As Tony headed toward DC Beans, he tried repeatedly to reach either Gibbs or McGee on their cell phones. Frustration at being unable to get through to either of them was taking its toll on him, their situation uppermost in his mind.
The sound of a bullet pinging off the metal trash can about a foot in front of him sent Tony dropping to the ground. Quickly he rolled to the shelter of a nearby parked car and pulled out his gun, scanning for the source of the bullets peppering the concrete near him.
Goddamn you, Fornell, what have you gotten me into? he muttered.
The sudden ringing of his phone startled him. Shifting his gaze from the nearby rooftops to the sidewalk, he spotted his phone an arm's length away, where he'd dropped it. Firing off a couple of rounds in the direction of the incoming shots as a deterrent, he reached out to snag the instrument. He quickly snatched the phone back, nearly gaining a piercing that would earn him a place of honor in Abby's colorful picture gallery.
Just as he went to hit the button to take the call, the ringing stopped. Was that really Gibbs or not? he snarled in frustration after looking at the caller ID. He hit the redial button but the call came back Call Blocked.
Fornell, you are such a total bastard. I'm in no mood to play your twisted version of Phone Tag—
Almost immediately, the phone began to ring, Gibbs' name flashing once again one the caller ID. Tony didn't believe it for a second. he snapped.
Where are you? You're late. Fornell's voice was mild despite the underlying irritation in the words.
Who the hell is shooting at me, you bastard?Somebody's shooting at you, DiNozzo? My guess would be an ex-girlfriend or an angry husband. Who've you been dating recently?
Tony pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it for a full five seconds. It's not an ex-girlfriend, you asshole! he shouted.
Just then the shooting stopped and complete silence reigned in the street.
I did warn you that you were in over your head. Maybe now you'll listen?
Tony slammed the phone shut. Like that's ever gonna happen, he growled. He slowly picked himself up off the street to the sound of screeching tires and sirens. Thank God, he muttered as he began to reholster his weapon.
Put your gun on the ground and put your hands on top of your head!
He looked around to see three police cruisers with several local LEO's, guns drawn, sheltering behind their open car doors.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! he yelled, even as he complied in the face of the firepower aimed at him. NCIS! Badge is in my jacket pocket. I was the one being shot at!
One officer hustled forward to manhandle Tony to his knees, confiscate his Sig and rifle his pockets until the agent's badge was located.
Hey, you really are NCIS! The surprise was evident in the young cop's voice.
Let me see that, An older, slightly heavier officer joined the first. Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, eh?Yeah. Can I get up now? Tony was unused to having to crane his head around to look at anyone and he didn't appreciate being put in this position.
Not so fast. We got a call that some nut was shooting up the street. Gave us your description. Both officers were still eyeing Tony with some suspicion.
There was some nut shooting up the street! He was aiming at me!Troubles, DiNozzo? Both the cops and Tony looked up as Fornell emerged from the shadows.
Nah, Fornell. I always hang out on the sidewalk with my cop friends like this after a shooting. Tony and Fornell glared at each other for a moment while the young officer glanced between the two men.
You know this man? the older officer finally asked Fornell of Tony.
Yes. Is there a problem, Officer LaRousse? Fornell made a point of reading the man's name badge.
LaRousse explained the situation and Fornell shook his head. DiNozzo wasn't the one doing the shooting, he was the one being shot at.And you can verify this? How, exactly?He was on the phone with me. Fornell pulled out his cell phone and brought up the call log.
May I see your cell phone, Agent DiNozzo? The younger officer was becoming slightly more polite. He took Tony's phone and scrolled through the call log, then frowned and handed it to his partner.
Sure, but my call is logged as having—They just need to see that you were on the phone, DiNozzo, Fornell interrupted him.
That's not strictly true. Agent DiNozzo's phone says his call came from someone named Gibbs. Not you. LaRousse looked up at Fornell, suddenly suspicious.
Agent DiNozzo doesn't like me. He wouldn't have taken my call. So I hacked the caller ID for his boss. If I may? While Fornell took his phone and called Tony's to demonstrate, Tony seethed, still on his knees on the ground.
Anybody mind if I get up now? After all, I'm the victim here!Fine. Clearly there's been an error here. I'm going to need a statement from you on this. LaRousse eyed Tony carefully as the agent got to his feet with a grimace.
I'll personally see to it that you get a statement from both of us, Officer LaRousse, Fornell said smoothly, pulling out his FBI ID. He transferred his gaze from the officer to Tony as he continued. I'm sure this was just a case of mistaken identity and I can guarantee that this sort of thing won't happen again.