Chapter Five
So far, they were still coming up with little on the serial killer case. Tony told Mya Philips to share her profiler with Five-O then he told Okika to fit names and faces to that profile. Now sitting at his desk, he looked at his wristwatch and saw that it was six o'clock. One of Gibbs' team would soon be there and he hoped to hell that it was Gibbs, or, at least, McGee. There was a knock on his door.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened and Ziva was standing there holding one bag and with another over her shoulder. From the annoyed aspect on her face, she was unhappy with staying with him.
"Gibbs said I was to stay with you. It is not my idea," she said in a voice that had no emotion. "He also said that even though you come to work late, I should come to work with you tomorrow."
"Okay," he said then sighed. "Are you ready to leave?"
She showed him her bag and rolled her eyes. Tony sighed again.
"Let's go," he said.
Once they exited the building, they headed to his parking spot and his red MG. When Ziva saw it, she snorted derisively. Tony closed his eyes. He knew that this was going to be difficult but he didn't realize just how difficult it would be. They got in his car and he started it up and pulled away.
The car ride went in silence. Tony knew Ziva long enough that he knew she was wanting or ready to talk and he definitely wasn't in the mood to tease. Speeding along they passed through the open gate of his cousin's estate.
"This is where you live?" she asked.
"It my cousin's estate," he replied.
She snorted once again. Her snorts were really starting to get on his nerves. He kept his mouth shut, though. Pulling up in front of the bungalow, he parked the car.
"This is where you live?" she asked again.
"Yeah, it's a two bedroom bungalow," he said.
"Bungalow," she repeated then snorted.
Tony didn't bother to help her. He got out of the car, walked to the door, opened it, and walked into his home. She followed.
"The spare bedroom is over there," he pointed at the second bedroom door.
Ziva looked around the house. It was a very nice place and like his apartment in DC, it was immaculate. This always surprised her because she always envisioned that he lived like a college student.
"The kitchen refrigerator is full, so you can help yourself," he said.
"Filled with pizza," she said offhandedly and with a hint of disdain.
"No, it is filled with healthy food. Brad has forced me to change my diet," he growled. "Now I'm changing and taking my evening laps. Feel free to eat or whatever else you want to do. I have to go for a swim."
He stormed into his bedroom to change. Ziva stood there for a moment feeling slightly annoyed with herself. She could try talking to him and she knew that she should, but she was still angry. Picking up her bags, she carried her bags into the spare bedroom.
When Ziva finally exited the bedroom after putting away some clothes and changing into jeans and a tee shirt, she walked into the kitchen and saw through the glass doors that Tony was swimming his laps in the pool. She slid the glass door open and walked towards the pool.
Stopping at the edge of the pool, she watched him swim smoothly. As he started his last lap, he lifted his head up and looked at her. She could see him breathing heavily, but she had to admit that he looked healthier and in much better shape. Yes, he looked very much in better shape, she thought, as her mind started to drift to her goodbye kiss.
"Did you decide what you wanted for dinner?" he asked.
"No," she answered simply, as her thoughts returned to the here and now.
"I could make us a sort Hawaiian sweet and sour chicken with pineapple or," he was going to offer another dish when his smart phone rang. "Can you get me my phone?"
Ziva retrieved it from the table and tossed it to him. Tony caught it as he stood in the pool in waist high water. He answered the phone.
"DiNozzo," he said. "A new one. Okay, text me the address."
Ziva was looking at the purple sky over the water. A sense of regret came over her, as she knew he had to leave.
"I've got to go," he said.
"Another dead body?" she asked.
"Afraid so," he sighed. "I mean it whatever is in the refrigerator is at your disposal. Make yourself dinner."
"Will you be long?" she asked.
"It won't be as long a night for as for my agents," smiled Tony.
NCIS
Tony arrived at the hiker's trail. The NCIS MCRT van was there, as well as police and Five-O. He parked his car and got out to be greeted by Dano.
"No suit this time. You didn't strike me and a jeans and hoodie type," said Dano.
"Do you sleep in a shirt and tie?" asked Tony.
"Very funny," said Dano.
McGarrett along with Kono walked out of the verdant forest. The body was dragged off the hiking trail. They were followed by Okika and Agent Holmes. Tony noticed that it was started to get dark out.
"What do we have?" Tony asked.
"Petty Officer 2nd class Ellen Terry," said Holmes, who had the portable finger print reader.
"Neck cut and I believe she has been violated," said Okika.
"What the terrain like?" he asked.
"One slip and you can roll down the side of a mountain," said Okika.
Tony nodded at the thought of one his people falling down a mountain. He turned and looked out at the ocean. The water was slate grey now and the sky was slowly matching it in color.
"When will our ME be here?" asked Tony.
"Our ME will be here soon," said McGarrett.
"Send him or her home," said Tony. "Navy body. She belongs to us."
"We took the first three victims," said McGarrett.
"Banks isn't here anymore for a reason. The body is ours," said Tony then he looked at Okika. "It'll be dark soon. I want a team of three back here tomorrow at sunrise to start a grid search to see if we can find evidence."
"Yes, sir," said Okika.
"Make sure our ME is out here for the body."
"Yes, sir," said Okika.
Tony turned and he was faced by McGarrett, who appeared to be angry.
"I'd like to talk about this, Operations Manager DiNozzo," said McGarrett.
"Heavy on the testosterone, aren't we?" Tony mocked him.
"We have been leading this investigation and now you are taking the lead. I don't like it," said McGarrett.
"We have two choices, Commander McGarrett," said Tony reminding him that he was navy, too. "We can work together or you can work separately, but no longer is NCIS taking a subordinate role in this case. These are navy personnel dead, so NCIS is taking the lead, or shared lead if you want."
"Alright, let's work together. And since we are working together why don't we stick with my ME doing the autopsies," said McGarrett.
"No. Why don't we get a fresh pair of eyes on this," smiled Tony.
"Steve, let them have the body," said Dano, who then looked at Tony. "You'll share the autopsy results, right?"
"Right," said Tony. "If you want to send someone along with us to NCIS then you can have the results the same time as us. They can report them to you."
"Kono, go with them," said McGarrett.
"Okay, Steve," said Kono.
Just then, the ME van from NCIS showed up. Tony smirked.
"I'll drive her to NCIS," he said.
He pointed to his car. She chuckled.
"That's your car, really?" she asked.
"Yup," he said. "What were you expecting something economical and practical?"
"No, I guess not," she smiled. "You strike me as the type to drive a car that draws attention."
They started walking towards his car.
"Be nice to my baby," he smiled, "I've only had her a short time."
"You are the kind of guy who names his car, are you?" asked Kono.
"No and I don't name parts of my body, either," he grinned then turned and his head said softly. "I let others do it for me."
Kono laughed. They got into the car and Tony started it up. He backed up and sped away.
NCIS
It was midnight when Tony got home. As he entered his home, he saw that Ziva was asleep on the sofa and the TV was looping The Princess Bride. He turned off the Blu-ray then the TV. For a moment, he stood over Ziva and looked at her. She was exhausted with jet lag and whatever else, he thought. Knowing Gibbs, they had been putting in 18 hour days before they left for Hawaii.
Moving over to a Deacon's bench he had by the window, he pulled out a blanket then he covered her. It could get chilly at night. Paradise wasn't perfect. With that done, he went into his bedroom and collapsed. He had to admit that he wasn't used to long work days anymore.
In the morning, Tony woke up with his alarm. He dragged his ass out of bed and changed into swimsuit then headed out to the pool. Once he was done with that, he came back into the house to find Ziva awake and waiting for him.
"Are you changing for work?" she asked.
"I have to take a five mile run first," said Tony. "Brad calls this my physical therapy. He expects me to do it every day."
"You really do this every morning?" she asked, amazed that Tony had such discipline.
"Yeah, every morning," he smiled. "I haven't been this disciplined since college and I thought I was going either to be in the NFL or NBA. Once I blow out my knee, I left discipline behind."
"I shall run with you," Ziva said.
"Okay, if you want to," said Tony.
"I just need to change and call Gibbs to tell him why I am running behind," she said.
"Yeah, sure," he replied.
Tony went to change for his run. She's talking to me. Well, that's a start. Of course, she might want to run with me so she can murderer me and bury me on the beach. Nay, too much effort. Anyways, she not a Mossad assassin anymore.
The run went pleasantly enough. Ziva was a stronger distance runner than him, since it had been years that he went ran every day, except on a treadmill. She liked to run. He didn't like it. Of course, he didn't mind seeing her sweaty and flushed from running.
They returned to the bungalow, changed, then headed off to work. By nine am, they arrived to a glaring Gibbs.
"This is what time I get in, Gibbs," said Tony.
"He has to do his physical therapy before work, Gibbs," Ziva defended.
Tony looked at her to day thank you, but she turned her head and went to her desk.
"We'll pick you up in the morning tomorrow, David," said Gibbs.
"You bet you will. Tomorrow is Saturday," smiled Tony, who left them to do work on why they were there.
He went to the Okika team bullpen. As he entered, he saw that Mya Philips, Holmes, and Agent Koa's desks were empty. Frost and Okika were busy on their computers.
"Sitrep, Okika," said Tony.
"I have Mya, Jake, and Terry at the crime scene since sunrise looking for evidence. Wayne and I have been working the profile end trying to match retired chief's age forty to fifty who worked at Pearl and still live in Hawaii," said Okika.
"Excellent work, Okeedokey," smiled Tony.
"Okeedokey? Really?" she said.
"Hey, if the nickname fits you have to wear it," said Tony.
She rolled her eyes then said, "Yes, sir."
"Okay, I'm headed in to talk to the Deputy Director. Work the profile, Okika," he said.
Tony took the elevator up to the Deputy Director's office. He was announced by his secretary to find Craig in his office talking to a two year old child. Craig was sitting in his chair and the child was standing in front of his desk. He wanted to discuss the idea of making Okika the permanent team lead and bumping her up to supervisory agent, but the little boy put a crimp in his plans.
"Please, just sit and behave," said Craig, who looked incredibly uncomfortable with the young boy.
Tony looked at the child with a hint of fear. Craig looked over at Tony with an expression of relief to see someone new in the office.
"Are you good with children?" he asked.
"No," said Tony.
"Not at all," he said.
"Sorry, Jerome, I'm sort of kid unfriendly. They remind me of feral animals," said Tony.
"Michael, please go sit on the sofa. Your mommy will be back soon, said Craig.
"Mommy?" Tony asked.
"My sister. She's here on vacation with her husband. She left Michael with me so we could bond and she and her husband could have a comfortable breakfast," said Craig.
Michael walked up to Tony and looked at him. The little boy was cute with a cherub innocent face.
"Um hungwee," said Michael.
"Sorry about that," said Tony.
"Ah want donut," said Michael.
"Don't we all," said Tony then he closed his eyes and tried to smile. "Chocolate donuts or jelly filled?"
"Jelly," answered Michael as he started to get excited.
"Okay jelly donuts," said Tony
"And choco," said Michael.
Craig cleared his throat and Tony looked at him.
"Do you know what choco is?" asked Craig.
Tony looked at the child with caution and asked, "You want chocolate milk?"
"Yes," smiled Michael. ` `
"I think if you get him jelly donuts and chocolate milk and you'll be his favorite uncle," said Tony.
"I'll have my secretary get chocolate milk and donuts," said Craig as he picked up his phone and buzzed his secretary.
Tony looked down at the little boy who was looking up at him.
"Who are you?" he asked Tony.
"Anthony DiNozzo," said Tony.
"Oh," he smiled.
Craig hung up his phone then looked at his nephew.
"Michael, breakfast is on the way," said Craig.
"Okay," he said.
"I'll come back later, Jerome," said Tony.
"No, Tony, you'll stay for breakfast with us," said Craig the he looked at Tony letting him know that it would not only be appreciated but it was a command.
"Michael, let's go sit down at the conference table and get ready for breakfast, okay?" asked Tony.
Michael offered Tony his hands. Reluctantly, Tony took his hand and walked the boy to the conference table then put him on a chair. He sat down beside the boy then Craig joined them.
"Isn't this nice?" smiled Craig.
Michael laughed at this remark. It was a musical infectious laugh that made Tony smile.
"After breakfast, you're Uncle Jerome will show you round," said Tony. "Would you like that?"
"Yes," he shook his head vigorously.
Tony looked over at Craig and grinned. Craig definitely wasn't grinning.
NCIS
The team had narrowed it down to ten potential persons of interest. They also found a few items at the latest crime scene included a smoked and crushed out cigarette. He was proud at how quickly they were adjusting to his methods. They were going to make a good team.
"DiNozzo," Tony heard his name called.
He looked up and saw Gibbs in the doorway.
"We are making it a late night tonight. I'll drop Ziver off at you place," he said.
"Sure, Gibbs," said Tony.
"How is the serial killer case coming?" he asked.
"It's start to shape up. The team is making strides."
"Good to hear," said Gibbs.
Gibbs lingered for a second looking as if he had more to say to Tony, but he was struggling how to say. Finally, he just said it.
"Before we leave let's spend some time together," he said.
"Sure," smiled Tony, "I'd like that."
"Good," said Gibbs'
He then left. Tony decided to call it a night.
It was one in the morning when Gibbs drove through the gate to drop Ziva off. He chuckled to himself when he saw the estate.
"It is his cousin's place," said Ziva.
"Yeah," said Gibbs.
He pulled up at the bungalow. Ziva got out and he did, too. When they entered the house, it was dark and quiet. Ziva turned on the lights.
"He is probably sleeping," said Ziva. "I will make you coffee for the ride home."
Gibbs took off his NCIS hat and NCIS windbreaker. He then followed Ziva into the kitchen, as she started to make him a cup of coffee. Gibbs looked through the glass door and out at the pool and ocean. He noticed that there was someone sitting out by the pool in the dark. Sliding opening the glass door, he walked over to the lone figure. It was Tony nursing a drink and staring out at the ocean.
"No movies to watch?" he said as he sat down beside him.
"Plenty of movies, but I was just felt like thinking some things through," said Tony.
"Don't overthink whatever it is. You tend to do that," said Gibbs.
"Sometimes," said Tony.
"You call Abby yet and apologize?" asked Gibbs.
"Not yet. I need to find the words and I thought I do it through MTAC. You send her anything yet?" he asked.
"I asked her for a favor. I'll be talking to her tomorrow," said Gibbs.
"Can I join you?" he asked.
"Ten in the morning. Be there," said Gibbs.
"Here Gibbs," said Ziva, as she came silently up beside them.
Tony looked up at her. For a moment, their eyes made contact then she turned away from.
"I am going to sleep," she said then walked away.
Ziva left the two of them alone. Tony sighed loudly.
"You better make it right with her, too," said Gibbs.
"I know, Gibbs. I know," said Tony. "It's going to be easier dealing with Abby, though."
"I know," smiled Gibbs.