Disclaimer: NCIS is the intellectual property of Donald P Bellisario and Don McGill. I'm not making any money here. Though a couple of nice reviews would be welcome.

Authors Note: I wrote this story for BAMACRUSH. She wanted a fishing, drinking and male bonding type story. With a little perspective on Jenny from Judgment Day thrown in. Hope I came thru. The story takes place in the two week period in "No Absolution". "Outlaws and In-laws" has named Mike's granddaughter and daughter-in-law. However, I was here first so I'm not changing anything. Besides, I like the name Hope.

Spoilers: Judgment Day 1&2, Faking it.

"I could tell my heart that I don't miss you. My lips could tell a lie, but My Heart Would Know"- Hank Williams Sr. 1951

Mike's boat, 20 miles off Baja, Mexico 1520hrs

They'd left at first light, gliding out of the marina under easy sail. Mike Franks and Leroy Jethro Gibbs were going fishing. At least that was the stated purpose. The three cases of Dos Equis beer were also probably going to impact on the day.

The fishing portion of the trip was accomplished by 1100. Mike had reeled in four red snapper. Jethro had tied into a yellow fin tuna. After a twenty minute fight the 100 pound fish was being filleted and the first beers of the day were being consumed. For forms sake there were a couple of sandwiches in the cooler along with the beer.

While filleting their catch Mike eyed his Probie. Two thirds of Gibbs' vacation was over. He'd gone out a couple of times with the Irish girl he'd met after storming out of Carlos'. As far as Mike could tell, that's all that occurred. Gibbs had also done the godfather thing. Going to the beach with Hope, making her circus animals out of scrap lumber and much to the consternation of her Mom, spoiling her rotten.

Now, Mike and Gibbs were alone on the water, fishing done. The drinking started, and soon so did the talking. It started innocently enough. Past cases, common friends, war stories.

"Say, Probie, did I ever tell you the difference between a fairy tale and a war story?"

"No, Boss, I don't think so."

"Well, a fairy tale starts 'Once upon a time'. A war story starts 'This is no shit'."

Gibbs let out a small chuckle and looked off into the distance.

"Okay, Probie, spit it out."

"What?"

"We've been dancin' around this since that day in the cantina. So get it off your chest."

Gibbs sighed.

"I wish she'd have come to me Mike."

"Well, she didn't Jethro. When she called me I knew the deal. It was gonna be something off the books. Which meant that if it turned to shit I was expendable."

Gibbs looked shocked.

"Hell's bells Gibbs. Do you really think that she'd want anything to happen to you, DiNozzo or David if it went south?"

"But, Boss…"

"Once she told me you were involved I was in. She was gonna fix the problem herself. With a little help from yours truly."

"It'll be just the way you like it. No paperwork."

Gibbs looked down at the deck.

"Mike, I also think she killed 'The Frog'".

Franks raised an eyebrow. Jethro went on to explain about the marks on the cartridge casing. After the explanation, Mike grinned.

"So, I'm supposed to be what? Shocked? I'll say two words to ya Probie, 'Arkady Kobach'. Good for her."

Gibbs pulled them two more beers from the cooler. Mike lit a cigarette.

"Boss, did she mention being sick?"

"No she didn't. I brought it up."

"Found your pills."

"You went thru my purse?"

"Your purse, your cell phone and your glove box."

"She wasn't happy I knew. Listen, Probie, when I came back here, I went to a sawbones I know. Told him the name of the pills. It would have been bad when it finally hit her. She did not want you seeing her like that."

"It wouldn't have mattered to me, Mike."

"But it would have mattered to her, Gibbs."

Mike made a course correction setting up their route back to the marina.

"Why was she alone when it jumped off Mike?"

"She found some tea. There was a water cistern out back. I needed to take a leak. So I went. Heard the truck pull up. Got one going in the back. By the time I got inside, it was over. I cleaned up and got the hell out of Dodge."

Gibbs shook his head.

"I never should have let it get as far as it did."

"Bullshit, Jethro. The die was cast when she couldn't pull the trigger and then lied about it."

Franks tossed his cigarette over the side.

"This was a raw deal all the way around. I want you to think about this, though. A man's lucky if he has one big love in his life. You've had two. Hell, who knows, there could be another. Third time's the charm."

It was quiet the rest of the trip back to the marina. Just the sound of the wind in the rigging and the water rushing down the side of the boat.

A/N: I was never really happy with "No Absolution". I felt that I kind of screwed the pooch with it. This story coupled with that one makes me feel a little better. Also, my muse's assistant gave me some sage advice. I even followed it this time. Reviews please. C'mon, I said please.