More Than Meets the Eye

"Huck, I've got to go to the Hill. See what you can find out about a woman on the President's staff, named Margaret Timmons. I need everything you can learn about her by the time I get back."

"You going to meet with Senator McCormick?" Huck asked as he looked up from his spot behind the computer monitor in his office.

"Yea. I'm fairly certain there's a whole lot more to it than what I was told." Fitz replied, leaning on the door frame. Looking around his associate's office, Fitz had no idea how Huck got anything done in there. The place was little more than wall to wall computer screens. There wasn't any paper or files or even a phone in the office. But Huck wasn't known for his people skills. He was known for getting shit done, and because of that, Fitz never questioned how his muscular counterpart went about his business.

Huck leaned back in his chair and looked up at his boss. "What did you expect from a phone call on an unsecured line?"

"Good point." There were times when Huck's background of working with the CIA benefited what both men currently did for a living. Fitz could keep up with most of the jargon. Hell, a lot of it was used in casual conversation when no one else was around the office. But there were a few things that Huck was still slowly teaching his civilian boss.

"I'll have everything you need on Margaret Timmons within the hour." Huck informed his boss.

"Great. Thanks, Huck. I've got my phone if you need me for anything." Fitz assured him before heading for the door.

He walked out of his office and caught the elevator, pressing the button for the floor level. As he rode down, Fitz checked his schedule for the rest of the day. He had another meeting later that afternoon with a new client back at his office and he also had to start working on Margaret. It was already shaping up to be a busy day and he was glad for it. Busy meant the day would go by faster and he wouldn't have time on his hands to wonder about things he had no need to wonder about. Busy was good.

Fitz knocked briskly on the office door of the Senator from Ohio before walking in to meet the man. It happened in an instant, the moment their eyes landed on each other. Each man silently and quickly assessed the other. The evaluation was over in the blink of an eye before warm friendly smiles were politely put into place.

Senator McCormick extended his arm and was met with an equally firm grip. The two men shook hands and the senator said, "thank you for coming. I didn't know who to call. Your name was recommended to me by someone in my office."

"It's no problem." Fitz assured the Midwestern Senator. "What can I help you with? I was only told that your people skills needed brushing up on."

The Senator gestured to one of the visitor chairs in his office. "Please have a seat." He sat down wearily behind his desk. "People skills. Jesus. I don't know whether to be proud of the creativity or sad that someone had to come up with that as a reason to get you here?" he said with a grimace.

Fitz simply listened quietly.

"The people who work for me are very loyal. Very dedicated. They wouldn't have a job in my office if they weren't. I do have a problem but it's probably not what you think."

"Why don't you explain the situation to me, and we'll see how to get your people skills just where they need to be?" Fitz offered.

"I'm having an affair." The Senator replied flatly.

Fitz's expression never changed. He continued to sit in the uncomfortable chair and listen to Mr. McCormick.

The Senator studied the expression on the other mans' face and marveled that it remained unchangeable. He didn't know what kind of reaction he was hoping for, but the steadfast focus he got settled him somehow. "They said you were good." The Senator remarked mildly. He got to his feet a moment later and went to a decanter. "Do you drink?" he asked, sparing a look at the fixer. Mr. McCormick didn't much care if the man did or didn't. The Senator needed a drink. He'd rather not drink alone, but he would if he had to.

"Not while I'm working. Thank you." Fitz said with a wave of his hand. "But go ahead."

He poured two fingers of the amber liquid into a crystal tumbler and immediately tilted the glass back. The liquor burned as it slid easily down his throat, but he let it burn. At least he was feeling something. He poured another glass. "About three months ago I was asked to sign a piece of legislation headed up by the President."

Fitz sat a little straighter in his chair at the mention of Olivia but remained quiet.

"It was something in favor of better children's healthcare. I wanted to be a team player, so I agreed. I was then asked to go to a hospital here in DC and visit sick kids. I wasn't interested in that aspect of it, but that's probably why I wasn't informed about it until after I had already agreed to sign.

Anyways, the media was made aware of the visit and a great show was made of the whole damned thing. It was practically a circus."

"I remember seeing that covered by the local news. It got the attention of the national news too, if I'm not mistaken?" Fitz recalled.

"That's right. I had to make a total of three visits to that hospital and everything was on the up and up, I swear." He wanted that to be crystal clear as he dealt with this situation moving forward.

"I believe you." Fitz stated. "So, what happened?"

"Julie happened." The Senator sighed.

"Who is Julie?"

"Julie Cartright. She's a pediatric nurse on the third floor."

Fitz committed her name to memory without writing it down.

"The first time I met her it was all very innocent. She gave me a tour of the hospital, shared information on how they handled patient care, and even introduced me to several of the kids. The journalists couldn't get enough of me and the kids. I know it wasn't my finest hour, but I stood there and talked to them, pretending to care as cameras took our pictures or recorded video of it all.

But by the end of my third visit, I don't know, something clicked. She was great with the kids she takes care of. Always going above and beyond what is expected of her. You know what I mean?"

Fitz's thoughts quickly went to Olivia and he nodded. "I believe I do."

"She was always on my mind. Her face would pop up at the damndest times. In the middle of meetings, during dinner. Like that." The older man sighed heavily. "After my visits were over, I breathed a little easier believing I had avoided disaster. Two weeks ago she called my office to schedule a meeting with me. She said it was about the hospital."

"And you believed her?" Fitz asked in a voice full of sincerity.

"I did. Partly because I hoped being around her one final time, especially here in my office, would erase her from my mind once and for all. Something had to make it stop." he explained.

"And the other part?" Fitz asked.

"Pardon me?" The Senator asked.

Fitz turned in his chair to look at the Senator. "You said part of the reason was that you hoped seeing her one last time would remove her from your thoughts. What was the other part?" Whatever it was, Fitz felt like it was the real reason why he agreed to the meeting.

Mr. McCormick set his short crystal glass down and went back to his desk. This fixer was good. He knew his shit and got right down to the point. If the man could fix the mess he had found himself in, the Senator would be grateful. He wondered if he could get away with a lie for an answer?

"If you want my help, you need to tell me the truth. About all of it. I can't help you if I don't know everything." Fitz could see the man struggling with explaining himself at this point. Most new clients gravitate towards telling a lie at this point in the conversation. The hard truth. "You called me for help. I am the best fixer in town and now we both know it. Don't lie to me. You will only be hurting yourself if you do."

He was worth every penny too. "The other part of the reason is that...I just wanted to see her." The Senator filled Fitz in on every detail of the short lived relationship that he had experienced with the pediatric nurse. The things he had bought her, the emails from his personal account, the text messages, the meeting places. Everything. He hated having to re-live it but felt a lot lighter for sharing it with someone.

"Why are you reaching out to me now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Is the nurse threatening to go public about the affair? Does your wife know about it and plans to talk to the press? What do you need me to fix exactly?"

"Oddly enough, it's not either woman causing problems. They both know about each other, by the way. It's not a big deal. Unless I get caught. If that happens, then my wife will leave me and take everything in a very public and messy divorce. I'm trying to avoid all of that by ending this..." He gestured wildly with his hands. "...thing with Julie. It's run its course. I'm trying to start over with my wife. Our anniversary is coming up and I want to make it special for her. A fresh start if you will? I'd like for you to get Ms. Cartright re-located to a hospital in another state."

"I understand and I will take care of it personally." Fitz assured him as he got to his own feet.

"Just like that? It's not going to be a problem?" The Senator couldn't believe it was that easy.

Fitz reached his right arm across the large wooden desk. "I get paid to make the problems go away. She will be gone by tomorrow morning, and before you ask, I will get her to sign an iron clad non-disclosure about all of this too. I'll have a signed copy messengered to you by lunch time tomorrow."

Senator McCormick shook his hand and simply said, "good. When I remember whoever it was that suggested your name to me, they are getting one hell of a raise. I appreciate your time. The money has already been wired into your account. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." Fitz replied, and left the Senator's office.

As he walked towards the elevators, he thought about what the older man had said. Both women know about each other. The idea that the spouse and the mistress knew about the other's existence and importance in the man's life made his thoughts veer towards Olivia and Will.

Fitz knew he was the third wheel in that relationship, but he also knew that his part was a necessary one. Even if only for profession reasons. He wondered about what life would be like if Will knew how very hand's on Fitz was with his wife at times though? Would he be mad? Relieved? Unfazed? He wished he could relocate Will to another state with the ease in which he was about to relocate Julie Cartright. He'd just come back, Fitz knew. William was already loving his role in his wife's presidency and he would not be deterred from it.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open soundlessly. Fitz was about to step inside when a very large determined hand pushed him back a step. Lifting his head quickly, Fitz saw that the hand belonged to Tom, one of Olivia's Secret Service agents, and that Olivia herself was at the back of the elevator. She was focused on the screen of her phone as her thumbs moved busily across the face of it.

"Why are we stop..?" the question died on her tongue as she caught his eye. Time froze for a moment as she looked her fill at the handsome fixer on the other side of the metal doors. He had on a suit. A perfectly tailored gray suit. One of her favorites that ran a little on the tight side. He must be here for work, she silently decided. Olivia had just been typing a text asking him to meet her in the Oval at the end of the day. She needed to see him. Nothing official, and this visit would definitely not be on her schedule. Still, she needed to see him, and she knew he would come. The play on words in her own mind brought a playful smile to her face. She dropped her phone into her bag, holding onto the handle with limp fingers.

Fitz's phone dinged, but he ignored it and continued to stare into his favorite big brown eyes. She looked beautiful in a royal blue long sleeved dress. It was simple, but she made it look elegant, just like she did everything else she wore. He longed to touch her. Just brush his fingertips against hers. A simple gesture that held so much more meaning than anyone else could ever fathom.

"I'm sorry, Sir. You'll have to wait for the next one. This car was not supposed to stop on this floor." Tom told him.

Fitz stayed put, still looking at Olivia and said, "no problem, Tom. I've got time to wait."

"Thank you, Mr. Grant." Tom replied and touched a button on the wall inside.

Fitz's phone dinged again, and he made a mental note to check it once Olivia was out of sight. But for now, he wasn't passing up on a chance to just look at her without worrying about anyone seeing him do it.

"You should check that." Olivia said, and looked at his thigh where Fitz's phone rested in his pocket. "It could be important."

Olivia's smile let him know whatever was on his phone was from her. He kept eye contact and pulled the device from his pocket as she and her agents waited for the doors to close. He read the text:
I need to discuss the garden program with you tonight. I want eggplant. Meet me in the Oval at 7. Use the side entrance.

Eggplant was Olivia's code for wanting sex with him. He texted her back a thumbs up emoji, locked his phone with the press of a button, and dropped it back into his pocket. Lifting his head, he sent her a mischievous grin just as the doors closed between them. This day just got a whole lot better!

Fitz made it back to the office and a quick turn of his head to the right showed him Huck was out of his office at the moment. He kept his brisk pace towards his own office and discovered a large envelope sitting in the center of his desk. He knew without having to open it that this was the information he had requested on Margaret Timmons.

He took off his suit jacket and retrieved his phone from his pants pocket before sinking into his chair. Once his striped tie was loosened at his neck, Fitz leaned back in his chair and opened the envelope. He was still leaning back in his chair with his feet up on his desk, reading the information he had requested from Huck when the IT genius called out from his doorway. "Yo!"

Fitz glanced up at the only person other than Liv whom he fully trusted. "Did you enjoy a long lunch of not eating but people watching instead?"

"Shut up. I get the girls while you constantly work yourself to death. That isn't on me. That's a sad life choice, my friend. You're gonna end up all alone." Huck warned him.

His thoughts went to Olivia and her text message as a smile spread across his face. "There are certain perks to working twenty-four seven. Don't worry about me. I'll be just fine."

"Whatever. You are a sad sack some days. I'm glad that you at least have work to keep you warm at night. Me? I'll be tucked up tight with a warm, curvy, female body getting warmer by the minute." Huck grinned at Fitz. He knew who Fitz spent time with. Who he was in love with. Even if he never spoke about her. Huck wasn't regarded as a technical genius for nothing. He would never bring the situation up or even so much as mention her name to him. Huck respected Fitz too much for that. He just enjoyed giving Fitz shit from time to time. It was what guys do, and sometimes, he knew that Fitz needed to blow off some steam. Especially on days when he wasn't able to spend time with his girl. Apparently, today wasn't one of those days, based on the superior smile on Fitz's face. He was happy for him. Maybe he'd get laid and stop being such a grumpy bastard?

"Which night?" Fitz asked, still grinning.

"Any night." Huck replied with a smirk.

Fitz didn't want to continue this conversation, so he changed the topic. Gesturing towards the envelope, he said, "this is great work. It's exactly what I needed. Thank you."

"I only do great work." Huck said and turned to walk away.

"Smartass" Fitz muttered and went back to his reading material.

The afternoon meeting showed up and Fitz invited Huck to sit in on this one with him. She was the wife of a basketball player on a team here in DC. Her husband had been beating her for years, but now that she was pregnant, she feared for the life of her unborn child and wanted help to get out and away from him. They agreed to take her case and help her get out of the abusive situation. Fitz put her up in a hotel under a fake name while Huck scoped out her house and waited for him to leave before going in and getting the few items that she had asked for. He took them to her along with a fake ID and a plane ticket to a small town in Idaho. She knew no one there but wanted to put as much space between them as possible in order to make a fresh start. She had been saving money for the better part of a year to leave with. Fitz offered to get her the money she was entitled to in a divorce, but she wasn't interested. Said he could keep it all. She wanted nothing more to do with him.

The office was quiet when Fitz locked it up, knowing that Huck wouldn't be coming back tonight. He rolled his eyes in the darkened conference room as he recalled his earlier words. Well, he wouldn't be the only one spending time with a curvy warm female tonight. At least for a little while. The Oval Office awaited.

Fitz was cleared through security and entered the Oval Office through the side entrance, exactly as the President had requested. He had a huge smile on his face as he gingerly stepped inside the oddly shaped room. His sharp blue eyes scanned the room but found no faces. The lights were on but no one was home, it appeared. He did notice after a moment that the chair behind her desk was facing away from the door and instead, towards the window. Someone was wanting to be discovered.

"How many eggplants would you like to plant in your garden tonight, Madam President?" he asked in a low voice. He couldn't wait to get his hands on her. Fitz had missed spending quality time with Olivia and was happy that she obviously felt the same way. These kind of meetings weren't what he wanted, but it was better than nothing.

The chair started to spin around slowly, and Fitz reached inside his pants pocket to grab the condoms he had brought with him. Usually Olivia liked to go at least twice, knowing their visits were few and far between. He had brought three condoms, just in case. He was about to pull the foil packages from his pocket to show her he had big plans for their evening together, when the door behind him suddenly opened. He dropped the condoms, letting them fall back down into his pocket and spun around quickly to see who it was.

Olivia?

His eyebrows dropped in confusion as he stared at her with his mouth slightly open. How did she get to the door so fast? Where the hell had she just come from? Fitz turned to look at the still slow turning chair behind the resolute desk and then back at Olivia. Someone was sitting at her desk.

Knowing there weren't any Secret Service agents inside the Oval, Fitz went into protective mode at warp speed. He shifted his body so that Olivia was behind him before turning to face her desk once again. Thoughts of someone trying to attack her seeped into his brain, even though the rational side of his brain knew an uninvited person could never make it into the Oval Office. The moment her chair was sideways, Fitz knew exactly who was sitting behind the President's desk. Olivia's husband, William.

Will ignored them for a moment, picked up a pen, and began doodling on a random piece of paper that was sitting on top of his wife's desk. He smiled up lazily at Fitz and said, "Oh, I imagine she'd like to have a dozen or so planted. Wouldn't you, Ollie?"

Fitz knew Olivia hated that nickname, and with good reason. He also knew that Will used it in an attempt to put Olivia in her place. But that was the least of his worries at the moment. His heart was hammering inside his chest as he thought about Will's words. Had the two of them just been discovered by the last person Fitz would ever want to find out? In spite of the fear that rolled in his gut, Fitz kept calm, his face showing no sign of alarm. "If the President wants eggplant in the garden, she should definitely plant more than a dozen, don't you think?"

"I would think that depends on her taste for them?" Will replied calmly and set the pen down. Sitting back in the President's chair, his eyes lazily flicked up to study the two people standing in front of him. "It's spoken of so often between the two of you that I assumed this garden had already been planted?"

Olivia walked around Fitz and went to her husband. Sliding on a smile as easy as a shoe on her foot, she said, "it's still too early to plant a garden. I was meeting with Mr. Grant to get a plan drawn up of what to plant, how much to plant, and when to plant it. If it's done right, a garden would connect us to the public to some degree. Showing the American people that although we may eat meals prepared by a chef we also use the same fresh ingredients that some of them grow in their own gardens. Maybe we could share some of the recipes that are used to cook our meals on social media? Or recipes of foods that our own parents cooked for us using vegetables from their gardens? Or post pictures of the various growing stages of the garden items. Farmers might like the public nod from the White House to their profession too. I'll bet today's children don't fully understand where their fresh fruits and vegetables come from. It would be educational. What do you think?"

"That's a great idea, Madam President." Fitz felt stupid for saying it, but he needed to contribute something to the conversation rather than stand there like an outsider. "I could set it up for you if you like?"

Will stared holes into Fitz. "Well, aren't you just a Jack of all trades?"

Fitz refused to squirm for Will, no matter how uncomfortable he tried to make him feel. "I wouldn't be very good at my job if I wasn't, Mr. Swann."

"Maybe. I'll think about it. Thank you." Olivia told Fitz politely. "Most summer vegetables have to be planted indoors about two months before the last spring frost. We still have a little time to hammer out the details. Will, what are your thoughts on a garden and sharing it with the public on social media?"

Will stood up and leaned forward on Olivia's desk as if it were his own and looked down at her with contempt. Fitz felt his muscles tense, preparing to pounce if Will did anything untoward to Liv. He knew he could never lay a hand on him, but Fitz secretly wished for a reason to kick Will's ass. He hand to hand it to Olivia. She didn't back down from her husband an inch. Fitz wondered what Will would say about her idea to include him on every step of the garden program she already had in the works? The social media accounts had already been set up and recipes retrieved from their parents for sharing with the public.

Looking for a long moment from his wife to the fixer and then back to his wife again, Will said, "gardening is not really my thing. Besides, I'm far too busy with all of my duties as First Gentleman. I don't think I could possibly add anything else to my schedule. Especially one so...time consuming."

He came around the desk and kissed his wife, patting her ass for good measure before heading towards Fitz, who was trying to look anywhere except at the uncomfortable display of affection in front of him. Will extended a hand and said, "take good care of my wife. She's gonna want that garden to be planted after the first thaw. She's an anxious little woman. But you probably already know that, don't you Fitz? Goodnight you two."