Chp. 1
April 12, 2007
0545 hours
Terry's eyes snapped open and he reached for the ringing phone. "Hello," He growled, glaring at his bedside clock. It read 5:45am.
"We've got a crime scene. Pick up Ziva."
Terry sat up, threw his legs over the bed and rubbed his face to wake himself up. "What about Collin?"
Gibbs sighed, clearly annoyed. "Take him to our place." He said, hanging up.
"Ok." Terry answered, even though the line was dead. He showered, dressed and left his apartment ten minutes later. Five minutes later, he knocked on Ziva's door and was surprised when it opened almost as soon as he knocked.
"Dad…"
"…Called you and wanted you to give me a ride to your mother's to drop off Collin, then to the scene."
"Ok, how'd you know that?"
"He is your father, Terry. He is not that hard to read. Sometimes." Ziva whispered, holding a dressed but sleeping Collin and locking her apartment.
"If you say so," Terry said, following Ziva to his truck.
000
Jenny sat in her study, reading reports from the previous day. The only difference was that two months ago, she didn't have a baby monitor within easy reach. Terry thought she was engrossed in the report, and was almost in her office when she spoke. "You shouldn't sneak up on people you're trying to bargain with."
"Oh, and what would I be trying to bargain?" He asked. Ziva was at his elbow and trying not to laugh.
"At this hour, your father needs you and Ziva at a crime scene and you want me to watch Collin."
"Please?"
"He's like my grandson. Be careful." Jenny said, taking the sleeping child from Ziva.
"Thank you, Jenny. We will." Ziva said, kissing Collin one last time and following Terry outside.
000
As they drove away, Terry pulled a cigar from his jacket. "Do not even think of lighting that."
"What…you gonna make me walk? It's my truck."
"That is irrelevant."
Terry chuckled. "So, when's the hearing?" Terry asked, turning serious.
"One week from yesterday." Ziva said. Terry could tell she was suddenly nervous.
"Relax; you'll be a great mother." He said.
She smiled. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Terry." Ziva said.
"No problem."
000
When they reached the scene, the rest of the team was already there. "What up, boss?" Terry asked, carrying a field kit.
Gibbs scowled. "Check the perimeter, both of you."
Terry wondered what his father's problem was, but wisely didn't ask. He worked the southern edge of the perimeter with Ziva. Then he saw the victim and he was filled with rage.
It was a kid, a little girl of about six or seven. She had red hair. Even from a distance, she looked like she had been a sweet child.
Terry prayed this was one terrible, isolated incident. But unfortunately, the famous gut he'd inherited told him it was only the beginning.
000