Chapter 5
Five days after President Reston's death, the country began its formal grieving process for the loss of its leader. It had been over 40 years since America had to go through this type of collective trauma of losing a sitting president. Reston's body lay in state at the US Capitol for twenty-four hours. American citizens from all corners of the country traveled to Washington, DC to be a part of this tragic history. World leaders and dignitaries from around the globe came to pay their respects to the deceased leader. Every news outlet from around the world who could afford to come to the U.S. came to provide wall-to-wall coverage of the events that would unfold over the next couple of days.
The funeral was held at the National Cathedral, and Fitz and Stan were tasked with delivering eulogies. Sam Reston loved cellist Yo-Yo Ma who was to perform a rendition of Ave Maria. Fitz and Olivia arrived at the cathedral and immediately greeted the Reston family. Joan Reston and the children were pillars of grace under their heavy grief. All the Cabinet Secretaries, except for the Secretary of Interior, were in attendance. Fitz and Olivia arrived and sat in the second row of pews, alongside the previous President and First Lady. Many Congress people were also in attendance including Senate Majority Leader Davis and Senator Mellie Grant.
Olivia was the first to notice Cyrus speaking with a familiar looking man, when she realized who it was. "Fitz, did you know your father would be here?" she inquired.
Fitz jerked his head from reading the funeral program to look in the direction she was staring. "No, I didn't." He almost uttered a four-letter word, but quickly remembered where he was. "I wonder what strings he pulled to get invited. There is no way I'll be able to avoid him."
"Nope, those optics would be atrocious for the seven-day President."
"Well, if I have to bear him, you have to bear him with me," Fitz smirked at her. Olivia just let out a long sigh and nodded her head in defeat. She knew that meeting Big Jerry Grant was inevitable, but she didn't expect it would possibly be for public consumption.
"I'm going to make my way around the room to greet people before the service begins. You should do the same, starting with Mellie. Again, optics Mr. President!" She smiled and patted him on the knee. It was Fitz's turn to sigh the long sigh as he nodded in defeat. Olivia walked away and headed towards Edison. She knew he could give her the "Atta girl" she would need to get through this service.
Fitz made his way to greet Mellie. Although they didn't hug, they entwined hands and briefly brushed their cheeks. There was no love lost between the two, but they'd been divorced long enough to both be completely over the other and the little bit of bad blood that oozed out during the final stages of their marriage dissolution. Fitz was the first to speak, "Good to see you, Mellie."
"Thank you. It's good to see you too…Mr. President," she said with a teasing smile that he knew to be the one she used when she was genuinely trying to lighten the mood.
"I'm still not used to hearing that yet, and it's been a week. And don't tell anyone, but the Naval Observatory is a much better residence than the White House. I think the kids will be quite disappointed when they come to set up their rooms this weekend." He confided in her. Joan Reston had moved back to her residence in Maryland two days after President Reston's death, and Fitz had officially moved into the White House the next day.
"Oh no! They can't stop talking about having friends over and movie nights, bowling parties, and even ghost encounters. Your children are very excited about any time they'll be spending at the White House. Just know that you may not see very much of them if they have their way." Mellie grazed her eyes around the room before asking Fitz, "Is Olivia with you today? I'd like to say hi to her if she is."
"Yes. She's here. She's just making her way around the room to greet everyone."
"In other words, you two are taking the long way before greeting your father," Mellie looked at Fitz as if to conjure the truth from him.
"You were always the smart one in the marriage, Mellie."
She patted him on the shoulder before turning away to mingle herself, "I already ripped that band-aid off. I suggest you two do the same. The longer you wait, the more his vitriol stews and bakes, giving whatever he dishes out more flavor. You were always the better man, Fitz. Never forget that. And Fitz, I think you're going to be one hell of a president."
Fitz nodded his head, hearing every word Mellie said. He scanned the room for Olivia, and when he found her, he quickly made his way to her side, quickly greeting and shaking hands along the way. "The service begins in about fifteen minutes. We've chummed the waters enough. Let's go looking for the shark before his bloodthirst becomes unbearable." Both Olivia and Fitz had stayed on top of where Big Jerry was in the room so as not be caught off guard if he approached. Fitz took her hand and headed towards the group of men who were entertaining Big Jerry Grant.
"Attention everyone! The new president is gracing us with his presence," Big Jerry said to the small group of Washington elites as he mockingly straightened his tie and jacket. "Fitzgerald, son. It's great to see you, even if it's under these dire circumstances. I don't think we've spoken since you've become president. But then again, I guess you are the world's busiest man." One of the men in the group, who wasn't particularly fond of Big Jerry, excused himself along with his colleagues, not wanting to see the rest of the Big Jerry Grant show that always seemed to have a disappointing ending.
"And you must be THE Olivia Pope. I've been looking forward to finally meeting you," he said stretching out his hand to shake hers and offering her a smarmy smile with cold eyes. She shook his hand with the same force she knew he was likely used to throughout his career. Olivia had learned the ways of Washington a long time ago and since working for the Reston administration, she had become adept at their game.
Olivia felt the need to only respond with a curt, "Nice to finally meet you too."
"Big Jerry, when did you arrive in town and when will you be leaving?" Fitz said in as low a tone as he could physically muster.
"Mr. President," Big Jerry choked out, "I still have some influence in this town, so I may stay a while to see what DC has to offer an old dog like me. I mean, my son is the President of the United States. You wouldn't be here without me, and I think I should stick around to enjoy the inevitable perks of being Fitzgerald Grant, Jr."
"You've burned too many bridges to be relevant anymore. Do yourself a favor and make a quiet exit back to California after the burial. You're not needed or even as liked as you think. Today is about Sam Reston and his family. The least you can do is be respectful for them," Fitz said in no uncertain terms.
Big Jerry briefly glared at his son before turning his attention back to Olivia, "Miss Pope, your reputation has you being a very smart gal. Show the world you actually have some sense with those brains by hitching your horse to a better wagon." He turned and walked away before either could respond.
Fitz turned slightly red, but Olivia grabbed his hand and reassured him that she was fine after his disrespectful simpleton tactics. "Now is not the time, Fitz. Let him have this round. We need to get to our seats anyway." They made their way back to their pew and prepared their hearts and minds to say farewell to their former leader, colleague, and friend.
XXX
The funeral service for President Samuel Reston was a dignified and stately affair. Many heads of state were in attendance, and there was not an empty seat in the National Cathedral. Joan Reston decided to have her husband buried in Maryland on property that would likely be the site of the Reston Presidential Library. The eulogies given by Stan Pappas and President Grant were just what the nation needed to give them insights into Sam Reston the man, the father, and the friend. It also gave Americans their first real look at their new leader, and from the reaction of those at the funeral, he more than delivered.
Most of those who attended the funeral did not attend the burial, but many were invited to the repast in the White House ballroom. Only current government officials and those hand-picked by Joan Reston were allowed to attend the repast. Much to Fitz's relief, Big Jerry was not one of them. Mellie was one of those at the repast, and although she and Olivia didn't get a chance to speak at the church, they finally had a moment to exchange pleasantries when Mellie spotted her sitting alone on a bench outside the ballroom.
"Olivia, everything OK?"
"Oh, hi Mellie. Yes. I just needed some air and a bit of quiet. How are you?"
Mellie sat on the bench next to Olivia, "I can't complain. At least not today. I cannot believe how much of a rock Joan is being. I'm sure I'd be a wreck. You know how we southern drama queens are."
Olivia gave her an affirming smile. "I hope people start to leave soon. I can tell she's ready to leave but cannot until almost everyone is gone."
"Maybe someone should have invited Big Jerry. That pompous ass would have sucked all the air out of the room forcing everyone to eat and run." Mellie waved her hand and continued, "No worries. My grannie was a master at using her genteel persuasion, and if I say so myself, I learned a thing or two from her. I'll see to it that people start to leave shortly." The women sat quietly for a few moments taking in the quiet of the hallway. Mellie's curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to ask Olivia about how she was taking Fitz's transition to President, "How has this change been for you? It's one thing to date the VP. Another league to be in a relationship with the leader of the free world."
Olivia sighed and she thought, but also grateful that someone was asking her feelings for a change. "I don't know yet. You know, being a part of Reston's admin was a breeze since we were flying below the radar. But now, I'm scared, Mellie. Not for my safety, but for the likely loss of my private life. Did Fitz tell you that he's getting me private security? He insists that I need it, but it wouldn't be prudent for me to use Secret Service Agents since we aren't married or living together."
"You absolutely need protection, Olivia. You and the kids are his biggest vulnerabilities. I'm glad you didn't fight him on that." Mellie said sincerely.
"I know. Once my private detail has been hired, I can get away from this city for a little while. Maybe I'll even lighten up about this new life. You're a public political animal. You live this life twenty-four seven. When did it become less…invasive?" Olivia looked down at her tapping feet when she asked the question.
"I don't know. I guess I just wanted this life, and I accepted that the public gaze came as a part of the package."
"I don't want to disappoint Fitz, and I definitely don't want to add to any stress he will already be under, especially as a new President who wants to prove himself to the American people. We have some things to figure out, but he knows I'm all in with him."
Mellie smiled before admitting to Olivia, "You two make a good team. Never tell him I said that. I'm not ready to relinquish my ice queen status." The two women shared a final laugh as they headed back into the ballroom together.
Within twenty minutes, the population of the room had shrunken by ninety percent, with only those closest to the Restons and President Grant remaining. Fitz had encouraged the family to leave, and with only about a dozen people remaining in the large room, Joan and her children offered up their gratitude to the President and his staff and made their final exit from the White House. Olivia decided to head up to the residence while Fitz and Tom made their way to the Oval to discuss Olivia's security detail. They had had a previous discussion of how to go about finding the most qualified private security people for twenty-four-hour protection for Olivia.
Tom had agreed to reach out to friends and colleagues of his that were highly trained as Special Agents or Special Forces who he personally trusted for such a job. He handed Fitz a folder with six individuals that he'd spoken with who expressed interest in the private assignment. The candidates consisted of four men and two women. Fitz and Tom agreed that they needed a minimum of four security people who would be interchanged each day, as Olivia would always have a detail of two with her. After reviewing the backgrounds of each candidate, Fitz inquired, "Who are your top choices? Who are the must haves from this list?"
"Sully Sullivan. He's a Navy Seal, decorated war hero, standup guy. Kelly Marx. She's a former FBI Special Agent. Weapons specialist, hand-to-hand combat expert. Definitely can kick my ass, Sir."
Fitz chuckled and signaled for Tom to continue, "Ben Bamber, former Green Beret, A-1 sniper, never misses a mark, kind of a real-life Hawkeye. The other three are absolutely competent to handle the job, but to round out the four, I'd go with Rebecca Fontaine, former operator in Delta Force. She's smart, efficient, and has a nose for strategy. The other two candidates could be tabled as backups in the event one of these four declines the job or if you want a larger detail for Ms. Pope."
The President nodded in agreement and was pleased with Tom's choices. "I'll have Lauren clear some time in my schedule this week to meet with Sullivan, Marx, Bamber and Fontaine. I'd like you there as well if your schedule permits, just coordinate with Lauren."
"Yessir. Is Ms. Pope still planning on taking a vacation?"
"Yes, as soon as we get her private detail established. She can't go anywhere without them. She can't even choose a destination until we know who will be going with her."
Tom nodded his understanding and added, "Even though she won't be receiving official Secret Service protection, I highly recommend all of her movements being shared with the agent on duty so that we are always on the same page regarding her whereabouts ahead of time and in real time. If that's all, Sir, I'll be getting back to my post."
"Thank you, Tom. These are great picks. I appreciate your efforts in keeping Olivia safe."
XXX
Olivia had changed into a set of loungewear that she kept in Fitz's closet. She pulled out her laptop and sat on the bed working on a proposal for the next phase of her professional life. On a few occasions during her time in the Reston administration, she had put out fires for high-profile politicians who were essential to successes gained by President Reston. She loved using her skills and talents in a way that directly affected the outcome of a situation, all without many people even being aware that she had fixed the situation. DC was a place of constant scandals and Olivia seemed to have a knack for fixing them. She typed out a five-page outline for her new business, things ranging from the budget, what she needed in a staff, workspace, types of cases they'd take, how they would determine taking a case, and the sliding scale of fees for cases.
Olivia's salary as the Communications Director had afforded her a nice cushion of savings, and she had accumulated a nice sized retirement fund from which she could cash out to start her business. She knew that if she targeted the right clientele, she'd be able to recoup all the seed money within two years. She knew that she could hire one full-time person, and she decided that person needed to be someone of many talents. Olivia knew just the guy. For the immediate future, she'd hire others on an as-needed basis until she could bring them on full-time.
She also made a list of potential clients she would reach out to after she returned from her vacation. She was eager to start her new business, but she wasn't in need of money due to the fact that the day after she and Fitz had their discussion about her resigning and taking a private detail, he had paid the rent on her apartment for the next two years, as well as rented out the other unit across from hers for the same length of time. Olivia could do what she wanted with the space, so she decided that it could be the hub for her security detail to use when on or off duty.
Olivia was hoping to take up to one month away from DC, but she knew Fitz would absolutely hate her being away for so long. He had an upcoming South American trip that would take him away from Washington for ten days, and her plan was to schedule part of her time away during his time away. He had suggested she come with him, but she needed and wanted time on her own from everything political for a little while. She was owed that.
Olivia had been finished with her workplan for about thirty minutes when Fitz entered the residence and found her napping on his bed. He quietly changed into sweatshorts and a t-shirt and eased onto the bed behind her, draping an arm over her. Fitz didn't realize how tired the day had made him, and he quickly drifted off to sleep with his love. The two slept peacefully together for a couple of hours before Olivia stirred and awoke. Feeling her movements, Fitz awoke shortly after. It was about 7pm in the evening, and they were both hungry since it had been several hours since they last ate at the repast. They decided on waffles and bacon, which Fitz had mastered making for himself during his days at the VP residence. It was also a good time to discuss with Olivia the candidates for her security detail.
"Tom shared with me his picks for your security detail. I've looked over their qualifications and we plan to meet with the four main candidates next week. I hope you will sit in on these meetings since you will need to build rapport and trust with them. Two are men, two are women. They are highly skilled as former military or former Special Agents, and most of all, I trust Tom's judgment in his choices of who should be your private protection."
"Okay then. I'll be there." Olivia agreed feeling as there was nothing more for her to do regarding this situation. "I've been thinking about where I want to go for my vacation. I have narrowed the choices down to three. I'm torn between a cabin rental in the mountains of Vermont, ranching in Montana, or skiing and snowmobiling in Aspen."
"Why not all three? One week of each?"
Olivia thought over his suggestion and had to admit it was a good and doable idea. "Yeah, that would work. I can start in Aspen, make my way to Montana, and the final leg being Vermont. I like it. Thanks babe," she said, giving him a peck on the lips.
"How about I meet you in Vermont, or do you want to spend the whole time on your own?" Fitz posed, hoping she would see herself ready to spend time with him by the end of her vacation.
"I think that would be perfect. Maybe you should do an official trip to the Ben and Jerry's headquarters right before heading back to DC. As a company, they are big on supporting social justice issues," Olivia suggested. "Can you "president" from a cabin in the woods for a whole week?"
"What do you think Camp David is?" Fitz reminded her. "We'll just find one that is equipped with everything we need. I'll run it by Cyrus and see if he can arrange the meeting with Ben and Jerry's." Fitz plated their food and they sat at the counter and enjoyed a comfortably quiet dinner.
