Title: House of Cards
Author: GEM
Date: 1-20-12
Pairing: Olivia/Fitz
Rating: T
Summary: Olivia's world is crumbling around her. Fitz let Olivia go. They vowed to go their separate ways, but all roads lead to Fitz. Olivia/Other Olivia/Fitz
A/N: Your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you to those of you who have reviewed. I enjoy reading the reviews, so keep them coming. Please don't be shy. There is only and Epilogue left for this story. It's been a fun ride so far I am still attempting to write this to settle my feelings about the rollercoaster ride the SR has put us all on. I am doing my best.
Disclaimer: Scandal is Property of Shonda Rimes and ABC et al.
Chapter 10
Mellie and Cyrus made their way toward the Oval Office. She walked through the outer office with purpose. Cyrus was close behind. "Ma'am you can't go in there."
"Oh, really why not? The last time I checked I was always welcome. Cy?" Mellie turned to him. I was always welcome when Fitz is here right?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
Mellie opened the door and marched in. "Madame First Lady."
"Sally. I hope you don' t mind me stopping by but with everything go on. Your addresses to the nation. The scandals that seem to be plaguing your tenure as Acting President I thought you might want to talk." Mellie sat down and Sally reluctantly joined her.
"I respectful disagree with you ma'am. The scandals Madame First Lady seem to be plaguing your husband's presidency...not my tenure."
"Is that what you think Sally or is that the line that Hollis Doyle is feeding you?
By the way, I've been meaning to ask, as a concerned citizen of course; Why does it seem Hollis has moved into my husband's office?"
Cyrus stood behind Mellie as she was coming in for the kill. "I might ask you ma'am why Cyrus Beene is in the meeting? Since it's seems to only be a friendly conversation between lady friends?"
"Lady friends? I think not Sally. And you still haven't answered my question." Mellie suddenly understood why Fitz and Cyrus made repeated references to wanting to rip out Langston's throat on the campaign trail.
"Hollis is a trusted advisor to me as well as your husband I am sure you are aware. I felt in this time of uncertainty we could rely on our friends."
"I see well if we are talking about advisors. My husband and his trusted advisors, trust Hollis Doyle about as far as we can throw him. We would appreciate if you would refrain from allowing your friends to mess up my husband's office."
"Madame First Lady, I don't think I need to remind you that until your husband, God bless him, is awake and able to sign a letter attesting to his readiness to retake this office, that this office is mine to do with as I please.
"Watch yourself Madame President, You need to be careful what you say. You see when my husband wakes up he's going to hear tales from is trusted advisors about you and your staff and how you all were circling like vultures. He going to watch the news clips of your addresses to the Nation as you threw him under the bus as he was fighting for his life. He going to hear you, his Vice President, question his fitness and moral integrity. If you love this office that much Sally, watch yourself or you might not see the inside of these walls for the rest of you political career.
"I really have heard quite enough from you Mrs. Grant. I would thank you to get the Hell out of my office. " Sally stood up and walked back to the Resolute Desk.
Cyrus helped Mellie stand and she made her way towards Sally. "It's not your Office.. It never was, it never will be, and you best remember that; because you won't be in it much longer Madame Vice President.
Sally stepped closer toward Mellie. "That is Madame President to you Mrs. Grant. I am the Nation's President until the good Lord and the citizens of this nation say I'm not.
Mellie nodded toward the door and watched as Cyrus walked toward it. Mellie stepped closer to Sally Langston. "This country has a President...And his name is Fitzgerald Grant." Mellie walked toward the door and slammed it behind her.
OOOOO
Sally Langston started pacing the Office as soon as Mellie Grant and Cyrus Beene made their dramatic exit; How dare that woman say those things to her. She had to stop this woman. She was interfering with her plans. Sally's Chief of Staff knocked on the door and entered the Oval Office. "Madame President I have this for you and Mr. Doyle is waiting to see you."
The U.S. District Attorney wanted you to have this. They found the trigger man or should I say woman."
"It was a woman." Sally was shocked. Hollis said he would do the dirty work, but a woman.
"Thank You, would you please send Mr. Doyle in. Sally said "Yes, ma'am. Her Chief of Staff left and Hollis entered shortly after he left.
"Good Afternoon, Madame President."
"I have a Mellie Grant problem"
"Is that what's in the folder?"
"No, this is something we will discuss later. Right now, I need to shut the First Lady up.
"I have started that ball rolling. I am just waiting for the right time."
"It's the right time."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"What do you have in mind Hollis?"
"It's time America learns that America's Baby isn't America's at all."
OOOOO
The morning air was brisk but the colors of the sunrise were calming. Olivia stared out onto the grounds of Camp David. It had been there home away from home. It was their secure and undisclosed location, so how come she didn't feel secure or undisclosed. She had done her best to sleep last night but memories of this place and of Fitz haunted her dreams.
"Penny for 'em." Leslely said as she stepped out on the deck and handed Olivia a cup of coffee.
"Thanks," Olivia took the coffee. "I forgot how beautiful this place can be."
"Yeah, you really have to admire the Secret Service's sense of humor on this one."
"Yeah." Liv started pacing in circles. The action was not lost on Lesley. Since coming to Camp David, she and Fitz had spent a fair amount of time talking about Olivia. "What's wrong Liv? You're pacing-in circles."
"You need to stop talking to Fitz."
Lesley placed her coffee cup on the railing and looked at Liv. "I am his doctor. I can't stop talking to him, Liv. I wouldn't need to, to know that you pace in circles when something's wrong. I know there is something bothering you just by looking at your face."
"I miss him. I know he has a long road. I know his day is filled with Physical, Occupational and cognitive therapies, but at night, when we are all done with the craziness of our day I miss him. I can't breathe without him, I can't sleep without him. He controls me."
"So what's the problem?" Lesley touched her shoulder. "You curled up and slept with him at the hospital. Why not do the same thing here?"
"I am afraid I'll hurt him. I'm afraid I'll start something, he'll want to finish but can't. Not to mention that I am up here at Aspen and not where I usually am. I'm fighting the elephant in the room."
Lesley smiled and stifled a laugh. The elephant wouldn't happen to have a name like Mellie would it?" "
Olivia shot Lesley a look. "I serious. This...I am a gladiator unless it concerns my love for Fitz. We aren't ready and I'm scared. I won't stop and he won't stop.
You're right. We are a long way away from that. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything. I'll talk to him later, as his doctor. Don't worry yourself about the elephant in the room. We can always move him.I know he has seven hours worth of therapy today. Kevin was working him out when I checked on him this morning. Have you seen him yet?"
"Yes, this morning. He seemed in better spirits now that we moved him out of the hospital room and up here to Aspen.
"I like it better. Now it feels like it does before the State of the Union or something."
Olivia moved over to the sliding door. "Don't let that fool you, Lesley we still have a long way to go."
Lesley followed Olivia back inside. "I know, have your guys found and connections yet?"
"Huck is working on it. "
Lesley nodded as they heard Kevin Douglas giving directions to Fitz "I should go..." Lesley held out her arm. "Let him try on his own, Liv. He can do this. Kevin wouldn't have started this, if he didn't think it would work. Let's go check the news and check in with the land of the living."
OOOO
Olivia and Lesley's phones both started ringing when they entered the conference room.
"Olivia Pope."
"Lesley McGarry."
"Harrison, what is it?"
"Huck found our money trail and you should turn on BNC?'
Olivia watched Lesley face fall as the news came on clear as day. Edison Davis was in front of a microphone outside the Capitol Building. "I am not lying to the American people. Fitzgerald Grant is not all that he seems. He stole the White House and his staff is now throwing off the American voter by turning unnecessary attention to myself. This is not a personal vendetta and witch hunt as some of my fellow colleagues have suggested and I am confident that the Senate Ethic Committee will not find any faults in my actions." Olivia and Lesley both collapsed into their respected chairs.
Lesley looked at Liv and spoke into her phone. "Is this guy for real? He doesn't know when to shut up, does he?"
Olivia looked at Lesley and could hear Cyrus ranting through the phone."No." Olivia put her phone back up to her ear and started talking to Harrison again.
"Harrison, pull the red file but don't release it until you hear from me."
"Liv, are you sure?"
Olivia took a deep breath, "I'm sure. What about the money trail?"
Olivia heard the phone shift in her ear and Huck came on. "Hollis Doyle wired money from his 527 account to Becky on three difference occasions. "Once a week before the gala, a second time, twelve hours after the shooting and the last, five days ago. The total amount adding up to 2.5 million dollars.
Olivia was speechless. "Did the FBI or Homeland get anything out of her?"
"Not that David has been able to say."
"She's good Liv but not like me...she will crack at some point."
"Okay, we need her to give up Hollis. We need to find out his connection to Langston if there is one.
"I'm on it now. I'll let you know when I have something."
"Good. I'll talk to you all soon. Olivia hung up her phone.
Olivia heard Lesley completing her conversation with Cyrus no doubt. "I'll call him and keep Fitz away from the TV." Lesley wrote down a number. "Yeah, I know. It's not good. I'll fill Liv in too. Talk to you later." Lesley hung up with Cyrus and turned to Olivia.
"Cyrus says we need to shut Edison down but more people start asking the big questions. He said you would know what that means."
"I do. I need time to talk to Fitz and it isn't going to be pretty do you think he can handle it."
"If you asked me that two days ago when he first go up out of bed I would say no but now I think...he needs you Liv.
"What I have to say may push him away. It's the last thing I want but I wasn't ready to talk about this part of my life when I met him. Now I'm afraid if I don't say anything before it comes out he may never want to see me, touch me or be near me ever again."
Lesley came over and leaned against the conference table facing Olivia. "Olivia,
I'm only going to say this once, and I better not ever have to say it again, Fitzgerald Grant, calls you the love of his life. He never gave up on you Liv. Don't you dare give up on him."
Olivia nodded. "I hope he doesn't decide to give up on me now. "
Lesley smiled. "Never going to happen Liv. Never."
OOO
They've got your girl." Sally throw the folder on the table in front of Hollis. "Is she going to be able to keep her mouth shut."
"Don't worry your pretty little head about it Madame President. There is nothing to worry about. She knows what to say. She won't crack.
"I beg to differ Hollis. I think she just may looking at this."
"I'll take care of it. I will take care of all of it."
"Hollis?"
"Plausible deniability, Madame President."
"Plausible deniability went out the window when you convinced me to do this." Sally said as Hollis walked out the door with a smile on his face.
OOO
Lesley smiled at Fitz as she watched him walk into the room. "Look at you. You're doing amazing. Why don't you have a seat. You've worked very hard today from what I heard from the rehab team."
"I need to get back." Fitz sat down and Lesley watched him grimace
"Don't push to far too fast. It's only been a three days since you started the full rehab. Are you in pain?"
"No."
Lesley knew better. "How' s your back?"
"It's okay. "
Lesley shot him her best doctor look. Okay, it hurts." Fitz shifted uncomfortably.
Lesley stood up. "I take it if I gave you a prescription pain pill you wouldn't take it?"
"You know I don't like that stuff." Fitz flashed her a smile.
"I'll go get you an Advil." She starting walking out of the living area to get the pill.
"Lesley?"
Lesley turned around "Yes, Sir."
"I need to talk to you about something as my doctor.
Lesley smiled. "Sure, I'll be right back." Lesley returned with a glass of water and a bottle of pills. "Take two." Lesley said handing him the pills.
Fitz took the pills and water. "Thank you." Fitz said swallowing the pills and placing the glass on the coffee table next to him. Has Liv been talking to you at all?"
Lesley sat down next to him. "We've been working a lot, but yeah, a little bit. Why?"
Fitz leaned forward with his head in his hands. "She just seems distant. I know that I'm not ready to do much of anything, but is there something...I want to get her to open up again."
Lesley smiled. "I had a similar conversation with her this morning. You're right you're not ready. You can do some things...not anything too strenuous yet. Honestly, I think some time alone will do you both some good. I know she's afraid..."
"What is she afraid of? Me?"
Lesley grasped his hand. "No, more afraid of herself, when it comes to you. She almost lost you and while you've been comatose and healing. She's been trying to save your presidency and it's been ugly and it's getting uglier. I think a nice dinner, and some time out of the hustle of things would do some good. I know she wants to talk to you.
"Do you know what about."
Lesley stood up and walked toward the window. "I have my suspicions, but I'm not certain. I know that Senator Davis has been saying some nasty things about the administration and the voting tallies in Ohio. We need to shut him down if we're going to move on.
"I thought we did that already."
Liv and I thought we had. We've been working nonstop but the man just won't shut his mouth."
Lesley watched Fitz's face fall. "Liv is going to shut him down.
Lesley walked back over to where he was sitting and sat down. "Yeah, she is."
"Lesley, I need your help with something."
"I'm in but I have one request on Liv's behalf."
"What's the request?"
"We are moving this out of Aspen. She said something about an elephant being in the room."
Fitz smiled "Done...I know just the place."
OOOO
Huck was searching through the White House surveillance video and finally found what they were looking for.
He picked up his phone and dialed Liv's now secure line.
"This is Olivia Pope."
"It's me I found your connection. It's right here in black and white with audio. It not that old either."
"Good job, send a couple to Cyrus and tell me which camera, time stamp and date."
"I'll send it to you...video and all."
OOOO
Lesley found Liv working in the conference room. "Hey, I was told to give you this." Lesley handed her a note. Olivia looked at the hand writing on the envelope and smiled before opening it and reading it.
"I can't believe I need to open my soul to him about Edison and all he can think about is Dinner and getting it on the best he can.
Lesley laughed. "It's more than that Liv. He knows you. He knows something is wrong he asked me what was going on? I didn't tell him anything other than, Edison is kicking our asses on the voter fraud allegations.
"Okay. I'm going to take this," Liv picked up a folder, "and meet him."
"No, wine or scotch for him."
"Okay." Olivia turned around. "We will be getting some stuff from Huck. He found the Sally and Hollis connection. We just have to work on how to use it or how to get her to resign."
"I'll be watching the news and working on that then. Enjoy your evening, Liv." Lesley put a hand on her shoulder. "I mean it...you both need it. The only medical advice I can give you is to listen to him. You know him well enough to know how far you can go."
Olivia blushed a bit. "Thanks."
OOOO
Olivia was nervous as she stood outside the door. She knocked lightly and walked in. "Fitz." She looked around their cabin, the table in the small kitchen was set, candles were placed and lit throughout the cabin. "Fitz where are you?" Olivia walked in the living area and saw two bottle chilling on ice. One bottle was sparkling Cider and Liv couldn't help but giggle. The other bottle was her favorite red.
"Hi."
Olivia turned around and smiled as soon as she saw him. He was his Navy sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants. "Hi." She said as she wrapped her arms carefully around him.
"I hope you're hungry. Rosa out did herself."
"I am." Olivia smiled and kissed Fitz before taking his hand and walking over to the candlelit dinner table.
Fitz was concerned. They had a very nice dinner but it was quiet...too quiet. Olivia seemed lost within herself. He need to get her to open up. "Livie, why don't we go curl up on the couch.
Liv smiled, it was the smile he loved. "I think that would be great." Liv picked up the dishes and walked them into the kitchen area. Fitz came up behind her as she stood at the sink. He wrapped his arms around her and felt her flinch.
"Livie what's wrong, sweet baby?" He pulled her in closer and she broke away quickly.
"I can't. I'm sorry Fitz." She walked away leaving him standing dumbfounded by the sink.
He found her moments later sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket, with a glass of wine in her hand. "Liv?"
Liv reached forward and placed her wine glass on the coffee table. She looked up and their eyes met. She reached her hand out to him and he took it. "One minute?"
Fitz felt his heart drop because of the look on her face. He joined her on the couch. He wrapped his arms around her and she laid her head on his shoulder. "One minute." Fitz could feel her finally relax in his embrace for the first time tonight. As was their custom he kissed her when their minute was up. "Livie, talk to me please. I have never seen you act this way and it's scaring me."
Olivia looked deep in Fitz's gray-blue eyes. "This is not how I envisioned this would go. I need to tell you something and I need you not to flip out, Okay?"
"You can tell me anything?"
"When I joined the campaign, I wasn't planning on falling in love. I had been involved with Edison. We had just broken up when I first met you. I was broken. He broke me." Liv handed Fitz the folder. "These are photos and police reports for the multiple times he took his anger out on me." Liv felt the tears coming and she was willing them not to fall but it was not to be.
Fitz took the folder and as he read through and looked at the pictures he could only see red. He threw the folder on the coffee table and took his free hand and brushed the now flowing tears from her eyes. He was brought back to a night on the campaign trail after the fateful first night they shared, suddenly made sense. "Oh, Livie. " He had always wondered about that night in Illinois. What did do to her? What had gone wrong? it all made sense to him now. "Why now?"
"We need to shut him down. We've tried everything nothing has worked. He's still poking around about the possible voter fraud. He never did know when to leave well enough alone. This will shut him down."
Fitz pulled her closer. "You will be in the lime light. You never like it there."
Liv snuggled closer. "I will be fine, as long as I have you with me." She knew the statement was crazy. He was married but it made her feel better to say it.
Fitz lifted her chin so their lips met and kissed her passionately. Liv savored the kiss drawing him in. This was a moment she thought she would never have again. She drew all the strength she could from his love. "I love you. We are in this together. " Fitz stood up gingerly from his place on the couch and extended his hand. "Come with me."
"Fitz." Liv took his hand and stood up. "I don't know about this. "
"I'm not going to break, Liv. Let me show you how much I love you." He kissed her passionately. They headed toward the bedroom and quickly discarded their clothes.
Liv looked down at Fitz's bare chest...the scars were still a very clear angry red. She traced and kiss them until she reached his lips. "Am I hurting you?"
"Never sweet baby." Fitz kissed her lovingly. They spent the rest of the night acting like a pair of lovesick teenagers it was the only way they could show each other just how much they loved one another.
OOO
Lesley couldn't believe what she was hearing. "If you are just joining us moments ago we learned that the Federal Election Commission has received a formal request to look into the voter fraud allegations levied against the Grant Administration. The request filed by the 527, Friends of Reston, is specifically asking that the FEC look into the voter count and tallies from Defiance County, Ohio."
Lesley grabbed her phone and dialed Cyrus."Are you watching this."
"Yeah, where is Liv?"
"With Fitz and I am not waking them. They need each other Cy."
"Don't . We are getting the documents together.
"The polling sheet and internal numbers are in the box in my office. There are also exit numbers and contribution listings."
"They are looking for two memory cards. One from Defiance and another from an outlying county but it seems the company that programmed them was the one involved with that explosion in California, shortly after we took office."
"Great."
"Make sure you text Liv, I need to speak to her first thing."
"You got it. We are also releasing Edison's deep dark secrets in the morning,
that should shut him down for good . Just for good measure I'll call Haffley first thing in the morning."
"Good deal."
OOO
Olivia woke in the middle of the night. She untangled herself from Fitz and made her way to the living room. she sent a quick text to Harrison. "We are a go." She then checked her text messages and found messages from Lesley and
Cyrus. "They were going to need to go to war."
"Liv, Fitz was standing behind her shirtless and only in his boxers, "come back to bed."
Olivia turned around in his embrace, since telling him more about what happen to her she felt more at ease. "I did it. It'll come out in the morning. I just ended his career."
Fitz kissed her. "It's what he deserves Liv. If you didn't I would have, the moment I was reinstated." Liv looked at Fitz. "You're not strong enough yet but it's looking like we may need to get you back sooner than we want. The FEC was asked to look into the voter fraud in Ohio. The request was filed by a 527, called Friends of Reston. It means I lose you to Mellie again."
Fitz traced a line down her chest and kissed her neck. "You'll never truly lose me to her. I'm yours. We can't do anything about this now, so let's go back to bed."
OOO
When they woke up in the morning sunlight was shining through the bedroom window .Olivia snuggled closer into Fitz. Spending the night exploring him relieved all her fears about being with him in this way. Sure his scars were still there but she had kissed every one of them ,they were less scary; and they would fade with time. He's still here. He didn't break and he wasn't going to.
Olivia put on BNC and muted the TV she watched the headlines come across as she lay in Fitz arms. "You are a junkie."
Olivia smiled up at him "You're the leader of the free world, who's the junkie now."
Fitz flipped her over so he was lying on top of her. She giggled and laughed "Fitz." He was happy to hear his name on her lips. "I need to watch this."
"Okay." He rolled over and laid down next to her holding her in his arms as they watched their world continue to crumble around them.
In other news, things seem to be getting worse for Senate Majority Leader Edison Davis. New information released today to the ethics committee and the news media suggest that Senator Davis was abusive a several occasions to long time girlfriend Olivia Pope. These reports released today would seem to be the final nail in Senator Davis' coffin to this reporter but we will have to wait for the ethics committee to rule.
"You okay?" Fitz felt a tear hit is chest.
"Yeah, it's...just hearing it make it...real."
"He's never going to hurt you again." Fitz pulled into a tight embrace.
Their moment was interrupted by Olivia's phone ringing. Olivia reached over and grabbed it off the bedside table. "It's Cyrus, I'm going to take this in the other room."
"Liv?" Fitz watched her leave the room as the FEC investigation banner cam up on the BNC news broadcast.
"Trust me okay. I'll be back." Olivia walked out of the bedroom and put the phone to her ear. "Cy?"
"They are looking for an original memory card from Defiance. They are asking around to see if anyone knows where there is one, outside of Cytron Technologies. "
Olivia walked over to the couch She sat down and pulled on her jeans, and sweater from last night. "Lucky for us we know where there is one." There was a knock on the cabin door. Liv got up and answered it. "Hold on a second, Lesley just arrived.
"Sure."
Lesley walked in and smiled and pointed toward the bedroom. I figured with all hell breaking loose you may need some help."
Olivia held the phone in her hand. "I have Cy still on the phone. I don't know if Fitz is decent.
"I'm fine Liv. Lesley can come in." Fitz called from the bedroom
"Okay, I'm going to step out and finish with Cy, Lesley will help you up."
"Okay. LIV! "
Lesley and Olivia started running toward the bedroom. "What?" they said in unison. All looking at the headline on the TV. America's baby not America's at all.
"Lesley can fill you in. I'm handling it. I still have Cyrus on the phone."
"Go." Fitz said as he looked to Lesley. "What is going on?"
Olivia smiled. Sorry Cy, I'm back now."
"It's okay, it sounds like he is doing much better.
Olivia stepped outside on the porch. "He is. Now let's talk about what do about our memory card
"James says he is willing to be the delivery boy."
"That's good I need to get to Huck about programming first. Since we don't exactly know what Hollis did it may take Huck a bit to sort it out."
"Do you think he will be able to do what we need."
"No doubt. I'll ask Lesley if she knows anyone at the FEC. We can say that James stumbled onto the memory card at the Board of Elections in Defiance, when he was asked to right a political interest piece about elections in the 21st century and how the new technology would help or hinder possible voter irregularities in the county. We can say that someone mentioned Defiance as a possible place where voter irregularities occurred in the last election. We can say that James tested it realized there was no noticeable irregularities in the Defiance County elections and his editor squashed the story."
"Brilliant Liv. James got the card from David the other day. I'll have James drop the card to your people today."
"I'll get Huck on it and have Harrison talk to James' editor, just in case."
"Good Thinking." Cyrus was pacing his office. "That isn't our only fire this morning. The third news story in line right behind the FEC is that America's Baby may not be Fitz's at all."
"I saw it that is what Fitz was yelling for me about."
"The story out there...it came to my attention this morning; suggests that Mellie has been having an affair. "
"I am sure it's nothing other the allegations from the Campaign..."
"This one is not nothing Liv. This is the real deal. The story conveniently came to light the morning after Mellie dresses down Madame President in Fitz's office, it's too convenient for me."
"Do we have a name?"
"Mark, that's all I could get out of a very distraught Mellie this morning. Remember the note she got before the shooting I know what you did and it's time for the American people to know, it's time to pay for your sins." I'm confident that this is also courtesy of Hollis Doyle.
"You think Hollis sent the note to Mellie."
"I do."
"I'm on it."
"Liv, Mellie is taking care of this one, but if we could link the threat to Hollis it will give an added bonus when make our move."
"I'll talk to Huck. Mellie shouldn't take care of this on her own. It will seem like she's trying to hide something. It will make her look like she's power hunger for the office of First Lady."
"You're right she would never do anything to jeopardize her position as First Lady, in fact she is having America's baby to save said position. Liv, I wasn't born yesterday. I know what makes Mellie Grant tick. I think she loves this guy. I think she's trying to save him."
"I need to talk to Fitz and get the whole story."
"If you can get it. Mellie seemed off this morning and part of me thinks it has nothing to do with the number three news story and everything to do with America's baby."
"Hold your tongue Cyrus Beene, because whether it is Fitzgerald Grant's baby or not the American people expect him to be at her side. They only see the First couple as happy and in love. They can't seem happy and in love with the President in a secure undisclosed location."
"I hear you."
"I have to call Huck. Call James, after he is done with Huck, have him meet you at the White House, if something happens you two can babysit Mellie."
"Just what I always wanted to do."
OOO
Fitz sat up in bed as Lesley helped him finished getting dressed. "I bet this isn't exactly how you envisioned spending your morning."
"I serve at the Pleasure of the President of the United States I can help you put on a shirt. I am sure you had other ideas about who you wanted to help you this morning." Lesley winked and smiled.
Fitz laughed. "I might have had a different idea in my head." Fitz looked back at the TV. "How is this happening?"
"It's American politics. It happens all the time." Lesley said as she tied his shoe.
"It's being handled. "
"How is it that I don't know what is happening here? Fitz grabbed for his cane and stood up. Lesley walking by his side. "How is it that I didn't even see this as a possibility. She would do anything to save her place as First Lady. She's always been good at hiding things from me."
Lesley and Fitz walked out on the porch and sat down. They could see Liv walking in the distance talking on her cell phone. "Always, the fixer. Always my fixer."
"She wouldn't have it any other way, Fitz."
OOO
Olivia was walking along the tree line in front of the cabin. She could see Fitz and Lesley sitting on the front porch. "Huck, can you do it?"
"It shouldn't be too hard to do what you're asking."
"I'm sorry I kept this from you all. The guilt of this decision has eaten at me since the day I made it.
"We've all got you back Liv. You fix us and we fix you. We are family."
"Thank you Huck. Once you're done with the card, I'll get James to come and get it."
"You got it."
Liv hung up and made her way back to the cabin. "Good morning." Liv said as she sat next to Fitz. She kissed him softly on the lips. "How are you feeling?"
"Betrayed, how did I not see this coming?"
"I don't know how I didn't see this as a possibility. I'm sorry Fitz."
You are the last person that needs to apologize to me right now? I love you Liv. We followed the instructions of our fixer, she didn't wait to start trying with me and what Mellie wants Mellie gets when it come to her position and power. The cost be damned.
Liv could see he wanted to add more but stopped. "But?"
"She was eight weeks along when I found out." Liv and Lesley looked at each other. Honestly, Liv never wanted to think about him with his wife in that way and she was sure Lesley didn't either. "The problem with that was the only time
I ever had sex with my wife was six weeks before that."
"You knew it wasn't yours." Liv was in shock. "Oh, Fitz."
"I know how to fake it with my wife. I've been taught by the master. I never knew whose baby it was, but I told Mel I would raise it as my own at least in the public eye."
Lesley was pacing the porch, does the father of the baby know he's being used as a pawn, in this deadly chess game we are involved in?"
"I don't know, Lesley, but I think it's time you and Olivia tell me what exactly is going on."
Liv looked at Fitz. We don't have all the pieces yet, but we will tell you what we can. I think we should head back up to Aspen. I need to make some more calls and I need to speak to Lesley about something. "
"Okay, but I want in by the end of the day."
Liv took his arm as they walked down the steps "I'll tell you what I can."
OOOO
"Okay, he's talking to Cyrus. He's filling him in on the happenings of the nation and on the FEC. Olivia said as she walked into the conference room. What did Tom find out from his boss?"
"They want to make sure the District Attorney has Sally, Hollis and Becky contained before bringing him back to D.C."
"Okay, Do you know anyone at the FEC."
"I know a guy why?"
"I need to get them a memory card from Defiance County."
"You found one?" Lesley leaned against the table and looked at Liv
"Yes. I need to make sure they get it and can use it to prove there was no fraud."
"I'll call my guy. What does he need to know. " Olivia explained that James was asked to do a piece on elections in the 21st century and was told that fraud may occurred in Defiance. He took the memory card from their machine in Defiance and tested but found nothing out of sorts about it. He kept the card because he wanted use it to prove that electronic voting was more reliable with less irregularity, but his editor pulled the plug on the story."
Lesley looked at Liv, picked up the phone, dialed her guy. "Sounds plausible, but some day twenty years from now or so you'll have to tell me the really story about Defiance County, Ohio.
Olivia looked at Lesley with a straight face. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Olivia said, before her guy picked up. Lesley held up her hand and started talking to her guy at the FEC. She hung up the phone a few minutes later.
"Have James met him at this address today at noon. It's an office building on M. It's safe. I've been there to see him several times. I hope today isn't too soon.
"No it should be fine, Have we heard from David?"
"Yeah, Becky, rolled on Hollis."
"That's good." Lesley noticed Liv didn't look near as relieved as she should.
"But?"
"She's as good as dead. That's why she held out as long as she did. Huck was right. There is no way to help her and I don't want to."
"I don't blame you." Lesley looked at Liv. "I talked to Haffley this morning. Ethics made a decision. They are calling for Edison to resign."
Liv leaned back in her chair. "When?"
"He didn't say, Why?"
"He'll come after me. He'll know it was me." Liv wiped new tears from her eyes. She knew this would happen she just wasn't ready to face head on."
Fitz watched Liv from the doorway. "I told you this morning he wasn't going to be able to hurt you anymore." Fitz came in and kneeled down in front of Olivia and pulled her into his strong embrace. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Lesley smiled at the scene before her. "He needs to pay for what he did to you Liv. This is just step one...there's no statute of limitations on some of the things he did to you."
Fitz stood up "She's right, Liv. I need you to focus now, Cy filled me in on the things I need to know. Mellie, the FEC, the suggestion of you and me, and so on. Is there anything else you can tell me?"
"I can tell you that I love Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III that is about all for now. You should go relax, Lesley printed some briefing memos that Cyrus sent to us. Go sit down and read. Let us do our jobs."
"I love you too, Olivia Pope. I'll go and relax but only so I can spend time with you later. Don't work too hard you two."
"Yes, Mr. President Olivia and Lesley responded as they watched him leave the room.
"I don't know what you two did last night and I don't want to know, but he is a new man."
OOO
James had come to the White House to visit the First Lady after dropping the reprogrammed memory card to Lesley contact at the FEC. He looked at Mellie Grant with concern. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine...really James. I don't need a babysitter."
"I'm here as a friend...not a babysitter. You've had a very stressful day. That's not good for you or the baby."
Mellie rubbed her belly. "I know, can I tell you something James?"
"Anything, and you don't have to worry about me tell anyone. I'm not a reporter anymore. Not when it comes to this story. "
Mellie smiled. "That thought hadn't even crossed my mind. The story about the baby on the news this morning...it's true. The baby, isn't Fitz's but I always led him to believe that it was."
"How?" James moved to sit next to Mellie and took her hand. "You two always seem so happy."
"It's an act. Most of it's an act. We are both in love with other people. I blame him but the truth is I cheated on him first. I love Fitz, James, but I'm not in love with him. I love him as the father of my children as the person who helped me get here." She looked around the room. "Our relationship was always a business arrangement. I was in love with him once, when we were first married, but our loved died quickly." Mellie winced in pain.
"Are you feeling okay." James asked as Mellie moved to stand up. There was a pool of blood quickly forming on the floor and Mellie collapsed in pain in James' arms. "Help!"
OOO
Olivia and Lesley was working with Fitz in the living room when both of their phones started ringing. Tom appeared in the room as well.
Olivia answered hers first. "Pope."
Lesley picked hers up next. "McGarry."
"How fast can this happen David?"
"Slow down, Cyrus you're not making any sense." Lesley listened as Cyrus repeated what he said. She turned a whiter shade of pale. "How long ago?"
Olivia was pacing back and forth by stopped when she noticed the looks on both Lesley and Fitz's faces. "Do it David. Give her the option. She has to know more. She's going to have to resign."
"Okay, but Cy...this isn't good." Lesley left the room and went outside. She looked back to make sure Fitz and Olivia couldn't see her."If she's lost that much blood, decisions are going to have to be made. If the baby is still alive, they may have to choose between the two. Fitz can't get to her. It's not an option and if we bring her to us. They would both be dead before they got here. This could destroy him, Cy."
"I know. You and Liv need to be there for him."
"We will...by the look on his face Tom just told him that she's gone into labor and he can't be there. Call me and let us know what's happening."
Lesley opened the sliding door and stepped back inside. "Tom could I see you a moment please?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"There is no possible way correct?"
"I wouldn't say no possible way. We've be instructed to stay put for now. They are getting closer to Doyle and Langston so the hope is this will all be over soon and we can get him to the First Lady."
Olivia was still on the phone. "Thank you David." Olivia hung up the phone and looked over to Lesley and Tom Fitz had sunk into his chair and the look in his eyes reminded Olivia of the day of his father' s funeral. "What happened?" Lesley pulled her aside and started explaining what Cyrus had told her.
OOO
"Madame President Will you come with us please. The Secret Service agents walked in and surrounded her.
"What is the meaning of this I am the Acting President."
"Yes, Ma'am we have been ordered to move you to a secure location Ma'am. Please come with us."
OOO
The FBI agents entered Hollis Doyle's offices quickly, silencing the secretary and moved to his private office door. They opened it quietly and found Hollis sitting smugly behind his desk.
"Freeze get your hand in the air."
"What is the meaning of this?" Hollis said stand up
"Don't move. Get down on the ground. Hollis was pushed to the ground by the SWAT team. "Hollis Doyle you are under arrest.
"What's the charge. Conspiracy, Conspiracy to commit murder, murder for hire, and Treason. Take your pick"
"Treason? What for?"
The attempted assassination of President Fitzgerald Grant."
OOO
Olivia quickly stepped into the living area and kneeled in front of Fitz. "I need to be there Liv. They won't let me go. I need to go. I need to be there for my son."
"You can't go Fitz . It's not safe." Liv said as she sat down in his lap
"It's not safe. I have the best armed guards in the history of the world and you are telling me it not safe. Why not? I am the President. If I want to go be with my wife. If I want to be there for her son why can't I Olivia?"
Olivia stood up and began pacing in circles. You're pacing in circles, just great Liv, just great. damn it. I have to tell him but it'll break him. Olivia stopped pacing and went over to where he was sitting on the couch. She took his hand and sat down next to him. She was going to be rational and even tempered. "Hollis Doyle was behind the assassination. The FBI and Secret Service are bringing him in as we speak."
"Liv, You're wrong."
Olivia grasped his hand tighter and looked deep in his eyes."No, Fitz, I'm not wrong. I wish I was wrong but I not. Hollis Doyle and Sally Langston tried to have you killed! You almost died! It's not safe. We can't risk losing you again. I can't risk losing you again." Liv watched Fitz face drop in utter shock and she began to cry. "You have to stay here Fitz, until they tell you it's safe. Mellie is not alone Cyrus and James are with her. I need you here. "
He pulled her deeper into his arms as she cried uncontrollable on his shoulder. "Okay, Sweet Baby, I'll stay here."