AN- This chapter is dedicated to LadyMDSmalls for her encouraging words and offers of baked goods bribery. LOL
Time Will Reunite Us
Chapter 10
The Choice
After winning the design competition Fitz decides to return to Cambridge for spring break. He refuses to return to the family home because Big Gerry is staying in town a few more days as well, probably hoping to convince him to try and work things out with Mellie. Fitz is still pissed at Big Gerry for his stunt at Van Hauser, so he decides it best to keep a healthy distance between himself and Gerry to avoid having one of their epic shouting matches. He's scheduled to depart New York by train later in the evening. He starts packing his suitcase when his phone starts to dance across the night table.
He checks the caller ID and grins. "Well hello Ms. Pope, long time no hear. What's it been, five hours since I talked to you last".
"Aw, you really miss me, counting the hours I see". They both chuckle. "The feeling is mutual Mr. Grant". There's brief pause, they both let the truth of Lily's words sink in. "Anyway, the reason I'm calling is to say goodbye and wish you a safe journey back to Boston. Olivia wants to stay in town for spring break so we'll be here until next week". Fitz hears rustling in the background. "Fitz can you hold on a second".
"Sure." Maybe I should stay a few more days. I can hang out with Olivia and Lily, it'd be nice to get better acquainted with them.
"Sorry about that".
"No problem".
"Olivia is asking if you would consider staying in town a few more days to hang out with us. You can even stay with us if you'd like".
"Actually, I was thinking the very same thing. Tell the other Ms. Pope I accept the invitation".
"Great, we can swing by your hotel in an hour to pick you up".
"Okay, I'll meet you in the lobby in one hour".
"Okay, we'll see you soon".
A few seconds after Fitz ends his call with Lily, there is a knock at his door. He looks through the peephole and curses. "Shit" the visitor knocks again, pounding harder and louder, refusing to be ignored.
"Son I know you're in there, I heard you talking on the phone". Rolling his eyes, Fitz cracks open the door, reluctant to grant access.
"Boy open the door, stop trying to embarrass me". Not waiting for an invitation Big Gerry forces the door open hitting Fitz in the face.
"Fuck", Fitz exclaims. "Come in why don't you".
Gerry, unconcerned, launches into his usual spiel. "Let me be clear, you and the Popes are a nonstarter. No one talks to me the way that Olivia girl did without consequences. That pint-sized walking mouth is going regret her little speech".
My gut tells me all I need to know and it is never wrong. And my gut is telling me you are disingenuous, an opportunist and a father desperate to live vicariously through his son".
Gerry has been fuming ever since Olivia dressed him down. He's determined more than ever to find a way to put Olivia in her place and lock Fitz into pursuing a life in politics. Olivia may be smart and rich but she hasn't lived long enough to make the connections or earn the markers he has. As far as Gerry is concerned Olivia Pope is about to get a lesson she won't soon forget. No one is better at dirty politics or social ruin than Big Gerry Grant.
Gerry is so infuriated with Olivia he's completely forgotten her warning.
I am not someone you can intimidate Senator. Significantly greater, more influential men than you have tried and come to regret it.
Fitz stands staring at Big Gerry debating whether to toss him out on his ass, pummel him or bitchslap him. Given Gerry's track record he deserves all three options.
Fitz snickers, "Did Olivia touch a nerve? Are you ticked off she called you out on your bullshit? Or is it the fact she stood up to you and defended me? It must really stick in your craw someone with more money and clout than you sees my future as important and influential in an arena outside of politics. An arena of my choosing". Big Gerry moves closer to Fitz, his ears are flaming red and the vein on the side of his temple throbbing.
Fitz is fortunate his singleness of focus and passion have released the genius within him early and I have no doubt the world will stand in awe of his work in the future and for generations to come".
"Why you ungrateful little shit. Your future is what I say it is, what I've planned since you were born. I've invested too much time, effort and money in you for you to throw it all away to build track houses and strip malls. You've been groomed to run a state, then lead the national. Cavorting with those two lipstick hawking Afro sisters is not going to derail my plan", Gerry sneers jabbing his finger in Fitz's chest with every word.
Fitz without a second thought grabs Gerry by the throat throwing him against the wall. He spins him around, pins his arm behind his back and use his other hand to hold Gerry's head against the wall.
"Don't you ever speak of Olivia or Lily like that again. In fact, don't you ever speak their names again in my presence". Gerry tries to wrangle free, only to have Fitz slam his head against the wall again.
"Those two women have shown me more support in five days than you've shown me in twenty-one years".
Gerry stomps on Fitz's bare foot, then jams his elbow into Fitz's chest. Fitz stumbles backwards but regains his footing in time to block a punch from his father and delivery a solid blow to Gerry's eye. Gerry outweighs Fitz but Fitz is young and more agile so Gerry backs off.
Squinting his eye Gerry angrily snaps, "Boy you have lost your damn mind. Are you choosing complete strangers over family?"
"No, I'm choosing to live my life on my terms not yours and my terms include the Popes in whatever way they will have me in their lives".
"Fine live on your own terms. See how far you get without my money."
Fitz shakes his head laughing.
"What is so funny?"
"Do you have any idea how old I am?"
"I don't have time for games boy, make you point."
"Fine I'm not holding you here. I'd actually prefer it if you left, I need to check out. There's the door, feel free to show yourself out".
"And just how do you plan to pay for this room because the minute I leave here, one call and you'll be cutoff before I reach the first floor. I'll give you credit for showing some balls earlier but you and I both know you're not equipped to live the life of the common schmuck on the street".
"For your information, I turned twenty-one six weeks ago. My share of grandad's trust transferred to me weeks ago. You don't control a dime of my money. I have all knew credit cards, bank accounts and investment advisors. In truth, I've cut you off from using money to control me". Fitz blows a kiss to the heavens, "Thank you granddad ".
Gerry's rage continues to mount. He's dripping flop sweat and feeling lightheaded from his spiking blood pressure. He wipes his drenched brow with the back of his hand and jacket sleeve. He storms past Fitz, cursing. Before he walks out the door he barks without facing Fitz, "This is far from over, mark my words, in the end you'll be with Mellie attending your inauguration and the Popes will no longer exist. That is promise!" And with those final words Gerry walks out the room slamming the door behind him.
Fitz goes to the mini fridge to grab a can of soda to put on his bruised face. He sits on the edge of the bed mulling over Gerry's threats. Fitz has witnessed firsthand Gerry's vengeful acts of retaliation. The man is merciless when humiliated, crossed or dismissed. Without the leverage of money there's little Gerry can do to him. The question worrying Fitz is whether Gerry has the wherewithal to carry out his threat against Olivia.
Glancing at the bedside clock, he has fifteen minutes to meet Lily downstairs.
He throws his clothes haphazardly into his suitcase. Whatever wrinkles he'll send to the dry cleaners for a fresh press later. He performs one final check, returns the soda can to the refrigerator, leaves a tip for housekeeping then leaves.
Fitz makes it to the lobby with two minutes to spare. He checks out and waits for Lily by the valet.
Lily sneaks up behind him, pokes him in the back with her lipstick case and teehees, "Hand over your wallet". Fitz holds his hands up in surrender, turns, grabs her by the waist and swings her around laughing.
"You're a poor criminal, even a child could tell your weapon of choice wasn't a gun".
Lily starts to laugh until she sees the bruise on Fitz's face. She twists his head so she can get a closer look at the injury.
"Put me down. What happened to your face? Did someone strike you with something?" Lily tries to remain calm because if she gets upset Olivia will sense it.
"Not here, I'll tell you in the car". Lily caresses the bruise tenderly.
"Okay, Olivia is waiting for us in the limo. Is this everything, one suitcase? "
"Yes, I left home rather abruptly the other day. If I need anything else I'll buy it".
The limo driver takes Fitz's suitcase and opens the door. Lily gets in first, Fitz follows.
Olivia is in the middle of greeting Fitz, she sees the bruise running the length of the left side of his face.
"Fitz, how did you get the bruise." Fitz is reluctant to retell the morning's events but he has to warn them.
Olivia and Lily listen attentively, showing only sympathy. When they arrive at their building, Olivia excuses herself saying she has to go into the office for a few of hours.
"Lily help Iris get Fitz situated, show him around the building and all the amenities. I'll work as quickly as I can so we can out go to dinner later".
"Thank you again for inviting me to stay with you".
"Fitz, in our culture, you honor us by accepting our invitation. We're friends, friends hang out and stay with each other all the time. You are welcome anytime, never think you're imposing".
"Try not to take too long".
"I'll try." She gently strokes his cheek. She could immediately heal the bruise but that might raise his suspicion. She opts to heal the pain first and heal the bruise later while he sleeps.
The second Olivia touches Fitz's face, the aching pain ceases. He places his hand atop hers, holding it there for a full minute.
"I'll be waiting imi-ib (beloved), he says but he thinks he's saying Livie. Olivia nods and Fitz exits the car.
"Where to Great One?", the driver asks.
"The Grant estate ".
A True Show of Power
Gerry arrives home ready to spit bullets. Being in no mood for company, he gives the household staff the rest of the day off. Once everyone is gone, he goes to his office to drink away his anger. He opens the liquor cabinet, chooses one of his expensive bottles of scotch and pours himself a tall glass. He chugalugs his first round with ease, the burning sensation normally accompanying strong drink no longer affects him. Years of heavy drinking has raised his tolerance for liquor to the alcoholic level; though he denies it. He gingerly pats the area around his swollen eye feeling for sore spots. He starts to refill the glass when the doorbell chimes. He continues to fill his glass, ignoring the persistent intermittent chimes.
"Is someone going to answer the damn door?" He yells, then remembers he gave everyone the day off. "Fuck!"
He plods over to the front door like a petulant toddler and opens it.
"This fucking day keeps getting better and better. What are you doing here and how did you get past the security gate?"
Olivia waves her hand causing the door to slam into Gerry's face. She steps inside and closes the door behind her.
Stunned, Gerry retreats a few steps. "Are you crazy? I can have you arrested for assault".
"No, you won't and don't worry I won't be here long. I simply came to give you a final word of advice".
Gerry pulls out his cell phone to call 911. It's dead.
Olivia stands toe to toe with him.
"Listen very carefully because I'm only going to say this once. If you ever lay a hand, an object or a dirty look on Fitz again I will end you.
Gerry looks away dismissing Olivia with a wave of his hand. Olivia grabs his chin forcing him to look at her.
"I don't play games Fitzgerald. Ask around, anyway who's ever crossed me, a friend of mine or one of my partners has learned the bowels of hell are preferable to my wrath. Stay away from your son until he initiates contact. If he chooses never to speak to you again accept it and move on for your own good".
"Or what?"
Olivia smiles, "Or this". Immediately Gerry transforms into a dung beetle. Olivia picks him up and holds him in the palm of her hand. "This is your true guise, a belly crawling insect subsisting on filth and decay. I should leave you this way. You don't appreciate the life you have or the wonderful son you've been blessed with.
Olivia whisks herself upstairs. At the top of the staircase she dangles Gerry the dung beetle over the banister between her two fingers. "Remember what I said". Instantly she disappears and Gerry the beetle falls from the second floor.
He wakes up the next morning in his bed fully clothed with an empty bottle of scotch in his hand. Convinced his encounter with Olivia was a bad dream, he shakes it off and goes to relieve himself like any other morning. He finishes his business and washes his hands. He looks down to shut off the faucet and is stricken with fear. He backs away from the sink screaming. Helen, the housekeeper runs to Gerry's bedroom. She follows his screams to the bathroom. She finds Gerry, sheet white, cowering in the corner pointing at the sink. Helen goes to the sink, the only thing out of the ordinary is a large water bug trying to crawl out of the sink. She picks up the bug with tissue paper and flushes it down the toilet.
"Will there be anything else sir?"
"No," he whimpers.
A Family Nonetheless
Lily, Olivia, and Fitz spend the next two days getting acquainted or rather reacquainted in Olivia's mind. They go for long walks in Central Park, visit Coney Island, take in a movie or two and enjoy some deli. Fitz finds Olivia adorably enchanting. Her finding excitement and wonder in simple things or ordinary tasks is fascinating to him, it's almost as if she was born only days ago.
The afternoon finds the three enjoying Chinese at a little hole in the wall called Yang Chow's. Fitz is looking at Olivia and Lily in disbelief.
"Seriously, neither of you have been to Niagara Falls? How is that possible? You've traveled the world".
"Fitz, we spent a good part of lives living abroad learning about our company. After our parents died our uncle felt learning what inspired them to start Aphrodite Cosmetics would help us share their vision and keep their spirits alive". Olivia and Lily hate lying to Fitz but they can't really tell him the exact truth.
"I'm sorry. It had to be difficult losing both your parents at the same time and so young. Obviously, you've come to embody their vision, what exactly was their inspiration?"
"Our company celebrates the world's diverse beauty. Our parents wanted to counter the influence of western culture which tells women they are flawed, not good enough or need to aspire to the western concept of beauty to be attractive. The West creates insecurity in women, then uses it to sale foundation, vitamin enriched lotions and serums which they claim will cure every imperfection. Then these same companies turn around and point out another imperfection in need of a cosmetic cure. It's a vicious never-ending cycle of artificial female inadequacy. Aphrodite's mission is to reinforce the cultural ideals of beauty within the countries we sell our products. From the models in our print ads to the local corporate executives, the Aphrodite team reflects the customers we serve. Plus, ten percentage of gross sales in each country is funneled back into the country in the form of educational support or social service programs".
"Wow, your company is amazing".
"We think so".
"How about we use our last two days of break visiting Niagara Falls?"
"We'd love to", Lily answers without hesitation.
Laughing, holding hands, joking at each other's expense, Lily taking turns pitting Fitz against Olivia and vice versus like any normal child. They appear the perfect family. But they are not a perfect family and Lily is not a normal child. Lily is a three-thousand-year-old demigod and Olivia is Hathor, goddess of fate and joy. Fitz is Fitzah, father of Lily, reincarnated mortal consort to Hathor. They would be a perfect family if the third member of their household knew who he really was. Olivia and Lily know he will remember soon, they have patience. They've waited three thousand years for Fitzah's ka to return, they can wait a little longer. For now, Lily is happy, her yet is alive again, just as loving, just as caring and just as gentle. Olivia is happy, no she's overjoyed her imi-ib (beloved) walks beside her once again. His ka is awakening and soon she will have Fitzah, her forever love with her spirit, soul and body.
"Oh Fitz, Niagara Falls is magnificent", Lily says with awe. She's lived over three thousand years, traveled from one end of the earth to the other, yet she's never ventured past New York City while in New York state.
"Thank you for bringing us here", Olivia adds appreciatively.
They climb the stairs to the Hurricane Deck of The Cave of Winds at the base of the falls. Outfitted in yellow slickers and hats they hold the rail, letting the mist from the rushing torrents of water spray their faces. Lily takes a picture of her parents laughing and holding hands with the famous Niagara rainbow in the background. Fitz stares at Olivia as she drinks in the majesty of the massive cascading columns of water. Sensing Fitz's gaze she turns to face him. Fitz doesn't realize what he's doing until he is cradling Olivia's face. He leans in, gently pecking her on the lips. Her lips are luscious and pillow soft. He pulls away slowly, anxiously hoping to see the same desire for more in Olivia's eyes. A warm feeling, the type only lovers share, invades them silencing the cacophony from the chatty crowds and the loud crashing sound of raging water. In this quiet still moment, locking eyes with Olivia, Fitz is sure he is in love with her. He can't explain it, he just is. Wanting to prolong the moment, Olivia slows down time with a thought. Water droplets dance around them suspended in midair, people move in slow motion and their lips reconnect. The kiss deepens triggering an onslaught of emotion and somatic reaction. Tongues connect registering a taste in Fitz's mind so familiar yet completely unfamiliar. The kiss is something he knows he always craves, even yearns for. It makes no sense, yet the feeling is real, intense.
After five minutes Lily touches Olivia on the arm and whispers mewet. Olivia understands and returns time to normal. Fitz still entranced, finds it difficult to sever his connection with Olivia and she is just as reluctant. It pains Lily to break up her parent's moment, they've apart for so long, nevertheless, Olivia using her powers in such an open public setting is unwise.
"Fitz, does this mean you're not interested me", Lily jokes pinching his arm, snapping him out of his haze.
Releasing Olivia's lips, Fitz yips, "Ouch, Why'd ya pinch me?"
"Because I'm tired of standing here smiling apologetically to strangers because you two are going at like you're in the backseat of a car".
Fitz and Olivia blush embracing one another.
"Lily I'm sorry I never meant to...".
Lily cuts him off. She feigns being hurt. Pretending to wipe a tear from her eye, "It's okay, I'm use to Olivia stealing my boyfriends. Just know when she tires of you I'll be here waiting for you. We're meant to be together and we eventually will be, I'm sure of it". Lily takes his hand and kisses it.
Fitz stands with his mouth slightly agape staring at Lily bewildered. Panicked, he tries to recall what he did or said to give Lily the wrong impression.
Olivia looks at Lily pretending to be just as confused as Fitz. Ten seconds later Lily and Olivia are cracking up with laughter. "Gotcha!" Lily teases. "You're so easy Fitz".
Fitz let's go of the breath he was holding. Relief in the form of a modest smile spreads across his face.
Olivia hugs him from the front, Lily from the back. "We're sorry, please forgive us".
"No, that was not nice".
"We're truly sorry. We'll buy you an ice cream if you forgive us" .
"Do you think I can be bought for a scoop of ice cream?"
"No, two scoops, maybe?"
"Three, anything less is an insult and it has to be gelato", Fitz counters with a serious look.
"Deal", they extend their hands to shake.
"Deal", he replies grinning shaking their hands.
Umm…umm…ohhhh, right there. Harder, just a little harder. Fitz that feels...um...ohhhh...ahhhh. Fitz and Olivia are on the couch in the dimly lit living room. Lily is rushing toward the front fumbling for her keys with her head down. She's paying no attention to her parents until she hears Olivia moan as she passes through the room on her way out. Shocked, she nearly trips over her feet.
"Oh, oh, I'm sorry, ignore me, ignore me, sorry to disturb you?" Lily covers her face, shielding her eyes to prevent seeing something she'll never forget. Watching your parents kiss is one thing, seeing them have sex is traumatic, even if you are three thousand years old.
"You're not disturbing us", Fitz says clearing his throat.
Olivia mouths "liar" and slaps him playfully on the thigh.
"Fitz was just giving me a foot massage". He was giving me a very sensual foot and ankle massage, not unlike what he used to do three millennia ago, except he's fully clothed and missing oil of myrrh.
"Where are you off to? Isn't a little late to be going out? Fitz asks, his paternal concern rearing its' head.
"I'm meeting a friend for a late dinner and a movie".
Fitz can't help himself, for some inexplicable reason Lily being a grown woman escapes him and he feels compelled to probe for more details. "You didn't mention going out earlier. Who's the friend? Is it a guy? Has Olivia met him? Is he picking you up or are you meeting him some place? What movie are you going to see?"
Lily is finding it hard to hold in her laughter at Fitz's overprotectiveness. "Well gee dad, I didn't mention it earlier because my friend only called half an hour ago. His name is Marcus, he's a family friend and Olivia has met him. I'm meeting him at Paxton's on fifth for dinner, then we're going to see to the new Hugh Jackman movie, The Greatest Showman".
Fitz feels ridiculous, who is he to act like an overprotective parent. He stands to address her directly, "I'm sorry, I have no right to delve into your personal life".
"Fitz, we've told you, never feel sorry for showing how much you care about us", Olivia says standing beside him, rubbing his back.
"I don't want to overstep, being as I've only been in your lives less than a month".
"Time is relative Fitz. It's neither an indicator nor a determiner of love, intellect or wisdom. You can fall in love at first sight or grow to love someone over time. You can be born a genius or become one through study. You can learn wisdom from a child's innocent observations or learn from years of experience". Olivia places her hand over his heart. "We care just as deeply for you". All three fight back unshed tears.
"Alright, alright, enough with the lovefest. I'm outta here. See you later".
With Lily gone, Fitz and Olivia are alone for the evening.
"Livie, I know", he starts then hesitates.
"What is it Fitz?" He kisses her hand.
"I'm attracted to you Olivia, in a way I've never felt for anyone. The moment we met I knew you were it for me. Destiny, fate, cosmic connection, called it what you will, all I know is I believe our lives and future are inextricably linked. Please tell me you feel the same way too".
"Fitz, I definitely feel the same way".
"I want ask you something, you can say no, I won't be disappointed".
"Why do you think I'll say no? Do you want to take me skydiving or ziplining?" They both grin.
"No, I want to formally ask you to be my girlfriend".
"Fitz I would honored to be your girlfriend".
"Really?"
"Yes really".
"I wasn't sure whether I was coming on to strong".
"Fitz the attraction is mutual. Everything we've done to date I have been a willing participant, don't worry".
He pulls Olivia flush to his chest kissing her passionately. Their mouths become clinging magnets. The wantonness between them, intense. Hathor in human form cannot resist the call of her beloved 's flesh. Fitz surrenders to the mind-blowing euphoria he feels for her whenever they make contact. Olivia climbs onto his lap and wraps her arms around his neck. Their bodies take control squashing reason and restraint. Every touch is sensuous torture, every grind a step closer to total abandon. Fitz gropes her rear, pressing her thong covered sweet spot against his iron stiff hard-on. Their tongues enfetter, driving a hunger to indulge in the delectable taste of the other. Three thousand years has not diminished his ability to drive her wild with the most arousing erotic foreplay. Olivia gets lost in the memory of them, how sexually insatiable they were and how they will be again. Needing air, Fitz rests his head in the crook of Olivia's neck. Panting and on the brink of premature discharge, the pause gives time for his reason to return. He lifts Olivia off his lap and sets her down next to him. She furrows her brow frustrated by the unexpected halt to their make out session.
"Liv, I want to have a physical relationship with you but I think we should wait until we spend more time together". Olivia looks at Fitz as if he's lost his mind. Patience, her mind screams. He is not my Fitzah, not yet.
"I mean, I don't want to make love to you tonight, then leave. I want our first time to be special, unhurried. Am I making sense?" Hathor thinks, husband if you only knew. We have made love many times, each time more special than the last.
Olivia caresses his face, "I understand".
After Fitz calms down, they spend the rest of the evening making plans for Olivia to visit him Boston and discussing his independent study trip to Egypt.
Walk the Straight and Narrow
Big Gerry's frustration with Charlie's inability to quickly find dirt on the elusive Pope sisters was getting out of hand. His hourly calls to his most reliable go-to-guy were bordering harassment. If it weren't for the money, Charlie swears he'd cut off the man's texting fingers and shove an ice pick in his ear. Today Charlie is finally meeting him to discuss what he was able to uncover. Big Gerry, has crossed the wrong people, now I'm caught up in his shit. No matter, this is my last job for the arrogant prick.
"This is all you've been able to come up with?" Gerry complains after Charlie hands him his two-page double sided report on the Popes following a month of investigating.
"Do you understand the information on those two, rather four pages?"
"Why would I read this dribble? I told you dig deep, leave no stone unturned. This isn't a report, this is barely a blog article. Evidently, you've lost your edge. What exactly do you expect me to gleam from this high school essay you call a report?"
"Look boss, you were right, the Pope's have trap doors and trip wires tied to all their business dealings and any information pertaining to their private life. What you are holding in your hand is a summary of what happened to every person who every tried to come up against the Popes. In a nutshell, cross the Popes at your own risk. The people on that list have died, disappeared or have had their lives destroyed after running afoul of the Popes or their business partners. There's no way to directly link the Pope's to these sad boobs misfortune but anyone with a brain can figure out they crossed the wrong circle of friends".
"This is preposterous, no one company or family can wield that much power on a global scale. For god's sake they sell lipstick and nail polish for a living. They have to have an Achilles Heel, everyone does. They must be vulnerable on some level".
"Aphrodite Cosmetics is only one branch of the Pope empire. Chances are if you eat it, read it, ride in it, sleep on it, take a pill for it or are in debt to it, the Pope's are getting a cut. This family is into everything and it's not an exaggeration, it is fact.
"You mean to tell there isn't one disgruntled employee with an axe to grind or some ex-lover with a video to sell. There has to be one person who fought and won. I need something. My son has practically cut off all contact with me and I'm sure he's spending an inordinate amount of time with those two, especially Olivia".
"Pope employees, partners and associates are loyal beyond reason. Somehow or other the Popes instill an almost religious devotion in their business connections. It's kinda creepy, almost cult like".
"This is ridiculous".
"Really, you think this is joke huh?" Charlie hands a thick envelope to Gerry.
"What's this?"
"Open it", Charlie says pointing his index finger at the envelope. "This was handed to me this morning as I got in my car to drive over here".
Gerry opens the envelope and pulls out dozens of photos. Pictures of his meetings with Charlie and Mellie at the diner. Shots of him having sex with different women. Pictures of him snorting cocaine with another senator in his office. Photo upon photo detailing his depravity and borderline illegal acts and on the back of every photo is a sticker of a dung beetle. The pictures in the envelope are enough to have him thrown out of congress and in court for next ten years.
"Who gave you this?" Gerry asks, his voice shaky.
"The man didn't take the time to introduce himself. He simply suggested I inform you that you don't want Olivia Pope as your enemy. He also suggested I disassociate myself from you post haste. So sorry boss, this will be our last coffee date. I took out my incriminating photos. They have stuff on me that will send me away for life or put a bullet in my head if certain people find out where I am. I suggest you lay low and keep your nose clean from here on out or there will be hell to pay". Charlie stands, takes a final sip of coffee and sneaks out the backdoor.
Gerry discreetly places the photos back in the envelope, making sure not miss a single one. He looks around the diner nervously. No one is paying attention to him but he feels he's being watched. He is suspicious of everyone in the diner, including the children. He takes out his phone to call one of his ever-ready leg spreaders, he needs to take his mind off of what just happened. Two seconds later it dawns on him someone close to him, someone with access is feeding Olivia Pope intel on his comings and goings. He panics, he realizes for the first time in his life he has no idea who he can to trust. Holding his phone in both hands, he changes his mind about having an afternoon tryst and starts deleting names from his contact list.
"Can I get you anything else sugar?" Gerry startled by the waitress, reacts on reflex swiping his arm across the table knocking over his coffee cup and sending his silverware, breakfast plate and the life destroying envelope crashing to the floor. The waitress bends down to pick up the envelope but Gerry pushes her away, nearly knocking her to the floor and grabs the envelope himself.
"Sorry darling". Big Gerry apologizes profusely and hands the waitress a hundred dollar tip. He rushes out of the diner, drawing unwanted attention and hops into his waiting towncar before his driver has a chance to open the door for him. Once in the car, he shifts back and forth across the backseat looking out every window trying to determine whether he's being followed.
"Is everything alright sir?"
"Yes, yes, yes, just take me home Henry", Gerry grumbles with a dismissive wave of the hand.
"Very well sir. You should be home in twenty minutes".
Gerry is scared. He's use to being top dog and his current situation is quite unsettling. He needs to regroup, he never imagined Fitz's relationship with the inscrutable Olivia Pope would end up placing him under his own personal Sword of Damocles.
"How am I going to get out of Pope's crosshairs". Gerry mumbles to himself.
"Did you say something sir?"
"What? No Henry, just drive".
"Yes sir".
The Plan
Jake and his next unsuspecting patsy sit on a park bench next to the jogging path overlooking the Hudson. He hands the woman a couple of five by sevens for close examination. She hands the photos back to him shaking her head.
"Are you saying the goddess is being tricked? How can this be, she's a goddess? She knows all? What can this mere mortal do to her?"
"He is a quisling, a caballer. One of Hathor's nemesis has groomed this man since birth to infiltrate her inner circle". Jake (Ptah), says with well-rehearsed concern.
"Why? For what purpose?" The woman is skeptical.
"Revenge".
"Revenge? For what?"
"The nemesis is a fallen god. You're familiar with the story of the goddess' millennial slumber. Ra punished all the gods involved in betraying the goddess after she was entombed". Jake spins the account, mixing a little truth with a bucketful of lies.
"Some were destroyed, others lost their immortality and the nemesis lost his godhood. He walks the earth, immortal, stripped of everything that made him a god. His only means of restoration lies in turning Hathor in Sekhmet once again".
"No, Hathor promised never to unleash Sekhmet on humanity ever again".
"The nemesis chose this betrayer because he favors her lost love. The betrayer will steal her heart, then crush it by spurning her, defiling her temple and tricking her followers to do the very deeds which caused Ra to turn her into Sekhmet in the first place. The quisling must be eliminated before the goddess falls in love".
"I'm having trouble believing this. The goddess is omnipotent. How is she blind to this ploy?"
"The quisling carries the amulet of Belreign. The amulet is forged from the brightest star in the Nile of Heaven and imbued with the power to cast an aura around the holder strong enough to blind a god of the holder's intentions".
"Can such an object really exist?"
"Yes, therefore we must dispose of the quisling and protect our goddess".
"What will become of the amulet?"
"We give it to the goddess to destroy. She is the only one with the power to do so".
"Why not simply tell Hathor?"
"We will but we must not tip our hand, the nemesis is near and watching. We are not sure if others are involved".
"But you said the amulet only covers the holder. If there are others would not the goddess sense it?"
"The nemesis possesses a huge bag of tricks. I won't lie to you and pretend we know all of his capabilities. The sacred texts speak of the amulet and other devices of deception. We can't speculate what the other devices are. We must expose all first, our goddess can act".
"So, are you in? Will you join us in our mission to protect our goddess?"
"I live to serve Hathor. This imposter will pay dearly for his deception".
"Yes, he will. We will make sure the goddess is the goddess we love and worship".
"When will I meet him?"
"Soon, he is preparing to leave for his trip to Egypt. Be yourself, do not do anything to make him suspicious, otherwise the nemesis may become aware of our plan".
Jake and the woman shake hands and go their separate ways.
"Mortals are so gullible. I shall have my Sekhmet and my powers back soon. This time I will destroy that mongrel mortal's ka myself. The streets will run red with humanity's blood, fear will grip every soul and Sekhmet will be mine forever".
AN – Well a lot happened in this chapter. Fitz put the beat down on Gerry for disrespecting Oliva and Lily. Olivia finally got to turn Big Gerry into an insect, though not permanently. Gerry is either hard headed or crazy, maybe both. Olivia told him she'd destroy him and for reason he hasn't heeded her warning. Guess he'll find out the hard way.
Ptah(Jacob) is about to put his plan in motion. Do you think he'll succeed? Do you think Fitz is on the cusp of remembering?
Up next, Fitz in Egypt.
Have a great week and review, review, review. It let's know you're still interested.