SUMMARY: Sequel to "The SecDef Cheats." Lt. Col Cassidy moves in to NCIS and this will mean for Abby in the long run. McAbby, Drama/Romance/Angst
RATING: T - Adult subject matter, rare mild language, killer smooching.
A/N: And as promised, the chapters are coming along. Next week should see the conclusion of this one, since I won't be able to get off my couch for a few days after they hack at my knee again. :p
REVIEWS: I am always trying to improve my writing, so all constructive criticism is welcome. I would also like to thank you in advance for any reviews you might wish to leave. They really are a great boon to a writer's ego and gives you a huge incentive to live up to your expectations.
Chapter 13
A carefully bound, small stack of very expensive parchment paper sailed through the air to drop forcefully into the banker's box labeled: No Freaking Way! It was quickly followed by the exasperated grunts of the young woman draped over the couch against the far wall.
Without looking up from her own stack of well-heeled resumes and portfolios, the Colonel voiced her assessment. "Not what you're looking for?"
"Argh! How can these people actually be scientists! Parchment paper? Puh-lease!" Abby was obviously not impressed by the applicant's sense of style.
"Some people try to make a visual impression with their resumes." The Colonel was still not looking up at her frustrated companion as she spoke.
"And some people are just stuck up, pretentious dork-wads, too." That was the final straw that made the well-pressed Marine officer crack a smile and a little chuckle which drew Abby's attention from her stack.
She got up, walked over to the desk and picked through a couple more portfolios before dropping into the guest chair. The Colonel looked up from her stack and removed her glasses as she struck a pensive pose. "So, what are you looking for in an assistant then?"
Abby blew out a breath and scrunched up her mouth as she searched her mind for the answer. "I don't know… I guess they'd have to willing to put up with my music. They'd have to be killer smart; no boneheads or pencil pushers. A little bit of tech head, or they'd get lost way too easy. No snails, so totally on the ball and ready for anything. They'd need to be willing to trust my judgment, but also have the guts to question me, too. I don't want any of those 'yes' people running around. And dedicated, because all current evidence to the contrary, there can be no clock watchers in my lab." The Colonel smirked at Abby's assessment of her present restrictions. "Plus, ya know, we do important stuff, so they've gotta have the dedication to see it through. And pride; they gotta have pride in what they do, or it's just wasted effort. And they gotta know who they are, 'cause this job can really beat you up if you don't have a strong sense of self." A knowing look began to form on the Colonel's face, but she waited for Abby to finish. "They just gotta be the kind of person who jumps in with both feet, but they've always got their work boots on, ya know what I mean? They're ready for it, whatever it is."
Abby sat back up as she realized that she had slumped down in the chair and thrown her legs over the arm. She looked back to the Colonel and had to wonder about the look on her face. "What?"
"Oh, nothing really." Abby was not buying it and her face told the Colonel that, in no uncertain terms. "I was just thinking that I know that person."
"Seriously! Then let's hire 'em!" Abby's enthusiasm was one of her best qualities.
"I don't think he's available for the job. I think he's pretty happy in his current position." The Colonel's answer went well beyond cryptic and Abby was about to question her.
Before Abby could say anything further, the buzzer on the Colonel's desk went off. She reached over and pressed the button on the intercom, "Yes, Lieutenant?"
"Sir, you asked me to remind you about your afternoon appointment. They just arrived in the building, and Agent Gibbs is escorting them up, Sir."
"Affirmative, Tiner… Thank you."
The Colonel moved to stand when the voice came from the intercom again. "Sir?"
"Yes, Tiner."
"Special Agent McGee is here and is waiting for Dr. Scuito." Abby immediately jumped to her feet when the statement was made.
"Thank you, Lieutenant… Inform Agent McGee, she'll be done shortly." The Colonel held a mysterious smile on her lips, but Abby was too busy making sure she looked presentable to notice it.
"Aye, aye, Sir." The Colonel closed up her terminal and the folders shaking her head. Finally, she said, "Yes, I think he is quite happy with his current position."
Abby's head popped up in shock, instantly realizing the Colonel was referring to McGee. She tried to say something, but the Colonel pushed that intercom button again and said, "Tiner… Send Agent McGee in, please." The Colonel winked at Abby's frustration and then added, "Very happy," as the door to her office opened to reveal a barely contained McGee.
The Colonel grabbed her jacket, quickly put it on and then grabbed for her cover off the rack before saying, "Please, feel free to use my office for your meeting… I'll be out for most of the afternoon. Just make sure we have at least two candidates to call in for interviews tomorrow, please." Her words were directed at Abby, but they were meant for both sets of ears. She nodded at Tim and said, "Agent McGee… Nice to see you, but I'm afraid I have another commitment… Good day." And in a flash, the Colonel was out of the office, having closed the door behind her.
Tim looked after her with a confused expression on his face, then he turned to Abby and said, "What was that all about?"
It took Abby a few moments before she was able to respond, but she eventually recovered from the Colonel's insinuation. Was I really describing Tim? She ran back through the description in her head and realized that the only thing she left out was loyal, devoted and has that really cute little thing he always did with his head, where he tilted it to the side to ask a question and looked just like a puppy.
Tilting his head to the side, he asked, "Abby, are you okay?"
She blushed instantly seeing him use that gesture that always made her warm up just a bit. "Everything is almost perfect, Timmy."
"Almost?" He pursed his lips out in that almost pout that made her a little weak in the knees.
She walked up to him and put her arms around his neck asking, "We'd have to clone you for it to be perfect." Her sideways smile told him everything really was fine.
"Why's that? Am I not enough now?" He wrapped his arms around her waist as he asked playfully.
"Yes, but you can't be in two places at once." She kissed the end of his nose and added, "And I need you everywhere."