A/N: Noro, I appreciate your consistent support . Bujuman, if nothing else, Abby is truthful. Monica (Guest), so many interesting observations. You'll learn more about Marla in this chapter. The Old and New Gs certainly operate differently. They might have to form a coalition if their candidate is to win. Kkimberly49, in this chapter you'll find out if Marla is crooked or if she is being set up. Guest1, Each state has an attorney general. In this FF Christopher Kotch is their state's AG. David Rosen is the US Attorney General (Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch in RL). BTW, this story takes place in Washington State, not DC. Remember, Maura said they were taking Nora back east for therapy? You're right, fear can be irrational and rational. Dr. Brennan should have been more precise. Thanks for reviewing. Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year. Here we go!
Chapter 26. The Secret Life of Marla Briggs
Almost two months have passed since the office was flooded and today the Olivia Pope Foundation is finally reopening for business. Colin and his crew have completed all of the renovations on schedule. All new drywall has been hung and painted. The water-damaged, plywood sub-floors have been ripped out and replaced. And wide plank, espresso-colored hardwood floors have been installed throughout. Although the small restroom experienced little water damage, Colin renovated the space to coordinate with the rest of the office, as recommended by the interior designer.
Last night Mona was like an excited child who is unable to sleep on Christmas Eve night. She tried all kinds of tactics to fall asleep. She took a long warm bath, which did not help. She drank a cup of chamomile tea, which she hates, and did not help. She even counted sheep. But none of the old tricks worked, so she finally got out of bed at the crack of dawn and hustled over to the foundation. Sliding her key from the lock, Mona pushes open the door and smiles when she hears the new alarm system chime. No more surprise visitors she thinks as she punches in the security code to disarm the system. Looking around the waiting room, she inhales deeply, filling her nostrils with the scents of fresh paint and lumber.
She can just scream with excitement as she stands in the middle of the waiting room admiring the contemporary furniture with clean lines and neutral colors. The taupe-colored sofa, flanked by a matching accent chairs, provide more seating than they had before the flood. Tall, wooden espresso-colored bookcases line the wall adjacent to the front door, displaying pamphlets about the foundation and related services, books, and magazines. A water cooler and small beverage bar containing an assortment of coffees and teas is set up between the bookcases. The accessories the interior designer added, including abstract paintings and metal wall art, really create an inviting space. Visitors are certainly going to feel comfortable and welcomed while they wait to meet with her or Olivia. Grinning from ear to ear, Mona thinks that broken sprinkler head might have been a blessing in disguise because the space now reflects what the foundation represents.
XXX
Although Olivia's session with Dr. Brennan helped to allay some of the anger and fears that have surfaced because of Marla's alleged criminal activities, she still is not in the mood to celebrate the reopening of the foundation. While this should be a joy-filled day, all Olivia feels is gloom and doom as she pushes open the front door with one hand and holds Jolie's carrier in the other hand. When the door swings open she is immediately impressed by the design of new waiting area.
"Olivia, it's so good to see you, and you brought Jolie with you", Mona says breezing into the waiting room with her a huge smile and her arms open wide for a hug. Olivia responds with a weak smile and hug, which do not go unnoticed by Mona.
"Our new security system alerted me that you had arrived", waving her cell phone in the air. "Can you can believe it, I can see everything from my phone? We can see who comes and who goes. We can see the time they come and go. We can even arm and disarm the system – all from our phones. I tell you, they have an app for everything. We have to download it to your phone too."
Olivia smiles at Mona's enthusiasm.
"Give me that baby", taking the carrier from Olivia's hand. "Come on back and let me give you the grand tour. Everything is absolutely beautiful, Olivia. Colin and the designer did a terrific job. You won't believe how they transformed this place."
As Olivia follows Mona down the hall, which seems much longer and wider than she remembered, she notices the espresso-colored hardwood floors.
"These floors look really good, Mona."
"No more carpet stains", Mona says cheerily as she approaches Olivia's office. "Look at your office, Olivia. You have so much more room – much better working space", stepping aside to let Olivia enter her new office.
Olivia smiles when she sees a large bouquet of tulips on her desk.
"Fitz", she says, lifting the card from the flowers and smiling as she reads his note.
"This is really terrific, Mona. They really did a good job. And you're right, it looks much more spacious."
Mona sets the baby carrier onto Olivia's new desk, unbuckles the straps, and lifts Jolie from the seat.
"Everything is ergonomically designed, too. That's fancy talk meaning all of the furniture is arranged so you can easily reach whatever you need."
Olivia nods as she scans the office, thinking she will be working from home most of the time.
"Come on, let me show you my new office and the conference room, which is huge."
Carrying Jolie, who is still sleeping, Mona leads the way down the hall to her office.
"Fitz?" Olivia smiles when she sees the bouquet of flowers on Mona's desk.
"Fitz", Mona repeats with a smile. "I wonder how he knew hydrangeas are my favorite flower. He's a good man, Olivia."
"This is really nice, Mona - ergonomically designed", she says solemnly.
"Ergonomically designed", Mona repeats.
"We did a good job picking out the furniture and colors", says Olivia.
"We did. Although the designer had to make a few last-minute adjustments, everything turned out really well. Now let's go see the conference room."
As they walk down the hall toward the conference room, Mona points to the door at the end of the hall.
"Behind door number three is an office for Maura, if she decides to come back here to work. Colin was able to carve out a small space for another office. He even added a window in there.
Olivia smiles weakly, thinking the problems she had with Nora pale in comparison to what she is dealing with now.
"Check out our new conference room", pushing open the heavy glass door. "Ta-dah. Isn't it something?" Mona is about to burst at the seams.
"Wow", walking in and glancing around the brightly lit room.
Olivia is genuinely impressed with the large, airy space. It really looks like the kind of conference room where they should meet with clients and donors, not like their old small, dark room.
"This is really nice, Mona. I see they were able to install the windows we wanted. They make the room so much brighter."
"And those solar shades are on all of the windows. They allow us to see what's going on outside while reducing glare and heat."
"Mona, you sound like a spokesperson for that company", chuckling slightly.
"Well, I've learned a lot about interior design while going through this renovation process", sliding off Jolie's yellow and pink knit hat. "It seems like somebody has gotten over her colic", Mona says, unbuttoning and removing Jolie's sweater.
"If it's not one thing then it's another", Olivia says sadly as she sits onto one of the chairs situated at the wooden, oblong-shaped table. "Rev. Walker always says we're either going through something, coming out of something, or getting ready to go into something. He says it's called life", shaking her head and looking across the room at nothing in particular.
"What's the matter, Olivia? You don't seem excited about the renovations. Are they not what you expected?" Looking at her friend with concern.
"It's not that, Mona. Everything here is perfect, really. It's just that so much is going on."
"Is it Fitz' campaign? I thought you were enjoying campaigning with him?"
"It's not the campaign, Mona", inhaling deeply and letting the tears roll down her face.
"Olivia, what is it? What's wrong?"
"Mona, we might lose everything. The foundation might be shut down."
"Shut down? What are you talking about?"
"It's been all over the news about Marla being investigated."
"I can't believe it, Olivia. I would never have thought the Marla Briggs I knew would ever do anything like that", shaking her head in disbelief. "But what does the investigation into Marla have to do with the foundation?"
"Marla got us a few grants from the city and now the state attorney general will probably investigate anyone and everyone Marla ever did business with. I could lose my license, Mona."
"Aww baby, don't get yourself all worked up about this. You've done nothing wrong."
"I know, but a lot of innocent people are sitting in jails all across this country who haven't committed a crime. Besides, I don't know what else Marla has been up to. I don't know if she has records that could implicate me in some way", standing and nervously pacing around the room.
"So what is Fitz saying about all of this?"
"He got me an attorney, his brother John. I can't believe I actually have a criminal defense attorney, Mona."
"That man loves you too much, Olivia. He'll never let anything happen to you."
"John wants all of our records. He wants copies of every proposal I ever submitted to Marla, every check I received from the city, and an accounting of how those funds were dispersed. I just can't believe any of this is happening" wringing her hands in distress.
"Well getting your brother-in-law those records won't be a problem. Although some of our files were damaged in the flood, I managed to save most of them."
"Oh my god, I forgot about our files being damaged in the flood", she stops pacing and looks at Mona in surprise.
"It's a good thing we kept most of them in those old metal file cabinets, Olivia. Not a lot of water was able to get into those relics."
"Mona, you are gold. I don't know what I would ever do without you" she says with a degree of relief she has not felt in days.
"Did you hear that, Jolie? Your mommy doesn't know what she would do without me."
"Mona, I'm afraid this scandal might affect Fitz' bid for City Council president. He's been working so hard learning about the issues and meeting with members of the community. I would be crushed if he lost the election because of me."
"You mean because of Marla. Olivia, the people of this city like Fitz, they know he's one of the honest ones."
"They'll like him until they no longer like him, Mona. The people are tired of corrupt politicians. They already know the system is rigged against them."
"Everything's going to be all right, Olivia. Right, Jolie?"
"I just don't know what Marla was thinking - none of it makes sense. It's all just so heartbreaking", wiping the tears from her face.
"Olivia, you put Marla high on a pedestal. You should never put human beings on a pedestal."
"There just has to be more to it. I won't believe Marla did this simply out of greed", shaking her head hoping the gesture will bring her some clarity.
"I guess we never really know anyone, Olivia. Isn't that right, Jolie? I think I want to take Jolie home with me, Olivia."
"I think Fitz might have something to say about that Mona", looking at her baby girl who is smiling in her sleep again.
"I always wanted a little girl I could dress in pretty pink dresses and put big bows in her hair."
As Olivia stands across the room watching Mona coo at Jolie, who has yet to open her eyes, she thinks about the many conversations they have had about Marla over the years.
"Mona, you told me a while back that you and Marla went to high school together."
"That was a long time ago Olivia", still cooing at Jolie.
"But you were friends back then. And you two were still friendly whenever she came here to visit."
"Marla and I didn't exactly run in the same circles, Olivia."
"I understand, but would you have any idea why she would do something like this – embezzle money from the city?"
"Olivia, people have all kinds of reasons for doing the things they do", looking down at Jolie who has finally opened her eyes. "She has your eyes, Olivia."
"Jolie might have my eyes Mona, but the rest of her is all Fitz", smiling at her sleepy-head daughter.
"We'll see how that works out over time. You know babies change - watch her ears."
"Mona, you didn't answer my question. Do you know why Marla would embezzle money from the city? What she would do with it?"
Mona continues cooing at Jolie before turning and looking across the room at Olivia.
"You do know something", realizing Mona knows more about Marla than she has shared. Mona looks out of the window behind Olivia for a few moments then lets out a heavy sigh.
"Olivia, what I'm about to tell you I have never spoken to another soul. Tom doesn't even know this."
With a quizzical look on her face, Olivia nods slowly and waits for Mona to continue.
"One summer when Marla came home from school - for summer break - I think she went to college down south somewhere – maybe Atlanta."
Olivia nods because she knows Marla attended Spelman College.
"She had a summer internship at City Hall - working for one of those councilmen. And at the end of the summer when she went back to school – well let's just say she didn't go back alone."
"What do you mean?" Olivia asks, taking a seat at the table next to Mona.
"The school contacted Marla's parents a couple of months after Marla returned to Spelman – yes – that's where she went to school – Spelman. Well, they told them Marla was pregnant and they needed to remove her from school - immediately."
"What?" Olivia exclaims in disbelief.
"Of course her parents were beside themselves when they found out their precious Marla had gotten herself in trouble. Everybody in the neighborhood knew the Briggs had pinned all of their hopes and dreams on Marla graduating from college. And they weren't going to let some faceless boy ruin their daughter's life just because of some indiscretion."
Olivia shakes her head, thinking she really did not know Marla after all.
"So Marla's parents picked her up from school and shipped her off somewhere to have the baby. That's what they did to girls back then. There were limited options so they were shipped off somewhere until the baby was born."
Olivia nods in understanding, then looks at her daughter's face and once again is thankful for being blessed with two beautiful children.
"I heard Marla had a baby girl who was born with brain damage - something apparently went wrong during the delivery. Her parents put the baby in a facility somewhere up state and forced Marla to return to school and graduate."
Stunned and saddened by what she has just learned about her dear friend, Olivia wipes the tears from her eyes and shakes her head in despair.
"And, as they say, the rest is history. Marla never married and never had any more children."
"This is such a tragic story, Mona. I feel so badly for Marla, but what does any of this have to do with embezzlement?"
"I was told Marla went looking for her daughter a few years after she graduated, and when she found her – well the girl was apparently living in such horrible conditions she yanked her out of wherever she was and enrolled her into some private facility where the girl could get the best treatment possible."
"Oh my god Mona, her daughter has to be a grown woman by now – close to my age."
"I always thought that's why she liked you so much, Olivia. I believe she saw you as the daughter she never got the chance to raise."
"This is just incredible", Olivia says.
Mona nods repeatedly as she looks at Jolie's eyes.
"So Mona, are you saying that Marla has been taking money for all of these years to pay for her daughter's care?"
"I have no proof Olivia, but those places are pretty expensive."
"Does anyone know who the girl's father is?"
"I can't say, Olivia."
Olivia looks at Mona and wonders if the woman does not know or will not say who the girl's father is.
"Does anyone know where her daughter is now?"
"I have no idea. But if my suspicions are correct, it won't take long for the authorities to find out where she is. I believe if you find out where the money has been going then you'll find Marla's daughter."
Olivia leans forward with elbow on her knees and thinks about the secret life of Marla Briggs.
"Mona, now that Marla has had a stroke and the embezzling has been exposed, what is going to happen to her daughter? Who will pay for her care?"
XXX
Fitz slides on his suit jacket and walks from his private office at Grant Enterprises and down the long hall to greet Darius. He shakes his head thinking about the amount of time he has been spending at his business office lately. To some extent, Grant Enterprises has become his campaign headquarters and the place where he can meet privately with his advisers to discuss the Marla Briggs matter. As he approaches the reception area, he wonders if Darius has any new information about Marla.
Sitting at the conference table in Fitz' office, Darius opens his brief case as Fitz walks over to the mini refrigerator and grabs two bottles of water.
"I figured out how Marla has been getting away with stealing the city's money for all of these years", Darius says, rifling through his brief case.
"Unless you want something stronger", Fitz says, setting a bottle on the coaster in front of Darius.
"Water is fine, thanks."
Fitz sits across from Darius, unscrews the top on the bottle, and takes a swig. He looks at the man who has been working tirelessly to help get him elected, and a feeling of guilt washes over him.
"Darius", watching the man anxiously flip through the sheets of paper in the folder he pulled from the brief case. "I owe you an apology."
"An apology? For what?" Still flipping through the sheets of paper.
"I was rude to you at the diner last week. My tone was uncalled for and I'm truly sorry."
Darius looks up from the folder and immediately thinks about his father. He thinks how much his father would have appreciated hearing those words of apology from the men with whom he worked. Darius nods and smiles at Fitz. While he has always known Fitzgerald Grant was a man of integrity, that is why he was selected as their candidate. But in this moment, when he sees the sincerity in Fitz' deep blue eyes, he realizes Fitzgerald is also an honorable man.
"I appreciate that Fitz - more than you'll ever know."
Fitz gives Darius a slight smile, then points to the folder.
"Right", Darius says, picking up a sheet of paper and handing it to Fitz. "The sewer treatment plant has been under expansion for the last four years."
Fitz shrugs his shoulders because he does not have a clue about the expansion of the city's sewer treatment plant.
"Four years ago the City Council voted to expand the sewer treatment plant – it was long overdue really. A special fund was set up to pay for all of the expenses associated with expanding the plant. That fund is scrutinized very closely by my committee to make sure the funds are being spent properly."
Fitz nods, urging Darius to continue.
"The expenses for the plant are not accounted for in the general fund, which is the city's annual operating budget. The budget is pretty standard from year to year. It basically shows how the mayor plans to pay for the traditional expenses to operate the city – streets, police, fire departments, etc."
Fitz nods in understanding.
"But when I looked at the budget more closely, after all of this Marla business started, I found a line item I didn't recognize."
Fitz frowns, waiting for Darius to continue, so Darius holds up both hands to illustrate his point.
"Fitz, on the one hand we have the special fund for the sewer plant. On the other hand we have the city's operating budget, and never the two shall meet. The Council had already set up a special fund to pay for the sewer plant, so there should not be any expenses in the budget allocated to pay to expand the plant."
"But there are", the lightbulb finally going off in Fitz' head. "Because no one would bother to question a basic line item in the budget – a general operating expense."
"Now you got it", Darius says excitedly. "Wilson has been double charging the city for that project and Marla has been approving the budgets he submits to the Council. No one who isn't an accountant ever reads every damn line of the annual budget."
"Wait, so are you saying Marla and Wilson were in on this together? I thought they hated each other."
"Politics make strange bedfellows, Fitz. Apparently, when Wilson became mayor two years ago he found out what Marla was up to."
"So this is how Marla has been paying those fictitious vendors – embezzling city funds", Fitz says, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Wilson submits the budget to Marla that includes dollars earmarked to pay for phony vendors to work on the sewer plant, which is already being paid for through the special fund – and Marla approves the budget. Well the Council actually "approves" the budget, but Marla has always had enough council members on her side to push through any budget or piece of legislation she wanted. I told you, Fitz, the Council president is a very powerful position."
"So what does Wilson get out of this?"
"He gets to hold the Council president in his back pocket – hold on to Marla's dirty little secret. He gets Marla to submit legislation that favors his constituents and award lucrative city contracts to them. And, of course, he gets a substantial kickback on every deal that's made. It's a win-win for everybody except the taxpayer's. I knew Marla was paying phony vendors, I just didn't know how she was doing it."
Fitz shakes his head again. He heard politics was a dirty business, but this is just disgusting.
"You remember Johnson and I told you that Wilson wanted to privatize our police department? Well one of Wilson's constituents is all lined up to get that contract once the legislation is passed. Do you know how much money they'll make if control of the city's police force is transferred to one of Wilson's friends?"
"But Wilson has only been in office for two years. You say Marla's embezzling goes back six years, since she became Council president."
Darius looks at Fitz and nods.
"Oh my god, so this means former Mayor Kirkpatrick was involved in this as well?"
"If I've been able to put the pieces together then I'm sure the state attorney general has already figured it out. Our city's top executives and legislator and prominent business people have all been caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar. This is really big, man. Every contract Marla and Wilson awarded is going to be scrutinized."
Fitz nods, thinking about Olivia and wondering if he wants to get involved in the dirty business of politics.
"Fitz, they call Kotch the sheriff. During his first weeks in office he launched a plan to root out fraud and return money illegally stolen from taxpayers at no additional cost to the state. He created a special unit specifically designed to go after corruption in state and local contracts, pension fund rip-offs, and large-scale tax cheats. He has many tools at his disposal to find out who all is involved and where that money has been going. Hell, he probably already knows."
"Well, I'm glad someone is looking out for us taxpayers", Fitz says. "Hopefully, some of that stolen money can be recouped."
XXX
It has been a little over a week since the FBI carted boxes of files from Marla Briggs' City Hall office and her home, and Olivia still has not been contacted by the authorities. However, she is on edge and her anxiety is only heightened when she watches news reports on TV about the corruption at City Hall. And, to make matters worse, things are tense around the house. The stress from the scandal is causing her and Fitz to snipe at each other; well, maybe she is the one who is doing the sniping. She needed a break from thinking about the political scandal that has befallen their city and her household, so when Marion called and suggested they get together for lunch to further discuss the Wraparound Program, she eagerly accepted.
Dr. Marion Harris is a board-certified physician who lives a lifestyle that matches her six-figure salary. She bought the right condo in the right neighborhood. She wears designer clothes and sports around town in her recently purchased little red Corvette. Over the years, she has crafted a public persona of a confident, self-assured, and always in control woman who is admired by many.
"Olivia, how are you doing dear?" Marion asks cheerfully after Olivia settles in the booth across from her lunch date. "Would you like a drink or are you still breastfeeding?" Marion asks, looking around the restaurant trying to capture the attention of one of the young male waiters.
"I am", Olivia responds, smiling happily as the waiter approaches their table.
"Let the lady have an unsweetened iced-tea and I'll have a glass of your house Chardonnay – and make that a seven ounce pour please", she says to the young waiter before turning her attention back to Olivia.
"So, how are you doing, Olivia? This news about Marla – well –well it's just unbelievable. I'm sure you had no idea."
"No, I didn't", Olivia says sadly.
"What could Marla have been thinking? I guess it goes to show, you never really know a person."
Olivia thinks to herself that Marion could not have made a more accurate statement.
"And, I guess we can never really believe what we see", she says with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice.
"I guess", Olivia says solemnly, using the straw to twirl the ice in the glass.
"For instance", Marion continues. "From the outside looking in, you just seem to have it all together", giving Olivia a hard look.
Shrugging off the woman's odd remark, Olivia looks at Marion as she immediately picks up the glass the waiter set it in front of her. Olivia sips her iced-tea as well, wondering how many glasses of wine Marion has had before she arrived.
"Olivia, I must admit, the last time we met I was the tiniest bit envious of you", bringing her well-manicured index finger and thumb together, without touching, to demonstrate the degree of envy she had for Olivia. "You have the handsome and successful husband, the beautiful children, and a business you care about so deeply."
Olivia furrows her brow because she has no idea why Marion is taking inventory of her life.
"But this thing with Marla – well right now you're really going through it", smirking slightly.
"Marion, I must admit, the revelations about Marla's activities are disturbing to say the least —shocking actually. I would never have thought …. And honestly, I am still trying to come to terms with the woman I thought I knew and the woman who is being accused of doing these awful things."
"So, your life isn't so charmed after all", Marion says with a slight chuckle while raising the glass to her lips again.
"What do you mean, Marion?" Now on high alert because of the woman's second strange comment about her life.
"It's just good to see the oh-so generous and kind-hearted Olivia Grant is just as vulnerable as the rest of us poor schmucks."
"Excuse me?"
"Come on, Olivia. You know –"
"Marion", cutting the woman off before she can continue the rant against her. "I thought you invited me here to discuss the Wraparound Program", trying to steer the conversation back to a less personal topic. "Last year, 97 children in our city had problematic levels of lead in their blood. I don't want the next generation of our children to face these same dangers."
"We'll get to that in a minute", waving her hand in the air dismissively as she stares at Olivia with a devious glint in her eyes.
Tired of whatever game Marion is playing, Olivia stares at Marion directly and, without batting an eye, responds to the woman tersely.
"If you invited me here to guess about my life - about who I am – let me tell you so you won't have to guess any longer. Yes, I am married to a man whom I love very much. Yes, I have two beautiful children who I love more than anything. And yes, I am very passionate about my work. So if you call that having a charmed life, then yes, I guess I have a charmed life. And yes, this thing with Marla is disappointing —heartbreaking actually. And if it will make you happy, I will also tell you it has shaken me to my core", she says angrily, standing and grabbing her purse off the seat.
"Olivia –"
"But Marion, you should know what Marla did doesn't change my life one bit. It doesn't change the love I have for my family or the passion I have for helping others. Whatever Marla was involved has nothing to do with me. So if you invited me here to gloat …. Good-bye, Marion."
"Olivia, please. I didn't mean –"
"Then what exactly did you mean, Marion? Because it sounded like you were enjoying the pain I am suffering now", glaring down at the woman.
"I am sorry, Olivia. Sit back down, please."
Olivia looks at Marion with concern when she sees the woman retrieve a lace-trimmed handkerchief from her Prada handbag and dab at the tears rolling down her face.
"Marion, are you all right? What's wrong? What is this all about?"
"Honestly – no - I'm not all right. I haven't been all right for quite some time, Olivia."
Olivia furrows her brow as she slowly sits back down and looks at the distraught woman.
"Olivia, I can be cruel – go for the jugular really - when I'm feeling insecure or envious. I suppose that is why I don't have many friends. You didn't deserve that – and I am truly sorry. I know how close you and Marla are and I'm sure this business has to be quite upsetting for you."
"What's the matter, Marion? What's going on?"
Marion blows her nose with the handkerchief and takes another sip of wine.
"Olivia, I got so depressed after our last meeting."
"Depressed? Why?"
"Yes, depressed. Well maybe not clinically depressed – a deep sadness—the blues perhaps."
Olivia looks at the woman curiously and waits for her to continue.
"Whether you know it or not you do have a charmed life, Olivia. Even with all of this Marla mess - you are a lucky woman."
"Marion, I have challenges just like everyone else."
"But you have someone with whom you can face those challenges. Olivia, when people look at me they think I have it all together. My internal persona is so different than my public persona", flagging the waiter over to order another drink.
"I have a wonderful job, a beautiful home, and beautiful clothes. I even drive a red convertible for god's sake. You know, after I bought the damn thing off the showroom floor I felt like a sad, middle-aged man who is having a midlife crisis", shaking her head at the ridiculousness of her life.
"But I have no one to share it all with, Olivia. I would love to have a family – a husband and children. I would love to have someone I can come home to at the end of a hectic work day and complain about my co-workers. At least someone other than my damn cat."
"Marion –"
"Don't get me wrong, I love my cat", she chuckles mirthlessly. "But I would love to have a husband to nag about putting out the trash, picking up his clothes off the floor, or walking the damn dog."
"Marion, I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
"I haven't had a serious relationship in – well in forever. So when you asked me to help with your program, I didn't hesitate. I figured it would be a good way to burn some of the free time I have", raising the wine glass to her lips.
"Marion, I am so sorry."
"I'm fine now Olivia. I just wanted to apologize.
Feeling exposed, Marion quickly slides her public mask back on, because the one thing Dr. Marion Harris hates more than being lonely is being pitied.
XXX
Sitting in bed with her back against the headboard, Olivia hears the water from the shower stop running and thinks about what Mona told her about Marla having a daughter, and quite frankly she does not know what to do with the information. She is also trying to process the strange encounter she had with Marion earlier and wonders if she should distance herself from the woman and find another expert to help with the Wraparound Program. She also thinks about what Marion said about her having a charmed life and feels guilty because she has not been showing up for her family since the scandal became public. While she has been physically present in their home, she has not been mentally and emotionally available for her family. She has not been interacting with her daughters as much as she normally does, leaving most of the parenting and nurturing tasks to her husband. She has been argumentative with Fitz, when all he has been is supportive and loving. She shakes her head, thinking this Marla thing has done exactly what she did not want it to do. It has changed her and she needs to put an end to it - tonight. She has to stop mourning for what never was and be thankful for everything that is. Thankful for the husband who holds her in his arms all night and whispering in her ear that everything is going to be all right. Thankful for her daughter Cena who makes her smile when she practices her dance routines in the middle of the family room. And thankful for her baby girl Jolie who makes her laugh whenever she watches her baby smile and laugh in her sleep. Marion is right, she does have a charmed life and she will embrace it and not let anyone destroy it. So she smiles when he walks in the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and drying his hair with a smaller version of the one hanging from his waist.
"What?" Looking at his wife smile, something he has not seen her do in days.
"What?" She giggles.
"Are you teasing me?"
"Are you teasing me?"
She cannot stop herself from acting silly. It feels so good to laugh again.
"You're going to pay", flopping onto the bed and covering her body with his.
"You're still wet, Fitz", pretending to push him away.
"I said you were going to pay."
"I said you were going to pay", mimicking his voice before he captures her mouth with his.
And she moans from the closeness and tenderness as she rakes her fingers through his damp hair.
"Are you feeling better?" Looking into her sparkling eyes.
"I am. And thank you for putting up with me this past week. I know I've been difficult."
"You were hurt, shocked - disappointed."
"Yes, but I shouldn't let that come between us – our family."
"You're only human, Liv."
"I love you", kissing him again.
"And I love you more – always will", pecking her on the lips. "Now let's get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow", getting under the covers and turning off his lamp.
"Aren't you going to put on your pajamas tonight?" Watching his nude body slide under the covers.
"Nope. Au naturale tonight, Livvie."
She looks at him for a moment, then giggles as she pulls the pink nightgown over her head and tosses it onto the floor.
"Me too", snuggling close to him and inhaling the scent she'll never tire of smelling.
"I like the way you smell."
"You should, you changed my soap", closing his eyes.
XXX
Since Darius has canceled all of his campaign engagements, except the upcoming debate and interview, Fitz now has more time to spend at home with his family. As they sit on the sofa, each reading work-related documents, he thinks how much he has missed working from home, in their study, while Olivia worked in the family room. He smiles when he sees Jolie laying on the floor mat kicking her legs wildly and making gurgling sounds. Olivia smiles when she looks over at her husband and sees he is wearing the reading glasses she bought because she got tired of reading the fine print on his contracts for him. He, however, does not think he should have to wear reading glasses because he is only 41 years old. He thinks the glasses make him look like an Old G, but she thinks they make him look mature and sexy.
"Babe, I think I know what Marla has been doing with the money."
"What?" Removing the reading glasses and setting them onto his lap.
"I'm not sure, but …"
"But what?"
"Marla has a daughter", she says quickly.
"A daughter?" He shrieks, causing Jolie to look over at him.
"Apparently she got pregnant while in college and the baby – a girl – experienced brain damage at birth. The child had permanent neurological problems and several physical problems. Her parents made her put the baby in an institution so Marla could continue her education."
"This is incredible, Liv. How long have you known this?"
"I just found out from Mona - when I went over for the reopening of the foundation. Thank you for the flowers by the way."
He kisses her on the cheek.
"Mona loves her flowers as well."
He smiles.
"Babe, I think Marla has been using that money to pay for her daughter's care."
"Why do you think that?"
"Those places are expensive, Fitz. Marla didn't make the kind of money as Council president to keep her daughter in a private facility for all of these years."
He nods, thinking there seems to be no end to this mess.
"What do I do with this information? Do I tell John?"
"Yes. We tell him everything. By the way, Darius found out how Marla has been getting away with stealing – embezzling - for all these years. He thinks Wilson is involved in some way."
"What?" Turning and looking at her husband bug-eyed.
"It's a long story, Liv. This thing just keeps getting more and more bizarre."
"I know", she says solemnly, and they sit in silence for a few minutes, each in their own thoughts.
"Fitz, what do you think is going to happen to Marla?"
"I don't know."
"Can she go to jail?"
"There's a process, Liv. First she has to be indicted, formal charges have to be brought against her. Then there's a trial. And, if she's convicted, then she'll be sentenced."
"She had a stroke, Fitz. She's in a rehabilitation facility."
"She committed a crime, Liv. The AG will have to decide if he wants to move forward with charges, considering her circumstances."
"And her daughter, what's going to happen to her now that the money has stopped?"
"I don't know, but the money has stopped. At least it hadn't stopped the last time Darius checked. We'll have to see what happens at the end of the month."
"It's all so sad", kissing him on the cheek.
"What was that for?"
"I'm just so thankful for you –for our family."
"Me too", wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Babe?"
"Hmm?" Rubbing his hand up and down her arm.
"Let's tell Joan to put in an offer for the house in the mountains. I don't want us to put our lives on hold until this business is resolved."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. The election will be over soon and we're going to need a break from everything that's been happening. Maybe Joan can close on the house by November so we can celebrate Cee's birthday up. I think she'll like that."
"I'll call Joan tomorrow and have her put an offer in for the mid-century. Do you still like that one?"
"I do. I like the open floor plan and those huge windows. We can see the mountains from every room."
"It has a private lake. Cena will love that."
"She will. She loves to swim like her mommy."
"And let's do something fun this weekend – do something to help put some of this craziness behind us – at least for a while."
"What did you have in mind?" Kissing her temple.
"Let's take the girls to the carnival", looking over at Jolie who is entertaining herself with babbles and squeals. "Although JoJo can't really get on any of the rides, we can take turns pushing her around so you and I can get on the rides with Cee."
"Okay. The carnival it is", pecking her on the cheek again before standing. "I'm going in the study to prepare for the debate next week. That ought to be fun", he says with a frown.
"You'll be fine, babe. I'll be leaving soon to pick up Cee from school", she yells after him.
XXX
Christopher Kotch walks from behind the desk in his spacious office in the state capital wearing a huge smile that equals that of his old friend from law school. The two men bear hug, each happy to see the other after so many years.
"How the hell have you been, John? It's been years."
"Fine – just fine. It has been years. I can't believe how quickly the time have passed."
"Have a seat", motioning for John to sit in one of the plush chairs in front of the desk. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Coffee – please", thinking he could use a jolt of caffeine after making the two-hour drive to the state capital early this morning.
"You've made quite a name for yourself, Mr. Attorney General", looking around the office and admiring all of the awards hanging on the walls.
"Cream and sugar?"
"Just cream. The wife has me cutting back on the sugar."
Chris nods as he splashes the cream into the black coffee.
"You haven't done too badly either", handing John the mug of hot coffee. "I've tracked your career. You're one of the best damn criminal defense attorneys in the state."
"I don't have any complaints Chris", sipping the steaming black liquid.
"So you finally stopped chasing every skirt in sight and allowed some poor woman to make an honest man of you."
"If you knew my wife Abigail you would have pity on me."
"Ah, sounds like you found your match", Chris says, sitting back in the leather chair.
"And how about you Chris – married – any kids?"
"Married for 10 years. Sounds like my Emmylou and your Abigail are a lot a like – cut from the same cloth."
"Seems like that's what we both needed. We were hell in law school. We had a lot of good times back then, John", who smiles reminiscently.
"We certainly did, but there comes a time when you have stop banging anything with a pulse and find someone who is going to be in your corner – always be there for you –no matter what."
"I agree. I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful children", turning around the framed family photograph on the desk so John can see his family.
"That's a good looking family", John says admiringly. "I guess I better catch up. I just have the one boy right now."
"You know, John, you would think we lived in two different states since we haven't seen each other in ages", returning the photograph to its proper place on the desk.
"Well as the state attorney general you live up here in the capital. Us run-of-the-mill attorneys all live down state."
"That's a bunch of BS. I've heard about the work you've doing. Jonathan Grant is one of the best damn criminal defense attorneys in the state. I hope I'll never need your services."
"You're too honest Chris" taking another sip of coffee. "This coffee is really good."
"It's my special blend. I've been creating my own blends for years now. Could never find anything in the stores that suited my tastes so I started blending my own. I have coffee beans from all around the world. Emmylou thinks I'm a nut - going through so much trouble for a cup of coffee."
"Well it's certainly well worth it. You make a damn good cup of coffee."
"I'll give you a little sample to take back home. Maybe you can share it with Abigail."
"I'd appreciate that."
"Well, I guess I don't have to ask what brings you all the way up to our capital today."
"It's about the Briggs case."
"I figured as much."
"What can you tell me, Chris? What the hell is going on in my city?"
"You know I can't tell you too much, but what I can tell you will be a matter of public record in the next few days anyway."
John nods.
"Two years ago, the FBI opened an investigation into Marla Briggs after receiving information she had been bilking the city out of millions for the past six years.
"A whistleblower?"
"I can't say, but Briggs had concocted a scheme of paying fictitious vendors for providing services to the city", he grimaces. "John, the public expects its officials to act with honesty and integrity - not to get ripped off so those crooks can live a lavish lifestyle. You know I hate shit like this – corrupt politicians."
"I know. I figured that's why you showed up at City Hall surrounded by FBI agents carrying out boxes. You wanted to make a statement."
"Damn right. I wanted to put all of those crooked politicians down there on notice that I'm coming after them."
John nods, wondering who the informant could be.
"This thing is bigger than your City Council president. Marla Briggs is a thief and has stolen a hefty sum from the taxpayers over the years, but she's small potatoes."
Astonished by this new bit of information, John's eyes widen in disbelief. He had no idea this thing went beyond Ms. Briggs.
"I can't say anymore, if I do then I'll have to kill you", Chris says, doubling over in laughter before the words can finish falling from his lips.
"Well, I wouldn't want that", John says, playing along with the joke.
"Can you tell me what Briggs was doing with the money? I understand she didn't live an extravagant lifestyle."
"We know exactly where the money has been going for all of these years - but I can't tell you that either. I'm not going to say or do anything that will taint this case, John."
"I understand."
"But I can tell you her fingers got sticky as soon as she became the President of City Council. And she wasn't hiding her theft, not in an elaborate way. Sure, she funneled money through phony vendor accounts, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to do that."
"But how was she able to get away with it – and for so long?"
"Let's just say over the past six years many people have turned their backs while Marla Briggs defrauded the city of millions of dollars."
"My god."
"My god is right. These so-called public servants find all kinds of underhanded ways to enrich themselves at the public's expense. And I like bringing those bastards to their knees as much as they like to steal. You should see those once powerful sons of bitches cry like a baby who's been denied their momma's tit when they find out they are facing decades in prison. They'll sell out their own momma to make a deal."
John shakes his head in disgust.
"You remember my brother, Fitz?"
"Of course. He's done very well for himself with that consulting firm of his."
"He has", John says proudly. "His wife, Olivia, is good friends with Marla Briggs. The woman has been a mentor to her for years. Olivia runs a small foundation that helps people with all sorts of water-related issues. I don't understand all of the details, but Olivia's foundation has received a few small city grants because of Miss Briggs - all for worthy causes – of course", John adds quickly.
"I know everything about the Olivia Pope Foundation and Olivia Grant's association with Miss Briggs. Your brother is going to be walking into a load of shit if he wins that election."
"Quite naturally Fitz is concerned about his wife. He – we all know - Olivia had nothing to do with Miss Briggs' corruption activities."
"And you know that how?" Leaning forward and resting his elbows on the desk as he looks at John with steely eyes.
John's stomach drops and his eyes widen. He cannot believe Olivia is somehow mixed up in this mess. He wonders how he is going to break the news to his brother until Chris begins to laugh out loud, and John realizes once again he has been punked by his old friend.
"Dammit, Chris. You really had me going there for a while. I forgot how much of a jokester you can be."
"The look on your face is priceless, John - just priceless. I should've taken a picture and posted it online", laughing heartily as he pulls the handkerchief from his suit jacket pocket.
"I think I peed my pants", John says in humor and Chris starts to laugh again.
"Now that's a picture I would definitely post online", taking a sip of water to quell his choking from the laughter.
"All jokes aside, we found no evidence your sister-in-law is involved in the Briggs scheme – and we checked her out thoroughly."
John slowly exhales the breath he has been holding and reaches for his coffee mug."
"This is really good news."
"John, you know if your sister-in-law was dirty, then she would go down with the rest of those crooks. She's clean."
"Well thanks for the information, Chris. The next time you're in town we'll have dinner and drinks."
"Maybe after this mess is over down there, which is going to be a while. You know how these investigations go."
John nods in understanding.
"By the way, tell Fitz good luck with the election. You're going to need some good politicians down there after we clean house."
"They don't call you the sheriff for nothing Chris", shaking his old friend's hand before walking to the door.
"Hey, don't forget your coffee", holding up a bag of his special blend.
XXX
John is much more at ease on the two-hour drive down from the state capital than he was on the drive up earlier this morning. While he is relieved for his brother's sake that Olivia is not involved in Miss Briggs' corruption scheme, he is disgusted by all of the corruption at City Hall. He hopes his younger brother can help clean up the mess made by the crooked politicians. Fitz is one of the good guys and John is confident his brother can make a difference as the City Council president. However, John, has not always felt this way about his brother getting involved in politics. In fact, he was not onboard at all when Fitz announced to the family he was going to run for political office. John did not think his brother should walk away from the successful business he worked hard to build over the years just to become a local politician. He always thought Olivia was behind his brother's newfound interest in politics. Everyone knows Olivia is socially conscious, some would say to a fault, and has great influence over her husband. But John kept these thoughts to himself, not even sharing them with his own wife. He knew Abigail would run and blab everything to Olivia and he did not want to be the cause of more dissension in the family.
John pulls his huge truck into his brother's driveway, dwarfing Fitz' BMW sedan, and slowly slides from the truck. It has been a long day and he is tired, and all he really wants to do is go home and get a hot shower and have a good meal with his family. But he knows how stressed Fitz and Olivia have been about the Marla Briggs case so he wants to give them some good news for a change. Pressing the doorbell two times, he looks up at the sky and thinks the sun will be setting soon.
"Uncle John", Cena yells when her father opens the door.
"Cee-Cee", he says with a big smile. John will love all of his brother's children, but Cena will always hold a special place in his heart.
Fitz' heart rate quickens when he sees his brother standing on his front step. And John thinks his brother looks like hell, as if he has not been getting enough sleep lately. The bags under his eyes are the telltale sign.
"Can we go for a ride in your truck, Uncle John?" Cena asks excitedly as she looks over his shoulder at the big blue monster next to her father's car. "Daddy, Uncle John's truck is cool."
"I know, Princess. You told me."
"Don't be jealous, brother. I can't help it if I have good tastes in vehicles. Right Cee-Cee?"
"Right Uncle John", nodding her head up and down as she slides a thumb in her mouth. John gives his brother a smirk of victory.
"Cee- Cee, we'll have to go for a ride another time, I need to speak with your daddy and mommy. Okay?" Pulling the thumb from Cena's mouth.
"OK, but JoJo can't come because she's a baby."
"And how is JoJo doing these days?" Smiling at his irritable niece who is squirming in her father's arms.
"Is everything all right?" Fitz asks nervously.
"Can I come in, brother? Cee-Cee has gotten heavier."
"Sure –sure. Come in. Liv is in the kitchen."
As John walks into the family room carrying Cena, Olivia is walking into the room from the kitchen. She stops in her tracks and her breathing becomes shallow when she sees John.
"John", she says nervously, unable to move.
John walks over and pecks Olivia on the cheek, giving her an encouraging smile that she is too anxious to recognize.
"Uncle John is going to take me for a ride, mommy."
"Come sit down Liv", Fitz says from across the room, as he tries to console Jolie.
In somewhat of a daze, Olivia walks across the room and hands her husband Jolie's bottle.
"Sit down, Liv."
She nods absently then sits on the sofa next to her husband. Still holding Cena, John sits on one of the beautifully upholstered accent chairs.
"What's the matter, John? Do you have news? Olivia asks anxiously and Fitz takes her hand in his.
"I went to see Kotch today."
"Did he call you? Is he going to subpoena me? Did he find something?"
"Calm down Liv", Fitz says, but frankly he is just as nervous as she.
"No, he didn't call me – I called him. Chris and I went to law school together."
"I forgot about that", Fitz says half to himself.
"I drove up to the capital today and met with him in his office."
Olivia brings her hand to her lips.
"I can't tell you everything he told me, but I can say that you're in the clear, Olivia."
"Oh my god", she says with tears rolling down her cheeks, and Fitz gives her hand a gentle squeeze.
"When he realized you were married to Fitz, he personally looked into your relationship with Ms. Briggs and found every contract you got from the city was legal - all of the paperwork was in order. There is no evidence you had any awareness of Ms. Briggs' corruption scheme and you did not benefit in any way from the money she embezzled."
"I can't thank you enough, John. Although I knew I didn't do anything wrong, I've been a nervous wreck since this thing came out."
"Thanks brother", Fitz says, now looking 10 years younger. "I owe you."
"We owe you", Olivia chimes in.
"We're family", standing from the chair and holding Cena who is playing with his watch. "Well, I better get going before Abigail has my head on a platter. She hates when I'm late for dinner. The next time I come over we'll go for a ride, okay Cee-Cee", pecking his niece on the forehead.
"OK, Uncle John."
As John sets Cena onto the floor, Olivia walks over with a big smile plastered across her face and gives her brother-in-law a hug.
"Thanks again, John. You don't know how much this means to me.
John smiles kindly.
"And don't forget, I'll see you, Abby, and Ethan over her next week to watch the debate."
"Now I wouldn't miss that for anything", smirking at his brother.
"Come on John, I'll walk you out to your truck", Fitz says, handing Jolie to Olivia.
XXX
John climbs into the truck and tosses his suit jacket onto the passenger's seat, which lands on top of the bag of coffee. Fitz slams the door rests his hand on the roof of the truck as he looks at his brother.
"Is it over, John? Is there anything else I should know?"
"Well, it's over for Olivia", looking up at his brother's anxious face. "And that's all I can say", sliding the key into the ignition.
"Good –good. We think we know where Marla's embezzled funds have been going."
John looks at his brother in surprise, thinking the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to come together.