AN: Thank you all so much that reviewed. I was especially nervous about the last chapter because humor I find it sometimes difficult to pull off because each person has a unique
taste, but I'm glad that it came across well! I also realize that I didn't put up my Italian vocab for the last chapter, so my apologies! Also, I don't love this chapter but the next one should make up for it.
Survival Italian:
Contro la famiglia: Against the family
(Ziva)
"Your grandmother's body was not in that coffin!" I shout. Gibbs glares at me and remands me but I do not care. She is not being forthright. I have never had patience for women like this. My mother always taught me to be self-reliant. I suppose that this child is self-reliant but she acts so immaturely that I cannot fully appreciate the genius in her scheme. She is nothing more than a con-artist. Perhaps this immaturity is an act just like Tony's is.
"Bianca", Gibbs says again, "I think you know something about your grandmother."
"And I know you know something", I seethe. "So why do just make it easier on everyone and tell us what it is!"
"It was never supposed to go this far", she says quietly. "I didn't know who he was."
"Who who was", I ask.
"Adriano Sanctis", she replies, "I married him, it was so easy. All these Italian men are the same. I told him I was a virgin and a good Catholic girl, but I was so in love with him that I needed him, but the only way for us to have sex is if he married me. He was another stupid Ginny and bought into thinking the whole time he was playing me. These men, they only think with their dicks. Anyhow, when I went to collect, I couldn't touch the money. It's all offshore."
"They're mafia", I offer.
"Yes", she says while nodding, "I didn't know it at the time. They aren't big though. Anyway I stole a bunch of stuff instead."
"Define stuff", Gibbs says.
"Jewelry mostly", she says, "And some silver. The next thing I know they've taken my grandmother."
"Why not just take you", I ask.
"They wanted the stuff back, and I couldn't get it back if I was being held captive", she says.
"Why not give the stuff back", Gibbs asks.
"I pawned it off", she replies, "It's all gone."
This does not add up. Organized crime does not handle issues like this. I look at Gibbs and see he is thinking the same thing, however this twit does seem to be telling the truth. And more importantly this does not connect to Meagan Broome's murder. Perhaps they are two are unrelated events? I know Gibbs will not think so, but I cannot find a plausible connection.
"Bianca", I say, "Who else knows about this?"
"My mom", she says guiltily, "And I think my Uncle Peter and my great grandfather Angelo."
"Why was Meagan Broome's body in your grandmother's coffin", I ask. It is killing me, and I have too many other things to do instead of being killed by this.
"I don't know", she says.
I get into her face.
"Guess", I spit at her.
She looks down and I get out of her personal area.
"I honestly don't know", she says. "I know the whole thing with Mary and her brothers, but I don't know anything about how she got put in that coffin."
"Do you know about what they did to Meagan Broome", Gibbs asks quietly.
"I'm not supposed to say", she says.
Oh, I will strangle her, and I am pretty sure that I will enjoy it.
"They cannot be charged", Gibbs says.
"I'm not stupid", she says snottily, "I know things. And I know that if I tell you something that is contrary to the testimony provided by my cousin that it will renege the contract."
Perhaps I misjudged this one. She is a very well informed con artist. Oh well there are ways to handle the unwilling.
"Okay", Gibbs says, "Just tell us what Carmine did. He confessed to doing everything. So let's pretend it was just Carmine."
She glares at him. That is it. Sometimes I do not understand this country. I hit the wall in frustration and take my knife out.
"You are very frustrating", I tell her.
"Are you threatening me", she asks.
"I don't know" I say, "I have yet to decide."
That is truthful. I do not know how I will proceed to upset her. A pretty one like this I am thinking that going for the face will best serve my purposes.
"You do have beautiful hair", I tell her and then snap the knife shut.
"Look", she says, "They just took her and put her into a shed and videotaped it. They left her in there for a while and scared her. That was it!"
She realizes her blunder by naming more than one assailant and groans.
"We aren't trying to put anyone in jail", Gibbs says, "We are just trying to figure out what happened."
"I have no reason to trust you", she says her voice getting louder, "I don't know anything about you, and I will not be bullied! You want to talk to me? Well get in line! Do you have any idea how many times I have been in court and been interrogated? You don't scare me, you can't touch me!"
Bitch. I assure you that if I wanted, I could very well scare you.
"Dessert" some woman yells from the kitchen.
Saved by the…is it bell? Now why would someone be saved by that? Bells do not save lives. I must ask McGee later what the correct saying is. My blonde play toy looks more than grateful and rushes off to the kitchen, where Gibbs and I trail behind. We go to collect McGee and Abby in the living room but we stop short.
In the middle of the room an intense card game is happening and McGee seems to be winning. He looks like a child during Christmas that he is getting attention from Tony's relatives, and oh my, he has received some special attention. I cannot help but laugh out. Even Gibbs looks amused. McGee has been stripped of his formal shirt and is wearing nothing but his white undershirt and pants. Someone has slicked his hair back with gel, and lent him some chains and rings. He is smoking a cigar, and by all accounts appears to be winning a game of Rummy.
"Have you been adopted McGee", Gibbs asks.
"Gibbs", he says excitedly, "We're allowed to drink on duty right? I mean we aren't really on duty, because Tony was so I figured I could have some too. I'm drinking a man's drink!"
It is times like this that I know I made the right decision to stay in America. I do enjoy the people that I work with. It is also interesting to observe McGee to other men I have worked with in the past. As a woman I have been given the luxury of insight into these matters. McGee, although I would never tell him, is the kind of man I would want my son to grow to be, he is gentle and so aware of the rules. He and Tony are very interesting to study. Tony just does and asks questions later, he once told me that "it is always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" which perfectly captures his being. Tony loves to dance with trouble, as where McGee is terrified of it. However, over the years I believe Tony and I are breaking him of his dependence on status quo.
"McGee", Gibbs sighs, "It's time for dessert."
"But I'm winning", he cries indignantly.
"The game is not going anywhere", I reply, "And besides, I have a feeling you are going to enjoy what we are going to be eating."
He reluctantly comes where we sit down to see a spread of sweet delights. There are biscotti's, cannoli's, and every kind of Italian cookie known to man, and pies. This woman apparently is very grateful to Tony.
"I had no idea you were so flexible", I hear some boy that I believe goes by Jamie saying to Abby.
They are both sweaty, their hair is mussed, and their clothes ruffled. Gibbs head shoots up and looks ready to pounce. Well this could be quite interesting. Is it wrong to hope for some more drama? I have yet to have my fill. I haven't had this good of a time in a very long time.
"I do a lot of stretching in my lab", she replies as they take their seats. "So I can do cartwheels."
"That is awesome", he says.
"Abby", Gibbs barks.
"Yes Gibbs", she says innocently.
He doesn't have a question ready to pose that wouldn't embarrass Abby, so instead he is standing there with his mouth open and face becoming redder by the second.
"Is he having a stroke", Jamie asks.
"Gibbs", Abby says, "What's wrong?"
"Why are you out of breath", he demands glaring at Jamie.
"Oh", Abby says delighted, "We were playing twister!"
"Twister", I ask.
"You know the game with the spots", Jamie offers intelligently.
"I do not believe I am familiar with this game."
"Stay away from her", Gibbs barks out.
Tony walks into the room.
"Boss", he says looking much more sober, "Is there a problem?"
Gibbs feature soften as he looks at our Italian.
"No Tony", he says gently, "No problem."
And they say Gibbs is a hard ass. Nothing to hurt Tony's feelings, of course perhaps it is so that Tony does not kill himself by the end of the evening. I appreciate the humor in the stories being told and I myself am clearing enjoying being invited, however I would first pluck out my eye than invite my family to meet my work partners. Anything at this point could send Tony over the edge. I now understand why Tony does not speak of his family, despite their obvious flaws, there is a lot of love in the room and it must have been very difficult to have left. However I do not care for all the characters in the room, especially his father. I can only imagine how strained the relationship must have been when they were both living together. I can see great hurt in Tony's eyes every time his father speaks to him or about him. I also understand that hurt. Once we are all seated I see Tony explaining to McGee how to properly eat the desserts.
"Now that you're a goombah", Tony says, "You have to eat like a goombah. Take the biscotti and dunk it in your coffee."
"I have milk."
"That works too", Tony replies, "Trust me, it's delicious."
McGee seems to be much enthusiastic about this meal than the fish, and he is absolutely loving the attention that Tony and company are giving to him. I am glad that he can have this because often he is the geeky kid that no one pays heed to. Dessert wraps up without incident and many of relatives disperse to go home. Gibbs however is quick to prevent those from going home who he wishes to speak with. Now we should get answers.
Dominic and Tony left, after of course Tony got explicit permission from Gibbs, to go pick up something up at a store. The contents I am not sure about, nor do I care. This gives me much more time to talk to this family.
Beatrice, and Elena make steady work of cleaning the dishes while Carmine and James sit at the table, and after tracking down Bianca, she is also present. Tony's father sensing trouble has also stayed behind lingering by the fridge. Simona previously walked in with her "wounded" brother and mother, picked up some food and left. She then immediately returned upon realizing what was about to happen and is now fighting with Gibbs.
"I don't care what your reasoning is", she shoots, "No one is speaking to anyone. They are cleared!"
"They can come back and charge you with more crimes", Gibbs says.
"No they cannot", Simona spits right back, "Not when they have a confession that Carmine did everything. No matter what they charge us with we can say Carmine did it. They can't touch this family and you are not going to ruin that by digging around."
"Simona", I state, "No one is trying to screw them over. We are faithful to Tony. I should also remind you that your aunt is missing."
"My aunt is dead!"
I settle for glaring, "I was not present in the interrogation room, but I heard what you and Tony pulled off. You are too smart for me to believe that you do not know."
"Look", Simona declares, "You are not speaking to them!"
"Simona", Elena says, "We have to tell them sometime. However, we do not need everyone present."
"I am not leaving", Gibbs says simply, " and neither is my team, so you all are going to have to trust us. We are only trying to do right by DiNozzo and his career."
Carmine stands up.
"I love Tony", he says, "But I can't."
Gibbs marches right up to him and stands directly in front of him.
"You owe him", he says dangerously, "He did it for you, now you do this for him."
Carmine looks at Simona.
"No Carmine", she says strongly.
He looks back at Gibbs and nods.
"Alright man, what do you need to know?"
Simona has a hissy fit and throws her hands up and the air.
"Fine", she screams, "Don't listen to me, I just went to law school! The hell could I possibly know?"
She grabs her keys and slams the door shut, and in a funny way, I sympathize with her. I know what is like to be a woman in a male dominated culture and to not be respected because I am not one of the good old boys. I know that feeling of being silenced. Her advice to Carmine was right, but he trusts Tony and so trusts Gibbs, thus her training and education are being thrown out the window. That's just how it is sometimes. It is alright because women do have other advantages.
"Start from the beginning" Gibbs says.
"It started with Mary", Jamie offers quietly.
They quickly rehash how they took Megan and brought her to their shed and their reasoning.
"We just wanted to scare her" Jamie says, "We told her we were into weird sex games and tied her up, she wanted to score with Christian because he's a big shot around school and she wanted to shove that in Mary's face too. But then we just left her in there for a while and she went nuts. We pretended to be wolves and shit and she flipped out. We put the least embarrassing video online and sent the rest to her email to remind her that if she kept contacting Mary we would post the rest."
"And then", Gibbs asks.
"That was it", Carmine says, "We let her go. That was the end of it."
"So you don't know how she was killed", Gibbs asks looking quite relieved.
"We didn't know she was dead" Jamie says "until we saw her in the coffin."
Gibbs switches tactics.
"Ms. Brunelli", he says, "Did you know your mother was missing?"
"Not originally", she admits, "I thought she was dead. But then I learned the truth."
"They wanted our ports", says Peter DiNozzo.
"Who did", I ask.
"The Sanctis family", Peter explains.
"Ooh", I say, "That is quite interesting seeing is how Bianca married Adriano."
Peter glares at Bianca, "I know, that complicated things! But this started before all that. They're mafia, but not big time. They're a bunch of idiots with guns. They used to have more power but after the father was killed there was a struggle for power and there has been turmoil for years now. Because of a lack of central leadership they have fallen greatly and now no longer pose as great a threat. Anyhow, Enzo Sanctis wants control of the family and believed that by getting access to our ports it would put him in charge. We have a trading business with people overseas and he wanted to use us to smuggle in firearms. I have been telling them no for over a year now, and he can't afford to get into a fight with my family additionally so hasn't done anything ridiculous, until of course Bianca married his son Adriano."
I look over at the blonde who is looking guiltily at her feet.
"I didn't know", she says quietly.
"You're an idiot", Peter responds back sharply, "Anyhow after she married Adriano and stole all that shit they got pissed. They took Donna and told us they would return her when they got jewelry or they would go to the police and report Bianca. You can't just steal shit!"
"I said I'm sorry" she yells back.
"Shut up Bianca", Elena yells at her daughter.
"They made Donna talk", Peter continues, "and forced her to get into my business accounts. She's my accountant so she would have access. They made her change the numbers in our accounting book so it would like weren't reporting our taxes. They threatened to go public with the false information and kill Donna if I didn't give them access to the ports. My company couldn't afford that kind of scandal, the shareholders would pull out as we were being investigated, it wouldn't have mattered if it was truthful or not."
"Okay", Gibbs says, "That still doesn't explain how Meagan Broome ended up in Donna's coffin. It also does not explain why you called Tony up here."
Everyone is silent.
"Hey", Gibbs barks, "I want answers!"
"Do not raise your voice to me Agent Gibbs", Elena says, "I was trying to help my mother!"
"Why DiNozzo", Gibbs spits out.
"Anthony went after the Falone mafia down in Baltimore", she says quietly, "Enzo was trying to build power and by allying with the Falone's they would have been able to assert control and take charge. Anthony was a bargaining chip. Enzo would have made the trade, it was a good trade."
Gibbs throws a glass across the room. I look down in embarrassment for Tony. Oh how disgusting. These are the people that Tony stuck his neck out for.
"He's your son", Gibbs says grabbing Peter by the collar. "He's your blood. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Peter shakes Gibbs off angrily.
"We would have gotten him back", he yells, "After Donna was safe, I would have made sure I would have gotten him back."
"You don't get back people from the mafia", I say quietly, "and you Mr. DiNozzo being the esteemed business negotiator that you are, know that. Perhaps you intended to get your son back but you knew damn well that there was a little chance in hell of that happening."
"Who else knew about your plan", Gibbs barks.
"Elena and myself" Peter responds. I look around and note how pale the faces have become on everyone else.
"You were going to screw Tony", Carmine says incredulously.
"I was going to get him back", Peter shouts. "Why isn't anyone hearing that?"
"Why is your son an acceptable casualty but Donna Brunelli isn't", Gibbs yells back, "He's your son!"
McGee comes running in.
"Boss", he says excitedly still wearing his more Italian attire, "I found something!"
"What is it McGee", Gibbs finally asks after tearing his eyes away from Peter.
"It's actually amazing" Abby says rushing in, "How McGee got into the police servers-"
"What is it", Gibbs yells.
"Andrew Rossi", McGee says, "Has a son named Lucas Rossi."
"Oh shit", says Bianca.
"You get around", I tell her.
"I do", she says back to me.
I think I might actually like this one.
"You conned a cop's son", Elena screams. "What is wrong with you?! How did I raise you?"
"Okay" I say, "So that clears some things up. Let's for argument sake say that Rossi started out clean when he started on kidnapping case which led him to the Sanctics family because of the phone calls between Peter and Enzo. After spending time undercover in the family he recognizes the missing bride in that family too and can't think straight because of his anger towards Bianca. He wants to hurt this family so he is doing everything within his power to get back at Bianca. It's in his best interest for the Sanctis family to make good on their threats so you all suffer, he couldn't give a damn about the ports. He helps the Sanctis family kidnap Donna and set this all up. I'm betting Meagan Broome's death was a strategic move on his part, just another nail in the coffin."
"I need that autopsy report", Gibbs shoots, "I need that report now!"
"I can hack in", McGee offers, "And then send it to Ducky to review it."
"Do it", Gibbs says, "I need to know how she died and what forensic evidence they have. Mafia did clear that crime scene, we just need to know why."
Gibbs phone suddenly dares to go off.
"Tony" Gibbs barks, "What is it?" Suddenly however his face pales. "Where is Dominic, wait for Dominic." A pause. "What is the address? Ziva!"
I bring him a napkin and find a pen in my pocket.
He scribbles down the address and pats his pockets for his keys.
"Do not go in", he says, "Do you understand me Tony? You wait for backup! Tony! Tony!"
Everyone in the kitchen is silent waiting to see how this will unfold.
"Damn it", Gibbs yells snapping his phone shut, "Get McGee, Tony needs back up now!"
McGee hears his name and runs with us out to the car ignoring Tony's family angry protests.
"What has happened", I ask taking shotgun. Again, another strange term.
"Tony got a call from Donna", he says, "She was screaming and he heard shots fired. He left Dominic in the store because he couldn't get to his aunt in time. He went in the damn house!"
As we arrive to the scene we see that we have been beaten by NYPD and FBI. Now why are they here? I look over and see paramedics treating someone, and I see DiNozzo in cuffs sitting in the back of a cop car. What has happened here?
Gibbs quickly takes control of the situation and runs to Tony. I trail behind.
"Special Agent Gibbs", a man says, "So nice to see you again. Unfortunately this time your boy is going away for murder."
"What happened", Gibbs barks.
"He pushed our undercover cop outside a second story window. If he dies, oh I'm thinking death penalty."
"Give me two seconds", Gibbs barks back.
"I'm thinking no", the officer responds.
"Give them to me", Gibbs orders, "Professional courtesy."
"He has asked for a lawyer", the officer says smartly, "I cannot permit him to talk to other law enforcement officials."
"I am his lawyer", I state. He looks me up and down. Go ahead imagine me without clothes on, when I shut my eyes I imagine myself castrating you.
"Fine", he says, "Two seconds. As his lawyer you should also know that if he were to give some information regarding Meagan Broome's death we could perhaps cut him a deal."
"I shall take that under advisement", I say.
"You should also know" the officer continues, "That he should be forthright in this information, because if he is not, well gen pop doesn't tend to love cops."
Allow me to translate, that means Andrew Rossi is nowhere near dying and this is a tactic to get information. The officer leaves, and Gibbs points to McGee to get information on Andrew Rossi's condition with the paramedics.
Gibbs leans into open car door.
"What happened", he asks.
"He had a gun on my aunt", Tony says, "I got him by surprise and we both went out the window. There's no way that killed him! He was moving and cursing at me! And I didn't know that he was a cop! I didn't know!"
"It's okay Tony", Gibbs says reassuringly. "Look, tell them what they want to hear, it probably won't hold up in court. Tell them something until I have enough time to get the directors on the phone and sort this whole thing out. We figured it out Tony, it's done, and the heavy is not your family."
Tony looks down, and then back up.
"How long you need?"
"Three hours."
Tony looks away.
"No can do boss."
"Do you understand that you are going to be accused of murder, Tony?"
"Yeah boss I got that."
"Do you understand that this is the third time that you have been accused of murder?"
"Third time's the charm? What, you want me in jail?"
"I'm incredulous. I have never had an agent been accused this many times."
"I don't know if it helps, but I didn't do it."
"I know that DiNozzo. What I don't understand is why you can't tell me any details surrounding this. Defend yourself. Asking for a lawyer is going to prevent any chance to clear your name in the open."
"You know that saying boss that you have, about being a Marine? The one where you never leave a man behind? Well Italians have a saying too boss. You don't screw family. You don't go contro la famiglia."
"These people are not your family", Gibbs shouts, "We are your family! They are going to put in you gen pop Tony! They wouldn't do it for you! Defend yourself damn it! Tell them something about Meagan Broome's death! This is more than just your career now DiNozzo."
Officer Asshole has returned and is intruding in our space.
"Okay well time is up", he says. "Did we reach a resolution Antonio?"
Dick.
"I want a lawyer", Tony says quietly not eyeing me or Gibbs, "Another one. I don't want this one, I can't afford her."
"You want a lawyer", Carter asks happily, "Fine, we'll just have to keep you incarcerated until your trial. Congratulations Special Agent DiNozzo you are going to meet just exactly how many people you have put away over the years."
"I'll be dead before you get any information."
"Yeah, you know what, considering how little we have on you, I'm okay with that."
The officer shuts the door and before we can do anything the sirens are blaring and off.