FREEZE FRAME 4: Dead Man Talking

DISCLAIMERS: I do not own NCIS.

Chapter 11: Operation Secret Squirrel.

Keeping You up to date…The Case & Clues So Far….

*Patrick Devlin remains were found in an abandoned 1974 Maverick. TOD: 13 years ago. He went missing after an altercation with Nic Hanson and was last seen alive at midnight at a club an hour from his home in Georgetown. His parents reported him the missing the next day.

*DNA revealed he was Marley's biological father.

*His father, Angus Devlin, was in partnership with a Henry Lau Quing.

*Henry Lau Quing is believed to have bugged Patrick's phone while he worked with Navel linguistics. Henry Lau Quing had been investigated for the last ten years over arms trading prior to 911 Around the time of Patrick's death, he was working with his own government and the diplomatic core to help build industry in Shanghai in partnership with Angus Devlin and a USA imports export company. Diplomatic immunity may be a issue, depending on the evidence connecting him with the seriousness of a crime.

*Patrick was engaged to be married to Arielle Lau Quing. She ended up marrying Patrick's buddy, Daniel Fitzgerald, who is believed to be killed in action. Daniel suspected Lau Quing's operations and his connection to Patrick's death, but could never prove it. He handed a photograph of Marley to the Devlins, but not a letter that accompanied it. This shed light on further communications from Patrick with his father, Daniel, and the Hanson's prior to his death. Daniel was supposed to pick Patrick up and take him home, but Patrick disappeared. Rose Hanson was the last to see Patrick alive, besides his unknown killer. Patrick spoke to his father moments before his disappearance. Patrick's car was believed to be at his father's home prior to his death.

*One of Daniel's poker chips is still the only one not accounted for. A gun was found at the murder scene, as was Nic Hanson's poker chip and Patrick's phone. Daniel's poker chip and the wooden object that caused Patrick's head injury is still missing. Evidence of the place of Patrick murder scene is illusive, but they are looking for a particular carpet or wooden object, as well as the chip.

*Rose, Nic and Jonathan Hanson cleared as suspects.

*SecNav is ready to arrest Lau Quing with the help of Angus Devlin, who has been assisting the previous SecNav and Clayton Douglas with their investigation for the last ten years. SecNav has withheld evidence regarding Patrick's disappearance so as not to alert Lau Quing Aka Pau Lau.

Next….

Marley is spending the afternoon with Lilith as SecNav moves in on Lau Quing with the help of Angus Devlin. Lau Quing is now the prime suspect in Patrick's death. The Semper Fi gang has decided to do some investigating of their own around the national park ... Little do they know that the Devlin family home borders the park. It is being renovated for diplomats from China and Arielle Lau Quing is to move in with her two young boys.

Let, Operation Secret Squirrel begin…..….

FREEZE FRAME: Cut to Extreme Close-Up: XCU of Tony's cell phone screen with a text green bubble with the words; Que Sera Sera written on it. Convert black and white. Cut.

Fade in from white to interior of a car, mid- shot of Ziva and Tony in the front while Gill and Marley can be seen in the back. The conversation takes place between several close- up shots and with cut- aways between the pairs, with an occasional, 'Spielberg' review mirror shot showing Marley with profiles of Tony and Ziva in frame.

Ziva glanced in the review mirror then turned around to look at Marley. "Are you concerned about your afternoon with Patrick's mother, Marley?"

"No, not really; I just hope they get that Lau Quing guy and can sort out who killed Patrick; that way Lilith will be happy and can …well move forward, I guess."

"You don't need to worry about that, Marley, just enjoy Lilith's company for the day," suggested Ziva.

"And let her enjoy yours," added Gill.

"I will, but I'm still curious about it all. I don't understand why they just can't go and get him, seeing they know where he is," claimed Marley.

"Well, they haven't really until now," said Tony, gripping the wheel before making a left turn.

"They have, Tony," contradicted Ziva. "But, he hasn't always been on American soil, and they need a lot of proof to take him out of China or any other country."

"Even if he killed a man?" asked Marley.

"Yep, besides we don't know for sure that he killed Patrick," explained Tony.

"They have no evidence and they weren't able to search his premises or the Devlins' at the time because that property was tied up with the Chinese consulate here," added Ziva.

"Oh diplomatic immunity, I get it," smiled Marley. "Remember that Hitchcock film, Tony, the one about the little boy who was kidnapped in a foreign country by bad guys trying to assassinate someone. And the father knew who it was, so they kidnapped his son and hid him so he wouldn't tell the police. Then the mom finds him in the Moroccan consulate or something in England, but they can't just barge in there so the mom sings that song and the kid hears it."

"Yeah, 'The Man That Knew Too Much,' James Stewart and Doris Day."

"Doris Day? Really, Doris Day was in a Hitchcock film?" asked Gill.

"A couple actually, Mom," declared Marley.

"Who is Doris Day?" asked Ziva.

"Oh, she was America's oldest virg…"

"Tony!" chastised Gill. "You're lucky Gibbs isn't here and you're driving. That would have definitely awarded you one of his famous head slaps… Anyway, Ziva, Doris Day was a singer in the 1950's and 1960's. Most of her film roles were romantic comedies, so a Hitchcock thriller was not her typical role."

"Yeah, quite a dramatic role from her usual; she did a pretty good job for most of it, too. But, Jimmy Stewart was at his best as always …. 'Ahhh… Sorry we were gone so long, but we had to pick up Hank!" quoted Tony, in his best Jimmy Stewart voice.

Marley laughed, "Hank, he was the kid. I liked the kid; he was a pretty tough. Like, he didn't panic at all. He says to a French guy on a bus, 'If you ever get hungry, our garden back home is full of snails. We tried everything to get rid of them. We never thought of a Frenchman!'"

The others joined in with Marley's laughter. "So is it kind of like that, you guys just can't go into consulate houses to catch the bad guys?" asked Marley.

"Yes sort of, Marley, but the rules change a lot and with different countries. In this country, now, if there is suspected terrorism by an employee or even a family member of a diplomatic consulate they can be investigated and arrested," answered Ziva.

"But, not murder or kidnapping?"

"That depends on who is involved and what position they hold or held at the time of the crime; who has been kidnapped; when and where."

Tony didn't like where the talk was going and interrupted Ziva, thinking Marley was starting to sound a little concerned about her safety. "Though, Marls, like terrorism, kidnapping of an American citizen or an American minor citizen is taken very seriously." Tony's eyes lit up and another quote from the movie burst through. This time his delivery was exaggerated with a conventional evil snicker of a bad guy. "Ah, you are fool, Drayton. You have muddled everything from the start, taking that child with you from Marrakesh. Don't you realize that Americans dislike having their children stolen?"

"Really, so if someone kidnapped me, you could search anywhere?"

"Pretty much, Kid, there wouldn't be too many consulates playing the diplomatic immunity card," quipped Tony.

"Even, if it was a Sheik, or a King, or something?"

"Might make it a little harder, but Gibbs would get around it," reassured Ziva, picking up on Tony's objective.

"Marley, look we're nearly there," said Gill. "Stop talking about all this cloak and dagger stuff. You're just going shopping and then out to lunch."

"Besides, Marley, we will be tailing you all the time," said Tony.

"I know; that's so cool. Does Lilith know that?"

"No, Mrs Devlin doesn't know about her husband's help here or Lau Quing's operations, and he wants to keep it that way," said Ziva.

"Double cool, so only I know that we are being tailed. Might have to give you guys a run for your money," smirked Marley.

"Don't you dare, Marley. Gibbs will have all our hides; and if he has my hide I'm gonna have yours too. Remember our chase in the national park?" Tony glared at Marley via the rear view mirror, tipped his head and raised his eyebrows as a warning.

"I'm only joking. Do you think that's maybe why he doesn't like me?"

Ziva propped herself sideways and looked back at Marley over the back of her seat. "Who? Tony? Tony likes you," she said.

"No, not Tony, Mr. Devlin; Patrick's dad," frowned Marley.

"Hey!" Gill pulled Marley's chin around to face her and pushed her hair back off her forehead. "What makes you think he doesn't like you?"

Marley shrugged. "I don't know. He was trying to calm Lilith down a lot I guess, but it kinda of felt like he really didn't want me in their lives. But, now I'm thinking maybe he didn't want me there because it was safer if I wasn't around."

"Perhaps, Marley, I know my own father finally supported me becoming an American citizen for the same reason, even though he has not come out and actually said it."

"Do you believe he loves you, Ziva?" asked Marley.

Ziva thought for a long while. "Yes, I think he might."

"Might? Aren't you sure?" asked Marley.

"Yes."

"Well, if he does, he has a funny way of showing it," quipped Tony.

"As does your father, Tony! Though, I find him sort of enchanting- in a way."

Tony gaffed. "Careful what you wish for, Zive."

"I am not interested, Tony, and am clever enough to handle any unsavoury advances. However, your father just likes to fluff."

"You mean to flirt. Though he does like to fluff, but not in mixed company," laughed Tony.

Marley giggled, and then stopped when the large shopping mall came into view. Tony pulled into the three story parking garage and found a reserved parking space in the name of Mr. H. Myer.

"Tony, you cannot park here," complained Ziva.

"Yeah, Ziva, I can. I organized it with Hilton. He's a good friend of my father."

"Oh, a fluffy buddy," teased Ziva.

Cut Away to the national forest. Long shot of the Semper Fi gang gatherered in a small clearing, two ATV's are parked nearby.

"Okay," said Ben, "Tom, you and Sam go check out the car club up on the east side, while we clean up here. Meet back at 1100. Then we'll swap. You take the collection back to refuse, and then meet us back on the west ridge. We'll try and get back there by 1600."

"There are only two houses up there on the border of the park. Both are supposed to be empty," explained Ethan.

Ben pointed to the map he had in his hands, making sure each member knew where to meet. "Uncle David said one's being renovated for a new family of Chinese diplomats in two weeks."

"Yeah, the other one had some French people in it, but they have gone for the summer break," said Jessica.

"Probably back home to France," offered Jarrod. "That's what dad and I do. I'm lucky though, I get two summers."

"Yea, but I bet you got a lot of catch up school work, too," said Sam screwing up his nose.

"Yeah, but mum helps and Marley these last two summers. Too bad she can't be here."

"Real shame, but then if we find anything we can text her. She might be able to meet us later," shrugged Ben.

"Okay, so what are we looking for?" asked Tom.

"Anything that might look like it belonged to Patrick or his car," suggested Ben.

"It's been over twelve years, there's not going to be a lot," complained Sam.

"Don't you watch TV, dude? DNA evidence, it's always there," explained an excited Jessica.

Sam ignored her, and turned to Ben and Ethan. "We're not going to find anything, you know that right?"

"Okay, yeah sure," smiled Ben.

"But you never know," interrupted Ethan, not wanting to put a damper on the adventure they imagined they may be going to have.

"Just take pictures and look around. Don't touch anything," instructed Ben.

"Yeah, it could have DNA on it," agreed Jessica.

Sam rolled his eyes.

"Come on guys, we can at least pretend. It'll be fun," said Ethan, slapping Sam on the shoulder.

Tom joined in. "Yeah come on, ya never know."

"Okay, just keep to the time and rendezvous points. We don't have a lot of time to really scout the houses," said Jarrod.

"Let Operation Secret Squirrel begin," announced Ben.

Cut way to NCIS headquarters. Abby's lab. Center mid shot of Abby and Tim seen through the shelves of the lab. We see the pair standing in front of the computer. Behind them is an array of objects and evidence collected from La Quing's storage units. One is a large rolled up carpet. Gibbs swings around the corner with a large Caf Pow in his hand.

"What have we got?"

"Lots from the storage units, Boss," announced Tim.

"No trouble with those warrants?"

"Nope, and Arielle was quite helpful. She's been storing stuff there for her move. Seeing she's an American citizen, and Lau Quing moved stuff there after the Devlins moved there, everything's all above board."

"What about the house in Georgetown?"

"A bit tricker, Boss… We have a warrant to collect evidence relating to any terrorist or espionage activity. But any other crime during the time Lau Quing was part of the consulate team in '97 is off limits, unless there is a recent crime that it relates to, which could include any evidence that might point to him being involved in Patrick's death."

"Patrick's death was most likely related to his terrorist activities. The cell bug tells us that."

"Yes, Boss, we can take the chance on that argument. But if Lau Quing lawyers up we still may not be able to use it. However, he will go down on the espionage charges."

"I want him going down for both," snapped Gibbs.

"Well, we have some interesting things from the warehouse," appeased Abby as she bounced on her platform boots.

"I hope so," said Gibbs, handing over the Caf Pow.

Abby took a large sip, then put the cup down and revealed microscopic images on her computer screen. "Okay, the carpet found there has traces of blood in the fibers. They are definitely Patrick's. It had been cleaned, but not well. I'd say wherever this carpet was, it was replaced and this one sent for cleaning then rolled up and stored. It has traces of the cleaning product in the rolled up creases of the carpet."

"Okay, so can we tell where the carpet was?"

"Well, it wasn't at the Belvidere, that's for sure, unless they had pine trees in their rooms. I suppose it could have been a Christmas tree, though. Maybe they had their suites with Christmas trees in them, which is really a nice idea…"

"Abby, it was March!"

"Hmm, yes, around Easter, so they wouldn't have had…"

"Abbs!"

"Oh yes, exactly Gibbs, so this carpet was most likely at the house in Georgetown. The property boarders the national park and the drive is lined with pines. To be exact Picea pungens, Blue Spruce, just like the one at the white house. There were also splinters in the carpet mixed in with some of the blood samples. I'd say Patrick had quite a heavy bleed, which also supports Ducky's theory that the blow to his head didn't kill him immediately."

"The splinters, Abby!"

"Okay, definitely from the murder weapon, but they are not, as I first thought, from a fertility effigy .Though that would have been more than ironic…" Abby took a large breath, "Ducky was right. They were from a desk, probably the corner of a large redwood one."

"I take it the desk was not in the storage unit," asked Gibbs.

"No, I'd say it's definitely was at the …"

"The Devlins' home," surmised Gibbs. "Arielle said the Devlins took everything with them three years ago except for the furnishings in the business center, so it's still most likely there."

"It could be still there. We have the warrant to search, which includes the business center. But we may not be able to use that evidence, Boss," said Tim.

"We don't have time to worry about that, the house is being renovated. If we don't get in there soon, evidence could disappear."

"Good work, Abby; anything else?"

"Yep, several bottles of vintage bourbon and the same brand of Scotch found in the car and on Patrick." Abby moved to the evidence table and held up the items. "Then some pictures of Daniel and Patrick and his car. They worked on it at a car club at the national park." She held up a small box. "These are Daniel's poker chips; all accounted for, except one."

"The one still missing from the night he had the fight with Nic and his Eight Bells poker buddies," recalled Gibbs.

"I suppose," said Abby.

Tim then grabbed a journal off the table. "Fitzgerald also kept journals. Arielle never saw this one. But going through the bits and pieces, Daniel suspected Lau Quing of being involved in Patrick's disappearance. He also uncovered some of the fake import activity of Lau Quing's and Devlin's Shanghai operation."

"He say whether he approached anyone about his suspicions?" asked Gibbs.

"No, but I'm wondering if he sounded out Angus Devlin about it when he took Rose's letter and the photograph to him. I'd say he played it close to his chest. There is no real proof in his documentation that Angus was involved. But, he has listed a number of export manifests, logs of departures and companies he suspected as covers. I'm wondering why he didn't hand them over to Intelligence. Sec Nav will want them."

"Maybe he was waiting for more," suggested Abby.

"What about the night Patrick was picked up at the club, any more on that or on who picked him up?" asked Gibbs.

"No, but The Island has always had video surveillance, inside and outside in the parking lot. It's been a long standing go to for navy personnel for years. Trouble is, they are old VHS tapes. They've been used over and over again. We've narrowed it down to two tapes, the last of them, before the new owner started using mini's and hard drives."

"There's lots of ghosting, Gibbs. So I'm running it now, trying to separate images. But this could take days."

"Okay, Tim, you're with me. Grab that warrant; I want to get to that house. I'll check with Leon and Sec Nav and find out where Devlin and Lau Quing are now."

"Marley and Gill, where are they?" asked Tim.

"Gill's back. She's bought in all of Rose's psych files, including Alistair's recording sessions. Seems Rose never really came to grips with Patrick's disappearance."

"That should rule her out completely," smiled Abby.

"Maybe," frowned Gibbs.

"You worried that other experts may argue that she suppressed any involvement?" surmised Tim.

"Yep, Alistair and Gill are going through it bit by bit with a NCIS psychologist. If La Quing lawyers, play that card. They'll have our experts to deal with."

"At least Marley is with Lilith and safe," said Abby.

"Yep, after lunch Lilith is having her car drop Marley off at the park for her community service."

"Can't Tony and Ziva pick her up and bring her back here."

"No, they can't be seen. Gills contacted the fire chief, David Lindsey, he's gonna keep all the kids with him after they report in at the afternoon shift."

"Well, Tony and Ziva could follow them up there then take off and check out the car club. It's just east of the national park not too far from the Devlin's old house. Daniel may have had more files there. They were both members, and according to Rose's files and Daniel's notes, the car was there being restored at least a week before Patrick's disappearance."

"Okay, send them the address, and then tell them to head up to the house."

Abby flung around, and jumped with excitement. "Send me anything that you might think relates, even if you can't remove it from the house. I may still be able to make connections, and then the Interro-Gibbnator, here, can scare a confession out of him."

Gibbs raised his eyebrows at Abby, then turned to Tim and did the same. "Got that, McGee?"

"Yep, on it, Boss!" Tim immediately pulled out his cell as he moved to the elevator.

Gibbs turned back and smiled at Abby then planted a kiss to her forehead. "On it, Boss," he repeated. "Good job, Abbs," he added before he joined Tim at the elevator.

"Good luck, Gibbster, let operation get this bastard begin."

"Language, Abbs!" shouted Gibbs over his shoulder.

Too smart to respond verbally, Abby signed Yes, bossman, big ears!

Cut Away car club east of the national park. Tony and Ziva have arrived at the car club, having left their security detail; Lilith and Marley at the cross roads, with the national park to the west and the car club to the east. The place is being locked up by a man in his late thirties.

"Hey there…" called Di Nozzo, "NCIS!"

The man stopped padlocking his door and stood up straight. "NC… what?"

"Federal agents; Navel Criminal Investigative Service, wondering if we could talk to you?"

"Sure thing, what about?'

"Well, Mr …"

"Crowder, Scott Crowder, I'm president of this car club, Officer?"

"Agent Di Nozzo, and this here is Officer David. Have you always been president of this car club, Mr. Scott Crowder?" asked Tony.

"No, Dan Fitzgerald was until about a year ago, he… ahh."

"Yeah, we know about Lieutenant Fitzgerald. We're actually investigating an old missing person case, Patrick Devlin. Did you know him, too?"

"Yeah, I knew both him and Dan. Boy that was well over twelve years ago. You got a new lead on his disappearance?"

"Yeah, we do. Actually he turned up dead, not far from here, in his Maverick. We'd like to check out the office. We think Daniel may have known something, maybe kept some files here."

"Sure, come on in. None of us has emptied Daniel's locker out. We should have by now, but he left instructions that it wasn't to be opened unless some big navy dude came for it. So we haven't touched it. Guess you are the big navy dudes then?" led Scott.

"Guess we are," smiled Tony, not believing his luck.

Scott led Tony and Ziva into his office, then went to the desk drawer, opened and pulled out a key. Ziva scanned the room and took particular notice of the many photographs that adorned the walls. She noticed the same pictures of Daniel and Patrick receiving some kind of trophy as they stood in front of Patrick's restored car.

"So, Patrick did all his work on his car here?" asked Ziva.

"Yeah, most of us work on our restorations here. We all pitch in and help, have our own little areas of expertise," announced Scott Crowder.

"When was the last time you saw this car," inquired Ziva, pointing to the photograph.

"Maybe a couple of days before he went missing; he was working on it again. It was pretty much all finished, but he wanted it in pristine condition. Said he was gonna use it on his wedding day. I came in a couple of days after he was reported missing, but his car was gone."

"You tell anybody that?" asked Tony.

"Yeah, I called his old man up at the big house. Just wondering if it was up there or maybe Patrick came and got it."

"Did Patrick have keys for after hours work?"

"Yeah we all do…did, including Daniel. He was a good guy. We all took it pretty hard when we heard he'd been killed in a bomb blast. Can't shake it out of my mind. I heard that they bought all three of those guys back, in one box, just body parts…" Scott Crowder shook his head. "Makes me sick just thinking about it. Sorry, we ain't been too organized around here, since Dan…" he trailed off, staring at the same picture Ziva had taken an interest in.

Tony pulled out a large box and quickly scanned the contents. "These are more files on La Quing's and Angus's export business. Looks like Daniel was keeping everything on him. He's got tracking codes and invoice numbers as well. Sec Nav is gonna want this, too."

"All the more evidence against Lau Quing, I would guess," added Ziva.

Just then Tony's phone pinged. He looked at the screen. "Abby… she's sent a photograph."

"What of?" asked Ziva.

Tony handed the phone to Ziva, and then looked at Scott Crowder. "You got a place where you dump wrecked parts?" he asked.

"Sure have, out the back, here..." Scott pointed to a back door, and then led the way. "Chased a couple kids outta there this morning… Kids; they like junk, but there are some bits and pieces here that have been there for years. It's a mind field of rust and vermin, who like to take shelter there. One of the jobs we seemed never to get to," he said, chatting away as Ziva and Di Nozzo followed him out the back.

Ziva held up Tony's phone trying to match the image to the junk pile in front of them. There to the side was a hard wooden box that had looked like it had been just recently pulled from deep beneath the pile. "I think that is it, Tony," she said pointing.

Tony pulled it open and removed the plastic bubble wrap.

"That's it," said Ziva, as she matched the image on her phone. There inside the box were a dozen or so mobile phones, Nokia's 5110i, to be exact. "Just like the one found in Patrick's car. Daniel did not find these. If he had, he would have kept them with the other evidence."

"No, they were dumped here. I'd say at the same time as Patrick's car was picked up," offered Tony. "Come on, we'll tag this and the other stuff. Let's get it in the car."

"But, who sent the photograph to Abby?"

"I've got a pretty good idea, Ziva. Let's get moving. I'll call Gibbs."

Ziva handed Tony back his cell and started taking pictures with the camera from their gear packs. While she was bagging and tagging, Tony dialled Gibbs...

"Boss, we got some pretty interesting stuff, some that helps us and some for Sec Nav."

"Good ,Di Nozzo, get it packed in the car, and get up here as fast as you can. We've got a royal screw up. Arielle Fitzgerald is up at the old house. Seems Lau Quing contacted her and is meeting her and Angus there. SecNav has let it happen. He wants his man, now. I don't want anything going wrong with those kids there, and I want first dibs at Lau Quing. You see Lilith drop Marley off?"

"Not exactly, Boss. She was headed in that direction, though, before we took a detour to the car club. I'm sure she's with the gang, catching up on all the excitement by now."

"Why's that, Di Nozzo?"

"You'll see. I'm forwarding you a jpeg from Abby. I think our little Semper Fi Gang has been collecting evidence for us."

"A what, Di Nozzo?"

"A picture Boss, hold on…" Tony forwarded the image on.

"What is it a picture of, Di Nozzo?"

"Cell phones, Boss. Probably bugged cell phones, just like Patrick's."

"Head up there now, Di Nozzo. We're fifteen minutes away. Oh, and tell Abby to forward anymore pegs to me."

"On it, Boss. We're going to take Lau Quing, Gibbs."

"Yep, let operation get this prick begin," whispered Gibbs.

Cut away to the Devlin's old property. 1600; one hour later…. Long shot of Gibbs, Sec Nav , Tim and two of the Sec Nav's agents, who have their guns drawn on Angus Devlin and Henry Lau Quing in the dismantled study of the home. Gibbs looks on and is surprised to see that Lilith Devlin is also there with Arielle Fitzgerald, both having arrived just as Sec Nav's officers moved in. Sec Nav, Clayton Douglas, is on his head piece talking to his agents.

"Momma, momma," shouted two little boys as they ran into the house then stopped dead in their tracks at the sight before them.

In front of them stood their grandfather on one side of the room. A big hole is in the center of the floor where the parquetry floor boards used to be.

Angus Devlin stood nearby, hands by his side. He looked even more anxious than Henry Lau Quing. Gibbs stood close to Henry and whispered something in his ear before looking at the other four men who had entered the room moments before.

Sean could have sworn he saw one of them put a gun behind his back. His mother's wide eyed expression told him that perhaps his assumptions were on the mark.

"Ma'am, take your boys outside," said Clayton. He then eyed one of his agents, silently communicating that he should escort Arielle Fitzgerald from the study.

"Momma, aren't we going to live here anymore? Why are all these men here? Why is grandpa not coming with us?" asked Sean.

"Ask about the bikes, Sean," prompted Archie, as their mother hurried them out the room. "Can we have one of them motor cycles, momma? The four wheel ones. The kids all ride them around here," exclaimed an excited Archie.

Gibbs held his gun firmly at the small of Lau Quing's back and out of sight. His eyebrows went up, and he looked at the pretty young mother.

"Shhh, boys come on. We'll wait in the other room with the nice man." Arielle moved quickly out of the room, relieved to be away from the action and drama that had gone on moments before. She was more than glad that as soon as they had arrived at the house and the boys had greeted their grandfather, they had run off to explore the grounds and away from the danger that was far too close for her liking.

Arielle was mad at herself for leading the officers here. She had not suspected she was being watched by anyone other than the nice NCIS team, but she had been fooled. She should have known. It should have clicked. Daniel had always suspected her father and Patrick's of things. But, she had not wanted to think about it. She had just wanted to move on, and now her boys had been so close to danger. Someone should have stopped her or warned them.

They had arrived at the house to find her father and Angus Devlin arguing with Lilith in the main hall way. Sean and Archie had greeted their grandfather with big hugs and wide smiles, before spotting the large lawn off to the left of the French doors at the far end of the family room.

Flashback

Lilith and Angus were taken aback, Angus more so. "Arielle, what are you doing here?" asked Devlin.

"I arranged for us all to meet Angus, a family reunion so to speak," smirked Henry Lau Quing.

Angus was worried. This was not such a good idea. He knew the agents had been following him and knew they had been keeping tabs on Arielle. He now needed to compose himself. He could not afford to let Henry know he'd been part of the SecNav's plan. Worse still was that now Lilith had turned up with Marley. What on earth had possessed her? He was so tired of hiding the truth, living with the lies and guilt, trying to protect those he loved.

"What are you so worried about, my good friend? Really, I think it is about time that Lilith met Arielle and her children. We are all family are we not?" grinned Lau Quing.

" Of course, but It's just that it is a construction site, Henry. Open floorboards and loose plaster walls, it's not really the best place to catch up," Angus explained.

Lilith frowned, "Angus is right, Henry. Really, we should all arrange a big dinner. Arielle, I've so wanted to contact you. I heard you had married, but I hadn't heard about those two beautiful little boys. They remind me of…"

"Daniel… Daniel Fitzgerald. Sean's five and Archie's three." Arielle blushed, but smiled.

Lilith returned the young mother's shy smiles. With tears of joy and a small heart ache, she threw herself into Arielle's arms. "Oh my dear, how so very wonderful... How so very perfect."

"Lilith, why don't you find Marley and take her outside to meet the boys," suggested Angus. "Henry and I need to discuss the plans for the new office."

Henry smiled and nodded to Arielle. "Sure be careful, sweetheart. Don't go too far, I really want to catch up with you both."

Angus and Henry moved off towards the office, while Arielle and Lilith went to follow the boys. Lilith stopped and called for Marley. When the girl did not respond, Lilith went up the stairs towards the bedrooms. Arielle followed.

"I don't know where she went. She was just with me moments ago in the hall there by that old desk," said Lilith, as she moved closer to the bedrooms. Arielle stopped to see her boys playing on the large lawn nearby. She watched as they ran off towards some kids on motor bikes, gathered near the tree lined drive.

Little did she know that the agents that had followed her and Henry had moved from their hiding spaces and were making their way towards the house. They'd left one agent close by to keep an eye on the two small boys while they stormed the house from the left side.

Tim and Gibbs had also arrived and wandered around the back of the house. They stopped when they came across the open doors on the veranda. They slid to both sides of the door and waited, listening to the heated conversation between Angus and Lau Quing.

"Why did you invite Arielle out here, Henry? We need to fold this thing up for good," blustered Angus. "I thought you wanted her kept out of all this?"

"I did. But, if they are onto us, then they will not make a move here, not with the children and Lilith… that was also clever of you, Angus…"

"Lilith knows nothing. She wasn't supposed to be here," he yelled.

Gibbs rolled his eyes back. He looked up to the second story windows and spotted Arielle and Lilith through the stairwell's thin viewing window. "Marley, what the..!" He cursed under his breath. He got Mc Gee's attention then pointed to the window. "Get them out of here, find Marley," he whispered.

Tim acknowledged the order with a curt nod, and then rounded the side of the house, just as Gibbs entered the study, drawing his gun.

No sooner had he entered, than so had the other agents with Clayton Douglas, himself. All had drawn their weapons.

Then all the guns were quickly sheathed, except Gibbs's as Lilith and Arielle burst into the room and screamed with fright.

End Flashback.

"You Americans are should be very proud of yourselves using my daughter and her innocents sons to lure me here," sneered Henry Lau Quing.

"Is that why you insisted on meeting them here, Lau Quing? You knew we wouldn't have liked to involve them, but you are the one who played that card," said a vey clam and controlled Sec Nav.

"Angus, what's going on? Henry?" Lilith swung her between her husband and his business partner, worry and confusion etched on her face. Marley… Marley is missing, Angus…" Lilith started to become distressed and anxious. "Marley's missing," she switched her glare from Henry to Angus. "Angus, is Henry responsible for this?"

"Lilith, you should not have come here!" ground out Angus.

"I had no intention of coming here, but when I was dropping Marley off at the national park I commented on how close we were to our old home. She wanted to see where Patrick grew up," explained Lilith. "I didn't know you were meeting Henry. What's this all about? Agent Gibbs, do you have Marley?"

"No, ma'am," frowned Gibbs.

"Oh, Agent Gibbs, I'm so sorry, I didn't know… I don't know where she is. She was here, I promise you. Please will someone tell me, what is going on?"

Angus grabbed his wife and pulled her close to him. "Lilith, just calm yourself. I will tell you everything, just calm down please. I won't let anything happen to her. She's probably just found a good hiding spot."

"Patrick and now Marley, I just want Marley here safe," sobbed Lilith.

Tim suddenly entered the dishevelled office of Lau Quing's business center. "Boss, Marley isn't here… anywhere."

Angus Devlin's face paled. "By god, Henry, if you have had anything to do with her disappearance, I'll ..."

"You'll what, Angus ... You forget the past my friend..."

Angus went to growl, but was interrupted by Clayton, who concerned that the man was about to blow his cover before official statements could be made. "Mr Devlin, if both you and Mr. Lau Quing would accompany me, we have a lot of questions to ask about your export business in Shanghai."

"I want them both at NCIS headquarters," interrupted an angry Gibbs. "We have a missing twelve year old girl and a murder case that we believe was committed here twelve years ago."

"You cannot search the premises here in relationship to that Special Agent Gibbs. I had diplomatic immunity at the time of Patrick's disappearance."

"Diplomatic immunity excludes terrorist acts, Lau Quing," smirked the Clayton.

"I do not know what you are talking about, but you are welcome to all our business files relating to the export company. You will find them all above board."

Angus Devlin looked at his wife nervously. Lilith returned his gaze with pleading eyes. "Please, Angus, what's this all about? Where's Marley? She was here, why would anyone take her?"

"Lilith, I don't know, but I'll find out."

"Yes perhaps, Mr Douglas, we should go with the agents to help in this investigation. I'm sure the life of a child is much more immediate than your investigation," Lau Quing sneered, eyeing Angus Devlin.

Clayton was not happy with the turn of events. Damn it, the man had them over a barrel. If indeed he had arranged Marley's kidnapping, he would use it against Devlin. There was no way they were going to get their conviction without the man's testimony.

Angus Devlin was close to the breaking point. He'd been harbouring so many secrets for the last twelve years, because they were a way for them to catch Lau Quing and put a stop to his operations- operations that he was a party to, albeit at first, unwittingly. The deal he made with Clayton Douglas twelve years ago had slowly eaten away at his soul. He turned and kissed his wife on the forehead. "We'll find Marley, Lilith. Why don't you take Arielle and the little boys back to the Belvedere. We'll send word as soon as possible."

Lilith nodded and went to leave the room but stopped. "I'm sorry, Agent Gibbs, really I had no idea Marley was in danger. I had no idea of any of this. I just wanted to show my granddaughter ..." Lilith couldn't finish her sentence as she burst into tears. "Please just find her. She was here one minute taking photos of me, and then she was gone."

"Do you know what the photo was of?" asked Gibbs.

"Yes. Funnily enough she wanted a photo of the desk in the hall way, oh and this..." Lilith held out a poker chip. "It was Patrick's. I remember I used it long ago. The desk in the study was a little lopsided on the carpeted floor. I used it to prop up the left leg. It must have been there for at least ten years."

"Can I keep this?" asked Gibbs.

"Yes, Agent Gibbs, of course, if it will help find Marley."

"It may. Tim, you got that warrant?"

" Yes, Boss."

"Agent Gibbs, really, you will find my files intact; any other purpose to your search is illegal."

"Really, Lau Quing, because as I see it; there has been a kidnapping. That's a capital crime in this country, and one no longer protected by diplomatic immunity with your country. This warrant allows me to search this property for any evidence that pertains to that kidnapping," said Gibbs, trying to remain focused and firm with the man. It was obvious Lau Quing was not aware of Gibbs guardianship of Marley. Angus had not let that information out of the bag, but Gibbs sensed poor Lilith was getting close to hysteria.

Tim held up the warrant Gibbs had referred to. "This warrant allows us to search for any evidence that points to the motivation of the crime of kidnapping, such as a murder case. Perhaps Marley found something here today that you do not wish to be discovered," he added.

"Or perhaps as you have implied, Marley's kidnapping may be buying you some leverage here with your partnership with Angus Devlin?" asked Clayton Douglas.

"Pretty fictional theories; I can tell you I have nothing to do with the child's disappearance, or Patrick's. Now, if Secretary Douglas wishes to question me on my export business activities over the years, I am more than happy to comply and go with him and his agents."

"Handcuff them both," ordered SecNav, "and get them to Intelligence headquarters.

"No, NCIS headquarters. My agents will do the search here," Gibbs stated with an air of defiance.

Clayton looked furious; "Agent Gibbs, a word, now!"

Both stormed out of the room and into the foyer of the big house. They were immediately met by Lilith and Arielle and the two small boys.

"It's alright, ma'am," said Clayton, he turned to one of his agents. "O'Dwyer, take Mrs. Devlin and the Fitzgerald family back to the Belvedere. Stay with them. Call in Frances to help."

O'Dwyer nodded, and headed out the front doors with his detail.

As soon as the family was out of ear shot, Clayton moved into Gibbs's personal space. "You are not hijacking this investigation, Gibbs. I've had this set up for ten years."

Gibbs was not intimidated. "For ten years, Angus Devlin has carried the knowledge of his son's murder for ten years? What about Daniel Fitzgerald? He carried it, too, and Arielle, all of them?"

"Yes, all of them to different degrees and some without their knowledge, but they were safe."

"Were they? Patrick's dead, Daniel's dead, and now Marley's missing. Her kidnapping takes immediate precedence. You have put her in danger. She never should have been bought into this. You can have them both as soon as I find her and the truth, but she comes first." Gibbs so wanted to poke Clayton Douglas hard in his chest. Hell, he wanted to punch the guy in the nose. But it was not going to help either man's cause. He took a huge breath. "You can investigate or interrogate or you can even torture Lau Quing for all I care, and you can do all that at NCIS headquarters. Put ten guys outside the interrogation rooms. You've got a better chance with Angus's input if he knows we are on his side and looking for Marley. Lau Quing is holding this over him. He may clam up. We've got to find her, and he will be more than willing to help, but more so, on our ground where he knows that is the priority."

Clayton knew he was a hardnosed bastard, he had to be. But, Gibbs was right, the kids were not meant to be part of this. He'd subjected both families to enough already. As far as he was concerned he had Lau Quing by his shirt tails. But, he wanted more. He wanted him in a cell, rotting along with all the arms traders he'd dealt with. "Fine, Gibbs, but you ever undermine me in front of my men again; I'll have your balls for breakfast."

Gibbs nodded, "Fair enough, though I don't reckon you'd enjoy them. Let Lau Quing think we are still at odds. He thinks he has the upper hand."

Clayton slumped. "Well, he does to some degree, Gibbs. Marley wasn't supposed to be here. I don't want to risk her life. But, too many lives are at risk if we can't shut this operation down within the next twenty four hours. We needed Devlin's testimony to seal the deal so we can send our guys in. They are ready in four different countries to storm warehouses where his arms exports are waiting to be shipped out. We have everybody's support on this."

Gibbs's cell suddenly pinged. He flipped it open and looked at the screen, then scanned the hallway. His gaze hit on an old desk. He smiled, and then turned back to Clayton. "Okay, we got twenty four hours then," said Gibbs seriously and turned on his heel to return to the room.

"No, no, you've got ten hours." Clayton stopped as he entered the study where Tim and the Sec Nav's agents had handcuffed Angus Devlin and Henry lau Quing.

"Yes, Sir," said Gibbs, looking a bit sheepish. "Twelve hours, Sir."

Clayton turned to his agents. "Call in McGuire and Fielding to take these two back to NCIS headquarters. Put them in separate rooms and chain them to the tables."

Clayton followed the two agents as they headed out the room with Devlin and Lau Quing in tow, passing Ziva and Tony on the way out.

"You got Lau Quing, Boss," smiled Tony as he bounced into the entrance hall.

"Yep, and one missing twelve year old playing spy," added one very annoyed Gibbs.

"Huh?" said a confused Tony.

"Marley is missing," said Tim. "She came up here with Lilith. We think Lau Quing had her taken."

"Kidnapped?" exclaimed Tony, then frowned when his cell suddenly pinged an incoming message.

"You got one of them pegs again, Di Nozzo?"

"No; a message, Boss. I don't think Marley has been kidnapped…"

"Neither do I. I think she talked Lilith into bringing her up here on pretence to play spy, just like her Semper Fi Gang at the car club. Abby forwarded this on to me." Gibbs showed them his screen. On it was a picture of Lilith standing next to a redwood desk; the same desk that had now been dragged into the hallway. Lilith stood there all smiles holding up a green poker chip; Daniel Fitzgerald's poker chip.

"Patrick was killed here," said Ziva.

"Yes, Abby had pretty much suspected that. This evidence will prove it. We've got a legitimate excuse to search the premises for any evidence relating to Marley's so called kidnapping, so get to bagging and tagging everything. Get that desk over there shipped to the garage, it's going to be a match with Abby's evidence from the carpet. Check everything in the office."

"That's where the chip was found. It must have fallen out of Patrick's pocket," surmised Tim. "Marley is a clever girl."

"Yeah well, I don't know where she dreamed up this idea from, but it worked. It's not going to save her hide though, or anyone else who's in on this secret mission."

Ziva stole a quick glance at Tony. He shook his head at her, and then whispered… "She wouldn't."

In a subtle response, Ziva raised her eyebrows.

"No use tracking her phone, she forwarded this via a burn before she turned hers off," said Tim as he fiddled with Gibbs's phone.

"You just found all out that there, then?" asked Gibbs pointing to his phone.

"Yep, really, Boss, you gotta get a better phone; the delays on these forwarded jpegs are shi... Ah terrible. You need a smart phone."

"I don't need a smart ass or a smart phone; I got Di Nozzo and you. So get bagging and tagging. I'm heading back to interrogate those two. Get onto Abby, try and get a trace on Marley."

"You might want to start with the Semper Fi gang," suggested Tony. He then looked at his phone and opened the message. "Marley, why that little..."

"That little lady is in so much trouble when I get my hands on her," groused Gibbs.

"But, where is she?" asked an exasperated Ziva.

'Don't know," said Gibbs, trying to suppress his concern with more annoyance.

"But she's safe, Boss," interjected Tony.

"How do you know, Di Nozzo?"

"Here look," Di Nozzo handed over his cell.

FREEZE FRAME: Cut to Extreme Close up; XCU of Tony's cell phone screen showing a text green bubble with words; Que Sera Sera written on it. Convert black and white. Cut.

TBC. Chapter 12: Cinderella Liberty

A.N. Sorry for the wait; I've been on holidays with very little network coverage. Well a long Chapter, I know, but everything needed to turn up, well except for Marley. Thanks to Harliquinn for betaing and encouraging, not to mention having to wade through all this to make sure it jelled and was not repetitive. Please feel free to point out any glaring discrepancies.