Only With You
- Chapter 12 - In the Woods -

McGee watched silently as the couples began to gather in the dinning room sitting down for dinner. Steve and Maria had emerged from their room for the first time since they left at breakfast; he observed the discrete way Steve placed his hand on his wife's back, a subtle caress in every move. Arielle and Derek were glaring at each other from the corners of their eyes, having had some fight at lunch, this was the first he'd seen them together. He wasn't surprised they were in marriage counseling. Clearly they had issues. Serena and Darien were conversing with another couple, clearly giving moral support and advice in some little debate that was taking place. Christine was at the center table with her assistant her eyes also scanning the room and he quickly pulled his away, knowing that to be caught observing closely would surely clue her in. He let his gaze go back to the entrance and found that Russ and Lynna had just entered standing together in a manner that looked forced, the natural manner he often saw in his boss and his boss' boss. He watched as Russ and Lynna scanned the room as well apparently not finding what or rather who they were looking for and retreated to the bar. McGee studied them closely wishing he had thought to bug the bar, knowing that any little detail would help the team.

It was a few more minutes of silent observation when he noticed that the noise in the room had dimmed slightly, people were still chatting away but not as loudly as they had been, and they all seemed to be glancing at the entrance. Wondering what could be causing this weird behavior he turned and wished he hadn't. Just outside and to the right of the doorway stood Gibbs and the Director, but McGee knew he wasn't looking at them specifically; he was looking at Jethro and Jenny. Jethro had his hand on Jenny's back, and she was turned into him slightly whispering something in his ear. McGee saw something then that he was sure he had never seen, Gibbs smiled. It wasn't just any smile, like when Tony did something or Abby was good, or even with him and Ziva, it was different, and it was also different from the way he generally half smiled around the Director. Although he wasn't sure the Director was responsible for this smile, he thought it might be the woman Jenny, the one McGee had only seen lurking on the fringes of the Director. What confused McGee was that it didn't seem like they were aware they were the center of attention, which was unusual. He had learned early on that Gibbs knew everything that was going on around him, and he had seen enough of the Agent in the Director to know that it was probably true of her as well. Yet there they were caught up in each other, Tony would never believe it.

He averted his eyes as they entered the room and took their seats at the table beside Steve and Maria. The room's noise level went back to normal but McGee was sure he didn't imagine the frequent glances over at Jenny and Jethro. He moved back to the bar, ensuring he could have the widest view of the room with them in it. As he passed Russ and Lynna he noticed they were both eerily silent and their eyes, like hawks that targeted their prey, were focused solely on Jenny and Jethro. He didn't like the look, was worried that it didn't bode well for the couple he was supposed to be watching over, and turned back to them. He saw the brief glance Gibbs made toward the bar and recognized the look, it was the look he always had when he was about to get he bad guy. McGee didn't relax but it did ease his worry a little bit knowing that at least the boss was aware of them. However as he looked one last time at Gibbs again he wished hadn't. Jethro had a hand resting on Jenny's shoulder, a finger gently stroking her neck, there was nothing inappropriate in the gesture or in the way Jenny tilted her head closer to him appearing to enjoy the caress. No there was nothing inappropriate in the actions, but it screamed of an intimacy that McGee knew would result in more bets, and more questions, and generally bad things if something were to happen to it.

---

Jenny enjoyed the gentle pressure of his hand on her shoulder and the caress of his finger on her clavicle bone. She tilted her head slightly towards him not stopping the caress; just making sure it didn't wander farther. He kept the touch light, soothing and comforting, a silent gesture that reinforced their revived feelings.

"Jen," his voice was soft, loud enough only to reach her ear. She in response tilted her head closer, keeping her focus on whatever it was that Steve and Maria were talking about but listening intently to him. "They're watching."

"Let them," she replied just as quietly, her lips barely moving. "Maybe they'll act faster and we'll catch them."

"If they don't we can have them brought in after this."

"Okay." She then turned her attention completely back to Steve and Maria commenting and smiling sweetly. He watched her socialize stayed silently by her side, his gently touch a constant presence until dinner was served. After diner, Christine asked the couples to move to one of the comfortable lounges and they would discuss their music choices for the other couples. Once the couples were seated Jenny watched as Christine gathered the CD's and placed them in a pile in front of her. She knew Jethro had come up with some weak excuse as to why they didn't have their music picked out, and she was sure Christine had laughed at it.

"Now this is a rather interesting exercise we try. Songs express meaning as I'm sure you all know and many a times a song can be inspirational. Each couple will get a CD with the music that was selected for them, when you all leave on Sunday. Enjoy it on your drive home." She paused a moment pulling the list from in front of her and scanning it. Jenny zoned out as Christine began to read and samples of the song were played. She hadn't heard half the songs, and smirked as she agreed with only a few of the nominations.

She glanced over at Jethro who was sharing the small couch with her, and found him to be completely bored. His eyes were drifting from couple to couple, but focusing on nothing really. She could tell it was just a habit of motion to make him look interested. Judging from the half smirk that present she guessed he was probably thinking up things to occupy them when they got back to the room. Not that she was going to complain of course. She had a few ideas of her own, but knew she wouldn't be able to stay calm if she let her mind stay very long in that realm.

"Now for Jenny and Jethro, we have surprisingly on three songs, most of you all agreed that these three songs suited the couple the most, although the last song had the most nominations." Jenny pinched Jethro gently on the thigh and his head turned to hers, trying to look innocent. She glared briefly before turning and smiling to Christine.

"And what songs were these?" She inquired.

"Song Number 1," Christine announced pressing play on the stereo. The song cut to the middle where a steady beat played with a soft guitar in the background and a gentle male voice. Jenny had to smile at the song having heard it once, and thinking that it had just been them. She had thought back to Paris the first time she had heard the song, a time when every time she turned he had looked upon her with such a look that never failed to steal her breath. As she glanced at him this time she found the same gentle look in his eyes and smiled a smile she only gave him.

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all other people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
and me and all other people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all other people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

"Very appropriate," Arielle commented sarcastically, but fell silent at Derek's non-so subtle nudge.

"Song Number 2," Christine said switching tracks. Jethro watched as Christine smiled slightly while the song cut again to the middle, again playing a steady beat. He listened carefully, surprised that the lyrics stayed with him, that they said everything he couldn't form words for. That the words brought back memories of other countries, and more recent ones of holding her close, soothing any pain, laughing with any joys.

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

"Interesting choice," Serena remarked. "Things change."

"The more they change, the more they stay the same," Jenny answered, knowing Jethro was watching her.

"Very true Jenny," Christine agreed. "Now last but not least, this one received the most nominations for you two." She hit play and an upbeat guitar began. She looked over at Jethro immediately, knowing they had heard this song more than once.

You and me
We come from different worlds
You like to laugh at me
When I look at other girls

Sometimes you're crazy
And you wonder why
I'm such a baby
Cause the dolphins make me cry

Well there's nothing I can do
I've been looking for a girl like you

He listened to the words, surprised at how many of them he remembered. This had been a song they had heard in Europe and enjoyed thoroughly. They had come from very different worlds, Jenny had privileged upbringing and he not so much. They left out large gaps in their past then, and it never failed to amuse her how any woman that was a redhead turned his head, or how he cringed at any mention of his numerous ex-wives. They had gone to the zoo once and he had tried hard not to let it get to him, that her girlish self emerged full force and reminded him so much of Kelly, it had been the first time he thought that Kelly and Shannon would have liked her, and that knowledge had unsettled him. It was also the first time he realized he was in love with her.

You look at me
You've got nothing left to say
I'll only pout at you until I get my way
I won't dance
You won't sing
I just want to love you but you want to wear my ring.

Well there's nothing I can do
I only wanna be with you
You can call me your fool
Only wanna be with you

She was engrossed in the song as it played. She had never forgotten that she had usually been able to convince him to do things, like going to the zoo with the tiniest pout. He hadn't been able to refuse. She was sure he had become immune to it since she had left, but she wasn't sure and decided it warranted further investigation later. Although he had been equally convincing and half the time it had been him who had persuaded her to stand up and dance, she had been convinced she wasn't very good at it. He made her rethink that statement and many others

"Cute song," Lynna said with forced niceness.

"It's actually an old favorite of ours," Jenny replied knowing the woman was grating on her nerves. She felt Jethro's hand on her arm, a warning not to let her irritation get to. She had no intention of getting up and smacking the woman, much as she may have enjoyed it, but it was nice to know he could still recognize her moods.

"Well this concludes our evening activities," Christine interrupted hopping to stop the apparent bickering. "I wish you all a pleasant night, I will you tomorrow." Good nights were exchanged and McGee watched as Gibbs and the Director left the room, heading most likely to get Duke. He waited at the front desk and ten minutes later they were back bundled up with Duke trotting along side Jenny. He nodded slightly to them and watched as Gibbs let Jenny wait near the door.

"Timothy," he called. McGee came closer knowing they were to whisper. "News McGee?"

"Nothing new, they're still hunting leads. I can make sure they're online when you get back."

"See that you do." McGee nodded and watched as they left.

---

Jenny hated the cold; except for the one thing that it made her shiver, and her shivering attracted Jethro's attention and caused him to wrap his arm around her. So she hated the cold, but it was more of a thing she loved to hate. She let Duke off the leash and watched him closely as Jethro tugged her closer letting her absorb his body heat.

"Any news?" She asked when they were far enough from the lodge.

"Nothing yet, I told McGee I wanted a briefing when we get back."

"I suppose no news is good news," She sighed.

"Is there any good news to be expected?"

"I suppose not." She wrapped her arms around herself and he stood behind her wrapping his arms over hers, pulling her back against him.

"We'll be alright," he assured.

"I know, I know, I just...don't want to be wrong," she explained and felt him nod. They both understood that if they failed another couple would die. "I just wish I knew if we've gotten their interest or not."

"I think we have," Jethro said remembering the look in Lynna's eyes the other night.

"Or Lynna just has..." She trailed off cocking her head to the side.

"Jen?"

"Hm...thought I heard something," she commented scanning the dark edges of the forest. She saw nothing that caused for alarm, and felt his hand gently tighten on her, assuring her she was safe. "Must have been nothing."

"Hm..." he too scanned the area but could find nothing out of place. "What about Lynna?"

"Oh right, Lynna.... she's pregnant, why would they be doing this is she were pregnant?" Jenny questioned.

"Sophie Raine knew she was pregnant and still went agreed to do that kill," Jethro reminded.

"Sophie and Jean-Paul did not torture their victims, they just shot them."

"Maybe she's not pregnant."

"Maybe," Jenny agreed. "But then why make such a public announcement?"

"Sympathy if she should lose the baby perhaps or to distract people from them."

"Distraction tactic I could see the other just seems...desperate."

"Well we'll see if Tony got anything off the bug in their room, maybe then we'll have a way to get them, before they get us."

"Let's hope for that," she said turning back just as Duke shot off into the forest. "Duke!" She tried to break free from his hold on her. "Jethro!"

"He probably just heard a deer or something."

"Jethro deer have hooves, he could get hurt!" She reminded and he knew she had a point. He ran with her toward the forest edge but stopped her from going in, it was dark and they had no lights.

"Duke! Duke heel!" He shouted sure the dog would come bounding out of the woods any moment, when he didn't Gibbs felt a tad worried. He heard what sound like a little yelp and noticed Jenny freeze.

"Jethro..."

"He's fine, he's going to be fine," he assured and he made his way into the woods, sensing Jenny behind him. The path widened for the two to walk alongside and he felt her slip her hand into his.

"Duke!" She heard the yelp again and picked up the pace tugging Jethro after her.

"Jen slow down, you don't want to fall too," he warned. They entered a small circle of trees and Jethro watched her freeze not knowing which way to go.

"We split up, I'll take this side," she said.

"Splitting up isn't..."

"We'll find him faster!" He stopped her from taking off and handed her his back up weapon knowing she probably didn't have hers.

"Try not to shoot me." She nodded going off in the direction she had indicated, Jethro watched for a moment before turning in the opposite, his gut starting to act up. He hoped to God that nothing had happened to Duke, he knew Jenny would take it hard.

Jenny on the other hand was worried as she kept going and there was no sign of the dog. Every so often she called out to him and heard the faint bark in response. She didn't like that, she didn't like the fact that he could still bark but couldn't come to her. The wind attached her hair and stung at her cheeks causing her to try and wrap her coat tighter around herself while still keeping her gun ready. She was starting to wish she hadn't thought up the splitting up idea, Jethro's presence would have been a welcome comfort at this point.

"Duke!" She tried again and heard a much louder bark. She stopped and called again orienting herself in the direction the responding bark came from. He had to be close. She took off jogging briskly wanting to be able to get to him and at the same time not get injured. She felt like she had to be right on top of him when she felt her feet give out below her and felt herself tumble down a hill. At least she thought it was a hill, it wasn't until she opened her eyes that she realized she'd fallen into a pit, apparently victim to the same pit Duke was. She saw him lying down looking at her. "Oh Duke." She tried to get up but felt her ankle give away. Ouch! "Jethro!" She knew calling for him might work; hopefully he wouldn't fall into the pit as well.

She hobbled over and slid down next to Duke softly petting the dog that had become as close as any friend could. She checked over and found he might have broken one of his legs as well and hoped he would be all right. She had always had a soft spot for dogs and she hoped she would be able to keep him. Jethro would agree, he's always saying I don't have enough alarm systems.

"JETHRO!" She yelled again, hoping her voice carried over the wind. She reached in her pocket and found her cell phone. "No service, well that's just great," she muttered. "Don't worry Duke, Jethro will be by soon enough." She wasn't sure if she was trying to convince herself or state a fact. "JETHRO!"

"I'm afraid Jethro is a little busy at the moment," a voice she recognized all to well said. She turned surprised to see what must have been a door open.

"Where is he?"

"Don't worry, you'll see him soon enough." She tried to stand up, and she took fire with her gun but her lack of balance cause the shot to go astray and hit the shoulder of her visitor instead of the heart. "You'll pay for that bitch."

Faster than she could react he kicked her abdomen knocking her to the ground. Duke growled and tried to get up to protect her. He had made it a few painful steps when Jenny saw the gun.

"Duke no, down," she ordered hoping he would not shoot the dog.

"You'd take a beat for your dog, just what would you do for your husband?"

"Just leave them both be," she tried, the sinking feeling in her stomach telling her something had happened to Jethro. "Please just leave them be."

"You think I will be as easy appeased, you are mistaken." She watched him fire something at her and felt a sharp, needle-like object pierce her shoulder. She glanced down seeing the dart sticking out of her shoulder. She felt her body begin to tire and could do nothing as he sedated Duke and then turned to her. "Scream for him all you want, he won't be able to hear you, but we should give him something to remember you by." She felt the diamond locket be pulled from around her throat and tried to resist the urge to smile. He had sounded the panic alarm all by his self. As the world became hazy, she knew she would be okay. Jethro would find her, he always did.

"Jethro..."

---

Jethro was starting to think this splitting up was a really, really bad idea. He hadn't heard any barks in his direction at all and he had the sinking feeling that Jenny had gotten herself into trouble. He wouldn't be stupid enough to blame her for the trouble she found herself in, she attracted it like Tony, and he wouldn't underestimate her ability to fight back, but there were other thoughts that would nag him. If she had been taken by surprise, shot by a sniper, stabbed, drugged, there was a whole list of possibilities that would incapacitate her, and prevent her from fighting back. He reached into his pocket for his cell phone and found he had no battery. Damnit, he cursed. He should have charged it. Jenny could be in trouble and calling for him and he would never know. With this thought in mind he turned back in the direction he had come moving faster. They would find Duke together, but first he would find her. He had just reached the clearing and circle of tress when he heard her voice.

"Jethro." It was barely their above the wind but he guessed that was her, he ran in the direction she had gone in when they first split and kept calling for her but he heard nothing more. He stopped after he'd run for a few minutes.

"JEN!" He shouted trying to hear for her, make sure he was heading in the right direction. "JENNY! Answer me!" He felt the presence behind him and sucked in a breath of relief. "Christ Jen don't do..." he turned and the relief sped away. He backed up and felt himself sliding and tumbling into a pit. He looked up to find his visitor leaning over the edge with a pleased smirk.

"Jenny, Jenny, that's all we ever hear. Jenny can't talk to you right now." He got to his feet as the visitor disappeared at the top. He proceeded to walk the enclosed space and froze as something caught his eye as the moon passed overhead. Something sparkly lay in the ground, admitted up turned dirt. He reached down and felt the smooth metal and rock. He pulled the object closer to him and found Jenny's necklace in his hand.

"What did you do to her?" He shouted half glad the clasp had been broken, half terrified of what that meant for her.

"No need to shout, I'm right here." His visitor stepped out from what might have been a door.

"Where is she?"

"Don't worry, you'll see her again soon." He reached for his gun, but felt a sharp prick to the back of his neck. "Ah ah, I wouldn't do that. This will make you a bit more cooperative." The last thing he saw was the necklace encased in his hand.

---

McGee was getting nervous. He didn't claim to have a gut or to be psychic about bad things like Gibbs, or occasionally like Tony. He believed in the facts, but right now he felt this general unease that wouldn't leave him alone. He kept glancing to the entrance every so often hoping that Gibbs would walk back in, with the Director close beside him safe and sound, but as the time passed he felt that wouldn't be the way it went tonight. He just heading to his room to grab a flashlight to go outside and look for them when his cell phone vibrated. He glanced down and recognized the number as Abby's lab.

"Abby?" he answered the phone making sure no one else was around.

"Where's Gibbs?" Ziva's voice was a surprise.

"He and the Director went out for a walk with Duke, bout a half hour ago," McGee answered the dread growing.

"McGee find them!" Tony shouted over the phone. "The crime scene wasn't the original crime scene, they staged the bodies."

"What?" McGee gasped unwilling to believe they had missed that the first time around.

"Just find Gibbs!" Ziva snapped.

"I'm on it, is he answer his phone?"

"They're both not answering, they might not have service," Tony answered. He heard Abby's gasp and an alarm sound in the background.

"What? What happened?" He demanded turning and heading for the door to look for Gibbs.

"The Director..."

"What about the Director Abby?" Ziva barked.

"The panic alarm went off."

Chapter 13