Disclaimer: I don't own the show or characters.
A/N: This is set sometime after the end of season 1. It my first attempt at NCIS NO FF so apologies if the characters aren't right.
"You got that report ready?" Pride asked walking out of the kitchen carrying a mug of coffee.
"Just about to email it to you." LaSalle smiled. "I was waiting for a figure from Brody."
"Only because you forgot to ask for it." Brody chipped in.
"Says you." Chris pointed out.
"You really want to test the memory of the woman who remembers pineapple stock numbers?" Pride asked.
"Good point." LaSalle conceded as Brody's phone rang.
"Sorry, I've got to take this." Brody said frowning as she walked into the courtyard to take the call.
"So you have plans for the weekend?" LaSalle asked Pride.
"I had plans, but Laurel ditched me so not really. How about you?"
"Cade is coming round to watch the game. You are more than welcome to join us."
"I might do that." Pride replied. However, on noticing LaSalle's expression turn serious he followed the younger agent's gaze toward Brody who was still on the phone. The thing that struck him was how she had paled, despite the city heat. He also noticed she looked rattled.
"That does not look good." LaSalle summarised.
"No it doesn't." Pride agreed, wondering what had upset his agent.
The pair watched Brody finish the call and as soon as she walked back into the office Pride asked.
"Something wrong?"
"Yes." Brody replied, clearly shaken by something. Knowing something was wrong both men silently approached her waiting for her to expand. After what seemed like an eternity she said. "That was my mother. My father was in an accident."
"How bad?" LaSalle asked sharing a worried look with Pride.
"He's dead." Brody said, shocking both men. Then suddenly, as if switching gears, Brody straightened and said. "I know it is late notice, but I need a few days to go and see my mother-" She was cut of by Pride placing his hands on her shoulders and saying.
"Here is what is going to happen. I am going to take you home so you can pack. LaSalle is going to book you onto a flight and I will pick you up and drive you to the airport." Seeing that she was going to argue he added. "No argument's let's go."
-00-
"You want to talk?" Pride asked glancing over at Brody who sat silently staring out of the window as he drove through the city.
"I just can't believe he's gone." She finally replied.
Not knowing what to say Pride silently drove until his phone rang.
"Pride." He said accepting the call. After a few moments he added. "Thanks Christopher." Ending the call he looked back at Brody and said. "You are booked onto the seventeen hundred flight. Details are in your inbox."
"Thank you." Brody said quietly.
"Anytime." Pride said pulling up outside Brody's cottage. "You need anything?"
"No, thanks though."
Parking the car Pride looked at Brody and asked. "You going to be okay? I can stay if you want."
"I appreciate that, but I just need some alone time."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Okay then. I will pick you up at three. Call if you need anything."
Brody gave a weak smile of thanks before climbing out of the truck and walking to her door. Pride sadly watched her walk inside before driving off.
On the other side of the door Brody leaned against the wood and closed her eyes remembering and regretting her last conversation with her father. She was so consumed by sadness that she did not realise anything was wrong until it was too late. Slowly turning she found herself staring at a masked man aiming a taser at her. Moments later she was convulsing on the floor.
TBC...