TWO MONTHS
Tony DiNozzo looked up from his desk as the elevator signaled the occupant's arrival. Seeing his partner and lover poke her head out and motion for the other agent, he quickly vacated his seat and joined her in Gibbs' makeshift office.
Starting up the elevator, Tony pulled the Emergency Break, "So?"
Callie Harris smiled broadly, "Yes."
Tony all but giggled as he pulled her into a deep embrace and kiss. Finally, coming up for air, he whispered, "I'm going to be a father."
Callie continued to grin stupidly, "You ready for that?"
"I've never been more ready."
"And are you also ready to break the news to Gibbs?" Callie asked.
Tony smiled, "No, that's your job. You've known him longer."
"Chicken," Callie challenged.
"Absolutely," He responded, pulling her into a hug. Then, turning her back to his front so he could wrap his arms possessively around her middle, he announced. "Princess DiNozzo."
Callie shook her head, "There's a fifty percent chance it's Prince DiNozzo."
Tony shook his head, starting the elevator back in motion, "No way. Go ahead and paint the nursery pink. This one's a girl."
Callie pushed his arms away as the elevator opened back on the squad room floor. Exiting and hoping to appear as if nothing was wrong, the two agents rounded the corner to the bullpen only to be stopped by the glare of the Special Agent in Charge.
"What have I told the two of you about keeping your relationship appropriate?" he growled.
DiNozzo smiled, "That's why we took it into your office, Boss."
The head slap was not unexpected. Callie smiled to herself as she slipped behind her desk.
"Don't get too comfortable, Harris. We're needed in the Director's office, now." Gibbs ordered.
"Why?" Callie questioned.
"Well, I guess we'll find out together," and he motioned for her to follow him up.
Exchanging a quick glance with Tony, she obediently followed Gibbs up the stairs, past MTAC and into the Director's suite.
Not waiting to be announced, Gibbs opened the door, letting Callie precede him into the office.
"Take a seat," Director Vance motioned to the chairs situated around the conference table.
Sliding identical folders to Gibbs and Harris, the Director allowed them a few minutes to review before speaking. "Ever seen anything on Nico Perez, Callie?"
Looking up from the folder, she answered, "When I left the desk eighteen months ago, he was a low level wannabe with ideas of grandeur."
Vance nodded, "He's made some very powerful connections during that time. He's also managed to get rid of some very powerful competition as well."
"What does that have to do with us?" Gibbs asked impatiently.
"I need Agent Harris temporarily reassigned to the Intelligence Desk for Central and South America," was the response.
Gibbs grimaced, "And what am I supposed to do? We've just got used to having a full team."
"I'll take you out of rotation until you can find a replacement," Vance answered.
"I don't think so, Leon. I'm not going through another search."
"I had hoped to make this a reasonable request, Special Agent Gibbs, rather than having to turn it into an order," The director's tone was icy.
This was not the way Callie Harris had wanted to break the news to her friend. She knew she could solve everyone's problems with the announcement she needed to make and keep the war of words from escalating unnecessarily.
She leaned over to the Boss, "Gibbs, what would it hurt?" She tried to reason.
"I thought you liked field work," Gibbs was instantly on guard.
Callie looked over at the Director before replying, "I do but it doesn't hurt to keep my skills sharp with work in another department."
"You got something to say, Harris, then say it." Gibbs voice was curt.
"Jethro," she hesitated.
"No," he stood up from the table, "Don't sugarcoat it, Callie. Say it, here and now, in front of all company to hear."
Again, Callie spared a look for the Director. Vance knew she wanted to handle the situation differently but the stubborn former Marine wasn't making it easy on his agent.
"I suppose I could leave my own office," Leon offered, also standing from the table.
"Not necessary, Director," Gibbs cut in, "Special Agent Harris has never had any issues expressing herself. I find it interesting she's stumbling around now."
The challenge was unavoidable.
"Fine," Callie replied, exasperation coloring her tone as she stood, joining the two men. "I believe a reassignment to Intelligence would be in order, Boss," she hissed, staring pointedly at Gibbs, "Since I believe it's against regulations to be in the field when you're pregnant."
Gibbs started as if slapped. He'd pushed her into revealing the information in front of Vance, never offering her an opportunity to disclose it to the team lead first.
Vance smiled smugly, "Well, I guess that does solve all of our problems, doesn't it, Special Agent Gibbs?"
Callie closed her eyes, not wanting to see the hurt register in the older man's face. Turning to the director, the words dropped like ice cubes, "I agree, Director. It solves the issue nicely. Clean out your desk, Agent Harris. Effective immediately, you're no longer on the MCRT." And Gibbs stormed from the office.
"Let him go, Callie," the Director's voice stopped her as she made to follow him out.
She turned back, a stricken look on her face, "But, Director?"
"He's madder at himself than he is at you but he got what he deserved," He motioned for her to sit back down at the table as he dropped down in the overstuffed chair. "I'll have the transfer drawn and signed off on immediately."
Callie shook her head at the proffered chair as she answered, "Thank you, Director. I appreciate it."
"Also, I'd like for you to be the Bureau Chief for Central and South America," Vance smiled.
Callie's eyes widened, "What?"
"Unfortunately, our track record in that part of the world has suffered since you left. I want you there and for a long time to come. You're one of the best."
"I don't know what to say, sir," Callie stumbled.
The Director stood again, picking up the forgotten Perez file. Stuffing it into her hands, Vance replied, "I need to know what Perez is up to. You've got two months."
And with that, he pointed her towards the door and gave her a small shove to get her going. Callie stopped, her hand on the door handle and turned back to the Director.
"Thank you, sir. You'll have everything in six weeks."
Vance smiled and nodded his dismissal.
