In the Presence of Mine Enemies Chapter 21

Chris Pacci had been a lightweight boxer in college. When Team Gibbs was paired with Pacci's team they were always excited. Pacci had some wicked moves and was generous in sharing his skill. Having spent time sparing with Chris earlier in the day McGee had learned and retained some of those skills. Due to Pacci's tutelage, McGee was currently giving Tony a run for his money.

Tony was circling McGee, jumping up and down, and moving side to side trying to distract him. McGee feigned to Tony's left and as Tony moved McGee jabbed to the right and added a hook with his left.

Tony's eyes widened and as he staggered back he said "Whoa! McFrazier!"

"Good stance, Tim!" Pacci encouraged him from the side as Kate yelled "get him Tim!"

Tony turned to them both laughing and said "You guys out for my blood!"

It was at that moment the elevator dinged. It caught their attention and they all stopped to watch as Gibbs entered looking like a madman.

Gibbs came to an abrupt halt. His eyes took in Pacci's team to his left. The three of them stood there not knowing what to do. Brian Sanders spoke up and said "Gibbs" in greeting but Gibbs moved forward ignoring it.

Kate and Pacci moved apart as Gibbs approached the ring. It was obvious to everyone at that moment Gibbs had one person in his sites. Tony knew that look. He knew Gibbs was here for him and he knew Gibbs was pissed. He only needed to find out what it was this time.

Gibbs stared down Tony as he pulled open the ropes and stepped into the ring. Gibbs said to McGee "OUT" as he jerked his thumb towards the spot Gibbs had just entered. McGee looked at Tony in sympathy but Tony didn't see it. He knew better then to break eye contact with Gibbs.

As McGee exited the ring to stand by Kate, Tony took a deep breath.

"What's up Boss?" Tony asked keeping his voice even, still holding Gibbs gaze. Tony knew Gibbs very well. He knew this Gibbs could be the "unpredictable Gibbs" so he had to keep his wits about him.

Don't poke the bear!

"I just got a recommendation to take your badge, DiNozzo." Gibbs hissed quietly at him.

"And who recommended that?" Tony responded trying to keep his breathing even. He could feel his heartbeat speed up in his chest.

Gibbs stepped closer to Tony. His eyes narrowed steel blue boring into emerald green.

"SecNav. Seems a certain Lt. Colonel wants your head."

Gibbs heard Kate and McGee gasp behind him.

Tony couldn't hold up the staring contest with Gibbs any longer. He looked down at his gloved hands.

FUCK!

He saw Gibbs step closer.

Tony looked up with resolve and said "So, you read my report." He asked it as a statement not a question.

Gibbs nodded and asked "How in the hell could you do such a rookie mistake?"

Tony bristled at that comment. What the hell was Gibbs doing dressing him down like this in front of co-workers and his subordinates. Kate & Tim were his team, albeit it was for a short time but he was their boss at that moment. Tony's thoughts went back to earlier in the week. He remembered the cruel smile Gibbs gave him after throwing Tony's coffee in the trash. Tony felt anger stir within him.

He pulled back his shoulders and replied "The summary report I left for you, Agent Gibbs, was to advise you of the events up to today. I had planned to discuss the case with you, in whole, in a more professional setting then a gym."

Gibbs smirked. Tony could see the cruelty surfacing in Gibbs eyes.

"Humor me, DiNozzo. I left you in charge for less than 72 hours and we have a rookie mistake to deal with. Please explain. I'm sure everyone present would like to know."

McGee couldn't watch anymore. He spoke up saying "Boss!"

Gibbs turned towards him, eyes shooting daggers, at his interruption. Tim looked past Gibbs seeing Tony shake his head back and forth silently telling McGee to not get involved. Tony then shot a glance at Kate silently telling her the same thing.

As Gibbs turned slowly back towards him, Tony thought of Gibbs as a cobra coiled up ready to strike.

His boss and mentor was disheveled. He looked mean. Tony could swear he smelled liquor on him. He knew this was not the man he knew Gibbs to truly be. Something had happened, something bad.

Tony cleared his throat and said calmly "Are you alright Boss?"

Tony was shocked as Gibbs pushed him roughly against the ropes and pinned him there.

"I asked you a question DiNozzo. Do. Not. Make. Me. Repeat. It!"

Tony, who was usually subservient to Gibbs, had had enough. He pushed Gibbs back forcefully.

Gibbs fell back tumbling down onto the canvas, a surprised look taking over his angry face.

Everything was happening so fast the observers to this macabre display had no time to react, either verbally or physically.

"Boss!" Tony yelled moving forward pulling off his gloves, throwing the gloves to the side he extended his hand towards Gibbs.

Gibbs just stared at Tony's hand. Avoiding help from Tony, Gibbs rolled to the side and stood up. He continued to glare at Tony.

Tony wasn't sure what to do so he decided to deflect by getting defensive.

"I take full responsibility for MY actions!" He said adopting a cocky smile and stance.

Tony had no way of knowing what those seven words would do to Gibbs.

Tony watched Gibbs eyes glaze over. His breathing became erratic and he drew his hands into fists. Tony could see Gibbs body was trembling. Tony was convinced it was not because Gibbs might be cold.

If Tony had a clue, that as Gibbs stared at him, he wasn't seeing Tony, he could easily forgive his boss for what he was about to do. But Tony had no idea. So when Gibbs punched him, first in the stomach doubling him over, then an upper cut to his jaw sending him down hard as blood erupted from his split lips, Tony had one thought only…his love and respect for the man in front of him was gone.