First; let me offer my sincere apologies for the serious delay in updating this story. September came on with a vengeance and my many hats I wear that were put in storage over the summer had to be worn again. And so, the month went by in a blink without me even thinking about fanfiction or anything fun for that matter. And then, for the whole month of October I have been having major issues with my computer, the internet and my email. It seems to finally be resolved, but I have lost all my emails and contacts which is upsetting to say the least. I have been working to rebuild what I lost and again, that had to take priority over fun stuff. I am also having a ton of issue with Microsoft, so I am hopeful I can do this.

I had to take the time to re-read this story to get back into the groove; in fact, I started re-reading some of my other stories as well to get my brain to think fanfic. Thank you for hanging in there; I hope you are still here…the last review I have on record is September 9th. I will try to make this chapter worth the wait, but whatever I was thinking in early September for the next move is gone. Fair warning to Abby fans- this chapter is not a love song to her, just a head's up. There's also a lot of back and forth over the past few days on this one, so I hope everyone can follow along.

Previously, on "Hiding in Plain Sight":

"Tomorrow? What about right now!" Tony cut in harshly, and then backed off. He didn't have any say in how the resources of NCIS were being used and while this was of the utmost importance to him, finding Ziva may not be that high on the list for NCIS, which caused Tony some inner turmoil.

Gibbs sighed and mumbled an "Ah, DiNozzo" which Tony understood to be his way of saying "what in the hell is wrong with you." He used it enough the past three years that Tony felt a rebuke every time it was uttered, and he felt that rebuke now. McGee broke in, sensing the tension in the room and knowing how Tony was probably feeling at that moment.

"Tony, Abby isn't here right now. She's at a conference but she'll be back tomorrow morning. I promise I'll make sure she gets these tapes asap, ok?" Tony collapsed back into his chair, once again his Probie having his back. Tony rubbed the back of his neck and nodded at Tim.

"Ok, thanks Tim. I appreciate your help." Tony didn't try to emphasize the word "your" but the raised eyebrow and slightly confused expression of Gibbs indicated the message had been sent loud and clear. Vance cleared his throat and addressed Orli.

"Director Elbaz, you've mentioned several times that you were present when the farmhouse was destroyed. Would you care now to explain yourself?" This time the rebuke was hurled from the other side, and Orli dipped her head in acceptance. As she repeated the same story she had relayed to Tony to her new audience, Tony's mind was in turmoil thinking of the possibility of Ziva being alive. He looked again at his sleeping daughter, and fretted over how to handle this news with her…or maybe he shouldn't say anything until they found Ziva alive and in the present.

Disclaimers: So disclaimed

Hiding In Plain Sight - Chapter Ten

NCIS Headquarters, Forensics Lab- June 6th, 11 a.m.

Abby paced about the pristine lab, her expression a mixture of shock and worry. Occasionally, her procession would be halted as she peered anxiously at the flashing images on the monitor, dreading the answer that could soon present itself and throw all their lives into a turmoil of suspicion, anger and loss of trust…

Well, at least her life anyway.

McGee had met her upon her arrival to the Navy Yard, grabbing at her and talking a mile a minute. She had trouble understanding what had so excited the now Senior Field Agent, but as soon as he mentioned Ziva's name, she felt goosebumps rising on her pale arms and a sense of unease over what had happened during her absence. She listened in shock as Tim explained about the coded message and its new implications that it could be from Ziva.

Ziva could be alive? Abby had not been aware of the discovered note, so McGee had to explain in brief the history behind him investigating its origins, and how a simple conversation with Tony accidently brought about this new, impossible scenario. Abby at first was angry, damning Ziva for being alive and keeping it from Tony and abandoning her daughter.

"I knew she wasn't good enough for him, for any of us! Who in the hell does she think she is? When I find her, I'm going to give her a piece of my mind!" McGee stepped back in shock at the vehemence spewing from his colleague's mouth. He knew that Abby had not been happy with Ziva's decision to not return to NCIS; and that she had not personally consulted and met with Abby regarding her decision. But that was three years ago, and she seemed to have gotten over the whole thing. But then with Ziva's reported death and the surprise appearance of Tali, Abby had taken up the whole "Ziva is evil" mantra again. She was livid, for Tony's sake, that she would keep his daughter from him, a selfish and inexcusable act from her point of view and made sure everyone but Tony knew how she felt about it. And to be fair, Tim had privately agreed that it was not a very nice thing for Ziva to have done, even if he didn't know or understand the extenuating circumstances. Except he now knew about the letters.

"Abby, Abby…you've got it all wrong! We all did. Ziva didn't hide Tali from Tony…she wrote him letters, a lot of letters. She told him all about Tali; before she was born and after. But he never got them. He never knew about Tali because some woman name Irena Katz held them in Israel and threw them in a box; not because Ziva didn't want Tony to know about his daughter!"

Abby stopped her tirade and stared in shock at the younger man. "What letters?" Her voice came out in a whisper, a stark contrast to her previous demeaner.

As Tim relayed what Tony had told him, Abby began to have a gnawing sense of dread of what those communications could contain. She had been fully supportive of Tony and his new role as a father; and even though she was angry at Ziva for leaving, she felt it was more important to bolster up Tony's emotions.

"Ziva…really…loved you. I know…she told me."

Those words, spoken in a darkened elevator, were not made up to make Tony feel better. Ziva did say those words to her. Abby never offered an explanation regarding how or when Ziva said it to Abby, Tony never asked and Abby had been relieved that he hadn't called her on it.

But now, with these letters coming to light…could Ziva have brought up that conversation and possibly mentioned she had said something to Abby or even when she said it? Now alone with her racing thoughts, Abby forced herself to recall the conversation she had with Ziva that could ultimately be her undoing.

January 10, 2014

Abby answered her cell phone on the first ring, thinking it might be McGee reporting on the condition of Delilah after that horrible drone attack. The team was shaken to the core, and the thought that Tim had just narrowly escaped being killed weighed heavily on Abby's mind. They had lost too many team members lately and she couldn't take another loss…

"Abby, it is not McGee…." Ziva's soft voice was hesitant, unsure if she was disturbing her former associate and whether her call would be accepted. The fact that Abby had practically yelled McGee's name into the phone told Ziva that Abby was stressed and had not even looked at the readout to see who the caller was. "If this is a bad time…"

"Of 'course it's a bad time, Ziva! Some of us do important work, like saving the world and our friends, and looking after them and taking care of them and…"

"Abby, I am sorry I bothered you. I will go now." Ziva sighed in regret but she wasn't surprised. Shortly after Tony had returned from Israel, Ziva had sent Abby a package containing a favorite scarf and a brief note of explanation. Abby had called her and they had talked, and she seemed kind of sort of ok with Ziva not returning but Ziva knew better. Abby felt abandoned and the one thing Abby always had trouble understanding was that not everything was about her.

"No, Ziva wait! Don't hang up. I'm just…some things have happened here and things are crazy. I need a break and a distraction." Abby interrupted quickly before Ziva had a chance to hang up.

Ziva frowned, concern mirrored in her face. "Is everyone alright, is Tony…?"

"No, Tony's fine. Well, as fine as he can be considering everything he's been through the past six months." And there it was. The not so subtle jibe at Ziva leaving again.

Ziva took a deep breath, weighing her words carefully. "Yes, well that is why I am calling Abby. Is Tony really alright? I have tried to contact him."

Abby rolled her eyes and pouted. "Leave him alone, Ziva. You've done enough to break his spirit and his heart. Why can't you just stay away since you couldn't come home? Is Tony ok? No! He's not ok, but he is getting there. He is moving on and we are happy he is moving on. He doesn't need your mind games and your petty sob stories of how awful your life is. Everyone's life is awful and you're not special, not at all." Abby took a breath, aware of the heavy silence on the other end.

Ziva struggled to keep the tears from falling, but with her hormone levels so high it was nearly impossible. She didn't want to fight with Abby; she didn't want to fight with anyone. She wanted to tell Tony about the baby, and let him decide what he wanted to do, if anything.

"I am sorry you are upset with me Abby," Ziva kept her voice as even and unemotional as possible. "But I really need to talk to Tony. Has he mentioned hearing from me? I sent him a letter…"

"No, Tony has not said anything to me about getting a letter from you and I hope he tore it up without reading it. Leave him alone, Ziva. I'm warning you! You never cared about him, you lied to him, you played on his emotions and then you hurt him by abandoning him!"

Ziva gasped as the tears began to fall silently. "You are wrong, Abby. I did care about him. I do care about him, I love him, Abby…I really love Tony. I had to make him leave, but now I need to talk to him. It is important, Abby. It…it is important."

"Why, so you can pretend you are coming back and then change your mind again? Or did you do something really stupid like get pregnant and now you want to come crawling back so he can take care of you?" Abby frowned as she considered her words, and the lack of response on the other end.

"Oh God, Ziva…you aren't pregnant, are you? You can't be pregnant, that would mean you and Tony…NO! I won't have it. You leave Tony alone. If you are pregnant you got knocked up by someone else but not my Tony. Don't you dare try to pin this on him!" Abby looked wildly about the room, trying to think of anything she could say to deter Ziva from pursuing her friend.

"Don't you ever contact him again, Ziva. He is seeing someone, he is finding he can absolutely live without you, and he doesn't deserve to be trapped by your lies. Goodbye!"

Ziva stared in shock at her cell phone, the call abruptly ended on such an angry note. Now alone, she let the tears fall, sobbing into her pillow. As she finally calmed down and considered her options she came to her decision. She didn't want to trap Tony, that was never her intention. But she truly believed he deserved to know about his future child. She would not call him, but she would continue to write…and leave it up to him.

Abby stopped pacing and leaned heavily against the metal countertop. Ziva had not confirmed that she was pregnant; Abby hadn't given her the chance. But with Tali now with her father that question had been positively answered. When the baby had arrived at NCIS and Abby heard the rumors, she had to pretend that she had not had any previous knowledge of Tali's existence and in point in fact, she didn't. Even if Ziva's call wasn't about being panicked over being two weeks late and that she was just ending her first trimester, she didn't know Ziva had given birth to a girl and named her Tali; all she knew was that she had a previous conversation with Ziva in which her being pregnant was mentioned. But it wasn't confirmed! Abby felt no contradiction or conflict in not divulging this information, or in damning Ziva for not telling Tony about Tali. He didn't know about her; she never told him. Simple logic.

But she wasn't so sure the others would see it that way now with this new information, especially Tony. She had told Ziva to never contact Tony again, and with Tali's surprise arrival it appeared that she had followed orders. But with these letters…did McGee say letters or letter? Abby knew about the one letter because Ziva had mentioned it to her. She had always assumed that Tony had received it, but just didn't tell anyone about it. If she had mentioned Ziva's call to Tony at the time, and her desire to talk to him, would he have called her back? Would he have known about Tali sooner rather than later? Abby had struggled briefly with this issue after the news of Ziva's death and Tali's arrival. But since no one else was to the wiser, she didn't feel she needed to bring it up. It was all water under the bridge, right? Wouldn't make any difference now would it, except to maybe make Ziva look better, but what was the point since she was dead?

Her rationalization at her failure to tell Tony about Ziva's call shored up her belief at what a great friend she was to support Tony and Tali and she quickly inserted herself into their new lives. She helped Tony by telling him what he needed to hear, and it seemed to work and again patted herself on the back for being such a wonderful, caring friend.

But if Ziva mentioned in any one of these letters that Tony now had in his possession that she had contacted Abby at some point, Tony would ask for an explanation. And now knowing the nature of Tony and Ziva's relationship, for the first time in her life Abby wasn't positive that Tony would take her side and forgive her for not saying anything to him.

Paris, France- June 9th, 12 noon

"Here we are, the finest an unemployed former Federal Agent can afford!" Tony flung open the door to the large hotel suite, which despite Tony's self-deprecating humor at his current circumstances was very nice. Anthony DiNozzo, Sr looked around the well-appointed living area, taking in the kitchenette and doors that obviously led to more than one bedroom.

Sr. eyed his son speculatively. "Just how are you affording all of this, Jr.? You refused any financial assistance from me and I know you are too young to be drawing on your pension." His voice was sincere and Tony understood that his father was concerned and not just curious.

"I'm fine, Dad. You don't need to worry. NCIS has been very good to me, and they were very good to me. And I saved a lot of money over the years. Let's just keep it at that, ok?" Tony sighed as he hauled his father's luggage into the second bedroom. With the possibility of Ziva being alive, Tony needed to get out and start searching once he had some leads. And he couldn't do that while pushing a stroller with a two-year-old. He had made the call the next day after meeting with Orli and talking to the team at NCIS. He was exhausted and emotionally spent after a sleepless night of imagining every scenario in which Ziva could be found, and Tali had picked up on his mood and was as grumpy as he was.

He felt terrible that he was responsible for her unhappiness and finally decided he couldn't do it alone right now. This wasn't a family vacation after all, and now it was turning into an op, and no place for an innocent toddler. Sr. had tried to talk Tony into sending Tali back to the U.S. to be with him, but Tony refused.

"She needs to be here. If…when… we find Ziva…her daughter needs to be here. It's important, Dad. I can't explain it, but Tali could be the key to getting my Ziva back." Sr. backed down, booked a flight and now stood with his son, to offer whatever assistance was needed. It had taken Tony two days to get himself and Tali from Israel to Paris. Orli had offered her assistance… and the use of her private jet, but Tony at first had refused. He didn't want to be in debt to this woman, for her seemingly sincere desire to help. The one thing he truly believed in the face of all the lies was that she genuinely cared for Tali and her well-being. If it was just him, he would have re-buffed her overtures of generosity. But it wasn't just him anymore, he had to think about Tali and the toll all of this would inflict on a two-year-old baby. Finally, after much arguing back and forth, Tony had relented and allowed Mossad to transport him and his daughter to Paris.

They didn't arrive until yesterday afternoon and spent most of the rest of the day settling in to their new abode. Tony took Tali to a nearby park for some fresh air, and she had squealed in delight at the dog's being walked by their owners. Tony liked dogs and considered that maybe one day when they were settled in one place they could get one. But that was far into the future, and not something he needed to think or worry about right now.

Their last night in Israel, Tony had gone through the box that Ziva had buried in Be'er Sheva, the keeping place of her Will. He had dug it up before they returned to their hotel, and the visit from Orli and call from NCIS had delayed him from opening the treasure trove of thoughts and wishes.

He was not surprised to see that Ziva had added to her list, but he was surprised to see that she had started one for Tali since his concept of the Will was for one to express their own ideas about their future, not someone else's. Still he was intrigued and as he read the paper, he understood that this was indeed Ziva's wishes for her child:

"I will live a life as free from danger as I possibly can"

"I will never learn how to shoot a gun"

"I will learn Hebrew and English, but I will only learn other languages because I want to"

"I will live my life as I wish to, not as I am ordered to"

"I will sing and dance and play the piano with joy and happiness"

"I will read books and watch old movies and paint pictures to let my imagination run wild"

"I will never be afraid to love, or to be loved"

"I will know and love my Abba; and he will know and love me"

Tony read that last line over again, as he considered what Ziva must have been thinking when she wrote those words. This wasn't a Ziva who was being vindictive and secretive and keeping a child from their father; or a father from their child depending upon your point of view. This was written by a woman who did not know or understand why the father of her child had been silent, and had not acknowledged her existence. And yet despite that, she still hoped that father and daughter would unite, and one day be a family.

"Why didn't I ever call you, Ziva?" Tony berated himself in anguish. "I never listened to you before, why did I decide to let you be this time? Why?"

"Ima?" Tali small, innocent voice broke through Tony's self-flagellation and he drew her in closer. He had placed the child on his lap as he went through the contents of the box, wanting Tali to share in the discovery as he was. She liked the box, much like a child prefers the wrapping paper to the gift. Tony kissed the top of his daughter's head and gently placed the sheet back into its keeping place, knowing he needed to put this away for now. But someday; someday he and Tali would sit together and talk about this box, and what it meant to her mother; and to her mother and to him…

"Where's Tali?" Sr. asked, seeing "his" room was not set up as nursery. He had also noticed that Tony was staring off into space, lost in his own thoughts. Tony jerked slightly in surprise and then nodded to his father in understanding.

"She's with me. Come on, she's napping but you can peek in on her." Tony led his father to the other bedroom and watched him tiptoe over to his granddaughter's crib. The huge smile that broke out on Sr's face caused the tension Tony had been feeling to slowly dissipate. He hadn't heard anything yet from NCIS, which was concerning to him. Abby had at least two days to work on the video's and whatever else evidence they had that he wasn't aware of. He rubbed his neck in frustration. He still wasn't sure this was a priority with anyone but him, and Abby's "two days" may have only amounted to about three hours of actual work, given her other tasks. He tried to not be concerned over the lack of news, but he was failing miserably.

He gently led his father back into the living room and sat him down. "I haven't heard anything from NCIS yet, but I'm sure I will soon. In the meantime," He glanced at his watch. "If it's ok with you, I'll head to the market and get some things for dinner. That is if you don't mind…" Sr. waved his hand.

"Go, son. Go do what you need to do. Go clear your head, go get a drink…I'll bet you haven't had a drink since the moment you laid eyes on Tali have you? I didn't think so. Take your time, we'll be fine." Sr. beamed, convinced of his ability to care for a two-year-old. Tony just shook his head at the idea of him heading to a bar, and that his father thought it would be a good idea.

"I don't need a drink Dad, thanks. But I do need to clear my head. AND get some food so we can eat. I have no plans to eat out for every meal, so you better get used to this." He hesitated for a moment. "If Tali wakes up, she will probably be upset if I'm not here. If that happens, just call me and I'll rush right back." Sr. smiled at his concern for his daughter. His put his hand on Tony's shoulder and squeezed it.

"You're a wonderful father, Anthony. I'm proud of you." Tony swallowed the lump in his throat and gave Sr. a hug in thanks. He quickly took his leave, and headed down the avenue. He had seen an open market when they had arrived and hoped it was still open. He knew he wouldn't be able to get any meat there, but the abundance of fruit, vegetables, cheeses and breads would be a great start. As he turned the corner he came to a stopped, shocked by what he was seeing. As if in slow motion he walked up to the vacant café table, so achingly familiar. He sat down in one of the chairs and ran his hand across the table top, imagining Ziva sitting there, smiling at him, looking so beautiful…

"Bonne après-midi, puis-je vous aider?" Tony looked up in surprise to be spoken to. A jovial elderly French woman had joined him, looking expectant that an order for a beverage or pâtisserie would be forthcoming. Tony smiled back at the woman, liking her immediately. There was a friendliness about her that was genuine and he appreciated the gesture even if she was only trying to sell her wares. He nodded his thanks and quickly ordered a strong coffee and an almond glazed croissant, knowing it was Ziva's favorite.

As he sipped his demi-cup and picked at the pastry, he imagined himself and Ziva taking off on that Vespa to explore the city in what little time they had left. They had already done quite a bit of sight-seeing, including under the covers. Tony grinned at the memory, grateful for the trip and the opportunity for him and Ziva to finally breakthrough their post-Somalia slump. He finished his treat and reluctantly stood to take his leave, laying his hand again on the table as if he could feel Ziva's energy through it. Taking one last look behind him, he headed off in search of his original destination, unaware that he was being followed.

Hope it wasn't too awful or confusing, with the flashbacks and Abby stuff. Lots have happened in the NCIS world since I last posted. The sudden death of Gary Glasberg was shocking, and I feel sad for his family. We will never know what his actual intentions were regarding the fate of Ziva. I have not watched the show this season, but I can read what's on the internet. Not interested, thank you. I am warming up to Bull. It is getting less dry, and the glimpses that "appear" to be Tony DiNozzo in the character is confirmation that those expressions and quirks were all MW, like we didn't already know that…I had hoped that Bull's ex might be played by Cote, since she is clearly of the same origins; but now I am glad she isn't. There does need to be a distance for a while from NCIS; then next season, Bull can find the love of his life, played by Cote, haha. Please review and let me know that you are still interested in this story. We have well passed the mid-point and will be coming to our conclusion shortly. I hope it will be worth the wait.