Chapter 7
"Mr. President, the White House is on the phone."
Jed took the satellite phone from the agent as he sat outside what was left of the hotel dining room where not so long ago he was expressing his deep thanks to such a wonderful and loving family. Ron really wanted him inside, but there was no inside to shelter him.
"Hello, Leo."
"Yes, Mr. President. How are you doing?"
"A couple of cuts from flying glass and maybe a mild concussion. Apparently I went under a table just as the ceiling fell and it protected me for the most part."
"That's good to hear. How are the others?" Leo only knew that the President had been recovered in fairly good shape. But he had not been given any information on the others.
"Well…," Jed started, but had difficulty continuing. "Abbey has a severely broken leg. Apparently a table was pushed over on top of her legs as the debris fell and it pinned her underneath. But she's being taken care of, and she's probably already at the hospital. The girls are also fine considering the destruction of the room that we were in. Doug has some serious crushing injuries as he was apparently trying to reach Gus and didn't get under any cover before the ceiling came down. Leo…"
The President was crying by this time. "Leo… They can't find Gus or Annie. The debris is so deep in certain parts of the room that they are taking their time making sure they don't do anymore damage. Leo… what if they can't be found? They're the apple of our eyes and it'll devastate Liz and Abbey if anything happens to them." What Jed didn't say was how crushed he would be as well.
Both Jed and Leo said silent prayers for the rescuers to find the children alive.
"Liz is so torn. She needs to be with Doug, but she won't leave without her children. I finally told her that I would stay and she should go on to the hospital with Doug. The Service was not happy with that decision, but I will not leave without all of my family."
"I understand, Mr. President."
Changing the subject, the President asked, "How big was it, Leo? The destruction around here is just incredible."
"It was 7.3 on the Richter Scale and centered just south of where you are staying. We have offered assistance to the Government of Mexico and they have accepted."
"Good, Leo. I know you can handle the issues there. I'm staying here as long as I can, but you can reach me through the Secret Service if you need to. Tell the Vice-President to get out of my chair."
"He's not in it yet, Mr. President." Leo smiled at that picture. This began to sound like the old Jed.
"Good. Keep him out. Tell everyone I send my best. And Leo?"
"Yes, Mr. President?"
"Pray for the children, Leo. They need it."
"I already have."
"Thanks. Guess I'll hang up now. Keep me in the loop."
As Leo hung up the phone, he gave a soft grunt. Yeah, like he could keep the President out of the loop.
Leo turned to see three expectant faces in his office. He didn't know where to start.