Half an hour later they arrived at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Tony went straight for Tim, whereas Jethro took care of Abby.
„Just a word.“
Tony said and guided Tim a bit away from the others. He could see the tension in the young man’s shoulders and couldn‘t surpress the feeling that he was one of the sources.
„First of all, I want to say sorry. I said things I didn’t mean that way and...I overreacted. It wasn’t right to blame it all on you. You just followed your gut and I know that you would never endanger others, especially not my kids. There’s a reason you’re their godfather and namesake of Dan. I hope you’re excepting my apology.“
He held out his hand but Tim hugged him instead. Slightly hesitant Tony returned the embrace and they parted quickly.
„You can’t believe how relieved I am...but I’m really sorry about it, Tony.“
„I know, Tim. Let’s just forget it...what do you know happened tonight?“
Tim glanced at Abby and shifted slightly.
„Not much more than you do, actually. There wasn’t much talking with Abby for once. When I arrived the medics were already there and the team. Henry Abbot’s team, by the way.“
Tony nodded his acknowledgement and appreciation, Abbot was nearly as good as his own team, though they probably would be involved anyway.
„Anything about the intruder?“
„According to Abby, she and Stuard had entered, and just as she noticed that there was somebody in there, that guy shot at Stuard, pushed her aside and ran out of the apartment.“
„Had she seen his face?“
Tim shook his head and sighed.
„Was wearing a ski mask...Tony, I don’t wanna start that discussion again...but...“
„I know, Tim. I might have a lead who he really is...but it’s too early and the wrong place to talk about that...if there is the right place, that is...how bad was Stuard injured?“
Tim half shrugged.
„He was still conscious when I got there, what I’m judging as a good sign. He was shot in the left shoulder...“
He tapped on his own shoulder to indicate the place of the shot and it was too close to the heart for Tony’s liking. He nodded anyway and they returned to Jethro and Abby. Both of them had a baby on their arms, what served pretty well to calm Abby. As Tony sat next to him, Jethro looked up.
„You two cleared it?“
„Yeah, it’s cool. Hey, Tim. Can you take Marco for a moment?“
The young man nodded and took the baby from Jethro, who went to the nurse station with Tony.
„This was a lot easier when Ducky was still working.“
Jethro muttered as they waited for someone to come to them.
„He’s 73, he deserves his pension. We’ll manage to get conditions without him.“
Tony said but already tapped impatiently on the board.
„Yes?“
„Hi, Nurse...Lisa, I’m Anthony DiNozzo, one of my agents, Stuard Gilliam was admitted. You have any conditions, yet?“
The nurse checked the computer.
„I’m sorry, sir. But you’re not his emergency contact and if you’re not related...“
„Tony?“
Tony and Jethro turned and saw Brad walking towards them. They shook hands.
„What brings you here?“
„One of my team’s been shot, but I don’t get conditions.“
Brad nodded and turned to the nurse.
„I know you’re new here, but NCIS agent get the condition of their subordinates. Especially if the director is with them. Alright?“
She nodded taken aback.
„Sure, Dr. Pitt. Agent Gilliam is still in surgery, sir.“
„Ok, I’ll see what I can find out for you. How are Lish and Dan?“
„They’re doing fine. Been joined by two more.“
Brad‘s eyes widened and then he grinned.
„Man, you’re productive! You have them here?“
They went over to Abby and Tim. Brad talked a bit with them and then left to see what he could find out. Finally Ziva and Jimmy joined them and they all sat anxiously in the waiting area. Tony jumped slightly as his cell phone started to vibrate in his pocket. Jethro shot him a look.
„Something wrong?“
„No, I’ll just go to the restroom. Be right back.“
Once out of sight he fished the still vibrating item out and checked the display. Unknown, shocking.
„I expected your call.“
„Did you know? Well, you’ve always been a clever boy, haven’t you?“
Bitting his lip Tony took a deep breath.
„Why did you break into Abby’s apartment? They stopped working the case.“
„Oh, yes, it wasn’t about that. Well, Anthony, I started to have another interest in your friends.“
Tony stopped. He had been walking out of the hospital but now he found his feet nailed to the floor.
„You broke into her apartment so you can shoot Stuard.“
„I promised you Jen would not be the last, didn’t I?“
„Why don’t you tell me what you want?“
A low chuckle came through the phone, the kind of humor his cold eyes and half smile seemed to have on the picture.
„I want to see you in despair. I already did a pretty good job, didn’t I? You’re not letting your kids out of the house for long, and you and your husband have been...inactive, for quite a while.“
Tony’s jaw clenched and his knuckles turned white as his grip on the phone hardened.
„See you later, Anthony.“
The line was cut and it was all Tony could do not to throw the phone against the wall.
„Kramer?“
He spun around and saw Jethro stand only a meter away.
„His name is not Kramer.“
„Then what is his name?“
„Jason Crow, and if you had ever lived in Peoria that name would tell you enough.“
Jethro frowned as he leaned against the wall.
„Why did you get involved with him if the name is that known?“
„Cause I didn’t know his last name. Cause I was a homosexual cop! No names, that was my rule, when I started dating it was no last name. And mainly because that name is only known since I reported Jason and he ratted out his brothers.“
Jethro nodded and then tilted his head.
„What did he want? Did he say he had shot Stuard?“
„Not only that. Apparently he has found the meaning of his life. Making mine to a living hell. He’s still watching us and he knows that it drives me crazy, and it’s exactly what he wants! He wants to see me take all those meassures to protect my family and then attack at a point I didn’t expect! Like this! I can’t protect them all, but I bring them all in danger! Everyone who’s close to me.“
Tony leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. Jason wanted to see him in despair? Well, that was only a matter of minutes.
„Why does he start now?“
„I guess he only knows about me since he killed Jen. He said he has a new interest in my friends. He never said that Jen was part of this plan.“
Jethro squeezed Tony’s hand. It was no real reassurance. No „everything’s going to be alright“. It was just a demonstration of one vital pillar of their relationship. I’m with you, in good as in bad days.
Chapter End Notes:
I know, this say chapter 2, but I posted chapter 1 to 9 as one.