AN: I know, two updates in two days. Crazy huh? Now that it's been established that Im nuts; on with the story. Enjoy.

--

"Relax Miss Scuito…we're on your side."

Abby set down her Caf Pow and picked up the closest object she could find; Bert. She was now armed with one stapler and one ferocious stuffed animal. "Did you know the Hippos are one of the most dangerous creatures in the world…during one attack last year; eleven people were killed…and there are only four of you."

He hid a smile as his Agents looked at him with concern. "They're here to protect you; Gibbs called in a favor."

She eyed them curiously before shaking her head. "Prove it…take out your phone and slide it over to me."

He did as she asked; somehow un-phased by her behavior. She slowly set down Bert by her feet and picked up the phone. Unflipping it she saw Gibbs name under received calls and sighed in relief; though still on her guard.

"Happy now?"

"Well considering I was almost killed a few hours ago; yeah I guess."

Fornell gestured towards two of his people. "My men will be stationed here around the clock until Gibbs says otherwise…and probably after that for a while too." He took a step towards her and she lifted up the stapler. "Abby, I know you've been through a rough ordeal…we're here to help. You know better than I do that Gibbs wouldn't ask for the FBI's help unless he was desperate."

She agreed. "True."

"Good, now, he mentioned Agent McGee went off radar; and your ME is still being held hostage. Have you found a location?"

She sighed at his demeanor; it reminded her of Gibbs. And all that did was make her miss him even more. She set down the stapler but kept it within reach as she turned back towards her computer. "I'm a few key strokes away…I should have it soon." Her voice was a lot softer than a few minutes ago.

"You alright Abby?"

She shook her head and turned around. "Look, I know you and I don't know each other really well…and um, this might be really awkward…but I was wondering if, I don't know, I could hug you? I really really need a hug. And I can't hug the Director cuz…well because…and everyone's gone…"

Fornell let a smile cross his face and slowly put his arms out. Abby clung to him quickly and closed her eyes; imagining Gibbs there in his place. She eased away from the hug and turned back towards the computer. "Thanks."

"Anytime." He stood a few feet back as he squinted his eyes at the screen. She punched a key so the information would come up on the Plasma. "Gibbs has trouble with his eyes too…you can see it more clear over there."

He smiled again as he made his way in front of it. As he read the location he reached for his phone. "I need a team assembled at 4563 Ridgeway Drive; hostage situation. I'm en route." He closed his phone and gestured towards one of his Agents to follow; the other two to stay. "Anything happens to her; heads will roll understood?"

"Understood sir."

Fornell raced out of the lab but turned back at the sound of Abby's voice. "Bring 'em back…please…"

And with only a Gibbs like nod of reassurance; he was gone.

Gibbs knew their chances were slim of getting out of this clean; but he also knew there was something about a team member in danger that helped him defy all odds. Either that or at some point in his life he had convinced himself he was invincible.

Gibbs eyed the gate as it came closer. "The lead actors never get killed right?"

Mike agreed. "You're right; it's the side kicks that always buy it. Have I told you lately how glad I am you asked me to come along?"

It was then a rare smile came across Gibbs face as their vehicle stormed through the gate. And the subsequent chaos ensued…

Fornell arrived at the location as his teams had already assembled in position. "Fifth floor is where we strike the hardest…I need men at every exit…" He removed his jacket and slipped on a protective vest.

"We've tried contacting the number we received for Barclay sir; but no answer."

"All the better…I hate negotiating." He gestured towards the two teams at the ready. "Let's roll!"

--

"Clear."

"Clear."

"Clear."

Fornell listened to the resounding number of 'Clears' in his ear piece and by his surrounding agents. "I want this building searched from top to bottom." He ordered into his radio as he continued to pace around the area. His eye caught sight of a lone cell phone sitting on a counter; no doubt the one Barclay had left behind.

"Over here sir…I've found a body…"

Gibbs, Franks and Ziva now stood toe to toe with an all too familiar face.

"Fancy seeing you here Trent…" Gibbs spouted; his aim steadfast at both Kort and O'Shea.

Mike was watching their six; while Ziva knelt beside Grenioulle's body. "He's dead Gibbs."

He took a few steps towards O'Shea and slowly placed his weapon under the man's chin. "Where's my Agent?"

O'Shea shook his head. "Agent Gibbs…Grenioulle warned me about you. Said you'd go through hell and back for revenge…and by the current body count; he was correct. Pity you traveled all this way for nothing."

Franks chimed in. "Just pop him Probie…all these Scottish accents are driving me nuts…"

"Sounds like a good idea Mike." He pushed the barrel tighter into his skin. "One final time; where's my Agent?"

"You Americans have no patience," he lifted his arm up to glance down at his watch. "About now he should be arriving back to the US…in a body bag."

It was then Ziva and Mike pinned their eyes towards Gibbs; who had already placed the barrel of his weapon into O'Shea's chest. "You bastard."

"So I've been told."

Trent cleared his throat. "DiNozzo's not dead."

"Then where is he?"

"Let O'Shea go; and I'll tell you."

Gibbs simply shook his head; and tossed O'Shea in Ziva's direction before approaching Kort. "Look into my eyes…what do you see?"

"Guilt."

Gibbs swallowed hard. "Well I know one thing I will not feel guilty about, and that's putting the CIA down one agent…"

"You'd be jeopardizing decades of undercover work."

"Do I look like I care?" He threw his hands up. "Did you hear that Mike? He honestly thinks I care…"

"I heard him Probie; guess he is as dumb as he looks."

Gibbs slipped his weapon into Trent's gut. "Where is DiNozzo?"

Kort managed a smile. "What I said earlier; about him not being dead…I lied."

The Director was sitting alone at her desk; tapping away with her pen to pass the time. Everything was falling apart. Her perfect plan to finally bring Grenioulle down had failed. Everyone who had trusted her was out there somewhere; doing something to fix this. And there she was; safe in her own office. Or so she thought. Her office doors swung open and the tapping of her pen instantly stopped….

"Did you miss me?"