A Walk Down Memory Lane.
As Gibbs drove he kept staring at the couple sitting in his backseat. His gut tells him he was missing some vital part of this situation. The only parts he knew for sure were the two people in his backseat. Genevieve who he hasn’t seen in years and Bruce Banner who looks familiar to him-he just couldn’t place where he knew him from. So he decided to do what he does best-investigate.
“Have you two known each other long?” Gibbs asked-he knew it wasn’t professional but since they weren’t suspects’ yet-he decided it was ok.
They looked at each other “We’ve known each other for quite a few years Uncle J” Genevieve replied.
“How did you meet?” He asked trying to fish for information.
“Mike Franks actually” Genevieve said with a smile leaning on Banner-who had been fidgeting and nervous but seemed to calm when she touched him.
“Mike Franks?” he asked, “How”.
Bruce gave Genevieve a small smile.
“Want to tell him the story” Jen asked looking at Bruce.
Bruce smiled and told Gibbs the story of their meeting omitting certain details about the other guy.
Flashback:
Bruce’s head was pounding and his mouth tasted awful. He opened his eyes to find he was lying on a beach with his mouth full of sand. He just laid there disoriented trying to get his baring’s. He had no idea where the other guy had taken him-but the fact that he was sore which meant he traveled a long distance. Someone cleared their throat above him causing Bruce to freeze and slowly rolled over to face the person. A man with a cigarette and a gun was standing over him.
“You al’right?” the man said gruffly kicking at his leg a little with his boot.
Bruce just stared at the man.
“Where am I?” he asked
“Mexico” the man answered
“You speak English” Bruce asked
“Yeah” the man laughed
“What’s your name?” The man asked
“Bruce”
“Come on Bruce you look like you could use a drink and some food” the man said reaching down and hauling Bruce up.
“T.T.Thank you” Bruce stuttered, “What’s your name?”
“Mike Franks” the man said extending his hand, “come on –my little piece of heaven is right over there. Got cold ones, some food and well my pants might be huge but at least you won’t be buck ass naked.” He finished with a gruff laugh.
They walked in and Mike yelled out “Hey Jen brought a dinner guest home.”
“Dammit Mike if you brought another young cantina girl back I am leaving!” A women snapped coming around the corner a saw Bruce, “oh god!”
Mike raspy laughed “please you act like you’ve never seen a naked man before.”
“You don’t know! This might be my first time!” she exclaimed.
The two looked at each other and burst out laughing while Bruce just stood there in between them.
“Umm you said something about pants?” he finally asked.
“Yeah hold on let me get you some” Mike said moving into his bedroom.
Jen rolled her eyes “He’ll never find anything in there. Here these are clean” she said reaching into a basket and handing him some pants.
“Thanks” he said and preceded to put them on.
“I am Bruce Banner” he introduced himself.
“Hello Bruce Banner I am Genevieve Gibbs” she said extending her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you” he said and shook her hand.
End Flashback
As Gibbs pulled into the Navy Yard he decided the best course was to split them up into separate interrogation rooms. Although his plans changed when he walked them in and ran into Ducky (Dr. Donald Mallard).
“Why Jethro I thought you had gone home?” Ducky asked outside the elevator.
“I drove up on a situation- and needed to bring the eyewitnesses in for statements.” Gibbs said stepping out and his two eyewitnesses followed
“Genevieve?” Ducky asked when he recognized her.
Jen smiled “Ducky! How are you?” she exclaimed, walking up and hugging him.
Ducky glanced at the other eyewitness and the color drained from his face “My god it can’t be-Robert is that really you?” Ducky asked quietly.
Gibbs watched as the man tensed looking at Ducky “D-Ducky?” Bruce stuttered.
Ducky smiled and laughed “Yes my boy it’s me. Come here and give this old man a hug.” He said as he come over and all but made the man hug him.
Gibbs shot a look at him “You told me your name was Bruce?” he demanded.
Bruce looked down nervous “My name is actually Robert Bruce Banner, Agent Gibbs.” He said quietly.
Gibbs continued to stare at him trying to place the name-so Bruce decided to continue. “We’ve actually met before -the only attempt my father made at a family vacation had us breaking down outside a general store in Stillwater Pennsylvania. You, Jack and An-um your mother-came to my rescue.”
FLASHBACK:
Jethro was sweeping the back of the store where he could listen to the commotion outside without being seen. His mother and father were still arguing with the man they saw hit his son and wife in the store then proceeded to drag them outside. He looked around trying to find some excuse to go outside and watch when his eyes landed on the trash bags. He’ll dump the trash, he’ll be able to keep an eye on his parents and the crazed man. He should have known he couldn’t sneak around his mother “Leroy” she called.
He stuck his head out from the alley. “Come take Bruce inside and give him some of my cookies?”
He looked at his mother than at the scared little kid “sure come on Bruce” picking up the boy.
Once they got in the kitchen he put two cookies on a plate and gave him some milk to go with it. The boy just looked longing at the cookies.
“They are really good Bruce.” He said.
“Daddy will be mad if I eat any.” Bruce said quietly.
Jethro just stared at the boy “how about I just put two more on here and if anyone asked I said you didn’t want any?” he compromised.
The boy thought about it for a minute “that could work” he said with a small smile and eating the cookies.
After a few minutes his mother swept into the kitchen, “Bruce honey your momma is ready to go.” The poor boy looked scared, and Jethro knew his mother didn’t want him to go. She walked him out put him in the car in the backseat. The man was in the passenger seat with an icepack to his face glaring at his mother who paid him no mind. The women nodded to his parents and started the car. Once they were out of sight his mother hissed “if either one of them die it’s because of us Jackson” and stormed back into the store.
END FLASHBACK
“I knew you looked familiar- I thought my mother was going to kill your father and then mine for letting you leave.” He finished with a small smile.
Bruce looked down “it probably would have been easier on everyone if she had.” He added.
Gibbs walked them to the interrogation room and instead of splitting them up he put them in the same one-breaking one of his rules. He would usually run both Genevieve and Banner’s names to see if anything came up but his gut told him not to-he needed to talk to them first. He was walking back through the bull pen when he noticed Ducky sitting at his desk.
“Thought you were going home Duck?” Gibbs asked.
“Thought you might need help.” Ducky countered from the desk.
Gibbs nodded “Would you mind coming in and helping me talk with them. You seem to know them both and I might need a buffer.” He added.
Ducky just looked at him and nodded. He followed Jethro inside the room and watched as he began.
Gibbs sat down “Mind telling me the events that led up to a car being in flames and two charred bodies inside. By the way you will have remains coming soon Duck.” Gibbs said as an afterthought.
Ducky chuckled nodding his head.
Genevieve sighed and began “Bruce and I were driving here from New York- two hours before Maryland is when I briefly noticed the car two cars behind us. Then Bruce noticed me looking in the review mirror. Suddenly the car came up along us and other car and I exchanged gunfire. I eventually spun the car and shot out the tires causing it to lose control and hit the embankment and go over. Explosion-flames-then you drove up.” She finished.
“Where were you coming from Dr. Banner?” Gibbs asked.
“A-Avengers Tower.” He answered.
“Avenger’s Tower?” Ducky asked.
“That’s where I’ve been living since the battle of New York.” Bruce replied.
Gibbs looked surprised that this small man lived with super heroes and wanted to ask but a knock on the glass stopped him. He and Ducky shared a look-it was extremely late or early depending on one’s view-no one should be here. Gibbs excused himself to see who it was. Leon was waiting for him in the opposite viewing room.
“Gibbs what’s going on?” Leon demanded clearly not amused by the whole situation.
“What do you mean Leon? I drove up on an accident so I brought the eyewitnesses here for a statement.” Gibbs said looking at his boss.
“Why do I have a pissed of Anthony Edward Stark in my office threatening to have all of our jobs if Bruce Banner isn’t released this instant?” Leon added.
“Don’t know Leon.” Gibbs said.
“Are you charging the man?” Leon asked.
Gibbs shook his head “No, he was just the passenger.” Gibbs said.
“Then I suggest you let the man leave-come to my office when you are done.” Leon said leaving.
Gibbs nodded and went back inside with the others, “Dr. Banner you are free to go. Anthony Stark is here for you.” He added standing by the door.
Bruce rolled his eyes smiling then with a puzzled look he said “Just me?”
Genevieve smiled “Don’t worry Uncle J will probably only be a few minutes more. I’ll be right behind you” she said.
“You don’t have a car remember? Tony and I will wait for you.” Bruce decided standing up.
Ducky intervened “How about I walk you and Mr. Stark to the garage and I am sure by then Jethro will be done with Genevieve’s questions.”
She smiled as Bruce got up shaking Gibbs hand and leaving the room with Ducky. She turned her eyes on Gibbs.
“A particular reason you wanted me alone?” She asked.
“Tell me the real story.” He demanded.
“I did” she counter.
“You’re leaving something out.” He exclaimed.
“What exactly do you think I am leaving out? I TOLD you what happened? What don’t you believe?” She snapped back.
“You are too calm” he said.
“Uncle J this wasn’t the first and it definitely won’t be the last time someone has tried to shoot me. It’s been a long day and I am extremely tired,” She said getting up, “Are you charging me or am I free to go?”
Gibbs couldn’t help but smile “You are free to go.” He said.
“Thank you” she said but paused at the door, “Did you run Bruce’s name?” she asked.
Gibbs shook his head “My gut told me not to.” He said with a shrug.
“Thank you” she said with a small smile, “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Opening the door and walking out.
Tony DiNozzo was preoccupied with his thoughts when he come up to grab something from his desk. He looked across the bullpen and thought he was halogenating. Was that Bruce standing there next to Ducky? It couldn't be-he was dead! Jennifer told him he was dead. Before Tony even realized it he was walking over to them.
Ducky saw him first "Anthony what are you doing here at this time of night? Let me introduce Robert -" Ducky began but Bruce interrupted him when he saw the approaching man.
"T? (Shaking his head) Tony?" Bruce asked.
"Bruce? I thought you were dead?" Tony said reached over and threw his arms around him pulling the smaller man into a hug.
Bruce just stood there stunned. His mind couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Tony DiNozzo was hugging him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a small crowd was forming around them-Ducky, Tony, Jen even Agent Gibbs had stopped on his way upstairs to watch.
"T people are watching” he mumbled.
DiNozzo flinched remembering where he was and let Bruce go.
“Sorry B-impulse reaction” DiNozzo said with a small smile.
"My lord how do the two of you know each other?" Ducky asked Bruce started fidgeting and turning red. "Well um" Bruce began. "Bruce was my best friend -my only friend- from birth till we were six years old." Tony replied.
Bruce smiled nodding in agreement “Our mothers were best friends.” He added-for the moment that explained everything to those standing there-each knowing some part of Bruce’s past.
“Sorry to break the nice walk down memory lane big guy but I am getting tired.” Tony said getting impatient to leave.
Bruce rolled his eyes “Fine Tony let’s go.” He said heading toward the elevator then paused when he realized Ducky wasn’t with them, “Do you want us to wait Ducky?” he added.
“Go on Robert-I have to grab something upstairs before I go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ducky replied with a smile.
“Ok” Bruce said as the four of them climbed into the elevator-someone hitting the button for the garage.
DiNozzo immediately hit the emergency button stopping the elevator's descent and turning to Bruce ignoring the other two occupant’s surprised stare. "What happened to you B? I got the call from Jennifer- She said you were dead. I just can't believe you are alive! Why didn’t you tell anyone?" Tony babbled.
Bruce looked down "I know-umm it's a long drawn out story that I really don't want to get into right now T -but I am sorry if I scared you- and Jennifer " Bruce said.
Tony took a breath “I am sorry – I am just glad you’re here.” He said hugging the man again.
Stark cleared his throat “Nice touching moment-but you might want to start the elevator-Bruce kind of doesn’t like small spaces.”
Tony jumped “Damn! I am sorry I forgot about that-Boss does this when he needs a heart to heart and its automatic response now.” He finished hitting the button again letting the elevator finish its journey.
Back in Vance’s Office
Vance and Gibbs were waiting for Ducky before the discussion began.
“Start talking” Vance said, “Do we need to keep an eye on them?”
“Genevieve is my niece, she lived with me and Shannon and I’ve seen her occasionally since their deaths.” Gibbs said.
“And Banner?” Vance asked.
Ducky jumped in “Director He is a good man-well he was a good boy. I unfortunately interned for his father in the beginning of my career. The man was smart but certifiably insane. Robert was an incredibly smart child and Brian decided that wasn’t right and preceded to tell the child he was a monster. The man beat his poor wife and child repeatedly- I had to leave.” He paused chuckling, “I wanted to steal him-take him back home with Mother and I. She told me Donald two Irish people with a little boy who looks nothing like them-we’d be arrested before we hit the border.” He said.
Gibbs smiled “what border?” he asked.
Ducky laughed “It was mother-who knows.” He said.
Vance looked at Gibbs “Is she an agent?”
“She was at one time- Hetty Lange talked her into it-I don’t know if she still is-we-um-don’t talk that much.” Gibbs admitted.
Vance raised an eyebrow at him “I am glad you didn’t run her name. If Hetty finds out that you brought her in for questioning-she’ll want your head on a spear.” He said with a smile.
Gibbs looked at Ducky “Do you know what happened to his mother?” he asked.
Ducky sighed “I am afraid she died. Poor women should not have had to die at the hands of that man.”
“Brian killed her?" Gibbs asked.
“He got away with it for a while-made Bruce lie to everyone.” Ducky grumbled “But the man was a raving drunk and I believe he ran his mouth to the wrong person.”
“Where is he now?” Vance asked.
“A psychiatric ward somewhere in Ohio-good riddance I say.”
Vance looked at the wall “The man seemed very skittish.”
“Sir the man was abused both physically and mentally since before he could talk. It’s not surprising that he is scared of authority. Most people with a background like Robert’s end up serial killers-not living with superheroes.” Ducky said adding, “But to your original question-I know both of them and I trust them.”
“What does the famous Gibbs gut tell you?” Vance asked looking at Gibbs.
Gibbs thought for a minute “I think she’s hiding something-but I do trust them. Might be guilt-but I do trust them.” He said.
“Guilt-you?” Vance asked amused.
“Getting old sucks.” Gibbs said with a smile.