Chapter 5

Jethro just stood there watching parents and child engulfing one another taking comfort from each other and at the same time wishing for the best for their other child. Synthia's sight woke memories of something beautiful, something that had ended a long time ago but had never actually closed. It was amazing that a while ago he didn't remember about that month and now those days possessed his entire life giving it a new meaning. But at the same time, an inexplicable feeling of bitterness and anger took over.

These two people had seen Tim as a baby, as a child, as a grown up man, been there in every important event of his life; they were proud of him and so was Tim for his family, that much was obvious. Painfully so because that moment Jethro felt that he had been denied something valuable and precious. It was as if any doubt about him being Tim's father had evaporated. He just wanted to find someone to blame, someone to shout to from keeping him away from what was rightfully his, from that amazing gift; from being a parent.

As Synthia's eyes rested on him the fear he could read the expert investigator made him even angrier. Deep down he knew he had no right to be angry; after all even if Synthia wanted to tell him about Tim it would have been impossible to find a way to communicate with him. Either way once again Gibbs let the emotional part overrules the rational part of his.

Synthia recognised Jethro immediately. No matter how many years had passed, his form was a constant in her dreams. When she had met him she was only a twenty year old girl, engaged to Thom and just before getting married to him. That night she had felt suffocated by her parents' expectations; namely a good marriage and grandchildren. It wasn't that she didn't love Thom; she did. It seemed to her though that their relationship had stopped being her decision, if it ever was, any more; others ruled her life. And when those men attached her after her choice to let all of them and go out to the world came crushing on her. The one time she had taken her own decision she had put herself in danger. Ironic wasn't it? And when the blue eyed stranger saved her she made just one more decision and that was to live, even for a little while. And now those days were standing right in front of her trying to take their revenge on her and on her family.

'Mom, Dad, this is Tim's team.' Sarah said to both of them and with her hand still inside her father's she moved towards Jethro. 'This is special agent Gibbs, Tim's Boss. Now you'll know to whom he's referring when he goes Boss this and Boss that.' The brightness in her face belied the condition her brother was at, but upon remembering sadness replaced it. Jethro took McGee's hand and then Synthia's.

'Pleased to meet you. Sorry it had to happen under this circumstance.'

'Nice to meet you too, agent Gibbs. Tim talks for you and respects you a lot.' Thom said.

'Yes, I only wish we had a better view about Tim's condition.' Were the only words Synthia could utter.

'I'll see what I can do about it Mrs. McGee. By the way I'm Dr Mallard, Tim's physician in DC.'

After that Tim's parents met the rest of the team while Jethro and Synthia kept changing glances. Jethro wanted to talk with her and demand the truth despite the time and their worry about Tim. Half an hour later he got up and left the waiting room.

'I need to go to NCIS. Keep me posted for any change.' He said to Tony who was still there, being Abby's headrest.

'Alright, Boss.'

Jethro waited in the entrance for about fifteen minutes before seeing Synthia coming his way. He was certain that when she would feel safe she'll go for a cup of coffee, or anything to keep the nervousness at bay. And he was right. He was just standing there and when she saw him she paled and tried to return back to the waiting room but he didn't let her. He caught her arm and escorted her to the cafeteria.

'We need to talk.' He said as they sat on a far away table.

'About what?' Her act was good, but only for a little while. Soon she looked worried and not just because of Tim being in the intensive care.

'Is he mine?' Her face betrayed all her feelings even if she didn't want it and for a trained agent it was a piece of cake to read behind the emotions laid for him to interpret. And surprise wasn't one of them. She knew what he was asking even if she was shocked for his bluntness.

'Who's yours?' It took her more than twenty seconds to ask with as much nonchalance as she could master. He knew she had lost the game but she didn't. So he specified.

'Is Tim my son?' A flicker of something crossed in her eyes but it was too quick and Gibbs missed it. Damn.

'What are you talking about Agent Gibbs?' So, that was how she was to go. It takes two to tango though and Jethro wasn't set to continue this cat/mouse play. He had to know and he had to know now.

'Synthia, is Tim my son? And don't pretend you don't remember me because you did the moment you saw me.' He raised his brow while waiting for her answer.

'OK, Jethro. I do remember you. But why are you asking if Tim is your son?' He was starting to get tired of the small chit chat.

'Because he's been born the same year we met.'

'So?'

'I want an answer Synthia. Preferably the truth.'

'No, Jethro. Of course Tim is not your son. Thomas is Tim's father. You were just a mistake…' Well he didn't actually expect words of love and devotion or how much it had hurt being away from him so her words didn't cause any permanent damage on the ex marine.

'I won't try to take him away from you. I just want... scratch that… need to learn the truth!' He tried to reason her.

'Thomas is Tim's father. And, now, if you'll excuse me, Agent Gibbs. I want to see how my son is doing since, thanks to you, he's laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life.' That actually hurt, a slap wouldn't have hurt Jethro that much. And it made him once again question not only his beliefs but his motives as well. His mobile ringing interrupted those thoughts.

'Gibbs. Yes, I'm in the hospital cafeteria. Yes, I'll be waiting for you.' He got prepared to see the man he had just talked with.

'Jethro.'

'Tobias.' Fornell took a seat next to the NCIS agent. He didn't know why his old friend asked his help, but he was going to give it. Gibbs had stood for him when his own agency was ready to throw him away. And after all Jethro hadn't asked anything difficult or illegal.

'About last night…'

'Just the facts, Tobias. My bo… my man is fighting for his life and I'm in a hurry.' Tobias wanted to ask about McGee's condition but went straight to the facts just like Jethro had indicated.

'The two blood samples you gave me come from first degree male relatives.'

And after all this time of wondering he had his answer, he knew the truth. Now the question was; what was he going to do with it?