Chapter 52
Thanks for all the reviews and even after 52 chapters I am still getting story alerts. That is so wonderful. Never thought anybody would even read this let alone enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional writer. I do not own NCIS or any of its wonderful characters.
NCIS
Tony complained all the way home about body aches and the little scratch he had on his arm from where he bumped up against a screw that had not been screwed in all the way. "Really Tony it is just a scratch." Ziva finally said exasperated.
"No Ziva it is a huge gash under this bandage." He pointed to the bandage Ducky and put on his forearm. As he pointed to his injured arm he almost swerved into the next lane of traffic.
"Watch out Tony," Ziva complained as Tony quickly turned the wheel and brought the car back into the correct lane. "And you complain about my driving."
Tony just grinned at her as he pulled into the parking lot of her apartment. Tony got out and came around to Ziva's side of the car and gallantly opened the door for his lovely lady. The two walked arm in arm into her apartment. Ziva was carrying the dress bag over her arm. "When do I get to see your dress for the wedding?" Tony smirked raising his eyebrows.
"Not until the day of the wedding." Ziva teased. Tony looked at her and made a pouty face with pleading eyes. "No Tony, Samantha made me promise. You will not see me in this dress until June 6."
"Well if Samantha made you promise I won't try to convince you to change your mind. She is almost as scary as Gibbs," he joked
Ziva shook her head as she handed him the key to her apartment. Tony opened the door and Ziva walked past him into the apartment. Tony followed her grabbing her around the waist as she laid the dress bag on the couch. "Been wanting you in my arms all day," he whispered into her hair.
"Thought your muscles were so sore," she almost giggled at the thought.
"Well they still hurt but I missed you. Maybe a shower will help." He grinned mischievously, "Well you could join me!" Ziva smiled grabbing his hand she led him into the bedroom. She turned to kiss him and the two walked into the bathroom holding each other.
NCIS
Abby and McGee went to his apartment after leaving Gibbs' house. Tim was sweaty and sore from the day of manual labor but he was happy that Abby had agreed to join him at his place for take-out and a movie. "You go get a shower and I will get the food laid out. Any idea of what movie you want to watch?" Abby said as she walked toward the kitchen.
"You pick Abbs. As long as it is with you I don't care." Tim smiled as he headed toward the shower.
About 25 minutes later Tim emerged from the shower dressed in his MIT t-shirt and sweatpants. His hair was still wet and he looked more relaxed. Abby walked up to him and smiled. "Timmy, you look good enough to eat."
"Well we could skip the movie and just make out."
"Maybe later. I am starving." She grinned mischievously leading him toward the table by the hand and before sitting down she pressed a playful kiss on his lips.
They enjoyed their meal playfully teasing each other. Tim blushed many, many times during the meal when Abby would make a sexual innuendo or she would rub her foot along his leg.
After dinner they moved Jethro the dog off the couch and began to cuddle as Abby turned on the movie. Both of them got comfortable and just enjoyed being together.
NCIS
Gibbs and Samantha smiled as they left Kelly's bedroom after checking on her for the night. "She is so sweet when she is asleep." Samantha smiled as she leaned her head against Gibbs' arm.
"She is always sweet. I really love having her around. Love being a dad again." Gibbs replied putting his arm around her. "Can't wait to visit her at school on Friday. Have you told her?"
"I thought you would like to tell her." Samantha smiled, "She is going to be so excited so I would wait until Thursday night if you want her to get any school work done this week."
"You might be right." Gibbs then turned her to him and pulled her into a hug. He gently lifted her chin looking deeply into her eyes. "You're always right. You girls have fun shopping today."
"Oh yes."
"Do you have your dress bought?" he asked.
"Don't need one," she bluntly told him.
He mischievously lifted his eyebrows seductively. "No dress huh!"
She smiled and punched him in the shoulder. "Now Gunny get your mind out of the gutter. My dress is at the alterations lady. It belonged to my grandmother. I am sure you are going to love it."
He growled low. "I would love you in anything. And ….. I assume I will love you in nothing." She just kissed him on the lips giggling into the kiss.
"Have to wait on that on Gunny." She wiggled out of his grasp and headed toward the door of the guest room. She stood in the doorway smiling at him.
He walked up and put his hand on her shoulders leaning in and kissing again. "June can't come fast enough for me sweetheart." They stood in the doorway kissing passionately for a few minutes when they both pulled away. "Guess I had better say goodnight." Gibbs groaned pulling back from her. "If we let this continue we might not be able to stop."
"I know," Samantha said breathlessly. "I also have to work tomorrow.
"Good night sweetheart." Gibbs kissed her again on the forehead and headed down the stairs to his basement.
"Night," Samantha stepped into her room and looked up at the ceiling. "Man Mom, you did not say that this would be so hard." She knew that sleep would not come easy for her tonight.
NCIS
Samantha and Kelly left for school leaving Gibbs alone on Monday morning. Grabbing a cup of coffee he headed down to basement to diligently work on Samantha's wedding present. Around noon he was disturbed by his phone ringing. It was Tony wondering if he could use a lunch break. The team was just working on paperwork so he was able to get away. Gibbs jumped at the offer if they could swing by the Navy Yard.
The rest of the week Gibbs spent the in his basement working on his project. Each evening he managed to fix a wonder supper or at least get take-out for his two girls. On Wednesday, Ducky had come over to drive him to the doctor's office for a checkup which he passed with flying colors. He had another week of his enforced vacation and then he could go back to work. He would be riding a desk but he would be back at work.
Finally Friday came around. Samantha had been right on postponing telling Kelly about Gibbs' lunchtime visit to Kelly's school. She squealed when he told her and it was very hard to get an excited Kelly to bed that night.
NCIS
Kelly was still excited on Friday morning. "You will be there for lunch today. You promised." Kelly bounced down the stairs for breakfast that morning.
"Yes baby. I never break my promises. I'll bring your lunch with me."
"Oh boy, I can't wait so show you my school and you meet my friends. Samantha, will you eat with us?"
"Can't baby. I am the playground teacher today so I need to eat quickly and be outside when you guys come out. I will be outside though."
Kelly ran upstairs to get her backpack leaving her two parents in the kitchen to clean up. "Who's driving you?"
"Don't know. I could drive myself. Doctor said I was ready. I won't miss this Sam. She is so excited."
"I know. I will let Elena know so she won't be surprised if a little girl does not get much done." Kelly bounced down the stairs backpack in hand. " You ready to go baby girl."
"Yep." She grabbed Gibbs around the knees and gave him a huge hug. "See you at lunch Dad." She smiled up at him. Gibbs kneeled down and hugged her and then kissing her on the cheek.
"See you at lunch time. Try to learn something today." Kelly walked out to the car leaving the two alone again. Gibbs came up and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Will I get a chance to at least see you?"
"You can count on it. Have a good morning." She kissed him, then grabbing her book bag she walked out to the car. Both girls waved from the car as they pulled out of the driveway. Gibbs chuckled to himself and grabbed a cup of coffee and headed down to the basement.
NCIS
The morning moved at a snail's pace for Gibbs, Kelly and even Samantha. Finally it was getting close to time for Gibbs to head out so he could pick up McDonald's for Kelly and get to school on time. Just as he was about to head out to his truck Abby bounced into his living room. "So are you my chauffer today?" Gibbs asked smiling.
"Yes if that is ok. I already picked up lunch for Sam and me. She said you were getting Kelly McDonald's."
"Ok with me. She has duty Abby so she may not have time to eat with you."
"I know she told me. I want to meet her teacher friends. We have a bridal shower to plan." Abby replied. "I want it to be a surprise and I will need their help."
"Have you talked to Elena?"
"Yes I got her number from Samantha's phone." She giggled. "I might just become an investigator."
"I thought you already were Abby." Gibbs smirked kissing her cheek.
Abby smiled at they headed toward the door. Gibbs held the driver's side door for Abby and got into the passenger side of the car and the two headed off toward the McDonald's and then George Bush Elementary school.
Abby and Gibbs walked into the front office after being buzzed into the building. "I am here to join Miss Kelly Williams for lunch." Gibbs said "And my friend here needs to see Samantha Waverly."
The secretary smiled and handed them visitor's badges after scanning their driver's licenses into the computer. "Oh you must be Agent Gibbs," she replied. "Kelly is so excited. First grade will be coming down the hall for lunch in about 10 minutes. You can wait in the hall by the cafeteria over there." She pointed to the double doors of the cafeteria/gym across from the office. "And Miss Scuito you can wait there as well. Samantha should be bringing her class to lunch very soon."
"Thanks," Gibbs smiled at her. The two walked out into the hall just as they saw Samantha bringing her class down the hall. She was holding Kelly's hand. When Kelly saw Gibbs and Abby she let go of Samantha's hand and almost ran to them both.
"Dad you made it," she almost squealed hugging his knees. "Abby, I did not know you were coming."
"Gibbs needed a ride and I thought I could eat with Samantha." Kelly released Gibbs' knees and hugged Abby who kneeled down to wrap her in an Abby bear hug. "Hey munchkin. How has your day been?"
"Fine. We need to go inside." Kelly grabbed Gibbs' hand and dragged him into the cafeteria. Samantha smiled at Abby. "Give me a minute" she signed.
Samantha led her class into the cafeteria standing as they walked in a line to get their food. Classroom assistants took over allowing Samantha to leave and meet Abby in the hall. Stepping into the hall Sam motioned to Abby to look. The two looked into the lunchroom seeing Kelly talking a mile a minute. Gibbs was listening intensely as Kelly introduced him to her friends and telling him about her day. Samantha doubted she would eat much.
"Looks like she is enjoying herself," Abby whispered. "Got your favorite, Mexican. Want to have lunch."
"I usually eat with my team. Will that be ok if we join them?"
"I would love to meet your friends." Samantha smiled and the two ladies walked down the hall toward the room where the first grade team met for lunch. As they past several teachers Samantha smiled.
"You know that tongues will be wagging about you the rest of the afternoon." Samantha giggled.
"I know. I am used to it. I did try to dress down." Abby smiled. She was wearing her black jeans and a T-shirt with a skull all in sequins. However, she was still wearing her customary platform boots. Samantha smiled back. "I don't want them to make you feel bad Abby. You are one of my best friends."
The two ladies entered the room. Elena looked up as they entered. "This has to be Abby," she smiled. "Kelly has told me all about you."
"Mrs. Hernandez, Kelly adores you." Abby replied. "Do you ladies mind if I join you?"
"Sit down Abby. You are always welcome. Samantha speaks very highly of you." the others replied. Abby joined the ladies around the kidney shaped table. Samantha quickly introduced Abby to everyone as Abby got out their food.
Samantha quickly ate her lunch as Abby and the ladies had an enjoyable conversation. Mostly the teachers really wanted to know what Abby did at NCIS. It was obvious to them she was not an agent.
"I work in the forensics lab. I process evidence, finger prints, DNA and I do computer searches." Abby explained.
"That is only part of it. Abby is one of the country's most honored forensic scientists. Jethro tells me she is the best." Abby blushed slightly.
"Gibbs is biased," Abby smiled.
Samantha looked up at the clock as she finished the last bite of her burrito. "Abby, I have to go. Finish your lunch. Jethro will come in with Kelly." Samantha grabbed her whistle from the desk and headed toward the door. "Thanks for lunch."
" Anytime." Abby waved after her. After Samantha left, Abby turned to the ladies. "Now for the real reason for my visit, I want to plan a surprise bridal shower for my friend there." Elena smiled and nodded. "We have already started planning it Abby. Do you have any suggestions? Like presents, food etc. We usually do these things afterschool during staff meetings."
Abby smiled and quickly began to share her ideas in her usual excited fashion.
NCIS
Samantha walked out on the playground. She was prepared for an easy afternoon of playground duty. She had her whistle and her phone set with the security measures Gibbs had insisted she have on her phone since Sandy Hook. When the classroom assistants brought the students out to the playground Samantha and another teacher were waiting for them. Kelly was holding Gibbs' hand as they came out on the playground. Samantha began walking around her area. Each teacher had a specific area they were in charge of. Kelly knew that she was to play and not go talk to Samantha. Gibbs was standing with Kelly under the tree as she introduced him to her friends. She was also showing off the things different tumbling tricks she could already do. Gibbs just watched and praised all attempts.
Samantha had her back turned when a man entered through the gate of the chain link fence that surrounded the playground. Gibbs saw him immediately and he noticed a bulge in the pocket of the jacket his was wearing. He told Kelly to stay near the tree and he started walking toward the man.
Just as if she could sense something was wrong Samantha turned and saw the man. She gaze locked with Gibbs. He signed. "Gun" and nodded toward the man. "Security measures."
Samantha nodded her head and inconspicuously put her hand in her pocket. Tim had installed an App he designed that sent an emergency message to the whole team with just a touch of a button. She hit the button and sent the message to Tim, Tony, Ziva and Abby. It read "Red Alert at school. Sam." After sending the message she looked over at Gibbs and nodded her head. "Sent" she signed.
Samantha then walked up to greet the man. "May I help you sir."
"I am just looking for my son," the man mumbled.
"Who is your son?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw Gibbs slowly walking up toward them. He looked at her and signed. "Keep him talking." Using nothing but her eyes she acknowledged him.
"My son is Tommy Wilson. He is in the second grade." The man was staring at Samantha and he slowly put his hand in his pocket.
"Well Mr. Wilson, these are first graders. Second grade is still inside the building."
"It's Gunny, lady," he growled.
"So you're a Marine. Semper Fi, my friend. I am a Staff Sergeant retired." Samantha replied walking toward him.
"Staff Sergeant huh. You don't look like no sergeant. Now bitch, where is my son?" he barked. Gibbs was slipping quietly toward them. Samantha tried to keep calm.
"I told you that second grade was in the building." Samantha tried to convince him to go toward the building where there was an armed security guard. But he wasn't having any of it.
"I ain't going into no building. You go in and get him, now."
"I can't do that. I am responsible for these kids and I can't leave them. If you want your son, you'll have to go in and get him."
"You will do what I tell you now, bitch." He swung his fist and hit Samantha square in the jaw. Samantha grabbed her face and after regaining her balance looked him squarely in the eye.
"I TOLD YOU IF YOU WANT YOUR SON, YOU WILL HAVE TO GO INSIDE AND SIGN HIM OUT," she said with force in her voice. He just looked at her and sneered. Gibbs started to run toward her but knew he needed to stick with the plan. She was keeping him talking so he could sneak up on him. He was a federal agent first and her fiancé second. Samantha was doing her part to stay calm. He had to keep his head in the game.
Just then the intruder pulled out the gun and pointed it at Samantha. Calmly Samantha put her whistle in her mouth and blew three staccato blasts. When she blew her whistle all of the students including Kelly dropped to the ground and covered their heads. Samantha looked at the gunman with a determined look. She was ready for anything that he could dish out. Gibbs had her six and she knew everything would be ok.
NCIS
Tony, Ziva and Tim were driving in the NCIS van looking for Gunny Sergeant Wilson. He was involved in a smuggling ring that the team had been trying to break for some time. He was also a person of interest in a cold case they had also been investigating during their down time since they were a man short. Ziva and Tony were arguing where they were going to get lunch. Just as Tony was about to put his food down for Italian, all three of the phones chimed indicating that they had text messages. Tony was driving so Ziva and McGee quickly checked their phones. "It is a red alert from Samantha." Tim commented. "She is at school now isn't she?"
"Yes. Gibbs and Abby are there too. Gibbs is having lunch with Kelly." Ziva added. Tony immediately turned the van and headed back toward school. "Tony we cannot just drive up to the door in the NCIS van. Samantha said that on Fridays they are outside for recess after lunch. We would not want to advertise our presence if there is a problem."
"Tony, we were hunting Gunny Sgt. Wilson. You don't think he headed toward the school." McGee worried looking at his phone.
"If our luck runs true to form he did." Tony shook his head. "I will park about a block away just in case."
NCIS
Abby was so busy planning Samantha's bridal shower she almost missed the text when it came in. "Bet I am needed back at NCIS," she said picking up her phone. Upon seeing the message she gasped. "Where is Samantha?"
"Relax Abby she is outside on the playground." Elena told her.
"Which one? I just got a red alert text from her. Gibbs put it in place after the Sandy Hook shootings in December."
"The one outside to the east." Abby got up and exited the room and carefully went through the double doors next to the classroom. Elena followed her and held the door while Abby carefully inched out of the door so she could see the playground. Looking out toward the playground Abby saw Samantha standing with a man. Gibbs was inching up behind him and in the man's hand she could see the sun reflecting off the gun in his hand. Immediately she came back into the building. "What are your procedures when someone shows up with a gun?"
"We put the whole building under lock down. Why?"
"You need to contact the office right now. There is a man on the playground holding a gun on Samantha." Elena picked up the intercom phone and called the office and reported the lock down to the principal. Abby grabbed her cell phone and called McGee. "Timmy, did you get Sam's text?"
"Yes Abby, we are pulling up a block away. Are you still at the school?
"I am. I just looked outside. There is a man on the playground holding a gun on Samantha. She seemed to be talking to him."
"Kids, where are the kids?"
"They are on the ground heads covered." Abby reported as Elena locked the door just after the principal announced the code words over the intercom. The school was now in a hard lock down. Now the first grade teachers were locked in while their students were outside lying on the ground.
"Gibbs?"
"Best I could see he was using his skills to sneak up behind him while Sam kept him talking."
"We're here Abby. Are you safe?" Tim asked concerned for her safety.
"The school is under a hard lock down. We are safe."
"Stay put Abbs. We are coming for you."
"Be careful Timmy."
NCIS
"Now has this gun convinced you to go and get my son?" Wilson ordered.
"Again I told you my responsibility is here with my students. If you want your son you have to gone in and get him. Gun or no gun, nothing has changed." Gibbs kept moving up slowly. He reached into his pocket and grabbed his knife. Wilson pointed his gun directly at Samantha.
"Get my son or I will …" Just then Gibbs poked his knife into Wilson's back.
"Drop that gun or you will be dead before you can pull the trigger," he growled as the point of the knife touched Wilson's back.
Samantha watched the blood drain from his face. "I would listen to him Gunny. Trust me he means what he says." Gibbs poked the knife once again into his back. This time causing a trickle of blood to ooze from the spot the knife touched his skin through the shirt.
"What will it be? Drop the gun and let these scared kids go inside or do I punch this knife through your back and into your lungs." A look of defeat came over Wilson and he dropped the gun down on the ground. "Grab the gun Sam."
Tony, Ziva and Tim seeing the exchange with Wilson then came on the playground guns drawn. Tony made his way up toward the scene. Seeing Sam holding the gun with two fingers he rushed up and took the gun from her. Tim and Ziva took over Wilson. McGee slapped the cuffs on him and started him toward the van. "Ziva call the base MP's and let them know we have this disgrace to the uniform."
"Gibbs, he belongs to NCIS. We have been looking for him for two days. He is wanted for a murder and our smuggling ring."
"Then inform the MP's you are taking them to NCIS. Samantha get the kids inside." Gibbs ordered. Samantha looked at him. Her eyes were blank and showed no emotion. She was just going through the motions. She was just barely hanging on and Gibbs could see that when she was inside she was going to break down. Samantha blew the all clear signal and the students got up and began to line up in their usual places.
"Boss, where is Kelly?" Tony replied looking around for his favorite little girl. Then he noticed her walking toward them in line with all the other students. She was smiling her eyes filled with pride. Tony smiled at her.
Debbie came up behind Kelly and whispered in her ear. "You are so lucky Kelly. Your dad is Superman."
Kelly turned to her and did not exactly whisper. "No Debbie. He is not Superman. He is Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, an NCIS agent, a Marine and my Dad. That is far better than any old Superman." Tony could not help but smile when he heard what she said. "You have that right," he thought.
Gibbs also heard what she said. He could not help but smile. He went over to Kelly and tussled her hair. "You ok kiddo." Kelly smiled up at him and then hugged his leg.
"I'm fine, Daddy." Gibbs could not resist bending down and picking her up and was carrying her on his hip. Tony came over and kissed her on the cheek.
"Tony, before you head back to NCIS call Ducky. I think Sam is heading toward a meltdown." Gibbs whispered.
"On it Boss." Tony grabbed his phone and called Ducky. After explaining what had happened he asked Ducky to head to the school. Then he joined Tim and Ziva in the van. They took their prisoner and headed for NCIS. The trio of agents weren't happy about leaving the school. Their family was there but they had a job to do.
Gibbs followed the line of first graders into the building. In his heart he was glad Kelly and the other kids were safe but he was not so sure about their teacher. He remembered the look in her eyes. He was totally concerned for his fiancé. Kelly sensed the tension in his body so she hugged him closer and buried her face into his neck.
He patted her back and kissed her hair. "Everything will be alright sweetheart."
