Chapter 33—The Hearing

It had been two weeks and the town of Rutland was finally quieting down from the major news that had made headlines. It's not every day the Chief of Naval Operations to the United States commits suicide in your town.

The story had leaked out, much to the President's dismay, that Admiral Logan had indeed committed crimes against the military. This endangered the lives of American civilians and subsequently to our armed forces stationed overseas.

The President's press secretary had three straight days of answering and dodging questions about the events that took place in Rutland, Vermont. She had assured to the best of her ability that the FBI, CIA, and Joint Chiefs of Staff were all on the investigative team and things would be moving quickly.

The President finally made a statement less than a week into Logan's suicide and informed the American People the Admiral worked along side two other recognizable names in the cabinet and information would be classified as needed.

One reporter asked the extent of Senator Grant's involvement in all of this. The President said Senator Grant was cooperating with the investigation and he did not have any knowledge of what Admiral Logan had planned against him.

The President ended the message with this. "Senator Grant gave many years of service to the people of California both as a Governor and as Senator. He worked with the previous administration as the Majority Leader to help lead to better bi partisanship in this country. I am quite certain, despite our difference in parties, that Senator Grant acted professionally and did not let any beliefs cloud his decision making as a Senator and Leader. Let's also not forget the years of service his son, Lt. Commander Fitzgerald Grant the Third gave to our country as a decorated Naval pilot. His deployments and bravery should not be forgotten. Thank you."

Two weeks after that announcement, Olivia sat in Fitz's living room watching C-Span on the television. They weren't saying much about the hearings that would be going on, but just in case, Olivia kept it on that channel. She had convinced Fitz to go to DC to be with his father. He had been gone for four days, and the ache in Liv's heart was something she couldn't ignore. She missed him terribly.

He was conflicted when it came to his father, she could tell. He wanted to forgive him, to have a relationship with him, but it was hard for him. He had been through so much as a prisoner and Olivia believed it was the one part of his anger he couldn't let go of. As much as she wanted him to stay in Rutland and begin building their life, she had to let him go to solve this.

Even though the captivity wasn't Big Gerry's fault initially, Fitz still held him responsible in some sense. Olivia felt the more time he spent with his father the better. It did seem that Big Gerry was done being the mean, verbally abusive person Fitz had seen before the deployment. Olivia's gut told her Fitz needed to give this a chance.

They left four days ago. They had to prep in Washington DC, talk to a few people and the hearings were set to begin tomorrow. It was being kept hushed in DC and everyone who knew the truth in Rutland knew why. It was not public knowledge that Fitz was a POW and he wanted at least that much to stay private.

The hardest thing for Fitz was to leave Two Shot who was still recovering at a rehabilitation center a half hour from Rutland. Monica assured Fitz all would be fine. She was staying in a hotel not too far from the center and Olivia and Letecia were visiting every three days to give Monica some moral support.

Sparks had gone to DC with Fitz. Big Gerry always had respect for Devon and Fitz figured he would be kept grounded having his best friend by his side. Letecia and the boys, DJ (Devon Jr.) and Owen were staying at Liv's place while this was all happening.

Chloe was so so excited to have two young friends in Rutland. They were still too young to go to school, just like Chloe. DJ had just turned 4 and Owen was going to be 3 in a month. Several days after everything had calmed down, Lara brought Chloe over to meet the boys.

"So, Chloe, what do you think of DJ and Owen? Do you think you can help them get used to Rutland for a few weeks?" Liv asked her little friend and confidant.

"Oh yes, Wivvie, we are going to Huck's new pwace too. Huck is going to teach us how to pwotect ourselves fwom stwangers. We will have so so much fun and I cannot wait to show them awound Wutland."

Lara smiled at her young daughter. "Thank you, Olivia." She put her arm around Olivia as Chloe ran into the room to finish playing the game she started with the boys.

"Why are you thanking me, I should be thanking you. You really stepped up that night, and taking care of me, I am sorry I took off like that, my frame of mind was just…."

"No, stop, I get it, really I do. I can't imagine the horror all of that was. I am thanking you because before you got here, Chloe was so distant. I was getting concerned for her. But, since you got here, she seems to have broken a shell. She is always so confident, so determined. She's turning 4 in a week, and I was nervous about her starting preschool in September. Now, I am a bit more at ease."

Now, Liv heard the car pull into the driveway and then the slight honk of the horn. Letecia had already left to be with Monica and Two Shot for the night, Lara had the boys and Chloe in the car. She had just dropped Alyssa and Brianna off at a birthday party.

The five of them were meeting Huck at his Martial Arts place. It was slated for a Grand Opening preview this coming weekend and Huck was eager to impress the parents of Rutland. He was counting on the clientele to be between the ages of 4 and 16. The three little ones in the back were off to an audition, too bad they didn't know it. Liv hopped in the car to the greeetings of all three kids and they headed towards Rutland's newest small business.

"Really son, it's good to have you here. We should wrap this mess up in two more days then I'll head back to Santa Barbara, and you can head back to Rutland. Hopefully this can put some closure on everything you've gone through."

Fitz and Big Gerry had grabbed breakfast at a local bagel shop outside the Senate building. Big Gerry was going to enter his first day of questioning abut the events that happened in Rutland. Although Sparks was with them, he stayed behind at the hotel room to give them time to talk.

"Dad, it's not going to be easy to forget everything. I know it's been five plus years, but two years of my life were taken away and during that time, it was literal torture. It's hard for me to get an image of you looking at the torture I went through and still letting it go on."

"Son, honestly…"

"Let me finish, Dad. I see you looking at those pictures and then I think of myself. What if someone gave me pictures of you being tortured, and the only way I could keep you alive was by doing something against my will. I wouldn't want to be in the predicament you were in. I am trying to come to terms with all of this."

"I understand, and I know I wasn't the best father to you in the weeks up to your deployment, even when you told you me you were joining the NAVY. We have a lot of time to make up, and I hope you give me the chance to do so."

Fitz honestly didn't know what to say. As much as he wanted to let his father in his life, he was weary about it. For the first time in a long time, Fitz felt he had a future with Olivia. He saw his life in five years, married, kids, and a soccer dad. Did he want Big Gerry to be a part of that also?

"We better head in there for our meeting. We don't need any surprises at the hearing tomorrow." Fitz stood up.

Gerry took one last sip of his coffee and caught up to Fitz heading into the building. They were greeted by Senator Marshall. He was a good friend of Big Gerry's and remembered Fitz as he was growing up during his teenage years. They shook hands and headed to the Senator's office.

"We appreciate you meeting with us on a Sunday, Jackson, this shouldn't take too long. It's pretty cut and dry." Big Gerry began the conversation. "Who is on the committee."

"We have a committee comprised of four senators, myself, and a General from the Joint Chiefs. They wanted to treat this strictly through JAG, but with the issue of Homeland Security we thought best to have the General sit in on the hearings."

Fitz glanced over at his father. Gerry didn't understand the look, but somehow Fitz was not keen on this idea. If the military was involved there was a chance his captivity may be uncovered. If it was, could Fitz finally let go and bring it to light. Maybe he was making too much of it.

"Senator Gilmore, Senator Eck, Senator Daniels, myself, and Senator Olsen." Before Gerry could speak, Marshall put his hands up. "I know, Gerry, I know, but the President now is Democrat he's going to try to bring you down, but he wants the truth and this was one of his Joint Chiefs. I mean for heaven's sake Gerry; Logan was Chief of …

"Yeah, I know Naval Operations, big deal."

"Well, it is, considering the guy kills himself with a year left in his expiring term. We just need to make sure there isn't anything missing."

"Gilmore, Daniels, and Olsen? They have had it in for me for years, Marshall, you know that." Gerry took a deep breath. He shook his head. "Let's just get started on the prep."

Fitz glanced at his father. He could sense the uneasiness in him. If these Senators, had it out for his father the questioning could go either way and the story they had sketched may not stick. Fitz rubbed his hand through his hair, he could feel his heart start to pound, and he had to take a break. He excused himself and went out to get air, giving Liv a call.

"Hi" she picked up on the first ring. "I miss you Mister. Is everything ok?"

"Hi", he smiled at the sound of her voice and could feel himself calming down. "I don't know. Dad is meeting with the lead Senator for the hearing now. I just wanted to hear your voice. How are things there?"

"Good," Liv assured him. "Letecia is up with Monica; she'll be back tonight. I am with the boys and Chloe at Huck's place. He's going to do a trial class with the three of them."

"Sounds a lot better than where I am. "He paused.

She could tell something was off. "Fitz, what is it?"

"There's a General on the panel, military things may come up." He paused. "I don't know, I may just be overthinking."

He was scared of his deepest secret coming out for the nation to hear. Liv could understand his hesitance, his fear, and she felt helpless now. "Hey, Fitz, whatever happens…"

"I know. Like I said, I just wanted to hear your voice. So is Chloe excited to have a few friends her own age."

"Oh my, Fitz." Liv laughed. "She gives a new meaning to term Boss Lady. That child is going to grow up to be CEO of the world. She takes no crap. Those boys don't stand a chance with her. It's her way or the highway. I actually feel sorry for them."

Fitz laughed. It was something he needed. He could see Chloe being a little boss, especially if boys were concerned. "This is the first year I am going to miss her birthday." Her birthday was in two days.

"Oh, no worries. She already convinced Huck to have his first martial arts birthday at the place. She is postponing her party until the day after Valentine's Day. Huck was defeated, he couldn't say no. There is going to be a small celebration at Sophie's place with Leo's famous Chloe cake, in the meantime."

"That's great. I better get back inside. I love you, Livvie."

"Fitz, I am only a phone call away. I love you too, and don't worry."

Liv put the phone close to her heart. She shook her head. She should've known it wouldn't be as easy as planned. With Huck being an unknown operative, he wasn't even involved. Besides with his breaking the mission the consequences could be catastrophic for everyone. She wasn't going to burden Huck.

She pulled Fitz's sweatshirt she was wearing up. She smelled him, and she missed him. His shirt was keeping her warm right now, and she hugged herself before heading back in to help Huck.

Lara watched as Liv took the phone call. She could see the look of concern on her face, and she knew Liv was missing Fitz, wanting to be there for him. She also knew she made a promise to Fitz, a commitment to be there for Two Shot in his recovery.

Lara had an idea but would need to pull Liv aside. Right now, she was watching, as Liv joined in on the observation, Chloe put on boxing gloves and begin her first lesson as a kickboxer. She leaned towards Olivia "Just what I need a bossy kick boxing daughter. This isn't going to end well for any of us in this town."

"That's all there was to it Marshall. Fitz wasn't even aware I was going to visit him in Rutland, so it was clear Logan was having me followed. Kelly must've been tracking me somehow. I hadn't a clue Logan was even in the same town as I was."

Marshall nodded his head. "I'll share this with the others. Natalie isn't cooperating. She's sticking with the story her father used her for company, not knowing what was happening, and he cut her face. She doesn't remember much after that, so she will be no help." Marshall looked at Fitz knowing the relationship they had. "Don't worry, Fitz, she won't be grilled by the panel."

Fitz just smirked. "Good to know" was really all he could say. He couldn't care in the least what happened with Natalie. "You don't think I will be asked anything, do you? With the General on the panel, he isn't going to dig into my military deployment, is he?"

Marshall thought for a second. "I don't see how that would come in to play at all. The target was your father, not you, unless the General has some information we don't know about. Should there be any concern?"

Fitz thought of how his captivity was because of Logan and Logan himself. He planned the whole thing from the changing of the flight to the directives of the lashings. Fitz shook his head. "No, no concern at all. I appreciate your time Marshall, good to see you again."

After the meeting Fitz and his father walked around the National Mall. Sparks was meeting them there in an hour, at the Lincoln Memorial. He walked now with his father to the Vietnam Memorial. It was a solemn moment as they approached the wall filled with names of the deceased soldiers.

Fitz stopped in front of the wall, he saluted, and he carried on. He dragged his finger over a few names, reading them silently to himself. He always had a deep respect for the military. It was inbred since he was five. His fascination of the military was always with him.

He stared at the names of the soldiers who never made it home. He watched as some visitors were leaving flowers, and using a paper and pencil to highlight names. It was a sunny day for the end of January in DC and Fitz turned against the sun and saw his father standing in front of the POW memorial stone.

Fitz walked over and his body went numb when he saw the POW letters. His shoulders slumped and he took one knee. Gerry put his hand on Fitz's shoulder, as Fitz went over the words in front of the stone that read "It is our duty to remember." He shook his head.

"So many never came home. I consider myself one of the lucky ones, Dad. That's why I don't brag about it. I don't want recognition from it. I want these soldiers and the soldiers now who are going through it to be remembered and hopefully rescued. I strongly believe it's because of you I was rescued, but I am not angry about that."

Gerry shook his head in agreement. " I understand, son, I do. I know I disappointed you. I was never there for you when you needed me the most, and had I been, this could have all been avoided."

Fitz didn't look at it that way but he saw his father's point of view. Had he established a relationship with his father, he would have trusted him if he told him Natalie was up to no good. It was because of this, his father stayed silent, and Logan got away with it.

Fitz stood up. "I think it's time you stop blaming yourself Dad. It's time for me to stop blaming you. Looking around here, I am grateful I am home, grateful I found Liv, and grateful I get a second chance with you. None of those soldiers can say the same." Fitz was pointing to the wall.

Gerry walked over to one of the benches, and for the first time in Fitz's life he heard his father cry. Fitz sat next to and put his arm around his shoulders. The healing would take time, but it was a start. After a few minutes they headed in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial where Sparks was waiting for them.

The grunt that came from Huck made Chloe laugh but had the boys concerned. They ran over to Huck who assured them he was fine, he was just playing the part.

Chloe was taking her training rather seriously, throwing punches at Huck's hand and raising her leg for an accurate kick. "I am going to be so stwong Huck, wight?"

"You sure are, kid, you're a natural at this." Huck wasn't lying, she had skills, for as young as she was, she was a good listener and a fast learner. He instructed the three of them to take off the gloves and they would work on self defense.

While the kids were distracted it gave Lara and Liv time to talk. "You know Liv, I could take your place in visiting Monica and Two Shot. My parents can handle the kids when Bryce is at work."

Liv looked at Lara confused. "I am not understanding."

"Your heart is in DC, you're here physically, but your heart is not, go to him, be with him."

"I appreciate that Lara, really I do, but this is time needed with his father."

"Liv, you are going to be part of his life. That's not any secret. You can be part of that relationship. If they fix it, you should be there too."

They heard a thump and both women jumped up and ran to Huck. He was flat on his back. "Huck, you ok?"

Huck took Liv's hand, who pulled him up. He was smiling. "I am fine. Chloe, nice work."

Lara looked at her youngest daughter. "Chloe, you need to be a bit more careful. You don't want to hurt anyone."

Chloe was confused. "Yes I do mommy, I want to hurt anyone who hurts my famiwy and anyone I wuv, wight Huck? Huck said to wap my wegs around his and hug them. I did that. I pwetended I was hugging you Wivvie and I held tight. I can't help how stwong I am and Huck fell down." Chloe turned to the boys. "See, you couldn't do that, only girls are stwong wike that." Chloe was so proud.

Huck nodded towards Lara. "She's right. She did just as I instructed her. If all the kids are as good as Chloe, I may not have a business."

"Nice work, Chloe." Liv couldn't help but smile. She was a champion for young girls to succeed especially over the male counterparts. She thought about Lara's words and asked Huck for a moment.

"Devon, you certainly have a future in politics. I don't know why my son is grounding you to own a Major League Baseball Team. Governor has a much nicer ring to it than owner." Gerry took a sip of his scotch. The three finished lunch and were at a local bar enjoying a few drinks before calling it a day.

"Maybe one day, Mr. Grant, but with my boys still young, I want to be able to still have time with them. Being owner lets me make my own rules, so I stick to this for a few more years." Sparks smiled at Fitz who was shaking his head.

"Suit yourself." Gerry held his glass up and finished his scotch. "So, tomorrow Fitz I am hoping we begin the journey of closure of all of this for you and you can live your life."

"I'll never be able to forget the abuse dad, the torture, the pain. The nightmares will stay, but stripping Logan of his military honors and dragging his name through the mud, that will give me some satisfaction."

"Should be one and done, right Gerry. The documents found with Logan sealed the deal of his involvement in the bombing in Vegas. There's nothing pointing towards his protection of that flight plan is there?"

"Devon I wish I knew. I put nothing past the Senate. They are sneaky little fucks, me being one of them. Anything could happen at a hearing. We just have to be prepared and stick to the story. Let's hope it's no longer than two days."

For the next few hours, they sat at the bar table and had a few laughs, filled Gerry in on Naval Academy stories, and talked about Spark's kids.

Gerry learned the story of how Fitz acquired the Vermont Lake Monsters and talked his two best friends into investing in the team. Gerry learned what a fine owner his son was to the team, and how he let Devon and Sam do most of the work. He was hoping Fitz would now get back into the land of the living. He had Olivia, his team, and Rutland, he was destined for success.

All three were back in their hotel. Sparks stopped in just to have some talk time with Fitz about Two Shot. Fitz's phone buzzed and Sparks talked to Gerry while Fitz took the call.

"Hey Mom. I miss you. I wanted to call to say hi." Olivia hadn't talked to Maya in about a week.

"Girl, you did not call to say hi. It is a decent hour here and there, and you sound happy, this is not hi."

Liv chuckled, "no, really it is hi. I just wanted you to know the hearing into Logan is starting tomorrow. Fitz is in DC with his father."

"And you are? Girl, you are not in Rutland are you. You need to get your behind there with your man."

"Mom, he needs time with his father. They have things they need to talk about. Besides it's all politics, that's his father's game, I would only be in the way."

"Be in the way." Maya mimicked Liv's voice. "Girl bye. Olivia, you make sure you are there if he needs you. You are young, retired, and rich, you aren't going to hurt anyone being there for him. I am sure he could use your comfort during this hearing."

Liv paused for a few moments. "Mom, how does this sound?" Liv told Maya her plan. She wanted to hear from her mother that she wasn't wrong for wanting to do it. Maya listened and after a long silence, she finally spoke.

"See, I told you this wasn't an I just called to say hi call. Go on put your plan in motion. Keep in contact with your mother. Love you Baby."

"Love you too Mom." Liv hung up with a hundred times more confidence than when the call began.

Letecia came back after her overnight visit with Monica and Two Shot. "He's getting stronger each day Liv, the guy is a fighter."

Liv was so happy to hear that, some good news to report to Fitz. Two Shot had another surgery after the first marathon one. His spine, with proper rehabilitation, would be on the mend, but it would take months and months of hard work and discipline. He had a great team to help him and everyone was cheering for Two Shot to walk again one day.

"The doctor," Letecia continued, "put both his legs up on a balance ball, standard rehab, and his foot moved. They weren't sure if it was a reflex or a sign, but it boosted Two Shot's spirits and that's what mattered."

The boys came running out to greet there mother. They told her all about their kickboxing lesson and how strong Chloe is. "That is one girl I don't want to mess with," young DJ said, causing Liv and Letecia to laugh.

"They did have a great time. Chloe is looking forward to them being at her small birthday celebration on Wednesday." Liv knew the boys needed to get to bed. She helped Letecia get them ready and they sat and talked about the schedule for the week ahead.

"Yes sir," Fitz paused. "Thank you sir." Fitz paused again. "Yes, I understand. I will see you tomorrow."

"Fitz?" Sparks didn't like the sound of his voice on that phone call.

"I could be called as a witness tomorrow." Fitz ran his hands through his hair. "I am going to get some sleep." He closed the door and dialed Olivia's number.

Letecia answered because Liv was in the shower. "I can have her call you when she gets out. Is everything ok."

"Yeah, fine. Don't worry, I am heading to bed. Tell her I'll call her in the morning. Thanks Letecia."

Fitz pulled his shirt off. He walked to the bathroom and turned his back towards the mirror. He was able to see his scars clearly. He closed his eyes, hearing the sound he always hears when he looks at them. He thought of Olivia's hand always going so gently over the scars and he took a deep breath.

He couldn't worry anymore. Whatever was going to happen tomorrow, he couldn't stop it, and there was no sense getting stressed about it. He went to his bed, sleeping with no shirt on, determined to get this over with.

Fitz sat behind his father in the hearing room. Fitz looked around the room. There weren't too many people, and when he heard the door creak open, he was a bit surprised to see Natalie Logan walk in. She made brief eye contact with him and was surprised to see him looking back at her.

She saw the biggest smile form on his face, and her heart melted. Maybe seeing the scar gave him a different disposition of her. His smile faded, but just a bit, and the love she once saw in his eyes was back again. She looked at those stormy blue eyes. She was about to take a step to him, if only to apologize, but she felt someone bump her.

Not even saying excuse me to the person she bumped, Olivia walked right into Fitz's arms waiting for her. He hugged her tight, lifting her a bit and meeting her lips, as her hands ran through the curls she missed so much.

Natalie found a seat in the back, against the wall, and watched. She saw Liv's hand fill the gap where her hand had once been. She remembered how soft his hair was, how gentle his kisses were and she felt tears swell up in her eyes.

Fitz placed Liv back to the ground, rubbing her back. "What are you doing here?"

"I wasn't going to let my Mister go through this alone. Want me to leave?"

"Not on your life, Livvie, thank you for coming." He let her into the seat before the took the seat next to her. His Livvie was there for him, and nothing that was going to happen would be that bad after all.

"I tried calling you, but it kept going to voicemail, I was starting to get worried."

Liv rested her head on his shoulder. "I was on a plane, getting here, for you. I know your father is here, but I wanted to be here for you. Besides, I told Sparks to beat it. He deserves time with his wife."

Fitz interlocked his hand with hers. He placed his head on hers and he noticed his father turn towards him. Gerry was smiling.

"What's that all about?" Liv asked, noticing the smile on Gerry's face.

"Long story. We'll talk later."

"Did you even notice who you bumped into when you were coming towards me?" Fitz asked.

"No, who?" Before Fitz could answer Liv turned to see Natalie watching them with a cold bitch faced stare. Liv quickly turned back around. "That scar Fitz."

"I know. We shouldn't be ones to judge, but it's bad."

Liv didn't have time to think about it as the panel walked in and the hearing was underway.

"Senator Grant," one of the committee members began. "It is our understanding that on the dates in question, the ones in front of you on paper, you were in a meeting with Admiral Logan and the attendees listed. Is it a fact he spoke to you about a potential threat on American soil?"

"Admiral Logan had entered my office claiming he had pertinent information about a possible attack at a casino in Las Vegas. Without disclosing more details and facts, I felt Homeland Security should be notified and an investigation begin. Admiral Logan ignored my suggestions, and as you are aware, an incident did occur in Las Vegas."

"Why didn't you notify Homeland Security, Senator Grant? If indeed there were American casualties and prior knowledge was known, you do understand you are as responsible as Admiral Logan."

Fitz didn't like the way this questioning was going. He looked worried for his father. "I am aware," Gerry began, but the Senate was already indulged in talks with the Joint Chiefs who assured me Homeland Security was on alert."

The next question came from Senator Gilmore, a bitter enemy of Gerry's for many years. "Senator Grant, why were you so hesitant, after it was known an attack was imminent to send more money for military action overseas in the Middle East? Had you known the Admiral had his hand on this all along?"

Gerry began to fidget a bit in his seat. The main reason he refused to send the money was he knew it was all a setup and he had to find his way around it without exposing his knowledge and Fitz's capture.

"The whole attack was a setup, Senator Gilmore. If you had taken the time to read the documents in front of you, the ones found with Logan at the time of his death, this line of questioning wouldn't be necessary. The attack in the Middle East would have been based on lies from the attack here, I wasn't going for it."

The panel conferred for a bit. They came back and Marshall asked the next question. "At the time in question, your son was deployed in Iraq, are you aware of the mission he was sent there for?"

"I am not, the mission was classified, still is to the best of my knowledge." Gerry saw the General hand Marshall a paper. Marshall looked at the paper and back up at Gerry.

"Senator Grant, are you aware of any missing documents? It's being said you assisted Logan in obtaining flight documents about your son's mission that soon had gone missing. Are you aware of this?"

"I am not." Gerry lied with the expertise of a United States Senator.

Liv's arm was now locked with Fitz's arm. This line of questioning had lasted over an hour and she wished it would stop.

Olsen looked at Gerry. "You are being given a paper Senator Grant, please look at this." Gerry did so. It was the flight plan he had seen so many years ago when Logan showed it to him at that secret meeting. "Does that look familiar?"

"It does. Logan showed that to me just before my son's deployment. I couldn't make heads or tails out of it. I knew my son was being deployed, a gifted pilot in the NAVY, I wasn't surprised. Logan used it as a threat to me. I still refused to fund the money."

Once again the panel conferred with one another. Marshall spoke. "Thank you Mr. Grant. We would like to hear now from you son."

"Perhaps he can make heads or tails out of the flight plan, since you are of no help to us." Senator Daniels a stark opponent of Gerry for many years told him to move aside.

"Before I do, just remember, this is about an Admiral placed by a President and kept by this sitting president as Chief Naval Officer. He committed crimes against American and the focus should be on stripping him of any military honors, not on my son and his dedication, his honest dedication to this country."

"So noted Senator Grant thank you." Marshall hit his gavel down and waited for Fitz.

Olivia kissed him on the cheek as he went to take a seat next to his father. Liv looked around the room. She counted seven people, two cameras, and two reporters. Her eyes caught Natalie's once again, and Liv felt chills as Natalie smirked at her. Not phased, Liv turned back towards the panel.

The General on the panel spoke. "Lt. Commander Grant…"

"Sir, if I may, please just call me Mr. Grant."

"Son, you're still military, honorable discharge. Now Lt. Commander Grant, please look at the flight plan in front of you. Does that look familiar?"

"No."

The panel looked up in shock, as did Gerry and Olivia. Olivia looked at Fitz. His face was red and she knew at that moment, he was going to live in his truth.

"That isn't the flight plan you were given when you went on your mission in Iraq?"

"No sir. This was not the plan handed to me. The plan handed to me, I was told, were special instructions from Admiral Logan."

The panel began fidgeting with papers and shrugging. Fitz pulled a paper out of his pocket. "If I may, I drew the flight plan I was given, just in case something went wrong. I always drew my flight plans."

Liv remembered that night, he was drawing and writing. He made the flight plan from memory. He handed it now to the panel who studied it and compared it to the flight plan they had.

Fitz waited. He saw the General studying a map. He waited a bit more, then he saw it. The General frowned, and he looked up at Fitz, a most serious look in his eyes. Now it was soldier to soldier and the General understood.

"Lt. Commander, please explain your mission." The General dropped his pencil, sat back, and waited for the worst to come out.

Fitz looked back at Liv, who nodded her head. "You got this." He read her lips.

"Admiral Logan designed a flight plan to be given to me on the USS Fleet. I headed in the direction with my F-15. I had flown many times, having many awards and decorations as a pilot, just know I would never take a wrong turn. Not one as wrong as the original to the one given to me. I was shot down and kept a prisoner for two years in an Iraqi desert. In that time, I was starved, tortured, and hidden, until one day there as an attack on the prison grounds and I was able to escape into American custody."

"All information of my captivity is classified, so I will not go any further. I will just end with this. Your Chief Naval Officer, your head Navy Chief, played a part in getting an American NAVY pilot captured in enemy territory without any knowledge because of that original flight plan. What he did while I was in captivity, I don't know, I don't care to know.

"It is up to you, now to check your files, find out your own information. My father and I are finished. Logan committed suicide. In his crazy vendetta against us, he slit his own daughter's face, the man was a ticking time bomb. I won't soon forget what he did to me, ever."

Liv saw Fitz do the unthinkable. He took his shirt off and turned his back to the panel "I will have these for the rest of my life. So every time I look in the mirror, I will be reminded of Logan. I will one day tell my kids of a traitor to this country named Admiral Logan. Now what transpired while I was captured, I don't know. My father is my hero right now, because Logan used this against him. Senator Grant is noble, and I suggest this whole line of questioning stop, and we can put this all behind us."

Fitz put he shirt back on. He walked towards Liv who was waiting with open arms, and he fell into them, burying his face in her neck and breathing her in. She kissed the side of his face, whispering "I love you." Into his ear, imagining all the courage it took for him to do that.

The panel adjourned for thirty minutes. Upon their arrival back to the hearing room, Marshall read the decision.

"Admiral Logan committed crimes against the military, put soldiers lives in danger, and was an overall embarrassment to the United States Navy. He is hereby stripped of any military titles, awards and benefits to his family. He has been posthumously dishonorably discharged from the NAVY."

Marshall looked at Fitz. "On behalf of the President, the United States Senate, and the NAVY, please accept our deepest apologies. Such behavior should never have been condoned. You are free to go, Lt. Commander for today. We will need further, private discussion for you in the coming days so please stay close."

Gerry was going to stick around and talk with the Senators. Liv hugged Fitz, her head resting on his chest. "Son, you do know this is going to become national news."

"I don't care." He kissed the top of Liv's head.

"Gerry, I am taking Fitz away for a few days. Stay in DC, we'll be in touch."

Before Gerry could even speak, they were heading out the door. Gerry knew what Fitz just did would make national headlines. The American people always loved a good military story. He turned back toward the panel and would do his best to hold it down for a few more days.

Liv wrapped her arm around Fitz's waist and his around her shoulders. On the way out, they paid no mind to the scarred woman sitting alone in the back. They lived their lives in loneliness and fear and as much as they didn't wish it on anyone, it wasn't a life they chose.

Natalie chose to be caught up in the events of her father. She had everything coming to her.

Fitz and Olivia headed towards the lot, where Max was awaiting them. Fitz looked at her. "Livvie, where are we going?"

"Hi Max." Liv said as Max tipped his hat.

They climbed into the car. A very roomy black town car, but Liv felt the sudden urge to sit straddled on her man's lap. After all, she had four days of missed kissing and holding to catch up.

After taking a breath, as the car drove in motion, Fitz rubbed Liv's gorgeous smooth back, his hands up her shirt. "Where are you taking me Livvie?"

"Shhh, Mister." She cupped his face, placing her lips over his, tongue tied, and moaning. " I have plenty of surprises in store for you, just go with it."

Fitz didn't have to be told twice, as his hand moved from her back to her front, and he found one of her breasts. He lifted her shirt and guided her right breast to his mouth. It was just the comfort he needed as the events of the day would soon catch up to him.

Right now, he was lost in the moment with the love of his life. He had her right where he wanted her, weak in his arms.