Chapter 11
Mellie was used to being the center of attention several times in her life. More times than she could count but this was different. Every step she made through those White House hallways she could feel eyes staring into the back of her head. She wanted to scream and tell everyone to leave her be but she had to remain calm. She could keep up the facade a little while longer.
Fitz looked to be the pillar of strength as he held onto Mellie's hand. However, he was feeling sick to his stomach. His mind kept replaying the same image of his children gagged and tied like animals. He barely escaped the army of reporters that started barreling questions when he arrived on the premises.
They went to their bedroom first to decompress as much as possible. Mellie went in first and she sat on the edge of the bed. She looked up at her husband when she heard the door click. She studied him again. His eyes held a mixture of calmness and terror.
"Fitz," she said. The way she said his name was different. It didn't have the same hard edge as it did in Olivia's office. It was much softer and she sounded like a child looking for some reassurance and guidance.
He sat next to her and pulled her into his chest. He kissed the side of her head tenderly and whispered an apology while also stating how their kids were strong. They were Grants and they were going to take care of each other. He told her the kids were going to come out of this alive. She shouldn't think about worst case scenarios.
Fitz felt Mellie nod her head. Eventually she got out of his embrace. "We need to pack," she said making a move to head to the closet.
A knock on the bedroom door broke the quiet atmosphere. Fitz heard Mellie step back into the room as he opened it. Cyrus was on the other side with a weary expression on his face.
"Mr. President," he addressed. "Mellie," he greeted after looking over Fitz's shoulder. "I've already arranged a meeting with the military advisors. They are waiting for you sir."
Fitz said, "Send them home. This isn't some military operation. These are my kids."
"Sir," Cyrus protested.
"Cyrus...do as you're directed to do. No questions asked," he responded with a tone of finality.
Cyrus sighed. "Fine but at least take other measures."
"We already have Cyrus," he explained. "We can take care of this ourselves."
Cyrus glanced over at Mellie whose expression had become unreadable. He knew he wasn't going to get anymore answers.
"I hope the two of you know what you're doing," he said and left.
It was in the early hours when Fitz got a call from Jake.
"The plane is ready sir. We leave in an hour," Jake informed.
"Thanks Jake," Fitz replied. He hung up the phone and turned to Mellie who appeared to be sleeping. "Mellie, it's time."
"I'm awake Fitz. I've been awake this entire time," she said. They quickly changed clothes dressing in the most casual clothes they owned.
They walked through the tunnels to their vehicle the feeling of dread and anxiety washed over them in full spade. They were literally confronting the devil.
Once they arrived on the plane, they saw Eli, Olivia and Jake waiting. Their faces were stoic. No one dared to speak to Mellie and Fitz and they didn't speak in turn. There was no point in exchanging false niceties. Each individual served a purpose in this game.
Mellie and Fitz took their seats beside each other.
Jake gave the order for the pilot to go and they were in the air no less than ten minutes later.
