A/N: Here's another chapter folks! Thank you for all the follows, favourites, and reviews! They make me smile every time I read them, so keep 'em coming!
Now, let's catch up to see where the team's up to..
Gibbs rode up in the lift doing his best to focus, that little side trip to the mall had been more than eventful! He had relented and allowed their girl to get the outfit, but the top was the original one she had tried on, that other one, that flimsy excuse for a top was left squarely in that change room. He couldn't even believe that his wife had suggested she try it on… he thought, no, stop! Focus! He had to concentrate, it was time to work! He had to put that whole episode out of his mind or he knew he wouldn't be able to focus at all! He heard the ding signal his arrival to the bullpen, right it was time to work marine! Focus!
Tony was busy finalising a number of the interview reports, he'd already signed off on 3 of the 4 SWAT team statement packs, there was just one left to reach him "Ziva, how close to finishing the DC SWAT reports are you?"
"I have one officer report to go, Lt Taylor's, he's made his very detailed" Ziva remarked, detailed was putting it mildly! "Once I've done that I will finalise Harry Taylors', and then Jacksons' report"
"Good" Tony nodded, he turned his attention to his next target "McGee, how's that report on Rooney & his actions coming"
"Almost there Tony, I've almost got it finalised, Fornell's due to start the interrogation in an hour" Tim reported
"Anything in what you've found implicating anyone else?" Tony asked, did they need to add anyone else to their every growing list of arrestees?
"No one Tony, just him. He dealt directly with MacDonald" Tim reported.
Tony nodded, he'd already hooked up Jim Nelson with Fornell to make the link they'd found work for them in the interrogation & he hadn't looped in anyone else. He didn't want it getting out until it was on the table in front of Rooney.
Tony looked between the pair "Right, once you've finished that get with Ziva to help her finalise the interview & action reports, I want them all finalised & on my desk before you leave tonight" he ordered, he'd then take those last few home to go through & sign off in the evening. That'd mean he'd have them all with the Director first thing in the morning, she'd then get them signed off within the day, as promised. He was busy finalising the sign off for the report in front of him when he heard the ding & looked up, it was just habit & he couldn't help his surprise at seeing who stepped off the lift "boss!"
"DiNozzo" Gibbs replied, he could see the man was confused, it was a little funny "Director in?"
"I think so boss" Tony answered, but then he realised something "ahh.. actually, she's got a visitor"
Gibbs narrowed his eyes, the way Tony spoke gave him cause of concern "and.. who might that be?"
"Ahh.. well….. Franks boss, he's out of the hospital" Tony responded hesitantly, he was unsure of the reception Gibbs would give the man, I mean the first encounter wasn't all that rosy.
Gibbs eyes widened, he'd completely forgotten that the man was in town! And that's when he saw the man, he was walking out of the director's office, well, he was hopping with the aid of a pair of crutches. On closer inspection, he saw that the man's lower leg was tightly wrapped & his foot was encased in a boot, the leg wound must have been a bad one. Whilst he was having issues with the man & how he let it happen in the first place, he was sorry that he'd been wounded badly enough to require surgery & that boot, right!
"DiNozzo, with me!" Gibbs ordered as he made his way towards the stairs.
"On your six boss" Tony replied automatically rising to follow, he knew that Franks was clearly Gibbs' target but how would this go? He flashed a concerned look to Ziva, he was a little well, worried!
Franks was on way out of the Director's office, he was glad to be out of the damn hospital that was certain. Whilst he was still sore, being in the hospital had given him too much time to think! He was still trying to figure out how it all got by him 13 years ago! He just couldn't work it out & it was driving him crazy! His eyes widened when saw Gibbs approaching, he was just approaching the top of the stairs, he swallowed the lump in his throat, oh boy!
Gibbs got the top level & took 2 steps before coming face to face with Franks, he just stared.
Franks held his gaze, he wasn't sure what the man was after, but he certainly didn't want to provoke him!
Tony could feel the tension growing, the pair were just staring at each other, he wasn't sure what going to happen, he was worried what would happen if Gibbs did punch the guy again, Franks wasn't exactly steady on his feet. He just watched carefully from a step back.
Gibbs eyes narrowed on the man in front of him, he couldn't forgive him, not yet but… "stay away from my family & we won't have issues, you want to speak to me, go through the Director!" he then kept walking.
Tony's eyes grew wide, he certainly wouldn't say anything, he just wasn't expecting that reaction from Gibbs! He was expecting something… but well, not that! He kept his gaze firm on Franks as he stayed right on his boss's six all the way to the Director's office.
"Agent G….." Cynthia tried to stop him, but it was too late.. why did she even bother anymore?
"What's this about the case going to trial next week?" Gibbs asked abruptly coming to a stop in front of the Director's desk.
"Well hello to you too" Jenn remarked surprised, would the man ever realise there was a door?
Gibbs just stared at her, she should know by now that he did not do pleasantries.
Jenn huffed as she stood "why don't we sit at the table" she suggested.
Gibbs was going to cut her off, but saw Tony move towards the desk & sit down almost immediately, he then saw the wince. His charge was still really feeling the sprained ankle, along with his other injuries. Which sure, it had only been a few days, but it still grated him the wrong way, he hated that he'd been injured so badly again. He didn't want to cause further pain for his charge, so he simply sat himself down next to him & waited for the Director to begin talking.
Jenn was surprised that she didn't get any fightback to her suggestion, but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, so she took seat as well. She took a breath "You do realise that the whole incident is making its way like wildfire throughout NCIS, the FBI and even the marine core don't you?" she asked, she wanted to try to give him the news gently, she wasn't sure how he'd take it.
"What's your point?" Gibbs asked, he didn't really like that his personal affairs were now the subject of watercooler talk, but there was nothing he could do. He just wasn't sure what it had to do with anything, let alone what it had to do with the case getting put through to the courts so quickly.
Jenn gave Tony a sidewards look before looking back at Gibbs "Jethro, it's reached all the way to the top echelons, and well… "
Gibbs eyes narrowed "well what?" what the heck was she getting at? So what if it's reached the higher ups? Who cares?
"You've got friends Jethro, lots of them" Jenn remarked "I didn't even know all of the connections you had, but in the last 48 hours, I've had Senators, Generals, Admirals, DA's all make contact to suggest that things should not be held up. That I should make sure that we had all our bases covered in the quickest amount of time as they would be ensuring this whole thing would be pushed through as quickly as possible to get it sorted for you & your family."
Gibbs eyes widened "who?" he asked quietly, sure he had friends that had rose through the ranks… but..
Jenn considered just which names to mention, but she knew which one to start with "Well Tom Morrow called me as soon as he heard stating quite categorically that if I didn't keep him updated that he'd have my head & if he could do anything he'd take care of it. Then there was Senator Patrik Kiley who woke me at 02:00 & asked me half a dozen times for confirmation of everything & was then quite, well.. he assured me that if we needed any assistance in pushing anything through that was getting even slightly held up that'd he take care of it. And then I was awoken again at 04:00 by Marine Commandant Charles Ellison who had apparently heard about what happened in Manchester, and as result your family's story. He, well, he's assured us that JAG will make sure they are available to try the case as soon as possible & will bring the full weight of the marine core down on Rooney & anyone else found to be implicated with him." Jenn had finished quietly, truth be told, she was astounded by the calls she'd gotten from everyone wanting to help. Sure she knew that Gibbs had been an honourable marine & NCIS Agent, but to the person they'd all damn near demanded they be kept personally updated & stressed the importance of getting the cases sorted to the highest standard because they'd be watching. And Tony thought that he was under pressure? She felt a world of pressure now!
Gibbs had known that Tom would have found out easily, and sure he figured water cooler talk could reach even Commandant Ellison, but Patrik had heard already? He wasn't expecting that one! "so are we going to be ready by next week?"
"The reports & all interviews will be signed off by me by the tomorrow 10:00, Rooney's might be the only one still outstanding." Jenn started to answer
Gibbs realised something "wait a second, that means that my family have to be prepared for court by next week! They're only just getting to grips with everything & you want…." Bugger this, he stood up "whether my family are ready to be put through that isn't for you to decide!" whether his family were up to it was for him & his wife to decide, no one else!
"Mrs Barnes has already spoken to me, with all of the evidence we have she does not believe that neither Kelly or Phoenix will be required to testify" Jenn said trying to calm him "but you know as well I do Jethro, that the family's don't get a say in when trials occur"
Tony seemed to be an observer to this tennis match, he hadn't known about all the calls the Director had received, he knew his boss had a lot of friends that he called in favours for & from throughout the various cases they worked, but a Senator & the Marine Core Commandant were amongst them? Wow!
Gibbs couldn't help but smirk "it seems like this one is for us decide when it is" what was he talking to her for anymore? She couldn't give him the answers he wanted, he decided to head for ones that he could get answers from.
"Jethro! Wait a moment please" Jenn called as soon as she saw him try to head off "I know you don't want to put your family through more pain, but isn't this whole thing part of the healing process? Enabling them to see the people that brought the hurt held accountable & get punished? I'd say that would help them, and why not get it done & dusted quickly"
Gibbs tensed "I've said it once before, but let me reiterate, do not tell me what is best for my family!" he asserted, no one had the right to tell him what was best for his family.
Jenn shook her head, she knew she'd not get through to him at the moment, she changed target "Tony… I'd like to…"
Gibbs took a few steps & realised something "DiNozzo!" he called.
Tony flashed a look between the pair, hmm.. he'd been called by both at the same time, but there only one response he could give "Coming boss"
Jenn was left sitting there watching the pair walk out… something had gotten into Gibbs, and she wasn't sure what it was exactly, but hang on, Tony was also acting differently too!? Hmmm.. she rose & went back to her desk, she pressed the intercom "Cynthia, asked Agent Fornell to come upstairs if he's free please." She wanted to talk about these changes in two of her best from her premier team.
Tony followed his boss out, he'd go back & see the Director later, but there was something clearly on Gibbs' mind, and he wanted to help his boss, however he could. "Boss, you ok?" he dared to ask when they were a safe distance away.
Gibbs let out a breath "yea Tony"
Tony's eyes widened, Gibbs called him…
"You heard me" Gibbs remarked, he'd seen the surprise on his charges' face & he quite enjoyed seeing it. He then thought of something else "what's on your plate today?"
"Ahh signing off on the final interviews & reports, and then ahh…. Well, Fornell's about to start the Rooney interview & I was going to…" Tony wasn't sure how to finish that sentence.
Gibbs nodded "ok, after you've observed that interview, I want you to go the Bethesda to do Joanne's formal interview."
"Me boss?" Tony queried, his boss wanted him to do the interview?
"Yes you" Gibbs confirmed "and take Viviane with you, Joanne's still not 100% & I want her to have support, just take it easy with her" out of all of his team, he knew Tony would be the best person to talk to Joanne, he'd make her feel comfortable & take care of her.
"Of course boss" Tony nodded "as soon as Fornell's interview with Rooney is done I'll get over to Bethesda"
Gibbs nodded "and Tony" he waited for his charge to look at him "that marine guard stays put on her door until I say, no one else, me!"
"Yes boss" Tony nodded "I'll make sure of it, I'll take care of her"
"I know you will" Gibbs murmured as he descended the stairs.
Tony had no idea what was going on with Gibbs, but damn, this was awesome! He couldn't help but grin as he followed his boss down the stairs.
Gibbs headed through the bullpen, he could see both Ziva & Tim were concentrating but something needed to be said "David, McGee, you better have your reports finalised & with DiNozzo within 2 hours! A second more & I'll kick your arses!" he barked
Ziva & Tim lifted their heads as they stared at their boss.
Gibbs knew he now had their attention "DiNozzo's got enough to worry about, so you better make sure they're up to scratch before he even gets them! Reports, 2 hours!" he barked again, then he continued walking. Tony had enough to worry about, so he wanted to make sure those 2 pulled their weight!
Ziva shared a look with Tim as she saw Tony take a seat at his desk "Tony.."
"Yes Ziva?" Tony responded whilst he got back to work, on the inside he couldn't believe that Gibbs had just said what he said, he was giddy with the confidence & proudness he was feeling.
"You asked for them by the end of the day… now…" Ziva didn't know what to make of things.
"Ahh Tony, Fornell was about to start that interrogation, I was going to go observe" Tim added, he'd done all the work for it, he wanted to watch it all go down & Tony had previously said end of the day, which was 5 hours away.
Tony looked across "and you can, as long as you've finalised the reports that I'm waiting on, that goes for both of you" he finished firmly.
Ziva & Tim both shared wide eyed looks, something had clearly happened upstairs, they both refocused, neither wanted to let Gibbs down & they both knew that Tony had a lot on his plate. They'd get the reports done, and maybe they'd be done in time to watch the Rooney interrogation?
Gibbs headed outside to the grassed area down near the coffee cart, he couldn't help but smile as he watched his family. They weren't doing much, just all sitting down on a blanket chatting away, they were smiling, laughing, but they were there, they were alive & well & that was something he would treasure every second he took breath. They were smiling, his wife was smiling & laughing, could he really break that peace with the news he'd just gotten?
Could he really tell his wife that within a week she'd have to dig everything up and talk about it? Was it for him to decide if she was ready for something like that? He knew it would be heart wrenching for her, and he barely knew any of it! Damn it, this wasn't fair! She would have to bare everything & he couldn't even support her through it as he didn't know any of it! He wasn't there for it! He swore MacDonald got off too lightly!
Before he knew it Gibbs was mere feet from his family & was smiling at all of them, they'd always make him smile. And he wouldn't admit it out loud, but he was semi getting used to those boys being around, maybe.
Shannon looked up as her husband approached "Jethro darling, what are you doing out here so soon?" why was he back here so quickly, he'd only been gone for maybe half an hour.
"Kells, Nix, you two stay here with the boys, just need to speak to mum for a bit, we'll then come back" Gibbs remarked.
"Sure dad" Kelly responded, it seemed a bit odd, but she just went with it, she also saw her brother give a nod.
Shannon walked away with her husband, something was up of that she was certain "Jethro, what's going on?"
Jethro brought the pair to a rest against the railing on the edge of the Anacostia "Shan, I just found out that they want to get this case to the courts by next week"
Shannon's eyes widened "next week? Is that even possible? Don't things have to be organised? Planned out? Surely it's not enough time?!"
"That's what I would have thought, but apparently strings are being pulled to help move things along" Gibbs admitted, he took a breath, this would be the hard part "apparently the Director has already spoken with Viviane & she's said that with all the evidence that has been collected that neither Kells or Nix will have to testify…" he was thankful for that, but he just couldn't finish the sentence.
Shannon's eyes widened again, then she realised something "they won't have to…but…"
Gibbs pressed his lips together, he could tell she'd worked it out "Shan, I hate that this is happening, and I hate that I don't even know everything's that's going to be asked of you.. I'll do whatever I can, whatever you need, I'll…"
"I know darling" Shannon interrupted him, she put her arms around his waist "I know you would & will do anything you can for me, for this family darling." She considered something "I know you said Viviane said that the kids wouldn't need to testify, but I don't want them to have to testify at all." She just couldn't put them through that, she would but wouldn't let them.
"Won't let that happen, the kids won't be testifying" Gibbs agreed.
Shannon smiled before continuing on "maybe it's better that we get it out of the way, you know just deal with everything now and not look back"
Gibbs looked straight into her eyes, he felt like he could get right into her soul "can you do it so soon Shan?"
"Yes" Shannon replied confidently "I'll do whatever I have to, to put this all behind us once & for all. We do what we have to for this family"
Gibbs smiled "we do, and we'll get through it Shan, I promise you, we'll get through it all & then not look back"
"No looking back" Shannon agreed, a thought came to her "I want a holiday Jethro, a beachside, horse riding holiday"
Gibbs couldn't help but laugh "ohh yea, beachside, horse riding holiday is definitely happening! Maybe a bit of sailing thrown in too?"
"Fornell" Tony greeted.
"DiNozzo" Fornell greeted back as they entered the observation room.
"You ready for this?" Tony asked him as he saw someone else enter the room "Jim" he nodded
"Tony, Tobias" Jim greeted "that final piece, I got it"
"And?" Tony & Fornell both urged.
Jim simply handed the folder over to them "he's got no way out now."
Tony looked over Fornell's shoulder & his eye's widened at what he saw "where the heck did you get this from so fast?"
"Still know people in the Core" Jim simply replied, he saw the door open again and saw 2 men walk in, one was Michael & the other… well he was tall & in a Navy uniform.
Tony saw Michael Barnes enter the room, he knew the man would be there, as the lawyer he was trying to listen to as many of the interviews as he could. It was saving him research time "Mr Barnes"
"Agent DiNozzo" Michael greeted back as entered the room, he was looking forward to this interrogation.
Tony was about to turn back to the mirror when he saw someone enter the room after Michael, and his eyes widened, holy cow! "Commander Rabb!"
A/N: So looks like we're on way to court hearings! I know it realistically wouldn't happen, but I want to get the 'case stuff' finished, and well this is a work of fiction, so I make some stuff up as we go!
And a surprise guest! But what's there for?
I've just started 2 weeks leave, so I'm really hoping to get some more chapters up, I hope everyone stays safe over the holiday period!
Please review & let me know your thoughts!