Chapter 6
The next day, things got worse.
"CNN has learned that President Bartlet and the First Lady have filed an official notice of legal separation. The reason given was adultery. Further details will be released shortly. Stay tuned."
CJ turned in shock. 'What the hell was going on now?'
She also knew that this was being broadcast into other offices.
As she rose from her chair, she heard, "CJ!" "CJ!"
Two very loud and angry voices interrupted her calm. She scrambled to get to at least one of them.
"Yes, sir! Mr. President, I know what you're about to say…"
"The hell you do. What the hell is going on? I thought the story was over."
"I did too, sir. I don't know what's going on. I'll find the source and let you know."
"Now, CJ! I want to know right now!" He threw a report across the desk and approached his Press Secretary. Before he could reach her, his Chief of Staff stepped between them.
She could see the President trembling with anger. His face was red and the blood vessels in his neck popped out.
"You're so fired. I want the source and I want him or her in my office yesterday!"
"Yes, sir. I'll get right on it." She quickly turned and ran from the room.
"Sir, please calm down. Your blood pressure…"
"To hell with my blood pressure! This has gone too far. What the hell else can I say to those slime balls that they'll believe? Do they want a picture of me and Abbey fucking to believe our marriage is fine?" Beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead.
"Sir, please calm down!"
"Leo, by God the person responsible for this will pay. He will pay." Jed collapsed into the nearest chair, still breathing hard.
"Sir, I'm sure CJ will find the person and initiate appropriate punishment."
"Leo, I want this person in front of me. Letting CJ at him will just be too easy. I want to look this person in the eye while I squeeze the life out of him."
"Yes, sir."