Tony was led through the large house and onto the rear patio. Rene sat down in one of the lavishly padded chairs and motioned the agent to another chair across the table from him.
"Adele," Benoit called to the housekeeper standing respectfully by the door, "would you bring us some refreshments, si vous plait?" The woman nodded and disappeared into the house.
"Now, Agent DiNozzo," Benoit said pleasantly, leaning back in his chair and smiling. "Tell me, what is your mission for the Director? To keep an eye on me? To seduce my daughter so you can infiltrate my family? Hmm?"
"Yes, Tony," Jeanne's voice dripped with venom. "Tell my father how far you were supposed to go with me, in order to keep your cover intact."
Tony laughed nervously and cleared his throat. "I think there's been a mistake," he said, "I don't know who you think I am but..." his voice trailed off as papers were tossed on a table in front of him. There were pictures of him with Jeanne, and him at a crime scene, NCIS emblazoned boldly on his jacket and hat.
"I have my own sources, Agent DiNozzo," Benoit said pleasantly. "There's no need keep up with your performance."
Jeanne snorted. "Performance," she spat. "You put on quite a performance, Tony." She walked up to the agent and slapped him. "You son-of-a-bitch," she hissed, "you'll be sorry you ever met me."
"Jeanne, darling," Benoit interrupted. "Perhaps you should go inside and change into something more comfortable. It's been a long night for you, I believe, no?" Jeanne cast one more glare at Tony before turning and going inside.
"So sorry... may I call you Tony? Yes? Thank you," La Grenouille said, "Jeanne is very hot tempered, much like her mother. The two of them are hellions if crossed; I don't envy you. I'm afraid I won't be able to stop her from exacting some sort of revenge upon you, but I will be able to keep you alive, for the moment. You will serve a better purpose for me if you are alive."
"And what would that purpose be?" Tony asked. Benoit said nothing as his housekeeper returned from the kitchen bearing cold drinks and small sandwiches. He smiled up at her and thanked her graciously, dismissing her for the rest of the day.
Pouring Tony a glass of iced tea, he urged the younger man to eat something. "I have some transactions that are going to take place within the next few weeks," Benoit said, "ones that I would appreciate your agency keeping away from. I'm sure your Director will understand if I ask her to do so, as long as you're my guest."
Tony laughed. "I think you underestimate my importance, Monsieur Benoit," he replied. "If your 'transactions' compromise the safety of this country in any way, having me here won't make a difference."
"You think not?" Benoit asked in surprise. "That would be a shame, you seem like a good person."
"One who slept with your daughter under false pretenses," Tony corrected.
Benoit threw his head back and laughed. "Indeed," he said, "and for that you will pay dearly, my boy."
"I thought you preferred to ruin people, not hurt them physically," Tony replied.
"That is true," Benoit nodded solemnly. "It's not me you need to worry about. Jeanne is very beautiful and caring, she'll make a good doctor, but she is not forgiving and her temper is most violent. Two of my bodyguards are quite smitten with her and would do anything for her, including making you regret your actions."
"Your bodyguards," Tony said meaningfully.
"Yes, mine," Benoit concurred, "but I'm afraid I've spoiled her terribly and can refuse her nothing. I will make sure that you're not killed, though."
"Right," Tony replied, "you need me alive. Thank you for that."
Benoit raised his glass in acknowledgement, "It's the least I can do," he replied.