By the time Abbey reached GW, Ron had arrived and was directing his team of agents.
She was escorted into the trauma room to watch as the medical team prepared the President for surgery. His suit had been changed for a hospital gown, an IV inserted into his right arm and nasal oxygen applied. He was conscious and complaining to the staff to tell him what was going on.
Abbey looked around to see if she knew any of the staff. She realized that the same doctor, who had taken care of her after her little mishap a few weeks ago, was directing her husband's care.
"Dr. Chase?"
"Yes?" He turned his head to see who was calling his name.
"Mrs. Bartlet? Nice to see you again. Well, it could be under better circumstances." He walked over to her. "Why don't you go over to him? Other than the bullet wound, there doesn't seem to be any other problems. We have the bleeding stopped for right now. We're waiting for our Chief of Vascular Surgery to arrive so the President can be taken to surgery for removal of the bullet and repair of the wound. And we are aware of his medical history already. But it's not an emergency. And he's not in any danger. All of his vitals are stable."
"Thank you." Abbey was relieved that it was all relatively minor. She walked over to her husband and got his attention.
"You just couldn't stay out of the way, could you?"
Jed looked up at her. "I guess not."
"The doctor said you are fine. They're waiting for their Chief of Vascular Surgery to arrive before taking you to surgery. Only the best for the President."
Jed smiled. "Yep. I only get the best."
Both heads turned as the doors swung open and they heard a familiar voice. "What the hell have you done now?"
"Leo! What are you doing here?" Jed responded, shocked to see his true Chief of Staff. Leo was favoring his right side, but looking respectable.
"I got a call," looking at Abbey. "Someone got himself into a bit of trouble and, as usual, I had to come bail him out."
Jed smiled. "Yeah, as always."
Leo made his way to the other side of the stretcher. "For your information, I've already called Margaret to go to the office and pull the letter. And the VP, although kind of shocked to hear from me, is in the White House, standing by with Amy, in case you decide to croak."
Jed laughed. "I can always depend on you to anticipate my future, can't I?"
Dr. Chase interrupted the reunion. "We're ready to take the President."
Abbey leaned down. "Be a good boy, Jed. This won't take very long and I'll see you when you wake up. I love you." She kissed him and he returned it.
She and Leo backed away as the stretcher was moved away and out the door. They both looked as it disappeared down the hall and onto the elevator.
Now, the waiting began.