A/N : We apologise for the delay.
I would like to take a minute to thank each and every one of you who has not only read this, but remained with us for the journey
and I would like to especially thank those of you are kind enough to review the chapters.
To those of you who have blown us away by making this story one of your favorites; we thank you so very much!
And, to those of you who have gone one step further; and placed me on your favorite author list - I thank you from the bottom of my heart as I make 1 small request of you - as this story is very much a joint authorship - please be so kind as to place Shelbylou on that list, too.
This Chapter is Shelbylou's brainchild - for this you will need to fasten yourseatbelts and keep all hands and feet inside at all times.
Sincerely - Smartkid37
Shelbylou - you rock!
Tony stood there gaping at the scene before him. How the hell did this guy get all this stuff? What did it all mean? Questions raced through his mind as he gazed upon the shrine to Abby.
"DiNozzo! Get on the phone and get Balboa's team out here!" Gibbs barked order startled him out of his thoughts.
"Boss?"
"We're too close to this and I want this guy! No matter what, we look at the chain of evidence; in our hands it's compromised evidence and he gets off."
"But, Boss…." Tony couldn't believe what he was hearing. They were going to pass it on to another team without a second thought; something that Tony was reluctant to do given the fact that it was his best friend suffering for this psycho's obsession.
"No buts DiNozzo. Call Balboa's team now and get them here to process this stuff! By the book Tony! Tell them Fornell's gonna be picking up the slack with the labwork." Gibbs felt too damn angry at what he was seeing to actually process the evidence and the idea of the consequences of his team handling it all made his gut clench.
Tony glared at his boss for a minute and stalked off into the hall to make the call.
"Gibbs, maybe we should wait for the other team to arrive and then go and see McGee? I would like time to get Abby to the convent soon." Ziva piped up; she really didn't want to stay there any longer knowing that it they still had to keep Abby safe as well as Tim.
"Yeah. I'll call Ducky to let him know we're on ou….hey, you ok?" Ziva's gaze fell upon the mirror that sat in the middle of all the photographs; Gibbs watched as her jaw set into a grim line.
"Look." Was all she could offer as she turned towards the wall behind them. Gibbs turned and sucked in a sharp breath at what he saw; more pictures, this time though, they were of Tim.
Pictures taken at different times, in different places formed a giant mosaic on the back wall. They all depicted Tim's relationship with Abby in one way or another; from him picking up a bunch of flowers for the first date all the way to Tim being helped into Gibbs' house after he had been shot.
"Damn it! Tony was right! This guy's been watching us and knows where Tim is?" Gibbs stormed out of the room with his phone in hand and brushed past Tony as he made his way back into the room.
"Balboa's on his w…Woah, Boss, where's the fire?"
"Get an agent over to my house ASAP! That son of a bitch does know where Tim is and I want a protection detail on him NOW!"
Tony stood there stunned and glanced at Ziva. She was transfixed on something on the wall so he followed her gaze until he met…
"What the hell is that? It's like heaven and hell! First we've got the god awful shrine to Abby and now this?"
"Tony there is no point in getting upset." Ziva's voice was completely neutral as she stared murderously at the wall.
"DON'T GET UPSET? Ziva, someone is out to get McGee to the point that they have their very own little wall of hatred and you tell me not to get upset?"
"What good will it do Tony?" There it was again, that cool, collected tone that left Tony wondering whether or not she was going to snap this guys neck like a twig when they found him.
"Oh yeah! Because you are doing such a good job of that right about now!"
"Phone Vance and get Tim the extra protection he needs Tony. I am not going to stand here arguing with over this; I will however make sure to torture Alex Greene without leaving a mark." With that she walked out and left Tony there to make the call.
Ducky walked out of the Tim's room with a deep rooted frown on his face. The young man was not doing well at all and despite their best efforts, he had developed a mild infection; It wasn't serious though, just bad enough to warrant a course of antibiotics. He closed the room behind him and jumped when his cell phone started to ring.
"Dr. Mallard."
"Duck."
"Ahh Jethro. I was meaning to call you; I have prescribed young Timothy some antibiotics to go with his other medications and I wanted to discuss this with you. Mr. Palmer has kindly agreed to collect them for us."
"What's wrong?" Gibbs sharp tone surprised Ducky.
"Nothing major, Jethro. His cough started to sound a little bit wet and when I checked his lungs there was a slight rasp signaling a small infection. Nothing at all to worry about."
Fine. Listen Duck, Alex Greene knows where McGee is so we've got an agent coming over to you. Don't open the door or leave the house until I say so." Gibbs' tone made it clear that his orders were to be followed no matter what.
"Of course. We've already double checked the locks on the windows and doors and they are firmly locked, the house is secure."
"Good idea, Duck. Hey, don't worry all right? Someone will be there soon and we're gonna head back soon."Gibbs felt his anger melt away as he tried to pacify his friend. One saving grace in all this was the fact that at least Tim had his weapon nearby and Ducky still had the one Gibbs had forced on him, too as well as easy access to Tim's.
"I'm going to go and sit with Timothy. Will you call when you are outside?"
"Yeah. Stay alert"
"Understood." Gibbs ended the call and Ducky walked back into the bedroom not wanting to be separated from Tim.
Tim woke up feeling too hot, sweaty and his chest ached relentlessly with every breath. All in all he felt sick as a dog but didn't want to worry the M.E. by asking for more meds. Movement at the side of the bed made him roll over onto his back, the very movement eliciting a small groan out of Tim.
"Timothy? Are you awake, young man?" Ducky's soft, soothing voice washed over him.
"Ducky?"
"Yes Timothy, I'm here. Do you want to try sitting up slightly? It might help ease the pressure on your chest." He moved over to the side of the bed and placed his hand on his young friend's forehead. "Tsk. The good news is that your temperature isn't any higher than before, though I think we need those antibiotics rather quickly if we have a chance of nipping this in the bud."
"S'okay Ducky. You go."
"I can't, dear boy. It seems our little friend has figured out where you are and we cannot leave the house. I've already spoken to Mr. Palmer and he is going to write the prescription and bring it over as soon as he can." Tim's face scrunched up at Ducky's statement…figured out where they were? How did that happen?
"How?"
"How what? I am afraid I don't understand."
"How… he find me here?" Tim was totally confused and disorientated as the information settled in. His mind wanted the answers to the questions that he had but unfortunately his body had other ideas and he started struggling to toss of the covers so he could get out of bed.
"Timothy! Lay back down. There is nothing you can do in the condition you are in."
"Bathroom." Ducky finally understood that his young friend actually needed to take care of business and wasn't getting up to defend them from whatever might happen.
"Oh. I apologise, here let me help." Ducky reached down and placed both hands underneath Tim's arms so he could help him sit up. The M.E. felt a pang of sympathy when Tim gasped loudly before clenching his lips together to stop the pained whimpers from escaping. "There you go, swing your legs out, that's it Timothy. Do you need help walking to the bathroom."
"I got it, Ducky.. not too bad … not… far." Tim managed to get out as he started to make his way to the bathroom but his pain won out and Ducky had to catch him before he tumbled to the floor.
"Timothy. No argument. Come, lean on me." He wrapped Tim's arm around his shoulders and supported his friend to the bathroom. It was no easy feat given the size difference but he soon had Tim' situated so he could take care of business.
"I'll be outside Timothy. Let me know when you are ready to go back." Once Ducky had closed the bathroom door, his cell phone rang again.
"Hello."
"Ducky, we're on our way back now. It's gonna take us half hour to get there. McGee all right?"
"He's find Jethro. He's in the bathroom right now, but would you be as kind as to stop off at NCIS to get the antibiotics Mr. Palmer picked up. He was going to bring them later on tonight but I think we need them sooner rather than later."
"Sure thing, Duck. I've just got off the phone with Vance and there's two guys stationed outside now. One front and one back. Don't….."
"Leave the house or answer the door. I know, Jethro."
"All right, Duck. See you soon." Gibbs ended the call leaving Ducky with a deep sense of foreboding and fear for their safety. Not only did Tim have a target painted on his back, they now knew where to find him and that was something that left the M.E's gut clenching dangerously.
"Please hurry, Jethro."
Gibbs walked into Autopsy with a heavy heart and scanned the room for signs of life...Huh, no irony there then. He didn't have to wait long as Jimmy blustered out of the back office reading a file that had been left.
"Palmer." Jimmy jumped at Gibbs' voice and nearly dropped the file.
"Agent Gibbs. I presume you're here for these." He walked over to the small desk against the wall and picked up a small pharmacy bag. "These are the ones that Dr. Mallard asked for. Is McGee all right?"
"Yeah. I think it's more of a precaution right now." The lie was blatant and Gibbs hated doing it but he couldn't risk anyone else visiting the house right about now and given Jimmy's friendship with his agent, it was a given that the man would want to be there.
"Oh. I was wondering whe..."
"Maybe later, Palmer. McGee needs to rest and he's in the best hands."
"I know. " Jimmy glanced down at the floor "It's just...I know what's going on and I worry. Is there anything I can do?"
"Not right now." Gibbs took the medication and turned to leave. A feeling of regret washed over him and he turned back to Jimmy. "But thanks. If there is anything you can do I'll give you a call."
He watched the young man brighten slightly at that and offered him a small smile.
"Thank you, Agent Gibbs."
"You're welcome. Actually, there is something you can do."
"Ok." Jimmy sat down on the stool and fiddled with the file in his hand.
"I need someone to phone the hospital in New Orleans where Alex Greene was a patient. You'lll know the medical lingo so I'd like you to do it. I'll have his file send down to you so you can have a look at that first."
"What do you need to know?" Jimmy couldn't help but feel pleased that he was being included in the investigation and practically swelled with pride.
"His file tells us what's wrong with him; not what kind of person he was when he was there. I need to know how he was with the Doctors, nurses and other residents." Gibbs reeled of what he needed but was sure there was something else; for now that information would be a big help.
"When do you need to know by?"
"ASAP. I don't want this guy out there any longer. Thanks Jimmy." Jimmy physical blanched with surprise at Gibbs' uncharacteristic use of his first name.
"You're welcome. If you can have the file sent down to me i'll read through before ringing." Gibbs nodded and headed out of autopsy. He stood at the lift and waited for it to arrive knowing that no matter what, Palmer would do what he could to get him the information he needed leaving his team hands free to find Alex; preferably before he found Tim.
"Gibbs." Gibbs straightened from his bent position at his desk and glanced up to see Vance walking down the stairs from his office. "What's your progress?"
"Good to see you have your priorities, Leon. McGee's not doing so well, thanks for asking." The sarcastic tone didn't go amiss with the director and he narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"I know that already Agent Gibbs. I've just got off the phone with Dr. Mallard. Don't you think it'll be a moot point if we let Alex Green get to your man? So how about we cut the crap and get back to the case."
"Alex Green was staying at a hotel near McGee's apartment. I've got Balboa's team working the scene right now because there was some kind of shrine to Abby and a photographic mosaic of McGee on his wall."
"What kind of Mosaic?" The director looked shocked at what Gibbs had told him and pulled the toothpick out of his mouth.
"it was kinda like a timeline that started from their first date all the way to us getting him home. He knows where my agent is, Leon." Gibbs voice seemed to get softer at the last sentence.
"That why you needed the added protection? I know you asked but you left the details out."
"Yeah. He's already taken shot's at McGee and I can't risk him doing it again."
"Safehouse?" Vance was trying to find a solution that would keep Tim safe and hidden away from Alex. It was no easy feat though; especially given the man seemed to be tracking every movement that the team made. Gibbs shook his head.
"Wouldn't do any good. If he's got eyes on my house then he's gonna know when we move McGee. I dont' think Duck wants to move McGee either. He's sick and in serious pain, Leon, and he needs to rest."
"How much rest is he going to get knowing the situation? Keep it in mind, Gibbs because if this gets any worse then we need to do what we can to keep him safe."
"I know. I've gotta get back because Duck wants these meds. I'll keep you up to date." Gibbs picked up the meds and his gun and brushed past Vance as he made his way to the elevator.
"Gibbs, if you need help ask for it. Don't be a damn hero." Vances voice followed him to the elevator.
"Never am, Leon." With that he got in and made his way down to the parking garage. He was about to call Tony when he spotted his senior agent leaning casually against his car.
"Hey, Boss."
"DiNozzo. Get in."
They both got in the car and Gibbs started the engine. Tony glanced over at him and fidgeted slightly in his seat.
"Somthin' on your mind, DiNozzo?"
"No...well yeah. Boss, there's something not quite adding up here. I mean, how did he know Probie was dating Abby?" Tony's mind worked overtime as he tried to figure out the small details of the case.
"I don't know Tony. We'll talk to Abby later on to try to figure that out. For now, we need to get these to McGee."
"I know, but..."
"Call her. If you're worried, call Abby." Tony glanced at his boss and offered him a rueful smile before taking out his phone and dialing Abby's number.
Ziva walked into the convent with Abby feeling uncomfortable to say the least. It wasn't the fact that she was protecting Abby; it was the fact that she was a young Jewish woman staying in a catholic convent and she didn't know what reception she would get.
"Ziva, relax! They 're good people." Abby tried to pacify her friend knowing that this situation wasn't ideal for her.
"I am relaxed, Abby. "
"No. You're not, but you'll see." Abby knocked on the large door to the convent and practically bounced with happiness when her favourite nun answered the door.
"Sister Roseta." She flung her arms around the kindly looking nun; something that made Ziva grin broadly.
"Abigail. It's so nice to see you again. It's been too long, Dear."
"I know. Sorry. Oh hey, this is my friend Ziva. She'll be staying with me if that's ok." Ziva smiled at the nun and was relieved when she received a warm grin in return.
"Of course. Agent Gibbs told us you would be staying. Please, come in." Sister Roseta stood back and let the two young women enter. "Ahh, the star of David. A beautiful symbol of the Jewish faith."
Ziva was stunned.
"Yes. Is it going to be a problem?" Ziva watched as the Sister's face fell slightly.
"My dear, we are not biased or racist. If anything, I would enjoy sitting with you over a cup of tea so we can perhaps talk about religion. It's one thing talking to my fellow sisters, but we share the same faith and I would be interested to hear about yours."
"I would very much like that." The relief was palpable on Ziva's face as she walked through the halls to the main living room.
"So, how's the bowling going? I'm sorry I didn't get to come last time." Ziva was amazed at the ease by which Abby spoke to the nuns and glanced at Sister Roseta in anticipation of the answer.
"Don't worry child. It was an interesting game. I don't think the other team was expecting a group of nuns to be fair competition." The pride on the Sister's face shone through "Needless to say, we won. The money was well received by the orphanage."
"Aww, I can't believe I missed it. How are the kids doing?" Abbys keen interest in the orphanage made Ziva think that there were hidden facets to her friends; ones that she wanted to find out about.
"They're doing well. The money paid for a day trip out for them."
"That's ni...Excuse me." Abby's phone rang and she excused herself to take the call leaving Ziva with her old friend.
"Ziva is it? Would you like some tea? Perhaps you would tell me about yourself."
"Of course. Tea would be nice." The two of them walked towards the kitchen to give Abby some privacy.
"Abby Sciuto."
"Hey sweet cheeks. How you doin'." Abby smiled at Tony's voice as it trilled through the end of the line. It struck her as strange given the way she had acted but pushed that thought to the back of her head."
"How's Tim?" She got straight to the point.
"He's find Abbs. Just in pain and the Ducky's got him on some antibiotics. Apart from that he's doing as well as can be expected."
"Antibiotics? Oh no, Tony, what's wrong with him. I shoul..."
"Stay where you are." Tony finished off her sentence for her "He's fine. Seriously Abbs, there's nothing you can do and he's in the best hands."
"I know but..Tony I miss him. I need to see him for myself before I can know he's all right." The pain in Abby's voice was thick and heavy.
"Listen sweetheart. We need you to stay where you are right about now. I do have a couple of questions for you though."
"Like what?"
"How did Alex know you were dating McGee? I mean, it's not something he'd just know."
Abby had to think about that for a minute and nearly dropped the phone when realization dawned on her.
"Oh no! My friend. The one that rang me when I was at Ziva's, she must have told him." Abby started to kick herself for telling her friend. She had spoken to her prior to the conversation she had and had practically gushed with excitement at the prospect of her date with Tim.
"Does she know him?"
"Yeah. We're all friends from way back when Tony. Oh no! I'm so sorry." Abby was practically sobbing with regret "I didn't know. Please, Tony keep Tim safe."
"Calm down Abby. Tim's gonna be fine. We just need to find Alex. Listen, get some rest all right?"
"I suppose. Tony do me a favour?" Abby knew she could rely on Tony at the moment and decided that it would be a good time to ask.
"Sure thing."
"I need you to let Tim that I'm thinking about him. I really need him to know right about now."
"Abbs, why don't you call him?" Tony had no idea why she was asking him to talk to Tim and was feeling more than a little bit confused.
"I'm not sure he wants to talk to me right about now. I've gotta go."
"All right. I'll speak to you soon." Abby ended the call and turned towards the kitchen feeling more
Tony hung up his phone and sighed heavily. He had no idea what had gone on between his Probie and Abby except what Tim had told him the other day butTony was starting to worry that there was more to it than that or more serious than he'd realized.
"How's she doin'?" Gibbs' voice cut through his thoughts like a knife through butter.
"She wants to talk to McGee. What's going on, Boss?"
"You didn't answer my question DiNozzo. Is she all right?" Gibbs was being evasive to a fault and it made Tony completely uneasy.
"Yeah. She thinks Greene found out from one of her friends in New Orleans; how he got out of the nut house is anyone's guess."
"They all knew each other?" Gibbs still hadn't got the answers he needed.
"Guess so, Boss. Listen, does it really matter? We need to find this guy and your'e worried about how he found out?"
"Well yeah ,DiNozzo, it does matter. Alex found out somehow and for all we know Abby's friend could be working as an accomplice."
Tony balked at the idea of two people after Tim; in all honesty, it was something he'd never even thought about.
"Come on, Boss. You can't hones…"
"Rule 8 DiNozzo. "
"Which one's that?" Tony was trying to remember the rules when he felt the obligatory slap to the back of his head "Ow. Thanks, Boss"
"Never assume, DiNozzo."
"Yes, Boss"
Gibbs smiled and pulled up outside his house. He frowned when he saw his front door wide open with no agent there to guard.
"Take the back,Tony!" Tony's eyes snapped up at the boss' tone and he pulled out his weapon. Both of them felt their guts twist painfully as the stepped out of the car and moved towards the house with their weapons drawn. Tony broke off and moved to the back leaving Gibbs with the front door.
As Gibbs cautiously moved to the front door he was shocked to see one of the agents that had been assigned to protection duty, unconscious on the floor. He bent down and placed two fingers on the young man's neck and was relived to feel pulse. Moving into the house, he met Tony coming in from the back and the two of them moved upstairs.
Up on the landing, they were startled to find their second posted agent, unconscious just like the first, but he'd at least drawn his weapon, ready to protect Tim and Ducky.
Tim and Ducky!
With silent communication down to a science, Gibbs and Tony backed each other up as they crept toward the bedroom where their clenching guts told them something unpleasant was waiting for them. As they stopped outside the closed bedroom door to listen for telltale signs of what exactly they were walking into, they heard a monotone single voice
"Did you really think these people could protect you from me, Agent McGee?"
Silence.
"I tried to warn you. You wouldn't listen. None of your 'friends' would listen either. How many idiots does it take to get the message, Agent McGee? Abby belongs to me! She always has! She will always be mine!"
Silence again. Either Tim was choosing not to answer the bastard; or he couldn't!
Tony's sudden awareness of that possibility met Gibbs' and both of them felt their stomachs drop as they shared a look of dread and awful possibilities. Why the hell was the damn door shut anyway?
Where was Ducky?
Tony pulled out his cell phone and stepped away from the bedroom door a good twenty feet, knowing Gibbs could handle the one guy on the other side of the door long enough for Tony to call for back up and for quiet ambulances on standby outside. His gut was telling him they were gonna need at least one of those.
Gibbs had continued to listen to the conversation on the other side of the door as Alex continued to rant and rave at McGee without any noise that would indicate he was touching him. With nothing solid to go on that would mean the need to rush the situation, Gibbs forced himself to patiently wait. If he startled the bastard, they'd most likely wind up with some casualties where they didn't necessarily have any yet. The fact that he'd incapacitated the agents on guard, instead of killing them, meant this kid wasn't trying to kill anyone. Maybe he was just trying to scare the hell out of McGee and get him to promise to leave Abby alone. Maybe, that's all this jackass wanted.
Yeah, Right. Gibbs second guessed that thought as soon as it entered his mind.
When Tony nodded at him in his silent way of affirming that backup was on its way, Gibbs' patience ran out. They needed to know that Tim and Ducky were okay and listening to this bozo wasn't gonna get that for them. In silently nodded agreement, Tony kicked the wall with his foot in the only split second warning Alex was gonna get before Gibbs threw open the door and both Agents aimed their weapons on Alex Green's head.
Without changing their gun's aim, both Agents sent their eyes around the room; searching for the read into exactly was going on. With a sickening feeling, Tony saw Ducky's legs prone on the floor, as testimony to the fact that the M.E. was unconscious or worse; hurt. But the most heart stopping sight was McGee bound and gagged, held at gunpoint as he stood , obviously in a great deal of pain and having difficulty breathing as the gag hindered him.
Alex turned his evil glaring eyes onto the new arrivals to his sick twisted game. "Hello gentlemen, Come to join the party? Put your guns down or I'll take him out just like this."
"You won't do that. You're not a killer." Gibbs reasoned.
"Don't! Do NOT try to head shrink me Agent Gibbs! From where I'm standing ole Timmy boy here won't last much longer in his current situation. You wouldn't wanna cause him any more pain now would you?"
"Whatta ya want, Alex?" Tony demanded.
"I think you all know what I want by now. I've hinted enough at it." Alex snarled at Tim as he struggled against his bonds.
"Hinted? You've done enough damage. You really want to risk doing anymore?"
"ENOUGH? No, not nearly enough. He cannot be allowed to be with Abby. She's mine; always has been."
"No. She hasn't." Gibbs re- joined in the conversation and kept his gun trained firmly on the guy holding his sick agent hostage.
There was a split second where Alex seemed to contemplate Gibbs words and the two agents watched with horror as his finger tightened on the trigger. There was a horrendous sound as three weapons fired in the small bedroom and the two agents watched with heavy hearts as Alex slumped to floor.
"McGee!" Tony's panicked tones rang through the silence and he rushed to his friend's side to release the gag. "Come on man, don't do this to me."
"Tony?" Gibbs didn't waste any time in securing the suspect and knelt beside Tony. He placed his hand on Tim's forehead and brushed back the damp hair that had plastered itself to the clammy skin.
"Boss, where are the EMT's. We need that ambulance now!"