Chapter 20 White House Residence

"Thank you for the information, Mrs. Bartlet. It will help close his case." Ron stood and left the Residence bedroom.

It had been five days since Abbey woke from the coma. She and Jed had stayed in Boston for a few days and then were discharged to the White House, under medical supervision.

Both of them had been very anxious to leave.

Even during their departure, Dr. Harris was profusely apologizing for even considering that the First Lady used drugs. Jed finally ordered him to shut up.

Abbey smiled. 'Sweet Jed, he had such a way with words'.

Abbey knew that she had to tell Jed the whole truth. He had suffered along with her. Although she had managed to keep it a secret all these years, there was no more reason to hide the truth. And it certainly would eventually be public knowledge.

He came back from the office early in the evening.

Admiral Hackett had requested that he only work short days, which meant for Jed from eight am to six pm. The country still had to be governed.

"Jed, we need to talk about why Dr. Franks wanted me dead." Abbey shuddered at the thought of what could have been.

"Just a minute."

Abbey waited anxiously while Jed changed into jeans and a sweatshirt. He came over to the sofa where Abbey was and sat down beside her.

"Yes?" He had no clue what she wanted to say.

"I need to tell you about Dr. Franks. About what happened so many years ago that he still hated me. Hated me so much that he wanted to kill me."

"Abbey," Jed took her hands into his. "Whatever it was, it's okay. It's been over thirty years and I'll be okay with whatever you have to tell me."

Abbey desperately wanted to believe him, but was still hesitant to say what she knew she had to.

She took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

"Jed, he made sexual advances toward me in medical school. He would make remarks such as 'Hot Babe' and "Did you get any last night? He did this in front of everybody. One night he trapped me in a closet and demanded oral sex. Of course, I refused. He then threatened to hold my grade hostage unless I slept with him. I didn't. I believed in our vows and I held strong. But he said he would fail me unless I did what he demanded. When I reported him, several other female students came forward with similar information. Only thing he got was a reprimand and we were removed from his section."

Abbey tried to read Jed's expression, but there was no outward sign of anything. His face was blank.

"He told me the other night, when he came into my room to give me the second dose, that my complaint had denied him the job of Chief Resident. Jed, you know this position is highly regarded by those in my field and is quite an honor. But Ben apparently blamed me for his failure to achieve it."

"Did you ever sleep with him? Hell, did you ever even consider it?" Abbey could see that Jed's temper was rising. She chose her words carefully.

"Absolutely not. We already had Liz and it was shortly before I became pregnant with Ellie. I love you, Jed. I did then and I do now."

She waited for his response.

"Well, Abbey, let me tell you my true feelings."

Abbey waited for the explosion.

But it didn't come. He kissed her. Then he hugged her tightly.

"I hate him, and if this was thirty years ago he would be dead. I would personally see to that. But why couldn't you tell me then? Why wait until now?"

"Because, Jed, you would have killed him. You're like a father bear, protecting his family at all costs. Although you have mellowed a bit, you're still a fierce protector of your family. Woe to the person who threatens any one of us. Isn't that true?"

"Yes. I love you. I would protect you and each of our girls with everything I have, including my life. At least, it clears up the mystery why Ben wanted you dead. A crime of opportunity, as he put it. He needs help. Not you. I'm still so grateful that he didn't succeed in his quest." He fought the tears forming in his eyes.

He hugged Abbey again.

"Want to come to bed?"

"Well, Jed, I'm really not ready and neither are you. I don't think either one of us have medical clearance."

Jed looked at her and then smiled.

"Abbey, we don't need medical clearance to hug each other. To cuddle each other. To reassure each other that we still exist."

Abbey smiled. "No, Jed. We don't. Let's go to bed."

THE END