I own nothing from NCIS and make no money from this story! If I did own them there would be some massive changes! I am simply borrowing them for a bit and returning them happier and in better condition than when I found them.
A huge thanks goes to my most excellent Beta-Amy- without whom this would not be as polished! Kudos to her for her great work and wanting to work with a nut like me! Trust me! There is much love to her! She also feeds the bunnies some massive happy food since they keep appearing.
Come by my facebook page- always a riot! Sometimes great eye candy as well! Facebook./gibbsandtonysbabe Always happy to have you drop by!
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Hearing the sirens approaching Ziva struggled to stand; her arm had been grazed by a bullet. She saw McGee lying on the ground covered in blood and reached down to check his pulse. Relieved when she felt one, she turned her attention to Bodnar and with the last bit of strength kicked his prone body in the ribs before reaching down to see if he was still breathing as well.
Pleased to find that she was successful she looked at the man that nearly thwarted her attempt on Bodnar, Achael. "You nearly cost me my chance to avenge my father." Her voice was cold as she looked down at the injured man.
"He didn't kill your father Ziva, you're wrong. You just murdered an unarmed man in cold blood." Achael shook his head. "This all could have been prevented if you had only listened. Now your friend lays injured because of your actions as well."
"My actions? You shot him. I was only interested in Bodnar; no one else would have been touched."
"I shot your friend by accident when I tried to stop you. He anticipated what I would do and tried to stop me. The gun was discharged in the struggle. Three shots- one for each of us. The authorities will be on their way. What do you intend to do now?"
Regretfully Ziva looked at Tim lying on the ground. "I must go and inform Vance of what is done. I cannot be found here. Forgive me Tim, I hope that you understand. Help is on the way."
Achael looked at Ziva in disgust. "You caused this and you're going to leave him to face it all? What kind of partner are you? How is he going to feel when he wakes up and learns of your treatment? Where do you think you can hide? This was not secret Ziva…the authorities will figure it out."
"I shall be back in the States…I will have protection there. Vance will say that I acted on his orders, as I did."
"Go Ziva, continue your delusion….it is too late to save you, you have passed the point of no return. Run away." Achael turned his head away from her as Ziva fled the scene.
"I am sorry my young friend that she has left you here. I will do what I can. I do not know you, but this is not your doing and I will make sure that they know that. I hope that will be enough." Achael looked at the injured man on the ground offering a prayer that help would be in time.
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Dinner was silent as everyone processed what Tony had said and began to form questions while they tried to make sense of it all. There was a lot to take in, contingency plans to formulate if his prediction was right.
How it had all progressed to this degree was very disturbing. Grief was something they all understood, but allowing Ziva full reign was beyond extreme. Gibbs not taking into consideration what Tony tried to tell him led to even more questions. How many things had been overlooked in the past?
Silently containers were cleared away and drinks obtained as a nervous energy started to fill the house.
Tobias looked at Tony who was clearly agitated and twirling the drink in his hands. "You're doing great. You've laid out the facts clearly and given them time to process it all. You ready to answer any questions?"
Tony shrugged. "To the best of my ability and knowledge. It is what it is. I can't change what I believe and unless Ziva and Vance completely prove me wrong, this is how I see it going down."
"You didn't mention Gibbs…you think he's changing his tune."
"Abby is here and alone. Yep. He has started to think and look at things differently. He can't change what is already started, but he can change how he reacts."
"What makes you so certain?" Tobias grinned at the younger man.
"He's a good man at the core…I need to believe that he still is, if for only selfish reasons." Tony looked at Tobias. "I have to. I trusted and followed him for years, stood up to him when I felt it was warranted and had his six as he has had mine. If he isn't who I believe him to be…than who am I?"
"A good man Tony. Look at these people here. They heard what you had to say and didn't run thinking you were a raving lunatic. They know you…know how you think and trust in you. Gibbs didn't make you that; he only gave you a chance to grow. And for what it's worth I agree…he is a good man at his core…just lost sight of that."
'Getting all sentimental and waxing poetic Uncle Toby?" Tony smirked.
Tobias grumbled good naturedly. "Watch out…I can Gibbs slap you. Seen it enough to know how it's done."
"That you have. And if I need it feel free."
"Anthony dear boy." Ducky spoke up. "May I start off by saying that I truly appreciate your desire to keep us out of harm's way?"
"Had to Ducky. You're all friends and at the very least I wanted you prepared for this."
Balboa took a deep breath. "In all the years I have known you, your instincts and ability to put pieces together have never been wrong. Won't admit that I am not having trouble accepting that this could happen, but…I can't argue with the facts. Shit man…this is huge."
Abby chewed the inside of her cheek. "I just don't see Ziva doing this. Timmy won't let her."
"Abs, Tim is no match for a vengeance seeking Mossad officer. He may try…but she will do this, regardless of the cost."
"But she's not Mossad anymore."
"Not on paper…but she will always be Mossad. Did you know that she recognized her father on the video we obtained to try and find the killer of the Marine?"
"No…but why didn't she say anything? Her father sent her to Somalia…you rescued her." Abby was trying to put all the pieces in order.
Tony was about to speak but Ducky stopped him.
"Are you saying she knew that her father was involved prior to that ill fated dinner?"
"Yes. Before she left to get ready, she saw where the video stopped and recognized him….didn't say anything and went to dinner with her father at the Vance's. I have a huge problem with her and secrets. What if she had spoken up…would Vance have had the dinner? Can't answer for the man, but I doubt it. No dinner and there wouldn't be a dead wife. As for Eli David…that I can't say. If a price was on his head there would have been an attempt one way or the other."
Nikki spoke up. "From what intel I gathered, the attempts were sanctioned from higher up…I tried to give the information to the Director but he shut me down. Said he had it under control. This was chatter from a reputable source, he wouldn't listen."
"Grief affects us in many different ways Miss Jardine. The Director had his mind made up and was only seeing through grief filled eyes. Reason and logic would have had no effect. Unfortunately because of that I daresay he will lose far more than he ever could have imagined." Ducky sighed and shook his head.
"This is Tony's show, but the Director wanted be here to reiterate and back up Tony's offer of employment. There are many options available. Trust me, this is not how I would wish to recruit anyone, but the offer is here now and after." Tobias put his hand on Tony's shoulder.
Abby looked at Tony. "I don't doubt you Tony. I can see what you see and after Gibbs told me to listen and trust you…I know that something is hinky. But I can't leave him alone there. He needs someone…Timmy is gone and Ziva….but if Ziva goes all Mossad…."
"Abby, it's ok….if you need to stay for Gibbs, I get it. Just promise me if she comes seeking help or a place to lay low and hide you'll say no. Don't get caught up in this. Be there for Gibbs. Tell him I am still here if he needs to talk…when he's ready to hear me though Abs."
Abby nodded. "I'm not standing down. He will have things to answer for, but I don't want Gibbs dragged too far in…keep her away from him if she turns up. Honestly though…I don't think he'll help her this time. He is starting to see it all…her duplicity."
"I agree Anthony. By him not barging in here, I believe he has come to some of his own conclusions and has accepted his part in all of this. I shall remain at NCIS until this is over. I will watch over Abigail and Jethro until the dust has settled one way or the other. Then I believe it will be time for me to retire." Ducky sighed. "Been thinking long and hard about that and with Mr. Palmer coming up in the ranks and what he has shown me, the time is nigh."
"Dr. Mallard…retire? No…you don't need to leave because of me." Jimmy looked aghast at his friend and mentor.
"It is not as if I shall disappear from your life dear boy. It's almost time for me to step down. The timing is right. And if you stay at NCIS until then, I shall recommend that you take the lead…you are ready."
Tony turned and smiled at Jimmy. "You should stay…Ducky has your six and then you can move up. Honestly, you should be safe from all of this."
Balboa cocked his head and looked at Tony. "So if I leave how do I know I'll be on your team? Nothing against the FBI…but you know."
Tobias chuckled. "Any poached NCIS personnel that have field agent status will be on Tony's team. He's hand picking and has been given carte blanche."
"I'm with you Tony. Times are a changing and it feels like the right time." Balboa looked at the two men. "Damn…a feeb…."
Nikki hesitantly looked up. "I don't have field agent status…"
Tony stopped her. "But you're a damn good researcher and linguist. I need that as well and if you want we can work on the field agent requirements." Tony grinned. "It's a dirty job though."
Nikki grinned. "That's what antibacterial wipes are for."
Ducky looked at Tony. "You mentioned Abigail and Stan…what of them?"
"They are aware and prepared. Stan is considering leaving…but he's getting married and he is a bit removed from this. So my gut says he'll stay where he is for the time being. Abigail….I think she wants more than what she is getting. I imagine that I'll be talking to her in a few days. After I meet with Cassie tomorrow night that is everyone."
"You have done a remarkable job Anthony."
"Had to Ducky. You do what you have to for family."
Abby looked at Tony. "Feels all weird…but I see it…don't like it and I'll be honest I still have some doubts. Can I tell Gibbs about tonight?"
Tony cocked an eyebrow. "Didn't have any doubts that you wouldn't Abby. Contrary to how it seems, I want the bastard safe too…but he's gonna have to come to me when he is ready to talk about everything. My door will be open …but I won't be swayed here."
"I get it. Seems like a bit more has happened than you're telling-" Abby started.
"Not telling anymore secrets Abs…not all are mine to tell. And some are between Gibbs and me….though Tobias knows them now. Trust, Abby. It's a big thing for me…and it's a bit wobbly right now."
Abby just nodded.
