Ducky left Milsom Bay the next day leaving behind a Tony who was still concerned and stunned by the news of his resignation and apprehensive about the upcoming interview with the Director.
"I am sure all will be well, Anthony," said Ducky as he sat at the wheel of his Morgan, "Jethro may have the social skills of a grizzly bear but he has the best interests of his team at heart."
"And he hates to be told what to do," said Tony, wondering which was Gibbs' driving motive in this case.
"There is that," conceded Ducky, "but I think in this case that the two motivations combine to work in your favour."
"I hope so," said Tony, "and look, here comes Milly to see you off as well."
"Dr Mallard, I thought you might enjoy some of my shortbread; freshly made last night."
Ducky accepted the tin with a smile, "You are too kind, Mrs Lacey. You have already made me that delicious Dundee cake."
"Any friend of Tony's is a friend of mine," said Millie firmly.
"Then I thank you most sincerely. I can't quite understand how Anthony ever manages to tear himself away from this charming place."
"I hear there may be a vacancy at the Retirement Home," said Tony cheekily, "if you're looking for a place to live here?"
"Thank you, Anthony. I am pleased to say that I do not intend to be joining the residents of the Home for some time to come, delightful though they are. Take care of that arm. Goodbye all." He raised his hat courteously and drove off.
"What a gentleman," sighed Millie as she watched him go.
"Millie?" said Tony speculatively.
"Not like that," she replied, "I just meant that he is a very kind and polite man."
"If you say so," said Tony, "but you may have a chance. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and you're certainly on your way there with all this cake and shortbread."
"You've got too much time on your hands," said Millie with mock severity, "it's sending your imagination into overdrive."
"You may be right," acknowledged Tony. "I think I'll go and see John. See if I can annoy him as well."
"You're not annoying me, Tony," said Millie, "but you're overthinking things, you know."
"Don't say that to my team," said Tony, "thinking isn't something they accuse me of."
Millie didn't reply but let Tony go. She was troubled about Tony. She knew that Gibbs had arranged something with the Director and that Tony was trying to trust in that but she suspected that there was something else on his mind: he was uncharacteristically seesawing between abstraction and forced cheerfulness.
Tony found John sketching on the beach.
"New picture?" he asked.
"Don't know," said John, "possibly. I just like to come and draw sometimes. Doesn't have to be for a purpose although it's surprising how often it gives me an idea."
"Like McHemingway and his 'free writing'," said Tony absently.
"What's the matter, Tony?" asked John, deciding not to pursue the free writing comment. "I thought everything was sorted out with work."
"Probably is," said Tony, "Gibbs didn't go into much detail but he's usually trustworthy. And in this case he's got the added incentive of getting one over on the Director."
"Then what's wrong?" said John, not looking at Tony but gazing out to sea.
"Ducky," said Tony finding it easier to talk to John once he wasn't looking at him directly, "He went in to bat for me with the Director and ended up unemployed."
"I thought he resigned," said John, "he went voluntarily."
"He didn't think he had a choice," said Tony, "it was a matter of principle."
"There's always a choice," said John, "and at this stage in his career I'm guessing Dr Mallard has different choices to yours."
"Guess so," said Tony, "but it's quite a responsibility."
"What is?"
"Knowing that someone risked their job for you. And then there's Gibbs. He went in to bat for me too. Semper Fi."
"What?" asked John.
"Gibbs' motto. For him it involves never leaving a man behind."
"Good motto," said John, "Dr Mallard and Agent Gibbs are both good men. In their different ways."
"And you are very tactful," laughed Tony, "and very right!" Then in a more serious tone of voice, he added, "it's a lot to live up to."
"Always good to have role models," said John somehow not sure he was getting to the bottom of what was troubling Tony.
"Sure," agreed Tony, "I'm going to go and collect Ruskin. I've got to see Doc Murray later and he'll enjoy the walk."
John watched him go, unaware that he was wearing the same concerned expression as Millie had earlier in the day.
NCISNCIS
Tony had only been back in the cabin for a few minutes when there was a knock at the door. He opened the door to find an unexpected visitor,
"Director Vance! What are you doing here? I mean, can I help you?"
"Agent DiNozzo," said the Director, "I was at a meeting at Norfolk and thought I'd take the opportunity of coming to see you. May I come in?"
"Of course. You don't mind dogs, do you?"
Tony nurtured a hope that Ruskin might growl at the newcomer or perhaps turn his back on him but the ever friendly Ruskin simply bounced with delight at being introduced to another human being.
"How are you, Agent DiNozzo?" asked the Director, "I was concerned when I saw the extent of your injuries. Although they seem to have improved somewhat," he added drily.
"Ah," said Tony in embarrassment, "I think the doc and Gibbs might have overreacted a tad. It's not as bad as it looked in those pictures."
"I see," said the Director gravely as he began to see something of Gibbs' plotting. "You did well, DiNozzo. I've had a number of calls from grateful relatives of the Home's residents. SecNav is pleased."
"I didn't have a choice," said Tony, "once I was there I couldn't let Smith hurt any of them."
"I haven't come to criticise your actions," said Vance mildly, "you don't have to be an agent to work to defend people."
"And sometimes you have to make a judgement call," said Tony, "do what you think is right."
"Yes," said Vance, his eyes narrowing slightly at this possible dig about the needing to do what was right rather than what was authorised. He coughed, "I believe Agent Gibbs has told you that I would be interviewing you on Monday when you return to the Navy Yard?"
"Yes, Director."
"We could, if you are willing, have that conversation here and now. On a less formal basis."
"Excuse me?"
"It would still meet HR's requirements," Vance reassured him, "I thought you might prefer to get it out of the way."
"Without Gibbs being around?" queried Tony.
"Only if you are comfortable with this," said Vance a little stiffly.
Tony shrugged, "I don't need Gibbs to hold my hand," he said. Part of Tony wanted to get this over with and also to do it without the feeling that it had been stage managed by Gibbs. "So long as this has the same effect as if the interview took place in your office."
"It will," promised Vance, "and if you are not happy with the way it is conducted we will start over on Monday. I have brought a voice recorder with me so we can record the proceedings."
"Fire away," said Tony.
"Very well." The Director drew out a folder from his brief case and set up the recorder. After stating the date and details of the venue, he began, "Special Agent DiNozzo, as you know you were suspended from duty due to my concerns that you had disobeyed a direct order from me, your Director."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"I have examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and I believe that it is clear that you disobeyed my directions."
""Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"I do not consider that such conduct is conducive to the efficient running of NCIS."
"No, Sir."
"I believe that I need to know that, if I give an order, it is carried out. That I can trust the people under me."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"And I therefore believe that such conduct warrants investigation."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"And in certain instances should be regarded as misconduct with the possible sanction of dismissal."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
Vance felt slightly disconcerted by Tony's acquiescence but managed to conceal this. "I have, however, re-examined the circumstances surrounding your behaviour."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"And I have decided that, in this exceptional case, your conduct should not be regarded as misconduct and that therefore the possible sanction of dismissal will not apply."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
Vance swallowed his irritation, "furthermore, no written reprimand will be placed on your file."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"I wish you to accept this as a verbal warning about future behaviour."
"Yes, Sir," said Tony.
"Is that all you have to say?" demanded Vance. In some ways he was pleased to have a compliant DiNozzo but there was something lacking.
"No, Sir, it isn't. How will this period of suspension be recorded on my file?"
"What?"
"Anyone looking at my file might wonder why I had been absent from duty for some days. If I may make a suggestion?" Vance nodded. "I have comp time on the books. Why not use some of that time to cover the period of the suspension?"
"Very well," said Vance pleased to think he might have made a dent in the mountain of the MCRT comp time.
"And there will be no black mark on my record over this incident?" asked Tony.
"Correct," said Vance.
"Then I agree," said Tony.
Vance blinked. He wasn't sure that he'd given DiNozzo a choice about anything. "Be aware, Agent DiNozzo, that you may not be so lucky another time."
"I understand," said Tony.
"You don't seem very grateful," said Vance, irritated that DiNozzo seemed to be taking all this in his stride.
"I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't realise I was required to be grateful."
Vance stood up briskly, straightened his jacket, "I will notify HR of our discussion and I will see you back at the Navy Yard when you are fit for duty once more. Good day, Agent DiNozzo."
"Sir," said Tony politely. He showed the Director to the door and when he was sure he was gone, he walked into the kitchen, picked up a mug and smashed it to the ground.
NCISNCIS
Gibbs arrived on Saturday as promised with Abby along for the ride. She had never visited Milsom Bay and was agog to see the site of Tony's recent heroics and to meet Ruskin.
"Tony, Tony, Tony!" she screeched as soon as she got out of the car, "I missed you!"
"Missed you too, Abs," said Tony, "watch the arm. Ouch! Too late!"
"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Abby contritely as she shifted in Tony's arms, "it's just that I was so pleased to see you. I haven't hurt you, have I?"
"Should've kept that big bandage on, DiNozzo," said Gibbs drily.
"I would have if I'd known you were bringing the Abby battering ram with you," said Tony ruefully.
"I want to see everything, hear everything," said Abby earnestly, "and where's Ruskin?"
Tony looked round in surprise. Ruskin usually ran to meet everyone but it turned out that Abby was a bit too much for him and he was standing hesitantly on the door step trying to analyse this strange new phenomenon. Abby realised her mistake and went up to him quietly and gently and soon, literally, had him eating out of her hand.
"Not too many snacks, Abs," warned Tony, "he gets fed by everyone in Milsom Bay as it is."
Abby and Ruskin turned twin looks of reproach on Tony who realised that Abby had been added to Ruskin's long list of friends. Abby went to explore Tony's cabin leaving Gibbs and Tony alone.
"Vance came by during the week," said Tony.
"What?" demanded Gibbs.
"He said he thought we could get it over with quicker."
"What happened?"
"He lifted the suspension. Gave me a rap on the knuckles, warned me about future behaviour. Oh, and we agreed to use some of my comp time to cover the suspension period."
"And you OK with that?"
"The comp time was my idea. Don't want a black mark on my file."
"Not just the comp time. All of it?"
Tony shrugged, "Guess so. Not sure the Director was very happy."
"Why not?"
"I think he expected me to be more grateful."
"Dammit, DiNozzo! What did you say?"
"Nothing much more than 'yes, sir,' 'no sir." I stopped short of 'three bags full, sir."
"DiNozzo, I went to a lot of trouble to fix this. Did you screw it up by mouthing off to the Director?"
"No, Boss. I was completely respectful. I just wasn't grateful for him changing his mind. I didn't think I had to go that far."
"OK," said Gibbs calming down a bit. "I was going to tell you this weekend. Pass on Ducky's advice."
"What was that?"
"Don't antagonise the Director unnecessarily."
"I didn't," said Tony, "I was a good little agent. Answered his questions and didn't argue. I just couldn't pretend to be happy about it all."
"OK," said Gibbs, "sounds all right."
"Yes," agreed Tony, "but once Delores is back I'm going to make sure Vance has followed through on his promise. Nothing about this on my record. And, Boss?"
"What?"
"Thank you for doing whatever it is that you did to sort this out. I'm guessing it had something to do with Doc Murray wrapping me up like an Egyptian mummy?"
Gibbs grinned, "And it turns out that your Retirement Home is awash with great aunts of high up navy officers."
"That explains what Vance was talking about," said Tony, "well, I'm grateful, Boss."
"Vance would never have pulled it off," said Gibbs confidently, "we just headed him off at the pass."
"Well, anyway, thanks, Boss. And Ducky too."
"Ah," said Gibbs heavily.
"He really going to go?" asked Tony.
"Looks like it," said Gibbs, "I think he's even beginning to look forward to it. Although Palmer is in shock!"
"It won't seem like NCIS without Ducky chatting to corpses," said Tony thoughtfully.
"Well, I did happen to talk to the Director …" said Gibbs.
"About what, oh cunning silver fox, as Abby would say?"
"About perhaps offering Ducky the chance to come and consult on difficult and unusual cases."
"Nice one, Boss. What's the betting that nearly every case turns out to be difficult?"
Abby burst back in before Gibbs could reply and that was the last time they were able to talk alone that weekend.
EPILOGUE
Delores Bromstead returned from her vacation a week later and, after being consulted by Tony, confirmed that his record was clear of reprimand or record of suspension.
A day or two later, the Director stalked into the squad room and stood sternly in front of Tony's desk.
"Is this some sort of joke?" he demanded, waving a piece of paper dramatically.
"I think you know what it is," said Tony calmly.
"Are you serious about this? Come up to my office. We'll talk about it."
"What do you want with my agent, Leon?" asked Gibbs, fearful that Tony had somehow appeared on Vance's radar again.
"Your agent?" said Vance.
"Yes, my agent," said Gibbs beginning to square up to the Director, "you want to take a member of my team off their work, I need to know."
"Director," said Tony, "you can say what you want to say in front of everyone else."
"Very well. Is this the way you repay me? Repay Gibbs and Dr Mallard?"
"What do I have to repay you for, Sir?" asked Tony politely, "you deciding not to sack me?"
"Yes," said Vance.
"Well," said Tony judiciously, "I am grateful. You made me realise how much I want to work in law enforcement."
"Then why this?" asked Vance waving the piece of paper again.
"What is 'this'?" asked Gibbs in frustration.
"It's my resignation, Boss," said Tony. "Like I said, I want to work in law enforcement but I don't trust what's going on here in NCIS. I don't trust that something like this won't happen again. If I get sacked I'll never get another job in policing."
"Tony, I'd make sure that never happened, you won't get fired," said Gibbs.
"Boss, with all respect, you can't promise that. You won't be here for ever. When you go, what d'you think the odds are that the Director won't decide my face doesn't fit? That he won't decide I'm disrespectful or disobedient? I'm sorry but I won't risk that."
"Agent DiNozzo, don't say anything you may regret, think …" began Vance attempting to be reasonable. He couldn't imagine how angry Gibbs would be if DiNozzo walked and he wasn't sure he wanted to face that fury. It had been bad enough when DiNozzo had been posted as Agent Afloat but at least Vance had always had the option of recalling him and thus taming the beast. He was also aware that, through the incident at Milsom Bay, DiNozzo had come to the attention of several high ranking officers who were taking an interest in his career and who might not be pleased if they became aware of the contents of DiNozzo's resignation letter.
"Director Vance," said Tony, "you lectured me on the need to follow your orders. You said you needed to be able to trust the people working under you."
"And I stand by that," said Vance.
"It works both ways, Sir. I need to be able to trust the people above me. That they know I'm a good agent; that they'll back me and not throw me to the wolves. I regret that I don't feel that way about you, Sir. I no longer trust you and so I cannot continue to work under you as Director."
"And you think another agency will take you?" asked Vance.
"My personnel file shows no disciplinary action," said Tony, "there is no reason for this agency not to supply a clean reference. If a reference shows anything adverse I will not hesitate to take legal action against NCIS."
"You're threatening me?" said Vance.
"No, Sir. It's not a threat."
"Do you expect me to apologise or something?" asked Vance.
"No, Sir. I no longer expect anything from you. As I wrote in my resignation letter when I explained why I no longer felt able to work for you as Director."
"Then what do you want me to do?" said Vance.
"I think saying 'thank you for your service' is customary," suggested Tony without much hope of hearing those words.
"Gibbs," said Vance swirling round to face him, "I give up. See if you can talk sense into him." He strode back up to his office aware of the deathly silence which had fallen throughout the office. A lot of people had just heard DiNozzo say he no longer trusted the Director of NCIS.
Gibbs glared after him and then walked over to Tony's desk,
"Don't try and persuade me, Gibbs," said Tony a little shaky after his confrontation.
"Wasn't going to," said Gibbs.
"Because I've thought about this a lot. I really want … what? You mean you're not going to try and dissuade me?"
"I figure you made up your mind. I'm going to respect that," said Gibbs.
"I tried to persuade myself to stay on, Boss," said Tony unhappily, "but there's no scenario I can see working. Vance backed off this time but I might not be so lucky another time. And I can't promise I wouldn't do the same again if it came to a choice about following what I thought was a bad order."
"You sure about this, Tony?" asked Gibbs gently.
"Yes, Boss."
"You want me to put a word in with Fornell?"
"No need, Boss. I've got offers from the FBI, Philly PD and Pittsburgh PD and some others. Just got to choose one."
Gibbs' face twisted as he faced his DiNozzoless future, "Then, 'thank you for your service, Agent DiNozzo'."
"Thanks, Boss. It's been one hell of a ride."
AN: I couldn't see how Tony could ever trust Vance after this and so the inevitable 'consequence' was that he would have to leave.
Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in this story. I have sent the characters back to their NCIS creators although I am keeping hold of the Milsom Bay crew.
