They were in the limo headed towards what Callie called "The Ranch." Gibbs and DiNozzo had been watching the scenery as they made their way from downtown Houston to the community of Clear Lake. The area that had once been the home of the most famous men in the world, the astronauts of the Apollo space program.
Tony spoke in awe, "So, how much longer 'til we get to your property?"
Callie suppressed a grin, "We've actually been on the Harris Ranch for the last ten minutes."
Gibbs quirked a brow at the agent, "How many acres?"
"Originally started out at around 300 but over time, he's sold some off for development and rights-of-way. Kayla or Kyle can tell you exactly how much is left," Callie explained.
"And it's a working cattle ranch?" Tony asked again.
"Yes," she nodded, "a working cattle ranch, breeding champion Charolais cattle. Also, there's gas production on the back acreage and it's self-supporting. There main house is about 25,000 square feet with ten bedrooms and eight and a half baths. There's a guest house where Caroline is staying; a dive pool and pool house with wet bar; and, there's a house for the manager of the ranch and some of the hands."
Tony whistled as Gibbs just shook his head, realizing the wealth that really did exist in the Harris family. Soon, they were at the front door and being greeted by Callie's sister, Kayla.
"Ya'll come on in," she smiled, "Callie, you show them around. We're just waiting on Kyle and Nick and then we'll eat."
The men smiled at the Texas greeting and the way the younger sister ordered her older one around. Harris nodded and took it all in stride, leading the men to the study.
"Alright, I've heard enough all weekend about how I don't look like the family. Well, gentlemen, let me introduce you to Frances Elspeth Corwyn Harris, my grandmother." And with that, Callie pointed the way to a portrait of an older Callie that hung on the wall, just above the fireplace.
"Your dad's mother?" Gibbs questioned.
Callie nodded, "My great grandmother was of Scotts-Irish descent. My great grandfather was Welsh. That's the coloring you see in Kyle, Kayla and my father. Caroline's natural hair color is red, too, although she doesn't like to admit it. Apparently, those traits of my grandmother's skipped a generation and landed solely on me." With a mischievous glance at Tony, she added, "Any questions of what I'll look like older are answered in that portrait."
Tony smiled, "And she's the one that left you the cabin?"
Callie nodded, biting her lip as she did so. She paused before adding, "That's another bone of contention between my father and me."
Gibbs turned to look at the agent, "Go on."
She shrugged, "My grandfather was a steamer captain. He started Corwyn-Harris originally as a trans-Atlantic shipping company. My father expanded the business to include overland and then eventually into Canada and Mexico. My father took the company public and divided the stock four ways. One fourth each to my grandmother and grandfather. He kept a fourth and sold a fourth. When my grandfather died, he left all of his business interests to his wife, my grandmother. The stock, he divided between her and his son. My grandmother owned 39% of the company to my dad's 36%. She could, if she chose, block any votes he might have. When the company got into financial trouble in the last 70's, my grandmother loaned him money. When I came along, she basically took me over. Especially after my mother left. We had about nine months where we were constant companions. My grandmother never forgot that. So, when she died, she left her entire estate to me."
"Nothing to your father?" Gibbs asked.
Callie shook her head, "Nothing. She forgave his debt, which was considerable, but all of her other assets she put in trust for me. She had a friend that had moved to Washington, D.C. and her son was an attorney. My grandmother used him to set up everything and he's my attorney to this day."
"And you have a major stock interest in a company that you don't even like," Tony smiled.
Callie smiled back, "Yep. That's another reason he was so livid that I joined the Navy instead of going into business. And, one more thing, see I was smart enough to know that I had to have a proxy vote my shares. I always appointed someone else or had my attorney go in my stead. Once Kyle got on the board, I let him vote my stock, so long as he voted as I instructed."
"Geez, Callie, no wonder he made that requirement in his will." Gibbs said.
"Like I said, L.J., it's the only reason I'm here. Our feud is not going to effect what is rightfully Kyle and Kayla's. I won't let that happen." And Harris' tone brokered no discussion on the matter.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door calling them to join lunch.
Entering the dining room, Tony heard the conversation in Italian. Glancing around, he spotted Cal's mother and step-father. They were discussing the gathered family, but primarily Tony, Jethro and Cal. They were speculating on the relationship between the three; her mother still antagonizing Callie over her sexual preferences, inferring that she couldn't believe Harris would have a boyfriend. He tried to ignore the talk, but the twittering laughter and snide comments continued to make his blood boil.
"Agent Gibbs?" Kayla asked, "Would you sit here at the head of the table?"
Gibbs nodded his ascent as Kayla went on to seat the rest of the guests. Callie was Jethro's right followed by Tony, Nick and Kyle. On Jethro's left, Kayla seated herself, followed by Mitch, Caroline Franchetta and her husband, Beto.
The meal was sumptuous: soup or salad, followed by a main course of pork, potatoes and vegetables, and then a dessert straight out of a confectioner's dream. The conversation was polite if not stilted as the presence of Carolina and her husband made Callie uncomfortable. Also, since beginning the meal, Harris had also sensed a slight shift in Tony's attitude.
After one more pointed barb between Caroline and her husband at Callie's expense, Tony had enough. Looking at the couple, he began, in Italian, "Excuse me but I think that's enough."
The couple looked positively sick at the knowledge that they were caught in their game. Tony continued, "The woman that you continue to insult, without her knowledge I might add, is your own daughter, Mrs. Franchetta. If for nothing more than that, she deserves your respect. But, this woman is also my future wife and will be, if I'm lucky, the mother of my children. And that is more than enough to earn your respect."
Caroline started to speak but Tony stopped her, "She doesn't have a clue what we're discussing and I'll make sure she never does. But, once we part company today, ma'am, you will never be welcomed in my presence again. And on this, my future wife will more than respect my wishes."
Tony had delivered his speech with a smile but he stood, placing his napkin on the table and turned to look at his hostess. Back in English, Tony replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to monopolize the conversation but it's so rare I get to try out my Italian. The meal was wonderful, Kayla, but I hope you'll understand that we need to go ahead and leave."
Gibbs and Callie shared a quick glance as DiNozzo continued, "Callie has promised to show us around Clear Lake, including the high school."
The other two agents stood, following Tony's lead. "That's right, I did make that promise." She covered. "I hope you understand."
Kyle was quick to answer, "Of course, Cal. It's not often you get down here or bring friends. Show 'em the town. And, if you're interested, call me later. I can probably get tickets for the Rockets game tonight."
Tony smiled and thanked Callie's brother, all the while ushering the others towards the door. Once inside the limo and headed back to the apartment, Harris called the hand of the Senior Field Agent.
"What gives?"
"Yeah, I'm wondering that myself, DiNozzo?" Gibbs added.
"You mean Cal didn't promise to show us around? Did I misunderstand?" He tried for innocence.
"Anthony?" Callie pressed.
"Let's just say I don't think your mother will be visiting us any time soon." Tony continued to avoid giving a direct answer.
Gibbs just shook his head and smiled.
They spent the evening in the quiet comfort of the apartment. Callie had arranged for cold cuts, chips and dips to be brought up along with as many different types of chocolate that the kitchen had to offer. They found the basketball game and the surround sound which made it almost as good as being there in person. Gibbs laughed at the antics of the couple. They teased back and forth, the heaviness of the last week finally lifted from Callie's shoulders. He continued to watch with an almost wistful eye. Gibbs could very well imagine scenes like this would have happened between his daughter and a DiNozzo-like boyfriend: one he would outwardly insult but inwardly hope she would settle with.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gibbs' face shift slightly. She jabbed at Tony and then gave a quick nod toward the boss. Following her line, DiNozzo spoke, "Everything okay, Boss?"
Gibbs shook himself from his reverie, "Just trying to concentrate on the game which the two of you make almost impossible."
Callie smiled, "Well, while we're at a break of sorts, I've got a couple of things I need to say."
She got the attention of both men as she continued, "I know I wasn't all that receptive to you guys being here."
"Really? I hadn't noticed," Tony wisecracked.
Ignoring him, she went on, "But, I truly don't know how I would have made it without you." She looked into Tony's green eyes as she finished the statement. Then, turning to Gibbs, she added, "or you."
Both men smiled as she continued, "That said, I have one more battle to fight tomorrow morning. At the reading of the will, I'm entitled to a witness."
Gibbs spoke, "Take DiNozzo. This involves your future."
Callie shook her head, "Actually, no. It will have more to do with my past." Capturing Tony's gaze, she added, "I hope you'll understand."
He nodded and smiled, "Take Gibbs. It's alright."
Callie looked at the older agent and one of her oldest friends, "Do you mind?"
Gibbs leaned forward, "I'm honored, Harris. Whatever you need."
That done, they settled back to enjoy the rest of the evening together.