5

Grief, Abby decided was a funny thing. She was heartbroken at the loss of her friend but had been compelled to go to London to carry out his wishes. Now as she stood in the entrance of the building where the Foundation was going to be based she wished he was there with her.

"Hey."

She turned sharply to see Billy arrive with tins of paint balanced precariously in his arms with a young woman she didn't recognise next to him carrying brushes and other DIY equipment.

"Hey, Billy." She smiled.

"This is Joanne. Dab hand with a paint brush."

"Great." Abby smiled.

"And I bring coffee." Joanne smiled. Abby sighed, since CafPow wasn't sold in the UK she had missed her caffeine fix. If she was really honest with herself she missed Gibbs and McGee attempting to bride her with her favourite drink. She made a mental note to Skype McGee that night. She missed her best friend and was keen to see how Delilah and the twins were. "Well, coffee sachets."

"Kettle is over there." Abby liked the younger woman. The blonde seemed besotted with her new friend as she watched her unpack the small bag she had brought with her. Coffee pods and milk sachets were soon placed on a tray as she looked in her bag for mugs. "Wow, you are super organised."

"Girl Guides." Joanne smiled. "You can take the girl out of the Guides but " She shrugged as Billy started to organise the paint and equipment they needed to get the room into shape. Abby walked over to him, helping him to set down everything he had brought with him.

"I really appreciate this."

"Told you. I want to help. And Jo, well she wanted to as soon as I told her about Clayton's death, you and this place."

"She's nice."

"I think so." He blushed slightly as she raised her eyebrows. "Hey, we came here to paint!" He laughed as she nodded in agreement. Somewhere she knew her friend was watching over her. Somewhere Clayton Reeves was laughing at her attempts at painting an decorating while his little brother tried to act the perfect gentleman in front of his new girlfriend. She hoped he was proud of them, that he would approve of what they were doing. Somehow she thought she would.

xxxxxxxx

The elevator bleeped as McGee got off before wandering to his desk. He had slept a full night, his children had finally got the habit of bedtime and sleeping through so he and Delilah had taken advantage of the opportunity to get some sleep. Now he felt as if he could take on the world.

"Tim."

He looked over to where Jimmy was leaning behind Ellie as she and Nick seemed to be watching something on her computer.

"Hey." He frowned, wondering what he missed.

"Abby sent us a video. Of the new place." Ellie smiled. "Looks really good."

"And it's not black! No goth stuff anywhere." Jimmy sounded genuinely surprised. McGee smiled slightly, having only Skyped his best friend the day before he already knew this but was pleased to see Ellie and the others were keeping in touch with the scientist.

"Looks great." Tim replied. "She called me last night. Wanted to ask about the twins."

"Well, she is their godmother." Jimmy shrugged. "Better get back to work. That Marine isn't going to autopsy himself."

Nick and Ellie both pulled faces as Tim realised how close they were. The look seemed a little more than just colleagues and friends. Smiling slightly he knew he would have some more news for his friend soon. He was glad she was happy and going what she needed to do in London. It wouldn't stop him missing her but he was proud of her and couldn't wait to hear more about the further adventures of Abby.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx