Chapter 20

"Are you sleeping, DiNozzo?"

The voice came out of nowhere and Tony's eyes opened lazily. Then, he felt a stinging smack on the back of his head. He came awake immediately.

"No, Boss. I wouldn't dream of it."

Gibbs replied sardonically, "It didn't look like that to me."

Tony flushed and stood. He'd only been drowsing for a few seconds, but that didn't matter. He looked behind Gibbs and saw Tim standing quietly. He looked everywhere but at either of the men in the hallway. There was something wrong. Tony looked back at Gibbs, a question on his lips. Gibbs just shook his head with a warning glance. Tony nodded slightly and turned to Tim.

"Hey, McGee. I'm not sure if Ainsworth is awake yet, but you two will probably get along great. He's a geek like you."

Tim just nodded and looked out the window. It had been a bad drive over, and Gibbs knew it was his fault. He hadn't even thought about the radio announcers, and McGee had turned on the radio and heard a few choice comments about the "criminal nature" of the accident. Gibbs had turned off the radio immediately, but it was too late to change what had been heard. Tim hadn't said a word since then.

"Just let me see if he's awake. Ziva's a little punchy lately; so I'll make sure she doesn't shoot first and ask questions later."

Tim didn't respond, and Tony went into the room. Both Ziva and Terence were awake. They looked up as he came in.

"What is it, Tony?" Ziva asked with her hand on her gun.

"Gibbs and McGee are here. I just wanted to be sure that you were both... decent."

Ziva rolled her eyes. "Good. I don't understand what Mr. Ainsworth is saying anymore."

"You were doing fine, Officer David."

"Thank you, but no. I'll let McGee talk in that technobabble with you."

Tony grinned and went back out in the hall.

"Ziva's ready to pass the baton to someone more experienced," he said.

When Tim said nothing, Gibbs said, "You and Ziva take a few hours' break. I'll sit out here while McGee is with Ainsworth. Get some sleep and report back by two."

"Will do, Boss." Tony walked back to the room, and Tim followed.

"Good morning, McGee," Ziva said. She noticed Tim's withdrawal but said nothing of it. "This is Terence Ainsworth."

Tim held out his hand. "Hello, Mr. Ainsworth. I'm Timothy McGee. Nice to meet you," he said without expression.

Terence could also see that there was something going on, but he just took the proffered hand and said, "Likewise, I'm sure. I understand you are the computer expert."

Tim nodded. "Generally."

Tony said, "Officer David and I are taking a break. McGee will be in here and our boss, Special Agent Gibbs will be outside. We'll be back by two."

Terence nodded as Ziva stood and collected her stuff. "Thanks for telling me. I'll see you later."

Tony and Ziva walked out into the hallway.

"What's up with McGee, Boss?" Tony asked.

"He heard the news reports, didn't he," Ziva said, flatly.

"Yes, among other things. He needs to work right now. Don't come back early," Gibbs said, shortly.

"Understood."

Gibbs sat and sighed. One step forward, a million steps back. He was afraid that he might not be able to get Tim out of this one.