Chapter Four
"Okika, you, I, and," Tony paused as he looked over the agents in the bullpen, "Special Agent Surfer Dude are going to Five-O to talk to them about the case. From what I've seen they are ahead of us on this investigation and I don't like that."
Six foot, one inch with blonde hair and a swimmer's built; Special Agent Wayne Frost was an ex-Seal, who did love to surf. He did like it, though, when he was made fun of. He glared at Tony.
"The name is Wayne Frost," said Frost.
"Graduate of Annapolis and a member for six years of Seal Team Four. I've read your file, Agent Frost," said Tony. "Get a sense of humor and your gear."
"Yes, sir," said Frost.
"Name is Tony or DiNozzo or," he smiled, "sir is fine."
Tony adjusted his tie then said, "You two take the charger. I'll follow in my car."
"Yes, sir," said Okika.
They arrived at the Lolani Palace in downtown Honolulu. Parking their cars, they entered the building and inquired at the front desk about Five-O. They were directed to the offices of the Five-O task Force. Okika and Frost let Tony enter the offices first. He looked around and saw three men and one attractive female standing around a smart table working on a case. One of the men wore cargo pants and black tee shirt with his gun on his hip and tattoos showing. Tony walked up to him and offered his hand.
"You look like a Navy Seal so I am assuming you are Commander Steve McGarrett," said Tony.
Steve shook his hand and looked at him with caution.
"You are?"
"Anthony DiNozzo, Operations Manager, NCIS," he said as he pulled his hand away. "Quite a grip, you've got there. Do you snack on PEDs or something? You're a virile one, aren't you?"
"He's an animal actually," said a shorter man in a shirt and tie with his hair slicked back.
"Shut up, Dano," said Steve.
"That's Special Agent Okika and Special Agent Frost. He's a Navy Seal, also, but don't call him surfer dude because he doesn't like it," said Tony. "I think he's sensitive about it. Is that a Seal thing?"
Steve looked at Tony, as if he was just a bit crazy, which drew a DiNozzo smile.
"That's Chin-ho Kelly, Dano Williams and Kono," said Steve.
"You are working on a serial killer case that my MCRT wasn't taking seriously enough in my opinion," said Tony. "I'm taking charge of our side of the investigation, so I wanted to get together with you."
"Oh, the man in the expensive suit is taking over the investigation," said Dano.
"Do you buy those shirt and tie combo specials at Sears?" asked Tony.
Kono, Chin, and Steve chuckled.
"You don't like my shirt and tie?" Dano asked.
"No, there fine. They almost go with each other," said Tony.
"What makes you think that you have what it takes to investigate a serial killer?" asked Dano.
"Six years as a cop, two of which I was a homicide detective in Baltimore with a 94 percent closure rate," Tony started, "followed by over ten years as the SFA of the best MCR Team in the NCIS system. I've worked more than one serial killer case."
"You from Jersey?" asked Dano.
"New York. Long Island, New York," said Tony.
"DiNozzo from Long Island," said Dano with a smirk.
"Don't worry I don't come from a Mafia family," smiled Tony.
"DiNozzo," repeated Dano's name and then furrowed his brow. "You work in Philly?"
"Yup," answered Tony.
"The DiNozzo who went undercover and brought down a Mafia family?" Dano asked.
"That's me," beamed Tony.
"I think I like him," said Dano.
"Okay, now that we have the introductions over, Mr. DiNozzo…," Steve started.
"Call me Tony," interrupted Tony.
"Okay, now that we've made introductions, what do you want to do?" asked Steve.
"I want to find and put away this animal killing women in the navy," said Tony. "I thought we could work together and maybe get this done quicker."
Steve smiled then he looked at Dano and said, "You're right I think I like him, too."
NCIS
Gibbs sat in Vance's office waiting for the director. He knew the news he had for him was going to ruin Vance's week. Vance came in and sat down at his desk. He looked harried already. Gibbs knew he was going to look worse at the end of this conversation.
"You have a lead on the dead Quartermaster, Gibbs," he said.
"More than a lead, I think we have a drug smuggling case here, Leon," said Gibbs.
Vance leaned back in chair and exhaled. His week was getting worse and worse.
"Navy personnel involved?" asked Vance.
"I think we are looking at a supply line of heroin coming out of China to Japan to Pearl and from Pearl to Norfolk where it is fed out to distributors," said Gibbs.
"Are we sure?" asked Vance.
"James had a quarter to million in an offshore account. Trances of heroin were found on his person but not in his system. According to Abby, the heroin came from China. It appears that Chief James was killed by associates, probably because he was getting greedy," said Gibbs.
"Greedy makes for mistakes and gets noticed," said Vance.
"Exactly," said Gibbs. "We did some more investigating and found at least two potential associates of James working out of Norfolk. Since James just recently transferred from Pearl, I'm assuming Pearl is where the heroin is being brought into the country."
"What do you want to do?" asked Vance.
"I think an investigation should be started in the hub of this operation which is Pearl," said Gibbs. "Maybe a Pearl MCRT should open an investigation."
Vance smiled. Gibbs didn't know about DiNozzo and Pearl.
"The MCRTs in Pearl and special agents are going through a bit of upheaval right now. I hired an operations manager to oversee them and make sure their skills are up to par," said Vance.
"This person better be good at their job," said Gibbs.
"I don't know, Gibbs, you used to say he was the best special agent you ever worked with," said Vance with a grin.
Gibbs stared at Vance for a moment then smiled.
"DiNozzo," he said.
Vance nodded in the affirmative.
"I thought his lungs wouldn't let him work any longer," said Gibbs.
"Dr. Pitt has worked miracles with him. He ran a mile under seven minutes and Pitt assured me that he can handle the job as long as he kept taking care of himself. He's no longer a full time field agent, but he can handle an occasional case, while doing his duties as operations manager," said Vance.
"So we are going to throw this in his lap like a hit grenade?" asked Gibbs.
"No, we aren't. It is your investigation and your team. I recommend we contact Operations Manager DiNozzo and make arrangements for you to go out to Pearl," said Vance.
"Are you sure about this, Leon?" asked Gibbs.
"I'm sure, Gibbs. Balboa's team and Hynes team can pick up your slack," he said.
Gibbs got up and walked out of the office. He headed down the mezzanine stairs to the bullpen. Once in the bullpen, he looked at his team. They were busy at work. He smiled. McGee looked up at him and saw the smile.
"Is anything wrong, boss?" asked Gibbs.
"No, nothing. We are going to Pearl to investigate this smuggling ring. I'll arrange to contact Pearl up at MTAC. I want," he paused and looked at Ziva. She seemed vaguely uninterested, even at the thought of going to Hawaii. He needed to light a fire under her. "I want Ziva with me when I talk o Pearl."
"Me, Gibbs. Why?" asked Ziva.
"Because I said so, Agent David," he said.
Ziva rolled her eyes, got up and followed Gibbs up the stairs towards MTAC.
NCIS
It was his third day of work and Tony had Okika and her team, except Frost, redoing Five-O's interviews and rechecking their own work. He had given them few rules so far, but the first two were simple: one, never stand on the sidelines when a teammate is in trouble, and, two, check and double check everything. Frost he had working with Five-O for now. He also ordered a smart table for the two MCRTs and another to be used by antiterrorism and force protection agents. There was no reason he believed that his teams and agents shouldn't have the best equipment to work with on cases. Craig agreed with him on this.
Craig also told him that they had to take a call from DC in MTAC. It was eight in the morning, which meant it was two in the afternoon in DC. Tony sat in his office with a fresh cup of coffee. He had already managed his swim and run and promised Brad he'd see him for lunch. His office overlooked the two MCRT bullpens, which he wasn't that found of. It made him feel like a school principal.
He got up with coffee in hand and exited the office and looked at his secretary, who was a TAD. She was twenty years old and nervous in the job, but he had a feeling he was going to ask for her to be placed permanently as his secretary.
"Dana, I'll be in MTAC if anyone is looking," he said.
"Yes, sir," she said.
"Dana, what did I tell you?" he chided her.
"Call you Tony not sir," she said.
"That's right," he said then started off towards the elevator to go to MTAC.
When Tony arrived at MTAC, Craig was waiting for him already. He walked up beside him.
"What's this all about, Jerome?" asked Tony.
"Leon, said he'd explain, Tony," said Craig.
Craig had to admit that he felt comfortable around Tony, which was unusual for him. He was great with bureaucrats and politicians, but field agents were usually his weak spot, but Tony was different. They both loved films and both were uncomfortable around children. It had only been a few days but they were already bonding.
"Sir, I have Director Vance," said the technician.
"Put him on," said Craig.
Tony was sipping his coffee when the screen showed Vance, Gibbs, and Ziva in MTAC. He almost choked on his coffee and could see from Ziva's expression that she hadn't expected to see him there in the Hawaii office.
"Deputy Director Craig and Operations Manager DiNozzo, I'll wish you a good morning since I know that it's morning there," said Vance.
Vance went about explaining the situation to Craig and Tony. Ziva tried not to stare at Tony, but her eyes kept drifting to him. It had been almost a year. He had lost weight and looked tanned and in better shape. She also noticed that he looked almost shocked to see her.
He listened to Vance speak, barely registering what he was saying. His eyes and mind kept taking in Ziva. He'd forgotten how beautiful she was and hadn't also forgotten her temper. Some of the looks she gave him were definitely of the 'I am pissed at you' variety. He hadn't seen her since he kissed her and it appeared that she was pissed at him. If that wasn't symbolic of their relationship, he didn't know what was.
"We can make arrangements at the Navy Lodge for your team," said Craig.
"Well, I'll let Agent Gibbs talk to Operations Manager DiNozzo," smiled Vance.
"DiNozzo," said Gibbs.
"Gibbs," said Tony.
"I'll need work space for four agents and computers," said Gibbs.
"You'll have it," said Tony.
"I may also need extra hands," said Gibbs.
"We'll look at our contingency agents' pool once you get here," said Tony. "Do you know when you be arriving?"
"We should be in your office by six or seven tomorrow morning your time," said Gibbs.
"I'll let my top MCRT know just in case I'm not here," he said.
"Sleep late, DiNozzo," said Gibbs.
"No, Gibbs, I have to get my morning swim and run in every day or my doctor gives me grief," said Tony.
A sad smile crossed Gibbs' lips. His morning routine was a reminder that Tony would never be his SFA again.
"We'll see you tomorrow," said Gibbs.
"I'll be here," smiled Tony.
Gibbs made the kill sign and the screen went blank. Vance nodded then turned and headed up the aisle to the exit. Ziva stood in place, as if almost frozen by her emotions. Gibbs looked at her.
"You okay?" asked Gibbs.
"I'm fine, Gibbs."
"No, you're not. Talk to me," said Gibbs.
"I'm angry at him. He left without a word. I feel like he deserted us, deserted me," said Ziva.
"His lungs were shot, Ziva. He had to leave the field," said Gibbs.
"But he didn't have to leave us. We were his family," said Ziva.
Gibbs smiled, "DiNozzo has always had family issues for good reason, Ziva."
"Still, like Abby, I am angry at him," she said.
"Try not to shot him when we get there," he said then turned and headed up the aisle.
NCIS
He slept restlessly. His team was still coming up with nothing on the serial killer and he was sure that almost every agent needed a refresher course on how to carry out a proper investigation. On top of that, he kept thinking about Gibbs and Ziva. Thoughts about both of them were enough to cause him to lose sleep. He never said a proper goodbye to either one of them. Actually, he didn't say a proper goodbye to anyone. He was too scared to say goodbye, afraid that he would be able to leave if he did.
He tossed and turned in bed. He thought of sleeping in the other bedroom as a change of pace, but he knew it wouldn't help. His next idea was to watch a movie. If he wasn't going to sleep then he might as well be entertained. Of course, in the mood he was in then he'd end up watching more than one movie and end up with no sleep. Yeah, that was the way he wanted to meet his old team tomorrow: sleep deprived and irritated.
Finally, sleep outpaced anxiety and he fell asleep for a few hours or tossing and turning. He woke just before his alarm went off and forced himself out of bed. His first stop was his morning swim. It had become as second nature to him as morning coffee. Swim, run, shower, and then pick out the right clothes for the day. He was thinking of his off-white Brioni summer suit with a blue dress shirt and red silk tie. Yeah, that seemed like the right clothes for today. It would give him the look of someone who was confident, he thought. Or I'll look like someone out of a Graham Greene novel.
NCIS
Gibbs looked at his watch. It was going on nine and DiNozzo still wasn't there. He sighed. Special Agent Okika was showing McGee, Ziva and MacDonald the space they'd occupy and what equipment they could use. McGee was thrilled with the smart table. Gibbs leaned back in his chair.
"Where is your boss?" he growled.
"He'll be in soon. From what I can tell he likes to get his physical therapy done before work," she said.
"Physical therapy?" asked McGee.
"Fifteen laps in a pool and a five mile run," she said. "I know this because he was thinking of using the pool on Pearl but after seeing how many people use it in the mornings he said he'd prefer to swim alone."
Before Gibbs could give an answer, Tony exited the elevator and walked into the their temporary working area. He saw that McGee and their Probie were deep in play with the smart table. Ziva was staring at him and a slight grin crossed Gibbs' lips.
"Gibbs," said Tony.
"DiNozzo," said Gibbs.
"I see Agent Okika has you all settled in," said Tony. "What else do you need?"
"Nothing," said Gibbs.
"Okika, back to your case," he said.
"Yes, sir," she said.
Hearing sir Ziva snorted. Tony lifted and eyebrow and glanced at her. She then turned her away and looked over at Gibbs, who smiled and shook his head.
"I'll be in my office then," said Tony and he walked away.
"Ziva was that necessary," said Gibbs.
"He is the one who decided to drop us out of our lives," she said.
"Behave," said Gibbs, who then stood up. "I'm going to see DiNozzo."
Gibbs walked away leaving McGee a little confused as he looked up from the smart table.
"What did I miss?" McGee asked.
Tony sat in his office looking at his desk.
"Of course, she hates me. I'd hate me the way I just left them all without a proper goodbye. They all probably hate. I bet if they brought Abby with them, she'd probably kill in a way that would leave no forensics," Tony said aloud.
"Now you know why I didn't invite Abby to come along on this one," said Gibbs.
He entered the office then shut the door. Tony looked up at him. Gibbs grinned.
"Hey, boss," said Tony.
"I'm not your boss, DiNozzo," said Gibbs. "You're looking good."
"Yeah," smiled Tony. "Brad has been working my ass off. He's changed my whole lifestyle."
"Glad to hear it," said Gibbs.
Gibbs sat down in the chair in front of Tony's desk.
"Sorry, Gibbs," said Tony.
"DiNozzo, you know how I feel about apologies, but you do owe some people some apologies. I'd begin with Abby and Ziva. Abby cried for a week and Ziva… well, she's had her issues about your leaving," said Gibbs.
"She's seems angry with me," said Tony.
"That would be one of the emotions she feels," said Gibbs.
Tony reached up with his right hand and rubbed his face. His phone rang and he answered it. Gibbs watched as he talked on the phone for a few moments then hung up.
"Deputy Director Craig regrets that he was only able to get three rooms at the Navy Lodge for you," Tony said. "I live in a two bedroom bungalow on my cousin's estate, so I can put one of you up."
"We'll go check the Navy Lodge and then decide which one of us will star with you," said Gibbs. "We need access to a car."
"I'll call the carpool and arrange one," said Tony.
"What time do you leave work?" asked Gibbs.
"Between five-thirty and six-thirty," he answered.
"One of us will be here to go home with you," said Gibbs, who then stood. "Good to see you, DiNozzo."
"Good to see you, too, Gibbs," Tony said with a sincere smile on his face.