Tony faces his biggest challenge since becoming an NCIS Agent.
Gibbs escorts the Director to a conference in New York – how will they spend this time alone together?
And we find out how those pink panties ended up in McGee's drawer.

Author's note: I am continuing this short story due to some encouraging reviews. Some reference will be made to the original story but much of the plot is new. I would like to think you will not be disappointed!

Please R&R, I appreciate compliments & constructive criticism.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with NCIS, I am merely borrowing the characters to create this story, from which I do not profit in any way other than personal satisfaction. Do not bother suing me, I own nothing.

o-o-o-o-oOo-o-o-o-o

The phone rings. "Could you get that, Probie?" Tony says, opening the centerfold of his men's magazine. With a mouthful of soy bean salad, McGee tries to say something but only manages to dribble down his front.

Rolling his eyes, Tony picks up the receiver. "NCIS, this is Dinozzo."

"Put down that Playboy, Agent Dinozzo, you've got work to do." Says the Director.

Tony's feet fly off the desk & he drops the magazine on the floor. "How-"

"I've just been briefed on your new case. Senior Constable Sartor from the Seventh District PD has told me that a witness saw a crime involving a sailor. A preliminary interview with the witness revealed that a sailor was seen inside his home, assaulting a man. He was then seen forcing the man into a car & speeding off. Now, I won't be back from this conference in New York until tomorrow evening but I wanted to be updated regularly."

"No problem, Director. How far away is Gibbs?"

"Agent Gibbs will be staying in New York until the conference concludes. I'm putting you in charge of this case."

There is a short pause on Tony's end. "Ah…. boss, are you sure?"

"Don't doubt yourself, Dinozzo. I don't. Sartor is sending the information to NCIS now, so gather your people."

Your people… "Sure thing, boss. I'm on it."

ooooooOOOoooooo

Director Sheppard closes her cell phone & looks at Gibbs across the table.

"You think he's ready?" Gibbs questions. He takes a sip of beer & returns her stare.

"It's a relatively straightforward case & Dinozzo has shown strong leadership skills & decision making ability. I have no doubt he will execute this task without fault."

"Well I sure hope he's not as good as you think he is, Director, or I might be out of a job."

"No Agent could be as good as you at Tony's age. And Jethro, we're alone here. You can call me Jen." Her lip curls in the slightest smile. Gibbs' hand inches forward inconspicuously & lightly touches the Director's, which is resting around the base of her wine glass. She looks up & raises her eyebrow, but doesn't pull away.

Just then, their meals arrive & the contact is broken.

ooooooOOOoooooo

The NCIS Agents file out of the conference room after viewing the intelligence on the current case.

"Wow, Tony - Senior Field Agent. I'm surprised you're not rubbing our faces in it." Ziva says with a grin. Tony, looking paler than usual, replies, "Leadership requires humility, Ziva. A leader doesn't gloat or brag."

"I'll be right behind you guys, I'm just going to the bathroom," says McGee. Tony & Ziva head out as McGee heads toward the bathroom.

Once they're out of site, McGee changes direction &goes down to Abby's lab.

With her back to the door, she is working on the tissues samples Ducky gave her. McGee quietly walks up behind her & wraps his arms around her waist.

Abby whirls around & squeals, "Timmy! Come back for more, hey?" She wraps her arms around his neck & leans in for a soft, deep kiss. When they part, McGee rests his forehead on hers & holds her tight.

"Something just came up, so we're heading out."

"It's about time you lot did some work! Hurry back, I miss you already."

"Will do." McGee gives her a quick peck on the cheek & heads towards the door.

"Oh, Abs, remember thatlingerie I got for you?"

Abby cringes as she remembers that girly, lacy pink thing that McGee bought for her.

"You left it at my house the other night, I brought it in this morning."

Turning around & giving him a quick hug, Abby says, "Oh, Timmy, you can keep it, as a souvenir." She winks and turns back around.

"But – it was a gift to you!" McGee pouts.

"I'm sorry, Timmy, but pink's not really my thing. I just wore it that one time because I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

McGee pulls a hurt face, but then smiles. "I'm not surprised. Anyway, I only bought it cause I just wanted to see you in it once."

With another quick kiss, McGee heads out to join the other Agents.

To Be Continued...

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