The heat wave broke in the predawn hours of Monday with an ominous explosion of thunder that startled Kate from a deep sleep. Instinct made her body jerk upright, pain made her cry out. Instantly, Tony was sitting with her, asking sleepily, Honey, what is it?
Thunder crashed again and Kate leaned her head back against his warm shoulder. I guess the storm woke me. I wonder what time it is. She reached for her watch on the bedside table. Tony's keen eyes read the faintly glowing numbers.
Almost five. Probably not much point in trying to go back to sleep.
Nope. Might as well get ready for work. They climbed wearily out of bed and began preparing for the day.
When they pulled into the parking lot next to the familiar red brick building, they were unsurprised to find Gibbs' car already there.
you don't think he was here all night, do you? Kate asked, as Tony opened her door and held his umbrella overhead.
C'mon, Kate. Of course he was here all night. Good thing we brought coffee for him, too, he replied, nodding at the carryout coffee tray she held. He paused at the main desk to shake out and fold up his umbrella. Once he had relieved Kate of her burden, he led the way toward the elevators. So who do you think we're going to question first today?
My money's on Jeremy Duvall. His brother's death is going to upset him, but I don't know whether he's going to talk or shut down. The elevator doors opened to a subdued bullpen, the rain seeming to have muted everything. Either way, I think he's our best bet. This last of this was said as they exited the elevators.
Sounds good to me. I want to get my hands on Allerton. He's a loose end, and if it's one thing these women didn't like it was loose ends. They rounded the corner to find a fresh cup of coffee sitting on each of their desks.
Glad to hear you say that, Tony. I have an extremely unhappy Lee Allerton waiting in Interrogation just for you. You have two minutes to go over this and get your ass down there. Gibbs extended a folder containing the results of the background search started the night before.
Ahh, coffee, Boss? Tony held out a cup and took the folder with the other hand.
A rain-dampened Kate greedily took a long drink from her coffee before greeting her boss. Good morning, Gibbs. Where do you want me to start?
I want you to handle Martin. You got him talking before, so he's all yours. I'm going to take Duvall. Thanks to Abby, we know his brother's name was Scott and his fingerprints were also on the documents with Jeremy's and Larry's.
What about Allerton's? Kate asked
Abby's running them as we speak. DiNozzo, you ready? Gibbs stood, coffee cup in one hand and gathered several brightly colored folders with his other.
Yeah, Boss. He flipped the folder closed and grabbed up his coffee while Kate armed herself for her position in Observation. The three proceeded to the quiet hallway where the rooms and their first subject waited.
