She's dead. I can't believe it. All of the time we spent winding each other up, laughing with and at each other, the time working together in the office and in the field, is gone. And I didn't even get to tell her how I felt.
There was always something that I liked about her from the moment that I set my eyes upon her on Air Force One. She was fierce, she didn't take anything from anyone, she was an incredible person. And I guess, deep down, I loved her.
That's why her funeral was so unbearable this morning. I had to sit around and pretend that I didn't feel any pain- that I couldn't still hear that gunshot ringing around and around inside of my head, that I didn't watch her eyes glaze over as her life was sucked out of her in under a second. I had to pretend that I didn't see the woman I love get murdered right in front of my face, and that it wasn't one of the worst experiences in my life.
She was my partner, and that's why when Gibbs asked for volunteers to clear out her desk, I was the first person to step forward. I couldn't bear the thought of some random other agent doing it.
That's how I came across this envelope: I had taken the draws out of the desk to check that nothing had fallen down the back, when I noticed it strategically crammed in underneath the middle draw.
It has my name written on the front in Kate's curly and neat handwriting. My fingers are trembling as I break the seal and pull out the letter.
Dear Tony,
I'm sorry for the pain that I know you'll be feeling when you read this- believe me, this wasn't my choice. If it was, I would've stayed and faced the danger head on. If you find this too early, you may not know what I'm talking about, but you shouldn't find it too early: you know I'll kill you if I catch you going through my desk without my permission.
I smile despite what the rest of the letter is telling me. Is it possible that Kate knew that she was going to die? What does she mean by her choice? Confused, I continue reading.
I don't care what happens, at 22:00 on 25th May, you need to go to the local airport. I don't care if somebody dies; you need to go to that airport. All will be explained once you get there.
I'm so sorry,
Kate.
For a moment I just stare at the letter: 'I don't care if somebody dies'. Could Kate be hinting at something- something impossible?
I check my watch: 21:50. The airport is 20 minutes away, but if I speed, I can make it in just under 10. I snatch up my keys, not even bothering to grab a jacket to shelter from the harsh weather before I dash for the elevator.
After I arrive at the airport and flash my badge at various terminals, check in desks and entrances, I stride into the main waiting area.
The room is practically empty apart from a few small families, some couples and a dozen or so lone travellers. However, my eyes are drawn to one of these lone travellers in particular.
A woman is sat in the corner of the room, sketching in an A5 drawing pad. She's wearing a black sweater with a hood that disguises her face completely. As I step forward, attempting to identify her, she checks her watch and looks up, our eyes meet, and that's when I know.
She rises from her seat immediately and starts sprinting towards me. I almost fall over as she jumps into my arms and hugs me tightly. I lift her up and spin her around, not believing that she is here, alive and well. This is the first ever time she's hugged me, and boy it feels so great.
"You're alive," I whisper as I hold her close.
Kate looks me directly in the eye and gives me a delighted smile. "Yeah," she murmurs.
"What's with the hood?" I ask.
She sighs and the light fades from her smile quickly. "It's all over the news that a terrorist killed a federal agent by the name of Caitlin Todd. My picture is everywhere- it wouldn't be good to be seen by anyone alive." Noticing my confused expression, she continues, "There are some FBI staff taking part in this mission; none of the airport staff have asked any questions about why I'm here, or my identity."
I put her down on her feet and she takes my hand. "Let's take a walk," she says.
AN: Hey! This is the start of my new three chapter long shortfic Don't Be Gone Too Long. I'll probably have finished it by Wednesday, so it'll be short and sweet! I hope you like the first chapter!
Louise :)