Gibbs -
I really don't know what to say to you. I know that even though me and Tony get on your nerves when we argue, you still love us. Yes, I said that. Love. Because you do, you love us. And I know that you would never say that to our faces, but we know it's true when you do things like hit Tony or expect me to push my emotions aside on an emotionally draining case.
And I know that through your tough guy exterior, you beat yourself up about our cases involving children, or if one of us had gotten hurt on your watch. Although I'll never understand why you do it more than the rest of us do, I know that you'll be okay. You always find your way, and sometimes even help us find ours.
If I've left, I'm sorry. It's probably because I just couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't stand to look at the victims faces. Or maybe it's because I just needed a change in scenery. Either way, I'm so sorry.
But if I've died - on the job or not - stop beating yourself up. Yes, I know that you are, it's in the way you're wired. I was a profiler after all. It wasn't your fault. The only way it could have been was if you shot me - which I don't think you ever could.
So, look after everyone for me. And make sure that Tony eventually gets his reports right the first time.
Love,
Kate.
PS: My sketchbook is in my desk… I want you to keep it. Maybe even show the rest of the team later, okay?
PPS: That sludge is not coffee. Nor is it a meal.
A smile appeared on Gibbs' face as he read the letter in his hands. His ice blue eyes looked up and glanced around his office. Tony was typing up his report - on his second try- an McGee was fishing around on his computer.
Kate was right. Gibbs had blamed himself for her death. He should have felt that sniper, or at least looked around at the buildings for a sniper scope, anything. He should have acted like a Marine.
But he had just been so glad that Kate wasn't dead the first time she was shot that he hadn't thought about anything else. And that wouldn't happen again. From now on, he would save the rejoicing for later, when they were all out of firing range and safe. He would not cost himself another agent.
The letter Kate left was lying on his desk now, staring up at him. He folded it neatly, and placed it in the drawer on top of her sketchpad. He would show McGee, Tony, and Abby after Ziva was settled in. But it was Ducky's birthday soon, and for that, he would frame the sketch she did of him, and sign it from Kate. He would absolutely love it.