A.N.: Okay, for those of you who have this story on your alert, I JUST posted Ch. 9 before this, so if you got here through an e-mail link, please make sure you've read Ch. 9 before you read this chapter. Thanks! -S

Jenny took Jethro's hand and stepped out of the dark sedan which had pulled up directly in front of the doors to NCIS. She had dressed that morning in a suit that Jo had picked up for her the previous afternoon, in a deep chocolate brown. It consisted of shoes by Marciano, and the pencil skirt and jacket were Versace. The blouse she wore was a local boutique brand, and was a lovely teal colour. Her hair was pulled back in a twist, and she wore dark aviator glasses which served two purposes; to disguise her identity, and to hide the dark circles under her eyes that the makeup she had donned couldn't quite cover. She tucked her arm into Jethro's and he led her into the building, bringing her through security as a guest. Jo followed them while speaking softly into her blackberry, wearing dark jeans, her Puma sneakers, and a satin blouse in a deep purple. Her dark hair, as always, was pulled back in a ponytail, and she had allowed it to remain in loose curls which trailed down her back. They stepped into the elevator, and the doors slid closed. Jenny was glad to see that the three of them were alone in the elevator.

"I'm interested to hear why the security guards barely question you on your "guest", Jethro," Jenny said as the doors slid shut. He mumbled a non-committal answer, although she was certain it had much to do with the frequency with which he had mysterious red-headed visitors. She found herself smiling inwardly when she noticed how he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. She had gone against her better judgement and left one more button than she should have undone, hoping for this exact situation.

"You're sure you're feeling okay?" he asked. She sighed. So he wasn't staring at her for the reason she'd been hoping, but rather because he was concerned. Did she really look that bad?

"I'm fine, Jethro," she growled. "But it's good to hear I don't look up to this."

"Jen, you look fine. You look like you never left. I'm just..." he was at a loss. She met his eyes and nodded, letting him off the hook. Just before the door slid open he gently squeezed her hand, releasing her arm and placing a hand on the small of her back, allowing her to walk out ahead of him. She needed to reassert control, and being led around by him, even symbolically, wasn't going to help her case.

Jo took the phone away from her ear and pressed a button, ending the conversation.

"SecNav should be here in ten," she said. "You've got some time for the big reveal to your people."

"Boss!" exclaimed a voice from the stairs. He looked up to see a certain Italian agent on his way down. "Good to see you. Where have you been?"

"A better question would be where are you supposed to be, Dinozzo?" Jethro asked.

"Well I...I called McGee up and he's with Ziva now. I was going to go get a coffee and hit the vending machine..." Tony struggled to explain.

"I think a better question would be the status of your prisoner, Agent Dinozzo," Jenny's soft voice cut through the bullpen like a knife, and Gibbs had never seen Tony's head spin around so quickly.

"Director?" Tony's voice was quiet, as though in disbelief, as he relived that moment he'd discovered her in a pool of her own blood in that damned diner that still haunted his nightmares. "But you...you had no pulse."

"Well I have one now, Tony, so would you please answer my question?" she responded gently.

"Director Va...I mean, um...Assistant Director Vance?" Tony seemed unsure. Gibbs nodded for him to continue, and Tony stuttered on, "Is in his...your...office, ma'am. We did as Gibbs instructed and made sure he didn't have any weapons, and he hasn't left the sofa since yesterday afternoon, except on supervised bathroom breaks. Trust me, those are not fun. But let me tell you he is NOT happy. He keeps threatening all kinds of interesting things, and I think Ziva took it as a personal challenge when he said that she couldn't keep him in there forever."

"Thank you, Tony," Jenny said, stepping up to him as he hit the last stair. "Don't worry about the pulse, Tony. Anyone could have missed it."

"It's a probie mistake, director," Tony replied, ashamed. He gave her a quick, embarrassed hug, then looked back at her, "It's good to see you alive. Where the hell have you been if not in that casket we saw buried?"

"I'll explain it all once everyone arrives and we go upstairs," she answered him, placing a hand on his shoulder in comfort. "Would you please go down and get Abby and Ducky? I want them here for what's about to happen."

Tony nodded and headed toward the elevator. "The shit is going to hit the fan," he whispered, as he passed Gibbs, and he got a customary slap on the back of the head for his efforts. It didn't stop him from looking Jo up and down appreciatively, and wondering how many firearms she had hidden on her body. He must have been staring at the Sig Sauer service weapon strapped to her hip, because she looked at him sharply.

"I only need the one," Jo said with her soft drawl, a smile playing in the corners of her mouth. Tony didn't doubt her.

"Dinozzo!" Gibbs bellowed, and Tony ducked and double-timed it toward the elevator, muttering a "sorry boss" along the way.

Jenny shook her head and laughed at the interplay. Gibbs grinned at the sound of her laugh. That was the sound that meant everything was right with his world. Although, in this case, not quite everything. It would be perfect as soon as that bastard upstairs had paid for what he'd done to his Jenny. If she hadn't specifically warned him about it on the way there, he would already be up there beating the living shit out of Vance. But this was Jen's show to run; her justice. He would let her do it her way.

The two of them made their way up into the reception area outside of Jenny's office while Jo waited in the bullpen to bring the SecNav up when he arrived. Jen chose to stand, while Gibbs took a seat on the desk that Cynthia used to use. Jen noticed the distinct absence of Cynthia's personal items, the photos of her family, the African violet that she'd had for two years, much to Jenny's chagrin since she herself couldn't keep a fern alive for more than a week.

"She left," Gibbs answered the unspoken question, following her gaze. "When you...died...she said it just wouldn't be the same for her here now."

"I'll have to give her a call in the morning," Jen said, resolutely.

"Visit might be better," he challenged. She nodded. A high-pitched shriek announced the arrival of Abby, and Jenny barely managed to brace herself before the goth hit her like, well, like a bat out of hell. She grimaced as Abby's tight hold on her pressed against the not-quite-healed bullet wound in her upper arm.

"Director," Abby gushed, "I can't believe you're really alive! I mean, I can, I didn't really believe that you were dead, but then, I never believe anyone important is really dead, including Elvis, so I really can't believe that I'm right in this case...but here you are!"

"Yes, Abby, here I am, and it's good to see you too," Jenny answered with a smile. Abby smiled back, tears gathering in her eyes, and she hugged the director again on impulse. Jenny met Jethro's eyes over Abby's shoulder and returned his grin.

"Jennifer," Ducky said, announcing his presence as he arrived at the top of the stairs, having been unable to keep up to the frantic girl. He sounded relieved, but also defeated, as though he had almost been hoping he was right about the body.

"Doctor Mallard," she said, releasing Abby and smiling at the Scot. He crossed the room and engulfed her in a careful embrace, unsure of her response.

"Jennifer I really must apologize," he said. "I am so sorry. If I'd just warned Jethro that the body I examined wasn't you, he might have known earlier..."

"Really, Ducky, it doesn't matter. It's in the past. He found me. I'm here. This is Vance's fault, not anyone else's, so don't beat yourself up over it," she answered kindly. Gibbs wasn't so sure yet whether he could forgive his old friend for what had happened, but Jenny really was absolving everyone of guilt over this. She was just glad to be back, and she wasn't looking to punish everyone she knew to get revenge for her imprisonment.

At that moment they were joined in the office by Jo, the SecNav, and two MPs.

"Jennifer Shepherd," the SecNav said slowly, looking from her to Jo. "Agent Markham told me I needed to be here, but I see now this is a great deal more important than I thought. Now, being one of the few people who knows how you actually died, I am rather confused as to how you managed to survive it. I knew you didn't die in the house fire like everyone believed, but I sure as hell thought you died in that diner."

Jen cringed inwardly at the mention of her father's house, burned to the ground with all her belongings. There was a fortune in shoes alone in that building, not to mention the irreplaceable family heirlooms like her father's desk. Jethro had told her about the fire on their trip from California, and she had been angry, but she couldn't complain when it had been done to take care of a target who she had been responsible for killing years before.

"Yes Sir. I will explain, but I think it should be done with the involvement of acting Director Vance," she said, composing her features.

"I would agree," the SecNav said, although he had no idea in what context "acting director Vance" would be involved.

Gibbs opened the door and found the scene much as Tony had described it. Vance was sitting on the sofa, McGee had turned around one of the conference chairs and was watching Vance. Ziva leaned against the desk, playing with her knife. Gibbs grinned at the Mossad agent's pose.

"Agent Gibbs," Vance bellowed, standing. "Call off your damn agents and explain your absence!"

"He was in California," Jenny said, stepping through the door followed by the rest of the small group, "rescuing me from your terrorists."

"Director Shepherd!" McGee exclaimed, standing in surprise. Ziva's eyes widened for a split second, but her face was soon a mask of indifference again, save for the small smile in the corners of her mouth. She must really be in Mossad mode.

"Shalom, Jen," was all she said with a nod, echoing the sentiment of when she'd first arrived at NCIS. Jen returned her nod.

"Sit down," Jen ordered Vance. He stared at her defiantly. She gave him a moment, but her patience easily wore thin, and she lowered her voice and barked, "SIT. DOWN." Vance sat.

She, Jethro, and Jo proceeded to explain their respective knowledge on the situation. The SecNav sat quietly at the conference table and listened to their accounts, punctuated occasionally by half-hearted denials by Vance. After they finished their account, and Gibbs mentioned that Ahmad was in FBI custody, and would corroborate Vance's involvement, attention turned to the SecNav when he cleared his throat and stood.

"You disgust me," he said in a low voice, looking at Vance. "I can't believe someone sympathetic to a terrorist cell on our own turf managed to get a position this far up the food chain. Hell, that I put him there myself! Why didn't you just give them the information yourself?"

"They didn't want information," Jenny answered. "Either because Vance had already told them everything they needed to know, or because they really had no interest in state secrets. They seemed kind of a small-scale operation who just happened to get lucky and find me. In any case, this plan was put in motion to fund the terrorists, not to provide them with Intel. They used me to entice buyers, because if they just sold the information internationally then it would get back to someone here that we had a leak. Vance wanted to fund the operation without putting himself in the line of fire."

"Well it didn't work out as well as he planned, thanks to Agent Markham, and Agent Gibbs," the SecNav said, turning to the two MPs, "arrest the asshole and let's get out of here. Director Shepherd, I am going to temporarily reinstate you at present, and when you actually officially exist again, I'll make it permanent. Welcome back." The MPs obeyed immediately, and Vance silently allowed them to handcuff him and lead him out. Perhaps he'd decided not to say anything else until he got a lawyer. Gibbs wished he himself was doing the interrogation.

"Thank you, Sir," Jenny responded, barely keeping the emotion out of her voice.

"I'm going to put Morrow on this case," the SecNav continued on his way out the door, "He'll be just as bloody pissed off about this as I am." Jenny just shook her head as the aroma of cigar smoke wafted up into the office, which must have come from him lighting up on the way down the stairs.

"Well," said Ziva, breaking the silence, "That certainly explains why you wanted us to hold Vance."

"Definitely," McGee echoed. The two of them, Tony, Ducky, and Abby all gathered around Jenny to do what Gibbs had spent the previous afternoon and evening doing; convincing themselves that she was real and in fact, alive. Jo walked over and joined Gibbs where he stood, holding up the wall.

"They're glad to see her back," Jo observed, "Their family is whole again."

"I never thought I would see her again," Jethro said softly. "Jo, I have to apologize. I know I was difficult...hell, I was damn near impossible to work with the last few days. I just want to say...thank you. I could never have found her without you."

"You don't have to thank me, Gibbs," Jo laughed. "I didn't want her falling into their hands either. When those came across on chatter, I picked up the case immediately. Not only because I had a personal interest in getting her back, but also because I knew that I could get you involved, and you would stop at nothing to find her. I knew you would be a royal pain in the ass, but I also knew you would be the best shot she had."

Jethro just nodded. He couldn't take his eyes off Jenny. She looked exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes, and her shoulders slumped slightly. He needed to get her home and to bed.

"Still," Gibbs insisted, "she owes you her life. And I owe you mine, too."

Jo just looked at him questioningly, raising a single brow.

"As dumb as it sounds, it wasn't really life without her."

"Gibbs," she answered after a moment, "When you're with her, do you think about Shannon?" He started hearing the name of his late wife.

"I never really forget her," he answered after a moment of thought. "She was my first love, and the mother of my daughter. But Jenny was the one who first let me know that I didn't have to be defined by what happened to them. She didn't know about them when we were together, but she made me realise that I really could love again. And no, when I'm with Jenny, I only think about Jenny."

"I'm glad," Jo answered. She had met Jenny and Jethro when she was 18, in Paris. She was working for special ops. She had been hand-picked for it for her brilliant mind and extraordinary skills. She'd been working on a case in the Paris field office, her first case, actually, and Jethro had taken her under his wing. He always said that he thought Kelly would have been just like her had she grown up, although he would never have let her do such a dangerous job. At the time, she'd laughed and told him that his daughter would have never turned out like her, and it was lucky for him.

"I love her Jo," he said. She snorted.

"I know that. You've loved her since day one, just like she has too. You've both been stubborn and stupid about it since then though. But for Christ sakes, Jethro, tell her, not me. I have to go, though. My team is shipping out in the morning and I still have to pack and get my briefing."

"Thanks again, kiddo. If there's anything I can do to thank you, just let me know."

"I guess I could let you and Jenny buy me lunch when I get home," she laughed.

"Done," he answered.

"And Gibbs," she said, "Cut the team some slack, would you? I would imagine they feel badly enough already for their part in her kidnapping, without you making it worse." He studied her for a minute, and then nodded sharply.

She grinned, turned on her heels and headed for the door, sparing a quick wave for Jenny. Tony saw her leaving and ran to catch up with her, following her out. Ziva caught Gibbs' eye and wisely chose to grab McGee and Abby and escort them out of the office, using some excuse, and leaving only Ducky leaning against the conference table looking between Gibbs and Jenny.

"I can't even tell you how mortified I am at my mistake, Jennifer. Had I known...I can't believe that I trusted Director Vance with something so ridiculous as body swapping, without so much as questioning it. I thought I was a better judge of character. I would certainly understand if..."

"Ducky," Jenny interrupted gently, "It's okay. I'm only glad to be back. You didn't do anything wrong."

"It's not just on you, Duck. I could have looked at the body down there. Tony could have caught the pulse, and he and Ziva really shouldn't have left her alone at all. And while we're at it, Mike never should have left her alone in that diner," Jethro added, meeting his friend's eyes genuinely.

"And I should have killed that bitch in Paris," Jenny added softly.

"Well thank you for understanding, but regardless, I think it will be a while before I forgive myself for this one," Ducky said. "But I will leave you two be."

"Thank you Dr. Mallard," Jen said, allowing him to leave. He walked through the office doors, closing the great wooden door behind him and leaving the two of them truly alone for the first time since before her trip to California.

Jethro walked across the room to stand behind Jenny, wrapping his arms around her from behind. She sighed, and grasped his folded arms in her hands.

"I'm worried about him," she said softly.

"He'll be all right. He needs to come to terms with his part in this. I'm worried about you," he said.

"Me?" she laughed. "I was just rescued from a terrorist cell who was trying to sell me to the highest bidder. I couldn't be better!"

"You look exhausted. You haven't had natural sleep in a long time, and you need a good meal." She nodded.

"I could use another shower too. That hot water feels good against my muscles. I'm still stiff and sore," she answered thoughtfully. It was no doubt a combination of her injuries and the lack of exercise she'd had.

"Well, let me make a proposal," he said, releasing her and beginning to gently rub her shoulders, "We'll pick up something to eat on the way to my house, you can take a shower, or a good soak in the bathtub, and then I'll give you a massage. And then you can get a good night's sleep."

She heartily agreed, with a brief moment of bitterness due to the fact that she couldn't go to her house even if she wanted to. She decided to take it as a blessing, and use it as an excuse to go home with Gibbs as often as possible.

"I just have one question before we go," she said, for the first time taking a look around what used to be her office. He turned to her with a brow raised in question.

"Why boxing?"

A.N.: Okay, clearly I had a case of diarrhoea of the keyboard during this chapter. I hope it's long enough to keep you all satisfied for a bit, because next week I have 2 term papers due (which I really should start) and then exams are starting, so...

Anyway, I digress. Reviews are most welcome.