Disclaimer on first chapter...although Jeb and Hunter and their family are of my own mind.
A/N: Ok guys here is chapter eight, chapter nine is coming soon too. It is written it just needs editing and tweaking :-). anyway, here is chapter eight I hope you enjoy. The story seems to be moving fast now so hopefully it will keep on rolling! dark rolling sea
Chapter Eight
Washington
Kate did not sleep at all that night. She was worried, she was upset, she even cried. How could he shut her out suddenly after the year they had spent together? Then her brain reminded her that he told her this would happen. Well she wasn't going to let it she told her self. She was going to fight for him. She sat down at the computer she had installed in his house and signed onto the Internet. She booked a flight to California for the next afternoon, the earliest flight she could find.
She checked the clock about every five minutes, swearing it was going backwards with each glance. The anxiety was thick as she replayed the conversation in her head. She tried to clear her mind but the sounds and images refused to budge.
Finally the alarm sounded, but Kate was already showered, dressed, and ready to leave for work. Just it was only time to be waking up. She sighed and wandered about the house, trying to occupy her mind while she waited. Finally she gave in and drove to work. She was early but at least she wasn't at the empty house.
No, she was just at the empty bullpen. She sighed again. She was doing that a lot this past day. She glanced at his desk and bit back the tears. She could handle this. She just had to wait.
California
Gibbs sat sleepless in his hotel room. It was the middle of the night, or maybe morning by now; he didn't even know anymore. He had left Jeb's house a couple hours ago and the family was still in shock. He didn't know what to do. Once in the solitary of his room he shut off the lights and let the darkness engulf him. He tried to forget. He tried to think of other things. Nothing worked. All that came to his mind was death.
He fought hard to maintain control. He would not weep, he would not falter. He would be strong. He would fold the emotions up and tuck them away. To feel nothing was better than to feel pain. He checked the bedside clock, the only source of light in the room. It was nearing four in the morning. He did the math quickly in his head. The director may be in his office by now in Washington.
He pulled his cell phone out and turned it on. He had turned if off after he hung up on Kate. He didn't want her calling him back. He waited for it to power up and then find service. No messages he thought, guess she didn't call back. A part of him felt pained by that but the rest of him felt relief. He wasn't ready to share the deepest darkest region on his heart with her yet. He didn't know why it scared him to do so, but it did.
He dialed the director's direct line and waited. He half hoped it would be voicemail and he could just say he wouldn't be back and not have to explain right now but the director picked up on the third ring.
"Director Morrow," he said confidently.
"Director, its Special Agent Gibbs," Gibbs said.
"How can I help you? It's a little early in California to be calling in isn't it?"
"Yes, Sir, its ahh, four in the morning here, but I needed to talk to you first thing. I need an extension on my leave time."
"Ok, how long?"
"Indefinite, Sir."
"Indefinite?"
"Yes, Sir. I don't know how long I'll be in California but a family emergency has come up and well I need to take some time."
"Ok, Agent Gibbs. You have enough time to use, I can grant you that. Is everything ok?"
"Yes, Sir, just need some time. And I'd appreciate it if you kept the emergency part under wraps."
"Sure, Agent Gibbs. Anything I can do?"
"No, Sir," Gibbs replied and then ended the call. He sat in the darkness with a tightness in his chest. He was here for the long hall now. He would sit by his son's side, through recovery, or through death, he would be there.
Washington
Kate knocked on Director Morrow's office door and waited. He finally told her she could come in and she slid into a chair quietly. She was worried and it showed on her face. He studied her for a moment before he prompted her.
"You need something, Special Agent Todd?"
"Umm, I need to take some vacation time," Kate replied softly.
"Ok, I'm assuming it has something to do with Agent Gibbs' family emergency." The words hit Kate hard but she fought to hide her reaction. She just nodded at him. He studied her again before continuing. "I guess I can authorize this. Seems that the team is on a lull at the moment but understand I may call you back on a moments notice."
"I understand."
"When do you leave?"
"This afternoon. My flight leaves at four thirty two."
"Ok. How long do you need?"
"At least a week, for now. I may…"
"Need more. I know Special Agent Gibbs spoke to me this morning about his indefinite leave." Again the words slapped Kate, but she beat the reaction down a second time. The director knew more than she did and it hurt. Kate nodded and left.
Kate went home and started to pack for California. She thought now she should have done this last night while she was up with the anxiety. She hurriedly stuffed enough clothing into a bag and then set it by the door. She made sure the house was secure and then she called a taxi to take her to the airport. She had three hours left until her flight. She made it through security with no problems and then found her gate. One more hour to go. Her stomach was in knots. She thought about eating then decided against it, she was too upset. She pulled her phone out and then the number she had scribbled down from the house. She punched in the number and waited.
California
Gibbs watched the sun come up from the balcony of his hotel room. He was still without sleep. He didn't know what else to do he was lost. Jeb woke and decided against running. He was scared. Kylie stayed in bed a thick depression surrounding her. Jeb made his way to the living room. Ann was awake sitting on her couch staring blankly at a picture of Jeb and Jake when they were four. Kayden was in his room writing his thoughts down to keep them from overwhelming him, and Jasmine was silently crying into her pillow as the morning took hold.
It seemed Hunter was the only one getting any rest. He was sound asleep in his room. Jeb thought back to the confidence the little guy had exhibited earlier when he found out. Jeb was shocked that the boy could be so strong so young.
It was nearing mid morning and Jeb was at work. He didn't tell anyone about his doctor visit yesterday or why he had missed work. No one asked. Hunter was at school and showing the same exterior he normally showed, even if he was scared to death on the inside. Kayden and Jasmine were both off to school, going though the motions, but heavily distracted.
Kylie was still in bed, battling the fear she felt enclosing her. Ann sat on her couch surrounded by pictures of her twins. She pulled out an empty photo album and started to put pictures of the two in chronological order. It was something to take her mind off things. It was a connection to her sons.
She was startled when the phone rang. She wasn't expecting any calls. She nearly jumped and a stack of pictures tipped over. She righted the pictures and then scooped up the receiver.
"Hello?"
"Ann, this is Kate."
"Oh, Kate," Ann said softly trying to hide the emotion in her voice. Kate noticed right away something wasn't right.
"I…I spoke to Jethro last night but he told me everything was fine and I could tell he was not telling me everything. Look, I don't know why but I have a feeling…"
"My god. Kate, he didn't tell you?" Kate was taken back by the shock she heard in Ann's voice. Something defiantly was not right.
"Tell me what?" Kate asked cautiously.
"I don't know how to tell you, I mean he really should be the one to tell you. I don't know what…"
"Ann, what's happened?" Kate asked a little more frantic. "Ann, I'm sitting at the gate waiting to board my flight to California. Tell me what happened, I can't take a four hour flight without knowing."
"Kate, we found out Jeb is sick yesterday."
"Sick?"
"Yes. He may have cancer, or brain tumor, or other problems they aren't sure. They are running tests but it's going to take a week to get results."
"My god. How is Jethro?"
"Not taking it well. I haven't seen him at all today. Last night he was distraught."
"How did Hunter take it?"
"Surprisingly he took it in stride I think. At least he is giving the appearance of being strong."
"Ann, I'm on my way out there. I'll be in California around three thirty California time. I'll take a taxi to Jethro's hotel."
"Ok, Kate. It will be good to meet you I just wish it was under different circumstances."
"I agree with that. Oh their calling my flight, Ann, I have to board. I will be there this afternoon." With that the call ended and Kate boarded her flight. Ann thought about letting Jethro know but she knew if she told him he may not be at the hotel when Kate arrived. No better to let her surprise him and take him off guard she decided.
She thought about why he hadn't told her. It was something she deserved to know but he really should have told her last night. She shook her head he was too stubborn. She didn't know what was going to happen next, so she occupied her brain by returning to the photos before her.
TBC...