Ducky arrived at the scene to find Palmer sitting comfortably inside an ambulance. A sight he could have done without, but considering the alternative…
"Mister Palmer, are you alright?" He motioned that the paramedics move aside as he attempted to give him a once over.
"I'm fine Doctor." His voice was strained but he tried to assure him. "Just some bruises…I'll be okay."
Ducky took in a breath. "I'm so sorry this happened…"
Palmer swore he saw tears in his eyes. "It's alright."
"No, no it isn't." He stormed off the truck and found Gibbs speaking with someone, only to politely interrupt. "Jethro…a word?"
"Yeah, Duck?"
"That's all you have to say to me…after letting a serial killer roam around NCIS with only one armed guard…and get into an elevator with my assistant? There is protocol is there not? I cannot believe you let this happen…he could have been killed Jethro…"
"I'm aware of that Duck."
"Are you? Because Palmer is not one of your agents…this is not a part of what he signed up for."
"I know…"
The ME took in a long breath. "All that being said…thank you for saving him."
Gibbs managed a small smile. "Go be with him Duck."
And with that, he retreated back to Palmer's side. "Shall I drive you back home?"
It was then Brenda appeared and raced over to embrace him. "I suppose not." He concluded to himself and stepped off the ambulance to observe the reunion. He smiled fondly at the image before retreating to his car.
"Doctor…" Jimmy called back, assuring Brenda he would be right back. "Thanks for checking on me…means a lot…"
"I will always be your friend first and your boss second. But do think twice the next time you stay in an elevator with a suspect…I'm not sure my old heart can handle it…"
"You and me both." He managed before offering an unexpected hug. "I'll stop back in soon…"
"And I'll be waiting for you Mister Palmer."