Warning: This story contains content that may offend some readers.
NCIS Interrogation.
Gibbs is staring across the table at a young man wearing a Marine uniform.
NCIS Observation.
"Ah, what a joy it is to see the master at work. The classic silent stare down technique. I estimate our suspect will break right about..." Tony looks at his watch. "Now." He and Ziva stare intently through the glass.
NCIS Interrogation.
"O.K. O.K. I'll admit it Special Agent Gibbs. It was all my fault." In the observation room Tony turns to grin at Ziva but Gibbs gives no indication he has heard and continues to stare. "It was totally my responsibility. I will happily and freely admit, without even calling on a lawyer that it was my mistake. I screwed the pooch but I did not, I repeat did not kill Smith to keep that fact a secret."
"So who do you think did?"
"I can give you some names."
"Then write." Gibbs tosses a pad and pen across the table.
NCIS Observation.
"Well it looks like we're back to square one. Damn. I thought for sure we'd got our guy." Tony whines turning to Ziva who is frowning in concentration. "What is it Officer David? Have you had an idea who are murderer might be?"
"Huh? Oh, no sorry. I was just thinking."
"About what?" Tony asks impatiently.
"His admission. To screw means to have sex, right?"
"Yes. To make the beast with two backs, do the horizontal salsa, to..."
"Tony!"
"Sorry."
"And a pooch is a dog..." she muses.
"Or what the probie has instead of a girlfriend." DiNozzo grins. "What's your point?"
"I am wondering why the lieutenant was so happy to admit to having ah...relations with an animal. Then again it is a much lesser offence than murder I suppose." There is a snort from the corner of the room where the sound technician is trying desperately to hold back his laughter.
"What?"
"Ah, Ziva..." DiNozzo begins hesitantly.
"What?"
"The lieutenant was not admitting to having as you put it relations with an animal. To screw the pooch is a military term meaning to make a mistake."
"Oh."
"It's just one in a long line of military abbreviations, acronyms and expressions. Things like TAD, scuttlebutt, SNAFU, FUBAR, ComSubPac..." He is interrupted by McGee entering the room. "Abby wants us in the lab now."
As they follow him out Ziva thinks "SNAFU and FUBAR? I obviously still have a lot to learn."