Hey, guys, sorry for the delay! Thanks for the reviews.
I want to apologize for chapter nine, one of you commented on how it was hard to follow with the switching from Tony and Gibbs' POV's. I guess its one of those situations where you read and re-read your own work so many times, you fail to catch some of those big things!
Also, in the last chapter, I meant to add a disclaimer. Max Lucado's book, "Applause of Heaven" , is a great book, but I don't own it. ;) Well…technically, I do have a copy somewhere….
Okay, and I want to make something clear here. This is (unofficially) where part two of this fic begins. The first ten or so chapters were dealing more with the emotional side of the story, from here on (until somewhere closer to the end) I'm dealing with more action. (hey, I have to keep your attention somehow!)
"Boss, Kate got another call. It was really odd—there was a scream, and then the line---" Tony stopped, eyes narrowing at the FBI agent who entered the bullpen with Gibbs.
"Agent Dinozzo," Fornell acknowledged. He then proceeded to sit at Gibbs' desk, rapidly typing on his keyboard.
Tony raised his eyebrows at his boss, with a what-is-he-doing-here gleam in his eyes. Gibbs ignored him, and leaned against the back of the chair that Fornell occupied. Dinozzo could hear their hushed whispers, but he could not comprehend what they were speaking about. Gibbs finally glanced up, and waved a hand at the younger agent.
"Go do something, Dinozzo!"
Tony shared a shrug with McGee, who looked equally puzzled.
Suddenly Gibbs' voice raised above a whisper. "What do you mean you won't take us!" He exclaimed, his eyes saying more. Enough to make Fornell squirm in his seat with something between fear and guilt.
Fornell glanced over at Dinozzo and McGee, who from their desks, were openly staring. Gibbs caught the look and waved them over.
Fornell looked long and hard at Tony and McGee. When he turned his stare to Gibbs, he returned it. Tony watched in half amusement as the two men battled with their eyes.
"Its too dangerous," Fornell muttered, obviously showing signs of weakening.
Gibbs actually laughed. "You are concerned about danger?" he asked." Is that why you let Ari go? Believe it or not, Tobias, we are federal agents, too. Whatever you've got, my team can handle it."
Fornell pulled himself up. "Is that why one of your team is gone?" he almost automatically regretted his words, as he felt the atmosphere in the room dramatically change with the anger of the three other men.
He got up, hoping Dinozzo wouldn't jump him as he walked by him towards the exit. "We'll be in touch," were his only last words.
As he let, the others remained silent. The two youngest looked at Gibbs expectantly, waiting for some type of explanation.
It dint' come. Instead, "Dinozzo, get the sedan. McGee, gear. Get me a coffee, and meet me out front."
………………………………………
"We're gonna track him!" McGee asked dubiously.
"Well, yeah, McGee. Looks like you've learned a little about the dirty side of your job since you started working here."
"That's our little boy," Tony said sarcastically, patting McGee—none too gently—on the head patronizingly.
"But…he's Fornell…." McGee sputtered.
"Yep, and that's Gibbs," Tony reassured, pointing to their boss, who was now several feet ahead of them.
"And he claims this is a top security case!" McGee continued.
"We do have pretty high clearances, probie, last time I checked."
"Fornell is like….Gibbs…you can't mess with him!"
"Unless you are Gibbs," Tony pointed out, "But now that you mention it, if we get caught—" he rubbed a finger across his throat.
McGee finished his sentence. "We can kiss our careers goodbye."
They both almost plowed into Gibbs when he stopped suddenly, and whirled around.
"That is going to happen anyway if you two don't get moving!" he snapped.
"Coffee not hot, boss?" Tony grinned impishly.
The quick glare subdued the mischievous agent, and he dove dangerously towards the gear.
………………………
"And look at that fettuccine, boss! He slurps it up like….well…he slurps it up! My mom would have loved this guy" Tony spoke excitedly into the headset, carefully watching Tobias Fornell. Obviously the Italian café was one of the FBI agent's favorites.
Gibbs' voice, among the static, crackled tiredly.
"Dinozzo…" he said in a warning voice.
"Uh, right boss….Yeah, I'd say he's definitely waiting for someone."
As if his own words were a signal, a figure appeared, slipping very casually next to Fornell.
He spoke even lower to his teammates. "Okay, hat pulled pretty low, not to mention kind of dark to see anyway. Trying to look easy—but dressed like…like doesn't want to be seen. Moves like a woman. But pretty strong."
"Moves like a woman?" came a second voice.
"Don't scare me with those words, Probie!" Tony exclaimed, shuddering at McGee's naive attitude. Creepy thing was, some girls—women—liked it. He mentally made a not to have a talk with Probie when this was all over.
Tony focused his attention on Fornell and the mysterious female figure. He wished he could hear what they were so secretly whispering about.
Almost as suddenly as she slipped in, the girl stood up, and stepped out the back exit.
Tony knew McGee was stationed directly behind the building.
"Coming your way, Probie," he whispered. "And watch the way she moves."
"Roger that. Think its Fornells' girl?"
"Dressed like that? Maybe—if she is a criminal he put behind bars previously. Whatcha think, boss?"
"Just as long as it's not one of my ex's.," Gibbs grunted.
…………………………
"Seriously, boss, unless you know more than you are saying, which I don't doubt, I think Fornell just wanted to be…ahem…nice and treat us to Italian.
Gibbs didn't smile. It was true. Apart from the mysterious girl McGee was (hopefully) still chasing, Fornell's evening included nothing out of the ordinary. After dinner, he had lit up a cigarette, and walked down the street, Tony and Gibbs following behind at a safe distance. Fornell appeared to be in deep thought, blending in with the District's diverse crowd. It was getting late, and Fornell had to be heading home soon.
The crowds grew smaller as Agent Fornell turned down several streets. Not good. It would be a lot easier for him to spot them. Maybe not a coincidence. At least it was easier for them to keep both eyes on him.
Apparently they weren't the only ones. Out of the deep darkness, near a shadowy building, two long arms reached out, pulling Special Agent Tobias Fornell out of sight. Now only the darkness remained, and neither knew what lurked in it.
But they were going to find out. Hopefully, it wouldn't cost them too much. Stealthily, they crept closer.
Tony froze suddenly, as he felt a hand on him. He thought one thing in that instant--they weren't dealing with amateur criminals here. These guys would do anything. They had caught him now. That could only mean the end.