Author's Note: At least one reviewer has expressed interest in knowing what Kellie did to Gibbs for him to be constantly irritated at her. In all honesty, I've never really determined what that is. I just kind of figured that Gibbs and Kellie would likely butt heads even if they are working on a case together. As far as addressing it in this story, I likely won't because it feels like there's this unspoken agreement between Gibbs and Kellie (and anyone else that might know) to never actually discuss it. I've considered the possibility of writing a fanfic that focuses on the first time Kellie and Gibbs worked a case together addressing that and the kidnapping of Tony and Ziva's daughter alluded to in earlier stories. We'll see what happens once I finish this story. Hope you all are well and staying safe.
"I guess news travels fast," Kellie said when Lorenzo entered her hospital room, "And please don't ask me how I feel."
"Wasn't going to," Lorenzo said, sitting in the chair next to the bed.
"I take it you heard about Garrett's deal," Kellie asked.
"I talked to Director Vance," Lorenzo said, "When Sonny called me asking about rumors he heard about Garrett bragging about getting this freedom from Johnny Zacharra."
"I'm assuming he doesn't know much more than Gibbs," Kellie said.
"It doesn't sound like it," Lorenzo said.
"What happens next?" Kellie asked.
"Until NCIS has cause to believe Garrett committed a new crime or one they don't know about," Lorenzo said, "Nothing."
"It's not fair, Uncle Lo," Kellie said, "We've done everything by the book and in five years, he'll walk out of prison. It's bad enough I spent years being stalked by his brother. But just knowing that I have worry about him a few years from now."
"We're not giving up," Lorenzo said, "We have time to figure something out."
"In my meantime, my kids when they find out about Garrett eventually," Kellie said, "do what? Be afraid and always looking over their shoulder for Garrett. That's one of my worst fears for them right. Especially, Alyssa. He's kidnapped her twice, Uncle Lo… I"
"He's not getting to her again," Lorenzo said, "We'll make sure of it."
"You should listen to your uncle," Gibbs said, from the door "We're not giving up on making sure where Garrett stays where he belongs."
"Are you even allowed to investigate him?" Kellie asked.
"NCIS cannot investigate him in regards to the current cases," Gibbs replied, entering the room, "But I'm sure there's some more skeletons in his closet somewhere."
"Unless you find his get out of jail free card," Kellie said, "How much good will that do?"
"We'll find that too," Gibbs said, handing her the cafeteria bag, "I brought something to cheer you up."
"Fries and a milkshake," Kellie said as she opened the bag, "Thank you, Gibbs."
"I figured it was the least I could do," Gibbs said, "Considering…"
"You drew the short straw to come break the news to me," Kellie quipped, pulling the fries and milkshake out of the bag.
"Who said anything about drawing straws," Gibbs said, "Leon and I figured we owed you this news in person."
"I appreciate the effort," Kellie said, "I know NCIS didn't have to send anybody at all. And I'm sure you weren't banking on a trip to the hospital."
"With you," Gibbs said, "That's a given."
"Seriously, Gibbs," Kellie replied, rolling her eyes.
"Not my fault if you have a reputation," Gibbs said, "Is there anything else I can do before my flight leaves?"
"Probably not," Kellie said, "Just promise me this. If you have a chance to get at Garrett, I want in."
"You know I can't do that," Gibbs said.
"I had to try," Kellie said.
"I know," Gibbs said, "Just try to focus on the good stuff and your family right now. He's not getting out anytime soon. And stay out of trouble for the next three months."
"I can try," Kellie said, "but trouble always seems to find me whether I want it to or not."
Gibbs left and Lorenzo and Kellie talked for a few more minutes before he left.
Lorenzo found Gibbs waiting for him in the parking garage.
"I thought you were on your way to the airport," Lorenzo said.
"Well, I wanted to talk to you in private," Gibbs said, "I overheard part of your conversation with Kellie, specifically about feeling like she's done everything legal when it comes to Garrett. I'm starting to get the feeling that it won't take much for Kellie to cross a line she shouldn't cross."
"I was hoping that was just me," Lorenzo said.
"When Morgan and I found Kellie down in Florida," Gibbs said, "We ran into Garrett. Let's just say she held the gun on him longer than she needed to before putting it down."
"Shit," Lorenzo said, "I'm hoping that she can let it go until after the baby's born. Then she'll feel more like her self, less vulnerable."
"And if Garrett gets the upper hand again," Gibbs said, "Is she going to be able to let it go? Let's we face it, we both know Kellie doesn't have to do a damn thing when it comes to Garrett to keep him from getting near her. Hearing that Garrett died a prison brawl or an accident won't shock anybody, not that I'm advocating for that."
"Of course not, Special Agent Gibbs," Lorenzo said.
"What I'm saying is I don't want to have to put anyone in prison for killing Garrett," Gibbs said, "So you better keep your hands clean, especially Kellie's."
Sam visited Kellie.
"I was going to ask if I could bring you a milkshake and fries," Sam said, "But it looks like somebody beat me to it."
"I think Agent Gibbs does it just to annoy Jason," Kellie said.
"I'm pretty sure he was going to get you a salad," Sam said.
"I'm not surprised," Kellie said, "He actually did get my a burger and fries and flowers when we had a night in."
"Impressive," Sam said.
"Carly helped him with the flowers," Kellie said, "He wanted to do something special for me."
"Was that the night he gave you the amethyst necklace and asked to make your marriage official official?" Sam asked.
"Yeah," Kellie said.
Sam's phone dinged.
"Just a minute," Sam said, looking at the phone, "It's Danny letting me know he's home from school."
"How's he doing?" Kellie asked, "I know he's been doing things with Jason more and I think he asked about coming over this weekend."
"I think we finally got through to him," Sam said, "And apparently he's heard you're in the hospital and asked me to remind you to take your medication."
"You can tell him I haven't forgotten since the day he saw that I forgot to take it," Kellie said.
"He'll be glad to hear that even if does pretend he's not really concerned," Sam said, "So you have to stay overnight."
"Yeah," Kellie said, "Unless you want to help sneak me out of here."
"And risk Epiphany's ire," Sam replied, "I don't think even you can talk your way out of that one."
"Probably not," Kellie said, "I've done it before but I wasn't pregnant and waddling. Although I was on crutches once."
"How many times have you snuck out of the hospital?" Sam asked.
"At least three, actually four, make that five" Kellie said, "If you count when I proposed to Tyler and that's just since I first came to Port Charles."
"I didn't realize it added up to that much. In all seriousness, how are you?" Sam asked, "Is there anything I can bring you besides a way out of the hospital?"
"Not really," Kellie said, "I think Jason arranged for Charles to get the kids from school or they're staying at Sage & Milo's. I don't even know where my kids going tonight Sam."
"Those kids are being taken care of. The only kid you need to focus on right now is the one that arrives in what September," Sam said, "Do everything the doctors say, get your blood pressure down so you can home, and we will all come over for girls night. Lulu, Maxie, Sage we'll all come over and have drinks."
"You are all having mock-tails with me," Kellie said.
"Fair enough," Sam said.
"That sounds like plan," Kellie said, half-heartedly.
"It is a good plan," Sam said, "It's going be okay. What is it you always say, guys like Garrett always have a some dirty secret in the background that will get them caught sooner or later."
"I'm having a hard time believing that right now, Sam," Kellie said.
"Then I'll believe that enough for the both of us," Sam said.
Sam and Kellie chatted awhile longer until Sonny came by.
"Is everyone here?" Kellie asked.
"I was with Jason when Max told us you were on your way here," Sonny said.
Sam checked the time, "I have to get Scout. I'll call you tomorrow."
Sam and Kellie hugged before Sam left.
"I'm sure you're sick of hearing this," Sonny said, "But how are you?"
"Frustrated, angry, irritated," Kellie said, "The list goes on. I could really use a punching bag or some barware to throw."
"I know you're angry and you have every right to be," Sonny said, "But you have to let this thing with Garrett go for now. With any luck by the time you and Jason hold your little girl for the first time, there won't be any reason for you to worry about Garrett ever again."
"Dad, I keep thinking what else I could have done to make sure Garrett stayed in prison for good," Kellie said.
"You can't think like that. You have done everything and then some to bring Garrett to justice," Sonny said."The fact that he found some sleaze ball to get him a deal that's on him and anyone who gave him that deal. If there's anything I want to you listen to me about, it's this. Don't give Garrett another thought ever. I promise you he's not going to get near you and the kids again."
"I want to believe that," Kellie said, softly.
"I know I don't have the best track record there," Sonny said, "But if you don't believe me then believe Jason when he tells you that okay."
Kellie nodded, still unconvinced.
Jason came back in the hospital room with a salad and saw the half drank milkshake, partially eaten carton of fries.
"Did you order room service?" Jason asked.
"Nope," Kellie said, "An angel of mercy stopped by while you were gone. If it makes you feel better, they left the salt off."
Kellie took one of her fries and dipped it in her milk shake.
"Who let you have french fries?" Epiphany asked, coming in the room, "They're not on the menu that the doctor prescribed…."
"I'll let the three of you sort this out," Sonny said, leaving, "Kellie, remember what I said. Jason, I'll call you tomorrow."
Epiphany grabbed the carton and remaining French fries. Kellie grabbed the rest of her milk shake.
"Your milkshake is safe. But I'm of half a mind to tell your husband to go home when visiting hours are over," Epiphany said, "Morgan, what were you thinking?"
Jason showed Epiphany the salad he brought, "Someone else brought her the fries."
"They just brought them without asking," Kellie replied.
"You can stay, Morgan," Epiphany said, "If only to keep your wife's antics to a dull roar."
"Is there a fridge we could put the salad in until dinner time," Jason asked, "Please."
Epiphany took the salad, "My shift's almost over. But any of the nurses should be able to get it for you."
"Thanks, Epiphany," Jason said.
"You're welcome," Epiphany said.
Once Epiphany had left, Jason laid back on the bed next to Kellie. Kellie curled up against him, her head against his shoulder.
Neither one said anything for awhile.
"Jason," Kellie finally said, her voice cracking.
Kellie paused before continuing, "I'm not okay with Garrett getting out of prison and I don't know what to do about that."
Jason just held Kellie as neither one felt the need to say anything further at that moment.