Gibbs checked for a pulse and almost missed it his heart was beating so hard. Tim's pulse was weak and thready, but it was there.

"Ducky! We need you here now!", Fornell screamed to the ME, who was already on his way closely followed by his assistant and the EMTs.

Gibbs barely heard any of them he was concentrating on performing rescue breathing to the pouting lips he had passionately kissed just hours earlier. He had just one thought running through his mind. Tim could not die, he would not fail him.

Suddenly Ducky was at his side, "Let us help him, Jethro.", Ducky said softly.

Gibbs stood back and allowed the medical professionals to do their job, for the first time in a long time Gibbs felt totally and completely helpless. No head slaps, scowls or growls would hurry the process along or guarantee the results he needed. The only results that would be acceptable, and he had no control over them. Tim's life was held in someone's hands and that someone was not him.

He started pacing and looking around and his eyes found Scaletti's lifeless body, rage clouded his vision. He wanted the man to move again simply so he could put another bullet in his body. He raged to himself that he killed him to quick. A hundred scenarios went through his mind on how he could have taken him out and made sure he suffered more. Gibbs was drowning in fear, rage and guilt over the torture his young lover was put through.

"He breathing, lets get him moved now!", Ducky's voice was loud and managed to break through Gibbs' dark thoughts.

"Ducky, is he going to make it?", Gibbs asked unable to hide the fear in his voice.

"He's a fighter Jethro. He has a better chance than most, plus he has a lot to live for, he won't leave you if he has a choice, you know that . Positive thoughts only, from this point on."

Gibbs helped the medical professionals put Tim on the gurney and stayed by his side as they brought him to the ambulance that was waiting for them.

DiNozzo and Vance were arguing on the side as Vance tried to convince the younger man to get in, "Special Agent DiNozzo, you need to get that arm looked at."
"Let Gibbs ride with Tim, I'll get someone else to drive me Director."
Vance relented reluctantly, "Ducky, can you please get this idiot to a hospital before I put a bullet into him.", the Director growled frustrated. "Also call me with an update on Tim's condition as soon as possible."

The doors to the ambulance closed and Gibbs couldn't hear anymore of the conversation.

He looked down at the young man who meant the world to him, struggling to hold on to the thin thread of life that was holding him to this world. "Keep fighting Tim. I'll be right here waiting for you, every step of the way.", he whispered in his ear.

Tim's hand tighten around the one Jethro was holding and his eyes blinked open, "Ro, you came, I thought it was just my imagination."

"Nope, I'm here and I'm not going to leave, so you have to get better."

"K, I love you."

They arrived at Bethesda and Tim was quickly unloaded and surrounded by trauma room doctors.

"Three GSW, two through and through to the left upper arm and right thigh, the third is still in his hip on the right."
"Watch for the left leg it's broken in several places."

"Two broken ribs on right, one possible on the left."
The list of injuries seemed to continue without an end in sight as they rolled the gurney into the trauma room.

A nurse stopped Jethro from entering in with them, "Only medical personal is allowed." She saw the pain on his face and felt sorry for the older man, "I'm sorry, I promise to keep you updated on his condition."

The door closed and Jethro was left alone with his tormented thoughts.

Dr. Rachel Cranston appear quietly by his side offering support.

"What do you need, Jethro?", she asked softly.

"Nothin'"

"Jethro you were tortured on the dock as much as Tim was..."
Gibbs cut her off angrily, "I'm fine, not a scratch, Tim DIED in my arms. How can you even compare the two? I don't want to talk right now. Just go!"
"One last question, when will you be ready to talk about this?"

"When I know Tim is going to be protected?", Gibbs yelled at her.

"What?"

"I said when I know Tim is going to be okay?" he said not even realizing the difference in the two statements he made.

He turned his back to her and watched the closed doors to the trauma room.

AN: Thanks for the reviews they keep me sane during my long work week and keep me focused on the story. Please review all feedback welcome.