Disclaimer: I forgot to put this at the beginning of this story. I don't own NCIS or any character associated with the NCIS tv show. I just write them for fun because TIVA is full of fun!
Chapter 2: Headaches vs. Heartaches
Gibbs slapped the back of McGee's head. "Don't call me sir."
"Yes, Boss. I was just nervous. Considering it was Ziva's place." Tim glanced at his sister. Sarah was staying out of the way at least. But he hoped she'd stay and not catch a cab as he requested of her. If things were as bad as they looked, he'd need her for emotional support.
"Did you get a hold of Tony?" Gibbs bent down to inspect a pool of blood that seemed to seep into the carpet below him. He pointed to the spot. "Get a sample of this."
"Already did, Boss." McGee snapped a few more pictures of the spot of blood. He watched as Gibbs glanced at Sarah. "She'll stay out of the way, Boss."
Gibbs just nodded before he went to retrieve his ringing cell phone.
"Hello." Tony could hear the agitation in his boss's voice.
"It's me, Boss." Tony rubbed his head. "I …"
"Where the heck have you been?" Gibbs was yelling. It was profanity but Tony decided to censor that in his mind. Mainly because if Gibbs was cursing, Tony knew he was in big trouble.
"It's a long story, Boss. I…." Tony couldn't finish a word before more profanity was being stated loudly in his ear. "GIBBS! If you would stop a minute. I was mugged. My phone was taken. I don't have a thing to prove who I am. I've been laying in a back alley for I don't know how long. I have a huge lump on my head. I finally talked the paramedic into letting me call you!"
Gibbs closed his eyes. "Tony, where are you?"
"I'm right outside of Bella's Bakery." Tony rolled his neck.
"That's real close to Ziva's apartment." Gibbs noted.
Tony sighed. "I was bringing her breakfast. She wasn't feeling to well when I called her this morning."
"Stay there, Tony." Gibbs nodded his head towards McGee. "Tim, take care of the scene. I'll be back."
With that Gibbs left quickly. He arrived to see Tony seated on the backside of an ambulance. A police officer walked up. Gibbs flashed him his badge.
"I need this area secured." Gibbs told the officer.
"It was just a mugging. It happens some around here." The officer tried to explain.
"Listen real close…" Gibbs glanced at the officer's badge. "Officer Caudwell! This may have something to do with another crime scene. So secure this scene!"
"Yes, sir." The officer quickly walked away to follow Gibbs's orders.
"My head aches like I've been hit by a semi." Tony answered Gibbs questioning glare.
"Why were you so close to Ziva's place?" Gibbs glanced at Tony's head to see how bad the wound was.
"We sometimes run together on Saturday." Tony half smiled. "But this morning when I called she said her stomach was upset. I said I'd bring her some toast or bagels." Tony glanced over at a homeless man chowing down on what looked like Ziva's breakfast. "She's gonna be really angry. I tried calling but no answer."
"I didn't realize you and Ziva were social after work hours." Gibbs crossed his arms staring down at Tony.
"We're partners, Boss." Tony arched an eyebrow. "What's with the twenty questions?"
"What did she sound like this morning when you called her?" Gibbs ignored Tony's inquisition.
Tony shrugged. "She was just getting out of bed. She didn't feel well. Boss?"
"Hold on, Tony." Gibbs pulled out his phone. He dialed McGee.
"Hey, Boss." McGee answered from the other end of the line.
"What does Ziva's bed look like?" Gibbs questioned.
"It's made up, Boss." McGee shrugged. "Neat and tidy."
"Tony, is Ziva's bed always made when you go running?" Gibbs turned to address Tony.
"Why the h*ll are you asking about Ziva's bed?" Tony stood up.
"Answer me, Tony. It's important." Gibbs placed his hand on Tony's shoulder and stared into his eyes.
"No." Tony swallowed. "She doesn't really worry about that until after. Boss, she was sick. She'd never make the bed up."
Gibbs nodded then spoke back into the phone. "Tim, check the laundry room. If there are dirty sheets, get them." Gibbs then hung up the phone.
"Tell me what is going on?" Tony insisted angrily this time.
"Ziva's missing." Gibbs watched the blood drain from Tony's face.
Tony weaved a little before falling back to sit. "I just talked to her. I should've made it quicker to her place."
"Was she alone, Tony?" Gibbs tried to bring Tony's attention back to working this like a case.
Tony furrowed his eyebrows. "YES! Who would she be with?"
"Ray." Gibbs answered. "He got in town a couple nights ago. I'll have to get a hold of him."
Tony felt confused. "Ray wasn't with her. She was sick."
"I get that she was sick." Gibbs could see the confusion and worry on Tony's face. "You gonna make it back to the office?"
"Yeah, Boss." Tony stood up again. "Do I need to go to the scene?"
"No. McGee has it under control. Let's go to the office so Abby can run some tests for us." Gibbs would leave out the fact that there was blood in the floor.
Back at Ziva's apartment…
"Tim." Sarah walked up to him. "I think you should get the trash too."
McGee turned around. "What?"
"Ziva's trash can." Sarah nodded towards the bathroom.
"Sure. I can get someone to bag it." McGee agreed.
"I think you should bag it yourself." Sarah half smiled.
McGee looked in the trashcan. "I think you're right. I need to get this to Abby myself."
Author's Note: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! Yeah! This is TIVA! And that will be made clear later. Just stick with me and you will see TIVA in this story. LOTS of TIVA!
By the way, I don't write profanity..even though I know the rating is allowed for that. I rate that for safety in case some scenes get into sexual situations. Just thought I'd let you know why I put profanity as I do. Thanks!
