DISCLAIMER: The pre-existing characters mentioned in this submission are from the brilliant mind of Aaron Sorkin, the creative genius behind the West Wing. The original characters are of my own creation.

(This and subsequent submissions are written in script format. When you read this, you will need to read it as though you are watching it on TV. Anything that is not in "quotation marks" is considered to be stage direction, or info to help out your creativity in visioning things. By all means, use your imagination to picture things, but above all, enjoy!)

Guide: This is definitely best read after Hanging By A Thread, Parts 1,2 and 3. You won't know what's going on unless you do!

Synopsis: When security is breached, a crisis hits the White House Senior Staff. Melody admits to Sam

the truth about her stalker, and they finally admit what has taken 13 years to admit.

Rating: PG

3:46 p.m., Monday. The Airport.

Melody is taking her luggage to the check-in station. She is thinking to herself, "God, I wish I had

taken him up on his offer to drop me off. It would have been nice to see him one last time." She places

her luggage on the conveyor belt, then walks through the metal detector, which does not make a

sound. She collects her bags at the other end of the conveyor belt, and proceeds to the gate which

she needs to be at. The attendant takes her suitcase, puts it on a cart with the others, and then motions

to the tunnel to the plane. "Thank you." Melody walks toward the entrance, takes one look behind her,

just in case. She sighs, she doesn't see anyone. We hear the song 'When I See You Smile', the version

by 'Uncle Sam' playing in the background. It has a great soul sound and is perfect for this scene. She

hands the attendant her ticket, then heads down the tunnel.

4:54 p.m. Somewhere between Washington and New York.

Melody is sitting in her seat, looking wistfully out the window, at the very small dots below, which

are actually very large buildings. She takes a picture out of her carry-on bag, one that is in a frame,

and given to her this past week. It is a picture of herself with Sam, POTUS and the First Lady. She

then puts her hand on the frame, and covers the part of the picture that POTUS and the First Lady

are in. She smiles, in spite of herself. She runs her hand across Sam's face, kisses her finger, then

puts it on Sam's picture. She closes her eyes, sighs, then looks out of the window. She is in a world

of her own, when she is interrupted by the Flight Attendant.

F.A. – "Excuse me, Ms. Burns?"

Melody – turning to the attendant "Yes, what can I do for you?"

F.A. – "I'm sorry to disturb you, but you have a phone call."

Melody – surprised "Really? I didn't know we could get calls on a plane."

F.A. – "Only calls from certain people. You'll need to come with me to take this one." She leads

Melody to the middle area in between Coach and Business Class where the Attendants do their work

during the flight. The attendant points to a phone which is on the wall. "She is on this phone, Ma'am."

Melody – to the attendant "Thank you." Into the phone. "This is Melody, how can I help you?"

1^st Lady – Only heard on the phone "Melody, this is Abigail Bartlet."

Melody – "Mrs. Bartlet, I am surprised to get this call Ma'am. What can I do for you? Does this concern

the President and what we discussed?" At this time, the Flight Attendants have heard through the

grapevine that she is talking to the First Lady, and they are working, but are hanging around her

so they can get the scoop on what's going on. This is a brush with fame for them.

1^st Lady – "Well Melody, this isn't about my husband."

Melody – "Well Ma'am, may I ask what it's about?"

1^st Lady – "Well, is there a chair nearby?"

Melody – "Mrs. Bartlet, forgive me if this seems rude, but you are starting to scare me here. What's going

on?" There is a long pause. Melody places her hand against the wall behind her to brace herself.

She looks at one of the attendants who can see that she is close to fainting. She quickly gets a

chair for Melody and helps her to sit down. Melody's face is set to shocked. In a voice of panic "I

have to do something. Can't we turn this plane around?" (pause) "What do you mean there's

nothing I can do? He is alright isn't he?"

1^st Lady – "It is very serious, but he's a fighter, I'm sure he will come through."

Melody – standing up and almost yelling, "Mrs. Bartlet, you are a doctor. What are you telling me, is he

going to be ok or not?"

F.A. – putting her hand toward Melody's shoulder "Ma'am, please calm down."

Melody – with all the spitefulness she can muster "Look. Don't you tell me to what to do or what not to

do. Unless you can turn this plane around and go back to Washington right now, I will do what I

bloody well please."

1^st Lady – "Melody, he will be ok. Toby has checked the flight schedule from New York, and there is a

plane leaving from the airport there 20 minutes after you land, and he has reserved a ticket for you.

You can be back in less than 3 hours."

Melody – "What if something happens before then Ma'am, you know they won't let me sit back here

forever and talk to you."

1^st Lady – "Give me the flight attendant." Melody hands the phone to the Flight Attendant.

Melody – "The First Lady wants to speak to you." During this time, the Flight Attendant and Mrs. Bartlet

are having their conversation, and Melody sinks back into her chair. After a few nods of

recognition, and acknowledgement, the Flight Attendant hands the phone back to Melody. "Yes,

Ma'am." (pause) "Yes, Ma'am." (pause) "I'll turn it on as soon as I get back to my seat Mrs.

Bartlet. I apologize for you hearing me yell just now." To the Flight Attendant that she reamed

out earlier "I'm sorry." The flight attendant smiles and nods to let her know it's ok, she

understands. "Ma'am, please call me with any news. This is going to kill me to not be there, but

when he wakes up and if he asks for me, please tell him I'm on the way, OK?"

1^st Lady – "Definitely. You go back in, try and relax. I know it's hard, but he's going to need you to be

strong for him, ok?"

Melody – The shock of what has happened has passed, and she has now realized what went on, and is

starting to cry "Yes Ma'am. Thank you." As she is about to hang up the phone Mrs. Bartlet

speaks again.

1^st Lady – "Melody, my husband has just told me that he will be at the airport upon your return, and with

the motorcade, they will be able to get here much faster. He told me," to her husband "Jed, you

talk to her."

POTUS – "Melody."

Melody – standing up, as if he just walked into the room. "Yes Mr. President."

POTUS – we can hear the smile on his face through the phone "You're standing up, aren't you."

Melody – with a forced smile "How could you tell Sir?"

POTUS – "Because I make you nervous, that's why. Melody, I won't keep the line tied up, but I want you

to know that myself and Charlie will be there at the airport waiting for you. We, along with

members of the Secret Service will be waiting for you at the gate, and will escort you to my

limousine. Upon your arrival there, we will go straight to George Washington Memorial Hospital,

where everyone will be waiting for you."

Melody – sitting back down, "Sir, that is all so unnecessary."

POTUS – "Melody, my staff are like family to me. If my staff are willing to take a bullet for me, then the

least that I can do is to make sure, when one of them is in trouble, to help out where I can. Sam is

one of my closest confidantes, and I trust him implicitly. Seeing as he trusts you implicitly, so do

I."

Melody – "Well I am very honored to have you say that Mr. President." She starts to cry again "That

means more than you know."

POTUS – "Well, I know that Abigail is going to be calling you with updates as they happen. I won't keep

you. Melody..."

Melody – standing up again "Yes Mr. President."

POTUS – "Have a drink for me, ok? I prefer bourbon."

Melody – with a smile "As long as you don't mind me having a double for you, Sir."

POTUS – with a laugh "We'll see you very soon."

Melody – "Sir, could I run the risk of overstepping bounds and ask you a favor?

POTUS – "You won't overstep. What can I do?"

Melody – "Well, if you feel comfortable doing this, that's ok. If not, I understand."

POTUS – "What is it?"

Melody – "Sam loves to read, as I'm sure you know, and it may help if someone could get one of his

favorite books. Even if he can't read it himself just yet, someone could read to him."

POTUS – "Which book would you like us to get for him?"

Melody – "You promise not to ever tell him that I told you this Sir?"

POTUS – "You have my word."

Melody – "He has a book on his shelf that he read passages from to me last week, just to help me relax.

It's the Complete Works of Shakespeare. It's in a paperback format, it's dog-eared all over the

place. It will probably be on the nightstand in his bedroom. Do you think that you could maybe

ask Josh or Donna to get it from his place for me?"

POTUS – "I promise. It will be there when we get to the hospital."

Melody – "Thank you, Mr. President." (pause) "I appreciate that Sir." (pause) "Thank you Sir." Melody

hangs up the phone. She walks back to her seat. She sits down, looks out the window, clutching

the picture she was looking at before close to her heart. "I'm coming Sam, Hold on. I'm

coming."

8:46 p.m. Washington Airport.

The plane hovering overhead, and is just about to begin its descent. Melody looks out her window

and sees a large parade of black limousines, flashing colored lights and police on motorcycles. She

things to herself "He's actually here. How wonderful a man is he? He cares so much about his staff,

that he would put himself in danger to let me get to Sam. I voted for the right man." Over the speaker

system we hear the following announcement.

F.A. - "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into Washington D.C. Please bring your

chairs to the upright position, and fasten your seatbelts. We have a unique situation at the airport

at this time. As a result, our exiting procedure will be slightly different. An accident has occurred

to a member of the Senior Staff of the White House, and as a result, President Bartlet is at the

airport awaiting the arrival of his close friend. The Terminal we are entering has been cleared of

all travelers temporarily due to the President's presence. As a result of this security measure, we

have been advised that our arrival procedures will be delayed by approximately 20 minutes. We

apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you, and assure you that once the situation is

resolved, we will be opening the doors to our passengers. Again Ladies and Gentlemen, we

apologize for the inconvenience and will be arriving shortly."

8:58 p.m. Washington Airport.

The plane has just landed. A Flight Attendant is walking up to the front of the plane in the Business

Class seating area and comes to get Melody who, still seated in her chair clutching her carry-on bag,

is visibly upset, shaken and worried.

F.A. – "Ms. Burns, if you'll come with me. We'll make sure you get to the President right away."

Melody – looking up at her with the look that a scared child would make "Thank you very much." Melody

gets up from her chair, grasps her carry-on bag and looks at the passengers, who are still in their

seats, with a very apologetic look. "I'm sorry everyone, I told him he didn't have to be here."

Passenger – "It's ok. 20 minutes is not that much of a delay. I hope everything goes well for you dear."

Melody – to the passenger "Thank you very much Ma'am. I appreciate that."

The Flight Attendants make sure that Melody gets to the door of the plane, and that there are no

people in her way. She sees the Secret Service Agents swarming the Airport Terminal, the President

and Charlie walk to the gate to meet her. A Flight Attendant hands her some tissues as they walk to

through the tunnel towards the end where the President is waiting for her.

Melody – to the Flight Attendant "Thank you, for this and for everything."

F.A. – "Not at all Ms. Burns. I hope that everything is ok."

Melody – "As do I." To POTUS and Charlie "Mr. President. Charlie. Thank you so much for this." The

President reaches out to her and gives her a hug. She starts to cry.

POTUS – "You know, the more time we waste here, the less time we have with Sam. Let's go."

S.S.Agent – into his sleeve "The Eagle is moving."

The entourage moves through the airport terminal, the President's arm around Melody's shoulder

as they are walking. They reach the President's limousine, Charlie holds the door open for the

President, which he in turn, holds open for Melody. She starts to cry as she says "Thank you

very much Sir." She enters the car, then the handle is taken over by a Secret Service Agent who,

once everyone in the party is inside, shuts tightly then bangs on the roof to let them know to get going.

9:34 p.m., George Washington Memorial Hospital

The President and his motorcade arrive in the emergency entrance of the hospital. There are Press

everywhere, and flashes are going off in every direction. The door is opened for the President, and he, Charlie and Melody step out of the car.

Melody – to POTUS holding back tears, trying to be strong "I don't know how you do this every day, Sir.

I mean – all this press – it's crazy."

POTUS – "After a while, they fade into the background. You learn not to notice them, you give a wave,

and that's really all they want." At this time, they have entered the ER and the First Lady comes

up to Melody and gives her a hug.

Melody – "Forgive me Ma'am, but where is he?"

1^st Lady – "He's in surgery, but he should be out soon."

Melody – "What happened? All you told me was that he was in an accident, and that it looked serious."

1^st Lady – "Come have a seat over here with me, and I will explain everything." Melody looks at POTUS

with an 'Is this ok?' look. He gives her a wink and nods. As the First Lady and Melody walk

towards the group of chairs that are in the waiting room, she is feeling the eyes on her. C.J.,

Donna, Josh, Toby, everyone is there. She has never felt so under scrutiny, so cared for and so

alone all at the same time.

1^st Lady – motioning to the chairs "Have a seat. How descriptive do you want this?"

Melody – "Ma'am, tell me everything. I need to know, it will help me help him." As the First Lady tells

her these things Melody is crying, and reacting to the things being said, as her character would.

1^st Lady – "Well, from what I understand, he was leaving the White House to come and see you at the

airport before you left. Donna told me that Josh was going to go with him, but he was too busy

being a 'Dingus'." Melody smiles. "Anyway, when Sam was walking to his car he heard

screeching tires, and I guess he didn't have time to move out of the way. He was hit, and his body

was flipped over the car that hit him. One of the Security Guards saw the accident happen, but

was unable to get the plate number written down to run a check. By the way, we are checking the

surveillance tape right now, and that information is going to the police. He called Mike, the North

Lobby Agent, who then called Toby, who then called Leo, who then called Josiah and who then

told me. They, of course, immediately called for an ambulance, and he was taken here within a

matter of minutes. As soon as we got here, Donna asked me if anyone had called you. I didn't

think that anyone had, and then I called you on the plane."

Melody – motions to Donna, whom she sees walking cautiously around the corner with a cup of coffee and

a very thick book, to come and sit down with them. Donna hands her the coffee and the book.

"Thanks Donna, for the coffee, the book, for thinking of me, for everything."

Donna – giving Melody a hug "You're welcome. Anything I can do to help, and I am so there."

Melody – smiling, to Donna "Thanks. Ma'am, what are the extent of the injuries?"

1^st Lady – "Well, the surgeon hasn't come out yet, so I'm not quite sure. I did see him when he came into

the hospital though, and I could tell that he had a few bone fractures, and a lot of road rash, but

aside from that, I don't really know. I don't want to speculate."

Melody – "I understand. What is the possibility of..."

Doctor – "Is there someone here that I can speak to regarding Samuel Seaborn's condition?"

Melody – standing up faster than she thought possible "That would be me."

Doctor – "Hello, I'm Doctor Thompson, the surgeon attending to Mr. Seaborn." The White House Staff

have now gathered near the Doctor, and are listening intently to what he has to say.

Melody – "Please tell me what's going on." The First Lady is holding on to Melody's hand as he speaks.

Doctor – "Well Ma'am, his condition is serious, I won't deny that, but it is not life threatening, and he

should pull through." A collective sigh of relief comes from everyone. "We are still in surgery,

there are a few things that need to be repaired. It should be wrapping up soon. His spleen was

ruptured in two places, and we decided, according to the First Lady's request to do whatever

necessary, that we needed to perform a spleenectomy. That is not a life-threatening procedure, so

there is nothing to be worried about in that regard. We have also had to perform a procedure

where we remove a piece of skin from one area on his body and move it to another. It is easier on

the system to do this than an artificial skin graft, as this is basically transplanted cells from one

part of the body to another on the same patient. We then grafted this onto his knee. The skin from

his knee was completely torn and this was the best way to re-construct the patella without major

re-constructive surgery. He has broken his right hip, so he will basically be an invalid for about 8

weeks. Normally the healing period for compound fractures is anywhere from 4-6 weeks, but

after consulting with the First Lady, we are recommending an 8 week healing period for him. This

will mean no walking for at least 3 weeks, and having someone with him at all times to ensure that

his healing and his dressings are clean and changed on a regular basis."

Melody – "That's no problem."

Doctor - "Everything else is bruising, cuts and scrapes. He has a lot of road rash, mostly on his arms and

legs. He was joking with me before we administered the anesthetic, which is always a good sign,

that he was worried that you might not want to look at him if he had road rash on his face."

Melody – with a laugh and a smile and starting to cry "Why would he ever be such a, a..."

Donna – putting her arm around Melody to comfort her "A Dingus?"

Melody – with a laugh "Yes, Donna. A Dingus." To the Doctor "May I see him?"

Doctor – "Please, follow me. You can't go inside, but you can definitely stand outside the window." The

walk down the hall, through the large doors that read "Trauma". He pushes the doors open, then

motions for Melody to sit, or stand, at the window. She looks through the window. She can see

Sam, laying on the Operating Table. She puts her hand to the window, as the First Lady walks up

behind her. The First Lady puts her arm around Melody to comfort her. Melody starts to cry.

Melody – "I'm so glad that he'll be ok. I am so glad."

1^st Lady – "So am I."

Two hours later, George Washington Memorial Hospital Emergency Waiting Room.

Donna, C.J., Josh, and Melody are sitting in the waiting room, waiting to hear any news about

Sam. C.J. is on the phone talking to Toby, who is back at the White House, preparing a statement

for a very informal press briefing that C.J. plans to do from the hospital to appease the swarm of

press that have gathered there. We hear C.J. in the background every so often with a "Ya." Or

an "Uh huh" or a "Yup."

Josh – "Do you want us to go, or would you rather we stay?"

Melody – "I think Sam would feel better knowing that you guys were here."

Donna – giving Melody a hug "I am so glad that we got to know you. Sam's a lucky guy."

Melody – with a smile "Ya, he is isn't he?"

Donna – "See, you're feeling better already, I can tell. Are you starting to get hungry yet, or would you

like some more coffee? You name it, it's yours.""

Josh – "Oh, you bring her coffee, but you don't bring me any?"

Donna – "She has been through a difficult experience here, and I am here to help her out."

Josh – "And working at the White House isn't difficult?"

Donna – "No, working for you is. If I got you coffee every time that there was a major crisis with which

was attached your impending doom, I'd never get any work done."

Josh – under his breath "Smart ass."

Donna – "I heard that, Joshua." Melody has been laughing at this little spat between Donna and Josh. She

finds it funny. "See – spirits lifted! Don't worry, I laugh at him all the time, even though he

doesn't know it." The Doctor comes in and breaks up the laughter with his presence.

Doctor – "Ms. Burns, you can see him now if you'd like."

Josh – getting up out of his chair – "Let's go."

Donna – pulling on his jacket sleeve "Josh – let them be alone for a few minutes. Geez – have some

courtesy for once."

Josh – realizing she's right, he sits back down. "We'll be right here if you need us."

Melody – walking out of the room, but looking back to them, "Thanks guys. Just being here means more

to me than you know." (To Josh) raising up the book "Thanks for getting the book Josh."

Josh – "No problem." Melody has left the doorway. This is heard as she is walking down the hall "So,

where's my coffee?"

Doctor – "Now he's going to be very weak, he's been through quite a bit of trauma. Just go easy on him,

ok?"

Melody – "No problem Doctor. Is it ok if I sit on the side of the bed?"

Doctor – "I don't see why not. Just be careful."

Melody – "I will be." She approaches the door that the Doctor has pointed to.

Doctor – "Here we are, this is his room. He's been intubated, so he will probably not be able to speak

well, so if he tries to, just tell him that he has to be quiet and let his throat rest, ok?"

Melody – "A Medical order to shut up – can I have that in writing?"

Doctor – with a smile "It won't last. Trust me."

Melody – to the Doctor "Thank you so much for taking care of him."

Doctor – "It was my pleasure. Go on in and keep him company."

Melody – She turns to the door, and turns the handle. She opens the door and walks in. She sees Sam,

laying on his back with his right hip boosted up with pillows, his feet sticking out of the end of the

blankets. She thinks "How typically Sam." The IV is on the post behind him, and we hear the

sound of the cardiac monitor beeping in the background. Melody walks to and lays her black

trench coat across the end of the bed. We hear the song "The Woman In Me" by Shania Twain

playing softly in the background. Melody walks to the closet and gets out the extra blankets that

have been placed there. "He gets cold when he sleeps. These should keep him nice and warm."

She has not noticed that Josh, Donna and C.J. have gathered at the window and are watching what

is going on. They too are curious as to his condition, but are giving them their time alone.

Melody unfolds the blankets carefully and slowly tucks them around his feet. She tucks him in,

then slowly and carefully sits on the side of the bed where his left side is laying. She takes her left

hand and softly brushes the hair away from his eyes, then traces his face with her fingers. She

takes his hand from the bed and places it in hers. "Sam, I don't know if you can hear me. I'm

here. I heard about your accident when I was on the plane back to New York, and I got the first

plane back here. The President even came to meet me at the airport. He wants me to tell you, by

the way, that he wants some changes made to that speech that he has to make tomorrow night, so

he wants you back in the office tomorrow morning." She is stroking his left hand gently, and has

her head lowered. She is starting to cry a little. We can see Donna and Josh in the background

through the window, C.J. has left to make a call to Toby. Donna has her hand covering her mouth,

in a gesture that she is touched by what she is watching. Josh has his arm around her. "Sam, I

don't want you to think that just because I'm here it means that you can slack off and not get

better. I don't know what I would ever do without you. I almost lost you once, and I realize now

that it was the biggest mistake of my life. I can't bear the thought of being without you. You have

to promise that you'll never leave, and that you'll get well, because I just don't know what I would

do without you, I just don't know..." She is going through an unashamed show of emotion, tears

running down her cheeks like a faucet.

Sam – still with his eyes closed and in a very raspy voice "Shhhh. I'm not going anywhere."

Melody – looking up at him with a weak smile "Sam. You're in the hospital. You were hit by a car, do

you remember?" Sam goes to open his mouth, but she stops him "Don't speak. You had a tube

down your throat to help you breathe during surgery. Just nod or shake your head, ok?" He nods.

"Ok." She is smiling now, as she knows he is going to be fine. "I was really worried about you

Sam. I have never been that scared in all my life." She takes her left hand, freeing it from her

clutch of his own hand, and runs it down the side of Sam's face. "The doctor told me what you

said on your way in here. About me not wanting to look at you if you had road rash on your face,

do you remember?" He nods with a smile. "Do you really think I would let anything stop me

from looking at this face?" He smiles. He takes his right hand, which has been bandaged and

takes hold of Melody's left hand. He takes her fingers, gives them a kiss, then holds them to her

face. Melody holds his hand close then starts to cry, then we see Donna starting to cry. Josh looks

at Donna, then rolls his eyes. Josh hands Donna a tissue. Melody wipes the tears from her eyes,

and tries to regain her composure. "I brought you a book. Well actually, Josh brought it here for

you. I thought, if you wanted, we could read together. It could help to pass the time." Sam

mouths the words 'Josh is here' "Yes, he is. I can go get him if you like." Sam looks to the

window. Melody turns to see Josh and Donna standing at the window. Melody waves them in.

Donna – "Hey there Sam."

Josh – "What's up Buddy?"

Sam – very quietly "Well, I was hit by a car. What about you?"

Melody – "The Doctor told me to tell you to shut up if you spoke. So, shut up."

Josh – "I wouldn't take that lying down my friend." Sam rolls his eyes.

Donna – "I completely understand. Is there anything we can do for you Sam?" He shakes his head 'no'.

"Is there anything you want us to bring you from home? A favorite movie maybe?" Again, he

shakes his head 'no'.

Sam – He looks at Melody, squeezes her hand and whispers "All I need is right here."

Josh – "We'll leave you two kids alone. Let's go Donna."

Donna – placing a gentle hand on Sam's leg "Take care Sam. We'll be in tomorrow." He looks at Donna

and smiles. He raises a hand to wave at Josh. "Call me if you want to talk Melody, ok? Any

time, day or night. I mean that."

Melody – looking at Donna "Thanks. You guys are the best."

Donna and Josh leave the hospital room, and Sam and Melody are left alone.

Melody – "Sam, the doctor told me that you need someone to be with you for a while when you go home.

Is there anyone that you'd like me to call for you?" Sam shakes his head 'no'. "You need

someone with you. You fractured your right hip, and the doctor doesn't want you to walk for 3

weeks to make sure it heals properly."

Sam – in a whisper "How long can you stay away from your firm?"

Melody – "Why?"

Sam – "I don't want to spend this time with anyone else."

Melody – contemplating the idea, but also playing a little with Sam "I could do my work through emails

and courier service. If anything drastic comes up they should be able to handle it without me.

Who knows, maybe we'll open an office in D.C."

Sam – "That's a good idea."

Melody – "That's a long way down the road Samuel. The first order of business is to get you better.

That's a responsibility I would only be too honored to accept." They smile at each other, holding

each other's hands.

Sam – teasing her "So, do I get a sponge bath every day?"

Later that evening, Sam's Hospital Room.

The room is dark, except for the light that is glowing on the table beside the bed. Sam's throat is

feeling a little better, but is still a little raspy.

Sam – "Go home and get some sleep. You need to rest up, you look awful."

Melody – feigning anger "Well, you don't look like so great either you know. Besides, I will have to call a

hotel and get a suite. It's too much to handle right now. I'll just stay here and sleep on the chair."

Sam – "I think they have my keys at the desk or somewhere near there. Take a cab home, to my place,

have something to eat, have a bath or something and get some sleep, ok? You look drained."

Melody – "You promise to call me the minute that you want me here?" Sam nods. "If you don't, so help

me God." She holds up her fists threatening him.

Sam – with a smile "I'm scared."

Melody – "Ok. Promise me though, that you'll call if you need anything. Anything at all, ok?"

Sam – "I promise."

Melody – "Good." She gets up to get her coat from the bed. As she is putting it on she says "You know

Sam, you really scared me today. Promise not to put me through that again either, ok?" He

doesn't answer. Melody looks at him, and sees he is now sleeping peacefully - the pain killers

must have taken effect. She walks over to him, leans over him and places a gentle kiss on his lips.

She raises her head and whispers to him, "14, 36, 67." He smiles, as though he can hear her, but

he is somewhere in between consciousness and unconsciousness. She places her hand on the side

of his face, just looking at him for what she knows she could do for an eternity. She smiles, turns

off the bedside light, then walks out the door.

2:57 a.m., Sam's apartment.

Melody has been 'home' now for about 45 minutes. She has had a quick shower, and has changed

into a pair of Sam's pajamas. She is sitting on the couch, curled up under a blanket, drinking a cup

of tea and watching CNN. The picture on the television is the one that everyone sees before a Press

Conference, the podium with the blue curtain behind it, with the American Flag and the Presidential

Flag on either side. We hear a commotion from the television, and C.J. enters our view.

C.J. – from the TV. "Good morning. I have called you all here this morning to formally address an issue

that is now a very personal matter for the President. At approximately 4:37 p.m. yesterday

afternoon, a member of our Senior Staff and special advisor to the President, Sam Seaborn, was

the victim of a hit and run collision. The location of this accident has not been disclosed to the

public due to security reasons, as well as this matter is currently under investigation. We will

release more accurate details of the hit and run at the morning briefing tomorrow. However, we

are pleased to report that Mr. Seaborn is in stable condition at this time at George Washington

Memorial Hospital. He sustained multiple contusions and lacerations to his upper thighs and

upper body. He suffered a sprained left arm and a twisted left wrist, and underwent surgery to

repair a fractured hip. Doctors concluded that it was in Sam's best interest to undergo a

spleenectomy, as his spleen had been ruptured." Pointing to the crowd "Yes."

Reporter – "C.J., why was the President at the airport this evening and who was that woman that was

getting out of the car with him at the hospital?"

C.J. – "The President was travelling to the airport to personally escort Sam's friend to the hospital. The

President has often told us, the members of his Senior Staff, that seeing as we are willing to take

bullets for him, the least he can do is to help us in personal crisis'. Therefore, the President took it

upon himself to see that she was flown out, and that she arrived at the hospital as quickly as she

could to be with Sam. Yes."

Danny – "C.J., what is her name, and what is her relationship with Sam. Wasn't she here last week?"

C.J. – "Her name is Melody Burns, she is an attorney from New York. She was here last week visiting

Sam and doing research for a case that she is trying, and that is all I can say to that effect. Ladies

and Gentlemen, I thank you for your time, and I hope to have more information for you in our

regular morning briefing. Thanks, go home and try and get some sleep." Melody clicks off the

TV. She thinks to herself "Why? Why would anyone want to hurt my Sam?"

7:56 a.m. Sam's apartment.

Melody is on the couch, where it is obvious she has been sleeping all night. The TV has been tuned to

CNN all night, with the volume down quite low, just in case there was an update that she needed to know

about. The phone rings.

Melody – jolting out of her sleep and running to the phone "Hello."

Donna – on the other end. "Hey Melody, it's Donna. I didn't wake you up did I?"

Melody – "No, I needed to be up anyway. What's going on?"

Donna – "Well, I was just talking to C.J., and she is going to be holding a Press Conference momentarily.

She wanted me to call you and give you a heads up."

Melody – rubbing her eyes, and walking into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee "I thought her briefings

were at 10 o'clock. What time is it anyway?"

Donna – "It is now 7:58. One of her friends at the police station was talking with Sam earlier this morning.

He got a composite sketch of the nimrod that was driving the car. This is only from Sam's

memory, and I don't know how accurate this will be. C.J. thought that you should know that they

are going to be showing the picture of this person on the TV, so if you see anyone that fits that

description hanging around, call the cops."

Melody – "I totally appreciate that." The anchor cuts in and says,

Anchor – "We are going now live to the Press Briefing Room at the White House where the Press Secretary

C.J. Cregg is holding a special news conference. We go there live."

Melody – "Donna, are you watching this?"

Donna – "Ya, I'm with ya."

C.J. – from the TV "Good Morning. As was mentioned in my briefing of this morning at approximately

2:30, I mentioned that one of the Senior Staff of the White House was the victim of a Hit and Run

collision. Members of the Washington Police Department were at George Washington Memorial

Hospital this morning, and were questioning Sam Seaborn about any information that he was able

to retain concerning this accident. They were able to obtain a detailed description of the

individual driving the car. He is described as a White Male, approximately 30-35 years of age,

with dark hair, possibly black, with a goatee. A police sketch artist drew a composite sketch of

this individual, and Mr. Seaborn confirmed his identity. As this story has not broken through the

regular channels, you may count this as the breaking story. For the print media, you will find a

copy of the composite sketch from the Police Department in your folders, and for the Television

Broadcasters, a copy is being fed to each of your stations. As soon as this briefing is concluded

you will then be legally able to broadcast this individual's picture. Ladies and Gentlemen, this

concludes our special briefing for this time period. We will meet again at 10 for our regular

briefing."

Anchor – "As mentioned by Ms. Cregg, we are now able to broadcast the photo drawing of the individual."

The picture comes up on the screen. "If you know, or have seen this person, please call the local

authorities as soon as possible."

Melody – "Oh My God."

Donna – "What is it?"

Melody – "I have to go."

Donna – "What is it?"

Melody – "That's Justin."

9:23 a.m., George Washington Memorial Hospital, Sam's room.

Melody has arrived, and is talking to the Secret Service Agent that the President has assigned to Sam's detail.

The Doctor comes out of Sam's room and Melody goes in.

Melody – "Hey Sam. How 'ya feeling?"

Sam – with a smirk "Like I got hit by a car. You?"

Melody – "As good as I would be if my Sam got hit by a car." She is over at the bed at this point, and

gives him a kiss on the forehead, and wipes off the pale lipstick that she is wearing. "Yuck. It

said it was supposed to be color-fast. Oh well, at least I can leave my mark."

Sam – "How are things at home?"

Melody – "Things are fine. Sam, I have something to tell you. I can't believe that it has come to this, but I

have to. I know who ran you over."

Sam – "You need to talk to the police." He furrows his brow "Wait a sec. How do you know who it is?"

Melody – "I was watching CNN this morning, and C.J. broadcast a picture of him on the news. I have to

tell you this. Please listen to everything I have to say before you respond, ok?"

Sam – "Ok." He has a look of concern on his face as she speaks.

Melody – "Well, do you remember last week when I got the phone call at my hotel room?" Sam nods.

"Well, I didn't hear the voice, but I can pretty much guarantee you that it was Justin that called."

Sam – "Who's Justin?"

Melody – with a sigh, she's finally letting it all out. "Justin Matthew Wallace was a man that I dated while

I was in Law School at Stanford. He was taking a few courses there, and he was not someone that

I knew that I would spend the rest of my life with by any means, but he was there, and he helped

to fill a 'social void' as my roommate called it. I know that sounds completely shallow, but hey –

it was almost 13 years ago. I've changed since then."

Sam – understandingly "You certainly have."

Melody – "Anyway, he fell in with the wrong crowd, and was kicked out of school for one reason or

another, I can't really remember now. Anyway, when I graduated from school, thank you by the

way for the card – I wasn't really myself at the time, which is why I didn't return the letter."

Sam – sympathetically, with a smile "I understand."

Melody – "Anyway, I got my first clerking position with Marks, Lawson and Craig. We tried a lot of cases

in my first 4 years there, and the partners decided to give me my own case load to handle. They

had consulted with each other and decided that I was ready to handle certain types of criminal

cases on my own. They handed me a pile of dossiers, and I handled them all well, I guess. I think

I won most of them. A couple of years of doing piddly cases went by, when they decided to hand

me a set of dossiers that none of the partners really wanted to try. There were a bunch of different

types of cases, theft, assault, burglary, Break and Enter, but the one that I remember the most was

one of the People of the State of New York versus Wallace. As you can imagine, when I read the

file, I pleaded conflict of interest, as this person was someone that I had known and previously

dated, and that I felt that I was unable to handle this kind of a case. The partners decided that if I

could not handle prosecuting a former boyfriend of mine, then I would not be able to handle the

big cases, and that I would therefore have no future in law."

Sam – "That was total conflict of interest. There's no way any decent Judge would ever allow you to try

the case."

Melody – "Well, my job at the firm was basically riding on it. Anyway, I tried the case and I won. It

turned out to be more of a severe case than I thought, as he had been charged with things before

and had been convicted. He got a mandatory sentence of 8 years, with parole after 6 years. It was

a bittersweet victory for me. I thought to myself, 'Here I have just convicted a criminal, but I

don't feel like justice was done. Why is that?' I chalked it up to the whole ex-boyfriend thing,

and left it at that. After a few months, I left the firm, and started my own firm with my partners

Jessica Clark and James Simpson. We have quite the lucrative practice, and are even thinking of

opening a different office so we can cover more ground, not just on the map, but legally as well.

We really wanted to stretch our wings, so to speak. Well, about two years ago, the letters started.

Justin was going to be up for parole in a year or so, and he wanted to make me aware that he

hadn't forgotten who the prosecuting attorney was. I don't think that there was any way that I

could forget something like that. Which brings us to last week. He was let out on bail about two

weeks ago, and I am assuming he tracked me down. He must have called my office and found out

that I was in DC, then who gave him my cell I have no idea, he must have called the cell and

found out about you. He must think that we're together, and he came after you. He is very smart,

and I don't want him to do anything to hurt anyone, but I don't know what I should do."

Sam – sitting up in his bed, and running his finger along her jaw line "All you did was do your job.

There was no way of knowing that he could be this deranged to do something like this."

Melody – she takes his hand and holds it. "Sam, he did this to you and that, above all else, is inexcusable.

He came after you and I guess in his mind he thought that he would get to me. He was right about

that. That just made me so angry when I saw his face on the TV."

Sam – "I guess so. I'd be pissed."

Melody – "Sam, don't get mad."

Sam – looking at her with tenderness in his face "Why would I be mad at you? You had nothing to do

with this."

Melody – looking down at the bed "I wrecked your TV."

Sam – "Huh?"

Melody – very quietly "I kicked it."

Sam – "I didn't hear you, what was that?"

Melody – getting up from the bed and walking to the window in the room "I kicked your TV screen. I got

so pissed off that someone could do something so stupid to someone that I love, that I..." Sam – "Could you repeat that last part? I thought I heard you say you loved me."

Melody – "Sam, you know I do. How could I...." She stops in mid sentence. She realizes what she has

just said. "Oh. I just said it didn't I?"

Sam – motioning for her to sit on the bed "Come here." She does. "You broke the code. You were safer

with the numbers last night you know."

Melody – sitting on the bed "You heard that?" Sam nods. "I can't believe you remember that."

Sam – "I remember most of it, but I can't remember what the 4 stands for. The 1is for I. 4 – something I

can't quite remember."

Melody – "You know it Sam, don't be smart."

Sam – with a smirk "That's right. I remember now. 4 is for Love, 3 – You, 6 – Samuel, 6 – Norman,

7 – Seaborn. That's correct, isn't it?"

Melody – laying her hand on his cheek, and looking right in his eyes "That is absolutely correct. You're so

smart. Do you remember you used to..."

Sam – running his finger along her hand, which is placed on his – on her cheek "I love you too, Melody

Elizabeth Burns." She starts to tear up.

Melody – "You didn't say the numbers."

Sam – "That's because it's different now, we're not just college friends anymore."

Melody – "Sam, I honestly love you, you know that don't you? I don't know what I would have done if he

had done anything worse to you. I couldn't imagine what I would have done."

Sam – "Well, you can rest assured that no one is going split this up. Not if I can help it. Besides, the

President is all for us, so if he approves you know it can't be..." Melody leans towards him and

presses her lips to his. He closes his eyes. When their lips part, "Hmm. Sealed with a kiss?"

Melody – with a smile "That, plus I just wanted to kiss you. You're not upset?"

Sam – "With that? No way!"

Melody – "Not me kissing you, I mean with all this stuff." She motions at bed, and at his broken hip

Sam – "At you? How could I be. We'll catch him, and then I can prosecute him."

Melody – "I think that's something better left to the State's Attorney's office, don't you?"

Sam – "True. It would be fun though, wouldn't it?"

Melody – "You have a point."

8 weeks later, the White House, North Lobby.

Mike, the Secret Service Agent in the North Lobby, is seen at his desk. He looks up from his desk, and sees

Sam walking in, very slowly, with Melody at his side, holding his arm.

Mike – "Hey Sam. How's it going?"

Sam – "Doing just fine. I've been lucky – got to have sponge baths for 3 weeks straight!" Melody gives

him a swat on the arm. "Owww! I'm injured you know."

Melody – with a concealed smile "I could injure you more, now you just hush."

Sam – to Mike "Women."

Mike – "I hear ya. Welcome back."

Sam – "Thanks man." As Sam and Melody walk towards his office, we hear the Secret Service agents

speaking into their lapels/cuffs. "The Princetons are moving."

Melody – "The Princetons? Who or what is that?"

Sam – "They mean us."

Melody – "Oh. Cool – I have a Secret Service code name!" They walk towards the office and are greeted

by well wishers. Their characters respond as they would see fit.

C.J. – "Hey there hop along. How's it going?"

Sam – "Fine thanks. I just want to get back to work."

Carol – "Welcome back Sam. I just got a call from Mrs. Landingham and the President would like to see

you both in his office immediately."

Sam – looking at Melody "I'm in crap on my first day back. I feel so loved."

Melody – "Let's stop by your office and put these things in. I don't want to carry them around all over the

place."

Sam – "He needs to see us now."

Melody – "I know this will sound awful, but I really don't care. You can take two seconds and put these

things in your office. It'll take ten minutes for us to walk there anyway. Two seconds is not that

big a deal."

Sam – "You've got more guts than I thought you did."

Melody – "I'd have to have guts to date you." She gives him a sly look, then starts to walk ahead to his

office. "C.J. – Could you stay with him for a second? I'm just going to pop these in his office."

C.J. – "You got it."

Carol – "Pontiac."

Sam – with a look of surprise "You get it now! Good girl!"

Carol – "I've studied."

Sam and Melody are approaching Mrs. Landingham's desk. She gets up to meet them and offer assistance if they need it.

She knocks on the door to the Oval Office.

POTUS – from inside "Come in." Mrs. Landingham opens the door for them.

Melody – to her "Thank you Mrs. Landingham."

Mrs. Landingham – "You're welcome. We missed you Sam. Welcome back."

Sam – to her "Thanks." To POTUS "Good Morning Mr. President." He is starting to limp a little, and

his face is showing the degree of his pain. He will not, however, let the President see that he is in

a lot of pain.

POTUS – getting up from his desk, with a smile "Well, it's about time. I was beginning to think that you

had up and quit on me!"

Sam – "I would never do that. May I sit please Sir?"

POTUS – "You don't need to ask. Sit, Sam."

Melody – "Good morning, Sir."

POTUS – "Good Morning. Please, sit down."

Melody – "Thank you Sir."

POTUS – "So. How are we feeling?"

Sam – "Not the greatest Mr. President, but I'm desperate for something my brain can do. I have the

worst case of cabin fever you could possibly imagine."

POTUS – "I can just imagine. We're glad to have you back. Melody, will you be staying with us in

Washington?"

Melody – "For a little while Sir, until Sam is back on his feet. He seems to be on the road to recovery

though."

POTUS – "I wish to tell you how truly grateful we all are for your concern for Sam. I know that he was in

good hands during his recovery."

Melody – "Not meaning to brag Sir, but I should have been a nurse. I'm good."

POTUS – "Have you thought any more about my offer?"

Melody – "I have Sir, and I'm quite glad that you bring that up now. When his Doctor's appointment next

week is over, and he tells us the update on his recovery, I am heading back to New York, as I said.

When the Doctor says that he is ok to be on his own again, I plan to go back to my firm and

discuss some of the things that we discussed with the partners. No specific details, of course Sir."

POTUS – "I understand."

Melody – "You see, what we discussed would require that I move here, and I would need to discuss that

aspect of the proposal with the partners, and get their take on things."

POTUS – "Very true."

Sam – to Melody "You're moving here?"

POTUS – "Which is what brings me to this meeting that I wanted to have with both of you."

Sam – "Yes Sir. What can we do for you?"

POTUS – "Well, as you are aware Sam, Lionel Tribbey is the White House Council."

Sam – "Yes Sir."

POTUS – "And as I'm sure you are aware, we have had our differences in the past on many occasions."

Sam – "I remember those occasions well Sir."

POTUS – "Well, we have had some differences that I just can not see past, and I am forced to make a

decision that I didn't want to have to do. Regardless, I had been asking people's opinions on what

I should do, and they told me of a wonderful young lawyer from New York. They said that she

was bright, witty, someone who could hold her own in a Court of Law, but didn't mind doing any

of the investigative work that was necessary to effectively represent her clients. I said to myself,

that's the kind of person I want representing this house. Sam, this is what I discussed with Melody

at Zoey's Birthday Party. I asked her to consider serving as special White House Council advisor

to the President."

Sam – with a smile "I didn't know that was a position, Sir."

POTUS – "That's the benefit of having this title – you can appoint people to various things. Anyway, I am

eagerly awaiting her response. I wanted to speak to you about it Sam, and find out your opinion

on this. What do you think?"

Sam – "I couldn't be any more pleased, Sir! This is fantastic." To Melody "See, I told you you'd be

moving out here eventually."

POTUS – "Well, I'll leave you two to discuss this between yourselves."

Sam – "Sir, there's no need. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for her. If you are looking for my ok,

you definitely have it."

Melody – "Really, you mean it?"

Sam – "Absolutely. To be given the opportunity to serve the country doing what you do best is the

highest honor that you could receive. Carpe Diem, right Sir?"

POTUS – "Absolutely. So I take it that your decision is made?"

Melody – "Definitely. When do I start Sir?"

POTUS – "Get your affairs in order in New York, then get back. We need you." He stands up, and

extends his hand to her. Sam goes to stand "Sam, don't get up."

Sam – "Thank you Sir."

Melody – standing, up "Thank you so very much for the opportunity Sir. I promise, I won't let you down."

POTUS – "I know. Thank you."

Sam – "Sir, may we go outside for a moment?"

POTUS – "Certainly." He helps Sam off the couch.

Sam – "Thank you Mr. President." Sam and Melody walk toward the door in the Oval Office. The

Secret Service Agent opens the door for them. To Melody – "Let's sit over there." They walk to

the bench, and sit down.

Melody – "Are you really ok with this Sam? I want your 'I'm not in the same room as the President'

reaction."

Sam – "What I said about being able to serve your country was something I meant. The President

obviously has seen something in you that I have known for a long time." He puts his hand behind

her head and is running his fingers through her hair. "He sees how smart, clever, and ruthless a

lawyer you can be."

Melody - laughs "So you think I'm ruthless?"

Sam – "No. Not at all."

Melody – "I guess I could be considered ruthless with all the stuff that has gone on in the past 2 months. I

can't believe that he's finally back where he belongs, away from us."

Sam – "In the courtroom, yes, you are definitely ruthless. However, I happen to think that you are the best

thing that has happened to this Administration, hell, to me, in a long, long time. I don't plan on

letting you get away this time, so don't even try. It won't happen." He gently pulls her close to

him, and they share a very gentle kiss. She puts her hand on his cheek, pulls away from him a

little – just so their noses are touching. She looks into his eyes.

Melody – with a smile "14, 36, 67."

Sam – "I love you too."

Well, that's it, this story is done. Let me know what you thought! I'd love to have your thoughts. I'd like to know what you think of the character that I created for Sam, and if you would like to see more of her. It seems a shame to kill her off!

Here's my email.... jillianbarry@hotmail.com

I will be writing more stuff later, but I have to take a little break.