Rule Number 12
Written for the NFA Missed Opportunity and Kiss Me, Kate Challenges
Characters: Kate, Gibbs, Tony, Tim, Abby, Ducky, Jenny and Ziva
Pairing: It's a surprise ;)
Rating: FR-15/T
Genre: AU/Angst/Drama/Romance/Friendship
Summary: A simple decision can change everything. AU for the end of Season 2 and the beginning of Season 3
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of their respective copyright holders. No infringement intended. The original characters and places mentioned are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to those living, dead, or undead is completely coincidental.
My muse has lost her mind. I have no other explanation.
Chapter 1
"Kate!"
Special Agent Caitlin Todd looked up and smiled at the man, dressed in a well-cut suit and carrying a briefcase, who was walking towards her.
"Jason! Long time no see." She rose to greet him and extended her hand. "How have you been?"
Jason clasped her hand in his and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before settling into a chair at the small café table as Kate returned to her own seat.
"Can't complain. Can't complain at all."
"How are Maria and the girls?"
Jason grinned and pulled a leather wallet from his pocket, opened it and pulled out a plastic photo holder which he handed to Kate.
"Wow. Janie's getting big." Kate examined the pictures, barely managing to hide a twinge of jealousy as she studied the young smiling faces.
"Growing like a weed. She starts kindergarten this fall. "
Kate laughed softly. "I remember when she was just a baby. Time flies, doesn't it?"
"It does indeed. So how are you doing? How's NCIS?"
"I'm good. NCIS is good. Challenging, but good." She studied him for a brief moment. "I understand you quit the Service to go into private security."
He grinned. "I have. Best decision I ever made. And that's why I wanted to talk to you. I think it would be a good decision for you, too."
Kate's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Really?"
Jason laughed at the skeptical tone she had been unable to contain. "I know, you think it's just babysitting a bunch of rich idiots, and sometimes that is the case, but there's a lot more to it. Someone with your skills would be an asset."
"My skills? You mean as a profiler?" He nodded. "Let me guess: pre-employment screening?"
"More like threat assessment, but there's a bit of the screening stuff in there, too." He smiled at her incredulous expression. "Look, Kate, this job is about more than guarding a few profiteers; it's about protecting our non-military interests around the globe. You'd still be helping your country, and I know that's important to you."
"It's not really the same, Jason."
"Yeah, but it has a much better benefits package." He opened his briefcase and pulled out a dark folder, which he handed to her.
"What's this?"
"Job offer."
"Jason…"
He grinned. "Just read it."
Kate sighed and opened the folder, her eyebrows rising as she skimmed the first page. "Wow. That's… very generous."
"Capitalism has its perks."
"So I see." The salary alone had given her pause. "But what makes you think I'd be right for the job?"
"I worked with you for years, Kate. I know you…and I've been keeping tabs on you since you left the Service yourself. You'd be a great fit with the company, and I think you'd find it very rewarding. So, when can you start?"
Kate barely managed not to roll her eyes at the cocky grin her old co-worker was giving her. "It's not that simple, Jason."
It was his turn to show surprise. "Oh? Why is that?"
"Because…it's not just me I have to consider in the decision."
Jason started at her for a brief moment before a genuine smile spread across his face. "You're seeing someone?"
"It's…complicated."
The smile disappeared. "You're not dating your boss, are you?"
Kate snorted softly. "No. Not that complicated." He gave her a quizzical look and she sighed. "We haven't…officially started dating."
"Well, why not?"
"Rule number 12." He raised his eyebrows. "'Never date a co-worker'. My boss's rule. First one he gave me before I even started working for him."
"So, you're…not officially dating a co-worker." Jason considered that for a moment and grinned. "Looks like this would solve one problem, wouldn't it? I don't have that rule, and he'd no longer be your co-worker. Sounds simple enough to me."
Kate had to admit he had a point. She returned her attention to the folder and started to read more carefully. "Sounds like it would involve really long hours."
"Yeah, but you're used to that." She looked up at him, the question clear in her expression. "As I said, I've been keeping tabs on you…and your boss has quite a reputation, too."
"Biggest bastard on the eastern seaboard?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
"He'd be happy to hear that." She continued to read. "Where is the job based?"
"Here in D.C. You wouldn't even have to find a new place to live. Unless you wanted to, that is. You'd be doing a lot of traveling, of course, but you'd still be in D.C. enough that you still be able to spend time with the guy you're not officially dating." He leaned forward with an earnest expression on his face. "It's a great opportunity Kate. At least tell me you'll give it some serious thought."
She slowly closed the folder and placed it on the table in front of her, her gaze focused on the cover as she considered everything she had read. "I'll still need to discuss it with…my co-worker."
"I understand, and I'm willing to give you some time, but I will need to know as soon as you reach a decision."
"I can do that." She managed a smile. "Thank you, Jason, for thinking of me on this. You're right, it is a great opportunity. I…I'll let you know."
He smiled and patted her hand. "I'll be waiting for your call. If you have any more questions…" He handed her a business card with a hand-written number on the back. "I'll be happy to answer them." He checked his watch. "I need to get going. It was great to see you again, Kate, and I really hope to hear from you soon."
"It was good to see you too, Jason. Thanks for…for everything."
He stood, gave her another peck on the cheek, and headed off in the direction from which he had arrived. She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and sighed.
Kate loved her job, she really did, but she had to admit there were things she didn't have now that she truly wanted, not the least of which was the freedom to openly be with the man that had captured her heart. But could she deal with not seeing him every day? Could she handle not being there, helping to keep him safe in the dangerous job that he truly loved as well. It was certainly something to consider.
After several minutes had passed, she pulled out her cell phone and pressed the first number on her speed dial.
"Hey. It's me. Yes, I'm fine. Listen, I need to talk to you. Meet me at our usual place. Twenty minutes? That's great. See you then."
She closed the phone and slipped it back into her purse as she thought back to the event that changed everything. The single, seemingly minor incident that had caused her to re-think her opinion of someone she had thought she knew, and how that had changed her life for the better…
TBC