Callie led the way from the conference room. She didn't know if Blevins was behind her or not but she didn't care. She took her frustrations out on the wall, slamming the elevator call button. As the doors slid open, she moved aside, making sure not to touch the slimy attorney.
Blevins actions implied as much disdain with Callie as she had for him. He couldn't wait to be out of the building and out of her presence. His opinion of Calvin Harris' oldest daughter had never been favorable, especially after her high school years. Her abrupt departure for the Navy upon graduation only reinforced his theory.
Cal watched as Blevins entered the elevator with no other words spoken. She continued to stare long after the doors closed and he was gone. This was how Gibbs saw her as he approached from Abby's lab. Lost in all thought, Harris never heard him. It was only when she sensed his presence and confirmed it in the dull reflection of the doors.
She turned around to the Senior Agent and spoke quietly, "I need to talk to you in private. Please?"
It was that "please" that got Gibbs' attention. He nodded and led Harris back to one of the Interrogation Rooms. Sitting nonchalantly on the corner of the table, Jethro waited for her to continue.
"I need some time off." Callie stated flatly.
Gibbs nodded, "Okay. You've got time coming. How long do you need?"
"A week? Be back in the office by next Wednesday?"
"Alright. I'll put in the request."
Callie sighed, thinking she had dodged a bullet. She really should have known better as Gibbs continued, "Why, all of a sudden, do you need off?"
She responded quietly, "My father died Sunday and I've got to go to Houston for the funeral."
Gibbs straightened up on the table, "I didn't think you were particularly close to your father."
"I'm not. I wasn't. It's…" she never made eye contact as she fumbled for words, "It's something I need to do. I mean, I actually was raised with some manners. So, it's the right thing to do."
Gibbs looked at her through narrowed vision. She wasn't exactly lying but, he knew, she wasn't telling the whole truth. He continued, "Okay. I'll get the paperwork handled for you and Tony…"
"No!" Callie interjected quickly; too quickly. "I mean, no. Just me. Tony won't be going."
"And does he know this?" The humor undisguised in Jethro's question.
"Look. I just found out less than fifteen minutes ago my father was dead when his personal snake of an attorney dropped the bombshell. That's why I was at the elevator, making sure he was gone. I saw you and here we are. I haven't had time to bring Tony up to speed but this situation doesn't require his attention or someone to hold my hand. I'm in and out and back at my desk by next Wednesday. There's no reason to upset the entire team."
Gibbs was surprised by the edge in Callie's voice. There was definitely something to this situation and he knew his Senior Field Agent wasn't going to be any less placated by Red's explanation.
"Fine," Jethro finally answered, "but go ahead and leave today."
"Why?" Her tone was shocked.
Gibbs stood up as he explained, "You're not going to be able to focus on anything remotely resembling work for the rest of the day. Get out of here and get packed. Get ready for whatever it is you're going up against in Houston."
Callie started to say something else but changed her mind. Giving a quick nod and a barely audible "thank you," she headed back to the bullpen to gather her things. Gibbs followed at a discreet distance.
Harris went straight to her desk and grabbed her bag. Gibbs took a seat behind his computer, continuing to observe his agent. McGee, for his part, chose to ignore everyone else and acted as if nothing unusual was happening. From his station, Tony watched Callie's action with interest. She realized she had avoided his stare for as long as possible so she finally walked over to the corner of his desk.
"Something to tell me?" he inquired with a raised brow.
"Not here," Callie said quietly, "Tonight. At the apartment."
"Fine," Tony answered, "See you tonight."
Callie nodded and then left. As soon as the elevators confirmed her departure, both Tim and Tony were standing in front of the Agent in Charge.
"How long?" Tony asked with no preamble. Gibbs smiled. He wasn't surprised that his other agents already knew what had happened.
"A week. Be back next Wednesday." Gibbs replied.
"Just her?" Tony asked again.
Gibbs smiled, "Uh huh."
DiNozzo's face registered his displeasure, "Boss, I…"
"Already on it, DiNozzo. Tim? You in or you just want to take the next week off?" Gibbs asked.
McGee smiled, "If the two of you are doing what I think you're doing, I'll just take the week off. I saw her with that attorney. I wouldn't touch that powder keg with a ten foot pole."
Gibbs nodded his understanding, "Okay, then. Pack it in and we'll see you next Wednesday."
McGee didn't have to be told twice. He gathered his things and headed out to enjoy a quiet week at home.
Tony looked at his boss and mentor, "So, what do we do?"
"Give me the name of the lawyer. Let me see what information I can get out of him or his assistant. In the mean time, you finish putting in our leave requests and check flights out to Houston. I'm betting she's not leaving any earlier than she has to so look for something tomorrow." Gibbs instructed.
"On it, Boss," Tony replied.
Like it or not, Callie Harris was not going on this adventure alone.