Chapter 10
"Mr. President?"
The head of his security detail stood by for a response.
Jed looked up and saw a small upturn of Ron's lips. That was about all anyone would see if Ron had good news to report. He was not a demonstrative man.
"Yes, Ron? Tell me you have news about Abbey."
"Yes, sir. Mrs. Bartlet has been located and verbal contact has been made. We don't know yet the extent of any injuries."
"Where was she found?"
"The First Lady and her agent were found in a storage closet in the West Wing lobby. They're pinned under some debris, but they are both talking with the agents on the scene. We're working to free them as soon as possible. I'll keep you up to date."
"Thanks, Ron." Initial relief that Abbey was alive was immediately replaced by fear of her injuries.
But she was alive. Jed told himself to quit being so selfish. She was alive and that was the most important thing. But he was selfish. He wanted her to be totally okay.
Now that she had been found, he started to ask when they could go home.
But the Service and the military command were adamant that he stay secure for at least twelve more hours. They had to make sure that this was not part of an overall plot to kill him or destabilize the government.
Jed understood the desire to keep him safe. But he didn't have to like it.
"Mrs. Bartlet, I'm going to move this beam. It might be a little painful, but know that once we move it, we can get you out."
"Just do it."
"Yes, ma'am."
The warning was real. As the beam was moved, Abbey tried to avoid screaming out. Especially in front of the Service, but the pain won out.
"SHIT!"
"Yes, ma'am. Now, just remain still. We're going to put this neck collar on you and then lift you out. Let us do the work."
"Just do it."
"Yes, ma'am."
After the neck collar was in place, four agents lifted her out of the debris and placed her on a back board.
Grimacing in pain, Abbey just kept her mouth shut. These fellows were rescuing her. She should be grateful for small miracles.
Strapped onto a back board, she was immediately taken to a waiting ambulance and it headed toward George Washington University Hospital. Although the Service would have preferred Bethesda, her unknown injuries made it imperative that she reach a trauma room as soon as possible.