Warning: Spanking in this chapter. Please see chapter 1 for other warnings and disclaimers.
Author's Note: Thanks to Wolfpyre for helping me come up with potential pranks.
Chapter 8
"Okay, so what's with the big mess outside the building?" Tony queried as he entered the squad room.
"You do not want to know," Ziva replied with a shake of her head.
"Of course I want to know," Tony laughed. "It looks like someone dropped water balloons filled with shaving cream off the top of the building."
Ziva looked at Tony in astonishment, not comprehending how he could have possibly known.
"What happened? Does this have to do with Cam's disappearance?" McGee asked in concern, not surprised that his partner recognized the remains of such a childish prank.
"We searched for Cam nearly an hour. Then the explosions started."
"Explosions?" McGee gasped.
"In reality they did not sound much like real explosions at all, just very loud bangs, which for some reason sent people running from the women's room in fear. I do not understand why. They did not sound even like gunshots. These people were being ridiculous."
Tony grinned. "Exploding caps with a trigger mechanism. That's a good one."
"The men were far calmer, though I think just as unsettled."
"I'm afraid to ask," Tim said shaking his head.
"The urinals, when used, started foaming."
"The kid's good," Tony said with a note of admiration.
"Many people found that the mouse on their computers had stopped working."
Tony nodded and offered a chuckle, "Taped on the bottom."
"And some could not pick up the receivers on their phones."
"Hope he used dissolvable glue," Tony noted with a grimace.
"Is he insane?" Tim demanded. "Gibbs is going to kill him!"
DiNozzo's head swung back and forth. "Where is Gibbs anyway?"
"Up in the Director's office," Ziva answered.
Both men winced.
"One of the balloons just missed him as he was entering the building."
"Where's Cam?" McGee wanted to know.
"With Ducky."
"Is he alive?"
XXX000XXX000XXX000
"The boys start school next week, Director," Gibbs stated standing at almost military attention in front of Director Vance's desk.
Vance had to work hard not to grin. Seeing Gibbs in this predicament was priceless. "First of all, I am not going to ban them from NCIS headquarters Agent Gibbs. I understand the situation that you and the boys are in. I also understand the extreme stress both of the boys must be under. Do you believe school is safe for them? If Covas knows about Ashlynn, it's possible he knows about the boys and they might be at risk."
"All of the intelligence indicates that Covas does not know about Ashlynn."
"What about the assassination attempt?"
"It wasn't an assassination attempt. Someone paid to make it look like one."
"Who?"
"Not sure yet, but my gut's telling me Ashlynn."
"Why?"
"I think I was cramping her style."
"Have you figured out what she is up to?"
"No. She knows something she's not sharing, though."
"FBI moved her to a new safe house, but first thing tomorrow morning I want you to get some answers from her."
"Understood. I want protective custody transferred back to NCIS."
"I'll work on it. Now, about Cameron. May I assume that you will make it very clear to him that NCIS headquarters is not an appropriate venue for his pranks?"
"Oh, you can be sure of that, Director."
"Alright then." Vance nodded and Gibbs turned to go. "Keep in mind he is just a boy Gibbs. A boy who's been through a lot."
The agent turned his head to offer Vance a glare before leaving the office.
Vance shook his head. Despite the near miss of the balloon, which had splattered his suit with shaving cream, he felt very sorry for the little boy downstairs.
After getting a Sit Rep from his team, Gibbs headed down to autopsy to retrieve his errant son. When he walked in, Cam was right where he had left him, standing in the corner. His hand occasionally crept back to rub the lingering sting from his backside. Though Gibbs had only delivered a handful of swats to the boy before placing him in the corner they were powerful enough to have given Cam something to worry about while he waited.
He walked up and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder spinning Cam around. Ducky hastily made his excuses and left father and son alone. The boy nervously chewed on his lip, casting furtive glances up at the obviously angry man who stood in front of him.
"Why?"
"Well, ah, I was ah kind of bored. You…you only said not to play pranks on AJ s-s-so I thought I'd have a little fun?"
"FUN?" Gibbs barked. "This is the headquarters of a federal agency Cameron, not a playground!"
"Well, maybe you shouldn't have let them take Ash away," Cam answered back quietly.
Gibbs's eyes grew wide at the boy's audacity. The last thing he had expected was backtalk. "So you're telling me you did this because you missed your sister?" he yelled.
The boy shrugged. He wasn't about to tell his dad that he actually did this FOR Ashlynn. Well, partly. He also did it because it really was fun, and maybe because he was a little mad about the fact that his sister did plan on leaving when this was all over and his dad was going to let her. He had kind of wanted to see how his dad would react, too, which in retrospect was pretty dumb. Not able or willing to explain any of this to Gibbs, Cam just kept his mouth shut.
Gibbs knew there was more to find out here, but decided it might be best to deal with his son's behavior first. It was obvious that this was at least in some part Cam testing him. "Well, whatever your rationale, you are about to find out that your actions have consequences." Taking Cam by the arm, he led him over to Ducky's desk chair and took a seat, pulling Cam over his lap. "Why are you getting this spanking Cameron?"
"Because I left Abby's lab and pulled pranks all over the building," Cam answered his voice shaky.
Gibbs lifted his hand and brought it down hard on the seat of Cam's jeans. Cam yelped, jumping instinctively. Wrapping his arm around Cam's waist to keep him securely in place, Gibbs proceeded to land swat after swat on the boy's upturned bottom. Cam shifted and squirmed but couldn't avoid the seemingly endless barrage. Finally, he ceased his struggles and just cried in exhaustion. With four final smacks to the boy's sit spot, Gibbs halted the spanking and began to rub circles on his son's back until his sobs slowed to hitched breaths.
He helped the boy to stand and then pulled Cam into a hug, holding his son securely until his breathing slowed to normal. Cam stepped away on his own, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.
"You seemed intent on testing my resolve, son. Now you know what to expect."
"I won't do it again, Dad."
"Not the exact same thing, at least," Gibbs said with a smile, knowing full well that his adventurous son wouldn't be staying completely clear of trouble. "New rule, by the way. We'll tell your brother about it later. Respect. You need to show people respect. That means you speak respectfully and don't get smart or talk back. It also means that you respect people's property and workspace. Understood?"
"Oh, yeah, I get it," Cam nodded emphatically as he answered.
"Good. Now, is there anything else you want to tell me about today? Maybe about why you did this?"
Cam looked at his feet and shook his head. "Not right now, maybe later."
Gibbs didn't want to push his son to talk if he wasn't ready. He knew Ash's absence was really bothering the boy, and he thought there might be more to it. "Alright. Let's go get your brother."
XXX000XXX000XXX000
"Cam, are you insane? I told you not to get yourself into trouble."
"Hey, you wanted a diversion. Please tell me it wasn't for nothing."
"I'm free and clear again. Thanks, Cam. I'm really sorry. Did he….?"
"Oh, yeah, he roasted my ass good." Cam rolled his eyes at the silence, knowing his sister was beating herself up. "But hey, now I know what to expect and I did have some fun. It's not your fault, Ash."
"Why did you have to test him like that?"
Cam shrugged, despite the fact that his sister couldn't see him. "I don't know."
"Well, I don't want you in anymore trouble. I'm tossing this cell phone after this conversation and my real one is turned off. Since you don't know where I'm at or what my plan is you can be completely truthful if you are questioned and that's exactly what I want you to be. Sorry, but you won't be able to get a hold of me today. If all goes well, I might get to see you tomorrow, either way you'll definitely hear from me by then, okay?"
"Ash, are you sure? Maybe you should just tell Dad."
"I think my way's better, Cam."
"He's going to be mad as hell, you know? I'm warning you, he has a really hard hand."
"Cam, I'm a lot older than you are."
"Mmm Hmm. If you say so."
"Bye, Cam. I love you."
"Love you too, Sis."
Ashlynn sighed and then turned the phone off tossing it into the trash on her way out of the little French pastry shop. Well, at least this next phase of her plan would be fun. She hadn't had a spa day in forever. Deirdre used to insist they were a basic necessity. Perhaps if her mother had been willing to settle for a more simple lifestyle she wouldn't have felt that one last big job was necessary. Maybe she would still be alive.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Ashlynn tried to focus on the positive. Today she would get a pedicure and a manicure, have her hair done, shop for an expensive outfit and hopefully run into the young man she was trying to meet. All of her appointments were at or near places he frequented. If she didn't see him today, she was assured to make his acquaintance tonight. Once again, Ashlynn was thankful that she knew most of Dierdre's contacts. That had made this much, much easier, as had the access to all of her mom's bank accounts.
XXX000XXX000XXX000
Gibbs slammed the palm of his hand down on his desk in frustration. Not only had Ashlynn slipped away from the FBI again, but all attempts to find her or determine her plans had failed. He looked up to see Cam staring at him. The boy sat at an empty desk, supposedly playing a computer game, but right now his attention was focused intently on his dad. That's when it struck the veteran agent that the answer had been right under his nose the entire time.
"Cam, come over here." The boy did as he was told, looking warily at his dad. "Cam do you know where your sister is? Is there anywhere in the city she might go? Anyone she might contact?"
The boy shook his head. "Mom seemed to know people everywhere we went and Ash always knew them too, but I didn't."
"Cam, it's very important that we find her. The men responsible for your mom's death are not good people and I think she may be putting herself into a dangerous situation."
Cam shook his head. "Ash said she wasn't going to do anything dangerous."
"She said? Have you talked to your sister?"
"Yeah, I talk to her everyday," he answered.
"Boss, I've been monitoring her cell, it's been off except when she turned it on in the coffee shop yesterday," Tim interjected, with a note of confusion.
"Burn phone," Tony said simply.
"Son, do you have a cell phone?" Gibbs asked. The boy nodded and walked back to the desk where his backpack hung on the chair. He retrieved the phone and handed it over to his dad, who tossed it to McGee.
"Cam, this is really, really important. Do you know where Ash is or what she has planned?"
"I don't know where she is, but I know she has a lead on finding someone that can help you get the guys that killed mom."
"Did she tell you anything else?"
"Only that I wouldn't be able to call her today, but she might see me tomorrow."
"Whatever it is, it's happening tonight," Tony commented. "And she probably ditched the phone she was using."
"Would she have known about Castillo?" Ziva asked.
"She must have found out somehow," Gibbs answered grimly.
XXX000XXX000XXX000
Ashlynn looked at her reflection, pivoted and smiled. The green designer dress clung to her in all the right places and paired with the makeover and new hairstyle served the purpose of maturing her just enough for this evening. Earlier today she had managed a "chance" meeting with Nicolao and he had taken notice, even though she'd been dressed far more casually at the time. Ash was confidant that she would be able to get close to him at the club tonight.
Double checking her purse, Ash picked up her cream colored coat and headed toward the lobby. The limo should be there by now. She sure hoped Nicolao Reyes was indeed Castillo's son and that following him would lead them to his father. Her purse held two miniscule tracking devices, one of the many toys Deirdre kept on hand for jobs. If things got beyond her, she would plant the transmitters and call Gibbs.
She knew the NCIS agent was going to be livid, but she could not, or rather would not, reveal the sources of her information on Nicolao and Castillo. So there was no real evidence at this point and an anonymous tip could only take them so far, legally. Much like his alleged father, Nicolao was somewhat of a ghost, and Ash did not want to see him slip away. If there was one thing that Deirdre had taught her daughter, it was that sometimes functioning within the restraints of the law just didn't get results.
It didn't take the limousine long to reach the Echelon, one of the most up and coming clubs in the DC area. Getting through the front door was of course no problem. Deirdre always ensured Ash had several impeccable identification options. Gaining admittance to the Upper Echelon, the more exclusive upstairs lounge that opened to and overlooked the lower level had required Rudy's help. Money was all the thanks that Rudy Davis required but as a bonus she had called him last night suggesting that he miss his return flight and perhaps stay up North for a bit longer.
"I am glad to see that you were able to come," a low accented voice whispered in Ashlynn's ear. She turned to see Nicolao behind her and smiled.
XXX000XXX000XXX000
"Boss, Ashlynn's phone just turned on," Tim said voice full of excitement. It had been a long evening made even longer by the extreme irritability of one Special Agent Gibbs. Everyone had watched longingly when the boys had been sent home with Ducky and that had been hours ago. "And she's sent a picture to my email. The caption reads Nicolao Castillo Reyes. He looks to be in his early twenties."
"Where's she at?"
Tim typed away, "Working on it, Boss."
Just then Gibbs's cell phone rang. "Where the hell are you?" he answered having noted Ashlynn's number on the caller ID.
"Hey, Jeanie, you need to call me back. I'm here at Echelon and I've been waiting for you. You better not have called my dad or I'm going to kill you! I'll wait for a while longer, but I've met someone and he really wants to show me his place. I know I promised I'd wait, so call me, okay?"
"Ashlynn," Gibbs started to reply but the line went dead. "Damn! I think she's in over her head. She's at a club called Echelon. McGee follow-up with what Ashlynn sent you and call Abby back in to help. DiNozzo, Ziva with me. We'll take two cars. I'll pull Ashlynn out and you follow this Reyes guy, in case he's our man."
"What about Fornell?"
"I'll give Tobias a call." He had no doubt, that the FBI would meet them there.
XXX000XXX000XXX000
Ashlynn had been right. Getting close to Nicolao had not been difficult. In fact gaining a little distance since had been the challenge. The young Bolivian gave amorous a new name and he was used to getting what he wanted. Most recently, he had decided he wanted Ashlynn to come home with him. Though she didn't want to blow her cover, she had a really bad feeling about accompanying the human octopus anywhere less public than the crowded club. His two bodyguards did nothing to ease her apprehension. Thus the call to Gibbs. If she could keep Nicolao at bay until NCIS arrived, they could put a tail on him. The tracking devices were already in place and she had texted McGee the specifics.
"So what did your friend say?"
"She didn't answer. I left her a message. If she doesn't come soon, we'll go, but like I said, she panics easily and if she calls my dad," Ash shook her head. "I just don't need that grief."
"He must be very protective. I do not blame him," the dark-haired man moved his lips to her neck. "You intrigue me Eva."
Ash smiled at the use of her alias and moved to place a soft kiss on Nicolao's lips, trying to draw his attention away from her neck, which she was relatively certain, bore marks from his earlier attention. "And you me. Do you miss you're family? You are so far from home."
"I find other distractions," he said running his hand boldly up her leg. "Besides, my father resides here much of the time."
"I could do with my dad residing elsewhere for long periods of time," she said shifting position to avoid Nicolao's groping.
Just then her cell phone rang. "Hello."
"Ashlynn, are you in immediate danger?" Gibbs's voice demanded.
"Oh, hi, Ann. No, that's fine. Is she still planning on coming?"
"We'll be there in less than twenty minutes."
"Okay, I understand, but if you hear from Jeanie again have her give me a call. I'm making plans for the rest of the night." Here she winked coyly at Nicolao.
"Ashlynn, DO NOT under any circumstances leave with him."
"Oh, no, not to worry. Bye now, Ann." Rather than hang up, Ashlynn kept the line open.
"Sorry about that, Nic. I guess Jeanie got caught up with Ann over at the Lima."
"Could you not have just told this friend that we were leaving?" Nicolao asked.
"Sorry, she's not with Jeanie now and Jeanie will freak if she gets here and can't find me and the first thing she'll do is call my dad. With my luck he'd come looking for me. You have no idea what it's like dealing with an overprotective dad."
"I would not agree. Do you think that I enjoy the constant companionship of these men?" Nicolao waved his hand to indicate the bodyguards. "This is why, I would like to take you elsewhere. So that we might have some privacy." He trailed a finger along her jaw and down her neckline.
"So you said you're father is here much of the year. Do you travel back to Bolivia often?" She asked, taking his finger in her hand before it went any lower and placing a kiss on the tip before entwining her fingers around it.
"Some and to Morocco. My mother has family in Morocco."
"I visited Morocco once with my mother," she said conversationally taking a sip of her drink.
"Do you enjoy travel? I would very much enjoy to travel with you," he said seductively nuzzling her neck again.
"Yes. I traveled a great deal with my mother," she replied running her hand lightly over his shoulder.
"And your father?"
"They weren't together. My mother's business was, well, let's just say that it was a point of contention."
"But you now live with your father?" he asked running his hand through her hair.
Ash nodded. "I came back to DC to go to college. How about your mother? Does she come here to DC?"
"No. My mother seldom leaves Bolivia. She spends much time with the sisters in the convent."
"A convent?" Ash said. "Wow! That must make life interesting for your dad."
"My father travels extensively. His business requires that of him." Nicolao's hands were once again roaming.
Luckily Ashlynn didn't have to hold Nicolao at bay much longer. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Gibbs walk through the door downstairs. "Oh, crap!" she said out loud. "That's my dad. I swear I'm going to kill Jeanie. No wonder she didn't pick up."
Nicolao had no difficulty spotting the man who was more than just a little bit out of place. "Is your father a police officer?"
"Sort of," she answered with a nod, unable to deny the obvious but not wanting to spook Nicolao. His bodyguards were already in motion.
"Eva, with my father's business, it is very important that I avoid any unsavory attention."
"Oh, don't worry," she replied grabbing her things and hitting the end button on her phone. "I'll slip downstairs and he'll never notice you. Sorry, that soak in the hot tub sounded fabulous," she said seductively.
Nicolao pulled her against him for a passionate kiss, "You are not nearly as sorry as I," he replied letting her go as one of his bodyguards made a curt comment.
Ashlynn smiled and offered what she hoped was a longing look then headed towards the floating stairs. As she descended the steps her eyes met Gibbs' and her stomach dropped, much as it had in the coffee shop yesterday. He either played the angry father role very, very well or was actually beyond furious.
Her foot had barely hit the floor when he took her arm in a firm grasp. "You are in a lot of trouble young lady."
"Oh come on, Dad, it's just a club. Lighten up."
"Is there a problem here?" one of the bouncers at the base of the staircase demanded, having watched as the obviously anxious young woman made her way down the stairs.
"Yeah, as a matter of fact. My underage daughter, who shouldn't even be here, has obviously had one too many drinks," Gibbs replied angrily flashing his badge for effect.
"I assure you, sir, she had appropriate identification if she was admitted to the Upper Echelon."
"Thanks to your mother no doubt," Gibbs said, glowering at Ashlynn and holding out his hand. "Hand it over."
"Oh, my god, dramatic much?" Ashlynn asked rolling her eyes, having a bit of fun with the role. "Can we discuss this at home?" She moved to pull away from Gibbs, but was taken aback when the man landed a painful swat on her bottom.
"ID, NOW!"
Her face flamed, despite knowing this was all an act. She opened her purse and pulled out the drivers' license, holding it out for him to take and trying to ignore the smirks and sniggers of the curious onlookers. Well, she could kiss that alias goodbye.
"Car," he said, grimly pointing to the door and landing another swat on her backside to hurry her along. By the time they stepped outside his hand was at the small of her back guiding her in the right direction.
"Someone's on Nicolao?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered curtly, not slowing his pace as he made his way to the parking garage. Once he determined she wasn't in immediate danger, he had taken the time to park his car, not wanting to draw any undue attention at the front of the club or do anything to spook Nicolao's men.
When they reached the car Ashlynn stopped to look at the man. "That was a little overplayed don't you think? People don't swat their teenage daughters, Gibbs."
Leaning in menacingly close he growled, "Had you been my daughter, caught drinking, underage, in a club, dressed like that, with bruises all over your neck I would have turned you over my knee right then and there. One more word from you and I might just do it anyway. Get in the car."
Ashlynn's eyes went from wide with shock to narrow in anger. "Listen here Agent Gibbs-"
She got no further as he spun her around and bent her over landing seven hard smacks to her thinly clad backside, the sound resonating in the parking garage. The sheer silk provided very little protection, and the sting actually brought tears to Ashlynn's eyes. Before she had a chance to react, Gibbs opened the door and pushed her into the passenger's seat. Taking Ash's coat from her he tossed it into the back and fastened her seatbelt. Before he closed the door, he engaged the child lock so she wouldn't be able to open it on her own.
The drive back to NCIS headquarters was as silent as a grave.
TBC...