Leah directed Tony to the lot behind the building that housed Curtis' offices. As they exited the car she turned to him and stated, I'm sorry if I sounded angry earlier. Being reminded of my failures doesn't sit well with me. She smiled and touched his hand briefly as he fiddled with the car keys. I'd like to be friends, Tony. I don't have many right now and I don't relish working on a case where everyone is as cranky as Gibbs.
Tony looked into her eyes and saw pain and doubt before she pulled a professional veil of detachment around her. He let his infamous lady-killer grin loose on her for a moment before replying, Friends it is. Now, let's go fingerprint a corpse. He headed for the building with her falling in step beside him.
After descending in a crowded elevator, they found themselves in front of a desk manned by a cop with attitude to spare. He looked them over and sneered as Leah produced her ID.
Leah, honey. So what, you, ah... lose something? Body, maybe? He chuckled at his joke as he stared insolently up at her.
Tony stepped up as he flashed his badge, putting himself nearly against his temporary partner as a symbol of unity. Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, NCIS. No, Detective Hecht and I are here to pick up something you clowns misappropriated. .
Whoo boy, won't the boys upstairs be glad to know where you're spending your days, Detective. He turned from taunting the redhead to Tony. Morgue's down the hall on your left. Hey, word of advice... watch her or you'll end up in one o' them body bags yourself.
Tony ignored the man's words for Leah's sake. Although she showed no sign of the incident having rattled her, he was beginning to understand her need for friends. If the desk sergeant's attitude was anything to go by, she must hate coming into work everyday. That thought made him beyond grateful that his teammates were more than just coworkers, they were friends as well. He stepped ahead of her and opened the door to the morgue, following her into a teeming metropolis compared to Ducky's quiet suite. Leah tugged at his arm and he went where she led as she made her way directly to an older man leaning over an odiferous corpse.
Phew, Curtis! Cutting up rotting homeless guys? Leah waved her hand in front of her face before giving in and pressing her forearm in front of her nose.
Leah, nice to see you. No, believe it or not, this is something uglier. The coroner looked expectantly at Tony and waited.
Oh, sorry. Tony DiNozzo, NCIS, John Curtis, Arlington's premiere M.E. She'd moved her arm enough so the names were clear, then she blocked her face again and continued. Curtis, the smell is killing me; where's the DB from 0700, 1288 Pantheon St.?Try drawer twelve. It's either that or thirteen. I had two come in at almost the same time and I'm not sure which went in what drawer. Curtis was bent back over his patient, rooting around for something in the abdominal cavity.
Tony swallowed hard, the stench was getting to him. How will we know if we got the right one?You'll know, the coroner called over his shoulder as Leah dragged him quickly away from the noxious body.
They located the drawers in question with the help of one of the lab techs, but she walked off before they could ask if she knew which one held their man. Guess we just check both, Leah said and grabbed the handle for the door on drawer twelve. Tony reached in and slid the tray out and their eyes met over a woman with a hatchet blade protruding from the back of her skull. They shook their heads briefly, closed up the drawer and pulled open drawer thirteen. As the head and upper torso became visible, Leah nodded.
This is the guy. I only got a brief look at him, but I recognize those red marks. I remember thinking it looked like the guy had been whipped, sorta. She pointed to a series of welts along the corpse's upper arms.
Tony dropped his bag to the floor and unzipped the top. You want to print him, or see if there's anything unusual about him we can use for ID?Oh, I've printed enough corpses, thank you. Leah pulled the drawer out further to access the victims hands, but stopped short at the obvious tenting in the sheet that covered him. I'll check out Mr... whoa.
Tony looked up to see what caught her attention. Oh, damn! That does not look right.No wonder the boys wouldn't let me check him out before. Leah stared, she couldn't help herself. It was like looking at a traffic accident.
I thought he was found naked. Tony tore his eyes away from the disturbing sight and went back to printing the man's right hand.
Face down and naked. I'm gonna guess this was part of the murder. At any rate, I don't think I can use it as a distinguishing feature. Swallowing, she lifted the sheet and continued her inspection of the body, trying to avert her eyes from the obvious while Tony finished up the right hand and moved around to print the left. The snapping of surgical gloves caught their attention.
I see you've uncovered our dead man's problem, or one of them anyway. Curtis straightened the sheet out over the lower half of the body. I've seen something like it before, but I need an autopsy to be sure.You know, Ducky said the same thing about the petty officer we brought in, Tony mused while continuing his work.
Did he also have priapism? Curtis appeared eager for the younger man's answer.
Don't know, only time I saw him naked was face down on Ducky's table. Tony looked up as he finished his printing. Is that what you call it? Priapism? He carefully enunciated the unfamiliar word and the doctor nodded.
That's the technical term. I've heard a couple of the techs with some slightly more descriptive ones, though. Oh, one other thing; when I saw this, I gave him a quick once over; he was sodomized as well. Curtis covered the man to his shoulders, but Tony put a restraining arm on the doctor's.
Can we get a blood sample? Curtis nodded in response, beckoned a tech and made the request.
Thanks, Curtis. We'll try and get an ID on him as soon as possible. Leah paused while the tech finished drawing the specimen then smiled as she took the vial.
They made their way back down the hall to the surly guard. Hey, Hecht, find what you was looking for? He leaned forward, as if anticipating a response.
Tony watched as a vicious look washed quickly over Leah's face. Then he bit back a laugh at the comment she tossed over her shoulder as they entered the elevator.
Nope, you're still sitting at that desk. As the doors slid shut in front of them, she blew out a breath in the otherwise empty car. Then she drew in another and pasted a determined smile on her face.
Tony was dumbfounded at the reaction Leah provoked in the bullpen of the A.P.D. As they made their way through the room, people around them went silent, whispers swirling in their wake. He followed her lead and appeared not to notice that eyes were averted and no one called a greeting to her. As they approached the far wall, she whipped out a set of keys and unlocked a door in one smooth movement. The speed with which she'd navigated the crowded room to reach her tiny sanctuary told Tony that this treatment wasn't unfamiliar.
Leah sighed and with a vague motion at the still silent bullpen, held a finger to her lips, forestalling the question on his. Moving around the desk, she hauled two medium sized cardboard boxes from the floor onto her desk. These are the case files Gibbs mentioned. I need to check them out with the captain and then we can go.
Tony stacked the two boxes and picked them up while she appeared to deliberate over her desk. With a decisive nod, she perched on the edge of the chair and unlocked the bottom drawer, flipped through the files inside. Fury filled her face and it was clear she had to restrain herself from slamming the drawer closed. She sat and stared at the desk for a moment; he rested the boxes on the corner of it while he waited.
So, where are you taking me for dinner? Her words were casual, her eyes not on him, but searching the room. She made a rolling motion with her hand as she began to move silently around the small space.
I know this great Italian place; the food is fabulous. Sound good? Tony had put the boxes back down and raised an eyebrow in silent question.
That sounds perfect. She flicked a glance at him and shook her head before zeroing in on a framed citation hanging on the wall. Lifting it carefully from the nail, she examined the listening device closely. She nabbed a pen and wrote two codes on her wrist, then rehung the citation and pulled her jacket sleeve down to cover the writing. Tipping her head toward the door, she opened it for him while he grabbed the cartons.
She led him out a different direction, moving quickly and skipping the captain's office. When they reached the parking lot, she grabbed him by the elbow and propelled him toward the car. Tony held his curiosity in check, letting her instincts lead them. After he'd secured the boxes in the trunk of the car she finally spoke.
Get in and drive. I'll explain what I can. She threw a nervous look over her shoulder as she climbed into the car. Tony slid into the driver's seat and expertly maneuvered the car out of the lot and headed back toward the NCIS building. After a few miles, she began to relax, rubbing a hand over her face.
Thanks, Tony. I mean it, she began.
No problem, but would you mind clueing me in, now? I gather you're not exactly popular around the office. Is that because you're IA?Was IA. Gibbs tell you? Waving away his answer, she went on. Doesn't matter. Ketterer's incompetent, half-assed -- An indrawn breath stopped the flow of invectives. Anyway, Ed Perry, my case, the one I'd spent fifteen months on, got flushed. Not only that, but whoever he was connected to made sure to discredit me in the process. She gave a disgusted snort and glanced over at her confessor. You know, I've always wanted to be screwed that thoroughly, just not by a dirty cop and his cronies out to destroy my career.
Tony waited to see if the flow of bitter words would continue; when it appeared she had run down, he spoke quietly. I understand. Sucks to be the pariah, especially when you're right. I'm assuming all your evidence was mislaid somewhere. He nodded with her. Yeah, that's usually what happens. You know you could have called us, we had quite a bit on Perry.Then I'd have had to deal with Gibbs. Her eyes closed as she leaned her head back. Besides there's more to the story. Part of it is in the trunk.Did Gibbs say those were cold case files? How does all this fit together, anyway? He pulled into the NCIS parking lot, switched off the engine and turned to face her.
I don't know. Yet. Maybe it doesn't, but when my office gets bugged and files start disappearing from locked drawers, I start to get suspicious. Somebody's hiding something. She unfastened her seatbelt and got out.
Tony met her at the back of the vehicle as the trunk lid popped up. They each reached for a box and Tony elbowed the trunk lid closed. Hey, Leah. He waited for her to look at him and saw a myriad of emotions in her eyes. You know, you're going to have to tell Gibbs about all this.Over my dead body. My troubles with A.P.D. are none of his business. She turned away and walked toward the glass doors.
Before she could open the door, Tony stepped in front of her. If it affects this case, it's his business. I don't know what your personal issues are with him, but Gibbs is the team leader. You're gonna have to find a way to get along with him. He opened the door for her and they paused as they heard Kate call out to them.
Hey, Kate, McGee. Tony greeted the other two as they approached. He eyed Kate thoroughly as they entered the building and by the time they reached the elevator, his smug smile was starting to irritate the brunette.
What, Tony? She looked up at him, waiting for the jibe.
Just wondering where you two crazy kids have been, that's all. The words and their tone were innocent enough, but his wide smile said the statement was a trap.
McGee answered as the group entered the elevator, We're trying to establish a timeline for the day Willard disappeared, so Gibbs had us out interviewing call girls.
Now Tony's eyes sparkled with laughter. Mm, that would explain it. Kate, you might want to button up your blouse. And maybe do something about the lipstick on your jacket.
Kate's hands flew to the buttons on her blouse as quickly as the color to her face. McGee, why didn't you say anything? She glanced back up at Tony, saw the twinkle in his eye and looked quickly away, trying not to bite her lip. Just then the silvered doors opened and the four were met by Gibbs' waiting visage.
Instead of stepping into an empty elevator, Gibbs found himself staring into familiar faces. His eyes raked the group quickly as McGee and Tony began to speak at once. Holding up his hand for silence, he turned and led the way back to the bullpen, pointing at Pacci's still empty desk.
Leah, take that desk. Tony, drop off those boxes with her for now. Kate, McGee, anything on Willard?I found a couple of young girls who knew Willard. One of them said she'd ask around and call me with what she found. It's the best we did, no one else was inclined to talk to us. Before Kate could sit, Gibbs motioned her and McGee over to Leah's desk.
We have two cold cases to go through; get any evidence to Abby and go over everything else. If there's a link, let's find it. I'm going to talk to Ducky; he's willing to share his preliminary findings.
Tony and Leah shared a look and Tony spoke up quickly. Hey, Boss, mind if I tag along? Dr. Curtis told us something rather interesting about the other DB.What'd he find? Gibbs looked at him curiously, as did Kate and McGee. Leah fumbled in Tony's backpack for the fingerprint card and blood sample.
Tony's face took on a decidedly reddish hue and he cleared his throat. I'd, uh, rather wait and check with Ducky.Come along, both of you. Gibbs turned to the elevator, feeling his earlier headache threatening to return.
They made Autopsy their first stop and Ducky greeted the three, showing surprise at seeing the female in the group. Leah! Twice in one day, now this is a treat. I take it your department is interested our petty officer?Actually, I've been traded, at least temporarily. She smiled to take the sting out of the sharp words and Ducky nodded.
Duck, Petty Officer Willard? Gibbs' impatience redirected the conversation.
Yes, of course. I'm still waiting for the blood test results from Abby, but based on what I found when I did the autopsy, I'm fairly confident as to the cause of death. He was poisoned with cantharidin.What's cantharidin? Tony beat Gibbs to the question.
Spanish fly. Same as the cold cases, Leah cut in.
Gibbs looked between Leah and Ducky. Spanish fly; you mean the aphrodisiac?
The doctor explained, Its aphrodisiac properties are merely rumor. In actuality it is an extremely toxic poison which causes necrosis of the mucous membranes. It also happens to cause congestion of blood in the genital and urinary organs... Tony and Leah spoke at the same time and gave each other a knowing look. Leah held up the cold-wrapped blood vial. I'll bet John Doe's blood shows cantharidin poisoning as well.All right, get that up to Abby now and then get going on those case reports. Two bodies dumped in one day; I want something we can work with. Thanks, Duck. Let me know if there's anything else. Gibbs turned and strode out of the brightly lit room.
Well, Ducky, I guess I'll be seeing you around for a few days. We may actually get to have that lunch together. Leah stepped forward and gave the coroner a hug. It really is good to see you again.You, too, Leah. It's been too long. He kept the woman close and walked her toward the door. Perhaps while you're here, you and Jethro will even find a way to forgive each other.
Leah merely gave a short nod in response and exited the room quickly, followed by Tony. Later, Duck! the agent tossed over his shoulder as he moved to catch up to the redhead.
He slid into the elevator and looked over at her. Her jaw was tight and her eyes were frosty. Refocusing his eyes straight ahead he said, Tell you what, I won't ask. But anytime you want to talk, I'll listen. As the doors slid open one floor up from Autopsy, he stepped out, adding, Coming? You haven't met Abby, yet.