Chapter 17: Twilight (part 1)

AN: Thank you so much for the support.

A couple of weeks have passed since Tony almost died, and Gibbs has no idea that his daughter is once more in the same city for him. Honestly, it has been hard for Ziva to stay away but she knows that it is best, that staying away protects them both.

Even though Tony still has another week of sick leave he has returned to work, and he and Gibbs are in the elevator together heading up to the bullpen.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" Gibbs asks curious.

"Never felt better," Tony says, not exactly telling the truth.

"Yeah," Gibbs says, sounding like he doesn't believe Tony.

"Yeah," Tony confirms.

"You look like crap," Tony comments.

"I missed you too, Boss," Tony reveals.

"You've got another week of sick leave coming, Tony. You should take it," Gibbs informs him.

"I was going crazy at home. Maybe I'm not a hundred percent, but you need me," Tony comments and Gibbs gives him a look. "Okay, what about Kate and McGee? They're practically lost without me," Tony comments.

"They got more work done in the last two weeks than in the whole year," Gibbs comments, as the elevator door opens and the two of them walk into the bullpen.

"They did miss me, right?" Tony asks.

"Yeah, something like that," Gibbs comments.

"I can't wait to see their faces!" Tony says, sounding excited, as he hides.

"You did the right thing. Where is the car exactly?" Kate asks into her phone.

"Hi Kate!" Tony says, jumping out with a yell, causing Kate to give him an annoyed look.

"Sorry about that, Captain. Where did you say the car was?" Kate asks, into her phone.

"Must be important," Tony comments, as McGee walks up. "Probie, did you miss me? Long time no…" Tony starts to say as he sticks out his hands almost going to hug McGee, but McGee just ignores him.

"Thank you, Captain," Kate says, hanging up her phone.

"What's wrong with him?" Tony asks, referring to McGee.

"Virginia State Police just got a nine one one call Gibbs," Kate says. "Two dead sailors," she explains.

"Where?" Gibbs asks.

"In a car off Route Seventeen in Fredericksburg," Kate explains.

"Let's roll!" Gibbs exclaims. "Gas the truck!" Gibbs says as he throws the keys.

"Sure," Tony says as he goes to catch the keys but he realises they aren't being thrown to him.

"On it, Boss," McGee answers as he catches the keys.

"Maybe I did die," Tony comments, feeling lost.

"Feel that?" Gibbs ask as he walks up behind Tony.

"Feel what?" Tony asks confused, and Gibbs headslaps him. "Ow!"

"You're still alive. Welcome back, DiNozzo," Gibbs says, as he walks out of the bullpen.

A little while later the team are at the crime scene, looking at the abandoned car, which has gone off the road, and the bodies inside.

"Looks like the shooter knew what he was doing, Gibbs," Kate comments. "Tight grouping, three rounds each," Kate comments.

"Everyone of them a kill shot," Gibbs notes. "Passengers Curtis Janssen. Pensacola, Florida. No military ID. Credit cards and money are intact," Gibbs comments.

"So it wasn't a robbery?" Kate asks.

"Depends," Gibbs comments.

"On what?" Kate asks.

"On what else is missing, Kate," Gibbs comments, as he and Kate start to look inside the car.

"Looks like the killer tried to clean up," Kate comments, as Gibbs realises something.

"Not exactly," Gibbs comments, as he reveals that hands have been cut off.

"Ah! Oh" Kate exclaims.

"We knew he took at least two things with him when he left," Gibbs comments.

"He needed his prints?" Kates asks.

"Bag it," Gibbs instructs.

"Boss!" Tony yells as he runs towards where Gibbs and Kate are. "State cops ran the mustang's plates. It's a rental car out of Dulles Airport. I got a call into…." Tony starts to say as he tumbles down the hill.

"Ow," Tony comments.

"Are you okay?" Gibbs asks curious.

"I'm just trying to catch my breath," Tony reveals.

"Should have taken the extra week off, DiNozzo. Help him up, Kate," Gibbs instructs. "Well see what's keeping Ducky," Gibbs says, before heading up to the road.

It takes him a couple of minutes, but finally Tony is able to get back onto his feet, and starts to have a look at what is in the car.

"Looks like a professional hit. Probably took the hands to confirm the kill," Tony theorises.

"McGee told me what you said," Kate reveals.

"Did he now?" Tony asks, and Kate gives him a less than impressed look.

"Oh come on. I was joking around. I don't think he'd really believe me," Tony explains, trying to defend himself.

"Really? And why's that?" Kate asks annoyed.

"Anyone looking at you can tell your breasts are real," Tony comments, causing Kate to become furious.

"You told him I had breast implants?" Kate asks.

"No," Tony says, after a pause.

"You know what, Tony? I can't even believe I worried about you. You are nothing but a…." Kate starts to say.

"Snake," Tony says.

"Yeah, exactly," Kate confirms.

"No, big-big-big-big sane. Down there," Tony reveals, as there is a snake slivering over Kate's foot which causes her to gasp.

"Tell me it's not poisonous," Kate requests.

"I think it is," Tony comments as Kate whimpers. "Okay,"

"What's it doing?" Kate asks, sounding terrified.

"It's wrapping around your leg," Tony explains.

"Do something Tony!" Kate exclaims.

"Okay, I'll try to grab it, just don't make any sudden moves, all right?" Tony request.

"What if you miss it?" Kate asks concerned.

"They do this stuff on the Discovery Channel all the time, how hard can it be?" Tony asks.

"Oh, screw it, I'm going to shoot it," Kate says pulling her gun, and pointing to towards her leg, where the snake is.

"Hey, put the gun away. You're going to blow your foot off. Let me do this," Tony requests as he tries to get the snake.

"God, my life is in your hands…. I knew it was going to end this way," Kate comments.

"Quiet. You're making me nervous. Now, about there," Tony says, as he gets closer to the snake. "Gotcha," Tony says as he successfully grabs the snake and moves it away from Kate.

"Okay, I'll give you this. you do have your moments," Kate comments, looking relieved.

"So, are we friends again?" Tony asks, as McGee walks up.

"Oh, cool corn snake. Can I hold him?" McGee asks curious, as he reaches for the snake.

"No, it's poisonous, McGee!" Kate exclaims.

"Actually they're not, Kate," McGee comments.

"Yes, they are, McGee," Tony says, giving him a very specific look.

"What about that one you caught at Shenandoah State Park? You had it around your neck for like a hour," McGee reminds Tony, causing Kate to glare at him.

"That near fatal illness must have clouded my memory," Tony says, trying to think of a defence.

"You're such a looser," Kate says as she kicks Tony backwards. "All right, back to work, McGee, check the trunk. Nobody touches the dead bodies until Ducky says all clear," Kate says and from his position on the ground Tony notices something just as McGee goes to open the trunk.

"Freeze, McGee! Don't move! Car's wired to explode. Looks like the detonator's tied to the trunk," Tony explains.

"What?" McGee asks shocked as Tony stands up.

"How far did you turn the key?" Kate ask concerned.

"Uh, not sure. Almost all the way. I think," McGee admits, looking worried.

"Okay, don't let it snap back, all right?" Tony ask, as he ptus his hands over McGee's to grab the key.

"Yeah," McGee confirms.

"Let go," Tony instructs.

"Okay," McGee says a she does just that.

"Okay, both of you run!" Tony instructs.

"Tony, we're not leaving you standing…." Kate starts to say.

"I'm a lot faster than you are! I'll be right behind you," Tony explains. "This is not a debate, okay? This thing might be primed already," Tony says, as McGee and Kate start to run. "Anthony, you should have taken the extra week," Tony comments, and once he is sure that McGee and Kate have had enough time to run he lets go and runs.

Getting to the road just seconds after the car blows up,

"Boss, you remember when I said I never felt better," Tony comments. "I lied," He says before collapsing.

A while later Tony is lying on the floor in the Bullpen as he is not doing too good, with McGee standing over him.

"Are you going to be okay?" McGee asks, curious.

"Sure," Tony comments.

"You're not looking so hot," McGee comments.

"Well, at least that's an improvement," Tony comments.

"Over what?" McGee asks curious.

"According to Gibbs, I look like crap," Tony explains.

"You know, Kate has been really worried about," McGee reveals.

"Kate worries about everything," Tony says, trying to downplay it, though it does feel nice to know Kate worries about him.

"No, no, no. I mean really worried," McGee explains, stressing the 'really'.

"What's your point, Probie?" Tony asks curious.

"Well I think that maybe, you know.." McGee comments, causing Tony to laugh.

"Me and Kate? It would never happen," Tony reveals.

"Why not?" McGee asks curious.

"She's too smart for that," Tony comments.

"You know what, you don't believe me? She's coming right now." McGee says, as he gestures at Tony to stay quiet.

"Gibbs wants to know who made that nine-one-one call this morning, Tim," Kate explains.

"On it," McGee responds.

"Where's DiNozzo?" Kate asks curious.

"Uh, I think he's lying down somewhere," McGee says, technically not lying and so he is perfectly convincing.

"Oh, good. He needs it," Kate comments.

"You care a lot about him don't you?" McGee asks.

"Well, he's my teammate. What do you think?" Kate asks.

"I don't know. Sometimes I think it might be more than that," McGee comments, which makes Kate realise that Tony is hiding.

"Tony? Are you kidding me?" Kate asks surprised.

"Oh, come on. you never thought about it?" McGee asks.

"Well, I guess there are times when Tony can be… charming, warm, not completely obnoxious," Kate explains.

"Right, so if he wasn't your teammate?" McGee asks curious.

"Oh that's a tough one," Kate comments, as she walks across the bullpen. "Well, on the plus side, he is smart, brave. Not to mention kind of hot," Kate explains. "You know, in a different world I could see myself marrying someone like him," Kate comments as she pours water over Tony.

"Ah," Tony says, as he jumps up. "Very funny," Tony comments sarcastically as Gibbs walks in.

"Hey, I thought I told you to lie down," Gibbs says to Tony.

"I was, I am," Tony says as he goes to lay down again.

"Not here," Gibbs says as Tony heads out of the bullpen, Kate waving at him as he goes.

A while later Gibbs has realised that the team were set up, that someone was trying to kill them, and so he has headed to MTAC, where he sits down next to the director.

"You're absolutely certain about this, Jethro?" Morrow asks, wanting to be sure.

"Someone went to a lot of trouble to get us out there on that road today, Director," Gibbs explains.

"For what purpose?" Morrow asks curious, wanting to know what Gibbs suspects.

''Unclear, but what concerns me is the explosive used; military high grade, extremely difficult to trace. Tough to get outside of certain circles," Gibbs explains.

"You're not suggesting another agency?" Morrow asks surprised.

"I'm not suggesting anything, Sir. All I know is I've pissed off a lot of people over the years," Gibbs explains.

"I would ask you to keep your suspicious to yourself," Morrow requests.

"Can I ask why, Sir?" Gibbs asks curious.

"There may be other factors involved," Morrow admits.

"Like what, Sir?" Gibbs asks curious.

"Currently, I'm not at liberty to discuss it," Morrow reveals, and Gibbs frowns, wondering what is going on.

"I almost lost my entire team out there today. If there's something I should know," Gibbs says, feeling annoyed.

"This is not open to discussion, Agent Gibbs," Morrow snaps.

'Yes, Sir,"

"You're dismissed," Fornell instructs.

"You have a good evening, Sir," Gibbs says before heading out of MTAC.

After heading out of MTAC, Gibbs debates calling Ziva, as after Morrow said, or more specifically didn't says, he can't help but think that she might in danger too. As he pulls out his phone and is about to make the call Gibbs rethinks his actions as he realises that calling is more likely to just put her at risk, and so he decides not to call; deciding to see how things go.

A while later Gibbs has gone to get coffee, and while he is gone Kate, Tony and McGee are all in the bullpen together.

"Why take someone's hands?" McGee asks.

"Trophies?" Tony asks.

"But why leave the other Lieutenant's?" McGee asks, as that doesn't make sense.

"If he's chopping hands off, I don't think we can expect him to be rational, McGee," Kate comments.

"We got trouble," McGee says, as he sees something.

"What was your first hint?" Kate asks curious.

"The two bodies downstairs or the explosion, McGee?" Tony asks curious.

"No, I mean FBI trouble," McGee says, as Fornell enters.

"Fornell?" Kate asks surprised.

"We must be in worst shape than we thought," Tony comments.

"Where's Gibbs?" Fornell asks, honestly he would love to know where exactly both Gibbs' are, but for now he'll settle about knowing where one is.

"He's not here," Kate explains.

"Where is he, Agent Todd?" Fornell asks, an edge to his voice.

"He's out. try him on his cell," Kate reveals.

"I did. He's not answering," Fornell explains. He did debate whether to call Ziva, but he decided that he would wait to talk to Gibbs before doing that.

"What's going on?" Tony asks, feeling like it must be something bad.

"Ari Haswari is back in country," Fornell explains. Which is the exact reason he is so worried about Ziva, and also the reason why he hasn't tried to call her.

"You let that psycho back in the States without telling us?" Kate asks angrily.

"He was supposed to be helping us undercover an Al Qaeda cell in the DC area," Fornell explains.

"What do you mean, 'supposed to', Fornell?" Tony asks suspiciously.

"We now think he's here for more personal reasons. He's planning on killing Gibbs," Fornell reveals, knowing that if Ziva is with Ari then she is now in hundred times the amount of danger. If Ari doesn't know who she is at the moment he will soon as he knows, without a doubt, that if it meant protecting her dad then Ziva will blow her cover, which will make her Ari's new target. And so, Fornell just hopes Ziva isn't with Ari, as it is the only way he can see her being safe.

Away from everyone Ziva is in a little studio apartment she has rented trying to figure out what is going on. While she talked to Ari a few days ago and knows that 'officially' he is trying to join the Washington Cell, and that his plan involves NCIS, she doesn't know the details. Because of that she can't help but feel like she is missing key details; that she doesn't know the full story.

In the months since Ari realised she was his sister he has been a bit more open with her, at least he was up until they came to DC; which tells her something else is going on, and she can't help but think that that something is bad.

"What are you really doing?" Ziva ask, looking at the picture of her, Ari and Tali from when they were children.

While Fornell is at NCIS Gibbs is walking out of a coffee shot where he sees a mother and daughter who remind him of Shannon and Kelly, and as he takes a few steps he sees Ari, who he walks over to.

"Washington is such a lovely city this time of year. Don't you agree, Special Agent Gibbs," Ari says, and as he does Gibbs doesn't say anything. "Not much of a conversationalist are we?" Ari asks.

"I'm mostly waiting here, Ari," Gibbs reveals, as he takes a sip of his coffee, and wonders if his daughter is okay.

"Oh, for what?" Ari asks curious.

"A reason to shoot you again," Gibbs reveals. "Someone tried to kill my team today. I think it was you," Gibbs comments.

"You wound me, Gibbs. If it was me, you'd be dead already," Ari reveals.

"You're still coming in with me for questioning," Gibbs reveals.

"Unfortunately, I have made other arrangements for the evening," Ari explains.

"It wasn't a request," Gibbs reveals.

"I know. That's why I took the precaution of planning an explosive device under one of these tables," Ari reveals. "Be a good NCIS agent. I may even tell you where," Ari reveals.

"What are you doing here?" Gibbs asks, wondering if Ziva is with him.

"An Al Qaeda cell is planning an attack in Washington. I'm here to stop it," Ari explains.

"Yeah, what's the target?" Gibbs asks.

"I don't know," Ari lies.

"Where is the cell located?" Gibbs asks.

"I wish I knew," Ari lies.

"You're doing a hell of a job for a Mossad Double Agent," Gibbs comments.

"I can, however, gain access to that information, but it comes at a price, one that you might not be willing to play," Ari explains.

"Try me," Gibbs requests.

"Al Qaeda sent me here to conduct my own mission as a test. I pass and I'm allowed into the Washington cell. They want me to kill you," Ari explains. "You don't seem surprised," Ari notes.

"That means that I'm doing my job," Gibbs reveals.

"Yes, and in order for me to do mine, you have to die," Ari explains. "I wonder, what would you do in my position?" Ari asks.

"Kill myself," Gibbs says, and Ari laughs.

"Sadly not an option. That's the one part of my religion that I do subscribe to," Ari reveals.

"I can help you out with that," Gibbs offers.

"A kind offer, to be sure. I also have one for you," Ari reveals.

"I'm listening," Gibbs reveals.

"You have twenty-four hours to find and eliminate the cell. If you fail…" Ari starts to say.

"I appreciate the heads up," Gibbs comments.

"It's the least I can do," Ari comments, and he pauses before saying, "How's Caitlyn, by the way? I've thought of her often since my last visit," Ari explains.

"Go near her and I don't care what the government agency is watching your back, I will kill you this time," Gibbs says, knowing he will do that if Ari hurts Ziva.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Ari says, as he stands up.

"Where's the device," Gibbs asks, once Ari has gotten to his motorbike.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I lied. There is none," Ari says before driving off, and because he knows better Gibbs checks under the table and finds the device, which he quickly disconnects and throws into a dumpster around back.