Jenny blinked up at Franks then put her hand over her stomach where just the barest of bulges could be felt. “B-baby?” She couldn’t get her thoughts together but she knew all of this had been for the life inside her. And his father. Had they failed?
"Far as I can tell, kid's just fine. Tough bastard like his father." Mike knew why they were doing this, but he still didn't like it. "Now that you're awake, we need to get back to my place. You're dead and buried. Can't have you turning up alive. Probie took care of your first problem, but Vance is still running loose. Got to give our boy a little time to grieve before we can expect him to take out the bad guy. Hope you like Mexican food, cause it's all we get down there. I've got a trunk full of bottled water for you, too. Can't have you getting any sicker then you are because you catch some bug."
Jenny watched him for a few minutes, her clarity slowly coming back. There had been a shooting. Cleanup? Where had she been hit? “Mike? How bad? What went wrong? Think I’m…dead?”
“Jethro?”
“Probie’s fine. Dropped ya off with a doctor friend of mine and found Probie before he did anything too stupid.” Mike wanted to believe that Gibbs would have pulled his gun, but the man he trained wasn’t the man standing in Jen’s study the other night. “And the op went to hell in a hand basket. Dragged your shapely ass out of there and managed to clean up well enough that no one suspected the woman I planted wasn’t you. You’re dead and you’re also homeless. Big fire in Georgetown last night, your townhouse is pretty much a smoldering pile of rubble.”
“Jethro? You?” Mike had gone to Washington? There was a look in his eyes that worried her. She sat up slowly, wincing, trying not to whimper. “Tell me everything.” She especially wanted to know about Jethro and how he was dealing. “Tony? Ziva? My agents.” She blinked back a wave of dizziness. “Tell me everything.”
“Had to be done. Couldn’t let anyone find the body of the woman who set up the hit. Turns out that son of a bitch Vance has a sense of humor. Claimed the woman they found in the shell of your home was you. Saw a chance to clean up a mess and move up the chain of command. When you go back, promise me you’ll bleach your office. I’m pretty sure the man will leave a layer of slime that will be a real bitch to get rid of.”
Mike didn’t think now was the time to get into what had happened with the team. He hadn’t heard from Gibbs, but he had people in DC who had let him know. “Right now, we really need to get out of here. I have all your paperwork, Mrs. Franks. A well-traveled passport, luckily your license photo looks like you. We need to get across the border, then you can get some sun while Probie cleans up the mess you made. Then we’ll work at getting you back where you belong. Want you gone before you go squirting that kid out. One baby is more than I can handle at a time.”
Jenny sat for a few minutes, trying to gather her strength. “It’s done?” Mike nodded and she let out a relieved sound. “You, or Jethro?”
“Me. Probie, he wanted to analyze what was happening. Must be your doing. Never would have happened if I were still on board. The boy’s gone soft.” Mike knew that Gibbs had wanted answers, but he wasn’t going to get them from a crazy bitch with a grudge. “Had to be done. We weren’t going to learn anything we didn’t know from her. Obviously, I didn’t teach him well enough. Never leave a loose end, and you always check your partner. No offense of course, Madam Director. You weren’t much more than a probie yourself, were you?”
She was impressed by Mike’s connections and sharpness. Clearly, his time in Mexico hadn’t dulled him too much. “Being your wife doesn’t mean you get to check out my ass, you know.”
“Small cabana, Jen, you’re going to be in tight quarters with me, my boy’s woman and my granddaughter. Better get used to being up close and personal with me. Me checking out your ass is the least of your worries.”
She refused to take his arm, just stood slowly. “You sure I’m not dead, Mike? I feel like it. What do you need from me?”
He let out a low chuckle. “Oh, you’re alive. Might wish you weren’t, but you are. You took some superficial hits, one through and through to the shoulder, just outside of your vest. Gonna hurt, and because of your condition, can’t give you any more pills than you’re already taking. So it may be an uncomfortable drive for you. Just let me know, and I’ll try to make stops as much as I can.” There wasn’t anything he needed from Jennifer Sheppard, at least not at the moment. In the future, you just never knew what this favor might lead to. “I need you to relax and let me do the driving. When we get to the border, smile pretty and pretend you’re in love. Shouldn’t have too much trouble, but never know. Just keep it light, and pretend you don’t have a care in the world.”
Jen tested her reflexes and range of motion, groaning with the effort. Maybe she was getting older, or it was because of her condition, but she couldn’t shake this off like she had in the past. “I feel a lot worse, Mike. Is it my…condition?” She stood as tall as she could, dignity and pride some of the only things she had left. And she had a perverse need to impress this man, who had trained the man who had made her the agent she was.
“You can count on me, Mike…and thank you. You’re putting your neck on the line for me and I’m not sure I understand why.”
“Not for you, I owe Probie. He let me walk away from a situation that rightfully, I shouldn’t have. You’re important to him, and I plan on making sure you and the baby get back to him.” Mike didn’t like owing anyone, not even Jethro Gibbs. This would square away any debt that he owed, and he’d actually do a good thing. He was to have to stop that. The girl and baby were a bad influence on him. “Just don’t get used to it. I’m not a nice man.”
“Well, then, your probie’s lucky to have you.” The thought of anyone calling Jethro “probie” was outrageous but it worked for Mike. “Never thought you were nice. You’re just a terrible man who was a life long NCIS agent. I see where you weren’t a nice man at all. What was your close rate? Ninety-two percent or so? Professional failure too, I see.”
"You tell him that when we get you back into your fancy business suits and plush office. I'm the last person he wants to hear from right now, he’s gotta bury himself in his grief and righteous anger. And play with that hunk of wood of his. I wasn't able to save you, so while I saved his worthless ass, I'm still not top of his list of favorite people." What he'd done before he left the states and found his little cottage by the sea had nothing to do with the type of person he was. "You're not going to goad me, Little Girl. I was a damn good agent, for all it gave me in return. Doesn't mean I was a good person, just someone good at his job."
“Oh, Mike. That job will never wait for me. Even after Vance, there will be a line of little ass kissers waiting.” This banter was helping her to regain her strength. “And Mike, for the record, I’m nobody’s little girl.” She leaned in, brushing a teasing kiss over his cheek.
“At least outside of bed. And I don’t think your probie would approve of us getting that deeply under covers.”
“Don’t go playing with fire, Wife! Wouldn’t want to do anything that would make Gibbs question your loyalty to him would you?”
“Never,” Jen replied, splaying her hand over his chest. “But flirtation will help me to get into character. You want me to be head over heels for you, not just merely tolerating you while I fantasize about Jethro, don’t you? I can be a good actress, but I have to feel my part.”
If flirting with him was going to lead to his mild discomfort, then that could make things even more interesting. She could regain the upper hand that way. As long as he kept his mind on the bottom line. “Do you object, Michael, darling? Or would you rather I call you Mickey, my love machine?”
"I'm not a Michael or a Mickey, sweet cheeks." Mike was pretty sure he should have left Jen shot on the floor, and taken his chances with her survival if this was how it was going to be. She was infuriating, but luckily, she wasn't his problem for long. "Mike is fine Honey, call me anything else, and you'll see why I never got married.”
“Okay, Mikey.” He blushed before looking infuriated, and she kissed his cheek again. “This is merely a distraction. Trust me, I won’t consistently drive you crazy, Sweetheart.” She turned serious now. “Did your doctor friend say anything about my health or what I need to do to keep myself as healthy as possible. Mike…does my baby have a chance?”
“Oh, you’re going to drive me crazy, Jen. I can already tell. Don’t have to do much more than you already are.” Mike wished he had better answers, but really he didn’t know anything more then he knew before. “He gave me some suggestions for natural treatments, vitamins and supplements that won’t hurt the baby but might help stop the progress of your tumor. Said to make sure you keep taking your medications too. He’ll get us what ever we need so just keep me posted on when you’re running out. He left a couple months supply, but I don’t know how long this is going to take. You’re also on strict rest and relaxation orders. Which means you get to sit on the beach day in and day out, getting tan and enjoying your time off.”
“Someone needs to get me a bikini then,” Jen quipped, trying to keep the emotion at bay, but blinking back tears despite her best efforts. “Mike, just tell me what I need to do to keep this baby alive for Jethro. That is all that matters to me right now. I know my death warrant is signed, I know the tumor isn’t operable.”
She leaned in, needing his support. “Thank you for saving me, even temporarily, Mike.”
“I’m on a private beach, why bother with tan lines if no one will bother you?” He could deal with angry Jennifer and defiant Jennifer, but crying Jennifer wasn’t something he wanted to face. “We’re going to do what we can to keep you and the baby alive for Probie. He deserves a little happiness in his life. You’re carrying that happiness and the least I can do is take care of it for him. You are going to find out first hand why I chose this beach in Mexico to retire on. No where in the world more relaxing than my front yard. We’re going to get you better if it’s possible, so you and Probie Junior there can go home and lead a long and happy life.”
“Mike, I never would have pegged you for a nude sunbather.” She knew her joke was falling a bit flat, but she was trying so hard to be lighthearted. “In the end, don’t worry about me. Just get my little boy to his father. Jethro deserves that second chance at parenthood. That is what matters in the end, and what is most important. Everything else, including me, is secondary.”
Mike set his jaw and shook his head. “Not to that baby, he deserves two parents. I see my son’s little girl with her mom, and know even though she’s fine and her mom takes good care of her, and I’m there to help out, she’d be better off with my boy there too.” He wouldn’t let Jen’s baby grow up without a mom, not if he could do anything about it. “So you relax, let me take care of you and we’ll get this baby into the world with as little stress on your body as possible. Kid needs a mom, to stop him from being the crazy kid building a boat in his basement in kindergarten.”
Jen couldn’t say a word, just nodded and hung on to Mike’s shirt as the emotion washed through her. She would much rather deal with the physical injuries rather than being tormented about what her people were going through and the toll on the baby.
~*~
Ducky sorted through the paperwork as Tim drove and Abby chattered the entire way to Jethro’s home. She insisted on stopping to pick up some coffee for Jethro, though they’d brought along Caf Pow and a selection from the Mallard liquor cabinet. Mother’s nurse was being paid time and a half so they could take all night if possible. Timothy had already called in sick and he and Abby would craft their leave of absence letters tonight.
This was such a distasteful business and it was high time it ended. Director Vance would not be able to continue this. Jenny meant far too much to all of them.
“Jethro?” Ducky called as he walked inside, leading the way. “Tony?”
Tony raised his head. “Orgy, Bossman. If I can’t have a ride, mebbe Probie’d let me in? Or Ducky? ’S a reason why he isn’t married and lives with his mom.” He patted Gibbs’ cheek. “Sad Gibbs not as sexy as Angry Gibbs. Know ‘m not getting any from you but a guy can hope. Least ya didn’t deck me.”
Tim followed Ducky in, very unsettled about all of it. He’d kind of liked Vance until Ducky had shown him the paperwork and he realized they’d all been played. But Ziva was on the way home and Tony was leaving and there didn’t seem a way to fix this in time. And the director was gone. Maybe if he and Abby had gone to Gibbs they could have helped.
He stopped suddenly as Ducky jerked to a stop. God, Tony looked awful. He was sitting on the couch, Gibbs beside him, looking rough himself. Tim scooted a little closer to Ducky for reassurance. “Hi.”
“Probielicious! C’mere and gimme a goodbye kiss?”
“Tony, you’re drunk.”
“Uh huh. And I asked Gibbs to suck me but he would have none of it. You ever been with a guy, Probster? Bet not. It’s good. ‘M good.”
“Anthony…” Ducky broke in. “Jethro, Abby has coffee. He needs to sober up apparently.”
“Why? Sobering up going to make it better? I don’t think so, Duck.” Coffee would be good, but he’d be adding a decent sized shot of whiskey to it. “Maybe it’s just that you three aren’t drunk enough. Can probably fix that, although not sure I have enough liquor to really get Abby drunk. Girl can drink any soldier I know, including me, under the table. They breed them strong down in the bayou, has to be it. She’s tall, but that doesn’t mean she should be able to drink the way she does.”
“Make me sound like a lush, Gibbs. It’s not my fault you Marines are light weights.” Handing over the coffee, Abby cringed at the sight of the amount of liquor he added to the cup after taking a sip. “Won’t do you any good that way. You’re going to want to know what Ducky has for you. Know and remember, two key things, Boss.”
“Well, I can see we’re getting nothing accomplished tonight. Have you another spare bedroom for Timothy, Abigail, and myself, Jethro? Preferably with a king bed, but if necessary we can squeeze into a queen but a double won’t do at all.” He stumbled to a stop, looking at Abby and Tim.
“Ah, well… yes then. I suppose the cat has been let out of the bag, my dears. Jethro, Anthony, perhaps I should spell it out for you both, as you’re quite inebriated. Tim, Abby, and myself are in a relationship. Yes, Jethro, a relationship of the carnal kind, and yes, Anthony, Timothy and myself are also involved. Any more questions?”
“Tonight I wanna drink not think, Duck. You could be screwing Tony too, and the only thing I’d find important is where my drink is coming from. DiNozzo’s got the right idea tonight. Was far too sober when I was talking to you. This is much better.”
The hurt in Jethro’s voice cut Ducky to the core, but he understood. Not particularly caring if he’d be rejected, he pulled Jethro into a fierce hug. “I’m so sorry, dear boy. So very sorry. She…” There was so much to say and he just couldn’t do it, not yet, maybe not unless Jethro asked.
“Timothy? I think I’d like to start drinking. What have we brought along? Do we have any cognac perhaps?”
Tim reached into the bag and pulled out various bottles. “Grand Marnier, Crown Royal Special Reserve whiskey… Tequila for Abby, yes, here’s some Remy Martin and some Hennessy. Even got some Wild Turkey here for Gibbs and my old friend Johnnie Walker. Nothing like scotch if you want to get really drunk and I better get with the program. Abby, what’s your poison tonight?”
"Start me with the tequila, I'll work my way out, you're going to share with me aren't you, Timmy? I promise to be a good girl if you will."
“I don’t want to be anyone’s good girl. Lemme start off with Mr. Walker.” He handed Ducky the Remy Martin and Abby the tequila and broke the seal on his bottle. “To…Oh hell. To the director. May those who didn’t like her rot in hell. Starting with Vance.”
“Oh, I plan on seeing him doing just that, McGee. We’re taking the bastard down.” Gibbs took a drink of his bourbon, glad that everyone was here with him tonight, wishing Ziva was here as well. It was a nice tribute to a damn fine woman. “Might be joining him, but I’m going to make sure that Vance doesn’t get a chance to enjoy the director’s office for very long.”
“You will not be joining them, Jethro. I made a promise to Jenny and the baby. I promised them both that I would watch after you. I will not allow you to make a liar out of me.” Ducky’s voice was shaking and Tim wrapped an arm around him.
"We'll all be watching out for him, Sweetheart. We won't let him go flying off the handle." Abby came up on the other side of her lover, trying to be consoling. They were all upset, and only because of that would she forgive Gibbs for scaring Ducky. "What we do will be above board. We won't let the boss go down for something like this. We're too good at solving crimes, we know what is needed to hide one."
Ducky relaxed against Abby and Tim. “I cannot let you hurt yourself, Jethro. I’ve been through this twice, the first time in Paris…and now. I held so much from you, Jethro. Oh…dear boy… I’m so sorry.”
“You only did what she asked you to do, Duck. I knew, or at least suspected, she was sick. When I asked and you wouldn’t answer, I knew something wasn’t right. Asked her, and she didn’t lie to me, but she obviously didn’t tell me the truth either. You only did what you had to do. It’s not your fault she never told me.”
“You didn’t know about the children, dear boy. That I wish I could have shared with you.” Ducky winced, calling them children made it so much more real…and heartbreaking.
“What are you talking about, Duck? One baby doesn’t make children.” He couldn’t think about it, could barely face the fact that Jen could have been carrying twins. Would she have lied in her letter to spare him?
“The child in Paris, dear boy. And the child you just lost.” The look in Jethro’s eyes was almost enough to bring him to his knees. “Two babies makes children.”
“Yeah, your right it does. I haven’t processed the first baby. I’m not in a place yet where I can. Need to mourn Jen and this baby, and then deal with what happened in the past.” The only thing he knew at the moment was that Jen was gone and there was nothing he could do to fix it. “Give me time, Duck. This is as hard as losing Shannon and Kelly; I can’t wrap my head around it.” Jethro turned the bottle around in his hands, staring at it from different angles between sips.
Ducky sank to his knees so he was at eye level, or lower, with Jethro, cupping the man’s overwarm cheeks in his hands. “I know, dear boy. I know.” The tears Ducky had been keeping at bay spilled over as he continued to meet Jethro’s gaze. “If I could have saved her, I would have moved heaven and earth to have done so, Jethro.”
“You might have been able to. But what happened out there… that has little to do with what was wrong with her. Someone put a hit out, and not even you, Duck, could have prevented that from happening.” Jethro appreciated the sentiment, but knew none of them could have done anything to stop this. Not even him, and that was extremely difficult to deal with. “Will haunt me, should have done something, should have done more.”
“It was terminal, dear boy. Fast growing, no chance of surgery.” Ducky wanted to say more. “There are other letters, but I’m only to give you them if you feel you’re able to deal with it all.” He shuddered and sighed. “Jethro, at least she chose her path. Surely that must be…”Ducky sighed, trailing off. Of course it was not comforting.
"Someday, I want them." It would be difficult hearing from Jen beyond the grave, but it might make healing easier. "You'll know when the right time is. I trust you to make that decision for me."
Ducky nodded his head, running a gentle hand over Jethro’s cheekbones. “I’ll keep that in mind, old friend.” He stood, looking between the woozy Gibbs and clearly drunken Tony.
Jethro halted Ducky’s touch with a gently restaining hand.“He’ll be okay Duck. We both will be. There is a lot of guilt for both of us. But we have the team, and I know that we’ll both be leaning on all of you.”
“And know that while Abigail and I are not agents, we are here as support. The two of us care so deeply about you. About all of you, not only our boy Timothy.”
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