Sergeant Rodd took the phone and details of the IP address to the forensics team. Henry phoned from the hospital to say that he was fine but would go home rather than coming back into the office so Tony decided there was nothing more to do for the day and to go home as well.

Tony went to see Tali on the way home and was both relieved and a little disappointed that she didn't seem to be missing him very much. The Lacey household was a lively one and she enjoyed the company. Tony wondered if she also enjoyed having a motherly figure in Andy but he figured there wasn't much he could do about that so shelved that worry for another time. He gave Tali her bath and she allowed him to read her a bedtime story and settled down happily for the night. It was only as Tony went into the kitchen to say goodbye that he realised that Doug was visiting once more.

"Doug," he said cautiously.

"Tony," came the reply.

Kit was in the kitchen as well and he looked a little concerned,

"Doug said he mentioned to you about the threats we've had," he said.

"Yeah," said Tony.

"I think we should tell the police. Officially. What do you think?" asked Kit.

Tony was encouraged by this as it suggested that Kit was innocent of what might be going on. "It wouldn't hurt," he said. "Doug didn't say much about it. Something about anonymous letters to your backers."

"That's right," said Kit, "not quite with letters cut from newspapers but pretty close."

"Not by email then?" asked Tony.

"No," said Doug, "but that would be dumb."

"Why?" asked Tony.

"Emails can be traced. Harder to trace letters sent through the mail."

"And the intimidation?" asked Tony, "how have they done that? Phone calls? Emails? Letters?"

"Some phone calls," said Kit, "couple of letters pushed through the door of our office. It's all seemed amateurish, half-hearted really but we don't want to take any unnecessary risks."

"Hmm," said Tony, "probably best to file a police report. They can check if any other people are being targeted."

"You think there are?" said Doug sharply.

"Not really my area," said Tony, "I'm more into community liaison. That sort of thing." He mentally crossed his fingers as he lied to them.

"We'll go down to the station tomorrow," said Kit with a firm look towards Doug.

At that moment Kit's son Joe wandered into the kitchen and asked for his father's help with some homework. Kit took him into the den leaving Tony and Doug alone.

"Doug, there was something I wanted to ask you about Henry Mason," said Tony.

"OK," said Doug reluctantly.

"That last day … the day you saw the crash …"

"I didn't actually see it," said Doug, "I heard it."

"Right," said Tony, "so you'd decided to go see him after you'd gone the previous day and he seemed depressed?"

"Yes. I was worried about him. So I went to his house …"

"And met him on the way?" asked Tony.

"No … well, yes. The second time," said Doug.

"What do you mean the second time?"

"I went about 10.00 but JH was there so I came away."

"Why?"

"I didn't want to see him."

"Why not?"

"I'd argued with him about not sticking up for his Dad. And he kicked back and said I didn't have a good record with my Dad. And since then, I'd found out that Mr Mason was going to be charged … so … well … I didn't want to see JH and admit he'd been right. So I left."

"But you went back?"

"I drove around for a while and then I decided I still wanted to speak with him. So I started driving back to his place and that's when I saw him coming towards me."

"Did you notice anything about the way he was driving?" asked Tony.

"Look, I've been asked all this before. Why are you still digging into it? He was driving fast but that's what he always did. I didn't expect to hear a crash. And there wasn't anything I could have done about it. It wasn't my fault."

"Didn't say it was," said Tony, "I was just trying to get a picture of what happened. That's all."

"OK," said Doug tetchily.

"Hey," said Tony, "one more thing."

"What?"

"What happened to Henry … JH's mom? She still around?"

"No," said Doug, "she left Mr Mason. Around the same time as Dad had his breakdown and split with my Mom."

"Why? I mean, why did they break up?"

"Don't know. It's quite common for police marriages to break down, isn't it? Perhaps she didn't like sharing him with so many people. There was some talk of her having depression. But who knows? You know how people talk."

"How did JH take it?" asked Tony.

"About as well as anyone takes their parents' marriage breaking down," said Doug, "although I reckon JH was closer to his Dad than his Mom. And like I said before, he's pretty laid back, not much bothers him."

"You and JH didn't 'bond' over it?" asked Tony, "you know, you both …" he trailed off at the puzzled expression on Doug's face. Clearly he hadn't bonded with Henry over anything.

"You done?" asked Doug. Tony nodded. "Right. Might see you at the station tomorrow."

NCISNCIS

Tim arrived at Tony's house an hour or so after he got home. Gibbs had sent an excuse.

"I've asked Legal to get that court order," said Tim, "you want me to do the searching when it comes in?"

"Please."

"You still want to keep it under wraps?" asked Tim.

"For now. Don't worry, I'm not going to sweep anything under the rug. If something turns up that looks bad for Doug I won't hide it. It just feels a bit …"

"Hinky?" suggested Tim.

"Neat," corrected Tony, "seems careless to have left the cell in the car. And to have that app on it showing the emails."

"What does it mean?" asked Tim.

"No idea," admitted Tony.

"Gibbs has decided we're going to stay around for a day or two," said Tim.

"Thought you were heading back?" said Tony.

"We can carry on our cold case checking here," said Tim. "If Abby gets anything from her search of the computer systems at Lejeune we'll be here already. Won't need to come back."

"And that's the real reason?"

"I think Gibbs' gut is working overtime," said Tim, "thinks it would be better to stick around."

"Glad to have you," said Tony.

The doorbell sounded announcing the arrival of the pizza. Tony's phone rang at the same time. Tony thrust some cash at Tim, "Get the door, will you?" He then answered the phone. It was Henry.

"Sir, I just wanted to remind you about tomorrow's visits. Are you going to do them?"

"I was planning to. The community centre gave me great donuts last time so I'm looking forward to it."

Henry laughed, "I realised that, in all the excitement, I'd forgotten to print off your schedule."

"No problems. I checked before I left."

"Good. Sorry to have disturbed you, Sir."

"Talking of treats," said Tony, "I might have one for you."

"Sir?"

"Doug Sutherland brought me some curried apple soup from Milsom Bay."

"What?"

"It's your favourite, isn't it?"

"Oh, yes. Of course. Great."

"I'll bring some with me tomorrow."

"If there's any left," joked Henry.

"We've got pizza here tonight," said Tony, "I don't eat anything with pizza! There'll be plenty."

"Look forward to it, Sir."

"Thank you, Henry. Take it easy tonight. You sure you're OK to come in tomorrow?"

"I'm fine, Sir. I'll see you tomorrow."

Tim came in with the pizza and overheard the end of the conversation. "Curried apple soup?" he asked. "I could go for some of that."

Tony gazed at him for a moment. "Yeah, sure," he said, "good idea."

"Good idea?" said Tim a little puzzled at the terminology.

Tony slapped Tim on the back, "Yes. You filling up on soup means you won't want so much pizza!"

NCISNCIS

Tony hurried into his office the next day holding the container of soup.

"Here you go," he said to Henry who was already at his desk sporting an impressive bruise on his head.

"Thanks," said Henry, "have you tried it yet?"

"No," said Tony, "I'll wait till lunchtime. Don't wait for me though."

"No, I'll hang on. It's not long since breakfast," said Henry. He took the lid off the container and sniffed appreciatively, "hmm, smells good."

"I'm late," said Tony, "see you later."

Tony was about to drive out of the carpark when he stopped in surprise as he saw Chip walking through the main door. He thought about going in to see what was happening but a glance at his watch showed that he didn't have time. The visit went well and produced the hoped-for donuts so Tony felt justified in smiling when he returned. The office was empty when he went in and the container of soup was where he had left it.

Henry must have seen him return because he appeared soon afterwards.

"Great," he said, "I'm starving. I've been looking forward to this all morning. You ready for some?" Tony nodded approval. "Mugs OK? You want it heated up?"

"What do you recommend?" asked Tony.

"Good hot or cold," said Henry, "I prefer it cold."

"That's fine," said Tony.

Henry poured some soup into mugs and handed one to Tony.

"Hmm," said Tony, "it smells different now it's cold." He sniffed and then coughed.

"What's wrong?" asked Henry.

"I think the curry powder must have turmeric in it," said Tony, "I didn't realise."

"Is that a problem?" asked Henry.

"I'm slightly allergic," said Tony, "and after the Ipecacuanha episode I'm not taking any chances. Damn."

"Are you sure?" said Henry. Tony nodded. "In that case perhaps Casey would like it," said Henry, "I think she likes curry flavour."

"Or you could just take it all home with you," suggested Tony.

Henry's face softened, "It's tempting. But Casey doesn't get many treats. She'd like it. Besides I still get some."

"Suit yourself," said Tony after a pause.

Henry took the mug from Tony and said "I'll bring it to her," but before he left the room he said, "Oh. I promised to phone before 12.30 about your school visit tomorrow." He looked at the clock which stood at 12.25.

"Make your call," said Tony, "I'll bring this to Casey."

He carried the mug to Casey who was in the breakroom and was indeed touched that Henry had thought of her. As Tony approached his office he heard a sudden crash and a muffled curse. He hurried into the room where he saw Henry looking in dismay at a broken mug and pool of curried apple soup on the floor.

"I was reaching for something on my desk and knocked the mug off," he said shamefaced. "What …?" he asked as Tony suddenly ran back out of the room.

Henry followed Tony and saw him dash into the breakroom and snatch the mug out of Casey's hands.

"Did you drink any yet?" he demanded.

"No," said Casey. "Hey, you shouldn't have given it to me if you wanted it so bad."

"Sorry," said Tony, "change of plan," and he walked back out.

"What was that about?" asked Henry.

"Just being cautious," said Tony, "the room was empty when I came back. Someone might have sneaked in and added something to the soup."

"What?" asked Henry, "why would someone do that?"

"Why would someone put Ipecacuanha in my medicine, a bomb in my car and try to shoot me?" asked Tony, "it's not paranoia if there is really someone after you."

"But, still …" said Henry, "in the police station?"

"I saw Chip … the guy from the pharmacy I told you about. The one who tried to frame me once – who we thought might have put the stuff in the cough liquid. He was here this morning. He might have dosed this."

"OK," said Henry doubtfully, "but how would he know where to come?"

"I don't know," said Tony irritably.

"All right," said Henry pacifically.

"I'm going to get it tested," said Tony firmly.

"OK," said Henry with a frown which suggested that he thought Tony was overreacting.

There was a tense silence in the office that afternoon. To Henry's clear disapproval Tony had insisted on cancelling his afternoon appointment so he could wait for the lab results to come back. After an hour or so, Henry ventured to say,

"You know it's not like the lab at NCIS. The results will probably take days to come back."

"Yeah, I guess," sighed Tony. "I asked them to put a rush on it but you're probably right. I'm probably jumping at shadows." He rubbed his eyes tiredly. "What a mess," he moaned.

"Perhaps you need to take a break," said Henry gently. "You've been working very hard. It's my fault. I shouldn't have booked so many meetings for you."

Tony opened his mouth to reply when someone came into the office.

"HI," she said, "I'm Jo. Jo Garner. I work in the crime lab. I've been working on that sample."

"We were just saying," said Henry, "that we don't expect a result very quickly. And it's probably nothing."

"Oh," said Jo, "you're right. It would usually take days for a result to come through."

"But you've got something?" asked Tony.

"Yes. We did some preliminary tests. Just to eliminate certain things that are simple to test for," she replied.

"And?" prompted Tony.

"And we didn't eliminate what we expected to. I mean, we eliminated some things but not one thing."

"Which was?" asked Tony.

"The soup was laced with ethylene glycol - that's antifreeze," she said.

"How much?" asked Tony.

"It might not have killed anyone eating the soup but it would have made them unwell," replied Jo. "The curry powder and the sweetness of the apples would have disguised the taste."

"Thank you," said Tony calmly, "write it up and give me a report, please."

"Poison?" said Henry faintly, "someone poisoned the soup?"

"Looks like it," said Tony.

"So … this pharmacy guy did it?" asked Henry.

"Possibly," said Tony, "but, as you said, how would he know where to come?"

"If I hadn't knocked my mug over," said Henry in horror, "I'd have drunk it!"

"Me too if I hadn't smelt the turmeric and decided not to risk it," said Tony. "And," he added coldly, "I nearly gave it to Casey."

"Oh God, yes," said Henry, "Casey. But it might not have been Chop," he added.

"Chip," corrected Tony.

"Chip," repeated Henry. "I don't want to accuse anyone … but you said that Doug Sutherland brought you the soup. And was Mac at your house last night? They could have added the arsenic."

"Agent McGee had some of the soup last night," said Tony, "and I spoke with him this morning. He's fine. The soup was OK when I brought it here."

"So it must have been Chip," said Henry. "Hang on, though. I saw Doug here as well. He was at the front desk. With Mrs Lacey's son."

"Oh," said Tony, "yes. He was coming in to make a report about some intimidation."

"So he could have found his way through," said Henry thoughtfully, "and he might have recognised the container the soup was in."

"Two people, who don't like me, were here on the day my soup got poisoned," said Tony gloomily. "Or they were after you," he added more cheerfully.

"How would they know I'd drink the soup," protested Henry, "and why would they be after me?"

"High School rivalry?" suggested Tony. "No, I guess not. Must have been me. From now on I don't eat or drink anything I haven't prepared myself."

"At least that means I don't have to get you coffee anymore," said Henry trying to look on the bright side.

NCISNCIS

Security camera footage at the station didn't suggest that either Doug or Chip had made their way into Tony's office. Casey Phillips had been on duty on the front desk and hadn't seen anyone trying to access restricted areas. It turned out that Chip had come to report that his bicycle had been stolen overnight; he had to wait half an hour for someone to see him but he seemed to have remained in the public areas the whole time.

The Chief arranged for the patrols past Tony's house to be stepped up and he took care when travelling to and from work. His visits to the various schools and community groups were suspended but he managed to have some meetings at the police headquarters.

Two days after the 'soup' incident Sergeant Rodd visited Tony early in the morning. He looked tired and disappointed.

"The drugs raid came off last night," he told Tony.

"From the look on your face I'm guessing it wasn't successful," said Tony.

"We caught Connor Jaxon," said Rodd, "he was taking a delivery of cocaine."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"It wasn't as big a consignment as we expected. And we don't think Jaxon was the man in charge. Someone was using him as a front."

"How so?" asked Tony.

"He says he was taking orders from someone else. He doesn't know who. Never met him."

"And you believe him?" asked Tony sceptically, "he took instructions from someone he didn't know?"

"He says he was working for someone who worked under him in Virginia. This boss guy suggested Jaxon set up a 'branch' for him in North Carolina," said Rodd.

"And the phone calls to Mac?"

"Says he was told he was in the market for drugs so he called him a few times."

"And the device in my car?"

"Again. Says he was told it was Mac's car and he needed warning."

"A warning because he wouldn't buy drugs?"

Rodd shrugged. "I don't think Jaxon is the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree. Suggestible. To be kind."

"What about the threatening emails to the companies?"

"Denies all knowledge of them. But I think he'll admit to firing the shot at you. Looked shifty when I mentioned that. Some more pressure and he'll come clean."

"Not a bad night's work," said Tony encouragingly.

"I guess," admitted Rodd. "We reckon we've done some damage to the set up. We're going to liaise with the force in Virginia. See what we can find out."

"Good work, Sergeant," said Tony. "How long has Jaxon been in the State?"

"About six months," said Rodd. "I'll let you know what happens with him."

"Thanks, Sergeant," said Tony as Rodd left the office.

NCISNCIS

The next couple of days passed peacefully without any more troubling incidents. It seemed that, for whatever reason, damaging the drugs ring had also removed the threat to Tony and he resumed the community visits.

Gibbs and McGee went back to DC where Tim was going to do in depth analysis of the Camp Lejeune computer systems. He reported back that the search of Doug's computer access did not show any emails to Chip or to the companies which had been the subject of the threatening emails.

"But," he said, "I can only check accounts which we know are linked to Doug. He could have dummy email addresses and accounts that we don't know anything about. He could use internet cafés or buy Sim cards. It could be as untraceable as a burn phone. The emails were sent from a variety of locations. No pattern."

"OK," said Tony, "another dead end."

Tim commiserated with him but couldn't think of anything else to suggest. "I'll let you know if we find anything on the Lejeune computers but I might get hauled off it if we catch a live case."

Tony put the phone down realising that he was late for his first visit. Henry was surprised to see him back forty minutes later.

"That was quick," he said. "It takes half an hour to get to Montgomery."

"What do you mean?" asked Tony, "I went to Clifton not Montgomery. Who weren't expecting me."

"But Clifton's tomorrow," said Henry, "look, here it is on your schedule."

"You told me Clifton," said Tony. "Look, I'm behind as it is. I don't need these … mistakes."

"I'm sorry, Sir," said Henry, "but I'm sure I gave you the right information. Look, why don't I phone and sort it all out."

"It's not good enough, Henry. There was a mix-up yesterday as well, it's a waste of time."

"Perhaps it would be better if I printed off all the schedules," said Henry soothingly, "that might be better. Be smoother."

"I guess," said Tony. "Sorry. I shouldn't have yelled but it's frustrating. Makes us look bad." At that moment, his phone rang. "Hey, Gibbs," he said. Henry started for the door as he realised it was a personal call but Tony waved for him to stay. His voice hardened as he spoke, "If that's how you feel, Gibbs," he said coldly, "I guess you can't be bothered. Busy with other things. Don't worry, I understand." He ended the call and scowled.

"Boss?" said Henry anxiously.

"Gibbs," said Tony. "There's this big house at the Bay. The Pink House. It's been abandoned for a long time and I had this crazy idea about buying it and doing it up. Gibbs said he'd come and have a look at with me. He's good at stuff like that. I wouldn't have minded but he volunteered and now he's decided he doesn't have time. Can't be bothered more like."

"He probably is busy," said Henry gently.

"He's never too busy for other people," said Tony bitterly, "if it had been Abby he would have been willing to tell SecNav to take a running jump but because it's me … and he doesn't approve. Well, I guess people just let you down all the time." Tony looked at Henry and seemed to register his worried look for the first time. "Sorry," he said, "didn't mean to take it on you. Ignore me."

Henry nodded diplomatically.

"Phone Montgomery, will you," said Tony, "see if it's OK for me to turn up late?"

Henry worked his charm and got the school to change the schedule so Tony could go ahead. As Tony left, Henry said, "And it's the Raleigh Benevolent Society afterwards. I've printed off the address."

"Thanks, Henry," said Tony, "you're a lifesaver."

Henry looked pleased.

Tony found Chief Martin waiting for him when he returned from his two visits.

"Chief?" he said, "what can I do for you?"

"I'm worried about you, Tony," she said.

"What? I'm fine," he replied as he noticed that Henry was tactfully absent.

"People tell me that you look tired. You've got some of your visits mixed up. You shouted at Henry. Nobody shouts at Henry … well, it's Henry. Who would?"

"I'm sorry," said Tony, "I don't know how the mix up happened. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

"I don't care about the meetings," said Laura. "That's not true, I do care but that's not the reason I'm concerned. I've seen too many people burn out from stress and I don't intend for it to happen on my watch."

"Ma'am," acknowledged Tony before continuing, "Did Henry tell you this?"

"Not just Henry," said Laura, "I keep my ear to the ground and its's common knowledge round the department. Don't feel bad. We're a friendly force and we look out for one another. You've had a difficult settling in period. Why don't you take a couple of days? It's nearly the weekend."

"I don't need to take any time," protested Tony.

"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear," said Laura with a hint of steel, "I'm ordering you to take the rest of the week off."

"But I've got visits coming up," said Tony.

"Henry has taken care of them," said Laura. "Take the time, Tony. Take your little girl down to the coast. Relax."

Tony realised there was no point in arguing so just nodded.

"Good," said the Chief, "don't want to lose you, Tony. I look after my people. Now finish what you need to for the day and then I don't want to see you until Monday."

"Thanks, Chief," said Tony.

She nodded to Tony and left. Henry came in a suspiciously short time afterwards. He had clearly been waiting for her to go. He looked at Tony like a puppy that didn't know whether fetching his master's slippers was something to be rewarded or punished for. Tony laughed. "It's OK, you can come in."

"What did the Chief say?" asked Henry.

"I'm banished to the coast until Monday," said Tony, "which I think I have you to thank for."

"I just did what I thought was best, Sir," said Henry, "I was worried …"

"Yes, yes," interrupted Tony, "I know. You were just looking out for me."

"Yes, Sir. I-I …"

"Enough," said Tony, "I'm not mad. I'm going to write up my notes from today's meetings and then I'm out of here."

"And you're going to Milsom Bay?" asked Henry.

"As ordered."

"With your daughter?"

"Couldn't go there without Tali," smiled Tony, "she loves it there. Mac's got another Iron Man training weekend coming up. He'll probably head down there early. Nothing to keep him in Raleigh until next week."

"Have a good time," said Henry, "see you on Monday."

"Thanks, Henry," said Tony.

A few hours later Tony began the drive to the coast. As he hit the main road a car pulled out of a side road and began to follow him.