EIGHT MONTHS

The MCRT had been working the case of the dead recruit for six weeks now with no good leads and no good openings. Gibbs and DiNozzo were convinced that, if they could just get onto the base at Quantico, they could connect the last few dots that would solve the murder. Vance had been persuaded by the men and had even gone to bat with the Marine Corps commandant and SecNav but to no avail. There had been no way to slip in an NCIS operative without it raising too much of a red flag. So, Tony was surprised when his phone rang at his desk and he heard his boss' terse command of "Abby's lab now."

Stepping through the doorway, he was surprised to find Abby at her desk, typing away and Gibbs, smiling mischievously at his entrance.

"We got our opening, DiNozzo," Gibbs explained.

Returning the smile, Tony answered, "Great! What's the cover?"

"The current D.I. got arrested for DUI and possession. They need a replacement for Weapons and Hand-to-Hand and they have to be there this afternoon."

"Sounds like it's tailor-made for you, Boss," Tony responded.

Shaking his head, Gibbs replied, "Yeah, except that the knee's been worse lately so I don't want to take the chance of not being able to handle the P.T."

Tony's eyes widened, "Me?"

"You think McGee could make a convincing drill instructor, DiNozzo?" was the sarcastic response.

"Well, no," Tony stumbled, "it's just…I mean…Callie and the baby and all."

Gibbs stepped up close to the agent, "I know, Tony. If there were any other way…"

But he was cutoff when DiNozzo responded, "No, Boss. It's fine. I just need to go call her. Fill her in."

Gibbs shook his head, "No time. Everyone's working to get you ready to ship out. Abs is working on your ID while McGee's handling all the surveillance. Ducky's waiting on you in autopsy to get you the rest of your immunizations. Hell, even Palmer's involved, getting your uniforms and duffle ready. You've got to be in Quantico by 1700, no exceptions."

Tony nodded his understanding as Gibbs continued, "Don't worry about Harris. I'll take care of her and you have my word, you'll be here to see your first child brought into this world."

DiNozzo smiled, "Understood, Boss. So, what's your job?"

Gibbs mischievous smile returned, "Me? I get to make you look like a real Marine, DiNozzo."

Since the appointment with the obstetrician, Callie had been a fairly model patient. Tony had invested in a leather rocker/recliner that was prominently situated in the living area of the apartment. This is where Harris spent most of her non-work days, reclined and with the ability to watch (or as Tony teased, sleep in front of) the television.

This was how Abby found her as she slipped into the DiNozzo apartment. Waking at the sound of the closing door, Harris called out, "Tony?"

Coming into view, the Goth answered, "No, Cal. It's me."

Struggling to right the chair, Callie responded, "Hey, Abs. Wasn't expecting you. Where's Tony?"

Abby began to fidget, "Uh, well, Tony's uh…"

Callie's gaze narrowed, "Abby, where's Tony?"

"I can't exactly tell you, right now. Gibbs will be here shortly and he'll explain everything."

Instead of having the calming effect Abby was going for, Harris flew into immediate concern, "What do you mean Gibbs will explain everything? Abby! Where's Tony?" The fear and anxiety mounting in her tone.

"Enough!" The ex-marine's voice boomed from the front door. "Settle down, now, Harris." Then, turning to the lab tech, he thrust a bag at her, "Take this to the kitchen and get supper ready."

"Yes, Bossman," was Abby's quick reply, nearly ripping the bags from his hands in her haste to vacate the room.

Callie's body still showed the tension she was feeling but her voice betrayed none as she responded, "I'm only going to ask one more time, Jethro. Where's DiNozzo?"

Smiling at her command tone, he dropped on the couch across from the chair, "I've had to send him on assignment."

"Where?"

"You know I can't tell you anymore than you could tell Tony when you went to L.A." Gibbs reasoned.

"But he's got backup?"

The look Gibbs gave Callie spoke greater than words and she answered her own question, "Of course, he's got backup. McGee, right?"

Gibbs nodded as she continued; hurt coloring her tone, "I can't believe he didn't call me."

"He didn't have time. This situation presented itself quickly and our window of opportunity was very limited. He wanted to but I told him I would take care of you," Gibbs explained.

Responding with a curt shake of the head, Gibbs continued, "Now, Abby or I will be here with you until the baby comes or Tony gets back."

"I don't need a sitter, Gibbs. I can take care of myself," Callie reasoned.

But he continued as if she hadn't spoken, "And, I gave Tony my word, he'll be here to see his first child delivered. And I promise you the same thing."

Abby set dishes on the table and listened as Gibbs continued giving Callie orders, "And, DiNozzo said you have your next doctor's appointment tomorrow at 3pm."

"Gibbs, I said I can take care of myself," Callie interjected again.

Smiling, the Special Agent in Charge answered, "So, I'll be here at 2pm. Think that about covers it, don't you, Abby?"

Smiling at Callie's perturbed look she answered, brightly, "Think so, Gibbs."

Standing up from the couch, Gibbs reached down and took both Harris' hands and pulled her up from the chair. Locking gazes, he responded, "You may can take care of yourself but you are, always have been and always will be, one of mine, Callie Harris. And I take care of my own. Are we clear?"

Callie smiled and wrapped her arms around her friend and former boss as far as the baby would let her, "Crystal, L.J."