The one thing DiNozzo had always liked about his desk was the view of the elevator it afforded him. He was always the first one to see new visitors to his humble bullpen. Today was no different when the bell signaled the arrival of their latest guest. The woman was tall, dressed in a black suit that was well tailored, obviously expensive and did nothing to disguise the body wearing it. Red pointed-toe shoes peeked out from the cuffs, the same color red as the shirt and her hair, which was also stylish and bespoke of attention to her appearance. The female waited for the agent to finally make it to her face and her eyes fairly twinkled, the smile genuine – knowing. Tony stood, his face reflected his surprise. Bishop had been watching the Senior Field Agent and she had signaled McGee to the situation. They both were shocked when Tony rose from his desk and his face split into one of those rare genuine smiles that DiNozzo reserved for only a special few. Stepping around, he met the woman at the entrance to their work area. The voice that spoke was cultured and deep, "Well, well. Hello very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo."
As he wrapped her in a bear hug, he responded, "As I live and breathe, if it isn't the Black Rose McRory herself."
She broke the embrace with a playful punch, "Hey, careful. That's still a classified alias."
McGee had joined Bishop at her desk to watch the exchange more closely. Tony took the woman by the arm and said, "Let me introduce you to the current Team Gibbs." He pointed, "This is Special Agent Timothy McGee and Probationary Agent Ellie Bishop." Turning back, he gestured, "This is Special Agent Danielle Frances McCleary."
Extending her hand, she corrected, "Danni, please?"
As she greeted the agents, Tony continued, "What are you doing here, Danni?"
Coming around the corner with a cup of coffee and a file folder, it was Gibbs who answered, "She's here to see the Director." Putting down the Styrofoam container, he immediately pulled Danni into a hug of his own as she responded, "Hello, Boss."
Holding her at arm's length, he asked, "How're you doing, Danni?"
Without thinking, she answered, "Good, sir. Thank you," then caught herself as both Tony and Gibbs gave her a hard stare. Danni shook her head slightly, knowing immediately what she had done. Tony was instantly on guard but before he could comment, Gibbs grabbed her and turned her toward the stairs. In a voice that told Tony as much as Danni's comment, Gibbs said sharply, "The Director's waiting. C'mon."
She looked over her shoulder, "I'll catch up with you in a bit, Tony. Promise," then she hurried after the Boss.
Tony watched her for a few minutes but was brought back to reality when he heard Bishop say, "Wow. Her alias is classified. Even with my security clearance, I can't access her file." She looked at Tony, shocked.
McGee leaned on DiNozzo's desk, "How do you know her, Tony?"
The agent smiled, "She was the first agent I ever worked with besides Gibbs."
Tim cocked his head, "I thought Viv was," referring to FBI agent Vivian Blackadder.
Tony shook his head, "Nope. First one was Danni McCleary."