Rising Knights—Chapter 35
Jordan Hampton blinks away unwanted tears as she tries to call someone anyone to talk to. She can't think of anyone though, her best friend had died just the day before. A car driving up to the door draws her attention. Seeing Ziva step out of the car makes her wonder who else might be injured. Ziva sees the scared look on Jordan's face and hastens to reassure her.
"Jordan? We, the team would like you to join us. You will not have to be alone during this time. I can take you to Vance's house. It's where we've all congestated."
"Conges—you mean congregated?"
"Congregated, yes that is what I mean. Will you join us? Abby and I are slightly outnumbered and could use another female to talk to."
Jordan nods and shakily asks Ziva to wait for her. Five minutes later and Jordan has a small case that she stores in the backseat of Ziva's car. Not knowing what else to say she compliments Ziva on the car.
"It is not mine; I confiscated it from McGee. He has other commitments and I thought that I could get to know you better."
Jordan smiles in spite of her tears. She can't imagine too many things that she and Ziva would have in common. Ziva starts the car and they're on their way to the Vance household when Ziva's phone rings. Ziva tosses the phone to Jordan who hesitantly says, "Hello?"
"Jordan? Ziva let you answer her phone? Are you okay with coming to join us? I'm sorry; I didn't mean to forget about you."
"Jimmy…Jimmy calm down. I'll be fine once I join you. I take it you're with all the others?"
An almost audible smack echoes through the phone and the women exchange smiles. Gibbs? Jordan mouths to Ziva who shakes her head and equally silent says, Tony.
"Ouch, now I know why I stay down in autopsy. Jordan we've ordered Chinese is there anything you want so we can add it to the order?"
"Oh, I uh…whatever the rest of you are having will be fine Jimmy. I'm not too picky."
"Sounds good, hey Ziva, slow down will you? We want to make sure we have everyone here in one piece tonight."
Ziva rolls her eyes as the phone goes silent and Jordan emits a small giggle. Obviously this is a conversation that never ends. She does notice that the breakneck speed slows moderately. She's not gripping the seat with a death grip anymore.
Ziva smiles at her, "I grew up driving with my father and brother. I still do not know why the men of NCIS won't trust my driving."
Jordan smiles back and thinks about the way Ducky and Gibbs drive. "I honestly have to say that I have no idea either. Are they scared that you might be able to outdrive them?"
Ziva slaps the steering wheel in agreement. "That is what I have thought these many years but of course none of them will agree with me."
They are pulling into the drive before Jordan can formulate a reply. Ziva turns to Jordan before opening the door, "I should warn you that we have some unexpected guests in the form of McGee's parents and the Los Angeles team is on their way here tomorrow."
Jimmy pulls open Jordan's door and envelopes her in a hug. Surprised yet welcoming the human contact Jordan accepts Jimmy's embrace then notices the trepidation on his boyish face.
"Jimmy? What is going on?"
"I forgot to ask if you'd be upset before I said they could use it."
Once again Jordan is in the dark as to what Jimmy is trying to tell her.
"Regarding what?"
"I thought that the other team could use Ducky's house as a temporary housing unit."
Jordan shakes her head. "Oh, Jimmy that is a wonderful idea. Donald would be terribly insulted if they stayed anywhere else. Of course they can stay there, but why would you think I'd be upset? You have the house."
Jimmy ducks his head and Jordan knows that he just needed someone close to Ducky to say he'd done a good job. She hugs the young man and he offers to take her luggage inside.
Inside the house Tim smiles at her and introduces her to his parents. Jordan smiles back as she asks if there is anything that she can contribute to the evening meal. Tim just shakes his head and Jimmy comes in then with Jordan's suitcase and leads her to what can only be a spare bedroom.
"I apologize Jordan; I didn't mean to leave you out of the loop. I just, with everything going on, I forgot about you. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course Jimmy; can you tell me what else has been going on?"
"Oh, I uh…Sarah and Tim we found their real parents. I…long story short an investigation into Sarah's newest boyfriend led to finding their parents."
"Wow, that's not something that you have happen every day."
"Yeah, I just wanted to apologize for not contacting you sooner. I feel really bad since you…well you knew Dr. Mallard too."
The doorbell rings and they head down the hall towards the rest of the team and the evening meal. Afterwards, Jordan watches as Tim starts to pull away from the rest of the team and wonders just what is going on in that young man's mind. Jimmy comes up and says,
"Would you like to walk with me?"
As he gives a meaningful glance towards Tim, Jordan nods thoughtfully and follows Jimmy outside. They start walking down the block and Jordan asks him what is going on.
"The complicated part of the story."
Jordan is surprised when he says that and listens intently to what exactly has happened in the last 24 hours. She looks up at Jimmy when he finishes and he nods at her unasked question.
"He's still trying to remember them and we're all trying to help. Apparently the drugs were powerful enough to keep him from remembering. I'm not sure how it all works when it comes right down to it."
"But this doctor, she says that the drugs are out of his system?"
"Yeah, it's weird but after she stopped by, Tim started remembering. Of course we haven't seen Agent Gibbs since then, but I'm sure he'll be here soon enough. They sent Mike Franks and Gibbs dad after him."
"Jimmy, is that them?"
"Yep, I'd recognize Gibbs car anywhere."
"Guess it's time to go back."
"Yeah, I just wanted to let you in on what is going on today and the next few days."
"Thank you, I do appreciate that."
Gibbs is looking around at the gathered team and watches as Jordan and Jimmy come walking up the sidewalk. Seeing that with the exception of Vance the entire team is congregated at the Vance house he leads them to the backyard.
"DiNozzo what's our current condition?"
"Vance just called and we're expecting the LA team tomorrow by 17:30 hours."
"David?"
"We have set the funeral for 14:00 on Friday afternoon in Stillwater. Reverend McCreedy has agreed to officiate."
"McGee?"
"We've arranged transportation to and from Stillwater. Vance brought us here to make sure that there were no more attacks on any of us."
"Palmer?"
"I'm opening up Dr. Mallard's house for the other team. I think it's something that he would approve of and the will is going to be read Friday after the interment."
Jordan, Mike, Jack and the rest of the McGee family watch as the MCRT gather strength from each other. The closely knit group seems to grow as they discuss their plans for the rest of the week.
"Jordan?" Jackson's soft voice brings a wistful smile to the female ME's face.
"I was just thinking about the family dynamic that permeates this group. It's amazing watching them all."
Gibbs finally speaks up about his part in the events to come. "As I said, we're meeting at my place Saturday, plan on starting around noon. Nothing fancy, burgers and brats. I'm doing the cooking and Dad's bringing the condiments. You guys decide between you who's bringing chips, drinks and whatever else you want. If it's raining we'll eat in the living room if not we'll plan on the backyard."
Mike leans in and whispers, "What am I bringing Probie?"
Gibbs whispers back, "Moral support."
A/N: Apologize for the short chapter but wanted to get something posted for the weekend as I have to work both days.