Chapter 3
After drawing blood, running an electrocardiogram and checking his chest x-ray, the President was rolled to the GI Lab.
"Mr. President, I'm going to give you some medicine to help you through this procedure."
Jed was lying on a stretcher in the GI lab, surrounded by a doctor and two nurses. Ron was also present. He knew his secrets were safe with Ron.
"Okay. My wife has already explained things to me. You do know she's a doctor, don't you?"
Dr. Paulter smiled. "Yes, sir. I do. Now are you ready? You won't remember a thing once I give you this medicine."
Jed looked at the doctor and nodded. The worst part for him had been the insertion of the IV needle into his hand. The rest of it should be a breeze.
"Yeah, go ahead. I…." His voice became silent as the medicine took effect and he dropped off into a sleep-like state. The doctor and nurses moved the unconscious President onto his side and began the procedure.
"Mr. President, we're finished. You can wake up now." The nurse shook Jed's arm to bring him back to consciousness.
"Jed, it's over. Wake-up." He knew that voice. His eyes flickered open to see the hazel eyes of his favorite doctor returning his gaze.
"That was quick."
"You've been asleep for over an hour."
"An hour? You told me the procedure would only take about thirty minutes."
"Did you have any important place to go?" Abbey smiled. She knew that it would rile him.
"No, not really, but…"
"No buts, Jed. You had to sleep off the medicine they gave you to relax. How do you feel?"
"Sluggish. What did they find? I told you that they would find nothing. All this fuss for nothing."
"I don't know yet. Dr. Paulter is still reviewing the tape. He should be in here any minute."
As she spoke, the door to the private recovery room opened and Dr. Paulter entered the room. He was accompanied by another physician. Abbey could tell from their expressions that it wasn't good news. She reached over and grabbed Jed's hand. Whatever the news, they would need each other's strength.