"What you doing McGoogle?" Tony asked from his desk, being as nosey as usual, "Looking for lurvveeeeee?"
"Tony I do not use my work time to look for relationships. I do not use my computer to chat in on-line forums…..I do not…."
"Do any work Tim?" Gibbs asked as he strolled into the bullpen after a very interesting chat with the Director, but he had a smile on his face.
"You look happy Gibbs?" Ziva said looking at her Boss.
"Am…Director is going on leave for a week…" Gibbs replied as he sat at his desk.
"And he's asked you to be Assistant Director like Jen did?" Ziva questioned looking worried.
"Nope….he's just on leave." Gibbs smiled, as he sat back and placed his hands behind his head.
"So is it Ok if I put in for leave, Boss?" Tim requested.
"Fine by me, I'll sign your sheet, forward me it." Gibbs smiled.
"So McGone, where are you going that needs leave?" Tony sneered.
"Well remember a couple of years ago, I met Seamus on the net, you remember Barney?" Tim started to say.
"He was that Irish ex-army guy, his son and nephew?" Ziva remembered.
"Yes he was, and I have been communicating, well skypeing Seamus for some time now."
"Skype….is that not what Gibbs does to you Tony?" Ziva laughed as she looked at the two boys.
"No Ziva, my dear; that would be a skelp, as they say in Scotland." Dr Mallard replied now entering the bullpen, "A skelp, is a slap, with the open palm, so Jethro you are a skelper, while you Tony, are a skelpie, a person who deserves to be skelpped, as you are a mischievous person or it can also be a piece of wood a splinter which pierces the skin, I am sure Jethro you have had many skelp in your time."
"Quite Ducky, but as I said I have been skypeing…."
"Now, to Skype…..that is from the old Scots….to wander idly from place to place…as well as meaning if I may add…."
"Please do Dr Mallard, I am finding this most educational, even if Tony is not." Ziva smiled.
"Thank you…yes skype also means a worthless person, of disagreeable manner and temper…"
"Which I will be if you all continue to stand around blethering, as you so often say, Dr Mallard," they heard the Director shout from the stairs.
"No Director, you would then be a skypel or a skypal" Dr Mallard replied looking at Vance before walking away.
"I like the word skypal," Tony laughed, "So you are a skypal, you have a skypal, bit like a pen pal then." as he looked at Tim.
"Yeap….grab your gear, dead navy guy over at Norfolk, you can all discuss this later," Gibbs shouted as he put down the phone.
-oOo-
"So Timothy, you are going to Ireland for a holiday, the Emerald Isle, Eire or Erin, so much more romantic sounding, but where about?" Dr. Mallard asked.
"Waterford…..it is near Cobh…it was where the ill-fated Titanic sailed from almost a hundred years ago." Tim answered.
"I do know that Timothy, but have you spoken to Abigail recently?" Ducky enquired, "I believe she is also on leave soon, but she is intending to go to Halifax, Nova Scotia, there is going to be a Centenary do. She is also very intrigued to see the grave of one "J Dawson"…..not that Joseph Dawson has any quams of being famous, he was actually an Irishman who worked the boilers…..still Timothy, a good yarn as they say," as Dr Mallard returned to his work, and Tim went to find Abbs.
-oOo-
"Hey you never told me you were going to some Titanic Centenary Celebration thing if you can call it that." Tim said as he walked into the lab.
"Didn't I? Must have slipped my mind. Why you so bothered?" Abby snapped.
"Nothing I'm just going to Ireland that's all, maybe look in at Cobh, although I should be home by then. We could go together if you like, if Gibbs gave me more time off." Tim answered.
"Tim did you know that Halifax is the birth place of Samuel Cunard, the father of the ocean passenger trade and the ocean liner?"
"But the Titanic was White Star?"
"Know that just….it was going to be a surprise for you I wanted us to go together, but now you're scooting off to Ireland." Abby replied, turning round and looking at Tim, "When do you leave?"
"12th March….. fly to Shannon and hiring a car." Tim answered, "You could come and see me off, if you like." Tim answered.
12th March
Tim sat in the departure lounge of Dulles Airport, he was looking at the itinerary, he had a scheduled stop in Newark and then onto Shannon. The plane was to take off 16.30 and after the wait in Newark they would arrive at Shannon at about 7.00am. He had the car hire details, it would be strange driving on the wrong side of the road, but he would soon get the hang of it, he had asked for a gear shift. He didn't see the young woman standing or was it hovering next to him, he just felt the presence, and looked up, and stared into the green eyes of a young woman.
"Sorry," she stammered, "You looked familiar; in fact you still look familiar."
Tim stood, "Timothy McGee, but friends call me Tim," he answered as he too began to think where he had seen this woman before. Had it been a murder the team had investigated.
"Colleen O'Hara," she replied offering Tim her hand, "I work in a bar in Washington, an Irish bar. Maybe I just remember you from serving you there."
"Colleen," as Tim thought, "Yes you were the barmaid when Seamus and his dad come over a couple of years ago…..if I remember you and Sean got on well."
"We certainly did, I am going over to get engaged officially, big do and all that, on St Patrick's Day…But what…." as she looked at Tim who was now standing.
"Please, I am being rude Colleen, please join me, coffee…tea…..coke?" Tim asked as he indicated Colleen to join him.
"Coffee would be nice, but where are you going?" as she sat.
"Tell you when I come back with the coffees" Tim smiled, walking to the cafeteria.
Tim returned with the coffees, the milk and sugar in the little cartons and tubes, "Sorry should have asked, just as well I was not in "Boss" mode or you would have had just black." As he placed the mugs down on the table and took his seat.
"Where am I going…Shannon Ireland, been skypeing Seamus, and he was over last year, and so my turn to visit so to speak….Hey we are on the same flight, I mean are you going to Shannon or Cork?" Tim asked.
"Shannon….and we could ask for a seat together when we get to Newark." Colleen smiled, as she sipped her coffee.
-oOo-
Tim had managed to get seats together, no upgrade but had swopped with a family so they could all sit as one group. The plane took off at 19.25 it was going to be a long night, but Tim could write if he wanted, sleep mostly, catch up with Colleen.
13th March
They arrived at Shannon 06.55, in an Atlantic mist, so romantic Colleen had said. Sean was meeting her there, Tim said he had a hire car. It would be interesting driving, but where was she staying Waterford. No, Colleen had replied, a place called Dungarvan, it was about 30 miles from Waterford, maybe, they could all get together for the engagement party.
They cleared customs and made their way to exits, Sean was waiting holding a sign for Colleen she waved and dragged Tim to Sean.
"Sean, you remember Tim? He's over to stay with Seamus." as she kissed Sean's cheek.
"Sure, nice to meet you again, Seamus did mention you were coming over but I didn't know it was the same time as Colleen, so yes, would be good to get together."
"Good" the three replied in unison, "Must find my car now," Tim replied, as he watched them walk away.
-oOo-
Tim managed to find the car hire, signed the paperwork and jumped into the car, a few gear crunchers later he had got the hang of it and the road layout, He sped off. It was way after 8 o'clock by now, and it would take him a good couple of hours to get to Waterford.
He had, as Seamus suggested bought a cheap mobile, "Buy PAYG" Seamus said, "That way you are on local tariff and not bouncing off all the satellites in the world…..ok sky, but you are local, only buy what you need." Seamus had given him is mobie number. 95miles would seem an age, but he would get there about 10.00. Seamus had a flat in the docklands.
Tim drove until he was on the outskirts of Waterford, he pulled in to a beauty viewing spot and dialled.
"Seamus….Tim….yes well thank you, about 15 minutes from you that ok?"
"Sure….gives me just about time to tidy the flat and get shot of the girlfriend," Seamus laughed.
"Girlfriend? I could get a hotel?"
"Hey Timmy, my old friend, joking…waiting your arrival…oh Sean says you travelled with Colleen…and dad says the 1st Guinness is on him….see you in 20minutes." as Tim heard the cell die.
Tim took a deep breath and drove to Waterford.
-oOo-
Seamus's apartment was, down by the river, docklands, it was a converted warehouse, open plan but two bedrooms, both en-suite. Tim wondered how Seamus could afford on his Army pension.
"Hope you like, dad put deposit down and I pay the mortgage." Seamus said, "Now I got fortnight off starting tomorrow, I know you are only here for 10 days, so what would you like to do?"
"I'm easy, but I would like to visit Cobh, as I promised Abby I would take some photos, and then there is Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, again Abby said get pictures and she said something about me having to kiss it." Tim replied.
"Good, so settle yourself in and then we'll go for a sightseeing tour and then lunch, dad says he'll treat," as Seamus showed Tim the guest room.
Tim showered and changed, he was tired but ready for the afternoon. They jumped into Seamus' car and drove to Barneys.
"Good to see you, and how's the Boss?" Barney asked.
"Very well Sir…I mean Barney," Tim replied.
"Good, so I am sure that you will be exhausted after your journey, but join me for some good hearty Irish Stew and a pint of the black stuff, it will relax you and refresh, Seamus as he will have told you will be on night shift tonight. Tomorrow I'll take you to the Waterford glass factory, while my son sleeps and then we can really enjoy. I hear you met Colleen and yes, Bryanna says you are invited to the engagement on Saturday which as you know is St Patrick's day." Barney concluded.
"And, Sean managed to get us a bed with one of his friends, hey don't look so worried, it won't be a double." Seamus laughed, "But hey, I got to go, dad, look after Tim for me."
Barney ordered two pints of Guinness and two plates of Irish stew, he indicated to a table in the corner, "Going to tell me how the Boss is doing, I often think of him." as Barney walked to the table.
Dinner over Tim decided to walk back to the apartment, get some air and generally get his bearings, also the heaviness of the stout and the helping of food, he needed to work something off. Arriving back at the apartment, he switched on Seamus' computer and e-mailed Abby, before climbing under the duvet. Sleep was instantaneous.
14th March
The next morning was grey and overcast, Tim had slept well, the first he knew of the day was the smell of coffee wafting from the kitchen area. He rose and slipping on a pair of trackie bottoms followed the smell.
"Morning Boyo…sleep well?" Seamus asked.
"Too well, it was either the Guinness or the travelling, but went out like a light. Barney says he is picking me up this morning and we are going to the Crystal factory while you sleep." as he sipped the liquid.
"Not really a man thing I know, but one of the few places that is open today, I know you want Cohb too, but thought tomorrow, before moving west to the party and Blarney Castle. Oh yes and dad has a special visit for you the Jameson Experience at Midleton. He thought you should take home a bottle for Gibbs, dad's treat."
"Cool, but I'd better get showered and changed to meet Barney, sleep well." As Tim turned and walked away.
-oOo-
"Sorry if this is not your cup of tea, but it was only to pass the time before lunch, I was hoping we could all have a get together dinner tonight. Ground rules?" Barney asked seeing the look on Tim's face, "Seamus has digs with friends for you both. Colleen is staying with Bryanna, Sean is staying with his cousin…..all very above board. But I hear one of the bridesmaids is Siobhan O'Mally…..single redhead, green eyes….and she is a Pathology Lecturer at the Local University…..maybe you could find a common interest?" Barney smiled.
15th March
Next morning saw Barney say his adios' to Tim, "Catch you over at Bryanna's."
"Right Cobh, you ready, it will take us about an hour to get there. Don't suppose you want to spend hours in the museum?" Seamus asked of Tim.
"No, I just said to Abby that I would visit and get some pictures, and well it would be interesting to see the place, since it is coming up for the centennial of the accident…disaster…whatever we want to call it." Tim concluded.
Tim stood on the headland and looked out to sea. He stared down at the plaque:
On the morning of April 10, 1912, 914 passengers boarded the Titanic. At noon, the ship left port and headed for Cherbourg, France, where it made a quick stop before heading to Queenstown (now called Cobh) in Ireland. At these stops, a handful of people got off and a few hundred boarded the Titanic. By the time the Titanic left Queenstown at 1:30 p.m. on April 11, 1912 heading for New York, she was carrying over 2,200 people, both passengers and crew.
He looked up and out to sea, the water was not his forte, but he thought of the sailors, the crew, he remembered the Chimera…..he shook his head, turned and walked back to Seamus. "Seen enough?" Tim nodded; they walked to Tim's car and drove to Dungarvan, each with their own thoughts.
-oOo-
"And sure now Seamus, it is good to see you, and so this is your pen-pal," Bryanna said kissing her nephew.
"Bryanna, now he is not my pen-pal , I wish you'd not wind us up." Seamus laughed.
"No, and what a strapping lad he could be if he stayed here a few months," Bryanna said now looking at Tim,
"Timothy you are definitely undernourished, but come in and have some tea, good old Irish stew, I thought you could do with some traditional fare."
Seamus, and Tim, hadn't the heart to say they were tired of Irish Stew, as they followed Bryanna into the dining room, the table was already full, but Tim spied a stranger….a red-head, with green eyes, Siobhan.
"I have put a place, between Siobhan and Sean, I hope you enjoy the meal, we are having a trip down the pub later, so we can all get to know each other better…..oh yes Sean, no drinking, you're driving, tomorrow. I want you take our guests to Castle Blarney," as she indicated Tim to be seated.
-oOo-
After a very filling meal and coffee, Seamus and Tim said their goodbyes for the time being, jumped in Tim's hire car, and Seamus gave directions to the flat.
"Fergal is away to Dublin, so we have the flat to ourselves. Two bedrooms, so we don't share…..apart from that…..oh yes Fergal says "if you drink his booze, you replace," last time he said that he ended up with more that he started with, that guy knows he to keep his liquor bill down. So said we would meet the crowd about 7.30 tonight, the pub is walking distance so we can lock the car up. Saw you and Siobhan were getting on well."
"Sean, she is a very interesting person and yes, we do have a lot in common." Tim answered.
"Right you want to shower first? I'm not fussy."
Tim agreed to shower first and then get himself spruced up for the evening, he was looking forward, to seeing Siobhan again.
The boys arrived at the pub, a good old fashioned pub, a snug, for courting couples, a lounge bar for families and couples and there was what would have been years ago a men only bar, darts and snooker, a games bar, and made their way to the lounge. They saw everyone round a few tables pushed together, "Over here," Sean shouted, "Saved you a couple of seats." Tim looked around for Siobhan and Colleen, "The girls Tim? Have gone to the ladies for a conference I think." Seeing the look on Tim's face, he didn't hear the man approach behind but he felt the hand on the shoulder.
"And what will you he having?" Barney asked, "Guinness?"
"Barney," Tim began to say, "Could I possibly have a Canadian Club and American Dry ginger…your beer is good but it is….."
"Bagging you up? No problem, I will deliver…Seamus usual?" Seamus nodded.
"Yes, Tim like you, the Guinness is a bit filling." As Barney brought over a Jamieson and Tim' CC, Tim thanked and went to sit with Sean and to wait the girls return.
"Hi Tim," he heard Colleen say, "Been telling Siobhan here how we met, what you do, how we had a great time a couple of years back, she wants to know all about your work…in particularly Abby, so shove over Sean," as she pushed he future husband over , and plonked herself down leaving a space for Siobhan
The evening went well and at 11.00 o'clock, they finished up and made their way to their digs. Sean had been true to his word and had only a couple of pints, tomorrow they were off to see the Castle.