Ducky's voice startled Gibbs awake. He stretched and shifted in the chair beside the hospital bed.
Morning, Duck. He glanced at his watch and looked past the coroner for his team members. Where are Kate and Tony?Oh, they're with Timothy. They said they'd be up in a couple of minutes. How's Leah doing? Ducky stepped closer to the bed.
We spent a couple of hours in the ER until they had a bed for her up here. She had a rough patch after they moved her, gave everybody a scare. Gibbs remembered the cold fist around his heart when she gave a sigh and her heartbeat became very irregular. He'd watched as the doctor emptied a syringe into Leah's IV and he gripped her hand tightly, begging her not to give up.
Ducky glanced at the monitors on the far side of the bed. She looks to be doing quite well now, apart from the fact that she hasn't yet awakened. He turned to look at his old friend. If she made it through the night, Jethro, she should be fine.
Before Gibbs could respond, Kate and Tony entered the room. Hey, Boss, how's she doing?
Ducky and Gibbs turned to the newcomers. I'm surprised they let you two in here. How's McGee doing? Gibbs eyed them carefully.
Kate smirked up at Tony. He charmed his way past the nurse. She never even noticed me. McGee is doing good. He said the doctor wants him to stay off his leg for a few days, but otherwise he's in good spirits. She moved over closer to the bed and looked down at Leah. Her color is a lot better, Gibbs. Has she woken up yet?No, not yet. Listen, Kate, his eyes flicked over to the tall man nearby. Tony. Thank you for what you did last night.
Kate smiled as Tony said, No problem, Boss. But we'd better get going. Abby called earlier and said Morrow wanted to talk to us about something.Abby called? Why Abby?Got me. Tony shrugged. Didn't anyone call you?
As Gibbs patted his pockets, Kate remembered she had both Leah's recorder and Gibbs' phone in her car. I have it. From last night. Come on, let's get you some clean clothes and get to the office.I won't leave her, Kate. He stared down the others.
Gibbs, you can't blow this off. I know you want to be here, but we have responsibilities at the office, too. Kate spoke gently, but firmly, looking him in the eye.
Besides, McGee said he'd like to come and sit with her, if his doctor will let him. She won't be alone, Tony added quietly.
He looked like he might argue further when Ducky spoke up. You know, if she found out you were here instead of at work, she'd likely strip your hide. Especially if it has to do with the case.
That, Gibbs couldn't argue with. Nodding reluctantly, he reached for Leah's hand one more time, gently rubbing her knuckles. Then he followed his friends and teammates from the room.