Joint Investigations

Chapter 6: Hiding in Plain Sight

"Air Force Barbie's gone casual, I like it." Tony commented as Tasha and Tim entered the bull pen at the instructed time.

"Ignore him." Added Ziva. "He is just jealous because he cannot keep a steady girlfriend."

"I could." DiNozzo defended "I just chose not to."

"Right." Tim said with a smirk.

The three had a laugh at Tony's expense that was cut short by the sound of an angry someone clearing their throat.

"If you are all done acting like you're still in high school we have a case to solve." Gibbs said with a look that dared them to disagree. When no one did he continued. "After much deliberation between the director, the Air Force, and myself we've come up with a plan that everyone is going to have to live with. McGee and Lt. Kelly are taking some leave time and DiNozzo and David are going undercover."

"Is anyone else lost?" Tony asked.

"While those two are spending as much time as possible in public you tow are going to tail them." Gibbs explained "If this guy is able to get his targets while they're alone he must be watching them."

"This could work except for if she is with McGee she is not really alone." Ziva observed.

"He's sticking with her until we figure out who this guy is. We'll give him some time to show us his face and then we'll get him. But we can't make it known that those two are being tailed"

"Then me and Ziva will go dig up some equipment." Tony said before departing with his partner on his tail.

"What can we do Boss?" Tim asked, not wanting to be useless.

"Fill up your social calendar for the next few days." He called as he exited the bull pen, coffee cup in hand.

"He has a point. Knowing what we're doing ahead of time would help Tony and Ziva."

"Then why don't we plan ourselves a few dates?" she suggested with a smile.

It wasn't until he pulled a planner out of his desk that she realized the date.

"Oh no." she groaned.

"What's wrong?" he asked, slightly alarmed.

"My brother is coming to visit in two days." She sighed. "That's the last thing I need while we have a serial killer on the loose."

"I'm sure he'll be safe." He assured.

"That's the least of my worries."

"Whatever the problem we can handle it." He promised, covering her hand with one of his own.

She could help but smile at his use of the word we.

By the time Tony and Ziva returned the two had planned a day of public outings for the next day.

"We're having a pre-mission briefing tomorrow at 09:00." Gibbs said, reappearing. "The rest of the day is yours but you two," he pointed at Tim and Tasha "are to stick together."

"Right." Said Tim responded as Tasha nodded.

"So what would you like to do for the rest of the day?" Tim asked taking hold of one of her hands as the crossed the parking lot.

"I have to go by the base to sign off on my leave paperwork, but after that we can do whatever you want." She answered with a smile.

"Sounds good." He said returning her smile with one of his own.

When they pulled up to the gates to Bolling Air Force Base Tasha flashed credentials they were waved through.

Tim was interrogated by a few of Tasha's co-workers while she took care of her paperwork.

"Are you being nice?" she questioned playfully when she returned.

"Aren't we always?" retorted a Lieutenant Colonel whose name tag read Marshall.

She laughed. "Tim this is my commanding officer Lt. Col. Marshall."

"Nice to meet you." The officer said offering his hand.

"You too." Tim said shaking his hand.

"Make sure you take care of her." Marshall said. "She's the only one who makes sure things get done around here."

"Will do sir." He responded.

"So have you figured out how we're spending the rest of the day?" she asked as they were heading back to his apartment.

"I was thinking since we'll be spending a lot of time in public in the next few days why don't we have some private time, maybe popcorn and a movie?" he asked.

"Sounds perfect."

Good? Bad? Let me know what you think!

I'm sorry it took me so long to update, did I mention before I'm in Air Force Jr. ROTC? I was promoted to 2nd Lt. halfway through January, which means I'm now in charge of a department and like eleven people, and no I have virtually no free time. And when I did have free time I was worried about other things. If anyone wants to add me on Facebook (which I am addicted to) so you can give me a kick in the butt when I'm taking to long to update, let me know and I'll give you my info. Anyway I'm ranting again, please review!!!

~Semper