Valuable minutes passed. Still no Jed. 'Where was he and why couldn't the best trained agents in the world find him? How hard could it be?'
These thoughts were flying through Abbey's brain. She was physically trying to warm her grandson, but her mind was filled with worry over her husband.
Finally, she saw both agents break the surface of the water with the President's limp body between them. Jed was blue and looked like a rag doll being carried between two people.
The agents quickly brought him to shore and placed him on the ground. Immediately, Abbey ran to him and with pure instinct, began to make her assessment.
Pulse none. No breathing motions evident. Skin cold. Lips and fingers blue.
As Abbey was beginning resuscitation on her own, a firm set of hands took her by the shoulders and pulled her away.
"Ma'am, let the paramedics do their job."
"Yes." Abbey backed up reluctantly. "How long has he been in the water?"
The first agent said, "About ten minutes. Maybe just a little bit longer. He was caught in the fishing line and an underwater bush which prevented him from coming up."
"Is he…dead?" Abbey was trying to prepare herself for the worst.
The paramedics were beginning resuscitation efforts and were too busy to answer her questions.
"How's your grandson doing?" That came from the agent in charge.
In all her anxiety about Jed, she had almost forgotten that Gus had been in the water as well.
She looked around to find Annie comforting her shivering brother, with her agent kneeling on the other side, stroking his back and holding his hand. One of the other agents leaned down and placed a thermal blanket around Gus. Abbey was relived that Gus was being taken care of. She wouldn't have been able to give either of them her complete attention.
"He looks okay, but I assume you want to check him out."
"Yes, ma'am. We've requested a medical helicopter for both of them. Agent Butterfield will meet them at Bethesda and supervise their security. I assume you and your granddaughter will want to follow. Is that correct?"
"Absolutely." Abbey was grateful that somebody had a clear head at a time like this.