So if Gibbs and Kate found items, and they were poisoned, does that mean since I didn't then I'm not?' Tony thought, as he tried to reason it through. Not necessarily, although I went through all that mud well before Kate and the slime. And there was a lot more mud on me than there was slime on her. And I feel fine. And I sent my clothes and some blood off to Abby. And blood to the hospital.' Tony sighed and ran both hands through his hair. No use worrying about it. He flipped open his cell phone and called Abby. He didn't even get to hear a ringback before the lab tech answered.

Abby practically snapped into the handset.

Sorry, Abbs. It's Tony. Bourne get there with the stuff?

Yeah, like nearly ten minutes ago. I've already started running the blood and all the clothes. He said he was going to go by the hospital, get some treatment for the poison ivy, check on Gibbs and Kate and then head back out to see if he could help you.

Not that I can't use the help, but for Bourne's sake, I hope they make him stay in the hospital. That has to be the nastiest case of poison ivy I've seen in years. Okay, Abbs, call me as soon as you've called Ducky with the lab results. I'm working on a hunch from a theory that Bill and Terry came up with; I don't think I've been poisoned. But I'd really like to hear those words from your lovely lips all the same. Tony pictured the worried dark haired girl in the lab and hoped he'd been able to make her smile just a little.

No problem, Tony. I'll call Ducky first. Unless it turns out you have been hit with something. Then I call the ambulance for you first. Got it, DiNozzo? Abby tried hard for a playful tone, but she knew the strain was still evident in her voice.

Got it, Sciuto. Now back to the machines with you! I'm calling Ducky for an update. I'll tell him to call you as soon as I'm done. Tony softened his voice some, for her benefit. It'll be okay, Abbs. We've just gotta do our jobs for them and it'll be okay.

Promise, Tony?

As best I can, Abby. They exchanged goodbyes, each more worried than they wanted the other to know. Tony then called Ducky, and his concern grew when the doctor didn't immediately pick up.

After a few rings, Ducky finally answered. Yes, hello, Anthony. I was just talking with the emergency room doctor now. I shall call you back shortly.

And with that Tony was forced to wait in the oppressive silence, again. It was actually pretty odd. No birds or crickets or other wildlife. Which started him wondering what else the twisted little rodent had booby trapped. Not that he would go looking, especially by himself. But they needed the evidence that this lab had supplied the poison slipped into the drinking water tanks for five separate Marine training groups. All any of the Marines could tell them for certain about the man who rationed it out was that he sat and smiled as he did so. And then just vanished afterward. Tony remembered those interviews, the looks on those men's faces. Some of them had come close to dying and all they could remember was that the man who would have killed them smiled at them as he did it. He shook his head. I have to find that evidence and get it out. Nailing that sociopath is all that counts.' He looked around again at the eerie setting. After that,' he thought, maybe using napalm on this whole festering parcel of land would be the kindest thing anyone could do.'

The sound of an NCIS crime scene truck pulling in was unmistakable, especially with no other sound around. Tony approached it as it rolled to a stop. Guys, guys, guys! What took you so long? I called ages ago; we've got to get moving here!

Agent Owens, the driver, rolled his eyes at the young pup. Listen, DiNozzo, just because we didn't go to Gibbs' school of How to Drive Like a Maniac', like you did, doesn't mean you get to criticize. We're here, so shut up.

Tony glared at Owens for half a beat. Then, it was almost as if he could feel himself channeling his alpha-male boss. Agents Gibbs and Todd are in the hospital, poisoned due to what's likely in that house. Now we're going in to get the evidence we need, we're going to do it my way and I am not going to take shut up' or any other crap from you. And that goes for the rest of your team. Got it, Owens? Tony didn't even give the slack-jawed man a chance to answer, as he turned his back, walked to the back of the truck and yanked open the doors. Now, I want a haz-mat suit that'll fit me and I want it now.

Recognizing him immediately, the female agent in the back of the truck, flashed a broad smile. Tony always smiled at the ladies. She was disappointed, however, with his lack of response. She'd never seen this side of him, and she wasn't sure she wanted to. Sorting through the suits, she found the one most likely to fit and handed it to him. As he accepted it, he gave her a good once over.

You're what, about five-three or so? Tony asked her. She nodded, wariness creeping into her eyes. Good. Suit up. I don't want to take more people in there than I have to, but I may need someone small. Tony searched his brain quickly for her name. Christie, right? Come on, let's go!

Christie's hands were going for the suit even as her mouth began making the protest. But I'm not sure, I mean, wouldn't you want......

Tony cut her off with a hard look. Are you a field agent or not? The woman simply nodded, frozen in place. Then get yourself suited up and get your butt out here. We've got work to do.