He's Really Gone

Tim calls Tony and Ziva in Paris when he returns to DC from Alaska. Post "Great Wide Open" 19.04. Spoilers for the episode.

"Hey, McProbieNoMore," Tony's voice and then face appeared on the Skype call. Tim McGee wiped a hand over his face as he settled back into his office chair.

"Hello, Tim," Ziva popped into view behind Tony. "Why are you at work at 0230?" She had just returned from taking Tali to her school for the day.

Tim sighed, a world-weary sigh at that. "I just got back to DC from Alaska. It… it… was…" he trailed off and stifled a yawn.

"Alaska? What the heck?" Tony frowned at the image on the computer screen. "Why on earth were you in Alaska of all places?"

"It's a long story, but you already know some of it…" Tim started. He leaned back in the chair further and ran a hand over his goatee. "You know that Gibbs was suspended and working with that investigative reporter; and that we caught Lemere. From there it went way wild and so crazy that the only thing I can say is truth is stranger than fiction…"

Ziva sat next to Tony, "The last time we talked, Gibbs had taken off with the guy and ended up with Lemere blowing himself up, correct?"

"Yes, and it, well… it got crazy. We started digging; turned out Lemere wasn't a serial killer, but a contract killer. He was paid by a huge corporation to eliminate any and all threats to one of their projects that had the potential to seriously destroy the environment. The project was in Alaska."

Tony and Ziva nodded for Tim to continue; they were intrigued at the twists and turns of the case.

"Sonova was gonna put a mine that would have dumped toxic waste into Naktok Bay. People were trying to expose the dangers and being murdered for it. Long story short on that part, Sonova put out hits on people who were attempting to stop their mine."

"So how does Gibbs fit into this? Did he get reinstated?" Ziva asked.

Tim chuckled, "Hell no; he didn't even want to be back as an agent. But he vowed to make it right for the families of the victims. We, he and I, flew to Alaska to talk to the father of the first victim. Meanwhile back in DC, the rest of the team put more pieces of the puzzle together. And the FBI issued an arrest warrant for Gibbs."

"Whoa," Tony shook his head. "Feebies on Gibbs' tail doesn't sound good. What'd he do this time to piss the Bureau off?"

"That incident with Lemere… he took off in an FBI vehicle with Lemere and left Agent Parker behind," Tim replied. "The higher ups weren't too pleased about it."

"Sounds as though Gibbs just ignored everyone," Ziva commented. "Why am I not surprised?"

Tim snickered along with Tony, "Hasn't changed there. Anyhow, we got the persons behind the whole contract killer for hire plot and Fornell put in a good word for Gibbs. Parker got fired over not arresting Gibbs and defying his supervisor, but that's neither here nor there.

"Gibbs and I had some time to kill while we were waiting for the seaplane to arrive to take us out of Naktok, so he took me fly fishing. He fished while I tried to get the hang of it… and we talked," Tim could feel himself tearing up yet again.

"You talked and he listened?" Tony grinned. "Been there, done that…"

"No, actually. He talked and I listened. Told me he found a peace there in Naktok that he'd not had in a long, long time. Like since before he lost Shannon and Kelly. That he kinda liked the feeling, and that he was done."

"Why am I not liking the sound of this?" Ziva frowned.

Tim brushed at the corners of his eyes, hoping the two on the other end didn't notice. "He said he's got no more boats to build; no more… That's when I finally got what he was talking about. He decided to leave NCIS, he's not going back."

"Wow," the couple on the other side of the call replied in unison.

"He's staying in Alaska for now… I knew he was serious when he hugged me and said…" Tim choked back a sob. "He said… said…" he wiped at his eyes, not caring if Tony or Ziva noticed. "He said, 'I love you.' And hugged me tighter…" tears were now rolling down the Senior Field Agent's cheeks.

"Hey," Tony spoke softly. "I wish I could give you a hug, Tim. I don't know what to say…"

Ziva sighed and put hand towards the camera, "A virtual hug, Tim. We love you."

"Thanks, guys. I guess I called you because you are the ones who would understand…" Tim sniffled and then blew his nose. He scrubbed a hand over his face.

"So, what's next? You gonna be the team leader?" Tony queried.

"I don't know; I honestly do not know…"

"You would make a great team leader, Timothy," Ziva replied and smiled. "You deserve it, you know."

Tim shrugged, "Time will tell, I guess… Hey, thanks for listening and being there for me. I probably should get home to Delilah and the kids. I got some more personal time off and I'm gonna spend it with them. Family first… Love you guys and we'll talk again soon."

"Love you too, Tim," the couple replied together. "We'll always have your six."