Bang! Bang! {Part VII}
Back in the USA
Agent Stanton leads the President and the Chief of Staff into her condominium. He places a signal jammer and his service weapon on the coffee table. He holds his index finger against his closed mouth and turns to face them. This is my last chance for redemption.
Fitz eyes the items on the table and his long time Agent. He steps in front of Olivia and picks up the weapon releasing the safety. Olivia observes the men and her body tenses. I may have to call my team to clean this scene.
"Explain yourself," Fitz commands after the light on the device flashes green.
"I am B613. I submitted altered intelligence and reports to Command during most of your tenure in office. B613 is orchestrating the un-rest in West Angola and I cannot carry out my recent order," Tom reports unemotionally.
"What did Rowan order?" Olivia asks.
Fitz's lips part and his eyes squint in her direction. What does she know but more importantly how does she know?
"He wants to de-stabilize the region to allow American businesses unfettered access to their country's natural resources. In addition, he does not want a new First Lady," Tom fixes his eyes on Olivia. He retrieves a secure medical vile and syringe from his pocket and places on the table.
Fitz steps to the side, "Olivia is targeted for death?" he quickly raises the weapon and aims between Tom's eyes.
Tom never looks away from Olivia, "No Sir, you are the target."
"Me…why…I don't understand," his mind reels trying to absorb and make sense of the revelations.
"Because…even Command would not be responsible for his own child's death. Tom, can we have the room please," Olivia requests.
Fitz never lowers the weapon tracking Agent Stanton until he is on the outside of the front door.
Across town
"Russell, son, you had one job…verify the fidelity of Agent Stanton's work. Why was I finding out with the rest of the world of this abomination?"
"Sir, we were all surprised by the relationship going public. Clearly she has a highly evolved skill set for discretion. I am delivering the surveillance footage of Stanton's acquisition of the toxin," he places a drive on the desk. I hope this plan continues to work.
Rowan sits behind his desk. Of course she is better than his best soldiers at stealth and hiding clandestine relationships; she is her mother's daughter. He studies the man before him, "Fine, I expect a Presidential body bag by this time next week. You are excused," he gestures dismissively toward his office door.
Meanwhile
Olivia removes the weapon from Fitz's hand and places it back on the table. "My father's public face is Eli Pope, curator at the Smithsonian. His real face is evil as B613 Command. I lived in terror ever since I stumbled upon the truth during a case. I closed myself off completely when he made sure to take Edison Davis to the edge of death to demonstrate his disappointment with my choices," she explains with a distant voice.
Fitz falls into the nearest chair, pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger; and stares at the ceiling. "I was part of what I thought was a military operation…downing a 757 with 237 passengers. The plane was actually civilian…Big Jerry probably pulled some strings…but Operation Remington and Rowan continue to haunt me," he adds to the conversation.
Olivia gasps, her heart races erratically and tears flow, "My mother, she pants…on plane, panting…I was just 12 years old," her panic attack escalates.
Fitz falls out of the chair, crosses the room and kneels before Olivia. "Look at me…breathe and squeeze my hand." She complies with his direction; her eyes wide and vulnerable. "We have the element of surprise and loyal Gladiators…we can beat him." I don't know if that is true but I will die trying.
A few days later
Rowan releases a heavy exasperated sigh sitting on a park bench. He checks his watch. I will not tolerate sloppiness this close to the finish line. "Charlie, update me on the usual suspects," he orders into the phone.
"You got it boss," he responds quickly. Charlie turns his head to the side, "Happy?"
"Very," Huck replies, "When you get my call you will receive your exit instructions."
"If my deal is half as good as yours; you will never see me again."
Fitz and Olivia are on an extremely public date for the Congressional BBQ at the White House. They mingle amongst staff and their families. The smell of grilled meat and vegetables from America's best chefs, basketball, bounce houses, photo booths, story-telling, face painting and live music performances provide a stark juxtaposition to their discussion of the ultimate covert operation: closing B613 and neutralizing Rowan.
Fitz's bright smile charms each person he engages with Olivia by his side. "Abby is ready for the emergency press conference tomorrow. Since its Sunday this will be the major news for the pundit class," he shares with a whisper.
Olivia continues her winning smile, "Huck set the worm to deliver the funds late tonight," she waves to attendees.
"I spoke with Director Webster and her team is prepared to execute the 'no knock' warrant before the break of dawn."
"Mhm-hm," Live rolls her eyes.
Fitz laughs, "Is jealous Ms. Pope back?" he teases.
"Please…for all that is holy…get over yourself," she shoves his shoulder and gives him a side-eye.
"Why? Jealous Olivia likes to get over me," he whispers suggestively.
Liv playfully punches him, "Tom and Russell will have the Secret Service replaced with Marines by the time we return to the residence," she confirms.
"Good…things are just about handled."
Sunday
Breaking news…We interrupt our regular programming for an un-scheduled Press Conference with the President of the United States…
Dressed in a crisp pinstriped blue suit with a simple red tie Fitz addresses the nation, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I directed our Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation of possible financial impropriety at the Smithsonian. Their exhaustive work determined that public funds in the amount of $2.5 million dollars were allegedly embezzled by a public servant. The curator, Eli Pope, was served with a warrant this morning and taken into custody. He is afforded due process and all rights guaranteed by the rule of law. Director Webster, he gestures to his left, will answer questions regarding the operation; but I will take a couple questions. Tamron Hall," he opens the floor to the clamoring reporters.
"Sir, how did this come to your attention?"
"I am a fiscal hawk…my line item review of the budget identified inconsistencies." I want Rowan to know we did this to him deliberately; now for the bait and switch…
"Megyn Kelly," the President calls out.
"Sir, your Press Secretary consistently responds to our question regarding your relationship with Olivia Pope by stating the White House does not comment on your personal life. However, your girlfriend works for you. Doesn't the public have a right to know; especially given the potential for sexual harassment?"
"First, all White House staff, including me, received extensive ethics training. Finally, I do not have a girlfriend…my fiancé does not share." He turns to the FBI Director, "I am confident you can handle everything else." Angela's mouth falls open in shock.
Fitz descends the podium and exits the Press Room while the reporters erupt behind him shouting over each other:
"When did you propose?"
"What does the ring look like?"
"Will there be a White House ceremony?"
"Will Ms. Pope move into the White House residence?"
"Doesn't this create a greater conflict of interest?"
"Will Olivia Pope resign as Chief of Staff to become First Lady of the United States?"
