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"Undercover Show"

Chapter II - Charges & Images

Tali was curled up on the couch with Hunter when she heard the annoying ringtone that her brother had chosen to play for when he called. She groaned while Hunter chuckled and paused the movie they had just started watching. Not really wanting to move from her comfortable spot, she slowly got up to retrieve her phone from where she had left it on the kitchen counter. By the time she had the phone in her hand she had missed the call, but then, a second later, it was ringing again.

"III, this better be important, I was in the middle of relaxing and watching my favorite movie with my fiancé", she said into the phone as she answered.

"Well hello to you too big sis", Anthony spoke sarcastically. "Sorry for interrupting. Tell Spy Boy I said hey, and this is major importante!"

Tali sighed, "What did you do now and what do you want me to say to ima and abba to get you out of trouble?"

"I got in a fight, but I'm not in trouble. I just need advice."

"How is it that you got in a fight but you're not in trouble", she asked, not believing him. Although Anthony was generally a good kid, he still had his moments like any other teenage boy. And like any other big sister, Tali was always the one to get him out of trouble. Ever since he was born she had been his 'protector', even if that meant protecting him from her parent's wrath.

"Seriously, I'm not in trouble. My fighting was justified."

"Mmhmm, sure. So what happened?"

Knowing her brother, Tali could practically hear Anthony shrug through the phone and he answered, "Long story."

"Okay, then give me the cliff notes."

"Ugh. Do I have to? I've already told it like 5 times already", he whined.

"III, if you want my advice, I'm going to need to know the details of the sitch."

"Alright, alright. Fine. So Ty's stepdad has been abusing him and I fought him to help Ty when he was beating him up this morning. The end", Anthony explained in one breath. "Now, I need advice because the parental unit just left to go to the Navy Yard and interrogate Ty's stepdad. Ty text me a few minutes ago saying his mom went to bail the asshole out of county but found out that he was transferred to NCIS and wouldn't be able to post bail. Ty's really pissed at me and says that I'm the reason his family is falling apart now. I need to know what to say. I don't want to lose my best friend over this, but I don't want Ty to justify being beaten everyday by a total drunken bastard either. Which is what he's now doing. Saying that Jack sometimes disciplines him and his mom and that it's because they deserve it, but I know that's not true. Ty did nothing this morning to deserve getting beat up. I mean, the guy almost snapped his neck! He's a total spaz!"

"Wow, that's not what I was expecting to hear." Tali rubbed her forehead as she tried to quickly processed the information. "Alright, my best advice is that you need to give Ty time. You shouldn't text back just yet."

"But won't me not responding make it worse?"

"It could, but you responding through a text while Ty is pissed off could get misinterpretated and make things worse too. I say give him time to cool off. It needs to sink in first that his stepdad is his enemy and not you. He just needs someone to blame for his pain right now. I've done it before ... more than I'd actually like to admit. It's usually easier to blame those closest to you than it is to blame the person that's actually been causing the pain. He's tighter with you than he is with his family, so right now he thinks it's your fault. Especially if no one has ever been around to witness the abuse before and you're the first person to see first hand how Ty has been being treated at home. It's an embarrassment thing too."

"Abba said the same thing, about embarrassment", Anthony took a deep breath then continued, "Guess I'll just give it time then. Thanks."

"You're welcome, and are you sure you're alright? I mean, did you get hurt?"

"Just a bruise on my jaw. Nothing major. I'll send you a pic in a few. You can go back to your movie and Spy Boy now."

Tali rolled her eyes, "I seriously need you and abba to stop calling him that. He's not a teenage boy anymore."

"Fine, Spy Man then", Anthony teased. "Is that better?"

"No, smartass", Tali laughed. "Bye III! Call me back later if you need anything else and let me know how everything goes whenever you find out."

"Will do. Later big sis! Love you!"

"Love you too little bro!" Tali ended the call and walked back to the living room with a thought in mind. "Hey honey?"

Hunter looked up from the game he started playing on his phone while waiting for her return, "What's up baby? Everything okay with III?"

"Sort of", she said as she sat back down and leaned her head on his shoulder. "You have full access to the NCIS database now, right?"

"Uh, yeah. As of five days ago I do, why", Hunter asked skeptically.

Tali snuggled closer to him and started playing with the chain he had on, "I need a little favor."

"What kind of favor, Tals? Because, right now, it seems like you're about to ask me to do something that could get your father to fire me", Hunter chuckled. "I just got this promotion, I don't want to lose it."

"I promise you won't get fired. I'm just curious to see what a particular report says and what the charges are for the man who fought III today."

"Wait", he looked down at her just as she looked up at him. "III got into a fight and the guy was taken to NCIS? Was III hurt?"

"No, no he's fine. See?" Tali showed the picture that her brother had just text her. "It's just a bruise. And the guy is Navy so abba had him transferred to NCIS. I guess he wants to handle this personally."

"That's a conflict of interest, but I guess I'd do the same thing for our son if he ever got into a fight with a sailor or a marine."

Tali blushed slightly at his choice of words. "Not to get too off topic, but I love the way that sounds. Our son. You will be an amazing father sometime in the near future."

"As you will be an amazing mother", he responded and kissed her temple. "Now, back to the topic at hand. When was this guy brought in?"

"According to III, my parents just left to go do the interrogation, so I'm assuming within the hour."

"Then I suggest we finish our movie and then I'll pull up the case info. It wouldn't be posted until after the interrogation and NCIS officially charges him", Hunter reasoned.

"Okay", Tali shifted to lay her head on his lap and resume her position of ultimate comfort. "''Mamma Mia!' now and then snooping later."

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In Washington, DC, Ziva was in the observation room at NCIS looking at the man who had fought with Anthony earlier that day. The DiNozzo's knew him well. Atleast they thought they did. It had come as a surprise to find out the news of what took place, and a little bit concerning that neither she nor Tony had noticed it before.

Navy Officer Jackson Henry had been one of few people that the DiNozzo parents had trusted. They didn't let Anthony stay at every friend's house. Ziva could literally count on one hand which friends parents they had deemed 'safe and responsible' enough for their youngest child to be around. Now, she felt that she and Tony may need to re-evaluate that selection— 'And definitely do background checks on all of them.'

Ziva was pulled from her thoughts when McGee came in to join her. "Hey Zi, is that him?"

"Hey Tim", she nodded her affirmation then let out a sigh. "I have known that man for three years now and I never saw this coming."

"I read the report that Metro did. He's pretty good at hiding in plain sight. Most guys like him are." McGee placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a half hug, "Don't beat yourself up over it, Ziva. I know how your mind is working right now. Just look at the bright side."

"What exactly is the bright side", she inquired as she finally looked him in the eye.

"Although III has a bruised jaw, it's nothing compared to some other injuries he could of had. And if my nephew had not been there, we wouldn't know what we know now. That there's a disgrace of a naval officer walking around who has been abusing his wife and stepson. God only knows how much worse Tyler could be if III wasn't there to intervene."

"I suppose you are right."

"Of course I am", he chuckled then got serious again. "Now, in the interest of making sure these charges hold and this bastard doesn't wiggle his way out of facing some serious time, I'm going to do the interrogation. I don't want the charges to be dropped because of a technicality on paper with you and Tony being III's parents."

Ziva smiled in appreciation, "Thank you, Tim ... for always looking out for us."

"We've always had each other's backs. No need to thank me. I just want to close this quickly so we can go back to enjoying our weekend. I'll start as soon as Tony gets here."

Like clockwork, the door opened right in that moment to reveal Tony entering observation. "You ready McGee?"

"Yeah, just remember to keep calm and don't come storming in if you hear something you don't like", McGee spoke more to Tony than Ziva. He knew, by the phone call he received to come in on his day off, that his best friend— more like big brother, was ready to rip someone's head off. Namely, the man now sitting in interrogation. The last thing McGee wanted was for an abuser to get away with his crimes because Tony was being hotheaded. He looked at him expectantly and waited for Tony to confirm that he would stay in observation.

"I'm good", Tony huffed, "I'll stay in here. Now go."

That was enough for McGee. He nodded then exited to start his interrogation.

In the next moment, Tony and Ziva looked on as their long time friend and colleague entered the interrogation room. "Tim will make sure that Jackson talks, my love", Ziva said in a hushed but confident tone as she held his hand.

Tony gave a gentle squeeze, "I trust Tim. It's the other bastard I don't care for. He needs to pay. Not just for attacking III, but for causing hell and torment in that house. Can you imagine what Tyler must have been going through? And then to try to hide what's been happening to cover for that slimeball. To think, his mother knows what's going on and is just content with letting it happen. I just don't get it."

"Unfortunately, we know that these things are common. Just like it is common for a woman to stay in an abusive relationship because she is afraid. Monica probably feels covering for him is better than actually pressing charges or testifying against him. For the safety of herself and her son."

"I understand that, but then again I don't." Tony shook his head in disbelief, "She's been putting Tyler in danger for God knows how long now. Her kid could have been laying in autopsy right now if it hadn't been for III. We need to get her in here too, so we can find out her side of allowing that son of bitch to do the things he's done."

Ziva looked at him with confusion, "Are suggesting we arrest Monica Henry for negligence and interrogate her too?"

"No, I'm suggesting we just talk to her. We can consider negligence charges after we hear what she has to say."

"Tony, she's a victim too", she tried to defend.

"Sure she is", Tony said sacastically as he rolled his eyes. "A victim who conveniently neglected to inform us that our son could be subjected to violence while staying at her house. What if III was seriously injured?"

"You are raising your voice and getting agitated. I need you to calm down, please", she sighed and turned to look him directly face to face. "I am not saying I disagree with you. However, the fact remains that she is still a victim who was acting out of fear and embarrassment. I honestly believe that she probably thought her husband would behave properly around visitors as he has seemingly always done. We need to be objective about all of this. I know it involves Anthony now, but we have to treat this like any other case if we want to ensure that Jackson Henry gets a long sentence. We can charge him as it stands right now, but we will still need both Tyler and Monica to testify against him for everything to hold up. We cannot go on a warpath against the mother when we need her cooperation."

Tony said nothing. But his look spoke everything. They had two different thought patterns. In his mind, the mother was just as guilty as the step-father. Something about the situation just didn't sit right with him and he was determined to figure it out as he watched the interrogation.

"We can sit here all day not saying anything or you can answer a few simple questions. Between you and me, I'd rather just get this over with. So tell me, Officer Henry, do you understand what it is that brought you into the custody of NCIS", McGee asked for the 3rd time in the last few minutes that he had been inside the room.

"The offspring of your Director got his ass handed to him this mornin' so now y'all have a beef with me", Henry shrugged nonchalantly. "Not my fault the boy stepped to me lookin' for a fight."

McGee smirked, "From the looks of things, I have to say that you may have your story of this morning's events a little twisted."

"Oh yeah, how's that?"

"Well", McGee paused to stand and move out of the way of Henry's view of the mirror, "Take a look." When the Navy Officer did as told then grimaced, McGee continued, "You look like you're the one who got his ass handed to him by a 16 year old. Not the other way around. So let's talk about why Anthony DiNozzo III felt the need to engage you this morning. What was happening before you started fighting with him?"

"I believe that's my business and no concern to NCIS." Henry rolled his eyes as he leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms.

His whole demeanor was getting McGee annoyed, but he kept his cool. "Listen, either you can tell me what was going on or I can make something up and officially file these charges for endangerment, domestic violence, child abuse, and the assault of a minor. You're looking at 5 to 10 years for the child abuse and assault against a minor, easy. Another year for the endangerment charge. Then a minimum of a year to a maximum of 5 years for the DV charge. And let's not forget to add in the factor that the minor you attacked is the child of a director of a government agency and a government agent, that will easily lengthen your stay. Altogether, the least amount of time you'll spend in prison is about 10 years. Don't forget about all the fines you'll have to pay as well. Plus, you'll be dishonorably discharged from the Navy and ..."

"You're trumping up those charges", Henry interrupted in anger. His sudden yelling and shift in demeanor causing McGee to raise his brow in surprise. "I ain't never been no woman beater or child abuser! That fuckin' kid came to my house and got his ass beat because he was tryna steal from me and my boy dammit!"

McGee uncharacteristically started laughing and shook his head. "Hold on, hold on", he tried to compose himself but the mere thought of the lies that were being spewed from Henry's mouth really were funny to him. "You mean to tell me that you tried to fight Anthony because he was stealing from your home? You really expect me to believe that? On top of the fact that you also have a criminal record, prior to when you enlisted, where you were charged with domestic abuse?"

"Believe what ya want! So what about those old charges?! You ain't got nothin' new on me", Henry challenged adamantly.

"Okay, let's just go along with your story for a moment. What reason would Anthony have to steal from you? I'm just curious, because the DiNozzo's are not lacking in the financial department."

He shrugged, "Shit, back in 2001 that Winona lady stole and she was a damn movie star. Just cause his mama and daddy got money don't mean a thing. Your guess is as good as mines why he wanted to steal from me. The kid's got serious psyche issues, and, since you ain't got no evidence that it wasn't a fight to defend my house, I'd say this is his word against mines and I can leave."

Just as Henry stood, McGee roughly pushed him back down onto the chair and leaned into him. With his face just inches away, he spoke through gritted teeth, "You're not going anywhere except to prison." He stood back up straight and put a little distance between them. After clearing throat, he continued, "I have enough to charge you. Even with your false side of the story. Between the bruise on Anthony's face, the strangulation marks around Tyler's neck and bruises on his body, and the knowledge that your record gives us insight about your propensity for abuse, there's really no need for us to continue. I tried to give you a chance, but all you want to do is waste my time. It's fine though. Have it your way. We're done here."

"Hey", Henry looked confused, "Ya can't just leave! What about if I wanna press charges on the kid for what he done to me? I got bruises too! I was assaulted man! It was self defense."

McGee chuckled as he shook his head, "You are really laying it on thick. I'd advise you to get a lawyer and talk your story over with legal counsel. Spoiler alert: they're going to tell you that you've got no case against Anthony and that you're going to be locked up for a very very long time. Enjoy your court martial." With nothing left to say, and not wanted to here another word, McGee exited the interrogation room swiftly.

"Well that was annoying", McGee said as he met Tony and Ziva in the hallway. "I really thought I'd get him to talk and let on about the abuse. Sorry guys."

"Don't worry about it Probie", Tony assured him, "We have enough now and I know what we need next." Ziva looked at him quizzically, as did McGee. "Bring in Monica Henry on negligence charges and ..."

"Wait,I thought you said we would talk to her first and then consider charges", Ziva interrupted. "Now you have chosen to immediately charge her without knowing her story? She could completely shutdown if you bring her in here already charged, is that what you want?"

"I want answers, Ziva! And so should you", he snapped. "A teenage boy's life hangs in the balance if we don't find out why his mother keeps allowing worthless scum around to hurt him." He pointed to the closed door of the interrogation room in anger, "If that asshole doesn't want to talk, then his wife is going to! Am I the only person around here who sees the bigger picture?!"

"Tony", McGee started to try to calm him down and reason with him, "We all want answers, but maybe we should ..."

"I didn't ask for suggestions, McGee! I gave you an order to bring in Monica Henry on the charge of negligence, so get her in here. NOW!"

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The key mark of a long and emotional day, Tali had fallen asleep shortly before her favorite movie ended. Hunter carried her to their room and laid her in the bed. After using much skill to strip her down to her boy shorts and camisole without waking her, he covered her with the blanket and went to the kitchen. Sitting in front of his laptop at the center island, Hunter opened the NCIS database to check for the report that Tali had brought up earlier. For some reason, it intrigued him that she would even make such a request and he genuinely wanted to see what had caused his soon to be brother-in-law to fight with a Naval officer.

'Should've thought to ask the guy's name.'

With limited information on the incident, he took a little while to narrow down the list of reports that came up. Eventually he found the report that fit the brief scenario that Tali had given him earlier. He read the preliminary report first and was suprised to see that it was labeled both as an assault and a child abuse case. Tali hadn't mentioned the child abuse part to him. Hunter was growing even more intrigued as he read, and decided to look deeper. As soon as he opened the full digital file something felt familiar. Or rather, someone looked familiar.

'Dont I know this guy?'

There was something about the mugshot of Jackson Henry that made Hunter feel extremely uneasy. Like there was something horrible hidden behind his cold dead eyes. Something that Hunter couldn't place, but he knew he'd seen it before. It started instantly nagging him to no end.

'Where have I seen him before? He's not just in the Navy. I know he's not.'

After airdropping a copy of the report to his phone, he erased the search from his browser and went back to his bedroom. He looked at Tali sleeping peacefully and hoped he could do the same as he laid down. Sleep seemed like it would be a major challenge now that a familiar disgusting feeling was settling deep within him. Hunter looked at the mugshot one more time then placed his phone on the nightstand. When he rolled over and closed his eyes, crude images flashed in his head of the war that nearly destroyed his homeland of South Africa a few years ago and of the man he now knew as Naval Officer Jackson Henry. In every mental image, Henry was right there in the midst of the carnage but not as an American military officer.

'HE'S TSOTSI!'

Hunter sat up panting as his inner thoughts yelled at him. Suddenly he knew the connection the images made. The man was more than just an abuser. He was worse, far worse. For the first time in a long time, a suspect had put fear in Hunter's heart. The worst part was, it wasn't even his case or his suspect to worry about ... at least, not for now.

So, the mystery, angst, and drama begins. Lol!

Thanks for the positive feedback thus far.

Hope you peeps enjoyed this chapter!

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Later!

- Chide