LUCIOUS & COOKIE: TUG OF WAR (REMASTERED)

THE WHITE HAT COMETH

Rubbing my throbbing temples, my anger has finally dissipated a bit. Don't get me wrong, I'm still furious with Jamal's ass, I mean this family has been in the limelight for far too long and I had the "watch ya back when it comes to these hoes" talk with the boys when they were younger.

A firm grasp clutched both of my shoulders, my wife's arms draping over my shoulders as she planted a soft series of kisses along my neck, easing the tension swirling through me.

"Liv's gonna straighten this out Lu, stop stressin'." Cooks whispered, kissed along my earlobe, then eased down along the sofa near the bar and began scrolling through her phone.

Nodding my head, I exhaled. Olivia Pope and her team should be arriving shortly, it's been nearly two hours since I filled her in on the situation and sent the company jet down to D.C. to pick them up. She's the only person that can fix this situation for us at this point.

I remember when Cookie and I first met her back in the day. She was in law school at George Washington University, we had headed down to D.C. one weekend to meet our connect and to make a drop off to a couple of her fellow classmates. Those damn rich little white kids down there just loved them some nose candy, shit people would be surprised at the status of most of the people that snort Coke.

Anyway, we pulled up on this lavish off campus house, stepped out of the car, then went inside once one of our regulars opened the door. As soon as we got inside, we saw a couple of random folks there, nothing alarming, cuz it looked like they were having a study group or something.

Cookie and I headed to the kitchen of the home, handled our business and were preparing to head back to Philly cause Carol was watching the boys back at the house so we couldn't stay gone too long. As we walked out the dude who we'd came to see told us that they were having an all-night cram session for one of their classes and introduced us to the other people in the room. Alot of them turning into future business clients, most of whom were white, and shortly after the introductions they commenced studying where they'd left off.

Walking outta the door, I noticed the group start to pass the bags they'd just copped around but the lone black girl amongst the crowd seemed like the only person who wasn't partaking. I found that interesting and quite intriguing. Her pose and demeanor radiating a rare inner light.

Years later, after she'd blown up, our paths crossed several more times during my many trips down to numerous White House State Dinners and other Presidential functions. I knew from our very first encounter that the girl was going to be a powerhouse, cuz she was always about her business, and I respected that to the fullest.

I've never really had to utilize her services before because most of the problems that I've had over the years I've been able to handle myself but this time things are different, and I know that if she can't help us come up with a plan then no one can.

She didn't hesitate in agreeing to assist when I spoke with her, she's always been a good friend over the years, and she's never brought up the circumstances surrounding our first encounter as time has passed. Despite the fact that, I could tell when she saw me at the White House the first time we met again, she recognized me.

Nevertheless, she's classy that way and extremely discrete. To this day I still wondered why some man hasn't locked her down yet.

Cookie sent everyone home an hour ago before she called Jamal to head back over to the house on Olivia's instruction, and she put both girls down for the night. I smiled glancing over towards my wife, a true Lyoness protecting her pride to the fullest.

It's crunch time now, we only have a little bit over 20 hours left until the deadline Baretti gave me so I'm getting more nervous as the seconds turn to minutes...minutes turn to hours...and they tick by on the clock.

A stiff sip of brandy wafted down my throat as the driver phoned and informed me that he has picked our guests up from the jet and they're heading our way. Easing back into my chair my nerves eased and I stroked my chin. My thoughts pondering if I'm going to fire Jamal's ass for this fiasco or allow him to remain as Vice Chairman within the company.

My wife doesn't want me to remove him from the position, but this situation still infuriates me because I just find his actions so disrespectful. Yes, my wife and I have had countless rounds of office sex, but that's totally different. Just the thought of all the disgusting shit those two did is making it hard for me to even stand Mal's presence within my vicinity.

I just finished ordering a new desk for my office too, while I continue to think about the best decision regarding my son. He does a great job, but he knows exactly how I feel about that gay shit and for him to do some dumb mess like this... I shook my head; I'm just having a hard time digesting it.

The rapid clicking of heels tore me from my head, I don't even remember my love leaving the office, her long legs strutting back into the space most likely coming from the family room where I told Jamal to stay until Olivia and her team arrive.

"Lucious, are you okay?" She probed, walking in between my legs, and easing down along my lap. Pecking my lips, she tilted my chin upward with the tip of her nail, so our eyes met, and I put my arm around her waist.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking that's all." I uttered.

"Look, I know that you're upset with him right now, but you can't avoid talking to Jamal forever. He made a huge mistake, but it wasn't totally his fault." She explained, her hand drifting down the back of my head, my hand stroking her thigh.

"Baretti set his ass up and how were any of us supposed to know that Ryan was a snake. I mean he did come highly recommended."

I sighed, my arm firmly wrapped around her waist as she stared down into my eyes and continued. She may be right, but that doesn't change what happened nor the fact that I'm still pissed.

"Just at least talk to him before you make your decision...Okay?" My wife pleaded.

I nodded. She does have a good point, but if he was so naïve to fall for this what else could possibly happen in the future.

I don't know, maybe this will be a learning lesson for him I told myself. Just as I was getting ready to speak, Jamal and Vernon came to the door.

"Uh, Dad." We both glanced over at him, "She's here." He whimpered.

I looked down to check my watch as Cookie and I exited my office and headed for the front foyer, exactly 20 hours left, let the countdown begin....