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Chapter Four
It was a busy bullpen, even though it was early in the morning. McGee was running through all the security tapes and feeds that Fornell and Tony collected from the area. Burley was running a BOLO on Shahi, while Ziva was calling in her own contacts. Gibbs drank his coffee and rode his team.
"Boss," McGee spoke up.
He got up from his seat then pressed the remote in his had to show a muzzle flash coming from an office building across from the hotel.
"Burley, McGee, get to that building now and find me some evidence. I don't care who you have to get out of bed or annoy but get something," Gibbs barked.
Burley stood up, grabbed his jacket and gear, and waited for McGee to grab his. They walked side by side to the elevator and were gone. Gibbs looked over at Ziva, who had hung up her phone in frustration. More than likely, her contacts in Mossad were not being helpful because they needed the go ahead from her father to help her. Being the great puppet master Eli David was probably pulling the strings to get his daughter to call him and ask for a favor. Gibbs would not allow that.
"Ziver take DiNozzo and go down and see what Abby had for us so far," Gibbs ordered.
Ziva got up and walked around partition to see Fornell on the telephone and DiNozzo with his feet up on the desk and leaning back sound asleep. She walked up to his desk and knocked feet off startling him and causing him to sit straight up and go for his sidearm.
"Overreact much?" she asked.
"Ever thought waking someone nicely, like, I don't know, maybe a soft word in the ear," he smiled then lowered his voice to a soft whisper, "or a kiss."
"Gibbs wants us to check with Abby to see if she has anything yet," Ziva told him.
Tony looked at Fornell who nodded his head in the affirmative. He got up and followed Ziva to the elevator. She pressed the down button and they waited for it to come back up. The elevator doors opened and Ziva and Tony got on. The doors closed.
"Um… I've been meaning to talk to you about the other night. I think I owe you an apol…," he started to say but cut off when Ziva grabbed him.
With one hand, she turned on the emergency stop and with the other hand; she grabbed his tie pulling him down to her mouth. She devoured his mouth and he immediately responded by devouring hers. The attraction between them was electric and real. His hands went up to face and he moved her up against the elevator walls. Ziva's tongue darted between his lips and found his tongue, as her hands went from around his waist then slowly moved up to his chest. She pulled her tongue back and sucked on his lower lip for a moment then she pushed him away with a great deal of her strength. He stumbled back and stared at her. They were both out of breath.
"You're welcome," she said then started up the elevator.
When the doors opened, she strode off with an aroused and confused DiNozzo following behind her. Tony didn't catch up with her until she entered the MCRT forensic lab. Before he could grab Ziva's attention, he noticed the Goth dressed like an anime character he saw in the jazz club, except this time she had on a white lab coat. She was the forensic scientist.
"Abby, this is FBI Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo," Ziva introduced him.
Abby smiled at him: "Hi, Abby Scuito."
"Please, call me Tony," Tony said.
"Gibbs wants to know if you have anything yet, Abby," Ziva said.
"Okay, yeah, okay," Abby said then she skipped over to computers and brought up the image of a sniper rifle. "I believe our shooter used a Barrett M107A1. Lighter by four pounds to the M107 and with an attachable .50 BMG suppressor, it also has a magazine capacity of ten rounds. Its maximum range is 8,048 meters. This baby can take someone's head clean off in a skilled sniper's hands."
"Shahi got Patterson. Our problem with him is that everyone and anyone are next. If he wants to keep us on our toes then he hits a non-military target next," said Tony.
"So, how does one protect everyone and anyone?" asked Ziva.
"You don't. You find the bastard as quick as you can and hope that you limit the damage," said Tony.
He looked at his wristwatch. It was four in the morning. His clothes were getting ripe and he needed to stand under a stream of hot water for ten or fifteen minutes.
"I need to shower and change my clothes. I'm going to check with Fornell then go home to shower and change," he stated.
"Do what you must," Ziva said then she turned on her heel and walked out on him.
"So, you're FBI," Abby said.
"You people don't like FBI around here," he said.
"Only Fornell because Gibbs trusts him, but other than that no Fibbie need apply. No offense," she smiled.
"Well, hopefully, you'll come to like me," he said then he offered her his movie star grin.
"You like to flirt," Abby said feeling herself blush slightly.
"Not as much as I used," Tony replied.
"Really?" asked Ziva.
"I pinky swear," Tony offered Abby his right pinky which drew a yelp of delight out of Abby and a sincere smile out of Tony.
She couldn't help herself she liked this Tony Dinozzo.
TWO ROADS
Tony was about to pull into a parking spot not far from his Georgetown apartment when his windshield shattered from what he assumed was a .50 caliber sniper rifle. It was shocking and sent a wave of energy through his tired body. Not bothering to check if he was hit anywhere; he opened the door and fell out of his car just as his headrest was blown apart. Tony knew his best option was movement and staying behind protection, so he started to crawl towards a parked Ford Prius just as his driver's door had a hole blow in it. The man was destroying his Mustang.
He realized the damned rifle must have a suppressor on because he wasn't hearing more than a slight muffled warning before the bullet tore something apart. Once behind the Prius, he attempted to grab his smartphone, except Shahi was putting holes in the damned car. First, its engine block and next its windshield. Moving down to the next car, SUV, he speed dialed Fornell.
"Tobias, car shot up by sniper outside my apartment. I think it's Shahi," he yelled.
"Backup is on the way," Fornell growled and hung up.
The windshield of the SUV was blown out then its hood hit causing it to almost come off. Tony kept moving down the line of parked cars when he finally heard police sirens in the background. Backup was on its way. Shahi couldn't afford to be taken so soon, so Tony's sure that he'd take off to avoid a confrontation. Stopping his crawl to safety, he rolled onto his back. He knew he was bleeding from errant glass hitting his face but he wasn't sure why he didn't have a giant hole in him. That was when he felt the burn on his right side. He was hit somewhere after all.
Reaching over his checked himself and felt that he was bleeding. It was only a graze but it was a graze from a .50 caliber bullet so it bled like a son of a bitch. He was lucky that he wasn't shot through and dead, though.
"Don't move," Two police officers screamed with guns pointed at him.
"FBI," he pointed to the badge clipped to his belt then he reached in and showed them his FBI ID.
They officers relaxed, when he offered them proof of who he was.
"Call for a bus," one cop said to the other.
The cop kneeled down beside Tony and applied pressure to his wound. Tony started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" the cop asked.
"I've ruined another fucking suit," he laughed.
"Well, you're lucky you don't have a giant hole in your gut," the cop said.
Gut shot again. Was that what Shahi was trying to do? Had he studied him and knew that the last time he was gut shot it was the worst recover of his life? Well, knee surgery from college was worse, but not as life threatening. Tony started wondering why he was a target.
TWO ROADS
Tony was dozing on the exam bed in the ER of Georgetown
University Medical Center when he heard Fornell barking at
doctors and nurses to get out of his way. The curtain was pulled back with force and Tony opened his eyes to see Fornell with Gibbs and Ziva.
"Are you okay?" asked Fornell.
"Fifteen stitches, a ruined suit, and fucked up car; I'm pissed, Tobias," he said.
"I saw the Mustang. I don't blame you, Tony," Fornell said then walked over and patted him gently on the shoulder then helped him sit up.
Gibbs knew Fornell well and was interested to see how far this agent had gotten behind his defenses. He treated him like family. Fornell only treated family and his friends, which were few, like family.
"Why you?" asked Gibbs.
"It must be because of one of the three ops I was part of in Iraq and Afghanistan. I helped take down a terror cell, a bomb maker, and kidnapping ring. Either, the terrorist group or terrorist involved with one of those must be behind Shahi," he told him.
"We'll need the files on those ops," said Gibbs.
"Then we need to contact the CIA, DOD, and FBI," smiled Tony.
"Could there be a reason beyond those three?" asked Ziva.
"Not that I can think of. Maybe it was one of the hostage situations I was involved in with the CNU," he offered.
"We should check those, too, Gibbs," said Ziva.
"We'll check it all. I called Sacks and Ruiz and told them to get their asses in now. You can use them for leg work," said Fornell.
"I need a change of clothes and shower," added Tony.
"Is the hospital keeping?" asked Fornell.
"Not if I can help it," Tony said.
"DiNutso," growled Fornell.
"Tobias, I can't spend any more time in a hospital. It reminds me too much of… you know," he said.
Fornell looked at him. He knew that Tony was still weighed down with guilt over the torturing and death of Tommy Mills. He blamed himself even though there was nothing he could do.
"I understand, Tony. You need a shower, some rest then a change of clothes. I'd go with you, but I need to work this case now," said Fornell.
"Ziver, you'll act as DiNozzo protection for now. Go home with him and stay there. Once he is up to it bring him into NCIS," Gibbs ordered.
"Yes, Gibbs," she said as she stood their stone faced with her hands clasped in front of her.
"I don't need protection," hissed Tony.
"I agree with Gibbs, DiNutso," Fornell stated letting Tony there would be no argument.
"Yes, sir," growled Tony.
TWO ROADS
Tony and Ziva arrived at his two-bedroom Georgetown apartment. She was surprised by it. There was a baby grand piano to go along with a whole wall of bookcases filled with DVD and Blu-Ray movies. It was an apartment that had expensive furnishings mixed with stuff would find only in a bachelor's place.
Tony told her to go in the kitchen and make herself at him, as he changed out of his bloody suit. She went into the kitchen to find little in the refrigerator, except some Chinese food and a few slices of pizza. There was a coffee maker and Italian Roast in the freezer, as well as some loose real Earl Grey tea in a container and a real teapot and an infuser. She made some coffee for him and herself a nice pot of tea.
After washing up in the bathroom, Tony came out in OSU grey sweat pants and a red OSU zip up hoodie. He looked tired, but still filled energy of an after shooting.
"How do you like your coffee?" she asked him.
"Light and sweet," he answered.
"That is bad for you," she said.
"Most of my lifestyle is bad for me," he smiled.
She put half-and-half in a mug along with coffee and four sugars and handed it to him. He took it and exited. As she prepared her tea, she heard him playing the piano. The playing she recognized as excellent. He was talented, but the song she did not recognize.
With a mug of tea in hand, she walked into the living room. His mug of coffee was sitting on the top of piano, which was a Steinway with some age.
"What are you playing?" she asked.
"September of my Years," he answered. "Sinatra sang it the best."
"You play well," she said.
"Do you play?" he asked her.
"My whole life," she answered.
"My mother started me when I was four. I was considered a bit of a prodigy. I toll lessons almost every day until I was eight then my mother died. After that I played until I was twelve then I was sent away to camp and a military academy. Stopped playing until my junior year when I had to take music for school. Yeah, I know a military academy that made you take music," he laughed for a moment. "Since then I play off and on when I'm in the mood. I inherited my mother's piano, so tickle the ivories now and again, but no more classical bullshit, just standards and jazz. Do you want to play?"
He scooted over on the bench making room for Ziva. She placed her mug beside his and sat down beside him. He took his hands off the keys and she started to play some Chopin.
"You like classical," he said.
"Very much," she said.
He listened. She had talented, but was very technical. He thought she could be better if she let herself go. She made him want to play classical again. There was something about her that made him feel completely at ease with her. He was comfortable with her. This was new for him. Women were not comfortable, but they were conquest and comfort. He liked just being with her.
"Do you mind?" he asked.
"I thought you didn't like classical," she said.
"It reminds me of my mother, but I wouldn't mind playing a little today with you," he said.
He placed his hands on the piano and started to play. His technique was rusty she thought but there was more than technique. He was interpreting Chopin; he was adding emotion to it. Finishing the piece he stopped then picked up his coffee and drank some. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that he was trying to hold back some tears.
He got up then walked over to the sofa and sat down. She picked up her tea and sipped it.
"If you want to get some rest, I have a spare bedroom or the sofa, whichever you prefer. I think I'm going to take a painkiller and then crash. Painkillers have an adverse effect on me," he said.
He stood up then walked down the hallway into his bedroom and shut the door. Ziva stared at the closed door. She was more than attracted to him; she was drawn to him. That was dangerous. She didn't get involved with men who could get passed her defenses. She needed to be strong and protect herself. Her father had taught her that in many different ways. No, this Tony DiNozzo was dangerous to her. She needed to keep distant from him.