By: Siberian
Status: 1/9
Fandom: NCIS
Pairings: Gibbs/McGee, DiNozzo/Kate, Ducky/?
Prompt: Written for the “Decades and Eras Challenge” on NFA
Rating: G to Mature
Summary: AU- Set in the Old West. Timothy McGee finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. His situation seems bleak but are things really as they seem? Sometimes things can't be taken at face value. Sometimes you have to dig deeper.
Disclaimer: I wrote this story solely for entertainment. No profit is being made and all rights belong to Donald P. Bellisario and his affiliates. As well as anyone involved in the making of the series.
Notes: Although there are other pairings in this story it is a Gibbs/McGee story. So no worries to all of you slash fans out there that can’t stand Het. The only graphic descriptions are between the two main characters. I was inspired to write this story when Sondheimmcgeek the challenge issuer mentioned Tony as a cowboy. I’m not into Westerns normally but I couldn’t resist the image that presented. There a spoilers from season three but since this is an AU what can a reader really believe. That being said read at your own risk. If asked I’ll plead the fifth on what the spoilers actually are.
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Chapter One
McGee held onto his bowler hat as a strong dry wind whipped across the front of his body. He squinted his eyes shut to avoid dirt blinding him as he made his way over to the Tall Glass Saloon. He timed his steps so that the tumbleweed crossing his path was out of the way before he made it to that stretch of road. McGee gently pushed aside a pair of wooden double doors to step inside the slightly cooler building. He let out a puff of breath at the minimal temperature decrease and made his way over to the bar. McGee stopped at the counter and smiled at the owner of the establishment. “Hello Miss Kate. How are you doing this fine afternoon?”
The attractive brunette gave him a friendly smile as she paused in wiping down the counter with a rag. “Good afternoon Tim. It’s not often I see you in my place. What can I do for you?” McGee was grateful that Miss Kate didn’t mention or allude to the fact that the reason for his infrequent visits was his father. “I’ve come to pick up my father’s bottle of whiskey. He won’t be back in town for another week and he sent a telegram asking me to pick it up. He wants to have it on hand when he returns.” Miss Kate smiled a knowing smirk. “That father of yours is so protective of his whiskey. I know he’s really worried that I’ll sell it while he’s gone.” She turned to retrieve the bottle and grumbled mildly. “Even though I’ve told him time and again I will keep it aside.”
The bottle made a soft thunk as Miss Kate turned back around and put it in front of McGee. “Tim why don’t you stick around and have a drink, I can get you something mild.” McGee suddenly became very nervous. He drew the bottle near him and started to unconsciously trace his fingertips on the labels upper edge. “No thank you Miss Kate. I don’t really have a fondness for spirits. Well I better get going. You have a good day Miss Kate.” Kate’s smile fell from her face as Timothy McGee practically bolted out of her saloon. The woman’s sour mood only increasing as a drunk patron reached for one her dancers. Grabbing a huge stick from the back of the bar she kept around for just these moments, she started forward to remind him of the rules.
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The dark-haired stranger ambled into town slouching on his horse. He tipped his hat to any passing ladies letting a dazzling grin complete the movement. He stopped in front of the local saloon and tied up his horse. The soft clop of his boots was the only sound he made as he entered the gin hall. He stopped just inside, the minute clack of the doors a vague background noise, as he surveyed the layout of the saloon. He gazed a little longer than necessary at the women dancing onstage; his look quickly morphing from observation to an over interest that had him practically drooling. The girls gave a final toss upward of one of their legs as the song ended. It was only them dancing offstage that brought the man back to awareness.
Suddenly feeling thirsty he made his way to the bar. Taking in the brunette serving drinks caused his already dry mouth to rival that of the ground outside. He sat down on a barstool as she approached a friendly smile in place. “Good afternoon sir, can I get you anything?” He let his most charming smile slip in place. “Well the first thing you can help me with is getting a name.” The woman’s smile slipped just slightly. “The names Miss Kate and I own the Tall Glass.” He reached up to remove his brown weathered cowboy hat. The dirty piece of clothing was set next to him on the bar. “Katie, what a lovely name. The name is Anthony DiNozzo, but you darlin’ can call me Tony.”
The faint smile was now terse and Tony could feel his grin getting wider. It was so fun to tease interesting prospects. “The name is Miss Kate or Kate, Mr. DiNozzo. Now what can I get for you? I have other customers who need my attention.” Tony just continued to grin. As the silence stretched he waited until he saw Kate move to speak again before interrupting her intended words. “I’ll take a bourbon.” Kate nodded tersely and turned to retrieve the drink. It was set down shortly and Tony handed over the coins needed to pay for the alcohol. Kate took the money and moved on. Tony continued to watch her for awhile and was secretly amused at how she purposely ignored the fact that he was watching her working. He amused himself this way until the drink was gone then he went to find a poker game to join.
The next few hours he whiled away playing hands of cards and drinking away some of his winnings. During the course of several hands his easy demeanor had granted him the information he was hoping to gain. This was in fact the town that Warren McGee lived in, the same man his boss had been hunting for years now. Until recently the scoundrel hadn’t settled anywhere and Gibbs had been doggedly following every lead they found to his whereabouts. Not only was he in Clearwater Canyon but the town was a small one and the man in question resided just across the street. The only real obstacle they were likely to face was that Warren McGee practically owned the town. There were very few things that he didn’t have a hand in. They would have to strike hard and fast if they wanted to survive.
Once he got the information he needed he excused himself from the game and headed to the exit. On the way he caught the owner’s eye and gave a tip of his hat. He almost laughed out loud at the forced smile on her face. ‘You have to love customer appreciation.’ He turned away to go through the exit. Once outside he deeply inhaled the cooler night air. It felt refreshing after so many hours in the smoky saloon. He was already looking forward to the ride back to the camp. He went to walk to his horse when a poster caught his eye. It was a wanted sign that declared in black bold letters the reward for a dead or alive capture of one Leroy Jethro Gibbs. There were too pictures one was a sketch that was way off and the other a photo.
The photo was very intimidating. The lucky individual who had taken it had managed to catch Gibbs in a standoff. His black hat tipped over one of his eyes. The lone pupil visible conveying more coldness in one eye than few could manage with an open stare. Thankfully the rest of his face was mostly obscured by the hat he was never without. The reward had gone up to thirty thousand. ‘Well at least that should lighten his mood for a few minutes. The boss does love to get people in a tizzy.’ He looked below the pictures to see “The Silver Fox” listed as an alias. Tony had to laugh outright at that. Abby was going to be so pleased with herself when she saw this newest wanted poster.
His eyes then went further down to see that Gibbs was known to be traveling with another man and a woman. Tony was relieved to see that the other team members had yet to be identified. It made little trips into towns much easier. He moved his eyes from the poster to discreetly look around the quite streets. His fist came to his mouth as he released a loud fake cough. Then he went to his horse, untied the loyal animal, and resumed his slouched position while ambling toward the edge of the city’s limits. When morning came the missing wanted poster stilled failed to catch anyone’s attention.
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McGee turned the page of the book he was reading. He was lost in the story so it was no surprise he fairly jumped out of his skin when his door burst open. He jerked around to see a man he didn’t know march into his room being closely followed by their older butler Arthur. “Sir please, I’m telling you the truth. Master McGee is not at home. He is away on business.” The stranger whirled on the older man and caused him to back up into the hallway by gaze alone. “I will determine myself whether or not he is here. Until then you can leave.” McGee watched as the butler went downstairs hurriedly. ‘No doubt to get the Sheriff.’ The stranger turned back around trying to stare him down.
McGee stood his ground even though he wanted to quail under the stare. He let a hand rest on the back of a nearby chair to make sure he could stay upright if his shaky legs gave out. He tried to think of something to say. “Who are you?” The other man sneered at him and he blinked in surprise. ‘Well that’s one obstacle overcome.’ McGee went to answer but then thought better of it. The man looked about ready to fly into a rage and sometimes the truth could be damaging at the wrong moment. “I believe I should be asking you that question. What is your business? I keep track of all messages while the master is away from his household. If you need to see him personally I can pass on a message for an appointment.”
A cold look settled on the man’s face as he laughed. It was not a sound of amusement but derision. “I don’t like to be questioned.” An instant later McGee had a gun pointed in his face. “I’m the one asking the questions. Now why don’t we go find Mr. McGee?” He felt his face pale as he shook his head slightly. His voice was strained and quiet as he tried to speak around the fear choking him. “He is not here. He is out of town.” The man came closer until his body heat was washing over McGee. The cold muzzle of the revolver pressed under his chin. “I don’t believe you. I’ll tell you what, I’ll make a deal with you. We’ll take a little tour of this place and if he is in fact not here then I won’t kill you for wasting my time. I need you to speed this along though because I’m sure the Sheriff is already on his way. How do those terms sound?”
McGee nodded his head carefully before barely squeezing out a response. “Fair.” The other man nodded his head before walking around his body to stand behind him. The muzzle of the gun settled at the back of his neck and a prod against the skin was a silent signal to proceed. McGee started to walk forward, opened the door to his room slowly, and was greeted by the anxious butler. “Young master, thank the heavens that you’re all right. I’ve sent a maid to inform Sheriff Murphy of our dilemma. Where is the scoundrel now?” McGee felt himself pale as Arthur tore down all of his carefully worded safeguards to protect his identity. He felt a sharp prod to his neck and stepped fully into the hallway.
He could see the butler’s eyes go wide and his hand lift cover his mouth as the stranger came into view. “The scoundrel is right here.” His cold voice held just a hint of amusement and McGee had to wonder if he was always this hardened. ‘If not I wonder what his sense of humor might have been at some point.’ His thoughts cleared as he felt the other man move closer again a hard grip seizing his right elbow. “I can’t believe my luck. I might not be able to settle the score with your father today, but I can make his present more miserable. You’re coming with me McGee. You!” The both of them jumped as the stranger addressed the butler again. “Tell your master that a ransom note will be sent to him shortly.”
The grip on his elbow forced him forward toward the stairs. McGee could see Arthur move forward out of the corner of his eye. He was suddenly yanked to the side as the other man looked directly at the pursuing butler. “If you try anything I will kill you.” The menacing words hung in the air as McGee was led down the stairs. This time the butler didn’t try to follow but just remained where he was hanging his head in defeat. The other servants in the household didn’t offer any resistance as he was led out the backdoor. There were two other cowboys on horseback waiting with a vacant horse between them. The one dressed in brown leathers seemed confused. “Boss what’s going on? Who is this?”
The man holding him just growled as he approached the vacant horse. The animal didn’t seem startled by the noise and McGee had to wonder how often the other man emitted the frustrated sound. He was shoved against the horse as the stranger moved behind him again. The weight of the other man’s body pinned him in place as he used his now freed hand to reach into a saddlebag. “There has been a change of plans. This is his house but he isn’t home. This is his son; his only son. We are going to ransom him and draw Warren McGee out. Then I can finally put an end to all of this.” During his explanation his captor had found a rope and placed his gun in its holster to grab McGee’s hands. There was a brief struggle before his limbs were secured with the rope.
“Boss, you want us to take a hostage! This is a bad idea. Why don’t we just try again later?” McGee was held in place by a hand to his neck as the weight disappeared. Even with the uncomfortable angle he still managed to see his captor’s face as he cast a look on the talkative cowboy. “Did I ask for your opinion DiNozzo?! This is what the plan is now. If you don’t like it then hit the road.” The cowboy currently the victim of the stranger’s stare just released a weary sigh. Seemingly satisfied with this reaction the leader turned back around and physically hauled him up over the horse. He released a grunt as his stomach collided with the saddle. His cheeks blushed in embarrassment as he squirmed trying to find a comfortable position.
A second later the stranger moved smoothly into place behind him and made sure he was more stable before taking up the reins. “I would have your guns at the ready. The Sheriff has been notified.” A groan was heard from the talkative cowboy. “Boss what happened? I thought you were just going to ask to see Warren McGee?” The stranger started to move the horse forward. “I didn’t believe them when they said he wasn’t home. So I took a look around myself. In the meantime they sent a servant for the Sheriff.” Another groan was heard only this one had a long suffering tone. “Boss, why do you do that? Now there is another town we won’t be able to enter. I’m running out of saloons to visit.”
They rounded the house slowly and McGee could already see Sheriff Murphy outside questioning Arthur. A small crowd was starting to gather as well. ‘This is going to be embarrassing.’ The trio stopped a short distance before clearing the house and withdrew their weapons. “DiNozzo stop acting like you don’t enjoy a good fight. Now be quiet and get ready.” The other man didn’t comment further and seeing as how he had no view of him McGee guessed that he was following orders. The silence remained for another moment before the kidnappers burst forward to sweep past the crowd. They were almost clear when one of the deputies reached out and clumsily managed to knock DiNozzo off his horse.
The two other riders circled back so they could cover DiNozzo as he took a dive behind some barrels. The gathered crowd scattered to take cover as the town’s deputies opened fire. The two other riders took cover as best they could behind some buildings before returning fire; the bullets surprisingly not making contact with the participants on either side of the fight. A whistle rang through the air as the dismounted cowboy called his horse. The confused creature turned toward the familiar call but was stalled from following by someone grabbing its reigns. “DiNozzo, get your horse.” The downed cowboy sounded frustrated. “I’m trying boss but what should I do? I can’t kill her to get it back.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the female in question. “Let Tim go or you won’t be able to escape. I won’t let go of this horse even if you shoot me.” McGee’s eyes widened as he recognized the voice. Her identity was confirmed just seconds later by Sheriff Murphy. “Miss Kate, don’t get involved. Let the horse go. These people are dangerous criminals and we’ve got it covered.” The man holding him down then interrupted them his voice angry with impatience. “DiNozzo, I don’t care what you have to do, just get your horse.” The cowboy’s response was somewhat uneasy. “Okay boss.” The horse shifted slightly and it was just enough to give McGee a view of what happened next.
The cowboy ran quickly through the open street to jump on his horse’s back. A strong arm reached down in a flash to wrap around Miss Kate’s waist and with a slinging motion she was deposited on the horse’s saddle in front of the cowboy. As Miss Kate struggled on the animal the cowboy raced toward the edge of town. In the few seconds it took for him to get closer the other two kidnappers joined him and they rode at a breakneck pace out of Clearwater Canyon. McGee knowing if it wasn’t for the hand at his back he would have fallen off the horse. The small group was pursued for some time and McGee kept hoping that they would be rescued. It was almost nightfall when the kidnappers took a sharp turn and managed to lose their pursuers in a canyon.
As the Sheriff’s group rode close by trying to find the now missing criminals both hostages had their mouths covered to prevent any noise from giving away their location. Once the kidnappers were sure they were clear they rode down a maze of tunnels until McGee knew he would never find his way out even if they were to manage escape. After what felt like hours they arrived at a camp. It was already set up for the night and boasted a bright campfire. He felt the stranger dismount and a moment later he was yanked down roughly. The sudden movement coupled with the weird position held for so long caused his legs to give out almost instantly. The numbness helped to prevent pain as his backside impacted with the hard ground.
He looked up suddenly to the stranger fearing a negative reaction to his inability to stand but was only met with a look of disinterest; the other man turning to his horse to unpack his supplies. He let his gaze settle on DiNozzo’s horse as the cowboy helped Miss Kate to the ground. Her feet had literally just touched solid ground when she belted him so hard he came off of his feet. The cowboy lay on the ground with a shocked expression. He sat up on an elbow and rubbed his sore jaw. McGee looked back to the group’s leader again fearing Miss Kate having to face his wrath. He blinked in surprise at the amused expression. ‘He doesn’t seem angry at all.’
A shuffling sound caught his attention and he looked back to see DiNozzo get to his feet. He also didn’t look angry but impressed; an easy grin surfacing on his face. “That’s one mean punch you got there Katie. I haven’t been laid flat in a dog’s age.” The grin now turned apologetic. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to tie you up. We can’t have you causing any trouble. I’ll let Ziva do the honor though since I’ve already manhandled you enough for one day. She’s the closest thing we have to a man that is a woman.” Ziva moved forward with some rope. “The opposite could be said for you Tony.” The cowboy glared at the woman. “Now children, let’s play nice.”
The new voice startled McGee and his eyes went from Ziva to a small woman holding a spoon. She was dressed all in black and her dark hair was pulled up into pigtails. ‘Is she in mourning? But if so then why does she seem so happy?’ The other two quieted at her appearance and McGee watched as the cowgirl tied Miss Kate’s hands with some difficulty. ‘I can’t believe that’s a woman.’ From the beginning McGee thought the dark clothed woman was a man. Of course it didn’t help that he was being held at gunpoint, she was wearing men’s clothing, and he only now got a good look at the cowgirl. Once Miss Kate had her hands restrained she was led over to McGee and directed to sit down with a semi-hard push from Ziva.
The second female with the spoon approached the group’s leader. ‘The woman was his wife perhaps.’ The other two occupants of the hideout moved to unpack their saddlebags as the leader directed his horse with a pat to a small area with some hay. “Gibbs you know I love company, but why do I have a feeling their not really guests?” The leader’s face remained impassive. “That’s because their hostages, but you already knew that didn’t you Abby, smart girl that you are.” He was grinning but Abby didn’t seem amused. Her voice went from cheerful to almost a whine. “Gibbs, how am I supposed to keep us hidden when you take these risks? Now we’re going to have to deal with search parties for who knows how long.”
Miss Kate broke in as the name registered with her. “Wait your name is Gibbs? As in Leroy Jethro Gibbs? The outlaw wanted dead or alive for thirty thousand dollars?” Gibbs looked at her with a bland expression not answering. Abby suddenly perked up again though. “I still can’t believe the reward is thirty thousand now. It just keeps going up.” McGee paled. ‘That is who kidnapped us? I’m never making it out of here alive.’ He felt a shiver run through him. The movement brought him under Miss Kate’s concerned gaze but he looked down instead of making eye contact. No matter how hard he tried he wouldn’t be able to hide his terror. At the confirmation of his identity Gibbs sighed before changing the topic.
“Abby is dinner almost done?” The spoon was waved toward a pot over the fire. “It should be any second now.” Gibbs nodded before moving over to the fire and reclining against the wall. Abby put her attention back to their dinner as the other outlaws worked in tandem to get ready for the food to be served. A stew was dished out to everyone at the campfire’s edge before Tony walked over to the hostages with two bowls. “I’m going to untie you so you can eat. Don’t try anything funny. If you even think about it keep in mind that Gibbs is a dead ringer.” Tony kneeled on the ground setting the bowls down before reaching behind Miss Kate to undo her hands. When the ropes were off he reached for McGee. “He stays tied up.”
Tony froze as McGee fell back against the wall. He really wasn’t surprised. “Boss, how is he going to eat?” Gibbs didn’t bother to even look at them. “The woman will feed him. He stays tied up.” McGee blushed hotly. Miss Kate mumbled something in irritation but turned toward him holding a bowl only a moment later. McGee’s gentlemanly instincts kicked in. “Miss Kate don’t worry about me. I insist that you eat first.” Miss Kate was already shaking her head. “No Tim, I want you to eat first so that it doesn’t get cold.” Tony watched the conversation with amusement before going back to the fire to eat his own soup. “Are you sure Miss Kate? I don’t really feel right about you not eating first.”
Miss Kate went to respond only to be stopped by Gibbs. “If the two of you don’t be quiet then neither of you will eat.” McGee lowered his head as Miss Kate narrowed her eyes. Not saying another word she scooped out some of the soup. The spoon rested against McGee’s lips a moment later. This time he allowed himself to be fed without protest. It didn’t take long before the bowl was empty and Miss Kate started to eat her own soup. Once they were finished Tony came back over to collect their bowls.
A few hours went by with the quiet murmurings of the outlaws as the only sound to break up the night’s silence. Sometime into the evening they decided to settle in for the night. Miss Kate’s hands were retied as they were both instructed to lie down. It took a long time for both of the captives to fall asleep on the hard ground; Miss Kate grumbling quietly about missing the comforts of home while McGee simply tried to think of a way to stay alive.
TBC...
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