Protection Detail:Chapter 8: A New Addition
Disclaimer: SDDD ("same disclaimer/different day")
Authors Note: Trying to keep y'all interested! Thank you for the kind reviews
She knew the minute he sat beside her in MTAC that the shit had hit the proverbial fan. She was determined, however, not to back down. "Something I can help you with this morning, Special Agent Gibbs"
"Yeah. I got a personnel issue. Know anything about that"?
Evidently, Ziva –in typical fashion—had arrived a few days early thus killing any possible prep time she may have used with Gibbs. She had wanted to bring Ziva back to DC ever since their awkward goodbye surrounding Ari. Once a partner-always a friend. She knew that Ziva had much to add to NCIS; and Ziva could gain much as well.
"Mossad trained her to spy and kill. Not to investigate crime scenes". His irritation was obvious, and she couldn't help but take a little satisfaction in it. Jethro hated to be outmaneuvered or caught off guard. "Send her to the CIA". Seeing he was making little progress, he followed with "Why didn't you ask me first, Jen?"
"And what would you have said?" His stony silence confirmed her suspicion. "Exactly. Rule # 18: 'It's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission." She smiled slyly. It wasn't the first time she had used his rules to her favor-and she doubted it would be the last. And Jethro—despite himself—would adapt in time.
It had taken a fair amount of pulling strings and playing politics, but Jenny could tell that Ziva was settling into life in Washington. It was good to have her here. God knew that Ziva needed a break from the intensity of life under the thumb of Mossad and her father.
The decision –her decision-had been made and damn if Jethro would change her mind. Ziva needed this. And NCIS could use some fresh blood and a new perspective. Ziva could provide both.
The next morning, she met Gibbs on the catwalk. Watching over the agents below was a little like watching children in a playground.
"She seems to be settling in okay"
"She almost killed my entire team yesterday" Gibbs muttered.
"How"?
"Driving home from a crime scene".
Jenny smirked, "I should have warned you: I think she may have been an Eastern European cab driver in a former life".
"She has no field skills or training and-"
"Neither did I when I started." The look she gave him playfully diffused his anger.
Not to be outdone, Gibbs leaned in and whispered, "Well, you always were always a "fast learner…."
For a few moments, neither one of them were in that building or in their current positions. They both were seven years and a thousand miles away surrounded by old memoires and erotic ghosts from the past.
Turning on his heel, he abruptly headed down the stairs and into the bull pen. A typical way for Jethro to end a conversation or confrontation that he knew he wasn't going to win. Smiling to herself, she headed back to her office. "Round One: Shepard".
She was glad that she was in the position to give Ziva the opportunity to work with Gibbs. She remembered past exchanges when she and the Israeli were partners and how the young woman had wanted to meet Jethro. Well, she was learning that while the man was an excellent investigator, he did come with his challenges.
She can't say I didn't warn her, she reasoned.
Minutes later, a small noise pulled her eyes up from the computer screen. She pulled down her reading glasses, not the least surprised to see Ziva standing beside her desk. If anything. Ziva was creative. A vent or a window? She would investigate later.
"Officer David," Jenny returned the smile, "What can I do for you?"
"I liked your memo, Director. I agree. The "Madame" part had to go. I have heard people talking and bets were being placed on how the job and the name were related. I wanted to cause them great pain for their insubordination, but I did not."
"I appreciate your restraint, Officer David" She smiled and relaxed in her chair, indicating an open chair to her guest and that Ziva should do the same. "How are you, Ziva?'
"Good. Gibbs is fair. Not easy to understand at all times, but I am learning. It would help if these "Rules" were written down. Tony is... well, I don't know what to think of him, his obsession with films, and American idioms. When he is particularly annoying, I have mentioned that I can kill him with various office supplies. He actually looked worried once or twice. McGee is very polite. While not openly hostile, Abby does not yet like nor trust me. Dr. Mallard and I get along well. He does, however, have some interesting stories." She smiled, "I heard his story of how you of "tossed your lunch"—
"-its "lost my lunch", Jenny interjected.
"… and it now explains your reaction when we stumbled upon those four dead and well decomposed bodies in Austria. In short, I am happy. How is A.J.?"
"Doing well. He hasn't broken any more windows- yet. I never realized that my father financing a large portion of the "Shepard Library" for the school would come in handy. I spoke with him yesterday via web cam. I can't believe how much I miss him!"
"How is the situation with Gibbs?"
Jen shook her head. Blunt, as usual. She expected no less. "It's complicated, Ziva". She couldn't deny how her heart beat faster when he barged thru her door—much to Cynthia's dismay-without an appointment; let alone knocking. Standing next to him: his smell, the occasional grin she was able to pull from him that reminded her so much of their son, and sometimes just a look they shared and without a doubt they were both far away from D.C. and much were closer than partners should be.
"Why? I've seen how he looks at you."
"Therein the complicated, part, Officer David" Jenny blushed. "I won't deny that I still have feelings for him, but I trust you've been learning the Rules?"
"Oh yes, Rule #12. Tony does not seem too fond of that particular rule"
"Jethro created it for a reason." And I helped him prove how right it was, she thought to herself.
Ziva eyed her carefully, "I think you are not letting the cat out of the sack for other reasons"
"The expression is "cat out of the bag", and you're right. I have my reasons. A.J. being at the top of the list"
"I think Gibbs would make an excellent father… and A.J. would enjoy him." Jenny had no doubt that her son found Auntie Z very easy to talk to and confide in.
Jen leaned back in her chair and considered that statement. "Maybe, you're right, Ziva, but don't know if it's worth the chance. He could hurt him, too. And I will not risk that"
"I do not think that you are being fair to either of them, Director." Ziva stood and turned to go. She paused with her hand on the door, "Perhaps you will reconsider?"
Jenny knew the young Officer was tenacious when it came to certain causes. Arguing would not get them anywhere. "I promise to think about it, Ziva."
"Good. I will take that as progress" She smiled as she left the Directors office.
A minute later, Cynthia buzzed: "I'm sorry, Director, but I didn't even know Office David was in your office".
"It's ok, Cynthia… " After she released the button, she couldn't help but laugh out loud. Ziva had not lost her touch and maybe-just maybe—she should consider what Ziva was suggesting.
To be Continued…
