Chapter Eight
Tony had texted Mullen to let him know that he and Ziva were having brunch in the Continental at 11:30 in the morning. He responded with a hold a seat for me. As, Tony and Ziva settled at a table in the modern décor with the yellow overhead lights and sharp angles, Tony caught a glimpse of a ragged looking Mullen. He stood up and waved him over.
"Morning," said Mullen.
"Did she rob you?" asked Ziva.
"Only on bodily fluids," he smiled.
Ziva laughed. She could see why he and Tony got along so well.
"We expect the capos today," said Tony.
"You still intend on just interrupting the meeting to speak to them," Mullen said.
"Yeah, I do. I've never been big on coming up with a plan B unless I have to," replied Tony.
A waitress came over to them and Tony ended the conversation.
"I'll have a coffee and the," he paused as he picked up the menu and quickly looked at it. "Eggs benedict with ham."
"I'll have the Challah bread French toast and a cup of Earl Grey tea," ordered.
"Leave it to me to bring the trend. I'll have a Bloody Mary and the Cuban sandwich with French fried. Oh, and a coffee," Mullen smiled at the waitress.
The waitress smiled back him: "I'll hurry with your order."
She walked away.
"You intend on confronting the capos of the Five Families, yes?" asked Ziva.
"Yes, I do," he said.
"Ahuvi, isn't that dangerous?" she asked.
"His breathing in the state of New York seems to be dangerous for him," said Mullen.
Ziva looked at Tony with great concern, but he merely smiled.
"It's job," he said.
"Irritating the job isn't a job," said Mullen.
"What about you?" asked Tony.
"I've turned mob baiting into an art form," smiled Mullen.
"Are you two related?" asked Ziva with a smile.
"No," Mullen answered.
"But we share a history," said Tony.
"Sons of mobsters. We could have our own reality show, maybe even a sitcom," said Mullen.
Tony and Ziva laughed then Tony suddenly stopped laughing. His eyes trained in on some. Ziva turned and saw a man dressed in three thousand dollar blue suit. He was an older handsome man with dark slightly graying. When he noticed Tony, his blue eyes turned to ice and he and his three men walked over to their table.
"Junior," he said.
"You know I don't like being called that," said Tony.
"But it is your name: Anthony DiNutso, Junior," said his father, who then looked at Mullen. "Your taste in friends, not so good, but your taste in women is much better."
"Listen, old man, don't you have some oatmeal to gum?" asked Tony.
"Why are you here, Anthony?" he asked.
"Free country, Mr. DiNutso," answered Tony.
Anthony DiNozzo, Senior looked at his bodyguards and smiled: "See what happens when you wish for a daughter and get a son."
They laughed at his feeble joke. Tony just sat and glared at his father.
His father then looked at Ziva and smiled: "Look me up if you decide you want a real a man."
"I prefer a man whose penis works," she retorted without an inviting smile.
Mullen started laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. Tony just continued staring at his father.
"Let's go," Anthony DiNozzo, Senior said to his men.
The walked towards an empty table and sat down.
"I do not like him," Ziva said.
"My dad was a mobster, but, at least, he loved me. That man is a fucking dick," said Mullen.
"Yeah, well, we can't choose our parents," said Tony.
NCIS
The smaller conference room was setup with three long tables, one at the top and two facing each other. The one at the top was for the Genovese Family then one of the other two tables would have the Gambino and Colombo Families and the remaining one would have Bonanno and Lucchese Families. Each table would have the capo and the consigliere along with one of the top caporegime. The underboss would be left at home and the bodyguards kept out of the room. The meeting would last as long as it had to and would end with one of the heads of the Families being named the Boss of Bosses.
Slowly the fifteen men filtered into the room. Each man was wearing it in the three thousand dollar suits, silk ties and socks, gold cufflinks and Rolexes and the smell of expensive heavily applied cologne wafted through the air. They were men of various ages, though the youngest was just fifty, and most of them were fifteen to two pounds overweight, except Anthony DiNozzo, Senior, who was obsessive about his looks, and Carmine D'Amato of the Lucchese Family, who was rail thin long ago earning him the nickname sticks.
Vincent scanned those gathered and decided on the spot he'd leave capo di tutti capi or the Genovese Family a problem equal to Scalia. He leaned into his brother and whispered: "I want it."
Anthony, Senior stood up as they all settled into their chairs and offered the group of gathered men one of his million dollar smiled: "This summit of the Families was called for two reasons: one, to elected a capo di tutti capi and two, the handle the problem of Tomas Scalia and the bastards who are following him. I believe the first reason should be the easiest to deal with, as The Genovese Family is the largest and most profitable and Vincent DiNutso wants to be Boss of Bosses."
The latest temporary capo of the Gambino Family, Sammy Favazza, stood up and smiled: "I'm an admirer of The Butcher, but just because the Genovese Family is doing well right now, it doesn't mean they should be rewarded."
Anthony was going to retort to this comment but Vincent grabbed his forearm and guided him to sit down then he stood up. Vincent coldly looked at Favazza.
"I'm glad that Sammy The Midget Favazza," he said using a nickname that Favazza didn't like, "is an admirer. Someday when he has led a Family for more than five minutes, I hope to be an admirer of him."
Several broke out laughing, especially Carmine D'Amato. Carmine didn't bother to stand up, since he was senior in age and in length of running a Family. Many admired him just for having hung on for so long. It took toughness, some luck, and skill to reach his age as a capo. The seventy-two year old cleared his throat then spoke: "We know my nickname is The Owl. I never knew if I was called that because I was wise or I had big eyes."
Several laughed at his joke. He continued: "It has been difficult times for most Families, except the Genovese Family. They have thrived and for that Vincent deserves respect and he gets my support as the latest Boss of Bosses. Hell, if I didn't give him my support and he didn't get the position, he'd probably just ignore us and watch us flounder and pick picked off one by one by Scalia and his crew. No, we need Vinnie and his wise consigliere and many guns. A sua disposizione."
Vincent smiled: "Thank you for your wisdom, Carmine."
Mario Barone of the Bonanno Family stood up and said: "Salute! I support Vincent. Any man who lets me win at bocce gets my vote always."
"Mario, I owe you a game," smiled Vincent.
"He already has the votes," said Luke Camerano of the Colombo Family, "so let's move on to this fucking Scalia problem."
"We have to make it valid with a vote of hands," said Anthony.
"Raise your hands if you want me as the Boss of Bosses," said Vincent.
Everyone except the Gambino family raised their hands. Vincent sat down and Anthony stood back up. The Genovese Family was now officially in charge. Before could begin talking about Scalia, they heard a commotion outside of the conference room doors. Finally, the door opened by the force of one the many bodyguards being tossed into by Mullen.
Dressed in faded jeans, a black Hugo Boss shirt, and an antique bomber's jacket Tony walked into the conference room. His badge was clipped right beside his belt buckle and when he walked his Glock showed. He was letting everyone know that he was there as law enforcement and not as family.
He walked passed his father and walked over to Vincent, who stood up, and they hugged each other. Vincent whispered into his ear: "What are you up to, kid?"
Tony whispered in his ear: "Giving you room to work."
He kissed Tony on the cheek and sat down. Tony faced everyone then he glared his father back into his seat. The hate between the two men was noticeable. Tony then faced the rest of the Families.
"Tomas Scalia is a problem that needs to be dealt with and I have a recommendation for you which I hope you listen to," Tony said.
Sammy Favazza laughed: "The puppy thinks he has a bark and bite."
"And The Midget thinks he has legs," smiled Tony. "Shut up and listen, sciocco."
Vincent smiled. He always knew the kid had balls and style. Tony would have made a great Don.
"Let the FBI and NCIS Organized Crime Task Force handle Scalia. He has sold weapons to terrorists, so we are going to go after him with every tool we have. You all know what that means since several of your Families have suffered under the tactics. Let us handle him, so the blood flow is left to a minimum. It's the smart move, not that you have ever taken the smart move," Tony explained.
"How can we trust you?" asked Carmine.
"The same way I can trust you," said Tony.
"I'm in favor of killing Scalia and if you get in the way then you can die," said Luke Camerano.
"Small Family, small mind. What else do you have that is small?" smiled Tony making Carmine laugh.
"You have balls," said Sammy.
"Well, we know I didn't inherit them from my father," said Tony.
"You son-of-a-bitch," growled Senior.
"Antony, calm down," said Vincent.
"All I am doing is giving you another choice. You don't have to take it, but it is there for you," said Tony. "Well, I guess you can get back to your summit."
Tony walked out of the room slowly leaving many angry men behind him. Vincent admired his nephew, even wished he were his son, but now he needed to think of the Family not family. He stood up and silenced everyone.
"We will take care of Scalia and I will have some people take care of nephew for his rudeness," said Vincent.
"Are you going to bury him?" asked Sammy.
"No. Because he's family he's a beating first. It's a chance for him to learn a fucking lesson. Believe me it will be a lesson that he'll never forget," said Vincent.
He looked over at his brother with disappointment. If he had done right by his son, Anthony, Junior would have been his successor and his sons would have agreed without an argument because even they knew he was special. Anthony, Senior nodded his approval at the thought of his sin being beaten. Vincent shook his head in disappoint.
NCIS
Fornell caught up with Tony in the lobby where he was towards the elevator with Mullen and Ziva.
"What they hell were you thinking?" he asked him.
"Either they'll listen to my offer or they'll start making mistakes. Trust me, Tobias, there was a reason for what I did," said Tony.
"You're going to get yourself killed and Gibbs is then going to kill me," said Fornell.
"And I thought you loved me for me not because you were afraid of Gibbs," smiled Tony.
Fornell finally noticed Ziva: "What is she doing here?"
"Ah, well, I need to talk to you about that," said Tony. "Join us."
After getting back to their room, Tony explained to Fornell about Ziva's Mossad assignment, leaving out the information about the hit on him.
"Fucking Scalia, he sold weapons to terrorists," Fornell said.
"To fund his takeover," said Tony.
"We can use this. It can get us any wiretaps and surveillance we need," smiled Fornell. "Stupid bastards dug their own graves and they don't even know it."
"I'm glad I could make you so happy, Fornell," Tony said.
"Now we need to deal with Mossad," said Fornell.
"Yeah, that's not so easy," said Tony.
"No, really," sighed Fornell.
"Tony, you should tell him about Michael," said Ziva.
"I'd rather not," said Tony.
"Tell him," said Ziva in a tone that Fornell recognized. It was the tone one lover used on another when they wanted them to know that they had no choice. This made Fornell smile. If Gibbs knew about this, he'd be white with angry. Or would he? DiNozzo always was his fair haired boy. Maybe he'd forgive him. Of course, if he didn't forgive him, then Fornell knew he could entice him to the FBI permanently.
"Michael Rivkin was sent to kill me if he got a good enough excuse, like I sneezed on a Tuesday," said Tony.
"Why?" snapped Fornell.
"Because Tony and I are lovers and my father doesn't approve," said Ziva.
"You think a stern letter would have been enough," said Mullen.
"I know," smiled Tony.
"Not funny," growled Fornell.
"No, it is not," added Ziva.
"How do we handle this?" asked Fornell.
"Easy. I got Mullen protecting my six and I want to send Ziva back to DC to deal with something that I believe Gibbs and Director Shepard can help her with," said Tony.
"I do not want to go," Ziva stated.
"Zi, you know it makes sense to get their help," said Tony. "Your problem can be turned into a political problem."
"But, Tony, you are in danger," she said.
"What am I chop liver?" asked Mullen.
"Mossad assassin or crazy Irishman, it might be a tossup?' joked Fornell.
"We are going to get you on a plane to DC and you are going to talk to Gibbs and then Jenny. Tell them the truth, the whole truth, and if Gibbs tells you he has a problem with rule 12 then tell him I can remain FBI," he said.
"But, Tony, you love NCIS," she said.
"I love you more. Zi, I'm not giving you up this time," he said.
"I will be honest with them. I think it better if I tell them together," she said.
"You mean you think it easier," he smirked.
"Yes, easier," she agreed.
"Fornell, if Gibbs acts like a jackass I'm yours," he said to Fornell.
"Here's hoping," smiled Fornell.
NCIS
After they dropped Ziva off at Newark airport, Mullen and Tony drove the rented car back to the Chelsea. It had been a long few days. They now knew that Vincent was the new Boss of Bosses, Scalia was involved with terrorists, and Mossad was lurking on the periphery with the potential to screw things up and kill Tony. Mullen found most of this amusing.
"You know as my partner and my protecting my back that your ass is as on the line as mine," Tony reminded him.
"Yeah, I know, but it's still a giggle. I live a complicated life but you live a Byzantine life. I mean you've got more complications in your life than any man I know," Mullen said.
"PJ, you aren't a real believer in pep talks," said Tony.
"No, not really. My father always said it is better to laugh about your situation then to lie about it. Pep talks are usually filled with lies," he said.
"You're a deep bastard, aren't you?" smiled Tony.
"I am a human abyss," said Mullen.
Once they had dropped off the car they each found their way into their hotel rooms. Tony looked at his watch. Ziva was in Dc and she was probably confronting Jenny and Gibbs as they spoke.
"God, I hope the hell they can help her," he sighed as he fell back on the bed.
NCIS
Jenny was the first one to shop up at Gibbs house. She found him in his basement in a Marine sweatshirt and jeans working on a boat and sipping bourbon from a coffee mug. Without asking permission she walked over to the bottle of bourbon, grabbed a mason jar and poured herself a nice healthy drink.
"So, what do you think Ziva wants?" she asked.
"Whatever it is I bet it involves DiNozzo," he said, as he measured a piece of wood and made marks with a pencil.
"Are you afraid that they have crossed the line, Jethro?" asked Jenny.
"I'd like to save them some heartache if I can," he exhaled.
"Maybe it wouldn't end for them like it did for us," said Jenny.
He pointed towards the upstairs: "We'll find out. She's here."
Jenny looked confused then she heard the basement door open and Ziva came down the steps. She looked a little worried and tired, which worried Jenny.
"Gibbs, Jenny, I want to thank you both for listening to me. It was Tony who recommended I talk to you," she said.
"He knows you are here?" asked Gibbs.
"Yes, Gibbs," she answered him.
"Have you broken rule 12?" he asked.
"Many times," she answered and Jenny smiled.
"Starting when?" he asked.
"When you left us for Mexico," she answered and Gibbs exhaled a long angry breath. He was their boss when it started. He was a beachcomber.
"Is breaking rule 12 why you are here?" he asked.
"No. I am here because I want to leave Mossad and join NCIS," she stated.
Jenny looked over at Gibbs, who raised his eyebrows in disbelief.
NCIS
Tony and Mullen decided to grab a beer. They let Fornell know what their intentions were and started off to find a quiet beer that wouldn't cost and arm and a leg. As they walked along Ninth Avenue, a black cargo van pulled up beside them and the door slid back and two men where pointing handguns at them.
"Get in the van," said one of the men.
As Tony stepped into the van, he was hit with a blackjack in the back of the head and slipped into darkness. When he woke up he was shivering and chained facing a wall. He looked to his side and saw Mullen chained with his back to the wall, but he had his shirt on.
"You embarrassed a lot of people in Atlantic City," said the voice.
Tony closed his eyes. He knew what was coming.
"I am going to whip you fifteen lashes. On lash for every member of the Families you insulted at that summit. How does that sound, Agent DiNozzo?" asked the voice.
"Less talk more action," said Tony.
Mullen woke up and through Mullen's eyes, Tony saw what was coming his way. With a loud crack he felt a streak of pain across his back.
"One," the voice said.
Another loud cracked filled the air and another burning, painful hot streak lashed his back. Tony bit the inside of his mouth trying to keep from whimpering in pain.
"Two," the voice said.
"Could you count quicker," Tony said through gritted teeth.
"No."
NCIS
Ziva finished telling them everything and Jenny offered her a swig of her bourbon. She took it and drank it down. Gibbs was furious, no longer at the breaking of rule 12, but at Eli David and how he could treat his daughter so callously.
"Okay, we will figure this out. And you tell DiNozzo he belongs to NCIS not the FBI," growled Gibbs.
"He refuses to give me up, Gibbs," she said with her eyes looking at the floor.
"And you?" he asked.
"I do not want to give him up," she said then looked up at him with watery eyes. "I love him."
"Okay, well, we'll deal with that later," he said then his cellphone buzzed.
He grabbed it off his work bench and answered it.
"Gibbs," he said.
"The mob sent a lesson to DiNozzo. He's in a hospital in New York City. I thought you might want to know," Fornell said.
"What the hell happened to him?" Gibbs growled.
"They whipped him, Jethro. Fifteen lashes across the back. The son-of-a-bitches whipped him," said Fornell.
"I'm on my way," he said then hung up.
Gibbs looked at Ziva and Jenny.
"Tony is in the hospital," he said.
"What happened?" asked Jenny, as Ziva just looked at him fearing what he was going to say.
"They whipped. Like a dog, they whipped him," he growled barely in control of his anger.
"I'll call the SecNav and borrow his Gulfstream. Let's go to New York," Jenny said.
Gibbs looked at Ziva and saw tears and anger. He now was sure he'd never be able to separate DiNozzo and Ziva.
