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 16
Grayson paced up and down the entrance of the airstrip office waiting for her contact Meir Shavit to arrive. She stopped when headlights shone along the narrow road leading to the building.
Picking up her bag, she jumped into the black Humvee and greeted her friend, "It is good to see you Meir."
The curly black haired burly man smiled, "I must admit I was surprised to receive your call ahead of schedule."
"There was the need to amend plans."
"Everything you asked for is in the back and I have the location of Eli David's house in Tel Aviv."
"Excellent and I can't thank you enough for your help."
"It is you who is helping my people. David is a tyrant who has been untouchable for too many years."
"Hopefully after tonight, the Mossad will be looking for a new Director."
"Hope is all we have my friend. Your plane will be ready to depart at 0600 hours."
"Thank you Meir."
"We will reach the Director's compound in fifty minutes. It is heavily protected by at least twenty private security guards. They are all ex-Mossad and highly loyal to David, not to mention extremely skilled. Are you certain you do not require some of my men to accompany you?"
"No Meir, I can't afford to involve your people. You have done enough already."
"As you wish Captain. I will drop you off one half mile from your target and wait for you." He handed Grayson a small box, "That is your ear piece and mike. Stay in contact with me and if you get into difficulties, I will respond. I have twenty men on standby if needed. In the glove compartment you will find a blue print of the house's interior."
"Your assistance has been invaluable as always Meir and I hope a backup plan will be unnecessary," replied Grayson while studying the map.
"All the times we have worked together in the past that has not occurred."
"Let's keep that good record intact my friend."
"My wife hopes the next time you are in this country you can manage a visit to our home."
"Tell Ashira I look forward to seeing her again."
-o-
Forty-five minutes later Meir pulled into a darkened alley and Grayson went to the rear of the vehicle. She swiftly equipped herself with a knife to the inside of her right boot and one to her belt. Putting on two combat thigh holsters, she placed a Glock 24 with a silencer and laser sight in both. Next, she added a grappling gun and jammer device to the front vest pockets then placed night vision goggles over her black balaclava.
Finally, she filled six ammo pouches with clips and attached the radio earwig and mike then said, "Give me two hours to complete the mission Meir. I have to be methodical with this one. I can't afford to leave behind any trace of my presence."
"I understand and wish you good luck."
Grayson gripped her friend's shoulder, "You have my instructions if I fail."
"Yes Captain."
Sticking close to the night shadows, Grayson set off towards David's private fortress that he called home. Once she was only metres from the outside wall, Grayson withdrew the jammer device from the left pocket of her vest and aimed it at the security camera posted above the wall.
With five seconds in which to make her move, she hoisted herself over the high concrete fence using the grappling gun. When the blonde landed on the other side, she flicked down the night vision lenses and spotted the first guard. With his back facing her, Grayson approached and swiftly subdued him by cutting off the air supply to his brain with her forearm pressed against the carotid artery in his neck. Withdrawing two sets of zip ties, she secured his feet and hands then gagged his mouth with tape. Hiding him in some nearby shrubbery, Grayson slowly moved onto her next target.
One by one, Grayson slowly took care of the ten outer perimeter guards in similar fashion. As she approached the dimly lit two storey house, she flipped up the goggles and withdrew a Glock. In her left hand she held the jammer and utilised it to gain entry through the back door.
Once inside the darkened kitchen area, Grayson kept low and engaged her goggles. Under the cover of darkness, she crept into the hallway and headed towards the basement stairwell that led to the security control room. As she opened the door she sighted a guard on the unlit stairs.
Taking aim, the highly trained Marine eliminated him with a silent single shot to the back of his head. She reached out quickly and grabbed him before he hit the steps. Grayson carried the dead weight down the stairs and secreted him in the dark corner underneath the stairwell.
Flipping up the goggles, Grayson approached the control room door and burst in while remaining crouched down. Dispensing of three guards before they had time to react, she then turned off the security system.
Backing out of the room, she calmly waited in the gloom for others to check on the lack of digital camera feeds. Her wait was short. Two more men raced down the stairs, only to be met by a bullet to the temple.
After waiting a further five minutes, Grayson stepped over the bodies and climbed the stairs. Inching her way down the hallway, she checked each room for guards. She located two asleep in a bedroom and quickly secured them with ties and tape.
Climbing the stairs to the upper level, Grayson pushed the goggles off her face and stealthily continued towards Eli David's bedroom. She stopped when she spotted the last two sentinels posted outside the room. Eliminating them speedily, she advanced and picked the lock on the entry.
Opening the door slowly, she felt along the wall for the light switch and bathed the room in brightness. Her weapon was trained on the grey haired man as he sat up in bed and reached for the 22 calibre pistol laying on the nightstand.
"I wouldn't if I were you," instructed Grayson in pitch perfect Hebrew.
"Who are you? What do you want?" demanded Eli angrily.
"I am here to ensure you do the right thing."
"Who sent you?"
"That is not important. Get up and put on your robe, we have work to do," instructed Grayson calmly.
The silk pyjama clad Eli protested, "This is an outrage! You can't barge into my home like this."
"Why not, you have done it to countless innocent people your entire career?"
Throwing back the covers, Eli eased out of bed and pulled on the robe that was draped over the back of an armchair. He slipped his feet into sleepers positioned to the side of the bed and retained a steely glare on the intruder.
Grayson's gun remained aimed at the six foot three, sixty year old as she directed, "We are going to your study, move!"
She followed at a safe distance behind until Eli reached the office situated two doors down the hallway. Backing up, she watched carefully as the Director opened the door, nodded and entered the room. Her instinct about the tilting of his head caused her to jump out of the way and roll onto the floor as a guard fired at her. He fell as she returned a volley of silent shots.
"Damn it," she cursed while straightening up. Entering the study, she found Eli frantically searching the drawers for a weapon. "Don't bother," she suggested. "All you need is a pen. You are going to sign the paperwork I have for you then you are phoning the Prime Minister to tender you resignation, effective immediately. If you refuse, I will be taking you to the United States where you will face charges that will ensure you spend the rest of your miserable life behind bars."
With a determined glower, Eli responded, "I will not give up my position. You do not intimidate me."
"Then you are going on a plane ride. American authorities have more than enough evidence on you to guarantee your imprisonment."
Eli's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Hand over your documents; I will not leave my beloved country."
Grayson removed an envelope from her black modular tactical vest pocket and moved within reach of the desk. Tossing it onto the wooden table, she added, "Hurry up, I am on a tight schedule."
Eli picked up the sachet and sat down, "I won't sign something I haven't read."
"Let me paraphrase for you. You are agreeing to step down as Director and forfeit all monies illegally obtained during your tenure. That amount has been estimated to be around eighty million U.S. dollars."
A mortified Eli exclaimed, "What!"
"The money is to be handed over to the Israeli government. You are also making full admission to your involvement in the assassination of NCIS Special Agent Caitlin Todd and the attempted murder of Supervisory Special Agent Jethro Gibbs. You will also confess to threatening the lives of Agents Gibbs, DiNozzo and David. With this agreement, comes the acknowledgement that if you ever attempt to enter the United States, you will be detained."
"Anything else?" inquired Eli with disgust.
"Yes. The spying and intimidation of your daughter Ziva is to cease. If any Katsas under your direction are found near her, you will be extradited and prosecuted. Do you follow the theme here?"
"Yes."
"Good because I will not hesitate in returning to collect you. In my opinion you are getting off too lightly."
Eli picked up a pen and signed each page, "There you go now our business is concluded."
"Not so fast." Grayson turned the desk phone around and dialled a number.
After three rings a drowsy voice answered, "Hello."
"Mr Prime Minister, the paperwork is signed and Eli David wishes to speak to you."
"Thank you for your assistance in this matter."
"Don't mention it sir." Grayson passed the receiver to David.
"You have played a very good game and have won Nahum. I officially resign my position as Mossad Director."
"That is a wise choice and I suggest you fade into the background quietly. Perhaps live out your days at your villa on Cyprus."
"Yes sir." Eli hung up then stood. "I admire your ingenuity in infiltrating my home and your Hebrew is flawless. You remind me of my daughter."
"Speaking of her," said Grayson before left hooking a punch square on Eli's jaw and toppling him to the carpet. "She deserved better that you as a father." Retrieving the documents, Grayson folded them and returned them to the envelope.
Eli was still struggling to his feet when Grayson exited the room.
Speaking into her mike, she transmitted, "Mission accomplished, on the way back."
"Copy that," acknowledged Meir.
-o-
Grayson raced to the checkpoint and jumped into the passenger seat of the Humvee.
"I have phoned ahead to Ekron Airfield and your plane will arrive in forty minutes."
"Thank you Meir. Do you have a med kit?"
"Are you hurt?"
"I took a round to my left shoulder."
"In that case, I must take you to a hospital."
"I don't have time and David will be rallying a team as we speak. I can't be caught in this country Meir. I have to depart as soon as possible."
"If you are sure, then that is what you will do."
"I am positive."
"There is a kit in the back."
"I'll use it once we get to the airport."
"We will be there in thirty minutes my friend."
-o-
Twenty-eight minutes passed before the Humvee pulled alongside a hangar. Grayson jumped out and quickly divested herself of all weapons and equipment. Meir handed her the medical kit and she went into the small bathroom located in the rear of the office building.
Taking off her vest, she grimaced as the pain took over. Unbuttoning her black fatigue shirt, Grayson gingerly slipped it off over her left shoulder. The shirt sleeve and side panel were soaked heavily with blood. Standing in front of the mirror, she examined the wound below her collar bone and swore at the amount of blood flowing from the two inch diameter sized hole.
Turning around, Grayson searched for an exit wound and found none. "Damn it," she uttered before rifling around in the kit and retrieving a plastic tube of saline solution. Stripping off the shirt and placing it on the counter, she squirted the liquid over the injury. Using her index finger, she screamed loudly as she tried to locate the bullet.
Meir came rushing into the room and inquired, "Are you okay?"
"I can't find the bullet. I need you to dig around for it. Use the plastic tweezers in the kit."
"I will sterilise them first and put on gloves."
Grayson attempted to take her mind off the pain and joked, "You're the doctor."
"That is far from the truth my friend."
Two minutes dragged by and Meir still hadn't found the slug and Grayson was close to collapsing.
"We don't have time, just patch me up," Grayson advised her friend.
"I can hear the plane approaching, I will hurry."
Grayson held onto the edge of the sink as Meir packed the wound with gauze and bandaged her shoulder, "Thank you, we need to clean up this mess."
"Leave it to me. Go get your bag and board the plane."
Grayson stumbled outside, collected her black duffle bag and scaled the stairs of the Gulf Stream Jet. Strapping herself in, she fought against the nausea and pain while the aircraft took off.
Once the plane levelled off, Grayson got up and searched the bar fridge in the galley. She drank several bottles of water and orange juice. She knew her blood loss was substantial and needed to remain hydrated. Her other concern was infection from the bullet.
Needing to rest, she gathered two more bottles of water and returned to her seat. Fading in and out of consciousness, Grayson stood and rummaged around in the fridge until she found some chocolate bars. Washing down two with juice, she once again settled into her chair and allowed herself to nap.
-o-
As the landing gear engaged, Grayson opened her eyes and looked out the window to see the plane was making its final approach to the airfield. She fastened her seat belt as the sign lit up. The pain in her shoulder was excruciating and she could feel the moisture of blood seeping against her skin.
Once the jet came to a standstill, Grayson hurriedly exited and went inside the hangar to use the phone.
"Hello."
"Colonel, mission completed."
"Well done Captain. I am on my way to you now."
"I will hand over the documents as soon as you arrive."
"I'm ten minutes out."
"Yes sir." Grayson went to her bike and leaned against it and waited.
-o-
When a black Chevrolet Suburban pulled up beside her, Grayson retrieved the envelope from her shirt pocket and eased away from the seat.
Colonel Flack alighted from the SUV and neared her. She handed over the satchel and promptly collapsed onto the ground.
"Jesus Grayson, you're hurt." A gravely concerned Flack bent down and examined her.
"Yes sir, left shoulder. The bullet is still lodged in there."
"We need to get you to hospital. Can you stand?"
"I think so." Slowly and with assistance Grayson made it to Flack's vehicle.
Fourteen minutes later she was rushed into surgery at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland.
-o-
By 1500 hours Friday, Grayson had been moved to recovery and the following day she discharged herself against the advice of the doctor and Colonel Flack.
"Sir, if I stay it will only raise suspicion and I need to go home and act normal."
"I understand your position Captain, but if you find yourself in pain, you better get to hospital pronto and that is an order."
"Yes Colonel. Doctor Mortimer has given me some pain relief to take with me."
"All right and you are on medical leave until the twenty third."
"Yes sir and I will have my report to you first thing Monday morning."
"I will send an aide to your home to collect it."
"Understood sir."
"I will leave you to get dressed."
Grayson carefully dressed in her soiled and dry bloodied fatigues, collected her bag and medication then went home by taxi.
-o-
She was relieved to find her truck missing and the house empty when she went inside to retrieve money for the cab driver. Returning to the house, she went into the laundry room and stripped off. She tossed all the clothes into the washer then carried her boots and bag into the bedroom. After stowing her gear, she took a long hot shower and was mindful of the waterproof bandage covering the surgically glued wound.
When she donned a pair of blue briefs and a black tee shirt, Grayson strolled into the kitchen and made a sandwich. Once she finished eating, she took two tablets then crawled into bed and went to sleep.
-o-
Ziva drove into the garage and was disappointed not to see Grayson's bike. After entering the house, she heard the washing machine running as she moved into the bedroom. She smiled when she saw Grayson curled up in the bed. Her smile faded when she noted the pill bottle on the nightstand and Grayson didn't wake as was her habit.
Picking up the container, Ziva read the label for a strong pain killer. Pulling back the sheet, she examined her girlfriend's body for any signs of injury. Finding no visible evidence, she replaced the sheet and exited the room.
The washer cycle had ended, so she went to put the clothes in the dryer. She was surprised to find black fatigues, socks, black tank top and black underwear. Ziva remembered that was the outfit Grayson was wearing when she left and thought at the time it was a strange choice of clothing for an interview. Dismissing the notion, she put the items into the dryer then returned to the bedroom.
Grayson had rolled onto her back and was snoring loudly. Ziva had never known Grayson to sleep that deeply and was confused by the changes. Taking off her jacket, Ziva went into the closet to hang it up. She immediately smelt the strong stench of blood and traced it to Grayson's duffle bag.
Opening it up, she was shocked to find the bulletproof vest covered in dried blood. Picking it up, she took it into the laundry room and put it into a tub of cold water to soak.
As she walked back past the bedroom, Grayson's cell phone rang. Standing in the doorway, Ziva watched while her girlfriend sluggishly answered, "Hello Amy."
"Hi there, just calling to let you know I'm home."
"That's great. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."
"Are you all right, you sound awful."
"I just woke up, I'm very tired."
"Oh I'm sorry Gray."
"It's fine, I'll see you soon bye."
"You want to explain what's going on?" asked Ziva sternly.
"Not right now baby, I need to sleep. Come lay down with me please."
"When was the last time you slept?" inquired Ziva as she eased onto the bed.
"Wednesday night, but I dozed on and off on the plane."
"I can see you are struggling to stay awake, but you have some explaining to do when you wake up."
"I know baby, but I'm hurting and just want to be with you. I love you so much."
"I love you too darling."
"Oh where is mommy and Gary?" asked Grayson in a slurred voice.
"I dropped them off to the movies in your truck. My car is in for a service and if I am not mistaken, you are high?"
"Yes, it's the pain killers."
"Go back to sleep chéri."
"Mmm, you are safe now Ziva, my baby," mumbled Grayson before closing her eyes.
Ziva watched her for a while before getting up and going into the living room. She'd been watching television for an hour when DiNozzo called.
"Hey Tony, do we have a case?"
"No Ziva, but something is definitely going on."
"Like what?"
"McGee and I just got back to the office after an uneventful road trip to Norfolk and ran into Director Vance."
"He never comes in on the weekends."
"Precisely, so McGee went and spoke to Charlotte up in MTAC and she told him nothing, which means something is definitely happening."
"So you have no idea?"
"Hold on to your negativity for a moment Ziva, that's not all."
"Go on."
"McGeek and I checked recent news breaks and found an interesting press release from the Israeli government. It seems your father has unexpectedly resigned as Director of the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations."
Ziva's interest was piqued, "Really, that is a surprise?"
"It's true Ziva and hopefully that means an end to his threats against us."
"Knowing Eli, I highly doubt it. Thank you for calling Tony."
"You're welcome, hang on, McNerd is waving at me. I'll put him on."
"Hey Ziva."
"Hello Tim."
"I've just read a news report stating that rebel forces breached Eli's home in the early hours of Friday morning and killed nine of his personal security team. It also claims Eli is moving to Cyprus to enjoy his retirement."
"Has the report been verified?"
"Not at this stage."
"Then I won't believe it until it has."
"We'll call if we find out any more?"
"Thank you Tim bye." Ziva ended the call and quickly phoned a contact in Tel Aviv.
"Isser, it is Ziva David."
"It is good to hear from you. I assume you are calling about your father."
"Yes, what can you tell me?"
"Is your line secure?"
"Yes Isser, we can speak freely."
"Eli officially resigned to the Prime Minister early yesterday morning our time. The Prime Minister personally made a statement to the media declaring Eli had served his country well, but was eager to take pleasure in retirement in Cyprus."
"That's the official version, now give me the truth."
"A lone assassin infiltrated your father's compound and eliminated nine of his handpicked guards. Eli was given the option of resigning and handing over eighty million dollars to the government or be extradited to the U.S. to face a number of charges. Eli has already left Tel Aviv and gone into seclusion in his villa on Cyprus."
"This is good news Isser, thank you my friend."
"There is much rejoicing here Ziva."
"I am glad and will speak with you soon."
"Shalom Ziva."
"Shalom Isser."
-o-
Ziva left the house a short time later to pick up Ashley and Gary. She explained that Grayson was home and had been injured. She also admitted she had no idea what had happened or the type of injury sustained. She thought it best to allow Grayson to sleep then explain everything in the morning. Both Ashley and Gary agreed to wait.
After dinner, Gibbs phoned Ziva and confirmed the news about Eli. Ziva didn't disclose she suspected it was Grayson who persuaded him to resign and later that night, she snuggled into Grayson's back with more questions than answers.
-o-
Grayson woke in pain and instantly reached for the tablets and bottle of water on the side table.
Ziva leaned over and grabbed the bottle of water and removed the lid, "Do you need help with the pills?"
"Yes please baby."
Sitting up, Ziva took hold of the pill bottle, "How many do you require?"
"Two please baby."
Ziva handed over the tablets followed by the water, "Do you need anything else?"
"I need to pee."
"Well, you are on your own with that one," retorted Ziva with a sly grin.
"You could help me with my undies though."
"There's an offer I cannot refuse. Do you need help to get out of bed?"
"I think I do baby."
"Hang on then." Ziva sprang out of bed and raced around to the other side. Offering her arm to Grayson, she pulled her forward then upwards.
Grayson groaned, "Damn, that hurts and before you ask, I was shot in the left shoulder." She made her way slowly to the toilet and Ziva pulled down her briefs, "You can leave them off baby, I'll take a shower while I'm up."
Ziva noted Grayson's over use of the word "baby" and released something had happened to make her overly affectionate. "I'll go get you a fresh tee shirt and a pair of boxers."
"Merci bebé."
When Ziva returned, Grayson was already in the shower. Stripping off, she joined her and inspected the injury. Tears stung the back of her eyes and she bit her bottom lip.
"I didn't go to interview someone, but I did go to speak with them," confessed Grayson not wanting to lie to Ziva or make her cry.
"I don't want you disclosing classified information Grayson. What happened was all over the news late yesterday and I learnt the real facts of what occurred then simply put two and two together."
"I want to tell you all about it, but not right now. Can you help me out a little? I'd really like to wash my hair."
"I can then you are going back to bed. It is only four fifteen and I would like more sleep."
"I'm hungry and wide awake, but you go back to sleep baby."
"Your mother and Gary know you have been hurt. Shouldn't you be in hospital with this type of wound?"
"Yes, but I wanted to come home to you. I needed to make sure you were all right."
"Apart from having to lose another tail after work Friday, I have had no problems and am relieved you are home. Although, I do not know how wise it is for you to be here?"
Grayson gave Ziva a toothy grin, "I figure you could be my nurse."
"It would appear the medication is working." Ziva pushed Grayson's head under the water then proceeded to wash and condition her hair.
Afterwards, she helped Grayson dry off and don her sleepwear. Ziva returned to bed while Grayson foraged around in the kitchen looking for something to eat.
-o-
After consuming two bananas, one apple, an orange and a large bowl of cornflakes, Grayson went to the study and with one hand, typed up her report. She erased all evidence of the report from her computer then placed the five printed pages into an A4 sized envelope. She put it in the top drawer of the desk before wandering into the living room and flicking through the television channels.
When she located the World News program, Grayson gingerly eased onto the three seater leather couch and got comfortable.
Minutes later, Ziva strolled into the room and cuddled into her side, "I could not sleep without you by my side. Are you comfortable?"
"I am now baby and you feel so good." Grayson kissed the top of her lover's head and sighed deeply, "I am so in love with you."
"I feel the same way about you and it saddens me to know you got hurt because of Eli."
"I'm in much better condition than the man who shot me."
"You were most fortunate to have survived. Eli always surrounds himself with the best trained men."
"Baby, I have undergone specialist training too and Eli was impressed with my skill. He told me it reminded him of you then I punched him."
Ziva tittered softly then leaned back to look at Grayson, "He would have been embarrassed to have a woman defeat him."
"He was far from happy, but resigned to the fact his days as an untouchable were over. There was no one left to protect him."
"He has gone into hiding in Cyprus."
"The Israeli government will keep an eye on him, so you are safe now baby."
"You know that won't stop him. He will still get to me if he wants."
"I think he understands the consequences if he tries."
"What would those be?"
"It means me tracking him down and hauling his ass back here to be imprisoned. His choices were made very clear and he signed documents acknowledging his options. He also admitted to his crimes against NCIS Agents, including his part in the assassination of Agent Todd."
"You were thorough."
"The original operation included you accompanying me, but when I saw how affected you were and how much of an impact the situation was having on our relationship, I requested the changes."
"Who knew about this?"
"Only Colonel Flack and Director Vance had full knowledge."
"It is a shame I did not get to work with you again."
"I'm glad you didn't."
"You are joking?"
"No, I seriously doubt I would have been able to concentrate with you looking all enticing in fatigues and going bad ass on hostiles."
Ziva's smile widened, "You are a terrible tease."
"I'm happy to admit that. You can read my full report. It's in the top drawer in the study. As you have the appropriate clearance, I will not be breaching any protocol. Besides, I have no intention of keeping anything from you especially if we marry."
Ziva's brown eyes grew larger, "What did you just say?"
"I said you can read my report."
"No, not that part."
"Oh you mean the last bit?"
"Yes I do and stop taunting me."
"Do what?"
Ziva slapped Grayson on the right shoulder, "Stop being a wiseass."
"Okay, but can you excuse me for a minute? I need to use the bathroom."
"Do you need a hand?"
"No thanks, I've got it covered."
Grayson got to her feet slowly and sauntered down the hall. Ziva went into the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee. Returning to the couch, she waited for Grayson. There was no doubt in her mind what her girlfriend had planned. The blonde had dropped several hints over the past few weeks and Ziva was more than ready to submit.
After a twelve minute wait, Ziva went in search of Grayson. She found her in the laundry room rinsing out the black vest and crying heavily.
Ziva approached and pulled her out of the room, "Leave that to me. Let's get you to bed darling."
"I'm sorry for breaking down."
"Gray, you have been through much and it caught up to you."
"I am so tired, will you stay with me?"
"I will."
Once the couple were settled in bed, Grayson stopped sobbing, "That was my blood on the vest."
"I assumed it was."
"I was suddenly overcome with the fear of not returning to you. My whole adult life has been about my family and duty, but now it's about you. When I was on the plane and struggling, all I could think about was seeing you."
Ziva wiped tears away from her eyes, "You have a beautiful way with words."
With a cheeky grin, Grayson responded, "Only when it concerns you baby."
"Did you take more pills?"
"No Ziva, I know what I am saying." Grayson yawned and closed her eyes, "I love you baby."
"I love you too Grayson."
"Mmm, you are so beautiful Ziv."
"Don't fight it darling," coaxed Ziva.
"Miss ... making ... love to you."
Ziva gulped, "Me too and that is my fault."
"Yes ... naughty woman."
"I'll make it up to you, love you."
Grayson replied with a soft snore and Ziva cuddled into her back.
-o-