Chapter 6

"I need news. Not this television crap. I need to know what's going on." Jed was angry. Nobody still could tell him anything for sure. All of his information was coming from the news channels.

"Yes, sir." The military personnel had been in constant communication with their sources and were trying to pin down some accurate information.

Finally, General Baker, head of Bangor Air Force Base, and Ron came to give him an update.

"Sir, this is what we know for sure now. Two 707 cargo planes were stolen this morning from an airport in Ohio and flew into restricted airspace around Washington. They were warned continuously, but never responded to the warning. The intercepting jets did their best to force them to land, but they never did. So force was authorized. They were shot down. One crashed on the West Wing and the other crashed into the Tidal Basin."

Jed couldn't control his anger any longer. "Hell, I already know that. I got that from television. I want real news."

"Yes, sir. If I may continue?"

Jed nodded his head. He bit his lip, upset that he was taking his worry and anger out on the General.

"Mr. President, when the plane crashed into the West Wing, immediate rescue was begun. Although personnel were evacuated with sufficient warning, we do know there are some casualties. How many we have yet to determine. We know that Mr. McGarry and your daughter were last known to be in the bunker, three floors below where the plane crashed. Their status is currently unknown. The last known position of the First Lady was in the elevator coming from the Residence. There was a temporary power loss just prior to the crash which stuck them in the elevator. Rescue parties are in the process of trying to reach survivors. I'll be certain to let you know when I have some additional news."

Ron had been listening to the report. "Sir, if I may, I have some additional information."

"Certainly, Ron. Tell me what you know." Jed turned his face to his head agent, hoping for more complete information.

"I have verification that the majority of the staff made it out. The secretaries and assistants are accounted for in the EOB and they're scared but without injury. Two members of the press…"

There was an audible gasp from CJ.

Ron continued. "Two members of the Press Corps were found dead in the communications area of the White House. We are still trying to identify them. I'll let you know when I know who they are. Mr. McGarry has somehow made contact with the rescuers, and he and your daughter are both okay. We're still trying to free them from the bunker."

Jed instantly realized that Ron left a very important person out.

"Have you located my wife?"

"No, sir. But we do have personnel looking for her and her agent. Her last known position was in the Residence elevator, but it was found empty."

Jed sat down hard in his chair. His heart stopped beating for just an instant.

'Where was she? If she wasn't in the elevator, did that mean she was caught in the West Wing when the plane crashed? Did that mean she was dead?'

He still felt her though. He still had a connection so surely she was alive somewhere in that mess.

Jed could only wait.