Emergency equipment raced to the side of the plane. So far, no fire could be seen as the doors opened and the emergency chutes deployed.
Quickly, people could be seen jumping out the door and sliding down the chute. As their feet touched the pavement, they ran toward the buses sent to transport the passengers.
Where was the President? The First Lady? Surely they would be the first ones off. The Service would not take a second longer than they could to get him off the plane and away from danger.
Around the world, breaths were being held.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Soon the world exhaled in a collective sigh. A black Suburban, escorted by military police vehicles, was seen speeding away from the far side of the plane. It had to hold the two passengers that everybody needed to see.
Safe.
Alive.
The world waited for confirmation.
But no confirmation was forthcoming.
Except for one location.
In Washington, Leo picked up the ringing phone in the Oval Office. As he listened to the voice on the other end, a big grin broke across his jagged features.
"Yes, sir. I understand. You and Abbey are fine. Yes sir, thank you for calling and telling us. Yes, sir. I bet you do have some things to share. Yes, Zoey is right here. I'll call the other two right now and give them the good news."
Leo was still grinning as he handed the phone to a very anxious Zoey. "Dad?"
Leo turned to the waiting group. "That was the President. Everybody is fine. CJ and Toby were with them and as far as he knows, there were no injuries to any other passengers. And he said to tell everybody that he was taking a slow boat home."
The room laughed with relief.
THE END