Disclaimer : You'll have to re-read Chapter 1 for it.
Keep up the review, folks! I'm just tickled that you're all enjoying this story...I having just as much fun writing it as you're having reading it!
Chapter 12
Tim's stomach growled loudly, causing the team to look up from their desks.
"Geez, McGee, would you go visit the vending machine or something?" Gibbs ordered. "I don't need you passing out from the lack of food."
"And pick me up something while you're there, will ya, Probie?" Tony stated more than asked.
After interviewing their respective people, the team had met back at the office and were currently reviewing their notes, looking for possible angles. Anything that might give them an idea of where to go next.
Late afternoon gave way to early evening. Late evening was just beginning to give way to early night.
Ziva's phone rang.
"David." She answered plainly. "It's okay…really?...sounds good…I'll check."
Ziva placed a hand over the mouthpiece of her phone.
"Gibbs, I know how you feel about actual eating during an open case, but what if supper came to us?"
Gibbs frowned.
"Roxane brought us supper…says it's a peace offering."
Blue eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"She might be able to answer some unanswered questions for us." Ziva offered.
"Or throw us off on the wrong track." Tony suggested from his desk.
"Aren't you agent enough to pick up on thatif she tries it, Tony?" Ziva shot back.
"Bring her up." Gibbs announced.
Inwardly, he was happy to see Ziva's friend again. He really didn't want her to be a suspect. Her alibi had checked out. She was on a flight from Ottawa to Washington. But she still could be connected somehow. His gut, though, shouted otherwise.
The inner turmoil continued until he heard the soft ding of the elevators and Roxane stepped out, the warm smell of pizza wafting towards the team.
"I love you." Tony practically shouted, jumping up to help her with the boxes.
Roxane blinked.
"Roxane, meet Tony."
Tony placed the boxes on his desk and grabbed Roxane's right hand.
"Anthony DiNozzo at your service, Ms. Jamieson." He kissed the top of her hand. "You have saved me from an undignified death-by-lack-of-food. Anything you want, just ask. Your wish is my command."
Roxane turned her head to look at Ziva. She shook her head, questioning how Ziva thought this was charming. Too staged for her liking. She tugged her hand back.
"Plates and napkins are in the top box. Didn't think you'd mind the lack of cutlery." She worked her way past Tony and approached Gibbs who watched her from his chair.
Roxane stopped and looked down. She disappeared momentarily from Gibbs' view and stood up.
"I think you dropped this earlier." She held out a pen.
Gibbs took the pen from her, remaining silent.
"I'm sorry for being such an uptight bitch."
Gibbs eyebrows rose at her bluntness.
"I don't enjoy being accused of something when I'm innocent."
"Do you enjoy it when you're guilty?" Gibbs' first words caused Ziva to sigh at her desk.
"Depends on the punishment." Roxane admitted and then softly continued. "Will you accept my apology and peace offering?"
Gibbs remained silent.
"I only go down on my knees for one reason, Special Agent Gibbs."
One side of his mouth twitched.
Tony stared.
"And that's to retrieve fallen pens." Roxane finished.
Ziva breathed a sigh of relief.
Tony looked disappointed.
"Stay." Gibbs said softly and stood up. "So what kind of pizzas did you bring?"
"Hey, I got chocolate bars for everyone!" Tim rounded the corner, stopping at the smell.
"Save 'em for dessert, Probie. We get food tonight!" Tony announced.