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Enjoy

(Edited to have Gibbs only use his first name when introducing himself to Roy Parker - thanks for the pickup Gibblette )

Chapter 29 - Apologies and Assassins

"A-choo!"

"Bless you Tony," said Jenny, watching as the young boy grabbed a tissue from the bench.

Sneezing again, this time into the tissue, Tony grabbed another and blew his nose.

Standing up, Jenny went over to him and felt his forehead. It didn't feel overly hot although his cheeks were a little flushed.

"You feeling OK?" she asked, brushing the hair back from his face.

"Yeah, it's just a sneeze Mom," replied Tony, rolling his eyes at the attention.

"Two sneezes," reminded Jenny.

"Oh no!" exclaimed Tony. "Two sneezes! Better call an ambulance!"

"Don't be cheeky," scolded Jenny, trying not to laugh at the boy's antics. "You might be coming down with something."

"I'm fine," said Tony. "I just need some fresh air. Can we go to a park or something?"

"Yeah, can we?" added Ziva, who'd been sitting at the table watching the exchange between Tony and her Mom.

"Hey Abby!" called Tony. "See if you can find us a nearby park on your phone?"

Abby, who had been laid on the sofa since lunch time, was just about to reach into her pocket for her phone when she remembered Gibbs had it.

"Can't Tony," she called back. "Dad has my phone."

"Dad!" yelled Tony, heading over to the arm chair where Gibbs was slumped with his eyes closed.

"Tony, I'm just here, you don't have to yell," replied Gibbs, opening his eyes and focusing on his son.

"Sorry," said Tony quickly. Then, holding out his hand said, "Where's Abby's phone? She needs it to check where the nearest park is."

"Go and ask Tim," replied Gibbs. "Abby's not allowed her phone at the moment."

"Why?" asked Tony.

"Because she's grounded for two weeks and that means no electronic devices except in emergencies," explained Gibbs.

"Ew, that sucks!" exclaimed Tony.

Gibbs raised his eyebrows and looked sternly at Tony.

"Well, it does," defended Tony. "Who's gonna be our tour guide?"

"Tim is quite capable of taking over the job for a couple of weeks," pointed out Gibbs.

"Yeah, but Abby's so good at it," argued Tony.

"Tony," warned Gibbs. "Just leave it, OK?"

Sighing, Tony turned away and headed back to the kitchen table where Tim was already on his phone.

"Found anything yet?" asked Tony as he stood looking over Tim's shoulder.

"Well," began Tim. "The Botanic Gardens are just a five minute walk away."

"Yeah, but do they have a playground?" asked Tony.

"Not sure," mumbled Tim as he put all his focus into scrolling through the information.

Tony rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh.

"See," he said to the room at large. "Abby would have found a great playground by now."

"Tony!" reprimanded Jenny.

Tony turned quickly to see the glare he was receiving and figured it would be in his best interest to sit down and keep quiet.

"OK," continued Tim. "There's a playground about ten minutes walk from here. It's part of a sport's ground." He looked up to see what people thought of the idea.

"Sounds fine to me, Tim," said Jenny. "Who's in?"

"Me!" shouted Ziva, standing on her chair and jumping up and down.

"Hey!" yelled Gibbs. "Get off the chair before you break your neck!"

He watched as Ziva scrambled down and raced off to the bedroom, presumably to get her shoes ready for the park. He presumed right when, not ten seconds later, she came racing out with her shoes and immediately began putting them on.

"Come on Tony," she urged as her brother still sat at the table. "Go and get your shoes."

Not needing further encouragement, Tony followed suit and soon both children were standing at the door waiting impatiently.

As the adults made their way to the door, Gibbs passed Abby who was still laid out on the sofa.

"Come on, Abbs," he said, tapping her gently on the back.

"I'm gonna stay here," she said groggily. "I still need more sleep."

"No you don't," replied Gibbs firmly. "We're heading out as a family and that means you too."

"But Gibbs!" she began to whine.

"Abby, you kept Jen, Tim and me up last night looking for you and worrying about you. Now we're going and so are you. No arguments"

As she looked into Gibbs' determined face, Abby knew there would be no reprieve. Sighing dramatically, she rose from the sofa and stalked into the bedroom.

"And lose the attitude!" called Gibbs as Abby closed the door behind her.

Five minutes later, a fully dressed and presentable Abby, exited the room and made for the front door.

"Well come on then," she said testily as everyone watched her approach. "Let's go!"

Leading the way, she yanked open the door and stepped out into the hall. As the family headed towards the elevator, Gibbs and Jenny shared a look. Burning off some pent up energy might be just what they all needed.

As they crossed the road and walked along the pavement, they couldn't help but notice a game was well underway on the sports oval. Stopping to watch, they found themselves mingled amongst a noisy crowd who appeared to be barracking for the team wearing blue and red.

"What are they playing Dad?" asked Tony. Despite knowing a lot about sport, this game was completely unfamiliar.

"It's Australian Rules Football," replied Gibbs. "I don't know much about the game other than the aim is to kick the ball through the middle of the goal posts which are at either end of the field."

"Football?" repeated Tony incredulously. "Doesn't look like football to me!"

"That's because you haven't seen real football before mate," replied someone from the noisy crowd.

As Tony looked, he saw a large man standing to his right. He was wearing a beanie and scarf which sported the same colors as one of the teams on the field. In his right hand he held a can of beer.

"How do you play it?" asked Tony.

"Well," began the man, taking a gulp of the beer. "There are 22 players per team but only 18 are allowed on the field. Each team is aiming for their goal. A kick between the center posts is worth six points. If the ball goes either side of that but between the smaller post, then it's called a behind and the team scores one point. The ball starts in the center and each teams kicks or hand passes it towards their goal. Got it kid?"

"Ahh, yeah," replied Tony, still looking a little confused. "I think so. How long's a game?"

"It's divided into quarters and each quarter runs for twenty minutes," the man replied.

As Tony watched, one of the players in blue and red leaped onto the back of another player and caught the ball. He then turned towards his goal and, taking his time, lined up his kick.

"Come on Davo! Straight through the goal!" yelled the man with the beer, making Tony jump.

Tony watched as 'Davo' ran a few paces before kicking the ball straight into the air and towards the goal. The ball soared towards the goal but, just as the crowd began to get excited, it overshot the goal just a few inches to the left and headed, instead, between the goal and outer post.

"Geez! Crikey Davo!" yelled the beer holding man. "What ya call that ya flamin' idiot. Even a sheila couldda made that kick!"

Kicking the ground in frustration, the man shook his head and stormed off towards another group of spectators who seemed to be just as unhappy as he was.

Having absolutely no idea what the man had just said, Tony look at his Dad and frowned.

"I think he's mad because the player didn't make the goal," explained Gibbs, smirking slightly. "Come on, let's keep going."

As they past the football game with its loud spectators, Tony continued to watch in fascination. It wasn't long however, before the game was just a noise in the background and their new focus was a large, brightly colored playground only a short distance ahead.

"Can we run to it Daddy?" asked Ziva.

"Sure, off you go," replied Gibbs.

He watched as Tony and Ziva raced up to the playground but when both children hesitated at the fence, he realized the gate must be latched with a child proof locking devise. Quickening his pace to reach the gate, he wasn't really surprised when Ziva found a nearby tree and began scaling its trunk. Within seconds she had climbed past the height of the fence and, crawling out along the branch, swung herself down and landed deftly on the other side.

Reaching the gate, he stretched up and lifted the metal pole, allowing the gate to open. As he and Tony entered, Ziva came bounding up to them.

"Ziva, the gate is locked for a reason," began Gibbs quietly. "You're supposed to wait for an adult to open it for you, not find the nearest tree so you can climb over the fence."

"Well, they shouldn't put the trees so close then," argued Ziva. "Besides, if they didn't have the fence made out of this stupid metal stuff that goes up and down, I could've climbed the fence and not had to use the tree."

Deciding it wasn't worth arguing, Gibbs just shook his head and sent the children off to play.

With the adults settled at a nearby table, Tony and Ziva made good use of the playground. It wasn't long though, before Tony spied a group of boys playing what looked like, a game of Australian Rules football. Curious to find out more about this game, Tony veered away from the playground and stood on the edge of the large grassy area and watched intently. The boys appeared to be around his age, some slightly older, some slightly younger and, as he gazed from the sideline, it wasn't long before one of the boys approached him.

"You wanna play?" the young boy asked. Tony couldn't help but notice his bright red hair and the masses of freckles on his face.

"Sure," replied Tony. "I don't really know how though."

"Don't know?" said the boy scornfully. "Where ya been, in a hole?"

"No, I'm not from Australia," replied Tony.

"That why you talk funny?" asked the boy.

"No I don't," said Tony, slightly offended. "I talk like an American 'cause that's where I'm from."

"America!" exclaimed the boy. "You been to Disneyland?"

"No," replied Tony. "I live a long way from Disneyland."

The boy shrugged, before pulling on Tony's shirt.

"Come on then," he said, dragging Tony into the game. "You'll learn fast. Just try and get the ball then kick it between those two center posts. OK?"

"Um, yeah, OK?" replied Tony, still a little unsure.

"Oh, I'm Matt by the way," said the boy as he led Tony onto the field.

"Tony," replied Tony.

Suddenly the boy took off and Tony was left to fend for himself. Watching carefully as the other boys weaved in an out, catching the ball and taking off with it, he began to get an idea of what to do. He noticed that when the boys ran with the football, they would occasionally bounce it on the ground. Tony wondered if that was a rule similar to basketball where you could only run for a certain length while holding the ball. Feeling a little more confident, Tony immersed himself into the game and began running along with the others.

After a few minutes, Matt managed to take possession of the football. He ran for a bit, bounced the ball, then called out to Tony.

As Tony looked up, Matt kicked the ball straight at him. He lifted his arms in readiness to catch it. He felt the leather of the ball graze his hands then, CRASH! Tony felt himself falling to the ground, football in hand, with the weight of a herd of elephants on his back. As his face hit the dirt, he heard in the distance, a man's voice shouting.

"Hey! No tackling! You know the rules Gavin!"

As the weight released from his aching back, Tony felt strong arms touch him gently.

"Stay still, mate." Tony recognized the voice as the one he'd heard a few seconds ago. "Are you in any pain?"

"No, I don't think so," replied Tony.

"Just move your arms and legs for me, gently does it," said the man.

As Tony wiggled his arms and legs, he saw his Dad running up to him.

"You OK Tony?" asked Gibbs, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine," said Tony, scrambling to his knees. He slowly stood up and looked at the two men who were staring at him. "I'm just a bit winded."

"Well, you can't be too careful," said the man who had come to his aid.

Turning to Gibbs, he held out his hand. "Roy Parker," he said as a way of introduction.

Grasping the hand and shaking firmly, Gibbs replied, "Jethro. Thanks for coming to Tony's aid."

"No worries," replied Roy. "Glad he's not hurt."

Tony watched as Roy made his way over to the group of boys. Judging by the pointed finger, he was obviously telling them off.

"You sure you're OK, Tony?" asked Gibbs, giving his full attention to his son.

"Yes Dad," replied Tony, beginning to feel embarrassed by the concern. "I'm not a baby."

"I know you're not," said Gibbs calmly. "But those boys landed pretty heavy on you."

"It's called a tackle Dad," informed Tony. "They were trying to mark the ball but, when I caught it, they tried to tackle me."

Gibbs raised his eyebrows.

"Sounds like you're getting the hang of this game," he said.

"It's pretty cool," said Tony.

As the boys were released by Mr Parker to play again, Tony pulled away to join them.

"I'm alright Dad," he said again. "Go and watch Ziva. She's the baby."

Gibbs laughed but chose to stand close by for a while. When Roy Parker passed him five minutes later, he stopped to assure Gibbs he'd be keeping an eye on the game.

"I'll ref for a while," he said. "They're pretty good boys, just tend to get a bit excitable."

"Thanks," said Gibbs.

After a couple of minutes, Gibbs could see that the game was being well controlled by Roy, so he decided to join the others.

"Where's Tim and Abby?" he asked, seeing Jenny was on her own.

"They went for a walk in search of coffee," replied Jenny. "Tony alright?"

"Yeah, he's fine. I'll just keep an eye on his back for a while," replied Gibbs, taking a seat next to her. "He's certainly getting into the game. Once all of this is over and we're back home, I must get him enrolled in some team sports."

"Good idea and Ziva definitely needs to go to gymnastics," said Jenny laughing.

"Yeah," snorted Gibbs. "She could probably teach the class."

****NCIS****

"So," said Tim, trying to break the awkward silence that was steadily growing between him and Abby. "How are you feeling?"

"Um…OK," said Abby softly.

They had been walking for about five minutes in search of a coffee shop and, so far, had come up empty. However, as they turned the corner into a side street, Tim spotted a coffee van about ten yards ahead.

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "Coffee at last!"

Abby gave a small laugh and the two of them quickened their pace.

As Tim went up to the window to order, Abby lingered behind. Finding a low retainer wall running along a grassy verge that led up to a large residential block, she took a seat on it and waited for Tim. When he returned with only two coffees, she looked up at him expectantly.

"Why only two?" she asked, gratefully taking the one he was handing to her.

"I'll get the others on the way back," he replied, taking a seat next to her. "We need to talk."

Nodding her head slightly, Abby took off the plastic lid and lifted the cup to her mouth, taking a sip. The coffee was hot but, as it slipped past her taste buds, she felt her body absorb the delicious taste and, for a moment, she relaxed.

After a few minutes of silence and a few more sips, she looked up at Tim.

"I'm sorry Tim," she finally said. "I put you in a terrible position last night. I shouldn't have run off like that."

"Why did you?" asked Tim, taking his first sip of coffee. He'd spent the last few minutes puffing madly through the small spout in the lid, trying desperately to cool down the scorching liquid.

Abby shrugged.

"Abbs," prompted Tim. "Why did you run off?"

"I don't know," she finally said. Her voice held no hint of whining or defensiveness. Instead, she was quiet and reserved. Very 'un-Abby' as Tim would have put it. "I guess I was just mad that you wouldn't come to the nightclub with me."

"There's got to be more to it than that," argued Tim. "You must have realized how much trouble you'd be in. It's not like you to risk that, especially with Gibbs."

"Yeah, I know. I just wasn't thinking straight." She took another sip of the steaming brew. "I guess I just wanted to have fun and being couped up with everyone was starting to get to me."

"I get that," said Tim. "And we did go out, and we did have fun. Why wasn't that enough?"

"Just leave it Tim," replied Abby. She stood up and began to walk further along the street.

"No Abby," said Tim, jogging to catch up with her. "This isn't like you."

Taking her arm, he steered her back towards the retainer wall.

"Sit down and talk to me," he said firmly.

"Stop telling me what to do!" Abby wrenched her arm free from Tim's. "I can make my own decisions, I'm not a child!"

"Then stop acting like one," replied Tim crossly as he gently pushed her down on to the wall. "Your actions last night weren't that of an adult. You behaved like a spoiled teenager determined to get her own way. Do you realize you could have died last night. You know what that guy did, don't you?"

"Yes, of course I do," snapped Abby. "Obviously I didn't intend on that happening."

"But it did Abby," growled Tim. "If Gibbs hadn't been there-"

"I know, alright! I've already had this lecture from Gibbs. I don't need it from you too!" She turned away and took another sip of coffee.

"You still haven't told me why you ran off?" insisted Tim.

Abby let out a frustrated groan.

"Yes, I have," she gritted. "I wanted to have some fun and you wouldn't let me. Yeah, OK, I acted like a spoiled brat, I know that. It's just, well..." She rolled her eyes. "Sheesh Tim, it's too hard to explain."

"Try me," he said gently.

Abby took a deep breath.

"I watch Gibbs with Ziva and he's so loving and protective. He used to be like that with me." She looked down at the ground.

"What do you mean 'used to'?" asked Tim. "He still is."

"Not like he used to be," she argued. "I know it sounds dumb but… I liked being his favorite. He used to treat me differently to the rest of you. But…well… now that Tony and Ziva are little, it's all different. Work is different and…well… I just miss it."

She traced her fingers over the wording on the coffee cup and there fell between them a silence as Tim mulled over what she'd said.

"So, last night…" he began slowly. "Last night was a test? To see if Gibbs would come looking for you?"

"No, not really," she said. "I guess I was just trying to push the boundaries a bit. To see if Gibbs cared enough to stop me."

Looking up at Tim, Abby tried to gauge if his eyes held any judgement or, worse still, pity in response to her confession. But all she saw was concern and love.

"Abby," he said softly, putting his arm around her. "I know things are different and, to be honest, there are times when I feel as if I'm overlooked too. We used to be a team, working together to solve crimes. I felt like my life had a purpose. Don't get me wrong," he said quickly, seeing the confused look on Abby's face. "I love writing. It's just that it's not as…I don't know, not as exciting I guess."

He gave a little smile, "I even miss Tony calling me Probie."

"Everything's so different Tim," said Abby, leaning into his shoulder. "I know it's no-one's fault and it's silly to be jealous…"

"It's not silly," cut in Tim. "But you don't need to worry about your relationship with Gibbs. He still loves you and, in some way, I guess we are still a team. Maybe not a working team like we were, but we're definitely more of a family team. Where I once saw Gibbs as my boss and mentor, I kind of see him more as a dad now. Does that sound too hinky?"

"No," said Abby laughing at Tim's expression. "But that's probably why it's a bit more difficult for me. I've always seen Gibbs as a Dad but now, with Ziva, I can see how much more of a father he is with her and, well, I just feel a little jipped."

"He still loves you Abby and it sounds like he took on a more fatherly role this morning," hinted Tim, grinning at her.

Abby blushed.

"Yeah, well, I could've done without that," she said softly.

"I guess you got your answer though," said Tim.

She looked up at him and frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you pushed the boundary and Gibbs showed you he cared enough to stop you," replied Tim.

"True," agreed Abby. "He didn't have to ground me as well though."

"Yeah, I heard him say something to Tony about that," said Tim. "In what way are you grounded? I gather he took your phone?"

"Yep!" said Abby, sighing heavily. "No phone or electronic devices for two weeks! No music, no games." She let out a groan. "How am I going to survive without my music? And, unless it's a family outing, I have to stay in the van or hotel room. I mean the spanking was bad enough, but being grounded as well…" She flopped backwards onto the grassy verge.

"You'll survive," said Tim, pulling her up into a sitting position again. "Be thankful you're still here to have to go through the grounding. I was so scared last night," he added, his tone becoming serious again. "Please don't ever do that again. If you want Gibbs' attention, do it while you're with him, not me!"

"Don't worry Tim," replied Abby reassuringly. "I won't be doing that again."

She stood up.

"Come on, we'd better get these coffees and head back," she said, pulling on Tim's arm to encourage him to stand.

"Yeah," replied Tim grinning slightly. "We don't want Papa Gibbs coming in search of us. I don't think your butt would survive another round."

Punching him in the arm, Abby rolled her eyes and headed back to the coffee van. She was glad things were back to normal with Tim. In this obscure family they now found themselves in, he was her greatest ally.

****NCIS****

As he sat working at his desk, the shrill ring of the telephone started him. Picking up the receiver before the second ring became merely an echo, he cleared his throat and answered, "Anthony DiNozzo."

"Mr DiNozzo," replied a female voice. "I'm glad I caught you at home."

"Who is this?" he asked tersely. He wasn't in the mood for some sales person to try and sell him something he neither needed nor could afford. Since the crash of his latest investments, Anthony DiNozzo Senior was feeling the pinch.

"My name is Officer Miriam Belzer. I work for Mossad," she replied, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

"One of Eli's lot?" asked DiNozzo. "Thought he'd forgotten about me."

"Rest assured Mr DiNozzo, Director David does not forget those he values." Despite the disgust she was feeling, Belzer made a convincing show of appealing to the man's ego.

"Values hey?" replied DiNozzo, softening somewhat. "Well then, I guess you'd better tell me what this call is about."

"I understand your intentions to blackmail Agent Gibbs didn't go as planned," began Belzer.

"You could say that," sneered DiNozzo.

The anger he had felt when hearing Gibbs had managed to disappear off the face of the earth, taking Tony with him, was still raw. He had been counting on that money.

"Director David was not too happy when he heard about your failed attempts. Using his name as a means of convincing Gibbs to hand over the money was not your smartest move. However," Belzer paused for effect. "The Director is a forgiving man and, as such, has decided give you a second chance."

"Go on," said DiNozzo, wondering what this second chance was going to entail.

"After making some inquiries into your financial affairs, the Director discovered you and he share a mutual contact."

Despite the feeling of outrage that David had meddled into his private affairs, DiNozzo was more interested in knowing who their mutual contact was and so, swallowing his desire to spit expletives into the phone, he remained silent and waited for Officer Belzer to disclose her information.

"Natasha Lenkov," revealed Belzer.

"Ah yes, the Russian dealer," acknowledged DiNozzo. "We have crossed paths before. I believe it involved the passage of a rare piece of Russian Art she had acquired. A stunning piece which, once I managed to sell on, made both of us a substantial profit. She is also a very beautiful woman."

"Yes, she is," agreed Belzer. "Well, not only do you and Natasha share a love in rare Russian art pieces, it would appear you also share an intense hatred for Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs."

DiNozzo was speechless for a second. Finding his voice, he cleared his throat and said, "Really? And what has caused Natasha to have such a hatred for a man I could not imagine she would ever have crossed paths with."

"That is something she will need to tell you, if she so desires," replied Belzer curtly. "She is flying into New York tomorrow on business. Your task is to accidentally bump into her at the airport and, shall we say, reacquaint. Use your charm Mr DiNozzo and find out exactly where she is staying. You are to take her out to dinner and pour out your heart over your lost son, telling her almost immediately the name of the man who has caused you such grief and how you wish him dead. You must show surprise when she reveals a similar desire as I am sure she will. Do not, under any circumstances, let her see that you already know of her connection with Gibbs."

Belzer paused.

Confused as to why she stopped, DiNozzo shifted nervously in his chair and cleared his throat.

"And then what?" he asked. So far his involvement sounded quite easy, pleasant even. He was a little worried as to where this was leading.

"And then," continued Belzer. "You are to offer your services. Suggest it may be mutually beneficial to join forces in seeing Gibbs meet his demise."

"Order a hit?" stammered DiNozzo. While he agreed Gibbs was an interfering bastard and, yes, had expressed a desire to see him dead, he wasn't too keen on being the one to orchestrate this.

"Do not worry, Anthony," replied Belzer in a patronizing tone. "It will be at this point I am sure, that Natasha will reveal her true intentions for being in the States."

"Which are?" asked DiNozzo.

"To kill three NCIS agents," replied Belzer matter-of-factly. "William Decker, Jenny Shepard and Leroy Jethro Gibbs."

"So, if she already plans to do this," began DiNozzo slowly, trying to get his head around what Belzer was saying. "Why does Eli David want me involved?"

"Because, Mr DiNozzo, you will be his spy."

Anthony DiNozzo could feel his face paling, the blood leaving his extremities and rushing to his heart where it began to beat furiously. Feeling a strong desire to disconnect the call, he refrained, knowing such an action could see him next on this sordid list of 'David's Most Wanted'.

"A..a spy?" he stammered.

"That is correct," confirmed Belzer, as calmly as if he'd just said two and two equals four. "Your task is to report every day to Director David, informing him of Natasha's plans and any new intel she may have on the whereabouts of the illusive Gibbs."

"But…but what if Natasha finds out what I'm doing?" asked DiNozzo. "She will kill me!"

"Then it is up to you to ensure she doesn't find out," replied Belzer coldly. "I have my own role to play. I am part of the hit team she has hired to take out the three agents. She does not know of my Mossad background, nor is she ever to find out. Is that understood?"

"Yes, yes of course," replied DiNozzo.

"Because," continued Belzer, in a tone that could only be described as threatening. "Should she find out my true identity, it will not go well for you. I'm sure you understand my meaning?"

"Yes."

DiNozzo took a deep breath. What the hell had he got himself into?

"Good," replied Belzer. "Then I take it you will be at the airport tomorrow afternoon? Her flight arrives at 16.50. Do not be late."

"I'll be there," assured DiNozzo. Then, summoning what little courage he had left, he asked. "So, what's in this for me?"

There was a pause at the other end and, for a moment, DiNozzo thought he'd managed to secure his demise after all. He sighed with relief when Belzer finally spoke.

"You will be well compensated for your troubles," began Belzer quietly. "Director David is offering you two million for your services. One hundred thousand up front, the rest once Gibbs and Shepard are dead and Ziva is returned to him. What you do with your boy, is up to you. Is it no bother for us to kill him also, should that be your desire?"

"Well I don't want him," said DiNozzo callously. "Better for everyone to have him caught in the crossfire. As long as I get my two million, he is of no use to me."

"That can certainly be arranged," replied Belzer.

She almost felt sorry for his idiot of a man. If only he knew the truth. Eli David had no intention of parting with two million dollars. Sure, he was willing to sacrifice one hundred thousand as a down payment to see this man wine and dine their mutual assassin but there was no way Anthony DiNozzo would ever live long enough to see the rest of the money. Sadly, he would meet an unfortunate end. Not by Eli's hands of course, reflected Belzer, but by the very woman DiNozzo was trusting to carry out his desire to see Gibbs dead. In the end, it would be a clean kill. Svetlana Chernitskaya would wear the blood of Shepard, Gibbs, DiNozzo and his son, Eli would have his daughter returned and she, Miriam Belzer, would be rewarded beyond measure. She could almost taste the victory, it seemed so close.

"So," she said, turning her attention back to the call. "We have a deal Mr DiNozzo?"

Anthony hesitated for a mere fraction before taking a deep breath.

"Yes," he said firmly. "Tell Eli David, I shall expect to see one hundred thousand in my account by the close of this business day.

And, with a confidence he did not truly feel, Anthony DiNozzo Senior disconnected the call.