Chapter 12
The next day, Leo came to him and motioned him aside.
"Sir, you need to get back to Washington. This incident with North Korea is not getting any better and you need to return to deal with it."
"NO! I'm not leaving Abbey. Not now. She needs me more than ever."
Leo sighed. He hated to pull Jed away from Abbey but he had to. He had no other choice. "Sir, you need to be there in real time and be able to react should the need arise."
Jed yelled his response. "Are you telling me that with all the technology on this planet that I need to be physically present somewhere to deal with it? That I can't be there by telephone or camera or whatever the HELL that technology will allow me to do? Abbey needs me here!"
Leo dug in. "Sir, you need to be back in Washington. I want you by Abbey's side as well. I know how it is with you two apart. But this time you are needed in Washington to deal with this crisis. How would the American people react if they knew that you, the President of the United States, put your wife's health above theirs?"
"YOU don't have to tell me what my job is. I'm quite aware of what my JOB is." Jed turned away from Leo, looking back at his still unconscious wife.
"Sir…"
"Go to HELL, Leo. Get out of here right now."
"Sir, the country needs a President. A full time President. Not someone who puts his family first but someone who puts them first."
Jed turned back to his Chief of Staff. Down deep he knew Leo was right. In times of crisis the country needed a President who would focus on the greater good, the good of the American people. A President who didn't let his personal crisis block him what he needed to do for the larger group.
At that moment, Dr. Miller entered the room. Jed asked the question that all other decisions hinged on.
"Dr. Miller, when can I take my wife back to Washington?"
"It'll be a while."
"Well, how long, tomorrow? The next day?"
"Sir, I have no clue. The minimum is two weeks due to her collapsed lung. The pressure changes when flying could cause the lung to collapse again."
"I can't wait that long."
"I understand, but she can't be moved quite yet. The earliest will be next week."
"Well then, Leo, I won't go back until I can take her with me. She needs my strength. She needs me."
"Sir, you're needed in Washington. The recent incident in North Korea requires you to function as the President, not as Abbey's husband."
Angrily, Jed turned and lashed out at his Chief of Staff. "I'm her HUSBAND first, damnit. And I won't go back without her."
Jed was torn. He knew he needed to go back, but didn't want to leave Abbey behind.
"Dad? Ellie and I can stay with Mom. We'll keep you up to date." Zoey was offering a solution to his dilemma.
Jed looked at his girls. He knew in his heart that it was the only way. He had a dangerous situation with Korea and needed to be with his staff and advisors. But that didn't mean he would be happy about it. His voice was quiet when he said, "Okay."
Leo knew how much this was costing him emotionally. It was never good to have Jed and Abbey separated, especially when one of them was hurt. They gained strength from each other and separated, especially at this time, would be hard for both.
Dejected, Jed answered his Chief of Staff. The only answer possible. "Leo, I'll leave later tonight, if you'll make the arrangements."
"Yes, sir."