THE HAUNTED HUNTER, PART TWO
BIG THANKS TO PETLOVERS4EVER AND PHINALPHANTASY FOR YOUR REVIEWS. PHINALPHANTASY, AS FAR AS YOUR QUESTION, YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO SEE.
CONTINUING WHERE WE LEFT OFF: ZIVA IN THE HOSPITAL WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND, NUMEROUS BROKEN RIBS, AND A PIERCED LUNG. TONY IS BY HER SIDE PRAYING. THEN, THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS.
Right before Tony's eyes, Ziva makes a small movement. Then, her eyes flicker. She slowly opens her eyes, and the first thing she sees is Tony stting across from her. He sees her wake up, and says, "Hey there. Welcome back to the land of the living. How do you feel?"
"Ready to be out of here, and I've only been awake five seconds."
"There's the Ziva I know and love." Ziva files away that comment for future memory. Then, the rest of the team files in to her room. Everyone expresses wishes for her to recover swiftly, then leaves, followed by a doctor who is checking up on Ziva. Tony stays exactly where he was to start with, neither of them speaking, just enjoying each other's company. Finally, Ziva breaks the silence. "How long have you been here?"
"Since you got out of surgery." Ziva is surprised to hear that from him, but continues. "I heard what you told me just before we got in the Hummer."
Tony looks at her, puzzled. "You'll have to be more specific, Ziva." Ziva replies, "The part where you called me honey. That one word helped me fight harder to live, Tony. Thank you."
"You're very welcome, Miss David. By the way, how are you feeling?"
"I feel like a needlecushion."
"I think you mean pincushion."
"Yes, that. Other than that, I feel fine."
"I'm glad to hear. I was extremely worried about you for little bit."
"Tony, we Mossad assassins are stronger than a single bullet."
"Ziva, there wasn't just a gunshot wound. According to the doctor, you broke a few ribs, and one pierced your lung. When you hit your head on the door frame of the car, you nearly got a concussion. That, along with the blood loss, nearly killed you. I have to be honest. If that had happened, I don't know how I would have made it through the aftermath." Ziva is again surprised, but says, "Well, you don't have to worry about that possibility any longer. I will be perfectly fine." Tony is about to walk out the door when Ziva stops him. "Where are you going?"
"Well, I personally think that it's time for some coffee, and I think you need some rest. Believe it or not, you've been awake for nearly an hour." Ziva tries to fight a wave of fatigue, but knows Tony is right. Before he leaves, she asks him one more question. "Would you have stayed by the bed if it wasn't me in the bed?"
"You mean if it was McGee or Gibbs?"
"Yes, or one of the CSI's."
"No, Ziva, I wouldn't have. If it was someone else, I would probably been leaning against the wall outside." Ziva feels an emotion that is unfamiliar to her. She finds that what Tony says is touching.
Tony leaves, and Ziva falls asleep. True to his word, Tony gets a cup of coffee from across the street, then drives back to the lab. There, both shifts of CSI's are working to find any information on Thomas Denvers. What they find shocks and horrifies them. Thomas Denvers is the name of a radical who is descended from a ruthless member of the Knights of the Golden Circle. A man who had no qualms about killing someone, white or not. In short, the man was nothing more than a hired gun who had managed to survive the Civil War, and who had decided to put his talents to other uses. The ancestor, that is. It turns out that the radical is someone that the team is not very familiar with. Jesse, during this time, had stared out the window, eyebrows furrowed. Then, he turns and asks, "Do we have any pictures of Mr. Denvers' ancestor?" The lab tech, in answer, pulls up a photograph taken of Thomas Jefferson Denvers, the soldier. Jesse stares at the picture, then feels fury and revulsion rise in him like a tidal wave.
"I know this son-of-a-!"
"Jesse, what are you talking about?"
"Ever since we recovered that note from the Suburban, the name Thomas Denvers has been running through my mind, like it was something I should recognize. I just didn't know how I was supposed to recognize it. The bastard that killed Sam is a reenactor, playing his ancestor! I fought alongside the asshole and never suspected a thing!" Everybody looks at each other, not sure what to make of this revelation. Finally, Horatio speaks. "Okay, people. Here's how it is going to go down. We track down Mr. Denvers and his associates, then bring them in. We damage their organization beyond repair. When this is done, we will have shut down a terrorist organization before it has had a chance to get started. Are we clear?" Gibbs then adds, "And as for Thomas Denvers, bring him in alive. We have a few people who would like to meet this dirtbag." The team scatters, each person having their own role to fulfill in the great trap that was in the process of being set. At this time, Tony walks over to Gibbs. "How's Ziva, DiNozzo?"
"Well, according to her doctor, who I ran into on the way out, she should be just fine, and could even possibly leave in a couple of days, providing that she be sure to do physical therapy to make sure her leg is as good as new, and to make sure that the exercises don't stress her ribs out too much."
"So, when are you going tomorrow?"
"What do you mean, boss?"
"DiNozzo, I may have bad eyesight, but even I can see how you two feel about each other. The way you look at her reminds me of how I used to look at Jen, and Shannon before her." "As in Director Shepard?"
"That's right, DiNozzo."
"Exactly how far did your relationship progress with her, anyway?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Because when I saw Ziva in that bed, helpless, it nearly killed me. My heart felt like it was about to shatter right there in her room. It got me thinking about settling down, and who I would settle down with. The more I thought about it, the more one name kept returning to my head."
"Ziva."
"Exactly, boss." Gibbs' response is to perform a head-slap on DiNozzo.
"OW! What was that for!"
"For breaking Rule 12 in the future, DiNozzo. That being said, what are you waiting on? Tell Ziva what you just told me, and see what her reaction is. I have a feeling that you will be surprised in a good way." DiNozzo, with a start, realizes that Gibbs has given his blessing to DiNozzo. "Thanks, boss."
"Don't mention it, DiNozzo. Now, don't you have some work to do?" Tony caught Gibbs' meaning instantly. Tony had some items to buy if he wanted to get his relationship with Ziva off the ground, not to mention he had some stuff to remove from his car if he wanted to drive her to their hotel. Tony hustles out the door, and makes sure that there is nothing in the car that could potentially hurt Ziva when she climbed in or out, mostly because he felt that Ziva would leave him half-dead, then Gibbs would finish the job. Tony wanted more than anything to avoid that circumstance at any cost.
The next day, Tony continued his daily ritual of visiting Ziva in the hospital. He is approaching her room when he hears multiple voices, and at least one of them shouting. He increases his pace, and finds that Ziva's doctors are huddled in one corner, while she is shouting at them in Hebrew. Upon seeing Tony, Ziva stops shouting and smiles. "Tony! I am glad you are here! Please explain to these people that I am in good enough condition to leave today."
"I won't make any promises that I can't keep, Zi, but I promise to talk to them on your behalf." Ziva's smile widens. Tony steps out into the hall, motioning for the doctors to follow. "What does her situation look like right now?"
"Right now, Miss David's condition is remarkable for someone who has sustained the injuries that she has. There is no sign of brain damage, her leg is holding weight incredibly well, and her ribcage fused back together very nicely. In short, she should be able to go home today, but I recommend she come in regularly for check-ups."
"So what you're saying, Ziva is going to be a happy person, am I right?"
"Yes, Special Agent DiNozzo, you are correct." Tony walks back in Ziva's room and starts packing her clothes and other items brought with her. She watches Tony carefully.
"Tony, does this mean what I think it means?"
"That depends. Do you think it means that you get to spend the rest of the day with me, God's gift to the team, or that you are getting out of here?"
"A little of both, but if anyone is God's gift, then it is me, Tony."
"Ziva, I want to tell you something." Tony's tone goes from light-hearted to serious in an instant. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong as long as you promise never to leave me, Zi. I can't express in words how scared I was when you were brought in here, and when you were given your room, and I saw you in that bed, it just-" Tony breaks off to keep himself under control. "It just what, Tony?"
"It just felt like my heart was being shattered into a million pieces, and I can't imagine going through that again, especially if I hadn't told you how I felt beforehand." For the first time in her life, Ziva is speechless. It became clear to her that Tony had put a lot of time and thought into their situation. Her only question is, "What about Gibbs?"
"What about him?"
"Have you told him about this?"
"Actually, I told him last night."
"Oh? What was his response?" THWACK! Tony demonstrates on himself Gibbs' answer. "Then the interesting part, Ziva. He gave me his blessing." Ziva contemplates this turn of events, but not for long. She gets up from her bed and walks over to Tony and gives him a passionate kiss that lasts until both are in need of air.
Meanwhile, at the lab, Jesse is stopped by Eric in the hallway. "Jesse, I need to show you something." Jesse follows, his curiosity piqued. Eric takes Jesse to the break room and shuts the door. Jesse watches Eric pace around the break room for a good five minutes. "Okay, Eric, I can tell you are nervous, but about what, I do not have a clue. What was it you so desperately needed to show me?" Eric stops and walks over to Jesse and pulls out a box. Jesse immediately figures out that the box contains a diamond engagement ring. "What do you think? I want to give this to Calleigh and ask her to marry me. There's just one problem."
"Explain the problem for me. I don't see one yet."
"The box is empty Jesse."
"There's where a problem would occur."
"The other thing is that I can't just leave the lab to pick the ring up."
"Yeah, you could. I'll cover for you. Go get the ring, then get back here. If anyone asks, I'll say you had an incredibly important errand you had to get done." Eric grins, the replies, "Thanks, Jesse. I owe you one."
"Forget about it. Now, get out of here so you can pick that ring up and propose to the girl of your dreams." Eric practically sprints out to his Hummer, then leans on the accelerator and gets out of the parking lot in very little time. He drives to the jewelry store in twenty minutes, then thanks to lighter traffic finds that the trip back only takes ten minutes.
During that thirty minutes of driving, plus five minutes to pick the ring up and get it into the box, Jesse sees Horatio walking towards him. "Jesse, have you seen Eric?" "Actually, yes I have. He just left to run an incredibly important errand." Horatio's eyebrows rise. "And this errand was not one he felt important enough to share with me?"
"H, I think he wanted it kept a secret, but I don't think he'll mind me telling you, as long as it goes no further. He went to get an engagement ring." Horatio's expression softens, for he understands exactly how important that one errand has become. "Did he mention who the lucky woman was?"
"All I will say is that she works here, and has completly stolen Eric's heart." Horatio knows exactly what Jesse is talking about. "Speaking of stealing hearts, H, I need to check on Amanda. Do you mind if I duck out real quick?"
"Not at all, Jesse." You see, Jesse and Amanda have grown closer over these three months, and Jesse feels the time is right for his own relationship to take flight. As Jesse walks out, he passes Eric walking in. They have a small conversation. "Hey, Jesse. Did anyone come looking for me?"
"Yeah. Horatio did, but I gave him the errand line. He gave me a 'explain this errand' look, so I had to tell him about your plans. From what I gathered, he is behind them one hundred percent." "Okay, thanks. Like I said, I owe you one. Could you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Would go get Calleigh and tell her I'm looking for her?"
"Yeah."
Jesse walks down to the Ballistics lab, where he sees Calleigh is test-firing a weapon. He yells her name. "Calleigh!" She turns with the gun in her hands, ready to shoot. Jesse finds the barrel pointed at him. "Cal, could you do me the favor of pointing that thing somewhere else?" She puts the gun away, and asks, "What's up? Do I have a call-out?"
"No, but Eric's looking for you. Before you ask, I don't know why."
"Okay, thanks, I'll find him." Jesse turns and leaves the lab, driving to his apartment. He takes the front steps two at a time, then reaches the front door. He notices that his door is ajar. Alarmed, he draws his weapon and opens the door just enough for him to see into his house. The next thing he saw was a vase flying towards his head. Without time to duck, he is knocked backwards and falls down the steps, rolling as he goes. "Ow, ooh, oww, that hurt, ahh, yeouch, oof!" He gets up, stunned as a figure comes to the door. Jesse goes for his gun, when he realizes that the figure that threw the vase was Amanda.
"Mandy? What was that for? Is everything okay?"
"Oh my gosh, Jesse, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize it was you. I thought it was some intruder trying to break in."
"Next time, Mandy, don't leave the door open. I thought somebody was in the house and after you. I didn't like that particular thought." Jesse picks the vase up and hands it to Amanda. "This vase belonged to my grandmother. Could you please try not to throw it at me again? I'd hate to tell grandma that her favorite vase got broken when my fiance hit me in the face with it." Amanda's eyes widen as Jesse's words sink in. "Jesse, do you mean that?"
"I sure do. Amanda Bearcloud, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Yes, Jesse, I will." Jesse and Amanda embrace, then Jesse leaves. "I have to get back to the lab. By now, Eric has probably proposed to the girl of his dreams." Jesse climbs in his Hummer and drives off, unaware that the house was being watched.
Amanda walks back in the house and locks the door, humming as she goes. Five minutes after Jesse leaves, she hears a knock at the door. Amanda opens the door to find a uniformed officer at her door. "Amanda Bearcloud?"
"Yes, may I help you?"
"Yes, Jesse asked me to find you for him. A friend just got placed in the hospital, and he was on the way there. He wanted me to bring you." Amanda follows the officer out of the house and to an unmarked cruiser. The officer opens the driverside back door to let Amanda in first. Then, he climbs in the driver seat. Amanda notices a man in the passenger seat. The man turns and looks at Amanda with a gun in his hand. Amanda demands an explanation, but the only thing that happens is that the gun fires. She feels a dart enter her arm, then nothing. The car drives off.
Meanwhile, Jesse's prediction had come true. Eric had propsed to Calleigh just as Jesse walked into the lab. After the proposal moment, everyone goes back to work. Jesse is in his lab, digging up more background information on Thomas Denvers when his phone rings. He looks at the caller id and answers. "Hey, H. What's up?" "Frank is currently sending a team out to Thomas Denvers' last known address. Do you want to go with them?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll go." Jesse talks for a few more minutes, then hangs up. Just as he sets his phone down, it rings again. He checks the caller id, and answers when he sees it is Amanda. "Hey Mandy. Everything okay?"
"Well, well, well. Jesse Thunder. You are a hard man to kill, Jesse."
"I'll take that as a compliment. Who is this?"
"You don't know? I'm astonished. After all, I talked to your old friend Samuel."
"Denvers." The word is spat like an unsavory piece of meat. "Correct. Do you want to see Ms. Bearcloud again? I'm sure you do. If so, you will find her at 7435 Grimborst Drive."
"7435 Grimborst Drive. Got it. Anything else?" "Hurry. I'm not surehow long she has left." A sinister laugh is heard before the line disconnects. Jesse springs up and races for the front door, running by Eric, Ryan, and Horatio on the way. "Whoa, Jesse, where's the fire?" "Denvers. He's got Amanda. I don't know how, I just know that bastard has Amanda." A look is shared before the three of them run after him. The NCIS team hears the commotion and starts for their vehicles as well.
7435 Grimborst, as it turns out, is a log mansion and Denvers' last known address, along with being out in the swampland part of Florida. The teams get there as the sun is setting, only to find that the house is going up in flames. Jesse jumps out of his Hummer and runs toward the house. The team follows, carefully until they hear a cry for help. Jesse kicks the door down and goes throughout the house until he finds Amanda. He unties her, and they prepare to leave. They reach the middle of the house when a rafter falls, along with part of the roof. The pair is separated by the debris pile, which is waist-high. Making the situation more dire is the fact that Denvers has a habit of storing ammunition and flammable materials in his house. Jesse looks into Amanda's eyes and begs her to go. "Amanda, you have to leave NOW! The house could come down any minute, not to mention there is an explosion risk!"
"Jesse, I will not leave without you!"
"Mandy, I'll be fine! I'm begging you, go!" Reluctantly, Amanda turns and runs out the door. Tony is watching the door, and is the first one to notice that Amanda run out of the house. "Boss! We got someone coming out fo the house!"
"I see them, Tony."
The team surrounds the figure when it becomes clear thatit's Amanda. She is helped to a waiting ambulance, coughing a great deal. Horatio asks the question on everyone's mind. "Amanda, where is Jesse?" It takes a second for her to calm down enough to answer. "Lt. Caine, he's... he's inside. Jesse's inside that deathtrap. The roof partially came down, and neither one of us could get around it." H keys his walkie-talkie to try to get Jesse out of there. Jesse can barely be heard over the roar of the flames. "Jesse, you need to leave now."
"H, you must get those cars clear. The house could blow any second! Get clear!"
"Listen Jesse, you have a very limited amount of time to get clear yourself."
"H, I doubt that will happen. This house has enough flammables and explosives to make Hendersonville, Nevada look like a campfire!" Jesse continues searching for a way out, but nothing can be seen aside from flame and smoke. Then, he sees a man in a Marines uniform standing next to a window. Though the last time Jesse had seen the man had been nearly three-and-a-half-months ago, he knew exactly who it was. It is Samuel.
Jesse runs to the window and looks out. A creek is visible through it. Jesse back up, then gets a running start. The house explodes as Jesse jumps for the window.