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“Bobby, could you call my friend, Mandy, and let her know what happened please?” Sam asked as the Impala stopped in front of Bobby’s house. “She’s a dragon historian in New York and is the one who worked out what I am.”
 
“Sure I can, Sammy,” Bobby said with a grin. “You boys take the downstairs room, make as much noise as you want and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
 
“Are you sure, Bobby?” Sam asked as he handed over his cell phone.
 
“Hell yes he’s sure, Sam, now come on,” Dean said.
 
Bobby laughed as the boys vanished into the dark. No matter what happened to them, Dean would always be the older brother and try to take care of Sam, not to mention order him around any time he got the chance. He took a minute to figure out Sam’s phone, located the saved number labeled Mandy and called it.
 
“Hello?” a male voice asked.
 
“I’m looking for Mandy, please,” Bobby replied.
 
“Just a minute, hey Mandy, phone.”
 
“This is Mandy,” a voice with a Scottish accent said a few seconds later.
 
“My name is Bobby Singer; Sam Winchester asked me to give you a call and let you know that he Changed tonight.”
 
There was silence broken by the muted mumble of male voices in the background. “Are Sam and his human okay?” Mandy finally asked.
 
“How much do you know about Sam?”
 
“If you mean do I know what he does, then yes, he told me about hunting,” Mandy said. “That was one of the things that made me think I could trust him and tell him about my world.”
 
“Lemme guess, Dean caused problems, took Sam away and now there are hurt feelings in the mix,” Bobby sighed. “Look, Mandy, Dean’s been Sam’s brother, mother, father, and protector all his life. He’s got himself a warped sense of priority when it comes to Sam and it makes him do things that ain’t always right. Now I ain’t trying to excuse him or nothing, but these boys are gonna need a community to belong to and right now I think you’re the only one who can help them.”
 
“He Changed to save Dean?” Mandy asked.
 
“We were on a hunt and things went bad,” Bobby replied. “And it turns out that Sammy is one of the dragons who can breathe fire. It was good in this case. They’re inside completing the bond which is why I’m calling you instead of him.”
 
“That’s not the only reason,” Mandy said. “I’m out with my father and some friends so I do need to go. Tell Sam that if he’s brave enough to face his fears, then he should call me whenever he gets a chance. I’m not sure which community will take them in, all the dragons here are pretty protective of me and it’s been fairly obvious that Sam’s leaving hurt me. But I’ll see if I can work something out.”
 
“I appreciate it,” Bobby said. “And I’d like to be able to call you again, if I could. My daddy was an unchanged dragon so I’ve got his books and things and no one to pass ‘em on to. If you’re a historian then I think they should come to you. Hell, they’re just collecting dust here.”
 
“Thank you,” Mandy said. “I’d like that. And you may call again, we should probably talk about things, but I really must go. Please don’t think I’m being rude.”
 
“Of course not,” Bobby said. “I’m on Sam’s phone but I’ll be sure to copy down your number when I get my house back. I lent it to the boys for the night. I’m gonna sleep outside.”
 
“That was very nice of you,” Mandy said. “I look forward to your call, Bobby. And thank you.”
 
Bobby put the phone down on the seat next to him and rubbed his face. He wondered how old Mandy was, what had happened to her to make her so defensive, and what the hell Dean had said to her to make her so cold towards the boys.
********************
 
Mandy put her phone down and sighed. Adam looked over at her. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
 
“That was a friend of Sam Winchester’s; Sam just Changed and it sounded like his first priority was to let me know about it,” Mandy replied. “He Changed to save his brother.”
 
“I’ve only read about cases like that,” Adam said.
 
Mac leaned over. “I do not want them around again if they’re going to hurt you, Amanda,” he said. “I know you like Sam, but I don’t like what he did to you.”
 
“I know, Dad,” Mandy said.
 
“All right, spill,” Danny rasped from his spot on the sofa. “I want to know who I have to go hunt down and kill for hurting you so badly.”
 
“I do wish Horatio were here,” Mandy said with a sigh.
 
“We could call him, put him on the speaker phone,” Mac said. “That way he can hear it from you and be there for you as best he can. You know he’d like that.”
 
“I still would rather put this off,” Mandy said. She squeaked when Danny grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the sofa by his hip. “You shouldn’t do things like that, Danny, not when you’re injured.”
 
“You’re my sister now, kiddo, and I wanna know everything there is to know ‘bout you, okay?” Danny said. “And that means opening up and letting us in to help you. Adam and me, we know what it means to have a hard childhood. We’re guys so we don’t talk ‘bout it much, but we know the basics and have helped each other out as much as we can, y’know. If you’re more comfortable talking with Abby or one of the other gals, then do it. But you can’t keep this all bottled up inside of you no more. It’s gonna kill you one day.”
 
Adam blinked. “Have you been watching chick movies again, Messer?” he asked.
 
“You don’t tell me it ain’t true, Adam.”
 
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Adam said. “He’s right, Mandy. It is hard to open up about your past, but sometimes it’s the only thing you can do if you want to stay sane and be able to work. My dad was a bully and I’m just happy I got away from him when I did. I still flinch when someone puts his hand up to fast, no matter where I am, but I’ve gotten better about controlling it. And talking with Danny helped a lot too. So please, open up and let us know what happened to you. It’s important.”
 
“I only heard the tail end of that,” Horatio said over the speakerphone, “but Adam is right, Mandy. If I could fly up to New York, I’d be there in a second, but I’ll take this as my second option. Please, princess?”
 
Mandy took a deep breath. “When I was six I met William for the first time,” she said. “Things were already bad at home and I guess I just wanted to be able to spend time away from them and he realized this. We never spoke about my folks or what happened at the house, he was always just willing to teach me. Oh, and the reason you can’t find him is that he’s in Scotland,” she said. “I came to the states for school and to escape my past, as much as I could. I was on a visa for the first semester and now have citizenship so don’t worry about that, Mac.”
 
“I wasn’t,” he said. “If you weren’t a citizen, you wouldn’t be able to work at the lab and it would’ve come up. I still would have found a way for you to work with us; it just would have taken some work.”
 
“My dad died when I was seven,” Mandy continued. She leaned into the warm hand rubbing her back. “Or at least that’s what mum told me. I thought for the longest while that he had just left us and wondered why she kept saying that he was dead when I knew he wasn’t. And it turned out that my instincts were right, he was still alive. Mum had stabbed him and left him for dead out in a field so, as far as she knew he was dead. Someone found him and nursed him back to health. The next I knew of it was when he showed up when I was ten. And he brought a gun. I don’t know if he just didn’t see me, or if he didn’t want to harm me, but he left me alive.”
 
“He killed your mother,” Horatio said softly.

“Yeah. And then himself. The note he left said it was because he didn’t want to go to jail for what he’d done,” Mandy sighed. “And aunt took me in, much to the disgust of her husband, and I spent the next four years dodging him as much as I could. I think I practically lived with William for most of that time, which is why I was able to work through his library without him knowing it.”
 
Mac sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “Amanda, honey, do you mean to say that you came to the states when you were fourteen?” he asked softly.
 
“The school agreed to take charge of me as long as I lived in a dorm,” Mandy replied. “I loved it, I thought it was brilliant because I got to take classes year round and read whatever I wanted. But then I met you guys and things fell into the pattern we’ve been living in ever since.”
 
“I’m amazed you came out as well as you did,” Adam commented. “Because I’m positive that no one would just stab their husband out of the blue.”
 
“You’re right enough about that,” Mandy sighed. “Fights and arguments, and battles. I was always so glad to be out of the house because then I didn’t have to listen. Neither of my parents knew what to do with me because I was so intelligent. I think they blamed each other for how I turned out; like it was a bad thing I’m so smart. And, honestly, I’m not even that smart – there are people out there who are ten times smarter than I am.”
 
“Thank you, princess,” Horatio said. “And now I’m going to change the topic and take the spotlight off you; tell me about the new dragon you just met.”
 
*We can’t let this rest, you know* Mac said to Danny. *We need to find out everything we can about the aunt and uncle. It still sounds like there’s more she’s not telling us*
 
*She told us where William is* Danny replied. *Ask Abby to run down a number for him and we can give him a call. She’s sure to have told him something, or maybe he noticed it. I’m just relieved to know that he’s not an imaginary friend*
 
*Still, I can’t imagine what she’s been through. I had no idea she’d been in the states for so long*
 
*And this doesn’t really explain why she’s so afraid we’re going to leave her* Danny said. *I’ll work with her, Mac. Or maybe we can have Adam do it while they’re doing their research. They’ve got a shared background. It’ll help them both*

Gibbs was in the morgue, hiding, when his cell phone rang. “Yeah, Gibbs.”
 
“It’s Gil. I can’t talk long because a member of the FBI BAU just Changed and his human is married with a two month old son,” Gil said. “And the dragon is going through the bond sickness faster than I’ve seen before. But I wanted to let you know that Abby is getting an email with the key to translate the rest of the mystery book.”
 
“They worked it out?”
 
“There are more geniuses out here than I would’ve believed,” Gil replied. “It only took them about three hours total.”
 
“I’m on my way to the lab now,” Gibbs said. “Does this new dragon have a community?”
 
“At this point, no,” Gil said. “The way it’s going right now I think we’re going to be lucky if they’re alive tomorrow. If they live through this I’ll send them your way. They’re based at Quantico.”
 
“Gil, I really owe all these guys,” Gibbs said. “I’ll figure out something to do for Eppes, but you have to keep the new bond pair alive. I have a feeling we’re going to need all the dragons we can get here really soon.”
 
“I’ll do my best, but this new human could out-stubborn you, Gibbs,” Gil said. “All right, I’ve got to go. Good luck.”
 
“Thanks.” Gibbs put his phone away, checked the hall to be sure it was empty and then hurried across and into the lab. “Abby!”
 
“Gibbs!” Abby exclaimed. “God, you always sneak up on me. One of these days you’re gonna totally give me a heart attack or something, which will totally suck because Donnie will die along with me.”
 
“Abby, there’s an email in your box from Dr. Eppes with the code to break the book,” Gibbs said. “Do it now. I want to know what has Morrow so damn spooked.”
 
“You do know that even with the code it could take a couple of days, right?” Abby asked, opening the email. “Whoa, I take that back.”
 
“How long?” Gibbs asked.
 
“Twelve hours,” Abby replied. “And that includes downloading the cipher.”
 
Gibbs grinned. “Do it.”
********************
 
Tony was just filling out his last report of the day when he felt an emotion spike along his bond with his dragon. “Donnie,” he said, the tone of his voice catching everyone’s attention.
 
“What’s wrong, Tony?” Kate asked as she and Flack joined Tony at his desk.
 
“I don’t know,” Tony replied softly. “Gibbs is upset about something and is heading this way.”
 
“But you don’t know what,” Flack said. “Aren’t there days you want that thing Mac’s got?”
 
“No shit,” Tony muttered just as the elevator door opened and Gibbs stalked out into the bullpen. It was immediately obvious to his community members that the dragon was extremely close to the surface.
 
“DiNozzo, Flack with me,” Gibbs snapped. “Kate, you and McGee find that bitch that’s been spying on us and put her in an interrogation room.”
 
Tony stepped in close and put a hand on his dragon’s shoulder. “Take a deep breath, Jethro,” he whispered. “You’re glowing.”
 
“I’m going to kill him, Tony,” Gibbs said. “If Tom so much as looks at me wrong, I’m going to kill him. He is living on borrowed time.”
 
“Do you want me to do this?” Tony asked.
 
“No, I want him to look me in the eye and tell me the truth,” Gibbs replied. “And he had better not lie to me.”
 
Flack stepped in next to Tony as the trio climbed the stairs towards Morrow’s office. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but knew he was along for not only witness purposes, but back-up as well.
 
Morrow looked up as the door to his office opened. “How did you get in here, Gibbs?” he demanded. “I left orders that you aren’t allowed in the building until further notice.”
 
“I have my ways,” Gibbs replied. “Close the door, Flack.”
 
“With all of you on the other side,” Morrow said.
 
“You’re not giving the orders here anymore, Tom,” Gibbs said in a soft, deadly voice. “In fact, you’re under arrest.”
 
“For what?”
 
“We broke the code in the little black book,” Gibbs said. “The one that you were so desperate to get back and now I understand why. You didn’t want anyone to know that you’ve been visiting a brothel.”
 
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
 
Gibbs put his hands on the desk and leaned forward. “You mean you don’t like screwing around with young boys?” he hissed. “I’ve already tipped off the FBI and they’re going to break the house up, get all the kids to the hospital. Then we’ll have all the records, Tom. So why don’t you save us all some trouble?”
 
“I’ve never broken the law,” Morrow stammered, obviously unnerved by the ice blue gaze fixed on him.
 
“Don’t lie to me,” Gibbs snarled. “Do you even know how much damage you’re done to those children? Do you think they’ll ever be able to recover from this? The only reason you’re still alive is because I want you to suffer for every second you abused those children. Flack, get him out of my sight before I do something I might regret.”
 
“Yes boss,” Flack said.
 
“And Flack, don’t let him trip on the stairs on the way to the holding cells,” Gibbs added.
********************
 
Gibbs was at his desk writing up his report when the elevator dinged. “Welcome home, Tobias,” he said.
 
“Jethro,” Fornell said. “I’m going to figure out how you do that. I know I’m the one that owes you, but I have one more favor to ask.”
 
“What’s that?” Gibbs asked.
 
“Most of the kids we saved today had been kidnapped or run away from home,” Fornell replied. “And their parents have been contacted. But there’s a problem.”
 
“What?” Gibbs asked as he pinned Fornell with an icy blue gaze.
 
In reply Fornell put a baby carrier down on the desk. “We think she belongs to one of the girls, but no one is claiming her,” Fornell said. “Jethro, child and social services is overwhelmed and I told them I knew a couple of guys who would adopt her in a second if we could skip most of the paperwork.”
 
“It’s not like you to break the rules, Tobias,” Gibbs said. “What did social services say?”
 
“That they’d call you to set up an appointment to talk,” Fornell said. “We might not always get along, Jethro, but this is something you need to do. Part of you has been dead since you lost Kelly.”
 
“Hey boss, what’s going on?” Tony asked as he came up to the desk. “Congrats, Fornell, are you giving out cigars?”
 
Gibbs snorted. “She’s not Tobias’s, Tony,” he said. “She’s an orphan who needs a home.”
 
“I was just telling Jethro that I think the two of you would be perfect parents,” Fornell said.
 
“You haven’t told me how you know about us in the first place,” Gibbs said.
 
“I had a lot of time to think about things up in New York,” Fornell replied. “And as soon as I have a chance, I’m going to go and talk with my friend too.”
 
“Good,” Gibbs said with a small smile. “So what do you think, Tony?”
 
“We have the room, boss, and I’m sure Abby will help us out when we need to be in the field,” Tony said.
 
Gibbs looked up at Fornell. “What did the doctor say?”
 
“She’s perfectly healthy, just a little malnourished,” Fornell replied. He put a folder and bag down on the desk. “There’s her paperwork and enough supplies to last the night. You did a year’s work for us, Jethro, and you saved a lot of lives. That’s something to be proud of.”
 
“I just wish we could’ve done something sooner,” Gibbs sighed. “You have Morrow?”
 
“Safe and sound,” Fornell said. “And that woman too. They’re both in padded cells so they can’t hurt themselves before the trial. And we’ve got names, Jethro, of a lot of powerful people here in the city and will be taking them all down very soon.”
 
“Good,” Gibbs said. He glanced over at Tony and smiled. His human had the baby snug against his chest.
“I’m going to take her to see Abby,” Tony said. “Oh, Fornell, does she have a name?”
 
“Not that we can find in the records,” Fornell replied.
 
“Faith,” Gibbs said.
 
Tony nodded. “Faith Marie Gibbs.”
 
“Tony,” Gibbs said, stunned.
 
“Not arguing, boss,” Tony said. “Besides, your name sounds better than mine does. It’s more powerful. We’ll meet you in the lab.”
********************
 
Flack was in the lab waiting for Abby to finish some maintenance when Tony walked in. “Who’s this?” he asked, standing up as quietly as he could.
 
“A victim from the house the fibbies just took down,” Tony replied. “She wasn’t touched, thank god, but she needed a new home.”
 
Abby took the baby carefully. “She’s precious, Tony. What’s her name?”
 
“Faith Marie Gibbs,” Tony said with a soft smile. “Tobias Fornell cut through all the paperwork and brought her to us.”
 
“We so have to go shopping, Tony,” Abby said. “And I thought Donnie and I would be the first ones to have a baby.”
 
“I hope Morrow realizes how lucky he is to be alive,” Flack said. “I know I was tempted to trip him on the stairs. How the heck did Gibbs control himself?”
 
“Because death is too easy an out,” Gibbs said as he joined the group. “But I wanted to rend him apart. I really did.”
 
“You know they’ll keep him isolated when he does go to prison,” Tony said.
 
Gibbs took his new daughter from Abby. “Word will get out about what he’s done. They won’t be able to keep him safe forever.”
 
“Come on, boss, we should get home,” Tony said. “We need to figure out where Faith is going to sleep.”
 
“I think I still have Kelly’s crib,” Gibbs said softly. “I made it for her when Shannon was expecting and I’m sure I stored it in the attic.”
 
“We’ll come over tomorrow to help set up her room,” Flack said with a grin. “Oh, boss, do you know who our new director is going to be?”
 
“I haven’t heard anything,” Gibbs said. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“It’s kinda nice to have everything back to normal,” Mandy commented to Adam.
 
He glanced up from the test he was running. “I don’t think things’ll be back to normal until Danny’s back in the field,” he said. “Then Mac will relax, which means everyone else will relax too.”
 
“I’m not tense,” Mac said from behind Adam.
 
“Yes you are,” Mandy sighed. “And stress-related heart attacks can happen to anyone, you know. Now, we don’t have any new information for you, so why don’t you quit making Adam nervous and go see how Danny is getting on.”
 
Mac smiled. “He chased me off, saying he couldn’t work with me hovering over his shoulder. Adam, I keep telling you that I don’t bite.”
 
“I know, it’s just hard,” Adam said, taking a deep breath. “Have you heard anything from DC or Miami?”
 
“Or LA,” Mac added. “Gil’s out there talking with a counterpart. Miami is quiet at the moment, which has Horatio worried. The notebook has been translated, the director of NCIS was arrested and Gibbs adopted a three-month-old baby girl.”
 
“Hey, Mac,” Stella said poking her head into the lab. “Ryan just called. He and Lindsay need us at their crime scene.”
 
“Then let’s go,” Mac said. “Danny’s in charge until I get back, Mandy.”
 
“I’ll tell him.”
********************
 
The Sunday block party necessitated that Mac and Stella park and walk in to join their friends. They were met halfway by Detective Jennifer Angell, an able and smart girl who had taken over as lab liaison when Flack moved to DC.
 
“It looks like a simple homicide,” Angell said as she fell into step next to Stella.
 
“Ryan and Lindsay are both very able CSIs,” Mac replied. “I’m sure there’s a good reason they called for back up.”
 
“Jen, why don’t we look around out here,” Stella said, catching the look in Mac’s eyes. “We don’t need everyone in there right now anyway.”
 
Mac nodded his thanks and joined his community members in the stairwell. “What’s going on, Ryan?”
 
“I wish I knew,” Ryan replied. “Something just doesn’t seem right here, Mac.”
 
“Walk me through it,” Mac said.
 
“Security guard shot in the chest,” Lindsay said. “His wallet is in tact, so robbery doesn’t seem to be the motive. This is a commercial business that doesn’t have any money here, so it seems like a pointless crime.”
 
“Who called it in?” Mac asked.
 
“We don’t know,” Ryan said. “I was about to follow those footprints when you arrived and Lindsay was going to get the lifter from the truck.”
 
“Let’s go,” Mac said. “Lindsay, Stella and Angell are outside. Bring them up to speed, please.”
 
“Part of me wants to go with her,” Ryan said.
 
“I know. You’re getting close to six months too,” Mac said. “We’re going to Miami for a meeting this weekend. Talk with Gil and see what he says.”
 
Ryan nodded and started up the stairs. “I smell people, Mac,” he said. “Shouldn’t the crime scene have been cleared?”
 
“Yeah, it should have,” Mac said. “That means someone isn’t doing their job. Remind me when we get outside and I’ll mention it to Angell. She can talk with the uniforms.”
 
“The prints head out through this door,” Ryan said. He took out his flashlight and checked the handle. “I don’t see any prints or GSR.”
 
“Dust it,” Mac said. “But it’s possible our killer wore gloves.”
 
“Nothing,” Ryan said a few minutes later. “Hey Mac, is it true our communities might be growing soon?”
 
“Not in the sense you’re thinking,” Mac replied. “There are new alphas involved, so our network is growing but unless someone else Changes, things will….” Mac trailed off and froze in the middle of the hall. “Ryan, do you smell that?”
 
“It’s a bomb,” Ryan whispered.
 
Mac looked around and quickly made the connection between the knocked over ladder on the floor and the smell in the hall. “Pull the fire alarm, Ryan,” he ordered, taking out his phone. “Stella, its Mac. We have a bomb in here. Get everyone away from the building. Now!”
 
“Lindsay,” Ryan said.
 
“She’s outside, Ryan; she’ll be fine,” Mac said. “Come on, we have to clear the building. Let’s move.”
********************
 
Outside Stella clipped her phone back on her belt. “That was Mac,” she said softly. “There’s a bomb in the crime scene building. We need to get everyone out of here as quick and safely as we can.”
 
“Ryan,” Lindsay whispered as she turned back towards the building.
 
“Mac will take care of him, but you stay with me kiddo,” Stella said. “Because I know they’ll want you safe as well.”
 
“Okay,” Lindsay said with a weak smile.
 
The three women hurried out into the street to start moving the people at the block party as far away as they could get them from the crime scene, not knowing how much time they actually had. Then they just managed to duck behind a department rig as the building exploded.
********************
 
Ryan opened his eyes and found himself surrounded in a blue/gray/green tarp, his ears still ringing from the blast. “Mac?” he coughed.
 
“Roller coasters will never be the same,” Mac rumbled in reply. “I’m going to let you down. Can you stand on your own?”
 
“I think so.”
 
Mac’s wing moved and Ryan slid to the rubble-strewn ground. He was shaky but able to stay on his feet. Mac Changed back to human form and winced. “What I wouldn’t give for a hot bath right now,” he said. “My bruises have bruises.”
 
“What happened?” Ryan asked, looking around. They were in the basement. “We were up on the fourth floor.”
 
“Just before the explosion I Changed and caught you under my wing,” Mac replied. “Once the structure was weakened, it couldn’t hold my weight anymore and we ended up here. I said it when I saved Danny last week and I’ll say it again. Thank god for scales.”
 
“How are the others?”
 
“I let Danny know we’re okay, but cell and radios will be off in the area in case of another device,” Mac said. “But I’m guessing Lindsay is fine because you’re awake and fully functional. Trust me; when a human gets knocked out, it affects the dragon too.”
 
“So now we wait,” Ryan sighed.
 
Mac laughed. “Don’t worry, Ryan, I made a nice big hole as I came down,” he said. “They’ll find us in no time. And I think we worked out why the security guard was killed. He got in the bomber’s way.”
 
“Now we have to figure out who planted the thing,” Ryan said. “And who they were trying to kill? We must’ve chased two dozen people out of here. Any one of them could’ve been the target.”
 
“Or it could’ve been the building owner, or even us,” Mac added. “We need to see the bomb and work from there.”
 
Ryan looked up suddenly. “Search and rescue.”
 
“If they ask, we were already in the basement and took shelter under that work bench,” Mac said quietly. “It’s the only way to explain our rather suspicious lack of injuries.”
 
“Smart,” Ryan smiled. “Hey guys, down here!”
********************
 
Lindsay was pacing in front of the Avalanche Stella and Mac had driven to the crime scene, eyes fixed on the building. “I want to be in there, Stella,” she said. “What’s taking so long?”
 
“They’ve got to move slow so they don’t get hurt themselves,” Stella said. “You know that, kiddo. I thought Ryan was supposed to be the fussy and overly protective one in this relationship.”
 
“He is and I know he’s fine. I just want to see him so I can convince myself.”
 
“Still a little too much of a scientist at times?”
 
“And science really doesn’t work with the rest of this,” Lindsay said with a small smile. “Stel, did I ever tell you how happy I am that you’ve come around and joined the community?”

“I’m actually pretty happy myself,” Stella said. “It makes me feel even more like a member of the family. Hey, there’s someone looking for you.”
 
Lindsay turned back towards the crime scene just before Ryan wrapped her in a fierce hug. Mac walked around them and joined Stella. “Hey,” he said.
 
“Hey yourself.”
 
“The paramedics are insisting that Ryan and I go get checked out,” Mac said. “So I’m going to get Lindsay to drive up. The chief is bringing in the night shift to help you here and Hawkes is on his way, but you’re in charge of the scene. Once I get away from the hospital, I’ll go back to the lab and help Danny coordinate from there.”
 
Stella nodded. “You got it,” she said. “And Mac, I’m glad you’re okay. The lab just wouldn’t be the same without you and Danny around.”
 
“Thanks, Stella,” he said. “Ryan, Lindsay; let’s go. We’ve got a bomber to catch.”

When Gibbs opened the door the next morning he found not only Abby and Don, but Ducky, Kate and McGee as well. “We’re ready to work, Gibbs,” Abby said with a grin. “Or shop. I kinda figured you probably wouldn’t want to go to all those baby stores.”
 
“No, but Tony does,” Gibbs grinned as he let his team and community into the house. “And it would probably be a good idea for Faith to be gone when we’re painting.”
 
“Then we’re your women,” Kate said.
 
“And dragon,” Don added. “I’ll keep ‘em safe, boss.”
 
“I know you will, Don,” Gibbs said. “Ducky, are you sure you’re up to this?”
 
Ducky put his hat on the shelf and closed the hall closet door. “I might be old, Jethro, but I can still manage a paint roller and a screwdriver if need be,” he said. “But if you prefer, Kate can remain behind and render her most able assistance and I will take the children shopping.”
 
“Nope, I learned a long time ago not to get between a woman and shopping,” Gibbs grinned. He took Faith from Tony and cuddled her close. “And no doubt Abby and Kate will be teaching you about shopping soon too, princess.”
 
“We do what we can, bossman,” Abby grinned. “So, are you ready to go, Tony?”
 
“Sure am, but we’ll need to take Jethro’s truck,” Tony replied. “It has the car seat/carrier already installed.”
 
“Don’t forget a carrier we can take on the plane, Tony,” Gibbs said.
 
Tony held up a sheet of paper. “I’ve got the list right here,” he said. “We’ll let Abby and Katie spend the money while Don and I haul stuff around.”
 
“Are you sure it’s wise to let them shop together, Jethro?” Ducky asked as he watched Tony strap Faith into her carrier.
 
“I trust Tony to keep ‘em in line,” Gibbs grinned. “So I guess we have a room to paint and a crib to move. It shouldn’t take too long.”
 
“Jethro, I apologize if this is a tender point, but did you keep any of Kelly’s toys?” Ducky asked.
 
“I dunno, but you’re welcome to look. Things are still a little hazy around that point. Hell, Duck, I mighta burned them for all I know.”
 
Ducky patted his friend’s arm. “Then we’ll say no more about it,” he said. “You and Timothy can handle the paint just fine. I shall see what I can find in the attic.”
********************
 
“Gibbs, um boss, do you know who our new director is going to be?” McGee asked once the drop cloths were in place and cans of mint green paint opened.
 
“I haven’t heard anything, Tim, but I haven’t been in touch with the yard today,” Gibbs replied. “We were given the next few days off as a reward for arresting Morrow and finding the information on the brothel. So when the folks who really broke the code for us show up, we need to figure out something nice for them.”
 
“Who was it?”
 
“A couple of college professors and a BAU agent,” Gibbs said as he started painting. “They’re all dragons.”
 
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to hearing that.”
 
“What’s wrong, Elf Lord, can’t believe that a huge mythological beast is real?”
 
McGee’s mouth opened and closed a few times. He’d never seen Gibbs in such a, well, happy mood before. It scared him. “It’s not that, boss; I just don’t understand how it works.”
 
“I don’t see why we can’t let you read some of the journals,” Gibbs said. “I’ll tell you this much though, it sure as hell ain’t science that let’s us do this. It’s magic, plain and simple.”
 
“And you don’t mean like card trick magic, do you boss?”
 
“Nope,” Gibbs grinned. “I’m not sure where this magic comes from. Mandy or Adam could probably tell you that. Hell, they can probably answer all your questions. I’ve never seen such a pair of book worms before.”
 
“I’ll have to give them a call,” McGee said.
 
And, on cue, Gibbs’ cell phone rang. He set his roller back in the tray. “Yeah, Gibbs.”
 
“Hey, it’s Danny,” a still slightly raspy voice said. “Mac and Ryan were caught in an explosion.”
 
“What?” Gibbs exclaimed. “Are you all okay? Do I need to fly up? What the hell happened?”
 
“Jethro,” Mandy’s voice came onto the line, “Danny isn’t up to long explanations for all he went against doctor’s orders and is back at the lab. Mac and Ryan are both fine. Lindsay wasn’t in the building with them.”
 
“So Ryan didn’t Change,” Gibbs said. “Wait, he can’t; he still needs to blend. So what happened?”
 
“Mac did Change and, with Ryan tucked under a wing, fell four floors to the basement,” Mandy said. “Danny didn’t even know anything was wrong until Mac contacted him via their talent.”
 
“Do you know who set the bomb?” Gibbs asked.
 
“Not yet, but according to Stella the DHS, FBI and ATF have all arrived at the crime scene,” Mandy said. “I’ll have Mac give you a call as soon as he can, but things are a tad messy at the moment.”
 
Gibbs snorted. “I think we need a guard of some kind of Mac and Danny,” he said. “Kidnapping, knife attacks and bombs. What the hell is gonna hit them next?”
 
“Hopefully nothing,” Mandy sighed. “But one thing we know for sure is that this wasn’t hunters. Bombs are the one weapon they won’t use.”
 
“True, a dragon isn’t worth anything if we’re floating around in a million pieces.”
 
“A little more graphic than I needed, Jethro,” Mandy said. “I have to go. Adam and I have been elected to make a food run for everyone.”
 
“Tell Mac I want to be kept in the loop,” Gibbs said. “And I’ll see everyone in a couple of days.”
 
“Boss?” McGee asked.
 
“There was a bombing in New York City,” Gibbs said. “And my two NYC dragons were caught in it. I’m going to get a radio so we can listen to the news while we work.”
********************
 
Tony paused on the sidewalk and stared up at the sign in horror. “You have got to be kidding me,” he said.
 
“Oh come on, Tony, it’ll be fun,” Abby said bouncing a little.
 
“Baby Goth,” Tony said. “Abby, do you have any idea what Jethro will do to us if we come home with anything from this place for Faith?”
 
“You’re not going to change her mind, Tony,” Don said. “She’s still talking about a black nursery for when we have kids.”
 
“Abs, there are days you really scare me,” Tony said. “And I mean that with love, but I am not taking my daughter in there.”
 
“Kate, why don’t you and Abby shop here and me and Tony will go on to the baby store,” Don said. “And you can meet us there.”
 
“I’ll keep her safe, Don,” Kate said.
 
“I know you will,” Don smiled.
 
Tony waited until they were alone to say anything. “Thanks, Donnie,” he finally said. “Somehow I just don’t think Jethro would understand.”
 
“Abby is going to get you toys and clothes in there,” Flack replied. “Some of their stuff actually isn’t too bad or weird. She’s been buying for our future kids.”
 
“I’ve been meaning to ask about that,” Tony said. “Why aren’t we getting ready for a baby Flack?”
 
Don pulled out a shopping cart and held it while Tony got the carrier secured. “I guess I forgot to tell everyone up here about that,” he said. “Gil told me when I was down in Miami. The first Change makes a dragon sterile.”
 
“But it’s obviously temporary,” Tony said. “Let me guess, blending flips the switch back.”
 
“Got it in one,” Don grinned. “So now it’s just a matter of time before Abby and I do have kids. I’m a little suspicious that there’s still some kind of birth control involved here. Otherwise there would be a major population explosion.”
 
“That’s an interesting point,” Tony said. “It’s something you should mention to the others when you get a chance.”
 
“I’ll see Mandy and the other geeks this weekend,” Don commented. He looked at the strollers and baby carriers. “Okay, some of these make me feel sick. There should be a law against that much pink.”
 
Tony snickered. “The times they are a changing,” he sang softly. “Jethro and I talked about it and we can agree on Winnie the Pooh for a theme for Faith’s room and things.”
 
“In that case I hope you got the measurements of the crib so we can get sheets and blankets too,” Don said. “I think we’ll have to get these bulk things last.”
 
“The boxes are too big to try shopping with,” Tony agreed. “We don’t have a budget, so let’s get started.”
********************
 
“Jethro, I really must protest the state of your attic,” Ducky said when he emerged two hours later covered in dust and carrying two boxes.
 
“It ain’t a place I spend a lot of time, Duck,” Gibbs replied. “What did you find?”
 
“A box of baby clothes that I suspect will be fine after they’re washed and a box of toys,” Ducky said. “I suspect that Shannon packed these items away as the boxes aren’t labeled in your handwriting.”
 
“She wanted a big family,” Gibbs said softly. “And it just never happened. Kelly was all we had.”
 
“We can pack them away again if it’s going to be too painful for you,” Ducky said.
 
“It’s been ten years, Ducky,” Gibbs said. “And I know that Shannon wouldn’t want her family heirloom clothes rotting away in the attic if we could get some use out of them.”

Ducky smiled and patted his friend’s shoulder. “An admiral and no doubt correct assessment of the situation,” he said. “Now as to the toys, I think they’re more appropriate for an older child, but they can be aired out.”
 
“No way,” Abby exclaimed as she came into the living room. “An original, complete Rainbow Brite set and two original Cabbage Patch Kids. Gibbs, do you have any idea how much those are worth?”
 
“Do you?” Gibbs asked.
 
“Vintage toys are always worth tons of money,” Abby said.
 
“Well, we’re not selling them so it doesn’t matter,” Gibbs replied. “Did you have a successful trip, Tony?”
 
“Oh yeah,” Tony said. “But I’m glad we’ve been saving so much, Jethro. Baby things are not cheap.”
 
“We found some bargains though,” Kate added as she followed Don into the house. She handed Faith to Gibbs. “And she was a perfect angel all day.”
 
“Which probably means she’ll be up all night,” Gibbs grinned. “We got the room painted and it’s ready for everything to be moved in.”
 
“As soon as I eat, Jethro,” Tony said. “Shopping with Kate and Abby is like being in a hurricane. I’m exhausted.”
 
“Welcome to parenthood, Tony,” Gibbs said.

Danny was waiting in front of the elevators when he felt his dragon arrive in the building. *Go to the store room, Danny* Mac said. *It’ll look suspicious if we go together*
 
*Hurry* Danny replied.
 
*What is it with impatient humans today* Mac teased. *I’m fine, Danny. You’re the one who is supposed to be resting with me fussing over you*
 
*I’m fine too* Danny said. *I just ain’t talking great. But we aren’t gonna be doing much talking, are we Mac*
 
*Danny, cool it* Mac said. *I still have to walk through the lab*
 
The dry chuckle that went through Mac’s mind as he stepped out of the elevator and started towards his office made him smile. He noticed that Chad was in the trace lab working on something, but there wasn’t any sign of Adam or Mandy.
 
*They went to get supper* Danny said. *C’mon, Mac, I’m dying here*
 
*Patience is a virtue* Mac said. He took off his black suit jacket and hung it over the back of his desk chair. Then he opened a desk drawer and dug around for a moment, pretending to look for something. He closed the drawer and left his office again, this time angling towards the supply closet where he knew Danny was waiting.
 
The moment the lock clicked, Danny was in his arms, their mouths sealed together and Mac’s body responded so fast that it hurt. He spun them so Danny was up against the door and pressed in as close as he could, his tongue taking swift possession of his human’s mouth.
 
*Mac, please don’t draw this out* Danny moaned. He managed to worm his hands between them and started to unbutton Mac’s ocean blue dress shirt.
 
*Need you* Mac replied. He broke the kiss and nipped at Danny’s left ear love, knowing it was a hot spot for his young human. Danny moaned and leaned back, letting the door take most of his weight as Mac started stripping him. *Lie down for me, Danny* Mac said. *Come on, not against the door today. Not until you’re completely healed*
 
*Cold* Danny muttered as his back come in contact with the tile floor.
 
*Not for long* Mac opened the packet of lube he had palmed while digging in his desk, spread it over his erection, lifted Danny’s lefts and slid home in one smooth thrust. Danny moaned softly and lifted his head, asking for a kiss. Mac smiled down as his eyes started to glow and he leaned forward, covering Danny’s mouth with his own. They moved together, Mac being careful not to let too much leak out over their bond as he needed Danny conscious and able to work. Danny wrapped his legs up around Mac and tried to push him deeper on each thrust. Mac pulled out of the kiss, shifted Danny’s hips and thrust back in, sinking just a little deeper. That was all it took to push Danny over the edge and he came, a hand over his mouth to muffle the cry. And as much as Mac wanted to draw it out, he knew they had to get back to work so he started moving just a little faster and finally came with a muffled cry of his own.
 
*Come on, Dan, time for a shower* Mac said. *We have work to do*
********************
 
“Gibbs took the news a lot better than I thought he would,” Mandy said as she and Adam walked out into the late afternoon sun. “However, I am inclined to agree with him that Mac and Danny need some sort of a keeper.”
 
“Remind me to be in the next country when you suggest that,” Adam said. “Do you think being a father will mellow Gibbs?”
 
“I don’t expect the impossible,” Mandy said with a grin. “Ducky tells me that Jethro was a bastard even before his first wife and their daughter were murdered.”
 
“I haven’t heard that story.”
 
“I don’t know the details. I don’t know that anyone other than Ducky and Tony do,” Mandy replied. “All I know is that they were killed and I believe Gibbs was overseas at the time. And I get the feeling there are days he hates himself because he’s glad Shannon died when she did so no one was hurt when Gibbs Changed to save Tony. Can you imagine what that would be like, Adam?”
 
“No,” Adam said. “I think we’re lucky that, so far at least, we haven’t had that situation come up. Can you imagine the legal mess that would cause?”
 
Mandy shuddered. “Not to mention the heartache and possibly tearing apart a family,” she said. “It’s not the happiest of thoughts by any stretch of the imagination.”
 
“You’re right, so let’s change the subject,” Adam said. “What do you think this meeting is about? It can’t just be for everyone to meet and exchange personal information.”
 
“I wish I knew so I could plan what books I need to bring,” Mandy said. “Copies of the basic information is a given and Gil has those at his house. I need a heads-up if there’s going to be more in-depth books needed.”
 
“Anything you can find on this whole beta bond,” Adam said as he bumped Mandy’s arm playfully. “And I mean that seriously too. I still can’t believe such a thing exists and it even threw Chrysalis for a loop. Do you think this new beta will link up with Mac and Horatio?”
 
“It would be exceptionally interesting if Larry did join into the mix. I suppose all we can do is wait and see.”
 
“Man, I still can’t believe I’m going to get the chance to meet both Charles Eppes and Larry Fleinhardt,” Adam said. “I mean, their work is just amazing.”
 
It was Mandy’s turn to nudge Adam. “You sound like a very nerdy version of a teenaged fan girl,” she said. “Come on, let’s get the food.”
 
They had called in the order before they left the lab, so they only had to wait about five minutes. Adam made sure was a good mix of forks and chopsticks while Mandy paid for the meals.
 
“Did you remember a spoon for Sid?” Mandy asked, pocketing the change.
 
“Yeah, and his food is in a separate bag too,” Adam replied. “I’m ready if you are.”
 
“Ready, willing and able,” Mandy smiled. She picked up two of the bags and used her hip to open the door.
 
“Did I tell you Daniel called?” Adam asked once they were back on the street. “He wants more books to read. He actually reminds me of a certain black-haired historian I know.”
 
“More like Abby than me, I think,” Mandy replied. “I’m not nearly hyper enough. I suspect it’s a lack of constant caffeine in my diet. What did you tell him?”
 
“That it’d take years for him to read everything we do have and I’d ask you to sort through it,” Adam said. “And find him the most age-appropriate books for him.”
 
Mandy laughed. “You know, technically, he and Jack are older than all of us.”
 
“You know what I mean.”
 
“I do, and I’ll find some more basic journals for him once this mad bomber is caught. I didn’t anticipate how much working at the lab would get in the way of all the research I have to do.”
 
Before Adam could reply a portly figure in a hooded sweatshirt stepped out of the darkly shadowed alleyway. His right hand was tucked in the front pocket and both Mandy and Adam could see the outline of the gun in the hidden hand.
 
“In,” the man said pointing at the alley.
 
“How did you find me?” Adam asked softly. He tried to stay in front of Mandy the whole time, to shield her with his body.
 
“It wasn’t easy,” the man replied. “But I finally managed to get my hands on a paper you published and it mentioned where you were working. I always told you that no matter where you went I’d find you.”
 
“I’m not going home again,” Adam said. “You’ll just have to kill me because I refuse to go back to that hell.”
 
Mandy remembered what Adam had told her following her confession about her family and made the connection quickly. The man with the gun was Adam’s father, but she wasn’t sure why the man would want Adam home again. Unless it was just some form of power play to try and get Adam back under his control again.
 
“Why would I kill you?” Mervin Ross asked. “It’d be so much more effective to kill the girl with you.”
 
“Leave Amanda out of this,” Adam said. “She doesn’t know who you are or what’s going on. Let her leave and I’ll go with you.”
 
“Oh, she knows. I saw it in her eyes and there can’t be any witnesses.”
 
“The dead are often the best witnesses,” Mandy said softly. “As the word lie can only apply to their final resting position. They speak as clearly as I do and what they say is quite frequently damning to those who killed them. And I am not leaving Adam.”
 
“You should run and get Mac,” Adam said.
 
“And by the time we returned you’d either be gone or dead,” Mandy said. “You know that isn’t how we do things these days.”
 
“What the hell is she rambling about?” Mervin demanded, pulling out the gun.
 
Three things happened almost simultaneously. Mervin pointed the gun at Adam and Mandy. Adam pushed Mandy back. And everything went black.
********************
 
Mandy picked herself up from the spilled Chinese food, wiped the remains of Sid’s chicken soup off her face and came eye to eye with a large pure white dragon. “Oh boy, I didn’t see this coming,” she muttered. “Hey Adam, are you okay?”
 
The dragon rumbled in his chest. Mandy smiled and reached out to put a hand on her dragon’s neck. He shimmered briefly and then Adam was back in his human form, blinking. “Did I just Change?” he asked.
 
“Yep, come on, we need to get back to the lab and tell Mac what happened.”
 
“Uh, Mandy, why are you covered in Chinese food?”
 
“Because I was still holding the bags with our supper when you Changed,” Mandy replied with a smile. “And I really need a shower before we even talk about bonding.”
********************
 
Mac and Danny came back to the main part of the lab just as the elevator opened to admit Adam and Mandy.
 
“Amanda, what happened?” Mac exclaimed when he took in her very messy appearance.
 
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” she insisted. “I just need a hot shower. Adam can tell you about it.”
 
“What happened?” Danny asked.
 
“My dad showed up,” Adam replied. He lowered his voice. “I Changed to save Mandy from him. He’s dead.”

Both Mac and Danny froze at Adam’s words. “Danny, go see if any of the bomb fragments have come in,” Mac said. “And see if Ryan and Lindsay are back from the hospital yet.”
 
“You got it, boss,” Danny said. “Adam, don’t worry man, everything will be fine. You’ll see.”
 
“Thanks, Danny,” Adam said. “Mac, my father said he found me through an article I published. I don’t know how that’s possible because none of the publications have my lab.”
 
“I’ll look into it, Adam,” Mac said. “You and Amanda need to go complete your bond and get back as soon as you can. We’ve got a mad bomber running around the city.”
 
“We have 24 hours.”
 
“I know you do, but we’ll have more evidence in the lab by tomorrow and I don’t know that you’ll be able to slip away,” Mac sighed. “Look, Adam, you and Amanda know more than I do and I know there won’t be any problems. I just don’t have a good set-up for you here at the lab.”
 
Adam smiled. “If you’re sure.”
 
“I’ll make it an order if I have to,” Mac said. “We’ve still got Chad here and he can cover until you get back.” He turned to go to his office. “Oh, what happened to supper?”
 
“Um, Mandy’s wearing most of it,” Adam said.
 
“That’s what I thought. I’ll make something work,” Mac replied. “Go and let Amanda know what’s going on.”
 
“Okay, thanks Mac.”
 
Mac shook his head with a fond smile. He knew the basic reason Adam was always so nervous around him; it was because of how he’d been treated by his father growing up. But he also hoped that Adam was at least starting to relax around him and that being Changed would help out as well.
 
“Hello?”
 
“Abby, it’s Mac.”
 
“Hey, what’s up? Are you guys all okay?” Abby asked. “Bossman said you and Ryan were caught in a bombing, which is like totally scary to even think about.”
 
“We’re both fine, Abby. Danny and Lindsay weren’t in there with us and I was able to keep Ryan safe.”
 
“Do you know who it was?”
 
“Not yet, but they’re still clearing and searching the crime scene,” Mac replied. “Abby, I need your help and amazing computer skills.”
 
She laughed. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she said. “Is it something I can do from home or am I going to need my work computers?”
 
“I need you to find out how Adam’s father could have traced him through an article Adam published in a trade magazine.”
 
“Traced him…Mac, is Adam okay?”
 
“Yeah, he Changed to save Amanda,” Mac said.
 
“He did what?” Abby shrieked.
 
“Ouch, Abby,” Mac said jerking the phone away from his ear.
 
“Mac.”
 
“Hey Gibbs,” Mac snickered, still rubbing his ear. “We have a new dragon in the community.”
 
“What the hell? Who?” Gibbs demanded.
 
“Adam and Amanda,” Mac said. “I’m not sure of all the details, but they’re going to one of their apartments to complete the bond and then they’ll be back at work.”
 
Gibbs growled. “Who the hell was stupid enough to threaten them?”
 
“According to Adam his father finally managed to find him,” Mac said. “The elder Ross was a bully and I guess he must have been stupid enough to threaten Amanda. I suspect we’ll get the call to the crime scene in the next few hours, but the bombing is our priority at the moment.”
 
“Still no idea who set the bomb?”
 
“We’re still waiting for the evidence from the, hang on a second; what is it, Danny?”
 
Danny shut the door behind him. “They found another bomb, Mac,” he said. “It’s at the library.”
 
“Gibbs, I have to go,” Mac said into the phone, “we’ve got another one.”
 
“Be careful,” Gibbs ordered.
********************
 
*Mac, why are we doing this* Danny asked as he followed his dragon into the library. *The bomb squad gets the big bucks for a reason, y’know*
 
*I’ve got better protection than they do* Mac replied wryly. *You keep me calm, Danny. I need you with me*
 
*I love you, you nut, but this has got to be the single stupidest thing I’ve ever done* Danny said. *And you owe me*
 
Mac paused, turned and smiled at Danny. *You, me, our bed* he all but purred. *Just as soon as we catch this guy*
 
*I didn’t need those visuals right now* Danny muttered, shifting a little.
 
*You’ll have to share when we’re out of here* Mac looked around to make sure they were alone before pulling Danny in and kissing him gently. *I love you*
 
*I know* Danny grinned. He copied Mac’s actions and put his helmet on. *Are you sure you know what you’re doing*
 
*I think so*
 
*Not reassuring* Danny muttered.
********************
 
When Ryan and Lindsay got back to the lab they were surprised to find it almost empty. “Where is everyone?” Lindsay asked.
 
“Stella and Hawkes are still at the crime scene,” Ryan replied. “But I thought Mac and Danny would be here, somewhere.”
 
“They’re out with the bomb squad,” Chad said as he joined the pair. As always he looked like he’d been up all night playing video games and drinking Mountain Dew. His ash brown hair was messy, his eyes blood-shot and rimmed in red and his clothes rumbled. “I’ve been working over the first batch of evidence sent over from the building and I think I know not only how the bomb was detonated but who did it.”
 
“That’s great,” Lindsay exclaimed.
 
“Not really,” Chad sighed. “Come and take a look at what the computer turned up and then I think someone needs to call Mac or Stella.”
 
“Why?” Ryan asked.
 
“Because this is going to need the big guns who get paid more than us to deal with shit like this,” Chad said as he turned the computer screen towards the pair.
********************
 
“It’s a cell phone detonator,” Mac said to Danny once the bomb was disarmed and on its way back to the lab. “Its genius, really, because anyone can set it off. All they have to do is dial the number or the code.”
 
“So how do we work out who’s building them?” Danny asked.
 
“We hope for a print or DNA in that last bomb,” Mac replied. “Or maybe something on the cell phone. We’re just lucky no one called before I disarmed it.”
 
“Mac, the targets don’t make no sense,” Danny commented. “Unless it’s a hunter group we missed.”
 
“I don’t think hunters would use bombs,” Mac said. He picked up his jacket and pulled out his ringing phone. “Taylor.”
 
“Mac, it’s Ryan; Chad worked out the type of bomb that almost killed us.”
 
“Cell phone,” Mac replied. “There’s an in-tact one coming your way.”
 
“The SIM card was workable from the one that blew up,” Ryan continued. “And he also got us a cell phone number.”
 
Mac glanced over at Danny. *We might have our bomber* he sent at the same time he asked “who is it?”
 
“You’re not going to like it, Mac,” Ryan said.
********************
 
Stella looked up in surprise when Mac and Danny walked into the multi-agency command center. “Mac, what’s wrong?”
 
“Where’s the DHS lead agent?” Mac asked.
 
“I’m DHS lead agent Ellen Fielding,” a young black woman replied. “What can I do for you, Detective Taylor?”
 
“You can let me see your cell phone,” Mac replied. “I can get a warrant if you’d prefer.”
 
“What’s this all about?” Fielding asked.
 
“A call from your cell phone set off the bomb that almost killed one of my CSIs, myself and two dozen innocent civilians,” Mac said.
 
“Impossible.”
 
“Prove it,’ Mac growled.
 
Fielding took a deep breath. “I did get a call today asking me to respond to a preset code,” she said. “But that’s routine. We’re trained to respond to various codes at different times.”
 
“How would the bomber know the codes?” Mac asked.
 
“I can think of two ways off the top of my head,” Danny said softly from his spot just behind Mac’s right shoulder. “There’s a leak in the DHS or our bomber’s an agent.”
 
“That’s impossible,” Fielding protested.
 
“Then tell me how this happened,” Mac said. He was getting very close to the point where he would lose control and the dragon would come to the fore. His community was in the direct line of fire and, at that point, he didn’t care who he had to rip through to get the answers to keep them and his city safe. He’d do it in a heartbeat.
 
Some of his intentions must have shown on his face or in his eyes because Fielding took a step back. “A laptop with confidential information was stolen last week,” she admitted.
 
“Why didn’t we know about this?” Mac snapped.
 
“Because the DHS doesn’t inform city departments of every little problem.”
 
“No, you just let their officers get killed,” Mac snarled. “If any member of the NYPD dies as a result of these attacks I’m holding you personally responsible.”
 
*You’re channeling Gibbs* Danny commented as he followed his dragon out into the street.
 
*Do you blame me*
 
*Nope, I think it’s kinda hot*

When Gibbs opened the door the next day he found a young woman with a clipboard and briefcase. “Yes?”
 
“Mr. Gibbs?”
 
“Special Agent,” Gibbs replied. “Would you be from child and social services?”
 
“Yes. I’m Jill Graves,” she said. “Tobias Fornell told me that you’d just need the final paperwork on the adoption, but I’m sure you can understand our desire to make sure the child is in a good home.”
 
“Of course,” Gibbs said with a smile. “Come on in. Tony’s getting Faith dressed. What do you need to see?”
 
“Oh, just a general tour of the house,” Jill replied. She put her briefcase down by the door and took a pen from her gray blazer pocket. “And also to ask what you’ll be doing with – Faith was it – during the day when you’re at work.”
 
“A friend is going to watch her,” Gibbs said. “We spent yesterday baby-proofing the house even though Faith is only three months and won’t be moving on her own for a while yet. We don’t want her to grab anything she shouldn’t. And my own daughter crawled earlier than we expected so I learned you can’t ever be too ready with kids.”
 
“You have another daughter, Agent Gibbs?”
 
“I did, she and her mom were killed,” Gibbs said. “The kitchen is through there if you want to look.”
 
“What’s through here?” she asked.
 
Gibbs grinned. “The basement and my wood shop,” he said. “We’ve got the baby gate ready to use whenever I’m down there.”
 
“I must say you’ve done a lot in a short time. I’m impressed, Agent Gibbs. Could I see the upstairs?”
 
“Sure.”
 
Tony came down carrying Faith who was dressed in a purple one piece. Her back was against Tony’s chest, her large green eyes taking in everything. “Hey Jethro, did we leave the diaper bag down here?”
 
“And you must be Tony DeNotzo.”
 
“DiNozzo actually,” Tony grinned. “For some reason Fornell always says it weird. You’d need to see it written down to know otherwise. As soon as I find the diaper bag we’re ready to go, Jethro.”
 
“I think I saw it in the living room, Tony,” Gibbs said. He took Faith and settled her so she was sitting on his left arm, back against his chest and held by his right arm. “Miss Graves, have you been able to work out who her mother was?”
 
“We haven’t and probably never will,” Jill sighed as she followed Gibbs up the stairs. “There were ten girls under the age of sixteen; one under ten, and nine of them had had at least one child. You did us a huge favor breaking this open, Agent Gibbs.”
 
“My team had help from some experts out west,” Gibbs said. “I only wish we could’ve got there sooner. Here’s the nursery.”
 
“I’m impressed,” Jill said as she looked around the newly painted and furnished room.
 
“Tony and I had our team over yesterday and they all helped,” Gibbs said. “Do you need to see the master bedroom too? Faith is sleeping in here with a baby monitor.”
 
“No, I think I’ve seen everything I need to,” Jill said. “Tobias told me you were the perfect family to take her and it appears he was right. I’ll admit I was a little unsure of allowing two men to adopt her.”
 
Gibbs grinned again. “I’ve got two extremely strong-willed women on my team,” he said. “And my team is also my family. Faith will never be lacking aunts or uncles.”
 
“There will have to be spot checks, you understand.”
 
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Gibbs replied. “Hey Tony, did you find the bag?”
 
“Yep, I got it packed and it’s in the truck,” Tony said. “You want me to get Faith buckled in?”
 
“Yeah, I’ll be out in a second,” Gibbs said. “Miss Graves, Tony and I are going to Miami for the weekend and taking Faith along. Is that going to be a problem?”
 
“Normally yes, it would be, but I don’t see two federal agents vanishing after putting so much effort into not only their careers, but setting up their house for a new baby.”
 
And that was the problem. She didn’t think like a bastard. Gibbs did and knew that some disappearances had been staged for far less. But he just smiled. “Thank you.”
********************
 
Abby and McGee were on the computers in the lab doing their tag-team typing routine when Gibbs and Tony walked in. “Anything?” Gibbs asked. He put a Caff-Pow on the counter next to Abby’s keyboard.
 
“Thanks Gibbs,” Abby said. “Nothing so far, which makes me think that Adam’s day was so totally lying about how he found him.”
 
“And we can’t ask him,” Gibbs sighed.
 
“Um, why not Gibbs?” McGee asked. 
 
“Because he’s a pancake,” Gibbs replied. “When we Change that first time we kill the dirt bag who is threatening our human.”
 
“So Adam killed his dad?” McGee seemed shocked. “That’s rough.”
 
Flack looked up from the desk where he was entertaining Faith. “Not near as rough as Adam had it growing up, Tim,” he said.
 
“You’re so cute,” Tony teased. He took out his phone and snapped a picture of Flack, Faith and the black teddy bear in an NCIS jacket.
 
“You show that to anyone, DiNozzo, and I’ll get you,” Flack replied.
 
“Yeah, yeah, Mr. Tough guy,” Tony said. “I can’t wait until you have kids of your own.”
 
“I think there’s something sexy about a man who’s willing to show his softer side,” Abby said softly.
 
“Not in front of the kids,” Gibbs sighed.
 
“Don’t you mean kid, boss,” Tony asked.
 
“Nope,” Gibbs said with a crooked grin. “Keep at the search, Abs. I want to know if this creep was involved with the hunters.”
 
Abby snickered. “You got it, Gibbs,” she said. “What about Faith?”
 
“Tony and I’ll keep her with us until a case comes in,” Gibbs replied. “Mc Gee, stay here and help Abby with her search. Flack, Tony, let’s go see what’s hit our desks since we were here last.”
 
Kate was waiting in the bullpen. “The gossip is that our new director will be here sometime today,” she said quietly.
 
“Scuttlebutt, Kate, not gossip,” Gibbs said. “Has anyone mentioned a name?”
 
“Not that I’ve heard and I was down in the gym before I came up here,” Kate replied. She took Faith, a bottle and blanket over to her desk. “It sounds like everyone is still in shock that Morrow was arrested, let alone that the charges are going to hold up.”
 
Gibbs snorted. “According to Tobias this place had a state-of-the-art security system, including fingerprint scan-in,” he said. “That alone is pretty damning evidence, but when you add in their records and the fact that some of the kids are willing to give video-taped statements then its air tight. And there are more raids coming over the next week.”
 
“Personally, I think Fornell is looking forward to rounding up as many of these creeps as possible,” Tony said.
 
“It’ll prove one thing,” Gibbs said. “That being elected to office or holding a federal job does not mean you can ignore the laws.”
 
“Well said, Jethro,” a red-headed woman said as she walked into the bullpen. “It seems that all of DC is singing your praises at the moment.”
 
“Jen,” Gibbs said.
 
“Although I would ask why there’s an infant here. Agent Todd, you should have her in day care.”
 
Gibbs stood up. “She’s mine, Jen. Her name is Faith and she was only just rescued from that brothel the FBI broke up,” he said softly. “And she’s not ever going to be placed in a stranger’s care.”
 
“That’s all well and good, Jethro, but you can’t take her out in the field with you, so why even have her here?” Jen asked.
 
“I’ve made arrangements,” Gibbs replied. He noticed that both Tony and Flack had moved to flank Kate and Faith. “Not that it’s any of your business, Jen.”
 
“Actually, it is, Jethro,” she said. “But first, why don’t you introduce me to your team?”
 
“Tony, call Abs and get them up here,” Gibbs said not taking his eyes off Jenny. “And Ducky too, please.”
 
“Gibbs?” Tony asked, the name loaded with questions.
 
“Make the calls, Tony,” Gibbs replied softly. He let as much love and reassurance flow along the bond as possible. He knew he’d have to tell Tony about more of his past. The only reason it hadn’t come up before was because Gibbs hadn’t thought it’d ever have any bearing on his life. He perched on the corner of his desk. “You seem to already know Kate,” he continued, “so I’ll assume you already know Tony too.”
 
“A bit of a playboy and goof off,” Jen said.
 
“The best intuitive agent on my team, possibly in the whole of NCIS,” Gibbs said in almost a growl. He’d seen Tony’s shoulders tense and felt the pain flash along the bond. “Tony has his own style and it works, sometimes very well. Not everyone has to think inside the box.”
 
“Boss?” McGee asked as he and Abby joined the group.
 
“This is our new director,” Gibbs replied. “Jenny Shepard; Tim McGee and Don Flack are my other field agents. Abby is our forensic expert.”
 
“And you mentioned Ducky,” Jen said.
 
“Good lord, Jenny, I had no idea you were back in the country,” Ducky said as he turned the corner. “However have you been, my dear?”
 
Tony leaned down. “Ducky really can get along with anyone, can’t he?” he whispered so only Gibbs would hear him.
 
“Yep,” Gibbs replied. “Get Faith, Tony. We’re leaving for Miami today.”
 
“On it, boss,” Tony said.
 
“Jen, can I talk to you alone,” Gibbs asked.
 
“Come up to my office,” Jen replied.
 
Kate put her hand on Tony’s arm. “Hey, you know I’m only kidding when I call you a playboy, right Tony?”
 
“Yeah, Kate, I know,” Tony said. “Don, you and Abs get ready to go. Gibbs said we’re heading out today.”
 
“We’ll meet you down there,” Flack said.
 
“I don’t like her Tony,” Abby commented.
 
“I don’t either, Abby, but I think we’re stuck with her whether we like it or not.”
 
“What do you think Gibbs wanted to talk to her about?” McGee asked.
 
“You know Gibbs. He’s probably laying down the law,” Tony snorted. “Let’s move, people.”

“Geez, Sam, are we taking the whole library with us?” Dean asked when he caught sight of Sam bringing out another box.
 
“This is the last one,” Sam replied. “Which is probably a good thing because I don’t think we have any more room.”
 
“I still can’t believe we haven’t come across all this before,” Dean said. “Hey Bobby, we’re leaving.”
 
Bobby appeared on the front porch. “You two boys keep in touch,” he said. “I don’t want none of this nonsense happening again. Take care of each other and for gods sake don’t strain your bond.”
 
“Y’know, Bobby, sometimes you sound more like Dad then Dad ever did,” Sam grinned.
 
“Idiot,” Bobby said affectionately. “I’m serious no. You two got a lot to learn and most of it is important. Treat this like a new hunting exercise, Dean.”
 
“Hey, how come it’s just me?”
 
“Because I know that Sammy already has good study skills,” Bobby replied. “Now go on, get outta here, you got a long drive ahead of ya.”
 
“Thanks again for everything, Bobby,” Dean said.
 
“And then some,” Sam added.
 
“And don’t know show up there unannounced,” Bobby yelled as the Impala pulled out. “Those two.” He shook his head with a fond smile and went back inside.
********************
 
“He has a point, Dean, we should call someone and let them know we’re coming,” Sam said.
 
“Okay, so who’s numbers do you have?” Dean asked. “Because I sure as hell don’t want to be shot the second we get to New York.”
 
“I have Mandy and her father,” Sam admitted.
 
Dean snorted softly. “Why do I get the feeling neither of them is a good idea?”
 
“Let me call Mandy and tell her we have these books for her,” Sam insisted. “She’ll want to be able to get them, so it’ll give us at least half an hour to apologize and get her back on our side. Then her dad will be less likely to kill us.”
 
“Call that lieutenant down in Miami and get directions to the lab in New York,” Dean said.
 
“What?”
 
“Look, the way I see it is that if anyone in New York knows we’re coming then there’ll be trouble,” Dean said. “But if we can case the lab and catch Mandy as she’s leaving then we have the element of surprise on our side.”
 
“And why would a cop in Miami know the way to a lab in New York?” Sam asked. “And what’s to stop him calling New York as soon as he’s off the phone with me. Not to mention that we’re both wanted by the FBI, Dean. We can’t exactly just hang out around a crime lab or police station.”
 
“I really hate it when you’re right,” Dean grumbled. “Okay, fine, call Mandy and let her know our plans. But I still think you should call Miami too.”
 
Sam glanced at his brother. “Is there a reason you’re pushing so hard for Miami?”
 
“Bobby said we need a community and I wouldn’t mind being on that beach,” Dean grinned as he slipped on his sunglasses. “Especially in the winter.”
 
“You are so shallow,” Sam laughed.
 
“But you still love me.”
 
“Yeah, Dean, I do.”
********************
 
Mandy and Adam were on their way back to the lab after completing their bond when Adam grabbed Mandy’s hand and pulled her into a jewelry shop. “I want to do this right,” he said.
 
“Adam, you don’t have to,” Mandy said as they walked over to the engagement rings.
 
“I know, but I want to,” Adam replied. “I don’t have a lot of money, Mandy, but I want to get you something that shows we’re together.”
 
She grinned. “It’s not like I’m beating men off with a stick, you know. But thank you.”
 
“So, does anything catch your eye?” Adam asked.
 
“Actually, yes, that one,” Mandy said. She pointed to a white gold band with a small diamond set into the band rather than standing up.
 
“Simple, classy and beautiful, just like you,” Adam said, making Mandy blush. “Now we just have to see if it fits you.”
 
“What about you?” Mandy said. “This goes both ways, you know.”
 
Adam grinned and ducked his head. “I’ll just get a plain band to match yours.” He watched as Mandy slid her choice on. “Do we need to have it sized?”
 
She pushed up on it with her thumb and spun it around a couple of times. “It feels okay,” she said. “Adam, are you sure you can afford this?”
 
“Yeah, I just had a couple of articles published and have been holding onto the money,” he said. “I’ll be back.”
 
Mandy was looking at the rings in the colored gem section when her cell phone rang. “Hello?”
 
“Hey Mandy, please don’t hang up.”
 
“Sam, I didn’t think I’d hear from you again,” Mandy said. “Congratulations on your bond, that’s such wonderful news.”
 
“It doesn’t freak you out that it’s with Dean?” Sam asked.
 
“No, but I wouldn’t advertise your blood relationship if people know about your bond,” she said.
 
“What about in the communities?” he asked. “We’re on our way to New York now and I was hoping to be able to see you without your father killing us on sight.”
 
“Dad’s a little busy right now with a serial bomber in the city,” Mandy sighed. “I’m expected back at the lab to help out with the evidence and I honestly don’t know how long we’re going to be.”
 
“The meeting,” Adam commented coming up behind Mandy.
 
“Oh, that’s right. Sam, there’s a large meeting down in Miami this weekend,” Mandy continued. “It’s for all Changed dragons and their humans, so why don’t you and Dean turn south and we can talk there?”
 
“We’re bringing books for you as well.”
 
“From your friend Bobby? That does complicate things a little, but we can have them shipped to me from Miami. Or you two can meet us here and fly down with the rest of us this weekend.”
 
There was a muted discussion for a minute. “We’ll see you in Miami,” Sam finally said. “Dean refuses to fly and I don’t think that being stuck on an airplane with your father sounds like much fun.”
 
“I don’t know why everyone is so scared of him,” Mandy sighed. “He’s really just a nice guy.”
 
“I have to say he hides it well,” Sam said. “We’ll see you in Miami, Mandy.”
 
“Call Horatio or Gil and let them know you’re attending,” Mandy said.
 
“Sam?” Adam asked as Mandy was tucking away her phone. “Come on, we need to get back to the lab before Mac starts wondering where we are.”
 
“Yeah, he and Dean have bonded and will see us in Miami,” Mandy said. “They’re both wicked scared of Mac.”
 
“I don’t blame them,” Adam muttered.
********************
 
Sam put his phone down and sighed. “I wonder what this mass meeting is about.”
 
“Maybe we’re going to be fighting some common enemy and it’s a war council,” Dean grinned.
 
“Is everything about hunting with you?” Sam asked. “Why couldn’t it just be possible that it’s some kind of social gathering so we can all get to know each other?”
 
“How did Mandy sound on the phone?”
 
“Distracted. But she told me there’s a bomber running around the city and she was helping her father with the evidence.”
 
“Dude, she’s just a kid,” Dean said. “How the hell is she doing work like that?”
 
“She’s a college student, Dean; it’s probably her internship or something. Now, I have an idea. I’ll call Miami while you start looking for a hotel or a good place off the side of the road to save us some money.”
 
“It’s the middle of the day, Sammy,” Dean said. “Don’t tell me you’re tired already.”
 
Sam reached over and ran a hand up Dean’s leg. “No, Dean, I’m not tired,” he said softly. “Not at all.” He grinned as the car started moving faster.
********************
 
When they were back on the road after a couple of hours Sam took out his phone again and called Miami.
 
“Horatio.”
 
“Lieutenant, this is Sam Winchester again,” Sam said. “I just spoke with Mandy and she’s sending us in your direction for a meeting.”
 
“Did she give you any details?” Horatio asked.
 
“No sir,” Sam said. “Just that it was for all Changed dragons and their humans. Is it not something Dean and I should be involved in?”
 
“Truthfully, I’m not sure,” Horatio replied. “There are going to be a lot more dragons here than any other meeting we’ve had before and I’m not even sure why we’re meeting at this point.”
 
“Well, Dean and I can always leave it we have to,” Sam said. “And I’d kinda like to have a chance to talk with everyone, especially those brothers you told us about.”
 
“They’ll be here,” Horatio said. “You said you spoke with Mandy, did she say anything about Mac and his feelings?”
 
“No, she said he’s really busy with a bombing case,” Sam said. “And I know he might kill us, but Dean and I are going to talk with him and apologize.”
 
Horatio chuckled. “I’ll talk with him before then,” he said. “Mac might hold a grudge, but he won’t kill you guys now. But you’re both going to have to work to prove to all of us that you’re sorry.”
 
“We know, Lieutenant,” Sam said. “We’re ready to do whatever we have to.”
 
“See you this weekend then,” Horatio said.

“Hey Ryan, I need you and Lindsay to take this,” Mac said as he joined his team in the layout room.
 
“What’s up?” Ryan asked.
 
“Adam Changed and the scene was just called in,” Mac replied. “I need the two of you to handle this as quickly and quietly as possible. You both know what to do?”
 
“We won’t let you down, Mac,” Lindsay said. She took the paper with the address on it. “Ready, Ryan?”
 
“Right behind you,” Ryan said with a grin.
 
Mac watched the go, still amazed at how much Ryan had grown and opened since his move from Miami to New York. He knew that part of it was the Change to true form and finding Lindsay while part of it was being accepted into both the lab and community. Whatever the rest was, Mac was just happy that Ryan had been able to find himself.
 
“Hey Mac, I think I got something,” Danny said from his spot across the room.
 
“What is it, Danny?”
 
“The cell phone is disposable, no big surprise there, but I opened it up to see what made it tick and found that so did our bomber,” Danny replied. “I don’t know why he opened it up in the first place, but I got two prints.”
 
“Tell me they’re usable,” Mac said.
 
Danny grinned – making Mac’s pulse speed up – and held up two collectors. “You want to put ‘em in the computer, boss?” he asked. “I still got stuff to do here.”
 
*I can think of something else I’d rather input, Danny* Mac sent, delighting in the flush that colored Danny’s face. “Good work, Dan,” he said aloud.
 
*I’ll get you* Danny grumbled as Mac left the trace lab. *And when you least expect it too. Just you wait*
 
Mac snickered softly as he walked through the lab to check in with Chad and upload the prints. “Hey you two,” he called when he caught sight of Mandy and Adam.
 
“Where do you need us?” Adam asked.
 
“Go help Danny with whatever he’s got left,” Mac said. “Amanda, why don’t you come with me?”
 
Adam kissed Mandy’s cheek and left the pair. Mandy glanced up at Mac. “They found his father, didn’t they?” she asked softly. “That’s why you want him in with Danny, so he won’t be near the other case.”
 
“I’ll tell him about it as soon as I get you set up in the print lab,” Mac said. “Amanda, what’s that?”
 
“A ring,” Mandy replied.
 
“I can see that. Did Adam buy it for you?”
 
“He did,” Mandy said. “And we were in the store for less than ten minutes too. He’s nervous enough around you, Mac. Don’t add to it.”
 
“I won’t,” Mac sighed. “I just hope we can get him past all this.”
 
“You’re more imposing than you realize at times,” Mandy said. She took the evidence envelope. “These need to be loaded into the computer?”
 
“Please,” Mac smiled. “Now I’m going to go take over for Chad so he can get some sleep. I’ll be in the trace lab if you need me and I’ll check back in a bit.”
 
“How’s Stella doing?”
 
“She and Hawkes are on their way back in,” Mac said. “I’ll get one of them to bring you the prints from the crime scene along with the elimination prints from the emergency personnel.”
 
“Okay,” Mandy grinned. “See you in a bit.”
 
Mac made it exactly three and a half steps down the hall before his phone rang. “Taylor.”
 
“Hello Mac.”
 
“Horatio, what’s going on?”
 
“I need a favor, please,” Horatio said. “Now and after the meeting.”
 
“Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this?” Mac asked with a wry grin.
 
“Because you’re probably not,” Horatio replied. “I got a phone call from a newly Changed dragon today and he’s coming to the meeting. Mac, I need you to promise you won’t kill, hurt or otherwise maim him or his human.”
 
“Okay, who is it?” Mac sighed.
 
“Sam Winchester. He Changed within the last week to save his brother, Dean.”
 
“Can that happen?”
 
“Apparently it’s pretty common,” Horatio said. “You’d have to ask Mandy for details on it though. I’m just glad I didn’t Change to save Raymond.”
 
“There is something rather squicky about the thought,” Mac agreed.
 
There was a long pause. “You’ve been hanging out with Abby, haven’t you?” Horatio finally asked.
 
“I’ve got Amanda in the lab,” Mac snickered. “Should it worry us that we both know the meaning to the word?”
 
“Greg is nothing if not good for the vocabulary,” Horatio said. “I learn new words daily, if not hourly, but I do worry about Ray at times.”
 
“I can see that. Speaking of Amanda, how does she feel about all this?”
 
“Sam said that she was really distracted by a bombing case you’ve been working,” Horatio said. “I think, ultimately, we’re just going to have to follow her lead on this and, if she is willing to forgive them, then we should too.”
 
“I don’t know how easy it’ll be for me to do that,” Mac said. “Hang on a second. Hawkes, go see Danny and Adam with all that. They’re in the layout room. Stella, Amanda is working prints, go ahead and help her with that.”
 
“You sound like a traffic director,” Horatio commented.
 
“I feel it in my bones that there’s another bomb in my city, H,” Mac said. “And we’re running out of time to catch the guy responsible.”
 
“You’ll get him, Mac,” Horatio said. “You and Danny are staying with Greg, Ray and me for the meeting so we can talk more then. Ray is really happy Danny’s coming back to visit too.”
 
“I’ll let him know,” Mac said. “I promise to be on my best behavior too. I’ll keep my distance from Sam and Dean for a while too. But I’d never hurt them, H, especially not now.”
 
“I know, Mac, I know,” Horatio said. “I’ll see you when you guys all get down here. Be careful out there.”
 
“We will be,” Mac promised.
********************
 
“Hey Danny, what can I do?” Adam asked as he joined his friend.
 
“All those samples need to be run through the mass-spec,” Danny replied. “Nice ring, man.”
 
Adam grinned and ducked his head. “I guess I’m a little old fashioned.”
 
“Nothing wrong with that,” Danny said. “Does Mac know?”
 
“Mandy was going to mention it,” Adam said. “We’re going to plan out a wedding for next year.”
 
Danny’s eyes went a little wistful. “Wish I could do something like that.”
 
“Maybe you could,” Adam said. He logged the first sample on the clipboard and set to work. “Like down in Miami or something so you could keep it quiet.”
 
“Yeah, maybe,” Danny said.
********************
 
“Mac,” Stella called an hour later. “Wait up.”
 
“What’s wrong, Stella?”
 
“Mandy got a match between the prints Danny found in the cell phone and one of the elimination samples I took,” Stella replied softly. “We found his prints on the vent too, but they were pretty damaged.”
 
Mac took the folder. “He had no reason to be in the building, did he?”
 
“He’s a bomb expert,” Stella said. “I met him a couple of years ago at a conference. Once the building was cleared then he would’ve had a reason to be there, but not before. The prints on the vent had debris and soot on them.”
 
“He was probably counting on the bomb destroying the evidence he left behind,” Mac said. “We know he was wearing gloves up to the point he actually planted the bomb, but he would’ve had to take them off to fine-tune everything. Do we have a location on him?”
 
“I think he was going back to his place,” Stella said chewing on her lip. “He’s a native, I think, or is at least stationed here.”
 
“Track him down,” Mac said. “I’ve got some questions I want to ask him.”
 
“You got it,” Stella grinned.
********************
 
Home turned out to be a basement apartment filled with bomb-making materials, maps, files and a rejection form from the Marine Corps. Next to it was Mac’s melted badge and his service record.
 
“Boss,” Danny said softly, turning Mac’s badge over in his hands.
 
“I’m here, Danny, I’m fine,” Mac replied. He kissed Danny’s temple. “It’s hard to be sure because of all the C-4, that stuff stinks, but I don’t think anyone has been here in at least a day, if not two.”
 
“So what now?”
 
“We go through this as quick as we can and try to work out where he is.”
 
“Mac, you won’t believe this,” Stella said as she walked in. “Wow.”
 
“Stella?”
 
“Sorry, it seems that our friendly DHS lead agent too exception to your tone and has been working the case on her own,” Stella said.
 
Mac pinched the bridge of his nose. “Do I really want to know?”
 
“The bottom line is that they’re both dead,” Stella said.
 
“Now we do have a mess to clean up,” Mac said. “Let’s get the bomb squad here to move the rest of the explosives for us and then all this evidence is going back to our lab. I refuse to let the DHS or ATF cover this up. The city needs to know its safe.”
 
“No argument here,” Stella said. She smiled at Mac and left to make the calls.
 
*You okay* Danny asked.
 
*Things like this always take me back to that day* Mac sighed.
 
*I know, and I’m here* Danny said. *We need a vacation*
 
Mac snorted. *Then it’s a good thing we’re going to Miami, isn’t it. Come on, let’s get to work before anyone shows up and tries to claim this*
 
*I’d like to see ‘em try* Danny said.

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