Hope this chapter is okay. Thank you for reading. Reviews much appreciated!


Despite the team's high hopes of pinning the murder on Lauder, unfortunately, it seemed he was, in fact, unrelated concerning the death of their Petty Officer. With much vexation, they were now back to square one. Despite the setback, it was nevertheless satisfying that within a matter of minutes, Parker's assailant was reduced to nothing. Serving a max sentence of 10 years for federal assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The trace evidence of metal seemed promising, however. Cropping up as belonging to a long since discontinued range in hunting knives. If they could track down where Vazquez purchased the weapon, perhaps it would lead them to the killer himself. It was previously believed Lauder knew more than he let on, however, it seemed this was wishful thinking on their part. He and Vazquez barely spoke a word to each other. Much less knew one another on a personal basis.

"Should you be drinkin' that? She'll come out jittering like a crackhead"

Cracked DiNozzo in the Bullpen, noticing Parker carrying his trusty mug of caffeine. He returned the smirk and jokingly smacked the back of the Agent's head with his free hand.

"Thanks, Karen. But she survived a steel-toed boot, I think she can handle a bit of coffee"

Internally, he was laughing at the sight of Tony rubbing the back of his head. His expression transitioning into sheepishness. He cleared his throat briefly.

"So, anyone have anymore info on that knife? Do we have the name of a shop? Sports outlet? Anything?"

He noticed as Ziva tapped away at a few keys.

"I managed to cross reference case pattern codes within that discontinued line. Three resellers popped up (A couple right mouse clicks and she brought up the image of a private shop onto the large display screen within the squadroom)..but the influx came mostly from this place, Everett Unlimited"

To everyone else, it appeared just as intended. A run of the mill outdoors and field shop. However, Parker had a sneaking suspicion it could all be a front to hawk discontinued weapons illegally. Filling serial numbers off and only selling to the biggest games in town. He cocks a brow inquisitively, taking another sip from his mug. Perhaps there was some truth in DiNozzo's words, as in doing so triggered his daughter to nearly cost him a dry-cleaners bill. He pressed his lips firmly together in frustration. Setting the coffee aside in hopes to try again later. He claps his hands, once again, to get the team's attention.

"Alright, who's comin' with me to Everett?"

All three looked at their senior leader rather dumbfounded. DiNozzo raised an index finger before speaking.

"Umm...I'm sorry, but you're supposed to be working from the sidelines, remember?"

Parker gave a sharp scoff and couldn't help but roll his eyes in exasperation.

"Don't get your panties in a twist. We're merely just doin' routine questioning"

In the end, somehow, it was DiNozzo who wound up riding shotgun. Much to the chagrin of the senior Agent.


Parker eased the Dodge Charger alongside the curb, within the parallel space. Thankful to not only get out and stretch his legs, but to finally be free of such close confines with his fellow Agent. It was as if he was taking on some sort of bizarre den mother behavior.

"Remember, let me do the talkin'"

"(Aggravated sigh) I think you did enough of that on the way over...c'mon"

The two men slowly enter the small shop. It was certainly unassuming. You would never know it was also possibly a front for illegal weapon trades. A somewhat elderly looking gentleman, manned the front glass counter. Appearing to be of Hispanic descent, this already triggered alarm bells to go off in Parker's head. He usually didn't like jumping to conclusions, but something told him this man was possibly a relative of Vazquez. Perhaps going so far as to aiding and abiding. He watched carefully, noticing the old man's weathered eyes hadn't strayed from Tony.

"Good afternoon, sir (briefly flashing NCIS badge) we're with NCIS. I'm Agent DiNozzo. May we ask you a few questions?"

Parker's eyes narrowed, keeping watch of the suspicious old man like a hawk.

The old rag he'd been using to wipe the counter from the moment they walked in, he finally had set to the side.

"What's this about? I might cooperate then.."

Now it was Tony's turn to feel the flush of irritation rise above his collar.

"Well, it's either that or we book you on failure to comply"

The older Agent stated from the back with a smirk. He noticed as the man sneered, proceeding to toss the cleaning rag to the floor from behind the counter. He then gives the utmost unsettling smile, accompanied by a low chuckle. He then hears DiNozzo growl under his breath.

"Listen, this isn't comedy hour. Answer the Agent's question"

Both Agents watch in curious suspicion, as the old man slowly bent down. Looking as though he were retrieving something from the lower section of the counter. When he finally regained an upright position, or, best he could manage at any rate. Both Agents hearts froze. For in his hands, was a 12 gauge shotgun. Tony reaches for his sidearm, Parker following suit with his fingers gracing the cold steel of his pistol's barrel. Oh, how he loathed to admit DiNozzo was actually right.

"PUT IT DOWN!"

Tony commanded sharply. They notice as the man's eyes oddly drift to the side. As if focusing from somewhere towards the backroom of the shop. DiNozzo kept his finger hovering above the trigger anxiously.

"Héctor, corre!"

They hear a commotion in the back, before the next sound of the shotgun being cocked. Just as the old bastard had sights on Tony to blow his head clear off his shoulders. The Agent jumped into action. Firing off a round, striking him square in the chest. Killing him instantly. His breathing erratic, he still somehow managed a low chuckle.

"And that's why I told ya to work from the sidelines...let's roll"