Chapter Text
It had been a difficult day. We had just closed what I would consider the most difficult case in my career, and probably in the careers on the MCRT, and yet my body was still dealing with the aftermath of this morning’s chase through the national park.
“I think that’s your share of work done for the next fortnight,” I heard Vance say, congratulating us on successfully bringing down the largest drug trafficking ring in the US, “You all deserve a week, courtesy of the Navy”.
“Well isn’t that right, Leon!” Gibbs grabbed his go bag and was heading towards the elevator. “I think I’m long overdue for an appointment with the ocean.”
“And I think me and my couch need to have a get together,” I answered, practically speed walking past the team, and nearly bumping into Gibbs at the elevator doors.
“You seem to be in a rush Jack.” Gibbs stated, impatiently pressing the elevator door.
“Yeah, well, I do need to take a break after that psycho nearly dumped a ton of coke on me.” I giggled, downplaying the seriousness of the situation I was only in a few hours ago.
“See you round. McGee. Bishop. Torres,” said Gibbs, and then turned to me, “And definitely see you around Jack.” He had given me that look that got to me every time, a look that I only indulged in in the privacy of Gibbs’ home; we hadn’t told the team yet about our ever closer relationship, but judging by the looks Bishop and Torres were giving, and the constant whispering of McGee and Torres, it was safe to say that they were starting to guess.
“Ain’t that right cowboy – we have a whole fortnight ahead of us to enjoy. I think my couch can wait – I think the most overdue appointment is me in your arms.” Gibbs smiled, and all the troubles I had faded into the background noise. But there still was something bugging me, and Gibbs, being Gibbs, could sense my unease.
“What is it Jack? The case is closed.” We stopped in front of my car, and I started fumbling around my bag for the keys. “I don’t know. I feel like there are some loose ties in this case – we still haven’t found the guy who killed that DEA agent.” Gibbs looked like he was about to interrupt but I continued, “I know that it was definitely someone in the ring – but nobody fits the profile. This guy had to know that the whole wrath of the US Law Enforcement was going to come hunting for him, and yet, he took no precautions? Everything seemed too easy.”
“Perhaps your right Jack, but there was no-one else. We’ve had NCIS, FBI, DEA and NSA look into all the connections and, according to the intel, we’ve got all our guys. Sometimes the simplest route is the correct route Jack”. Gibbs stated.
“Maybe your right.” I said, but it did nothing to appease my unease. I took my keys out and slid into my car, with Gibbs looking on, waiting for me to leave so he could follow me in his truck back to his house. I turned the key, but the engine refused to cooperate; I threw my hands up in desperation.
“Jack?” Gibbs queried, seeing my exasperated look. He climbed out and headed back towards me. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, well, looks like the engine failed, again,” I huffed, “Looks like this baby ain’t going anywhere today Gibbs. Mind if I hitch a ride?”
“I thought you wouldn’t ask Jack.” Gibbs smiled, taking my hand and leading me back to his truck. “I’ll come in tomorrow and try to fix it, it must be the weather taking its toll again.”
“Ah don’t worry, I won’t be needing it for the next fourteen days, remember, ‘cause I’ll be with you.” And that would have been the end of my car troubles, but I let myself become complacent, and didn’t bother to properly check the engine, whose failings were not an accident, but what I later found out was a deliberate act to place me and Gibbs together in the most difficult situation of our life, a situation I didn’t think either of us would come out of alive.