Smart Agents, Smart Agents' Kids
Afterwards, in the bullpen, they discussed the case, more for Abby and Ducky's benefit than anything.
"Harlan Grady, identical twin brother of a sociopathic Lieutenant we sent to Leavenworth about 3 years ago. Used to work for I.C. A/C. He was canned not long ago, sounds like he was really creeping out some of their female customers." Abby snorted disdainfully. "Sounds like the A/C wasn't the only thing giving them the chills." Tony nodded. "Yeah, and I guess he kept the uniform for the good memories," Tony said, his hand gently resting protectively on the boy sleeping safely on his lap. "And, that junked old van. The company replaced their fleet earlier this year. They weren't even missing it."
"Twins, huh?" Tim said. "Two nutcases in a pod. "Guess he was out for revenge." He closed his eyes then rested his cheek on the top of his sleeping daughter's hair for a moment. He sighed, then opened his eyes and lifted his head.
Gibbs spoke up. "Tim, did you figure out why Katie's signal was so elusive?"
Tim sighed and rolled his eyes slightly. "She's dropped her phone a few… dozen times. I'm thinking it's just about FUBAR'd. I checked it and the battery wasn't making proper contact. That's why it kept shutting itself off. Then it died altogether. Guess it's time for a new one." Tony snorted. "One thing I know, MY kid won't EVER be without a cell phone."
Abby was sitting beside Tim, her head resting on his shoulder. She reached out and stroked her sleeping daughter's cheek, then rested her hand on her hair, sighing with contentment. "My kid either," she added. "Never ever ever."
Tony gazed down at his sleeping son, then turned and looked at Tim. "You know, I don't think the kids were part of his original plan. From what I can gather he WAS gonna try taking you and me. Then he saw JT and Caitlin and modified the grand scheme. They were just an easier target, that's all."
Ducky tilted his head. "And Jimmy was by himself with them. One adult is easier to subdue than two." Gibbs suddenly said, "Did anyone let him know we found them, by the way?"
Tony nodded. "He was the first call I made. I've never heard anyone sound so relieved." Ducky smiled, then glanced over as Palmer appeared suddenly at the top of the steps. "Jimmy, come join us," he said, warmly, waving the young M.E. over. Palmer grinned, seeing the kids safe and sound once again, and finally feeling more at ease. "Agent Mc… damn. Tim, Tony, you guys have a couple of amazing kids. Oh, you too, Abby," he said, winking as Abby shot him a mock scowl.
"We sure do, Jimmy. The trail of crumbs, now that was a good idea," Tim said, smiling suddenly, and nodding proudly. "We didn't need it, but it was still a good idea. Definitely didn't hurt. Five'll get ya ten that JT thought of that one." He smiled warmly at Tony's sleeping boy.
Jimmy gazed at the two kids. "I'm just glad they're alright. I got home and it was all I could do to not wake up my kids. I just stared at them, watching them sleep, couldn't take my eyes off them." He sighed, looking briefly to Ducky. "I know I took an oath to do no harm, but… if I'd had half a chance, if I'd caught that guy, I would've gladly put him on one of our tables. And I'm a doctor. I know how to do it," he added, with a diabolical gleam in his eyes. Ducky chuckled softly. "Yes, my boy, you certainly do. As do I," he said, his voice taking on an eerie, mysterious tone.
Tony nodded, grinning at the image, then turned and said to Tim, "I'm just glad Peanut is as smart as you and Abby. GPS," he said, shaking his head with irony. "Most 8 year olds don't even know what that is."
Gibbs spoke up. "Hell, Tony, some 48 year olds don't know what that is." He drew amused looks from his team, then he cleared his throat, feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious all of a sudden. "Not that I'm saying I'm 48, of course," he said, with a mischievous smile.
Tim shrugged. "JT knows what it is. Caitlin isn't the only 8 year old that's smarter than the average bear. They make a good team, don't they?" Abby looked up and smiled. "Of COURSE they do, McGee," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, and there was nothing else she could possibly say to elaborate on the matter.
Gibbs sat back and smiled. Smart agents, smart agents' kids. Sure made his job a helluva lot easier.