Ducky led the team down to the cafeteria and after purchasing hot beverages for everyone he found a table tucked away in a corner that would provide them some much-needed privacy. The older man opened his mouth to speak but stopped short when Abby began babbling about Gibbs and Tim and how she hoped they would be okay. Leaning back in the chair, Ducky removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. After all that had happened he didn't have the strength or patience to deal with Abby. All of their attention, especially his, needed to be focused on Gibbs and getting him through this tough time. While she continued rambling he reached across the table, grabbed one of her flailing arms and waited for her to calm down.

"Abigail, I understand you're concerned about Jethro and Timothy. However, I'm going to need you to calm down my dear. He paused, addressing the entire team, "I understand it's a sad time for all of us, with Timothy leaving and Jethro getting injured, but we must push those emotions aside for the time being. Our main goal is helping Jethro cope with the fact Timothy is no longer with us."

Everyone was quiet as the reality sank in that their leader and surrogate father was going to need their help rather than the other way around. Unable to stand the silence any longer and wanting answers, Ziva spoke up, "What is Gibbs' condition, Ducky? Is he going to be all right?"

Taking a sip of tea, Ducky sighed, "Physically I believe he'll make a full recovery it's more of the ..." He trailed off, shuddering at the possibility of Gibbs unable to overcome losing Tim.

Tony swallowed past the sudden lump in his throat. He knew exactly what Ducky was referring to and chills ran down his spine as he let his mind wander. Gibbs had a long road ahead of him and the fact the man was as stubborn as a mule wasn't going to help the situation. He would discuss his concerns privately with Ducky although he was certain everyone else shared them as well. Realizing the older man had begun talking again he shook his head as if to clear it and continued listening.

"When I left the doctor was ordering a series of X-Rays and a CT Scan to check for any fractures or possible bleeding in Jethro's brain from when he hit his head. He'll need sutures to close the wound, but the morphine they gave him was keeping him comfortable."

"What do we do now?"

"As hard as it is to do, we wait, Anthony." Rising from his chair, Ducky continued; "I'm going to call Director Vance and let him know what happened. If you would like there's a waiting room across from the emergency department that we can gather in until the doctor gives us an update."

Nodding, the team followed their leader back down the maze of hallways until they reached the small empty waiting room. Piling in, everyone took a seat except for Tony who guided Ducky further down the hallway away from the rest of the team.

Taking a deep breath and running his fingers through his hair, Tony asked, "How bad is it, Ducky?"

Squeezing Tony's arm in reassurance, he chuckled, "Anthony, I assure you Jethro will likely be sore for a few days, but barring any massive brain injuries he'll make a full recovery. Based on how he was communicating it's highly unlikely that's the case."

"That's not what I'm referring to and you know it. I heard what Gibbs said while he was lying on the ground. Leave me alone and let me die. I'm afraid he'll do something drastic and then we will have lost both him and Timmy." He paused, trying to rein in his emotions before continuing, "Is it possible to die of a broken heart?"

"Very possible my boy. In the medical field it's known as 'Broken Heart Syndrome' or acute heart failure triggered by stress. I understand your concern and will do everything in my power to get our friend through this. Of course I won't be the only person helping him, we are all lucky to have such a strong family."

Tony nodded and gave the older man a small smile, "You're right, our family will support Gibbs and get him through this ordeal."

Patting Tony on the back, Ducky responded, "Yes, we will. Normally Mr. Palmer is my right hand man, but for this occasion I'm going to need you. Do you think you are up to the challenge?"

Scoffing, the younger man answered, "Of course I am." Stopping to think for a moment he continued, "One condition though; I prefer living, breathing human beings and will not be assisting in any autopsies."

"Deal."

Smiling and feeling better now that he'd talked to Ducky; Tony went to rejoin the others while the older man called Vance. Following a lengthy conversation with the Director regarding all that had transpired in a matter of hours, Ducky rejoined the team in the waiting room. Abby's head was propped against Jimmy's shoulder and the two of them were watching a movie on his phone. Ziva was thumbing through one of the waiting room magazines and Tony was pacing back and forth, waiting impatiently for some answers from the doctor. Ducky settled in next to Ziva and picked up one of the magazines. He chuckled at the irony when he saw the magazine was touting the latest electronics and technology. Adult Tim would have been so engrossed in the magazine where as Gibbs probably would have growled and thrown it in the trash. They spent the next few hours chatting, playing cards and trying to keep a positive outlook. Finally when they couldn't stand waiting any longer, Dr. Phillips emerged with an update. Looking around the room at each member of the team he raised his eyebrows slightly and turned to Ducky.

"These all yours?"

"Yes, in a matter of speaking. How's Jethro doing and when can we see him?"

"Agent Gibbs is going to be fine. The X-Rays and CT scan were negative for any fractures or bleeding in his brain. However, based on the neurological exam he suffered a concussion along with some frostbite on his back and legs due to the amount of time he was on the ground."

Relief washed over everyone's faces as Dr. Phillips assured them that physically Gibbs would make a full recovery. Abby threw her arms around the doctor's neck and shrieked, "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! We would all be lost without him."

"She's a hugger." Jimmy laughed nervously, prying Abby's arms away from the stunned doctor.

"I see that." The doctor replied, taking a step back and straightening his coat. "My plan was to keep Agent Gibbs overnight so we can control his pain and keep an eye on him, but he's adamant on going home. The poor guy has had enough stress for one day that I didn't want to keep him here against his will. Although he'll be okay physically I am deeply concerned about his mental state. I know you mentioned he lost his son in a custody dispute this morning, but how long will it be before he sees him again?"

The group exchanged sorrowful glances. A few of them bowing their heads in response until Ducky cleared his throat and spoke, "It is likely Jethro will never see Timothy again."

"None of us will get to see him again, thanks to that bitch Maggie Mc..." Abby screeched until Tony quickly covered her mouth with his hand. While she continued to rant, the words muffled against Tony's hand, he guided her out of the room and down the hall to cool off.

"You'll have to excuse Abby. As you can see, Jethro is not the only one who is heartbroken over losing Tim."

"I understand, Dr. Mallard. Agent Gibbs would benefit from seeing a psychologist to discuss the different stages of grief he'll be feeling. I agreed to let him go home on the terms that someone will be staying with him until you feel he's capable of being alone. I'll send his prescriptions to the pharmacy here that way you won't have to stop on your way home. I'm assuming you're aware of taking care of a patient with a concussion, but if you have any other questions I'll give you my pager number."

Ducky nodded and extended his hand, "Thank you doctor, for everything. Is Jethro in the same room as he was when we came in?"

"We've moved him down the hall. I'll have a nurse show you to his room and once the prescriptions are ready then he's free to go."

Once Dr. Phillips left the room Tony and Abby returned from their walk. Grimacing when she saw the exasperated looks on the others faces she shrugged her shoulders, "What? You can't tell me all of you weren't thinking the same thing I was! I was just the only one bold enough to say it."

"That may be true Abby, but it is not all about you!"

Tony nodded, "Ziva's absolutely right. Gibbs is always there for us and now it's our turn to return the favor. If you don't think you can handle it then you might as well go home right now."

Abby was suddenly fascinated with her hands and bowed her head in shame. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have reacted like that in front of the doctor. I'm just so angry that Maggie took Tim from all of us! It's not fair!"

Wrapping his arm around Abby's shoulder, Jimmy pulled her toward him and sighed, "We're all feeling the same way, but Tony and Ziva are right, explosive outbursts aren't going to help Agent Gibbs."

Nodding she wiped away the stray tear that trickled down her cheek, "I want to help Gibbs. I promise from now on I'll try and control my emotions."

"What else did the doctor say, Ducky?"

The older man proceeded to fill them in on the rest of their conversation with the doctor and Tony couldn't help but snicker when he told them Dr. Phillips suggested Gibbs needed to see a psychologist. Although they would all feel better if he sought help they knew the chances of that happening were highly unlikely. Following a unanimous vote that Ducky would be the one to stay with Gibbs that night they were relieved when a nurse approached the tiny waiting room and motioned them to follow her to be reunited with their leader.

XXX

"STOP! DON'T MOVE!"

Maggie shrieked hysterically when she realized Tim was nowhere to be found. Sprinting over to the bathroom she threw open the door and looked around desperate to find the toddler.

"Ma'am? What is it? What's wrong?" One of the bellhops asked as Maggie frantically stripped the sheets from the bed hoping by some miracle Tim had crawled up onto it and was hiding amongst the covers.

"My baby boy is gone!" She cried as the two bellhops dropped everything and joined the search for the missing youngster.

"Don't worry he couldn't have gone too far. What's his name, how old is he and what was he wearing?"

"You don't know how fast he can crawl. My son's name is Timothy and..." she paused trying to remember how old he was.

"Ma'am? His name is Timothy but how old is he and what was he wearing?"

Remembering back to the conversation with Gibbs and Ducky that morning she replied frantically, "Tim is about a year old and he was wearing a pair of navy blue sweatpants and a blue and black checkered flannel shirt. PLEASE you have to help me find my baby!"

Nodding, the bellhop got on the radio and announced a child was missing, including a brief description of Tim and what floor he was last seen on. Upon hearing the news, two security guards, one of whom was a police officer arrived and began asking questions.

"Ma'am, I'm Officer Lucas and I would like to ask you a few questions about your son, Timothy."

Maggie panicked, she had only been alone with Tim for less than an hour and he had already escaped her care. To make matters worse the police were now involved and she hoped they would find the little guy before Sarah and Penny returned otherwise she would never hear the end of it. Pacing back and forth, she acknowledged the officer and stammered, "Wha wha what do you need to know?"

"When was the last time you saw Timothy and where was he at when he disappeared?"

Looking at the clock on the wall she grimaced, "The last time I saw him was about fifteen minutes ago. I called downstairs for a travel crib and playpen and left the door cracked so the bellhops could have immediate entry. I left him out here while I went into the second bedroom to change and when I returned he was gone."

Officer Lucas cleared his throat and jotted the information down on his notepad, "Let me make sure I'm hearing you correctly. You left your toddler son unattended with the front door cracked while you went in the other room?"

"I know I messed up, but PLEASE find my baby!" Maggie pleaded as she wiped tears from her eyes.

The officer handed her a tissue and responded, "Mrs. McGee I understand it's nerve wracking, but you must try and remain calm. We have guards canvassing every floor, stairwell, elevator and entrance. If Timothy is still in the hotel we'll find him. Is there anyone I can call to come and sit with you while we wait?"

Shaking her head, Maggie replied, "I'm from Texas and the only reason why I'm here is because my ex-husband passed away yesterday. My daughter and former mother-in-law are out running errands and they've only been gone a little while."

"I know you mentioned you were from out of town but can you think of anyone who would want to take Tim? Maybe an estranged family member who knew you were in town or..."

Maggie's sudden gasp interrupted Officer Lucas and he raised his eyebrows slightly waiting for a response from her. When she didn't answer right away he reached out and patted her arm, "Mrs. McGee? What's wrong? Did you think of someone who could have taken Tim?"

"It's a complicated story and as much as he loves Tim I don't think he would just come in and take him. He's a federal agent for God's sake and I would hope he would know better than that."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that." He handed over his notepad and pen, "Write down all the information you know about him. Name, phone number, address, anything that could be helpful."

Maggie's hand shook as she wrote down all the information she knew about Gibbs. It wasn't much as Sarah had driven them all to Gibbs' house that morning and she hadn't thought to pay attention to his address or even what city he lived. Handing back the notepad to Officer Lucas she watched as his eyes widened and he ran his fingers through his hair.

"What? What is it?" Maggie exclaimed when she saw his reaction.

Sighing, the officer responded, "I've known the Gunny, uh, Agent Gibbs for a long time. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with him on a few cases. He's smart as a whip and I learned a lot by just watching him work. I applied a few times to get on his team but the man is loyal and it's tough to get a spot. Word on the street is he comes off as a hard ass, but deep down he's a big softie. One case I worked with him had to do with a young boy who was about five years old and we all thought he was the last person who should be talking to this kid, but when it came down to it, Agent Gibbs was a pro. After several attempts by others to get the kid to speak, he stepped up and worked his magic. It was really..." Lucas paused and smiled, "magical."

"Everyone loves Agent Gibbs. Agent Gibbs can do no wrong. My son loves Agent Gibbs more than he loves me!" She babbled jealously before continuing, "Whatever! That's all fine and dandy; however, he's the only person I can think of besides his team members that would come in here and take Tim. I want my baby back!"

Suddenly there was loud chatter on the radio alerting them that security had searched the entire hotel and came up empty. They also confirmed they were scanning surveillance footage in hopes they would get some answers as to how Tim disappeared.

Upon hearing the news that Tim was still missing, Maggie choked back tears as her mind raced with terrible thoughts regarding his vanishing act and although she was afraid for him she couldn't help but think what Sarah and Penny were going to say when they caught wind of what happened. She was beginning to suspect Sarah was correct and she was no longer adept at being a mother to a toddler. Slumping down on the bed she cradled her head in her hands and prayed they would find Timmy alive and well.

"Mom? What's going on? Why are there police swarming the hotel?"

Maggie scowled when she heard Sarah's concerned voice echo throughout the room. Slowly revealing her face, Maggie wiped away the fresh tears that dripped down her cheeks to see Penny and Sarah standing in the doorway.

"Maggie what's wrong?" Penny asked as she dropped her bags and rushed to take a seat next to the younger woman.

Breaking out into full blown sobs, Maggie eventually choked out, "Timmy's mis missing an and it's all my fault!"

"WHAT?" Penny and Sarah bellowed simultaneously.

"How did a toddler who can't even walk yet suddenly disappear? And why weren't you watching him?"

Overwhelmed and unable to deal with further questions, Maggie ran to the bathroom and closed the door.

"Unbelievable! Your son is missing and you're more concerned about your own feelings and emotions. Running away from your problems just like you did when we were younger."

"Sarah, please, this is not the place or time for that type of discussion. We need to find Timothy."

The younger woman nodded as Officer Lucas reentered the room and looked around for Maggie. Sarah motioned toward the bathroom and said, "She won't be coming out anytime soon. Will you please tell us what's going on? We get back from running errands and my baby brother is missing."

Lucas took a deep breath as the energy in the room had suddenly changed. He'd worked many child abduction cases and dealt with many grief-stricken parents but this one was different. There appeared to be many problems amongst the family and he could only hope there would be a happy ending for all of their sakes.

"Apparently Mrs. McGee called downstairs about half an hour ago requesting a crib and playpen from concierge. While she was waiting for them to bring it up she left the door cracked and went into the other room to change. Timothy was out here by himself and when the bellhops arrived to deliver the furniture she noticed the little guy was gone. I tried calling Agent Gibbs but..."

The thought that her mom had left Tim unattended and her carelessness led to his disappearance had Sarah fuming. In her rage she began kicking and pounding on the bathroom door, screaming a string of expletives that would have made a sailor blush. Between the pounding, kicking and yelling, Penny thought she heard a quiet cry coming from the corner of the room. Shaking her head as if to clear it she stood up and walked toward the bathroom only to stop dead in her tracks upon hearing another whimper. Leaving Officer Lucas to deal with Sarah she quietly made her way toward the couch, which was pushed up against a wall. When she got closer she noticed part of Tim's blanket sticking out from behind the tiny space. Taking a deep breath she picked up the blanket and gasped, heartbroken at the sight beneath it. Timmy was cowered in between a small opening between the wall and couch trembling as tears rolled down his chubby cheeks.

"Oh my god, it's a miracle!" She exclaimed, trying not to frighten the toddler anymore than he already was.

Penny's announcement had Sarah practically flying across the room in excitement when she realized her brother had been found. Crouching down next to the youngster she spoke softly, "Timmy, you had us worried sick! I can understand why you wanted to hide though. You want to come to me?"

Tim rubbed his eyes and hiccupped as the younger woman reached down and gathered him in her arms. Penny wrapped the blanket around the trembling toddler and breathed a sigh of relief that he was found unharmed. Officer Lucas smiled warmly, although he was embarrassed he didn't bother to fully search the room he was relieved this story had a happy ending. Maggie appeared from the bathroom squirming under the deadly gazes of both Penny and Sarah. Seeing Tim snuggled in Sarah's arms, she broke down weeping. The frustration of dealing with a curious toddler came tumbling out of her mouth "You don't understand how hard it is being a mom. Tim is terrified of me and in the time you were gone he almost swallowed a dime, pulled a chair over on top of him and peed on me. He's constantly crawling all over the place and I just can't do it!"

Sarah and Penny exchanged glances before Maggie realized what she had admitted. Looking between the two women she sighed and slumped down on the bed, "Are you happy? You won! I thought I could deal with Tim but after he nearly gave me a heart attack with his disappearing act not to mention how unhappy he is I think it would be best if I had some help."

Realizing the McGees had serious family issues to work out, Officer Lucas decided it was time to leave and he cleared his throat to get their attention, "I'm going to call off the Amber Alert and let them know Tim was found safe and sound. For the sake of this adorable little boy please try to work out your problems."

"Thank you, officer. Sorry to cause such a commotion." Maggie replied as the older man nodded and headed out.

Rocking the youngster in her arms and soothingly rubbing his back, Sarah was able to get Tim back to sleep in a matter of minutes. When Maggie suggested she put him on the bed Sarah rolled her eyes and retorted, "So he can get lost again? I'm not letting him out of my sight."

Knowing they needed to have an open discussion over what had transpired over the past hour, Penny motioned for the three of them to take a seat around the small table and began, "Bickering and yelling at each other is not a good environment for my grandson. We all need to sit down and have a talk about what's best for Timothy."

XXX

Gibbs slowly opened his eyes and looked around at the stark white walls and sterile medical equipment that surrounded him. Groaning as he shifted positions he frowned as the images and sounds of Tim wailing played over and over again in his mind like an old record player. Tim was gone. The little boy who had brought so much happiness into his life over the past three weeks had been taken from him and the rest of the team. His heart ached as he barely had a chance to say goodbye or even really explain to Tim why he could no longer stay. All he wanted was another few minutes to cuddle and kiss, to let his boy know that he didn't abandon him and it was not his choice. However, that time could no longer exist and now he had a huge hole in his heart that would never fully heal. Life was no longer worth living without Tim. Hearing the door handle jiggle he sniffled and wiped the stray tears from his eyes.

Quietly the team entered and gathered around his bed. Abby took hold of one hand while Ziva took the other one.

"How are you feeling, Jethro? The doctor said you have a concussion and some frostbite but other than that you're free to go home."

"How do you think I feel, Duck? My son was ripped from my arms never to be seen again and then I fall, hit my head and end up in the emergency room."

As the pacing on the heart monitor increased, Ducky reached down and squeezed Gibbs' knee in reassurance, "Easy my friend. I know it's been a difficult day but we don't want to put added stress on your heart right now."

Gibbs scoffed, "Hate to tell you this doc, but it's already broken. After what happened today there is no way it will ever be repaired."

Tony patted his leg, "We know it hurts, Boss. We're a family though and we're going to get you through this together."

"I don't need any of your help. Why are you all here anyway?"

The team looked amongst themselves, clearly in shock by how Gibbs was treating them. That is, everyone except for Ducky. The older man understood Gibbs was putting up an emotional wall to hide behind and once he was ready the wall would slowly come crumbling down. Gibbs was in severe emotional pain and for someone who wasn't used to sharing his feelings it could be a lethal combination.

Abby squeezed his hand and sniffled, trying desperately not to shed any tears. "We want to help, Gibbs. We love you. Like Tony said we're a family and we rely on each other during tough times."

"I said I don't want your help! Leave! All of you get out of here!"

Bursting into tears, Abby ran out of the room sobbing with Jimmy not too far behind as he wanted to check on her and was glad to get out of the tension filled room.

"Two down and three to go."

Ziva crossed her arms across her chest, "I am not leaving until you are released to go home."

"Me either." Tony remarked, taking a seat in one of the chairs and scooting closer to the bed.

As Gibbs closed his eyes and sank deeper into the pillows, Ducky gave Tony and Ziva a wink, proud they were standing by their mentor regardless of his attitude.

Soon a nurse came in and brought a pair of hospital scrubs for Gibbs to wear home since his clothes were wet, and the prescriptions Dr. Phillips called into the pharmacy.

"It's about time I get to go home! I can't stand to be cooped up in here for any longer! " Gibbs said gruffly as the nurse went over the medications and instructions with Ducky. After signing the discharge papers the nurse along with Tony and Ziva, stepped out while Ducky helped Gibbs get dressed. Since they had brought two cars and knowing Gibbs didn't want anything to do with them, the four youngest decided they would take one car back to Gibbs' house to pick up their own. While the nurse got a wheelchair, Jimmy and Tony pulled the cars up to the front entrance and waited for them to come out. Once the two older men were settled in one car the four youngest piled in the other and headed off to house.

The car ride back to Gibbs' was relatively silent between the two men. Gibbs leaned the seat back and covered his eyes with a towel as the bright sunlight was causing his head to throb. Once they arrived at the house, Tony and Jimmy were waiting to help Gibbs inside despite the complaining from the older man that he didn't need any assistance. Getting him settled on the couch, Tony built a fire and Jimmy escorted doggy Jethro outside for some much needed relief. Abby and Ziva collected pillows and blankets and a small TV tray they set to the side to hold drinks, food and medications. When the dog came bounding inside and went straight to Gibbs, he pushed him away and bellowed, "Somebody take that damn dog! It reminds me too much of Tim and I don't want him anymore."

Whimpering, doggy Jethro hid behind Jimmy and occasionally peeked his head out from behind the young man's legs and whined. Once Ducky felt he could handle everything else he gave each team member a hug and sent them on their way. They all said goodbye as they passed Gibbs lying on the couch but not one of them was returned by the older man.

Looking at his watch he realized it was time for Gibbs' next dose of pain meds and hoped it would knock him out so he could get some much needed sleep. Filling a glass of water he returned to the family room and stopped when he saw Gibbs sobbing into one of the pillows. The cries were muffled but the tremors that wracked his body were pronounced. He wanted to go to him, lend him a shoulder to cry on and let him know that the entire team was there for him, but knew there would be time for that later. Sighing, he turned around and headed back into the kitchen to give him some time to grieve privately.

Allowing Gibbs some much needed space, Ducky filled the teapot and put it on the stove to boil. Grabbing the newspaper he began flipping through the sections looking for a happy story to read. Startled when his cell phone rang he expected it to be one of the 'kids.' Instead he was shocked at the name that appeared on the Caller ID and his hand shook as he opened the phone and answered.