Chapter 4
Jed had left the Residence because he knew when Abbey got this way all he could was leave so she would calm down.
As he walked back to the office, he saw that Toby and Sam were still in their offices. He strolled into Toby's office to see what was going on.
"Good evening, Mr. President. Can I help you?" asked Toby as he stood.
"No. I'm just wandering. What are you doing?"
"Sam and I are writing about the tenth draft of your speech. But it is really difficult when Josh comes flying in the door and says 'What about this' and 'What about that'. Just as we get the changes complete, he comes in again. Do I have your permission to kill him?"
For the first time in several days Jed laughed. "Toby, that's just Josh. I'm sure you and Sam can handle him."
About that time Josh came flying in without seeing the President.
"Toby, have you thought about… Oh, I'm sorry Mr. President. I didn't know you were in here."
"That's okay, Josh. I was just asking Toby how the speech was coming. Will it be ready tomorrow?"
Toby rolled his eyes and said something under his breath.
"What did you say?" asked the President.
"Mr. President, I said that the speech would be ready unless we're attending Josh's funeral."
As Jed laughed again, Josh looked from one man to another. "Huh?"
"Josh, I'm leaving now. If you survive, I'll see you tomorrow."
Jed turned and left the room still smiling. He had the best staff any President could have. 'But sometimes,… Well hell, oil and water rarely mix.'
He headed toward his desk. Leo's light was off. He must have given up on having the speech done tonight and gone home. 'Good,' Jed thought. 'Leo would work all night if he had to, but sometimes he needed rest.'
Jed sat down and started reading some papers. That tightness on his shoulder came back. This time, however, it was more painful than ever. He reached into his drawer and took two Advil. 'That'll take care of it,' he thought.
When he finally looked at the clock, it was after midnight. Taking off his glasses, he rubbed his eyes and decided maybe it was time to go to bed.
Abbey would be asleep for sure. He just didn't feel like getting into anything else tonight. Hopefully he could slip into bed unnoticed. He thought 'Fat Chance!' but she was not the only one who wanted to sleep in their own bed.
On his return to the Residence, Abbey was indeed sound asleep. Jed changed clothes and got into the bed. But instead of cuddling with his wife, which was his normal style, he turned his back to her and pulled the covers around him. He just didn't want to think about their earlier discussion right now.
Shortly, he fell asleep, but dreamed that he and Abbey were separated by a giant chasm. And neither one of them cared.