FREEZE FRAME 4: Dead Man Talking
DISCLAIMERS: I do not own NCIS.
WARNING: Corporal punishment of a minor and maybe a young adult in this chapter.
Previously On NCIS:
We have met the Devlins and so has Marley. Gibbs dealt with Marley's disrespectful behaviour and Abby's interference with regards to Marley meeting the Devlins. Gibbs's fear is driven by the suggestion by Sec Nav that the Devlins could make trouble and interfere with their own investigation should they pursue custody of Marley. Therefore, it is important that they believe the child is well looked after. Henry Lau Quing is the major suspect at this time, and they hope to draw him out so they can arrest him. However, Gibbs discovers that Angus Devlin knew of Patrick's involvement with Rose and Marley's existence long before now. Daniel Fitzgerald had possession of Rose's missing journal pages. Arielle Lau Quing's marriage to Patrick's friend has also raised Gibbs's suspicions, listing Daniel among the suspects responsible for Patrick's death.
Chapter 10: Boondoggle
FREEZE FRAME: Cut to close up of Ben and Ethan sitting in the glow of a television off screen. They are looking at a message on a cell phone they hold between them. Convert black and white CUT.
Cut away and fade into a close-up of the written torn pages of Rose's journal. Voice over of Rose Hanson; zoom out to a long shot of Gibbs reading the letter. Arielle and Ducky are sitting at the top end of conference room table. Two little boys play quietly in the background, coloring in pictures from an activity book.
Voice over…..
Patrick;
I do hope this note finds you. Nic tells me there is still no trace of your whereabouts. He keeps everything pretty tight lipped, especially since he joined Special Forces or whatever. Is that who you have joined too? Are you on a special mission?
I hope it wasn't anything I said that night. It's not that I don't want you in Marley's life... It's just that - hey how's the picture, you like? She has your eyes, though I think she has my personality, she's full on and very mischievous already at only six months.
I have some pretty good moments of clarity these days. Having gotten off all the medication while I was pregnant, reality was a little more colourful, but a little scary too. ... Anyway, they have me on this new batch, I'm a bit of a guinea pig really. But, today is good and, well; I got the urge to write you. I'm worried that you are lost or mad at me. I'm sorry your father was angry at you. But, I guess he doesn't know who I am, and he knows, like me, how devoted you are to Arielle.
Daniel tells me she knows now about the baby now and... Well I hope this is not what has kept you away. Are you in trouble or hiding? Please, Patrick, I never meant this to ruin your life or your upcoming marriage. I would love to explain this to Arielle, but, well, a woman scorned and all that. Daniel is in touch with her often. He's a good friend to her and very loyal to you. I think he misses you more than anyone.
If you want to know more about Marley just let me know. If you don't that's okay, too, but don't worry about us. I've never been so happy in all my life. Never felt so needed.
Mom is still sick. She had been in remission for a good year, but it came back; the cancer. They are trying this new drug. Huh, we are both guinea pigs. Dad is as strong as ever. He looks after all of us. Marley makes Mom's day, and when Nic's in town, we are complete.
I do hope you sort things out with your father. Daniel tells me he is so worried about your mom. They miss you. Please, Patrick, if you get this message, at least make contact with them. I am hopeful that you are alright, though I suspect something awful has happened. Daniel looks at me in a strange way when I talk of hope, and then I think he just placates me... Though, I'm never really sure. I cannot always trust my interpretation of reality.
Anyway today I feel great. Marley Rose ... I named her Rose after me... Guess, it looks a bit of an ego trip, but really it's not. Marley reminds me of what is real...
I'm sorry we didn't get to talk for longer that night. My dad was nearly as angry as yours. It was a blessing when your phone rang... I could hear your dad yelling even when you moved off. I thought my dad was going to punch you one, too. Dad took me home. I wanted to stay and tell all this in a way... that it's alright.
I didn't know Dad had followed me. We got home and talked for ages... . He understood in the end. He forgives you, he forgave me, and he understands me, which is pretty amazing really because he was always so controlled. I guess the journey with Mom has, at least, had this positive effect.
I kind of hope that you got that old cars of yours fixed and headed off someplace, ran out on it all for a while. I feel like that all the time, except my brain does it for me…. Okay, I shouldn't joke about my condition and that kind of stuff. You sure don't need me and my mixed up brain. I didn't love you, Patrick, I'm sorry. I wish I did in some ways, but then I'd feel even worse. I just shouldn't drink with the medication. But, Patrick ... sorry, if I've hurt you, sorry if I mixed you up. You're a good guy and you deserve the best, which isn't me. I mean it isn't me with you; for you. My psychologist says I need to validate myself more often... huh? What am I, a parking ticket? Hey, I'm laughing. I laugh a lot more these days.
Maybe someone will need me one day... a man that is. Marley needs me, and if that's all I ever get then so be it. I'm lucky. And I have to say, even though it was all kind of fucked up crazy, I still want to thank you. You made me my Marley Rose.
I hope you talked it out with your dad that night and maybe got some good advice from Dan on the way home.
I want to give him this letter. Well, it's really part of my journal entry. I started one. My psychologist says I should keep one. Write things down, things that happen, things I remember that I can go back to when I forget. I hope I get enough guts to actually send this letter. And if I do, I'll send you a picture of Marley, too.
Rose Louise May 15th 2001
Gibbs put the letter down and passed it to Ducky, who skimmed over it while Gibbs looked at the petite young mother in front of him.
"The Devlins never got this letter. They got the photograph, but not the letter. Do you know why?" Gibbs asked.
"No, I don't ever remember seeing the photograph, Special Agent Gibbs. I didn't know this letter existed until I was going through Daniel's things. We've moving, and well, I finally got up the nerve to go through everything."
"So, when did you know about Patrick's and Rose's child?"
"Marley? I've known about Marley for some years now. Daniel told me everything well before we got married. I was pretty mad at first. Why didn't someone tell me, and tell the Devlins? Daniel just said he couldn't. Patrick was his best friend, and they were both good friends with Nic Hanson. He didn't want me hurt by a mistake. Patrick, Daniel, and the boys had a big night after they all got their MOS. Patrick and I had a split up at the time. Still, I felt betrayed, which Daniel figured I would. He said he didn't want me feeling that way, or the Devlins feeling ashamed of Patrick."
"When did you and Daniel start courting?" asked Ducky.
Arielle smiled. "Courting; such an old-fashioned idea, Doctor Mallard." She blushed.
"Really? Dating, then."
"No, courting really does cover it in some ways. We never actually went out on a date. We just got so use to each other. We had known each other for a while. We were all good friends, actually. The three of us, Patrick, Daniel and I did a lot of things together. After Patrick went missing, Daniel always checked up on me. I stayed in DC. Daddy wanted me to go back to China, but I had planned my home here. I couldn't leave. I didn't know what happened to Patrick, and I was just too connected emotionally."
"That's why you and Daniel married." Gibbs's words were more of a statement, gruff with a bite of an accusation.
Arielle took a huge breath, "I know what it must look like." She glanced at her boys again, making sure they were occupied and not concerned with the conversation. "It was just because we were comfortable with each other and good friends. I had feelings for Daniel, but he was afraid of what it might look like. So we didn't really act on our attraction at first. We played it slow for a couple of years. I went and did some studying and he went on his tour of duty. We've only been married for seven years." She looked at her children. "Sean's five and Archie turns four next month. They are the love of our lives. Daniel deserved to see them grow up." The young woman said as tears slid down her cheeks.
Sean, the oldest of the boys, instinctively looked up and frowned when his mother quickly turned her head and smiled at Agent Gibbs. "They still hope he's coming home," she explained. "I try not to cry in front of them. Sorry, Agent Gibbs. Please, I'd like to help."
"How do you think this letter will help? Really, it implies that Daniel was probably the last one to see Patrick alive. He's withheld this letter from the Devlins, which…"
Gibbs suddenly stopped when Sean stood up and came to stand beside his mother, eyeing Gibbs suspiciously. He didn't like the grey haired man's tone. "Can you find my daddy, so my mummy stops crying?"
Gibbs's face softened at the youngster. "Your dad was a brave man. Hey, just like you."
"Better, than me, sir. He fought far away, so we could stay here and be safe. So lots a people could be safe. He's in heaven now. And he has a white cross, and we're waiting for him. But we have to be strong, just in case it's a long, long time."
"That's right, baby. Why don't you go back to your coloring? Agent Gibbs just wants to help. Remember we talked about this. Daddy would want us to help his friend, Patrick."
"Okay, Mom," said Sean kissing his mother on the face. He then gave Gibbs the evil eye before he turned and went back to the corner of the room.
Ducky smiled at the silent warning the small child had given Gibbs. He could outsmart and intimidate the meanest of criminals, terrorists, and evil people, but not the glare of a small five year old boy looking out for his mother.
"Agent Gibbs, I don't think Daniel had anything to do with Patrick's death. I know what this must look like. He kept these pages for a reason, but it wasn't guilt."
"But not the photograph, that is very strange. Why you suppose he would do that, Mrs Fitzgerald?" asked Ducky.
"I have no idea. I didn't know about the photograph. But I knew that Daniel was pretty protective of the Devlins and of me. Though, I think he had his suspicions."
"What about your father. When did he find out about all this?" asked Gibbs.
Arielle didn't answer.
"Mrs. Fitzgerald, did Daniel think your father had anything to do with Patrick's disappearance?"
"Yes, I think so. He never out and out said it, but he was wary of my father and my father of him. Relationships have been strained. Daniel had what he called gut instincts about things. But he never said anything, and I don't believe he acted upon it. I think though he would have given the Devlins the photograph, for Lilith. It would have been for her. He would have liked her to know. I just don't understand why he didn't tell her the whole story."
"What about your relationship with your father now?"
"Daniel and I have had very little to do with him. He still has business with Patrick's father. I have, of course, kept in contact with him for my children's sake, since they're his grandchildren. He adores them. He's helping us with the move. I wasn't too keen about it at first. Daddy kept the old house in Georgetown, the one the Devlins used while they set up their partnership. It was convenient for them. Patrick was here at the university and then worked here. Daddy had a few properties here at the time. He used them for visitors, both business and government. A couple were let out to the Chinese consulate. When Lilith and Angus left the Georgetown house three years ago, Daddy let that out too. It will feel a little strange, I suppose, but rentals are hard to get, Agent Gibbs. It's the only one available. Lilith took everything of theirs and anything of Patricks, except the furniture and equipment in the large study, the business center. The house is now being completely renovated. It's close to the National Park and has a huge yard where the children can play. It's still under lease with the consulate, but I will act as a housekeeper for billeted diplomatic visitors, so it is sort of a job and home in one."
Gibbs made some quick notes on his pad, before asking, "One last question, Patrick was found in his 1976 Maverick. You said he was restoring it. He wasn't driving it at the time? The journal entry suggests that Daniel picked him up from a meeting he had with Rose."
"Patrick and Daniel were working on the car. They had it finished, but it was still at his father's. They planned to pick it up on the weekend. Daniel told me the last he saw of Patrick was at the poker game. Pat left in a taxi. Daniel presumed he'd gone back to their apartment. He got a phone call to pick him up later that evening. He'd met Rose, and she'd gone home with her father. He needed to be picked up at some bar down town. But when Daniel arrived he wasn't there, and he never came home. The car had been in Georgetown, Agent Gibbs, at his parents' house, but Patrick wasn't there when Lilith and I arrived home. It was very late, and I didn't think to check his car, nobody did. I'm surprised, though his father didn't say something at the time of the investigation."
"Okay, Mrs Fitzgerald, I'd like to send some agents home with you to go through anything else that belonged to Daniel. There might be something there that could help us put some of the pieces together."
"Very well, Agents Gibbs. It had best be tonight. I'm putting a lot into storage until all the renovations on the house are completed."
"Good, we'd like to stay in touch. When do you move?"
"The weekend, I hope."
Cut away bull pen. Gibbs rounds the corner followed by Arielle, Ducky, and the children.
"Di Nozzo, David, accompany Mrs Fitzgerald home. Check out Daniel Fitzgerald's footlocker."
"How do you know I still have his footlocker, Special Agent Gibbs?" asked Arielle.
"He's a Marine. You're a Marine's wife. And they…" said Gibbs pointing to the two little boys, "are a couple of Marine brats," he teased. He held out his hand to the small boy, who just looked at it. "Look after your mom, Sean."
The small boy smiled up at him. "Will do, Sir," and then saluted.
Once the agents had left, Gibbs turned to Tim. "McGee, go through the files. Find out Daniel's and Patrick's normal drinking hole when they were on liberty, one where the poker gang probably frequented. Patrick is believed to have been there. Someone picked him up there around midnight. Oh, and get a warrant for Lau Quing's storage unit. I also want to know what houses in the area are registered to the Chinese consulate. Find the search reports from the cold case files on the Devlin's home and Patrick's apartment.
"There weren't any, Boss."
"What?"
"There were searches done at the apartment, but not at the Devlin's home in Georgetown. At least, there were no files documenting one."
"Franks wouldn't have missed that. Get search warrants for them all and the Devlin's old home in Georgetown. It has supposedly been let out by consulate officials. Find out who's been staying there over the past three years since the Devlins moved."
"That's going to be hard, Boss. Not the storage units, but the homes. If they're used by diplomatic officials we'll have to have strong grounds to wavie any diplomatic immunity. There is only one immediate reason I can think of…"
"Terrorism," interrupted Vance, giving Gibbs a nod of approval for the idea. "But…"
"SecNav doesn't want us pulling that card out yet," finished Gibbs.
Vance moved in closer to Gibbs. "Yep, we've got a problem, Gibbs. Join me in my office."
"Fine… McGee, see what you can do with those warrants." Gibbs waited for Vance to ascend the stairs. While you're at it, McGee, have Abby confirm these pages belong to Rose's journal."
"Sure, Boss…." Tim looked at Gibbs's frown, trying to read his expression and train of thought. There was definitely something there gnawing away at his Boss's intuition. "And, Boss?"
"Yes, McGee! I want to know everything SecNav has on Henry Lau Quing. Find out where they've watched him while he's been in this country. They know more than we're being told. But keep your nosing around quiet."
"Boss, they aren't going to be happy if we interfere with their ten year investigation."
"No, they don't give a rat's ass about this murder or anyone connected to it unless it has to do with them bringing down Lau Quing. But, at least, we can give Patrick's people some answers."
Cut away to Vance office. Mid shot of Gill and Vance sitting there when Gibbs walks in through the door.
Gibbs eyed Vance wearily. "We've got a problem?"
"Yes, Gibbs, we have. The Devlins want to see Marley again."
Gibbs stopped and looked at Gill. "It's okay, Gibbs. It's just Lilith. She'd like to spend an afternoon with Marley. No more," answered Gill.
"Fine, if Marley wants too. But I don't see the problem as long as it's a supervised visit."
"Well, that's the problem. SecNav doesn't want our people visible. They are close to getting Lau Quing. They believe…"
"He's here. They've been watching him, along with Arielle and the Devlins, all this time" Gibbs interrupted, his terse tone a message to Vance: I'm no fool.
Vance ignored the famous glare and manner of his best agent. He couldn't blame him on a personal level, or a professional one for that matter. "Yes, they have. Lau Quing is either going to visit Angus or Arielle. We would prefer he do so soon, and this case has allowed that. SecNav wanted us to detain Arielle. He's hoping to flush out Lau Quing…"
"No," Gibbs was adamant. They had used such methods before and not always with the best outcomes. This time, however, there were young children involved. It was a No Go.
"No, I don't like it either, but they need to get to him on our soil. We can't risk the intricacies and diplomatic "huff" if he should be arrested in one of the consulate houses," conceded Vance.
"Acts of terrorism are not included. Why haven't SecNav taken that route. Where's the documentation on the search of the house in Georgetown?"
"They have a lot of evidence, but nothing in any of the searches of Lau Quing's property, storage units or houses has revealed anything to do with his arms trading. They have other evidence, but separating it from the time he was sanctioned by the Chinese government is going take some work. And we can't go back in there with warrants for a suspected murder."
"The files were pulled, Leon. There could be evidence there relating to the murder."
"I'll find them."
"You want McGee to…"
"NO! I'll get them. I will have them here when we bring Lau Quing in."
Gibbs nodded, and then frowned. "So, Marley visiting with the Devlins for an afternoon could put her in danger should Lau Quing turn up."
"The word is he is planning to turn up. SecNav's agents are ready to nab him. Angus Devlin is aware of that. He has been most co-operative with SecNav right from the beginning."
"That's one of the reasons he hasn't ever wanted Marley in the picture?"
"Yes, but Mrs. Devlin is anxious, and Angus wants this over. Just the same, it's up to you and Gill. Miss Riggs, you have been privy to some very classified information. I think it's only fair you have some idea of the risks. Angus Devlin has arranged an outing for Lilith and Marley only, on the pretence that he has some work to organize. If Marley agrees and you consent, then we will have them tailed, but discretely. We will put Di Nozzo and David on it. They are good at their jobs. Clayton's agents will be watching Arielle and Angus Devlin."
"When?"
"Tomorrow afternoon."
"I'll think about it. Gill and I will give you our answer tonight."
"Good," nodded Vance. "Clayton has worked hard on this, Gibbs, long before he became SecNav. He won't let it go, not for Marley, the Devlins or Arielle."
"Not for Patrick."
"No, but they are sensitive to the complexities and these people's safety. They have been for twelve years, but their patience is wearing thin. Since 9/11, several government agencies have thwarted similar terrorist's attacks. They are not going to make the same mistakes again. They will have Lau Quing and his buyers and several threats out of the way, for good. It's bigger than Patrick's murder."
"Still don't like it."
"I can understand that. But, if they try to take him at Arielle's, with those little boys there, or at the house in Georgetown, where he may be protected by diplomatic diplomacy, the whole thing could fall through. At least if Angus can draw him out, everyone's safer. Lilith being out of the picture with Marley is conceivable and normal. It wouldn't raise any alarms for Lau Quing, and Lilith and Marley won't be anywhere near them."
"Said; I'll think about it, Vance."
Cut away National Forest. Mid shot of the Semper Fi Gang, including Marley, on rubbish detail. They are talking as they haul bags to a bin attached to a four wheel ATV.
"So are you going to see them again?" asked Jarrod, while he tied a bag up.
Marley shrugged, "Maybe, later after Gibbs finds out who killed the guy."
Jarrod handed the bag to Marley, but stood there as she threw it in to the bin. "The Guy? How come you call him that? He was your dad."
"No, he wasn't. I wasn't even born..."
Jarrod held up his hand before interrupting. "Okay, I get that, but still it sounds so clinical."
Marley screwed up her face, and then fiddled with the chain and ring that was around her neck. "Yeah, I guess. I just don't want to call him dad. He wasn't a bad guy or anything. I'm kind of just thinking about him as a friend of my uncle's."
"And your Mom's," winked Tom as he came up to deliver his collected rubbish.
Marley rolled her eyes while Jarrod hit Tom hard on the shoulder.
"WhahhhT!" Tom groused, rubbing his arm.
"Dickhead," cursed Jarrod, then turned back to Marley. "So he had a name, just call him that. Besides, you're going to have to call him something if you see his folks again."
"Hmm okay, so Pat then. Pat's mom is really nice, but I'm not sure about his dad. He kinda didn't talk to me much."
"Maybe he didn't like the idea of his kid having a kid out of wedlock and all. Some folks are like that," suggested Tom.
"Maybe," conceded Marley.
Ben, Jess Ethan and Sam then rolled up with full bags and loaded them on the bike.
"That's the last lot here," said Ben.
"Good, my turn to ride this thing," announced Sam. "You guys put liners in the bins, and I'll meet you at the next pick –up point."
"That's the last for the day, thank God," huffed Ethan. "Dad is sure a slave driver. "
"Then Marley and I get to ride the four wheeler. Uncle David said we all could have a go," reminded Jessica.
"Okay, okay, stop your girlie whining," teased Ethan.
Sam revved up the ATV and headed back to the nearest compound to unload the bin. The gang continued along a path that would take them to the next clearing, chatting as they went.
"So how's the investigation going? Who do they reckon is good for it?" asked Ben excitedly.
Marley sparked up. The case itself was something the Semper Fi gang were really interested in, and she had the inside information. All eyes were on her as she relayed what she knew and what she had overheard from the team in the bullpen.
"So maybe they missed something at his folk's place, especially if the Chinese guy and Pat's dad worked there. It could have been their headquarters or something, you know, for the classified stuff."
"Don't let your imagination run wild, Ethan. Besides, that's the one place they would have checked out, if the secret stuff is true," surmised Jarrod.
"And Gibbs will find that out. He is the best," declared Jessica.
"Hmm, yep he is," agreed Marley, "but I kind of get the impression it's not been easy. He's been up into his boss's office heaps over this. It's kind of looks like it's real top secret. And then NCIS and some top guys really wanted me to meet the Devlins. They wanted them to know I was safe. I heard Gibbs tell Gill that some secretary wanted the Devlins kept happy so they wouldn't cause any disruption to the investigation."
"Gee, some secretary bossing Gibbs around like that? Don't make much sense," pondered Ben.
"Maybe she's got a lot of work to do, and she doesn't have the time to be typing up a lot of reports and stuff that have nothing to do with the guy's murder," suggested Jess.
"Maybe," they all mumbled and nodded in agreement. It sounded feasible.
Ben wasn't entirely convinced. "I reckon there's something big going on, more than just a murder."
"Maybe we could search around the murder scene. You know, we might find something they missed," suggested Ethan.
Marley shook her head. "No, Tony and the team wouldn't have missed anything there."
"What about further around here, like a shack or a house or something. Maybe the bad guys had Pat somewhere around here trying to get information out of him…"
Marley cringed at Ethan's imaginative hypothetical.
Ethan sensed her unease, but continued on. "Secret squirrel stuff, top secret information," he emphasized. "They could have a headquarters. I bet Pat didn't tell them anything. Pat's probably a hero, Marley. "
"Makes sense," said Tom.
"How's that?" asked Ben.
"Well, the car. You know, I know my cars, and that was a 76 maverick. Well, even in 1989 they would have had done some restoration on it. If Pat had done that, he wouldn't have driven it all over town. He must have worked on it around here. Plus, the Antique Car Club has rallies up here all the time."
"It wasn't an antique, Tom," said Jarrod.
"Na, but it's a collectable model. Pat would have garaged it somewhere up near here, I bet."
Ben scrubbed at his golden mop of hair. "Toms' got a point. And from what Marley knows about the time that Pat went missing, there could be some place close by."
Ethan snapped his fingers. "Okay, I say we check out the maps tonight and tomorrow. We get the pickup detail done real fast…"
"We can ask Uncle Ethan for two ATV's. One we do the pickup with and the other we check out any buildings close by, houses the lot. You in Marley?" asked Jessica.
"Sure. We probably won't find anything, though."
"Hey you never know, I bet Gibbs would be real happy if we did. Sort of like one of his neutral detachment team or a FAP crew, you know fleet assistance."
"He probably needs some hard evidence just to get search warrants anyway. A lot of the houses up here are used by politicians and delegates from other countries. Dad's always gotta patrol the areas during fire season, just in case some foreigner doesn't understand the emergency sirens."
"Yeah, there's a lot of red tape to get through if you want a warrant to search places. We'd be doing him a huge favor."
"How do you know guys know stuff like this?" asked Marley.
"Most of us are devil pups, marine brats," explained Tom.
"And I want to be an investigator, just like Gibbs. So you gotta know this stuff," said Ben in all sincerity.
"Well, I'm in," declared Ethan. "It's gotta be a sight more fun than this boondoggle, waste of time of a job, picking up other people's rubbish."
"Good one Ethan, you're pickin' up the marine lingo real good. Boondoggle, jist about sums it up," groused Tom.
"Yeah well that's what we're doing ain't we covering someone's butt, doing all the dirty work just ta keep us out of the big picture." agreed Jarrod.
Ben stopped and pulled his detail in. "Okay, men, enough with the boondoggle crap. Now here's the drill… FEBA: Forward edge of the battle area and the line of departure is here at 0900. We keep this secret squirrel ourselves. I mean it; the missions top secret. I'll check the cartography maps and circle a couple of likely locations."
"Yeah, including the car clubs," said Tom.
Cut away to wide shot of Gibbs's living room. Gill and Gibbs are sitting on the sofa, watching the evening news broadcasts. Marley and Abby are upstairs.
"Well, that was pretty clear cut," said Gill. "I'm sort of relieved. I really don't want her around anything that could be dangerous, no matter how many precautions they say they've put in place."
"Marley hasn't made a decision yet. Her first reaction was a big fat No, but we still should give her the chance to think about it," stated Gibbs as he put his arm around Gill shoulder.
"She'll stick to her guns on this, Gibbs."
Gibbs raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't be that you're a little jealous, too."
Gill laughed. "Sure I am. But I'm a professional, Gibbs, through and through."
Gibbs's other eyebrow met up with its twin. "Oh, and your professional side thought Marley's little show was funny and my reaction even funnier." He said planting a swat to the side of her rump with his free hand.
"Hey, you already head slapped me in the bull pen, besides that was my momma side." She chuckled then nudged him on the shoulder. "Admit it, you've been feeling the conflicts between your job, the investigation and then as Marley's guardian, too..
"My priorities are set," smiled Gibbs, then pulled her closer to him and kissed her lips softly.
"Sure they are, no doubt about that. But still, there are some blurry lines here and only because Marley's involved."
"Yep, but the decision is hers."
"She's not ready for another big change yet, Jethro."
"I know," said Gibbs and kissed on the head. "So, SecNav is just going to have to figure out another way to do his job. Angus is still on board. Lau Quing will show himself, whether Lilith's there or not."
"I get the impression that Angus has made that demand. He has certainly has worked hard to keep Lilith out of all of this since the beginning. Do you think he has known about Patrick right from the start? That he believes or has known that Lau Quing is responsible?" pondered Gill.
"We don't know that."
"I have a feeling though, Gibbs, and so do you."
"Yeah I do, but I can't do anything until I either have Lau Quing or the search warrants."
"I just hope that's soon. Angus might pull out, though, if he thinks Lilith is in danger."
"He might, can't blame him for that."
Marley and Abby had sat at the top of the stairs listening. Earlier they had discussed the idea of Marley spending the afternoon with Lilith. Gill had pretty much hit the nail on the head about Marley not ready for another big change. Abby nudged her, when they had heard that, reminding her of their discussion about families like her new one. Being loved and being family didn't require DNA compatibility was Abby's statement.
"You two have two seconds to get back to bed. In case you've forgotten, you're grounded," warned Gibbs.
Marley looked at Abby. "How does he do that?"
"He has the sixth sense of a predatory animal," said Abby.
"Scary."
"Yeah, but there are lots of predatory species that are kind of cute and very protective. That's our Gibbster. You know, he's kind of a cross between a mother wolf and a wise old wizard waving around a big magic wand."
"Or a wise old lizard," giggled Marley.
"Na, he's too cuddly."
"That's one minute, then I'm moving faster than a sly old fox welding a handy little paddle I found in the lab today," yelled out Gibbs.
Abby's eyes went wide. She jumped up and started to run. Marley stated to join her, but then headed in the opposite direction, down the stairs and towards Gill and Gibbs. Abby turned back, shrugged her shoulders and followed her surrogate baby sister down the stairs, in case Marley needed back up.
Marley stood in front of the two adults sitting on the sofa, still in a casual and warm embrace. She smiled at them, liking what she saw: their comfortable state, just like a real mom and dad.
"What's up kiddo?" asked Gibbs.
"Okay, I'll go on an outing with Pat's mom."
"Your grandmother," coerced Gill.
"Yeah, okay; my grandmother."
"Why?" asked Gibbs.
"Well, you know we've been listening. And well, it will help the case won't it? Get things moving? I think Pat's mom deserves that. She deserves the answers. She told me lots about him when he was a little boy. She needs to stop missing him so. She needs just to keep loving him, but missing him is painful. I think she can do that if she knows what happened. I just don't want Pat to have done something bad."
"You're a very special little girl, Marley. That's a very loving thing to want for another person," stated a very proud Gill.
"Well, that's the type of thing you guys want for me. It's what Uncle Nick wants, and Rose wanted. I just am a little scared."
"That you will like them?" suspected Gill.
"Yeah, but Abby reckons I can love as many people as I want. There's no maximum number on it. I just want to stay with you guys, that's all."
Gibbs gave Abby a wink, then looked back at Marley. "That won't change, Kiddo."
"Good, then I'll go. And you can get Pat's case solved. Then we can all go back to the way it was."
Gibbs pulled Marley over on to his lap. "Okay, but this is how it is going to work. Gill is going to take you to Lilith. You'll meet at a shopping mall, have an early Lunch. Then Gill is going to come back here. You are to stay with Lilith. Tony and Ziva will be tailing you. You are not to go off on your own. If Lilith goes anywhere that is not on the itinerary we will know."
"You should put a wire on me."
"This is not a game, Marley. You are not playing spies. You are with Lilith so she can spend some time with you." said Gibbs his tone terse and very clear.
"And free up Angus so you guys can catch his partner," added Marley.
"Yes, Miss Eavesdropper, there is that. But you won't be anywhere near any of that action. Tony and Ziva will make sure of that. You just stay with Lilith. Do you understand?"
"Sure, Dad, I got it."
"Good, this dad trusts you. Now bed, both of you."
"Oh Gibbsss, it's like eight o'clock," whined Abby.
"Now, before I decide to give you both a reminder about eavesdropping."
"You can't blame us, it's the only way we can get some idea about what's going on," Marley grumbled as she got off Gibbs's lap and joined Abby at the bottom of the stairs. She turned just before disappearing. "And that's not much information, either. Between all the kissing and smooching you two do, I'm lucky to find out anything."
Gibbs jumped up and chased both girls up the narrow stairwell. Gill laughed when she heard the giggles turn into squeals after a the sound of two sharp slaps.
Cut way to Marley's Bedroom, Close up of the door as Marley and Abby entering giggling and rubbing their pajama clad bottoms. Pan out to wide shot as both girls flop themselves down on the bed.
"You'll like having grandparents, Marley," said Abby, once she had stopped laughing.
Both girls lay side by side and horizontal on the beds, looking up at the ceiling. "Maybe, does Gibbs have parents?" asked Marley.
"Yeah. He has a dad, Jackson. He owns a little shop in Stillwater."
"That's the name we used at the hotel."
"Yeah, named after the town Gibbs grew up in. What about Gill's family?" asked Abby.
"They live overseas. Her dad was in the navy for a while when he was younger. He's a professor or something now. I think they live in England. She has brothers, too, but they're all spread out."
"Well, you're lucky. You have lots of grandparents, including Ducky. Gibbs and the team, and now you, are all I've got. But, that includes Gibbs's dad. I like him. He's like a grandfather to me, also."
"But you have brothers."
"Yep, I do. But I'm just getting to know one, and Luca is away a lot. The team and Gibbs are like my immediate family."
"Mine, too."
"Yep, pretty good. Hey, we'd better get some sleep. I'd say there's a big day ahead of us both tomorrow. I still have to do some tests on Rose's journal entry. Plus Timmy's found some witness's at the club your mom met Patrick at. There are some old photographs from the dance floor. I need to try and clear it up. It might give us a lead as to who else turned up that night. Someone picked Patrick up from there."
"But Rose is all in the clear, right, and Grandpa Hanson?"
"Yep, the note refers to them going home. Daniels prints are on them and so are Rose's and Arielle's, but there are two unidentified partial prints that are merged in there with theirs. It's been a long time, so separating them maybe too hard."
"So does Gibbs think that Pat's dad's partner did it; you know the Chinese guy?"
"I think so, but the diplomatic immunity thing could be a problem."
"Why?"
"Well, because, if the guy was working in any way for the Chinese government at the time and committed a crime, then they may not be able to prosecute him for it. They will be able to get him on all the terrorist involvement, especially arms trading, but not the murder."
"Oh, doesn't seem fair does it?"
"Nope, but at least they'll know. And you'll have more people to love and care about and visa versa."
"Thanks, Abby. You're the best big sister anyone could have. Sorry I got you into trouble with Gibbs."
"Oh, I got myself into trouble. You were pretty funny though."
Both girls hopped under the covers. Abby flicked the light and then both settled down. Marley waited quietly until she heard the soft purr of Abby asleep. She pulled her cell out from under her pillow, and sent a text:
Plans changed. Stay clear. Will try and meet up with U later. Rendezvous details 2 follow. Marls.
Cut away to a boy's bedroom. Ben and Ethan are sitting on the end of their beds in front of an Xbox, playing a commando game.
Ben felt a buzz coming from his pocket. He pulled out his cell phone and looked at it, then frowned.
"What is it?" asked Ethan
"A text from Marley," said Ben and handed the cell over to Ethan. "The case must be getting hot."
"Aww rats, I was looking forward to the search."
"Hmm, well, we may still be able to do that. There is an old shack up there near where the car was found and two houses. We can still check them out in the morning before Marley meets up with us."
"But she said to stay clear."
"She means from her, I guess. She must be helping Gibbs."
"Aww, man, she has all the fun."
FREEZE FRAME: Cut to close up of Ben and Ethan sitting in the glow of a television off-screen. They are looking at a message on a cell phone they hold between them. Convert black and white CUT.
TBC Chapter 11 : Operation Secret Squirrel
A.N. Sorry it's been sooo long, but I had a few problems with plot knots, settings, motivations and cause and effects. I'm trying to keep it simple. Thanks to Harliquinn for all the help and editing, especially to plot and correcting once again my Aussie-ism's. I still have may have missed stuff, but I don't want to look at this chapter anymore, I need acceptance and closure on it. LOL.