Cyrus expected some push back from him, but this response is different from what he was expecting. He can't get a solid read on him. Despite what's happened in the last 24 hours; he appears very calm, and confident. As if he already has a plan in mind of how he's going to proceed. But he apparently isn't looking to share the details. Wanting to be in on what's going to happen and wanting to be sure Fitz is thinking clearly, Cyrus says, "Yes, he's ready for you Sir. But before you go in there. I think you should read this information first, and I think you and I should discuss how you plan to proceed.

Fitz takes the folder from him, already knowing what's inside. That's one of the advantages to having him secretly under surveillance. It was Olivia's suggestion, after he found out about the connection between him and Rowan, and he has to admit, it was the best decision he could've made. Keeping his friends close and his enemies closer, is surely a strategy he's become all too familiar with in his dealings with him.

As Fitz browses through the folder to prevent any suspicion. He reads the material carefully, and nothing in it surprises him. Upon finishing the review of the folder he says, "At this point my plan is to hear whatever Jake has to say, before he meets his just desserts." Hearing the coldness in his tone Cyrus feels a twinge of satisfaction in his gut. He too has waited for a long time for Jake to get what he deserves. But he shutters to think of how this will play out publicly.

So he asks, "How will we be able to handle this with the public sir? We're already spinning the story of a run of the mill traffic accident, for last night's incident. So how will we handle prosecuting Jake publicly for attempting to harm you?"

Fitz looks at him as he peers up from the folder, tiring from reading the information he was already aware of, by Huck's Intel and asks, "Who says we have to prosecute him publicly? Jake Ballard isn't a real person according to this folder. Hell nobody knows he exists. So nobody will know if he disappears."

It's in that moment that Cyrus realizes Fitz's plan. This is all going to be handled in house, and he can't be happier. Finally, his dear James will get justice. Cyrus breaks from his thoughts as he asks, "So what are your plans for him, after today?"

Fitz looks at him squarely in the eyes and says, "He will rot in the bowels of the prison system until he dies. That can be today, next week. Or next year, who knows? But he will never see the light of day again. Not just because of his attempt to kill me, but because of everything he's done, including working with the man who killed my son. Anyone who does that, is on my short list of those to be eventually reckoned with."

Although Cyrus takes some satisfaction in hearing that Jake will be severely punished. A large lump develops in his throat as he realizes he too should be on Fitz's hit list, because of his tie to Rowan. Cyrus is now questioning if somehow Fitz is aware of his relationship with Rowan. He already knows this is just one of the many reasons Fitz has written Mellie off. She'll never recover from that forgery debacle, which led to Rowan being pardoned. He also thinks about his battles with Olivia over the years, and the times he has gone way too far with her. Now that they're an item will he be able to look past everything that's happened in up to this point?

Fitz sees Cyrus' mind in overdrive. He knows right now he's trying to figure out what he knows, about his behavior. Fitz can see panic beginning to show in his eyes. Normally, he'd love to watch him spin his wheels, but right now. He just wants to get this meeting with Jake over with, so he can concentrate on finishing up the rest of his professional obligations, so he can continue his weekend with his beloved.

Ready to move forward he closes the folder and says, "Okay I'm ready." Cyrus looks at him snapping out of his thoughts, and Fitz sees he's a little off. It almost makes him chuckle, he's clearly uneasy in the moment and it's bringing him great joy. He has no idea when or if the pendulum will swing for him.

He wants to drop the bomb on him but knows it's not time yet. He will do it at approximately the right moment, for the fullest affect. He looks at him and says, "If you don't mind I'd really like to get this over with Cy." Cyrus finally with his faculties about him finally says, "Of course. He's inside waiting for you." Fitz, still holding onto the folder nods at him, and walks through the door with Cyrus closing the door behind him.

As Fitz stands in the room he sees a double sided mirror peaking into a dark room, with florescent lighting. The grey cement walls and floor are accented by black painted metal chairs and a table; that are bolted to the floor, and he sees Jake sitting in a chair facing the mirror.

He watches as Jake sits at the table dressed in a federal issued orange jumpsuit, white sox, and tan shoes. Despite his attire being one noticeable difference, from the last time he saw him. He sees the look on his face as he sits at the table, handcuffed and ankle ironed. No doubt a precaution taken, when they learned he was coming to meet with him.

But most notably he focuses on Jake's face, his eyes in particular. He sees a wound on the left side of his face, and he's sporting a swollen lip. Which tells him, that secret service has already worked him over a bit, before he arrived, seeing that the wounds appear to be fresh. Fitz asks Mark, his head agent, "Where's the interrogation report?" Mark replies, "There isn't one sir."

Fitz quizzically asks, "So he hasn't been interrogated?" Mark responds, "Not officially sir." Fitz nods understanding, making the interrogation official, would mean there's a record of the arrest and his detainment. So he says, "Good work Mark." Mark nods as he says, "Thank you sir."

Their conversation is broken, as Fitz hears his name called. He looks at the glass, and hears Jake say, "I know you're out there Fitz. Are you going to be man enough to come in here? Or are you going to let your minions do your dirty work? While I am chained to a table."

Fitz smirks at his comment and motions toward the door, as Mark says, "Sir, you don't owe him anything. You could walk away, and he'd never know you were here." Fitz looks at Mark, as he removes his watch, and says, "That's just it Mark. He needs to know that I was here, and I plan to give him a reason to remember. Let's call it closure." Mark nods at him as he continues toward the door. Fitz opens the door to the room, where the fork in the road to his journey begins.

Thanks for reading my fanfiction tale. Things are heating up huh? Olivia has finally came to grips with her feelings for Jake, and taken responsibility for keeping him in their lives. And she's turned the corner with regard to her being willing to trust Fitz, and really give their love a shot.

Additionally, Rowan's in prison, and Jakes been captured. But what happens next? Is putting Rowan and Jake away, the key to Olitz happiness? Will Fitz's decision to meet with Jake be good or bad in the grand scheme of things? Has Cyrus been put on notice? All this and more, in the next installment of The Path To Vermont!