Chapter Two: Dysfunctional Mutes
Vance turned on his heel and moved swiftly toward his office. He tossed a low, "You three, follow me," over his shoulder as he moved.
The director double-timed it up the stairs and swept past his assistant. The agents hurrying after him moved to take up their usual spots in front of the massive desk, but Vance gestured to the conference table. "Have a seat," he said, and took a place himself at the head of the table.
The team exchanged dubious glances. Tony felt the muscles in his forehead bunching up, the mother of all tension headaches creeping up his neck.
Gibbs was not nice and Vance was not nice, and the two of them stuck to routine like Marines to their rifles. Now both of his bosses were being nice. And keeping secrets, a combination that didn't bode well at all. Tony sighed, braced for the apocalypse that he just knew was coming, and folded himself into a seat next to his director.
Vance clasped his hands on the table in front of him and looked at each of them in turn. "Gibbs has been charged with the murder of a Mexican citizen named Pedro Hernandez. Hernandez was killed years ago but new forensic evidence has come to light. At the moment Gibbs is on his way to the Mexican embassy, where he will be taken into the custody of Federales and escorted to Mexico City."
Vance paused for a moment. When it became apparent that his audience was too stunned to respond, he continued. "Occasionally an agent charged with a crime is entitled to legal counsel by an NCIS staff attorney, and that kind of arrangement automatically keeps me – and by extension you – in the loop. But the Hernandez murder predates Gibbs' tenure as an agent. And the death of a Mexican civilian certainly lies outside our jurisdiction."
Vance paused again, this time seeming to brace himself. "Fortunately, Ms. Hart has volunteered to arrange for Gibbs' defense."
The director held up a hand as all three of them opened their mouths to protest.
"Hart's record in Mexico is impressive to say the least." Vance's referee voice put down any lingering rebellion. "As I'm sure you recall she had Colonel Bell out of there almost before his feet hit the ground. She's the best shot Gibbs has at walking away from this mess, and she's promised to keep me updated on the case. I will in turn let you know of any significant developments."
The director stood from the table.
"In the meantime you all have jobs to do. Gibbs is suspended until further notice. Agent Dinozzo, you're acting team leader. Agent McGee, you are acting senior field agent. If you find you need any extra help put in a request with Cecilia for a TAD."
Vance waited for a moment but received no response. The agents just sat there, staring at him mutely. Were they too surprised to say anything? Or was this a tactic to get him to say more? A bunch of mini-Gibbs if there ever was one, he thought.
"You're dismissed," he said abruptly, and headed for his desk.
Ziva and McGee got up and walked out. Tony lingered, watching the director shuffle paper. He drifted forward to stand in front of him. "Gibbs is leaving today?"
"Flying out of Dulles this afternoon."
"And what kind of security is he going to have in Mexico?"
Vance looked up sharply. "Why, think he's gonna stage a jailbreak?" Then he grinned. "Or are you planning on busting him out, Dinozzo?"
Tony felt frustration boil up in his gut. He welcomed it – better that than worry. He always felt ridiculous when he worried about Gibbs.
"Well that's an excellent suggestion, director, but at the moment I'm more concerned with the reception he's going to get in lockup." Tony gave Vance a hard smile and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "You know, it's been awhile since I've been in the joint, but as far as I recall cops aren't winning any popularity contests in there."
Vance nodded. "Not that Gibbs wins popularity contests anywhere he goes," he sighed.
Tony noticed then that Vance might look a little tired. And was it possible that the man's suit was . . . rumpled?
"I'm pressing for as much security as I can get," Vance said. "Hart thinks the Mexicans will keep him away from the general population at least until his arraignment on Friday."
Vance studied Tony's face. "We'll do as much as we can for him. In the meantime you have a team to lead. I suggest you get to it." Vance looked back to his papers. "Gibbs knows how to look after himself."
Tony watched Vance shuffle files, not sure what to say. Because of course Gibbs knew how to look after himself. The problem was he didn't usually bother. It was Tony who looked out for Gibbs, just like Gibbs looked out for Tony.
Tony didn't say any of that, though. He just nodded and walked out.