July 4
A call, a note, or a handclasp from a friend nudges aside worry and loneliness just as fog lifting on mountains peels away lingering doubts that the summit might not be there.
Budget hearings. The two words that were guaranteed to send a shiver down Jenny's spine. The two most horrible words she had ever heard as Director.
They were beyond evil. She would rather face up to a livid Gibbs than have to sit through one. There was so much planning and so much at stake. One slip could cost them a lot of money.
And they needed the money. They were at the bottom of the federal food chain and she was never allowed to forget it. She didn't want to return to the days where they were forced to buy their own ammo for the range.
They were right on top of her again. Today was her first day and she was not looking forward to it. Dutch courage was sounding more and more like a good idea. She needed something to help her get through this.
She cursed as she counted the folders in her hand. One short. She couldn't do anything without it. She climbed from her car, told her driver she would be five minutes and almost ran back to her office.
The missing folder sat on the edge of her desk, taunting her. She reached over to pick it up and spotted a post-it note on the front. Curious, she read it.
And smiled. Written in Gibbs' distinct handwriting were the two best words she could have wished for.
Good luck.