To Trust Again

Part 3

The airport wasn't crowded with people as McGee hoped; It was almost deserted, which contributed to his nervousness even more. As planned, he and Abby came seperately, as to not attract attention. Faze one was safely over. Scanning the area swiftly, it didn't take him long to spot Abby. With her flashy dress, blond hair and rather unique makeup, she all but attracted everyone's attention. McGee prayed silently for the day to end without disaster. Unlike Abby, McGee's disguise wasn't at all catchy. Except for the colour contact lenses, the glasses, a handful of hair gel, a fake mustache and an old-fashioned hat, he looked almost the same.

When they announced their flight, Abby, walking briskly, headed towards the check-in counter. McGee held his breath, expecting the woman examining Abby's papers to yell for the police any second. But she didn't; no more than a bored check over, and Abby walked away without further complications. McGee sighed with relief.

After the second announcement, McGee stood up, took a much needed deep breath, and followed Abby's steps, his hand stretching out with his ticket and passport, when...

"Agent McGee!"

McGee froze, and silently prayed for this to be a dream, only it wasn't. His hand returned to his side; the young agent turned around to face the man who was, for the past week, his tormentor. He gulped audibly.

The tormentor smiled as he examined McGee's appearance. "Gee, for a second there I thought I was mistaken. You do look different, McGee."

"I uh ... "

"New look for the ladies?"

"I umm... "

The man stepped closer. "Let me tell you, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into," he whispered, so only McGee could hear.

Shaking his head, McGee waited for the inevitable. Here it was, his nightmare playing all over again. Now he'll spend the rest of his life behind bars; well, at least he'll take it as a man. With that thought in mind, McGee straightened his back and looked at the man defiantly.

"I have to confess something," the man continued whispereing, ignoring McGee's reaction completely, "You see, the truth is, I've always admired your loyalties to each other. It's really amazing how you stand by each other at times like this."

McGee looked puzzled.

"Well now, you have yourself a nice flight," The man stepped away, smiling.

"Huh!" McGee was shocked.

The man winked at him. "I'll tell you what, since I'm here on an unofficial business, I'll pretend I didn't see anything. Oh and say hi to Special Agent Gibbs for me when you see him, will ya?" With that the man turned and simply walked away, leaving a dumbfounded McGee behind.

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"Just so you know, the door is locked and the key is well hidden, and the windows are all barred and locked as well," Martin explained.

"Thanks for the info."

Martin ignored him and headed for the kitchen to make himself an omelet. "You hungry?"

He wasn't but food was something he learned to never say no to, so he nodded. Martin disappeared into the kitchen.

Once again alone, Tony looked around, examining the small shack with conflicting emotions, then he walked back to the window, to stare down at the still street. The sun was just beginning to rise, painting its way with dreamy golden streaks, which held him captivated for a long moment. He closed his eyes, and finally allowed his mask to drop. The careless-sarcastic look he wore vanished and replaced by a look of pain and pure anguish. What was happening to him? His mind began to torment him with thoughts and questions, which really scared him. He long ago ceased to care, to feel, to think about what was happening in the world around him. His mind was crouched safely in a nice faraway place, a place that was easier to stay in and a lot less painful. But this strange situation that he was somehow thrown in, managed to snatch him away from that better place. And the pain, had already begun to crawl back to his mind.

His hand began to shake, just like they did in front of Gibbs. He hated showing signs of weakness. He especially hated showing weakness in front of Gibbs. Gibbs? Who was he anyway? And why is he keeping Tony around? What did he plan for him? He looks different than the others, but Tony knew that he will turn up to be just like them. It was dangerous to trust him. It was dangerous to trust anyone, and he learned that the very hard way. But, there was this strange feeling that assaults him whenever he looks in Gibbs eyes. A feeling he can't identify, but one that was scaring him the most. He wished things could go back to the way they used to be, where his mind was at merciful rest, and everything seemed unreal.

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Gibbs laid on the bed, eyes closed but unable to sleep. Thoughts were racing in his mind, causing him a headache. He was doubting himself and his ability to succeed in getting both Tony and himself out of this mess. How will he get past all those men and escape the country, and most importantly, how will he convince Tony to trust him? True, he was informed before he got Tony out about the young agent's condition, but he was almost confident Tony would remember him. He was wrong, very disappointed and most of all angry. Angry at those who kidnapped Tony and those who hurt him, and he was more angry with himself for letting Tony down. Tony looked like hell. When he was unconscious, Gibbs and Martin examined him for injuries. His whole body was covered with ugly bruises, cuts, and strange bites. What horrified Gibbs more were the severe whipping marks on his back and chest along with the various needle marks on his arm. And Gibbs didn't want to think about what he didn't know. Tony looked different, thinner, paler and nothing like the radiant-full of life Tony he once was. Gibbs was sick with worry about him, but he can't do anything about it right now. He willed those thoughts out of his mind, but they were instantly replaced with thoughts about the rest of his team back home. How was Ducky? Did something happen to Abby and Gibbs? He has to contact them as soon as possible. And the thoughts kept pouring in, pushing sleep farther and farther away.

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