Bang! Bang! {Part X}
Beginning of the week
A White House staffer guides the wary young woman through the hallways of the West Wing. Her butterscotch complexion and natural, tightly coiled black curls cut into a striking blunt bob highlight wide, vulnerable, caring eyes. Why am I here? "This way Ma'am," the young man gestures toward the rounded wall.
She shakes her head subconsciously, "The Oval Office…I do not have any business that would require me in the Oval Office. What is going on?" she questions.
The door opens and the President of the United States presents himself, "Thank you for coming," he gestures inside the room. "Meeting you in an honor," he offers a warm smile.
When she regains her senses she is sitting on a couch. "I do not understand what is happening?"
"I can explain. Your husband, Diego Munoz, is one of the greatest patriots our country has ever known. He has served this great nation both domestically and abroad. Unfortunately his service robbed him of the thing he loved the most…his family," Fitz speaks reverently of the man he has come to respect.
She shakes her head, "No…that is not right. He left us…he walked away-disappeared," she trails off trying to connect what she believed about her absent husband with the new information delivered by none other than the Commander-in-Chief.
"Kim…may I call you Kim?" She nods in acceptance. "Diego absence from the life of you and your son was never his choice. He endured months of indescribable physical, psychological and emotional torture trying to get back to you and keep you safe. A human being no matter how strong can only withstand so much; especially when the real possibility of harm to his family is at stake. He had an impossible choice but remarkably he survived and protected his wife and child," he packages the truth as gently as possible.
Heart wrenching sobs fall from her lips. He reaches over offering his handkerchief. "I had no answers…he was gone and I thought the worst of him," her voice is thick with remorse and grief.
"Do not blame yourself. Every truth you thought you knew is washed away. The United States government owes your family a debt of gratitude. We have arranged transportation and lodging and the country's top counselor to help heal your family. Would you like to reconcile with your husband and introduce your son to his father?"
Harrison leans against the thick wooden door one ankle crossed in front of the other in the foyer of the large southern mansion waiting for the prisoner to descend the stair case, "You are one of Fitz's errand boys…what did I do now?" Hollis greets.
His face turns to stone and the rage filled voice grits in the air, "Look, you Klan adjacent Klown…I know you are use to all the rules working to your advantage but this is the New World Order. I am not nor has any Black man ever been your boy. You are only allowed to address me as Mr. Wright when I allow you to speak-got it?" he snaps. Hollis Doyle sobers quickly. "Your ill gotten gains are going to serve the very people you and every generation before you oppressed to amass a fortune."
"The hell they will…the Rule of Law still exists," he is cut off.
"I get it…you are frustrated…angry. You thought you knew the rules…thought you were playing by the rules and someone with power comes in and takes your agency; plunders your wealth and none of the tools at your disposal can stop it from happening. All attempts to fight back are futile. You know what you need to do? Stop complaining about the past and be happy with whatever you have left…be grateful your choices have not cost you your life."
"I can expose Grant," Hollis yells.
"Please…I will make the call. Worst case scenario he is an unwitting conspirator. You orchestrated election fraud; killed innocent people beyond the original conspirator to cover up the fraud and attempted to assassinate the sitting POTUS for further political gain," he states without remorse.
I would be lucky to only get the electric chair. "What am I agreeing to?" he acquiesces.
"First, you will provide financial restitution to the victim's families. Second, you will fund voter registration organizations in marginalized communities across the nation. Finally, you will create a foundation to support gun control candidates in every election until strict gun control measures are the law of the land. I mean the liberal wish list: close the gun show loop hole; ban assault weapons; magazine limits; background checks; age restrictions; waiting periods; gun buy backs…everything you hate," he taunts with glee.
"I will call my accountants," he replies in resignation.
"No need…we already spent the money. This is just a courtesy call. I hope this was painful for you," he chuckles over his shoulder before exiting the home.
End of week in California
"Governor Nichols, according to sources within your office you recently held several meetings with the former First Lady," the reporter shouts from the state house steps.
They are taking the bait. He stops to respond. "Mr. Walters, your sources are never wrong," he charms. "Yes, many are not aware of her political acumen but as the former Lt. Governor during the Grant administration I know how crucial her policy knowledge and political skill were during our successful tenure here in Sacramento."
The reporters brows raise, "Interesting. She presented herself as a traditional First Lady but you are suggesting she played a role in policy and strategy?"
"Mellie Vaughn is more than what meets the eye. She, like so many other women, juggled young motherhood with real work responsibilities. Unfortunately, being married to a Governor often eclipsed all her accomplishments," he leads to establish the narrative.
"Is she participating in your administration…more importantly why now would you bring her in during your second term?" the reporter questions.
"I have always respected her counsel and why now…simple, she is finally free to do so." Andrew knows his response will lead to speculation that will hopefully catch fire and move Mellie's calculated plan forward: a path into the national discussion of the next Presidential election cycle.
Fitz opens the front door of the Santa Barbara ranch to greet Gerry, Karen and Teddy. The nurse carrying baby Teddy exits first followed by the teens. "Hello, you are Nurse Maureen-correct," he reaches down to retrieve the infant from her arms.
"Yes," she gently places the child in his waiting arms before handing over the diaper bag. The older children approach the front door keeping a wide distance and their heads down.
He glances down at the sleeping child silently promising to give him the best life possible. He looks up at his older children. He notices their sagging shoulders and the lack of eye contact. What is up? "Gerry…Karen, how are you guys," he greets with enthusiasm.
"Fine," they mumble before moving around the adults to enter the house.
He watches their retreating forms before returning his attention to the nurse. "Please follow me. Our house keeper Marta prepared a room for you so you can enjoy your mini-vacation," he introduces.
"Uh…you are mistaken. Ms. Vaughn has been clear. This position is full time. I have to request days off in advance and secure an equivalent replacement during any absence," she explains.
"May I call you Maureen?"
"Yes…of course, Sir," she stammers.
"The parameters of your job duties in the Vaughn household will not resemble your job description in the Grant home," he states. "We can discuss the particulars before you depart. For now…enjoy your stay," he responds and leads her inside.
Olivia enjoys the setting sun from the balcony of Fitz's bedroom at the Santa Barbara ranch. The warm breeze whips her ebony locks away from her face. She places her hand over her squinting eyes to watch Huck, Kim and Javi near the stables. The interaction is tentative, tender and filled with hope. Away from the political swirl of Washington, D.C. the possibilities for the reunited family are endless…the previous pain and peril is an abstract thought. She assuages her doubts by focusing on the Gladiators. We will all make sure he gets the outcome he deserves. The raised voices draw her attention.
"I would not do that…that was never discussed…what makes you think," Fitz's voice is desperate. She descends the stair case so her keen eyes can determine what she missed. He shared that something was off with the kids. He stood on one side of the room using his hands to emphasis his words. Karen and Gerry kept shaking their heads in confusion and disagreement.
"She said you would use your political skills to try and convince us otherwise," Karen interjects.
"Yeah…if you are telling the truth then why isn't Ms. Pope here. We know why…we are not going to be part of the new First Family. We are being left behind," Gerry accuses.
Karen piles on, "We are a reminder of the former First Family and that is not good optics," she nods sure of her words.
"Your mother is a liar," Olivia's voice rings out causing each body to pivot toward her. She struts into the room and takes post at Fitz's side. She was warned not to use the children.
"Who are you to talk about our mother?" Gerry spits.
Liv shrugs "Trust…if it was up to me I would never think of her let alone allow her name to pass my lips but she insists on testing my patience and threshold for bullshit. Let's have a seat," she gestures toward the couches and chairs before turning toward her fiancé with a subtle nod.
Fitz's takes the cue. They do not need to utter the words aloud. They are in this together. "This has always been a political family so the normal rules do not apply. Your mother and I had a partnership and the three of you are the only positive aspect of that union. You are correct…what I have with Olivia is very different. She is the love of my life and the difference for our family moving forward will be dramatic," he opens the rough conversation.
Olivia picks up, "I am not sure I have a normal maternal gene but your dad is the only man I have ever loved which means you are now a priority to me. If it helps I spent my entire adolescence in boarding schools with a distant father and a dead mother. I am still putting myself back together as a result. I know how to fix things…save people-so that is what I am going to do. What do you want? What is your end game?"
Gerry and Karen look at each other in shock. This is the real truth. This might be a chance. Their mouths open and close but no words escape. Fitz's fills the gap, "I want family pizza nights or movie, game, something like that…but nothing staged; just normal working family drama and challenges," he responds and gestures with his head toward the teens hoping they pick up the conversation.
They remain in shock until Olivia's voice captures their attention, "I want a real relationship with each of you. I do not have a clue what is should be so we can figure it out together. I would appreciate if you did not call me Ms. Pope."
Karen attempts to find her voice, "Uh, this is a lot," she frowns.
Gerry jumps in to test the adults sincerity, "So if we want to leave boarding school and move into the White House-that is not a problem?"
Without pause Fitz responds, "You can return with us to D.C. Monday morning."
Karen takes a deep breath, "What about Baby Teddy? Who speaks for him? He has a chance to get more normal than the rest of us," she looks expectantly to the adults.
Fitz and Olivia share a look, "Are you saying you want us to fight for all three of you to stay together…to fight for our family," he tries to clarify.
They both take a deep breath, "I think so…I think it could be better," they reply tentatively.
"We need you to understand this will mean World War III with your mother and there is only so much we can shield you from," Liv explains.
Gerry and Karen nod soberly. "Consider it handled," Fitz replies with a wide satisfied grin.
