Chapter 36
On the walk to the car, Gibbs refuses to take his hands off of Tony's back. He feels like the second he takes his eyes off his son, or if he isn't in reach, then Tony will disappear into Senior's clutches forever. Never to be seen again until a body turns up in a forest, a river or on a beach waiting to be identified through dental records or DNA. 'Daddy, I'm not going anywhere.' Tony's small quiet voice interrupts his musings from Morrow's back. 'Ever.'
'I know kiddo.' Gibbs murmurs just as quietly. 'I know.' Tony looks back and grins a toothy grin. Gibbs just has to grin back at him.
'You go kid.' Morrow mutters so only Tony can hear him. He looks back to the front and rests his chin on the shoulder right in front of him. He closes his eyes and shifts his head to be more comfortable as he drifts off to sleep, secure in the knowledge of his safety.
'I think that's my job, Tom.' Gibbs speaks softy trying to make sure Tony stays asleep.
'Well it's my job now.' Morrow counters. 'You keep your eyes open for his safety.' Mike Franks snorts at his eyes keep roaming the area and strains his ears for sounds not made by their little party.
As they approach the car Tony stirs a little but to the four adults it seems like he's still asleep. 'Where's Abby?' He asks surprising everyone.
'At the police station. We're going to pick her up and then go home.' Morrow speaks softly hoping the gently rumble of his chest will lull Tony back to sleep. It does. The group stops and Gibbs and Mike lift Tony off Morrow's back and into Gibbs's arms. Instinctively, Tony wraps his arms around Gibbs' neck and his leg around the waist. Gibbs hefts him up into a better position to carry him and heads off towards the car making everyone else follow behind. The officer subtly increases his speed to get into front of the former marine and imperceptibly changes their route towards the car's rear doors.
Within ten minutes of moving Tony into Gibbs' arms they arrive at the car. The officer unlocks the car and Mike climbs into the car first and reaches out for Tony. Gibbs reluctantly passes Tony to him Mike cuddles him close as Gibbs and Morrow climb in after. They gently shift around so Tony is lying across all of them, with the boy's head in Gibbs' lap and his feet in Mike's. Morrow lays his hand on Tony's chest reassuring himself that his honourary nephew is safe and with them. Mike keeps his hand on Tony's legs as they twitch with dreams. Gibbs runs his fingers through Tony's hair trying to keep the dreams as safe and happy as he can. He starts humming making his two bosses look sideways at him. 'Are you humming?' Mike asks with plenty of humour in his voice.
'No.' Gibbs retorts. 'Are we going?' The officer puts the car into drive and takes them off. Mike suddenly turns around trying to spot something. 'What is it Mike?' Gibbs' voice has notes of worry.
'I thought I saw…' Mikes hesitates. 'Nothing.' Mike stays tense.
'Then relax.' Gibbs growls. 'He'll feel your tension and I want him to sleep.' Mike forces himself to relax.
In what feels like no time at all, the car pulls up outside the police station. No sooner than the engine is turned off; the front door is flung open and a streak of white and black heads directly to the rear driver's side door. Abby yanks it open making the car rock with the force of it. Morrow reaches over Gibbs to stop Abby from climbing in and on top of her brother. 'Abigail.' Gibbs warns. 'He's sleeping.'
'But he's okay? Please tell me he's okay.'
'He will be.' Morrow promises her. Carefully, they manoeuvre Tony so Gibbs can slide out and stretch. He takes advantage of the situation to pop some of his bones back into place. Abby pulls a face but giggles at the expression of relief on Gibbs' face. He sends her a mock stern expression but the happy glint in his eye takes the sting away. He bends down and gathers his son into his arms, stopping a keening like sound which started when Gibbs got out of the car.
'I'm here. I'm here kiddo.' He positions Tony on one hip making sure he's fully supported. He bends his knees and gathers Abby to him. She goes willingly and Gibbs carries the two of them into the station. Mike rolls his eyes and shakes his head the man, who clearly is uncomfortable with the weight of two children in his arms but who is stubborn enough to fail to admit it.
Inside Gibbs lets Abby down in the office where he had left her previously. He sits down himself after repositioning Tony in an attempt to keep him sleeping. Abby sticks close to him wanting to keep the security of Gibbs' presence close. She rests her head on his shoulder, snuggling close. Tony stirs slightly, but makes unhappy noises. Gibbs gently pushes her off and towards Mike. She goes reluctantly and is surrounded by his his arms. She snuggles down in his arms allowing Gibbs to reassure Tony that he's safe. 'When can we go home?'
'We can go soon, Abby.' Mike murmurs.
'Will we have to go back? To school?'
'Yeah Abs. You will.' Gibbs states quietly using the words to help calm Tony.
'When?'
'When it's safe.' Morrow interjects stroking her hair.
'When will that be?'
'I don't know Abby. I just don't know.'
'Daddy?' A quiet voice asks.
'Yeah, bud. It's me.' Tony shifts until he comfortable and snuggles into Gibbs' arms.
'Where's Abby?'
'She's with Mike.' Gibbs nudges Tony's head with his shoulder. 'Go on, look.' Tony blearily looks around, still reluctant to move even an inch from the father of his heart. He spots her and snuggles back into the tight embrace of Gibbs' arms. Abby pulls at Mike's sleeve to make him pick her up. The team leader does so.
'Next to him.' Abby whispers in his ear. Mike moves over to stand next to Gibbs. Abby reaches over and grabs Tony's hand. They clutch to the other's hand while clinging in the grip of their respective adults.
A/N:- This chapter is a virtual invite to join me in a belated virtual birthday celebration of your favourite author (or at least on of them!) (ME!). Hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed re-reading and editing it! I am not sure when i will be updating again but hopefully it will be very soon!