Fic: Hiatus Revisited. (3/6)
Week Two
Gibbs was weary as he stepped off the elevator and into the squad room at NCIS, though he refused to show any discomfort. He steeled his gaze and ignored the looks of his agents as he headed up the steps to the Director’s office, Abby following behind.
If Cynthia tried to stop him, he didn’t notice. He simply pushed into the Director’s office, standing in front of her desk and waiting until Abby was beside him so he could sign.
Abby was so caught up in the stare-down between Gibbs and Director Shepard, she almost missed it when Gibbs began to sign to her.
“Oh, um, he’d like to know what else you’ve found out about Galib.” Abby felt strangled by the tension between the two. She signed the director’s response. She says, you are no longer on the case and you should focus on getting better. She cringed at the look he shot her, and she thought maybe she should have softened the words.
Gibbs stared at Jen a moment longer, just in case she decided to share a little information on the case. When she didn’t, he headed for the door, and with a slight nod, indicated that Abby should follow along.
She started to follow and then stopped. “He’s hurt and bored and scared that he’ll never get his hearing back. The least you could do is give him a little information to keep his mind busy.”
“He can’t work his own case.” Jenny put the file she’d been reading back in her desk and shut it with a little extra force than necessary. “And he knows it.”
Rolling her eyes, Abby headed for the door, only stopping when the Director stood at her desk and spoke again. “Don’t let him get used to you following him around like a little puppy. It won’t end well.”
Abby closed the door without responding. Gibbs was waiting just outside. He questioned her with the arch of an eyebrow, but Abby just shook her head. They were just about to head down the stairs when Gibbs stopped and turned to her. When we get half way down the stairs, you shout ‘DiNozzo, with me.’ He’ll follow us to the elevator.
It took Tony 3.7 seconds to realize that Abby was speaking for Gibbs, and then he jumped to his feet, grabbed a small box from his desk and hurried to catch up to his boss at the elevator. Abby was surprised when Gibbs flicked the emergency switch, but Tony didn’t seem to be phased, so she played cool.
Gibbs glanced at Abby to make sure she was paying attention before he started. “Gibbs wants to know the details and he’s being kept in the dark.” Abby held out her hand. “Hi, by the way, I’m Abby.” It was the first time they’d met face-to-face.
Tony grinned at her. She wasn’t quite his type, but she was pretty. “Very special agent Tony DiNozzo.” Gibbs snapped in front of his face and Tony quickly refocused. “Sorry boss. We haven’t found much, the more we get through the blast site, the more we think that Galib is still alive. If he is, he might go after Gibbs.”
Abby’s eyes widened as she turned to sign to Gibbs adding, Are we in danger?
Gibbs shook his head. I won’t let anything happen to you.
Before Gibbs could ask, Tony started again. “We’ve got his photo everywhere, and a patrol driving past his house every hour.”
Gibbs nodded when Abby finished. He didn’t say it, but he was proud at the way his senior agent stepped up and took the lead.
“Oh, and I got this for you.” Tony pulled a new phone from the box.
Before he could continue Gibbs grabbed the phone from his hand and threw it against the wall. He flicked the emergency switch and pointed to the bandages over his ears.
Tony could practically hear Gibbs’ thoughts of ‘I’m deaf, what do I need this for?’ The elevator doors opened and Gibbs stormed out toward autopsy before Tony could explain. He turned to Abby, “I got him a phone with a full keypad to make it easier for him to text us.”
“Oooh,” Abby laughed. “I must admit, I was thinking the same as Gibbs. You head back upstairs, I’ll explain and bring him back up when he’s calmed down.”
“Yeah, okay.” Tony took the stairs, needing the few extra minutes. He honestly hadn’t meant to upset his boss.
---
Abby took a deep breath before going in search of Gibbs. She found him pacing inside of autopsy, a bewildered looking Ducky standing by the door, unsure of what to make of the situation and how to calm his friend.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it all under control. There was a slight misunderstanding between him and Agent DiNozzo. Maybe you could get him a cup of coffee while I explain? He does drink the coffee here, right?”
“You sure you’ll be okay?” Ducky wasn’t sure if he should leave her alone. Jethro could be rather dangerous when upset.
Abby shrugged. “There are security cameras, right? He can’t kill me and get away with it. I’ll be fine.”
“Very well then, I’ll be back shortly.”
She waited until Ducky was gone before trying to catch Gibbs’ attention. She tried waving, but when that didn’t work, she followed him until he turned and crashed into her. Stop!
Gibbs just shook his head and tried to step around her.
Deciding she wasn’t going to take his childish behavior, Abby poked him sharply in the chest. Tony was doing you a favor. She pulled the mangled phone from her pocket. He got you a phone with a full keypad to make it easier for you to text him if you need him, or anyone else on the team. He knows you’re self-conscious about-
I’m not self-conscious.
Bullshit! Gibbs glared at her, but Abby just ignored him. He knows you don’t like people seeing you like this. With this phone, it’ll be easier to communicate, and you won’t have to come in.
His eyes softened, but his hand remained still as he processed what Abby had told him. Oh, get off your high-horse. He’s doing the best he can! I know I wasn’t around before the explosion, but I’m pretty sure you have always been the boss. He’ just trying to fill your shoes until you get better. Give him a break.
Gibbs took the phone from her hand, turned it twice in his and then handed it back to her. Tell DiNozzo to reboot it.
Reboot? Wait, what? This is beyond...
He’ll know what to do. I’ll be up shortly. You asked Ducky to get coffee, right?
Yes.
---
Tony jumped to his feet when Abby stepped off the elevator. “How’d it go?”
She gave him a puzzled look and placed the remnants of the phone in his desk. “He asked if you could reboot this. I don’t think… what?” Abby was confused by the large grin on Tony’s face.
“It’s about as close to an apology that I’ll get.” He dug into his bottom drawer and pulled out an identical phone. “He’s never really been phone-friendly. He usually gets through a new phone every month.” He pulled the drawer all the way open to show Abby. “I’ve got eight more. It’s almost like a game.”
Abby pulled a chair up to McGee’s desk and was in the middle of a game of minesweeper when Gibbs and Ducky stepped out of the elevator. Before she had the chance to ask if he was ready to leave, Gibbs sat at his desk and busied himself at his computer.
Tony had a few more questions to ask and rather than use Abby, he clicked on Gibbs’ name and sent him an IM. It was just a few basic questions, double checking about what he had said directly after the blast. Toward the end of the questions, Gibbs looked up when Tony didn’t respond. His senior agent was on the phone, and he was snapping at the two other agents.
Gibbs was shocked at how quickly the other agents responded; grabbing their guns and badges, waiting for further directions from Tony. Usually, when Tony pretended to be in charge, the others were slow to respond, rolling their eyes and making little comments just loud enough for him to hear. This time their attention was unwavering. Ziva caught the car keys with practiced ease and McGee nodded at whatever Tony had said.
Tony walked backward toward the elevator explaining something to Abby before turning to jog the last few steps to catch the elevator that Ziva was holding open for him.
Something about a hit on the BOLO put out on Galib. He’ll text you when he knows more. Abby smiled at the look of irritation his face. She walked over to Tony’s desk and tossed Gibbs the new phone. I’ll teach you how to use that thing when we get back to your place.
---
Gibbs held his new phone in one hand and punched at the letters with the index finger on his other hand. He frowned when punching at the a produced two s’s. Gibbs saw, rather than heard Abby laugh. He was about to give up when Abby moved in next to him on the couch. Here, let me show you. She gently took the phone from his hand and leaned in close so he could see the screen. See, you don’t have to press so hard. It’s easiest if you use the edge of your thumbs, like this. Abby demonstrated by typing ‘Abby is awesome.’
Gibbs took the phone back and typed his response. ‘So she likes to think.’
Abby punched him lightly in the arm and stuck out her tongue. Gibbs reacted quickly, sweeping her off the couch in one swift motion, grinning when she landed on her butt, with what he assumed would have been quite a thud, on the floor.
Hey!
You punched me.
Not that hard.
I didn’t push you that hard. Gibbs gave her an innocent smile.
Abby glared at him and then glanced around. Both of their eyes caught on Gibbs’ coffee cup. Gibbs was quick, but Abby was quicker. Gibbs watched as she took several large sips, ignoring the heat of the beverage. Gibbs frowned when she handed it back, the coffee a few inches lower than before.
Hey. Abby caught his attention. I didn’t drink that much.
Brat. Gibbs got up to refill his cup and brought back a cup of cold water for Abby. That was pretty hot, wasn’t it?
Abby nodded and took the water gratefully as Gibbs sat back beside her. Rule number 23, never mess with a Marine’s coffee.
Abby was about to reply with a smart-ass comment about not having messed with his coffee, she’d simply drank it, but suddenly Gibbs jumped and his hand went to his pocket. He read the text and then handed the phone to Abby. It was from Tony and he had written to inform them that the BOLO had been a false alarm.
You need to text back and tell him thank you for letting you know.
You do it.
I’m not your maid. Abby pushed off the couch and headed for the kitchen.
It took two minutes and forty-seven seconds for Gibbs to type and send the simple message, but when he was done, he found that she had started on dinner. He stepped up beside her to help chop veggies for the salad. He hadn’t been much of a vegetable person, but since Abby had been staying with him, he’d almost come to enjoy them. Almost. I thought you weren’t my maid.
I’m not. I’m cooking, and you’re cleaning.
Oh really? But I’m helping you cook, so shouldn’t you help me clean?
Abby dumped the veggies into the salad bowl and gave it a quick stir. Nope, this is voluntary service that you’re doing. She held the bowl so he could push the chopped carrots into the bowl with the rest of the salad.
Voluntary, huh? Gibbs smiled. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun in the kitchen. It certainly wasn’t with ex-wife number three. It might have been while dating ex-wife number two. He remember that they had worked hard to create the perfect meal. The night had gone great until they started on dessert and she had pushed for him to stay those three little words that he hadn’t been ready to use. He should have taken it for the sign that it was. During their short marriage, she had fished for compliments and when he didn’t declare his love on a regular and frequent basis, she claimed that he was cheating. Six weeks later he found her in bed with her yoga instructor and she became his ex.
Suddenly Gibbs found himself being gently pushed aside. Abby had a salmon fillet and was ready to put it in the oven. Once it was in and the timer was set, Abby turned to him. You okay? You looked a little lost for a minute. Remember something about the explosion?
No.
You want to talk about it?
No. With the salad set aside, Gibbs stepped up to the sink to get started on the few dirty dishes already in the sink.
I’ll do it. Abby tried to nudge him away from the sink. You’ve had a busy day. Go relax, I’ll let you know when dinner is done.
I’m fine. Here, Gibbs handed her a dish towel. I’ll wash, you dry. It’ll go faster. By the time they were done, the fish was ready to come out of the oven.
They spent the evening relaxing in the living room, Gibbs on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table, a cross-word puzzle on his lap. Abby was curled up on the chair opposite him, a book of tattoo designs in her hands. I’m not getting a new one for awhile, I just like to look, she had told him.
Suddenly Abby jumped up and grabbed the phone. Gibbs wondered if it had to do with information on Galib, but when a slow smile spread across her face, he assumed not. She laughed at something the caller had said, and Gibbs found himself wondering more about what her laugh sounded like than who was on the other end of the call.
It didn’t matter what she sounded like, he told himself he was just curious.
That was Ducky, Abby explained. He wants my medical opinion on an autopsy tomorrow. Then he wants to take me to lunch. Will you survive a few hours without me?
Maybe I’ll throw a party.
It was the one thing that Abby disliked about signing with someone who didn’t wear their emotions on their sleeve. She couldn’t quite tell if he was joking or not. Was he really that tired of her? She had genuinely tried to give him plenty of space, she knew he was used to living alone. And while he hadn’t been happy to have her help in the beginning, she thought they’d made progress in the past week.
Sounds fun. Abby shrugged. Ok, I’m headed to bed. Let’s change the bandages first, ok?
Gibbs sat patiently as Abby changed the bandages and cleaned the wounds that still needed tending to. He was curious about Abby’s sudden change in behavior. She was usually up for another hour or two. He debated asking what was wrong, but decided against it when she picked up the medical supplies and headed upstairs.
---
The next morning Gibbs decided that Abby was in a much better mood, so he decided against asking her about what had bothered her the night before. She left sometime after breakfast telling him, Don’t party too hard and I don’t want to find a huge mess when I got back.
Had it been anyone else, he would’ve rolled his eyes and shot back a rude comment, it was his house after-ass. But the look in Abby’s eyes told him she was almost hoping to return to find a party. He wondered if she partied a lot back in Louisiana.
He finished his coffee and the newspaper then refilled his cup and headed for the basement.
It was chilly down by the boat, so he set his coffee on the workbench and slipped on a dusty sweatshirt. He did his customary walk around the boat, double-checking where he left off, what needed to be touched up, and just a general look-over, as if he were reacquainting himself with an old friend.
He had been working for over two hours when he suddenly felt that something was wrong. He pulled out his new phone and checked for a text, but found none.
As he was about to set his phone down he saw a shadow move along the far wall. Although she hadn’t said what time she’d be back, the uneasy feeling in his gut told him it wasn’t Abby. He pressed the number Abby had showed him to speed dial Tony, and then slowly turned to face whoever was in his basement.
“Hello, Agent Gibbs.” Galib leaned back against the railing on the stairs, a gun held loosely in his right hand. “I must admit, I was impressed you survived the explosion. Though it doesn’t speak very highly of my arrangement of said explosives.”
Gibbs tried to hold a neutral expression on his face as he tried to read Galib’s lips.
“I was halfway to Yemen by the time you were in the hospital. Imagine my surprise when I checked in with a phone call to the hospital and found out you were still alive. I would have come for you sooner, but I had some last minute things to work out regarding Cape Fear, but I won’t bore you with the details. I’m sure you’ve seen footage of my most recent work.”
Gibbs had no idea if Tony had answered and if he could hear Galib talking.
Maybe this was it. He had spent years putting terrorists behind bars or in their graves. In some way it almost seemed fitting for his life to be ended by a terrorist. He couldn’t best them all, could he? He glanced at the name Kelly painted on the boat. Maybe now he could be with his girls.
Then his thoughts drifted to Abby. Did Galib know she was staying with him? Would he wait around and kill her too, or would she return to find him, his body bloody and lifeless on the floor?
He couldn’t do that to her. He had to find some way to stall, to give himself as much time as possible, just in case Tony did hear him, and was on his way.
Suddenly Galib stiffened. Gibbs wasn’t sure why until he saw the basement door start to open. He hoped it was Tony and the team, but his heart sank when he recognized Abby’s boots.
She was halfway down the stairs when she noticed Galib and the gun he was pointing at her. “Oh, shit.”
“And who might you be?” Galib motioned for her to continue down the stairs.
“You first.”
“You are a sassy little thing, no?” He motioned for her to stand against the work bench a few feet from Gibbs.
“I’m an inch taller than you. Wouldn’t that make you the little thing?”
Galib pointed the gun at her head. “I have nothing against you, but I do not like your attitude. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will if necessary.”
Abby nodded and stood still, only her fingers fluttering at her side. Gibbs flinched when Galib raised the gun to aim at Abby’s head. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. She wasn’t supposed to get hurt. He noticed her hands moving and realized that she was signing everything Galib was saying, and then some.
Are you okay? Abby both signed and spoke the words aloud so that Gibbs could give an acknowledging nod. Good.
“Agent Gibbs doesn’t talk much, does he?” Galib lowered his gun to his side. “I remember him talking the last time we spoke.”
“Maybe it’s because you seemed to have something useful to say.” Abby snapped. “And now…”
Gibbs flinched when Galib snapped the gun back up to point it at Abby. She had stopped signing what was being said, and seemed to be keeping Galib’s attention on her.
“Shut up!” Galib’s finger hovered over the trigger. “I told you, I don’t want to kill you, but I will. Just shut up.”
“So let me go.”
“And let you call for help? I don’t think so. Just shut up and let me speak with Gibbs.”
“He doesn’t want to speak with you. Obviously.”
“Who are you, his secretary?” Galib was slightly intrigued by this woman, dressed in black and with more ink on her skin than in the pen in his pocket. In his research about Gibbs several months prior, he had never come across this woman.
“I might be.”
Gibbs was getting irritated that Abby had stopped signing. If he didn’t know what was going down, he couldn’t be in control of the situation. Abby had a look of indifference on her face, be he noticed that she was trembling slightly. He didn’t know what she was trying to do, but it seemed as though she was trying to keep Galib focused on her. Suddenly Galib was looking back at him.
“So Agent Gibbs, I don’t want you to worry. Your little secretary will make it out of here alive. You can trust me.” Galib lifted his gun to point at Gibbs. “It will be quick.”
As the gun rose to level with Gibbs’ head, Abby panicked. She grabbed a sanding block and launched it at Galib, narrowly missing his head. “I’m not little!”
“ENOUGH!” Galib swung his arm with the gun and pulled the trigger.
----
Part Four
Gibbs was weary as he stepped off the elevator and into the squad room at NCIS, though he refused to show any discomfort. He steeled his gaze and ignored the looks of his agents as he headed up the steps to the Director’s office, Abby following behind.
If Cynthia tried to stop him, he didn’t notice. He simply pushed into the Director’s office, standing in front of her desk and waiting until Abby was beside him so he could sign.
Abby was so caught up in the stare-down between Gibbs and Director Shepard, she almost missed it when Gibbs began to sign to her.
“Oh, um, he’d like to know what else you’ve found out about Galib.” Abby felt strangled by the tension between the two. She signed the director’s response. She says, you are no longer on the case and you should focus on getting better. She cringed at the look he shot her, and she thought maybe she should have softened the words.
Gibbs stared at Jen a moment longer, just in case she decided to share a little information on the case. When she didn’t, he headed for the door, and with a slight nod, indicated that Abby should follow along.
She started to follow and then stopped. “He’s hurt and bored and scared that he’ll never get his hearing back. The least you could do is give him a little information to keep his mind busy.”
“He can’t work his own case.” Jenny put the file she’d been reading back in her desk and shut it with a little extra force than necessary. “And he knows it.”
Rolling her eyes, Abby headed for the door, only stopping when the Director stood at her desk and spoke again. “Don’t let him get used to you following him around like a little puppy. It won’t end well.”
Abby closed the door without responding. Gibbs was waiting just outside. He questioned her with the arch of an eyebrow, but Abby just shook her head. They were just about to head down the stairs when Gibbs stopped and turned to her. When we get half way down the stairs, you shout ‘DiNozzo, with me.’ He’ll follow us to the elevator.
It took Tony 3.7 seconds to realize that Abby was speaking for Gibbs, and then he jumped to his feet, grabbed a small box from his desk and hurried to catch up to his boss at the elevator. Abby was surprised when Gibbs flicked the emergency switch, but Tony didn’t seem to be phased, so she played cool.
Gibbs glanced at Abby to make sure she was paying attention before he started. “Gibbs wants to know the details and he’s being kept in the dark.” Abby held out her hand. “Hi, by the way, I’m Abby.” It was the first time they’d met face-to-face.
Tony grinned at her. She wasn’t quite his type, but she was pretty. “Very special agent Tony DiNozzo.” Gibbs snapped in front of his face and Tony quickly refocused. “Sorry boss. We haven’t found much, the more we get through the blast site, the more we think that Galib is still alive. If he is, he might go after Gibbs.”
Abby’s eyes widened as she turned to sign to Gibbs adding, Are we in danger?
Gibbs shook his head. I won’t let anything happen to you.
Before Gibbs could ask, Tony started again. “We’ve got his photo everywhere, and a patrol driving past his house every hour.”
Gibbs nodded when Abby finished. He didn’t say it, but he was proud at the way his senior agent stepped up and took the lead.
“Oh, and I got this for you.” Tony pulled a new phone from the box.
Before he could continue Gibbs grabbed the phone from his hand and threw it against the wall. He flicked the emergency switch and pointed to the bandages over his ears.
Tony could practically hear Gibbs’ thoughts of ‘I’m deaf, what do I need this for?’ The elevator doors opened and Gibbs stormed out toward autopsy before Tony could explain. He turned to Abby, “I got him a phone with a full keypad to make it easier for him to text us.”
“Oooh,” Abby laughed. “I must admit, I was thinking the same as Gibbs. You head back upstairs, I’ll explain and bring him back up when he’s calmed down.”
“Yeah, okay.” Tony took the stairs, needing the few extra minutes. He honestly hadn’t meant to upset his boss.
---
Abby took a deep breath before going in search of Gibbs. She found him pacing inside of autopsy, a bewildered looking Ducky standing by the door, unsure of what to make of the situation and how to calm his friend.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it all under control. There was a slight misunderstanding between him and Agent DiNozzo. Maybe you could get him a cup of coffee while I explain? He does drink the coffee here, right?”
“You sure you’ll be okay?” Ducky wasn’t sure if he should leave her alone. Jethro could be rather dangerous when upset.
Abby shrugged. “There are security cameras, right? He can’t kill me and get away with it. I’ll be fine.”
“Very well then, I’ll be back shortly.”
She waited until Ducky was gone before trying to catch Gibbs’ attention. She tried waving, but when that didn’t work, she followed him until he turned and crashed into her. Stop!
Gibbs just shook his head and tried to step around her.
Deciding she wasn’t going to take his childish behavior, Abby poked him sharply in the chest. Tony was doing you a favor. She pulled the mangled phone from her pocket. He got you a phone with a full keypad to make it easier for you to text him if you need him, or anyone else on the team. He knows you’re self-conscious about-
I’m not self-conscious.
Bullshit! Gibbs glared at her, but Abby just ignored him. He knows you don’t like people seeing you like this. With this phone, it’ll be easier to communicate, and you won’t have to come in.
His eyes softened, but his hand remained still as he processed what Abby had told him. Oh, get off your high-horse. He’s doing the best he can! I know I wasn’t around before the explosion, but I’m pretty sure you have always been the boss. He’ just trying to fill your shoes until you get better. Give him a break.
Gibbs took the phone from her hand, turned it twice in his and then handed it back to her. Tell DiNozzo to reboot it.
Reboot? Wait, what? This is beyond...
He’ll know what to do. I’ll be up shortly. You asked Ducky to get coffee, right?
Yes.
---
Tony jumped to his feet when Abby stepped off the elevator. “How’d it go?”
She gave him a puzzled look and placed the remnants of the phone in his desk. “He asked if you could reboot this. I don’t think… what?” Abby was confused by the large grin on Tony’s face.
“It’s about as close to an apology that I’ll get.” He dug into his bottom drawer and pulled out an identical phone. “He’s never really been phone-friendly. He usually gets through a new phone every month.” He pulled the drawer all the way open to show Abby. “I’ve got eight more. It’s almost like a game.”
Abby pulled a chair up to McGee’s desk and was in the middle of a game of minesweeper when Gibbs and Ducky stepped out of the elevator. Before she had the chance to ask if he was ready to leave, Gibbs sat at his desk and busied himself at his computer.
Tony had a few more questions to ask and rather than use Abby, he clicked on Gibbs’ name and sent him an IM. It was just a few basic questions, double checking about what he had said directly after the blast. Toward the end of the questions, Gibbs looked up when Tony didn’t respond. His senior agent was on the phone, and he was snapping at the two other agents.
Gibbs was shocked at how quickly the other agents responded; grabbing their guns and badges, waiting for further directions from Tony. Usually, when Tony pretended to be in charge, the others were slow to respond, rolling their eyes and making little comments just loud enough for him to hear. This time their attention was unwavering. Ziva caught the car keys with practiced ease and McGee nodded at whatever Tony had said.
Tony walked backward toward the elevator explaining something to Abby before turning to jog the last few steps to catch the elevator that Ziva was holding open for him.
Something about a hit on the BOLO put out on Galib. He’ll text you when he knows more. Abby smiled at the look of irritation his face. She walked over to Tony’s desk and tossed Gibbs the new phone. I’ll teach you how to use that thing when we get back to your place.
---
Gibbs held his new phone in one hand and punched at the letters with the index finger on his other hand. He frowned when punching at the a produced two s’s. Gibbs saw, rather than heard Abby laugh. He was about to give up when Abby moved in next to him on the couch. Here, let me show you. She gently took the phone from his hand and leaned in close so he could see the screen. See, you don’t have to press so hard. It’s easiest if you use the edge of your thumbs, like this. Abby demonstrated by typing ‘Abby is awesome.’
Gibbs took the phone back and typed his response. ‘So she likes to think.’
Abby punched him lightly in the arm and stuck out her tongue. Gibbs reacted quickly, sweeping her off the couch in one swift motion, grinning when she landed on her butt, with what he assumed would have been quite a thud, on the floor.
Hey!
You punched me.
Not that hard.
I didn’t push you that hard. Gibbs gave her an innocent smile.
Abby glared at him and then glanced around. Both of their eyes caught on Gibbs’ coffee cup. Gibbs was quick, but Abby was quicker. Gibbs watched as she took several large sips, ignoring the heat of the beverage. Gibbs frowned when she handed it back, the coffee a few inches lower than before.
Hey. Abby caught his attention. I didn’t drink that much.
Brat. Gibbs got up to refill his cup and brought back a cup of cold water for Abby. That was pretty hot, wasn’t it?
Abby nodded and took the water gratefully as Gibbs sat back beside her. Rule number 23, never mess with a Marine’s coffee.
Abby was about to reply with a smart-ass comment about not having messed with his coffee, she’d simply drank it, but suddenly Gibbs jumped and his hand went to his pocket. He read the text and then handed the phone to Abby. It was from Tony and he had written to inform them that the BOLO had been a false alarm.
You need to text back and tell him thank you for letting you know.
You do it.
I’m not your maid. Abby pushed off the couch and headed for the kitchen.
It took two minutes and forty-seven seconds for Gibbs to type and send the simple message, but when he was done, he found that she had started on dinner. He stepped up beside her to help chop veggies for the salad. He hadn’t been much of a vegetable person, but since Abby had been staying with him, he’d almost come to enjoy them. Almost. I thought you weren’t my maid.
I’m not. I’m cooking, and you’re cleaning.
Oh really? But I’m helping you cook, so shouldn’t you help me clean?
Abby dumped the veggies into the salad bowl and gave it a quick stir. Nope, this is voluntary service that you’re doing. She held the bowl so he could push the chopped carrots into the bowl with the rest of the salad.
Voluntary, huh? Gibbs smiled. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun in the kitchen. It certainly wasn’t with ex-wife number three. It might have been while dating ex-wife number two. He remember that they had worked hard to create the perfect meal. The night had gone great until they started on dessert and she had pushed for him to stay those three little words that he hadn’t been ready to use. He should have taken it for the sign that it was. During their short marriage, she had fished for compliments and when he didn’t declare his love on a regular and frequent basis, she claimed that he was cheating. Six weeks later he found her in bed with her yoga instructor and she became his ex.
Suddenly Gibbs found himself being gently pushed aside. Abby had a salmon fillet and was ready to put it in the oven. Once it was in and the timer was set, Abby turned to him. You okay? You looked a little lost for a minute. Remember something about the explosion?
No.
You want to talk about it?
No. With the salad set aside, Gibbs stepped up to the sink to get started on the few dirty dishes already in the sink.
I’ll do it. Abby tried to nudge him away from the sink. You’ve had a busy day. Go relax, I’ll let you know when dinner is done.
I’m fine. Here, Gibbs handed her a dish towel. I’ll wash, you dry. It’ll go faster. By the time they were done, the fish was ready to come out of the oven.
They spent the evening relaxing in the living room, Gibbs on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table, a cross-word puzzle on his lap. Abby was curled up on the chair opposite him, a book of tattoo designs in her hands. I’m not getting a new one for awhile, I just like to look, she had told him.
Suddenly Abby jumped up and grabbed the phone. Gibbs wondered if it had to do with information on Galib, but when a slow smile spread across her face, he assumed not. She laughed at something the caller had said, and Gibbs found himself wondering more about what her laugh sounded like than who was on the other end of the call.
It didn’t matter what she sounded like, he told himself he was just curious.
That was Ducky, Abby explained. He wants my medical opinion on an autopsy tomorrow. Then he wants to take me to lunch. Will you survive a few hours without me?
Maybe I’ll throw a party.
It was the one thing that Abby disliked about signing with someone who didn’t wear their emotions on their sleeve. She couldn’t quite tell if he was joking or not. Was he really that tired of her? She had genuinely tried to give him plenty of space, she knew he was used to living alone. And while he hadn’t been happy to have her help in the beginning, she thought they’d made progress in the past week.
Sounds fun. Abby shrugged. Ok, I’m headed to bed. Let’s change the bandages first, ok?
Gibbs sat patiently as Abby changed the bandages and cleaned the wounds that still needed tending to. He was curious about Abby’s sudden change in behavior. She was usually up for another hour or two. He debated asking what was wrong, but decided against it when she picked up the medical supplies and headed upstairs.
---
The next morning Gibbs decided that Abby was in a much better mood, so he decided against asking her about what had bothered her the night before. She left sometime after breakfast telling him, Don’t party too hard and I don’t want to find a huge mess when I got back.
Had it been anyone else, he would’ve rolled his eyes and shot back a rude comment, it was his house after-ass. But the look in Abby’s eyes told him she was almost hoping to return to find a party. He wondered if she partied a lot back in Louisiana.
He finished his coffee and the newspaper then refilled his cup and headed for the basement.
It was chilly down by the boat, so he set his coffee on the workbench and slipped on a dusty sweatshirt. He did his customary walk around the boat, double-checking where he left off, what needed to be touched up, and just a general look-over, as if he were reacquainting himself with an old friend.
He had been working for over two hours when he suddenly felt that something was wrong. He pulled out his new phone and checked for a text, but found none.
As he was about to set his phone down he saw a shadow move along the far wall. Although she hadn’t said what time she’d be back, the uneasy feeling in his gut told him it wasn’t Abby. He pressed the number Abby had showed him to speed dial Tony, and then slowly turned to face whoever was in his basement.
“Hello, Agent Gibbs.” Galib leaned back against the railing on the stairs, a gun held loosely in his right hand. “I must admit, I was impressed you survived the explosion. Though it doesn’t speak very highly of my arrangement of said explosives.”
Gibbs tried to hold a neutral expression on his face as he tried to read Galib’s lips.
“I was halfway to Yemen by the time you were in the hospital. Imagine my surprise when I checked in with a phone call to the hospital and found out you were still alive. I would have come for you sooner, but I had some last minute things to work out regarding Cape Fear, but I won’t bore you with the details. I’m sure you’ve seen footage of my most recent work.”
Gibbs had no idea if Tony had answered and if he could hear Galib talking.
Maybe this was it. He had spent years putting terrorists behind bars or in their graves. In some way it almost seemed fitting for his life to be ended by a terrorist. He couldn’t best them all, could he? He glanced at the name Kelly painted on the boat. Maybe now he could be with his girls.
Then his thoughts drifted to Abby. Did Galib know she was staying with him? Would he wait around and kill her too, or would she return to find him, his body bloody and lifeless on the floor?
He couldn’t do that to her. He had to find some way to stall, to give himself as much time as possible, just in case Tony did hear him, and was on his way.
Suddenly Galib stiffened. Gibbs wasn’t sure why until he saw the basement door start to open. He hoped it was Tony and the team, but his heart sank when he recognized Abby’s boots.
She was halfway down the stairs when she noticed Galib and the gun he was pointing at her. “Oh, shit.”
“And who might you be?” Galib motioned for her to continue down the stairs.
“You first.”
“You are a sassy little thing, no?” He motioned for her to stand against the work bench a few feet from Gibbs.
“I’m an inch taller than you. Wouldn’t that make you the little thing?”
Galib pointed the gun at her head. “I have nothing against you, but I do not like your attitude. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will if necessary.”
Abby nodded and stood still, only her fingers fluttering at her side. Gibbs flinched when Galib raised the gun to aim at Abby’s head. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. She wasn’t supposed to get hurt. He noticed her hands moving and realized that she was signing everything Galib was saying, and then some.
Are you okay? Abby both signed and spoke the words aloud so that Gibbs could give an acknowledging nod. Good.
“Agent Gibbs doesn’t talk much, does he?” Galib lowered his gun to his side. “I remember him talking the last time we spoke.”
“Maybe it’s because you seemed to have something useful to say.” Abby snapped. “And now…”
Gibbs flinched when Galib snapped the gun back up to point it at Abby. She had stopped signing what was being said, and seemed to be keeping Galib’s attention on her.
“Shut up!” Galib’s finger hovered over the trigger. “I told you, I don’t want to kill you, but I will. Just shut up.”
“So let me go.”
“And let you call for help? I don’t think so. Just shut up and let me speak with Gibbs.”
“He doesn’t want to speak with you. Obviously.”
“Who are you, his secretary?” Galib was slightly intrigued by this woman, dressed in black and with more ink on her skin than in the pen in his pocket. In his research about Gibbs several months prior, he had never come across this woman.
“I might be.”
Gibbs was getting irritated that Abby had stopped signing. If he didn’t know what was going down, he couldn’t be in control of the situation. Abby had a look of indifference on her face, be he noticed that she was trembling slightly. He didn’t know what she was trying to do, but it seemed as though she was trying to keep Galib focused on her. Suddenly Galib was looking back at him.
“So Agent Gibbs, I don’t want you to worry. Your little secretary will make it out of here alive. You can trust me.” Galib lifted his gun to point at Gibbs. “It will be quick.”
As the gun rose to level with Gibbs’ head, Abby panicked. She grabbed a sanding block and launched it at Galib, narrowly missing his head. “I’m not little!”
“ENOUGH!” Galib swung his arm with the gun and pulled the trigger.
----
Part Four