Chapter 2

"Ask Cynthia for the paperwork on the way out, Agent DiNozzo." The director said as Tony stood to leave.

Gibbs looked from the director to Tony and then back. This was not happening. He could not believe that this was happening.

Tony stopped by the desk, and Cynthia handed him a folder. Tony tucked the folder under his arm and nodded to her before heading for the stairway.

"Tony, you can't just leave…." Gibbs said as he followed Tony out of the office and to the stairway.

"You heard Director Vance, Gibbs." Tony reminded the team leader. "You can't MAKE me do anything. I'm off your team, Gibbs, effective immediately." And with that, Tony started down the stairway that lead to the bullpen. "I'll have my things packed in a matter of minutes." The agent said. "I have some vacation time saved up. I'll be taking that time off, until I start training for Gibson's job."

Gibbs shook his head. "You can't…!"

Gibbs was beside himself. He didn't know what he was going to do without DiNozzo. Tony did a lot on Team Gibbs. More than McGee or David even knew he did. Gibbs had to make this right. He had to fix this.

"Anthony, can we…can we talk about this?" The use of Tony's proper first name caused him to stop and turn to face Gibbs before he reached the bullpen.

Tony shook his head. "There's nothing to talk about, Gibbs. I know where your loyalties lie. And, they are not with me."

Gibbs didn't say anything.

Tony continued. "You had your chance to speak, upstairs. You chose to back a liar." Tony said, looking towards the bullpen, where both Ziva and Tim stood, staring at them.

The general chatter, on the floor, was muted. That made it really easy for the occupants of the floor to hear the conversation Tony and Gibbs was having. And what they heard made them stop working and listen even more intently. So, by the time Tony uttered the part about Ziva being a liar, he and Gibbs had the attention of every agent in earshot.

Tony stopped and turned, once more, to face Gibbs before he reached the bullpen. "I don't want any more of a public spectacle with this, Gibbs." The agent had already noticed the eyes on them. "You made your choice. I have nothing to say to Ziva. I, however, will speak to McGee. I'll pack my things, and I'm gone. I will go see Abby and Ducky before I leave the building."

"Director Vance fired you, yes?" Ziva asked as she watched Tony pack his belongings.

Tony looked up at her, calming himself a bit before he spoke. "Actually, Agent David, he's offered me a transfer…."

Tony watched her grin. He wanted to give her that monetary bit of glee before he pulled the rug out from under her.

"…and a promotion to Team Leader." It was Tony's turn to grin when he saw the myriad of emotions play out on her face.

"He…you…what?" Ziva couldn't believe her ears.

"Agent Gibson is retiring, and I am taking his position." Tony said as he placed the last of his belongings in the box with the manila folder containing his transfer papers. "So, you are not actually getting rid of me. You'll see me, every…single…day." He said, drawing it out to extend her pain. "I'll be only two cubicles over, that way." Tony said, pointing in the director of Gibson's cubicle location.

Ziva shook her head in disbelief. "You cannot…!"

"Agent David, what you believe, what you think, is no longer any of my concern." Tony replied, cutting her off.

Tony then turned to Tim. "You've come a long way, Tim, since we first met." Tony extended his hand, and they shook. "You ever need anything, you know where to find me." He glanced at Gibbs before he picked up his box and headed towards the elevator.

THE END

END NOTES: Short and sweet, I know. I just really didn't like how it was handled. Not sure I would have wanted things to go this way either. BUT, something should have been done. Ziva was let to slide on way, way too many things. Hope you enjoyed. JL