Section 60
Jethro couldn't begin to count the number of sunrises he had seen but the scene over the Tyrrhenian Sea was the most memorable. The eastern sky was starting to lighten in preparation for the sun's arrival. He glanced down at Tony still sleeping in his arms. Maybe it wasn't the sunset but the company. He was grateful for the fire pit. Overnight the fire had burned down. Now the heat came from the embers and was being released by the pottery.
As he stared into the embers he replayed their visit with Tony's mom. Something wasn't adding up. Moretti knew he and Tony were on their way. Obviously, he had told Sister Martha Agnes. Why not contact Tony's father? Why didn't Tony's mom call his dad? She had to have known that would be Tony's first question. He didn't like the fact that Tony's unknown dad was in DC. He didn't believe all the info came from Jenny and Abby. After all, Rule 39. There was no such thing as coincidence. Right now, Jethro decided to focus on Rule 5. His husband was in his arms. He and Tony were in the Mediterranean with sunrise coming up. This was too good to waste.
Gibbs scowled at the pod and the coffee pot. The least the hotel could do was provide a real coffeepot. Tony smirked grabbing the pod and swapping for another in the wide variety available. Popping it in to the machine, he put one of the beautiful mugs on the drip tray and hit the buttons to brew the coffee nice and strong.
"I'll get it." Tony almost sang as he went to answer the knock on the door.
By unspoken agreement, the two men had decided that deep conversations could wait until after breakfast. Rather than venture into one of the restaurants, the two men had decided to have breakfast on their balcony. Gibbs waited for the machine to quit hissing. Taking his mug, he wandered out on the balcony as the attendant was leaving. Tony had opted for a polo shirt instead of the shirt and tie. Jethro admired the flex of muscles. Nearing the table, the scowl was back. This was not breakfast; this was a sugar-holic's dream.
Tony laughed. "Sorry. No steak and eggs on the menu. This was the best I could do." He lifted the lid on a plate showing ham and cheese crepes. "Luckily, they have a few 'international' dishes for travelers."
Jethro was unable to keep his grumpy look. The day was too beautiful and his husband too cheerful. Of course, he hadn't been too cheerful about waking up so early but that changed as Jethro had held him tightly, whispering as the sun rise neared. Promises of long nights on their own patio by one of the outdoor fireplaces. Skinny dipping in their pool after barbeques with their family. Of course, Zuma would be sleeping with grandpa on those nights.
Both men had been loath to break the spell but finally Tony had risen to answer the call of nature. Helping a groaning Jethro up, he had laughed while his husband complained about being used as a bed all night. It was just bluster, he knew as Jethro gave him a toe tingling kiss and slipped past him to reach the bathroom first. While Jethro was going through his morning routine, Tony had taken the time to order breakfast before taking care of his own needs.
Hunger satiated. Tony pushed his plate back and took a sip of the freshly squeezed orange juice. It was icy cold, tart and sweet. A perfect complement to the coffee he had chosen to make for himself.
"Ready to talk?" Jethro asked, taking a sip of his own coffee.
Tony looked at him wryly. "Do we have to?"
"Your choice." Jethro decided not to push. Yet. "Want me to call the car to take us to the villa?"
After refusing to divulge his father's name, Sister Martha Agnes had tried to soothe over the situation by turning the talk towards her childhood. She had talked about growing up a pampered princess in Palermo and the home her parents had outside the city. There were stories of long summer days in the cool of the woods and sleeping on the terraces, of she and her sister exploring the woods and pretending to be princesses imprisoned waiting for their princes.
She had been frank as she described her own bitterness when she had realized that her first suitor was more interested in her father's money than in courting her. It had opened her eyes to the fact that she would never be a beautiful princess. She had become sullen and brooding as she watched her sister Rosina wined and dined by one handsome man after another before her sister had fallen in love with Roberto DiNozzo.
Her discontent had grown throughout the courtship, engagement and wedding. She had stood up for her sister even while acknowledging that it was not in her own future. When her nephew, Nicolò was born she had stood again. This time as his godmother. Sister Martha Agnes had wept when she talked of the flight; the loss of her mother, father, Rosina, Roberto and Nicolò. She talked about the DiNozzos giving her shelter and helping her make the arrangements. Relived for them meeting with his adopted mother in the garden.
Tony knew she had deeply believed that Eleanor and Senior would give him a good life. Something had changed the woman Sister Martha Agnes had met into the alcoholic Eleanor Paddington DiNozzo he knew. Perhaps if Eleanor had lived, Tony gave himself a mental Gibbs slap. She had been an alcoholic, she would not have stood up to Senior anymore then she did the first eight years.
Sister Martha Agnes had tried but the identity of Tony's father lingered like the proverbial elephant in the room. Her offer to accompany them to the villa had seemed almost half-hearted. Perhaps she was unable to handle the memories. Regardless, the meeting hadn't been the "Hallmark" moment that movies loved to include. Both Tony and his mother left the meeting with unresolved issues.
Jethro watched the emotions that crossed the younger man's face. He was proud that Tony trusted him enough to be open with him and not hide behind the mask most people saw. Picking up his coffee, he tried to be patient.
"No." Tony said quietly. "I want to go home."
Jethro found he wasn't really surprised. Tony had some answers but there was nothing more to be learned in Palermo. The rest of the answers were back home in DC. "McGee should be up in a couple more hours, we'll call him and have him get us on the first flight back. There were some things Moretti wanted you to sign. How about I call and make an appointment for this afternoon?"
Tony nodded reluctantly. "I'll start packing."
"You'll get ready to go."
"Go where?"
"I believe you promised souvenirs. I'll have the car called and we'll spend the morning in Palermo. We'll do a little shopping and maybe find something more substantial to eat."
Section 61
Jethro was happy to see the smile on Tony's face as he held up another find. They had stumbled across Miniature Alfio Ferlito, a store that specialized in hand made miniatures. For the last hour, Tony had been piling 'necessities' on the counter as he selected items for Victoria. Jethro had suggested after a half hour that they had plenty of items to decorate a dollhouse but at the puppy dog eyes, he had folded. At least Tony was happy now.
As a craftsman himself, Jethro could appreciate the quality of the miniatures. The attention to detail and hand details were amazing. When whirlwind Tony finally wound down, the smiling clerk happily offered to ship the purchases home for them for free. Jethro managed to not even wince at the total. A nearby jewelry store proved the shortest stop as they selected necklaces for the women in their life.
As they wondered on, they found a shop specializing in local pottery. Tony forced Jethro to help select a set of dinnerware for "family" dinners. The counter was now filled with a few vases, some accent pieces for the kitchen to match the family dinner set and various pieces for the new house. For Ducky, they had found a lovely tea set. It was Jethro who found the pièce de résistance in a shadowy corner; a set of dinnerware and matching tea service just perfect for a young princess to use in a playhouse. Tony squealed at the sight, something he would deny later. For Breena, they found a vase and some flower pots that were perfect for her patio garden. Again, the beaming clerk offered to ship the items. Tony set aside the tea set, Breena's vase and some sets of mugs to take home along and the clerk offered to deliver them to the hotel while they finished shopping.
In between shops the men sipped coffee and talked about the wonderful architecture and statutes. The clerk at the pottery shop had recommended a shop called Quir and the they made their way towards the shop hoping to find the perfect gift for Abby. The shop was across from via dei Calderai and the window was filled with colorful belts and bags and leather items. Entering, it was clear the shop was just perfect for their needs. It was easy to select a new messenger bag for McGee. There were even belts that could be used with hidden knives. They quickly selected belts for all the men, including Fornell. They even found a leather bag that could be used for a diaper bag and a dark leather bag that could be used for Palmer's medical bag. There was a wide selection of leather wallets assembled on the counter. Tony had picked up a purse for Breena. There were even purses for Kayla Vance and Vance's secretary Helen but nothing special for Abby.
The couple who owned the store had given them a tour of the workroom. As the stack of leather goods grew, so did their smiles. Noticing the look on Tony's face, the gentleman approached to see if he could help. A conversation later and a showing of Abby's picture on Tony's cellphone, the older gentleman escorted Tony back in to the workshop. Jethro made to follow but his cellphone rang. Motioning to Tony, he stepped outside hoping his husband wouldn't bankrupt them.
"Gibbs."
"Boss, it's McGee. I got the manifest from Ducky's friend and there was a Matteo and Antonia Fabbri on Flight 112."
Gibbs interrupted. "They're Tony's grandparents."
"Oh." McGee enthusiastic tone was gone.
"We met with Tony's mom yesterday afternoon."
"That's wonderful. How is he?"
"Looking forward to coming home." Jethro looked towards the store but Tony was still in the workroom. "We'll have a team meeting when we get home and we'll explain. For now, can you get us on the first available flight home?"
"On it, boss. Boss?"
"Yeah, McGee. Is Tony okay?"
"Not yet. But he will be once he's home."
"There's a flight leaving 7 am your time tomorrow. I could have you into Dulles by 11 am our time tomorrow. It's a bit more expensive for the short notice."
"Make it happen, McGee."
"On it. Tickets will be at the counter." McGee confirmed. "Tell Tony…"
"I will." Gibbs terminated the call. Taking a deep breath, he re-entered the store where he could see Tony at the counter.
"Any luck?"
"Once he saw her picture; he just…" Tony shook his head in admiration. "He says it should be at our hotel by four. It's just perfect."
This time, Jethro handed over his card. With assurances that their purchases would be delivered, the two men moved on. In the next shop, which specialized in leather clothing, Jethro let himself be talked into matching suede bomber jackets lined with cashmere, a slightly longer coat in a bomber style that was perfect for the cold winter weather. A hip length coat was chosen for Jackson in a soft brown suede. Tony chose a longer trench coat for winter. A few pairs of gloves for everyone and Tony was ready to move on.
As Tony waved good-bye to the estactic clerks who were preparing the majority of their order for shipping and some for delivery to the hotel, Jethro led him back outside. Noticing the time, Jethro decided lunch was on the agenda. They had a few more hours until they were to meet Moretti at the hotel. They popped in to a little restaurant just down the street. As they ate their meals, Jethro told him about McGee's call. He was a bit surprised when Tony declared them done shopping. They decided to head back to the car and ask Giro for a suggestion about where they could find a basic suitcase to use for their purchases.
The cheerful driver told them not to worry. He would take them back to the hotel and would take care of the luggage issue. Rather than the direct route, Giro took them on a short sight-seeing tour before delivering them back to the hotel. With two hours before their appointment with Moretti, both men took the opportunity to crash on their bed resting their tired feet and talking about their purchases.
Section 62
When Moretti knocked, Jethro led him into the living area where Tony was waiting. The lawyer suggested Tony sit at the desk with Gibbs next to him. Across the desk, Moretti reach into his attaché case and pulled out a tall stack of files. As he handed each to Tony, Moretti explained them in detail answering both Tony and Gibbs' questions completely. Most of the forms turned control of the family trust over to Tony.
Initially Tony balked. He was uncomfortable with all he had been given already in terms of money and real estate. Moretti stepped out on the balcony for a bit while Tony and Jethro discussed the issue. With his mother now a nun, Tony was the only surviving member of the family. If he did not accept the bequest the money would be in limbo forever. They discussed the good that could be done with the money. Jethro suggested that he talk to Ducky. Acquiescing only when Jethro agreed to share the inheritance, Tony allowed him to call Moretti back in.
The attorney quickly made a note to put the trust in both their names. The next sticking point was a file that created trusts for his heirs. Looking at Moretti, Tony said, "I don't see my husband or myself becoming pregnant." This earned him a slap. Glaring at Gibbs, Tony muttered. "Well, I don't."
"Your heir does not need to be a blood relative. I understand you have good friends." Moretti explained. "Perhaps you wish to set up trusts for them."
This brought about another discussion between Jethro and Tony but both waved Moretti back into his chair when he offered to leave. Both men agreed that protecting their family came first. Jethro was surprised but proud that Tony included Fornell and Vance in their extended family. Trust funds and educational trusts were set up for Victoria Palmer, Emily Fornell, Kayla and Jared Vance. Trust funds and educational trusts would automatically be set up for any additional children born to their family. Trust and retirement funds were also set up for the family, including the Palmers, McGee, Abby, Fornell and Vance. Tony insisted on including Ducky, although Jethro assured his husband that the ME was taken care of.
Once all the papers were prepared, Moretti promised to have the paperwork ready in the morning. Tony could sign them on the way to the plane and he would have a courier deliver the copies and notifications to the "heirs." He also agreed to help set up a fund to help the victims of Senior and Benoit and the children of the local orphanage. Moretti recommended having a US attorney as a liaison for charities to be set up in the United States; including the 'Shannon Gibbs', 'Kelly Gibbs', 'Jacqueline Thomas Vance' and 'Caitlin Todd' scholarship programs.
A mentally exhausted Tony drifted out onto the balcony while Jethro showed Moretti out. He also heard Jethro speaking with a bellboy that he later discovered had delivered all their purchases, the requested suitcase and a tray of fresh fruits, cheeses and more wine. Strong arms wrapped around his waist and he leaned back into his husband's embrace.
"I really hate this."
"I know."
"So much money, so…." Tony sighed. "Why me?"
Stepping back, Jethro took his husband's hand and tugged him over to their chaise. With a little persuasion, the two men ended up in the same position they had the night before. "Why not you?" Jethro asked as he placed his cheek against Tony's. "I know you don't feel right taking the money, but you can do a lot of good. Look at what you've done so far."
"I just want… I …"
"We'll find him, Tony. We found your mother. We'll find him." Jethro promised. "We'll be home tomorrow and we'll put McGee on the case." Jethro rubbed the younger man's arms feeling the tense muscles. "Want to tell me what's really bothering you?"
"You saw what money did to Senior. What if it changes us? What if I change? Will you…"
With a silent apology to Ducky, Jethro said, "Did it change Ducky? Do you really think he or dad would let it change us? Dad would turn us over his knee with Ducky's help."
Tony laughed sadly. "He would. What if they think I'm trying to buy…"
"Hey," Jethro stopped him. "Yes, you may have gone a bit overboard with the souvenirs. That's because they're family. You've never had a family to spoil and now you do. They will understand. They may scold you a bit for wasting money but they will understand. I will not let the money change you."
"Promise?"
"Promise. You know, you did forget one person on your little shopping spree."
Tony thought hard as he mentally reviewed their purchases. "Who?"
"Zuma." Jethro laughed as Tony elbowed him.
"I did not." It was Tony's turn to laugh. "Remember at Quir when we went back in to the workroom? He asked if I had anyone else I hadn't found something for so I showed him Zuma's picture. I told him that Zuma was our wedding present from your dad and about the little issue last night. I told him I wanted something special but that Zuma already has a nice leather collar. He actually had a leather bone someone had ordered and hadn't picked up and a rope toy with a leather ball on the end to play tug of war."
"I can't believe he had dog toys."
"Yup. In a way I hate to leave here. Everyone has been so kind."
"Well, you did buy half the goods in Palermo."
Ignoring him, Tony continued. "But I like us here. Last night was perfect. Just you and I under the stars. I don't want to lose this."
"I told you last night I'm in this for the long haul. Last night was amazing but it's just the beginning for us."
"But we'll be back at work soon."
"Gibbs and DiNozzo will be back at work. Jethro and Tony will be enjoying their life together."
"You really believe we can do this? We can make our marriage work?"
"Wouldn't have gone through with it if I didn't."
"I should call my … my mother and let her know we're leaving."
"Anything special you want to do on our last night?"
"Dinner here on our balcony and watching the stars all night?"
"Sounds perfect. Tell you what, call your mother. Then order dinner. I'll start packing."
The two men rose to complete their assignments. As they separated inside Tony stopped Jethro. "Jethro, I…" He couldn't voice the feelings that were in his eyes.
Jethro kissed him softly. "I do you, too. Now get going."