Executive Orders

CH 54: : One Cabal or Another...

Olivia was right, of course. Will Caldwell was waiting for them when they had emerged from his armored SUV, with Peter standing by on the veranda. In spite of what Olivia had told him about both of them, Fitz couldn't help himself from greeting the younger brother with more warmth than what he offered his brother. Peter's behavior the last time they met was still very much in Fitz's mind.

Nathaniel Caldwell was on the phone as Fitz was ushered into his presence and he waved at hand at them to take a seat. Fitz preferred to remain standing while the older man continued his conversation and they did too; it was obvious both brothers were reluctant to sit while their president stood.

"...I know what the rumors are, but let's get this one straight. I don't give a damn what you've heard - no invites got lost in the mail. This isn't one of your cherry-picked GOP fundraiser - did you forget that I don't answer to your cabal anymore -"

Fitz noticed as the other man paused, that where someone else using those words would have been angry, Caldwell's eyes were sparkling with laughter that was at odds with his tone of voice. Whoever it was on the other end of the call was getting the full effect of Nathaniel's famously blunt tongue. "This isn't a party fund-raiser, or have you people forgotten that I hung up my Republican cape? There was a reason for that - so goodbye."

He hung up with obvious pleasure and turned his attention to Fitz. Nathaniel Caldwell was a man well into his seventies, with a close-cropped beard that was the opposite of the long hair that hung down close to his shoulders.

"Thank you for accepting the invitation." Nathaniel stood and moved to shake Fitz's hand, expressing the hope that he'd enjoy his visit, promising him plenty of good food and conversation.

"Is that why I'm here?" Fitz asked.

"Why do you think you're here?" Nathaniel answered his question with a question.

Still mindful of Olivia's information, Fitz was careful with his words. "I came mainly for Will's sake; I endorsed him publicly - and I still support him. I think he can be a powerful partisan for the Party as we move forward into the future."

"If he stays in the party and doesn't follow his old man." Nathaniel said with a grin that warmed Fitz in spite of himself.

"I'll make my own path, thank you." Will said.

Nathaniel's answer was a deliberate chuckle as he walked over to a massive sidebar that held a large choice of scotch, brandies and other expensive liquors, but to Fitz's surprise, Nathaniel touched none of them. He moved instead to what Fitz saw was an expensive juicer, bent down beneath the bar and came up with a bowl of prepared fresh fruits and vegetables. 

He looked up at Fitz and grinned, guessing at his surprise. He explained that It was a compromise with the women of his family; if he were to be allowed to enjoy a scotch or two during the weekend, he had to balance them out with something somewhat healthy.

Peter remarks that it wasn't just the women, they all want to keep the old man around as long as possible.

"So you can partake of my wisdom." Nathaniel was deliberately sarcastic, but not in a mean way, again surprising Fitz.

"Something like that." Will smiled and Peter agreed. And they all seemed to relax just a little.

Fitz said nothing even as his senses tell him that some of this has the feeling of being rehearsed. Everyone always wants something, and that's why he was here; Fitz knows it and is used to it and the subtle look Nathaniel keeps giving his watch only underscores it. He takes the older man's up on his offer and Nathaniel continues to chat about trivial matters as he fixes drinks all around, a carrot, orange and papaya juice blend that was surprisingly light and delicious. Olivia would approve, he couldn't help but thinking.