Chapter 18
Jed fumed as he waited for a response from Ron. No one or no situation would keep him from Abbey, especially if she was injured. "Did you hear me?"
"Yes, Sir. But this time I can't carry out your request. I'm sorry Sir. It'll take at least an hour before I can let you go outside the compound."
Jed started to give a sharp retort but stopped. Ron's expression told him something else was going on. "Ron, is there something you're not telling me?"
"Mr. President, we have reports of some movement in the forest surrounding the compound. We don't know if it's a hunter or someone who wishes to do you harm."
"But this is a secure area for miles around the compound. That's why you allow us more freedom here."
"Normally Sir, that's correct. But when the agents came upon the wrecked ambulance to take care of the other occupants, they noticed that at least two tires had bullet holes in them. So, someone was trying to disrupt the transport of the ambulance. The motorcade itself was obvious that it contained either you or Mrs. Bartlett. So, I must keep you secure here until I know more. Sir, I know you…"
Both men turned at the instant of the glass window shattering in back of Ron. Ron reacted instantly by pushing the President to the floor as he drew his own weapon.
"Stay down!" even as Ron quickly covered Jed's body with his. The six-foot-tall Chief of Presidential Security almost smothered the smaller President.
"Eagle secure!" Ron screamed into his mic and waited for his men to begin reporting in. He would stay exactly where he was until the all clear was given.
"Ron, what's happening?"
"I wish I knew, sir. Just stay where you are."
Jed's heart was racing. He couldn't believe that was anyone who could get past the security at Camp David. Electrified fences, cameras everywhere, sensors in places where individuals are in full view of the Secret Service before they can even set foot on the property.
"Ron, tell me something!"
"Just a minute, Mr. President." Ron listened closely to the chatter of his men. Finally, he heard what he needed to hear. "All clear," as he rolled off Jed's smaller body. He reached out his hand and helped the President to stand up.
Jed brushed the shards of glass off his clothes and hair, still trying to make sense of what had just happened. "Ron, what was that? How did the individual get on the property?"
"Sir, we're investigating but the suspect has been neutralized."
"Neutralized? What does that…" Jed stopped as he realized what Ron meant. "Neutralized means dead."
"Yes, sir. I'll have an initial report for you when you return to the White House. In the meantime, we are clear to move you to the hospital. I've had extra agents sent to Bethesda. But we're moving you by helicopter. That's the quickest way. The winds have died down and flight conditions are green."
"Whatever. I just need to get there."
"Yes, sir. This way." Ron held open the door and escorted Jed to the SUV which would take him to the helicopter pad. And then finally he would be with Abbey. This weekend had not worked out how he had wanted it to but at least both of them would be okay.