Author's Note: NCIS belongs to CBS and Donald Belisarius. I am making no money off this.

This story contains themes and descriptions of child abuse and mental illness.

Chapter 10

Dr. Wexler sat down at the head of the meeting table, opening his folder on the Turi case. "Mister Gibbs,"

"Agent Gibbs."

"Sorry." He pulled his report out from the other paper. "I was told you're the guardian ad leitum for the Turi children."

"That's right."

"Any luck getting ahold of their father yet?"

Gibbs shook his head. "When the military says 'no radio contact,' they mean it. I've been going through all the red tape the last couple days, but it's a slow process."

"It's probably just as well; this will give me more time to find out if he's a danger to them or not."

"Is that a possibility?"

"I don't know. I've only spent twenty minutes with them."

"So, what's this meeting about, then?"

Dr. Wexler sighed. "I'm concerned about you taking them on by yourself."

"Do they have behavior problems or something?"

He adjusted his glasses. "No. They're actually the quietest children I think I've ever seen."

"Then, what's the problem?"

"I know you're familiar with PTSD, considering your line of work."

"Yeah." Gibbs shifted in his chair. "I've dealt with it."

The psychologist nodded. "My concern is whether or not you'll be able to be there for them. They need individual attention and an atmosphere where they'll feel safe and protected. I'm just…can you provide that for them, given what you do?"

Scowling, Gibbs crossed his arms. "You're doubting my capabilities as a foster parent?"

"No, Agent Gibbs." Dr. Wexler slid his report across the table. "I'm only telling you this because these children have been entrenched in an environment that was so hostile that they've had to put up so many behavioral defenses that they're basically living on their survival instincts. What little socialization they did have has always been with each other. They have very little idea how to live outside of their family structure. I have a feeling that once Cullen is well enough to join them at your home, you're going to have your life thrown out of order."

"Are you trying to scare me off?"

"No. Just warning you to batten down your hatches; or whatever you Navy guys say when there's a storm coming." He laughed. "Seriously, though, Agent Gibbs. Do you have someone who can help you take care of them?"

Gibbs nodded. "I've got my team briefed on what's happening, and they've offered to help me when they can."

"That's a little unorthodox, but…do you trust them?"

"With my life."

Dr. Wexler stood up and held his hand out. "Then, good luck."

Gibbs stood, shook hands with the doctor and then picked up the report. "I'll look this over at home."