Chapter 7

Circles Never End

His legs were propped on his desk, and he was smiling as he whispered to her through the phone. It was the conduit for his voice. She smiled too. Both pairs of their eyes were closed as they imagined being in the same room.

"I can't wait to see you tonight, Livy. I think we can top last night. Don't you?"

"Should we try that again? I thought you were going to have a heart attack. Your heart was beating so fast. I can't put America's leader in danger…too much of a national security risk, Mr. President." Olivia was curled up on her office couch.

"You slay me. I've given up scotch. I am running most mornings so I am in shape to handle our extracurricular activities."

They shared a laugh.

"Livy, how are you feeling? Have you been taking your prenatal vitamins, eating regularly, and taking naps during the day? You won't be able to work around the clock like you're used to. Hire more employees. Delegate. Don't forget you are carrying twins."

"Thanks, Fitz, but I don't have to be reminded about that. My rapidly expanding waistline, hips, and breasts are evidence enough."

"Tell me more. It is my duty to keep up with those changes. I'll explore more tonight."

"Will you really be able to get away tonight? You were just with me last night. Cyrus will know and become suspicious, Fitz."

"Speaking of Cyrus… Why were you meeting with him today?"

"We will talk about that tonight. I have to go, honey, because we have so much to do around here. I'll see you tonight." Olivia prepared to hang up.

"Okay, you are off the hook for now. What do you have to do before you go home tonight? Any errands?"

"Yes, I have to pick up Olitz from Capital Paws, and make a visit to the pharmacy. Tom and Samantha are driving me. Why do you ask?"

"Just my way to keep you on the phone a little longer. I love you, Livy."

"I love you, too.

Fitz lowered the receiver. It rang immediately.

"Hello."

"Mr. President, Demarchelier here."

"Hi, Demarchelier. What do you have for me?" Fitz said.

"Mr. President, you sound quite chipper today. What is the source of your cheer? Ms. Pope?"

"America's not at war. My family is healthy, and yes, I am seeing Ms. Pope tonight."

"I have some distressing news. You cannot see Ms. Pope tonight, Mr. President."

"Why the hell not?" Fitz's sunny mood became stormy in an instant.

"Please listen carefully and don't panic, sir. We have this under control. Cyrus is planning to have her killed tonight."

"What? Explain everything to me in detail now and then I'm leaving to get Liv." Fitz started easing on his jacket.

"Mr. President. You must not panic. Everything is under control. Let me enlighten you. Cyrus found out about Ms. Pope's pregnancy from Mrs. Grant. He contacted her under the guise of apologizing to her, but his real motive was to find out if you were the father. Ms. Pope told him that Nate was the father in order to…"

"Why would she lie about that? I am the father."

"Mr. President, She was trying to make him think she didn't pose a threat to your presidency. She also wanted him to think your relationship had ended. That is why she met Cyrus today. Unfortunately, her distortions were for nothing. Cyrus knows that your relationship continues." Demarchelier paused to let Fitz ask questions.

"How does he know?"

"One of your Secret Service agents has been feeding him information."

"Who?"

"Agent Hunt. As it turns out, he is the one Cyrus hired to kill Hollis Doyle and now Ms. Pope. Agent Hunt also set up the explosion at the Washington National Cathedral. He is planning to enter her condo this evening, stage it like a robbery, and then take her life when she gets home. My colleague is in Ms. Pope's condo now waiting to apprehend Hunt. What do you want done with Agent Hunt?" Demarchelier stopped talking. He knew this was a lot to absorb.

"Are you sure that Cyrus is behind the hit on Olivia? Perhaps he wants to see what I know about the pregnancy first and what, if anything, I am planning?" Fitz asked.

"He has already paid Agent Hunt one million dollars. This is only half of the full payment. He knows where you stand when it comes to Ms. Pope. You were ready to resign until the explosion remember?" Demarchelier explained.

"There is a bigger question here, Demarchelier. What shall be done about Cyrus Beene? I can no longer pretend with him while we develop a way to bring him down. We can't release our surveillance tapes that implicate him in Hollis Doyle's death or the explosion because any dime store lawyer could get them thrown out of court. I want the nuclear option. I want him gone forever. He is a threat to me and everyone I love."

"Mr. President, are you giving me permission to attend to Mr. Beene?"

"Roses are red. Violets are blue."

"Very well, sir. Um…I….Is there anything else you'd like me to do?"

"Why do I feel like there is more? How could there be more?" Fitz walked over to the bar. He really wanted scotch, but it had all been removed at his request. He mixed some cranberry juice, orange juice, and seltzer water.

"There is more, Mr. President, but I wonder if it should wait until another time. It is not as important as what I've told you."

"Demarchelier, your job is to tell me all the information you have gathered. You don't make determinations about what I can handle, especially when it comes to Olivia. What is it?" He took a sip of his virgin concoction.

"Ms. Pope has hired Mr. Nathaniel Wright to work at OPA."

Fitz chocked on his drink.

"Mr. President, are you okay?"

Fitz coughed until he cleared all his passageways.

"I think I just coughed up a lung. Any information on her reasoning?" Fitz said, scowling.

"I don't know. There is no surveillance at her office because her employee, Mr. Huck, would discover them."

"It doesn't matter. I'll ask her myself. I need her at Camp David this weekend, but that is impossible for at least another week. I can't deal with this now. I leave it to you once again to get us together and take care of that issue. We need some time to talk."

Olivia was disappointed. She was in her bed alone. Fitz had called when she was in the SUV coming home. Apparently, some important meeting had cropped up preventing him from leaving the White House. Even though she didn't think it likely for him to come two nights in a row, she was still hopeful. She and Olitz had fallen asleep watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

The phone rang. Olivia answered without looking at the caller ID.

"I wish you were here with me."

"Me too, Livy. How was your night? Anything exciting?"

"No, except that Agent Hunt was a no show tonight. He was supposed to relieve Sam McGillis. She stayed through his shift. I think she and Tom would make a good couple."

"How is work, Olivia?" Fitz tried to keep his voice even.

"Work is good. We are having to turn away clients."

"You should hire more staff. Have you thought about that? Just make sure you vet them carefully so you won't have to overturn any hiring decisions you make."

"Do you want to talk about why I met with Cyrus today?"

"No. You need your sleep. We should discuss this and other decisions you have made in person."

He knows about me hiring Nate. She thought.

"Okay. Love you, hon. Goodnight."

"I love you, too. See you soon, Livy.

They sat across from each other in the sitting room of the residence. Mellie was trying to absorb his words for a second time. Three months ago when he uttered them, she had been surprised and afraid. This time she was just numb.

"Mellie, did you hear me?" Fitz leaned forward and touched her knee.

"Don't touch me! What a I supposed to say when my husband plans to destroy a family and a nation. I let you have your trysts with her. I have only ever stood beside you and supported you, but you are spitting in my face with this!" The tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"I take full responsibility for my part in the failing of our marriage. If we are brutally honest with each other, there was never any real love or passion between us, Mellie."

"You disgust me with this talk of love and passion. Marriage is a partnership. You work together to accomplish a goal, build a life. You are loyal to your mate. You stand together as a team, investing in each other. You and Olivia have love and passion? That is not enough for a marriage! I looked the other way when your fling started. Wasn't that good enough?"

"No. I don't want my wife to tolerate my mistress. In fact, I don't want a wife and a mistress. I want a wife who loves me, not a handler, a business partner, or a manager. We will never agree on this so let's not rehash it. I am resigning and divorcing you. There is nothing you or Cyrus can do to stop me this time."

"You should be ashamed of yourself speaking of Cyrus that way when he is in a coma, fighting for his life. And what do you mean by, 'this time'? You didn't resign because of the explosion. America needed you then and she needs you now. Can't you see that?" Mellie walked over to the bar.

"I think we should stop talking about this and go to bed. I'll be in the spare room." Fitz rose from his chair to leave.

"We are not done talking! Come back here! I will end you if you do this. You will not walk off into the sunset with Olivia and those bastards of yours! Get back here, damn you!" Mellie hurled the empty decanter at Fitz. It sailed across the room spinning like a football intending to make contact with his head. Fitz ducked slightly with his hands lifted for cover. At just the moment of impact, Karen appeared in the doorway. Somehow, the decanter turned at an angle and fell into Karen's arms. Gerry stepped around the corner to see it all.

"Good save, Karen. Wow, that totally made no sense. How did you do that?"

"What in the hell is going on Mom and Dad? You are screaming. Is everything okay?"

Karen said.

"Yes," screamed Mellie.

"No," said Fitz.

Fitz and Mellie spoke simultaneously but were far from agreed.

"Karen and Gerry, go to your rooms. I'll be there shortly to talk to you." Fitz took the decanter from Karen. "Thanks Karen, you saved me from death by decanter. I don't know how you did that."

"Karen and Gerry should stay right here. They are part of this family. Isn't that why they are living here now? Tell them what you are about to do?" Mellie motioned for them to take a seat. She returned to her chair.

"It is three o'clock in the morning. They need to be in the bed. School is in a few hours." Fitz reasoned.

"Once everyone hears this news they won't be able to go to school. Tell them. All of it."

By this time Gerry and Karen were seated. Fitz was still standing at the door.

"Mellie, this isn't…"

"Your father, the President of the United States, here has a full list of things on his plate today. Number 1, he is resigning, and Number 2, he is divorcing me. Oh and more great news…he is getting ready to have twins with his soul mate, Olivia Pope. Is that all? Pardon me if I don't stay around when everything hits the fan. I don't deserve this." Mellie walked out and into the master bedroom, slamming the door.

"Dad, is all that true?" Gerry asked with a frown on his face. Karen's face was unreadable.

"Essentially yes, but I owe you more of an explanation. I was planning to wait until tomorrow, but considering…" Fitz looked towards the master bedroom door. When he looked back at them. Karen was wiping away tears. Fitz walked over and pulled her into a hug.

"Sorry is not enough, I know. I am sorry for everything. I won't win any Father of the Year contests, but I hope you know that I do love you, both."

"The energy in this room is so…sad and dead. Mom looked like she wanted to kill you." Karen pulled back and sat back in her chair.

Fitz took a seat facing them.

"I owe you all complete honesty. I will answer any questions you have. My life is a mess right now. You were right Karen. There is sadness and death in this room. Your mom and I are getting a divorce. We don't love…"

Karen interrupted. "You don't have to provide details about you and Mom. We sorta know…I mean you and Mom don't really act like…Uncle Homer and Aunt Patricia. When we spent time with them in the summer as kids, we thought they were so gross…kissing and hugging each other. You all never did that. Isn't Olivia Pope the lady who worked on your campaign? She told everyone what to do and you stared at her all the time, Dad."

"She's pregnant with twins? Are you all going to get married? Are you going to have a new family? How could you do this to Mom, Dad? I know our family is weird, but it's our family. Who are we going to live with?" Gerry seemed angry, but more hurt.

"Ger! Don't go all ballistic and judgey on Dad. Why are you resigning?"

"You both have ever right to be angry at me, but we will always be a family. I want you both with me everyday. I want you to get to know Olivia. I love her and she will be in our life. We are expecting twins. I know this is a lot to handle. That is the biggest reason why I am resigning. I can't be the president and adequately attend to all the wrongs that need to be righted in my life. This is going to get really hard when this comes out in the public. Remember that you don't owe anyone an explanation about anything."

"I am going to bed. Dad, I won't be going to school tomorrow." Gerry left the room before Fitz could respond.

Karen hugged Fitz. "Dad, I'll talk to Gerry. I don't know how I feel about all this. You have always seemed so sad, but…I don't know, you…I am picking up happy vibes from you now. It was like when I was at Exeter. I was always sad. When you brought me home, I wasn't sad anymore. I am going to bed now too. Gerry will go to school tomorrow. I will too. Goodnight Dad….oh when and how are you going to resign?"

Fitz took a deep breath. "Today, I am taping my announcement, and it will be aired tonight."

"Have you told anyone else? Olivia?" Karen inquired.

"I met with my Cabinet yesterday, so they know. Vice President Langston will be sworn in as soon as I finish taping and then we will have to leave the White House. Gerry is correct. You all will not be going to school tomorrow. I was going to tell you all later this morning, but your mom changed all that. I haven't told Olivia yet."

"I have so many more questions…." Karen said as she covered her mouth and yawned, "but I am going to sleep now. Can I sleep in?"

"Sure Kar. I love you."

"Love you too, Dad…Oh look who's here, Cleo. You are late, girl. You missed all the excitement." Karen met Cleo at the door and led her out.

There was one more person he had to call. Her reached into his pocket for the cell phone Demarchelier had gotten for him. Olivia's numbers were on speed dial. He smiled as he dialed her number. This is finally happening, he thought.

"Fitz, it is 4:45 am. Is everything okay?" Olivia said, wide-awake.

"Why aren't you sleep, Livy?"

"I can't believe you're asking me that. You called me, hon." She yawned. "I've been restless tonight. I miss you. How is Cyrus? Have you heard anything about his condition?"

"I don't want to talk about that because I have some news. I am taping my resignation today. It will be aired tonight so we need to get away and sort some things out. The press is going to be at your condo after this is aired. We need to go to the house in Virginia for the time being. It will be a full house with the both of us, the dogs, and Karen and Gerry."

"Fitz, are you serious?" Olivia whispered. "Is this really going to happen?"

"At 12:00 noon today, I won't be President anymore."

"How did Mellie, Karen, and Gerry react?"

"Mellie tried to maim me with my empty scotch decanter. Karen somehow intercepted it. I swear she has super powers," Fitz chuckled. "Karen took it relatively well. Gerry is angry with me, but he will come around."

"Are you sure this is what you want? This is the end of it all, Fitz."

"As sure as I love you, Olivia, and this is just the beginning."

Epilogue

Nate walked down the alleyway with a bounce in his step. He was headed to OPA for his first day on the job. He couldn't believe he'd see Olivia every day.

When Cyrus had contacted him months ago with a proposition, he thought the man had gone daft. He promised to help Nate win the heart of the woman he still loved, never stopped loving even after two years. In exchange, Nate would write articles that would sway public opinion according to Cyrus' designs. Cyrus had known Olivia and Nate when they were a couple of college coeds. They had both taken political science classes from him, becoming his most dedicated students.

Initially, he'd dismissed Cyrus and ignored his calls. Finally, Cyrus contacted him with an offer he couldn't refuse. He'd pulled strings at The Post to get him a plumb position stateside. Nate decided to accept his proposition. Unfortunately, nothing went according to plans when he arrived in D.C. He'd broken the Defiance, OH voting scandal story which upset Cyrus tremendously. Then, he'd discovered that Cyrus really wanted to use him to break up the affair between Olivia and the President. Now she was pregnant by the President with twins.

To top it off, Cyrus died due to complications of a stroke. Despite the comedy of errors that had occurred, he was still determined to win her heart. Finally things were going well. He was going to be a permanent fixture in her life, which would put him in close proximity to her, much closer than the President. For all his power, he was still limited in his movements because of his office.

Nate was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't see the black sedan pull up beside him. The door opened. "Get in," a voice beckoned from the interior. He was sure this ward related to Cyrus. He wouldn't have been shocked if Cyrus was behind this even from the grave if he was really dead. As he scrambled to right himself, the front driver's side door opened and closed as a man took the seat.

The figure in the passenger seat spoke. "Mr. Wright, you are to stay away from Ms. Pope. In the back pouch of this seat is a one-way ticket. It is open ended meaning you can choose any destination outside of the contiguous United States. So, you can choose Alaska, Guam, or Hawaii since they are not contiguous. Of course, anywhere else in the world is acceptable. You must stay out of the country for 12 months. You can return to America thereafter. However, you can never contact Ms. Pope ever again in any mode. "

I know this voice. Nate thought. It was the same voice with the French accent that had given him the information about the voting scandal.

"If you attempt to contact Ms. Pope, you will pay with your life. If Mr. Beene was alive he could attest to the seriousness of my statement. Understood, Mr. Wright?"

"Who sent you?" Nate breathed in at the news of Cyrus's death. The last he'd heard Cyrus was in a coma.

"Mr. Wright, that information is inconsequential to you. You may go now."

The car stopped. Nate grabbed the ticket, exited the car, and walked back to his condo. He knew the President was behind this, but he didn't know why. Why does my presence in Olivia's life threaten him so much? It can't just be jealousy? He thought. He tapped the plane ticket on his knee. He resolved to use this ticket to do some research on Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. Nate had a feeling that the man was just a dangerous aberration.

~~The End~~

Fitz and Olivia's story doesn't end here. Read, "Harvest, the sequel to this story.