CHAPTER II
By the time they get back to the office from West Virginia, it is late in the afternoon. Gibbs glances at his watch, wondering if he could fit in a quick follow up over at the Bethesda Medical Information office before Karen quit for the day. He really wanted to ask her if she was free this weekend and his chances were better if he gave her a couple days notice to plan. Gibbs had been married four times and he knew women did not appreciate having plans sprung on them at the last minute. They needed extra time to plan their outfit, their preparation, their hair and God only knows what else.
He looks around at his team, just settling into their desks with tired relief on their faces. Then his gaze falls to the dolly full of evidence boxes delivered to their office while they were out. He scans the inventory sheet and hands it to Kate, "Kate, see that this evidence gets logged in and processed before you three call it a night. I've got one..."
"Gibbs, can I see you for a minute, please." Gibbs stops to look up at Director Vance, leaning on the railing from the floor above the bull pen. He gives one last glance at Kate, points to the boxes on the dolly and then heads for the stairs, following his boss back into his office to brief him on the West Virginia case. The meeting lasts only a few minutes and then Gibbs is on his way back down the stairs, still intent on making it over to Bethesda before Karen takes off for the day.
Gibbs stops on the landing above DiNozzo's desk, watching as Kate struggles to unload the heavy boxes from the dolly by herself. In her skirt and heels, the task is made harder; especially since Tony is sitting at his desk, ogling her ass and not lifting a finger to help her. Kate groans softly as she sets another heavy box on the stack she has made and angrily snaps at her lazy co-worker. "You know, you could help me with these boxes... instead of gawking at my ass, Tony!"
"I could, but I wouldn't want to risk an E.E.O.C. complaint by implying you're not capable of lifting those heavy boxes yourself, Kate." He grins at her frustrated glare, but then realizes they are no longer alone when a voice above his head brings him sharply to his feet.
"You're gonna risk a pink slip in about ten seconds if you don't get off your ass and help her, DiNozzo!" Gibbs continues down the stairs and comes to stand by as DiNozzo now hurries to lift and stack the remaining boxes as Kate takes a welcome break. Gibbs waits until he has them all off the cart and stacked, then gives his senior agent a hard head slap before issuing his next order. "Tony, I want those boxes labeled and stored in the evidence room before you leave... and I want to make myself clear... YOU are to do the labeling and storing, is that understood?!" DiNozzo ducks from the hard slap and then nods his head quickly to let him know he understands. Gibbs turns to Kate and smiles, "Kate, good work today. " He takes the inventory out of her hands and thrusts it into Tony's before turning to hurry towards the elevator before either of them can comment.
Across town at Bethesda Information Center, Gibbs strides in like a man on a mission. It is five minutes to six and he's hoping Karen isn't the type of supervisor to knock off a few minutes early to beat the traffic. He enters her office, but it is empty. A quick scan of the room notes her purse and jacket are still there so he heads to the computer lab to see if she is in there. He pauses in the doorway when he sees her, bent over one of the desks as she scans the screen of one of her employees' computers. He can't help letting his eyes drift over her slim form, encased in a pencil skirt with a teasing slit up the back. It reminds him of Kate, encased in just such a tight, form fitting skirt. Her legs were perhaps more shapely than Karen's, but just as long. With a shake of his head, he quickly banishes thoughts of Kate from his mind before she derails his weekend plans.
When she stands up, she turns to see Gibbs watching her with a frown on his face. "Special Agent Gibbs... you're back. Was there a problem with the files we sent over to your office?" She knows there wasn't, but can't think of any legitimate reason for him to be back in her office again. She walks towards him and he smiles with a slight jerk of his head, telling her to follow him out into the hall where they can talk in private.
"Nothing wrong with the files you sent over... haven't even had a chance to look at them yet. Just got back from rural West Virginia." He places his hand on the small of her back as he escorts her back towards her office. "You have a few minutes?"
"Yes, for you. I told you I would make myself available to you... any time." He meets her eyes as they enter her office and he smiles as he turns to close the door.
"Good... cause I was wondering... do you like boats?" His question takes her by surprise and she stops and turns back to face him, wondering where that came from. The look she sees in his eyes lets her know this is personal for him.
She tilts her head to the side and plays along, "Sail or power boats?"
"Sail boats."
"I like to sail... do you want me to go sailing with you, Agent Gibbs?" He takes a step closer and stops when they are mere inches apart. He studies her for a long moment, feeling his pulse pounding through his veins as her soft silky perfume reaches him.
"I have a boat, but I'm not done building it yet... it's in my basement." He gives her a moment to process this information and when her mouth quirks up into a smile he leans in even closer and adds, "I'd like to show it to you... this weekend."
Her breath catches in her throat at the implications of his words. He was direct, she had to say that about this strong, silent federal agent. She slowly lets one hand slide up his chest, coming to rest over his heart where she can feel it pounding strongly. She lifts her eyes to meet his and leans in just enough to bring their lips together briefly as she gives him her answer. "Say Saturday? Unless you'll be working the weekend?"
Gibbs takes a moment to reach up and gently run a strand of her hair between his fingers. Then his hand curls around her neck, drawing her mouth up to his in a slow, gentle kiss. She sighs as she reaches up to return his caress, but he pulls away much too soon, leaving her own heart pounding erratically. "I'll be off Saturday, don't you worry." He gives her another kiss, then backs away as he reaches back for the door knob, letting himself out without ever breaking eye contact with her. Just as he is about to close the door, he hesitates and asks, "You like Thai food?" With her nod and happy smile he winks at her and closes the door. He walks down the hallway to the exit with a bit more pep in his step than before. This was going to be a good weekend if those two little kisses were any indication. Now all he had to do was get through Friday, wrap up these two cases they were working and he'd be all set for the weekend.
Friday morning arrived with good news and bad news. The good news was they had located the two marine helo pilots who had gone missing in Smokey Corners, West Virginia. Apparently one pilot had received a disturbing message from his girlfriend, which he felt was urgent enough to warrant the misappropriation of a Marine helicopter to get him home as soon as possible. His co-pilot, not wanting to be a third wheel had offered to lay low off base for the weekend until his partner got his family issues resolved and got back to base. Hasty decisions were never a good idea and it proved even worse for these two, who never stopped to think the helo would be reported missing when he dropped off the radar in rural West Virginia.
The bad news was they were still trying to locate the Petty Officer who was using the Bethesda's Medical Information Center computers to hide his embezzlement of narcotics through bogus prescriptions. They had managed to find his roommate, but he couldn't provide any further information. With the case at a dead end momentarily, Gibbs thought it would be a good time to have some team tactics training... maybe burn off a little steam after their stressful week. He knew he needed to bring his tension level down a few notches before his date with Karen or he wouldn't be able to control himself.
The team always grumbled about training and mandatory exercise time in the Navy Yard's gym, but he knew they secretly enjoyed the opportunity to relax and have some fun now and then. It is mid-morning and they are all at the gym, warming up in their own ways before the training begins. Gibbs is the last one to arrive and scanning through the others present, he sees his team at the far side, near the grappling mats. As he does so often, he walks up behind Tony and Tim without them being aware of his presence. He stops as he overhears them talking and a frown creases his brow as they stare at Kate doing her yoga warm up routine a short distance away. Jealousy flares in his gut; Gibbs' immediate reaction whenever another man showed any interest in Kate.
" Did I tell you, Probie? She's like crazy flexible... look at her!" As he speaks, Tony tilts his head to one side, following Kate's graceful motions with a leering smile and a low groan.
McGee also tilts his head slowly to one side, mimicking Tony, with his eyes glued to Kate's ass. "She is really limber... wow, I didn't know that position was even possible." As Kate continues to stretch, she ignores her onlookers, knowing it will only make matters worse if she confronts them. The situation with Tony had started out like sibling banter, but now it had developed into full blown sexual harassment and Kate knew it was partly her fault. She had allowed it to go on so long that now whenever she tried to make him stop, he just thought she was teasing him. She sighs in frustration, not sure what to do about it now and moves to another position. Both agents heads slowly track her movements to the other side.
"Man... I would love to get my hands on... aaahhh!" With a suddenness of a striking tiger, Gibbs steps up, grabs DiNozzo by the arm, plants his right leg behind him and slams the younger man down to the mat on his back. With the wind knocked out of him and Gibbs is kneeling on his chest with his knee pressed into Tony's windpipe, he is just barely able to gasp for air.
The anger flashing in Gibbs' eyes is more than enough to keep Tony perfectly still on the ground, knowing Gibbs is capable of crushing his windpipe in one move. Gibbs curls his lip back in a snarl as he fights to control his anger at Tony's callous treatment of Kate. Gibbs has been trying to ignore his attitude to Kate, letting her handle him on her own, but this was too much and it has gone on long enough. "Do you know how far up your ass my foot is gonna be if I EVER hear you talk like that about Kate again?!"
"Aaahhh... yes... boss... but..." Tony gasps for air as Gibbs lifts his knee just enough to allow him to gasp for air and speak. McGee is standing nearby, stunned at the violent appearance of their boss. He knows they were overheard and wonders if he is next, but Gibbs keeps his attention focused on Tony as he leans his weight onto the younger man's chest and glares down at him.
"But what!?"
"But... boss... its Kate." Tony gives him his best smile, hoping this explains everything. It wasn't like this was the first time he'd made some kind of sexual comment to Kate. They were always at it, him dishing it out and Kate giving it right back to him.
Gibbs lowers his voice to a deadly whisper, "Exactly, DiNozzo. It is Kate... and yes, she's a strong and independent woman. She's also highly trained, skilled federal agent who was handpicked to protect the president of the United States! Do you really think your immature boyish crush gives you the right to sexually harass, stalk and torment her every minute of every day with your teen-age antics!?"
"Uhm, no, boss... I guess not." He stares up into the flushed face of his very irate boss and knows he's finally pushed the limit too far. He honestly didn't think he was doing anything wrong, and makes one last attempt to explain. "But, Kate... she doesn't mind... I mean, she gives it right back to me. Every day..."
"What I hear EVERY DAY is Kate telling you to stop, to leave her alone, to grow up and be more professional, DiNozzo! I see a professional agent trying her hardest to deal with your immature shit, while still trying to maintain a workable relationship... because she has no choice!" He stops and rocks back on his heels a little bit, relieving the pressure on DiNozzo's chest as he takes a deep breath to control his anger before he continues. "I am warning you, Tony, stay the hell away from Kate, unless it's in the official performance of your duties or you'll have to answer to me... do I make myself clear?!"
He doesn't wait for an answer as he suddenly stands up, bouncing his knees off DiNozzo's chest and causing him to groan once more. He momentarily glares over at McGee who is frozen in place. He points one finger at the young, innocent agent and snarls, "And you, McGee... I expected better out of you. Don't ever let me catch you doing this again... ever!"
"No boss... no, it won't ever happen again!" McGee instinctively steps back as Gibbs steps over Tony's prone body, but doesn't move fast enough to avoid the head slap his boss delivers before walking away from them. McGee stands there chastised and mortified that Gibbs caught them ogling Kate. He looks down to Tony, who is equally shocked at the reprimand, but hides it behind his characteristic humor.
"Probie... you really think Gibbs meant that... the ever part? I mean... come on, its Kate, right?" He grins up at his young partner, but gets only an angry glare in return as McGee shakes his head in disgust and walks away to go work out on his own.
Gibbs takes several deep calming breaths as he walks over to where Kate is now standing. The anger is still flashing in his eyes as he sighs inwardly, realizing the root of his anger had been his ever growing feelings for Agent Todd. Normally he wouldn't have jumped down another guy's throat for ogling a pretty woman, but with Kate it was different. He knew Kate better than he wanted to admit and he knew how much Tony's disrespect hurt her. She has worked hard to make it in the boy's club of the military world and had excelled. She had risen above the men who believed she could only succeed on her back; she had shown them all that she was better than them, but at what cost. As he approaches he can see it in her eyes... she knew he had felt the need to step in on her behalf. Kate hated it when men thought she was some china doll that needed protecting, but Gibbs didn't care. He could not allow any man to treat her with such disrespect.
Kate is strapping on protective half gloves in preparation for her sparring match in the ring as part of their training. Gibbs casually stops beside her and reaches for a pair of gloves for himself. "You're in the ring with me, Kate. Come on, I need to work off some stress."
He hops up onto the platform and slips between the ropes to await his opponent. They have sparred many times and he knows she was the kick boxing champion; two years running at the Secret Service. He loves sparring with her because she was not only a talented fighter, but graceful as well. Kate enters the ring, strapping on her padded helmet as she gives Gibbs a knowing look.
"Rather go a few rounds with Tony... to be honest."
"I know, but I can't afford to have him off work with any broken bones. Me, I'm a bit tougher than he is... you can take your frustrations out on me."
Their eyes meet and she smiles at him and with a slight nod of her head begins to circle around her opponent, looking for an opening. It takes them a few minutes to loosen up and get into it, but before long they have drawn a crowd to watch as the match intensifies. Gibbs has learned from earlier matches with Kate that she is quick and lethal if given the opening. He also learned that holding back because she was a woman... was a sure way to piss her off and then she was brutal in the ring.
They are working up a good sweat now, breathing hard as they stalk each other with strikes, kicks and swift take downs. Kate has gotten in several good maneuvers and the crowd is calling out encouragement, "Give it to the boss"' and "Show him who's boss, Kate." Tony and McGee have also wandered over to watch, but after their earlier rebuke, they remain silent.
Gibbs manages to get in a good roundhouse kick to Kate's body, which she blocks with her arm, but it still sends her flying onto her back in the ring. Hearing her groan, Gibbs stops momentarily wondering if he actually hurt her by using too much force. He comes to stand over her, bending at the waist as he looks into her eyes and breathlessly pants, "You okay, Kate?"
Kate grins up at him, her ploy working perfectly as Gibbs has just fallen into her trap. With speed and a flexibility that has the others' mouths hanging open, Kate arches her hips up off the mat, catching Gibbs around the upper torso and trapping both his arms as she clamps her legs together and twists her body. Gibbs is caught off guard and groans as he is slammed down to the mat on his back, his body held in the strong, vise like grip of her thighs. He tries to twist out of her hold, but only manages to turn in her grip so he can see her grinning down at him triumphantly. He suddenly realizes he doesn't want to escape this hold and relaxes his body as his left hand loudly taps the mat three times.
The crowd erupts in cheers as Gibbs concedes defeat and Kate grins as they call out their congratulations for beating Gibbs into submission. Gibbs can't help but laugh at the good natured comments thrown his way as well. Within a few minutes, the crowd has dispersed and Gibbs and Kate are left alone in the ring. She has relaxed her grip around his torso, expecting him to sit up, but he merely settles back with his head resting on her knee. She feels a warmth spread through her at the intimate contact, but tries to hide the effect Gibbs has on her. She cocks her head to one side and studies him for a long moment.
"Did you let me win, Gibbs?" She holds his gaze for several seconds.
A slow smile spreads across his face, "Hell yea... I'll let you win every time if I end up here." His head rolls to the right until he softly nips at the black spandex covering her thigh with his teeth.
A thrill of excitement suddenly explodes in Kate's belly, causing a gasp to escape her. Luckily, no one is paying attention to them and Gibbs is the only one to see her reaction. She quickly covers it up and uses her free leg against his hip to push him away from her. Gibbs realizes he is dangerously close to letting her see his true feelings so he chuckles and quickly gets to his feet. He then turns back to offer her a hand in getting up. As she comes face to face with him again, she has her emotions under control. She may be sexually attracted to her hard core boss, but she also loves him for his gentle side as well.
She uses her gloved hand to gently punch him in the gut. "Thanks, Gibbs... for earlier. "
He just smiles and holds her eyes for a long moment before he nods and turns away to remove his gloves and answer his phone. Kate heads to the opposite corner to do the same. A moment later, Gibbs snaps his phone shut and calls out to his team, "DiNozzo, McGee! Training day's over... they found the Petty Officer from Bethesda... lying in a ravine at Rock Creek Park. Let's go!"