Chp. 12

Mike and Ducky sat in the kitchen drinking coffee and waiting for the women and children to rise.

Mike shook his head. "Probie and Jr. are is some kinda trouble."

Ducky nodded. "Yes, quite. I shudder to think what Jennifer and Ziva will do to them upon their return."

Mike nodded as Jenny walked in, dressed and carrying Sam. Abby and McGee followed and Sam went to them. When her son was gone, the director leaned in close. "Where are they?"

Mike decided to play dumb. "Who?"

Jenny scowled. "You were Jethro's mentor. I know he told you something."

But it was Ducky who spoke up. "They're flying to San Diego to re-fuel. Beyond that I don't know."

Jen looked at the medical examiner doubtfully. Mike spoke up. "Jenny, if we knew anything, we'd tell you."

The director only nodded and went to the kitchen to get breakfast and take her mind off recent events.

000

Terry checked his watch again. The helicopter had flown to MCRD in San Diego and Gibbs was arranging a flight for them to Gitmo. Terry wanted to question Abdul Al-Zarquawi, the man he and Ziva had grabbed in France. He wondered if the attacks had anything to do with his capture. His phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket and checked the number. Ziva's name appeared on the screen and Terry swallowed. He didn't really want to answer, but… He punched the talk button before he had time to think about it and brought phone to his ear.

"Hello."

"Hi, daddy."

Hearing his son's voice, Terry squeezed his eyes shut and focus on keeping his voice even. "Hey, buddy. How are you?"

"I'm good. Uncle Mike and Grandpa Ducky are takin' Sam and me fishin' later." The boy said excitedly.

"That's good. Hey, could you give your mom the phone? Catch a big one for me, buddy. I love you." Terry finished. The conversation could have been one of hundreds between harried business people and the children left behind.

"If you think one phone call will change…" Ziva started when Terry cut her off gently.

"Collin called me, Ziva." This stopped her cold and for a minute she was speechless.

"I'm sorry I left the way I did, Zee. I just…" He trailed off.

There was a long silence and Terry could tell she was crying. "Zee…"

"No; Terry, I understand. You didn't want to worry us. Promise me you'll be careful."

"I'm always careful." He said, defensively.

She laughed. "I love you, my little hairy butt."

"Ziva! Not over an unsecured line. Jeez, you have a kid and all you tactical discipline goes to…"

"Bye, Terry." Ziva said, hanging up.

000

"Something wrong, Tony?" Kate asked as they watched Terry.

"You heard what she called him? My little hairy butt?" Tony looked disgusted.

Kate laughed. "What! I thought it was cute."

Tony sighed. "You would."

000

Sorry this chapter is so short. I just thought Ziva and Terry should make peace before he and Gibbs almost get killed.