Author's Note: I am only going to go through this once, because I think at this time it pretty much goes without saying anyway. I do not own NCIS, I do not own rights to the characters, this story is fictional, and I am not making any money off of it.
Spoilers up to and including Season 10, Episode 14.
"For how long?" asked Tony, leaning forward in his chair.
"That depends, DiNozzo. If you all do your job, it could be less than a month. If you slow everyone down asking questions that don't matter, could be a lot longer."
The director's clipped words only served to heighten the already tangible tension in the room. Tony leaned back slowly, slightly resenting the rebuke, but not unsurprised by it. Director Vance never would have been considered the most personable man around in the past, but Jackie's death seemed to have removed the softer side of the man from him completely.
"When?" Gibbs' no nonsense inquiry broke the uneasy silence filling the room.
"You're moving in Friday. Relocation for Agent David's work with the nonprofit organization. The house has been secured. McGee will be going in as a electric company employee Thursday to install audio/video in the main rooms." Vance directed his gaze toward McGee as he finished this statement, who nodded affirmatively in response.
"We should be all set, boss. It's only a few basic security cameras on the outside porches and doors. Shouldn't be enough to tip off Ferdinand. It's all garden variety security stuff for these rich guys. These cameras are as common as an ADT system in that neighborhood." Seeing the look on Ziva's face, McGee quickly added, "Home security system."
Ziva inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement, then turned her attention to back to Vance as well.
"Our covers?" Her tone was all business, the complete lack of inflection ensuring that no emotion was revealed with the question.
Abby stepped forward, having been hanging back at the door for the past several minutes while Vance covered the details of the case. She handed Gibbs and Ziva each a manila folder and cast a nervous look at Tony and McGee before speaking.
"Master Gunnery Sergeant Leigh Howell, and his wife, Keila Howell, nee Salzmann." Abby looked to Gibbs. "You're a retired Marine, 28 years in the service. You and Ziv—Keila met during your last deployment at a conference in Israel. You," Abby now turned to face Ziva, who was leafing through the passport she had discovered inside the folder, "Are one of the founders of the nonprofit organization Breath of Air, which has, um, been collecting donations to work toward peace along the Gaza strip." At this, Ziva let out a sound that could probably only be classified as a scoff.
"Really," Ziva replied, trying and failing to restrain herself from an eye roll, "As if peace can be bought."
The back of his chair facing the wall and allowing him an overview of the room, Gibbs allowed himself a slight half smile at Ziva's statement of the obvious.
"Yeah, well," Abby continued, clearly thrown off her speech by the interruption, "the organization is a good cover for sending cash to that area, so it should catch Ferdinand's interest. The details are all in there." Abby gestured to the folders in their hands.
"DiNozzo will be your driver. McGee will be your butler." Vance intoned, as Abby passed folders to the other agents. "A few of the men from the warehouse were your moving company. Everything is set up already. Your car will pick you both up Friday morning at nine hundred hours. DiNozzo," Vance turned in his chair.
"Yes, sir?"
Vance tossed a pair of car keys through the air, which Tony plucked out easily.
"Directions to pick it up are in your file."
No one missed the dismissal cue from the director, and with it, they rose and exited the room. Abby led the way, with McGee and Tony close behind. Ziva, leaving after Tony, held the door questioningly for Gibbs, who shook his head. With a shrug, she let it fall closed behind her.
Gibbs waited for the click of the door before turning to face Vance. For a long moment, the two men said nothing. Vance broke the gaze off, beginning to shuffle paperwork about on his desk. When Gibbs still did not leave, the director looked up again, to find his eyes met by the piercing blue stare of the man across from him. Inwardly, he sighed.
"Special Agent Gibbs," he bit out, roughly stuffing a folder into the filing cabinet to his side, "Can I help you?"
For another moment, the room was silent.
"You ready for an undercover mission, Leon?"
"I am the director of NCIS, Agent Gibbs. I have run hundreds of undercover missions in my time." Vance stared back, knowing that this technique never worked with Gibbs, but feeling it was worth a try anyway. Gibbs waited a moment before replying.
"Not what I asked."
Vance rolled his chair back and looked pointedly at the door. With a slight raise of his eyebrows, Special Agent Gibbs left the room.