Tom Morrow flipped through the files on his desk. When the agent on duty at the front desk phoned and told him Dr. John Curtis, Arlington's M.E. was requesting to speak with him, he had no idea what to expect. He certainly didn't expect the story he received. He shook his head and buzzed his assistant.
Have we heard from Gibbs yet?He's on his way in with Todd and DiNozzo. They picked him up at the hospital; apparently he spent the night keeping an eye on Detective Hecht. Oh, and Captain Howards has just arrived as well, Sir.Have him wait until Jethro gets here. Do we have the latest on the detective's condition?No change, Sir.I see. He sighed, and ran a hand over his face. Very well. When Gibbs gets here show him and Captain Howards in.Yes, Sir. Morrow clicked off his speaker after he heard her hang up. He lifted his eyes from the papers on his desk to the man seated opposite him.
What happens, John, if she doesn't survive this? You said only she and Doug Ritchey could verify the information in these files. He leaned back in his chair and waited.
Then I guess we hope Howards can pick up where they left off and prove it. Curtis let his gaze fall to his lap. He wanted to go see her for himself. He couldn't reconcile the vivacious redhead with the woman they told him occupied that hospital bed. She'd never go that quietly.
The two men sat quietly for a while, drinking coffee, before the buzz of the intercom disrupted the silence. Sir, Special Agent Gibbs is here, along with Special Agents Todd and DiNozzo.
Morrow paused for a moment then replied, Send them all in, including Captain Howards. He watched as the door opened and the procession of bodies passed through. Gibbs looked neat as always, though utterly exhausted. Todd and DiNozzo were covering their show of worry admirably; but then they were learning from the master. Captain Howards blustered in behind them, belligerent and aggrieved, as if he were the only one whose day had been disrupted.
Take a seat, please. He frowned at Howards who nearly snatched the chair from underneath Gibbs. He gave his agents another moment as they arranged themselves, before he began.
I know you all have other duties which need handling, he gave Gibbs a glance. But Dr. Curtis came to me with some information that has some significant bearing on recent events. I thought you should be made aware of it as soon as possible. He gave a very pointed look to Captain Howards as the man rose in protest. When he subsided, Tom turned to the coroner. John? Why don't you tell them exactly what you told me.