Gibbs was up early the next morning and, smelling coffee, made his way into the main house. He saw his hostess in the kitchen,

"Miss Paston," he said, "Miss Paston?"

Pru jumped, "What?"

"I didn't mean to startle you," said Gibbs, "I was just going to ask if I could have some coffee?"

"Sorry," said Pru, "I'm not used to anyone calling me Miss Paston. Please, Pru is fine. And yes, of course, sit down, I'll get you a coffee. Tony warned me that you're a caffeine junkie – like me!"

Gibbs accepted the mug of coffee and sat down,

"What else did he tell you about me, Mi … Pru?"

"That you were demanding, stood no nonsense. Were hard on your team and harder on yourself." Gibbs shrugged in acknowledgement. "And I don't know if some things have changed but I'm guessing those haven't."

"I'm too old to change my ways," said Gibbs.

"That's sad," said Pru, "if we stop evolving we die."

"Has Tony changed?" asked Gibbs.

"I don't really know. It's difficult to tell when you're with someone all the time."

"You must have an opinion," said Gibbs, "how long have you known him?"

Pru stared at him. The previous night Gibbs had thought that her deep blue eyes were warm and friendly but now he discovered that they were piercing and intelligent too. "About five and a half years," she said finally.

"So," said Gibbs again, "you must have an opinion."

"Is this your interrogation technique?" asked Pru, "I guess it is. Well, Agent Gibbs, yes I do have an opinion but I don't feel obliged to share it with you."

Gibbs looked at her speculatively over the rim of his coffee mug but any reply he might have made was forestalled by Tony's arrival.

"Morning," he said. He looked at the two occupants of the kitchen and sensed some tension, "what you talking about?" he asked.

"You," said Pru with a smile.

"Always an interesting and rewarding subject," said Tony. "I've changed Daisy. Where's she going today?"

"Back home," said Pru, "her grandmother has arrived from Philadelphia. She's going to take over."

"Shame," said Tony, "I'll miss getting up for those two hourly feeds all through the night."

"Don't exaggerate," said Pru sternly, "you know we took it in turns."

"I stand corrected," said Tony, "I'll miss those four hourly feeds. You know, Gibbs, you should be glad you were in the cabin. Daisy has impressive lungs for a four day old. And she used them every one hour and fifty five minutes."

Gibbs got the impression, despite DiNozzo's grumbles, that he would miss the infant's presence.

"I'll get breakfast on, shall I?" said Pru.

Gibbs was about to nod assent when he saw McGee gesturing to him from just outside the kitchen.

"I'll be back in a minute," he said as he walked towards Tim, still holding his coffee. "What is it, McGee?" he asked.

"Boss, do you think we should go down into the town for breakfast?" asked Tim trying to be the considerate guest.

"What?" said Gibbs.

"Well, you know we can't expect them to feed us all the time."

Gibbs seemed to think about this, "Well, I guess Bishop does eat a lot," he said.

"So we'll go down to the town?" said McGee.

"Nope," said Gibbs, "Pru has asked us to breakfast and we'll accept. It'll save time."

"But …" began Tim.

"Look," said Gibbs, "if it makes you feel any better we'll find out what they charge for bed and breakfast and send the bill to NCIS."

Tim sighed with relief, "yes, that's a good idea. Oh, Boss …"

"What?"

"We'll have to pay for other meals too."

"Fine!" said Gibbs turning his back on his punctilious agent and walking in the direction of the coffee machine once more.

Pru and Tony provided the team with a breakfast apparently designed to fuel them for the day. Tim surreptitiously counted how many sausages, eggs and slices of toast were consumed so he could ensure that his hosts were not short changed. He hoped they were not depleting their food stocks too much. While Tim was distracted by his calculations, the special bacon had kicked off a food association for Ellie linked to her first case with NSA and she was in a happy reverie. Gibbs was the only NCIS agent fully focussed on the case. Having finished his own breakfast, he banged his mug on the table to bring everyone to attention.

"DiNozzo!" he rapped.

"Bo … Gibbs," said Tony springing back to life.

"Have you any free time today?"

"What?"

"Have you got to clear any drains, mark out any pitches or drive any school buses?" asked Gibbs.

"The bus has broken down," said Tony, "it's not going anywhere."

"You not fixing it?" asked McGee slyly.

"No," said Tony regretfully, "school buses need to be repaired by a qualified mechanic. I can only do the basic stuff. I'm just a labourer."

Tim nodded sympathetically.

"I've got some stuff to do," said Tony, "but I can probably give you some time. What you got in mind, Gibbs?"

"Could you do a delivery of that candy stuff to Portsmouth?" asked Gibbs, "take Bishop with you. Let her get a feel for security."

"Sure," said Tony easily, "I was going anyway."

"I've got a sack of seed potatoes for Chet," said Pru, "can you bring them to him on your way?"

"What about me, Boss?" asked McGee suppressing a grimace at Tony's continuing work as a delivery driver.

"Have you ever met Admiral Salter?" asked Gibbs, "you said your Dad served with him?"

"A few times," said McGee, "Dad didn't really go in for friends but, as much as he was close to anyone, I guess you'd say it was Admiral Salter. He came to the house a few times when I was growing up, before they were admirals."

"So it might not be out of the way if the son of an old friend happened to drop by?" suggested Gibbs.

"I guess not," said Tim, "why are we in the area?"

"Been out to help an agent afloat," said Gibbs, "came back to port in Portsmouth. Driving back, we thought we'd call in. Check for a possible carrier around here to make the story watertight."

"On it, Boss," said McGee.

"Let's go then," said Gibbs.

"You might want to wrap up warm, Eleanor Bishop, Ellie," said Tony, "Columbus is a bit draughty."

"Columbus?" asked Ellie, deciding to ignore the fullness of her name for the moment.

"Land Rover Discovery," said Tony, "Columbus – the Discoverer. Keep up, Eleanor Bishop, Ellie."

Ellie nodded and hurried off to collect a warmer jacket. Tim smiled at the thought that Tony had found another nickname victim. He also nodded happily as he noticed that, although Tony's jeans and sweater looked a little shabby, they were clean and hole-free and that his jacket looked warm. Characteristically Tony noticed his gaze.

"McLecherous," he said, "anyone would think you were about to make an improper advance. Like what you see, did you?"

McGee was still spluttering and trying to find a reply when Bishop came back.

"Good job, E-Bee," said Tony.

"E-Bee?" said Ellie.

"Had to rethink," admitted Tony, "Eleanor Bishop, Ellie was just too long. You're E-Bee for short. After all, you can't have a name that's longer than you are." Bishop stared at him. "Come on," he said, "time's a wasting."

He strode out of the room and Ellie hurried after him. The last thing the others heard was Tony saying, "Hey. Perhaps I should call you heebie jeebie!"

NCISNCIS

McGee waited until they hit a wide stretch of road before returning to the question he had asked Gibbs the day before.

"Do you think Tony is all right?"

Gibbs sighed, "Again, McGee?"

"Don't you think it's a bit odd? You know, the way Tony's living?"

"We're here for a case, Tim; not for Tony."

McGee hesitated before replying, "With all due respect, Boss, I don't think that's true."

"McGee?"

"Boss, you spoke to Tony for about thirty seconds and the next thing we know we're racing to Maine. And … and … well, so far what he's told us is pretty thin."

"What you getting at, McGee?"

"I think that perhaps you were glad to have an excuse to come see him."

"Why would I need an excuse, Special Agent McGee?"

"Well, perhaps not an excuse," temporised Tim, "more like a reason."

"Is this a line of conversation you really want to continue with?" asked Gibbs coldly. He turned to look at McGee. Tim always found it unnerving when Gibbs took his eyes off the road for any length of time so he backtracked,

"No, Boss, it isn't. I guess I may have been transferring my feelings on to you."

Gibbs looked at him again; thankfully a more fleeting glance this time. McGee struggled on,

"I guess I've always felt guilty about losing contact with Tony. But you know, it was difficult. It was busy down in cybercrimes and we were doing all that investigating. And perhaps I felt important, being selected by the Director to do something top secret. And then we were all upset at losing the Director. Director Shepard, I mean. Not Director Vance. But you knew that. But it was difficult."

"You said that," said Gibbs.

"Yes, I know," said McGee, "but it was. Difficult, I mean. And then Tony left. And we knew that he felt to blame for what happened. And he thought you … I mean … we thought it was his fault. But you … I mean … we didn't but we were upset …"

"You said that too," said Gibbs.

"I know. I guess I just think I could have been a better friend. But it was difficult. Yes, I know, I said that before. But I worry that I could have done better. Especially now, seeing what's happened."

"What's happened, McGee?"

"Well, he seems to be living hand to mouth. No money. Dead end jobs. I feel that we … I … could have done more."

"McGee," said Gibbs impatiently, "DiNozzo is an adult. He made his own decisions. You can't live his life for him."

"You mean you're not worried about him?" asked McGee.

Gibbs hesitated for a fraction of a second, "Didn't say that. But the case comes first. And I don't believe in second guessing decisions I've already made."

"Does that mean you do regret a decision?" dared McGee.

"Didn't say that either. Seems to me that DiNozzo has done all right for himself." McGee opened his mouth as if he would argue further but Gibbs swept on, "now. Admiral Salter. Think up a reason you might want to see him."

NCISNCIS

Meanwhile Ellie and Tony were driving towards Portsmouth. They had gone to Millicent Du Pont and collected a batch of salt water taffy for delivery and delivered the potatoes to Chet. Once they had left the small town of Trenchard, and Tony no longer had to return greetings from what seemed like every car driver on the road, he began to talk to Ellie.

"So, E-Bee," he said, "how long have you been on Team Gibbs?"

"Over two years now," she said, trying to be grateful she was no longer heebie jeebie. "I used to work for NSA before."

"Figures," said Tony.

"Why?"

"The McGoo is about the only person Gibbs has recruited to his team who was already working in NCIS. I was working for Baltimore PD, Kate was Secret Service, Ziva was Mossad … there's a pattern there."

"I like patterns," said Ellie.

"And do you like NCIS?"

"Mostly," said Ellie, "it's tough at times. Gibbs is tough."

"And McGee? How's he been as your trainer, your guru, your eminence grise?"

"Great. Although I think I have you to blame for the amount of grunt work he has me do."

"You're welcome," said Tony. "But you're glad you made the jump? You said it's been tough."

"Sure," said Ellie, "I've learned a lot. Got out from behind a desk. You know, got out from doing everything in my head."

Tony laughed, "I don't think my former co-workers would ever accuse me of doing anything in my head! I have a tendency to think out loud. It can be annoying. I can be annoying."

"They say nice things about you," said Ellie earnestly, "how you made great breaks on cases."

"And I bet they say they were usually from movies," said Tony.

"Uh, sure," said Ellie, "but even if they are from movies, you have to know how to apply them. I think that takes brains and insight."

"I knew there was a reason I liked you, EllieBellie," said Tony. "So, what's been tough? You can tell Uncle Tony."

"My marriage broke down," admitted Ellie.

"That is tough," agreed Tony, "the MCRT is like a jealous partner, doesn't really want its members to have anyone else in their lives."

"Is that why you left?" asked Ellie.

"Nope," said Tony, "I screwed up. You don't do that on Team Gibbs."

"But you weren't fired," said Ellie, "You were just re-assigned."

"Have you been investigating me, Special Agent Bishop? Tell the truth. I'll know if you don't."

"Ducky," admitted Ellie.

"Ah," said Tony with a smile, "the good doctor. He tried to persuade me to bite the bullet and sail the seven seas but somehow it just didn't appeal. The taste of failure in my mouth was already making me nauseous, I didn't want to risk adding seasickness to the mix."

He turned and gave Ellie a beaming smile. Ellie tried to smile back but found it quickly faltering. Up to now she had found Tony's smiles relaxed and endearing but this dazzling example was somehow superficial and meant to deceive.

"We're nearly here," said Tony, "we'll be stopped for the first time soon. Remember, when you're asked for ID just show them your driver's licence, not your creds."

NCISNCIS

The MCRT plus Tony reassembled at lunchtime.

"Report," said Gibbs, as he chewed on one of the sandwiches which McGee had managed to persuade him to pick up as they drove back through Trenchard. Tony had looked a bit surprised when the food had been produced but had tucked in willingly enough.

"I'll let E-Bee report," said Tony, "just had a call from the school. Something's come up that they need me to fix."

"Ike?" said McGee.

"Travis," said Tony, "something about windows needing to be cleaned."

"Go," said Gibbs.

"Tell Pru that I'll be back about 7.00pm. There's a choir practice at 6.00pm."

"You're in a choir?" asked Bishop.

"No, of course not," said Tony scornfully, "I just play the organ for them at practices."

With that he was gone, leaving McGee and Gibbs looking after him in some astonishment.

"OK," said Gibbs when he had recovered, "report."

"Right," said Ellie, "security seemed fine. They did all the checks you'd expect. They remembered Tony but still asked for ID and did a sweep of Columbus. And they were checking all the vehicles, not just a random selection. What happened at the Admiral's place?"

"All seemed fine," said Tim, "we just drove up to the main gate. Explained who we were and why we were there and we were welcomed in."

"And how was the Admiral?"

"Very polite. I'm not sure he remembered who I was. I mean, he knew the name – or seemed to. Said he'd been sorry to hear that my Dad had died and we shared a couple of reminiscences about him."

"Were they real ones?" asked Ellie, "I mean, not sending a secret message?"

"Not that I could tell," said McGee, "I could try checking with my Mom and Sarah to see if they match with anything Dad had mentioned to them."

"Do that," ordered Gibbs.

"Did he seem under any pressure?" asked Bishop.

"No," said Gibbs, "he wasn't completely at ease but that might tie in with him beginning to suffer from dementia. Might not be comfortable with changes of routine or people he doesn't know."

"What about the other people there?" asked Ellie.

"Nothing obvious," said Gibbs, "but they knew we were from NCIS so they'd have been careful not to act at all suspicious. We saw some people training in the grounds but they seemed to be running cross-country not firing illicit weapons."

"So there's nothing going on?" said Bishop.

"Didn't say that," said Gibbs.

"Then what?" asked McGee.

"I don't know. Something's not right," said Gibbs. "I need a basement."

"Boss?" asked McGee.

"Somewhere to think. There was something not right. I saw it but I can't remember what it was," said Gibbs.

"Did you take photos?" asked Bishop.

"Come to think of it, yes, we did," said Tim, "the Admiral insisted on having his picture taken with us."

"Except he made it sound as if you were asking for it to be taken," said Gibbs.

"Yes. And he moved us round so we were standing in front of the house," said Tim.

"OK," ordered Gibbs, "get that photo out of your phone and downloaded or printed or whatever it is you do."

"Yes, Boss. Um, what are you going to do?"

"Going for a walk. Going to think," said Gibbs.

Once she was sure Gibbs had gone, Ellie said to Tim, "Did you know that Tony left NCIS thinking he was a screw up? That he didn't have a future on Gibbs' team?"

Tim winced, "I'm not surprised. I guessed it was something like that. I tried to talk to the Boss about … well … what Tony is like now."

"And?" asked Bishop.

"And I got the brush off. I think there's something going on there. I reckon Gibbs feels a bit, not guilty obviously, but uncomfortable about what happened. That might be why he was so eager to come up here. But you know Gibbs, the case comes first. He's not going to talk to Tony about it."

"Then perhaps you should," said Ellie.

"Should what?" asked Tim.

"It sounds as if you've got your own bridges to mend. You don't have to wait for Gibbs before you do anything."

"I guess you're right," said Tim reluctantly, "but I think our first priority is to do what Gibbs told us. Don't you?"

Ellie nodded fervently and they bent to their work.

NCISNCIS

As it happened, Gibbs didn't get far on his walk. He went round the back of the house in search of the lake access he had been told about and found Pru in a huge storage unit. He realised that he shouldn't have been surprised that she was covered in dirt and dust: it seemed to be part and parcel of living near Tony.

"Hi," she said, "are you lost?"

Gibbs hid his annoyance at the suggestion that a Marine Corps gunnery sergeant could get lost within yards of habitation and simply said, "What you doing?"

Pru seemed to consider what she knew about Gibbs, "this is where we're storing the furniture until Mac gets the work finished," she said, "I was just looking at it and giving it a dust."

Gibbs peered in, saw the neat piles of wooden furniture, smelt the polish and immediately felt at home, "I can help with that," he said.

Pru took him at his word, pointed him towards a box of rags and various tins of polishes, waxes and oils and said, "That would be great. I've got to go. I want to look in on Tom and Han. I'll see you at supper."

Gibbs barely noticed her going as he was already absorbed in bringing the dingy furniture back to life.

NCISNCIS

Later that evening the MCRT and Pru were once more gathered round the kitchen table. McGee had looked askance when Gibbs had returned to the cabin with grimy hands and a contented look on his face; McGee wondered if dirt was contagious in Maine. Gibbs' beatific state had not helped him track down what had piqued him about the Admiral and the photo didn't give him the answer either. Tim had sent a copy of the photo to Abby so she could do an analysis of it and hopefully spot something that he, Bishop and Gibbs had missed.

"How was choir practice?" asked Pru when Tony walked into the kitchen.

Tony winced, "the altos fell out with the sopranos again. And one of the basses kept on trying to sing the tenor line."

"Sounds like the Director's monthly supervisor meetings," said Gibbs who was still in something of a meditative state after an afternoon waxing and polishing.

"Any breaks?" asked Tony who, McGee was relieved to see, had returned clean and not in urgent need of a shower.

"No," said Tim, "did you get the windows done? You know, every little helps."

"What? Oh, yeah, all sorted. The students will be able to see out when they come back. What's that?" he asked, pointing at the photo.

"We think there might be a clue in it," said Bishop.

"The Admiral seemed keen for us to take it," said Tim, "the only slightly odd thing about the visit."

"There's something niggling at Gibbs," said Bishop.

"There's always something niggling at Gibbs," observed Tony, "it's a law of nature."

"Well, it's only niggling at the moment," said Gibbs, "I need it to shout."

"We think it might be something in the background," said Tim helpfully, "he seemed to want to make sure he stood right there for the picture."

"We sent it to Abby," said Ellie, "she'll enlarge it. She may spot it."

"If you got Abby on the job, it'll be fine," said Tony. "What's for supper? Did McChef find an excuse to buy us some food?"

Tim choked on a reply, suddenly worried that he should have gone shopping. Pru took pity on him.

"Tim's not your Probie now," she rebuked Tony, "don't tease him. We've got the pot roast that I made this afternoon while Agent Gibbs was polishing our furniture. I'll just go get the wine." She went into the utility room.

"Thanks, Gibbs," said Tony, "might have known you'd have licked us into shape. Nothing sloppy about you. Not like the Admiral."

"What you mean?" asked Gibbs suddenly alert.

"Well, perhaps Admiral Salter has relaxed his standards a bit now he's retired," said Tony.

"What?" asked Gibbs.

"Well, I may be wrong; and out of date, but that Special Ops Command emblem on his sweater looks upside down to me."