Author's Note: I thought it would be nice to feature Jimmy Palmer in a FF story. Hopefully, the reader will enjoy this leisurely change-of-pace featuring Palmer with Jethro Gibbs. Please let me know if this section fits into the flow of the story.
Dr. Mallard asked Jimmy Palmer a favor: 'Take Agent Gibbs the necessary forms to sign. We must preserve chain of evidence.' The ME Assistant was delighted to oblige. The once awkward conversations between he and the Supervisory Special Agent transformed to a level of mutual respect, confidence and even subtle signs of a friendship with help from their wives. Intentionally, the two conspired for Jimmy to call for Jethro's expertise with a woodwork project. Breena and Suzanne spent a weekend day or evening together, depending on Suzanne's schedule, often leaving the men either on canine/babysitting duty or a multitude of 'honey-do' lists for the home.
"Suzanne's good at her job, Agent Gibbs." Jimmy complimented his friend, the Supervisor's wife. He grilled steaks outside as payment for handyman services, a talent Jethro appreciated once the beer bubbled from the foil. He smelled the delicious peppercorn aroma from the brisk spring air. Palmer's rambling conversations differed from his immediate supervisor, Dr. Donald Mallard or Ducky as the team called the Medical Examiner. The Major Case Response Team members, including Jethro Gibbs, stifle the younger man's input. He listened to a brief story where Suzanne was on television, Victoria immediately pointed calling for 'Sue-Sue.'
"She's a wonderful role model."
"Suzanne spends a lot of time with Jessica Owens after hours." Jethro answered. "She wanted to visit the Children's Hospital with Susie that weekend."
Baby Victoria's company, the soft pitch 'Uncle Gibb,' brought a smile with each visit. Each interaction led to discovery. Jethro watched father-daughter time, listened to the barrage of "whys" and "whats" from the curious tot, and marveled at Jimmy's patience. With Emily at boarding school, Amira with Layla, the elder didn't mind weekends with Jimmy. He took joy in side projects, such as a handmade dollhouse for the little girl. With passing weekends, the time with Jimmy reminded Jethro his first years with Shannon and a new adventure with a second wife. Happier times from the past and the positive outlook for his present without a headshrink. Freely Jethro shared how proud he was of Suzanne. The flow of conversation with Palmer was that of an elder brother, not of 'Grandpa Duck.' At work, Palmer and Jethro exchanged pleasantries, with the seasoned agent advocating, defending the younger from DiNozzo's childish pranks.
With Victoria asleep in Jimmy's arms, he placed her inside the bed and kissed her forehead. It was that particular Saturday where the two shared a beer and watched college basketball. Jethro admired Duck's Assistant as a man, how he cared for Breena and Victoria with similar fortitude.
'You're a good man, Palmer.' Jethro said.
What finally settled the nervousness was earning a smile, a compliment from the Senior Agent.
'You and Suzanne...' Jimmy hesitated but stayed with the original comment. 'Will make wonderful parents, Agent Gibbs.'
It was Palmer who reminded Jethro his blessings and new beginning. Three, four months of marriage and the two heavily involved with their perspective careers. Jethro knew of Suzanne's ambition; everyone at NCIS were conscious to the ambitious, competitive and determined fulltime employee in craft services. Cordial, yes, but during her studies she focused on the joint Master of Public Policy and Juris Doctor program. The courting and wooing was in the final year, where it was certain she'd graduate in May. Convincing her to marriage was a surprise to friends and family; Jethro was delighted to fall in love once again and marry a woman he loved. Suzanne finished with highest distinction, entered the Bar and began her job with the White House. It was a little soon to discuss children.
'I'd love to with Susie.' He confessed. 'Eventually...a son, maybe another daughter...'
The bottles connected for a celebratory toast: family.
Jimmy heard the dialogue upon entering MCRT and noticed Suzanne's picture on the screen.
"Oh, Lord..." His quiet mutter was intended for the individuals who dared ruffled his friend's feathers. Suzanne first met Jimmy at the university gym as a new graduate student. At that point, Breena was his fiancee. Since school days, Palmer and Susie spent their two evenings a week at the local gym as workout partners-nothing more. As a term of endearment, Palmer and Suzanne were often called Zan and Jayna, the 'Wonder Twins,' unsuspecting superheroes of the organization with extraordinary physiques.
"This is not good." Immediately he thought of the outcome from Suzanne, shaking his head at Special Agent Jethro Gibbs. At that moment, he was alone in the area known as the bullpen.
"Oh, she's mad, Palmer." Jethro said, removing his glasses. To alleviate the pressure, he pinched at bridge of his nose, closed his eyes momentarily. "Keeps asking me where she's obese..."
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned..." Palmer passed the manilla folder, focused on the story.
"I hate to disturb you, but Dr. Mallard asked for your signature."
"Oh, they don't know my wife..." Jethro muttered as he signed the papers.
"You know, she's in better shape than the President and the Secret Service." Jimmy commented as he returned to Autopsy. "Maybe Suzanne can show them better than she can tell them..."
'I can show you better than I can tell you...' Whenever Suzanne muttered that phrase, it was a guaranteed promise. "Daddy taught me that." Whether academic, emotional or physical retaliation, it was the statement to determine dominance or territory. Of her two older brothers, Suzanne was the smallest but fiercest competitor. For superiority, she always cheered for an underdog. Being left-handed had its advantages in keeping others on the defensive. The unproficiency worked in her favor, as Suzanne dominated the opposite side. With will, make a way.
"Her expression..." Jethro laughed to himself, as he glanced at Suzanne's picture on his desk. "I can show you better than I can tell you..."