The day had soon started to fade to make way for the evening and at six that night, Tony and Ziva found themselves arguing as they sat outside Ducky's house in Tony's car.

"No! Tony, we must let Ducky handle this. If you really want to help McGee, then you cannot risk making him angry just because you feel the need to see for yourself that he is okay!"

"Ziva, unless we get in his face to prove to him that we're here for him, he'll lose sight of that. I know how that works, trust me; I've been there. You have too!"

"Yes, you and I have both been 'there' but that does not mean that McGee will handle our intrusion the same way. Tony! If you really MUST do something other what McGee has asked of us, then call Ducky." She insisted.

Tony looked out at the yard, darkened by twilight, struggling with leaving this alone. It didn't feel right to just do nothing. It stuck in his craw and he hated it. But, Ziva was right. If by trying too hard to help, they managed to piss McGee off, than all good intentions would be thrown out the window and they'd have an even tougher time getting Tim back. Sure, he still had his job, but after a month's suspension, would he still want to come back? That was a hell of a stigma to have on his record and Tony knew that would really eat away at Tim before too long. The kid had worked so damn hard to get where he'd gotten and done such a damn fine job of finding himself along the way. Still, the last thing he wanted was to upset things for Tim any more than they already were.

"Okay. Put it on speaker." Tony finally conceded.

"Okay." Ziva breathed out on a sigh of relief at Tony's agreement to her reasoning.

"Ducky?"

"Ziva. Is everything all right?" The M.E. asked with concern.

"Yes, we are fine. We were wondering if you could possibly get McGee to at least speak to us enough that we can hear that he is okay."

"I will ask him, however, it is his choice."

Ducky sounded less than happy with the idea. Still she pushed forward. "Agreed. And thank you, Ducky." Ziva offered sweetly in hopes of lessening the man's ire.

After a tense moment of silence, they were rewarded with the sound of the voice they needed to hear.

"Guys, I'm okay. Really. Thank you for your concern."

"Probie, we wanna help, man." Tony's frustration was tangible.

"Tony, I get that. Really, I do. But you need to get what I'm saying. Look, I'll be out in a minute, all right?"

"What? How did you…" Tony started to ask before he realized that the conversation sounded in stereo, giving away the fact that he and Ziva were close. He turned towards the window and knew that Tim had looked out at them before coming to the door and opening it.

******NCIS*****

"Ducky." Tim said as he turned back toward the M.E. who was uncharacteristically hovering at his shoulder. "I still can't talk to them about this, But I don't want to be rude to them either."

"I understand, Timothy, I'll come out with you." Ducky answered as he indeed, walked out to the front porch on Tim's heels.

Tony and Ziva got out of the car and traipsed across Ducky's driveway to his front porch, climbing the stairs quickly.

"Probie!"

"Tony, you're acting like I've been missing for a month." Tim said with a small smile of appreciation for Tony's very un-characteristic show of affection.

"Yeah, well, ya know…" Tony stammered in embarrassment.

"Yeah, Tony. I get it." Tim smiled.

"McGee. You are okay?" Ziva's concern got the better of her and she couldn't help break in to ask the question she wanted answered about his well being.

"Yes, Ziva, I'm okay. Look guys, I appreciate this, Really, I do. But, you gotta know you're just making this really hard for me. I can't talk to you about what happened. I can't explain this to you." Tim explained apologetically.

"Probie, what is it you think we're asking, here? We're not asking for the details of what happened in Mexico, man. We just wanna know why you're refusing to answer Vance's questions. He told Gibbs that if you just do that much, all of this suspension crap goes away."

"Yeah, I'm sure he did." Tim said miserably as he looked away.

Tony stepped up to Tim and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Look, Tim. We get that whatever's got you taking this hard road is serious. We just want you to let us help you with it." Tim blanched slightly at the use of his Christian name; Tony very rarely used it and it gave way to the fact that the Senior field agent meant business and was seriously concerned.

"I appreciate it, Tony. But, this is exactly what I can't ask you to help me with. There isn't anything you can do to make this go away, anyway." Tim said quietly as he continued to look out at the yard, still feeling connected through Tony's hand on his shoulder.

"McGee. Don't do this alone. Let us in." Tony pushed.

"Tony. Stop, please. You're making this very hard for me. You're really not helping me."

"Which tells me you really do wanna talk about it; you've just got yourself convinced that you can't. Okay. I'll stop pushing you to open up to us if you just answer me one question."

"If I can."

"Who is it you're trying to protect with your silence?" Ziva's question hit Tim from out of the blue. As the Isreali woman came to stand at Tim's other shoulder, he jumped a little in surprise.

"Is that what this is? You're protecting someone?" Tony asked.

"That your one question, Tony?" Tim couldn't help but ask cheekily.

"Answer Ziva's question and we'll leave you alone." Tony bargained in all seriousness; knowing Tim's attempt at a joke was a ruse to cover up how upset he really was "And please, do not tell us that you're trying to protect Abby's job."

"No," Tim said almost in a whisper. "This isn't about her job." He stepped back, losing contact with Tony's hand on his shoulder and turned to go into the house. "Thanks guys, this means a lot to me. It really does. But, I can not talk to you about it. You have your own jobs to worry about."

Tim walked back into the house and no sooner had he closed the door behind himself then he slid over to the wall next to the door, and leaned back against it, closing his eyes to keep the tears in that were threatening to escape.

"Ducky?" Tony turned to the M.E. who up until then had stood by as a silent witness only there to step in if it became necessary.

"Anthony, I do understand your need to help him, but you must do as he wishes and not push him Go on, you and Ziva enjoy your evening. I will make certain Timothy is looked after."

"Okay. Thanks, Ducky. I'm sorry, we…"

"Nonsense, dear boy, do not fret about it for even another minute, go on now." Ducky pushed.

"Good night, Ducky." Ziva said as she reached out and snagged Tony's arm and propelled him down the porch stairs and back to the car; even going so far as to open the passenger's door and urging him to get in.

As Ziva drove them back to Tony's apartment so Ziva could get her car and go home; Tony remained silent. Ziva left him to his thoughts, knowing he was trying to solve the mystery they'd just been given.

Gibbs couldn't wrap his mind around what he'd heard today.

It was the brave actions of Agent McGee at the scene of the confrontation with Paloma Reynosa ,when he unhesitatingly and calmly offered himself up to Ms. Reynosa and her guards in exchange for the release of all the students and Ms. Scuito, which successfully brought about the safe return of all persons to the University."

What he'd seen from the taped surveillance of the restaurant where Tim and Abby had been seen and heard having their disagreement seemed to be stuck in his head.

"Abby no! You can't take them out there! You heard what Marco said!"

"McGee, Just because you're determined to be the party pooper throughout this entire trip does not mean you're gonna stop me from teach MY class the way I see fit! And I say, we need to go to the evidence!"

Abby, you know you could have them bring it to you! There is no reason to put yourself in danger! You can't put them in danger like this either! These drug cartels are nothing to fool around with, Abby!"

"Oh, Timmy, stop being such a baby. There's no way, any drug cartel is gonna waste their time on a group of college students and their teacher oh, and the teacher's pet. ! We're harmless! We're not a threat to anybody!"

"No, Abby! That's final!"

"Yeah, okay, McGee. You keep thinkin' that! And while you're busy thinking that; my students and I will be loading up into the van. Don't keep us waiting long, McGee. We have a crime scene to investigate!"

"Damn it, Abby; why the hell don't you ever take me seriously when I'm your protection detail? Why don't you ever listen to me?"

Gibbs' brain stopped mid-stride. He re-ran McGee's words he'd uttered in what he'd thought had been privacy; when no one would hear him:

"Damn it, Abby; why the hell don't you ever take me seriously when I'm your protection detail? Why don't you ever listen to me?"

As he took in and processed just what it was Tim had actually been admitting here, Gibbs thought back over the years Tim had been on his team. His agent's verbalized frustration obviously stemmed from not just this incident but from the fact that this wasn't the first time Abby had done this to him. Which was odd because, Abby hadn't had a Protection Detail since… Mawher!

As he refilled his glass of bourbon, Gibbs thought back to that case. For the first time ever; a case had secretly shaken his belief that he could keep Abby safe while she worked for NCIS. Since he'd gotten to know her, he'd taken her protection as one of his top priorities since she habitually hung out with a rougher crowd than he was comfortable with. That entire situation had seriously thrown him for a loop.

So, when Mawher had made it past McGee, the one he'd trusted Abby's well-being to, it had sent Gibbs' anger and need to punish someone for the whole mess; shooting through the roof. He hadn't heard McGee out; hadn't even let him speak. He'd just taken the bare facts and literally chosen to make an example out of the young man; as if he'd been a willful, disobedient, miscreant still in grade school.

Looking back on it now, Gibbs mind conjured up the vision of Tim on his knees behind his desk as he attempted to carry on with his work. Tim had taken it on the chin; although he'd attempted to complain over some of what Abby had done to his personal things; he hadn't made an issue out of actual punishment Gibbs had handed out; had in fact, handled the time on his knees like a trooper.

In fact, McGee hadn't opened his mouth about that situation; ever again. But, he had looked downtrodden and condemned for a while after that. A demeanor which Gibbs had steadfastly ignored as he whipped his team back into shape after such a personal case had left them all feeling a little raw.

Had McGee really accepted what Gibbs had ordered him to do that willingly? Oh had he simply internalized it all, like it had been drummed into him and shown by Gibbs' and Tony's examples? It was more than curiosity that wanted the answer to that question, but even so, Gibbs doubted he'd get the answer to it. Drawing another sip from his drink, he let his mind return to its' wandering through the mass of facts in this case.

Ducky entered the house and was brought up short when he almost walked into Tim, who was still standing where he'd stopped to try to pull himself together.

"Timothy? Are you all right, lad?"

Without opening his eyes, Tim sighed and wiped at his eyes before deliberately looking away from Ducky. "I'm okay. Is there anything I can help you with for dinner?"

"Nothing at all, you are my guest tonight. You just come in and make yourself comfortable. I'll bring us something to quench our thirst. What would you like?"

"Please don't go through any trouble."

"Nonsense, dear boy. Now, what would you like to drink?"

"Coffee's fine. Thank you."

"Alright. I shall be right back." Ducky said as he stepped out of the living room where he had propelled Tim as they had talked.

Tim pulled out his phone to call the one person who's voice he really needed to hear right about now.

"Hey, Honey, How are you? Are you still at Ducky's?"

"Yeah." Tim answered his girl's concerned question sadly.

"Sweetheart, you sound more upset than you did earlier, is something wrong?"

"No. Yes, I don't know." Tim admitted miserably.

"Honey, talk to me. What happened?"

"Tony and Ziva came by. They were really worried. I've never seen Tony like this before."

"Tim. Tony is your big brother and even though he'll never admit it; it's how he sees himself . Even I can see it and I've only been working there a short while compared to the rest of you guys."

"Yeah, I know he does. It's just…"

"You can't tell them because you don't want to see the team fall apart because of this; I get it. Tim your team is stronger than you think. But, you keeping this from them and not letting them in on something that's affecting all of them; is what will ultimately tear it apart. You need to realize that. You, of all people, know how much trust and honesty means to every single person on your team. That's what you need to focus on, Honey. Keeping that trust and honesty alive. This secret mission you're on to hold this in; is only gonna hurt you and your team; the very people you're trying to protect!"

"I know, but it's not that simple."

"No, you're right, Hon, it's not simple. But, you know if Tony finds out you're sacrificing your good name and your job's excellent standing for someone else's he's gonna go through the roof. If you want to hold on to any chance of staying close-knit; you need to let Tony in. He's a big boy; he can handle what he does with it without losing his job. Ziva can too. We all know she's been through much, much worse and come out on top. Besides, do you really want to risk losing her friendship in exchange for trying to protect her?"

"But their relationship with Gibbs…"

"Is something they can deal with. Trust me, they're capable."

"I don't want to say anything that's gonna change the way things are between them."

"Timothy McGee!"

"Aw, sweetie, you know I hate it when you get pissed at me!"

"Then stop reacting to what I'm saying and take the time to think about it instead! You're an intelligent man so use that brain to sort through this instead of bulldozing through it without giving it serious thought! And let Ducky take care of you for tonight! I'll take Jethro to the kennel before I go in to work in the morning. You can pick him up from there. And I will call you in the morning!"

"Thanks, sweetie. Really."

"You're welcome, but you had better do as I said, and really think about this; all of it!"

"I will. I promise."

"Okay. Goodnight, luv."

"Oh. Goodnight, hon."

"Timothy? Was that a girlfriend, perhaps? Have you found yourself someone special?" Ducky asked with interest as he entered the room with a tray holding their drinks.

"Yeah. Yeah, Ducky, I have."

"Well, I think that's marvelous, young man! Dare I ask who the lucky young woman is?"

"Only if you're willing to keep it just between us. Never mind, I would rather not put you in that position, Ducky."

"Timothy, I would be most happy to 'be' in that position, if it will enable you to have someone to talk to about it."

"Really? That would be great, Ducky."

"Good, then, by all means, tell me all about her. What is her name?"

"Pamela. Pamela Cook."

"Director Vance's Assistant?"

"Yeah. One and the same. Now, you see why I need you to keep this between us?"

"Oh, Timothy, you do tend to travel a complicated path to love, don't you?"

"Yeah, you could put it that way."

"Well, come now, tell me all about it."

"Really? Okay. Well…"