DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

Everyday is Monday, Until It's Not

Ch. 3

His alarm sounded. Tony looked up at his ceiling. 'It's not possible!' He got up and prepared for work. 'Well sacrificing myself wasn't the answer,' he thought. 'It's got to be something else.'

He left almost missing the smiling blond in the Mustang, as his thoughts were concentrating on how to save McGee and get out of this no good day.

He passed as quickly as possible past Max. Saying he would try not to have a moan day and giving the older man a smile. If he only knew how much of a moan day it was becoming. Instead of going up the bullpen he went down to autopsy and got the files for Gibbs, saving Jimmy the trip.

"Thanks Tony. We really are behind on some of our reports. Dr. Mallard has been on a real tear to get them done. Don't know how you knew about these files, but I'm not complaining," Jimmy smiled.

"Yes, thank you Anthony. Mr. Palmer has plenty of reports to correct and refile," he looked sternly at his young protégé.

"I'm on them Dr. Mallard," Jimmy practically saluted and quickly went to the computer to get to work.

Tony gave the M.E. a wave as he left with the files. He put them on Gibbs' desk and smiled at Ziva and Tim. He hadn't quite figured out how to alter Tim's demise, but at least this day was starting off better.

This time when they got to the warehouse district and Gibbs began to order out their positions, Tony spoke up.

"Boss?"

Gibbs stopped and looked questioningly at his senior agent, "Yeah DiNozzo?"

Trying to ignore the icy stare he suggested, "I think we should try to get behind the shooter and maybe set up a decoy behind that dumpster." He pointed at the place McGee had been destined to meet his doom.

"Hmm? Why is that?" Gibbs leaned his head to the side curious to hear Tony's reason.

Going with the only answer his boss could appreciate, Tony answered, "My gut."

Gibbs gave him a nod and worked out the decoy details with the SWAT team. They would position one of their men in McGee's place dressed in his full protective gear. He'd only expose himself to get the shooter's attention then retreat back behind the dumpster. It would hopefully be enough of a distraction for the agents to gain access to the roof and apprehend the shooter.

Tony led the way not wanting to miss their opportunity. As the rifleman took his shot, missing the decoy, Tony jumped from the door at the top of the stairs, "NCIS put the weapon down," he ordered.

The man turned to face Tony swinging the rifle in his direction; four shots rang out, dropping the shooter where he stood. Tony looked back to see Ziva, Tim and Gibbs with guns still aimed at their target.

"Whoa, thanks for the backup," Tony looked at each of his team members and gave a special nod to McGee. The relief that he was still alive and the danger gone was almost palpable.

"Come on. Let's process this and get things wrapped up," Gibbs barked.

"On it Boss," the three agents replied.

Tony drove home hoping that tomorrow would come. 'Please let this nightmare be over,' he prayed.

He tossed and turned most of the night waking up exhausted. He went through his morning routine not sure if he'd get to work and find it to be Tuesday or not.

When he spotted the yellow Mustang in his side mirror he almost groaned. Today though the blond was not alone and was seated in the passenger seat. Behind the wheel was a large bodied muscular mammoth looking man with his arm around her shoulders. She looked behind the driver and waved her fingers at Tony smiling. Tony wisely didn't return any sentiment as the dark haired driver turned his gaze his way.

Tony shouted out, "Nice ride."

The man smiled in appreciation and returned, "Yours, too." As the light changed he turned off where the Mustang usually did.

'Something different,' Tony mused. 'That's a good sign. I hope.'

When he got to the Navy Yard Max wasn't at his post and the guard assisting him through didn't offer any clue to the day. Tony shrugged and still trying to wake up got on the elevator.

He made it to his desk and dumped his gear.

He glanced at Ziva who looked a little concerned, but didn't say anything when Tony held up a hand to silence her. He looked over at McGee's desk which wasn't occupied. Tony looked back to Ziva, "Where's McGee?" a panic almost rising.

Ziva's eyes widened at Tony's urgency. "He is with the director discussing yesterday's shooting. Vance is insisting on speaking to each of us individually. You're the only one he hasn't called on yet."

Tony frowned at that, but decided he'd relay only the facts from yesterday's yesterday.

While he waited he opened his email relieved that it was different from Monday's. Yes he managed to get out of that time loop. Now hopefully things would go well the rest of the day.

"Vance wants to see you Tony," Tim patted his back on his way to his desk.

Tony took a deep breath and headed for the stairs. He stopped on the landing and looked down at his teammates and smiled. Things were going to move forward and as always they would each have the other's six. He slapped the railing and strode to the director's office smiling.