Chapter 11
Avery and Ken left before dawn Sunday morning, confident their sons would be safe and cared for during a fun-filled summer. Mark and Sean were sad that morning but cheered up considerably after breakfast when Aunt Ellie, Uncle Tim, Ty and Brynie started talking about Ruidoso and how much fun it was. The kids got their favorite photos out, all the way back to their very first stay there and the two boys grinned happily, excited about swimming in the lake, hiking, fishing, renting paddleboards, outdoor movies and everything else that would happen!
They wouldn't have to wait long as the trip was coming up at the end of that week. In the meantime, there were plenty of things to do around the ranch and in town.
The week started out moving quickly as everyone who was going to Ruidoso started their preparations. The babies and littles went to daycare, giving their parents and minders time to sort out what would be taken. The older children stayed home, sorting their own belongings and helping where they could. Ty and Brynie, having been to Ruidoso twice before, were the acknowledged experts among the children. Their recent return from camp gave them even more authority and they made a list of what they liked to take, sharing with their cousins and friends. Sean and Mark were especially glad of that as they'd never before packed for themselves and would have taken everything they'd brought from home.
Barry, Ned and three pickup trucks with all their belongings arrived Wednesday evening. One truck parked in front of their temporary home, a guesthouse, while the other two continued on to the storage barn where the rest of their things would be stored until their new home was move-in ready.
The pair grinned happily when their resident brothers, sisters and friends appeared to help them move everything into their guesthouse. They were even happier when they found a pan of Lu's family famous apple crisp in the refrigerator. After everything was moved in, Tim hooked up their TV and other electronics. He'd already tied the electronics for the front gate and the gate to "The Grove" to their cell phones.
Within an hour, they were left to their unpacking while the others went home to continue washing, sorting and packing.
Thursday afternoon and evening, the pool and play area were empty of everyone but Ned and Barry as people finished their packing. In the case of the junior Gibbses, they did what they always did. Having overpacked, they now removed close to half of what they'd planned to take. Sean and Mark weren't sure what to think about that but there was so much laughter, they decided it didn't matter.
Most of the group heading for Ruidoso left mid-morning Friday, forming a much happier caravan than they had two years ago on their frantic drive from DC. Others would drive up later in the day.
Three hours later, the first group pulled into the resort, parking where they could while they checked in at the office for their cabins or motel rooms. As they'd requested, the junior Gibbses had the same cabin they'd had last year, with the senior Gibbses in a smaller cabin next door. The Palmers had the cabin next to them, which would be fun! It seemed to work out that way, with grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles sharing cabins between those with the little ones, as well as the 'big kids', Callum, Ainsley, Matt Crane, his brother Jeff, Em Fornell who was sharing the Chalmers' cabin with Bob's sister Haley, Kayla and Jared Vance and their family.
With the addition of baby Jossie and the Mays brothers, the junior Gibbses were a little more crowded this year but when Sean and Mark asked if they could share with the other boys, Ty, Henry and Mackie, that freed up the 'extra room' for all the kids' indoor toys. With bunkbeds in the kids' rooms, there was plenty of room for the twins.
They'd brought their lunches with them, along with all their perishables from home, so those were unpacked first. Then they sat down for a snack and a beverage. Tim and Ellie reminded the kids of the rules: no going anywhere without permission from one of them and no going near the lake without one of them or one of their grandparents, that is, Poppy, Nonny or…Ellie smiled, Grandma or Grandpa Jerry! That was a surprise for the kids, who jumped up and down and cheered! They repeated it when told Uncle George, Aunt Eileen, Nick and Kenna would also be here!
There were a few more rules but as Tim said, the littles had been a whole year younger last year and probably didn't remember the rules. Sean and Mark grinned at that, knowing most of the rules applied to the two of them, Ty and Brynie more than the littles.
After their snack, they changed into their swimsuits, stopping to slather on the waterproof sunscreen and the baby sunscreen for Jossie and put on their hats, which, after nearly a week, the Mays boys were used to, grabbed towels, an old portable playpen with a solid floor for Jossie and Mackie, water shoes, T-shirts in case they got too red, an insulated bag for bottles of water, Jossie's food and snacks, the diaper bag, their big beach umbrella, two folding chairs and off they went. They had a cart that they put the big stuff in, except for the umbrella and the playpen and the older kids helped carry the bags. Tim carried the playpen and Poppy carried the beach umbrella. Nonny pushed the stroller with Jossie and Mackie while Ellie pulled the cart, with help from the kids.
That first afternoon at the beach was a lot of fun, especially for those who'd been before and remembered how cold the water would be. They wore their water shoes, which helped them acclimate to the water faster and made it easier to walk in the lake. Encouraging words were given to the newbies who mostly waded in and immediately jumped out due to the cold. In time, everyone but the babies and toddlers, including Eleni and the four toddler cousins, Juli DiNozzo, Geo and Bec's son Alex and the Chalmers twins, had been in, with varying degrees of success.
While Sean Mays had quickly become accustomed to the cold water and was swimming, his brother Mark was still in the shallower and warmer water near the shoreline. Some of the adults were happy to stay there with him. While Lu had gone right in, even swimming for a bit, Charlie got as far as his knees and dipping Eleni's feet in. When she was quite happy and wanted more, Eileen Bishop offered to play with her.
In the meantime, the young adults, teens and 'tweens', that is, Haley Chalmers, Emily Fornell, Kayla and Jared Vance, Matt and Jeff Crane, Ainsley and Callum Hubbard and Ellie's nephew Nick and niece Kenna had spent some time out on the diving platform, having fun before slipping back under the rope to play with the younger kids and the babies.
Eventually all the dads plus Poppy carrying Mackie and Sarah carrying baby Timmy, carried Jossie and the toddlers into the lake and then, in a somewhat choreographed motion, dipped their toes in. All the little ones squealed, although not all were happy. While baby Timmy was excited, his twin was not, nor was little Alex. That was fine, they'd brought 2 wading pools with them and now filled one with lake water. When the water warmed up a bit, the toddlers who weren't excited about the lake sat in the wading pool and played. Eventually both pools were full with the littles. While Henry was older, he'd barely become used to the big pool at home, which was never cold. It took him a few days to become used to the lake. Then, he and Lia went in and out with their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Along with playing in the lake or wading pools every day, there were hikes, long and short, around the lake, to the dam, which was on the cabin side of the lake and at least two into the backcountry where Geordie and Tim had hiked on their first trip to Ruidoso. They found waterfalls and swimming holes and beautiful landscapes. Another day, the junior Gibbses put Jossie and Mackie into the double stroller and all of them went for a walk through the campgrounds. People were friendly and they saw some of the children they knew from the beach.
The ice cream shack was visited nearly every day, following the pattern Tim and Sarah noticed the first time they were there, ice cream first, then lunch. It might not have been terribly healthy but it certainly cut down on the time wasted standing in line!
When there were enough childminders, Tim and Geo would slip into the art gallery and by the end of their vacation, each had purchased a couple more photos and/or paintings of the area. Other favorite stops after swimming were the sports store, the grocery store and Poppy's favorite, the coffee shop, on the shaded boardwalk that fronted the road in. When Tim brought all of his kids into the grocery store one day, Jossie in a daddy pack on his back, the manager insisted on taking a photo of them all to add to their collection. When Tim was curious about that, the woman showed him the collection with hundreds of photos, many of families as they visited every year. There was one family that had been coming here for 6 generations! He also saw where their family spot was and showed the kids. That first year after they'd just been released from WITSEC and Ty and Brynie were preschoolers. Last year, after the release from shelter, when Ellie was pregnant with Joselyn and now this year's would be added. Tim made a mental note to make sure that the elders of the family, Grandpa Mac, Ducky, Maisie, Penny and Colonel Barnes appeared in the photos every year. And maybe Charlie, although in age he was more in line with Uncle Dave, Aunt Liz and Lu.
Trips outside the resort were also fun, to another lake nearby that was just as cold, and horseback riding for several of the kids and adults. Poppy, Uncle Jim, Grandpa Jerry, Ellie and Breena went on that excursion with Ty, Byrnie, Sean, Mark, Hannah Hubbard and Victoria while Tim and Jimmy stayed at Pinecrest with Lia, Henry, Mackie, Jossie, Teddy and Ricky, the two younger Palmer children.
It was fun having Ellie's parents there again, along with newcomers George, Eileen, Nick and Kenna Bishop. Although they'd sheltered with everyone, it'd been over a year since the George Bishop family had seen everyone and they had a good time getting reacquainted.
As great vacations always do, theirs came to an end too soon. After days of sunshine and sunscreen, swimming, ice cream treats, hiking, walking, bike riding, paddle boating, sailing, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, watching outdoor movies, enjoying the group campfires, the nightly cookouts in front of their cabins and all the meals they'd shared, they shook the sand and rocks from their shoes and towels, bought their last postcards and souvenirs for the year, took photos of the line of cars and trucks, their baggage piled beside each one, had a last group photo taken and drove home. As always, they were sad to be leaving but already looking forward to next year's trek back to 'their lake' as Ty and Brynie still called it.
Tim and Ellie looked forward to that, thinking they'd only have one child in diapers by then, Jossie would be almost as old as Mackie was now and the 4 shelter babies would be 2. While next year's babies, Kelly, Matt, Rob and Ali's would be young, the couple hoped they'd all still come.
Sean and Mark had already decided that they'd persuade their parents to have next year's family vacation here in Ruidoso when everyone else was here. They'd sent them postcards and purchased gifts for their sister, parents and grandparents. While they'd been here, they'd had a Skype call with their parents and Tessa and were happy to see them. Tessa looked a lot better and she smiled the whole time they talked.
Back at the ranch, the twins laughed when the van was unloaded, they all helped bring the luggage in, they had a snack and then Aunt Ellie said, "I'm hot, let's go for a swim!"
Jossie and Mackie had napped on the way home, so they all changed into their swim suits, went through their routine and headed for the pool. They laughed when the Palmers came wandering in, followed by the Hubbards, Chalmers', DiNozzos, the Crane boys, Em and Haley, and the George Bishops, who were staying in the barn. Charlie and Lu brought Eleni over, disappearing again when the other adults promised to keep an eye on her. She was perfectly happy playing with the kids and cuddling with her aunts and uncles.
By late afternoon, everyone was waterlogged and tired and slowly they headed to their homes, Eleni joining the Palmers as Tim and Ellie were at 'full capacity'. On Saturday, they said a sad goodbye to the George Bishops as they headed home to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They'd traveled in their RV and might stop at a KOA campground on the way home or drive straight through. They promised to send a text if they stopped and another when they reached home. Ellie, the kids and Tim were thankful Barbara and Jerry weren't leaving, in fact they'd decided to stay all summer. They wanted to help Ellie, Tim, Jethro and Shannon with all the grandkids and really, they missed being with the kids, all of them. With Ellie's brothers and nephew Nick doing the work on the ranch, Jerry could be away without worrying.
When Day Camp started not long after their return from the mountains, the Mays brothers had fun there, too, meeting more kids and enjoying playing softball, basketball, archery and of course, swimming. There were relay races, both on land and in the pool and that was a lot of fun.
The Saturday between the two weeks of Day Camp, both sets of grandparents joined the junior Gibbses at the house, grinning. Ty and Brynie knew that meant there was a surprise coming and Sean and Mark picked up on their excitement. When everyone gathered in the family room, Tim and Ellie stood. "Kids, we have a surprise for you! When Day Camp is over, we'll be home for a few days before taking another trip, another vacation!"
Sean and Mark looked at each other, a little confused and worried. They thought that's when they were going home. Not that they were in a hurry to go back to school or minded another vacation!
After the cheers quieted, along with Jossie and Mackie's squeals, Ellie continued, "We're flying to California where we've rented a house on a beach near San Diego for two weeks!"
Tim smiled at the Mays' boys, "Sean, Mark, your mom will meet you at the airport when we get there. We hope you'll have time to spend with us on the beach before your classes start."
"Tessa's 100 days will be over by then, won't they?"
"Yes, by the time we get there she'll be done, so you can live at home again."
With grins, the two boys fist bumped, glad they wouldn't have to go from their dad's to their grandparents house all the time. Sean thought of something else, "Who's going to bring all our stuff home? Our bikes and things."
"The Cranes are renting an RV to drive to San Diego, they'll take your bikes and everything that can't go on the plane and bring it all to your mom's place when they get in, before they join us at the beach." Tim tilted his head, "They're leaving on Thursday to do some sightseeing along the way, so you will be without your sports stuff for a few days but they've said you can use their bikes here after they take yours. And we're leaving Friday night so you won't have much time to miss your things."
"Wow, that's great! Thank you for taking care of all that!"
Barbara raised her hand, "I've lost track, who else is going?"
"The Palmers, the Mallards, Penny, Grandpa, Charlie, Eleni and Lu will fly with us Friday. The Chalmers, DiNozzos, the Colonel, Geordie and Bec and the Vances will join us our second week, although without Kayla.
"You four are staying with us, along with Grandpa and Penny. There's a den downstairs with a sofabed and Grandpa wants that room." With a grin, Tim added, "It has its own TV and he likes to watch some of the old shows at 2 and 3 in the morning!
"The Palmers have rented a house and I believe the Mallards, Charlie and Lu are staying with them. That way Eleni will be around the Palmer kids.
Tim smiled, "Now, before we go to San Diego, I'll leave a few days early and visit my offices in Chicago, Seattle and San Diego. So I will also meet you at the airport in San Diego when your plane lands."
"How come you're doing that, Daddy?"
"Because I'm their boss and I haven't met some of them in person. And as the boss, I should visit my offices in person every couple of years. If I do it now, when we're going to be traveling anyway, then I don't have to be away on a separate trip later. Your grandparents, the Palmers and your great-grandparents will be on the flight to San Diego with your mother and all of you."
"When are you leaving?"
Ellie brought out their calendar and pointed to two days. "We're leaving on Friday night after I'm done with work. Your dad's leaving Tuesday night after work. He's flying to Chicago, will stay overnight there, go to the office on Wednesday and after work on Wednesday, he'll fly to Seattle. He'll sleep in Seattle, visit the office on Thursday and then fly to San Diego. He'll stay overnight in our beach house and drive our rental van to the office on Friday. Then he'll come straight to the airport to pick us up!"
Brynie shook her head, "Daddy, that's a lot of work, you're going be really tired!"
Tim chuckled, "Then I'll take naps on the beach when Jossie does!"
Ty raised his hand, "What about the sharks?"
Ellie smiled "The beach has lifeguards and boats to get people who go out too far. That won't be us! They also have scanners that show them what fishies are swimming around us. So they'll know. Your daddy also has a scanner on his phone to keep watch. If there are sharks around, we'll swim in the pool."
"Where?"
"The house has a pool! Want to see pictures?"
They all did and were quickly 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over the house, the backyard, pool and the beach.
Mark pointed to one of the umbrellas on the beach. "We've been there before, it's a really nice beach. There aren't a lot of noisy people and we always rent an umbrella."
Sean grinned, "There's a snack shack, too."
Everyone was in favor of that!
The days passed quickly and all too soon, for Tim and Ellie anyway, he was kissing everyone goodbye as he left for work the day he was flying to Chicago. He had everything he needed for work and play with him in his rolling garment bag and his carry-on bag, which also had his laptop. The case for it was tucked into the garment bag.
He left the office at 2:00 for the 2 hour, 45 minute flight to Chicago. His protection detail, who would be with him the entire business trip, was waiting downstairs in an SUV with a driver. Timmons, the team lead, opened the door for him, "Good afternoon, Regional Director Gibbs. The aircraft is ready and waiting for us at the airfield."
Tim nodded. He hadn't mentioned it to the kids, but with his position, Regional Director of the CCUs, he had access to the NCIS jet, as long as the Director wasn't scheduled to use it. This week he'd use it to fly to his offices and when it was time for all of them to leave San Diego, they'd fly home on it. Everyone but the director and him would still have to pay but it was less expensive and private. Leon told him that Geo and Maggie, as active duty military, would also ride for free. Although both had again been released to the reserves, Leon had enough discretionary authority to approve.
Although he'd intended to do a little work on the flight, he napped instead, enjoying the quiet. He was served a snack and a glass of iced tea about halfway through the flight.
On the ground, he waited for his detail to clear the area before he disembarked with his carry-on. As he and the detail were the only passengers, their garment bags had been hung inside the cabin.
Sending a quick text to Ellie that he was on the ground in Chicago, he watched as they drove to his hotel. It was one Leon recommended and when Tim walked into his room, he understood why! Almost wishing he was staying more than one night, he poked into every corner, opening every door. He laughed to himself, he could fit his entire old apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland, into this room! Taking a couple of photos, he sent them to Ellie.
Then, removing what he wanted to wear to the office tomorrow from his garment bag, he noticed a steamer and took it and his clothes into the bathroom. When he was satisfied that he'd removed all the wrinkles, he changed into his swim suit, grabbed towels and a robe, slid into his flip flops and left for a long swim. It was strange not to have a bunch of kids in the pool with him and it was very quiet, even though he wasn't the only one in the pool.
Back in his room, he dried off, dressed and waited for a call. Smiling when the room phone rang, he answered to hear Abby's voice.
"You're here, yay! I'm in the lobby. Do you want to eat here or somewhere else?"
"Do you have any favorite places?"
"Not yet, I've been so busy I haven't eaten out much."
"Then let's just eat here. I'll be right down."
Waiting in the lobby, Abby was surprised to see men in suits go into the restaurant and then come out. That sure looked like a protection detail to her, she wondered who else might be staying here?
When Tim exited the elevator with one of the guys in suits, her eyes widened. She knew he was a Regional Director but it was Tim, her friend. She never thought about his position in the agency! She mentally shook her head, remembering her surprise at the size of his office the first time she saw it.
He smiled when he saw her and she relaxed, this was still Tim, her friend Tim. Yes, he'd changed, he was married with kids and was getting closer to Leon's level in the agency, nevertheless he was still Tim.
They had a fun dinner, talking about old times and new adventures. He was surprised and happy to hear that she'd been dating someone for several weeks and that she loved her job. "I have my own team, it's wonderful! Scary, too, but I keep all my notes in my desk from the Management seminar so I can look things up. If I have any questions, I was assigned a kind of mentor in Human Resources and she's very helpful." She chuckled, "Mostly she just calms me down."
Although the time difference was negligible, Tim was tired and Abby had an early morning ahead so they didn't linger long after finishing their meals. Back in his room, Tim checked his watch, the babies were in bed but the littles wouldn't be yet. Calling home, he spent some time talking with the older four kids and his wife, hearing about their days. Blowing them kisses, he finally signed off, checked his clothes to make sure he hadn't missed any wrinkles and then fell into bed, sleeping like the proverbial log.
Meeting the SSAIC of the Central Field Office for breakfast at the hotel the next morning, he teased the man a little about the case he'd worked with Gibbs' team many years ago. His name was Richard Owens and Gibbs had ordered him in from Pearl to help with a case he'd had as an Agent Afloat. Owens laughed when Tim mentioned it. "Whatever happened to them? I noticed you have the same surname as the team lead. He was one tough son of a gun!"
Tim grinned, "He's mellowed some since he retired. Semi-retired, he conducts physical training sessions at FLETC a couple of times a year. And yes, I have the same surname. I worked for him for over a decade when we discovered I'm his son. I moved over to the CCU, he retired when we had to evacuate DC and here we are."
"Wow, that must have a been a shock! And I know Agent Todd was killed in the line of duty."
Tim nodded, saying, "Dad, Tony and I still miss her."
"Tony DiNozzo? Are you in touch with him?"
"Gibbs adopted him last year so he's officially my older brother. He has his own team, married a Marine Captain who's now a reservist and they have two kids."
"Wow, that's…he married a Marine! Gibbs must get a kick out of that!"
Tim nodded, "Oh, he does!"
Eventually, they rode into the office and Owens took him to the CCU where he met the manager in person for the first time. They had a meeting in the agency's briefing room with Tim introducing himself and telling them how happy he was that they were finally out of their shelter! That got a lot of nods and he congratulated them on the quality and volume of work they'd been able to do while still sheltering.
"It's been noticed all the way up the line, believe me. There were three cases that could have been a lot uglier than they were because of your quick and thorough work. I bring heartfelt thanks from Secretary Porter, Director Vance and me. Well done, give yourselves a hand!"
Motioning them up, he and the manager applauded them as they applauded each other. After they were seated again, he told them of the CCUs national and worldwide results and discussed a few of the plans he and the director had for the future. Then he opened the meeting for questions and they had several interesting discussions. They were just about finished when the door popped open and the caterers moved in with their lunch.
The cyber techs were blown away. They'd never had any more acknowledgment than a thank you from Director Vance, which was always appreciated. The 3 techs who'd joined them from DC had told them about Tim, how he'd worked to make their workstations and the department as a whole more comfortable and efficient, adding in what they'd heard from former workmates now in Albuquerque, about the vending machines, being out of the basement and the alternate work zones and acknowledging their work.
Now they were being told they'd have more training with the Field Agents so that communications between them would be easier and working cases together wouldn't be such a headache. When Tim said that he considered them criminal investigators, it shocked them but when he detailed what they did, it made sense. They might not carry weapons or physically bust criminals, but they did investigate and solve crimes.
Tim left after the lunch, pleased with his visit and their response. Back at the hotel, he changed his clothes, packed up and he and his detail left for Seattle, a flight that would take a little over 4 ½ hours.
With a two hour time difference, he probably could have scheduled his visits with Chicago and Seattle CCUs for the same day but was glad he hadn't. The flight might not be commercial but it was still a flight and he was more than ready for a swim and an early night when they landed near the office.
As the office was more than an hour's drive outside of Seattle, he wasn't staying in the city, much to his disappointment. However, his hotel was every bit as well appointed and comfortable as the one in Chicago. He swam and then asking for recommendations, went out for an early dinner to a waterside restaurant. Gus Timmons, the lead on his detail, ate with him, which suited Tim just fine. He didn't mind breakfast or lunch alone but eating dinner alone in a restaurant always felt a little awkward to him. He'd known Gus for years so they had plenty to chat about as they ate.
While Tim didn't like fish, he loved shellfish and thoroughly enjoyed his surf and turf dinner. He missed that about the DC area, restaurants on the Potomac or along the estuaries, serving fresh shellfish from the Chesapeake or the ocean. He missed the Chesapeake, Sandy Point Park, the estuaries where you could kayak or canoe. Asking Gus what places he missed most, besides his home, the two men talked for over an hour about their favorite places.
Back at the hotel, Tim called home and chatted with his family, glad to see his in-laws there too. Ellie was happy he'd had someone to eat with again tonight – and tomorrow night he'd be at their beach rental house in San Diego! He brightened at that.
His breakfast meeting with the Northwest SSAIC, Jane Melankovic, was interesting and fun as the two laughed about DiNozzo's antics during a case they'd worked together in the Mayport office during Tim's probationary year. He'd teased Tim about reading a woman's magazine and then ate some food off of Case Agent Melankovic's desk without asking.
The meeting with his CCU manager, Maria Camarillo, went very well. He thanked her for housing 15 of his folks during the attack and when they were sheltering afterward. Three of them were still here, the rest had relocated to other offices, six of them had asked to be transferred to overseas offices. Meeting with the teams much as he had in Chicago, he thanked them for their hard and smart work, conveying the thanks of Secretary Porter, Director Vance and his personal thanks for their dedication.
He saw surprise, shock and thoughtful looks when he mentioned the cross-training plans and was happy when they asked questions. When lunch arrived, he could see they were surprised again, and this time pleased as well. Looking around the area they occupied, he thought about the possible changes he and Camarillo had discussed and hoped it would make as much difference as it had in Albuquerque.
He grinned as he left the office. Retrieving his luggage from the hotel, they were at the airfield before 2:00 PM, ready for the flight to San Diego. On the flight down, Tim asked Timmons where the detail was staying, as the rental house was in Preston, several miles north of the city. Before the man could answer, Tim said, "We've got plenty of room, why don't you guys stay at the house tonight?"
Timmons thought about it before agreeing. The two man detail could split shifts and they'd be right there should anything happen. It was a little unorthodox but they'd still maintain their shift schedules and protecting the Regional Director was their job, it really didn't matter where they slept.
Landing at the base in San Diego, Tim climbed into the waiting SUV and they drove north to the rental. He smiled as it came into view, he'd loved this house on the virtual tour and now that he saw it in person, he almost felt like he was coming home. Shaking that off, he waited in the SUV with the driver while the house was cleared. Then he entered, smiling as he walked in. He couldn't wait for Ellie, the kids, his parents and in-laws, Penny and Grandpa to join him!
Hanging his garment bag in the closet in the master bedroom, Tim was taking tomorrow's clothes out, he'd use the shower to steam the wrinkles out, when Timmons knocked on the door. "The couch in the living room is a sofa bed and there's a roll-away bed in one of the downstairs closets, so we'll sleep on those.. We've also got two agents coming in, one is on her way, she'll stand the first watch, then Miller will relieve her at 2130, I'll relieve him at 0:30 and the second agent will stand the early morning watch from 0330 to 0630. Then Miller will take over until we're ready to leave."
Tim nodded, "You're off after I'm done."
"After we meet everyone at the airport."
"You're on for that, too?"
"Yes. It was our decision to get everyone to the house, then we're off shift until your flight home." At Tim's look, Gus chuckled, "We'll cover for two of the security officers at the Field Office while they go on leave, with some leave time for us in there, too."
Tim nodded, "Good, 'leave time' for yourselves is what I wanted to hear."
"Your rental vehicle will be delivered here in about an hour. We decided that was easier. We have a 16 passenger van we'll use for the airport tomorrow. Thought we could bring the kids and their parents in that and then the older folks will be in SUVs plus the luggage."
"Wow, I wasn't planning on all of that, yay! You know about Avery Camden picking up her boys?"
"Yes, we've already coordinated with her. I don't think she knew what you do at the agency or your title. She was surprised to hear that you'd have a protection detail and even more so when I explained your position as one of our directors."
Tim laughed, "She met me as Gemcity and then a possible donor for her daughter. I doubt I ever mentioned my title and they spent their time in Albuquerque at the ranch with my family, so no mentions there."
Timmons smiled, "That's good, what we like, as much anonymity as possible!"
Tim was already unpacked and in the pool when the first extra agent arrived. He met her after he'd finished swimming his laps, showered and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. As she made her rounds, he slipped out the back door with his badge and ID. "Agent Davis, I'm Regional Director Gibbs, glad to meet you. Thanks for coming up here this evening."
They shook hands and the agent said, "You're welcome, sir. I work here in Preston, we're a sub-office of the Field Office."
"Oh good, then you won't have far to go. Excellent!"
NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS
Tim grinned when he called home that night as everyone wanted to see the house. After all the oohs and ahhs, they chatted a bit before disconnecting. He went for an evening swim before heading off to bed.
The meeting in the Southwest Field Office the next day went just as well as the others. The breakfast meeting with the SSAIC was good, even though they had no shared history other than working at the agency.
Tim was happy to see Dallas Smits again, now the Manager here and his former SIC in DC and friend from his first time in the basement, during Vance's mole hunt. The two hugged, quickly catching up. The group here also had several techs who'd worked for Tim in DC and they caught up over their catered lunch. As with the other offices, Tim thanked the CCU staff for their smart work and talked to them about being criminal investigators. He saw some surprised faces and a lot of smiles.
Waving goodbye after lunch, Tim hopped in the 16 passenger vehicle waiting for him and they headed for the airport. He was in Baggage Claim, already pulling his family's luggage off the carousel when Avery Camden arrived. She grinned, "I'm so excited to see my sons, thank you for taking such good care of them!"
Then she leaned in, "I had no idea you're part of the NCIS hierarchy! I was shocked when your lead security guy called!"
Tim grinned, "At home, I'm just me, husband, father, son, grandson, brother and uncle and occasionally Gemcity. He's who you met first, followed by me at home. How are you and Tessa?"
"We're doing wonderfully, thank you. Tessa gets stronger every day, Joselyn saved her life! And Ken will be home on Sunday!"
"Great! Is Tessa allowed out yet, I've lost track of the number of days left."
"Because of that fever she had shortly after she came home, her 100 days won't be complete until the end of August. I believe the next step will be slowly reintroducing her to the outside world. She's finished all her class work from last year and will begin the new term attending from home. I don't know if she'll eventually be allowed to attend classes at the school or continue online, maybe two days there, three days at home or half days. We'll see. I have a call into the doctor to see if she can come to the beach with us. We'll rent an enclosed ATV, so she won't be exposed to anyone but whichever one of us drives it. At least that way she can get out of the house for a few hours."
"That's a great idea!"
She started to say something when her sons' voices could be heard, "Mom, MOM, hey, we're here!"
They nearly jumped into her arms as the rest of the family came off the escalator. Tim's dad appeared from the elevator with Jossie and Mackie, both of whom squealed when they saw him. He greeted his wife and children with hugs and kisses, thinking how wonderful his life was and hoping, praying, that Tessa and her brothers, all of his kids, would have an equally wonderful life.
He grinned as his dad managed to wrap his arms around him, even though he was holding Jossie. Here they were, ready for another adventure! He couldn't believe all the love he was given and had found. Life was great!
The End
The next and last planned addition to this universe will not be posted for several weeks as I still have a lot of work to do on it. In the meantime, I am working on a couple of other stories for your reading pleasure. I wish you all the best as we make our way through this new year. Stay safe and well and try to keep looking forward to better times. Hugs around the world!
My best to you and yours,
Gottahavemyncis