Chapter 6: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

"I'm not working with the FBI on this." Gibbs stood his ground, unwilling to give even an inch to the pompous ass of FBI agent standing beside him in front of Vance's desk.

"This is an FBI investigation, we're pursuing a serial killer who has already attacked before, it's imperative that we're the ones conducting the investigation."

"But it's my marine you're going to be poking around."

"Gentleman, I believe cooperation is the key word for the dilemma we have on our hands." Vance turned to Thoreau, who smiled smugly and stood straighter as Vance studied him up and down and found only an impeccable Ermenegildo Zegna, "While I understand the need of keeping the Bureau in the loop, I do not see the need of completely disregarding the insight of an elite team like Gibbs and his agents."

"They are not aware of the peculiarities of the case."

"Then I'm sure you're going to be more than happy to share them so both the FBI and NCIS can, together, solve this case."

Thoreau's fake smile slipped a little, "Sir, as the head of this investigation, I believe..."

"As the head of this agency, I believe that cooperation is the key for a good standing between our agencies." Vance stood up, glaring at Thoreau's fading grin with all the force of his position as the head of one of the most important agencies in the country. "This matter is closed."

Gibbs looked at Vance with a smirk, just to be have it shot down by Vance's next words, "You will be briefed by Agent Thoreau and will allow him to interact with the investigation."

"He's not alone, he's got a junior agent with him."

"Then you will show the appropriate respect for both of them for the duration of this case." Vance answered without hesitation.

Gibbs stayed in silence for a while, considering his options. Thoreau thought the conversation was finished so he started going to door. Gibbs smiled and motioned with a finger, calling Vance to follow him.

Once Vance approached him, wary of what Gibbs would say, he was surprised with his question. "May I pick?"

"Pick what?"

"The FBI agent I get to work with."

"I wasn't aware that there was a choice."

"Ah... I'll show you. Come with me."

His curiosity aroused by Gibbs' curious manners, Vance followed Gibbs down the corridor, walking a few steps behind Thoreau, all the way to the mezzanine overlooking the bullpen. Once there, he thought it curious that Gibbs leaned over the railing and studied his agents working down in the bullpen.

"What am I supposed to see, Agent Gibbs?"

"Just watch." Gibbs pointed to the bullpen, and Vance finally noticed a short pale brunette standing beside McGee, his form almost shadowing her so Vance did not see her at first. She was talking excitedly with Ziva and Tony, who were studying several piles of files which were opened over Gibbs and Ziva's desks.

Thoreau, however, wasn't a happy camper when he saw the little brunette talking with the agents and marched down the steps, almost running until he reached her side.

NCIS NCIS NCIS

"What's the meaning of this?" He screamed at her, making her jump and totally change her demeanor, from enthusiastic to demure in seconds. I have to admit that it was in that moment that I started to hate Thoreau and understand a little bit Laura's attitude towards... well... everyone.

"We were just going through the evidence and..." Laura muttered, just to shut up when he glared at her.

"Hey, chill out man, we're just picking her brains here." Tony said. It's okay that he didn't like the new girl, but there was no reason to scream at the Probie.

"You've shown them our files?" Thoreau almost had steam come out of his ears, such was his fury. Laura took a step back, bumping against my chest. I instinctively put a hand on her shoulder, and I could actually feel her lightly shaking under my fingers.

"There's a child's life at stake. I thought we were working together."

"We're not working together. I decide what's to be shared or not."

"But we've just built a profile."

"You've given them our profile? I'm the senior agent here, I'm the one who decides what's going to be shared or not!"

Me, Tony and Ziva just stared at Thoreau as he turned his junior agent into mince meat right before our eyes, and I could still feel her shaking beneath my fingers. Ziva took a glance at Laura's face and her eyes were filled with compassion, as I could only guess how she must be taking that humiliation. I happened to glance up and saw Gibbs and Vance watching everything from the mezzanine.