What Were They Thinking Before The Motorcade Attack?

[ladyofavalon77]

The funniest things happen as you're driving along.  I was on my lunch break and listening to the haunting notes of the Autumn in New York soundtrack when I thought about the Martha/Charles relationship and what made it so enjoyable to watch.  And I realized one of their best scenes was the attack on the motorcade and that many people have chastised Charles for letting Martha almost get killed in that attack.  So I naturally thought about how misunderstood his character is and immediately the perfect short story scenario came to mind: How about a piece that contrasted their final thoughts right before the attack took place?  They've been married for twenty years and can just about read each other's thoughts.  Therefore how about showing what they were really thinking and what was not said onscreen at the time?  It only took a few minutes to write but is still one of my favorite pieces because of the depth of emotions that it portrays.  


 

 
 

WILL YOU REMEMBER ME…

He wasn't going to call the motorcade back. She had given him enough time to make the right choice and he wasn't going to take advantage of the opportunity. Her husband, the President of the United States, was going to let her die. And not just her but the innocent Suvarovs too. It didn't matter that they had been nothing but gracious during their visit or that she and Charles had shared a wonderful marriage of twenty years. In the end it had come down to the welfare of the country or the welfare of his wife. And he had made his choice. Her well being...no, her life was not his concern.
 

She was going to die. He had tried to warn her, had tried to give her a way out but she was determined to save the Suvarovs. His beautiful, stubborn wife was going to force him to choose between her and the country. How could Martha do this? She who knew him better than anyone else and understood the pain he went through each time he had to make a hard decision. He didn't want her to die. Maybe it wasn't too late. If he just picked up the phone...No! Mike had made it abundantly clear. Save Martha and the terrorists use the nerve gas. Why could he not think of another option? There had to be another option!!

Tears welled up in her eyes and she tried to blink them away. No use alerting the Suvarovs to what was about to happen. Let them enjoy their short time together. At least they had each other. She had once had that with Charles...before the breakdown. There wasn't nothing he wouldn't tell her, coming to her first before anyone else. She could trust him with anything and he always had time for her no matter what his schedule was like. Not like it was now where she was less than an afterthought.

His brow furrowed as he slowly sank into a nearby armchair and held his head in his hands. How had he let things get out of control? Where had he gone wrong? Why had he not thought ahead and foreseen Martha's attempt to save the Suvarovs? He could have reasoned with her. She had listened to him before. He still remembered what a great team they had been...working the crowds...planning the campaign. He missed her by his side. He really did. When had he lost her confidence? Her trust?

Smiling at the Suvarovs, Martha tried to reconcile herself with what was about to happen. Could she really hate him for choosing the country before her? Wasn't that his job? And didn't the good of the many outweigh the good of the one? Even if that one was the one you loved most? If their positions were reversed, would she have made the call? Would she have saved him?

Spotting the silver framed picture at the corner of his desk, his hesitant fingers reached out to hold it in his hands. Martha had a beautiful smile. One that illuminated her whole face and gave off the warmth of a small sun. Why had he never told her?

And as she thought about their marriage over the last twenty years Martha suddenly realized that she did not regret a single thing. Sure they had had a rough time but wasn't that part of the deal? Accepting the good AND the bad till death do us part?

Running a thumb over the silver frame with care, Logan thought of all the mistakes of the past few years and regretted each and every one. When had his career become more important than his wife? How had he been so blind?

"No matter what happens, Charles, don't blame yourself. You were acting in the best interests of the country."

"Forgive me, Marty. I never told you how much I cared. I should have been stronger."

"You are the President and for the first time today you fulfilled the oath of that office. I am proud of you."

"I shouldn't have let this happen. I should have been stronger. I'm sorry, Marty."

"I love you, Charles. And I always will."

"I should have told you I loved you."
 

What have I done...what...have...I...done...

Comments

Yay!

[ladyofavalon77.livejournal.com]

You found my old fic :) I really like this story too :) It's before the end so some good feelings are still there ;)