Chapter 8
"Dr. Miller, how is my wife?"
Jed and Leo were sitting in the penthouse suite at the hospital. Abbey's surgeon had just arrived to give them some information on her condition.
"Mr. President, she's critical. We raised her body temperature and were able to remove the splintered wood from her chest and abdomen and repair that damage. She still has a chest tube in her left lung due to its earlier collapse and the damage the wood caused. But I think she will make a complete recovery from those injuries. What concerns me most right now is her closed head injury. The skull fracture caused some swelling of her brain and I just don't know what will happen. We're going to keep her in a coma for a while and give her medication for the swelling. In a few days…"
"In a few days?"
"Yes, sir. In a few days we'll bring her out of the coma and see what kind of damage has been done."
Jed looked at Leo in horror, then looked back at the doctor. "What do you think the damage is?"
"There's no way of knowing for sure right now. We'll just have to wait."
"I can bring in any specialist you need."
"Thank you, sir. But we have one of the most respected and nationally known neurologists in the country here that specializes in cases like Mrs. Bartlet."
"Of course. When may I see her?"
"Give us an hour to get her settled and then I'll send for you."
"Fine."
"One more thing." Dr Miller reached into his pocket. "Sir, I have Mrs. Bartlett's rings. Do you want them?"
Jed looked at the gold band and the shining stones that he himself had put on her finger so many years ago. He took them and rolled them around in his hand, the diamonds catching the light. "Thanks." He replied softly, trying not to release the tears that were forming in his eyes.
"Yes, sir."
As Dr. Miller left, the phone in the suite rang. Leo picked it up, talked a few minutes, and then turned towards Jed.
"Mr. President, someone is on the phone for you."
"Leo, I don't want to talk to anybody right now."
"Sir, I think you'll want to take this call."
Reluctantly, Jed got up and walked over to the phone.
"Dad?"
"Ellie?"
"Yes, Dad. It's so good to hear your voice." He could instantly tell that Ellie's voice was cracking. His eyes were misting as well.
"How are you? Have you seen the others?"
"Sore and a headache. But nothing's broken. The doctors say it's a miracle. And yes, everybody is awake and except for Zoey's broken arm, we're fine. How's Mom?"
"She's out of surgery, but critical. When are you coming down?"
"I think we should be there in a couple of hours. The agents will bring us."
"Good. I want to see you. I have to see for myself that you are okay."
"I know, Dad. I know."