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Lonnngggg Chapter ...

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Chapter XXVIII - Powerful Asset


An hour later, after more conversation and another dose of pain meds, Hunter had fallen asleep and Tali was brought back to her room. It was quiet, except for the sound of the TV, as Ziva helped her back into bed silently then went to take her seat back by Tony. Neither parent said a word, which made Tali very uneasy.

I know abba told her where I was, so why isn't ima spazzing on me?

She stared at them intensely, but they ignored her stares by going back to looking at the movie they had been watching before her return. Their choice to ignore her, only making her even more surprised.

By now, ima would have totally went in on me ... maybe he didn't tell her?

Resolving in her mind that everything was all good, Tali laid back and got comfortable in her bed. Just as she was getting into the movie that was playing, Ziva broke the silence between all of them.

"So how is Officer Amadi", she asked without looking directly at her first born.

And here it comes.

Tali looked over at her mother and waited for her to look back, but she never did. The teen sighed and gave a quick response, "he's okay."

"Just okay? You two seemed awfully emotional and wrapped into each other when I left. With everything that was going on, I expected you back later than this." Ziva's response made both Tali and Tony look at her confused. She had never mentioned to Tony that there was an emotional exchange and she had never announced herself before for Tali to know that she was there. "What? You think I would not have watched to protect you from someone who has memory loss and could get violent?"

"You were there", Tali asked in almost a whisper.

"Yes, I was for a little while until I realized that you had the situation under control."

"What situation", Tony chimed in, finally wanting the details of the exchange.

Tali shrugged, "there was no 'situation'. Hunter and I just talked."

"There was DEFINITELY a situation. The Officer was about to become combative again, but you noticed the trigger and shut it down before he could get too far gone", Ziva explained with a smirk. "I am actually proud of how you calmly you handled it. You reminded me of your father and I, a little."

"Wait, why was he about to get combative", the concerned father needed more details. "Did he try something with you?"

"Dad, it was nothing, really." Tali tried to brush it off and change the topic as the thought of Hunter was producing the same butterflies as before, "so, what's this movie about?"

"Oh no no no, someone is going to tell me what happened with spy boy and my little girl", Tony demanded in a huff.

Ziva chuckled and looked directly at Tali, "would you like to tell abba of how you triggered his memory and sung to him or shall I?"

"Mooommmmmm", the teen whined in embarrassment. "Can we just drop it? It wasn't a big deal. He just needed someone to help him remember and stay calm. That's it, that's all."

Just then, Ziva's cell began to ring. Oh thank God! Tali smirked as she knew it meant her mother would need to drop the topic and go back to work.

Before Ziva left to take the call though, she looked back at Tali, "tell your father what happened while I am gone." Tali was about to protest again but she cut her off, "no arguments, you should be the one to tell him, not me."

Without another word, Ziva went into the hallway and closed the door behind her. Once she did, she looked at her phone and noticed the number. Just in time, she answered, "Shalom Orli!"

"Shalom Ziva, I hope I have not called at a bad time", the older woman spoke.

"No, not at all. I am just at the hospital visiting with Tali and Tony before I head back to the Navy Yard ..."

"Oh my dear, I have certainly interrupted then", she said apologetically. "If it is alright with you, I feel no need to rush with doing an interrogation knowing that you are with family now, can we hold off on my return to NCIS until tomorrow?"

Ziva smiled at Orli's compassion and decided to lay out a different compromise. "You are still so kind Orli, thank for being patient. If you would like, Agent McGee is back at headquarters and he can assist you in whatever you need. I am sure that my family would love to see you, so you can do the interrogations today and then tomorrow you could spend the day with us. Tony is expected to be released in this evening and Tali may be able to come home tomorrow, so we'd be back at our house for the first time in two weeks. I'd love to have you over and be able to enjoy part of your visit."

"That does sound nice. Alright then, please alert Agent McGee that I am heading to him now and I will see you tomorrow sweet Ziva. Shalom dear."

"Shalom", Ziva ended the call and sent a quick text to McGee who responded back immediately: 'Got it, call you after Orli gets finished.' With that, she returned to Tony and Tali who were in the middle of a seemingly heated discussion.

"How can you even say that? You don't know him at all!" Tali's face was red, as it usually was when she was furiously angry.

What did I just walk into? I was only gone five minutes.

Whatever Tony had just said must have set her off. Ziva wasn't sure how to approach the situation without knowing both sides, so she just stood for a moment and watched their interaction. It was hard to though, as her husband seemed to shut down and did not immediately respond to their daughter's question. Still, she waited to try to figure out what was going on.

Maybe I should not have told her to speak with him ...

"I can't believe you could be so rude", Tali continued after Tony was silent for a moment too long for her liking. "Just because his father is a class 'A' douchebag, doesn't mean Hunter will turn out that way! He's a nice guy and without him, I'd be dead! He saved me!"

Oh, this is not at good.

"Correction, your mother saved you and without an NCIS investigation to track you, you'd be dead! He did not save you and this little 'friendship' you say you have ends today. I don't want my daughter associated with someone like him!"

Okay Ziva, now you need to say something.

She stepped further in to speak, but Tali beat her to it. The 17 year old was furious. "You don't know ANYTHING! You weren't there! I should have died a week ago but Hunter made sure I was safe! He's the only reason I kept fighting to stay alive, and you have the nerve to question his motives? I could have sworn that yesterday YOU said that Hunter's debriefing was the only reason why mom and Uncle Tim knew to look in a different direction that ultimately led them to me. So, TECHNICALLY, it was still Hunter who saved me! How can you be such a hypocrite now?"

Tony looked in the direction of the door to finally acknowledge that he knew Ziva was in the room. He glared at her fiercely. His eyes speaking silent words that she'd better say something to their daughter before he really said something she didn't like. On the contrary, Ziva's eyes pleaded with him to calm down and try to work it this out. The silent struggle went on for a few minutes, until Tali broke it again.

"Ugh! Would you please just say something!? I know there's still some other jerk thing you want to say! Just get it out, after what Lucifer did to me, I can take whatever nonsense you have to say", she paused as her voice cracked then sighed. "I thought you always had my back, guess not."

She's going to cry ...

And just like clockwork, knowing her child's tones, Ziva's thought came to fruition. Tali brokedown in tears. Her cries made Tony snap out of his angered haze and his heart broke that he was the one to make her cry. For, quite frankly, no reason at all. She was right, he didn't know Hunter and he was in no position to try to compare him to his terrorist father. Honestly, his only reason for being so rude was because he saw the look on Tali's face when she spoke about the young man. It was almost like looking at Ziva and it scared him. After what Ziva had mentioned earlier about dating soon and being brought together by their traumas, it was just too much. The thought of his babygirl becoming an independent woman with fierce emotions scared him. Up until now, she never really showed interest in the opposite sex, at least not like the way she did just a few minutes ago. He panicked and tried to scare her away from Hunter, not because of who his father was, but because it actually seemed like he had a chance of taking his little girl away. Now, to make matters worse, she was questioning his loyalty to her. It wounded him deeply.

Ziva shook her head in disapproval at him as she crossed the room to console Tali. She whispered something in Tali's ear and Tony watched as Tali seemed to smile through her tears while nodding in approval. It was then that Ziva whispered something else. After a minute or two, Tali regained her composure and stood up from her bed.

"Wait for me outside motek", Ziva spoke softly after wiping away the last tear. The teen exited quietly without even looking in Tony's direction. Ziva, however, went straight to him and let out a deep sigh. She saw the look in his eye that he was trying to figure out what to say. There was no need to figure out anything though, once she began talking, "Do not speak, only listen. I am taking our daughter to the cafeteria for ice cream and then we are going to visit her friend. You will call Gibbs and Anthony so they can come back and help you get cleaned up for your release this evening. While you wait for them, you will figure out how to fix the damage you caused to our, already highly emotional, extremely sensitive, and still very much mentally wounded, daughter. You have screwed up big time, Tony. I get that you might have been playing 'overprotective dad', but you crossed a line in making Tali feel like you could not support her. Even if you do not agree, there is a way to explain that without defaming the character of the only person she feels connected to in her time of healing."

She paused to make sure he was understanding. After he nodded, she continued, "When we first met, you had every right to judge me and not to trust me based off the character of Ari and my father. But in this case, you have no right to judge and not trust Hunter based off of who his father is. He's a hurting victim, and so is Tali. Right now, they are all each other have and that is all I have to say. We will see you later."

There was nothing left for Tony to do as he watched his love walk out the door but to follow her instructions. Once again, Ziva proved to be right. And so, without further delay, he grabbed his phone and did as he was told. Silently praying that his surrogate father, Gibbs, could give him some advice again when he got there.


.


Back at the Navy Yard, McGee and Bishop stood at the plasma screen with Abby in the squad room. Abby was thoroughly explaining how the jammers had worked so well during their warehouse raids and showing them her technique on how to remotely deactivate them in case they ever came across them again.

Little did they know, Orli was standing behind them and it startled them completely when she spoke, "That device was built by Mossad and there is an easier way to deactivate it."

The three turned around and Abby was the first to greet her in a hug. "Wow, Orli, you look great. It's so good to see you, does Ziva know that you're ..."

"Ziva knows", McGee interrupted as he went to shake the elderly woman's fragile hand. "Nice to see you, Orli."

"It is good to be seen Agent McGee, Abby", she paused and smiled pleasantly at Bishop who returned her smile. "And you, as well, Agent Bishop." Orli slowly made her way to the screen and pointed at a spot on the device photo. "That sensor can pick up and block anything within a 50 mile radius. If, for some odd reason, you come across this device again then you need to simply access the Mossad database and enter the code '73Z5' into the fixed signal."

Everyone looked at her confused. Abby spoke what they were all thinking, "how are we supposed to 'simply access the Mossad database' to enter the code?"

Orli let out a faint chuckle, "oh Abby, as if you or Agent McGee could not use your skills to access our database. You have done it plenty of times in years passed." They stared blankly at her knowledge of their hacking. "Do not worry, I am the only one, the wiser, who has known about your snooping from time to time. It is okay. What troubles me is how you came to have one of those in your possession?" She turned to McGee, "I do believe Ziva has informed you on why I have come, but I would like to know why you have that device?"

McGee nodded, "Yes, she has ... and uh, thanks for the tip ... and the discretion. As for the jammer, we have more than one and we got them from the hideouts of the terrorists that kidnapped Tali. So, how did these guys manage to get Mossad equipment? I've seen your headquarters, it couldn't have been an easy task to steal them."

She took a seat at McGee's desk, "I hope you do not mind. I am not as young as I used to be." He nodded his approval of her choice to sit at his desk and waited for her to answer his question. "Toda! Now to answer your question, those devices were not taken from Mossad headquarters. We released a few to an agency in South Africa several months ago. As far as I knew, they are still in possession of the devices. Mossad has not been alerted to the equipment being stolen from them, if it was."

"This South African agency", Bishop finally spoke, "it wouldn't happen to be SASS would it?"

Orli looked at her astonished, "Yes, it was. Their Director is an old friend, why?" Everyone was silent and averted their eyes from her. It didn't take long for her to figure out why the sudden uncomfortable silence had come. Orli sighed, "Mohammed Amadi is behind all this horror with Tali, yes? And he is the one who broke that sick terrorist, Benjamin, out of my prison?"

They all nodded simultaneously. McGee knelt down to meet her eye to eye, "Orli, please don't take offense but I have to ask, was Mossad aware of anything that Amadi had planned? Were they part of this?"

She glared at him but soon her expression changed to one of disbelief. "I must say, I am offended slightly but I understand your need to ask so I will answer you honestly. The Mossad that was once under Eli's control, before he realized he needed to focus on the family he had left, may have been part of this." She stopped momentarily to take a few deep breaths. The thought of what would have formerly been true took a small toll on her mind. After getting herself together mentally, she cleared her throat and continued on, "However, the Mossad of today would NEVER be part of something so heinous. If we had been aware, Ziva and NCIS would have been notified. There is nothing but love and respect for Ziva, the last standing of the David name, within our agency now and we would never do anything to harm her or her family. I assure you, Agent McGee, Mossad had no parts. And given this new information, I will personally make sure that Israel removes any and all help that has been gifted to Amadi's agency. You have my word."

"Thank you Orli, but I don't know if SASS is really who we should be looking at in all of this. It may only be Director Amadi and a different organization", McGee admitted when his thoughts went to Amadi's earlier outburst. "Does a group named 'The Tribe' sound familiar to you at all?"

Orli's eyes widened when he spoke the name, "yes it does, but I do not know the group, only a classified intel file folder. Understand, I am only a consultant on old cases and ops these days so anything knewly classified I am not usually read into unless I am asked to be. However, I can give you the contact information for someone at Mossad who can give you all the details."

McGee smiled, "that would be great. We could use the help." He stood and looked at his team as Orli started writing the information they'd need, "Bishop, go MTAC to see if you can get through on a video conference to Orli's contact. This is new and sensitive information regarding a terrorist plot on our soil, so I only want information shared inside MTAC or a SCIF from here on out. Abs, since we basically have Mossad's permission to access their database, you go try to see if you can track down any of the jammers given to SASS that may have made their way to the DC area. If we can get a read on any others, besides the ones in evidence, then we may have a lead on where anyone else who is working for Amadi is located. We may have him here, but he has others still doing his dirty work and I know they have to be in DC."

"You got it Tim", Abby responded and swiftly wandered off to go to her lab.

Orli finished writing the information that Bishop needed and handed it to her. "When you reach Paza, tell her that you are calling on behalf of myself and Ziva. She will make you verify that so, when she asks about the op that the three of us worked together, your response will be that word on the bottom of the paper. Please destroy that paper once you have made contact."

"Yes ma'am", Bishop nodded and looked at McGee, "where will you be after I finish?"

"Orli and I will be in Interrogation 2 with Benjamin and Amadi."

Bishop raised her eyebrow, "you're putting them together?"

"It goes against rule one", McGee stated ironically, "but I have a feeling that when they both see Orli, it might make them flip on each other a little faster and we might get more out of them without actually having to ask too many questions."

"I get it, make them argue and suddenly everything comes out in the open?"

"Exactly! Now get to MTAC and get us that intel", McGee gave his finally order and Bishop walked off to complete her new assignment. He offered his arm to Orli and helped her stand from her seated position. With a smile, he looked down at her fragile frame and asked, "shall we?"

Orli returned his smile and nodded, "lead the way!"


.


They had been sitting in the cafeteria for over an hour. Deciding that they both should have lunch first, they had healthy salads and then finally got ice cream. They chatted about shopping, the next family vacation, Tali and Anthony's return to school, Tali's college plans, and about their plans for when they finally got to go back to their home tomorrow. While discussing going back home, Tali's mood suddenly changed. She went from smiling and laughing to looking nervous and unsure. Ziva couldn't tell if she was scared to return because of being kidnapped from her room, or if there was something else on her daughter's mind entirely. Not wanting to assume, Ziva asked her what was going on and waited patiently for her to respond.

After letting out an exasperated sigh, Tali focused on the remaining ice cream in front of her and spoke, "do you think abba is right about him?"

Knowing the topic would come up eventually, Ziva shook her head and took a moment to process her answer. She didn't want to apologize for Tony's remarks. No, that was a job for her husband to do on his own. But she didn't want Tali to second guess her defense either. Trying to remain neutral, Ziva countered with a question back, "do you think you are wrong?"

Tali finally looked back up and adamantly shook her head 'no'. "I wasn't wrong. Maybe I could have said it more respectfully and with less attitude, but I know I'm not wrong."

"Okay", Ziva nodded, "then there is no reason for you to question whether or not your father is right. But, you will need to speak with him eventually. That conversation is not over."

She sighed, "I know ... I just don't want him to judge Hunter because of his father. I've met them both, and they are nothing alike .. well, except for the eyes .. but, other than that, Hunter is totally different. He's kind and honest and super intelligent and strong and protective and ..."

"And you have a crush on him, yes?"

Tali scoffed and tried to hide her rosey cheeks as she looked down at the now empty ice cream cup. "I do NOT have a crush on him. We're just friends and that's all we will ever be."

"Mmhmm", she smirked, "so why are you blushing?" The teen looked up at her and rolled her eyes. Ziva laughed and continued, "motek, it is okay if you have a crush on him. I will not tell your father. Hunter is a handsome young man, I would think it to be weird if you did not think he was."

Tali shyly smiled, "he is definitely handsome, I will give him that. I guess I'm not sure if I have a crush or not really. I mean, boys really aren't my thing."

"Are you trying to tell me you are into girls then", Ziva asked with her eyebrow raised, prepared for any truth that would follow. "It is fine if you are, it would certainly explain your lack of interest in going on dates with boys; contrary to most girls your age."

"Ima no", Tali giggled, "I'm not a lesbian. I just don't have time for boys. The guys at my school are so immature. It's just a totally ..."

"Turn off", she finished and Tali nodded. "I understand, but you said you were not sure about Hunter so, what makes you unsure?"

"I don't know", she shrugged. "He's basically this cool smooth teenage spy and I'm just a high school preppy nerd. I doubt I'd ever be his type. Plus, we didn't meet under normal circumstances and we're both pretty broken. But then again, even in this brokenness, he makes me feel like my broken pieces can be mended back together. I got butterflies earlier when we talked and he gave me all this hope that the future is brighter than our past. I don't worry about my scars or wounds being exposed to him because he's already seen the most horrible points of my life and, still, he thinks I am a beautiful soul."

Ziva was at a loss for words. This doe-eyed teen before her seemed to have more than just a crush. Tali is absolutely love struck. She flashed a sincere smile and opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Dr. Copeland walking up to them.

"Agent DiNozzo and Tali, hey! I've been looking for the both of you."

"Well", Ziva smiled, "you have found us! Is everything alright?"

The doctor nodded, "Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to check on Tali and also say thank you on behalf of myself and Dr. Shaw for whatever you managed to do to get Officer Amadi to relax. He's responding positively to us now."

"It was no biggie", Tali spoke in a humble tone. "I just reminded him that we were safe now and that you guys just want to help."

"Well, your voice is what did the trick. Hopefully your parents would be willing to allow you to come visit after your discharge tomorrow. We could use your help throughout the duration of his recovery with us."

Both Dr. Copeland and Tali looked to Ziva for approval. Not if Tony doesn't get his head straight. She saw the pleading look in Tali's eyes. The one thing the teen had mastered was her father's puppy dog expression when she really wanted something. Dammit Ziva, are you caving? The mother nodded slightly, "I will have to speak with Tony, but I would be willing to bring her if it helps Officer Amadi."

Tali squealed and jumped up to hug her mother, "thanks Ima! You're the best!"

"Well, judging by your excitement, I'd say you're doing well", Dr. Copeland noted. "Since you seem to be moving better and very alert right now, do you want to go in to visit with Officer Amadi again now? He asked for you when I left his room a little while ago."

"Mom, can we go now and maybe bring him some ice cream too?"

"We planned to go see him eventually anyway", Ziva spoke, "I guess we can go now. Doctor, it is okay for us to take him ice cream?"

"I don't see why not. I'd say he deserves a sweet reward for his turnaround in the last few hours", she responded. "I will be up to check on you this evening Tali and to bring Director DiNozzo's discharge paperwork. See you later!"

They watched as Dr. Copeland walked off and then Ziva cleared their empty trays off the table. When she returned from the garbage, Tali was already over at the ice cream machine getting Hunter's treat. She smiled and waited for her to finish.

Tali came back with a big serving of vanilla and chocolate swirl. Ziva raised her eyebrow at her. "What", the teen laughed, "it's his fave."

"Mmhmm, I see", Ziva chuckled. "Well, let's take it to him then."

After a few minutes, they got to Hunter's room but stopped short as they crossed the door threshold. Tali placed her finger on her lips to signal Ziva to stay silent. They both watched quietly as Hunter recited prayers in Arabic with his eyes closed. After a few minutes, he finished and sighed with relief.

"Hey Tals, who's your friend", he asked without opening his eyes.

"How ... how did you know I was here", she asked in amazement as they entered completely.

He smirked as he finally opened his eyes, "I could feel you, and please tell me that ice cream is for me!"

Tali giggled, "Yeah, we got your fave." She handed him the ice cream and adjusted his pillow so he could enjoy it comfortably before sitting down. "This is my Ima, by the way, do you remember her?"

"Thanks, and yeah I think I do remember. Agent Ziva DiNozzo, right?"

Ziva smiled, "Yes. It's good to see you, Officer Amadi." She took a seat next to Tali and looked him over, "how are you feeling?"

"Besides the memory loss, I'm feeling pretty good ... especially now with ice cream. The pain from the injuries isn't so bad. Just wish I wasn't all broken up in so many places so I could pray properly", he confessed.

"Hunter is Muslim", Tali explained to her mother. "He is a Hafiz of the Quran, it's pretty special."

"That's an incredible accomplishment for someone so young. I didn't know your family was so religious Hunter." Ziva's comment was sincere but also intentional. Tali had already confirmed with her earlier about Hunter's memory not reaching to the point of his father's involvement yet. She wanted to see if she could jog his memory too.

"Oh, they're not", he said while taking another big spoonful of the delicious ice cream treat into his mouth. After he swallowed he went on to explain, "my parents are only religious in public when it looks good and helps my father make political friends. I'm the only one in the family that actually takes it seriously. One of the best things they ever did when I was a child was send me to a private Islamic school. I know now that it was a power move for them to show me off but from the moment I started learning the Quran, I fell in love with Islam. I believe it's structure is what has made me an exceptional soldier and all around better man."

"See, told you he was inspiring", Tali stated sweetly.

"No Tals, you're the inspiring one. I'm just an ordinary dude, you're the one who's extraordinary", he said flirtatiously causing Tali to blush.

Ziva looked between the two as they got lost in each other's eyes. As cute as it was, she needed to break the moment. "So Hunter, are you planning on going back to being a soldier after you recover? Your assignment with NCIS is technically over since all this mess happened, which means you could return to your work at SASS."

His demeanor instantly changed, "I'm off the assignment? I mean, I knew my being captured might have changed somethings but there's still a war going on so I just assumed I'd still have work to do with NCIS. That sucks."

"Ima, isn't there something you could do to help him keep his position? He can't go back to SASS, not now!"

"The decision isn't really up to me. SASS would have to agree to have him locked in with us. Not to mention, your father has to sign off on it as well, motek", Ziva explained.

Tali sighed in defeat at the thought of Tony's earlier accusations concerning her friend, "then it's definitely not happening."

"Did I miss something", Hunter asked while sitting the empty ice cream container down beside him. He took a moment to assess Tali's facial expression. Something in her look told him that he was forgetting why things seemed so bleak for him. "Why can't I stay and why can't I go back either?"

"It's nothing", Tali responded quickly. She didn't want him to get upset at the moment.

"Come on Tals, you promised to be honest if I got confused or needed help remembering. I need help now", his voice was calm but there was a hint of desperation for the truth the couldn't be ignored.

Ziva gave Tali a look to encourage her to tell him about his father. The teen sighed again and took Hunter's hand to try to keep him calm. "The truth is, there's someone who was part of our kidnapping that you are forgetting about. That person is someone my father no longer trusts and it's also someone that SASS will probably never trust again as well. They had everyone fooled for a long time, but now the truth is out that they've been secretly leading a terrorist organization and plotting against the United States."

"Okay, so what does this persom have to do with me", he asked, still not catching on to the connection. "It's not my fault some person is has horrible ideals and isn't making friends with your dad or mine. The way you're talking, it sounds like the person is affiliated with SASS though. Is that it?"

Tali nodded, "the person is definitely affiliated with SASS and was also working directly with NCIS to draft the ally agreement that you were part of. It has to do a lot with you, considering your DNA."

The use of the words 'your DNA' made Hunter's eyes snap shut. An immediate image of Lucifer standing before him and saying the same words flashed in his head. Then, he saw his debriefing at NCIS and his chat with Tony at the safehouse. He heard the bomb go off and saw the fire in the hallway. The final pieces to the puzzle to came back and hit him like a ton of bricks. He felt like he couldn't breathe, but feeling Tali squeezing his hand brought him back to reality.

He opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling, "Allah, please help me."

"What did you see", Ziva asked in a hushed tone.

The young man remained quiet but looked at Tali. His eyes were glazed over with hatred. He shook his head 'no', not wanting to believe what she was insinuating. After locking in on her sad and apologetic eyes, his own hate filled eyes changed to disappointed ones.

He started to tremble as an involuntary tear rolled down his cheek. "My father ... my father is the terrorist leader? He really did set all this up? Lucifer told the truth."

"Hunter I'm so sor ..."

"Please leave", he spoke in a whisper. Cutting off Tali's apology. He didn't want it. There was no need. The emotions going on inside made him feel something he couldn't explain. He wanted no witnesses to this moment. It was time to be alone and process what to do next with his life.


.


"I would have never guessed that you would have had a hand in freeing this monster, let alone being fully responsible for all this mess", Orli was coming to the end of her monologue after Amadi had confessed to being the mastermind and described how he had come into employing Benjamin and Torres. "You lied to Mossad and used us to commit acts of terrorism. If the Americans do not do away with you, Israel will gladly string you up and watch you hang."

"Orli, you sound like a bitter old woman. I told you you should have stayed retired. This stress is not worth losing your life over." Amadi's cockiness did not vote over well with the older woman.

While she may have aged through the progression of time, her Mossad skills were still very much so up to par as if she was still in her prime. Everyone in the room with them, which included McGee and Benjamin, looked on in amazement as the salt and pepper haired woman had swiftly slammed the arrogant director's head on the table and twisted his arm behind his back.

"I do not take kindly to threats upon my life Mohammed", she hissed. "You should know this by now." Her grip on his arm tightened as she twisted it further, causing him to yelp. "Now, I would advise you change your tone and choose your words wisely henceforth, unless you want to lose this arm."

"You can't treat me like this", he spoke through gritted teeth.

"I am not an NCIS agent, so I do not have to follow their rules. Now, you will tell Agent McGee what he needs to know and if it is not the truth, I will break this arm."

"I will say nothing! I am invoking my right of diplomatic immunity!"

Fuck! McGee snapped out of his amazed haze and gently removed Orli's grip from Amadi. He turned her to him and they locked eyes. She silently mouthed for him not to worry then sat down.

"Agent McGee", she spoke confidently, "how long have you had this swine in your custody?"

"A few days" he answered in confusion, not knowing exactly how she was so calm or where she was going with her questioning.

"And in those few days, has he ever mentioned having immunity?"

Huh? How did I overlook that? McGee shook his head and chuckled, "no, I don't believe he has."

"Then you can wipe the worried look off your face because he has no rights to immunity. He probably did before Ziva confirmed his involvement, but he definitely does not now. That is one part of her training from Mossad that she has never lost, we never let vermin wriggle away." Orli paused and patted the seat next to her for McGee to sit down, which he did. She then leaned in and rested her arms on the table, "since Mohammed does not want to talk, maybe Benjamin will speak his peace."

"Say nothing to this bitch", Amadi ordered.

His outburst making Orli laugh slightly. She leaned back and sighed, "what you fail to realize is that he is more afraid of me than he is you and, in my presence, I am his master. Isn't that right Adolf?"

Benjamin cleared his throat but the tremble could still be heard in his voice, "it's Lucifer now."

"It does not matter what you call yourself. What matters is the next target in which you people have setup?" Orli glared at him and waited for a response but he stayed silent. After another moment, she sighed again and looked to McGee, "I know you planned on keeping them together, but he needs to feel secure and cannot when a man of more power is in the room. I would suggest having Amadi removed for this portion of our conversation."

McGee thought about it for a second but, ultimately, he decided to follow Orli's lead on the matter. She'd gotten more out of them in the last hour than anyone had in their previous attempts. He trusted her judgment and opened the door to have the agents outside remove Amadi. When he was gone, McGee closed the door back and returned to his seat. He respectfully nodded to Orli for her to continue.

"I am no longer interested in taking you back to Israel. With what you did to Tali, the Dinozzo's will make sure you die a slow and horrible death for sure. You may as well free yourself from your burdens and tell the truth, call this your 'hour of repentance'. But, if you do not want to, then I am sure I can arrange with NCIS to have you come back to Israel to get the information we all want. It is your choice."

The shock and fear that flashed on Benjamin's face was clear to McGee. The way his eyes darted around the room confirmed that Orli did have some type of leverage on him to control him. McGee wondered what had transpired between them in Israel for this man to be so evidently fearful. It wasn't the death threat that had seemed to scare him, but rather Orli's choice of words about repentance and going back to Israel. The NCIS team lead stayed quiet and began writing as quickly as Benjamin was spilling the truth.

"There are bombs in place around the city but they are not active. Where they are placed isn't their final destination. It's just holding locations until Amadi gives word to set them. If he doesn't send word, there's a backup contingency in place to move forward with Plan 'B'. He has twenty five men in DC alone, waiting for his orders. I don't know when they are supposed to strike. He never let me in on that part of the plan. My only job was to get the kids and make him look like a victim while he setup the rest."

"Where are the bombs", McGee finally asked.

"I swear, I don't know. But this entire capital city is the target. They could be anywhere."

"Do you know what agency or building will be hit first?"

Benjamin lowered his head, "I've told you everything I know."

Orli nodded, "he's being truthful Agent McGee. Seems he is still the slacky he has always been."

"Think you mean 'lackey'", McGee corrected in a whisper. "But, I think you're right. There's nothing else we need from him." He got up and lifted Benjamin from his seat to escort him out. Their work seemed to be done for now. McGee wanted to check in with Bishop in MTAC so he could update Ziva later.

Orli followed behind but stopped halfway down the hall after McGee had handed Benjamin over to another set of agents to return him to lockup. When he noticed she stopped walking, McGee looked back at her quizzically, "you okay Orli?"

"I am fine", she showed a tired smile. "Just a little tired. As fun as that was, I think I need to retire to my hotel and rest. Must still be jetlagged."

"I understand, let me walk you out." As they set out to exit the building, McGee asked about Orli's ability to break Benjamin so easily. She told him of old stories of Mossad and confirmed things that he only thought were rumors and harsh jokes Ziva used to tell. He was glad that the older woman, and Mossad for that matter, was on their side. If things were as bad as he felt they might become, having the strength of Mossad to back them would prove to be a powerful asset.


Bruhhh, this was longer than anticipated .. LoL

We still have to get Tony out of the hospital AND I promise to have your Gibbs bonus in the next chapter ...

I wrote it but the chapter was already so long .. LoL

Anyhoo, we have some interesting stuff coming so stick around folks!

Later!