Part 14
"Sir?"
Jed looked up and saw CJ standing by the door. "Yeah."
She approached the couch cautiously. "I just saw Leo and Ron Butterfield practically run out of here. Any news on Abbey?"
"She called and they traced it. They know the area the call originate from, but nothing more." He wrung his hands, wishing time would go faster.
"At least we know she's OK." CJ tried to sound optimistic.
"We were cut off. God, I hope she doesn't hurt Abbey." He stood and walked around her to the window.
"She?" CJ followed him with her eyes.
"A woman, who apparently is obsessed with me, kidnapped Abbey." He ran a hand through his hair. This was beyond frustrating.
"Oh."
"Leo thinks he might know who the woman is and they are checking it now."
CJ reached out and patted his shoulder. Perhaps it was not the proper thing to do, but they had been married and were friends. She wanted to show in some way she was there for him.
He smiled briefly at her before heading for his desk. "So, tell me. How is Cassie?"
CJ knew very well what he was doing, distracting himself from what he really did not want to focus on. "She's good."
"I should really get to know her. I'm sorry I haven't before." He grabbed a pen and tried to write with it. Finding it didn't work, he tried another.
"That's OK."
He stopped what he was doing and raised his head. "No, I want to get to know her. She seems like a fine woman."
CJ smiled. "She is."
He put the pen down and really focused on CJ. "Are you happy?"
"Yes."
"That's good. I'll give you a piece of advice, make sure you cherish every moment with her. You never know when something might happen. Make sure you tell her you love her."
CJ could not say anything. She knew where this was coming from. She coughed to avoid having to say a lot. "I will." As she watched him get back to work, she started for the door, knowing he wanted to be alone. But at the door she changed her mind and closed it. She moved back to his desk.
Sensing someone was there and so he raised his head. "I thought you left."
"No, Jed, you need a friend right now and I'm not going to leave you alone." CJ said with determination as she parked herself in a chair and crossed her legs and arms. The small smile Jed gave her told her she had done the right thing.
------
"Are you sure you haven't seen her?" Leo moved the picture closer to the man's face.
"I done told you once I ain't seen her. What's your problem?" The burly man towered over Leo, glaring at him as if he was a pesky fly.
"Sir, this is so important! This woman is missing. Her two daughters need her."
Ron solidly took Leo's arm and pulled him back. "Mr. McGarry, let's move on."
Leo tried to wiggle out of Ron's grasp. "But he looks like he knows her, Ron!"
Ron remained firm. "Mr. McGarry, that man said he hasn't seen her. You're letting your panic cloud your judgment. We know who has her-- Andrea Jensen. They weren't at Andrea's cabin, but we have agents all over the woods. We'll find her."
The constant worry about Abbey pushed Leo too far. "Then do it now, Ron! What good does it do to have all these agents if they aren't doing their jobs. They couldn't find..."
Ron, his nerves on edge, cut Leo off. "Don't make me wish I would have made you stay with the President!"
Leo deflated. "I'm sorry, Ron. It's just that when I think...when I let myself...Laurie and Leah without a...mother..."
A little of Ron's stoic face cracked. "I understand that, Mr. McGarry. It's not an outcome I want to even consider. But we have to keep our wits about us. If we give in to dwelling on what might have happened, we won't be able to do Ms. McGarry any good."
Leo nodded. "Let's get back to the search. I want to go back down the road to that vegetable stand. Maybe they saw something."
"AGENT BUTTERFIELD! SIR!" Agent Hackett came sprinting across the road toward them. "WE'VE GOT HER, SIR!"
"You found Abbey? Where is she?" Leo met the agent at the roadside, blocking his path.
Agent Hackett slowed his movements to keep from knocking Leo over. His face almost showed his disgust with himself at the realization at what he had done. "No, sir; I'm sorry. I should have made myself clear. We found Andrea Jensen, but Ms. McGarry was not with her."
Leo turned wide eyes on Ron. "Ron?"
"Now wait, Mr. McGarry, that could be a good thing. Ms. McGarry could have escaped and be making her way back to us." He turned to Agent Hackett. "What has Andrea Jensen told you?"
"She claimed she hadn't kidnapped anyone and then she just started rambling about wanting to have sex with the President." Agent Hackett showed the slightest pinking of his cheeks.
Before Ron could speak again, his attention was drawn by two more agents leading Andrea Jensen across the road toward the black SUV.
Leo beat Ron there. "What have you done with Abbey?"
"Leo? Leo McGarry?" Andrea Jensen slung her hair back and peered at him through dazed eyes.
"Andrea, where is Abbey?" Leo tried to stay calm.
"Abbey who?" teased Andrea, winking at Leo.
Leo took a step toward her. "Tell me where she is!"
"Leo, where is the President? You tell me and I'll tell you." Andrea taunted, trying to lunge toward him even though two agents were holding her. "You know that Jed Bartlet and I belong together forever and now that can be. Now that that witch is out of the way!"
Leo swallowed hard and swayed slightly. "Andrea, what did you do to Abbey?"
"I put her somewhere you'll NEVER find her!"
Ron stepped in. "Get her to a holding cell and notify me if she says anything that could possibly help us."
The agents moved off with Andrea.
Ron turned to Leo who was staring off into the woods, his face pale, his eyes haunted. "I wouldn't put very much stock in anything she said."
Leo nodded slightly. "She's obsessed with Jed; she'd say anything if she thought she'd get to be with him."
When Leo still didn't move, Ron prompted. "Let's get down to that vegetable stand. The sooner we find her the better."
Leo started back for the SUV, trailing after Ron. Even though they were moving quickly, he fished his cell phone out of his pocket and dialled. "Mr. President, we got Andrea Jensen..."
Ron let out a long breath to contain the growl. He spun around, trying not to be too threatening and gripping the pockets of his suit coat to resist grabbing Leo's phone.
Leo came to a bumpy stop, a mere step from collision with the angry Secret Service agent. He looked up into Ron's face as he spoke. "No, sir, we haven't found Abbey yet." Leo grimaced, but managed to hold the phone out. "He wants to talk to you."
Ron let out another long breath, one which caused Leo to shrink back out of his line of fire. Shaking the tension from his body, Ron spoke into the phone. "Mr. President."
"Just wanted you to know I'm on my way there, Ron."
"Mr. President, that is not advisable."
"But Leo said you have Andrea Jensen. I'm coming to find Abbey."
"Sir, we're not sure if others are involved and we have no time to secure the area."
"Ron, no one will even know where I'm going. I'll grab a couple agents and an SUV."
"Sir..."
"No arguments, Ron. I'm on my way." The phone returned to silence.
Ron shoved the phone's antenna down, resisting the urge to stomp on it. "Mr. McGarry..."
Leo tried to look genuinely sorry. "I shouldn't have called him..."
"Let's just go." Ron gave a cursory nod, knowing that he was fully understood. He held out the phone before continuing to the SUV.
------
Jed opened the door even before the limo came to a complete stop. He was so glad Andrea Jensen had been caught. Now he was permitted to come to the woods and at least observe the search for Abbey. Looking around for Ron, he saw Leo coming toward him. "Anything?"
"No, we haven't found Abbey yet." Leo wished he had better news.
"SIR."
Jed and Leo's heads whipped around as an agent came running to Ron. Jed wasted no time in waiting and hurried over. The other agent nodded to Ron's instructions and left. Jed tried to keep his voice from sounding too demanding. "Ron?"
Ron turned to greet The President. "Sir, we have found Ms. McGarry."
Jed held his breath. "Is she OK?"
"From what I've heard, she seems fine, just some scratches."
Jed closed his eyes briefly. "Thank God." Abbey had been found and she was safe.
Leo sighed with relief at the news.
"They should have her here shortly." Ron said before he made his way to talk with some other agents.
Jed nodded in Ron's direction and turned to Leo. "Did you hear that? They found Abbey." All their worrying was over and he could not be happier. He knew two girls who were going to share his joy by the end of this day.
Leo smiled as well. "I heard, I heard."
Jed's own smile turned serious for a moment. "Leo, I want to apologize for what I said before."
For a moment Leo was lost, but then it came to him. "Oh, forget it. You were worried about Abbey. We all were."
"Yes, but I had no right to take it out on you. I.." He hoped Leo would understand what he was about to say. "I want to trust you when it comes to Lane, but I...."
Leo knew how to finish for him. "..you can't."
"Not yet. I want you to know I love you and with anything else I would trust you implicitly, but when it comes to your brother...." He put one of his hands on Leo's shoulder. "I think the hold your brother had over you still lingers there somewhat and that's not your fault." He took a deep breath before he continued. "I hope you know that if you need anything you can come to me if you wish."
Leo was touched by Jed's words and he really could not blame him. "Thanks." It would take time before he could gain back the trust Jed once had in him. Suddenly he caught some movement at the edge of the trees. It was then he saw her, between two agents and with a blanket over her, covering her head like a shawl with only her face visible. "Sir."
Jed turned. The joy of seeing her took over his entire being. He ran to meet her. "Abbey!" He practically screamed and before giving her any chance to respond, embraced her. "I'm so happy to see you." As the agents gave them some room, Jed stroked her face. "Thank God you are all right." He could feel her stiffen a bit and drew back from her. He saw the huge bruise on her forehead and some drips of dried blood that had come from the gash.
Leo came up next to him. "Abbey." He smiled and was incredibly happy to see her.
Her voice was flat and low. "Leo." She took a quick breath. "Leo, where are my girls? Are they safe?" She concentrated on him, as she had always known if he was trying to hide anything.
"Laurie and Leah are fine. They're at my house with Jenny."
"Take me there." Abbey left no room for argument. She went to take a step forward and stumbled.
Leo caught both her arms and held her upright. "Just take it slow, Abbey. The girls are fine. We need to take care of you first."
"Leo..." It sounded like a warning.
"Abbey..." It was just as stubborn.
Accepting that she needed to take a moment to get a grip on herself, Abbey nodded. "I'm safe," she whispered, almost believing it, but wanting reassurance from Leo.
"You're safe." Leo wrapped his arms around her as Abbey leaned into him.
She stayed like that for several minutes before straightening to insist her brother-in-law take her to her children. Abbey opened her mouth, but no sound came out as she saw the look on Leo's face and realized the blanket had slipped from her head. "She cut my hair." Abbey ran her hand through the short, jagged, uneven remains of her once thick, wavy locks.
Leo recovered quickly, not daring to look away from her to compose himself. "It's just hair." He knew he sounded stupid, but what should he say? "It'll grow back."
Jed sucked in a breath to keep from making a sound. Maybe this was why Abbey was acting funny. What could he say? Leo was already stumbling through the sentiment he would like to echo. Abbey's hair had been beautiful. He had loved to feel it brush against his skin as her head lay on his chest. He had loved to brush it to relax Abbey when she had had a stressful day. And he had loved how her bangs fell across her forehead when she shook with laughter. Now it was gone, but that didn't change one thing about how he felt about her. Her physical appearance meant next to nothing. He loved her heart, her soul, her honesty, her compassion, her sense of humour, her desire to help people... He could go on and on. And he would go on and on. He would tell her right there that he loved her so much he thought his heart would burst. He was about to speak when someone else beat him to it.
Ron Butterfield had made his way back over. "An ambulance is on its way. We'll join you at the hospital and get a statement."
"Thank you, but I'm not going to the hospital." Abbey dismissed Ron and turned to Leo. "Where's your car?"
"I came with Ron Butterfield. He can take us in the SUV."
Jed understood her urgency to get to her children. He knew that once she had seen them they could share a proper homecoming. He would wrap his arms around Abbey and comfort her, letting her know that he was there to protect her and nothing would ever hurt her again. Jed wanted to accompany Abbey to Leo's house, to witness a reunion that would bring tears to his eyes, as well as to see that Abbey got the proper medical treatment. He would then sit with her while she rested. As Leo and Abbey turned to make their way to the SUV, Jed stepped into their path. He wanted to be sure she knew his plans. Abbey stopped abruptly and looked questioningly at him, visibly uneasy as to why he was so close.
There was no smile on her face, no emotion at all and something was amiss. "Abbey?" Jed tried to determine why she wasn't overjoyed when she looked at him again. "What is it?" Usually when she looked at him he could see something in her eyes, but now there was nothing. Jed's voice shook a little. "What's wrong?" Her next four words would terrify him like nothing ever had.
"Do I know you?"
The End
"Sir?"
Jed looked up and saw CJ standing by the door. "Yeah."
She approached the couch cautiously. "I just saw Leo and Ron Butterfield practically run out of here. Any news on Abbey?"
"She called and they traced it. They know the area the call originate from, but nothing more." He wrung his hands, wishing time would go faster.
"At least we know she's OK." CJ tried to sound optimistic.
"We were cut off. God, I hope she doesn't hurt Abbey." He stood and walked around her to the window.
"She?" CJ followed him with her eyes.
"A woman, who apparently is obsessed with me, kidnapped Abbey." He ran a hand through his hair. This was beyond frustrating.
"Oh."
"Leo thinks he might know who the woman is and they are checking it now."
CJ reached out and patted his shoulder. Perhaps it was not the proper thing to do, but they had been married and were friends. She wanted to show in some way she was there for him.
He smiled briefly at her before heading for his desk. "So, tell me. How is Cassie?"
CJ knew very well what he was doing, distracting himself from what he really did not want to focus on. "She's good."
"I should really get to know her. I'm sorry I haven't before." He grabbed a pen and tried to write with it. Finding it didn't work, he tried another.
"That's OK."
He stopped what he was doing and raised his head. "No, I want to get to know her. She seems like a fine woman."
CJ smiled. "She is."
He put the pen down and really focused on CJ. "Are you happy?"
"Yes."
"That's good. I'll give you a piece of advice, make sure you cherish every moment with her. You never know when something might happen. Make sure you tell her you love her."
CJ could not say anything. She knew where this was coming from. She coughed to avoid having to say a lot. "I will." As she watched him get back to work, she started for the door, knowing he wanted to be alone. But at the door she changed her mind and closed it. She moved back to his desk.
Sensing someone was there and so he raised his head. "I thought you left."
"No, Jed, you need a friend right now and I'm not going to leave you alone." CJ said with determination as she parked herself in a chair and crossed her legs and arms. The small smile Jed gave her told her she had done the right thing.
------
"Are you sure you haven't seen her?" Leo moved the picture closer to the man's face.
"I done told you once I ain't seen her. What's your problem?" The burly man towered over Leo, glaring at him as if he was a pesky fly.
"Sir, this is so important! This woman is missing. Her two daughters need her."
Ron solidly took Leo's arm and pulled him back. "Mr. McGarry, let's move on."
Leo tried to wiggle out of Ron's grasp. "But he looks like he knows her, Ron!"
Ron remained firm. "Mr. McGarry, that man said he hasn't seen her. You're letting your panic cloud your judgment. We know who has her-- Andrea Jensen. They weren't at Andrea's cabin, but we have agents all over the woods. We'll find her."
The constant worry about Abbey pushed Leo too far. "Then do it now, Ron! What good does it do to have all these agents if they aren't doing their jobs. They couldn't find..."
Ron, his nerves on edge, cut Leo off. "Don't make me wish I would have made you stay with the President!"
Leo deflated. "I'm sorry, Ron. It's just that when I think...when I let myself...Laurie and Leah without a...mother..."
A little of Ron's stoic face cracked. "I understand that, Mr. McGarry. It's not an outcome I want to even consider. But we have to keep our wits about us. If we give in to dwelling on what might have happened, we won't be able to do Ms. McGarry any good."
Leo nodded. "Let's get back to the search. I want to go back down the road to that vegetable stand. Maybe they saw something."
"AGENT BUTTERFIELD! SIR!" Agent Hackett came sprinting across the road toward them. "WE'VE GOT HER, SIR!"
"You found Abbey? Where is she?" Leo met the agent at the roadside, blocking his path.
Agent Hackett slowed his movements to keep from knocking Leo over. His face almost showed his disgust with himself at the realization at what he had done. "No, sir; I'm sorry. I should have made myself clear. We found Andrea Jensen, but Ms. McGarry was not with her."
Leo turned wide eyes on Ron. "Ron?"
"Now wait, Mr. McGarry, that could be a good thing. Ms. McGarry could have escaped and be making her way back to us." He turned to Agent Hackett. "What has Andrea Jensen told you?"
"She claimed she hadn't kidnapped anyone and then she just started rambling about wanting to have sex with the President." Agent Hackett showed the slightest pinking of his cheeks.
Before Ron could speak again, his attention was drawn by two more agents leading Andrea Jensen across the road toward the black SUV.
Leo beat Ron there. "What have you done with Abbey?"
"Leo? Leo McGarry?" Andrea Jensen slung her hair back and peered at him through dazed eyes.
"Andrea, where is Abbey?" Leo tried to stay calm.
"Abbey who?" teased Andrea, winking at Leo.
Leo took a step toward her. "Tell me where she is!"
"Leo, where is the President? You tell me and I'll tell you." Andrea taunted, trying to lunge toward him even though two agents were holding her. "You know that Jed Bartlet and I belong together forever and now that can be. Now that that witch is out of the way!"
Leo swallowed hard and swayed slightly. "Andrea, what did you do to Abbey?"
"I put her somewhere you'll NEVER find her!"
Ron stepped in. "Get her to a holding cell and notify me if she says anything that could possibly help us."
The agents moved off with Andrea.
Ron turned to Leo who was staring off into the woods, his face pale, his eyes haunted. "I wouldn't put very much stock in anything she said."
Leo nodded slightly. "She's obsessed with Jed; she'd say anything if she thought she'd get to be with him."
When Leo still didn't move, Ron prompted. "Let's get down to that vegetable stand. The sooner we find her the better."
Leo started back for the SUV, trailing after Ron. Even though they were moving quickly, he fished his cell phone out of his pocket and dialled. "Mr. President, we got Andrea Jensen..."
Ron let out a long breath to contain the growl. He spun around, trying not to be too threatening and gripping the pockets of his suit coat to resist grabbing Leo's phone.
Leo came to a bumpy stop, a mere step from collision with the angry Secret Service agent. He looked up into Ron's face as he spoke. "No, sir, we haven't found Abbey yet." Leo grimaced, but managed to hold the phone out. "He wants to talk to you."
Ron let out another long breath, one which caused Leo to shrink back out of his line of fire. Shaking the tension from his body, Ron spoke into the phone. "Mr. President."
"Just wanted you to know I'm on my way there, Ron."
"Mr. President, that is not advisable."
"But Leo said you have Andrea Jensen. I'm coming to find Abbey."
"Sir, we're not sure if others are involved and we have no time to secure the area."
"Ron, no one will even know where I'm going. I'll grab a couple agents and an SUV."
"Sir..."
"No arguments, Ron. I'm on my way." The phone returned to silence.
Ron shoved the phone's antenna down, resisting the urge to stomp on it. "Mr. McGarry..."
Leo tried to look genuinely sorry. "I shouldn't have called him..."
"Let's just go." Ron gave a cursory nod, knowing that he was fully understood. He held out the phone before continuing to the SUV.
------
Jed opened the door even before the limo came to a complete stop. He was so glad Andrea Jensen had been caught. Now he was permitted to come to the woods and at least observe the search for Abbey. Looking around for Ron, he saw Leo coming toward him. "Anything?"
"No, we haven't found Abbey yet." Leo wished he had better news.
"SIR."
Jed and Leo's heads whipped around as an agent came running to Ron. Jed wasted no time in waiting and hurried over. The other agent nodded to Ron's instructions and left. Jed tried to keep his voice from sounding too demanding. "Ron?"
Ron turned to greet The President. "Sir, we have found Ms. McGarry."
Jed held his breath. "Is she OK?"
"From what I've heard, she seems fine, just some scratches."
Jed closed his eyes briefly. "Thank God." Abbey had been found and she was safe.
Leo sighed with relief at the news.
"They should have her here shortly." Ron said before he made his way to talk with some other agents.
Jed nodded in Ron's direction and turned to Leo. "Did you hear that? They found Abbey." All their worrying was over and he could not be happier. He knew two girls who were going to share his joy by the end of this day.
Leo smiled as well. "I heard, I heard."
Jed's own smile turned serious for a moment. "Leo, I want to apologize for what I said before."
For a moment Leo was lost, but then it came to him. "Oh, forget it. You were worried about Abbey. We all were."
"Yes, but I had no right to take it out on you. I.." He hoped Leo would understand what he was about to say. "I want to trust you when it comes to Lane, but I...."
Leo knew how to finish for him. "..you can't."
"Not yet. I want you to know I love you and with anything else I would trust you implicitly, but when it comes to your brother...." He put one of his hands on Leo's shoulder. "I think the hold your brother had over you still lingers there somewhat and that's not your fault." He took a deep breath before he continued. "I hope you know that if you need anything you can come to me if you wish."
Leo was touched by Jed's words and he really could not blame him. "Thanks." It would take time before he could gain back the trust Jed once had in him. Suddenly he caught some movement at the edge of the trees. It was then he saw her, between two agents and with a blanket over her, covering her head like a shawl with only her face visible. "Sir."
Jed turned. The joy of seeing her took over his entire being. He ran to meet her. "Abbey!" He practically screamed and before giving her any chance to respond, embraced her. "I'm so happy to see you." As the agents gave them some room, Jed stroked her face. "Thank God you are all right." He could feel her stiffen a bit and drew back from her. He saw the huge bruise on her forehead and some drips of dried blood that had come from the gash.
Leo came up next to him. "Abbey." He smiled and was incredibly happy to see her.
Her voice was flat and low. "Leo." She took a quick breath. "Leo, where are my girls? Are they safe?" She concentrated on him, as she had always known if he was trying to hide anything.
"Laurie and Leah are fine. They're at my house with Jenny."
"Take me there." Abbey left no room for argument. She went to take a step forward and stumbled.
Leo caught both her arms and held her upright. "Just take it slow, Abbey. The girls are fine. We need to take care of you first."
"Leo..." It sounded like a warning.
"Abbey..." It was just as stubborn.
Accepting that she needed to take a moment to get a grip on herself, Abbey nodded. "I'm safe," she whispered, almost believing it, but wanting reassurance from Leo.
"You're safe." Leo wrapped his arms around her as Abbey leaned into him.
She stayed like that for several minutes before straightening to insist her brother-in-law take her to her children. Abbey opened her mouth, but no sound came out as she saw the look on Leo's face and realized the blanket had slipped from her head. "She cut my hair." Abbey ran her hand through the short, jagged, uneven remains of her once thick, wavy locks.
Leo recovered quickly, not daring to look away from her to compose himself. "It's just hair." He knew he sounded stupid, but what should he say? "It'll grow back."
Jed sucked in a breath to keep from making a sound. Maybe this was why Abbey was acting funny. What could he say? Leo was already stumbling through the sentiment he would like to echo. Abbey's hair had been beautiful. He had loved to feel it brush against his skin as her head lay on his chest. He had loved to brush it to relax Abbey when she had had a stressful day. And he had loved how her bangs fell across her forehead when she shook with laughter. Now it was gone, but that didn't change one thing about how he felt about her. Her physical appearance meant next to nothing. He loved her heart, her soul, her honesty, her compassion, her sense of humour, her desire to help people... He could go on and on. And he would go on and on. He would tell her right there that he loved her so much he thought his heart would burst. He was about to speak when someone else beat him to it.
Ron Butterfield had made his way back over. "An ambulance is on its way. We'll join you at the hospital and get a statement."
"Thank you, but I'm not going to the hospital." Abbey dismissed Ron and turned to Leo. "Where's your car?"
"I came with Ron Butterfield. He can take us in the SUV."
Jed understood her urgency to get to her children. He knew that once she had seen them they could share a proper homecoming. He would wrap his arms around Abbey and comfort her, letting her know that he was there to protect her and nothing would ever hurt her again. Jed wanted to accompany Abbey to Leo's house, to witness a reunion that would bring tears to his eyes, as well as to see that Abbey got the proper medical treatment. He would then sit with her while she rested. As Leo and Abbey turned to make their way to the SUV, Jed stepped into their path. He wanted to be sure she knew his plans. Abbey stopped abruptly and looked questioningly at him, visibly uneasy as to why he was so close.
There was no smile on her face, no emotion at all and something was amiss. "Abbey?" Jed tried to determine why she wasn't overjoyed when she looked at him again. "What is it?" Usually when she looked at him he could see something in her eyes, but now there was nothing. Jed's voice shook a little. "What's wrong?" Her next four words would terrify him like nothing ever had.
"Do I know you?"
The End