Chapter 4
Over the next few days, Jed and Ron continued trying to persuade the First Lady to stay behind. In fact, Ron would have preferred that the President not make the trip but he knew that the political benefit of such a trip was enormous and not worth the damage it would do to cancel.
But the First Lady didn't have to expose herself to the danger that the threats said would take place. It was not a political trip for her.
But Ron also knew how determined Abigail Bartlet could be once she had made up her mind to do something. Especially after Rosslyn, even the inkling of danger had her making trips with the President when she didn't really need to. But these threats were more solid that Ron had ever dealt with before. He knew that there was a significantly increased threat to the President and it would take all his manpower and training to prevent anything from happening. Protecting the First Lady would only increase the level of protection that was needed. But conversations with her had proved fruitless.
One particular conversation highlighted how determined she had become to accompany her husband on this trip.
"Mrs. Bartlet, I can't emphasize enough about the danger the President will face in Moscow. The Chechen rebels have promised to do whatever it takes to disrupt this meeting. And your presence will make protection even harder."
"Ron, I don't understand why it would. You will already be on increased alert with additional personnel. I'll stay at the Embassy except for the ceremonial occasions that I must attend."
"Yes ma'am. I understand that. But there would be other opportunities to strike. At the Kremlin during the negotiations or during the state dinner. The traveling back and forth between the Kremlin and the American Embassy would present wonderful opportunities for the terrorists. I would strongly recommend that you stay home."
Abbey stood, ending the conversation. "Ron, you don't understand. If Jed's in danger, then I must be there. I'm going. You need to make arrangements accordingly."
Ron stood, defeated in his attempt to persuade the First Lady of the real danger ahead. The more he talked about it the more determined she became. Talking to the President about this had been fruitless as well. As he left her office, he started mentally preparing for her security as well. There would be two people to keep safe.
And that would only increase his responsibility and his worry.