Chapter 4

Jed finally dropped off to sleep after an hour of tossing and turning. But his sleep was troubled.

Individual faces, people he had never met kept pushing through his dreams. Face after face after face. All people who could die if this pandemic occurred.

He woke up with a start. Sweat was pouring off his face and he was hot. His bones ached. "Tough getting old, isn't it?" speaking only to himself.

He got out of bed and went to the bathroom, looking for the big bottle of Advil. Two pills and a sip of water and he was back to bed.

This time at least there were no dreams and sleep, though restless, returned.

"Ring! Ring!"

Jed threw his hand over to the clock and slammed the alarm off. Lying there for a minute, the faces of his nightmare floated back. Opening his eyes took the pictures away but the memories were still there.

Rubbing his face, he wished Abbey was there. But she wasn't. He got up, took a shower and dressed for work. Grabbing the coffee that was waiting for him, he grabbed his unopened briefcase and walked back to the Oval.

"Charlie, what's on my schedule today?"

"After staff, you have the President of Bolivia, the Economic Council and then a bill signing at two. After that, several Senators want to speak with you regarding the transportation bill."

"Okay. What's next?"

Again, a lengthy and tiring day flew by. Jed felt achy all day but didn't pay attention to it until that evening back in the Residence.

Jed opened the bedroom door to find Abbey reading a journal.

"Hi, babe. Glad you're back."

Abbey looked up and knew instantly that Jed was not feeling well. Placing her hand on his forehead told her that as well. "You're hot."

"Of course I am. Hot for you."

"Jed, I'm serious. You feel like you have a fever."

"Tell me something I don't know," as he sat down on the bed.

"Okay, now don't be snippy."

"I'm not. But when you tell me something I already know it makes me mad."

Abbey looked into his eyes. Instead of bright blue, they were dull and lifeless. She got the thermometer out of her bag and placed it in his ear.

"101.2. You're going to bed."

"Can't. Got to read these reports."

"Jed, you're going to bed. The reports can wait."

"NO! I have to read these for tomorrow." Jed attempted to stand but sat back on the bed.

"Here, take these." She handed him two more Advil and a glass of water.

Jed looked up at his wife and meekly took the pills. "Okay, you win. I'm going to bed."

That statement frightened Abbey even more.