Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm still working on the story, I promise! Hope you all enjoy.

Let me know you're still interested in reading along...I fear I may have lost all my readers.

Oh well, I'm committed to finishing the story regardless because I love the characters so much.

Read on faithful readers...

The house creaked and moaned as it settled into the later evening. Gibbs adjusted his glasses as he wiggled himself deeper into his old, ragged sofa and reached for his tea. He took a tentative sip, checking the temperature of the hot beverage and was pleased to see it had cooled enough to drink. The house was finally quiet and Gibbs embraced the quiet time, hoping to be able to read a few chapters of his book before turning in for the evening. He heard his father clear his voice as he hobbled into the room, and stare at him with disdain. Gibbs felt his father's eyes boring into him, and he heaved a loud sigh. It looked like he wouldn't be finishing this chapter anytime soon. The main character would forever remain in a state of limbo.

"Just spit it out, Jack."

Jackson rested his weight on his cane and continued to glare at his son. Gibbs let his novel drop to his chest and forced himself to sit up with an irritated groan. If he didn't deal with his father now, he would never get any peace.

"What is it, dad? I know you have something to say so just get on with it."

"What do you think you're doing with these girls, Leroy?"

Gibbs closed his eyes for several seconds, feeling berated. He didn't know what his father was beating around the bush about and he was sick of trying to read between the lines.

"Dad, what kind of question is that anyway?"

Jackson walked closer and sat on the edge of the large, tan-coloured easy chair across from Gibbs.

"Made any time to talk with Tony lately?"

Gibbs frowned. He hadn't had much time to talk with Tony about anything. He very much wanted to talk with Tony because he was worried about the younger man. When DiNozzo Senior was in town, Tony was not himself. He made stupid mistakes and he reverted back to acting much like a self-conscious adolescent. Granted, Senior was extremely condescending towards Tony but surely he would have learned to endure his father's annoyances by now. Gibbs suspected Tony suffered abuse and neglect in his childhood at the hands of the man. Nothing else seemed to make sense.

"I've meant to but things got a little crazy this evening in case you hadn't noticed." A small bit of sarcasm lingered in the air.

"Don't patronise me, son."

Gibbs raked a weary hand through his hair. "Dad…"

"While you were busy making your sorry attempt to set Aimee straight tonight…"

"Wait a minute…"

"Don't interrupt me, Leroy."

Gibbs groaned. His father could interrupt him without so much as a second thought but if Gibbs so much as tossed a word in edgewise, all hell broke loose. Gibbs bit his tongue in anticipation.

"While you were with Aimee," his father continued. "Tony was sharing some rather interesting information with me about that child. You do realise that she's testing you, don't you? I saw it the first moment I set eyes on her. I'm not sure how you can't see it. I swear you're downright blind, boy."

Gibbs sucked in a sharp intake of air as he tried to keep himself calm. His dad could press buttons he didn't even realise he had. Even before his mother had died, Gibbs and Jackson were adept at being at odds with one another.

"Testing me how?" he asked, finding the information interesting to a certain extent. He wasn't so blind he didn't speculate it just a little, but he had swept it from his mind thinking he was being ridiculous.

Jackson adjusted his weight a little and pulled his cane in front of him, resting both hands on the handle.

"She wants to see how bad she can be. She wants…no, she needs to know what the worst case scenario is so there are no surprises later on down the road."

Gibbs frowned. "That's crazy. What does she expect I'll do to her?"

Jackson bounced his leg up and down several times before he responded. "Maybe what her stepfather did to her?"

Gibbs mulled that over in his mind a moment. So much about Aimee and Janessa's past was still a mystery to them all.

"She's a 9-year-old child, Leroy, and she's lost everything and everyone. She needs to know that you are the real deal and you will be here for the long haul."

"Of course, I am."

"I know that and you know that but Aimee doesn't."

Gibbs leaned his head back against the back of the sofa, reflecting on his father's words. It hadn't crossed his mind that Aimee was testing him to see if he would give up on her and desert her. He definitely knew she was testing him, heck, so was Janessa…heck, so was Abby for that matter.

Jackson rose to his feet. "I'm tired. I'm going to turn in. I suggest you do the same. I imagine tomorrow will be just as eventful as today."

Gibbs swung his feet to the floor. "What makes you say that?"

Jackson shrugged his shoulders. "For one thing, you haven't dealt with Jenny's problem either. When did you plan to do that?"

Gibbs paled. He'd completely forgotten that he's planned to have a few more words with Jenny's niece before he turned in for the evening. He glanced at the small mantle clock above the fireplace. 10 pm. He scrubbed a hand across his face and rose to his feet reluctantly. The cozy sofa had nearly adopted him as its own. There had been many a time that he had succumbed to its comfort and slept there all night, back in his bachelor days. Well, there was no time like the present. He might as well bite the bullet and have a chat with Makayla before he turned in.

"I'm not entirely sure to tell you the truth. I'm not exactly up on teenagers. Any ideas?"

Jackson looked taken aback. Enough so that it made Gibbs chuckle.

"Not used to me asking for advice, are ya?"

Jackson smirked in return. "I'm not experienced in dealing with teens of the female persuasion. I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help to ya."

Gibbs inhaled deeply and stretched his arms up in the air.

"I suppose that's true enough. Goodnight, dad."

Jackson rose to his feet and placed a shaky hand on his son's shoulder. "You're so much like your mother, Jethro."

Gibbs felt tears prick his eyes at the old man's soft confession. His father didn't often call him Jethro, but his mother always had. His eyes met his fathers for a brief moment before Jackson shuffled out of the room. Gibbs was left staring at the empty room. His father didn't mention his mother much anymore. It was always a point of contention between them. Gibbs had been a young teen when his mother had taken her life. Granted, she had been extremely sick and destined to die from her cancer, but Gibbs always felt bitter disappointment thinking about the time taken from him. Gibbs wiped tears from the corner of his eyes with determination. He wasn't going to let sentimental nonsense get the better of him tonight.

Gibbs sauntered into the kitchen and put his teacup in the sink. He leaned against the sink taking in the silence of the evening. He relished the peace. It reminded him of the days when he came home from NCIS to the empty house. While he had always enjoyed the peace, he never liked the loneliness. A loud bang from the pantry startled him. He spun on his heel as he heard a loud gasp of pain.

"Who's up?" he commented softly as he walked towards the pantry and flipped on the light.

Gibbs scanned the small storage room to see Makayla sitting on the floor rubbing the top of her head with a grimace settling in on her face.

"Mak?"

"Hello, Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs put his hands on his hips and stared down at her. "Hello, yourself."

Makayla rose to her feet, still rubbing her head. Gibbs saw the offending object lying on the floor at their feet. A can of pea soup must have rolled off the shelf and hit her in the head.

"You ok?"

Makayla nodded with a sheepish look on her face.

"Well, it begs to be asked," began Gibbs ushering her from the pantry and into the kitchen, "Why are you sitting in the pantry?"

Makayla turned to face him, still looking sheepishly at him. Gibbs felt a smirk pulling at his lips. If anyone looked guilty, it was Makayla. She chewed on the inside of her lip and shrugged. This time Gibbs did chuckle.

"Have a seat, kiddo."

Makayla sat, still rubbing her head.

Gibbs walked to the fridge and pulled out the pitcher of milk and an icepack. He poured Makayla a glass of milk, grabbed the chocolate sauce from the cupboard and placed the ice pack on her head. He proceeded to mix some syrup in her milk and handed her the glass.

"Guaranteed to help any woe." He chuckled. "How's the noggin?"

Makayla accepted the glass of chocolate milk and winced as the ice settled on her head.

"Thanks."

Gibbs straddled a chair across from her and stared.

Makayla grimaced. "Why do you do that?"

"Why do I do what?"

"Stare at people. No offence but it really gives me the creeps."

Gibb's eyes twinkled. "Good."

"Good?"

"Yah, good. Perhaps a little discomfort now will save you from a whole lot of discomfort later."

Makayla narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Gibbs sighed. "It means just what I said. Look, Mak, do you remember me asking you to come chat with me later?"

Makayla shook her head. "Actually, you didn't say that at all. You said I shouldn't go to bed until we talked and I haven't gone to bed, have I?"

Gibbs continued to stare at her. "I also said not to disappear either, didn't I?"

Makayla remained silent.

"Why were you hiding in the pantry?"

"I wasn't."

"Yes, you were."

Makayla shook her head. "No, I wasn't." She removed the ice pack from her head and slammed it on the table. "Is Aimee alright?"

Gibbs shook his head. "She's fine." He continued to stare at Makayla which in turn made her fidget.

Makayla stood to her feet holding her glass of milk. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed."

Gibbs caught her by the arm. "Not yet you're not. You and I still need to talk."

This time Makayla was the one to glare. "About what? We already talked, Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs shook his head. "Sit, Mak."

Makayla remained standing and yanked her arm from his grasp.

Gibbs rose to his feet and stared down at her. Makayla didn't back down but remained poised. Gibbs crossed his arms, blocking her exit. He was going to say his peace and not allow her to retreat until he had.

"I think you were deliberately avoiding me." Makayla opened her mouth to protest but Gibbs raised his hand to silence her. "And THAT is not how things work in this house or with me anywhere. I deal with things head on and I do not permit disrespect from anyone, including you. Now, please sit down."

Makayla sighed and sat down. "I meant no disrespect," she murmured.

Gibbs softened. He knew she didn't but he felt the need to clarify matters just a little between them.

Gibbs sat down once more. "Thanks for helping with Aimee earlier. She could use a wise older friend to confide in. Janessa and she have been through a lot the past six months or so."

Makayla blinked, tears brimming her eyes. "Is she okay?"

"Yes, a little scraped up but fine nonetheless."

"Are you mad I went out on the roof after her?"

Gibbs debated answering. His gut said hell, yes, he was mad she'd done that but his head told him that perhaps she had no choice.

"Let's say concerned is more the word we're looking for. You could have been hurt trying to rescue her, Mak. Your aunt would have kicked my butt from here to California if you'd been hurt."

Makayla's eyes flooded. "I'm sure she wouldn't have cared at all if I'd fallen. She'd be glad to be rid of me."

Gibbs frowned. "Makayla, that is untrue and you know it." Gibbs' voice held a scolding tone to it.

Tears escaped down her cheeks and she wiped them away with a glint of anger in her eyes.

"Communication has broken down between Jenn and you. Maybe Jenn hasn't realised that but you have. That means, it's up to you to rectify things. You will have no one to blame but yourself if things continue to remain aloof and broken."

"She refuses to listen. All she thinks about is what my mother will think of her."

Gibbs thought on that for a moment. He knew Jenn had unresolved issues with her older sister.

"That is none of your concern. The fact remains that your aunt has grounded you for skipping school. What are you going to do about it? Will you accept the punishment graciously or will you continue to rebel against it and incur more punishment? Jenn isn't someone to trifle with, Mak. She is the director of NCIS. Do you think that you can skirt around her and get away with it? If you do, let me save you the hassle of finding out how that will go for you. It won't be a pretty affair."

Makayla blinked back more tears and sat gaping at him. Gibbs had to admit, he surprised himself with that monologue. His own self-chosen selective mutism had left him in those moments. He figured he might as well go within. Perhaps, he might even cure himself.

"I think you can see for yourself that I have my hands full, but your aunt asked me to speak with you. I care for Jenn a great deal. She is a good friend and I'd like to think you and I are friends too."

Makayla blinked back more tears but remained silent.

"I can't allow you to disrespect her. Do you get what I'm saying here? You've put me in a bit of an awkward position. I'm not complaining. I'm glad you've confided in me. However, if you can't find the courage to be honest with your aunt, then I will need to step up and do it for you. You need to come clean with her and tell the truth."

Makayla chewed her lip tentatively. "She won't care, Agent Gibbs."

"You owe her the benefit of the doubt. Jenn hasn't been hard-assed her whole life, Mak. She did use to be a fourteen-year-old girl too at one time. She had dreams and visions for her future. Give her a chance, that's all I'm asking. Talk to her. Be real. It certainly cannot hurt things. But I want you to promise me something."

"What?"

"NO matter what happens or what she says, you won't take off anymore. Aimee has run off on me more times than I can count and it scares the hell out of me. Please don't do that! Running away doesn't help matters. It only makes things worse."

Makayla nodded. "Okay."

"Okay, what?"

"I promise I won't run off anymore."

Gibbs smiled. "Good." He reached forward and ruffled her hair, feeling a lump on her head. He whistled. "That can got you good, didn't it?"

Makayla winced.

Gibbs glanced at his watch. It was well past midnight. "C'mon, it's late. Let's get some shut eye."

Makayla nodded. As they began to make their way towards the upstairs, Makayla stopped and looked at Gibbs for a moment. Gibbs smiled at her and was surprised when she launched herself into his arms. Gibbs pulled her in for a tight hug. Neither of them said anything in the moment but just enjoyed the embrace. After a few moments, Makayla pulled away, her face pink and she disappeared up the stairs. Gibbs chuckled, switched off the living room light and followed her up the stairs.

xXx—NCIS—xXx

Aimee sat on the sawhorse in the basement bored out of her mind. She had been watching Gibbs sand his boat for the past few hours. No amount of whining and pleading had released her from her bondage of being Gibbs shadow.

"Can't I play with Janessa?" she tried again.

"Nope, Abby and Ness are going shopping and you can't go."

Aimee crossed her arms angrily. She would have much rather gone shopping with Abby than watch Gibbs sand his stupid boat.

"Can't I watch TV with Tony?"

"Nope. Tony is resting. He needs some time to rest."

"I'm not gonna bug him…"

"You're right, you're not because you are going to sit right there and watch me."

"But it's so boring."

"Good," replied Gibbs, giving her no sympathy.

Aimee slid off the sawhorse and started pacing. Gibbs took a few steps and walked in front of her, handing her some sandpaper. He pulled her over to his boat and showed her how to sand with the grain of the wood. Aimee made her arm like a ragdoll. She did not want to sand. Gibbs held tightly, using her hand to sand the boat. Aimee fidgeted and struggled to free her hand until Gibbs scooped her up and planted her back on the sawhorse.

"I don't wanna sit here," she whined and slid off the sawhorse once more to pace. "Can't I help Papa Jack? He said he was going to clean up the shingles outside. I knocked 'em off, shouldn't I be the one to pick them up?"

"Probably, but you're not."

Aimee sighed. She crossed her arms and glared at the back of Gibbs' head as he sanded. Her eyes scanned the room forlornly just as the phone rang loudly.

"I'll get it!" she announced as she launched herself at the phone sitting on Gibbs workbench.

Gibbs caught her mid-stride and took the phone from her hand. He answered it, greeting the person on the other with a kindly hello. Aimee frowned. Being Gibbs shadow seriously sucked. Aimee had never been so bored in all her life.

"…thanks for letting me know, Jenn." Gibbs hung up the phone and returned to his sanding without a word to Aimee.

"What did Director Shepard say?" asked Aimee, hoping for something, anything different to talk about.

"Just told me that she was running late and would be here to pick Mak up at 2 pm."

"Can I play with Mak?"

Gibbs sighed and turned to his older younger daughter. Abby was his oldest older daughter. The distinction made him chuckle to himself.

"Mak is organizing the pantry for me because of her late night escapades. She does not need your help."

Aimee scowled. "She's not even your kid, Gibbs. Why'd you punished her, anyway? She was just helping me!"

Gibbs narrowed his eyes at Aimee. "For your information, I am not punishing her. Makayla volunteered to do the job for me." Gibbs returned to his sanding.

Aimee sighed loudly and wandered towards the foot of the steps, wistfully glancing up them.

"Don't get any ideas, little miss. C'mere, you can help me drill some holes in this beam."

"No," replied Aimee shaking her head and taking a step up. Aimee had reached her limit of watching Gibbs work on his boat. She was ready to escape, come hell or high water. Anything would be better than being trapped in the dusty basement.

"One swat for every step up. That's one," counted Gibbs, looking up but not moving.

Aimee froze but didn't turn to look at him. She debated how much she wanted out of the basement and if it was worth testing Gibbs resolve. She wondered if she could outrun him on the steps and then she found herself counting the steps to the top. She winced. Fourteen ominous steps to the top. She could probably outrun him but then what? He'd eventually catch up to her and then what? One thing she'd learned about Gibbs while they'd been together. He always did what he said he would and fourteen swats from his leathery hand would more than hurt a little. She stamped her foot in dismay. He wasn't being fair at all. She turned to look at him and he returned her glance, looking just a little smug. That made Aimee all the more angrier. She took another step.

"That's two."

Aimee glared at him and took another step until she was on the first landing. She leaned against the wall and stared daggers at him, just daring him to stop her.

"Three. You sure you want to keep going? Coming back down will erase the swats now. Going further could end up with fourteen swats in total, possibly fifteen if I count the top landing. That pretty much is a full blown spanking." Gibbs' voice was soft and even. "I know I wouldn't risk it if I were you."

Aimee huffed and took another step.

"Every step you take…"

"Every move you make, I'll be watching you, "sang a playful voice from the top of the steps.

Both Gibbs and Aimee looked up to see Tony at the top of steps with a big grin on his face.

"I thought you were resting, DiNozzo," said Gibbs, giving Aimee a meaningful glance and returning to his sanding. Aimee stood still gaping up at Tony.

Tony swept down the steps, scooped Aimee up into his arms and over his head until she was resting comfortably on his shoulders. He came the rest of the way down the steps balancing her with a boyish grin.

"It's boring up there with everyone busy. Need some help, Boss?"

"How's the head?"

Tony shrugged, hanging onto Aimee's feet so she wouldn't fall off. "It's okay."

Gibbs handed some sandpaper to Tony and pointed to a spot. "Start there. With the grain."

Tony slid Aimee to her feet and accepted the sandpaper. He positioned the little girl between himself and the boat and began sanding with her hand. Aimee continued her ragdoll impersonation. Tony seemed to ignore her and kept sanding with her hand.

"I'm probably gonna head home soon, Boss."

"I'm not stopping you," commented Gibbs, feigning interest in a particularly rough area on the bow of the boat.

"Senior called."

"You okay with that, Tony?" Gibbs looked him straight in the eye.

Tony sighed. "He just wants to talk about a business venture."

Gibbs frowned. "Tony,"

Tony raised his hand in the air to forestall the older man. "I've got it."

Gibbs nodded.

The two men sanded in silence while Aimee continued hanging her hand limply as Tony used it to sand. Several minutes later, Tony leaned in close and whispered in her ear.

"Make it a good day, Babydoll." He kissed her brow and let her hand fall to her side.

Tony set his sandpaper on the workbench. He glanced at Gibbs once more and disappeared up the steps. Both Aimee and Gibbs heard the front door open and close as Tony left.

Aimee chewed her lip as she watched Gibbs continue to work, seemingly oblivious to her. After a few more minutes of silence, Gibbs straightened up and looked at her.

"Tony saved face for you, huh?"

Aimee didn't respond but a part of her was relieved. She hadn't wanted to take on Gibbs but her pride hadn't let her back down.

"What do you say we take a break and have a snack," suggested Gibbs.

Aimee remained quiet. A break would be nice. She was bored stiff of watching him sand and sooner or later she would do something dumb that she'd regret if he made her stay with him any longer.

Gibbs headed toward the stairs and began his ascent. He counted out loud as he took each step upwards. When he reached the landing at the top, he stopped and looked down at her.

"Definitely fifteen steps to the top."

"Sixteen if you count the floor coming down," she murmured softly.

Gibbs smirked. "Yah, I guess you're right. Good thing everything is erased going down. C'mon, let's make some popcorn. Maybe Mak wants some too."

Aimee felt a small smile tug at her lips and hurried up the steps.

xXx—NCIS—xXx

Gibbs looked up from the book he was reading to Aimee when the doorbell rang. At the same time, the phone rang in the kitchen. He frowned. He'd had McGee tap all his phone lines so he wasn't worried about who was calling anymore, but he couldn't place whose phone was ringing from the kitchen. Aimee wriggled out from his lap and took off towards the kitchen.

"If that's Ruthie, remember I want to speak to her parent," reminded Gibbs as she watched her run off.

"I know, "she answered as she disappeared.

The doorbell rang once more and Gibbs sauntered towards the door to answer it. It was taking a while getting used to having his front door locked. Before the girls came to live with him, he almost never locked his door. Life has changed.

He opened the door to see Jenny fiddling with her handbag.

"The whole locked door thing takes a little getting used to, Jethro."

Gibbs took a few steps back towards a small shelf in his front foyer. He opened the drawer and reached inside for some keys. Scooping them up, he reached out and took Jenn's free hand, dropped the extra set of keys into her palm.

"Meant to give these to you. Keep 'em. Just in case."

Jenny blinked her eyes a few times and nodded, stepping inside the door and closing it behind her. She set her bag on the floor and removed her coat. The brisk autumn wind had chilled her.

"How's Makayla?"

"Well, I think we've come to an understanding." Gibbs walked back towards the sofa and sat down. Jenn came inside and sat in the chair opposite to him.

"Things okay at NCIS?"

"As well as can be expected. The Admiral is not handling things well."

"You can hardly blame him, Jenn. His only son was murdered in cold blood."

"I know that, Jethro." Jenny's voice was soft; distracted.

Gibbs leaned back and put his hands behind his head, giving Jenny a once over. Jenny narrowed her eyes at him.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing."

"You're making fun of me, aren't you?"

Gibbs shook his head, a smirk dancing on his lips.

"I don't see what's so funny, Agent Gibbs…"

Gibbs chuckled out loud.

Jenny's face reddened. "Stop it…"

Gibbs laughed louder.

"Jethro," her voice sounded exasperated.

Just then, Makayla's auburn head poked around the corner. "Agent Gibbs, I finished tidying the pantry for you…oh, Hi Aunt Jenny, I didn't hear you come in." Makayla walked the rest of the way into the room.

"Hi, Makayla. How did you make out with Agent Gibbs?"

Gibbs stood to his feet and stretched, figuring he'd bid a quick retreat and let the small family of two speak alone.

"Don't leave, Agent Gibbs," begged a small voice.

Gibbs' eyes met Makayla's and he saw her pleading with him to stay. Gibbs nodded and sat down once again. He didn't understand the dynamics between Jenny Shepard and her niece. Not at all. Makayla's soft plead was not lost on Jenny. She sent Gibbs an odd look that he chose to ignore.

"Makayla fits in well with my chaos," replied Gibbs with a chuckle.

Jenny smiled but Gibbs recognised it as an "I'm not letting you off that easy" kind of smile. He knew she'd be talking to him privately at some point in the future. "Gibbs made you clean his pantry?" The information seemed to have just reached Jenny and she hit Gibbs with a puzzling glance.

Makayla's face reddened. "Well, you see…"

Gibbs cut her off. "Mak took it upon herself to reorganize some of my chaos. I appreciate her organizational skills immensely. You know me, Jenn…"

Jenny chuckled. "Oh, Jethro, do I ever know you." She turned to face her niece with a smirk on her face. "I stopped sending him to the cold case room eons ago. If I ever expect to find anything, it's better to send Tim than Agent Gibbs."

"Hey!"

Makayla and Jenny had a good giggle at Gibbs' expense.

Silence took over the room once more. Gibbs cleared his throat and looked at Makayla purposefully. Makayla squirmed and sat on the edge of the chair beside her aunt.

"I think Mak here has something she wants to share with you."

Gibbs saw Makayla flinch at his words but he just gave her a pointed look. Putting things off would not help matters whatsoever.

Jenny's features softened as she looked at her niece lovingly. Gibbs felt his heart skip a beat in his chest. Jenny definitely loved Makayla. It was very plain to see.

"I wanted to talk to you, sweetheart. I'm sorry I lost my cool with you yesterday. I was so stressed with NCIS matters…well, I should have taken some time to listen to you," began Jenny.

Makayla's eyes moistened at her aunt's words.

"I know you miss your parents and it certainly doesn't help when I blow up at you."

"It's okay, Aunt Jenny. I know you have a difficult job at NCIS. I didn't mean to add to your stress."

Jenny patted the young girl's knee. "You didn't, honey. I was just worried when the school called and told me you were missing…"

"Makayla has promised me that that won't happen again, haven't you, Mak?" interjected Gibbs, hitting Makayla with a penetrating look as a reminder.

Makayla gulped in spite of herself. She fully agreed that she had promised that but now she wasn't so sure it was a good idea to make a promise to Gibbs. She didn't quite trust what he'd do if she broke the promise.

"Uh, yes. I did," she agreed quietly.

"I'm glad to hear it. Taking off at NCIS isn't wise either, sweetie. Minors cannot be running around NCIS unattended. That could get me in some hot water with my superiors." This time Jenny hit Gibbs will a pressing look. Gibbs pinched the edge of his nose, taking note of her look. He was all too well aware of his girls wondering around the building as well. It seemed that the guards and employees at NCIS had grown used to his little padawan learners running amok.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Jenny."

Jenny clicked her tongue. "You're forgiven." Jenny rose to her feet. "I'm thinking you and I should spend the rest of the afternoon doing some shopping. I don't know when your mom is returning from abroad but that doesn't mean you can't get a few new things from your Aunt Jenn, now does it."

Gibbs cleared his throat again and Makayla grimaced.

"What?" asked Jenny, looking at Gibbs. "What else?

"Have a seat, Jenn. Makayla has a few things she needs to tell you, don't you, Mak?"

Jenny slowly sat down and crossed her legs with a pinched expression on her face. Makayla stood to her feet and walked towards the fireplace while Gibbs settled back down into the sofa. He watched the young teen fidgeted and wrung her hands together. The gesture made him smirk.

"I skipped school to go downtown. I wanted to see one of my favourite contemporary artists' works at the gallery downtown. The exhibit was only for one day before it moved to New York," blurted the young girl, not making eye contact with the adults.

Jenny stiffened at the words. "I see."

"My mom would never let me go and daddy doesn't want me wasting time on such nonsense. But, Aunt Jenn, art isn't nonsense. It's, well, it's art. It's how people express themselves, much like music. There are so many brilliant artists in the world. Even you have some Monet's hanging in your home. And look at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City! People come from all over the world to see Michelangelo's masterpiece…"

"Makayla, no one is denying how much art has a place in life, but you are just a child and your education is very important. They don't call them starving artists for nothing. You need to set your sights higher. You are an intelligent young lady and you excel when you apply yourself. You won an award for your science project three years in a row. The world needs more brilliant minds more than it needs another painting."

Makayla grimaced. "And do you know what my latest science experiment was about?" countered the youngster. "Fresco paintings. I had to do a stupid science fair project but I made it about art because THAT is what is important to me. Not solving world hunger or curing cancer!" Makayla's eyes were red-rimmed as she struggled to keep her emotions in check.

Jenn blinked slowly, digesting the information. "Nevertheless, science is important to our future as a civilization. Your parents pay a lot of money for your education, Makayla. I don't want you skipping school for an art exhibit. Do you hear me? You study art at school. Isn't that enough?"

Makayla snorted as she dropped her hands to her sides. "You call that art? We study a few artists and then move on? Aunt Jenny, I want more. I want to study techniques and learn how to master them. I want to develop my own artistic talent…"

Jenny stood to her feet. "Makayla, I've heard enough. This isn't a conversation you should be having with me. You need to speak with your parents. I do not have the authority to undermine what your parent's plan is for your life…"

"It's my life, damn it! They don't have the right to plan my life and neither do you!"

Gibbs could see Makayla shaking all over, hoping to be heard. He could see her struggling to keep herself calm and together. He was in awe at how articulate the young teen girl was for her age. He had a lot of admiration for her.

"Now, just a minute, young lady. You have no right to talk to me…" began Jenn.

Gibbs stood to his feet, deciding to intervene before things spiralled out of control.

"Now, Jenn, you might not have the authority to change anything, but you can listen to Mak. I think that is what she's hoping for…someone to listen and maybe sympathize with her."

Makayla blinked back tears. "I know you can't change it, Aunt Jenn. I just wish someone could." Makayla choked back a sob. Gibbs couldn't help himself. He walked over and drew the girl into his arms and hugged her, planting a kiss on her brow.

Jenn looked unconvinced. "Makayla, this world is a tough competition. If you're going to make it, you need to set your eyes on a good occupation. While fine art might be a nice outlet, most artists aren't recognised for their work until they depart this world."

Makayla wiped her eyes and pulled away from Gibbs embrace. "I don't care about money, Aunt Jenn. I don't need a big house and fancy clothes. I just want to draw. Being true to yourself is more important than anything else!"

The young girl chewed her lip and then went to leave the room. Gibbs caught her by the arm gently, giving her a knowing look. Makayla pulled away with a loud sniffle.

"Remember your promise…" he whispered.

Makayla yanked her arm away as tears escaped down her cheek, but she stood staring at him.

"I agree that being true to yourself is important, Mak, but listening to wise counsel is just as important."

The red-headed girl groaned in exasperation. Gibbs' heart went out to her as she stood struggling to maintain her composure. Jenny brushed her hand over the youngster's hair and offered a tentative smile.

"You're so young, sweetie. You have your entire life ahead of you. The choices you make now are important, even at your young age."

Tears cascaded down Makayla's cheeks. In the distance, Gibbs heard the phone ring again, this time coming from upstairs. Again it struck Gibbs as odd that the phone wouldn't ring in the living room. He was consciously aware of the oddity but remained transfixed in the moment.

"Art means the world to me, Aunt Jenn and I'm good at it. Hell, I'm better than good. I'm not going to be a scientist or an engineer, no matter how much you and my parents want me too."

Jenny sighed. "Well, be that as it may, you may not skip school for any reason while you stay with me unless you have my permission. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Tears continued to fall but Makayla relented and shook her head. Gibbs patted her shoulder in sympathy.

"Okay, now how about that shopping trip?" Jenny suggested brightly.

Makayla shook her head. "If it's all the same to you, I'd rather go back to your place and finish my homework." Makayla wandered out of the room towards the steps turning to face Gibbs and Jenn.

"Thanks for letting me stay with you, Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs nodded and the girl disappeared up the stairs.

Gibbs exchanged a look with Jenn who sat down, looking defeated.

"I guess the powers that be knew I'd suck at parenting. Probably why I'm the hard-assed director of a criminal investigation agency rather than an old-fashioned, stay at home mother."

"Jenn, I'd hardly call you old-fashioned." He smirked.

She sighed and hit him with a scathing look. "I'm serious, Jethro. What business did my sister have leaving me guardianship of Makayla? For heaven sakes, I can't even discipline myself these days. I didn't get to bed until past 4 am this morning."

Gibbs was taken aback. He didn't think the current case was at such a point that anyone needed to lose sleep over it. In fact, from what he knew, the case was mostly cut and dry. The admiral was a son of a bitch to be certain but he had the right to be considering the circumstances. The dust would settle in time.

"Why so late, Madam Director?"

Jenny sat back and rested her head. "Nothing to do with NCIS, Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs sat down. "Okay, then why so late, Jenn?"

"I waited to call my sister. The time difference makes it difficult to have a decent conversation and texting her wasn't cutting it." Jenny rubbed her eyes. "The woman is exasperating. All I wanted was some words of advice and she is simply incorrigible." Jenny puffed out her cheeks and then made eye contact with him. "Did you have any luck speaking with her?"

Gibbs blinked in disbelief. "She spoke to you, didn't she?"

Jenn nodded. "I have to admit, that in itself is a miracle. How did you manage it?"

"Simple, I beat her into submission." Gibbs' face was deadpan.

Jenn scowled at him.

"Okay, I threatened to beat her into submission?" he risked again.

Jenn lifted a brow. "You better not have."

Gibbs chuckled. "Well, I may have threatened to upend her over my knee if she took off again, but it was all just a smoke screen, really. But, Jenn, do keep an eye on her about that. She is serious about this art business and the kid is good! Have you seen any of her work?"

Jenn shook her head.

"Well, trust me when I say it. She has a portfolio she carries in her backpack. The girl is good. No doubt about it. Her parents should be looking into shaping that talent. Not all artists are discovered after they kick the bucket. Some are very wealthy and well known while they still breathe air."

The phone rang again in the distance, this time it seemed to be coming from the basement. Gibbs was perplexed. He had one phone number and his cell phone. His cell was in his pocket and it was not ringing. His landline was connected to phones all over the house. If his landline was being rung, all the phones would ring not just an isolated phone line. This time Gibbs picked up the receiver in his living room and covered the mouthpiece. He held up a finger to silence a surprised Jenn while he listened. His face paled as he listened. Jenn waited in silence as she watched the colour drain from Gibbs' face. Several minutes went by before Gibbs hung up.

"Jethro, what the hell is going on?"

Gibbs was on his feet as he hung. "Aimee! Aimee, where are you?"

"Gibbs, what's going on?"

Gibbs' face was white.

Just then Makayla came flying down the stairs holding something in her hand. "Agent Gibbs! Agent Gibbs! I…I…" stuttered Makayla, struggling to catch her breath.

Gibbs looked at her. "Is Aimee upstairs?"

"No…no, she's not," huffed Makayla, struggling to catch her breath. "This note says she ran away. She's gone, Agent Gibbs."