Bang! Bang! {Part II}

Olivia is startled awake by the commotion outside the front door-Mellie. Fitz stirs and grimaces when he tries to move freely. "Shh," she soothes, running her hand through the curls at the crown of his head. "Go back to sleep. I got this." She untangles herself from his sleeping form, crossing the bedroom floor on her toes and closes the door behind her.

"Tom, I am the First Lady of the United States pregnant with 'America's Baby'," she places her hands on each side of her generous belly, "Open the door," Mellie commands firmly.

"No Ma'am," he responds as directed.

"I'm sorry…did you tell me no," she questions with righteous indignation.

"Yes Ma'am," he confirms.

"Maybe you have forgotten that you serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States-my husband," she spits out harshly.

"No Ma'am," he replies.

"Let's try this again…open the door," she repeats raising her voice.

"No Ma'am," he repeats.

Mellie huffs and stares, "Open the door or you will be re-assigned," she threatens.

"No Ma'am," he repeats professionally like a broken record. I am enjoying this and it isn't even the good part yet.

She looks around at the other agents and notices for the first time she does not recognize any familiar faces. This is a brand new team. Something is wrong.

"Tom, has there been a new threat? Are we in danger? Is Fitz in danger?"

"No Ma'am," he replies.

"Then why won't you open the door. I need to make sure he is okay. His medication and bandages," she stops short when the door opens.

Tom glances over his shoulder and moves to the left side of the door. Olivia Pope stands in the middle of the doorway clad only in Fitz's NAVY sweatshirt, her hands folded in front of her, barefoot, bed tousled hair and a devilish smile. "How may I help you this evening Millicent?" she offers politely.

Mellie rolls her shoulders back and opens her mouth to speak but nothing comes out. She is in complete shock. This whore just climbed out of bed with my husband.

Olivia watches in delight as Mellie's brain shuts down and decides in that moment to take advantage of the quiet before the storm.

"First, the immediate care and upcoming medical decisions for Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III are no longer your concern. I retain power of attorney and his medical proxy from this day forward. A copy of the authorization with his legitimate signature was delivered to the East Wing where you have a temporary office."

"Second, if you wish to speak with the President of the United States; please submit a formal request through the normal White House channels and wait for a response."

"Third, before you begin your standard, tired, tirade or launch into a melodramatic tantrum know that every agent has been ordered to physically remove you to a secure location-something like a 'Time Out' until you can behave in a civil manner conducive to polite society."

"Fourth, given you inability to make smart choices, exercise wise judgment or demonstrate any strategic thinking; all electronic devices assigned to you, your soon to be re-assigned staff or office have been removed or shut off. Oh, the press pool or outside press will not respond to your requests."

"Finally, this," she gestures between the two of them, "is the difference between being ornamental," she point to Mellie, "and functional," she points to herself. "Please return to the White House residence while you still can."

Olivia steps back into Blair House closing the door. Tom takes one giant stride and moves back in front of the door with a smile tugging at his lips. That was the good part.


White House Press Release

The assassination attempt on President Grant caused undue mental and physical stress for the First Lady. At this stage of her pregnancy the family agreed with the doctor's recommendation of complete bed rest outside the pressure and volatile activity of the White House and Washington, D.C.

The First Lady thanks America for their prayers and patience during this delicate time.

President Grant will continue his remarkable recovery at Camp David this weekend. He will return to the White House bright and early Monday morning to continue his work on behalf of the American People.

Any questions or concerns regarding these changes will be address by acting Communications Director Olivia Pope at the upcoming Press Briefing.

AN: To the Guest Reviewer-if you are still reading, Amen to all that and I hope this helps. To Tammy-I tried my best. {smile}