Chapter 21 – Holiday Spirit
Tony DiNozzo
Tony looked at his partner and frowned.
Tim had been silent since they had left Napolitano's office and he knew it was because of Fornell. He didn't want anything to happen to Fornell either. He'd come to like the gruff G-man since they had started to work with him but he wasn't going to worry over something he had little control over.
But Tim wasn't like him. Tim had a big heart and he let things get to him. It's what made him such a good man and it's what made it so hard for Tim to work undercover as a gangster. Since being hired by Napolitano, Tim had gotten better at hiding his feelings but he had gotten better at reading his partner too.
As they neared Quicksilver, he found himself hoping that Abby could cheer Tim up tonight. He'd hate to see his partner brood over something out of his control.
Tim sighed lightly.
He glanced at his partner. Tim was particularly morose tonight and he had a feeling that even the quirky club manager would have a hard time cheering up his friend tonight.
"Try to put it out of your head, Tim," he said gently, hoping his words would help his friend. "You can't do anything about it. And if you think about it too much, you'll have a bad Christmas."
"I can't help it," Tim said. "Do you know how many people have died since we started our little operation?"
"Do you know how many people would have died had we not started this little operation?" he demanded as he parked the car. Apparently gentle wasn't going to get through Tim's thick skull tonight. He changed tactics. "About the same amount. Napolitano is ruthless or have you missed that?"
Tim sighed as he looked at him. "No, I didn't miss that," Tim replied. "Since October, I've had a front seat to Napolitano's decision-making process. Don't try to tell me that our actions didn't have consequences Tony."
"I'm not," Tony replied. "But who's to say that things wouldn't have been worse?" Tim frowned. "We both know that taking James Napolitano down, will help a lot of people. People like Fornell, his wife and their daughter."
"I just don't like thinking that what I'm doing results in someone losing their life," Tim said with a sigh. "Even if it's for a good cause."
He looked at his partner. "I know, Tim. I don't like it either but it comes with the territory. Besides if it wasn't you in this position, it would be someone else. That someone would probably be far less empathetic and far more ruthless than you. And even worse, it would be someone who wasn't working to take down Napolitano and someone who isn't working to put an end to this crime organization. You know what we're doing and you know it's working. And you know it'll be worth it in the end."
Tim nodded. He wasn't certain that was the only thing Tim was worried about but he did look a little better.
"All right, let's go, have a drink and dance," he said.
"You know, I kinda don't want to get out," Tim said as he looked at the sleet pelting the window. "It's warm in here."
"See, I knew you'd appreciate that heater," he said as he turned off the car. "Come on."
Bracing themselves, they got out of the car and held onto their hats as they hurried down the street towards the non-descript door that led to Quicksilver. They knocked the secret code and a slot opened, revealing a pair of eyes. As soon as the guard recognized him, he opened the door.
"Thanks, Simon," Tim said as he stomped the slush from his shoes.
"No problem, Tim," he said in his deep voice. "Didn't think that you were going to make it. Miss Sciuto was getting anxious."
"I'm sure she was," Tony said.
He watched as Tim pulled a crisp twenty-dollar bill out of his wallet and handed it to Simon. "Merry Christmas."
"Thank you, Mr. McGee!" Simon said as he accepted the generous gift. "Merry Christmas!" He opened the secret door and motioned for them to go down to the club. They could vaguely hear the jazz music as they descended.
"That was nice of you, McGee," he said after Simon had shut the secret door behind them.
"Yeah, well, people like Cade are just trying to make a living. An honest day's work in a dishonest trade," Tim replied. "He's a good man just trying to provide for his family. He'll put that money to good use."
When they reached the club, they both smiled. The club was decorated to the nines for Christmas. Garland was strung along the stage and the bar and at least a dozen trees were scattered around the club, each decorated differently. In spite of the weather, it was crowded tonight.
The dance floor was filled with couples swaying to the romantic ballad being played by the house band but he didn't see any sign of Ziva. It seemed like they had missed her first set for the night. The tables were packed with people too as waitresses maneuvered their way around serving drinks or small plates of finger food.
He had been skeptical at first but adding a kitchen had been more than worth it for Abby. Dancing and drinking was hungry work and Abby had been insistent that serving food would be something that her customers would like. And he knew it would help her bottom line since liquor prices had soared since the BOIs had put the squeeze on the local bootleggers.
But they weren't a restaurant. They didn't have the space for a kitchen big enough to serve full meals to the volume of people that passed through their club each night.
It was Ziva who had suggested that they serve tapas. He had never heard of anything edible called tapas but Ziva had informed him that it was a Spanish word that meant small plates.
They had hired a cook and started to serve food on a small scale. Deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, stuffed mushrooms, toast with tomatoes and basil and a few other simple items. It had been so popular that the kitchen grew. Abby hired three more cooks and now she made a tidy profit. As a bonus for them, the cooks would prepare dinner for them.
"Big crowd," he commented as he pulled off his overcoat.
"I guess a party is enough of a reason to draw people out into this weather," Tim said as he did the same. "It worked for us."
He nodded in concession as they handed their coats to a girl who gave them tokens in exchange. Then they hurried out into the club.
"Tim! You made it!"
Tim turned around and braced himself just in time to catch Abby, who had launched herself at him. After a much more passionate kiss than was usually acceptable for public consumption, they pulled apart, smiling. Tim looked at Abby in shock and a dull flush was creeping up his neck.
"Merry Christmas!" she said seductively as they parted.
"Merry Christmas," Tim replied as he looked at her bemused. "Are you drunk?"
He laughed at the question. There was no doubt in his mind that Abby was drunk.
"Maybe a little," she said. "Stan made the eggnog a little strong," she said holding her fingers an inch apart.
"I see that," Tim said as he looked at him.
Tony grinned at the drunken ball of energy then at his friend. Tim was going to have his hands full tonight.
"And," Abby said. "You are late," she said poking Tim in the chest. "I just had a drink or two while I was waiting for you to get here."
"I think you had a few more than a drink or two," Tony replied.
"Maybe," Abby said with a wink.
"Perhaps you ought to switch to something with less…uh… no alcohol for a while," Tim suggested. "And maybe eat something. Now that we're here, you can have the cook send out some dinner for us."
"That's a good idea Tim," she replied as she led them to their usual table. "We were waiting for you two."
They sat down and nodded at Gibbs and a pretty, blond woman. Gibbs had his usual bourbon and the woman had a glass of wine. To their surprise, they also saw Doctor Mallard and his assistant, Jimmy. Doctor Mallard toyed with a glass of scotch and Jimmy had a beer in front of him.
"Merry Christmas," Tony said as he took a seat next to the pretty woman. "I don't think that we've met. Tony DiNozzo," he said.
"Hollis Mann," she said before Gibbs could introduce her.
"Timothy McGee," Tim added.
"Hollis is Quicksilver's seamstress. She did all the upholstering and the curtains," Abby said, slurring. "And she's Gibbs' girlfriend."
He looked at Abby sharply then turned his attention back to Gibbs. So, this was the girl Gibbs was pitching woo with. Gibbs had done well for himself. Hollis was beautiful and surprisingly not a redhead. He grinned but Gibbs glared at him until his gaze wavered. He looked at Hollis and smiled pleasantly before he looked at Tim. Tim shook his head. He hadn't met her either.
"Gibbs didn't mention me?" she asked. She looked a little hurt. "We've been seeing each other for over six months."
"No," he replied. "Then again Gibbs isn't the most talkative guy at the best of times let alone when the topic is his personal life. I wouldn't take it personally, Miss Mann."
"Hollis," she said. "I've never been so formal."
He nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said. "Gibbs, why didn't you bring her around before now?"
"I'm afraid that is mostly my fault," Hollis said. "Like Jethro, I'm not a big fan of hot music. I like to spend time in places where you can hear yourself think." Hollis looked around. "Although, I'll admit, on occasion, it is nice change of pace."
Tim smiled at Tony then looked around. The club was full of music and laughter. With the Christmas decorations and the warmth, it was easy to forget the gloomy weather above or that they were in the basement of an industrial building.
Suddenly his stomach growled loudly and everyone turned at looked at him.
"What?" he asked.
Fortunately, Michelle was passing by their table.
"Michelle, we need a large glass of water and dinner," Tim said as the waitress walked by. She stopped reluctantly and after a furtive glance at Jimmy, she nodded. "And a vodka tonic for me and a vodka martini for Tony."
"Sure," she said.
"That was frosty," Tony said as he looked at Jimmy.
"Yeah, uh, well," Jimmy stammered. "Considering what happened; Michelle and I aren't seeing each other. It's been a little awkward tonight."
"I see that," he replied. "Is this the first time you've seen her since…"
"Yeah," Jimmy said. "I mean, we've talked a few times on the phone. She was concerned and wanted to know if I was ok. But this is the first time I've been to a club since that night."
"With good reason," Ducky retorted.
"I had to beg Doctor Mallard to come to the party," Jimmy finished. "I didn't think that things would be this… awkward."
"I wouldn't worry, Jimmy," Tony said. "There are plenty of fish in the sea. You'll find someone."
"Yeah," Jimmy replied. "I guess."
"Don't let him fool you Tony," Abby said in a stage whisper. "Jimmy's got a new girlfriend. She's an undertaker."
He looked at Jimmy.
"It's a family business," Jimmy hastily explained. "She's got a viewing tomorrow or she'd have been here tonight."
"I think it's sweet," Abby said grinning. "A coroner and an undertaker. It's a match made in heaven." Abby hiccoughed lightly.
"Ok you are definitely cut off," Tim said bemused.
Abby swayed slightly in her seat. "I'm sorry, Tim," Abby said. "I can't help it. I just love Christmas!"
"I can see that," Tim said. "We'll get some food and water into you and we'll sober you up soon enough to enjoy the rest of the party. You really did up the place nice."
"Thanks," she said as she leaned on his shoulder.
Tim wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "It's good to see you out and about, Jimmy."
"Believe me, it is good to be out and about," Jimmy replied. The young man had lost some weight but seemed fit and happy. "And it's all thanks to you and the Doctor." He looked at Ducky, who smiled at him bashfully. "Well mostly thanks to the Doctor but you know what I mean."
Hollis looked around, puzzled. She was the only one who didn't know what had happened.
"Jimmy was shot by some thugs about six months ago," Tim explained. "It was pretty touch and go for a while there until we managed to get the doctor."
Hollis looked at Ducky. "Why didn't you take him to the hospital?"
"He was shot just down the street from here," Tim replied.
"There was a shootout with some of Grenouille's goons," Tony said.
"La Grenouille?" Hollis asked. They nodded. "I've read about him in the papers. He's a criminal."
"A criminal that is in fierce competition with Mr. Napolitano," Tim interjected. "The owner of this club."
"It drew all kinds of cops to the neighborhood. We couldn't risk tipping off the authorities that Quicksilver is here and if we showed up at the hospital with a gunshot victim, the police would have put two and two together," Tony finished.
"At the risk of his life?" she asked incredulously.
"At the risk of our lives," Gibbs said softly. "If Quicksilver would have been found, Napolitano would have killed all of us without a second thought."
"That and Abby would have lost her livelihood along with all the people that work here," Tim added.
"Besides, we got the Doc in and saved Jimmy. I'd call it a good day's work," he said with a smile as Michelle arrived with his drink. He watched as she carefully avoided looking at Jimmy.
"I don't get it," Hollis said as she looked around at them.
"Unfortunately, it is the nature of the beast, my dear," Doctor Mallard said. "There is no need to pretend to understand it or like it."
"And until the politicians get their heads screwed on straight and abolish the laws banning alcohol, we're going to have to deal with people like Napolitano and the thugs that shot Jimmy," Tim added as he took his glass and then Abby's water. "All that so in the meantime, we can make merry and celebrate the holidays in Abby's fine establishment."
"Hear, hear," he said as he raised his glass. Everyone echoed him as they raised their glasses.
"Speaking of hearing things," he said as he sipped his drink. "I hear that our esteemed lawmakers are looking for a way to repeal Prohibition."
"I'll believe it when I see it," Hollis said. "They're far too afraid of the temperance lobby. They've vowed to vote out any lawmaker that seeks to repeal the eighteenth amendment."
"That's a bit like cutting off your nose to spite your face," Tony said. "Prohibition hasn't worked."
"Not exactly," Hollis said with a smile as she sipped her wine.
Thankfully their dinner arrived quickly and Ziva returned for her second set. He ate his dinner mechanically but he could honestly say that his attention was more on Ziva than the food. When she was finished singing, he made a hasty excuse to leave.
While he hadn't advanced their relationship beyond the occasional kiss, he had been spending more time with Ziva since September when she had told him about her life after the great war. He hadn't turned up any more evidence that she had been involved in her father's work. She also hadn't provided any proof that she hadn't, which is why he remained cautious around her.
Yet, he was still attracted to her and enjoyed spending time with her. He might even say that they had become friends.
He reached her dressing room and knocked. Ziva opened the door but even as he smiled she turned and returned to her dressing table. His smile disappeared as he entered her dressing room and shut the door.
"Hi," he said as he joined her at the table. She was powdering her nose but he could see that there was no makeup on the poof. "Are you mad at me?" he asked.
She turned and looked at him. "Am I mad at you?" she asked. "Am I mad at you?" she asked again, this time her tone was decidedly dangerous. He took a half step backwards as she stood. Ever since he had first met Ziva, he had realized that she was slightly dangerous at the best of times. Truth be told that had been part of her allure. "You said that you would be here to hear me sing."
He blinked. "I was," he replied. "I know we missed the first set but it couldn't be helped. McGee was working late with Mr. Napolitano." She continued to stare at him. He decided to change the subject. "I liked that new song you sang. The one about body and soul. I'd like to think that was aimed at me."
"It was," she said as she turned away from him and sat down at her dressing table again.
He smiled. Ziva had accepted that he wasn't prepared to have a relationship with her while he was serving as McGee's body guard. But that hadn't stopped her from teasing him with what he was missing. If that song was aimed at him, then she was practically begging him for something more.
"But now I am not so certain," she added, causing his smile to disappear.
He watched her body language and he could tell that something else was bothering her and it wasn't something little like missing her first set. But she seemed too angry to want to talk about what was really bothering her so he'd start small and work his way up to the real issue.
"You know I have a duty to McGee, Ziva. And he has a duty to Mr. Napolitano. We got here as soon as we could," he said evenly.
"I understand duty," she said harshly. "It has been engrained into me since I was a small child."
"You understand duty," he said agreeing with her if only to avoid making her angrier. He looked at her. Her anger had been replaced with sadness. In all the time he had known her only one thing could make her that sad. "You miss your family." She nodded as tears pricked at the corner of her eyes. He knew what that was like. "I understand. I always get a little lonely at Christmastime too."
"I am Jewish," she replied. "I do not celebrate Christmas."
"I know," he replied. "But everyone around you does. It can't be easy to hear everyone talking about spending time with friends and family when you don't have family in this country. You must feel a little left out."
"Yes," Ziva replied softening when she realized he understood. "I do." Ziva looked at him and motioned for him to take a seat. He sat on the day bed. "You will not be spending time with your family because you must remain with Tim?"
"As strange as it," he said. "Gibbs and McGee are the closest thing I have to family these days." She looked at him questioningly. "I lost my mother when I was eight," he said to her surprise. He hadn't told her much about his childhood because it wasn't something he particularly liked to talk about. But something compelled him to continue speaking. "My father remarried but it wasn't the same. No step-mother or any of the various nannies I had over the years could replace my mother." She nodded in understanding. "Then I was sent to boarding school at eleven and my summers were spent at sleep away camps so I didn't really see my father that often. I still don't talk with my dad all that much."
"It is not my father I miss," she said sharply. She sighed and sat heavily onto the day bed next to him. "Because of his actions, he may as well be dead to me," she said harshly. He looked at her sympathetically. It was one thing to never have had a good relationship with you father but he saw it with McGee; it was much worse to have a good one go sour. "I am sorry," she said when she saw his expression. "I may not celebrate Christmas but as a child, I always enjoyed Hanukkah the most. It was a reminder to be grateful for what we had, which was very little at times."
He blinked. One of Napolitano's guards had been talking about Hanukkah today. "Hanukkah begins tomorrow doesn't it?" he asked.
She nodded, pleasantly surprised. "It does and I do not have anyone with which to share it." She frowned. "I am sorry, Tony. I took my feelings out on you when you did not deserve it."
"You aren't the only one today," he muttered. She looked up at him. "Don't worry about it," he said. "Hey. Why don't you come to our place tomorrow and spend the weekend with me and Tim?"
"I do not know," she said hesitating. "I do not think that Tim would care for me to spend the night in your apartment with you."
"He won't care," Tony said quickly.
Ziva looked at him skeptically. "I am not so certain of that."
"I don't care when Abby spends the night," he pointed out. She still looked skeptical. "Abby is coming over tomorrow and staying through Christmas. It'd be nice to not be the odd man out. And I always love your company. I would love to have you join us."
"Oh," she said brightening. "Does that mean you have reconsidered things between us?"
"Uh," he said. "No. That answer remains the same," he said.
"I do not believe that is what you really want," she said.
"Maybe not," he replied. "But there's what I want and what I need. One day, those two will be the same thing." He smiled at her. "Trust me, when that happens, you'll be the first to know."
Ziva nodded.
"Say I do join you for the weekend," she said. "Where will I stay? I do not believe you have a spare bedroom."
"Oh," he said. "I'll take the couch. We've got two of them. You can take my room."
Ziva smiled and nodded but suddenly her face fell. "But I know nothing of how you should celebrate Christmas."
"And I know nothing of how you should celebrate Hanukkah," he said realizing he had repeated her odd lilting speech pattern. Clearing his throat, he said, "How about this? You can share Hanukkah with us and we can share Christmas with you," he said smiling. "It'll be swell."
She brightened again. "Perhaps I could cook dinner tomorrow night. My mother taught me and she was an excellent cook. Ooh, I could prepare some traditional foods. Latkes, kugel, and brisket. Oh and of course sufganoit," she said excitedly. He stared at her. The only thing that sounded edible out of that list was the brisket. "Relax Tony. Latkes are potato pancakes. Kugel is a casserole with noodles and sufganoit are doughnuts filled with jelly and coated with powdered sugar."
"You can cook all of that?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied indignantly. "I am an excellent cook."
"Sorry," he said, chastised. "I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't. It's just that it sounds like a lot of food. I'll help of course."
She nodded. "And I will help you cook Christmas dinner. What do you eat on Christmas?"
"Oh, uh well we have a turkey to roast with an apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, roast carrots. There might be more but Tim is cooking dinner so I don't know the whole menu. I believe Gibbs is responsible for bringing dessert so who knows what we'll end up with. Actually, since Tim is cooking, we might go hungry."
"Tim cannot cook?" she asked. "Then why is he preparing dinner?"
"We told our cook, Anne to spend the day with her family so someone has to do it." She nodded in understanding. "Tim is a fair cook. Better than me anyway. His father cooked for his family after Tim's grandmother passed away."
"So, his father taught him," Ziva concluded.
"Or tried to teach him anyway. But there's a big difference between cooking basic meals and a big spread like this one. He's certainly more qualified to cook this meal than I am. I can barely boil water." Ziva looked concerned. He supposed he would be concerned too after that description of the cook. "It'll be fine Ziva. I like to razz Tim but he's a good guy and he's a decent cook. Besides, I think he's been grilling Anne for weeks about the proper cooking methods and timing. Tim is a smart guy. There isn't much in this world he can't figure out. You should really be more worried about what Gibbs is bringing for dessert."
Ziva laughed and then leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you," she breathed against his cheek.
"For what?" he asked.
"For making me feel better," she replied as she pulled back. He gave her his best charming smile. She rolled her eyes but she was still smiling. "Now, you must go."
"I'd rather not," he replied charmingly.
"I would rather you not as well," she replied. "But I have one final set to sing and must prepare."
"All right," he replied grudgingly. "I'll talk to Tim about dinner tomorrow."
"Good," she replied. "And if you change your mind about sleeping on the couch, I promise I will make it worth your wow."
He narrowed his eyes and looked at her. "It's worth your while," he said correcting her.
Ziva smiled mysteriously. "No," she said. "Trust me when I say I will make it worth your wow."
He blinked as he realized what she was insinuating. "Oh." He swallowed hard. "Someday, I look forward to seeing how you intend to manage that."
She continued to smile even as he left her dressing room. After he closed the door, he leaned against it and took a deep breath. "Wow," he said smiling to himself. "McGee really is going to owe me big time." He had a feeling his willpower was going to be severely tested this weekend.
Still smiling, he returned to their table.
Ziva sang her final set and then joined them to celebrate. The band, buoyed by the appreciative crowd, played long into the night and that drew them out from their booth to dance. He and Ziva, Tim and Abby and to his surprise even Gibbs and Hollis kicked up their heels. Even more surprising, Gibbs proved to be an excellent dancer. Ducky and Jimmy even took turns dancing with Abby, Hollis and Ziva.
Hours later he looked around the empty club. The party had finally ended as people decided to abandon their merrymaking for their beds. Despite the late hour, he found that he wasn't tired at all. Abby was sober and they were engaged in a lively conversation about their family Christmas traditions.
"We would always go out for our tree on Christmas Eve," Tim said smiling fondly at the memories. "When we lived in Philadelphia, we'd go up to the mountains and it would be my job to pull the sled with my sister on it. Then on the way back, my dad would pull the tree. We'd get home and mom would make a big pot of chicken soup that we would eat while we decorated the tree."
"That sounds like it was enjoyable," Ziva said. "Hanukkah is all about spending time with your family. I see that it is much the same with Christmas."
She looked at him questioningly but he shook his head. He hadn't brought up his idea with Tim yet. He didn't expect it to be a problem, however.
"Yeah," Tim said as he looked down at his drink. With a sad smile, he picked it up and tossed it back in one swallow. Abby looked at him sympathetically and squeezed his hand under the table.
"Our family always started the holiday off with the baking of the Christmas Pudding," Ducky said. Ducky was oblivious to Tim's distress. In fact, the only ones who noticed it were himself, Abby and Gibbs. "Our family recipe has been handed down for more generations than we can remember and the same sixpence has been baked into the pudding since my great-grandfather was a lad."
"You bake a coin into the pudding?" Hollis asked.
"Yes," he said. "Whoever finds it will have good fortune for the new year!"
"Unless they choke on it," Hollis muttered as she sipped her drink.
"That has only ever happened once and I'm sure it was only because my great uncle had one too many nips at the brandy before we poured it on the pudding," he said with a smile.
Their laughter was interrupted by a commotion from the top of the stairs. Tim turned around and looked at the steps. Even the employees had gone home for the night. Only the building security guards remained.
"Simon is still up there isn't he?" Tim asked as he looked at Abby.
"Yeah," Abby replied. She turned around as Blue entered the club from the rear. He had heard the commotion and had come to investigate. "Blue. Can you see what's going on up there?"
"That's just what I was about to do, Abs," he said as he drew his gun.
They watched as Blue cautiously started up the stairs. He drew his weapon and stood up as Tim looked at him. He also heard Gibbs check his gun. Tim looked at Abby before slipping his hand into his coat.
"Are you all armed?" Hollis asked as she looked at them in surprise.
"Again," Ducky said darkly. "The nature of the beast. I'd hope that none of you come across my table for the Christmas holiday." He looked at them pointedly. "And I'd rather not have the need to dispense medical services this night either."
"We'd like the same thing, Duck," Gibbs said as he slid out of the booth. Tim followed Gibbs. "That will depend on what's happening up there."
He kept the others in their seats with a glance before he joined Tim and Gibbs. They stood by, waiting and listening.
"Hey! I was told to come here!" a voice said. Given the distance and the distortion caused by the stairwell, they couldn't tell who it was. "I've got a password that'll prove it. Hermes sent me."
"Fornell," he muttered. He relaxed but didn't put away his weapon. "That's the code we gave Fornell, Tim," he said softly.
Tim blinked slowly as he realized what was happening. His partner put his weapon away.
"Damn," Tim muttered as he looked at Gibbs. "Napolitano said he thought he knew who his mole was," Tim whispered to Gibbs. "He said he was going to deal with it tonight."
Gibbs frowned. "I thought as much. I'm surprised it took this long."
"Well, on the bright side, the safeguards worked," he said as they heard several pairs of feet approaching them.
"We hope they worked, Tony," Gibbs said. "What if they led Napolitano's men here?"
He frowned. "Only one way to find out," he said.
"Let me take the lead on this one," Tim said to their surprise.
He looked at Gibbs for guidance but Gibbs was looking at Tim. Tim looked Gibbs in the eye. He could practically hear their silent communication. His young partner was asking for Gibbs to trust him. After a moment, Gibbs nodded.
"You expecting someone, Miss Sciuto?" Blue asked as he led the way into the main room. He held Fornell tightly by the collar of his coat and he had a weapon shoved into Fornell's ribs. A thin man holding a bundle was being led, much more gently, by Simon.
"Not me," she replied as she watched Blue approach them. "Seems like they are though," she said.
Fornell was in the lead. He looked worse for the wear but he had on his overcoat and a hat. As they neared, he realizes that the man carrying the bundle was actually a woman carrying a girl wrapped up in a blanket. The woman was dressed in a pair of men's trousers and a heavy woolen sweater that obviously weren't hers. The little girl was wrapped in a large blanket and her bare toes poked out.
"You?" Fornell asked as he focused on Tim. "You're my contact? Is this some sort of sick joke?"
"I'm afraid it's no joke, Tobias," Tim said confidently. For a moment, he wasn't sure he was looking at his partner.
"Tobias?" he asked angrily. "We aren't that friendly, you money-laundering, low-life." Tim frowned but didn't respond. For all that Fornell knew; that's what he was. "And don't think that I won't take you even with all these goons around."
Fornell struggled against Blue's grasp in an attempt to reach Tim. But Blue tightened his grip on Fornell's coat, choking him slightly. "I wouldn't get so up in arms," Tony said as he stepped forward menacingly. Simon and Blue should have disarmed Fornell but they couldn't take a chance. "We know why you are here and right now you need us much more than we need you."
"Easy, Tony," Tim said softly. He looked at his partner and nodded. "Let him breathe, Blue." Reluctantly Blue relaxed his grip, allowing Fornell to breathe easier.
"What is going on?" Hollis asked as she looked around at them. She didn't seem to be frightened, merely curious.
"Nothing to be afraid of," he said quickly. "We got everything in hand. Miss Hollis."
"I'm not afraid," she said strongly. "I just want to know what is going on."
"Business," Tim replied darkly. If he hadn't known it was an act, he would have been genuinely frightened by his partner's tone. Tim was usually so mild mannered that he forgot how intimidating he could be when he needed to be.
Hollis frowned and opened her mouth to ask what that meant but Ducky interrupted. "It is probably better if we do not ask," Ducky said as he looked between Fornell and their small group. Ducky didn't look as eager to know what was going on as Hollis. "I think perhaps we ought to leave this business to those that are willingly involved."
"That's probably a good idea, Doctor Mallard," Tim said with a nod.
"He's right, Holly," Gibbs said softly to Hollis. "It would be best if you don't get any more involved in Napolitano's dirty business than you have to. The same goes for you Miss David."
"Well that's great, Jethro," Hollis said hotly. She crossed her arms angrily. "Unless you forgot, you brought me here which means that I'm stuck here for now. And that means I'm involved whether I want to be or not."
"Perhaps I can rectify that," Ducky said quickly. "My car is parked nearby. I would be glad to escort you home, with Mr. Palmer's help, of course." He looked around at the women. "I could also gladly see Miss David home as well."
"That's probably for the best," Gibbs said, not giving the women a chance to object. "I'll stop by in the morning," Gibbs said softly as Hollis looked like she was going to object. She reluctantly nodded.
"I would gladly accept a ride home, Doctor," Ziva said pleasantly. She turned to Tony. "You will call, yes?"
He smiled brightly. He really needed to talk to Tim alone but that could wait. He didn't think that Tim would have a problem with it but he'd promised Ziva to ask. "I'll call first thing in the morning," he said as he kissed her on cheek.
"Simon, you can go back to the door," Abby said. "See them out. Make sure that they get to their car all right."
"Yes, Miss Sciuto," he said with a nod.
Fornell glared at them while the women gathered their things and then left the club leaving Tim, Tony, Gibbs, Abby and Blue standing opposite the ragtag family.
He glanced at Tim then at Blue. He was sure that Blue didn't know what they were but he was also sure that Blue suspected that they weren't exactly what they said they were either. Some weeks after Abby had learned that they were undercover; Blue had approached her with his concerns. Blue had been worried that they were trying to take down Quicksilver and had asked Abby if he ought to dig into their past.
His concerns had led to nearly a week of sleepless nights as they tried to figure out what to do all the while cursing his suggestion that they get a more competent man in charge of Abby's security. Fortunately, he knew one thing about Blue that the others did not. He was more loyal to the club he worked for than the man who owned it.
Even after a few short weeks of working for Abby, Blue was in Abby's pocket. For one, she treated all her employees better than any of Napolitano's other club owners and she paid nearly double too, which in these times was a godsend. But rather than risk telling him outright, they devised several loyalty tests for Blue. And every time he went straight to Abby.
In the end, they were sure of one thing about each other. Blue was loyal to Abby and Blue knew they were loyal to her too. With that mutual understanding, they left it unspoken between them that they wouldn't ask too many questions about each other but if something ever happened to Quicksilver or Abby all bets were off.
"Sit down," Tim said. "Make yourselves comfortable."
When Fornell didn't move, Blue jabbed him with his pistol.
"Fine," Fornell said as he removed his overcoat and hat. Blue set them on a nearby table while Fornell pulled out a chair for the woman and young girl. When she was comfortable, Fornell took a seat and from the looks of things, it was a good thing too. He was pretty sure that pride was the only thing keeping Fornell on his feet.
Now that he looked at Fornell closely, he could see that his face was bruised and there were traces of blood on his cheek. He had been favoring his right leg and his clothes were dirty and splotched with blood. The older man had definitely had a rough night and it wasn't over yet.
"How did you end up here, Fornell?" Tim asked.
He knew that Tim already knew the answer but he wanted to check Fornell. As much as Fornell was worried about being crossed, Tim had to worry about that too. He didn't think that Fornell was loyal to Napolitano but if it meant saving his family, he would bet a month's salary that Fornell would turn them over in a heartbeat.
Fornell frowned. He seemed reluctant to talk but after spying Gibbs' glare, he sighed and said, "Six hours ago, two thugs and a third man show up at my door demanding to know if I'm the one tipping off the Bureau, telling them about the inner workings of Napolitano's network. I think the third man was Napolitano's chief interrogator, Kyle Boone." Tim jolted and glanced at the woman before looking at Fornell again. "After he worked me over, I knew it was him for sure."
"Boone?" he asked. He had heard the name before but any time he had asked about Boone, everyone suddenly lost their voice. He knew he was part of Napolitano's network and he was on the muscle side of the business. But that's as far as he got with anyone. Gibbs didn't explain so he looked at Tim. "McGee?"
Tim looked at him. Reluctantly he replied, "Napolitano pays Boone to get information but not for your everyday situations. He's brought in for high-profile cases or when Naps wants to make a statement." He shook his head, he didn't understand what was so special about Boone. "He's Napolitano's chief persuader. He gets information willingly or unwillingly." He nodded in understanding. "But he prefers that his victims try to hold out."
"Why?" Abby asked.
"He likes to cause pain," Tim replied bluntly. "His method of persuasion involves a variety of army knives and other assorted torture implements." Abby's eyes widened and Fornell's jaw clenched. "Chances are he's the one responsible for leaving my predecessor in Washington Circle." When Abby shook her head, he added, "Terry Spooner. The unidentified man dumped in Washington Circle last March." Abby shook her head. "The poor fellow who had his head bashed in, cuts all over his body and the word 'thief' carved into his back."
"Oh. Him," Abby said. When she looked at Fornell, she repeated, "Oh."
"All of his targets are killed after he gets his information, usually in a gruesome manner," Tim said as he looked at Fornell. "You managed to escape though."
"If not for dumb luck, I'd be carved up like the Christmas turkey." Fornell said as he rubbed his wrists. "The goons weren't very good at tying knots. When Boone left me to think about his questions, I got loose and made my escape."
"You look like he still worked you over pretty good anyway," Gibbs said.
Fornell glared at Gibbs but he couldn't deny it.
"Maybe we shouldn't have sent the Doc away so soon," he said.
"Your concern is touching," Fornell replied bitingly. "But I'm fine. I don't need a doctor."
Nodding, Tim motioned for Fornell to carry on.
Reluctantly, Fornell continued, "I knew that if Napolitano had sent Boone after me, then he likely sent goons after my wife… ex-wife," he amended. "And my daughter. Their safety was always contingent on my good behavior." He glanced at the woman. Her expression was a mixture of anger, fear and remorse. "I got to their house and found a pair of thugs lingering outside. I knocked one out and got the second thug to admit that they were there to kill my wife and daughter."
Tim frowned.
"Why?" he asked. "If Napolitano suspected you had betrayed him, why target your family?"
"It was a message," Tim said. "Naps isn't content to just make an example of those that betray him. He wants people to know that Naps will come after their family too. He wants people to think about the consequences of their actions."
"That's awful," Abby said.
"And we thought Napolitano couldn't get any worse after Spooner," Tony said as he looked at Tim. Tim's expression was neutral but his partner's eyes spoke volumes. He was certain that Tim was thinking about his parents and sister and what Napolitano might do to them if his betrayal was ever discovered. "Lucky you made it there in time," he commented.
"I was lucky that the men Naps sent were hesitant to kill a woman and a child," Fornell replied darkly. "I managed to get them away with nothing more than the night clothes on their backs."
He looked at them and understood why they were dressed as they were. One of the men that had sheltered Fornell must have given his ex-wife those clothes. The little girl had to make do with only a blanket and her nightshirt.
"You were given instructions in case something like this should ever happen," Tim said calmly.
Fornell couldn't hide his surprise. "Yeah. How'd you know that?" Fornell asked.
"You went to the location as you were instructed and I'm guessing your wife was given the clothes she's wearing," Tim continued without answering him. "Then you were sent to at least two other locations before you were sent here."
"Yeah," Fornell said softly.
"Blue," Tim said as he turned to look at the large man. "I think that we're good here."
"You sure, Tim?" he asked. "I don't want one of Napolitano's associates giving you trouble."
"I know," Tim said as he put a hand on Blue's shoulder. "And I appreciate that. But he won't be any trouble. Not with his family here. Plus, I've got Gibbs and Tony to watch my back." Tim glanced at him and Gibbs. They both still had their weapons drawn. "This is a problem that I'll deal with. You don't need to worry about it. It doesn't concern Quicksilver."
"All right, Tim," he said. "I'll be in the back if you need me."
"I'll call if I do," Tim replied.
After Blue had left, Tim turned his attention back to Fornell but before he could start to explain, Fornell started to talk. "I get it," he said, his anger palpable. "This was just a ruse to deliver myself into Napolitano's hands. He wants to off me and when the first attempt fails, I walk right to my death on my own." Fornell smiled ruefully. "Clever. Very clever."
"That's what you think, Fornell?" Gibbs asked. Diane was looking at him with a mix of fear and hope but Gibbs was avoiding her gaze.
So, this was one of Gibbs' ex-wives. He could see why Gibbs would go for her. She was pretty. Tall, shapely, and long red hair. Gibbs always had a thing for red heads. Although, Hollis was a blond. Maybe their boss was changing as he got older.
"Yeah," Fornell said. "I can accept that Napolitano would want to kill me. But it's pretty low of him to kill my wife and daughter."
"He isn't going to kill your wife and daughter," Tim said. "Abby. Can you take them to the kitchen and get them something hot to drink? We don't want them to catch death of cold."
"Yeah. Sure," she said as she motioned for the woman and the girl to come with her but they didn't move.
"Jethro," said the woman suddenly. "What are you doing?"
Gibbs looked at her intently as Fornell looked from her to Gibbs in quick succession.
"Jethro? This is your ex-husband?" Fornell asked. Diane frowned. "He works for Napolitano?"
"That's why I didn't go to him when I had money trouble," she said heatedly as she looked at Fornell.
"That and you cleaned me out when you left, Diane," Gibbs retorted. Despite what she had done, Gibbs didn't sound angry. "Go with Abby, Diane. You and your daughter will be safe here. I promise." She looked skeptical. "Have I ever broken a promise?"
"No," she replied. "But you have lied to me, Jethro." The disappointment was thick in her voice.
"Well, I'm not lying now. Go with her," Gibbs said gently. "See to your daughter."
"Just in case you're thinking of doing something foolish," Tim said softly. "Blue and his boys are right next to the kitchen." Diane jolted and looked as if she was going to retort. But then she nodded in understanding.
Reluctantly Diane stood and looked at Fornell. He got the impression that she didn't expect to see him alive ever again.
When they were gone, Fornell turned his glare on Tim. "So now you're going to off me? I appreciate that my wife and daughter don't have to see it but I'm disappointed."
"How so?" Tim asked genuinely curious.
"I'm disappointed that you got so far into Napolitano's network that you're willing to kill for him, Mr. Thom E. Gemcity. Or Tim McGee. Whatever your name is. You seemed like a good man and just like everything else in this town, you've been corrupted," Fornell said strongly. "Just do me a favor, make it quick and clean and leave my body someplace so that I can get a proper burial."
"Is that what you think of me, Fornell? That I'm Napolitano's goon?" Tim asked heatedly. He was surprised by the anger in Tim's voice. Something was bothering his friend and it wasn't just that Fornell thought he'd gone gangster. "You think that I've been so corrupted by money and power that I'd kill a man in cold blood?"
"Maybe not you," Fornell said. "You'll have one of your goons do it. But that leaves just as much blood on your hands as theirs."
Tim winced and clenched his hands. He knew his partner felt like he had blood on his hands and he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to convince Tim that he didn't. At best, Tim might just learn to live with it.
"Well you're very wrong," Tim said. "Because I've not been corrupted by Napolitano. I'd like to consider myself more like Honos."
Fornell looked at him and blinked in shock. He watched as Tim almost smiled at Fornell's reaction.
"Honos?" Fornell asked uncertainly.
"Honos," Tim repeated.
He frowned at the strange name. Tim had insisted that they use names from Roman mythology as their code words. Tim said it was fitting but he thought it was odd until Tim explained that Honos was the Roman God of military honor and chivalry.
When he had asked what Hermes was the Roman god of, Tim had admitted that Hermes was actually a Greek god. He had teased Tim for mixing his mythologies until Tim finally informed him that Hermes was often equated with the Roman god, Mercury. It had made perfect sense then.
"You're with the Bureau?" Fornell asked softly as he looked between the three of them.
"Not exactly," Tim replied. "But we are on your side and we will see that Napolitano doesn't carry through with his threat to kill you or your ex-wife and daughter."
"How?" Fornell asked.
"I can't explain," Tim said cutting Fornell off. "But I can tell you that you are safe here. No one will divulge your whereabouts to Napolitano."
"Even his security?" Fornell asked incredulously. Fornell looked at the backroom where Blue had disappeared.
"This isn't his security," Tim replied. "This is Miss Sciuto's security. They're loyal to her and only her."
"You sure about that?" he asked.
Tim looked at him and nodded. "I'm positive."
"Why?" Fornell asked.
Puzzled, Tim asked, "Why am I positive?"
"No," Fornell said shaking his head. "Why are you helping me?"
He was secretly glad that Fornell hadn't been asking about Abby's security because they weren't one-hundred percent sure. But they had one heck of a good gut feeling about them.
"Because I'm sick of good men getting killed for doing the right thing," Tim said simply.
Fornell looked at him as if he was judging whether he was telling the truth or not. After a moment, he nodded.
"Good," Tim said. "Now this is how it's going to be if you want to survive this."
Author's Notes: The song Tony refers to is Body and Soul by Gertrude Lawrence. It was written in 1930 and has a very quintessential 1930s sound to it and it is now considered a jazz standard. The lyrics include: You know I'm yours for just the taking; I would gladly surrender myself to you body and soul. So yes, Ziva was propositioning Tony with the song.
Hanukkah in 1932 did coincide with Christmas. It started on December 24th and ran through December 31st. I recognize that the foods mentioned might not have been traditional foods eaten in Israel for Hanukkah or that they might not have been common in the 30s. I think with all of Ziva's traveling after she and her father left home, that she might have picked up Jewish traditions from all over the world.
Also of note, Tim gifted Simon Cade a twenty dollar bill for Christmas. That would be equal to about $385 in today's money and probably somewhere around half of Simon's weekly salary, so it was a generous gift from Tim!