They are already discussing things when she walks into the situation. She stands by Rowan and Cyrus." I am already working on shutting down Marcus." She tells the elder Pope. "Cyrus, and I will also work on Ballard. I know you want him gone. I do too, so much. But we must bide our time. And not rush it when it come to him." She offers. The man nods. For it makes sense. They stand by themselves before separating. She continues down the hall with Hal and Daniel not far behind her.
She enters the office. "Reassign Ballard. If you want him to survive. Otherwise, Rowan will have him killed. I am trying to save themselves for their sakes. For your sake. Pulling out every single stop that comes into my head. I am trying to play the game your way. But, they are forcing me to lie, steal, and threaten. And I am still unable to sway them still. I am going to have to remain here for months. And have someone do the dirty work for me, so to speak starting tomorrow. I can't lose this baby. I won't. I refuse to do so. The stress and running around aren't helping my being pregnant. I will also need your permission for something else. Do you trust me?" She informs and asks him." Yes." He answers.
"I know that you are trying to play the game fair. But, the rules will haven't to be bent some. I will do the bending for you. You just have to trust me. And if for whatever reason, what I do sees the light of day. I will deny that you knew and therefore, this meeting never happened. If they try to pin anything on you. I don't spare you the details. You will be able to feign ignorance." She tells him. He gives her more assignments.
She watches as Ballard flirts with that woman. 'Such a self centered, self serving bastard. Don't know what Olivia sees in him.' She notices the man watching him as well. Everything is in place. Her boss is touching all his bases. She and the man are the only fail safes. She remains sitting watching the man. Staying out of Ballard's sight the entire time. Enjoying the tea she has been forced to drink. And has become accustomed to.
She is on the way to her office. She sees her soon to be predecessor. She walks with Cyrus. She hits him in the chest. Being mindful not to be too hard doing so. When he threatens Harrison. She keeps walking. Instead of telling him something. Let him have his way and say. He will be out of her life forever soon enough. And one less snake in the garden to deal with.
He gave her quite a few things to do. This is one of them. And her current objective. She is walking by the other two in the room.. "Cyrus is right. Don't shut him out this time." She tells him, after coming back to report her recent finding to him. He sends her on her way. To the next assignment "You need to stop drinking." She says to the other woman. She gets up angry. She doesn't want her in pain anymore. But thinks/feels the same for Fitz. 'Its like they are on the determined path of self destruction.'
She listens to Olivia's struggle with Josie. She wants to say what she is thinking. But this is one of those times. She knows it would be best to keep quiet and wait for things to happen . Before letting her own strategies known. This will make it better to blow her competition away. Her damn fucking pregnancy is going to wind up breaking her.
She has never cried or be upset so many times and this frequently. And now that she is pregnant she can't seem to stop. She is laying on the couch crying as he comes in. "Ashley?" She turns to him. He puts his arm around her." I'll fix this. You don't have to feel as, if you are failing me again. I won't lose her. And as much as I love my children, life without her would be meaningless." He tells her.
"Sally is going to ambush you." She tells him quietly. She sits next to Fitz. "Feign ignorance." She says. She quietly eats the food from her plate. Choosing to ignore any and all conversation, at this point. She has been talking all day. And more than usual. She wants to eat and enjoy her food and the quiet. The baby has started to make her ravenous. She pretends that Mr. Langston isn't trying to get her attention. She does however, nonchalantly watch as Mr. Langston and Mellie flirt. She can definitely use this to her advantage later.
She walks in Sally's meeting again. " WHAT IS THIS. LEAVE THE ROOM. I NEED TO SPEAK TO HER NOW. ALONE." The two men leave. "What are you doing? He let you in. Gave away some of his secrets. Let you know about the woman, who owns his heart. Isn't that enough? You are suppose to be loyal. He isn't cutting you out like Cyrus has done. Now you have betrayed him. You want to be President. But, clearly you aren't cut out for the job."
"And he is"?" Sally asks cutting her off. "Damn straight. You may not like him. Or the things he's done. Being the leader means that unfortunately, you will have to do things. Things that are dirty. And clearly you don't have the stomach for that. I thought I had made it clear to you that no one is perfect. I thought you were willing to overlook his flaws. You are sticking the knife in deep. You are such a hypocrite. Be ready. He will be discussing things with you in the morning." She says stalking off.
"Come back. Even with your help. She is going to blow it, if she doesn't change." She tells Olivia. Ignoring what she had told her earlier. Hoping that Olivia uses the common sense and self preservation she knows the woman possesses. Watching as Marcus is trying to ruin her image. But sees the woman quickly recover, for she sees that they are playing on one of her strengths. But a flaw as well. She knows she has to be on her A game now. She hadn't been giving Marcus the credit she had been due. She leaves knowing and thinking about how to change her game plan.
She is in the hallway before the one that leads to the Oval Office. She is staring at the wall in front of her. She is trying not to let the work affect her. Keep her hormones in check. Something has to be done about that. She is starting to feel the stress. And she knows just; because she is becoming later in her term(s), doesn't mean she can't lose the baby. She is so absorbed in her thoughts. She doesn't hear the person approach. They are in front of her, before she notices them.
"Ashley? What's wrong? Are you okay? I have been calling you. And you have just been staring at the wall for the last few minutes." They say. "I'm okay. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at Blair House?" She asks. "I have been looking for you everyday. I want to say its to apologize. But I'm not sorry about what I did. I'm sorry that I misread and assumed things though. The reasons behind it. But not hee action itself." They say.
She smirks. She needed this. Some positive after the things that have occurred today. She stops leaning against the wall. And turns to face them. "Its no problem. You're a good kid and person, Gerry. A lot like your dad. Sure of what you want. Not afraid to go after it. You are also kind, and gentle. Among other (positive) things. Just like him. And I consider us friends.
And if you ever need something you need to discuss. You know where to find me." She tells him, before ruffling his hair and kissing his cheek. "Ashley, you never answered about my dad. Is he the reason?" He asks. "No. You know you are too young for me. And as much as I like and care about your father. And there could have been a possibility, if circumstances were/had been different.
But, there was someone else before him. And he has Olivia. And I can definitely say I am not sorry about that. I love the one I'm with. Wouldn't trade him for the world. Now go on. I'm sure Karen and Teddy are waiting for you." She says walking with him. In order to make sure he is returned. "I need to return to your father. I will see you later."
Although she doesn't make it to the Oval Office door. She comes across the meeting between Cyrus and Mellie. "What's happening?" She asks. "We are discussing Mr. Langston's wandering eye." Cyrus tells her. Mellie's not too happy that she's here. "Don't stop on my account. I want to hear your input." She tells the other woman. Her arms crossed as she listens intently. "I take it back. I agree Mellie. The apocalypse is on its way." She says trying to joke.
But, its dryness and the seriousness of the matter give it a quick death. Before she continues. "Its what I would do. And since you brought it up. And had capitalized on it. You should be the bait, Mellie." She says. "You would love that wouldn't' t you. Surefire way to get me out of the picture. Throw me to the wolves." Mellie says. "Truce is over. I would love that. We would no longer be thorns in each others sides. You love Fitz, even though he is leaving you. And you want the best for him, no matter what. Not even your desire for power can override that. Plus, you were the one that took Langston's bait. So, you should follow through on that. He clearly wants you. My ignoring him worked. He stopped paying attention to me. That, and you are a person that is repressed.
You have to get it from somewhere. You are red blooded just like everyone else. You have needs, desires that aren't being met." Ashley tells her. She makes a face at this. Hating where the conversation is going. "You really are enjoying the position this puts me in. I go out on a limb for my husband who is leaving me. And commit political suicide. I don't think so." Mellie says "Actually, having to talk about your love life doesn't thrill me in anyway." She says.
She follows Jake. The man staring next to her. Clearly she has to save the suicidal man from himself. Once the hit man has shot the woman. They escort him to the vehicle; the assassin has been using in order not to attract attention. Once they are at The White House. They are escorted by Secret Service agents. She stands behind the couch The President is sitting on as he and Ballard have their discussion. Her hand remaining on the couch.
She is sitting in the limo. Opposite of him. He had told her they were going to make a visit. She followed him. Figuring where they were going. Remaining silent. They walk into the building. The Secret Service behind them. She decides to leave him alone. Olivia stares at him. He waits a while before speaking. "Ashley told me. I'm sorry is all I can say. I didn't know your mother had been on that plane. Please don't question me any further about the matter. Operation Remington doesn't exist. I love you. There is nothing you can do that I wouldn't forgive. Can't you do the same for me?" He asks. She doesn't move or speak. She eventually goes to the door, opening it waiting for him to leave. He walks away with the crushed expression on his face.
She remains standing in the corridor, with Tom and the others. Their leader come out of her apartment minutes later. She watches him. Seeing what has happened. And what he will do. But, all she sees is him staring at her, longingly. She stares at Olivia as the elevator door closes. To try to assess more of the situation. And sees Olivia's look of unyielding, unwavering anger bordering on hate.
She can't help the fear and worry that comes to the surface for him, them. Their emotions so strong. And her being pregnant amplifies her surroundings. She can't help but feel what they are feeling. Closing her eyes. Tom and the others watch on as well. Just as concerned. Before they leave the elevator. She takes his head in her hands. Bringing him closer to her. She leans up a little and kisses him on the forehead. She takes his hand in both of hers. She leans her head against his shoulder.
As they walk out of the elevator. She pulls back. Having Tom stop as well. The others stand by the entrance waiting for them. She leans up to his ear. "Can you make sure this address is vacated by the time we get there. He is going to need the distraction." She says, looking at him. He turns to face her. They are inches apart. He stares at her through half closed lids.
Before leaning forward. He stops for she looks him in the eye. But doesn't move away. "Despite what you may see me do or say, I belong to you." She tells him, referring to what might have to occur with Langston. Not knowing that her warning comes in time for another situation. He takes her hand bringing it to his lips, kissing it as she says this. She is gone the next moment. And he is left alone. Remaining where he is. She goes to talk to Grant real quick before they continue on their way.
She takes Grant's hand as they exit the vehicle. "Ashley, what are we doing here?" He asks staring at the building. "You trust me, don't you? You need this. Especially after the day you have had." She says. He follows her thinking, why not? She is making a sound judgment. They approach the counter. The attendant gives them their balls and tees. They make their way to the first course.
He just never thought that playing miniature golf, would be how he would end his day. She is right. He needed this for it takes some of the edge off. She winds up winning by one point. He watches as she slowly and gently bends down, before laying on the fake grass. She looks up at him. Holding her hands out. "Come here. Join me." She says. After he has done so. She stares at the sky. He follows suit. And they star gaze. She decides to speak.
"I had a good childhood. Never wanted for anything. Loving, supportive parents and family. I saw the world through rose tinted glasses. And yet as I got older, I saw it for how it truly was. Hard, unforgiving, unfair, and cruel. Not that there aren't good things. But, I started to think after witnessing these things. It would just be better, if I distanced myself to protect my emotional, mental well being.
It would be so much easier of the chances of getting hurt by others diminishing through doing this. And I didn't care; if I grew apart from my family, or kept people at a distance. And had buried everything so deep to do so, that by the time I had met him. It had become so easy to delude and fool myself" She turns to him .For he had been staring at her as she said these things. She turns to look at the sky again. He turns his head as well. They stay like this for an hour. Enjoying the silence. Her hands laid out on either side. While he has his folded on his chest. The agents standing feet away. Tom hearing the truth for once.
They have just dropped the president off. "I'll take you home. You can leave your car here today." He tells her. She kisses him soundly. He looks at her confused. "I just felt like showing you how much I love and appreciate you. I'll be fine. I need to make one more stop for the day. You get off in what three hours. Come over, I'll see you then." She says before getting in her car.
She enters the building. Walks right up to the receptionist's desk. "I am here to see…"She says. "I'll let him know. Wait a few minutes." She sits down as the person tells her this. She looks to see the receptionist has started speaking to her again. "He's ready for you." She says. "Thank you." She responds. He turns his chair around to be faced with a goddess.
The most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He can see that she can help him get over the one he does love. And as get out of marrying his girlfriend. He never has been too thrilled about the prospect of a political marriage. And committing to his girlfriend in this way; will just make both of them miserable in the long run. And he can't do that to her or himself.
He walks around his desk. She notices the look in his eyes. She hoses to ignore it. Nit knowing this will have unexpected results. "What can I do for you,…" He asks. "Ms. James." She informs him. Using her professional name. Not wanting that kind of attention from him. "Its what we can do for each other, Mr. Caldwell." She says. He interrupts her "Will."
She goes and hands him the folder. Which he not so gently puts on the chair. "You aren't going to look." She says. He crosses his hands in front of him. She realizes she's in trouble. But, stays standing. And try to get herself out of it. "No." He tells her. "Its important. I came to you to offer you the VP slot. I told him to keep who he has.
But Langston, is proving to not be trustworthy. I told him I would handle it. And in order for him to feign ignorance. I came to you. I mean who better go to then a member of one of the dirtiest political families. You do this for me. Keep him out of it. And you get to move up even higher than you probably expected to at this point in time." She says.
"Tempting, very tempting. But, you are going to have to sweeten the pot." She backs up as he says this. She goes to get the folder. Turns her back to start leaving. "Wait, if you leave you will have failed in what you are trying to achieve." She stops at this, her back to him. Not sure what to do. If she walks she knows he will understand. But if she doesn't everything; she is trying to salvage for him will crumble. As it is; his foundation is being held, by nothing more than a house of cards at the moment. He is on the verge of loosing the love of his life. Can she really let him lose everything else. Even at the cost of her heart. She takes a deep breath before turning around.
"What is the price you are asking for, exactly?" She questions him. Knowing but fearing his answer. She needs to hear him say it. Confirm her fear and certainty. He stares at her for a moment. "I think you know what I want." He stays before waling forward and toward her. "He must mean so much to you. For you to do this. More so then the one who gave you this." He says as he lightly takes the ring on her necklace in his hand.
She had decided to wear the ring Tom had give her around her neck. So, it could make it even easier for men to know that she is spoken for. And ward them off. He lightly traces it. "Go out with me?" She turns her head as her answer. "You are still here. Therefore you have made your choice. You would chose your leader clearly over the one who possesses your heart." He tells her.
The tears flow freely down her face at this point. He turns her head to face him again. Not caring on bit that she is crying. Everything has a price. And this is hers. She must pay the piper, for it is the price he has given her. Before leaning in. He directs her to the desk. He starts by making her lose all reason, as he kisses he nape of her neck. She tries to fight the lust she is feeling. But, he doesn't stop. 'Im sorry Tom.' And holds her arms down to the side. Forcing her legs open with his. As he takes his time with her.
He comes home to find her in the living room. Huddled in the dark. Rocking back and forth in her bathrobe. Her hair wet, crying. He sees that it is reaching her soul. He bends down. "Ashley, sweetheart. What's happened? Its not the baby, is it? He asks. She stops rocking, but doesn't face him. "No." She says above a whisper. "I did something. Something I can't tell you." He hugs her.
"Its okay. Whatever it is you can tell me." He says. "I can't its one of those secrets that we cant talk about. If I told you, you would hate me." She tells him. "I would never, could never hate you." He replies. "No, you would. I sold my soul for him. Gave up everything for him." She tells him. "No. You haven't. I'm still here. I won't leave you." He tightens his grip on her, as he says this. Before trying to take some of her pain away.
He picks her up and carries her bridal style to her bed. She pull away as he lays her down. She pulls the blankets down. "Not tonight." She tells him. She turns on her side. He stares at her, trying to understand why she is rejecting him. She never has before. And trying to deny what it could possibly be. She wouldn't do that to him. She has shown him how much she cares. How much she loves him.
He made it clear to her, never for it to happen again. And he thinks. No, he knows they had finally gotten on the right path. She wouldn't do that to him. It sounds so hollow. He refuses to believe it. Doing so will break him. He knows this. What did he do to be punished this way. To deserve this. Now he completely understands what Grant is going through. What he feels when it comes to Olivia.
But then, he has always known on some level. After watching them the morning after The Inaugural Ball. 'It can't be that bad, Ashley?" He tells and asks her. "Its worse. I went against everything I swore I wouldn't. Just hold me. I need to know that you are still here. That you love me, in spite of it." She says. He does as she instructs. Putting his arms around her from behind. Holding her tight to him. His face in the crook of her neck, breathing her in. The position causes her to break out into tears again. For it is how Will had taken her. And she had come to know that it has also become Tom's favorite (position).
.