The next morning, Jed was dressed and ready for discharge. Charlie had brought him and Abbey some fresh clothes, and they were ready to face the press gathered outside the hospital. But not ready to answer the questions they knew the press had about what had occurred in the church.
"Ron, can you tell us anything about her motive?"
"No, Sir. Her apartment held no information whatsoever. If she was a part of this gang of 8, she hid her association very well. The FBI and the Secret Service have reviewed all of her personnel and clearance files and have found nothing unusual in them. With the exception of the Arab connection in her family background, which we already knew about, there's nothing that would indicate any connection to a known terrorist group. We'll keep digging, of course."
"So right now, are you keeping the high levels of security around us and the Senior Staff?"
"I have to, Sir, until I know something to the contrary."
Abbey sighed. "I was hoping this was over. I mean all of us have now been targeted to some degree. Most of us," looking over to her husband, "have been injured in some way. You would think that whoever is behind this would be satisfied."
"Yes, Ma'am," Ron replied. "Unless…"
"Unless, what Ron? Jed asked.
"Unless, they haven't gotten what they really want."
There was silence in the room while the three people silently contemplated the unsaid response.
"Okay, let's go. I have a country to run."
Jed eased out of the bed, being careful not to jar his left arm, carefully supported by a sling to minimize movement. He reached out for Abby's hand and made his way down the hall and into the elevator. Of course, they were followed closely by Ron and several agents.
Once in the lobby, they walked to the outside of the hospital. Scott had promised the press a short statement from the President before they got into the limousine.
Jed and Abbey stepped before the microphones. Cameras clicked loudly and he waited for silence before speaking.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your prayers and concern these past hours. As you can see, and as you have been told, the wound in my arm was minor and I look forward to resuming my duties as President. I thank the wonderful first responders, and the staff of this marvelous hospital who took great care of me while I was a patient here, and I look forward to being back at the White House shortly. This incident was the result of a woman who had mental issues and was not capable of seeing reality. I pray that those with similar difficulties seek help. Thank you very much."
The First Couple walked away from the shouted questions and got into the vehicle. Ron shut the door and entered the front passenger seat. In a few seconds the entire motorcade pulled away, and with heavy escort, made its way across Washington and soon arrived at the White House, where they were greeted by a number of staff members lined up by the Portico entrance, smiling and clapping at the President's safe return.
"I need to go to the Oval, Abbey," Jed said, as he helped her out of the car with his good arm.
"I understand. Just don't stay there all day. You need to rest."
"I promise. I just have to see what's going on."
They briefly kissed and then went different directions.
When Jed arrived in the Oval, Leo was waiting.
"Good morning, Mr. President. How do you feel?"
"Like I've been shot. Good to see you back."
Leo smiled. "Thank you, Sir."
"What's next?"