Chapter 2
The motorcade proceeded down the expressway. Jed noted the scattered groups of people alongside the route holding signs that expressed their hope that the First Lady would make a speedy recovery. Although it would take some time, Jed knew that Abbey's determination would ensure nothing else than a complete and total recovery.
"Look, Leo. Those are Abbey's fans and I love it that they're wishing her well."
"Yes, sir. It is nice to see how much the people love the First Lady. It's kind of hard not too."
Jed turned toward his Chief of Staff. "Leo! Are you in love with MY wife?' Jed asked teasingly.
Leo returned the grin. "Yep, of course I am. Me and about two hundred million people."
Both men laughed.
Jed got serious. "Leo, Abbey told me what you said to her. It was kind of harsh, wasn't it?"
"Sir, I did it out of friendship. She needed to realize just what consequences her actions had. Not only on you, but the whole country. Many people idolize her and think that they need to follow her actions. I don't argue that her actions were worthwhile and had enormous benefit but like I told her she has a bigger responsibility than to go out in a disaster zone unescorted and without anyone's knowledge."
"Leo, I agree with you. But the way you did it was wrong. I would have gotten around to talking with her. She knows now that she should have found a different way but at the timeā¦"
"Sir, at the time she didn't think about the consequences of her actions. She could have been killed out there that night. I still don't understand why no one recognized her but given the chaos of the night and the location, I guess everyone was too busy to even think about the remote possibility that the First Lady of the United States would be part of a MASH unit."
Jed shook his head. "I know, Leo. I know. And I know how hard it would have been for me to be truly upset at her. When she was missing those first hours after the quake, I was very angry with her. So angry that if I had talked to her right then, we probably wouldn't be speaking to each other even now. But then after I found out that she had been hurt and during the rollercoaster ride of the last few days, I've come to realize that I can't be angry at her at the same time I'm praying that she would live. So maybe it was a good thing you said something."
Leo sat in silence, not sure how to respond.
"But Leo, promise me one thing."
"Yes?"
"In the future, Abbey's actions are my responsibility and mine alone. I am the one who will be angry at her if I feel she needs that kind of response. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. I do."
"Good. Now let's get my wife back to Washington before she gets into any more trouble."
"Yes, sir. I agree with that statement whole heartedly."
