A/N: is doing something weird, and some readers told me they couldn't see Chap 10- and indeed, it had disappeared- so- apologies to you who have already read it, but I had to reload it.

Ch 11 coming tomorrow !

The next morning brought Gibbs checking on Tony over breakfast.

He was for all practical purposes, fine.

Then why every time I look at him, do I feel like I should be on high alert? He thought, scowling.

"What?" Tony asked, through a mouthful of cereal. He swallowed it down, a little too soon and his expression pinched a little before he said, "C'mon, Boss! I really am perfectly fine."

Gibbs sighed. "Okay, Dinozzo. But one sign that you're not, and your six is back in that bed."

Tony smiled at him as he took another bite of cereal.

They were all sitting at the table, with an assortment of berries and different boxed cereals, trying to figure out what they wanted to do.

"Swim first!" called Abby.

"Okay. And then maybe we can go to lunch and then wine tasting?" asked Ziva, sipping her coffee.

"I'm all for that. Just as long as I don't need to get on a horse again," mumbled McGee, as Gibbs looked at him with a hint of a smile.

"I'm good. Sounds great!" said Tony, almost too enthusiastically. He caught Gibbs studying him again. "How bout you Boss?"

"Anything that doesn't involve vomit or emergency rooms is fine with me," he said plainly, but with humor in his blue eyes.

Tony frowned and was about to retort, when Abby jumped up from the table. "I'm done!" She ran into the kitchen with her bowl, in her skull and crossbones pajamas. "I'm getting my suit on!" She darted out of the kitchen, as Gibbs called after her.

"Abby, it's a twenty minute wait after you eat." Gibbs said it loudly enough for her to hear from the bedroom.

They all smiled at her groan of frustration behind the closed bedroom door.

"Sometimes," McGee said, "she's such a kid!"

"Oh? And, you're not, McGee? Elflord? McGamer?" Tony asked good naturedly.

"Ahhh…" McGee struggled for a comeback.

"Do not worry, McGee, it just means that you and Abby are cut from the same cloth." She looked at them, waiting. No correction came. She smiled with satisfaction. "Like two peas in a shed."

Tony dropped his chin, keeping his eyes on her, while McGee rolled his.

"Pod," Gibbs said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Two peas in a pod."

"Well," she said, "I do not understand that one completely because there are always more than two peas in a pod anyway."

Tony raised a brow and laughed. "More than two. Kinky." And then "OW!" when Gibbs slapped his head on the way into the kitchen for more coffee.

"You know," Tony said in slight annoyance, "it's pretty twisted, you being, all worried-like about how I'm feeling and then slapping my head. It's kinda…fickle of you Boss!" He rubbed the back of his head.

Then he saw the raised brows on Gibbs' face from the kitchen.

"Uh…but, I know…it's also a sign of affection. I love you too, Boss," Tony said, looking away.

Ziva and McGee both chuckled.

"Let's get this cleaned up so we can get going," Gibbs ordered, and they all moved.

The water was, in a word, delicious.

It was mid-morning, and the sun was already on the hotter side as they all jumped into the lake one after the other, off the floating dock.

Gibbs and Ziva decided on laps to the center of the lake and back.

Abby and McGee were content to just swim around the dock, as was Tony.

He tried to push the memory of the dreams and visions out of his mind, of the rotting woman who tried to take him with her into the depths of the water.

He shivered.

Then he heard Abby laughing. "Cut it out McGee!" She was happy, and the tone was in mock annoyance. She screamed as he popped up next to her, laughing.

It made Tony smile to see them like that, so playful and happy. It was a welcome distraction from his other thoughts.

He looked around the lake, as he truly started to relax again. The tall pines were swaying in the breeze, over their perches on the rocky terrain that surrounded the lake. And it was quiet except for the birds and the sounds he and his friends were making.

It was beautiful.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Abby and McGee kissing again, and with a wry grin, paddled off a bit to give them a little privacy.

He went to the dock, grabbing one of the thin floats that were in a pile to the left side. He pushed it out onto the water, lazily feeling the water whirl and suck around his feet as he swam out a bit towards the left side of the lake. He hoisted himself up, kicking at the water for more propulsion, so that he belly flopped with a satisfied sigh right onto it. Perfect for relaxing on the lake.

He folded his arms under his head, resting his chin on them to look at the pretty scenery.

He heard Abby and McGee laughing again, horsing around after their smooch break. And he heard Ziva laughing, challenging Gibbs to race out to the lake and back again.

No matter what else, everything at that moment was good. Was peaceful.

He took a deep breath in, still smelling the pines, and enjoying the sun on his back.

He was floating, but the breeze was taking him slowly back near the dock, so he didn't worry too much at closing his eyes. After all the rest he had gotten, he was still a little sleepy, and the soft rocking of the float was lulling him under. The sounds of his team mates started to fade, as he almost started a soft snore.

Suddenly, the float was over him and he was underneath the surface of the water, his back which had been toasting in the sun now freezing with the wet contrast of the lake.

What the-?

He struggled in the bubbles, feeling a hand on his ankle.

McGee! He thought. I'm so gonna get him back for this.

But, the hand didn't let go as he expected. Instead it held firm, keeping him just under the surface, and suddenly panicking for air.

He kicked much harder, managing to break free. What the fuck?

Tony came up sputtering, finding and grabbing the float, seeing spots as he breathed in deeply. "What the hell-" he began, but as he opened his eyes, the words died on his lips.

McGee and Abby were still many yards away from him, splashing eachother, and he quickly turned to see Ziva and Gibbs way out in the middle of the lake.

He swallowed nervously, wiping more water from his face.

"You're…" he clutched the edges of the float, "not. Cracking. Up. You hear me DiNozzo?"

He felt near hysterics as he could swear he felt fingers ghosting over his belly, and down the front of his thigh. His heart was pounding in his chest.

He dove quickly, determined to catch someone doing this to him, playing a trick on him.

Under the surface of the water, he looked, opening his eyes to lightly rust cast but clear water. It was about seven or eight feet down. He could even make out some of the rocks at the bottom, though it was darker.

Again he felt a touch, but at the back of his elbow. He spun around in the water, and saw no one. He was out of air.

With a gasp again he broke through the top of the water, clinging to the float, and wiping his eyes clear.

"Jesus," he whispered. "I'm freaking certifiable." He was frightened. And needed to be out of the water. Now.

Fingers were closing around one of his ankles again as sheer terror choked off his ability to think. He let out a half grunt, half whimper, and kicked hard, abandoning the float. He began swimming as quickly as he could towards the dock.

He didn't get too far when he was pulled under again, the water filling his mouth and nose as he tried to yell for help.

Through the bubbles and otherwise complete silence under the water, he opened his eyes.

And then he saw her.

Sickly grey green skin mottled with rot spots, long hair floating around her like the snakes of Medusa. Her greyed over eyes were focused on him, her hands on his body, seemed to almost burn at their contact sites on his chest, where she was pushing him down…further from the light.

He pushed and flailed, taking in water he knew could kill him. He had to get free again, or he knew this was going to be where he died.

Tony's foot touched rock, and he managed with his lungs screaming for air, to get both legs under him and push off, upwards towards the surface.

He kicked with whatever he had left, and felt someone grabbing him, warmer hands, pulling him upwards.

He heard the wonderful sound of splashing as he finally felt air on his skin.

Someone was holding him in the water as he gagged and coughed.

"Easy Tony," the voice held worry and some tone of regret in it. "Abby and I should have been keeping a better eye on you."

"M-McGee," he choked.

"Just breathe," McGee said gently, adjusting his arm around Tony's shoulders, as Abby swam the float over to them.

"Is he okay?" Abby was asking.

"Yeah," Tim said, grabbing the float so he could hang onto Tony more easily. "He just swallowed a little water." Then McGee turned back to Tony. "You okay? You can breathe alright?"

Tony looked at his friend, still panting and coughing a bit of water out, "Yeah...McGee... thanks." His words were laced with very genuine gratitude.

Tony put both hands on the float. "I'm...I'm okay now."

"What happened?" McGee asked, running his hand over his face quickly and sniffling."

"I dunno…" Well, some ghost chick keeps feeling me up in the water and trying to drown me. No…I guess I can't really say that. "I was just relaxing on the float…and then…I dunno…"

"Well, maybe it's like yesterday. You know, you were fine when you got up…but then…"McGee trailed off.

"Yeah," Tony said, a little sadly and looking away, "probably like that."

"Guys," Abby said in a shaky voice.

They both looked at her. Her teeth were chattering.

"It's really c-cold in thissspot of the w-water. Can…we just go back?" She eyed them imploringly.

"Sure," McGee said, and turned, carefully still checking Tony.

"M'fine, Tim," Tony said, more calmly. Still, he struggled to get more air and the words out. "Uh…can..we skip telling Gibbs...about this one? I'm...in enough hot water with him as it is…"

McGee smiled, as he lazily paddles himself next to Tony as they swam.

"Yeah, okay. But it's gonna cost you. You have to help Ziva make her s'mores tonight because I had to help her the other night, and ended up wearing it all."

"Great," Tony said, trying to sound normal. "I won't do...my Armani tee shirt for that…"

They were all in the process of getting dressed in dry clothes to go for lunch and their hike.

Abby and McGee insisted on taking Tony's temperature. Which was up a little to almost 100.

"C'mon, it's not that high, McGee," he looked from the Probie, and back to Abby, at their faces. "If I really don't feel good, I will tell you right after lunch and you can drop me back here before the wine tasting. I just…at least want to come to lunch with you." And I don't want to be alone here.

Abby and Tim looked at each other.

"Okay," Abby said, "but you better eat, and I'm checking your temp again after lunch."

Tony opened his mouth to protest.

"AH-AH," Abby said, "that's the deal or I tell Gibbs you almost drowned in the lake. Lucky for you he was too busy trying not to let Ziva kick his ass in the lake."

"I did not almost drown in the lake!" he said strongly.

McGee cleared his throat.

"Okay," Tony said sheepishly, "I…could have drowned in the lake. Which is, a lot different than almost!"

McGee smiled and shook his head at Tony.

Abby sighed. "Well, Gibbs and Ziva are still getting ready. Let's kill a few minutes doing something fun."

Tony and McGee looked at each other in alarm.

"Mushrooms." Abby hopped just once in happiness.

Abby and her family were in the habit of collecting large mushrooms, off the sides of trees when they camped. Then, they would scratch their names and date the mushrooms, which would harden and become memento's of their trip.

It was actually a clever thing to do, in Tony's estimation, since the tree mushrooms were so much bigger and shaped like sickle-moon disks…

He trailed up the driveway with them, watching them go off into the right side woods. Another opportune moment for romance.

"Hey guys? I'm just gonna go…on this side…" he saw Abby look up and scowl. "But I won't go far…" he added, which seemed to appease her.

He trailed off a little higher on the drive, closer to the road. He was thinking. As he had been since they got back into the cottage after the swim.

Maybe he was schizophrenic? Totally losing it? Or had he accidentally took in some kind of hallucinogenic substance without realizing it? There had to be an explanation for what was happening to him. He didn't believe in spirits. Or…ghosts. Or whatever the hell his gut was telling him…she was.

He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, stopping near a tree. "God." He felt panic rising in him again, and breathed deeply for a bit, trying to calm himself.

"You alright mister?"

He almost fell down, eyes flying open, startled by the presence of the man in front of him.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't meant to make ye jump!" The shorter, stockier man in a vintage polo shirt and shorts was looking at him, with deepset brown eyes and a concerned frown on his face. He had round wired framed glasses, and was balding, with short brown hair, and long sideburns. He looked like he could have been on Three's Company. Tony smiled to himself at the thought.

"Ah, no…"I'm okay."

The man stuck out his hand, and Tony took it, shaking it slowly. Images…they were coming again…but he ignored them, sweat beading a little on his upper lip. It almost hurt to do that...

"I'm Chuck," the man said pleasantly.

No, no…Tony willed them away but, some images of rotting flesh in dirt crept through. He shivered.

The man thankfully let go of his hand, which seemed to cause a cessation of the imposing visions.

"I dunno if you've been over to the Daydream? The B&B on the other side of the lake?"

"Y-yes," Tony said thickly. "I have."

"Oh good," the man said. "I'm a partner in that business. With Christian Dobson."

Tony nodded, unable to speak. He wasn't feeling well after all.

"You like it here?" the man asked, cocking his head to the side a little.

"Yeah, it's beautiful," Tony answered. He started to think. "…so…you know Christian, and his daughter?"

"Oh yeah. Lisa's a good kid."

"What happened to her mom?" Tony asked, as the man stared at him for what seemed like a long time.

"I dunno." He said. Offering no other information. "Anyway, though I love this place, I'm lookin' to sell my share of the inn. I've got a sick relative out west, who I'm goin'a stay with for a spell, so I figure it'd be better to just get out altogether."

Tony nodded, still not feeling quite right.

"The greenhouse is…interesting. Don't you think?" the man said, as Tony felt a strange electrical buzz crawl up his spine.

The man came a little closer, staring into Tony's eyes. He felt trapped by them, almost frozen in place...

"You really should take a closer look at what Christian's got in that greenhouse…"

"Tony!" McGee was calling.

He struggled for a moment to make himself move, but finally turned his head towards his friend's voice, relieved. "Over here McGee."

He turned back to the man, but he was gone.

Tony frowned in confusion. "Where the hell did he go?" he muttered.

"Who?" McGee asked, now standing next to him, with Abby.

"Duh," Abby said, "the short guy who was standing here a minute ago," Abby said.

"You saw him?" Tony asked quickly.

"Yeah. But, he must have split quick because I looked down to step over a stump – oh, I like saying that, step over a stump. Step, over a stump. Anyway, I looked up and he was just gone. He's quick! Who was he?"

"He's the, ah, partner over at that B&B across the lake…" Tony felt like there was something he should know. It was like when they had a case, and he knew there was something he was just overlooking, right under his nose…

They heard an engine start.

"Well, let's go before Gibbs takes off without us," Tim said, turning with the mushrooms in hand Tony just noticed.

Abby smiled, looking at him. "Don't worry. We got extras," she held up her arms, where there were at least six large mushrooms resting.

Tony sighed as she turned and he followed her.

"No," he said softly. "I won't worry. Not at all."