Tony's Salvation Chapter 8
Gibbs stands up when he hears Tony's softly worded question. "What are you doing out of bed DiNozzo?"
"Smelled something good and went looking for it but got distracted when I heard my name."
Laurie stands up and heads for the kitchen to bring Tony his food when he grabs her by the arm. The grip is firm but not hurtful as he leads her back to the couch and sits beside her. He looks over at Abby and asks,
"Abby, would you mind getting that for me please? I need to talk to the commander for a minute."
Abby nods and exits the room. She exchanges a worried look with Gibbs as she leaves, but says nothing. In the kitchen she pulls the plate of food out of the warmer and opens the fridge to pull out the bowl of salad that had been set aside for the sleeping agent.
Gibbs frowns at Tony as he says, "She's only trying to help Tony."
"I want to know just what in the HELL is going on. Why did you bring in a Navy SEAL to help me? What did I do that you felt you needed the protection of a commando?"
Tony's hurt and confusion is felt by all in the room. Tim starts to say something when Laurie beats him to it.
"They care about you Tony. They are concerned for your welfare. As for my being a SEAL, that's just part of who I am."
"And what else, are you a shrink too?"
"Yes, when the occasion asks me to be. Am I here to evaluate you? Only if you want me to. That's what I was telling the others when you walked in."
The steady look in her eyes, the solemn tone of her voice convinces him that she's telling the truth. He takes her hand, turns it over in his, traces the lines in her palm.
"You said that you have degrees in chemistry, medicine and cooking. What does that make you today?"
She meets his eyes again, "A retired physician, almost retired Navy SEAL, and a thriving restaurant owner."
Gibbs stands straighter when she mentions retirement. "You're retiring from the SEALs, why?"
"I've been in the teams since I was a teenager. Most of my teammates are dead or retired, and I really don't want to be a desk jockey."
Gibbs starts to say more but Abby comes in then with Tony's meal. Tony eats with deliberation, savoring each bite. He questions Laurie about spices that she's used and she tells him.
"Can you tell me just what my role is in this whole situation?" Tony's question brings their attention back to the situation at hand.
"That's entirely up to you. I am interested in opening a restaurant and would like to keep you as my guide, but I understand that you may not want to. If that's the case, I'll do a little sight-seeing and head back home."
Gibbs exchanges a look with Abby. They'd both caught the hint of loneliness in her last sentence.
"For tonight you're staying here." Everyone hears the command in Gibbs voice and they all turn to face him.
"You said that you have time off. Spend tomorrow relaxing and enjoying our part of the country. While you do that take the time to think about what life holds in store. Tony, how are you feeling? You were in considerable pain earlier."
"It's almost gone Boss. Whatever pain medication she used was, it worked." The others stay silent knowing that she hadn't used any medication.
Soon Tony is finished eating and they all gather around the two laptops that Tim had had the foresight to bring from work. Abby and Tim input the information that Laurie requires for a new restaurant and soon even Ducky is contributing ideas about locations. Tony listens from the couch. He's holding Laurie's hand again, something everyone on his team has taken notice of. Listening to the ideas that roll out of the others' mouths, he realizes that there is one place no one has mentioned.
He looks up at Gibbs as he says, "There's one location, and now that the rubble has cleared that could be prime real estate. It's located in Georgetown and would be great way to serve the military community."
Tony's referring to the lot where Jenny Shepherd's home used to be. Gibbs, as Jenny's sole beneficiary and executor of the estate has complete ownership. When no one says anything, Tony starts tensing, wondering if he's finally overstepped his bounds.
"That would be a wonderful way to honor Jennifer's memory, Jethro. You have been wondering what to do with it." Ducky's comment seems to jar the others from their stupor.
"It is a good idea Gibbs. If Laurie actually likes it, maybe we can put up a plaque in memoriam." Abby's comment is met with a smile from Laurie.
"McGee, you're rather silent. What's your opinion?" Gibbs has been watching his youngest agent's expressions. For all the growth the younger man has made as an agent, he'll never be a good poker player; his expressive face reflects his emotions way to easily.
"I was just remembering something boss."
Gibbs is about to insist that McGee tell them what he means when a quiet voice from across the room stops him.
"If it's important you can always tell us later, Tim. I'm not under a timeline here, there is no rush."
Tim nods and notices that Tony is hiding a yawn. He gives Abby a subtle nudge as he says, "Hey guys, it's getting late; I'm heading for bed."
"Make your bunk in here McGee. Ducky you can stay here too."
"I thank you for the offer Jethro, but I have to go and take care of the dogs. Timothy, I had Abigail bring Jethro over to my place, so you won't have to worry about him tonight."
"Abbs, you and the commander can share the guest room. DiNozzo," Gibbs voice trails off when he looks at the couch and sees Tony sound asleep, leaning heavily against Laurie. Gibbs goes to the hallway closet and grabs out a pillow and comforter. Returning to the den, he finds Tim and Abby helping Laurie move Tony into a more comfortable position on the sofa.
Gibbs is a little surprised but then realizes that his agent still has a firm grip on Laurie's arm. He starts to step forward to remove Tony's hand when Laurie shakes her head.
"No, it's going to take a while before he's comfortable enough to get a deep sleep while I'm around. Let him get used to my presence. His instincts as a cop are taking over, just let him be."
"He can hurt you." Gibbs is remembering the night before.
"No, not really; last night was defense and he restrained himself once he realized that I wasn't his enemy."
"He's not letting you leave."
She smiles, and he knows that she's been in similar situations. Tim sets up a sleeping bag and asks if she could tell them about her experiences. Before she can Gibbs tells them that it's late and that Tony needs sleep. Tim, ever the gentleman hands Laurie his pillow and asks if she needs help with the sleeping bag before heading upstairs with Abby. The Goth and the geek talk long into the night before falling asleep, cuddled in each others arms.
Gibbs lingers in his kitchen, drinking the last of the coffee as he sets the pot for the morning's brew. As he heads down the hall towards his room, he peeks into the den and smiles at the sight before him. Tony has slipped off the couch and is curled up behind the commander. Laurie looks up from her position and shrugs her acceptance. Satisfied that his family is secure, Gibbs heads for his own bed and a few hours of sleep.
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Next chapter--the truth behind the nightmares...be warned a slight twist to the DiNozzo family canon ahead.