Prologue:
Nobody knew what was coming.
If they did, then Ron would have gotten the President and First Lady out of there.
But not even the Service was aware of the intentions of this specific group.
They had maintained absolute secrecy in their plans and were anxious to start the payback.
But they were patient people. They had already waited two years.
Chapter 1
It was mid-August. Washington was and hot and humid. Congress had left town along with everyone else, looking for a cooler destination.
The First Couple had the same desire.
"We need to get out of here. Someplace different than the farm." Jed and Abbey were discussing where they could go to get away from the Washington humidity.
"Okay, you pick the place. I just want to go someplace that's cool and away from the public. That's why I love the farm."
"Abbey, I love the farm too. But I just want to go someplace different. Let me see…"
"How about a place out west?"
"I thought I was picking the spot."
Abbey smiled. "You are. I'm just helping your thought processes."
"Jackass. Let me see….out west, cool, isolated….. I know exactly where. How about the Grand Tetons?"
"Sounds fine to me. I'll talk to Ron and see if he can find us a place that will satisfy everybody."
"Great."
"Just a warning though."
"What?"
"If you so much spout off one trivia fact about the Grand Tetons, I'm going to the farm and you can go by yourself. Do you understand me? I mean it, Jed. I don't want to hear one word from you."
Surprisingly, the President promptly forgot all of his trivia facts about National Parks.
Except for the agents actually guarding the First Couple, there was to be no other intrusion for the three days they were there. Leo would stay in Washington and handle everything he could from there. This was a rare occasion where, except for daily briefings, Jed was to get totally away from the grind of the Presidency.
The trip to Andrews was full of anticipation. The need for rest was obvious.
"Jed, how do you feel?" She had seen him lean his head back against the seat.
"I have a headache and I'm tired. But aren't I supposed to be? I'm the President."
Abbey smiled. He used that excuse frequently. "Yes, hon, last time I checked the history books that was your title."
"Abbey!"
"Yes, Jed?" Smiling, Abbey turned to him. "You have something to say? I thought not."
She loved it when she got under his skin.
They arrived at Andrews and boarded Air Force One.
But this time, they had the run of the plane. No press, no aides, except for one military guy with a briefcase.
Only four Secret Service agents and Ron were aboard. He too, was looking forward to a lower level of surveillance than normally was put around the President. The main contingent had already traveled to the park to secure the house and close up the one mile perimeter around the property.
It was to be a relatively short flight by Presidential standards. A three hour flight and then a short ride in an unmarked Suburban to the rented house.
Just enough time for a bit of fun.
"Abbey, I have to ask you something."
"Yes?" as she settled in a seat and buckled her seat belt.
"I need some recreation."
"That's why we're going to Grand Teton. So we can both rest."
"No, Abbey. I need some now." Jed smiled as he flipped his eyebrows.
It took only seconds before Abbey realized what he meant. "Oh, now I understand. I do too. Right after takeoff, dear."
"No, now" as he pulled her up from her chair. We'll be okay on takeoff. I believe we'll be horizontal. That's a safe position."
All Abbey could do was to grin and allow her husband to push her toward their bedroom.
Jed and Abbey closed the bedroom door and eagerly began their vacation. It was so unusual not to have others on board that they took full advantage of the privacy.
A quick knock on the door fifteen minutes before landing allowed them time to get dressed. Jed's headache was better.