"Clear!" their voices echoed through the house as they made sure it was secure.
"The whole place has been cleaned out, so I think it's safe to say that clear is pretty accurate. Looks like the only thing that was left behind is the dust," Tony jested when he joined Gibbs and Kate in the living room.
"You think? Say something I don't know," Gibbs grouched and Tony barely hid his wince. The longer the case of Ari went on, the worse things became. "Do something productive for a change and make sure he hasn't left anything behind."
"Boss, I swear I looked and even triple checked every—"
"Do it, DiNozzo! Turn over the house if you have to, but get me some results! I want this bastard!"
"With all respect, Gibbs, but you're not the only one who—"
"Today!"
Glaring daggers, Tony left the room, leaving uncomfortable Kate standing in the room with their boss. Since there was nothing else to throw, Gibbs threw his hat on the floor.
"Gibbs..." she finally spoke when Gibbs started knocking at the walls, hoping to find something.
"What?" he snapped and she cringed.
"Were you lying to me?"
He stopped what he was doing, but instead of repeating himself, the look on his face screamed it with irritation. She hoped he would go back to speaking out loud, however unpleasant that was...
"I thought you said he's like a son to you, but the way you treat him lately... You've way nicer to some of those criminals we've been after. He's done nothing to deserve this. If you do this to Tony, then I should receive tenfold. I... I let him go, Gibbs. I could have killed him, but I didn't."
Gibbs stared at her silently. He never got the chance to say or do anything, because that's when they heard a loud crash. Running in the kitchen, they saw a hole in the floor. They couldn't see Tony at first, but then heard his breathless voice.
"So, you were right, boss. There is more to this house than what you'd think at first. But still, it's empty even down here."
"Tony... It's so you to find something like this. Isn't it?"
Tony coughed and then sneezed several times when some of the dust, and God only knew what else, tickled at his nose and throat. There was something in his eyes too. "Ha-ha. Very funny, Kate. Would you mind..? I could use a hand or two."
The smile was gone and Kate rushed to help him, but Gibbs was faster. Moving past her, he knelt down and reached out his hand. Luckily the hole wasn't too deep.
For a while Tony only stared at the hand. He went through all the available options in his mind and unsurprisingly there wasn't many for him to choose from. He could try to get out on his own, but he had managed to at least twist his ankle; it really hurt. He could ask Kate to help him, but he was a little unsure how well she would do. No offense, Kate... He could let Gibbs help him, but then who knew if the bastard decided to drop him and then leave him to rot? Then there was always option number four; he could stay where he was and wait till—
"Just take the hand, DiNozzo!" Gibbs growled when his Agent kept staring at the hand with a deep frown on his face. He felt foolish for jumping into this so eagerly. Plus, his bad knee was starting to hurt. Looking from the hand to Gibbs, Tony looked suspicious and Gibbs felt strange aching at the sudden realization that he was being looked at as if his hand was attached to a bomb. As if to accept accept help meant he was to be punished
"Boss, I think I'll—"
"Take the hand. We don't have a whole day," Gibbs spoke almost softly, but Tony figured that to be only his imagination.
"Actually... Nevermind," Tony muttered and very carefully he stood up. The moment he even tried to put some of his weight on the hurt foot, he nearly fell over, the pain being much worse than what he thought it would be. Gibbs wasted no time and as soon as Tony took hold of his hand, he pulled him up without any warning. Tony hadn't been prepared for the sudden movement and so a pained hiss left his mouth.
"DiNozzo?" Gibbs frowned and wondered at first if he had pulled too hard, but then he saw the way his Agent was very careful with his foot. "Did you hurt yourself?" Gibbs moved closer, but Tony pulled his foot out of his reach, despite the pain such sudden movement caused him again. Looking at Kate, Tony was grateful when the woman got his silent and even desperate plea.
"I'll help him to the car, Gibbs," Kate said and with her help Tony managed to stand up on his good foot, although he was leaning heavily against her. Neither saw the pained look as they left Gibbs standing there, feeling useless.
"Thanks," Tony said to her quietly once she had helped him inside the car. With some painkillers, which Tony promised he'd take, he could wait for Kate and Gibbs to finish first and only then return to the Navy Yard. He wasn't doing good, but it wasn't that bad either.
Kate nodded and then pointed at her bag inside the car. "If you get hungry, I've got some food in there."
"Not tofu, is it..?" Tony's face twisted in distaste. As healthy as he had started to eat, despite the occasional pizza now and then, which was still too often probably, he'd never understand tofu. It couldn't possibly be meant for human consumption.
"No, not tofu, you pizza freak. I've got some fruits in there. I'm sure you'll like them."
"Yeah, yeah..." Tony waved his hand dismissively. "Thanks, Kate."
"Behave. I'll go see if Gibbs has started removing the floorboards yet... And please don't try to play the tough guy; if you start hurting too much, let us know. Or just let me know. I'll deal with Gibbs."
"Right. Good luck with that."
She glared. "I'll think of something."
With Kate gone, Tony had plenty of time and silence to think and he hated it. He did feel a little hungry, but moving to reach toward the back was too much trouble. With the painkillers forgotten, he tried to find somewhat comfortable position and he sighed. The truth was that he had noticed the floor disappearing under his feet. It was just a second or two before he went down with it, but it was enough. He could have avoided falling down... It was rather telling that he was willing to get hurt, just to get away from his boss. Even if for a moment. Although he hadn't counted on twisting his ankle; maybe some cuts and bruises, few small breaks if he landed badly... Well, he got what he ordered so he might just as well suck it up.
"What have you done to me, Gibbs?" he muttered softly.
As time went by, Tony had a strong and increasing feeling of being watched. He'd had the same feeling ever since leaving Gibbs' place, but this was the first time he had it while working on a case. Like all the other times before, he didn't see anyone or anything out of place, but he took out his trusted SIG. Only then could he relax again, or at least lie to himself that he wasn't so bothered by it.
"Does he hate me?" McGee whispered to Abby as Tony barely even acknowledged them.
It was a few days later and they were all working on the case of Ari again and now the man had Kate. It didn't make Gibbs any nicer to those around him, since one of his own had been taken. Tony of course knew how things would go—he hoped he did—but it didn't make him worry any less. Especially now that he wished he hadn't willingly let himself get hurt or he could be out there, watching Gibbs' back. With him stuck here and Gibbs out there, some things were already changing. Almost anything could happen now... He was starting to go crazy with worry and the constant whispering between McGee and Abby didn't help him relax one bit. Did they honestly think he couldn't hear them?
"I wouldn't worry about him. It's the Bossman we have to worry about if you don't have something for him soon," Abby answered.
Since in Abby's eyes Gibbs was the most special and loved of them all, and could do no wrong and basically shot rainbows out of his you-know-where, when the man went on the rampage Abby had happily joined him. Her blind loyalty overrode simple logic. Meaning, if Gibbs didn't like DiNozzo, then neither did she. Not that she was straight out letting it show, especially around the others, but Tony knew her well enough to be able to tell what her small changes in their 'friendship' meant. He wasn't surprised, in fact, he had been expecting it. So it didn't even hurt this time. Well, not as much as it used to in the 'past-future'. Instead, he gave her just as much as she gave him, which wasn't 'I'll punish you for your childish behavior ', but not rewarding her either. He knew better than to try either one of the two with her. If it didn't come from Gibbs, it wouldn't matter what he did. It would be a complete waste of his time and energy.
While the other two kept doing their loud whispering, Tony was sitting behind his desk and staring quietly at the flashing images of the computer still trying to identify Ari. He knew it was only a matter of time now. With dread, he wondered how Gibbs was going to react this time, knowing for sure now that he had known Ari's identity all along. Oh, why did he have to mention the name to the old man before..? Such a moment of hopeful weakness was simply not acceptable. He should have known better.
Abby looked at Tony with a frown, wondering why he was acting like Gibbs. Did he think he would gain some good points in their eyes? Well, it was too late; he should have thought about it before Gibbs became all growly and scary. And now Kate was gone. If either one of the two got hurt, or, or... She couldn't even think about the worst possible scenario. The important thing was, if things turned nasty, she would never forgive Tony.
"I can feel you staring at me, Abby. What do you want?" Tony spoke calmly. What he really wanted to do was to adopt Gibbs' growling and snapping at everyone for a while, but if he did that, he'd be lucky to not get fired. After all, 'he was not Gibbs'. Thank God for that. It meant he was still able to see the tree from the forest.
Abby crossed her arms over her chest with scowl that tried to be intimidating. "Look. Whatever you did or said to Bossman, apologize. We all have to suffer because of this, whatever it is that's going on between you two. So let go of your stupid pride and just give him what he wants. Please. It's destroying our family. It's hard to focus doing my work when he keeps snapping even at me. Gibbs doesn't do that." In other words, 'Gibbs doesn't do that to me '. Only apparently he did. Well, that was different. Whether it was a good different or bad, was unclear at the moment.
Tony finally looked away from the computer screen. Something in his eyes made her take a startled step back. Only the desk behind her stopped her from going any farther. McGee was still the new guy and not even working there yet, but even he could feel the ugly atmosphere and the sudden warning signals going off. "We're not a family, Abigail. Never were. We're just coworkers, barely even that, you and I. I don't know where you got the idea of a family from, but since when have we been anything like that? Maybe you and Gibbs are, but I've certainly got no room in that little world of yours and that's fine by me. But if you for even one moment think that we're anything more..." Shaking his head, Tony stood up. He couldn't do this. Couldn't even look at her anymore.
"Tony... But I thought we're..." Abby sounded so hurt, but he ignored her doe-eyed look. It held no power over him anymore. He wouldn't let it.
"I'm going to see Ducky. You have anything new, Agent McGee, you call me. Other than that, don't bother me."
"Y-yes sir," McGee stammered.
"And stop calling me sir."
"Yes si— Agent DiNozzo."
Once Tony was gone, McGee looked at Abby, who was frowning again. "Is it always like this?"
"Hm. What is?"
"DiNozzo. The people in here. The work. Agent Gibbs."
"No. Not at all. They are just having a bad day, that's all."
He didn't look convinced. "Okay."
Meanwhile, Tony entered the morgue to Ducky and Jimmy working on some dissected bodies. With a flashback, he recognized them to be the ones that would eventually lead to a case Ducky had been part of. For a moment he calculated his next move again, but then decided against it. It wouldn't do any good if he just gave out the answers without anyone having to work for it. Still, it made him feel a little guilty, just like always when he had the 'power' to do something, but chose not to.
"Anthony. You shouldn't be walking around; I told you to rest your foot. That running around you did today, certainly didn't help either."
"Sure, but it's much better already, so you can stop worrying... How's it going, Jimbo? The work getting mundane yet?"
Jimmy smiled uncertainly. It still baffled him how friendly Agent DiNozzo was with him. Not that he minded of course; it was nice. "I'm getting used to this. Even if this one is a little bit more bizarre than what I thought I'd be working on." He indicated at the piece of macabre puzzle in his hand. "At least it's not mundane."
"Ah. Good luck with that." Tony smirked and then sat down on a chair, when Ducky glared at him pointedly.
"Jethro still hasn't returned yet? Or called you?" Ducky finally asked. At Tony's slow headshake, he tutted. "That fool. When I get my hands on him..."
Glancing at Ducky's hands, Tony was tempted to give him his blessing for it, and secretly he was all for it. But he didn't want to be the cause for the two old friends to be forever walking circles around each other, when they didn't argue instead. "Ducky. It's fine. He made his choice and now we just live with it. Let it go."
"Anthony..."
"Please. I really don't want to dwell on this more than I already do."
Ducky opened his mouth again, but Tony was saved by his phone ringing. It was McGee's excited voice telling him they finally knew the name of the mystery man, aka Ari Haswari. "I'll be right up... Stay in your pants, McGee. It's just a name. When Gibbs returns or calls us, he's going to want so much more than that. He wants to know everything; what he had for breakfast and what's his favorite color. Get back to work." Ending the call before McGee could say anything else, Tony sighed and counted to ten, slowly, before calling Gibbs.
By the time the case was over and done with—almost identical to how it went 'originally'—they all felt the weight of it on their shoulders, and needless to say, the way it ended left a bitter aftertaste. There was no joy in catching the bad guy when you were unable to do anything about it. Once again Tony found it difficult to keep his mouth shut, wanting to blurt out everything he knew. Thankfully Ari hadn't changed his plans this time, unfortunately for Marta the woman whose body now was at the morgue, but much rather it be her than Kate, like it had been in Gibbs' nightmares and Tony's very real 'nightmares'. Of course neither man knew about the other's nightmares about Kate and her death.
As he stood there looking at his white whale, Gibbs almost shook with rage. How could he let this man go? He'd love to put a bullet through the scumbag's brains, instead, he had to tolerate that self-pleased look and have the man act like nothing could touch him. A true bastard who knew they were powerless. That he, Gibbs, was powerless. He was so deep in his angry thoughts and daydreaming how to end this that he barely even listened to whatever nonsense came out of the man's mouth.
"If not pride then what? Love of country? Sense of duty? I'm sure they exist in you, but what burns is pride my friend," Ari spoke with amusement. It was never a good sign when a bad guy said some words of truth.
Gibbs had to clench his teeth painfully as he looked at the man he'd been after for so long, the man who had made him forget the things that were much more important. Caused him to forget the young man who mattered much more than Ari Haswari ever could. Gibbs didn't dare to think what could have happened had Ari chosen to go after DiNozzo instead of Kate. It put fear in him and regret at the though that if something worse would've happened, he would've had to live rest of his life with the knowledge of how he had treated Tony before his death. What would Shannon do or tell him, had she been alive? He kept taking for granted the people he cared about and look where that got him, each and every time... What would the price have to be for him to finally learn his lesson?
Thanking silently whoever had looked after Tony, and all his people, Gibbs glared at Ari. It would be so easy to kill him now. So easy... Surely it would get rid of several problems at once. But as he remembered Tony's words to him, the hint of something and that there were reasons for why he'd allowed things to happen as they had, and another name he'd mentioned; Ziva David. Gibbs had of course looked it up and when that didn't work, after calling in a favor, found her to be daughter of the Mossad Director, Eli David. Unsavory type the both of them, the man he'd contacted warned him. Much as he hated to admit it, this clearly was bigger than his personal feud with Ari.
It was with the deepest regret when Gibbs shot Ari in the left shoulder. What he wanted was to do something much more permanent and painful. "Just wanted to help you convince Al-Qaeda," Gibbs sneered and left the room. Ari's laughter made it that much harder to keep walking, instead of turning around to put another bullet between the eyes, just like the man had done to the dead woman in the room. But he had another mission, well, two actually; first, he had to deal with Fornell and then he had to find Tony. He had amends to make, but he was afraid to discover it may be already too late... God, he prayed he wasn't too late.
Making sure that his car doors were locked, Tony walked toward his apartment. His phone was ringing in his pocket again, but he ignored it. Gibbs had been calling him almost nonstop since they got Ari; he'd even been leaving him text messages! On another day, another situation and another life, Tony knew he would've just laughed at it and happily accepted whatever the man was going to say to him. Just as the ringing stopped, suddenly the feeling was there again, the feeling of being watched. This time he knew there was someone standing in the darkness, somewhere near his apartment building. Tony pulled out his gun, hoping that it was just a cat or something equally embarrassing. Embarrassment rarely got people killed.
"I know you're in there!" He heard the familiar sound as a shot rang out. Barely moving out of the way, Tony returned the fire; pained grunt and a heavy sound of a body falling down telling him he hadn't missed his near blind shot. Carefully making his way to the fallen body and then quickly kicking the gun away from his attacker, he could see the man for the first time. "Teddy?" he wondered with some confusion, having almost forgotten all about the man, with Voltolini and everything else that'd been going on in his life.
"You... You ruined everything," the man whispered through his clenched teeth.
Tony crouched down. "By not letting you kill me?"
Teddy took a weak hold of his jacket and Tony leaned closer to hear his quiet words, "I... I had the perfect plan... He betrayed me... That bastard... He promised... He lied."
"Voltolini?" He'd enjoy pointing out that it was his own mistake of trusting a criminal like Voltolini, but Tony refrained.
"I thought... I could be one of them... But they're all mad... Thought I had 'im," Teddy whispered something more, sounding half-mad himself, but by then his words started to become unintelligible and he lost his consciousness. The man looked nothing like he used to. He was pitiful. By the looks of it, he'd been homeless for some time. Even most of his real hair color had grown back. A redhead. Who knew.
Watching the dying man, Tony knew any ambulance or a doctor wouldn't get there in time. He almost called Gibbs out of habit, but then he hesitated; what good would it do anyway? And while he could call Kate, he didn't want to put her in an uncomfortable situation either, to stand between him and Gibbs. His mind made up, he finally knew who to call. The FBI was going to just love this, but maybe he could try to soften the blow... And hopefully Gibbs would never know. "Fornell..? Yes, I know what time it is, but I've got a little situation here..."
