"Gibbs, ever heard of knocking or scheduling an appointment!?" Vance shouted.

"Have you heard that Trent Kort is in the hospital?"

"Yes." Vance answered.

"Did you hear who shot him?" Gibbs asked.

"Yes." Vance answered this time with guilt in his eyes. After the long uncomfortable silence and having Gibbs stare deeply into his soul, Vance finally responded.

"Look, I don't know what DiNozzo may have told you. . ."

"Agent DiNozzo is even uncomfortable saying Trent Kort's name. And, he is trying incredibly hard to even avoid even the slightest eye contact with me right now, let alone tell me anything. What is that about exactly?" Gibbs accused.

"Yes." Vance said. "Maybe it would be best that Agent DiNozzo not be included in this case. Send him home."

"Dr. Berkley wants an investigation into her daughter's death." Gibbs stated. Vance looked away from Gibbs' accusing eyes. "And, why does she think The Frog died by suicide? That was never officially determined." Gibbs continued.

"And, Trent Kort is making some accusations that he is being followed by us. He wants all evidence that we have on the car bombings overseas."

Vance audibly sighed and did not turn around.

"Is he blackmailing you?" Gibbs asked, knowing he would not get an answer. "For how long?" Since Vance would not answer the question, Gibbs started to open the door to leave.

"I will give you the little evidence that we do have against Trent Kort." Vance offered softly. "But that will upset the status quo. We will have nothing over him anymore, and he will be targeting this agency, especially Agent DiNozzo."

"He already is." Gibbs stated. "And you are doing nothing to stop him."

"I know, but it will be worse now." Vance stated. "I might need to send DiNozzo afloat again."

"No!" Gibbs shot back at him as he closed the door again. Vance finally turned to face Gibbs.

"Kort doesn't work inside the rules of the agency. He is very dangerous. And, I am starting to wish that Dr. Berkley was a better shot."

"She does deserve justice." Gibbs added.

"That will never be served." Vance added. Gibbs finally walked out of the office, and he peeked over the balcony to look at his team, all sitting at their desks. He pulled out his cell phone.

"DiNozzo." Tony answered his desk phone.

"Conference room. Now." Gibbs ordered.

"Yes, Boss?" Tony nervously entered the conference room where Gibbs was standing. Gibbs turned to give Tony a concerned look. Gibbs walked behind Tony to close the door, as he guided him to have a seat.

"Why have you been sleeping here at headquarters?" Gibbs asked.

"What?" Tony said with a laugh, avoiding eye contact. After the long uncomfortable silence, Tony finally looked up at Gibbs.

"When my dad is out of town, I just. . .spend the night here." Tony finally answered.

"Why?" Gibbs asked confused.

"My apartment has been broken into multiple times over the past year. And after being poisoned, I just . . ." Tony trailed off.

"Why didn't you come to me? This is the first I am hearing about this, Tony." Gibbs stated angrily. "Why is that?"

"I told Vance." Tony added.

"Right away?" Gibbs asked forcibly. Gibbs slammed his fist down on the table, when Tony shook his head. Tony looked down in shame again.

"I don't like that you went to your father for help--over me." Gibbs stated.

"I needed to talk to someone---outside of work." Tony responded. "I first went to see him in Long Island after my car exploded."

"You come to me." Gibbs ordered. Gibbs just shook his head, as he regarded Tony.

"Go on." Gibbs opened the door. "Don't leave the building until this is resolved."

"Yes Boss." Tony avoided his angry gaze and left. Gibbs pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He redialed the number that Tony used to call his dad.

"Hey. This is Gibbs. I need to see you again. Let's meet for coffee."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I want you to give me all the evidence that you do have against Trent Kort." Gibbs ordered Tony's father.

"If I did that, I would have nothing to blackmail him with."

"Oh, I don't want you to blackmail him." Gibbs stated. He regarded Gibbs with a mischievous smile.

"You'll have it by the end of the day." He nodded at him then stood up. "It has been a pleasure." Gibbs rubbed his face, as he watched him leave.