Chapter 15

Abbey called Leo to tell him of Jed's improvement.

"Hi, Leo. I have some good news for once. Jed has regained consciousness and is improving by the hour. He's still very weak but I think we've turned the corner on this mess."

"That's great news, Abbey." She could hear his smile over the phone. "I'll let the staff know. How are you doing? I heard what happened earlier."

"I just fainted. It was nothing. I'm just relieved he's finally getting better. I left him a couple of hours ago sleeping peacefully. Dr. Wilson has moved him to Intensive Care for a couple of days until he gets strong enough to be in here. But we still have to worry about the MS. There haven't been any symptoms so far so maybe he won't have any problems."

"Oh, Abbey, I'm so sorry."

"I can deal with the MS. In fact, I would welcome fighting something I know something about."

"When can I see him?"

"Anytime. I gave them your name as well as the girls as approved visitors."

"Thanks. I'll be over later today."

"Well Leo, you are his best friend. After me that is."

Both shared a moment of relief with laughter.

"Abbey, I know I come in second to you. After he met you, there was no doubt in anyone's mind who was number one in his life."

"Thanks Leo. We both love him very much. I'll let you get back to work. I'm going back to his room to spend some more time. Maybe this time he'll be more awake."

"Okay. Keep me updated."

"I will. Bye."

For the first time in days, the conversation was light-hearted and teasing. More normal.

On her way to Jed's Intensive Care room, an announcement was made on the overhead system.

"Code Blue, ICU 4. Code Blue, ICU 4."

Abbey shuddered as she thought about the person who was experiencing the trouble. As a thoracic surgeon, she had been involved in too many codes that had not successfully revived the patient. Her heart went out to that family and the disruption in their lives that was about to occur.

As she continued to walk down the hall, her agent got an urgent call.

He touched her shoulder and Abbey turned to see what the problem might be.

"It's the President, ma'am. He's the one in trouble in ICU."