Chapter 46
"Good morning Fitzgerald, it's James Lockheed responding to your text. I'm sorry but I just saw it a few minutes ago. I know it's before eight o'clock but I wasn't sure of the nature of the call. Is there a problem?"
"I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly. Actually, there is a problem. Thomas Pope showed up at Olivia's last night. I'm afraid his sole purpose was to encounter Olivia's mother alone. What his plans were beyond that, I don't know. However, from my perspective the man is more than a nuisance. He has bullied and mistreated his entire family for decades. He has actually abused his wife and had plans to abuse his daughter. Those plans will never happen! I had previously informed Dr. Pope that Olivia's family was now under my protection. I was assuming that the man understood the Queen's English, perhaps I was wrong.
He had the audacity to present himself at Olivia's under the guise of seeing his daughter knowing full well that she wasn't there. This indicates to me that the man is desperate to see his ex-wife. He undoubtedly believes he can place her under his influence once again. I was hoping to get your cooperation to help me insure that won't happen. I see no need for us not to join forces to see to the safety of Olivia's mother as it's a prime concern of us both, is it not?"
"Yes, it is. I assume I don't have to tell you that Tessa and I involved. I'm deeply grateful that you have taken the threat of Thomas Pope seriously. A signed divorce document apparently isn't enough to make the man understand that Tessa is no longer available to him. He will soon understand it though. Does he know that she's at the Bostonian?"
"No, I don't believe so. Look, my security won't let the man within fifty feet Miss Adderley. She will be safe. My concern at the moment is; what would be the man's reaction to finding out that his ex-wife is involved with you? The man is delusional in my opinion. I don't believe he would take it well. I don't want Olivia to have to deal with another round of familial upheaval. I have to ask Uncle Jim. Exactly what is the nature of your relationship with Miss Adderley? Is this a weekend fling away from the islands? What are your intentions toward my future mother-in-law? I was very serious when I said she was under my protection. She's only recently divorced and perhaps…"
"I love her. I have always loved her. I intend to marry her if possible before this month's end. What there is between us is hardly a fling. You and must have a discussion. I wish to speak freely and truthfully with you but I cannot do that without permission from Tessa. There is much to be said but it's hers to impart. She should be returning from the spa any minute now. Can I call you back?"
"Unfortunately, I have to be in court in fifteen minutes. I won't be available for hours unless for some reason a case is shut down. Meaning I may not be available before six this evening. Is Miss Adderley alright? She's not ill, is she?"
"No, it's nothing like that. It's a personal matter. If Tessa wants to discuss it with you at this juncture, I don't know. Having a discussion of this magnitude over the phone isn't ideal. I will to talk to Tessa as soon as she returns."
"Look, I can have a secure and private phone within your hands within fifteen minutes. Please accept it. It will come to you from Grant Security. As soon as I am available this evening, you, Miss Adderley and I must talk. I can't be in dark about issues of importance if Olivia is involved, even if they are personal. Olivia is the most important thing in my life. If she's involved in any way in any degree, I would prefer that it be shared with me. Her protection is paramount. I can't lose her. I won't lose her. I need you and Miss Adderley to understand that. I will call as soon as I can."
"I will accept the phone as soon as it arrives. I trust you Fitzgerald Grant. I can see how much you love Olivia and you have taken a vow to protect her. I will make sure that Tessa understands that. I won't browbeat her, but I will make sure that she understands your position. I shall speak to you later."
What was going on? Fitz knew that Jim and Tessa were involved. The man was sleeping in her suite at night. There was nothing wrong with that! They're two adults obviously sexually attracted to each other and they acted on the attraction. He could see that happening. It appeared to be more than a simple attraction though. Lockheed had flat out said he loved Tessa and that he always had. He was going to marry her before June was over? What in the world was going on? What was he missing? His brain was in overdrive. If the man had loved Tessa Adderley forever that meant that he loved her long before they left the Caymans. So, the affair wasn't a fling. Was it rekindled here or was it a continuing romance?
Olivia described them as hating each her entire life. Again, what the hell was going on? He had to believe that whatever was going on, no one knew about it but the two participants. If Olivia had known she would've told him. No, this was a secreted romance and liaison. Fitz was really confused because he really hadn't seen Olivia's mother as the type to conduct an ongoing affair. She seemed cowered, timid, and under the thumb of her husband just as Olivia described. The woman had done nothing without the approval of Thomas Pope for thirty years per Olivia. This was very bizarre.
Whatever was going on, he needed to know. As the man that loved Olivia Pope, it was his job to keep her safe. He would need to know the particulars of this association between Olivia's mother and her godfather. Apparently, there was information that Uncle Jim felt only Olivia's mother was free to discuss. Well, Olivia would be safe. If Tess Adderley held information that affected his ability to do that, he would insist upon knowing what it was! He didn't browbeat people. As a man of the law, he elicited truth.
"You're back. How was your massage?"
"It was magnificent. Perhaps we can also bring the masseuse with us to the Caymans as well. I swear all of the tension in my back and neck are gone. I feel rejuvenated. And my skin is baby soft from all the emollients and creams. Frederick is amazing!"
"Frederick? So, he was amazing."
"He was! You should go down to the spa yourself. I'm telling you massage is a great stress reliever. I'm not nearly as sexually tense as I was before I left here this morning. That man has remarkable hands."
"The masseuse with remarkable hands relieved your sexual tension? How was he able to do that? Is the man a masseuse or a sex worker?"
Tessa laughed out loud. She had imagined exactly how Jimmy would react when she said the man had relieved her sexual tension. It was true she had gotten up this morning and gone to the spa specifically because she was sexually frustrated. Waking up the last few mornings next to Jimmy had flooded her with so many memories. Since their last very frank discussion, they had agreed there wasn't any harm in a cuddle, a kiss, or a fondle. Knowing their vow of chastity the little ritual led to nothing. Primarily because Jimmy removed himself from temptation. As things got the least bit steamy, he would leave the bed as if the hounds of hell were after him. He would take a cold shower and order their breakfast. Today after breakfast she had gone to the spa. And now she was implying how good the masseuse had made her feel.
She was baiting him of course. There wasn't anything remotely sexual about the massage. She was honoring his decision of celibacy but she didn't hesitate to let him know what he was missing. She may have gone to their bed at night covered like a nun but she and Jimmy both knew that she wasn't one.
"I'm pulling your leg Jimmy. Frederick's a handsome man but only one man interests me. Only one man brings out the tigress in me. There's only one man I want inside of me. That man is you. Come here and give me one of your woodpecker kisses. I'd like one."
"Tessa Adderley, what in the hell am I going to do with you?"
He pulled her into his arms and he kissed her passionately with little reservation. All of his hardness was pressed against her belly. This damn vow of his was going to be the death him. All of this stuff that had to happen before they could marry needed to happen. He wasn't a fucking saint! He was just a man. He ended the kiss and was looking down at her.
"I mean it, Tess. What am I going to do with you?"
"Marry me as soon as possible. And spend several days in bed with me. I promise it's going to be worth your while."
"You don't have to convince me of that. I remember. I can't wait to marry you and take you to bed. I have in mind to keep you there for a week. In fact, I'm going to insist upon it."
"Good. I think I would like that very much. What shall we do today my love? I'm not expecting Olivia to call until around three or four. We have several hours before us."
"I need to talk to you. Fitzgerald Grant sent me a text to call him and I did, this morning. He had some news for us."
"News? Is everything alright? Why was he calling? He's in New York City, isn't he?"
"He is. He was calling because of a report that he received from his security."
"Well, we both knew that his people would tell him about us. We expected it. When we talk to Olivia, all will be made plain to him. Did he seem bothered by the fact that we are together?"
"No, he didn't seem bothered by that at all. He was calling about another matter, Tessa. It was about Thomas Pope. He showed up at Olivia's condo last night. He pretended he was there to see Olivia and when she wasn't there, demanded to see you. Without a doubt he knew Olivia wasn't at home. He was intending to see you alone, Tessa. The man still believes he can control you. He still believes that he can have you again. He's lost his goddamn mind. I will help him find it if he so much as looks at you, let alone dares to touch you. We should have known he was lurking in the shadows.
Fitzgerald is concerned enough to contact me and let me know. As you said, he knows we are involved. He wants us to join forces to ensure that you are protected during the rest of your stay. We both know that Thomas Pope doesn't take rejection well. And for sure, once he knows of our connection he will explode. All which will do him no good at all. Once we are back at home, he would do best to present no problem to us. You will be my wife by then and I will put a bullet in his head if he chooses not to honor that fact."
"Jimmy, there won't be a confrontation. There won't be a shooting. I won't have you languishing in a jail cell over Thomas Pope. He's definitely not worth it. We're back together never to be separated again. Whatever the reason for his presence here in Massachusetts we won't let it affect us. We have a plan and we're going to stick to it. As of right now the plan is to talk to our daughter this weekend, face whatever repercussions that brings, and move on with our lives. Neither one of us are interacting with Thomas Pope. Especially not you.
Talk to Fitz. Find out what his plans are and let him handle it, please. We will have a reckoning with the man but not now. One crisis at a time. I don't want to see him! If necessary, I won't return to Olivia's for the rest of the week. We can talk on the phone. I don't want a confrontation with my ex-husband right now. He's ruined so many things in my life. There's so much bad karma associated with him. I don't want him ruining the fragile happiness that we've found. I can feel it! He's a harbinger of evil things! Why in the hell couldn't he just stay away?"
"Tessa, calm yourself. Grant and I will take care of this."
"Jimmy, I told you. I don't want you involved in this. You'll confront him and there will a huge blow-up and all of our plans will be for naught. I know you want to confront him, Jimmy. Don't deny it"
"Of course, I want to confront him! Do you for a minute believe it isn't one of my priorities? The man abused you for years. He treated you like a common whore! He battered and bruised you! He treated my godson and my daughter, my own flesh and blood like shit! Damn right, I want to confront him!
However, I can wait. I will wait, until you are my wife and my daughter is aware that I'm her father. Until then, I'm content to let Fitzgerald Grant handle the fool. Once we are back in the Caymans will be time enough to deal with Thomas Pope."
"I'm glad you won't rush to confront him here in the states. When we talk to Olivia this weekend and gauge her reaction to the news, we will know where we are. I was hoping when we discussed her parentage, as a family we could decide whether it's news better shared only amongst ourselves or with the entire world. I had thought it was a decision primarily for Olivia to make. That being said I had plans to encourage Olivia not to publicly share the news just yet. I know you have given me your blessing to handle this as I saw fit. I must be honest Jimmy; I have possibly made a decision for you that I had no right to make. You might not want the parentage of your daughter to remain a family secret. Perhaps I had no right to assume for you. We haven't discussed anything past telling Olivia the truth. What are your thoughts?"
"Like you, I want Olivia to know the truth. I'm her father and I want her to know that. I have loved her like a daughter her entire life. Nothing will change from that aspect. I don't need to pound my chest nor do I need to make a public announcement about it. I've said we will handle this your way and I meant that. Perhaps it is best that the information remains a family secret. Thomas Pope will be apoplectic about us. Learning Olivia's true parentage could send him over the edge."
"Those are my thoughts as well. Thinking Thomas was in the Caymans sulking was one thing. Learning he was here in Boston planning and conniving is another. Thinking of him here turns my stomach sour. A rageful Thomas is something I don't want to ever encounter again."
"And you will not! That is why you will become Mrs. James Lockheed sooner rather than later. I will protect what is mine. Grant Security has committed to doing so but it will be my job as your husband to see that you are cherished as well as protected. You are off limits to Thomas Pope. I will make sure that he knows that. As to who knows that Olivia is my daughter, I know she is mine, and to me that is all that matters."
"You are a selfless man as I knew you would be. You realize that this entire situation is about our child at the moment. We must see to her first before we attend to our business. I'm so happy that we are in accord on this. At some point, Olivia may become scrutinized more heavily as it becomes evident to the American press that the richest and most eligible bachelor in the United States of America fully intends to marry her. We must consider Olivia in all of our actions Jimmy. If there is a blow-up here with international headlines, it puts our lives and therefore Olivia's in the spotlight. If the cause of that blow-up, our daughter's parentage, becomes fodder for the American tabloids have we not failed her again? There are many strings descending from this tangled web we are in. It's very complex.
I don't want Olivia's happiness forfeited to embrace our own. We must be honest with ourselves. Olivia is ours. Nothing nor anyone can change that fact. We are her biological parents and she was conceived in love. We have to tell her that. We must tell her the truth. She deserves nothing less. However, for the sanctity of all involved, I don't believe the world needs to know at this point.
I'm glad that you can see that as well. You're proud to be her father. She is the true daughter you have always wanted and she is the daughter I always wanted to give you. However, we must have a care for Olivia. We both love her to death but we must not change the trajectory of her life."
"The plan is to tell only the immediate family then?"
"Are you disappointed Jimmy? The final decision is Olivia's of course. We really haven't any idea how she will handle the news. Knowing that Thomas Pope is here in America, obviously to cause mayhem, I feel it is the prudent and only course for us to take right now."
"There's a little disappointment of course. I have a child Tessa. I would shout it from the rooftops but I know it isn't necessary. You and Olivia know how much I love her. That's all that's important here. However, after talking to Grant this morning and knowing that Thomas is out there planning who knows what, we have to talk to him Tessa. Fitzgerald Grant must know the full truth."
"He will know when we tell Olivia this weekend."
"That may not be early enough to divulge the news, Tessa. Grant Security is tasked with protecting Olivia and her family. Knowing pertinent facts makes that easier. Grant is sending a secure phone here as we speak. I told him there are things to be said about our relationship and Olivia. However, I told him those things are yours to tell. I said that those things couldn't or shouldn't be divulged over the phone. Thus, the reason for the phone with a secure line. He wants to know our secrets, Tessa. Being the type of man he is. He wanted to know them yesterday! I can't say I blame him.
I thought about it and perhaps he does need to know even before we tell Olivia. Our news is going to discombobulate her life. As I have said, I expect Olivia to embrace the news, process it, and move forward with her life. She loves the both us already as parents. The person she will turn to as she processes the news Tessa won't be us, it will be Grant. He needs to know the truth sooner rather than later.
"But will Olivia see it like that? Us telling someone else before we tell her that we are her true parents? I don't know, Jimmy. It doesn't seem right."
"Would we dare to tell her such news without the man being there? He is to be her husband. We both can see how much he loves her. I believe he would die for her just as I would for you. We were telling both because we know she will need his love and support. This will be a defining moment in her life. Perhaps it's best that he knows right now, today so he's prepared to offer her what she needs to absorb the news.
Put yourself in Olivia's place for a moment. Who's going to offer her the most support after she learns the truth? I can guarantee you that the moment you tell her, she will turn her head to Fitzgerald Grant, she will squeeze his hand seeking his love and support. Not that she won't love us still but sometimes only the love and strength of a mate will can offer comfort. The news you will tell Olivia will be shocking and unbelievable to her. She will need the man more than ever but it's your call Tessa. I've said all I intend to say on the matter."
"When did you become so wise James Lockheed? Of course, the man needs to know! It can only help if he knows the truth ahead of time. Surely Olivia will see we were only thinking of her welfare. We have to assume Fitz will see it that way too. Olivia has said they have promised to share everything and never lie to each other. If we tell him the truth of Olivia's parentage, we have to assume he'll tell her the truth himself. This news could change his opinion of us. Not necessarily us, but me. He may see me as a bad mother. And he would be right of course. I have no right to claim martyrdom now. Olivia should have known this information years ago."
"When the man calls tell him the truth Tessa. The man isn't a fool. He's to become Olivia's husband. He'll do what's best for our daughter. I can you that the man won't be dictated to. Once he has the pertinent facts, you can't control how he'll use them. You may want to but you can't. We will have to trust him, our daughter does."
"You don't believe as her parents she should first hear this news from us?"
"If our daughter was a child, perhaps I would agree wholeheartedly. She is a woman grown. She's in a relationship with a man that worships the ground she walks on. You can't tell him something of this import and say it's for your ears only. If you feel that only we must impart the news maybe you shouldn't tell him. I doubt very seriously he would keep news of this magnitude away from her."
"I'm sure you are right. He would tell her. He wouldn't sit in a room and watch her be blind-sided. I will tell him the truth and by doing so, I'm all but sure he will inform her."
"You're a wise woman, Tessa Adderley. We love Olivia but she isn't a child. She hasn't been one for a long time. We will get through this and so will Olivia with a good man by her side. I love you so much. You have been through hell itself, yet you still stand tall and proud. I'm so glad you have come back to me. I can't wait to start our life together."
"Jimmy, my dear sweet man; you make me love you more every day. I can't wait to get to Las Vegas and marry you. Come here and let me hold you. I love you so much."
He walked into her outstretched arms. He held her close glorifying in the smell of her. She always smelled so sweet and welcoming. He pulled back and looked into her amber-colored eyes. They glistened with unshed tears.
"There's no need to cry. All will be well. Many things may happen in this life Tessa, but I promise I will never disappoint you again. All that comes before us from now on is truth and light. We are in this together. We offer each other our strength and support all day every day. I love you, Tessa Adderley. May I have one of your real kisses? I'd like one."
"Yes, you can!"
They made the decision not to leave the hotel again. The threat of Thomas Pope was real. Instead, they spent the afternoon browsing online furniture catalogues in anticipation of furnishing the Cambridge townhouse. This would be their first home together. Surprisingly they found that they had very similar taste. One of the two houses back in Grand Caymans would be sold. Tessa could decide which one she wanted to keep. Jim spent most of his life and his nights at his resort. As long as he got to sleep with his wife at night he didn't care if he were in a shack! He and Tessa were back together. They had a daughter and they were to be married!
"Hi Babe. I'm so glad Drey was able to put me through. I miss you. How was court?"
"My first case of the day is only in the evidentiary phase. We were done before noon. I'm free until two. I'm glad you called. What about you? How was your night at the hospital?"
"Everything went great. I got off on time. Arrived home around eight and crashed. I woke up and wanted to talk to you. I'm still a little shaken knowing my father is out there somewhere. I'm thinking your suggestion is a sound one. My mother should stay put where she is and not return here. He obviously believed he would find two vulnerable women here.
This isn't turning out to be the visit I hoped for momma and me. I don't want my father accosting and harassing her. The idea of letting him believe she's here but refuses to see him is a good plan. If he hasn't gotten the message by Friday when you arrive, I know you will make it plain to him."
"That's for sure. I'm sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to visiting with your mom. At some point, when you're able we will take your mother with us on a substantial vacation. I will hover in the background so you two will have plenty of time together."
"I'm about to call her right now. I'll call around eleven if I can. I love you, Fitz."
"I love you more. Bye
"Hi Momma. How's your day going?"
"I'm fine Olivia. You're the one that worked all night; how are you?"
"Well rested actually. Five solid hours of sleep is a good start. I've talked to Fitz, so I'm aware that he's told you about my father being here in Boston. He's trying to get to you and hopes to get you alone. I'm sure he believes he can get you to return to him. It's all about control. Without you to control, he hasn't a life. Therefore, he's desperate to approach you. You wouldn't see him at home. He felt his chances were better here. Technically they would be but he hadn't counted on Fitz to be one step ahead of him. Father is unaware that you're under the umbrella of protection afforded to members of the Grant family. Fitz is protecting us not just from the press but from harm. He protecting us all Momma."
"And I'm eternally grateful. I really didn't expect Thomas to come here at all. The idea of not showing his face at your graduation but to show up at your home hoping to offer me my old position back, shows that the man is imbalanced. I have no desire to ever see him again and relive scenes from our toxic life. I'm glad Fitz made James aware of his shenanigans.
James suggested that I not return to the condo. I think that is wise also, Olivia. As I've said Thomas Pope is imbalanced. Once I've returned home if he seems short of comprehension, I'll have an Order of Restraint issued to him. Thomas Pope and I are done and he must soon realize it!"
"Yes, he must. You must take action to permanently exclude him from your life. At this point, I'm afraid he is scratched from our guest list Momma. Uncle Jim will have to escort me down the aisle. I'm hoping you won't have a problem with that now that you and Uncle Jim are friendly. My father banished Tommy and then me for choosing to love someone different from us. He refers to his own grandchildren as mongrels. My children will be mongrels as well. He's disqualified himself from my life because a person that would refer to a child as such is unworthy of a place in my life. As you have said yourself, Thomas Pope and I are done. He must soon realize it!
Let's change the subject, Momma. Let me tell you how absolutely rewarding emergency medicine is. I love being a doctor I really do. These couple of nights have been so rewarding. Can you imagine a lifetime of helping people? Every doctor I've ever met with the exception of one was filled with compassion. I assisted with a delivery last night. It was the most humbling thing I've ever witnessed. I've been in the observation tower before but never up close and personal. Giving life to another human is awesome! Thanks for giving me life Momma."
"It was my greatest pleasure. Since I won't be coming to the townhouse, would you consider coming here to the hotel?"
"Fitz wants to continue the illusion of you being here at the townhouse. He's eager to see what father's next move will be. So, right now let's simply keep in touch until Saturday which is only two days away. I don't want Fitz any more worried than he is right now. He expects Papa to try something. He senses desperation same as me."
"It's settled then. I'll talk to you tomorrow and see you at the townhouse on Saturday evening. Bye now."
"Bye Momma."
"Hello Fitzgerald. As you can see, we received the phone. I've talked to Tessa and she has agreed to talk to you. Knowing what is being said will remain between the three of us for the moment is paramount. You are family as far as Tessa and I are concerned. I know that Olivia's well-being is what you're all about. Is it okay if we place you on speaker phone? It's possible that we both may be speaking."
"Yes, of course. This is a secure line. Whatever is spoken is for our ears only unless I deem it otherwise. I gathered that whatever you have to tell me is personal and private. Let me start out by saying that you and Miss Adderley are above the age of consent. Your relationship is your business. What I want to do is keep Olivia and those that she loves safe. What I can't allow to transpire is vital information and/or family secrets that would create scenarios that would compromise that safety. Olivia loves the both of you. I hardly think that if she were to learn of your involvement, she would condemn it. It's very obvious to me that she believes in love. Tell her the truth!"
"We intend to. Tessa, Fitz is on the phone."
"Good evening. You once told me to call you Fitz. As your friend and mother-in-law to be please call me Tessa. I intend to be very direct because I see little need to drag this out. There's an enlightenment and a truth that I must tell you. As you know I was to spend a portion of this weekend with you and Olivia at your new home. I was to stay through Sunday before heading back to the Caymans. Well, I'm not heading back to the Caymans. When I leave Boston, the plan is to head out to Arizona to see Tommy. From there I will head to Las Vegas, Nevada. I won't be alone. James will be with me.
We aren't having a fling. We love each other. We plan to be married there. I have loved James Lockheed since I was a teenage girl. We were engaged in a tumultuous affair and I allowed Thomas Pope to come between us. I was young and foolish. I choose the man that I felt had the brightest future. At the time I surmised that was Thomas Pope. I married him and for thirty years I've regretted it every day of my life. I became pregnant with Tommy and stayed in a loveless marriage for thirty years.
The marriage was doomed to fail. I didn't love Thomas. I was in love with another man. That man was and still is James. Four nights ago, James came to my suite. As I'm sure you know we had an altercation outside of my door. I agreed to talk to him. As he said, we had unfinished business. We closed the door and we talked as we should have done thirty years ago. We discussed us and truth. It was a trying time for me. James was asking me why I had left him not once but twice in our torturous relationship? He had deserved answers years ago but he never got them. You see, I had stood up in a church and married one man when I loved and desired another one.
I made a choice and it was a flawed one. Nevertheless, I had made my bed and I would lay in it. For thirty years I was someone that I hardly recognized. I allowed my husband to manipulate and abuse me as he saw fit. I saw it as punishment for my sins against him. I should've never married Thomas Pope when it was James that I loved. One night after I had defied my husband, he punished me as he often did with brutality. I fought back that night which only made it worse. In the end, he commanded me to leave his house, to leave for the night and think about the things that I had done.
Usually, I would run to one of my sisters after one of those episodes but on this night, I choose to go elsewhere. I went to Jimmy. I won't go into details but I spent the night there. It was a glorious reunion that went on into the morning. You see, I still loved Jimmy with all my heart even though I had a five-year-old son and a husband. After all we had shared that one night, I removed myself from James' bed and went back to my abusive husband. James begged me not to go back; but I did. My son was there. Tommy was so afraid of Thomas. I was his mother. I had to go back. James never forgave me and I never forgave myself until four nights ago.
I told James the absolute truth. I expected his scorn and rejection but I didn't get it. Instead, as he has said to me, he loves me more. Unbeknownst to me, I was pregnant when I left James that morning. My "husband" hadn't touched me for months before that night and he hadn't touched me in the seven weeks I had been back. Knowing I was about to miss another monthly I seduced my husband and pretended the child growing inside of me was his. That child is Olivia. She's our daughter, James and mine.
It's a shocking tale but I have DNA testing that proves Thomas Pope isn't her father. I've never been with any other man but Jimmy. We must tell Oliva this truth. At one time it was secret I thought to take to my grave but I couldn't do it. Jimmy deserved to know that he has a daughter and Olivia has always deserved a better father. Now she will have one."
"I imagine you're as shocked as I was Fitzgerald but the truth must be told here. I have always in truth loved Olivia as daughter. Tessa did what she thought was right at the time. She tried to leave him but he threatened to separate Tommy from her. He was controlling her with head games and abuse. The man is unfit to be called father or even human for that matter. I promise you he'll not intimidate or threaten either woman again.
Tessa plans to tell Olivia the truth of her parentage this weekend. I plan to be by her side. As I told Tessa, you will be the one she will turn to help her digest this news. It's possible that Olivia will reject her mother. She may reject us both. Twenty-five years is a long time to keep such life-changing information. The girl has been lied to her entire life. I might not even be immune from her wrath even though I only found out she was my own flesh and blood four days ago!
Tessa hasn't gone into all the details with you but we both are willing to answer any questions you may have either right now or we can wait until after Olivia is told. You haven't said a word. What are you feeling and thinking right now?"
"To be honest I'm not sure. I expected to hear something out of the ordinary this evening but definitely not this turn of events. I can't even imagine what Olivia will say or feel. As you said, she's been lied to her entire life. She loves both of you but surely you know this is a deep betrayal of trust! Olivia is the most loving and trusting person I've ever known. This will hurt her and I see no way to avoid the hurt she will feel. I don't like the idea of Olivia hurting. I see no way around the evitable however, she must be told the truth."
"I wanted to be face to face with her and tell her of her parentage. With Jimmy beside me of course. I wanted her to know that he had no part in this. I was the one that lied by omission to her and to Jimmy. He only found out he was her father four days ago!"
"Tessa, I've told you that I won't let you stand alone in this nor will you shelter all the blame. What Tessa didn't say Fitzgerald was that I share the blame for this situation myself. We fell in love while Thomas was in his second year of medical school. We didn't act on it at first but then we did. It was a clandestine affair left in the shadows. Thomas was my best friend back then. I knew he was courting her but I still wanted her for myself. While he was away, I played my hand. I knew she loved me as surely as you know at this moment that Olivia loves you. I was older and experienced. I seduced her and we happily and merrily rolled along until Jimmy came back with a ring in his pocket. I expected Tessa to renounce him but she didn't.
Pride, ego, male chauvinism, I'm not sure what held me back but I should've stopped that wedding. It's wasn't Tessa's job to stop it; it was mine. I had lain with her as only a husband should but I stood by waiting for her to run from him to me! When she didn't, I felt betrayed. I swore never to speak one vowel to her again. And technically I didn't except for the night Olivia was conceived. Tessa was put into a very bad position because of my very bad decision. She was hurt, I was hurt, and now our daughter will be hurt. I suggested to Tessa that we talk to you first. What suggestions do you offer us in dealing with this?"
"I haven't any right to judge anyone. Your life, your mistakes are your own. However, Olivia's pain is my pain. This will undoubtedly hurt her but she must be told in my opinion the sooner the better. Twenty-five years is a long time to believe you're someone you're not! You must deal with this as you see fit. I will see to Olivia."
"You will her of her parentage then?"
"I won't lie to Olivia ever! We can sometimes see into each other's head. She will sense that I'm troubled. I can't promise that I won't. This is news twenty-five years over-due, Tessa."
"Don't think too harshly of Tessa, Fitzgerald. She's a victim in all of this. She did what she had to do to keep and protect her children. She was a battered woman. She had no idea what Thomas would've done if he found out she carried another man's child. Tommy was frightened to death of his father. He threatened to separate the boy from his mother. Tessa was being the best mother she could."
"I can't and won't judge anyone. Olivia is your daughter, soon to be my wife. Her well-being and peace of mind are of great concern to me. I know she'll be shocked to find out her true parentage but to a degree I believe she will welcome it. Thomas Pope, with his small and bigoted world view, has proven to her that he's unworthy of her love and devotion. However, the news will dismantle all she has thought to be true in her life. She's into her first week of a medical residency. Olivia reminds me so much of my mother. She's one of the smartest and most dedicated women I have ever known. She's on a path to greatness. I think we all know this bit of news is bound to throw her off course. She'll be vulnerable to a great deal of stress and pain because of it. I don't like that. I don't like the idea of her receiving this news and then being left in Boston to digest the facts alone."
"Our plans to go on out West has always been contingent on how Olivia takes the news. We would never leave here without knowing she's okay. Jimmy has enough optimism for both of us. She believes Olivia loves us enough to forgive us both. I sincerely hope he's right. I don't want to lose my daughter because of my indiscretion."
"None of us can say for certain how Olivia will react. I can only imagine how I would feel and quite frankly it's not a good feeling. Olivia will need me more than ever. Look, I have to get back to the court house. Thanks for confiding in me. I needed to know and so does Olivia!"
"Thanks Fitzgerald, for taking time out of your busy schedule to get back to us. We realize that this will be a life-changing event for Olivia. Tessa did the right thing to tell me the truth even after twenty-five years. Now our daughter must be told. The timing could never be right in this situation. I can hear the great concern you have for Olivia. I assure that we would never leave here to go anywhere until we are sure Olivia has digested the facts and can go about her normal life."
"Olivia is my daughter and Jimmy is her father. I could never express to anyone how that one fact has made my entire existence bearable for the last twenty-five years. She is indeed what you refer to in America as a "love" child. I would never ever do anything in this world to purposely hurt her. Jimmy is correct in saying we would never leave here without knowing that Olivia is okay. We have both loved her dearly since the day she was born!"
"I'm very sure of that, Tessa. I must go. Hang on to the phone, Uncle Jim. You'll hear from me. Have a good-evening. Good-bye."
"He's not very pleased right now. I can hear it in his voice and tone, Jimmy. He feels that I have done a disservice to Olivia. And because you are part and parcel of it all, he's perturbed with the both of us. You made me see the import of telling him before we even told our daughter. He needed to know the facts to be there to offer her emotional support. I hope we've done the right thing."
"Tessa, men like Fitzgerald Grant aren't accustomed to things throwing a "monkey wrench" into his life. He's accustomed to things in his life in a specific order. He loves our daughter very much. We both know theirs' is a whirlwind love affair. They only met seven months ago. From all I've seen, things are going splendidly. They are to move in together in a few days. They are engaged to be married and are expected to announce a wedding date at the end of the year. The man is overjoyed at these facts. He told me so himself. Our news is a big deal. I don't personally believe that it will change a thing between he and Olivia. However, our news could change the trajectory of the man's life. Give the man some grace, Tessa. He has a right to be perturbed!"
"Yes, I guess he does but I can't worry about him right now, Olivia is our prime concern, is she not?"
"Yes, she is, always has been. I was only giving you my perspective as to what the man may be thinking. Remember Tessa, my love for you outweighed any information you could've given me, including the fact that I've had a daughter for the last twenty-five years. My love for you is unconditional. I believe Fitzgerald Grant loves our daughter the same way. He's thinking ahead. He wants to mitigate the turmoil he imagines she will go through is all. He's a good man. Our daughter has made a wise choice."
"Yes, she has. I just need to remember that. However, I believe he will tell her before we get a chance to, Jimmy."
"Yes, I suspect that he will."
"Good-evening, boss. I didn't expect to hear from you until tomorrow. Is everything okay? I haven't received any pertinent news involving any of our cases. What's up Fitz?"
"A situation has come up involving Olivia. I have to go to Boston. I will consider handling tomorrow's schedule if I absolutely have to but I want to be on the jet to Boston as soon as possible."
"Oh my god Fitz, is Olivia alright? What in the world has happened?"
"It's a personal matter. It's not a medical concern. I'm not at liberty to discuss it freely at the moment. At some point I'll be able to. Right now, I need to be in Boston! In my opinion I'm going to need a week to ten days away from the office. Postpone and reschedule as you see fit. There are a few cases on the docket for next week that any partner can step into. As you know, Lenny and I were working the La Grange case together anyway. Sorry to put you on the spot Drey. I know it's dinner time but this is very important. Let me know when everything is set. It doesn't matter what time you get it all together. Let me know! I'll expect to hear from you."
"Not a problem. This is exactly why you pay me the big bucks. When everything is set, I'll call you. Hopefully, you won't even have to come in tomorrow and I can have you on the way to Boston by noontime. I'll make it happen. Talk to you later."
Fitzgerald Grant went into his study. He hit a switch and the priceless painting slid along the wall and a small bar emerged from within the wall. There was shelving that held glasses made of the finest lead crystal. There was a small wine cooler with his favorite wines on the first row. The second row was filled with Olivia's favorites in anticipation of her first visit. There was also a shelf of his favorite Scotch. A built-in ice maker meant he could fix his favorite drink and relax with no bother at all. One day Olivia would be relaxing in this room with him. They would share news of their day. They would discuss their children. They would make love in this very room. He was a very patient man. He would wait for her forever.
What he wouldn't do is let Olivia face this news about her mother's deception and her true parentage alone nor without forewarning. He understood what her mother had wanted to do but this was unsettling news to spring on Olivia. Of course, she had to be told. Under different circumstances he would have honored Tessa's request. Call him what you would but he didn't believe it was a good idea. He had admired Tessa for her break from Olivia's father, only thing is, he isn't her father. His thoughts about her not telling Olivia about her true connection to Uncle Jim left him mute.
For twenty-five years she allowed Olivia to believe a man that held an entire family hostage, abused her without a care, degraded she and her children, and is without a moral compass was her father. That lie by omission was untenable. Olivia would be devastated. Tessa has to know that will be the case. To tell him this information and to have thought for a minute he would keep it from Olivia. He could not. Their promises of fidelity and truth to each are the building blocks upon which their love stands. He had learned a truth and he would tell her!
