"For crying out loud we didn't need to buy all of this!" Gibbs groaned under the weight of the Bags as he followed Kelly loyally through the mall. "I swore these things off a long time ago"
"We have to get the team presents dad." Kelly responded. "And this year when ducky says bread he means bread not chips"
"Hey no one minded the chips thank you very much! Are we almost done?" He said pitifully.
"For someone who was a marine you sure do whine a lot" Kelly said smiling," Besides all we have left is Tony and Ziva. Or should we just get them a joint present? They are always together anyway."
"I don't know what you are talking about." Gibbs said unconvincingly.
"Yeah because if you pretend you don't notice it, it doesn't break rule number 12." Kelly laughed.
"Rule 12 doesn't exactly apply to the two of them" Gibbs stated as if he was admitting something for the first time. "I think it would do more damage to keep them apart than allow them to be together." He then had the same "if you tell them I said that you're dead" look that always made Kelly laugh.
"Don't worry. I won't dare tell them their romance is Gibbs approved"
"Mhmmmm" he said.
"So what should we get them? I've got a movie in mind for Tony but what on earth should I get Ziva? Ooh I know! Let's go to Cabella's and check out the knives." Kelly rambled as Gibbs's phone began to ring. "Nooooo" she groaned, "it's the weekend!"
"Crime doesn't stop on Fridays" Gibbs said with a wink as he answered the phone. There was a quick conversation that led them speeding to the office with a relieved Gibbs and a grumpy Kelly.
"We will finish that shopping" she said in the ride up the elevator.
"Yeah, yeah sure" he said non commitingly as he stepped into the squad room. "Where are we all headed Dinozzo?"
"No clue boss." Dinozzo replied and before Gibbs could give him a death glare he continued, "The director called us all here but with no real explanation. We were hoping you knew"
"This is true," Ziva spoke up to support him, "it appears we are all being swept in the dark"
"Kept in the dark." the team all seemed to chime in at once as Ziva rolled her eyes.
"You know what I mean!"
"Yes I do miss David and you all won't be in the dark for much longer" the director had appeared suddenly and effectively startled the team. "Could you all meet me in MTAC?" The whole team followed him giving each other sideways glances, and even Gibbs seemed unsettled. When they arrived in the room they found it in black out mode. All screens were off and it was clear the conversation was confidential. They all tensed as the Director spoke "Simon Carney escaped from prison." The entire team looked shell shocked leaving Kelly to feel out of the loop.
"Um who is Simon Carney?"
"He was a serial killer at large a couple of years back. No one could link any of the murders let alone give him a name until he made the mistake of killing a petty officer. Gibbs was the one to arrest him and he swore revenge. We never thought he'd have the chance to try, until now of course." McGee explained.
"I should have shot him when I had the chance." Gibbs stated matter-of-factly
"So Gibbs needs a protection detail!" Kelly exclaimed. Before Gibbs could object Ziva practically scoffed,
"Good luck trying. He'll run away just to be stubborn" Kelly glared at her father who smiled guiltily.
"So what's the plan?" She asked desperately.
"Well, Gibbs lays low while you guys try to find him" the director. Kelly turned to Gibbs.
"You stay here during the day and don't go home without me." Kelly stated firmly.
"Yes ma'am" he replied. Kelly knew good and well he wasn't going to listen but the promise (even if it was false) kept her sane.
"Any leads?" Tony asked.
"Yes, a house in Norfolk was broken into last night and it appears that things were stolen. Local police think the robber was actually Carney seeking temporary shelter because he only made off with things necessary for survival one of them was a tent" Replied the director.
"Great! He's living in the woods!" Tony exclaimed.
"I'll go and get a team of search dogs prepared and the rest of you can check out the crime scene" Ziva suggested. The team then all separated and after having to practically tie her father to his desk, Kelly left for Norfolk with Tony and McGee.
"He'll be gone when we get back won't he." Kelly stated in the car, it wasn't really a question but she didn't want to get her hopes up quite yet.
"Yep" her two team mates responded.
"Ugh" Kelly exclaimed sinking into her seat. "Well I guess I'd do the same so I can't complain too much. Hey Tony, what do you want for Christmas?
…
She was right. By the time the team was able to process the crime scene and travel back from Norfolk it was well into the early morning hours, and they arrived to find Gibbs desk empty, along with MTAC and the break room. "He better be at home because I swear if he is out getting coffee I WILL kill him." She growled.
"Don't worry probie, he's a tough guy. He's probably sitting at home watching old western classics as always." Tony attempted to reassure her.
"Tough or not I'm going home to make sure he is safe. I'll call you to let you know. Night guys"
"Good Night!" the team responded. Kelly wanted to curse under her breath. She just wished her father wasn't as stubborn as… well, she was. While that trait had helped her to survive, it could also mean the end of her father. She had just got him back and sure as hell wasn't about to have him taken from here by some pitiful and vengeful con. Spurred on by worry Kelly picked up the pace. She was halfway to her car when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Did I forget something in the squad room Tony?" she asked. There was no response and just as Kelly turned to face the person approaching her everything went black.
…
Tony stared at Ziva from across the bullpen the case Dinozzo, focus. He chided himself.
"I found about zero evidence in the leads from the hotline and I- hold on" he paused as his phone began to ring. "Gibbs!" Exclaimed "Your mini me promised to call and when she didn't I was getting worried! Ready for an update?"
"What the HELL are you talking about Dinozzo? Kelly hasn't been home yet. Have you guys made it back from Norfolk?"
"Yeah boss we've been back for two hours Kelly left right after we arrived to check on you. There's no reason – shit." He exclaimed as realization hit him. "Carney." Ziva gave him a horrified look and the dial tone played as Gibbs hung up the phone. He wanted revenge.