Falling back into the moment, he hears her say, "Say something babe." He touches her face with his left hand, and she takes in his touch, as he responds, "I agree with you. So what do we do?" She appreciates his willingness to take part in it. But, she is mindful that while he would surely enjoy the desires of their fate coming to fruition, him being involved in the details isn't the best idea. That said, her gut tells her she can't exactly push him completely out of the scenario either.
In the past, she'd be all too willing to automatically push him out of the way, without giving him a choice. Even going so far as to trick him or lie about the details for his safety, and or because it was simply easier that way. And, to be truthful, she wasn't sure he could handle it. But, at this point in their journey, if she's learned nothing else, it's that keeping secrets will and does kill relationships. And, if they've survived all that they've endured to this point, there's no way telling the truth and being honest will take them down.
He sees her in thought, so he's trying not to push her. But he's getting a bad feeling, like she's about to try to handle him. Which is something he was hoping they'd long since passed in their time together. He feels himself getting upset, thinking the longer she's quiet, the more likely she's running scenarios in her head, and figuring out not only ways to carryout a plan of action, to resolve the problem; but how to also reduce his knowledge of what's set to happen. However, this time. he's not having it. And is prepared to fight for his seat at the table if necessary. He wants all the smoke and then some for this battle, he's earned it. And isn't taking no for an answer.
She looks at him, and sees he's staring back at her. She can feel the tension in his hands. He's stopped caressing her face. Instead, he's just holding her hands, as they rest in her lap. She knows he is in wonderment about her silence. And likely is preparing to listen to respond, verses to understand, and to be fair, she can't blame him. Because this has been their dynamic for the betterment of their relationship until they turned the corner in their relationship as of late.
She goes with her gut, and breaks the silence as she says, "What we do is put together a plan to handle this situation once and for all. And I'm game to share with you as much or as little as you want to know. I won't shut you out. You have a right to know as much as you want." Her words provide significant relief to him, and he releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. She sees the release wash over him, of not having to fight with her. She smiles at him as she says, "We are on the same team babe, and want the same things. So us working together and not just working around each other makes sense." He agrees with her and feels the genuiness of her response. He pulls her close and holds her for a while, and she takes in the embrace. This is the graduation of growth they both needed to feel. This is a test that they likely would've failed if presented months ago, but this time they're prepared.
The embrace breaks and she looks up at him, he looks down into her eyes and says, "I love you." She smiles as she replies, "I love you too." They share a few kisses, and exchange smiles too. Despite the topic at hand, the mood between them is calm and steady. He breaks the silence between then and asks, "So what happens next?" She replies, "We talk with Huck and Quinn, and figure out the logistics of everything. Then we go from there." He nods as he replies, "Sounds like a plan." She responds, "Yes. But once it's put into motion, it can't be stopped babe, you know that right?"
He hears her, and understands her concern. But says, "Yes. I do. However, I should be asking you that question. Jake, given his recent behavior is sort of a given. But these are your parents babe. They gave you life."
She sighs as she replies, "They are the people who brought me into this world. And despite still not being sure if that was intentional or not. I am still grateful they made that choice for me to be born. But short of providing the basic essentials for raising a child, like food, shelter, water, and education. I can't say that they've ever really been parents. And lets face it; they've been more than a little bit difficult my entire adult life, leading us to this moment. I'd honestly argue that for the sake of anyone else who may get caught up in either of their web's. This needs to happen, and happen sooner than later." He understands her point of view, but asks, "I hear you. But are you sure you will be able to handle the aftermath?" She knows what he means, and he's right. This is a drastic, irrevocable act that has life long consequences and implications. But still, she sees this for what it is, an act of doing what's best for all.
So she replies, "Yes I am sure babe. I can grieve if I see fit later, and do so knowing that this act will likely save many innocent lives. And of course be what we need to truly set us free, free to live our lives without worrying about them anymore."
Her response feels and sounds like what he needed to see and hear, in order to truly know she will be okay with the end result. But he says to her, "If at any time you have doubts or concerns, promise you'll talk to me." She nods as she replies, "I promise." They again share a kiss and the sweetness of the moment consumes them, as Olivia takes out her phone, and text's Huck that they the plan is a go. He responds telling her he will start doing some recon and get back to her when he comes up with something that will work. Fitz reads their exchange and feels good about being in on every turn. But she too then looks at him and says, "Hey, if at any point you want to tap out of knowing anything about this, let me know. I won't judge you." He smiles at her as he replies, "Sure thing babe. But I am in this for the long haul. We are in this together to the end." She smiles as she responds, "I like the sound of that; I couldn't ask for a better teammate." They share another kiss and smile.
He then asks, "So what's the break down on the detectives who are working the case?" She responds, "I'm not sure yet. Huck will let me know when he finds out what we are dealing with." He nods as he says, "Right. Are you sure you all want to let David run lose on his own, without pointing him at a suspect?" She replies, "Yes. Because if we do offer anyone else up, he's just going to see it as a ploy anyway. So why bother? He knows I didn't have anything to do with Warren's murder. But that's not going to stop him from using this case to annoy me out of revenge for our history." He agrees, and says, "He clearly doesn't know when to quit. He stands a snowballs chance in hell of beating you." She laughs as she replies, "I like that analogy. It's absolutely accurate." He smiles as he says, "Of course it is. I said it. So it has to be accurate because I am always right." She laughs at his remark and he has to laugh at his own audaciousness too. They chuckle for a fair amount of time, enjoying each other, kissing and holding hands. And enjoying each other's company.
Meanwhile, Down at City Hall. David Rosen is in his office going over the reports that are coming in on the Warren murder. The prelim confirms the death is a homicide, and the crime scene photos imply there was a burglary. But given the type of journalist Warren was, it's safe to say he'd ruffled plenty of feathers in his line of work. Washington is a place where a lot of powerful people live and play, and when your job is expose them and the secrets they hold, sometimes your life may be put into danger.
His thoughts are broken by a ringing phone. He answers, seeing it's a call from the lab. "Hi Mary, what's up?" She replies, "Hey David. I was told to call you directly regarding the computer work up." He responds, "Yeah. What did you find?" She replies, "Nothing out of the ordinary. In fact there hasn't been an upload to the computer in over a month." He finds this strange and asks, "How is that possible, it's his work computer. And he was working on active cases." She responds, "I hear you. But the computer says whatever he was working on, it wasn't on that computer. Maybe he had another one."
A thought pops into his head, and he asks, "Could it have been tampered with?" She asks, "The computer?" He replies, "Yes." She responds, "I suppose so, but there's no evidence of that either. The mainframe is intact, and none of the files have been altered or deleted. If so, it would be in the computer's history."
He sighs as he says, "Damn it. Wait! Could the files have been deleted without a record of them being created?" She pauses and says, "I don't think so. You'd have to be some type of wiz to do something like that. Or have some major hacking skills with access to some top secret software."
He smiles to himself as his mind settles on a possible link he was looking for. And he says, "Would a special ops type software do something like that?" She nods as she responds, "It's possible yes." He replies, "Okay. Do me a favor and find out what types of software can be used for that kind of thing and get back to me."
She replies, "Okay, but knowing the software options won't make the information reappear. It's not recoverable. So how would that help?" He grins as he says, "No. But, if I know what software is used, perhaps that can help me narrow down a suspect who may have access to such software." She nods as she responds, "So you already have someone in mind, huh?" He doesn't want to let out what he's thinking, so he simply replies, "I have some ideas. Can you get that info for me?" She nods as she responds, "Yes. Of course. I will do some research and get back to you." He nods as he replies, "Okay. Thanks."
When he hangs up he rubs his hands together with excitement as he says, "The path is heating up. I knew at some point it would point to you or your office Olivia. Looks like I will be seeing you sooner than later."
His happiness comes to a close however, when he checks his cell and doesn't see a follow up from Rollins or Boykin. He checks his watch and sees they should've been at least done with meeting with the family by now. So he calls Boykin.
Boykin answers, "Hello." He replies, "Hey Boykin it's me David. How are the interviews going?" He replies, "We are just arriving at the family home now. I can check in when we leave." He responds. "Why are you just now getting there? You were heading over there after our meeting this morning."
Rollins looks at him, hearing the conversation with the phone being on speaker. Boykin decides to give him the news. "We had a pit stop to make to meet with the Chief before we came here." He asks, "Why?" He responds, "The Chief wanted to make sure we were following the right process for investigating this case, that's all. She doesn't want us to get tunnel vison."
David replies, "Really, and just what did she tell you to do?" Boykin hears his attitude shifting and doesn't want to get into an argument with him. Especially when there's nothing he can do about it anyway. He is following orders, period. So he says, "With all due respect counsellor I'm not an errand boy. If you want to know what Chief Rossetti said to us, call her yourself. We have a murder to investigate. We'll update you when I have something share. Bye."
The dial tone rings loudly in his ear, and he can't believe what just happened. He's pissed off at Boykin for abruptly ending the call. But, more so he's livid with Rossetti stepping into his case, and clearly giving orders he isn't privy to for an investigation on his case.
Angry, he yells out, "Fuck!" And pounds his fist on his desk. How dare she interfere with his case. Without thinking he picks up the phone and makes another call. Nobody is going to step in the way of him leading an investigation, no matter where it leads.
Thank you for reading my fan fiction tale. Well, looks like things are really heating up for Olivia both professionally and personally. With Rosen hotter than a South Florida day in July, does she stand a chance of being treated fairly by him? And, now that Olivia and Fitz have had a discussion about what to do about her parents and Jake. What do you think about their decision? Is it fair to say they don't have much of choice? Or do they? Better question, will they succeed at completing their mission, and get what they want? Plans are meant to be changed as needed. We shall see what happens in the next installment of The Pathway To Vermont!
