Chapter 15

"Ron, I still don't like the idea of the gas. It could kill the President and First Lady along with the kidnappers."

"The Russians assured me that it was safe."

"Is this the same gas that was used last year to rescue the hostages in that theater in Moscow? The one where half the hostages died from the effects of the gas?"

"Yes, it is Mr. McGarry. But the Russians have assured me that they have fixed the concentration and it will not harm anyone. Just make them go to sleep so we can get in and get the President away safely."

"I don't like it. It's just too dangerous."

"Right now, I have to take the chance. This is the only way I can be confident of total success with minimal loss of life."

Leo shook his head. He wanted to believe that this would turn out okay but the danger to the First Couple was still substantial. "Let's just hope the Russians are right."

Ron turned his head to the Chief of Staff. "Did you say something?"

"I said Good luck."

"Thanks."

"Ron, there's trouble inside." Agent Cox anxiously motioned his boss over to the monitor.

"What's happening?" Ron and Leo walked quickly to view the action. They noted one of the women placing an oxygen mask over the First Lady's face. They swung the camera around and noted that the President was awake but still restrained.

"Damn." Ron turned away from the monitor. "We have to go now. There's no more time!"

The agents in the hall gathered around the door, waiting the signal to break the door down.

Ron got on his walkie-talkie and gave the order, "NOW!" He returned to the monitor. Now they could only watch and wait. And hope the plan would work. This was their only chance.

Leo waited for something to occur. Ron had finally told him what he was going to try and he could only hope it would conclude with the safe return of Jed and Abbey.

They both watched the monitor, looking for the first reactions that the gas being pumped into the room was working. The odorless, colorless gas would render everyone in the room unconscious. The key would be to get through the barricaded door as quickly as possible and get the President and First Lady out of the room before they breathed in too much of the gas. Then the terrorists would be restrained prior to their removal. Ron had asked for the Russian equivalence of the Army Rangers to be present and to have the responsibility of subduing and restraining the terrorists. Ron's primary responsibility would be to get the First Couple out of the room and render whatever first aid was needed. Then they would be taken via military convoy to the airport and placed on Air Force One for the quick trip to Germany. Their personal physician would meet them there to take over their care. The plan was solid, if everything went according to plan.

CJ was with the press, who had been notified about the plan and with a moment's notice, they would be taken to the airport. A chartered flight would take them to Germany, where they would meet up with the Presidential party. There would be no communication with their papers and networks until the plan was completed. CJ had heard no complaints about the restrictions.

Zoey was being kept in a heavily guarded room. She was also aware that a plan was being initiated but had not been told what it was. All she had been told is that if the plan was successful, she would be reunited with her parents aboard the plane.

They all anxiously waited for an outcome. And hoped for a positive one.