Rating: T
Disclosure: Not mine, not making money.
A/N As usual kudos to BuckeyeGirl0000 for beta reading this chapter. Any remaining mistakes are my bad. Thanks to people who are still reviewing, alerting and faving the story. Your support is much appreciated. This is part two of the final chapter although there will be an epilogue posted as a separate chapter and also be something extra that I will post simultaneously with the epilogue.
Just a little trivia. I have to disagree with Gibbs who doesn't believe in coincidences. I put a word into Tony's mouth (shemmozle) that isn't all that common and when my beta read the chapter, she emailed to say that Tony used it in last Tuesday's season ten episode. The coincidence is that in Australia we are into are currently being treated to repeats of season 9 :( so I haven't seen the episode yet, So how hinky is that?
Last thing before I shut up. Lots of people have expressed opinions about whether Tony should stay or leave the team. I tend to be of the opinion that he should get out of dodge and not look back. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 lol but if he left on the show, I'd probably stop watching. Quite a conflict but with this story, I set myself the challenge to try and explain why Gibbs' behaviour toward Tony at the beginning of season six was in many people's opinion, quite standoffish when he returned from agent afloat on the Seahawk but by the back end of the season he was extremely supportive. Since Tony remained with the team, it didn't fit the brief I'd set my self, for Tony to leave in this story. For those of you who are disappointed, you might be interested to know that I have a story in the works, that is also set in season six where Tony will be forced to leave the team and the consequences will cause the team to fracture. It is a WIP and obviously AU but I am keen to get back into writing it. Hope you enjoy this.
Halloween Remembrance
Chapter 37
Ducky was in the process of making his usual afternoon cup of tea, hoping that his young friend might join him in a relaxing cuppa. He heard a ding of the elevator followed by a set of footsteps and Anthony's cheery greeting letting him know that he had entered his domain. After Ducky placed his cosy over his teapot so that it stayed hot while the tea infused, he stepped out, frowning, as he detected a familiar odour.
"I was hoping that you'd come down to see me when you returned from the wilds of Arizona, dear boy. Good to have you back again. As luck would have it, I have a nice pot of tea almost ready. Take a seat Anthony, while I pour us both a cup. Jimmy may be delayed in joining us today, but he is eager to catch up with you too."
The medical examiner busied himself with cups of tea and chocolate covered shortbreads. He handed Tony his teacup before sitting down and regarding his friend sympathetically.
"I was sorry to hear about your non inheritance, Anthony. I hear that you already had the Ferrari picked out. It must have stung quite badly to find out your Uncle had left you out of his will and that your cousin was chasing you for a pettifogging sum of money extended to you as a lad."
"Actually it was a bit of a ruse Ducky; it was easier to act like the money was a big deal. Sure I'd have bought a Ferrari but it would have been the model that Magnum drove in the show, just like if I ever bought an Ashton Martin it would be a 1964 DB5 model that Sean Connery drove in Goldfinger and Thunderball not some shiny new, but completely soulless model straight off the showroom floor. Thing is though Ducky, that I was never expecting to inherit any serious money from Clive cause Mother's side of the family always treated me as if I carried the plague, no pun intended."
"Oh sure I acted like the superficial, spoilt, materialistic jerk that everybody sees me as, when I found out Uncle Clive's solicitor was trying to contact me about the estate, but it was just an act to throw Probie and Ziva off the scent. Didn't want them seeing how desperate Little Anthony DiNozzo was, for Uncle Clive's acknowledgment that I was a part of the Paddington clan." Tony sighed sadly and nibbled on his biscuit.
"It was way less painful to pretend to be excited about a non-existent inheritance because I knew he wouldn't leave anything significant to me, than sharing the truth with everyone. To divert everyone from the fact that after my dad disinherited me and both sides of the family washed their hands of me, I felt utterly alone. After my mum's death, her side of the family essential abandoned me, apart from the one summer that I spent with Clive when I was seventeen."
"It was like I'd ceased to exist. I held out this tiny hope, Ducky that he hadn't forgotten about me and that those three months had meant even a fraction as much to him as it did to me. Having been sent away at twelve and granted that it was by my father, so it was no great loss, but it was also being cut off from the rest of the family that hurt so bad." He seemed to mentally shake himself out of the melancholy he was feeling.
"I guess I hoped that someone had actually remembered that I was family and while I'm not a successful capitalist, I'm not exactly an axe murderer either. Nor have I wasted my talents and always tried to make my mum proud, even if she was a raging drunk all the time. I'd have been happy with something small like some cufflinks to remember him by but of course, the great cosmic joke was that dear old Cousin Crispian wanted me to pay back money that Clive had given me years ago to help towards College. He'd insisted at the time, it was a gift but I was so damned proud and stubborn, determined after Senior cut me off that I'd make it on my own and vowed that I'd pay him back."
"'I tried to repay it a few times and he refused so I'm not sure why he kept the IOU. Anyway Crispian can bite my ass if he thinks I'm going to give him a red cent. Called one of my frat brothers who is my lawyer and he's going to fight it for me. He believes we can bluff him by threatening to contest Clive's will."
Ducky smiled and patted his friend's shoulder, happy that he wasn't going to take it lying down and pleased too that Anthony was willing to open up to him so much. He was clearly very disturbed and it was good he was talking about it.
"At least McGee and Ziva were so busy laughing about me counting my chickens before they hatched, they didn't pity me or wonder what it is about me that's so screwed up that none of my family wants any claim to me. McGee has always been so damned envious of my supposed background of wealth and privilege but he never has to worry that when his parents die, that they won't pass on all their worldly goods to him and his sister and acknowledge him as their son and heir. He never needs to worry that if he's killed in the line of duty, his family won't show up to claim his body. Not like me! Oh sure I know that you and Gibbs and Abby would never let me sit in a refrigerator drawer for months or end up in a Potters Field somewhere but it not the same thing, especially when there is family that is alive and kicking and just don't give a crap about me."
Tony paused, swallowing hard, overcome with emotion. He fought back the quiver in his voice before continuing. "And while we are discussing it, I should probably mention that if I should shuffle off this mortal coil in the immediate future, I've made arrangements for my funeral and have already set aside the funds to cover it. My lawyer has my will and legal and financial papers. I'll give you his name and number, seeing you're my medical proxy."
Ducky fervently hoped that his young friend wouldn't die before he did, but Anthony was well aware as a field agent that he had a dangerous job, especially after this last case. He knew that Anthony was just being pragmatic and didn't want to burden his friends with having to deal with the messy details of his death but Ducky's tender heart ached at the pain that Anthony stoically endured because of his pathetic family. He nodded and laid a gentle hand on Tony's shoulder.
"I must say that Gibbs was relieved that you didn't inherit an English fortune, my boy. He was worried you would leave us and I suspect that is why he dragged you off to the wilds of Arizona, so he could spend some time working with you, one on one as partners again, like in the old days."
Tony groaned hollowly. "Wel if that was the case, l apart from obviously not knowing me too well, I could have done without having to spent time on a trail with him and John Wayne wannabe aka Sheriff Cowpoke. Talk about torture. Does he really believe I am so shallow that I'd give up doing something worthwhile for wallowing in an aimless life of wealth, Ducky? He caught me completely by surprise when he asked me if I was planning on leaving; thought he'd have seen it was all just an act."
"If I wanted that, I could have gone crawling back to my Dad and pursued an MBA at Harvard like he wanted me to. I mean, sure I like really nice clothes and cars but everyone's gotta have a vice and mine is better than my parents' love affair with Bacchus." He seemed disconsolate at the thought that Gibbs hadn't seemed to expect more of him.
"But then again, designer clothes and obsessing over my appearance is about par for the course for someone with a narcissistic personality like me. I'm sure you'd agree Ducky?" He glanced sharply across at the dapper doctor, the pain and disappointment etched deeply across his handsome features.
Ducky had the grace to look thoroughly shamed before hastening to apologise. "My dear boy, you cannot imagine how much I regret such a reprehensible and flippant remark. I had no idea that you'd heard that stupid, cruel comment. And it wasn't even the truth which makes my comment even more of an abomination against you, Anthony."
"You do such an outstanding job of not wearing your heart on your sleeve that I too get suckered into the illusion you cast, not that it is any excuse. I know that you would give me your last dollar if I needed it or your life to protect a perfect stranger and have a strongly empathetic nature. While you may have a well developed hedonistic streak, I certainly appreciate sartorial elegance too. Fine tailoring and fabrics are qualities not lost on me either my boy."
Ducky mentally cursed the intemperate and hurtful remark he'd made to Gibbs some time ago. He wasn't proud of himself because it seemed that he wasn't immune to getting carried away and trying to one up his old friend and had ended up hurting Anthony.
"But to return to our previous discussion, I would observe that Gibbs has had a few wake-up calls in the last few months and come to see that he has been taking you for granted. He realised that you have had more than enough to deal with these last few years and that you are not without options, in terms of people clamouring for your services. The thought of a very large inheritance obviously clouded his judgement or maybe he was judging you based upon what most other people would do in that situation."
He smiled at the look of stubborn scepticism on the face of Gibbs' senior filed agent.
"Be that as it may, I'm not sure why you felt going to Arizona was such an arduous experience, my boy. You used to love spending time alone with Gibbs. What's changed?
"Nothing…everything…me…him…He's been acting real hinky lately Ducky. It's like he's Pod Gibbs. He's been supportive… he told me a few weeks ago during the Renny Grant shemozzle that he was proud of me."
The sight of Tony's aggrieved face was comical and Ducky couldn't help chuckling.
"What's so hinky about that, Anthony?" he enquired curiously.
"Well he called me Anthony, and I didn't have to stand on my head, do tricks or plead with him to toss me a crumb and then after he gave me the compliment, he didn't take it back or negate it by making a mean joke or making me lose face. He didn't make me feel good then kick my legs out from under me by delivering a vitriolic observation about my many character flaws after building me up like he usually does, if he pays me a rare compliment… so yeah I'd say HINKY about covers it! Then if that wasn't hinky enough, he barked at me to help me get out of a funk but he didn't Gibbs slap me.
"Again, why is any of that so hinky Anthony?"
"Well he never calls me Anthony. And it was like if my Dad was a normal guy, it's the sort of thing that I've longed to hear from him but never have and it's what I've always wanted Gibbs to say but he never did either… until now…Gibbs never compliments me or if he does, it's always accompanied by a barb, or a joke at my expense, so it doesn't count."
And he's always banging on about me losing focus and he doesn't get that I'm problem solving in my own hinky way and then he always Gibbs slaps me but this time he just acted like his usual bastard self and yelled instead. And it really helped me stop the funk I was in and get my head on straight because I was second guessing every decision I made. He also supported my decision not to chase Grant on the charges of interfering with Lieutenant Grady's body. So… big time hinky… but kinda nice- hinky especially when he told me he was proud of me for fixing my screw-up," Tony finished wistfully.
"I'm going to mark it down, as a red letter day, Ducky. Probably something that won't happen again in my lifetime, even if it occurred on one of the worst days of my professional career as an investigator at NCIS. Not as if I can forgive myself for that screw-up."
Ducky knew that Jethro was on tenterhooks about the six month deadline that Tony had granted him to try and repair the problems on the team before he decided unequivocally if he would stay with Gibbs or seek greener pastures. It was probably partly to blame for Jethro thinking that Anthony would ever abandon his law enforcement career in favour of living a life of the idly rich. But then again, Gibbs could be an idiot sometimes and he should know Anthony better than that. Anthony rarely took vacations because he hated not working so it was quite a faux pas to suggest that he'd place greed before service. Since his friend was in such an unusually talkative mood, he decided to risk bringing up the topic of the deadline.
"Anthony, I know that this is probably overstepping the boundaries here and tell me to mind my own business if you want, but I believe that the six months that you gave Jethro to try and fix up the chain of command issues is almost up. Have you made any decisions about your future yet, my friend? If you need to talk, need someone to listen, then I'm here for you."
"Thanks Ducky but I haven't definitely decided yet. I know that Gibbs has been working hard to fix up the issues with Ziva and McGee not following my orders, but I'm not sure that things will work out. They don't seem willing to learn or want to change. The thing is though Ducky, at the risk of sounding like our Gothic Goddess; I can't shake this feeling of impending doom. Something bad is going to happen and part of me wants to run away as fast as I can from whatever is going to go down but I also can't leave because then who would watch Gibbs' six if I wasn't there? How could I live with myself if something happened to him?" As he'd been talking about his place on the team, the tall field agent had leapt out of his chair and started pacing back and forth, furiously.
They both looked across at the entrance where a smiling Jimmy Palmer sauntered into the autopsy suite, with clipboard in hand.
"Just finished the weekly inventory in the truck Dr Mallard, so when you've got a minute or two, I need you to sign off on the supply requisitions. Hey Tony, heard you were back from Arizona. I see you survived your time in the saddle. You can sit okay?"
"Mr Palmer, Anthony is an accomplished rider. He was in the saddle almost before he could walk. He would have no difficultly in holding his own."
Jimmy looked embarrassed. "Sorry Tony. By Agent Gibbs description, it sounded like you'd never been on a horse before, apart from pony rides at your eighth birthday party."
Ducky scowled at Tony. "Why do you feel the need to hide your light under a bushel my boy? Where would be the harm in letting Gibbs and your colleagues know that you are an accomplished rider?"
Tony snorted. "Only the same thing that would be wrong with letting people know that my parents decided to have me tutored in fencing, archery, ballroom dancing, music and elocution lessons. I learnt early on that law enforcement types frown on that sort of thing and think you need toughening up. Anyway, Gibbs is a man's man just like Sheriff Cowpoke, more than that he's a Marine and they would have laughed me right off the mountain, if I'd admitted I rode."
"Dressage lessons and polo don't cut the mustard as far as they're concerned. You remember the disgusted look Gibbs' gave me when I suggested that the severed leg of that Marine PFC Dorn who'd had a busted ankle, might have been due to a polo injury. It was like I'd insulted Marine honour or something."
"So I don't get how you could fool someone that you can't ride, Tony when you can? Agent Gibbs isn't a fool," Jimmy wanted to know.
"Elementary, my young Palmer; if you play the fool long enough, that's all people see." Tony grinned evilly.
"I turned up in the most hideously outlandish pair of cowboy boots I'd bought for a fancy dress party and the John Wayne doppelgangers were convinced I was an idiot greenhorn. Even Gibbs, who should have known that I'd never be seen dead in such a outrageous pair of footwear considering my love of designer wear and expensive Italian shoes but he fell for it hook line and sinker, Jimmy. Then go to mount from the wrong side of the horse and look completely at a loss when hulking around the huge ostentation western saddle and the impression is cemented. Add in constantly complaining about my butt and viola, they see what they expect to see. Dumb Tony, who doesn't know what end of a horse to throw a bridle on."
Duck clucked disapprovingly. "And that, my boy, is why Anthony is so good undercover, although I can't see the sin, in admitting that you are an accomplished equestrian."
Tony sighed in exasperation. "Because Ducky, being an accomplished equestrian as you call it, means poncing around in breeches and top hat as far as guys like Gibbs and Sheriff Boyd are concerned, not that I ever did, mind you. I drew the line even as a kid, at jodhs and crash cap. Real guys, guys with balls, ride stock horses, mustangs and quarter horses and get around in dungarees, leather chaps and spurs; they sleep under the stars and drink vile coffee out of tin cups and disgusting tinned beans off dinged up metal dishes. Does any of that sound remotely like moi?'
He drew breath and continued. "They already think I'm an idiot so it's easy to act that way. And that way I avoid all the crap from people like McGee who think that being rich instantly confers happiness and then ask dumb questions wanting to know how I can live without it. So I just acted dense, mind you, it wasn't that difficult to act dumb when it came to that hulking great saddle. I'm used to a super light English or Italian hunting saddles. I guess the horses are used to those saddles Ducky but honestly, I felt like I was strapping an over-stuffed armchair on the poor beast's back."
"And stop the tsking Ducky; I get enough grief as it is for liking designer clothes and expensive hair cuts. Gibbs would laugh himself to death at the thought of me in riding kit. Just because my childhood was spent doing figures of eight and half passes and the like on a pony; I'm so not sharing all that stuff. I know you guys will keep my secret. Apart from Gibbs' having a huge laugh at my expense, the others would never let me hear the end of it."
Jimmy nodded, promising to keep this latest revelation to himself. Ducky shook his head sadly though.
"Of course I will respect your wishes Anthony, although I wish you wouldn't hide so much of yourself. It isn't healthy and you do it far too much. It ends up hurting you, not just because you are never able to be yourself, but it means that others underestimate you constantly, and I know that it hurts you a great deal."
"Yeah Duck, ya might be right but I learnt early on, that people resented me when I let them see who I really was. I ended up getting hazed a lot, especially as a cop and no one wanted to partner with me. It made for dangerous workplace… well a more dangerous work place. I was already batting with a handicap. People either thought I was some Mafia mole or if they knew about my father, thought I was a dilettante, playing cop. Luckily, no one knew about my mother's family and their blue blood or the seat in the House of Lords or I would have spent even more time on sick leave. This is the best compromise; trust me, better to be underestimated."
Wisely deciding to change the subject since he'd never had to walk a mile in the young agent's shoes, Ducky asked. "How is Darryl, have you heard from him lately?"
"Yeah, Ducky I've had dinner with him sometimes. We had to talk about the training seminars and he seems sort of lost in that big house, all alone. Apart from which cops talk the same language; I imagine it's like Gibbs hanging with Marines"
"So you've decided to continue with the training then?" Ducky asked looking approvingly at him.
Tony pointed at Jimmy, accusingly. "Blame him. Between Jimmy and Darryl, they were extremely conniving and just wouldn't take no for an answer; pushy as all get out. Jimmy's even offered to give me a hand with running them so it was kinda hard to say no. He keeps telling me looks good on my resume."
"Quite right my boy. It will be good for you and I'm sure that the Metro PD will benefit greatly from your expertise." The medical examiner beamed approvingly at his assistant and the senior field agent who had formed a tight friendship over the years.
"What about the mentoring, Tony? Did you agree to guide Darryl's fledgling detectives?"
Tony laughed self consciously. "Darryl is a hard guy to say no to, Ducky. But I don't have a lot of spare time so it's more of an informal arrangement. I conned them into joining me at the Y in coaching the local kids' basketball team one night a week. Afterwards we go get a bite to eat and chew the fat about stuff and email or text if they need to talk. They're coming along pretty good, I think. It just hard at times when your new, to confide in a colleague or superior who you are trying to impress but with me, I'm more like a buddy and they can let their guard down and tell me stuff they wouldn't tell a colleague."
Ducky seriously doubted that they weren't trying to impress DiNozzo since he had such an impressive reputation. For all his bravado, Anthony could be quite clueless about his abilities, although the dearth of positive reinforcement he'd received during his lifetime was probably largely to blame. He could see that the special agent was preparing to disengage from the conversation but he'd been meaning to ask him something for several weeks now.
"And have you heard anything from Marion Whitaker, my boy?" He immediately noticed the dejected look on Tony's face and sent Jimmy on an errand to drop off some tissue samples up to Abby's lab, knowing that his young assistant was not privy to the Marion 'St Francis' saga.
"Yeah Ducky, her sponsor Dana called to let me know, in case I heard about it through Metro PD grapevine. Seems that she managed to total her car last week and then she was charged with a DUI. She was doing fine until she encountered me again and I guess it stirred everything up. My father has a hell of a lot to answer for. I had a word to Darryl about trying to get the charge suspended if she agrees to attend a drunk driving program."
The medical examiner winced, knowing how much pain and guilt existed in the nurse who'd neglected to stand up for Anthony so many years before. Recognising that her years of volunteer work with neglected and abused children was Marion's way to seek atonement for past failures; Ducky hoped she would be able to fight off her current demons and continue to champion the cause of children who had no voice or power.
He shook his head sadly. "I'm so sorry to hear that my boy, although it is very kind of you to try and intercede on her behalf. I trust no one was hurt in the accident?"
"No Ducky, she's fine… well physically anyway. No one else was involved… she hit a tree. And I guess I feel a bit guilty about how I treated her that night at the hospital," Tony confessed.
"Nonsense, dear boy, I'm sure that it was more to do with finally seeing you again. The fact that you forgave her, must have in some ways been a relief and yet it may have created many other issues for her too. It isn't surprising that during such a highly stressful time, she would turn to alcohol to cope, or rather to avoid dealing with her feelings. It is after all such a common method of dealing with unpleasant feelings, as you know from your childhood."
He decided to change the subject as his young friend was looking far too pensive for his liking and he knew how that would end up. Anthony would manage to take on the sins of his father and Ducky wanted to nip that in the bud before it had a chance to take root again. Smiling playfully he nudged the field agent with his shoulder.
"So Anthony, what is the latest news on the status of Timothy's despised anonymous chapter that was submitted to his publisher? I'd go right to the source and ask him myself but he is unusually sensitive on the subject, I fear."
Tony's face broke into a wide grin although he felt guilty laughing at his partner's misfortune when he had just lost a shitload of money with a bad investment. At least now his behaviour over the last couple of weeks made sense.
"As far as I know Ducky, he's still battling with his publisher who wants him to include it in his latest book or at the very least, for McGemcity to rewrite it, keeping the basic plot line. Seems she thinks that the addition of some comic relief would attract a bigger readership base. Hah, if she only knew that the whole book is one big laugh! I can't stop laughing every time I read a love scene between Tommy and Lisa."
Tony became serious, all trace of humour absent. "McGee's got one hell of a fertile imagination. I might flirt with Ziva but then I flirt with Delores down in HR and I'm not looking to get into a relationship with her either. It's not because of rule 12 that I don't hook up with her. It's because it would be plain masochism and you both have my permission to head slap me into a coma if I ever lose my head and let her into my life like that. A relationship based on disdain, put downs and the need to dominate me isn't exactly qualities that I find attractive in a partner or conducive to a healthy relationship. I saw that with my parents." He looked at Ducky and Palmer gravely. "I'm serious, guys, promise me. I might get one too many concussions and forget, please?"
His two friends swore solemnly, that they would make sure he didn't do anything rash if he wasn't in his right mind and Tony looked mightily relieved. Ducky decided to lighten the atmosphere and returned to the topic of McGee's book.
"Indeed my boy, I have to agree with you about the love scenes. I find them quite mirthful myself although I'm afraid the ridiculous and childish arguments between Pimmy Jalmer and Goosie about constantly getting lost on their way to crime scenes, seems to be beyond ridiculous, don't you agree?" He grinned impishly, "I mean once or twice perhaps but to belabour the point constantly seems to push the credibility envelope, yes? Comedic touches should be like the subtle caresses of an experience lover not blatant groping of a libidinous teenager."
Tony choked trying not to laugh at his good friend who he thought was actually being serious, although he wasn't completely certain. Ducky deadpanned better than Gibbs at times.
"Umm… mmm …yeah Duck. Which reminds me, been meaning to ask you if you had any idea of the identity of the mystery writer of the unauthorised chapter? I mean, I have my suspicions but there isn't much that gets past you."
"Well when you get to be my age, my boy it isn't surprising. As it happens, I have come across certain information regarding the identity of the author but I must insist that you do not tell anyone what I'm about to reveal."
Tony nodded enthusiastically as Ducky leant forward and spoke sotto voice in Tony's ear.
He nodded vigorously before widening his eyes, looking into the older man's eyes. "Really Duck? Wow!" He started chuckling.
HRHRHRHR
After he had sent the young man he thought of as a surrogate nephew or grandson on his way, he frowned disapprovingly before calling out. "You can come out now Jethro, he's gone."
Gibbs emerged from the walk-in supply cupboard, looking somewhat embarrassed. "How long did you suspect I was there Duck?"
The medical examiner scowled.' Oh I don't know Jethro, since you walked in seconds before Anthony and ducked into my supply cupboard. Your personal aroma is quite distinctive. I suggest that you might shower and abstain from mainlining coffee if you expect to put one over me, as my sense of smell is quite refined. You do know what they say about eavesdroppers, Gibbs?"
He paused, about to deliver a scathing dressing down when he noticed the slump to the usual ramrod straight Marine posture and decided that Jethro had gotten a lot more than he bargained for, in listening in. He would have stopped Tony before he said anything incriminating but had decided that what they were discussing would do no harm for the team leader to hear. Well no harm in terms of Anthony's mental health at least. Gibbs on the other hand, looked quite shattered.
I was coming down here to talk to ya not spy but when DiNozzo turned up I couldn't help my self."
"You know Jethro, if you put in even a tenth of the effort you expend in creeping around in sniper mode, listening in to other people's personal conversations, and instead focused on getting in touch with your emotions and learning to express them, you mightn't find yourself in such a pickle with your personal relationships." He knew that he might as well talk to a brick wall as Jethro so Duck changed the subject smoothly. "So anyway, what did you wish to discuss with me anyway?"
"I wanted to ask you about DiNozzo's behaviour in Arizona. He acted like a complete tenderfoot around the horses yet when the fake Bart Lemming was shooting at us from the helo, he ended up handling a panicking horse without falling off, dismounted like a cat and laid down counter fire too damned quickly for someone who was supposed to be a stiff and sore tenderfoot, so I could race back and get Sheriff Boyd's shotgun. It just didn't add up. Most novices woulda fallen off or got their foot stuck in the stirrup getting off that quick, but he was totally in control the whole damned time."
"Well since you've already figured some of it out, even before you listened in to that private conversation, I suppose there is no real harm in you knowing. As you would have gathered, Anthony had a private riding instructor as a lad. His mother's family was very much into the English upper class pursuits and keeping up appearances. Anyway despite her inebriated state for most of the eight years that she spent loosely fulfilling the role of his mother, she insisted he be well versed in upper crust accomplishments."
"I rather suspect that she enjoyed playing with him, dressing him up like a little doll with his riding attire and the much hated sailors suits and ball room dance outfits. Meanwhile his father, who was considered to be one of the gauche nouveau riche, was always trying to gain acceptance from the so called Old Moneyed circles so he continued his son's fencing, riding and sailing lessons among other things, after his mother's death."
"During the summer that he spent in England with his mother's brother, he learnt to play polo, went cross country riding and three day eventing. He probably could have gone to the Olympics if things had been different or his uncle had manned up and taken him under his wing instead of tossing him a measly pittance and encouraging him to defy his father's wishes concerning his tertiary education. Tony has always claimed that his father would have needed to grease the palms of the Ivy Leagues to get him admitted, but I'm sure you already know that he could have gained entry quite easily. If Clive Paddington had given a tinker's cuss about his sister's lad, like any decent uncle would have, he could have lived in England and attended Oxford or Cambridge just as easily. He has dual citizenship."
"But I guess when Anthony only had his father to compare Paddington to, as a paternal figure; his uncle seemed like a real prince among men. The fact he actually acknowledged his existence, must have been incredibly intoxicating when he was a youth but I suspect that the family could not forget that Anthony's lineage wasn't Anglo Saxon enough for their tastes although if the DiNozzo's been European aristocrats, I suspect they would have welcomed him with open arms. Basically the Paddington's are the epitome of English snobbery." Ducky sniffed disgustedly.
"Be that as it may, his death hit Anthony hard and as you heard, not because of his vast wealth or dreams of inheritance either. It was his public acknowledgement and approval that the lad was seeking. His cousin Crispian according to my sources; is a sycophant and an utter waste of space in comparison to our boy."
Ducky scowled at him as if he, Gibbs was the despised Crispian, then resumed talking. "I was almost tempted to reveal to young Anthony that I have named him as my heir in my will, not that I have a vast fortune or anything but I have been financially prudent over the years. Although I felt that it wasn't quite the right time, today. Perhaps when the pain is a little dimmed, I'll invite him to dinner. His family might be the most imbecilic bunch of money hungry cretins on earth, but I would have been incredibly proud to have shared my DNA with Anthony. He may be a very mixed up young man but he has a great many, fine qualities and has grown into an honourable man in spite of his appalling family. On both sides!"
Gibbs decided that it was high time he amended his own will, too. After his last marriage, he'd decided to leave his meagre worldly means that still remained after three crippling divorces, to a Marine Veteran's charity if his father predeceased him but he figured that his senior special agent would appreciate having a real home even if it was a modest piece of real estate and the acknowledgment that it would bring. He should have seen through the hype about his uncle's inheritance and remembered that Tony wasn't motivated by money. He'd been so scared that Tony would leave NCIS and thought that the trip to Arizona, just the two of them again might remind him how well they worked together. Instead he'd forced him into hiding...again.
"He still doesn't trust me Ducky. I thought we were making progress and mending fences but he still won't let me get close to him."
"He doesn't trust people easily, Jethro; especially not anyone that evokes paternal feelings within him, for obvious reasons. Trust me, he desperately wants to believe in you, but its going take time and patience to overcome the years where to be blunt and use a vernacular that you'll understand, you screwed the pooch when it counted. I realise that patience isn't one of your strong suits although I've never been able to reconcile the enigmatic dichotomy between patient sniper Gunny Gibbs and impetuous and hot-headed Special Agent Gibbs. If you want Anthony's trust, then you're simply going to have to earn it the hard way. The only question you need to ask yourself, is Anthony worth the blood, sweat and tears?"
The glare that Gibbs directed his way didn't faze the ebullient old medical examiner in the slightest. Well versed in interpreting the repertoire of Gibbs' glares and glowers in the years they'd worked together, Ducky knew that the glare was for daring to suggest that Gibbs was ready to cry uncle when it came to winning Anthony's trust. He smiled; reassured that Anthony would have the support from his mentor should he need it if things turned sour, as he seemed to expect. Frankly, Anthony's premonition was disturbing because although he had held his own counsel, he'd had similar feelings of foreboding himself and he hoped that they were both wrong.
He glanced across at Gibbs, noting the lightening of his glare to one that could almost be classified as quizzical.
"What is it, Gibbs?"
"What did ya say to DiNozzo when he asked you 'bout who wrote McGee's bogus book chapter, Duck?"
Ducky's gentle blue eyes, danced with mischief. "What's the matter Gibbs, your hearing not what it used to be?"
"Naw Ducky, I just couldn't hear what you two were saying, since you were both whispering like a couple of conspirators." Gibbs quipped wryly.
"Ah well…true my boy, that we were but you can never be too careful. Never know who is creeping around trying to eavesdrop," he finished quaintly.
"Droll, Duck, very droll. C'mon put me out of my misery,"
"Well, if I can be assured of your discretion my friend, I will share that knowledge with you." He leaned forward after looking around to make sure that no one else was around to overhear what he was about to say. The author was none other than….."
Next Chapter: By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.