Freeze Frame 5:
How is the death of a French Naval officer on American soil connected to Eli David, and how will Ziva deal with the shocking news her father finally reveals? Will this be goodbye?
Warnings: None
Previously...
The team are getting closer to finding Adrienne DeGuille's killer. Meanwhile, Ziva has secretly flown to Israel to see her father and find out what are the connections between Capitaine DeGuille, Mossad and, in particular, her brother. There she finds Ari's child, who had been living with Eli for over two years. It was Adrienne, a friend of Ari's, who had delivered Eli's grandchild to him.
flashback...Adam turned before she could say another word. "No, No, No!" he screamed, jumped from his grandfather's knee. He ran over to Ziva, and started pushing and punching her as tears rolled down his cheeks. "Adrienne was coming back. She said she would fix everything."
Chapter 5: Who Goes There?
FREEZE FRAME: CUT. Close up of Tony and Adam in profile, smiling. Convert Black and White. CUT to Blackout.
Fade In to close up of Ziva at a mirror. She cleans her face, splashing water on it washing away previous tears.
Ziva stared at her reflection for a moment, and then glanced at the basket of paraphernalia that stood on the closed toilet seat beside her. Another study of her face had her frowning and pondering on where she would need to start in order to pull off the ruse her father had suggested. She'd done it before and would do it again, but this time there was more at stake than just her own life. So much had come to pass in the last twelve hours, both in DC and at the safe house in Israel.
SFX 'camera flash sound' then cut away to flashback… Text: 12 hours earlier. Mid shot of Ziva with her father in the lounge of the safe house.
Eli jumped up and grabbed Adam as he shoved and pushed at Ziva, distressed about Adrienne's death.
"That's enough!" he scolded. "It is not your aunt's fault that Adrienne has been killed. You will show her respect, young man." Eli held the boy at shoulder length and shook his finger at him. Adam immediately dropped his head, letting quiet tears roll down his cheeks. Eli lifted Adam's chin. "Ziva and her team will find the person that did this to our Adrienne. I know this changes things, little one, but we have talked about what might have to be done."
Adam nodded and looked up at his grandfather. Eli smiled and squeezed the boy's shoulder. "Good soldier," he quipped endearingly. He internally cringed at his flippant use of that term when he heard Ziva grunt. Eli turned and called for Mrs. Foutenard. When the woman arrived he turned Adam towards her. "Mrs. Foutenard, could you take Adam into the kitchen and give him his lunch, please?" asked Eli.
"But Aba…" Adam scrubbed at the tears. "What about our lessons? I need more," said Adam.
"We will get to them this afternoon. You have progressed well, little one. I should think there will be little need to worry," consoled Eli.
"So, it is time Aba," said Adam as he chewed on his bottom lip.
"Chn krt, mchr; yes my precious, tomorrow," said Eli with a sadness in his voice that Ziva had never heard before.
Cut away to NCIS headquarters morgue. Wide shot of Ducky at his desk with Geraldine. The light box above their heads shows Adrienne's x-rays.
"So she was definitely murdered?" asked Geraldine. "I hope she didn't suffer, Doctor Mallard. But, I cannot get the look of resigned horror on her face and her desperate struggle for breath before she collapsed out of my mind."
"I am sorry, General. I wish I could have told you something more comforting."
"You have. Getting close to the killers was important."
"Was?"
"Unfortunately, the French government does not want NCIS to investigate any further."
"Why not? The team has made some progress. I'm sure Gibbs won't be pleased about this," declared Ducky.
"I need to discuss that with Agent Gibbs and Director Vance. I wanted to see Jethro before we meet in the Director's office, but I got detoured here while trying to find Abby's lab."
"Detour? You took a detour to a morgue?"
"No, Marley gave me directions. She co-ordinated the detour, probably hoping that I'd run into an empty morgue or one full of dead bodies. A prank, I believe. What she doesn't know is that I've seen plenty of dead bodies, many horrifying scenes. Bodies in a morgue don't scare me at all. They are clean and clinical, some even look peaceful. I rather like to think that in death there is a least a time where there is dignity."
"Well said, General. Many of my patients meet a horrible death. I owe them respect when probing their bodies. I'd like to think they help me for that very reason. I'm sure they want me to find the answers," said Ducky, smiling at the General.
The door suddenly swished open, and Gibbs walked in talking. "Ducky, Abby's pretty sure she has pinpointed where the gas used on the bees originated…" Gibbs stopped when he noticed Geraldine. "Gerry, what are you doing here?"
"It's a long story, Gibbs. I'll tell you on our way up to Vance's office. I have word about the man Adrienne was seeing. I'm afraid it's not good."
"Who is he? Abby is still doing face recognition, but the sketch is inaccurate."
"Well, tell her to stop," snapped Geraldine.
Gibbs raised his eyebrows. "Not likely, General."
Geraldine took a deep breath. "Ahh, you picked up the fact that it was an order, Agent Gibbs."
"Subtle, but it was there."
"It's not my doing, Jethro. I want to find Adrienne's killer. But if it has anything to do with this man, the French government wants it stopped, it's a matter of national security."
"Theirs or ours?" asked Gibbs.
"Both," said Geraldine. "I can further explain in Director Vance's office. Now, what about the gas? Is it connected to a terrorist's MO? The threat to the French Foreign Affairs Minister's life is still very real," asked Geraldine.
"We don't know if it's connected, but Abby is positive that gas is identical to ones use on the bee farms in Kentucky. Bridget McFarlane's stepfather is an apiarist there. We have proof she visited there last weekend. Tim and Tony have gone to pick her up now."
"Bridget, no…Why would she want to kill Adrienne?"
"Her fiancé was killed in the Nero operation in 2006. He was among the several casualties on both sides. The joint task force and Hamas both blamed the Farah informant, claiming he was playing one side against the other. Fatah operatives and Mossed operatives, along with a selective joint team, stopped the hijacking of nuclear arms.
"Yes, I remember reading the files," said Geraldine. "Adrienne was part of the undercover operation. She was working undercover as a Hamas terrorist along with a Mossad agent. It was believed a Fatah informant was a double agent. Things didn't go quite to plan for anyone. I know the history, Gibbs."
"So, it sounds like Bridget has taken revenge," said Ducky. "I almost expected that was the motive."
"We'll know more when they bring her in. I doubt she worked alone," announced Gibbs.
Suddenly the computer pinged, indicating a face to face call from Abby's lab. Her excited face filed up the screen. "Gibbs, Gibbs, you left too early. The face recognition has narrowed it down to three possible identities, and you won't believe… hey! What are you doing in here," shouted Abby, turning her head from the screen.
The three observers could see the shadow of an intruder enter the lab. Within seconds Abby disappeared from the screen in front of them. They could only hear the transmitted sounds of somebody getting their ass kicked. The sound of the elevator to Abby's lab pinged, and they heard another person enter.
Gibbs raised his eyebrows when he recognized the voice.
"Abby, what… hey…" yelled Gill.
"Oh my, Jethro, we should head down there," said Ducky.
"No, send security down there. Besides, I have a feeling Abby's winning,"
Just then a distorted face came into their screen; held by his collar by Abby. Behind them they could see Gill with steel container raised high above her head. Then she bought it down on the intruders head. The man's eyes rolled and he slithered to the ground and out of frame leaving the two smiling women in view.
"Oh my, it s Richard," said Geraldine Stanhope.
"Who is Richard?" asked Gibbs.
"Somebody that should have known better than to sneak up on Abby," quipped Ducky, while holding his hand over the phones speaker
"His name is Richard Parsons. He's been assigned to me, following me around like an annoying puppy. The joint force chiefs are not feeling confident about the Intel Adrienne was working on. They think there's been a leak and the assignation attempt of the foreign minister is a reality. But, due to Adrienne's death, that Intel we have has most likely been compromised," explained Geraldine.
"They think you are responsible?" asked Gibbs. "Is this an internal investigation?"
"I don't know. They know it's come via this operation, and now NCIS is involved. I think we are all under scrutiny. Your director and the French director want your team off the case."
"But we're close to finding out who did this," said Gibbs.
Geraldine sighed, then made a decision to tell Gibbs and his team basically what she knew."The man you've been looking for is a Hamas operative named Jamal Malouf. He has been working with us as an informant, mainly with Adrienne. She met him during an operation while she was undercover as a Hamas spy."
"Nero?" Ducky and Gibbs looked at each other, a silent acknowledgment of passed between them. They had more detailed knowledge of that particular operative and the involvement of Ari, Adrienne, Eli and Mossad, and now perhaps, Ziva.
"And the task force trusted him, this operative?" asked Gibbs.
"Yes. Do you think Malouf had something to do with Adrienne's Death?"
"Oh, oh wait," babbled Abby, and grabbing the attention of the three in the morgue. "Like I said, I found three matches to the face recognition, Gibbs. The sketch is going to make it very difficult to get a one hundred percent match, but three is good, right? Well one of them doesn't sort of count: George Clooney. You know actually George Clooney, the real George Clooney. There's probably some throw back DNA or cell connection."
"Wouldn't it be fun to get the real George Clooney in here? I'd love to see his expression when you needed to question him about a murder," laughed Gill, who had now come to stand beside Abby.
"Gill!" scolded Gibbs, "She doesn't need any distractions. Forget the Clooney coincidence, Abbs."
"Rule number 39,; you don't believe in coincidence. Besides, I think we should let Mr. Clooney know that there is some spy, bad guy terrorist running around that looks like him."
"Abby!" yelled Gibbs.
"Okay. Okay," said Abby, now facing the screen as Gill slinked away quietly into the background. "Anyway, the other two matches came from two different covert operations Interpol was investigating. One's a match to your Hamas operative. The other is an older photograph from 2006, but the sketch had a 75 point match to a Fatah operative known as Halim Ganem … Tim's checking files, but my guess is he's both."
"It's got to be Nero. This guy was the Fatah informant," said Gibbs. "That's no coincidence, Abby."
"Nope, oh suspicious one," smiled Abby, her face taking up the entire viewing screen.
"He's both!" said Geraldine, "Makes sense. We knew Malouf wasn't always Hamas, but we presumed he was Mossad."
"No, he wasn't the Mossad undercover agent."
"Ari," whispered Ducky.
"We have to discuss this with my superiors. They won't stop your investigation now. The French will want this information. The French Foreign Minister is chairing a forum with several agencies. The focus is on peace talks with several factions of the Israeli conflicts. The forum's locality will have to change. It may be that the Minister was not the only target."
"Well, they can help us find him or, should I say, hand him over," said Gibbs.
"I wish I could guarantee they will, Gibbs. They may want to help, but their priority will be the forum. They may not want to hand him over straight away. They may let him play his hand."
"So they can catch him in the act. Have the clear evidence on him."
"No, so they can take him out. He may not be the only one interested in the forum or stopping it. They'll try to flush them out as well."
"And put everyone else in danger," gasped Ducky.
Geraldine nodded. "We'll know more when we meet with the Directors."
"Meanwhile, until we get an official order, carry on people," ordered Gibbs.
"Ahh…Hum!" called Abby.
All three turned back to the screen and looked at Abby. "So, what about this person, Gibbs? This…" Abby pointed to the man lying at her feet. "Oh, is he a spy… a terrorist?"
"No, Abby, he works for the General," explained Gibbs.
"Oops, what's he doing sneaking in on me at my lab? You know I don't like that, Gibbs," scowled Abby.
"He has the clearance, Miss Sciuto. He's harmless, however he's following me. I got lost trying to get to your lab, guess he didn't," shrugged Geraldine. "Marley's ruse only worked on me."
"Marley? What has she to do with this?" asked Gill, popping her head closer to the screen.
"Marley gave me directions to the lab. Though very detailed, they were also very obscure. Parsons wanted to follow me, but I told him to wait. I'd say Marley gave him directions, too," Geraldine laughed. "He's obviously good at finding his way around, but no match for your team," she added.
"No match for me or Gill," quipped Abby. "I don't like people coming here unannounced."
"Gill? So this is your Gill?" asked Geraldine.
"Yup," answered Gibbs.
"Hey, I'd let you two get acquainted, but this guy is waking up. What do I do?" asked Abby.
"Ducky has alerted Security. They should be there in a minute, Abbs."
"You'd best put a cold compress on his head," interrupted Ducky.
"Yeah do that, Abbs. Then have security escort him to Vance's office. Tell them to take their time," finished Gibbs. "By the way, Gill…" called Gibbs, "what are you doing in Abby's lab?"
"Yes, Miss Riggs, and do you make it a habit of hitting people on the head?" asked Ducky in jest.
"Only when they look menacing, Ducky, and when they appear to be attacking a friend. Well, now that I think about it, it was mainly Abby attacking him. But she's the good guy, so, you know; I threw caution to the wind," said Gill smiling.
Gibbs laughed, "I take it you were looking for Marley. She was supposed to stay in the bull pen."
"Oh, she did. Marley said that you were down in Abby's lab, and that she could catch the bus to the mall as soon as she let me know. I've got to pick her up at five."
"I never gave Marley permission to catch the bus. In fact, it was the opposite. I don't think it's safe for her to go downtown on her own."
"Gibbs, she's been doing it for years. Though, I don't like her playing us against each other like that. Seems we need to have some rules revisited."
"Hmmm. Well, if you've got the time, go and pick her up now. She shouldn't get away with that or the pranks she's been playing here this afternoon."
"I'm sorry, General, Jethro..."
"You're not to blame my dear," said Ducky. "Marley's just bored and so used to her independence. She's just testing the boundaries…"
"Again!" chorused Gill and Gibbs.
"Thanks, Ducky, I get that. You going to be around for dinner?" asked Gill.
"Yes, looking forward to it," said Ducky.
"Perhaps, you'd like to join us, General. If you're not too caught up in all this," added Gill.
"That would be nice," accepted the General.
"Great, Jethro may be able to drive you over."
"Or I can, if Gibbs isn't finished here," smiled Ducky.
All faces to stare at their very happy looking ME.
Abby and Gill giggled in the background. "Well, I'm finished for the day here, so I will just try and round up Marley. See you all later."
Cut away to a long shot; Interior view of barracks. Tony and Tim have arrived at the dorms where the visiting delegates have been billeted.
"Boy, this place is empty," scoffed Tim as he came up behind Tony.
Tony stopped at the foyer desk, he flash his badge. "NCIS; we'd like to see Bridget McFarlane, please."
"Sure, I'll just buzz her. She'll have to come out here. There are no men allowed in the women's dorms."
"We'll wait," said Tim.
The young officer hit the intercom several times. When no answer came, he frowned at Tony and Tim. "Funny, I'm sure she was in." The officer then spun a book around in front of him. He ran his fingers down a list of names. Tony leaned over the desk and followed his finger. The sign in, sign out register didn't have Bridget's name on it anywhere.
"She didn't sign out?" asked Tim.
The young officer stopped buzzing and turned to the NCIS officers. "Can't explain it; unless she left without signing out."
"You leave your post?" asked Tim.
"No, no." The young lad got nervous. "The other girls left for an outing. See? They signed out. I've been on duty since 0900."
"Anybody come in to visit her?" asked Tony.
"The billets aren't supposed to have male visitors in their rooms," announced the young man.
"You already said that. But, she did, didn't she," said Tony. It wasn't a question.
"What how…"
"You're sweating, kid. You take a ten for letting a friend in once and awhile?" asked Tony.
"He said he was an officer. He was dressed in a navel uniform. He said he was her brother…"
"I bet they all say that," said Tim.
"He come out?" asked Tony.
"I didn't see him," said the young officer.
"So he must be still there. Let's go see," smiled Tony.
"I can't leave my post," whined the officer.
"Room number, Now!" demanded Tony.
"Six; number six, last room on the first floor."
Tim and Tony waited patiently for the young officer to open the security doors and then almost ran to the room at the end of the corridor. Once there, they stopped and drew their weapons and took up position on each side of the door jam.
"You think she's meeting up with our guy?" asked Tim.
"Yup, you hear anything?"
Tim put his ear to the door. "No… Miss McFarlane, its NCIS. Open the door," he yelled.
A muffled crash was suddenly heard from the room. Tony didn't hesitate; he faced the door square on and kicked it in. He then entered, surveying the small entrance before coming through an archway into a living room. "Clear!" he yelled.
Tim came up behind him, and then slowly walked past him. He stopped halfway across the room and pointed to the open door to what they surmised was the bathroom. Trickling and pooling at the vinyl tiles and carpet junction was a huge puddle of blood. On hearing a groan, they ran.
They found Bridget naked in the floor of the shower. The glass shower door was cracked, and the water was running. It ran clear until it flowed down her arms past the long knife wounds. Blood poured down her finger tips and pooled at the floor, leaving the young woman sitting in a puddle of blood. A knife lay nearby. While Tony turned off the taps, Tim grabbed a towel and pulled the sash from a dressing gown hanging on the back door. He handed the towel to Tony before stepping into the shower beside her and tying off the wound on her left arm. Tony used the towel to compress the flow from her right. Both held tight while Tim rang for an ambulance.
Tony looked around the room and noticed the writing on the mirror. A simple message, "I'm sorry," was written in blood.
"I'm sorry," whispered Bridget groggily.
"What are you sorry for, Bridget?" asked Tim.
"Sorry for killing Adrienne? It was you who planted the bees, wasn't it?" suggested Tony.
"Didn't know. He told me… they were going to kidnap her on the way to the hospital… expose her, not kill her…" she mumbled falling in and out of consciousness.
"Bridget, stay with us, don't sleep," urged Tim.
Bridget's eyes fluttered again. "Thought she was a spy, she was the one who …"
"The one what… Nero?"
"She led them; ambush. He told me to…" Bridget trailed off again.
"To kill Adrienne, that you'd revenge your fiancé death and be doing the world a favor," suggested Tim.
Bridget shook her head. She looked up, tears starting to fall. "So wrong; T'weren't true, not true…I know the truth…" Bridget rolled her eyes, before closing them again.
"Bridget, Bridget," called Tim. "Come back… Tony, we need to get her out of here."
Tony pulled at his tie and then wrapped it around the large white towel that stemmed the flow from her right forearm. Both wounds seemed to have stopped, but Bridget looked like she had lost a lot of blood.
Tony then grabbed for the other bath towel while Tim tried to lift her from behind. Tony wrapped the towel around her as soon as there was enough of her torso clear of the menacing cracked glass of the shower door. Both agents then carried the girl into the bedroom and laid her gently on the couch before wrapping a thick comforter around her.
"Bridget?" said Tony as Tim rubbed some warmth and circulation into her. The medics are on their way. Stay with us."
Bridget opened her eyes and started to cry again. "I wanted ta tell ye, but…"
"So you did this? Couldn't face your mistake?" scowled Tony.
"Nooo, don't want ta die…"
"You didn't do this to yourself?" asked Tim.
"Nooo, he did. I know the truth."
"You know who he is?" asked Tim.
"Hal…Adrienne found out it …I didn't know, please… so cold," shivered Bridget.
"Okay, Okay. You're gonna be alright. The ambulance is coming."
Bridget nodded; relieved she closed her eyes again.
Cut away to the safe House. Ziva and Eli are seated in the small and cozy sitting room. The afternoon sun is setting and can be seen from the windows.
"Ziva, he cannot stay with me. You are the only one who can keep him safe."
"From what you have told me, that may not be true."
"I do not like what has to be done, daughter. Malouf is ruthless, he has no loyalties. He is only interested in saving his own skin, his own reputation. His skills are very much in demand, and there are many who will pay him handsomely."
"But Mara was his sister. How could he do that to family?" asked Ziva.
"Your own brother did…"
Ziva stiffened.
"Mara, Halim, Adrienne and Ari all worked on Nero. Mara and Halim were Fatah, Adrienne and Ari, posed as Hamas. All of them were not what they said they were; all working as operatives for other alliances," explained Eli.
"Mara was the informant?"
"Ari and Adrienne thought so at first, but they suspected Halim more so. Neither could break their cover, so they helped Mara… disappear. Ari had developed a relationship with her. He was not so heartless in those days," mused Eli.
"Did he know she was carrying his child?" asked Ziva.
"No, Mara never told him. Adrienne returned to her country, but kept in contact with Mara. Ari did not. He couldn't risk his cover, though I suspect when he met with your NCIS agents the first time, as Hamas, his cover was close to being discovered. Of course, I never thought he would go rogue. I never thought you would have to do what needed to be done."
"I do not believe you," snapped Ziva.
"I am aware of that."
"When did you know about Adam?"
"Long after your brother was dead. Perhaps if he…" Eli shook his head, trying to disperse 'the what ifs and only.' "Adrienne found about Adam three years ago. Mara had contacted her and said that she was dying. The girl had been living in hiding. Her own brother had let her take the blame for the Nero debacle. Fatah tortured him to find her, but he didn't know where she was. Ari was still undercover with Hamas, so he couldn't refute any of it without revealing Mara's location or his own true identity. We know now that Halim disappeared for some time. He turned up two years ago, well after Ari's death with a new identity and on our Hamas watch list as a Jamal Malouf, an assassin for Hamas. We did not know they were one and the same."
Ziva frowned. "If nobody but Adrienne knew about the child, why is he now in danger?"
"After Adrienne's parents died in France. She went to see Mara. Mara had been diagnosed with a very rare form of aggressive cancer. Her immune system had been compromised, and she was developing tumours in her kidneys. They believed she had come into contact with some kind of chemical."
"Poisoned! What about Adam?" Ziva asked in alarm.
"He is clear. I have made certain of that. Of course, that only raised Adrienne's suspicions."
"So that is why you believe it was her brother. Halim poisoned her."
"Yes, Adrienne did. Halim was not happy and very aware of Mara's and Ari's relationship in 2006. He was fanatical and often made comments about honor killings in front of them . Adrienne believed it was an honest threat. Mara became a perfect scapegoat with the Fatah. He promised them he would honor both the movement and his family for her betrayal. Of course, he couldn't at first because he had no idea where she was, or that she had a child. So, he went undercover with Hamas. But, in reality, he had always been an Hamas agent. Then, of course, once Hamas discovered Ari's betrayal, they sent Halim after him and after Mara. We could only hope that he did not know about the child."
"But you can't be sure."
Eli stood up and leaned his elbow on the mantle over the fire. "No, but now that Adrienne is dead, and I know what she knew, we are both in danger. Adrienne bought Adam to me two years ago. He is my grandchild. He is Ari's son, there is no doubt. And, Halim is a… how do you American's say it . . . a loose colon…"
Ziva couldn't help but smile at her father's misconception of the idiom. "A loose cannonball," she corrected.
"Yes. Adrienne contacted me some months back. She was working with the French government. They had received Intel about an assination Hamas had ordered. Her people put her in contact with a Fatah agent working undercover as Hamas, an informant named Jamal Malouf. Adrienne was sure he was Halim, but his appearance had changed greatly and he made no reference to knowing her. She could not be certain."
"Why didn't she tell her people?"
"What would she have told them? That he was once a Fatah operative? They knew this and would have excused it. He was an informant for them against for Hamas. They would have condoned his cover. She could not prove that he was the informant long ago. His guilt and his crimes were mere conjectures. To get proof, Adrienne played along with Malouf's ruse, pretending they were working together again for the good of French security. However, she sent me everything she had along with a DNA sample, so we could have it tested."
"Tested? How could you make the connection?"
"With Adam's DNA. The agent Malouf is related by blood to Adam. We were certain he is Halim. "
"And proof he was working as a double agent. Adrienne knew of the results?" surmised Ziva.
"I assigned a secret task force, agents I could trust to investigate and find him. There are many here who would not care for my investigation. They had never forgiven Ari. Malouf somehow found out. He killed Adrienne before she could inform her superiors. He made it look like an accident, so no one would suspect his involvement or the connection to the assignation attempt. He protects his cover and his quest for revenge."
"And you haven't intervened because…" Ziva glared at her father, waiting for him to make some kind of excuse about what is best for Mossad, or what is best for Israel, or what is best for him and his position.
"Because Adam is not safe. Not as Adam David; not as Ari's son; nor Mara's son; nor my grandson."
The answer surprised Ziva, warmed her heart even, but she kept the emotion hidden. "And, perhaps, not as my nephew, Aba. Malouf or Halim will put it together, unless we can catch him in time."
"Well, let's hope they catch him. My own agents are working on it, but he is very evasive. I suspect he is being protected…politically."
"Then Adam will be safe here for a while, surely."
"No, my daughter. He will never be safe with me. Surely you would agree with me; was it not you who said I am not fit to raise children?" responded Eli, sarcastically.
Ziva grimaced. "Father…"
Eli held up his hand. "That was sullen of me, I apologise. I have made many mistakes. This is not a mistake, Ziva. I do it for Adam."
Ziva just nodded, still not willing to give up control of her emotions with speech.
Eli David sighed. "I am to attend a special forum of peace talks. There are many who contest our involvement. Which is another reason why I cannot trust some with this information. I may not be around…long enough to..."
"What do you mean, Aba?"
"Ziva, I am dying. I have looked after my health, but God has other plans."
"No, Aba!" Ziva suddenly felt the explosion of emotions she'd been holding back. She jumped up from the sofa. Her nose tingled and her eyes stung with the threat of tears.
"Ziva, we do not have time for tears here. These talks are very important. I must go while I am still well enough. But, it is my last wish that you take Adam with you tomorrow. I believe this threat is real, and if it is not… This is not the life for him. I will not make the same mistakes. All has been arranged, his documents will identify him as Adam Foutenard. However, he must still be sent secretly. I have planned for this. Adam knows of his new identity. Perhaps, once you have caught Halim and I am gone…You will be given instructions to retrieve all of Adam's true and legal documentationas Adam Haswari David."
"Haswari?"
Eli closed his eyes and bowed his head. "I think your brother would have liked that."
Ziva looked her father square in the eye. "I will protect him, and he will know about his family, though…How do I tell him that it is I who killed his father."
"Ziva, you were not responsible for Ari's crimes. Adam does not know the details of his father's death. It will have to be dealt with, in time. He is, however, a smart and brave little boy,who has seen much and knows of the deception of his relatives and his people. He has a kind heart, Mara saw to that, and then Adrienne. But he is stubborn, and aggressive, and at times arrogant…"
"He definitely has our genes then," quipped Ziva.
For the first time in years Ziva heard her father's laughter. "Yes, daughter, and I hope he gives you as much trouble as you did your mother and me, and yet such joy. Come, no more worry. We will eat a good meal together as a family. Then, we have much to get done if my plan is to succeed.
Cut away to Gill's apartment. Long shot of the interior of the dining room. Ducky, Marley, and Geraldine have all just sat down to dinner.
Marley sat there scowling at both Gill and their guests as she pushed her food around. What was Gill thinking inviting that General over; just inviting the competition into the ring so easily? The General was all over Gibbs like a rash, and Gill had invited her here. Turning up with Ducky hadn't fooled Marley one bit. Hmm, mused Marley, maybe Gill was doing that thing Tony talked about, keeping your enemies close. At least she could see what they were up to. However, that wasn't the only reason Marley was peeved with Gill.
"You are not eating very much, Marley. I thought we cured you of that habit. I suppose you ate too much of that junk food and lollies at the cinema today?" asked Ducky.
"Lollies?" asked Marley.
"Candy. You know, when I was a boy they didn't have a great variety of candy. During the war they had very little or it was very expensive. Pop corn was the cheapest alternative. You could eat a mile of it for half the cost. Whenever I smell pop corn I always think of those warm Saturday afternoons at the pictures."
"Popcorn is a lot healthier than candy, Ducky, so that was a good thing," said Gill.
"It is healthier, yes, well before you smother it in butter and salt. At least it hasn't been genetically modified like the other maze grains."
"Who cares," said Marley. "I never got to try any popcorn. Gill picked me up when I was at the kiosk. It was sooo embarrassing."
"Watch your manners, Marley," warned Gill. "Besides, you were told to wait for someone to take you the mall. You played me."
"All kids play their parents, Gill. It's normal."
"And so are the consequences when you do so. Gibbs and I are on the same page, Marley; you disobey one you disobey the other."
"But, I'm old enough to go to the mall."
"And you could have discussed that with both of us, before you made plans."
"Grrrrr…. I've done it a thousand times. All without a problem," she argued.
"Not so," intervened Ducky. "If I remember correctly; there was an infringement while you were under protection when you were in Georgetown. In fact…"
"Okay, just one time then. But jeeze, Gill, did you have to come and get me like that in front of my friends. You always say there's a difference between discipline and humiliation." Marley was mad enough that she didn't care that Geraldine, a so called enemy in her eyes, was there to witness her argument.
"My mother made similar threats on several occasion. Once she threaten to collect me early from a Saturday sock hop if I hadn't straightened my room by the time she got home. That would have not been good. I met my first love at a sock hop," smirked Ducky.
"Yeah, I know. It's a common threat; If you don't do your chores or your homework you're not going anywhere and if you do I'll come and get you where ever you are and take you home to do them. But how many parents do you know who actually carry it out? It's the biggest idle threat of all time. Parents always give in because they know HOW EMBARRASING it is."
Geraldine laughed, "Oh not true, I've followed through on such a threat. When Daniel…"
"You would!" snapped Marley, feeling annoyed that she was losing this debate and too many other people were putting their penny's worth in.
"Enough, Marley! Go to your room. None of us deserve your rudeness or your surely behaviour," rebuked Gill calmly.
Marley threw down her napkin and pushed her chair back, causing it to fall over, before stomping off towards the stairs to her loft bedroom.
"Marley, come back here and pick this chair up," ordered Gill.
Marley hesitated, just for a second, hoping Gill would get the message about embarrassing situations. She hoped it would include this one for Gill.
"I'm not embarrassed, Marley. You can't turn the table on me. But, keep it up and you may end up having it turned on yourself."
Marley blew out a breath and, moving back, she picked up the chair. Without a word she turned and ran back towards the stairs. But, she didn't get far before she suddenly hit a brick wall.
"Gibbs!" called Gill. "I didn't hear you come in."
Marley stared up at him and visibly gulped.
"Marley, up to your room, please," said Gill.
Gibbs's eyes didn't leave Marley's. He raised an eyebrow at the child.
"Sure, Mom. Hello, Dad," smiled Marley. She kissed Gibbs's cheek and then ran.
Those at the table tried not to laugh until Marley was well out of sight.
"Good timing, Jethro," laughed Gill.
"Problems?" asked Gibbs.
"Nope; normal stuff. But, she was rude and ready to blow her top. I'm actually doing her a favor. We can deal with her later together. Let's finish dinner," suggested Gill.
"It may have to be much later," said Gibbs, and then turned to General Stanhope. "Geraldine, Bridget was found critically wounded this afternoon. Tony and Tim have taken her to the hospital."
"Oh no," Geraldine gasped, then stood up and prepared to leave.
"Wait. She's sedated now, but I'd like to talk to her as soon as she wakes. DiNozzo or McGee will call when she comes around."
"Do they know what happened?"
"They have a theory."
"Well?"
"Gerry, Bridget has been arrested for Adrienne's murder. She is under a security watch with Tony and Tim." He then passed a piece of paper to Geraldine.
"Gerry: holding onto this case by the skin of our teeth. I'm not ready to give it up. Don't trust…" Geraldine Stanhope didn't finish reading the entire message. She thrust her chin up and was about to get argumentative, when Gibbs put his finger to his lips. He stood up and called her over to the window. Gill and Ducky followed and stood behind Gibbs. He pulled back the curtains and pointed to a shadowy form standing across the street.
Gill gasped, Gibbs turned and put his finger to her lips. Once he removed his finger, he kissed her and whispered, "It's alright." He looked at Ducky, and then pointed to his ears.
Doctor Mallard understood Gibbs's concern. "Well!" He yelled, maybe a little exaggerated, "Let's eat. The meal looks and smells delightful, Miss Riggs."
Gill smiled. "Yes, I tried you recipe, Ducky. I hope you like it, General."
Gill and Ducky went back to the table, while Geraldine and Gibbs continued to survey the room, looking for a bug. Gibbs was sure they were being both watched and listened to. While they could not see the man's face clearly from the shadows of the street, Gibbs had spotted a black van as he had rounded the corner to Gill's apartment. Gibbs gave Gill and Ducky the wind up. They continued a non- descript conversation about the meal and their day, while Gibbs continued to search.
Geraldine looked up and then snapped her fingers. "Could you pass me the salt, Gibbs," she asked and then pointed to the light above her head. There at the rim, they spotted a small wireless microphone.
Gibbs grabbed a chair. But realizing it would be too short for him to be able to reach the light fitting, he changed his mind and looked around. He settled on a little tall and narrow hall table. He lifted it easily and placed it under the lamp shade and was about to climb on top of it when Gill suddenly squealed. Gibbs snapped his head around.
"You know, Ducky, the only problem with your delicious recipes is that they are awfully fattening. I'm sure I am about fifty pounds heavier than I was yesterday," said Gill, never taking her eyes off Gibbs.
Gibbs smirked, comprehending both her subtle request and rebuke. He looked at her then back at Geraldine. He lifted up his good friend, pretending to test her weight, and then raised his eyebrows smugly at Gill.
Gill tried not to laugh and give him the satisfaction of his game, so nodded her approval. Gibbs helped Geraldine up on the table. He stayed there holding Geraldine's denim clad legs to make sure she didn't fall. Geraldine then carefully and slowly lowered the item down and passed it to Gibbs. He went and sat it gently on the table and signalled Gill and Ducky to start their conversation up again while he led Geraldine into the kitchen.
Marley wasn't sure what was going on, but the scene she was spying from the top of the small staircase annoyed her. She was no longer mad at Gill, though she wasn't sure how Gibbs was going to deal with her day's misdemeanours. Fact was they were both just trying to be parents; annoying as most parents. And, that did feel pretty good. She had to give Gill some slack; after all ,she was knew at this mom thing. The scene before her only fuelled her suspicions of this Geraldine woman. She was definitely a threat in Marley's eyes. Gill hadn't even spent four months with Gibbs. It wasn't fair. Geraldine Stanhope could spoil things if Gibbs wasn't on alert. Rose had always said, men just didn't always have the same control as women. First thing in the morning, Marley was going to have to talk to Abby. Abby would have a sure fire plan. Marley definitely needed help on this one.
Meanwhile, back in the kitchen Gibbs was trying to speak freely with Geraldine about their recent discoveries.
"Wait, can you be sure there's only one bug," she asked.
"Yup, question is who planted it?"
"That person out there looks like Parsons, but it could be Malouf. It could be someone from the French Embassy. I don't know who to trust any more, Gibbs."
"Just play your part, Gerry. Tony suspects that it was Malouf who tried to kill Bridget to silence her. It was made to look like suicide with a confession. Bridget called her attacker Hal."
"Halim," whispered Geraldine.
"Yes, we think so. Bridget admitted her involvement, though she was fooled into believing that Adrienne was a spy. And that she was supposed to be kidnapped by our intelligence as they took her to the hospital."
"That must mean there were others involved; Paramedics, or maybe hospital staff…"surmised Geraldine, then she paused. "The hospital, so Bridget isn't safe."
"That may have just been Halim's story. We don't know if others were involved. But it was obvious Adrienne was never meant to survive the attack. The Epi- pen was punctured, remember."
"So, Bridget mustn't have known. She was the one who went for the pen. She was shocked when the pen didn't work."
"Probably; she wouldn't have gotten rid of if it she had known it had been tampered with. Halim set her up for the fall."
" And if that's true, she's in danger; but we can't go after Malouf. The French security…
"We can go after Halim," said Gibbs.
"So, you intend to use Bridget as bait! Halim won't want her alive?" Geraldine sounded off, angry at the idea.
Gibbs didn't answer the question directly. "There's a security detail there. Tim and Tony are two of NCIS best, but until we find Halim, or he finds us, we need to pretend that we don't know who Malouf really is that Malouf is not a suspect. "
"Okay, I understand. Bridget committed a crime and, knowing her, she'll want to make this right. The only think I don't get is why is Parsons following me?" Geraldine seethed more to herself than to anyone else.
"Not sure. He's internal affairs. I had Abby check him out, but God knows who they've had deals with or who they are really watching."
"He could very well be on our side."
"Yeah, but I'm not taking the chance," quipped Gibbs.
Geraldine sighed before composing herself. She tugged on the hem of her sweater and nodded. "We best go back, I'm sure Dr Mallard has just about exhausted the conversation by now."
"Aahh, you don't know Ducky," quipped Gibbs.
"No, but I would like to…" smirked Geraldine as she walked through the door.
Gibbs raised his eyes brows and chuckled as he followed Geraldine back into the dining room.
"What's so funny?" asked Gill.
"Oh nothing; I'll explain later," said Gibbs, before sitting down to eat. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Marley's foot on the stairs. He glared and let a low growl escape. Marley quickly moved her foot and could be heard trying to tip toe quietly back to her room. Hmm, the kid must have felt the heat, Gibbs thought humorously to himself. He got up from the table. "I'm going to kiss Marley goodnight," he said. "I may have that little talk with her before I head back to headquarters. Geraldine, I'll drop you over at the hospital after dinner."
"No need to, Jethro. I can drive her over there, well unless you need to do be there."
Jethro put his finger to his lip again and pointed to the microphone on the table. Ducky's eyes went wide.
"Fine, Bridget is in a critical condition. She may not wake up until morning. I'll send DiNozzo home."
"I best stop drinking then. Geraldine, another wine for you?" asked Ducky. "This Pinot Gris is from Australia, it's lovely. Did you know that….
Fade out on Ducky's conversation, as Gibbs heads towards the loft stairs. Then cut away to Gibbs coming through Marley's bedroom door.
"Hey, kiddo, I've got to head back to work. You wanna tell me what's going on?" asked Gibbs as he came into the room.
Marley lifted her head from her tucked up position on the bed. "Nothin!" she sulked.
"Sulking's not going to get you anywhere."
"You sulk," she stated.
"I do?" Gibbs raised his eyebrow. "No, I just don't talk until I know what I want to say. I think a lot."
"Well, that's what I'm doing then," said Marley.
Gibbs smirked. "Sure you are…Good, then think about how you could have handled today differently. Heading off to the mall without permission was not a good idea."
"Yeah, but Mom didn't have to come and get me," snapped Marley.
"No, she didn't. But there are consequences to your misdeed. Picking you up at the mall; that was an option I suggested."
"Figures, Gill wouldn't have thought of that one by herself."
"Marley, lose the attitude. If you're old enough to do all the things you think you don't need permission to do, then you're old enough to know how to discuss things with courtesy. There are plenty of other options I can go with if you're not happy with Gill's choice," warned Gibbs.
"Fine okay, I get it. But can we discuss stuff like that, before you just say no again?"
"Yeah, why don't you write a list of the stuff you think we're being too hard about? That way, tomorrow night when the three of us sit down we won't get off track."
Marley nodded. "I better go down and apologize to mom and the guests. I was pretty rude."
"Another good idea, then early to bed. Following your mom's orders will be much appreciated. People are more likely to listen to you without the tantrums."
Marley stood up and started to move towards the door. As she passed Gibbs he gave her an almighty swat to her backside.
"Eowww, what was that for?" she gripped.
"For setting up the General and her assistant today at headquarters."
"Huh?"
"Geraldine; she ended up in the morgue after following your directions."
"Ohh, uhmmm. Was she scared?"
"Nope."
"Drat. What about the other guy, the strange one? The General told him to wait, but he asked me for directions. He end up in the basement?"
"No, Abby's lab. He surprised Abby though, and she attacked him. Gill knocked him out with a pot."
"Way to go…" Marley laughed punching the air, then stopped when she saw Gibbs's scowl. "Ooops, was he somebody important? Am I in big trouble with Director Vance?"
"Don't know how important he is, but Gerry saved your hide with the Director. Parsons went against her orders."
"So everything's cool then!" stated Marley.
"Yup, you're grounded until boot camp," said Gibbs.
"What? No way. Please, Gibbs, I was meeting the guys at that new family restaurant. You know, the one with the huge playground and games room. The Hungry Games; you know it's a play on that movie… Gibbs, they're having giveaways. Please, I didn't get to go the movies today."
"That's something you should have taken into consideration when you decided to play a prank on military personal and a federal agent in a federal building. NO!"
"Oh, this is bullshit!" seethed Marley, throwing her arms in the air and flopping down on the bed.
"Hey, watch your mouth!" warned Gibbs as he moved towards the bed.
Marley scooted up towards her bed head and grabbed her pillow.
"You'll feel a lot more embarrassed if I have to drag you downstairs and wash your mouth out in front of everybody," he added.
Fuelled by an indignant anger, belligerence and no common sense for self preservation, Marley swung the pillow at Gibbs and hit him in the face.
Marley sat there in shock at her actions as Gibbs shook his head to disperse the light spots from his eyes. In the next three seconds he had sat down on the edge of the bed and had pulled Marley over his bent knees. Before the child had a chance to object or offer any defence and ask forgiveness, Gibbs laid down one hard smack to her pajama-clad backside. "Tantrums don't work, remember, Marley?" he said as he then added another quick volley of paddles to the upturned bottom in front of him. Once he heard her sobs, he stood her up in front of him and let her scrub at her tears before grabbing her arms."Now, if you've finished, I suggest you go downstairs and express regret for the way you treated Gill tonight, like you had intended," he recommended.
Marley pulled away, and grumbled, before throwing herself on her bed. "Why? Now I'm just as mad at both of you. You reckon I should discuss things with both of you at the same time. Well, so should you guys, even if it's about something I did wrong and how I'm going to be…" Marley turned her head and looked at Gibbs. "Tortured!" she said dramatically.
"Punished," corrected Gibbs.
"Whatever! You only get eight years for involuntary manslaughter. I got pulled out of the movie line in front of all my friends, because you said so. Then I'm grounded for a week for a minor infringement. Then you set my butt on fire, just because I expressed my feelings."
"Marley, you swore and you hit me; that was a tantrum, not a logical defence."
"Fine, I get it, but I'm not coming down yet. I'm still too mad; I could make it worse."
"Fair enough, take your time to think about it," said Gibbs, as he headed for the door. As he got to the top of the stairs, he stopped when he heard Marley call out.
"I'm mad and SAD!" she announced for good measure.
Gibbs tried not to laugh as he made his way down the stairs. "Ducky head off to the hospital?" he asked as he rounded the stairs and came into the dining room.
"Yes, they thought they would leave us to our family," she smirked.
Gibbs went to the window and opened the curtain. He noticed that the figure was gone from their spot on the corner. He suspected it was parsons, and had continue to follow Geraldine. Bugging Gills apartment was a concern, one he would take up with Vance. If there was something going on that affected the safety of his team let alone his family he would demand answers.
"How's Marley?" asked Gill.
"Not happy with me," stated Gibbs, unemotionally.
"Or me," added Gill.
"I grounded her for the week," expanded Gibbs, as he snapped the curtain closed and walked back towards Gill.
Gill cringed, then sighed."Oh well, you've gotta stand your ground, Jethro."
"You think I'm being too tough on her?" he asked, turning around a chair he sat down opposite her and crossed his arms.
Gill headed his body language, but owed the man her honest opinion. She nodded. "Sort of. I knew she was about to blow her stack, that's why I sent her to her room. She was being rude. I figured it was going to get worse. I just hoped she would have calmed down enough by the time we spoke with her. Maybe she's been brooding over something or someone else has got her gander up."
"Got her gander up?" laughed Gibbs, you sound like Jackson. Gibbs uncrossed his arms and moved to sit down beside Gill on the sofa."That some fancy physiological term he taught you?"
Gill laughed back. "No Ducky, actually. Over the eighteen months I've counselled Marley, every three to four months she'd… blow up. She just couldn't juggle her emotions and her unusual life. Confused and worried, she often would act out in anger or belligerence. Most times I waited for it; let it happen, hopefully in front of me. That way,; by the end, she'd get it all off her chest."
"She throw tantrums and curse?"
"It starts off with defiance, it wasn't always pleasant. She's brewing over something, but Marley can't always figure out exactly what it is she wants or what's got her really worried. She say anything to you, get anything off her chest?" asked Gill.
"Not yet. I don't think she's done."
"At least she has both of us now. She really only had me when she lived with Rose. Her Uncle Nick's visits were infrequent, and then they stopped altogether."
"Is that your very subtle way of saying we should have discussed this all together first, before I dished out a punishment."
Gill smiled and nodded again.
"That's what Marley said."
"Good, she said something. It may be what's really bothering her."
"Hmm, I don't know. I think it's part of it."
"Well, she's got a point. Look, we're both learning. That is, I'm learning. You're just re-training with a new model: the teenager."
Gibbs got back up and walked over to the dining table and picked up the microphone, then dropped in a wine glass that hadn't been cleared from the table. He strolled back towards Gill who was sipping the last of her glass of wine.
Gill recognized the glint in his eyes. "I thought you had to get back to headquarters."
"Not right away, that was said for those listening," he said nodding towards the mic. "Vance is doing a quiet search for Halim from MTAC, without the sanction of the other joint task force leaders. The French pulled us out. They're convinced that Halim is on their side. And Tim and Tony have the hospital covered. I'll most likely head there, but I'd say we've got at least an hour," he smirked, before laying a passionate kiss on her lips.
Gill groaned and returned the kiss. Gibbs pulled her in closer and took the glass from her hand while he kept his lips pressed warmly to her hers. He placed it quietly on the side table as they parted. "Hmm, Ducky was right the Pinot Gris is nice, though Bourbon is warmer," he said as he slipped his hand inside Gills blouse. He caught the squeal from her lips with his when his cold touch hit her firm breast. Gill retaliated by slipping both her hands under his sweater. She caressed his back as their kiss deepened and their ministrations continued. They were no longer cold. As their passions grew, Gibbs's cell vibrated in his pocket and they could go no further without seeing the humor of the inconvenience. Gibbs tugged his cell free and flicked it open. He frowned… The screen read 924. Gibbs hit answer, but the phone immediately went static.
"Dad!" yelled Marley from her bedroom. She then appeared at the stairs holding out her cell to him. "I think it's for you."
Gibbs meet Marley halfway as she handed over the phone. She then took up Gibbs position on the sofa and snuggled up close to Gill.
Gibbs looked at the screen, 924 was the caller ID. "Ziva," he answered.
Gill and Marley sat there listening to the one-sided conversation. "I'll be there," he stated, then hung up.
"You gotta go?" asked Gill.
"Is Ziva alright?" added Marley.
"Yup, she's fine. You head off to bed, Marley. I want to finish something I started with your mom."
"Ewweee… Get a room," scoffed Marley.
"Bed," laughed Gibbs, giving her a light swat as he pulled her Gill's embrace.
"What about tomorrow?"
"I'll talk to Gill., then think about it," he promised.
Marley huffed but kept her temper, not wanting to rile Gibbs. She quickly hurried up the stairs and went to her bedroom and closed the door, pulling herself up just in time before slamming it.
"Okay, so where were we?" asked Gibbs. "I don't have a lot of time."
"Well, you need to be a little more romantic, Gibbs," heckled Gill, giving him a playful slap to his chest.
" Hmm, something else I need to work on. I'm game…" he said, "Now for lesson number 1… is this nice…"
Fade out as Gibbs rolls Gill on the couch and they kiss. Fade to black roll text; 'The Present 0100 hours.' Long shot- Its well after midnight and a private jet roll slowly down a wet and darkened runway. Pull back to extreme long shot; Gibbs's truck can be seen parked outside the cyclone fencing. Cutaway to close- up of Gibbs seen through his passenger side window.
Gibbs waited patiently for the small jet to some to a stop. "They're here," he whispered. "You got eyes on anyone suspicious?"
"No, Boss."
"Good, keep your eyes open until I'm gone, then wait for your package."
Cutaway to a close – up of Di Nozzo, tapping his ear piece. He is in his car, hidden in the dark shadows at the other end of the runway.
Using his binoculars Tony watched the plane door open and the stairs lowered. Two security agents stepped out and surveyed the area, then walked down the stairs and waited at the bottom. Eli David came out with Ziva close behind. Both were dressed casually; brown pants, white shirt and jacket for Eli, while Ziva wore her signature kakis and matching vest. Her long wavy hair shone in the lights of the plane's stair LEDs, as they both descended them.
Gibbs got out of his truck. The plan was to meet them halfway on the tarmac, just in front of the hanger. One of the security guards took the lead while the other secured the rear, as Ziva and Eli made their way across, single file between them. Once Gibbs was within two feet of the delegation, he stopped. Eli came around his security guard and offered Gibbs his hand.
Gibbs didn't lift his to accept the offer, always feeling indifferent about Eli's true intentions and involvement in criminal investigations and with Gibbs' own government's blessings or sanctions.
Eli nodded before he dropped his hand. "Thank you, Agent Gibbs, for everything," Eli's muffled tones were heard through Tony's earpiece. Eli said no more. Pulling his daughter around, he hugged her tightly, " lhtravt ahd qtn. Any avhb avtk. Any mahlt lk hyy avshr; Goodbye small one. I love you. I wish you a long life of happiness."
Tony watched Ziva hold on for a long moment, before pushing back and allowing Eli to kiss her forehead gently. Eli David then signalled his guards and walked to a long black Hummer that slowly appeared from the hanger.
Ziva moved in closer to Gibbs. He put his hand gently on her shoulder. Tony followed Eli's form and wondered if Gibbs or Ziva had seen the Director of Mossad throw one last smile at the couple as he got into his car. Was that a subtle show of affection, or was that respect? Though it could have been relief, thought Tony.
As soon as the Hummer had driven off Gibbs escorted Ziva to his pick-up and helped her in before going to his own door. Within minutes he, too, was driving out of the tarmac gates.
Tony waited and watched for any signs of a threat to either group. Suddenly, from the corner of the tarmac he spotted a strange form appear from behind the shadows of the hanger. He re-focused his binoculars and could make out the silhouette of a motorbike being wheeled across to the other side. There the figure mounted, started it up and rode away with his lights off.
"Boss, Eli has a tail," reported Tony immediately into his mic.
"I've got this, Gibbs," came Fornell's voice. "We'll intercept before the ramp. Any watchers on Gibbs, Tony?"
"Not... No wait. Yeah, Gibbs, a laundry truck's just pulled up. I can't see anything on the other side, but no one's getting out. Maybe someone's getting in. It's turning, heading your way."
"I'll watch out. We'll be at the hospital in five minutes," said Gibbs.
"We've got Eli transferred; he's with me, Gibbs," buzzed Tobias' voice again. "The bike's following the Hummer. My men are following it."
"You are clear to receive your package, Mr DiNozzo," interrupted Eli David.
"Sure, how lon…" Suddenly Tony's passenger door was thrown open. A small blonde haired boy appeared. His big eyes brown eyes wide with anxiousness took up most of Tony's vision as he got into the car. Tony had not been briefed in detail on the "package" because of the security concerns. He suspected it might be a human one: a witness for their case against Halim, possibly, but this small boy came as a shock.
"What, who… you're my package?" asked Tony, before taking a second look at the boy. "I figured it might have been somebody, a witness maybe…"
Before Tony could finish the little boy slid over to let a blonde haired woman with dread locks contained with a scarf and dressed in an oversized jumper over colourful leggings and brown leather boots, onto the back seat beside him. Tony then did a double take on the pair.
"So, you're my daddy," smiled Adam.
"Dad… daddy?" Tony snapped his head around. He flicked the light on to get a better look at the woman, then gasped when the girl held out her hand.
"You do not remembered me? Lisa? Spring of 2006? ahhh…" the girl sighed. "I guess it was a bit of a whirlpool romance."
"Whirlwind, its whirlwind, Ziva. Though from the look of your hair, you added too much bleach to the spin cycle."
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing. What the F… Heck is going on, Ziva?"
"Well, Tony, you did say you would have my children."
"No, I meant to say I'd be there for you," blushed Tony.
Ziva laughed. "And so you are ,my friend. Seeing your face is the happiest thing I've seen in the last 24 hours, Tony. For Adam, too. I've told him all about you. Now, take us back to your place, and I will explain everything."
"Can we eat when we get there ,Aun…I mean mohm?" asked Adam struggling with the pronunciation a little.
"Sure Kid, well get something on the way. You like hamburgers?"
"Yes, they are my favorite!" exclaimed Adam.
FREEZE FRAME: CUT. Close up of Tony and Adam in profile, smiling. Convert Black and White CUT to Blackout.
TBC: Chapter 6: Hello Goodbye.
A.N. Sorry it's been so long, folks. It was not writers block just not motivated. No that's not true either, I have written this chapter so many times, I got myself confused with the realism and plausibility of the case; the Halim's and the Malouf's… anyway basically they are the same person, and no one is safe. I haven't figured out what Parsons is up to and I may never, Imay let the kids at boot camp handle him, though. So if I've mucked up feel free to pull it all to shreds. Thanks always to Harliquinn for the great edit and quick turnaround.