Tony and Kate arrived back at NCIS with Candy. When they entered the bullpen, the young blonde walked gingerly over to where her friend sat next to Gibbs. The older man rose silently to allow the girls a moment of privacy and moved to speak quietly with the other two agents.
Federal Marshals will be here within the next hour, he said, glancing at his watch. Those girls will be safe from now on. He looked from Kate to Tony, waiting for their reaction.
So soon? I didn't realize they'd be going into Witness Protection tonight. Kate tried to keep her voice even.
It's the only way to ensure their safety until the trial. After that, they'll be completely relocated. Gibbs had turned to watch the two girls, missing the sadness in Kate's eyes.
I know that. I'd just... hoped for a chance to say goodbye. Kate gave an embarrassed shrug as her boss swung back around and fixed her with a steely gaze.
Agent Todd, you know better than to become involved with a witness in a case. His voice was hard, almost daring her to retort. It was Tony, however, who took the bait.
Which, of course, explains why you're... the tall man smothered a faint grin as his boss cut him off.
Shut up, DiNozzo. It was the low growl of a wounded bear, and he strode over to the two girls before either of his partners could utter another sound.
Yo, Gibbs! Kitty smiled as he approached. Candy turned around and gave a shy smile as well. He took a moment to examine both girls, dressed simply in jeans and sweaters. It was almost inconceivable to him that these two children had not only dressed up, but survived, as prostitutes; willing to endure that humiliation than what they'd faced at home.
he greeted them softly. Are you ready to go? The Marshals will be here soon.
Candy spoke up hesitantly. Will we really be safe with them? I mean from them? Not everyone is, well, who they're supposed to be, you know.
Gibbs dragged his chair closer to the two girls and sat down. Reaching inside his jacket he pulled out two cards and handed them to the girls. We could all get in a lot of trouble for this, so memorize what's on that card. If you ever feel threatened again, by anyone, you call me. I can square it with the Marshals if you don't feel that you can trust them.
Kitty looked at the silver-haired man, respect in her eyes. She'd known a lot of men willing to break the rules for sex or money, but never to help a friend. She smiled and nodded her thanks.
Candy, on the other hand, was overcome. Tears welled in her eyes and she stepped forward shyly and wrapped her arms around Gibbs' neck. Thank you, she whispered. You don't know how much this means. She pulled back a moment and glanced over at her friend. Kitty seemed to understand the question and nodded her reassurance.
Candy's eyes dropped to her hands, now fiddling with the card she held. My name is Lisa Halstrom. She flicked her eyes up, waiting for the older man's inevitable recognition.
The surname struck a chord with the former Marine as he remembered a prominent military family and a man in a position of authority with hints of a scandal. Shock colored his voice as the blonde nodded. What happened? he asked gently.
Mom had a little problem, Dad had a weakness for covering it up, she said woodenly. Four years ago, I got tired of being part of it.Four years! You can't be older than...
She cut him off with a hard, streetwise look, one he'd not yet seen from her. Age has nothing to do with it. I will not go back there. She waved the card lightly. Now you know why I don't trust many people in authority.Can't say I blame you. Tell me just one thing, Gibbs queried. I remember the family and I remember the rumors, but I never heard anything about a daughter who disappeared. How on earth did they keep that from everyone?
Lisa, or Candy as he knew her, let out a soft snort. That's easy. I went to boarding school, of course.
Gibbs' eyes widened in shock at the implication of her family's disregard for her whereabouts and he shook his head at the utter callousness of some people.