Like A Bad Penny

by: Evelyn

Josh was working in his office when Security rang and told him that Mrs. Carolyn Moss was at the gate. Donna had already arranged clearance for her mother. He stood up from his desk chair, ran a hand nervously through his hair, and walked out to the lobby.

Josh had met Carolyn only twice. Once when the campaign made a stop in Madison. Donna had arranged for her mother to come to a reception the state Democratic committee was holding before a rally. Josh had been so busy putting out the fires sparked by in-state rivalries that his first meeting with his now future mother-in-law had consisted primarily of a quick handshake and a rather sharp comment to Donna about how he needed her to take care of some calls.

The second time he’d met Carolyn, he’d been a little more polite, but no less frazzled. It was early in the administration and Carolyn had come to visit Donna. Josh had spent a total of ten minutes making small talk before dashing off to a meeting on the Hill. Donna had taken her mother to the Oval Office for what was to be a quick photo session with the President. It turned out to run a little longer when President Bartlet discovered that Carolyn Moss could argue politely but fervently about the superior quality of Wisconsin maple syrup versus the kind produced in New Hampshire. President Bartlet had been surprised that anyone other than himself had tasted both products.

So when he considered that his in-person meetings with his future mother-in-law had been less than memorable, and added in the fact that Donna had missed two Christmases in Wisconsin because of him, plus been subpoenaed to testify before a Congressional committee because of her job with him, not to mention the fact that Carolyn was a lifelong Republican who’d voted against Bartlet, Josh figured he wasn’t exactly at the top of his future mother-in-law’s hit parade list. And then he skipped to the bottom line. He’d made her daughter cry, probably more times than he knew, and that couldn’t be good.

But when he saw Carolyn Moss waiting for him in the lobby, he was greeted by a big hug, a kiss on the cheek, and a surprising, “I’m so happy for you and Donnatella. It’s a match made by God,” and he could see in her eyes that she meant it.

Josh picked up Carolyn’s small overnight bag and they started back to his office. “Can we make a brief stop at CJ’s office? I called her last night and asked her to get me some information,” Carolyn said.

“Of course,” Josh said clearly puzzled.

“Don’t worry,” Carolyn laughed, squeezing his arm.

Josh asked Carol if CJ was free. She nodded yes and Josh knocked on CJ’s office door.

“Come in,” CJ yelled.

Josh and Carolyn walked in and CJ rose from her chair behind her desk and put out her hand to Carolyn. “I’m so glad to meet you again, Mrs. Moss,” CJ said warmly.

“The pleasure is mine. You’ve been a good friend to my daughter,” Carolyn replied with a smile. Then she added, “I know you’re busy. We won’t hold you up. Were you able to get the information I needed?”

“Yes,” CJ said doubtfully, “but I still don’t see how she is going to help solve this problem,” and handed her a piece of paper on which was written, Amber Fisher, an address, telephone number, and the time, 2 p.m..

“Once we’ve talked, I’m sure Amber will be more than happy to help. I’ll bet that she has her own ax to grind,” Carolyn said with certainty. “Do you have the photo?”

CJ handed Carolyn a photograph of Amy Gardner. “It was taken two years ago, her hair’s longer now,” CJ explained.

Carolyn studied the picture, looked at Josh and arched an eyebrow. “Your mother must have been beside herself,” she said shaking her head.

“She wasn’t the only one,” CJ agreed with a knowing smile.

Josh felt his face flush and wished that the floor would just open up and swallow him whole.

Carolyn turned her eyes back to the photo of Amy Gardner, and then looking at CJ for confirmation, asked, “Twice a week, right?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?” CJ answered in astonishment.

Carolyn snorted, and said, “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, I can tell.”

Putting the photo in her bag, she then asked, “Were you able to get that other information I’ll need?”

“Yup. Sam gave me the details this morning,” and CJ handed Carolyn a folder.

“And finally, what time is the meeting with the reporter,” Carolyn asked.

“It’s set for 5,” CJ replied.

Josh gasped, looked at Carolyn and said, “You’re meeting with a reporter? CJ? This is a bad idea, a very bad idea.”

“Joshua, we’ve got this under control,” CJ said with more confidence than she actually felt.

“Then I’m almost set.” Carolyn said, a smile teasing at her lips. “Thank you again, CJ,” and she gave the press secretary a warm hug.

Josh and Carolyn walked back to his office and talked for 20 minutes. At last, Carolyn checked her watch, saw that it was close to noon, and said, “It’s time. I’ve got to get moving.” Josh accompanied her to the gate. Catching a glimpse of the worried look on his face, she hugged him and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve been snake hunting before,” and with a grin, walked out onto Pennsylvania Avenue.

Chapters - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Sequel - A Few Bumps in the Road

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