Bound by Blood, Forged in Fire

Incoming

Jace and Ziva were coming out of the gym from their sparring session. He enjoyed spending his time off rotation with Ziva, she encouraged him to seek help when a Dam Neck doctor advised him to see specialists for the residual physical trauma he endured and to experience life outside of being a SEAL.

"You let Gus have it back there."

"He's a Krav Maga instructor! I thought he could keep up," responded Ziva.

"Keep up with you?!" laughed Jace. "DiNozzo has a better chance of convincing my dad to go on a double date him!"

Both broke out into laughter at this comment. However, it was cut short when they noticed that Ziva's car was running, they could make out a single figure in the passenger seat. They took out their sidearms, corning the vehicle at the driver's side and rear. Ziva opened the driver-side door, weapon ready. Before she could identify herself as a federal agent Ziva did a double-take.

"No kiss for your father?" said a voice Jace didn't recognize.

The sailor went over to her and blanched at the sight inside the car.

Director Eli David.

Head of Mossad.

Ziva's father.

. . .

The car ride was a tense one, Ziva's father had seen her with Jace; she wondered how long he had been surveying her. She had Jace tell Gibbs about her father's presence in D.C., she hoped her father did not have a tail on Jace, no good could come from that. They stopped at a park and went around on foot.

"One of these days you must give me a proper tour of this city," commented Eli. "Perhaps when it is warmer."

"Where is your protection?" inquired Ziva. "They've usually given themselves away by now."

"That is why they do not know I am in the country," answered the older Israeli. "No one does."

"You're the Director of Mossad, Abba," responded Ziva. "That is impossible."

"Ziva, nothing is impossible, only difficult."

"Which makes this the stupidest thing you've ever done," retorted the former Mossad officer. "Which is saying something. Don't you remember the last time you were here?"

"Yes, you said 'Sometimes life surprises you," replied Eli. "Surprise."

"What is your business here?"

"My daughter has made no effort to visit me in the last two years," answered Ziva's father. "So I must go to her. I am here for you, Ziva."

"How long have you been here?"

"I arrived this morning."

"What if someone saw you?"

"At your gym?"

"At all," hissed Ziva. "Surely you still have enemies that want you dead."

"You think?" Eli laughed. "Ziva, I do not walk straight lines. As your Agent Gibbs would say: 'This is not my first radio.'"

"Rodeo," corrected Ziva. "You could have at least called."

"I did not want to be refused."

"There's no other reason for your visit?"

Director David took a breath. "I promise you. My intentions are honorable. No one will know I was here."

He looked Ziva straight in the eyes. "Now I have answered all your questions."

He spoke to her in Hebrew, and Ziva responded by accepting the incoming embrace. She was completely engulfed in the surprise of the situation, Ziva then snapped out of her reverie once she heard his next question.