"OK, DiNozzo," said Gibbs as they sat in a conference room at NCIS, "any ideas who might be after you?"
"No. Are you sure they were after me? I can't think why anyone would be after a Senator's chief of staff. Are you sure the shooter was aiming at me?" Gibbs just stared at Tony. "Of course you're sure," sighed Tony, "but it seems so unlikely. Why would I be a target?"
"That's what we're trying to find out," pointed out Gibbs. "Any one you pissed off working for the Senator?"
"Plenty," said Tony, "goes with the job. There are always people wanting the Senator to do something for them but people like that don't usually get revenge with guns. If they did there'd be no one left on the Hill."
Gibbs shrugged as if to say, in his view, that might not be a bad thing.
"By the way," said Tony, "I owe you an apology." Gibbs raised an eyebrow in query. "Which I know is against the rules," continued Tony, "but I don't have to follow them anymore. Senator Kiley. I didn't know he'd died. I'm sorry I made that cheap shot yesterday about him."
"Collapsed in prison," said Gibbs, "nobody knew he had a heart condition. It was just waiting to happen."
"You were close?" asked Tony, "You were in the photos of his arrest at the time. Newspaper articles made a thing of him being arrested by his former gunnery sergeant."
"Yeah, we were close at one time," admitted Gibbs, "he was a good man. But people change. That's how it is." He stared at Tony, wondering if Tony might also have changed in the years since they had worked together.
"I can't think of anyone who'd want to kill me for what I've done for the Senator," said Tony. "Perhaps it's someone we put away while I was an NCIS agent? Or when I was at Baltimore … or Philly … or Peoria," he trailed off with a sigh.
"We'll check," said Gibbs, "you remember anyone who swore vengeance?"
"Haven't we been down this road before?" asked Tony.
"Too many times," said Gibbs.
"McGee's probably got the list of potentials from the last time," grimaced Tony. "You know, NCIS has got some great employee benefits but it's been nice not being accused of murder the last few years. And not getting shot!"
Gibbs shrugged once more, there didn't seem much to say.
"Hey," said Tony, "am I good to go to work now?"
"Guess so," said Gibbs, "I'll give you a ride."
"Not sure that's safer than having a mad gunman out there looking for me," muttered Tony.
"You're welcome," said Gibbs drily. They stood up to go but Gibbs remembered something. "Yesterday. Just before you got shot. You said something about a petty officer at Norfolk. What were you going to say?"
"Oh yeah," said Tony, "he thought I still worked at NCIS. He thinks there's some of scam going on at Norfolk."
"What sort of scam?"
"Gear that's due for destruction going missing."
"What sort of gear?"
"Uniforms, vehicles, out of date signage. Nothing of much value. He thought it was odd."
"What was his name?"
"Petty Officer Harold Harper. He works in supply at Norfolk. You think it might be connected?"
"Don't see how," admitted Gibbs, "but I'll get it checked."
As they were waiting at the elevator, Director Vance walked up to them.
"Gentlemen: FBI and Capitol Police are going to help with protection detail," he said. "Capitol Police will guard you when you're at work, DiNozzo. FBI and NCIS will cover any travel away from your home. We'd appreciate you keeping any movements to a minimum. Capitol Police and FBI will watch your house from the outside. NCIS will maintain a presence inside."
"Thank you, Director Vance," said Tony. When they were inside the elevator he muttered, "He does realise I'm not an agent anymore, doesn't he?"
"What?" asked Gibbs.
"Calling me 'DiNozzo' like that. I think I'll check with my wife to see if I'm out of time to sue for constructive discharge. That would remind him I don't work for him anymore."
"Take it easy, DiNozzo," said Gibbs.
"Easy for you to say," said Tony crossly, "like I said, I'm out of the habit of being shot. It's unsettling!"
"You'll be fine," said Gibbs soothingly. "We can go see Ducky if you like. He'll check you over."
"And chew me out for not wearing the sling," said Tony, "No thank you. Just take me back to work."
Gibbs drove Tony to his office, walked him to the door and then told him to call when he was ready to leave for the day. "And don't leave it too late," he said, "I think your wife would appreciate you being home."
"You really think I'm going to take marriage advice from someone who's been divorced three times?" asked Tony.
"Means I've got experience in how to piss off women," said Gibbs.
"I don't need any help in doing that," said Tony. "Thanks for the ride. I'll call you."
NCISNCIS
"I got your message, Boss," said Bishop as she hurried back into the office a couple of hours later.
"FBI have taken over?" asked Gibbs.
"Yes. Although they might not be as good at playing clapping games as me. I totally rocked," she replied.
"You do know you're meant to let kids win sometimes, Bishop?"
"Sure," said Ellie a little unconvincingly. She decided to change the subject, "What you want me to do?"
Uncharacteristically Gibbs hesitated. "I want you to look into DiNozzo and his wife."
"Gibbs?"
"I can't ask McGee to do it. He'd find it difficult to be objective but you don't know Tony."
"What am I looking for?" asked Ellie.
"The usual sort of thing," said Gibbs, "what we would normally look for."
"Why?" asked Bishop.
"There's something going on there," said Gibbs. "When DiNozzo opened his briefcase yesterday I saw a pair of women's panties."
"They could have been his wife's," said Ellie, "there could be an innocent explanation."
"Could be," agreed Gibbs, "but there was an odd look on DiNozzo's face when he saw them. And suggesting sleeping in the office got a weird reaction. If it was anyone else we'd do a background check. Don't want to fall down just because we know the target."
"On it, Boss," said Bishop.
"Tony would approve," said Gibbs with a half-smile, "he always suspected the wife."
"Where's Tim?" asked Bishop.
"Still with Ms Talbot," said Gibbs. "Appointment's taking longer than expected. I'm going to see Abby."
"What you got, Abs?" said Gibbs as he walked into her lab a few minutes later.
"A new CafPow," she said happily as she reached out to take the cup Gibbs held out to her.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Facial recognition on the cell phone footage is a bust," she said sadly, "Jason really needs some lessons on photography. I've worked out when Christian Mason's ID was used to gain access to the Yard but whoever it was kept his face down. I can see general height and build but that doesn't tell us anything that we didn't already know. Oh, and he was wearing a cap so I can't tell if he really had blond hair or not."
"What time did he leave the base?" asked Gibbs. "IDs were being checked weren't they, once we sounded the alarm?"
"Checked but not recorded, Gibbs," said Abby. "Security are checking to see if anyone remembers Christian Mason's ID but it's not an unusual name and he's not that distinctive looking."
"Harold Harper," said Gibbs, "can you check to see if he was on base that day?"
"Of course," said Abby, "why am I doing that?"
"He spoke to Tony on a visit to Norfolk. Said he thought something hinky was going on there."
"You think he might have changed his mind? Decided to silence Tony?" asked Abby doubtfully.
"Don't know, Abs," admitted Gibbs, "just following every possibility. Harper's based at Norfolk. Check to see if anyone he works with was here yesterday."
"Gibbs," said Abby, "there are more than a hundred thousand people at Norfolk. What will that prove?"
"Just covering the bases, Abs," said Gibbs.
NCISNCIS
Gibbs was surprised when Tony called him just after 16.00 to go back home. He went with Bishop to collect Tony.
"Figured you'd be working late," said Gibbs as they drew up in front of Tony's house, "what with all that work to do with the bill."
"I can do some of it from here," said Tony, "it's mostly making phone calls. Getting people in line, keeping to their promises."
"What happens if you don't do it?" asked Gibbs.
"I'm not essential if that's what you mean," said Tony, "other people in the office could step up. It's easier if I do it because I've done the ground work but I don't think anyone's going to kill me to keep me from making the calls. Besides, it's a bill to ensure homeless young people can still access education. It's important but it's not going to ruin anyone's reputation."
Gibbs shook his head in puzzlement that no motive for killing Tony had yet come to light. He hoped that McGee and Bishop would be able to carry on their research while on protection duty that evening.
Gibbs was surprised when they went into Tony's house and found that Elizabeth and Martha were not yet home. He was less surprised to find that Grace and Esther were watching a movie in the den; there might be some things which had changed about Tony but love of films wasn't one of them. Bishop went into the den to relieve the FBI agent.
"Guess I'd better start cooking," said Tony, "how many guests are there going to be tonight?"
"Guests?" said Gibbs, "don't recommend you having people round for a few days, DiNozzo."
"Let me rephrase that," said Tony, "how many NCIS, FBI and Capitol Police will be in my house?"
"You don't have to feed the FBI," said Gibbs unkindly, "Bishop, McGee and I will be here for most of the evening. We'll work out who stays later."
Tony was just beginning to look through the fridge when the front door opened and McGee came in with Elizabeth and Martha.
"Hi Daddy," said Martha. She started to run towards him but then heard the sound of the movie. "They're watching 'Inside Out'," she squealed and changed direction to go into the den instead.
"What have I done?" sighed Tony, "my daughter loves movies more than she loves me."
"It is her favourite," said Elizabeth.
"Well?" said Tony, "how did it go?"
For answer Elizabeth burst into tears and walked into Tony's arms.
"We'll get through it," said Tony to the top of Elizabeth's head, "we'll get through it."
"She's fine," sobbed Elizabeth.
"What?"
"She's fine. The doctor said she was a bit run down. But she'll be fine."
McGee wanted to ask why Elizabeth was crying if everything was OK but, as Tony also had tears in his eyes, he thought it best to rein in his investigative instincts.
"Thank God," said Tony, "I was worried. You didn't call and you were late."
"Doctor Schlesinger had an emergency," said Elizabeth, "we didn't go in until really late. There was nothing to tell you." She took a deep breath as she began to compose herself. She pulled out of Tony's embrace,
"I'm sorry Agent Gibbs, Agent McGee. I don't usually do this sort of thing. Emotions are frowned on in court."
"No worries," said McGee, "I'm sure it's been a difficult day. Finding out Tony had been shot. Having agents … me … hanging round. I can't imagine … well, I guess I can. I've done quite a lot of protection details but never on the other side so to speak. So really, please …"
"Shut up, McRambling," said Tony kindly, "it's not you that's caused my wife to have a meltdown." Elizabeth hit him. "Ow," he said, "wounded man here."
"It's your other arm," said Elizabeth but she apologetically rubbed the spot she'd hit. "Martha has been unwell the last few weeks," she continued, thinking the agents deserved an explanation, "she'd had some tests run and we went back for the results today. Tony was supposed to come with us."
"We're not really overanxious parents …" said Tony.
"But Esther had leukaemia a few years back," said Elizabeth, "we hope that she's recovered but it was a difficult time. We found out just after Grace was born."
"So we had a new-born and a sick kid," said Tony, "it was hard."
"And then Martha seemed to have the same symptoms," said Elizabeth shakily, "and we feared the worst. We didn't tell her or the others. We tried to keep everything normal."
Gibbs nodded, "I'm glad it was good news," he said wondering if the worry over their daughter's health accounted for the strain he had seen on the DiNozzos' faces.
"Let's order takeout," suggested Elizabeth, "just this once," she added when she saw a frown on Tony's face. "Tony doesn't really approve of fast food," she said to Gibbs and McGee.
"Tony?" said McGee incredulously, "Tony doesn't approve of fast food?"
"What can I say?" said Tony defensively, "I guess Kate's lectures finally took root. And when you have kids you become more responsible."
"We understand," said Elizabeth soothingly, "and it's just this once. As a celebration. And I'll order from the organic place.
"OK," said Tony, "I'll go see what the kids want."
Elizabeth smiled as he left and then said, "He really is a wonderful father, you know. Although he was terrified to start with."
"So was I," said Gibbs reminiscently.
NCISNCIS
Later that evening, with children in bed and Tony working on his phone calls in the home office, Tim took the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth.
"Ms Talbot, I just wanted to apologise for earlier."
"What?"
"You know. When I said that thing about your children's names. I don't really think they have odd names. I have friends whose children have really weird names. Compared to them your daughters have boring names."
Elizabeth stared at him.
"Um, I'm not really making this better, am I?" said Tim.
"Not really," she agreed.
"It's just that when I knew Tony he was commitment phobic and terrified of children. So, finding he was married and had three kids sort of threw me. And he always had that effect on me."
"Your foot always finds its way into your mouth when you're with him?" suggested Elizabeth.
"Kinda. But he's a great guy. And I really missed him. Seeing him these last couple days has reminded me of that. So I guess I might not have been as … tactful as I might have been. And your kids are great. And Tony looks …"
"Great?" supplied Elizabeth.
"Yes," said Tim, "and like I said. I'm sorry. And we'll find out who's after Tony. I promise."
"I know," said Elizabeth.
"You do?"
"Tony's told me a lot about you, about all of you, over the years. NCIS was a big part of his life – and he hasn't forgotten you."
"We haven't forgotten him either," said Tim.
"Although," said Elizabeth thoughtfully, "some of the pranks he pulled on you … I'm surprised you didn't throw a parade when he quit."
"He did love that superglue," said Tim wincing at the memory.
"If it's any consolation, he won't have it in the house now," said Elizabeth.
Tim was about to answer when Gibbs came back in from consulting the FBI agent on watch outside.
"Tim, you can head off now. I'll stay here tonight. I'll see you at the Navy Yard tomorrow," said Gibbs.
"OK, Boss. Good night, Ms Talbot. I'm glad it was good news today," said Tim.
"Thank you, Tim," said Elizabeth. Tim nodded, pleased that she seemed to be unbending a bit towards him. "Oh, and Tim," she added as he got to the front door, "if Agent Tommy comes back in your next book with a legal eagle wife called Lilly Tablet … well, I will sue. Good night."
"G-g-good night, Ma'am, Ms Tablet … I mean Talbot, Ms Talbot; Gibbs," said Tim making a hasty retreat.
Gibbs watched him go with a tolerant smile and then spotted a similar expression on Elizabeth's face. He began to understand what Tony saw in her. He grinned at her and, for a moment, she grinned back but then she frowned,
"Hey, it's been a long day. Stressful. I'm going to bed. Help yourself if you need anything, Agent Gibbs. I'll see you in the morning. Oh, I have a couple of appointments tomorrow. I'm guessing that won't be a problem?"
Gibbs looked at her over his coffee mug and paused for a moment, "No," he said, "shouldn't be a problem. Let the agents know when you need to go and they'll take care of you."
"Thank you. Well, good night, Agent Gibbs." Elizabeth nodded briskly and hurried out of the room. Gibbs had the distinct impression that she had just avoided speaking to him. He made a mental note to check what Bishop had found out about the DiNozzos.
NCISNCIS
"Special Agent McGee," said Tim as he picked up his desk phone the next morning.
"McGee," said Gibbs, "change of plan. I'm with the Director - he called me in for a meeting first thing. I was going to give DiNozzo a ride to work but it was too early for him. He's got some calls to make from home. I need you to drive him to the Capitol."
"On it, Boss."
"And McGee …"
"Yes, Boss?"
"Tell Bishop I want her report by 09.00."
"Report?" said McGee before realising that Gibbs had ended the call.
"Report?" he repeated as Ellie came into the squad room.
"What?" she said, "I didn't know I was doing a report for you."
"Not me," said Tim, "Gibbs. Says he wants it by 09.00."
"Oh, that report," said Bishop, "did he really say 09.00?"
Tim nodded and then grimaced in sympathy. "Need a hand?" he asked hopefully.
"Well," hesitated Ellie, "Gibbs didn't tell me it was a secret. He just said it wasn't something he could ask you to do."
"What?" said McGee, "Gibbs can ask me to do anything. He knows that. What is this report he doesn't trust me with?"
"It's not that he doesn't trust you, Tim. He just thought it would be better not to ask you to do this."
"Why? What's the report about?"
"Not what, who."
"Who then?"
"The DiNozzos," said Bishop."
"The DiNozzos?" repeated McGee.
"Yes. Gibbs said we'd do a background check on any protectees and we should do the same here."
"I guess that makes sense," said Tim, "just a formality."
"Y-e-s," said Bishop doubtfully.
"Bishop?"
"Gibbs thought there might be something going on. He thinks there might be something wrong with the marriage," admitted Bishop. "And you have to admit they've looked a bit tense."
"They thought their daughter was sick," argued Tim, "anyone would look tense."
"Of course," said Bishop. "But that's not the only thing. Gibbs saw something in Tony's briefcase."
"What?"
"A pair of women's panties."
"Oh. But they could have been his wife's," said Tim.
"That's what I said," Bishop assured him, "but Gibbs didn't think so. Something about the look on Tony's face."
"I guess we should trust Gibbs' instincts where Tony's concerned," said Tim, "but it's a shame. They seemed like a nice family."
"There's more," said Ellie reluctantly, "there's an apartment in Tony's name. A swanky one along Massachusetts Avenue. Why would he need another apartment? The house in Georgetown is in his and his wife's name but the apartment's not."
"Damn," said McGee. "I'd say good work Bishop but I kinda wish you hadn't found this out. Hey, I've got to go pick up Tony. See you later."
Gibbs came out of his meeting with the Director shortly before 09.00 and demanded Bishop's report.
"The DiNozzos moved to DC from Newark three months ago. Ms Talbot has been offered a partnership in a law firm: Gumbles, Travers and Maywether. It's a very prestigious firm. Ms Talbot is a high flyer, Gibbs. She's going to head up the property division. It's her area of expertise."
"What else?" asked Gibbs.
"Tony's been keeping a high profile. Making sure he gets known in DC. He accompanies the Senator to lots of parties and functions. I think that's part of being a politician. His wife doesn't appear in the photos, I'm guessing she's stays behind."
"Hmm," said Gibbs.
"She's supposed to take up the new job next month. She took some time off to settle the girls into new schools."
"Anything else?" asked Gibbs.
"Um, yes. Tony has an apartment in his name along Massachusetts Avenue."
"Why?"
"Don't know. The lease was taken out about a month after he moved to DC. It's an expensive area."
"Let's go," said Gibbs.
"Where?"
"Take a look at the apartment. See if we can tell if he has someone stashed away there. Come on."
Half an hour later, Gibbs and Bishop stood outside a luxury apartment block.
"Nice place," commented Ellie, "I'd have to win the lottery before I could move here."
"Thought you wanted a place with a yard," said Gibbs.
"True," said Bishop, "perhaps I won't move in after all!"
Gibbs grinned at her, "that's right, Bishop. Best to be a glass half full type. Come on, let's see if we can get in."
A woman carrying some bags with the logo of one of DC's most exclusive shops was struggling to open the door. Gibbs strode up and, with a charming smile, helped her get the door open and then followed her through. She gave him an appreciative look which faded when she saw Ellie by his side. Gibbs shrugged as she walked off.
"Which apartment?" he asked Ellie.
"14c," she replied, "on the top floor."
A few moments later they were standing outside 14c.
"What next?" asked Bishop.
For answer, Gibbs rang the bell. After a few seconds the door was opened by an elderly man.
"Yes?" he asked, "what can I do for you?"
"We were looking for Anthony DiNozzo," said Gibbs, "I understand he lives here."
"You've found him," came the reply.
"Tony DiNozzo?" asked Ellie in surprise.
"The very same. Now what can I do for you?"
The pieces fell into place for Gibbs. "Are you related to Tony DiNozzo? The Tony DiNozzo who works for Senator Adler?"
The charming smile on Senior's face faded a little at the mention of his son. "I'm his father," he said, "Anthony DiNozzo senior. The real Tony DiNozzo."
"Special Agents Gibbs and Bishop. NCIS," said Gibbs showing his badge.
"NCIS?" said Senior thoughtfully, "that sounds familiar. Hey, wasn't that the tin pot agency that Junior used to work for?"
Gibbs swallowed the insult and politely agreed, "Yes, Sir. He used to work for me."
"What was your name again?" asked Senior.
"Gibbs. Jethro Gibbs."
"Doesn't sound familiar," said Senior, "I remember him talking about working for someone called Ahab … but not Gibbs."
Gibbs suppressed a sigh.
"So what can I do for NCIS?" said Senior.
"Could we come in?" asked Bishop, "we need to talk to you about your son."
"Why, of course," said Senior with a speculative look at Bishop, "but I have to go out soon. I have a business meeting to attend."
He waved them into the apartment and pointed them towards the couch.
"I'd offer you a drink," he said, "but, as I said, time is short. So what do you want?"
"We believe your son's life is being threatened," said Gibbs keeping a careful watch of his reactions.
"Really?" said Senior, "but why on earth should someone want to kill Junior?"
"That's what we're trying to establish, Mr DiNozzo," said Gibbs, "fortunately he was only wounded slightly."
"Wounded?" asked Senior, "what happened?"
"You haven't been in contact with your son?" asked Bishop.
"Junior hasn't thought it necessary to let me know that he has been injured," said Senior as he didn't quite answer Ellie's question.
"Like you didn't come when your son was infected with pneumonic plague," said Gibbs.
"I'm sure you exaggerate," said Senior, "my son and I are adults. We don't live in one another's pockets. I don't tell my son if I have a cold and I don't expect him to keep me informed if he is unwell. We are both busy people. We have to prioritise things."
"You've only just moved to DC," said Ellie, "So you didn't move here to be closer to your son?"
Senior gave her a roguish smile, "I confess that when I heard Junior was coming to DC I thought it was time for a rapprochement. I'm a businessman, an entrepreneur and it would be advantageous to have someone with access to the inner circles of power and influence."
"I see," said Gibbs coolly.
"I'm afraid my son doesn't share my views," said Senior, "so our reconciliation is a work in progress."
"Do you have any idea why someone might want to kill him?" asked Gibbs.
"None at all," said Senior, "although my recollection is that he can be rather annoying. And I'm guessing that hasn't changed?" He stood up to indicate that the interview was over.
"Thank you for your time, Mr DiNozzo," said Gibbs as they left.
"What a cold-hearted gold digging …" began Ellie as they walked to the elevator, "he didn't even ask how Tony was!"
"Explains a lot about Tony," said Gibbs, "if that's what he grew up with."
"I'm sorry, Gibbs," said Ellie, "it never occurred to me that there might be two Anthony DiNozzos. I should have checked."
"Yes, you should," agreed Gibbs, "but some mistakes are useful."
"And this one was?" asked Bishop hopefully.
"Could be," said Gibbs, "means we got to meet Tony's dad. Does he strike you as an upright citizen?"
"No, he strikes me as sleazy," said Bishop honestly.
"Me too," said Gibbs, "when we get back to the office, start doing a check on Anthony DiNozzo Sr. I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't pissed some people off in his time."
"Do you think someone might be targeting Tony as revenge on his father?" asked Ellie.
"Could be," said Gibbs, "although I have a feeling it would be pointless."
"Why?"
"Because I don't think that poor excuse for a father would care much if his son was murdered."
