xoxo
X
The anticipation surrounding Ryan's interview on The Pryce of Power is skyrocketing. Everyone's tuning in to see the Ghost of D.C.'s first live television interview regarding President Grant, the Grant Foundation, his role in the White House, etc.
Sitting alongside Curtis Pryce, Ryan readies himself to start the show. He's dressed in a tailored all-white Gucci Monaco seersucker-silk suit with Christian Louboutin Dandelion spike-embellished loafers. He sits calmly, legs crossed, fingers interlaced atop the glass desk.
He's poised, ready, and prepared for all outcomes. Nothing will deter him from the task. There's too much riding on this, and if he fails, the president fails, as does the American people, and he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he let everyone down.
The cameras begin to roll, and Curtis flashes his award-winning smile to the camera with his note cards in his hands.
"Welcome to The Pryce of Power with me, the one you all love, Curtis Pryce. Now I know you've all been curious about the man working alongside the President of the United States, helping him towards his agenda of positive change, wondering whether he's a friend or foe. Well, today, you're in luck. I have the man of the hour, Ryan Lewis, sitting next to me." He smiles, glancing over at him.
"Ryan, how are you today? Thank you for coming."
"I'm good." He flashes a smile. "It's an honor to be here. How are you?"
"Today is a good day." He chuckles. "So, let's jump right in. Recently congress passed a bill that shines a light on racism and another that focuses on the corruption of our police which forces them to wear cameras at all times. There have also been talks of our judicial system being fixed so that real murderers get the prison sentence. What was your role in that decision? What made you take that to the president?"
"I brought the issues to the table because it's clear that we're suffering as a nation, especially black men, women and children, and those of color." He informs. "No one can completely eradicate discrimination. We in the Grant Administration know that, but we can help control and monitor it. Over the past few decades, black people and people of color have been wrongly accused by their white counterparts and sent to prison for crimes they didn't commit." He continues.
"You have corrupt police officers planting evidence just so they can have a reason to arrest, but they only do this to people of color. Businesses blatantly express that they don't allow people of color into their stores. You have African American men and children getting shot and killed for wearing a hoodie. A hoodie!" He exclaims, and the unyielding passion is evident. "And don't get me started on how innocent black kids are victims of murder because their cell phones are mistaken for weapons." He's on a roll.
"In what way is this right? In what way does this push our nation forward for actual positive change? People are terrified that one day they will leave their homes and never make it back." His points are relentless, sending chills down Curtis's spine. "We're not safe and will never be safe until this change happens. So that's my role. That's why I brought these issues to the President of the United States." He smiles.
"I need to know as a black, gay man that there are people out there that see African American women and men, as well as women and men of color, as their equals and as human beings, not as their golden ticket to push their corrupted agenda upon this deteriorating nation."
For a moment, Curtis is speechless. He can hear the passion behind Ryan's words. Hell, as a man of color himself, Curtis feels it. He knows how hard it is for men and women of color, particularly African American men and women who do so much for this nation but don't get treated with the same respect and courtesies.
"Wow." He's a bit speechless. "So, how does this affect President Grant's decision to fix our broken judicial system?"
"It's simple. Innocent women and men in jail for crimes they didn't commit. For example, a black man selling weed on the streets gets him ninety days to life in prison depending on how the judges are feeling, but if a white man were to do this same thing-"
"They'd be pioneers."
"Exactly. And when it comes to murder, who do you think gets the longer sentence, Mr. Pryce?" He raises a brow.
"Not the whites of this nation."
"Precisely. Another example. A white man kills a large group of people; he's labeled mentally ill, has a loving family, and just lost his way. There are pictures of him in the light, happy, broadcasted worldwide. But if a black man kills a group of people, it's terrorism. If a mugshot is present, it's plastered everywhere, as is the crime once committed. It's no longer he has a loving family. It is now deserving." It makes him sick to his stomach.
"It's two different energies. If you're going to punish a black man for murder by giving him the full sentence, that needs to be reciprocated to white men because murder in any degree is wrong, no matter the color of anyone's skin."
"I agree. It's a sad world we live in, which brings me to this. How does all this tie into the Grant Foundation?"
"The Grant Foundation is all about doing what's right to help those in need because people like us have the power to shift the tides one step at a time." Which has always been true. "With President Grant leading the charge once his term is over-"
"You can change the world."
He nods. "We can change the world."
"It seems like you and the Grant Administration plan on doing some excellent work." He smiles. "So, I must ask, do you have any underlying agendas? Are you in this for the sake of power? Or are you in this because you genuinely feel like change is needed, and I ask this because it's politics? Everyone can talk a good game, but not everyone can back it up."
Ryan hums in amusement. "The president needed help, so I came, and I helped. There is no underlying agenda. I stand by him and the administration's decision to push for equality before his term ends in a few months. After that, I will remain to work with him at the foundation. Those I work with can attest to that; however, to be very transparent, I'm not in this for power because I'm already powerful." He doesn't falter.
"And what I mean by that is, nothing hinders me. There is not an ounce of darkness in my life, past or present, and I don't feel the need to be the smartest person in the room. I am free. I am confident in myself and my abilities, so I don't have to rely on the big White House that everyone wants. I believe positive change is needed, and I'm happy to be standing in the light with people who feel the same way."
Curtis smiles, pleased to see that a black man has a moral compass unaffected by the nation's corruption.
"And there you have it, folks." He reverts his attention to the camera. "Ryan Lewis and the Grant Administration are solely here for positive change. Will it be easy? Who's to say, but it's clear that the only plan here is to help those in need." He glances over at Ryan.
"Before we go, what's it like working with President Grant?"
"It's an honor." He chuckles. "And fun."
"How so?" He raises his brows.
"He's an amazing president, but he's an even better friend, and that balance is what makes it fun." He's sincere. "Most people forget he's a human being, but that's what drew me into him as a person. Allows us to have an honest work relationship and friendship. Same with the rest of the administration."
"Wonderful, thank you for coming, Ryan." He extends a hand.
Ryan shakes his hand. "Thank you for having me."
X
"We need to talk," Jake informs with urgency, entering Olivia's office courtesy of Mellie and closing the door behind him.
"About what?" She glances up at him from her phone, uninterested.
"As your trusted advisor, I tried to handle the Ryan situation but couldn't."
"What are you talking about?" She's confused. "What did you do? Quickly."
"I held him at gunpoint."
"You didn't?"
"No. I couldn't."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to have the blood of an innocent man on my hands, Liv." He admits. "I don't know what your father-"
"My father didn't do anything but reiterate what I was planning on doing in the first place." She rises to her feet, walking over to him. "You're scared. It's obvious, but riddle me this. You never had an issue killing anyone before, so why now, Jake?"
"He's innocent, Liv."
"And so was James, but you killed him because he knew things that would've had you swimming in shark-infested waters. Or did you forget?"
He swallows hard. "I didn't forget."
"Good." She smiles, walking back to her seat. "I think you should reconsider, but I don't want to ruin your already tainted moral compass." She chuckles, sitting down and crossing her legs.
"Anything else?"
"Liv I-"
"Anything else? Because I would love to get back to focusing on Mellie."
He sighs, tucking his hands into his pockets. He's relieved that Olivia didn't pry too much, for he's been hiding that he went behind her back, orchestrated the message about senators dying, and sent the information to Mellie to derail her.
"Anything you need?"
"I know Senator Briggs is a very clean, upstanding citizen with a high chance of winning this presidential election. So, I need you to plant evidence on him so that Mellie is the only one left. Can you do that for me?" She asks, tilting her head slightly to the right.
"Right away, boss." He proceeds to exit the office.
"And Jake?"
"Yeah?" He spins around to face her.
"If you ever go behind my back again. I won't hesitate to have to killed and put back in the box my father found you in." There's venom in her words. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal."
X
"I'm so sorry I'm late," Ryan approaches Danny, who's been sitting at a table outside a local bistro. "I feel horrible."
Danny's demeanor lights up. He rises to his feet with a smile, admiring Ryan.
"It's okay." He assures, walking to the other side of the round glass table and pulling out the chair. "Any time I can spend with you is better than no time."
"Are you always this nice?" He chuckles, pressing a small kiss upon Danny's cheek before taking his seat. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, and I can be." He winks, taking his seat at the table. "I saw your interview."
"Really?" He slightly leans over the table, interlacing his fingers together. "What did you think?"
"You were amazing. I loved how passionate you were." He smiles. "You made your points very clear; you kept the White House in a good light, you undoubtedly secured support for the Grant Foundation, and your honesty shined through. You don't see that too often in D.C."
"Because most people are only in it for themselves." He nods in agreement, smiling. "I'm glad you liked it. I'm surprised you weren't making your rounds."
"The president forced the entire White House to tune in." He laughs, picking up a menu. "He was excited about it. This foundation means a lot to him."
Ryan bursts into laughter. "He did not!"
"He did! I kid you not." He laughs.
"He's insane in the most warm-hearted way." He shakes his head, the laughter subsiding. "I know how much this means to him, though. I want to ensure we do everything right so he can continue doing good work because his time as president is ending."
"He's a gem." He smiles, nodding in agreement. "So, when his time is up, will you be leaving?" He sets the menu down, registering what he wants to order to memory.
"I know you mentioned staying around and working with him, but I wanted to ask you personally for my peace of mind."
"He is, and no. I'm staying. I've become accustomed to being here and met some wonderful people. I don't think I'm ready to lose that just yet."
"Aw, I'm flattered." He snickers.
He laughs. "You should be."
"I am, I am." He smiles as a waitress approaches their table, attracting their attention.
"Hi, welcome to our lovely bistro. Are you two gentlemen ready to order?" Her gaze drifts between the two. "Loved your interview on The Pryce is Right, by the way, Mr. Lewis." She smiles. "Compelling words."
"Thank you so much." He smiles, casting his gaze on Danny. It becomes apparent what he wants pretty quickly.
"Go ahead." He chuckles. "You can order for us both."
Danny laughs. "Well then, we'll take two chicken quesadillas with mild salsa on the side and two glasses of water with lemon, please." He smiles, collecting both menus and holding them out to her.
"Thank you." She takes the menus after jotting down their order., smiling. "It'll be about fifteen minutes."
"Perfect, thank you." Danny smiles as she walks away, reverting his attention to Ryan.
"I'm happy you came." He slides his hand across the table, palm facing upward. "I like seeing you."
"I like seeing you, too." He slides a hand across the table on top of Danny's. It's magnetic. "See me more, okay?"
He smiles. "I promise I will."
X
Sitting at his desk inside the Oval Office, Fitz signs off on a few documents relating to free college, banning assault weapons, and climate change. With his term almost over, he's able to put all his focus and energy towards the issues he was passionate about in the beginning but couldn't give them the time they deserved.
Charlotte knocks, attracting his attention.
"Mr. President. Mellie Grant is here to see you. She says it won't take long."
"Send her in."
With a nod, she leaves the office, and within seconds Mellie enters with a joyous grin on her face.
"Hi. Fitz."
"Mellie." He smiles. "How are you?"
"I am so good!" The excitement is evident. "Have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"That Senator Goldman is out of the election due to his disgusting past, making you a top-two contender to become the next president," Cyrus spoils the 'surprise' as he enters the office, proceeding over to Fitz's desk.
"He's aware, Mellie. It's unavoidable."
"Well, thank you, Cyrus, for making your presence known." She retorts, folding her arms across her chest. "Your attitude is always appreciated."
"We're working, Mellie." He sets a black folder down on Fitz's desk. "I don't know if you realize if this is the White House or not, but we don't have time to listen to you gloat about a win that you didn't win."
Her eyes widen, mouth agape. "I am so s-"
"Enough, you two!" Fitz exclaims in laughter, picking up the folder and opening it. "I heard Mellie." He smiles, his gaze focusing on Cyrus. "So, everything is good regarding the foundation?"
"Yes, sir. We made the right choice with Ryan because he got a firm grip on minorities and those men and women in good positions that want change. And with him talking to Curtis Pryce, a man of color, many people count on this." He informs in a whisper to keep Mellie was prying.
"Of course, naysayers and people are against what you're trying to do, but we expect that."
"I'd say it's a win." He smiles, closing the folder. "Anything on the vote tampering?"
"We didn't find any illegal tampering, sir, so those whispers you heard were just whispers."
He nods. "And what about Senator Goldman? Why did this information about him come out now?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, sir. However, considering how close the race is, I think someone sabotaged him."
"Find out all you can."
"Right away, sir." He proceeds to the exit. "Mellie."
"Wait, Cyrus. Before you go, I have to tell you both something." Her words stop him in his tracks.
"What is it?"
"They're throwing some fancy, celebratory dinner in honor of tonight's two finalists. I just dropped by to tell you that." She smiles.
"I-"
"We'll be there," Fitz rises to his feet and gathers the signed documents, placing them in a folder. "It would be nice to have a night out, don't you agree, Cy?" He makes his way over to him with the folder in hand.
"You're going to make me say it aren't you?"
Fitz laughs. "Yes."
Cyrus heaves a deep sigh, a smile creeping onto his face.
"We'll be there."
"Wonderful." She clasps her hands together, pleased with their answers. "It's fancy, so dress . . . not like this."
"I'll let Abby and Ryan know. Danny And David too. We'll all ride together." He holds out the folder to Cyrus, chuckling at Mellie's comment. "Get these processed for me and get ready."
Cyrus takes the folder. "Right away, sir." He proceeds out of the office.
"So, number two, huh?" Fitz asks, tucking his hands in his pockets. "How do you feel?"
"I feel good. I have faith that everything will work out." She answers honestly. "Do you agree with Cyrus?"
"About what?"
"A win I didn't win." She murmurs.
"Hey." He places his hands on her shoulders. "You've done a good job. Don't fail yourself now. You'll be a great president, okay?"
"Okay." She exhales. "Well, I'll see you and the others tonight?"
"Of course. You have my support, remember?"
X
After wrapping her mind around Jake's actions regarding his failed attempt at killing Ryan, Olivia decides she will use this to her advantage, knowing that she can get him to accomplish this task if she plays her cards right. She needs this win.
Dressed in a red ruffled double-faced wool cape by Carolina Herrera, black stretch denim jeans by Prada paired with a yellow Prada Belle leather bag. Her yellow Armani heels tap quickly over the marble floors as she walks down the hallway with haste to Jake's apartment.
She's determined to use her prowess to manipulate him into putting his life on the line in hopes of eliminating the man that gets under her skin. She smiles, feeling an overwhelming sense of achievement, realizing that with her being the puppet master, she'll remain in her position of power if things backfire.
The perfect plan.
She knocks on the door, folding her arms, and waits for him to answer. Her demeanor changes from command to Olivia within seconds as he finally opens the door, immediately feeling sick with apprehension.
"Surprised to see me?" She asks, raising a brow, a subtle smirk upon her face.
"Yeah." He admits. "What brings you?"
"Well," she steps closer to him, working on undoing his belt. "I was thinking we could have some fun."
He glances down at her hands and then back into her eyes, trying to gauge where she is, but he can't. He can feel himself becoming aroused, so he pulls her into his apartment rapidly, slams the door shut, and kisses her with a passion he's never once shown, although she kisses him back robotically.
He allows her to remove his belt, but before she can zip his pants down, he pulls himself away from her, combing his hands through his hair.
"What?" She asks, focusing her gaze on him.
"I don't want to do this . . ."
"You never have a problem any other time." She retorts.
She's right, he doesn't, but the circumstances are different for him.
"This isn't like other times, Liv." He sighs. "Look, I'm all for working with you, but I think all sexual activity between us should be terminated."
"What? Why?" Her plan is failing, and she can feel it.
"Because I love you, and you still love Fitz." He begins to fix himself up, words causing her lips to quiver. "You think I don't notice certain things, but you're not into me as much as you want me to believe."
"Jake, I-" she takes a step towards him.
"Do you love me, Olivia?" He questions, halting whatever action she had in mind.
"Why are you doing this? You're complicating a situation that doesn't need to be complicated."
"Do you love me? It's a simple question."
She doesn't. She loathes Jake. He's not even a fraction of the man she truly wants. He's barely a human vibrator. However, she needs him and will do or say anything to see her plan to fruition.
Smart. Prey.
"I do love you." She's convincing enough to make it believable to him. "It's why I'm acting so out of character. Conflicting feelings bring out the worst in me." She smiles, wincing in disgust internally.
He cups her face and kisses her without a word, though she doesn't kiss back. He can't tell the difference. Jake's like a kid at a candy store, believing he's finally getting the woman he wants when in actuality, he's only a pawn in her chess game.
As the kiss ceases, he pulls away with a smile to see her smiling back at him. He emits a content sigh, parting from her and proceeding to his desk.
"What do you need?" He inquires, opening the desk drawer and pulling out a gun.
"I need you to take care of Ryan." She's honest. "There's a dinner tonight celebrating Mellie and Senator Briggs. That's the perfect time to do it."
"Okay." He nods in agreement, reloading the gun. "Consider it done, boss."
She walks over to him, places a hand on his face, and kisses him before exiting the apartment. She's disgusted but coming to terms with what he means to her. She wipes the feeling of his lips from hers with an arm before proceeding to exit the apartment building.
Checkmate.
X
Dressed in a tailored all-black Saint Laurent crystal-embellished wool tuxedo, slim-legged side-trimmed wool tuxedo trousers, and Wyatt leather Chelsea boots from the same designer, Ryan rushes from his bedroom. He grabs his crocodile-effect leather pouch off the coffee table and his keys along the way to the door.
Fitz and the others are waiting for him downstairs in the limo, and he's already spent a few extra minutes making sure he looks up to par. Thank goodness being fashionably late is kind of his thing. Proceeding to the door, he turns off the lights and exits his apartment, only to be met by Jake leaning against the elevator doors.
"You again?" He questions, locking the door behind him before turning to face Jake. "I'm starting to think you have some strange obsession with me, Mr. Ballard."
"I just came to talk. I don't want any trouble." He admits, voice wavering.
"You had a gun pointed in my face not too long ago, and now you want to have a civil conversation?" He chuckles. "How does that work? What possesses you to come up with this?"
Jake scoffs. "Can you just stop?! I have a proposition for you!" He exclaims.
"A proposition?" He can't believe it. "Why would I ever?"
"Because we want the same thing." He walks over to him. "Power." He stops a few feet away from him. "With your influence and me on your side, you'll become a monument." He attempts to appeal to Ryan's nonexistent monster.
"I just need you to hear me out, please."
Ryan chuckles. "You're such a lost soul." He steps closer to him.
"It's insulting how you think I need you to make me a monument when you're just a puppet lurking in the shadows. You speak when Olivia tells you to speak, you sit when she tells you to sit, and you drink when she tells you to drink. You can't be of any assistance to me." He brushes past him, pressing the button for the elevator.
"You're making a big mistake." He warns. "I can help you."
Ryan scoffs as a small ding fills the halls and the elevator doors open.
"You should try standing on your own two feet. Mr. Ballard." He walks onto the elevator as Jake approaches, pressing the button to the lobby. "I did, and look where it got me."
Jake's hope diminishes, but his phone ringing snaps him out of the trance. Emitting a deep sigh, he answers, immediately seeing that it's Olivia.
"Yea, boss?"
"I'm leaving my place now to head to the event. Are you in position yet? We have a small window and can't afford to let it close."
"On my way."
X
The celebration for the top two finalists in the running for The President of the United States has begun. This event is supposed to be a dazzling night of happiness and joy where everyone unites over a splendid time regardless of competing. However, the unexpected is always looming.
Arriving at The Willard Hotel, Mellie and Olivia smile at one another as the chauffeur brings the car to a stop. With a glance out of the tinted window, Olivia notices the paparazzi swarming the entrance of the building as well as other guests arriving. She's nervous, but she knows this is what she must do.
"Are you ready?" She asks, taking hold of Mellie's hand. "This is big. Top two."
"Top two." She smiles, placing her other hand upon Olivia's. "We did it. And I know I shouldn't be excited, but I am!" She laughs. "Woo!"
Olivia smiles. "You deserve this, Mellie, and I will continue to do my best to assure you that you get to where you want to be. Are you with me?"
"I know you will, Liv. I'm with you. Thank you." She smiles. "Now, let's get this show on the road and show these grandmas how we do it."
The chauffeur gets out of the car and walks around to Olivia's door, opening it.
With a confident smile, she steps out onto the red carpet in a stunning black silk Stella McCartney crystal-embellished firework gown that falls beautifully over her body, finishing to the ground with a dramatic train that follows behind. She paired the dress with gold Prada pumps and Tiffany and Co diamond earrings.
Mellie follows suit, stepping out onto the red carpet with the help of Olivia, dressed in a magnificent red, blue, and black J Mendel off-the-shoulder Lurez Jacquard gown and silver metallic leather Gucci mid-heel pumps with a crystal G heel. She complements her look with a simple messy, highlighted angular bun and a Tiffany and Co diamond necklace and earrings.
Side by side, the two of them walk the carpet leading to the entrance, waving at smiling at the paparazzi, posing for a few pictures together, and separately going as far as taking pictures with their competition; Senator Briggs, before the three of them disappear inside.
Perched on a rooftop not too far from the event, Jake observes through a scoped lens. His orders are clear, eliminate Ryan and vacate the premises as quickly as he came. He waits patiently for Fitz's motorcade to arrive, finger on the trigger, knowing he will only have one shot.
A few moments pass, and Fitz's motorcade arrives, coming to a stop. With haste, the chauffeur gets out of the car and makes his way over to open the passenger side door. Stepping out on the red carpet, David helps Abby, dressed in a beautiful Balmain puff sleeve mini dress with black Jimmy Choo pointed-toe pumps. They share a kiss for the cameras before making their way inside.
Jake scoffs as he watches the scope, ready to finish the job. Cyrus gets out next, followed by Fitz, both looking dapper dressed in black and navy-blue Giorgio Armani two-piece formal suits, wearing black Versace Medusa loafers. They wave to the paparazzi, posing for a few pictures before proceeding to the entrance.
"Come on, damn it," Jake whispers to himself. "I know you're in there."
Stepping out of the limo dressed in an all-black Neil Barrett two-piece formal suit, Danny grins, a glimmer in his eyes as he holds a hand out to help Ryan out of the car. Although he's on duty, Fitz thought it would be nice to have him tag along. Taking Danny's hand, Ryan steps out of the car, glowing with untamed happiness.
Jake's heart drops to the pit of his stomach as he watches through the scoped lens. He knows this is unethical. He knows that Ryan shouldn't be in his crosshairs and that this is some ploy that Eli made Olivia pursue to keep her under lock and key, but for the sake of protecting himself so that he can see another day. He must do it.
He sighs. His finger shakes upon the trigger, sweat forming upon his forehead. He's afraid, but the window is closing. His heart palpitates louder than his perplexing thoughts, making matters even worse. He counts five seconds, three seconds, and one second.
He doesn't shoot. He can't. He removes his finger from the trigger, not wanting to ruin anyone else's life like he did Cyrus's when he killed James.
Ryan isn't the enemy.
As he watches through the scoped lens, the sound of a gun going off in the distance echoes, and with fear and bewilderment manifesting into his features, he watches as Ryan goes down and everyone scrambles.
Posthaste, Danny protects Fitz and Cyrus, although they put up a fight to get to Ryan, leading them both inside where it's safe.
"Call 911. I'm going to make sure he's okay." He commands as he exits the hotel rushing through the crowds of people to get to Ryan in a panic. "The president is secure. I repeat, the president is secure." He informs through the comms device, noticing the paparazzi taking pictures of Ryan's lifeless body.
He quickly snatches one of their cameras, throwing it to the ground and shattering it, which sends the rest of them running off. Before the last one can, he grabs him by his shirt and pulls him in.
"Have some fucking respect!" He exclaims in anger, letting him go.
Reverting his attention to Ryan, he kneels next to him, carefully turning him onto his back, checking for a pulse. It's faint, which means he doesn't have much time.
"You have to be okay." He murmurs, voice wavering. He rests his forehead against Ryan's. "You have to be okay, please. So many people need you."
Sirens wail in the distance as the ambulance and police arrive on the scene, which is Jake's signal to disappear. Quickly disassembling his sniper rifle and proceeding to the ladder to leave the rooftop, he takes notice of the unfamiliar figure that shot Ryan a few rooftops away.