The team was getting ready to go home. They had all been sadly surprised by the news of Athena Capris’ master plan. But they were grateful to her. It would never have ended cleanly. Marshall left with some final praise for the whole team. Joseph was next; a little touch on the shoulder for each of the Capris stand-ins. Clara went down to autopsy to gather her things. Lucas was long gone. James nodded, face solemn as ever, and left a few moments after Joseph. Alex, not to disappoint, gave Emma a long hug then bent over to kiss Samantha. Emma laughed and stuck out her tongue, sitting down at her desk as he left. Samantha showed no signs of moving.
Emma gave her best friend a final, tired smile and packed up her bag. “Go home Sam. Long day.” Samantha raised her eyebrows and snorted. “I just have one more thing to do. See you tomorrow for another long day.” Emma watched her walk purposefully down the stairs.
Samantha knocked lightly on the door to autopsy. Clara’s head poked up from under her desk. “Oh, hi Sammy. I was just looking for one of my beads… What are you doing down here?” Samantha walked quietly and sat down next to Clara. “I came to apologize for yelling at you earlier. You didn’t deserve it.” Clara smiled and looked satisfied. “I know. You’re forgiven.” And of course she had to verify that statement with a hug. The two grabbed their bags and walked out of autopsy side by side while Clara bounced and giggled her way to the elevator.
THE END
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Checkmate
Mystery / ThrillerWhen two notorious assassins are killed by federal agents, a team of skilled NCIS agents, led by SSA Joseph Benton and Directory Marshall Grant, have to find out who called the hits and who their next customer was going to be.
