AN: Wow readers! 15 Reviews last chapter. Thanks so much for responding to the author note! It's given me an idea of how to proceed, so thank you again!! Now here is Chapter 25…enjoy….
Pat had to stop from laughing when the stare he was receiving scared him right out of it. He patted his eyes to dry the coming tears and took in a long breath. "You do realize he's a fictional character?"
Gibbs shrugged.
"Come on, 24? Counter terrorist unit? Saves the world like five times…?"
"Well your dad seemed to think I was like him…"
Pat smiled. "Could be a good thing…it could give you a little glimpse into who you really are."
"Is that right?"
"Well yeah, I mean Jack Bauer is freaking sweet. He's the best at what he does, an American hero, in mad shape and can get out of just about any bind he find's himself in. Great with his gun, great with his hands…loyal, stubborn, and really protective of those he loves…"
Gibbs sighed. "Sounds like a great guy."
"Again, you do realize he's fictional right?"
"Look kid, I may be old, hurt and pissed off, but I'm not deaf. Now, tell me about your dad."
"Not much to tell really. He's been in an out of jail for as long as I can remember. But even when he was out, he wasn't the world's greatest dad if you know what I mean…pushed my mom and I around some, and honestly, when I heard he was getting out I wanted to be as far away from him as possible."
Gibbs nodded. "I can understand that…now what was he in for this last time?"
Pat thought for a moment. "Selling Heroin to some sailors. He was hit in the leg when the cops took him down, that's why he's got that limp."
Gibbs eyes widened and he looked as though he was remembering something. "He was shot by a cop?"
"That's what I just said yeah."
"And that's why he's got a limp?"
Pat shook his head. "Okay seriously, I think you might need to go lie down somewhere."
Gibbs waved his hand in front of his face. "I'm a cop kid. I'm a cop." He patted his chest.
"You're the one who shot my dad?"
Gibbs shook his head. "No I don't think so. But I think I know the guy who did."
Pat nodded. "Yeah that makes more sense."
"Why's that?"
"It's obvious…Jack Bauer wouldn't miss."
"If you would've just hit the guy in the chest you wouldn't be in this mess right now…" Tony spoke out loud to himself as he paced around outside the department. He wasn't sure where to go from here and only hoped Abby would find something relevant to their search. He also hoped she'd forgive him soon, he had never had her mad at him before and wasn't sure how to handle it. For a moment, he entertained the urge to ask McGee and his heart began to ache at the loss. He hadn't had time to grieve for him or his Father since this all began, and almost wished the search continued on, so he could avoid it even longer. At that final thought, he about faced and came to eye to eye with Ziva David.
"Can I help you?" Tony questioned and was less than inches from her face.
"The only person you should be worried about helping right now is Gibbs."
"Really? Cuz I was just thinking of folding up this little shin dig and heading to Mexico for a little vacation, wanna come with?"
Ziva shook her head. "Tony this is no time to be childish."
He threw his hands up. "Childish? Childish? Ziva in the last 48 hours I have lost my Father, McGee, and the boss is missing in action…I got Abby pissed at me, you dogging me and a headache that would make a bullet to the head sound more appealing…so yeah, I'm gonna crack a joke here and there so I can deal…so Miss David…deal with it." He stepped around her and started to pace a few steps away till he was face to face with another female. Only this time her eyes were less friendly.
"Got something." She waved for the two of them to follow her inside.
But before they followed Tony couldn't help but nod an apology towards Ziva for his little outburst. After all, he was under a lot of pressure, he only hoped whatever Abby had would help ease it.
"So what are we gonna do to get out of here Jack?"
Gibbs smiled. "I thought he was made up?"
"Yeah, well until you figure out your real name, I'm gonna go with Jack. Plus it puts me at ease to call you that, you just can't kill that guy."
"That's reassuring thanks."
"No but seriously, you got a plan?"
"What makes you think I got a plan?"
"You're a cop; you're supposed to have a plan."
"Then shut your mouth and let me think of one."
Pat smiled at the response and sat back against the wall. Gibbs couldn't help but notice his response and it sparked another memory. "Some one is gonna get us out of here…someone you remind me a lot of."
"Punk runway teen from a broken home?"
Gibbs smiled. "Something like that kid, something like that."
"Whatchya got Abs?" Tony stood close behind her.
"It's McAbby…" She corrected and gave her best attempt at an apologetic smile.
Tony mirrored her smile and gave his best attempt at one as well. "Sorry, McAbby, what do you got?"
"Well Tibbs…" she cleared her throat. "The blood types matched Steeples son, Patrick, and the other is congruent with Gibbs." She took in a short breath. "Here's where it's get interesting, I noticed a piece of debris you bagged wasn't the same as the usual dirt and rocks you collected. Turns out it comes from steel…only this particular steel is only made in two states…one plant is located in North Dakota…and the other…"
Before she finished Tony kissed her on the cheek. "That's good work." He picked up his nearby bag. "Probie you're with me. David, grab the gear."
He started out the door but Abby reached back for his arm. "Bring him back, we can't lose him too…"
He turned back and met her eyes. "I will Abs. I promise."
She released his arm and managed a smile as she watched him leave. "And it's McAbby…"
A few hours had passed and the temperature in their room was getting warmer and warmer.
"Pat, you awake?"
He picked up his head and smiled. "Unfortunately."
"Always got something smart to say, eh kid?"
Pat shrugged. "What can I say? Some people got it."
"Yeah, well you got it more than most." He attempted to stand up but couldn't. "I think I might take your Dad's cane when this is all said and done."
"What makes you think he'll be okay with that?"
Gibbs sat up straight. "I get the feeling then when this is all over, he won't have much use for it anymore." He cringed as he finished the phrase. "Sorry kid, I didn't mean for it to come off like that."
Pat looked down towards the ground. "I don't blame you."
"Now son, I thought you'd at least stick up for your old man just a little?" Steeples entered with a grin on his face, and looked back and forth at the two of them. "Two of you are getting along nicely I see?"
Gibbs nodded. "Yeah, your kids got everything you don't…brain, looks, common sense. I guess the like father like son thing has exceptions." And just as he finished the phrase, he was forced to his feet and shoved hard into the wall.
Gibbs managed a wry smile as he got his breath back. "I only hope my son is half the man yours is."
"More than half boss…more than half."