Author's note: before I let you read this last chapter, I'd just like to thank everyone for their patience and support. I started writing this when Kate was still alive and Morrow was NCIS director and a lot has changed since then. Thank you to everyone who has read this, thank you to everyone who has supported me with reviews and e-mails. Every one is treasured. I hope that the ending doesn't disappoint. Let me know what you think- J
Chapter 36: Dénouement
"Promise me that whatever happens you'll," Tony broke off to cough weakly, "keep running," he completed, and coughed again, this time a little harsher. His hand tightened its grip around the doctors' arm, as Dr. Clarke leaned forward to steady him.
Dr. Clarke looked up at their captors pleadingly. "He needs some water," he stated. Tony's grip tightened as he coughed again, and the increase in pressure made the doctor look back at him, watching the struggle for breath with increasing concern.
He looked up again, feeling the growing anger once more bolstering his nerve. "Look, if your boss wants me to keep him alive and coherent enough to give you answers, then he needs some water." He kept his voice even, trying to make it seem like more of a demand than a request, recognising that these were people who responded to strength, not weakness or compassion, but he couldn't help the slightly desperate "please," that tagged itself onto the edge of his request as Tony coughed again.
The three remaining thugs looked at each other, then at Tony who was still trying to control the painful cough. Finally one of them spoke.
"You two go and get some from the car, I'll watch them."
Reeves and Atkins shared a look. "You know what Hamilton said, none of us are to be on their own, break that rule on pain of death." Reeves stated.
Hamilton had them all scared, they'd watched him shoot a friend, a man he had worked with on and off for ten years. He'd shot him through the head, without blinking, because he'd let Tony escape. They weren't about to do anything that would anger the man, and, if anything, as time passed, he'd become more paranoid, convinced that one of them was a traitor. He trusted no one. He'd banned them from going anywhere, even to the bathroom, alone. They'd eaten, slept and even washed for the last two days always within sight of each other.
"I'll take my chances. There's only one exit in and out of the building and you'll have that covered, besides," he looked across at Tony. "I think the doc's right. If we don't get him some water then he's not going to survive for any more questioning, and Hamilton'll have our asses anyway." He paused, switching his tone to a slightly more persuasive one. "And if you two stay together it'll only be me breaking the rules."
Tony coughed a little more, curling in on himself now as the violent spasms sent further shockwaves of pain through his abused body.
Reeves and Atkins stared at each other for a moment in silent communication. It was Atkins who turned and spoke for them. "OK, we'll go. If Hamilton comes back. . ."
"I'll be sure to let them know it was my idea."
The two men nodded and hurried from the room. The third man watched them go, his pose remaining relaxed until they were out of sight, and then his demeanour shifted. All of his muscles seemed to tense as he moved forwards, covering the distance between himself and the two captives in long rapid strides. He dropped to his knees and retrieved a small water bottle from the inside pocket of his coat, passing it to Dr. Clarke, as he placed his gun on the ground with his other hand. "Here," he said indicating that it should be given to Tony.
The doctor accepted the bottle somewhat bewildered by their erstwhile guard and captor's actions, but he got his priorities right, holding Tony's head so that he could drink some of the water and settle his dry throat.
"Thanks," Tony mumbled, still not fully coherent as he tried to deal with the cacophony of pains that resonated through his system.
Dr. Clarke finally focussed back on the guard who was helping them. "I don't understand, you sent the other two for water and. . . "
"Mike Danvers FBI," Danvers introduced himself, "I've been waiting for my opportunity to make a move. I'm just sorry I couldn't do anything sooner, but Hamilton is a psychopath. This is the first time he's let us out of his sight for two days." He looked Dr. Clarke in the eye. "I'm sorry for. . .at the hospital. . .your colleague. . ."
"Dr. Pashman," Dr Clarke filled in.
"Dr. Pashman," Danvers repeated regretfully, "I had no idea they were going to do that, the plan was to knock people out, not kill them. If I'd known I would have made my move sooner but. . ." he looked down at Tony, who was now watching him. "I was hoping for an opportunity, for a chance before we got you out of the hospital, but there was always too much risk, too much chance that someone innocent would. . . and then. . ." He glanced away, clearly struggling to deal with what had happened. "I'm sorry," he said, as he met Tony's gaze again, the regret sincere. However little choice he'd had, he'd been part of a murder, and part of kidnapping and half killing the man he now stared at, and he truly regretted that, but he knew that he did not have time for this, not if he had any hope of putting some of that right, of saving these two men. He broke his gaze to glance at the doctor and back again. "Look, we don't have long. Once Hamilton gets back he will kill both of you."
"So what's the plan?" Tony asked, taking a cautious breath and swallowing, willing his throat to settle.
Danvers was impressed as he met Tony's gaze, if the positions had been reversed he was sure he would have reacted with emotion, anger, at finding one of the people who had kidnapped and beaten him was a fellow agent. Sure that at least he would have had more questions, been less willing to just accept, but Tony was doing exactly what he needed him to do if they were to stand any chance of getting out of this. Danvers pointed with the end of his weapon towards a doorway. "That leads to a corridor with offices at the end. The old fashioned sort, used to have a window half the height of the corridor although the glass is missing now, so all that is left is a low wall with a good view down the only corridor and to the only door. I stashed a bag down there with a spare gun and four clips, last time we were here." He looked around, then back at Tony, "There's no way you can move quickly enough for us to get out of here, but if you can hold them off for twenty minutes, half an hour tops I'll be back with the cavalry."
Tony nodded, "Let's get moving," he said, doing his best to raise both of his arms so that Danvers and Dr. Clarke could help him up from the floor. He was getting to the point that the only effect that the pain was really having was an eroding weariness. So much pain was so. . . tiring. What he most wanted to do was curl up in a ball on the floor and sleep, and if he'd been alone he might have gone for that option, even though it meant he probably wouldn't be waking up again. He really didn't have much to wake up for. . . but he didn't rate the doctor's chances of holding off armed killers. So he had to hang on, just a little bit longer, had to try to save the man who'd tried to save him. He blinked the world back into focus, shifting his weight so that he was being supported solely by the doctor. He pushed Danvers away. "Go," he said.
"I need to help you down there," Danvers protested, "Show you. . ."
"No," Tony stated firmly. "You go now, we'll either make it or we won't, but you hanging around to help us will just get us all killed."
Danvers nodded. "Good luck," he said.
"You too," Tony agreed, "Come on Doc," he turned back to the direction Danver's had pointed. "We need to get moving."
Dr. Clarke marvelled once more at Tony's resilience. True he was supporting most of Tony's weight but the fact that he was on his feet at all was a testament to his strength of will. They moved off together. Dr. Clarke didn't draw a full breath until they were through the door, and out of the direct line of sight of most of the room they had left behind.
Tony only looked up once, when they entered the corridor. He gave a slight grimace at the distance he still had to cover, fifty feet in his condition was like being at the start of a marathon. Then he put his head down and concentrated on reaching his destination. Danvers was right; this corridor was easily defensible. Even with superior firepower no one was getting down it as long as the person at the other end had ammunition. Their only worry now was making it to the end themselves before their captors got back. It was a perfect killing ground both ways, but Tony couldn't afford to allow that thought to intrude. There were too many others crowding in, ready to distract, ready to destroy, each a memory of physical or emotional pain. Each step, already painful, was punctuated by a memory
Remembering to take a breath when he had first seen Julie after so many years. Trying to ride through the waves of pain as he had the crap beaten out of him. Fighting the temptation to confess all to Gibbs. Finding the evidence of Julie's betrayal, the death of a friend, killing her. . . . killing her. . . Fighting not to die, without truly understanding why he even wanted to go on living, waking in this warehouse again, same men ready to beat him again, the fear. . .
His vision tunnelled only to his destination, his hearing narrowed to only his own harsh breaths, and the roaring of blood through his veins. There was nothing else. He did not exist in the world, only in the next step forward and the last haunting memory. He could allow nothing more because he was already beyond physical and emotional overload, and the only reason he didn't fall over was because he didn't have it in him to give up. He had let Gibbs down in every other way possible. He would not add the final betrayal and be the protégé who just gave up. If he was going to die here then he would, but he'd be damned if he'd let these bastards kill him and the doctor without a fight, Gibbs wouldn't, and he couldn't either. He owed his mentor at least that. He owed him a lot more.
They made it to the low wall of the office and moved inside. Tony scanned the area, trying to focus clearly enough to remember what he was looking for, but his breathing was too laboured, his body demanding oxygen, his injured chest and compromised lungs struggling to satisfy the need. He closed his eyes and concentrated on just that, in, out, in, out, slow and easy.
When he opened his eyes again he was sitting on the floor, leaning back against the low wall and Dr. Clarke was staring worriedly at him, clasping a canvas bag in one hand and a gun in the other. Tony met his gaze. "Can you fire that?" he asked.
Dr. Clarke swallowed nervously. "Kind of goes against the Hippocratic oath. You know, 'first do no harm.'"
Tony nodded and took the gun from him, ignoring the pain in his arm as he expertly released and checked the clip and then the chamber. "This is how you release the clip," he demonstrated, "and reload." He looked up from the gun and met the doctors' gaze again. "I'll hold them off as long as I can, but if I. . . If I can't then you need to keep them from coming down that corridor." He paused for a moment. "If the FBI are involved Gibbs will already know. He'll come." The statement was made with absolute certainty. "You don't have to shoot anyone, just, if you have to, aim at the walls, only shoot when they make a move, we don't have much ammo. . ."
"Maybe I should just take the gun now?" Dr. Clarke suggested, "I'm sure I can. . ."
"No," Tony interrupted, knowing it was only a half-hearted offer. He still needed to convince the man in front of him that if it came to it he would have to fire the weapon. It would be his only chance of survival. Tony didn't rate much for his own chances with or without it, but the doctor should make it out of this alive.
Did he understand that firing that gun might be his only hope?
"No need for you to betray your Hippocratic oath unless you have to," Tony managed the ghost of a smile. He knew that at least the first few rounds fired would have to be on target if they were to have any hope of deterring career assassins like Hamilton. "I just need to know that if it comes to it, you'll ignore what's happening to me and use this." He gave a slight wave with the gun. "Because if they make it down that corridor, we're both dead anyway." Tony held Dr. Clarke's gaze, the intensity of the look conveying much more than words ever could. If he didn't do this then they would both die here, Tony fully expected to die anyway.
"I understand," Dr. Clarke stated
Tony nodded, finally satisfied that the man did understand the stakes. He drew in as deep a breath as he could manage, steeling himself against the next onslaught of pain as he prepared to give the last of what his body and soul had to offer. He was weak beyond any measurable scale, emotionally in tatters, and only strength of will was keeping him conscious and moving in any coherent fashion, but he knew that he had to keep going, knew that his final act in this life should count for something. Something that could maybe counter his betrayal, could maybe make up for the bad decisions that had brought him here, and cost lives, maybe. . .
"Help me get in position?" he asked, raising his hand for help.
NCISNCIS
"Shots fired, second floor." The communication rang unnecessarily through the headsets. They had all heard the tell tale signs of weapons fire.
Gibbs swore softly, he had hoped for a little more time, a little more Intel on what was going on inside the building. "Go, go, go," he ordered. "All teams you have a go." He was running now, gun drawn, heading for the entrance to the familiar warehouse. At least he had been inside before, knew the layout. That should give them some advantage. Most of Fornell's team had been here before as well. Still that knowledge didn't help the tightening of his gut. Weapons fire before an assault started never boded well. Not for the people on the inside, and Tony was inside, he was certain of that.
It had been McGee who'd found the vital link, based on Abby's identification of the men involved and the extensive files she'd retrieved from Interpol.
"There were two cases in England," McGee stated, pulling up the case file on the plasma in Abby's lab, "where bodies were discovered. In both cases Hamilton was suspected. One was a warehouse in London's Docklands, one at a railway sidings in a place called Crewe." The pictures on the screen flashed two nondescript large buildings photographed below a gray sky.
"And this helps us how?" Gibbs asked impatiently.
McGee turned from the keyboard. "In both cases the buildings were sealed and left after the forensic teams had taken a look at them, and in both cases there is evidence that Hamilton went back and used the buildings again, on the assumption that that was the last place the police would be looking for them."
Gibbs was already moving for the door, his cell out to call for an NCIS assault team and then Fornell, this was one operation he wasn't going to mind collaboration on, the more teams the better as far as he was concerned.
McGee's ability to follow him was delayed slightly by Abby cupping her hand round either cheek and pulling him into a full kiss. She pulled back leaving him slightly stunned by the intensity.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" she asked when he didn't immediately move. "Go rescue Tony," and she gave him a confident smile as though it was now a foregone conclusion, instead of a long shot, that they would get their friend and fellow agent back alive.
NCISNCIS
Tony waited, drew in another breath, counted slowly. They were coming and he had to stop them, but he needed them far enough down the corridor for his shots to count, but not far enough for them to risk anything reckless. He squeezed his eyes shut drew in a breath then exhaled as he moved. Up, aim fire, once, twice, turn, re-aim, fire again, another two swift pulls of the trigger, then back to the first target, aim. . . Pain was exploding through his system, muscles screaming at the abuse, he ignored it, he was getting used to ignoring it, but the kicks of adrenaline were no longer enough. His brain told his finger to squeeze the trigger and the shot went wild as he collapsed backwards unconscious.
NCISNCIS
The first resistance was just through the entryway. Gibbs and Kate took either side, McGee behind Kate and several other suited NCIS agents took position behind them. Gibbs risked a look in and was met by automatic weapons fire. He threw himself back as the bullets shattered the frame where his head was, and tore into the concrete behind him. He looked across at Kate, her stance ready to move, but he shook his head just slightly. Going in this way was suicide. He spoke into the headset "This is team one, we're pinned at the main door, one shooter, automatic weapon."
"Team two," a tinny voice came through Gibbs earpiece, "the roof access is booby trapped, we're working on it but it will take a few minutes to get through."
Gibbs swore softly, as Fornell's voice came over the radio. "Team three is entering. . ." They heard the explosion in stereo, through the headsets and muffled from the other side of the building.
Fornell swore loudly, before snapping back into professional mode. It was clear that he was running as he spoke. "Agents down far side of the building. Dammit! There were explosives on the fire escape."
Gibbs stared forward without seeing, ignoring the frantic radio chatter, his mind replaying the hastily assembled assault plan. That was it, three entry points and no way in, agents injured, pinned down, and there was still the faint echo of sporadic weapons fire from the floor above. He looked across at Kate, saw his own concerns reflected in her eyes. If they waited it out then there was no hope for those inside, no hope for Tony.
It wasn't really a decision he took, just an automatic response to circumstances. "Kate, McGee, cover me on three," he instructed, his gaze sweeping across the agents around him. "Everyone else hold position." He scanned the nodded replies as he began the countdown. "One," he leaned up off the wall, straightened his stance. "Two," he shifted his position, glancing down to check his weapon. "Three," and he was throwing himself sideways through the door, moving rapidly in a wide arc, his gun concentrated on the entryway about thirty feet down, where the shooter was standing. He was only vaguely aware of the two figures who moved in behind him. The gunfire, that should have been deafening as the two agents emptied their clips mere feet from him into the cavernous room, barely registered above muffled thumps as his entire being focused on the figure that emerged into his line of sight. The man turned his weapon almost in slow motion towards him, and then reacted to the bullets that thudded into his chest as Gibbs emptied his own clip into him.
Gibbs was running forward even as he fell, throwing himself into the cover of the wall, in case he wasn't alone. He turned drawing in sharp heavy breaths as he reloaded. Kate moved up beside him still closely followed by McGee, they were both reloading too.
"Was he alone?" Kate asked
"Couldn't see anyone else," Gibbs panted, "Doesn't mean they weren't there." He moved cautiously forward, keeping his back to the wall and his eyes on the entryway.
The floor around Hamilton was slick with blood. It was clear that he was dead long before they reached him so they ignored the corpse, concentrating instead on the hallway behind him. Gibbs moved first, Kate following closely. "Clear," they both shouted as they moved further in.
"Hey!" The shout came from just ahead. "Help!"
Kate, Gibbs and McGee all shared a brief look before running down the corridor guns still pointed forward.
"Don't shoot," Danvers raised one blood-covered hand, keeping his other firmly pressed down on his bleeding thigh. He was crouched on the stairway a few steps up, a clear blood trail leading to the bottom. "Agent Danvers FBI," he stated. "I tried to draw his fire," he gestured vaguely down the corridor towards Hamilton's body. "When I heard you coming in. Not too bright, handgun against M16."
The three agents resisted the temptation to point out that's exactly what they'd just taken him out with. Gibbs spoke into his mike. "We need paramedics, first floor Agent down." He concentrated on Danvers, confident that McGee and Kate were covering the stairs without checking. "How bad is it?" he asked.
"Through and through," Danvers said, clamping his other hand back on the back of his leg with a slight grimace. "I'll live." He nodded up the stairwell. "Leave me. You need to get up there Agent Dinozzo, Dr Clarke. . ." he took in a panting breath. "They're holed up in one of the offices. . ."
Gibbs hadn't allowed himself the luxury of concern since he'd given the order to go, and he didn't allow himself the luxury of relief now, but he couldn't deny the echoing thought that formed a backdrop for his conscious questioning. Tony's alive, he's still alive, there's still hope.
"They armed?" Gibbs asked practically, his relief could still be premature. . .
Danvers nodded. ".38, four clips, they should be able to hold them off for a while."
"How many?"
"Two. . ."
"Reeves and Atkins?" Gibbs asked.
If Danvers was surprised he didn't let it show. He just nodded again. "Reeves has the other M16, Atkins a .38"
"Sit tight," Gibbs stated as Danvers gave another grimace of pain, "EMTs are on their way in."
Danvers nodded again, gritting his teeth a little before adding. "I'll be fine," although the trail of blood, and his near translucent skin attested to the lie of the comment. "Just get them out of there."
"Planning on it," Gibbs acknowledged as he set off up the stairs.
McGee was standing slightly above Kate, both covering the stairwell against attack from above. Gibbs moved past them stopping to take up a covering stance as they passed each other on the move up, like some well rehearsed dance sequence, each starting to move as the next took up position, and then they were at the top of the stairs and moving forwards, covering all of the angles, watchful as they moved towards the still sporadic gunfire.
Kate reached the doorway first, glancing in before dropping back to the side, McGee joined her, and once again Gibbs took the other side.
"Two of them," she confirmed, "One injured, he's holding his shoulder, the other's firing down a corridor opposite."
Gibbs nodded, silently mouthing the one and two before signalling the three. "NCIS, drop your weapons," he shouted as he moved through the doorway Kate at his side.
Atkins just slid down the wall and put up his uninjured hand. Reeves made the mistake of turning with the M16 still in his hands. Six shots hit him in the chest before he'd even completed the turn.
The NCIS agents barely paused, moving forwards again. "McGee watch him," Gibbs ordered as he and Kate ran on. They moved into the mouth of the corridor and were met by a smattering of gunfire, a quick reverse of direction found them panting back in cover, one either side.
"Dinozzo?" Gibbs shouted.
"You'd better stop shooting at him Tony, Gibbs looks seriously pissed." Kate added, holding her position, back against the wall.
"Agent Gibbs?" The tentative voice called back questioningly, "Agent Todd?" The relief was clear and both agents risked a glance down the corridor to see the now standing, hopeful form of Dr Clarke behind a low wall at the other end, he held the .38 loosely, pointing it mostly in their direction.
They both moved out from their cover, their own guns kept down.
Gibbs moved first running forward. He waited until he was closer to the slightly dazed looking man before stating. "It's safe now doc." He gave a meaningful look at the gun the man still held.
The doctor dropped his hand to his side, blinking a couple of times. "Safe," he repeated, as if he had to say it himself for it to have any meaning. Then his gaze drifted down to the man on the floor beside him, and it was as though he'd been slapped in the face. He dropped to his knees, placing the gun on the ground as he felt for a pulse.
Gibbs held his breath, freezing in the moment, an all too familiar hole opening somewhere deep in his intestines as his insides tried to twist into it. This was the third time in less than a week that Tony had been close to death, that there had been doubt about whether they would reach him alive or not. A perverse part of his mind told him he ought to be getting used to it, surely it should be getting easier, but it wasn't, it couldn't ever be.
Dr. Clarke swore.
"Is he. . ?" Kate asked the question that Gibbs couldn't verbalise, but even she only got it half out.
"There's a medical bag, back in the other room. . ." Dr Clarke made the request even as he began shifting Tony's position.
Gibbs didn't move but he did finally let out the breath he'd been holding, still there, still hope. No need for a medical bag if he was already. . .
"I'll get it," Kate turned as she spoke, grateful for something to do. She'd spent too much time in the past few days watching her partner in various stages of dying, only to be pulled back from the brink. She couldn't watch it any more, couldn't believe that he had any luck, any chances left.
"We need paramedics, second floor, now," Gibbs stated into his mike, "And get that medivac chopper down."
Kate arrived with the bag, the EMTs arrived shortly after, soon the whole room was milling with black clad agents with either FBI or NCIS in neat white letters on their flak jackets. The scene needed handling, the teams coordinating, but Gibbs just stood, his back to the wall, Kate next to him, McGee joining her once Atkins had been taken in for questioning. They stood and watched as Dr. Clarke refused to let Tony die. If any of them had been asked what else had happened in the room, in the corridor, they couldn't have said, trained observers who observed nothing, no one, but their friend's fight for life.
Finally Dr Clarke said. "OK let's get him out of here."
"Doc?" Gibbs questioned, finally moving himself away from the support of the wall.
The Doctor turned wearily and gave a slight shake. "I didn't think we'd get him this far, but he's still fighting." He gave a short sigh. "I'm beginning to think I could make a career out of saving his life."
"Tell me about it," Gibbs agreed, his gaze following the stretcher.
"Of course," Dr. Clarke's tone drew Gibbs gaze back to meet his. "Now at least he's paid one back."
NCISNCIS
The conference took place in autopsy, Ducky, Gibbs, Abby, Jimmy, Kate and McGee. It started with Ducky trying to avoid giving his opinion on Tony's condition. He didn't share with the group the fact that many of his autopsies were on healthier people. Instead he tried to concentrate on the few positives, and ignore the many likely complications.
"Dr Clarke is going to keep him sedated for the next few days," he stated, "Give his systems a chance to recover. They'll be keeping a close watch on him."
"But he is going to be all right?" Kate asked.
Ducky thought for a moment, before deciding that a complete lie wouldn't be helpful should things take a turn for the worse. "His body's taken a lot of punishment in the past few days, and he's running a fever from an infection. . ." He paused, deciding what to say next. It wasn't by any means a certainty, even now that he was in the hospital, that Tony would survive let alone make a full recovery, and it would be easier for all concerned if everyone understood that. He looked around the group realising that the sentiment had been carried all too well by his hesitancy to say anything positive, and by the silence. Abby looked almost as if she might cry, Kate too, it had been a traumatic few days. "But he's also receiving the best care," Ducky added, "and, if we can manage to keep him in the hospital this time, then he has a good chance."
Abby brightened a little at the hope in the doctor's tone. "There shouldn't be a problem with that 'cos we've caught all the bad guys now." She looked around, "Right?" There was another moment of thoughtful silence. "Well at least all the ones who might want to kill or kidnap Tony. . .We've got all of those."
"Except Tony hasn't told anyone what he did with the diamonds yet," McGee supplied.
Jimmy blew out a breath and looked down wistfully at the floor "A hundred million dollars, tax free, that's mighty tempting. You could. . ." He had been momentarily oblivious to those around him, but the silence had become a little tense. He looked up and found all of the others staring at him. He faltered, it was difficult not to, given the weight of personalities in the room.
"I trust Mr Palmer, that you were not suggesting that Agent Dinozzo would do anything untoward?" Ducky asked.
Jimmy shook his head rapidly. "No, I. . .er. . .that is, I was just thinking someone else. . . I mean if he knows where the diamonds are. . .and no one else . . .I mean if someone else who knew he knew. . ."
"There are two marines and four agents watching him." Gibbs interjected.
"Still if we could figure out where he sent them," Kate stated. "then he really would be out of danger."
"And that will be our second priority," Gibbs said cryptically. He waited for the question.
"And the first?" Ducky asked.
"We all have reports to write." Gibbs was meeting Ducky's gaze directly now, the others watching.
Ducky obligingly provided the required prompt. "Writing our reports does not normally require a clandestine meeting, Jethro. So what's different today?"
"Well Tony's not usually acting on his own, interfering with a federal investigation." Gibbs gaze now extended to the rest of the group. "If we report it as it happened, then Tony will face at the least disciplinary action, and it's likely he'll be fired. . ."
"Unless we make his actions official. . . ." Fornell took up the sentence, surprising everyone, except Gibbs, as he moved across to join the group.
NCISNCIS
"So," Director Morrow said, "Let me see if I've got this straight." He paused to stare pointedly first at Gibbs and then at Fornell, letting them both know that he was looking for any sign that what he was repeating back to them wasn't the truth. Both men met his gaze with an even stare. "Agent Dinozzo was working undercover on a joint FBI, NCIS operation?" Both men nodded. His next comment was aimed at Gibbs. "We were involved despite their being no naval connection because Agent Dinozzo had previously had a personal relationship with one of the suspects." Gibbs gave another slight nod of agreement. "And you," the director's gaze took in both men again, "didn't tell anyone about this arrangement because you knew there was a leak from somewhere in law enforcement. So you were doing this on a need to know basis." The pause lasted a little longer this time. Both agents knew this was the shakiest part of their story, since the only people they really needed to inform were their own directors, and neither of them would dare suggest that there would be a leak at that level.
Fornell took a breath but it was Gibbs who spoke. "My fault sir, I should have let you know, but there wasn't time to do it in person and anything written is never 100 per cent secure."
"We do have secure e-mail, Agent Gibbs," Morrow suggested, he paused for a moment. "Then again if I had Agent McGee on my team I don't suppose I'd trust it either." He gave a slight smile, before another thoughtful pause. "I know this had a successful outcome. You stopped a crazed killer, arrested a crooked cop and took out a mob hit team, not to mention cutting off a multi million dollar smuggling operation, but two citizens died, and we almost lost two agents in the process." He looked between the two men. "Not the sort of footnote that either agency can afford."
Gibbs looked down for a moment before meeting Morrow's gaze again. "No, sir," he confirmed.
Morrow held the pause again. It was his weapon of choice to make the point that he knew he was being lied to but wasn't on this occasion going to call them on it. That didn't mean he wasn't going to make them squirm a little. He had to be sure that they knew he knew, so that the liberties that they took wouldn't become too big. He stared at each man in turn before he finally nodded, satisfied that they all understood each other. "Very well," he looked across at Fornell. "I'll square everything with your director. You're team are happy to do the mopping up?"
"Yes sir," Fornell said, unable to quite hold in check the surprise and the relief that this part was over, and grateful that he wouldn't have to go through the whole thing again with his own boss.
"And as for you," he directed his comments back to Gibbs. "I'll expect your team's reports on my desk first thing in the morning."
"Yes sir," it was Gibbs' turn to pause. "Except. . ."
"Except for Agent Dinozzo, yes I've spoken to the hospital. You can get his statement when he's well enough." He reached for his phone. "OK both of you get out of here. We've all got clearing up to do."
NCISNCIS
Gibbs headed for his desk coffee in hand. "Kate, McGee I need your reports before I leave."
They both looked up and allowed the relief to show. The director had bought the story, that's all they needed to know.
"Agent Gibbs?"
The tentative voice came from behind and Gibbs turned, just short of his desk, recognising the young man who stood behind him.
"Lloyd," Gibbs moved round to stand in front of his chair as he spoke, gesturing for the young man to move closer as he put his coffee down. "What can I do for you?"
Lloyd placed his backpack on the edge of the desk. "I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner," he stated apologetically, "but I don't get off 'til eight. . . I got here as soon as I could. I know it's a little longer than Tony said but. . ."
Kate and McGee had moved up behind him, watching as he pulled the innocuous looking brown paper package from his bag.
". . .I figured a few hours wouldn't matter too much." He handed the package to Gibbs. "I kept it real safe, like he said. . ."
"Tony told you. . .?" Gibbs began to question.
"No," Lloyd interrupted, "I mean. . . it's in the note."
Gibbs took the package and read the attached piece of paper. 'Lloyd, look after this for me, and keep it hidden, it's very important. Give it to no one but me. Unless you don't hear from me within 48 hours, then take it to Gibbs. Thanks- Tony.' Gibbs gave a small smile, looking up to see Lloyd watching him.
"It's important huh?" Lloyd asked.
"Very," Gibbs confirmed. "Tony really trusts you."
Lloyd smiled proudly, before his expression turned a little more sombre. "He hasn't been home. Is he all right?"
"He's in the hospital," Gibbs answered, considering before continuing. "We'll know in the next few days."
Lloyd gave a slight nod. "OK I. . er. . . You'll let me know if he's up for visitors?" The question was asking for more than that, for information either way. The young man clearly just didn't want to express it.
Gibbs met his gaze and gave a nod. "We'll let you know," either way.
Lloyd zipped up his backpack and hoisted it back onto his shoulder. "Thanks, I guess I'd better be going my parents are expecting me home."
"You live with them?" Kate asked.
"In Brentwood," Lloyd confirmed. He started to move towards the door. "If you speak to Tony, Agent Dinozzo, tell him I kept up my part of the deal. . ."
"Deal?" Kate questioned.
"He helped me deal with some difficult tenants, and I told him that if he ever had any problems with his special agent stuff then he could count on me." Lloyd gave a slight smile, "and tell him that I hope he's better soon." He was backing away by this point and started to turn.
"Wait," McGee called, causing Lloyd to look back. "Don't you want to know what's in the package?"
Lloyd shook his head. "It's spy stuff right? And Tony nearly got himself killed over it so I think I'm best just not knowing. Thanks," and this time he did turn and walk away, leaving three admiring but bemused agents in his wake.
NCISNCIS
Kate was still yawning as she rushed round the corner to her desk in the bullpen, she only slowed down when she realised that Gibbs wasn't at his desk. She pulled up short, depositing her bag on the side rather than moving to her seat. "Gibbs not in yet?" She asked checking her watch.
McGee shook his head. "I've been here since eight, haven't seen him." He shifted in his seat. "You're late," he stated.
"Not if Gibbs doesn't know, I'm not," Kate stated confidently, finally moving round to her seat. "I called by the hospital on my way in."
McGee ignored the opportunity to point out that the hospital was a half hour detour from Kate's place. "And?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Still just holding his own." She sighed. It had somehow been easier this morning, at least easier than when she'd last been by his bedside. She had felt more hope, as though the very air around him acknowledged that the case was over, that there was no more impending threat from the outside. Still, the doctors, even Dr. Clarke who, cleared for duty, spent more time than he should checking on his favourite patient, would only admit to being 'cautiously optimistic,' and that fact was wearing on the nerves.
She'd sat with him for several minutes, trying to convince herself that he looked better, but it wasn't enough. She wasn't sure if, even at the threat of Gibbs' wrath, she was going to be able to concentrate for the day's work ahead.
"Director," Kate acknowledged, as his unexpected appearance in the bullpen finally shook her from her reverie. "If you're looking for agent Gibbs I'm afraid he. . ." She wasn't sure how she would complete the sentence, whether she would have continued with a variation on the truth to cover for Gibbs' uncharacteristic tardiness, because Morrow was already speaking.
". . .Agent Gibbs won't be in for the next week he's taken a vacation."
There was a momentary stunned silence. "A vacation? but Gibbs never. . ." the sentence trailed off as Kate tried to absorb the idea.
"A vacation?" McGee parroted.
Director Morrow successfully stifled his smile at the reaction. "Yes, he won't be here for the next week, so with Agent Dinozzo's medical leave I'm standing the team down. You can use the time to catch up on your paperwork, or maybe to take some vacation time of your own. You've been through a tough few days, and I think you all need it, but I'll leave that decision up to you."
He looked at Kate and McGee in turn, their expressions still slightly stunned. "OK, that's all I have to say, let me know what you decide."
McGee turned to meet Kate's gaze after the director had left. "A vacation?" he asked unable to keep the incredulous tone at bay.
Kate shook her head. "That's what he said."
NCISNCIS
Ducky stared at Abby "A vacation?" he asked his eyebrows slightly raised. "Are you sure?"
"That's what the director said," Abby confirmed. "And I checked the log, he submitted the application last night, had it approved before he left."
Ducky politely ignored the fact that that was something she should not have access to.
"So what does it mean?" Abby asked "And where would he go?"
Ducky shook his head. "Well, since Gibbs has never done anything like this before I'd have to say that I really don't know." He shook his head again looking down thoughtfully. "A vacation?"
NCISNCIS
Gibbs stood quietly watching the sleeping form on the bed, drawing a strange comfort from the bright green displays and the gentle blips that signified stability. Each passing minute of life was a bonus from here on in, and the more credit Tony built up, the more likely that the bonus time would be more permanent.
He'd known from the moment he got Tony back to the hospital, that watching him was no longer a task he could trust to anyone else. He'd almost lost him too many times in the last few days, and, imminent threat or not, he wasn't going to leave him again, not again, and so he watched.
Days were spent hidden away in the room next door, surveillance cameras giving him views of every angle. He didn't want anyone else to see him, and it had been relatively easy to persuade the hospital to give him anything he wanted after the loss of Dr. Pashman, not to mention their allowing Tony to be taken from the hospital twice, and Dr. Clarke's kidnapping. So he spent his days watching the monitors of Tony's room and his nights, when he could, watching from Tony's bedside.
"You ready for some sleep?" Fornell hadn't made a sound as he approached, but Gibbs didn't acknowledge any sign of surprise.
He nodded and moved back quietly through the adjoining doors, not that Tony was in any condition to wake up. "Four hours," he stated, as Fornell took over the watch for him. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.
NCISNCIS
Dr. Clarke watched the monitors for a little while then did a brief examination before turning to Gibbs. "He should be waking up soon, remember no stress, try to keep him as quiet and relaxed as possible, and let me know as soon as he wakes up."
Gibbs nodded. "Any idea how long?"
Dr. Clarke shrugged. "Could be a few minutes, or a few more hours. I'll come back when I've finished my rounds." He paused by the door, clearly making a decision about something "You know he's going to be fine now. He should make a full recovery." He took a half step back into the room. Now that he'd raised the issue he needed an answer. "It's just you look more worried now than you did when there was still a danger that he might die."
Gibbs looked down at Tony, gave a slight shake of the head. "It'll be a painful recovery." He looked up to meet the doctor's gaze. "I know, I've been somewhere like where he is now."
It was obvious that Gibbs was talking about more than just the physical pain, although that would be bad enough.
"And how did you get through it?" Dr. Clarke asked
Gibbs thought for just a moment. "I had someone to help me."
Dr Clarke smiled, glancing down at Tony and then back up at Gibbs. "Then I'm even more sure that he'll be just fine."
The endish
An epilogue will follow.