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: Here's a nice little fluffy chapter before I start ripping it up again.
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 14
Gibbs was flanked on all sides by three older men, one wearing the typical closely cropped buzz cut of a United States Marine. He was busy showing them the finer points of the bullpen when the Colonel came trotting down the stairs with her cover tucked neatly under her arm.
Gibbs smirked and turned the men's attention to the stairs. "Well, gentleman, looks like she found us."
She came to an abrupt stop and gave a smart salute that was quickly returned by two of the men. The third man, the one with the comparatively longer hair, stepped forward to the Colonel and smiled. "Well, you two can stand on ceremony, but I can thank my flat fleet and bad eye sight for this one." He grabbed the Colonel up into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Good to see you, Princess."
Col. Cassidy stepped out of her father's embrace and said, "Thanks, Daddy… The perfect way to instill respect is to have your father call you Princess." The other men around her all laughed.
"What I know of you, Peanut, I doubt the old man's PDA could put even a speck of tarnish on that brass." The buzz cut man moved forward for his own hug.
"Thanks, Pop, but you aren't helping either." The Colonel gave Gibbs a somewhat pained expression, hoping he understood the dynamics of a family's ability to embarrass you to no end.
"And I bring tidings from the Old Man. I was given strict orders to send his best, Gwenny, and since I outranked you, you can't say a word." The taller and balding man leaned forward to give her a peck on the cheek.
Col. Cassidy blushed slightly and then turned to Agent Gibbs. "Gunny, I should probably introduce you," pointing to the tall balding man she said, "This is Admiral Chegwidden… Admiral, this is Agent J-"
"Ah, Agent Gibbs and I are already acquainted." The Colonel gave both men a questioning look, but decided to drop it.
"Okay then, the sharp looking gentleman here on my left, is Gunnery Sergeant John James Cassidy, United States Marine Corps, retired…" She smiled at the man and added, "And my father-in-law."
Gibbs saluted the man and smirked, "Good to meet another Gunny."
The older man extended a hand, which Gibbs gladly took as he said, "I thought I spotted a little leather on that neck, Agent Gibbs." Gibbs nodded and the two men smiled.
Col. Cassidy continued her introductions, "And this long haired, country gentleman on my right is Mr. Emerson Nathaniel Baldwin, my father."
He reached his hand out to Gibbs and said, "But most people just call me Butch…" He tilted his head to the side and said, "My mother taught American Literature, so she got a little carried away with the names."
"I understand… Try growing up with Leroy Jethro." The two men shared a knowing laugh. Gibbs looked at the men and had to ask, "So, other than the Colonel, what brings you all to Washington?"
The Admiral spoke up first, "That's gonna be my fault… Got myself a new ship and decided to treat the boys to a nice little trip." The Admiral looked at the other two men and smiled, "One of the many joys of living to see retirement."
"Speak for yourself, old man… Some of us are still earning our keeps."
"Yeah, but do you really think building boats and playing with computer geeks is working?" And the battle of the geezers was on.
The Colonel knew what was coming and worked to head it off at the pass. "Okay, now I don't need any bloodshed in the bullpen, boys. Besides, you're sailin' one of his boats, and I work with computer geeks all the time, and it ain't no holiday, I can tell you."
Gibbs worked to contain his laughter, both with the men's argument and with the sudden emergence of the Colonel's dormant accent.
"Colonel… I'm going to leave you to your guests… And if might say." He paused long enough to get everyone's attention before continuing, "I understand a lot more about you now."
Gibbs walked away shaking his head and smiling at the scene he had just been privy to. He may not always understand the Colonel's actions, but he no longer had any questions about her character or her motivations. He was going to just have to trust that whatever she had up her sleeve was in the best interest of everyone involved. He only hoped that Jen was going to see things the same way, but after the report he just read, he seriously doubted it.