CHAPTER TEN
Once the arrest was made, Captain Smith took over and his men assisted in the search of the McWhirter holdings. McGee and DiNozzo personally escort the chest back to the Coast Guard station to guard it until it can inventoried and impounded at a safe location. McGee and DiNozzo emptied the chest out onto a large table to count and dry the inventory. The final count was over two thousand small vials of the white powder and Clark authorizes them to break one open so its contents can be tested. McGee carefully removes a small amount and drops it into the test kit. He then seals the test and holds it up so they can all see as he breaks the small test tube of liquid inside. He shakes it, allowing the liquid to mix with the powder for a moment. Then as predicted the liquid suddenly begins to turn amber, then darker to orange, then darker still to a burnt brown which indicates a high grade of heroin.
"Heroin… and pure too. Each of these vials could be cut… oh… conservatively two, maybe three times and still put decent grade heroin out on the street." DiNozzo shares his knowledge from his time with the Baltimore Police.
"So, our good salvage yard owner was sitting on six or eight thousand times this heroin... in street value?"
"That's why he's in the salvage business, McGee… he knows how to turn a profit."
Hollis and Gibbs see Captain Clark, his aide and two military police officers striding towards them in a column of two. They look like they are marching in formation and Hollis can't help but roll her eyes as she notes how impressed the crowd of reporters is that follows their approach. Before the reporters notice them, Hollis sees Turk slipping away towards the door. McGee and DiNozzo quickly busy themselves guarding the evidence while the photographers begin crowding around to get shots of the huge seizure of drugs. Gibbs holds up his hands to indicate they should stay back and Captain Clark silently snaps his fingers to his MP's. They dart out to cut off the reporters, efficiently holding them back and guarding the evidence while McGee and DiNozzo look to their boss. Gibbs nods a silent message and turns to Matt Clark; handing him the paper with all the pertinent information on it. Clark scans it quickly and then turns to address the reporters. Gibbs tries to step away, but Clark motions for him to stay there and assist in the press conference. He gives the cameramen a few moments to get set up and then addresses them with the results of their long joint investigation into this massive smuggling operation which stretched all along the Eastern Seaboard.
Gibbs is uncomfortable, especially when Clark continually refers to him as being responsible for most of the investigation. Hollis manages to work her way back to the doorway, edging back out of the way to watch. One reporter now turns to Gibbs and asks a question. "Is this the biggest drug seizure in the history of NCIS?"
"I don't really know… as far as we are concerned, this is a homicide case… that's been solved. The drug seizures are incidental to that and fall under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard."
Gibbs wants only to get away from these people because he hates the media and turns to Captain Clark; deferring to him to answer this part. "Yes, we have arrested three Americans and the Federal Police in Honduras have arrested three south of the border this morning. There are no more outstanding suspects… on either the drug case or the homicide."
As Clark answers questions, Hollis smiles at Gibbs from her position at the door. She sees his frustration, and motions for him to slip away and join her. Gibbs gives one last glance at Clark who has the media's attention and slowly walks away to join her.
"Come on… lets go grab a cold one. He's gonna be tied up for a while and I'm dying for a beer."They disappear from the Coast Guard warehouse, unnoticed by everyone else in the room except DiNozzo who wishes he could join them.
******An hour later Gibbs and Hollis sitting in a booth, drinking beer and laughing over a story Ziva just told them. DiNozzo and McGee walk up to their table and stands staring at them with their hands on their hips. "Thanks for bugging out on us."
"You had it under control… besides, Gibbs was in need of medicinal spirits."
"Come on, park your butts and tell us how Clark's glory parade went."
Tony smiles and motions for Ziva to slide out. When she does, he slides in and she resumes her position. McGee slides in on her other side. Holly reaches over to rest her hand on Gibbs' thigh under the table and when their eyes meet a secret message passes between them. He smiles and turns his attention back to his agents. This time, Tim doesn't miss the 'human interaction' and grins, proud he was finally aware of what the others seemed to have known all along.
"I like Matt Clark, but dealing with the Coast Guard on a criminal investigation is a pain in the butt. They're always thinking about their federal budget and planning every move to make them look good on their next budget analysis request."
"That's the military for you, Gibbs. You never have to worry about anyone accusing you of being political. Funding and budgets are what keeps this big wheel turning." Gibbs just rolls his eyes at her comment, knowing it is true.
"You can say that again. The only thing good to come out of this is Jack Cahill."
"Cahill? What do you mean?"
"You left before Clark made that announcement… the Coast Guard is planning to give Jack a nice surprise."
"What's that?"
"Apparently, Skow's boat… the Cyclops? It was originally owned by Jack Cahill… that is until Skow practically stole it from him in a drunken poker game one night. Skow pretty much strong armed him into signing over his boat… called the Fog Cutter back then."
"And to a man who'd lost his wife recently, I bet it was the last straw."
"You got it, Colonel... Cahill fell into the bottle hard after that and never managed to climb out until we drug him out of that hotel last week. Now the Coast Guard is going to refit his boat and give it back to him… freshly painted and ready to go. Plus their going to allow him to keep the seized boat we used in the undercover sting, the Fog Cutter, II."
"Well, that's a happy ending… we don't get to hear about those too often. Looks like Jack's back in the fishing business."
******It is a bright sunny day and the Coast Guard's marina office is buzzing with activity. Two months after the closure of the big smuggling ring and Jack Cahill is about to receive his award. He has no idea they are planning to give him back his boat; he's just happy to have his life back, now that he's sobered up. He lost some weight during the long binge with alcohol, but he found his one good suit he hasn't worn the suit since his wife's funeral. He stands next to
Captain Clark, along with several other high ranking members of the Coast.
Gibbs and Hollis are waiting for the ceremony to start. She nudges Gibbs and points to Jack.
"Looks like things are about to get started."
"The Coast Guard wants everyone to know what good guys they are… you know, giving the little guy an award… while really reminding everyone of what they accomplished."
"Honey… you're starting to sound as cynical me." Gibbs grins over at her and she sighs in frustration.
"Not cynical… just irritated. You know what today is…" He doesn't answer, knowing today is the day to go visit Greg. She wanted him to meet the man who had once been her husband. He knows her love for him is more caring for a sick child with the dedication of a mother, than a wife.
As the speeches go from one high ranking official to the next Hollis allows her mind to wander. She thinks about Greg and how his health was fading fast… just as the doctors predicted. She has tried to make his remaining time happy and faithfully visited him three times a week as before. Gibbs was being wonderful about it all and never said a word. She has been wanting to introduce Gibbs to Greg, but hadn't really known how to go about doing it.
When the presentation is made the crowd claps loud and long as some of his friends call out their congratulations. Matt Clark is grinning as he glances over his shoulder to see that Cahill's boats are in place and ready for the next part of the presentation. The crowd finally settles down and becomes quiet as Matt explains that during the course of the investigation they seized the boat called the Cyclops. At hearing this, Jack frowns, remembering how Skow managed to take his boat from him. When he announces that the boat is being returned to its rightful owner, the crowd erupts in loud applause and cheers.
******This was a part of her life, he had nothing to do with and he understood that. Now, she wanted him to see this part of her life. They drive in silence for the most part except when Hollis gives him directions; showing how nervous she really is. Gibbs decides to make this easy on her so when they get to the care home Gibbs parks the car and then turns in his seat to meet her eyes.
"Holly… I know this can't be easy for you… I can wait out here… if you want?""No… I want you to meet Greg. I… I just haven't let him know you would be here today."
"Does he know about me?"
"He knows you only as part of my work."
"All right… I can deal with that. Can you?"
"I want him to know the truth, Gibbs. I just don't know how much he can take at one time. Maybe after he meets you… then later I can tell him." She tries to remain calm, but just the thought of his limited time brings tears to her eyes. "I just don't know how much time he has left."
Gibbs can see how much this hurts her and reaches out to pull her into his arms. He holds her gently, soothing away her pain. "Hey, you're an incredible woman… and I love you very much."
His words give her the strength to pull her emotions back under control and a few minutes later she sits back in her seat with a smile on her face as she lets him know she is ready. "Come on… let's get this over with."
They walk inside, ignoring the looks from the nurses who have never seen her bring any visitors here before. Hollis can't help but smile at their curious glances. "You're going to be the talk at the coffee pot today."
He chuckles and decides to really give the nurses something to gossip about. He knows they are watching so he casually places his hand on her back, his fingers slipping down onto her hip in a possessive way. On nice days the nurses like to get all the patients outside for a little fresh air and sunshine. Hollis directs Gibbs as they continue on down the hallway. "He's out back."
She leads Gibbs out a double set of french doors at the end of the hallway which lead onto the rear lawn of the care center where he first glimpsed her with Greg. It is carefully manicured and picture perfect with shade trees and pristine white benches positioned around the lush green lawn. The only thing that seems out of place is the numerous wheelchairs and gurneys scattered around so the patients can enjoy the day.
Hollis stops for a moment, takes Gibbs's hand for support and leads him over to a nice big shade tree that has a gurney underneath it. There is also a bench, in case someone wants to sit and visit. As they get closer Hollis' hand tightens on his and they stop. They are behind Greg's head and she motions silently for him to stay there as she approaches and greets Greg. Gibbs stays back about ten feet from the gurney, out of sight as Hollis continues on. Before she can get there a weak voice calls out to her. Holly?Is that you?"
"Yes, it's me. How is it you always know before you even see me?"
"It's your perfume… it's my favorite."
"I knew there was a reason I kept buying this stuff. Hi, sweetheart." She stops beside his bed now and bends down to give him a quick kiss.
Gibbs watches the scene and strangely enough doesn't feel any jealousy at all. He sees the obvious love and tenderness in her eyes, but it's a motherly love. Gibbs can't see Greg's face, but from the tone of his voice he knows he is smiling. "Where have you been?"
"Work. They gave an award... a boat; to this guy who helped us out on a case.""That's pretty cool. Was it a nice boat? Like a cat or a cabin cruiser?"
"No… it was a big smelly fishing boat… but it could have been the Queen Elizabeth to this guy. He was very happy."
As she talks to Greg, Gibbs remains motionless watching. Holly's eyes move quickly from Greg's face up to Gibbs' and then back again before she goes on to ask him about his latest visit from the doctor. They talk medical stuff for a few minutes and periodically Holly glances over to Gibbs, but then quickly returns her attention to Greg. He may not be able to move, but that doesn't mean he's unobservant. After a few minutes he finally interrupts her.
"Who is he? The man standing behind me… I can smell his cologne and you keep looking over there.""You're very good… yes, there is someone there… a friend of mine."
She holds his gaze and after a moment Greg understands. It hits him like a lightning bolt. Greg has always wondered if his wife was leading a celibate life in the city or if she just let him believe that all these years. He can see she is nervous and decides to make this as easy on her as possible. It's what he's always wanted for her and although it hurts… he wants her to be happy. He covers up his pain and smiles.
"Well, have him come around so I can meet him.""Sure… Gibbs?" Gibbs meets her eyes as he moves into Greg's line of sight on the opposite side of the bed from her. Greg studies him intently, not surprised to see what a handsome man he is. Hollis now rushes on to introduce them. "Greg… this is Agent Gibbs. Jethro Gibbs. This is Greg Hillman."
"Greg. It's nice to meet you."
"Same here… I've heard about you. You're the same guy Holly told me about?"
"Yea, well, I hope she hasn't told you anything bad about me."
"No… just what a bastard you can be sometimes."
"Greg! I did NOT say that!" Holly is blushing as Gibbs glances over at her. Both men grin at her embarrassment as Gibbs keeps things light and friendly.
"Holly? You couldn't possibly be referring to me?""Only on the good days, Gibbs… the other times you don't want to know what I say about you."
Greg watches the easy, intimate exchange between them and it confirms there is more to the relationship here than professionals. Hollis rolls her eyes in exasperation and Greg laughs, but it comes out more like a wheezing cough. Greg suddenly gasps as a coughing fit seizes him. Hollis immediately comes to his side, bracing his neck as he gasps for air. When he can finally catch his breath, Hollis is bending over him using a soft cloth to wipe his face. Greg's breathing sounds raspy and it takes him several minutes to calm down enough to be able to speak.
"I'm all right, honey… really."
Hollis still looks worried and keeps her hand on his chest so she can monitor his breathing. Greg takes a few more breaths and then turns his eyes back to Gibbs. He once again studies him for a long moment that makes Gibbs nervous… his eyes narrow and Gibbs has the feeling he knows about them. Greg's gaze is intent, but there is no dislike or disapproval there. Greg finally turns his eyes back to Hollis.
"Honey… will you please get my inhaler? It's in my room, I think."
"Sure… I'll be right back." Hollis hurries back towards the care center's main building, concerned with Greg's breathing problems.
Once she is gone however, Gibbs notices a change come over Greg and he is once again stunned by the man's powers of observation. "It'll take her a while to come back. My inhaler is right here with me."
"All right… but why send her on a wild goose chase?"
"Because… I know how protective she is of me… and I want to know the truth."
"About what?"
"You… her. She's more than just your work partner, isn't she?" Gibbs looks from his eyes, out
over the lawn and then back again as Greg urges him to answer. "I know she probably told you
not to say anything about it… but believe me… just bringing you here says volumes. Besides, I
see the way you two look at each other. I'm not blind."
"Yea, you know, you're very observant."
"And I'm very curious. So, tell me… am I right? How long have you two been dating? Or… has it gone farther than that?" Greg's eyes glisten with excitement as he gives free rein to his curiosity. Gibbs hesitates a moment, still wondering if he should tell him any of this… after all, it was Hollis's decision to tell him this stuff. "Come on… tell me! I've been dying to know about her life out there… she never tells me about anything but work."
"Maybe she thinks its best that way… maybe she's just protecting you."
"I don't know what she's told you, but I've been here a long time. Don't you think I know she's got a life out there… a real life? I know she only comes here, pretending to be my wife three times a week just to make me happy. And I'm not saying she doesn't… because to be honest, there are some days she's the only thing that keeps me going."
"She does it because she loves you."
"I know… but, it's not real love… hell, we knew we weren't really in love before my accident. Did she tell you we were in the process of getting a divorce when this happened?"
"Yea, she told me."
"Then you understand why she comes here… she feels guilty and refuses to abandon me. I know that… and I've had my own share of guilt over the years too. I just want to know she's happy… is that too much to ask?"
After his speech, Greg is now gasping for air again and has to take several minutes to catch his breath and calm down. Gibbs can see how fragile his health really is and realizes what Greg is asking… Gibbs finally sighs and a slight smile curves the corner of his mouth as he nods his head.
"She's happy… I give you my word on that."
"So, are you married?"
"No, but we have been dating about three years now."
"Don't you want to get married?"
Gibbs chuckles and shakes his head. "Difficult subject, my friend."
"Why?"
"I've lost count of the times I've asked her to marry me… and until recently she'd never give me a reason for turning me down. Now, I know why… and I understand."
"But… we're not married any more… I mean, the divorce was final a long time ago."
"I know, but to Holly that's just a piece of paper. In her heart she's still loyal to you."
"So… you just found out about me too?"
"About two months ago."
"I'm sorry… I wish I could make her change her mind."
"Don't be… now that I know the truth… I'm just glad she finally decided to let me meet you."
"Yea, me too… I've always hoped she'd find a guy like you."
They exchange a long, intense look and Gibbs just nods and then looks up to watch as Hollis and a nurse come hurrying back towards them. Greg sees Gibbs' focus change and quickly instructs him where to find his inhaler. "Quick, get my inhaler out from under my pillow… yea, right there."
Gibbs reaches for the inhaler and pulls it out just as Hollis comes up to tell them she can't find the inhaler anywhere. Gibbs holds it out to her with a look of complete innocence. "It was under his pillow… but you'd already gone inside when he remembered it."
He hands it to Hollis who immediately bends over to put the inhaler to Greg's mouth. She looks from one man to the other curiously, wondering what she missed while she was inside. She gives Greg an inhaler treatment and the nurse watches until she is done. Then she steps up to put a stethoscope to his chest and listen to his breathing. Gibbs and Hollis wait, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before the nurse stands up.
"You're sounding pretty raspy, mister. I think we better get you back inside for a breathing treatment.""Not yet, Melanie… please… I've got company."
"All right… I'll give you ten minutes, ok? Then it's time to go inside." She smiles at Hollis, who nods her agreement, and then turns to go back inside.
Hollis sits on the edge of his gurney, smiling down at him now. "You feeling better?"
"I'm fine, honey… but I want you to tell me something…" Hollis can see the seriousness of his expression. She keeps the smile on her face, even as a strange tingle runs down her spine and nods. "Why haven't you married this guy yet? I like him… he's just what I've wanted you to find."
"What?"
"You don't have to pretend, honey… I knew the minute you introduced him to me there was more going on between you two."
"You did, huh? So that whole thing about your inhaler was just for my benefit?"
"Well, how else were we gonna have a man to man talk?"
"You're sneaky… both of you."
"I didn't have anything to do with that! I just answered a few questions, that's all." Holly gives him a stern look, not sure she likes the idea of these two talking about her.
"Honey… he only told me what I've suspected for some time. I'm happy for you… really. You don't know how guilty I felt for allowing you to waste your life on me."
"Hold it right there, buddy… I am not wasting my life for you… or him, or anyone. Got it? I'm here because I want to be with you… and, I'm with Gibbs the other times because I want to be with him." She leans down to gently stroke his hair as she looks deeply into his eyes and honestly admits, "I love you… and nothing is going to change that, okay, sweetheart?"
"And you love him?" She nods honestly. "Then marry him… at least put one of us out of our misery."
Although he says this sarcastically she knows this is his way of giving her his blessing. Gibbs stands back, watching the tender moment between them, as he sees how deep Holly's love for this man really runs. Holly strokes his hair and their eyes remain locked as he now whispers, "Please, honey… do it for me. I want to know you're happy before..."
Ssshhh… I am happy right now, with you."Hollis smiles down at him, knowing he understands the dilemma she's been living with all this time. She feels her heart swelling with love for him and bends closer to kiss him several times, gently touching her lips to his as she whispers in between kisses, "Okay… but, this doesn't mean… you're off the hook… I'm still gonna visit you… three times a week."
When she pulls back his eyes are shining with tears as are hers and the bond between them is evident. Gibbs has backed off to give them some privacy, but continues to watch from a distance. When Hollis finally sits up she looks around for him and smiles. "Canyou help me get this con-man back inside?"
"Sure, just show me where the steering wheel is." His joke breaks the tension as he steps up to the end of Greg's bed and flips the brake pedal off. Greg meets his eyes and Gibbs winks at him as they begin to push his bed back towards the double doors of the care center.