Chapter 17
Two medical teams worked feverishly on the First Couple. Assessments were made and oxygen given to counteract the effects of the gas. Blood samples were taken to determine the medication they had initially been given. Heart rhythms were assessed and found to be normal, although slowed by the effects of the gas.
Armed agents stood in the room, watching everything that was going on. Only personnel with a special tag, issued only for this occasion, were allowed on the floor where the First Couple lay recovering from their ordeal.
Jed was the first to stir. He heard voices, heavily accented English mixed with pure English-speaking voices. Opening his eyes, he noted the worried expressions hovering over him. Looking around, he noted Ron and Leo standing at the end of the bed.
"Is it over?" Although muffled by the oxygen mask, both men understood what Jed was saying.
Leo walked up to his side and placed his hand on Jed's arm. "Yes."
Jed nodded, trying to form his thoughts. "Abbey?"
"She's going to be okay." Even if Leo didn't know for sure, those were the words he had to say.
"Where is she?"
"Here with you. In the other bed."
Leo motioned to Jed's left and he turned his head in that direction. Leo motioned for personnel surrounding the First Lady to move aside for a minute, to allow the President to see Abbey for himself.
"Sill asleep?"
"Yeah. But she'll wake soon. They've given her some medicine to counteract the drugs the terrorists gave to her."
Jed nodded and turned his head back to Leo. "What about the terrorists? Anybody hurt?"
Ron stepped forward. "No, Mr. President. Nobody was hurt. The terrorists are in the custody of the Russian military. I don't think they'll see daylight anytime real soon."
"Good."
Jed closed his eyes. He was tired and his hands hurt. But he was not about to ask for any more pain medication. As he dropped off to sleep, he felt reassured that things would be okay. He had the best people in charge and they would see that nothing else happened.