Wow, time sure moves fast doesn't it? Sorry for the long wait and I hope someone out there is still into this story. I just had this crazy idea come to me and it had to be written down.

The next morning Tim arrived an hour early. He was shocked to see someone had beaten him there. He was even more shocked to find him working seriously instead of goofing off.

"Don't say it McGee" the man growled without looking up. "Sorry Tony, I guess finding Palmer really spooked you huh?" Tim responded.

This time Tony did look up. He had dark circles under his eyes and Tim guessed he hadn't slept since he found their missing coworker and friend.

"Wouldn't you have been spooked as well Tim?" Tony asked. Before Tim could speak Tony was up and pacing. "Why him anyway? He's the innocent little autopsy gremlin! Who would look at Jimmy Palmer and find him a threat?" Tony went on.

Before Tony could launch into a third tirade Tim grabbed his shoulder. "I don't know Tony but please calm down" he said.

Tony turned around and nodded as he took a deep breath. He gently patted Tim's shoulder and Tim let go of Tony. "You're right Probie" he said and sat back down in his chair.

Tim went to his desk and Tony wheeled his chair over to him. "You can't just answer I don't know to every question Timmy" he prompted.

Tim turned back to Tony and gave a small shrug. "I don't know what else to say Tony, I can't honestly answer any of those questions because I don't have an honest answer to give" he said.

"You're such a boy scout" Tony said with a huff. He folded his arms and Tim rolled his eyes. They sat in silence for a minute before Tony had to get in more questions.

"Can you least answer me one question Tim?" Tony asked. Tim turned again and shrugged. "I don't know Tony but go ahead and ask" Tim answered.

"Why do you think Jimmy decided not to trust anyone to help him?" Tony asked.

"I'm not sure that's actually true Tony" Tim responded. Tony raised a brow and Tim took that as a silent gesture to explain.

"I went to visit Jimmy last night and Gibbs was there" Tim stared. Tim then put on a strange look. "I know this sounds crazy Tony but he was acting very strange. He didn't notice me ever come into the room and I swear he looked like he was feeling guilty about Jimmy getting hurt" Tim added.

"Are you trying to tell me that Palmer asked Gibbs for help and the boss man shot him down?" Tony asked. His voice grew angry with every word and Tim knew he had offended him just for even implying Gibbs had betrayed Jimmy.

"I didn't say that Tony but yeah I guess it does seem that way" Tim responded. That made Tony look even angrier if that was possible.

"Gibbs wouldn't do that Timothy!" he snapped angrily and stood up so fast that his chair fell over.

Tim stood as well and locked eyes with his coworker. "Would you stop being such a kiss-ass DiNozzo! I'm not saying he did, all I did was answer your question!"

"No McGee! You don't get to accuse Gibbs like that!" Tony yelled and gave Tim a small push. "I known him a lot longer and Gibbs wouldn't betray his team" he added sharply.

"Or maybe he just wouldn't betray his kiss-ass golden boy" Tim retorted and found himself back in his chair with a bloody nose.

Tony stormed out and Tim watched him leave with pain and betrayal in his own green eyes.