NOTE: For you youngsters: Columbo was the Monk of my time, he had a great coat.

Abby and McGee were still working on the computer when the lab door slid open and Tony and Ziva walked in carrying a cardboard box each.

"McGee!" said Tony cheerfully. "We've been going over your place looking for 'evidence'," he emphasised. "We thought you might like some clothes and stuff."

McGee brightened considerably. The tracksuit from the previous night was a one-size-fits-nobody design. It was definitely made with someone shorter and thinner in mind. Someone with a miss piggy fetish, by the colour.

Tony tossed his box on the bench. "In box number one," he announced. "We have shirts, ties, socks, pants, shoes and toiletries. Plus the jacket and pants the bad guys tossed in the car park with all your electronic do-dads in the pockets."

"Yes!" this was good news.

Ziva hoisted her box on the same bench with much less fanfare sliding Tony a bored look. "And I," she said. "Choose your under garments."

McGee froze in horror, his eyes flitting from Ziva's wicked smile to Tony's sloppy grin. There were somethings he was sure he had hidden well. Well enough to be concealed from Tony and Ziva?

"Ooooh, Ooooh," said Abby excitedly. "Did you get the.."

"Oh yes," Ziva confirmed.

"And?"

"Definitely," Ziva gave Abby an exaggerated nod.

"They were from me," said Abby proudly.

"I guessed," Ziva gave her a conspiratorial smile.

McGee closed his eyes in horror, then took a deep breath. "Did you get anything normal?" he hazarded.

"Yes," Ziva assured him. "I just brought a few extra things to brighten up your day. Or Abby's day."

That earned her a sour look.

"I also brought you this," said Ziva, holding up his favourite long brown coat.

McGee's face brightened again but Tony's dropped.

"You brought the Columbo coat?" Tony whined. "Damn, I was going to tell him it burnt in the fire."

"Hey, what's wrong with my coat?" said McGee defensively, taking it lovingly from Ziva.

"Well, if you lost an eye, smoked six packs a day, grew your hair way, way out, and got a bloodhound and a battered old car then it wouldn't look too out of place," said Tony sarcastically.

McGee pouted at him. "Don't listen to him," he crooned to his coat.

"That is so sick," Abby shook her head at him.

"What?"

Abby rolled her eyes.

McGee truly didn't care right now what they thought of his beloved coat. "I am going for a shower," he said collecting some clothes from the boxes. He got two steps before he stopped dead. "Ah can I get these bandages wet?"

"Probably not," Abby confirmed. "Here," she dug out a pair of long latex gloves, "put these on."

He tried valiantly fumbling with numb fingers until Tony couldn't stand it any more and helped him.

"Thanks," said McGee.

"Just don't ask for my help in the shower," he retorted.

"I'll do it!" Abby volunteered.

"I'm fine, thank you," he said to her firmly and headed to the showers. "When I get back, we'll get everyone together and tell them the plan," he called over his shoulder.

Then he stopped again, turned back and grabbed his coat and made his final journey out the door.