Chapter Four: What to Do

"What am I supposed to do agent Gibbs?" Team Gibbs could hear the director and their boss yelling at each other through closed doors. They were inside Vance's office that was connected to the conference room, Abby, Tim, Tony, and Ziva were all in.

"I don't know Vance! Come up with something! My team is in danger!" Gibbs yelled back.

"All because of Agent DiNozzo!" Vance yelled back.

"He thought McAcklin wasn't serious or it was someone pretending to be McAcklin!" Gibbs defended his agent.

"Still! He was threatening a federal agent, a federal crime. As soon as it happened he should've told someone!" Vance took a step towards Gibbs.

"Put yourself in his place Vance. If you were DiNozzo and that happened to you would you have? And I did know right away? Remember? I came and told you about it!" Gibbs sighed finally noticing Vance gave up. "Now lets work this out so I can save my team."

The rest of the conversation wasn't heard by the rest of the team. Ziva crossed her arms and stood. Silently she walked from the end of the table to the corner. She leaned against the wall and looked at her feet. She wasn't able to just sit still now. She needed to know that her team, her family would be okay. She wanted to know this. She wanted to know, without a doubt, absolutely confident that her family was safe and there was no need to worry like she did now.

Tim watched her for a moment, "so we're done with our game of Scrabble?" He asked quietly. They had been playing a small game of Scrabble until they heard the beginning tones of yelling from Vance and Gibbs. It was a way for Tim himself, and Ziva to relax and get their mind off the situation that was going on

"Mmm?" Ziva looked over and nodded slowly in acknowledgment. "Yes. Sorry McGee."

"Don't be." Tim smiled slightly at Ziva before picking up the game. Abby moved over to help Tim in silence

Tony watched the three of his partners and then moved by Ziva, "you okay Zee-Vah?" He rested his hand on the small of her back gently to support her. Out of everyone in danger she was the one he was worried about. McAcklin knew what her habits of sleeping were. That meant he had gotten into her apartment.

Ziva looked at his green eyes and nodded. "Yes Tony. I am fine." She gave him a small smile and looked at the counter. Her face was thoughtful.

Tony watched as a few of her curls drifted into her face. Gently he brushed them back while he debated about telling her or anyone else that McAcklin knew more about her than everyone else.

Suddenly a phone was heard ringing which broke everyone out of their grabbed his phone and answered, "special agent McGee." it was an instinct. A habit.

"Well McGee, since I've spoken to Tony and Ziva, I was expecting you wouldn't answer."

Tim looked at Tony, "its him." he mouthed quietly. Quickly Tony went into the director's office for Gibbs and Vance. "Oh really McAcklin?" McGee said slowly as he put his phone on speaker and gently set it on the table.

"Yes McGee. And since you aren't in the bullpen with your team I'm assuming you're all hiding somewhere huh?" McAcklin taunted, unknowing about Gibbs and Vance listening with Abby, Ziva, and Tony. "I also saw you got your little Goth with you so she's safe."

"Yep. Want to know where?" McGee glanced at Gibbs quickly to check if he was doing the right thing. A slight nod gave him the assurance he needed, "well McAcklin, I'll tell you where we are, if you tell us where you are."

"Ahh McGee I am not as stupid as most. I know your boss is listening. Gibbs and Vance correct?" McAcklin gave a menacing cackle that sent shivers down Ziva's spine.

"How do you know?" Gibbs snapped. He clenched his fists from where they sat on the table.

"I'm not as stupid as you guys think." McAcklin taunted.

"McAcklin, you're dancing with a federal offense right now." Vance cut in. "If you want a smaller sentence it'd be wise to tell us where you are and how you know everything is going on. Also you'd be smart to turn yourself in completely."

"Hmm, turn myself in or get revenge? I'll take the revenge. Thanks though." The click and sound of a dial tone filled the eerie silence in the room.

Vance sighed. "I'm going to MTAC to talk to Sec Nav. All of you stay here. Including you Gibbs." Quickly Vance left.

It was a moment before Gibbs spoke. "Come on you guys."

"We were told to stay. Including you boss." Tony looked at Gibbs.

"I'm telling you not to listen to Vance. You guys are my team. You're all tired, I can tell. We're going to each of your places and then we'll go to my place." Gibbs argued.

Abby looked at Gibbs, her pigtails seeming to droop with the intense mood. "Will we be safe?"

"No safer place then mine Abs." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her head. "Now lets go, before Vance comes back." Quickly the five of them shuffled out of the conference room and quickly down to the bullpen. They grabbed the things they needed, all except Abby and went to the elevator.

As the doors were closing they heard Vance yell "Gibbs! Don't you dare put them in more danger!"