Chapter 24
Chaos erupted.
The President grabbed Zoey as he fell sideways, trying to avoid the gunshot.
As soon as he was clear, rapid shots from the agents surrounding him followed. Mary's bloody and limp body crumpled to the floor as Abbey's screams could be heard coming from the ICU. "Nooooo!"
Agents swarmed to the President and First Daughter, checking for any evidence of wounds or blood.
Jed was screaming at Zoey, "Are you okay? Were you shot?"
Only quiet sobs were coming from the body at the bottom of the pile. "Daddy! Daddy!"
Jed lowered his voice. "Yes, honey. I'm here. Have you been hurt?"
As the chaos lessened, both individuals were checked over by multiple hands. Jed saw some blood on Zoey's shirt and screamed, "She's been hit. Somebody help her!"
"No, Daddy, I'm fine. Really. It's not me."
Jed then realized that a burning sensation permeated his upper left arm. He looked to see his suit jacket darkening with blood as it spread from the wound. Ron saw it about the same time. "He's been hit! The President has been hit!"
Four strong arms jerked Jed from the floor and carried him to a nearby stretcher. "Damn, guys! Can't you handle me a bit smoother?"
Ron ignored his words as the President's jacket was ripped off in one motion and his shirt torn to get a better look. Ron grabbed a nearby towel and wiped the wound clear of blood. An angry looking jagged line was all he could find. There was no bullet hole that could be seen. A God had been generous this time.
Immediately, two doctors were on the scene, evaluating the wound and pressing a clean pad against it.
"Daddy! Are you okay?"
Jed smiled through the pain. "As much as I can be when I play your hero." Even that bad joke got Zoey to smile. "Now go in there and show your mother that you're okay. And tell her it's just a flesh wound and I'll be back shortly. Right, docs?"
"Yes, Mr. President. We should have you fixed up in no time."
"Good. Otherwise, I'll get a second opinion. You know I have a doc that lives with me?" his eyes finally beginning to regain some twinkle.
"Yes, sir. We know."
Jed leaned back on the stretcher and let himself be taken to the Emergency Room. This time he was glad to let someone else tell him what to do. But this time only. His family was safe.