A/N: Hi all. Thanks for your patience. We're getting closer to the Mayor's Ball and Jax is slowly unraveling. Happy reading and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Chapter 23

Before he boarded the plane, Jax was forced to watch Fitz on the television, once again taking command. He looked over at Dez, shaking his head, he was tight lipped and beet red. "This fucking Governor. What the hell did Andres and Fallon get themselves into?"

Dez was trying various numbers on his cell phone, with each number dialed a frustrated hiss came from him. "Trying to find out boss. It's not the best connection in this airport and phones seem to be going straight to voicemail."

Jax slammed the table in the private lounge he was in waiting for his plane to board. He looked back up at the television. Fitz, looking as calm and cool as always stood in front of a ton of microphones, pointing at various reporters to take questions. "Shouldn't be in this airport anyway." Jax mumbled.

After several questions about his tax on oil companies Fitz stopped taking questions and spoke to the reporters.

"A tragedy occurred last night, early evening to be exact about a mile from where we are standing. You all know my stance on abuse, domestic abuse of any kind, and last nigh a young woman lost her life as a result of domestic abuse. We have, as I speak, three people in custody, charges pending in relation to the death of this young woman. "

"I want to make it clear to all Californians seeking help or advice in a shelter. If you ever feel you've been given poor advice, you are not comfortable with the advice given, or you simply still feel threatened, do not hesitate to call this newly established phone line." Fitz recited the number off.

"In collaboration with the National Domestic Abuse Hotline, the Governor's office has set up a number for the state and anyone who fears they may have been a victim of domestic abuse. Please utilize the number. We have volunteers working around the clock to assist you. Don't ever think you are alone. No one should live in fear."

Fitz bowed his head for a moment. "The Governor's office will be paying for the funeral costs of the woman killed last night. Please keep her family in your thoughts. More information will be given to you by the Chief of Police." Fitz walked off the podium and entered the mansion.

Tom and Luther stopped him in the corridor. "Sir, your father is in your office. We tried to keep him out, but he was causing a scene and with the press…."

Fitz held his hand up in frustration. "What else?"

Jax Putney is on his flight. It just took off from St. Lucia. You have a while before he lands."

"You're testing my patience gentlemen." Fitz closed his eyes, rubbing them softly.

"Sorry, sir. Erin Whelan's plane will be landing in an hour. Olivia and Huck will be leaving for the airport in a half hour."

"Was that so hard?" Tom and Luther knew better, Olivia first above anyone else. Her safety, her security, and Grant's. Fitz had to go deal with his father now. He took a deep breath, wanting to call Liv, but deciding against it until he took care of this.

He swung the door to his office open. Gerry, startled at the sudden sound, jumped up and slumped his shoulders when Fitz didn't even look at him.

"I don't have time for you Senator, state your business and get the hell out of my office."

"Fallon Keltos and Andres Travez, why do you have them in custody?" Gerry got right to the point.

"Oh friends of yours? Why don't you go lawyer them up or get bail or whatever you do for Putney?"

Fitz continued his walk to his desk. He sat down, buzzed Lauren over the speaker. Lauren, call my 2:00. Tell him I am available now; he can come when he's ready."

"Yes sir."

Fitz picked up a piece of paper and looked above it. "Anything else Senator?"

"Congratulations on your gun bill passing the committee in DC, now it's onto the House."

Fitz put the paper down he picked up another one. Gerry glanced over Fitz's shoulder. He noticed three picture frames behind Fitz, ones that have never been there before. One was Emma and Fitz. Fitz was six, a short time before Emma was diagnosed. Fitz had a book opened, he was reading to Emma and Emma was smiling down at her son. Gerry himself had taken that picture and remembered the moment like it was yesterday.

The other, in the middle, was a beautiful head shot of Fitz's son. Anyone not knowing would think they were looking at a baby Fitz, but the skin tone gave it away that it wasn't Fitz.

The other frame, the last picture, was one of Liv holding Grant, looking at his eyes. The baby was looking back at his mother lovingly.

"That's bold son, don't you think?" He nodded to pictures.

"What's bold is you being here after I repeatedly told you to stay out of my life. Now if you don't mind, my meeting guy is here, you'll have to leave now."

"Fitz, Sanderson has a picture of you and Olivia. You were on an outing, I guess, in…

"Avila Beach. It's nothing I don't know, Senator, now if you'll leave." Fitz looked passed Gerry's shoulders as the door opened.

"Senator Sanderson, good to see you, please have a seat. Senator Grant was just leaving."

Gerry stared coldly at Sanderson. Sanderson didn't tell him about his meeting with Fitz. He didn't tell him about letting Fitz know about the picture. Gerry turned to walk out. He had to come to acceptance with the fact his son was serious about wanting nothing to do with him.

"Ian." Fitz shook his hand. "How are things on the campaign going?" He watched as Gerry closed the door.

"I was thinking at Evan's mayor's ball, I would announce a gala to take place in October. The monies raised would go towards feeding families come November during Thanksgiving." Ian waited for his praise for having come up with a brilliant idea.

Fitz dipped his eyebrow, shaking his head. "Ian, you know families don't need feeding only during Thanksgiving. Why don't you fundraise a few times and help out at the food banks in several towns and counties. Have you really been corrupt for so long, you don't know how to reach constituents?"

Fitz handed Ian a stack of papers. "Have your people go through the things on there. See what interests you and start taking a stand on what side you're on for domestic abuse victims. It could become a critical factor in your race." Fitz looked at his watch and looked up as Lauren opened the door and waited to escort Ian out of the office.

"Have your people get back to me after they look those over." Fitz was out the door in a flash.

Olivia rested her head on Huck's shoulder. "Any minute now Huck, any minute, and….." Liv turned and saw the small plane landing. She put both her hands over her eyes, wiping the tears away.

"Come on Liv, don't let her see you crying." Huck rubbed his eyes too.

"It's been a year, Huck, a whole year since I have hugged her. I lied to her about Grant."

"You didn't lie to her; you just didn't tell her. Besides it wouldn't have been right to do over the phone, not after how it happened. She'll be happy for you and in love with that little guy."

Liv shook her head in agreement as the plane door opened and she saw one of Fitz's details leading her down the stairs holding her hand. Liv took a deep breath and ran to the entrance where her "mom" will fall into her hug.

Erin was walking with a slight limp and the assistance of a cane. Liv grinded her teeth and took a deep breath through them. This was because of Jax. Liv blinked back the tears and looked at Erin with a smile.

"Mom." It was hardly a whisper, as she choked up and gobbled her in her arms. Liv rested her head in the crook of Erin's neck missing her touch and her smell for so long. "I missed you so much."

Erin's cane stood next to her, and she tightened her arms around her daughter. Her forehead rested on Liv's shoulder. She rubbed Liv's hair with her hand. "I missed you too honey, every hour of every day you and Abby on my mind." She put both hands on Liv's shoulders and just looked at her. "You look, different, glowing, you're in love, aren't you? Wait, you never had that scar on your lip either. What's going on?"

Liv put her head down. She shook her head side to side, not a yes not a no. "In more ways than one I'm in love, I'll tell you about the scar later, ok." She smiled thinking of her two loves, Fitz and Grant. Liv saw Erin look up as Huck walked over.

Huck pulled her in his arms, raising her a bit. As quickly as he picked her up, he put her back down. "Welcome back." He smiled, nodded at Liv and walked away. Huck still having the guilt of Abby dying, leaving Erin without her biological daughter.

Liv felt a presence behind her. She watched Erin look beyond her shoulder and cross her eyebrows in confusion. "Aren't you Governor Grant?" Erin was pointing.

Liv turned, tilted her head towards Fitz and smiled. He managed to be there for her to greet Erin. Thank you, she mouthed and turned back around.

Liv interlocked her arm with Erin's. "Mom, this is Governor Grant, Fitz, you can call him, and yes, I am in love." Liv dipped her head, and she noticed a necklace on Erin she hadn't seen before. It was a heart shaped charm with a picture of her and Abby on it.

"Pleasure to meet you Ms. Whelan. You raised a fine, brilliant, tough, young lady." He picked up her hand and kissed the top.

"Olivia, we have some major talking to do." She held her hand to her heart and tried not to faint.

Fitz smiled and put his arm around Erin to escort her to the car. "Yeah." Olivia looked at him, 'he's quite the charmer."

They spoke about how they met on the ride home, telling Erin how Fitz was engaged, but it wasn't right. Erin agreed. "I know all about that, that's for sure. I am glad you came to your senses."

Liv saw they were approaching the ranch. Mimi was beyond the gate waiting with Grant. Liv reached over and took Erin's hands. "Mom, there's something else." The car came to a stop.

"The night I met Fitz, that weekend, well it was life changing. I had to leave back to NY, and I had no contact with Fitz as he was running for Governor. You know I had to hide out from Chip and Jax." Liv took a deep breath. She saw Mimi approaching the car.

"Mom, I would like you to meet your grandson." The door opened and Liv took Grant from Mimi's arms. "This is Grant Thomas Pope." Liv handed her to Erin. "Three months old today."

Erin took him in her arms. She looked at Liv, wide eyes, looked at Fitz and squinted a bit, then looked down at this beautiful chubby cheeked doll just staring at her. She gave a small chuckle. "Hey Grant." She looked at his head of curls. She rubbed them with her one hand and looked back at Fitz. "Can't deny he's yours huh?"

Fitz smirked. "That I can't do." He watched as Erin fell instantly in love with her grandson.

Erin leaned in and kissed him gently on the forehead. "Oh, your Aunt Abby would have eaten you up. Don't worry, your Nana will do double for her." She looked at Liv. "Why are you crying?"

"I should have told you about him, about the pregnancy, I just didn't want anything….I don't know, I am sorry."

"I am here now. You, me, Huck, we're back together. I am sorry about Davis." Rocking Grant in her arm, she looked out the window. "This place looks amazing. Let me go spoil my grandson and we can all sit so you can catch me up on everything."

Fitz took Grant from Erin as she was helped out of the car by Huck. Fitz held Grant over his shoulder. At three months now, he was a bit heavier than when Fitz first met him, all that breastfeeding. "I don't blame you kid." He whispered in his son's ear giving him a kiss.

Fitz got out of the car. He raised Grant above his head, and Grant looked down at his father. He smiled when their eyes connected, and Fitz could feel his heart skip a beat. He knew who he was. He pulled him down to a kiss and handed him to Olivia.

He gave her a quick kiss and nodded at Erin. "It was a pleasure to meet you, please make yourself at home here. I have to get back to being a Governor." He looked at Liv. "I love you." He poked Grant's nose. "And you."

Joyce Waters had called Olivia back that very night she had met her. She told Liv how afraid she was to press charges against Andres. She wanted to, but she couldn't, she had wished for another way for him to pay. Plus there was the fear of Putney, everything vested in her, and Andres being employed by him.

Liv knew Joyce's fear all too well. After watching the news report about Putney's donation, Liv knew he was relying heavily on Joyce beating Sanderson and getting a puppet in a powerful seat to destroy Fitz.

When Liv ended the call, just about the same time Fitz heard of the hit and run on Victoria, she explained Joyce's fears to him. "Fitz, she's not wrong. She's not safe if Andres is lurking."

"There was a hit and run tonight not too far from the Governor's mansion. I think Andres and Fallon may be involved. Let me see what I can do." Handing Grant over to Liv, Fitz made some more calls while their once peaceful night came to an end.

That's when Fitz had Huck check all the surveillance footage from the accident scene and any footage outside the vicinity of the shelter. Huck found footage of Andres impersonating a cop, identifying himself to who would they later find out was Wayne. Without hesitation, Fitz made a few calls and Andres was in custody, arrested for now for impersonating a police officer.

The next day, the day of Erin's arrival, before his press conference, Fitz personally walked into the shelter that Fallon had so recklessly given advice to on the night Victoria died. He spoke to the person in charge, got Fallon's name and a list of the clients she seen. All he needed was Victoria's name, and he had Fallon brought in on charges pending for impersonating a lawyer.

Having left Erin and Olivia with Grant, Fitz was now sitting back in his office with Vivian. She handed him the list of judge's names Olivia had given him from San Diego. Along with each name, a complete detailed summary of the domestic abuse cases they presided over.

For two hours, Fitz and Vivian studied the cases, and with each one, Fitz's stomach turned. The three judges were clearly working for Jax Putney. Numerous criminals having domestic abuse charges dropped and were now on Putney's payroll.

In the course of two hours, Fitz and Vivian were able to match the names to who the judges exonerated and to Jax's payroll that Fitz had in his possession the moment he became Governor.

San Diego was Jax's hot spot. Fitz was able to rid the town of the heroin lab, the corrupt mayor, now he had a job to do to get these judges unseated. This was not an easy task, but this couldn't go on. If Fitz was going to Govern the state of California it had to be free of Jax Putney and all his criminal cronies.

"These women had the bravery to come forward, press charges against their abusers, and a judge just dismisses it. Then, the same abusers are getting paid, a lot of money, to do illegal activity. What kind of world are we living in?" Vivian looked at Fitz.

"The dirty world of politics Vivian. Didn't Liv give you the 101 of it yet?" Fitz wrote some numbers down and handed the paper to Vivian.

"Those are members of the California House Reps I trust the most. Go to them, set up a private meeting. Show them this same paperwork you and I just looked over. This is going to be a long process, but getting judges unseated isn't easy." Fitz picked up another paper. "Son of a bitch."

"What is it?" Vivian took the paper. She read what Fitz had read and just looked at him. "How the hell did you come out with a heart and your father just…." She stopped not wanting to insult him.

Big Gerry had appointed all three judges when he was Governor. He knew what he was doing, Fitz was sure of it. Anything for his friend Jax. Fitz shook his head. Could he one day be so hurt and disgusted that he takes his own father down? He thought of his mother, what did she see in him? He looked at Vivian.

"You've done great work Vivian. I'll see you in two weeks. Thank you."

"Pleasure. How is the little guy?" Vivian smiled, nodding at the pictures. "Looks like you're coming out of the shell soon?"

"Not so little anymore. He's great. I'm so happy to be part of his life, watching him grow. And yes, watch the coverage of the Mayor's Ball next week."

Vivian smiled. She watched this love story all unfold and she was here for all of what was yet to come. "And Liv? How's she taking it?"

"Getting there. Slowly letting her guard down. Let me know how you make out with the Assembly people."

"Will do Governor, give my best to Liv."

Fitz swerved in his chair. He was now facing the pictures he had put behind his desk. He picked up the one with his mother. How she would have loved Grant. He thought of Erin's reaction to him today, nothing but pure love. Putting the picture back down, he glanced at the other two. Everything he was doing was for the people he was looking at in the pictures, and he wasn't going to fail.

Fitz's phone buzzed Lauren calling in. "Sir, Mr. Putney's plane is due to land in an hour."

"Thank you, Lauren, get the car ready and have Tom and Luther come with me." Fitz stood up, put his suit jacket on and headed out to piss off Jax one more time.

Aside from being bitter about losing millions if Fitz's tax on oil companies goes through, Jax was trying to find a way into the Mayor's Ball now in Santa Barbara.

Joyce Waters, the five million dollars richer Joyce Waters, had sent a message to Jax that she would be unable to attend the ball next week. With Dez escorting her, Joyce was Jax's way in on the scoop of all the campaigns and political happenings in Santa Barbara and around the state.

Jax was destined, now with Chip being gone to get Fitz's town away from his grip. Santa Barbara was Fitz's diamond. He built that town to what it is today, and Jax wanted to curse it. As hard as Fitz was working to bring Jax down, Jax had to work double as hard to take down Fitz.

Not only did Fitz have the love of the whole town of Santa Barbara, he was winning the hearts of people around the state, one dumb program after another. Jax had enough, and his first on his agenda list was to take down Olivia Pope and expose her for the person she is, knowing this is who Fitz loves the most.

"Ok, plane is set to land in about a half hour, let's go over this again so I have it right boss." Dez sat across from Jax.

"Put a check in the mail $250,00 gets you into the Ball regardless of an invite or not. You want to go under the name of Andrews, you said?"

"Yes, put the name down as Xavier Andrews." Jax had to laugh at his brilliance. He didn't know yet that Olivia would be at the Ball, but he knew Fitz would be. If Fitz saw that name, it would surely burn him up. Xavier Andrews was Chip's best friend growing up. He has since moved on to work for Nasa in Houston, but Fitz hated him as much if not more as his hated Chip.

"Do you want me there with you?" Dez was so confused, his boss wasn't thinking straight since Chip had died.

"No, the Governor and his most trusted detail will be at the Ball, inside and out. You get to his place, Olivia will be home alone, hopefully with the rug rat. I want her in your possession, you hear me, it's the perfect opportunity. We'll see how I own the Governor when I have his dirty little secret in my possession. I plan to get to the media also at the Ball and make a statement regarding Fitz and Olivia. Fitz isn't going to know what hit him."

Jax had no idea he would be facing Fitz in just a few minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, Jax would be taken into custody wanting in questioning about a hit and run that occurred in Sacramento. His driver, and most trusted employee was being charged and Jax had some explaining to do.

While Jax was drooling over Fitz's face as he ousted his affair with Olivia Pope, a one Olivia Pope that Fitz was hiding in the shadows with their baby, Fitz was smiling at the Santa Barbara airport waiting to see the look on Jax's face when he was cuffed and hauled into custody.

Fitz already took the time to call Leslie Alum and give her a heads up to be at the airport. It's the little games Fitz likes to play with Jax, a secret revenge for all Olivia had to endure the past year. Leslie had walked in, wanting to speak to Fitz privately.

Tom and Luther wouldn't have it, they kept her at bay, and Fitz's friends, friends for years when he had been mayor, on the police force were waiting to arrest Jax and bring him to Sacramento.

Fitz was catching up with his friends, discussing making it to the big time as Governor. Fitz was waving off the praise when his longtime acquaintance, now Chief of Police for Santa Barbara stated the obvious. "You know it's only a matter of time that you're our President, Fitz, you will make us all proud."

It really was the farthest thing from Fitz's mind. He just wanted to get through the next few hours and the next week. He had every intention of walking in that Ball with Olivia on his arm. "Let's get Evan through his Mayor's Ball, get him reelected, focus on that first, ok Chief, but I appreciate the love."

There was no doubt in the town of Santa Barbara, Olivia and Grant would be accepted with open arms, embraced by the people Fitz helped for eight years as mayor, it was other places, that worried Fitz, but he loved Olivia and his son more than he loved being Governor, so walking into the Ball next week would be the best decision he ever made, regardless of the outcome.

"Sir, he's coming in." All the officers and Fitz stood at the doorway, a much different welcome than Erin received a few hours ago. As soon as Jax came into sight, Fitz's friend and Chief of Police did the honors of cuffing Jax himself. "Jax Putney, you're under arrest for hiring a hitman. You have the right to remain silent.

Fitz heard the Miranda being read and watched as Leslie was finally let though. "Just keep your mouth shut and ignore the smile on his face."

Jax looked at Fitz, and tried to lunge at him, "you son of a…"

"Jax, shut up." Fitz watched as Jax was led into the police cruiser and was comforted to know one day he could show this to Olivia thanks to Huck's hacking skills.

Over at the ranch, Grant was in one of the deepest sleeps Liv had ever seen him in. "You've spoiled him into exhaustion, nice work, and I'm blaming the two of you, not just you Mom."

Erin and MiMi had played with Grant for hours, utilizing toys Liv didn't even know MiMi had bought for him. They took turns holding him, only giving him up to let Olivia feed him. Now with him finally asleep, they were able to talk.

After hearing what Chip had done to Olivia while she was pregnant and leaving a scar, Erin wanted to kill Chip again. "I'm not sorry he's dead, I'm only sorry I can't kill him twice."

MiMi noticed Liv avoided getting into details about what happened at the courthouse, and she wasn't going to push it. Erin knew small details, and the last thing Olivia wanted was to upset her with the gory details.

"It's over now, Mom, he's gone." Liv stopped, biting her bottom lip. "I just wish it happened before he took Abby first."

"Hey, none of that, ok. So how come it isn't news about the Governor of California having a baby?"

MiMi realized how much catching up Olivia had to do for Erin. "Liv, dear, have you told Erin about the Mayor's Ball?"

"I haven't." She turned back to Erin. "There's a Mayor's Ball next week, very fancy, I need a dress and you are the only person in the world who could pick the perfect dress for Olivia Pope."

Erin clapped her hands together. "Oh, I know exactly what to look for. Can we go tomorrow? I am so tired, from the trip, excitement from seeing you again, and that bundle of joy." She looked over at the sleeping Grant.

MiMi stood up. "I'll show you to your room." She watched as Liv hugged Erin.

"Tomorrow, shopping for hours, you and me." Liv kissed her mother good night.

Making it a reality in her mind now, Olivia sat back on the couch thinking of Mayor's Ball. Maybe it wasn't a good idea after all. It would be too much controversy and now with the Joyce Waters mess, maybe she would lose Joyce's trust in her.

Looking at Grant, Liv thought of how Fitz took the time to be at the airport to meet Erin and come back here for the ride with her. Liv went over to Grant, rubbing his curls. "You have some special father; you know that Little Mister?"

She took a good look at her son. He had his doctor's visit in two days, his three month wellness visit. His pediatrician was a friend of Fitz's, located in Santa Barbara. It was the first doctor's visit Fitz would be at for Grant, and Liv was looking forward to it.

Back to her thoughts on the Mayor's Ball, still looking at her son, Liv whispered out loud, "What do you think Grant, you think it's time?"

"Time for what?"

Liv jumped at his voice, turning to see Fitz, smiling at her. "Sorry, Livvie, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Time to shop for my dress. I'm going tomorrow with Erin while MiMi watches Grant." She stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "How was the rest of your day?"

"Fun. Got to cut the ribbon on a brand new Public Library in Santa Maria, sang happy birthday over the phone to a resident in Eureka who just turned 100, and signed legislation for stricter penalties for selling stolen merchandise. Just an overall governing day, but the best part was coming home to you and him."

"Your son is exhausted from getting spoiled by MiMi and Erin, they couldn't get enough of him, and he soaked up every minute of it." She hugged Fitz. "Fitz, you sure you're ok with the Mayor's Ball, I could drop out of it."

"And miss seeing you in that dress I'm taking off at the end of the night, no way."

Liv laughed. " I don't have the dress yet. This could break you Fitz, your dirty….

"DON'T call yourself dirty." He tilted her chin up. "You're more than that, you are not dirty, you are my girlfriend, my partner, and" he hesitated.

"And what?" Her head now resting on his chest with his arms locked around her.

"And one day will be California's First Lady." He watched as her head shot up and looked at him. He kissed her, waiting for her lips to come into focus. "You heard me Livvie."

He scooped Grant up, walking upstairs with Liv following.

Lying in bed now together, winding down the long day, Liv was just watching Fitz and Fitz was watching her. She began to circle his lips with her finger, as a gentle smile formed on Fitz's face. "You came to meet Erin. You were so busy today and you came to meet her. You have no idea what that meant to me."

Fitz took hold of her hand, stopping her finger from circling his lips. He kissed her fingers. "There is nothing in this world I wouldn't do for you and for that boy in there, you need to understand that."

Olivia turned now, facing the ceiling, holding her forehead with her hand. "Liv, what is it?"

"I don't think you understand that as much as Jax despises me, wants me dead, Erin has always been target number one for him. He blames her for Abby pursuing Chip after she found out she was pregnant. He has threatened her in more ways than he has me. I was Chip's vendetta, Erin is Jax's. I am not going to lie, I am scared for her."

Fitz was leaning over her, facing her now, caressing her cheek. "She's safe here, Livvie. She's family and I will do everything to protect her." He looked at her. "So, I got to see Vivian today."

"The judges? Was I right?"

"You were spot on, except one disturbing fact. My father appointed each one of those corrupt judges. I have Vivian now heading to the California House to speak to some reps there. We need to go ahead with the process of unseating the judges, you know that's a task."

"That's tough, but no doubt you will get it done. I am so sorry to hear it was your dad. Do you think he did it for Jax's gain."

"I do, a man like Jax doesn't become as powerful without help. When that power is abused in the way Jax has abused it, all who helped him become his accomplices." He took a deep breath. "Liv, I had Jax picked up for questioning when he returned tonight."

Liv covered her eyes, shaking her head. "Fitz, we need this to stop."

"Well, it's not stopping, not as long as he is engaged in illegal activity in my state. I am not going to be my father and get bullied, held on a leash by crime lords like Jax. If others in the shadows see him getting away with it, then what message am I sending? I know this is hard for you to hear Liv, but it's not just because of what he did to you, what he did to Abby and Erin, it goes far beyond that. The more power I take from him, the more ammunition he loses." Fitz plopped back down on the bed, and turned away from Liv.

She could tell frustration was digging in at him. She couldn't imagine the pressure he was under, having been given the news of Grant so unexpectedly, losing his father, the corruption he's trying to get a head on. She stared at his back, moving over and wrapping her arm around him, so her hand could massage his chest.

"You're doing amazing work, Fitz. No one can argue that, but you told me to forget the Putney name, I just don't want this to be something that consumes you. He's everywhere."

Fitz turned back around, inviting Liv to rest her head on his chest. "And soon he will be no where." He began to massage her hair. "I don't want you having second thoughts about the Mayor's Ball, ok. I am inviting Evan over for dinner on Sunday. I want him and Cameron to meet Grant, to get to know you, and to begin putting us out to the public. Besides I don't want to blindside Evan at his own Ball."

Liv shook her head agreeing with him. She put some gentle kisses on his chest and worked her way up to his lips. "In case I haven't told you, I love you, Governor. You know they'll be letting Jax go after the questioning, right."

"I know, it's just the frustration, the anger he gets knowing I have the upper hand, and I will continue to have the upper hand." He looked now, grey eyes determination, right into Liv's brown eyes. Liv melted with his look.

Her lips finally planted onto his, as his big protective hands rubbed her bare back. He pulled her more, tightly into the kiss, not wanting her to let go. Her chest pressuring down on his, as the two lovers fell more into each other. Liv finally pulled back, resting on his chest, in the crook of his neck, as her exhaustion set in.

With one hand behind his head, the other wrapped around the love of his life, Fitz's mind was racing with thoughts of being two steps ahead of the enemies conspiring against him.

Jax finally arrived back at his home in Avila Beach. Dez heard him come in, cursing and in the loudness of Jax's yelling, he heard a glass shatter into pieces. "Fucking asshole, ruining every fucking thing we have worked on."

Jax's phone buzzed. "What the fuck do you want, this better be information worth bothering me for."

"Just wanted you to know, Boss, the reason you were unable to use the private airport."

"Oh yeah, and why is that, wasn't it because that pos Fitz needed the airport."

"Oh he needed it. A one Erin Whelan was flying in on a private jet, and he gave her Governor's security clearance to land."

"You're getting a fucking raise Rodrigo. Nice work. Now leave me alone."

Dez appeared. "You heard why Joyce Waters isn't going to the Mayor's Ball? I mean I am assuming that."

"Yeah, that and the Governor detaining me to Sacramento." He sipped his Johnny Walker Black Label, down in one swallow and poured another. "Andres beat the shit out of her. Listen to me Dez, Andres is a dead man the second he walks out on bail from that cell, do I make myself clear? Your girlfriend Fallon didn't do any better. Her days of recruiting are over. We just need to hope Fitz isn't on to the game."

Dez shook his head. Andres had been on Putney's payroll for ten years. So much for loyalty, huh? "Should I have…"

"His brother does it, and if his brother doesn't do it, find someone to take them both out. Andres is having Grant follow a trail right into us. I don't need this now. You're the one telling Fallon she's done, too. Tell that little spitfire to lay low, I mean it." Another downed glass of black label, and one more poured. He pointed at Dez with the glass in his hand.

"And you better not fuck it up on the night of Ball. I want a call that bitch Olivia Pope is in your possession. I have a bonus also. Her mother is in town, get her too. Yeah, that's the woman I really want. I repeat, don't fuck it up, otherwise you'll be joining Andres and his brother." He downed the liquid in the glass, slammed the glass onto the bar top and staggered away.

He stopped at the portrait of Chip in the corridor. "Patience my boy, revenge is just a week away." He gave a pat to the frame and continued to stagger up the stairs.