AN: Alternate universe. Sequel to my story, "After All", and meant to be read in order.
Warnings: Not a Tiva story. Canon inspired, but unflattering depiction of Ziva. If this type of story doesn't interest you, now's the time to back button away.
Spoilers for Season 17 eps. 1, 2, 10, and 11 (Ziva's return arc).
Unbeta'd
~Prologue
Tony disconnected the call on the burn phone and sighed wearily. His contacts told him she was surfacing, soon to be a clear and present danger to everyone he cared about. Bishop had already found her makeshift office, and crossed paths with Odette Malone. She was leaving tracks and making mistakes, more and more all the time. The only question was whether or not it was intentional.
The peril was no longer a vague, formless threat off in the distance. It wasn't a matter of if the danger would materialize, but when. There were things that needed to be done, because the when would be soon. He checked in with Bishop first, then cancelled a planned visit from Abby. He didn't want her anywhere near the situation that was beginning to unfold.
Having gotten the easy calls out of the way first, Tony switched phones and dialed a number he knew by heart, but hadn't used since his return to DC. He waited with some trepidation as the phone rang several times, nervous about how the upcoming conversation was going to go. Tony's heart thudded in anticipation as the call was answered finally, and he was greeted by a voice he knew as well as his own.
He wasted no time and opened with a simple, straight to the point, "We need to talk."
The listener seemed surprised at his abruptness, and there was an uncomfortably long silence. Finally, the voice responded with the same economy of words.
"I'm listening."
"No," Tony said. "In person."
Another pause, then the sound of a deep breath, drawn in and let go.
"Where and when?"
~.~