Chapter 8
Jed finally made it to the hospital about an hour later. The doctors wanted to take an x-ray of his head to make sure that his condition wasn't more serious than they initially thought, but his care was not his priority.
With the city in shambles, it was pure luck that the most modern hospital in Mazatlan had not been severely damaged. Power had been disrupted, but the hospital was working off emergency generators. The staff was swamped with injuries and critical patients. But it was an honor that the American President had chosen their hospital for his care.
The hospital administrator had been notified that the President was going to be in town on a private visit. This was routine planning by the Secret Service every time the President left Washington. Rarely does this plan have to be implemented. But this time, it was implemented not only for the President but for the members of his family as well.
The agents took him to a secluded area of the hospital.
"I need to see Abbey and Liz right now. Where are they?"
Ron listened on his earplug and replied, "Mr. President, the First Lady is in emergency surgery. The table lacerated a major vessel in her leg, and they had to take her to surgery to stop the bleeding. Your daughters are in the First Lady's room. Your son-in-law is also in surgery for treatment of the chest injuries he received during the quake."
Jed nodded, and asked Ron to take him to be with the girls. Someone had to tell them the news.
Jed hesitated to open the door, but finally took a deep breath and walked in. Three faces looked up to him expectantly.
"Daddy!" Zoey leaped from the chair and tightly hugged her father. He looked over her shoulder at the two older girls. Jed pushed Zoey away and asked her to sit down.
"I have some news."