Things got off to a fairly good start the next morning. Tim was able to call his sweetheart and have a nice conversation with her and he felt bouyed in spirit as he headed into work; making sure to leave early enough that he wouldn't be looking at getting stuck in traffic. It was an excuse he was tired of having to use; even if it was the truth; and even if had been a good six months since he'd had to use it.
Tim much preferred being early; missing the traffic tie-ups' and having ample time to enjoy his coffee and his peace and quiet; usually broken first by the arrival of Gibbs. Lately, though, Tim had figured out the timing of things so that he was usually convienently in the break room when Gibbs came in; and usually just as convienently already at his desk when Gibbs came back in with his fresh coffee for the beginning of the day.
Nothing was usually said between them at this time; both preferring the peace and quiet of the almost empty squad room. It was amazing that in all the years they'd worked on the team together; it had taken Tim this long to find something he could do that wouldn't piss Gibbs off. Or at least, not piss him off enough that he'd go off on him about it. Who knew how Gibbs felt about Tim's early arrival every morning? The man never would talk to him, so Tim damn sure didn't know. Choosing to ally himself to the expression, "Ignorance is bliss" literally, Tim kept to his pattern, so long as it made his life simpler.
This morning, though, seemed different. Gibbs was apparently waiting for a shoe to drop somewhere, judging by his less than contented demeanor, even with most of his first cup of coffee already downed. Still, Tim kept his mouth shut; unwilling to have his concern thrown back in his face, as Gibbs sometimes did. Instead, he chose to discreetly leave the man in peace, making a silent exit from the squad room and an even quiet entry into the stairwell.; not even wanting the sound of the elevator to disturb the man.
Gibbs watched as his agent left him in peace. Unsettled with the new attitude Tim seemed to be carrying; he felt a shiver of unease climb up his spine. Something was up with that kid and he'd damn sure like to know what it was; but something else was bothering Gibbs more. Tim had been extremely quiet and almost withdrawn when he wasn't talking to Tony and Ziva about the current case. It had been like watching two different people trying to function in the same body from the minute Gibbs had asked him where Abby was as soon as he got in from the airport yesterday. This was so unlike McGee, it had Gibbs genuinely beginning to feel concern.
Abby had been quieter than usual yesterday when she got back, too. The fact that the neither of his two normally very close team members didn't come within twenty feet of each other for the remainder of the day clinched it. Putting all the clues together to make the picture complete wasn't hard for the boss; but figuring out what the final piece was; the mitigating factor; was proving to be damn difficult. Since both were back safe and sound and neither had gotten into trouble down there; he was only left with guesswork; which he hated. He'd have to wait and see what happened next, since neither one of them were talking about it.
As he sat at his desk in the eerily quiet squad room, Gibbs felt Vance's eyes on him. Raising his own eyes up to the Mezzanine level, he wasn't surprised to find he'd been right. In typical fashion, Vance gestured for him to join him upstairs for a chat. With that returning feeling of being unsettled, Gibbs headed up to see what Vance wanted. Somehow, he knew it couldn't be good.
"Had a chance to read Agent McGee's report from Mexico?" Vance asked as they walked back to his office.
"Haven't had the time, yet, Leon. Gibbs offered honestly.
" I'd suggest you make the time. Now would be best," Vance said cryptically as he handed Gibbs his copy of the report in question.
Several silent minutes later Gibbs finished reading it and set the report down; looking at Vance with irritation as he did. "It's just like his other reports, Leon; thorough, accurate, no misspellings. You have a problem with it?"
"Have you seen Ms. Scuito's report on Mexico?" was Vance's only response.
"Yes, Leon, I have."
"And you don't see a problem?"
"No, I don't! Both of them always do good work. You know this. What's your point?"
"My point, Gibbs. Is that I just got off a video conference with the Mexican Government. It seems as though neither of your people have been completely up front about what took place down there." Leon explained. As he finished speaking, he picked up the remote to his television and turned it on, to what was obviously a recording.
"Director Vance"
"The Reynosa Drug Cartel made a serious allegation charging that the Mexican government is deliberately trying to provoke them by sending Foreign Agents and Forensic Scientists out into their territory with a classroom full of University students.
The Mexican Government takes these allegations very seriously. They have no desire to see the tenuous peaceful relationship with the Reynosa's and their allies damaged or eroded. The safety and well-being of the Mexican civilians is paramount to the peacekeeping efforts the Government works hard to maintain.
As such, and in keeping with those peacekeeping efforts, these allegations have been investigated. Through captured video surveilliance footage and eye witness accounts, the following situation has come to light.
As he had personally requested her visit and sponsored it; Senor Marco Sanchez was held responsible for both her safety and her actions while she was a visitor in our country and a guest of our government.
Senor Sanchez, once questioned, disclosed information of the events that took place.
Mr. Sanchez states that he specifically warned the NCIS Forensic Scientist and her Special Agent Escort to remain where their safety could be guaranteed. They had even been strongly advised NOT to seek space at a motel; requesting that they, instead, make do with the one room for the duration of their stay; for their safety.
Apparently, his is so taken with Ms. Scuito, he was willing to overlook these events.
The Mexican Government is not.
Ms Scuito willfully disregarded the warnings of the Mexican Justice Department Spokesman, Senor Sanchez to remain in places that had been designated as safe for her while she was in our country to conduct her instructional class on The Forensic Science of Working on a Cold Case.
Further investigation into this matter, through both eye witness accounts of a conversation and video surveillance tape obtained from the restaurant where United States Federal Agent Timothy McGee and United States Citizen, Forensic Scientist, Abby Scuito met before they set out on ill-advised trip.
"Their conversation was caught on this tape and shows that Ms Scuito also willfully disregarded the instructions of her assigned NCIS Escort, Agent McGee as he attempted to enforce the advice and instruction of Mr. Sanche.
Ms. Scuito recklessly and rashly carried out her own agenda which resulted in the near abduction of not only the entire class of University student but, Ms. Scuito herself, as well as Agent McGee.
We believe you need to see and hear this for yourself:
"Abby no! You can't take them out there! You heard what Marco said!"
"McGee, Just because you're determined to be the party pooper throughout this entire trip does not mean you're gonna stop me from teach MY class the way I see fit! And I say, we need to go to the evidence!"
Abby, you know you could have them bring it to you! There is no reason to put yourself in danger! You can't put them in danger like this either! These drug cartels are nothing to fool around with, Abby!"
"Oh, Timmy, stop being such a baby. There's no way, any drug cartel is gonna waste their time on a group of college students and their teacher oh, and the teacher's pet. ! We're harmless! We're not a threat to anybody!"
"No, Abby! That's final!"
"Yeah, okay, McGee. You keep thinkin' that! And while you're busy thinking that; my students and I will be loading up into the van. Don't keep us waiting long, McGee. We have a crime scene to investigate!"
Abby is seen walking away and the clumping of Abby's boots can be heard walking away as Tim is left sitting at the table for a moment as he voices his frustration: "Damn it, Abby; why the hell don't you ever take me seriously when I'm your protection detail? Why don't you ever listen to me?"
Tim is seen getting up from the table; throwing money for their meal onto the table and hurrying out after Abby.
**End of Played Tape**"
It was the brave actions of Agent McGee at the scene of the confrontation with Paloma Reynosa ,when he unhesitatingly and calmly offered himself up to Ms. Reynosa and her guards in exchange for the release of all the students and Ms. Scuito, which successfully brought about the safe return of all persons to the University."
Senorita Reynosa was most impressed with his quick thinking and his bravery; despite the fact that she believes it to be a deliberate set up by the Mexican Government. It was Agent McGee's actions and cool head that convinced her to let them go regardless.
Nevertheless; Director Vance, Regardless of what arrangements you have with Senor Sanchez; Ms. Scuito is not advised to return to this country any time in the near future, if she can not refrain from taking such risks. Senor Sanchez has been dealt with in regard to his breech of adequate safety precautions for American dignitary visitors. While he warned them; he also failed to ensure they followed his warning. Additionally, he did nothing to aide them in being able to do the job he'd asked her to do.; thus leading Ms. Scuito to take her class where it was dangerous.
Government relations with the Drug Cartels here are precarious enough as it is. We do not need foreign citizens setting themselves up to be targets. Taking Mexican citizens along and putting them in such danger is absolutely unacceptable.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter, Director Vance.
As the video stopped, Vance turned on Gibbs.
"What the hell happened down there, Gibbs?"
"You heard the tape, Leon. You heard the man. You know what happened. Hell, you probably know more than I do!" Gibbs shot back in anger. This had hit him from out of the blue and that was one thing he hated more than anything was when his people kept things from him; especially big things like this! Whipping out his phone, he called Abby,
"Morning. Gibbs." She answered much more quietly than usual. Maybe this is what had been bothering these two. He was about to find out.
"Abby, get up here to the Director's Office and bring McGee with you!" Gibbs ordered before he snapped his phone shut.
While they waited, Gibbs picked the remote up and listened to the report again.
As Abby headed up to the squad room, she found Tim steadily working at his desk; his fingers flying over the keyboard. He didn't look as angry or upset as he had on the plane yesterday but he was definitely not himself. Even Tony and Ziva were looking at him as if they knew something was 'off' with him.
"McGee. You and I are wanted in Vance's office." Abby said quietly as she stood in front of the man's desk.
As Tim stopped typing; he looked at Abby, trying to judge if she was pulling his leg or not. After a silent minute, he figured she was serious, so he shut down his work station, before he glanced silently at Tony and then Ziva and then headed upstairs, taking the time to not be rude as he waited for Abby to preceed him up the stairs and to the Director's Office.
This couldn't be good.
It was hard to say who was more shocked and worried about Tim's complete silence with Abby; the jury was still out on whether or not Tony and Ziva were more concerned than Abby was herself. Then again, Tony and Ziva were completely clueless as to what was going on and so it was a safe bet that their surprise and their worry was sharper. It was just as much a safe bet that Tony would get to the bottom of it; after all Tim was his Probie and something was bothering the younger man. When it came to Tim; when he was upset enough to show signs of it, Tony went on the offensive; wanting to fix the problem. After all, that's what big brothers did.