Chapter 31

Olivia's nose nuzzled into her husband's chest. The soft moan was distinctive, she didn't want him to leave the bed. His alarm was going off, Olivia heard it, but did not open her eyes.

Her hand rubbed down his side as he kissed her head and moved to get up. "I love you, Livvie." He rubbed her shoulder as her head gently went down to the pillow. She didn't like the emptiness already, but it was only a second.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to her back, pulling the cover up now to hide her breasts, she was feeling a chill with him gone from the bed. Rubbing her eyes, she yawned, and finally opened them. The shower was already running, and Liv picked up her phone.

"What the hell?" There were three missed calls and five text messages from Joyce Waters. How did they both miss the vibration of the phone? Liv looked up at the display and her shoulders slumped. It was set to silent. "Shit!" Before she could begin dialing Joyce's number, her phone began to ring again, this time it was Janice.

Liv took a hard swallow. Fearing the worst, as she should with the history of the Putney's and now Dez and Gerry, she clicked the green button. "Janice, is everything alright?"

Janice took a sigh of relief. "She's fine, Joyce, she answered. Yeah, hey Liv, Joyce needs to talk to you. She was trying to call and texted…"

"Apologize for me, my phone was on silent, inadvertently, is she ok, nothing happened, did it?"

"No, no, quite the opposite, I'm going to put her on, are you swinging by here today?"

"Umm," Liv looked around, finding the clock. It was only 5:30 a.m. what has them up at the shelter so early? "Yeah, I was going to get there around 8, before the grand jury convenes."

"Ok, see you then, here's Joyce."

"I don't know how you did it, but you did. My God, I wish you were here so I could hug you." Joyce sounded the happiest Liv has ever heard.

"I…what are you talking about?"

"I received a call today from Rosa Cruz, at like an ungodly hour of 4 in the morning."

"The DA from San Diego? Why would she contact you?"

"That's what I was wondering too. The charges have been dismissed. They, well she, isn't presenting anything to any grand jury. I am clear, clear Olivia." Joyce finally broke down and began sobbing into the phone.

"Hey, Joyce, this is good. It's over." Liv nibbled a bit at her finger, thinking what could've prompted Rosa to do this. She feared it was a set up on Gerry's part, but that wouldn't make sense. She's in the clear now to begin her campaign for Senator and win the primary against Sanderson.

Taking a deep breath, Joyce answered her. "It's the best thing. I have been a barrel of nerves all night. I even threw up twice in fear of getting indicted." She took a deep sigh of relief. "Will I see you later?"

"Yes, of course, I'll be there." Liv said, and she realized Joyce had no idea yet that Liv wanted her to run for Senator. Liv figured she would wait to tell her in person.

"Well, Liv if you are as surprised as I am, what made Rosa change her mind?"

"Could have been several things, Joyce. I've said it all along, the evidence was sketchy, and the autopsy showed a time of death that was clearly off from when you found him and called 911, maybe Rosa just put two and two together. She has to focus on the real criminals in San Diego." Criminals like Dez, Liv thought, but didn't say it.

"Well, whatever it was, I just can't wait to walk out of here without fear. I'll see you in a while."

Just as she put the phone down, the bathroom door swung open, and Liv looked at him in a very strange way. "What?" Fitz shrugged his shoulders while rubbing the towel through his wet hair.

Liv squinted at him as she walked to him, naked, knowing what it would do to him. "Livvie." He whispered it as if their sleeping child was in the room, but he was all the way in Santa Barbara. "I have to."

Fitz didn't get to finish, her lips were on his, and she took over the towel, rubbing his wet curls as his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to his wet body.

"You called Rosa Cruz, didn't you?" She said as her head rested under his chin now.

He smirked a bit, knowing she couldn't see it. "I really wasn't going to, I was going to watch her sink to a jury trying with the piss poor evidence she had, but then you." He paused.

"Me what?" She looked up at him confused.

"You had me put a watch on Judge Evers, so I did. We intercepted a call from Big Gerry to her last night. He was inquiring about one of the grand jurors, and Judge Evers gave all the information to Gerry."

"Shit, Fitz. Is the juror still alive?"

Fitz with just his towel still wrapped around him picked up his phone. He never thought his father would kill a juror, but who knows now with the state of mind he's in. It's like Jax Putney put his soul into Gerry's body.

"Huck, check on that juror who's name was released to Gerry last night." There was a long pause, and a sigh of relief. Fitz gave Liv the thumbs up, nodding his head.

"Rosa didn't like getting a call at 3 in the morning from the Governor, but she did. I told her what was given to me, played it so she could hear it, and she wasn't going through with it. Rosa does some things out of character, but she doesn't like to win like that. We will begin getting Judge Evers removed next week, beginning with some hearings of judicial misconduct." He began getting dressed, as Liv gave him a kiss, thanking him again and headed into the shower herself. "See you downstairs, Mister."

Gerry was squeezing his stress ball, the one shaped like the president's head. He was staring at his phone, waiting for it to ring. With his free hand, he rubbed his tired eyes, he wasn't sure how many sleepless nights he could take.

He took a deep breath in and released it slowly through his mouth. Another tight squeeze to the stress ball, and he let go, dropping it on the couch cushion next to him. He finally picked up the phone that wasn't ringing and looked at the display.

It was for that moment he regretted deleting the picture of his grandson. It was all he had of Grant, and he knew he may never get the chance to ever get another one, not one real in the same room as him anyway. "I'm sure his little face will be all over the news, growing up in the California public eye." He whispered to himself.

He looked around his bearings. He was still at Jax's Avila Beach home, a place he would stay for at least another week. He had the memorial service for Jax in two days, then he was going to go over all the finances with some lawyers and Dez.

Dez was in San Diego now getting some guys in charge there. Covering his mouth now, fully in thought, Gerry thought what was going to happen to all the millions. Of course, Jax had a will, but that wouldn't be ready until after the service.

The only thing Gerry was uncertain of is if Jax had time to change the will. He was certain mostly all of his fortune was left to Chip, but since Chip met his demise several weeks ago, Jax may not have had time to do it over.

Being brought back to reality from the buzzing of his phone, he looked down. "About fucking time", he said out loud as the call he was waiting for came through. He pushed the button.

"I called you over an hour ago, what the hell took you so long?"

"Cut me some slack will you, Big Gerry, it isn't easy to just get airspace into Sacramento just because you want it. Senators have pull in DC, not here."

"He gave you a hard time, didn't he?" Gerry asked the calling, speaking about Fitz, of course.

"No, he didn't, in fact if he got wind of this, I'm sure you wouldn't be anywhere near Sacramento. It's not easy to get someone at 2 in the morning, so just calm it."

"Remind me to smack you on the side of your head. What time is the plane?"

"Leaves the airport at 6, the shelter opens at 9, but the protestors will be there by eight."

Gerry nodded his head. "Pushing it, but as long as I'm there before the doors open. What about the person I asked to join me."

"She's on board, sir. She'll meet you at the airport."

"Good work Jackson. You sure you don't want to head to DC, I can use an assistant."

"Assistant to the Senator or Secretary of Transportation in California. You know what I respectfully decline the offer, Gerry, but thanks."

"Suit yourself, glad you could help though, I appreciate it."

"Fitz is on board with this right? We're not surprising him in any way, are we?"

"No, no, of course not," Gerry lied, "I called and spoke to him around 11, he's the one who told me to call you. He didn't have the time to do it himself. I just didn't get around to calling you until later. You know I had that issue with the women's clinic and all, that's why I need to get to Sacramento. I need to make an appearance."

"Ok, because I'm just back from vacation and I know Fitz had a meeting with the heads of his departments, I am only back on the grid since last night."

"Seriously Jackson, it's all good."

"I'm taking your word for this. Congratulations by the way on the grandbaby. That was some announcement, huh. Did you know about it?"

Gerry gave a long pause. The words Olivia spoke in what seemed like so many months ago came to his mind. "If you have any kind of heart you'll tell him, I kept the baby, We are due in February." It was the WE that burned him, having a baby out of wedlock, what it would have done to Fitz.

"No, Jackson, he didn't tell me, not until the night of the ball. I had no idea. He wanted it to be as private as it could." Gerry regretted the words he said to Olivia after that. If he could turn back time…he glanced at the piano in the beach home, a picture of Jax and young Chip, if he could turn back time, he probably would have stuck to his words.

"That's something," Jackson answered, 'and there is no denying the kid is his, spitting image. The Grant genes run strong. Talk to you soon Senator. Have a safe flight."

Gerry hung up figuring it was the last time he would ever speak to Jackson Meyers. He's known Jackson for many years, Jackson's father was Labor secretary under Gerry when he was Governor. Jackson was very loyal to Fitz.

Once Fitz finds out it was Jackson who got Gerry to Sacramento, he would imagine his son would not take lightly to the news. Knowing Fitz, though, Jackson would not be relieved of his duties, but Fitz will tell Jackson the truth of their estrangement, Jackson would stay on Fitz's side.

Planning to just spend one night at his apartment in Sacramento and spend the day tomorrow answering calls Gerry packed a small overnight bag. He signaled Jax's driver to get the car ready and took his belongings with him. He wanted to be there when the grand jury came back with an idictment, just to see the look on Olivia's face.

Turning out the last of the lights in the beach house, Gerry took one more look before he returned for the memorial service. A chill went up his spine, swearing he could see Jax in the dark shadows. He turned and got into the car. There was work to be done, a force named Olivia Pope had to be stopped, and Gerry knew one way to do it.

There were not many regrets Fitz had in his strong political life. He never reflected on the could've been. He made a decision and he stuck with it. Many would say it was his strongest quality, others would say it was his biggest weakness.

Fitz was not arrogant, not by any means, but he felt confident in all the decisions he ever made. His decision to cut off his father was something he wouldn't regret. He knew politically he would have battles with him. One a Federal Senator to the state the other a Governor to the state, it was inevitable that their paths would cross.

But, Fitz thought, Gerry was just that, a Senator. He was just now another politician that Fitz would deal with when needed to, despite the relation, father and son they would no longer be. He looked over to the left, now this was a regret he was having.

"What?" Liv said as she rubbed his hand. "Why are you looking at me like that?" They were on their way from the duplex. Liv was heading to the shelter, Fitz to the Governor's mansion.

"I shouldn't let you ride with me in the mornings." Fitz said, rubbing her hand right back.

Liv's head went back, "Why?"

"In case, you know, revenge, something happens, I'm a target, and we're together, what happens to Grant."

Liv's shoulders slumped. "Fitz." She took a deep breath, anxiety now beginning to overtake her. "Why would you think that, say something like that? We are married now, we…." She turned to the window. "Jesus Fitz, you really had to say that?"

He slid over now, wrapping his arm around her, pulling her head to his chest. "I'm sorry. Sometimes I worry too, and you and Grant are all I think about. My father, he can be, well…"

"You know Fitz, your father is a lot of things, but I don't think he would ever violently hurt you, despite your differences, you're still his son."

Fitz nodded. He didn't really think Gerry would ever hurt him physically, but it's what his father said in that jail cell, that it's Dez he had to worry about going after Olivia. He wasn't going to tell her that though, not yet anyway.

"You're right, Livvie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have scared you like that. You got good news today about Joyce, now, go do your thing and get her to announce she's running for Senate and taking down Sanderson."

Liv smiled against his chest. "There's my Fitz." The car pulled up to the shelter, protestors were still out in full force, denouncing Senator Grant for the treatment of women's shelters and domestic abuse victims. "See, we'll keep him too busy to think about you." She gave him a long hard kiss good bye. "I'll call you later."

"I love you Olivia Pope Grant."

"And I love you Governor Grant." He watched as she got out of the car and the protestors parted a path for her, clapping as she entered the shelter.

Had Fitz waited one second longer, he would have noticed the very man he loathed walking to stop Olivia's stride into the shelter. Big Gerry stepped in front of Olivia, making her stop in her tracks, as she was face to face with her father in law.

It wasn't his face that shocked her as much as the face of the person who stood behind him, Tracy, the little tramp from Evan's ball. The same little ho who Mimi told Olivia was after Fitz since she was 20. Liv went tight lipped, and her eyes squinted. She looked coldly at Gerry. "What do you want Senator?"

Entering the Governor's office around the same time Gerry and Olivia came face to face, Fitz took his position behind his desk. He didn't sit down before rubbing the picture of Grant and putting a kiss on his wedding picture, both of which he had behind the desk.

He dug into the paperwork that was on his desk and the first order he saw was an invoice from the Secretary of Transportation to free up airspace for earlier this morning. It was for interstate and his body went numb when he saw it was from Avila Beach to Sacramento.

Before he could even think about bringing a pen to the paper to approve the funds, he slammed the button on his phone. "Lauren, I need Meyers in my office, TEN MINUTES AGO!"

"Yes sir." Lauren clicked the phone off.

He reached for his cell phone, then placed it aside. Taking a long deep breath to calm himself, he swiveled his chair towards the window and looked out the window. If his father was on his way to Sacramento, he could figure out why.

Ever since Fitz could remember, Gerry had his own reputation to protect. He could never stand criticism, bad comments, or the downright truth. That was the difference. Fitz did things, not thinking of reputation, he didn't need to, Fitz was always about the people.

His father was about himself, his friends, and his donors first. Then, when he thought of it came the people he was supposed to be helping. Gerry Grant's name was being dragged now, and he's sure his father was fuming. Fitz knew Gerry's stop would be the women's shelter, to make right by the protestors. The same protestors calling his office every minute to demand answers.

Fitz glanced back now at the picture of Olivia. She was first lady to the state now. If Gerry wanted a showdown with her, then a showdown he would get. Olivia was no walkover, and Gerry was in for a rude awakening when it came to this.

Domestic abuse or the protection of victims of domestic abuse was too close to Olivia's heart. If she was going to win this battle, Fitz needed to stay out of it. She had to accept her role as first lady, know the state would be watching, and Fitz had no doubt she would prevail.

Tempted to turn on the television, just to see it unfold live, he thought against it. He took his chair again, pulled into his desk, just as the door had a knock.

"Sir, Secretary Myers…." Lauren couldn't finish.

"Send him in."

"Fitz, so good to see you, I was going to call when I landed, but I was still on island time." Jackson noticed Fitz wasn't smiling along with him. He looked down to see him holding the invoice he sent over this morning.

"You want taxpayers to foot the bill for my father to come to Sacramento, then I can look for another Secretary of Transportation. Nothing for my father unless it goes through me, I thought I made this clear at the meeting last week."

"I wasn't at the…"

"Your deputy was, have you ever heard of communication, because do you want to know where my father is right now?"

"I believe he's at the women's shelter up the street, he made that clear."

"He made that clear." Fitz mimicked him. "My wife is there, he's there to show her up. She is the one calling him out for shutting the shelter down in the dead of night, leaving three women victims helpless to their abusers." Fitz rubbed his face. "I can't believe this."

"Whoa!" Jackson threw his hands up. "I had no idea, nothing. When I talked to your father, he made it clear this was strictly for…."

"You know what, stop. You've been around my father almost as long as I have. Give me three examples of when he ever told the truth." Fitz paused waiting for an answer.

"Fitz, I." Jackson stopped. "I don't know what to say. I spoke to him after I cleared the air space, asked him about your son, said he was as shocked as the rest of the state." Jackson stopped when Fitz pounded the desk.

"STOP!" Fitz rubbed his forehead, took a deep breath, closed his eyes. He saw Grant's smile, and that brought him down, refrained him from punching a long time friend. "My father knew I was going to have a baby long before I did." Fitz realized he needed to calm down. It wasn't Jackson's fault, well not entirely.

"Fitz, I really had no idea and being off the grid, on the islands of Barbados, I haven't heard much news." Jackson pleaded.

"Look my father and I, we're no longer speaking. He did some bad things. I'm sure you heard of Jax Putney's demise?"

"Yes, drowned on your property."

"Trying to kidnap my son."

"Jesus, Fitz, no I didn't hear that." Jackson looked at the paper now. "Look, I'll pay for the airspace I shut down."

"No." Fitz shook his head. "It's fine. I shouldn't have yelled at you, you didn't know, it's just still a very sensitive subject. My father is probably in a showdown right now with Olivia, he's going to regret that anyway."

Jackson took a deep sigh. He nodded over Fitz's shoulder. "Is that your little guy?" Jackson took the picture frame from Fitz as he handed it to him.

"That's Grant Thomas, the shining light in my life along with his mom, Olivia." Fitz smiled.

"God, Fitz, he looks just like you. He's adorable, and you had no idea?"

"Long story, involving Jax and Chip, they threatened Olivia, Chip actually killed her best friend. Tell you what, check your schedule, and make a date with Lauren. Let's have lunch, so we can clear the air, and you're not clearing airspace for my next hard enemy." Fitz got up, taking the picture from Jackson.

They walked to the door together. "Lauren." Fitz stopped.

"Sir, you may want to turn on the TV." Lauren looked at him, back at her screen, Olivia face to face with Senator Gerry Grant.

With only the podium dividing them, Olivia stared at Gerry, not backing away, or backing down one step. She knew TV crews were on her, live TV crews and she wasn't going to disappoint the people of California. This was going to be her first major test on how she dealt with the big boys, and she never failed a test.

Her eyes left Gerry for a brief second, looking over at Tracy and Liv gave a chuckle. "Rosa Cruz's decsion not to present the case to the grand jury got you mad?" With the face Gerry made, she then knew Gerry had no idea. Then she looked at his guest, realizing he was here to turn the crowd onto his side." That's your ammunition. Too tight red dress lady? How much are you paying her to be here?"

Gerry looked at Tracy. Knowing her for many years, Gerry was ready for her to lunge at Olivia, but that would be a disaster with the publicity, not to mention criminal, since Olivia was now First Lady. Gerry glanced over at Luther who was very close to Olivia, and he put his hand up to Tracy.

That one move, even if for five seconds, gave Olivia the lead. Gerry snapped his head back around when he heard Olivia's voice echoing over the PA. "So, as you can see, your calls made a difference, and not only did they get these doors back opened, but Senator Grant here has also just whispered to me how he plans on taking Governor Grant's order and bring it all the way to Congress."

The crowd erupted, clapping, high fiving one another. Liv watched smiling as the crowd worked in her favor. Knowing he was saying nothing to her, Liv leaned over as if Gerry was whispering in her ear. She nodded and looked back at the crowd.

"The young lady standing behind the Senator called him the night the shelter was locked. She has a friend who had no where to go when the shelter was closed. Gerry brought her as a testimony to promise something like this wouldn't ever happen again." Liv turned towards her nemesis. "Isn't that right Tracy?"

Tracy's mouth kept wide open, in complete shock. Having nothing else to do but agree, she nodded her head. Far from having Gerry look like a hero in all this, Olivia continued before Gerry took over the microphone.

"Make no mistake, Senator Grant did not make a special trip to California from DC, he was already here for Mayor Sanchez's Ball in Santa Barbara, but he felt the need of speaking live to you, rather than an automated phone call. Let's continue to use our voices to be a voice for these abused women, not just here in Sacramento, but in the state of California."

Again, as the crowd was cheering, she looked over at Gerry. "You better slow it down, sweetheart, you aren't going to be able to handle the heat I can throw." Gerry was clapping but warning her also.

"As a bonus, Senator Grant has just promised some of the Putney money, once used to polluting the air, and will put it towards a fund I plan to begin in my best friend's name. My friend, Abigail Whelan was killed by her abusive husband. The Women Gladiator fund will be based on Abby's name and will fund hundreds of clinics around the state of California helping women too afraid to ask for help."

She swore she heard Gerry take a gasp for air. She hoped he didn't have heart failure on live TV. "Finally, Putney money will be put to a noble cause, so thank you Senator Grant. I need to get inside. As your first lady, California, I want to thank you from my heart for being here, persevering, and continuing to advocate for the rights of women. A special thank you to Vivian Simmons, who organized and maintained control of the peaceful protest." As Olivia pointed to Vivian and the cameras were off, focusing on Vivian now, Liv stepped down.

She took a few steps to the door, and Gerry grabbed her elbow. Luther quickly swatted at his arm, and Gerry dropped his hand from Olivia's arm. "You have some nerve little lady."

Liv looked at Gerry. She folded her arms now, standing slightly behind Luther. "Why did you bring her?"

Gerry took a hard swallow. "She was going to…"

"Lie? Say she was a victim? No one would believe her once she started talking. She's as privileged as they come, possibly more privileged than Mellie, if that's even possible. Nice try, Tracy, but get over it, Fitz is mine, we're married, and any promises this guy makes to you on Fitz's behalf is as good as a three dollar bill."

Nodding towards the podium now, Liv said "You're up Senator. They're waiting." Luther turned when Liv turned and disappeared with her into the shelter.

Gerry looked at the crowd. For well over a hundred people, it was eerily quiet. If he denied or went back on anything Olivia said, this crowd would turn on him. Right now, he was somewhat of a friend and no longer their number one enemy.

Fitz's father had been in politics long enough to know, once you have a crowd on your side, it's best to keep them on your side. He cleared his throat and stoically walked up to the microphone, having been defeated at his own game.

Fitz turned and walked away from Lauren's office, a smile from ear to ear. His father picked the wrong person to try anything with, and Fitz couldn't feel prouder than he did now. Before he closed the door to his office, he heard Lauren whisper, "wow," but her eyes never left the television.

Figuring Liv would call when she had a moment, he continued with his paperwork. He was drafting up bills to present before his legislators on Friday, and the next few days would be spent on the ranch, giving his time to his family.

Abby's dedication and her memorial garden was as scheduled on Thursday and after a few phone calls, Fitz made sure the media outlets were aware of it. He wanted, under no circumstances, for any media coverage to be at Jax Putney's memorial.

Lauren buzzed in and announced Sanderson was here to see Fitz. Fitz rolled his eyes. Regardless of his elated mood, Fitz had to still deal with Sanderson, being president of his state senate.

"Have a seat." Fitz said as coldly as he could.

"That was quite a show by your lady this morning. I'm sure Big Gerry isn't taking lightly to it."

"Wouldn't know, don't care." Fitz never looked up from the papers he had on his desk. He took one and handed it to Sanderson.

After reading it for a few moment, Sanderson gave a small laugh. "You have to be joking, Fitz, come on, work with us here."

"First of all, you're in my office, it's Governor Grant. Second, no I am not kidding, not when it comes to this. I expect a full passing from the Senate in the next few days, and I will be back on Friday to sign these into to law. That's only one of five, so make yourself comfortable."

Sanderson was shaking his head which each new bill he was reading. "Why call yourself Republican, Governor, when you are working on behalf of the Democrats with all of these?"

"Sanderson, you have book bans, human trafficking, you're ignoring extreme heat conditions, mental health, and climate change. That's ending now. Come Friday these bills, SB 112, SB113, SB114, SB115, and SB 116 will be signed. You have today, tomorrow and Thursday." He looked up towards the knock on his door.

"Come on in." Fitz nodded to everyone walking in. Head of EPA, Director of Health care services, Sec of Education, and the California contact to the FBI for human trafficking. "I am sure no introductions are needed" Fitz pointed to the couches and chairs, "shall we?" He sat down for another hour long meeting with his dept heads and Sanderson. He was secretly hoping Olivia would get Joyce on board to run against Sanderson. The Senate needed the change.

While Sanderson was giving his argument for half the bills not to even be considered, Janice, Joyce, and Vivian were in a meeting room of the shelter. The other women were comfortable, were being placed in temporary housing within the next few days, and Janice was anticipating an influx from the upcoming weekend.

"I'll be honest with you Olivia, you opened the doors, but the funds are still dry. We're low on food, and the pantry isn't going to fill itself."

Liv thought about it for a second. She and Fitz were leaving back to Santa Barbara in a few hours. "Don't worry about it, Janice. I'll handle it." She looked over at Joyce. "You look relieved."

Joyce took a breath of happiness. "I am so relieved. I really, truly, cannot thank you three enough. This whole experience opened my eyes to a new way of living."

Liv glanced at Vivian who nodded at her. "Good to know." Liv began. "You ready to pay it forward?"

"Meaning?"

"The Governor and I have been talking. We want you to try to take your rightful place in the Senate. We have all the confidence you can beat Sanderson and…."

"No, Olivia, I'm not ready for that, I can't possibly handle a campaign, emotionally…" She stopped.

Liv reached over, grabbed her hands. She brought her voice to a whisper. "You saw my son, correct?"

Joyce nodded. "Spitting image of the Governor, adorable little guy."

"I was willing to keep him sheltered, boxed up, and I was going to stay there with him. I was ready to run back to New York, leave the Governor, because I was afraid. I was afraid to live the life I was meant to lead. Can you imagine what isolation would have done to my son? What state of mind would I have left the Governor in if I did that? I was afraid of Putney, and I had to stop so I could live."

Joyce looked at Janice for some guidance. "She's right." Janice agreed. "You go back to San Diego. Begin at the women's shelters there. Vivian will help you along, and then, dive in, put your name back in the running and take it from there. Think of the hero you'll be for the women who live in fear everyday."

Joyce bit her bottom lip now. She looked up at the doorway. Katie was standing there, one of the other women, the stitches above her black eye still visible. "Janice," Katie began, do we have any more creamer?"

"Just milk honey, I'll come with you and get it."

Joyce couldn't let Katie down, couldn't walk away from women living in fear. She had be a champion for women's rights and she couldn't do that from her chair in her living room. "Count me in." She nodded.

"Yes!" Olivia looked at her watch and jumped up. "I'll be in touch over the weekend." She smiled and squeezed Joyce's hands. "You won't regret this."

Fitz was in his chair now, facing the window, too tired to get up and walk over there. Behind him the door opened slowly, quietly, no indication to him anyone was entering his office.

He looked at the pictures again and took a deep breath. He got so much accomplished today, and he just wanted to get home to Grant, with Liv by his side.

The person who entered his office noticed the chair's back to the door and used tiptoes to quietly get closer to the Governor, making not a squeak of a sound.

It was too late to react in any way, and the Governor's face was cupped by delicate hands, and his wife who he was longing for at that very moment, brought her lips down to his, and held him in a long sensual kiss.

He moaned both in surprise and wanting and pulled her body down to his lap on his leather chair. He pulled back, smiling, looking at her. "Hi"

"Hi" she wiggled his tie. "Productive day?"

"Not as productive as yours, Mrs. Grant. You were so brilliant."

"Thank you. So, you want to talk about Tracy?"

His smile faded quickly. "Liv, my father is a liar, I never."

She tight lipped smiled at him so defensive, covering her mouth. "You never what? You know I bumped into her at the ball. You didn't notice her red dress?"

"I didn't even know she was there." He went to the crook of her neck. "It's only you Livvie, all it will ever be is you."

"Want to go grocery shopping?" Liv changed the subject.

"Did MiMi say the ranch needs restocking?"

"No, but the shelter does until funds come in from DC again, so before we go back to Santa Barbara, I figured we can make the news as a couple, shopping." She shrugged. "What do you say Governor Grant?"

Not letting her out of his grip, he picked up the phone and alerted the secret service guards about the store they would be in, while Olivia called channel 6 news with an anonymous tip.

The Governor and his newly introduced wife walked around the grocery store shopping for the women's shelter. "Although the doors are open, the food shelves are empty. While waiting for food donations to come in from the food banks, Olivia and I are shopping to restock those shelves for the time being." Fitz happily told the news crew that was there.

After greeting dozens of his citizens, Governor Grant and his wife stopped at the shelter, dropped off the groceries, and proceeded to the airport. The Governor's plane was waiting for them.

In Santa Barbara, Grant was waiting for them in the arms of Mimi, who had gotten up and was walking around, with a slight limp. Huck had a close watch on all of them.

Lying in his arms in the peacefulness of the plane, Liv rested her head on Fitz's chest. "You know." She said rubbing his upper thigh, "I've never made love on a private plane."

"God, woman, you are going to drive me insane." Fitz sat up, pushing her down so he was on top now. He slowly unbuttoned her blouse and poked her breast out from her lace bra. He slowly began licking her nipple, as she unbuckled his belt loosening his pants.

His lips made their way up to hers, and before she devoured his, she whispered, "I love you so much."

While his one hand rubbed her smooth skin from her hip to her shoulder, he took his pants off, exposing his hardened dick and guiding it to his wife's entrance. Slipping her pants off, he used his fingers now to feel how wet she was.

"Not as much as I love you, Livvie." His shoulder went down, and her body pumped up with his thrust of his hips, now his erection deep inside her.

She took a hard swallow, opening her eyes. They were on a plane, making love, hard, passionate love, and as her body just moved with his thrusts, she grasped his shoulder blades, moaning, as her legs wrapped around his.

His tongue opened her lips, and found it's way inside her mouth, as he stifled her moan, he knew she was hitting her climax, and he was relentless in letting up on her. He continued to pump into her as her head went back, exposing her weakness, but he didn't stop.

"You. Were. So. Sexy. Today." he said each word, grunted. "So. Fucking. Badass." He saw her eyes shut tightly, as her second one was coming, and she squeezed him to her body.

He began to sweat, and her hands went through his hair. "All for you, Governor." She could barely whisper. "For. You." She felt him pause, and felt his dick pulse inside her, as his head fell to her chest and he laid with her, until the pilot came on warning them of descent.

It was going to be a rough few days ahead for Erin and Olivia, but Grant, Huck, Mimi, and Fitz would make it a bit easier. Liv had no idea of the memorial Fitz had planned, so it would bring a hint of happiness to a sad day.

In a dark alley, down a lonely street in San Diego, Dez sat in the shadows. He was up against the wall, smoking a joint, and shooting up some heroin. He was high, an angry high. These were the very streets he met Jax Putney.

He heard Olivia's little speech today. He pushed the needle into his arm, feeling the rush through his veins. He untied the rubber hose from around his arm. Taking one more drag of his joint, he kicked the head of the body lying next to him.

"Fuck you, Fallon, rot in hell." He stood up carefully, almost falling with his state of influence, but continued to walk away. "Leave Olivia alone now." That was Fallon's last words. His hands went around her neck, and he squeezed, until there was no more breath left in her.

"Putney's money for a fund in Abby's name. Like fucking hell." He tossed her lifeless body back, got his high, and walked out from the alley, back onto the streets he knew so well. "First up, Joyce Waters, then you're next, you filthy First Lady." He smiled to the heavens.

Knowing damn well Jax and Chip were rotting in hell, Dez still looked up. "If Pope thinks it's over, she's in for a rude awakening." He disappeared into the darkness of the San Diego night, knowing Governor Grant had eyes everywhere, but Dez was too smart for him, just wait and see.