A Silence Full of Sound [hiatus]

3.1 - Leo: The Doctor, Pt. 2

At one, a weary Leo McGarry sat down at his desk after a meeting with the House majority, the Senate majority, their respective staff, and the President. He heaved a heavy sigh, pressing his fingers deep into his temples in an effort to ward off his impending headache. Not having control of the Senate or the House was a nightmare. He eagerly awaited the elections the next year because, hopefully, they'd flip them both back to blue. It might be a fool's errand to get excited, but he was damn near ready for a win. It'd been too long since the last time they had. They needed another one, and they needed one now.

Leo took a breath and sat up, slipping his glasses on. He had every intention of working on a few things for a budget meeting at two, only to be interrupted. Margaret came bustling with a handful of pink message slips. He stared at her rather flatly as she handed them over. None of them looked important. Most could wait until later. Leo set them aside, but she didn't move.

"Was there something else?"

"Dr. Keyworth called for you. He didn't say it was urgent, but I thought I'd let you know personally rather than write it down."

Leo perked up and sat a bit straighter in his chair. "Did he say when would be a good time to call him back?"

"He said any time before one our time."

"Thanks."

Margaret turned on her heel and headed back to her desk. Leo felt the vestiges of fear spider-webbing across his chest once again, and he had to take another breath to calm himself down. He thought it was silly that he was terrified of the idea that this 'Dr. Brewer' wouldn't take Josh's case. But then he remembered the way Josh had looked in the Oval Office. His expression, the way he seemed to disappear into himself‒ turning into a shell of the vibrant, manic young man he'd grown fond of ‒made him sick. Another deep breath and he steeled himself as he reached over to dial Stanley's number.

Thankfully, the younger man answered quickly. "Stanley Keyworth. How can I help you?"

"Stanley, it's Leo McGarry."

"Mr. McGarry. Thank you for calling me back."

"It's not a problem. Do you have good news for me?"

"I do. I talked to Dr. Brewer earlier today. She's going to take Josh's case."

He slumped into his chair in relief. Thank God.

"Excellent. Margaret got her file, and I've begun the vetting process for her already. You said she had an interpreter? Do you have information on him as well?"

"I do. His name is Roger Collins. They are partners in a practice in downtown D.C."

"Yes, I noticed she was local. That will be helpful." He paused. "Did you mention the idea of a consulting job to her?"

"I did not. I felt that it would be better coming from you."

Leo didn't outwardly voice his gratitude, but he was sure it was evident in his tone as he spoke. "Thank you, Stanley. I'll get the ball rolling on Mr. Collins and look over what personnel has on Dr. Brewer."

"I'm glad I could be of service, and I hope Dr. Brewer helps."

"I do as well, Stanley. Thank you, and thank you for your transparency."

"You're welcome. I'm sure I'll speak to you again soon. Have a good afternoon, Mr. McGarry."

"You as well."

He hung up his phone and tented his fingers in front of him. Maybe the start of this year wasn't turning out too badly after all. He allowed himself a small smile before he got back to work, looking over the files for the upcoming budget meeting.