Chpt 3

Laurie nods as she analyses what she's learned so far. Taking a deep breath she finally looks out her car window and sighs in admiration. "What a beautiful home."

Gibbs smiles at her appreciation. "My wife and I built it shortly before our daughter was born. I've never been able to part with it, couldn't bear to when they were both killed. Since then, it has become the team sanctuary almost."

She's nodding trying not to look like a goose-necked tourist. "I understand what you mean."

He looks at her and sees the same sadness and loneliness that he tries to hide. "Who?"

"I lost my husband in WWIII just shortly after the war started. I lost our unborn son in a car accident shortly afterwards."

"I'm sorry."

"Me too, but maybe that's the kind of thing that keeps us going."

Gibbs nods slowly as he escorts her inside. As she enters the hall entryway, he can see her almost visibly melt. The highly polished hardwood floors and wainscoted walls are complemented with colorful throw rugs and pastel painted walls. Pictures of the NCIS team through the years populate the wall leading into the living room. Staring at the changes in the team she tries to formulate a plan to help the team recover one of their own.

Laurie sits in one of the suede covered la-z-boy chairs and glances up at her companion. She has two separate photos in her hands. One from the early days when Tony first joined the team and one from the last Christmas party.

"I can try Gibbs. That's all I can promise at this point. He's hurting, that much was obvious from the little conversation I did have with him. I also want to tell him exactly what I am."

She's referring to her status as not only a licensed psychiatrist but that as an active Navy SEAL.

"I don't know. Admittedly he's not one for secrets, and we all can understand why that is. I would advise telling him right away if you can at least about the psychiatrist. He might be head over heels about you being a SEAL."

"Why's that?"

"You'll find out." He's actually smiling as he imagines Tony's excitement at the thought of a female Navy SEAL.

"Okay, well now onto the other course of business. Do you know of any sites that might be available for a new restaurant? Do you want to have Tony escort me or will you assign someone else while you keep Tony in the field?"

"I know of one or two and I think I will have DiNozzo meet you here and show you around."

She nods in acceptance. They continue talking for another hour. Gibbs is about to suggest lunch when he sees the yawn she's trying in vain to hide.

"What time did you get in?" He's referring to whatever mission she'd just returned from.

"The same time Abby called me. I'd been helping some friends move and had just gotten back from a SEAL mission prior to that."

"Catch a nap and I'll have DiNozzo bring us some lunch. Pizza good for you?"

"Mmm hmm thanks."

Gibbs slips away and pulls out his cell phone. He makes two quick calls one to the local pizza shop and then calls Tony so he can pick up the pizza from their favorite shop. Tony is slightly surprised by the request but says nothing as he agrees to pick up the food. He does ask if Gibbs needs any drinks brought in and agrees to pick up a case of cola.

Gibbs meanwhile is studying his guest. She's younger than he'd imagined her to be. From what he can tell she's about the same age as Tony or maybe even McGee. The puzzle for him is her ranking and the fact that she's in command of her own SEAL team. He flips his phone open and speed dials McGee.

"McGee do a background check on Commander Laurie Fields, US Navy SEAL." The other side is silent for a full two seconds as Tim realizes what Gibbs has just said. He quickly complies and whistles softly when the file comes up. "Umm, boss, the file is coming up as ALPHA/OMEGA CLEARANCE all capital letters."

Gibbs sighs as he realizes the implications of that particular clearance level. "Okay thanks McGee. Good job."

"Sure thing Boss."

As Tony pulls into the driveway, Gibbs notices that the sleeping Laurie awakens almost immediately. Tony knocks and enters the house carrying the pizza boxes and the carton of cola. Laurie looks at the soda and smiles in appreciation. Most people buy Coke when they pick up colas and for some reason Tony had picked up Pepsi. Of all the cola products Pepsi is Laurie's favorite.

"Hey boss here's the pizza and oh, uh, hi there." He finally notices Laurie walking out of the living room.

"Tony, I'm going to ask for a personal favor here. I'd appreciate it if you would escort Commander Fields around town. I have McGee working on another project and need your assistance."

"What exactly will this entail boss?"

"I'm here in a business capacity. I'll be retiring from the SEALs soon and want to expand my restaurant business. Abby has suggested that there might be opportunities in this section of the United States for a restaurant such as mine. Agent Gibbs has suggested one or two possible locations and thought that you might have a building or two in mind if those won't accommodate my needs."

Tony throws an exasperated look at his boss who returns it with a mild one of concern as he realizes, "Commander, do you have a place to stay while you're here?"

"Abby invited me to share her coffin, but I'm really not wanting to face that quite yet." The droll look on her face actually brings a smile to Tony's. Gibbs hides a smile as enters the kitchen and he offers to put her up in his spare room. Tony's smile turns into a dropped jaw. He's never known Gibbs to bring an unknown person into their fold. Then again, he might do so to keep an eye on her. That thought comforts him and he offers up a small smile as Gibbs brings out a beer and hands it to him. Gibbs opens up the other beer in his hand and offers Laurie a can of soda and a glass with some ice cubes in it. She accepts with a small smile and a soft thank you.

The trio finishes eating. Laurie finishes her last slice and puts up her hand to hide another yawn. Gibbs suggests that she go ahead and take a nap. That will give him and Tony time to find more locations and a chance to talk. She nods tiredly and heads up the stairs. Gibbs follows her up and watches as she falls asleep as soon as her head touches the pillow. He then drapes an afghan over her and heads back downstairs. Tony is still sitting in mild shock at the thought of someone other than the team or a redhead is inhabiting the spare room.

The familiar whap of Gibbs hand against his head brings Tony out of his stupor. "Sorry boss. What time should I come over tomorrow? Why is she so tired?"

"You're staying the night and she'll have to explain it Tony. For right now let's brainstorm on restaurant locations."

"Do you want to wake her up for supper?"

"Nah let her sleep. She can forage in the fridge if she gets hungry."