The next morning if anyone noticed that things were tense between the President and his Chief of Staff, no one said anything. In fact the whole day operated with an air of efficiency. The staff relaxed, sensing that the trip to Oklahoma had somehow rejuvenated the president and he was back and focusing on getting things done.
Only Leo really knew everything was so efficient because the President wanted to spend as little time with his Chief of Staff as possible.
It was an exhausting way to run an office and Jed left for the residence as soon as he could justify. His singular thought was to read through the 500 page report from General Alexander in the relative peace and quiet of his study. As soon as he opened the door to the study he froze and forgot his intent when saw Stanley Keyworth sitting in his typical chair by the fireplace.
He quickly overcame his surprise and continued into the room. "When Leo told me you'd be around this evening I assumed he meant in DC and available if I wanted to call you, I didn't realize he meant here in the building." He observed casually.
Stanley stood, "Good Evening, Sir. Leo insinuated that you might not call and but I should just come in and wait for you here."
Jed took a deep breath and continued to the desk, unpacking his briefcase. "Well I'm sorry Stanley but tonight's just not the night. I am swamped with reading."
Stanley nodded, "Okay sir. When is?"
Jed looked up from his briefcase, "When is what?"
"If tonight's not the night, when is?"
Jed grimaced and returned his attention to his files. "Stanley, I'm sorry. Leo and I had a miscommunication. I don't know what he told you but there really is no need to schedule anything."
Stanley nodded in that patient way that he had, "Are you sure? We haven't talked in a while and I imagine there's been some stuff on your mind. It's no problem to schedule things here while I'm in Maryland."
Jed put down what he was fidgeting with and turned to face Stanley head on. His smile appeared light and sincere, "Thank you Stanley, but really, I'm fine. I'll clear it up with Leo in the morning."
Stanley nodded, "Okay sir."
"Good." Jed turned back to go back to the desk when Stanley stopped him.
"Before I go, do you mind if I ask you something sir?"
Jed turned back, "Yeah, sure."
Stanley took a deep breath, covering his hesitation, "Last year, when we met before your New York trip you asked me about if there was a crime I would do if it wasn't illegal. That was about Sharif? The strange meeting, difficult decision you were referring to; it was Sharif, wasn't it?"
Jed's smile slid off his face as the forced air of nonchalance left the room. He took a deep breath, and nodded slowly, "Yep. It was."
Stanley pursed his lips, "You could have told me that."
Jed tilted his head, "What?"
Still standing Stanley clasped his hands together, "That day you told me that I know you wanted to tell me the whole thing but you said couldn't, that I would have to report you. But I wouldn't have and you could have told me, it would have been safe. I just want you to know you could have told me. It would have been safe."
Jed bowed his head.
Stanley took the opportunity to keep talking, "The first time we talked you told me to treat you as I would any other patient. I've kept up that veneer but let's be honest; you're not any other patient. You are the President of the United States. Of course the issues that plague your consciousness are different and more complicated than the average person. I also assume that for a myriad of reasons it's more difficult for you to confide in people, even those you might otherwise be willing to. I want you to know that I know that and this space here, between you and me is a safe space. For everything."
Jed sighed and looked Stanley steadily in the eye. "Thank you for that. I do appreciate it."
Stanley cast his eyes about the room, "Are you sure there is nothing you'd like to talk about while I'm here, sir?"
Jed's eyes landed on a framed picture on the desk and he smiled wanly. "I was scared when my daughter was in danger and I miss my wife whom I haven't seen since July." He returned his attention back to the other man in the room, the smile reforming into a smirk, "How's that for different and more complicated than the average person?"