Leah waited on a bench at the front of the restaurant after having seen to the check for the trio. When Tony and Kate approached her she was pressing her lips together in an expression they'd often seen on Gibbs. She stood as they approached and gave a weak smile.
Hey guys, do me a favor; forget everything I said, will you? She fell into step with them as they headed out to the car.
If that's what you want, sure. But we'd like to be friends, Leah. We'd like to get to know you, and it doesn't have anything to do with Gibbs. Kate wanted to reassure the woman but she wasn't sure if she had the right words. She shrugged. Look, if you ever just want to talk, my door's always open. She fished up one of her cards and handed it to the redhead as Tony unlocked the car doors.
Leah looked at the card in her hand and back up at the brunette next to her. She could see the sincerity in the brown eyes and suddenly, painfully aware of how few friends she had at the moment, she was grateful for the offer of friendship she had received from the couple. Thanks, both of you. She looked away, embarrassed and climbed into the backseat.
When they pulled back into the parking lot at NCIS, Tony turned to Leah. Do you want me to drop you off by your car?Nah, I need to go in and go through those files, see what's missing. Maybe I'll get lucky and something will click. She sighed in disgust. At least I can feel safe working here.
Tony parked and the three exited the vehicle. Kate spoke up, Didn't you feel safe working at the police station?Unfortunately, no. When the Perry case got screwed, so did I. After Ritchey gave me these two cold cases, things started getting really uncomfortable. I was willing to live with that, but today with the files and the bug in my office, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. A violent shudder passed through her body as they entered the building.
Hey, you okay? Tony reached out a hand to her.
Yeah, just bad memories. Leah stepped around him and moved to the elevator. Kate looked at Tony and hurried after her. When the doors opened to the bullpen, Leah caught a glimpse of her occupied desk and bit back a groan.
Gibbs looked up from the files he'd been studying to see Tony, Kate and Leah approach. How was dinner?
Tony heard Leah mutter, I definitely did not have enough alcohol.Dinner was excellent. You should come with us next time. Kate walked over to her desk and gathered up some files. Would you mind if I took these home to go over them, Gibbs?Fine, Kate. But I want both of you here early tomorrow; we need to get a handle on this dirtbag. Gibbs didn't look up at any of the trio as he spoke.
Say, Boss, does Abby have anything for us yet? Tony was leaning against the cubicle wall, waiting for Kate to finish gathering her belongings.
Nothing useful. She said she'd have a full report for us by morning.Okay, Tony, let's go. Leah, I enjoyed dinner. See you in the morning. Kate passed the redhead on her way back to the elevator.
Yeah, Leah, we'll see you tomorrow, Tony added as he joined Kate and then it was just Gibbs left with her in the quiet of the bullpen. She moved over to her desk, putting herself far closer to the man than she was comfortable, and went to pick up a stack of files. His voice froze her movements.
Leah, can we talk? The tone was low and quiet, the faint tremble in her hand betrayed his effect on her.
I don't know, Jeth. I suppose it depends on what we have to say, doesn't it? She risked turning her face to his, only to be captured by his gaze.
How about if I start with I've missed you'. He saw the shock in eyes that reminded him of the sea. He reached out a hand but stopped short of touching her.
You missed me? I went away because of you. Because of Trainor, that whole damned case. Because of that kiss! She could feel her throat begin to ache with unshed tears.
Leah, I never wanted you to leave... he began, but she cut him off.
I had no choice, don't you get that? After what you did to me with Trainor, after how badly that case turned out, did you really think there was any other option but for me to resign? Dammit, Jeth! I lost my job and surrendered my credibility that day. Staying in DC wasn't even an option. Closing her eyes, she hoped he would just leave her alone.
Her hopes were dashed as he abruptly rose from her chair and demanded, Why the hell does it always come back to Trainor? I saved your life that day!
She whirled around to face him. That's your version of the story! My life wasn't in danger. But those hostages were! Her hands were clenched at her sides in fury and frustration. And we lost three of them. Three innocent people! Because you overrode me!It was a calculated decision, Leah. I did what I thought was right. Frustrated himself, he ran a hand through his hair in aggravation and turned away, unable to face the accusation in her eyes.
You didn't consult me. We were partners, Jeth, partners! I don't understand what came over you. She stared at his back, wishing she could look in his eyes now. Christ, I'm not drunk enough to continue this conversation with you. You want the truth? I'll give you one neither of us can handle. I left, you damned fool, because that day you weren't the man I thought you were. And that broke my heart. She turned and left the bullpen, without looking back, heading for the stairs, needing to escape this hell.
Broke her heart?' The words didn't register at first. After a couple of seconds he spun around to see her disappear into the stairwell. He thought about going after her. He knew he could catch her. What he didn't know is what he would say. The truth would be easy, but she wouldn't believe it. He could prove it, but he didn't think he'd be able to stop with just one kiss this time. Ah, Hell!
The expletive helped his mood, but not nearly enough. He sighed and squared up the files on her desk, then headed for the exit. But it wasn't Leah he sought; instead he went home to think, to lose himself in the feel and the rhythm of shaping the wooden ribs of his boat.