Horrific Case p4

Gibbs and Ellie walked in at their usual time and after grabbing their usual coffees began looking at the case.

However, just as Ellie was reading out an email from the records archive, the director Leon Vance walked in.

"Good Morning Both" he said with a tired smiled

"Morning Leon" Growled Gibbs as he yawned

"Walk with me Gibbs."

"Morning Director, and yes boss I will let McGee know about this email."

Gibbs just smiled even though he hadn't asked the question.

"You pass on your mind reading powers?" a confused Vance asked

"Another reason why I married her." Gibbs said as he began their measured walk up to Leon Vance's office.

Ellie had a gut feel and she could tell that her Gibbs did as well.

What storm were they now walking in to.

Gibbs opened the door as Leon had his briefcase with him and was also holding a brown envelope in the other hand.

"Thanks, I'm guessing you've already had coffee."

"Uh huh" letting the office door closed. He watched as Leon poured a fresh cup of what Leon called coffee, but each to their own Gibbs said in his head.

As Leon motioned to sit, he did at once.

"What is it, Leon?"

"This morning, I got a call from Miss Hines. She was in early apparently needing to get through the case evidence."

"There was a lot." Gibbs advised.

"Yes, the thing is when she came in to her lab this brown envelope was on her keyboard. Not addressed to her or anyone for that matter. But when she carefully opened it"

"Who?"

"This time you again from the crime scene and this time a final warning."

"Ah, damn they must be watching from within."

"Yes I need to ask a favour Gibbs."

Gibbs who was still poker face not giving much away took a moment.

"You want me off the case?"

"Maybe..."

"Leon, look you know for whatever reason the universe has given me a second chance. I'll do anything to protect my kid and my wife you know that anything. But hell, I won't survive if they get through our walls of protection."

For the first time maybe ever Vance thought, he could read Gibbs's face like a book.

"Bring Ellie up in half an hour, I just need to get Quinn in and brief her."

"Yes sir."

"Oh, and Gibbs don't worry they won't win."

Gibbs nodded and strode out of the office.

Back down in the bullpen the others still hadn't arrived.

"Where is everyone?"

"Nick is on a lead with the prison officer, McGee had to take the car for a quick repair, said he'll be here in 20 and I already briefed him."

"Okay, we got half an hour before Vance wants a serious chat with us both."

"Damn."

"Yeah, lets follow up on the bike lead, it may help Torres."

Sensing a need to keep her Gibbs busy, Ellie brought up everything they knew so far. The bike that Nick had described on the first evening was enough to go on, wasn't quite a prominent as some of the gangs that used them but if they could narrow it down, maybe Nick knowing his bikes and biker gangs could find out a little more.

Much to their relief after running various options an old warrant came up.

"Hey zoom in on that face."

"Sure."

"That's Kaleb." Said Torres who looked flustered as he appeared from the elevator.

"You find him?"

"Yeah, he's dead, found local leos taking his body out, apparently a drug overdose. I offered Jimmy to do their autopsy, and they seemed very relieved for us to be taking his case. Just got to make sure I, we send them the details so they can close the drugs case."

"Good work" as Gibbs picked up his desk phone

Nick nodded and scuttled off towards autopsy as he watched Ellie and Gibbs leave and go up towards Vance's office.

"Take a seat."

They both did, Gibbs made a point of sitting next to his wife. Which was slightly unusual as he normally kept a professional distance, so not to show favour. But this time it was personal; thank God he had burnt rule 10 for her otherwise this was going to hurt even more.

"Plan Leon."

"The plan is if you are both willing is for you both to take a break from this case."

"You benching us sir?" asked Ellie

"In a way"

"Quinn looking into things?"

"Yes, the actions so far, does seem to point that we have a watcher. Hence why I still pretended to have the envelope with me this morning."

"Envelope?"

"Ahh you not had chance." Gibbs just shook his head.

"A photo of Gibbs was found on Miss Hines's keyboard this morning. We are still working out where from and how it got there, but it's giving us a final warning."

Ellie took a moment and re-focused.

"Caitlin is due to go to her uncles next week, we could ask to go earlier and maybe we can get a much-needed vacation."

"How long do you think Leon?'

"Two weeks for start."

"You really think it will be longer?" almost asking them both

Gibbs turned to his wife and "We need to plan for that, but I hope not. I promised you remember."

He took her hand.

"I know, I did too, I just need to process."

"I know. Maybe we can brief the team, leave early go out for a bit."

"Ooh date night?"

Vance laughed which made them laugh.

"Sorry."

"No need to be sorry Ellie, I think that would be wise. I don't envy you both only maybe the vacation. But I seriously think we need to make a move to see what pops."

"Sounds good to me."

Vance looked over at his top special agent.

"You sure Gibbs?"

"Yes sir, family first."

"Amen to that. Right brief the team leave at lunch. Tim to take point?"

"Yeah, he'll be fine to take point. If Quinn can support if needed?"

"Yes, that would be perfect. Take care both and Gibbs take this so you can contact me if needed."

Vance had gotten up from the chair and pulled out a burn phone from his desk drawer and handed it over.

"Thanks Leon."

And with that they both left the room.

Not knowing when they would return.

Hope you have enjoyed reading Part 4 x More to come on this brand new adventure for Growler and Food Monster x