Tony hugged Ziva possessively as she sat pitched forward on the bed gasping. Each breath eased the pain of hypoxia from her body. She'd been close to death. One more second and I'd have been d-- She snatched the thought and stuffed it into the recesses of her mind. She would allow herself to feel it later. Someday months from now she would stand in the shower and cry her eyes out. Then she'd get on with her life. Right now she needed to keep her wits about her. "I'm okay." She hugged him weakly. "Careful with the ribs."
Tony released his grip on her and ran his hands over her sides checking for broken bones. He had to be sure she was okay. His voice felt stalled in his throat. He didn't know what to tell her. Thank God! I don't want to lose you! My heart stopped! I thought you were dead! I love you! In a movie the hero would've had some perfect line. All he could think to say was, "Can you move?"
"Yes. Just give me a minute." Ziva said. Her body felt strange, as if she'd just tried it on for size. She stretched and twisted. She flexed her feet and wiggled her fingers, her movements slow. She felt sleepy and sluggish and sick to her stomach. "I think our friend shot me full of Thorazine or some other sedative." That's why I couldn't fight him off. Bastard had to drug me first.
"I'd believe that. You would have put him in a body bag otherwise." Tony continued her check up. He lifted her nightshirt and let out a low groan. Her stomach and ribs shone a virulent purplish-black. He doubted she could feel the true extent of her injury right now. Tomorrow, however, she would be in agony. "I already called the team but I think we need an ambulance. You don't look so good." He kissed her lightly on the lips. She was warm, alive. Ziva returned his kiss, a soft, gentle reassurance. She would be okay.
When she broke off she said, "No ambulance. We need to keep this quiet."
Tony clasped her face in his hands. Her eyes were bloodshot. Her pupils were dialated. "Sweetheart. You've just had a brush with death. I think you need to go to the hospital."
"That's not a good idea. The more people who know about this the harder it will be to control the situation." She stated.
Tony hated to admit it but she was right. He nodded in agreement.
"Wait a minute. Did you just say you called the team?" She asked, her voice rising in pitch.
"Yeah, as soon as I thought you were in trouble." He smoothed her hair and tucked a strand behind her ear.
"I have to get up." She swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "I have to get dressed." Moving made the room spin like a top. She rested her head in her hands and waited for the feeling to pass.
"Just sit still!" he said exasperated. Sometimes she was too much.
"No way. I am not going face to face with Gibbs in my pajamas." She rose slowly to avoid a head rush. Gingerly she tested her balance. "Unless you want the team to see me like this I suggest you help me get dressed."
She had him there. A clingy black night shirt and bare butt was no way to meet Gibbs, especially if they wanted to feign innocence. Obediently Tony opened his top dresser drawer and retrieved a pair of her cargo pants and tank top. A month ago Ziva'd claimed the drawer as her own. In return, she gave him one at her apartment. That was a first in his history of relationships. He sincerely hoped it wouldn't come back to haunt them.
Ziva pulled up her underpants, reaching out to steady herself on Tony. "Who is that guy?' She asked, indicating the dead man who lay face up in a dark pool of blood.
"I was hoping you knew."
"I have no clue who he is but I'd bet this is about me killing Ari." She said, her eyes wide.
"So would I. I thought you, me and Gibbs were the only ones who knew the full story."
"Me too." She slipped her bra on and twisted around to let him hook it.
"Can you think of how they figured it out?" He helped her step into her pants.
"I don't even know who they are." Ziva said. She tried to zip her pants but her fingers felt numb and clumsy. She couldn't grasp the little pull. "Help me out here."
"Have you thought of what we are going to tell Gibbs?" Tony asked, sliding her zipper up.
"Yes actually-" Ziva didn't get a chance to finish. Thwack! Tony's bedroom door burst open. Gibbs, McGee, Palmer and Ducky spilled into the room. They bounced off each other in their haste like a comedy routine. Gibbs led the pack. He froze at the sight of Tony with his hands on Ziva's pants.
"Yes Officer David, what are you going to tell me?"