A/N: Super short chapter here; but it needs to stand alone.
Once he'd reached his car; his heart jumped for joy. Freedom!
"Something you wanna tell me, Tim?"
Tim jumped; his heart in his throat. He wasn't doing anything wrong; but, damn Gibbs just gave him a heart attack!
"Boss! You startled me!" Tim exclaimed; unable to lower his voice in time.
"Mmm. I'm sure." Gibbs said nochanlantly.
"I was going to lunch, Boss."
"Mind if I join you?" the older man asked.
Tim was shocked into silence. Barely remembering his ingrained manners; he finally answered, "Course not, Boss."
"Don't worry, I'll let you drive." Gibbs said with a small grin; trying to set his agent a little at ease.
"Sub shop okay, Boss?" Tim asked, while appreciating the grin; fearing what he knew was coming down the pike.
"it's fine."
The ride to the small sandwich shop on the navy yard was thankfully over quickly; as it had been unnervingly quiet. Tim knew his goose was cooked and he hated like hell lying to the man; but what the hell else was he supposed to have done? he couldn't talk to the man. that never happened. Gibbs wasn't the 'I'm there for you' type; not for Tim anyway. Tim knew that. He knew that Gibbs talked with the others when they needed it.
They peacefully ordered and waited for their sandwich platters and drinks; took a seat in a quiet corner; and ate. When they had both finished eating; the silence grew so lengthy and strained; Tim thought he would have a heart attack from his nerves stretching so tight.
Suddenly, Gibbs whipped out his cell phone.
"I'll be gone most of the afternoon, DiNozzo; you're in charge."
"Don't worry about McGee. McGee is fine." Gibbs snapped his phone shut and put it away.
The silence returned and so did the tension. The moments ticked on as Gibbs stared at Tim while Tim tried his best to not wear his guilt on his sleeve.
"How long have you worked for me?" Gibbs finally asked in a deceptively quiet tone.
"Six years." Tim replied; knowing he was in trouble for something. Had Vance told him already? Damn it!
"Wanna tell me why you chose now to start being dishonest with me?" Gibbs asked with stone cold fury radiating from his quiet voice.
"Boss?"
"I'm not your boss anymore, am I, Tim"