In Washington, Leo was nervous. He had not heard from Nancy or Ron in two days. They had promised to check in if they had any news so radio silence was only bad news. And the President, back in the Oval, after a day's rest, was picking up on their absence and Leo's nervousness.

"Leo, you're keeping secrets from me. I can tell you're more nervous than a cat in heat. And I've seen a lot of those. Want to tell me what's going on? My National Security Advisor is missing and so is the Head of Presidential Security. Something's cooking and you know all about it, I bet."

"No, Sir. I have no clue where they are. Nancy does not check with me when she disappears to God knows where and Ron, well you know Ron better than I do. He does whatever he wants to do."

"Well, I won't press you right now. I have more pressing matters. Abbey's memorial service is tomorrow. But you already know that."

"Yes, Sir. Why so soon?"

"It will be a week tomorrow since the abduction and although her body hasn't yet been found," Jed paused a minute.

"Sir, you don't have to continue."

"Yes, Leo. I have to. I have to get used to the idea that she isn't coming back. Although her body hasn't been found, it's time to celebrate her life and then move on. At least give her family and friends a sense of closure, although I won't have one until I can see her for one last time. I only hope God provides me that last chance. Some people wanted me to have a big public service, but there was no way I would put the girls though that. And they didn't want it either. So, Father Thomas is coming from Manchester and we're having it in the East Room. From what Liz told me, about 50 invited guests will be there, including my Senior Staff and Abbey's. Her parents and siblings and their families from Boston are coming in tonight and will stay in the Residence. It will be a hard 24 hours for me, but it is time for the service."

"Yes, Sir." Leo prayed that Jed's prayer would be answered and his secret plan would be successful. Abbey would be found alive, or at least her body would be discovered. Either way, she would be brought home.

"Sir, you feel like working some more or do you need to rest before Abbey's family arrives? I think everything can wait if you want to go upstairs."

Jed looked at his Chief of Staff. He knew Leo meant well. Someone had to look after him now that Abbey was gone. And he was a pretty good mother hen. Of course, no substitute for his wife, but he would do in a pinch.

"You know, Leo, it's going to be a hard evening and day tomorrow. Maybe I will go upstairs and take a nap before the onslaught of Barringtons. We'll spend all evening telling Abbey stories, some true, some not so true. And it'll be so hard to hear them without Abbey there to laugh them off with me. Yeah, I think you're right. Call me if anything happens."

"Yes, Mr. President. You know I will."

Jed stood, grabbed his briefcase, and walked out the portico door. Picking up his normal shadow, Leo watched him disappear up the walk to the Residence. Sighing, he turned back to his office and sat down at his desk and just stared at the paperwork that never ended. 'Come on Ron! Nancy! Call!' were the only thoughts in his head at that moment. Jed needed closure more than anyone else. Whichever way the ball bounced, at least he would know what had happened to Abbey and could actually grieve like a husband should instead of constantly not knowing.

It was dark and evening in Washington, but early morning the next day in Northern Ireland when MI6 and Scotland Yard, in a joint operation, raided a suspected Sinn Fein safe house near Belfast. Lord John had received word two hours earlier those two men fitting the description of the men who had delivered the package to his manor house had been seen around the house for the last two days. The two agencies quickly joined forces and moved into position.

"Take them alive," was the command spread throughout the forces. "They have critical information. Take them alive."

At the commander's sign, the men moved in and within minutes, without a shot fired, the two fugitives were captured and spirited away to Dublin to be interrogated.

Lord John's phone rang with the news of success. He told Ron and Nancy who were next to him, waiting for news.

"Who gets the pleasure of calling Washington?" John asked the two very happy Americans.

"Please do," they both said simultaneously.

"My pleasure," as John picked up the phone and dialed Leo's number.