Tony stared at the file, his eyes seeing the words but his mind not registering them. Running a hand through his hair, he realized he was shaking. He took several deep breaths to calm himself, but it didn't help. His hands were - no, his whole body was - trembling violently. He felt the blood drain from his face and his body begin to detach from his brain. Kate looked up just in time to see Tony slide from his chair onto the ground. Racing to his side, she checked his breathing and pulse. A strong pulse, shallow breathing.
"Tony! Tony!" she called, wondering what exactly she should do.
"Kate, what the hell happened?" Gibbs rounded the corner and saw her tending to an unconcious Tony.
"I think he passed out," she explained, unsure of whether to laugh or worry. Given the circumstances, she guessed the latter would be more appropriate.
"Get his head down," Gibbs ordered, taking charge. That done, the blood quickly returned to Tony's head. He struggled slowly to sit up, helped by Gibbs and Kate. After they explained briefly what had happened, he climbed unassisted into his seat, embarrassed. He made a show of getting back to work, but that didn't fool Gibbs.
"DiNozzo, have you been eating?" he demanded.
"Boss, I've been busy..." Tony offered weakly. Gibbs' blazing eyes clearly said that wasn't good enough. Tony sighed. The truth was, he hadn't been able to keep anything down for the past week.
"DiNozzo," Gibbs started harshly, then softened. "Tony, I've seen agents burn out for less. You gotta keep your strength up."
"Yes, boss," Tony agreed resignedly. He was saved further reproach by the shrill ring of the phone.
"Gotta change that damn ring," Gibbs muttered as he strode to his desk. "Gibbs...Yeah...I see...Be right there." He let the phone dangle off his fingers for a few seconds before dropping into the cradle. He looked at Tony carefully as he announced the obvious. "There's another one."
Tony's eyes flashed briefly with something akin to fear but he masked it quickly with a look of grim determination. This surprised Gibbs; that was his trademark move. Tony was normally so transparent...but these were not normal times, he reminded himself. What Tony was going through was enough to make anyone crazy with grief. It was to Tony's credit that he was still sane. And yet, Gibbs knew, he was hiding something. Something important. Gibbs sensed a personal connection to this case beyond even his relationship with the victims. He wasn't pushing yet because he wanted to let Tony deal with whatever demons he was harboring and come clean of his own volition.
When they reached the crime scene, Tony approached a police officer. The officer pointed; Tony nodded and headed that way directly, though with obvious foreboding. Gibbs watched as Tony bent over the civilian body, checking for identifying marks. He visibly sagged, as if someone had let the air out of him. Gibbs knew then; he didn't even need Tony's anguished nod to tell him.
"Hal Moore," Tony whispered. "Peoria."
"Tony," Gibbs said quietly, pulling him away from the scene. "What aren't you telling me?"
Tony started to bluster, say he didn't know what Gibbs was talking about, but Gibbs stopped him with a look. Tony knew he had to tell Gibbs. He would understand better than anyone. And so Tony told him everything.