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Chapter 11

Friday, June 21st, 2019

Up early, Tim, Mateo, and Dad loaded both trucks and took them to the warehouse where they stacked everything on pallets found inside. Tim also installed security cameras, linking them to his watch and his father's, Geordie's and Tony's phones. Then they took the trucks to a Costco fairly close to the warehouse, bought more food and found boots and socks for Mateo.

When he protested, Dad clapped a hand on his shoulder, "Mateo, you're part of the clan now and we take care of our own. When we get back to the house, you and Tim are going online and buying more clothes for you. You need more than holey jeans, a pair of cut-offs and three T-shirts."

"I have more, that's just what I brought for the weekend."

Tim chuckled. "And now you'll have even more."

He protested for a few more minutes before relaxing. It was fun watching as long- sleeved T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants were thrown into the cart. He rolled his eyes when he was told to pick 10 pairs of underwear including undershirts. He blinked when he found two sets of thermal underwear in the cart. "Do I need all this?"

"We're not sure so everyone's taking some of everything."

"Okay."

When the other two were apparently finished outfitting him, they headed for the food and bought cases of the largest cans of anything Mateo had seen aside from the restaurants he worked in. Tim disappeared and came back with a pallet on wheels. "Come on, let's get more water." He followed them and then watched astounded as the two of them maneuvered a huge plastic container full of water onto the pallet. After the first one, he helped, finally stopping when Tim was satisfied, saying, "We don't know what the water situation will be After. Don't want to survive the thing and then be in more trouble with no water." He muttered to himself and Jethro said, "He's counting gallons."

Tim finished, "Ok, we're good. Next comes more baby food." Jethro and Mateo stayed with the pallet and water while Tim took the cart and headed for the baby food, grabbing cases of it. Sending a text to his father, the three men met at the checkout. Finally, they were through the lines and loaded everything into the trucks.

Jethro led the way back and Mateo, riding with him, noted they were driving a different route. The older man chuckled, "Good observation! Want to make sure we're not followed. Don't want to lead anyone to our stash."

"Huh, never thought of that."

When the two drivers were certain no one was following them, they drove to the warehouse and unloaded, grouping everything in order of priority. Tim looked around as they finished. "Furniture needs to go in."

"Except for the beds."

"Yeah, need to figure that out."

"After the charter leaves we'll gather those beds. Then you, Mom, Mateo and I can sleep on the sofa bed mattresses and the rollaway beds. Those are easier to move. DiNozzo, oh Maggie's driving, huh?"

"Yes but they have a sofa bed."

"Ok, so look at the list and see who has what. Palmers are flying; ask Ed to move their beds and other furniture. Whittle it down."

"Good ideas, Dad, thanks."

"Keep telling you not to take on everything by yourself, son."

Tim snorted, "Hmm, wonder where I got that from, Agent Lone Wolf?"

Mateo couldn't help it, he started laughing and the surprised Gibbses soon joined in. They were just locking up at the warehouse when Tim's phone buzzed with a text from Tony. "Ok to take stuff to the warehouse?"

Tim replied and laughed at the answer. "He says that's good because they're already on their way."

The DiNozzos were there in less than five minutes and they stayed to help them unload. Tony's eyes bulged when he saw what was inside already. "Wow, you guys, we've only had the keys since yesterday!"

"Did a double load this morning and then went to Costco and loaded up some more."

"Yeah, we got more water this morning but it's in the garage. We'll bring it over next trip, wanted to get the Colonel's furniture over here."

Maggie's father was bringing 2 bookcases and a large library table. Tim was surprised to see the DiNozzos' sofa too.

Maggie saw his surprise, "We took the mattress out of it. We can sit in the chairs until Dad leaves, then we'll bring over the beds and chairs we're taking and sleep on the sofa bed mattress. We'll start bringing boxes too, we have them labeled and numbered."

"Good work!"

Jethro laughed quietly when Tim's phone chimed with a call from Rick Carter. "Hey Tim, wanted to know if we could bring a load of stuff to the warehouse. Want to get as much over there as we can."

"Sure Rick, you have a key. Dad, the DiNozzos, Mateo and I are there right now."

"Ha, great minds think alike. Uh, is Mateo the delivery guy?"

"Yes!"

"Good, ok, don't wait for us, we can handle everything. Oh and we bought water too."

Tim laughed, "Yay!"

He disconnected and said, "Rick and Denise are on their way but don't want us to wait. And they bought water."

They all laughed, ensuring the building was secure before making their way out. When they got back to the house, they looked at the time and then the three of them looked at each other. Dad said, "I'll buy whatever you want at the diner after we're done."

Mateo grinned, "Food sounds good!"

Tim nodded, "We're on a roll and might not be able to do much over the weekend."

Backing each truck into its respective garage, they loaded each one again, first taking the time to say hello to the kids, Ellie, Shannon, Mac, Sarah and surprisingly Kelly. She greeted them with a smile, "I got called off until Monday and Mom told me to come over for the weekend."

Sarah nodded, "Bob will be here later. Mom said we could stay with them this weekend. We figured we could swim and help with things."

Mateo was introduced to the Gibbs sisters and they shook hands, grinning at him. "Are you NCIS?"

He first shook his head and then tilted it, "Sort of but not directly. I'm the delivery guy for NCIS's favorite Chinese food."

"And you're going with us? Awesome!"

Both young women asked, in unison, "Do you cook?"

Taken aback, Mateo finally answered, "I can do ramen spaghetti."

That made everyone else laugh and Shannon explained. The kids were out back playing, Lia was in her playpen on the lawn and Mac was watching them while Ellie slept in a lounger. The three men went back to their loading and then walked down the back alley to Jethro's house to do the same thing.

Bob arrived and wanted to help; he rode with Jethro while Mateo rode with Tim. "Are we going to make another run to Costco after we unload?"

"Might but not the same Costco. No more water either; we're fine until my next worry attack."

Unloading at the warehouse, they were surprised to see quite a bit more. Bob smiled, "I borrowed a neighbor's pickup and brought a load over. Rick and his wife were just leaving and they said Jimmy, some other guy and Ducky were here with a truckload."

Tim was happy to see everyone was following the pattern he'd set up. High priority items, water, food, were closest to the door. There was a growing stack of cases of baby food and that was with the other food and beverages. Diapers and other baby paraphernalia were slightly behind the food. Tim moved the baby paraphernalia pile so it was stacked with the cases of baby food and whipping out a Sharpie, he marked each one as 'BABY'.

Boxes marked clothing and the names of the owners were behind that. Several mattresses and box springs each marked with the name of the owner and the number of pieces were against the wall. Col. Barnes' bookcases had been joined by Ducky's, they were farther back while lighter weight storage shelves, and cabinets fronted them.

Two desks, chairs and the Colonel's library table sat with the bookcases. A dining room table and chairs that Tim and Jethro recognized as Ducky's was in front of all that. With a whimper, Tim headed for it, his father joining him. Each grabbing an end, they started to move it, Bob and Mateo quickly joining them. As they moved it, Mateo asked, "Does this table mean something to you?"

Tim nodded. "The people who sat around it. Every Thanksgiving and other holidays, our old team, Ducky, the Palmers and Abby sat around this table. Ziva, Tony, me, Dad, Ellie after Ziva left and Bob when he joined us."

Jethro touched it. "Kate too. When we had that case with the meat puzzle."

"It's definitely going."

The two Gibbses nodded and Jethro cleared his throat. "Ducky's planning on leaving just about everything to Jimmy and Breena, another reason to take it." He nodded as he spotted a large box of books. "Good, he's started sorting."

Bob smiled as he explained to Mateo, "Ducky has a prodigious library in his house and he knows all of his books intimately."

"That's great, I love to read, can't wait to look at these."

They unloaded and left again, heading for the diner. Tim laughed; it was only 10:15! He was glad it hadn't taken long, that was a good omen. He smiled when he saw familiar vehicles at the diner. "Ellie, Tony, Maggie, Ducky, Jimmy, and Abby?"

"Yes, Leon got Abby and Kyle a ride to New Orleans on a military flight today and they're leaving their cars here at the diner. Elaine said that was fine. I told them if we could we'd tow them to Albuquerque but I don't know if that's going to work."

Tim grinned, "We'll figure it out, at least one of them."

They walked in, greeting the others and holding Abby tight. Kyle was with her, looking overwhelmed. When Mateo told him he didn't work in law enforcement, the man grabbed his arm, "Thank God, another civilian!"

Elaine had everyone's favorite foods ready and she kept up the chatter, knowing this would be a tough farewell, the first, as Abby went in a different direction than the rest of the group. Maggie and Bob helped, understanding what Elaine was doing. Jethro and Ducky sat on either side of their girl and worked hard to be positive; teasing her about the crazy things she'd get up to in Belize.

Nobody was surprised when Vance joined the party. He handed an envelope to Abby. "Contacts I have in Belmopan and Belize City. Don't hesitate to call them if you need help. I trust them with my life, with the lives of my children. They know you're coming, know you're one of mine, one of ours. They can help. And I didn't know if you'd had a chance so I also included some Belize currency."

"Thank you." Abby looked a question at him and he held his arms open for a hug. Then she sat back, "I love you all, we've been through so much together. As soon as it's safe, I'll come to Albuquerque; yes Tim I have the directions. I memorized them."

Leon looked at his watch. "It's time. I've arranged for a car to take you to the airfield. Both of you will need your IDs and passports ready when you pull up to the front gate. Kyle, I am hereby hiring you as a consultant to NCIS, which is what your agency ID says. Keep it; you can use it when you come back to the States. If anyone asks what kind of consulting, say you're a dog trainer and the agency is looking into training our own drug and cadaver dogs. Dog training is pretty close to the truth, isn't it?"

"Yes, Sir, and thank you!"

They all stood as Abby and Kyle handed their car keys to Gibbs and then made their way to the door, with many hugs, kisses and well-wishes from the others. They sat again as their friends left. Vance thanked Elaine for the favorite entrée that she put in front of him. He ate a few bites and then looked at Mateo. "I know you but can't remember your name."

The others laughed gently as Mateo explained who he was. "Ah, and you're joining us, wonderful! And welcome!"

"Thank you, Sir."

"No more sir. It's Leon or Vance. And when you call me Leon, there's a special tone you'll need to learn."

"What's that?"

Remembering this from a conversation they'd had a while ago, Jethro leaned forward, "LEEYON!"

"That!"

The others laughed and Jethro winked at his friend, they'd needed the laugh.

Vance continued, "For a few years I thought my name was "Leonwhatthehell?"

Tony, Jimmy, Tim, Ellie, Bob, and Ducky were laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes while Jethro made a little show of being embarrassed.

"But we finally learned to speak to each other in our indoor voices and to trust each other."

"More than that, Leon."

"You're right there, Jethro."

Mateo grinned, he liked this bunch; they were crazy, in a good way.

Jethro frowned, "Why no more sir? I thought you all were going to continue working from the ranch?"

"We are, but I'm not going back to the Navy Yard, it is officially closed. Assistant Directors Ferrer and Craig are in charge until we get to the ranch. The building is empty, locked up. The servers and other equipment worth saving were moved up to the Ridge Mountain facility early this morning. That's 270 miles from DC and a half mile underground, they should be safe. Our most recent case files are ready for paperwork and all active cases have been reassigned to offices outside of probable target areas." He sighed, "The Navy Yard will be empty by Tuesday. The DoD hired movers to transport the MCRT, ME vans, and the fleet vehicles from all the alphabets. They'll get as far west as possible with them; they should have enough time to get to the West Coast."

DiNozzo shook his head, "That's so weird. I'm getting used to the idea of all of us leaving but the Yard empty, wow."

"Yes. DoD is bringing in the Navy and possibly the Coast Guard to move everything; they're also clearing out Quantico. On the way here, I heard they're towing the Barry to safety."

Tim smiled, "That's wonderful, a working symbol."

Vance returned the smile. "Makes me feel a little better too. So, any changes I need to know about?"

"According to the spreadsheet, we've got all the water and food we need. We have four movers and their trucks lined up, and several of us have started moving things to the warehouse. Dad, Mateo, and I did three runs today, the DiNozzos did a run, Bob did a run, Rick and Denise Carter, and Jimmy, Ducky, and whoever that was with you guys did a run." Tim leaned forward, "Ducky, your dining room table is absolutely going with us."

Ducky patted him on the hand. "Thank you, Timothy. That's a family heirloom, came over from Scotland. And that was Jimmy's brother-in-law Brad; he's married to Breena's sister Alyssa."

Vance nodded. "We rented a truck and will have it full by Monday. We cleaned out the garage and it's parked in there. Our departure dates still good?"

Tim shook his head. "No, we haven't changed them but I'd like to get out of here as soon as possible."

Ducky pursed his lips, "Our pilot Charlie is flexible about leaving; he too would rather go sooner than later. I have more books to go through but that will only take a day. My clothes and everything else I'm taking are packed. Books are going on the trucks, my clothing, medical supplies, and equipment is mostly going with me."

Jimmy nodded. "We can be ready in a few days now that we're not going to the Yard. We're only taking our beds, dressers, toys, books, kitchen stuff and my medical equipment but that's going on the plane along with our clothes. We'll also have some oversized medical equipment to go on the trucks; Rob, Kelly and I brought all the equipment over from the clinic in Baltimore: two exam beds, X-ray machine, EKG, portable MRI. The only thing we don't have is a portable ultrasound and Dr. Mallard has ordered that, shipped it to the Ortizes."

Vance agreed, "We can do that too, be ready in a few days now that we can concentrate. We're only taking our beds, dressers too as far as furniture. Although Lara wants to take the dining room table, chairs, and the kitchenware. Photos and things we'll take inside with us."

Tim chuckled, "Yes, I think there are a lot of things that are going for After and not for inside the shelter. That's fine; once we move out we can store things in there."

He suggested a date and one by one, the others committed to it. Tim nodded. "That's good. There are several other people we'll need to check with."

Bob raised his hand, "Barry, Bill, and I can do that, Tim. I know who was here today and we can split the rest. I'll call Barry and Bill."

"Thanks man. Better send Barry an e-mail though, he's off until Monday and might not answer his phone."

"Don't blame him!"

With a new resolve, they gathered their things and thanking Elaine and her husband, left for their respective homes.

When they walked in the door of their home, Ellie pushed Tim into a chair. "I've been waiting all morning to talk to you! I had a call from the doctor's office, we're having a boy!"

Tim's face lit up, "You heard already? And it's a boy? Wow, then McKenzie Gerard instead of McKenzie Shanarbra. Wow!" He pulled his wife onto his lap and they celebrated their future son.

A/N: Cyber cookies and a shout out for whoever figures out what 'Shanarbra' is.