A/N - Just taking a short break from DP to update this story. I have been so caught with DP that I have lost steam for my other stories. This is a short chapter designed to keep the muse for this story appeased – enjoy.
The Things People Will Do For An Oval Office
Chapter 12
Is He Ready?
"Dr. Hill, how is my father doing?"
"Much better than I would have expected given his years of confinement and being subjected to psychological manipulation and intimidation. The time he spent in captivity did not involve any physical trauma; mainly because for the most part they kept him well medicated. I believe a combination of cognitive therapy and relation techniques will prove the most effective course of treatment."
"How long before you think he'll be able to deal with the outside world?"
"That is the million dollar question," Dr. Hall says with a sigh. "I am somewhat concerned your father bears no ill will against his brother. In fact, he actually pities your uncle. During several of our therapy sessions he made mention your grandfather favored him after it was discovered Harold was sterile from the chemotherapy. I'm not quite ready to categorize his sympathy as Stockholm syndrome but I do feel there is a measure of captive-captor affinity at play here."
"Doctor, my father strikes as a very religious man based on the few conversations we have had and his reaction to his rescue."
"Your observation is correct. A person's faith changes the dynamic of anger when it comes to unjustified confinement. Faith brings a mental freedom that no duration of imprisonment can successfully derogate. Your uncle for lack of a better term, is amoral from what I gather. To him your father's acceptance and reliance on religion was comical in a sense. Harold controlled your father's existence and it was incomprehensible to your uncle that your father put his trust in the intangible, given his very tangible subjugated life. You being the one to rescue him served to reinforce the validity of his religious convictions because you were in essence an answered prayer."
Both Fitz and Olivia could not suppress their tears. They felt so blessed. God truly was answering prayer. Their true family was being restored and the mental anguish of the lost years was quickly fading being replaced with a joyous resolve.
"I'd like to introduce him to my wife."
"I am sure your father would be delighted to meet Olivia. Spending time with his family is extremely therapeutic. Emphasize to him your recognition of his role as father, father-in-law and future grandparent, if that is in the cards. It is important he reconnect with the part of his life that was stolen; his family."
"There is one thing I caution you about discussing and that is your mother. This is the one subject he has refused to open up to me about. I do not believe he has allowed himself to mourn her loss. Unfortunately for him he needs to confront her loss on several levels. The loss of the not having a life with her, not being able to protect her from Harold, not being there for her at the time of her death and her actual death. Fitzgerald is suppressing his feelings, whether of love, hate or helplessness. He has closed that part of himself off," Dr. Hill admonished.
"Dr. Hill I'm going to need to present my father to the Board of Directors in a few days. He will be bombarded with questions, hounded by the media and interviewed by the police. Can he handle all of that?"
"Honestly, I don't think so. Maybe in a few months, but a few days I fear is simply unrealistic."
"What if we can guarantee to limit his exposure to negative external influences?" Olivia asks.
"What do you mean?
"We can prepare written statements to release to the media. Our attorneys can take a sworn statement from Fitzgerald for submission to the police and prosecutors. A letter from you citing the fragility of his mental state and the need to limit his interaction with social stressors will reinforce our justification for restricting his availability for interviews. We have enough documented evidence to keep the police and prosecutors busy for months. However, presenting Fitzgerald to the Grant Industries Board is key to the dismantling Harold's power base. We have to sever his access to any and all Grant Industries assets. Exposing him as an imposter, a kidnapper and the perpetrator of Fitzgerald's forced confinement will force the Board to act immediately."
"I don't know Olivia, your plan seems viable but if there is even the slightest chance that Fitzgerald will be challenged by the Board or Harold in any way I'll have to vote no. Nevertheless, if you can guarantee there will be no confrontation or antagonistic exchanges, I think I can get him to the point where he can handle a few direct questions."
"Fitz, what do you think?"
"Dad is strong and I think he is anxious to reclaim his identity and his life."
Meeting the Wife
"Son, I am so happy you are here. Is this my daughter-in-law? Is this the lovely Olivia?"
"Yes, dad this is my Livvie." Fitz kisses her on the head.
"Mr. Grant is such a pleasure and an honor to finally meet you." Olivia extends her hand to Fitzgerald.
"Olivia, why so formal? We are family. Come here and give me a hug. It has been a long time since I have had a beautiful woman in my arms. Olivia rushes over to give Fitzgerald a warm heartfelt embrace.
"Now, none of this Mr. Grant business. You can call me Fitzgerald but if you want to make me happy, call me dad, pop or both." He says with tears in his eyes.
"Okay dad," Olivia says with a smile.
"Thank you, that is much better. I must tell you Fitz, you definitely inherited the Grant gene for marrying intelligent beautiful women."
The threesome all chuckle.
"Dad I need to talk to you about something."
"Fitz I have wanted for years to those words come from you. What do you need son?
"Well, remember what I told you about our plan to bring Harold to justice?
"Yes, what do you need from me?
"I know with everything going on you may be feeling more than a little out of sorts; which is perfectly natural and expected. Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of time on our side when it comes to executing certain phases of our plan. We need you to meet with the Board and tell your story. It is the quickest way to eliminating Harold's access to all Grant Industry assets and holdings. We cannot go public because if we do our stock will plummet and we will tip our hand to Harold. We cannot afford for him to have the opportunity to move or hide company funds. I have managed to buy us time by launching a cyber attack against the company, but I will have to move all the assets back in the next day or two. Harold will probably attempt to seize control, lock me, and Board out at that time. I know you are not ready to talk to the police or the media, which is fine. Olivia and her team will be handling those particular items. So, basically what I am asking is if you feel you are ready to meet with the Board and confront Harold."
"Will the Board know I am coming in advance?"
"No, it will be an emergency meeting called to address the cyber attack and to address the company's current tainted image. The Board is already poised to remove Harold because of the pig incident. The story keeps gaining more and more traction thanks OPA. Harold is a liability and the Board will put the needs of the shareholders ahead of any loyalty it feels for Harold."
"Fitz I know the doctor thinks I should be handled with kid gloves but I am far from the tragic soul he thinks I am. I made peace with my lot in life long ago. My faith kept me strong and gave me resolve. I can do what you need me to do. I can be who you need me to be. I will not break down or lose control. Everything is happening as promised.
"As promised?"
"Yes, my prayers are being answered. You are with me son. You and Olivia. I have my family back and I am not giving it up for anything. I am alive. I am free. Justice will be served."
"Dad, I don't know what to say. I am so happy. Liv and I both are. The minute I learned Harold was not my father it was as if a heavy black cloud was lifted from my soul. The day we rescued you was the best day of my life other than the day Olivia and I got back together."
"Son, you were in the military right?"
"Yes."
"Do they still use the acronyms STRAC and SYOTOS?"
Fitz nods and smiles. "Alright, dad we will move forward."
"How about you two letting this old man take a nap and you come back later so we can have dinner together."
"Sure dad whatever you want. They share a group hug and Olivia and Fitz leave to set the next phase of the plan in motion.
"Oh, and Fitz."
"Yes dad."
I expect you to apply those acronyms to giving me some grandchildren too." Fitz smiles and hugs his father again. This time for a little longer.
Olivia and Fitz head back to the other safe house. "Babe what do those terms mean your dad mentioned?" Olivia inquires.
"SYOTOS means see you on the other side. It describes the type of solider that leads and never quits. STRAC is similar in that it means the solider is strong, tough and ready around the clock. He was letting us know he is more than prepared."
"Oh, I see, Olivia smirks."
"What? What do you see? I saw that look.
"What look? It is just good to know your baby maker will never quit and that it is strong, tough and ready around the clock."
"Sweetheart you know it!" He pinches her fanny and gives her a deep tonsil-tagging kiss.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yesterday
Mellie awakens to a penlight flashing in her eye. It takes her a few seconds to regain her bearings. The shock of being exposed to the world as a nymphomaniac is sending her into a mild catatonic state.
"Ma'am how do you feel? Can you sit up? The med-tech grasps her arm and helps her reposition herself on the couch.
"I'm fine, thank you. Where am I?"
"In my office", President Smith answers. "You fainted on the stage during your speech. Are you sure you are unhurt?"
"Yes, I am fine." Rattled but fine. Embarrassed beyond belief, but fine."
"Very well, if you are sure." Smith asks seeking confirmation.
"Yes, for the last time. I am fine," Mellie repeats with irritation.
"Mellie I know you are in shock and trying to cope with your YouTube debacle but we need to discuss another matter. As you are aware the genealogists here at the DAR regularly review the ancestry of our convention speakers for biographical purposes."
"Okay, I recall you mentioning something along those lines. What does that have to do with me?"
President Smith moved in closer to Mellie. "Alright Mellie, I'll cut to the chase. You lied on your application."
"I did not. What makes you think I lied?" Mellie is infuriated.
"You failed to disclose you were adopted, and as you know the most basic requirement for membership in DAR is a clear direct blood lineage."
"I do not see your point. My mother gave me to her sister to adopt and raise. There is no broken lineage!" Mellie insists.
"Unfortunately, the woman you knew as your birth mother was not related to your adopted mother. It appears they were best friends not siblings. I regret I am the bearer of these facts, as it seems you had no idea about the circumstances surrounding your adoption. I am sorry but the DAR has no other choice than to revoke your membership and have you resign from office."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mellie sits motionless at the dining room table in her parent's home mulling over the events of the last twenty-four hours. Her sanctuary for clandestine sexual exploration has been breached and exposed for the hedonistic pleasure of the faceless masses with internet access. How will Fitz ever agree to marry her now? How will her family deal with this shame? Most importantly, what is Big Gerry going to do to her? She drops her head down and rests her forehead on her hand.
"I told you Elise. The apple never falls far from the tree. Her mother was a crackhead whore and she's just like her."
"Richard!"
"What? What did say that was a lie or inaccurate about this situation?" Richard stood facing Elise and tapping his foot.
"All you had to do was keep Fitz and Big Gerry happy and keep your nose out of trouble. Please, help me comprehend the reason for your inability to accomplish these simple tasks. Ten years Mellie. Who stays engaged for ten years?" Richard's words are drenched in sarcasm and his eyes filled with disappointment. "No, you had to go snort coke and spread your legs like some back alley ten dollar strumpet. Now look what your raunchy exploits have yielded. Big Gerry will cut us off for sure. We will be broke in less than three months. We will loss this house, the place in the Hamptons and the condominium on Park Avenue. We are ruined and it is entirely your fault."
"Mellie darling, how can you do this to us? We took you in, made you a part of our family. Why couldn't you pull your weight?" Elise comes to the table and sits across from Mellie. Elise is afraid; for the first time in her life she has no idea where she will be in a month or two. Her family lost their fortune long ago. She married Richard to avoid penury and he married her for her pedigree.
"This is not my fault! I was set-up. I was drugged! Mellie lashes out.
"Yeah, maybe you were drugged but that does not change the fact you are a charter member of a sex club," Richard charges.
Mellie in tears, "Look I did anything and everything you and Big Gerry asked me to do. Don't try to get self-righteous with me now that the deeds I did in the dark at your behest, mind you, are being exposed in the light of day. Back the fuck off. My whoring ways are what has kept this family, and I use the term family in the broadest meaning of the definition, afloat." Both Richard and Elise are taken aback by Mellie's admission, even though deep down they knew what Mellie was saying was true.
"Dad let's not forget it was you who lost everything to Big Gerry, then sold me into indentured servitude to maintain this lifestyle and save your reputation. If anything, this family owes me big time. If I go down we all go down. So, I suggest you start thinking of ways to keep me happy and help me or you'll be sharing a jail cell with me."
"Then it is all true", Elise comments shaking her head.
"All of what is true", Mellie glares.
"A letter was delivered yesterday."
"Show her the letter." Richard hands Mellie the ten-page communiqué. She begins to scan the pages.
"Never mind, I'll save you the trouble. It says Olivia Pope has evidence you conspired with Big Gerry to murder her unborn child. It says you tripped her down a flight of stairs in an attempt to kill her unborn child. It says you and Gerry have been engaged in all sorts of illegal activity. It says she is suing you and Big Gerry for $487 million dollars. If only one or two of the accusations listed here proves true, you and Gerry are going to jail for a very long time."
"Mellie in a panic, yells, "call in favors, markers, I do not care, do whatever you have to do to make this all go away."
"Are you delusional? There are not enough markers in Vegas to turn this mess around. The shit you and Big Gerry have done warrants the plagues of Egypt. I am not implying our hands are clean, but you and Gerry make the mob look like boy scouts." Richard snatches the document out of her hands and tosses it on the table then walks out of the room. Mellie and Elise remain at the table sobbing.
"Mom, do you know if this document was sent to Big Gerry?"
"No, I don't know."
Mellie stares into space, her mind racing. In one day she has lost her reputation, her legacy, her family, and more than likely her freedom. She whispers to herself, "Fitz, Olivia, I am so sorry."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Harold sits in his office plotting his next move when his secretary knocks on the door announcing he has a visitor. "Mr. Grant, Elizabeth Bayer from the RNC is here to see you. She says it is urgent." Harold stands up and moves to the front of his desk.
"Show her in."
"Lizzie Bear, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
"Gerry I am neither in the mood, nor have I the inclination to deal with any of your bullshit. You know exactly why I am here. You and Mellie have become a liability to the party. The two of you are pariahs. The party is unwilling to spend any more political capital on you or your plan for Fitz. It is going to take months if not years to recover from the fallout of your actions. Did you know the Attorney General in California is looking into each of your terms for election rigging? Did you know there is a call to expunge your entire governorship from the official state record? The US Attorney General is going to court in less than 48 hours seeking to subpoena all RNC records related to your senatorial races. Gerry Rome is burning and our political rivals are sitting on the sidelines with marshmallows and Hershey bars making smores. I came to tell you in person the party is actively moving to distance itself from you."
"Who the hell do you people think you are? We had a deal. I have enough dirt on the RNC to destroy the majority of the party."
"In doing so you will only make some very powerful people angry and give credence to the accusations under investigation. Trust me Gerry you do not want to go up against the big boys. They will cut your balls off and hang you out to dry." Elizabeth turns to leave the office.
"This is not over Lizzie, not by a long shot. I will not go quietly."
"I hope that is a meaningless threat Gerry. Your allies have switched sides and given your ruthless reputation I do not think you have anyone in your back pocket willing to help you. I recommend you try to cut a deal before all of your misdeeds become headline news. Good-bye Gerry and good luck."
"Fuck! Damn it Fitz." Harold picks up the phone and dials out. "Forget kidnapping Pope, I want her dead," he yells and slams down the receiver.