A/N: Gosh I hope this was worth the wait. Happy reading. Enjoy. Can't wait to read the reviews.

Chapter 21—

"So, it's set I'll see you in Santa Barbara on the 23rd. I am so excited, Mom, I really am. There is so much to catch up on and I have a wonderful surprise for you." Liv was smiling talking on the phone to Erin watching Grant trying his darndest to roll over to his back.

"Are you practicing law there now, Liv? Is that why you went to California? I am not the least bit sad that the devil's spawn is dead, but I have to admit hearing about the death of Chip in California was a bit scary knowing you were there and were at the hearing, did he really try to escape?"

"Seems that way, Ma. Jax planted a fake bomb outside the courthouse so there would be chaos and all." Liv shrugged. "Now, his own son is dead." Liv took a deep breath, still looking at Grant who had rolled now on the on the blanket and was just staring up at the ceiling. Liv had to hold in her laugh.

"Jax must be fuming, looking for someone to blame, I am sure. Steer clear of him Liv, please."

"I will. In the meantime, call me if you need anything before you get out here, ok. I love you and I truly cannot wait to see you; it's been way too long."

"Love you more, dear. I've been waiting to hug you now for over a year."

Liv stared at the phone. In less than a week, Erin would be here with her, Fitz, and Grant. The guilt Liv was feeling keeping Grant a secret from her all this time was consuming her. It just wasn't news she wanted to give to her over the phone. Truth is, Liv just wanted her here where she could keep her safe. She knew Missouri wasn't a place for Erin, and Liv heard it in her voice every time she spoke to her. Her life was altered because of the Putney's, and it wasn't fair.

A few sounds from Grant and Liv looked back over at him. He was kicking his feet and punching his arms. Liv had to laugh. He looked so mad at himself.

"Hey you, did you get yourself in a bind, you can't get back to your belly yet, can you?" Liv scooped him up in her arms, giving him kisses down his cheek and neck. He gave a toothless smile, and then some more sounds. Three months had gone by so quickly and he was changing so much.

"You feel like going for a walk? You want to take a walk with MiMi and mommy? You'll drift off to sleep, won't you?" Liv started gathering things for her walk. She wanted to start getting out more, let Grant start getting out some more. In other words, taking her shield down just a bit.

As she turned to the shelf with some of Grant's things, Grant in her arms, Huck appeared at the door. Liv jumped a bit, startled. "Jeez, Huck, don't sneak up on me like that." He was side eyeing her. She crossed her eyebrows. "What is it?"

"I think we need to talk." He pointed towards the couch as he took a seat.

Liv sat with Grant, Huck leaning over and giving him a kiss on his forehead. "You know there isn't anything I wouldn't do to keep the two of you protected Liv, Governor or not, you two are my first priority."

"Ok." Liv said cautiously. "Is something going on I need to know about?"

"Oh, something is going on, but you know about it, thing is, does Fitz know about it?" Huck asked, pulling a manila envelope out of his jacket.

Liv looked away. She put Grant over her shoulder, rocking him a bit. Tight lipped, she got up and put him into his cradle. "How did you get these?"

"Does Fitz know?" He asked again.

Liv sat back down. She took a frustrated breath. "No, he doesn't. Are you going to tell him?"

"No, I'm not, but why, why would you do this Liv?" He had the envelope in the air, visibly upset.

Liv took the envelope from him. She rubbed her forehead before she opened it. She knew the contents already, she didn't know how Huck got them, then again, she didn't know how Huck did most things. Liv was going to call Luther in a few to get this, but now she didn't need to. "Did you kill him? Bounce, the guy who took them, did you kill him?" Liv waited holding her breath, hoping not.

"Oh no, lucky for him Luther came out in time. Whatever he had on his phone is destroyed though. Next time you need to tell me things like this." Huck was pointing, genuinely upset with Liv. "Why did you do it?'

"Huck, you and Fitz have been guarded around me since the stabbing. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but you're too busy worried about me, worried about covering up what happened at the courthouse, things can go unnoticed. Fitz wants to get Jax in a way where he proves Jax is destroying him by using the family he hasn't gone public with."

"I'm not following you Liv."

Liv stopped talking and opened the envelope. What she saw sent a numbness through her body. Snapshot after snapshot of her privacy with Grant and with Fitz. Photos easily taken by someone getting paid. Luckily, he was on her side. Now Liv did feel horrible for even doing this.

She looked back at Huck. "Are these all of them?"

"Oh, yeah, I made sure of it, and trust me, the guy is still cleaning his underwear. He knows if he has more nothing better come of it."

Liv sat back on the couch. She looked over at Grant. He was sleeping now on his belly, his little face smushed. Liv held back the tears. She shook her head. "I can't keep doing this, it's not fair to him. He deserves to be in public with his father."

"Liv you didn't think I would notice a cable guy outside, you didn't think I would check it out, dig deeper? Come on Liv, give me more credit than that."

"I thought calling you before you went up to the rooftop would stop you. I got nervous and I called Luther, told him to get the pictures that night."

"Yeah, I figured as much. That's why after you went to bed, I went up to the rooftop. I saw the camera propped and I waited. Now are you going to explain it a bit better?"

"I want these so when Jax does whatever he is planning, it comes out that he is the one who was taking pictures of Fitz's family. I asked Luther to do it. He was reluctant at first, but said he knew someone that would be willing to, someone he trusted."

"If Luther wasn't there, that guy would have gone flying off the rooftop, Liv. Why aren't you telling Fitz?"

"Have you seen how much he's been working, Huck. He's all over the state, and then back here in time to put Grant to bed. He's exhausting himself. We can't keep playing this game. I wanted to be a step ahead of Jax too, hell maybe even Gerry. Gerry has a picture also, don't forget. That's why I didn't tell Fitz."

"Tell Fitz what?" He was standing in the doorway now, hands in his pockets, eyebrows raised. "What didn't you tell me Liv?" He walked over to the couch and put a gentle kiss on her forehead. He saw the envelope. "What's in there?"

"Uh, I'll be going now." Huck got up. "Hi Fitz. I'll have those tapes for you in a few minutes."

Fitz watched Huck leave in a hurry. He walked over to Grant's cradle. He rubbed his son's curls. "Hey big guy, I missed you." Fitz whispered. He looked back at Liv.

"Liv?"

"You're home early."

"Just for a bit. I have to head back to the mansion. We are having the California State Little League champions over there for dinner. I wanted to come home and get some time in with you and Grant before heading back." Fitz sat on the couch and put his arm around Liv. "What's going on?"

This is what ached Liv. How great would it be for Fitz to have his own son there with him amongst all the little league boys? Instead, Fitz is greeting them, no doubt going to make them feel like a million dollars and he can't even show off his own son. It wasn't fair.

She handed Fitz the envelope. She watched him as he carefully opened it and pulled out the contents. Liv always heard that he had a temper. She had never seen him act it out. He was always so calm, so loving around her and in the presence of Grant. His tempter, as she was told was one that could make him crack easily and she saw it unfold in a matter of seconds as he saw the pictures.

"What the F…" He stopped, putting one behind the other. "LUTHER, TOM, GET YOUR…"

"No, we're fine." Liv shouted back. Both men came to the doorway in seconds. "We're fine." Liv put her hands up then rested them on Fitz's shoulders. Luther looked at Liv cautiously, as she nodded. "It was me, I had them taken."

"You what?" Fitz was trying to lower his blood pressure he felt rising. "Liv, are you out of your mind? What would possess you to have pictures taken of us, of Grant? Livvie?" He took a deep breath. He really couldn't get mad at her, could he? She had always been one to take matters into her own hands. He can't be mad at her. He just needed an explanation.

"Jax is plotting something I am sure of it Fitz. He's going to do something. What if he knows about Grant? He could be plotting his revenge on getting him for Chip. I just figured having these you could show the public eventually and say he spied on you, how we were never safe from him." Liv's eyes were just sad brown pearls now and Fitz couldn't stay mad even if he tried.

She put her head his shoulder. "I should have told you." She whispered. She longed for day she could stop worrying about Jax's next move.

"Did Huck do this?"

Liv shook her head. "No, it was me. I hired someone to do it, Huck caught the person doing it. Nothing gets by him, that's for sure."

"That's why I hired him. He deserves triple his pay for how he keeps the two of you protected." Fitz pulled her in for a kiss, planted his lips gently on her cheek. He put his head down. "I know I've been overbearing since the stabbing, it's just…."

He couldn't finish. Liv looked at him, turned his face towards her. "Don't blame yourself, I understand. I shouldn't keep anything from you. You have so much to do, and you're always tired. I just wanted one less thing for you to worry about. I know how much you worry about me, about Grant." Liv looked over at the cradle.

Almost on key, Grant began to stir. He opened his eyes as Fitz looked at him, too. He blinked looking back at Fitz.

"Hey you, I'm glad you woke up before I left." Fitz scooped him out of the cradle. He kissed him and walked over by the window. "I haven't been honest with you either Liv."

Gerry

"It's about time you returned my call, Senator, you know how long ago I tried to get answers about that picture I sent you of Fitz?" Sanderson was not happy on the other end of the phone. "I am seeing Fitz tonight at the Governor's mansion. There's a dinner for the Little League Champions. Do I need to ask him myself?"

"If you know the truth of that picture, of the woman he is with in the shops, will you still consider him for president?" Gerry needed to know.

"The woman he is with is Olivia Pope, that much I have established. She helped Leonard Sykes on the Ballard case. I don't know how much my endorsement will matter with Putney throwing millions at my opponent. He may nominate a president of his own choice."

"No, no, Sanderson, wrong, Olivia didn't' help Leonard Sykes, she secured Fitz get that victory. Leonard wouldn't have been able to get a victory like that. Olivia is one hell of a lawyer."

"Ok, and is she dating him?" Sanderson heard a long pause. "Gerry, you still there?"

"Would it matter?" Gerry asked, looking at the picture of his family on his desk. "Because she's black?"

"California is a state in favor of interracial marriage, you know that. I'm one that's for it. Anything can change with this Supreme Court; Fitz is prepared though. Of course, that wouldn't be a problem, for me. His own Lt. Governor is interracial. If we had to vote again, which Fitz is inching for, I'm sure the Republicans would have a majority in favor, now what are you not telling me?"

"Maybe you should speak to Fitz. Show him that picture. How did you get that anyway?"

"One of the shop owners is a relative of mine. He said he signed an NDA the day before they came in the shop. So, you're not going to tell me anything?" Sanderson asked.

"Just let me know what you decide on a presidential announcement so I can begin rallying the Senators here in DC. We can never be too early with this. Don't worry about Jax. He's trying to get back on track. He's shut down in San Diego " Gerry rubbed his forehead. He still had Jax to worry about spilling the dirt about Grant.

Sanderson closed his eyes and shook his head. "There's something you're not telling me Gerry."

Gerry changed the subject. "Obviously you heard about Putney donating to Waters?"

"I did hear about him. He's donating five million to Waters. She's always been protective of him making sure all his dealings in San Francisco were on the down low, it's no surprise. She's in his pocket there, always has been. She's going to be hard to beat. I don't know where I'm getting that kind of money. You may lose me at Pro Tem here in California."

"Talk to Fitz. I'll call you some time next week. Looks like the votes are going through for his gun control bill here in DC. He's doing good things; you can't deny that. Besides, these laws go through, it's another blow to Putney." Gerry hung up.

Typewritten by Barbara in front of Gerry were three gun laws passed already in California that Fitz was pushing to be on a national level. Of course, they had to do with more safety on school campuses and gun owners for domestic abusers. Gerry had work to do, and to honor his wife's legacy as a schoolteacher and Olivia's friend as a victim, it was the least Gerry could do.

He picked up the folder and headed on to the Senate floor. After hearing of his 5 million dollar donation to support Sanderson's opponent, Jax would stop at nothing to regain control of the California Senate. Gerry had to act quickly to get these laws passed. The more damage done to Jax financially, the more chances he would disappear into the sunset. It was the only power Gerry had now to protect his grandson.

He stepped on to the Senate floor the first time in his career as an enemy of the Putney Family.

Liv walked slowly over to the window where Fitz was standing with Grant. She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek on his back. Grant was cradled in the crook of Fitz's right arm. He continued to look out the window.

Fitz closed his eyes before he said it. He didn't know how she would react. Hasn't she been through enough? "Jax knows about Grant being ours." He felt her forehead go into his back.

Liv closed her eyes, breathing slowly in and out. Leaning on him now, she felt heat rise in her body. She tried so hard to keep him a secret and Fitz just took away a year's worth of work and destroyed it in a sentence.

Was it relief she was feeling? Was it anger she was feeling? Was it nothing she was feeling? She didn't know anymore. All she knew, after everything that had happened, was she wanted this whole charade to end. She wanted it over with minimal damage to Fitz and the path he was destined to lead.

"And how do you know that? No, how does he know? What gives you that indication?" She whispered the words.

Not knowing if she was angry or hurt, Fitz pulled her up along side him to the window. He explained his plan, what he did with Barbara, after first explaining who Barbara is.

"Jax is no dummy, you said so yourself. He's known my whole family since I've been born. He knows my father doesn't have a brother. I'm sure he's plotting something too, just as you said. Livvie, I'm sorry." He bounced Grant up and down a bit.

"What's the plan Fitz?" She took his hand holding it in hers. "We can't keep playing with Grant's life like this. We're not being fair to him. We either keep him safe, a secret from the public, or we come forward, but we're both playing a dangerous game."

Grant gave a happy sound, looking up at Fitz, no clue the demons plotting against him in the world. Liv turned to see Fitz look at him, Grant smiling into his father's blue eyes. "I need to keep him safe, to keep him protected, but the public can't put trust in me if I lie to them." He turned to Liv now.

"I was going to walk with him for a bit outside before you got home, but now I'm thinking. If people start seeing me with a carriage, then we go out to the Mayor's Ball together, it's only a matter of time the neighbors begin to piece together we're his parents." Liv walked back; arms crossed to the couch.

Fitz followed. He sat with her, the three of them as a family now, Grant growing tired in his father's arms. "Jax's financials are taking another hit from me tomorrow. I'm going after the oil companies, having state legislature pass bills to cap oil company profits. He has millions in oil companies. Besides Jax, I'll be making a few more enemies across the state." Fitz shrugged.

"He'll still take it personal. Erin is coming here next week. Let me tell her about Grant first before we go any kind of public. How is that for starters? Is Jax still away?"

Fitz nodded. "He is still in the Caribbean . He's in St. Lucia. He's making massive donations to campaigns for the state legislature. Next year, I am certain he is going after my father's seat. This is going to be a rough ride."

"If I'm going to be your partner, I have to begin winning the trust of the state too, I have to make a name for myself." Liv gave a small smirk. "I can't just be the pretty face that you fell in love with."

Fitz smiled, relieved to have gotten the truth about Jax knowing off his conscious. Fitz was even more relieved Liv was beginning to accept a role here in California. He pulled her into him this time kissing her on the lips. "I fell in love with more than just your pretty face, Ms. Pope." He rounded her beautiful ass with his hand.

"Stop being so shameless, Governor, you're holding your son." Liv swatted his hand.

"Well, let's go put him down upstairs, in our room. I have to get out of these clothes anyway."

Liv shook her head. She gave him one more kiss, falling into him. "Lead the way, Governor." Liv grabbed the envelope and they headed to the bedroom for the hour Fitz had before needing to leave.

Jax

Jax's cigar burned untouched in the ashtray on the table in front of him. He was listening to the news come over the business channel on his television. His skin was bronzed having been a week now in St. Lucia on the beach and on his balcony in his home.

"This isn't good, Boss, you hearing this?" Dez pointed to the television as he walked into the meeting room they had set up.

"Yeah, I'm fucking hearing it." He was shaking his head as the news came out. "Where the hell have you been for the past three hours? There's work that needs to be done."

"I'm on it, relax. Isn't that why we are on this trip, to relax?" Dez took a frustrated breath. "I had some business to take care of, unless you want me gone for two days and I take a trip to the states."

"No." Jax waved his hand. "Too much at stake, too much going on. Fallon ok?"

"Fallon is fine. You'll be happy to know she has a dozen recruits. 6 from San Diego, 4 from Los Angeles , and 2 from San Jose. She's working on Sacramento tomorrow."

"Good, we took big hits in all those places. She's good, Dez, Jules would be proud of her cousin, don't fuck it up with her. We need her to stay focused. She's getting the good ones on board."

Dez nodded to the television. "Just what you needed huh Boss? This Grant…."

"Yeah, I know. Shut up. I want to hear this." Jax turned the volume up on the television.

"Expect oil companies based in California to take a big hit in the coming months. Governor Grant is fed up with the gas prices draining middle class and low-income families while oil companies reap in the profits of their struggles. Governor Grant will calling a special session of the Legislature to consider taxing oil companies. Even though democrats hold the majority in the legislature, two republicans seem on board with the tax. This could be a major win for Grant and a big loss for the oil industry."

"This is why we need that damn Legislature in California. Right now, 60 democrats are in office, all 60 are up for reelection the next cycle. We need 30."

"Why?" Dez laughed. "This Governor is Republican. Do you think?"

"Yes, with the right money, I do think, just keep getting the campaigns up and running, especially Joyce Waters. We need her in and as Pro Tem in that Legislature. How are things on the Rugrat front? Do we know what this kid looks like?"

"He's heavily guarded, Jax. We may have to go a different way. Get mom first, maybe."

Jax picked up his cigar. He took a few puffs, deep in thought. "I've been wanting mom since she broke my son's knees, only thing is I wasn't supposed to know she did that. I'll get mom, I'm sure of it." He picked up his phone.

"Waters, did you respond to the mayor's ball? Dez is excited to put on a tux and lead you in on his arm."

"It's done, Sir. Council member Waters plus one." Joyce nodded into the receiver.

"Good, see, that Waters, good girls do get their chance."

Dez and Jax pulled a cold beer from the small fridge and looked down at the table. The map of California colored, work they have been doing since they docked in St. Lucia. Jax dragged his chair closer to the table, picking up a marker. "Let this son of a bitch keep pushing, sooner or later, he's getting a pushback."

"I. Am. So. Happy. You. Came. Home. For. A. Bit." Liv said between kisses from his abs to his chin. Their love making just finished, Liv resting her head on his chest, forming circles with her kisses.

"I need something from you, Livvie, and I'm fine if you don't want to get on board with it."

Liv stopped the kisses. She rested her chin on his chest looking up at him. "Ok." She said curiously.

"There's two women shelters in Sacramento. The state is having trouble getting lawyers for these women. They're afraid, not the lawyers, the women. We need someone they can trust, form a relationship with." His eyes were sparkling blue now, the way a child gets when admiring their new gift.

"Do you want me to visit the shelters?" She asked through a hesitant breath.

"The one is a wellness center. They give free meals and legal advice, but if I'm going through with my laws on domestic abuse I need the women to have a sense of security. It seems across some shelters in the state the arrest rate for the abusers are going down."

"You think the women aren't pressing charges?" Liv understood.

Fitz shook his head. "That's exactly what I think. I don't blame them, but if what we did to Ballard has any chance of causing a reaction…"

"We need the women to begin fighting back, which is no easy task. I'll call Viv tomorrow, ask her to start looking into the shelters, one is wellness, the other?"

"The other is an overnight one, the past few months have seen an increase in needs for beds, but little arrests." Fitz looked at her, she was thinking.

"Yeah, they need a sense of trust, a way to trust the law and it will work in their favor. Remember Fitz their abusers aren't your common criminals. Most of them are politicians, lawyers, doctors, and very important to the community. Usually it's the woman's word against his and that's damaging." She looked down, thinking of Abby, taking a hard swallow. She slightly smiled looking back at him.

"I know with what you've been through with Abby, I have no right…."

"Stop, Fitz, it's fine, I would love to help the women. I'll visit there tomorrow, both places. Can I ride to Sacramento with the Governor?"

"Only if you make out with him in the back seat." He poked her.

Fitz smiled, kissing her forehead, pulling her tight. "I understand if it gets too much, too emotional, just say the word and you can stop."

Liv shrugged, her right shoulder going up. "Maybe after a few days of being established we can get the local news in on the story of Olivia Pope helping out in California?"

"Just in time for the mayor's ball." Fitz rubbed her back. "Speaking of which, do you have a dress yet?" His eyebrows went up.

"When Erin gets here, we'll go on a shopping spree with MiMi. I'll get the dress of your dreams Mister."

"Hmm, the dress of my dreams will be your wedding dress Ms. Pope." Before she could react, he turned her under him and kissed her deep on the lips.

Sounds echoed through the monitor, Grant waking up.

Fitz rubbed her shoulder looking down at her. "I'm going to shower and get back to the mansion." He gripped her chin. Looking at her seriously in the eyes. "We're ok?"

"We're ok." She smiled. "I love you Fitz, I only want what is best for you." Grant gave out a hunger cry. "And for him." Liv paused. "I'll get him MiMi." Liv called out, before MiMi went to his room.

Fitz slipped on his boxers, went and scooped Grant for Liv and brought him to the bed for his feeding.

Liv had Grant on tummy time in her room on the floor, while she researched some statistics on her laptop. One thing, California already had strict laws for domestic abusers, Fitz was reaching for even stricter laws.

Incarceration seemed to be lacking, and these abusers were usually back in the community as if nothing happened. Unless homicide was prevalent, these abusers received little or no punishment.

"Over at the Governor's mansion is Josh Eckers. He has the lucky assignment of being with the Governor and other politicians, coaches, parents, and players honoring the 2022 California Little League Champions. Although they did not win it all, the team from Torrance, a small county in Los Angeles were the West Regional champs. Take it away Josh, you look like you're having fun."

Liv looked up at the television. She grabbed Grant, sitting him so he could "see " the screen. Behind the reporter, Fitz was on the front lawn, playing baseball with a bunch of boys.

"Thanks, Dave, you have no idea how fun an evening this has been for the team and their parents. Governor Grant did not disappoint. After a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, the food requested, the Governor participated in a Playstation Tournament of MLB the Show."

The tape played and it showed Fitz in front of a huge flat screen television, using remote controls, yelling at the screen. The boys all around him, jumping, giving advice and a bunch of parents and adults laughing in range.

"Now, the Governor lost the tournament to 12 year old Xavier, but that was to be expected. Up next, what you see behind me, a serious wiffle ball game, adults vs. kids. Take a look."

Fitz was pitching to the young boy, who struck out, and Fitz acted like any little kid would, jumping and fist pumping on the mound. After the strikeout, all lined up and gave high fives, all of the boys giving Fitz a hug, then tackling him down.

"Governor Grant has truly won the hearts of these parents and children. This was a day they won't soon forget. Afterwards the Governor reminded how important youth sports is for children, teaching participation and teamwork. Back to you Dave."

"Well if he wasn't before that, Governor Grant is even more likeable now. Who doesn't like a good wiffle ball game on the Governor's mansion lawn? In other news, Jax Putney is said to have donated 5 million dollars to the Joyce Waters campaign."

Liv turned off the television, not even realizing she was crying, holding on to a quiet Grant. MiMi had come in to see if she saw the coverage. She picked up Grant, looking at Liv.

"Don't cry Olivia. He will be doing that with Grant as soon as he is up and walking, I'm sure of it. He is living just how his mother envisioned him to be."

Liv nodded. "I know, just seeing him with all those kids around him, I'm so happy he's a father."

"Thanks to you, Love." MiMi walked out with Grant to get him ready for bed.

Liv continued to do her research of the shelters. It was something she was finally looking forward to doing, something that had meaning to her in California. Huck walked in sitting on the bed.

"Everything ok with you and Fitz."

"Yes, and thank you for coming to me first before him, Huck. We're not keeping anymore secrets when it comes to Grant."

"Good. I'm with you tomorrow."

"With me?"

"Yeah, Fitz asked if I can be your detail going to the shelters, you sure you up to this Liv?"

"I'm up to it Huck. Let's see how this goes and maybe if things go right we can start a foundation started here in California in Abby's name. That should piss off Jax, huh."

Huck smiled, letting down his guard. "Sounds like plan." He began looking at the computer with Liv.

After his wiffle ball game, Fitz planned a meeting with all his senior staff and legislators that had been at the mansion. He presented the plan for tomorrow about the laws he wants for the oil companies. The legislators breathed a sigh of frustration.

"If you don't like it, you're all up for reelection, choose not to run, because I have a few more years in here. I would think after tonight's coverage, my approval ratings just soared." He turned towards Pedro.

"Sir, up 12% to a 74% approval rating of registered voters, that includes both parties. One news outlet just reported you as and I quote: untouchable."

Fitz smirked and looked back at the table. "Any problems." There were a few grunts, but nothing said. Fitz nodded. "Good, I'll see you in session tomorrow then. Smile people this good, giving money back to the people is good." Fitz smiled as they were exiting.

Sanderson stayed back, waiting for everyone to leave. "Ian" Fitz looked around, "something I can do for you?"

Fitz didn't move from his seat at the head of the table. The room suddenly felt gigantic with just him and Sanderson in there. This man had known Fitz since the age of five, why was he acting as if he just met him?

Sanderson pulled the picture out, the one that showed Fitz with Liv in the shop in Avila Beach. He looked down at the picture and then back up at Fitz. He thought of Fitz's mother, he thought of Emma. Fitz always clung to Emma, never letting her wander far from his side.

Fitz's eyebrows went up not understanding the silence. "Is that something you want to show me? Ian, why are you acting like we just met, spit it out man."

All Emma wanted for her boy was happiness. She didn't want him mixed up in the dirty works of politics. Although he chose the same career path as Gerry, Fitz was far from Gerry like. "I obtained a copy of this." He looked back down at the picture. "You know I am on board as putting your name out there for presidency, but we need honesty Fitz."

Fitz's eyes went down to what Sanderson was holding. He looked back up. "Ok, and when have I never not been honest with you?"

"Look, I don't see myself in this position much longer. Putney is putting a hell of a lot of money down on Joyce's campaign and it's going to be hard for me to win."

"Why are you making it about money? You know how much money my opponent spent? He doubled what I spent, and I denied Putney money, you can do this, why are you giving up?"

"Well." Sanderson didn't know what to say. "Anyway, this." He handed the picture to Fitz and watched his expression the whole time. It didn't change at all. He looked at the picture as if it was nothing.

Fitz shrugged. "I'm shopping at a small business in Avila Beach, I don't see a problem."

"Your arm is around Olivia Pope." Sanderson reminded him.

"Is that against the law?"

"Well, no, but it could be misinterpreted as.."

"As what?"

"Governor, are you dating Olivia Pope?"

"Why would that matter?"

"Because if you are I don't know, well I mean…."

"You won't put my name out there for president?"

'No, that's not it, it's just your private life should be just as public as your Governor life, if that even makes sense."

He handed the picture back to Sanderson. "What do you plan on doing with this?" He stood up, signaling this conversation was ending.

"Nothing, I just wanted to ask you."

"And you asked. Put my name out there, don't put my name out there, doesn't matter to me, I am still Governor and have a job to do." He gave Sanderson a pat on the shoulder. "You want my advice, do some things for your constituents, things you've never done before. Throw a block party, give free services, food drives, put your name on everything. You can beat Waters, despite Putney money. See you in session tomorrow Sanderson. Next time you talk to my dad, tell him I said you tried. He'll know what it means." Fitz had to go, he had Olivia Pope waiting for him at home.

Before going into the bedroom to join Liv, Fitz stopped in by Grant's crib. He sat next to it, looking at his sleeping face through the space of the bars. He put his head down, as if in prayer and rubbed his forehead with his thumbs.

"I love you and your mother so much, Little Grant." He reached in his pocket and pulled out the signed baseball from the little league kids. He stood up, and rolled it above Grant. "One day, you'll sign a baseball, maybe, or a soccer ball, maybe it will just be a paper, but being with those kids today, made me so grateful your mom chose to have you." He leaned down a kissed him.

He walked over to his shelf and placed the signed ball on it. Taking one last look at Grant, he left joining Liv in bed. He noticed her clothes hanging for the morning. He smiled, looking at her, sleeping so soundly. She finally looked like the nightmares had diminished.

As soon as he was laying on his back, her head poked up. She saw him and smiled. "Welcome home Mister." She kissed his cheek and rested on his chest. "I've missed you."

Fallon Keltos was Jules's cousin on her father's side. She didn't know Jules, her cousin dying a year before she was born, but she knew her legacy. Fallon grew up on the streets, as did Jules, and she chose a life of crime.

She was a born leader though, she could round up a handful of kids and talk each one of them into doing something they didn't want to, she just had a knack.

When she was sixteen, she reached out to Chip Putney. He was friends with a boy she liked, Dez, and knowing her and Chip were related somehow, she began hanging around the two of them. Soon, she learned the ways of the Putney organization. She was their secret weapon on the inside of the organization.

Fallon studied law. She had a degree, but never passed the bar, she didn't need to, she could intimidate with her knowledge alone, and that's what she did.

She led a team that went into women's shelters around the state. She had cops on payroll who would alert her when a case was filed and a new resident would go to the shelter. She would talk to the women, get them to trust her, as a lawyer, then go to the accuser. It was the accuser she needed.

She made deals with the accusers to keep them out of prison, plea deals that included an unwritten clause to be in Jax Putney's pocket. She had politicians across the state, she had lawyers, she had doctors, and her favorite, she had law enforcement.

She scared the women after gaining their trust ensuring them their abuser would go free, despite their accusations, and in return Fallon got Jax what he needed, powerful people willing to do anything for him as a gratitude. Fallon was a detrimental part of Jax still having any control in California.

Yes, Fallon enjoyed her work, and she was fresh off recruiting 12 men that Jax so desperately needed. Now, tomorrow, she was heading to two shelters. One was just outside the Governor's mansion, and she couldn't wait to see who she would get on to the Putney's payroll next.

She closed her eyes in her hotel room, anticipating the day she got the right one, the one who would take Governor Grant down and she can finally give her cousin Chip the revenge he so deserved.

It was not hard at all for Fallon to sleep at night. No one was on to her little game and when she finally drifted off to sleep she had no idea of knowing her picture was sitting in the folder of one lawyer named Olivia Pope.

After sitting with Liv for a long hour tonight, Huck did some digging of his own. He went far down into the dark web and found Fallon Keltos. He found the ties she had with Putney. He could never be too careful when it came to Liv and Grant.

He drew a red flag in the corner of the picture and Liv put it in the folder with the rest of her paperwork. She didn't think she would ever run into Fallon Keltos, she was sure Jax didn't have her doing much, being a woman in a man's organization.

As they both lay sleeping, now, the thought of coming face to face with each other not even being a thought, a new resident walked into the all night shelter they would both be at tomorrow. She didn't use her real name as the on duty nurse brought her to a bed.

The woman couldn't believe that two short hours ago she was smiling and having fun at the Governor's mansion.

The nurse made sure "Evelyn" was able to fall into a painless sleep having just endured two hours of physical abuse from her estranged boyfriend. Tomorrow, "Evelyn" aka Joyce Waters would meet Olivia Pope, and she would gain a trust for her that Jax Putney would never have imagined.