Now it's My Turn

Sequel to "Gibbs' New Girl" & "Switching Places"

By MchakotayParis (R. Mason)

Chapter 8

Gibbs and Ali went seamlessly back into their work routines and for several weeks everything was normal until small strange things started happening. Phone calls where there was no one was there, having the feeling that she was being watched, and several times while she was in the park at lunch Ali thought she heard an automatic camera clicking close by. Ali even have swore that a few times there was a strange car park close to hers at work or even across the street at the house. She tried to dismiss it until one weekend she and Gibbs were playing in the back in the backyard and Ali heard the soft clicking again.

She and Gibbs were playing tag in the backyard and Ali stopped in mid run and turned towards the east side of their fence. The house that had been on that side burnt down two years ago, the owner demolished the house but didn't rebuilt. Gibbs ran full force into her, calling "Tag, your it." then started to take off but stopped when he noticed that Allison wasn't moving.

"Ali, what's wrong baby girl?" asked Gibbs as he came back towards her.

"Daddy, I think someone is watching us" said Ali with a little tremor in her voice.

"What do you mean sweetheart?" asked Gibbs as he started looking around and instinctively reached for his gun. He never wore it during the weekend while he was with Ali but always had it within close reach, so as he moved quietly to retrieve it then he moved Ali back towards the house.

"I could have sworn I heard something from the empty lot next door. A clicking sound like a camera or something" said Ali softly as she stayed where Gibbs had put her and squatted down behind one of the lawn chairs.

With cat like stealth Gibbs moved towards the fence, drawing his gun the peering over the fence. He didn't see anything at first glance but he wanted the team to go over the lot and see if they could find anything forensicly. He'd noticed that Ali had been slightly upset and distracted for the past few weeks but he just thought it was due to something happening at work. Now he suspect that Admiral Grayson or one of Allison's sisters or brothers were up to their old tricks again. As he motioned for Ali to stay put Gibbs went out the back gate and searched the empty lot next door. He returned a few minutes later and went over to where Ali was crouched down behind on of the lawn chairs. She look so scared that it broke his heart that they would disrupted her happy "Ali time" like this.

As he moved the chair out of the way she looked up and launched herself into Gibbs arms saying "I'm sorry Daddy!"

Gibbs staggered slightly under her weight but soon regained his balance, sitting down on one of the lawn chairs holding Ali in his lap while she trembled slightly in his arms.

"Ali baby, you have nothing to be sorry for sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong." said Gibbs as he gently rubbed her back.

"But if I…." started Ali but stopped when Gibbs stopped rubbing her back and firmly put his hand on her chin raising her head.

"Allison Grayson/Gibbs, you stop that right now. You have done nothing wrong. I want you to go inside and wait for me while I call Tony and Tim"

"Can Ziva or Abby come to, please Daddy" asked Ali in her little girl voice.

"Sure baby girl, I'll see if their free. Now go please while I make the calls" said Gibbs as he kissed her on the side of her head then pushed her off his lap and towards the house.

Ali all but ran into the house, jumping on the couch and curling into a little ball in the corner. As he turned his back on her Gibbs tempered down his fury before he called Tim and Tony. Twenty minutes later Tim, Tony, Ziva and Abby arrived carrying all their crime scene equipment. As Gibbs let them in Tony and Tim headed towards the backyard while Abby made a beeline to Ali. She hadn't moved from the corner of the couch and when she saw Abby she quickly unfolded herself and ran into the Goth's arms.

"It's alright Ali, were here now. Everything's going to be okay" said Abby as she led Ali back to the couch, pulling the blanket from the back and wrapping it around her.

"What happened Boss?" asked Tony as he came back inside from doing a cursory look around the backyard.

"Ali said she thought she heard something from the lot next door. I checked but didn't see anything but see what you can find."

"What kind of noise was it Boss?" asked Tim as he came up beside Tony.

"Sort of a clicking sound, like an automatic camera or something like that" answered Gibbs.

"Right, on it Boss" said Tony as he and Tim went out to check the empty lot next door.

"Ziva, see if you can talk to Ali and get any more. She's been upset and distracted for a while now and my gut says there is more going on than just this incident." asked Gibbs.

At her nod Gibbs when back out to the yard and once again did a quick survey to make sure everything was safe. When he came back in Ziva saw him and excused herself from Ali and Abby to speak with him.

"How is she Ziva?" asked Gibbs.

"She's scared. And your gut was right, Ali said she's been getting strange calls at work and had the feeling she was being watched at the park before." informed Ziva.

At this news Gibbs marched over to where Ali and Abby were siting and pulled her into his arms.

"Sweetheart why didn't you say something before?" asked Gibbs as he raised her chin to look at him.

"I'm sorry, Daddy." whispered Ali as she buried her face back in his shirt. "I just thought at first that I was being silly, but when the other things started happening I…"

"What other things?" asked Gibbs loudly causing Ali to bury her face deeper into his shirt.

"Gibbs!" scolded Abby as she started rubbing Ali's back.

"I'm sorry baby girl, but I'm just worried about you" said Gibbs softly.

"I know Daddy, and I'm sorry for not telling you but you all were so busy with your cases I just didn't want to get in the way."

"Ali sweetie, you are never in the way. Promise me that from now on if something is bothering you, you will come to at least one of us and talk. Okay?" said Abby as she wrapped her arms around Ali still sitting in Gibbs lap.

"I promise Abs" whispered Ali.

"Now can you tell us what other things have been happening Ali?" asked Ziva.

As Ali looked up at the people around her she saw only concern in their face and knew that she was indeed loved.

"It's little stuff really. No one on the line when I pick up, a feeling that I'm being watched in the park when I eat lunch. Or a clicking sound behind me, a couple of times there's been a strange car parked close to mine in the C& D parking spaces. I think I've even seen a strange car parked across the street from the house a few times." said Ali.

"Can you describe the car Ktantonet?" asked Ziva.

"Not really well, it was just a small dark two door car with tinted windows" answered Ali.

"Its okay sweetie, at least you tried. But I want someone with you at all times from now on." said Gibbs.

"Daddy, you can't disrupted the whole team just because I'm being paranoid." exclaimed Ali.

"You're not being paranoid squirt, there was someone out there" said Tony as he and Tim came back inside the house.

"What did you find?" asked Gibbs

"Fresh tire and foot prints" said Tim.

"Take pictures and impressions and get them to Abby" said Gibbs. His tone turning business like and firm

"Already done Boss, the photos are here" said Tony as he held up the camera.

"Then I guess I'd better go back with Tim and start processing what you've found. Are you going to be okay now Ali if I leave?" asked Abby

"Do you have to Abby, can't someone else…." started Ali but stopped when she heard Gibbs say

"Ali"

"Sorry, Daddy" said Ali as she reburied her face in Gibbs' shirt.

"It's alright Ktantonet, I will stay with you if you wish" said Ziva

"Yes please" whispered Ali as she snuggled back into Gibbs' arms.

"Thanks Ziva. Ali I will come back over and check on you tomorrow okay?" asked Abby as she stood and gently leaned down and kissed Ali's head then left.

"I want to know as soon as you've got something Abs" said Gibbs as he watched Abby and Tim head towards the door.

"You got it boss man, come on Timmy" said Abby as she pulled Tim out the door.

"Tony" called Gibbs quietly then with a motion of his head asked him to come closer. As Tony leaned in he whispered "See if you can find out Grayson's whereabouts"

"You got it Boss" answered Tony just as softly then leaned down and kissed Ali's head. Then said a little louder "I'll be back tomorrow squirt"

At Ali's small nod he touched her head once more then followed the rest of the team out to the truck. Ziva stood watching Ali and Gibbs, then with a frustrated sigh headed towards the kitchen. Gibbs watched her leave then leaned down and kissed Ali's head once more before whispering.

"Baby girl. Why don't you go upstairs and wait for me while I talk to Ziva, Okay. I'll come up and change you in a minute."

"Is she Okay?" asked Ali as she looked up and noticed that she was gone.

"She's upset and worried about you like the rest of us" answered Gibbs. He could understand her frustration, but right now his first priority was Ali, so he needed to deal with this quickly and then get back to Ali.

"I understand Daddy, go talk to her. I'll be in my room when you're done" said Ali as she gave him a quick hug and kiss then headed upstairs.

After a few minutes to calm his own emotions Gibbs headed into the kitchen to find Ziva pacing back and forth across the kitchen muttering what he was sure were Israeli cuss words.

"Ziva" called Gibbs softly.

She instantly turned on him yelling. "How could he do this to her Gibbs? His own daughter. Doesn't he know how fragile and sweet she is?"

"There are some who would disagree with you on that Ziver, but not me. I've seen the sweet, innocent little girl that she never had a chance to be. But Grayson sees it as a weakness, not an asset like we do. His kind only know how to exploit weaknesses, not except them."

"Then he needs to let her go and move on. If he doesn't want her we will take her gladly." said Ziva as she moved into Gibbs arms.

At this Gibbs relaxed and wrapped his arms a little tighter around his older girl. He knew Ali had the full support of the whole team but he also knew that Ali and Ziva had formed a special bond. Ali had become Ziva's second chance at a little sister, just like she'd become his second chance at a daughter.

"I think what upset's him the most is that he doesn't understand the relationship Ali and I have."

"What does he think you are?" asked Ziva then paused and looked disgusted as the truth dawned on her. "That's horrible! That's….that's just….." sputtered Ziva and pulled out of Gibbs' arms once again starting to pace the kitchen.

"I agree Ziva, but remember he only has one use for daughters and that is to marry well. Since he doesn't consider Ali worthy marrying material because of her Adult Infantilism he thinks I'm getting it for taking care of her so to speak."

"Does Ali know how he thinks your relationship works?" asked Ziva.

"She's never said it in so many words, but she's a smart girl. I'm pretty sure she has a good idea about how he thinks our relationship is."

"And she doesn't care?"

"Oh she cares quite a lot, that's why she's always so careful when we are in public. Ever since we first got together she's been afraid someone would find out and think that she was "selling herself" to get someone to take care of her."

"Oh poor Ktantonet. And all she really wants is someone to take care of her and except her the way she is."

"And I do Ziva, and don't expect anything in return from her." said Gibbs softly.

"We all do Gibbs" answered Ziva softly.

"Then were alright now?" asked Gibbs as he pulled back and looked at the woman in his arms.

"Yes, we are fine. But I won't guarantee Grayson will be if we happen to meet."

"You just leave Admiral Grayson to me" said Gibbs with a laugh. "Now how about you go and find something that we can fix for dinner while I go take care of Ali."

"Of course, when you're finished if she feels like it send her down and she can help." said Ziva as she started searching the kitchen for something to cook.

"Will do, and Ziva. Thanks" said Gibbs as he kissed her forehead then headed upstairs.

As Ziva watched Gibbs climb the stairs she took a deep breath then pulled out some steaks and started taking out her frustrations out on the meat.

Upstairs Gibbs found Ali curled up in the middle of her bed clutching her white duck Puffalump with her pacifier in her mouth. As Gibbs sat down beside her he gently moved her hair off her forehead then rolled her on her back. As she turned over he could tell that she was soaking wet because not only was her diaper wet but so were her shorts.

"Ali baby, I think you might need a little more than just a change right now so how about we do your nightly routine now that way you can stay up a little later if you'd like alright?"

At her nod, he pulled the pacifier from her mouth and placed it on her nightstand then pulled her up leading her to the bathroom. After they were finished with her shower Gibbs changed her diaper then redressed her in an oversized tee-shirt and socks and sent her back downstairs to help Ziva with dinner.

Ten minutes later he was back down stairs having showered and changed to find Ziva and Ali working on fixing dinner. As he entered the kitchen he saw that Ali was in a little better mood, but still not in her bubbly "baby Ali" mood. Sneaking up behind her he gentle pulled her against him enfolding her in his arms. She tensed for a split second, then realizing who it was relaxed and leaned against him.

"Hey baby girl, feeling better now?" asked Gibbs as he kissed the side of her head.

"Yes, thank you Daddy. And thank you too Ziva for staying with me tonight." said Ali as she looked at the woman whom she considered her "big" sister.

"My pleasure Ktantonet, I've missed spending time with you" said Ziva as she came over and gave Ali a hug.

"After dinner can we work on one of my puzzles?" asked Ali.

"Of course little one, after you've eaten and clean up that is," reminded Ziva with a smile. She remembered how excited Ali got when they were working on the puzzles together.

Over the years Ali and Ziva had discovered their love of puzzles, so for christmas now Ali always got a large thousand piece puzzle and when they were together they would work on it. Gibbs had gotten Ali a large board so they could move the puzzle around if they needed to and she had recently started gluing the pieces together to make a permanent picture they could hang on the wall. So far Ali and Ziva, with a little help from the others, had finished one picture which proudly hung over Ali's bed in her room.

"Then I'll let you girls finish fixing dinner and I will get the living room ready. Call me if you need any help." said Gibbs as he kissed both his girls one more time then went to get the living room ready.

Ali and Ziva liked to work on their puzzles in the space between the fireplace and the couch so Gibbs moved the coffee table out of the way then went to retrieved the "play" comforter from the hall closet along with the extra pillows. He placed it in front of the couch then went to get Ali's puzzle board out of the work shed. By the time he was finished Ali and Ziva had a soft little play area were they could work on their puzzle and he could watch them under the pretense of watching television.

Twenty minutes later Ziva called him for dinner and they all ate happily at the table Ali's mood improving with each bite. By the time dinner was finished and the kitchen cleaned up she was almost bouncing with excitement. As he helped put the last of the dinner things away he was glad to notice that once again he had his "baby" Ali back.

When they walked into the living room she screamed and threw herself into his arms saying. "Thank you Daddy, it's perfect. Come on Ziva, lets go pick out which puzzle to start next" called Ziva as she almost pulled the woman towards spare room on the bottom floor.

After Gibbs' accident they had turned it into his bedroom, then a bedroom for Ali when she got hurt. Now that they both were healthy again the room had once again been turned back into a spare room, still with the bed and dresser Ali had bought for Gibbs but now it mostly held extra stuff that they hadn't yet found a place for. For the time being, it held all of Ali's toys and puzzles that she played with until they finished her toy chest. As they rummaged through Ali's stuff, she soon found the perfect puzzle. Ziva had given it to her a few years ago when she'd learned about Ali's beach house. Now just having returned from Chesapeake Beach it reminded her of all the great times she and Gibbs had just had there. When she carried it back into the living room she proudly turned it to show Gibbs with a big grin on her face.

"That's perfect princess, looks almost like the house at Chesapeake Beach."

"I know that's what I thought to, come on Ziva. Let's get started." said Ali as she dropped the box on the comforter then flopped down beside it.

The rest of the night was spent trying to put the edges of the puzzle together and Gibbs let Ali stay up until it was all put together. After that he insisted that she go to bed, saying that they could work on it again tomorrow. After they'd careful carried it into the spare room and were heading upstairs Ali extracted another promise from both Gibbs and Ziva that she could work on it tomorrow. Gibbs lead her into her bedroom quickly changing her again then putting her to bed with her white duck Puffalump and her pacifier. Just as Gibbs was turning to leave Ziva entered carrying a bottle of sweetened fruit juice that Ziva had made for her before. It was one of her favorites and she thought she might like the comfort it always gave her. As she handed it to Gibbs she smiled at the grin on Ali's face when she saw the bottle.

"Thanks Ziva" said Gibbs as he handed Ali then bottle then leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Good night, Ktantonet. Sweet dreams" said Ziva as she too leaned down and kissed Ali on the forehead.

"Good night, Daddy. Ziva" said Ali sleepily around the nipple of the bottle. The juice was already relaxing Ali enough that she was getting very sleepy.

As turned on her "sleep" music, then turned off the light he once again stopped in the doorway to watch the woman who had become such an important part of his life. After a few minutes he closed the door and together he and Ziva headed towards the stairs.

"Actually I think I'll turn in now Gibbs if you don't mind. I'm sort of running down myself" said Ziva with a slight yawn.

"It's winding down Ziva, and it's fine. Thank you again for staying tonight." said Gibbs as he went over and put his hands on her arms, kissing her forehead.

"No where else I'd rather be. Night Gibbs" replied Ziva as she headed towards the room that was her's when she stayed at Gibbs' and Ali's house.

After watching Ziva enter her room Gibbs headed downstairs and checked in with Tony to find the status on the impressions. Abby had been about to discover the make and model of the tires and the brand and size of the shoe but without anything to compare it to the information was useless. Tony had a little better luck in discovering the whereabouts of Admiral Grayson and discovered that he was indeed back in D.C. and had been trying to bad mouth Allison to anyone who would listen. Surprisingly she had a lot more support than she knew about because her reputation had grown over the years to where most people put up with her little quicks to get her best work and an air tight case.

After hanging up with Tony, Gibbs went to the kitchen and got himself a beer then sat in the living room watching the news and occasionally looking down at the comforter seeing Ali and Ziva playing happily on their puzzle. With those happy thoughts running through his mind Gibbs locked up the house, double checking all the doors and windows and making sure that all curtains were closed. After climbing the stairs he checked once more on Allison then headed for his room to hopefully get a good nights sleep.