This took on a life of its own
Thanks for the great reviews. I appreciate all the time taken to write them.
Again, my science and knowledge of American procedures will be incorrect, please don't let it put you off
Enjoy x
It took over an hour for Tony to track down Officer Watson. Understandably for someone who works nights he was sleeping. Sleeping, Tony remembered that concept.
While he was waiting for the Officer to drag himself out of bed and head over to the NCIS building, Tony attempted to trace the movements of Petty Officer Charlotte Wells. Through copious amounts of telephone calls (flirting), requisitions and hastily arranged court orders, Tony managed to get enough CCTV footage to map the Petty Officer's journey that day.
Most importantly, he found the last place she was seen alive.
The bar, 'Aqua' was nearly a mile from where her body was eventually found. It had been open for seven months and further research found it had recently become a local hang-out for police and occasionally military personal.
According to the CCTV footage from the building next-door, Charlotte Wells arrived alone at 13.57. The footage from the bar had yet to appear, some sort of hold-up with the warrant, but luckily the angle of the camera from the deli clearly showed the bars entrance.
Starting from two hours prior to the arrival of the Petty Officer, Tony started compiling a list of all the people who entered or left the building, using still images and facial recognition, it was a very long list.
Worrying though, after a rigorous search, there was no evidence of Petty Officer Wells leaving the bar. Tony really wanted to go check it out, but he knew if he left his desk now, he may not have one to come back to. So he got inventive.
A call to the local planning office and some sympathy from the receptionist (as by this time he did sound awful) found him in receipt of the remodelling plans carried out prior to the opening seven months ago. There was a rear door to the bar, as expected, but it lead directly to the alley at the side of the building, in view of the camera. She hadn't left that way. How can someone disappear in the middle of a bar full of cops?
The frustration and tiredness was now starting to show. Tony's head was pounding and he was finding it harder and harder to concentrate. Rubbing his eyes for the twentieth time, he slammed his fist down hard on the desk.
'What did your desk do to you?' came a calm voice to his left. Tony was so startled he nearly pulled his weapon.
'Jesus Palmer…you trying to get shot?' Tony crocked
'You admitting I managed to sneak up on you?'
'No.' Tony pouted knowing Palmer had won this round, but he was already planning his revenge.
'Here.' Palmer said placing a delicious looking sub in front of Tony. 'EAT'
'I….'
'No excuses Tony, you can't take the meds Doctor Mallard gave you on an empty stomach. Now eat, please, for me.'
Tony glared at Palmer knowing it would have no effect on the young man. He and Jimmy were starting to become friends following his battle with the plague. When Tony needed advice that would not get back to Gibbs, Jimmy was the one he went to. He could barely say two words to Gibbs without stuttering, so Tony knew his secrets were safe. He also knew Jimmy would have no problem using that information to blackmail him into eating.
Jimmy was still watching and waiting, so he took a bite. Tony immediately realised his mistake. He couldn't swallow. He chewed the food around and around until it was really soft, and with a huge amount of effort forced it down past his extremely swollen throat, unable to hold back the grimace as he did so.
'Sorry.' Tony said pushing the remainder away forcefully. 'I…can't…' the ensuing coughing fit saw Palmer gently rubbing his back until he could breathe again.
'You should be resting.' Jimmy said without removing his hand
'We have…a case.'
'I don't care. Well, I do care, obviously, but let the others handle it. You need to take care of yourself.'
'I can't…I'm missing…something…I…have…to…'
'OK, stop talking.' Palmer placed a container on his desk. Tony opened his mouth only to have Jimmy cover it with his hand. 'No talking.'
Tony gave him a quizzical look, not attempting to speak.
'It's soup.' Jimmy said cheerfully taking his hand away.
Tony looked like he would protest some more, but Jimmy was having none of it. He took Tony's friendship very seriously and if he couldn't get the man to go home, he could at least make sure he had something warm inside him. 'Drink the soup, take your meds and get some rest.'
Jimmy could hear Tony muttering under his breath, something about being around Ducky too long, but he smiled as Tony took a tentative sip of the soup. Finding it went down easily, Tony had practically finished the cup before he realised he was even hungry, only to find pills were thrust under his nose. Knowing he was beaten he took them without complaint.
'Get some rest.' Jimmy said, clearing up the remnants of his meal, and heading back to autopsy.
'Jimmy…thanks.' Tony said sincerely before he was totally out of earshot. Jimmy just smiled and left.
Feeling renewed by his break, Tony got back to it.
Taking a second look at the plans he noticed something. It wasn't on the new plans, but the old drawings showed a shared basement door with the adjoining building (the opposite side to the deli). Without going there himself, he couldn't be curtain, but he now had a theory to work with.
The search for a connection between Charlotte Wells and Micky Laws (the man he shot) on the other hand was far less productive. He couldn't find one thing these two had in common.
Tony had just finished a call to Ziva and McGee when he's phone rang. Officer Watson had arrived. Knowing Gibbs would want the first shot at the man, Tony had him escorted to interrogation.
Gibbs, who always had impeccable timing, walked through the door not ten minutes later.
Tony took in his appearance as he walked from the elevator, and he could only find one word to describe that look. Defeated. He never thought he would use that word to describe his boss, but there it was.
Gibbs sat heavily in his chair and dropped his weapon, badge and mysterious book into his draw before shutting it with more force than necessary. His mobile rang, but he snapped it shut cutting off the call before he spoke, then flung it into the draw with his other possessions.
'Ziva, McGee?'
'They are on their way back, should be here in five…Officer Watson is in interrogation'
There was no response, so Tony continued to work until the rest of the team arrived back. They barely made it to their desks before Gibbs demanded an update.
'It's weird boss, there's nothing on this gang.' McGee relayed 'I mean there was a shooting a couple of weeks ago attributed to them, one guy was wounded, but they appear to be a bunch of kids. They have no enemies because they are hardly a gang.'
'It is true Gibbs. There is no organisation, no structure, just a few kids who tag some walls for fun.'
'You think murdering a Petty Officer is fun.'
'That is not what I meant.' Ziva said, getting angry at Gibbs's purposeful misunderstanding of her words.
'I, on the other hand…' Tony interrupted, hoping to stop the argument before it went any further '…have made some…progress.' All eyes were now on him. Taking a deep breath and hoping for the best he launched into his report.'
'According to her roommate, Petty Officer Wells left home around 11.30am day before last…I have footage of her shopping until 13.40 when she heads for a bar called Aqua…She arrives alone at 13.57. There is no footage of her leaving, but at 17.25 her body is found in a clearing near Woodley Park…According to Ducky there were no obvious signs of a struggle except she had bruised knuckles, and she was killed where her body was found….sometime between 15.00-16.00…I am not sure, but I have plans of the bar showing a basement door to the adjacent building…I think that's how she left.' Unable to stand any longer Tony slumped back into his chair.
'You think she left willingly, maybe knew her attacker.' McGee asked filling in the blanks for Tony based on his assumptions. Tony just nodded.
At that moment an irate looking Police Captain strode into the bullpen followed by a man in a suite and a member of NCIS security.
'Sorry Sir, he insisted on seeing you.' Tony winced at the term 'Sir' hoping Gibbs had missed it. Luckily he seemed too preoccupied by their visitor to comment. Tony nodded, effectively dismissing the security guy as the Captain started to rant.
'I hear you have detained one of my officers. I demand to see him at once.'
'He is not under arrest, has not sort council and has not been questioned. Until one of those things change, you will have to wait.'
'Do you know who I am?'
'Nope.' Gibbs replied disinterested.
'I'm Captain Fallon, and Officer Watson is one of my men. I want to see him before you question him.'
'How did you know he was here?'
'He called the station in case he was late for his shift.'
'Right, so instead of calling us, you rush down here with legal counsel?' Gibbs said pointed to the gentleman accompanying the Captain.
'I was in the area.'
Gibbs turned to Ziva, obviously not believing the Captain, and instructed her to take their visitors to the conference room, before reiterating to the Captain that he would get chance to speak to his officer, once he was finished with him and not before. Reluctantly they followed Ziva to the conference room.
'I want everything we have on Captain Fallon' Gibbs instructed McGee, but before Gibbs could head off to interview Officer Watson, Abby came waltzing into the room.
'Gibbs, Gibbs, Gibbs.' She called, obviously over her anger towards their cantankerous boss. She never could stay mad at him for long. 'I've got him.'
'Got who?'
'The second ID Gibbs. He registered his DNA for an organ donation. He wasn't a match, but he was still registered.'
'Abby…is it legal to search that register?' Tony asked worried his surrogate sister would get into trouble.
'Strictly speaking, no, but once I had his ID it was easy. I did a search for municipal employees and bingo, we have him, all legal like.'
'Well?' Gibbs said growing impatient.
'Oh, right, well he's a Lawyer. William A Samuels.'
'I was attacked by a Lawyer?' Tony said incredulously
'Yep, a lawyer and former security guard.'
'And a cop.' Gibbs added.
'You still think…Officer Watson had something to do…with this?'
'More than ever. He left the scene wide open for them DiNozzo, why can't you see what's right in front of you?'
Tony just shook his head, still not believing the rookie cop had any role in this.
All Tony really wanted to do was curl up and sleep. Instead he found himself watching Gibbs interrogate Officer Watson. In the few hours they had been together at the crime scene, Tony felt somehow responsible for the young officer. He took a seat and watched Gibbs work.
'Why did you do it?' Gibbs said from behind the nervous cop just after entering the room. He was so close Tony could almost see the young man wilt
'Do…what?' the worried man stuttered
'Why did you leave the crime scene you were charged to protect?'
'I…I went to check in.'
'You left your post so these guys…' Gibbs slammed their pictures on the table for effect '...could plant evidence.'
'What…no…I didn't. I just…'
'How did you know them?'
'Know who?' the officer answered confused.
'Micky Laws and William A Samuels.' Gibbs pointed to each picture in turn
'I…don't.'
'Yes you do.'
'Oh.' The officer said taking a second look. Tony sighed. Gibbs could tell Watson the moon was made of cheese and the kid would believe him.
'If you're not involved tell me why I have your Captain in my conference room trying to cover your ass?'
'He is?' Watson said, genuinely surprised. 'I mean, I don't know.'
'What do you know?' Gibbs asked exasperated
'I was at the scene where the body was.'
'Petty Officer Charlotte Wells.'
'Yes, her….anyway it was cold. I had to check in so I called the station and you were going to be a while, so I went back to get some paperwork done. Then I got a call to return, but when I got there the crime scene was deserted. I went looking around and there were bodies.' His breathing was now becoming rapid, remembering the emotions of that night 'I called for back-up and then Tony grabbed me, told me to be quiet there was another man out there. Then back-up arrived and we couldn't find anyone else. That's everything; I don't know who these people are or why they attacked Tony. Is he ok?'
'Agent DiNozzo is fine.' Gibbs said echoing Tony's earlier assessment of his own health.
'Can I go now? I have to get ready for work'
'No.' Gibbs said slamming the door on his way out.
Gibbs made it back to his desk in record time, Tony on the other hand was clearly struggling when he arrived several minutes later.
'Stupid kid.' Gibbs grumbled
'He's not stupid Gibbs…' Tony protested, getting his breath back 'He just inexperienced…he shouldn't have been out there alone…where was his partner?'
'He won't always have someone else there to pick-up the pieces for him. He needs to learn to be responsible for himself.'
'We still talking about Officer Watson?' Tony asked seriously, looking directly at Gibbs. McGee had suddenly become very interested in his research. Ziva, on the other hand, openly watched the two men.
Gibbs obviously wasn't ready to discuss the issue, and changed the subject.
'Where are we on Captain Fallon, McGee?'
'Erm…he's clean Gibbs. Well connected to some local judges and political figures, no complaints in his file. Three commendations. Married, two children.
'And William A Samuels?'
'He comes from a long line of lawyers, fourth generation. Was picked up six months ago for solicitation but the charges were dropped. Other than that he has a clean record.
'Why were they dropped?' Tony asked, interested in the man who had tried to beat him up, before getting shot.
'Lack of evidence. That's all it says. I'll try to find out more.'
Tony was just about to ask Gibbs if he could speak to Officer Watson, when Gibbs mobile rang again. Pulling it out of his draw he answered.
'Gibbs.'
'No. Not now, I'll make an appointment.' There was a long pause before Gibbs spoke again
'Fine, I'll be there in twenty.' Grabbing his gear, Gibbs was quick to make sure no-one followed him.
'Ziva, make sure Captain Fallon stays put. McGee find out why the charges were dropped and Tony…get some sleep, you look like crap.'
'Thanks boss.' Tony said, secretly glad Gibbs seemed to care enough to mention it.
He did think about it, honestly, but he knew the sooner the case was closed, the sooner he could find a hotel and sleep for days.
'Is Gibbs sick?' Ziva asked
'Gibbs doesn't get sick.' Tony replied...he on the other hand...
'He keeps disappearing to mysterious appointments. Why else would he leave during an investigation?'
'I agree.' came the voice from the other end of the office. Abby had joined them once more. She came and stood directly in front of Tony.
'What…can I do for…you Abs?'
'You sound awful.'
'Thanks. Is that all?'
'NO. I WANT YOU TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH GIBBS!'
'What makes you think…I know?' Tony said, hoping by lowering his voice, Abby would do the same.
'Find out!'
Tony looked around at his colleagues and sighed, Ziva and McGee obviously agreed with Abby on this one.
'Fine, I'll talk to him…when he gets back… then you can…mop me up…off the floor...when Gibbs tells me...it's…none of our….business.'
Tony had already planned on having a chat with Gibbs, but he didn't like to be bullied into it. Besides he's gut said Gibbs wasn't sick. I was something far more personal than that, but his gut had been wrong before.
Tony was hurting all over when he arrived in autopsy. He knew this was a bad move, but he had to make it through the day, and he couldn't do it alone.
'Ducky?'
'Anthony my dear boy, you sound terrible.'
'So… I've been told. Can you give me something Ducky? Just to make it through today'
'There is no substitute for rest Anthony, and that is what you need.'
'I know, but please…I have to….' Seeing the young man's distress, Ducky relented.
'I will make you a deal.'
'OK.' Tony said, not liking the sound of this.
'I will give you something, but, I want you to make an appointment with Doctor Pitt as soon as possible, and yes I will be checking. Plus I want you to keep that appointment and follow any instructions you are given.'
'Aw, Ducky…'
'No 'Aw, Ducky' young man. Those are my terms, take it or leave it.'
'OK.' Tony said feeling he had no choice. 'How about you book the appointment and let me know when, that way we won't both be bothering him.'
'You are not a 'bother' Anthony. Now go sit down and we can see what we are dealing with.'
Once Ducky had completed his exam, he wished he had never agreed to the deal. Tony was far worse than he was the last time he had visited. He knew he couldn't go back on the deal now, but he would know for next time not to agree to anything until he had all the facts.
'Your ribs are healing.'
'They were just bruised Ducky.'
'Painful, none the less. Your head looks better. How are the headaches?'
'Manageable.'
Ducky just nodded.
'But…' Tony said knowing what was coming.
'Your cold is far worse. Your throat his closed up, you are coughing more and your chest now has a distinct rattle. This is bad Anthony, you need to go home and rest.'
'You promised.' Tony said, looking to Ducky much younger that his years.
'I know, and I full intend to keep that promise, but Anthony your health is not something you can mess with. Please take care.'
'I will Ducky.' Tony took deep breaths as Ducky prepared the injection. He hated needles, no hated was not a strong enough word. Reviled, loathed, detested….he carried on thinking of words as Ducky injected his thigh. It stung like hell, but it was soon over and he was on his way to interrogation, feeling slightly less rotten.
He had stopped for a soda on the way hoping his voice would last. He really needed a conversation with Officer Watson.
He opened the door, and the Officer seemed surprised to see him.
'Agent DiNozzo, how are you?'
'I'm fine, thank you.'
'Excellent.'
'Elementary.'
'What?' Obviously whereever this guy grew up, they were not fans of the classics. If Officer Watson had been at his school he would have heard nothing but 'Holmes' references until he graduated.
'Never mind, how are you Officer Watson?'
'Confused. What am I doing here exactly? Agent Gibbs seems to think I had something to do with you getting attacked. Honestly I wouldn't do that.'
'I know.'
'Oh, so why are you here?'
'For a chat'
'OK.' He really was far too agreeable.
'My partner won't be too pleased about this though'
'Why?'
'He told me to stay away from the feds.'
'He give...you a reason?'
'No, but he said to drop it and he's been at this a lot longer than me so…'
'Then why did you come in...alone?'
'You seemed like a good guy to me, you didn't get mad at us when you could have. We let your suspect to escape, figured we owed you one.'
'Thanks' Tony said genuinely please the young man had taken on the failings of the group and tried to put it right, even though it wasn't really his fault. However, Tony figured Watson would be the one sporting the headache and chest cold if he hadn't left the scene. So he guessed he was owed one.
'Ye well, he was also the one who convinced me to leave the scene in the first place.'
'Who? your partner?'
'Ye, he said it would be ok to go back and check in, as you wouldn't be leaving for ages. He convinced me against my better judgment, but he can be like that.'
'Like what?'
'Cocky, self-assured, confident. I just go with what he tells me most of the time. Guess it comes from being the Captain's nephew.'
'He's Fallon's nephew?'
'ye, well kind of, his wife's brother's kid, I think.' Tony had gone quiet 'You think he has something to do with this.' Officer Watson said unsurprised, it wasn't a question.
'Maybe, look I need to keep you here a little while longer, sorry.'
'hey, no problem, but umm….' He said looking at the drink in Tony's hand
'Sure.' Tony said handing over the unopened soda. 'You need anything else?'
'No, I'm good, thanks Tony.'
'One other thing Office Watson.'
'John.'
'Seriously? John Watson' Tony said almost speechless, and worked hard to supress more jokes at the young man's expense.
'Ok John, please don't take this the wrong way...You have good instincts as a cop, so stop listening to what others tell you to do, and follow your own gut. It doesn't mean you have to disregard the rules, just remember that, just because someone tells you something is 'so' doesn't mean it is.'
'Got it.' The young man said seriously, knowing in his heart it was good advice.
Tony left the room knowing for curtain, that apart from being gullible, Officer Watson was not involved. Now he just had to prove it.
