A/N thanks for the reviews, follows and to Athena as always. Sorry it's been so late in coming. With Cote's news guess we are disappointed but so very proud of how much she loves Ziva and her fans.
Navy Yard Washington D.C
Tony stared at Tim in shock was he being serious. The thought of seeing Ziva's former boyfriend made his stomach heave. "Probie, what on earth do you think Ray Cruz will know?" Tim raised his eyebrows at Tony's rattled tone. He sometimes forgot about how complicated things had always been between Tony and Ziva. Especially former romantic partners. They never ended well for either one.
"If you don't want to go I will Tony I'm sorry. It's just Ray was there when Daniela met Bashan he might unknowingly have some information. He might not even want to talk to us. Just thought it was worth a shot." Tony nodded. Did he really want to see Ray Cruz and his smug face again? Hell yes, Ziva had given birth to his daughter. He wasn't locked up for murder. He had a future to look forward to once this threat was dealt with. "Ok Tim make the call I'll pay him a visit." Tim smirked he knew Tony wouldn't be able to resist taking the bait.
Ziva was wrapping Christmas presents for Tony she had bought him some gifts she knew he would love. She felt more confident of them recently and their future as a family. Aunt Nettie wanted to return to Israel when this was over. Ziva was beyond grateful for her aunt's love and support the last couple of years. She also knew wherever Tony went she and Aviva would go. Never again would they be kept apart. Senior was due in a couple of days, Ziva had bought him an expensive tie that she knew he would love. She had also bought Aviva a beautiful red, velvet dress for Christmas day. With her dark curls it would look adorable and a matching red hair band. Aviva would be spoilt rotten even though she was too young to really understand yet. Ziva knew Senior and Tony wouldn't be able to resist.
Navy Yard Washington D.C
Bishop and Anderson had brought in Mario Sanchez. Tony was shocked at the scrawny looking man. Ziva would of taken him out easily retired or not. So far he had said nothing, although he had leered at Bishop. Tony missed his ninja's kickass attitude sometimes. Ziva would of had his head on the table, arm behind his back in a strangle hold. They had left him to it demanding a lawyer. Tony had to admit this was where Gibbs was needed. The no nonsense former marine took no crap. Since his shooting in Iraq he just wasn't the same man.
Gibbs himself was in hospital he had been prepped for surgery. Dr Harvey had informed him it should take between 4 to 6 hours. He had left letters entrusted to Vance in case he didn't make it. Although the neuro surgeon seemed confident. He knew if he made it he had to make peace with Ziva. He hated the way things were. He also knew his days as an agent were over. He sent a prayer to Shannon to watch over him.
Washington State Penitentiary DC
Tony stared at Ray Cruz thru the glass partition. He hadn't seen his smug face for four years. He looked older but still arrogant. Tony had to remind himself he was the one who had his freedom Ray smirked "Agent DiNozzo to what do I owe the pleasure? Need some tips in the ladies department? You must be pushing 50 now. No action these days?" Tony gripped the telephone receiver. He took a deep breath and pasted on his fake DiNozzo grin. "No need to worry about that former CI-Ray I have a beautiful lady in my life thanks. I am here about Daniela Asher your former partner. If you cooperate we may be able to help transfer you closer to Miami."
Navy Yard Washington D.C
Sanchez had finally begun to spill. Anderson had lost his temper,the former Navy SEAL could be pretty intimidating. His accomplice was his young cousin Rafael. He was brought in for questioning. He was as broad and muscular as Mario was scrawny. He confirmed Asher had approached him they had a mutual contact. She knew Ziva would probably not be at the apartment, she wanted information on her whereabouts. No he had no idea how to contact her. She contacted them on a secured line. All in all not much new information was gathered. Vance was feeling frustrated something had to give soon.
Washington State Penitentiary DC
Ray continued to stare at Tony, his mind casting back to 5 years before. Daniela Asher was attractive, she reminded him a little of Ziva. She was pretty private didn't give much away, she was also a kickass agent. "Agent DiNozzo, why would you be interested in Agent Asher? What if I don't know anything?" Tony could feel the anger starting to build, his face flushed red. "Cruz forget it! I knew coming here was a mistake. It's connected with Isaac Bashan that's all I can say." Tony stared waiting to see what the cocky, former CIA Agent did next.
Ray decided to be straight he didn't actually know that much. "Bashan was arrogant; he helped out on an op to track down a former colleague. Who needed to be handled as it were? Mossad were cooperative. Daniela spoke Hebrew so she was useful. Her and Bashan hit it off straight away, their was an instant chemistry. Kinda reminded me a bit of you and.. How is she?"
Tony took pity on him for all the guy was scum he had genuinely seemed to have feelings for Ziva. "She is fine Cruz. Found her something permanent. She has a daughter now. Beautiful little thing, looks just like her." Tony could see this got under his skin. The facade slipping he swallowed hard. "Who's the daddy? You DiNozzo?" Ray seen the truth in Tony's eyes, yes he was. So his suspicions about these two had been right all the long. Part of him was happy for Ziva, it just hurt like hell it was DiNozzo she had a child with. "Look DiNozzo sorry there's not much information I can give you. Asher and Bashan seemed pretty tight. I didn't see her again after Israel I had some cleaning up to do, as you know. There was another Agent Grace Lawrence who she was pretty close with. Like a mentor. She might be able to help,she was higher up the food chain than us." Tony nodded and stood up. "DiNozzo wait, tell Ziva I'm sorry and I hope she will be happy. She deserves that." Tony nodded and put the reciever down glad it was over with. Who was Grace Lawrence?
Gibbs had come thru the six hours operation. He was critical but stable. Vance had spoken to his surgeon who said it had gone well; there was now a long road to recovery ahead. Knowing Gibbs it was going to be hard and frustrating. He was not looking forward to informing the very emotional Miss Sciuto.
Tony got in his car and decided to head back to Alexandria. He rang Tim and updated him on his conversation with Ray. Tim said he would try and find out what he could on Grace Lawrence but with it being CIA who knew. Tony was distracted he didn't notice the Chevrolet grey sedan tailing him all the way back to Alexandria. Daniela Asher really was good at her job. Her hunch that Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo might pay Ray Cruz a visit had finally paid off. She followed him to a quiet. up market suburban neighborhood. Well, well hidden in plain sight. Tony got out from his car checking his cell he didn't notice the sedan accelerate and smash into him and sides swipe his car. The car raced of at high speed. Tony lay bleeding on the ground.
Ziva heard a smash and the sound of a car screeching away. Fear gripping her she raced out the door, and on to the street. Tony's mustang was crumpled on one side, Tony himself lay injured groaning. "Tony oh my God, are you badly hurt?" She bent down next to him eyes frantically scanning his body for injury. The lady from the house opposite was calling an ambulance. There was a cut on Tony's head bleeding heavily. His hand lay at an awkward angle but he seemed in one piece. Ziva gently gripped his uninjured hand, she was shaking overcome with emotion. He could of been killed. She knew in her gut this was down to the Bashans they had found them. They would deal with that later. Getting Tony sorted was her priority. She had once again put him in harms way.
Tony as if reading her thoughts as he used to for 8 years gripped her hand tightly. "No Ziva, don't do this. Don't hate on yourself we're a team remember, A family. "Ziva nodded swallowed past the lump in her throat. It was time to end this for the sake of her family, come what may.