The Package

A/N: It's been a ridiculously, inexcusably long time since I updated this. I wish I had a good reason but the truth is I got a little swept up in my other fic, Tony Hurts His Knee, and neglected this one. The good news is I've been busy writing and this story is now finished. 3 chapters to go so you can expect reasonably frequent updates, say like every two days rather than every two months. I'm really sorry! It's been so long even I forgot what happened and I'm the author! So, to avoid confusion and refresh all of our memories, here's a recap of what happened in Chapters 1 – 10.

Tony's girlfriend Lexi was kidnapped by Curtis Oswell, a psycho murderer with a 10 year grudge against Tony. Tony was captured as well and they were tortured extensively. Tony convinced Oswell to let Lexi go under the agreement that he could do his worst to Tony. Lexi was found and taken to hospital. The team managed to find Tony and apprehend Oswell. McGee just found out that Lexi died in hospital.

Chapter Eleven

"Boss, Lexi didn't make it."

Gibbs froze where he was, McGee's words echoing in through the room. For once he was actually glad the man lying in his arms was unconscious. He had no idea how they'd tell Tony. But for now, he had to focus on getting Tony to a hospital.

"Ziva, ETA on the paramedics?"

"2 minutes."

"Okay. I need you to go meet them."

Ziva nodded, throwing a concerned glance at Tony before heading upstairs.

"McGee, give me your jacket."

McGee immediately pulled it off, passing it to Gibbs who wrapped it over Tony's shivering torso. McGee didn't care about the blood, the dirt and who knows what else was now staining the jacket. It didn't matter.

Gibbs took off his own jacket, balling it up and placing it under Tony's head.

"Tony. Tony?" He tapped Tony's cheek lightly, conscious of the deep gash. "Tony, can you open your eyes?"

Tony didn't respond, but was still breathing freely, albeit shakily.

"Boss, paramedics are here," McGee called from the staircase. He stood aside to let them in.

"Sir we need you to step back."

Gibbs glanced behind him at the two male paramedics, reluctantly moving back from the still, pale body of his senior field agent.

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"Special Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs was staring at the curtained-off window of Tony's room. Abby stood beside him, both hands clutching his arm. McGee, Ziva and Ducky stood next to them, all waiting for news of Tony's condition. Gibbs turned at the sound of the voice.

"Yes?"

The doctor stepped closer to the group. "I have some news on Special Agent DiNozzo's condition. He's in pretty bad shape. Whoever did this to him didn't hold back."

"Is Tony going to be okay?" Abby interrupted, unable to restrain herself any longer.

The doctor pressed his lips together in a thin smile. "Yes," he said solemnly, "although his recovery period will be extended. The scans showed no internal bleeding which is considerably lucky in lieu of his injuries. Tony has extensive bruising over his torso and x-rays showed three cracked ribs. There are also several marks which indicate he was burned with a cigarette. Each finger on his right hand is broken, some of the bones are crushed. My guess is someone stomped on his hand. The damage will repair with time, although he will require PT to regain full use of his hand."

The doctor paused, looking down at the chart he held. "There's some unusual swelling and contusions on both of Tony's legs indicative of a severe beating. Also, a burn around his ankle."

Gibbs nodded. "He was electrocuted."

"What about his head?" McGee said, paling at the injuries his friend sustained. "He was bleeding so much."

"He has a severe concussion and we found two wounds both requiring stitches; one at the back of the head where it looks like he was hit with a fist or a heavy object. The other was on his face, he was cut with a blade from his eyebrow to his jawline. We've stitched it up as best we can here, but there will definitely be a scar there. I'll put him in touch with a plastic surgeon at a later date."

"Can we see him?" Gibbs asked.

The doctor nodded. "5 minutes. He needs to rest. We've mildly sedated him, but it takes a few minutes to take effect so he should be awake or at least aware of your presence. He's going to be very groggy from both the concussion and the pain medications in his system."

"Thank you doctor," Ducky said as he followed the team in.

The doctor smiled. "You've got a strong friend lying in there."

"Oh I know."

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"Tony!" Abby whispered, grabbing his uninjured hand and squeezing it tightly. Propped up on pillows, Tony was about the same colour as the bedsheets. Both eyes were swollen, one was closed. Black stitches lined the gash along his face. Bruises covered all visible skin and Gibbs knew the bruises were the same if not worse underneath the thin blue hospital gown.

"Hey Abs," Tony whispered, his voice raspy.

"How you doing?"

"Oh you know… same old."

Abby smiled, kissing him on the cheek, then stepped back to give everyone else room.

"Did you get him?" Tony asked, slurring his words a little. His eyelids drooped with the effort of staying awake. Gibbs had to lean in to hear.

"Sure did. He's sweating in interrogation as we speak."

Tony smiled, his eyelids drifting shut.

"Wh- what about…"

"Come, come. He needs to rest," Ducky said, ushering them out.

"He was about to ask about Lexi," Abby said softly, walking beside Gibbs.

"I know Abs." Gibbs wrapped an arm around her as she leant into him.

"Oh my god, Gibbs. How are we supposed to tell him that she's dead?"

TBC