NCIS: Post-Traumatic
Author: AnonymousNCISFan
Rating: T (PG-13)
Summary: Gibbs & Abby have been avoiding each other since his return from Paraguay…here's one possible explanation.
Pairing: Gibbs/Abby friendship
Spoilers: Up to & including Season 15
Warnings: Angst, References to PTSD
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters and am making no money off this – I appreciate the creative minds at NCIS and the brilliant actors who bring these beloved characters to life.
Chapter 25 – Rule 45
Author's Note: This chapter fills in some of the gaps on the day Abby confronts her would-be killer during the second half of "Two Steps Back." This chapter takes place after Gibbs' interrogation of the guard that switched with King in his cell – attempting to fill in the blanks, especially where Gibbs and Abby are concerned. Their non-interaction in this part of the episode really stood out – just my attempt to explain that gaping plot hole. Spoilers for Season 15. Feedback is much appreciated!
NCIS Headquarters
Observation Room
12:45PM
Gibbs stared at Brendan Denridge through the one-sided glass, surprised at how well he'd held his composure during the interrogation. This was the man responsible for getting King out of prison, for making him a threat, for allowing him to put a plan in motion that almost cost Abby her life, and that cost Clayton Reeves his. And yet he sat there composed and calm, letting Bishop co-lead the interview. Gibbs was pondering the guard's question: "What would you have done?"
Sighing, Gibbs knew it was a complicated situation. The man's family was at risk. And Gibbs hadn't forgotten what King was capable of.
"Bottle of bourbon for your thoughts," a voice called from the doorway.
"Thinkin' we better catch King quick," Gibbs said matter-of-factly as Vance entered the observation room.
"We missed this, we messed up," Vance sighed. "Ms. Sciuto is one of the top scientists in her field and we almost let this low-life traitor get to her. What happened here, Gibbs?"
"He threatened Denridge's family," Gibbs shrugged. "The guard did what he thought he had to do."
"You accept that?" Vance replied in surprise, turning toward Gibbs.
"He asked what I would've done…"
"You would've protected your family," Vance replied strongly. "But not like that. Not like a coward. You probably would've just … well, I think we already know how that story ends."
Gibbs nodded somberly.
"Know you paid a visit to Alejandro Rivera before all this," Vance continued. "Don't think that wasn't on my mind as well. I'm relieved he had nothing to do with it, but that whole situation never sat right with me - what Ms. Sciuto had to do, what I had to do …"
"I didn't ask either of you to," Gibbs rasped.
"You didn't have to," Vance replied. "It's just … Rivera was a loose end. King, too, apparently. We take this job, we take an oath to protect and serve. We do things by the book. But there are consequences."
"Goes both ways, Leon," Gibbs said. "Sometimes, hard to live with either way."
"Are we any closer to catching this bastard?" Vance asked.
"Denridge said he doesn't know where King went or what he was up to."
The buzzing of Gibbs' cell phone interrupted the conversation.
"Yea, Torres … She what? OK, we're on it. Tell Abby that's good work and I'll talk to her when we get back."
"Gibbs?" Vance asked, wondering about the conversation.
"Abby thinks she tracked down King. Apparently that free pass to 'The Cooler' was a setup and-" Gibbs phone buzzed – "Yep, got the address."
"Take Bishop and McGee," Vance said as Gibbs began to leave.
"By the book – got it," Gibbs said tersely, his gut churning. He wondered why Abby hadn't called herself. He knew he was harsh with her when she had decided to leave the hospital, but hoped she understood it was out of concern for her well-being. But Gibbs couldn't worry about that now – he had a mission – to capture King and put an end to this nightmare.
Abby Sciuto's Apartment
12:55PM
"OK, they're on their way," Torres assured Abby. "It's all gonna be over soon – Gibbs won't let him get away."
"Alright, well … I think I'm gonna get changed," Abby said, averting Torres' eyes.
"Why? Got a hot date or somethin'?" he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Uh … no I just … just think I'd feel more comfortable in sweats."
"OK, well, if you need any help…I mean, I'm not saying … well, what I'm saying is-"
"Don't worry, Nick," she smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "I broke my arm when I was 15. Fell off a horse on my Aunt Gert's farm. Think I'll manage OK. But thanks."
Torres nodded and sat back down on the couch, trying not to get too comfortable. While they might have found King, there was no telling if another hit had been put out on her.
Abby emerged from her room in less than five minutes, surprising Torres with her quickness. He noticed she was in a black hoodie, her long hair hanging down freely.
"Hey … wow, guess you didn't like the way McGee did your pigtails after all, huh? Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen you without them."
"Well, first time for everything," she shrugged, biting her lip. "So, uh, Nick … McGee told me you owe him $50."
Torres laughed. "Well, yea, I mean, who would believe anyone would sleep in a coffin? I mean it's kinda creepy and … well, not that you're creepy, or that's it's weird but … well, it is kinda weird, right? I mean, I'm not judging, I'm just saying …"
"Does it creep you out, Nick?" she asked flatly.
"Uh … yea."
"Tough guy like you, afraid of a coffin?"
"Well, don't know if I'd use the word afraid…"
"Huh, who would've thought I'm tougher than the big, bad undercover agent Nick Torres?"
"Hey, I'm tough!"
"Prove it – try it out."
"What? Like … like I'm at a mattress store or something?"
"You're too afraid," she taunted. "You're protecting me, but you're too scared to get into a coffin!"
"I'm not scared!"
"Prove it!"
"OK, OK…just for a minute. Just to prove that no matter what superstitions I may or may not believe in, I am not afraid."
Torres slowly made his way into the coffin and laid back, looking incredibly uncomfortable.
"OK … this isn't so bad," he grimaced, "if I don't think about what this…"
"Maybe if you close your eyes, it'll be easier," Abby suggested.
"Uh … OK …"
"And let me hold your cell phone," she added. "That thing's in your back pocket – gotta be digging into your back." He gave her a skeptical look. "Nick, look, I just want you to get a full appreciation for why I enjoy sleeping in this."
Torres shrugged, handing her his cell phone and closing his eyes. Abby looked down, feeling incredibly guilty about what she was about to do. Her second major lie of the day.
"Sorry, Nick," she said before quickly closing and locking the lid to the casket. She heard Torres pounding as he began to yell, his sounds muffled.
"I'm really sorry, Nick!" she said loudly so he could hear her. "But I have to take down King on my own! This is my mess, and I have to clean it up! I don't want anyone else dying for me! Gibbs will figure it out – he'll get you out. You'll be fine – there's holes on the sides so you'll have plenty of air. I'm just … I'm sorry. I'm sorry about everything."
Abby placed his phone on the floor next to the coffin before heading to the computer to jot down a quick note for Gibbs – two simple words: Rule 45. He'd understand – he had to. She hoped Gibbs could forgive her for deceiving him. It's why she'd asked Torres to call – she couldn't bear lying to him. Texting was one thing, but if he heard her voice, he would know she was lying. She wasn't sure how the confrontation with King would go, but she had a plan. She grabbed the Caf-Pow pills she had in her cabinet, along with a small recording device, and dashed out the door.
Arlington Heights
"The Wild Goose" Abandoned Building
1:15PM
"The place looks like it hasn't been opened in years, boss," McGee noted.
"Nothing in the back, either," Bishop added, looking around. "Abby must've gotten the address wrong."
"When has that ever happened?" McGee scoffed, slowly beginning to realize what had happened. Gibbs had already figured out, the minute he saw the decal on the window – "The Wild Goose."
"She sent us to the wrong location on purpose," Gibbs stated, looking around helplessly.
"Why would she do that?" McGee wondered. "Boss, you don't think that…"
Gibbs shook his head, his heart pounding heavily as his mind raced through the scenarios of what could be happening. He'd just gotten her back – he couldn't lose her now.
"Bishop, call Torres," Gibbs commanded in a frustrated voice. "Find out what the hell is going on."
"Already trying, Gibbs, but he's not picking up," she said with concern.
"Boss, you don't think King got her?" McGee asked fearfully.
"Or she got to him," Gibbs swallowed, shaking his head and calling Abby. Bishop was back on her phone, trying to reach Torres. "Straight to voicemail," Gibbs grunted, snapping his phone shut.
"Me too, again," Bishop lamented.
"Boss, maybe we should head back to Abby's place?"
"Read my mind McGee. Let's go."
The three climbed into the blue sedan, McGee riding shotgun and Bishop climbing in the back behind Gibbs. As Gibbs pulled away with a screech, speeding down the roadway, both McGee and Bishop gave each other a worried look as they clicked in their seatbelts at the same time. Tension filled the air.
"No way Abby wouldn't confront King on her own," McGee asserted. "She's too smart to face a cold-blooded killer without backup. Besides, what would she do? Shoot him full of Caf-Pow?"
"We don't know what she's up to," Gibbs grunted.
"C'mon, Gibbs – Abby wouldn't hurt a fly. Something else must've happened. I'll keep trying Torres."
"Boss, do you really think Abby would be capable of … I mean I know she's been a bit … different since the shooting but …"
"Sometimes we don't know what we're capable of until we're tested, McGee," Gibbs sighed, giving him a knowing look, remembering how they'd survived Paraguay together.
"Think maybe all this pushed her over the edge? Think she might …"
"I don't know, McGee," Gibbs rasped, his gut churning. "But we're gonna find out."
"If she's confronting him, she's putting herself in danger. He wants her dead, and she's never … she's not an agent. I know she can take care of herself, but she's hurt and … boss, we have to find her."
"We will, McGee," Gibbs said strongly, squinting. A few moments of silence passed.
"Damn it, Abby!" McGee yelled, slamming a fist down on the dashboard. Bishop jumped. Gibbs shook his head wearily, relating to his senior field agent's frustration.
Georgetown
Local Cafe
1:20PM
Abby watched as King placed his order with the barista and sat down at a familiar table.
"Hey Abby," the barista said, smiling. "What happened to your arm?"
"Oh, it's nothing, Jen. How's it going?"
"Kinda slow. It's Hump Day, you know?"
"Hey, can I have what he's having?" Abby asked, gesturing to King, who was seated with his back toward her, oblivious to her presence.
"Sure, no problem," Jen said as she finished making King's drink and placed it on the counter next to Abby. "Julie, coffee for Table 4!" Cindy called to the waitress.
Julie, who Abby could tell was in the middle of taking an order at another table, turned and nodded before going back to the couple she was serving. As Cindy turned around to make Abby's drink, Abby quickly pulled the Caf-Pow pills from her pocket and dropped them into Tom's drink, eyes darting around to make sure no one noticed. She felt like a class-A creep – evil Abby was coming out to play, and it didn't sit well with her one bit. She was deceiving her friends, and wasn't sure what she would accomplish by all this, or if she could even pull it off. And one thing was for certain - Gibbs was going to be pissed.
Abby walked away from the bar and around to the other side of the restaurant, disappearing before Jen could give Abby her own order of coffee. Looking around curiously, Jen only saw a twenty-dollar bill on the table. Not seeing Abby, she shrugged and put the drink on the back counter in case her friend returned.
Julie came up and grabbed King's drink, placing it in front of him before moving on. That was Abby's cue. Hoodie up, she approached him slowly. He seemed focused but relaxed, his defenses were down, even though they shouldn't have been.
"He's one smug, arrogant son-of-a bitch," she thought.
Abby used a small, hand-held mirror to look under the table for any signs of weapons. He might be carrying, but he was older, slower; she'd catch him if he tried anything. At least she hoped she would. She clicked on the small recording device she had brought – all part of her plan to get his confession.
Walking towards King's table with purpose now, Abby summoned all her anger and pain and focused it onto King. She felt a ferocity she never knew she had … in that moment, she knew she could end him if she had to. She just hoped it wouldn't come to that. Abby had rules too, and her most sacred was to never take a life, no matter how despicable the person might be.
"Hey, Tom," she said flatly, in a dark, raspy voice. "Or Robert. Or whatever you're calling yourself these days. Surprised to see me?"
Abby gave him the best "Gibbs stare" she could muster, feeling the rage flow. This was dangerous. And incredibly stupid. She wasn't an agent – she wasn't Gibbs – yet here she was, confronting her would-be killer.
"No going back now, Abigail," she thought to herself, hoping she'd made the right decision.
"No backup?" he scoffed, veiling his surprise at seeing her. He was challenging her, threatening her.
"Nope," Abby said confidently. "Not this time. I came alone." She thought to herself, "So you can't kill anyone else I love."
"I'm impressed," King replied. Abby scoffed.
"Impressed that I'm still alive? Or impressed that I tracked you down a second time?"
"That you have the guts to face me yourself."
That pissed Abby off. She was tired of being so dependent on her hero friends … she could take care of herself, and she wasn't going to let King bully her.
"Don't think for a second you intimidate me," she spat.
"Well, if you're not gonna arrest me, uh, why are you here?"
"Rule 45," Abby replied simply.
"What does that mean?"
"You'll find out soon enough," she said menacingly.
"Well, in that case, have a seat," King said, curiosity getting the better of him.
Abby sat down carefully, watching him for sudden moves. She was going to nail him to the wall this time.
Abby's Apartment
1:30PM
Gibbs' heart dropped into his stomach when he saw Abby's post-it note stuck to her computer. Two simple words: Rule 45. He understood, but it didn't help the anger that was rising in him.
"Damn it," he thought as he stepped aside to let McGee check her computer. "She's gone rogue. She's gonna get herself killed."
Gibbs also knew if Torres was complicit in this, he'd read him the riot act, and for a moment even considered kicking him off the team. That was until they heard the banging from inside Abby's casket. As Torres leapt out, Gibbs almost laughed out loud at Abby's cleverness and Torres' obvious fright. But it wasn't funny, he reminded himself. Abby had put herself in harms way – they had to get to her before King did. Once McGee tracked them down to a local café not far from "The Wild Goose" building, all four rushed down to the sedan and Gibbs sped to the scene. It was a 15-minute car ride, but felt much longer, even with Gibbs' crazy driving. Most of the car ride was in silence.
"She said she didn't want anyone else to die because of her."
Gibbs couldn't stop thinking about those words from Torres – words that Abby had said to him as well in the hospital. Maybe he just hadn't been listening. He should have recognized the change in her, not brushed it off, he thought. He should have talked to her instead of fighting her on getting out of the hospital. He should have been there instead of Torres – just like she should have been with her instead of Reeves - but he was still upset from their conversation that morning.
Guilt piled on top of guilt as Gibbs sped through red lights and cut close corners, trying desperately to get to Abby before she did something foolish – something that might take her away from all of them forever.
TO BE CONTINUED…