Chapter 13
Ziva leaned back in her chair. "That's really impressive, Mr. Ainsworth. So, what are all these numbers?"
"They're a code. Each set is the reverse of a case number. The alphanumeric sequence beneath each is a simple representation of agents assigned to the case. The numbers below that are their locations, latitude and longitude. Then, beneath the codes are images, scans of data files and stakeout photos. If these had gotten through..." Terence trailed off.
"So, who would have access to this information?" Tony asked curiously.
"Unfortunately, too many people. Pretty much anyone with high standing in the FBI could access the information. More, if they had computer skills. That's why the powers that be are having such difficulty tracking them down."
"Which cases are they?"
"I don't know all of them. I just cross-checked a couple of the number sets to verify that I was right."
"That gives us a good start, but I think we'll need McGee for some of this," Ziva observed.
"Well, not tonight. Gibbs was firm about that. He doesn't want McGee doing anything tonight," Tony said.
"Who is McGee?" Terence asked.
"He's our resident computer nerd. He and Abby, our forensic expert, would love to work with you on this stuff."
Terence watched Tony closely and saw the concern flit briefly across his face. He put it together with Tony negation of McGee working with them and said, "He's the one who was in the accident today."
"Yes. Yes, he was. He's fine though. He just needs some time."
Terence smiled at the uncertainty in Tony's voice. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he was worried about his colleague. "That's fine. You're calling the shots. I'm just waiting here."
"You should probably get some sleep. We've set up the shifts and we know who's coming and going now; so there shouldn't be any surprises."
"Good. I place my life in your capable hands," Terence said and leaned back with his eyes closed.
Tony and Ziva fell silent as they took up their positions to wait out the night.