Chapter 19

Four hours passed as Jed continued to sit by Abbey's bedside in ICU. Leo had gone back to the White House to manage things until later tonight. Jed refused to leave until Abbey woke up. He had to be sure she would make it.

Looking at his sleeping wife, he shook his head.

'Whoever wanted us separated has crossed the line. This person has almost killed Abbey. And he has made a mess of my children. Why is the disintegration of our marriage so important to this person?'

Lost in his thoughts, Jed didn't hear or see Ron come up next to him.

"Mr. President, I have some more information. Do you want it here or we can find a private room."

"No, Ron. Tell me here. Abbey's still asleep and I don't want to leave her."

"Yes, sir." He pulled up a chair so his voice could be lowered. "Mr. President, we believe that the First Lady did not attempt suicide. We found a partial print on the pill bottle that should not have been there. We ran the print and are now questioning the maid whose print was found. Sir, we think it was a case of attempted murder."

Jed stared at Ron in disbelief. "Murder? Who? Why?"

"That's what we're trying to find out. Hopefully this maid will tell us who she's working for. Once we know the who, then we should shortly know the why. Ms. Cregg has gotten some information also from Danny that we're trying to verify right now as well."

"Keep me informed, Ron. Anything and everything."

"Yes, sir."

As Jed turned his head back to face Abbey, a single tear slid down the side of her face.

"Abbey, hon. Are you awake, can you hear me? Abbey, please open your eyes."

Her lids fluttered open, but quickly closed as the bright lights were too much. Gradually, her eyes adjusted to the lights and she was able to open them completely.

She turned her head to see her husband. To connect the visual with the audible.

"Jed?" Her voice was only a whisper, but it sounded like a symphony to her husband. "Where?"

"Abbey, you're in George Washington's ICU. You overdosed on sleeping pills and had to have your stomach pumped."

"Jed, I didn't…." Abbey's weak voice tried to defend herself.

"I know, Abbey. Ron just told me. It wasn't your fault. Somebody gave them to you. I'm just so glad I found you when I did." Jed squeezed her hand to reinforce his words.

"Jed…" as her eyes closed again. This time she dropped off into a more normal sleep pattern. Jed bowed his head and gave a brief prayer of thanks. He stood, kissed his sleeping wife, and walked out of the ICU to find Zoey and tell her the good news. And then he would call the other two.

Now it was time for action.

"Ron, its time to go back to the White House, and once and for all put an end to this nightmare."

"Yes, sir."