Chapter 5
Two days before departure, there were two new bombings in Moscow. This time the damage to the British and Turkish embassies was extensive and there were fatalities. That unnerved Ron so much he requested a private meeting with the President and the First Lady.
"Mr. President, Ma'am, there's been two new bombings in Moscow. And we're still getting reports about threats about your visit." Turning to face the First Lady, Ron continued. "Even if the President has to go, I still recommend that you stay home."
Abbey looked down at her hands and then back to the Head of Presidential Security. "Ron, I understand your concern but I can't let threats block my actions. I can't and I won't run and hide. And if something happens then so be it. I will not tuck my tail between my legs and hide. I won't do it."
Abbey smiled and kissed Jed's hand. "We'll be fine."
Ron shook his head. Stubborn people. Both of them.
Later that evening, Jed and Abbey held their final discussion on the issue of her safety.
"Is there any thing I can say or do to keep you home?"
"No, and you knew that before I even answered, didn't you?"
"Yeah. But I had to try. I would feel so guilty if something happens to you."
Abbey took his face between her hands and looked into the most expressive eyes she had ever seen. "Jed, this is my decision. You and Ron have done your best but the final decision is mine. I have chosen to go and face the danger alongside you. You can't feel guilty about this. If something happens, then we won't be apart. I'll be at your side. I was in total anguish after the shooting at Rosslyn, mainly because I was not with you. Do you know how it feels to have someone tell you that your spouse, the love of your life has been injured and you can't be there to help? Well, I do. It's hell. Total hell. The trip to GW that night was full of fear, fear of what I would find when I got there. Fear that you would die before I could get by your side and tell you one more time how much I love you. And regret. Regret that I hadn't said 'I love you' often enough. Regret that I wasn't by your side after the shooting to start dealing with your injuries. And I never want to feel those two emotions ever again in similar circumstances. If something happens, then I'll be there, with you, by your side. Do you understand now why I have to go?"
Abbey paused, trying to form her last words. "Jed, I love you more than anything on this earth and I want to be by your side if God chooses to take you from me. I want my face to be the last thing you see. I have to go to Moscow, regardless of the danger. I have to go and be by your side."
Tears fell from two pairs of eyes.
Jed softly kissed his wife and then held her tight.
"It'll be okay. Abbey," Jed whispered to his sobbing wife. "It'll be okay. Ron will keep us safe. I promise."