Chapter 8

The Day Before Tomorrow

30 Days Before the Explosion

Olivia turned up the volume of the music pumping from her iPhone. She had, "Autumn Leaves" on repeat as she jogged down the wooded path behind the house. Her mother always counseled her to be alert at all times.

"A woman jogging or walking with earphones blasting is target number one," Mildred had warned her every time she saw Olivia with earphones.

In this case, Olivia wasn't vulnerable as there were 4 other people jogging behind her. Something brushed her shoulder. Tom was saying something to her while he motioned to his ears.

Olivia pulled out one of her earbuds. "Sorry, Tom," she said breathlessly. She slowed her run to a jog.

"Ma'am, we need to head back. Your aunt called me. The President is at the house. He brought Karen home early from school. She is not feeling well."

Olivia had stopped jogging. "Why didn't she call me? What's wrong?"

"She didn't say. We don't have to jog back. Harkness is trailing us on the road. We can get a ride back."

They jogged to the road and hoped in the SUV for a ride home.

Olivia entered the front door when they arrived back home. "Hello? Aunt Diane? Fitz?"

"Shh…Shh…They are finally sleeping," said Aunt Diane who was standing in the door of the nursery.

"Sorry…where is Fitz? Karen? What is wrong with her?"

"Honestly, Olivia, I don't think anything is physically wrong with her. She is too caught up in what's going on with you and Fitz, finding out about her new grandparents, and not hearing from her mom for so long."

Olivia wanted to share the whole story with Aunt Diane for selfish reasons. She counted on her aunt more than ever to help her navigate her complicated life. With all the secrecy of The Organization, Olivia couldn't be honest. She wanted to tell Diane about Mellie's involvement in the kidnapping and that no one knew where she was.

"Where are they?"

"In her room. When are you and Fitz going to stop this nonsense? You both look tired and sad all the time. Neither of you are fooling anyone. Why are you punishing him, dear? What did he do to deserve being turned out of his home?"

"He is avoiding me Auntie. Why does he only come by when I am out of the house?" Olivia's eyes watered.

"Olivia, wasn't this separation your idea? He is complying with your wishes, but he looks defeated every morning when he stops by. When are you going to end this?"

"I'm going up before the twins wake up." Olivia wiped her eyes and kissed Aunt Diane on the cheek.

When she reached Karen's room, the door was ajar. She could hear them talking.

"Kare...honey…what's wrong?" Fitz asked. Karen was crying.

"Nothing, Dad. Please just leave me alone."

"I'm not leaving until you talk to me. Is it something at school? Is it…um…that time of the month?"

"Dad! No! Ugh…I can't believe you asked me that! Just leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you."

"I can get Liv, she…"

"I don't want to talk to her either. You are both liars! Why aren't you living here, Dad?" Karen sat up on the bed ready to engage him.

From the hall, Olivia leaned her head against the wall and shut her eyes, the weight of the world on her shoulders.

There was silence. "Dad, I thought you wanted to talk?"

"I am working on some special projects with my father and I needed to be at the cottage for late meetings with…"

Karen interrupted. "Dad, do you hear yourself and how truly unbelievable that sounds? You had Gerry and me believing you at first, because Granddad is like the leader of some major secret society, but then you and Liv started acting weird…I mean weirder than usual…you guys are HD with the PDAs, but now you barely look at each other unless you think the other one is not looking…just be honest, are you all breaking up?"

There was more silence. "I'm sorry Karen. Liv and I are…just going through a rough patch. From the resignation, to moving to Atlanta, to the twins…I'm sorry I lied about why I'm gone. That was my idea…keeping it from you, so don't blame her, okay? Things will be back to normal soon. Give me a hug and no more crying. Leave that to Annie and Arthur."

Karen chuckled. Fitz knew that a mention of the twins would bring a smile to her face. "Why don't you take a nap? I'll take you and Gerry out for dinner tonight. Oh…and Karen, don't mention this to Liv. I don't want her to worry. Everything is going to work out."

"I think I will take a nap. Look at Olitz and Patra, they are already snoozing, and Dad…I won't say anything."

Olivia sprinted down the stairs to avoid meeting Fitz in the hallway. She went back into the nursery because she knew that was his next destination. She heard him talking to Diane.

"Karen is just a little under the weather, Diane. She will be fine. Where is Olivia?"

Fitz appeared in the door. "Hi."

"Hi. What's wrong with Karen?"

"She is just tired with all the drama that is her life…our lives. I'll give it to her, though, she has maintained good grades and had no behavior incidents since we have been in Atlanta." Fitz walked over to the cribs and picked up both babies.

"Yes, I know. I know all of her teachers and the headmaster very well. I am very involved in their lives," said Olivia, a little offended that he was treating her like an outsider.

Fitz ignored the edge in her voice as he rocked the babies. "My parents are coming to town next week for Thanksgiving dinner."

"Of course, they are welcome here," said Olivia.

"You misunderstand. They are coming to Atlanta…to Demarchelier's. I want to take the kids…the twins and Karen and Gerry. It will be surreal to have Thanksgiving dinner with them and the kids. I'll never get over the fact that Demarchelier is my uncle…my mother's brother…"

A pained expression crossed Olivia's face. "The kids should be here on Thanksgiving …you should be too."

"I didn't know if you wanted me here…"

"Of course I do. Invite Anne and Michael too…Demarchelier…the more the merrier…" Olivia smiled, unable to resist, she touched Fitz's head as he looked lovingly at the twins. He stopped rocking the chair at her touch. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

Fitz enjoyed her touch wondering when she was going to allow him to come back home.

25 Days Before the Explosion

Nate looked both ways before he entered the hotel suite. He was certain no one would recognize him. Since he was forced to join the Organization, he always felt like someone was watching him, but he couldn't be sure. No one should be keeping tabs on him since all concerned knew that he was not behind Olivia's kidnapping, in fact, he had rescued her.

He didn't know what Mellie wanted with him, but he hoped she would make this meeting quick. She'd forced him into this meeting by threatening to tell Fitz that he had seen her at the warehouse and freed her. He had plans to meet Olivia later tonight at her Mom's house. It wasn't quite the romantic ambiance he wanted, but Mildred's place would have to do until Grant was out of the picture.

"It's about time you got here," Mellie sat at the bar sipping on club soda.

"I don't appreciate being forced to see you, Mellie. What do you want?"

"That's an easy question. I want the equal but opposite of what you want. I want Fitz and you want Olivia or Carrie as you like to call her. I called you here because we are natural allies, Nate. Let's work together to get what we want."

"I don't know if that is true…that we are allies. Carrie considers me a friend, but Fitz hates you. I don't need your help. It is only a matter of time before she is mine. Did you know that she kicked him out of their house and put a hold on the wedding plans?" Nate took a seat at the bar.

Mellie's eyes widened. "Really? Where is he staying?"

"At the cottage."

Mellie erupted in laughter while Nate looked at her, confused.

"The cottage? Nate, my friend, the cottage is only five miles away from the house. I bet he is at the house every day. I imagine Karen and Gerry are still at the main house? They are not separated. You and I need to make some real plans…unless you are making plans with someone else…Has that bastard contacted you?"

"I don't know who you are referring to?"

"Nate, stop being obtuse! Ivan! He is still on the loose. He told me he met you in Bavaria when Fitz forced him out. He used you then, and he'll use you now."

"Mellie, is that all you wanted? I don't want to form any alliance with you, so please don't contact me again." Mellie realized she needed to change her tactics.

She began to cry. "I'm sorry for bothering you. My life is falling apart. I don't have my kids. I am so aloooooneeee."

Nate approached her not knowing what to do. "Mellie, don't cry. You were such a great First Lady. There was chatter that you were going to run for office. Just…"

Mellie stood and threw her arms around Nate's waist. She cried for a long time before pulling back. "Thanks, Nate. No one understands this but you. I'm going to go freshen up in the bathroom. Don't leave before I get back okay?"

Nate nodded and sat on the couch.

Mellie entered the bathroom and removed the cellphone she had lifted from the pocket of Nate's bomber jacket. She swiped through the screens searching for his voicemail and e-mail. Finding nothing on his e-mail, she started guessing passwords to access his voice mail. She tried, "Olivia, OP, Liv, Livy, and LovesLiv. After failing each time, she thought about how he addressed her as, Carrie." Mellie tried, "NatelovesCarrie" which worked. Men are so predictable. Mellie scrolled through his messages. She listened to those messages that were relevant. There was one from Olivia:

Nate, It's Olivia. I'm sorry, but I can't have dinner with you. It wouldn't be right or fair to you or Fitz. I will be having dinner at my mom's tonight. Please stop by to say hello. Glad you are well.

The message she had been looking for played next:

Nathaniel Wright. I am impressed that you tracked me down. Fitz thinks I am a threat. You are more ruthless than I. I was headed to Bavaria, but your proposal is intriguing to me. I'll bite. Meet me at the warehouse next Wednesday.

A chill went up Mellie's spine. She had first underestimated Ivan and now Nate. She was terrified because she needed to return his phone before they left. She took a deep breath and left the bathroom.

"Thanks for letting me cry on your sh-shoulder, Nate." Mellie pulled him into a hug as she deftly maneuvered the phone back into his pocket.

"Mellie, I know you want Fitz back, but sometimes we can't always get what we want."

"I know," Mellie averted her eyes from his. "I'll leave first."

"Mellie, what's wrong. You look like you've seen a ghost."

"No, I'm fine." She hurried out of the door. Mellie decided to take the stairs. She wanted to get very far away from him. She had to gather herself and her strength to take a trip to the warehouse. She had to know what Nate and Ivan were planning. Her instincts told her that danger was near.

Olivia sat across from her mother and Nate at the dinner table. She had planned to bring the twins, but her mother had insisted she leave them at home to Olivia's surprise. Even though it had been her suggestion that Nate meet her at her mom's house, she felt like they had planned this. The table was set too formally for a casual dinner. There was wine and flowers. Nate was dressed in slacks and a crisp white shirt. Anger rose in her chest as her mother complained of a headache.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, but I am going to lie down. My head is pounding. You two enjoy dinner." Mildred kissed them both on the cheek and made a hasty exit up the stairs.

"Carrie, I hope your mom will be fine." Nate poured wine in both their glasses.

"None for me. I'm breastfeeding."

"Oh, Carrie, I brought the wine. I forgot. Would you like some water, tea, or ginger ale?" Nate rose and went into the kitchen.

Olivia noticed how familiar he was with the kitchen. She felt uneasy. Olivia decided not to address it now. She wanted to get more information.

"Water is fine."

"Carrie, how have you and the twins been doing with the separation? Are Grant's kids still there or with him?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I care about you. If you need anything, please let me know. You should not have any stress especially after what happened." Nate placed the water in front of her and sat next to her.

"Everything is fine. Aunt Diane has been a good support to us. Nate, I don't feel comfortable talking to you about Fitz and me. We should talk about something else. How are you doing?"

Olivia saw something flicker in his eyes, and then he smiled. "I'm fine, Carrie, great, actually. How are things at OPA? Have you all heard anything from Ivan?"

"Abby, Huck, and Harrison have been working overtime. There has been no word from Ivan. I am surprised you don't know since you all live in such close quarters."

"How are the twins? You didn't answer earlier." Nate said taking a sip of wine, ignoring her comment.

Olivia guessed Nate was not staying Harrison's apartment. In the fog of the pain of her separation from Fitz, she hadn't had much conversation with either of them. She made a mental note to call Abby tonight. Olivia would bet that Nate was staying with her mom or close enough to visit frequently. This would explain his familiarity with the kitchen.

They talked about nothing for about an hour, and with each passing minute, Olivia felt that there was something off with Nate.

"I better get going." Olivia looked at her watch and grabbed her purse and jacket.

"I am going up and check on Mom before I go."

When she entered her mom's room, she wasn't surprised to see the scene before her. With the phone to her ear, and the remote in her hand, her mom was having a lively conversation about an episode of, "Scandal" that was playing on the television.

"Mom." Olivia walked inside and closed the door.

Mildred looked embarrassed.

"Let me call you back, Shirley," Mildred said. "Olivia, you aren't leaving are you?"

"Mommy, you're caught. I know what tonight was all about. You are still meddling in my life. Is Nate living here with you?" She set down on the bed next to Mildred.

"How did you know?"

"It doesn't matter. He shouldn't be staying here, and I want him out, okay?"

"Olivia! Nate is like family. He rescued you from that lunatic. You should be more thankful. He still wants you even though you have twins with Grant. You two can still have a life together. Aren't you and Grant separated?" Olivia threw her hands up in frustration. She grabbed her mother's shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

"Mommy, listen to me. Fitz and I are going through a little something right now, but we are still a couple. I love him. I don't love Nate. I don't want to be with Nate," Olivia said and then lowered her voice. "Nate is starting to give me the creeps. He isn't acting normally. You should tell him to leave. If you don't put him out, I will. I am coming to check on you tomorrow. He better be gone by then."

"Okay, Olivia. You're a grown woman so far be it from me to tell you what to do."

"Oh, and mom, you are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner, right?"

"Yes, baby. I'll be there." Olivia kissed her on the cheek.

When Olivia left her bedroom, Nate was at the end of the hallway.

Olivia tried to look natural, but she had a feeling he might have heard some of their conversation. He followed her down the stairs and to the door. Olivia placed her hand in her purse and put it on the panic button on her phone. One push of the button and Tom would be alerted.

She couldn't stop herself from asking and could no longer pretend.

"Are you staying here, Nate…with my mother? Because, if you are, you need to move out. It is not appropriate. Honestly, I know that you two are trying to…get us together…Nate, I love Fitz. Considering everything, I don't think we…you and I…can be friends anymore. I want you to leave now and stop contacting my mother or me. I am grateful for what you did. How you saved me, but you have to stop. Please…if you have any regard or respect for me. Just stop."

Nate stared at Olivia for a long time. He ran upstairs and after 15 minutes, returned with a duffel bag.

He stood in front of Olivia and palmed her cheek. She turned away from him and stepped back. "Carrie, I don't blame you for this. You don't know what you are doing. Things will be different soon. I'll always be here for you."

He turned and left.

Olivia felt an overwhelming sense of dread because this was the first time since coming back from the kidnapping that she felt real fear.

Mellie skulked about the dank corridors of the warehouse waiting for Ivan and Nate to appear. She wasn't sure of their rendezvous time. About 45 minutes had already passed, since she arrived by foot. Dressed in an all black body suit, she felt the part of a spy, but without the skill on one.

She heard tires crunching on gravel. Mellie hoped they were meeting in the large room where Olivia had caught her and Ivan having sex. She cringed at the memory. She had felt closer to Fitz in some twisted way when she was with Ivan, but she had gotten over that as soon as his cruelty became evident.

Doors slammed. Footsteps pattered on the cement, and then there were voices.

"To what do I owe this summoning, Nathanial? You won, my friend! Turns out you wanted Ms. Pope more than me. It was worth it to see my brother hurt if even for a short time. Don't get me wrong I still hate my brother, but I value my freedom and life. Sooner or later, our beloved father would have me killed if I kept too close to the family. I'm off to Bavaria. When things blow over, I'll make amends and…"

Nate slammed the wall. "Shut up, Ivan! I don't care about you and what you plan or don't plan to do. I need you to kidnap Olivia again, but this time kill your brother," Nate said.

Ivan doubled over with laughter. "Nate, Nate, Nate, you are a comical man. How am I supposed to kill Fitzgerald and kidnap Ms. Pope when he has it secured like Fort Knox? I slipped through once, but it won't happen again. What has happened to you? You are stepping into the dark side my friend. Why do you want him killed? I suspect I know why you might want Ms. Pope. She is fetching."

"I think you hate your father more than you hate Grant. Think of how this will devastate him. His beloved, son dead. Come on, Ivan. This is your way to bring The Organization to its knees. Grant is at the cottage with security, yes, but he is vulnerable, emotionally. They are separated, and all he does is sulk every night. You need to acquire some explosives and then turn one of the guards. That should be easy enough."

A grin spread over his lips as Nate laid out the plan. Ivan thought how nice it would be to go out in a blaze of glory before he left for Bavaria. His father would regret all those years of neglect.

Mellie covered her mouth in horror.

The day of the explosion

For days, Mellie had trailed Nate. She needed to know when they had planned for the explosion. Once she had the information, she planned to tell someone. It had taken her a while to decide who that person would be. She stood outside of Olivia's office resolved to tell one of her employees. Mellie still wasn't sure of the date of the explosion, but she felt like today was as good as any to let someone know.

"May I help you, ma'am…no wait…you are Mrs. Grant! Harrison! Huck! Come here!" Abby pulled a small revolver from her holster and pointed it at Mellie.

"Raise your hands!" Abby screamed.

"Abby, what are you doing? Put the damn gun away!" Harrison rushed over to Mellie.

"Are you alright ma'am? Please excuse Abby." Harrison took Mellie by the arm and led her to the conference room.

"She was behind Liv's kidnapping! Who knows why she is here!" Abby kept her hand on her revolver, though it was back in its holster.

Huck's focus was laser sharp on Mellie.

"I'm ashamed of what I did, and I am not here to cause any harm. I want to prevent it." Mellie looked contrite as she addressed everyone.

"What do you mean, ma'am?" Huck asked.

"Don't call her ma'am! She is lower than scum as far as I am concerned," Abby screamed as she circled the table and pounded on it, "Spill it!"

"Harrison, your brother Nate is working with Ivan to kill Fitz and kidnap Olivia again. I don't know what day, but it is soon, definitely before Christmas. Today is the 21st of December so it is soon." Mellie said.

"Damn it! That's it. I've been tracking the sale of those C-4 explosives on Nate's credit card, which he told you he lost, Harrison. We have to get Liv here. The explosion may be in a day or so. Isn't Fitz out of the country?" Huck ran to his laptop.

"I can't believe Nate would do this?" Harrison tried to absorb it all.

Abby phoned Olivia.

Mellie watched them run around frantically. The only thing she could think to do was call Fitz and warn him personally.

Fitz was very happy. Olivia had just left the cottage after their reconciliation. He walked to the bedroom to finish packing his belongings when his phone rang.

"Hello." His caught sight of the white trash bag in his peripheral vision. It was starting to smell.

"Fitz! Please don't hang up. It's Mellie..."

"Hello. Hello. I can't hear you. Hold on…" Fitz grabbed the white trash bag and walked out of the back door.

"Fitz! Fitz! It's me, Mellie. Are you at the cottage? Leave now! You are in danger! I'm not sure if you are now, but it could…" Mellie screamed into the phone.

In an instant, Fitz felt an intense heat at his back. He was flung through the air. When he came to, he was on top of the full trash bag he had been carrying. His mind tried to register what had happened as he sat up and tried to stand up.

He heard screaming and a lot of movement in the woods. He rose to his feet, ignoring the pain in his arms and legs, and hobbled forward. His mind registered that the cottage was in flames. Agents were running to him.

"Sir! Are you alright? You must come with us. You are bleeding." Fitz ran past the man, his legs now gaining speed.

He saw the black SUV he had put Olivia in earlier. He heard muffled screaming. The back door opened, and she hopped out. "Fitz! Fitz!"

Before he could run to her, he turned his head, and saw Ivan running straight for Olivia. He aimed what looked like a gun at her. A dart released zipped through the air and pierced Olivia's back. She collapsed. Multiple security guards descended upon Ivan. Fitz ran to Olivia.

"Livy, Livy, can you hear me?"

Her eyes opened briefly. "Fitz, we have t-to st-stop meeting like…like this. If I survive, I am pl-planning the biggest wedding ev-ever."

"Sir, let's get her to the hospital. I think this is a tranquilizer dart." Tom said. He stood over them. Fitz picked her up and carried her to the SUV. He looked back and saw Ivan, hands cuffed behind his back, and blood running down his face from he pummeling he had received.

"I'm sorry brother! I didn't even want to do this. I am the least of your worries. Nate is the one you want. Find him! End him!" Ivan screamed at Fitz.

Fitz held Olivia close as they drove to the hospital. His phone rang.

"Hello."

"Fitz, it's Mildred. Is everything okay?"

Fitz looked at the phone confused before putting it back to his ear. Mildred rarely called him. "I am okay, but we are headed to the hospital with Liv. She's been injured, but she will be okay. Everyone else is fine."

"F-Fitz…" Mildred was crying.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" Fitz asked.

"Nate...It's Nate. Olivia told me to put him out. He's been staying with me. He left last night, but he kept calling…and…he came by today…he was agitated and acting crazy…I shot him, Fitz. I don't think he is dead…but could you send someone? I am afraid to call the police after all the things he told me. Please help me."

"Mildred, I'll send help."