The days grew colder as the seasons changed. It was now October and the weather, although fall, was turning to winter. Vibrant Cherry Blossom trees that once lined the streets were now in a peaceful slumber. It was also very quiet in Washington DC but not for NCIS.
Special Agent Jethro Gibbs, Team Leader, had just called it quits with Lieutenant Colonel Hollis Mann. Hollis had pried into his personal business and to him that was taboo. He hated sharing things that were so personal and painful but what he hated more was someone violating his trust.
Jethro barked out the orders to his team as they started to investigate their current case. He grabbed his coat and noted that he was going to get a refill on his coffee. Jethro walked to his caffeine dealer, better known as the coffee shop, got his refill and returned to NCIS. When Jethro was on a mission he usually completed it in record time.
Just as he placed his weapon in the drawer his phone rang. "Yeah Gibbs," he replied.
"The Director needs to see you," Cynthia noted.
"Be right there," Jethro stated. He hated meeting with Jenny not because he didn't like her but because she knew him too well. "You wanted to see me?" He asked entering her office.
"I did," Jen smiled, "It's time for the yearly evaluations."
"I know," Jethro hated these conversations. "And?" he questioned.
"You need to complete them. I want to make sure that your team is 100% compliant," Jen replied handing his some files. "You also need to make sure that you complete your psych eval as well."
"Psych eval?" Jethro asked. "You've got to be kidding me."
"No," She stood up, "If you want to remain at NCIS you will make sure that you complete this."
"If I refuse?" Jethro growled.
"Then you can find another job," Jen replied firmly. She stood for a moment, "Jethro you don't have to reveal every bit of your personal life. They just want to make sure that you are still capable of doing your job."
"I am capable," Jethro replied forcefully.
"I know that," Jen noted, "I also know that you are the best however this isn't coming from me. It's coming from Sec Nav."
Jethro didn't say a word. He slammed the door to Jen's office and ran down the stairs. The last time he had to complete a psych eval the shrink thought he was on the verge of unstable. Jethro threw the files on his desk and headed to the morgue; he needed to speak to Ducky.
"Jethro my boy," Ducky smiled, "What brings you here?"
"Need some advice," Jethro filled his friend in and listened to Ducky's advice.
Meanwhile Grace Whitehorse entered the NCIS building not quite sure what to expect. She was there to oversee the annual evaluations and dreaded each moment. Grace was escorted to the Director's Office. They met briefly then she set up what she needed to in the conference room. Grace removed the folder with the list of Agents' names. She dialed the first number.
"Yeah Gibbs," his voice seemed to boom.
"I'm Grace Whitehorse regarding the evals, I am in the conference room and," she stated before she could continue he interrupted.
"You're going to have to wait," he barked, "My team and I have a case to solve."
"Agent Gibbs," Grace was about to speak when Jethro hung up on her. Angry that anyone would have the audacity to hang up on her Grace left the conference room and headed to the bull pen. She asked someone which desk was Jethro's and they pointed her in the right direction. "Agent Gibbs," Grace got right in his face. "I don't appreciate being hung up on."
He stood stoic and stared into her hazel eyes. Jethro seemed to soften just a bit seeing that she wasn't going to back down, "I will remember that for next time."
"That's some apology Agent Gibbs," She crossed her arms and looked at him. "I'm waiting."
"For what?" He barked, "An apology or for one of my agents?"
"What do you think," Grace stated still standing firm keeping her stoic gaze on him.
"You're getting neither," Jethro grabbed her arm and escorted her away from his team. Tony stood up and tried to see what was going on but Jethro moved too quick, "I told you that I am involved in a case. I need my agents." As he escorted her they both felt something surge through their bodies. The attraction was undeniable.
"You're keeping me from doing my job," She pulled her arm from his grasp. Grace seemed to stiffen up as though she was ready for a fight, "You have a choice. You either give me one of your agents or I will go to MTAC and let Sec Nav know you have been uncooperative."
Jethro could see that she wasn't bluffing, "Alright," He relented. "I will send someone up in 5 minutes."
"If I do not see anyone in 5 minutes," She smiled, "You forfeit the deal and I go straight to Sec Nav is that understood?"
Jethro nodded in compliance. He watched Grace walk away. There was something about her that intrigued him. He wasn't sure if it was her exotic looks or her auburn colored hair but there was something very unique about Grace and she had a nice figure. Jethro could tell that she was not only proportioned well but was also athletic. He decided that he would like to get to know her more.
"Boss," McGee stated as Jethro walked back into the bull pen.
"What McGee?" Jethro stopped at the young man's desk.
"We are curious if it is true that it is time for our yearly evals," McGee stated.
"Yes," Jethro replied. "As you know we have someone here to monitor them."
Tony thought that Grace was cute, "Boss I will take one for the team. I can go first."
"No," Jethro grinned, "I will go first." Jethro grabbed his coffee cup and headed to the conference room. He flung open the door and saw Grace sitting at the table with her fingers intertwined. "Surprised to see me?"
"No," Grace replied. She actually liked him and was secretly glad that he was the first of his team to meet with her. "Please sit down."
Jethro sat across the table from her staring. "So evaluate."
Grace let out a small laugh. She looked at him and let a wry grin come across her face, "Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs," She opened the folder. "Former Marine sniper," She looked at him, "Marine is what it should say; once a Marine always a Marine." She perused the file again. "Very interesting," she spoke to herself, "Looks like you don't do well with authority." Grace was enjoying herself. "I see that you have numerous commendations and yet no write ups."
"Is there a point to all of this?" Jethro asked feeling very exposed and very impatient knowing he had to get back to his case.
"Of course," Grace leaned forward. Jethro studied her. Her sweater seemed to accentuate her bust line and her slacks showed the curve of her hips. Grace could see that Jethro was studying her. Grace was flattered; he was the first man in a long time to show interest in her. "The one thing it doesn't tell me is,"
"Yes," Jethro was getting angry, "I was married before four times, divorced three." His steel blue eyes seemed to penetrate into her soul.
"Oh," Grace closed the file, "Married," she stated quietly not knowing about Shannon and Kelly and not knowing he heard her.
"I'm not married," He sipped his coffee.
"But you just said married four times and divorced three," Grace suddenly realized what he meant. "Oh," She seemed to change until she looked at him again. "What I was going to say," trying to get back on task, "Was that it didn't mention where you like to eat."
"What does that have to," Jethro realized what she was talking about, "Dinner."
"Yes," Grace stated.
"When," he asked.
Grace looked at him again. She seemed to be the one to penetrate his soul this time. "I shouldn't have said anything."
"Why?" Jethro leaned forward. "I always have dinner." He smiled.
Grace realized that she said too much, "I shouldn't have even said anything, it's against the rules."
"A rule breaker," Jethro smiled. "I knew there was something about you I liked." He sipped more of his coffee, "How's tonight?"
"For what?" Grace asked.
"Dinner," Jethro wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"I told you I can't," Grace smiled. She removed a card from her pocket and slid it across the table. "I usually eat around seven."
"May I get back to the case now?" Jethro asked.
"No," Grace replied. "I need to explain how these new evals are going to work."
"I've been doing them for over 15 years," Jethro noted sarcastically, "I think I am an expert by now."
Grace stood up, "Fine Agent Gibbs you seem to know my job," She did her best to control her temper, "Maybe you should conduct them." She could see him relent slightly. Grace sat back down. "We have decided that the supervisors will submit the evals and that the employees will not have any paperwork to fill out."
"So you won't need any of my agents?" Jethro asked.
"Yes I will," Grace leaned forward, "But only for a few questions. It also means that I will be spending a bit more time with the supervisors. Does that suit you Agent Gibbs?"
"Fine," Jethro stood up, "We done here?" He was concerned about the case and the tone in his voice reflected that.
"For now," Grace stated knowing dinner wasn't going to happen. She watched as Jethro walked out of the room. She liked his physique, his blue eyes and his smile.
Grace spent the rest of the day speaking to some of the other supervisors filling them in on the new requisitions. She then met briefly with Jen to set up a time for the Supervisor's evals. Grace knew she would be at this particular assignment for at least a week. It was approaching five o'clock and Grace was tired. She gathered what she needed and left the conference room. As she descended the stairs she saw Jethro leaning against his desk as his agents discussed the case at hand. As she turned the corner Jethro, emotionless, watched her walk to the elevator.
Grace started her car and drove home. She changed into her sweats and began working on her wall. She grabbed the sand paper and began sanding the wall to smooth it out. Grace seemed to have lost track of time and soon it was seven o'clock when she heard a knock at he front door.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"Agent Gibbs," he stated.
She flew open the door, "I didn't think you were serious."
"I was," He looked her over. Her sweats were slightly larger then her and had the Marine emblem on the shirt and pants. "Marine?" he asked.
"Something like that," Grace replied not wanting to reveal too much about her life. "Please come in. I will only be a minute." She started down the hall, "Please have a seat I will be right back."
Jethro looked around. There were no family pictures on the wall or on the table tops. No signs of any family whatsoever. He saw the patch on the wall where she was smoothing out the caulking and drywall. He was impressed with her handy work, "A woman who doesn't mind getting dirty," he stated to himself.
"What was that?" Grace asked as she entered the living room.
"Nothing," he stated. Jethro smiled seeing her in the black dress.
"What?" she asked. "I thought I got all of the plaster from my hair."
"You did," Jethro grinned, "You clean up well."
"Oh thanks," Grace grabbed her bag, "So where are we going?"
"I know this great Sushi place," Jethro grabbed her hand to escort her out when he felt her hesitate.
"I can't have fish," Grace noted, "I am deathly allergic."
"Can you eat Mexican food?" Jethro asked watching her lock the front door.
"Yes," Grace stated as she entered the passenger side of his car.
They drove to a nearby Mexican Restaurant and ordered their meal. Jethro was quietly studying Grace and she knew it. Grace didn't need to reveal anything about herself at least not yet. Her assignment was only for a week and although she owned a business in DC she didn't think he was going to see her again.
"About this psych eval," Jethro sipped his beer.
"What about it?" Grace asked.
"When and where do I have to take this damn thing?" Jethro questioned.
"I don't know it's not up to me," Grace stated as she sipped her water.
"What do you mean?" Jethro leaned in slightly confused and angry.
"I just do the yearly evals," Grace could see the fire in his eyes. "I see. You thought I did the psych eval," she removed money from her bag, "Here this is for my dinner." She stood up and looked at him. "Typical." She threw her napkin on the table and walked away.
Jethro knew he screwed up. He wanted to go after her but knew that she was so stubborn that she wouldn't allow him to even drive her home. He dreaded going to work the next morning knowing that he would have to face her.
Jethro entered the bullpen much earlier then his team so that he could get some paperwork completed. He set the coffee cup on his desk and saw an envelope with his name printed neatly on the front. Jethro placed his coat on the credenza behind his desk and took a seat. He opened the envelope with a bit of caution not knowing what to expect. Jethro removed his glasses, unfolded the paper and began reading its contents.
"Jethro although you are a bastard you aren't crazy. Your dedication can be seen with how you run your team and how they respect you. We're even. Grace"
Jethro looked at the attached paper; it was his completed psych eval signed off and approved. He rarely felt guilty but this time he was. He assumed that she was the one doing the psych evals and that she would be willing to sign off on his. What he didn't expect was her getting hurt. He remembered the spark that he felt when they touched. Jethro rubbed his face with his hands. He was going to make it up to her; not (just) because he felt guilty but because he liked her.
The team arrived a short time later and continued their investigation. Jethro was standing by the plasma near McGee's Desk when he saw Grace walk by. He nodded to her as she made her ascent up the stairs. She did her best not to acknowledge him but that wasn't really who she was. Grace nodded back but continued to the conference room. She placed her things on the back table and prepared for the day. Grace was about to dial a number when she heard a knock on the door. "Enter," she stated.
"Good morning," Jen smiled. "I need to speak to you regarding a particular supervisor."
"Jethro Gibbs," Grace replied as though she read Jen's mind. "What about him?" She studied Jenny for a moment and smiled. "You and he," Grace let a wry grin come across her face, "Don't worry there's nothing between us." Grace walked around the table and stood face to face with Jen. "If there was I don't think that it is any of your business since you two are obviously no longer together."
"How do you know we aren't?" Jen questioned.
"If you were," Grace stated pouring herself a glass of water, "You wouldn't be here. You would be secure enough and not worry about it." She looked Jen over. "Besides Jethro is a very loyal and he wouldn't cheat on you if he was seeing you."
"You're on a first name basis are you?" Jen hissed. "That's against the rules isn't it?"
"No it isn't," Grace could hold her own, "Jethro is a grown man and can make his own decisions that I am sure of. As far as him and me; I doubt anything will happen. However if something does happen it's none of your business." Grace took a seat and opened a folder, "Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do."
"I'm not finished," Jen grew quite angry.
"I think you are," Jethro noted entering the conference room.
"You and I need to talk," Jen hissed as she started to walk away, "Now!" She yelled.
Jethro rolled his eyes. He gave Jen a minute then followed her to her office, "What is your problem?" Jethro asked closing the door behind him.
"She is," Jen started to pace, "I have done a little research on her."
"Why?" Jethro leaned against her door, "What is wrong with you?"
"There is nothing wrong with me Jethro," Jen stated, "She is the one that," She looked at the folder on her desk. "Read it yourself," Jen practically threw the file at him. "She's nothing but trouble."
"I don't think that is your decision to make," Jethro took the file but had no intention of reading it. "You need to get a hobby Jen." Before Jen could comment Jethro was out the door and down the hall to the conference room. He knocked and heard Grace say enter.
"So did she calm down?" Grace asked not looking up.
"How did you know it was me?" Jethro asked.
"Who else would it be?" Grace noted. "Let me guess she said I was bad news and shouldn't be trusted right?"
"Something like that," Jethro stated. "Here," He slid the folder across the table. "I think this belongs to you."
Grace looked up at him. She looked at the folder then back at Jethro, "You might as well read it."
"Consider us even," Jethro started to leave when Grace called his name. "You aren't even the slight bit curious as to what it says?" She was still angry with him and he knew it.
"You can tell me," Jethro stated as he watched her reaction for a moment.
"Suppose I don't," Grace looked at him intently. "Take it. You're most likely going to find out anyway." She replied sarcastically. "I've got nothing to hide, its just things I don't like to discuss."
Jethro knew that all too well. If confronted he would open up but he hated to speak about his past especially since it would bring back all the pain he felt. Jethro took the file knowing that he most likely wouldn't read it. "I'll hold on to it for safe keeping." Jethro walked back to his desk and saw Abby approach him not looking very happy. "What's the matter Abs?"
"I have to talk to the woman upstairs," Abby bit her lower lip then leaned close to Jethro, "What do I say to her?"
"Just answer her questions Abs," Jethro smiled. "You don't have to be scared."
Abby made her way to the conference room and knocked on the door. After hearing Grace say "come in" Abby entered the room quite nervous. "I um am here for my yearly eval."
"Abby Shiuto correct?" Grace asked.
"Yes," Abby replied wondering what fate had in store for her.
"Please sit," Grace smiled immediately placing Abby at ease. "Don't be nervous."
"I hate these things," Abby noted her pig tails bouncing. "I never know what to say."
"This is virtually painless," Grace let out a small laugh making Abby laugh too.
They sat and talked for a few moments about her job; the pros and cons, her co-workers and her boss. Abby liked Grace and felt she did the best type of interview. "You should try interrogation sometime," Abby smiled, "You're really good."
"Thanks I think," Grace replied. She walked Abby out and requested another one of her co-workers, "Which ever one you choose."
"Thanks," Abby smiled as she headed to the bullpen. She stood in the center squinting her eyes as to decide who turn it was. "McGee," Abby approached his desk, "You're wanted upstairs."
"How was it Abs?" Tim asked worried since he didn't do well under pressure.
"Tough McGee," Abby joked. After seeing Tim's face Abby smiled, "She was great and really put me at ease."
Tim entered the conference room gave his answers and left. Next was Tony. He sat across from Grace smiling. "So Miss Whitehorse," Tony stated. "What do you need to know?"
"I just have a few questions Agent DiNozzo," Grace didn't look up from the file for what seemed like an eternity to Tony. When she did look up she saw his usual smile. "I am much older then you Agent DiNozzo and I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted."
"Why?" Tony leaned forward, "Because a younger man is taking an interest in you?"
"No," Grace met his gaze, "Because you like women and I am sure that there are many on your list. I don't think I need to be another casualty." She closed the file for a moment, "You aren't exactly my type."
"Really and just what is your type?" He looked for a reaction as he continued, "McGee, Ziva, Gibbs." Tony laughed, "You like the boss. No wonder you two seem to be cut from the same mold." He pretended to be sad, "Never did have a chance."
Grace chuckled, "I might have someone for you but she'll have to wait. About these questions," Grace continued to ask Tony the same questions she asked the other agents. She dismissed Tony and was about to ask for another agent when her cell rang. "This is Grace." Tony hadn't quite left when he heard her voice change, "When? Where?" She tried to remain calm, "I will be there as soon as I can."
Tony ran down the stairs not wanting to get caught. He sat at his desk just as Grace hit the top of the stairs. Ziva was ready to meet her when she noticed Grace walking down, with her handbag in tow. Grace walked to Jethro's desk and waited for a brief moment for him to acknowledge her. "Yes," he grinned.
"I have an emergency," She tried to keep her voice steady, "I will see Agent David, Dr. Mallard and Mr. Palmer when I get back."
"Is everything okay?" Jethro stood to meet her. Even though she assured him she was fine her eyes said something different.
"I need to go," Grace tried to remove her keys but her hands shook, "I didn't want to keep you or your team hanging."
Jethro had a little bit of time, "I can walk you out."
"No," Grace replied quietly, "I don't think that is necessary." She meant it numerous ways.
"I insist," Jethro started to walk with her, "I could use a refill on my coffee." He walked Grace to the elevator barking out his orders as he passed Tony and Ziva, "Now!" Tony and Ziva jumped at his command. Jethro pushed the button on the elevator, "If you need anything," Jethro removed a card from his pocket, "Please don't hesitate to call me. All my numbers are on there," He stated as he pressed the card in her hand.
"Uh thanks," Grace was visibly shaken.
"Are you okay to drive?" Jethro asked. He watched as she stiffened up.
"I am fine," Grace stated as though she regained her strength. She exited the elevator and then faced Jethro. "I appreciate the offer but," She threw up her wall again. "I will let you or your Director know when I return." Before Jethro could respond Grace was halfway to her car. She watched him walk towards the coffee shop as she drove her car from the lot. She made her way to the hospital. Grace departed the elevator and walked down the hall. This was one of the moments she dreaded. She stopped at the nurse's station. "I am Grace Whitehorse I am here to see William Whitehorse."
"The doctor is with him," the nurse noted, "Please take a seat in the waiting room and the doctor will be with you shortly."
Grace walked to the waiting room and took a seat. She removed her cell phone and stared at it. 'What was she going to say? She didn't even know what was wrong, how could she share what she didn't know.
"Ms. Whitehorse?" the doctor asked entering the room.
"Yes," Grace stood up. "How is he?"
"I'm sorry," the doctor placed a hand on her shoulder. "There was nothing we could do."
"What happened?" Grace questioned trying to balance herself from the dizziness in her head.
"He had a massive stroke," the doctor replied. "We did all we could."
Grace reached for the chair. "May I see him?"
"In a few minutes," the doctor could see her needing assistance. "Is there anyone I can call for you?"
"No," Grace noted, "I will be fine."
"When you are done see the nurse and she will escort you," the doctor did his best to smile.
"I just need to make a couple of calls," Grace stated clutching her cell phone. She watched the doctor leave the room before dialing her number, "Charlie its Grace. I need you to come to DC." She took a deep breath. "It's Papa he's gone." She listened as Charlie spoke. "I am okay but I need you here." Grace told Charlie where they needed to meet. She removed a pad and pen from her bag, "Got it. I will see you tonight." She noted.
Grace was escorted to the room where William's lifeless body lay. She stared at his face. He was a true Native American from the reddish colored skin to his strong square jaw. She remembered all the stories that he told of his upbringing and the ancestors that came before him. Grace wasn't going to cry. He didn't warrant tears nor did she want to shed them. She had mixed emotions about the man that lay before her. Her life wasn't an easy one thanks to him. She did give him credit for her strength and her perceptiveness. Grace was never one to show emotion it was the way that she was raised. Showing weakness wasn't an option and happiness was rarely there as well.
Grace made the necessary arrangements then gathered her things and headed to NCIS. She exited the elevator and saw the bullpen empty. She was relieved in a way she would be able to get upstairs without a lot of questions from Jethro. Grace dialed Jethro's number hoping to get his voicemail.
"Yeah Gibbs," he answered slightly out of breath.
"Oh you're there," Grace was surprised. "I was letting you know I am back. I need Agent McGee please."
"How are you?" Jethro asked.
"Fine," she replied not wanting to talk about it, "Agent McGee please and if he's not available then I will see Dr. Mallard."
"Grace if you," Jethro started to speak but Grace cut him short.
"I have a job to do," Grace replied. She was a lot like Jethro in suppressing her feelings. "I will do what personal things I need to later." Grace wasn't beyond being polite however, "Thank you though."
"I will send up Dr. Mallard," Jethro noted, "If you do need anything."
"I will remember that," Grace replied. She finished her interviews with Ducky and Jimmy. She was now waiting on Tim when she heard the conference room phone ring. "This is Grace."
"There is someone here to see you," Jethro noted as he looked the man over.
"Can you send him up?" Grace asked.
"I will walk him up," Jethro stated as he disconnected the call. He walked the man to the conference room very curious as to how he and Grace knew each other. Jethro wondered why he even cared; he knew he liked Grace and wanted to be there for her.
"I see you have met Agent Gibbs," Grace noted seeing the tall man.
"I have," Charlie looked Jethro over as though he disapproved. They were the same height but completely different builds. Jethro was muscular and lean. Charlie was slightly pudgy. "Is there anything else?" Charlie asked.
Jethro gave Grace a nod and departed the room. "You didn't need to be rude," Grace stated looking at him.
"It's none of his business and you shouldn't be associating with someone like him," Charlie looked around.
"Someone like him," Grace walked to where he was, "You mean because he was a Marine or because he's white."
Charlie turned quickly and almost knocked her over, "Because he's not right for you." He looked at Grace who was at least a foot shorter, "But what do I know."
"We need to discuss Papa," Grace took a seat. She looked over at Charlie who was reminiscent of a stereo typical Native American. He wore boots, jeans, plaid shirt, fringed leather jacket, and had his black hair in a braided tail down his back. She let out a chuckle.
"What?" Charlie questioned.
"You look like a young version of papa," Grace smiled, "Before he became a Marine."
Charlie didn't look at Grace and when he did she could see the anger in his eyes. "Let's just get this over with."
Before Grace could speak Director Shepard walked into the room. "You are not allowed to have visitors here Ms. Whitehorse."
Grace started towards Jen when Charlie stopped her, "I am leaving." He removed a card from his pocket. "I am staying here. Meet me there and we can finish our discussion."
"There's an agent waiting outside to escort you out," Jen replied. "As for you Ms. Whitehorse," Jen leaned in close, "I will make sure that your boss is aware of,"
"What?" Grace stood up and got in her face, "That I have completed almost all of the interviews in record time. That I have two-thirds of the agency completed and am ahead of schedule by two days? I think he would be impressed." Grace grinned, "I have been with this company for many years and John is fully aware of my capabilities."
"I don't like your attitude," Jen stated.
"Your's isn't very good either Director," Jethro stated entering the room.
"Why are you defending her Jethro?" Jen asked as she faced him.
"We'll finish this discussion another time Jen," Jethro looked at her. "Grace Agent McGee will be up here in five minutes."
"We will finish this discussion now," Jen stated trying to pull him away.
"Later," Jethro noted as he left the room and down the stairs. He was angry that Jen was so hard on Grace. Jealousy was not her strong suit and he was disappointed that she was acting the way she was. "McGee it's your turn," Jethro stated as he sat at his desk.
Grace finished the interview with Tim. She gathered her things and made her way down stairs. She watched Jethro interact with his team as they gathered around the plasma. Grace was almost at the elevator when she and Jethro made eye contact.
Grace drove to the hotel where Charlie was staying. She knocked on the door expecting him to answer. Instead a young man opened the door. "Aunt Grace."
"Bobby," Grace looked him over, "Goodness how you look like your dad." She wanted to give him a hug but seeing the look on Charlie's face dissuaded her.
"Bobby take Toby for a walk," Charlie stated leashing the dog, "I need to talk to Grace alone."
"It is good to see you," Bobby smiled walking the dog passed her.
"I see you're still mad at me." Grace sat at the small table. "After all these years I thought you would be over it by now."
"Let's just get this damn thing over with," Charlie poured a drink and then slammed the bottle on the table. "I have to get back home."
"That's some compassion," Grace noted looking at him.
"I am only here to make sure I get what's coming to me, nothing more," Charlie hissed.
"You can have whatever you want," Grace noted. "I don't want any of it." She removed some paperwork from her pocket. "Papa left money for his burial and to pay all of his expenses. I made all of the arrangements."
"Where do I sign?" Charlie poured another drink. "I want the keys to his place too. Bobby and I are going alone and will take what we want."
"Sign here," Grace handed him a pen. She wanted to leave but business had to be taken care of. She watched as her brother signed the necessary papers. "There's one more thing. What type of ceremony should we give him?"
"I don't care," Charlie threw the paper and pen at her. "You take care of it."
Grace felt as though she was a child again. "Charlie," she looked at him. "You are his son he would want you to be a part of this."