Gibbs and Isolde (i-ˈzōl-də)

Chapter 4

The Marke family finally got home from their exciting and long adventure to the Navy Yard. The kids took or were given baths, then were fed pizza for dinner. Everyone headed for bed earlier than usual which was a blessing for Isolde. She was exhausted, confused about finding her brother dead again, and excited about the man Agent Gibbs. But she has enough on her plate, and could not bear to have her heart broken. She took a long hot bath and enjoyed the occasional glass of wine she allowed herself. She dressed in her pajamas and pulled out the picture albums she had of Bobby and the kids. She spent about an hour looking through the albums remembering so many things she had forgotten. While she was terribly disappointed in her sister-in-law, she was extremely proud of her brother. He must have withstood amazingly horrible things in service to his country. She just hoped it was worth it.

Around 10:00 she took a deep breath and called Agent Gibbs.

He answered on the second ring, "Yeah, Gibbs."

She laughed at him. "Do you always answer your phone that way? You always sound the same way."

He laughed softly into the phone, "I guess I always do. Unless I'm pissed off or in a hurry. You would always get the 'Yeah, Gibbs'. No mad, no hurry."

"That is very sweet. Did you learn anything new today?"

"We learned who the marine was that was buried as Bobby. I notified his family today and he will be shipped in the next few days. For some reason known only to the CIA the dog tags were exchanged. We believe that Bobby was held for an extensive time by either the CIA or the enemy and tortured for information. Ultimately he was killed and given back to US Forces. I'm sorry, Isolde. We are unlikely to ever find out who killed him or even why he was killed."

"I don't believe you ever give up on something without the impossibility being very real. I just hope and pray that whatever Bobby died for was worth it. And if he was killed by people who were allegedly on our own side, I hope they rot in the furthest circles of hell. When will I be able to rebury him?"

"By the end of the week I would think. Do you want me to arrange for Abby and Ziva again? And I will be beside you through it all."

"Thank you that would be very kind. Let's talk about something else now. Tell me about your boats."

"I don't know, nothing much to tell. I make boats in my basement. They are all wood, and made entirely by hand. I use only hand tools, and no power tools. It takes a while to build one and every boat I build I learn something to make the next one better."

"How long have you been doing this?"

"More than 15 years. I started a long time ago."

"Is that when you were married and had a child?"

"I think two little birdies have been talking out of turn. But yes, I started sometime early in our marriage. I remember Kelly, my little girl, helping me sand when she got old enough." His voice was full of regret.

"I'm sorry. You can tell me more about it later or never, whatever you want. Your pain is obvious and I don't want to pry." There was a slight pause and she went on talking about the boats. "And how many of these masterpieces have you built, Agent Gibbs?" She said lightly, trying to lift his mood slightly."

"Maybe 4 or 5 over the years. Can you do me a favor Isolde?"

"Anything."

"Can you call me Jethro? Agent Gibbs is too formal, and Gibbs is just a work name. I would rather you call me Jethro."

"Of course, I am honored to have such a designation, Jethro."

"Much better."

They talked for another two hours. He asked her about her plans to go back and teach and still take care of the kids. She asked him about his work hours, danger, and quite boldly asked about his ex-wives. He wondered at her love life and lack thereof. She laughed at that…"You obviously have quite an active love life, where I am afraid I have none. But of course I would not feel the need to marry every lover I have had.

"Oh you wound me, my beautiful princess." She snickered at his overly dramatic flair. They talked about where they were in their respective homes. She laughed, "I am unfortunately in my ratty pajamas curled under the covers of my very big bed, and if I may be so bold, wishing we were having this conversation in person."

"I wish that as well Isolde. But rather in your bed than the hard plank of my latest work in progress." They both were silently for a time just listening to the other breathe. "If I could only reach through the line to touch your face, bury my hand in your hair. My day would end perfectly."

They were both becoming tired, and sadden they weren't together, Isolde especially. "As would mine, Jethro. Before I let you go because I am about to fall asleep, would you be able to come to dinner this week, or next if you are too busy."

"Saturday evening? I could maybe come early and play a little ball with Tristan?"

"Perfect. Bring your bathing suit as well. The children like to swim, or maybe you and I could swim after the kids go to bed. I warn you, I am not much of a cook and have a limited repertoire."

Gibbs laughed on the other end of the phone, "I eat take out almost every meal. You could make me a pimento cheese sandwich and it would be a welcome change."

"The pimento cheese would come straight out of the container, but I promise more than that limited of a meal. Maybe you can bring some wine?"

"Of course. I will look forward to seeing you on Friday for the rather sad events that have brought us together. But look forward to Saturday, with a much happier purpose."

"I suppose it is time to hang up, but I cannot remember a time when I was so desperate not to disconnect from another person."

"I will see you soon Isolde. And I will call you tomorrow and see you the day after. We are not separated for long. Good night. Sweet dreams, Isolde."

"Good night Jethro. I will look forward to seeing you soon. Sweet dreams."

And with that they both genuinely regretted hanging up the phone.