"Am I hearing this correctly? You've been having symptoms since Christmas? And you had a spell New Year's Eve? And even now? AND YOU"RE JUST NOW TELLING ME?"

Abbey couldn't look him in the eye. "Yes."

Jed regretted yelling at her. He sat down beside her and brought her into a close hug. "I'm sorry, hon. I shouldn't have yelled. You just caught me so completely off guard." His brain was going so crazy with so many thoughts.

All Abbey wanted him to do was for him to say something. Anything. Just to say something. But Jed was so confused that he couldn't say anything.

After a few minutes of silence, he broke the hug and moved a short distance away. He still looked at her, but now it was a confused look. "So, what do we do now? You're a doctor, but I hope you're not treating yourself. You're not, are you?"

Abbey shook her head. "No. Dr. Hackett treated me on New Year's Eve and I've been in contact with Bob Nolan. He's been in touch with a new cardiac surgeon in Manchester, A Doctor Francis Scott. He says she's really good."

"Okay. What do they say?"

"Hackett put me on a prescription to strengthen my heart, but it doesn't seem to be working. Both Hackett and Bob agree that a cardiac catherization would be beneficial to see if there are any blockages that can be fixed. The extreme fatigue that I've been having could be an early symptom of that."

"But you're so young."

"Doesn't matter. You and I both know that. We both know people of all ages who have died of coronary artery disease."

"Yeah. Well, what are you thinking?"

"I agreed to the cath, but waiting until after the speech. But then this European trip came up which would delay it until late February. And now with my symptoms getting worse, Bob thinks I should have it done as soon as possible."

"Why wouldn't you have it here? There are good doctors here."

"Two words. Media Circus."

"But that would happen in Manchester because I would be with you wherever you were." Jed paused until the thought finally came. "Hey, wait, no. No way, Abbey. You would never do this by yourself. I would never let you do this by yourself."

"Yes. Yes, you have to. It's so routine. It's outpatient. I'm in and out the same day. I would recover at the farm and I'm back here in matter of days. I'm with you at the State of the Union and no one's the wiser."

"NO!"

"PLEASE! I don't want the circus."

"No way."

"You have to stay here. You have to focus on the speech. I'll be back in a matter of days. Liz will be there. Jed, you know it's the right thing to do."

Jed knew she was right, but he didn't like it. He walked over to the phone.

"Leo, can you come up here? I need your advice on something that can't wait. Thanks." He needed another opinion.

After getting past the shock of her health crisis, Leo agreed with the First Lady. As much as he knew Jed wanted to be with Abbey whenever something was going on with her, the speech was his priority. And it was only a week away.

"Mr. President, this will not be easy. You have a responsibility to the country. We could delay the speech, but Abbey is correct. If you go with her, there will be a media circus and until you both are ready to release it to the press, then this will be the only way to keep it under wraps."

Jed looked at both people. They had each made rational arguments. But he disagreed with them. This had to do with his wife. He had to be with her. But he also had a responsibility to the country. And the country had to come first. Jed shook his head. "I just want each of you to know I don't like this. I want to be with you, Abbey, but yet Leo is right. I also have a responsibility to the country. And if I go to Manchester with you the media circus will only follow. We all know that is a fact. And until you get the results of the cath it is only speculation how serious the situation is. Right?"

Abbey knew that the last question was directed at her. "Yes, that's right. We have no idea what's going on until we get more information."

"Okay, I'll stay here. Reluctantly. But only on one condition. Abbey, promise me that Liz will be right there and will call me right after it's over. I mean right after. Leo will have my private phone and will interrupt any meeting I'm in. Right, Leo?"

"Absolutely, Mr. President."

"I don't like it, but I understand you don't want a circus." He walked over to where she was standing. "Come home soon, Abbey. I love you so much." He pressed his lips gently on his wife's lips, kissed them for only a short period of time, and reluctantly broke off. "I love you," he whispered and left the room.

Abbey's eyes pooled with tears, but she controlled their release until he and Leo had left. Only then did she allow herself to let the tears flow. She would miss him but she knew this was the best way.

With Jed's reluctant agreement, arrangements were made. Abbey made the call to Bob Nolan. She also called the girls and told them. Leo and Dr. Hackett called a late evening meeting with the Senior Staff and Lilli to inform them of the very confidential plans.

The catherization was scheduled for two days later. The Service drove Abbey later that night to the farm. She was to rest for two nights prior to the procedure which was to be done early on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, Jed focused on the speech. Leo knew that the President's heart was not in Washington, but he was determined to keep the President's head there.