Chapter 1 Prologue
"Maybe you are exactly what he needs right now", he said thoughtfully while he looked up to muster the young woman sitting in front of him. He noticed how she frowned slightly and pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning against.
"Or you could prove to be the last straw". She narrowed her eyes in confusion and couldn't help but notice the underlying tone of worry in the elderly man's voice. His usually stoic mask faltered for a second before he regained posture and gave her a suspicious glare that sent shivers down her back. He sat back down in front of her, leaning very close. "Just so we are clear. If you do this, there is no turning back. No way out. No walking away. You won't turn your back on him. Ever. Understood"?
The young woman opened her mouth slightly as if she wanted to say something but then she looked at the man and decided to just nod obediently. Although she had only met Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs a few hours ago, she had already learned a few things about him. Agent Gibbs was a man of few words. Agent Gibbs mastered a death-glare that almost made you wet your pants. And most importantly: Agent Gibbs was extremely protective of his team.
Without a further word he got up and left the room. She stared after him in bewilderment, unsure of what was going to happen. Suddenly the door to the interrogation room was opened again and she was greeted by the sight of a man in his late thirties with dark blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He looked at her and she could easily see the hesitation displayed on his face. For a second he lingered in the door frame before he took a few confident strides in her directions. When she searched his face again she saw determination as well as anxiety.
"My name is Tony", he stated.
She opened he mouth slightly to respond but no sound left her throat. Sensing her inability to speak he took another step forward. "I'm your brother".
And she could have sworn that she detected the ghost of a warm smile on Agent Anthony Dinozzo's lips.