A/N: Hi folks, I know, it's been longer than I planned, and thank you for sticking with me! All I can say is life is crazy at the moment, and I also decided to change the way I dealt with things, so I had rework the whole chapter, as I wanted to move things along a little. To my recent followers/favourites, welcome aboard! Very happy to have you with us! To my reviewers, you all rock! I love hearing your comments, they make me smile & keep me inspried.

Now, let's get straight into it...

Fornell surveyed the scene as he, Ziva & his men arrived at the hotel, it was a typical country style hotel, there were at least 16 rooms he could see built in a U shape with parking in front of all the rooms. There was lots of space to roam, including a nice garden with a pond & gazebo, as well as the main building that looked to be 3 floors. There were a few other smaller buildings on the grounds, with the most interesting one being the brewery, that might be a place to visit later in the evening. He saw the Director, Gibbs's father and the SWAT pair approach, with two people who he could only presume were the hotel owner/managers "Director" he greeted.

Ziva's intake of her surroundings was fast, but she considered this ample for their requirements, it would be a simple task to secure it "Director" she greeted.

Jenn nodded "Agent Fornell, Agent David, this is Steven Allen & his son in-law Mitchell Mason"

Fornell introduced himself & his men, with greeting being exchanged.

Jenn continued once that was over with "Mr Allen is the owner of the hotel, I've explained our situation and he has very kindly allowed us to stay here as a soft opening for the property as it's just about finished with its renovations." she turned to the Mr Allen "Mr Allen, Mr Mason, Agent Fornell's team will be taking point on securing the property for our stay." She took a breath before continuing "the rooms you can see here are available for us. There are some rooms in the main building that are ready as well, but I've assured Mr Allen, that these rooms will do. The rooms either have 2 beds, or one bed & a pull out, at a minimum, and as we'll only be here for a night, it will do us."

"Of course Director" Fornell replied, just one night? He was about to ask about it when Ziva beat him to the punch.

"We've secured transport already?" Ziva asked, a little surprised, that was fast!

"Yes, Dr Mallard is the midst of organised a medic transport for us tomorrow at some point, all things going to plan, but that we can discuss later." Jenn answered "Meals will need to be ordered from the local restaurants, as their kitchen facilities are still being renovated, and the Brewery is out of bounds for all personnel" she added.

Drats! Fornell thought, though it was probably a wise idea, he could see the SWAT pair were equally upset "Of course ma'am"

Ziva looked at the layout of the rooms as she considered it all "Which rooms would be best suited for Gibbs & his family?"

"We were just discussing that, I believe one of these two rooms are best" Allen answered, pointing at the 2 in the middle of the U, the ones with blue doors "they've both got 2 queen beds, as well as pull outs, and both rooms are ones we allow pets in"

Fornell considered it and was about to speak when Jenn beat him to it.

Jenn had already decided how she wanted the lay out "Gibbs & his family will stay in one, with Lt Taylor & his son next to them in other blue doored room. I want Agents DiNozzo & McGee in the room adjacent to Lt Taylor. Jackson will housed in the room on Gibbs's other side. Agent David, you & I shall be in the room next to him, with Dr Mallard next to us. Agent Fornell , I'd like you in the room next to Dr Mallard with one of your men " She thought it best to keep the Taylor's next to them, given everything & she wanted his team right near him as well, along with his dad, though given their stand-off, she wasn't so sure "the rest of the rooms will need to be divided up between all other personnel, and remember one room will be required for the medical team"

"Certainly Director" Fornell nodded

"Of course" Ziva nodded, she had no issues sharing with the Director, they'd done it before.

"Mr Mason has agreed to show you the property so you can get it secured, while Mr Allen has agreed to assist myself & Mr Gibbs to organise all the food" Jenn instructed.

"Excuse me ma'am" Brown interrupted "we'd like to take care of dinner" he said motioning to himself & his fellow SWAT man, Samuels.

"Any particular reason?" Jenn asked.

Brown & Samuels shared a look before Brown answered "just have an idea we'd like to make happen ma'am"

Jenn was too tired to bother wondering why "very well, you both can work with Mr Allen in securing the meals for our stay, then I want the pair of you to get some downtime"

"Yes ma'am" Samuels smiled

Fornell took stock, it had been 90 minutes & even though the property was fairly large, they'd managed to get the place secured. In a small part due to the small group of local deputies that Sheriff Gantry had apparently sent their way, which is he was glad for. It meant he was able to lock it down soundly without the need to utilise any of the SWAT & NCIS teams that were ready to fall over from pure exhaustion.

While they were still waiting on the housekeeping team that had been called in to finish making all the various beds, he'd already called Taylor & told him the place was ready, knowing full well that they were probably more than ready to move to more comfortable accommodations & that the rooms would be ready by them time they arrived anyway & just then he saw Mason approach.

"All the rooms are ready Agent Fornell & I've gotten their room equipped with the dog bed & various items he'll need too, we're good to go" Mason reported.

"Thank you, this is appreciated" Fornell replied.

"No problem, we were getting ready to start opening back up soon anyway" Mason said "but we are expecting a few deliveries & have a guy coming by to fix the old tractor that we keep around & those we can't change"

Fornell nodded "no problem, we can understand that, just give the details to the team at the gate"

"Already done" Mason confirmed, while he wasn't 100% comfortable with the situation, his father in-law & him both agreed to help the group.

"Ziva" Fornell greeted

"Final sweep is done, place is secured, I'm going to head to the front gate for their arrival, Tony messaged to say they were about to depart" Ziva commented.

"Good" Fornell replied, once the group was here, the FBI agents who were on duty with the family could be added to perimeter team & then they could finally get some much needed downtime.

A short while later Jenn was standing at the entry to main building with Allen as the various cars pulled into the area in front of the rooms they were going to occupy. With only Franks, Joanne & Dayle having to remain in the hospital and the addition of a now 3 person medical team to look after the various agents injuries, as they tried to minimise the strain put on the hospital, there were numerous vehicles now parking in the lot.

"Quite the contingent" Allen remarked "are you sure you don't want some of the rooms here in the main building?" he asked

"No thank you, the rooms out here will suffice" Jenn declined "I want our party together, and in all honesty, I doubt many of these agents and officers will want to be staying far from the main group, they're all quiet protective & want nothing more than to see the family safe & sound back to DC" she finished, Brown & Samuels had made it very clear to her, that them, nor the other SWAT officers would want to stay away from the family & NCIS personnel & would camp on the sidewalk if they had to. They stated their task wouldn't be completed until the family was back in their home in DC.

Allen smiled, as a veteran himself he could understand the feeling "very well, but the offer remains"

Ted hopped out of the car, he ridden shotgun, an FBI agent had driven & his son, Kelly & Evans were in the back. He'd tried to suggest to Kelly that she should've rode with her family in the larger SUV, but she just ignored him as she'd hopped into the seat next to his son, so all he could do was go & tell Gibbs that he'd ride with her. He knew things were still very tense between the family, to his knowledge Kelly didn't utter a single word to her parents when everyone was rounded up to depart. He really wasn't sure what to do, he saw Fornell approach him & stepped away to meet him.

Fornell had been caught for six when he saw Kelly alight from a different car to where Gibbs, Shannon & Nix were, he definitely wasn't expecting that! He watched as all the agents & officers alighted, with many taking directions to the various rooms. He knew as soon as the agents from the local field office got their bearings they'd be corralled into assisting with the security, but he just couldn't help ignore the tension that seemed to be coming from Kelly & her parents, he saw Ted & knew he'd be the best bet for getting details "how's the group?"

"Tense" Ted answered, as he approached him & flashed a look back towards the others, Kelly had headed straight for the garden area, with Harry not far behind, but Gibbs & Shannon, along with Nix were still pretty close to the vehicles.

"What happened?" Fornell asked

"Not really sure of the details" Ted said honestly "my guess, just tension from the situation, I think being here may help relax everyone" he said, the place looked more than adequate to help with that.

Fornell certainly understood that the situation could cause tension, he was going to say something but saw Ziva motion them closer, so he & Ted moved closer to them, at the same time he saw Nix had followed his sister towards to the garden area.

Shannon watched as Nix head off, her girl hadn't uttered a single word to them & had even gone in a different car, which she didn't like & she knew her husband liked it even less. Nix had only uttered a few words like 'I'm ok'.

Gibbs was still sitting on the rear seat of the SUV, but the door was open, he held onto his wife's hand as he watched his boy follow his sister, he knew the place was locked down & the security he saw at the entrance & already around the area, confirmed that feeling "they'll be ok Shan, place is secure, let's give them some space, they obviously still need it"

Shannon nodded "you're right" though she wished they could move past this tension, she then saw him stand up "ah, what are you doing?"

"Standing up Shan" Gibbs answered

"I thought the Doctor said you should stay in the wheelchair to help your body heal?" Shannon asked

"I can walk for a short time with no ill effect, I don't want to rely on someone pushing me right now & having to remain that close by, besides it's not like I will be walking a marathon, this place isn't exactly massive" Gibbs answered, yes it was large, but he wouldn't be walking the perimeter or anything, and he didn't want a third wheel right now, he just wanted some privacy with his family.

Shannon wasn't too happy about it, but she could understand his feelings "ok, but you promise to tell me if you're feeling tired & need it, please"

Gibbs smiled as he took her hand into his "of course babe" he knew one of the reasons why she still tense "the hospital said they'd call in a few hours with an update on your mum, sooner if there's a change, besides Agent Matthews is right there, he'll call as soon anything happens, ok?"

Shannon nodded "I know" she replied as she saw Ziva approach.

Ziva nodded at Gibbs & Shannon.

"What's the score Ziva?" Gibbs asked.

Ziva motioned to Fornell & Ted to join them, but replied "We're all staying in the rooms here, room 13 with the blue door is yours, Lt Taylor & Harry are in 14 and your father's staying in 12"

Ted nodded at the information he'd heard Ziva say upon their approach, he was glad they'd housed them all close by.

Gibbs realised there was one introduction he needed to do "Shan, this is a friend of mine Senior FBI Agent Tobias Fornell, Fornell, my wife Shannon"

"Pleased to meet you ma'am" Fornell nodded, he hadn't really seen a lot of her, and he had to admit, she was gorgeous.

"Hello, thank you for your help" Shannon replied, she was touched by the numbers of his friends he had that had helped them with the situation.

"No problem at all, I owe your husband a few IOU's anyway" Fornell smiled.

Gibbs smirked "we're even now"

Fornell nodded knowingly but he wanted to keep going with the information "Samuels had some of your clothes ma'am & we've placed them into the room for you, we've also put the bags you brought from DC in there"

"My clothes?" Shannon asked surprised looking towards Ted, she'd kissed all of that goodbye.

"I got all your stuff packed up Shan, we put a few bags of clothes in the SUV's & the rest I arranged to go to the SWAT base in Houston, they're in process of arranging it to be transported to DC" Ted answered, he could she was lost for what to say "there's nothing you need to say Shan, so don't bother, why don't you go have a shower, get changed & freshen up, you could both use it actually"

Gibbs had to admit, he had a point, but he looked towards his kids, not wanting to leave them.

Ted could see Gibbs's hesitation "This place is locked down, I'll go keep watch on them, but you guys need to take a few minutes to freshen up, and they could probably use a few moments."

Shannon had to admit a shower sounded wonderful, she though understood her husband's hesitation & a thought came to her "where's Jackson?"

"He's with Agent Bryan, from the local FBI field office, along with Samuels & Brown, between them, they're taking care of the meals while we're here, the hotel's kitchen's are still out commission" Fornell answered "I'd say they'll be back fairly soon"

Gibbs looked towards their kids, Kelly was sitting on the edge of the garden's pond with Harry, while Nix was just wandering around the garden looking at the different things with Buster right beside him, he took a breath "ok, can you watch Nix mate?"

"Course I can" Ted nodded "goes without saying, I'll go watch him & keep an eye on Kells too" he was glad they'd take some time.

"Be back soon" Gibbs said, as he & Shannon headed off.

Fornell watched as the pair headed off, and upon turning to Ted he could just how tired the guy was "I can keep watch if you like? Let you go shower & freshen up"

"Thanks, but I can wait a little bit, I want to keep watch myself until they're back" Ted replied, dismissing the idea instantly

"Offer stands" Fornell replied, he knew what the answer would be, but had to ask.

Ted headed off towards Nix but heard the NCIS Director speaking with Peters & Robertson discussing the matter of securing the weaponry and making sure all the teams had rooms allocated to them & that they were able to now get some rest.

As Ted watched Nix walk aimlessly around the grounds he could just how close Buster was sticking to him, even without the leash, these two clearly had formed a bond. Leaning against a wall, he couldn't help but think what he wouldn't give to be able to close his eyes right here, right now, he was certain he'd be asleep within no time. Trying to keep himself awake, he considered what had forced Kelly & Nix to leave the hospital, leave their parents. Both were very emotionally charged, and while Nix hadn't cried back at the hospital, he knew he was upset. He hadn't been able to get any details, Nix had just sat in silence next to him until Gibbs & Shannon came out & they were rounded up to head off.

Ted knew he had averted a blow out between Gibbs & Jackson back at the hospital, but given he didn't know what set this one off, how could he help them navigate through it? He was looking forward to getting back to DC, that would put them all back into their own places, which should hopefully make things easier & it would also mean that he'd have Martha as backup to help him, help them.

Martha he thought, gosh, he couldn't wait to see her! He was already missing her while he was in Houston, but this last day the feelings & emotions he'd had we so intense that he was really feeling the need to see her, to hold her & his little girl, he just wanted to wrap them up in his embrace & not let go.

As Ted stood there he gently breathed out a small breath he didn't realise he was holding. He could now go down a notch in his alert senses now they had moved to a locked down facility, with more bodies that had taken over the protection details, though he wouldn't truly relax until they were back in DC.

Ted saw Nix was now having a close look at a tractor that was sitting on the opposite side of the garden to where the pond & his sister was, pushing off from the wall he approached Nix carefully "This is what I call an old-timer's tractor, my grandparents had one on their farm" he remarked gently.

Nix flashed a look to Ted, he hadn't realised he was there "looks complicated" there were so many different levers.

"It's not that complicated, here let me show you, go on up to the seat" Ted motioned.

"Am I allowed?" Nix asked hesitantly.

"Don t see why not" Ted replied, he was certain it would be ok.

Nix climbed up onto the tractor & sat down, he watched as Ted took a stand on the sidebar, this would be so awesome to drive! "Do you think it still works?"

"Not sure bud" Ted answered "but if it did, you'd need to pump that peddle there, while pulling the chocker there to get it going" he explained & continued to tell him what the various levers & handles did. He couldn't help but smile at how enthralled he was "you like this kinda of stuff Nix?"

"Yea, I drove one of Mike's grandparent's tractors in Austin, that was awesome! But it was nothing like this" Nix replied, loving the memory.

Ted smiled, but was curious "who's Mike?"

"Kelly's old boyfriend" Nix answered.

Ted couldn't help but show surprise at that, but he continued to show Nix the different things, the boy had gone quiet again. And if he hadn't been paying close attention, he'd have missed Nix comment.

"What's my dad really like?" Nix whispered, he'd felt comfortable now, but he was still caught up with what had happened back at the hospital, his sister was right, he didn't know his dad.

Ted's eyes widened at the comment, then his heart sank for the kid "he's a gentle, caring man, always willing to help someone in need, he never puts himself first with anything. He likes to do things with his hands, much like the woodworking I'm sure you'll do together. He loves his coffee, ice cream, steaks, board games & many other things that I'm sure you like too, but most importantly, he loves you more than you'll ever know. He would rip his skin off before letting anything happen to you Phoenix. I'm not sure what happened at the hospital, and I know things are pretty tense at the moment, but the one thing I want you to remember, is that your dad will always, always be there for you, no matter what. He'll do whatever he has to, to help you through everything, that you can be guaranteed." He finished gently, but with enough feeling to make him understand just how much his dad cared for him.

Ted saw Nix just nod, he had one more thing to say "And there's something else I want you to remember Phoenix" he only continued when Nix had finally lifted his head "if you ever want some space, or anything, you are always welcome at our place, you don't need to ask our permission, just come over, I've made our basement into a theatre & games room, and you can use it whenever you want, ok?"

"Thanks" Nix replied with a small smile.

"Excuse me" Mason said approaching the tractor, he wasn't sure what they were doing on it, but the mechanic was here to fix it.

Ted looked to him "Sorry, I'm Lt Ted Taylor, this is Phoenix Gibbs, he was just curious about the tractor, hadn't seen one this old before & thought it'd be ok to show it to him" he explained.

"No problem" Mason nodded, he wasn't going to deny this kid that "I just need you to hop down now though, Larry here needs to fix it" motioning to the man on his right

"It works?" Nix asked

"Once I'm through with it kid, it'll purr like a kitten" Larry replied, he could see the glee on the boy's face & honestly what boy didn't like engines? "Would you like to help me fix it?"

"Can I?" Nix asked Ted

"Of course you can Phoenix" Ted reassured him

Nix looked back to Larry "I'd like to, but I don't really know anything about tractors"

"Then let this be your first lesson kid" Larry motioned him down "the first thing we do is check the oil, without oil & no matter what we do, the tractor won't work" he explained.

Harry was sitting pretty close to his friend, she'd not uttered a single word since she'd collapsed on the ground back at the hospital. She'd even ignored his dad when he'd tried to get her to ride in the car taking the rest of her family to no avail, he was getting pretty worried about her, she was silently crying & it was very hard to watch. He scanned the area around them & saw that his dad was now with Nix over at some old tractor. He had to smile at his dad's actions, he was clearly revelling in showing Nix all around it. He then realised that Buster was wandering the garden & getting closer to them.

Kelly sat there staring at the ripples in the pond that the few ducks were making, why did things have to be so screwed up? She hadn't meant to go off at her parents, but it all just came out & she didn't know what to do now, she was glad though that they were giving her space, she just needed to clear head. She was also glad that Harry hadn't tried to speak to her, he'd just let her be, which she was grateful for.

She had to smile though when Buster had approached her & demanded entry to her between her legs, which she'd drawn up to her chest. She parted her legs to allow him in & put her arms around him "hey boy" she whispered as she dropped her head into his fur & rubbed his back, loving the feel of his fur through his fingers "such a good boy you are" she cooed.

Harry couldn't stop the chuckle from escaping his lips when Buster started to lick her in reply & was glad to hear a small laugh from Kelly.

"Thank you boy" Kelly laughed, it felt good to laugh, she continued patting him as she gazed out "you think we can actually get through this mess & be a family without falling apart completely?" she asked very quietly.

Harry looked over to her a little taken aback by the question, he considered how to answer for a moment before replying "I don't think you should look at falling apart as a bad thing Kell. If you didn't, or don't then I'd be concerned, it's only natural given everything that's happened. As for getting through it, I have no doubt you can do it, you & your family can get through it, and you don't need to become a family, because you already are one."

Kelly wasn't really convinced "maybe too much has happened"

Harry couldn't argue with that "you're right, a hell of a lot has happened, and it'll take a while to work through everything, but you'll get there. I know you will"

"Why are you so confident, no one in this family of mine actually knows each other, except me & squirt and those that should aren't even speaking to each other right now" Kelly finished, thinking that of all of them, her dad & grandfather, should know each other "and we don't even know if my grandmother is going live" she finished in a whisper.

"I'm not saying it isn't complicated Kells, it's the most complicated thing I've ever experienced, so I can only imagine it would be 100 times greater for you" Harry remarked gently, this situation was beyond anything he'd ever experienced "all I'm saying is that you'll be able to get through it, eventually. After what you've been through, you can't not get through it"

Kelly just let out a heavy breath "don't know if I've got anything left" she replied honestly, she just kept running her hands through Buster's fur trying to remain calm.

"That's because you're totally & utterly exhausted, you've barely slept in the last few days, your body's gone through trauma" Harry began, but saw her eyebrow raise "no matter what you say, that water dive put a physical strain on your body, and you never deal well with long car trips either. This says nothing as to how mentally & emotionally tired you must be, you've had so much happen in like 24 hours is ridiculous"

Harry took a breath before continuing "but besides all of that, after what that arsehole did you, especially making you leave your mum & tell Nix she died, you can't give up & let him win. You give up & he gets what he wants, you aren't a family, he doesn't deserve that!" he saw she was now staring at him "show him your strength, show him he didn't win, be the family you always wanted to be" he finished as determinedly as possible.

A/N: Well, looks like Harry is desperately trying to get through to Kelly, but I think he's done it! Nix too seems to dealing ok, but with a distraction like a tractor, what teenage boy wouldn't like that? lol At least they're all now at the hotel & out of the hospital environment.. this new environment should help them.. and Gibbs has finally talked his way out of the wheelchair, haha!

More up soon! As always, I love hearing your comments, so review away!