Gibbs wasn't far from the department when he decided to take a trip down memory lane. He found himself at the brush where he separated from Tony and Ziva and closed his eyes…He remembered a stand off between him and the only man left. When each of them fired, Gibbs took a knick on the forehead which caused him to stumble and brush his head up against a nearby tree. When he came to, he found his round had hit home and went in search of help…then the next thing he knew he was waking up to a young kid in the passenger side of a pick up truck.
As he reminisced he reached his hand to where the bullet had grazed across his hairline; what was now a light scar. Each time he ran over it with his hand, he would flash to that moment; when inches came between him and death. But sometimes when the guilt becomes too overwhelming, he wishes those few inches hadn't gotten in the way.
Tony glanced at his watch a few minutes after Gibbs came through the doors. He immediately handed the list of supplies at their disposal and stood there awaiting more directions.
"Ziva contacted you yet?"
Tony slowly shook his head. "No, just figured no news was good news."
"And where'd you learn that Tony? Another one of your stupid movies!" He snapped and motioned for Jay to come over. "Give me the keys to your squad car."
Tony directed Jay to do it quickly and not ask questions. Gibbs didn't say anything else and only stormed out the door with Tony following quickly behind him.
"What are you waiting for?" Tony hollered towards Jay. "We need a navigator."
Jay nodded and was able to get into the car, just as Gibbs started to roar off. "Directions kid."
"Take this road for about eight miles, then we're gonna veer left…"
Tony sat in the back seat trying to figure out Gibbs reaction. If Ziva had something, she would call…but then Tony remembered McGee. After all it'd only been fourteen minutes and 24 seconds since he'd thought of him last.
Ducky had finished packing her a bag and set it beside her door before waving her over. "Come my dear, time to go…"
"Duck man, is this really necessary?"
"Oh, quite…plus it will be good for Mother to have some company other than myself." He handed her the bag. "It is best for you not to be alone right now, especially with everyone out fighting crime…"
"I just hope they all come back in one piece this time…" Her gaze fell to the floor and Ducky lifted her chin up with his hand.
"Now, now…aren't you the one always saying to think good thoughts? So, knock off the non sense and let's get going…Mother will be worried, should I stay out much longer…" He shot her a smile and watched as one made its way across her face as well.
Gibbs threw the car into park and got out with his gun drawn. Tony and Jay followed suit, regardless of whether they thought Gibbs was over reacting or not. He motioned for Tony to take Jay to the back and headed towards the front of the house. He didn't bother to knock and entered cautiously. The three of them met simultaneously in the kitchen.
"All clear boss…"
"Yeah I figured that DiNozzo…" He let his gun fall to his side and glared back at Tony.
"Tried calling her the whole way here boss, got nothing."
"We could check the surrounding area?" Jay offered in a vain attempt to calm Gibbs demeanor.
"You do that." Gibbs pointed then turned around and headed back out the front door.
Tony turned to Jay and shrugged. "Come on kid, if there's a clue out there we better find it."
Jay followed behind him. "Does he always treat you that way Tony?"
Tony shook his head. "Just on his bad days."
"How often are those?"
"What's today?"
Just as the two stepped into the back yard, they heard gun fire erupting near the front of the house. Tony motioned Jay stay behind him as they raced in the direction of the firing. It was there Tony saw Gibbs kneeling beside a familiar body. And it was then he remembered McGee…this time it had been twelve minutes and 22 seconds…
--Flashback--
As the two knelt down, both their heads shot up as they saw a blue sedan crash through the gates. They listened to the gun fire emanate from the drivers side window and watched the bodies begin to fall. "McGee..." Gibbs shouted as he pointed in the direction he wanted Tony to go. But before Tony could move the two of them listened as the gun fire came to a stop, and a familiar frame was pulled out of the car, and onto the ground, motionless.
"No…" Gibbs said softly and hung his head low.
"Probie…" Tony took in a short breath and looked at Gibbs for direction.
--
But just like now… none came.