Hour Four
"Leo, we have to release some kind of information. Otherwise, they will make up their own stuff. And that means telling the Bartlet children what's going on before they hear it on the news."
"Leo, I think CJ is correct. We have to manage the news ourselves. If it gets out, then God knows what they will make up." The Vice-President was livid that someone on his staff was responsible for the leak but this was not the time to find out whom. But he silently swore that afterwards that person would feel his wrath.
"Okay. Okay. But first I have to know the game plan that the National Security Council is planning and a timeframe. I don't want to disrupt any rescue mission before it even gets started. CJ, get hold of Danny. Give him the information and make sure he doesn't leak it. Give him private access to these discussions and use him to determine the best time to release it generally. We still have about four or so hours that we must keep a lid on this so as not to disrupt any rescue mission. After that, the lid can come off and the news can be for general distribution. Just hold a lid on it for that long."
"I will try, Leo. I don't know if I can, but I will do my best. But if a reporter publishes it on his or her own. I cannot be held responsible."
"Of course not, CJ. Let's just hope not. For Jed and Abbey's sake. Because if it becomes public, I don't know what these fellas will do to them."
Back on Nantucket, two of the so-called agents returned from the Guest House to report to Abraham that Marks had been reinjected with another dose of sedative, this one stronger than the last one.
"This should keep him asleep for another few hours. His breathing is kind of irregular but, if we lose him, no big deal. He won't be a bother either way."
"Good." Turning to one of the agents assigned to the second floor, he asked him about his charge.
"She's been asleep the whole time. She moved a few times, well as much as she could, but never truly awoke. But it's time to give her another dose."
"No, I have something else in mind. Bring the extra ropes and scissors and come up stairs. I might need some help with this."
Four men followed him up the stairs and into the bedroom. Abbey was stirring, signifying that the sedative was beginning to wear off. Her eyelids fluttered, but they weren't able to quite open all the way.
The four men joined the other two and stood around the bed, watching this gradual awakening, Agent Abraham grabbed her hair and jerked her head backwards. That caused her eyes to open fully. She tried to speak, but the gag prevented any words from coming out.
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Mrs. Bartlet. You don't know me or any of us. But we're the ones who set up your little car accident a few weeks ago. Too bad you didn't have any injuries from that. But that's okay. We've been patiently waiting and now we have all the time we need. But you don't. Your husband and you only have a few more hours unless your government gives us what we want. In the meantime, we can do anything we want to both you and him. Fellas, show her the picture of her husband, will ya?"
The picture of Jed tied up and unconscious on the wooden board was shoved into her face. Her eyes widened in horror and tears dripped from them.
"See? We have him exactly where we want him and you as well."
Turning to his group, he said, "Okay, untie her and spread her out. Tie her arms and legs to each bedpost. Very secure." He stepped back as his men did as they were told. Abbey tried to struggle, but they easily overpowered her small statue.
After they were done, Agent Abraham stepped back and took several pictures. Holding up the scissors, he smiled down at his captive. "Now, if I wasn't a gentleman, I could go further. But right now, I won't. However, if your husband doesn't cooperate with us, I might not have a choice. Lay here and think about what could happen if he doesn't cooperate. These men will stay here and watch you so I really wouldn't struggle if I were you. I would hate for them to think you were enticing them or inviting them to have their way with you."
With that, he turned and left the room. He loved playing psychological games with his captives. And he thought he had played a couple of good ones with the leader of the Great Satan and his wife.