A/N: Stay with me readers, hope you're all doing well. Thanks for your patience, and I am working on the next chapter. It won't be long. I broke this down to points of view for easier following and reading. Hope it worked. So much going down. WARNING: Violence in this chapter. Happy reading, enjoy, and I can't wait for your reviews.
Chapter 18—Courtroom Chaos
Olivia
"Mom." Liv said in almost a whisper. She didn't have much time, but she wanted Erin to know where she was going.
"Liv, thank God, I haven't heard from you in weeks. I was so worried. What's going on?"
"Chip was arrested in California. He jumped his bail in NY. I'm about to go to a hearing where a judge will decide if she should be extradited back to NY."
"California? What was he doing there? This man gets away with too much, Liv, you need to stay away from him." Erin's voice was shaky, worried.
"It's fine Erin, really. Listen. I'll let you know what happens later, and I have some other things to tell you, nothing to worry about. I may need you take a trip to California, would that be alright?"
"Honey, I miss you so much, if that's where I get to see you again, then it will be fine. Keep me posted. I hope Chip get what he deserves, although the man deserves nothing but death, God forgive me."
"I love you momma." Liv said.
"I love you too, and Abby will be with you in spirit, you know that."
Liv clicked off the phone, choking back tears. She took a deep breath and reached for the object on the table.
When Liv bought three knives yesterday in that store on Front Street, she had a feeling Fitz knew that two were not for Huck. For a reason she wasn't going to ask him, he just let that go and did not question her.
Now, ready to head out to the courtroom, she studied the knife in her hand. She didn't know how, she didn't care the consequences, but she was going to try to get in the courtroom with that weapon. If she was stopped, the worst is it would be taken from her, and she would be questioned. It was nothing she couldn't handle.
Liv had a feeling in her gut, something was off. It was a given Jax wouldn't be there, it wasn't him, it was the tricks he had up his sleeve, the people who worked for him. Liv had no doubt in her mind he had an elaborate plan put into place, one that would include an escape plan for Chip.
She put her trust in one law enforcement officer at Jake Ballard's hearing. That backfired terribly on her. She wasn't going to trust it again, and she wanted to be prepared. She hated carrying a weapon, but it was her only sign of protection besides Davis. She just felt better carrying it.
After all, this was the fate of his son, and Jax would stop at nothing to get him to stay here, not to be extradited to New York to face the music for what he did to Abby. Liv looked at one of the pictures of Grant that Huck had given her. She took a deep breath, and put her knife securely hidden in the lining of her purse.
If she was able to get into the courthouse with it, she would put it in her inside jacket pocket. Even though Davis was going to be with her, leave it to Jax to have more than one distraction when it came to Chip. Yes, Liv closed her eyes, she would be ready.
Davis waited in the car outside the entrance of the beach house for Liv to come down. The knife Liv had given him was in a secure holder in his sock, within an ankle holder. He too wasn't sure if he would pass courthouse security, but like Liv, he knew the risks Jax would be taking, and he was willing to take them also.
Davis left Huck in the room set up of all monitors. Huck had access to cameras in and around the courthouse, including the courtroom itself. Fitz had taken no chances and wanted every moment of the hearing monitored.
He had just spent the last half hour going on a tour of the courthouse with Huck. Davis knew of all the entrances, exits, and hiding places within the place. He also knew anywhere in the external that could hide possible attackers.
Davis took a deep breath. He knew how difficult this would be for Liv to face Chip again. This time though, it would finally be about moving in the direction to justice for Abby. Liv needed to begin her life.
He pulled a picture of Quinn out of his inside jacket pocket. He turned it around to the picture of Grant stapled back-to-back with Quinn's.
He rubbed the picture over with his thumb. He smiled. "We'll be together soon, Quinn" He quickly put the picture back into his pocket as he saw Liv exit the building and come towards the car.
Fitz
Tom drove with Luther in the back of the car with Fitz. Fitz was notably distracted. His mind was in that Los Angeles courtroom when it should be here in San Jose with the victims of the wildfires. Luther crossed his eyebrows as he looked out the back window. "Sir, did you know your father would be here?"
Fitz shot his head around. Standing, chatting away like two old buddies would, was his father and Sanderson. Fitz's lips went tight, and his head shook from side to side. "Son of a bitch," he said. He turned back to Luther. "I had no idea."
Several yards away was a group of members from FEMA. They were visibly identified because of the big yellow letters on the jackets they were wearing. As soon as Fitz got out of the car the five member team made their way to him with small smiles on their faces.
"Pleasure to meet you Governor Grant, I am Conrad Price, the lead on the team for FEMA. I am sorry for all the devastating loss the community here has faced as a result of the wildfires." Fitz shook his hand, a strong grip.
"Don't apologize to me, use those words and turn it into help for those that lost everything. I am sure your actions will speak louder than words." He looked over Conrad's shoulder to see Sanderson and his father coming towards them.
"Conrad, you know my father, Senator Grant, and this is my majority Senate Leader here in California, Bo Sanderson." The three men shook hands, exchanged pleasantries and walked towards the public waiting for them on the other side of the municipal building.
As they turned to walk, Fitz made sure his back was to his father as he spoke to Conrad and his team. "First," Fitz began "I am going to speak to the people gathered outside the building, mainly residents of the community, family members of those that lost the most. The rest of the residents are with my team amongst the damages. They are by their homes. Conrad, I suggest you say a few words about why you are here and what you plan to do from them. Don't be a bystander with nothing to say. These residents need assurance things will be ok."
"I understand Governor. Your father has made it clear he intends to work with us to be sure the right amount of aid is dispersed and given to the families most affected by the fires."
Sanderson had caught up and patted Conrad on his back. "We appreciate you coming out today to survey the damage. Hopefully you reach in FEMA's pocket and give as much as you can to the families."
"Son, I've been trying to contact you, there's problems." Gerry finally caught Fitz by himself.
Fitz looked straight on, hearing his father's voice and not acknowledging he was talking. "If you are here in anyway to distract me from getting to that courthouse later, I swear you trying to contact me will be the least of your worries."
"Fitz," Gerry said in a loud, mad whisper. "You don't fuck with Putney; I keep telling you this. He knows more than he lets on and he has a shitload of people in his pocket."
Fitz finally looked at Gerry. His face was straight, cold as ice. "Shut up and do what you do best, lie and get as much money for these families as you can. Don't say a word about my personal life at all today. Do what you have to do and get the fuck out of my state."
Fitz put on a big smile and walked towards the residents waiting to hear him speak. Before saying anything into the microphone for the press and the public to hear, Fitz greeted the family members that were on this side. There were others waiting by the damaged property he still had to face. He took pictures with them, kept the press away, and listened to each story of devastation from them. He had to do it all over again in a bit when he went by the damages.
He pretended to listen to them, to hear them, but his mind was in Los Angeles. He looked at the time. Liv should be on her way to the courthouse right about now with Davis. He felt a cold chill go up his spine. As precautious as Fitz was today, he still had a feeling something would go wrong.
Jax
Jax's driver arrived at the address provided by Cameron at 8:30 on the dot. He wanted to be in and out, no delays. Court was expected to begin in Los Angeles at 10:00. He was three and a half hours away in Avila Beach by car.
Jax had a private plane chartered, but the more time he spent on this nonsense tax problem, the more time it will take for him to get to the courthouse. He didn't know what kind of trickery Olivia Pope would have in store for his Chip.
He did know that Governor Grant would be no where near the courthouse today. He was surveying the damage in San Jose from the wildfires. That meant less of a security presence, and at least one of his plans was going forward without a problem.
When Andres pulled up in front of the building, Jax wanted to scream. There was already a line of about 30 people waiting outside the building for it to open. All the people waiting in line were plants, planted there by Fitz and Cameron. Jax was being stalled, and he didn't even know it.
Jax took a deep breath. He stepped out of the car. He walked to the front of the line, thinking he could walk right in. He pulled on the door, which was locked and the first person standing in the line began laughing out loud.
Jax looked at the gentleman, mid 30's, dressed in jeans and a 49er's hoodie, slightly taller than Jax. "Do you find something amusing?" Jax asked.
"Yeah, the fact that you think pulling on the door and cutting a line of 50 plus people would get you in sooner. You have high hopes Yuppie, if that's what you are trying to do." The guy's shoulders went up in laughter, causing more laughter from the five people behind him in hearing distance.
Jax reached into his pocket. He pulled out a wad of bills. He took five 100 dollar bills from the wad and offered it to the guy. "I'll give you five hundred right now for your place in line." Jax held the money up in front of the guy's eyes. He fanned it also, like the guy would reach out for it and grab it.
"And what?", the guy said. "Get in more trouble with the IRS for accepting a cash bribe? Get the hell out of here, you freak." The door opened right at that moment. Cameron looked at the discussion going on and saw the money Jax was waving.
"Are you suggesting a spot in line for money, Mr. Putney?" Cameron looked at him questionably.
Jax quickly pocketed the money. "No, no, of course not Mr. Lopez. But I am going to ask if you can take me first, as you know, my son, Charles…"
"I do know your son Charles, as a matter of fact. It's too bad the troubles he's having, although he never was that good hearted of a person. I cannot take you first as some of these hard-working residents have been here since last night. Take your spot in line." Cameron pointed towards the back. "Looks like you're missing out because it's getting longer since I opened the door."
Jax looked up the block now, the line nearly doubling with people. "Shit." He turned towards Andres. "Go wait in the back of the line for me, I have a few phone calls to make from the car."
Andres nodded and walked away. The guy in the front looked at Jax. "Enjoy your day, sir."
Because of all the witnesses, Jax refrained from punching him, and walked away, dialing a number on his phone. It rang once, twice, three times. "Senator Grant's office, this is Barbara, how may I help you?"
"Why the hell are you answering Gerry's cell phone?" Jax wasn't too fond of Barbara.
"He is having all his calls forwarded to his office. He's in California with FEMA taking a tour with his son of San Jose. Thought you would know that you seem to know everything about the Senator's life, sometimes more than he does."
Jax rubbed his face. Gerry lied. Fitz is talking to him after all. He about had it with the Grants. "So he's not taking any calls?"
"You're more brilliant than I thought. That's why he's having the calls forwarded here, hence why you're speaking to me."
"You know when he hired you, I told him to think twice. He didn't listen. Now he's stuck with you. Maybe I'll remind him what a mistake it was when I talk to him again. Can you at least tell me when he will be taking calls?"
"Not sure. He mentioned something about visiting his brother also while he's out there. Never heard him mention a brother before though, this is new."
"Brother? What the hell? He doesn't have a brother."
"That's what I thought, but his brother just had a grandson. I saw the picture on his cell phone. Gorgeous little boy, if I didn't know any better, I would think it was his son's kid. The baby is the spitting image of Fitz."
"News to me about a brother. Anyway, if he does check in, if it's not too much trouble, tell him I need to talk to him, immediately."
"Sure thing, I'll put you last on his list. Bye, Jax."
His next call was to Ben. Ben picked up on the first ring. That's what he liked, a loyal worker. "Hey Boss, what's up?"
"Are we all set?"
"Yes sir. I'll be in the courtroom as your orders. Buzz and Flip will be outside. We have Lex ready on the inside. He's the sheriff's officer assigned to Judge Bailey. We were able to get to him."
"That's good," Jax said with a big smile. That meant Chip's handcuffs wouldn't be locked. "You paid him already? Lex doesn't act unless he's paid in advance."
"Yes, just paid him, he's off to the courthouse now."
"Good. What about the other thing?"
"That's all done also Boss, and if Davis and Olivia Pope are there, they'll be disposed. I'm heading over there now. I'm shutting down my phone, so is there anything else?"
"No, Ben, that's it for now. Pull this off and they'll be a nice prize waiting for you. I need someone to start up my San Diego business again."
"Yes sir." Ben hung up the phone, not knowing it would be the last time he would ever speak to Jax Putney again.
Jax began thinking now. If Davis and Olivia were parents and Olivia was in precaution mode all the time, why would she chance being together? Her and Davis killed together would mean the baby would be left parent less.
He began to think of the conversation with Barbara. A brother? Gerry never mentioned any family other than Fitz in the 30 plus years he's known him. He does not have a brother. He only has…..
Two plus two started to add up. Olivia in Oakland, Chip goes missing. Olivia in Avila Beach, Jax's house gets seized. Jax began thinking back to Jake Ballard. Olivia was his lawyer, back in May.
Gerry did mention the weekend Boozer got killed it was Fitz's bachelor party in Oakland. That was in May. The same weekend. Jax looked up to no one, mouth wide open. No wonder he didn't marry that Barbie doll Mellie.
Olivia was in both places recently that Fitz was in. "Fucking shit," he whispered. Like he just won the biggest prize on Earth, Jax smiled. Olivia Pope was the mother of Governor Grant's love child. He went to call back Ben, to let him know not to kill Olivia, but it was too late. His phone was already going right to voice mail.
Huck
Back at the ranch house, Huck was sitting in a secluded room located in the back of the house. There were five different monitors he was watching closely. He had the perimeter of the outside courthouse, he had the entrance and lead hallway, he had inside the courtroom, he had the outside of the courtroom, and finally, he had the parking lot of the courthouse all on his radar.
He had identified two of Jax's men already. He crossed the names Buzz and Flip off the list. He had them in his sight. They were in a car parked in the lot. Huck had the license plate and description of the car.
Huck very rarely made mistakes. He took so many precautions and when it came to Liv, he doubled those precautions. After Abby died, Huck broke down, fell into a guilt-ridden depression. It never should have happened, but it did. He vowed never to make the same mistake again.
After Liv had Grant, Huck went on a full-blown protection mission. No one, ever, was going to hurt that little boy. He knew, being the Governor's son, he would have protection, but it wasn't Huck protection, and that's what mattered. If only Liv wouldn't hate him for killing Chip, this would all be over.
Making sure Grant was safe was his priority, a high priority that matched that of Liv's protection. Being so set on protecting them both, Huck missed the hiring of Ben. Ben was Jax's secret weapon, but Jax didn't know what Huck didn't know. Hell, Jax didn't even know about Huck.
When the people began entering the courtroom and Huck was watching the monitor, he didn't even give Ben a second look. Huck did see the big man walk into the courthouse and clear security, but he was the first one in the building and Huck's focus was on the guards checking security.
It was that reason Huck let Ben's presence get away from his memory. He had to blink a few times, roll back the footage and zoom in. "Holy Shit, Fitz, you did it."
Huck saw the face of the Sheriff's officer checking bags and putting the wand over anyone without a bag. It was their very own California ally, Vivian. She was dressed in a Los Angeles Sheriff's uniform, and she was taking her "job" seriously.
Ben didn't raise any red flags. Vivian let him go without a problem. She knew the faces of Buzz and Flip. If they tried to enter, she knew what she had to do. Buzz and Flip would not be entering though, and since Ben only needed his strength, not a weapon, into the courtroom he went.
Huck tensed up when he saw Liv and Davis enter. His heart began to pound. He knew that Davis was armed, he did not know Liv was armed. Liv did not share that news with anyone. She was feeling too guilty already. She was afraid Huck would talk her out of it, Davis being the only protection she needed.
Huck saw the pause in letting them both in, being confused as to why Liv was stopped, but breathed a sigh of relief when they approached the courtroom and entered.
His camera focus now switched to the courtroom, as he took detail of where everyone was sitting and scanned faces for any recognition.
Olivia
Olivia approached the courthouse. Her arm was interlocked with Davis's arm. If Jax had men watching, they had to play the game that he was Grant's father. Imagine her surprise when she saw who was manning security.
Davis walked in first. He went through the metal detector, and there was a beep. He looked up at the device and the "officer" asked him to step to the side. Recognizing her right away, he stepped to the side. The other officer watched as she made Davis take off his belt and walk through again.
Once again, the device beeped, holding up the line of people waiting to get in, and hearing sighs of frustration coming from them. "Step here, sir." Vivian (Officer Bryer as her alias) said with the wand. She began to scan him beginning with the shoulders.
"Left ankle." He whispered, and Vivian held off the button on the wand as she scanned it. No beep happened, and Vivian said. "Sorry for the trouble, sir, proceed." She pointed to the courtroom door as he waited out front for Liv to pass security.
She put her purse down on the bag check. As the bag was going to skim the monitor, Liv took a heavy swallow. If Vivian noticed anything in the bag, she didn't say anything, and the knife was buried deep enough for the metal detector not to read it.
Liv breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Vivian. Vivian tipped her hat. She picked up Liv's bag and handed it back to her. "Ma'am, proceed. However, I noticed." Her and Liv looked in the bag so Vivian could talk to her.
"I have a car for when this is done. Fitz wants you with me and we'll meet Davis at the airport."
"Thank you, officer." Liv walked into the courtroom with Davis. While behind him, she slid the knife into her inside pocket.
Fitz
Fitz had been able, though a variety of phone calls, to get a hold of Vivian at the hotel. She was more than happy to help in any capacity she could, and when he told her what he needed, she was in a car and on her way to Los Angeles within the hour.
He had provided everything she needed to be a mock Sheriff's officer for Los Angeles. If anyone asked or grew suspicious, she was told to oversee the Putney security on orders from the Governor. Since the Lt. Governor would be in attendance, he was taking precautions.
Fitz knew Liv didn't buy two knives for Huck to have. In fact, Huck didn't even need one knife. Huck could kill with his bare hands, but Fitz played along. If Liv having a knife made her feel safer, as much as he hated the thought, he would let it go.
He would much rather the bat as the form of weapon, but Liv couldn't sneak a bat into the courthouse. He also knew with Liv giving him a new knife, Davis would be armed also. The more prepared they were, the less problems there would be. So, Fitz hired his own person to make sure they got through security.
She was met and briefed by Tom early this morning, before Fitz headed to San Jose. She was given specific instructions and pictures of all of Putney's men. Sadly, missing from that pile was a picture of Ben. Had Fitz known about Ben, he never would have entered the courthouse.
Fitz had seen the list of the officers assigned to the courthouse. The only one he was suspicious of was Lex Henderson. Lex was assigned to Bailey's team and would escort the prisoner to and from his cell.
Once Vivian finished her post checking people in, she was heading around to the cells where they held prisoners. She wasn't prepared for Judge Bailey to begin proceedings earlier than expected. She had no way of contacting Fitz either.
Thinking everything would be ok, Fitz began the part of his job he disliked the most. His heart broke greeting the victims of the wildfires on what used to be their homes. Yes, these people, the ones he represented, still had their lives, but they lost everything in the process.
They were set up in temporary shelters, all their belongings now were just donations given by all the charitable organizations around the state. Schools in the surrounding areas were being used as shelters until better places could be used.
He hugged and listened to each one of them, assuring them he would try and stop at nothing to help them rebuild their lives. Each person or family that met the Governor ended their time with a hug. When Fitz took the podium to speak, there was not one dry eye. His words of encouragement, of understanding, and of promise had them crying. They knew they had elected a man of the people and they had faith in their Governor.
Before he took the microphone he turned to Sanderson. "I don't want one word spoken about a possible Presidential run. This is not the time nor place to say that." He glanced then at his father and saw his shoulders slump. He knew exactly what Gerry was thinking.
Sanderson looked also at Gerry. "I know he thinks this is the time to do it, don't you dare Sanderson, I am warning you." Sanderson nodded in assurance and watched as Fitz spoke.
Fitz's mind was hours away in a Los Angeles courtroom, but he spoke as though San Jose was the only priority.
Huck
The only audio Huck had going was the police Scanner for Los Angeles. If anything was going down, he would know as soon as the police knew. He couldn't get audio on the cameras from the courtroom.
After the initial process of checking everyone in through security, the Lt. Governor was finally let into the courtroom through a back entrance. Linda Marshall took a seat directly behind the prosecutor and nodded a cold hello to Leslie Alum.
Leslie was awaiting her client, Charles Putney to come out. She was fumbling through some papers and even Huck, not being any kind of lawyer, could tell she wasn't the least bit prepared for this hearing. It's as though she knows the judge will delay it for another few weeks.
His eyes now focused on Liv and Davis. They were seated in the back, the back row, as far away from Chip as they could be. Huck figured it was better that way. Liv may just reach out and grab his neck if she was too close to him.
By Huck's counting, there were 15 people, spectators, in the courtroom. Three of those spectators were Linda's detail.
All spectators were scattered. One big guy (Ben) sat in the very back on Chip's side, opposite, but the same row as Liv and Davis. Huck nodded in satisfaction. The less people there the better. He saw as everyone stood up and Huck glanced at the clock. Why was Judge Bailey coming in before the defendant, and a half hour before the hearing was supposed to begin?
Chip wasn't even in the courtroom yet, but Judge Bailey was taking his seat behind the desk. This was out of character, and it was the first time Huck's stomach turned. Something was off, and something was going down. He must want this over with before Fitz could get there.
"Shit, shit, shit." Huck began checking all monitors, and he saw it. One officer, just one, to escort Chip out. He looked closely at the officer. That was Lex Henderson, the one Fitz put a question mark next to. Fitz's intuition was correct. They began to walk slowly to the courtroom, but from what Huck could see there was nothing out of the ordinary.
Nothing out of the ordinary, until they reached the door. Lex pulled the keys from his belt and Huck saw him loosen the cuffs on his hands. He was not in ankle shackles, but clearly now, Chip was free to break out of the cuffs as easily and as freely as he wished. This was not going to end well.
Fitz
Leaving Conrad in the aftermath of his speech to the people of San Jose, Fitz practically raced to his car to get to his plane. He didn't want to be away from the courtroom for any longer than he should. He was about to take a swing at his father for stopping him.
Gerry's hand folded around Fitz's arm, and he turned him around. "Fitz, what were you thinking promising these people that kind of relief? You know it's not going to happen." Sanderson stood behind Gerry nodding his head in agreement.
"Oh, it's going to happen. $500 million is a drop in the bucket for the federal government and for the California Legislation to split. Stop acting so cheap, dig into the pockets and get it done. These fine people deserve better." Fitz looked at Sanderson. "I'll expect a bill brought up in the Senate and a check by week's end. Good day boys." Fitz dipped his head and entered the car.
Gerry didn't let the door close, and he hopped in after Fitz. "Sanderson, I'll call you in a few hours, I have something to discuss with Fitz."
Fitz closed his eyes, took a deep breath and waved Tom off as he heard his detail say "Sir?" In other words, what should he do with Gerry.
"You have ten minutes before we get to the airport and I'm on the plane to Los Angeles, what do you want?"
"How's the baby?"
"Next question." Fitz said with grinded teeth.
"Fitz, what you said back there to the victims, you are promising something we can't do."
"Can't do or won't do, there's a difference. Early action wildfire funding, tool storage for crews, and creating subcommittees is something both the legislation and the federal government can handle. You'll get it done, because if you don't, I'm calling out your precious boys on the Californian Senate. Now what else do you want?"
They were approaching the airport and Gerry had to think fast. "Fine, I'm sure everything you said will get done, have you thought about starting up the PAC for the presidential…."
The car came to a stop. "I have a hearing to get to. I'll expect a call from FEMA in the morning." He got out of the car, just as Gerry's phone was ringing.
Gerry looked at the screen and took a deep breath. It was Jax, the last person he wanted to hear from at this time. He answered, but took off after Fitz, wanting desperately to get on that plane with him.
"Jax, now isn't a good time."
'Oh, it's a good time, Gerry. Your boy is pushing the wrong buttons. I know you're in California, find a way to get the courthouse in Los Angeles, I am getting on my plane now heading there. For the sake of your boy, the hearing better not be over, and if it is, there better be a delay. I'll need access to the building, and you're the one going to get it for me."
Tom and Luther stood at the bottom of the stairs up to the plane. Fitz turned to see them blocking his father from getting on. Gerry looked at Fitz. "Jax is on his way there, son, you're going to want me there."
Fitz rolled his eyes. "No, he's going to want you there. Let him on boys. Don't sit close to me, I want you at a distance where I can't even hear you breathing." Fitz looked at his watch. It was 10:30. If everything went smoothly, he should be at the courthouse by noon.
Jax
He finally reached the building to speak to Cameron and talk about this ridiculous tax bill. He sat down across from Cameron who punched a few keys and stared at his computer monitor.
"Look, Lopez, this whole thing…"
"Is a misunderstanding. I apologize Mr. Putney. Looking now at the records, I am embarrassed. You are up to date on your taxes, I must have confused accounts. I look at so many a day they begin to look the same."
Jax could feel his face burning with anger. "I just waited two hours and you're telling me…."
"I'm telling you you're free to go, unless you would like me to bring up other properties you own in California and make sure they are all up to date."
"Oh, no, no need for that. I trust your word on the Avila Beach property, so it won't be seized?"
"The sign has been taken down and my assistant has already written an apology notice and will be sending you an edible fruit basket for your trouble. Good luck to your boy today in court." Cameron got up, leaving Jax in a confused, angry state. He received the text from Fitz that Fitz was on his way to the courthouse, let Jax go.
Jax got up, met Andres outside and told him to floor it to the airport. Nothing else better go wrong today. After his call to Gerry, Jax made the call he's been waiting to make all day. This call would put Chip's escape plan into motion.
"Dez, are you all set?"
Dez was at a house in a secluded area just outside of Fresno. "Just waiting on your call that he's on the way, I'm all set here."
"Perfect, I'm on my way to Los Angeles now. If it all goes as planned, we should be there by late afternoon."
"Looking forward to seeing you and Chip, it's been a long time."
Hanging up the phone and entering his plane, he whispered, "it sure has been a long time." He made one more phone call before the plane took off.
The car parked just before the courthouse was on standby. When the phone rang, it was the cue to go forward with the plan. The driver received 500, 000 dollars. All that money to drive as close to the courthouse as possible and leave a blinking red laser light under the car as he ran off. Easy money.
At precisely 11:30, Freddy was to set the laser light to begin blinking under the car. He would walk calmly up to the nearest patrol outside the courtroom and point to what he was seeing under the car. Before any squad and more patrol came in, Freddy would be long gone with his money. He didn't ask why, didn't even care why, he just needed this payday.
Fitz
While in the air, which would be for an hour, if that, Fitz said nothing to Gerry. He noticed Gerry staring down at his phone, having the picture of Grant as his background on the phone.
Fitz couldn't take not saying anything. "Don't tell me you're dumb enough to have my son as your background picture on your phone, how would explain that to anyone who saw it, don't be crazy, take that down."
"Relax, Fitz, I just put it on last night. I've been thinking…"
"Well, don't think. When he turns 18, and if you're still alive, he can find you, until then he isn't going to know you. Why don't you tell me what Jax has in store for this courtroom. What will I be walking in to?"
"I honestly don't know, but he wants me there, so he has easy access to the building which makes me think something is going down. If he's going to need access, that means law enforcement will be there."
Just as Freddy turned the light on and exited the car, Fitz's plane landed. Fitz was about 15 minutes out of getting to the courthouse. He jumped into the car with his detail and unfortunately Gerry. "Randy, none of your slow driving, there are roadblocks up for a reason, they are for you, get to the courthouse quickly, and let Senator Grant out a block before getting there."
"Copy that." Randy sped off towards the courthouse where the mayhem was just unfolding.
Huck
Huck's eyes were moving rapidly from one monitor to the other. He saw the prosecutor stand up and speak to Judge Bailey, and then saw Leslie jump up obviously to protest. It was just another court hearing.
He looked to the entrance, it had now been closed off, no one entering or leaving the courthouse, which meant Fitz was on his way. He noticed Vivian walk slowly towards the judge's chambers, and down the hall to the holding cells, right on schedule.
He looked at the outside camera. He noticed it right away. The car parked closest to the courthouse was now surrounded. Huck put his head closer to the monitor and saw the light blinking under the car. In the far distance, he saw a guy running towards the park and out of sight.
In a matter of seconds, there were twelve officers surrounding the car and more patrol cars were being brought in. The exterior of the courthouse was being cleared as the small amount of passerby's were being redirected to another street.
Huck looked back into the courtroom. Lex went over to the Lt. Governor's detail and whispered something. They immediately took both her arms and led her out the door behind the Judge's desk. Judge Bailey was also led out by two of his officers, as the rest of the spectators quickly stood up and raced towards the exit.
"Possible car bomb outside courthouse on Spring Street. All surrounding areas being cleared, and the courthouse is being evacuated. Governor Grant is outside the courthouse now, awaiting to get inside."
"Copy that, there's no need for him to come inside." The police scanner was going crazy.
Huck saw Fitz exit the car and be held back by Tom and Luther. He glanced to his left where two officers were keeping back two other men. Huck recognized them as Gerry and Jax. If Jax was with the Senator, he would have access to the courthouse. Huck rubbed his face, there was nothing he could do, and it was killing him inside.
He watched in horror as the scene in the courtroom unfolded.
Olivia
Once Judge Bailey came out before Chip, Olivia knew something was going down. She leaned over to Davis. "Be alert, this is out of the ordinary for the judge to be here before the defendant."
As Chip was brought into the courtroom, Liv examined him. He looked at her, directly, and nodded. Liv looked at his hands. She saw enough criminals to know his cuffs were not secured, and she noticed Lex step away from him before sitting him down.
"His cuffs aren't locked." She whispered to Davis. "He's free to break away." Davis nodded at Liv's words and reached down to grip the knife. He discreetly put it into his inside pocket and continued to wait for something to happen.
As the prosecutor stood up, she demanded that Chip be extradited within the hour and to not waste another cent of California taxpayer money on Charles Putney.
Leslie stood up immediately stating her client has a right as any to have his due process.
Judge Bailey interrupted the argument. "One at a time, or you can both exit the courtroom and be held in contempt."
That's when Linda Marshall and Judge Bailey were whisked away. Before Liv knew what was happening, the courtroom was clearing out. As she watched the last of the few spectators come towards the back to the door, she stood up to leave also.
Ben jumped up and grabbed Liv by her neck. As the courtroom door closed, he pushed her up against it, banging the back of her head, and she fell limp on to the floor.
Davis immediately jumped up, knife out. Ben reacted to Davis's sudden movement and lunged at him. His chest went first into the knife, and Davis pulled it out. Ben's hands went right to his chest trying to cover all the blood that was quickly leaking out of his heart and draining the life out of him.
As he fell hard to the ground, frontwards, bumping Davis's hand, the knife fell, next to Olivia who was beginning to come to.
Lex had taken his cuffs from Chip, and then followed the Judge out of the courtroom. Chip was now about to pace quickly to the way he came in, but he saw Vivian, or a guard who was not Lex come in through that door, and Chip had no choice but to go towards the commotion in the back.
Before heading in that direction, he recognized the guard coming at him. "Bitch from Oakland." He swept at Vivian's feet, causing her to fall to the ground, landing hard on her back, the wind being taken out of her. He was about to run back in the chambers direction, but something caught his eye. His want for Olivia to be dead overtook his want to escape and he headed towards the back.
Chip saw the knife fall out of Davis's hand. Chip ran towards the weapon, and before Davis could react, Chip had the knife and lunged it right into Davis's heart. Much like Ben moments ago, Davis fell forward gasping for air, but landed on his back.
Liv opened her eyes and saw Davis fall next to her. She turned, noticing all the blood. She reached in and grabbed her knife handle, kneeling up next to Davis. Davis reached in and pulled something out of his jacket pocket.
His blood soaked hand held on to the picture. Smearing blood on them, he wanted one last look at their faces. The two most important people in his life. On one side a smiling Quinn, and on the other, Grant with his hand happily in his mouth.
Davis's head turned to Liv. She looked in his eyes as he tried to muster up a smile. He died looking at the woman he vowed to protect until his death. Liv buried her head in the crook of his neck crying for her friend and protector, forgetting that Chip was just behind her.
She felt a sharp pain go down her side and as she tried to stand, another sharp pain went into her thigh. Chip had punctured her right side, and slid the knife down. She tried to stand, and he punctured her right thigh, and slid down, pulling the knife out. "Couldn't just leave it alone. Go join Abby in hell Olivia Pope." Chip was about to plunge the knife into her chest.
With the last ounce of strength she had, Liv flung around. With all her body weight she directed her knife handle into the right side of Chip's neck. His blood spewing everywhere as she pulled it out and tossed it far to the front of the courtroom.
Chip looked at her going down into his demise. He tried to speak, but nothing would come out. Ironically the last words he spoke on this Earth was that of Abby and Olivia.
Olivia watched him go down, and in her own pool of blood, her sight began to grow blurry, and she fell, directly on top of Davis's body. It was as though she was shielding him from meeting up with Chip in death.
Vivian had come to. She saw the blood-stained knife in front of her, and she picked it up, hiding it in her uniform as she stumbled towards the blood soaked carnage in the back of the courthouse. She scooped up Olivia, and the other knife. Olivia seemed to be the only one breathing, and Vivian carried her close to her body out of the courtroom.
"Medic, we need a fucking medic!" Three officers about to enter the courtroom with Fitz ran to get a stretcher, as Fitz dropped the phone he was speaking on and watched Vivian carry a lifeless Liv to the stretcher. He was about to run to her, when Tom held him back nodding towards the door.
In ran Gerry and Jax, Jax entering the courtroom and Fitz heard a blood curling scream. Gerry held the door opened as Fitz watched the exact scene Huck was watching on the monitor.
Jax rocked his son's lifeless body in his arms, sobbing into his son's neck. It was eerily similar to the scene Huck witnessed outside of Abby's brownstone the night she died. It was a terrible thought now, but Huck did not give one care.
"Rest in Hell you piece of shit Chip" Huck said to the monitor. "You're next Jax, sooner than you know it, you will meet your son in the fires of hell."
Huck watched as Fitz checked for a pulse on Davis, found none, used his hands to close his eyes, and noticed what was in his grip. "Make sure they take him out right away." Tom nodded, and spoke to an officer. Fitz grabbed the blood-soaked picture and turned to join Liv, running right past his shell shocked father.
Tom and Luther led him into the ambulance where Liv was being worked on and transported. "Governor, where would like us to take her?"
"How bad is it? Can she make the hour trip to Santa Barbara? I'll have a medical team waiting at my ranch."
The two young paramedics looked at each other. They were trying to stop the bleeding, and seemed positive they would. They nodded. "We'll keep her stable she'll make it." The dark haired one replied and hoped to God he was right.
Fitz took Liv's hand, holding it to his lips and whispered in her ear. "Stay with me Livvie, please, stay with me." He rested his forehead on her chest, and for the first time since his mother died, Fitz sobbed tears of heartbroken sadness.