Chapter 13
"I'm going to find my wife! You can help me or you can watch me but I'm going and I'm going now."
"Sir, that's not a good idea. You're still on pain medication and you could get dizzy and fall…"
"Leo, by God! I'm going to find Abbey. Nobody will tell me anything and I'm going to find her and see for myself."
Trying not to let his tears come, Jed pleaded with his best friend. "Leo, I have to see her. I have to touch her and know that she's still with me. Please help me. Please."
Leo sighed, knowing there was only one answer. "Okay. I'll go make the arrangements. Just stay right here. Don't get up until I get back, okay?"
Jed leaned back on the bed. "Okay. I'll stay here but don't be gone too long."
"I'll be right back. I'll go find a wheelchair and someone to help."
"Hurry, Leo. I need to see her."
In a few minutes the President was being wheeled toward the ICU, where his wife still lay unconscious. Her breathing tube had been removed an hour ago, which meant that her coma was not quite so deep.
Turning the corner, the Presidential entourage entered the secluded ICU room, guarded by four armed guards. Agent Marks, still on duty, was one of them.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"Good afternoon. Marks isn't it?"
"Yes sir."
"Any changes?"
"No sir."
"Thanks for everything you and your agents have done for my wife."
A look of surprise flashed across his face but was quickly squashed. They had not yet told the President of the problem in the OR. "You're welcome sir."
Jed noted the look but focused immediately on Abbey.
Lying still in bed, pale against the sheets, a bandage across her forehead where the cut had been stitched and dressed and IV infusing into one hand. The white sheet had been pulled up on her bare chest, monitor wires snaking up to the bedside monitor.
Jed looked at this image for a few seconds before turning to Leo and making his request.
"Can you give me some privacy?"
"Sure. I'll be right outside."
"Take the agents with you."
"Sir?"
"I want complete privacy Leo. I'll be okay."
Leo hesitated, but then followed Jed's orders. He pulled back and motioned to Ron to pull the agents back a respectful distance.