Gibbs saw someone running off and gave chase while Vance phoned Security to tell them to be on the alert.

"Tony, are you all right?" asked Adler as he recovered from his shock.

"I'm fine," said Tony.

"You're not fine, Tony," said Adler, "you're bleeding."

"Oh yeah," said Tony, "well, apart from this hole in my arm, I'm fine."

"Ducky's on his way," said Vance, "stay down, DiNozzo."

A few minutes later Gibbs came running back with a scowl on his face.

"What happened, Gibbs?" asked Vance.

"He got away," said Gibbs, "I chased the wrong guy."

"What?" said Vance.

"Seems he paid this other guy to run off. Said when he heard a bang he should run. Told him it was a practical joke."

"And he believed that?" demanded Tony sceptically.

"I think the hundred dollar bill helped," said Gibbs. "McGee's got him and the gates are locked down."

"Anthony!" said Ducky as he trotted up with Jimmy Palmer in his wake, "I heard that you were in the building and I hoped I would run into you. I didn't expect it to be like this, however. How are you, dear boy?"

"I'm fine, Ducky," said Tony, "good to see you."

"And you. It has been far too long. How long has it been?"

"More than ten years," said Tony.

"Good Lord," said Ducky, "has it really? Let me see. Why, I suppose it has. Mr Palmer here is married now, you know and is the father of a most enchanting little girl. They named her after me. Well, not after me. That would have been rather odd. No, they named her Victoria after my mother."

"Congratulations, Palmer," Tony nodded to Jimmy.

"I don't want to break up the party," said the Senator, "and you have more experience than me in this sort of thing, Doctor but wouldn't it be a good idea to check that Tony isn't dying here?"

"You are quite right," said Ducky remorsefully, "but I can assure you that I was monitoring Anthony even as I was reminiscing with him and I do not believe that he is in any immediate danger. Nevertheless, we should get him into surroundings more appropriate for a medical examination. Although I should say that I have carried out medical procedures in many and various places. Why I remember a time …"

Tony allowed himself to be raised to his feet and led off. He found Ducky's verbal meanderings rather soothing and thought that was probably their intention.

"Senator Adler," said the Director, "we need to arrange protection for you. It seems that someone has made you a target. I'll get on to the Capitol Police."

"Thank you, Director Vance," said the Senator a little shakily. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to see how Tony is doing."

"Of course," said Leon, "I'll arrange that, please follow me."

A few minutes later the Senator looked a bit shocked to find himself being ushered into Autopsy by a security officer. He saw Tony sitting on one of the tables.

"No, stay where you are," he told Tony who tried to stand up when Adler walked in. "How is he … er … Ducky?"

Ducky chuckled, "We have not been properly introduced, Senator. I am Dr Donald Mallard. I fear, for rather obvious reasons, I have acquired the nickname 'Ducky'."

"Dr Mallard," smiled Adler, "good to put a name to the face. Tony has often spoken of you. And how is he?"

"Rather lucky," said Ducky, "the bullet did not enter his arm but has left a rather nasty gouge. Anthony is happy for me to stitch it up."

"Not sure happy is the right word, Ducky," said Tony morosely.

"Indeed I am sure it is not," agreed Ducky, "I should rather have said, willing."

"Shouldn't he go to hospital?" objected Adler, "I don't wish to impugn your abilities, Doctor but …"

"It'll be fine, Senator," said Tony, "it's quicker this way and I trust Ducky."

"Are your tetanus injections still up to date, Anthony?" asked Ducky.

"Yes, all good," said Tony, "you don't need to prick me for that."

"Then why don't we withdraw to somewhere a little more private so I can attend to your wound," said Ducky.

"I can go," offered Adler.

"No," said Tony, "best stay down here. We don't want you to be wandering around until we know what's going on. Gibbs or the Director will be along soon."

In this he proved to be right as, just as he had finished speaking, Gibbs came into Autopsy.

"What happened, Gibbs?" asked Tony.

"I was going to ask you the same thing," replied Gibbs.

"I was talking to you," said Tony, "when I saw someone over by the trees. Young guy, about 5ft 10, blond hair, medium build. He was holding a gun that was pointing in our direction. You know the rest. What happened after?"

"He ran off. Got someone to run in the opposite direction as a distraction," said Gibbs.

"He must have some type of military ID," said Tony.

"Why?" asked the Senator.

"You need military ID to get on to the Navy Yard or you need to have been cleared at the gate beforehand. But I'm betting on a military ID."

"Why's that?" asked Adler.

"Because a civilian has to be escorted while in the Yard," said Gibbs. "We'll check the IDs of people who've been allowed on base today. And the security gates are on alert and they're searching for weapons as people leave."

"The shooter might not be blond," said Tony.

"Why not?" asked the Senator.

"Bit obvious," said Tony, "if I was going to shoot someone and had hair that distinctive, I'd wear a hat or something."

"Could be a wig," agreed Gibbs, "good job, DiNozzo."

Tony smiled the same smile as when Gibbs had earlier called him his best agent but it turned into a wince as Ducky prodded his wounded arm.

"Welcome back, DiNozzo," grinned Gibbs. Tony groaned. "Senator, the Director is waiting for you in his office. Let me take you there."

NCISNCIS

McGee, Bishop, Gibbs and the Director were seated round the conference table with the Senator. Gibbs couldn't help but contrast the mood with that of the earlier meeting.

"We haven't been able to trace the shooter," said Vance, "we think he must have got through before the alert went out."

"But we're checking all the IDs of people who went through the gates today," said McGee.

"And doing a sweep of the grounds for the weapon," said Bishop, "in case he dumped it."

"And we've got the guy who was paid to run working with a sketch artist," said Gibbs, "he was very willing to co-operate after I interrogated him." He allowed himself a smug smile. Talking to Geraint Williams had been the only bright spot in a trying day.

"That sounds most impressive," said the Senator, "thank you."

"Age … Mr DiNozzo will be up in a moment or two," said Vance, "Capitol Police are putting security arrangements in place for you."

There was a tap on the door and Tony came in. His arm was in a sling which Gibbs suspected would soon be discarded.

"I've arranged for Sidney to come and collect us, Senator," he said, "Lieutenant Graham is arranging for one of his officers to escort you."

"Thank you, Tony," said the Senator, "I guess I should be relieved that Mark had that emergency this morning."

"Sir?" asked Gibbs.

"My Chief of Staff was meant to be having the morning off," said Adler, "but Mark called in to say that he had stomach flu."

"So why did Tony come then?" asked McGee.

"I was the only one who didn't need briefing about NCIS," said Tony.

"And," said Adler, "this was an important meeting. I wanted a high ranking member of my staff present for it."

"And Tony is … what?" asked Gibbs.

"He's my Chief of Staff," said Adler, "my right hand man. And fortunately, from the looks of it, it is his left arm which might be out of commission for a while. We ready to go, Tony?" Tony nodded. "Well," said the Senator, "this has been a most instructive meeting. It was good to see NCIS in action so to speak. Good Day."

The door had barely closed behind him when Vance said bitterly, "that went well!"

"Leon?" asked Gibbs.

"The day we have a visit from a Senator looking at our budgets and we manage to let someone on base take a pot-shot at him! And he's not saved by one of us but by his Chief of Staff. Who just happens to be someone who may have a grudge against this Agency. What would you have wanted to go worse?"

"The Senator could have been shot?" suggested McGee.

"Thank you for that contribution, Agent McGee," said Vance coldly. "Don't you have some photo recognition to run?"

"Well, actually Sir," began Bishop, "we've already got that … you know, I think we should go and check on it."

"Good idea," said Vance, "you do that."

Bishop and McGee edged out quietly.

"Gibbs, I want to know who shot at Adler," said Vance when they were on their own.

"Working on it, Leon," said Gibbs.

"You heard the Senator," said Vance worriedly, "asking if we thought the agencies should all be combined. And then we let someone try to kill him. Doesn't say much about how we operate, does it?"

"You know that it's impossible to keep somewhere like the Navy Yard completely secure, Leon," said Gibbs. "And look on the bright side."

"What bright side?"

"It was a former NCIS agent who saved the Senator. Shows how good our training is that he can still react that quick ten years after leaving us."

NCISNCIS

"Jethro," said Ducky later that day, "I am glad I caught you."

"Not a fish," said Gibbs mildly, "what can I do for you, Duck?"

"I have something for Anthony. Or rather two things," replied the doctor.

"What makes you think I can deliver them?"

For answer Ducky just chuckled. "I recommended that Anthony take a course of antibiotics. Bullets are not the cleanest of objects to have tear into one's body. He managed to leave before I could write out a prescription." He held a piece of paper towards Gibbs.

"And the other thing?"

"His wedding band. I removed it in case there was some reaction to the wound in his arm. I have seen too many cases of fingers swelling up after an accident and requiring rings to be cut off. Unfortunately he left that behind as well."

"Duck …" began Gibbs. "Oh hell," he continued, "all right, I'll bring them to him."

"Thank you, Jethro. No need to thank me," said Ducky cheerily.

"Thank you?" said Gibbs, "why would I be thanking you?"

"For giving you a reason to visit the boy," said Ducky knowingly, "and don't tell me that you didn't intend to go see him."

Gibbs laughed in acknowledgment, "Guess you know me too well, Duck."

Not long afterwards Gibbs was entering Senator Adler's office in the Capitol building.

"How may I help you?" asked a young woman sitting at a desk just inside the door.

"Tony DiNozzo?" said Gibbs, "is he in?"

"I'll just check, Sir. Who shall I say wants to see him?"

"It's all right, Gwennie," came Tony's voice from an inner room, "send him through. You won't be able to stop him anyways."

Gwennie looked as if she wouldn't mind having a go but she obediently gestured to Gibbs to go through.

"Someone should be going home," she commented loudly, "someone got shot today!"

Gibbs grinned at her protectiveness, "I've brought medicine," he said, waving a bottle in her direction.

"Finally," said Gwennie in a more approving tone.

"She's right," said Gibbs as he went into Tony's office, "you look like hell."

"All in a day's work," said Tony evasively.

"If this happens every day, you need to look for alternate employment," said Gibbs.

"Yeah, yeah," said Tony.

"Ducky sent your prescription," said Gibbs.

"Thanks, I'll get it filled tomorrow," said Tony.

"No need. I did it on my way over. Here," he handed Tony the small bottle.

"Thanks, Mom," said Tony.

"And this," said Gibbs as he dropped the gold ring on to the desk.

"Again, thanks," said Tony.

"How long have you been working for the Senator?" asked Gibbs.

"Ten years," said Tony, "almost from when I left NCIS."

"You had it planned?" asked Gibbs in surprise.

"No. I went to see the Senator when I resigned. He was my best friend and I knew he wouldn't be judgemental. And I just needed someone to be …"

"Nice to you?"

"Sounds sad, doesn't it?"

Gibbs shrugged in reply.

"It was a tough time. Hell, I nearly called Diane."

"Who's Diane?"

"Forgot. You never met her. My second wife."

"The one who was married to Fornell as well?" asked Tony.

"Not at the same time," objected Gibbs, "but yes. Ask McGee and Bishop: they'll tell you that I must have been feeling pretty desperate to think of calling her."

"They've met your ex-wife?" asked Tony.

"All of them," said Gibbs, "they developed a habit of turning up."

"Wow," said Tony, "almost makes me wish I hadn't quit. A chance to see the ex-Mrs Gibbses."

"Almost?" probed Gibbs.

"No regrets," said Tony firmly, "not saying I don't wish I'd left in better circumstances … but no, no regrets."

"So how did you end up working for Adler?"

"The Senator?" asked Tony, "like I said, after I resigned I needed a friendly face. Otherwise I'd have just hit the bottle and I might never have swum out. I went to see him, he put me up in his house. I'd go bug him in his office most days and started helping out. Then he was up for re-election and I delivered leaflets, knocked on doors, drove people to the polling station. You know the sort of thing. And somehow I never left. Turned out I was good at it all."

"You never said," said Gibbs, "why didn't you tell me?"

"The way you said politician this morning, Gibbs," said Tony, "just how I thought you'd say it. As if you'd trodden in something. I guess part of me still wanted your approval and by the time I was doing it permanently we weren't in contact anymore and it wasn't a priority by then."

"My door was always open," said Gibbs.

"I know. But I was in a pretty bad place and somehow you were part of the problem rather than the solution," said Tony.

"But you're all right now?" asked Gibbs looking at the tired face in front of him.

"I got through it, Gibbs. Learned to believe Jenny dying wasn't my fault. I moved on."

"Really?" said Gibbs sceptically.

"Really," confirmed Tony, "it is possible to move on, Gibbs. Getting away completely helped. No reminders … and no chance to make that mistake again."

"As simple as that?" pressed Gibbs.

"No, not 'as simple as that'," said Tony with a hint of irritation. "It was hard but I did it. You don't have to imagine that I'm still living racked with guilt. I'm not. My life is completely different now. And it's good."

"Working for a politician?" said Gibbs managing to say the word as if there wasn't a bad smell under his nose.

"Yes. Working for a politician. He was my friend first but I believe in what he's doing. Not all politicians are bad, Gibbs. And my politician: he's one of the good guys."

"If you say so, DiNozzo."

"If you could vote for him I'd try to persuade you," said Tony wearily, "but as you live in DC you can't."

"Come on, DiNozzo," said Gibbs, "I'll give you a ride home. Don't argue or I'll set Gwennie on you."

"OK, OK," said DiNozzo. "Everyone bullies me," he muttered to himself.

"Only because they care," said Gibbs. As they walked to the door he added, "I missed you, DiNozzo. I meant what I said this morning. About you being my best agent."

"Thanks, Boss," said Tony falling back into the old way of addressing Gibbs, "but I hope you don't say that to Tim too often."

"Why? It keeps him on his toes," said Gibbs.

"You ever thought of using the carrot rather than the stick?" asked Tony.

"Uh?"

"You know that you never – and I mean never - told me that I was your best agent while I was working for you. I lived in fear of you firing me because I never thought I reached your standards."

"I didn't say you were good," deadpanned Gibbs, "I just said you were the best I had."

"That's more like the Gibbs I remember," said Tony, "giving with one hand and taking back with two."

"You were good," Gibbs said as he regretted his joke, "would never have kept you on if you weren't. You still hold the record for the best score on Probie evaluation."

"You still doing that half-assed test system?" sighed Tony.

"Works for me," said Gibbs defensively.

"You're a real people person, aren't you?" huffed Tony, "come on. I thought you were giving me a ride home."

As they sat in Gibbs' car Tony said, "Go gently, Gibbs. Remember my stomach has had ten years away from your driving."

"Agh," said Gibbs, "I'm a reformed character."

"You mean all the traffic cops are wise to you now and you can't get away with the Gibbs rules of the road?" said Tony.

"You want to talk or let me drive?" said Gibbs skirting round Tony's question. When there was no reply he said, "Where am I taking you?"

"Georgetown, Rosewood Avenue."

"Surprised we haven't bumped into you before," said Gibbs. "Washington's a small place."

"Only moved here a few months ago," said Tony, "I was Chief of Staff in the Newark office but Marcie left. I stepped up to the DC post. It was time for a change. My wife was offered a job in DC."

"Your wife?" said Gibbs carefully. There was something a little strained about the way Tony had said the word.

"Elizabeth," said Tony, "Beth to her friends. Hey, pull up here, will you?" Tony indicated a large family house on the left side of the road. Thanks, Gibbs. Time to face the music!" He clambered out of the car and walked up the path to the house. The door swung open as he got there.