Author's Note: Spoilers for NCIS 9x04 'Enemy on the Hill'
Chapter Ten
Everyone piled out of Gibbs' car and headed towards the building. Instead of going their separate ways at the elevator they all got off on the same floor and headed for the bullpen. Tony and Ziva were already at their desks removing their coats.
"Wasn't that the coolest snow storm ever?" Abby asked. "What'd you guys do while you were stranded?"
"Oh, you know," Tony said, "we just had a quiet day at home, went to bed early—"
"Watch yourself," Ziva interrupted. "There are children present."
"Don't worry, Love," Tony said with a big grin. He walked over and sat on the edge of Ziva's desk and looked over at her. "What happens in the privacy of our bedroom stays in the privacy of our bedroom. It's kind of like Vegas!"
Ziva laughed and playfully smacked Tony's cheek. "Or what doesn't happen?" she asked.
"Hey," Gibbs warned, looking over at them. They all scattered back to their own desks and got ready to begin the work day. Gibbs turned his attention back to Jenny and the twins. "Are you going to take them upstairs with you?" he asked.
"I've got to be in MTAC at 10:00," Jenny answered. "I can watch them until then."
"Are you leaving us?" Bailey asked, his eyes wide and his lower lip starting to quiver.
"Nope," Gibbs said as he knelt in front of the kids, "I'll be right here. You guys are going to go upstairs with Momma Gibbs while I get some work done." He unzipped both their coats and pulled their gloves off. Bailey reached out and latched onto Gibbs' overcoat while Gibbs tucked their gloves in the pockets of their coats.
"You guys have fun," Gibbs said. "I'll see you soon."
Jenny took the twins by the hand and led them towards the stairs. Bailey glanced nervously over at Gibbs until they'd made it upstairs and down the hall to Jenny's office.
"They'll be ok," Abby said sensing Gibbs' worry.
"I know," Gibbs said smiling at her. "Fornell's supposed to be bringing—"
"I've got it right here," Fornell interrupted joining them in the bullpen. "I see you guys made it into work today."
Gibbs glared at him then snatched the tape out of his hands and handed it to Abby. "Robbery/homicide in Chandler Crossing, Virginia last night," he told Tony and Ziva.
"Kinsley and Ryker?" Tony asked. Gibbs nodded at him while he waited for Abby to get the tape going. "They needed money," Tony concluded.
Abby played the tape on one of the TVs in the bullpen with everyone gathered around watching.
"That's Jon Ryker," Fornell said pointing to the shooter, "and that's Aaron Kinsley."
"What's that?" Gibbs asked pointing towards the door of the store. "It looks like their getaway car."
Abby backed the tape up and replayed it a couple times. Everyone agreed the car in front of the door was the one Ryker and Kinsley came and left in. Gibbs sent Abby to the lab to enhance the footage on the tape, Tim to check on the BOLOs and Tony and Ziva to pull the case files from the unsolved crimes Ryker and Kinsley were connected to. He gave Fornell a copy of the emergency room report he'd received from the hospital then sat down at his desk to go over the case file Fornell had given him when they found out their cases were connected.
The morning progressed slowly with Gibbs' team working hard but not having much luck. Bailey and Josie bounced around from coloring in Jenny's office, to playing with Bert in Abby's lab, to laughing at Tony's impressions in the bullpen. After lunch Gibbs took both kids up to Jenny's office for their afternoon nap.
"Hey, do you have any meetings this afternoon?" he asked.
"Not right away," Jenny said. "Right now I'm just doing paperwork. Did you want to lay them down in here?"
"I want to make sure they both get a nap today," Gibbs said as he laid Bailey down on the couch. He covered the little boy up with the blanket from the back of the couch then pulled a chair over next to him. He picked Josie up and reclined back in the chair with her lying across his chest. He rubbed Bailey's stomach with one hand and Josie's back with the other.
Jenny watched Gibbs curiously as he worked on getting both kids to sleep. He looked relaxed enough, reclined in the chair with his eyes closed and one hand resting on each child but Jenny knew him well enough to be able to see that something was bothering him. She waited until she thought both children were asleep before asking him about it.
"Is everything ok, Jethro?"
Gibbs opened his eyes and looked over at her. "Uh-huh," he said unconvincingly, "everything's fine. Why?"
"I don't know. It just seems like something's been bothering you today," Jenny pried. "You've been quiet, even for you."
"I'm fine, Jen," he said, his tone indicating not to push any further. He looked down at Josie and saw she was asleep. He laid her down on the opposite end of the couch as her brother and covered her up with the other end of the blanket. "Call me when they wake up," he said on his way out the door.
Jenny watched as Gibbs disappeared from her office. She wasn't really surprised with the way the conversation had gone but she had opened the door to continue it later. She put her glasses back on and refocused on her paperwork.
Late that afternoon Gibbs got a phone call from Abby telling him she'd finished enhancing the surveillance footage. He stopped to refill his coffee and get a Caf-Pow then headed down to the lab.
"Thanks!" Abby said taking the drink from Gibbs. She took a long slurp while Gibbs watched the enhanced footage. Abby paused it on an image of the car so Gibbs could see the license plate. "I sent McGee the details so he could put out a BOLO."
"Good," Gibbs said, "keep going."
Abby started the tape again and slowed it down right before the clerk was shot so she could read her lips. "She was begging for her life when Ryker shot her point blank in the head," she concluded.
When the tape was over Abby moved in front of Gibbs and looked directly at him. "They got less than $500 from the gas station, Gibbs. They're going to run out of money soon, if they haven't already, and I think we all know what's going to happen next."
"I know, Abs," Gibbs said quietly. He leaned in and kissed her cheek then headed for the door. "Good job," he called over his shoulder before leaving her alone in her lab again.
Gibbs stepped into the elevator and took the short ride up to the squad room. He rounded the corner into the bullpen and found Fornell sitting at his desk. "Do I come to your office and sit at your desk, Tobias?" he asked motioning for the man to move.
"You haven't yet," Fornell said, "but I don't doubt you would. Where are the kiddos?"
"Ziva took the gibblets on a potty break, Boss," Tony answered.
"Boss, I think I have something here!" Tim called from his desk. Gibbs moved over behind Tim and leaned on the back of his chair. "I've been digging into Ryker's past and I just found his parents tax records." Tim punched a few keys on his computer and brought up a map on the plasma screen. "They used to own a horse farm in Rock Springs, Wyoming in the '80s. When they died it went to their only living heir, their son. It's not operational anymore but the property is still in Ryker's name. They could be headed there."
"That's good work, McGee," Gibbs said. "Call the local LEOs and have them sit on the farm. I want to know if Ryker and Kinsley show up there." Gibbs looked at Fornell who was studying the map on the plasma closely. "Problem?"
"Ryker escaped from jail and has been on the run for three years," Fornell said. "He's obviously smart. He has to know we'd find the farm. I don't think that's where they're headed."
"They might if they don't have anywhere else to go," Tony said.
"I'm going to send a couple agents out there just in case," Fornell said pulling his coat on. "That area looks pretty rural. I doubt the local LEOs have enough manpower to sit on the farm."
"Works for me," Gibbs said.
Fornell headed for the elevator and left just as Ziva was returning with the twins. "Guess what, Papa Gibbs," Bailey said tugging on Gibbs' pant leg to get his attention.
"What's up, Kiddo?" Gibbs asked kneeling in front of the twins.
"Ziva took me in the girl's bathroom," Bailey whispered.
Gibbs smiled at the little boy then up at Ziva. "Well, don't tell Tony or he'll want to go in there too."
Bailey glanced over at Tony and giggled. "Can we go home now?" the little boy asked. "I want to go home."
Gibbs glanced at his watch and saw it was getting late in the day. "Sure," he said, "I think it's about time to head home." He stood and looked at his team. "We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow. You guys go home, get some rest."
"Thanks, Boss!" Tony said excitedly. "Hey, you guys want to hit the bar tonight?" he asked Ziva and Tim.
"That sounds like fun," Ziva said. "I would love to."
"I don't have a car," Tim said. "Abby and I rode in with Gibbs."
"I got you, McGoo," Tony said. "Why don't you go collect our little forensic scientist and come with us? It'll be fun!"
Gibbs offered one hand to each twin and took them upstairs. He smiled at Cynthia who was packing up her things for the day then entered Jenny's office.
"Come on, Momma Gibbs," Bailey said walking over to her, "time to go home!"
"Oh it is?" Jenny asked with a smile.
"If you're not ready I can go get them some dinner and we can come back," Gibbs offered.
"It's after 5:00, excuse me, 1700," Jenny said. "There's nothing here that can't wait until tomorrow. Besides, we still need to run by my house so I can grab a few things."
Jenny shut down her computer and collected her belongings while Gibbs dressed the kids in their coats, hats and gloves. Gibbs held Jenny's coat while she put her arms in the sleeves then pulled his own coat on. Jenny grabbed Josie's hand in one of hers and wrapped her other hand around Gibbs' arm. Gibbs took Bailey's hand and they all headed out to the car.
That evening Jenny put in one of the movies Tim and Abby had left for the kids. Gibbs sat down in the middle of the couch and Josie hurried to his lap before her brother could get there.
"Hey!" Bailey said.
"I want a turn to sit on Papa Gibbs, Bailey," Josie said.
"Come sit next to me, Buddy," Gibbs said patting the cushion next to him.
The little boy let out a dramatic sigh before climbing up next to Gibbs. Jenny sat on the other side of Gibbs and started the movie. Bailey stretched himself out on his end of the couch with his feet in Gibbs' lap. When he started poking his sister with his toes Gibbs looked over at him.
"I don't mind if you put your feet on me but keep them off your sister," he said.
Bailey studied Gibbs' expression, trying to determine how serious he was then rolled himself onto his side and focused on the movie. Gibbs ran his hand over the little boy's back so he knew he loved him then wrapped both arms around Josie and kissed the top of her head.
Gibbs quickly grew bored watching the movie. As he continued wrestling with the future in his mind he found himself growing restless. He looked from Bailey to Josie then over at Jenny. It was only a matter of days ago that he'd been alone and unconcerned with the future.
"You ok?" Jenny asked rubbing his arm.
"I think I'm going to go downstairs and work on my boat for a little while," Gibbs said hoping that would help clear his mind.
"Ok," Jenny said slightly worried.
Gibbs kissed the top of Josie's head then handed her to Jenny. Jenny watched as he left, half tempted to follow him but she knew he needed some time alone to work through his thoughts. She hoped after working on his boat he'd be willing to talk to her. She glanced over at Bailey who was so focused on the movie he hadn't even noticed Gibbs' departure then hugged Josie to her and turned her attention back to the TV.
Gibbs was still in the basement when the movie ended. Bailey had fallen asleep shortly after Gibbs left and Josie was still cuddled in Jenny's lap. Jenny carried Bailey upstairs with Josie following close behind her. She changed the little boy out of his jeans and into his pajama pants and decided to leave him in the t-shirt he'd been wearing all day.
"Is it bedtime now?" Josie asked as she followed Jenny across the hall to her own room.
"Uh-huh," Jenny said nodding her head. "Are you sleepy?"
"I think I will be sleepy after you read me a story," Josie said as Jenny helped her change into her pajamas.
Jenny laughed as she pulled Josie's pajama shirt over her head and helped the little girl get her arms in the sleeves. "What story would you like to read tonight?"
"The one with the puppy on the cover," Josie answered.
"Ok," Jenny said. She helped Josie get her pajama pants on then retrieved the book while Josie climbed into bed. Jenny pulled the blankets around Josie then sat down next to her. Josie scooted over to rest her head on Jenny's lap. Jenny ran her fingers through the little girl's hair while she read. By the time she got to the end of the book Josie had fallen asleep. Jenny readjusted her in the bed, kissed her cheek then left her to sleep. With Gibbs still in the basement, she decided to relax in a hot bath.
Gibbs was busy working on his boat when he noticed he no longer heard the TV upstairs or anyone moving around. He glanced at his watch and was surprised by how late it was getting. He downed the last little bit of bourbon in his cup, put his tools away then headed upstairs. When he saw the living room was dark he continued to the second floor and quickly realized Jenny had already put the twins to bed.
After mentally kicking himself for missing bedtime, Gibbs went into Josie's room and sat down next to her on the bed. A smile found its way onto his face as he watched her sleeping so peacefully. He ran his thumb over her cheek before leaning down and kissing her forehead. "Sweet dreams, Josie," he whispered.
Gibbs pulled Josie's bedroom door most of the way closed then went across the hall to Bailey's room. He brushed the little boy's hair away from his eyes and ran his hand down the side of his face. Bailey shifted slightly in the bed let out a low moan. Gibbs smiled as he pulled the blankets over him and kissed his head. "Good night, Bailey."
Gibbs left Bailey to sleep and headed into his own room. He saw the light on under the bathroom door so he knocked and peeked in. "Mind if I join you?" he asked when he saw Jenny in the tub.
"No, come on in," Jenny invited.
"I didn't mean to miss bedtime," Gibbs said as he pulled his shirt over his head. "I guess I lost track of time."
"I would've called you if there was a problem," Jenny said watching Gibbs' pants fall to the floor. She scooted forward in the tub so there was room for him to get in behind her. "Bailey fell asleep during the movie so all I had to do was carry him up to bed."
"He seems to be a good sleeper," Gibbs said stepping out of his underwear, "or maybe it's just because he's been sick." He climbed into the bathtub behind Jenny and lowered himself into the water.
"Well hello," Jenny said approvingly when she felt his erection pressing against her.
"It's just the warm water," Gibbs said. "He'll go away in a minute."
"That's not what I meant, Jethro," Jenny said. "What's going on with you today?"
Gibbs traced his fingers down the sides of Jenny's neck and over her shoulders. He started rubbing her back, hoping to distract her and keep her from prying. His plan was foiled when Jenny leaned back against his chest, pulled his arms around her and held his hands still.
"As good as that feels I'm not going to let you distract me this time," she said. "It's just me, Jethro, talk to me. Tell me what's going on."
Gibbs' eyes darted around the bathroom as he thought through his options. He leaned against the back of the bathtub, still holding Jenny against his chest. He decided since he wasn't having much luck sorting through his thoughts on his own, he would try to open up to Jenny. "I've got a lot on my mind," he started.
"Like?" Jenny prodded.
Gibbs closed his eyes and flashed back to their time in Europe when he trusted Jenny enough to tell her just about anything. He pulled her tighter against him and rested his head against hers. "The twins," he said, "Jen, I don't want to mess up with them."
"What makes you think you will?" Jenny asked.
Gibbs closed his eyes again, drawing on all his inner strength to continue. "I messed up with Kelly and now she's gone."
"Jethro," Jenny said sternly, stopping him before he could go on, "what happened to Shannon and Kelly was not your fault. It was a senseless act of violence that couldn't have been prevented no matter who was watching over them. You didn't mess up and you're not messing up with the twins. They love you and you're great with them."
"I don't think I could do this without you," Gibbs said.
Jenny smiled and turned her head to kiss his cheek. "I'm sure you would be just fine without me but I'm glad you're letting me help. I've been thinking about having kids of my own someday and this is good practice." She ran her hands over Gibbs' legs and could feel the tension still present. "That's not all, is it?" she asked. "What else is on your mind?"
"We've watched kids before," Gibbs said. "I've let kids stay here before but there's always been someone to send them home to. There's always a happy family reunion. These kids are all alone in the world."
"Uh-huh," Jenny said waiting for him to continue.
"Abby was alone once. Gloria took her home, loved her, raised her as her own and now look at her. Bailey and Josie just need somebody to do the same for them."
"Finding out Abby was adopted really had a big impact on you," Jenny said, "didn't it?"
"It's just hard to see her feeling so lost," Gibbs answered. "She's always been so grounded, always known exactly who she is and what she believes. Finding out she was adopted really shook her. I know she's still the same person, she's just struggling with it."
"That's a lot to process, Jethro," Jenny said. "She needs time and she needs to know her surrogate daddy loves her and is always going to be there for her."
"And the twins?" Gibbs asked. "We both know what happens to kids when they're put in the system. They'll probably be split up because no one will have room for both of them. The state doesn't have enough time or money to give them the proper care. I don't want them to end up lost and alone."
Jenny sat quietly, surrounded by Gibbs' arms and legs. Her suspicions were correct; the twins had stolen a piece of his heart. He hadn't said so yet but Jenny knew what he was trying to say. She knew what had been weighing so heavy on his mind all day.
"Jethro, I think you're doing a wonderful job with them," she said, "but I'm not going to try to talk you into or out of this. It has to be a decision you make because it will affect the rest of your life." She ran her hands over his arms which were still wrapped tightly around her midsection. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you. I'll be here for you no matter what."
"Thanks, Jen," Gibbs said finally able to relax a little bit. Even though he still had a big decision to make, the assurance of Jenny's support offered some relief. He brushed her hair out of the way and placed a soft kiss on the nape of her neck.
"So, does your little guy still want to play or is he too tired?" Jenny asked with a smile.
"Little? Guy?" Gibbs asked.
"Ok," Jenny said, "so there's nothing little about him."
Gibbs smiled and left a trail of kisses down Jenny's neck and across her shoulder. "I'm sure if you give him some attention he'll come out and play."