The drive to Stillwater was silent, for the most part. They drove into a blizzard that had formed near the Pennsylvania border, slowing them down considerably. Abby tried to turn on the radio, but Gibbs insisted that it be off, so he could concentrate on the road. She crossed her arms and pouted. Gibbs smiled when he saw her pout. It reminded him of a time when he'd been in her place. Long drives with Jackson were never easy, but Gibbs enjoyed every moment of them.
The blizzard was getting to be too much to drive in, so Gibbs pulled off the highway and into a rest stop. They went into the small restaurant to get something to eat, and wait out the storm.
After the waitress brought them coffee, Abby tried again to talk to Gibbs.
"Have I told you I'm seeing someone new?" she asked, trying to veer his thoughts elsewhere.
"That's nice, Abbs. Who is he?" Gibbs asked, sipping his coffee.
"It's Bill Nelson."
"From Balboa's team?" Gibbs asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's about time. That kid's been after you for a long time."
Abby smiled and sipped her coffee.
"He's a sweet guy."
"He knows what'll happen if anything bad happens to you," Gibbs said with a smirk.
Abby rolled her eyes and finished her coffee as the waitress brought their lunch. They chatted lightly about Abby and Bill as they ate club sandwiches and chips. By the time they'd finished lunch, the blizzard was nothing more than a flurry. Gibbs paid the bill, and they got back on the road. Abby was happy to have diverted his thoughts, just for a little while.
They arrived in Stillwater by nightfall. Gibbs pulled up to the Doctor's house, and practically leapt from the truck. Abby hurried to catch up with him as he approached the front door. Dr. Grady opened it before Gibbs had a chance to knock. He held out a hand, and Gibbs shook it.
"I'm glad you made it, Leroy."
"Helluva storm coming this way," Gibbs replied. "I think we got here ahead of it."
Dr. Grady looked over Gibbs' shoulder at Abby, who was standing on the porch.
"Who is this lovely young woman?" Dr. Grady asked with a smile.
Gibbs stepped aside, and Abby stepped forward.
"This is Abby Sciuto, a good friend of mine. Abby, this is Dr. George Grady."
"It's very nice to meet you, Dr. Grady," Abby said sweetly. She visibly shivered from the cold.
"Both of you, come in and warm yourselves by the fire. It's freezing out."
Gibbs nodded, and they followed Dr. Grady into the house. He helped her out of her coat, and they joined the Doctor in his living room. It was decorated in earth tones. A plush sofa was arranged near the fireplace. Gibbs and Abby took a seat, while Dr. Grady sat in his favorite armchair, across from them.
"What happened to him, Doc?" Gibbs finally asked, after a period of silence.
"I talked to the hospital about an hour ago," Dr. Grady said softly. "Your father had a heart attack. He died in his sleep."
Gibbs nodded.
"Can I get you some coffee, son? Abby?"
Gibbs shook his head, as did Abby.
"I think I'd better get over to the house. There's a lot to do." He stood and held out his hand. Dr. Grady shook it.
"If you need anything, you call me. Okay?"
"Yes sir, I will."
Abby gave the elderly doctor a hug.
"It was really nice to meet you, Dr. Grady."
"It was a pleasure, my dear." he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Take care of him."
Abby nodded, and followed Gibbs to retrieve their jackets. Dr. Grady saw them out, and watched them climb into the pickup and drive away.
He flipped the kitchen light on as they came into the house through the side door. The kitchen was dimly lit. There were a few dirty dishes in the sink, and a package of chicken lay on a plate on the counter. Jackson had probably taken it out for dinner the night before, and forgot about it. He crossed the kitchen, picked up the thawed chicken, and threw it in the trash.
Abby closed the door behind her and hitched her bag over her shoulder. Gibbs was already starting to clean up the kitchen. She set her bag down and went over to him. He was trying to scrub a dish clean, and he was trying way too hard. She put a hand on his wrist.
"Leave them. We can wash them together in the morning."
Gibbs dropped the plate into the sink. It broke into three pieces.
"He always leaves a mess. I always have to clean it up when I come to visit."
"The mess can wait until tomorrow. Why don't you get some rest? We've been on the road all day."
Gibbs nodded. They picked up their bags from the kitchen floor, and Gibbs showed her to a bedroom. She smiled at the football posters adorning the walls, and what looked like several varsity flags proudly displayed on the wall behind an old desk.
"You can sleep in here," Gibbs said tiredly.
She turned and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you. Promise me you'll get some rest?"
"I promise, Abbs. Good night."
"Good night."
Gibbs smiled, and left her to get ready for bed. He grabbed an extra pillow from the linen closet and went downstairs. He arranged some blankets on the couch for himself, kicked off his shoes and coat, and collapsed onto the couch. His tears stained the pillowcase as he cried and drifted off to sleep.
TBC...