Six weeks before: (this is a crossover with NCIS and Criminal Minds)

Tony was working another cold case as he had done since his return from Tel Aviv. His physical injuries were healed except for a few remaining bruises on his back. Then he saw Director Vance motion him to come to the top of the stairs so he went.

"Yes Director what can I do for you?"

Vance replied "Agent Fornell has asked me for your help with some surveillance for a while. One of the agents who normally assists is out recovering from back surgery at the moment."

Tony said "I would be glad to help him out . I think I could use a break from anyone named David just now."

Vance nodded. "If you play your cards right there may be a shot in the Behavioral Analysis Unit as well. I sent your real file to the Unit Chief Strauss to go over."

Tony smiled. "Thank you sir. I will handle telling Gibbs. "

Vance replied "If he has any questions , tell him to see me."

Tony nodded. Then he went back down to the bullpen.

"Boss, Fornell would like to borrow me for some surveillance work for a while. "

" You want to do Fornells bidding now Dinozzo?"

Tony shrugged. "Not like I am doing anything here but cold case files right now. How long am I going to be benched for a justified self defense shooting anyway?"

"Or was it the fact that Rivkin was one of Eli David's foot soldiers and I took him out?"

"Oh that's right you won't talk to me about that in front of Ziva ?"

"I need some fresh scenery."

Gibbs nodded. "Good luck, see you when you are ready to move on."

Tony said "Yeah well when I stop seeing Eli David slam me up against a wall in my dreams maybe that will happen."

"McCaffPow hold down the fort while I'm gone ok?"

Mcgee nodded. "I'll do my best."

Tony said "You'll do fine, you're ready Tim."

He looked at Ziva as he headed to the elevator but didn't say anything.

Then he drove to the FBI to meet Fornell and see what case he was helping him with.

He entered the building and stepped onto an elevator after he had shown his NCIS badge and creds to the security guard. He had had to remove his shoulder holster and Glock but that was for scanning at the front door.

He saw Fornells office and knocked gently on the door.

Fornell said "Well Tony you're right on time. How pissed is Jethro?"

Tony shrugged. "He will get over it, He and I need a break from each other for a while."

Fornell raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "Well here is the file for the case I need you to work. We have reason to believe that a doctor at University Hospital is running a drug ring. Painkillers in large quantities have been going missing from their cancer ward. We are talking oxycontin, hydrocodone and fentanyl patches for starters."

Tony said "What does the doctor look like?"

Fornell said "Here is your file." Tony opened it. "Hmm she's pretty. But why would a highly skilled trauma surgeon need to sell drugs? "

Fornell said "That is a question that we all need answered. But we need to take down who she is supplying first."

Tony nodded. "Ok I'm in. This sounds like one wild way to introduce me potentially to the FBI. Who knows, if I like it maybe I will be jumping ship."

Fornell nodded. "Help me with this and if it goes well , I can find you a home over here if you want a permanent one."