Leo's hopes had been raised with the successful capture of the first two men, but now they had to talk and lead the searchers to Brendan McGann. From there, Brendan had to tell them where he had hidden Abbey. Leo knew Brendan was not a foolish man and would not have Abbey with him. He would have found a safe house somewhere remote and stashed her there. Somewhere no one would think to look. So, MI6 and Scotland Yard would have to somehow get that location from him.

In the meantime, it was time for the memorial service. Liz and Zoey had decorated the East Room with Abbey's favorite flowers, red roses and lilies and they were everywhere. Up front were several enlarged pictures. One was a young Abbey on a horse, another was her and Jed just married, another in her cap and gown from medical school, another, a family portrait taken when the girls were young. It looked like Zoey was in kindergarten at the time and still in pigtails. The final one was Leo's favorite. It was from the first inaugural ball. A picture of her and Jed dancing at the New Hampshire Ball. It was their first dance as President and First Lady and one could see the love radiating between the two of them. That night they only had eyes for each other, even though there must have been a thousand people in the Amory that night.

The Senior Staffs and the Bartlets' close friends got seated and waited for the family to arrive. Father Thomas arrived and stood up front. In a minute or so, Abbey's parents and her siblings walked down the short center aisle and filled the rows of chairs directly behind the first row. Father Thomas raised his arms, and the guests stood. The President walked down the aisle, with Zoey and Ellie on each side of him, holding his hands. Liz, Doug and their two children followed directly behind. It was obvious to all how upset the entire family was, especially the President. He had dark circles under his eyes and the wrinkles on his face was much more pronounced than normal. And the audience knew how much this loss was affecting him. Affecting him now and would affect him for years to come.

The President stood at the edge of the aisle as the rest of his family entered the row and then sat on the aisle seat.

Father Thomas made the sign of the cross and spoke, "Let us pray."

Father in heaven, we praise your name
for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you,
for the example of their lives,
the life and grace you gave them,
and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant Abigail
and for all that you did through her.
Meet us in our sadness
and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

"Amen," murmured the audience.

"Now a reading from the Old Testament by Charles Young."

"Wisdom 4:7-14 A reading from the book of Wisdom.

But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age. He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was transported-snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul; for the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the LORD, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into account. The Word of the Lord."

"Amen."

The next person to come up was Liz Westin. She surprised the audience with her exquisite rendition of 'How Great Thou Art'. No one outside of her family had known about her voice. But her mother had and had encouraged her talents with voice lessons and community performances in New Hampshire. As she had told her father, it was something she had to do to honor her mother and he had agreed that it would be a nice thing to do.

Finally, it was time for the eulogy. To the surprise of everyone, the President stood and came forward. But, in the President's mind, he was the only one qualified to give such a presentation. He had known Abbey the best and the longest.

He looked around at the audience, filled with family and close friends. People who had loved his wife in many different ways. And, in so doing, had touched him as well.

"We're here to celebrate an incredible woman. She was first a woman, filled with grace, sweetness, love, and yes, stubbornness." That brought some laughter in the room. "But she also filled the roles of daughter, sister, mother, doctor, boss, friend, confidante, and best of all, wife, lover and best friend. To this day, I still don't know what she saw in me some 35 plus years ago. But I'm glad she saw something. What I saw was an incredible, loving person that took me from wanting to be a priest to wanting to love this woman the rest of my life. To have a part in creating our children, which we did," looking at the front row, "and having her be a part of life wherever it took us. And boy, has it taken us places. Now, apparently that part of our life is over. Only memories are left. But those memories I'll treasure the rest of my life. I'll see her in Liz, Ellie, and Zoey, but it won't be quite the same. I won't be able to say, 'Hey Abbey, guess what happened today?' or 'Abbey, give me the covers back'" that also got a laugh from the audience "or most regretfully of all 'Hey Abbey, I love you so much.' So, let's celebrate the warm, loving Abbey we knew, not mourn the years of the Abbey we won't have. Thank you."

Jed sat down. As he did, there were very few dry eyes in the room.

Father Thomas raised his arms and spoke, "after this prayer, please remain standing while the family departs.

Lord God, creator of all,
you have made us creatures of this earth
but have also promised us a share in life eternal:
receive our thanks and praise
that, through the passion and death of Christ,
your child Abigail our sister,
whom we commend into your hands today,
shares with your saints in the joy of heaven,
where there is neither sorrow nor pain
but life everlasting. Alleluia.

Amen."

"Amen" murmured throughout the audience.

Jed stood and waited for his family to exit the row and then proceeded down the aisle. After him, the Barringtons exited.

"The service has ended. Go in peace."