Title: Redemption

Episode Tag: NCIS, Episode 6.12, "Caged"

Prompt:

Ziva: Do any of us really believe that Celia killed Trimble?

McGee: I don't think anyone is going to lose any sleep over it.

Disclaimers: I do not own NCIS and any of the characters from the show.

A/N: Hello everyone! First, I would like to apologize for the very loooong wait. It has been a very busy season of reconciling weekly reports and training someone, that I didn't have the right frame of mind to proofread this last chapter. So anyhoo, I hope you enjoy this last one. Again, at the moment, I do not have any intention of continuing this story. But if the muse strikes back, then there will be a sequel of some sorts. In advance, I'm sorry if I'm leaving you hanging.


A week has passed since he visited Celia Roberts. He was sitting in front of his desk, finishing up his paper work when his phone rang.

"Agent McGee," he answered.

"Hello?"

There is no answer from the other line, but since it was quiet in the bullpen, he could hear faint breathing coming from the other side.

"Look, I'm a little busy here. So either you tell me why you called or I'll hang up."

He can't explain how he knew, but he thought he had an idea to who was his mystery caller.

"Why?"

His heart almost stopped when he heard that cold voice once again. He expected it, but he couldn't actually believe that it was her. He was really glad that he was alone at the moment.

"I thought you should know," he answered, matter of fact.

"…"

He sighed.

"I just…" Why is this so hard?

"After what you did…for her and her daughters…I just thought you should know that it didn't go to waste. You…You gave them something that I know you would want to give yourself as well."

He didn't know where that thought came from, but he was surprised that he actually believed in what he just told her.

He heard a laugh from the other line.

"Oh yeah? How do you know what I want to give myself?"

Bitter. She still has that bitter tone in her voice, but at the same time, he could hear something beneath it.

"I actually don't know how, but I think it was when you apologized to killing Lt. Poletto."

"You're more gullible than I thought then."

"Am I? Then tell me, why did you admit to killing someone you didn't kill in the first place?"

"…"

"Look, I really am busy here so..."

"I wouldn't keep you any longer then."

He waited a few more seconds before he hung up the phone. It took him a while before he was able to get back to his work. And when he did, he couldn't stop hearing her quiet voice just before he heard the dial tone. He never thought that he would ever hear something so sincere coming out from Celia's mouth, but that is what he heard when Celia ended her call.

"Thank you...Agent McGee."


A/N: The End. Again, thank you very much to all of you who have read this story - even going as far as liking it! Glad to make a contribution to the wonderful world of NCIS fandom! Cheers! =)