Chapter 7
"It's about time you got us out of here." Leo squeezed himself between the partially open steel doors of the bunker. He then turned back to offer his hand to his goddaughter. "Come on Zoey."
They climbed through the debris of what was left of the West Wing to the grassy areas beyond. Leo helped Zoey make her way safely.
"Are you, okay, Mr. McGarry? Ms. Bartlet?" The agent in charge looked at each of them carefully, trying to ascertain any injury.
"Yes, we're fine. What's the status of the President?" Leo was anxious for the most current news.
"He's in the EOC at Bangor Air Force Base and secure. Now with you and Ms. Bartlet out, we have accounted for everyone including the staff and the Press Corps with the exception of Mrs. Bartlet and her agent."
"Mom? You haven't found my mother?" Zoey's frightened voice carried through the debris.
The agent turned to Zoey and replied. "No. ma'am. She wasn't in the elevator so she has to be somewhere between here and there."
Leo quickly answered. "Well, find her. I need to speak to the President right away."
"Yes, sir."
In a matter of seconds Leo had a satellite phone in his hands.
"Mr. President?"
"Leo! I'm so glad to hear from you. What's the current situation?"
"Sir, the West Wing is pretty much destroyed. You're probably watching it on the news anyway. I have Zoey with me. I don't know anything else right now. I had to speak with you first."
The big question was briefly hanging between them
"Leo, what about Abbey?" Leo could hear the fear in his best friend's voice.
"I don't know anything, sir, except they're still looking for her and her agent. She has got to be somewhere."
"Hell, Leo, I know that. Find her, Leo. Please find her and let me know the minute that you do."
"Yes, sir. Do you want to talk with Zoey?"
"Yes." Leo handed the shaken young woman the phone. "Zoey, honey, are you okay?"
"Yes, Dad. I'm just scared about Mom. She was supposed to be in the bunker with us, but the doors locked before she made it. Are you okay?"
Jed could tell that his daughter was fighting back tears. "Yes, sweetie. I'm fine. We're here in Maine and I guess we'll remain here until they give me the all clear. You just do what Uncle Leo wants you to do and I'll be home soon. They'll find Mom and everything will be okay. Have faith, Zoey. Everything will be okay. I promise. Listen, I have to go and I'll see you soon."
"I love you, Daddy."
"I love you, too. Bye."
As both parties hung up, each tried to believe. Wanted desperately to believe that things would be okay.