Section 73
Vance lead them straight to his office, telling Palmer to bring Tony there for treatment. Slumping in a wheelchair, Tony cringed as McGee pushed him through the door. Abby rushed forward. "I was so worried. Helen and I saw everything. I can't believe it."
Gibbs started to intercede but found it wasn't necessary. Abby scooped up Zuma. "Bad Zuma. I can't believe you ran away like that. You could have been hurt. You aren't hurt, are you? Let Auntie Abby check."
"Remind me to thank Jackson again for Zuma." Tony whispered.
"Helen, could we borrow your desk chair? I'd like to have him in a chair without arms so I can get at the wounded area better."
"Helen, don't bother, I can stand up."
"No." The reply came in multi-stereo from Helen, Palmer, Jethro, Ducky and even Vance. Abby was checking Zuma over thoroughly.
"Fine." Tony slumped back in his chair, with a groan.
"What's wrong, Tony?" Palmer and Gibbs chorused.
"My back. Must have twisted it on the way down."
"Here you go, Tony." Helen held her chair steady.
"Tony, do you think you can straddle the chair so that you can lean against the back?" Palmer asked.
"Sure. If you can give me a hand with this vest." Tony complained. "I hate these things."
"Just stay down a minute and let me get everything set up before we move you." Jimmy and Ducky commandeered a corner of Vance's desk. With supplies from the bag, they sterilized the area and set up a medical tray.
"Whoa. Whoa, Black Lung. Just what do you think you're doing with those?" Tony pointed at the scissors in Palmer's hand.
"I'm going to cut off your jacket and shirt so we can get the vest off you."
"This is my lucky suit."
"Tony, it has bullet holes and blood all over it."
Tony tried to twist to see how bad the damage was. Whap. He glared at Gibbs. "Excuse me. Injured here, boss, and this is a good suit."
Gibbs reached for the scissors, unceremoniously plucked a hand full of coat sleeve and sheared it off. "Now it's not."
Tony was in shock, looking at the ragged hole in his suit. "Do you know how long I had to save to buy this suit?"
"Nope. Don't care either. Shirt, too?" Gibbs looked at Palmer who nodded in amusement.
"No… My dry cleaner works wond…" Tony saw skin through the ragged hole. "Boss." He whined.
"Shut it, DiNozzo, or the pants are next."
Tony shut up, to the other team members' amusement. With a smile, Ducky patted him on the knee. "Your well-being is much more important than a suit, dear boy. Jethro, might I suggest that while you and Mr. Palmer assist Anthony to his feet, I take over tailoring his suit?"
"Ha ha, Ducky." Tony stood and let out a small groan as Jethro and Jimmy helped him up. Helen whisked the wheelchair out of Ducky's way.
"Helen, would you be a dear and help hold Anthony steady? I think I'm going to need Mr. Palmer's assistance with the vest."
"Of course, Ducky."
Vance had moved closer to get a look at his agent's condition. Ducky pointed to a spot directing Jimmy's attention. "Is that…?"
Gibbs moved so that he could peer at his husband's back. It didn't take two people to cut material.
"Shit."
"What? What? Did you ruin my suit for nothing?" Tony demanded.
"Quite the opposite, I would say." Ducky watched as Jimmy deftly slit the coat and shirt in one swift move, baring the vest for inspection.
"Someone talk to me. Gibbs?"
"Just a minute, Tony. We're getting your vest off." Jimmy said steadily. "Director, could you bring the chair and hold it? Tony, instead of straddling the chair, I want you to rest your left side against the back. Ready? Okay, Tony, sit down easy. Gibbs, can you help me get the vest?"
"Cut it." Vance ordered. "It may be needed for evidence anyway." Jimmy immediately started cutting through the straps.
"The Director just authorized you to cut an expensive vest. I don't like this… Jethro?"
Jethro took the back section of the vest and came around to kneel in front of Tony. There, close to the center of the back of the vest, was a flattened bullet. Had it not been for the vest it would have struck too close to the spinal cord for comfort.
"My back?" Tony asked.
"You've got a nice bruise forming."
"Ouch! Palmer!" Tony winced.
"Sorry, Tony. Just diagnosing the injury."
"It's a bruise and it's sore. There I diagnosed it for you." He grumbled.
Abby, having checked Zuma carefully, had joined the viewing party. "I think someone's getting grumpy. Here, give him some love, Zuma." She sat the pup carefully on Tony's left leg.
"Easy, there." Zuma whined and tried to give Tony kisses. "Whoa, boy, I know what's been in your mouth."
Abby looked a bit sheepish. "I gave him one of his tooth cleaning treats. I kept thinking about that, too."
"You're such a good boy. Thank-you!" Tony allowed Zuma full access. "You helped Daddy save me, didn't you?"
"Mabus was whining about the bite when I got to him. Not a word about the gun shots. Just wanted ice and something for pain." Palmer said getting Tony to smirk. "Wanted to have the 'dangerous mutt' put down."
"Hear that, Zuma? The bad man called you dangerous." A frown crossed Tony's face. "Zuma won't get in trouble will he? I mean, he wasn't on a leash and he did bite Mabus. Did he draw blood?"
"None of us were willing to check, Anthony. I'm sure that it will be fine." Ducky and Gibbs exchanged troubled looks.
"He could file a complaint against Zuma, couldn't he?" Tony worried. "What if they insist on a rabies watch? Zuma still isn't over us going to Sicily."
Jethro shook his head. Tony had a bruise the size of two handprints across his spine and right kidney area. He had a bullet hole where a second shot had nicked the vest and went straight though his side. His husband wasn't focused on his issues; Tony was worried about Zuma.
"Don't worry, Tony. If he decides to press charges…"
"Agent Zuma has immunity from prosecution." While Tony had obsessed over the pup's safety, Vance went quietly around the desk reaching to the back of the drawer for a black leather object that he now handed to Tony.
"Huh?"
Vance motioned for him to open it. It was an ID case made for a collar. "Standard issue for the K-9 patrols. As such, actions taken by the canines in protection of their owner or in an attempt to bring down a suspect are immune from prosecution. I'll be sure to reprimand you for not attaching it securely enough, hence, it falling off in action."
Tony looked at Vance, eyes full of gratitude. "Director…"
"Consider yourself reprimanded."
"Yes, sir." Tony held the open credential out for Zuma to see. The pup wasn't overly impressed by the metal badge but tried to chew on the leather. "Whoops. Where is your raccoon?"
"Here it is." Abby handed it to Zuma, who was now content to just lean against Tony and chew on his raccoon.
Tony winced and involuntarily flinched as he felt Palmer starting another stitch. "Hold on, Tony. Ducky, can you apply some more topical numbing solution? He's still feeling this."
"Unfortunately, dear Anthony has a high tolerance for most medications." Ducky swabbed the area again.
"How much sewing are you doing?"
"I put two stitches in the entrance hole and four in the exit. It looks like the bullet emerged almost sideways."
"It felt like it, too." Tony admitted. "I hate when they bounce off the vest."
"All done." Palmer laid the needle down and began bandaging. "Keep this dry, watch for signs of infection…"
"Hey, not my first bullet wound. Got the protocol down." Tony said flippantly.
"Listen to Palmer." Gibbs used his usual swap to focus his agent.
"You're going to give me a concussion one of these days."
"Tony, when you get home, I want you to lay on your stomach as much as you can. Ice on and off for 48 hours. There's already swelling across the spine and kidney area. I'll be in and out to check on you. There may be some blood in your urine with that impact area so close to your right kidney. If it's more than a trace or you have pain, call me." Palmer held out a prescription. "This is for pain meds."
Tony took it and tried to quickly stuff it in his pants pocket. Jethro plucked it out of his hand. "We'll fill it on the way home."
Pulling it out of Gibbs' grip, Vance handed the Rx off to Helen. "We'll fill it now."
Accepting a credit card from her boss, Helen said, "I'll also pick up some flat ice bags." She gave Tony a kiss on top of his head and walked out the door.
"It's my bruise, don't I have any say?"
"No." Tony was beginning to hate that multi-stereo chorus the group had going.
"Director?"
"Yes, Agent McGee."
"Comey is demanding to speak to you." He turned the monitor to face the group and pointed to the connection that he and Bob Mincef had set up.
"Damn, DiNozzo. You look like an elephant stepped on you." Fornell said as he entered the room.
"Agent Patterson and I will be having words." Gibbs glared.
"Fornell, I called you back to my office to explain your actions."
Fornell looked at his boss. "I was told I was required in Vance's office for an emergency meeting."
"What idiot told you that?"
"That would be me." The vice-president led Hagel into the room. Tony went to try to stand. "At ease, DiNozzo. I decided to watch the operation with Secretary Hagel. We decided to go ahead with the de-briefing here." Looking around the room the vice-president began pointing. "You, you, you and you stay." He singled out Vance, McGee, Gibbs, Tony and Ducky. "The rest of you are excused. It's my turn to call a meeting."
Section 74
Vance began assembling chairs for the attendees. He considered suggesting that they move down the hall to a briefing room but decided that he didn't want to draw the VP's attention.
Fornell went to answer a hesitant knock and accepted the dress shirt Abby handed him. Crossing to Tony's side, Fornell accepted a trade; Zuma for the shirt. The pup looked at him and gave a soft growl, as if to complain about Fornell taking the liberty of holding him, but a word from Gibbs calmed him.
"Thank goodness for Abby." Tony was grateful for the shirt. He had dreaded attending this meeting half-naked. He made a mental note to replace the shirt he kept in his desk. Slipping it on, he allowed his husband to help him move to sit in a more comfortable chair before accepting Zuma back from Fornell.
"Sir, I would like to file a formal complaint regarding Director Vance's actions…" Comey started.
"Comey, I would think very carefully before finishing that sentence. Both Secretary Hagel and I heard McGee and Mincef inform you that the operation was compromised. We heard Director Vance abort the mission. An FBI mission that ended with a DHS agent dead. An FBI mission that ended with Mabus in critical condition. An FBI mission where an NCIS agent ended up shot and severely bruised from the look of things. And finally, an FBI mission where the NCIS agent was brought down by friendly fire."
"Agent DiNozzo, how badly were you injured by that bullet?"
A sharp glance from Gibbs prompted Tony to answer honestly. "The bullet wounds took six stitches, sir. The bruise came from a second bullet." Fornell looked at Gibbs who nodded.
"A second bullet?" Hagel sought confirmation. Without a word, Gibbs picked up the back of Tony's vest and handed it to him. After examining it, Hagel passed it to the Vice-President who examined it.
"I trust you realize, Director Comey, that had Agent Gibbs not demanded that Agent DiNozzo wear a Kevlar vest this bullet could have led to the paralysis and possible loss of a valuable NCIS agent." The vice-president held the vest towards the camera mounted on the monitor. "While I would be concerned about an agent being hit by friendly fire, I am doubly concerned when an agent is hit more than once and with such potential for damage."
"Agent Fornell, do you have any information regarding the friendly fire?"
"Yes, sir. Agent Patterson indicated that he thought he may have clipped Agent DiNozzo in the melee. I have put him on desk duty, pending an inquiry."
"No, he is suspended pending an inquiry."
"Sir, he is a highly trained, decorated FBI agent…" Comey began to protest.
"Who put two shots into the back of a highly trained, decorated NCIS agent during a joint mission. He is on suspension pending an in-depth investigation. I will expect a report within three days, Agent Fornell."
"Yes, sir."
"Agent McGee, I understand that as the operation got underway you and Agent Mincef became aware that it was compromised."
"Yes, sir. We found a program that was forwarding copies of Agent Fornell's team mission briefings and updates to an unknown individual."
"That was when you notified Director Vance?"
"Yes, sir."
"You and Agent Mincef were able to track the leak?"
"Actually, Agent McGee himself tracked the leak." Vance interjected.
"Excellent work, Agent McGee."
"Thank-you, sir."
"It was at this time, you identified the leak as Special Agent Ron Sacks at DHS. Is that correct?"
"Yes, sir."
Comey spoke up. "I would like a formal reprimand for Agent Gibbs for jeopardizing the entire op."
"The op where his agent was unaware of another player entering the game? The op that Vance aborted seconds later? Denied."
Comey frowned. This did not appear to be going well.
"Director Vance, why did you decide to abort the op?"
"I was aware of the long-term antagonism between Agents Sacks and DiNozzo. I was concerned about Agent Sacks' presence."
"Director Comey, you did not feel that aborting the op was warranted?"
"No, sir. There was a mole in the FBI. I felt it was vital to uncover the leak."
"Which Agent McGee had already done."
"Agent Mincef was attempting to confirm that information."
"So you decided that was more important than the safety of Agent DiNozzo."
"Yes, sir." Comey shook his head. "No, sir."
"It's one or the other, Comey." The vice-president said dryly. "Once Vance had called the abort, did you advise your agents to move out and take down Mabus?"
"No, sir. We wanted to catch the mole in the act."
"Director Vance, you elected to back up Agent McGee. Why didn't you call another team for backup?"
"I did not feel that we had enough time to activate another team. I knew Agent Gibbs was on his way and that he needed backup asap."
"When you arrived on scene, you chose to call the FBI out of their positions."
"Yes, sir, I did. By the time Agent McGee and I arrived, the situation had denigrated and guns were drawn. I felt that the presence of additional agents would persuade Mabus to give up."
The vice-president looked at Comey. "This is why you asked for an official reprimand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Denied." The vice-president looked at Hagel. "I expect to see commendations on my desk this week for Director Vance and Agent McGee."
"You'll have them, sir."
Comey grit his teeth. Commendations? They were getting commendations for destroying an op. He looked at DiNozzo who was looking proudly at McGee. The pup caught his eye. "Sir, I am unsure if you are aware of Secretary Mabus' injuries."
"I have been getting updates every five minutes." The vice-president held up his phone. "He has been stabilized and is being prepared for surgery. The doctors are very optimistic about his condition. I have dispatched MPs to the hospital and issued a cone of silence."
"You are probably not aware that Secretary Mabus was attacked by a dangerous animal and bitten. I demand that he be surrendered to the local animal control officer to be put down."
The vice-president motioned to Gibbs who took Zuma from Tony and handed him to the VP. "This dangerous animal?" He held the pup up who wisely licked and wiggled showing how cute and friendly he was. He noticed the id case Tony discretely held open. "This is Agent Zuma. He is authorized to protect his handler and other agents."
"Sir. According to reports, Secretary Mabus suffered severe bruising and a puncture wound from the attack."
All the men winced. "Be that as it may, he was instrumental in protecting Agent DiNozzo. Request denied. I will hear nothing further about it and neither will animal control, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir."
"Clear your calendar for tomorrow morning. We will review the op at that time." The vice-president motioned to McGee and he obediently cut the feed. "Alright, Vance, break it out."
Vance moved to sit behind his desk. In the bottom drawer, he was relieved to find a new bottle of bourbon and clean glasses. He had to remember to thank Helen. He set out glasses, filled them and began handing them out. He paused and looked at Tony. "None for you. You have pain killers on the way."
"Which I can't take until I get home." Tony protested and was ignored. He made a grab for Gibbs' glass and Vance watched him wince.
"You will take it when they arrive." Vance ordered, pretending not to notice Gibbs slipping him a sip.
"Gentlemen, I am concerned about the efficacy of our plan." The vice-president began. "I did not expect Mabus to choose violence as an option. I am concerned about the press and leaks regarding his condition. The death of Agent Sacks is another unexpected complication. I'm open to your thoughts on how to proceed."
Hagel took a sip. "It is possible that we can utilize Agent Sacks as part of the explanation. Having a mole in the operation…"
"No." Everyone turned to look at Tony.
"I beg your pardon, Agent DiNozzo."
"I said, no. No to utilizing Sacks and no to blaming him for anything. No mention of a mole, nothing."
"Agent Sacks pulled a weapon and was…"
"My brother." Tony said flatly.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Agent DiNozzo, but his role…"
"Special Agent Ron Sacks, DHS was on his way to NCIS. By chance he was in the area when a capture went bad and came to the aid of his previous supervisor. Agent Sacks will be buried with full military honors and will receive a commendation."
"Given your vehement requests for full justice in recent weeks, I am surprised that you are suggesting a cover-up."
"Sacks was one of Mabus' victim. Mabus had lied to him and twisted his mind. He admitted using his own son against me, his other son." Tony cleared his throat. "I will go to hell and back to see Senior and Mabus pay for their crimes, but I will not allow another life to be ruined by Mabus. Sacks' mother and his siblings do not deserve to have to bear the burden of the mayhem Mabus caused. Agent Sacks was executed in cold blood. I won't see his family suffer any more."
"And if it means cutting a deal to keep Mabus from revealing the information?" The vice president prompted.
Tony looked down at Zuma. "Cut a deal. Take the death penalty off the table."
"I am shocked by your request. It appears to be at odds with the strict moral code you have demanded this administration follow. However, I realize that I have forgotten to take into account one of the tenants of your profession; to protect the innocent." The vice-president drained his glass. "I will, of course, discuss this further but I believe that the President and Secretaries will honor your request." He stood and held out his hand to shake Tony's. "I respect your candor and your moral fortitude. If you ever look for another position, I would be proud to provide you with a recommendation. Hagel, we have a lot to do. Gentlemen, I will be in touch."
