Chapter 1
Leo could tell the President was upset.
He wasn't paying any attention to the economic staff's discussion. Normally, Jed would be asking questions and challenging theories. This type of meeting was usually a rowdy discussion of what Leo considered very esoteric language, but today Jed barely responded to the group.
"Mr. President, you have another appointment."
"What? Oh, yeah. Sorry folks, we'll have to continue this discussion later." Jed stood up and returned to his desk. The group left without a Presidential acknowledgement, a highly unusual occurrence.
Leo waited until it was only the two of them in the room before he said anything.
"Mr. President, is there something wrong? You seem a bit distracted."
Jed looked up from staring at his desk, trying to focus on what his Chief of Staff was saying.
"No, nothing's wrong. About my next appointment? Who is it?"
"You don't have one, sir. I needed an excuse to end the other meeting because you're so distracted."
"Yeah, sorry, Leo. It's just something I don't want to talk about right now."
"Is something wrong with Abbey?"
"Uh, no. That's not it. And like I said, I really don't want to talk about it."
"The New York Times article?"
"Yeah. But we need to handle it between the two of us."
"Yes, sir. But you know I'm ready to listen whenever you need to talk."
"Yeah. Right now, I just need to be alone for a minute."
"Okay." Leo took one more look and knew he had been dismissed. He turned and quietly closed the door behind him.
Jed picked up the phone and buzzed the East Wing. "Abbey, we need to talk."