You've Got Mail
- Part 3 -
"Abby..." Gibbs yelled as he walked through the doors to her lab. She flinched slightly and grimaced, waiting for the inevitable lecture about not invading people's privacy and the fact that he didn't need another wife.
"Yes?" She asked nervously. Gibbs resisted the urge to smile and thrust a piece of paper into her hands.
"Reply to Red Headed Woman or no Caf-Pows for a week." He said, striding out of her lab. Abby heaved a sigh of relief and unfolded the paper. She could hardly contain her squeal as she read the response.
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Dear Red Headed Woman,
You are right, I don't usually do this kind of thing either, but my "daughter" did it for me so I had no choice. The only upside is the possibility of "meeting" a like minded person. It sounds to me that you are just that.
I also work too hard. But again, I wouldn't give it up for the world. I too have difficult colleagues, but over the years they have become the family that I used to crave.
I too am addicted to caffeine. I can actually go for weeks without sleeping as long as I can get my caffeine. Woes betide anyone who gets in the way of an ex marine and his coffee! (Or so I have been told!)
So you are middle aged? Who cares? I have been told numerous times that I am on my way to old age, but age is just a number isn't it?
So this job that you love…what it is? What makes you passionate? For what is life without passion?
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Abby paused in her typing. Gibbs didn't speak about passion. Gibbs was a stoic. She frowned then smiled. If writing to an anonymous woman on the internet was what it took to get Gibbs to open up then so be it. Abby continued typing.
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I suppose I should tell you more about myself.
I build boats. In my basement. A lot of people frown at that, but if you have ever felt wood under your fingers then you would understand.
I drink bourbon, probably too much, but I love the stuff. You are probably shaking your head right now, thinking 'oh lord, what have I let myself in for?' but you have to try it…seriously. If neither of us get anything out of this, at least I would have converted someone to bourbon.
Awaiting your reply.
Silver Fox
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Abby stretched her arms above her head. She had a funny feeling about this, like everything was suddenly about to change dramatically and she couldn't figure out if it was for the best or the worse. But the air was charged with change and she couldn't wait to see what happened.
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"You're doing WHAT?" Gibbs shouted. Jen took a subconscious step back.
"I am handing the case over to the FBI." She repeated. Gibbs stared at her.
"Don't even try that 'stare' Jethro, it doesn't work on me. You have pissed Fornell off more than usual on this one Gibbs, I need to build bridges and I need you to cooperate."
"Christ Jen…how the hell am I meant to make a difference if you keep taking cases away from me?" He slammed his case report down onto her desk and stomped out of her office. She sighed as Cynthia stuck her head round the door making sure she was ok. Jen nodded at Cynthia who retreated, shutting the door.
Jen reached for her keyboard and pulled up the internet. She checked her personal emails and noticed a new one from the dating site her friend had persuaded her to join. She ignored the little flutter in her stomach when she saw who it was from.
She read the email with her hand firmly over her mouth, stifling her gasp. It couldn't be…she glanced at the door as if expecting him to be standing in the door way, it wasn't possible. Leroy Jethro Gibbs. She shook her head in surprise and amusement, who'd have thought.