Agent McGee's Solo Mission
Special Agent Timothy McGee is jumpy, every molecule of his being is in the here and now. He's on his own, no back-up, no earwig, no surveillance, just him. Only one person at NCIS knows that he is on this op. His head is on a swivel, constantly looking all around him. He's dressed in a suit, tie, jacket and overcoat. It was entirely his decision to accept this op and he's entirely alone. He isn't even armed he'd locked his Sig in his car's trunk where he'd installed a gun safe that is bolted to the car frame. He does have his badge in his left pant pocket and his ID inside his suit jacket. He looks at his watch, almost time. He is outside of a bistro in the Logan Circle neighborhood of the District. His target should be here soon.
Suddenly he hears his name, "Timothy?"
He turns and sees a beautiful woman, late twenties, medium long auburn hair, blue eyes, athletic but curvy build. wearing the usual office wear outfit. Skirt, blouse, sensible shoes, short jacket with an overcoat over the ensemble. He smiles.
"That's me! Timothy McGee. Evangeline?"
She nods in the affirmative. "Evangeline Ryder, but please call me Evie."
"Sure, absolutely, call me Tim"
They awkwardly stare at each other until Tim gestures to the door of the bistro behind them and they go in. It's a small place, only about twelve tables, including three booths on the back wall. There are only two other dining parties, probably because it's around 9:30 pm. They are seated at a table in the middle of restaurant. He pulls the chair out for her. They remove their coats, putting them on one of the empty chairs at their table and sit.
They go through the typical questions and answers. "Where did you grow up" "Where did you go to school" "Where do you work", etc.
Tim tells her the truth, his degrees from Johns Hopkins and MIT and that he is a Federal agent. She says that she has a BS in Political Science from Loyola and a MS in Statistics from American University and works for the DEA as an analyst. She finds out that Tim was a Navy brat and has lived all over. He finds out that she grew up in Chicago and came to the District to get her Masters.
It's a pleasant dinner and conversation. When they finish and stand up to leave, he helps her with her coat, puts his hand on the small of her back and escorts her out into the chilly, autumn Northeast night.
"Can I walk you to your car? Tim asks (always the gentleman).
"Oh, I didn't drive." Evie replies.
"Uber? I can drive you home if you'd like."
"Actually, I walked, I live right down the block." She points down this side of the street. "I wouldn't mind an escort."
"Then I shall escort." Tim says offering her his arm. She takes it and they begin to walk slowly toward her apartment as the wind picks up and swirls the fallen multi-colored leaves around them.
"I love autumn, it's my favorite season." Evie stops next to a small, two-story apartment building about half way down the block. It has a brick façade, small iron fence and gate with a glass-enclosed foyer leading into a tiled lobby. They walk up the entrance and awkwardly face each other.
"I had a very nice time meeting you Tim."
"I enjoyed it too. We'll text tomorrow?" she nods her head and he starts to walk away.
Halfway to the gate, he turns, walks quickly back to her, stops in front of her and grabs her face in both hands and kisses her. She kisses him back quickly and passionately. They continue the embrace, exploring each other mouths. Finally, they step back.
"Would you like to come in?" Evie asks breathlessly.
Tim takes a step back to her, puts his right arm around her waist and his left in the back of her head, pulling her closer to him. Pressing his forehead against hers, he gives a soft growl and says "Yes" and kisses her again.
She shudders at his embrace, turns and puts in the code to open the door. It buzzes and they go in, still embracing.
"Where is your apartment?" Tim asks her, kissing her neck.
She points up the wide staircase in front of them, the second floor is open and a railing goes the breath of the lobby. She points to the last apartment on the right.
Tim picks her up in an "over the threshold" lift and carries her up the stairs to her door. He puts her down gently, giving her a squeeze.
She uses her thumb print to unlock the door. There is also a key card that she can use or give to friends. She opens the door, pulls Tim inside and shuts the door. Immediately Tim drops back into Agent mode and scans the apartment, it's a studio, small kitchen to the left with a living area in front of it, large window on the far wall. On the other side of the room on the right, on a two-step platform, is a queen-size bed. On the opposite wall a door leading to what should be the bathroom. There's a closet against the wall between the bed and the bathroom. There are curtains, open, that cover two sides of the bed. Handy if you forget to make your bed and someone comes over. He turns her around and backs her up to the door. He moves in and kisses her hard, caressing her all over her body. Evie moans with pleasure.
They begin "The Clothes Toss Tango" moving into the apartment, overcoats first, jackets, tie, shirt, blouse, skirt, shoes, socks, all while kissing and touching. They stop behind her couch and in front of her bed. Tim is still wearing his suit pants (and boxers), Evie is angelic in her white lace bra and sheer white panties.
Tim pulls back to admire Evie. She is beautiful, her dark blue eyes lustful. She's not tall or short, average height. Her skin is soft and clear. Tim steps closer and begins to kiss her neck moving down to her breasts. He cups them, they are perky, tennis ball sized and are peeking out of her lacy bra. He kisses her mouth again and reaches around to unclasp her bra. Once her breasts are released, they give a happy little bounce.
"Fuck. God they're perfect." He bends down and sucks on one while caressing the other and then switches. Straightening up, he moves his right hand down to her panties while continuing to use his left hand to explore her breasts. Rubbing over her pussy outside of the panties, he whispers in her ear, "You're all wet, are you ready for me?"
Evie sighs a needy moan.
Tim puts his hand inside of her panties she is clean shaven, smooth and breathtaking. He groans his approval. He thumbs her clit and moves one finger and then another into her pussy. He brings his fingers to his mouth and sucks them dry and then goes back to fingering her. Her moans are getting louder and more demanding.
He goes on his knees and using his teeth pulls down her panties, he licks around her lips and then pulls the sheer panties all the way down with both hands. "Spread your legs a bit for me baby." She gratefully complies, Tim begins to lick and suck her clit, he finger fucks her while continuing to suck her clit until she begins to shudder. "That's it Evie, come for me, let me taste your sweetness."
Evie grabs his hair and brings him closer. "Oh Tim," and then she lets go shaking and moaning, coming into his mouth with a large groan.
"So good, fuck, you taste like honey, love it baby" Tim gently licks and kisses her clit gently until she calms down. He stands up and kisses her hard telling her to taste her honey.
He steps back once again. Looks at her, licks his lips. "Come here."
She stops right in front of him. "On your knees and take my pants off, both of them." She slowly goes to her knees looking up to him as she obeys. She pulls at the waist of his pants and begins to unbutton and unzip his pants. She pulls his dress slacks down slowly until they hit the floor. Then she starts on his boxer briefs, he is hard and there is a small wet stain at the top of his dick. Again, she pulls down slowly, broadcasting her approval by moaning and saying breathlessly "Oh God, please fuck me now."
He caresses the top of her head. "Suck it, make it harder so I can fuck you harder."
"Ohhh" she moans. She willingly obeys him again. She starts by kissing and licking up and down his shaft. He moans and pulls her head closer. Evie takes him into her mouth, licking and then sucking just the top. Again, he moans. She begins to take him all the way down to his balls, which she begins to caress softly. She moves up and down, keeping up the suction. After a few moments, Tim reaches down and pulls her up, engulfs her in his arms and kisses her passionately, nibbles her neck while she continues to beg, "Please, please fuck me, Tim, please."
He reaches down cupping her ass with both hands, he lifts her up and she wraps her legs around him, putting her arms around his neck. Tim turns toward the bed, takes two steps to the platform, steps on the first tier and lowers her down to the bed on her back with her butt on the edge. He bends down, kneeling on the top tier and spreads her legs, "Oh yeah, so, so beautiful, wide open and ready for me."
"Now!" Evie demands, "Please, please I need it."
Tim raises her left leg, bends it slightly and puts it around his hip. He bends down to lick her clit again and again she begs him to fuck her. He straightens up and gets to it. He begins by gently poking her wet, slick hole with his very happy and willing cock. He knows that he's larger than average (and longer too.) so he always starts slowly. Her moans encourage him, he slides in slowly and lets her get used to his size. Then he starts to pump gently into her, watching her face, eyes closed, mouth open to an 'o' and panting slightly.
"Harder, harder" she groans, "please, please, oh fuck please harder Tim."
He smirks, yes, he can do that and happily too. He begins to pick up his speed, thrusting harder and harder, Both of them moaning and spewing obscenities. He puts his left arm around her waist to keep her close. Again, and again, he drives his cock into her, "Baby come for me, let it go…" he coos and she begins to shake and moan softly until wave after wave of pleasure falls over her. He begins to feel that he's on the edge, and a few more strokes and he feels his own tsunami of joy, his eyes go blank, and he thinks he may have briefly lost consciousness.
Tim rolls off of her and gathers her into his arms, kissing her softly. They stay wrapped up in each other's arms enjoying the afterglow. Eventually Evie gets up and heads to the bathroom. Tim rolls onto his back, puts his hands behind his head with a big shit-ass grin on his face. Once she opens the door and walks back to the bed, he gets up and heads for the bathroom, grabbing her ass as he passes her.
When he returns, Evie is under the covers, her auburn hair spilling over her pillow. He slides in next to her, she cuddles under his right arm with her head on his chest. He brings her close, plants a kiss to her head and sighs.
"Please stay." She whispers.
"If you want me too." She nods her agreement.
He kisses her again and thinks MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Best. Blind. Date. EVER.
Evie and Tim spend the next day, which is Saturday, together. When they wake up, Tim retrieves his go bag from his car so he has his jeans, tee and flannel shirt and of course clean underwear. He also has his toothbrush and other toiletries.
They continue to get to know each other, he tells her that he works for NCIS and asks her if it is ok to bring his weapon into her home. He explains that he is required to wear it when he is out and about, but didn't want to bring it into her home if she objected. She agrees and he went back to his car to get it. He felt a lot more secure with the knowledge that he can defend her (and himself) from whatever may pop up.
Evie shows him around her neighborhood. He had only been in Logan Circle a couple of times and that was for a case. They went into various little shops, browsing, picking up some fresh ground coffee (medium roast), two sandwiches and a whipped cream éclair to split for dessert. They ate lunch in her apartment, chatting and laughing. Then they continued exploring each other.
They began by making out like teenagers on her couch. They shed their clothes and moved to the bed. He asked her how she likes to make love. Evie told him to sit up against the headboard. She straddled his thighs and kissed him hard and then moved down his neck, kissing and sucking gently down to his groin, which got Tim's cock twitching with excitement. She cupped his sac and gently kneaded his balls. Twitching, a small drop of pre-cum glistened out of the slit. She noticed, smiled and licked all the way up from his balls to catch the drop. He groaned/growled his appreciation.
She stood up on the bed, towering over him. He looked up appreciatively. Putting her feet on either side of his hips, she slowly lowered herself down unto his very happy cock. She stopped halfway down he groaned and said "Please." She continued lowering herself until she had reached his balls. Tim gasped, she smiled and bent over to kiss him. He reached up and began to caress what are quickly becoming his favorite tits in the world. Evie began to slowly move her hips back and forth, then up and down. They stared at each other, enjoying the sensation. Tim reached for her clit and began to slowly move his thumb back and forth, up and down and in little circles. Evie threw her head back and moaned.
"Tim, fuck, don't stop". He continued to play with her clit and leaned forward to suck her breasts. She moaned and began to shudder, her vagina twitching on his dick. She screamed his name and he also went over the edge.
They cuddled together and fell asleep. He awoke to the pleasant sensation of a wet mouth on his dick. He sat up on his elbows, Evie looked up and smiled. He lain back down, closed his eyes and enjoyed the treat. Boy, she is very good at that he thought, grinning to his self. He began to feel a tingle beginning in his balls. He moaned and said "Oh fuck baby that is so good." She keeps sucking and licking, cupping his balls in her hand. Tim sat up on his elbows again, throwing his head back groaning. Evie picked up speed. Tim began to pant, saying "Fuck, fuck, fuck." He exploded in her mouth, she eagerly swallowed every drop and then licked his cock clean.
"I can see that you enjoyed that Tim." Evie smirked.
He silently nodded, still stunned from his orgasm. He glanced at the clock it was nearly six o'clock and dark outside.
Evie plopped down on the bed next to him, cradled his head with both hands and kissed him deeply and passionately. He reached for her, but she stood back up. "I have something that I have to do tomorrow, actually every Sunday and Wednesday. It's family related and I'd like to get some sleep tonight" she winked at him and smiled and headed to the bathroom. When she came back from the bathroom, they cuddled and kissed for a bit and then Tim stood up, sighed and got dressed. He packed up all his things, kissed her hard and said "Lunch on Monday? If I'm not on a case that is."
"I'd like that." Evie said nodding.
"I'll text you tomorrow." Tim said, kissing her again and picking up his go bag. One more kiss and he left her apartment. He whistled all the way back to his car.
Monday morning Tim got to the bullpen before anyone else, except Gibbs.
"Good weekend McGee?" Gibbs inquired.
"Very good boss." McGee smiled.
They both turned to paper work since there wasn't currently an open case.
DiNozzo and David come in together about 10 minutes later. Everyone exchanged "Good Mornings." After about 5 minutes, DiNozzo began to stare at Tim.
"McRomeo! You got lucky this weekend and judging by that grin, more than once! And you managed not to get yourself shot, drugged, kidnapped, or otherwise injured. Way to go Timmy, at last you are starting your long journey to become a man."
"Very funny Tony. You know I don't kiss and tell."
Tim's phone rang. He picked it up, listened and said "I'll be right down." He stood up, headed to the elevator and said over his shoulder "Going to the lab, be back asap."
The elevator opened at the lab and Tim strode in to see Abby jumping up and down.
"Tim, Tim, Tim, how was it? Was it awesome? Tell me everything."
Tim smiled, "It was awesome! Tell your friend thank you for hooking me up with his cousin. It was the best blind date in the history of blind dates."
Abby squealed in delight. "I'm so happy for you McGee, details, I want details."
"Well maybe not all the details." Tim said with a smirk.
Just then his phone rang. "On my way boss". He gave Abby a quick squeeze "Got a case" and he was gone, sprinting to the elevator.
The case was in Richmond. A Petty Officer was found shot dead in his backyard. Tim texted Evie cancelling their tentative lunch date. She sent a see you soon back and a kiss emoji.
They were still working the case through Tuesday into Wednesday. Finally, at 10:00 on Wednesday morning they solved it and Gibbs told them to all go home and get some sleep. Tim took out his phone as he was walking to his car hoping to meet Evie for lunch. He missed her. Suddenly he remembered that she wasn't available on Wednesdays, he didn't know if that meant all day or just the evening after work. He decided to send her a text.
Call/text me when you can, with a cartoony heart emoji.
He got a text back on Thursday morning, saying that she now had something immediate that she was working on for the DEA and she didn't know when she'd be free (sad face emoji attached). Tim sighed and decided that this weekend he'll probably be cleaning his apartment and maybe he'll see if Tony wanted to grab a few beers. On second thought not Tony, he didn't want to have to deal with the teasing as to why he was alone this weekend. A Call of Duty marathon session began to sound like a really good way to kill time this weekend.
Finally, on Tuesday, he met Evie for lunch outside of DEA headquarters in Arlington. Tim got the go ahead to take an extra-long lunch from Gibbs. Gibbs didn't have a problem with that since McGee usually didn't take lunch, just ran out to get something and ate at his desk. He was hopeful that Tim might have finally found the right girl.
It was a warm mid Fall day. Evie Ryder was dressed again in the usual Federal employee uniform for women and she rocked it. Brown tweed jacket and fitted skirt, with a gold satin blouse. She smelled good too when Tim went in for a kiss. Evie turned her head so that Tim kissed her cheek. He was startled at that but they are at her work so maybe she just wants to be discrete. They grabbed lunch from one of the food trucks currently parked around Pentagon City and sat down at one of the tables. They ate in silence for a couple of minutes.
"So, when you're unavailable on Wednesdays, it that evenings too or just daytime?" Tim asked.
"Well on Wednesday I work until 3:30-4:00 and go to my family obligation. I go in early and I don't take a lunch so I can leave early. Sunday is an all-day thing."
Tim nodded and took another bite of his chicken burrito. (It was very good). "How about you come over Friday after work to my place and I'll make dinner and we can maybe watch a movie and hopefully spend the night and all-day Saturday together." He grinned.
Evie smiled. "That sounds like a great idea."
They chatted for a bit after they'd finished their lunch. He got up and offered her his hand. She smiled, stood up but did not take his hand and they walked back to her office building. They kissed good bye (again on the cheek) and Tim went back to his car in the visitor's parking lot and started back to the Navy Yard. He was a bit troubled about her not wanting to kiss him or even hold his hand, but again he figured it was because of her vicinity to her job and did not want to share her private life with her co-workers. He really wanted to know what her "family business" was but vowed to wait until she was ready to tell him.
He didn't hear from her on Wednesday, he didn't think he would.
Thursday, he got a text from Evie.
We still on for Friday?
Absolutely, around 8:00?
That sounds great. I can't wait to see if you can cook.
Oh, I cook, I do lots of things really well. Tim smirked as he typed the text.
I know you do, followed by a wink emoji
Tim had been researching what he should make for dinner, he's always happier to have a plan. He decided on pork chops with a creamy garlic sauce, fresh pasta and asparagus, if he can find it fresh, or, if not, broccoli. He planned on getting something for dessert when he shopped for the ingredients.
He was glad that he had cleaned his apartment on the weekend, it rarely gets messy during the week. He usually gets home after a long day, eats something, maybe does some writing or play an RPG and go to bed. So, a look around when he gets home on Thursday confirms that he's good in the clean department. He'll just have to remember to make his bed when he wakes up in the morning.
He's already cleared it with Gibbs to come in early and leave early on Friday so he'll have time to do the shopping and put the food together before she arrives at 8:00pm. He prays to the justice gods that they don't get a case between now and then.
No cases on Friday (hallelujah) and Tim leaves at 4:00pm. Picks up the pork chops, garlic, the fresh pasta (linguine), the asparagus (lucked out, they had fresh) a bottle of Pinot Noir, some hard cider that would go with the pork chops too, and a chocolate mousse pie.
He gets home, puts the perishables in the frig and begins to set the table, fluff various pillows, change into casual 'date' clothes, and give the bathroom a once over. When he's satisfied with the prep, he heads into the kitchen and starts putting everything together.
The doorbell rings at 7:58pm. He opens the door and waves her into his apartment. She wearing a pair of black yoga pants, a burgundy and pink floral blouse, black denim jacket and black suede boots. She looks great. They hug and kiss hello. He takes her hand and leads her to the table. He pulls out a chair for her and she sits down.
"I hope you're hungry.", as he hands her a glass of Pinot.
"It smells good, what did you make?"
"Pork chops with garlic sauce, fresh pasta and asparagus.
"That sounds yummy."
Tim ducks back into the kitchen and plates the food and puts the extra sauce in a small bowl. He puts her plate in front of her and returns to get his plate and the extra sauce.
They spend the next hour eating, talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company, they finish and clear the table together and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Evie grabs her glass of wine; Tim grabs the rest of the bottle of wine and a hard cider for him. They move to the couch. Tim puts on a movie and they snuggle and talk throughout the show.
When the movie ends, they begin to kiss and rub each other. Tim sits back and takes off his shirt and then reaches for Evie taking off her blouse and bra. He sighs and moves in to kiss and suck her breasts. She rubs his cock through his pants. He pulls her up to stand in front of him. Kisses her again and goes down to his knees in front of her. Tim reaches up and pulls down her yoga pants and thong. He looks lovingly at her beautiful pussy, rubbing the back of his hand over her mound. He pulls her closer to him and begins to lick and suck her lips, tonguing her clit until she is moaning his name and begging him to fuck her. He stands up and holds her close, kissing her mouth deep and hard while using his long fingers to finger fuck her.
He moaned, "God Evie, what you do to me." He pulls down his pants, his hard member popped free. He took a page from DiNozzo's playbook and went commando tonight. They kissed again and he took her hand and moved them to the back of the couch. They rubbed against each other, kissing and moaning. Tim quickly turned her around and draped her over the back of the couch. He caressed her ass, smacked his lips and entered her slowly. He stopped for a second.
"Fuck me now Tim." She moaned. He obliged the lady. He pulled almost all the way out, then plunged into her hard. Harder and harder he moved. She was moaning and begging him to go harder.
"Evie, fuck, Evie." He shouted as they both came at the same time.
Tim took her hand and guided her to the bathroom. He turned on his shower and they both stepped in when the water reached the right temperature. They enjoyed a warm, soapy, slow shower with each other. They rinsed off and dried each other with Tim's big fluffy bath towels.
They move back into the kitchen; Evie is wearing one of Tim's MIT t-shirts and Tim has on a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. He starts a pot of coffee (decaf) and takes the chocolate pie out of the fridge. They share a large slice of the pie while sipping their coffees.
Tim once again takes her hand and leads her to the bed. They snuggle and coo at each other, quickly falling asleep from contentment and tiredness.
Saturday morning Tim suggests that they go out for breakfast. Evie declines, putting her arms around his waist, snuggling her face against his chest, she much rather stay-in and have a lazy day for just the two of them. Tim can't argue with that logic. Tim runs out to the grocery and gets everything they need for brunch for two. Eggs, cheese, fresh vegetables, orange juice, and fresh flowers for ambience. Tim puts together a quiche, pops it in the oven and they enjoy the private meal.
"I guess that you can cook." Evie smiles at him.
"It's one of my many talents." Tim smirks back.
Over the next few weeks, they see each other as often as work and family obligations allow. Tim begins to notice that whenever he suggests doing something together out in public, like a romantic dinner out, going to a movie, or going clubbing, Evie always demurs and suggests that they stay in at either her place or his.
They weren't able to spend Halloween or Thanksgiving together, now it is the second week in December and Tim has decided on a Christmas present for her. He ordered a gold necklace with three fall leaves in yellow, white, and rose gold, since the leaves swirled around them when they walked to her place the first night they met.
They went Christmas shopping a couple of days later. They roamed around the area they went shopping the first day they were together. Somehow in this part of town, where she lives, she was more comfortable going out and about with him.
They had lunch in the same bistro as their first date. Evie went outside as Tim paid the tab.
Evie stood on the sidewalk admiring the various Christmas decorations, when suddenly a woman was in front of her, hugging her, very happy to see her. Evie gasped, it was her good friend and roommate from college, Maggie.
"Evie it's so good to see you! I've missed you. How are you?" Maggie gushed.
"Maggie! What are you doing here? Last I heard you were still in Chicago. It's been what, five years?"
"Just visiting some friends. I'm so happy that I ran into you."
Tim had finished paying the tab and was walking up behind Evie, staying back a bit to let her have her conversation and to be introduced.
Maggie chose that moment to say, "Evie how is that hubby of yours?"
Tim stopped, his mouth dropped open and he gasped a bit. Maggie saw this and said her goodbyes and quickly walked away.
Evie turned to him and said, "It's not what you think, you weren't supposed to find out this way."
Tim was shocked, she didn't say, "Oh we divorced years ago, or we are legally separated, or he left me at the altar". None of that. Just "You weren't supposed to find out this way." Tim looked at her, his heart breaking, turned around and left her standing there softly crying. He got to his car and drove to Abby's house. He was upset and beginning to feel his anger rise. How could Abby do this to him? She knows that he can't just be a fuck friend, particularly with a married woman, especially with a married woman, that just wasn't him, even Tony wouldn't do that.
Tim arrived at Abby's apartment and began to bang on the door, "Abby, Abby, let me in, right NOW!"
She opened the door a few seconds later, "What's wrong McGee? What are you doing here?"
"Did you know Abby? Did you? Tell me you didn't know. Tim choked out.
"I did know, of course I knew, she is my friend's cousin after all."
"Abby, HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? You know that's not the kind of man I am.
"You know the only relationship I want is one where I fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. I can't believe you did this to me. Do you hate me that much?" Tim's eyes began to water. He sat down putting his face in his hands.
"Oh Tim, no I don't hate you, you're my best friend." She sat down next to him. "Tim, listen to me, this is not what you think."
"Not what I think? That's exactly what she said. What is it her pretend husband, an undercover op? Alien abduction? What?"
"She is married, but her husband is in a vegetative state with no hope for recovery after a motorcycle accident three years ago. Both families, hers and his want her to move on, to have a life, but she won't. Her health insurance is the only insurance that he has and she can't abandon him like that."
A shuddering sob escapes from Tim. He is broken, utterly and completely broken. He was beginning to realize that he was falling in love with Evie, hoping for that happy ending and now it's been ripped from him and can't be retrieved. She'd lied to him, well technically no, she never said that she wasn't married, just failed to mention that she was. This explains why she didn't like to go out and about with him, she was afraid that what happened would happen. It occurs to him that her 'family obligation' on Wednesdays and Sundays probably had something to do with visiting her husband.
Her husband! She has a husband, a legally married to husband. He's been having an affair with a married woman! He's an adulterer. Fuck. He feels like he's going to throw up.
Abby has been rubbing his back as he sorts everything in his mind. Eventually his sobs begin to quiet down and looks up to Abby, eyes red and swollen.
"Why Abby, why did you think that this would be a good idea?"
Abby sighed, "My friend, his name is Joel, was telling me about Evie, how the family was heartbroken about what happened and aching for her to be happy. She deserved to be happy. Eventually her family persuaded her to meet someone. I thought of you, Tim, you are perfect for each other. Evie fought moving on for a long time, finally, she relented and Joel and I set up your blind date.
"Evie told Joel that she really liked you and she was finally ready to tell you, to hope that you would understand. She was falling in love with you too Tim. I'm so sorry."
Tim deleted and blocked Evie's number from his phone, he left the few things that he had at her place, didn't try to retrieve them. He threw himself into his work and concentrated on his writing, working on his mysteries and dabbling in tragic love stories.
After the holidays, which were not a joyous time for him, Tim decided to do what he probably should have done before their first date. He ran a background check on Evangeline Ryder. He had promised himself that he wouldn't use his advantage of being a Federal agent for private matters. Seeing his track record with girlfriends, he probably should have done that with all his dates, but, well, water under the bridge.
He was looking for information on her husband (husband!). His name is Levi Benson, born in Australia, worked part time as a carpenter. He was an aspiring motocross racer, and unfortunately that's how he got injured. Seems like a good guy, no criminal record and one speeding ticket. Now he was at a long-term care facility. He still had brain stem activity and was able to breathe on his own. It was unknown how long he would live, depends on how long he can still breathe on his own (he as a DNR) or that he wouldn't get an ailment that he can't recover from. They had only been married for just over a year when he had his accident.
Tim sighed he was very sorry that Evie had to deal with this. He wanted to protect her (and love her), but this was an absolute, he cannot be involved with a married woman. He decided to email her. She has been emailing him, but he deleted each one as they appeared.
Evie,
I wanted to let you know a couple of things. I did (do) love you, but I cannot have you as my girlfriend if you are married. I just can't, that is non-negotiable. I can't see you or talk to you because I might lose my resolve. As I said I love you and wish you well. -Tim
A few days later he mailed the leaf necklace that he had made for her anonymously to her office. It was a custom order so he couldn't cancel or return it. He hoped that she would know it was from him.
In the weeks and months that followed, Tim concentrated on his job and his writing. A couple of the tragic love story books were published under a pseudonym other than Thom E Gemcity. He completed his Deep Six series and gave a great bit of his earnings to charities, including the long-term care home that Levi was in. He didn't contact or check on Evie, didn't want to be tempted, he did love her and missed her greatly.
One day almost two years since leaving Evie, Tim got a phone call from an unknown number.
He answered, "McGee".
"Tim, this is Joel, Evie's cousin." Tim sucked in his breath and his heart skipped a beat. "Evie's husband Levi has died, he caught pneumonia and couldn't fight it."
Tim stuttered out "I'm sorry to hear that."
"We had the funeral today. Tim, I'm worried about her. Not only is she mourning Levi, but she's also mourning losing you, I'm not sure she can get through this alone. Please consider coming to see her, she's at my place for the next week or so. I can text you the address. Please do this."
Tim was silent for a moment or two, then he shuddered, sighed and told Joel, "I'll come the day after tomorrow (which was Saturday). I'll text you when I'm close."
"Thank you, Tim."
The day came for him to go and see Evie. Cousin Joel lives outside of Baltimore running a bed and breakfast. Tim dressed in a dark blue button down and black jeans, Evie was in mourning and he wanted to respect that. The ride didn't take long even with him stopping for a breakfast that he didn't eat. He texted Joel at 10:30 am telling him that he was about 15 minutes away. His stomach began to flip flop and he was glad that he didn't eat his meal. He pulled into the parking area for the Charming Corner Bed and Breakfast. Joel came out and shook his hand, thanking him for coming.
Instead of asking him in, Joel pointed to the back of the house. "She's at the pond, I didn't tell her you were coming."
Nervous and anxious did not to begin to cover his feelings as he walked slowly to the back of the inn. He inhaled sharply when he saw her. She had her back to him, standing and rocking slowly as she took in the scene. She was in the black yoga pants that she wore to that first dinner date and she was wearing the MIT sweatshirt that he had gotten for her. She didn't hear him approaching her. About 10 feet from her, he called her name softly. She turned suddenly and the sunlight glinted off the leaf necklace that he had sent her. She shuddered, was he really here, standing in front of her? He walked quickly to her, stopping in front of her and sighed. Her eyes were red and puffy a tear slipped out of her eye, he reached down and wiped it off of her.
"I'm here baby, I'm so sorry. I longed to see you, to hold you, but I just couldn't, until now. He stepped forward and embraced her in the most loving, sincere embrace. He bent down to kiss her, holding her chin in his left hand. Softly, lovingly he kissed her. Her tears began to flow again.
"Tim, oh Tim. I thought I'd never see you again" she sobbed.
"I'm here and I will never leave you again, I promise." Tim kissed her harder, then wiped the tears off her face again.