Chapter 9
August 2010
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Later that night……………………………….
Two men stood on a pier framed by water and ships on one side and on the other side by freight waiting to be unloaded. They turned back toward the water as the man in the suit started to talk again.
"I am glad that you came tonight Special Agent DiNozzo. I understand your interest in the operation that we are running."
"I am." Tony stated. "I am willing to do whatever I can to help."
"I am aware of your experience and have only heard excellent things about your agency and undercover work. Also, Andrea also speaks very highly of you. I do have to say that she made me promise to keep you out of things. She actually begged me to tell you this. She'll probably ask to make sure that I relayed the message to you."
Tony laughed at this. "Andrea worries way too much. As I told her the other night, she has nothing to worry about. It's not like I will be doing anything alone. I'll talk to her later tonight."
"So Tony, I will start to put things in motion. I'll be calling you with another meeting some time soon. Also, like I promised Fornell is being kept out of the loop. He has certainly been making quite a few inquiries. But everyone involved is being very tight lipped at my request."
Tony nodded as he resumed his position staring out into the water. He would go to Gibbs soon and ask for the help he would need. He always hated having to lie to Gibbs especially after what happened with Le Grenuoille and Trent Kort operation. It took a while to regain his trust. He knew Gibbs would be disappointed at Tony for not coming to him right away. But, he also knew Gibbs would trust him to do what he thought was right.
Tony stood there looking out into the water, lost in his own thoughts. Tony had been standing there for so long that he had lost track of time. He was startled as he felt a warm hand touch his arm. He turned around giving her his usual smile as be brought her into an embrace.
The next morning……………………………………………..
0820
Tony walked into the squad room quietly, hoping to avoid any more questions. He was relieved that everyone was busy and didn't notice his arrival. Gibbs had actually noticed Tony's early arrival but chose not to say anything. The team spent most of the day working on paperwork which allowed Gibbs some time to do a little investigating on his own. He started by trying to place another phone call to Fornell who did not answer his cell. Gibbs excused himself to go around the corner for a cup of coffee. He made his way outside and was walking the three blocks when he heard a voice behind him.
"Jethro, I was trying to contact you but your phone kept going to voicemail. Let me guess, your ringer got turned off again. Will you ever learn how to turn the ringer on without McGee's help?"
Gibbs turned around laughing. "Agent Fornell, I was wondering when you were going to show up. I've been trying to call you too. And by the way, you can't make your ringer work either once it's been turned off. So, have you been able to find out if DiNozzo has been involved in any way with any FBI operations."
"I've been making inquiries at Agent Thompson who was been running undercover operations involving Ivan Rustav. He claims to have no knowledge of Agent DiNozzo or any possible involvement that he might have with the FBI's current case. I've also learned that Agent Sacks has recently become involved in the case as the handler for a new undercover operative. He also denies any knowledge. With his past history with DiNozzo, I'm sure he'd let me know about anything right away. I'm sorry Jethro, but I believe that your boy is staying away from the case." Fornell stated.
"Thank you Tobias for your help." Gibbs said sadly. "I was hoping that Tony was involved somehow. But I also believe he wouldn't try anything on his own."
"Gibbs, I'll continue to keep my eyes and ears open. I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything." Fornell said with a smile.
Gibbs nodded a thank you at Fornell as he went to make his coffee and cafpow purchase. Gibbs watched as Fornell walked away. He would again keep an eye on Tony. He would also talk with Abby because she always has seemed to know Tony very well. When Gibbs returned to the squad room, he noticed that everyone was still finishing up the backlog of paperwork and having their usual casual conversation.
"I am going to Abby's lab." Gibbs announced with a coffee in one hand and a cafpow in the other hand.
Everyone nodded in agreement and watched Gibbs disappear into the elevator. He made his way to Abby's lab listening to the usual loud music coming from it.
"Hey Abby." Gibbs yelled waving a cafpow in front of him. "I need to talk to you."
Abby jumped as she was so involved in her work that she didn't realize that Gibbs was there.
"Gibbs!" Abby yelped. "You about scared me half to death. You usually send me one of your vibes so that I know it is you, but you didn't send me any Gibbs this time."
Gibbs chuckled then he decided to get to the purpose of his coming to see Abby.
"Abs." Gibbs stated. "I need to talk to you about Tony and how he has been acting lately."
"Me too Gibbs! I haven't seen you yet today." Abby exclaimed. "Where have you been and why haven't you been to visit me? You know that I get lonely down here all alone"
"I know Abby, but I need to discuss something very serious with you." Gibbs explained. "I know that you are also very concerned about Tony. I need to know if he has confided in you at all over the last few weeks."
Abby sighed as she sat down at her desk twirling one of her pigtails around her finger. She thought for a moment. "Tony keeps saying that nothing is going on. But I can tell that he isn't telling me the truth. He won't look me in the eye anymore even Gibbs. And then, the night we went to Tony's place to watch movies he had two strange calls. Also, when I met him out in the parking garage it felt like someone was watching. It was just almost too quiet. I was all wierded out until Tony opened the door of his car."
"Abs!" Gibbs almost shouted. "Why didn't you say anything to me?"
"I'm sorry Gibbs." Abby said with her lip quivering. "You were busy with the case. Then I kind of forgot about it."
"I understand Abby." Gibbs said. "It's just that Tony is denying that anything is going on. Director Vance doesn't know anything either. I've also talked to Agent Fornell who does not know anything either despite all of the inquiries he has made."
"Gibbs." Abby exclaimed. "I'm sure Tony is fine. If he isn't I will make everything fine for him."
Gibbs laughed and gave Abby a hug and a big peck on the cheek as he walked out the door. Gibbs went back down to the squad room to see that his team had left for lunch. Gibbs smiled to himself and decided to meet the team at their usual place for lunch. Gibbs left the building and walked the two blocks to the deli that was around the corner. He was happy to see everyone their including Abby who must have snuck out, sitting at a table eating and laughing. As Gibbs got close he could hear Tony telling a funny story about this woman he met last night. Tony was laughing so hard but Gibbs could hear part of the conversation.
"We landed in the water after she pulled me in after her." Tony laughed. "It was funny but you had to really be there. After we both climbed back onto the dock, we both laid their laughing so hard. I don't think I've had that much fun in so long. Well except for with Abby, of course."
All of a sudden a voice said. "Sounds like a good laugh there DiNozzo, huh?"
Everyone jumped as Gibbs came up behind them so he could join them.
Abby chimed up. "There are no active cases, so we decided to walk here for some lunch. We also heard sensitivity and sexual harassment training scheduled for the rest of the week."
Gibbs smiled as he placed his order. "The only way out of this is if we get a case. Otherwise DiNozzo, there is no way out."
Everyone laughed as Tony made a face and try and whine his way out of it. Gibbs smiled at DiNozzo and decided that everything was going to be okay.
A/N
The next chapter is going to skip ahead in time to speed up the progress of the story. Also some drama and trouble ahead for our Tony coming soon. The plot twist that I mentioned is coming up soon as a very big shocker. As always please read and review. Any suggestions, story ideas and pm's are more than welcome as long as you press the green button below.
