FREEZE FRAME 2 – Room Service
Summary: Freeze Frame Episode Two: The team must protect Marley and Abby over a long weekend. Encouraging Marley to act like a kid seemed a good idea at the time. This is an intermittent episode, with a little romance for Gibbs, thrown in.
Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS, nor did I create it, Donald Bellisaio and Don Mc Gill did, and a damn fine job they do too.
Warning: May be parental discipline of minors in some chapters.
Chapter 1: Room Service
FREEZE FRAME: Cut. Mid shot empty change room, a small dress lies on the floor. Gibbs's reflection can be seen in the mirror. His face reflects irritation and concern. Convert Black and white. CUT
Gibbs slid the door card into the slot and watched the lock turn green. He entered the executive suite of the Four Seasons Hotel. Close behind were Abby, Gillian and Marley. In fact so close behind were these three, that when Gibbs entered and stopped to survey the room, all crashed into his back.
"Wow, look at this place, Gibbs." exclaimed Abby.
They all surveyed the spacious and lavish suite. "Very nice, Special Agent Gibbs," commented Gillian
"Gee, I thought a safe house would mean a dingy little motel somewhere, with everybody eating Subway and drinking coffee."
"You watch too much T.V." Gibbs said, ruffling Marley's short hair.
"That's a stakeout," said Abby. "Usually when anybody stays in protective custody, well, Gibbs's protective custody, we stay at his place. The team comes over to help. But most of the time it's just Gibbs doing the protecting thing, usually the over protective thing. I have my own room there, which is really the spare room, but I use it the most. It's pretty good; well it's safe, but no cable, no swimming pool, no room service. Not that that's important, It's nice, but you know protective custody is like serious business, so those things are like luxury.
Marley's eyes lit up. "Great, room service, here we come."
"Hey, you two don't go overboard here. Vance will go over each and every receipt. Keep it to necessities only."
"But, Gibbs, we have to keep our cover up. You are supposed to be a wealthy business man."
Gibbs gave Abby a brusque stare "Abby, behave."
Pouting, Abby crossed her arms and walked into the large lounge. "Fine, Gibbs, after all I know my place. I'm only the hired help, the nanny, the au pair, the babysitter, the nobody. While you, the workaholic father figure, give the orders and control the purse strings, spending little quality time with your family. While your wife, here, feels neglected and turns into a shopaholic, spends your hard and probably unethically earned millions, and leaves the care and discipline of your only child to the underpaid and overworked nanny, who's probably some poor little university student trying to pay her tuition by working for a capitalist overbearing bossy boots, who's probably cheating on his wife.
"Abby, I can always re-cast."
"So, the wife?"
"No. I was thinking more a typecast, something along the lines of the undisciplined only child," smirked Gibbs.
"Hey, who said I was undisciplined?" cried out Marley.
"Okay, I'll stay as the nanny," relented Abby.
Gillian laughed and joined the game. "Did you say shopaholic? I think that may require some research."
Marley had run off into the large bedroom. "Hey, Abby, check this out, champagne, just like in the movies." Marley picked up the note that accompanied the ice bucket.
"Welcome to the Four Seasons Mr. and Mrs. Stillwater, please enjoy your stay, Compliments, the Four Seasons."
"Whoooo, champagne, Gibbs, Nice."
Both Gillian and Gibbs blushed.
Marley started jumping on the massive bed. "I've never seen such a big bed. We could all sleep in here."
"Marley!"
Gibbs frowned and pointed to the floor. "Off!"
"This is a pretty amazing place, Gibbs."
"Yes, well, it's used for visiting dignitaries. We are pretty lucky to have it this weekend."
The four decided on a quick tour of their impressive accommodation. The suite comprised of a large master bedroom with king size bed, its own mini bar and large screen TV. It had a walk in closet on one side of a small hall way. On the other side was a huge marbled bathroom with double sinks and a round spa bath, then next to that was a double shower. Double floor to ceiling doors separated the bedroom from a spacious living area with two matching three seated sofas, and another 60 inch screen TV. This room also included a dining area separated by a beautiful parquet floor. The large mahogany dining table seated six. At the end of the room were floor to ceiling by folds doors that once open linked another smaller suite. Instead of a dining room there was an office space with desk, fax and several computer screens. There was another living area and bedroom with two double beds and similar bathroom, minus the Spa bath. Except for the privacy of the bedrooms and the bathrooms, the suite became a huge open space with a clear view of all the recreational areas.
"I see the IT guys have been here." said Abby.
"Is Tim still coming?" asked Marley.
Gibbs looked to both girls. "Yes and yes. He has been given the all clear by Ducky, who I might add is just as unimpressed with your little prank as McGee, and has a little lecture of his owned planned for all three of you on the safety protocols and side effects of a Taser."
"A low voltage Taser, Gibbs. I mean it was an old model."
"You try that one with McGee. I'm sure he will understand." Marley and Abby looked at each other feeling the guilt Gibbs had intended them to feel. Gillian looked confused.
"Prank? Marley?"
Gibbs interjected. "Nothing to worry about, Gillian, a little prank that went a little haywire." Emphasized Gibbs.
Marley chuckled at the reference, but Abby gulped as Jethro turned his boss man stare on her. "There are few little details yet to be addressed. But, there will be no pranks here. Not this weekend. This may not be a high risk situation, but we still need to be attentive."
Abby and Marley diverted their attention and started going through the hotels information brochure, found in a leather bound folder on the coffee table.
"Hey, in house movies, cable, oh, and a swimming pool."
"Can I go swimming Gibbs?"
"Maybe later, Marley."
"Cool, but I'll need to get a suit."
"So will I, Gibbs. Maybe they will have some in the little shopping arcade downstairs."
"Okay, listen, you two. You are not to leave these rooms without Tony, Ziva or me. You don't go anywhere without one of us. Understand?"
"Sure, Gibbs," said Abby.
"Doesn't sound like much fun." said Marley.
"We can go downstairs later and get something. Right Jethro? I need to get a few little things too." Said Gillian.
"Okay, but I've booked us a table for dinner tonight, at 7:30 so, we will have to be quick. Now, room allocations. Marley and Gill you're in the master bedroom. Abby you're in the twin spare; the rest of us can take the other bed in between shifts. "
Marley threw her backpack on the large bed. "Great, now let's go so we can go out to dinner."
"Uh, uh, you're not going to the restaurant. You're staying here with Abby," said Gibbs
"How come?"
"One, because it's been a long day, and two, you're under protection, so we avoid public places as much as possible. So if you're happy with a supervised shopping trip, then, maybe, a swim in the pool tomorrow, you can have in house- movies and room service tonight while Tony and Ziva do their shifts. Any complaints?" dared Gibbs, looking to each of the girls.
Abby stepped behind his back. She had already been over this with Gibbs back at the office. She looked at Marley, miming and signing. "They're going on a date, kiss kiss, lovey dovey."
Marley giggled.
"If you are signing behind back, Abbs…" Gibbs hand signed a very concise continuation of his statement and warning. His message was received loud and clear.
"Gibbbbbs! Come on, times a wasting. Lets go shopping. Gillian, you might want to buy a little something to wear out tonight."
"Abby!"
CA Small hotel shopping promenade. Gillian, Marley, Abby and Gibbs.
Gibbs, Gillian, Abby and Marley visited a number of shops collecting the bits and pieces they needed for the weekend. Both Marley and Abby purchased bathing suits. Gibbs insisted that all purchases were put on their room account so that their cover was maintained.
All were careful when addressing each other. Though for Gibbs and Gillian, Jethro and Gill were becoming comfortable endearments. Abby found it a little difficult calling them Mr. and Mrs. Stillwater. Although she could slip with both Marley and Gillian and it wouldn't really matter. But not calling Gibbs, Gibbs was harder. Thank goodness Stillwater was the surname. That association made it a little easier.
Marley slipped up a couple of times but not in ear shot of anybody. Gibbs and Gillian played it up a bit a few times when she wanted something, making comments like "go ask your father" and "hmm, what did your mother say?" Marley picked up the game quickly and put it back on them with… "Mom said I could have it if you said I could" and " she thought it might be a good idea". Gibbs didn't need to invent the raised eyebrow that came with the "really?" He also didn't need to explore his alias's aversion to shopping with three females. That was an activity both his identities hated.
Marley and Abby spotted the music store and started jumping up and down like all their Christmas's had come at once.
"Oh, Gi… Mr. Stillwater, look, there's a music store; can I go check for "Dead Guys Don't Talk's" new album?" asked an excited Abby.
Before Gibbs could answer Marley added, "hey, can I get an IPod? Mine's still at Rose's apartment."
"Well, I'm just going to go and look at that dress shop, I only bought sweats and jeans with me."
"Whoa, whoa, people. One, we don't have a lot of time; Two, we all stick together. We hit the same store. Vote."
"That's easy two against one, we get to go to the music store." declared Marley before she headed off towards the music store.
Gillian grabbed Marley. "Oh, no you don't. You can live without an IPod for the weekend. Besides they're too expensive and you already have one."
"But I can pay Gibbs back. I have money. I have access to all Moms' accounts. I paid all the bills."
"Marley that money is not to be touched until everything is sorted out. Then it will be put in trust. You will get all your things back when we get home."
Gibbs decided it was time to interject. Marley had slipped between her mom, Rose and then Gill, then mom again, and had referred to him as Gibbs. He couldn't be sure if anyone one was watching or listening. Hopefully, if they were, they would find it just as confusing as the poor kid probably was. However he didn't want to take any more chances. Plus, he just wanted to get out of here.
"Marley, your MOTHER said no. And, Abby, if dead men can't talk they can't sing either."
Marley was quick to pick up on her faux pa's "Oh, so not fair DAD. What about my allowance? Can't I have an advance?"
"You're very funny, you know that?"
"I would have said clever."
"Well, clever girl, you can go help your Mom pick a dress."
"Good, let's go then," said Gill.
Marley and Abby trotted off behind Gillian, with Gibbs close behind.
Marley looked at Abby. "Hey, Abbs I thought you were Gibbs's favorite?"
"I was, but that was before he got a crush on your mom."
They heard the footsteps behind them, suddenly make further ground.
Marley giggled. "Better not tell dad that."
Abby burst into laughter. They quickened their pace and stepped in line with Gillian. They made it into the sanctuary of the women's dress shop just in time. Gibbs stopped dead at the door and went into his subtle bodyguard and observer mode.
Abby was helping Gillian look at different outfits. The two women were having a pretty good time. Gibbs was glad to see Abby bonding with an older woman. She was such an eccentric independent little character. Since Jen's death, Abby had missed the maternal touch in her life. Not to mention she had missed the constant innuendoes' she had made in an effort to extract details about his and Jen's romantic past." He was sure she also missed her creative attempts at matchmaking, because he sure did. Gibbs looked on, now feeling a little guilty that he was as bored as hell.
Marley was bored too. She was itching to buy something. She had never really been shopping in big stores before. Rose had been a little agoraphobic, so most of the time shopping was done on line. Or quick trips to Kmart.
Marley had been thinking about the NCIS team, and how they had saved her life. They had caught Rose's killers and looked after them both. She counted herself lucky. She had two moms, Rose and Gillian, who were two very different people but both very special to her.
Marley had decided that she was going to buy each of them a gift. She had some ideas for Abby, Ziva, and Tony, but she was yet to think of something for Tim, Ducky and Gillian. She also had absolutely no idea what she could get Gibbs. While Gill went on to try on a dress, Marley walked back and stood next to Gibbs. She surveyed the promenade's row of small boutique shops and noticed a computer store.
Perfect, she thought, I can check out something there for Tim. Tim needed something special, considering that their prank had gotten a little out of hand, and the fact that he may find out that some of it was her idea. Some techno application, maybe. He wrote his novels on an old typewriter but he was really into gadgets and computer games. A computer game; the latest computer game was an excellent idea.
I can always order it online. I don't even need the cards that way. I know Rose's numbers and security codes by hear, she thought.
"Hey Gi..Dad, can I go check out the computer games? I don't wanna buy anything; I just need to look for something. "
"I don't think so, Marley. Abby and Gill haven't finished here yet."
"But, they could be ages yet. Can't I just have a quick look? It's just over there."
Gillian's call interrupted her pleading. "Marley, look come and try this on." Gillian held up a little smock top dress. "We'll get some leggings to go with it."
"And some really neat boots." said Abby.
"Come on, Marley, just try it on. It's cute… look."
"I don't do cute, Mom."
Gibbs had to laugh at Marley's determined and petulant expression. The girl was acting more like every other stubborn and pouting twelve year old. Marley crossed her arms and huffed. Though, now she looked more twelve going on six rather than twelve going on twelve, or twelve going on forty- five, like she had just over a week ago.
"Come on, Marley, it's not that cute. It's mainly black. You can hardly see the little flower print. We can "mean" this up a bit with some chains and studded boots."
"Will you people just make up your minds? Marley, just go try on the top," snapped Gibbs.
"Okaaay." Marley headed off to the change rooms.
Gillian went to follow.
"I can try this on by myself, MOM," Marley said loud enough for everyone to hear. Gibbs smiled. She remembered her cover.
Gillian and Abby continued to look over some scarves. They then walked over to Gibbs.
"Had enough shopping then, Jethro?" asked Gillian.
"More than enough! I think we should get back upstairs. McGee has been there for over an hour now, and I'd like to check that all the surveillance is set up."
"Tony and Ziva should be here pretty soon too," added Abby.
Abby was not looking forward to catching up with Tim on her own. Their little prank earlier had been a lot of fun and the unplanned incidents of the Taser and Sister Mary Ellen had been a bonus as far as Tony was concerned. Tim was sure to have some payback planned. Not that he would disregard Gibbs's directive for the weekend, but come Tuesday there would probably be a no holds bar. Just the same, Tim was still going to be pissed. Maybe she could blame it all on Tony. Maybe she could do some wheelin and dealin with Tim and they could get Tony. "I could be a double agent," she aspired.
"I'll just pay for these and then get Marley. For somebody who didn't want to try a dress on in the first place, she is sure taking her time," said Gillian, as she walked off to the register.
"JETHRO!"Gillian called as she came from the change room, panic written on her face.
"Marley's gone! She's not in the change room… She's been taken!"
All three ran to the back of the store. Gibbs pulled back the curtain abruptly.
"Ahhhh!" A rather attractive lady in her underwear yelled and grabbed the curtain back to cover her midriff.
"Sor.. . Ah, beg pardon!" stuttered Gibbs, as he ran onto the next cubical. Gillian and Abby stared at small black smock top lying discarded on the dressing room floor.
FREEZE FRAME: Cut. Mid shot empty change room, a small dress lies on the floor. Gibbs reflection can be seen in the mirror. His face reflects irritation and concern. Convert Black and white. CUT
TBC
Chapter 2 In House Movies
A.N. Sorry, it's a bit long. I prefer short sharp prologues for a new story, but I wanted a bit of a recap. A big thank you to Harliquinn for fixing up my aussie idioms and tenses.
