Title: NCIS – Fallen Hero

Author: D M Harper

Summary: When Naval Criminal Investigative Service's MCRT investigates the death of a decorated Marine, one member finds much more than a motive for murder.

PAIRINGS: Agent Ziva David & Abigail Sciuto; Agent Ziva David & OFC; Abigail Sciuto & OFC.

Rating: MA for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction borrowing characters from a TV series. Other characters are original, but have learnt to play nicely with the others. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creators Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill or Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television & CBS Paramount Network Television.

A/N: Please take a dip into the review pool and leave a message. The Muse gets a little hungry!

Chapter 15

Grayson walked into Colonel Flack's office the following week and inquired, "You wanted to see me sir?"

"Yes Grayson, please take a seat."

Making herself comfortable, Grayson waited for an explanation for the summons.

"It seems the shit has well and truly hit the fan over your recording of Eli David's confession to being implicate in the attempt made on Agent Gibbs' life and threatening the wellbeing of the MCRT."

"I'm not surprised sir."

"David has been ordered to stand down by his Prime Minister or face prosecution by our government."

"That seems fair enough."

"Unfortunately, the Director has collected enough evidence of corruption within his government that he is refusing to resign and threatening to release the information."

"Surely he is only making himself a target by attempting to blackmail his superiors?"

"Apparently he is unperturbed regard that possibility."

"So where does that leave the investigation?"

"I know you requested to have no involvement with the case because of your close friendship with David's daughter, but I'd like you to travel to Tel Aviv with the team to extradite him back here if necessary."

"Sir, with all due respect, I don't see how that would be probative."

"Grayson, you have dealt with the man and didn't take a backwards step. Documents have been drawn up for David to sign. If he puts his signature to them, he will be forced to resign and not face extradition. If he doesn't agree to those terms, he will be detained and transported to the States A-SAP."

"What about his warning to expose government officials?"

"We have been guaranteed free access to David and there will be no interference if we have to remove him from Tel Aviv. The Prime Minister is more than willing to prosecute the two Ministers David named as corrupt and in turn, nullify his threat."

"So basically you are talking about a covert operation?"

"Affirmative and with your knowledge of the area and expertise in Black Ops you would be ideal to lead a small team in and out without detection. You will be off the grid and on your own."

"I appreciate the compliment sir, but I have one request."

"Go ahead."

"Nobody knows Eli David as well as his daughter and if he learns of the Prime Minister's plan beforehand, he will flee to avoid imprisonment. Ziva would be invaluable in locating him."

"What you suggest has merit. Besides yourself and Agent David, how many others do you require to make the trip?"

"Sir, if the aim is to enter Tel Aviv without any fanfare, I think it best to keep numbers at a minimum. I am confident Agent David and I can carry out the mission on our own. When would we have to leave?"

"David had been given until August twenty fourth to tender his resignation, so you would have to deploy on the twenty third at the latest."

"I will make contact with my source in Tel Aviv to organise weapons and a vehicle for that date."

The two officers discussed the finer details and strategies until it was time to go home.

-o-

Pulling her bike into the garage, Grayson was glad to find Ziva was home. Grayson had ridden to work after offering her truck to her mother to utilise. The Chevrolet was absent, so she raced into the house, hoping to have a quiet moment with Ziva. Colonel Flack had requested she not discuss the upcoming operation with Ziva until the briefing scheduled for the twenty second. In the meantime, the Colonel was cooperating with NCIS Director Vance who in turn would brief Agent Gibbs at the appropriate time.

Grayson entered the kitchen and called out, "SWEETHEART I'M HOME, WHERE ARE YOU?"

There was no reply, so she went in search of her girlfriend. She eventually located her out by the pool reading a book.

"Are you okay honey?" she asked before kneeling down beside the deckchair.

Ziva put the novel down on her lap and frowned at Grayson, "Hi and Eli wasted no time in making his intensions known."

"What's happened?"

"I had a tail on my way home. I spotted them early and managed to lose them quickly. Tomorrow I will ride my bike for optimum speed and manoeuvrability."

"What happened with the detail?"

"They apprehended my follower and he was detained for questioning."

"Director David has been given until the twenty fourth of this month to resign or face prosecution for crimes committed against this country."

"He won't go quietly."

"I don't expect he would, but let's forget all about it for now and relax. How was your day otherwise?"

"I was busy conducting several interviews with McGee."

"Did Tony give you any grief?"

"No, he never mentioned our relationship at all."

"I suspect Jethro may have had a private word with him"

"I am not sure, but he was standoutish with Tim."

"That's standoffish honey."

"Thank you darling. I think Tony and Tim have had a disagreement. I overheard Tony accuse Tim of being a terrible wingman. I do not know what that meant."

"It means Tony expected Tim to have his back and knowing Tony, it probably referred to a woman he was chatting up and trying to impress."

"That is possible. Those two have been socialising more and more lately. I find it amusing that Tony would need assistance with women."

"His old ways are probably ineffective and he is lonely."

"This may be true. How was your day?"

"It was interesting and busy. Amy called this afternoon. She will be arriving in D.C. on Saturday and staying until the twenty second."

"I am glad your friend is visiting."

"I am too, but it's not an ideal time."

"Is that because of the Eli situation?"

"Yes baby."

Ziva ran her hand over Grayson's shoulder, "We will just have to stay watchful."

"I was going to change out of uniform and go for a run. Can I interest you in joining me?"

"No, I have already done a session on the gym."

Standing up, Grayson went inside. She didn't dwell on the fact Ziva was preoccupied and slightly aloof.

-o-

Grayson took Ashley and Gary out for dinner with Jethro that evening while Ziva opted for an early bed time. The following two nights, Ziva retried to bed before Grayson and the blonde broached the subject after arriving home with Ashley and Gary on Thursday night. The trio had spent the day sightseeing and Ziva was in the kitchen preparing dinner. She shied away when Grayson approached her for a hug and kiss.

"Okay that's enough with the crap!" she exclaimed with hands on hip. "I know you are worried about what Eli is up to, but I can't ignore you avoiding any physical contact with me."

Ziva lowered her eyes, "I am sorry Grayson."

"What's going on?"

"I am concerned our relationship will be used against you. I fear Eli is spying on us."

"Ziva, I sweep the house for surveillance cameras and bugs every morning and night. I doubt you have been followed here, so can we just live our lives without any unnecessary stress?"

Tears formed in the corners of brown eyes, "I have seen first hand what Eli is capable of doing to get his own way or to extract his revenge."

"You and Eli have no idea what I am capable of doing to protect my family," seethed Grayson as she turned heel and went for a shower. When she was done, Grayson went outside and called Colonel Flack.

"Captain McCall is there a problem?"

"Colonel, I think we need to bring forward the mission. Eli David needs to be stopped now. He has sent four Mossad Agents here this past week with the intention to spy on his daughter. It is only a matter of time before he locates her. With your permission, I'd like to fly out alone tonight."

"What about Ziva?"

"Sir, she is too emotionally involved and I fear her judgement will be impaired."

"All right, you have a go and I will meet you at the hangar."

"I'll be there within the hour sir."

Pocketing her phone, Grayson returned to her bedroom to pack a duffle bag. Taking off her dog tags, she secreted them and her cell phone inside the gun safe. Grabbing a set of black BDUs she raced into the bathroom and changed. Once she was dressed, she collected a leather jacket then went to the door of the guest room and lightly rapped on the wooden frame.

Gary answered her knock moments later, "Hey Grayson, your mom is in the shower."

"That's okay. I've been called into the office on an overseas case. Can you tell mom I'll be gone until Saturday and that I love her."

"I can do that for you."

"I'll leave my truck for you to use and I apologise for having to leave."

"I understand and it's your job. Stay safe and see you when you get back."

"Bye"

Walking into the kitchen, Grayson embraced Ziva from behind, "I have to leave for a couple of days and check out a suspect."

Ziva turned around, "I thought you were off duty?"

"I was, but the opportunity to talk to this man has presented itself unexpectedly and I must leave now. I love you with all my heart and want you to be safe."

"I love you too Grayson." Ziva pressed her lips to Grayson's and kissed her thoroughly before letting go.

-o-