May 12
But friendship is a word the very sight of which in print makes the heart warm. – Augustine Birrell
Gibbs sat in his basement, a glass of bourbon in one hand and a book in another.
Placing the bourbon down, he concentrated on the book. It was hardback and had a familiar cover. Clearly McGee had used the same person for the cover design of his two books.
Although he would never admit it, he had been anxiously awaiting the release of Rock Hollow. McGee was a good author and Gibbs did read other books. Not that he advertised it; it wasn't in his nature. Knowing that the characters in the book were based on him and his team made him intrigued. He enjoyed seeing his team through McGee's eyes.
Agent Tommy was definitely spot on. Tony's desires for women, fast cars and catching bad guys were captured perfectly on paper. As were his cat and mouse games with Ziva, each of them dodging their feelings. Ziva's cold outer shell, a woman unsure of how to understand emotions, was written with great care.
Yet both of his agents chose to argue with McGee over their portrayals. He felt flattered that one of his agents regarded him highly enough to immortalize him on paper.
It felt strange to see himself – or rather LJ Tibbs – through different eyes. But it was also amusing and scarily accurate. McGee had clearly got inside his head.
As he began the book, he found himself smiling. McGee had dedicated his latest book to his friends.
'For Agent Tommy, Officer Lisa, Forensic Specialist Amy, 'Fishy', Pimmy Jalmer, Director Guinevere Tipford and LJ Tibbs. The best friends I could ask for.'