Part 10
Thanks for all the lovely reviews. This is just a short chapter but will post another one later on today.
McGee had booked a ticket for Gibbs as soon as he could and he was soon heading for the airport. He had just arrived when he got a call from McGee telling him to change the ticket, Tony was on his way to London.
Tony had dressed up for the party. He looked very suave as he walked down the stairs towards his grandfather. "You look very good Anthony."
"Please don't call me that. I prefer Tony."
Michael looked at him," Tony it is. Are you sure you are alright? You look a bit pale."
"I'm fine. I'd like to meet some of your friends."
"Well friends isn't really a word I would use. Most of them are business colleagues but it pays to keep them happy."
"Business colleagues?"
"Yes. Some of them work for me but many of the others are from companies I have dealt with over the years. I want you to meet them."
Tony felt his stomach lurch. He'd always hated dinners like this. His father had made him attend some when he was a lot younger and he's always managed to disappoint. He could feel the sweat break out on his forehead. He had thought this would be a small dinner where he could meet some of his grandfather's friends. The doorbell rang and the butler went to answer it.
The evening seemed to go on forever. He couldn't remember most of the names he had been told. Some had obviously brought their daughters for one purpose, to meet Sir Michael's grandson. He wondered if all these people were the same. Children were there to be used. He did try to make conversation with them but he found he had nothing much to say. They came from a completely different world.
He used his recent illness to be able to get away from the party early. He made his way to his room and lay down. His shoulder was throbbing. He thought about Gibbs. He wished he was back in his own room and not here. Tears pricked his eyelids and he felt one trickle down his cheek. He wiped it away angrily. Stop it DiNozzo, crying is for girls and babies. Gibbs didn't want you, get used to it.
He soon fell into a very disturbing sleep. In his nightmare someone was chasing him and he woke up in a sweat. He could hear the clock ticking downstairs. He was very thirsty and got up. He wanted a grandfather like Jack. He wanted to hear his voice. He went downstairs and picked up the phone. He was just about to dial when the light went on. "What are you doing Anthony? You should be in bed, we're leaving for London tomorrow. Go on."
Tony turned around and went back up the stairs. "London? I thought we were going to Scotland. Is that not where your estate is?"
"Yes it is but I have some business I have to conclude in London. Then we'll leave for Inverness later."
Tony managed to sleep for a short time but he was not very well rested and his shoulder was aching even more. He should have asked the nurse to have another look at it but he really didn't like the man.
He fell asleep on the plane and only woke up when it landed in London. "We'll stay the night and set off tomorrow. Maybe we could see a show while we're here."
"Sure," Tony answered.
Gibbs had been surprised to meet Ducky and his father at the airport. "You didn't think we'd let you go alone, did you?" Gibbs looked very pleased to see them.
Their plane landed in London about 2 hours after Tony's. McGee had given them the address of Sir Michael's home and they made their way there. A butler answered the door and told them to wait in the library. Sir Michael entered a few minutes later. "Is this not a long way to come to talk to one of your workers?" he asked.
"He's my son, as you well know."
"I've had my lawyers look over the adoption and we are sure we can get it over turned. After all I am his grandfather by blood. He needs me. Did he not make that clear when he wanted to come stay with me?"
"I want to see him now."
"But he doesn't want to see you. Now please leave my house before I have you thrown out. And understand this, he is mine."
Tony had heard the voices as he woke in his room. He did not feel well at all. His head was buzzing and he was sure a band had taken up residence in it. He put his hand up to his forehead. He was very warm. He must be hearing things, that sounded like Gibbs. He got up and made his way to the top of the stairs. Why were there so many people in the house? They all looked like Gibbs, Ducky and Jack. He called out once,"Dad!" and then fell to the floor. He felt arms go round him but then he must have passed out.
Ducky quickly pulled out his stethoscope and listened to his chest. "It's clear." He then pulled off the bandage that covered his shoulder wound. He looked at the inflamed wound. "Has he been taking his medicine? This wound looks infected. We need to get him to a hospital right now."
"I'll have him taken to a hospital I know," Michael said.
"No you won't," Gibbs insisted. "Ducky phone for an ambulance."
TBC