Chapter 10

Jed felt good the remainder of the day. Leo and the staff had noted a distinct change in the President's mood since noon and whatever the reason, they were grateful that he was back on an even keel.

Only two people knew the reason for the change in the President's behavior, but two more had strong suspicions. Whatever the reason, they were grateful for Leo's intervention.

As the clock in the Oval Office struck five, the President decided to end his day early. He walked into Leo's office to try and get his Chief of Staff to leave with him. "Hey Leo, how about eating dinner with me tonight upstairs? With Abbey gone, maybe we could sneak some steaks out of the kitchen? This would be the perfect time for both of us to have some red meat without her knowing about it. What would you think about that?"

Leo looked up at him. "Mr. President, it's kind of early."

"I know. But it's been a busy week. I'm tired and we have no more meetings. Come on. You can read all these papers tomorrow."

Leo paused before he replied. It would be nice to leave early for once. And there was nothing urgent happening for once. "Oh hell, why not? Margaret!"

"Yes, Sir?" as his red-haired assistant stuck her head around the door.

"I'm going to the Residence with the President. Why don't you leave early? Everything will wait."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. It's been a busy week. Just go on home."

"Okay. Have a good weekend, Leo."

"You too, Margaret."

Jed and Leo left through the Oval Office. Leo noted how relaxed the President was. Leo liked to see his friend this way. He hasn't been this relaxed since Abbey left because of whatever had been between them. Jed never said what had been wrong, but it obviously had been settled during the private conversation he and Abbey had in Jed's private study. Leo didn't care what it was as long as it helped both of his friends to move forward together.

After dinner, the two men sat in the private study, relaxing. Jed held a scotch in his hands while Leo sipped on a club soda. He never minded friends drinking alcohol in his presence. He knew he couldn't handle booze, but he wouldn't keep his friends from enjoying a drink.

"Mr. President, how was your conversation with Abbey?"

"It went well. We talked about several things, but I'll talk with you on Monday about them. Right now, I just want to enjoy the weekend."

"You seem more relaxed."

"I am. I'm glad you made me call her."

Leo smiled. It was very rare that Jed admitted that he had been wrong. His pride usually got in the way of any such admittance.

The President continued. "It was the right thing to do, and it was good to hear her voice. She's having a good trip, and thank God, she'll be home in a week. I hate it when she's gone on these long trips."

"You said this morning she was on her way to Australia. What are her stops there?"

"She'll meet with the different medical groups in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. And with some government medical groups in Canberra. She said that all these quick stops remind her of the campaign in the sense of being so tiring and jumping across so many time zones. She'll be exhausted when she gets back, so I'm thinking of going to Camp David for a long weekend, just the two of us. Does that sound possible?"

"I'll look at your schedule, but I think it probably can be worked out."

"I hope so. We need to reconnect in the worst way."

They continued to talk about various topics when Leo's beeper went off. Glancing down at it, he immediately put down his glass and stood up. "Excuse me, Mr. President. Something has come up and I need to go."

"What is it, Leo? The Situation Room?" as Jed stood as well.

"No, Sir. It's just something I need to take care of. I really enjoyed dinner, but I need to go. If I need you, I'll call."

"Okay, Leo. Good night." Jed wondered what was so urgent and secret Leo couldn't or wouldn't discuss with him, but figured he would find out in due time if it was that important.

After Leo left, Jed finished his drink and walked back to his bedroom. Although early for him, it had been an emotional day and he was tired. He changed into his pajamas and turned on the television, hoping to find something to lull him to sleep. Luck was with him as a polo match between teams from India and Pakistan was just starting. Pulling back the covers, he fluffed his pillows and got under the covers. Within fifteen minutes, for the first time in two weeks, he easily fell asleep and dreamed of sleeping next to his wife.

Leo reached his office in what he considered record time from the Residence. Ron and another gentleman, dressed in an Air Force Uniform covered in ribbons and medals, were waiting for him.

"Ron, what's the problem?"

"Mr. McGarry, this is General Barker, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Air Mobility Command at Joint Base Andrews. They're in charge of the Presidential aircraft fleet."

"Glad to meet you General," as the two men shook hands. Leo looked at Ron. "What's wrong, Ron?"

"Sir, I wanted you to know first that there might be a problem with Mrs. Bartlet's aircraft. And I brought General Barker along to explain things."

"Okay." Although anxious, Leo knew that Ron would tell him in his own way.

Ron nodded to General Barker to speak. "Mr. McGarry, at 1600 Washington time, contact was lost with AF80002 over the Indian Ocean. We instantly tried to obtain satellite data, but that part of the ocean doesn't have coverage. It is further south than any satellite currently covers, and there are no images available for review. We have tried to use other means to raise the aircraft, but were unsuccessful. The Air Force is in the process of scrambling jets out of Diego Garcia. It will take some time for the jets to reach the last known location, but since it is the middle of the night in that part of the world, it is doubtful that any visual contact will be possible until daylight."

Leo sat down hard in a nearby chair. "What are you telling me, General? Are you saying the plane has crashed in the ocean?"

Ron and the General looked at each other before Ron replied. "Leo, that is not what we are saying. What we are saying, is that the plane cannot be contacted and we cannot definitely say what has happened. We wanted you to know before the President so you might tell us the best way to tell the him."

Leo couldn't reply. There was no good way to tell Jed this news. Especially just after two weeks of them not speaking, and mending their relationship only a few hours ago.

Ron spoke up. "Leo, what do you want us to do?"