> <div> "Would it be wrong if I said...never mind," Donna stopped.</div> <bR> <div> "If you said what?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "If I said that..in a way...I'm glad he's dead," Donna said softly, </div> <div> unable to meet Josh's eyes.</div> <bR> <div> "That's completely understandable," Josh said reassuringly. "In fact, </div> <div> if we're being completely honest, I feel the same way."</div> <bR> <div> "Chris and I never had a perfect relationship, but the man who </div> <div> drugged me and threw me in his car, it wasn't the same man I used to </div> <div> know. This man was crazy, and scary, and I can't even begin to </div> <div> imagine what would have happened if I had been stuck in that cabin </div> <div> with him for much longer."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Josh cooed softly in her ear. "I don't even want to think </div> <div> about that."</div> <bR> <div> It's impossible for me to mourn the man he had become."</div> <bR> <div> "Still, you loved him once," Josh said quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "I thought I did," Donna corrected him. "Now I know that what we </div> <div> shared wasn't love. Not in the real sense of the word."</div> <bR> <div> "But still..." Josh began.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Donna agreed. "It's still a shock."</div> <bR> <div> Josh tilted Donna's face up and looked deeply into her eyes.</div> <bR> <div> "When I first heard about the accident, Donna, all I could think of </div> <div> was that you were with him. I felt like I had been sucker punched in </div> <div> the stomach. I couldn't breathe. I wasn't sure I wanted to breathe. I </div> <div> couldn't even begin to contemplate a life without you."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry," Donna whispered, not knowing what else to say.</div> <bR> <div> "I wasn't satisfied until they told me they were positive you weren't </div> <div> in the car. But then in a way it got worse. Because I knew you were </div> <div> up here on this mountain somewhere and I was afraid we wouldn't find </div> <div> you in time."</div> <bR> <div> "I kept dreaming that you had," Donna said tearily. "It seemed so </div> <div> real. But then when I tried to touch you I realized you weren't </div> <div> really there."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm so sorry, Donna. We were trying as hard as we could. But when </div> <div> the storm kicked up, the search teams weren't able to come out. So </div> <div> Toby and I grabbed a snowmobile and a map and came out looking for </div> <div> you ourselves."</div> <bR> <div> "Really?" Donna asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, really. There was no way we were gonna leave you out here all </div> <div> by yourself."</div> <bR> <div> "I can't believe the two of you would risk your lives for me."</div> <bR> <div> "I would have given anything to know you were safe. Even my own life."</div> <bR> <div> Donna saw the truth of what he was saying in Josh's eyes and she was </div> <div> overcome with emotion. She knew there was only one way to express </div> <div> what she was feeling. She leaned her face in and this time she didn't </div> <div> stop a few inches from his. She placed a passion-filled kiss on his </div> <div> lips, trying to express everything she was feeling. It only took a </div> <div> second for Josh to respond with just as much passion.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> As soon as Toby saw the town of Owensville come into view, he pushed </div> <div> the snowmobile to its limit. The snow had almost completely stopped </div> <div> now and, if they hurried, they could get a search team up to Josh and </div> <div> Donna before dark.</div> <bR> <div> He made his way down the main street, where people were just </div> <div> beginning to emerge and survey all of the snow that had been dropped </div> <div> on the town. Within minutes, he pulled up in front of the police </div> <div> station. He jumped off and headed inside.</div> <bR> <div> "Toby," Detective Winters said excitedly as he rushed through the </div> <div> door. "We were starting to worry about you. We haven't been able to </div> <div> reach you by radio all day. Where are the others?"</div> <bR> <div> "Donna couldn't make the trip down on the snowmobile," Toby </div> <div> explained. "The cold and the wind were just too much for her. She and </div> <div> Josh are still up there. They're in a small shed just south of the </div> <div> cabin where we found her."</div> <bR> <div> "I think I know exactly where you mean," Officer Hammond chimed </div> <div> in. "We use that shed from time to time when the weather turns bad </div> <div> unexpectedly."</div> <bR> <div> "We need to get there quickly," Toby demanded, "They have no food or </div> <div> water, and a small heater that has probably run out of propane by </div> <div> now."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm gonna call over to the weather service and see if we can get a </div> <div> chopper in the air. If not, I'll get a team together and we can head </div> <div> up by ground," Hammond said, reaching for the phone.</div> <bR> <div> "Whichever way, I want to go with you," Toby insisted.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. Ziegler, you're exhausted," Hammond pointed out. "You look like </div> <div> you're ready to drop. We can take it from here."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm going," Toby repeated angrily, his eyes flashing, "and there is </div> <div> nothing you or anyone can say that will keep me here. I won't rest </div> <div> until Josh and Donna are back here safely. Do you understand me?"</div> <bR> <div> "If you insist," Hammond said, realizing there was no point in </div> <div> arguing with someone as determined as Toby. "We'll be leaving as soon </div> <div> as I check with the pilot and see if we can fly."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be ready," Toby assured him. "In the meantime, I need to use a </div> <div> phone."</div> <bR> <div> "Right there," Hammond pointed to the desk in the corner, "Use line </div> <div> two."</div> <bR> <div> Toby dialed quickly and Margaret answered Leo's direct line on the </div> <div> second ring.</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. McGarry's office."</div> <bR> <div> "Margaret, it's Toby. I need to talk to Leo right away. Is he busy?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, I'll put you right through."</div> <bR> <div> Margaret pressed the hold button and quickly rose and knocked on the </div> <div> door to Leo's inner office. She opened it without waiting for him to </div> <div> invite her.</div> <bR> <div> "Margaret.." he growled, looking up from the briefing he was reading.</div> <bR> <div> "Toby's on line one," she said, cutting him off.</div> <bR> <div> Leo grabbed the receiver on his desk. "Toby, is everyone ok?"</div> <bR> <div> "I hope so," Toby said anxiously. "We started down the mountain this </div> <div> morning, but Donna was too weak to make the trip. I left them up </div> <div> there in an old abandoned shed used for emergencies. The weather has </div> <div> broken so we're headed back up to get them."</div> <bR> <div> Margaret studied her boss' familiar features, trying to get a feel </div> <div> for what was happening. Her chest tightened when she saw the look of </div> <div> worry on his face.</div> <bR> <div> "But they were alright when you left them?" Leo asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. Donna was in better shape than when we found her, she just </div> <div> wasn't up to the long trip down by snowmobile. Besides, you know Josh </div> <div> is gonna do whatever he has to do to get her through till we can </div> <div> rescue them."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure," Leo agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "Hold on a second," Toby said. </div> <bR> <div> Leo heard voices talking in the background and then Toby came back on </div> <div> the line.</div> <bR> <div> "The pilot thinks he can get a chopper up there so we should be able </div> <div> to get to them within the hour."</div> <bR> <div> "That's great," Leo said, his spirits lifted somewhat. "Keep me </div> <div> informed as to what's going on."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll call you as soon as I have news."</div> <bR> <div> "Please do," Leo said.</div> <bR> <div> "I gotta go," Toby said hurriedly. "They're firing up the chopper."</div> <bR> <div> "Good luck," Leo said.</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Toby answered. A second later there was nothing but a dial </div> <div> tone. Leo looked up and saw Margaret's worried face.</div> <bR> <div> "They'll be alright, Margaret. They just have to be."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Try the radio again," Hammond suggested as Toby fidgeted in the back </div> <div> seat of the helicopter. "Now that the sky has cleared, and we're </div> <div> getting closer, you might be able to reach them."</div> <bR> <div> Toby reached for the radio, hoping to get a response from Josh and </div> <div> Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh! Josh! It's Toby. Are you there?"</div> <bR> <div> "What was that?" Donna asked, momentarily breaking the soul-stirring </div> <div> kiss she was sharing with Josh.</div> <bR> <div> "What? I didn't hear anything," Josh answered as he dipped his head </div> <div> in and reclaimed her lips.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh! Can you hear me?" Toby said again.</div> <bR> <div> "It's Toby. He's on the radio," Donna said excitedly. "He must have </div> <div> made it down the mountain safely."</div> <bR> <div> Josh reached out from under the blanket and grabbed the radio.</div> <bR> <div> "We're here, Toby. We can hear you."</div> <bR> <div> "Josh. Thank God. Are you two ok?"</div> <bR> <div> "We're fine," Josh said, smiling a full dimpled smile in Donna's </div> <div> direction.</div> <bR> <div> "We managed to get a chopper in the air and we're on our way," Toby </div> <div> said. "We should be there in about 20 minutes."</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent. We'll be waiting for you," Josh said.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll see you in a few," Toby said, and both Josh and Donna could </div> <div> here the smile in his voice.</div> <bR> <div> Josh put the radio down beside him and turned back to Donna. "I guess </div> <div> we'd better get dressed," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.</div> <bR> <div> "I think you're right," Donna said, "But look at the bright side."</div> <bR> <div> "What's that?"</div> <bR> <div> "The sooner we get down the mountain, the sooner we can get to all </div> <div> the.. you know...sweating."</div> <bR> <div> "Then what are we waiting for," Josh said as he eagerly began to get </div> <div> dressed. "Let's get out of here."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> As soon as Donna finished getting dressed, Josh wrapped her once </div> <div> again in blankets and held her tightly against his chest. She was </div> <div> glad that Toby was on his way, and that they were finally going to </div> <div> get off the mountain, but she had to admit she would miss the </div> <div> intimacy she and Josh had been sharing just minutes before. She </div> <div> missed the feel of his body against hers, and the warmth of direct </div> <div> skin-to-skin contact. A small sigh escaped her lips as she laid her </div> <div> head on Josh's shoulder.</div> <bR> <div> "What are you thinking?" he asked softly, his lips brushing softly </div> <div> across her forehead.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know," Donna answered. "On the one hand, I'm thinking about </div> <div> all of the things I'm gonna do as soon as I get off this mountain."</div> <bR> <div> "But on the other hand?" Josh prodded.</div> <bR> <div> "Well...I'm gonna kind of miss this little shed," she said with a </div> <div> smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Me too," Josh said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.</div> <bR> <div> Before the conversation could go any further, they heard the sound of </div> <div> a helicopter approaching.</div> <bR> <div> "I think that's our ride," Donna smiled, as it got closer.</div> <bR> <div> "It sure sounds like it," Josh agreed.</div> <bR> <div> Donna hiked up the blanket she was wrapped in, to make it easier to </div> <div> walk, and together they made their way out the door of the shed and </div> <div> into the late afternoon sunshine. The snow had stopped and the wind </div> <div> had died down considerably. The air was still cold, but much more </div> <div> bearable with no wind. If they had been on the mountain to ski, this </div> <div> would have been exactly the kind of weather they would have hoped for.</div> <bR> <div> They watched as the helicopter hovered for a few minutes, the pilot </div> <div> surveying the landscape, and then sat down in a clearing about 100 </div> <div> yards away. As soon as the runners hit the ground, the door flew open </div> <div> and Toby emerged, keeping his head low to avoid the rotating blades. </div> <div> He made his way as quickly as possible through the snow towards the </div> <div> shed.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you two ok?" he asked anxiously as he looked them both over.</div> <bR> <div> "We're fine, Toby," Donna assured him.</div> <bR> <div> "I got back as soon as I could. I was having trouble getting down the </div> <div> mountain because of all of the snowdrifts. By the time I made it into </div> <div> town, the snow had thankfully stopped. We got the chopper in the air </div> <div> within 30 minutes."</div> <bR> <div> "You did a great job, Toby," Josh said sincerely. "We really </div> <div> appreciate it. But we need to get Donna out of here right away."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok?" Toby asked worriedly, looking at Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm feeling much better. I just want to get somewhere warm as soon </div> <div> as possible."</div> <bR> <div> "Well then," Toby said, as he indicated the chopper in a sweeping </div> <div> gesture, "your chariot awaits."</div> <bR> <div> "Well thank you kind sir," Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Let's go," Josh laughed, happy to see a smile returning to Donna's </div> <div> face. He stood on one side of her while Toby stood on the other and </div> <div> the three of them trudged through the deep snow to the chopper.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> As soon as the three of them were settled in the back seat, Officer </div> <div> Hammond turned around and addressed Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "It's nice to finally meet you, Ms. Moss," he said. "You had us all </div> <div> pretty worried there for a while."</div> <bR> <div> "So I've heard," Donna smiled softly.</div> <bR> <div> "All I can say is that I've never seen men more determined than these </div> <div> two," Hammond said pointing to Josh and Toby. "There was no way they </div> <div> were gonna rest till they got up on that mountain and found you."</div> <bR> <div> "They're both very special," Donna said.</div> <bR> <div> Josh rewarded her with a full-dimpled smile, while Toby blushed and </div> <div> tried to brush off the compliment.</div> <bR> <div> "Even after I explained to them that I couldn't send out a search </div> <div> party because the weather was too dangerous. It's possible for the </div> <div> most experienced searchers to get lost and freeze to death in the </div> <div> kind of conditions that existed during this storm."</div> <bR> <div> Josh and Toby both ducked their heads, knowing that Donna wouldn't be </div> <div> happy that they had risked their own lives to save hers.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, really?" Donna asked with extreme interest. "They seemed to have </div> <div> left that part out when they told me the story."</div> <bR> <div> Donna looked worriedly from Josh to Toby and back.</div> <bR> <div> "What in the world were you two thinking?"</div> <bR> <div> "I was thinking," Josh said softly, "about you up here all alone on </div> <div> the mountain. For all I knew, you were hurt and needed a doctor. And </div> <div> I was thinking that there was nothing in the world that was going to </div> <div> stop me from finding you."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, Josh," Donna said tearily as she leaned in and kissed him gently </div> <div> on the lips. "That is so sweet."</div> <bR> <div> "I meant every word."</div> <bR> <div> "What about you?" Donna asked as she turned to face Toby. "I thought </div> <div> I could count on you to be the level-headed one."</div> <bR> <div> "I knew there was no way I could let Josh go up that mountain by </div> <div> himself with his pitiful sense of direction," Toby said gruffly.</div> <bR> <div> "So you were just looking out for Josh?" Donna asked quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "And...you know...all that stuff he said to about you being alone and </div> <div> needing help," Toby mumbled.</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Donna whispered as she wrapped her arms around Toby's </div> <div> shoulders and gave him a hug. "for looking out for me, and for </div> <div> looking out for Josh. I appreciate you putting your life at risk for </div> <div> me."</div> <bR> <div> "You're welcome," he whispered in her ear. "It was my pleasure. But </div> <div> if you ever repeat that, I'll deny it. I can't let people start to </div> <div> think I'm a softie."</div> <bR> <div> "Understood," Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "We should be at the hospital heliport in about ten minutes," the </div> <div> pilot called from the front seat.</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent," Josh and Toby answered in unison.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't need a hospital," Donna protested. "I'm feeling much better."</div> <bR> <div> "You're going to be checked over by a doctor, Donnatella. No </div> <div> arguments."</div> <bR> <div> Donna opened her mouth to argue but saw the look on Josh's face that </div> <div> said there was absolutely no room for negotiation.</div> <bR> <div> "Fine," she huffed. </div> <bR> <div> "I knew you'd see it my way," Josh smirked.</div> <bR> <div> Toby settled back into the seat and smiled happily as he watched Josh </div> <div> and Donna. He realized that things would never go back to exactly the </div> <div> way they were before. That Josh and Donna would never be able to slip </div> <div> back into the comfort of denial they had been hiding in for the last </div> <div> four years. And even though he would never admit it out loud, he was </div> <div> glad.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh fidgeted nervously in one of the plastic chairs in the waiting </div> <div> room of the small community hospital on the outskirts of Owensville. </div> <div> He checked his watch for what seemed like the thousandth time and </div> <div> when he looked up, he saw Donna coming through the doors that </div> <div> separated the exam area from the waiting area. A tall, distinguished-</div> <div> looking gentleman in a white lab coat walked beside her.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, I was starting to get worried. Are you ok?" Josh asked, as he </div> <div> jumped up and met them halfway across the room.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm fine, Josh," Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure?"</div> <bR> <div> "Positive. If you don't believe me, ask Dr. Vargas."</div> <bR> <div> "Ms. Moss is doing quite well," the doctor said reassuringly. "Her </div> <div> core temperature is rising rapidly and is almost back to normal. Her </div> <div> vitals are all strong. Her frostbite appears to be fairly minor. All </div> <div> in all, I'd say she's very lucky."</div> <bR> <div> "Thank God for that," Josh said.</div> <bR> <div> Dr. Vargas nodded his head in agreement and began making some </div> <div> notations on Donna's chart.</div> <bR> <div> "Where's Toby?" Donna asked as she noticed his absence for the first </div> <div> time.</div> <bR> <div> "He headed back to D.C.," Josh said. "We called Leo and told him that </div> <div> everything was ok but Toby was eager to get back and reassure </div> <div> everyone in person."</div> <bR> <div> "We should be heading home too," Donna said worriedly. "I'm sure your </div> <div> desk is a nightmare with everything that's piled up since you've been </div> <div> gone."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't worry about it, Donna. Sam and Leo have been dealing with </div> <div> things. Everything will be fine," Josh said soothingly.</div> <bR> <div> "Still, we should get back..." Donna began.</div> <bR> <div> "I'd like you to stick around here at least until tomorrow," Dr. </div> <div> Vargas interrupted.</div> <bR> <div> "Around here?" Donna asked incredulously, using her arm to indicate </div> <div> the hospital.</div> <bR> <div> "Well..." Dr. Vargas stammered, "I was going to suggest that we admit </div> <div> you overnight for observation."</div> <bR> <div> "No," Donna said as she shook her head vehemently.</div> <bR> <div> "If the doctor thinks..." Josh began.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Donna repeated adamantly. "I'm doing fine, the doctor said so </div> <div> himself. I have no intention of spending the night in the hospital."</div> <bR> <div> "But.."</div> <bR> <div> "No buts, Josh. I agreed to come in and get checked out. I did not </div> <div> agree to stay."</div> <bR> <div> Dr. Vargas watched as Josh and Donna debated back and forth for a few </div> <div> more minutes. Finally he decided to cut in, fearing that things could </div> <div> go on all night.</div> <bR> <div> "As long as you promise to come back in tomorrow morning so that I </div> <div> can check you over again, I guess it would be ok for you to leave."</div> <bR> <div> "See? I told you so," Donna smirked.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure?" Josh asked the doctor skeptically.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure it'll be fine," Dr. Vargas said. "Just stop by tomorrow </div> <div> morning and see me before you leave."</div> <bR> <div> "Deal," Donna said triumphantly.</div> <bR> <div> "And call me during the night if you have any problems."</div> <bR> <div> "Can I call you if he bugs me?" Donna teased, pointing to Josh.</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry," the doctor laughed. "I only handle medical problems."</div> <bR> <div> "Well sometimes he can be in a pain in the..."</div> <bR> <div> "Very funny, Donnatella. Let's get out of here and let the doctor get </div> <div> back to work."</div> <bR> <div> They said their thanks and goodbyes and headed towards the door of </div> <div> the small ER. Just as Josh was beginning to wonder how they were </div> <div> going to get...well...wherever they were going...Officer Hammond came </div> <div> in.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey there. I was just coming to check up on you," he said cheerily.</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent timing," Josh said. </div> <bR> <div> "How are you feeling?" the officer asked Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "Good, thanks," Donna answered.</div> <bR> <div> "Looks like we'll be spending tonight in town though," Josh </div> <div> said. "Can you recommend a hotel?"</div> <bR> <div> "A hotel?" the officer chuckled, "This is Owensville. We don't have a </div> <div> hotel."</div> <bR> <div> "Well.." Josh hesitated, "Where's the nearest place we can stay?"</div> <bR> <div> "My sister has a little bed and breakfast in town. It's nothing fancy </div> <div> but it would give you a warm place to sleep."</div> <bR> <div> "That sounds nice," Donna said excitedly. "Do you think she has any </div> <div> room for us?"</div> <bR> <div> "She's pretty full up because of the storm, but I'm sure she can fit </div> <div> you in. I'll give her a call on the way over."</div> <bR> <div> "Bed and breakfast it is then," Josh agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "Great," Hammond said. "Let's go."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> It turned out that there was one room available at the B&B, so Josh </div> <div> and Donna snapped it up. It was small, but seemed comfortable enough. </div> <div> They weren't interested in opulence, they simply wanted somewhere to </div> <div> get cleaned up and rest. Josh showered first because Donna had </div> <div> informed that she intended to soak in a hot bath for 'fifty hours'. </div> <div> Even though Josh was pretty sure she was exaggerating, he decided to </div> <div> get his shower over with, just in case. By the time Donna finally </div> <div> emerged from the bathroom, he had started a fire in the room's cozy </div> <div> fireplace and was relaxing in front of it. He couldn't take his eyes </div> <div> off her as she moved towards him.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" she asked self-consciously.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing," Josh smiled, a bit embarrassed at being caught </div> <div> staring. "You look cute."</div> <bR> <div> Donna beamed. "Well, thanks for the sweats. It's nice to get out of </div> <div> the same clothes I've been in for days."</div> <bR> <div> "My pleasure. I'm just glad Detective Winters thought to have my </div> <div> duffel bag sent over to the station in Owensville. If he hadn't, we'd </div> <div> both be sitting around in towels."</div> <bR> <div> "That might be interesting," Donna teased.</div> <bR> <div> Josh smiled and his eyes sparkled. "Come over here and sit down in </div> <div> front of the fire where you'll be nice and warm."</div> <bR> <div> "Good idea," Donna said as she settled down beside him on the soft </div> <div> carpet.</div> <bR> <div> Josh placed his arm around her shoulders and she snuggled immediately </div> <div> into his side, amazed at how natural it felt.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you feeling ok?" he asked as he ran his hand up and down her </div> <div> back.</div> <bR> <div> "To tell you the truth, I'm kind of hungry."</div> <bR> <div> "Really?"</div> <bR> <div> "Starved, actually."</div> <bR> <div> "That's great news. I'm glad you're getting your appetite back."</div> <bR> <div> "Me too."</div> <bR> <div> "I noticed some menus laying next to the phone. Anything in </div> <div> particular you're in the mood for?"</div> <bR> <div> "Steak. Rare. And French fries."</div> <bR> <div> "Donnatella, that's so unlike you."</div> <bR> <div> "I want a salad, too. And chocolate cake."</div> <bR> <div> Josh laughed as he grabbed the menus and began flipping through one </div> <div> looking for steak.</div> <bR> <div> "Make sure it's rare!" Donna insisted again.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> The food arrived fairly quickly and was soon spread out on the room's </div> <div> coffee table.</div> <bR> <div> "Geez, Donna. I've seen things hurt worse than that get better," Josh </div> <div> said as he watched her cut into her steak.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't exaggerate, Josh!"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not. That's gross."</div> <bR> <div> "Well you're gonna have to live with it. Because every once in a </div> <div> while I just get a craving for a nice, rare steak."</div> <bR> <div> "It's gross."</div> <bR> <div> "Baby."</div> <bR> <div> As squeamish as Josh was about the sight of the blood on Donna's </div> <div> plate, he was happy to see her eating again. And he was also happy to </div> <div> see her returning to her old self. But even though she was smiling </div> <div> and teasing, he could tell that she had something on her mind. He </div> <div> worried that maybe Chris' death had affected her more than she was </div> <div> willing to admit.</div> <bR> <div> Josh had learned his lesson about leaving things unsaid, so once they </div> <div> were finished eating, he abandoned the small talk and jumped right in.</div> <bR> <div> "Something wrong?" he asked as he piled up the plates.</div> <bR> <div> "Well...actually....there's something that I need to talk to you </div> <div> about," Donna said haltingly.</div> <bR> <div> "What is it?" Josh asked, immediately on alert.</div> <bR> <div> "I did something very stupid," Donna said, hanging her head.</div> <bR> <div> "Whatever it is, we can deal with it, Donna. I'm sure it's not as bad </div> <div> as you think."</div> <bR> <div> "I hope you're right," she said glumly.</div> <bR> <div> Josh scooted around the coffee table until he was back in front of </div> <div> the fireplace and motioned for Donna to follow him. Once they were </div> <div> settled he said, "Now talk to me."</div> <bR> <div> Donna looked in his eyes and saw nothing but love and acceptance </div> <div> shining back. She hoped that what she had to tell him wouldn't change </div> <div> that.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you remember the day that I was...well...the day that Chris...you </div> <div> know," Donna said, still struggling with the memories.</div> <bR> <div> "I remember," Josh said, squeezing her hand tightly.</div> <bR> <div> "And do you remember that you had a meeting with the Secretary of </div> <div> Transportation?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Josh said as a shadow of guilt crossed his face. "That was </div> <div> supposed to be my last meeting, but then Leo needed to see me. I sent </div> <div> you home to get ready for dinner."</div> <bR> <div> "Right."</div> <bR> <div> "But if I hadn't sent you home to change..."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't think that, Josh. There's nothing you could have done to </div> <div> prevent what happened."</div> <bR> <div> "I sure wish I could have."</div> <bR> <div> "I know you do," Donna said softly, momentarily losing her train of </div> <div> thought as she gazed into Josh's eyes. Suddenly, her mind snapped </div> <div> back to what she wanted to say.</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't tell you that, while you were in the meeting with the SOT, </div> <div> Amy showed up to see you."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh geez. That couldn't have been fun," Josh teased, trying to keep </div> <div> the mood light. He was well aware that Donna wasn't Amy's favorite </div> <div> person, and vice-versa. "Was there any bloodshed?"</div> <bR> <div> He was rewarded with a small smile from Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "No. And it was actually quite cathartic in a way."</div> <bR> <div> "Do tell," Josh said, his interest piqued.</div> <bR> <div> "She said she was wanted to talk to you immediately. I told her that </div> <div> you were unavailable. She offered to wait and I told her that </div> <div> wouldn't be possible because I didn't know what time you'd be back."</div> <bR> <div> "How did she take it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not well. She accused me of trying to come between the two of you," </div> <div> Donna said, rolling her eyes.</div> <bR> <div> "It's just like her to try to blame things on someone else," Josh </div> <div> snorted.</div> <bR> <div> "She told me that she didn't care whether I wanted her to see you or </div> <div> not, she was going to do it. She called me pathetic. She said that I </div> <div> had gotten my job based on something besides merit, and that I'd lose </div> <div> it as soon as someone better came along."</div> <bR> <div> Donna watched Josh's face closely for a reaction.</div> <bR> <div> "You know that's not true," he said, the muscles in his jaw </div> <div> tightening in anger.</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Donna said confidently. "And I know that I should have just </div> <div> ignored what she said. But I was still angry over her setting up the </div> <div> sightseeing excursion with Chris the night before and I just kind of </div> <div> went off."</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean 'went off'?"</div> <bR> <div> "I told her she had no right to call herself a feminist. Not when she </div> <div> looks down on women she considers to be 'less' than she is. She may </div> <div> fight for oppressed women in third-world countries but she has a lot </div> <div> to learn about supporting women in her own country."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll hazard a guess that she didn't take that very well."</div> <bR> <div> "You're right. She didn't. She laughed and told me that my opinion </div> <div> didn't mean anything to her."</div> <bR> <div> "And what did you say?" Josh asked, proud that Donna had stood up so </div> <div> strongly for herself.</div> <bR> <div> "I said how dare she assume, just because I happen to be young and </div> <div> blonde, that I must have slept with someone to get my job. And that I </div> <div> must be sleeping with my boss to keep it. And how dare she assume </div> <div> that I'm not qualified just because I don't have a degree. And how </div> <div> dare she assume she knows anything about me or my life." </div> <bR> <div> Josh's face broke out into a full dimpled smile.</div> <bR> <div> "I would have paid money to see you smack her down," he </div> <div> laughed. "I'll bet it was amazing."</div> <bR> <div> "Well, I'll admit it felt good," Donna said.</div> <bR> <div> "Then what's the problem?"</div> <bR> <div> "She leaned against the wall outside your office and said that she </div> <div> was going to wait for you. I told her that it wouldn't matter if she </div> <div> did because...well...you and I had dinner plans as soon as you were </div> <div> done."</div> <bR> <div> Donna hung her head.</div> <bR> <div> "We did," Josh said matter-of-factly. "It's not like you lied."</div> <bR> <div> "No. But as soon as I told her, she started going on about how she </div> <div> knew she was right, and how she knew there was something going on </div> <div> between us. She accused us of sleeping together. I got so angry I...."</div> <bR> <div> "You what?" Josh asked, wondering what Donna could have done that had </div> <div> her so worried about telling him.</div> <bR> <div> "I told her that we weren't sleeping together yet, but that we would </div> <div> be soon."</div> <bR> <div> Donna let the words tumble out in a rush, then dropped her eyes and </div> <div> began staring at her hands. She couldn't bear to see Josh's reaction.</div> <bR> <div> "Really?" he said, with awe in his voice.</div> <bR> <div> Donna's heart soared. He didn't sound upset. In fact, he sounded </div> <div> happy.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know what came over me," she said cautiously. "I was just so </div> <div> angry with her..."</div> <bR> <div> "We're gonna sleep together soon?" he asked happily.</div> <bR> <div> "Try and focus, Josh."</div> <bR> <div> "I am focusing. On the only thing that matters," he smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "You're not mad at me?" Donna asked, needing reassurance.</div> <bR> <div> "Not at all," Josh said happily. "Don't worry about Amy. We'll never </div> <div> have to deal with her again."</div> <bR> <div> "I hope you're right," Donna said, knocking on the wood coffee table.</div> <bR> <div> "I am," Josh smirked, "But right now, it's not Amy I want to talk </div> <div> about."</div> <bR> <div> Donna laughed at the way he waggled his eyebrows.</div> <bR> <div> "What do you want to talk about?" she asked seductively.</div> <bR> <div> "Let's get back to that other thing....the sleeping together soon </div> <div> thing..."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Why is it that sometimes I can't get you to listen to me at all, but </div> <div> when I mention sex you don't miss a thing?" Donna asked, trying, but </div> <div> failing, to look stern.</div> <bR> <div> "Effective listening is all about keywords," Josh answered. "You </div> <div> said 'sex' and 'soon' in the same sentence. Trust me when I tell you </div> <div> that would get any man's attention."</div> <bR> <div> "Really? That's interesting," Donna said thoughtfully. "Maybe I </div> <div> should test out this little theory of yours."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't think there's any need for that," Josh assured her, "You can </div> <div> just take my word for it."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure?" Donna teased, "Because I could just start throwing </div> <div> the words 'sex' and 'soon' around in conversation and see if I get </div> <div> any offers."</div> <bR> <div> "You think you're a funny girl don't you?" Josh asked as he reached </div> <div> out and tickled her sides.</div> <bR> <div> "I do," Donna giggled.</div> <bR> <div> "Trust me, I'm about to erase thoughts of having sex with any other </div> <div> man from your mind forever," Josh said decisively.</div> <bR> <div> "You're awfully sure of yourself, aren't you tiger?" Donna smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "When you can do what you say you can do, it's not bragging." Josh </div> <div> smirked.</div> <bR> <div> Donna laughed. "Ok then, show me whatcha got."</div> <bR> <div> "Is that a dare?" Josh asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "Nope. It's an invitation." Donna's eyes sparkled.</div> <bR> <div> "Well in that case..." </div> <bR> <div> Josh leaned in and captured Donna's mouth in a tender kiss. He </div> <div> couldn't stop the moan that resulted from just the feel of her lips </div> <div> against his. The jolt of electricity was more than he had </div> <div> anticipated. More than he had ever imagined possible. Just as he was </div> <div> about to move to deepen the kiss, the phone on the bedside table rang.</div> <bR> <div> "Let it ring," he muttered without removing his lips from hers.</div> <bR> <div> "It might be Leo," Donna countered, placing her hand on Josh's chest </div> <div> and pushing him back. "You better get it."</div> <bR> <div> "Whatever it is, it can wait till morning," Josh said as he dipped </div> <div> his head in for another kiss.</div> <bR> <div> "If you don't answer, he'll just keep trying. You might as well talk </div> <div> to him now and get it over with," Donna reasoned.</div> <bR> <div> "Alright," Josh sighed dramatically as he rose and crossed the room, </div> <div> snatching up the receiver. "Hello."</div> <bR> <div> "Mr. Lyman?" said the voice on the other end of the phone.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Josh answered testily.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry to bother you, sir. This is the front desk," the voice </div> <div> said apologetically.</div> <bR> <div> "Is something wrong?" Josh asked, trying not to sound as irritated as </div> <div> he felt.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, sir, I'm afraid there is. We seem to be having a problem with </div> <div> the furnace. We've called the repairman but he's got a few jobs ahead </div> <div> of us, so it may be a while before we can get the heat turned back </div> <div> on. Perhaps it would be best if you started a fire in the fireplace </div> <div> in your room. If you need assistance, I can come up..."</div> <bR> <div> "That won't be necessary," Josh interrupted. "I already have a fire </div> <div> going."</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent! If you need any extra blankets, please feel free to call."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, I will," Josh said hurriedly. Then as an afterthought, "Can </div> <div> you do me a favor and hold all my calls unless it's a national </div> <div> emergency?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, sir. I'll take care of that."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks," Josh said. "Goodnight."</div> <bR> <div> "Have a good night," the clerk said before hanging up.</div> <bR> <div> Josh stared at the phone, momentarily considering taking it off the </div> <div> hook.</div> <bR> <div> "Who was that?" Donna asked from her spot in front of the fireplace.</div> <bR> <div> "The guy who checked us in," Josh said as he turned around. "He </div> <div> wanted to tell us...."</div> <bR> <div> Suddenly the words stopped and Josh stood frozen in place. Spread out </div> <div> on the rug in front of the fireplace, Donna was completely naked. All </div> <div> the saliva in Josh's mouth dried up and he was unable to form words. </div> <div> He shifted to try to alleviate the sudden tightness in his pants. He </div> <div> moved his mouth, but no sound came out. He knew that he had never </div> <div> seen a more breathtaking sight in his life, and he was sure he never </div> <div> would.</div> <bR> <div> "He wanted to tell us what?" Donna asked, her voice several octaves </div> <div> lower than normal.</div> <bR> <div> "Um...what?..oh yeah...he wanted to tell us that...uh...the furnace </div> <div> has gone out."</div> <bR> <div> "Well in that case, you better come over here and warm me up," she </div> <div> purred.</div> <bR> <div> Donna lay on her back and stretched her arms over her head, causing </div> <div> her back to arch and her breasts to move forward. That was all it </div> <div> took to get Josh's feet to move. He was across the room in a flash.</div> <bR> <div> "God, Donna," he said as he knelt down beside her, frustrated by his </div> <div> inability to find the words to express everything he was feeling.  </div> <bR> <div> He leaned over and ran his fingers softly along her face. When he </div> <div> reached her lips, she sucked his index finger into her mouth, never </div> <div> breaking eye contact. Josh moaned at the sensation as Donna twirled </div> <div> her tongue seductively around his fingertip. He leaned over and </div> <div> replaced his fingertip with his mouth. </div> <bR> <div> The feel of Donna's tongue sliding against his was almost more than </div> <div> he could stand. Just as he began to feel as though he was going to go </div> <div> into sensory overload, Donna plunged her hands into his hair and </div> <div> began to massage his scalp gently with her nails. The combination of </div> <div> sensations sent a chill up Josh's spine. </div> <bR> <div> He moaned loudly into her mouth, struggling to maintain control. He </div> <div> was a bit concerned that the trembling arm on which he was leaning </div> <div> wouldn't support his weight much longer so he stretched out beside </div> <div> her on the carpet and turned her so she was facing him.</div> <bR> <div> Donna observed the look of pleasure on his face and smiled broadly. </div> <div> She loved the reactions she was getting from him. She had never been </div> <div> secure enough with any other man to be naked while he was completely </div> <div> dressed, but Josh was different. She had felt comfortable taking off </div> <div> her clothes while he was on the phone, and she was delighted by his </div> <div> reaction when he saw her. Donna couldn't help but notice the bulge in </div> <div> his pants. She knew that they would get there eventually, but she </div> <div> wanted to spend as much time as possible just getting to know each </div> <div> other's bodies.</div> <bR> <div> Josh's hands slipped down and began to caress her breasts. She arched </div> <div> her back, pressing more firmly into his hands, and moaned softly, </div> <div> letting him know what she liked. He ran his thumbs across her nipples </div> <div> and Donna could feel them getting hard immediately. She clutched at </div> <div> his biceps as her feelings of longing intensified. </div> <bR> <div> Josh pulled back and they stared intently into each other's eyes. The </div> <div> emotion she saw in him made her breath catch in her throat. Even </div> <div> without words, they could communicate flawlessly. Both knew that this </div> <div> was something they had wanted for a long time. As they gazed into </div> <div> each other's eyes, millions of unspoken words became clear.</div> <bR> <div> Josh leaned over and captured her mouth in a long, sweet kiss, then </div> <div> began to plant a line of sensuous, open-mouthed kisses down her neck </div> <div> and across her collarbone. Donna made a sound in response that </div> <div> sounded like a soft growl. Josh loved that she felt free to let him </div> <div> know exactly what she wanted. </div> <bR> <div> As his mouth found its way to her breast, her hands returned to </div> <div> caressing his scalp. Josh used his lips, his tongue and his teeth to </div> <div> give Donna as many different variations of feeling as possible. As </div> <div> his teeth softly grazed her hardened nipples, it was all Donna could </div> <div> do not to scream out loud. As he continued to move back and forth, </div> <div> lavishing attention on first one breast, then the other, Donna held </div> <div> his head tightly against her chest. Her breathing was getting short </div> <div> and shallow and she could feel her core getting wetter and wetter. </div> <div> She forced herself to stay in the moment as Josh continued his </div> <div> amazing ministrations. As much as she was anticipating what was to </div> <div> come, she wanted to enjoy and remember every second of their first </div> <div> time together.</div> <bR> <div> The feel of Josh's mouth against her breasts was making her hotter </div> <div> than she had ever been before. She'd been with four other men in her </div> <div> life sexually, and she couldn't remember ever desperately wanting any </div> <div> of them. It wasn't that the sex hadn't been satisfying, it's that </div> <div> that was all it had been. Never wild. Never uninhibited. Donna had </div> <div> listened to her college friends talk about wanting a man so badly </div> <div> that they actually ached for him. Donna could never relate to those </div> <div> feelings. She had never felt that kind of need. Until now.</div> <bR> <div> Gently disengaging Josh's mouth from her breast, she sat up, pulling </div> <div> him with her. His questioning look was answered immediately as Donna </div> <div> grasped the bottom of his t-shirt and pulled it off over his head, </div> <div> tossing it behind her. She ran her fingertips gently through the hair </div> <div> on his chest. She leaned over and sucked one of his nipples into her </div> <div> mouth as he ran his fingers through her long, blonde hair.</div> <bR> <div> Donna took a moment to acknowledge the scar on Josh's chest. The </div> <div> color had faded significantly since the last time she had seen it. </div> <div> She ran her finger from one end of the surgical scar to the other </div> <div> with a feather-light touch. When she was finished, she leaned over </div> <div> and placed a kiss on the entrance wound. She held herself there for a </div> <div> moment, while both she and Josh silently thanked the doctors that had </div> <div> saved his life and made this night possible.</div> <bR> <div> After a few minutes, Donna began to move her mouth across Josh's </div> <div> chest, varying her technique as she went. She placed a line of soft </div> <div> kisses from his shoulder to his ribcage, then she began to alternate </div> <div> sucking more forcefully with small bites until she reached the </div> <div> waistband of his sweats. Josh kept one hand in her hair as he leaned </div> <div> back and placed his palm behind him on the floor for support. By </div> <div> leaning back, he gave Donna better access.</div> <bR> <div> He felt his cock grow harder as she continued to nibble along his </div> <div> waistband. She stopped at his belly button and plunged her tongue in </div> <div> and out several times. Josh squeezed his eyes shut tightly as a </div> <div> million sensations bombarded him all at once. He had never felt this </div> <div> way with any other woman. Never felt as though he needed her very </div> <div> presence to insure his continued life. Never felt so completely </div> <div> committed, so willing to give anything, even his own life, for her </div> <div> happiness. He prayed that he would be able to convey those feelings </div> <div> to her one way or another. Through actions if not through words.</div> <bR> <div> He sat up straight once again as he felt Donna kiss her way around to </div> <div> his torso. She pressed firmly against him and the feeling of her bare </div> <div> breasts against his back was like heaven. She gently massaged his </div> <div> chest with her nails as she leaned in and sucked her earlobe into her </div> <div> mouth. The sound that escaped his lips made her smile. It was a cross </div> <div> between a whimper and a moan.</div> <bR> <div> "I want you, Joshua," she whispered softly into his ear. "I want to </div> <div> feel every inch of you inside me. I want to see the look on your face </div> <div> when you come. I want to know I put that look there."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh God, Donna," he moaned as he reached up and grabbed one of the </div> <div> hands that was caressing his chest. "I want you too. More than you </div> <div> can possibly imagine."</div> <bR> <div> "Show me," she whispered.</div> <bR> <div> Josh pulled her hand lower and placed it against the bulge in his </div> <div> sweatpants. He moaned again, louder this time, as she simultaneously </div> <div> massaged his already incredibly hard cock and inserted her tongue </div> <div> into his ear. It took all of the self-control Josh could muster not </div> <div> to come right then and there.</div> <bR> <div> He reached down and stilled her hand, then turned in her arms. He </div> <div> pulled her up until they were on their knees, facing each other, </div> <div> looking deeply into each other's eyes. He ran his hands down her side </div> <div> until they came to rest on her soft, inviting hips. He pulled her </div> <div> against him more tightly and she felt his erection straining against </div> <div> his pants.</div> <bR> <div> As much as she wanted this night to go on forever, Donna knew that </div> <div> the time for foreplay was over. The ache between her legs was growing </div> <div> more intense by the second. She knew that feeling Josh inside her, </div> <div> looking into his eyes while he made love to her, was the only thing </div> <div> that would satisfy her need.</div> <bR> <div> She placed her hands at his waist and began to push down both his </div> <div> sweatpants and his boxers. Once they were around his knees, Josh let </div> <div> go of her just long enough to pull them the rest of the way off and </div> <div> toss them aside. He immediately pulled Donna back against him. This </div> <div> time they both moaned at the sensation of feeling nothing between </div> <div> their naked bodies. </div> <bR> <div> Josh knew he couldn't wait much longer. He slid his fingers downward </div> <div> into Donna's damp curls. He wasn't sure if she was as aroused as he </div> <div> was, and the last thing he wanted was to rush her or cause her any </div> <div> pain. She gasped and lightly bit his shoulder as he slipped his </div> <div> fingers between her folds. He smiled uncontrollably when he felt how </div> <div> ready Donna really was.</div> <bR> <div> "God, Donna, you're so wet," he said breathlessly.</div> <bR> <div> "That's what you do to me," Donna groaned. "I want you so bad."</div> <bR> <div> Josh began to kiss his way down her body but she stopped him Her </div> <div> breath was coming in pants. "Not now," she pleaded. "Right now I need </div> <div> to feel you inside me."</div> <bR> <div> "Donna...I don't have any...I mean what about.." Josh said, futilely </div> <div> attempting to gather his scattered thoughts.</div> <bR> <div> Donna knew that she needed to be completely honest with him. She had </div> <div> fantasized about the possibility of having Josh's children many </div> <div> times, but that wasn't a decision she could make on her own.</div> <bR> <div> "I was on the pill, but I haven't had one since the day I left </div> <div> D.C.," she said. "Chris didn't let me bring them with me."</div> <bR> <div> The ball was in Josh's court and he knew it. It only took him a </div> <div> second to make a decision. </div> <bR> <div> "I haven't had unprotected sex in years," he said earnestly. "I know </div> <div> I'm clean. But I can understand if you don't want to...I mean...I </div> <div> could always run downstairs and ask if there's a drug store..."</div> <bR> <div> "I haven't had unprotected sex either," Donna smiled. "And my period </div> <div> is due any day now so I don't think I'm ovulating."</div> <bR> <div> "So do you think we should go for it?" Josh asked cautiously.</div> <bR> <div> "I think we're probably safe but I can't make any guarantees that I </div> <div> won't get pregnant," Donna said, "But I'm willing to take the chance."</div> <bR> <div> "Me too," Josh said as he kissed her deeply.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure?" Donna asked. She didn't want him to make a decision </div> <div> based on hormones that he would regret later.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm positive," he said resolutely.</div> <bR> <div> Josh was certain that the raw need he saw in her eyes at that moment </div> <div> was mirrored in his own. He intended to spend the rest of his life </div> <div> with Donna. He had no trouble at all picturing a houseful of little </div> <div> blonde-headed moppets. He lowered her back down to the carpet and </div> <div> Donna eagerly spread her thighs so he could settle between them. He </div> <div> leaned over and kissed her firmly as she grabbed his erection and </div> <div> guided him inside her.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh yes," she moaned, arching her back as he penetrated in as far as </div> <div> he could go. It was like nothing she had ever felt before and she </div> <div> held her breath, trying to process everything that was happening. </div> <bR> <div> Josh bit his lip and held still, trying to give her a chance to </div> <div> adjust, but also afraid to start moving for fear he would come. She </div> <div> was so warm and tight that Josh wasn't even sure that reciting the </div> <div> names of everyone in the House of Representatives could make him </div> <div> last. He wanted to enjoy the feeling of being inside her as long as </div> <div> possible. </div> <bR> <div> Donna wrapped her arms around his shoulders, then wrapped her legs </div> <div> high around his waist. She pushed her hips forward gently in an </div> <div> effort to encourage him to move. Slowly he began thrusting in and </div> <div> out. Donna moaned with every stroke and eagerly drove her body </div> <div> forward to meet his. Josh found himself quickly losing control as his </div> <div> thrusts became quicker and deeper.</div> <bR> <div> Without warning, he pulled himself up to his knees. Donna looked into </div> <div> his eyes and was blown away by the pure emotion she saw there. He </div> <div> reached behind his back and gently unlocked her ankles, causing her </div> <div> legs to fall limply to the floor. Josh grabbed her calves, planted a </div> <div> soft kiss on each one, and gently placed her long legs over his </div> <div> shoulders.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, yes," Donna hissed as the position created a whole new range of </div> <div> sensations.</div> <bR> <div> "Is this ok?" Josh panted. He hoped desperately that she would say </div> <div> yes.</div> <bR> <div> "Perfect," Donna answered.</div> <bR> <div> He maintained a firm grip on her hips as he continued to piston in </div> <div> and out of her. He could feel his own orgasm building, and was </div> <div> determined that Donna should come first. He took one hand off of her </div> <div> hip and reached between her legs, locating her clit. He began making </div> <div> small circles around the hardened nub. The look in her eyes, combined </div> <div> with the way her hands clawed at the carpet beneath them, told Josh </div> <div> he was on the right track.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh..Josh..Josh.." she chanted breathlessly.</div> <bR> <div> "Just let go, Donna," he encouraged her.</div> <bR> <div> He could feel her legs twisting over his shoulders, instinctively </div> <div> trying to pull him closer. He turned his head blindly and caught her </div> <div> left instep in his mouth. He began to suck on it in perfect rhythm </div> <div> with his thrusts inside her and his hand on her clit. The sensation </div> <div> was too much for Donna. Her orgasm exploded inside her as lights </div> <div> danced behind her eyes and she called Josh's name.</div> <bR> <div> Her muscles clenching around him, combined with the look of pure </div> <div> ecstasy on her face made it impossible for Josh to hold back any </div> <div> longer. He came inside her, harder and longer than he had ever come </div> <div> before, chanting her name. He fell forward, his arms resting on </div> <div> either side of her, her legs still hanging limply over his shoulders.</div> <bR> <div> As Donna's breathing returned to normal, she pulled her legs back </div> <div> down to the floor, grunting unhappily as Josh slipped from her body. </div> <div> She reached her arms out and he gratefully fell into them, his head </div> <div> resting against her chest while she stroked his back softly.</div> <bR> <div> "That was...amazing," she said. "I always knew it would be good but </div> <div> that was like....amazing."</div> <bR> <div> "It definitely was," Josh said with a smile. "I've never felt </div> <div> anything even remotely like that in my entire life." He lifted his </div> <div> head and looked intently into her eyes. "Donna, I...." He began, </div> <div> unable to find the words to express the depth of emotion he was </div> <div> feeling.</div> <bR> <div> "I know," she cooed softly. She knew exactly what he was trying to </div> <div> say. It was written all over his face.</div> <bR> <div> "I just can't find the words. 'Love' doesn't seem like enough to </div> <div> cover what I feel for you," Josh said sincerely.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, Josh," Donna whispered as tears slid slowly down her face. "You </div> <div> know I feel the same, right?"</div> <bR> <div> "Does that mean you won't be testing out the keywords theory on any </div> <div> other men?"</div> <bR> <div> "Only you," Donna assured him as she kissed the tip of his nose.</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent," Josh smirked.</div> <bR> <div> Donna smiled. "In fact, once we get back to work, I'm gonna find a </div> <div> way to use those two words in a sentence as often as possible when </div> <div> you're around."</div> <bR> <div> "At work, Donna?" Josh whined.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm just trying to keep you on your toes."</div> <bR> <div> "Is there any way I can dissuade you from your evil plan? he asked.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll see," Donna answered playfully.</div> <bR> <div> The fire was dying out and Josh was suddenly aware of how chilly the </div> <div> room was becoming. </div> <bR> <div> "We better get into bed," he said. "We don't need you getting </div> <div> hypothermia again."</div> <bR> <div> He stood up and helped her to her feet. While she snuggled down </div> <div> between the blankets, Josh threw a few more logs on the fire. He </div> <div> wiped the dirt from the logs on his discarded sweat pants and headed </div> <div> for the bed. He slid beneath the covers and curled up against her.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you tired?" Donna asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Exhausted," Josh yawned.</div> <bR> <div> "Really?" Donna asked happily. "So am I like...da woman?"</div> <bR> <div> "You, Donnatella, are most definitely da woman," Josh smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "And you, Joshua, are most definitely da man."</div> <bR> <div> Josh laughed and pulled her more tightly into his embrace.</div> <bR> <div> "Susan from accounting is pregnant you know."</div> <bR> <div> "Really?" Josh asked, immediately on alert. "I know you said that you </div> <div> couldn't make any guarantees. I mean...do you really think..."</div> <bR> <div> "No," Donna cut him off. "I didn't mean it that way."</div> <bR> <div> "Then what does that have to do with us?" Josh asked quizzically.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing. It's just that she's getting to the point where they're </div> <div> gonna be able to find out the 'sex' of the baby, 'soon'."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh really," Josh asked waggling his eyebrows as he pulled her on top </div> <div> of him. Suddenly he didn't feel the least bit tired.</div> <bR> <div> "You're right," Donna giggled as his hands landed on her </div> <div> breasts. "It's all about keywords." </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Donna sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to Josh, who </div> <div> instinctively tightened his grip on her even though he was still </div> <div> sound asleep. Waking up in bed next to Josh felt better than she had </div> <div> ever imagined. And that was surprising considering how good it had </div> <div> been in her fantasies. </div> <bR> <div> She reluctantly raised her head off his chest and gazed at his </div> <div> sleeping face. There had been times in the cabin, before she was </div> <div> rescued, that she wondered if she'd ever see his face again. And she </div> <div> hadn't dared to hope that she'd be seeing it while they held each </div> <div> other in the early light of morning. Naked. </div> <bR> <div> 'Oh yeah,' she told herself, 'It doesn't get any better than this.'</div> <bR> <div> As if he could hear her thoughts, Josh's eyes fluttered open. His </div> <div> first look was one of surprise as he tried to acclimate himself to </div> <div> his surroundings. It didn't take long, however, for him to remember </div> <div> where he was.</div> <bR> <div> "Morning," he said with a sleepy smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Morning," she beamed.</div> <bR> <div> Josh's dimples were out in full force as he smiled broadly at Donna. </div> <div> He had imagined so many times what waking up with her beside him </div> <div> would be like. But he had never dared allow himself to believe it </div> <div> would actually happen. And now it had. And it felt so much better </div> <div> than he had ever dreamed possible.</div> <bR> <div> "What time is it?"</div> <bR> <div> "A little after seven."</div> <bR> <div> "How long have you been awake?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not long. I was watching you sleep."</div> <bR> <div> Josh's reply caught in his throat as he saw the sincerity in her </div> <div> eyes. He reached out and pulled her against his chest, hugging her </div> <div> tightly.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess we better start thinking about getting back to D.C.," he </div> <div> said with more than a hint of sadness in his voice.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess so," Donna agreed reluctantly.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you sure you feel ok to travel?" Josh asked worriedly.</div> <bR> <div> "I feel fine," Donna began, "The doctor said..."</div> <bR> <div> Donna's words were interrupted by the ringing of the phone on the </div> <div> bedside table. Josh reached over and snatched up the receiver.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh Lyman," he said.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, Josh. It's CJ. I just wanted to check in with you personally </div> <div> and make sure you and Donna are ok. I talked to Toby this morning and </div> <div> he said you were...but...well...I just wanted to hear for myself."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, CJ," Josh said genuinely. "We're fine. The doctor wants us </div> <div> to stop by the hospital this morning so he can give Donna a final </div> <div> checkup, but he said that's just a precaution. We should be able to </div> <div> head back to D.C. later today."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad to hear that," CJ said with a sigh of relief. "I can't wait </div> <div> to see both of you. I asked the person who answered the phone to </div> <div> connect me to either your room or Donna's and he connected me to </div> <div> yours."</div> <bR> <div> "Well the truth is..." Josh began. </div> <bR> <div> He had made a decision during the time that Donna was missing. Once </div> <div> he found her, nothing would stop him from telling her how he felt. </div> <div> And once it was clear that Donna loved him as much as he loved her, </div> <div> he vowed that nothing would stand in the way of them being together. </div> <div> Not even their jobs. Still, he had hoped to talk to Leo and the </div> <div> President first, and then explain things to CJ.</div> <bR> <div> Donna was practically bouncing with excitement. "I want to talk to </div> <div> her before you hang up."</div> <bR> <div> "Was that Donna?" CJ asked inquiringly.</div> <bR> <div> "As a matter of fact, CJ, yes."</div> <bR> <div> "In your room at 7am?" CJ asked, checking her watch and calculating </div> <div> the time difference.</div> <bR> <div> "It seems that way," Josh said, unable to keep the happiness out of </div> <div> his voice.</div> <bR> <div> CJ smiled as the pieces all began to fall into place.</div> <bR> <div> "You sounded kind of sleepy when you answered and she sounds </div> <div> very....umm...close. Let me talk to her!"</div> <bR> <div> "She wants to talk to you," Josh said as he handed Donna the phone, </div> <div> trying to give her as reassuring a look as possible. </div> <bR> <div> "Hey there, CJ."</div> <bR> <div> "Hey there, Donna. How are you feeling?" Donna could almost see CJ's </div> <div> raised eyebrow.</div> <bR> <div> "Fine thanks," Donna said nervously.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you in Josh's room?" CJ asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes." Donna decided that there was no need to mention to CJ at that </div> <div> point that it was actually her room too. She was suddenly very unsure </div> <div> as to what everyone's reaction was going to be to the news that she </div> <div> and Josh were together.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you in Josh's bed?"  </div> <bR> <div> CJ had watched Josh and Donna dance around this 'thing' between them </div> <div> for many years. She had always wondered what it would take to get </div> <div> them to admit their feelings; she had just never expected it to be </div> <div> anything as drastic as a psycho ex-lover. </div> <bR> <div> "Look, CJ..it's not like we planned to..I mean..it's just that..."</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked at Donna with concern as she tried to stammer out an </div> <div> explanation to CJ. She had been so wrapped up in her own happiness </div> <div> that she hadn't allowed herself to stop and consider the consequences </div> <div> at work. CJ would be the one who would have to deal with the press if </div> <div> it became an issue.</div> <bR> <div> "I only have on thing to say to you, Donna," CJ said decisively.</div> <bR> <div> "What's that?" Donna asked glumly.</div> <bR> <div> "It's about damn time!"</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Donna asked, as relief washed over her whole body.</div> <bR> <div> "I mean what I said. It's about damn time. Now I want every little </div> <div> detail..well maybe not EVERY little detail...but I want to hear the </div> <div> whole story as soon as you get back here."</div> <bR> <div> "Deal," Donna laughed. </div> <bR> <div> Josh relaxed as he saw the worry disappear from Donna's face.</div> <bR> <div> "And speaking of that, Leo feels badly but he needs Josh back here </div> <div> tonight for a big meeting with Bruno and some of the other campaign </div> <div> people."</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok," Donna said. "I'm kind of looking forward to seeing </div> <div> everyone again."</div> <bR> <div> "Good. Because Carol managed to get you on a late morning flight out </div> <div> of Denver. Think that's doable?"</div> <bR> <div> "Well, it means we'll have to hurry. But we can make it." </div> <bR> <div> "Great," CJ answered.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll let you talk to Josh again. I'll see you later on this evening. </div> <div> Bye."</div> <bR> <div> "Bye," CJ said as she heard the rustling of Donna passing the phone </div> <div> back to Josh. She laughed to herself at the way Donna blended her new </div> <div> role in Josh's life with her job as his assistant when she heard </div> <div> Donna say to Josh,</div> <bR> <div> "Leo needs you back tonight for a meeting with the campaign staff </div> <div> which means we have to get moving." She dropped her voice to a </div> <div> whisper, which CJ could still hear because Josh had neglected to put </div> <div> his hand over the phone. "I'm gonna jump in the shower. Join me as </div> <div> soon as you're done."</div> <bR> <div> Josh watched her all the way to the bathroom before he turned his </div> <div> attention back to the phone in his hand.</div> <bR> <div> "Everything ok there, CJ?" Josh asked. "What's so important about </div> <div> this meeting?"  </div> <bR> <div> "We're getting some flack from a few special interest groups. Bruno </div> <div> called a strategy meeting tonight and Leo wants you there. I'll have </div> <div> Carol fax all of your flight information to the B&B."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks. I appreciate that. I'll give you a call as soon as we land."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, Josh, there is one other thing," CJ said hesitantly.</div> <bR> <div> "What? Is anything the matter?"</div> <bR> <div> Not really.." CJ began. "It's just that..."</div> <bR> <div> "The water's getting cold," Donna yelled playfully from the bathroom, </div> <div> not realizing Josh was still on the phone.</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be right there," Josh yelled back as he watched steam pour out </div> <div> of the partially open door. "Whatever it is, can it wait?" he asked </div> <div> as he returned his attention to CJ.</div> <bR> <div> "Absolutely," CJ chuckled, "I'll tell you about it when you get back."</div> <bR> <div> "Great. I'll talk to you later then. Bye," Josh said as he hung up </div> <div> the phone, eager to join Donna in the shower.</div> <bR> <div> "No problem," CJ said out loud to no one in particular, "You'll find </div> <div> out soon enough anyway."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh and Donna lingered far longer in the shower than they had </div> <div> intended to. Neither one was eager to leave the happiness they had </div> <div> found at the B&B and head back to the real world. Even after they </div> <div> dressed, they sat on the end of the bed wrapped in each other's arms, </div> <div> kissing like teenagers. Finally, reluctantly, they called a cab and </div> <div> headed for the hospital.</div> <bR> <div> It only took a few minutes for the doctor to examine Donna and give </div> <div> her a clean bill of health. He told her to make sure that she ate </div> <div> right and got plenty of rest. He also told her it wouldn't hurt for </div> <div> her to take it easy for a week or so and try to avoid stress. Donna </div> <div> snorted.</div> <bR> <div> "You see," she said as they exited the hospital and walked towards a </div> <div> waiting cab. "I told you I was fine."</div> <bR> <div> "He said you need to get lots of rest," Josh pointed out. "And avoid </div> <div> stress."</div> <bR> <div> "Which means you have to let me go home at a decent hour," Donna </div> <div> smiled smugly. "And not overload me with work."</div> <bR> <div> "Well then I'll just have to leave early too," Josh countered, "And </div> <div> we can work at my apartment."</div> <bR> <div> "How will working at your apartment make it any less stressful?" </div> <div> Donna asked skeptically.</div> <bR> <div> "We can take frequent breaks so I can rub your back," Josh offered </div> <div> helpfully.</div> <bR> <div> Donna arched her eyebrow at him.</div> <bR> <div> "Naked!" he added brightly.</div> <bR> <div> "But then I think the 'plenty of rest' thing will go out the window," </div> <div> Donna reasoned.</div> <bR> <div> "Ok," Josh acquiesced, "I'll admit the plan needs some tweaking. I'll </div> <div> work on it while we're in the air."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> The cabdriver, motivated by Josh's promise of a hefty tip, broke </div> <div> several land speed records in order to get them to the airport in </div> <div> time. Carol had been unable to get them a direct flight so there was </div> <div> going to be a short layover in Chicago. Barring any unforeseen </div> <div> circumstances, they would be back in DC by slightly after dinner. </div> <div> According the notes Carol had faxed, the meeting with Bruno didn't </div> <div> start until 7:30pm. That would give them just enough time to stop and </div> <div> change into some fresh clothes.</div> <bR> <div> They thankfully cleared security with no hassles and made it to the </div> <div> boarding area with less than ten minutes to spare. Before long, they </div> <div> were airborne. Josh wrapped his arm around Donna's shoulder and she </div> <div> laid her head on his chest. The rhythm of Josh's heartbeat, along </div> <div> with the steady hum of the plane's engines, put her to sleep in no </div> <div> time. She slept soundly until they began their descent into Chicago.</div> <bR> <div> "Do we need to change planes?" Donna asked groggily as they coasted </div> <div> to a stop.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh said soothingly. "It's a short stop. Just taking on </div> <div> passengers. You can go back to sleep."</div> <bR> <div> "You don't want to get off and stretch your legs?"</div> <bR> <div> "Nope. I'm fine right where I am," Josh said as he smiled and placed </div> <div> a soft kiss on her lips.</div> <bR> <div> Donna returned his smile, laid her head back down, and before long </div> <div> was once again sound asleep, tucked safely in Josh's arms.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> She slept peacefully until they were almost to Reagan National.</div> <bR> <div> Josh glanced at his watch, then pulled out his cell phone with the </div> <div> hand that wasn't draped around Donna, and dialed Toby's direct line.</div> <bR> <div> "Ziegler," Toby answered in his usual gruff manner.</div> <bR> <div> "Hi, it's me," Josh said quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "Why are you whispering?" Toby asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna's asleep and I don't want to wake her up," Josh explained.</div> <bR> <div> "I see," Toby said knowingly. He had already talked to CJ and she had </div> <div> filled him in on the fact that Josh and Donna had taken their </div> <div> relationship to a new level. He had seen quite clearly during the </div> <div> time the three of them spent on the mountain how much Josh and Donna </div> <div> loved each other. And he was glad that they had finally allowed </div> <div> themselves to admit it.</div> <bR> <div> "The doctor said she needs her rest so I'm gonna let her sleep as </div> <div> long as possible. I just wanted to let you know we're almost ready to </div> <div> land."</div> <bR> <div> "Great. We'll see you here soon then," Toby said as he smiled to </div> <div> himself. </div> <bR> <div> "We're gonna be cutting it a little close on time. We'll just meet </div> <div> you there."</div> <bR> <div> "Sounds good," Toby agreed. "There is one thing I wanted to tell you </div> <div> before the meeting.." . </div> <bR> <div> The pilot came on the loudspeaker and announced that they would be </div> <div> landing in a few minutes and Donna began to stir. Josh leaned over </div> <div> and kissed her on the cheek as she rubbed her eyes.</div> <bR> <div> "I gotta go, Toby. I have to turn off my cell."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah...ok," Toby said haltingly.</div> <bR> <div> "Can whatever it is wait a little longer?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Sure thing. I'll see you at the meeting," Toby said, then hung up.</div> <bR> <div> Josh slipped his phone back in his pocket as he turned his full </div> <div> attention to Donna. </div> <bR> <div> "I guess I was more tired than I thought," she yawned as she sat up </div> <div> and ran her fingers through her hair. "Why didn't you wake me up </div> <div> sooner?"</div> <bR> <div> "You've had a tough week. And besides, the doctor said the sleep </div> <div> would do you good."</div> <bR> <div> "Did you manage to get any rest?"</div> <bR> <div> "Not much. But on the up side, I'm now an expert on planting the </div> <div> perfect perennial garden."</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Donna asked as she crinkled her forehead in confusion.</div> <bR> <div> "There was an article in the in-flight magazine."</div> <bR> <div> "Wow, you must have really been bored," Donna marveled.</div> <bR> <div> Josh laughed as the pilot began making the landing </div> <div> announcements. "Nah. I could never be bored with you this close to </div> <div> me."</div> <bR> <div> Donna smiled sweetly as she leaned in and captured his lips in a </div> <div> tender kiss.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> They made their way hurriedly out of the airport towards the </div> <div> cabstand. </div> <bR> <div> "We should have just enough time to stop at both apartments and grab </div> <div> some fresh clothes," Josh said as he looked at his watch.</div> <bR> <div> "Actually, you've got a fresh suit at my place. Clean shirts too."</div> <bR> <div> "I do?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yep. I picked up your cleaning the night of...well you know. I knew </div> <div> you were running out of suits and the cleaners was on my way home. I </div> <div> was gonna bring it to work the next day."</div> <bR> <div> "Well then that means we can both change at your place and we'll have </div> <div> some extra time to make out," Josh offered brightly.</div> <bR> <div> "I love the way you think," Donna laughed as she gave the driver her </div> <div> address and she and Josh slipped into the back of the cab.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> An hour-and-a-half later they pulled up in front of the Hay-Adams. </div> <div> The meeting was being held in one of the discreet, spacious </div> <div> conference rooms there. It allowed convenient access for the White </div> <div> House staffers, but at the same time provided the needed separation </div> <div> between the Bartlet campaign and the Bartlet administration.</div> <bR> <div> Josh handed Donna's car keys to the valet and they made their way </div> <div> towards the front door. The concierge quickly directed them to the </div> <div> first floor meeting room. As soon as they entered, Donna was mobbed </div> <div> by the other staffers.</div> <bR> <div> Leo, CJ, and Sam all hugged her enthusiastically and told her how </div> <div> glad they were to have her back, and how much they had missed her. </div> <div> Donna told them that she had missed them too, and how she had thought </div> <div> of them often during her captivity, to help her find the strength to </div> <div> hang on. Josh received a round of hugs also and congratulations on a </div> <div> job well done.</div> <bR> <div> During the initial period of gushing, Toby stood back from the group. </div> <div> Finally Donna turned to him and gave him an unexpected hug.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't think I got a chance to properly thank you," she whispered </div> <div> in his ear.</div> <bR> <div> "You have nothing to thank me for," he assured her with a smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, I say I do. And I'm gonna find a way to repay you, I promise."</div> <bR> <div> "Not necessary."</div> <bR> <div> "So," Josh said switching back to business mode. "Anything I should </div> <div> know before the meeting starts?"</div> <bR> <div> "Just one thing," Leo intoned seriously. "Bruno hired a new </div> <div> consultant for the campaign."</div> <bR> <div> "Anyone I know?" Josh asked, a bit concerned by the look on Leo's </div> <div> face and the tone of his voice.</div> <bR> <div> "Well keep in mind that Bruno has complete control over who he </div> <div> hires," Sam cut in.</div> <bR> <div> "That bad?" Josh asked nervously.</div> <bR> <div> "Well let's just say he didn't consult anyone else before he made the </div> <div> hire. And he apparently isn't aware of the problems it could </div> <div> conceivably cause."</div> <bR> <div> "Who in the world is it?" Josh asked worriedly.</div> <bR> <div> Before Leo could answer, the door opened and Bruno stepped in with </div> <div> the new consultant by his side.</div> <bR> <div> Josh's jaw dropped and he felt Donna stiffen beside him.</div> <bR> <div> "Josh," Bruno said jovially, slapping him on the back. "I'm glad </div> <div> you're back. I heard you had quite an adventure in Colorado."</div> <bR> <div> "Uh-huh," Josh stammered.</div> <bR> <div> "I think you know the newest member of our team."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes..I do.." Josh stammered. "How are you Amy?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "What? I mean...when? How?" Josh fumbled for words, his shock evident.</div> <bR> <div> "I ran into Bruno at a fundraiser last week and we got to talking," </div> <div> Amy said smugly. "He told me that he could always use another </div> <div> consultant with a specialty in women's issues...so here I am."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, here you are," Josh muttered.</div> <bR> <div> "I almost forgot to ask," Amy said turning to Donna, her voice </div> <div> dripping with false concern. "How are you doing? I heard about what </div> <div> happened in Colorado."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm doing much better," Donna answered cautiously. "Thanks for </div> <div> asking."</div> <bR> <div> "Who could have ever guessed your ex-boyfriend was such a psycho?" </div> <div> Amy said with a shrug.</div> <bR> <div> "He was obviously very disturbed," Donna agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess you just don't have much luck picking men," Amy said </div> <div> condescendingly.</div> <bR> <div> Donna smirked. "That may have been true in the past, but I'm positive </div> <div> my luck is changing."</div> <bR> <div> Josh looked at her proudly while Toby, Sam, Leo and CJ tried </div> <div> desperately to stifle giggles. Amy was finding out what they had all </div> <div> known for quite some time; Donna didn't back down when she was </div> <div> fighting for something she believed in.</div> <bR> <div> Bruno watched the exchange in front of him with a bit of confusion, </div> <div> clearly sensing the undercurrents, but not quite understanding them. </div> <div> Leo decided to steer things back onto safer ground, so he cleared his </div> <div> throat and said,</div> <bR> <div> "Let's get to work. Shall we?"</div> <bR> <div> "Are you ok with this?" Josh whispered to Donna, his hand lightly </div> <div> resting on her lower back, as they made their way to their seats at </div> <div> the conference table. He steered towards the end of the table </div> <div> farthest from Amy. "If you aren't feeling up to it, just tell me. </div> <div> I'll make an excuse and you can go back and wait for me at my place."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm ok," Donna said, smiling at his concern. "It looks like I'm </div> <div> gonna have to get used to dealing with her. So there's no time like </div> <div> the present. I don't want her to think I'm running from her."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok," Josh said as he squeezed her hand, "But if you change your </div> <div> mind..."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll let you know," Donna assured him.</div> <bR> <div> Amy could barely conceal her sneer as she watched Josh and Donna move </div> <div> in perfect rhythm.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Are you sure you're up to getting back to work, Donna" Amy asked as </div> <div> everyone settled in their seats.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure," Donna answered. "In fact, I'm looking forward to things </div> <div> getting back to normal."</div> <bR> <div> "I know you've had a rough week or so," Amy continued on as if she </div> <div> hadn't heard a word Donna said,  "but we can't afford to get to work </div> <div> at anything less than full speed."</div> <bR> <div> "You don't have to worry about me. I'm ready," Donna said again, this </div> <div> time more forcefully.</div> <bR> <div> "The Ritchie camp is coming after us with everything they have and we </div> <div> can't afford to be at anything less than our best," Amy said.</div> <bR> <div> "We get the point," Toby said sternly. "But I can personally attest </div> <div> to just exactly what a strong person Donna is. I'm sure she'll be </div> <div> fine. And if she needs a break-she'll let us know."</div> <bR> <div> Donna smiled appreciatively at Toby and he smiled back.</div> <bR> <div> "Now that that's out of the way," Bruno said in an attempt to cut the </div> <div> tension, "let's talk about the campaign."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Thirty minutes later, things had gone from bad to worse. Amy seemed </div> <div> hell-bent on antagonizing every single person in the room.</div> <bR> <div> "With all due respect, Amy," CJ said, the frustration clearly evident </div> <div> in her voice, "The Welfare Bill is something that we have already </div> <div> taken care of and it's time we move on to other things. This is a </div> <div> dead issue."</div> <bR> <div> "I want to resuscitate it," Amy snapped.</div> <bR> <div> "Well it's not going to happen. The bill passed. The matter is </div> <div> closed," CJ countered angrily.</div> <bR> <div> "This is politics, CJ," Amy said derisively, "No matter is </div> <div> ever 'closed' permanently. And while I know that your opinion may </div> <div> carry some weight around here, let's remember, please, that I am the </div> <div> expert on women's issues."</div> <bR> <div> Every man in the room instinctively pushed back a few inches from the </div> <div> table sensing an impending explosion. Each one of them knew better </div> <div> than to step in and defend CJ. She was more than capable of handling </div> <div> things for herself. They were content for the moment to simply watch </div> <div> the drama in front of them unfold.</div> <bR> <div> Donna leaned forward in her chair, mentally cheering CJ on. Amy had </div> <div> always refused to listen to Donna's opinion on any political issues, </div> <div> dismissing her time and again as 'only an assistant'. None of the </div> <div> other staffers had ever made Donna feel as though her opinion was </div> <div> unimportant. Quite the opposite. But Amy had always acted as though </div> <div> Donna's political opinions carried no weight. So Donna was glad to </div> <div> see Amy get the smackdown she so richly deserved from someone whose </div> <div> opinion she couldn't dismiss out-of-hand.</div> <bR> <div> "What did you say?!" CJ asked, her eyes blazing.</div> <bR> <div> "You heard me. I said that I am the expert here. You have a role to </div> <div> play, handling the press, but I'm here to help shape policy and...."</div> <bR> <div> "I do far more in this administration than just 'handle the press'. </div> <div> And a few years working for the WLC hardly makes you the final word </div> <div> on women's issues. You don't have the market cornered on that </div> <div> particular topic."</div> <bR> <div> "Well at least I've been out there in the trenches dealing with </div> <div> issues that affect real women and not spending my days spinning news </div> <div> stories," Amy hissed.</div> <bR> <div> "You have only been dealing with 'women's issues' to the point that </div> <div> they help advance your own agenda," CJ said through gritted teeth.</div> <bR> <div> "I have been in the front lines of the battle to advance women..." </div> <div> Amy countered.</div> <bR> <div> "You have been on the frontlines of the battle to advance Amy </div> <div> Gardner," CJ argued. "Nothing else. You would have sold out, in a </div> <div> heartbeat, those same women you profess to defend, if it would get </div> <div> you more power and prestige."</div> <bR> <div> "Think what you want, but at least I haven't been hiding out in the </div> <div> press room."</div> <bR> <div> "You listen to me very closely," CJ hissed as she leaned across the </div> <div> table and glared at Amy. "You have no idea how thin the ice you are </div> <div> walking on right now is."</div> <bR> <div> "Is that a threat?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm just saying...you better make your first strike a good one </div> <div> because you may not be around for a second."</div> <bR> <div> Amy and CJ glared at each other, neither willing to give in.</div> <bR> <div> "Look, Amy," Toby finally said, breaking the silence, "You're not </div> <div> going to score any points here by acting as though we're all the </div> <div> enemy."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm here to do a job," Amy said haughtily. "I wasn't hired to be </div> <div> popular, or to just rubber-stamp all of the administration's </div> <div> policies. And I certainly won't pretend I don't have strong opinions."</div> <bR> <div> "No one is asking you to do that," Leo said sternly. "But I want you </div> <div> to keep in mind that you are here as a consultant. One that no one on </div> <div> the staff had any voice in hiring. We are under no obligation to take </div> <div> your advice on anything."</div> <bR> <div> "What are you saying?" Amy asked angrily.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm saying that you work for the campaign. Not the administration. </div> <div> Your job is to help us get re-elected, not to set policy."</div> <bR> <div> "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to be very clear about areas </div> <div> where I think the President is vulnerable," Amy spat.</div> <bR> <div> "I have come to realize that nothing on this earth can keep you from </div> <div> being very clear about your opinions," Leo said dryly. "But please </div> <div> don't overestimate the weight those opinions carry here."  </div> <bR> <div> "But I'm right about the marriage incentives," Amy defended.</div> <bR> <div> "Whether you are or you aren't really isn't the point," Toby cut </div> <div> in. "The bill wasn't called the Marriage Incentives Bill, it was the </div> <div> Welfare Reform Bill. We couldn't lose all of the good things the bill </div> <div> contained for the sake of one or two things we may not have totally </div> <div> agreed with. We had to step back and look at the bigger picture."</div> <bR> <div> "Stepping back and looking at the bigger picture is how bad law gets </div> <div> made," Amy snorted.</div> <bR> <div> "On the contrary," Bruno stepped in, "it's the only way anything ever </div> <div> gets done. I would have thought you would have learned that by now. </div> <div> The job of the campaign is to help the voters understand that </div> <div> sometimes you have to give up something to get what you really want. </div> <div> It's called compromise."</div> <bR> <div> "If that's what you want to believe," Amy said disgustedly.</div> <bR> <div> "It's not about what anyone believes," Bruno insisted, "It's the way </div> <div> it is." </div> <bR> <div> "Oh, you mean kind of like how Josh had to offer Brenda a position, </div> <div> and screw me out of a job, just to get the bill passed in the first </div> <div> place?"</div> <bR> <div> Josh tensed. He had been trying very hard to stay out of this </div> <div> particular battle since it was next to impossible for him to be </div> <div> totally objective. He wasn't in the mood to deal with Amy's rancor </div> <div> tonight, and more importantly, he wanted to avoid giving her any </div> <div> reason to turn it on Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "I gave you every chance to compromise," he said evenly. "I tried to </div> <div> reach some sort of agreement with you. But you wouldn't budge. So I </div> <div> did what I had to do."</div> <bR> <div> "And our personal relationship meant nothing to you," Amy stated more </div> <div> than asked. "The fact that we were sleeping together didn't keep you </div> <div> from taking my job away without a second thought."</div> <bR> <div> Out of the corner of her eye, Amy saw Donna wince and smiled to </div> <div> herself.</div> <bR> <div> "I can't let my personal relationships interfere with politics," Josh </div> <div> said firmly.</div> <bR> <div> "That's a joke," Amy snorted.</div> <bR> <div> Josh's first instinct was to snap back at her but he felt Donna's </div> <div> calming hand rubbing circles on his back, reminding him non-verbally </div> <div> not to let himself be baited, and he took a deep breath before he </div> <div> spoke.</div> <bR> <div> "What's that supposed to mean?"</div> <bR> <div> "You don't think the fact that you're sleeping with your assistant is </div> <div> going to have political ramifications?" Amy accused.</div> <bR> <div> "No, I don't," Josh said calmly. "My personal life is my personal </div> <div> life. And unlike you, I don't try to use it as leverage in political </div> <div> situations."</div> <bR> <div> "You're being naïve," Amy retorted.</div> <bR> <div> "And you're being a bitch," Josh shot back. "You're acting as though </div> <div> what we had was ever a real relationship. It wasn't."</div> <bR> <div> "And that's my fault?" Amy screamed.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Josh countered. "I'll take my share of the blame. I was trying </div> <div> to deny what it was I really felt and that drove me to you."</div> <bR> <div> "Let me tell you...." Amy began, rearing back and preparing for </div> <div> battle.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Bruno cut in decisively, "Let me tell you a few things."</div> <bR> <div> Amy opened her mouth to interrupt but fell silent when she saw the </div> <div> look on Bruno's face.</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't hire you so that you could fulfill some desire for </div> <div> revenge," Bruno said firmly. "In fact, had I known it was going to </div> <div> create this kind of personal conflict I never would have hired you to </div> <div> begin with."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you firing me?" Amy asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "No, that's not what I said. I'm telling you that this is going to be </div> <div> a close election and there is no room for anyone's personal agenda, </div> <div> or hurt feelings. You're here to do a job. To help get the President </div> <div> re-elected. I will listen carefully to your opinions about the best </div> <div> way to help reach female voters, but that's it. You're not a policy </div> <div> advisor. And you better get used to that fact. If you're willing to </div> <div> play by my rules, I'm happy to have you on board. If not, then I </div> <div> think you might want to seek other employment."</div> <bR> <div> "Well I guess I have some thinking to do," Amy said snippily as she </div> <div> gathered up her papers.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess you do," Bruno said evenly. "I'll give you a day to consider </div> <div> your options. Then let me know if you want to continue with your job </div> <div> or not."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll do that," Amy spat out as she headed for the door.</div> <bR> <div> As they heard the door slam behind her, Bruno turned to Leo.</div> <bR> <div> "I swear I hired her because she had a good reputation on women's </div> <div> issues. I knew that she had resigned from the WLC but she said that </div> <div> that was over some personal matters. I had no idea....."</div> <bR> <div> "Well now you do," Leo snapped.</div> <bR> <div> "Why didn't anyone tell me?" Bruno asked.</div> <bR> <div> "We didn't know you were thinking about hiring her until it was too </div> <div> late," Leo reminded him.</div> <bR> <div> "You know that complete autonomy of hiring I asked for?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yep," Leo smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe next time I'll run the names past you and get your opinion."</div> <bR> <div> "That might be a good idea."</div> <bR> <div> "But that doesn't solve the whole Amy-issue," Sam chimed in. "If she </div> <div> decides to keep her job, it means we'll have to work with her till </div> <div> the election."</div> <bR> <div> "Not really," Bruno said. "Frankly all of that mumbling of hers gives </div> <div> me a headache. If she decides to stay, I'll send her out on the road. </div> <div> We'll never see her."</div> <bR> <div> "That sounds like the best plan I've heard all night," Leo said as </div> <div> the others nodded their heads in agreement.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Amy stalked out of the Hay-Adams angrily, not even acknowledging the </div> <div> presence of the doorman who opened the door for her.</div> <bR> <div> "Can I get you a cab, ma'am," the man asked politely.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Amy snapped.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you need me to call you a cab?" he repeated courteously.</div> <bR> <div> "Of course I do," Amy berated the man for no reason. "Do you think </div> <div> I'm going to walk all the way home?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'll get one for you right away," the doorman said.</div> <bR> <div> "You know what? Never mind!" Amy said furiously. "I think a walk home </div> <div> might be just the thing I need tonight. It will give me plenty of </div> <div> time to think."</div> <bR> <div> "As you wish," the doorman said.</div> <bR> <div> Amy walked through the gate of the Hay-Adams, her eyes focused </div> <div> intently on the White House. Ever since she had arrived in D.C., all </div> <div> of her energy had been focused on that one building. She wanted to </div> <div> work there. But more than that, she wanted to have influence there. </div> <div> She wanted staffers to cower when they heard her coming down the </div> <div> hall. She wanted people to know that her word was law. She wanted a </div> <div> seat at the power table. She didn't care about being liked, she </div> <div> wanted to be feared and respected. Mostly feared.</div> <bR> <div> For a while she had believed that John Tandy was her ticket to what </div> <div> she wanted. He was rumored to be an up-and-comer in the Democratic </div> <div> party and she thought that he might be able to take her to the White </div> <div> House. But when Josh had come along, she started to think there was a </div> <div> quicker way to get there than to wait for Tandy to work his way up </div> <div> through the ranks.</div> <bR> <div> So she dumped Tandy and set her sights on Josh. He seemed like the </div> <div> perfect person to get her what she wanted most. Personal feelings had </div> <div> nothing to do with it. Although the truth of the matter was that she </div> <div> actually liked Josh. She had since college. She didn't love him by a </div> <div> long shot, but she was more than willing to let him think she might </div> <div> if it got her closer to the Oval Office.</div> <bR> <div> She had actually believed that the showdown over the welfare bill </div> <div> would be her finest hour. Her chance to prove to Josh once and for </div> <div> all just how tough she really was. How far she was willing to go to </div> <div> win. And once he saw that, and Leo and Bartlet saw it too, she was </div> <div> sure that they would want her on their team. She was sure that they </div> <div> would be eager to hire her on as a senior advisor.</div> <bR> <div> Then she wouldn't have needed Josh anymore. He could have ridden off </div> <div> into the sunset with Donna for all she cared. She would have gotten </div> <div> everything she needed from him.</div> <bR> <div> She couldn't figure out why Josh had chosen that particular issue to </div> <div> make a stand. They had had political tussles over the course of their </div> <div> relationship, and Josh had always backed down. He had never come </div> <div> after her with everything he had. And that had lulled her into a </div> <div> false sense of security. She was shocked when he had made a deal with </div> <div> Brenda behind her back, causing the executive board of the WLC to ask </div> <div> for her resignation. She never would have thought he'd be able to </div> <div> pull that off. She admitted to herself, grudgingly, that his </div> <div> reputation as a top-notch political operative was well deserved.</div> <bR> <div> She had been so close to what she wanted. But Josh had snatched it </div> <div> all away from her. And now he was parading around looking like the </div> <div> happiest man on earth while his precious Donna beamed at him like he </div> <div> invented fire.</div> <bR> <div> Amy's fury rose as she made a decision to head over to the White </div> <div> House and talk to Abbey. The First Lady was her last chance to save </div> <div> her career, and her shot at what she wanted. </div> <bR> <div> "I'll show them all," she said as she stepped out into the street.</div> <bR> <div> All of the other passersby looked up in horror when they heard the </div> <div> horns and the squealing tires. But there was nothing anyone could do. </div> <div> The bus tried to stop. But it was in vain.</div> <bR> <div> Witnesses would later swear that she never saw the bus that hit her. </div> <div> Her eyes were focused solely on the White House.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "It was a nice service, don't you think?" Donna asked as she and Josh </div> <div> entered his apartment on a sunny afternoon only a few days after they </div> <div> returned from Colorado. Donna had barely had time to process </div> <div> everything that had happened on the mountain. Amy's accident had </div> <div> occurred the night they returned and everything had been in a state </div> <div> of chaos since then.</div> <bR> <div> Because Amy was an employee of the campaign there were press releases </div> <div> to prepare and questions to answer. Everyone wondered what would have </div> <div> possessed her to step out in front of a moving bus. In the end, they </div> <div> had to accept the fact that they would never know.</div> <bR> <div> Because Amy didn't have any living relatives, Margaret and the other </div> <div> senior assistants had taken it upon themselves to plan the funeral. </div> <bR> <div> Donna was glad that she had managed to convince Josh to attend. It </div> <div> had been a bit awkward, but in the end Donna knew it was the right </div> <div> thing to do. She wanted to show Amy the respect in death that Amy had </div> <div> never bothered to show her in life.</div> <bR> <div> "I guess so," Josh answered as he toed off his shoes, tossed his suit </div> <div> jacket over the back of the chair and then flopped down on the couch.</div> <bR> <div> "I thought she looked good," Donna continued.</div> <bR> <div> "Did you really? I wondered why in God's name the hairstylist decided </div> <div> to give her a side ponytail."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, that was an odd choice," Donna agreed. "And her dress was a </div> <div> little low cut for...you know...a corpse."</div> <bR> <div> "And her skin looked a little shiny, almost oily," Josh chimed in.</div> <bR> <div> "Ok, we need to stop this," Donna said, stifling a giggle, "We </div> <div> shouldn't speak ill of the dead."</div> <bR> <div> "I guess not," Josh agreed.</div> <bR> <div> "Although now at least there's a legitimate reason for her jaw not to </div> <div> move."</div> <bR> <div> Josh couldn't help but laugh. "Couldn't resist that one last shot </div> <div> could you?"</div> <bR> <div> "For the record, I'm ashamed of myself."</div> <bR> <div> "Well you shouldn't be," Josh said seriously as he pulled her down </div> <div> beside him on the couch. "You should be very proud of the way you </div> <div> have handled this entire situation."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, but all I really want to do is put the last few months </div> <div> behind me. I want to forget all about Chris, Amy, Colorado, </div> <div> everything that has happened lately."</div> <bR> <div> "Everything?" Josh asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.</div> <bR> <div> "Well...maybe not everything," Donna grinned as she leaned in and </div> <div> kissed him tenderly.</div> <bR> <div> "Good. Because there are a few things that have happened lately that </div> <div> I never want to forget," Josh growled as he began to nibble on her </div> <div> neck.</div> <bR> <div> "Mmmm." Donna moaned softly.</div> <bR> <div> Josh tugged on her shoulder and pulled her into his lap, her thighs </div> <div> straddling his legs. The feel of Josh's arousal against her leg made </div> <div> Donna's own desire soar. She could feel the heat and throbbing </div> <div> between her legs intensify. She ground against him softly and reveled </div> <div> in the soft grunts of pleasure escaping his throat. She was still </div> <div> getting used to the fact that she could cause this kind of reaction </div> <div> from him. She was sure she would never get tired of it.</div> <bR> <div> She leaned forward and captured Josh's lips in a hungry kiss. The </div> <div> scent of his aftershave made her heart beat faster. She opened her </div> <div> mouth and sighed as she felt Josh's tongue move softly against her </div> <div> own. She thought how she would love to spend all day doing nothing </div> <div> but getting more familiar with his incredible mouth.</div> <bR> <div> She was snapped back to the present as Josh's hands began to move </div> <div> across her body. He made quick work of the buttons on her blouse, </div> <div> slid it off her shoulders, and began to run his hands over the soft </div> <div> planes of her back. Donna clutched at his biceps as Josh moved his </div> <div> hands around and began to work on the front closure of her bra. It </div> <div> only took a second for the clasp to give way and Donna released his </div> <div> arms so he could slide the scrap of lace off her shoulders and toss </div> <div> it haphazardly towards the ottoman.</div> <bR> <div> She gasped as she felt Josh's warm hands cup her breasts. He slid his </div> <div> thumbs across her nipples and smiled as he felt them harden under his </div> <div> touch. He applied more pressure as Donna arched her back and pressed </div> <div> herself into his hands. He loved the way she let him know what she </div> <div> liked, and what she wanted, simply by communicating with her body. He </div> <div> felt more connected to her than he had ever felt to any other person </div> <div> in his lifetime.</div> <bR> <div> As he continued his ministrations, she reached between them and </div> <div> unbuttoned his shirt. She momentarily dislodged his hands from her </div> <div> breasts as she tugged both his shirt and his undershirt over his </div> <div> head. He plunged his hands into her hair as she reached between them, </div> <div> unbuckled his belt, and went to work on the closure of his pants.</div> <bR> <div> "How long till we need to be back at the office?" Josh panted.</div> <bR> <div> "About an hour," Donna answered as she began to pull down his zipper.</div> <bR> <div> "Let's put that hour to good use," Josh said as he lowered his head </div> <div> and took her left breast into his mouth. Donna shifted her hands to </div> <div> clutch at the back of his head as he sucked her erect nipple into his </div> <div> mouth. She felt a jolt of electricity pass through her entire body. </div> <div> She let out a small squeak of joy that was like music to Josh's ears. </div> <div> He felt a sense of personal triumph every time he made her make that </div> <div> sound. </div> <bR> <div> "I love a man with good time-management skills," Donna purred.</div> <bR> <div> "Allow me to introduce you to a few of my other skills," Josh said as </div> <div> he lifted her off his lap and made quick work of removing the rest of </div> <div> her clothes. When he was through, he gently laid her back against the </div> <div> cushions of the couch. The sight of her naked body, with her hair </div> <div> fanned out around her head, made Josh freeze.</div> <bR> <div> Donna's retort died in her throat as she saw the look on Josh's face. </div> <div> What's wrong?" she asked worriedly.</div> <bR> <div> "Nothing," Josh stammered. "I just...ummm...we can't do this on the </div> <div> couch."</div> <bR> <div> "Why not?"</div> <bR> <div> "It brings back bad memories," Josh blanched.</div> <bR> <div> "What kind of memories?"</div> <bR> <div> "Just...memories," Josh said, praying Donna wouldn't force him to </div> <div> elaborate.</div> <bR> <div> "Ohhhh," Donna said as she realized what Josh was trying to say. "So </div> <div> you mean you and Amy had sex on this couch."</div> <bR> <div> "Please, Donna, let's not discuss this."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm just saying."</div> <bR> <div> "The couch holds particularly bad memories."</div> <bR> <div> "Why?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'd rather not say. We just need to find somewhere else," Josh said </div> <div> as he began to look around the room desperately.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, I'm guessing the bed is out of the question," Donna said dryly.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, my parents gave me the bed frame so I want to save that. But </div> <div> I'm gonna need to burn the mattress. And get a new couch. In fact, </div> <div> you know what, I think it's time I redo the entire apartment."</div> <bR> <div> Donna held back a laugh as she watched him try to come up with a new </div> <div> plan. While his head was turned, she slid her hand inside the </div> <div> waistband of his boxers and wrapped her fingers around his cock.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh God, Donna," he rasped as his eyes slammed shut. "You're not </div> <div> helping the situation any you know."</div> <bR> <div> "Really?" Donna teased as she began to stroke him with more </div> <div> pressure. "You don't find this helpful?"</div> <bR> <div> While Josh was attempting to form a response, Donna grasped his pants </div> <div> and boxers and began to tug them down. Josh's hips rose up </div> <div> reflexively and Donna managed to get his clothes down around his </div> <div> ankles where he quickly kicked them off. Before Josh could speak, she </div> <div> leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the tip of his erection, then </div> <div> took him into her mouth.</div> <bR> <div> Josh relaxed back into the couch as Donna began to lick and suck the </div> <div> entire length of his rigid cock. His hands plunged into her hair as </div> <div> his breathing became more and more ragged.  Donna kept up what she </div> <div> was doing, exploring every inch of him with her tongue and lips, </div> <div> using one hand to gently caress his balls while the other rested </div> <div> lightly on his hip. She could feel him beginning to lose control and </div> <div> loved that she was able to put him in that state.</div> <bR> <div> "Donna...stop," he said as he tugged on her shoulder and pulled her </div> <div> up to face him.</div> <bR> <div> "You know what they say, Josh," she smiled sweetly at him.</div> <bR> <div> "What do they say?"</div> <bR> <div> "The best way to get rid of a bad memory is to replace it with a good </div> <div> one."</div> <bR> <div> Josh stared into her eyes and he couldn't help but be amazed by what </div> <div> he saw there. He had never seen so much honest emotion in a woman's </div> <div> eyes before he met Donna. And for years he hadn't allowed himself to </div> <div> see everything that was there. But now he could. And he was blown </div> <div> away by the sincerity, the honesty, and mostly the love.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry," he said. "I never should have brought it up. I don't </div> <div> want you to feel uncomfortable." Josh struggled to find the words to </div> <div> express his feelings.</div> <bR> <div> "It's ok," Donna said truthfully. "I understand. We're adults. We've </div> <div> both had other relationships. But those are in the past. And if we </div> <div> decided to never have sex in parts of our apartments where we'd been </div> <div> with other people...well..."</div> <bR> <div> "Please, Donna. I'm begging you. I don't want to know what parts of </div> <div> your apartment are off-limits. In this case, ignorance really is </div> <div> bliss."</div> <bR> <div> "OK, then. Let's forget all of that and just make the most of the 45 </div> <div> minutes we have left before we need to get back to work."</div> <bR> <div> "Deal," Josh beamed as he laid her back against the cushions. This </div> <div> time there were no other images in his mind.</div> <bR> <div> He stretched out on top of Donna and moaned at the feel of her skin </div> <div> touching him from head to toe. He ground his erection into her </div> <div> stomach as he nibbled on her collarbone as Donna raked her </div> <div> fingernails along his back.</div> <bR> <div> Josh flipped them quickly so Donna was on top and reached his hand </div> <div> between their bodies, slipping easily between her folds. </div> <bR> <div> "Oh, Josh," Donna moaned as she braced her hands against his chest. </div> <bR> <div> His fingers sought out her center, the source of her heat. He was </div> <div> pleased to find her so obviously ready. He worked his fingers </div> <div> rhythmically against her body, inhaling the proof of her growing </div> <div> arousal. Donna began to breathe more rapidly and Josh wanted nothing </div> <div> more than to bring her to climax with his fingers alone. In the short </div> <div> period of time they had been together, he had learned that he loved </div> <div> nothing more than the sight and sound of Donna having an orgasm.</div> <bR> <div> "You're so wet, Donna," he ground out.</div> <bR> <div> "That's what you do to me," Donna panted as she pushed against his </div> <div> hand, trying to increase the friction. It hadn't taken her long to </div> <div> find out that Josh's mouth wasn't the only magical part of his body, </div> <div> his hands held secret powers of their own.</div> <bR> <div> He quickly pressed one, then two fingers inside her as his thumb </div> <div> began to circle her clit. Donna moaned loudly as every muscle in her </div> <div> body went on high alert.</div> <bR> <div> "Please, Josh. I need you now."</div> <bR> <div> "Anything you want."</div> <bR> <div> Donna lifted her hips slightly and took Josh's throbbing cock into </div> <div> her hand. Just the feel of it made her breathless with desire. With </div> <div> very little preamble, she positioned him at her opening and began to </div> <div> slowly lower herself onto him. The feel of him entering her was like </div> <div> heaven. For Donna, it felt more right than anything else ever had.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Josh hissed as he bent his knees slightly and placed his hands </div> <div> on her hips. He guided her up and down, helping find a speed that </div> <div> suited them both. He wanted to make it last as long as possible, but </div> <div> he was being led on by an almost primal need. The feel of her soft </div> <div> and warm around him was almost more than he could take. </div> <bR> <div> Donna leaned forward slightly, changing the angle and Josh couldn't </div> <div> resist lifting his head and taking one of her breasts into his mouth.</div> <bR> <div> The increased volume of Donna's moans pushed him closer to the edge </div> <div> of losing control. He began to thrust upward harder and faster. </div> <div> Donna's hands clutched at his chest as she chanted his name like a </div> <div> mantra.</div> <bR> <div> It wasn't long before he felt his own orgasm building within him. He </div> <div> reached between their bodies and began to rub Donna's clit. He felt </div> <div> her orgasm hit her just seconds before his own.</div> <bR> <div> She collapsed against his chest and they both tried desperately to </div> <div> catch their breath.</div> <bR> <div> "Well that certainly is a good memory," Josh said with a smile when </div> <div> he was able to speak again.</div> <bR> <div> "Any other furniture we need to rehabilitate?" Donna smirked.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, there is the matter of the ottoman," Josh blushed.</div> <bR> <div> Donna rolled her eyes. "I'm not even going to ask. We'll have to work </div> <div> on that later. Right now we need to jump in the shower and then get </div> <div> back to work."</div> <bR> <div> "If you insist."</div> <bR> <div> "I do," Donna teased as she got up and reached a hand down to pull </div> <div> Josh up.</div> <bR> <div> He got to his feet and immediately wrapped his arms around her waist </div> <div> from behind. "Thanks for helping me erase all of the bad memories </div> <div> from my apartment," he teased.</div> <bR> <div> "That's ok. Next we work on mine," Donna shot back.</div> <bR> <div> They were halfway to the bathroom when Josh stopped dead in his </div> <div> tracks.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Donna asked. "Did you just remember we can't go in the shower </div> <div> stall?"</div> <bR> <div> "No. Well..yes..but no. I have a brilliant idea."</div> <bR> <div> "What's that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Instead of us trying to erase all of the bad memories from each </div> <div> other's apartments, why don't we just chuck them both and find a </div> <div> place we can share."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "I found it!" Donna exclaimed excitedly as she rushed into Josh's </div> <div> office carrying two white carryout bags.</div> <bR> <div> "Found what?" Josh asked, his face registering confusion. "The </div> <div> perfect roast beef sandwich?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Donna said, bouncing excitedly. "The perfect apartment."</div> <bR> <div> "You found the perfect apartment while you were out picking up lunch?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes."</div> <bR> <div> "It's not above the deli, is it? Because I have to tell you, that </div> <div> doesn't sound perfect to me."</div> <bR> <div> "It's not."</div> <bR> <div> "I'd never be able to sleep in on weekends, what with people coming </div> <div> in early to get bagels and what-not."</div> <bR> <div> "It's not...wait...you don't sleep in on weekends," Donna pointed out.</div> <bR> <div> "But I have the option to do it if I wanted," Josh insisted.</div> <bR> <div> "But you don't."</div> <bR> <div> "But I could."</div> <bR> <div> "Look, this is ridiculous. The apartment isn't above the deli anyway."</div> <bR> <div> "Good, because..."</div> <bR> <div> "Josh!" Donna interrupted.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry," Josh said with a teasing smile. He reached for one of </div> <div> the bags in her hand. "Let's eat, and you can tell me all about the </div> <div> perfect apartment."</div> <bR> <div> "It's not an apartment exactly," Donna said as she spread their </div> <div> lunches out on the edge of Josh's desk. "It's a townhouse."</div> <bR> <div> "OK," Josh said as he grabbed two bottles of water from the </div> <div> refrigerator and took a seat in the visitor's chair next to Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "It's not too far from where you live now so I know you'll like the </div> <div> neighborhood."</div> <bR> <div> "Sounds good."</div> <bR> <div> "It has a beautiful fireplace in the living room, walk-in closets, a </div> <div> terrace with a fabulous view."</div> <bR> <div> "And you just happened across it on your way to the deli which is </div> <div> seven blocks in the other direction?"</div> <bR> <div> "Margie from accounting has a friend who's a realtor so sometimes she </div> <div> hears about places before they actually come on the market."</div> <bR> <div> "That's nice."</div> <bR> <div> "But this place is going to be in the paper in the morning so we have </div> <div> to move fast. I can free up an hour for you between staff and your </div> <div> meeting with Dawkins on the Hill." </div> <bR> <div> Josh couldn't help but smile at the way Donna's eyes were dancing </div> <div> with excitement. In the six weeks since they had decided to move in </div> <div> together, they had looked at an endless stream of apartments, condos </div> <div> and townhouses, but none had been right. </div> <bR> <div> "If you love it, I'm sure I'll love it," he smiled. "We'll go see it </div> <div> after staff."</div> <bR> <div> "Excellent," Donna said, clapping her hands. "I can't wait for you to </div> <div> see it. The landlord agreed to give us first dibs as long as we let </div> <div> her know by tonight."</div> <bR> <div> "That was nice of her," Josh said.</div> <bR> <div> "Actually she wasn't too thrilled with the idea at first."</div> <bR> <div> "But then you used your considerable powers of persuasion to make her </div> <div> fall into line?" Josh teased.</div> <bR> <div> "I told her my boyfriend is a very important man with a very busy </div> <div> schedule," Donna said, wiping a bit of mustard from Josh's lip.</div> <bR> <div> "And that impressed her?" </div> <bR> <div> "Not really. She asked what you did that was so important."</div> <bR> <div> "And you told her we work at the White House, and that convinced her."</div> <bR> <div> "At first, no. She said she doesn't much care for political-type </div> <div> people. They come and go too much for her taste." Donna removed the </div> <div> lid from the container of coleslaw and took a bite.</div> <bR> <div> "So how did you finally get her to agree to hold the place?" Josh </div> <div> asked, his curiosity growing.</div> <bR> <div> "I told her your name," Donna smirked.</div> <bR> <div> "I thought you said she doesn't like political types."</div> <bR> <div> "She doesn't. But she's a sucker for curls and dimples."</div> <bR> <div> "Donnatella!"</div> <bR> <div> "What?"</div> <bR> <div> "You pimped me out to get the woman to hold an apartment."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, don't be dramatic. I didn't 'pimp you out'. I merely used </div> <div> whatever tools were necessary to achieve the desired result."</div> <bR> <div> The look on Josh's face changed to one of pure awe. "I'm so proud."</div> <bR> <div> Donna rolled her eyes. "Shut up and eat your sandwich."</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> "Isn't it everything I said it was?" Donna asked happily as she and </div> <div> Josh stood in the living room of the Georgetown townhouse.</div> <bR> <div> "It's beautiful," Josh agreed, marveling at all of the space. The </div> <div> townhouse was much larger than he had expected.</div> <bR> <div> "And it's in the price range we agreed on," Donna added.</div> <bR> <div> "It's a great place," Josh said enthusiastically, taking in the </div> <div> hardwood floors and intricate molding.</div> <bR> <div> "All of the woodwork is original," the landlady added wistfully. "It </div> <div> was done my late husband. We renovated this place ourselves. Things </div> <div> were different in those days. People cared about their workmanship. </div> <div> I'm very careful about who I rent this place to. I don't want anyone </div> <div> trashing it."</div> <bR> <div> "I understand completely," Donna assured her. "Come on, Josh. I want </div> <div> to show you the upstairs."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll wait down here. My knees don't like stairs very much anymore. </div> <div> That's one of the reasons I moved out of this place."</div> <bR> <div> "We'll be right back," Donna said as she grabbed Josh's hand and </div> <div> began tugging him up the stairs.</div> <bR> <div> "Wait till you see the view from the bedroom window," she continued </div> <div> excitedly.</div> <bR> <div> Donna showed Josh the upstairs, carefully pointing out every detail. </div> <div> Finally they ended up in the master bedroom.</div> <bR> <div> "Isn't this beautiful," Donna sighed as she looked out the large </div> <div> windows at the view of DC.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, it is," Josh agreed. "And so are you."</div> <bR> <div> Donna wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently.</div> <bR> <div> "I love you," she sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "I love you too. Now let's go tell Mother Time we'll take it."</div> <bR> <div> "Josh!"</div> <bR> <div> "When you told me you pimped me out to the landlord, you didn't tell </div> <div> me she was old enough to be my grandmother's grandmother."</div> <bR> <div> "You're exaggerating."</div> <bR> <div> "Not much."</div> <bR> <div> "Be nice or she won't rent to us. This is a great place. She doesn't </div> <div> have to take the first prospective tenants that come along."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be on my best behavior."</div> <bR> <div> "And it wouldn't hurt to flash her the dimples. She loves dimples."</div> <bR> <div> "You're ruthless when you want something."</div> <bR> <div> "I learned from the best."</div> <bR> <div> Josh and Donna descended the stairs to find the landlady, Mrs. </div> <div> Carson, waiting on the living room window seat.</div> <bR> <div> "He loves the place as much as I do. We'll take it."</div> <bR> <div> "There are a few details to take care of first," Mrs. Carson said as </div> <div> she rose slowly. "Do you have references?"</div> <bR> <div> "Will the President of the United States do?" Josh asked, smiling, </div> <div> dimples out in full force.</div> <bR> <div> Donna elbowed him in the ribs.</div> <bR> <div> "Do you have anyone else?" Mrs. Carson queried.</div> <bR> <div> "We have both personal and professional references, ma'am. I think </div> <div> you'll find us very dependable. And responsible. And clean."</div> <bR> <div> Mrs. Carson smiled. "I'm sure I will, dear. I was just teasing this </div> <div> boyfriend of yours. I didn't want him to think I was a pushover for </div> <div> dimples."</div> <bR> <div> Josh glared at Donna.</div> <bR> <div> "I have a copy of the lease for you to look at," Mrs. Carson said as </div> <div> she pulled the document from the folder lying on the mantle. I'll </div> <div> need first and last month's rent and a security deposit."</div> <bR> <div> "We'll write you a check tonight," Donna said enthusiastically. "Then </div> <div> we'll look over the lease and bring it back tomorrow." </div> <bR> <div> "That'll be fine," the landlady agreed.</div> <bR> <div> Josh removed his checkbook from his inside jacket pocket, signed a </div> <div> check, and handed it to Donna for her to fill in the correct amount.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure you'll love it here," Mrs. Carson said as Donna handed her </div> <div> the completed check.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure we will," Donna beamed.</div> <bR> <div> "Me too," Josh agreed. "But right now we need to get going. In fact," </div> <div> he said, looking at his watch, "if we don't leave right now I'm gonna </div> <div> be late."</div> <bR> <div> "Do you mind if I stay and take a few measurements?" Donna asked, </div> <div> pulling a notepad and a tape measure from her purse. "I'll be back by </div> <div> the time you're through with your meeting."</div> <bR> <div> "But what about the stuff..."</div> <bR> <div> "It's already in your backpack."</div> <bR> <div> "Even the.."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes."</div> <bR> <div> "Do I have a choice in this?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Not really."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok then. I'll see you in a little bit."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll be back before you even know I'm gone."</div> <bR> <div> Josh gave Donna a quick kiss and headed out the door.</div> <bR> <div> Mrs. Carson smiled. "He's a nice man. He loves you very much."</div> <bR> <div> "I love him very much too," Donna smiled in return. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Josh entered the Roosevelt Room after returning from his meeting and </div> <div> found Donna deep in concentration. She was seated at the table, </div> <div> peering intently at a series of papers that covered a large part of </div> <div> the table's surface.  </div> <bR> <div> "Carol said you were in here," he said, startling Donna </div> <div> slightly. "What are you doing?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm done for the night so I was just trying to figure a few things </div> <div> out while I waited for you."</div> <bR> <div> "What things?" he asked curiously.</div> <bR> <div> "We're gonna need a new couch," Donna answered without looking up.</div> <bR> <div> "Huh?"</div> <bR> <div> "Neither of our couches are gonna work in our new living room."</div> <bR> <div> "How do you know?"</div> <bR> <div> "I made a floor plan."</div> <bR> <div> Josh gazed with amazement at the papers spread out on the table. Each </div> <div> one was an exact replica of one of the rooms in the new townhouse, </div> <div> complete with window and outlet placement. "I thought you said you </div> <div> were only taking a few measurements."</div> <bR> <div> "I did."</div> <bR> <div> "This seems pretty complete to me," Josh said, waving his arms at the </div> <div> papers.</div> <bR> <div> "I brought the measurements back and fed them into a design program </div> <div> that helps you lay out your rooms."</div> <bR> <div> "I didn't know there was such a thing."</div> <bR> <div> "There is. And as soon as I figure out the layout, I can feed the </div> <div> info back into the computer and it'll give us a 3-D view of what it </div> <div> will look like."</div> <bR> <div> "Cool."</div> <bR> <div> "But I can't work this layout with our existing couches. I'm trying </div> <div> to create a focal point."</div> <bR> <div> "You've been watching that show again, haven't you?"</div> <bR> <div> "What show?" Donna asked innocently.</div> <bR> <div> "That one with the designers, and the crazy chick who's always </div> <div> defiling people's walls. The one where they always talk about focal </div> <div> points."</div> <bR> <div> "'Trading Spaces'."</div> <bR> <div> "That's the one. I hate that Helen."</div> <bR> <div> "Hildi."</div> <bR> <div> "Whatever."</div> <bR> <div> "That's neither here nor there. We need a new couch."</div> <bR> <div> "Then just go get one. I'm sure I'll love whatever you pick out."</div> <bR> <div> "You have great taste in furniture, Josh. I want your input."</div> <bR> <div> "Do I have to?" he whined. </div> <bR> <div> Donna turned to him, her face suddenly serious. "Josh, it's important </div> <div> to me that this be our place. I want us both to have input on what we </div> <div> do, what we buy, and how we decorate it. That's why I printed these </div> <div> pages out. So we could work on it together."</div> <bR> <div> Josh saw the sincerity in her eyes and beamed at her. "I want that </div> <div> too. Set aside an hour or so for us to go look at furniture next </div> <div> weekend."</div> <bR> <div> "But I was hoping..." Donna said leadingly.</div> <bR> <div> "This weekend?" Josh asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah. I better set aside the entire day Sunday. I don't think the </div> <div> bedroom furniture will work either."</div> <bR> <div> "We need to test out new beds?" Josh asked eagerly.</div> <bR> <div> "I thought that might get your attention," Donna smiled. "First the </div> <div> couch, and if you behave, then the beds."</div> <bR> <div> Josh rolled his eyes. "Furniture shopping it is then."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks, Josh."</div> <bR> <div> "My pleasure," he said as he kissed her deeply. "From here on out, </div> <div> we're in this together." </div> <bR> <bR> <div> The End</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>