Long Chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Over 200 followers, WOW. Thanks everyone.

CHAPTER 38

Tony sat in his room thinking about the upcoming meeting. He felt more settled after talking with Gibbs and Jack. Jack's silent support was a great balance to Gibbs very vocal support. The peace that filled him was in part due to the idea he wouldn't have to deal with Ziva any longer. He knew he would still have to talk to Sheppard about it but he hoped Gibbs would be able to get through to her without his involvement.

Ducky had been a huge concern for Tony. Ducky was a long time friend of Gibbs. Tony had at first feared talking to him about Ducky's indiscretions but he was pleasantly surprised when Gibbs didn't try to defend Ducky. Gibbs had continued to show his support for Tony.

Meanwhile Gibbs was contemplating all he had to do the next day. I need to contact Jen first thing in the morning and talk to her about making some changes with the team. Maybe I can get her to come over here tomorrow afternoon depending on how the interview goes with Fornell. Ducky is going to have to understand where he stands with Tony and me. I will not put up with anyone who is not going to treat him right. I may not have seen what was done and though I'm sure he didn't mean to be cruel, he knows Tony. He's always talking to me about being more supportive and positive with him but then he used his information against Tony. How in the world did he think that was positive or helpful?

"Dad, I'm going to go check on Tony. It's getting pretty late and we have a long day ahead of us again."

Jack smiled; he raised a fine man and a good father. "I think I'll go with you and say good night. I haven't been doing all the talking but it's worn me out a bit."

As they made their way into the house, they felt content. Gibbs was glad for the support of his father. After years of not speaking, it was good to have him back in his life and in such a positive manner. Tony was still sitting in the chair when they arrived at his room. He appeared to have fallen asleep, his head was hanging and a light snore could be heard. "Guess you weren't the only one worn out by today. I think it's all still taking its toll on him."

They made their way into the room just as Tony was starting to stir. "Tony," Jack said. There was no response at first but then a soft reply was heard. "I'm sorry I guess I fell asleep."

"No problem, son. Let's get you into bed and get some ice on that knee. Dad can you get Tony his pills and a glass of water?" Jack was happy to comply. He knew Leroy wanted to help get Tony changed and into bed.

Gibbs grabbed a pair of PJ bottoms and helped Tony to change. "You know before all of this I would have objected to you having to help me…now, I just want you to know how much I appreciate you helping me and not making me feel…"

"Nothing wrong with needing a little help now and again. But you never have to worry about being embarrassed or feeling weak with me. I want to help. You have helped me more than you could ever know. You have given me my family back." Tony had never realized what he had done; he had helped get Jack back in Gibbs' life but never knew he was the cause.

Gibbs helped move Tony into the bed. After getting his knee propped up on pillows, he went to get the ice pack.

Jack helped Tony to sit up to take his pills and get a drink of water. "Thanks Jack."

"No need for thanks. Can I get you anything else?" Jack wanted to help in anyway he could but wasn't sure what he could do. It seemed Leroy and the others were doing all the work. He didn't feel like he had done enough.

"No, dad's getting me an ice pack. I think I'm pretty well set. Thanks Jack, for everything." Tony was sincere in his appreciation, the kindness he had been shown was so different from what he received as a child. He enjoyed the older man's stories and just his presence.

"I haven't done anything. Nevertheless, I want you to know if you want to you can call me grandpa or just pappy. That's what I called my grandpa."

"Pappy, I like that a lot. You remind me of a pappy. Thanks." The smile on his face brought a smile to Jack's face as well.

Gibbs returned with the ice pack and saw the contented smile on Tony's face. "What is it Christmas? I don't think I've seen you smile that big since then."

"Jack…he said I could call him pappy. I never had a pappy. Father wouldn't allow it. I only remember meeting grandfather once. They got into an argument and I never saw him again. Mom was still alive then. I was around Thanksgiving or Christmas. I don't know what the argument was about but it was bad. He and mom fought all the way home. It's the first time I remember seeing him hit her. He didn't do that often. I usually…" Tony trailed off; he wasn't sure how to explain.

"You were already trying to help people weren't you? I can only guess you got in between them or did something to distract him from hitting her. And if I haven't missed my mark, you pulled the brunt of his anger on yourself."

It wasn't a question but more of a statement. "You know me so well."

"Yes, I do. Now, get some sleep. We've go a long day tomorrow."

Tony continued to smile as he drifted off to sleep

It was the first peaceful night they had had since Tony's release. Tony slept peacefully through the night. Jack and Gibbs were in the kitchen when they heard Tony start to get restless.

"Dad you got this, I'll go check on Tony."

Jack smiled, "Sure I've got it. Even I can't screw up stirring the gravy."

Gibbs called thanks over his shoulder as he made his way down the hall. When he got to Tony's door, he almost had to stop and laugh. Tony wasn't having a nightmare. He was tangled up in the sheets. Tony heard Gibbs approach. "Well, don't just laugh at me…help me out. I can't get my leg to cooperate with getting the sheets."

"Hang tight." Gibbs smiled. It took a minute to get the sheet untangled. "How in the world did you get so tied up?"

"I woke up and tried to get out of bed. The sheet was tangled a little and then it just got worse." Tony huffed as he thought of the ridiculousness of the situation. "My knee feels a little better this morning but with the brace…"

"No problem. I remember when I had to wear one. It was a nuisance to do just about anything. Let's get you up and going. You've got plenty of time."

"Think I could soak in the tub for a little bit? I feel a little stiff this morning. I think all this sitting around is starting to get to me."

"Sure, we'll take the brace off. You can soak and get cleaned up. But, you have to let me help you in and out of the tub. Got me?" Tony nodded. "While you do that I'll finish making breakfast."

"Sounds good. What are we having?" Gibbs smiled again. God, I've been doing that a lot lately. Oh well, Tony and his stomach.

Breakfast was uneventful. Afterwards they sat and talked about the goings on in Stillwater. It was very relaxing. Gibbs was glad Tony was able to put off thinking about the coming events.

Promptly at 9, Rob arrived. He heard laughter coming from the kitchen and made his way towards it. "Well, good morning everyone. How are you feeling today Tony?"

"Pretty good." That bath really helped get the kinks out. "So what's going on with the case?"

"Okay Gibbs Jr. Right to the point." Everyone laughed at the comment. It sounded exactly like something Gibbs would have said. "Here are a list of names of the agents involved and the charges the FBI has filed against them. After you look them over let me know if you have any other charges that need to be added."

"Rob, help yourself to some coffee. I've got some left over biscuits and gravy if you haven't had breakfast yet."

"Tony, I've got to tell you one thing before you get started on those papers. Thank you for improving Gibbs' manners. He's never offered me breakfast before." Everyone laughed and then Tony got down to business.

Gibbs kept an eye on Tony as he read. It was the look of concentration he was use to seeing during a tough case. Tony was all business. It took awhile for Tony to read the charges. He made a couple of notes but didn't say anything until he was finished reading it for the third time.

"Can I have just a minute to talk to Gibbs?" He knew what he wanted to do but wanted to talk to Gibbs to see if he had any other ideas. After agreeing, Rob and Jack left the room. Tony handed the list to Gibbs to read before he started to talk. Once Gibbs nodded he was ready Tony gathered his thoughts. "I think it's pretty thorough. I feel like they should add assault and batter of a federal agent. They've already made the case for us but I don't think the charges are enough. Moreover, I don't want them to be able to plea their way out of it. I think the message needs to be loud and clear that what they did is not acceptable."

Once Tony appeared to not have anything further to say Gibbs voiced his opinion. "I agree with you but I also think we should add false arrest, false imprisonment and negligence. What do you think?"

"Yeah, let's see what Rob thinks." Tony was curious to see what Rob thought. He didn't know the man but Gibbs trusted him. Right now that was more important than anything else.

Rob listened to what Tony and Gibbs had to say before he voiced his thoughts. "I was hoping you would say that, I think they have already plead these charges down before we ever go started. I also would like to put on the table a civil suit. Before you say anything let me explain. Even if they are able to plea these down, which I will fight against, a civil suit will go a lot further. I think you should be compensated for what they did to you. We can make it a combination of monetary and non-monetary payment. Here's my proposition; they agree to pay any and all medical bills caused as a result of your treatment. This compensation would include the use of sick leave as well. They offer a public apology to you at your agency, live and in person. I, myself, think it should come from Fornell but we can negotiate that between us. Finally, I think we should mandate they have an independent mandatory retraining on procedures, evidence collection and treatment of prisoners. So, what do you think?"

Tony looked to Gibbs and smiled. "I like the public apology. I don't know how far it will really go but I think it would be a good start." Gibbs nodded his agreement. "I agree with everything else you said as well. I guess my question is why is Fornell coming. If they are already giving a list of charges then what does he want? I don't trust him. He's still trying to blame me for all of this somehow."

"I don't think he's going to try to that again. I think they want to gauge your reaction to what they are offering. If I might suggest, hold onto your anger and express yourself like you did the other day. You have every right to be angry and indignant. As a long time law official you know what is to be expected and have been held to that standard for over a decade. They can't get away with anything here because you personally know what has happened and what should have happened."

"Oh, I don't think you have to worry about me and my anger, it's right there under the surface. Every time I even think about it I can feel my pressure rising. I don't want them to think they can get away with it with me or anyone else. So if they want a fight…bring it on cause I'm ready."

"Ok, that's settled. Why don't we have a little more coffee? Fornell should be here pretty soon." Gibbs started a fresh pot of coffee after topping off everyone's cups.

Round 2 with Tobby coming right up…