Convergence

by Jethro25

A case involving the murder of an FBI agent, who is also a Navy Reserve Lieutenant on active duty brings the NCIS team into an uneasy partnership with the folks from Bones. This story serves as a sequel to The Long Lie. Rating changed to T.

14. Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Two weeks later, Gibbs walked into the NCIS building, a good week ahead of the recommendation of his doctor. He smiled at Henry, the security guard, and guaranteed him that he was fine. He waited patiently for the elevator and stepped inside, riding it to the third floor, where he stepped out into the bullpen.

It felt like home. One would think that it would be difficult to miss the hideous orange walls, but he really had. Of course, spending two weeks at home with Kate did have its benefits, but Gibbs was, and long had been, a man who defined himself by his work.

He'd been pleased to hear that DiNozzo had stepped right up and done a fine job of running the team in his absence. He'd expected no less. Kate volleyed back and forth between talking about how impressed she was with Tony's ability to lead when necessary, and her utter frustration at his antics and his stubborn refusal to grow up when things were slow. Of course, he'd expected that as well. A leopard doesn't change its spots easily.

He took a sip of his coffee and headed for the MCRT portion of the bullpen. He was surprised to find it empty. "They must have caught a case this morning," he thought. He moved to his desk and sat down. There was a ton of paperwork he'd need to do this morning. He'd let DiNozzo handle things until he was caught up. Another sip of coffee and he waded into the enormous stack of papers waiting for his perusal.

It didn't take long before the rest of the team came back. Ziva and McGee had been down with Abby. They greeted Gibbs warmly before moving to their own desks. Moments later DiNozzo and Kate came in from the garage. They'd been at FBI, finishing up everything with Fornell for the Mara case. As usual, they were bickering over something trivial as they entered the bullpen. Like the orange walls, it was something Gibbs figured he'd never want to hear again, but right now, it was like music to his ears.

"Oh, hey Boss," Tony said, having noticed his superior. "Welcome back." He wanted to ask why Gibbs had come back early and whether or not the doctors had okayed it, but he already knew the answers to both questions. Gibbs was Gibbs after all, & if Tony had anything to say about it, he always would be.