I wasn't going to continue but I was asked to. So here goes I hope you like it.

Gibbs enters he bullpen just after seven in the morning, a message on his desk said to go to the director's office as soon as he came in.

Gibbs knew that it was coming, he had tried to stall the inevitable but it was not going to work.

He knocked twice on the door before he entered. "Leon. You wanted to see me?"

"Have you heard from DiNozzo?'

"Not a word, nothing at all since he left that note saying he came down with the flu."

"It's been three weeks, we both know that he doesn't have the flu. If he's not back by the end of the week he's fired and I'll make sure that not one agency or police department anywhere will hire him. He is being childish and extremely irresponsible. With everything that is going on right now, I don't need this headache."

"I know. Every single contact that I have is coming up with nothing. Ziva is getting nowhere with her contacts too."

"It's maddening I know he is a good agent he has done good work for the SecNav. And for me too. End of the week Gibbs."

"End of the week for what Director?" Tony asks as he silently closes the office door.

The two men take in his appearance his skin is darker and he looks tired. His clothes look unkempt. There is a look in his eyes that they both recognize, something that shouldn't be there."

Vance stands and glares "Where have you been Agent DiNozzo?" He spits out.

"Hunting with a friend."

"What were you hunting?" Gibbs asks playing along with the charade that Tony started.

"A mad dog that killed his Alpha." Tony replies without blinking.

"Was it a successful hunt?" Vance asks him.

"Check your incoming Intel in about an hour."

"Tony." Vance says softly.

"Not for you Leon. Not for diplomacy. We did it for, Ziva, for Jackie and for your children."

"Who is your friend?" Gibbs asks knowing full well that Tony will never reveal who it is. But knowing that the question needs to be asked anyway.

"If you'll excuse me Director I really could use a shower, fresh clothes and a hot meal, steak and eggs with a short stack on the side."

"Gibbs see that he gets what he needs." Vance orders then watches as the two men turn and leave his office without an other word spoken.

The order is as close to a thank you that will ever be said and the three men know it.