Chapter 15

"I want her here with me. Not in another room." Jed and the hospital Chief of Staff were arguing over where Abbey would be moved to now that she had regained consciousness and was coming out of ICU.

"Mr. President, that's against hospital policy." Dr. Tychinka was trying to tell him that Abbey had to be in a different room.

"I want her here. I'll make it an order if I have to. But I want her here with me."

Dr. Tychinka sighed. "Sir, it's better for the both of you if you are in separate rooms. The chance of infection would be much greater if you were together."

"I'll take the chance. I want her here." His voice rose in volume as his frustration increased.

Ron watched the interaction and knew a way to solve the standoff. "Sir, if I may interrupt?"

"Sure, Ron. Go ahead."

Turning to Dr. Tychinka Ron replied. "Doctor, for security purposes it would be best if both of them were in the same room. I understand about the other issues but my job is to keep both the President and First Lady safe. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Dr. Tychinka shrugged. "Do I have a choice Agent Butterfield?"

"No sir. Not really."

"I'll make the arrangements then. I don't like it and it's against hospital policy but I'll make the arrangements. If you would excuse me?"

Jed nodded. As the door closed behind the doctor, Jed turned his head toward the head of the Presidential Security detail. "Thanks Ron."

"Yes, sir. That was the truth. It's a lot easier to protect you if you both are in the same room."

"Thanks."

"Sir, I'll go help the doctor with the arrangements."

Jed lay back as Ron left. Finally he would have Abbey back with him.

A couple of hours later both Abbey and Jed were resting together in their room. The guards had been pulled out of the room itself and had positioned themselves in the deserted corridor as well as patrolling the grounds. The rebels had gotten through Presidential security once but Ron and his colleagues were determined that it would not happen a second time.

"Abbey, are you awake?"

"Yes," a quiet voice replied.

"I'm sorry about this. I should have insisted that you stay behind. Ron's intelligence is usually on the mark and I should have just told you to stay at the White House."

"Jed, I have just one question for you."

"Sure."

"Have I ever followed one of your orders?"

Jed laughed. "Very few."

Abbey smiled, even though Jed couldn't see her. "Then why would you think I would have done so then?"

"Hope?"

"You're full of hope, aren't you?"

"Yeah." Silence was the only sound for a few seconds until Jed asked, "Abbey?"

"Yes, Jed?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, Jed. Now let's get some sleep."

"Okay."

They both fell into a deep sleep, knowing that they were once again by each other's side and would be for some time to come.

But not knowing that the wolf was still on the prowl.

Stealthily stalking his prey.

Ready to spring at a moment's notice.

THE END

Sequel: "The Wolf with Nine Stars, Part 2"