"Ziva. How long's she been asleep?" Tony whispered.
"About 15 minutes. I think she is bought" Ziva replied.
"Spent Ziva. Spent" Tony corrected her, rolling back to his desk to begin working.
Standing in line at the Turkish restaurant Gibbs phone rang.
"Gibbs"
"Agent Gibbs, this is Emma Parker from Social Services. We understand you have a minor in your charge whose family has recently been killed?"
Gibbs swore, causing the people in line to look at him.
"Yes, that's right. How do you know?"
"I had a phone call from the director of NCIS, informing me of Miss Templeton. It is my understanding that she has been living off the streets. As we have no idea of her physiological state we need to take her into custody as soon as possible to evaluate her and get her placed into a stable environment. I've been assigned her case so I'll be calling round to NCIS headquarters in one hour…"
Gibbs stabbed the end button on his phone before he grabbed the food from the shocked cashier and stalked out of the restaurant.
Placing the steaming food on the passenger seat of his car he hit DiNozzo's number on speed dial.
"Very special agent Anthony DiNozzo speaking"
"DiNozzo!"
"Boss? I hope you got lamb because I really don't know if…"
"DiNozzo. Zip it! Is Alex still there?"
"Yeah, why?"
"If social services come, don't let them take her"
"Sure boss, what's going on?"
"Vance!"
Dumping the food on Ziva's desk Gibbs strode past, taking the stairs three at a time before barging through Vance's doors, despite the receptionist's protests.
The team's eyes followed Gibbs as he disappeared.
"He looks pissed" McGee said nervously.
"Ziva, wake up Alex" Tony ordered.
"Me, why me?"
"Because you're the newest agent and because I hate to think what waking up a teenager is like" Tony gave a theatrical shiver. "I've heard stories. This one guy I know…"
"Fine!" Ziva hissed. She crossed to Gibbs desk.
"Alex" she called softly. "Time to wake up"
A slight movement came from Alex as Ziva's voice broke through her dream. She raised one arm, swatting the air near Ziva.
"Alex" Ziva began again.
"I'm awake, jeez" she groaned.
Tony delivered the Turkish to Gibbs desk. "One Karish Kebab Platter for my new best friend"
"Cheers" Alex raised herself from her slumber before grabbing a fork, digging in with gusto along with the others, unaware of the heated conversation in Vance's office.
"Something wrong with keeping Alex at NCIS Leon?" Gibbs snapped.
"You know as well as I do that if this case goes to court and we call Alex to testify we can't use her. The defence will call for a dismissal. They'll say we've had too much influence"
"Call her to testify. She knows nothing. Damn it, she arrived after the body had been found"
"Never the less, even if she does know nothing she needs a home. The law states that unless a family member can be found the child will be taken and becomes a ward of the sate until the time she turns 18, when she is legally allowed to live by herself" Vance objected.
"You know the system is flawed. She'll end up with some low life who take kids in to make more money"
Vance sighed, relaxed in his desk chair and opened a new toothpick. "I know, but we have no choice. I can pull a few strings but the family choice is out of my hands. We just have to hope like hell she gets a decent family. I already made sure she can keep her dog. He should give her protection".
Standing at the top of the balcony Gibbs watched as Alex dropped a piece of lamb into her dog's mouth. He smiled as the team bantered between themselves, but that smile soon became a frown when the elevator opened and a woman in a suit stepped out. She walked towards Tony.
"Agent Gibbs?" she asked crisply.
Tony pointed to Gibbs who had just come down the stairs.
"Ah, Agent Gibbs. I take it this is her?" she pointed at Alex.
"My name's Alex" Alex said shortly.
"Mrs Parlour, would you mind waiting by the elevator?" Gibbs interrupted.
"Parker, My name is Emma Parker" she said.
"Would you mind waiting by the elevator. This agent will keep you company" Gibbs indicated to Tony.
With a grimace Tony took Mrs Parker by the elbow and guided her towards the elevator.
As soon as they were out of earshot Alex let loose. "What is she doing here? I can take care of myself. I take back accepting your offer. I don't want help".
"Here" Gibbs handed her a card. Alex took it and studied it. It was Tony's card for NCIS. "You ever have any trouble call Tony. He can help. If you can't get hold of him call me" Gibbs handed her another card.
"What about Max?" she asked.
"You're taking Max with you. The director of NCIS made a few calls"
Alex nodded. "Thanks Agent Gibbs, for everything"
She turned to Ziva and McGee. "Thanks"
"Goodbye Alex" Ziva said. McGee raised his hand in a small wave.
"Come Max" She walked to the elevator, dog by her side.
"See ya Tony"
Tony pulled her into a hug. "Shoot straight Katniss"
Together Alex, Max and Mrs Parker stepped into the elevator and the doors closed behind them.