Chapter 2
"Abby?" Ziva called into the lab. Her eyes were red but for the moment, the tears had stopped.
"Hey Ziva," Abby called out. "I don't think Gibbs had a case, so you must be down here because you missed me!"
"Not exactly Abbs," Abby had finally come over to look at her. She saw her red eyes and gasped.
"Ziva what happened. Everyone's okay right?" She went into panic mode.
"It has nothing to do with the team." She took a deep breath. "Abby, my father, he is dead."
"Oh my God! Ziva I'm…" She couldn't finish. She enveloped Ziva in a hug as small tears made their way down her friend's face. "I can't tell you how sorry I am. I mean, I know he ordered you to kill your brother and sent you on a suicide mission and all but still, I mean, he was your dad, and I know how bad I felt when my dad died and… Oh Ziva I'm so sorry."
"It's alright Abbs," Ziva replied as she stepped away from her friend, "and thank you. I'm going to be gone for a while and so will one of the men upstairs; I'm just not sure which."
"What do you…"
"The funeral is in Israel and I can only bring one person. Gibbs is deciding for me who is going with me because I could not. I know he will choose himself, Tony, or Tim for the protection part of it. I am sorry you are not able to go Abby,"
"Ziva do not be apologizing right now. That's not your job," She finally noticed the man standing in the doorway, "What is he doing here?"
"Yes, well, Malachi is my escort to Israel," She leaned in and whispered, "Not my choice."
"I see, I don't like him," Abby blatantly put.
"You know I can here you right?" Malachi stated.
"Yup."
"Sorry Abbs, but I got to go and get ready. I will see you soon," And with one last hug she left the room with Malachi on her heels.