Chapter 3
The back-up helicopter sat down and the occupants raced to the debris field. Soldiers and Secret Service agents scrambled to locate any survivors. The fire was put out by the soldiers so the Service could quickly reach the Presidential party.
Toby was the first one found. As the helicopter reached the ground he had been thrown about fifty yards from the crash scene. Although unconscious, the agent checking him didn't find any broken bones. He would probably live.
Shortly, another agent came across CJ. She was regaining consciousness, but her right leg was twisted at an odd angle.
"Ms. Cregg, are you okay?"
Slowly, CJ realized that someone was talking to her. "Yeah, I think so. My leg hurts really bad."
"Just stay where you are. You have a broken leg and we need to get a splint on that as soon as we can."
"Okay. What happened?"
"The helicopter you were in was hit with a shoulder-fired missile and it crashed."
CJ nodded, then remembered someone else who was with her.
"The President?"
"We're still looking for him. Just stay where you are and we'll get to you in just a few minutes."
CJ asked about the other person. "Toby, is he…."
"Mr. Ziegler is fine. He's still unconscious, but we can't find any other injuries. He was very lucky."
"Okay." All CJ could do was to stay where she was and look around. And know that the President was somewhere in that mess.
Back at the White House, Leo was just arriving. It was a few minutes after 6, his normal time.
"Mr. McGarry, there's a problem with the President."
He looked up to see the acting head of the Presidential detail standing in front of him.
"What do you mean, a problem?"
Agent Robert Hands took a deep breath. He only wished that Ron was here instead.
"There's been a helicopter crash in Iraq. The President's helicopter was hit by a ground-fired missile on the way back to the airport. We don't have any word yet on the conditions of those onboard. We're still working on getting more details.
"A missile? How the hell did that happen? It was supposed to be a secret visit."
"Yes, sir. To the best of my knowledge it had been kept a secret." Robert placed his hand up to his ear. "Hold on, I'm getting more information."
Robert paused and Leo held his breath but his mind was racing. 'This really is not happening, is it? It can't be happening.'
"The agents on the scene report that Mr. Ziegler has been located. He's unconscious but doesn't seem to be injured. Also, Ms. Cregg has a broken leg, but no other major injuries."
"The President? Have they found the President?"
"Not yet."