See part one for the disclaimer and other information.
C.J. takes final questions for the afternoon briefing.
“Katie”
“With Gladys Timpton’s tell all book ready to hit the stands today is the White House ready to deny her claims to fame?”
“Gladys Timpton was a White House staffer who worked in the communication department. She in no way had the access or resources to do as she has claimed.”
“So the book is completely fictitious?”
“Well, Steve, I will say she does have a healthy imagination, but a few sections do have a hint of truth. After all, she did have responsibilities as a staffer. We don’t hire people to sit around.”
“Is the White House pursuing legal action against Gladys Timpton?”
“I’m going to direct that question to the council’s office—Anything else?—No—good—Carol will be distributing further information on Gladys Timpton—see you at five.”
“Carol, I need more information on the Abalan religion—I can’t believe we sent the carrots—wasn’t someone suppose to fix that—and I want to know why Katie knew before I did?”
“You mean the people who won’t eat orange stuff?”
“Yeah—and get me Josh.”
“C.J. what was that middle section? It’s two o’clock so all hell has to break loose,” Toby joins her, waving his arms.
“Don’t blame this on me,” she gives him a pointed look, “I didn’t know anything about it going into the briefing and I think I did damn well at covering.”
“I’m not blaming you, I’m just…,” he makes a “you know” gesture.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Josh finally enters the scene.
“That’s what we want to know.”
“No one’s been briefed?”
“Carol,” she calls through the doorway, “Find out where Leo is.”
“On it.”
“How did this happen?”
“Someone on protocol messed up. I can’t believe this—after all the hoops I jumped through to get Wells to back off.”
“We don’t know that’s true—we’re all assuming it has something to do with the food donations—maybe some tourists packed an orange shirt.”
“I can’t believe the only information we have on this is from a reporter’s question.”
“Leo is in the situation room with the President—Margaret says he’ll find you when he gets out.”
“Thank you, Carol.’
“At least CNN hasn’t caught it yet.”
C.J. fades out for a moment listening to Josh and Toby rant—it has taken a major crisis for things to return to normal—a small portion of her wants them to fuss—that how dare anything make them forget—but pushes it aside—glad that perhaps friendship will return.
***
The day drags on as no sign of movement from the situation room is made. CNN has managed to get a reporter into Vendel—the streets filled with protesters turning violent—the complete contrary of the Vendelians.
“Dad?” C.J. asks almost as a question, hoping that tonight her father will remember.
“Darling”
“How are you?”
“Fine—today has been a good day—or so Molly tells me. Why the late phone call?”
“Today has not been such a good day here and I just needed to talk to you.”
“I don’t think that’s it—I know you well.”
“That you do, Dad.”
“So what is it, darling?”
“I’m pregnant.”
Silence is the only response.
“Dad?”
“I’m just surprised, honey—I never thought I would hear you say those words.”
“I was shocked too, Dad—I was shocked, too.”
“You won’t be bringing anyone home for the holidays?” he asks in order to confirm what he already suspects.
“No, Dad.”
“I’m happy for you, darling—make sure that you take care of yourself—oh—I have a box for you—your mother insisted that I save it for you.”
“Daddy,” she grasps, getting teary eyed.
“C.J., they need you in the Oval,” Carol interrupts.
“Dad, I have to go.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
TBC
Thank you to all my loyal readers!