Chapter 10

As the President regained consciousness, he became very aware of the pain. His burned hands, securely wrapped in sterile gauze, pulsated with intense pain.

He opened his eyes to see Leo gazing down. "Hi. Welcome back."

Jed struggled to clear his mind enough to form some words. "Where? What?"

Leo placed his hand on Jed's arm. "You're in the American Hospital. There was a bomb at the Embassy, right under your windows. Did a real number on your suite."

Jed shook his head. "Don't remember."

"Didn't think you did. You were asleep when it happened."

"What time?"

"About three. It's now nine am. About six hours ago."

Jed nodded. Slowly he realized that something, rather someone was missing. Looking around, he didn't see the one person who should have been there, if she was able. But he did note the three agents spread around the room, armed with machine guns, looking like they would shoot a fly if it flew the wrong direction.

Swallowing hard, he looked back at Leo and asked the most important question. "Abbey?"

Leo softened his voice, knowing Jed needed his best friend, not his Chief of Staff. "I'm not going to lie to you, Jed. She's pretty bad. She had emergency surgery and she's still in recovery. She lost a lot of blood and they had to remove her spleen."

"I want to see her."

Leo knew that was coming. "No, not yet. I'll get her doctor in here in a few minutes and he will give you an update. But you didn't get off easy. Your hands are seriously burned. You had glass shards all over your body and that took a while to pull them all out. The doctors are worried about infection and it's going to be a while until your hands heal."

Jed nodded but was not yet ready to give up. "I must see Abbey."

At that time, the door opened and a stocky, gray haired man entered. "Mr. President, you're awake. Good."

"Who are you?"

"I'm Dr.Tychinka, Chief of Staff here. I'll be taking care of you as well as our burn specialists. We are in constant contact with your personal physician to give you the best care possible."

"Well, I would shake your hand but they're a little restricted right now."

Leo smiled, with some relief. If Jed could make a joke, he would probably be okay.

"Yes, sir. Do you have any questions for me right now?"

"Yes. I want to see my wife. I understand she had emergency surgery."

Dr. Tychinka looked at the President, and then glanced at Leo. Jed noticed his awkward expression.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"Uh, no sir. It's just that she's still recovering from the surgery and still unconscious."

Panic arose in Jed. "But it's been six hours since the explosion. Why is she still unconscious? Leo, is there something you aren't telling me? Tell me the truth or I promise you I will get out of this bed right now and go find her for myself."

Dr, Tychinka replied. "Sir, she should be fine. Because of the blood loss, she's just slow to regain consciousness."

"Tell me the truth. Is that the only reason?"

"Yes, sir. I have to go right now but I'll be back. We'll continue the morphine until tomorrow and after that, we'll talk. If there's anything you need, please let us know and we'll get it."

Jed nodded, knowing that he would get no more information about Abbey. If she had been hurt as bad as they had said, then it might be some time before his mind could rest. His guilt for allowing her to come had already started.