Chapter 4

Leo gathered the remainder of his staff and told them was going on.

Then he called the Residence.

A sleepy Abbey answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Abbey? Sorry to wake you. Can I come up?"

"What's going on Leo? It's 6:30 in the morning."

"Abbey, I need to tell you something and I've got to do it person. It's Jed." By the tone of Leo's voice she knew it was not good news.

"What is it Leo? Tell me now."

"No, I'll be right up."

It only took Leo a few minutes to get to the Residence.

Abbey was just coming out of the bathroom when he knocked.

"Come in."

Leo entered.

"What's happened, Leo? Is Jed okay?" Abbey was very anxious about any news that would bring Leo to the Residence so early.

"Abbey, the President's helicopter was on its way back to the Baghdad airport when it was hit by a shoulder-fired missile and crashed."

Abbey sat down hard on the edge of the bed. Her blank stare was almost too much for Leo to bear. Softly, she spoke, "Any survivors?"

"CJ and Toby have been found and with the exception of relatively minor injuries, they should be okay. The pilots were killed."

"Jed. I want to know about Jed."

"Abbey, as of a few minutes ago, they've been unable to locate him or Ron. They're still looking."

Abbey started to cry. "He's okay. Leo, he's okay. I feel it. He said he would be coming back."

"Abbey…" The phone rang and cut him off.

"Mrs. Bartlet, this is Agent Hands. Is Mr. McGarry there?"

"Yes." Abbey handed the phone over to Leo.

"Yeah?"

While he was talking Abbey tried to read Leo's expression, but it was just as plain as ever.

"Thanks. I'll be right down."

"Leo, any news about Jed?"

"Yes. The Service has found him and Ron. Both are seriously injured and have been taken to a triage center nearby. They're critical, Abbey. That's all I know. The Service will keep me informed and I'll let you know. You might want to call the girls. This will be breaking news very soon, if it's not already."

"Please, Leo. Let me know the minute you know anything."

"I promise Abbey. I promise." Leo left to return to the West Wing.

She said to herself, "Damn you Jed! You promised to come back. You promised."