PLEASE SEE CHAPTER 1 FOR WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMERS

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is VERY short, but I have company coming this week and was unsure how much more I was going to be able get done. With any luck, I'll have more for you very soon, but I wanted to get this out to you...just in case.

Chapter 15

"You wanted to talk," Gibbs stated bluntly eying the bald CIA agent across the room from him.

Kort turned and to face the other man with a nod. "Yes. Ashlynn?"

"Training with Ziva."

"I wanted to speak with you prior to this morning's meeting," Kort started, treading carefully as he could feel the animosity rolling off the NCIS agent.

"As it turns out I have a few questions for you as well."

The corner of Kort's mouth lifted. "I am not surprised. The agency wants Ashlynn neutralized as a potential threat."

"Threat?"

"Deirdre shared far too much with the girl. The agency had their uses for Deirdre, but they will not afford Ashlynn the same indulgence. Ashlynn is not likely to readily agree to any of the options presented to her today, but you and I both know how indelicate the Agency can be when dealing with someone they deem a potential problem."

"Why do you care?"

Kort looked down at his hands, studying them intently as if the answer to a particularly troubling mystery was hidden in the fine lines of his palms. "I made a mistake several years ago. I broke a cardinal rule of my profession. I got too close."

"Deirdre?"

The other man nodded.

"Are you Ashlynn's father?"

Looking up sharply, Kort allowed a smile to play at his lips. "No. Deirdre and I did not have that kind of relationship. She was more like the sister that I never had. I recruited Deirdre. She had incredible talent. Unfortunately, she cared for the rules even less than myself," Kort paused and then with a shake of his head got back to the point of this encounter, "Nonetheless I have known Ashlynn since infancy and though she does not believe this, I want what is best for her."

"Who is her father?" Gibbs demanded.

"Deirdre never told me directly, but I have my suspicions. Don't you?"

"There are a lot of things that don't add up. The timeline isn't right. Deirdre would have had to have been pregnant while in training for the CIA or just after…" Gibbs allowed his voice to trail off, scrutinizing the other man.

"Indeed," Kort smiled here as he held the gaze of the other man before proceeding. "In order for the situation to resolve itself in Ashlynn's best interest, I am going to have to push her. What I need to know is the depth of your commitment as it concerns our dear Ashlynn."

"Oh, I'm committed," Gibbs replied staunchly.

"Good, then I need you to enlist the help of your FBI comrade. He and I are hardly on speaking terms just now."

"Tobias?"

XX000XX000XX000XX000XX

When Ashlynn entered Director Vance's office her curiosity turned immediately to suspicion. In addition to Vance both Trent Kort and Agent Fornell were sitting at the table. Since this meeting had not been touted as an update on the Covas situation, Ashlynn was more than a little uneasy. She cast a questioning glance at Gibbs who had followed her in, but he just inclined his head toward a chair.

"So what exactly is this about?" Ashlynn demanded.

"Miss Connley, Ashlynn, during the course of the investigations related to your mother's murder, we have all been able to gain an appreciation for your intellect and," here the man paused and it was more than a little obvious that he was tempering his disapproval, "How you are able to use it."

"So?"

"We are here today to offer you a student internship in any of our organizations while you pursue your education at Georgetown."

Ashlynn's eyes widened in surprise, this was not what she had been anticipating.

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I really don't think so, but thanks."

The smug look on Kort's face was as much of an 'I told you so,' as was required for the assembled group.

"What if I were to tell you I could swing an appointment to Annapolis?" Vance asked seriously.

"I would want to know why and what the hell this is really all about?"

Kort sighed, "As it turns out, Poppet, you have the gen on far more than you aught, and although I cannot speak for the others here I know that the Agency has definite concerns."

"So you want to keep tabs on me? You can go blow yourself!"

"Don't get shirty, young lady. You are being made a very reasonable and generous offer. I for one suggest you take it," Kort replied.

"And I'll say it again you can-"

"Ash," Gibbs' low voice warned against her repeating herself or getting more graphic.

"Well, the answer is NO! You even try and push this and so help me that bit of information that Deirdre put away…. "

"See that's precisely the issue at hand. Your mother was quite useful in her own way but the agency is not going to put up with that from a spotty youth, Poppet. They're done with it, luv, so I suggest you go along and play nice because you'll not like the alternative."

Fornell cleared his throat. "As far as the FBI, there are still some open cases that we believe you could provide valuable information on."

"Ashlynn, this does not need to be negative," Vance stated, glaring at Kort. "This is an excellent opportunity for you. With a bit of cooperation-"

"GO TO HELL!" Ashlynn was out of her seat, but Vance's sharp tone caught her attention.

"Your response is unfortunate. I need to let you know that our combined agencies will be petitioning to have your passport revoked and I must advise you to stay in the area."

"On what grounds?"

"You might have engaged in activities abroad that cause, or are likely to cause, serious damage to United States security or foreign policy. Additionally you potentially hold valuable knowledge concerning several ongoing Federal investigations on which you might be subpoenaed to appear."

"The Bureau would like you to stay in the area so we can question you on a few open larceny investigations," Fornell added with a nod.

"This does not need to go this way, Poppet," Kort stated softly.

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" she yelled, referring to the childhood nickname.

"We both know there's another alternative, luv," he continued calmly as if she had not spoken. The CIA agent's eyes locked with hers and he could tell she knew precisely of what he was speaking and had set herself resolutely against the option. He shook his head, "But you will need to decide amongst the options presented because the alternatives are far more unpleasant, I assure you."

Able to take no more, Ashlynn stormed from the room with Gibbs right behind her.

"Hey!" he barked causing her to halt her fast paced retreat.

Ash stopped in the hall, but didn't turn. Gently, Gibbs turned Ashlynn around to face him. "You stayed pretty quiet in there," she said caustically. "What exactly was your role supposed to be?"

"I wasn't there for them. I was there for you, Ash." He pulled her into his arms and somehow she couldn't help but to return the embrace. She was so angry tears swam at the corners of her eyes.

"I've got to get out of here," she finally said, pulling away.

"Want me to take you home?"

"No. I need some time alone. I'm going to stay at the place Mom leased for a couple of days. I need to think things out. I'll stop by aftercare and talk to the boys later."

"Ash, I get that your pissed and I probably would be too. I understand that you need some time, but DO NOT do anything stupid. Understand?"

The teen nodded, but didn't meet his eyes. "I mean it, Ash," his low voice held a definite warning. "Call if you need me – need anything - and keep your cell with you; I want to be able to reach you at all times."

With another nod she started to turn.

"Ashlynn," he all but growled.

"I heard you," she answered, already making her way down the hall.

"Well, you better actually listen to me or you WILL regret it," he called after her.

TBC…