In the Presence of Mine Enemies Chapter 4

They rode to the crime scene in complete silence.

Gibbs was driving and as he drove he drank his coffee enthusiastically.

Tony sat in the passenger seat. He turned slightly to his left to view Gibbs through his peripheral vision. He could see that Gibbs appeared not to have a care in the world. As much as he admired Gibbs, even hero-worshipped the man if he was completely honest with himself, he was always taken aback by a level of cruelty Gibbs could exhibit.

It was then Tony thought he must be a masochist to put up with the shit Gibbs was dishing out.

He felt like the abused pet dog that returned to its master's side, head down, and tail between the legs to only be kicked to the curb again and again. Tony sighed quietly. He knew that eventually the "dog" would bite.

Tony's mounting feelings of insubordination were lingering just below his calm exterior.

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Rock Creek Park is an urban oasis. Lush forest, beautiful creeks, well groomed hiking and running trails. It was also a perfect dumping ground. D.C. locals call it victim's park.

Tony lost count of how many calls ended up at this location.

As the team exited the sedan Tony saw that Ducky & Palmer had just arrived at the scene.

He nodded at them as Gibbs starting giving orders. "McGee, sketch. Kate, photos. DiNozzo…interview." He pointed Tony in the direction of the group of joggers and local LEOs who had reported the body.

The body of 26 year old Petty Officer Cassie Peters lay partially submerged in Rock Creek. She was on her back, clothed in full dress whites, her shoulders and head resting on a flat boulder just below the surface of the water. The movement of the water made her blonde hair fan out like spun gold. Her vacant eyes looked up to the sky. She had been strangled. Her eyes had an absence of light but there was no mistaking the look of horror she had endured her last moments of life.

As his agents went about their assigned tasks, Gibbs watched Ducky insert a liver probe into the still body as Palmer retrieved the gurney from the MCRT van.

"Time of death, Duck?" He asked scanning the terrain. Creek in front of them, Old Military Road to the right, incline of heavy forest behind them that lead up and over to the old Pierce Mill.

"Within the last 8 to 12 hours Jethro." Ducky stated sadly "Of course we'll know more when we get her back to autopsy."

Gibbs heard a woman laugh. He turned towards the joggers. Were they actually flirting with DiNozzo?

Tony's back was to Gibbs. As Gibbs approached Tony he grabbed the camera from Kate and with a motion of his head told her to move with him.

Gibbs heard Tony laugh in response to something one of the young women said. Gibbs heard Tony ask "So what time was it that you ladies happened upon the Petty Officer?"

SMACK! Gibbs hand connected with the back of Tony's head.

Tony froze and then slowly turned rubbing the back of his scalp.

His eyes were aflame with fury. "WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?" he seethed.

Gibbs was taken aback for a split second never seeing a response like this from his SFA. He recovered quickly. "What the hell are you doing DiNozzo? Lining up a date for tonight?"

"WHAT?" yelled Tony "You have got to be kidding me! What is with YOU today?"

Tony was so angry he failed to see the shock on both Kate and McGee's face. Even Ducky and Palmer were brought to a standstill. They had all seen Gibbs & Tony verbally battle at a crime scene before but this was different. Tony actually looked like he wanted to punch Gibbs.

Gibbs shoved the camera at Tony. Tony took the camera in silence.

"You" Gibbs yelled at Tony "…take photos! KATE…interview!"

Tony turned away and began to take photos. The humiliation and shame he felt from Gibbs actions coupled with the events of the morning was almost unbearable. He had to smother the volcanic rage he felt building within him.

As Tony fought his internal battle he felt the hair on the back of his head stand on end. He had an overwhelming feeling of being watched. He stood straight and turned an abrupt 180 degrees staring at the forest behind him. He scanned the woods seeking a source of his discomfort.

"DINOZZO!" Gibbs started in again facing Tony

"BACK OFF" Tony hissed "Some of US didn't get our caffeine fix this morning!" He turned his back to Gibbs and went back to snapping photos.

The team was stunned but Gibbs most of all. He knew he had brought about this reaction. Strangely satisfied with the end result he stomped off.

A/N-For those of you familiar with Rock Creek Park you will be able to see I took extreme liberties in the description. The Pierce Mill and Military Road do exist. Even though I have been there I have no idea if they are near each other. FYI.