CHAPTER NINE

By Monday evening, Hollis is beginning to believe she won't hear from Gibbs. She came home after her confession and waited to hear from him. Now, after two days she doesn't hold out much hope. Monday was her normal day to go visit Greg, but she had called and canceled… for the first time in six years. Early this morning, intent on going to visit, she went upstairs to put get dressed, but it just didn't feel right. She began to cry, realizing she no longer wanted to pretend any more. In her current emotional turmoil she knew she couldn't put on a happy face for Greg. It was best to skip a day… besides, it wasn't like she did it all the time. She just needed to be here, in her home waiting for Gibbs. The fact that he might not come was something she'd face later… tomorrow, when she had to face work. For today, she couldn't give up hope that he'd still want to work things out.

She completely cleaned her house on previous days so that left very little for her to do now. She decides to work on one of her long overdue craft projects piled up in her sewing room. For the most part, the concentration needed to keep from sewing her fingers together kept her mind off Gibbs… but not completely. The project was a quilt she'd been planning to make him for over a year now. Somehow, this seemed like a good time to start it… maybe her concentrated efforts on the quilt would somehow make him appear on her doorstep. Deep in concentration, she is carefully stitching two squares of material together when a strange feeling comes over her.

Her foot comes off the pedal, silencing the noisy buzz of the sewing machine as she senses someone watching her. She sits up slowly, turning towards the door to see Gibbs standing there. There is a long, tense silence as their eyes meet and each tries to gauge the others mood. He stands motionless with no expression on his face as she slowly stands up to face him. The quilt is forgotten as she notices that his hands are holding something behind his back. He still offers no comment so she nervously breaks the silence.

"I… I didn't hear you come in."

"Obviously… I came by to return this."

At that he brings his hands around front to reveal her small suitcase. He tosses it on the bed beside her. Her eyes follow it as it lands next to her with a soft thud and her mind races over the implications. Did he look inside? Was he simply returning the case and all its contents to her? Was tossing it back at her his way of telling her he didn't want anything further to do with her? Her heart is pounding so hard the room suddenly begins to spin around her. She's never been one for hysteria or fainting, but the thought that this could be it… that it was over between them is more than she can take. She hasn't slept much lately and now all of her fears rush to the surface as she turns away from him to hide her pain.
She stands staring at the case as a soft whimper escapes her throat. Gibbs sees her sway as the color drains from her face; she is about to faint. Her hand comes up to her throat, shaking badly as she tries to control her emotions. She is staring intently at the suitcase and doesn't hear Gibbs come up behind her. He sees her sway slightly and his hands come out to firmly grip her shoulders, steadying her."Holly, you all right?""Yea… I'm ok… I just…"
"You got white as a sheet… I thought you were gonna' pass out.""I'm all right… really."

She tenses, trying to control the tremors shaking her body, but to Gibbs she is tensing away from his touch. He understands, considering all they've been through lately, but he doesn't take his hands from her shoulders. Just touching her now brings him a confidence he hasn't felt in many days. She continues to stare at the case as she composes herself. "I… seeing you here… with that… I just wasn't prepared to have you bring it back."

Although her voice is level and low, Gibbs suddenly realizes why she reacted the way she did. She thought he was returning the case… as she left it with him. And if he were that meant it was over for good. His lip twitches in a slight smile, understanding her fears, but not ready to end his little game yet. His fingers tighten on her shoulders as he pushes her closer to the bed. "Pick it up." She hesitates, not wanting to face the truth.

She is very conscious of him standing directly behind her and tries to ignore the way her pulse is fluttering erratically. If this was the end for them she wanted to put it off as long as possible. When she still doesn't move he places a hand on her elbow and firmly moves her hand out to touch the case. He stands beside her now, holding her hand still even as she recoils from touching the case. Gibbs slides his hand down to lay over hers and make her grip the handle.

"Pick it up."

She stands motionless, like a puppet as he now picks the case up with her. It feels lighter than she remembers, but thinks this is only because he is holding part of the weight. He now turns her around as he marches her to the door. She moves stiffly, as if in some strange nightmare, but she can't seem to protest as he guides her down the hall to her bedroom. He walks her up to the bed and moves her hand to set the case on it. He doesn't release her hand as he gives his next order.

"Open it."

She hesitates again, but he merely moves her hand to the latch for her. She feels panic welling up in her, knowing this is the final moment as a soft gasp escapes her as he flips the latch open. With that done, he finally releases her hand, allowing her to open the case on her own. It takes her several seconds to get up the courage to do it, but when she does lift the lid she is stunned. It is empty and she stands there staring in disbelief.

Gibbs is watching her closely, but when she doesn't reply he softly says, "I thought you might need it."

"Why?"

"Because… you're gonna pack the rest of your stuff… right now."

"But…"

"No more games, Holly. I love you… and I'm not gonna let you go. I don't care if I have

to kidnap you… you're coming home with me where you belong."

There are tears streaming down her cheeks, but still she refuses to look at him. Gibbs can't tell if they are happy or sad tears so he reaches out to cup her chin in his hand, guiding it as he brings her eyes up to his. When their eyes meet he huskily pleads; "Please, forgive me, honey… I can't live without you."

He kisses her gently and Holly feels her heart exploding with happiness. She is crying openly now as she turns to melt into his arms. Her arms wrap tightly around his neck as she breathlessly whispers, "Oh, Gibbs… I need you too…" He holds her so tight she can hardly breathe, but she doesn't even notice.

She begins placing frantic kisses along the column of his throat. Gibbs pulls back just far enough to take her in a searching kiss that leaves no doubt about his feelings for her. Holly eagerly returns his caress, moaning softly as she surrenders to his urgent demand and deepens the kiss. Like a dying man in search of water, Gibbs can't seem to get enough of her and each kiss blends into the next. It is a long time before they finally part, both panting hard as their eyes simmer with passion. All the fear and pain of the past days is gone as the famous Gibbs smirk appears.

"You want me to help you pack?"

Holly hesitates to answer, needing to be sure Gibbs understands everything he's getting into with her. She lowers her eyes to his chin and nervously shakes her head. "Gibbs… what if I don't want to move to your house?"

A sudden jolt of fear hits him, but he controls it… remembering his plan not to let her back out of this. He knows it will be hard for her, considering everything she's been through, but he is determined to resolve this rift between them.

"Ok… so, we'll live here. I don't care, Holly… but one way or the other you're gonna be living with me today. "

"You know… I… I have commitments… that hasn't changed."

Gibbs studies her for a moment, knowing she is referring to her visits to Greg. He has given a lot of thought to this and knows he can't ask her to stop visiting… or caring for him. In the long run it is a minor problem as long as he knows she's his the rest of the time. His fingers come up to stroke back her hair. "Yea, I know… that's why I suggested you move to my house… its closer to the care center."

Her eyes now come up to meet his and she can see the truth in his eyes. He is accepting Greg as a part of their lives… and trying to make it as easy on her as possible. Tears once again fill her eyes and her voice trembles as she is overwhelmed with love for him.

"Jethro… I don't deserve you, but I love you so much!"

"I love you too, honey… now, let's start packing."

"Later… I have something more urgent I need you to do."

Holly leans closer to take him in another slow, romantic kiss. All time stands still as she shows him exactly what she wants of him now. As their kiss continues she slowly steps back, pulling him with her until she is against the bed. Gibbs supports her as she leans over to push the suitcase to the floor. He follows her motion, supporting them both on his arm as he lowers her onto her back beneath him. He covers her body with his own as she moans softly and curves her arms around him. She draws his mouth back down to hers, nibbling on his lips as she huskily whispers, "Love me…"

"You know I do…"

"Show me…" The sultry look in her eyes tells him she doesn't want sex… she wants his love.

He begins a slow, steady assault on her senses, kissing her with such sweet emotion she can't contain the excitement growing inside her. They spend long minutes just kissing and touching as he allows his lips to glide sensuously over her cheeks, eyes and throat. Holly's pulse is racing as his lips find the quick beat in her throat. His tongue skillfully caresses it and a breathless sigh escapes her. When his lips again find hers wave after wave of pleasure courses through her when his tongue delves deeply in search of her own. She is lost in a world of pleasure, allowing her passion free rein as his hand now slips up under her t-shirt. His kisses have her panting for more as his hand cups her breast through her thin lace bra. He squeezes it firmly, rolling her hard nipple between his finger and thumb. Holly cries out, arching up to him as starbursts of bittersweet pain explode inside her. She breaks the kiss, gasping softly as her body trembles in his arms.

He lowers his mouth to her ear, breathing heavily as he nips her ear. I missed you."

He continues to gently roll her nipple between his fingers, causing her to tremble in response. His tongue torments her further, dipping into her ear as he growls huskily to her. She trembles in response as waves of anticipation radiate from her hips. She wraps her leg around his hips as she urges him closer, lifting up to press her hips against the hardness of his.

"Mmmnnn… baby… I need you… deep inside me… where you belong…"

Gibbs presses his hips to hers, tormenting her further as he takes his time, tormenting her as he slowly begins to remove her clothing. She helps him pull her t-shirt up over her head and then his own before Gibbs turns his attention to the lacy barrier. He lowers his mouth to her breast, nuzzling her soft skin as his hand slips underneath her to unfasten the clasp. She arches her back to help him and her bra is soon tossed across the room in careless disregard. Gibbs wastes no time claiming his prize as his mouth drops to one firm tip.

Hollis's head rolls back, arching up to him as a husky moan escapes her. He hungrily mauls one, then the other, suckling hard and demanding her complete surrender. Holly is overcome by the intense waves of excitement his rough caress is bringing her. Her hand curves into the thick hair to guide him. In his need, Gibbs nips her flesh and she whimpers in pain. Gibbs pulls back for a moment, breathing raggedly as his eyes come up to meet hers. Silent understanding passes between them before Holly guides his mouth back to her breast. This time, Gibbs has his passion under control and focuses on pleasing her as he removes the remainder of their clothing. When they are both naked he presses the hard shaft of his manhood against her thigh and Holly moans in response. She once again wraps her leg up around his hips, urging him closer. Gibbs brings his eyes up as he mounts her, settling into the cradle of her hips.

"Do you love me?""I love you, Jethro… more than I can ever show you… the way you touch me… the way you kiss me… the... mmmnnn…"

As she talks, her hands glide slowly down his back and come to settle on his hips. She raises her knees up high along his sides; urging him to enter her. He complies and their eyes remain locked as his big cock slides slowly inside her. Her words trail off on a soft moan of pure pleasure and her eyes flutter for a moment as she is overcome by his possession. When he is fully embedded in her he stops and her eyes open again to meet his. The love shining in her eyes is over-whelming as she huskily continues.

"I love you… so deep inside me… so hard… so perfect… ooohhh…"

Her husky words excite him as he reaches down to hook his arm behind her knee, pulling it higher. He thrusts into her, hot and wet. He lowers his head to her shoulder, growling huskily as he fights for control. Slow and steady, pulling back until to hesitate then plunging back in until he is buried deep inside her.

"Aaahhh… honey… you were made for me…"

She smiles at his words and her arms curl up around his back, holding on as she meets his thrusts perfectly. They spend long minutes moving slow and easy, lost in the sensual pleasure as he kisses her with the same slow intensity. His tongue delves into her mouth, twining with hers as the tidal wave builds in them. Holly finally breaks the kiss to arch her head back, moaning huskily as she is overcome with a desire only he can satisfy.

"Ooohhh… baby… ooohhh please… now…"

He feels her body trembling in his arms and knows she is on the verge. Her hands grip his hips, urging him on as her legs curl up high along his back. He begins to thrust harder, but still slow and she moans huskily in response. His torment continues as he repeatedly brings her to the brink of insanity, only to back off and keep her dangling on the edge. She is panting shallowly with each thrust.

"Jethro… please… aaahhh… now… oh… God… yes… yes!"

At her pleading Gibbs begins to thrust hard and deep as he gives her what she craves. She clings to him, arching her body up as he drives his cock deeply until she is lost in a world of mindless pleasure. Her body arches as she is overcome with waves of intense pleasure, moaning every time he drives into her. Gibbs prolongs her orgasm, thrusting hard and then holding it there before slowly withdrawing to do it again. Holly is lost, flooded by the tidal wave of sheer sensation washing over her. Gibbs lowers his mouth to her ear and nips her gently.

"Mmnn… that's right… come for me, baby…"

He gradually slows his pace, bringing her down and enjoying the way her canal tightly grips his cock. It would be very easy to let himself go now, but he keeps a tight rein on his passion. When Holly is lying beneath him, calm, he raises up on his elbows to look into her hazy eyes. It never ceases to amaze him when he looks in her eyes at this moment… the total surrender, the total love takes his breath away.

He lowers his mouth to hers in a slow, searching kiss and they spend long minutes just kissing as he remains still inside her. When he finally pulls back it is only to reposition himself as he moves to her side. He turns her onto her side, facing away from him as he lays behind her, pressing himself close to her back. He lifts her leg, holding it up along her side as he slowly pushes his shaft back inside her. Hollis holds her leg up, freeing his hand to do other things. He supports himself on his arm as he now reaches up to caress her breast. He rubs his thumb across her nipple and it hardens to his touch as a soft moan escapes her. He then presses her back against his chest as he bends his head down to claim the dark tip. She moans again, loving the sensation as he suckles her swollen breast while sliding his cock slowly into her body. His hand cups her breast, gripping it firmly as he draws it up to his mouth and Holly arches up to comply. His mouth becomes rougher as his teeth close around her nipple to hold it while his tongue flicks over the tip. Sharp waves of bittersweet pain course through her and she cries out as her canal clamps down in response to his torment. He growls huskily and begins to thrust harder now.

Hollis is panting softly, moaning with each thrust as he once again takes her to the edge of her sanity. Her hand comes up to grasp his hand as she pulls it away from her breast. He allows her to push his hand lower until it covers her sex. He strokes her sex in rhythm with his thrusting hips and a low groan of pleasure tells him she is once again soaring to that mindless abyss. Hollis loses herself in the moment as he begins to thrust harder and faster now. It isn't long before Hollis is trembling as she cries out and arches her body in mindless ecstasy.

Gibbs continues to stroke her sex hard and fast, but when he feels the tidal wave rushing forth inside him and suddenly shifts his weight as he rolls her onto her stomach, mounting her from behind as he now drives into her hard and fast. His hand lifts her hips as he rams into her, driving with such force he pushes her across the bed. Hollis is stunned by the intensity of the pleasure coursing through her and can only gasp breathlessly. He supports his weight on his elbow as he lowers his head to her shoulder. His teeth dig in, holding her captive as he rams into her fast and furious for several seconds then goes rigid above her. His entire body trembles as a primitive growl escapes him. After several moments he sighs and finally collapses on her, completely drained. He is panting hard, dazed by the intensity of the orgasm as he releases her flesh.

"Aaahhh… baby… that was…""…incredible."

Gibbs smiles tiredly as she finishes his thought and pushes his cock into her again, causing her to moan as a tremor shakes her. He kisses her back and huskily agrees with her assessment. "Yes it was…"

It is late into the evening before they venture from bed, finally satisfied and starving. Gibbs and Holly spent Sunday evening working out their living arrangements.

On Monday Turk shows up at the Navy Yard as scheduled. He is just entering the main office when McGee approaches and greets him. "Hey, Mr. Daniels… you still in town?"

"Yea... Hey, is Gibbs in? He told me to be here around noon."

"Aahh… yea, he's in the Director's with Colonel Mann. I'll let them know you're here."

Gibbs and Hollis standing side by side, waiting while Director Vance looks over a file. Keeping his eyes on the file, Vance pretends to miss the intimacy between them as Gibbs nudges her in the arm gently and she smiles in return. He clears his throat and looks up just as Gibbs' cell phone buzzes on his hip. He listens to McGee's announcement that Turk Daniels has arrived and then responds, "Aahh… no, I'll be right down." He flips the phone closed, "Daniels is here."

"Okay, so tell me again why we're not just putting a call through to the Coast Guard guys to let them handle this?"

"Director, this is still a murder investigation... and we... Agent Gibbs and myself, we believe his father is ultimately responsible for his son's death."

"Really? Did he stab him? Did he dump him in the ocean?"

"Come on, Leon... you know he is. Being the drug connection in D.C that kept Skow and his crew in business is the reason Scott was calling the Coast Guard to give them info on the smuggling operation. He knew his father was involved... and he hid his stash of heroin as insurance, just like the letter said."

He stares from one to the other, wondering how long they were going to keep pretending they weren't in a relationship. Vance finally hands the file back to Gibbs as he stands up. "All right. I'll make the call. Just make sure you tie up all the loose ends, Gibbs. I want this case closed."

Gibbs ushers her out of Vance's office as Hollis waves his thanks. As they come down the stairs, Turk is standing there with McGee. Hollis smiles at the tall Texan, "Howdy, cowboy."

"You know, most people say something stupid like that to me and I wanna' bust 'em in the chops, but coming from you I kinda like it."

"That because you're a sucker for a woman in uniform, Daniels?"

"No… I'm a sucker for a beautiful woman, Gibbs. Just like you." He winks at Colonel Mann, letting her know there is more to their relationship than being professional colleagues. Gibbs just smirks to himself and lets the comment go as he strides over to his desk.

Tony, Ziva and McGee all watch the interchange with interest, amazed that their boss didn't rip his head off for such a personal comment. Instead he just grinned. Ziva comes to stand next to Tony and they exchange a look that says it all. McGee joins them looking confused as he comments, "He's sure in a good mood today."

"Yes, he is."

"Any idea why...?" McGee doesn't finish his question as Tony reaches around to gently head slap him.

"Hey! What was that for?" He looks to the senior field agent with indignation, but it is Ziva who answers him.

"McGee, how can you be so unobservant?" McGee now realizes he has missed one of those 'human moments' and scans the others for some sign of what he missed. By this time, Gibbs, Colonel Mann and Turk are all heading for the elevators.

"Hey! You three stooges coming or not?" Gibbs turns to yell at them as the elevator dings and the door slides open. They all three rush to grab their gear and make it to the elevator before the doors close.

DiNozzo, being the senior agent is the first to ask for clarification on their destination. "So, where we headed, boss?"

"When Scott got back from the service, he found his old man had gone into the smuggling business. His old man rationalized it to running moon-shine during prohibition." It only takes him a few moments to give them the quick rundown on what's going to take place today. Hollis watches Gibbs and is amazed she almost lost him. When the elevator opens, the team is up to speed and knows what they need to do.

******

An hour later Wayne McWhirter is down at the Land's End Marina. He didn't waste any time after he got the call from Turk Daniels saying he'd found his 'missing property.' McWhirter located the hidden property where Turk told him it would be; where his son stashed it weeks ago. McWhirter brought along a dive tank and mask so he could retrieve his precious property. There is a chain link fence with a rusty old chain and padlock securing the entrance to the old pier, but McWhirter simply pulls out a key to unlock it. A sign on the gate reads, "Keep out – property of McWhirter Salvage". Shortly after the pier was condemned McWhirter Salvage put a claim on it and the waters around it for salvage rights. He put this fence up to keep others out and ironically his son used it to keep him away from his own property. He swings the gate out of his way and carries the equipment casually down to the old, abandoned pier that no one uses anymore.

At the end of the pier he quickly puts on his dive gear and then leaps off the end of the pier. He sinks down below the surface to search for the metal chest. It doesn't take him long to locate it under twenty feet of water, right where Turk said it would be. He ties a rope to the handles on either end and leaves the chest where it is as he now kicks his way back to the surface with the rest of the rope uncoiling in his hand. He swims to the pier ladder and starts to climb up, while still clutching the rope in his hand.

He doesn't notice the dozen eyes watching him from various hiding places along the pier and in other boats throughout the marina. He is intent on recovering his property; quickly tearing off his dive gear before stepping back to the edge to begin pulling the chest up. He has just about gotten the heavy chest up to the old rotted boards of the pier when he hears the boards of the old pier creaking behind him. Startled, his head snaps around to see Gibbs, Hollis and Turk coming up behind him. Shock registers on his face for a moment then he quickly masks it. His hands stay frozen on the line, not pulling it in and not releasing it either. McWhirter tries to control the tremor in his voice as he gruffly snaps at them.

"This is private property."

Gibbs and Turk ignore him and step closer as they peer over the edge to where the rope is tied to the dripping metal chest. They flank him on either side as Turk glances over to McWhirter.

"You locate your property, Mr. McWhirter? Go on, haul it up… we all want to see what was so important."

McWhirter stays frozen in place while he wars between his greed and his fear of being caught. His mind works furiously as he looks from one man to the other, wondering if they really know what's inside the chest. He takes a chance and thinks he can bluff his way past them. He quickly takes up the slack again and hauls the chest up onto the pier. He turns to Turk now and lowers his voice. "I hired you to do a job… what the hell are they doing here?"

Hollis overhears his question and speaks for the first time as she steps up and casually answers for Turk. "We're working your son's murder case... remember?"

While McWhirter's attention is diverted to Hollis; Gibbs moves in to grab the rope from his startled hands. Before he can react, Gibbs coils the rope and hauls the chest out of his reach. They all stand around it staring, but McWhirter still believes he is the only one who knows its contents. He tries to bluff and purposely ignores the chest at Gibbs' feet as his cold eyes turn on Hollis.

"My son is dead… case closed… now get out… all of you!"

They ignore his order and stay put as Gibbs now drops the rope and uses his foot to kick the chest around until the opening latch is facing McWhirter. With that done he raises cold, knowing eyes to the old man. "Go ahead… open it."

For the first time McWhirter begins to panic as he realizes they do know what's inside the chest. His eyes dart from Gibbs' cold glare to Turk's smug look. His finger snaps out to point at Turk.

"I paid you good money! You betrayed…!"

"You paid me, one, to locate your son's killer. Ok, they're in jail… and two, to find this chest.

Well, here it is. Go ahead and open it!"

McWhirter feels trapped as his eyes dart from Turk to Gibbs and sees the folded paper he is holding out now. Gibbs smiles smugly as he drops the final nail in the old man's coffin. "This is a copy of the search warrant for this abandoned pier, your offices and your salvage yard."

McWhirter knows there is no way out of this and finally sighs as all resistance leaves him and his shoulders sag in surrender. Seeing that he has no intention of opening the chest and implicating himself in this smuggling operation, Gibbs finally kneels down on one knee and reaches across the small chest to flip the latch and open the lid. All eyes are glued to the chest as it opens to reveal hundreds of small glass vials containing pure white powder. Gibbs picks up one and studies it before placing it into Hollis' hand. She also studies it and holds it up to McWhirter as she glares at him in disgust.

"Heroin? Tell me, was your son's life worth this?"

McWhirter continues to stare at the small glass vial she holds. He can't bring himself to look her in the eye… overcome with shame for having been responsible for his son's death. His son, who was the only good thing to ever come from his entire, retched life… dead now because of his own greed. Gibbs motions for the Coast Guard MP's to come in and secure McWhirter and the evidence. Hollis hands the vial back to Gibbs and then heads back up the pier to wait, unable to contain the anger she feels at the man who's greed killed his own son… and almost killed her and Gibbs in the process.