A/N – Thanks for those of you who take the time to review. Not sure why I struggle to get them. But, it would be nice if more people commented. This will be my last Scandal fic. So hopefully, there are more people enjoying it. I'm going to try to post faster than once a week so I can finish it – Thank you! I honestly stopped watching the show half way through season 3. I just hated the lack of depth in the writing and there wasn't really anyone rootable anymore. It was just crazy plots and I don't even recognize Olivia. * LoreneMichelle41 – Thank you so much for your support! * jennkyle – Fitz will definitely find out about most people involved! * ShaunV76 – Thanks for reading! * Cleo – Thanks! * mzlizbiz100 – I don't know how the series got so un-Olitz centered. It just lazy writing. It's really disappointing.
Chapter 10 – To the Rescue
Sally Langston was beyond pissed. A fury had risen within her that she didn't even know she was capable of and her main mission in life was to make Rowan Pope pay for what he had done. No one who knew the truth about her marriage to Douglas would think that their relationship since he cheated was loving or even cordial, but no one but God or her had the right to take his life. Only she had the right to make to him suffer because of how badly he had disrespected her and now Rowan had taken all of that away and she was stuck with all the hate and bitterness with no one to vent on.
She buried her head in her hands and prayed to God to help her get vengeance. And when she lifted her head, Grayden strode into her office and sat down like he was the instantaneous answer to her prayers.
"Now is really not the best time."
Grayden cleared his throat. "Actually, I think it's the perfect time."
"What do you want?"
"I know that someone tampered with Douglas's car. The police don't know that because they have no idea what to look for. They can't see beyond their basic training, but someone killed him and I think I know who."
Sally nodded. "Then you would be right."
"I believe it's Rowan and nothing would make me happier then to put him in his place."
A small grin crept onto Sally's face. "I was wrong. This is the best time for you to visit because I was thinking the same thing and his place should be six feet under."
Grayden smirked. "Then I want to let you know that it will happen soon. You have my word."
Sally finally smiled. "I look forward to hearing back from you and if you need me to do anything, and I mean anything, you call me."
Grayden stood up. "I'm sorry for your loss and I will be in touch."
Sally nodded. She could finally breathe a little easier, but she still had to address the country which she knew would be exhausting.
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Olivia paced back and forth in the rose garden. "Where are you Fitz?" she muttered under her breath. It was ironic that she wanted him back so badly, but at the same time she had no idea how everything would play out once they actually came face to face and it scared her. They had been apart for so long, but her need for him had never gone away. He was the one missing piece of the puzzle and no matter how hard she searched to find it, always remained hopelessly allusive. The truth was that they were facing the same issue that they faced before she left and she couldn't see a different outcome happening. That frightened her because walking away from him the first time just about killed her. But, she didn't want to go another night knowing that he wasn't safe. He just had to be.
Tom interrupted her thoughts. "Olivia, you need to come see this."
She could see the mixed emotions in his eyes and wondered what was going on.
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They rushed inside to find her team staring at the television. The speaker of the house was just about to announce the results of the veto.
"We in Congress take our jobs very seriously and we want you to know that even when you think that we do not hear you, we do. We might not always get it right, but we strive to do the best we can to represent your views in the best interest of our country. With that said, it was a close vote, but the house will not be supporting the energy bill and therefore the veto will stand."
You would need a chisel to wipe off their grins. All they had been doing is trying to find out who took the President, protect his interests, and bring him back home. There had been no large victories to date, but Olivia considered this a huge one.
"I am so thankful for all of you and all the hard work you've done."
"We needed this," Harrison said softly.
Olivia sighed. "Yes, we did."
Abby stood. "Alright gladiators, we need to get it together so we can find the President and end this."
Harrison rose to his feet. "I agree."
And one by one everyone stood around the table and reaffirmed their commitment. Olivia slowly smiled and joined them. "Let's get to work."
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Cyrus popped some tums into his mouth. Grayden had just confirmed that they were about to move in on the compound where Fitz and Mellie were being held. He prayed he was doing the right thing and that they wouldn't be hurt. Only time would tell.
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Fitz could feel it in the air, something was amiss and then the building literally shook and he looked over at Mellie, who was lying on the bed with eyes were full of fear.
Mellie knew what was up. If Rowan was getting them out right now, then that meant they lost the vote and he was not going to be in a good mood. "Fitz?"
He put his finger up to his mouth to quiet her. The sound of gunfire had started to erupt and he knew all hell was breaking lose outside. "I think we're being rescued," he whispered.
The building shook again and Mellie let out a yelp, making Fitz sit beside her. "If something happens to me, I need to know that you will do right by our children."
"Of course."
"I mean it Mellie. You'll need to be a parent to them."
Mellie nodded. "I get it Fitz."
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The remote was just out of her reach, so Olivia yelled at Harrison. "Turn it back up."
Reporter: "Sources in South America say that it appears American and Guerilla forces are battling it out at a remote compound in the mountains. Secretary of defense, Grayden Osborne has confirmed that it is believed that the President is being held captive there and a specialized C.I.A group was sent in, with the blessings of the Nicaraguan government, to secure it. We are trying to get reporters to the area and will get you a visual as soon as it's available."
There was silence in the room as Olivia sucked in a harsh breath. "I'll be right back," she said before hurrying out the room and rushing to Cyrus's office.
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The fighting outside the compound was loud and furious as the operatives tried to make their way inside. Other opposing troops were arriving and it was overwhelming the team and they had to call in air support. Luckily, they didn't have any anti-aircraft missiles so the air assault was successfully driving the extra troops back.
Fitz listened carefully. He could hear the planes and began to form a visual in his head based on sounds he was hearing. The sound of gunfire was getting closer. "They're almost here."
Mellie wondered how Rowan was pulling all of this off because it sounded way more elaborate than she had anticipated. While she knew he would have to make it look good, this seemed way over the top. Something was wrong and she wondered if it was really Rowan behind all of this.
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Olivia rushed into Cyrus office.
"Close the door," he said softly, knowing why she was there.
"Do you know what's going on?" she asked as she sat.
"Yes."
"And you didn't feel the need to fill me in after all the hard work I've done?" Olivia asked incredulously.
"I'm sorry Olivia, but it was beyond your clearance and a matter of national security. I wasn't allowed to be forthcoming and I still shouldn't be speaking to you about this now."
Olivia glared at him. "I'm just tired of your covert bullshit Cyrus. Just level with me. You know I am trustworthy."
Cyrus didn't say anything for a few minutes. "Those are our forces. They are there to rescue the President."
"What happens after he's rescued?"
"We'll fly them to Florida using military transport where they'll be checked out by a doctor. Air force one is already standing by. Once they get the all clear, they'll be transported back to Washington D.C."
Olivia nodded. "I would appreciate it if you let me know when they are safe. I'm going upstairs with the kids. They probably already know."
Cyrus nodded. "Okay."
Her heavy footsteps loudly clanked against the marbled floor and he sat knowing that once Fitz returned, things would be complicated all over again, but he told himself that the less he knew about it the better.
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The building was shaking and Debris would fall from time to time. Fitz knew they will infiltrate the building soon and they'd have to somehow protect themselves because that will be when all hell will really break loose and their lives will be in danger. He thought about the kids and what they would do if something happened to both their parents, wishing that he had planned things out more thoroughly. As it stood, Big Jerry was the last living relative, but he didn't want his kids living with him. The paperwork he had filed previously listed Cyrus as being in charge of their welfare should something happen to them. Now, he kind of regretted that because they had been at odds for a while which had all started when Olivia left.
Olivia. She would be there when he returned. Closing his eyes, he pictured her in his head and tried to tune out the explosions going on around him. All roads always led back to her.
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Olivia walked into the treaty room where the kids were raptly watching CNN.
"Olivia," Karen said running to her and hugging her. "They are trying to rescue them."
Olivia looked at Jerry over her head. "I know."
Karen pulled back and took her hand and dragged her over to the couch and Olivia sat between them.
"It's probably going to be a while before we know anything. I'm wondering if you guys should be watching this."
"We have to. They are our parents," Jerry said bravely.
"I understand that, but once they get a video feed, it's going to be scary for you and I don't think your father would want those memories in your head."
Their attention went back to the t.v. as a reporter excitedly explained that they had an audio feed. The sounds of the battle filled the room and Karen began to tear up. She clung to Olivia who glanced over at Jerry. He grabbed the remote and turned the volume off. "I can't turn it off Olivia, but you're right, I don't think we can handle listening to that. I just need to see him and know he's alive."
"I understand," she said as she rubbed Karen's back.
There was a knock on the door and then Tom opened it allowing Huck to enter.
"Huck?"
"Olivia, I need you to hear something."
She nodded. "Do you have it with you?"
"Yes," he said walking towards them.
"Hi Huck," Jerry said.
"Hey."
Olivia didn't want to let go of Karen, so Huck put the earplugs in her ears and she listened closely.
"This is all that bitch Olivia Pope's fault," Hollis said loudly.
"I agree. I should have had her taken out when I found out that she slept with my son." Big Jerry said.
"She what?" Hollis yelled.
"During the election campaign, they got close. And then around election night, she disappeared."
"Did you ever find out why?"
"Yes, I did."
Olivia gasped. Big Jerry knew. He knew what had happened and now she was going to have to tell Fitz; something she never wanted to do. It also meant that Big Jerry had something to do with Fitz being kidnapped. This was a nightmare.
Huck removed the earplugs. "I'm sorry," he said putting his hand on her shoulder.
She nodded and he started to leave.
"Huck, can you stay?" Jerry asked.
He turned back around. Several emotions were playing out on his face. He thought about his son for a second, something he rarely allowed himself to do. Kids made him feel awkward, mainly because he was guilty, but from the look on Jerry's face, he needed him to stay and Huck just couldn't turn him down, although he did wish that Quinn was here because she and Jerry had really gotten along well. "Okay."
"Will you play a game with me?"
Huck nodded and Olivia watched as Jerry taught Huck how to play paper football. She knew it was going to be a long night, so it was a good distraction.
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The building seemed like it was barely holding up. He could tell that troops must be moving towards them. Mellie dove into his arms and he held her tightly as smoke started to penetrate their cell and Fitz hurriedly got Mellie under the covers and pulled his tee shirt up over his nose.
And then there was a moment of silence and the smoke cleared and he could see three men with automatic rifles standing outside the cell door.
"Sir, we're going to have to blow open the door."
Fitz nodded as Mellie whimpered and he braced himself. "Cover your ears." He could feel her move and then they waited.
A loud blast echoed throughout the cell as both their bodies jolted and then the men entered the room.
"Sir, we need to get you out of here."
Fitz pulled back the covers and Mellie took his hand and they stood.
"We're going to surround you and then lead you back outside. Two jeeps will take us to a clearing and then we'll evac you from there."
Fitz nodded. "Thank you for risking your lives to safe us."
"We consider it an honor, sir."
Fitz nodded.
They moved out of the cell and down a hallway. Suddenly, there was an explosion and the roof started to cave in. Fitz felt someone shove him into an open doorway and they landed hard on the floor. When the smoke cleared, he could see rubble everywhere and Mellie was lying on the floor unconscious. There was a huge clump of bricks that were strewn around her and Fitz struggled to get to her. "Mellie!"
A few of the men were tending to her. "She has a pulse."
Fitz let out a sigh of relieve and knelt down next to her as the other men stood guard. "Mellie, wake up," he said as he brushed her hair off her face.
Mellie's eyes fluttered open and she clutched her belly. "Oh God," she said before grimacing in pain.
"Where are you hurt?"
"The baby…," she said quietly so only he could hear.
"What?"
"I think I'm losing it." A cramp hit her, taking her breath away.
He looked up at one of the soldiers. "What's your name?"
"Horace, sir."
"Horace, we need to get out of here now. Mellie needs a doctor."
He nodded and helped Fitz stand Mellie up.
"Can you operate this?" he asked Fitz as he held his gun out.
Fitz nodded yes and took the gun from him.
"I'll carry her," he said, scooping up Mellie.
'Let's move," another man said. The longer they stayed in there, the more vulnerable they were.
Fitz held up the gun. He was in shock by the news, but even though the baby wasn't his, he didn't want Mellie to have to bare losing a child. So, he would do whatever it took to get her out of there.
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The television report had a visual and Olivia stared at it as Tom came into the room and joined her.
Karen had fallen asleep with her head in Olivia's lap.
"It looks bad," Tom said quietly.
"I know."
It looked like a warzone and Olivia found herself holding her breath a lot. Realizing Huck and Jerry were quiet, she glanced at them and both their eyes were glued to the screen.
And then, Jerry let out a gasp as the men and his dad appeared holding rifles. One of them was carrying Mellie and Olivia could see blood running down her legs and she covered her mouth. An explosion went off nearby and they all tumbled to the ground. The men quickly recovered and Mellie looked like she was sobbing and clutching her stomach.
Huck put his arm around Jerry. It just seemed like the right thing to do and then Quinn was standing in the doorway and she ran over to them and pulled Jerry into a hug as tears ran down his face. They all stood there in silence, mesmerized by the events. Cyrus joined them and they all they continued to watch the rescue continue to unfold.
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Everyone scrambled to their feet and then ran for the jeep. They split Fitz and Mellie up and then raced away while the feed remained on the compound. The reporters came back on and Olivia turned to Cyrus who was already striding towards her. "They'll let me know when they are on the helicopter."
"I'll be able to breathe easier once that happens," Olivia said quietly.
Jerry had calmed down and Tom perused Karen. "I'll take her to her room."
He picked her up and Karen stirred, but he quietly whispered to her and she settled. They waited until he was in the hallway and then Jerry took a seat next to Olivia. "Do you think she'll be okay?"
Olivia rubbed his back. "I don't know, but I do know that she will have the best of care."
He nodded. "I can't wait until they're back."
"We'll get them here as soon as possible, but it will probably be really earlier in the morning at best."
Jerry nodded.
"You should eat something Jerry. It's 7:00," Olivia said.
He nodded and they moved towards the door.
"Huck and Quinn, you can come with us."
They agreed and then everyone headed for the kitchen.
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Fitz sighed with relief once the helicopter took off. A doctor was assessing Mellie's condition and he saw her whispering in his ear as tears poured down her face. Fitz was sure that she had lost the baby. Her condition explained a lot regarding her getting sick from time to time, but he didn't understand why she hadn't said anything to him. They could have asked for prenatal pills or something. She was so secretive and stubborn that it pissed him off.
They landed at a small airplane strip and boarded a plane. The doctor got on with them and Mellie was placed in the seat next to him and Fitz was across the aisle. The flight to Florida would take about two and a half hours. It seemed like Mellie had stopped bleeding, but he knew that she needed medical attention as soon as possible so she wouldn't get an infection. The plane started to move and he heard the military jets flying above. Once they were in the air, he finally felt like it was over. He would be at the white house soon and then he'd have to deal with the Mellie situation which he wasn't looking forward too. There were so many questions to be answered, but he hoped that they'd be able to avoid any personal questions until a later date.
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They all ate in relative silence. Occasionally, someone would start a conversation, but it would quickly fall flat. What they had seen had been disturbing, but yet exciting too. The President had been found and none of them knew what that would mean for them. Huck and Quinn wondered if they would all be going back to New York or move back to Washington. Jerry thought about the state of their family and what would happen regarding the divorce. He wondered if his parents had reconciled during their confinement or if they were still going to go through with it. Olivia thought about seeing Fitz again. What would they say to each other? She figured he would hate her for what she did and the thought of it hurt her heart. But, whatever would happen, she was grateful that he was still alive and seemingly unharmed.
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The plane landed in Florida and Fitz rode in the back of the ambulance as Mellie was escorted to the hospital. She finally met his gaze and he cleared his throat.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Mellie started to cry. "I didn't know how. It wasn't like it was an easy conversation to have and we had already filed when I found out."
Fitz sighed. He couldn't totally judge Mellie for having an affair since he had done it first. It was just who she had slept with that was so horribly destructive.
"It's not a problem anymore. The baby is gone. So, no one has to know."
"I'm sorry," Fitz said softly.
"Thank you."
They didn't speak the rest of the way. What else could be said really? Both of them knew that it was over between them, so Fitz just held her hand and thought about how good hugging his children will feel when they return.