Title: Riding Out the Storm
Author: NickyK
Summary: A storm is brewing and Jen isn't handling it well.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
A/N: I'm uploading this story in chapters b/c it turned out to be longer than I'd intended. I do hope you enjoy and forgive my errors as I'm my own proofreader. Story may be slightly OOC.Please review...I would love to know what you think.
Director Jennifer Shepard powered down her computer and did a quick tidying up of her desk, all the while keeping a cautious eye on the weather. It was rare when she was able to escape the confines of NCIS offices sooner rather than later and she was taking full advantage of the opportunity afforded her, especially since the weather service has predicted severe thunderstorms for the area. She didn't do well in thunderstorms. And from the looks of the clouds outside her office window, it seemed that prediction was about to come true. Ignoring the slight quiver in her stomach, she slipped her lightweight coat over her arm and grabbed her briefcase, turning the light off as she went. After securing the door to her office, she glanced out at the bullpen and wasn't surprised to see it deserted save for two lone men standing by the elevator. She made her way down the steps.
"Gentleman," she greeted as she approached them. "What are you still doing here? I thought everyone had already gone?"
They entered the elevator and Jen turned just as Jethro shook his head at Ducky. She glanced between the two, wondering what that was all about.
Ducky cleared his throat. "I was just helping Jethro with some last minute details."
"Oh?" She leveled her gaze at him. "Agent Gibbs, I thought your case was closed. Is there anything I need to be aware of?"
"No."
She stared at him for a moment longer, something about the way he said that made her wary.
"Were you two waiting for me?" she asked slowly, narrowing her eyes at Gibbs.
"Nope." Gibbs responded quickly. Too quickly.
Jen looked at Ducky and could tell by the amusement on his face that they were indeed doing just that. She sighed loudly, making it clear to both men that she was not pleased.
Ducky chuckled softly. "My dear, are you aware that a storm is brewing?"
"Yes," she scoffed, "but it hasn't started yet."
The words had no sooner left her mouth when they heard the muffled rumbling of thunder right before the lights flickered. Jenny's heart leaped into her throat as the elevator stopped and then continued.
"You were saying?"
She glared at Gibbs and tightened her grip on her briefcase, willing the elevator to move faster.
"They are predicting a bad one," said Ducky, all signs of amusement gone.
"Great," she muttered sarcastically as the lights flickered again.
Gibbs looked over at her, concern in his eyes. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," she said irritably, forcing her hand to loosen its white knuckled grip on her briefcase.
The elevator doors slipped opened and Jenny rushed passed both men, eager to flee the confines of the small box. Another round of thunder sounded, echoing around the parking garage with a sharpness that made her gasp. Jenny kept walking, hoping neither man had noticed.
They had.
"Jennifer…," Ducky began his tone solemn and she flinched, knowing what was coming.
"Stop," she said turning to face him. "I said I'm fine. I don't need you two hovering over me like I'm going to crumble over a little thunderstorm. I'm fine!" she yelled.
"Jen, at least let me drive you home," Gibbs persisted.
She resisted the urge to scream as she said pleasantly. "My driver is waiting by the car, Jethro. I'll see you both tomorrow." With a wave over her shoulder, she veered off toward her car. The driver opened the door at her approach and Jenny stepped inside, grateful to be out of the knowing glances of both men.
Gibbs and Ducky observed the Director as she got into the back seat of the car. Ducky sighed and turned toward the man beside him.
"I do think the lady protests too much."
Gibbs said nothing, silently agreeing with the older man as he watched the Director's car pull out into the street.
"This storm system isn't going away anytime soon. It will get worse before it gets better, I'm afraid."
Gibbs sighed. "I know Duck. I know," he said softly, knowing the doctor was referring more to the Director herself than the storm. He knew she didn't like storms; he'd even taken it upon himself to keep her company when he knew they were coming. But something was different.
"I'll take care of it," Gibbs said when he realized Ducky was waiting for him to respond. He slapped the doctor gently on his back before heading for his own vehicle-remembering another storm long ago when the Director wasn't the Director of NCIS, but an agent with a serious case of flashbacks.