Unwelcomed Changes Part 21

Unwelcomed Changes


By Mer

Part 21

Toby’s Office

“Yes, Senator I understand but I really think that it would be in your best interests to go along with us on this one.” Toby stated into the telephone.

Toby sat at his desk nodding his head as he listened to the Senator’s reply. He was also scratching some information down on a piece of paper that was in front of him. He was just waiting for his opportunity to show the Senator who was boss. However, just as that opportunity was brought to him his office door was thrust open.

“Where the hell is she?” C.J. demanded as she burst into Toby’s office.

“What?” Toby asked as C.J.’s yelling interrupted his phone call that he was in the middle of.

“Mandy, where the hell is she?” C.J. clarified.

“Senator I apologize but something of dire need has come up, I’ll have to call you right back.” Toby told the person on the phone stressing his words so that C.J. knew he was pissed off at her for the interruption.

“Well Toby where is she?” C.J. demanded for a third time.

“I don’t know. I am kind of her boss, but I am not her keeper.” Toby replied with a hint of anger in his voice.

“Sorry.” C.J. replied sheepishly as she began to pace around in his office.

“What did Mandy do this time anyway?” Toby groaned.

“She told a reporter all about Sam’s condition.” C.J. replied as she threw up her hands as to show how dire the situation was.

“As much as I hate to ask this, which reporter? And why?” Toby asked in a sickened voice.

“Katie and I have no idea why. I think she is just looking for a way to keep Sam’s job.” C.J. replied with a touch of anger.

“Do you need me to diffuse the story?” Toby asked as he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

“No, it’s already been taken care of. Thankfully, Danny stopped her.” C.J. replied.

“Danny stopped her, huh?” Toby asked with a raised eyebrow.

“He did it for the good of the administration.” C.J. protested.

“Or maybe he did it to get into your…” Toby began but got cut off.

“Toby Zachary Ziegler, my love life is none of your concern!” C.J. shrieked and Toby felt as if his mother had just scolded him.

“Okay, I’m guessing that wasn’t exactly the right thing to suggest.” Toby theorized.

“I’m guessing you’re right.” C.J. replied with an annoyed tone.

“So you are looking for Mandy so that this doesn’t happen again, right?” Toby asked.

“Yes, that and to put the fear of God into her.” C.J. answered with a smirk.

“I guess I can understand your urgent need to find her then.” Toby replied with a roll of his eyes.

“Guys, I hate to interrupt but there is an important call for you on line 1.” Ginger said as she poked her head into the office.

“Which one of us is the call for?” Toby asked.

“Both of you I think, it’s Josh.” Ginger stated and Toby hit the speaker button on the phone.

“Hey Josh, how are you?” Toby asked.

“I’m okay.” Josh’s voice sounded troubled.

“What can we do for you mi’ amore?” C.J. asked.

“There is a thing with Mandy.” Josh sighed heavily on his end of the phone.

“Yeah we know.” C.J. replied.

“I talked to Katie and I made sure that she won’t ever print that story.” Josh replied in his I-just-scared-the-shit-out-of-someone voice.

“How did you find out about it? Did Danny come and tell you too?” C.J. asked.

“Danny knows too? No Mandy came and begged me to help her. So I called Katie and used some leverage that I had been holding back. I only did it because Mandy was genuinely scared of the fallout that she had created.” Josh replied with a slight irritation in his voice.

“You mean she actually found a conscience?” C.J. exclaimed in a mock shocked voice.

“I think she was more worried about ruining her career.” Josh replied with little emotion.

“Is everything okay?” C.J. asked with a concerned voice.

“Josh, would you like us to come and see you later?” Toby asked as he tried to find a way to cheer him up.

“Just as long as you don’t get upset that I can’t return the favor.” Josh replied sadly.

“What do you mean if you can’t return the favor?” Toby asked.

“Toby please let’s not talk about this now.” C.J. interrupted.

“But actually I do need all of you to come and see me at Georgetown Hospital tonight.” Josh said in a very depressed voice.

“All of us?” Toby asked in a shocked voice.

“Yes. I’m going to call and talk to Leo and tell him. It’s very important.” Josh replied as he hung up the phone.

“What could be that important?” Toby asked once he hung up the phone on his end.

“Toby he has been blind since he woke up, maybe it has something to do with his sight, or lack there of.” C.J. stated gently.

“Josh is blind? How long have you known?” Toby asked.

“I’ve only known since this morning.” C.J. assured him.

“You could have told me you know.” Toby scolded.

“Sorry.” C.J. replied with a shrug.

Rosslyn Long-Term Care Facility-Sam’s Room

Sam sat in his bed and he wondered if he hadn’t been just a little too harsh with Leo. He had recognized the tactic that Leo was trying to use on him so he had played along with it for awhile. It had been fun to watch as Leo thought that he was being changed, and then to all of sudden pop back out with the cruelty. He couldn’t believe that being mean was this much fun.

Sam had to admit that Leo did have somewhat of a point, but he wasn’t about to give in just yet. If he gave in then he would have to stop placing the blame on Josh and that was something that he didn’t want to give up quite yet either. People pitied Josh because he had been shot, the select few pitied him because of his PTSD, but not one person pitied Sam for having to put up with said Josh.

“That’s right Sam, Josh is evil, just keep hating him.” A voice taunted.

“Finally, someone who agrees with me.” Sam replied joyously.

“You agree with me this time?” The voice repeated.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Sam replied with a sly smile.

“Do you remember me Sam?” The voice asked.

“Of course I do, your name is Matt.” Sam replied matter-of-factly.

“Do you remember what happened when you went to visit Josh at the hospital?” Matt asked devilishly.

“No.” Sam replied honestly.

“Well, I think that you should try and visit him again so I can show you.” Matt replied.

“But he’s been taken to another hospital right now.” Sam protested.

“Hmmm…” Matt replied.

“You were there for me the night of the fire weren’t you?” Sam asked.

“Yes, I was there for you on the night of the fire.” Matt replied.

“Why haven’t you visited me since?” Sam asked.

“Because you have been busy with doctors and people who don’t approve of my presence.” Matt replied.

“You’re my one true friend though.” Sam protested.

“I know that’s why I came to visit you as soon as I could.” Matt replied.

“What do I have to do to prove to them that Josh is the reason behind what happened and not me?” Sam begged.

“You have to exploit his weaknesses.” Matt replied.

“That should be a piece of cake.” Sam smiled.

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