Over the next few days, Diana had the agreement for Lorenzo to authorize Kellie to retain an forensic accountant and look through the foundation records drafted and Lorenzo signed it.
While she was waiting for more information from the accountant, Spinelli, and Curtis, Kellie got a phone call from a blocked number.
Kellie didn't even get to say hello when she heard Gibbs voice on the line.
"Corinthos, what kind of stunt are you trying to pull?" Gibbs asked.
"What stunt?" Kellie asked.
"You can't really expect me to buy that you didn't arrange for your cousin to have a tour of all the Sec Nav and NCIS offices," Gibbs said, "I have no idea what you're hoping to accomplish. But sending some college kid to snoop…"
"Wait a second…Are you telling me that Molly is in D.C. at NCIS like right now?" Kellie replied.
"Kellie had no idea I was coming here," Kellie heard Molly yell in the background.
"I have to give it to both of you," Gibbs said, "You really made sure your stories lined up."
"Just put the phone on speaker, Gibbs," Kellie said, "….Please."
"This oughta be good," Gibbs said, switching the phone on speaker.
Hi, Kellie," Molly said, innocently.
"Don't "Hi Kellie" me," Kellie replied, "What are you doing at NCIS and why does Special Agent Gibbs think you were snooping?"
"I have to write a report on a law enforcement agency," Molly said, "I wanted to pick an agency no one typically writes about. Diane and Mom made arrangements to get a me tour of NICS and Sec Nav."
"Please tell me there is actually report for school to write on this," Kellie asked, exasperated.
"Oh there is," Molly said.
"And Gibbs thinks you're snooping why?" Kellie asked.
"There was no snooping," Molly said.
"Then what exactly do you call rifling through files in a room that was not part of the tour?" Gibbs interjected.
"Snooping," Kellie said, "Molly, what were you looking for? Before you even think up some legal excuse don't bother. We both know I have a gift for turning it around on you or anyone else for that matter."
"After Gibbs leaves the room," Molly said.
"Oh no," Kellie said, "Even I know better than to try and pull that one. You got busted. He wants answers."
"Shiloh's file," Molly answered.
"If you had told me this little plan you cooked up," Kellie said, "I would have told you it's been classified. Gibbs and his boss can't even get access to the file."
"You really didn't know," Gibbs said.
"I would not have authorized this and Molly knows it," Kellie said.
"Which is exactly why I didn't tell you," Molly said.
"And therefore broke our deal," Kellie said.
"If you had shared all relevant information to my article," Molly said, "I would have known this might not turn out like I planned."
"What article is she taking about?" Gibbs asked.
"The one I'm writing exposing Dawn of Day as a cult," Molly replied.
"I thought you were a law student," Gibbs said.
"I am," Molly said.
"First off," Kellie said, "in case I wasn't clear in our discussion on this matter the first time, you are in no uncertain terms to do any research that would put you in the position as acting as a private investigator or a cop or a federal agent. If you got into anything or had a lead that might end up in a dangerous situation, you were supposed to let me know. If Shiloh is connected to Garrett and any other people of his sort, they're not going to think twice about silencing you if they perceive you as a threat. Considering we already suspect that someone at NCIS or Sec Nav is putting a stop to the investigations, you could have put yourself in the line of fire."
"The foundation's director, Calvin has a sister, Alicia Darrington who works for Sec Nav," Molly said, "Their father is a senator."
"Do I even want to know how you found this out?" Kellie asked.
"I saw the name plate on her office door and googled it," Molly said, "So my little field trip paid off and you're welcome."
"Gibbs, I'll have plane waiting to pick her up the airport," Kellie said, "I'll send you the details."
"But what about my report?" Molly asked.
"I'm sure that you've seen enough that your genius brain can write that report blindfolded and in your sleep," Kellie replied, "You will be getting on the plane and I'm sure your mom will agree with me. I've got another call. Is there anything else you need from me, Gibbs?"
"I'll call you later," Gibbs said, "And I'll make sure this trouble maker gets on the plane."
"Considerate yourself fortunate, Gibbs," Kellie said, "Molly's supposed to be the good one in our family."
"Seriously," Gibbs said as Kellie hung up. She quickly made arrangements for a plane to pick up Molly and sent the details to Gibbs.
Kellie saw the call from Spinelli had gone to voice mail. Before she could call back, Jason called her.
"Spinelli's been trying to get a hold of you," Jason said, "He found a link between Calvin and NCIS. His sister work's for Sec Nav."
"I'm going to kill Molly," Kellie said.
"What does Molly have to do with any of this?" Jason asked.
"I couldn't take Spinelli's call because I was on the phone with Special Agent Gibbs," Kellie said, "Molly arranged to take a trip to NCIS for school. Gibbs caught her snooping and reamed me out for my nonexistent part in Molly's plan to find Shiloh's files.."
"I can't imagine he was thrilled," Jason said.
"No, he was not," Kellie said, "I've arranged for a plane to bring Molly back. I'll call Spinelli back. I'm going to have him search Lorenzo's computer files for Calvin's background check. I'm pretty sure that information on his sister didn't show up in our background check. According to Molly, she only had to search for Calvin and his sister using Google to find the connection."
"Who did the background check if the board wouldn't let Lorenzo do it?" Jason asked.
"The rescue coordinator," Kellie said, "Obviously telling everyone I threatened him isn't the only shady thing he's done."
The Floating Rib
Curtis was sitting at the bar when the Foundation's rescue coordinator, Evan Walsh came in. Evan walked sloppily up to the bar, showing signs of already having had a few drinks.
"Bartender, I want a bottle of your finest Johnny Walker," Evan slurred, flashing wads of cash.
"I can't serve you any more alcohol," Mac replied, "If the liquor board came in, they'd fine me for over serving you. Do you want water or soda or something to eat?"
"Aw come on, man," Evan said, "I need to celebrate my big win at the haunted star tonight."
"That's a lot of cash you're flashing around," Curtis said, "What's your game? Maybe you could share some tips with me?"
Mac flashed a strange look at Curtis before realizing that Curtis was fishing for information on a case.
"It's not all from the casino," Evan replied, "We'll just call it an advance on my promotion."
"Congratulations," Curtis said, "Surely, Mac, you could let me buy my new friend here a round to celebrate his good fortune?"
"Sure," Mac said, warily. He noticed Jason come in with Drew as another guest tried to slip out discreetly. Jason and Drew started a game of pool.
"So where do you you work and what's the promotion for?" Curtis asked.
"Crossing Into Dawn," Evan said, "It's not official yet, but the Director of Rescue Operations will be mine."
"I thought the current director was only on medical leave," Mac asked, setting a drink in from of Evan.
"Once the time is right he'll be let go," Evan said like it was no big deal, "The board hasn't been happy with the criminal element he and his niece hang around with."
"Isn't his niece the founder of the foundation," Curtis asked, "Seems like that might be a difficult."
"The board sacked the Corinthos bitch," Evan said, "for getting knocked up with Jason Morgan's bastard and threatening me, or so I said."
Evan was loud enough several patrons, including Jason and Drew and Diane and Max who were dining in a corner. Mac looked over at Jason and Drew, concerned.
Drew blocked Jason's path to keep him from confronting Evan.
"He's not worth it," Drew said quietly, Not unless you want to spend the night at the PCPD. I'm pretty sure Kellie would rip you a new one, especially if Curtis is working him for information right now."
"I'm supposed to just let him get away with calling my wife a bitch and child a bastard in front of me," Jason said.
"Here's the deal, if he doesn't go down for his part in all this," Drew said, "I'll help you go after him. Unless your wife makes it so we don't have to by the time she's finished with him."
Max had discreetly made his way over to Jason and Drew, "Drew's right. You'll make Diane's job that much harder if you attack the guy in public. Granted Kellie will probably make sure the guy is finished, but count me in if we need to finish the job."
"Fine," Jason said.
"Your shot," Drew said, as Max went back to Diane.
"So about your big win at the Haunted Star," Curtis asked, changing the subject, "I was serious what tips can you give me?"
"Trade secret," Evan said, noticing his glass was empty.
"Another round?" Evan asked.
"Nope," Mac said, "Not even if your new friend here buys."
"I guess I'll find some place more willing to take my money," Evans said, staggering angrily out of the bar.
"That guy is a piece of work," Curtis said, "Thanks for the assist."
"Did you get whatever it is you needed?" Mac asked.
"More than enough," Curtis said.
"Mac, could you be sure to give me a list of people here," Diane said, "I may need to call them as witnesses in a wrongful termination lawsuit I'm filing on behalf of a client."
"I'll have it to you by tomorrow," Mac said, looking around the bar, "Kellie's not even here and she still manages to turn my workplace into a circus."
"I'll do you one better, Ms. Miller," Curtis said, pulling his phone out from under the napkin and hitting a few buttons, "Check your phone."
"If that is a recording of your conversation with Mr. Walsh," Diane said, "I will tell Kellie to give you a bonus."
Jason and Drew had made their way to the bar by this time.
"I take it you heard all that," Curtis said.
"Hard not to," Drew said.
"We heard it," Jason said, "Can you use that Diane?"
"I'll be filing the lawsuit tomorrow morning," Diane said, "If you don't mind I'll be finishing my evening out with Max.
"Enjoy," Jason said.
"I'll be in touch," Diane said.
"So did you two see the amount of cash Mr. Walsh was showing off," Curtis asked.
"Yeah," Jason said.
"He mentioned it wasn't all casino winnings," Mac said, "Said it was an advance on a promotion for job currently filled by Alcazar. I'm wondering if he's skimming cash from somewhere."
"Like say the foundation," Curtis said.
"Kellie's doing her best to look into the foundations finances given she no longer works there or has anybody working there that can look," Jason said, "If we find something, we'll be in touch with the PCPD."
They were interrupted by a patron entering the the bar, yelling "A man's been stabbed. He's lying outside the bar."