Chapter Thirteen: In The Know
Abby's heart nearly stopped beating when she got a hit on the license plate of the car Lisa had stolen at the Indiana rest stop. After weeks with very little to go on they finally had a clue. She snatched up her phone and quickly dialed Fornell's phone number, her fingers tapping impatiently against her desk while she waited for him to answer.
"I found the car Lisa stole!" she all but yelled as soon as she was connected.
"Where?" Fornell asked.
"At a tow yard in Oklahoma."
"Search for other stolen cars in the state," Fornell instructed. "I'll call the tow yard and find out where they picked it up."
"Should we tell Gibbs?"
"Let's hold off and see what else we turn up," Fornell replied. "I'd rather be able to tell him we have a clue about where they went next."
"Okay," Abby said.
"Let me know what you find out."
"I will."
Fornell called the tow yard and was told where they picked the car up and that it had most likely been abandoned simply because it ran out of gas. Unfortunately the car had been found in the middle of nowhere. He called every police station in a one hundred mile radius but none of the small town officers reported any newcomers to their towns or any sightings of Lisa and LJ. Fornell couldn't even make an educated guess about where to look for them.
Things got even more baffling when Abby called and told him all the stolen cars in the area were accounted for. It appeared Lisa had fallen off the face of the earth. It wasn't exactly the news he wanted to give Gibbs but he couldn't put it off any longer. He pulled out his phone and dialed his friend's number.
"Jethro, how ya holdin' up?"
"Doin' the best I can," Gibbs answered. "Do you have news?"
"We found the car Lisa stole from the rest stop," Fornell replied. "A trooper found it on the side of the road in Oklahoma last week and had it towed. According to the tow yard, the only thing wrong with it was an empty gas tank."
"Any sign of LJ?" Gibbs asked hopefully.
"I'm sorry," Fornell answered. "There're no unaccounted for stolen cars anywhere in the area and I called every police station in a hundred mile radius. A lot of small towns. Nobody's seen and newcomers. There's no sign of Lisa and LJ."
Gibbs wasn't sure how to respond to that. It wasn't the news he'd been hoping for. How could they have just disappeared? Did they find a vacant home or rundown barn to hide out in? Had they hitchhiked somewhere? Were they dead on the side of the road?
"I'm gonna take McGee and Sacks and head out there," Fornell said. "It's thin but it's all we've got right now."
"Alright," Gibbs replied, resisting the urge to insist on going with them.
"I'll call you as soon as I know something."
As the weather got nicer and the temperatures more comfortable, Lisa started helping out with the animals more and more so LJ could play outside. Her son wasn't quite as defiant when he had a little more space to roam and more to keep him occupied. The little boy had taken a liking to Diesel, one of Blake's dogs that looked a lot like Dash. The two would spend hours roaming the yard, building forts out of anything and everything they could find, digging up bugs, harassing the chickens and teasing the goat.
Naptime had gone from Lisa trying to put her son down in his bed to LJ running and playing outside until he got so tired he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore and laid down wherever he happened to be. Diesel was always right there with him, keeping watch over the sleeping child. LJ knew when he woke up from his nap, Blake would be back from the fields soon and his focus turned to watching for his friend. He'd let his momma change his diaper and feed him but other than that, the distance between them continued to grow.
"LJ," Lisa called, "I'm going to start dinner. Stay where I can see you from the window."
LJ turned away from his mother without acknowledging her. "Tum on Deek," he said. Diesel had turned into Deek because it was easier for LJ to pronounce but the dog didn't seem to mind.
The two headed for the backyard to wait for the cowboy to return home. They chased birds and bunnies and nearly caught an unsuspecting baby squirrel before it scurried up a tree and safely out of reach. Diesel found a stick and laid down in the grass to chew on it and LJ laid his head on the dog's belly and looked up at the clouds, pointing and babbling on and on. When Blake's face appeared above him, LJ smiled sweetly at him.
"Whatcha see up there?" Blake asked, laying down next to the little boy.
LJ moved his head from the dog's tummy to Blake's and pointed out clouds that resembled fish and boats and trains. Blake found cars and sheep and one that looked like a horse before LJ lost interest and instigated a tickling war with the cowboy. Blake was tired and sore after the long day's work but obliged the almost two year old before standing and lifting him high up into the air and flying him into the house.
"Dinner's almost ready," Lisa said. "I hope pork chops are okay."
"Sounds great," Blake said. "Smells good too. LJ, let's wash our hands and set the table for Momma."
LJ looked back and forth between his mom and Blake and considered saying no but decided that since Blake asked him, he would do it. "Mm-kay."
"Nice to see him obeying someone," Lisa snarked.
"I'm sure this is rough on him," Blake said as he rubbed his hand over LJ's hair. He wasn't thrilled about some of the comments Lisa made in front of her son. The boy was getting better. He was only crying for his daddy when he woke up in the morning and right before bed instead of all day long. Blake was guessing the anger towards his mother would wear off soon too. "I walked through the strawberry fields on my way home. They looked pretty ripe. Do you guys wanna go pick strawberries after dinner?"
"Maybe I'll stay here and make a pound cake so we can have strawberry shortcake when you guys get back," Lisa said.
"That sounds good," Blake replied. "What do you say, big man, can you help me pick some strawberries?"
"Yah," LJ said quietly.
Blake patted his head and winked at the boy before helping him into his seat. He always got quiet after Lisa's harsh comments.
Blake and Lisa made small talk while they ate. LJ pushed his food around but didn't get much of it into his mouth, even with his mother and Blake's encouragement. He didn't feel like eating. He didn't want to be at the farm anymore. He was tired of this adventure. He wanted to go home to his daddy and his siblings. Daddy was always nice to him, even when he was naughty.
"How about I put this in the fridge in case you get hungry later, LJ," Lisa suggested.
LJ continued staring straight ahead and shrugged his shoulders. He didn't really care.
"Now you're not speaking to me?"
The little boy glanced up at his mommy and realized she was mad again so he just stayed quiet.
"I think that sounds like a good idea," Blake said. He put his and Lisa's plates in the dishwasher while Lisa covered LJ's and put it in the refrigerator then Lisa got started on the cake and the guys headed back outside.
Blake whistled for Diesel but not even the dog could cheer LJ up. The little boy let Blake hold his hand but wasn't interested in exploring everything that moved like he usually was.
"You alright, big guy?" Blake asked gently.
LJ rubbed his eye with his free hand and sniffed back his tears. He didn't want to cry in front of the cowboy. His mom was right, he was a little brat but if Blake starting hating him like his mother did, he wouldn't have anyone left. When Blake knelt in front of him and pulled him into a hug, he couldn't hold the tears back any longer.
"It's okay, buddy," Blake whispered. "Everything's gonna be okay."
Gibbs sat in the basement, staring at the pile of brightly wrapped gifts stacked on his work bench. The party had already started above him. Well, if you could call it a party. Everyone was putting on their best face for Mason and Sadie but LJ's absence was weighing heavy on their minds. Unsure footsteps on the stairs pulled his attention.
"Need some help?" Abby asked quietly when Gibbs looked over at her.
"Just need a minute," Gibbs said. He was supposed to be bringing the birthday presents up to the party.
Abby made her way over to Gibbs, reached out and grabbed onto his hand. He gave it a squeeze and they both stared at the three tricycles on the floor.
"Oh Gibbs," she whispered, frantically wiping at the tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry. You should be the one crying, not me."
"Come here," Gibbs urged softly as he tugged her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. He wouldn't admit it but he'd been crying a lot lately too.
"He's coming home, right?" Abby asked. "We're gonna get him back. We have to."
"We'll get him back," Gibbs replied.
Abby knew from the strong sense of determination that Gibbs was telling her the truth. There simply wasn't any other solution. She pulled back from his embrace and wiped her face then helped Gibbs sort out which presents would be opened now and which would be saved for when LJ returned.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Sadie and Mason. Happy birthday to you!"
Mason couldn't keep his fingers out of the frosting on his Superman cake while the group sang. Sadie clapped her hands and smiled brightly at the people gathered around. Neither really understood the whole birthday thing but friends and family gathering for cake, ice cream and presents sounded like fun to them.
"Blow out your candles, guys," Gibbs said.
Mason blew the two candles on his cake out with no problem while Sadie got a little help from Daddy with hers. Ducky and Abby cut the cakes and Ziva added a scoop of ice cream to each plate for the kids.
"Alright," Abby said, "who wants Superman cake and who wants a piece of the princess cake?"
With the exception of Jack and Tony, the guys chose the Superman cake and the girls picked the princess cake. Even after grilled steak and BBQ chicken for dinner, everyone had plenty of room for cake and ice cream. Once their bellies were full, the group headed into the living room to open presents. Both kids received all kinds of things that would get their minds working and fingers exploring while offering hours of fun and excitement. Gibbs hoped the remaining presents in the basement wouldn't stay wrapped up long. He needed to get his baby back.
"Do you think LJ's having a party?" Abby asked Tony. The two were doing dishes while Gibbs and Jack put the kids down for the night. Everyone else had gone home.
"Don't know," Tony answered. "I doubt it. If Lisa has any money she better be buying food and diapers."
Abby frowned. "There's more presents in the basement," she said quietly.
"I know. More for Mason and Sadie and some for LJ."
"We have to do something, Tony."
"Like what?" Tony asked, raising his tone in anger. "You're helping Fornell with the case. I'm trying to hold Gibbs together. If I had any clue where LJ was, I'd go get him myself but short of what we're already doing…"
"Tony," Abby whispered. He never got angry and he most definitely never got angry with her.
"I'm sorry," Tony said calming down again. "I'm sorry. This is too much. A month is too long."
Abby wrapped her arms around him and he returned the hug.
"I didn't mean to use you as an outlet for my anger," Tony said. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. We're all on edge. I know you're being strong for Gibbs and I know you need some way to release all the feelings you're bottling up."
"I've been running with Dash in the mornings," Tony said.
"I thought you were getting skinnier," Abby said, playfully rubbing Tony's belly.
"Easy on the touchy feely," Tony said. "I haven't scored since this case started."
"We could sneak down to the basement right now and you could jump my bones," Abby suggested, "or I could jump your bones. I'm open to whatever."
"You deserve better than me, Abby," Tony said, turning back to the dishes. "I just hurt people and I don't wanna hurt the people I love." Abby smacked him across the back of the head so fast he thought Gibbs had returned. "What the hell?!" he asked turning around angrily.
"Don't put yourself down like that!" Abby scolded. "You're a great guy and you're totally loveable. Just because your father screwed up your ability to have a normal relationship with a woman doesn't mean you have to keep picking up meaningless nobodies from the bar and running away before they can hurt you."
"They don't hurt me, Abby, I hurt them."
"You only hurt them so they can't hurt you first," Abby challenged. "Not all women are gonna leave you like your mom did, Tony, and there's more out there than the easy women who'll go home with any guy that has a fat wallet like your father's been parading through your life on a constant basis. You're worth more than that. You're better than that."
"And how is you offering to take me down to the basement and jump my bones any different than a one night stand with someone from the bar?" Tony asked with a mischievous smile.
"Because, I am not a meaningless nobody," Abby answered. "I love you, Tony."
"Like a friend or…"
"Yeah, like a friend but everything starts as friends. No serious, healthy relationship ever started naked in the bedroom after a night of heavy drinking."
"So, is the offer to drag me downstairs and jump my bones still on the table?" Tony asked hopefully.
"No. I've changed my mind. You're emotional and horny and I would just be an easy release for you right now," Abby said, "but, if you want to explore what it's like to be in a real relationship with a real woman, I'd be happy to show you."
"How do you feel about a hand job in the bathroom?"
Abby reached around and smacked the back of his head again.
"Sorry," Tony said. He turned back to the dishes, deep in thought about everything Abby had said. He did like her. She was fun, funny, adventurous, fearless, loyal—he could go on all night. He'd avoided anything serious with her because he didn't want to hurt her but after her little speech maybe it was worth a shot. Maybe it would be different. Maybe it was time for a change. Gibbs' life was changing again. With all the talk of moving to the city, Jack's life was probably going to be changing too. If they could do it, so could he. "Abs, how would you feel about catching a movie with me tonight, and not as a friend, as my… boyfriend?"
"I would love to," Abby answered.
"Great. Unfortunately, I'm kind of on protection detail so it'll have to be in Gibbs' living room after him and Jack go to bed."
"Sounds perfect," Abby replied.
"What's perfect?" Jack asked.
"Tony's taking me on a date in your living room," Abby answered.
"My living room would be quite the drive and I'm not sure it'd be worth it," Jack teased. He chuckled when both Tony and Abby rolled their eyes at him. "Jethro fell asleep with Sadie and I'm getting ready to hit the sack so you two have fun."
"You're not gonna tell us to behave ourselves?" Tony asked.
"No. I told you to have fun," Jack said with a wink before he disappeared back upstairs to give them some privacy.
Gibbs didn't wake until the next morning when he felt a wet tongue on his fingers. Dash was ready to go outside. The dog had been a good motivator for him in the mornings when he was so depressed he didn't even want to get out of bed. As he stretched he realized he wasn't in his own bed. His feet—actually, it was more like most of his legs were hanging off the end of the bed and there was a warm body tucked up against his side. He opened his eyes and realized he was in Sadie's room. It was a good thing he'd hand built the toddler bed they were in. The low quality beds at the furniture store never would've held his weight.
He replaced his body with a pillow, in hopes that Sadie would continue sleeping and headed downstairs with the dog. When he opened the front door he noticed Abby's car was still parked on the street. He didn't think much of it until he headed through the living room to the kitchen to get his coffee and saw she wasn't on the couch. His dad was upstairs in Mason's room and Tony was in the guest bedroom, that didn't leave anywhere else for her. He looked at the clock and realized Tony was usually out with Dash on a run at that time.
Panic started to rise. He put off making coffee and headed down the hall. With everything else that had gone wrong over the past month, he was worried something else had gone horribly wrong. He knocked twice and called Tony's name before opening the door.
Tony's head jerked towards the door as he flung the covers over Abby's head. "Mornin' Boss!" he said.
Gibbs breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that they were both okay.
Abby shoved the covers off her head and popped up. "That may work with the sleaze balls you find at the bar but it won't work with me," she scolded. "Good morning, Gibbs. This isn't what it looks like. We did not sleep together… even though Tony tried."
"Abby!"
"Well you did!"
"I'm just glad you guys are okay," Gibbs said. "Didn't mean to wake you."
Tony and Abby stared at each after Gibbs left without scolding them.
"What just happened?" Abby asked.
"He hasn't been himself since LJ's been gone," Tony explained as he rolled out of bed. "I better go check on him. You can go back to sleep if you want."
"Only if you promise to wake me up if there's a problem."
"I will," Tony said before kissing her cheek, "but there won't be a problem."
Tony pulled his sweatpants on and headed out to the kitchen where Gibbs was talking on the phone while he waited for his coffee to brew. Tony pulled two coffee mugs out of the cupboard and grabbed the hazelnut creamer from the fridge for his morning brew. He scratched behind the dog's ears while he waited for Gibbs to finish up his phone call.
"Fornell?" he asked after Gibbs hung up.
"Yeah. Nothing was turned up in the search of the fields where they found the stolen car. Him, Sacks and McGee split up. They're going town to town, looking around, questioning people, flashing pictures. Nothing yet."
"Feels better knowing they might be closing in on them," Tony said. "It's a little easier to have hope. I don't know."
"I know what you mean," Gibbs said. "It's better than everybody sittin' on their ass here." He filled both cups with coffee and watched as Tony doctored his up just the way he liked it.
"Abby and I really didn't sleep together last night," Tony explained. "We watched a movie and it was late and she was tired and lonely and I just invited her to stay."
Gibbs nodded as he listened while drinking his coffee.
When Tony didn't get a reaction out of Gibbs he decided to take it a step further. "We are kinda dating now. Not kind of. We are dating now. Abby said she's not gonna give up on me, not gonna let me take the easy way out or get scared and push her away."
"You two have been friends for a long time," Gibbs said. "If you wanna take that friendship to the next level, I'm not gonna stop you."
"Really?" Tony asked. "Are you okay, Boss?"
"Life is short. Shit happens. Why not enjoy what you can, when you can?"
"That was very un-Gibbs-like. I'll take it as a no, you're not okay," Tony replied. "Perhaps I should hide anything you could use as a weapon so when what I just said sinks in you can't kill me. Then again, that would be kinda pointless considering you could kill me with your bare hands."
"I'm not gonna kill you," Gibbs said. "Just keep it out of the office. I'm not gonna choose sides between you two."
"You don't really have to," Tony answered. "Your son is named after me. I think that pretty much clears up who the favorite is." He stopped talking when he saw the glare on Gibbs' face. "Uh, I'm done."
Gibbs just shook his head and walked out.
Blake decided to stop by the diner in town and pick up some pancakes for breakfast. The special ingredients they used made it some of the best pancakes in the country but he'd stopped going there weekly when his guests had arrived. The diner was packed with local ranchers, getting their fill for the long day ahead. Blake found a seat at the counter and put an order in to go.
"Blake! I haven't seen you around here in weeks."
"Been busy," Blake told one of his favorite waitresses. "Springtime and all." He hadn't told a soul about Lisa and LJ being on his farm for fear of her abusive husband tracking them down. He didn't want any trouble.
"We've missed you. Did you order some pancakes to go?"
"You know I did," Blake answered. "Gotta have enough to tide me over till I'm in town next week although I've missed the pancakes so much I might just eat 'em all on the way home."
"Do I need to double your order?"
"Don't tempt me."
"How about some coffee while you wait?"
"Please," Blake answered with a nod.
He sat and caught up on the news while he waited for his order. The plan was to take the food home and eat with LJ and Lisa. Luckily he'd created a precedence of ordering a few meals to eat throughout the week so it didn't look strange to all of a sudden be ordering extra food. A name on the TV caught his attention. He realized it was a breaking news report and gave his undivided attention.
"Donna Jo, would you mind turning the TV up?" he asked.
"…the FBI is appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of LJ Gibbs and his mother, Lisa Keenan. If you've seen or heard anything please contact them at the number on your screen. At the time of his abduction, LJ was 31 inches tall and weighed approximately 24 pounds. His mother is now facing federal parent abduction charges."
"That poor, poor father," Donna Jo said as she put a takeout bag on the counter in front of Blake.
"What do you mean?" Blake asked curiously.
"Those reports have been playing for a month now," Donna Jo explained. "His dad, also Leroy Jethro Gibbs—such a strong name, anyways, he was on the news after it happened and he was just heartbroken. He's a federal agent. Just goes to show anybody can be a victim of anything."
"Sad," Blake said as he grabbed the takeout bag and headed for the door. "Thanks for breakfast."