NCIS Short Stories

Olden Days

"Daddy!" She shouts.

She runs into my arms and I give her the biggest bear hug imaginable.

"Daddy, I missed you," Kelly Gibbs, my daughter, says.

"I missed you to sweetie," I say with a smile back at her. I've been gone for about a month or so, training for the Marines.

"Leroy," I look up. Shannon, my amazing wife, stands before me, beautiful as always. I let go of Kelly and she follows me, practically attached to my leg.

With a kiss on the cheek, Shannon smiles and says," Come inside, it's cold out here." I follow her. Kelly's chattering away like usual. The phone rings and Kelly abruptly stops talking. I head to pick it up, expecting a call from a friend or neighbor telling me welcome back.

"Leroy," Shannon says. I turn to ask her what's wrong and I see that her and Kelly have gone to the other side of the room, Kelly with terror in her eyes.

"What's wrong," I ask as the phone stops ringing.

"The people," Kelly starts until Shannon gives her a quick shush.

"Shannon? Who's calling?" I'm worried.

"They've been calling ever since you left," she starts,"We told the police, they can't trace the call..." Her voice trails off.

"Who," I ask again.

"Kelly, sweetie, go to your room and get that present you found for daddy."

"Ok," she whimpers meekly.

As she runs down the hall, I walk up to Shannon.

"Who was it Shannon? What's wrong?" I ask her once again.

"Threats," she whispers,"They can't be traced..."

A tear threatens to roll down her cheek.

"It's ok," I pull her into my arms,"it's ok..."

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One month, two, three...

Dead. Both of them. Shannon, Kelly... Gone.

Cartel. A bullet. Blood. Dead.

Those are the only things that run through my mind.

I'm at the beach, and how I got here, I have no idea.

What's in my hand? A pistol. It's loaded. But I can't see it well enough to tell where it's pointed. In front of me or at me. My eyes are blurred. Shock or tears. Tears. It's been a while since I've cried, but the moments deserve it.

"Why," I hear my voice. It's high pitched. It's pointed at me, the gun. My

fingers on the trigger. It's pulling, about to fire...

"Daddy, please don't." Kelly, that's her voice. I jump up.

"Kelly! Shannon!" I turn and turn looking for them only to realize they aren't there. I sink to my knees.

"Daddy, don't hurt yourself." Again. She's pleading. The gun is only inches away from my hand. I still can...

"Please, daddy, please."

"Stop," my voice is cracking. A little more for the pistol. Almost got it.

"Daddy!! No don't please!!"

"I'm sorry baby." That's not Kelly.

"Shannon?"

My eyes are closed. A hand touches my face.

"Leroy, please don't. Don't hurt yourself," she pleads.

"I need you back," I murmur. The gun has slid away from me. No hope. It's cold, the cold of defeat.

"We never left, Leroy." It's quiet for a few moments, and then Kelly speaks.

"Daddy, we have to go."

"No," I grab for a hand, something to keep them from leaving.

"I love you daddy. Bye."

"Leroy, listen to me," I try to open my eyes but I can't bear to see her after all of this,"Please don't give up."

I shake my head just slightly.

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Promise me, please. Don't give up. We will see each other again."

"Promise," I say wearily.

"I love you," she says and I feel a brush on my cheek. A kiss goodbye.

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