FREEZE FRAME 4: Dead Man Talking.
DISCLAIMERS: I do not own NCIS.
Previously...
Patrick's cold case was solved. There was a nice surprise for Arielle Fitzgerald and her sons with the appearance of Daniel in Vance's office. He had presumably been in protective custody by the Sec Nav and his team. Gibbs, with the assistance of Tony and David Lindsey, then settled the score with the Semper Fi Gang. Gill and Gibbs travelled to Stillwater to meet up with Marley after she took refuge at Jackson's place. Gibbs and Marley had a serious discussion about her interference in the case, and putting herself in danger again.
A.N. Epilogue; Belles of The Ball... sorry folks, I jumped the gun a little. This will be the next chapter, there are a few things that need resolving first.
Chapter 14: Cupid's Folly.
FREEZE FRAME: Cut to zoom out to long shot of the stern of a boat, sitting and rocking in an isolated cove. The sun slowly sets. Convert Black and white, CUT.
Fade into a long shot of a Stillwater street on a sunny day. Pan and zoom in to Jackson Gibbs's small general store. Go through the door to find Jackson handing back a customer's change and making pleasant small talk. We can hear laughter coming from the open kitchen door behind the counter.
"Thanks, Charlie, see you at services tomorrow," smiled Jackson Gibbs.
"Looking forward to it, I might get to meet that family of yours I can hear full life back there," fished Charlie Nelson.
"You jist might, guess that depends on how busy my son is. He's got a real important job with the Navy, you know," chuckled a proud Jackson. He hoped Gill, Marley and Gibbs would go. It had been a long time since he'd been able to physically showcase those he loved.
The bell rang as Charlie exited the shop and Jackson entered the kitchen to the happy snickering. Jackson loved hearing that sound again. It had been a long time since he had heard laughter in his house, though the time Leroy had bought his team up here had been very similar. He remembered it fondly, not just because he got to see his son, not because he got to air a few issues between them, and not because he knew Gibbs was a damn good investigator. Mostly it was because he saw how happy Leroy was with those people. He belonged with Abby, Tim, Tony and that lovely one, Kate, God rest her soul, and they belonged to him. This was even better. Leroy was actually chuckling and giving that small, shy smile. He even blushed a little at times, especially when that young, attractive psychologist smiled at him.
"You put some happy pills in that juice? You're all giggling like a bunch of monkeys in here. Old Charlie could hear you from the front of the shop."
"Sorry, Jackson," said Gill. "Did we make too much noise?"
"No, not all, kinda nice listening to it." Jackson looked at Gibbs. "Old Charlie was hoping ta see you at church services tomorrow. Maybe you could bring Gill and Marley along."
"Been a long time since I've been to church, Dad."
"Me too," said Marley," I'm not going."
"You don't get a choice," smirked Gibbs.
"Huh? What? You can't force religion on me, and you shouldn't use it as a punishment either, Gibbs," lectured Marley.
"Good point," nodded Jackson. "Don't want ya coming jist for the sake of it. Might make me look like I got a lot people around me, lot of family I'm proud of, or something," he added sarcastically.
"I'll go with you, Jackson. I'd love to see the town and meet some of the people Gibbs knew growing up," said Gill.
Jackson smiled, "It's a date then."
"It's not a date Dad, just some company," stated Gibbs.
Jackson raised his eyebrows at his only son. "He that romantic when you first met him, Gill?," quipped Jackson.
Gill laughed. "He was very romantic and still very much the gentleman, Mr. Gibbs."
"Still, you got a kiss at the door didn't you, Gibbs? Abby was spying, and Ducky caught you," announced Marley around a mouthful of ham sandwich.
"Don't talk with your mouth half full," chorused all three adults in the room.
Marley giggled. "No, fill it right up first," she recited.
"You finish your lunch," ordered Gibbs with a feigned scowl.
" Okayyy, nearly finished. Gibbs, I've got to take the canoe back to the camp across the lake."
"I've already organized that for later this afternoon. I thought Gill might like to come down to the lake with me."
Marley wiped the crumbs from her mouth, before protesting, "What about me?"
"You... you are grounded. So, you can help Dad in the shop. That okay, Dad?"
"Sure. Shame you have to head out Tuesday. You could use a couple of days having a nice look around this part of the country with the prettiest girl I've seen in a while."
"We're going to Patrick's service in Connecticut , then head back to DC from there."
"I don't want to go to Patrick's service," said Marley.
"Why, Marley?" asked Gill.
"I just don't. Lilith will be sad, and she'll... "
"Okay, I think we need to have a little talk, Marley, you and me. Come on, let's go up to your room."
"Huh, am I in trouble? Gibbs already spanked me, I..."
"And, you've got another one due tomorrow night," added Gibbs.
"Why?' yelled Marley as she subconsciously rubbed her still stinging backside. "I learned my lesson."
"Because that's what I meant by not being able to sit down for a week," quipped Gibbs.
"You caused a hell of a lot of worry, little girl, a week full of worry I bet," added Jackson.
Marley dropped her head, not happy with this latest explanation of Gibbs's long ago threat. "I'm sorry about that. I hadn't meant to worry everyone."
"Including Lilith Devlin? She was very worried, Marley," explained Gill.
"Is that why I'm in trouble with you too, Gill," grimaced Marley.
"Sort of, but I'm not going to spank you, Marley. But, I think we need a talk just between you and me. Your Dad knows what I'm gonna say." Gill stood up and took Marley's hand. "Come on, it's nothing bad about you," she smiled.
Marley looked to Gibbs, trying to read his face for a hint what this could be all about.
"Go on its fine, Marley," coaxed Gibbs.
Jackson Gibbs waited until they had left the kitchen and were out of ear shot, then sat on the chair Marley had vacated. He frowned, pulling a out cushion that neither man had noticed had been on the child's chair. Jackson laughed. "She's a keeper, Son."
"Marley, yep, I intend to."
"No, I meant, Gill. That little girl is, too. She is also hoping you'll marry Gill and adopt her legally. She is worried about someone taking her away from the both of you. I hope that talk is good news for her and not more worry."
"It's not good news, but not bad news, either. I didn't tell Marley that Angus Devlin, Patrick's father, was technically responsible for his son's death. Gill's just good at that sort of thing. She was Marley's counsellor before her mother died. She knows how Marley thinks, knows her real well."
"So you thinking of something more serious with this girl, Leroy?" asked Jackson outright.
"It's already serious, Dad. We have the legal responsibility of a child. We have that connection, and until something changes big time, that partnership will be forever."
"So why not make it legal, for the kid's peace of mind."
"Dad, three out of four failed marriages is not a good track record."
"True, and I know you haven't told me a lot about what happened. But, it can't be all your fault."
"Dad, I'm a criminal investigator, Gill's a practicing physiologist. Both us would come to the opinion that I'm the common denominator."
" You're hard on people, Son, on yourself more than anyone."
"I remember a time you were pretty hard on me."
"Had to be. You get angry when you're scared and angry when you see injustice. Rather you be angry at me than get yourself in a world full of trouble."
"Yup, figured that."
"Taught you how to be romantic, too, didn't I?"
"What? When?" blustered Gibbs.
"Taught you what it is ta have love for keeps, didn't I?"
"Yup," nodded Gibbs. "You didn't find it the second time round, either."
"Wouldn't let myself. Lost your mother, then lost a daughter and granddaughter. At my age, I knew I'd just be losing someone else I loved. I also live with the fact that I could lose you, any day, every day. Thought I had."
Gibbs, looked up at Jackson, moved by the man's gruff but sincere mantle, a common trait in father and son. Gibbs locked his warm expression on his father's eyes, blinked, pursed his lips, and then coughed.
Jackson nodded at the 'conventional Gibbs' wordless affirmation his son had just given and said no more, until the bell from the shop door rang announcing another customer."I better get that. Send that little girl in here when you're ready to take that pretty one out for the afternoon. And for goodness sake, son, get romantic! She's a keeper, and you've got plenty of time and plenty of reason."
Cut away to Jackson Gibbs's guest room. Gill is resting against the bed head and has drawn Marley into an embrace. Marley is leaning back against Gill's chest.
"So Patrick's dad killed him..." said Marley, shocked at what she had just been told. "That's really sad."
"Yes, it is sad, but La Quing actually fired the gun that ended his life. Patrick's dad was lead to believe that Patrick was dead from the head wound."
"So, if he'd gotten to a hospital he would have maybe been alive?" asked Marley.
"Maybe. Ducky said the head wound was very serious, though. He would have been lucky to have survived it."
"They fought about me , right? Patrick's dad didn't ever want me in the picture."
"I think at first, Marley, but Angus also said he was afraid. He thought that if La Quing found about you, he may have used that against him. He was helping our intelligence agency catch La Quing. They needed a lot more evidence. Had Patrick's murder been discovered back then, La Quing would have gotten away with his involvement, and then probably gone off their radar. Angus didn't want that, for either this country or for Patrick."
"Okay, so how come Gibbs isn't telling me all this. He said he was going to keep me in the loop."
"He is sort of telling you this. I'm just better at reading your reactions. He wasn't sure you should know all these facts, but we discussed it. I told him you might be upset, but the truth as to your situation was best."
"Yeah, I'm a mature kid. I can take it in," nodded Marley seriously.
"You are, but you have fears too, Marley. Part of you doing all that you did is based on your insecurity, about us and about Lilith."
" That's because I feel part of this team. I don't want things to change, not yet anyway."
"You would have a very normal life with Lilith, though. Gibbs is always going to busy, and at risk. Then look at what I do with the Halfway house, sometimes we are never in the same place twice. It's not very consistent for you."
"What's normal, anyway? My life wasn't normal with Rose. I liked it. I felt loved and needed. Sometimes it was hard. I feel the same now with you guys. I'm wanted, and loved. I like the action, too." Marley frowned, figuring maybe that last part wasn't the smartest thing to say, considering her latest infringements. But, like Gill, she was honest. It was the deal between them; always had been. "Why are you telling me this, anyway? Do Angus and Lilith want custody now? Well, I'm not going. They didn't want me in the beginning. Patrick's dead because of me and Rose. Why would they want me? How could any court even give them custody of me after what Patrick's dad did? I'll run away," Marley threatened, letting her imagination and fear get the better of her.
"Hey, settle down, you're getting worked up and jumping the gun on so many levels!" reproached Gill. She pulled Marley in closer. "First, Patricks death is NOT YOUR FAULT… Grr, you make me so mad when you take the blame for things that are no way in your control. I thought we dealt with that little problem of yours when we dealt with all those issues with Rose. And I know Gibbs settled a lot of that sort of thinking when you tried blaming yourself for her death." Gill hugged Marley and then nudged her. "Talk to me, Marley," she asked softly.
"Okay, I didn't quite mean it like that."
"Good, because the only thing you should take blame for are the things you actually do intentionally. And once that's been dealt with, it's over. You're forgiven, and you need to forgive yourself. " Gill paused, "Marley, do you forgive Rose? Do you forgive Gibbs and me, or any one of the team, when we get things wrong? Do you know we forgive you?"
"Sure, I do. I love you guys, and I know you love me and care about me. I would get mad at Mom sometimes, because well, she could just be so irresponsible. But, most of the time she couldn't help it. But I always forgave her."
"Well, I think you need to forgive the Devlins, especially Lilith. Angus may not go to jail for his part in Patrick's murder. The circumstances at the time and his help catching La Quing means he can make a very good plea for leniency. But he doesn't really want that."
"I'd say he wants Lilith's forgiveness. She would be so sad. I guess now she has lost everything," pondered Marley.
"Yes, in many ways. But, Angus doesn't expect her forgiveness, and understandably, Lilith is finding it hard to forgive him. But, she is grateful for the truth, and she is grateful that out of all this she wound up finding you. Angus won't be going back to their home in Connecticut, so ..."
"I guess I could visit her. But, she's not going to try anything, is she?"
"Why are you so untrusting of her?"
"It's not a bad untrust..."
"Distrust," corrected Gill.
"Distrust. Lilith is a real nice lady. It's just that... Well, I know she would love me, and I kinda think I might love her, so its kinda like ... I don't trust that she'll want me to stay, she'll fight to get me, because she loves me so much. But, the truth is, I don't want to leave you guys. So I'm scared to like her... sort of..."
"You know, that really does make sense."
"It does?"
"Yes, so I'm going to tell you a few things, and you can think about them." Gill took a breath and kissed Marley's short messy head of hair. "Lilith does love you, very much, and I suspect Angus does, too. Angus doesn't want anything from Lilith. He just wants her to be happy. He loves her so much that he would do anything. When you went missing, he refused to talk. He was worried about you and thought that La Quing had you."
"I know Gibbs said I could have really messed up the whole La Quing case."
"That's right, it's one of the many reasons why you were in trouble, , young lady. But, let me finish. Once you were found and Angus told the entire story, he then meet with Lilith. He insisted on facing Lilith with his sorrow and guilt. He saw it as part of the closure for Patrick's death, not for forgiveness. I was there in the room with them both. Angus made Lilith an offer. He said that he could he could bargain with Homeland security and NCIS for you - you for information. He could have Lilith apply for custody of you, Patrick's child, and have the authorities support it..."
When Marley turned around, fear was written all over her face. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she pulled away from Gill.
Gill quickly grabbed her. "Stop... you're panicking for nothing. Do you think that Gibbs would let that happen, or me? We love you. We would fight with our dying breaths, Marley, so stop, calm down and let me finish."
At first, Marley was speechless. She sat back down and scrubbed the tears from her eyes." I hate that man, I... "
"Angus wanted to do it to make Lilith happy. He loves her so much. Just like we love you and just like she loves you. And, I know how much she must love you, because she had the opportunity to get you and have her heart's desire, her grandchild that she could shower with love and affection. But, she didn't. She almost slapped Angus's face, before realizing that he was doing it to somehow make amends, and out of love. But, Marley, Lilith refused. She said she loved you so much that your happiness was more important than hers. You were safe and loved with us. That you loved us was very obvious. That was all that mattered to her. Lilith wasn't going to risk losing your love because of her and a custody battle. She hoped one day that you would visit, but it would be done informally and in your good time."
"That's pretty nice of her." Marley felt so relieved, yet her emotions still twinged when Gill's point finally hit home. "She.. must... she..."
"Be a very special person, Marley, who loves you more than anything in the world."
"She doesn't deserve to be all alone."
"The good news is she is not. Daniel, Arielle and their two little boys are getting out of DC. They are moving with her. Daniel is testifying against La Quing also, so Angus's threat would not have worked in the end anyway. Though, he didn't know that."
Marley smiled and turned to Gill. "That's really good. When I see Lilith on Tuesday, I'll tell her thank you. I'll... could visit her sometimes, too, once in awhile. But I could come back home to you guys, couldn't I?"
"Yup."
"Yup? You sound like Gibbs. You two should so get married. Then we could all have the same name. Witness protection and Child Services, even NCIS, would think I was real safe then, and nobody would dare try anything..."
"Marley, you are safe and loved."
"I know, but so are you Gill. You know that, right?"
Gill kissed the top of Marley's head once again, but remained silent.
Cross fade to a long shot of a small jetty, on the Stillwater lake. It is mid afternoon. A close up of two pairs of legs enter from right of frame, walking down the jetty towards a bollard. There is a canoe tethered to it. Two other boats tethered to bollards on either side.
Gill and Gibbs walked towards the canoe that Marley had tethered to a bollard on the jetty.
"You're joking, we're taking it back? I thought you were going to arrange for someone to pick it up?" asked Gill.
"It's just across the lake. Besides, I thought you might like the outing. It's a beautiful sunny day," smirked Gibbs, finding Gill's discomfort humorous. "What's wrong? You never sailed or rowed before?"
"Of course I have. It's just the canoe brings back some pretty crappy memories of summer camp."
"Hmm, maybe a boot camp for everyone, you included, might be a good idea. Anyway," Gibbs held up a life jacket he'd lifted from the basin of the canoe. It was the one that had been too big for Marley. "You'll have a life jacket on."
Gill scowled, but then shrugged, actually finding the idea of Gibbs being close to her as they paddled across the lake nice. They'd had very little time alone together over the last week.
"Trust me?" said Gibbs, pulling Gill from her lovely little afternoon fantasy.
"I trust you," she confirmed.
"Good." Gibbs fitted the life vest securely to her. He kissed her nose as he tug on the waist straps to make sure they hadn't worn and still held.
Gill smiled back, and then took a huge breath before taking the lead and strolling bravely to the bollard and the tethered canoe. She held on to the rope as she tentatively lowered herself onto the fibreglass bottom. But she nearly lost her balance when she walked towards the seat.
Gibbs didn't suppress his chuckle as he watched Gill squeal and giggle, tilting left then right; teetering as she tried to balance herself and walk along the canoe's narrow bottom a few feet towards the seat. He slowly went back to the rope and steadied the canoe, while she fumbled forward to finally take her seat. The relief that was clearly written all over her face quickly transformed to surprise when Gibbs went back and untied the rope from the bollard .
"I thought you got into the boat before you heaved ho" she squeaked, waving her arms about, causing the small vessel to sway again. She quickly grabbed the sides and stared up at Gibbs, pursing her lips when she caught his grin and the humorous glint in his eyes.
"Heave ho?" He chuckled raising his eyebrows, "really? Heave ho?" he repeated shaking his head.
"You're doing this on purpose aren't you," she glared.
"Yup, actually I rented Mac's small trawler for the afternoon., But, if you want to ride in the canoe while I tow it, well ... "
"What? Why you . . . get me out of here," ordered Gill. She pulled herself up too quickly and the canoe lurched hard from side to side.
Before Gibbs could grab her, she over balanced and ended up in the lake. He moved to the end of the canoe, where he could see Gill suddenly burst through the surface.
"Your dad give you lessons on how to arrange a nice romantic afternoon on the lake?" she spluttered sarcastically.
" Yah, Dad said I should 'wow' you," laughed Gibbs.
"Very funny, you mean woo. Jackson would have said woo. He's that generation," said Gill as she swam to the jetty, where she splashed Gibbs, as he offered her his hand.
" Come up" said Gibbs. "you can strip off in the boat. Dad might have thought of a gourmet picnic basket for afternoon tea, but I thought of a change of clothes - sweats. They're warm.
"Boy, you are romantic," she quipped, as she was hauled herself out of the water and into Gibbs's arms.
He pulled her in close, letting her saturated clothes soak him, as he lowered his head and offered her a passionate kiss.
Gill melted into his embrace and his kiss. She smiled and purred slightly as they withdrew. "Hope you have a second set of sweats," she said, pulling his wet shirt away from his chest.
"Nope!" said Gibbs, jogging both eyebrows up in down, like he'd just delivered a Groucho Marx punch line.
Both laughed as they headed for the boat. Gill climbed aboard and disappeared with the basket below deck, while Gibbs tied the canoe to the back, Having untied the trawler from its bollard,. he jumped on board after pushing the small boat off and away from its mooring. He headed up to the controls above the cabin and started the engine. Pulling out onto the lake, he revved her up and headed off towards camp Winnemucca.
BROOOM...KERTHUMP
"Jethro!" squealed Gill, as she landed with a thump on the floor of the cabin.
Gibbs laughter echoed from across the lake, and faded as trawler made its way; the sun's reflection glistening in the water either side of the wake.
Cross fade (Xfade) to shores of camp Winnemucca. Montage of images to music( Just a Kiss by Lady Antebellum). Gill and Gibbs handing the canoe over to a camp counselor. Xfade to them walking along the beach; Xfade to them touring the lake on the boat, Gibbs pointing out Stillwater landmarks. Xfade to a kiss at the helm. Xfade to Gill driving the boat, Gibbs correcting her, and Gill slapping his hands away from the control. Close up of them laughing. Fade out music and segue; zooming out to mid shot of Gill and Gibbs, the same laughter as they sit on the front of the boat with their picnic basket. The boat is anchored in a secluded spot along the lake.
"I take it all back. You are a romantic. I've had a lovely after noon Jethro." said Gill as she sipped her wine.
"You're right, I am, and so have I," smirked Gibbs.
"Hard to imagine the harrowing week we've had, when we are sitting out here in the peace and quiet in the warmth of the sun."
"You shouldn't have had to have that sort of week. Though, it's part of the core of my job," stated Gibbs.
"And mine, believe it or not. Some of these kids have survived worse, but their resilience amazes me. Marley is no exception."
"You like your job?" asked Gibbs as he took a gulp from a bottle he held in his hands.
"Very much so, as much as you like yours, I'd say."
"How do know how much I like my job?"
"Because you're good at it. Your team admires and looks up to you. They..."
Gibbs, uncomfortable with the compliments, interrupted, "They're family. Speaking of, how'd Marley do?"
"Good, she'll get it clear in her head, eventually."
"Finally!"
Gill grabbed some cheese and a cracker and handed it over to Gibbs. She made herself an identical treat, nibbling on the crumbly cheese as she spoke. "She was scared, that's all. She's been so independent, and she knows the system sometimes overlooks the desires of minors. If Angus hadn't been involved with Patrick's death, she would have had reasonable ground to fear being removed from our custody. Lilith and Angus Devlin lived a normal life. Protective services would have seriously considered granting them custody."
Gibbs popped the entire biscuit into his mouth and chewed, then swallowed chasing it with another mouthful of beer. "It's not in Marley's best interest. Lau Quing knows of her now, too. She is safer with us and the conditions of her protection orders."
"Do you think La Quing is a real threat?" asked Gill.
"Nope. She is of no threat to him or any government still secretly involved with him."
"Like the Chinese?" guessed Gill. "You want another cracker? Here, try the liver pate."
"No, thanks," said Gibbs, picking at a bit of dry cracker that had lodged in his teeth. "The Chinese know nothing of Marley, and La Quing won't use her. His own daughter would be in danger, too, if that was the case," suggested Gibbs. "And, they have moved her, Daniel and the kids away out of the scene. La Quing doesn't know Daniel's alive and won't until the trial, if there is one. Then he'll disappear, witness protection for all of them."
"They're going to live with Lilith. So everybody's safe?" Gill asked, wanting Gibbs's solid confirmation.
"Yup, but if you're worried, we can change the arrangements. Marley can go into full witness protection. That means leaving everybody, including us, and never contacting Lilith."
"I don't think that will work. Although, Marley does want to change her name. Between her and your dad, they are playing cupid. Trying to match-make us," laughed Gill.
"Too late we're already matched," quipped Gibbs, before putting his drink in the basket. He then leaned over and kissed Gill.
Gill moved in closer, pushing the basket out of the way, and responded by deepening the kiss. They pulled apart, and then lay down on their backs side by side, making themselves comfortable on the thick blanket Gibbs had laid out on the bow of the boat.
"You want to change your name?" asked Gibbs.
"No, not professionally, anyway. I'm Doctor Gillian Riggs. I would if NCIS intelligence or witness protection thought it was safer."
"What if..."
Gill leaned back over and put her fingers on Gibbs's lips. "Like you, I believe marriage is for keeps. Unofficially, we have a commitment to Marley, and I don't see that changing. I know you're committed, and I'm committed... and I love you. I don't know how you feel about me that way. But, I'm sure in time I will, and so will you. However, it a legal sanction. If a declaration is to be made, it will be made because of how we love each other. It's the 21st century. There are lots of blended, unusual, and very functional families, that don't have a marriage certificate."
Gibbs took her wrist, but kept her fingers pressed lightly against his lips, feathering them with kisses before he spoke. "Sanction, declarations, doesn't sound very romantic," smirked Gibbs. "Dad got it wrong," he teased.
Gill chuckled. "True, but it's not my psycho gobbily gook either. I just want you to be the way you are and not feel you have to do something you're not ready for because you think it will keep Marley safe. I love us all too much for that."
Gibbs gently lay Gill down on her back and leaned over her, all the time holding her hand close to his heart. "You're some Psycho Gobbily Gook Romantic , you know that?"
"Yup!"
Gibbs smiled and lowered his head towards Gillian for another passionate kiss. They caressed, touched and kissed slowly and deliberately until more air was needed. Before long, both were wrapped in each other's arms, basking and making love under the warm afternoon sun. Isolated from the busy sounds of the world, they merged into the rhythm of lovemaking with the swell of the boat out on the lake.
FREEZE FRAME: Cut to zoom out to long shot of the stern of a boat, sitting and rocking in an isolated cove. The sun slowly sets. Convert Black and white, CUT.
TBC:
Chapter 15; Epilogue Belles Of The Ball.
A.N. Special Thanks to Harliquinn for betaing this for me. The next chapter, the Epilogue will be pretty short. If you remember, from the last chapter in FF3 and the thrid chapter in FF4, Ziva has been practicing for the Ball, Marley had arranged, and finding out who her blind date is. Thanks everyone for the reviews and sticking with me.