Dr. Curtis took the files from Morrow and turned to the Arlington captain sitting next to him. I don't know what Doug wanted to talk to Leah about. I don't think he had the chance before he died. This is all there is. He handed the officer the files and took a breath before he continued. I know Ed Perry is a friend of yours, but you're going to have to face facts, Luke, he's dirty. Not only that, but he wasn't the only one and he was the top of the whole nasty food chain.
Luke Howards, subdued for the first time that any of the agents had seen him, flipped slowly through the first file. Are you sure this is right? he asked slowly, setting it aside and opening the second file.
If you're asking about Perry, yeah, we're pretty sure. Tony's voice from the back of the room surprised the captain. The tall man leaning against the wall continued. He shot one of our agents while conspiring with the dirtbag who tried to murder another agent and Detective Hecht.
Howards shook his head. That just doesn't sound like the Ed Perry I know. He returned to the file, and as he skimmed through the pages, he paled. I need to talk to Hecht. Now! Suddenly he slammed the folder down on the desk, then leapt to his feet, taking quick, hard steps toward the door.
The three agents in the room were quicker, forming a triangle in front of the doorway, with Gibbs at the head. She was still unconscious when we left her this morning, thanks to your good friend's business partner. No one missed the caustic tone in his voice. I think whatever you need from her can wait.With all due respect, Agent Gibbs, I don't think it can. Not if the information in those reports is correct. Surprisingly, Howards' voice was calm rather than belligerent. He picked up the file as he continued, I have a sting set up for a drug bust and one of these guys is in charge of it. There's not enough information here for me to know how badly the whole thing is screwed.
Gibbs and Howards stared each other down and Kate decided to head off the inevitable pissing contest. I'm sure that as soon as she's up to it, Leah will clear up any questions. Until then, we'll all let her rest. She received a grudging nod from the Arlington captain and an even stare from her boss. Satisfied that World War Three had been averted, she turned to the Director and asked, Is there any way we can get an update on Leah's condition?
Morrow nodded, buzzed his assistant and instructed her to get Leah's doctor on the line. Minutes later, as the tension in the room ratcheted up several notches, the phone finally rang back. Morrow hit the button for the speaker to allow everyone to listen in.
It took some stern-voiced pressure and various veiled threats to get through to Leah's doctor. At first she was adamant about patient confidentiality, but in the face of Morrow's pressure, and Gibbs' added urging, his status as Leah's emergency contact adding weight to the request, she reluctantly relented.
Everyone visibly relaxed with the woman's proclamation that Leah had awakened from her coma and seemed to be coherent. However, her no-visitors dictate pleased no one.
You don't seem to understand. We have people that urgently need to see Detective Hecht.No, Sir, you don't seem to understand. She needs to rest. She may have awakened, but she still needs time to recover from the effects of the drug. The doctor's voice was unhappy as she recited her patient's condition. She's going to be drowsy for most of the day and I want to keep her as calm as possible until I'm sure there will be no more incidents with her heart rate.
Morrow sighed and reined in his irritation with obvious difficulty. When can we see her? There are lives at stake.Call me after... There was a pause and the sound of papers flipping. Call me after four this afternoon. Then I'll let you know if I think it's advisable.Thank you, Morrow ground out before terminating the call, then looked at the faces around him. There's your answer. I'm afraid we'll just have to wait to speak with Detective Hecht. He spoke with finality, effectively dismissing the group with his words.
They filed out in resignation but lingered in the director's outer office for a moment. Dr. Curtis spoke quietly, reassuring them. If she's awake and coherent, then it's a good sign. Don't rush her, let her get some rest. She'll be more help if she doesn't feel exhausted.
The other four nodded, Gibbs most reluctantly of all. He turned and led his team out, clearly hearing the words spoken by the trailing doctor to the police captain.
Oh, and Luke? Although she'll be angry with me for telling you, you should probably know that Leah's a lieutenant and pretty highly decorated. Show her some respect when you see her, okay?