Chapter 17

"Leo, I thought we had made the decision."

"Sir, we did but the Chinese don't want the UN to send in troops. And since we'll be part of that peacekeeping force, I thought you might want to know. Do you want to send them unilaterally?"

Jed paused for a minute. He had never liked the idea of the United States playing big brother by sending in a unilateral force but the situation in Africa was critical and people were dying. "Leo, let me think about this for a little while. Abbey broke her ankle while I was gone. She's on her way to Bethesda now. After she gets it stabilized, I'll be back in the West Wing. Schedule a meeting in two hours and we'll discuss our options then. Keep me abreast of any changes in the situation."

"Yes, sir. How did she break it, sir?"

"She had gone out hiking and I guess she fell or something. We didn't have a whole lot of time to discuss it."

"I hope she'll be okay."

"I'm sure she will. But it did stop any further 'recreation' if you know what I mean." Jed laughed.

Leo echoed his friend's laugh. "Too much information sir. Too much information."

"Anyway, I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I'll keep you informed."

"Thanks, Leo. Bye."

Jed hung up the secure line and turned to find Ron standing in the doorway. "Yes, Ron? Do you have the motorcade ready?"

"Yes, sir, I do. But there's been a problem."

"A problem?"

"Yes, sir. The ambulance carrying Mrs. Bartlet, our agent and the two paramedics had an accident just down the hill on the compound road."

Jed stood, anxious to find out more. "Just tell me Ron. Was Abbey hurt worse?" Jed prayed that the news would not be bad.

"Two tires blew out and the vehicle lost its balance and tumbled a few times down a hill before coming to rest next to a tree. The agents in the accompanying vehicle immediately rendered aid."

"Well, dammit Ron. Tell me about Abbey. Is she hurt worse?"

"The two agents immediately went down and were able to open the back door. They found Mrs. Bartlet conscious and pinned about halfway up the wall of the ambulance. Before they could reach her, the gurney fell and she apparently hit her head on the equipment scattered about. She lost consciousness because of the fall but was immediately pulled out and loaded in the agents' SUV and they have headed toward the nearest hospital. From there she'll be transported to Bethesda. Probably by air."

"Is she conscious now?"

"Yes, sir. She was only unconscious for a few seconds."

"Thank God. Let's go."

"Sir, we can't."

Jed turned as he was about halfway to the door. "Why the HELL NOT?!" His face turned red as his anger built up. "President or not, I'm going to be at Abbey's side. And you sure as hell had better find a way get me there. Do you hear me?"