"Mamoun Sharif." McGee read it out loud to himself before hollering for Tony and Ziva. He watched them file in behind him and continued to read from the screen. "His youngest brother, Ahmed is co leader of a terrorist sect called The Last of the Angels…their biggest following is in Afghanistan…He is wanted for known connections to funding behind four bombings in Baghdad over the last two months." He punched a few more keys and swallowed hard. "Known to be one of the most brutal when holding prisoners…" He stopped reading for a few seconds and took in a breath. "They are suspected to be connected to a mass killing of over two hundred in a Masque six months ago."

"Tony…"

"Don't say it Ziva."

She watched him step a few feet away and followed. "We must consider the possibility…"

"What?!" He yelled out in frustration and threw his arms out. "That the boss is dead? Yeah, I've considered it…what about you Probie? Have you considered it? Or wait…maybe we should go back to NCIS and ask Abby, she's had to of considered it." He stormed a few more feet away then met her stare. "Damn right we've considered it Ziva…but it's just that; a possibility. And frankly, I'm willing to lay it all out there on that possibility…"

Just then a familiar but unexpected voice entered the room. "As am I."


"I don't care if you have to look under every rock in this state. Find them." Jen hung up the phone and started to pace back and forth behind her desk. She lifted up the phone moments later. "Cynthia, get me Agent Fornell, on the phone."

As she paced towards her liquor storage and poured herself a stiff drink; she couldn't help but let her mind wander. What could Gibbs possibly be going through? And she wasn't the only one…


"Morning my dear, sleep well?"

Abby rubbed her eyes and gave the best attempt at stretching out that she could. "I've slept in worse Ducky."

"Right, well. That's another story for another time and place my dear. I brought you refreshment." He handed her the Caf Pow and she took hold of it immediately. "Any news on the guys?"

"Nothing as of yet. I'm afraid the Director is hell bent on catching them."

Abby got a frustrated yet sad look on her face. "If I could get out of here, I'd spill this Caf Pow all over her blouse."

He patted her hands gently. "She is only trying to keep them safe. She feels that is what Gibbs would want."

She sighed deeply and leaned her head back against the steel. "Yeah, I guess he would wouldn't he?"

Ducky simply nodded his head up and down and tried to smile. "Don't worry my dear. They will bring him back."

"What if they don't?"

He cleared his throat, once again finding himself speechless. "I simply do not know." He moved in closer to her. "I simply do not know."


"Wasn't sure if you'd show." Tony offered as he put out his hand for her to take, momentarily unsure if he should be doing that or saluting her.

She reached out and took his hand. "What's the status of the mission so far?"

"All business. I like it. Very Gibbs." Tony motioned that she follow him into the office and after the pleasantries got right down to business. "We believe he picked up the boss as some kind of revenge mission. McGee is searching for his last known where abouts."

"And how do you plan on getting on a plane there undetected?" She peered out the window. "Word is your Director is on the prowl for you three."

"Well, Colonel Mann, that's where I was hoping you'd come in."

"This isn't going to be easy you know?"

Tony shrugged. "Never thought it would be. But what is with Gibbs?"

She managed a tired smile before leaning in behind McGee. "Use my clearance codes. They'll help."

Ziva slowly but surely pulled Tony out into the hall. "Were you going to share this little piece of information with us?"

"Need to know David."

She almost head slapped him. "McGee and I left behind everything just like you. And if we are not going to work as a team; than what are we?"

He let his head hang a little lower. "You're right. Sorry."

"Do not apologize Tony…"

"That's Gibbs rule Ziva, and he's not here. I should've told you guys, I didn't. I'm sorry." He then turned and headed back into the office before she could respond.


Gibbs squinted as his door flew open and four men piled in beside him. He couldn't make out more than, 'Get the American,' that is until a fifth man stood at the doorway.

"Leave him for Ahmed…"

Gibbs breathed a sigh of relief; at least for the moment.

"Let us soften him up a bit yes?"

And with a nod from the fifth man, Gibbs gave his best attempt at fighting back, but soon realized it was no use. As each blow brought more and more pain, he let his mind escape to a better time…

--

"Hurry up daddy, the fireworks are gonna start!"

He reached for another blanket before jogging over towards his wife and daughter. He lifted Kelly onto his lap and let his arm drape around Shannon as the first lot of fireworks flew into the sky.

"Wow…did you see that Mommy?" Kelly turned back to see her Mom and Dad stealing a kiss and laughed.

Gibbs quickly kissed the back of his daughters head in apology and let his eyes be mesmerized by the sight above him as well as the sight of his family beside him…

--

Another strike to his ribs left him in more pain than he could take; and his body slowly drifted out of consciousness.

"Happy 4th of July daddy…"

He reached out as she leaped into his arms. "Happy 4th of July sweetheart…"