Tony, Gibbs and Kitty entered the hospital and received directions to Candy's room. Per the directions Tony had specified, no one was allowed in to see the child unless accompanied by himself or Kate. The guard on duty, having verified Tony's ID, nodded for the trio to enter.
At first glance, Tony thought they must have the wrong room. Last night as he'd lifted Candy onto the gurney, the girl had seemed larger somehow than the pale, blonde child surrounded by hospital linens they now approached. As they neared the bed, Kitty placed her hand on Gibbs' arm and whispered,
Curious, Gibbs stayed back a few feet as Tony and Kitty moved next to the girl.
Heya, Candy-girl! Kitty watched as her friend's eyes flickered open. You remember Miz Fed's friend from last night?Don' much remember las' night. Candy's eyes roamed the man next to the bed. He's a cutie. What you doin with a fine man like him?Shut up, girl! He and Kate done saved our butts last night. Kitty turned serious. Look, Tony, he's good people, honest. And I got Kate's boss, too. They need to know what you heard at the house yesterday, honey.
Even from his position several feet away, Gibbs could see fear fill the girl in the bed. Slowly he approached until he stood behind Kitty and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
Candy? My name's Gibbs. His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke to the girl. We've made sure you're safe while you're in the hospital. When the doctor says you can leave, you can go anywhere you want and I'll make sure you stay safe. Okay? I won't let anyone hurt you. He felt Kitty stiffen next to him, possibly from surprise, but at the moment, he was entirely focused on the child in the bed.
You mean I don't have to go back to livin' on the streets? I don't have to... do what I been doin'? No one commented on the tear that slid down her cheek but the look that Tony and Gibbs shared said volumes.
The only thing you have to do is get better. Okay? Gibbs moved forward to sit on the edge of her bed and took her hand gently in his. He kept his gaze steady on her, not flinching away from the second set of young eyes that had seen too much of the world and knew more of lying and abuse than most adults.
Slowly the girl nodded. I'll tell you what I heard, but I don't know how much it helps. I was at the house; it's one of a few where we work, she said, eyes flicking toward Kitty. They sort of look out for us there, make sure they don't treat us too rough, that sort of thing. Well, I heard one of the girls talking to some guy. He looked real familiar, one of those guys who's, like, always around. She paused for a moment and Gibbs nodded, encouragingly.
I was coming down the stairs, so, like, they didn't see me. They were saying something about some cop, and how there was, like, nothing in the news. The guy was all bent outta shape and the chick was sayin' it wasn't her fault, they did everything just the way he said, same as every other time. Then there was some stuff I couldn't hear good. She looked between Tony and Gibbs. I remembered Miz Fed comin' by and so I tried to listen in, thinking, maybe they knew somethin' about Davey, too. So I got near the kitchen, but they saw me. So I made up some story bout bein' hungry and I went to grab a piece of candy outta this dish sittin under the counter where I was. Well, the chick goes like totally whacked on me, smackin' my hand and everything. The guy just looks at her and grabs her wrist. Says to chill baby, it's all good. and gives her this weird nod. So I get out of there real quick. What they don't know was I snagged a piece of that candy. The girl let a smile cross her face now that the danger was long past.
Tony's wide grin split his face. Candy, you were wonderful! Both of you, he amended as he hugged the girl at his side. It was very brave of you to do what you did. Do you still have the piece of the candy that you smuggled out?
The girl shrugged. I dunno. It was in the pocket of my skirt. She looked at her visitors, unsure of what had happened after Kate had arrived in the alley last night.
Gibbs gave her hand a squeeze. Your clothes should be here. Tony, check the closet for her things. After issuing the order he turned back to the girl. Candy, you were very brave to do what you did. Before he could continue, she interrupted him.
That's not all of it. Just as I was leaving, I heard these two guys next to the house. They was talking about the cop, too. One of them said it was stupid not to leave him where they left Popeye and the other laughed and said that he was a better present for some red-hot chickie.
Gibbs shot Tony a look as the younger man finished going through the girl's clothes. Tony walked back over to the bed holding a slightly squashed piece of cellophane-wrapped white nougat.
Candy, is this what you took from the house? Tony spoke softly to the girl.
She nodded and received a nod from him in return as he accepted an evidence bag from Gibbs. Okay. I'm going to take this and we're going to check it out. You did great, honey. Gibbs began, but was interrupted by the abrasive tone of a doctor. He could see the child shrink into the bed with the man's approach.
What the hell do you think you're doing! I gave permission for one visitor for ten minutes. This patient needs rest, not badgering from the likes of you people! White-coated, the doctor still seemed to present all the appearance and attitude of a snarling guard dog.
Gibbs had to admire the protectiveness of the physician for the girl, but anyone could see she needed some gentleness. Doctor, may I speak with you? He motioned the man away from the cowering child and lowered his voice.
Don't you think you could be a little kinder around her? She's been through a lot. Gibbs stared the younger man down.
Are you telling me how to treat my patients, Mr... the doctor spluttered as Gibbs cut him off.
No, I'm telling you to stop yelling in front of a frightened child. And it's Special Agent Gibbs, Doctor. Titles made clear, he turned on his heel and went back to his position on the side of the bed intending to pick up where he left off.
Candy, do you remember anything else? Gibbs heard Tony ask as he saw the younger man pick up the girl's hand and rub it soothingly.
No. I just remember thinking I had to walk away and act natural. That's one of the first things they tell you. No matter what you hear, you don't hear nothin'. And the only thing you say is what they tell you they wanna hear. Candy glanced between the men then looked at her friend Kitty. But I could kinda feel em lookin' at me funny, ya know? That weird feeling you get when you wonder if you just made a mistake by turning your back on a guy?
Kitty nodded in response. That's why you didn't make no sense when you tried to talk to me.I guess they didn't trust your selective hearing either. Tony added, glancing at the girls.
Yeah, well, if it weren't for you and Miz Fed, we wouldn't breathin' right now, so we owe you. Kitty reached for her friend's hand and as she gave it a squeeze Candy gave her a slight nod in return.
You been straight with us. Did you mean what you said about not having to go back? Kitty waited until she received a nod from both Gibbs and Tony. Okay, you keep her safe, she tipped her head at Candy, and I'll give you some more dirt. May not help with what you're doin', but it'll help somebody. And if you promise, she added in a small voice, not to make us go back home, either. I'll tell you our real names. That will make one of us a much more credible... witness.
Gibbs' eyebrows shot up in surprise and Tony's stunned gaze met his. The silver-haired man turned until he could look Kitty in the eye. I don't believe in any kind of abuse to women or children. I'll do my very best to protect the both of you.
The doctor, waiting impatiently, could stand quietly no longer. Are we quite finished? This child needs her rest. Now, there's a guard on the door, and I don't intend for anyone else to be in here today; you three have been more than enough distraction!
Tony escorted Kitty from the room while Gibbs faced the physician. Dr. Eames, he began, eyeing the man's ID, when will my friend be ready to be discharged?She's a minor! She's been uncooperative in helping us locate her parents or legal guardian. I just can't release her. Eames glared at Gibbs.
She's a witness in an ongoing investigation. I'll be back with the necessary papers to have her released into my custody. In the meantime, no one is to be given any information concerning her. Do I make myself clear? The blue gaze did not waver until the doctor nodded reluctantly. He turned to the girl. We'll be back to see you later, Candy. Take care. He smiled at her before he turned and caught up with Tony and Kitty on their way to the car.