Chapter 9
Abbey opened the door into the darkened study. She knew by the presence of the agents where her husband was at all times. Although at times he would try to hide from her, ever since they had been at the White House Abbey could always find him.
"Jed, it's me."
"Over here."
Abbey walked carefully in the dark, trying not to stub her toe on a piece of furniture. "How about turning on a light?"
"Whatever."
Abbey reached for the nearest lamp and as the light brightened the room, she saw her husband, sitting in his favorite chair, staring at the fireplace. He was dressed in his usual jeans and a sweatshirt with a scotch in his hands. "Want some company?"
"Whatever."
Abbey sat down and reached for her husband's hand. "Thinking about Leo?"
"Yeah."
"About our conversation this morning?"
"Yeah. Abbey, he didn't think enough to tell me. He didn't consider our lifelong friendship valuable enough to share with me the hell that was breaking loose around him. I noticed he seemed a bit distracted but when I asked, he just said it was nothing. HELL! This is SOMETHING!"
Abbey sighed. She knew how hurt Jed was. She felt the same way. But in the end it was Leo's decision whether or not he shared this information.
"Jed, have you talked with him since he came back from court?"
"No. I've been really busy."
"Anything else?"
Jed turned to look in his wife's eyes. "You know me too well, don't you?"
"Yeah."
"I'm angry. I'm hurt. And I'm afraid to talk with him right now because it might just come out and he doesn't need any more crap right now."
"Maybe you should. I mean it's only festering inside of you and as it festers it just gets you angrier. Call him. See him. But at least talk with him and get your feelings out in the open. He's a big boy. I expect he can take anything you give him."
"You think so?"
"Yeah. In fact, go over to his hotel. That way he can't hang up on you. And if he slams the door in your face, well you always have strong men to force it open."
Both laughed at the image of the Secret Service forcing Leo's door open.
"Maybe I should. Want to come with me?" Jed stood up and pulled her up with him. "Come on."
"No." Abbey shook her head. "This is something between the two of you. Once that's settled, I'll talk with him. But for right now I think it's best for you two to settle this first."
"You know, this is why I love you so much. You always seem to find a way around any disagreement." He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.
"That comes from having children."
"Hey, I had those children too."
Both laughed. "Yeah, but I settled many more disagreements that you did."
"Okay. Okay. I'll see you later."
"Take your time. I'll be here when you get back."
"Thanks again." Jed walked to the study door and opened it, motioning to the ever present agent. "Bring a car around. I'm going to visit Mr. McGarry."
