Jan 18
Love is like the wild rose-briar, friendship like the holly-tree. The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms, but which will bloom most constantly? – Emily Bronte, "Love and Friendship"
Ducky knew things were bad when Gibbs stormed into Autopsy and barked at Palmer that Abby was looking for him.
The young man, wisely deciding not to cross an irate Gibbs, immediately ran out the doors, not looking back. Ducky moved more slowly over to his desk and located a bottle of bourbon. It was supposed to be used as a birthday present, but it seemed to be required now.
"Now then Jethro," he began. "What seems to be the problem?"
"Diane's been calling for the last five hours," his friend complained, taking a few sips of his drink. "Two minutes ago, I found out that she wants more alimony."
Ducky shook his head softly. "Doesn't she get enough from you and Fornell?"
"Apparently not. I've been trying to reach Tobias; I have a feeling that she's trying to pull the same trick on him."
"Well, let's think this through. Has she gone down any official channels yet, or is this just talk so far?"
"Seems to be just talk. You don't know Diane though; I wouldn't put it past her."
"Perhaps you should get a lawyer."
Gibbs winced. "Please, Duck. I hate lawyers."
"And then ask your lawyer to tell her you plan to reduce your payments."
Gibbs considered this for a moment.
"At the very least, it would worry her," Ducky pointed out. He wasn't sure that this was the best course of action, but sometimes it didn't pay to be nice.
"I'll go and consult with Legal," Gibbs decided. He handed the now empty glass back to his friend, before returning to the elevator.
Ducky shook his head again and returned to the job at hand. Why Jethro had married the girl in the first place he did not understand.