The Probie Files
Prologue
Timothy McGee walked slowly down the stairs, back to his desk to pack up his things.
He wasn't planning to tell them. Tim knew he should but he couldn't face them.
No now, not yet
Tim was glad that they all had a rare night off after just finishing a case; it would make things easier for him at least.
He knew this was coming and he was prepared for it really, it was the reason he started writing his books in the first place.
His phone vibrated quietly in his pocket.
Tonyhe thought sadly, they had all planned to meet up for a drink at their usual bar tonight, usually Tim was the first one there… but he wasn't going tonight … not ever
He and Tony fought a lot but they were close and that's how Tim felt, Tony was his older (but defiantly not wiser) brother who no matter how much he teased Tim, would be there look out for him no matter what.
Tim's thoughts wandered to the rest of the team.
Ziva, she was like his best friend, they were tight… sure, she was sometimes scary but when were girls not. They looked out for each other and he felt like he was abandoning her, but he had no choice in the matter.
No that was a lie, he did have a choice… but this one was better for all of them
Ducky he was always a good person to go to for advice when something happened, no matter the situation, Ducky could always tell you a story, he was like a grandfather to Tim, wise in so many ways with a love for sharing his knowledge.
He was going to miss the Doctor's stories
Palmer there wasn't much to say about Palmer since he and Tim were never really close but when they did hang out it was peaceful, he was one of those people who you could sit in silence with for over an hour and it still wouldn't seem awkward.
He'd miss that …
Abby she was once the girl of his dreams, but now she was a friend, someone he loved to work with even on his worst days (hers however were a different matter… Abs could get very violent), they were close despite their past relationship, now that he'd gotten over it, there was no tension between them … she would probably never forgive him for what he's doing now
She'd never forgive me and I wouldn't blame her, it's my own fault in the end.
Gibbs He was harsh at times, but he also knew what was best for Tim, for the whole team, if he were to find out what Tim was doing, well he'd probably kill him before … before what going up to Vance and saying that it wasn't his fault, that under the circumstances Tim was what? … Doing his job …
No that wouldn't cut it and would most likely just cause a lot more trouble.
He was already in too deep, now he was drowning and he wasn't going to drag the team back down with him.
He was done, with the team and NCIS … he wouldn't let them pay for his mistakes... No never.
He picked up his phone and wrote down a few important numbers from his phone book before deleting them all off his Sim card. He then broke the Sim in two and chucked the phone in the bin at his desk, he'd get a new one later.
Tim then went and took everything that was his from the office , it would be easier for them to forget him, if well there was nothing to remind them of him … it was truly the best thing for all of them
They will probably have a new teammate in a few weeks weather Gibbs likes it or not… they need to accept this person willingly and trust them completely without doubt and they can't do that if they don't move on. Sure it'll take some time but he was sure they would pull through, they were a strong team with or without him… not that he did much in his opinion… he was originally a Tec not a field agent … Gibbs changed that.
He had most of his stuff moved earlier, all he had to carry now was a simple box full of photo's, his modem and a badge … Vance gave him, all he said was that Tim was welcome to come back if he ever wanted to. That would be in about 2 to 3 years … or maybe never
With only one last thing to do, Tim felt a pang in his chest. He was going to miss this place.
He remembered when he first time he became part of the team, at first he didn't think that he was supposed to be here, it just didn't seem right… now it seems wrong to leave but he has to.
but he remembers sitting under his desk quite a few times just wishing that he had some help figuring out how to fit in, how to survive in the team.
He wanted to help the new *Probie*, because by doing that he was helping the team … making up for his mistakes.
There was a hole in the side of the desk that you can only see if you sitting under it , that's where Tim put a small brown paper bag … inside was a book, he latest project … that he just finished .
Hopefully it will be useful to the new member of the team as he hope it will be … Tim thought as he walked to the elevator with his box, taking one last look at the office, before getting into the elevator down to the car park.
* Good luck New Probie, trust me you'll need it* he whispered quietly as he sped off for home in the darkness.