Chapter 7

The ambulance arrived immediately.

The Secret Service pushed the stretcher toward the entrance, clearing the path ahead of it. Every staffer who they passed was shocked to see the leader of the Free World unconscious with an oxygen mask over his face being rushed toward a waiting ambulance.

Dr. Hackett, Ron, and Leo followed the rapidly moving stretcher.

"I'm going with you."

"No, Leo," said Dr. Hackett. "You need to notify the First Lady and get her to GW as soon as possible. Then come."

As much as Leo wanted to go with his long-time friend, he knew that only he should break the news to Abbey. He nodded as Dr. Hackett and Ron got into the ambulance beside the still unconscious President.

Leo knew that this was very serious. Something mild and the President would be giving directions to the doctors. He probably would be balking at going to the hospital as well. Even though he was married to a doctor, Jed hated doctors and hospitals.

As Leo walked back to the office he wondered what he was going to tell the First Lady. He hoped the words would come easily.

The Senior Staff were waiting in his office.

Without a word from the Chief of Staff, finally Josh asked the main question. "The President, is he going to be okay?"

"The only thing I know is that he is on his way to GW. Hackett didn't want to spend the extra time going to Bethesda. The President was still unconscious as the ambulance left. And I have to call the First Lady. Anybody volunteering?" Leo looked around his office at the faces full of concern for their boss. "If not, then get back to work. You know what you need to do. CJ, work on a draft press release with Toby, and I will approve it after I talk with the First Lady. Okay?"

They nodded yes. They were glad they had something to do. At least something would occupy their hands, even if their minds were at the hospital.

"Margaret! Get me the First Lady!"

In a matter of seconds Leo was talking with Abbey. "Where are you now?"

"On board the plane. We're just about ready to take off."

"Abbey…Jed had a heart attack a few minutes ago in the Oval Office." Leo heard a gasp on the other end. But he had to continue. "They had to shock him at least one time and he is on his way to GW. Hackett and Ron are with him."

Hesitantly, as her voiced cracked, she knew she had to ask the question, "Oh god Leo, is he dead?"

"No, Abbey. He was alive when the ambulance left here. But it's serious and Dr. Hackett said for you to come to GW right now. Your detail has already been notified and they're ready to bring you back to town."

"Oh Leo!" as Abbey started to cry. "I'll be right there. Bye."

Leo had wanted to say 'Hurry Abbey' but the she had disconnected the line before he could speak.

Leo turned to take care of immediate business, but his heart was already focused on the President. He only hoped he would see him again.