Authors note: Hello everyone :) I've tried to write something a little longer than my usual one shots here. I hope it's not boring. I'm rushed a little to get this done before the next episode is out in the US. Let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: I don't own NCIS or any of the characters from the show, I'm just borrowing them.
Happy Families - Chapter One
Captain Iverson and his 23 year old son Thomas had been reported missing on a Saturday when they failed to return from an annual father-son camping trip in a nature reserve up state. By the Monday the park rangers had found Thomas' body lying alone in a ravine, his injuries were not accidental and according to Ducky went beyond brutality.
"In my opinion," Ducky reported, "These injuries, here, to the chest and arms were inflicted methodically, there's evidence of partial healing. These cuts are shallow and show no signs of hesitation or variance in depth." Ducky leaned back from the conference table and sighed motioning to the other photos spread across the tabletop. "However, these injuries to the head and abdomen are completely different. The strokes overlap and are far deeper with a lot of abrasion and bruising. They appear to be inflicted with haste and very little thought." He looked up at Gibbs and Director Vance. "Now I've had time to fully review all the injuries, I can confirm they are most likely the result of torture, however I do not think they were inflicted to illicit any sort of information. I believe these first injuries were chosen to produce pain and suffering, yes, but only because that is what gave the killer pleasure, as he begins to enjoy his work he loses control becomes almost animalistic in his attacks." Ducky tossed his glasses onto the table. "Jethro, are you sure you want to bait this man, should things go wrong, I don't want to think about what could happen."
"McGee found two previous cases of missing fathers and sons in the same reserve in the last five years, Duck."
"Yes, but..."
"But," The director cut in, "the FBI has no useable leads, they've let us take the lead with this. I admit sending in an uncover team as father and son is a big risk."
"But," Gibbs continued, "this guy needs to be caught and without any leads this is the only way."
Ducky sighed and held up his hands in defeat. "Well I just hope you and Timothy don't take any unnecessary chances."
"You don't need to worry about that, DiNozzo will keep an eye on him." The Director and Ducky both looked up surprised.
"I thought everything was already set up? You and McGee are going undercover as the possible targets in the afternoon. You're not normally one to change things at the last minute." Vance had that irritating teasing quality in his voice, the one he used so that you knew that he knew what was really going on but wanted you to say it out loud anyway. Gibbs really hated that. "So what's the problem?" Vance continued.
"DiNozzo has more undercover experience."
"McGee has to get some if you expect him to improve. What's really the problem here?" Vance stared at Gibbs, for a second Gibbs nearly told him. But his sense of pride and concern for his team's future prevented him. How do you admit that you don't trust a member of your own team to your boss?
"I want DiNozzo on this." Was all he said.
"OK." Vance said with a sigh. "You're the one running the operation. Set it up as you wish. Just keep me updated."
With a nod Gibbs turned and returned to the bullpen just in time to hear DiNozzo teasing McGee for the tenth time that morning.
"Oooooo McGee, you not ready to play happy families with Papa Gibbs?" Tony jerked forward suddenly as a hand connected sharply with the back of his head.
"Tony, go home, pack your things and be back in 30 minutes." Gibbs said.
"Boss?" All eyes were on Gibbs as he looked Tony right in the face. "You're coming too Son." He turned sharply but couldn't avoid the confusion on Tony's face or the disappointment and concern on McGee's.
...
The camp site had been set up with only half as much fuss as Gibbs had been expecting. Tony and McGee had certainly acted like children in the car ride over. Gibbs had been forced to make McGee sit in the back with the gear to make them stop fighting. Tony had been teasing McGee pretty mercilessly since but McGee had handled it like he always had, letting most of it wash off his back with a roll of his eyes.
"What do you know about it?" McGee's voice cut through Gibbs thoughts.
"A lot more than you baby brother." Tony's voice shouted back. Then again, Gibbs thought sighing, even McGee had his limits.
"Yeah well, old brother, maybe we should test that." The boys looked like they were two seconds from punching each other.
"Tim!" Gibbs' shout made them both jump. "You know your brother is only teasing you. What have I told you about being so sensitive?" McGee looked hurt for a second before his irritation got the better of him. They were supposed to be a family, so he would act like it.
"You didn't even hear what he said. Why are you siding with him?" He whined with as much insubordination as he could bring himself to use. Gibbs raised his eyebrows.
"I'm not siding with anyone." Gibbs replied slowly. "We came out here for the quiet and I expect to get it. Is that understood?" He punctuated the question by head smacking the smug expression off Tony's face. "Stop upsetting your brother."
"Yes, Dad."
"Sorry, Dad."
Gibbs gave them both a final glare before walking away to hide his smile. They'd never let him forget it if they knew how much he was enjoying himself.