Family Matters
THE COP AND THE CON
AN: This has S9 spoilers, and S10 spoilers, also, for NCIS, considering we don't know how they are going to spin Ziva's storyline.
This will be off cannon because I can't remember all that happened in the last few episodes of the season. If it is, call it literary license and believe me when I say, it works for the story. I got the idea of writing the story this way from another fan fiction, in progress, that I am reading. I loved the angle the writer used and when I get access to the Internet again I will look the name and story up and give them credit. This writer had Tony take himself out of the picture. And I did a similar thing here.
It was gibbsandtonysbabe and the story is Splintered, still in progress. Thank you !
Enjoy!
Neal stood on his balcony, coffee cup in hand, just taking in the day.
"Neal, Darling, you have a visitor." June said, opening the door after a brief knock to announce her presence.
Neal turned to look at who it was. He grinned broadly, put down his coffee cup and then went to embrace his dear friend.
"To what do I owe this pleasure, Anthony DiNozzo?" Neal asked.
"Well, Neal George Caffrey…" Tony replied, grinning. "…I just wanted to see an old friend."
Neal lead Tony onto the balcony and Tony helped himself to a cup of coffee.
"Didn't sleep on the red eye?" Neal asked, taking in the bags under Tony's eyes and his general weariness.
Tony shook his head. "Too much going on at home couldn't…shut my mind down."
"Jackie Vance?" Neal asked.
Tony looked up at him, surprised.
Neal shrugged. "You hadn't been calling regular. Then when I heard about Eli David and Jackie Vance, the director's wife…. I put it together it was Ziva they were talking about when they mentioned Eli's daughter living in the U.S. on the news. I just…I'm sorry. What can I do?" Neal asked.
Tony shook his head. "Things are just so…screwed up. Ever since Eli's death Ziva's been acting…. She has a death wish. She's willing to avenge her father at all costs. I'm not sure if she cares who she takes down to do it." Tony replied. "She too dangerous to the team, to NCIS like that, but I seem to be the only one who sees it."
"Gibbs…what…?" Neal started.
"Gibbs has a soft spot for Ziva, and he exacted his own revenge when Shannon and Kelly died." Tony replied. "He understands where all that's coming from. But, I've got to tell you, it scares the hell out of me."
"What can I do, Tony?" Neal asked again.
Tony shook his head. "Nothing, I just…I needed to get away from it all. I just needed to get away from my life. I wanted to live in a mansion with an incredible view of the New York skyline for a few days."
Neal smiled and he and Tony fell into a comfortable silence.
June came up about 20 minutes later with fresh coffee and Danish. She sat the tray on the table. She looked at Tony for just a second. She then went over and took his hand, causing him to look down at her.
"It's going to be okay, Tony." June said squeezing his hand gently. "But you can't run away. Your friends will need you after this is all over."
Tony smiled at her. "You see this in your crystal ball, or do you read Tarot?"
June shook her head and touched his chin. "No, I saw it all in those beautiful green eyes of yours. I've learned to read people, my darling. And you have very expressive eyes."
June squeezed his hand and then let go. "I'll be downstairs if you two need anything."
"How did she…?" Tony asked Neal.
"I don't know." Neal shrugged. "It's freaky."
"So, Ziva's after revenge?" Neal asked.
"Yeah, she's…she's so caught up in it, that nothing else matters. She's gonna get somebody killed. The director…he's approved an Intel mission." Tony hesitated.
"It's more than an Intel mission?" Neal asked.
Tony nodded. "The big boss wants revenge, too." He shook his head. "Neither of them appreciates the fallout that this could have…for the agency, for the nation."
"They haven't considered…?" Neal started.
"Oh, I think they've considered. They just don't care." Tony replied. "Things are going to get really, really bad before they get good."
Neal studied his friend for a moment. "There is something here that you're not telling me."
Tony looked at Neal for a moment and sighed. "I was left out of the loop on this. Ziva and Tim were conducting 'research' and didn't tell me anything about it. I found out and confronted them and then they told me everything."
"Why…" Neal asked. "…all the undercover work you've done…?"
"Because Tim won't stand up to her, and I will. She knows I think it's too dangerous to go after this person. We already know he's a killer. We have no reason to think he will hold back on us. And considering we're not really sure who it is. We have an idea. We know the organization. But we're not sure the person." Tony replied.
"They already know who you are…you'll be a moving target." Neal said.
"Exactly." Tony replied. "And I'm not sure they do. But there is a good chance the right people know Ziva. And so…anybody with her…."
Neal nodded.
"I want to be as far away from this as possible. The jobs and lives that could be lost here, Neal, I just…." Tony shook his head again. "…I want no part of it."
"Well, you know you're welcome to stay here as long as you want. I know June won't mind." Neal said. "I'm sure she's fixing up your room on the second floor right now."
Tony looked at Neal. "I know what you're thinking. But you can't get Peter involved in this. He, if he knew about it, would have to report what he knew. That would get the FBI involved. I just…it wouldn't be good, for anybody. That's why I'm here, even knowing what I know could get me in real trouble. I have knowledge of a potential crime, and I haven't tried to stop it or report it to anyone. I just want as much physical distance between me and that mess as possible. "
A few hours later Peter came to June's to check on Neal. It was one of the few weekends that they were not working. He wanted to make sure Neal was doing something constructive.
Peter knocked on the door and then let himself in. He didn't see Neal at first. But he heard voices. He heard singing. He followed his ears out onto the balcony. He stood, listening, for just a moment. He didn't want to make his presence known, just yet. He smiled as he listened to Neal and Tony harmonize as they strummed their guitars.
"Peter." Neal said, noticing his presence.
Peter acknowledged Neal. He then turned to Tony. "Tony…here officially?"
Tony shook his head.
"Neal and I have been keeping up on the news out of D.C." Peter paused. "Sorry to hear about the Director Vance's wife, Jackie."
"It's been a rough few weeks, for everybody." Tony admitted.
"I can only imagine." Peter stated. He was studying Tony's expression and he saw something there. He was just not sure what it was.
"Is there anything I…?" Peter started to ask.
"No!" Tony said, more forcefully than he meant to.
Peter didn't say anything for a moment or two.
"I don't want to be anywhere near Washington, D.C. when everything goes to hell, Peter. And trust me, you don't either." Tony replied. "I've got a lot of built-up vacation/leave time due me, and I'm taking it."
Peter then looked to Neal for answers. Neal just shrugged. Something big was happening in D.C., of that Peter was sure. But there was nothing he could do about it. And from what Tony was saying, that is probably a good thing.
"You'll join us in the office Monday morning?" Peter asked Tony.
Tony smiled. "I would love to see this one at work." He said, indicating Neal.
"Good, you come in with Neal on Monday." Peter said. "But tonight you two come to my house. El will be glad to know you're in town, Tony. She's can always use an excuse to try out new recipes."
Tony nodded and smiled.
A couple of hours later, both Tony and Neal were at the Burke's residence. El was thrilled to see Tony, and she gave him a big hug as she ushered him in the door. She took the cannoli Tony had brought and sat it on the kitchen counter. She greeted Neal and took the bottle of wine he offered and sat it on the counter also.
"I'm glad you're here, Tony." El replied. She and Tony sat the table as Peter and Neal poured the wine. "I was so sorry to hear about what's happening in D.C. But I am really glad you're here."
Tony smiled. "Me too, El, I'm taking a much-needed vacation."
"How long will you be staying?" El asked.
"I'm not sure. I just…depends on how things go in D.C." Tony stated.
"…sounds a little…mysterious." El replied.
"More like dangerous, El." Tony admitted. "And I want no part of it."
"Well, I know Neal would love to have his big brother around for awhile. And Peter and I love having you here. For one thing, Peter doesn't have to worry, as much, about what Neal's up to." El stated.
"You've just got to keep him busy. He gets bored easily." Tony replied.
El nodded. "Peter figured that one out pretty quickly."
Tony smiled. "He's too smart for his own good."
"…about this danger…are you…?" El asked.
"No, I'm not in danger, El. I would never come here. I would never do that to Neal or to you guys. But…if I go back home, to D.C., I'm afraid I'll find myself in the middle of it all." Tony had not intended to tell El anything. But he had been carrying it around. And he knew whatever he told Peter or El would not leave the room.
El didn't press the issue. She could tell Tony had not wanted to even tell her that much. "Well then, we are definitely glad you decided to come and visit. And we will do this again, before you leave."
Neal and Tony returned to the mansion a few hours later after a great meal and some equally as good conversation. And Tony sat with Neal out on his balcony for a while before he then went down to the bedroom June had readied for him on the second floor. He showered, shaved, and got ready for bed before he picked up his phone and called a certain number in his speed dial. He had to know what was going on in D.C., and he had to get his information in an objective and non-confrontational way.
Tony dialed his phone. "Tobias." He said in lieu of a greeting.
"DiNoteso." Fornell replied. "How's Trix?"
"You're hilarious, Toby." Tony replied.
Neither man spoke for a moment. Tobias kept up with NCIS affairs, much more than the director or Gibbs knew about or, most definitely, would like. DiNozzo knew that and had, very wisely, not shared it with anyone at NCIS.
"You're smart, Kid." Tobias replied.
Tony didn't say anything for a moment. That statement spoke volumes. He waited for Fornell to continue.
"Ziva's been granted permission, by Vance, for a fact-finding mission, as they are calling it. Since you're not there, Agent McGee has been recruited to go with Ziva." Tobias replied. "Gibbs is turning a blind eye to the real reason for this. David has no proof the man she's targeted actually killed anyone. But she's sold Vance. He believes she's got the right person. But the…it's not proof. There is no solid link. It's Ziva's suspicion and her overwhelming desire to avenge her father that's driving this." Tobias stated. "I don't want Tim to come back in a body bag, Tony."
"I tried, Tobias. They won't listen to me." Tony replied. "Gibbs has decided to let her have her revenge, regardless. Vance is almost giddy she's going to take this guy out. He's already working on the NCIS official cover story. And Tim, I like the guy, but he can't say no to a strong-willed woman." Tony paused. "He just can't. And Ziva is about as strong-willed as they come."
"Well, I'm glad you're out of this, DiNoteso." Fornell stated. "They're gonna need somebody who's not been…tarnished by this whole thing to deal with the fall out and the cleanup."
"When this all goes sideways…." Tony started.
"…heads are gonna roll." Tobias replied, finishing his sentence.
No one said anything for a second or two.
"Take care, Tony." Tobias replied. "I'll call when I can."
"Thanks, Tobias." Tony said, and then hung up.
NCIS/WC NCIS/WC NCIS/WC NCIS/WC NCIS/WC
Tony looked at himself in the mirror one more time before he went upstairs to Neal's apartment. He had, at first, thought he wouldn't need any suits on this trip. Now he was glad he brought them along. He smiled as he took one last look, straightening his tie.
"Is it federal regulations that you guys have to wear ugly ties?" Neal asked, as soon as Tony walked in the door.
"Well, good morning to you, too." Tony replied standing and watching Neal tie his tie.
Neal smiled. "I don't mean you. But I swear…I think Peter shops at the Ugly Tie Store."
"We wear ties, of course, to look professional. But we can't go in looking like we wear Armani or something because then all the person sees is the suit." Tony explained.
"So, what…the ugliness of the tie is in direct proportion to the level of professionalism?" Neal asked.
"…something like that." Tony replied, grinning.
NCIS/WC NCIS/WC NCIS/WC NCIS/WC NCIS/WC
Forty-five minutes later Tony and Neal met Peter at a crime scene. A Manhattan socialite was accosted in her home and one of her priceless pieces of art was stolen, a Monet, which she had purchased for 2.5 million. She had been told it was appraised for 3 million.
Tony walked the scene with Peter. Peter had never really seen Tony at work, and but now he could see Tony's investigative mind kicking in. Tony seemed to be absorbing the scene, looking at everything very closely, but touching nothing. Neal stood with Diana and Jones, listening to the victim describing her treasured painting. She also had a list of suspects for them, anybody from the butler they had hired just months ago, with gambling debts, to her tax accountant whom, she said, was many, many months behind on his alimony.
Tony had also been trying to listen to the description of the painting. He had his suspicions about this, so called, robbery. And he shared them with Peter when they left the scene.
"I didn't see anything disturbed, Peter. And I can't see anyone taking a painting as big as she one she described down and not hitting something around it." Tony replied. "If you snatch and run you're not that careful. I also saw some paint on the woman's hands. She doesn't strike me as a painter, especially not in a chenille blouse." Tony reported. "No one broke in, from what I could see. But since her list of suspects was people who were close to her, she could have let any of them into her house, herself."
"Well, she knows her art work. She described one of Monet's more obscure works." Neal replied. "She knew the history behind it and everything."
"Does she strike you as an art forger?" Tony asked Neal.
"No, but judging from the money she has hanging on her walls, she could afford the best." Neal replied.
Peter looked at Tony, unsure of his train of thought.
"It's a racket. She has people who make up forgeries. She pays an authenticator for his expertise to say they are real. The…." Tony started.
"The paintings get stolen. She produces the authentication paperwork. The insurance company has to pay up." Peter replied.
"…but the paint on her hands?" Neal asked.
"That was an oversight on her part. She didn't realize the painting was still wet when she hung it." Tony stated. "She was in a real hurry to have this one 'stolen.'"
"But why? She has real, authentic masterpieces." Peter replied.
"Right, it lends to her credibility. If she has a few genuine pieces around, the assumption is all will be authentic. And with an authentication 'expert' on payroll…." Neal surmised.
"She's got the perfect money-making scheme. She has paintings commissioned by these…artists. She turns around and has them authenticated by her guy. And then they are stolen." Tony concluded.
"And you got all that from some wet paint and a chenille blouse?" Peter asked.
Tony nodded.
"You might want to think about a career with the FBI's White Collar Division." Peter replied.
THE END
More Adventures with Tony and Neal to Come!
END NOTES: I know I kind of left you guys hanging on the D.C. NCIS part of this story. But I was not really concentrating on that here. I wanted there to be some sort of reason for Tony to come to New York. But I may pick that part up in a later Tony and Neal adventure.