~Four~

They quietly filed out of the house. McGee shivered with the noticeable drop in temperature. He glanced at the sky before getting into the car, eyeing clouds growing heavy and dark with moisture. Gibbs quickly started the car and drove away. Computer in hand, McGee began immediately checking for a route to the campsite. He gave directions to Gibbs, then redirected his search for Lance Corporal Morrison's record. Within minutes, he had the information he needed.

"Morrison received two commendations for valor, and has earned extemporary marks from his Commanding Officers. He's also a certified EMT. There are no black marks on his record, Boss. Mrs. Morrison told me that Eddie's - Lance Corporal Morrison's - father left them when Edward was ten, right after his brother, Rodney, was born. He enlisted as soon as he was old enough. Rodney is - was a good student; he made good grades and stayed out of trouble. Jason was a mirror image of Rodney."

"Do you think Lance Corporal Morrison intends to hurt Jason?"

Gibbs stayed silent with Ziva's question, but Tony answered. "Depends on how pissed off he is. If Jason confessed, believing Rodney's death is his responsibility, it's possible."

"He is armed, and he is a soldier. I think it would be wise of us to expect the Lance Corporal to go on the defense when we arrive."

"We're not going in with our guns blazing, Ziva. Our most important objective is to get that boy back to his mother. Alive."

Ziva nodded once. "I understand, Gibbs. But it does not hurt to be prepared."

"Always, Ziva. Always."

Within the hour, the raindrops splattering against the windshield changed into ice pellets pinging off the glass. McGee shivered, even though he and the others were nice and warm inside the car. He glanced sideways out of the window to study the darkening sky. "Looks like the temperature is still dropping."

"It's summer, for crying out loud. Isn't this against the law of nature, or something?"

Tony's grumbling made Ziva smile.

"Turn left here, Boss."

Gibbs took the turn and they all braced themselves as the car bumped and bounced over the rough and uneven road. A green sign announced they were entering Cunningham Falls State Park.

"The cabin's about two miles in. We should come to a fork, where you'll bear right, and then it's another mile from there. I don't think you'll be able to park by the cabin, though."

"How far do we have to walk, McGee?" Resignation in Tony's voice brought a smirk to Ziva's face.

"There's a parking area at the base of the mountain. We'll have to hike less than a mile uphill to the cabin."

They arrived at the fork in the road. Gibbs turned right and kept going. Within a few minutes, the trees opened up into a parking area. The pavement ended, giving way to a layer of gravel. No other vehicles were there. Gibbs chose a space near a small wooden sign. While the others got out of the car and checked their backpacks and weapons, Gibbs walked to the sign and read the information there. A map, protected by a thick plastic covering bolted over it, showed the location of each cabin and various landmarks. The wind had picked up considerably. A moderate rain, with a light sleet mix, fell in a steady pattern, wet and chilling.

"McGee - what's the cabin number?"

Tim joined Gibbs while zipping up his 'pack. "Number eight, according to Mrs. Morrison."

Gibbs reached up to tap the number on the map. "Almost a mile up the mountain." He turned to the others. "I don't want to spook him, but I don't want to give him any targets, either."

"So, you want us to fly casual?"

Gibbs looked at Tim and frowned.

"Keep your distance, but don't look like you're keeping your distance - fly casual. Episode 6: Return of the Jedi."

"And yet another Star Wars reference from the Elf Lord."

McGee's and Tony's grins disappeared with a stinging slap to the backs of their heads. "Sorry, boss," their voices chorused.

"I'll go straight up the trail. McGee, you stay 20 yards to my right, Tony, 20 yards to my left. Ziva, you hang back and bring up the rear. He'll see me, but I don't want him to see the rest of you. Ziva, circle around wide and head for the back door. Ready?" He waited until each of them nodded in agreement, then slid his gun out, turned and headed for the trail. In his peripheral view, he saw Tony and McGee take their positions. Without looking, he knew Ziva would be somewhere behind him. Shoulders growing wet with rain, sleet pelting intermittently against his face, Gibbs started up the trail.