Chapter 12
Two weeks later
Kate has been in Washington, DC for three weeks trying to catch Joshua Jackson and so far, besides the evidences they have gathered, including the tears left on the clothing of both the victims, which Abby positively identified as belonging to Joshua Jackson, he has not made any contact with his family or friends. They have checked his credit card activities and fortunately for them, he's still in the area. Both families of the victims had come in to identify the bodies and took the bodies for burial, Kate and Gibbs attended both the funeral.
Frustration is starting to set in on Kate because she wants to catch Joshua Jackson to give closure to both the victims' families and also, she had promised Joshua Jackson's grandmother that she would do everything to catch him and get him the help he needs.
Because of the slow progress on the case, Kate had helped the team worked on a couple of other cases. Gibbs has been supportive and their relationship has been progressing smoothly. They have not had the difficult adjustment they both were expecting since they started living together. Although both know the set up is temporary since she will be going back to Italy. They avoided talking about the inevitable separation once the case is solved for days until Gibbs finally brought it up the other night. Kate had prepared dinner, a first after working late non-stop for more than two weeks. They are enjoying the rare time together at home, having a meal. Gibbs felt it's the right time to bring it up. He's sure of what he wants from the relationship and he wants to know if Kate felt the same way.
"Kate, can we talk about us?"
Kate took a deep breath and smiled.
"I knew this would come sooner or later. You go first, Gibbs."
Gibbs took her hand and kissed it.
"Kate I love you, you know that right? And I'm really happy with you. I love living with you. I love coming to work together and going home together. I also love coming home to find you waiting for me. And I love waiting for you to come home. It's been so long since I have been this content with life. You don't have to say anything to me now but I want you to know how serious I am about us. Whether you are here or in Italy, what I feel for you will not change. I know that the decision is still up to you but if I have any say in it, I'd love for you to come back and stay with me. Call me selfish, but I'm used to having you here with me and without you, it's just not the same."
Kate was in tears when Gibbs finished. Gibbs reached out and wiped her tears with his thumb. Kate then took his hand and leaned in to kiss him on the lips.
"Gibbs, I would love more than anything to come back and live with you. And no, you're not being selfish, I think it's sweet. Being away from you was harder than I thought. Never did I see this happening but there was always that flicker of hope that we would somehow get our acts together and figure what this thing is between us. I love you and I want to be with you. There's no doubt in my mind and in my heart that this is what I want and where I want to be."
"So, it's settled then, that in five months, more or less, you'll come back right?"
"Yes, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, I will resign my position in Italy and ask for a transfer back to Washington, DC."
"You have just made me the happiest man in DC, Katie."
Kate was brought out of her reverie by the ringing of her phone.
"Hello, this is Agent Kate Todd."
"Agent Todd, this is Joshua Jackson's grandma, I received a phone call from my grandson and he said he's coming to visit me tonight."
"Do you know what time he said he would be coming to visit you?"
"No, he just said he wanted to see me before he left town."
"Okay, thank you Ma'am. I will make sure that he isn't harmed when we apprehend him, Ma'am."
"I believe you Agent Todd."
After hanging up the phone, Kate dialed Gibbs' number.
"Gibbs, it's Kate, I got a phone call from Althea Jackson, Joshua called her and told her that he will be coming by to see her tonight. I'll call the Alexandria police station to let them know and have them monitor the place but they have to be in civilian clothes and cars. Just in case, Joshua is watching."
"Okay, Kate. Take McGee with you and wait for us at the front. We'll be there in 20 minutes."
"I'll let McGee know. See you in 20. Bye."
Kate and McGee changed into their fieldwork clothes. When they got to the front, Tony and Gibbs were already waiting for them. Tony had obviously moved to the back of the SUV so that Kate could sit in the front with Gibbs. Before leaving, Kate briefed their Director on what's happening and told her that she will be in touch with her.
"So Kate, what have we got?"
"As I told you earlier, the grandmother called me and then after I called you, I called the Alexandria police station and I told them they need to set up surveillance at the convalescent home but I was specific that they needed to be in civilian clothes and no police marked vehicles around."
"And Boss, I checked the phone call and it was too brief so we were not able to get a trace."
"So Kate, what do you think we should do?"
"Well, I'd like to pose as a nurse. I think I could pass for a nurse. We can't have too many new faces or else he would get suspicious. Tony could probably pose as a janitor. Tony and I should be able to handle it."
"Alright, McGee and I will be on the look out with the other policemen. I want you both to be careful."
"Don't worry Gibbs. I'm hoping he surrenders peacefully for his grandmother's sake."
"Visiting hours is until what time?"
"It's until 9'oclock boss."
"I think he will wait until close to 9 o'clock to see his grandmother. Kate I need for you to be in the grandmother's room around 8:30 and stay there. But before then, stay in the nurses' station just in case he decides to come earlier. Tony, I need for you cleaning and you better look like you know what you are doing."
"I got it boss."
"Tony, I'm serious you better have your eyes glued to Kate the whole time and if anything happens to her, I swear to God Tony!"
"Gibbs, don't worry alright. Tony knows his job and I will be careful. Come on Gibbs, take it easy on Tony."
Gibbs looked at the rear view mirror and without saying a word, Tony understood that it was his way of apologizing. Tony just smiled and started ragging on McGee to make light of the situation. Kate reached over to touch Gibbs' arm and smiled.
When they got to the convalescent home, they were informed that the police had set up a surveillance room. Gibbs talked to the policemen and briefed them about their plan on having Kate pose as a nurse and Tony as a janitor. The policemen said that they have not seen anything unusual and that they had placed a camera in her room as well as the entrance and the hallway of where the grandmother's room is located. The grandmother and the staff were very cooperative. The Alexandria police assured Kate and Gibbs that they would monitor the place closely. Gibbs told them, if they don't mind, he'd like to stay in the room and that having another extra pair of eyes would help. They agreed with him and understood the concern he obviously had for the young federal agent lady standing in front of them.
Before leaving the room, Gibbs took both Tony and Kate aside. He went over their plan of action again and gave each of them an earpiece. He said that he would be listening as well as watching them.
Kate changed into the nurse's uniform while Tony changed into the janitorial uniform.
It was already quarter to 9 o'clock and Joshua has yet to show up. Kate has been in the grandmother's room now for 10 minutes waiting anxiously for Joshua. Gibbs is talking to her trying to keep her from getting frustrated and help her keep her focus. After five minutes, she was informed that Joshua had just walked in the building. Kate walked over to the grandmother and pretended to take her pulse. The grandmother greeted her grandson and told her to sit down next to her. She then asked Kate to close the blinds. Kate walked over to the window and once Joshua sat down, she took out her gun and told him to stay put. Tony then ran into the room and the rest followed. Joshua gave up himself peacefully. He asked if he could spend a couple of more minutes with his grandmother just to say goodbye. With tears in his eyes, he apologized to his grandmother for what he had done and told her he loves her. The Alexandria police said that they would book Joshua and keep him overnight. They will then bring him to the NCIS Headquarters the following morning.
Tony drove back while Kate and Gibbs sat in the back sleeping, with Kate's head resting on Gibbs' shoulder.