Section 26
The beeping wasn't his alarm clock but Gibbs couldn't place it. He felt like his eyes would have to be pried open. Against his chest he felt movement so he forced his eyes open. At first he saw only dark hair but then he found himself staring into Tony's eyes. In the early morning light Tony's hazel eyes looked green and Gibbs couldn't help but stare into them. The beeping noise came again and Tony pushed himself up further, flushing slightly at the intimate position they had been in.
"Cell phone." Tony muttered, patting his pockets. Just then the noise stopped. "What time is it?" He slurred, his voice still thick from sleep.
Gibbs peered at his watch. "Quarter to five. Need to get ready for work." Sitting up straight, Gibbs couldn't hold back a groan as the muscles in his back pulled.
"I'm sorry…"
Gibbs put his finger against Tony's lips, stopping him. "There's nothing to be sorry for. Yesterday was a hell of a day. You needed someone."
"That doesn't excuse me for crying all over you like a little girl."
"Tony," Gibbs took hold of Tony's chin preventing him from turning away. "You have no cause to be ashamed. You are a good man, whose life just got ripped apart. I'm glad I was here for you last night. I'm here for you today and I will be here for you every day."
"Jethro," Tony whispered as he looked into Gibbs' eyes. The two men swayed towards one another as Gibbs' hand moved to cup his face.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Gibbs swore as he and Tony jerked apart. "Leroy, open this door." The voice called before beating on the door again. Gibbs got to his feet, headed to the door and opened it just as the pounding was about to start again. "About time. I called that number you gave me and no one answered. What's the good of having a phone if you're not going to answer it?"
"Dad…"
"And when'd you start locking the door?"
"Dad…"
"Well, are you gonna move and let me in or just stand there all day with your mouth open?" Over Gibbs' shoulder, Jackson spotted Tony in the doorway of the living room. "Well, don't just stand there come over and give your father-in-law a hug."
Before Tony could get his wits about him, Jackson had brushed past Gibbs and stepped up to Tony wrapping him in a hug. Casual affection had never been a part of Tony's life, so he stiffly put his arms about the older man who only pulled him closer. "Don't worry, son. You've got Leroy and me. We're your family now." Stepping back one step, Jackson looked at his son again. "Don't just stand there, Leroy, bring my bag in and shut the door. Swear you were born in a barn."
"Dad, what are you doing here?"
"I called the office yesterday, but you were already gone. I tried that cell phone number, don't know why you bother giving it out; you never answer it. Kept trying the office leaving messages and finally around midnight, talked to that Leon fellow, who told me what was going on. I called Maxwell, packed a few things and here I am. Now how about some breakfast? Hope you have real food and not those cardboard waffles you had last time."
"You talked to Vance?" Gibbs asked as he and Tony followed Jackson into the kitchen.
"That the Leon fella?" Tony nodded at Jackson. "Guess I did. I'd watch him, son. Way he was slurring his words, I thing he might have a drinking problem. Could hear others in the background. Probably at a bar when he called."
"Dad, you didn't need to drive down here."
"Course I did. Tony is going to need all the support he can get. Family support each other. Now, how about bacon and eggs?"
"Mr. Gibbs…"
"It's dad or Jackson, your choice."
"You don't need to cook breakfast…Jackson. We can pick something up on the way to the office."
"Nonsense. Now, you boys go upstairs and get ready. I'll have the food ready when you get back." Jackson pulled the coffee maker out and checked it out to see if it was ready to go. Looking back over his shoulder at the two men watching him, he said, "Go on, scoot. Oh, and Leroy, take my bag up to the guestroom."
"Je…Gibbs…" Tony said quietly while he waited on the landing for Gibbs to put Jackson's bag in his room.
"It's Jethro, Tony. I'm only Gibbs at work."
"About what happened downstairs."
"You mean what didn't happen."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean…"
"Well, I did."
Tony was frozen in place as Gibbs leaned towards him. His brain kept screaming, "Oh, shit! I'm going to kiss Gibbs!" over and over and trying to encourage him to move but somewhere another little voice was whispering, "I'm going to kiss Gibbs" happily. Then he had no thoughts. Gibbs' lips were warm and firm as they pressed against his. The little voice urged him to move closer and he was unable to disobey. As Tony leaned in to the kiss, he felt one of Gibbs' hands move to cup the back of his head, toying with his hair. Tony couldn't suppress a small whimper, which gave Gibbs the chance to run his tongue teasingly along his lower lip.
"I'll shower first so I can run interference with Dad." Gibbs straightened with smug smirk catching the slightly dazed look in Tony's eyes.
Section 27
"Well, don't just stand there. Make yourself useful. Throw some bread in the toaster."
As ordered, Gibbs crossed the room and grabbed the bread. Opening it he started the toast and then crossed over to retrieve butter and jelly. "So what really brought you to town?"
"Told you. Tony's going to need support."
"You don't even know Tony that well."
"But you do." Jackson turned the bacon. "I could tell when I met him, he was different. Told myself you'd adopted a son, but I think we both know better."
"There was never anything like that between Tony and I."
"Past tense."
"Ah, hell." Gibbs pulled his fingers back quickly from the hot toast.
"Going to deny it, Jethro?"
"There's nothing to deny."
"Maybe not yet," Jackson passed him a fork to pry the toast out of the toaster. "If you're expecting me to give you a lecture or throw a fuss, don't. I've lived long enough to know love comes in many styles. If Tony makes you happy, it is what it is. You love who you love."
"I'm not in love with Tony."
"Maybe not, But can you say you don't love him?" Jackson nodded in triumph. "Love has to start somewhere. Maybe this marriage will be good for you both in the long run."
"It's just until we get his citizenship straightened out."
"You tell yourself that. Now, what time do we have to be at the office?"
"We?" Gibbs looked at his father.
"Well, I can't help Tony if I'm not with him, can I?"
"Dad you're not coming to the office."
"Jackson's coming to the office?" Tony entered dressed but with his hair only partially dried.
"Yes." Jackson said at the same time Gibbs said, "No."
"Okay. What can I do to help?"
"Set the table and see if there's any juice in there." Jackson pointed to the refrigerator. Gibbs glared at him from where he was still buttering toast. "And get Mr. Grumpy a cup of coffee. Tired of him running around with a scowl on his face."
Tony set the orange juice he and Gibbs had bought the night before on the table; and hadn't that been interesting. He'd never shopped with a significant other before or someone like Gibbs who seemed to take the trip as a military maneuver. Storm the beaches, grab the hostages and get out. Crossing to the sink, he reached up into the cabinet retrieving a large coffee mug and a bottle. Tapping out two Aspirin™, he filled the mug and carried both over to Gibbs. who immediately tossed back the pills and followed them with the hot coffee before giving Tony a gruff thanks.
Tony turned away with a smirk. It never failed. Talking to Jackson always gave Gibbs a headache. Personally, he thought it was how alike they were, not that either man would ever admit it. Still, he'd take Gibbs' father over his own any time. For a moment the picture of Senior and that little girl came to mind and he fought to push it away.
"It's okay, son." Tony felt Jackson's hand on his shoulder. "He can be a real bastard before he has coffee. Well, actually he can be a real bastard even with coffee."
"Kate and I learned that quickly. Gibbs with two B's, second one for bastard." Tony laughed.
"He make you follow all those rules of his?"
By the time Tony had the table set and Gibbs had a stack of buttered toast, Jackson and Tony were bonding over Gibbs-isms. Which Gibbs declared flatly was not a real word. Jackson was serving up his son along with bacon and eggs. If he didn't find a way to turn him off, Gibbs would never be able to put the fear of Gibbs back into Tony. The only good think had been the way Jackson had covertly interrogated Tony.
One story in particular made Gibbs' head ache harder and he wished for a few minutes in interrogation; no cameras, just him and Senior. Unable to reach the cause of his headache, he sipped his coffee while Jackson pried out the story of Tony's first pet. A friend had given Tony a young dog when the boy's sister developed an allergy. Senior had pitched a fit over the mongrel. After the dog "fell" down the stairs and had a close accident with the limo, Tony had snuck the dog out passing it off to another friend. He'd never had another pet except for his goldfish, Kate.
Glancing across the table, Gibbs looked into his father's eyes and saw the same rage echoed there. He knew his father wouldn't hesitate to take a swing at Senior if he got the chance. While Gibbs ate, he avoided the elephant in the room. He was not taking Jackson to headquarters. However, as the meal wore on, he couldn't avoid the tentative relationship the other two were building. Sighing, he drank the last of his coffee. Ah, hell, he finally capitulated, "In the car in five."
On the way to work, Tony chattered away pointing out crime scenes and other sights. As they neared the shipyard, though, he became quieter; his jovial mood, forced. Tony's left leg bounced nervously until Gibbs placed a hand on his knee, giving it a squeeze. In the mirror, Gibbs meet Jackson's eye and dared his father to make a comment.
It was Gibbs who took the lead with security getting his father a badge and clearing him as a visitor. Finally they were in the elevator ready to enter the bullpen. It was early enough that the only person in the area was McGee.
"Morning, Boss. Morning, Tony. Morning, Mr… Mr. Gibbs. nice to see you again." McGee covered his surprise quickly. "Boss, Vance was looking for you."
"Vance?" Gibbs looked at his watch. Vance was never in this early.
"Said he wanted to see you…" McGee started.
"...to see you the moment you got in." Vance finished.
"Leon. I believe you know my father."
"I believe I spoke with you last evening. In town for a visit?"
"Came to spend some time with my new son-in-law. Never expected Jethro to marry again, hated to miss the wedding, but I hope someone took pictures."
"Uh, yes, sir." McGee spoke up. "I believe that Abby has some she took on her phone."
Gibbs had been watching Vance closely during the conversation. "Why don't you and Tony take Dad down to Abby's lab and she what she has? I'll catch up with you in a bit." The trio filed out noisily and Gibbs watched the twitch of Vance's eyes.
"Okay there, Leon? See you're still in yesterday's suit." Vance winced. Gibbs smirked and pulled out his left-hand drawer. "Aspirin™," he offered. Taking the bottle, Vance tipped out some and swallowed them dry. "You have a little party last night?"
"I hate you." Vance said dryly. "Because of you and DiNozzo, I had the dubious pleasure of spending the evening out until about…" he looked at his watch, "an hour ago with SecNav, Director Comey, Agent Fornell, Secretary Hagel and the vice-president."
"No deals." Gibbs said firmly. "I will not allow Senior to get away after what's he's done."
"Fortunately, the vice-president is of the same mind." Vance rolled his shoulders trying to ease the stiffness. "Fornell provided him with a copy of the evidence. After several rounds to wash the situation away, the VP agreed that it is in the best interest of all concerned that we in no way try to whitewash the situation. Senior and Beniot will be fully prosecuted."
"Good."
"You and your team are expected in MTAC at 8:45 am."
"What's this about?"
Vance managed a smirk of his own. "Fornell collected the suspects a little while ago, it is my understanding that they were confrontational and slightly disheveled from their night in interrogation. He took them for processing and immediately following, they are being arraigned this morning in federal court. Thought your team might enjoy the perp walk."
Section 28
"Looking a bit rough this morning, Leon."
Vance looked up from the paper in his hands to see SecNav looking disgustingly bright-eyed. Giving the folder to his secretary, he walked to join him. "And you look, disgustingly well, even after last night…"
"Aspirin™, Visine™ and Red Bull™, a fresh suit and tie. I always make sure that I keep my office stocked. With jobs like ours, it comes in handy."
"I didn't expect to see you. I was just ready to head to MTAC."
"I figured I would join you this morning."
Vance realized SecNav wanted to be observe Gibbs' and DiNozzo's reactions. With a nod he led the way. As they approached the door, Leon cringed internally as they met Ms. Scuito who had not seen them as she was talking a mile a minute to Agent McGee, who had just spotted them.
"Popcorn? Do you really find that appropriate, Miss Scuito?" Abby held a large bag of popcorn and a large Caf-Pow.
"Secretary Mabus. Yes, sir. I mean, no, sir. I mean, I was just holding it for McGee, sir." Thrusting the popcorn at Director Vance, she pushed it into his stomach and his arms automatically grabbed, to keep it from falling. "Bad, McGee."
Vance simply closed his eyes and shook his head at her antics. "This is going to be hard on Agent DiNozzo. I hope that we remember that we are here to support him in this difficult time."
"Yes, director." Abby grabbed McGee by his tie and pulled him into MTAC.
"Ah, Director Vance, Secretary Mabus, how good to see you here. Come to offer support to dear Anthony?"
"Dr. Mallard, it's good to see you again."
"Have you met my assistant, Mr. Palmer?"
"Mr. Palmer."
"Secretary Mabus, Director Vance." Palmer said nervously.
"Have you seen Gibbs?" Vance asked Ducky.
"Why ... you avoiding me, Leon?" Gibbs was right behind Vance, followed by DiNozzo and Jackson. "I believe you remember my dad."
"Mr. Gibbs, good to see you again. Secretary Mabus, this is Mr. Jackson Gibbs, Agent Gibbs' father."
"Please to meet you, Mr. Gibbs." Mabus extended his hand. "Agent Gibbs is one of our finest agents."
Jackson eyed his hand suspiciously and then looked at Vance. "I'm also Agent DiNozzo's father-in-law."
Jackson's declaration gave Tony a warm feeling inside. Looking towards Gibbs, their eyes met. From the look, Tony knew Gibbs was holding back a grin while looking on with pride.
"Of course. Secretary Mabus is well aware of that." Vance said, trying to ease the situation.
"Agent DiNozzo is also a very fine agent. NCIS is lucky to have them." Secretary Mabus drew his hand back.
"Hmph. Well, come on, Tony. Let's see this fancy theatre of yours." With a wink, Jackson urged Tony ahead of him, entering the room.
"Theatre?" Secretary Mabus mouthed at Vance.
"Am I late?" Fornell hurried up.
"Shows about to start." Gibbs paused next to Vance. "I know you and Tony haven't always been on the best terms, Leon, but popcorn, really? Couldn't you show a little respect?" Rolling his eyes, Vance shoved the popcorn into Gibbs' hand and led SecNav in. Gibbs grinned at Fornell and offered him the popcorn bag.
"Vance brought popcorn?" Fornell was puzzled until Gibbs turned the bag around and he saw the skull and crossbones in black marker. He snorted and followed Gibbs into MTAC.
As Gibbs passed Abby's aisle he handed her the popcorn and received a bright smile in return. As he sat down next to his father, Tony leaned across from the other side of Jackson to whisper, "You didn't save me any popcorn?" Gibbs' hand itched and Tony sat back in his own chair smugly. Whap! Tony turned around to McGee who simply pointed at Gibbs who leaned forward in his seat and smirked.
"Gentlemen…and ladies, we will of course be running ZNN but we have been informed that one of the mainstream news networks happened to be broadcasting live from near the courthouse. We'll be watching that on the main screen," Vance announced as he and SecNav headed for seats next to Tony. "Please turn up the sound," Vance ordered the technician.
The iconic reporter was returning from a commercial break. "For those of you just joining us. We are stationed across from the court house awaiting the beginning of day one of the trial of former Senator Hunter Bane on racketeering charges. We have been informed that there has been a slight delay this morning and the judge has now scheduled the opening for 1:00 pm today. But…Bombshell, ladies and gentlemen, sources tell me that the trial was delayed while security was being increased. As you can see, the area has an increased police presence in the last half hour."
"Let's bring in my guest, former prosecutor Elaine Feildawn."
Gibbs leaned forward to look at Vance. "How'd you get her to agree?"
"The vice-president asked and didn't tell her you were involved." SecNav spoke up. "She still isn't happy with you."
"So Ms. Feildawn, is this amount of security normal for this type of trial?"
"Actually, no. We don't typically see this type of security unless there are major concerns regarding either threats against the court or the defendant is a major higher profile."
"Being a senator isn't high profile?"
"Not in this case. We would be more likely to see this type of security for cases like the Unabomber or the Boston bomber trial. I'm very surprised at the amount of security we are seeing today."
"Just a minute," the anchor placed a hand to her ear cupping the receiver there, "Friends, I'm being told that an unnamed source is confirming this increased security is not related to Senator Bane's trial and that security has actually been tripled. Yes, tripled." Posing dramatically, the anchor again cupped her receiver; nodding intermittently. "Listeners, it appears that we just happen to be in the right place at the right time."
Tony snorted. If this were any more choreographed, there would be a guy on screen with cue cards. Jackson and Gibbs exchanged worried looks.
"Welcome back. Bomb shell, today, we are here in Washington, DC across from the courthouse which we have just learned has had security tripled. Yes, friends, I said tripled and this is according to an unnamed source. During the break, our producer has been trying to track down more information. We are now being told that the security is in preparation for an arraignment that will be held here this morning. Let's go back to my guest, former prosecutor Elaine Feildawn. Would I be right in saying that this amount of security is extremely unusual for an arraignment?" With a smile a shark would envy, she turned to her guest.
"I'm admit to being shocked that these arrangements are only for an arraignment."
"What type of perpetrator would rate this type of security?"
"To be honest," Elaine Feildawn smiled at the camera, presenting a very professional demeanor. If Gibbs hadn't known her, hence one of Gibbs' rules, he would almost believe she was telling the truth. "I'm shocked with the amount of security. I don't know if I've ever seen this much here."
"There you have it, friends. We are across from the courthouse and we will keep you apprised of this breaking story. While we are waiting for an update, we will take a commercial break." The anchor smiled at the viewers.
Getting to his feet, Tony moved to the aisle. Gibbs stood putting his hand on his arm. "You okay?"
"Just antsy." Tony rolled his shoulders and felt a hand on his other arm.
"You need something?"
Tony felt warm at the genuine caring in Jackson's eyes. "The waiting, you know." Abby pushed past Gibbs and stood looking up at him. Silently, she offered him the popcorn bag and he took a piece popping it in his mouth. Even though it tasted like cardboard to him, he offered her a smile. "Thanks, Abs."
"Gibbs." Fornell held up his cell. "Cars are about ten minutes out."
Gibbs nodded. "If you want to leave, we can walk right now." His hand moved to Tony's back giving it a discrete rub.
"No," Taking a deep breath, Tony shook his head. "No, I need to see this through." Leaning forward he dropped a kiss on top of Abby's head. Turning, he headed back to his seat but now found himself sitting between Gibbs and Jackson. It was nice to feel so surrounded by people who cared, he thought letting his arm press against Gibbs' on the armrest.
"Here, Tony." McGee stuck his arm through between Jackson and Tony. "Thought you might need this."
Tony took the hot cup, smelling the coffee. "Thanks." McGee simply patted his back and sat back down next to Abby who snuggled against him.
Gibbs tried not to glare. Would it have hurt McGee to bring two cups? Then he felt the cup touch his hand. "Here," Tony whispered. "I hate to hurt his feelings but I don't think I could drink anything right now."
"And we're back. Bomb shell! Listeners we are hearing from an unnamed source within the FBI that the security is indeed for an arraignment. According to our source, there are two persons who will be formally arraigned this morning. Our producer is attempting to find information on the defendants but we have been told that the one will be charged under the RICO and Mann Acts. Let's go to my guest, former prosecutor Elaine Feildawn. For our friends out there, can you give us some insight as to the RICO and Mann Acts?"
"I'd be happy to. The RICO Act is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. It has been useful in prosecuting crime syndicates by enabling the prosecution of the organizing heads who give the orders for murders or other illegal activities. The Mann Act was established in 1910. Essentially, it made the transport of a woman or girl across state lines for immoral purposes illegal. The original intent was aimed at prostitution. However, I doubt very much that we are talking about prostitution given the amount of security. It has been amended and now is more focused on prostitution or illegal sexual acts, but even then…" Elaine stopped.
Drawn in, the anchor leaned forward. "Please continue."
"I shouldn't speculate. Since I really don't know for certain."
"Our listeners understand but as a former prosecutor surely you might have some ideas?" The anchor was anxious for any salacious details.
"I've tried people under the Mann Act, which included human trafficking and I can tell you that they were horrendous. But, given this level, I'd have to guess that we have to be talking about acts that are especially heinous or depraved."
"So I would guess that we wouldn't be talking about simple rape or abuse for them to be described as 'heinous and depraved'? Just a minute friends, I am getting an update form the producer." The anchor couldn't quite hide the spark in her eyes at the scoop she was getting. "Bomb shell, friends. I've just been told that a car is enroute and should arrive shortly. Our source has indicated that the defendant is a foreign citizen from France. She was a former resident of the United States, studying medicine. We have to take a short break. Stay tuned, friends, as we follow this breaking story."
"Fornell, who's the informant?" Tony looked down the row of chairs. "Director Comey's secretary, but he's overseeing the flow."
"Friends, there is a caravan arriving. We are now being told that the defendant is one Jeanne Benoit from Lourdes, France. She is reportedly now married into a family from Long Island, New York, the DiNozzos. The DiNozzos are a prominent and influential family. Her husband is said to be none other than the current head of the family, Anthony DiNozzo, Senior. Yes," the anchor turned her head to draw attention to the earpiece receiver. "I'm being told that Mr. DiNozzo's son is a federal agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Quantico. Agent DiNozzo was recently in the papers following his marriage to fellow agent, Agent Jethro Gibbs."
The picture abruptly shifted to a black sedan parked directly in front of the courthouse. Amazingly, there were no blocks or impediments to the camera view. The team watched as Jeanne was pulled from the car.
"Friends, you are watching the arrival of Jeanne Benoit DiNozzo. We are being told that Mrs. DiNozzo is being charged with arms trafficking, conspiracy and terrorism."
The camera zoomed in on Jeanne's face. Tony cringed. She would be mortified when she saw the pictures. Orange was not her color. Pulling away from the agents she stood defiantly and mounted the steps on her own.
"You doing okay?" Gibbs leaned towards him.
"Yeah."
"Friends, we are watching the arrival of Jeanne Benoit DiNozzo here at the federal courthouse to be arraigned on charges of arms trafficking, conspiracy and terrorism. That is Mrs. DiNozzo entering the building. " The anchor was nearly bouncing at the scoop. "We apologize for the information we gave earlier, Mrs. DiNozzo is not be charged under RICO or … Wait, wait. Bomb shell!" She almost squealed. "We are being told that another car is just arriving carrying no other than her husband, Anthony DiNozzo, Senior. Yes, there's the car approaching now."
Tony took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Inside he knew this was the right thing to happen, but he still had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. A warm hand slid into his. He turned to his left and Jackson was watching him with concern. He squeezed Tony's hand and gave him a sad smile. On his other side Tony could feel Gibbs moving and felt his hand on his lower arm.
"We can leave. No one would think any less of you." Gibbs whispered, but Tony simply shook his head.
"Friends, the car has stopped and we are awaiting our first look at Mr. Anthony DiNozzo, Senior who is be arraigned today with charges under the RICO and Mann Acts. Our source is now telling us that Mr. DiNozzo is accused of drug trafficking, human trafficking, organ trafficking and a host of other criminal activities. The evidence is not being released at this time, as there are many states involved.
While the anchor droned, Tony watched his usually meticulously attired father emerge from the sedan, dressed in an orange jumpsuit. Tony did not think he had ever seen his father look so untidy. As his father was forced up the steps, Tony could see him fighting the agents and could tell he was yelling at them. As the door closed behind him, Tony felt cold inside.
"Friends, that was Anthony DiNozzo, Senior, New York icon, entering the courthouse. His arrest was in conjunction with a long-term investigation. We are being told that Agent DiNozzo, his son, was involved in the gathering of evidence." The anchor nearly crooned, "How terrible to have to turn your own father in. Agent DiNozzo should be commended for his dedication to justice and his moral character. Our sympathies go out to him in this trying time. God bless you, Agent DiNozzo. We will have more on this breaking story later in our broadcast."
Tony rose from his seat and turned to the aisle. His only focus was getting out of there, going somewhere safe. Gibbs mouthed "home" and gestured to McGee who cut him off. "Here, Tony. Let's get you out of here." With Jackson's help they guided him out.
"Director, I'm taking…"
"Just go. Your team is off for a week." Leon said.
"Thanks, Leon."
"Gibbs."
"He'll be okay, Abby. I'm going to take him home."
"I know you'll take care of him." Abby chewed nervously on her lip. "The test you wanted. It finished this morning."
"And?" Gibbs prodded her along.
"It's negative, Gibbs. Senior isn't Tony's dad."