Chapter 10
Although upset about Jed, Abbey was thankful only one person in the Presidential traveling party had died. One of the agents in the hall had died from inhaling too much of the black, sooty smoke. After looking at the news video she knew it could have been much worse. Ron and three others had succumbed to the smoke and had been transferred with Jed to Australia. Abbey knew from previous experience it had to be something drastic for Ron not to be able to get the President out of harms way.
The Air Force plane touched down without incident at Kingsford Smith International Airport. It taxied to a secluded area to shield the First Lady from the press who had gathered to document the sad arrival of the American First Lady.
Abbey waited impatiently for the door to swing open and the mobile staircase to be securely placed by the front exit. Once that had been completed, she walked quickly down the stairs, heading straight for the small motorcade at the foot.
Leo stepped out and gave her a hug, motioning for Abbey to get in the car before updating her.
Once settled, Abbey turned to the Chief of Staff. "Tell me everything."
Leo shook his head. "There's nothing to say. He's still unconscious and on the ventilator. He must have really taken in a lot of smoke."
"What about Ron and the other agents?"
"Ron is breathing on his own and is conscious but, as you can well imagine, is feeling really guilty about not being able to save the President. The agents who were in the hallway are fine. Well, not completely fine but out of danger."
Abbey nodded. "You know that Jed must have experienced sheer terror in that room waiting for rescue. He's so afraid of fire."
"He's frequently mentioned that but I don't know the details."
"I'll tell you sometime. Right now, I have to get to him."
Leo placed his hand over hers. "He's at Westmead Trauma Center which is one of the best in Sydney. He'll be fine, Abbey. He's Jed Bartlet."
Abbey gave a weak smile. "Yeah," she responded in a flat voice. She had very little energy left to do much else. "Yeah, he's Jed Bartlet."
During the remainder of the ride, it was silent as each was lost in their own private thoughts.
The car slowed and then pulled into an underground parking garage. Abbey waited until the door was opened and taking Leo's hand pulled him gently out of the car with her and toward the elevator. He pulled his hand out and motioned her into the elevator by herself. "He needs you. I'll check in later."
Abbey silently nodded as the elevator door shut. In a few minutes she would be reunited with her husband. But not in the manner they had both intended during their last phone call.