"Get outta the way McDoor; I can't see the evidence if you're standing in front of it." Detective Phillip McCadden from Metro stood up, eyeing McGee with an edge of contempt in his approach. Tim just rolled his eyes with a sigh and stepped out of the way.

McCadden, DiNozzo, Ziva and McGee were almost done processing the crime scene for a Petty Officer DuCannon on Washington Blvd outside an old, abandoned warehouse located on Port Bellingham. The crime scene was a bloody mess, as the Officer had been beaten and robbed and had seemingly fought tooth and nail. This was just a third of a list of similar murders that kept McCadden involved with the case, since one of the victims had been a civilian.

It was getting late and McGee was getting fed up from listening to McCadden and DiNozzo discuss the best cowboy movie, or the best train movie or the best Disney movie, especially when they just happened to agree on every single answer. When they had asked McGee's opinion on the best Sci-Fi and he had answered XMen, they had laughed, uncontrollably, pointing their fingers and slapping their knees. From then on out, McGee silently disagreed with each one of their choices, choosing his own favorite. He didn't know if he was subconsciously rebelling their annoying behavior or it was the indignation he was presently feeling towards Tony.

He rubbed his neck; emotionally drained and exhausted. Contemplating his other team member, he scratched his fingertips over his stubbly chin as he walked closer to Ziva. "Hey, Zeevs, just about have enough of these two?" Tim indicated them with a nod of his head, while the two ignored them and the crime scene; too involved in their own childish conversation.

"If I recorded them, I could use it for white noise to fall asleep by, am I right, Tim?"

Tim raised his fist to to bump hers, sharing a smile. "Nice." Tim whispered.

Tony and McCadden drew their attention back to them, moving closer.

"So, Ziva..let's get your personal opinion. Ribbed or ultra smooth?" Asked McCadden.

Tim's reaction surprised the group when a deep growl, sounded in his throat, while he abruptly charged towards McCadden. Ziva's intuitive reflexes were quick, grabbing his arm and holding him back.

"Tim."

"Ziva, its okay." She hesitantly released his arm.

Tim got into McCadden's face, "That was uncalled for McCadden. Apologize to Ziva." Tim glared with a controlled calmness and courage, surprising McCadden as his mouth twisted in worry,tongue-tied.

"Come on, McGrumpy. Don't get your panties in a twist; chillax." Said Tony with a big, comforting grin, placing his hand on his shoulder.

"What? She doesn't mind." McCadden's confience grew with Tony by his side. He stepped closer to McGee, spitting in his face as he berated him. "She has a sense of humor unlike some sticks in the mud. "

'Well, I mind, ...she's not someone that you can disrespect and bounce off your stupid sexual innuendos to."

McCadden shoved Tim in the chest causing him to take a step back, then regain his balance.

"I didn't say she was."

"Then why do you talk to her like she is?" Tim inhaled heavily, his face a dark red,with anger.

At this point, Ziva began to pull on his arm, worried, while Tony had a hand on McCadden's shoulder. Ziva managed to guide Tim away as she softly whispered to McCadden with indignance, "Believe me. You will never have the privedge of knowing what my preference is. " She finished with a sarcastic frown as she turned her back on him, following Tim towards the van.

Gibbs approached Tony and McCadden watching Tim and Ziva leave. "Hey. Play nice guys." He directed his warning towards Tony, confirming it with a steely glare. "Looks to me you're forgetting something DiNozzo."

"What's that boss?"

"McGee's six."

"Ah...yeah, boss. I hear ya." Tony looked at the van, thinking about Tim.

McCaden elbowed Tony in the ribs, "Can you believe that geek? Trying to stick up for the fearless ninja hottie? Maybe, he thinks he is one of the XMen after all. Funny...cuz, although he may be a mutant there's nothing 'super' about him."

"Yeah. Whatever, Phil." Tony was struck with a sudden wave of guilt and sympathy towards his probie. He would make sure to apologize in some way tomorrow; maybe a package of nutterbutters. He'd be okay... he always was. McGee would forgive him...he always did.

xxx

Tim had just finished dinner, ready to take Jethro for a walk when the phone rang,

"Hello?"

"Special Agent McGee? This is Detective McCadden. I'm calling to inform you, your assistance is needed in apprehending the suspect acused in Petty Officer's DuCannon's murder. It is the same location as the vic's crime scene-"

"Washington Bouelvard?"

"We acquire your assistance immediately."
"I'll be there in twenty minutes."
"See you then."
Tim thought it was strange, that McCadden called instead of one of his team members but it was late so unusal protocol was affected at times. Tim grabbed his jacket, unsecured his weapon from his safe box and grabbed his cell. He allowed Jethro a quick walk outside then brought him back inside.

"See ya soon, buddy. I'll take you for a better walk as soon as I get back."
As soon as Tim closed the door the dog whined and cried, staying by the door until his return.

xxxx

Tim drove to the parking lot of the warehouse, noticing the few cars in the dark, unlit lot. A few men were huddled about twenty feet away smoking cigarettes. He unlocked his door then started to exit when he did a doubletake. The cars didn't look familiar, and there were no metro police cars to be seen within the area. Tim quickly scanned the dark parking lot; unable to locate any of his team.
"Hey!" You there!"

One of the men started towards Tim with a confrontational stride, sending him loud, warning signals. He realized he made the mistake of not looking over the scene before exiting his car. He ignored the man, turning towards his car. As soon as his back was on the men he heard their steps quicken as they approached him from behind. He went for his Sig but was pistol whipped to the back of his head, instantly falling into unconsciousness.
xxx

Tim was jolted awake with the strong sensation he was falling when in actuality he was being dragged by his arms, held by a person on either side of him. Consciousness came back in waves, his head rolling from side to side as he struggled to lift his chin off his chest.

"Hey,what's happening?" he mumbled, "Where's McCadden?" Was this some kind of joke? He tried to plant his feet on the moving ground beneath him but they would jerk him viciously, making his attempts futile. His vision was blurry and his thoughts disjointed. He knew he did not have the strength he needed to make any attempts for escape so let them drag him without a fight.

One of the men carrying him, stopped to open a side door to the warehouse then they entered into a big lit area greeted by a few more men, destroying any hope Tim had of escape.

A young, skinny guy with baggy jeans and red hair covered with a cap, positioned sideways, approached them, "Whose this guy?"

The men restraining Tim raised him to the man's eye level as he swayed, "Found him outside, didn't want to take any chances."

The men crowded Tim, with intentions of interrogating him. Tim raised his head, looking at the man directly in front of him, surprised to notice a familarity in the young man's features.

The man shoved Tim, spotting the recognition in his eyes, "Do you know me or something?"

Tim automatically looked at the floor, trying to hide the truth in his eyes that would give him away. He shook his head, "Not a clue."
"Then what were you doing hanging around here?"

"I was walking my dog but he got loose-"
"That's funny,because I don't see a leash."

"He's still wearing it."

The man backhanded Tim across his face as his head whipped to the side. He spit out the blood that filled his mouth. "What? Do you think I'm stupid? You're lying through your teeth."

"Yeah, if I have any left." Tim nervously chuckled but was cut short when his head flew to the other side from a subsequent punch to his jaw. His knees buckled but they held him, firmly, in an upright position.

"Hey this is fun! I have my own punching bag, anyone else want to let off some steam?" Tim was relieved when there were no takers. He faught to remain conscious, his vision becoming darker.

"Just let me go... and I'll leave like this never... happened."

The man slugged him in the stomach, as he bent over trying to catch his breath, then followed with another. The men holding him,let him drop mercilessly to the floor.

"Check his pockets."
Another man of the group, with thick black hair and freckles leaned over Tim as his vision started to dissipate. Tim thought the kid couldn't be more than eighteen. He felt hands go through his jacket and shirt pockets retrieving his cell, badge and his gun from his holster. The man searching him mistakenly stepped on one of his hands. "Sorry-" The man paled when he realized he had just apologized to their captive.

"It's okay." Tim was punch drunk, unable to focus.

The man responded with a look of puzzlement, then stood. "Well, apparently he's a fed." The young kid held up Tim's badge for the ringleader to see.

"Aaah, terrific!" The ringleader kicked Tim in the side with frustration. The black-haired kid, winced to see Tim recoil from the violent impact.

"Just dump his body in the back." Suggested one of the men.

"I dunno-" Black-haired guy said.

"Hey, I have an idea how we can increase our profits. Feds can be worth a lot. We can ask a ransom!"

Tim knew if they asked for a ransom for his return his chance for survival was bleak. McCadden had summoned him to his own death sentence. Was he in some way behind this? Why did he send him here to begin with?"

"Tie him up. We'll give them a day to come up with the money otherwise we dump his body if they don't." He was shoved to his side as they bound his wrists behind his back. The weight of the desperation of the situation and the extent of his injuries pulled him into the welcoming darkness.