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Interrogation room
Walking in Gibbs sits down in front of Erica Perelli who tries hiding her unease. Not that it does much good given the silver-haired MCRT leader putting down a folder easily picks up on it.
"Sir, why am I here? Am I being charged with something? Is this over Kyle Hanson's death?" Erica inquiries.
"Nobody said he was dead yet Petty Officer" Gibbs says.
"Well news travels around Pax River base sir, and we haven't heard he was sick so obviously has died," Erica says.
"That's almost believable if not for one of our ME's found a knife tip buried inside Petty Officer Hanson's dead dog and has your fingerprints on it so care to explain," Gibbs says.
"Hanson must have stolen my knife," Erica says.
Gibbs glances off for a moment until looking back glaring at the petty officer before slamming his hand down on the table causing her to jump.
"I don't have patience for games. We've got your fingerprints and our lab found traces of hydraulic fluid leading us to your partner Pete Bidwell. So, what Hanson aided yet got greedy, so decided on eliminating another cut?" Gibbs demands.
"If I talk…, can I get a good deal?" Erica asks.
"Depends" Gibbs replies.
"On what?" Erica asks.
"Me" Gibbs replies.
Sighing "Okay Bidwell with me smuggled the drugs. I knew about the investigation with needing somebody to pin everything on, so we chose Hanson. Now can I have my deal?" Erica asks.
"No," Gibbs says gathering the folder and heading for the door.
"You promised" Erica yells.
"I never promised a thing. You framed and murdered an innocent man alongside sending one of my people to a hospital. You can go to Gitmo's general population for all I care" Gibbs growls.
Anything else Erica could have said ends by Gibbs exiting letting the door slam closed.
Bethesda Hospital
Groaning McGee slowly awakens while his hazy vision eventually clears seeing Ducky and Ziva on their feet looking on in concern.
"Hey guys," Timothy says, "What happened?"
"You got attacked by a dog," Ducky says.
"I remember, what else has been happening since I've been sleeping. Did we find who killed Kyle Hanson?" Timothy inquiries.
"Yeah, we did. Tony called just a few minutes ago, for right now you need to rest" Ziva says.
Reaching out gently taking Ziva's hand who returns the gesture "Sorry for worrying you. I'll get better, I promise" Timothy says.
"You better sweetie," Ziva says.
Leaning over Ziva kisses Timothy on his forehead as both smile happy the other is alive, and well. Glancing over McGee sees the older doctor's face.
"Hey Ducky, I really hope you haven't been here the entire time I've been asleep," Timothy says.
"Nonsense my boy, I do not mind at all. Mr. Palmer can handle things in my absence" Ducky replies.
"I appreciate it from both of you," Timothy says.
"We did take vows for better or worse" Ziva replies.
"Even still how many cases have we seen of bad marriages? I don't take those vows lightly" Timothy says.
"Me neither" Ziva replies.
"So, what are my injuries?" Timothy asks.
"Injuries to your neck and probably can't move your arm like normal for a while. Required some surgery" Ducky replies.
"About what I expected," Timothy says.
"Perhaps I should go get a nurse?" Ducky asks.
"Yes, thank you" Ziva replies.
Ducky merely sends both a warm smile as the man exits leaving husband and wife alone.
Exhaling "We might have a minor situation," Ziva says.
Frowning in concern "Usually my line, what's happened? You're not hurt, or something are you? Boss, Tony?" Timothy asks.
"Nothing like that, thankfully. Well, Abby got arrested for refusing to give up what is presently a dead dog, but our marriage is out" Ziva says.
"Oh… if that's all frankly despite the outcome, whatever that might be I'm more relieved. Honestly means we no longer have to hide; I can actually wear my ring" Timothy says.
"Yeah, I'm sorry given everything" Ziva begins but gently gets cut off.
"No don't you dare, we made the choice and I agreed to everything. We chose to keep our entire relationship private. We both know it never lasts forever" Timothy says caringly.
Giving a nod "Thank you, Tim. Although I am surprised, you're not showing more reaction for Abby being jailed" Ziva says.
"Honestly while a part of me is in shock the other is deep down, not surprised. Abby has always been partially nuts. Especially given the frequency of threatening to kill and not leave any forensic trace. Anybody can tell you joke with DiNozzo but her… I've never been completely sure" Timothy says.
"After all she threatened you when having caught your crush involving me during the first case we had" Ziva replies.
"Yeah," Timothy says.
"So, a nurse will be coming in shortly, and I did contact Jethro to let him know for holding off until tomorrow morning," Ducky says walking in.
"I can't imagine the boss was happy about that," Timothy says.
"Hung up in his usual manner" Ducky replies.
"Figures," Ziva says.
"Coming from a woman who has ended phone calls with threatening to make them regret living?" Timothy asks in amusement.
"Different, they were being unhelpful, and some were as you say telemarketers" Ziva replies.
"Kind of disappointment for telemarketers becoming more robot calls instead of people" Timothy says, "You can't mess with them."
"It was even better in person. I remember one time in eighty-nine I was visiting my mother" Ducky says beginning his tale while sitting down in a chair.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and let me know what you think.
Until next time
