Tim squeezed her tight and slowly eased her back to her feet. "He hasn't left us Abby."

She tried to shake her head but was still buried in his chest. "I'm scared."

"I know," he released from the embrace and looked into her eyes. "But Gibbs would want us to be strong right?"

"Uh huh."

His heart was aching right along with her. "Come on, let's go sit down." He led her back out into the hallway and into the waiting room. He took a seat beside her and the others followed suit. Ten minutes had passed before Tony noticed someone was missing.

"Where's Franks?"

Ziva shrugged in response. "Does it matter? We are finally experiencing peace and quiet."

"Find him Ziva."

"Why the urgency?"

Tony stood up. "My gut…I'm gonna make a call to Fornell and get an update." He eyed McGee who assured he'd stay with Abby then placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze before leaving.

McGee had one hand holding onto hers and the other clenched in a fist. His emotions were a whirlwind. Regret, anger, worry. Name it and he was experiencing it. He reverted to his usual compassionate self but another side of him was in turmoil. He'd put the mission first and pushed aside his feelings for long enough. And now for all he knew, for good.

Ziva had started back towards the OR hallway in search of Mike; when she was met with resistance.

"No non surgical personnel allowed past this point ma'am. We will not have another outburst."

Ziva put her hands up in a peaceful manner. "I am simply looking for the gentleman you were speaking with moments ago."

"He left."

"That is helpful; however I was looking for more of a direction?"

The guards didn't look very enthused. "We were glad to see him go; let's just put it that way."

Ziva let out a sigh. "I understand your frustration; he is not a people person. But perhaps you'd be so kinda as to point me in the right direction."

"We already told you, he left." They pointed towards the exit. "And after the ear full he gave us; I wouldn't be all that upset if he never came back."

Ziva waved her thanks as she headed outside in search of Tony. She arrived to find him pacing back and forth with a solemn look on his face. She waited until he was off the phone to say anything.

"That's good work Fornell…as soon as we hear anything we'll let you know." He hung up the phone in Gibbs like fashion and turned to face Ziva. "Where's Franks?"

"I was told by the security guards that he left. He couldn't have gotten far. You don't think he'd do anything rash…"

Tony opened his phone and dialed without a response. "Yeah Toby, it's me…"

Franks had figured he didn't have much time. He utilized an old favor or two to ensure himself close proximity to the Director. After arriving at the front of the hallway of the interrogation room he knew he was home free. He took in a deep breath before entering to find her sitting alone.

"What? Not happy to see me?"

Abby had finally calmed down enough to do some talking; when Tony and Ziva reappeared in the waiting room. "Hey guys…"

Tony sat down beside her; sending his concerned look toward McGee. "Hey Abs, listen, Ziva and I have to go but McGee's gonna stay here with you okay?"

Tim opened his mouth to object but Abby's expression silenced him. "This about Franks?"

"It could be nothing, just following up on a gut feeling." He placed a soft kiss on Abby's cheek and watched her close her eyes as if savoring it.

"Come back soon okay guys?"

Ziva nodded as Tony stood up to follow her out. "We will Abby."

McGee hid his frustration as he watched them leave and wrapped a stealth arm around the forensic scientist.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" She suddenly became frantic.

"What is it?"

"My stapler…I had it a minute ago…oh McGee, I need it. We have to find it, we have to."

Tim took in a few breaths. "It's probably down that hallway. I'll go get it." He tried to reassure her, but had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy. The guards he met wouldn't give an inch. He decided to retreat back to Abby's side. "Guards won't let me thru the doors, but as soon as things settle down I'll get it for you okay?"

She nodded then examined him for a moment. "You look tired McGee…"

"I'm okay." He looked at her intently. "You don't look to hot yourself."

Abby shrugged. "Yeah, well escaping can take a lot out of ya."

Tim almost smiled. "The boss was pretty proud of you huh?"

She picked up on his tone. "Gibbs will be proud of you too..."

"Ha, that's rich." He didn't try and hide the sarcasm. "You don't have to try and make me feel better Abs. I know he's gonna be pissed at me for going in there alone…I never do anything that's good enough for him."

Abby resisted the urge to head slap him. "Timmy, this is Gibbs we're talking about here. Nobody does anything that's good enough for him…even if you've saved Tony and single handedly saved me and Ducky; he'd still be mad at you for not spelling a word right on your report…"

"Yeah." He replied flatly, and leaned back onto his chair.

She did the same and curled up close to him. "Gibbs loves you McGee."

He had to smile at her child like faith in the man. Everything was so simple for her; and he wished more than anything he felt the same way. After a short time she started to doze off and though he tried to fight it; found his own eyelids sliding shut as well. Maybe there is rest for the weary, after all.

"Doctor Mallard?" The nurse leaned over into the man's field of vision. "Welcome back."

Ducky squinted slightly as his eye lids opened fully. "Abigail…"

She deduced he was referring to the woman who had been staying there with him. "Just rest Doctor, you've been through quite a trauma."

He couldn't find the strength to speak much more; and for him that was more frustrating than not being able to move. Something inside him urged him to get up; someone needed him. "Jethro…" He managed before his eyelids slid shut once more.

Franks put his hands up as a pile of Agents led by Fornell stormed into the interrogation room. "Put your weapon down now."