A/N: Well while I thought this story was over with this chapter Alex and Gibbs have more to say. They are saying it slowly however so bear with me. BB53
Chapter 10
Alex and Ellie sat in the little old world type deli eating their sandwiches and drinking tea, neither one said a word about Jethro and the others. Both knew where the others mind was and while they felt the need to discuss it they both knew that nothing would be accomplished by it. The angst hung in the air between them.
Alex had an idea where her head and were. Her heart still carried a torch for that grizzled man and wanted to fight with her head which said no, that he hadn't changed and that she should stay away and keep him at arm's length. She didn't know if she'd be able to do that.
Ellie sat across from Alex eating a bag of Cheetos that she'd bought. She worried about her boss but she also worried about her partner. Alex's questions yesterday about Nick and her relationship made her think about it more. No longer did she think of him as Torres, no, now he was Nick. She'd have to talk with him about their feelings and how they might impact their ability to work together.
Nothing to do but wait and think horrible thoughts about what Crandall might do but also thinking how good Gibbs was at his job and how his plan would work. Even so hoping for the best seemed a distant dream for both women.
Ellie's phone rang. She glance at it and sent a silent prayer of thanks. "Nick, is everything alright?"
Nick said something that made her smile.
Ellie's smile lit up the deli. "Okay we'll meet you back at Alex's. How long till we see you? She waited while Nick answered. "About three hours? Okay we'll see you then." She reached for the check.
Alex had already beaten her to it. "You need to talk to me before we leave or I pay the check."
Ellie gave her Gibb's smirk. "Alright then… they need to drop off the all terrain vehicle that they borrowed from Mono County, get Gibbs checked out by their doctor and then bring Crandall down to Independence to be booked for your kidnapping. Then they are coming back to your place."
Alex had stopped listening when Ellie said doctor. "What happened to Jay?"
Ellie shrugged. "I don't know but if it had been serious they wouldn't just let him walk out…which is what they are doing by the way. Now give me the check so that I can take you home."
Alex handed her the check. "It wasn't like I could really pay anyways. My purse is still at the hospital."
Ellie gave a little laugh. "I knew that." She paid the bill and they walked out to Alex's car. Ellie felt frisky. "You want to drive?" She was ready to toss Alex the keys.
Alex shook her head no. "No license so I'd better not. Besides I'm still a little shaky."
Both got in and Ellie started the drive back to Bishop. She began to see the beauty they all missed on their way to Lee Vining. The views were gorgeous. Maybe Nick and she could take a day and drive back up her. They'd have to run it past Gibbs first though and it would probably be no but it couldn't hurt to ask.
On the ride back to Bishop Alex stayed quiet, not a single word, that was until they crossed into Bishop. "Please stop at the hospital so that I can pick up my things."
Having grown used to the quiet, her abrupt request startled Ellie. While it was good to hear her voice the tone didn't seem right. Her vibrant lively speech was gone and a dishearted voice filled that void. "Alex…what's wrong?"
Alex having been strong for so long had grown exhausted by it. She slumped in her seat. "I honestly don't know. This job of Jethro's is done and he's going home soon. I've noticed changes in him. He's kinder, more caring and more sincere than when I knew him ten years ago, but today throwing himself in harm's way…" She closed her eyes and sat quietly shaking her head.
Ellie understood her feelings but was at a loss as to how to answer her or even try to explain Gibb's actions to her. She pulled into the hospital's parking lot and parked the car. "Alex…"
Alex got out of the car slamming the door and strode to the door and entered the building.
Ellie sighed. "Okay….no explanations right now." Ellie sat waiting in the car for over thirty minutes. She'd just made up her mind to go in and find Alex when she raced out of the front door of the hospital.
Alex opened the back door of the car and threw her stuff on the floor. She climbed into the front seat next to Ellie. "I'm sorry for my display of rudeness earlier. I know you know your boss very well and I just didn't want to hear your defense of his actions. While I was getting my things Tim came into the store. I guess one of the security guards alerted him to my presence. We chatted for a bit and he spoke to me about Jay." She looked around the parking lot but Ellie didn't really think she saw much. "Let's go home."
Ellie shook her head and started the car. "What did Tim say?"
Alex ignored the question. "Let's just go home."
Ellie put the car in gear and drove the short distance to Alex's home. It was a very quiet ride to say the least.
Upon arrival Alex, again, got out of the car, house keys in hand, gathered her belongings, opened the back door and went inside without a word.
Ellie grew tired of the silent treatment. It began to irk her and while it did she also knew that Alex needed time to come to terms with her kidnapping and what she saw as Jethro's return to past behavior. As she entered the house she noticed Alex's absence. Her lunch box sat on the kitchen counter as if it had been thrown there in haste. Ellie took the time to empty it and put the lunchbox, itself, back into the pantry. While in the pantry she found a package of loose tea, a Golden Monkey variety. She thought a good pot of tea on the porch may be what Alex needed. She located the teapot and put the tea kettle over to boil. Thank goodness for Ducky and his tea lessons. She'd had this particular tea with him along with a discourse on the origins of its name and areas where the tea is grown. It was an interesting lesson. She hoped that Alex wouldn't mind the making of the tea and that she'd be relaxed enough to enjoy it. Sometimes bringing someone back to a normal action was helpful in itself.
When the tea was ready Ellie took the pot, sugar and creamer to the porch along with two cups, two spoons and napkins. "Hey Alex, I made some tea. We'll have it on the porch."
Out on the porch Ellie waited with a cup of tea, communing with nature.
Alex came out the door and sat in the chair next to her. "I'm sorry I've been rude where you've been nothing but supportive."
Ellie took her hand. "That is quite alright. You've been through a lot today." Ellie let go of her hand and nodded towards the tea.
Alex smiled and silently accepted.
Ellie handed the tea cup and saucer to Alex. "Where were you just now, upstairs?"
Alex poured the tea and took a sip and smiled. "No, I was in the basement."
Her answer surprised Ellie. "Wait, you were in the basement all this time? Why?"
Alex gave a little laugh. "It's nice to know I can still surprise people…even myself." She took another sip of her tea and became introspective. "I went down there to relive my anger with Jay. How dare he come to my house? Out of all of Bishop he chose me…Why? All I wanted was for him to be gone. I never wanted to see him again after I left Washington." She began to tear up. "And now…now I don't want him to leave." She held those tearful emotions at bay. "I am both honored and angry that he'd put his life on the line for me not knowing what the outcome might have been. After talking with Tim I think that maybe I understand Jay a little better. I spoke curtly to you back at the hospital and I never want to be that way. I have to admit it caught me off guard as well."
Ellie knew what she felt. She'd been on the other side of the quotient more than once. "Being in a captive situation makes you do things you'd never consider otherwise. I'm here to help you. Do you remember Dr. Mallard? He's been helping me with psychological assistance: How to help the victim. I think its working." She gave a little smile, raised her cup and gave a small chuckle.
Alex gave another little laugh. "How is Ducky? He was always good for a story."
Ellie's worry began to dissipate. "He's fine. We don't see him as often anymore. He retired from Medical Examiner but still maintains an office as the NCIS Historian. He is a wonderful person, a good mentor and a great friend to us all."
They sat and drank tea in silence until Ellie's phone rang. It was Nick telling them that they'd just finished booking Crandall at the County Lockup. They should be back soon. Gibbs would be driving back to Alex's so it would be sooner than later. "I guess Gibbs is alright because he's the one driving back here."
Alex laughed out loud. "Yeah they'll be here soon then. I should make some coffee. Jay will need it." As she rose she heard the phone in the house ring. When she answered it was Jeff Colton. He just wanted to tell her that he'd come by the next day to pick up his cruiser. He just wanted to get home to his girls. He asked how she was doing and if he could do anything for her. Alex said no and that she had all the help she needed. They said good bye and hung up. She put the coffee together and started the pot. Then she went back out to sit with Ellie and finish her tea.
They sat there drinking in the beauty of the area, the weather and the last drops of the tea.
Twenty minutes later the rental car carrying Nick and Gibbs rolled to a stop in front of Alex's house.
Nick jumped out of the car and bounded up the stairs of the porch, his face beaming and his eyes fixed on Ellie.
Gibbs even had a spring in his step. He carried his backpack over his shoulder as he came up the walk. He tossed the keys to the rental to Nick.
Both Nick and Ellie noticed that he only had eyes for Alex.
Alex panicked at the look he gave her. Now that he stood before her feelings ran amok. She was glad that he wasn't hurt too badly. She knew that her love for him hadn't died but he'd be here today and possibly tomorrow but then what? He'd go home to DC, out of her life once again and she'd still be here, alone. She didn't know how she'd handle that. Before she had her anger to help her cope, but she wasn't angry anymore.
Jethro strode right up to her and pulled her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and held her for a few moments more before leaning down and whispering in her ear. "You alright?"
Alex didn't want him to let go. "Yeah, I think so."
Ellie and Nick took this as their moment to escape. They moved to exit the porch and had just reached the bottom step.
Alex had seen movement from the corner of her eye. "Where do you think you're going?"
Nick glance at his partner. "We thought we'd stop in to see McGee and then get dinner."
Alex looked to Ellie and saw a glint there. "No…Chinese food is on the way. There is enough to feed a small army so, no…you stay put and then you go see Tim. It's all paid for and should be here shortly."
Both agents came back up the stairs. Nick fidgeted. "Is there coffee or beer?"
Gibbs nodded and reluctantly let Alex go. "Coffee sounds good. Get me one while you're in there."
Nick nodded and went inside.
Alex felt a little nervous about Ellie and Nick leaving but knew they wanted some time alone and not time spent with their boss and her.
Every one sat down and the silence was heavy.
Nick came out with Gibbs coffee and his beer.
A small car came up and stopped. A delivery man pulled two bags from the back seat and headed for the porch.
Gibbs stood and took the packages. "Wait I'll get a tip for you."
The young man smiled. "Not necessary. It's already done."
Gibbs looked over his shoulder at Alex.
She just smiled back.
The young man got back in his car, turned it around and drove away.
Alex grabbed one of the bags from Gibbs and went inside to get plates and silverware ready for them.
Gibbs chuckled and went in after her.
Ellie and Nick followed behind them.
Dinner was uneventful. Everyone ate their fill and chatted.
Gibbs watched his agents as they reacted to each other. He also paid attention to Alex and how she didn't speak much. He worried about her and her reaction to today's experiences.
Ellie offered to help clean up.
Gibbs looked to Alex and then back to Ellie. "No, I can help her. Go see Tim. We'll see you tomorrow."
Nick and Ellie rose to leave.
Ellie came to Alex. "Thanks for dinner. We'll be back tomorrow to say good bye and pick up the boss.
Alex smiled a small sad smile. She reached out and pulled Ellie in for a hug.
Nick stood behind Ellie and nodded his agreement. "See you tomorrow." He grabbed Ellie's shoulders and turned her towards the door and they both left.
Alex started to the kitchen to get plastic to store what little was left of the Chinese food feast. There wasn't too much.
Gibbs had followed her to the kitchen. "I asked you two days ago if you were hiding in here from me. Are you?"
Alex wilted into the counter. It was as if she'd deflated. "No, I'm hiding from my own feelings and the fact that I don't know what to do with them."
Gibbs bought the last carton into the kitchen and set it on the counter. He knew what she felt. He was having his own argument with his heart as well. He knew he was expected back in DC as soon as possible but he didn't want to go without her. That would be an argument for another day. He reached for her and again pulled her into his arms.
Alex melted into his chest and felt the tears escape and find their paths down her cheeks. "We need to talk about today and why things happened they way they did."
Jethro nodded his acceptance of her request. She needed an explanation to get past her kidnapping and whatever happened else with Crandall. He could give that to her. He also needed to open up to her as well. "Okay, what do you want to talk about?"
Alex sighed. "All of it, John Crandall and my being taken and your willingness to play his game."
Gibbs knew how she felt about his propensity for taking risks. He'd lost her to it once before. "How about we clean up and then we'll talk."
Alex needed to have this conversation. It would make her feel better about making any decision as to their relationship or whatever it was. She nodded and there was a smile on her face. "Let's do it then."
The cleaned up the dishes and wiped down the table. When that was completed Alex needed something to work on evening out her nerves. "I'm getting a glass of wine. Would you like a beer?"
Gibbs watched her and knew that she practiced avoidance and she was protecting herself emotionally. "Sure did Nick leave any?"
Alex laughed at that thought but it was a stilted laugh and that worried Jethro. "One, there is one left." She took it out and placed it on the counter. Alex reached into the upper cabinet for a wine glass and a beer glace. She poured both the wine and beer and put the almost empty wine bottle back.
Gibbs took his beer glass from her and then moved to the living room.
Alex followed him and sat on the couch next to Jethro.
Gibbs was glad she sat there because he wanted to be close to her if she needed him. "Ask your questions Alex."
She took a sip of her wine and placed the glass on the table. She turned to face him and met his eye. "Why did you play Crandall's game? There had to be another way to get me back."
He took his time and examined the question and his response to it. When he felt assured of his answer he responded.
To Alex it seemed an eternity.
"After spending a week with that sadistic bastard I realized that the only option was to play his game but only in reverse. He thought that I was his quarry but really he was ours. I had him where I wanted him or at least by the end of it I would. I didn't have to do the run. I could have just told him where I'd be but by doing it my way I gave Jeff and Torres time to get to the end point and get ready for him. It was always our game, not his. As far as other ways to get you back, there were no other good ones. Every scenario I thought of had one or both of us coming out in body bags. I just couldn't take the chance of us not surviving this. I really wasn't taking much of a chance. He wanted to play with me like a cat with a mouse. He wanted to torture me for a while longer. I was the one that got away and he couldn't stand it."
Alex wore a somber face. She shook her head as she began to speak. "You took a lot for granted there. What if he shot you right there on the bluff? He could have. Then he would have had to kill Ellie and I because we witnessed your murder. Did you think of that?"
Jethro knew she was angry. "No…that's not how his mind works. Ducky would call him a psychopath. I just call him a sick bastard."
Alex had to smile at the remark. It was so Jethro. Then the smile left her beautiful face. "I got to meet that sick bastard as you call him. From the time he took me from the hospital he used methods of control. He'd pinch between my thumb and forefinger as a come along. It always appeared sweet, like we were lovers, but it was anything but." She held her hand out to Jethro to show him the marks Crandall had left behind.
Jethro expression turned to worry.
Alex pulled her eyes away from him. "He had a cane that he used on my legs as a reminder not to get out of the chair. A little whack for remembrance he said. I'll have those marks for a long time."
Jethro was more concerned for the marks on her psyche.
She reached for her wine glass and took a sip from it and put it back on the table. "When you didn't show up exactly at three o'clock he began hitting me about the shoulders with his fist. He didn't want to leave marks where you'd see them right away. He didn't want to too lose your cool too soon." She pulled the collar of the shirt down to show the bruises that Crandall had left on her.
Jethro saw red. "Why didn't you tell Ellie or me sooner?"
Alex sat stunned. "This is the first we've spoken to each other alone. Did you want me to greet you with…Happy you made it, oh, by the way, your perp just beat the hell out of me?" She looked away from him and into the mist somewhere. "Yes you had a right to know but not by me blurting it out in front of your team."
Gibbs, still angry with Crandall, pulled his overt emotions back. He needed to stay calm for Alex. "No you're right. But we're taking photos of your bruises so that we can use them against Crandall. We can use them to put that sick bastard away for a very long time."
Alex smiled a weak smile and then nodded in agreement. "Alright, take your photos. I would like nothing more than to put that evil man away forever." Alex got pensive for a moment. "My last question, or at least I think so, is why me? Why did he come for me?"
Gibbs shook his head. He'd spent a week with Crandall and still didn't quite understand him. He understood the criminal mind though. "I can make a guess but we'll never know for sure." He hesitated before going on. He didn't want to upset Alex more. "He may have watched the house when he found no trace of me further on. There was a lot of police activity. Maybe he put two and two together and realized I was here. He did see us at the diner. It may have pushed him to finish his game. The truth is we'll never know why he came for you. He took you and we took you back. I'm sorry for him involving you."
Alex reached for his hand. "Yes you did and I thank you for getting me back." She finished her last sip of wine. "It's been a long, difficult day. I think I'll go shower, take some Ibuprofen and call it a day." She rose and went to the kitchen to put her glass in the sink.
Jethro stood with her and put his glass next to hers. "Not yet. We have pictures to take. The shower will change them and so will the Ibuprofen. Then you can go up and shower."
The next twenty minutes were busy with taking photos of her bruises. Alex showed some discomfort at having it done but Jethro couldn't let Crandall get away with this.
When they were done Alex went upstairs to shower.
Gibbs thought about the day, Alex's captivity and what she'd gone through. No one should have to go through that mental and physical punishment because of their friendship with another. He picked up his phone and dialed Ellie's. "Bishop, did you get to see McGee? How's he doing? The doc is letting him go home the day after tomorrow? Good. Hey I need you to come out here tomorrow and pick up my camera. Crandall abused her pretty badly. We're going to need these pictures to put him away. How about nine? Then you and Nick can spend the day exploring. I'll be in to see Tim tomorrow before he goes home. See you tomorrow." He hung up. Just then the shower went off and he heard the door to Alex's room close behind her. He made sure the house was locked up, grabbed a book off the shelf by the stairs, shut the lights off and went up stairs.
That morning he'd left his sleep stuff behind the bathroom door. He was glad to see Alex hadn't taken them to wash already. He stripped down and stepped into a hot shower and let the water cascade down over his sore knee. He'd taken Ibuprofen back in Moro County after their doc had looked him over and he'd take a couple more after the shower. He finished showering, took the meds, dressed in the pajama pants and t-shirt and went to his room.
He'd just settled in with the book when a light tapping came. "Come in Alex."
The door opened and an ashen face met his gaze. "Alex, what's wrong?"
A small voice responded to him. "Jethro, Jay, Gibbs, I don't want to be alone. Can I stay with you?"
Gibbs rose from the bed to hold her in his arms. He felt pain at seeing her this way. He'd known it would come though. "Sure, come on in. What's going on?"
Alex let out a small sigh. "Being alone lets all of Crandall into my head. He's there torturing me. I need to be with someone I can feel safe with and that is you." Alex put her arms around Gibbs and snuggled closer.
Jethro felt this might happen so he wasn't ready to send her back to her room. He'd never push her away. "Climb in and go to sleep. I'll be right here reading."
Alex gave the tiniest of smiles. "You're not going to sleep in the chair again are you?"
Gibbs knew he'd never live that one down but here she was, terrified out of her mind, cracking jokes at his expense. It would take a bit of work but she'd come through this. "I don't think so. My back is still sore from that chair. No you need me close so here is where I'll be. Go to sleep." He climbed in next to her and read as she slept.
At six the next morning Gibbs woke to find Alex snuggled up next to him and his arm across her. Before Alex could wake he pulled his arm back and began to get up.
Alex awoke with a start. "What time is it?"
Gibbs sat up. "Six…go back to sleep. I'm just going downstairs. I'm not going anywhere else."
To Jethro, it seemed as if Alex rolled over and went back to sleep.
Gibbs went to start coffee, get the newspaper and try to figure out what to do next. He couldn't just leave with Alex hurting. His wound wasn't time off worthy. He'd worked through worse than this little scratch. He'd call Ducky later to ask about Alex and how to deal with her trauma. He also needed Ellie to get the pictures to Jeff Colton. He'd need them to prosecute the bastard that did this to Alex. His main concern was Alex and nothing more.
His first call was to Director Vance. He let Vance know that McGee, Bishop and Torres would be on a flight home tomorrow. He then put in for a couple of weeks of vacation time. Vance didn't even try to talk Gibbs out of it. He was glad he would finally take a little Gibbs time for whatever reason.
His next call was to Ducky. The doctor mostly said that the more familiar things in her life like work, hobbies and friends would be an excellent place to start. Having a good friend to help her keep a mental balance would be another good idea. He and the good doctor shared a bit more and then hung up.
The coffee had stopped perking a few minutes into the conversation with Ducky. Just as he finished pouring a cup Alex appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "I can't sleep when the aroma of freshly perked coffee fills the house." She blushed. "Thanks for putting up with me last night. I just couldn't be alone."
Jethro put his cup down, went to her and put his arms around her. "You didn't bother me at all. I'd suspected it might happen. I'm just glad I was here." He reached to touch her hair and then she moved to look up at him. He wondered what that look meant. "Hey, I'm going to see Tim before they go home. Do you want to come?"
Alex's eyes got wide. "Let me think about it." She came back for more hugs.
Jethro hugged her tighter. "It's okay. We'll take it slow. I do need to go to see him. Will you be okay if I go? I could ask Ellie and Nick to stay with you." He could feel her shaking her head no against his chest.
"Let Ellie and Nick have some time off. I'll be fine. I'll call Margo and see if there's anything for me to do for the fair. If there is it will keep me busy."
He wasn't sure about what she said but Alex is an adult so he'd go with it. He shrugged it off. "How would you like some breakfast? I can make over easy eggs just the way you like them and I thought there was ham in the freezer. Sound good to you?"
Alex pulled away from him and timidly made her way to the coffee pot. She poured a cup and then stood looking at it as if it would turn into a monster or that she'd never seen one before. "I don't know who I'm trying to kid…I'm terrified to be by myself. I'm going to have to learn how to do it though, don't I?
This made Jethro's call to Vance even more important. Rule 46 was in play. Clean up your own mess and this was his. "You should come to the hospital with me. We'll avoid the Gift Shop. I'm sure Tim would love to see you. You have friends there that can see you and know you're alright."
She stood there nodding her head. Whether she meant yes or no Gibbs couldn't tell. All he knew that this once vibrant woman was a mess and it was his fault, his and John Crandall. She'd never seen this ugly side of humanity. It was normal that there would be this reaction. He needed to break her chain of thought. "Let's go upstairs and get dressed and then eat breakfast. Hey is there a place to buy a fly rod around here? I hear this is the Fly Fishing Capital of the world." He didn't mention that Ellie would be here to pick up the camera to take to Jeff.
Alex let out a sigh as she fixed her coffee. "That is what they say." She paused a moment to think. "There is a rod in the basement. You could use that."
Gibbs gave the impression of a second thought. "No…that's yours for when you come with me."
She began to laugh. "I don't know one end of a fly rod from the other. It came with the house." She shut back down.
Jethro had the old Alex back for those few seconds. "I'll check it out after breakfast but I'm sure I'll need more stuff. Grab your coffee and let's get dressed."
A half hour later they both were dressed and downstairs. Jethro began to crack the eggs and fry up the ham.
Alex stood by the windows wearing that dazed inward look that worried Gibbs.
Breakfast was ready and he called her to the table.
She stayed at the window and it broke Jethro's heart to see her so effected.
He put the food on the table and went to get her back from where ever her mind had taken her. "Breakfast is ready. Come and eat it before it gets cold. When we get back from our errands we can work in the garden if you like.
She never said a word.