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As always, the feedback has been most appreciated. To those who are reading and enjoying---we thank you very much.......Pat and Lisa Promises Made and Kept By: Pat Steiner[SSbpMN@aol.com] and Lisa [LAB7417@aol.com] Disclaimer: The West Wing and its wonderful characters belong to NBC et al. No copyright infringement is intended. Summary: Another in our ongoing series which started with the Bagel tale. Previous parts may be found at Http://www.phantomroses.com/SarahRabb/. Rated R for adult content and references. Anything graphic will be posted to the Adult list only. Note from the authors: If you enjoy our writing a note to that effect would be cherished. If you don't, please simply hold your peace. No 'out of character' or 'get real' letters please. This is our universe and we share it willingly but we don't need to know if it's not pleasing to you.
From Part 6-- "And we'll support you doing that as much as we can" Lucas assured her. "We believe it's good for you, and us too for that matter." "Potty" Belle screeched, flying down the slide into Tucker's arms. "Me too" Brighton hollered. "Guess we'll be right back" Tucker grinned. He walked them to the back of the deserted McDonalds and opened the door of the girl's room for Belle while he knelt to help Brighton with his jeans snap. A minute later Belle was screaming for all she was worth. Before any of the others could react, they heard Tucker shout, "Let her go Mister, while you're still able to." "Promises Made And Kept" Part 7-- "Belle!" Chloe screamed and raced towards the back to see what was going on. Gina left the rest of the detail to go and see if she could help. "No, I know who this is and she's worth a pretty penny," the man said. "Please be careful Gina" Lucas whispered as he spoke into his sleeve, alerting the two agents outside there was trouble, and ordering them not to call for help just yet with the children so close to the danger. He motioned to Zoey and Charlie to keep their places, at the same time opening his jacket and removing the holster covering of his weapon. Tucker caught Chloe and pushed her behind him. "Just who do you think she is?" he demanded. "Belle McGarry," the man replied holding the frightened toddler. "I might be willing to make an exchange...I let Belle go if her sister, Chloe there, comes with me. I do know the president's daughter is here so let's make things easy." "I'll go," Chloe said, "just let her go. She's a baby." "No one is going anywhere," Gina said forcefully but calmly, pulling her coat back to reveal her weapon. Tucker tightened his grip on Chloe. "You're not going anywhere near this guy. He's crazy," he hissed. "Mister there's no way this can end good, but you can do a lot by letting that baby go" Gina spoke again, still quiet and calm. The man turned slightly to expose a gun poked into Belle's back. Chloe gasped and pulling from Tucker she walked over to the man and true to his word he put Belle down and grabbed Chloe. She stood perfectly still and calm. Belle looked to Tucker and wandered towards him. "Tucker take Belle and Brighton out to Zoey and Charlie, and remind Lucas not to leave them no matter what" Gina ordered. "I won't leave her," Tucker wailed. "We'll be fine, I promise" Gina promised. "Believe me, it's going to be easier if the kids are away from here." Chloe blew Tucker a kiss and then watched him take the kids away. Chloe looked bravely to Gina. "Mister you better know that one word--a single code word, spoken into the mic in my sleeve and I'll have enough people outside here to invade a third world country. And I can guarantee if you hurt anyone here, you won't leave here standing. OK now what do you want?" "Tucker?" Lucas questioned anxiously. "Gina's OK?" "I want ten thousand dollars for the girl, I can shoot her before you shoot me," the man said. "Gina's fine," Tucker said nervously, "but he has Chloe." "Gina's the best" Lucas sighed. "She'll get Chloe out." He grimaced when he added, "I just hope it's not at the cost of her life." "Let's call her dad" Gina said softly. "You got a cell phone or want to use mine?" The man opened his cell and dialed the number never giving Gina the advantage. He dialed Leo. "Mr. McGarry, I have your oldest daughter and I'm holding her for 10,000 dollars. Now either you pay or I shoot her right here in this McDonalds, in front of the President's daughter's agent." Leo stopped in his tracks, frozen in place in the restaurant where he still was with Caroline. "Call me back in five minutes please" Leo said softly, holding his breath as he clicked off the phone. "Sweetheart I'm sorry but I have to take this call. Let me walk you back to the table and I won't be any longer than I have to. I'll just step out on to the balcony or something." "This is maddening" Zoey whispered, burying herself in Charlie's chest. "Bad man" Belle piped up. "I'm going to get our shadow agents in to stay with you two" Lucas said quietly "and then I'm going to work my way outside and around. With any luck I can create some kind of diversion. Chloe might be able to break from him and then I can take him." "No, Gina wouldn't go for it," Zoey replied, "I mean, don't you think she'd want you to stay here doing your job. Okay, okay, what if Gina gets shot because he sees you?" The man waited tensely watching Gina. All the while Chloe remained calm and perfectly still. Finally the man called back. "Mr. McGarry, you had better not hang up this time. Your daughter's life depends on it. Now about that 10,000 dollars..." "Listen to me" Leo forced calm into his voice. "That kind of money is impossible to raise in cash at this hour and I know you're smart enough to know that. Now I can come there, and we can get comfortable for the next twelve hours until the bank opens; or I can bring you what I have on hand which is about....." He paused and did some quick calculation, blessing the fact that he didn't use credit cards except for travel, "about two thousand." Lucas drew his breath in sharply, knowing that Gina had reminded him to stay with Charlie and Zoey. "And what if she gets shot because I've done nothing?" he moaned. "Bring it now," the man gruffed back. Then he prompted Chloe to speak. "I'm sorry Daddy, I love you." "If you want to hear her voice again you'd better get here!" "She's not going to get shot, she has too much to live for," Zoey assured Lucas. Then she nodded to the parking lot where more of the service had appeared. "I hope so" Lucas sighed, following her gaze to where a team was assembling. "I guess our shadow agents felt we were outnumbered. With the babies and you guys I was hoping we could handle this a little more quietly because if..." He stopped, touching his earpiece so he could listen. "They want to know if I can safely bring you out. We have to cross the guy's line of sight to the door. I'm not sure it's a good idea. You might be safer right here. At least this way we're around the corner from him." "Give me an hour and tell me where you are," Leo hissed. "Tell them to bring a ladder," Zoey responded, "We can climb over the playland fence." The man gave his orders as to where they were. "You have an hour and ten minutes to appear Mr. McGarry." then he hung up. "Sweetheart I'm going to take you home and then I have to run out for a little while" Leo said quietly, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. "Nothing that can't be solved quickly" he added in response to her questioning look. "Oh I don't think so," Charlie objected at once. "Zoey listen to yourself, that fence has to be eight feet high out there. What if you fell?" Lucas held up his hand, "no it's a good idea. There will be plenty of hands to hold on to her." He spoke into his mic again. "Yeah they like the idea. It's having you two in here that's not setting well." Gina forced herself to lean back casually against the wall. "Why don't you tell me how you managed to escape detection when we checked the building?" "I hid in the roof panels," the man replied, "I don't want to hurt anyone, that was never my intention. I have children too, the difference is my children are starving and this one has on designer clothing." A ladder was brought to the fence and Zoey had Charlie climb up first and when he was at the top Lucas handed one twin at a time to him. They went very reluctantly to Tucker who was already over. Charlie followed and then Zoey with Lucas behind her. Everyone was now safely out save Gina and Chloe. "And your going to prison is going to help your kids?" Gina shook her head. "What might help would be to hand me the gun now while you haven't done anything more than scare a bunch of people to death. A good lawyer could get you off with a few months and some psychiatric help." The agents swarmed around Charlie and Zoey, hustling them into a car, and Lucas helped escort Tucker and the twins. "I'm going back in," Lucas said quietly. "Our charges are out, but my partner and a young girl I care about are still back there." "I'm going with you" Tucker said firmly. "That young girl is the woman I love. We just might get close enough to distract him some." "What? So I could go home and watch my family starve to death?!" the man replied somewhat angrily though his anger didn't seem directed towards Gina, "I have a three year old, a one year old and one on the way in five months. My wife is becoming malnourished and we can't even afford prenatal care for her." He sighed, "I didn't want to do this but I feel like I'm out of options." Lucas nodded understandingly and the two men made their way back in. Chloe was still standing frozen, a pawn between two guns. "Tucker I love you," she said urgently when she saw him. "Oh my god" Gina gasped, her free hand automatically covering her stomach as she imagined what it would be like for her to be pregnant and not be able to care for the baby. "I love you angel" Tucker smiled and looked pointedly to Gina. "Everyone's out" he told her, confirming what her earpiece was telling her. Then he stepped forward and took Chloe's hands. "Mister I love this woman, and I am begging you not to hurt her" he said softly. "We have our whole lives ahead of us, to marry and have children. Please don't take that away from us. Don't let this end badly. We can help your family, but not if you hurt anyone." "How can you help my family?" the man asked, his eyes watering, "I'm never going to see them again. I'll never see my child born. What can you do to help that!" The man thrust Chloe into Tucker's arms and she held tightly to him but refused to take any steps. She stood there, still frozen in the middle of the conflict. "Hand me the gun now" Gina said calmly, "Like I said, all you've done so far is scare a few people and put my colleagues through a drill that we all can use the training." She held out her hand, taking a step forward and Lucas clicked off the safety of his own weapon, standing ready. "Tucker take Chloe back behind us" he ordered, seeing her feet firmly planted and hoping she would allow him to move her. "No, I want to make sure this man and his family are okay," Chloe said firmly, "please sir." Chloe held out her hand to the man and he shakily gave her the gun. She re-engaged the safety and then looked to Gina. It was at just that moment that Leo arrived. Hearing the commotion Leo's arrival was causing, Gina quickly spoke into her mic that the situation was in control and the suspect in her custody. "And I'll have the badge of anyone who tries to interfere with that" she spoke again. Leo forced his way inside. "Leo we're here" Tucker called softly, still holding tightly to Chloe, taking the gun from her and passing it to Lucas. "Everything's OK, no one's hurt." Leo reached them and immediately wrapped his long arms around both Chloe and Tucker, not being able to get to her without including him. "I was so worried about you child," Leo whispered. "I love you daddy, so much," Chloe cried from having been so afraid. "Daddy I want to help this man. He only did it cause his family's starving and his wife can't even get care for the baby she's having." Leo rubbed his daughter's back softly, releasing them as he looked to the man he was prepared to hate and finding only a defeated human being before him. Chloe's eyes were begging him as well. Before he could answer, the doors opened again and Zoey and Charlie, with the twins, were joining them. "Bad man" Belle said at once, remembering her experience and then when she looked closely at him she smiled. "He's sad daddy." Lucas turned around to the agents who were crowding close. "Guys it's all under control here." "We're here to take the suspect," one informed him. "That's not been determined" Lucas said sharply. "So far the only crime that's been committed is against Chloe and if she doesn't want to press charges, I'm not going allow something to be trumped up," Gina added. "Space, now." The agents backed off to go outside at her sharp tone. "Chloe what do you want to happen?" Leo asked gently. "What this man did was out of desperation," Chloe said, "I want us to meet his family, to see if we can help. I don't want to press charges," she looked to the man, "on one condition. That you never try to do anything like this again. Violence isn't the answer. Sometimes a weak plea for help receives much more positive attention than a strong show of force." "Well said" Leo smiled. "OK, on Monday you come see me at my office." Leo fished for his wallet and gave the man a card. "I'll tell my secretary to expect you to call and that she's to make an appointment for you. Bring the family. We'll see what we can get set up for you in the way of assistance." He then took a hundred dollar bill from his wallet. "In the meantime why don't you get some good food into the house." The man looked at the money and smiled tearfully, "Thank-you. Thank-you very much Mr. McGarry. Chloe, I'm sorry I scared you. Thank-you very much, all of you. I need to get home to my family now. My wife is probably exhausted." the man said. Chloe smiled and everyone grouped together. "Lucas let's walk this gentleman out" Gina suggested, "and then I think we've had enough excitement for the night. Zoey, Charlie--you ready to head back?" "Yes," both chorused. The man was escorted safely out and all parted company. Tucker, Chloe and the twins rode home with Leo. "Thank-you Dad," Chloe said from where she was curled against Tucker. "Okay, I'm glad that's over," Zoey sighed squeezing Charlie's hand as she was cuddled against him. "I am too" Lucas sighed, pulling the car out onto the road with Leo following, and their shadow agents behind them. It was a tired group that splintered off to head for bed. ---------------------------- Once Charlie and Zoey were in safely, Lucas turned to Gina. "Evans and George have the night duty. You want to come back with me for some coffee? Which I don't need but I'm pretty wired at the moment, and I was pretty scared for you." "Of course we can go for some coffee and maybe some dessert," Gina smiled and then she hugged him and kissed him. "I love you Lucas. I love you so much and thank-you for following instructions tonight. I knew I could depend on you to do as you were told." "I love you too, and I was torn between riding in my white horse to save you and staying, I have to admit" Lucas sighed. "We said this wasn't going to be easy with us loving and working together, and tonight proved that. I feel bad for that guy, and I'm glad we didn't have to...well take him out. I'm glad he wasn't threatening Zoey and Charlie because we might not have had a choice." Lucas put his hands on her cheeks, holding her still, while he brought his lips to hers. "I love you Gina Toscano." "I love you Lucas, now and always," Gina kissed him passionately. "Now about that coffee and dessert. We can do this, our love is strong enough." "We either have to do it, or give it up" Lucas replied "and that's not something I can live with." He drove her to a 24-hour diner and they slid into a booth. He felt his weapon at his side and he quickly moved it for comfort. "You know I've never killed a man--never had to fire except on the range" he sighed. "But tonight I thought I was going to." "I was prepared to, I could have, but that was just it. I quickly realized this man wasn't too serious and he certainly wasn't experienced. Then we got him talking and...he just touched me too much to do that. I'm lucky that it ended well I know but... I kept thinking about myself being pregnant and..." she sighed and looked down as though she expected to see the answers in her coffee cup. "Thinking about yourself pregnant and in danger?" Lucas asked gently, rubbing her belly, "or pregnant and not being able to afford food and medicine? "Pregnant and not being able to afford food and medicine. I'm know it won't happen but I feel like I could put myself in that woman's shoes now that I want a baby so badly." Gina answered. "It would be more my problem anyway" Lucas smiled, "I'm the one who's sworn to take care of you, and my child." He held her again, rubbing her belly. "It's going to happen for us Gina Toscano. I will give you a baby." Gina smiled, "I can't wait Lucas, I can't wait." She leaned in and kissed him. ----------------------------- "Chloe I didn't tell your mom what happened" Leo advised when they got inside, "and it looks like she's gone to bed, so let's maybe not upset her right yet with it. Will you two help me put the twins down please." "Of course," Chloe smiled. She took Belle and Leo had Brighton. Both of the twins were practically asleep anyhow. It was easy to change them and lay them down. As soon as that was finished Chloe was in Tucker's arms. "Dad, can Tucker stay over tonight? I'm so scared I may not sleep otherwise." "Did he ask his mom?" Leo teased. "Tucker is welcome here any time. Just call Sam and Mallory, Tucker, and tell them where you are please so they don't worry." "Yes sir, good night" Tucker smiled, clinging tightly to Chloe. "I was afraid I was going to lose you tonight" he whispered, his voice quavering. "I was afraid I was going to lose you but I had to save Belle," Chloe returned, "I'm so thankful everything turned out alright." She got ready for bed. "You know, I could really do with some coffee." "I was thinking that too" Tucker sighed, stripping to his boxers and tee shirt as he hung up the phone from Sam and then he grinned. "I think I interrupted something. Anyway, shall we see what wonders your kitchen holds. Belle and Brighton went out didn't they? Poor things were so scared. Wonder how much they'll remember tomorrow." "I hope only the circus, the ice cream and the McDonalds," Chloe replied before sighing. She then put on a smile and crept with Tucker downstairs and they began a raid on the kitchen. "Oh look Bavarian cream donuts!" Chloe exclaimed where she was leaning in the refrigerator. "Well serve them little suckers right up" Tucker grinned. "Coffee's going good too." As they waited for the coffee, Tucker pulled her into a tight embrace. "You were awfully good to that guy" he whispered. "I was so proud of you, and proud of you for keeping your cool as well. Getting him excited might have made him do something we all would have been sorry for." "I know, that's why I stood very, very still," Chloe returned. "That ring on my finger, you and my family and all my friends reminded me that I have so very, very much to live for and to be thankful for each day. I have to take really good care of myself now. I'm not just a girl or a daughter or a sister anymore, now I'm a fiancée. I have a bright and beautiful future ahead of me and I'm going to keep it that way." "You better believe it" Tucker smiled, fingering her ring finger and then kissing her hand. "You're the most important thing in my life--hell you are my life, and we have a long and happy future together to look forward to." "Thank goodness!" Chloe smiled and kissed him. "You know I used to always worry about finding the perfect guy. It's nice that I don't have to anymore." "Who is he? I'll rip his heart out" Tucker teased, laughing and hugging her before pouring the coffee. "It's so easy to laugh now--but I was so terrified earlier. I don't know how Gina and Lucas manage to stay so calm and collected. Some of that's training I guess but surely some of it simple make up. One of the things they look for when they pick agent candidates maybe." "I guess so. All I know is I wouldn't want their jobs. I'm very happy just being ordinary and being able to come and go as I please. I mean look at how little freedom they have." she sighed and bit into her donut. "You know, marrying you has all kinds of advantages. For instance we'll be able to get married housing on campus, or even commute if we want to, which is what I would rather do. We can live here in the comfort of this spacious home and commute to class when necessary..." "I think living here is a good idea" Tucker said slowly, thinking. "As long as Leo and Caroline want us that is. The twins will be even more of a handful, and there will be the new baby, and maybe even another by then who knows. We can help out with the kids and the upkeep of the place as part of our earning our keep." He gave a short laugh, "And when we say it like that, I can't help but wonder why we're not married now and doing that same thing." "Well other than 'I do' what's keeping us from being married? I mean you already practically live here. What more could I do to improve things for us." "If we were married, you'd be Chloe Seaborn" Tucker grinned, "and you'd have another ring, and I would have mine on." He lifted her hand and kissed it again. "But a ring on your finger, or my name in your signature, wouldn't make me love you any more." Chloe smiled, "Well we promised we'd wait two years and we can do it." She kissed him, "it won't make me love you anymore either. We're going to be just as happy these next two years." "Oh yeah" Tucker smiled. "This will be like prelims or something, leading up to the real thing. Well legal thing. Real we've already got." Chloe smiled and moved into Tucker's arms and they began to dance there in the kitchen, slow circles as they held one another tightly. "I love you Tucker Seaborn," Chloe said softly. "I love you, future Mrs. Seaborn" Tucker sighed, burying his face in her always-fragrant hair as they danced, "and after tonight I count myself very lucky to still have you to say that to." "I'm really sorry Tucker, sorry that I frightened you," Chloe said softly, "I was frightened too and I know it may have seemed very stupid to you but I love Belle so much and I couldn't standing seeing her so frightened. My family is very important to me, family and friends. I would have done the same for you in a heartbeat." "You did, but your spirit and your loyalty is one of the things I admire about you--love about you in other words" Tucker grinned happily, drawing her to him again. He felt her lean into him and knew she was exhausted. "Bed I think huh?" Chloe yawned, "Yeah...not even sure I'll make it up the stairs." she laughed lightly and they walked up to her room like a pair of Siamese twins. Then they pulled down the covers and snuggled into bed. "I would like to spend the rest of my life sleeping every night like this" Tucker murmured sleepily. "When I don't have you in my arms, I hug my other pillow, which is lightly sprayed with your cologne and I must be so tired I'm delirious to confess that to you. It makes me sound like some kind of pervert." "Yours has your cologne on it," Chloe replied with a soft smile, "I do the same thing." She smiled and then with a sigh she went to sleep. TBC
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