Jenny pulled the SUV into a parking space at Happy Hearts Pre-school. Abby had left work early under the guise of a dentist appointment to watch the twins. It was parent-teacher conference day and Jenny sat in the parking lot patiently waiting for Jethro. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Jethro.
"Hi honey!" Jenny said enthusiastically.
"Jen, I can't make it, we have a double homicide at Quantico." Jethro said in a flat voice.
Thus far, Jethro had been balancing work and family quite well, and Jenny wasn't too upset, but she still tried to sway her husband.
"Have DiNozzo process the scene, and when the conference is over you can go back." Jenny said simply.
"Jen, it's more complicated than that, the double homicide is a mother and six-year old little girl. The dad's on the way home from Baghdad." Jethro's voice was still flat.
Jenny's blood ran cold instantly, she knew exactly what her husband was thinking, and before she spoke again, she carefully measured her words.
"Jethro, take all the time you need on this one, and please, call me when you need to talk. I'll give you the details of the conference with Mrs. Smithson later. It's just a simple conference." Jenny swallowed hard as she said it. She had stressed the "when" and had chosen not to say "if" she knew Jethro would need to talk, and eventually, after a few sips of bourbon, he would pour his heart out.
"Thanks Jen, I love you. Kiss the kids for me when you see them." Jethro said it softly before he hung up the phone.
Jenny made her way inside the school and stood outside the classroom that she and Jethro dropped Jackie and Luke off in every morning. There were two other parents waiting. Finally, Mrs. Smithson, the teacher stuck her head out of the door and called Jenny in.
"My apologies for my husband's absence, Mrs. Smithson." Jenny said as she sat in a wooden chair opposite the teacher's desk. "He's a bit busy at work today." Jenny added.
"Well, this is your standard parent-teacher conference." Mrs. Smithson said with a smile.
"Jackie and Luke are two of the smartest students I've seen in a long time. So smart in fact, that they think they can get away with lying." Mrs. Smithson added in a cold tone as her cheery demeanor disappeared.
"Pardon?" Jenny said in a sharp tone.
"Your children are habitual liars Mrs. Gibbs." Mrs. Smithson said simply, as if she were recounting the weather report.
"Here's my dilemma as an educator, I have two extremely bright children, with no disciplinary problems, and yet they feel a need to lie about everything." Mrs. Smithson added.
"Would you care to elaborate?" Jenny said. She was trying to control her anger. The mom side of her brain told her to flip out, but the investigative side of her brain told her to dig deeper.
"Last week we started a project called "My Best Friend" When asked to describe their best friends, Jackie told the entire class that her best friend drives a red hearse, wears dark make-up and even has a spider web tattoo on her neck. I believe her name was Abby. When I explained that Jackie needed to describe a real friend not an imaginary one, she got very angry, insisting that Abby is real. Furthermore, Lucas described his best friend as an old man who wears a skirt and lives with his mother. Lucas' friend apparently is named after a duck. When I told him to describe someone other than his imaginary friend he also got very upset. Needless to say, the twins both stuck up for one another. Then just yesterday during our geography lesson we were discussing Japan, and the twins insisted they had been there, and I had to put them in time out for lying. I'm sure you can understand my concern Mrs. Gibbs." Mrs. Smithson said it as she tapped her fingers on her desk.
For the second time in twenty minutes Jenny was thinking carefully as she chose her words. She didn't know what to say. Her children were telling the truth.
"Mrs. Smithson, my children are telling the truth. We have very dear family friends named Abby and Ducky, well actually Ducky's real name is Donald, but Lucas tends to think of him as Donald Duck." Jenny said it smiling, hoping she could get the teacher to see her side of things.
"So your children do hang out with people who drive hearses and men who wear skirts?" Mrs. Smithson said in a quiet voice.
"Mrs. Gibbs, are you aware of the mandatory reporter law?" Mrs. Smithson added in a cold tone.
Jenny nodded slowly. She knew that Mrs. Smithson was headed for dangerous territory, and Jenny was going to let her walk into the minefield without body armor.
"Well then, I am concerned for the welfare of your children, I must report this to the authorities immediately. People in hearses! Men in skirts! What are doing to your children?" Mrs. Smithson said it harshly.
"Mrs. Smithson, are you aware of the line you're about to cross?" Jenny said it simply.
"Yes, I know involving Children's Services must seem harsh to you, but I'm obligated." Mrs. Smithson said coolly.
Jenny's patience had melted like an ice cream cone in July. She stood up and looked down at Mrs. Smithson.
"Yes, please tell the authorities that I'm a terrible parent because my children spend time with a Scottish doctor who happens to be one of the world's foremost medical examiners, also let them know that Abby who spends her days pouring over forensic evidence to help solve crimes, and her weekends building Habitat for Humanity houses are terrible influences. Also, while you're at it let them know that we went to Japan last year so I could be treated for a rare neurological disorder that I've managed to keep in remission for five years now, even through a high-risk pregnancy, and last of all let them know that my husband couldn't be here today because he's busy solving the murder of a little girl and her mother!" Jenny screamed the last part.
Jenny sharply pivoted on her heel and turned to leave.
"I'll also let them know the mother is mentally unstable." Mrs. Smithson said simply.
The last thing Jenny needed today was a smart-ass remark. So, Jenny did what she had promised herself she wouldn't do. Jenny stopped just short of the doorway and turned around. She walked back to Mrs. Smithson's desk and sunk down to eye level with the teacher. Jenny immediately leaned over the desk and invaded Mrs. Smithson's personal space. She was using every intimidation tactic she had ever learned.
"After you let them know I'm mentally unstable, don't forget to mention that I'm the former Director of NCIS." Jenny said quietly as she looked right into Mrs. Smithson's eyes.
Jenny bolted from the classroom, and got into the SUV in record time. She sped home, and the only thing that calmed her nerves as she walked in the front door was the sight of Abby sitting on the couch running a hand gently through Jackie's loose auburn curls. Lucas was curled up in the recliner, his mop of strawberry-blond hair peeking out over the armrest. Both children had been lulled to sleep for their afternoon nap when Abby had put in a DVD of their favorite cartoon. Jackie's head rested on Abby's lap, and Abby looked as if she could nod off. Jenny stood in the doorway of the living room, and motioned for Abby to meet her in the kitchen. Abby stood up, and gently placed a pillow under Jackie's head.
Abby made her way into the kitchen, and she knew something was wrong instantly. Jenny was pacing, and her arms were crossed over her chest.
"Abby, Jethro's going to need you back at the lab, and it's going to be a long night. I need you to do me a favor. I have to type a letter, then I need you to deliver it, on the way home stop by Pizza Palace and pick up three extra large pizzas please, here's some money." Jenny seemed almost frantic as she pulled a fifty dollar bill from her pocket.
"I'll call the team and tell them that dinner is in an hour, here." Jenny added.
"Jenny are you all right?" Abby asked concerned.
"Yes, please just let me go type this letter, it's only going to take five minutes or so, but it's imperative that you deliver it." Jenny said.
Abby sat in the living room, watching the kids as Jenny hurriedly typed up a letter on the computer. Abby had no idea what was in the letter, but something hinky was going on. Rarely did Jenny ask Abby for favors.
Ten minutes later Jenny handed Abby a sealed envelope that was simply addressed to a "Mrs. Smithson."
Jenny glanced at Abby's outfit. She was wearing a shirt that had a dancing skeleton on the front of it, and black pants with plaid cuffs.
"Abby do you have a skirt with you?" Jenny asked surveying Abby's appearance.
"I always keep a change of clothes in my hearse, you know that Jenny." Abby said quickly.
"Please, put a skirt on before you deliver the letter." Jenny directed.
Abby set the envelope on the kitchen table and ran out to her car. Two minutes later she was wearing one of the shortest plaid skirts Jenny had ever seen. Abby picked the envelope off the table.
"This gets delivered to a Mrs. Smithson at Happy Hearts Preschool." Jenny said as she ushered Abby out the door.
As Abby drove off Jenny picked up the phone and called Jethro. They were done processing the crime scene, and were interviewing neighbors. Jenny explained that everybody was going to have dinner at the house in an hour. Jethro was thankful that Jenny had thought of the team. Jenny had explained in no uncertain terms that Jethro would only get Abby back if the team came over and had pizza.
"We'll be there in forty-five minutes." Jethro said simply as he hung up the phone.
Jenny woke up Jackie and Lucas and got them ready for dinner. The team arrived just as Abby returned with the pizzas.
"Chow time." Jethro said as he rubbed his hands together and picked up a slice of pizza.
"Jen, I dropped that letter off, and boy was that lady's face red." Abby said as she took a sip of soda.
"What lady?" Jethro asked as he swallowed the last of his pizza slice.
Jenny gave Abby a dirty look. Instantly, Abby looked very sorry for whatever crime she had committed in the house of Gibbs. She was hoping she would be able to tell her husband what had happened after he had gotten some rest.
"Jethro, basement…now." Jenny said simply.
The couple had figured out long ago that the basement was a safe haven. With the door closed it was practically soundproof, and the twins couldn't spy on them.
"Uh-oh! Daddy's in trouble!" Jackie giggled from the table.
"Watch out, she'll take your toys away!" Luke added.
Jethro laughed at his son's comment and prayed that Jenny wouldn't find a way to get the boat out of the basement without his help.
Even at four years old Luke and Jackie were smart enough to realize that their parents only went to the basement to discuss serious things.
"I'll make sure they finish dinner." Ziva said as she sat between the children at the kitchen table.
"Boss is getting yelled at." DiNozzo taunted as he grabbed his fourth slice of pizza.
"McGee, take care of that for me." Jethro said simply.
McGee stood behind DiNozzo and slapped him on the back of the head.
"Owww!" DiNozzo wailed.
The twins chuckled at Tony's discomfort.
"What is going on Jen?" Jethro hissed in a loud whisper as they made their way downstairs.
Jenny shut the door behind her and followed her husband to the basement.
"I don't care if I have to work at Starbucks to pay the tuition the kids are going to Milford!" Jenny exclaimed as she clenched her fists.
Milford was an exclusive private school in Washington, and in the past two hours Jenny had become convinced it was the best option for her children.
"Wow, hold up a second what happened to standard parent-teacher conference?" Jethro said as he placed a hand on Jenny's shoulder in an effort to comfort her.
"That bitch Mrs. Smithson thinks we're abusing our children, and that the twins are pathological liars." Jenny said dryly.
"Oh Hell no." Jethro said as he ran a hand through his silver hair.
"Yes we're mentally abusive because Luke described his best friend as a man who wears a skirt and lives with his mother, and Jackie said her best friend was a lady with dark make-up, tattoos, and she drives something called a "hearse". Oh, and she doesn't believe the children have been to Japan, and France, and also she thinks I'm mentally unstable." Jenny added the last part quietly as she stared at the basement floor.
Jethro chuckled at the mental images of Abby and Ducky. To a small child that was probably how they appeared.
"She's reporting us to Children's Services." Jenny said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"You didn't mention NCIS did you?" Jethro asked quietly.
"It was the last thing I screamed at the moron." Jenny said simply.
"What did you tell her?" Jethro asked.
"I told her to have fun reporting the former Director." Jenny said with a sly smile.
"Good for you Jen, you stood up for yourself and your family. I'm proud of you." Jethro said as he wrapped his wife in a hug.
"And Abby?" Jethro asked still slightly confused.
"She delivered the dismissal letter I hastily typed up. You can divorce me if you don't agree, but our children are never setting foot inside Happy Hearts again." Jenny said it quietly.
"I know I should have asked you first, but it seemed like the right thing to do." Jenny added.
"You did the right thing Jen…I've got your back on this." Jethro said as he squeezed his wife tighter.
"I really should have asked you though." Jenny lamented.
"Don't worry about it." Jethro said.
"So it's April, what are we going to do with them until the end of the school year?" Jethro asked.
"Well I thought about this, and they're in Preschool it's not like they're missing out on quantum physics or algebra. They already know their alphabet, numbers and colors. Maybe I could teach them more at home, like addition and subtraction, and because I've been all over the world I probably wouldn't be a bad geography teacher." Jenny said as she broke free of her husband's embrace.
"Like home-schooling?" Jethro asked.
"Sort of, it can't be that hard they're only four." Jenny said.
"This is true, but they need to socialize with children their age." Jethro added.
"Well that's why Jackie goes to Kinder Dance, and Lucas plays T-ball." Jenny replied.
"So it's settled, you'll do what you can with them at home, and next year they'll be at Milford." Jethro said simply.
"Are you prepared to write that tuition check?" Jenny raised an eyebrow as she asked her husband.
"Anything for my kids." Jethro said with a sigh. Milford was going to be expensive, but he wouldn't worry about that now.
"How's the case going?" Jenny asked.
"If I knew anything I'd tell you." Jethro said honestly.
"How are you holding up?" Jenny asked with concern.
"I'm trying not to think about it, to put it out of my mind. I just want to find the guy and put him in jail. Or kill him, I can't decide which." Jethro said in a low voice.
"You'd best get back to work then." Jenny said as she kissed Jethro softly on the lips.
"I best…and I get my scientist back, right?" Jethro said with a laugh.
"Well, you followed directions and ate dinner like a good boy, so I suppose you can have Abby. Is there a lot of evidence for her?" Jenny asked curious.
Jethro only nodded as they headed upstairs.
"Wow…fifteen minutes…you must have been really bad." DiNozzo commented as his boss and wife re-entered the kitchen.
"Very bad daddy." Jackie commented as she picked up a piece of the pizza Ziva had cut into bite-size sections for her.
"Jackie, Lucas, let's go into the living room for a few minutes." Jethro instructed his children.
Dutifully the twins followed their parents into the living room.
"Are we in trouble?" Luke asked.
"No, not at all. Mommy and daddy just had a little talk. You won't be able to go to school with Mrs. Smithson anymore. You'll stay here, and Mommy will be your teacher. She'll do all sorts of fun things like take you to museums, and the zoo. It's very important that you treat Mommy like a regular teacher though. You have to pay attention, and follow the rules." Jethro tried to explain it as simply as possible.
"Why can't we see Mrs. Smithson?" Jackie asked with a frown.
"Well, you're in a very big class with a lot of other students, and that makes it very hard for Mrs. Smithson to do fun things every day , like field trips, or special art projects. With mommy you and Luke will be able to do a lot of different activities every day." Jenny said it quickly without hesitation.
"Oh okay." Luke said as he turned and headed back to the kitchen.
Jackie followed her brother back to the kitchen.
"You always were a good liar." Jethro said quickly as soon as the children were out of earshot.
"I know, and it's always saved our hides." Jenny said with a smile.
Indeed, Jenny's quick thinking and logical lies had kept the pair out of danger many times before.
"We really need to get going; I'm meeting the husband and father of the victims at the airport in an hour." Jethro said as he glanced at his watch.
"Be careful, I love you." Jenny said as she kissed her husband and followed him into the kitchen.
"Let's roll!" Jethro barked at his team.
"Bye everybody!" The twins shouted as Team Gibbs filed out the door.
The team blew kisses and waved at the twins as they headed back out to solve the case.
Jenny looked around the kitchen. It was a mess. There were empty soda cans everywhere, and Jenny was thankful that there was no pizza left.
"They must have been very hungry." Jenny said as she folded up the empty pizza boxes and tossed them in the garbage.
"Uncle Tim said he was famised." Jackie supplied.
"Famished dear, it means very hungry." Jenny explained.
"Famished." Jackie said slowly.
"Mommy, why don't you work like Daddy?" Luke asked.
Jenny sighed as she rinsed out the soda cans.
"Mommy does work. It's just a different kind of work." Jenny tried to think of the best way to explain the situation.
"Why?" Luke pressed his mother.
"Well Daddy goes to an office to do his work every day, right?" Jenny asked her son.
Luke nodded.
"Mommy stays home and does work here. Folding clothes, making dinner, buying groceries, and cleaning the house is work. I just get to do my work here at home. If I didn't do all those things here our house would be very messy. That way I can spend time with you and your sister whenever I want." Jenny sighed as she explained the situation and tossed soda cans into the blue plastic recycling bin that sat next to the garbage can.
"But why can't daddy work here too?" Jackie asked as she gulped her milk.
"Remember when I told you that Daddy has a really special job?" Jenny said as she sat at the kitchen table next to her children.
Jackie smiled and nodded.
"He finds people who break the rules and puts them in time out!" Luke added.
"Yes, he does and sometimes people who break the rules try to hide. Daddy has to leave the house to find them if they're hiding, and then he can put them in time out." Jenny explained.
"Oh. So unless people hid in our house Daddy wouldn't be able to work here?" Jackie asked.
"That's right, and it wouldn't be fun to have people we don't know here, because then they'd be strangers, and what have I told you about strangers?" Jenny asked her children.
"Stay away and yell stranger danger!" Jackie said as she set her cup down.
"Find a policeman and yell!" Luke added.
"Very good. You are both good listeners and I think that deserves ice cream." Jenny said with a smile.
Very rarely did the children get a double treat like pizza and ice cream in the same day, but Jenny was hoping that she could bribe them to go to bed early. She was exhausted, and if she was planning on home-schooling until September, she was going to need her rest.
"Now, go find your sweaters and we can go." Jenny said happily as she stood up.
Jackie and Luke raced upstairs. In record time they were back downstairs hastily pulling their hooded sweatshirts over their heads.
"Need help?" Jenny asked as Jackie tried to wiggle her head through the arm-hole of her sweatshirt.
From inside the sweatshirt Jenny could see her daughter nod.
Jenny reached down and turned the sweatshirt.
"Helps if you have it going in the right direction." Jenny said as Jackie's head popped through the top of the sweatshirt.
Two hours later the twins had enjoyed their ice cream, and hadn't complained much about taking a bath. Jenny sat on the floor of the nursery in between their beds reading the story of David and Goliath. With every page she turned Jenny held up the large book to show her children the colorful pictures.
"Goodnight. I love you two." Jenny whispered as she put the children's Bible back on the bookshelf and turned out the lights.
"Night Mommy. We love you." Two little voices whispered as Jenny left the door slightly ajar.
Jenny headed to the bedroom she shared with Jethro. She had been prepared to wait up for him, but she was unbelievably tired. After a hot shower Jenny put on her pajamas and slid into bed. She read a brief section from the book of Psalms and turned out the light.
It was almost three-thirty before she heard Jethro climb into bed. Gently, he rubbed Jenny's back.
"Mmmhm…" Jenny mumbled.
"We caught the bastard." Jethro whispered in his wife's ear before he rolled over and went to sleep.
