Jackson: I'm sorry about your Agent.
Gibbs: Yeah.
Jackson: The other man?
Gibbs: He's stable.
"Can I help you?"
Gibbs stood at the door way and lifted up his badge in the most gentle way possible.
"You don't know me sir, but I knew your son."
The man hesitated before stepping aside and allowing Gibbs entry to his home. "Please come in."
"Thank you sir."
"Name is Walter."
"Walter," Gibbs corrected himself. "I'm very sorry for your loss."
"Guess I'll get used to people saying that wont I?"
Gibbs shook his head. "No you wont."
The man examined his expression. "How did you know Adam?"
"He worked a case with me once…he was fresh out of FLETC and I wasn't too keen on the idea."
Walter gestured that they sit down. "You must be Agent Gibbs?"
"I've heard I can be memorable."
"He always used to say it was the best and worst seven days of his career…"
"Well sir, I saw something in your son in those seven days…that's what I came here to tell you."
Walter leaned forward. "Go on."
"I hand picked your son for the duty he was on."
"You did?"
"I knew he was a man of honor…"
"But that's all of your Agents isn't it?"
"Most but not all."
"So you chose to put my son on guard duty because you liked him? I almost wished you hated him."
Gibbs looked intently into his eyes and came right out with it. "The man, Adam…your son…was protecting was my Father."
"Your Father?"
Gibbs only nodded.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I came here…to say thank you. Your son sacrificed his life and I'm eternally grateful for that."
Walter stood at those words. "I don't need your words of sympathy."
Gibbs remained silent.
"Your choice killed my son."
"Yes it did."
"You should go now…" His response was quick, but his voice ached.
Gibbs moved towards the door but not before turning back to say two unfamiliar words. "I'm sorry."