Leo Scorches Toby for Endangering Josephine's Nomination with Viral Photo and Direct Call
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Toby presents the issue of Josephine McGarry's involvement in breaking up a high school prayer, downplaying its severity to Leo.
Leo escalates the situation by detailing the damaging imagery in the photo—students handcuffed and praying, with Josephine next to an officer holding a nightstick.
Toby attempts to defend his actions, revealing he contacted Josephine directly, further inflaming Leo’s frustration.
Leo calls for Josephine to be put on the phone, asserting control over the situation and demonstrating his personal stake in the matter.
Leo confronts Toby about the unnecessary risk of the nomination, questioning the strategic value of bringing the issue to the forefront.
Leo’s sister is connected on the phone, marking the transition to a personal resolution of the conflict.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Calm professionalism amid tense atmosphere
Enters Leo's office twice at his summons—first receiving order to 'Get Josephine on the phone' with crisp 'Yeah,' then announcing 'Your sister' before exiting as Leo signals delay—efficiently bridging crisis with familial call.
- • Execute Leo's instruction to connect Josephine promptly
- • Facilitate confrontation without intrusion
- • Swift action maintains command chain in crisis
- • Discretion preserves office dynamics
Defensive frustration masking ideological conviction and regret over exposure
Standing in office center, Toby defends photo as minor, picks up clipping to inspect, admits calling Josephine for nomination, insists he can 'save it,' attempts to leave twice but pauses and returns paper on Leo's command, revealing defensive posture amid escalating rebuke.
- • Defend nomination as vital to spotlight school prayer issue
- • Persuade Leo of salvageability to preserve recess appointment
- • School prayer fight warrants bold risks for national debate
- • Photo damage is containable despite viral spread
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Leo examines the creased local newspaper clipping on his desk, shaking his head in dismay; Toby picks it up to scrutinize and defend the image before returning it on command; Leo demands its return as final rebuke—serving as explosive catalyst igniting confrontation, symbolizing nomination's peril from viral photo of Josephine at prayer clash.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Vividly invoked through clipping and dialogue as site of controversy—high school football game where Josephine oversaw cops handcuffing kneeling praying students in marching band uniforms under floodlights—fueling Leo's excoriation of photo's incendiary visuals (nightstick, Black student) that have exploded nationally, anchoring debate on nomination's stakes.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Toby's nomination of Josephine McGarry for a recess appointment directly leads to the confrontation with Leo over her controversial actions."
"Toby's nomination of Josephine McGarry for a recess appointment directly leads to the confrontation with Leo over her controversial actions."
Key Dialogue
"TOBY: It's not good, but it's not, you know-- LEO: These are high school students. Two of them are on their knees praying while being handcuffed, with my sister standing next to the cop whose hand is on his nightstick."
"LEO: Does she know she was submitted? TOBY: Yes. LEO: How? TOBY: I called her. LEO: Toby!"
"LEO: It brings your problem front and center, Toby."