Chapter 25
A/N - Jimmy and Jess look to buy a new house. I don't own NCIS and please let me know what you think.
Jess received a phone call from her friend Veronica, the real estate agent, on the drive home. Jess put it on speaker so Jimmy could hear. After the exchange of pleasantries Veronica asked "Are you still in the market for a new place to live?"
Jess looked at Jimmy and he nodded. "Why yes Veronica."
"Good, cause I just got the listing for a house in a great neighborhood with good schools."
Jimmy spoke up. "That sounds interesting. How far is it from work?"
"It's a fifteen to twenty minute drive and its right in the middle of your price range."
"That sounds promising. When can we see it?"
"How about tomorrow?"
Jess and Jimmy looked at each other and nodded. "I think we can do that. Lunchtime?"
"That works for me. See you tomorrow. I'll text you the address."
"That sounds promising." Jimmy said.
"It does. Are you familiar with the area?" Jess asked.
"I think it is where one of Victoria's friends used to live when she younger. If I'm right, it is a nice area."
"I'm looking forward to seeing it."
Jimmy parked in front of their apartment building and they headed to the elevator. Victoria was at a neighbor's and they stopped to get her on the way to their apartment.
Jimmy opened the door to their apartment letting the ladies in his life into their home. Victoria went back to her room to drop her books and belongings off. Jess set her purse down on the counter and opened the refrigerator to look for something to cook for dinner. Jimmy reached in the door and took out two bottles of beer for him and Jess. After opening them, he took a swig and handed Jess her beer. She smiled at him and also took a swig before setting hers down.
"What's on the menu, sweetheart?" Jimmy asked.
"How about some chicken and rice pilaf with asparagus?"
"Sounds good to me. What do you need me to do?"
"Get out the rice cooker and some rice. The chicken is ready to go. I just need to heat up the oven."
Victoria entered the kitchen and was given the task of trimming the asparagus and getting a pan ready to cook it. Soon all the food was being cooked and would be ready in about 45 minutes.
The three Palmers sat down at the table. Jimmy and Jess looked through the mail and Vic talked about her day at school. Before long the food was ready and they enjoyed their dinner.
"We're going to look at a house tomorrow." Jimmy said to Victoria.
"Really?" Are we going to move?" She asked.
"We're thinking about it if we find the right place." Jess responded.
Where is it?" Victoria asked.
"A few miles from here but not too far. You'll be able to finish the school year where you are. Next year you'll be going to a new school anyway. We'll find out before we decide to move anywhere." Jimmy answered.
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Victoria finished her homework and talked to Austin on the phone for a few minutes. Jimmy by now had grown comfortable with his daughter talking to boys, especially after he got to meet him. Jess and Jimmy cuddled up on the couch watching their favorite TV program. When it was over, Jess reminded Vic that is was time to go to bed. Jimmy kissed Victoria good night then went into their room and got their toothbrushes ready and put his pajama bottoms on. Vic wanted to talk to Jess for a few minutes about women stuff.
After her conversation with Victoria,, Jess came into their bedroom seeing Jimmy sitting up in bed with no pajama top on looking at a map on his phone.
"What are you looking at sweetheart?" Jess asked with a kiss.
"The location of this house we're going to see." He showed her the map on his tablet.
"That looks promising," she said as she stepped back from the bed and started taking off her blouse. "Are you excited about finding a new place that is our own?"
Jimmy looked up at his wife and smiled watching her remove her pants. "I am. We need a place that is ours that we picked out together."
Jess dropped her clothes in the hamper and grabbed Jimmy's pajama top before she sat down on the bed near Jimmy. She leaned in and kissed him. "I want that too, a place we can truly call ours. I love you Jimmy."
"I love you too, Jess. I want us to be a 'we' in everything." He kissed her back.
Jess grinned. "I'm sure glad I married you." She turned her back to him. "Unhook me please?"
Jimmy gladly complied and Jess let her bra fall to her lap before turning to face her husband so Jimmy could enjoy the fruits of his labor. "And I'm sure glad I married you." He leaned down and kissed each breast before kissing her on the lips.
"Be right back sweetheart." Jess said with a grin. She stood and slid her panties off and dropped them with her bra in the hamper. She turned back to the bed and picked up the pajama top and went into the bathroom to finish getting ready for bed. "Keep the bed warm for us." She said on her way out of the bedroom.
A few minutes later Jess returned putting the pajama top on as she walked to the bed. Jimmy noticed that she hadn't put any panties on. Jess pulled the covers down and pushed him flat on the bed. She kissed him on the lips then down his body until he reached the waistband of the bottoms. Jess slid the bottoms off her husband and straddled him at his waist. "I don't think I need to leave this on, do you?" Jess asked as she removed the pajama top she never really put all the way on.
Jimmy grinned at Jess and said "Not on my account my love." He sat up and wrapped his arms around his wife kissing her senseless. He rolled her onto her back and proceeded to kiss her everywhere until they came together as one.
Jimmy rolled onto his back pulling Jess on top of him into their favorite sleeping position. He then pulled the covers over them. Jess kissed Jimmy and then whispered in his ear. "I love you my fantastic husband." Jimmy kissed her back and Jess her how much he loved her. Jess then adjusted her body into the perfect position and sighed in contentment. They drifted off into a deep sleep.
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The next morning Jess stared at her computer screen scrolling through company ownership records in search of who would want to kill Johannsen. McGee called his Navy contacts looking for a retired officer they could use as an inside man. Torres wondered if it would be a good idea to try to be on the cruise as a passenger or at least a potential passenger.
Jimmy finished his report on the death of Commander Johannsen and brought it the squad room, leaving it on Parker's desk. He went over and sat on the edge of Jess' desk waiting for her to hang up the phone. She smiled up at him and raised her index finger to let him know it would be a minute. Tim looked up at Jimmy and asked "Are you two going somewhere for lunch?"
Before Jimmy could answer Jess hung up the phone. She answered "We're going to look at a house."
Jimmy stood and offered his hand to his wife. She smiled and laced her fingers with his. "We'll tell you more after we see it." Jimmy said.
Tim nodded and watched as Jimmy and Jess headed out the door toward Alexandria.
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Veronica was waiting for them outside the house. It had very nice curb appeal and was made of brick with a two car garage and appeared to have a nice yard.
"Welcome to your new house," Veronica said to Jimmy and Jessica.
Jimmy and Jess both chuckled. "Shouldn't we see it first?"
Veronica laughed and led them inside the house. Jimmy and Jess were impressed from the start with the entry and living room off to the left. It had a large kitchen with an eating area, a dining room, family room downstairs bathroom and a bedroom/office. Upstairs were three more bedrooms with a large master with an en suite bathroom and two other bedrooms with a bathroom to share. Jimmy and Jess walked around and imagined what it would be like for them to live there. They stood in one of the smaller bedrooms with their arms around each other. "What would it by like for our future little one in here?" Jess asked.
Jimmy grinned. "I think he would love it."
Jess grinned. "You already think we're going to have a boy?"
"That's what Victoria wants, isn't it?"
Jess laughed. "Whatever Victoria wants, Victoria gets?"
Jimmy laughed and kissed his wife. "I guess we will find out."
They went back downstairs and peeked into the basement before going into the backyard. There was a large patio and lawn area perfect for entertaining. Veronica came outside and asked "What do you think?"
Jimmy and Jess looked at each other. "We can see us here. It's got everything we need and it's only twenty minutes from work. The schools are nearby too."
"To help you decide, there is one other house I'd like to show you for comparison. Jimmy and Jess nodded and followed her to it.
The other house was larger and a little more expensive. It was also farther away from work. It was a nice house too but not what they were looking for.
The three walked back to their cars. Jimmy and Jess looked into each other's eyes. "Do you want to put in an offer? On the first house?" Jimmy asked. After mulling for a minute, Jess nodded. "I think it's right for us. Let's do it."
Veronica grinned when she heard that and came closer to where Jimmy and Jess were standing. "I haven't put it on the MLS yet so we don't have to worry yet about competing buyers. I'll write up an offer and bring it to your apartment tonight."
"Great." Jimmy and Jess responded. "We better get back to work."
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McGee and Torres looked up from their desks when Jimmy and Jess walked in. Both looked at the couple with expectant faces wondering what happened, if anything.
Jess and Jimmy looked at each other and back to their friends. "We're going to put an offer on the house."
"Great!" Where is it?"
"It's in Alexandria and only a twenty minute drive from here." Jimmy responded. "The realtor is going to bring us the paperwork tonight."
"Tell us about it." Torres said.
"It's has a nice lot. A two car garage with some storage. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, family room, nice sized kitchen and a dining room. It has an open concept too." Jess responded.
"Sounds very nice. A basement to build a boat in?" Tim asked.
Jimmy and Jess laughed. It does have a basement but we don't plan on building any boats down there."
"What about a man cave?" Torres asked.
Jimmy looked at Jess and she laughed.
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Parker came into the squad room talking on the phone.
"Got it chief. I'll pass the word along."
Everyone looked up expectantly.
"That was the Navy. They gave me the names of two retired Captains that might be interested in our little mission. They are both coming in tomorrow, Keep digging to see if we can find the killer."
An hour or so later, Jess looked up from her screen. "Parker…do you know when Johannsen retired from the Navy?"
"I think it was three years ago. Why?"
"I found something interesting. Voyages Ltd. was formed by a law firm in Monaco and the formation date was when Johannsen was in Monte Carlo. He made his first deposit in his Monaco bank account a day after the company formation and the money came from the law firm."
Parker raised both eyebrows. "Could Johannsen have been involved in the company from the start and was taken out by one of his partners?"
"That certainly looks like a possibility." Jess responded.
"Look into that law firm. See what you can find."
"On it." Jess responded.
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Near the end of the day, Jess finally tracked down the US office of the law firm in Monaco. The firm went through 5 mergers and was now part of Worldwide Esq. LLP headquartered in Boston. She placed a call. The partner in charge was currently in Montreal and would be returning tomorrow. The partner, Pierre Montreau, would return her call when he was back. Jess let the legal assistant know what she was looking for.
After giving Parker an update, he told her to head on home. Jimmy was finished for the day and appeared at her desk with his medical bag in hand.
"Are you ready to go sweetheart?" he asked.
Jess looked up at him and smiled. "Sure am." She grabbed her bag and stood. Her phone rang as did Jimmy's. They looked at each other and then at their phones. It was Victoria. Jimmy answered.
"Hi Victoria. Your mom is standing right next to me. "What's up?"
Jimmy put his arm around Jess pulling her close so she could listen in.
"Austin asked me to come over and help study for our science exam tonight. Is that OK? His mom is going to pick us up from school. We would be done by 9 for pickup."
"What about dinner?"
Victoria passed her phone to Mrs. Marsden. "Jess? It's Beth. Sorry for the short notice but would it be ok for Victoria to come over and have a study session with Austin. I'll cook them dinner."
Jimmy and Jess looked at each other and nodded. "That's ok with us as long as it's not an imposition."
"Not at all. We'd love to have her over."
"It's ok with us. What time do you want us to pick her up?"
"How about 8:30pm?"
"Ok, great. Text us your address and we'll see you then."
Victoria got back on the phone. "Thanks Mom and Dad. I'll see you at 8:30."
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While they were driving home, Veronica called and asked when they would be home. They said 6pm.
"I've got the offer written up. See you then."
Jimmy held Jess' hand as they drove. "What do we have for dinner, sweetheart?"
"Maybe we should stop and pick something up since we are having company soon."
"Ok. How about Thai food? There is a new place we drive by on the way home. It's called Thai Street Hut. I feel like some Pad Thai."
"Yum. That sounds good. I wonder if they deliver for future reference."
"I'm sure they do or one of the food delivery services would."
They pulled into the big parking lot at the strip mall where the restaurant was located and went inside. The scent of the delicious food made their mouths water. After looking at the menu they decided to order Drunken Noodles, Glass Noodle Soup and Yum Yai with their Pad Thai. It took all their won't power to not eat some on the way home.
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When they got home, Jimmy got out some plates for the food and Jess took out a couple of bottles of beer. They sat down at the table next to each other and each took what they wanted. The food was delicious. Just after they finished eating, there was a knock on the door. Jimmy stood and went to the door to answer it. "Hello Veronica. Come on in."
Jimmy led her to the living room where he and Jess sat on the couch and Veronica sat in the plush chair nearby.
Jimmy and Jess looked up expectantly at her.
"I talked to the seller. The husband is a retired navy officer and his wife is a retire school teacher. They raised their family of four kids who have all moved away to warmer climates. Their oldest daughter who has two children now lives in Florida and are moving close to her. They would like to sell to a nice family and they think you fit the bill. He is also glad you work at NCIS.
Jimmy and Jess looked at each other and smiled. "So you think they'll sell to us at a fair price?"
"I believe they will. Here are the comps for similar houses in the area. I think if we came in at $20,000 below their asking price they will accept. Their asking price is right where the comps are."
Jimmy and Jess looked at each other. "That sounds like a good idea but we would like to put a contingency in place for an inspection. We've already been approved for financing."
Veronica smiled. "I think that's a good idea. I just need you to sign the offer sheet and need a $10,000 deposit."
Jimmy stood and said "I'll be right back." He returned a minute later with their checkbook and filled one out. He handed it to Veronica.
"Thank you. I will head on out and schedule a time to present your offer. I will keep you posted."
Jimmy and Jess walked her to the door. "Thank you Veronica. Good night."
Jimmy closed the door and turned to his wife, wrapping her up in his arms. "Sweetheart, are you excited about buying a house?"
Jess kissed him on the lips. "Very. I hope we get it."
"Me too. Hopefully we will get good news tomorrow. I'll put away the extra food."
"I have something I want to show you. I'll be right back. Meet me in the living room?"
Jimmy smiled and said "A surprise? I'll look forward to seeing what you have."
Jess left the room and went into their bedroom. She looked into closet where she hung up her new cat suits. After thinking for a moment, Jess chose the black one. She stripped down to her panties and slid into the suit, zipping up the long front zipper. She checked herself in the mirror and liked what she saw. Jess then went into the living room.
Jimmy was sitting on the couch sipping on his beer. He had brought both his and Jess' into the living room to finish. Jimmy looked up and his jaw dropped open when he saw his wife. Jess grinned at his reaction.
"Wow Jess. You look fantastic. Or should I call you Mrs. Peel." He held out his hand to her and gently pulled her to the couch with him. She sat on his lap. Jess chuckled.
"Mrs. Palmer is who I am. I love being Mrs. Palmer and I love you."
Jimmy grinned and kissed her deeply. "I love you, too. He looked at her and stroked her hair. Jess pulled his tie off and unbuttoned his shirt. After she removed it Jess admired her husband's upper body, kissing his chest. Jimmy moved his hand to the zipper of the cat suit and started pulling it down.
Jess chuckled and grinned. "I thought you liked me in this cat suit."
Jimmy nodded. "I do, very much. But I love what's underneath even more."
Jess watched as Jimmy slid the zipper all the way down to her navel, exposing her soft skin as it went. Jess gasped as he started at her throat and kissed his way down her chest. He then opened up the suit and took her right nipple in his mouth swirling his tongue around it and sucking on it. He then switched to her left nipple lavishing his attention there causing Jess to moan. He then slid the top part of the suit off her shoulders and down to her waist. Jimmy massaged his wife's bare back as he kissed her causing Jess to pant in appreciation. Jess massaged Jimmy's back with one hand and undid his belt with the other. Between pants, Jess asked "Do we have time to do this before we have to pick up Victoria?"
Jimmy released Jess' right nipple with a pop and looked into her eyes with a grin. "I sure hope so."
Their phones both chirped alerting them to a text. Both looked. It was from Victoria asking to stay until 9. Jimmy and Jess looked at each other and grinned. "We definitely have time now." They said in unison. Jess stood and typed a quick response that it was ok. Jimmy took the opportunity to slide the cat suit down Jess legs and off taking her panties with it. Jimmy looked up at his wife admiring her beauty. Jess grinned back at him after tossing her phone on the couch. She pulled Jimmy to his feet and pushed his pants and boxers down his legs and off. Jimmy captured his wife's lips with his in a heated kiss before picking her up and carrying her to their bed. The Palmers kissed hungrily until Jess guided Jimmy inside her bringing untold pleasure to husband and wife.
"I take it you like the cat suit." Jess stated.
Jimmy chuckled. "Did you have any doubt that I would?"
Jess shook her head between kisses. "No, but I love confirmation that you did."
"Oh, I did and do. I love you Mrs. Palmer."
Jess kissed him hard on the lips. "I love you too my wonderful husband."
They held each other as they recovered from their bliss. Before it got too late to pick up Victoria, they got out of bed and Jess went to the bathroom and Jimmy went to retrieve their clothes. Jess came out and picked up her cat suit. "Do you think it would be okay for me to wear this to pick up our daughter?"
Jimmy smiled. "It's ok with me as long as it's ok with you."
"You don't think the Marsdens will find it odd?"
Jimmy shrugged. "I don't know. I'm wondering more about our daughter. She may think it odd."
Jess chuckled. "You know she knows that we like to make love."
Jimmy gulped and nodded. "I don't know if she would equate your suit to sex. She'll probably wonder if we were going to a costume party."
Jess nodded. "I think you're right." She picked up the suit to put it on. "Where are my panties?" Jess asked with a smirk.
Jimmy nodded toward the hamper. "I thought you should go commando under the suit."
Jess raised both eyebrows and laughed. She took Jimmy's boxers and put them in the hamper. "Then we'll pretend we're back in Bermuda and both go commando."
Jimmy smiled and the two newlyweds enjoyed helping each other get dressed to pick up Victoria.
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When they arrived at the Marsden's house Beth answered the door and looked at Jess. "You heading to a costume party?"
Jess laughed. "No. Just decided to try something new."
Victoria came to the door right then. "I like it mom."
Jimmy and Jess grinned. "Thank you for hosting our girl."
"It was our pleasure."
Everyone said good night and the Palmer family headed home.
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