AN: I'm sorry it's been so long since the last update, but I've experienced a tad of writer's block. I also started the new school year which has made things even more hectic than usual. I hereby present this chapter as a peace offering and promise that more will follow soon. Thank you for all the reviews and questions; they make this story better!

As the two reached the top of the stairs, they could hear Tony and Ziva teasing each other. Gibbs was relieved that the day was starting to seem more normal as it went on, but his relief was short lived. He was about to call out to DiNozzo about finally making an appearance when he heard the sound of breaking glass and watched as Tony fell to the floor. Worse still was seeing the coffee, obviously brought for Gibbs, as it began to mix with the blood pouring from his agent's shoulder. In an instant he had dropped his own beverage and rushed down the stairs, his only concern to get Tony away from the window.

As Gibbs moved down the stairs he suddenly realized how foolish he was being. The shot had come from the window and if the sniper was still in position, he could take another shot at his people or even himself while on the stairs; there was no way to get to DiNozzo without risking exposure. After sharing a look with Ziva, he realized that she knew it too. Allowing his training as a Marine to take over, Gibbs cautiously stepped over the side of the stair railing and lowered himself to the floor. Crouching as he made his way to the wall adjacent the windows, he looked to his fallen agent. Tony's face was a mask of pain as he stared back at his boss.

"Easy, Tony. I'm coming."

"No worries, Boss. I'm not going anywhere." He tried to smile, but it quickly faded into a grimace as another flash of pain shot through his shoulder.

Damn! I need to get to him. Gibbs began to weigh his options; he could just run over to Tony and pull him away from the window. However, there was still a risk that the shooter was still watching and if he was, Gibbs could also be shot. Gibbs looked around and spotted a phone book. Grabbing it and rushing back to his former position, he held it up in front of the window and watched as a bullet tore through the pages and embedded itself in the staircase. So he is still watching.

Just as he was preparing to throw it all to hell and rush over, his cell started to vibrate in his pocket. Taking out the phone he glanced at the display, but didn't recognize the number. "Gibbs."

"I wouldn't chance it Agent Gibbs."

"What the hell are talking about?"

"Your agent is down. You, Agent Gibbs were just deciding whether or not to risk going over to him or to stand helplessly by and watch him bleed out."

While Gibbs had assumed he was speaking with the sniper, the man's last words had turned his stomach. "You bastard."

"Now, now let's not be so rude. I understand that this must be frustrating for you; your team being attacked on your own turf. Especially after so difficult an investigation."

"What are you talking about? Who are you?" Gibbs was indeed becoming frustrated. Had this guy been watching his team? Stalking them?

"No names for now; wouldn't want to spoil your forensic scientist's fun of revealing my identity. For now, I just want you to know exactly who is in control here." There was brief pause in which Gibbs looked to Ziva to check on the phone trace. She held up one finger to signify that she only needed another minute. "I'll allow you to go to your agent now, but you should know that I have placed bombs on certain doors and elevators throughout the building."

"You're bluffing."

"Please, feel free to test that hypothesis, but any further injuries will be on your head, not mine. You may also want to consider getting over to your agent; he doesn't look well at all."

Gibbs' anger was starting to grow. "Why are you doing this?!"

"Agent Gibbs, you can't possibly expect me to give you all the details now? That would make it too easy, wouldn't it?" His tone suddenly changed from being soft and cold to menacing. "That's not good enough. I want you to watch your agent bleed out in your arms and know that there's nothing you can do about it."

Gibbs face paled considerably at these words and was about to reply when the line went dead. He looked at Ziva who shook her head in disappointment. Deciding not to waste any more time, he rushed over to Tony and gently pulled him away from the window.

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