Chapter 13
Jed looked up as he saw Leo and CJ entering from the outer office. "What's going on?"
"You and Mrs. Bartlet have that photo-op that you approved yesterday. The meet and greet of some carefully selected children who are visiting the White House. The reporters have been instructed that it is photos only and no questions allowed."
"Oh, hell, CJ. I forgot to…"
"Forgot what, pumpkin?" as the formidable presence of Abigail Bartlet entered the Oval Office.
"Oh, Abbey, I forgot to tell you about a photo op I had set up for this morning. In fact, right now. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not. Leo, good morning. Anything new on all this crap going around?"
Jed was amazed how calm and collected Abbey was. Only a few hours ago she had been full of tears and worry. But he would take this Abbey in a heartbeat.
"Welcome back, Abbey. I'm sorry you had to cut your trip short. We'll get to the bottom of this. I promise you that with all my heart."
"Now Leo, keep some heart for yourself. You might need it sometime."
Leo grinned. 'So far, Abbey seemed to be dealing with all this quite well.'
"Sir, Ma'am, I hate to interrupt, but the children are waiting. This way." CJ turned to lead the First Couple and Leo to the East Room where the photographers had been gathered.
As Jed and Abbey entered the room, the famous Bartlet smiles appeared and they took each others' hands. The show had started.
They greeted each thrilled child and their chaperones as the cameras clicked and clicked. All was going well until the last group of children were being brought forward to meet the President and First Lady.
"Sir, do you have a comment today on the picture on the front page of the New York Times?"
CJ spoke quickly. "I said no questions and that meant no questions."
"Sir, just a brief comment?"
CJ moved to the reporter's side even as the President decided to respond.
"What picture are you talking about? I haven't seen the papers yet."
"The one showing your wife kissing another man."