Gibbs heard another shot as McGee and Bishop arrived and took down the shooter. McGee ran over to secure the attacker while Bishop hurried over to Tony and Gibbs.

"Help me get him off me," ordered Gibbs as he struggled to get free.

Ellie helped Gibbs roll Tony away.

"Get Ducky," Gibbs ordered as he looked at Tony's closed eyes.

"Boss, what happened?" asked McGee as he brought his wounded fair-haired prisoner over.

"DiNozzo took a bullet in the chest," said Gibbs.

"Ow," gasped Tony as he opened his eyes, "that hurt!"

"You're all right!" said McGee.

Tony glared at him, "I took a bullet in the chest, Probie. Of course I'm not all right! And there's no need to sound disappointed."

"I'm not disappointed," said Tim crossly, "I'm just puzzled. Why aren't you dead?"

"Because I'm wearing a bullet proof vest," said Tony, "someone's been trying to shoot me, you know. Standard procedure."

"Oh," said McGee, "of course. I forgot."

"You don't think I'd have dived in front of a gunman if I wasn't wearing a vest, do you?" asked Tony with a grimace.

Tim decided not to answer that. He suspected he knew the real answer.

"My word, Anthony," said Ducky bustling up, "you do seem to be having a lot of excitement on your trips here. What's happened now?"

"Took a bullet," said Gibbs, "diving on top of me. What the hell were you thinking, DiNozzo?"

"Wasn't really thinking, Gibbs," said Tony, "and you're welcome by the way."

"As you are not bleeding to death, am I to assume that you are wearing some sort of body armour, Anthony?" asked Ducky.

"Yep," said Tony, "I'm OK. Although I'd forgotten how much it hurts to be hit by a bullet in the ribs."

"No doubt," said Ducky, "I will take an X-ray to check that you have not broken any ribs. And I see that your arm is bleeding. I suspect that you have burst the stitches I put in so meticulously."

"Sorry, Ducky," said Tony.

"I forgive you," said Ducky graciously.

"What's going on?" asked Bishop, "why did you come running out here to get shot at, Tony?"

"Abby showed me the footage of the first shooting," said Tony, "and I realised."

"Realised what?" asked Tim.

"Gibbs was right when he said that the gunman wasn't after the Senator but it looked to me as if he might just as well have been aiming at Gibbs as me. We were standing next to each other. And then I remembered. Yesterday, when we got shot at, I'd just leaned across Gibbs when the shot was fired. And it was at Gibbs' house. Why would someone aim to shoot me at Gibbs' place?"

"You mean someone was after Gibbs the whole time?" said Bishop.

"Yes," said Tony. "When you think about it, why would someone have tried to shoot me at the Navy Yard? There are loads of other places they could have tried."

"But who?" asked McGee.

Gibbs stared at the man being held by McGee. Blood was dripping from one arm but he scowled defiantly at Gibbs.

"Paddy?" said Gibbs.

At that moment his phone rang.

"Gibbs," he replied.

"Gibbs, Gibbs, Gibbs," said Abby, "I've got a result back on the DNA. From the shell casings. Don't I get a good job, Abs? Or a that was quick, Abs?" Gibbs didn't speak. "I'll take that as a no," muttered Abby. "There was a familial match with one of our old cases," she continued, "it matches …"

"Patrick Kiley," said Gibbs, "I know, Abs," and he ended the call. In her lab, Abby glared at her phone,

"I really, really hate it when he does that," she announced to her machines.

"Boss?" asked McGee.

"Patrick Jethro Kiley," said Gibbs, "elder son of Senator Patrick Kiley. Or should I say Ensign Paddy Kiley?"

"It was your fault," said Paddy, "my father died in prison because of you!"

"Paddy, your father died in prison because he killed a man who trusted him. And your mother is in prison because she killed your dad's mistress. How is that my fault?"

"You could have looked the other way," said Paddy, "they helped you! Why couldn't you do the same for them?"

"Take him away, McGee," said Gibbs. "Take him away."

NCISNCIS

"So Gibbs was the target all along?" asked Ducky as he peered at Tony's X-Rays.

"Yes," said Tim.

"Yes," agreed Tony wincing as Ducky probed a sore spot, "all the time Gibbs was protecting me he was actually making me a target! And I thought driving with him was dangerous enough."

"Yes, yes," said Ducky soothingly.

"You know, in the ten years, nine months and twenty-eight days since I left NCIS I have never, not once, visited an emergency room!" said Tony bitterly.

"You're not in an emergency room now," said Jimmy helpfully.

"My bad," said Tony, "I'm in a mortuary. That's so much better!"

"Yes, yes," repeated Ducky.

"In less than a week … a week … I've been shot at three times! Thank God I left NCIS, I wouldn't have survived ten years of this," said Tony.

"No cracked ribs," said Ducky, "just some bruising. You might feel some discomfort for a few days but nothing to worry about. I could give some of my home-made liniment if you like."

"Is it the same liniment you gave me when I got pushed out of that aeroplane?"

"Yes. No point in fixing what's not broken. That recipe has been handed down through generations of Mallards. Father used to say that William the Conqueror used it after the Battle of Hastings. I fear that was a bit fanciful but I do know that my uncle, Monty Mallard, used it after the D Day landings at Normandy. He swore by it, you know."

"Thanks, Ducky," said Tony, "but I'll pass." He suppressed a grimace as he remembered nearly being evicted from his apartment when he broke the liniment bottle and the smell permeated throughout the block.

"As you wish," said Ducky serenely. "Ah, Jethro, is our young culprit behind bars?" he said as Gibbs entered autopsy.

"Yes," said Gibbs, "he admitted to everything. Saw me with the Senator and saw red."

"Cool enough to think up an escape plan though," observed Ellie.

"Yeah," agreed Gibbs, "he's got a good mind. He would have made a good officer. Like his father."

"Why was he in the Navy Yard?" asked McGee.

"He works here. He was just assigned to Military Sealift Command. The day of the first shooting, he'd just come from visiting his mom in prison, was pretty emotional. He was carrying the gun 'cos he decided he couldn't go on, thought he'd kill himself. Then he saw me … and well, we know the rest."

"And then he decided to follow through?" said Tony.

"Yes. Waited one night at my house. When that didn't work he tried again today."

"It was a good thing that Anthony had his epiphany moment," said Ducky.

McGee, Bishop and Jimmy looked at Gibbs expectantly.

"Yeah. Thank you, DiNozzo," said Gibbs.

"That's all right, Gibbs."

"But it was a dumbass thing to do!"

Tony shrugged and then winced at the pain in his ribs.

"Come on, I'll drive you home," said Gibbs.

They were nearly home when Gibbs suddenly said, "Patrick's my godson, you know. I should have done more when his parents got arrested. But he and his brother were away at school. Then he went to college in California and then into the Navy. Lost touch. You know how easy it is."

"Yes," said Tony, "and sometimes it's best to let people go."

"I guess," said Gibbs.

"But it seems to me that Paddy's brother could do with some looking after. His parents are murderers and his sibling's just been arrested for attempted murder. That's gotta be hard," said Tony.

"You're right," said Gibbs.

"That's probably the first time you've said those words to me, Gibbs."

"You know I don't coddle people, DiNozzo."

"I know that. And I'm fine with it but perhaps you could make an exception for Paddy's brother. Even for Paddy himself. He's young to have a ruined life."

"We'll see," said Gibbs, "here we are. Home again."

"And no men with guns sitting outside in cars," said Tony, "happy days! Thanks, Gibbs. See you around. I'd invite you in but somehow I don't think Beth is going to be too pleased when I tell her that we've been hobnobbing with the killer's real target all this time!"

"Give your wife my best," said Gibbs with a grin.

NCISNCIS

"Morning MCRT workers … and Director Vance," said Tony the next day.

"Tony! What are you doing here?" asked McGee.

"Senator Adler wanted me to tell the Director about a new plan he's proposing to put to the Senate Committee on Armed Services," said Tony.

"Oh?" said Vance with an air of polite interest.

"Yes. The more he's considered the events of the last few days, the more he's convinced that his idea of merging all the federal agencies would lead to a much more efficient and streamlined security service," said Tony.

"What!" exclaimed the Director shaken out of his normal impassivity.

"No," relented Tony, "although he hasn't ruled it out. Looking at how the FBI, NCIS and Capitol police had to work out how to provide protection and do the investigation over the last few days has made him think that it would have been simpler if there hadn't had to be fuss over jurisdictions. So, watch this space."

"What did you really come for?" asked Gibbs.

"I have an invitation. For all of you. My daughters miss all the people we had looking after us and wanted to invite you all to a dolls tea party."

"Oh." "I'm not sure." "That would be great." "Um," came a variety of responses.

"But," continued Tony, "Beth and I suggested you'd prefer a barbecue. Although of course there may also be a dolls tea party going on as well. This Saturday. 15.00 onwards. You will have to socialise with FBI and Capitol police but you can look on that as good practice for when the Senator puts his plan forward! See you!"

And with a cheery wave he was gone.

"Gibbs," said Vance, "do you think he was serious?"

"About the barbecue? I reckon so," said Gibbs.

"Not the barbecue. The merging of the agencies?" hissed Vance.

"Well," said Tim fairly, "it would make sense. Would be more streamlined."

"And we do sometimes find it hard to share information," added Ellie.

"But," said Tim wilting under Vance's glare, "it works well as it is."

"And it would be very difficult to implement," said Bishop also deciding to switch sides.

"Glad to hear it," said Vance. "I need coffee," he muttered as he stalked off.

NCISNCIS

The barbecue was in full swing when Beth walked up to Gibbs and handed him a bottle of beer. She sat down next to him and smiled as she looked across to where Grace and Esther were entertaining McGee with their dolls.

"Tim's a real hit with them," she said.

"He had a girlfriend once who had a collection of Barbie dolls," said Gibbs, "seem to remember he said they liked playing with them."

"No experience is ever wasted," observed Beth.

"How's Martha?" asked Gibbs.

Beth's smile faded a little as she gazed at Tony holding a sleepy child in his lap. "She gets tired easily. A bit clingy, especially with her daddy. But she's getting better and we know that she will be back to her bouncy self soon. She really does take after Tony, you know!"

"And you? How are you?" asked Gibbs.

She didn't answer directly, "Tony told me about the background checks and your suspicions. And I think you didn't entirely trust me when you saw me."

"I could see you had something on your mind. Both of you. And it didn't seem to go away even when you found out that Martha was OK. It doesn't sit right with me when people I'm supposed to be protecting have secrets. Can lead to problems. Wasn't exactly that I didn't trust you."

"You were right," said Beth, "we did have other things to think about. But, even if we'd wanted to, we couldn't tell you."

"OK," said Gibbs agreeably, "doesn't matter now."

"And I knew how you feel about lawyers," said Beth, "and I didn't want to get involved in discussions about anything like that. Not when I had a decision to make."

"Like I said, no need for me to know."

"But I'd like you to know. And it's OK now … although it's still confidential."

"OK," said Gibbs. "I can keep a secret."

"I know you can, Agent Gibbs. The trouble is I think it's become a habit with you. It is all right to share sometimes, you know."

"For some people," said Gibbs, "not really my style. And I'm too old to change."

"You do know that's a load of rubbish?" said Beth.

"Not talking about me," said Gibbs, "what do you want to tell me?"

"Did you think it was odd that I hadn't started my new job?"

"Thought you were settling the girls in their new schools?"

"I was but that wasn't the real reason. I was asked to consider another job when I got here. My new firm agreed that it would be best if I didn't start until I knew what was going to happen about the other job."

"Couldn't you make up your mind?" asked the Gibbs who usually knew exactly what to do.

"It wasn't quite that simple. I was asked to let my name go forward to be a district judge here in DC. That meant I … we … had to be vetted before a final decision was made."

"That's why Bishop's searches were so easy?"

"Yes. The Judiciary Committee's original investigators were very thorough. And both Tony and I had to go to lots of meetings, answer everlasting questions."

"That's how Tony knew there was no scandal to be found," said Gibbs.

"He already knew that, Agent Gibbs," said Elizabeth frostily. "He works for a politician, he knows that indiscretion can be a career killer. Not that we want to do anything crooked."

"So, you're going to be a federal judge?" asked Gibbs.

"It would have to be approved by the Senate. Could take months. It's not an appealing prospect. It was bad enough being grilled in private but I'm not sure I could take it happening in public."

"So, you've said no?" said Gibbs.

"It's all made the move to DC stressful," said Elizabeth. "Tony having to establish himself here, going to all those parties and functions. I didn't go with him to many. Partly because we didn't know any sitters here, partly because it's not really my thing. It was OK in Newark because my family is there and I knew people. Tony and I had a few arguments over it."

"He wanted to move here?" asked Gibbs.

"We both did. I was excited by the new job. Steve needed a new Chief of Staff and wanted Tony to take the job. It should have been wonderful but I was miserable. Then Martha got sick. I began to think DC was cursed!"

"So you're not going to take the judgeship?" asked Gibbs.

"We thought about going back to Newark," said Elizabeth. "Tony could swap jobs with the Newark Chief of Staff. I could go back to my old job."

"Sounds good," said Gibbs.

"But we don't want to uproot the girls so soon. They've settled in well. Martha's got a good doctor here. But no, I'm not going to take the judgeship."

"Shame," said Gibbs, "always good to have a judge on side."

"That makes me even more sure I was right to say no," said Elizabeth.

"Somehow I don't think you'd be a judge who caved easily," said Gibbs.

"No, I wouldn't," said Elizabeth with a hint of steel.

"So, it's off to be a property lawyer? At Mumbles, Havers and Mays? " said Gibbs.

Beth smiled, "Gumbles, Travers and Maywether."

"Whatever," said Gibbs.

"Not quite. I changed my mind. Heading up the property department would involve a lot of networking: going to parties, functions, that sort of thing. I didn't enjoy the ones I went to with Tony so I was pretty sure I wouldn't enjoy ones I went to for the firm."

"What you going to do then? Stay at home with your daughters?"

"I'm tempted, believe me. But I know I'd get bored. No, I was asked to do something else."

"You're in demand."

"Good lawyers are, Agent Gibbs. And I am a good one."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to do some teaching at Georgetown University, I'm going to consult for Gumbles occasionally. And I'm going to work for a charity which provides legal help for the disadvantaged. They need someone who's an expert in tenants' rights. I'm that person. The law should be there to help people. I know you think that the law gets in the way of justice but I want to make sure it doesn't."

Gibbs raised his beer bottle in a silent toast. "What does Tony think of that?"

"We decided together. The Senator is interested in protecting people from homelessness so it fits well."

"You'll do a good job," said Gibbs.

"Thank you. I wanted you to know so that you might come round to thinking that not all lawyers are to be avoided. You might need to amend some of your rules!"

Gibbs winced at that idea but, before he could say anything, he was interrupted by Tony arriving with Martha.

"Beth, can you take Martha for me? I think I need to go check on Tim and the girls."

"I'll take her," said Gibbs, holding out his arms. Tony gave his sleeping daughter to Gibbs. She stirred briefly but then settled again seeming to know she was safe. Gibbs smiled, welcoming the feeling of holding a child again.

Tony nodded and then walked over to where his other children were playing with McGee.

"How you doing, Tim?" he asked.

"Daddy," said Esther, "we're showing McSpecial Uncle how to pour tea."

"McSpecial Uncle?" said Tony, "how did that happen?"

Tim blushed but looked pleased at the latest mcnickname. "It fits," said Grace who was a child of few words.

"Yeah, I guess it does, poppet," said Tony. "Why don't you go see Mommy? Ask her if it's time for ice cream yet?"

Grace and Esther ran off excitedly leaving Tim with a lapful of dolls.

"McSpecial Uncle?" said Tony.

"Poppet?" asked Tim, "where does that come from?"

"My mom used to call me poppet," said Tony. "I'd forgotten but then, the first time I held Esther, it came back to me and it just felt right to use it for my own children. Makes me remember my mother." Tim nodded. "So," continued Tony, "Abby tells me that you're engaged. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Tony. Although I never expected you to have a ten year head start on me."

"I came close to it once before. When I was in Baltimore," said Tony, "but it didn't survive me joining NCIS. Come to think of it I think NCIS puts a curse on marriage. Just look at Gibbs."

"Thanks, Tony. That's very reassuring."

"Oh. Sorry. I was being DiTactless. Which isn't something I get to do much of now. I have to be diplomatic and unflappable. Anyway, it's probably not NCIS it's probably the Leroy Jethroness that put the curse on Gibbs' marriages. You'll be fine. Hey, Gibbs! How you doing?"

"Martha woke up when Grace and Esther mentioned ice cream," said Gibbs. "McGee, you're needed."

"Boss?" said Tim, "we get a call? I didn't know we were on call."

"We're not," said Gibbs, "DiNozzo's daughters want you. And their dolls."

Tim got to his feet, collected the dolls and walked over to the expectant girls. "He's their new best friend," said Tony.

"You have a nice family, DiNozzo," said Gibbs.

"I guess that means that my wife told you the reason we'd been investigated," said Tony.

"No," protested Gibbs, "my gut told me you were OK."

"Whatever," said Tony, "so you've decided to break your rules about lawyers?"

"Exceptions to every rule, DiNozzo," said Gibbs, "and I think your wife is one of them."

"Thanks, Gibbs. I guess that means we may see you around?"

"Is that an invitation, DiNozzo?"

"We don't have family in DC, Gibbs. Well, apart from my father … and you've met him. The girls have adopted Tim as an uncle. They could do with an honorary grandfather as well. If you're interested."

"Thanks, DiNo …Tony. I'd be honoured. Does this mean you're not mad at me anymore?"

"I stopped being mad at you a long time ago, Gibbs. That's not to say that you aren't capable of infuriating me in new ways but the past … that's done. If you can let it go as well, then you're welcome at our house."

"I can do that," said Gibbs.

"Great," said Tony, "we're really short of sitters. We can add you to the list!" Before Gibbs could react Tony hurried on, "but no head slaps, Gibbs. We don't smack our children and they wouldn't understand if they saw you hit me." He gave Gibbs a cheerful pat on the shoulder, "I haven't spoken to Ducky yet. Go get some ice cream. See you!"

NCISNCIS

"Hey, Ducky. How you doing?" Tony said when he found Ducky sitting in a quiet spot watching what was going on.

"Very well, my boy. I know it seems uncharacteristic for me not to be holding forth volubly but sometimes I like to take up the role of observer."

"You know, my father says he's a people watcher," said Tony, "but somehow I think you mean it in a more benevolent way."

"Is your father here?" asked Ducky.

Tony shuddered, "No. We don't invite him to parties. Strictly family occasions only. Where nobody has any money or influence."

"Indeed," said Ducky. He took a sip of his drink and asked gently, "and is all well with Jethro?"

"Ducky?"

"There is no need to 'Ducky' me. Jethro has seemed more relaxed the last few days."

"Relaxed? Looking into attempted murders? Finding out the culprit was his godson?" said Tony, "well, I guess Gibbs always had a different view of relaxation to mine."

"That's not what I mean and you know it," said Ducky severely. "Jethro was more relaxed because you were nearby. He never admitted it of course, but he has missed you very much over the last ten or more years. As we all have but I believe it went deep with him. Have you managed to reach some sort of accord with him?"

"I think so, Ducky," said Tony. "Although I think it will be a while before he believes that I'm over what happened when I left NCIS."

"But you are?" pressed Ducky.

"Yes, I am. But it won't be the same, you know."

"What won't be the same, Anthony?"

Tony didn't answer directly. "I guess I watched too many movies," he said. "I always wanted a hero in my life. Someone to look up to. My dad was never going to be that guy. There was a coach at my last prep school, he was it for a while. The major at my Baltimore station. And then Gibbs swept in, larger than life and took charge. I spent eight years trying to reach his standards and when I thought I let him down, well, it hurt and I didn't think it was fixable. Then I met up with Steve, the Senator."

"Is he your hero now?" asked Ducky.

"He's a good man," said Tony, "and I believe in what he's doing. I'm proud to work for him."

"Good," said Ducky, "it's important to have work that satisfies."

"But no, he's not my hero like Gibbs was," said Tony.

"Ahh," said Ducky, "so Gibbs has not been eclipsed after all."

"There's a lot to admire in Gibbs," said Tony, "and he taught me a lot about being a federal agent …"

"I sense a but," said Ducky.

"But I realise that we have to believe in ourselves. We have to be our own heroes. Be able to face ourselves in the mirror each day," said Tony, "we can't hide behind other people."

"And you don't," said Beth coming up behind him quietly and putting her arms round his neck, "you're my hero and the girls' hero every day. And we can't do without you."

Across the yard, Gibbs was trying not to laugh at Tim trying to supervise the DiNozzo daughters eating their ice-cream. He looked across to see if Tony was watching too and was just in time to see Beth wrap her arms around her husband's neck. Tony dropped a kiss on each of her hands and then looked up to smile at her.

There was something in the smile and the caress that finally convinced Gibbs that Tony was whole and healed; he had grown away from his former boss but Gibbs thought he could live with that and with being welcomed into the DiNozzo family. He caught Tony's eye and nodded with approval. Tony nodded back: no need for words.

AN: Reviews aren't showing up immediately at the moment but are coming through to my account so please don't be put off leaving a review!

Finished at last and no more cliff hangers. Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in this story. The characters aren't mine … except for the DiNozzo women!