INTERPRETING RULE 16.
Tony glances around the squad room before crossing to Ziva's desk. "There's no need to worry about this. I'll have your six. I'll say you just did what you had to."
"You will have my what?" His comment had sounded mildly suggestive but then most of what comes out of DiNozzo's mouth does.
"Your six Ziva. It's just a way of saying I'll watch your back."
"I thought you were usually more interested in watching women's fronts Tony." She grins.
"No. Not that I don't...I'm just..."
"Just what DiNozzo?"
"Trying to say that you are not to worry. I'm your partner and will support you. That is what partners do."
"Thank you but it really is not necessary. I will be fine."
"But Ziva the guy is claiming you broke his wrist when you tackled him to the floor. He was whining about suing and it could compromise the case if it is claimed you used excessive force in restraining him. I'm sure things were different at Mossad but here at NCIS..."
"What?" If she didn't stop him now he might go on like this for hours.
"Things are different."
"I am not worried Tony."
"Why not?"
"I am sure the Director and Gibbs will support my actions and besides you know..."
"Director Shepard probably would since I know you have a history with her. What makes you think Gibbs would? You're new here after all."
"I am on his team now and I was following his rules. I believe rule sixteen was applicable in that situation." Tony frowns as he tries to remember what that rule actually is. Then he grins.
"Ah, Ziva."
"Yes."
"I don't think you've quite understood the rule."
"If someone thinks they have the upper hand, break it. What needs to be understood about that?"
"Well it doesn't literally mean you break their hand."
"It does not?"
"No. For someone to gain the upper hand it just means they're on top..."
"Like the Director with Gibbs?" She gives a suggestive grin and he shakes his head at the image that has come unbidden into his mind.
"That the person is in control and to break it means to devise some way of taking that control from them."
"I understand now."
"Good."
"There is still no need for you to worry."
"Why not?"
"Dr Mallard is examining the suspects wrist now. I am quite sure he will discover that it was not broken and this is just a scam to make matters relating to his interrogation and possible arrest awkward for us."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Tony if I had broken his wrist..." she gives what is truly one of the most frightening smiles he's ever seen in his life "...there would be absolutely no doubt that it was broken."
She returns to her typing and he returns to his desk making a mental note as he does so to be very careful in his interactions with his newest colleague in the future.