Chapter 2

Tony headed home. This would be his last night in his Washington, D.C. apartment and he wanted to enjoy it. He had loved this place, and he remembered his first night as if it had not happened a mere 12 years ago.

Tony had actually found the apartment while he was working on the Baltimore P.D. It had always been recommended that officers not live in the areas they worked or patrolled. It made it too easy for officers to become targets of the criminals that they hunted. Tony did it one better. He elected not to even live in the same state. It was a bit of a nightmare at tax time. But, it insured his safety. He had moved in a few short weeks after coming to Baltimore. He didn't mind the drive, it was a small price to pay to know that the criminals he chased during the day could never find him at night. Over the years, he had made improvements. He had paid for kitchen upgrades and painting. Tony wanted to choose the color. In exchange, Tony turned in the invoices and got to live 'rent free' for a few months, depending on the amount on the invoice.

Tony had never been one to really care what was in his apartment. While working for the various police departments, he worked more than he stayed home. His apartment was just a place sleep, change clothes and take a shower. He didn't care how it was furnished or if it was furnished. It wasn't until he started with NCIS that he began to feel he could have more than just a bachelor's pad. He never invited his women friends over. It was his place, his sanctuary. And, after finding himself working more regular hours, he started to care where he lived and how it looked. He started to take pride in his little slice of heaven. And now, it was all he could do to turn and walk away. He had not expected to become so attached to something that was not even his.

Tony smiled when he thought about the times that Kate had said she would not want to see Tony's apartment. The frat-boy bachelor pad, she had imagined in her head. She would have been floored to see the real thing. The baby grand in the corner, the nice furnishings and the modern, updated kitchen.

Tony sunk down into his sofa and put his feet up on his coffee table as he called Ducky.

"Anthony, I am surprised to hear from you, Dear Boy." Ducky responded. "It's usually Jethro who calls me back to NCIS."

"This is not about NCIS." Tony paused. "Well, actually it is. But, not that way." He paused again. "I…It's just…."

"Have you spoken to Director Vance?"

"I have." Tony replied. "I understand the two of you, and Palmer have discussed…my situation."

"We have." Ducky admitted.

"What conclusion did you come to?" Tony asked. He really, honestly wanted the ME's opinion.

"I never took your situation lightly, Anthony. I saw things, and I heard things. But…but, it was not my place to interfere."

Tony nodded, even though Ducky could not see him. "I understand, Ducky. And I don't blame you. You're right. I would have resented what I would have termed interference. I would not have seen it." He sighed. "So, Jimmy feels the same way?"

"Actually, Mr. Palmer was the first to kind of put things together. He just happened to be around when more of the nastier comments were made. The banter, he said, just got more and more toxic, it seemed, at every crime scene. Jethro never said anything. And, of course, they were petulant around you. But, there was much you didn't hear. And, Mr. Palmer and I were so sure Jethro would speak up. When that didn't happen, we figured it was because he was waiting for you to handle things, yourself. He was waiting for you to say something."

"Well, I'm handling things."

"I'm glad." Ducky admitted. "What exactly is going to happen Monday?"

"Leroy Jethro Gibbs is going to blow his stack in Washington, D.C. while I am getting adjusted to my new team in Honolulu, Hawaii."

"That is marvelous, Anthony. Are you picking your team?" The M.E. asked.

"It is a new team in construction. I will be the first team leader for their first team." Tony said. And he found he was actually getting excited at the prospect of having his very own team.

"That is quite remarkable, my Dear Boy. I know you will do well. It will be a blow for everyone. But, we will survive. And, I just may have to feign illness on Monday. I am not sure. But, at any rate, we will keep in touch. I will keep your location a secret, until you tell me otherwise. Mr. Palmer will do the same. I just hope you have a guest room or a cottage to accommodate long-term guests."

"I have seen pictures. And I was told the house has 3 bedrooms. So, I'm sure I can find room for you and the Palmer family."

"I will start planning my visit." Ducky said. "Oh, and Anthony, Tony…Thank you."

Tony was not expecting that. He didn't know what to say.

"Thank you for taking an interest in tales of an old Scottsman. Thanks for being such a generous and compassionate person. And thanks for being such a good friend. I will miss having you so close to home."

Tony nodded and his voice broke, just a little. "Same here, Ducky, same here."

NCIS NCIS NCIS NCIS

"Daddy! It's Uncle Tony." Victoria said. She always made it to the phone first these days. And, it made her feel like a big girl when she got to say, 'Hello, this is the Palmer residence.'

"Thank you, Tori." Jimmy said, taking the phone from his daughter. "Go play with your dolls, Honey. I need to talk to Uncle Tony for a little bit, okay."

Tori nodded and headed off to her playroom.

"Wow," Tony said as soon as he heard Jimmy come on the phone. "She was just a little baby not too long ago."

"I know." Jimmy nodded. "Now she thinks she's all grown up because we let her answer the phone every once in a while." He sighed. "You sound like a man who's made a decision."

"I have. But, wait! How did you know about today?"

"I came upstairs to deliver something to Gibbs, so he would have it Monday morning. I saw everybody's stuff was gone, except yours. Then I heard you and the director and Caryn talking as you all were waiting for the elevator. Given the conversations Dr. Mallard and I have had with the director…."

"Well, that's why I called. I wanted to say thank you. It was so much easier talking to Vance because he knew what was happening. And, I just wanted to thank you for being my friend, when I didn't feel like I had a friend in the world. Thanks for looking after me and speaking to Vance on my behalf. It just took me so long to see what was happening. I did see it, I guess. I was just in denial, hoping it would get better. But, of course, it never did."

"You're very welcome." Palmer asked. "Will you be here in D.C. or…?"

"Honolulu."

"Wow! Hawaii…that's…! I'm happy for you, Tony. I know it will be a great opportunity.

"You, Brianna and Tori are welcome anytime. Ducky is already planning his trip."

Jimmy couldn't help but chuckle at that one.

"We will keep in touch, Palmer. I promise." Tony replied.

"I know we will."

TBC

END NOTES: I know the timeline will be off for how old Tori is. Please take it as AU, slap a literary license label on it and go about your day. JL

Get ready…. Here comes Gibbs!