Chapter 11
Perennial
Olivia was on her second wardrobe change. This time Arthur had hugged her with paint laden hands. His red and blue handprints had been imprinted on the back of her crème colored blouse.
She pulled a khaki cargo dress over her head, hoping this would be her last change of the day. As she fastened the leather belt around her waist, she heard the sound of a video call coming in. "Husband calling," flashed across the screen. They had each programmed their titles, "wife" and "husband" into each other's contact lists.
When she accepted the call, Fitz's face appeared on the screen.
"Hi, handsome."
"Hello, beautiful."
They shared silly grins.
"How are things in DC?" Olivia said.
"Good. They would be 300% better if you and the kids were here with me. How are things in Atlanta?"
"We are okay, but they would be 400% better if you were here with us. Your children miss you."
"What about you, Mrs. Grant? Do you miss me?"
"I don't know. You'll have to find out when you get home." Olivia sat down at the vanity in front of the monitor.
"You can show me now. Unbutton…"
"I'm sorry, babe, but this is my second wardrobe change. My last nanny candidate will be here very soon. You'll have to call me back tonight for that." She pulled her hair back in a ponytail."
"Livy, just a peek, come on," He pouted.
"When have you ever wanted just a peek? No."
"Okay. Friday it is then. Why are you changing clothes so often? Any promising candidates?"
"I have three babies under two years old…clothing stains come with the territory," Olivia said. She thought about Karen crying on her shoulder too. "The Agency sent over some top-notch applicants, but none have passed the Mildred Pope test. She has shot each of them down for the craziest reasons. Truth be told, I didn't like any of them either but for different reasons. I couldn't imagine having any of them living with us. We didn't click. There was no spark. I wish you could be here to observe Mom in action. She rejected one lady because of a stream of spittle on her lips. One candidate wore too much pink. Another one couldn't remember Mildred's name. And get this, she said that one smelled like…Are you ready?…sex!"
They both dissolved into laughter.
"I wish I was all smelly and sweaty from sex with you, Mrs. Grant."
"Me too…On a serious note…I told her about The Organization."
"And…what did she say?"
"She didn't believe me. She thought I was feeding her a long line of bull so I told her to ask you when you returned."
"I'll talk to her. How are the kids? Can I see them?" Fitz said smiling.
"Benjamin is dreamy as always. I think we made the perfect baby. He is like doughnuts, wrapped in rainbows, sprinkled with sunshine. He is sleeping now. Annie and Arthur are with my mom. They are still the perfect twin terrors. She is trying to get them to take a nap before our candidate arrives so you can't see them right now. I'm sorry. They'll never go to sleep after talking to you. Gerry has been trying to get me to let him spend the night at Joe's house, but I've stood my ground and said, "No." I'm not his favorite person. I think he thought I would give in since you were away. Karen is…we'll talk about it when you get back. Now you tell me about DC. We saw you on the news. The twins ran up and hugged the TV. It was the cutest thing."
"Everyone was very welcoming at the White House. They all seemed genuinely happy to see me, even President Langston's people. She isn't running for reelection?"
Olivia didn't respond.
"Samuel Reston met with me. You know he is a political strategist now."
Olivia got up and walked away from the screen. She grabbed a sweater and slid on a pair of mules.
"Livy, where are you?'
"I'm here. Keep talking."
"Well, Sam and his team have been doing some polling with my name as the 2016 candidate. It looks very good. They want me to consider thinking about another run for President. Crazy right? Olivia, sit down so I can see you?"
Olivia knew what was coming. She composed herself and sat down.
"It's too bad you can't even consider that, babe, since you will be leading The Organization very soon."
"That's just it, Livy. My dad was at the meeting too. I could do both."
"It's too bad that your wife is unequivocally against you becoming President again."
"We can talk about it when I return and…"
"No, I am not going to talk about it, Fitz! This family cannot handle the stress of a campaign and all the scrutiny that comes with it. The Organization provides a certain level of cover for us. We have been lucky that the press didn't make life a living hell after you resigned. We have a chance at normal. We deserve a normal life. Haven't we been through enough? There are five reasons why we shouldn't do this: Gerry, Karen, Arthur, Annelise, and Benjamin." Olivia said.
"We can still have our normal. Our children, both born and unborn will be protected. This will give me a chance to get back what I lost when I resigned. I really want to help people. There were so many things I wanted to do with…"
Olivia was angry. "Number one. All of our children are born. There will be no more…"
"Livy, we can wait a couple of years before…"
"No! I am done! And second of all, you should have thought long and hard about the consequences of resigning before you did so. I'm serious. You will not run for office. I forbid it! There will be no more pregnancies and no more politics!"
Olivia rose from the vanity and started pacing.
"I'm sorry. Could you stop pacing and have a seat," he said.
She stopped in her tracks at his words. "Please come back to the monitor so I can see your face."
She slowly walked back, wiping her eyes, but knowing he would see her red-rimmed eyes.
"I am such an idiot, Livy. I shouldn't have sprung this on you. Forget I brought it up, okay? I know I haven't been the easiest man to love, and I don't always make it clear that you and the kids are the most important part of my life. How can I make this up to you? I'm sorry." Fitz looked wounded.
"Don't bring it up again. You know how I feel about this."
"Okay. Let me see you smile. Please! I'm going to do the face." Fitz began to prepare to contort his face into what they called fishy face. The twins loved it.
"Okay. Okay. I'm smiling. Please don't do it."
Olivia heard the doorbell ring.
"Sounds like your candidate is here. I'll let you go. I'll call you tonight after my meetings. Tell Karen and Gerry that I'll call them too. Can I have a kiss?"
"Of course." They both leaned and air kissed the screen.
"I love you, Livy."
"I love you, Fitz."
Two hours later Olivia, Mildred, and Quinn sat around the kitchen table sipping tea. The interview portion of their meeting was over. Olivia and Mildred were ready to deliver the news.
"Well, Ms. Perkins, Quinn, I…we want to offer you the job. Would you like to be my live in nanny?"
Olivia extended her hand to shake Quinn's hand. Quinn squealed and rose from the table to give them both a hug.
"Oh, I am so honored to take this job. Working for the Supreme Eminence and his family…this is a dream come true," Quinn said. Her curls bounced around her shoulders. She wore a dark blue button down dress with a thin black belt at her waist. A grey sweater hung on her shoulders and her purse hung banner style around her body. She had on Victorian style ankle boots. She looked like a teacher snatched from central casting. Her face beamed with excitement.
Olivia's eyes flashed to Mildred to see if she was going to respond to the "Supreme Eminence" remark. Mildred had no visible response.
"Well. I am excited that you are excited. Let's talk details now," Olivia said prompting her to sit back down. The job pays $30,000 per year plus room and board. I assume you already have health insurance so that is taken care of. You will have two days off per week. We can develop a schedule for that since I will sometimes want you to work on the weekends. Oh, and you need to sign these non-disclosure agreements that are pretty standard…" The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it, Olivia. You keep going." Mildred left the table.
"I'm sorry, Quinn. I think that's all. We can take a tour."
"Mrs. Grant, rest assured, as a member of The Organization, I would never share anything. When can I start? How about tomorrow?" Quinn asked eagerly.
Mildred returned to the table with a bouquet of 24 long stemmed calla lilies, Olivia's favorite flower.
Mildred placed the big glass vase in front of Olivia with a satisfied smile. "What is my boy apologizing for now?"
Olivia stood and found the card.
Livy,
You are my life. Can't wait to come home.
Love you, Fitz
"Quinn. You have to ignore my Mom sometimes. These are from Mr. Grant. He is out of town."
"Quinn, Let's go on our tour. I can show you your room. I think you should use tomorrow to get settled in. You can start on Friday. That's when Fitz will be home."
"These are beautiful. Mr. Grant has great taste. I have a small pick up truck that I can use to move my things. I don't have much…just clothes, some personal items and books."
"Okay. Sounds good, Quinn. This way." Olivia extended her arm. Before they could go, the front door swung open. It was Gerry and Karen. He was holding both dogs, but when he saw Quinn, he dropped the leashes. Olitz and Patra ran to Quinn, barking and greeting.
"Gerry, what are you doing? Get them!" Karen said. She ran towards them. Gerry snapped out of his trance and pulled them both back.
"Hi! You must be Karen and Gerry. I'm Quinn, your new nanny."
"It's great to meet you, Quinn. When do you start?" Gerry said. He stepped a little too close to Quinn, reminding Olivia of Fitz's penchant for doing so.
"I'll move in tomorrow and begin on Friday," Quinn said. She turned to Karen, extending her hand in greeting.
"Hi, Karen."
"Hey," Karen said. "Liv, these have to be from Dad. They are beautiful. Did you get chance to talk to him?"
"I didn't get a chance when he called earlier. He says he will be calling back tonight."
"Okay," Karen said, pulling the dogs away from Quinn. They had quieted down and were enjoying the way she was scratching under their chins.
"Sorry about that Quinn. The dogs are harmless. Let's begin the tour." Olivia hoped Quinn wasn't offended by Karen's lackluster greeting. She wasn't sure what that was about.
"Liv, would you like me to help with the tour?" Gerry said. He hadn't said much to Olivia since she told him he couldn't stay at his friend's house.
"No, Gerry, but thanks."
An hour later, Quinn stood over Benjamin's baby bed. She watched him sleep, and reached out to rub his back.
"Isn't he the perfect baby? He is the perfect mixture of Olivia and Fitz. He has everyone charmed. He has a calming affect on everyone, which comes in handy around here." Mildred said.
"Now Annie and Arthur are another story. I love my twins, but you have to watch them even at one. They have their own special way of communicating. They seem to be one step ahead. I thought Arthur's red hair would darken, but it is just as red as ever. Come and have a seat, Quinn. Let's talk."
Quinn took a seat beside Mildred.
"I really like you, Quinn. Olivia does too. Gerry seems to have a crush on you. Karen…she will come around. Her life has been full of so many changes. Her problem begins and ends with her mother. This will be a hard job because of all the challenges that face this family. Once they overcome one problem another one arises. I need you to be their advocate. I need your total dedication to making this family work. I can't do it alone especially living across town. Are you in?"
"Of course, Ms. Pope. I am committed."
"The first thing I need you to do…it is going to sound strange…but please make sure that my daughter takes her birth control pills every morning. She is not good about that sort of thing because she is too busy taking care of everyone else. Every morning. The second thing is to make sure she starts back seeing her psychiatrist, Dr. Edison Davis. She's been through two traumatic experiences, and I am certain she has some issues to resolve. The third thing is to make space for her to get back involved with her business. She really needs that, but motherhood takes precedence. I hope I haven't scared you away."
"No. Ms. Pope, I understand. Of course, will write these down and…"
"Don't write these down! This is just between you and me. You'll have to find a way to be subtle about these things. Olivia won't like it if she thinks you are handling her in this way. Now I want to give you a few pointers about my Fitz and Olivia. They are really affectionate so I hope you are comfortable with PDAs. And if they ever go missing, please knock before you enter any closed door. That is all I'll say about that," Mildred said.
Quinn considered her words and then they shared a laugh.
Fitz sat across from Samuel Reston and his father at the hotel restaurant.
"This will be amazing if we pull this off, Sam. We've never had a person hold the Presidency and the Supreme Eminence position at the same time. Think about how many things we could do…the lives we could change. We could use the resources we have to tackle real problems out there, without having to get congressional approval from those that are against us," Sam Reston, said, sitting back with a satisfied smile.
"Sam, I knew this was a great idea when you approached me about it. We need to get Fitz's staged family on board, which won't be a problem. Everything is ready. Fitz, when are you going to talk to Olivia about this?" Michael asked.
"I don't know. She's been preoccupied with the baby and the twins," Fitz said.
"Fitz, we can't do this without Olivia so you need to get her on board. I love all the babies too. Reminds of when your mom and I were young with the six of you. Americans love babies." Michael and Sam toasted.
Fitz saw their contented smiles. He shared their contentment, but for different reasons. He was married to the woman he loved, and they were living their dream, together. They had overcome tremendous challenges to be together. His happiness was mixed with anxiety.
How did I get to this place again where everyone else is making plans for my life?
"Have you seen Olivia?" Quinn asked. The question seemed to fall on deaf ears. It was Saturday morning. Karen was stretched out on the floor with Arthur and Annie who were engrossed in coloring. Benjamin napped in his nursery, but Quinn knew the clock was ticking for him to wake up. Gerry was stretched out on the sofa on his cell phone. Quinn could remember a time when Gerry would hang on her every word and follow her around like a puppy dog. After Quinn had worked for the Grants for two weeks, Gerry's affections waned when he set his sights on a new girl at school. Of course his attention had shifted from girl to girl more times than Quinn could count in the 3 months that had passed since she first began there.
"Karen, Gerry…Have you seen Olivia?" Quinn repeated more forcefully this time.
"I don't know where she is," Karen said.
"I don't know either, ask Dad," Gerry said as if he were talking to his phone.
There were of no help to Quinn. Fitz had already left for a meeting. Quinn held a package that had been couriered over from OPA. She knew that Olivia was expecting it so she wanted to make sure she got it before Olivia and Karen left for their outing. Quinn decided to look outside. Olivia may be with the dogs. On the way, she passed the laundry room where she heard sounds. She pushed the door open and instantly regretted it. Mildred had told her to always knock on closed doors. She found Olivia and Fitz bent over the dryer. Fitz was behind her. The dryer shook with each of his thrusts into her. Quinn spun around and left the room as quietly as she could.
Quinn returned to the kitchen, her face red from blushing. She had learned her lesson.
Twenty minutes later Olivia and Fitz appeared around the corner holding hands and grinning like Cheshire cats. "Mr. Grant, I thought you were gone," Quinn said. She wouldn't look at him, but kept her eyes on Benjamin who was gurgling and cooing.
"Quinn, it's been three months. Call me, Fitz. I insist. You don't call Liv, "Mrs. Grant," How about it?" Fitz reached for Benjamin.
"It just doesn't feel right, Mr. Grant. I am doing well not to call you Mr. President or Supreme Eminence."
"Okay, maybe you will want to be less formal after another 3 months. I was gone, but I forgot some important papers." Fitz and Olivia shared what they thought was a secret smile.
He played with Benjamin for a while and then began giving him what he called "the morning man talk," which basically consisted of instructions on how to take care of the "women folk" and keep Gerry and the twins in line. At only 5 months, Benjamin stared at Fitz intently. Some mornings the twins would run over and demand to have a talk too.
Quinn observed everyone in the room. She felt a tremendous since of accomplishment at the part she played in the Grant Family. Everyone seemed to be doing fine. Quinn didn't understand why Mildred warned her about the challenges of this family.
"Liv, thank you," Karen said giving her a hug as they traveled down the highway to Fairfield. It was a two-hour drive to the facility where Mellie was housed.
"What was that for, Karebear?" Olivia put away her phone. She had been texting back and forth with Abby, Huck, and Harrison about the package she'd received from OPA this morning.
"For taking me to see, Mom. I know it takes up your whole Saturday…two hours there…two hours back for a one hour visit. I hate that Dad doesn't want me to see her. I mean I understand why, but I really think she is sorry for what she did. She is always telling me to tell you, Gerry, and Dad that. I wish Gerry would come. It's funny how she likes him the best, but he hates her."
Olivia squeezed Karen's hand. Every other Saturday, she traveled the long journey with Karen to visit Mellie at Fairfield, The Organization's, maximum-security prison. Tom and another agent would accompany them. Olivia had convinced the warden that Fitz sanctioned the visits. This was their 5th trip. Karen didn't know the stress and strain these visits put on Olivia. It was the proximity to the three people who had done her so much harm, Mellie, Ivan, and Nate. They each were housed at Fairfield. Olivia never saw them. She waited for Karen in a sitting room while she had her visit. After the first trip, Olivia had suffered a panic attack. Thankfully Quinn had been around to help her out of it. Each visit got a little better and helped her to conquer her fear.
Unfortunately, nothing could remove the guilt Olivia felt. Fitz knew nothing of their visits. When he'd returned from his DC trip three months ago, Olivia had approached him about Karen visiting Mellie. He'd become angry and vehemently protested it in a way that Olivia had never seen. She had appealed to his mother, Anne, for help, but he would not budge. Karen was devastated, becoming depressed and very unproductive. That is when Olivia had promised to take her. After that first visit, they continued. Olivia was not proud of her deception, but she felt that it was necessary for Karen's well being. Olivia agonized over how to tell Fitz. She wanted to end this deception before it grew too unwieldy.
"Do you talk about us to Mellie? Does she ask about us?" Olivia said.
"Sometimes she asks, but her questions are harmless. I don't say much about it. We mostly talk about me," Karen said.
"You must not tell her that your dad does not know about the visits or that I come with you." Olivia said.
Karen looked away from Olivia. "What if I already told her," she said softly.
Olivia inhaled to contain her frustration. She realized she couldn't be mad at Karen since she was the adult and the one responsible for the deception.
"It's alright, honey. Just try not to talk to her about our home life. I know it might be difficult, but change the subject, okay." Olivia tucked an errant lock of Karen's hair behind her ear.
"Okay, Liv." Karen put in her earbuds and laid back against the seat.
Olivia turned to look out the window. She sighed and closed her eyes, imagining Fitz's reaction when she finally told him.
Fitz propped his feet on his desk and leaned back in his chair, waiting for his Mom to answer the phone.
"Hello."
"Mom, It's Fitz."
"Darling, you don't have to announce yourself. I would know your voice anywhere. To what do I owe this call," Anne said.
"Nothing. I wanted to hear your voice. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing well. I want to plan a visit to see you all soon. Your dad is traveling as usual. I want to get out too. How are Olivia and my precious grandbabies?"
"Everyone is fantastic, Mom. The house is much calmer now that we have Quinn. She is more than a nanny. Liv really likes her because she isn't turned off by Liv's little quirks around the house. She's just as anal as Liv, to put it truthfully. She even has this system for our daily medicine. We all have our own pill sorter and she personally sees to it that we take them."
"She sounds good Fitz, but darling, why did you really call?"
Fitz held the phone for a minute before answering.
"I've been lying to Liv, Mom."
"About what dear?"
"Dad and Samuel Reston want me to run for President in 2016. Liv is against it, and has been since I told her three months ago. I promised I would not proceed with it, but…Mom…I have. Dad thinks she is on board. I've been lying to Dad and Liv. She and I are so happy, but I think she will never forgive me if she finds out."
"Soren, do you want to be President?" Anne asked.
"I could do so much. Merging both of the positions could give us more leverage. We could do…"
"No. Just answer the question. Do you want to be President? Yes or no."
He held the phone. "No."
"Well, I think you have the answer to your problem. You need to tell your dad. You can even say, no, to leading The Organization. This is your life. You and Olivia should be making these decisions together. Talk to her. She loves you, honey. All the obstacles you had at the beginning are gone. Stop manufacturing obstacles."
Fitz held the phone wondering how he was going to tell his father.
"Have a seat, Fitzgerald. I was surprised when your mom said you were here. What is so important that you couldn't talk to me over the phone or wait until our next meeting in DC?" Michael said. They were in Michael's home office. Fitz had flown to Denver to deliver the news to his father.
Fitz walked to the window and peered in the distance at the mountains overlooking the estate. His mom still called him by his given name, "Soren," but his dad hadn't called him that since he sent him away all those years ago. Fitz had never imagined that Michael would be in his life again as a real father instead of the man who gave him away but still controlled his fate. Fitz lived with the hope that his father wanted to have a real relationship with him and his family. Fitz wanted a normal familial relationship instead of his father as a marionette holding the strings. This news would be the test of that. He knew his father's reaction would reveal the true nature of their relationship.
He turned to face Michael. "I'd rather stand. I am not running for President again," Fitz said.
His father didn't immediately respond, but he stared at him with a blank expression. Michael broke the gaze first and started shuffling through papers on his desk.
"Did you hear what I said?" Fitz walked to the desk and stood facing him.
Michael stopped shuffling the papers and sat down. "Of course I heard you, but I know that this isn't coming from you. This is Olivia. You were lying the entire time about Olivia being on board. I should have known. You both used to be such political animals….until," Michael stopped and looked at him dismissively before staring again, "You can't let her control your life, Fitzgerald. I know you love her. You have her. She's your wife so now it's time to focus on your future. You gave up the Presidency once for her and now you are doing it again. Resentment will build up soon, Fitzgerald, if you continue giving up your dreams."
Fitz had his answer. Michael was still playing the role of puppet master, but he was trying to blame Olivia for doing what he had always done: control him.
"Are you delusional or have you just lied to yourself so much that it seems like the truth? Olivia has never tried to control me…"
"Need I remind you of Defiance," Michael interrupted.
"How do you know about Defiance?"
"Answer one question? Was Olivia for or against your running again?" Michael locked eyes with his son trying to read him.
"Against it. I know where you are going with this. Yes, I consider my wife before making decisions, which is more than what I can say about you and how you have discounted Mom over the years."
Michael rose from his chair and went to the bar. He poured a drink and motioned to Fitz, offering one to him. He declined with a simple headshake.
"I have always considered your mom in everything I do. Don't mistake her loyalty for weakness, Fitzgerald. Olivia should be focused on raising the twins, Benjamin, and any other children to come. You should be the one making the decisions about your family's future. Not her." Michael walked to the window and looked out.
"I see we will never agree on this. I wanted to give you the courtesy of telling you in person. I do plan to continue as SE of the Organization. You'll let Reston know? I'm sure he would be happy to run for the nomination again."
Fitz began making his way to the door.
"Fitzgerald, you can't do this! You can't turn back now. People in high places are counting on you to lead." Michael roared. He was no longer composed.
Fitz stopped at the door but did not turn around. "I thought you were the highest person in the highest place. Just tell them I can't do it."
"If you can't run for President then you can't be the SE. This will be a disgrace to this family but most importantly to our central leadership. It will upset the people of the Organization. When they get upset, they start acting irrationally. Everything will be off balance. Please reconsider." Michael pleaded.
"No. My mind is made up. This is it. Goodbye Michael."
Michael regained his composure. "Your decision will have consequences. Dire ones. You will be excommunicated. They will all be released from Fairfield…Mellie, Ivan, Nathaniel. All your security except that granted to you, as a former President, will go away. Think about Olivia, your children. Do you really want to be isolated like that?"
Michael waited for a response. Fitz stood facing the door for a time. He finally turned around.
"I don't care! Your threats don't scare me. If you stay away from my family and me for good that will be the best gift you can give me!"
Fitz left the room and walked down the long corridor towards the front entrance. His mother rose from her seat in the foyer. She instantly knew something was wrong.
"Soren? What happened?" Anne rushed to him.
He hugged her tightly, his body shaking with sobs. She just held on, trying to absorb his pain and grief. Even though she didn't know the specifics, she knew Michael. In his desire to get what he wanted he probably rejected his son once again.
After a long while, Fitz pulled back. His eyes were red and pain filled, though they no longer flowed with tears.
"Mom, I love you, but this is goodbye. Please don't contact my family or me. I know you will always be loyal to dad and I don't want to put you in an awkward position."
He hugged her one last time and left.
Anne wasn't sad or distraught. She was angry and she felt resolved about what she planned to do.
"Okay this is my best advice, even though I am not the best person to consult about relationships. My dating life before Fitz and I married plays like a nighttime drama," Olivia said as she and Quinn sat outside of the cottage watching the twins play on the jungle gym and other equipment.
The cottage had been rebuilt since the explosion with the kids in mind. The backyard held a large wooden playground set complete with swings, slide, and a maze of other toys to keep the twins occupied. Benjamin sat in Quinn's lap watching the twins play. They were enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.
"If you like him, go for it, Quinn. Ask him out, or say yes, if he asks you! You and Tom would look so good together. Don't tell Fitz, but I've always thought Tom was cute."
"I am not sure if he is available. He and his partner seem close…like more than partners. They laugh and tease each other a lot," Quinn explained.
"Agent McGillis? Nope, there is nothing going on between them. They are just really good friends. They've been working for us for the last two years. It is inevitable for them to get close. Think about it Quinn, they spend so much time together guarding the family. It has to get boring sometimes, and they can't help but talk and get to know each other. So go for it. Do you want me to feel him out for you first?"
Quinn looked skeptical. "What do you mean?"
"I'll drop a few well placed questions…." Olivia stopped immediately and ran to the twins at the play set. "Annie, that was not very nice. Apologize now!"
Annie had pushed Arthur from the swing so she could take it from him. The swings were made into different insects. Annie favored the ladybug swing and had banned Arthur from using it. Of course that was the only one Arthur wanted so Annie guarded it whenever they played. When she tired of standing guard, Arthur would get on it. They fought about this regularly.
Olivia picked up Arthur and consoled him as he cried loudly. Annie kept swinging with a look of triumph on her face. She kept repeating, "Mine shwing! Mine shwing! Mine swhing!"
Olivia tried to maintain her composure, speaking in her most calm voice.
"Okay Annelise that is it. Since you won't apologize, there will be no more ladybug swing for you."
Arthur looked down at his sister from Olivia's arms, his eyes were dry and clear. Annelise stopped swinging and looked up at Arthur. "Shorry," she said quietly. She lifted herself out of the swing and ran to Quinn and Ben who where looking on. "Play with Bennie! Play with Bennie!" When Arthur saw her he complained to get down and ran after Annie.
Olivia shook her head and rolled her eyes. She heard Tom chuckle from his post close by. She walked over to Tom.
"Those two are going to give me grey hair. My labor was late because they were probably arguing over who was going to come out first." Olivia watched Tom smile at her comment. He had been there that day when she finally went into labor. He never took his eyes from scanning the perimeter. Olivia always felt the safest when he was on duty.
"So, Tom, how are things?"
"Everything is operational. There are no threats to report. Mr. Grant is due to arrive home from Denver this evening," Tom said.
Olivia frowned because she hadn't received a text from Fitz. He usually notified her with an update of his flight information. She hadn't received anything. She pushed aside a feeling that something wasn't quite right. She focused on Tom and her questions.
"No, Tom, not that. How are things with you? Personally? Are you going on vacation during your time off?" Olivia said.
"I haven't really thought about it. I may take a class at the Academy at Quantico. I may just let my time rollover too. That is an option," Tom continued scanning.
"Tom, no! You should take some nice lady out. Are you dating? Do you have a girlfriend?" Olivia asked. The questions came out faster than Olivia had planned, but she plowed on now that they hung in the air. Thankfully, Tom didn't seem embarrassed by them. "I'm always telling Quinn that she needs to get out too." Olivia skillfully laid the bait, hoping he would take it.
Tom continued to scan the area, but this time his eyes lingered on Quinn and the kids. "I am not seeing anyone. Does Ms. Perkins take your advice, Mrs. Grant?"
"She hasn't yet, but I think she is waiting to be asked out by a nice guy if you get my drift."
A little smirk appeared on his face, barely perceptible, but Olivia saw it. It disappeared as quickly as it appeared. "I think Ms. Perkins and I are a lot alike. We are both dedicated to our jobs. I am not sure that taking your advice would align with that."
"Tom, you and Quinn are like family to Fitz and me. So much of the life we share runs smoothly because of you, but job be damned if it stands in the way of your happiness. My family is not worth your happiness so take my advice and it will all work out. It seems like an eternity ago, but remember when Fitz and I…us being together was an impossibility? Had anyone told me three years ago that we would be married, and I would have not one, but three kids…five counting Karen and Gerry, I would have dismissed them. Tom, you helped to make us happen. I appreciate everything thing you did to help us. Thanks for being in our corner. Now I am in yours so take my advice. If you like Quinn, ask her out." Olivia squeezed Tom's arm and walked away.
"Yeah," Fitz said into the phone. He was in a hell of a mood after leaving his parent's house. He thought he could get over it, but his father's words just made him angrier.
"Mr. Grant, did I catch you at a bad time?" Demarchelier said.
"Stop calling me, Mr. Grant! You are my uncle for god's sake and probably the only blood relative I have left that I can trust," Fitz said.
"Fitz, what happened with Michael? You mother called me. She said you are refusing to take her calls. She is worried about you."
"Michael plans to excommunicate me because I won't be his puppet. I don't think I have ever hated anyone as much as I hate him right now."
"Why would he want to take such drastic measures against you?"
"I won't run for President so he plans to get me back by cutting me off and releasing Mellie, Ivan, and Nathaniel. I won't have access to the added security either. If I wasn't sure how he felt about me, he made it crystal clear today. I am done seeking his approval. I want to…end him!"
"I'll talk to him for you…what do you mean end him…like Cyrus Beene?" Demarchelier asked.
"Yes. I know it won't be that simple, but Michael has as many enemies or more enemies than friends. I'm sure we can find allies." Fitz's mind raced as he began to plan.
"Mr. Gra..Fitz, don't think about this right now. You are hurt and upset. It wouldn't be a good idea. You must have a level head about this. Your father is a very powerful man. You shouldn't pursue this without thinking about the consequences for your family." Demarchelier held the phone over so that Anne could hear the conversation better. Anne had gone to her brother's house seeking help after Fitz had left.
"I have thought about it. Maybe not this specifically, but my father has been a toxic force in my life. He has manipulated, schemed, and interfered in my life from the start. Even after he excommunicates me, I am convinced he won't leave me alone. He must be stopped. I have to think about my family. I need your help. Will you help me?" Fitz said with a tortured voice and expression.
Demarchelier looked at Anne who mouthed, "yes" and shook her head at the same time.
"Yes, Fitz. I will help you."
"I'll be in touch," Fitz said before disconnecting the line.
Demarchelier hung up his phone and looked at Anne.
"Soren is coming apart at the seams Anne. I don't think this is a good idea."
"This is my fault. I should have stopped Michael years ago. He has done so much damage to my son…to all our kids, but especially Soren and Ivan. I will do everything in my power to help him…assassinate my husband," Anne said, resolved and ready to move forward.
Olivia peaked out the window watching Tom and Quinn walk down the driveway in the evening twilight. She was giddy with excitement at the possibility of Tom asking Quinn out on a date. When he had rung the doorbell like a guest and asked to see her, Olivia's heart skipped a beat as if she were the one about to be asked out. She quickly dialed her mother needing to share the news with someone. She soon hung up after her mother gave her a dissertation on the reasons why Quinn and Tom shouldn't begin dating. She couldn't talk to the twins or Benjamin since they were all asleep.
The chime of her cell phone made her jump. It was Fitz.
"Hi, sweetie. I am so glad you called. Guess what is going down as we speak." Olivia said excitedly.
Olivia's voice and her excitement calmed Fitz some.
"What?" Fitz asked with a smile in his voice.
"Tom is about to ask Quinn out on a date…I think…I hope…I am not exactly sure, but I encouraged him to. I know they really like each other."
"So you've been playing cupid while I was gone. Does that mean you will be in the mood for some loving when I get home in about…45 minutes…depending on how fast Agent McGillis can drive from the airport."
"I guess you'll have to see when you get here. I'll give you a clue. If I say…umm… 'national anthem' then I am in the mood," Olivia said, laughing at his protests.
"What kind of clue is that? How about this? If you say a word with the letter, 'a,' in it, I will know that you are in the mood," They both laughed at his suggestion. For a minute, Fitz forgot about his father and what he was planning to do about him.
"Honey, give the kids a hug and kiss for me. I'll see you very soon and make sure Quinn and Tom get back to work soon. I love you."
"I love you too. Oh and I recorded that football game you requested, but I didn't get the national anthem," Olivia said before hanging up with a wide, self-satisfied smile on her lips.
Olivia returned to the window to see what was going on with Quinn and Tom. They were still facing each other, but a little closer now. Olivia's mouth dropped open when she saw Tom grasp one of the bouncy curls that lay on Quinn's shoulder. He appeared to rub it between his fingers. He removed his hand and let the curl fall back to his place. Quinn smiled. Olivia's phone rang again.
"Hello?" Olivia said craning her neck and straining her eyes to see as the sun continued to set.
Olivia repeated herself when no one responded. "Hello?" She new someone was there because she heard breathing.
"It would be ashamed for a mother to attend the funeral of her children. Don't you think?" the voice breathed eerily into Olivia's ear.
She turned away from the window. "Who is this?"
"The better question is how can you prevent your children from an untimely, but certain, death. Grant for President. Get on board," the voice breathed before the phone disconnected.
Olivia screamed when the door opened. Quinn's gleeful expression turned to concern when she heard Olivia and saw her face.
"What's wrong, Olivia?"
"I have to check on the twins and Benjamin!" Olivia's heart pounded as she ran to their rooms with Quinn following close behind.
Fitz could not sleep. Each time he put his head to the pillow, he just lay there, completely awake. His thoughts were on a continuous loop, replaying the conversation he had with Michael and the look of horror on Olivia's face when he arrived home. This was just too much for her, this threat against the kids. She was starting to overcome her anxiety surrounding the kidnapping and subsequent knife attack by Mellie on their wedding day. She was so strong, but she could only take so much.
Quinn had been a lifesaver. Olivia had refused the leave the kids so that she and Fitz could talk about what she'd heard on the phone. She'd just sat in the rocking chair holding all three of her babies. She summoned Karen and Gerry home from their sleepovers, but refused to tell them why. Quinn had gotten Tom to help her convince Olivia that they both would look after the babies, and that they would send extra security to protect Karen and Gerry. They would be safe.
When she calmed, she was able to tell Fitz about the voice and what it had said on the call. He called Demarchelier and put him on speaker so he could take notes. They had a painful conversation about each of their deceptions, his pursuit of another term and her taking Karen to visit Mellie at Fairfield. Surprisingly, neither expressed anger at the other. He didn't tell her about the meeting with his father or the threats he had made. Fitz wasn't ready to share that information yet. He was still very unsettled about it and his emotions were very raw.
The house was still at 3 am. He rose from the recliner beside the master bed. Olivia, the twins, and Benjamin were all asleep there. Neither of them could bear having the babies out of their sight. Olivia was turned toward Benjamin. Annie and Arthur were behind her, arms outstretched as if they fell asleep making snow angels. Fitz stood over the bed admiring his family. As his eyes swept over them, he heard a little gurgling sound and walked over to Olivia's side. Benjamin was on his back, wide awake just like Fitz.
Fitz knelt down beside him, "Am I keeping you awake, Bennie?" Fitz rubbed Ben's stomach. "Go back to sleep." Bennie's eyes followed him when he walked to the door. He started to kick his legs and thrash his arms. Fitz knew what was coming next.
"Okay, Bennie. I'm coming back. Mom will have a cow if she knows I woke you." Fitz picked him up and they went to Fitz's study. Benjamin's eyes were wide and inquiring when Fitz sat down on the couch. Benjamin grabbed his nose and started talking gibberish.
"So you want to talk I see. Well Bennie, I hope you know how much I love you. By the time I was your age, my father, your granddad…I probably shouldn't even call him that…by the time I was your age, he had already decided to send me away. But you don't have to worry, little buddy. I would never do that to you. I cannot wait to watch you grow up. I can already tell you will be great at whatever you do, son."
Benjamin caught hold of Fitz's finger and pulled it to his mouth. Fitz felt his gums rubbing against the side of his forefinger. "You must be teething. Are you gums itching, Bennie?" He continued jabbering while gumming Fitz's finger. "You might as well brief me on the goings on while I was away. Did everyone behave? Do you know any gossip? Did Tom ask Quinn out on a date? What did she…?"
"Fitz? Do you have Bennie?…Oh here are my two favorite boys. Don't tell Arthur and Gerry okay, Bennie?" Olivia walked to the couch. She took Bennie from Fitz's arms and took a seat on Fitz's lap.
"Babe, can't you sleep?" she asked. He settled back on the couch so that she could get comfortable on his lap.
"No and neither can Bennie. He wanted to brief me on what happened when I was away on my trip."
"Oh really? Did he tell you that Annie pushed Arthur out of her ladybug swing? Did he tell you how much we missed you?" Olivia rubbed her palm in a circular motion on Bennie's back, alternating with little pats to coax him to sleep. She placed him on her shoulder and kissed his cheek.
"He was getting around to it. But now you are working your mommy sleeping magic on him. Look at his eyes drooping, Liv. How do you do that, baby? He was becoming more awake by the minute when he was with me." Fitz watched in fascination as Bennie fell into a baby coma under Olivia's ministrations. She walked to the basinet and laid him down. They practically had a small basinet in almost every room.
She returned to Fitz's lap. "Considering he spent 10 months inside me not too long ago, I am like home to the little bugger. I also rely on my mommy magic."
Fitz slid his hands under her nightshirt and nuzzled her neck. "I'd like to spend sometime inside you…"
Olivia grasped his hands that now cupped her breasts. "Honey, you can spend as much time inside me as you like, but first we need to talk." She slid off his lap and moved to the other arm of the couch facing him.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. "I don't want to talk, Olivia. We've already talked."
"I know something is wrong. I can feel it. Please talk to me. We promised no more secrets, okay?" Olivia pleaded, pulling her robe tightly around her.
"I am fine, except that I haven't made love to my beautiful wife in almost 24 hours," he said moving towards her.
She put up her palm. "And you are going to be waiting another 24 hours if we don't talk. What happened in Denver? What happened with your dad?"
Fitz didn't know if it was the tender way she looked into his eyes or the way she said, "dad," but his stomach twisted in knots and the stinging pain of Michael's absolute rejection from earlier that day overtook him. He doubled over as if his body was in physical pain. "Oh Fitz, what happened?" She kneeled beside him and engulfed him in her arms. He hugged her to him and they held each other for a long time. His body shook with pain.
"When I told him I wasn't running for President again, he threatened to excommunicate me. He said he would remove our security and release Mellie, Ivan, and Nate from Fairfield," Fitz said after pulling back. His eyes were no longer filled with pain. He was resolved. "Livy, I am okay with it now. My father thinks I am a pawn in his power games. He doesn't see me as a real son. I know he is behind whoever called and made those threats. I hate him. Rest assured. He will not hurt you or anyone in this family." Fitz walked over to the bar. He removed a tumbler and filled it two-thirds of the way with scotch. Olivia rushed over and placed her hand over his before he could put the tumbler to his lips.
"No, Fitz. You gave that up remember? Don't let this make you lose your head." Olivia emptied the contents of the tumbler and the decanter into the sink.
"Listen to me, honey. She grabbed his chin and pulled it down so his eyes met hers. "I don't know if I can ever forgive Michael for how he's hurt you so deeply. But, honey, I've met Michael and I don't think he would intentionally do anything to harm you, our children, or me. He is arrogant, power hungry, and very selfish, but I don't think he would hurt us. He has always pushed your buttons and manipulated you to get what he wanted. I don't think he plans on excommunicating you or releasing any of them. He wants to scare you. And think about your mom, she would never let him do anything to hurt you. We can work together to find out who is trying to harm us, okay? Don't shut me out. I may be your wife and the mother of this brood of children we have, but I am still Olivia Caroline Pope…"
"Grant…" He added, sliding her robe off her shoulders and her nightshirt over her head.
"Olivia Caroline Pope Grant, fixer extraordinaire…I solve problems…manufacture solutions…root out evil…" She squealed as he quickly picked her up and deposited her on the bar counter.
"Okay, here's a problem for you," he said as he laid her back on the counter. He bent her knees, spread her thighs, and pulled her forward so that her hips were at the edge of the counter. "Your very horny husband has you laid out on the counter, banquet style. He begins to partake."
He kissed her left thigh
"And partake." He kissed her right thigh, and then outlined with his tongue, all that was exposed before him.
"It's feeling heavenly. You are going out of your mind." Olivia was doing just that. "But then you remember that you forgot to close the door to the study. It's after 3 in the morning and everyone should be sleep. You know that your very amorous husband won't… move… an inch from what he is feasting on."
Do you a. keep enjoying it. b. keep in enjoying it c. keep in enjoying it or d. all of the above.
Olivia mumbled something unintelligible as she writhed and thrashed around on the counter.
"I agree that it is "d" all of the above."
At the same time Olivia and Fitz were the study, Quinn was sneaking out to meet Tom. After all that had happened with the threatening phone call and the conversation she had unfortunately eavesdropped on between Mr. Grant and somebody named Demarchielier, Quinn needed to talk to Tom. She walked briskly through the wooded trail behind the house trying to remember the location of their meeting. She had never been good with directions. She stopped and peered through the trees on her right.
"Ms. Perkins," Tom whispered in her ear.
Quinn screamed involuntarily in surprise. Tom covered her mouth. She fell back against his chest.
"It's me, Tom. Shhhh."
Quinn spun around and faced him. "I know that now. You scared me. I couldn't control my scream. Sorry."
Tom grabbed her hand and pulled her along the trail. "Let's move over here. We don't want the other agents to see us. He led her behind a collection of trees.
"I hate that it is so dark. I am deathly afraid of spiders. I don't hate them. I mean I used to until I read Charlotte's Web when I was eight. Now I just have a healthy respect for them, but I still hate those legs. They creep me out. Why did I wear my hair down? I'm not sure if that crawling feeling on my neck is my hair or the legs of some cunning spider. I know I'm rambling. I'm sorry. I'm just a little nervous because of our meeting and my fear of spiders." Quinn stopped talking when Tom pulled her in his arms. He felt for the hair tie that was perpetually on her wrist and slid it over her hand. He pulled all her hair high up on her head and twisted it up in a bun, or at least the best he could do.
"Thank you."
"You are welcome, Ms. Perkins. So…to what do I owe the honor of meeting you two times in one nigh. Are we starting our date right now, because I don't think this is a good place for a date, if we plan to talk."
The moonlight illuminated Quinn's smile. "Tom, please call me Quinn. I called you out here to postpone our date indefinitely. Let me explain why. I know Olivia and Fitz are going to need me more so than usual in the coming months. With that threatening phone call and…some other things…it wouldn't be fair for us to start anything right now. I need to be focused on helping them get through this. I know you are just as dedicated as I am so this will affect you too, Tom. What I'm saying is…"
"Quinn, you don't have to explain any further. I, more than anyone else, understand your concern. I admire you for it," Tom took both of her hands in his. "It's not like I won't see you every day. Our time will come Quinn." He kissed her on the cheek.
She kissed his cheek too and turned to go back to the house.
He chuckled at her bad sense of direction. "Quinn, the other way," he said. She turned around and walked in the right direction. She threw him a quick wave and disappeared into the trees.
Tom waited a few minutes and followed her back to the house so he could take his post.
When Quinn entered the front door, she heard noises coming from the study. She would have to pass by the door to get to her room. That's what bedrooms are for, people! She rolled her eyes, guessing what was probably going down in the study. She walked out of the front door and around the house to enter through the back door.