Chapter 14: Relationships

Dozens Arrested in Half Billion Counterfeit Bust: One of the Biggest Takedowns in U.S. History.

This was the headlines and the news cycle for the past two days, and it seemed to be gaining traction with no sign of letting up. Olivia Pope and her team had been part of one of the biggest crime busts in history. She couldn't have felt prouder of her team and, to be honest, herself " That's my girl". Yet, at the same time, she felt so hurt and angry.

Once both raids were over, there had been 24 arrests in St. Paul and 30 in Baltimore. Six store owners from St. Paul were included in the arrests. Items had been delivered to the warehouse and officials concluded the items, had they been sold as genuine in those stores, would have estimated $250 million.

In Baltimore, Phillips ran a clean raid. When the shipment docked, agents stormed the ship. They found a printing press that would have been used to create counterfeit bills. As a bonus, 2.5 million dollars in counterfeit bills were found stored in a lock box in a compartment on the ship.

On Olivia's end, there were two casualties, both Russian agents. Included in the arrests and taken by Homeland Security and FBI were 20 Russians. Five of which were subjected to diplomatic immunity. No doubt, Fitz was busy at the White House, and frankly, Olivia did not care at all.

After their last phone call, she didn't want to see him. She was so angry. She couldn't avoid him completely, though since the ceremony for the trainees was three days away. Olivia wanted to use the clean up in St. Paul as an excuse, but even that wouldn't work. Hours after the news of the raid and the arrests had hit the news wire, Fitz was on declaring victory and naming Perch as the new field rep in St. Paul.

Oliva was very happy for Perch. She earned that position. Her leadership throughout the whole mission was nothing shy of perfect. She held her team together, and when it mattered, at the warehouse, did not make one mistake and had positioned them all perfectly.

Callie, although she insists Liv saved her life, Liv sees it as the opposite. There was no way Liv was going to dodge the Russian's bullet from above had Callie not taken out he Russian on the ground. Callie was going to be fine. She was taken away with a grazed bullet wound to the shoulder. The surprise came when Callie was being led on the ambulance. Huck insisted on going with Callie to the hospital, and that's when Liv suspected it. "You have feelings for her, Huck, don't you?" Huck couldn't deny it. He admitted they had been seeing each other for a few weeks now but didn't want Liv to know in case she thought it may interfere with the mission. Liv was so happy for Huck. He deserved to find someone to love and who would love him back. When Callie saw Huck board the ambulance, even Liv could see she calmed down a bit. And, when Huck held Callie's hand, it melted Liv's heart. She had never seen Huck so affectionate.

So, now Olivia is in her room, packing her things and getting ready to head back to DC. Fitz has no idea she is heading back in the morning. He thinks she is staying one more day to finish up the investigation, but with Perch in control and Liv finishing her end, there was no need for her stay any longer. Before she leaves, she is going to see Huck and Callie. Callie was released yesterday from the hospital. She must have called Liv a dozen times apologizing for not helping shut down the investigation. Liv kept telling her they were fine. So, once all Liv's things were packed, she headed out to see them. Huck was staying for at least one more week. She was a bit disappointed he wouldn't be at the awards ceremony, but she completely understood why he wanted to stay.

"So, any word on an assignment, Callie? Do you know what you're doing after this? Are you staying in St. Paul? You should really try to come to the field office in DC." Olivia told Callie about Simms and how Fitz was in a bind to have someone lead that field office. Callie, wouldn't even look Liv in the eye.

"I'm resigning Olivia. I don't want to do this anymore. I have done this for five years, and there hasn't been one mission where my life wasn't right in the line of fire. As much as I have enjoyed working with you, I just don't want to do this anymore. Besides, I really like Huck. We will be packing up and I'll be moving to DC with him. We figured with you hopping on full time as an agent, he could use someone at the firm, if that's ok with you. I really want to make it work with Huck and staying in this job isn't going to do it for me."

Olivia heard herself in Callie's words. Olivia knew exactly how she felt. She felt the same way when she wanted to leave the police force. She remembers her superiors trying to talk her down from it, so Olivia was not going to do that to Callie. She also felt a bit envious that Callie could walk away to try to make love work. It was something Olivia felt deep in her heart that she should do with Fitz, but she had waited so long for this job.

Callie went on to tell Olivia that Huck confided in her about her relationship with Fitz. "He's concerned about you Liv. He wants nothing but to see you happy and he sees you torn. You need to think about this career. I know when you finally achieved your goal of getting into the agency, you didn't have any idea you would fall in love. Look at it like this, Fitz isn't going to be president forever. What does he have? Six more years if he is reelected? Two in this term and four more. Then what Liv, you going to be stuck on detail for another president. You want to put your life on the line for someone else? I don't mean to come off as harsh, I am just giving you the facts."

Huck walked in to hear the last part of the conversation. "She's right Liv. If you want a life with Fitz, what happens when he isn't the president anymore?"

Liv wasn't so sure that she wanted a LIFE with Fitz. Right now she did love him, as angry as she was with him, she did love him, but could they make a life together? Liv wasn't so sure. What she was sure of was that she is a skilled agent. She's a sharpshooter, an damn good investigator, and a skilled bodyguard. Which did she want more? Right now, at that moment, she can't answer it.

"Huck, I am so happy for you and Callie. I look forward to the two of you returning to DC. My plane is leaving in the morning. We were able to finish up most of the investigation. I am sure once I get back to DC, I will have some reporters to face. I have to get some notes together. I will do that on the plane. Right now, Phillips has been taking all the questions, but he really can't speak for what went on out here. Then, I have the awards ceremony in three days. I wish you could be there but get things together here." She looked at both Callie and Huck. She really was happy for them, and they both gave her some thinking to do. She gave Huck a long hug and told them to call her. As she was about to leave, though, the news had all their attention.

Breaking: A body has been discovered in Lee Creek in Arkansas. The body is said to be that of former white house press secretary Kevin Maxwell. Maxwell had recently been let go by the Grant administration. The body was found early this morning floating face down. Authorities are saying there was one gunshot to the head but has not given any more details. We will bring you up to date as more information becomes available. So far, there has been no comment made from the White House.

Olivia looked at Huck. He knew her gut was telling her something. "I'm on it Liv, I will start looking into it. I will call you when I find out anything. What are you thinking?"

"I don't know Huck; he's killed a few weeks after Fitz lets him go. I don't know all the details surrounding Fitz's motives in what he did, but I do know Jake Ballard was among the few he let go. He did most of it based on the information you gave him about them. Could you have missed something?"

"I will look into it. Go get some rest and have a safe flight. I will talk to you as soon as I get anything. You going to be ok tonight? I don't want you worrying with the nightmares."

"No, I've been good, no nightmares in a few nights." She knew it was thanks to the visit from Fitz, but the Navy shirt did help a bit also. It gave Liv such a sense of comfort. The thought of Fitz, though brought back her anger. "Oh, I almost forgot, Fitz told me the next assignment. Turns out I may be staying in DC, but I may have to stick to Congressmen Silva. Apparently, he's dealing with foreign affairs with Russa and since all this went down, well guess who Fitz wants on the detail"

"You're upset about that?" Callie looked at Liv. "I am not defending him Liv, but in the service, it's very common to have to do investigative work for two years before being considered to get on the Presidential Detail. If you are just put on his detail, that may raise suspicions."

"I could be in the White House though, Callie, but I understand it looks bad, especially to the other agents. I just think he's doing this to deliberately keep me out of harm's way, but I can take care of myself."

"Did you ever think he may want to take care of you, and this may be the only way you let him?"

She was making sense. Before Liv's mind was blown anymore, she said her goodbyes, leaving with the thought of that body floating in the creek. What the hell was going on in Arkansas? Something was up. It isn't just a coincidence that this guy shows up dead a few weeks after being fired from the White House. Maybe investigative work may not be too bad after all. She wouldn't be around Fitz so much. That may make her decision easier. Olivia got in the car and made her phone call. She wasn't sticking around until tomorrow; she wanted a red eye out of St. Paul tonight.

At the same time Olivia was calling the airlines, Huck was calling Fitz. Everything was taken care of and the delivery should arrive in the morning. He needed to tell Fitz because all packages to the President went under tight security and there was a possibility it wouldn't get there in time. Fitz gave Huck direct instructions on how to get the package to him in time. Cyrus was aware and was on the lookout for it also.

"You know she's very upset with me. She won't even take my phone calls. I have been trying to call her to tell her she has three interviews when she comes back with three different news stations. You guys did a damn good job out there. I know Agent Simms is proud. How is Callie feeling? I got her letter of resignation; I was a bit surprised."

"Yeah, we'll talk to you more about it at the ceremony. Remember, Liv has no idea we're coming, so keep that on the down low. Also, I talked to David. He thinks Abby will be strong enough to make it for at least two hours, so that should make Liv happy. Don't worry Fitz, Liv will come around, just let her do it on her terms. I am going to also start looking into the Maxwell case, we heard about it before Liv left, she's concerned."

"He wasn't a good guy, Huck, it may have just been random, at the wrong place at the wrong time, but I appreciate you looking into it, give my best to Callie, see you soon".

The last time Fitz heard Liv so angry was after he broke Ballard's nose. The last phone call, right after the raid, he had made up his mind, he couldn't take Liv being in the line of fire. Her being an agent was driving him insane with worry. Everyone around him keeps telling him how she can take care of herself, but he doesn't want that. The argument they have left them both saying things they regretted. Liv thinking, he doesn't trust her to the danger, calling him sexist and not trusting work to a woman, which she knew was entirely untrue. He just didn't trust the people she would have deal with, and it was his woman.

I am not yours. The words echoed in his mind since the conversation. She yelled them loud and clear. Fitz could tell it was with tears though. He had clearly upset her telling her about her next assignment. He just wanted her away from the White House for a while. Besides, he couldn't just put her on his detail. He would have some explaining to do to the agents who have been waiting before her. His true wish was for her to get discouraged with the job and choose him, but he wouldn't dare push her. Like Huck said, with a woman like Olivia, it had to be her terms. She had spent most of her adult life breaking the barriers of a woman in a "man's line of work." She was better at it than 90 % of the men, but she was still the love of his life and he wanted her protected at all costs. Problem was, she wanted the same protection for him.

It had been an exhausting three days for Fitz. He had been on the phone, in front of the press, and talking in microphones nonstop, ever since both raids went down. If he had gotten two hours of sleep, that was a lot. Cyrus was trying to take over as much as he could, but Cyrus was sent to deal with the Russian embassy. He had to see how this diplomatic immunity would be waived.

Fitz was looking forward to the awards ceremony. He had a surprise in store for Olivia, even though she was mad at him. He also had his scheduled rearranged and he would be working for three days out of Camp David. He had planned a getaway with Olivia to be there with her. Although, she didn't know it yet, he feels confident after she receives his surprise, she will find it hard to say no. He needed this whole Russian thing to die down a bit. He had three days to make that happen. "Mr. President," Lauren interrupted his thoughts, "Mellie Grant on the line for you."

Fitz rolled his eyes. The last person he wanted to talk to right now was Mellie. Then, he remembered the luncheon had been rescheduled. He doesn't think she knows about it. He picked up the phone. "Mellie, what can I do for you?"

"Fitz, I am at the hotel in DC, the one where I needed to check in for the luncheon, they are telling me the luncheon has been cancelled. What's going on? "

"Mellie, I am swamped with this whole counterfeit ring going down. I have press down my back and Russia on the line constantly. The luncheon was moved to two weeks from today. I am sorry. Cyrus cancelled it and he didn't know you were coming. Look, stop by the White House tomorrow afternoon. Bring the papers, we'll at least settle that, then I'll have you come back for the luncheon. I apologize Mellie, I didn't mean to waste your time. Stop by tomorrow around two I'll let Lauren know you're coming. I won't have much time though, so we're signing off on the divorce, then I will see you and talk more in two weeks. I promise I won't let you miss out on the luncheon."

Mellie reluctantly agreed. She couldn't help but notice how eager Fitz was to get these divorce papers signed. It was time to let it go. The only reason they weren't signed was because Fitz went off to be President. She made her own bed in losing someone like Fitz. There was no way she would ever get him back. If he could help her move her own political career forward, she will accept that. She picked up the phone to call Andrew. She wanted to let him know she'll be there a day earlier than expected due to the cancelled luncheon.

After the call with Mellie, Fitz told Lauren to hold all his calls, unless it was Olivia. He was heading up to the residence to call it a night. Any calls or inquiries about Maxwell or the bust, tell them no comment until the morning. Fitz headed up for an early night. He needed the rest for the next three days. They were going to be non-stop.

Olivia landed at 1 a.m. in the morning at Dulles. She hopped in an Uber and went straight to the White House. She only had one bag with her. She had paid at the airport for the remaining bags to be delivered to her place tomorrow afternoon. She would use the excuse of a late briefing to see Fitz. She really couldn't stay mad at him. It was pressing on her. He loves her, he wants her safe, she needs to stop getting mad at that.

Lauren was just about to leave when she saw Liv. "He's already called it a night Agent Pope, but he did say he could be disturbed if it was you, I'll call the residence. "

"No, Lauren it's fine. Who is the agent in residence? I have an important memo I need to leave for Fitz but I want it in his hands when he wakes up before he gets to the Oval." Lauren told her and Olivia headed to the residence.

"Agent Rosario, good evening, I need to give this to Fitz. I have to make sure it's in his possession before he leaves. It's pertinent information from the raid in St. Paul."

"You're welcome to go in Agent Pope, he may be asleep though, he's exhausted. You may be doing all the dirty work in the field, but he's been all over this place with the press going crazy."

"I understand, thank you, if he is sleeping, I will leave it for him to see it when he gets up. If not, I will be briefing him. "

Olivia entered the room. Sure enough, Fitz was sound asleep, a very deep sleep. He didn't even move when Olivia closed the door. He looked so peaceful lying in the bed. Olivia couldn't resist not getting into bed with him. She was so mad at him, yet she loved him so much. She stripped down to everything except his Navy shirt that she has had on everyday since the raid. She gently climbed into the bed. He still didn't make a move.

She faced him. They were lying there, face to face, with Fitz sound asleep. "Look at him baby girl, that's all yours" There was no way Olivia was going to wake him up. She just faced him and stared at him. Why did he have to make this decision so hard? Staring at her love and feeling numb with exhaustion, Olivia fell fast asleep.

When she woke up to the sun shining through the windows, she felt his hand on her stomach. She turned and faced him staring at her with a smile. "Hi" he said. She crossed her eyebrows and looked in his eyes, all while he had that little boy smirk. "Hi" she said, like a little girl who didn't get her lollipop.

"This was a pleasant surprise to wake up to, when did you get back?"

Liv told him about leaving earlier than expected. She was very angry, even though he knew that. She just wanted to air it out. She told him about Maxwell, she asked if she could at least jump on that investigation instead of the Congressmen.

"Come on Fitz, there has to be another agent that speaks Russian and can be briefed on the ring. Let me investigate this Maxwell thing with Huck. I have an eerie feeling Jake was involved."

"Fitz was hesitant. He leaned in and kissed her, gently but passionately. As he pulled away, he said 'let me think about it. Nice shirt by the way" as he looked at her wearing his Navy shirt. "Looks so much better on you than on me. Are you ready for the ceremony?"

"No, not yet. I have to get home, unpack, and I want to go visit Abby. Then I will deal with getting ready for that. I also have a meeting with Phillips here at 3. I have a long day ahead. Why does it look like you are about to tell me my day is going to get longer?"

"I have you scheduled for three interviews about the bust. Phillips will be with you also. That's why he's meeting you at three. So, you'll have to be dressed and ready for two. You should meet with him before so you can go over your notes."

"You know, Mister, you don't make my life any easier. Let me go get ready. Oh, here's your shirt back." She lifted the Navy shirt off to her bare chest.

"You are such a flirt Ms. Pope, you know that right. Why aren't you keeping my shirt?"

"It's losing your scent. Get you scent back on it, and I will gladly take it back. Olivia went towards her bag to get a shirt, but it was pointless, Fitz grabbed her back to the bed and there was no way she was in a hurry to get out. She stayed right on top of him, she was going to take charge this time. She needed to let out her anger.

As they lay there, both coming down from the pleasure, Fitz said to just get ready there. He had to get down to the oval, it was almost noon. He had so much to catch up on. No sooner did he turn on his phone, Cyrus was on the other end. He was in the Oval and the press was merciless between Maxwell and the bust. Fitz showered and headed down, leaving Olivia.

Could she get used to this life? Just waking up next to the president and be his First Lady, everyday. Ugh, that sounded so boring. Right now, she needed to put the thoughts behind her. She wouldn't be able to visit Abby now until after the interviews thanks to Fitz and his amazing love making. She checked her phone to find five messages from Huck. "URGENT". She called him immediately.

"Where the hell are you? I came to your room and you're gone, you had me crazy Liv."

"Sorry, I hopped on a red eye and came straight to the White House. I spent the night."

Huck breathed a sigh of relief. "I have something. I found a photo from three months ago. May not be anything damaging enough, but it's a surveillance picture from the White House grounds. Maxwell is in deep conference with Jake and Vin D., the "

"The Defense Secretary's Chief of Staff, Liv chimed in, he was also canned with them. Ok, see if you can find anything more. I have interviews to do and I will be going to see Abby. I will call you from her room."

Olivia hung up and started to get ready. Thank God she at least was somewhat ready with some notes. She's a bit relieved Phillips will be with her. Rumor has it Fitz is going to appoint him Sec of Defense. He doesn't trust the current one after Vin D was involved in with Jake. Liv didn't know exactly what sparked the firings, she reminded herself to ask Fitz about it. She had no idea it was because of a kill folder made on her.

As Olivia was getting herself ready for her interviews, Mellie Grant was making a phone call before heading to the White House.

Andrew picked up the phone immediately. "Mellie, what's going on? I thought you had a luncheon to get to." Andrew already concluded the luncheon was cancelled since he was standing in the garden where it was supposed to be and was he fit to be tied.

"It was cancelled with everything going on in the news, anyway, I am heading your way tomorrow. I am not sure what time I will be there, but it's still in Arkansas correct? "

"Change of plans. Meet me in Virginia. I have a few buddies here I am talking to about starting a business. So, Fitz let you down huh, you're not getting your political clout after all."

"No, Andrew the luncheon is set for a later date. I will be getting my clout after all, just give me the address where you'll be, and I will talk more tomorrow." After her conversation she headed to the White House.

Andrew turned to Jake and Vin. "Now boys we have a big problem. You see, the event is cancelled. Can we wait for a later date or do we take the chance while we're here now?" Andrew turned to Jake. "What about you trainer boy, think we can do the awards ceremony?"

"That's suicide Andrew, you're out of your mind. There will be agents everywhere, not to mention the hundreds that just became agents"

"I think it's time you call Fitz, Ballard. Tell him you worked with the trainees and get your due justice to get into the ceremony. Take him out Ballard, or are you too coward to do it"

"Andrew, I am not…. Andrew stuck the gun right into Jake's mouth.

"You may want to stop talking now. Nod your head. Are you at least going to try? Give Grant a call?"

Jake nodded. He was dealing with a truly fucked up individual.

Olivia headed down to the Oval just to say goodbye to Fitz. As she entered the Oval, he was in a meeting with Cyrus. When Cyrus saw Olivia, he congratulated her on a job well done. "Do you two want to be alone?"

"No, Cy, I just came to tell Fitz I am heading out to my meeting with Phillips, then look for me on the big screen", as she rolled her eyes. "I am also going to come back later, after my visit with Abby. I have some things to discuss with you about the Maxwell murder." She walked to Fitz and kissed him gently on the lips. "See you later."

As Olivia was exiting the Oval, she heard some commotion. There was a security guard walking quickly down the hall calling out to a woman who was clearly ignoring him. Lauren stood up immediately and said "ma'am". The woman took one look at Lauren and said, "is the president in there?" Lauren said "yes, but" and the woman just turned to enter the Oval.

Olivia couldn't believe what she was witnessing. Lauren called out one more time loud, "Ma'am, you need to stop", but she kept going, right into Olivia's path. Olivia didn't hesitate. The president was obviously in danger. As the woman quickly approached her, Olivia stuck her foot out, so the woman fell flat on her face. As she was lying face down Olivia sat on her back and immediately pulled out her handcuffs and cuffed her hands together.

She looked up to see Fitz, Cyrus, Lauren and the security guard staring at her. "What, she was making her way to the Oval ignoring Lauren and security. Why are you looking at me like that?

Fitz knelt next to Olivia. "Thank you for the protection Olivia, but you just tackled and handcuffed my ex-wife. Meet Mellie Grant".