The truth was out but it was too late for anything to be done. Breena was dead and could not be charged for her connection to Jimmy's death or her use of drugs around the children. Unfortunately it also meant that it was too late to help her. Though there really was not much hope. It was hard for addicts to recover and stay in recovery. It would be even harder for Breena. Knowing that her addiction had cost Jimmy his life. If she ever had clarity again. The guilt would had shattered any recovery. She would have overdosed eventually and sooner was actually better than later. Even if she did leave a trail of destruction in her wake.
Ducky could not say that he was surprised. He had not seen Breena in a long while and Jimmy always changed the subject when he asked. The doctor had assumed it was because of Victoria. Babies tended to put a strain on things but the doctor figured things would work out. One day out of the blue Jimmy had asked him about addiction and how to help somebody who had fallen into the grips. Ducky was dumbfounded and gave Jimmy a list of contacts. Words to use and words to avoid. He had never imagined that Jimmy was asking for Breena. At least not until it was far too late. Now it all made sense and his heart was breaking in a way he could not explain. The pain of losing both his son and daughter in law within days of each other. The pain of knowing he could have saved them. If he had just pressed Jimmy a little harder. If he had just gotten the proper answers out. If he had just done things differently. If he had gotten answers out of Jimmy. If he had learned the truth and helped get Breena into rehab. Maybe she would have stayed clean but the dealers would not have pursued Jimmy the way that they did.
Jethro knew the truth now and he had lost his guilt his new feelings were complicated and broken. He knew there was not much he could have done. Addicts really have to help themselves but he could have done something. He could have gotten Jimmy protection detail. If somebody had been there when the attack happened. It could have been prevented or at the very least help could have been summoned, oh so much faster. If an ambulance had been called right away. Jimmy might at least have a fighting chance of survival. He may have at least died somewhere besides a cold sidewalk. With only a terrified Tony by his side. He could have helped Breena get help. It likely would not have helped but at least she would have had a chance. Both lives could have been saved. Tori could have had a chance to grow up with both of her parents. If things had just turned out little differently. Even though the cartels murders had not been directed at Gibbs this time. He still hated them. He hated them for getting Breena addicted and taking Jimmy down. Most of all he hated that they recruited kids and robbed them of their innocence. Something had to be done. To stop those monsters. The first thing that had to be done was helping addicts. If there were not people vying for drugs. The cartels and American dealers would have no way to shatter lives. At least not as easy as they once had.
McGee could not believe he had not seen it. He saw Breena pretty regularly. Delilah and her had gotten to be friends. Breena was even supposed to be one of Delilah's bridesmaids. Then she backed out all of the sudden. Saying she did not know if she could leave Tori for that long. It did not makes sense to McGee. Given that the wedding was only about four hours away. The McGee's had rented a suite of rooms for people coming from longer distances or people who did not want to make an early morning drive. A few others had rented the rooms for a second night. As a get away but it was not mandatory. The McGee's had made it very clear that they did not care if people decided to just drive up in the morning and leave right after. They just had to comp them for the cost of the room. When McGee asked Jimmy about it. The young medical examiner had just shrugged his shoulders and said that he would be there but Breena was staying with Ed. What was really strange. Was that Jimmy stated that he would be bringing Tori with him. Breena's addiction explained everything. McGee kicked himself for not noticing. Like the others not accepting that Jimmy had intentionally kept things under wraps.
Tony's guilt was unimaginable. He had not known that Breena was using drugs. Nobody had not even Ducky. Still he kicked himself for leaving Tali in her care. He did not know and that could easily have been proven but he was a father. He may as well have tossed Tali out of a moving car as Breena bought from her dealer. He had put his daughter in danger and what was worse. Tori had been in constant danger and Tony did not catch on. If Tony had caught on. Well maybe he could have done something. He at least would have stopped leaving Tali in the care of the Palmer's and offered to take Tori into his home. Until they could get things sorted out.
"Why Abba sad? Abba miss Breena and Jimmy?" Tali asked.
"I am sorry that you had to see Breena put the sugar in her nose. I am really sorry that Tori saw it so many times." Tony explained.
"Why you sorry?" Tali asked.
"Because Tali when adults put sugar in their noses. It's bad, really, really bad." Tony explained.
"Why?" Tali asked.
"It's just a bad thing that they do. That we will talk more about when you are a little older." Tony explained.
"OK" Tali yawned.
A/N: The team is reunited in the next chapter. New chapter will be up soon. Please review and thanks for reading.
