Disclaimer - Only borrowing these characters for some fun. Ok so the
characters won't think it's fun.
Background: Jed knew something would happen. He just didn't know what.
Rating: God Q. Wish I knew. Let's go with PG-13.
Author: Karin // Angel_of_dreams4@h...
Feedback: "If you like it you do and if you don't you boo." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Acceptance
Part 1
She walked through the doors and headed straight for the bathroom. "You talked to the girls?"
Jed looked up as his wife emerged from the bathroom arranging clothes. "Yeah. Good Luck and we will see you on TV. You'd think at least one of them would want to be here in person." He glanced back at his papers and started reading again.
"It's The State of The Union. Been there, done that." Not really paying much attention Abbey looked through her wardrobe.
He scoffed. "Say that to the American people, leggy."
"What I mean, blue eyes, is that they've been here for those before. They know you'll do fine." She continued looking through her closet.
Jed stopped reading and looked up at her. "Will I?"
It was with such a serious tone that Abbey stopped and really looked at him for the first time since entering their bedroom.
"I have this feeling something is going to happen. I don't know what but it's scaring me." Maybe he
shouldn't tell Abbey but then again it had bothered him and he needed to tell someone. That someone was usually his wife.
Abbey, of all people, knew Jed Bartlet did not easily admit to being scared. This must be serious. "For how long?"
"All day. It's, I don't know how to describe it. " He thought for a moment. "Something tells me we should do this another night. I just. Something will happen tonight Abbey. Something bad." He felt like he was pleading with her. Like a child trying to get permission to stay home instead of going to school.
She really didn't know what to say to this. "You sure or could it be nerves? It is the first State of The
Union speech of the second term."
"No it's not nerves. I...Don't go with me Abbey." At least if he had to go she could stay behind and be out of what ever was going to happen.
Her shocked expression couldn't have gone by unnoticed. "What?"
"If something happens, God forbid, at least I would know you were safe. I wouldn't have to worry abut you." Now he really was pleading.
Abbey couldn't be angry with him for being concerned about her. "Me? What about you? Or the Staff? Or.."
"Me, I don't really care. If I could order the Staff to stay behind I would." He thought for a moment. "Maybe I can."
"I for one DO care about you." That had come out a little too loudly.
Jed nodded. "I know. I'm sorry. What I mean is....."
"I know what you mean Jed." She sighed as she walked over and seated herself next to him "Don't delude yourself though. You can't order your staff to stay behind anymore then you can order me to."
"I don't like it. Something will happen. I know it." He threw the speech next to him.
She patted one of his hands. "I'll talk to the agents outside. They can talk to Ron."
He watched her carefully. "Just what will you tell them?"
"I'll tell them that, that there might be some concern for alarm tonight so they need to be extra alert." She continued talking not giving him a chance to say something. "Try to not let it get to you. I know but do try."
He sighed heavily. What else could he do, really?
Abbey leaned in closer. "I do like watching you try."
"Oh I know you do." He smiled a little and tried leaning in for a kiss but Abbey was too fast for him.
She stood up. "Maybe later. Stop sulking and read your speech. I'll talk to the agents."
He watched as she walked out. "You'll bet later." He muttered under his breath. He gathered his papers and started once again from the top. He didn't get very far.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Telling the agents wasn't hard. So they wanted details. Details she couldn't give them. Oh hell if they had problems with Ron they could always send him to her. Deciding that she should talk to Leo was not a bad move. At least with him she could be open and it might be good for Jed that someone else knew his worries. No Margaret was to be found, and Leo's door was open, so Abbey figured she might as well just see if he was there. Walking closer she saw him reading.
Could it be another copy of The State of The Union speech? Most likely. "Leo?"
Leo looked up and saw Abigail Bartlet. "Abbey."
She gestured him to not get up. "You got a minute?"
"Yeah sure." She was closing the door. Must be serious.
Abbey seated herself on the couch. She was telling this to Leo not only for Jed's sake but for her own. Maybe he could make some sense of it. She didn't doubt Jed but at the same time what was it that made him feel this way. Was there a threat against her husband or was he just having a bad day? Abbey didn't believe the bad day theory. Ok, might as well get this done. "Jed thinks something is going to happen tonight. He doesn't know what, when or how but he is really shaken up about it. He tried telling me not to go and he even thought about asking all of you not to go either. He wanted to do the Union another night." She paused and leaned forward." Leo, he actually admitted he was scared."
Leo didn't blink nor did he doubt her. She was in his office, serious tone, serious face and The President admitted being scared. This was no joke. "What do you want to do?" There was no doubt, Abbey was in charge.
Good. Leo knew her well enough to give her the ropes when it came to her husbands well being. "I talked to the agents. Told them there might be some concern for alarm tonight. Didn't give them any details. They'll talk to Ron. Probably already have. I think we should go as planned." She took another pause. "I don't doubt my husband but we don't know what the threat might be. If not today who says it's not going to still be there tomorrow or next week."
"Yeah. Just to be sure we'll get him there and after the speech get him out. No interactions with people. Nothing."
Leo knew Abbey was right. If a threat against The President was real then who knows when it might happen.
"Sounds good." Abbey rose feeling more relieved. Talking to Leo had been a good idea. "I'll be up in the residence with Jed, getting ready for tonight. What ever it may have in store for us."
There was something in that last sentence and her voice that made Leo shiver slightly. Why, he didn't know, but for a moment he felt.....scared.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything had progressed nicely. So why wasn't he feeling good. He glanced around and felt a wave of panic setting in. Where was Abbey? He called for Leo who hurried over. "Where is Abbey?"
I don't know. She was here."
Leo voice was drowned in a wave of screams. Jed felt more panic as he headed for the pool of people who seemed to be huddled around something or someone. As he got closer he started making his way through the crowd. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Abbey on the floor. Blood. There was blood around her. On her. Everywhere. He sank to his knees and felt for a pulse. Nothing. He tried with her neck nothing. Oh God this, could not be happening. Not her, not his wife, not....... "ABBEY!!!"
The scream was enough for her to start running as she saw the agents bursting through the bedroom doors. Running up and past them she saw her husband, sweating, trying to catch his breath. She ran over to him. "Jed?"
The agents understanding the situation closed the doors and left the First Couple alone.
Jed blinked and looked around. This wasn't. This was his bedroom.
"Jed?"
He turned to the sound of the voice. She was here. 'She's alive.' He threw his arms around her. Yes, she was really there. It hadn't been real.
She felt him holding on to her for dear life. She stroked his back with her hands. "It's ok. I'm here.
I'm right here." She felt him starting to relax and breathe more regularly.
Jed let go. He needed to see her face. "You're really here."
She nodded. "Yes. I'm here." She had a pretty good idea of what he had been dreaming about.
She was there but was she."You're ok?"
"I'm ok." She smiled to reassure him that whatever he had dreamt of, in real life, she was fine.
Jed let it sink in. She was ok. 'Thank God. That had been so real. Too real' "I.I thought I had lost you."
"Tell me about it?" It wasn't something he would want to talk about but, it was always good to talk. To get it out.
"The speech. After I couldn't find you. People screamed and.." He could actually still see the images
clearly. Like it had been real. "There was blood everywhere and I couldn't find a pulse. You.you were." He could barely say it. "Dead."
Abbey almost didn't hear the last word. Almost. "I'm here and I'm fine. It was a bad dream A nightmare."
"No it wasn't." Jed finally understood the meaning of it all now and it made him quiver with fear. "You. Oh my God it's you."
Abbey couldn't understand what he was saying. "What are you talking about?"
"Tonight, that's why I've had this feeling. Had the dream. Something will happen tonight and it will happen to you."
For the second time in one evening Abbey didn't know what to say. She had seen the fear in his eyes.
"Honey, the dream doesn't have to mean that something is going to happen to me."
Couldn't she see she was in danger? Jed knew she was in danger and would take any steps necessary to protect her. "You can't go with me tonight Abbey. Please stay here."
"Jed...."
He took her hands in his and hoped she would understand. Putting all his emotions in his voice he pleaded with her. "Abbey, look I....Please. Don't go with me. I know I can't order you but I am begging you. Please don't go with me tonight."
The agony in his features was vivid. His fear was palpable in he darkness in his eyes, the memory of his scream, and the tone in which he spoke. There was so much love in her husband. How could she deny him when all he was trying to do was protect her? "Ok."
Jed didn't believe what he heard. "What?"
"Ok, I'll stay behind. I won't go with you." Abbey stated simply.
Jed let himself relax a little. He had been prepared to fight tooth and nail over this. Still, he was grateful that she had agreed. "Thank You."
Abbey let go of his hands, rose and started going over her clothes. "Guess I won't need this."
He heard the disappointment in her voice. "Abbey...."
"No it's fine really. How can I deny you when all you want to do is protect me." She smiled briefly at him.. "You should get ready."
She didn't sound that disappointed anymore but if she had been he would have understood He slid off the bed and walked over to her and kissed her cheek. "You can always see the speech on TV or watch it on tape later. I wouldn't ask you unless I really believed something would happen tonight and I do, for some reason, strongly believe that."
Abbey understood her husband enough to know that even before he had said it. "I know but I don't see how though. These speeches have very tight security. Like most things you go to."
"Didn't stop the shooting at Rosslyn." Jed felt Abbey shiver slightly at this and he put his arms around her. "That wasn't the best way to demonstrate my point. Sorry."
For a few seconds they stood and not a sound was heard before Abbey spoke as she moved away. "No need to apologize. Now, as much as I enjoy seeing you in jeans you should get ready. Time waits for no man."
Jed winked at her before heading to the bathroom.
She looked at herself in the mirror. "So Abbey, what do you want do tonight?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Looking sharp Mr. President." Abbey smiled at him as she helped her husband with his tie.
Jed smiled back at her "Maybe this time people will notice. Usually you get all the stares."
She scoffed. "I can't help being a head turner."
"That you are my dear." He leaned forward and started kissing her neck.
"As much as I enjoy that, you have to get going." She tried pushing him away but he wouldn't budge.
He continued kissing her neck and started for her jaw. "I'd like to get something else going."
Abbey rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you would."
The knock on the door caused Jed to swear and Abbey to smile wickedly at him.
"Yes?" There was only one reason Jed longed for the days in The White House to be over: over: so he could spend uninterrupted time with Abbey.
"Sir?" Leo walked in and he knew why his boss and friend had sounded so agitated. "We have to go. You don't have time for...." How to say this?
"For what Leo?" Jed asked innocently.
"Personal time with the first Lady." Yeah, not too bad.
Jed simply looked at him. "So the Lady herself has informed me."
"Good." Leo noticed Abbey was wearing jeans and a sweater. "Abbey, shouldn't you change?"
She shook her head. "I'm not going. The President has ordered me not to."
There was a amusement in the last line so Jed knew she didn't hold a grudge.
Leo wasn't sure how to interpret that. "Is this because.....?"
"Yeah." Abbey answered.
"You told him?" Jed looked at her.
She noddded. "Only him Jed."
Jed turned to Leo. "Did you tell anyone?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Think I've lost my mind?"
Again Leo shook his head. "No."
"Good."
"Good."
"Ok then."
"Ok. You do realize people will wonder why...?"
"Yeah."
"Ok."
"Apparently my husband thinks something is going to happen to me tonight so he told me not to come with you guys." Amusing as their little exchange of words was, time was not waiting on them. "He feel asleep reading the speech and had some nightmare about me being killed."
It seemed so easy to Abbey to say it like that but when Jed heard it the images he had seen in the dream resurfaced. That was one dream that was not going to come true.
Although Abbey didn't see it, Leo noticed the expression on his friend's face when she had talked
about being killed. He knew too well it was the one thing that could break Jed apart. "Ready to go Sir?" He wasn't quite sure what to say.
Jed shook himself free of the images and nodded. "Yeah." He turned to Abbey and kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later."
"You'll do great." She kissed him back and watched them walk out. She hoped that nothing would go wrong tonight. With or without her there she hoped it would work out fine.
"You ok?" Leo asked as they made their way downstairs.
"I don't know." Jed replied honestly.
"Sir?"
Jed stopped in his tracks and turned to his best friend. "I asked Abbey to stay home because I am sure something would happen to her if she came with us."
Leo nodded and waited for him to continue.
"And yet...yet I still have this feeling that something will happen. To her. Tonight."
"Sir, you asked her to stay home and she agreed. You can't do anything more." Leo thought about that for a second. Jed could skip the State of the Union and stay with Abbey but how would that look? The President staying home because he thinks his wife might be in danger.
"Yeah you're right. I....I just want to be home as soon as I can." He didn't feel good about leaving Abbey behind at all.
Now this Leo could help with. "I think we can do something to accomplish that Sir."
They started walking again but Jed couldn't stop worrying. Had he done enough to protect her? Yes. She was safe in The White House.
Abbey picked up a book but she didn't open it. She didn't feel like reading. Didn't feel like watching TV. When it all came down to it she felt like she was grounded. Maybe in some sense she was. Throwing the book back she noticed a letter had fallen out of it and on to the floor.. She bent down and recognized the letter. Her face lit up with a smile. She had after all found out what to do with her evening. She put the book back on the table, pocketed the letter in one of her jeans pockets' and put it a jacket on. Before leaving, she took out a piece of paper and wrote a little note to Jed, just in case he would be back earlier then her. Not likely but one never knew. He couldn't get mad at her for leaving for a while. She had promised not to go with him, and she was keeping that promise. She put the note on Jed's pillow and made her way to the door. She opened it and greeted the two agents. "Guys, Let's go for a ride."
TBC.......
Background: Jed knew something would happen. He just didn't know what.
Rating: God Q. Wish I knew. Let's go with PG-13.
Author: Karin // Angel_of_dreams4@h...
Feedback: "If you like it you do and if you don't you boo." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Acceptance
Part 1
She walked through the doors and headed straight for the bathroom. "You talked to the girls?"
Jed looked up as his wife emerged from the bathroom arranging clothes. "Yeah. Good Luck and we will see you on TV. You'd think at least one of them would want to be here in person." He glanced back at his papers and started reading again.
"It's The State of The Union. Been there, done that." Not really paying much attention Abbey looked through her wardrobe.
He scoffed. "Say that to the American people, leggy."
"What I mean, blue eyes, is that they've been here for those before. They know you'll do fine." She continued looking through her closet.
Jed stopped reading and looked up at her. "Will I?"
It was with such a serious tone that Abbey stopped and really looked at him for the first time since entering their bedroom.
"I have this feeling something is going to happen. I don't know what but it's scaring me." Maybe he
shouldn't tell Abbey but then again it had bothered him and he needed to tell someone. That someone was usually his wife.
Abbey, of all people, knew Jed Bartlet did not easily admit to being scared. This must be serious. "For how long?"
"All day. It's, I don't know how to describe it. " He thought for a moment. "Something tells me we should do this another night. I just. Something will happen tonight Abbey. Something bad." He felt like he was pleading with her. Like a child trying to get permission to stay home instead of going to school.
She really didn't know what to say to this. "You sure or could it be nerves? It is the first State of The
Union speech of the second term."
"No it's not nerves. I...Don't go with me Abbey." At least if he had to go she could stay behind and be out of what ever was going to happen.
Her shocked expression couldn't have gone by unnoticed. "What?"
"If something happens, God forbid, at least I would know you were safe. I wouldn't have to worry abut you." Now he really was pleading.
Abbey couldn't be angry with him for being concerned about her. "Me? What about you? Or the Staff? Or.."
"Me, I don't really care. If I could order the Staff to stay behind I would." He thought for a moment. "Maybe I can."
"I for one DO care about you." That had come out a little too loudly.
Jed nodded. "I know. I'm sorry. What I mean is....."
"I know what you mean Jed." She sighed as she walked over and seated herself next to him "Don't delude yourself though. You can't order your staff to stay behind anymore then you can order me to."
"I don't like it. Something will happen. I know it." He threw the speech next to him.
She patted one of his hands. "I'll talk to the agents outside. They can talk to Ron."
He watched her carefully. "Just what will you tell them?"
"I'll tell them that, that there might be some concern for alarm tonight so they need to be extra alert." She continued talking not giving him a chance to say something. "Try to not let it get to you. I know but do try."
He sighed heavily. What else could he do, really?
Abbey leaned in closer. "I do like watching you try."
"Oh I know you do." He smiled a little and tried leaning in for a kiss but Abbey was too fast for him.
She stood up. "Maybe later. Stop sulking and read your speech. I'll talk to the agents."
He watched as she walked out. "You'll bet later." He muttered under his breath. He gathered his papers and started once again from the top. He didn't get very far.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Telling the agents wasn't hard. So they wanted details. Details she couldn't give them. Oh hell if they had problems with Ron they could always send him to her. Deciding that she should talk to Leo was not a bad move. At least with him she could be open and it might be good for Jed that someone else knew his worries. No Margaret was to be found, and Leo's door was open, so Abbey figured she might as well just see if he was there. Walking closer she saw him reading.
Could it be another copy of The State of The Union speech? Most likely. "Leo?"
Leo looked up and saw Abigail Bartlet. "Abbey."
She gestured him to not get up. "You got a minute?"
"Yeah sure." She was closing the door. Must be serious.
Abbey seated herself on the couch. She was telling this to Leo not only for Jed's sake but for her own. Maybe he could make some sense of it. She didn't doubt Jed but at the same time what was it that made him feel this way. Was there a threat against her husband or was he just having a bad day? Abbey didn't believe the bad day theory. Ok, might as well get this done. "Jed thinks something is going to happen tonight. He doesn't know what, when or how but he is really shaken up about it. He tried telling me not to go and he even thought about asking all of you not to go either. He wanted to do the Union another night." She paused and leaned forward." Leo, he actually admitted he was scared."
Leo didn't blink nor did he doubt her. She was in his office, serious tone, serious face and The President admitted being scared. This was no joke. "What do you want to do?" There was no doubt, Abbey was in charge.
Good. Leo knew her well enough to give her the ropes when it came to her husbands well being. "I talked to the agents. Told them there might be some concern for alarm tonight. Didn't give them any details. They'll talk to Ron. Probably already have. I think we should go as planned." She took another pause. "I don't doubt my husband but we don't know what the threat might be. If not today who says it's not going to still be there tomorrow or next week."
"Yeah. Just to be sure we'll get him there and after the speech get him out. No interactions with people. Nothing."
Leo knew Abbey was right. If a threat against The President was real then who knows when it might happen.
"Sounds good." Abbey rose feeling more relieved. Talking to Leo had been a good idea. "I'll be up in the residence with Jed, getting ready for tonight. What ever it may have in store for us."
There was something in that last sentence and her voice that made Leo shiver slightly. Why, he didn't know, but for a moment he felt.....scared.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything had progressed nicely. So why wasn't he feeling good. He glanced around and felt a wave of panic setting in. Where was Abbey? He called for Leo who hurried over. "Where is Abbey?"
I don't know. She was here."
Leo voice was drowned in a wave of screams. Jed felt more panic as he headed for the pool of people who seemed to be huddled around something or someone. As he got closer he started making his way through the crowd. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Abbey on the floor. Blood. There was blood around her. On her. Everywhere. He sank to his knees and felt for a pulse. Nothing. He tried with her neck nothing. Oh God this, could not be happening. Not her, not his wife, not....... "ABBEY!!!"
The scream was enough for her to start running as she saw the agents bursting through the bedroom doors. Running up and past them she saw her husband, sweating, trying to catch his breath. She ran over to him. "Jed?"
The agents understanding the situation closed the doors and left the First Couple alone.
Jed blinked and looked around. This wasn't. This was his bedroom.
"Jed?"
He turned to the sound of the voice. She was here. 'She's alive.' He threw his arms around her. Yes, she was really there. It hadn't been real.
She felt him holding on to her for dear life. She stroked his back with her hands. "It's ok. I'm here.
I'm right here." She felt him starting to relax and breathe more regularly.
Jed let go. He needed to see her face. "You're really here."
She nodded. "Yes. I'm here." She had a pretty good idea of what he had been dreaming about.
She was there but was she."You're ok?"
"I'm ok." She smiled to reassure him that whatever he had dreamt of, in real life, she was fine.
Jed let it sink in. She was ok. 'Thank God. That had been so real. Too real' "I.I thought I had lost you."
"Tell me about it?" It wasn't something he would want to talk about but, it was always good to talk. To get it out.
"The speech. After I couldn't find you. People screamed and.." He could actually still see the images
clearly. Like it had been real. "There was blood everywhere and I couldn't find a pulse. You.you were." He could barely say it. "Dead."
Abbey almost didn't hear the last word. Almost. "I'm here and I'm fine. It was a bad dream A nightmare."
"No it wasn't." Jed finally understood the meaning of it all now and it made him quiver with fear. "You. Oh my God it's you."
Abbey couldn't understand what he was saying. "What are you talking about?"
"Tonight, that's why I've had this feeling. Had the dream. Something will happen tonight and it will happen to you."
For the second time in one evening Abbey didn't know what to say. She had seen the fear in his eyes.
"Honey, the dream doesn't have to mean that something is going to happen to me."
Couldn't she see she was in danger? Jed knew she was in danger and would take any steps necessary to protect her. "You can't go with me tonight Abbey. Please stay here."
"Jed...."
He took her hands in his and hoped she would understand. Putting all his emotions in his voice he pleaded with her. "Abbey, look I....Please. Don't go with me. I know I can't order you but I am begging you. Please don't go with me tonight."
The agony in his features was vivid. His fear was palpable in he darkness in his eyes, the memory of his scream, and the tone in which he spoke. There was so much love in her husband. How could she deny him when all he was trying to do was protect her? "Ok."
Jed didn't believe what he heard. "What?"
"Ok, I'll stay behind. I won't go with you." Abbey stated simply.
Jed let himself relax a little. He had been prepared to fight tooth and nail over this. Still, he was grateful that she had agreed. "Thank You."
Abbey let go of his hands, rose and started going over her clothes. "Guess I won't need this."
He heard the disappointment in her voice. "Abbey...."
"No it's fine really. How can I deny you when all you want to do is protect me." She smiled briefly at him.. "You should get ready."
She didn't sound that disappointed anymore but if she had been he would have understood He slid off the bed and walked over to her and kissed her cheek. "You can always see the speech on TV or watch it on tape later. I wouldn't ask you unless I really believed something would happen tonight and I do, for some reason, strongly believe that."
Abbey understood her husband enough to know that even before he had said it. "I know but I don't see how though. These speeches have very tight security. Like most things you go to."
"Didn't stop the shooting at Rosslyn." Jed felt Abbey shiver slightly at this and he put his arms around her. "That wasn't the best way to demonstrate my point. Sorry."
For a few seconds they stood and not a sound was heard before Abbey spoke as she moved away. "No need to apologize. Now, as much as I enjoy seeing you in jeans you should get ready. Time waits for no man."
Jed winked at her before heading to the bathroom.
She looked at herself in the mirror. "So Abbey, what do you want do tonight?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Looking sharp Mr. President." Abbey smiled at him as she helped her husband with his tie.
Jed smiled back at her "Maybe this time people will notice. Usually you get all the stares."
She scoffed. "I can't help being a head turner."
"That you are my dear." He leaned forward and started kissing her neck.
"As much as I enjoy that, you have to get going." She tried pushing him away but he wouldn't budge.
He continued kissing her neck and started for her jaw. "I'd like to get something else going."
Abbey rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you would."
The knock on the door caused Jed to swear and Abbey to smile wickedly at him.
"Yes?" There was only one reason Jed longed for the days in The White House to be over: over: so he could spend uninterrupted time with Abbey.
"Sir?" Leo walked in and he knew why his boss and friend had sounded so agitated. "We have to go. You don't have time for...." How to say this?
"For what Leo?" Jed asked innocently.
"Personal time with the first Lady." Yeah, not too bad.
Jed simply looked at him. "So the Lady herself has informed me."
"Good." Leo noticed Abbey was wearing jeans and a sweater. "Abbey, shouldn't you change?"
She shook her head. "I'm not going. The President has ordered me not to."
There was a amusement in the last line so Jed knew she didn't hold a grudge.
Leo wasn't sure how to interpret that. "Is this because.....?"
"Yeah." Abbey answered.
"You told him?" Jed looked at her.
She noddded. "Only him Jed."
Jed turned to Leo. "Did you tell anyone?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Think I've lost my mind?"
Again Leo shook his head. "No."
"Good."
"Good."
"Ok then."
"Ok. You do realize people will wonder why...?"
"Yeah."
"Ok."
"Apparently my husband thinks something is going to happen to me tonight so he told me not to come with you guys." Amusing as their little exchange of words was, time was not waiting on them. "He feel asleep reading the speech and had some nightmare about me being killed."
It seemed so easy to Abbey to say it like that but when Jed heard it the images he had seen in the dream resurfaced. That was one dream that was not going to come true.
Although Abbey didn't see it, Leo noticed the expression on his friend's face when she had talked
about being killed. He knew too well it was the one thing that could break Jed apart. "Ready to go Sir?" He wasn't quite sure what to say.
Jed shook himself free of the images and nodded. "Yeah." He turned to Abbey and kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later."
"You'll do great." She kissed him back and watched them walk out. She hoped that nothing would go wrong tonight. With or without her there she hoped it would work out fine.
"You ok?" Leo asked as they made their way downstairs.
"I don't know." Jed replied honestly.
"Sir?"
Jed stopped in his tracks and turned to his best friend. "I asked Abbey to stay home because I am sure something would happen to her if she came with us."
Leo nodded and waited for him to continue.
"And yet...yet I still have this feeling that something will happen. To her. Tonight."
"Sir, you asked her to stay home and she agreed. You can't do anything more." Leo thought about that for a second. Jed could skip the State of the Union and stay with Abbey but how would that look? The President staying home because he thinks his wife might be in danger.
"Yeah you're right. I....I just want to be home as soon as I can." He didn't feel good about leaving Abbey behind at all.
Now this Leo could help with. "I think we can do something to accomplish that Sir."
They started walking again but Jed couldn't stop worrying. Had he done enough to protect her? Yes. She was safe in The White House.
Abbey picked up a book but she didn't open it. She didn't feel like reading. Didn't feel like watching TV. When it all came down to it she felt like she was grounded. Maybe in some sense she was. Throwing the book back she noticed a letter had fallen out of it and on to the floor.. She bent down and recognized the letter. Her face lit up with a smile. She had after all found out what to do with her evening. She put the book back on the table, pocketed the letter in one of her jeans pockets' and put it a jacket on. Before leaving, she took out a piece of paper and wrote a little note to Jed, just in case he would be back earlier then her. Not likely but one never knew. He couldn't get mad at her for leaving for a while. She had promised not to go with him, and she was keeping that promise. She put the note on Jed's pillow and made her way to the door. She opened it and greeted the two agents. "Guys, Let's go for a ride."
TBC.......