A|N: I know it has been a while. Please excuse my absence. This story was supposed to follow the timeline of the holidays, however something major happened personally that totally turned my world upside down. Soon after I posted the last chapter, I received a call from the mother of a young man that I have been mentoring in writing and music for the last two years. She informed me that he had been killed in an altercation while trying to protect his younger siblings. Needless to say, I was completely crushed by the news. This young man was 17 and the little brother I never had but always wanted. His death was a major blow and killed my desire to write. Apart from my assignments to complete my masters, I have stayed away from my passion for writing and music that bonded me with Hamzah.
A few days ago, I had a long talk with my fiancé ... okay more like screaming match ... But in the end, I let out the pain I have been carrying since receiving that dreadful call and cried more than I think I ever have in my life. My fiancé reminded me that I still needed to keep pursuing what I love— my writing. If not for anything else, than for Hamzah and the brief legacy he left on this earth. With that being said, I am continuing onward with this story and dedicating part of it to a young man who undoubtedly brightened my life. So, this is for you Hamzah— I pray Allah has guided your spirit home brother. You are eternally my hero and I will forevermore live to make both our dreams come true. Inshallah.
.
"Undercover Show"
Chapter IV - Records & Plans
By Monday afternoon, it was clear to everyone on the Navy Yard that the former 'Team Gibbs' had assembled together once again for something big. It wasn't known as to what that something was, but it was evident that it was major considering the fact that Tony had temporarily moved two of McGee's team members to another MCRT and replaced them with himself and Ziva. Not to mention, Hunter was back to work within the DC office and was leading the team. It also hadn't gone unnoticed by every agent in the building that one of the more private and secure conference room's had been turned into a mini-squad room sometime early that morning, and it was now being occupied by the team. The buzz around the yard was that they were either planning a very covert op, or that they were already working a highly classified case ... little did everyone know, both versions of the buzz was correct.
Tony, Ziva, McGee, Bishop, and Hunter had started their work day before the sun came up. After cashing in on a favor owed to him, McGee had gotten a warrant Sunday evening to execute a full search on the Henry's property the following day. Once Tony was made aware, the rest of the team agreed to start the day at 4AM so they could search the property thoroughly, and bring back any evidence that needed processing before Abby got too overloaded with other cases.
The search had proven useful and was very telling as to the people Jackson and Monica Henry actually were. A hidden room, found in the basement, seemed to be a well preserved time capsule. It was jarring for all of them, finding old evidence that could have aided in their finding Tali and Hunter when they were kidnapped four years ago. Even more disconcerting were distinct pieces of tattered art taken from Hunter's homeland during the war. It was clear that the team had stumbled upon something they hadn't been prepared to deal with again ... proof that the Tribe was still active in Washington, DC.
Now there was the matter of sitfting through everything they had found. In their temporary squad room, McGee and Bishop were going through bank accounts and phone records while Hunter and Tony meticulously pieced together the timeline the evidence created from the start of the war up to the time the kidnapping happened. And Ziva, well she was trapped in her thoughts trying to find if she had missed something during her interview with Monica Henry ...
"I was told you wanted to speak with me", Ziva said as she took a seat across from Mrs. Henry inside the interrogation room.
"I do", Monica sighed in frustration, "I thought we'd become really good friends over the years, but this treatment makes me think otherwise." She lifted her hands to show the cuffs tightly placed around her wrists.
Ziva nodded as she pointed to the cuffs, "We have, and those are not my doing. I would have preferred to simply speak in a conference room, however my director feels this is the right way to go with this."
"Your 'director'", she said sarcastically as she chuckled, "So Tony isn't your husband at the office? You don't get to pull rank as his wife here? I mean, seriously Ziva, how can you stand by a man that demands you treat your friend like this!"
"I could flip that question and ask how you stand by a man who demands you hide the abuse he inflicts on you and your son?"
Monica rolled her eyes, "You don't understand."
"Then make me", Ziva pleaded. She truly wanted to believe in her friend's innocence, it was just a matter of getting her to stay on topic. "So far, you are being charged with negligence and child endangerment. Now, I do not believe that is who you are, but I cannot advocate for you being a victim if you do not explain your side of the story."
"What makes you think I will go against my husband?"
The question puzzled Ziva for a moment and it showed on her face. "Monica, we have a long list of charges against Jackson. He will not get out of prison for a long time. There is no need to hide in fear of his wrath. You do not need to save face anymore."
"You think I'm saving face?" Monica shook her head, "You have it all wrong. Jackson is a great man and has never laid a finger on me. He's not abusive."
"How do you explain Tyler's injuries from this morning, and my son's bruised jaw?"
"Ah ha! That's what this is about? You're precious baby boy who can do no wrong, right? Because the DiNozzo's are the epitome of class and integrity!" Monica laughed then turned serious, "You're son got that bruise jaw because he tried to blindside my husband and attack him while he was disciplining Tyler."
"Discipline? Is that what nearly choking a 16 year old boy to death is to you?" Ziva was appalled as she opened a folder she had brought in with her that held police reports, "From both accounts, Anthony and Tyler say that Jackson was heavily intoxicated and started beating up Tyler for no apparent reason. Anthony was trying to save Tyler when Jackson began strangling him. Obviously we have separate views on what constitutes as discipline, because to me that sounds like abuse."
Monica scoffed, "You can't believe everything you read. Teenagers lie, that's why Tyler is always getting punished. Maybe you should try getting your husband to discipline that little brat of yours and maybe you'd get the truth too."
It took everything in Ziva not to reach across the table and slap Mrs. Henry. She took a few moments to breathe before she continued, "How long has Tyler been being abused by Jackson?"
"He's been getting disciplined since a year after I married Jackson", she admitted without pause. "It's a shame though, had I allowed my husband to do it earlier in our relationship, Tyler might be a little tougher instead of still acting like a little bitch and running to you people. I have tried to make him toughen up myself, but it's different when a man can step in and cause more pain."
"Are you ...", Ziva stopped to gather her thoughts, "Are you saying that before Jackson, you were abusing your son?"
"Abuse, discipline", Monica shrugged, "call it what you want, but yes I was."
"And you are proud of that?"
She nodded, "Oh, very proud. I'd be even more proud if the boy actually acted like a man, instead of a coward. My only real regret as a mother is that Tyler isn't more like Jackson. Sure, the Navy makes him follow certain orders, but he really is his own man and does what he wants to make our world better. Without men like him, we would still be fighting another man's war. My husband, unlike yours, isn't controlled by this government. He answers to a higher power and follows his calling. If Tyler would answer that same call, he wouldn't need to be punished. Unfortunately, Tyler is still weak so he gets exactly what he deserves."
Ziva snapped herself out of the trance she was in and started ruffling through papers the team had laid out on a table. Her sudden movement causing everyone to stop what they were doing and stare at her. After a few seconds of searching, she turned to them while holding up a report.
"He's the recruiter", she practically yelled. "Jackson Henry is the recruiter for the Tribe cell in DC!"
Tony looked at her intrigued as he took the report from her hand. "What brought on this epiphany?"
"Monica Henry, she said her husband 'follows his calling' and that Tyler would not have to be punished if he 'would answer the same call'. The abuse has been to try to force Tyler into becoming a Tribe member", Ziva explained as she pointed to the report, "That's the follow-up from the FBI after we arrested all the DC members four years ago and turned the case over. Most of the recruits were minors who admitted to becoming members because the recruiter, who remained nameless, used brute force and beat them until they believed it was their calling to carry out Mohammed Amadi's plan."
"They described the recruiter as a tall white man, short brown hair and brown eyes with a southern accent, but no other details were given", Bishop chimed in as she leaned over Tony's shoulder to skim over the report. "That fits Henry's profile to the tee, so why wasn't he ever looked at?"
"Because the FBI would've never looked into a Naval Officer who was supposed to be stationed in the middle of the Pacific at the same time they were looking for the mystery recruiter of a terrorist group", Tony answered. "Not to mention, the description was too general. Every other guy in the world fits that profile. It would be like trying to find the needle in a haystack, which the FBI didn't have that man hours for. Says it right here in their report."
"So how do we prove Henry is the recruiter", McGee asked, "Like you said, Henry was supposed to be stationed in the middle of the Pacific. His military record says he was on three back to back tours at sea and did a stint in Hawaii then he was stationed here at District Command."
"At the time he was stationed here is when he met his wife, that was almost a year after we shutdown the DC cell", Bishop added as she took the report from Tony and sat on the floor to read further. "He has an airtight alibi."
"There has to be a leak somewhere", Hunter finally spoke then sat next to Bishop to study the report with her. "We just need to find it."
.
While the team was trying to find more answers, Tali was trying to find the right words to say to her dance instructor. A four hour rehearsal was finally coming to an end and she really needed to make her request.
"Great job everyone! Merci for a lovely rehearsal! We will resume on Wednesday. Now please remember we have added another element for the American shows, so our next rehearsal will focus on new choreography. I need you all to be prompt and ready to work hard. Get plenty of rest and have a wonderful day off tomorrow!"
'This is it Tal, it's now or never.' Tali took a deep breath as she stood behind the instructor and tapped her shoulder, "Um, Claudette?"
The woman spun on her heals, "Oh, yes Tali, I'm actually glad you stayed for a moment. I have incorporated a solo piece into the new element for our show. Seeing as though the performances will take place in your hometown, I thought it would be fabulous if you were our soloist, what do you think?" Claudette looked at her enthusiastically, waiting for an immediate answer.
Tali, on the other hand, was completely taken by surprise and started to stutter, "A solo? I ... um ... wow ... this is ... it's unexpected ... I don't know ...".
"Just say 'oui'", Claudette interrupted as she pouted and put on a puppy dog face.
"Um, okay, yes", she answered with more than a little uncertainty.
"Yes! This is going to be très magnifique!" Claudette clapped her hands and gave a little leap for joy. "Oh, you have no idea how much better this will make the show! I hope you haven't made plans with your fiancé tomorrow, because I need you here to learn your part before rehearsal on Wednesday."
"Actually he's out of town, that's why I needed to speak with you", Tali sighed then cleared her throat, "I need to leave for the States early and would have to miss the next few weeks of rehearsal."
The other woman titled her head as her brow furrowed. "I don't understand, you want to leave and miss the most important rehearsals before we go to the theater in America?"
"I know this is the worst time to make this kind of request", Tali said hastily, "But I have some family stuff I need to take care of back home and ..."
"If I agree to excuse you from the last two weeks of rehearsal here, you have to agree to privately rehearse with me for the remainder of this week as well as stay late during our regular schedule."
"Deal. Every day this week, I'm totally fine with that."
"Honestly, I was partly joking and was not expecting you to agree so easily. It would be a very rigorous schedule. Not to mention taxing on your body." Claudette looked with concern, "Has something bad happened? Is that why you need to go so soon? If so, I trust your ability to learn your solo and the new choreography if I simply record them and send it to you. I would hate to keep you from your family if it is an emergency."
Tali was surprised yet again. The expression not lost on her face as she asked, "Really?"
"Oui, really. Just help me to understand what is happening and I will figure out how to make this work so you can be on your way to your family."
"Technically, I can't really speak on the details. Considering my fiancé and my parents' jobs, I'm not actually allowed to say much, but something happened to my little brother and it ended up bringing up this whole big case."
Claudette nodded in understanding, "Right, as I recall they are agents at an American government agency. I hope your brother is fine, as well as the rest of your family."
"Thank you", Tali spoke sincerely, "I'm not sure how bad things are yet, which is why I need to be there. I swear, it won't take my focus from the show. I'd just feel more at ease being there than I do being here right now. I was going to try to wait it out until the company travels together, but I've been an emotional wreck since Hunter flew to DC the other morning."
"Okay", Claudette stated simply as she shrugged.
"Okay?"
"Okay", she nodded, "You may go."
"But?" Tali instinctively heard it coming by the woman's tone.
"But, I will need you to sacrifice one more evening and morning being here in Paris. I can begin teaching you your solo choreography now and in the morning we can also rehearse. By tomorrow afternoon you can be on the plane to the States."
Tali couldn't help the cheesy grin on her face, "Oh God thank you so much! I can live with that!"
Claudette walked over to the sound system in the corner of the room and pressed the button to begin the music. "Then let us begin."
.
"... and then I found prints other then Henry's on that book. They belong to this guy, Jacob Townson. It's freaky, he looks just like Jackson Henry. Almost like they could be twins. That's so weird, right? I mean, I know everyone has a doppelgänger but there's usually some type of differences. It's like they we born identical twins and then separated at birth!"
The team stood in Abby's lab quietly as she continued to ramble on about the new developments she found with the evidence they had provided her earlier. Hunter had a theory that Jackson Henry may have had someone take his place on the ship while he was actually in South Africa raining terror. Now, it seemed, his theory was right.
"Where is this guy now Abs", Hunter asked while his eyes locked on the pictures Abby had on the plasma screen. It was true, there really was no difference between the two faces.
"That's the problem I called you guys down for. I can't actually find anything on him except an old address that no longer exists. The houses that used to be on that block were all brought out by the city a few years ago and knocked down to make those new high rise condos", Abby explained further. "There's no electronic trace of him before or after that. The old house belonged to his uncle and was left to him in a will after the man passed."
"How did you get a hit on his prints with no electronic trace?"
"He was arrested once for a DUI, spent a couple months in county for it then was released. And before you ask, he wasn't given probation after release. It's like he never existed, then he did exist, and now he doesn't exist again. All there is is an arrest record and the power of attorney paperwork signing over that house."
Ziva sighed, "We need to get Henry back in here then to find out about this guy."
"I doubt if he'll talk", McGee stated.
"Then we go talk to someone who likes talking about his accomplishments", Hunter chimed in as he checked his watch for the time.
"And that would be?"
Hunter cleared his throat before he responded, "Mohammed Amadi. I can visit him in the morning and question him." The moment he made the suggestion to see his estranged father in prison, a thick tension fell in the room. None of them were expecting him to volunteer himself for such a task. Especially since they all knew Hunter still hid his real feelings towards the man. He had, in some ways, yet to fully move-on from the betrayal.
"Spy Boy, you sure you want to do that", Tony asked in a low voice, not hiding his concern and desire to protect his youngest agent from doing something that would open old wounds. "McGee and I can go, son. You don't have to be the one to ..."
"I want to do it", Hunter interjected, "I need to do ... We all thought this nonsense with the Tribe was finally over and now it's coming back to haunt us. I want to shut this down as quickly as possible. The only way to do that is to talk to the man who created the terrorist group in the first place. You told me this was my case, so let me do this my way, Sir."
Reluctantly, Tony nodded his head, "Okay. This is all you, Spy Boy, but I'm going with you to Gitmo in the morning. I can't let you travel alone. Not there. Not to see him. That's the only thing you don't have control over in this case."
"Yes, Sir."
"I'll go make a few calls to get you guys on a military flight out in the morning", McGee chimed in.
"And I'll leave out now to question Henry's commanding officer. Maybe he can shed some light on what Henry was doing during his tours at sea and in Hawaii. It's possible there was some leave time we overlooked in his service records", Bishop added as she and McGee walked out the lab.
Just then, Abby looked back to say something but was interrupted by Tony's secretary coming in, "Excuse me Director, but you weren't answering my texts or calls and SecNav has been in your office for 5 minutes."
"Shit, I forgot she was coming. Chelsea, tell her I'll be with her in just a few minutes. Let her know I'm getting an update on the case she's come to hear about and will be coming in with the lead agent."
"Yes, right away, Sir."
Tony turned to Ziva and Abby, "You two mind grabbing a late lunch for everyone then meeting us back in the conference room?"
"It is fine", Ziva nodded, "Just go. You know SecNav is very impatient. We will see you in 45 minutes, yes?"
"Sounds good." Tony gave her a quick peck on the lips then left with Hunter following close behind.
Abby smiled as Ziva watched the men leave then looked towards her, "Well, what's for lunch? I'm starving!"
A few minutes later, Tony and Hunter entered the director's office to find the SecNav sitting at Tony's desk.
"Director DiNozzo, I absolutely loath waiting. You of all people should know that I expect my time not to be wasted, especially this late in the work day." SecNav turned her attention to Hunter, "Agent Amadi, I understand you've found a link between the Navy Officer who assaulted young Mr. DiNozzo and a formerly active terrorist cell?"
"Not formerly. The Tribe is currently active", Hunter corrected, "We have found evidence that proves Jackson Henry is the recruiter for the organization and was in South Africa at the time of the war carrying out orders to perform the attacks that led to our nations coming together as allies. While his service record stated he was stationed on a vessel in the Pacific, I believe Henry hired a man named Jacob Townson to take his place aboard the ship so he could remain free to work with the Tribe."
"Those are serious accusations Agent. Are you certain you can back them?"
"I can— after I speak with Muhammad Amadi at Gitmo tomorrow morning. There is no way Henry could afford to forge the documentation and pay Townson. Muhammad would have had to known and funded it, just like he funded the escape and plastic surgery makeover of Benjamin when he was setting the attacks here in DC."
SecNav stared between the two men before her as she processed the information. After a moment, she addressed them both, "This case is extremely personal for the both of you. I should turn it over to another team or, even better, the FBI." She waved her hand to halt the protests that were about to come from both Hunter and Tony, "However, given your knowledge of past events and involvement in them, I believe your expertise is needed to shutdown this organization once and for all. Not just in DC but anywhere else they might lurk."
"Ma'am, are you saying ..."
"Yes, Director DiNozzo, I am saying that you have the full use of every resource NCIS can provide to stop these people. That includes travel expenses to South Africa and anywhere else you can trace them. I want them gone before we have another war on our hands, understood?" Both men nodded in response. "Good. I will contact the president and bring him up to speed on this covert op. Choose wisely who you bring in on this and keep it under wraps." SecNav stood to leave, "And gentlemen, do not make me regret putting my faith in you to resolve this issue."