Over the next few weeks things returned to normal. Toby and Leo came back first. Then Sam returned from medical leave, followed shortly by CJ. The only one still missing was Josh. But he was making great progress and the doctors thought he should be back within six weeks.

In the meantime, there had been no further threats or incidents from the so-called 'Gang of 8'. So the President called Ron in the office to request an easement of the super tight security that had followed them since the initial incidents.

"Ron, it's been several months now without any word or threats. So can we at least lighten the security a little bit? I mean, the Senior Staff is beginning to chafe at the constant supervision. I know that myself, Abbey and Leo are required to have agents, but the other four have private lives and they didn't bargain for this."

"Sir, just because we haven't heard anything doesn't mean the threat has passed."

"Ron, you know yourself that this group could have disbanded or gone underground. Or that Jenna was involved with them and we just haven't found the connection. It seems a strange coincidence that they have been so silent since her death, doesn't it?"

"Yes, Sir. I agree with you on that. But since we don't know that for sure, I am still hesitant to pull their protection and to lessen yours."

"Ron, I'm not trying to tell you your job, but just see what you can do. Can you?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Thank you, Ron."

Jed got back to his never-ending paperwork. He didn't hear the Portico door open or see Abbey slip in until she was right at his desk.

"Jed?"

Startled, he looked up to see his wife's smiling face.

"Oh, hi. I didn't hear you. What are you doing here at this hour?"

"I wanted to ask you a question and didn't want to wait until later."

"Sure."

"I have a proposition for you."

"Oh, you do?" as a big grin broke across his face.

"Hey, not that kind. This is almost as good."

"Well, don't keep me in suspense."

"How about taking a few days next week and sneaking away to the farm? Just you and me?"

"Is there a special occasion coming up that I might have forgotten?"

"Not really. Just that we both have been really busy lately and have been like two ships passing in the night. I just thought if we could get away and leave Leo in charge down here, it would be restful for both of us."

"Do we have to go to the farm?"

"Do you have somewhere else in mind?"

"Well, let me think. Would a deserted island work?"

"I doubt that is possible. I mean you still have to be accessible in case the world blows up or something."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. What about Nantucket? It's the off season so the tourists have left but it's still warm enough to walk the beaches. I'm sure we can find an isolated cottage or something that Ron could secure and we could enjoy the isolation for a few days."

"Now you're talking."

"Let me talk with Leo about my schedule. What about yours?"

"I don't have anything that can't be rescheduled. Let me know as soon as you can. I just need to get out of the White House for a few days. It's been so long. And I'll take some special garments with me as well."

A grin broke across Jed's face. He really had an incentive now to arrange a getaway. He loved those special garments of Abbey's.

"Are you trying to bribe me?"

"Only if you need it."

"Okay. Okay. Now, can I get back to work?"

"Sure. I'll talk with you tonight." She stood and leaned down. One quick kiss and was gone.

After talking with Leo and Ron, the getaway was scheduled for two weeks away. The only problem was that Ron would not be there for thirty-six hours over that weekend. His daughter was getting married and, of course, he had to be in Washington for that. But Dan Marks, Ron's deputy would be in charge and Ron had total faith in him. So did the President. Agent Marks had been the lead agent of the First Lady's detail since the beginning of their first term and had performed his duties flawlessly.

The First Lady and Ron agreed on the location. A perfect place on the island. An isolated but historic house called 'Westcliff'. Facing the water, it had seven bedrooms, of which only one was needed, but most important it had a guest house which would house the Secret Service agents who would accompany the First Couple. This would allow Jed and Abbey to have privacy within the house and still be protected on the property.

Leo was able to extend the away time to five days. A secure phone and video line would be installed prior to the President's arrival so he could keep in touch as needed. The press would be told after the First Couple had departed and the location would be kept secret to minimize disruption. The house had a huge, expansive lawn which was big enough for Marine One to land and discharge its passengers. So the utmost priorities, security and privacy, had been met.