He sat at the table in the coffee shop, halfway through a large cup of strong brew. He'd tried to go home, but found himself unable to steer the car that direction. A gift, Abby'd said. He was lousy with gifts, his ex-wives all agreed on that point. Eventually he'd figured out that if it was expensive, gold and diamond they were happy; but that wasn't what he wanted for Leah. He didn't want some high-priced bauble to say empty words, he wanted a gift that spoke heart to heart. He sighed as he finished his coffee; perhaps the gift was a futile quest.

As he tossed the cup in the trash and headed for door, he passed a small display of knick-knacks. He paused and looked them over.

Those are from a local artisan. The clerk's voice caught his attention.

Excuse me? He glanced over his shoulder at the young, pierced blonde.

Some local artist. Asked if we'd set up a table with some of his stuff, you know for the holidays? All the money goes to him, in case you were wondering. She shrugged and went back to wiping down the counter.

Gibbs nodded and fingered a small hand-carved wooden bowl. Maybe the problem wasn't the giving, maybe it was the buying. Smiling, he set the bowl down, eager to head home.

---------------

Ah, Detective Hecht, you're awake. That's good. The nurse carried in a large package and set it down. This was dropped off for you not too long ago. There's a note here, too, she added, passing the envelope to the patient.

Thanks. And it's Miss Hecht. Or Leah. I officially resigned earlier today. She smiled as she said it, feeling freer that she had in years.

Well, then Miss Hecht, anything I can get you? The nurse smiled in response and waited.

You wouldn't happen to have any cream soda, would you?

The nurse chuckled at the wistful tone in her patient's voice. I doubt it, but I'll see what I can do. If not, would you want something else?

Leah nodded. Yeah, a root beer'll do. She slipped a finger under the flap of the envelope and pulled out the single sheet inside. She scanned the letter as the nurse left to find her a beverage, and discovered that Jack's boys had been busy since their arrival.

She reached into the envelope and pulled out the plane ticket, looking it over to confirm the arrangements. Then she reached for the bag and inspected the contents. They were efficient, she'd give them that. She had everything she needed for several days, until her stuff caught up with her and she could get settled. She put the plane ticket and the note inside the top of the bag and moved them to the floor. Then she shifted around on the bed, trying to make herself comfortable, trying to convince herself one last time that she was doing the right thing.