Gibbs had rushed into the garage as soon as it was clear. Commander Tanner had still been alive, but it was clear that the man was fighting to hold on. His eyes roved wildly over the garage before focusing on Gibbs.
"Zach?" Commander Tanner had gasped, barely managing to choke the word out.
"He's alright," Gibbs said. "He's safe. We've got him."
Tanner's eyes had closed for a moment, and then he'd wrenched them open again. He licked his lip. "Keep him safe. Please."
Gibbs swallowed. He hated moments like these, when the ambulance was on the way but it was clear that it wouldn't get here in time.
"Please!" Commander Tanner reached a hand out and wrapped it around Gibbs' wrist. "Promise me you'll take care of my boy!"
Gibbs closed his eyes. He remembered Zach standing on the stairs to the basement, tears in his eyes. You promised you'd bring him back to me, Gibbs. Please! Gibbs opened his eyes again. Commander Tanner was on his last breath, and there was only one thing that Gibbs could say to him.
"I promise," Gibbs said. "I'll take care of him as if he were my own."