Title 7A WF 92135
Author: GEM
Date: 10-6-13
Pairing: Olivia/Fitz
Rating: T
Summary: Every decision we make influences our lives. Fitzgerald Grant never thought one of the most important people in this life would ever become a number. Someone close to the President has been kidnapped. Will they be found before it's too late? Will Olivia be able to save Fitz from himself? Warning: Dark and Angsty Fic ahead. Read and Review
Disclaimer: Scandal is Property of Shonda Rimes and ABC et al.
Disclaimer 2: As this seems to come up every chapter in the reviews. I don't own any of this. I do this for fun. While this may seem to be similar to an episode of Aaron Sorkin's West Wing. I don't own anything.
A/N: This story has nothing to do with House of Cards. This is a completely different ball game. For the purposes of this story we shall say the last night's episode of Scandal while brilliant hasn't happened yet. America's baby will be mentioned but not central to the story. This story has turned into a father daughter story. Mellie will make appearances but I when I watch this show I feel like Fitz was/is the primary parent. We will be exploring the relationship between Father and Daughter. Please remember to review, follow, and fav. reviews keep me writing. This chapter took some time to put together. I hope you will all enjoy it.
A/N: I know it's been forever. I finally got some time to sit down and write the summer has been very busy I hope you all enjoy. Please remember to read and review.
Chapter 14
Lesley watched as Fitz held on Karen's hand. He hadn't let go since he entered the room. Lesley sat down next to Jack, Ty, Sam and Martha. "He's great with her."Martha mused
"The kids are his life." Lesley offered. "Jack, did you fill everyone in?"
"Yes. You talked to Sharon and the President knows?" Jack asked looking over Karen vitals and fill out her chart with post op orders
"He knows what to do. Sharon is on board." Lesley said looking over to Karen's bed. She looked so small in that bed with all the tubes and wires. Her leg was in a brace and her head was wrapped. She was placed in a medically induced coma to help with the brain injury.
"Then we are in agreement." Ty said looking at the rest of the group. They all shook their heads in the affirmative.
OOO
Olivia walked through the door to the office. Harrison, Abby and Huck were seating in the conference room next to a woman that bore an unmistakable resemblance to Jeff Johnson. Harrison looked up and saw Olivia walking toward her office. "Excuse me for a moment."
Harrison walked out of the conference room and into Olivia office. "Liv."
"Harrison. Fill me in."
"Colleen Johnson wants the US Government namely the President to pay for the unlawful death of her brother. Abby and I seem to have calmed her for now.
It's bought us some time. She wants to talk to you and she's still threatening to go the press."
"What does she want us to do about this?"
"She wouldn't say Liv. She'll only talk to you." Olivia walked toward the door and walked into the conference room.
"Ms. Johnson. I'm Olivia..."
"Olivia Pope. Yes, I know. I'm hoping you will be able to help me Ms. Pope."
Olivia approached the woman. "How exactly do you think we can help you?"
"You can help me expose the government and the President of the United States. They have to pay for killing my brother."
Olivia sank in the chair next to Colleen Johnson. "Ms. Johnson. The President did not have your brother killed."
"Don't you dare defend them. I want the truth! I want a member of the Grant Administration to look me in the eye and tell me that President Grant didn't have my brother killed to save his own daughter." Colleen broke down.
"I can tell you for certain that President Grant didn't have anything to do with Jeff's death. He wasn't President at the time."
"Fine. I understand that the Vice President is acting as President but I want answers. I want to know the how and why my brother died. I want to hear it from someone that way there. I want to know what happened. I want to see what happened to him. I want proof of who killed him. Can you help me with that."
Olivia reached forward and took Colleen hand in her own. "Colleen. I can help you. " Olivia looked around the conference room at her team. They could see the rollercoaster of emotions written on Olivia's face. "We can help you but I need you to prepare yourself for what we find because it may not be what you expect."
"My brother was innocent. He was killed by the government for no good reason Ms. Pope. "
"What if that's not what happened? You have to be ready for that possibility or I will not take this case."
"Fine, but I want to talk to someone in the administration I want to hear it from one of them. I want to see proof too."
"We will do our best. You have to understand that this will take time."
"You have until six o'clock Ms. Pope or I tell my story to the world."
Olivia stood up. "Colleen. you can't dictate how fast this happens."
"Yes, I can because I am your client. I'm paying you to get me the truth."
"Excuse us for a moment, please. Olivia motioned the team out of the conference room.
"Huck, call Paul Morrison at the Secret Service and Mike Lawrence at the FBI. Conference them in and see if they can help us out with the proof we need."
Huck nodded and headed to his office. Harrison, work your contacts at the news outlets let's make sure that they are willing to hold off on putting Colleen front and center on the six O'clock news."
"Got it Liv."
"What are you going to do about the administration official?" Abby asked.
"I'll handle it. I need you to keep her talking and comfortable. This isn't going to happen fast but it will happen today."
"Considered the crazy woman handled."
"She's not crazy Abby. She's grieving." Olivia turned away from Abby and walked into her office.
OOO
Fitz looked up as Lesley, Jack Levy, Ty Wilson, Sam Phelps and Martha Parker walked into Karen's room. "Doctors."
"Mr. President, we wanted to come in a give you a preview of what was going to happen with Karen over the next few weeks. " Lesley said as she sat down next to Fitz. "I'm going to introduce everyone and then let them talk to you about Karen's condition. "Dr. Levy was Karen's trauma surgeon."
Jack stepped forward. "Sir. I repaired your daughter's abdominal bleed and she came through with flying colors. My section of her surgery was the least invasive. We still have to watch for signs of infection but I will probably be the doctor that you will see the least of. No offense, Mr. President."
Fitz squeezed Karen's hand and looked a Dr. Levy. "None taken. "
"Mr. President, my name is Dr. Parker I am Karen's orthopedic surgeon. Your daughter came in with a dislocation of her right shoulder and left hip. The hip dislocation while not as serve as the shoulder will be the injury that requires the most time to health and the greatest amount of rehabilitation. For the next six to eight weeks both her shoulder and hip will remain immobilized in braces and slings. She will need extensive PT to help her to learn to walk again."
"Dr. Parker how long of a recovery period are we talking about?"
"From start to finish with no farther complications it will take about twelve to sixteen weeks for both injuries to completely heal. She is young which helps but it also makes her recovery period all the more important because she's young and we don't want to have any complications to arise as she gets older."
"She's an athlete. She's been riding horses since she could practically sit up. Is that something that is still an option after her rehab? I frankly don't want to be the one to tell her that she can't ride anymore."
"I understand. I don't see her riding competitively at least for eight months to a year. We've found in late stages of rehab that recreational riding is sometimes helpful but that is a long way off at this point. I would say that riding will be in her future I will be working closely with her therapy team and will take it one step at a time."
"Thank you Dr. Parker. When she wake up I'm sure that make her happy. It will give her a goal which I'm assuming will be a good thing."
"Yes, Sir. I'll let Dr. Wilson talk to you know about her head injuries."
"Mr. President, Your daughter is a real fighter. She did very well. We were able to find at the bleeds and repair them. unfortunately we won't be able to assess any deficits she may have until she wakes up." Dr. Wilson looked at his colleagues. "We've all decided that given the extent of her injuries to put her in a medically induced coma until some of the injuries have healed."
"How long we she be in the coma?"
"I would like to pull her out in forty-eight hours and see if we can't assess whether any deficits exist."
Lesley stepped forward. "It serves her two-fold really. It will give a chance to start to heal and it will allow Mellie to see her when she arrives without Karen even knowing she was here."
Fitz nodded and kissed Karen's forehead. "What about her burns?" Fitz could barely stand to look at Karen's small frail body bandaged up.
Sam Phelps stepped forward . The burns are extensive so are the deep cuts. The cuts have all be reopened and stitched. There are only a couple of areas that will need to be worked on in the future do to scaring. The burns will continue to be treated with ointment and redressing and again in the future some with need to be graphed to prevent major scaring."
"How many more surgeries will there have to be?"
"At this point I anticipate two. We will have to see from there. When it's all over, given her type of injuries, she will be able to lead a normal life. The ordeal she went through won't have any physical reminder when we are done."
"Good, She's young. She doesn't deserve to be reminded of this when she's older. Don't get me wrong I know she will always remember but she should be able to look at herself in the mirror and not be constantly reminded of what these madmen did to her."
"Yes, Sir. I will make sure that she won't be reminded in that way."
Thank you all for your time. I assume we will be talking again when my wife arrives. I would hope you would give a shorter less stressful version given the situation."
Dr. Wilson spoke for the group. "We will be working with Dr. Thompson to do just that and give Mrs. Grant the opportunity to process and be a part of Karen's recovery with minimal stress given her situation.
Fitz smiled gratefully at the group. "Thank you all."
"We will allow you some time with you daughter. The doctors all filed out of the recovery area Lesley stayed behind to answer and remaining questions.
"Mr. President, do you need anything?"
"I should be talking to her. They say it helps."
"It's been proven to help coma patients yes. You have to remember she's in a coma because we want her in one right now. It will help her recover and she will be in less pain in this state. I am not suggesting you don't talk to her, hold her hand, or read to her. I just want you to realize that until we stop the sedation she won't wake up."
"I understand, thank you Lesley."
"Do you need something, Mr. President."
"Do you think you could find me a bottle of water and a copy of Little Women?"
Lesley's phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the caller ID. "I will send in the bottle of water, the copy of Little Women may take me a while. I have to grab this. I'll be back."
Lesley stepped outside and picked up the phone. "Lesley McGarry."
"It's me. How is he doing?"
"The doctors just finished their updates and Mellie should be here very soon so he's as good as can be expected. " Lesley walked into the Doctor's lounge with Tom in tow. "What can I do for you Liv?" Lesley pulled two bottle of water and two sandwiches out of the cooler.
"I have a couple of questions about the rescue. "Sure. Can you hold on a second?"
"Sure."
Lesley put her phone down and hand one of the bottles of water to Tom along with a sandwich. "Take that to the President. Tell me that I said he needs to eat too."
"I'll try my best. " Tom smiled and took the food to the President.
Lesley picked up the phone. "Okay, what do you need to know?"
"Do you know if there was video footage taken of Karen's rescue?"
"I think so, your best bet would be to ask Paul. If there was footage the Secret Service will have it."
"Good, I have Huck working that angle but we don't have a lot of time."
"What else is she demanding?"
"She wants to hear and see how her brother was killed. She wants proof and she wants to hear it from an administration official."
"Have you told Cyrus or Sally?"
"I haven't they are my next call."
"Olivia let me handle Cyrus for you on this and I'll work with Paul too. If she want proof I think the service may have just the thing to prove we didn't kill him. What's the time frame?"
"She wants it before six."
Undoubtedly you told her to prepare herself. The truth may not be what she was expecting."
"You know me well."
"I do."Lesley smiled as she heard her text message indicator go off.
"Wonderful. Lesley said sarcastically as she read the text.
"Let me guess the Wicked Witch is there."
"She's ten minutes away. I have to page Sharon. Hey, Liv, do you have a copy of Little Women?
"What girl doesn't Why?"
"Fitz wants a copy. I think he's planning on reading it to Karen."
"Consider it handled. I'll bring it tonight."
"I'll call you back in after I talk to Paul and Cy."
"Take care of Fitz and Mellie first."
"Will do."
OOO
Lesley hung up with Liv and her phone immediately rang again. "Hello."
"What the hell is going on!"
"Hi, Hello, How are you ,Cyrus?"
"Don't you dare, hi, hello how are you, me. I just got out of a meeting with Morrison and Langston. Since when do we release footage of the First Family in compromising positions to the general public."
"Have you spoken to Olivia?
"No, I called you first since Olivia is the one who asked you if the footage existed.
Lesley sat down in the lounge "Colleen Johnson doesn't believe her brother had a hand in the kidnapping or torturing of Karen. You and I know that isn't true. She grieving Cyrus. This is the only way to allow her closure and protect this administration as a whole. I'm going to need you to take a breath. Allow your blood pressure to return to normal and tell me what you all decided in the meeting."
There was a knock on the door to the lounge as silence took over the phone line. Tom stuck his head in. "Five minutes."
Lesley mouthed thank you. "Cyrus, I don't have a lot of time. What did you all decide in the meeting?"
"I agree with Sally about the letters...Hold on." Sally just walked into the office I am going to put you on speaker.
"Madame President."
"Lesley, how are things at Bethesda?"
"She's in recovery now and stable. Mrs. Grant will be arriving in about..." Lesley looked at her watch. "Two minutes so thing are about to get interesting."
"I've spoken to Paul and Cyrus about the Johnson situation. We certainly don't need to add to the angst of the Grant Family at the moment. Do you think you can talk to this young woman with Olivia and get her to back down?"
"I believe I can Ma'am. I would like to act as the administration official Colleen Johnson is requesting."
"Very well, I will have Paul make sure you receive a copy of the letter to his family and we will send the footage over to Olivia's people.
"Thank you Ma'am I will pick up the information when I return to the White House later. "
"You are planning to return with Mrs. Grant. Sally asked.
"I expect they will require a doctor to ride with given the information we received from the medical staff and her staff before they took off. I figured it was the easiest way to go.
"Good thinking. I'll prepare Britta for questions she may get at the gaggle."
"I was going to ask you bring it to her. Thanks Cy. I check in when we get there."
OOO
Mellie walked into the hospital with her agents in tow. She was dizzy and tired but need to see her daughter. "I need to see her Peter."
"You will be we have to get you looked at. I don't like how you look right now.
"No, I see Karen First! I need to see my little girl!" Mellie fought again Megan and Peter. Megan began to look around and noticed people gathering. The Press had been expecting her arrival and she had waved as she entered by now she was drawing attention to herself.
"My daughter needs me. I'm the only one that cares for her. Her father is the weak good for nothing man that got her kidnapped. I need to be with my daughter."
"Mrs. Grant, you need to keep you voice down."
"I will not if Fitz hadn't said no to me about this would never have happened."
OOO
Lesley walked down the hallway toward the nurse station. She picked up her pace when she saw a coward of agents by the elevator. "What's going on?"
"Mrs. Grant is downstairs demanding to see Karen. She's making quite a scene." Hal said as he and Lesley walked toward Karen's recovery room."
"Go down with some more agents and help with her and the press. I'll get the President and meet her at the elevator but we need to keep her away from here for now."
Hal spoke into his sleeve as Lesley entered Karen's recovery room. "Fitz, Mellie here and demanding to see Karen. She's causing a commotion downstairs that is drawing a lot of attention some of it from the Press who's here for the press conference on Karen's condition. "
Fitz stood up immediately and put on his jacket. "Tom get and agent to stay in her with Karen. Fitz guided Lesley out of the room. "Let's go."
By the time Lesley and Fitz made it the elevator Sharon Thompson was waiting with a wheelchair.
"I wasn't sure if I should go down and get her. I thought it would probably make the situation work.
"You're probably right" Lesley offered with a half smile."
"My wife ladies and gentleman."
"They are on their way up." Tom said listen to the radio chatter in his ear. The Press has been contained."
Fitz turned to Lesley, "you should probably call Cy and have him warn Britta about questions."
"You can blame the dehydration and lack of sleep." Sharon offered.
"That's for sure. I am sure he's going to love hearing from me again so soon on his particular subject." Lesley said as the elevator doors opened to reveal Mellie Grant, Megan, Peter and the rest of her detail.
" Fitz take me to see my daughter. I need to see my little girl." Mellie walked out of the elevator.
Fitz walked up and met her. He took her hand. "No."
"I don't think I heard you right Fitzgerald. Did you just tell me No?"
"I did Mellie."
"I will not be kept from my daughter, Fitzgerald."
"Sit down Mellie." Fitz led her to the Wheelchair.
"I will not sit in this thing. I need to see my daughter!" Mellie fought against Fitz's grasp. "Let me go."
Fitz gently fought to kept her focused on him and up right. "Sit. Down. Mellie."
Mellie calmed down at the tone in Fitz's voice and sat down in the waiting chair. Fitz knelt down next to her and touched his hand against her abdomen. "You need to take care of this baby before we go and see Karen. Karen is sleeping. She's out of surgery and she is surrounded by Secret Service. You need to take care of this baby, our baby, Mel."
"I hurt so much, Fitz."
"I know."
"My baby is in a hospital bed. "
"I know but you can't give up on this baby Mellie."
"This is Dr. Thompson, she's head of OB here at the hospital. She's been in contact with your doctors at Madison and the White House. They are all going to work together to put together a treatment plan to help you and the baby."
"Mrs. Grant. We are going to go up stairs and run a few tests. Your agents and the President will be coming with us. Lesley going to stay down her with your daughter."
"I want to know what's going on with Karen."
We'll talk to her doctors as soon as your tests are done. " Fitz squeezed Mellie hand as the moved to elevator and left the floor.
OOO
Lesley turned to Tom who remained behind to guard Karen at Fitz's request.
"He's good." Lesley said as they walked back toward Karen's room
"Yes he is."
I need to call Olivia and Paul I'll be back.
"Hello"
"Paul."
"Lesley, I've talked to Cyrus and President Langston. I'm sending the footage we are willing to release to Huck."
"I think we should show her the copy of the two letters we found in his pocket."
"The Acting President is only willing to release a copy of the one to the family. She doesn't want the letter to the First Lady in circulation.
Lesley leaned back in the chair she was sitting in. "That makes sense. I'm certain that the Doctor is going to suggest bed rest for the First Lady. I'm planning to ride back with her. I'll pick the copy from your office when I get back to the White House "
"I talk to you then."
Lesley ended the call and then dialed Olivia's number.
"What?"
"It's me."
"How's he doing?"
"He certainly knows how to fake it with his wife. I'm heading up to get the rundown from Sharon when we are done. Paul is sending footage to Huck and I'm riding back to the White House with Mellie. I'll pick up a copy of a letter to his family that was found in his pocket by the service."
"So you are talking to her."
"Yes, I'm the voice of the administration on this one."
"Okay, I'll see you in a while. Tell Fitz I'll see him tonight."
"I'll leave your message with Tom. I doubt I'll get a moment to pass it along with Mellie around.
"Thank you."
"Any time. I'll see you in a couple of hours."
OOO
Mellie sat with Fitz in the exam room as Sharon finished her exam. "Okay, so
I'm concerned with your amniotic fluid levels. You're dehydrated and the levels are low so I'm going to have the nurse start an IV.
Mellie squeezed Fitz's hand as she watched the monitor. "Okay, but the baby's okay..."
"Mrs. Grant you are still in your first trimester. You and the President have been under unimaginable stress. If you keep calm, take it easy, and allow us to help you; your baby has a good chance. I can't promise anything. "
"Dr. Thompson, what do you recommend to give the baby the best chance?" Fitz asked.
"Honestly, Mr. President, I would recommend putting Mrs. Grant on bed rest for the next three weeks."
"Bed rest! No, I can't do that. My daughter needs me." Mellie sat up on the exam table.
"Mrs. Grant." Sharon stepped closer and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Mellie." Fitz squeezed her hand and put his other hand against her shoulder gently pushing her back to a lying position on the table. "You need to stay calm. You need to take care of our baby."
"I need to be here for Karen." Mellie argued but with little conviction.
"Mellie, I promise you. I will not leave Karen alone. I know you want to be here but think about it. I can't help the baby right now. The baby's health and yours is on you. I will make you a deal champ. You take care of Baby Grant and yourself and I will take care of Karen."
Mellie put her head against his shoulder. "Fine, but I want to see her before I leave her today."
Fitz looked at Dr. Thompson. "I think we can arrange that and we will also be talking to her doctors together before you go back to the White House."
"Okay." Mellie put her hand on her belly. "Okay."
Dr. Thompson smiled "I am going to go find a wheelchair with an IV stand so we can go downstairs for the consultation with Karen's Doctors."
OOO
Lesley saw Sharon stepped out of the exam room. "How did it go?"
"She was a little resistant but the President and I got her to see reason. She's dehydrated and she has low fluid levels as well as cramping from the dehydration. I'm putting her on bed rest and have started an IV. Okay. I just ran into Ty he is going to be giving Mellie a watered down less stressful version of Karen's condition when we go downstairs. The Secret Service is standing by to move her back to the White House. "
"I'm going to get a wheelchair with an IV pole and make a quick call to the White House medical staff."
"I'll get the chair and we'll meet you downstairs with the President and First Lady."
OOO
Fitz sat and watched Mellie as the IV ran into her arm. She had barely spoken since the doctor left. She hadn't moved her hand from her stomach. "It's my fault you know." She stated quietly.
"It's no one's fault Mel. This entire ordeal is an act of madmen."
"I won't be her for her. Will she forgive me for that."
Fitz knew that Karen wasn't ready to face Mellie but he couldn't tell her that. He had to tread lightly with her now. "I think she would understand. She would want you to take care of her brother or sister and that's what you are going to do Mel." Fitz and Mellie were interrupted when the door opened and Lesley opened the door pushing a wheelchair.
"I heard someone need a ride downstairs." Lesley smiled. "How are you feeling Ma'am?"
"I think I will feel better when I see Karen." Lesley smiled.
"Well then why don't we get you downstairs so you can talk to her doctor and see her. Mr. President, can you lift her into the chair? She shouldn't be walking in her condition."
"Of course." Fitz put and arm around Mellie back and one under her knees, while Lesley disconnected the IV bag from the poll and moved it along with them as Fitz put Mellie into the waiting chair.
"Okay, we are all set. The agents are waiting outside, Dr. Wilson will meet us in the waiting room by Karen's room in the ICU Dr. Parker, Dr Phelps and Dr. Levy are in emergency surgery but they left the report with Ty."
"One voice is probably best." Fitz said as he pushed Mellie out into the hallway. The agents quickly fell into step.
Mrs. Grant, I will be riding back with you to the White House. I need to get some information for a meeting I need to attend and Dr. Thompson recommended you travel back with a doctor."
Mellie offered a smile. "Thank you for everything you've done for us Lesley. I don't know what Fitz and I would do without you."
Lesley smiled at Fitz knowing that Olivia also had a lot to do with his sanity in recent day. "You're Welcome."
OOO
Colleen Johnson couldn't sit and wait any longer. "Miss Whalen I've been waiting almost five hours. What is taken so long?
"Colleen this is an active case it take time to get what you are asking for. Olivia is on the phone with the White House right now. She is trying to find out who will be talking for the administration. We are getting you what you asked for. We are good at what we do Miss Johnson but good work takes time. You will get the information and your story will be heard. I promise you. Abby stood up and walked to the conference room door. "Can I get you anything?"
"No, Thank you, Miss Whalen."
OOO
Mellie was downright beside herself as she listened to Dr. Wilson's assessment and treatment plan for Karen. Her little girl would be scared for live physically and mentally and there was not much they could do about it. She was currently in a medically induced coma. She would have to endure at least two more surgeries in the coming months. She wouldn't be able to ride competitively until at least next year.
Fitz knelt down next to Mellie "Mel?" Mellie tried her best to compose herself. "Take me to see my baby girl."
"You won't be able to go in and sit with her. The doctors are concerned that it would put too much stress on you and the baby."
"I know. I just need to see her." Fitz kissed her temple and stood up to push the wheelchair toward the elevator.
OOO
The elevator ride was silent. When the door opened onto the ICU floor Fitz followed the Service down toward Karen's room. Fitz noticed Lesley on her phone while looking through a medical bag. He walked over with Mellie to the window outside of Karen's room. Mellie sucked in a breathe as she looked at her little girl. The tubes and wires were nothing compared to the braces and bandages.
Fitz took her hand a squeezed it before kneeling down next to her. "I have this Mellie. You take care of our baby."
Mellie nodded and wiped tears away from her eyes. "I want to know the moment anything changes."
"I'll call you tonight and twice a day. I promise." Lesley came up and spoke to Peter, before turning her attention to the President and First Lady. "The car is ready for Mrs. Grant, Mr. President."
"Thank you Lesley. " Fitz turned his attention back to his wife. "It's time to go, Mel." Mellie nodded as Fitz placed another kiss against her temple before allowing Peter to push her toward the service elevator to the back entrance.
"Did you get a chance to speak to Cyrus and Paul about your meeting?" Fitz asked Lesley as the waked to the elevator.
Lesley adjusted the emergency medical field kit on her shoulder. Yes Sir. I will be heading to the meeting after we get your wife home safe and sound."
"Are you coming back this evening?" Fitz asked.
"Yes, Sir."
"I had Tom call Eddy she's working on a bag for me. Could you..."
"Of course sir." Lesley said as they entered the elevator. "I'll see you tonight Sir."
OOO
The ride back to the White House was thankfully uneventful. The First Lady was withdrawn but some color had returned to her face. The cramps were still present but not as intense and her blood pressure seemed to be improving.
"Things are looking good Mrs. Grant."
"We are going to have to make a statement, Meghan." Mellie said in a whisper.
"Don't worry yourself with that Ma'am. We will make a statement as soon as your settled in. Megan said looking up from her phone. "The press knows you were treated at Bethesda thanks to the performance for the press ."
"Meghan." Lesley admonished.
"No, no, she right. Mellie said. "Meghan I'm sorry about that."
"I know. Don't worry. I'll take care of it. You concentrate on that baby."
OOO
"Okay so here's the information. We sent the footage over to Huck on a secure link but here's a hard copy. " Mark handed her a folder. "Paul, says the letter to his family and the crime scene photos are in here.
"Thanks Mark." Lesley walked from the east entrance to the residence to the waiting town car. The afternoon had been a whirlwind. Mrs. Grant was currently settled in upstairs Lesley quickly met up with her detail before getting in a car to go to Olivia's office.
OOO
Lesley and Olivia sat in her office twenty minutes later reviewing the file and letter. "I don't envy you this job right now. Olivia said as she watched the footage on the laptop Huck had set up.
Lesley reached for the photos. "Trust me I don't want to relive this but if it gives his sister peace and gets her off the President's back. I'll do it."
Olivia stood up and picked up the laptop. "Come on. I'll introduce you." Olivia and Lesley walked out of the office and into the conference room.
Colleen Johnson sat up straighter when the two of them walked into the room.
"Colleen this is Lesley McGarry. " Lesley extended her hand to Colleen and exchanged pleasantries as Olivia continued. "She is President Grant's Deputy Chief of Staff. She was also the doctor assigned to the rescue team for the President's daughter.
"Colleen looked Lesley in the eye. "You were there."
"Yes." Lesley answered as she sat down next to Colleen.
"Please tell me what happened. Tell me I'm not crazy. I know my brother Ms. McGarry. I know he was killed in cold blood by the member of the rescue team." Colleen's statement was so full of conviction; Lesley was taken aback.
"I will be happy to tell you what happened but as Olivia has told you, you need to be ready to accept what you believe in this moment may not be the truth."
"I know it is but I need to hear a member of this tyrant's administration admit it."
Lesley took a deep breath before beginning to explain the events that led to the rescue that evening.
Colleen face fell as Lesley continue and Olivia could see tears threaten to fall from her eyes. "You're telling me that my brother helped you find Karen Grant and for his your people killed him!"
"I'm telling you that not only did he help led us to Karen he kept her alive. He used what first aid knowledge he had to keep her alive. " Lesley reached for Colleen's hand on the table "Your brother is a hero, Colleen. We did not shoot and kill him."
"I. Don't. Believe. You. I need to see it with my own eyes."
Olivia spoke to Colleen as Huck set up the laptop. Harrison and Abby looked on. "This footage is the helmet cam footage of one of the SWAT team members. This is the raw footage, nothing has been edited. Are you absolutely sure you want to see this? Wouldn't you rather remember your brother as the hero that Lesley described?"
"I would like to remember him as a hero. I will always remember him as a hero, my hero but I need to see it Olivia. I can't explain why."
"Okay." Olivia nodded to Huck who began the video. The team appeared on the screen. After a minute or so gun shots could be heard coming from a distance. The team moved and opened the door quietly as the door to the room suddenly opened with a loud bang . Three of the men with the group came in. Colleen watched as Jeff ran in front of them yelling at the other men. "If you want to get to her. You'll have to go through me."
"That can be arranged. Ricco lift the gun to Jeff's back and fired. Jeff felt over Karen but before Ricco or the others could get to her, gunfire rang out and the man were on the ground.
The SWAT team and medics, along with Lesley rushed into the room and pulled Jeff off of Karen. She checked for a pulse. "He's dead." Lesley looked down at Karen Grant. She was still breathing. "Let's get a move on people. Time is not on our side."
Abby stepped forward with tissues for Colleen who was now openly crying. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I thought... I was wrong."
Olivia reached for her hand. "You weren't entirely wrong. Your brother was a hero."
"He worked with those horrible people to kidnap and torture an innocent girl. How is he a hero?"
"They, the men that he was with, threatened the family. He was doing what he thought he had to do to save all of you." Lesley offered as she slide the letter
Jeff wrote to his family toward her. "The crime scene team found this on your brother's body. It's a letter to the family. Your brother kept Karen alive...he was a hero you need to hold on to that."
Colleen broke down. "Thank you."
Olivia looked up at her team. "I'm going to have one of my team take you home when you're ready. " Olivia stood up as did Lesley "Remember." Olivia said before she left the conference room. "Jeff, died a hero."