Vance: You and Gibbs have just committed treason.
--
"Who do you work for Agent McGee?"
He swallowed hard; his throat suddenly becoming dry. "Agent Gibbs sir."
"Wrong answer." Leon slammed a file onto his desk and paced a bit. "I can understand Gibbs pulling a fast one on me…but you helping him makes it even worse."
Tim stood up straight but said nothing.
"Well?" Vance continued to prod and watched McGee remain silent. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
McGee squinted as he contemplated his response. "Next time, I'll be more careful…sir."
"Next time? You keep this up and the next time you'll be doing anything will be validating parking tickets."
"I'm not sure what you want me to say Director."
"How about an apology?" He was now inches from Tim's face and watched in awe as the younger Agent shook his head.
"That would imply I did something wrong sir, when I did not."
"How do you figure? And don't tell me it was because you were following orders."
He shrugged as if the answer was simple. "We needed everyone to think it was real."
Vance almost smiled at the similarity with Gibb's response. "Your boss tell you to say that?"
Tim shook his head. "He didn't have to sir. I knew what was at stake."
"Your career?"
"Maybe," Tim continued. "Whatever it was, it was worth the risk."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Gibbs wouldn't put me in jeopardy sir." He nodded as if agreeing with himself. "He just wouldn't."
"So you risked your career and future based on blind faith?"
Tim nodded assuredly. "I did sir. Only it wasn't blind. I know exactly what kind of man Gibbs is…sir."
Leon examined the steadfast response and with a nod; retreated behind his desk. "So when Gibbs asks you to jump, you ask…?"
Tim responded with a smile. "How high." He then watched as Vance motioned towards the door as if dismissing him. "And sir?"
"Yes?"
"I just wanted to qualify, that Gibbs wouldn't make us jump any higher than we ourselves want to...sir."
Leon took his seat. "I know McGee." He then watched as Tim stood patiently at the door. "Now get out of here before I change my mind and send you down to the parking garage…"
"Thank you sir." Tim fumbled with the door handle before eventually leaving.
Leaving Vance to wonder what Gibbs had done to evoke such loyalty from his team. But somehow knew that whether he figured it out or not; it wouldn't change a thing. After all, some questions are better left un-answered.