CHAPTER 11

23:30

Palmer had returned to find Tony was restless due to his rising temperature. He looked Tony over again but found nothing new.

"Agent Gibbs, we need to get him in a tub. Could you fill it with luke warm water? We need to lower his temperature but not make him shiver. I'm going to try to give him some Tylenol. I got a liquid form, I hope I can get him to take it."

"Sure Palmer, what's his temp now?" Gibbs was concerned. After his brief call to Fornell Tony had become increasingly restless. Gibbs had washed his face and arms down repeatedly with a damp clothe but nothing seemed to be working. He was unable to get him to drink any water. What little he had, Tony had thrown up almost immediately.

"103.4, we need to get this under control fast. I will switch the IV to a lock and secure it so we can get him in the bath. I'll need your help to get him in there." Palmer's professionalism was unmistakable, he wasn't going to let something happen if he could avoid it.

"Not a problem. Give me a minute and let me get everything set up in there. I'll grab some clean clothes for him as well." He looked to Tony and added, "Hang in there Tony. We've got your six."

It only took a few minutes to get everything ready. They were just starting to move Tony when the front door opened. Gibbs knew it was Tobias. He wasn't thrilled with the situation but thought maybe, just maybe Tobias should see what had been done to Tony. His anger grew with each step but he kept it in check knowing Tony would pick up on it.

00:15

"We're back here Tobias." Tony flinched at Gibbs voice but the name Tobias sent a shutter down his spine like no other. Gibbs helped move Tony to the bathroom and seated him on the toilet. He and Jimmy made quick work of getting Tony undressed and ready for the tub. Jimmy had checked the water and thought it would be perfect. To Tony it would seem like it was cold but it needed to be done.

Tobias walked around the corner expecting to see everyone in the bedroom watching a movie or maybe to have some random insult thrown at him from Tony. He didn't expect to be met with the site of a young man who had obviously been beaten and was extremely sick. Tony's head was lulling to the side as Gibbs maneuvered him to the tub.

"Easy Tony. We're just going to get you in the tub and try to get your temperature down." Tony's remaining strength was quickly dissipating with the effort to remain standing. He had nothing left. His knees buckled but he was caught in the strong arms of Gibbs. Gibbs didn't think twice as he reached down and grabbed Tony behind the knees with one arm to cradle him in his arms. He was appalled with the loss of weight he had not noticed before. Slowly he began to lower Tony into the tub. Everyone knew the moment Tony felt the cool water. He clung to Gibbs neck, "Co…cold. Please… No…no more cold. Promised. Be good. Please father, too cold."

"Tony, it's ok. We just need to get your temp down. Jimmy and I are here. Just hang in there."

"Gi…gibbs… Cold. Guard… cold water… Please make it stop. BOSS!" Tony's final shout was all he had left, he went limp as his energy failed.

"Shhhh, it's ok Tony. You're going to be fine. That's it, just relax. Let Jimmy and I help you. That's it." Gibbs continued to whisper softly until Tony appeared to be relaxing. "You're doing good. Just hang in there for a little bit longer. Jimmy hand me the wash cloth." After getting the wash cloth Gibbs proceeded to bathe Tony. All the time talking to his son in a low calming voice. He wanted to try to help Tony anyway he could. He wasn't a doctor, but he had been a dad. He knew he needed to get Tony cleaned up and cooled off so he would start feeling better. After Tony appeared to be almost asleep Gibbs gestured to Jimmy to recheck his temperature.

"It's down to 99.8. Let me give him some Tylenol and see if he keeps it down this time then we'll get him out of here."

Gibbs looked up to realize Tobias was still standing in the doorway. The look of shock on his face was enough to let Gibbs know he had either seen or heard enough to know hell was about to come reigning down on the FBI. "Jimmy, when your done there I want you to grab a camera. While he's pretty much out on his feet I want to get these injuries documented. I'll tell you what he said about them later. I just want to get him back in bed first."

"If you can hang on to him for a few more minutes I'll get the room ready for him. Where will I find clean sheets?" Jimmy's efficiency and level of caring helped to keep Gibbs calm. He was thankful for having someone there that could help him take care of Tony.

Gibbs gave Jimmy the directions all the while keeping his eyes on his son. Jimmy quickly cleaned the room up and put on fresh sheets. The room was ready and Tony had managed to keep the Tylenol down. He returned to help Gibbs get Tony out of the tub. He used his phone to take the photos so he would be able to quickly email them to the Director, if Agent Gibbs told him to do so.

Tobias stood still not knowing what to do. He would help if he could but he didn't think it would be appreciated at this point. He watched as Gibbs repeatedly reassured Tony he was safe. The kid seemed scared of his own shadow. He knew he was in part responsible for this but still felt he had just done his job. He would do what he could now to help.