Chapter 22

As the elevator door opened, Ron reached back to prevent the President from getting off in case there was something happening on the floor.

When the accompanying agent checked the hall and found it to be quiet, in fact deserted, he motioned his boss forward. Only then would Ron allow Jed and Leo to step out of the safety of the elevator. They cautiously walked down the hall, Ron, and the second agent's eyes constantly sweeping for the slightest motion.

But there was none. Jed made his way to the ICU and pushed open the door to see the floor staff and more agents standing just inside the door. He made his way to Abbey's bed, which was surrounded by three armed Secret Service agents. They nodded as the President made his way to his wife's bedside.

"Abbey, are you okay?" She was asleep so Jed had to gently shake her to get her attention. As her eyes opened she started to speak, but then took note of the armed camp around her bed. Her eyes filled with fear.

"Jed! What's wrong? What's going on?"

"We found out who's been doing this. Remember Mary Marsh and the Lambs of God, who sent the doll to Annie a couple of years ago? It's her. And it's been her all along. I'll tell you the details later. Right now, I'm glad to know you're okay."

"Jed," waving her arm. "Why are these agents here, with their guns drawn?"

"No, hon." Jed swallowed hard, knowing he had to tell his wife what was going on. "Mary Marsh somehow got hold of Zoey while she waited for you to wake up and is holding her hostage somewhere here, on this floor."

"Jed, is she…." He could see the pools of tears forming in her eyes.

"Oh no, Abbey. As far as we know she's alive and healthy, and I'm going to keep her that way if at all possible."

Abbey took his hand even as a voice rang out loud and clear.

"Mr. President, I know you're here. Don't you want to see your daughter? The daughter that you and your lust created?"

"Jed, don't go!" as Abbey struggled to sit up. But she was too weak to struggle very long.

Jed gently pushed her down and turned to follow that voice. "I have to go, Abbey. That's our baby out there. I have to go." He walked quickly to the doors and pushed one open. Down at the end of the connecting hall, he saw Mary holding a gun to Zoey's head, with one arm around her neck.

"I'm coming, Mary. Don't hurt her."