A/N: I do not own the characters of NCIS. I only borrow them to play and will return them unharmed. The title and lyrics are from No Place That Far recorded by Sara Evans

Chapter One

Leroy Jethro Gibbs held it together through the investigation. Held back the tears in front of his team and the dignitaries gathered around the graveside. Kept his face emotionless as the lone bugler played taps and the honor guard folded the flag. Gritted his teeth to still the quivering in his chin when the SecNav presented the three-cornered bundle of fabric to him as her only family, the words of condolence barely registering in his ears. He'd even offered Tony and Ziva a reassuring smile when the guilt finally buckled their knees. But now, in the quietness of the deserted cemetery, with the late spring breeze carrying a hint of her perfume, he crumbled.

Grief slammed into his gut with all the power of a prize fighter's hardened fists. His knees gave way beneath the soul shattering sobs and he crashed to the ground beside the fresh mound of dirt. Tears stole his words so his soul screamed his pain to the universe. Why God? Why now? Why?

This time, there were no whispered answers like with Kelly and Shannon. No drug lord to seek revenge on. No real reason for Jenny's sacrifice despite Ducky's assurance this was the best way for her to go. Jennifer Shepherd was a fighter. Together, they could have beaten anything the world threw at them. So why didn't she stay and fight?

I can't imagine any greater fear than waking up without you here.

Jethro swiped his tears with bruised knuckles. He'd always kidded Jenny about a sappy country song making her cry. He could almost see her face, green eyes red rimmed and nose, nearing crimson as she tried to explain the emotion's stirred by Sara Evan's lyrics. "It's the truth behind those words," she sniffed.

Though not usually a fan of such girlish ballads, he listened over and over again because she loved the song. And he loved her. Slowly, it became the fifth song he listened to when life begged for a melody.

"You were right, Jen." The black granite headstone was cold beneath his fingertips. Thoughts of her 'I told you so' smirk urged a wobbly smile to his lips. "You'll think I'm going soft when I tell you this." He chuckled between the lingering tears. "But then again, you could always make me go a little weak."

Swallowing, he forced the rest of his confession past his lips. "Jen, the song was right. If I had to run. It I had to crawl." He traced the letters of her name etched deep into the stone. "If I had to swim a hundred rivers just to climb a thousand walls, always know that I would find a way to where you are." Leaning over, he pressed his lips to the corner of the hard monument. "And I would, Jen. Even today, I would because…There's no place that far."

~.~.~.~.~

Leon Vance shifted the toothpick to the other side of his mouth. Standing on the knoll above the graveyard, he thanked God he wasn't in Gibbs' shoes. If he ever lost Jackie…"So I see he isn't made of stone."

"Humans rarely are, Director." Dr. Mallard's sigh seemed to make the stoop of his shoulders a little more pronounced. "And despite rumors to the contrary, Jethro is as human as the rest of us."

Tamping down the guilt of being party to this painful deception, Leon turned to face the trusted medical examiner. "You think he's up for this?"

"Gibbs is the consummate Marine." Although the good doctor's eyes were locked on the lone man kneeling beside the fresh grave, his gaze was much farther away. "Bound by honor with duty placed above all else. But if this was any other case, I'd have to say no." He turned to face Leon. "However, this isn't any other case."

The slender strip of wood splintered beneath the worried grinding of his teeth. He'd been afraid of this since the moment the scheme was hatched. "So you think I should find someone else for this assignment? Think his emotions might get in the way?"

A half smile contorted Ducky's lips. His shoulders straightened and the beginnings of a jovial twinkle stirred in the sad blue depths of his eyes. "On the contrary, Leon." He adjusted his fedora against the stiffened breeze. "Those emotions are what will keep her safe." Shoving his hands deep into his trench coat pockets, he started back toward the black SUV parked just out of sight. Leon easily kept pace with the older man. "Jethro is exactly the man you need for this job, Director." His steps slowed and he glanced back over his shoulder. "And this job is exactly what that man needs."

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