Outside Berlin
Monique carefully removed herself from Bodnar's embrace and quietly got dressed. She knew one of his members had left, probably to meet with Ziva and Tony. That meant something would be happening, sooner rather than later.
She did not intend to be caught in the crossfire if she could help it. She slipped into the study and opened up Bodnar's laptop. Signing in with her nom de plume, she quickly hacked into the CIA's security database. She changed some information regarding the present whereabouts of two certain NCIS Agents, hoping to give them some lead time.
She closed the laptop, preventing anyone from tracking "MC" to this home outside of Berlin.
Ok, I admit it: I was totally shocked by the ending of "Berlin". They took such a different tangent than I imagined I wasn't sure I could salvage this story. I knew Tony got his face cut, but I really thought it was during the fight with Bodnar in Berlin. After debating back and forth, I decided to see if I could make what happened on the show fit into my story. As a result, there will be some dialog and action from the episode in this. It will be noted in italics, as no copyright infringement is intended. There are so many fics out there regarding the crash that I will be hard pressed to come up with a different scenario than one that has already been presented. So I will not try. I am writing what I think may happen. If others think the same thing, I am not trying to steal your thunder.
I do not own NCIS, its characters or its stories, although if I did that car crash would never have happened. Enough already with the TIVA obstacles!
Vignette Eleven: Part Twenty-one
McGee had his laptop open, typing rapidly as he opened up the tracking software. "We are in, Boss…and we have them on the move." McGee looked closer.
"Uh, actually Boss, they are moving pretty quickly." He frowned adjusting the map image.
"What do you mean, McGee? Are they driving a car? On a train? Flying somewhere?" Gibbs glanced briefly at Tim before turning his eyes back to the road.
"It looks like…Boss; they are heading right for us. Driving."
Gibbs' phone rang. "Yes, Director." He answered. Gibbs rolled his eyes as Vance filled him in of the latest aspects of the case involving the slain Mossad Officer. He cursed under his breath. Was there anything Mossad wouldn't do to advance their agenda? Why couldn't they be upfront and honest with them? He looked at McGee, who was staring at him with concern.
"Ok, McGee. Keep an eye on them. When they get within fifty miles of us, give them a call." Gibbs stepped on the gas. He loved the German roads.
Reckhan, in Brandenburg
Tony pulled off the E30 and entered the Kloster Lehnin municipality. They drove through the small villages until they came upon their destination.
Tony pulled into a secluded area and parked. He turned to Ziva and Adam. "Where is the house from here?"
Ziva looked at the iPad and glanced around. "It is a half mile down that road. It is in town, but close to the outskirts." She looked up. "Do you think we should risk driving down there? Perhaps we should leave the car here, out of site?"
Tony preferred having the car a little closer in case they really needed to get out of there quickly. A car was much faster than on foot. Adam was mixed. "Bodnar may be warned of our coming if he hears the car. There is no traffic at this hour. I agree that the car could be closer, but I believe the risk is too great."
Tony gave in, and started grabbing the gear. "Well, at least it's not December and the middle of a blizzard." He said optimistically.
Adam just looked at him. Tony mouthed "okay" and got back to his task. Ziva smiled at him, but quickly focused her mind on the task at hand. She noticed Tony was getting quiet and carefully checking everything out. She was relieved that he was getting into operational mode.
They moved quietly, keeping in the shadows. The town was quaint, with a small square. Tree-lined avenues graced town and single family homes. The Bodnar home was at the end of the square, a regal single family structure. When they were about ten feet from the home, a lone figure stepped out from the shadows.
"Don't move!" Ziva and Adam hissed. Tony had his weapon trained on the assailant. The figure had his hands raised with open palms to show them he was not holding a weapon.
"It is I." Malachi stepped forward so they could see his face. Ziva growled and grabbed his arm.
"What were you thinking? We could have shot you! What are you doing here?" Ziva was livid that Malachi would just show up.
"You need my help. Four against one are better odds, yes?" Malachi looked Ziva in the eye, and then turned to Adam and Tony.
"Do you know for certain that Bodnar is alone in the home? Could he have some of his men in there?" Adam asked.
"I have been watching the home for days. He arrived yesterday late afternoon. Only one person has come, the woman." Malachi looked significantly at Ziva.
"Monique is here?" Ziva felt a chill go through her. She did not want her friend to get caught in the crossfire, should it come to that.
Tony swore under his breath, knowing what this could do to their plans. Adam looked at Malachi. "And what have you been doing since yesterday? Waiting for us? How did you know we would come?"
Ziva and Tony jerked at that and stared at Malachi. The air crackled with tension. "I have heard from our Director. I know what happened at the train station." He turned to Ziva and Tony.
"Your superiors know as well and are quite displeased from what I understand. Agent Gibbs has been sent to bring you home."
Ziva's shoulders dropped in defeat. Tony wasn't too surprised at this news, but he was worried about what this really meant. Was this about Ziva shooting up a train, or about Homeland Security and the CIA wanting them called off?
"We have been ordered to continue and remove the target." Malachi continued. "It was just happenstance that I was here when he arrived. I have all of his homes under surveillance. It would appear that you may have a change in plans. We are under no such restrictions." He looked significantly at Ziva.
Ziva stiffened at that and looked at Tony. That would certainly solve their problems: Bodnar would be dead, and they couldn't be held responsible. They spoke with their eyes, so accustomed to this peculiar form of communication.
Slowly, Ziva nodded. "Yes, there has been a change in plans. We are now going to bring Bodnar in. He needs to pay for his actions, Malachi. And I need to see him and speak to him, to tell him what he has done."
Malachi looked angry. "Tell him what he has done? He has killed your father, Ziva! He knows what he has done. Have they twisted your thoughts? Have they made you unsure of your path, of what you must do?" He glared at Tony, blaming him for Ziva's reticence.
"Yes, he killed my father, Malachi. But he also killed his own father! He did not know. I did not know. But now I do and I need to tell him what his sins are. And do not reprimand me. I answer to a different government than you do. Do you act on your own or at the bidding of Mossad?" Ziva spat at him.
Malachi blanched when Ziva said that Bodnar had killed his own father. Eli David was the father of Ilan Bodnar? He sighed heavily and rubbed his face, his thoughts spinning wildly. This was news of the worst sort. He understood that Ziva could not kill her own brother, as she had killed Ari Haswari. She was done with killing.
"What would you have me do?" He asked quietly.
"Help me. Help me to capture Ilan. I want to talk to him, to understand why he did this horrible thing. And Director Vance needs to see him as well, for his own closure." Ziva was breathing rapidly, anxious that they were wasting time and needed to get this done.
Malachi nodded slowly. "Very well. Adam and I will take the back."
Just then, Tony's iPad vibrated. Surprised, he looked at it, noting a waiting email. Cautiously, he opened it up. "It's from McGee!" He said quietly. He frowned as he read. "He and Gibbs are here, driving toward us. Gibbs wants me to call him now." Tony looked up; knowing Adam and Malachi would not be pleased to hear this.
Eshel nodded. "Make your call. Malachi and I will get into position in the back of the home." The two took off and went around the corner.
Tony pulled out his phone and called Gibbs. After the third ring he finally answered. "Where are you?" Gibbs asked.
"Hey, it's nice to talk to you too, Boss." Tony responded. "We are outside Bodnar's home in Reckhan. He came here yesterday and as far as we can tell he is alone except for Monique."
"Who is 'we' Tony?" Gibbs barked.
"You know, the usual suspects: Ziva, me, Mossad…"
Gibbs looked at McGee. "Mossad is with them." McGee looked scared at that.
"Tony, what is your plan?" Gibbs frowned.
"Adam and Malachi are out back. Mal has been here for a few days watching the house. He put surveillance cameras inside. Ziva and I will go in the front." Tony reported.
Gibbs sighed. "I don't suppose I can talk you into waiting until we get there?" He checked his watch.
Tony looked at Ziva, who gave him a frustrated shake of the head.
"Boss Lady wants to know how far away you are." Tony temporized.
Ziva glared at him as he covered the phone with one hand. "I am not going to let him think you are going against orders, Ziva!" He whispered. Ziva looked away and took a few steps toward the house.
McGee looked at Gibbs. "We're another thirty minutes away, Boss. Twenty at the earliest."
Gibbs rubbed his face at that information. Taking a deep breath, he brought the phone back up to his mouth. "Ok, Tony, we can't get there in enough time. Be careful, we'll get there as soon as we can."
Tony hung up. Ziva looked at him, expecting Tony to say Gibbs had said to wait. Tony walked up to her and took her hand. "Let's go." He said, his face unreadable in the pre-dawn shadows.
Tony and Ziva started to approach the home, but then Ziva pulled him aside and kissed him. "I want you to promise me something, Tony." She looked deeply into his eyes. "If something should happen to me…no let me finish!" Tony had started to shake his head.
"Tony! Promise me you will take this ring and give it to someone else. You deserve to be happy, to have a happy life. Promise me!" Ziva had held up her left hand, the diamond sparkling as it caught the streetlamp.
Tony closed his eyes and then cupped her face. "No one else will ever wear that ring. Ever!" His voice was ragged with emotion. He crushed his mouth to hers, his love stronger than ever.
Ziva touched her forehead to his, breathing in his scent, memorizing every square inch of his being. She finally nodded, and the veil came down.
Stealthily, they made their way to the door. She touched her ear, speaking quietly to Adam. "Set, ready to proceed."
Looking at Tony and nodding, she quickly picked the lock to the front door, Malachi having told them that there was no alarm system. In the back of the home, Adam and Malachi were entering through a cellar door.
Raising her weapon, Ziva whipped into the foyer, turning right and left. "Clear!" She whispered. Tony came behind, clearing the other side of the home.
Adam reported in to Ziva that the cellar was clear and that they were coming up. Quietly, they gathered at the foot of the stairs leading to the second level. Tony put aside his male pride and let the Mossad Kidon members lead the assault.
Tony was shocked at how quiet they were going up the stairs. He only hoped he could be half as quiet as they were. Once at the top of the stairs, Adam led the way, clearing room after room, until there was only one room at the end of the hall.
The four stood still, listening for signs of life. Ziva frowned. She knew Ilan snored worse than Tony did, and she heard nothing. Adrenalin pulsing through her veins, she threw open the door.
"Ilan!" She yelled. Tony checked the bathroom and Malachi checked the closets.
Adam looked at Ziva in distress. "He is not here." He turned to Malachi in anger. "You said he was here!" Tony rushed up; afraid that Adam might use Malachi as a punching bag.
"He must be here!" Malachi protested. He looked around as if Bodnar would magically appear.
"It would seem he has an escape hatch." Tony said drily
Ziva started to glare at him for his flippant remark, but then realized he was probably right. "Check the cellar again!" They all rushed downstairs, not caring how noisy they were. They flicked their flashlights around the dingy cellar, looking for any sign, looking for…
"There!" Tony pointed. The floor had scrape marks on it, where none should be. Ziva felt the wall, seeking a hinge or a spring. She pressed lightly and a portion of the wall came open, revealing a short flight of cement steps leading down a tunnel.
"He did have an escape route!" Adam sputtered.
"Dammit!" Tony muttered. He looked at Ziva, knowing she must be devastated to be so close, so close.
Ziva stared down the tunnel, seeing everything they had worked for the past two months disappear like a mist. Adam looked at Tony and went upstairs, dragging Malachi with him.
Tony stood quietly behind Ziva, not wanting to push her; letting her come to terms with the situation in her own way.
"You have not said anything, Tony." Ziva said quietly.
"Just respecting your Bodnar Boundaries." He answered softly, moving closer. Ziva closed her eyes, defeat making her feel boneless.
"We had him." Ziva's voice broke.
Tony put his hand on her waist. "I know. We'll get him, Ziva. We will." He looked at her, willing her to believe.
She looked at her partner, her eyes glistening. "Ziva!" Adam's voice from upstairs interrupted their moment. Ziva became instantly alert again and she and Tony rushed up the cellars steps.
Malachi was in the hallway. "In here." He indicated. Ziva and Tony entered the room indicated by Malachi.
Ziva found herself in Ilan's study, Adam standing over his desk looking at a laptop. He stepped aside so that Ziva could take his place. Hesitantly, Ziva stepped in front of the laptop. It was on; a large icon named "Ziva" was blazing on the desktop.
Taking a deep breath, she clicked on the icon. Bodnar's face showed up, a video message he thoughtfully left for her. Ziva tamped down her anger and disappointment as she clicked "Play".
"Ziva, there you are. I know you blame me for your father's death, Ziva. Nothing's black and white. You do not know the entire story. Explanations would require time we do not have. Perhaps, in a few days, nothing would make me happier. For now: take my word for it. Nothing is entirely as it seems. I wish things were different, Ziva. Please…forgive me and walk away. I already told you, vendettas lead to nothing but heartache. Goodbye, Ziva."
Ziva wasn't sure if she should feel anger, disappointment or confusion. What did he mean nothing was as it seemed; that she didn't know the entire story? Of'course she knew instinctively that Ilan had not worked alone. He had to have had help to escape DC, and to elude the authorities all this time. Did he mean her father's killing? He had everything to gain by Eli's death. Was he saying he was the puppet, that someone else was pulling the strings?
"Ziva, we have to leave. Gibbs and McGee will be here soon." Tony's soft voice broke into her thoughts. She glanced up, startled. She nodded as she closed the laptop. Taking it with her, she followed Tony and went outside.
She turned to Adam and Malachi. "You both leave. You do not need to be here when Gibbs arrives. In fact, it would probably be better if you were not."
Adam and Malachi nodded, with Malachi giving her and Tony a knowing look. He had met the legend, and he did not want a repeat audience. They headed for Malachi's car, which was at the other end of town.
Ziva and Tony waited patiently outside the home, not saying anything. Five minutes later, Gibbs and McGee arrived. Seeing their defeated looks, Gibbs knew immediately that they had not apprehended Bodnar.
Sighing, Gibbs came up to his Agents. "What happened?" He asked.
"He wasn't here. Either he was tipped off or he just knew Ziva would track him here." Tony was grim.
Ziva handed Tim the laptop. "He left me a video message. There may be more on the laptop. I do not know." Her voice sounded hollow.
Gibbs was concerned by this turn of event. So much time, so much work. He engulfed Ziva in a hug, knowing how she must be feeling. "We'll get him, Ziva. I promise you." Tears pricked Ziva's eyes, as she buried her head into his shoulder. She stood back, her face stoic.
Tim had been working with the laptop. "Boss? I've found multiple airline reservations for Bodnar. Flying into Richmond, Philadelphia and New York." He looked up.
Ziva looked shocked at that. "Why would he go back to the U.S.? What is there for him?"
"You?" Tony answered hesitantly. Ziva turned to him.
"He had a chance tonight, if it was his desire to harm me. He knew I was here. Why leave now?" Ziva didn't accept the explanation.
"To throw you off the track?" Tony held his hands out. "He left his laptop for you, Ziva. He knew we would check it out. Maybe he's not really heading to any of those places. Maybe it's just another blind trail."
Gibbs sighed and looked at Tony. "The Mossad Officer that was killed in DC was rogue, presumed by Mossad to be working with Bodnar. They sent a team to find Bodnar, believing he was actually in the U.S. The others looked shocked at this admission. Ziva wondered briefly if Adam and Malachi knew of this duplicitousness. She looked up.
"Listen to his message to me. Maybe it will make more sense to you." She sighed.
Gibbs looked at Tony. "Go back to you hotel. Decompress, relax. Catch the first flight back to DC you can tomorrow. Let us know when you get in."
Tony and Ziva sucked in their breath, not able to believe that Gibbs was giving them some time alone to deal with this. Tony nodded gratefully and took Ziva's hand. "Where are you going now?"
Gibbs grimaced. "Back to Geilenkirchen. McGee and I will catch the next transport back. We have more work to do. You've done enough for one day." McGee didn't look pleased that they were turning right back around, without so much as a chance to rest or relax or…
"Or what, Tim?" He chastised himself. "Catch the sights? Play tourist? Buy something for Abby?" That last thought caught him by surprise. He said his goodbyes to Tony and Ziva and followed Gibbs back to their car.
Watching them leave, Tony and Ziva finally turned and walked slowly back to their car. A movement caught Ziva's eye and she tensed, causing Tony to grab her arm.
To their shock, Monique stepped out from the shadows enveloping their car.
"Monique! What are you doing here?" Ziva was immediately suspicious of her friend.
Monique recognized the tone. "I was hoping to see that you captured Bodnar, but it would appear that he has eluded you."
Tony glared at her. "Yeah. You wouldn't have had anything to do with that would you?" Monique turned sad eyes toward him.
"Perhaps, inadvertently. I knew you would come after him. I did not wish to be caught in the middle of a fire fight, so I left. He must have woken and realized I was gone. I can only assume that he understood my intention in leaving and removed himself. I am sorry."
"He did know we were coming, but I am not sure you can blame yourself, Monique." Ziva looked at her friend.
"Thank you, Ziva for those words. I have something for you that will hopefully lessen this blow." Tony and Ziva became alert and listened closely.
"Ilan has drained all of his accounts. The other agencies have been searching for that one account that he would place his funds, pooling his resources; indicating his exact location." She held up a black velvet bag.
"What's that?" Tony asked.
"Diamonds." Monique answered quietly. Ziva's eyes open wide in recognition.
"I should have known!" She turned to Tony to explain. "My father taught me to set up a network of diamond dealers in place in case I ever needed to get out fast; random dealers, difficult to trace. And since he anointed Bodnar as his 'honorary son'…"
"Eli probably gave Bodnar the same advice." Tony finished for her.
"Exactly." Monique handed Ziva the bag. "Guard these with your life, Ziva. Ilan cannot have these. This is his entire fortune. With this, he will be able to disappear."
Ziva took the bag, clutching it tightly. "Monique…"
Monique smiled sadly. "I must go, Ziva. No one will know you were here, other than those you have told. I have made sure of that. Good luck. Be careful." She got into her car and drove off, leaving Ziva and Tony standing in shock.
Berlin Tegel Airport
Ilan Bodnar settled into his first class seat. He felt smug, but also a great sense of relief. He was not ready to face Ziva, to tell her the truth. His companion finally boarded and took his seat.
"Well?" Bodnar asked.
"They returned to the hotel. It would appear that they are staying the night or at least taking a later flight."
Bodnar looked out the window. "Good. Let them have some final hours of bliss. This has all gotten out of hand. Terrible things are sure to happen that cannot be prevented. It has been set in motion, I can do nothing more." His companion nodded, feeling some remorse for the coming storm.
"Yes, nothing more can be done." He agreed.
Back at the hotel, Tony and Ziva lay together on the bed, holding hands. They both realized that the fantasy life they had been living was going to end. Ziva turned on her side, staring at Tony's face. "Things will be different now." She said quietly.
Tony looked at her. "It will be hard to not be so openly affectionate with each other at work. But we wouldn't be able to do that, anyway. We'll make it work, Ziva. I am highly motivated." He grinned widely at her.
Ziva chuckled at that and leaned in to kiss him, knowing their last night together in Europe would be memorable.
Dulles Airport-Virginia
After landing, Bodnar and his companion took a cab to their safe house. As Bodnar unpacked he suddenly became incensed. "My diamonds! They are gone." His face pinched in anger and agitation. Running his hands through his hair, he panicked. His carefully laid plans, in ruins!
"Monique!" He thought in disbelief. How could she betray him in this way? He knew that she favored Ziva. He turned to the other man. "Monique must have taken my diamonds. That is why she left early. She gave them to Ziva, I know she did!" He began pacing.
"What would you have me do?" The man asked.
"Stop them. Get me back my diamonds!"
Berlin Tegel Airport
Tony and Ziva boarded the latest flight out of Berlin they could get the next day, leaving at two-thirty p.m., which would land them at Dulles around eight-thirty p.m., a grueling twelve hour flight. They settled into their first class seats, lost in their own thoughts about the future.
Finally landed, they took a cab to Tony's apartment and got his car, to return to the Navy Yard. It had rained that evening, the streets wet and shiny. The unexpected shower had caused the temperature to drop, requiring jackets to ward off the chill in the air.
Tony and Ziva drove through the quiet streets, heading back to the Navy Yard. Ziva opened the velvet bag, taking out one of the large diamonds and placing it against the fourth finger of her right hand.
"Looks good on you. Not as good as the one you're wearing though." Tony commented.
Ziva smiled softly. "It's funny…things we decide are worth something." She pulled the drawstrings and closed the bag.
"Well, hey. Now that we have the diamonds, he's got no funding. Is kind of hard to disappear broke." Tony glanced her way, and then turned his eyes back to the road.
Ziva thought for a few moments. "I should have known Orlie would be so aggressive in trying to kill Bodnar. I'm sure she wants him dead as badly as I do."
"I doubt that. It's her job but he was your father." Ziva glanced hesitantly over at Tony.
"It's not just her job." She began. Taking a deep breath, she spoke quietly. "Orlie was the reason my parents split up." The memory was still painful, and one she had never shared.
Tony glanced at her at this new revelation. "I did not say anything because I did not think it mattered."
Tony looked forward again. "Did it?" He was bothered by this piece of news. Was there no end to her pain? Must she constantly be reminded?
"She was a young officer. And my father was…weak." The admission was difficult for Ziva, the memories of this terrible time rushing back to her. "And then it just ended. And I always just told myself that that was just another rule she broke; in order to advance her career."
Ziva took a breath and considered the present circumstances. "But now I think…she gave those orders for the same reason I went to hunt Bodnar. Because maybe she loved my father."
Tony pulled to a stop at the red light, and turned to Ziva, giving her his full attention and support. He didn't know what to say at this revelation, so he felt it best to say nothing, to let Ziva get it out in her own way.
Ziva pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to stop the tears she felt welling up in her eyes. "You know, I keep thinking if it were not for Orlie, things would have been different. I would be a different person."
Tony knew that was his lead-in and he took it. Looking intently at his fiancé, he spoke with conviction. "Then I should catch her before she leave." He touched Ziva's hand, intertwining their fingers together.
Ziva looked at their clasped hands and glanced at Tony. "You know." He continued. "And thank her."
A soft smile formed on her face, full of love and emotion that she wasn't sure should be expressed in the car. She felt so much love for Tony in this moment, knowing she never could have done any of this without him.
Smiling back, Tony looked and saw the light had turned green. Still holding hands, he proceeded to drive. Ziva still looked at him, trying to decide what she could possibly say at this moment to justify what she was feeling.
"Tony…" She said quietly. Tony turned slightly toward her, still smiling widely.
"Yeah?" Still looking at her, he became suddenly aware of bright headlights barreling down on them. "ZIVA!" He yelled.
He tried to pull her away from the onslaught, his fear and impotence at being able to prevent the inevitable mocking him.
Catching a brief glimpse of the headlights, Ziva threw up her right arm to shield her face and head, knowing it was probably futile.
The impact was so forceful, so shocking, that the air was expelled from their lungs. Tony's right hand was violently wrenched away from Ziva, leaving deep fingernail cuts from the force of the extraction. Tony could only manage occasional grunts as the glass from the car window exploded and his vehicle spun wildly in brain-jostling, nauseating circles.
The crunch of squealing wheels, and crunching glass and metal was deafening. Tony had no hope of controlling the car, as he and Ziva were tossed to and fro by the centrifugal force of the spinning.
Finally, suddenly, the car came to a standstill. The trunk had flown open, the front and passenger side of the car demolished and smoking, the car horn blaring.
Tony fought to remain conscious, his body screaming in pain. His only concern was for Ziva, who took the brunt of the collision. Reaching his bloodied hand for hers, he brushed her fingers before the darkness overtook him.
The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee slowly got out the car. He was fully trained in such collisions, knowing how to enforce the maximum damage to his target without irreparable harm to himself and his vehicle.
He walked to the car, sure steady steps. He watched the car briefly to make sure there was no smell of gasoline, of any risk of explosion. Detecting none, he went to the passenger side, where the window was blown out.
He looked at Tony, his head down, his face bloody from a nasty cut to by the side his nose. His arm was bent in an unnatural position, indicating the internal damage the accident had wrought. The front of his shirt was smeared with blood but it was not evident where it came from. He had strange cuts on the top of his right hand that defied logic.
Ziva was sitting upright, still. Her head was lolled sideways, unconscious. Her right arm was bloody, cut by flying glass. Looking down, the driver saw what he was looking for. Carefully reaching in to avoid the broken glass, he took the black velvet bag that had miraculously remained in Ziva's hand.
Stepping back, he took one last look at the injured occupants.
"I am so sorry Ziva." Malachi whispered. He whipped his head up as the sound of sirens became audible in the distance. He ran to his SUV, still drivable, and fled the scene.
NCIS
Gibbs checked his watch again. "Where in the Hell are Tony and Ziva. They landed over two hours ago!"
Tim quickly looked up from his computer. "Let me check the tracking software. That will tell us where they are."
Tim opened up the software and typed some keys. "Got 'em!" Tim looked at the map. "They are on Independence Avenue, not too far from here." Tim frowned. "There aren't moving, Boss. I know the red lights can be long there but…hang on, I see some movement." Now Tim looked really confused and frankly concerned.
"Uh, Boss. They are both on the move again, but they are not together."
Gibbs started at that. "What do you mean they aren't together, McGee?"
Tim looked up. "They are in two different vehicles." He looked again. "Moving very fast, in the same direction."
Gibbs looked stunned. "McGee, can you hack into the camera system? I know there are red light cameras around there, maybe Homeland has surveillance cameras as well, considering its close proximity to Capitol Hill."
"On it, Boss." McGee's fingers flew over the keyboard, sweat starting to form on his brow.
"Oh…got something, Boss." Tim was pale.
Gibbs saw the change in his demeanor. "Put it up on the plasma, McGee."
McGee complied and stood with him in front of the scene. Fire trucks and police cars were all over the place. They could barely see a wrecked vehicle in the midst of the chaos.
"McGee, can you rewind so we can see what happened?" Gibbs' gut was screaming at him, and he felt like he was going to vomit.
McGee wiped his forehead with his arm. "They don't work like that, Boss. Maybe by changing the parameters, I can access prior views…"
"That's what I said, McGee. Rewind it, now!"
"Rewinding, Boss." McGee bent over this computer, typing as rapidly as he could.
He went over and stood by Gibbs again, as the images flew by in reverse. Gibbs watched anxiously as he realized that was Tony's car at the scene. "Stop! There, McGee. Play it from there." Gibbs had stopped McGee to before the accident.
They watched with their hearts in their mouths as Tony's car started to cross the intersection. They could see the SUV barreling toward them, the lights coming on seconds before the impact.
"Oh, my God!" Tim was terrified by what he was witnessing. This was not a little fender bender. This was a major accident. He felt weak, his knees ready to buckle.
Gibbs' face lost its color, knowing he may have seen his Agents killed right before his eyes.
He came to life. "Find out where they were taken, McGee. Then get to the scene and get photos. NOW!"
They both ran to the elevator, Tim anxiously calling Metro PD to get specifics.
That's the best I could do. Hope it makes sense. I will try to update again before "Revenge" since I didn't have time to put that in this chapter. Thanks again for the great support.
